Guest blog: Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels …

• Posted in About Books, Guest blogs, On Writing

Today, I’m pleased to welcome author and blogger Sarah Wedell from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. I’m always surfing over to the blog to see what’s new, and when I saw that Sarah had a new book coming out, I asked her if she’d guest blog. She was nice enough to say yes and agreed to answer a few questions:

Question: Tell us about your new release, Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels.

Sarah: IT IS SO AWESOME. How’s that? Seriously, I’m so proud of this book, because at its heart, this book is about the romance reading and writing community talking about the genre we love, and how valuable and valid it is in our lives.

Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels celebrates what romance readers already know: that romances can be a road map of what to do (and what not to do) in real life relationships. Instead of giving us (OH NOES) unrealistic expectations of ourselves and our partners and spouses, in reality romances provide models of overcoming conflict, recognizing heroism, and, most of all, being the heroine of your own life.

Question: What was the inspiration for this book?

Sarah: I have run an advice column on SBTB for a few years now wherein I use the wisdom of romances to answer people’s letters about their problems. Part of the inspiration for the book comes from that — there’s a great wealth of knowledge about human interaction coded into romances. Other inspiration came from recognizing over the years that the community of women who read and write romance are terribly wise and generous people.

Question: What do you love most about the romance genre? Any pet peeves?

Sarah: I love the happy ending, the reassurance that no matter how bad it is, it will all work out. I love how far I’ve traveled and how many people I’ve met within the books I love, and how many other readers I’ve met through discussing how much I love the genre. When we started SBTB, I had no idea there were so many romance readers around the world who were eager to talk with one another.

As for pet peeves? OH LORDY. My top two: stilted, unrealistic dialogue and plot contrivances that are wooden and unlikely. I don’t want to read a book and say to myself, or to the characters, “OH COME ON NOW.”

Question: You run a popular romance site called Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Tell us a little about what the site does and what the inspiration for it was.

Sarah: I do! The site reviews romance, discusses the genre, and helps connect readers with books to read, re-read, and discover again after years apart. The site began when Candy Tan and I “met” online, had a relatively random email conversation and somehow ended up discussing romances – how much we both loved them, how wonderful the best of them were, and how annoying it was that so few people took them seriously. One of us said, “We should start a blog and review them, working the power of our English degrees and our love of cursing,” and the other one said, “Uh, ok!” And Smart Bitches, Trashy Books was born. Really, the inspiration was to discuss everything readers love and despair about the genre — and the site is still going 6-plus years later.

Question: What do you think are some trends on the romance horizon? What would you like to see more of in romance books? What would you like to see less of?

Sarah: I think with the many options and opportunities available to authors, more distinct niche sub genres will emerge, because it will be easier for authors to connect directly with those readers who are demonstrably interested in that specific setting or trope or character type. I myself am not picky as far as what I want: I love contemporary and historical romance, and some light paranormal now that I’ve gotten my mental taste buds re-interested in paranormals. I love characters who seem real, who struggle with their attraction or feelings of determination for someone else, and who emerge at the end of the story as better and stronger people.

Question: What are some of your favorite books and authors?

Sarah: The books that are falling apart on my bookshelf: Perfect by Judith McNaught; Bitten by Kelley Armstrong; and Born in Ice by Nora Roberts. Oh — and Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens. Among my new favorites: the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs is something that I can’t remove from my phone or reading device in my purse. I keep re-reading parts of it.

Question: What’s next for you and Smart Bitches?

Sarah: Let’s see: more reading time! I always want to connect with new or newly curious romance readers, and those who love the genre and are searching for something new to read. So I’ve restarted the podcast (link one, link two) with Jane Litte from DearAuthor.com. I’m hoping to expand on that in the future. My goal is always to find new books, and new readers of romance to talk to.

ARC GIVEAWAY

Thanks so much for being here, Sarah! As part of her guest blog, Sarah is giving away an ARC of Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels. To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post talking about a romance you’ve enjoyed, what you like about the romance genre, or some books you are looking forward to.

The giveaway is open to folks 18 and older. The contest will run through noon, EST, Thursday, Sept. 15, and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced here on the blog on Friday, Sept. 16. Happy commenting!

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89 Responses to “Guest blog: Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels …”

  1. jayhjay says:

    Congratulations Sarah on the new book! I have been following its progress on SBTB so it is exciting to see it coming out. I really like the idea that it relates romance to real life. Especially since this year we readers have been bashed for having unrealistic expectations due to too much romance reading!

  2. Kiersten says:

    Congrats on the new book Sarah! Like you, I think that well written romance novels can be used as a guidebook into how to travel the road of real life romances! I’ll have to look for the book if I don’t win.

  3. Laura says:

    I am so excited to read this book when it finally comes out! I’ve learned two very important things from romance novels: 1. not to settle, and 2. how to be more secure in my own relationships. I have a feeling that this book will only reinforce these things.

  4. Sarah says:

    Thanks for the congrats!

    @jayhjay – yup, we sure have. Every time it happened, too, I was in the middle of either writing or editing and I wanted to hit people with the manuscript. The idea that we have unrealistic expectations because of romance is so wrong, it can indeed fill a book!

    @kiersten – thank you!

    @laura – You are totally right about those two points. I agree with you 100%.

  6. Jan says:

    I’m soooo looking forward to this! I really enjoyed Bosoms, and I imagine this will be equally fun and enjoyable.

    Best romances I’ve read this year were A Lady Awakened (won an ARC thanks to Sarah, and am eternally grateful for that. It is AWESOME), What I Did For A Duke by Julie Ann Long (happy sigh), and Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston (because everybody has that one crazy go to comfort book that always makes them happy. OCD hero + ADD heroine is instant crazy, and all the sillyness succeeds in pulling me out of my gloom moods).

    I totally reread parts of the Alpha and Omega books constantly as well. They are soooooo good.

  8. Jennifer Estep says:

    Hi, everyone! Just want to say thanks again to Sarah for guest blogging and to everyone for dropping by and leaving a comment.

    One of the things I like most about romance novels is the happy ending. With all the bad news in the world, I always enjoying picking up a romance because I know that everything will turn out all right in the end.

    I’m looking forward to reading Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman (I love me some westerns) and Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins, among others this fall.

  9. StacieH4 says:

    I am so excited for Sarah’s new book! Congratulations! I’ve been a lurker and a (very) occasional commenter at SBTB for years. I have learned so much there and found some great new-to-me authors…thanks for that!

    I would love to throw my name in for the ARC drawing. The book release I am anxiously awaiting is the newest JD Robb title, New York to Dallas. I am such a Nora Roberts junkie. Her books helped me through the unexpected loss of my dad 6 years ago. Never underestimate the power of a guaranteed happy ending.

    Thank you, Sarah and Jennifer, for the giveaway opportunity.

  10. Diane/Anonym2857 says:

    I’m looking forward to reading Sarah’s latest. I’m sure it’s wonderful, as the columns on SBTB that served as the foundation are always great. I always appreciate her perspective on life, love and what’s important.

    I am really looking forward to Nora Roberts’ Inn Boonsboro trilogy that starts in November. The first book is called The Next Always.

  11. Tina C. says:

    Congratulations on the latest book, Sarah. October is awfully and I know you’re excited.

    Lately, I’ve been devouring what Laura Lee Guhrke books my local library has available for download. I don’t usually read a lot of historical romance, but there’s something about her characters that I just love.

  12. Jamarleo says:

    I love the SBTB website but am only now starting to read romances. If someone were to ask me why it took me so long to get around to this I’d have to say it was a potent mix of having to already defend one beloved genre (mysteries), the fact that the first romance I ever read had an awe inspiringly nasty rape scene courtesy of the pirate hero, and an embarrassing dash of grad school snobbery.

  13. Erika says:

    Laura Kinsale has gotten me through some tough emotional times in my young adulthood. But I’m really looking forward to borrowing my friend’s copy of Diana Gabaldon’s graphic novel of Outlander.

    One of my favorite things about a well-written romance is how quickly the characters become a part of my life, and how glad I am to know them, at least for a bit. This is a part of the craft of writing which transcends words into art and philosophy. Unreal things become real people. It’s grand. 🙂

  14. Phyllis says:

    It’s sappy of me, but I like the happy endings (not the massage kind. Well, those too, but you know…)

    I read a few Heyers when I was a youngish teen and really enjoyed them, but my mother sneered at them and I gave them up. Then a few years ago, I saw Crusie and Meyers’ “Don’t Look Down” on the new release bookshelf in the library and it was my gateway drug.

    And yeah, I’ve read some crappy stuff just because it’s romance, but overall, I love the intelligence, wit, good characters who make themselves better, and the promise that things will turn out right.

  15. Kay Em says:

    I have to admit, I was disappointed by the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs, the lead characters just aren’t the type to appeal to me. (I find her frustratingly passive and him just as frustratingly aggressive.) However, I do really enjoy Briggs’ other series, focusing on Mercy Thompson. I love that character and the slowly developing romance that progresses over the course of the series and many different events. I’m not sure if that series would be filed under romance or fantasy though, since the romance elements are almost secondary to the fantasy storylines.

    I grew up reading Georgette Heyer though and I think that style of fun, often snarky, romance with lots of sparring between the two protagonists, will always be my favorite. I’ve never been one for EPIC emotions and TRAGIC moments. 😀

  16. Teri C says:

    Congrats on the release I cannot wait to read it I love the blog roll I get from SBTB on my phone. Your first book was a riot I can’t wait to read Everything I Learned 😉
    Good times, and Happy reading to all.
    I am very much looking for the new Brigg’s Alpha and Omega book released in 2012.

  17. Asura C says:

    I love participating in the Book Club, Sarah your twitter feed has been great to read. I cannot wait for Everything I Learned About Love, it would be fab to get it early.
    I just finished up the Night Huntress series and I cannot wait for Thea Harrison’s 3rd book in the Dragon Bound series to come out.

  18. Kaya H says:

    I have to say that between the blog and the book club Sarah you have turned me back into a romance hound. For many years I read romance and I plain just got tired of hiding the covers from the dirty looks people gave me and hearing comments on romance novels in general. But since you came along I can whip out some whitty remarks and snark them good.
    Romance novels have changed my marriage when I realized that women can write men totally different than real ones and with romance novels I can at least get the waves of emotion vs the real world of man laundry and dinners. It makes a good mix.
    Just read Sophie Jordan’s latest Wicked in Your Arms.

  19. Melissa (Books and Things) says:

    Oh I agree… the HEA is the main reason I love romance books. Now on occasion there is a WTF moment when they are romantic in a less than comfortable situation. I mean there is passion overriding everything and then there is straw sticking where it shouldn’t, smells that don’t go with the passion, and frostbite. Yes, I am thinking about a specific book that shall remain nameless… lol

    Congraties on the book!

  20. Sarah says:

    I’m so chair-hopping happy to see that there are folks who have (re)discovered the genre from recommendations from readers on my site. YAY!

    And @Melissa — yes. I love unrealistic sex locations. LOVE. THEM. Total hilarity (and I think I know the one you’re talking about. Or there might be more than 2!).

  21. Amy says:

    One romance that I’ve really enjoyed this year was Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh. I actually attended the NYC book signing and discussion and met Sarah there. Sarah, you were hilarious, girl! I think I saw Nalini blush a few times when you said how her accent made “Angel’s Pawn” sound like “angel’s porn”, and that we just may see Elena have a baby and lay eggs LMAO! =P Would love to read Everything I Know About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels.

    • Sarah says:

      I’m STILL embarrassed that I thought she was saying “porn.” SHEESH. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview! That was SO fun for me, too.

  23. Emily D says:

    What I love about the romance genre is a well-deserved Happily Ever After. Maybe it’s because for awhile I got caught up reading those books that always end with someone dying or general misery that finding the romance genre and discovering it’s more than just S-E-X has been such a joy. Life is difficult and it makes me happy to read about people falling in love and it allows escape from the everyday drudgery for a bit.

  24. meardaba says:

    I adore Sarah’s website as well as romance novels, and have for years. My favourite authors these days are an eclectic mix of paranormal and historical (Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Mary Balogh, and Julie Anne Long).

  25. Leontije says:

    The books I grab at least a few times a year is The Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson. It has everything I want in a romance story; it takes me away to another land where I learn a different language, meet awesome characters and share epic adventures. What’s not to love 🙂

    The book I’m looking forward to is one I actually only found this week. It a steampunk pnr by Delilah S Dawson – Wicked As They Come. The cover blurb just got me all excited!

    Have a fantastic release, Sarah!

  26. Carolyn Sullivan says:

    I love romance books. Romance gives us hope. Every good romance has a HEA. People, women especially, need to know that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel to highlight the good things in life.

    Happy writing.

  27. Keira Soleore says:

    Love SBTB, Sarah. It’s a blog I turn to every day. And as I said yesterday on Twitter, your comments there are sure to bring a smile on my face every day. Loved your first book. I have two copies, and one of them is hilariously inscribed by both you and Candy to my husband. He’s read it, too, and found it hilarious.

    I am a huge Laura Kinsale, Jo Beverley, Connie Brockway, and Jodi Thomas fan. I have their entire backlists, and I re-read frequently. However, for a comfort read, nothing beats Julie Garwood despite all the issues inherent therein.

    I’m looking forward to “Kissing Comfort” by Jo Goodman, “Flawless” by Carrie Lofty, “Unclaimed” by Courtney Milan, and “Black Hawk” by Joanna Bourne.

    some books you are looking forward to.

  28. Sarah says:

    I love how many of you are looking forward to the same books – I think this year has some awesome romance releases in it. It’s a fine year for romance novels, says I. 🙂 Thanks for the enthusiasm and the congrats!!

  29. Lady T says:

    Congrats to Sarah on what I have no doubt on will be another terrific book. As to what I’m looking forward to in romance,my hopes are pinned on Lauren Willig’s The Garden Intrigue-the Pink Carnation series has the best of historical and contemporary love stories,imo.

    And,yes please,add my name to the ARC drawing!

  30. Cathy says:

    As an isolated book-lover living in the boonies, I’ve really enjoyed SBTB to get some great ideas of things I need to read (or should have read but must add to the growing list…)! The humor and commentary are always enjoyed. Really looking forward to reading your book, Sarah.

    Romance is just one genre I enjoy. It’s part of the spice in life!

  32. RebeLovesBooks says:

    Congratulations on your upcoming release, Sarah! How exciting!

    My favorite romances right now tend to be PNR and UF, but I always fall back on regency romances. I’m really looking forward to Elizabeth Hoyt’s Scandalous Desires at the moment.

  34. Christy says:

    My favorite romances are in series, I love to read about the whole family like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. My absolute favorite is Sarah MacLean’s Nine Rules to Break… I love all the witty dialouge and imagine myself so clever in the same situation. 🙂

  35. Amanda Lee says:

    I’ve learned so many things from romance novels… to not take myself for granted, to not accept emotional manipulation from men, to not accept anything less than I truly deserve, and to never stop being who am I- feisty, geeky, bookish- because there *is* someone out there who will love me for just as a I am. 🙂

  36. Beena G. says:

    This book sounds fantastic!

    One of my all-time favorite romance novels is Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis. Though it’s a sci-fi romance story set in space, it isn’t melodramatic, nor is it that unrealistic. I wish it could be reprinted, as my used copy is ready to give up!

  38. Michelle says:

    I can’t wait to read Sarah’s new book. Puleeze, pick me!

    I love reading romances for many reasons. I like watching flawed characters grow together and make each other better because they traveled together. I love watching love bloom on the pages at all stages of the romance. I adore when characters make me laugh or cry because they are acting like real people. Above all, I know that the ending will be *ahem* satisfying and that always makes me smile.

    Thanks for the good discussion, ladies.

  40. sweeks1980 says:

    I’m very excited about this new book! I love “Beyond Heaving Bosoms,” and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

    One of my favorite romances is “Perfect” by Judith McNaught, but I also love Sandra Brown’s “Hidden Fires.” What can I say – I’m totally a fan of Old School romance 🙂

  41. Txtingmrdarcy says:

    Ooo, I adore the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn… 8 siblings, all needing to get married off and popping in and out of each other’s narratives was such a great idea!

    Congratulations, Sarah! This would be a great prewedding present. 😉

  42. ClaudiaGC says:

    Congrats on your new release, Sarah! I can still remember reading your first one and how much I enjoyed it. There were so many true things in it I had never realized before and I laughed so hard. So, I can’t wait to read EIKAL!
    Besides your book I can’t wait to read the next books by Jill Shalvis.

  43. Victoria says:

    I honestly can’t wait for Sarah’s book, but probably the book(s) I am most looking forward to are 1) Judith McNaught’s LOOONG delayed next book (much sympathy for her personal issues though), and 2) Karen Marie Moning’s next book in the FEVER series.

    As a librarian I get regular reports on the upcoming publications of authors we have on standing order and it was a sad day whenever I saw Judith McNaught’s next book pushed back further, and further, and further…

  44. Julia says:

    I find myself really looking forward to all the books I got from Boarders going out of business sale. I hate that they are going out of business but the last time I went there I picked a random array of books for 80 cents. I found books from authors that I heard of on Smart Bitches and even just grabbed stuff with pretty covers. So I am looking forward to finding new authors that I will love to read.

    Also, congrats on the new book Sarah! I absolutely can’t wait to read it!

  45. Sandra D says:

    I learned about Nora Roberts from SBTB and once I started reading her books I was hooked. I particularly like the ones staged in Ireland, I’ve never been there but something about it seems the perfect setting for romance.

  46. Samantha says:

    I am so eagerly awaiting this book–I’ve gotten into romance recently and can’t stop reading the site! I love how romances give you the sense that for awhile you don’t have to think too much or worry about terrible things happening. Tender Rogue by Johanna Lindsey is my current favorite!

  48. Loosheesh says:

    Congrats, Sarah, on your new book! I love romances primarily for the HEA – now matter what, the H and h will get together in the end and live …. well, you get the idea =D

    One of my favorite ‘old’ romances is Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught and a new favorite is Thea Harrison’s Dragon Bound … yeah, I’ve come a long way, baby! =D

  49. Suzy K says:

    I love Stephanie Laurens & a bunch of others…. not enough space here to list them all.

    But now, I’ve got another list of books to look at & enjoy!!
    Thanks!!

    (yes, I want EIKAL!!)

  50. Shiny says:

    Congratulations on the new book!
    I just got Diana Gabaldon’s A Breath of Snow and Ashes and Dawn Cook’s Princess at Sea from Amazon, and I can’t wait to read them both!

  51. Alex Garcia says:

    One of my guilty romance pleasures is Judith Krantz’ “Princess Daisy.” If you haven’t read it, it’s one of those epic novels that spans a few generations, has great sex scenes, and is something I have often re-read bits and pieces of when I’m feeling the need for a good novel that’s not pretentious or necessarily “literary.”

    As for the new book, I am very interested in what it contains. I would love to receive the ARC! *crosses fingers*

  52. Ariana says:

    I read Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase and Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin on recommendation from the Smart Bitches and loved them both – definitely my favorite romance novels so far.

  53. kara-karina says:

    I’ve been following Smart Bitches Trashy Books for years and I love you, guys. I too found Loretta Chase through you, although I’ve been a romance reader from my early teens. Last HR I’ve enjoyed immensely was Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase, and I really want to read No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper as it seems to be a cross between UF and HR.
    P.S. I’ve read Beyond Heaving Bosoms and had a blast! Can’t wait for this book.

  54. Kristi says:

    I love all of your favorites, which explains why I read your site 🙂 Love it! Congrats on the new book! I would love to read it.

  55. Nora says:

    Congrats on the book, Sarah! I’ve loved SBTB for a long time, although I mostly lurk. I can’t tell you how many new authors I’ve been introduced to through your reviews and those of your commenters. So glad to see so many smart gals singing the praises of the genre.

  56. Kristine says:

    Congratulations on the book! My favorite thing about romance novels is the HAE. I generally like my books to be very angsty, so I like knowing that, while the book may make me cry (and I love books that make me cry), it will end happily.

  57. infinitieh says:

    Congrats, Sarah! I can’t wait to read this one!

    My first romance read was Jennifer Crusie’s “Anyone But You” so books with dogs on the covers still make me want to pick them up. Through the Smart Bitches site, I learned the names of artists such as Chris McGrath that make me appreciate romance novels even more.

  58. Kelley says:

    Definitely looking forward to this book!

    As for romance, I sometimes enjoy the light (like the humor of Julia Quinn) and sometimes go more for the dark (tortured hero, anyone?). But the happy ending is definitely the most important part!

  59. Kathleen says:

    I’m pretty excited about this book coming out!

    I’m currently rereading Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series, which I really enjoy. I also LOVE Eloisa James and am very excited to read her new book in December :). My favorite book I’ve read lately is Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scondrels, which I found for super cheap on the Kindle thanks to the Bitchery!

  60. Margaret says:

    What do I like about the romance genre? Everything. I have been in love with romance novels since I was about 12. I started reading Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. Graduated to Beatrice Small as I got older There are so many amazing romance authors out there I can’t begin to name all of my favorites, so I’ll stick to my top two Lisa Kleypas and Stephanie Laurens and can’t wait to read Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue.

    I’m also anxious to read Everything I Know about Love – it sounds like lots of fun.

    Romance ROCKS!!!

  61. Beth Yarnall says:

    The one romance I’ve read over and over is Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster. The best sex scenes EVER.
    Love your Smart Bitches website! Can’t wait for the new book.

  62. Beth Yarnall says:

    The one romance I read over and over is Too Much Temptation by Lori Foster. The best sex scenes EVER.
    Love SBTB, the best site for all that is romance. Can’t wait for the new book!

  63. sri says:

    Yay, Sarah! I’ve been eagerly waiting for your book. Just to tell the bashers – IN YOUR FACE (:P) Plus, I’ve been a follower of your blog ever since I stumbled across it 2 years back. The Bitchery is the best. I came across so many books from the Bitchery and the blog that turn out to keepers! Congrats again on your book.

  64. Hannah says:

    Scandal by Amanda Quick was my first romance novel and it’s still one of my favorites. The characters in that one are so awesome.

  65. Kaetrin says:

    Congratulations on the new book Sarah! I really enjoyed Beyond Heaving Bosoms and I’m looking forward to reading this one too.

    (plus I’m listening to the latest podcast right now! – I love them, please keep them coming. :D)

    hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net

  68. Sybylla says:

    I am forever grateful to the SBTB blog for getting me into Jennifer Crusie (Bet Me is one of my all-time go-to books for comfort reading) and Georgette Heyer. Right now I’m looking forward to Lothaire by Kresley Cole (although I have to confess that I’m getting a little tired of *every* male being 6’7″ and built and *every* female being 5’2″ and curvy) and Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook. And I suppose I’m also looking forward to New York to Dallas and Archangel’s Blade, since – although I do now own them both – I haven’t yet had a chance to read them.

  69. Nhy says:

    I’m looking forward to reading EIKAL!

    HEAs are a big part of why I read romance books. There are so many awful things that break my heart everyday. … I love opening a book and entering a world where I know that everything is going to work out in the end no matter how bad things get.

  71. Sally says:

    The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is a paranormal romance I read and enjoyed recently. Her characters are pretty old-fashioned (the alpha hero and the virgin heroine) but I just love reading her books. I don’t read a lot of paranormals, but the several I’ve tried don’t satisfy me the same way as Vanak’s books does. 🙂

  72. Dede says:

    What I love about romance novels is, of course,the HEA, but it goes beyond that. In a romance, the good are rewarded, the evil defeated and sinners are redeemed. They are about two (or more) people’s struggle to find contentment, often an unreachable goal in the real world. Of course, the intimate (both physically and mentally connected) scenes are great, too.

  74. Molly Lyle says:

    I can’t wait to read this. I started my romance reading with the queen of historicals, Kathleen Woodiwiss, and a grand introduction it was. I fell for A Rose in Winter like I’ve fallen for no other since. You never forget your first time….

  75. Diane Nelson says:

    Ever since I saw the title (and of course the author), I knew this was one book that had to be on my shelf, virtual or otherwise. I’ve run the gamut from historical to contemporary to paranormal – and every book, every story, elevates me from the humdrum, gives me hope that connections are possible, good wins out and HEA lives on.

  76. Diana N. says:

    Congrats Sarah! Romance has taught me everything from the meaning of odd words like turgid or tumultuous to how to take care of one’s own “business” when men keep falling down on the job! 😉 I am looking forward to Nora Roberts first book in her Inn Boonsboro trilogy The Next Always. I can always count on Roberts to teach me something.

  78. Rudi_bee says:

    Congratulations SB Sarah on the new book. I’m really excited to read it. What I love about reading romance novels is that automatic connection it gives you to other readers of the genre. This year I’ve become friends with 3 fantastic girls all because I mentioned that I like romance novels one afternoon while we were chatting. Romance readers are so willing to share their knowledge of what books are out there that you *have* to read it just makes me smile. At the moment I’m tracking down the final book in Eloisa James’ Desperate Duchess series. It’s been out for a while but I only recently discovered the series so I’m catching up 🙂

  79. Kate says:

    I started out on Johanna Lindsey romance and still have a large place in my heart for Gentle Rogue as my favorite romance of all time. I do love some historicals, but lately I’m also way into paranormal.

  81. Claudia says:

    I’ve enjoyed SBTB for quite some time now, they always make me laugh, I can’t wait to read this new book, from the little bits I read it’s trully awesome, CONGRATULATIONS SARAH!!!!

    My favorite romances historicals of course, closely followed by some paranormals. Hugs

  82. TaraR says:

    Congrats on the book Sarah! I am looking forward to Courtney Milan’s release later this month. The Turner series is fast turning into one of my favorites!

  85. Cathy says:

    SBTB is a daily must-read, and it’s brought me back to romance. Really looking forward to this book!
    Love Jennifer Crusie – she was a guest speaker at a conference here a few years ago, and she’s been the one I’ve always been able to convince non-romance readers to try.
    Great dialogue is a must.

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