Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest, where she is working on her next book.
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Danielle, thanks for inviting me to join your favorite book couple event!
Some many romance heroes and heroines are great together; as readers, we fall in love with them as a couple. But my favorite book couple—Leo and Bryony from Sherry Thomas’s NOT QUITE A HUSBAND—makes us fall in love with them when they aren’t a couple at all.
Bryony and Leo were married for about five minutes, several years ago. At the time this late Victorian romance begins, their marriage has been annulled, and Bryony—a physician—is practicing medicine on the frontier of India. She’s brilliant and self-sufficient, and though her heart aches, she feels her life has meaning.
Leo is a charmer, society’s darling. Everyone likes him on the surface, but no one really knows his heart—which has, for years, belonged to Bryony. He never understood how he won her over, or why he then lost her. An emergency in Bryony’s family means someone has to find her in India and bring her back to England. Guess who volunteers for the job? Yep. Leo makes the trek.
Their journey back is incredibly difficult, and not only because Leo has bouts of illness or because war breaks out. No, for once they can’t escape each other, and they have to face not only their love but also the hard truths that made their marriage fall apart. NQAH is an anguished marriage-in-trouble story, but it’s a sweet courtship too. In the midst of danger and hardship, Bryony and Leo learn to see each other in new ways. And they realize there’s even more to love about the other than they had known.
I’m not the only person who adored this book couple, by any means. Sherry Thomas won the RITA award for it, which is like the Oscar of romance writing. Another recommendation I really value came from Mr. R. When I started writing romance, he—like many men—had never read a romance novel. So I gave him a few of my favorites to read, and NQAH was one of them.
His reaction? Amazement. “This is a great adventure novel—with sex in it!” And lo, he became a fan.
What book made you fall in love with romance? Let me know! Today I’m giving away a print copy of Sherry Thomas’s Not Quite a Husband, plus a signed advance copy of my May historical romance, To Charm a Naughty Countess.
NOT QUITE A HUSBAND
Their marriage lasted only slightly longer than the honeymoon—to no one's surprise, not even Bryony Asquith's. A man as talented, handsome, and sought after by society as Leo Marsden couldn't possibly want to spend his entire life with a woman who rebelled against propriety by becoming a doctor. Why, then, three years after their annulment and half a world away, does he track her down at her clinic in the remotest corner of India?
Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her, but he won't rest until he's delivered an urgent message from her sister—and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them—or their rekindling passion?
Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |
CAN A RECLUSIVE DUKE…
Brilliant but rumored mad, Michael Layward, the impoverished Duke of Wyverne, has no success courting heiresses until widowed Lady Stratton takes up his cause–after first refusing his suit.
WIN LONDON’S MOST POWERFUL COUNTESS?
Caroline Graves, the popular Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has vowed never to remarry. When Michael–her counterpart in an old scandal–returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever. As she guides the anxiety-ridden duke through the trials of society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart . But if she gives herself to the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the hard-won independence she prizes above all.
Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |
Check out the Matchmaker Trilogy:
Check out what's up for grabs.
- 1 copy of Not Quite a Husband + To Charm a Naughty Countess
To Enter:
- Please answer Thresa's question: What book made you fall in love with romance?
- US shipping ONLY.
- Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.
**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!
Special thanks to Theresa Romain for sponsoring this giveaway.
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I would have to say, Julie Garwood's The Secret. When I picked up reading historical romances again 8 years ago, I dug up my old books and this was the first one I read and loved all over again. ^_^
ReplyDeleteA classic! Isn't it fun rediscovering a favorite? I'd love to reread more and see if that feeling of magic is still there.
DeleteGone With the Wind in high school. Finished It Takes Two to Tangle!
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks so much! Hope you enjoyed it. Caroline is the naughty countess of my next book; she's about to get her own HEA.
DeleteDriven to Date by Susan Hatler
ReplyDeleteI haven't run across that series, Pink2. Just looked it up, and it sounds fun!
DeleteP.C. Cast's Goddess of the Sea. I love mythology, so this drew me right in!
ReplyDeleteCool! Romance can blend so many different elements together; I really think there's a romance for just about everyone.
DeleteWell it started with The Twilight series and then a friend gave me Paradise by Judith McNaught and I was off and running.
ReplyDeleteGotta love those reader friends. :) As you read more romance, do you find that there's a certain genre you like best?
DeleteI started reading romance many years ago. I can't remember exactly which one I started with, but I know one of the first "romances" (really a total bodice ripper) I read was Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is one of the first romance classics!
DeleteWhile working as a technical writer, the wife of a coworker asked me to read/edit one of her books. The author, Catherine Kean. The book, Dance of Desire. I instantly fell in love! Since then, I've read every one of her books, along with hundreds of others by numerous authors!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cool way to find a new author--and a whole new kind of story to love!
DeleteI used to read all the time when I was younger, then kids and life got in the way. When my oldest was in high school she was reading the Twilight books and just couldn't put them down. I picked up the first one and read all 4 books in 2 weeks. It brought me back to that first love feeling. Since then I haven't stopped. I just love a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteI do too, Sue! Isn't it fun sharing books with family members? My daughter is just getting old enough to read some of my childhood favorites, like the Ramona books. I hope we'll be able to share lots more stories as she gets older.
DeleteThe first book I read that made me fall in love with romance was GONE WITH THE WIND. After that, it was probably Shana.
ReplyDeleteTwo classics, each in their own way! I read GWTW long before I thought of it being a romance, but where would it be without that love triangle? The only thing missing is the HEA. I like to imagine Rhett came back.
DeleteJulie Garwood's the Bride :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI know lots of romance writers who were inspired to write by Julie Garwood. She's a master.
DeleteThe Wedding by Julie Garwood. That was the first HR book I've ever read and I just fall in love with it. It really made me transition out from YA books to HR because of its theme and it being more adult.
ReplyDeleteSo much love for Julie Garwood! That's awesome. Thanks for sharing, Sandy.
DeleteTregaron's Daughter.
ReplyDeleteI've never read that--but now, reading about its plot, it sounds so good. Ack, it's out of print, though. How did you come across this book?
DeleteMy grandmother had a copy, I first read it about 30 years ago. She didn't have a large selection of books so I wound up reading it several times over the years. It was the first romance I ever read, until that book I had only read mysteries and this one had a little mystery in with the romance so it was the perfect crossover for me to expand my reading experience.
DeleteVery cool! I will see if I can get hold of a copy. I love cross-genre books, especially mysteries with a romance (or romance with a mystery). Some of Agatha Christie's mysteries have a romance subplot, and before I started reading romance, those were always among my favorites.
DeleteMy first historical romance was To Love a Dark Lord by Anne Stuart. Love her books very much.
ReplyDeleteShe's one of the greats, isn't she? Thanks for stopping by, Sue!
DeleteI was hooked when I read Captive Passions by Fern Michaels.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her historicals, but I need to. This comment thread is really adding to my TBR pile. :)
DeleteI* found a supposedly "'naughty" book in my mother's private stash when in high school called Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor...and then I read Gone With the Wind. After that, I was a goner for historical romances!! :-) And I'm a goner for your historical romances, too, Theresa. Maybe because I love history AND romance is why that is my fave genre. Thanks for the post! jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJanice, that's so fun! Forever Amber was sooo naughty when it came out, and it became one of those books everyone seemed to be reading. Hmm, maybe it was the Fifty Shades of its day? Thanks for your kind words--glad you've enjoyed my books!
DeleteKathleen Woodiwiss's Ashes In The Wind.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for Kathleen Woodiwiss! She really founded the historical romance genre as we think of it today,
DeleteThe first books that I ever read were "Forever Amber" and "Whitney My Love". Both were amazing, and started me on my journey to romance novels.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great journey to be on, isn't it? So many books to love!
DeleteThe Flame and the Flower by Woodiwiss soon followed by her Wolf and the Dove. Haven't stopped reading since. : D
ReplyDeleteWho would want to stop?? :D
DeleteI guess I'm not that original but for me it was Pride and Prejudice. I remember watching the series and ever since then I haven't been able to stop!!
ReplyDeleteOops, I meant to say, I remember watching the series and thinking that series was so good I needed to read the book! =D
DeleteWas it the Colin Firth-Jennifer Ehle version? Gah, that's SUCH a good adaptation. I think it made a lot of people fall in love with the story. Mr. R has never read P&P but he did see the miniseries!
DeleteWild Swan by Celeste DuBlais, well actually, her whole Swan series. After that I was hooked. I would have to say my all-time favorite is Julie Garwood's The Secret and The Bride.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for Julie Garwood! That's awesome. There are a lot of kindred spirits on this comment thread. :)
DeleteThe Flame and The Flower
ReplyDeleteSue P.
Sue, such a classic of the romance genre. And just a few days ago, someone from Avon tweeted a picture of what they think is the original TFATF submitted manuscript!
DeleteI would be very interested in knowing what turned Mr. R. to romance.LOL~! As for the book, forever and always, Kathleen Woodiwiss, "Shanna"~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was the adventure and the steamy scenes! :) Mr. R read a lot of genre fiction like sci fi and fantasy, so he really enjoys a well-paced and well-told story. He had just never read romance, probably because it's not usually marketed toward men. I was glad he was willing to give it a read.
DeleteI started reading romance as a teen and one of the first was MRS. MIKE by Benedict and Nancy Freedman. I remember wishing someone would call me their "little cabbage" in French. LOL
ReplyDeleteMarcy Shuler
Thank you for stopping by, ma petite chou. :D That book sounds so charming. Is it a true story?
DeleteGWTW and Forever Amber get my vote! Then anything by Kathleen Woodiwiss, Valerie Sherwood and Patricia Mathews...some great, early historical romance authors. Love all their works.
ReplyDeleteYou and Janice (who commented above) picked the same favorites--how fun! Some books have such power to capture a reader.
DeleteGone with the Wind and Pride and Prejudice are two of my favorites and opened the door to historical romance.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I read Pride and Prejudice long before I thought of it as a romance. But not only is it a fantastic love story, it's probably the reason so many romance authors today love the Regency (myself included).
DeleteI can't remember the exact title (it was a really long time ago), but I remember it was a romance by Georgette Heyer at the library. After I read it, I went back and read all the books I could find by her in the library.
ReplyDeleteI did that too, Barbara! A friend recommended her books to me. I think the first I read was "The Grand Sophy," and I fell in love with the Heyer style and wit. I think I've read all of her Regencies, and I like her mysteries a lot too. Have you read any of those? She usually throws a romance subplot in, which is fun.
DeleteI think the first one was Outlander when it came out 20 years ago. I still love to reread it now
ReplyDeleteGah, Outlander. Yes. When I started reading it, I didn't want to do anything else. I didn't want anyone to talk to me, even! I just gulped it down in one fantastic weekend.
DeleteI think I picked up Lisa Kleypas' Smooth Talking Stranger & then went back to the rest of the series, and then her historical romances Dreaming of You and Stranger in My Arms.
ReplyDeleteShe is brilliant in both contemporary and historical, isn't she? Her Wallflower quartet is one of my favorites.
DeleteI still need to read that series! I have heard such good things about it!
DeleteFlowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness--that book! Yes. It totally shook up my idea of the kind of character development there could be in a romance. Amazing.
DeleteJulia Quinn's To Catch an Heiress when I was 12 or 13. Spent the rest of the summer glomming all of Quinn's backlist and finding new authors to love - Suzanne Enoch and Georgette Heyer.
ReplyDeleteI love JQ too, Nancy! She was one of the first modern romance authors I read (I'd been reading Heyer before, I think). It's so fun when there's a backlist to glom.
DeleteKathleen Woodiwiss - Wolf and the Dove and Flame and the Flower - been hooked ever since.
ReplyDeleteYou and knye (above) are on the same page--pun sort of intended. :) Those were Woodiwiss's first two books, right? I imagine there was a huge rush for her second book as soon as it came out; so many people loved TFATF.
DeleteBlack Silk - Judith Ivory
ReplyDeleteJudith Ivory is just brilliant. I wish she was still writing!
DeleteGeorgette Heyer's Venetia.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a lovely one. Venetia has one of my favorite Heyer heroines--she's so smart and cool-headed.
DeleteA group of us read Gone with the Wind in high school.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Was it for a class, or you just read it with a group of friends?
DeleteI think it might have been Lisa Kleypas's Mine Till Midnight. I just loved it and of course had to read the rest of the series..and then her other books, and then other authors who wrote similar stories, etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's how the TBR pile grows…and grows… :)
DeleteI honestly can't narrow it down to one book. I've always read a lot. Eventually, I realized the books I enjoyed the most had more romance in them. So I started lreading the books that flat out admitted they were romances. :-)
ReplyDeleteGlenda, what a great book-lover's journey. Cross-genre books can help readers find a whole new world of books to love!
DeleteI would read Harlequin Romances in my mid to late teens, but what really got me back into Romance, especially historic romances, was "The Duke and I (Bridgerton Series, Book 1)". I picked it up at my parent's when my mom was in hospital. 13 books and 7 weeks later, mom had passed and I was hooked on the genre! I got my love of reading from mom and this is a link to her for me! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss--but what a beautiful reminder to associate your mom with your love of reading. The Bridgerton series is just wonderful; glad it helped you through some tough weeks.
DeleteTwilight was the first romance book I ever read!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think Twilight helped a lot of readers find romance--yay! What kinds of romances do you most like to read now? Paranormals, or other types too?
DeleteGone with the Wind I think is the oldest I remember, it helped me find romance :)
ReplyDeleteI should have known I was destined to love romance when I thought, "GWTW needs a happily-ever-after!"
DeleteI had been reading romances since I was a teen, partly because I loved reading them but also partly because my mother disapproved of them (she still doesn't care for them!)...I started reading historicals as an adult mainly by chance...I picked up a Jude Devereau novel ("A Knight in Shining Armor") and one of Shana Galen's earliest novels "No Man's Bride", and once I read these I was hooked!
ReplyDeleteAww! My mom doesn't care for romance either, though she's made it through a few of my books. Glad you found so many authors to love. Shana Galen is one of my favorites today; I snap up everything she writes the day it comes out.
DeleteNora Roberts did, not sure which because I devoured all of hers once I started.
ReplyDeleteLa Nora is a great author to love, because she keeps the new books coming! She's one of the great champions of the romance genre, calling for respect for its readers and writers.
DeleteSophie and Edward from Brenda Joyce's After Innocence made me fall in love with historicals.
ReplyDeleteLolahB, I've never read that one--I'll have to check it out!
Deleteoh, i don't know! i started reading romance when i was about 13, but i can't remember which books, they were all historical romance, but American history. the book that made me love regency romance is Married By Morning by Lisa Kleypas. I also love contemporary & have to credit Erin McCarthy, Donna Kauffman, and Lori Foster for making me obsessed with this genre
ReplyDeletepride and prejudice
ReplyDeleteI can't remember which one for sure but it was by Nora Roberts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Danielle Steele's The Promise back in 1983.
ReplyDeleteMy first romance was a Constance O'Day Flannery book that my college roommate lent me. It was a time travel, and I loved it!
ReplyDelete