My First... Romance Novel

There's a first time for everything and I can remember my first romance novel like it was yesterday. I'm going to let you in on a little secret... I hate to read. Ok, well I use to hate to read. Now I don't think you'll find me without a book, Kindle or iPhone within my reach. So what changed my mind? Graduating college and finally having some free time just for me. Of course I've read books before but nothing that interested me. That is until I found Lisa Kleypas in a box.

I had graduated in May '07 from a little college in PA called Elizabethtown College. During my studies I got to study abroad in England for 6 months. It was the greatest time in my life and where my love of England started. As a present my parents bought me a plane ticket to go back and two of my friends came with. Now, this was my big break from school. I had ideas of relaxing in the beer garden just reading a book so I had to find a book. Enter my Nanny (grandmother) and her box of books.

As I dug through this box that was on her porch I found this book called Scandal in Spring. I glanced at the book cover and opened to the begininng of the story. It was set in England and that's where I was going so it was PERFECT! I found another book too: Out of the Mist by JoAnn Ross. So I packed my books and headed off to England.

Fast foward a few days later and I'm sitting in the back garden at my friend's house. The sun is out (surprisingly) and I'm relaxing in my chair with Ms. Kleypas enjoying the story when all of a sudden Daisy has locked herself in Matthew's room with him and threw the key down her dress. I was intrigued, I was enthralled and I was so into it. Oh the sexual tensions between was captivating, I couldn't wait to see where this would lead. Then I remembered... this came from my Nan!

I ran inside the house and found my friend Georgie and made her read it. Then I told her I couldn't believe that this is what my Nan was reading! Then she looked at me and said "I can. Everyone needs some romance in their life." I went back outside and finished my book. When I got home from my trip I went to the store and bought the rest of The Wallflower Series. I've been hooked ever since and I've never looked back.

So there you have it! The book that started it all! Unfortunately I never really got to thank my Nan for getting me hooked on romance. She had cancer and passed away in December that year but if it wasn't for her and her box of books I wouldn't be here talking about them or reading them. I wouldn't have meet so many friends who share my passion for them.

In the words of a very wise friend "Everyone needs some romance in their lives" and I agree! So what was your first book that made you fall in love with reading?

Just What The Doctor Ordered

So I was trying to come up with a great post but being sick has just taken it out of me. I know alot of friends are sick and trying to get to better so I thought I would share some very wise advice. Kati (Romancing Rakes) told me to take 1 or 2 seasons of the Tudors and go to bed. So for those who are feeling a bit under the weather I wanted to give you a treat. Here are some bloopers from The Tudors.




Now if that doesn't make you smile I don't know what will. Now, Kati also suggested that I take Richard Henry to bed with me... and for all those wondering, Richard Henry is my Kindle. He's named after Richard Armitage and Henry Cavill. And since I gave you some Henry already I think that it is only fair to give Richard some love.





Well, I'm going to take the wise Kati's advice and head spend some time with Richard Henry. I may even pop in the movie Sabrina, the one with Harrison Ford, cause it always makes me feel better.

What do you guys watch when you're not feeling well?

PS... thanks to Rita (Not Another Romance Blog) for helping me with the link for the videos!

Monday Man Candy

I've always hated Monday's. Monday meant that the weekend was over and that the alarm clock was going to wake me up early to get to class or to work. I still dislike Mondays but not asmuch as before because now, come Monday night I know there is going to be some hot man candy on my Twitter feed. So for all my ladies who have a case of the Monday's I have some hot men who want to help you get through your day!

Clive Owen

Jake Gyllenhaal

And someone who will be awaiting your return home and to bed:

Alexander Skarsgard

I don't know about you ladies, but I know I can't wait for True Blood to come back on. Hot Damn!

Don't forget to join us on Twitter for #ManCandyMonday 9PM EST. We will also be unveiling our Man Candy Monday blog. So grab a glass of wine (or ice water) and come enjoy the show!