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!

Friday Reads

I love Friday. It means that come 5pm it's the weekend and I can really lose myself in a book. And since it's Friday I thought that we could talk about our plans for reading this weekend. What? You don't know what you're going to read? Don't worry! I'll help you find something good. As for me... What am I reading? I just recieved a bunch of books in the mail to review for The Season for Romance and first up is Bastian by Elizabeth Amber. And have you seen this cover...

Hello hotness!!

Well since you can't read Bastian just yet (release date April 26) I wanted to see what everyone plans on reading. What?!? You don't know?!? Well, let me help you.

In the next few weeks and months I want to do some posts on my favorite books and books that have brought me to another level emotionally when reading them. But that's for another post. So if you're looking for something to read you've found the right place. So here are my suggestions for a weekend of FUN reading:

You like historicals? Well have you read How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling? Think The Bachelor but during the Recency. I love finding new authors and let me just say that I had such a good time reading this book that I read it in 2 nights, staying up WAY past my bedtime.

Not into men in breeches? Prefer your men from this century, perhaps in a hockey uniform? While I suggest anything by Rachel Gibson one of my favorites is See Jane Score. I love when the bad boys fall in love.

A few days ago I told you that I had started reading Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning. Well I finished it and if you haven't read it then this weekend is a great time to start. Mac is a trip to read! So if you want that paranormal fix Darkfever is it.

So tell me... What do you plan on reading this weekend? Do you have any fun plans?

What I'm Reading

What am I reading? So kind of you to ask! I'm reading Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning.

(Click on Cover for more info)

I have a tendency of procrastinating. When someone suggests a book and tells me I HAVE to read it I will get said book, but then it sits on my desk for a few months until I pick it up. I don't know why I do this, I did the same thing with a certain other paranormal series *cough* Black Dagger Brotherhood *cough* that I am now addicted too. And even though I'm only 3/4 the way through I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I predict the Fever Series will moving up my TBR pile.

So, here are my thoughts so far:

• I'm pretty sure Mac is my long lost sister
• Jericho Barrons is a very intriguing man and I want to know why
• I am loving Mac's relationship with Barrons and how he addresses her as "Ms. Lane"
• Dublin has moved down my "Places to See Before I Die" list (ok, not really)

Well, I'm going to go finish my book and see what other trouble Mac get's herself into. But tell me:

What are you reading? Is there something that I HAVE to read?

Happy Reading!

Man Candy Monday

Today is Monday which means that it's Man Candy Monday here at For the Love of Romance. What is Man Candy Monday you ask? Well allow me to show you some visuals.

Ian Somehalder is Man Candy

Matt Bomer is Man Candy

Now that I have your attention, let me tell you how this all started... It was a dark and stormy night, well, not really. This all started on Twitter a few weeks ago when Vicky Dreiling, fabulous author of How to Marry a Duke (you should read it!) was talking about how Henry Cavill was her muse for her hero Tristian. Next thing I know is that there are pictures of Henry Cavill all in my Twitter feed , something I am sooo not complaining about, and we were planning a Henry Cavill night. But our love of hot men knows no bounds and on the second Henry Cavill night all hotness broke loose and there pictures of hot men everywhere! That's when Man Candy Monday was born.

So if you like looking at hot men and want to share you're favorites you should come and join Rita (Not Another Romance Blog), Kati (Romancing Rakes), Vicky and myself on Twitter tonight. Use #ManCandyMonday at 9pm EST 6pm PST and all the hours in between.

Here's your invite ladies!

And because I can't stop myself...

Oh, Henry Cavill. How I love thee!

Welcome One and All!

Hello World! Welcome to For the Love of Romance! Come in, sit down and grab a glass of wine. This is a place where Happily Ever After is the goal and romance conquers all.

For the Love of Romance has been an idea growing in my mind for about 6 months. I am addicted to romance novels and since my family calls them “trash” and my friends don’t read them I wanted a place where I could go and share my thoughts with other avid readers. I needed a place where I could express myself but I also wanted a place where others could come share their thought and ideas. So, please make yourself at home here.

So, now I’m sure you’re all wondering just what is going on here at For the Love of Romance so let me tell you what you’re going to get from me and my fabulous blog. There will be discussions about books, movies and TV shows along with book reviews and my obsessions of the moment. Right now it’s Camelot on Starz. Oh, and pictures of hot guys.

(Henry Cavill)

Now, besides my love of romance novels I thought I would give you 5 interesting facts about myself that way you know just who you’re dealing with.

Five Fun Facts about Jamie

5. Yes, I listen to the Spice Girls and no I will not apologize. Go ahead, judge me.

4. I am terrified of birds. Yes, all birds. Pigeons, ducks, chickens, sparrows. I will scream and I will cause a scene if a bird gets too close.

3. I am addicted to Sonic’s Cherry Limeade. It’s getting to the point where I may have to go to Limeade’s Anonymous.

2. I changed my major 3 times in college… and I’m working on what I want to be when I grow up.

1. I have never read Pride & Prejudice *gasp* But I have seen movie and the BBC version (Hello Mr. Firth) Maybe one day I’ll actually get the chance to read it.

I want to thank the fabulous Beverley Kendall, author and the mastermind of the super fabulous The Season for Romance for giving me a chance to hone my book reviewing skills. She gave me a chance and for that I am so grateful cause she helped me find my voice. Also, I want to thank the fabulously talented Ashley March for helping name my blog. And my Twitter gals Kati, Rita and Vicky for giving me the push to get this up and going! Mwah!

Stay tuned friends’ cause I have some fun stuff planned! And, in case you need further reason to come back, Monday’s will be known as Man Candy Monday. Yes, pictures of hot guys, what more could you ask for. Man Candy Monday started on Twitter so feel free to join me over there.