Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Viking, a Highlander or a Pirate? What's your Fantasy?



Grand Prize swag pack for Romancing The Hop.
Enter to win Our Romancing the Blog Grand Prizes by leaving a comment on this blog. 

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The above Swag Pack!
** Don't forget to leave your email dress with the comment so we can notify you if you are a winner. Also, if you leave a comment here about what type of historical romances you prefer to read or what kind of hero does it for you, you will be entered to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card from me. So, share your fantasies! I'm waiting to hear from you.    
Our $15 Gift Card winner is Marie Haney! Thanks Marie for the great comment. 

 I've been asked to share why I love romance novels. 

Here it is in a nutshell: Prince Charming has morning breath. And worse, he farts......a lot!

Now, I'm not knocking anyone's real life happily ever after with Sir Farts-A-Lot. He's a good man who brings us roses at the appropriate times (hopefully), steals kisses at unexpected moments and re-formats the hard drive on our computer when it goes wonky. And his version of doing battle for his lady fair might be more akin to charging an iron shopping cart through the dangerous labryrinth of Walmart on community grocery day, blazing a path through the crowds for you to follow rather then facing a dragon or an opposing knight in a jousting match, but hey, this is today's modern reality.


So, why do I write romance? The short answer: I grew up with Star Trek  and I dream of Jeannie, so entertaining fantasy was pretty much what drew me in from the start, be it movies or reading material. My first true romance was A Rose in Winter by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss I loved the historical setting of 18th century England, the dark, brooding, mysterious Lord Saxon and the plucky heroine Erienne, struggling to rise above her circumstances. She was doing pretty well on her own but she still needed a hero to give her a lift. A hero entered the scene and carried her (unwillingly) away to his castle and after lots of conflict, both internal and external, they found their happily ever after. That's the basic storyline of every romance. Doesn't matter if it's a Viking or a modern day hero who is a navy seal or a shape-shifter, he comes into the heroine's life and when he does, he make her life a little better--after they kill the zombies and save the world. Or perhaps more accurately--during the conflict love grows between them. It's not so much about being rescued by someone else as it is finding that one soul-mate who completes you and makes you happy.

Forget Calgon: Will Turner Jr, can 'Take me Away!'

For me--it's all about the fantasy element of the romance. Escapist Fantasy. Being swept away to another time, another place, with a handsome rogue closing in. My husband escapes the mundane pressures of this life by shooting Nazis or Zombies in his computer games.
I love escaping the mundane pressures of this life by reading about heroines attending fancy balls, wearing exquisite gowns and being courted by some handsome rake with Hessian boots and a set of dueling pistols in his closet. A Viking, a Highlander or a Pirate he may be, but if he's noble and charming, he's the right hero for me. 




78 comments:

Elyzabeth M. VaLey said...

Are you my romance novel soul mate? I agree with everything you've said, from the fantaasy escapisim to the heroes you prefer ;-)
elyzabethmvaley at gmail dot com

kmannrn said...

I love Highlanders and Cowboys.
kelly_mann at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

My fantasy is a sexy pirate. BTW - "A Rose in Winter" was one of my first romances too, and I loved and still do love Kathleen Woodiwiss. I've been reading so many e-books. I might have to dig out all my old favorite print books (hers are all in my night table).

kesummer69 at gmail dot com

Gaele said...

I grew up with tales of the old clans from my Grandda.. so I've always been partial to the kilted men.

thank you for participating and sharing

glhince@gmail.com

Paula Martin said...

My favourite period is Medieval. The first hero I fell in love with was John of Gaunt in Anya Seton's 'Katherine'.
paulamartinromances(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

My favorite is the jaded titled gentlemen that learns to love again at the hands of a smart woman

fencingromein at hotmail dot com

JeanMP said...

I love reading about Highlanders, something about a man in a kilt!
skpetal at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Reading a romance allows me to enjoy love stories whiel i wait for my own love story to happen.
krn2891@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Viking all the way! What a fun hop! delphinareadstoomuch at yahoo

Book of Secrets said...

Ooo...I love pirates and Highlanders. And vikings. :)

Diana
bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com

Krista said...

How about a Viking Highlander Pirate ;)
Prince Charming is definitely sexier in book form!

Thanks for doing this giveaway!
~Krista
pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com

Anonymous said...

I love a hero who's sensual, devoted, intelligent, and kind!

vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

Liese2 said...

I like Highlanders! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
sqwalker2@hotmail.com

Michelle Bledsoe said...

Give me a Highlander...Kilts anyone....LOL
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

christina said...

Hey Lily

Stoping by to say hello. When is the next book coming out? I am not sure I can pick a fav hero.

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Great post, Lily. I love historical heroes, too, as long as they're heroic. :) I'm really enjoying Some Enchanted Waltz right now.

Liv Rancourt said...

My favorite movie kiss EVER is when Will Turner kisses Elizabeth at the end of the first Pirate's movie. He can take me away anytime.
:)
livrancourt(at) yahoo(dot)com

JanD said...

My favorite aspect of romance novels is the journey to HEA.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com

lsilver60 said...

Hi Christina,
Thanks for stopping in. My next book will be out in about a week. The Rock Star Next Door is going through final edits. A Rock Star, what woman hasn't had that fantasy in their younger days!

lsilver60 said...

Thanks Stacey! Lord Dillon is my masked Patriot (highwayman) Hero. I have a weakness for Masked Heroes.

lsilver60 said...

Thanks Liv, Yes, Will Turner Rocks. And Mr. Bloom looks so much like Errol Flynn in that picture, it's scary-sweet.

lsilver60 said...

That's a good one! Maybe a shape-shifter thrown into the mix!

lsilver60 said...

I luv, luv, luv highlanders, too. My favorite is Duncan McCleod, though--an immortal highlander.

lsilver60 said...

Yes, Rose in Winter is my favorite book. Kathleen Woodiwiss created a classic with that story. I have all her print books, too, and refuse to 'get rid' of those. A salute to the goddess of romance (Kathleen W.!)

Cryscringle said...

I agree with you, the fantasy aspect is the grabber for me. I escape this real world for a couple hours a day and am swept away to the past or possibly the future. :) I think the last romance novel I read was called Immortal Desires by Laura Eno and it was a really great read it's a paranormal romance (my favorite sub-genre of romance, haha.) Thank you for being a part of this blog hop and I enjoyed reading your post!

craigcrystal(at)ymail(dot)com

mcv said...

I think my fantasy would have to be a Highlander- like Jamie from Outlander.
mcv111 at hotmail dot com

Jesse Kimmel-Freeman said...

Pirate all the way! :0)

Jesse
jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com

Qwillia Rain said...

I loved the ending of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
For me, romance is all about the trust and respect built between the characters. Since I write BDSM, these elements are very important.
Thank you for participating in the blog hop!
qwilliarain(at)gmail(dot)com

Lona said...

I'am in love with Highlanders, They can talk to me 24 7 with that accent of their's and the kilts, OMG just knowing there is nothing underneath.. Great giveaway.

blinkysthebest at aol dot com

Cassandra said...

It's tough to pick but I think my choice would be a Highlander...that accent & of course the kilts ;)
Thanks for the awesome & amazing giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Highlanders, hands down! I love how tough and protective they are, yet have vulnerable hearts.
Thanks for participating in the hop and giving us all a chance to win.
bidelia78@yahoo.com

lsilver60 said...

Pirates rock, for me!

Krystal Shannan said...

Easy.... Highlander.

Romance is all about building lasting relationships :-) Great blog and a fun hop!

krystalshannan@yahoo(dot)com

susan1215 said...

My choice would be a Highlander, they have a sexy accent

s2s2 at comcast dot net

Foretta said...

Great post!!! I love romance books but they must have HEA’s! My favorite are series because I love seeing the characters again in other books!!

thanks for the contest!!
forettarose@yahoo.com

Kelly said...

I think I would choose Highlanders...Thank you for the chance to win..


ronnkelly3@aol.com

booklover0226 said...

Pirates all the way for me!

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

magic5905 said...

I love reading about Highlanders the most, although I read them all.
magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

mariehahn13 said...

Ahhh... my hero would be a Mr. Darcy type of guy. Someone who can capture my heart with guile and tenacity :) So, I wouldn't care if he were a pirate, highlander, or viking... as long as he was capable :)

songbird1613 at yahoo dot com

Kaylyn D said...

I started out on historical romances so I love them. Petals on the River by Kathleen Woodiwiss was mine. I prefer my heroes to be damaged or tortured. It makes their journey to love more amazing or at least in my opinion. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

Evie said...

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is my favorite historical romance.
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br

donnas said...

Thanks for being part of the hop

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Barbara B. said...

I guess I started out in contemporary romance - Danielle Steele. Now I read a lot of paranormal romance - J. R. Ward, Lara Adrian, Alexandra Ivy, Christine Feehan, etc.

Thanks for the giveaway and for being part of this fun hop!

Barbara
bbsbooknook@aol.com

Dovile said...

It's highlanders for me. Thanks for the chance!

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Vanessa N. said...

My favorite stories to read are paranormal romance. I just started to read other sub -genres. I love the alpha hero who's strong, loyal, and gentle with the person he loves.

mythic021@gmail.com

Veronika said...

I have a soft spot for the books with Highlanders! They're just so hot!
Thank you for the giveaway!
verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

Nay Nay said...

Paranormal for me. Shape shifters are the best. Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Kristine Cayne rocks, I recommend her too !
ptitpupuk at sky dot com

Elizabeth H. said...

Totally has to be a Highlander. Nothing like man in a sexy kilt and a thick "accent" :) Thank you for joining the hop and the awesome giveaway!
ehaney578 at aol dot com

Shan said...

I love the heading, I myself am partial to Highlanders thanks in part to Karen Marie Moning, Monica McCarty, and Paula Quinn. Yes there are more, but those are my top 3. Anyway thank you for the giveaway and the deal on the book.

sam1slim1@gmail.com

Shadow said...

Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaways! This is so much fun! Thank you! My favorite thing about romance is the romance. lol I love the characters, the plots, the HEA's, the love. I love it all!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

Patti said...

Thanks for participating! Really like the hop so far!! I love reading, especially romance. I love reading contemporary, historical and erotic romance. I love the happy ending that is garenteed at the end. My favorite book is Lover Mine by JR Ward! I love John Matthew and Xhex. My favorite romantic moment was when my fiancé asked me to marry him! We meant two years ago right around when summer was ending when my friend and I went out for our last big night out before classes started again. I think it is romantic when he brings me flowers because no one else has ever done it! Thanks so much! Hope everyone else is having a great long weekend!!

prettyunicorn78@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like the ones who love you just a little more than you love them. The Boy Who Waited. Not a book, but that story gets me. Gotta love the nerdy time travelers, lol.

Samantha Jane
samantha12jane@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like "The Boy Who Waited." Not a book, but it's a good story to me. Nerdy time travelers...gotta love them.
Samantha Jane
samantha12jane@gmail.com

Rita Wray said...

I like contemporary and historical romance. Also I like time travel.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Daniel M said...

i like the anti-hero and paranormal stories - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

Nat (Lendo Romances) said...

I love historicals! The dukes are rogues are so fun!
Thanks for the giveaway =)
readingromances.contactATgmailDOTcom

Unknown said...

I love all kinds!! I love pirates, highlanders, and victorian era. I love getting a bit of history with my love and romance.
mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

bn100 said...

I like alpha heroes.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kim D said...

Thanks tons for the hop! I only read romance. My fav is Lora Leigh! Going to parade Monday with brothers and sisters! Should be FUN!
swkimbell@yahoo.com

Michele said...

I love anything to do with royalty and castles!
shermie40 at yahoo dot com

Adria's Musings said...

It's not so much what "kind" of hero (Pirate, Highlander etc) but rather, if he's a tortured hero, does he have a dark past? Is he secretly vulnerable to certain things? I don't know if you have ever seen NCIS but I love my heroes like Mark Harmon's character, Gibbs.

Adria
adria(.)rose_03(at)yahoo(.)com

Mary Jo said...

I'll take either the highlander or viking with pleasure, and would enjoy the pirate also!

maryjooller [at] yahoo [dot] com

Sal said...

I have to say that my idea of a fantasy character is Nathaniel Hawkins from My Fair Captain. I love the setting that JL Langley has set for the story and I would love to be part of it. (Yes I know that it's and M/M novel but I would still love to find a character like him for myself! :D)

flubber2kool@gmail.com

Not Now...Mommy's Reading said...

I love highlanders and pirates but I would have to say that highlanders are my favorite - hands down! The brogue, the kilts...*shudder and swoon I canna get enough of them!

mommysreading at gmail dot com

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

I like highlanders quite a bit, but I'm also drawn to the bad boys with hearts of gold, so to speak. One such bad boy was the mercenary, Guérin de lasalle, in Hana Samek Norton's excellent historical fiction novel, The Sixth Surrender. There was no fluff about this guy, but I just knew he was going to end up in love with the heroine. I have never forgotten him and I read the book two years ago.

Thanks for the giveaway!
truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom

Eileen said...

Oh I love highlanders. So many of them inspired me that I went to Scotland for a holiday. Absolutely beautiful.
edor628@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

Why I like Romance Novels….The reason I like Romance Novels so much is because it is one place where I can be anywhere like England, Scotland, Rome, Ireland, or anywhere in the US. I can also be in any time like 1200’s Scotland, 1500’s England, 1900’s Chicago. I can be anyone like a princess, a servant, a werewolf, a duchess, a vampire, or a lost soul. But no matter what I get the privilege and the experience to overcome many different obstacles and find love. I am a mother of three teenagers as well and there are many days when I need an escape and my heart needs a rest from the trials of being a parent and trying to do what is best for everyone but yourself. I have overcome cancer, loss, and financial problems and Romance Books let my heart soar and feel free. Let me tell you in this world, and during this time where life can have so many struggles it is great that you can be, have, and do so many things to find love and romance and still be yourself!

I would also choose a Highlander! They are rugged, fierce, loyal, and sexy.

angelheart618@gmail.com

Yazmin said...

I love a good pirate.
Thank you for being part of the blog hop. :)

yazmin.z.rangel(at)gmail(dot)com

latishajean said...

Thank you for the great giveaway! I really love alpha males my favorite! What a great blog hop!
tishajean@ charter.net

Unknown said...

I haven't read a lot of historicals, so I'm not sure what my favorites would be.

snhoveln(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love fantasy in romance novels espisially in historical ones. I don't think I would be all that interested in historical romances if there wasn't a bit of fantasy in it!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love historical novels, I have so many authors among my favorites, but I'm always happy to discover new ones.
I have to admit I never read a pirate story, but I imagine they can be a delicious alpha.
My favorite Historical fiction of all time, is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
Thanks for the chance!
Lupdilup@gmail.com

Jo said...

I love paranormal romances the best - so many kick-ass heroines!

jochibi AT yahoo DOT com

Beckey said...

Pirates :)
Great blog Thanks for hop stop :)
BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom

Sherry said...

I love books with a sexy highlander in it.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

bettycd said...

I say - Viking
tjandbcd at optonline dot net

jessica said...

Thanks for being a part of the hop. I hope that you had a great labor day weekend! My historical romances that I like to read ranges in dates. I like to read ones with pirates, others with native americans, some in the dark ages and others in the lord and lady ages. It all depends on my mood at the time.
jessangil at gmail dot com

Post a Comment