We all have it, that certain 'something' that pulls our attention to a story. It could be a word, phrase, the snap of awareness we feel when we read the first paragraph, and we know-we just know-that this is going to be one hell of a book.


Is it the setting? 


Do you feel a rush when you know that the book will be historical? The tangy smell of a peat fire roasting a fresh kill, the soft feel of a tartan kilt under the hands of a maid that has been taken hostage by some ruffian highlander, or even the briny air that sinks into your nose as your hero's carriage rumbles to the stop of a well planned sea side  lover's tryst.

Is it a sigh of bliss when you notice a new contemporary by your favorite author? The once nerdy boy next door is now all grown up and looking for love. The rough and tumble bad boy is now the new sheriff and the good girl is setting her sites on him. Or could it be the heroine with a shady/hurtful past has sworn off men, but didn't see the impact that the hero will have on her future.






Is it the sexual tension?


Do your fingertips tingle when your heroine stands toe to toe with your hero-knowing that his control is hanging on by one fine little thread......and she's about to make him snap? Is it the attraction you can't ignore between two people, and they're doing a better job of ignoring it than you are? Or what about the one smoldering kiss they've indulged in, when you know they'd love nothing better than to tackle each other and let the fire blaze out of control.


Is it the zest for a love that will last forever?


We all want to believe that our 'one' love is out there. This world we live in is harsh and distinctly hard on all lovers. But that is what makes the romance industry THE top published industry in the world. It proves that even while we can't stand our government, the gas prices are ridiculous, and those bills just won't go away..........you can find escapism within the pages of a romance novel. There is a way to get away........and it doesn't cost you and arm and a leg to do so.......all it takes is your imagination!


So even if you can't determine the 'why's' or the 'reasons' for why you love certain romances....we can all agree that for one short span of time we have smiled, laughed, cried and loved.....whether it be the rugged highlander, the earl that we met in a crowded ballroom or the sheriff that once made our mother try to lock us away. For one moment we lived in those worlds.


Happy reading!
Trish

Heroic Hearts

What makes a hero/heroine? Is it their ability to save their loved ones from danger? Is it their physical strength or appearance? Do they have supernatural powers? Is it their profession?


No matter the setting for a story, all romances have something in common - the characters

put their hearts on the line for love. To me, a true hero or heroine is one who allows love back into their heart again after it has been broken. They take that terrifying yet thrilling leap and stand before another person, offering their heart in their hand with the hope that the one they love will take care of it, cherish it, protect it. Whether in the pages of a book or in real life, it is a surrender of the sweetest kind.

Here are some of my favorite fictional heroes/heroines:
In Julie Anne Long's THE PERILS OF PLEASURE Madeleine Greenway, after losing her loved ones, kidnaps the dashing Colin Eversea for the money, only to risk more than her life--her heart.

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU by Julie James, Jack Pallas isn't thrilled to be working alongside Cameron Lynde the woman he thinks got him transferred to a shit post in the FBI out of spite. When he learns that she did it to save his job, he does whatever it takes to protect the love of his life.

And my new favorite couple are Maggie Monroe and Rafe McBride from RAFE'S REDEMPTION by friend and fellow angel Jennifer Jakes. (I <3 Rafe, and that's all I'm going to say ;))

Werewolf or vampire, fireman or doctor, writer or dancer, actor or fitness fanatic - the human heart has an incredible capacity to love. It takes a few hits but keeps on ticking with the eternal hope that next time will be forever.

I'm blessed to know people who have put themselves out there again after a heartbreak and have found their happily ever after. It is inspiring. So who are your real life or fictional heroes/heroines who put their hearts out there for love?

Something Cheeky

I thought for my first turn on the blog I'd post something, well, cheeky. I've had the pleasure of viewing these fine looking buns since they first walked by me in the hallway of my high school nearly 20 years ago. Yup - that's right. That's my DH's derriere.

He's such a good sport really. When I told him that I was joining the Ass Cheek Angels, his reply was a two part question - Is there a chapter in Manitoba and is leather mandatory? BTW, ladies - he's still waiting for that thong cozy that one of you promised you'd knit for him. And what guy would willingly put his rear-end on display for the amusement of others? Well, he would, and he did it just for me.

This just goes to show that he has a sense of humour. That is something I appreciate in a man once I've finished ogling his behind. I believe my man hooked me at a party with a dirty joke involving Little Red Riding Hood being eaten by a wolf, and I wish I could remember it, but what I do recall is the way he laughed when he told it. I love to laugh and I love a man who is not afraid to put himself out there to make me laugh. Laughter may not always make things better, but it makes things bearable while you're waiting for a solution. One thing I can always count on in my life is my DH making me laugh.

The third thing I check out in a man are his eyes. My guy has soft brown eyes, the kind you can get lost in when he's giving you that tender "I love you" look. Eyes truly are the window to the soul. You know those lines we use in our romance books like "flicker of desire" or "flash of annoyance", or the one I read in Julie James' Something About You "You know the Tom and Jerry cartoon where Tom hasn't eaten for days and he imagines Jerry looking like a ham?" They aren't just words, or pretty pick up lines. Words aren't needed when you can tell everything you need to know just by looking into someone's eyes. I'm fortunate that, even after nearly 14 years of marriage and 4 kids, my DH still looks like me like I'm the tastiest steak on the menu.

And speaking of eyes, I'd like to introduce you to my eye candy crushes. First, Mr. Connor Trinneer. I fell in love with him on the bridge of the starship Enterprise. Then after only 4 seasons they had the audacity to cancel the show, reducing me to searching the net to get my fix of this tall, blonde, hunk of man.

Second - Mr. Sam Worthington. (did you hear the gushing lilt to my voice, and the dreamy sigh there at the end?) I can't say that I liked the movie Terminator Salvation all that much, but seeing him shirtless certainly didn't hurt the experience. I enjoyed his performance in Avatar, and his voice is so sexy with that accent of his slipping in from time to time. I've rented Clash of the Titans tonight just to see him in armour. (Is it bedtime for my kiddies yet?)

So, there you have it. The three things I look for in a man - a fine rear-end, nice eyes (not to mention easy on the eyes), and a sense of humour.

To my fellow Angels, it was a great experience meeting you and I look forward to more great posts from you all! Visit me at http://www.kelliejwin.com/ or on facebook - just type in Kellie J. Winzinowich into the search bar.