Archive for Contemporary Romance
Another Nicholas Sparks Book Set for the Silver Screen
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It seems film producers think that they can’t go wrong with romance writer Nicholas Sparks when it comes to adapting books for the silver screen. Hot on the success of the film version of The Lucky One, which came out last month, another Nicholas Sparks book, entitled The Rescue, is set to become a movie. The twist this time is that it’s a Berlin production company that’s bought the rights – not a Hollywood one – and the film will be in German.
The Rescue, published in 2005, is about how a volunteer fireman rescues a single mother and her speech-impaired son from a car crash. The book’s set in North Carolina, but the German film is going to be set in Germany – and filmed there as well. The decision to make a German film adaptation isn’t as odd as it may sound. Outside of the US, Germany is the largest market for Sparks’ books, with more than 12.5 million copies sold there. Sparks said, “I’m excited to produce something special for my German-speaking fans, who have supported my books and films for so many years.”
Sparks’ books have spawned a series of very successful films. Apart from The Lucky One, books that have been made into films include Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song.
Indeed, award winning director Lasse Hallstrom is currently hard at work on the newest Nicholas Sparks book adaptation, Safe Haven, which will star Josh Duhamel. Looks like there’s no stopping the Nicholas Sparks book and movie phenomenon!
Interview with Romance Author of the Month Gina Robinson
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Romance Author of the Month Gina Robinson
Hello hello BestRomanceStories.com readers and welcome to yet another installment of our series on our Romance Author of the Month Gina Robinson. As you’ll have found out in our earlier article about her, Gina is the author of a number of successful spy romances.
Gina’s latest novel Diamonds are Truly Forever is a brand new Agent Ex book, and will be released on May 22. Gina was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about herself… Read on to find out more about Diamonds are Truly Forever, what it is about spies that so fascinates Gina, and what skills she has that might make her a good spy.
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Q. Hi Gina and thanks for taking the time to join in for this interview! Your new Agent X book, Diamonds Are Truly Forever will be released on May 22. Is there anything you’d like to tell our readers about the Agent X series and your latest book?
The Agent Ex books are what I like to call spylicious romances with a lot of action, adventure, and humor. We all see the glamorous side of spies like James Bond, but what would it be like to actually be married to him? What strains does a job like his put on a marriage? Each of the Agent Ex books features a secret agent and their spouse in a relationship that’s almost terminal and on the brink of divorce.
The back cover copy for Diamonds Are Truly Forever perfectly illustrates what I mean:
SHE CANNOT TELL A LIE
Staci Fields loves her gorgeous husband—and that’s the honest truth. Unfortunately, her inability to lie is a major liability for the wife of a CIA agent. During a previous mission, her loose lips nearly got her husband killed. So now Staci’s filing for divorce to keep him out of danger—no matter how much her lips still crave his kiss…
HE CANNOT HIDE HIS LOVE
Drew Fields knows that his wife doesn’t want to play the spy game anymore. But when he learns that Staci may be a pawn in her stepfather’s secret dealings with terrorists, he has no choice but to step back into her life. This time, the stakes are higher than ever. The closer he gets to Staci, the deadlier the odds. And the more he loves his ex, the more he has to lose…
Q. What fascinates you about spies and spycraft? What inspired you to write books about spies?
I’ve always been fascinated by the double lives spies lead. Think of the nerve it must take to keep up a cover life day after day never knowing whom you can trust and who might betray you.
I actually sort of fell into writing about spies. I read a travel article about a fantasy spy camp and that got me thinking–what would happen if people went to a camp where they were pretending to be spies and actually fell into a real mystery? That was the basis for my first book, Spy Candy. After that, it was a natural progression to write actual spy stories. Because I love romance, I write about spies’ personal lives and their trials in finding love and living happily ever after.
Q In The Spy Who Left Me, Treflee does incredibly well as a spy, despite having no real training. Do you think you’d make a good spy? What are three skills that you currently have that you think would make you a good spy?
I’d probably be a terrible spy. I’m a lot like my heroine Staci in Diamonds Are Truly Forever in that I’m a really bad liar. And acting isn’t my thing, either. Those are huge detriments to a spy. On the other hand, I’m a good eavesdropper, a strategic/logical thinker, and I love people watching.
Q. You studied electrical engineering and used to write software for defense contractors. Does your engineering background and work experience influence / help with your writing? If so, how?
Engineering taught me to think logically and evaluate problems from all angles. Those are terribly useful skills when plotting a novel. I’ve even been known to make flowcharts for some of my novels. I also understand more about how technology works than many people, which is helpful.
Q. Do you have any quirky habits, or are there any rituals or routines that you have to go through before you start writing?
I have a composition notebook for each book I start. I usually jot down my thoughts in it and fill up about 8-10 pages with notes before I start writing. After that, I generally abandon the notebook. So I have all of these composition notebooks around with only a few pages used in each. But I absolutely need a fresh, new one for each book. I can’t make myself use one that already has notes for another book in it.
Q. Who are some authors who have made an impression on you, and who influence your work? What are some of your favorite books?
Of course the Ian Fleming Bond books have influenced me and the way I write about spies. As for my favorite books, I love Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It’s just such a classic relationship book and Austen is so tremendously witty in her writing.
Q. Please tell us three things about yourself that you think will surprise readers.
1. I’m not terribly adventurous. Not nearly as adventurous as my characters, that’s for sure.
2. I have absolutely no spatial ability at all, which is really odd for someone who majored in engineering.
3. I consider myself a serious person.
Q. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to fly. Like a lot of people, I have dreams where I’m soaring above the world on my own power. The sense of freedom in those dreams is absolutely thrilling. Who wouldn’t want that?
Fifty Shades Trilogy: Erotic Romance Books Banned from Some Libraries
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I know, I know. You’re probably saying to yourself, gosh, not another article about erotic romance trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey? But really how could I not write something about how the books have been banned from some libraries?
I read in an article today that a number of Florida public libraries have either banned or declined to carry the popular erotic romance books. Some libraries say that they can’t bring in the books because of a limited budget. Another library has been more blunt, saying that it won’t buy erotic or pornographic books for the library. The Collier County library has declined to stock the book because of its “lack of literary merits including writing quality and lack of compelling plot.”
Now, we must remember that the Fifty Shades of Grey books are currently some of the most talked about novels in America. Everyday there’s an article or two about the books or the author E.L. James (who is currently on her U.S. book tour). They’re also selling like hotcakes.
Libraries are a public service, and the book there are intended for the use by those who cannot afford to – or choose not to – purchase books for themselves. The service is funded by taxpayers, by and large, and is for the public good. With this in mind, shouldn’t they be stocking books that are a big part of the current zeitgeist? Shouldn’t library members be able to choose not to buy the books that have been on the best-seller lists for months, but instead check out these books?
Let’s look also at the excuse that libraries won’t stock erotic romance books or pornography. Having read all three Fifty Shades of Grey books, I would certainly say that they are no more “smutty” than some of the steamy romances from “mainstream” romance book authors. All those bodice rippers that you see in your local library are just as much erotic romance as James’ books. The difference now is that the books have been portrayed in the media as “porn”. They’re not – if the powers-that-be would just read the books, they’d probably see that too.
Which brings me also to the excuse that the libraries can’t stock the books because of a “lack of literary merits”. If that was the reason, then libraries would only stock the literary greats – you know, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Hemingway, Hardy and so on. Oh no, wait, Hardy’s work was panned by the Victorian public as “obscene” (Jude The Obscure having been called Jude The Obscene). So we can’t be having any of those obscene Thomas Hardy books around at libraries as well. And oh, wasn’t Chaucer actually incredibly ribald? Let’s throw his works out too!
I know most library goers whose libraries don’t stock the erotic romance trilogy can go out and buy a copy for themselves. But it’s the principle of the thing you see. My point is, if you can stock Hardy and Chaucer, and if you can stock other romance books (some of which have sex scenes, gasp) then you can definitely stock the Fifty Shades of Grey books.
In the Spotlight: Gina Robinson’s Spylicious Romance Books
Posted by: | CommentsAs you know from our earlier post on Romance Author of the Month Gina Robinson, Gina’s latest Agent X book, Diamonds Truly Are Forever. (Coming out on May 22!) Gina is also the author of several other books featuring spies – and how these super secret agents are able to track down their happy ever after. I’m thrilled to be able to feature some of Gina’s spylicious romance books in this week’s “In the Spotlight” post! If you enjoy fun romances starring witty spies, then Gina’s books are for you!
If there’s one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s running into your ex. Just ask Treflee Miller. If she’d only known that her husband Ty would be here in Hawaii—muscular, sun-bronzed, and infuriatingly gorgeous—she would have brought the divorce papers for him to sign. But life is full of surprises when you’re married to a world-class spy…
Ty Miller can understand why his wife is tired of playing Mrs. James Bond. He’s never home, he’s always on a mission, and he’s usually surrounded by exotic informants. He has to admit that the perfect spy makes a pretty lousy husband. But for the sake of Ty’s security and Treflee’s safety, they can’t blow his cover. Not here. Not now. Not when his longing is so strong, her lips so tempting—and his enemies so close…
Staci Fields loves her gorgeous husband—and that’s the honest truth. Unfortunately, her inability to lie is a major liability for the wife of a CIA agent. During a previous mission, her loose lips nearly got her husband killed. So now Staci’s filing for divorce to keep him out of danger—no matter how much her lips still crave his kiss…
Drew Fields knows that his wife doesn’t want to play the spy game anymore. But when he learns that Staci may be a pawn in her stepfather’s secret dealings with terrorists, he has no choice but to step back into her life. This time, the stakes are higher than ever. The closer he gets to Staci, the deadlier the odds. And the more he loves his ex, the more he has to lose…
From her sensible shoes to her dating choices, bank officer Jenna Jarvis has always played it safe. But her fantasy life is a whole other story. And now Jenna’s got a golden opportunity to play a real life secret agent, courtesy of her generous best friend and a fantasy spy camp set smack dab in the red-hot centre of the Arizona desert…The stay starts off with a bang literally – as a car explodes to greet Jenna and her fellow covert trainees, each of whom have a spydentity based on an iconic undercover agent. But it’s the real-life operatives who capture Jenna’s attention, particularly super-buff ex-CIA agent-cum-instructor Torq Toricelli. Confidence boosted by playing a bold-as-brass hot babe, Jenna might just have a fighting chance with Torq if she can make it through camp in once piece…A few near misses have made it frighteningly clear that someone is taking this fantasy way too seriously. Jenna’s mission: find out who’s gunning for her fellow spies – and live to die another day…
Reilly Peterson’s been many things in her thirty-two years: an athlete, a model, a sportswear executive. Her ex-boyfriend, however, has done a good job of making Reilly something she’s never been – scared. Now Reilly’s ready to protect herself with more than her sharp tongue. Fantasy Spy Camp’s Seattle-based Urban Ops division will train her to survive using everything from her bare hands to a submachine gun. But when she gets an eyeful of fellow camper Van Keller, all Reilly wants is to chill out, partner up, and go deep undercover…
The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts
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Title: The Last Boyfriend (Book 2 of the Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy)
Author: Nora Roberts
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hot on the heels of her 200th book The Witness, Nora Roberts is back with The Last Boyfriend, the second book in her Inn Trilogy. Like the first book in the trilogy (The Next Always), The Last Boyfriend is set in BoonsBoro, a small town in Maryland. In the earlier book, brothers Owen, Beckett, and Ryder rebuilt the historic BoonsBoro Inn. Beckett already has his happy ever after, and now it’s Owen’s turn. Owen’s all about checklists and budgets. He’s incredibly organized, and is the man who whips everything into shape to make sure that the Inn opens on time. But Owen’s on a crash course with the much more spontaneous Avery McTavish, the owner of Vesta Pizzeria, the pizza place that sits kitty corner from the Inn. Avery and Owen have known each other since they were kids – Avery even had Owen for her first boyfriend (at age five!) They liked each other as children – and now they’re ready to continue their relationship, this time as adults!
Date Movies Knock The Hunger Games off Box Office Top Spot
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Two date movies opened this past weekend. And they collectively were able to knock blockbuster The Hunger Games off the Number 1 spot. Given the fanfare about The Lucky One starring Zac Efron (based on the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks), you would think that it was the sweet love story that did the trick.
Wrong.
It was the movie Think Like a Man that came in at the top. The film is based on a 2009 bestselling book by comedian Steve Harvey. The book’s full title is Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy and Commitment.
It’s a long title that’s essentially Harvey’s advice to women on how to snag a man. Harvey claims he is uniquely suited to giving such advice because he’s been married thrice, and he knows why his first two wives weren’t able to hold his interest. Humph. I’m not sure that’s an appropriate qualification – but his message must appeal to some, given the number of books he’s sold.
But back to the movie… It’s a romantic comedy in which a group of women start to use Harvey’s book as a way to manage the men in their lives. It’s all going swimmingly until the men find out, and start to use the book to counter the women. Reviews of the film have been mixed; a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes today means that critics are split down the line.
Check out the movie trailer here:
Oh – I gave this one a pass, and this weekend, I caught The Lucky One instead… and all I can say is, Nicholas Sparks sure does know how to write a love story!
FanExpo Vancouver: Finding Romance at a Sci-Fi Geek Conference
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Okay romance fans. I’m going to confess something that I’ve never EVER told anyone before.
I have a secret fantasy of attending a mega convention like FanExpo Vancouver, that city’s version of Comic-Con, which attracts die hard fans of comics, anime, gaming, graphic novels, and books that fall primarily into the sci-fi, fantasy and horror genres. If you’ve ever seen photos from conventions like FanExpo Canada and Comic-Con you’ve probably noticed several common characteristics:
-fans attend come in droves (in 2011 FanExpo Canada and Comic-Con had 80,000 and 126,000 attendees, respectively)
-quite a few fans dress up in elaborate costumes in honor of their favorite sci-fi or fantasy characters
-the conventions are primarily attended by guys
My fantasy is to attend one of those conventions in a Charlotte-from-Sex-In-The-City type dress (with sensible shoes) and find a like-minded fantasy fanatic of the male persuasion who:
-is a bit geeky (like me)
-loves large format graphics novels primarily for the artistry (like me)
-is a bit introverted (like me)
-isn’t very celebrity crazed (like me. I actually once refused an autograph from a major cast member from Star Trek: The Next Generation)
-dreams of writing a best selling steampunk/fantasy/suspense best-selling series (um, like me)
In my fantasy I’m wandering around looking lost and see someone several yards away waving at me. Because I’m not wearing my glasses (I’m nearsighted and a bit vain) I wave back. As we get closer I realize a) he’s not waving to me and 2) he’s wearing a Game of Thrones t-shirt. We approach one another and he has the same look on his face at I do: I’m not the person he thought he was waving at.
Long story short, we strike up a conversation about fantasy books, hang out for the rest of the convention, and discover our commonalities. A friendship develops into a relationship and one day we’re sitting across from one another in our tastefully decorated home office, at individual desks, with matching Alienware laptops, working on the outline of our first book.
I have every intention of attending a sci-fi or fantasy convention in the near future, however I’ll have to travel quite a distance to get to one that attracts more than a few hundred people. In my area the annual comic “convention” is held in one room in a hotel with about 10 tables.
So, what’s your secret fantasy? If you care to share, hit me up in the comments section below!
