Reading Romances discussion

Read bellow my interview with author Rebecca Morean!




Welcome to Reading Romances, Rebecca! Let's begin getting to know your references a bit, when did you first start reading romance?



*That would be hard to say...I can tell you that it seems like every book I read as a child or teen was about passion: passion for a horse (My Friend Flicka), for spying (Harriet the Spy), for love of self and others (A Wrinkle in Time). As I grew up, the idea of love, of a kind of love that is nuanced and "forever" could only be found in books and I loved those stories. I loved Pride and Prejudice and Much Ado About Nothing as a teenager. Later, I found myself reading a lot of action/spy/romance novels and fell in love with strong female characters who thought outside the box.


How to you like your heroes and heroines to be?

*Smart, funny, serious when the time comes. Sexy, of course. And real. I write about real people--people you may know, or perhaps you see yourself on the page.


What makes you toss a book aside in frustration?


*Poor writing. Not caring enough for, or respecting the reader. I don't care if you break a writing "rule." Just be sure you do it for a great reason and that the effect is what you want. Oh, and did I mention ridiculous heroes? Characters acting in ways they never would, given the way they were written.

What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of our comfort zone?


Well, I don't know what parameters shape your comfort zone, but I can tell you two aspects of writing I find challenging: 1) Fashion. I am not a shopper, did not get that gene, and could care less about clothes, and I often write characters who define themselves by how they dress. In a historical book, this can be challenging; 2) Interviewing three private investigators about their jobs. This was very difficult as they were all so attractive, so interested in me and what I was doing, and all were about fifteen years younger than me. The interviews took all day, included lunch and dinner and I felt a little like Mrs. Robinson x three by the end.

Can you tell us a little about your newest release that isn’t in the blurb? Which character is your favorite?


* We’ve Got This is basically the kind of book I'd want to read...funny, well written, a fantasy, but grounded. It's like Notting Hill in reverse, where a single mom in her 40s with teenage twins ends up being the driver for the mega star she's had a crush on forever. What he doesn't know is that she's the screenwriter. The novel is set in Vermont and involves a story within a story as they film an independent movie.

*I like Ryan. Who wouldn't? He's been voted People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive," and he's come to Vermont to find his artistic roots. He is all about truth and Kate is all about deception as she tries to hide who she really is. This dynamic provides a nice source of tension.

If you could only describe a single scene to encourage someone to read your novel, which scene would you describe?

* Ryan is suffering from dehydration and our heroine has to get him to the hospital without killing him, and all the hospital staff are women. I get to write about unbearable sexual attraction, the failings of GPS, a gasping man, the state of healthcare, and science all in the same scene. It's funny, dramatic, and poignant.

What are you currently working on?

*I am writing the novel of the film Kate wrote: "Love's Labours Won." It has a lot of Shakespearian qualities to it that make it a fun read as well.

What makes a romance novel a great love story and how would you define "romance"?

*Obstacles, obstacles, obstacles. These challenges need to be within the characters as well as external to the characters. The greater the obstacles, the greater the love story. Everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation is vulnerable. Romance is the decision to let go and love someone.

I've read "We've Got This!" It's a wonderful book. I absolutely loved it, and was sad to see it end. I would have gladly kept reading on and on about these two characters.

I loved the Vermont atmosphere - the local culture and color really comes through. I loved the supporting cast (Kate's best friend and her two teenagers). Ryan was drool-worthy, for sure.

I highly recommend this novel!

April wrote: "I've read "We've Got This!" It's a wonderful book. I absolutely loved it, and was sad to see it end. I would have gladly kept reading on and on about these two characters.

I loved the Vermont atmo..."

Thanks for letting us know, April ;)

Great interview. We've Got This sounds interesting :-)

I really enjoyed it. It's a very clever book, with great (and often surprising) dialogue. I really hope the author writes a sequel, because I'd like to revisit these characters again. I definitely wasn't ready for the book to end.