We Love Lisa Kleypas discussion

Ok, so why do you read romance? Is it your escape? Are proud and don't care who knows or are you a "closet reader"? LOL Just tell us why and how you got started reading it.

Just for escape! My Mom passed away two years ago and I started reading romances. I never read much before. I read a lot now. I am a little embarrassed sometimes ...... I tell my granddaughter I am reading garbage books so she won't look read my books. She is 12. ..... My first books I read after my Mom passed away was the Twilight series. See.... But it helped me a lot. It was light simple reading an escape. Then all Jennifer Cruise ..Rachel Gibson ... Lisa Kelypas ... Julia Quinn... Elizabeth Susan Philips .... Lori Foster... Sabrina Jeffries ...Mary Balogh.... Karen Marie Moning .. Now I am going through Julie Garwood books. There have been others but I can't remember off hand all of them.

Well, I guess I should answer my own question huh?

I started reading a few years back while my kids would swim...it gave me somehting to do. I had picked up a few books and Lk's Blue-Eyed Devil was one of them, from that point on, I was hooked.

I have been a stay home mom for almost 12 years(I do work 10 hours a week as a barber and I make dolls)...but reading is my way to just zone out and go to another place I guess.

I don't care who knows what I read. I do however sometime wish the covers were a little less"revealing" as my kids don't really need to see them.

YESSSSS the covers are revealing aren't they!!! I bought the nook so my grandchildren didn't see the covers!!! lol

I know I wisht hey made books covers for paperbacks....shoot, maybe they do and I just don't know it!

I was probably about 10 when I was bored one day and picked up one of my moms gothic romance books. I loved it and read as many of the things as I could find. I wouldn't read the longer novels for a few years but I devoured massive amounts of harlequins and the short gothics back in the day. Then I got a hold of The Flame and The Flower when I was about 12ish. The rest as they say is history.

I love most of the covers but I do have a problem with my 10 yr old daughter seeing some of them. And some are NOT fit for polite society. That's one nice thing about the e-reader... I don't have to hide my book :) Step-backs are good, too.

Why I read is simply because I enjoy it. Maybe a little to escape but truth is I just love to read.

Escape I guess....wanting to experience that heart melting feeling over and over again. I'm also naturally a people person and take a strong interest in people, how they behave and why they do the things they do.

I believe I was 12 when I found romance. My first book was , I don't think I even read the whole thing..I'm not sure..but I was hooked...I remember literally thinking "there are books about falling in love?!" I took off from there. However my homeroom teacher in 7th grade decided to tell on me to my parents about the reading material not really suited for a 12 year old. I think at that point I was reading a Jackie Collins..not because I wanted to, but it was all my tiny town library had to offer.

As I got older I refined my tastes...found Garwood, LK, and Howard. After that you couldn't stop me from reading romance.

I read romance because I find a good love story an irresistible draw for a storyline. I like to believe that love conquers all, and a good romance novel shows that. That's my short and sweet answer.

Also, I think I get an endorphin kick off reading romance novels. :)

I've been reading romances for nearly forty years now. My initial need was for escapism, and it still serves that function at times.

I like the satisfaction of how it all gets tied together at the end. The world is chaotic, and it is pleasant to be reminded that sometimes good things prevail. We grew up watching a lot of shows where everything is settled within an hour. I like the feeling of having all the outstanding issues resolved.

Mysteries don't do that for me, because so many of them lack character growth. Two people cannot come together on a long-term basis without each changing the other, usually for the better. Many mysteries lack this interaction among protagonists.

Some sci-fi gives me the satisfaction. This is true of some fantasy also. My mom, who taught Literature for 30 years, calls all four of these genres "plot-driven fition". I call it "junk food for the brain."

The best ones offer a lot more than a sense of resolution. They address timeless themes such as learning to trust or acceptance of others as they are. The characters experience emotional growth. They touch our hearts, they tickle our funny bone, and they make us think.

The accompanying endorphin rush is a bonus.

Heidi wrote: "I know I wisht hey made books covers for paperbacks....shoot, maybe they do and I just don't know it!"

They totally make them! I've bought several from www.fwraps.com and they are very good. :)

Now onto the question...I read romance because I like the whole concept. Two people fall in love, work out their conflicts and are together at the end. Also because lots of romance are told from the heroine's perspective, it's like dating different guys without having to be unfaithful, LOL!

I started reading them when I was 11 or 12 but my mother prohibited me to read 'those books' and I had to hide them. Now I'm in my 30s and I can't still get out of the habit of hiding them, LOL!

Thanks DG will have to look for the book covers.

I read romances because I'm a smut-ho.....& probably a voyeur. I mean you have to be to enjoy reading about other people having sex, right?

I like the action, smut, emotional connection(s), smut, storylines, smut, sexy covers & smut. But what I enjoy most-other than the smut-is that regardless of what bs the h/h have to go through to be together, they WILL be together in the end. Having an HEA isn't a requirement for me but it sure is nice.

I have always been into reading. It really is a great escape and helps me relax. As a kid, I preferred fantasy and sci-fi type books (e.g. A Wrinkle In Time was my favorite). As a teenager, I read a lot of classics (as required for school). As a young adult, I read the best-sellers, whatever my friends recommended, and some urban fantasy. Throughout this evolution of reading, my favorite stories were always those that had some semblance of romance. What can I say? I just love a good love story! I discovered romance novels earlier this year and now I'm a total romance junkie! I like all the genres (paranormal, historical, sci-fi, and a little contemporary), which sometimes makes it hard for me to figure out what book to read next.. lol!

I'm in the "would read the back of the cereal packet if desperate" category. I like a lot of genres- there are quite a few books that drive me up the wall but if it was me and a train journey and the worst book on the planet- I'd probably still read it.

I read widely- classic/fantasy/mysteries etc and romance is one that I enjoy. I read it for the reason I enjoy all literature- it is escapism. Some of it admittedly is more escapist than others- bodice ripping pirates anyone?

Mshj wrote: "I'm in the "would read the back of the cereal packet if desperate" category...."

LOL! Me too!

Oh yes, I'm all about the bodice ripping pirates!! LOL

SmittenKitten wrote: "Oh yes, I'm all about the bodice ripping pirates!! LOL"

Where does one get a bodice nowadays anyhow? I cannot get the pirate without one.

SmittenKitten wrote: "Oh yes, I'm all about the bodice ripping pirates!! LOL"

Love the pirates! Those seem to be my fave type of story...I just finished Surrender of a Siren....5 stars! And actuallyt he ony other ppirate books I've read wasOnly With Your Love, by LK and Justin Vallerand was one nice pirate! Guess I should look inot more pirate books! Any recommendations?

I am always looking for Romance books with happy endings. I love pirate and highlander stories. I would be really upset if after I spent time reading a book and at the end be depressed from a fictional story.

I have to have my HEA's, Faithmarie!

Heidi wrote: "SmittenKitten wrote: "Oh yes, I'm all about the bodice ripping pirates!! LOL"

Love the pirates! Those seem to be my fave type of story...I just finished Surrender of a Siren....5 ..."

Some pirates for you (anyone got any more ideas because I'm a fan too). I'm not convinced that any actual bodices were ripped in the writing of these books though:

The Pirate Lord- Sabrina Jeffries
The Pirate Prince Gaelen Foley
Gentle Rogue Johanna Lindsay
Beuvallet Georgette Heyer
Frenchman's Creek Daphne Du Maurier
Trade Wind MM Kaye
Only With Your Love- Lisa Klypas

Mollie *scoutrmom* wrote: "Mshj wrote: "I'm in the "would read the back of the cereal packet if desperate" category...."

LOL! Me too!"

Dictionaries, encyclopedia's, DH's hunting magazines . ..whatever is on hand!

It's an escape for me. So much goes on in my daily life that I just can't force myself to read any self-help books or those "critically aclaimed" whatevers that make you think or look into yourself. I have three daughters, all under the age of 12. i KNOW what's going on inside myself . . I'm nearly CRAZY!! LOL!!

So, I read junk that takes me off somewhere that I can forget about me and the pre-pubescent monster that has taken charge of my oldest daughter, or the fact that DH has worked 80 hours this week, that I'm tired of cooking supper and just want someone to cook supper for me once in a while.

Anyway! Sorry bout all of that! LOL!

But, that's why I read romance.

LOVED the Calder legacy!

I love a story with a wonderful, beuutiful Alpha Laird (The Bride), or a sweet story about a girl falling for her BFF's brother (One of the Guys).

Or a book that takes me to a place I've never been. Really, really takes me there so that I can almost smell the fire or hear the brogue as the people speak. (Born in Ice)

D.G. wrote: "Heidi wrote: "I know I wisht hey made books covers for paperbacks....shoot, maybe they do and I just don't know it!"

They totally make them! I've bought several from www.fwraps.com and they are ..."

You rock! I've looked all over for these book covers!

I started reading romance after I read the Outlander series.
I was so obsessed with them,that when I finished reading them a second time, I had to try and find my "fix" some how.

Mshj, thansk for the suggestions on priate reads! DG thansk for the book cover link...I gotta check that out!

And Mandy I have a daughter age 10 and son age 11...I understand CRAZY! My sons hockey team seems to ahve hormones in overdrive and my daughter will soon be cut off from all activities that inclde them...LOL

I read a pirate romance recently and it was one of the most EXCITING historical romance books I've read in my life:


The fwraps cover are cloth so you can wash them and also very soft and nice looking. They work best for MMPB because their size is more standard; for Trade paperbacks, plastic covers that can be adjusted are the best because the size of Trade paperbacks varies a lot more. I see if I find the link from the place I bought some covers for trade paperback and post it here. They have cuter designs but the quality is not as good as the fwraps.

Trewen wrote: "D.G. wrote: "Heidi wrote: "I know I wisht hey made books covers for paperbacks....shoot, maybe they do and I just don't know it!"

They totally make them! I've bought several from www.fwraps.com an..."


I have a couple of Vera Bradley bookcovers that I love! They're about $15 at BN but I've found them for $5-$10 on Ebay.

Thanks for the pirate book recommendation. It looks good. Whats the steam factor? LOL if you don;t mind me asking.

I had seriously thought of making cloth book covers....hhmmm

D.G. wrote: "I read a pirate romance recently and it was one of the most EXCITING historical romance books I've read in my life:


The fwraps cover are cloth so you can..."

I think I have to read it now!!

Heidi wrote: "Thanks for the pirate book recommendation. It looks good. Whats the steam factor? LOL if you don;t mind me asking."

Well, there's a scene where they do it in the mast **fans self** so I'd say it's hot. :) Nothing close to erotica of course but there are enough love scenes considering there's a lot of other type of action.

This book starts with a battle at sea which had me at the edge of my seat.

Thanks DG will look into it!

I was a tween (can't remember the age) when my mom returned from visiting her family and came back with three books for me. I read this book...didn't really get into it. I read the second book...didn't like a section of it. I read the last book...loved it. I still have the romance book, and I probably will get another copy so that I have a "fresh" copy to admire; must keep the original for sentimental value.

As others had mentioned, reading romance books is a form of escapism as well as the HEA that I crave. I do read other genre, but my primary genre is romance.

I too started reading Harlequin books as a teen, taken from my mom's nightstand. But my big crash began after I had my kids. I found out that I was too tired and sleep deprieved to read anything that required too much effort from my part, and too stressed to read anything that might darken my mood.

Romances make me forget all my daily troubles and their guaranteed HEA is a balm to my prone to stress and anxiety character; I'm happy I've got one thing less to worry about:)

E. wrote: "I was a tween (can't remember the age) when my mom returned from visiting her family and came back with three books for me. I read this book...didn't really get into it. I read the second book......"

what was the book E?

I read romance because I'm a sucker for love. I believe in HEAs so its natural for me to lean towards them. They make me feel good inside and I love to curl up with a good romance and smile :)

I like the way you put that, Samantha. I have to agree.

Samantha, I agree too. Over time, I have started to avoid romance authors that write with too much angst. I want to smile, not have my guts churning from misunderstandings, insults, and plain ol' meanness.

Me too I also agree!!!!!!!!!

While I like to giggle at my books, I do love the angst as well.

I like an angsty book with a very happy ending (no cheating, no child deaths, no major characters dying in the meantime).

I get heart palpitations when there is angst but if I know the book has a HEA I can handle it. I Love love love books that make me laugh. Like Jennifer Cruise books and such.

Yes, the book has to have the HEA to balance any angst.

I agree gals, must be a HEA. I think the best angsty book I read was Addicted

Bekah wrote: "E. wrote: "I was a tween (can't remember the age) when my mom returned from visiting her family and came back with three books for me. I read this book...didn't really get into it. I read the sec..."

Out of the three books, one book I forgot what it is called. The one that I didn't like a section of is a book by B. Kingsolver. And the romance book that made me become a romance book fan is a book by Catherine Coulter.

It's an escape. I'm divorced, very lonely. Her books make me wish and dream that there was someone like one of her heros out there for me. Of course there isn't, this is reality, but...I like to dream...

I'm here for you too Lori!! :-)

Lori, I think there is someone for everyone. It just takes a while to find that person. I also believe that sometimes we can learn the most about ourselves in solitude. I spent a lot of lonely times, but I think they've enriched me, because I've come to know myself better as a person. And the other thing about being single that I learned is that I know I can be single and be happy. I don't have to be afraid that I will lose myself in a man out of fear of being alone.

I'll shut up now!

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Lori, I think there is someone for everyone. It just takes a while to find that person. I also believe that sometimes we can learn the most about ourselves in solitude. I spent a lot of lonely tim..."

I've learned similar stuff! Seriously I have....I don't fear being alone anymore because I do enjoy it somewhat. I don't need a man to be complete. I've learned, and will keep learning more, about myself I'm sure......but it's nice to know I can stand mostly on my own without a man. I was alone in my marriage....perhaps that's why I do ok. At the same time...yeah...I dream of one of these dudes coming in and sweeping everything up off feet!

I think all us single ladies do, Lori. :)

I was a very happy single lady...independent, career, travel, etc. and very content to be alone. Then I re-met my husband-to-be in 2005 and found a guy who supported my independent endeavors. We've been married since 2007 and he's a great partner. He's not interested in traveling so I go without him. Ireland this past May and I'm hoping for Scotland in 2012.