My Naughty Thoughts : Is it the Sex or the Story

When I first started reading romance novels in my teens I became one of those people. You know… the type who hides the cover of their book when reading in public. Now almost twenty years later, when I read paperbacks, I still find myself lowering my book to my lap. When half naked hunky men or a couple writhing in passion grace the glossy cover of a book, it’s pretty obvious what you’re reading. Thank God for tablets.

It’s not that I'm ashamed to be caught reading such “trash”, I'm just tired of explaining to my friends that I'm not reading it for the sex, I really am reading it for the story. Then I get the ‘uh-huh’ look and I roll my eyes in my head because I know they've never even read a romance novel yet they’re judging. Those of us who like to indulge in this guilty little pleasure of ours know that there are some romance novels that don’t even have one line of sex. Romance doesn't always equal sex. It’s about the journey the characters are on. The obstacles they face, challenges they overcome and finally finding their happily ever after. Personally, I love reading about a powerful man whose heart is conquered by a willowy flower of a woman. I truly do skim the sex scenes and enjoy the banter between the hero and heroine. I like rooting for them to succeed, groaning in frustration at their near misses and being angered by a really good villain. I also like men on horses, ladies in long flowing gowns, and medieval castles. I do so love a good historical that can take me back in time. So poo....I like to read romance novels.

And now I've added the paranormal romance genre to my reading list. Oye...now I get two kinds of looks. The ‘uh-huh’ for reading a romance novel and the ‘what the hell’ for reading something about vampires and werewolves. I have to admit that I use to give my cousin the ‘what the hell’ look. Guilty. I didn't know any better. So why do I now read about witches and fairies? Because it's fun. They do humanly impossible things and live in this extra ordinary world where anything can happen. And the secret truth is...they're so damn sexy. Their stories always seem a little more intense, a little more dangerous. I love the darkness that seem to cloak the paranormal genre that's lighten by the romance between the main characters.

So yeah, romance novels have some sex. And maybe it is mommy porn for some of us. But its the story that really gets me going. A romance novel can have all the hot steamy sex scenes it wants, if the story's not there it falls flat for me. If the journey fizzles, I won't be reading book two. If I can't connect to the characters, then I've wasted my time. So I don't really care if there's sex or not, I just want a good story. Because a well crafted story stretches my imagination. For me when I read, it's like there's a little movie projector in my head and I'm seeing the story play out on a screen right in front of me. 

And that's my naughty thoughts about sex and romance novels.

Later Loveys

An Interview with Thayer from Eternal

Eternal is the first book in my House of Dragons series and it's all about Thayer, Premus of the red dragons. I'm happy to introduce him to you. I was lucky to gain this time with him, as the pressures of being responsible for the lives and well-being of so many dragons, I would guess, can be overwhelming. Here we go....

I: Thank you for finding the time to sit with me, I know you're very busy.
T: My pleasure.

I: Why don't we start off with your full name and title.
T: Thayer of House Bratianna, Premus of Family Bratiana.

I: How should I address you?
T: Thayer is fine.

I: I love your accent, it's very beautiful. Is it European?
T: Thank you. Yes it is. My family is originally from Romania but we have lived in this country since the 1600s. Myself, I have been here for the past 200 years.

I: How do you like it?
T: It is interesting the way the world changes century after century. So far modern life has been fun.

I: What's your favorite thing about this century?
T: Cellphones, they do so much. And pie.

I: Pie?
T: Pie. (he smiles)

I: This is going to sound silly, but...I thought dragons had wings and breathed fire.
T: Some of us do.

I: But you all look human?
T: Our dragon ancestors where shape-shifters. We are the product of their mating with humans. Some of us have retained the ability to shape-shift.

I: Do you shape-shift?
T: No, I am just your garden variety red dragon.
 
I: So are you half human then?
T: No. (I don't think he liked me suggesting that)

I: Have a thing against humans?
T: I do not. In fact Kai is human.

I: What's that like for you, being with a human?
T: An experience unlike anything I could have imaged.

I: What do you like most about her or being with her?
T: She sees Thayer, not the Premus. She makes me feel...normal. I love her strength, her bravery astounds me.

I: For a human, you mean? 
T: She is braver than a lot of dragons I know.

I: Is she anything like Kievia? 
T: I did not have the chance to know Kievia very well.

I: Is it okay if we talk about her? 
T: I would rather not.
 
I: Sure. You're the Premus of the Bratiana Family, does that make you a King?
T: You can say that.

I: No disrespect, but you seem kind of young for the job.
T: I am more than a thousand years old.

I: Well you don't look a day over twenty-nine.
T: (he laughs, and its deep and rich)

I: Your Generals have been with you a long time.
T: Almost all of my life. My father made Kas my shadow when we were both hatchlings. The twins were born into the same caste as I was, and Revv I met when he tried to steal my horse.

I: Which would you say you're closest to?
T: My Generals are like my blood brothers and sister, but I've known Kas the longest.

I: If you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
T:  In my home country, there is a lake near Bratiana Castle. I use to sneak off there and just spend the day swimming. The water is so clear you could see to the bottom, and it is always cold. Perfect on a hot day. I have not been there since I was a hatchling.

I: Why not?
T: My father forbade it. I almost drowned there. If it had not been for Kas I would have died that day. He saved my life.

I: Describe yourself in one word.
T: Meticulous. I like to make sure I know all the facts before I make a move.

I: What is your biggest regret?
T: I blamed an entire Family for the actions of one dragon.

I: What are you most afraid of?
T: Losing Kai.

I: What's something everyone should know about you?
T: My Family is my priority and I will do anything to keep them safe. No matter what it takes.

(at this moment we're interrupted by Marastazzia)
M: Pardon the interruption Premus, but your presence is needed.

T: I am sorry but it seems I must cut our time short.
I: May we speak again?
T: Of course.

(I swallow my apprehension and call out to the dragoness before she has a chance to leave with her Premus)
I: Marastazzia, may we speak?
M: Another time ... human.

Welcome to A World of Dragons

Hi Everyone

My first post, my first book, my first trailer.....yippee. I'm so excited. Can you tell? I've been wanting this for so long and its finally here. I want to use my first post to introduce you to this world I've created in my head that has become so real to me. A world where superhuman beings go unnoticed by mankind. Where vampires, werewolves, and other such immortal creatures walk the city streets of Chicago. And where dragons still rule the skies.

House of Dragons is a paranormal romance novel that follows the lives of five powerful dragons as they face the demons of their past, find love, and battle their enemies. I enjoyed seeing the lives of the five main character unfold in my head, although sometimes it wasn't very pretty. I got upset when they were hurt, angry when they were betrayed and happy when they finally found love. I hope reading their stories brings you as much enjoyment as writing them did me.

I haven't got an official release date for my House of Dragon Series, but when I do, the first instalment, Eternal, will be FREE for download for a limited time to my subscribers. Until then enjoy this trailer introducing you to the series.