Unwrapping My Favorite Second Chance Romance Novels...

Second Chance Romances are some of my favorite romance reads, whether in contemporary, historical, or even paranormal. After all, PERSUASION by Jane Austen is a classic second chance romance. I love the idea of two people recognizing how they’ve changed since the breakup, and who are now willing to prove themselves worthy of a second chance to win back love. We get to watch the spark that brought them together originally re-ignite and grow into something amazing. I’ve seen studies, which show how some couples who marry, divorce, and reunite in a second marriage usually have a stronger marriage and commitment to each other than the first time around. With experience, and age come wisdom, as well as maturity, I suppose, and those things in combination probably do make for better relationships.

When it comes to romance novels, it always seems to come down to the feeling that two people are truly meant to be together. If they’re not, no matter how connected they are, attracted to each other, or in love, the reader won’t get behind it.

I was watching a scene from THE NOTEBOOK, and got to thinking about Noah and Allie. If she hadn’t decided to face her misgivings about marrying Lon, she might never have met up with a Noah again. Then what? Would they have met again later in life? Is it fate or just luck when it comes to a second chance at love?

Of course, I’m still trying to figure out how he got up those stairs with his pants around his ankles. What an amazing man to be able to do that without falling. Hee Hee!

Of course, Mr. Sparks refuses to call his book a romance but we all know it has the sweetest happily ever after of any.

Some of my favorite second chance romances are:

The entire Second Chance series by Peggy Bird…all worth reading.

TEXAS WIDE OPEN by K.C. Klein…an amazing book which takes you to the past, back to the present, and back again, all while telling an incredible love story.

COLLIDE, a Barker Triplet novel by Juliana Stone…one of my all-time favorites.

ACADIAN WALTZ by Alexandrea Weis is 
not a traditionally second chance romance in that the relationship was unrequited but once they were together, it was explosive. Love this book.

SECRET MANEUVERS, an Ex Ops novel by Jessie Lane – I still love the way this was written, first person from two different points of view.

SWEETEST MISTAKE, a Sweet Texas novel by Candis Terry…it’s a Candis Terry novel, what more do I need say? Jackson and Abby forever.

VAMPIRE INTERRUPTED, an Argeneau novel by Lynsay Sands…it’s only fair that the family matchmaker get a second chance for romance with her beloved Julius. I really should write a review for this one…

And of course, PERSUASION by Jane Austen because Anne was a woman who grew with her years, and who learned to stand up for herself against family and society. Of course, had the Captain not been able to forgive, Anne and Elliot might never have had a second chance at love

So what are your favorite second chance romances? Movies work too!

Happy Reading Everyone! 

Wacky Wednesday: Review of EMMA: The Wild and Wanton Edition by Micah Persell & Jane Austen Blog Tour

Welcome to my stop on the EMMA: The Wild and Wanton Edition by Micah Persell and Jane Austen Blog Tour presented by Tasty Book Tours. When asked if I wanted to join this tour, I didn’t just jump at it, I leaped! A sexy version of one of my favorite Jane Austen novels – was there any doubt that I wanted to read this? No! Have you ever wondered what was really happening behind the scenes at Hartfield?

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for EMMA: The Wild and Wanton Edition:

Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley won the literary world’s heart 200 years ago when Jane Austen first penned the story of their friendship-turned-love.

 

Emma is the young, rich, beautiful heroine with too much time on her hands and an overactive imagination; Mr. Knightley is her long-suffering friend who is always trying to steer her in the right direction. Their love story is one of deep, dedicated affection blooming into passion.

 

But what about all of that sexual tension that crackles in the subtext? In this Wild and Wanton edition of Austen’s classic, Emma and Mr. Knightley burn up the pages as they give in to their baser natures. Discover the sexy scenes that readers of Emma have been imagining between Austen’s lines since 1815.

                              *                     *                      *                    *                     *

Emma Woodhouse is a lady of leisure with little to occupy her time and so fancies herself a talented matchmaker. Taking credit for the successful match between her former governess, Miss Taylor, and the widower, Mr. Weston, she now sets her sights on bringing more unmatched friends together all the while trying to ignore her own desirable thoughts of the noble Mr. Knightley.

George Knightley has known Emma Woodhouse since her birth and until recently had not thought of as anything more than a spoiled girl who he enjoyed goading into temper. But something about Emma has changed, at least in his eyes, and he now finds his thoughts and his desires straying into a territory that has him feeling unhinged. 

Excerpt (a spicy one):

She was his own Emma, by hand and word.

He made a noise that seemed to emanate from deep within his chest, and the light kisses he had been gifting her with continued to travel up from her wrist to her inner forearm, to the hallow of her elbow at which point she completely forgot how to breathe. 

He began to talk again, his breath caressing her skin as completely as his lips had seconds ago.  “You have made me a very happy man, my Emma.”  He punctuated the endearment with another kiss to her upper arm.  “I had dared not to hope—” a kiss to her cloth-covered shoulder “—dared not to dream.”

His words trailed off as he pressed an open-mouth kiss to her collarbone.  She felt the sweep of something velvety and wet, and her body jolted as she realised it was his tongue.  She heard herself make a noise, and heard him echo it.

“I am forgetting myself, dearest,” he said hoarsely into the patch of damp skin.  “Remind me,” he begged.  “Remind me of how I should behave.”

Her Mr. Knightley, Emma thought with exultation, always so concerned with how one should behave.  Emma was entirely uninterested in proper behaviour at this moment. “Not yet,” she whispered into his hair, the scent of the garden and sunshine greeting her as she rested her cheek against his head.  “Please not yet.”

He groaned and his kisses moved to the hallow of her throat.  “Your wish, my lady.”   ***

EMMA by Jane Austen is one of my favorite of her works simply because of Mr. Knightley and the way he stands back and allows Emma her lead. Of course, he does so while keeping her check without her notice, until she makes a fool of herself and then scolds her out of fear of losing her to Frank Churchhill. Micah Persell has taken this beautiful story with its lively banter and unspoken attractions and filled in the blanks for us bringing EMMA to life in a way that I’m sure Ms. Austen would surely have approved - if it would not have shocked her into a blushing silence. Keeping true to the voice of Jane Austen, Micah has improved upon a classic. She has made it even more romantic, if possible. She's filled in the gaps for us. From Mr. Weston’s proposal to Miss Taylor and her wanton acceptance in the garden clear through to the Knightley’s wedding night, which was just as I would imagine it to be since Emma was most assuredly a virgin, when she married her Mr. Knightley. As Ms. Austen ended her own edition, there was most certainly a perfect happiness in the union. 

I highly recommend EMMA: The Wild and Wanton Edition by Micah Persell and Jane Austen to every fan of Ms. Austen’s works who has ever wondered about the true romance hidden between those lines of expert and exquisite prose. Mr. Knightley has always been my favorite Austen hero but now I’m totally in love with this most honorable, noble and sexy man. 

About the Authors:

Jane Austen is one of the most beloved authors of all time.  She never married, and as far as we know, she died a virgin.  More’s the pity.

Micah Persell is the award-winning author of the paranormal romance series Operation: Middle of the Garden.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a double master’s degree in English pedagogy and literature, and she found particular delight in driving her professors to madness by imagining the characters’ salacious untold stories during class discussions of “serious literature.”  She is beyond thrilled that the object of her professors’ horror is now her profession.

To learn more about Micah Persell and her books, please visit her website and feel free to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Also, Micah Persell is offering a ROMANCE GIFT BASKET to one randomly drawn commenter tour wide. Basket includes:  Books, Chocolates, Wine and Bubble Bath. Please use Rafflecopter below to enter. Good Luck and be sure to click on the Blog Tour Banner to visit all the stops - more chances to enter!

Happy Reading Everyone!

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/521ac429/

 

EMMA: The Wild and Wanton Edition by Micah Persell and Jane Austen, Crimson Romance, available now in ebook formats.

                                                                                    

Unwrapping: Traveling to the Past

My darling hubby gave me PRIDE AND PREJUDICE on Blu-Ray and I couldn't be happier than a pig in mud! I love the book immensely and adore the 2005 version even though it doesn't have Colin Firth as Darcy. My DH knows I can watch that film over and over and never tire of it so he was thoughtful enough to get it for me.  He even came in and joined me while I was watching it the other night.

While watching the movie, he commented that it would be cool to travel back to Jane Austen's time if even for a little while. When I reminded him that there was no toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and bathing wasn't exactly a routine behavior for the times, he quickly changed his mind. I laughed at how quickly the idea lost its appeal once he knew all those things we take for granted wouldn't be there.

While preparing for Christmas, wrapping gifts for 14 homeless kids, baking goodies to share with friends and family, I watched LOST IN AUSTEN which I had recorded when the episodes were re-aired over two days. I had forgotten how strange it would be for a 21st Century woman to be suddenly transported into Regency England. 

My favorite part was when Amanda Price suddenly found herself back in 21st Century London. She found her way home and immediately went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Having not been able to properly brush her teeth the entire time she was gone had not left her in a good mood! 
                                                                        
 UGH! Just the idea of using chalk makes me immediately want to rinse my mouth!

Anyway, consequently when her boyfriend commented that her "bum had gotten big", she replied through minty suds rather snarkily, "my bum isn't bigger, it's the dress that makes it look that way!"


And then there was the clothes! Personally, I love the style of dress with its empire waists and Spencer jackets... they may have looked a tad bit chunky in them but they certainly looked elegantly tall, too! But then again, would we really be comfortable in so much cloth with only the occasional bath?  I somehow doubt it.     

So I'm wondering, if you had the opportunity to travel back through time, as Amanda did, would you go and if so, what creature comforts would you bring that you know didn't exist yet? And don't just think about chocolate and how it's sooo much better now!

I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Gaelen for allowing us some time with her.  Wednesday here at UNWRAPPING ROMANCE was so much fun. For those of you who weren't able to make it on Wednesday, please feel free to look in on the celebration of the release of MY RUTHLESS PRINCE and it's not too late to enter to win a copy of MY WICKED MARQUESS being given away by Gaelen to one lucky commenter. Please be sure to read the rules of the Giveaway. If you're interested, please click here.

Happy Reading or Movie watching Everyone and I'll see you next year!
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and only the best in the New Year, 2012!

                                                         

Unwrapping: LAST lines in Romance!

Well, it's December and that means Christmas is nearly upon us. I love everything about Christmas, the music, the lights, the trees, the decorations, and even crabby people because it gives me the chance to get in the last line ... Merry Christmas! No, I don't use Happy Holidays unless I really have to and then only because I have to. But when you see someone crabbing along and you smile at them but you still get a frown, a Merry Christmas usually takes them by surprise and you are able to say you had the best and greatest last line of that quick conversation.  Right?

I've been a part of many a discussion both in real and virtual life about the greatest first lines of books and it's always fun but what about the greatest last lines?

When it comes to romance, or any other genre for that matter but for our purposes - romance ... well, when it comes to a really great read, I usually don't want it to end so that last line is important to me. It may leave me content because the story culminated in a truly happily ever after, or it leaves me with a tear in my eye because it was sweet, sappy and written with lots of love for the characters or best of all, it leaves me wondering if there will be a sequel.  I'm reminded of Billy Crystal's character in Nora Ephron's WHEN HARRY MET SALLY who said he always read the last chapter first in case something happened to him before he finished the book, he'd already know how it ended.

When I think of great last lines, they've got to equal some of the great memorialized last lines like ... GONE WITH THE WIND
"Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day." –Margaret Mitchell,

Romance novels tend to end with a kiss or some proclamation of love or best of all, a giggle from the reader like the last line of Kerrelyn Sparks' THE SEXIEST VAMPIRE ALIVE ...

"He chuckled. 'I'll lock the door.'"

My favorite Jane Austen last line is from EMMA:

"But, in spite of these deficiencies, the wishes, the hopes, the confidence, the predictions of the small band of true friends who witnessed the ceremony, were fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union." 

You just have to smile at that one. 

Another last line that leaves me with a chuckle and a grin is "There's no fool like an old fool, and I'm one of the oldest, after all."  Terri Garey, DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE

 For an awwww moment, I have to look to Johanna Lindsey. Even though THAT PERFECT SOMEONE wasn't one of her best works, the last line made it worth it ...

"With her loving him so much, whatever made him happy would always make her happy, too. It could be no other way."  

See what I mean .... awwww!

So ... what's your favorite last line of a romance novel?

Happy Reading Everyone and take notice of that last line!

            

Unwrapping: Wacky Wednesday - Miss Jane's Eye Candy

I've been feeling much the way Jane felt when she fell ill at Netherfield Hall and have been fighting some kind of bug since Friday which gives a whole new meaning to Black Friday for me. But I took some meds this morning that actually have my head unstuffed enough to think so I'm going to get this post done before I fall into another fog.  : )

The other day I enjoyed a delightful discussion on another blog about who was the better man, Mr. Darcy or Captain Wentworth ... personally, I think they are both lovely but have a special affinity for Mr. Knightley.  My likes and dislikes of an Austen man come from the books but I do have to admit that with the onslaught of productions made, my likes and dislikes have been greatly reinforced by the male who plays the part in the various visual versions.

Take Mr. Darcy ... we all nearly agree completely that Colin Firth is THE Mr. Darcy that we now imagine when we read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE but there have been others who haven't been too hard on the eyes or the heart.

                                                         

But when Matthew MacFadyen stutters his words and declares, "you have bewitched me body and soul." I melt completely away!!!

Then there's Elliot Cowan from LOST IN AUSTEN who isn't anything to toss in the trash although I suspect he might have made a better Heathcliff but then that's a different genre.


As for Captain Wentworth, I personally feel the eye candy is not quite as sweet but I certainly wouldn't turn any down.  I've always felt that the Captain deserved a better look when it came to casting the role after all, the man is charming, dashing and easily caught the eye of many a female.   Rupert Penry-Jones, I think has caught the eye of the viewers --

 

But I've always felt that Ciarán Hinds might have had more the look of a man who had ridden the seas and seen battle.

 

If ever someone decides to make another production of PERSUASION, and I hope they will, I hope they consider someone like Philip Winchester - now there's an American, who can do British and would make a very good Captain Wentworth - in my opinion, of course.

And then there's my favorite Mr. Knightley -
It goes without saying that Jeremy Northam is probably my ideal sweet George but other's have done the job well, too.

 

Mark Strong played the role quite well and brought out the country gentleman in Mr. Knightley to Kate Beckinsale's so-so Emma.





My least favorite George Knightley was Jonny Lee Miller's portrayal but he would do in a pinch so I'm not going to throw him out.  : )

Oh, my word but there are so many more delicious Austen men to choose from but since I'm beginning to get a bit foggy again, I think I'll save the others for another day. If you have any Austen men that you are particularily fond of, I'd love to know about it.

If remakes were made of all of Miss Jane's works, who would you like to see play your favorite heroes?

Till next time - Happy Reading Everyone!

Unwrapping: Romantic Education in Regency Romance

Readers of Romance Novels love the romance and the scenes that seal the love between the hero and heroine. I wonder if one of the things that makes Regency Romance Novels so popular among readers is that we tend to see innocent young ladies being swept off their feet by man who are abundantly more experience in the ways of lovemaking. In our modern age, we learn about the birds and the bees from more places than we should and some not always the best sources of information but in comparison to our blushing lovelies in Regency England, we are nearly as experienced as any gentleman's mistress.

Most young ladies of Regency England learn from their mothers, aunts, or perhaps an older married sister about the events that will unfold on their wedding night. With what most are told, it's amazing that any of them consent to be married at all. Typically, they're told such silly things as "it will be your duty to lay with your husband in the marriage bed. Just be still, let him finish and then you'll be able to go to sleep."

Yikes, it sounds more like they are being given instructions about a doctor's exam minus the going to sleep part rather than what's really going to happen.

So, where then do our young innocent heroines gain their lovemaking skills?

Usually from their heroes, of course, but some of our young ladies are much more enthusiastic about the concept and so do a bit of reading beforehand. It's only natural for them to have a curiosity after all they live in another era not another world. Despite what the men of the time, and some since believe, women need and desire release through lovemaking just as much as any man. 

Take our dear Celia Seaton in THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON by Miranda Neville. She delighted in learning a thing or two from a book she found, The Genuine and Remarkable Amours of the Celebrated Author Peter Aretin and when the opportunity arose, so to speak, she decided to try out what she had learned.

"Tarquin," she said and nipped at his ear.

"Celia," he muttered again beginning to feel sleepy. "I think you've killed me."

"I'm so sorry."

"What a way to go."

She snuggled closer and kissed his neck. "Riding St. George is fun."

"Where did you hear that phrase?"  He refrained from pointing out that it was whore's cant.

"Er, I read it in a book." ---

Or our dear impetuous Suzette Madison in THE HEIRESS by Lynsay Sands.  Suzie was determined to find a poor man who would rescue her father and her sisters from ruin for a poor man would enable her to gain her dowry and pay her father's gambling debts.  Upon meeting Daniel, she was instantly taken by her attraction to him and believed him to be as poor as a church mouse making him a prime candidate for her needs only to discover her needs extended far beyond monetary.  She was more than willing to explore those needs and those of Daniel but surprised him a bit with what she thought she knew.

"Daniel."

He stiffened and felt his jaw drop as she suddenly stood before him, completely naked, apparently having shed the gown he'd all but removed himself. Daniel had been struggling with his cravat as he'd thought, but now she brushed his hands away and took the ends as if to manage the task for him. However, she paused and peered up at him solemnly instead.

"It is very chivalrous of you not to want to take my virginity, and I do understand and think it's honorable, but in one of the books I've read, they wrote of a way I could give you the same pleasure you gave me without you actually putting your maypole in me."

"What the devil have you been reading?" Daniel got out in a choked voice ...   ---

Goodness such an education our dear Suzie was getting from her books.

But then her sister, Christiana in THE COUNTESS by Lynsay Sands was so uneducated in the ways of lovemaking that she hadn't even realized that after a year of marriage to her husband that she was still as virginal as the day she wed him. It wasn't until the real Richard Fairgrave gave her a tumble that she knew what it meant to consummate the marriage.

Whatever are the young ladies of Regency Romance to do? Read books, get advice, wrong advice from female members of their family or their friends? Or wait to be 'instructed' by the hero that not only saves the day but captures their hearts? Perhaps if they had someone like Amanda Price from LOST IN AUSTEN to travel back through time and given them all a twentieth century take on the whole romance thing, they wouldn't be so innocent - but then would we really want them less innocent?

Now I'm wondering if, in fact, we are really better off today knowing everything we need to know about the ways of making love or perhaps, would it be more exciting to greet it head on with a large dose of innocence urging us forward as we investigate the mysteries that only our own hero can uncover for us?

Happy Reading Everyone!