R Romance

I'm sorry, I can't help it. It is rare for me to want to read a book where there isn't at least an inkling of romance in it. I'm not ashamed of it. It is also rare to find a book without an inkling of romance in it. I know they exist, but I'm hard pressed to come up with one. (Picture/children books not included!!)

Let's be honest, attraction to another person is what makes the world go around. It's that simple. We've all heard the quotes about how if it weren't for men's obsession with women, the world would not have flourished. Can't you just imagine a grunting prehistoric man trying to figure out how to make a fire to keep his woman warm, or develop a wheel to cart his woman along because she is tired? I sure can. Now, lets not get into the drama of thinking "She was probably bitching and moaning that she was tired of being cold and sick of walking so far, so he did it to shut her the heck up!" I'm not even going there!!

Because while that may be the case, prehistoric man knew one thing. If his woman wasn't happy....neither was he...or any part of him. If you catch my drift.

Point being, romance is where it's at folks.

I know it's not everyone's favorite, and there are plenty of people not interested in the latest "craze", but it's whats selling right now. No doubt about that.

The other day my husband picked up a book I was reading and held it up saying, "Do you ever read a book that's not about romance?" The book was this....

My first thought was to defend myself and explain. Like, romance was beneath me. I stopped. I thought of all of the amazingly written books out there that run the gamut of romance. From chaste kisses to...well, more. And I answered him honestly. "Nope, not if I can help it."

J June, Jealousy, and more Jennifer Echols

Happy Tuesday!! I've been dreaming of June the past few days. I have major spring fever and I want school to be out. (For what it's worth, as soon as my kids have been home a week I will be dreaming of days home alone in peace.) Moving on.

What is it about jealousy that makes my heart pitter patter? I LOVE jealousy in my romance. Love it. What does this say about me? It clearly needs exploring in therapy. However, I can't deny that when I'm reading and something is happening...you feel it building, the hero or heroine is going to see something that makes them burn inside with jealousy.

AHHHH!!!!!

 I love that rush. I love the resulting action and explosion. I love to write it.

YA romance is full of jealousy, and I adore it because a young persons reactions are so raw. They haven't built up all of the understanding that comes as you mature. (Did anyone else spit their coffee out as they read that!?! LOL We are all so grown up and  understanding!) Anyone else love the jealousy?

Speaking of YA romance, my new fav author in this genre is Jennifer Echols. I know, I know. I just posted about her. But, I took Katy's advice from the comments of my "E" post and quickly rushed out to get one of her "more mature" YA books. LOVED it.

What I love most about this is that many might say she pushed the envelope on what is acceptable in YA romance. I get that, I do. But we still must realize that in "real life" this is what is going on...if not much more. I understand that for some teens this will still be "wouldn't want my mom to know I'm reading this" material...but I would have eaten this up in my teens. It's funny that I wasted my high school years reading "grown up" books and not YA fiction. But truthfully, and I could be wrong, but I don't think YA was near as awesome as it is now. I'm sure that's debatable...I need to do some research on that.

I can't wait to get more of her more recent novels. :)

E Echols- As in Jennifer

I enjoy a good Jennifer Echols book. Have you read her?

I'll be honest, sometimes it's a little on the fluffy/cheeky side for my taste. (EDITED TO ADD. Katy in the comments said that maybe I should try some of her books geared towards older YA. I have already put it at the top of my TBR!! Yay!) But there are times when it's exactly what I'm in the mood for. Of course, I haven't read all of her books so maybe they aren't all that way. Her newest looks very interesting and I'll be sure to check it out.

Last year I read ENDLESS SUMMER and really enjoyed it. Even did a review on the blog! :)

Today I'm about to finish up WINTERS KISS, and it's been a fun read. Nick=Yum! (Is that the most creepy thing ever?? I'm 33 for heaven sakes!! I was speaking from my inner teenager voice...oh and imagining Nick after he aged 15 years...yeah, that's it!) By the way, this is a double novel that she shares with Catherine Hapka.

 I think she is very good at capturing teen feelings. I laughed out loud when the main character talks about not wanting guys to know she pee's! Haven't we all been there? She refers to herself as a peeless goddess. How cute is that?

Endless Summer

Over the weekend, as I let myself rest up and relax, I consumed this double feature by Jennifer Echols.



I really enjoyed it. It completely took me back to high school or even middle school. This main character started out a little behind in the social/feminine department so she came across a little younger to me. (Either that, or I was a hellion...both maybe.)
Jennifer seems to effortlessly capture the emotions of teens. The drama!!! She was able to walk the line perfectly at being very real but not being too grown up.

This book is really two books in one, first The Boys of Summer and then it's sequel Endless Summer. Both with the same main characters.

Highly recommend and I'll be trying some more of her books! Any suggestions?