Romance is the spice of life - J. Kenner

Romance is the spice of life

UPDATE: Congrats to Tracey D who won the drawing for the $25 gift card!!

Hey y’all!!!

The grand prize winners have been announced, but I’m going to leave comments open here for the gift card until 10pm CST tonight. I’ll draw a winner first thing in the a.m. and announce it on the blog. Thanks to everyone who participated! Hope to see you at the next hop!

Pretty much everyone has heard the saying “variety is the spice of life.”

And I think most folks are aware that romance is the bestselling genre fiction, making up mumblemumble of the market (because I’m too lazy at the moment to look up actual stats, but let’s just say it’s a big portion).

You know what? I know why. Because romance is variety.

Think about it. You have contemporary romance. Sweet romance. Erotic romance. Paranormal romance. Romantic suspense. Inspirational romance. And all those books that may not fall within the definition of genre romance but are still either love stories at their heart or include powerful love stories.

After all, what kind of story is more enduring than a love story?

I’m a person who likes variety. Ask me what my favorite color is, and I don’t have one. I don’t even really have a favorite movie (having outgrown my standard Star Wars response because, while I do love it, there are so many other brilliant films out there). I don’t even have a favorite book or a favorite author. I read pretty much anything anyone puts in my hands. And for that reason romance is very satisfying to write.

In my career as an author, I’ve written contemporary romance, historical romance (okay, two novellas and one was a time travel, but still), light paranormal romance, erotic romance, dark paranormal romance and romantic suspense. I’ve also written chicklit, urban fantasy, and what I like to call paranormal mommylit, all of which contain romantic elements.

At this actual moment in time, I have several dark paranormal romantic suspense novels on the shelf (the Shadow Keepers series I write as J.K. Beck, I’m a few months away from the debut of an erotic romance, RELEASE ME, that I’m writing as J. Kenner, and I have recently re-released my very first single title romance as an ebook, THE CAT’S FANCY, which is very light paranormal in the vein of Splash or The Little Mermaid.

But that’s the fun or romance. There’s something for everyone!

I’m so glad you visiting Romancing the Hop! Be sure to visit everyone for fabulous prizes, including one of the grand prizes!

I’m giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter! So let me know what you think about romance — favorite sub-genre, favorite book, anything at all! And DON’T FORGET that the grand prize winner for the blog hop is coming from commenters across all the blogs, so be sure to leave your email address in the comment box! You don’t want to miss out on the grand prize drawing!

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Large Swag Pack

Each time you comment, you’re entered, so you can comment on all the blog hop blogs. But if you don’t leave an email addie, you’re out of the running, so don’t forget!

75 Comments

Christy Hodge

I love all sorts of romance but my two favorites are historical and supernatural types.Something about the two just are the best.

Patricia

I have to admit, I don’t usually go with strict romance on purpose. Paranormal usually has a stronger dose of the kind of plot I enjoy as a cover for the romance, so it’s my favorite. I like humor and anything that leavens the cliches.

Julie

I have been a longtime lover of Paranormal romance. My first favorite author was Maggie Shayne. I have gotten more into Urban Fantasy and historical romance but my absolute favorites are ones that make me laugh or cry with the characters: JR Ward, Lynsay Sands, Kerrelyn Sparks and Julie Kenner <3

Valerie Long

I love romance, especially paranormal romance and supernatural romance! =) Thanks so much for the opportunity to join in and enter this generous giveaway! =)

Valerie Long

Wasn’t sure if I needed to put my email and name in the comment as well so here it is.

Valerie Long
just.val.1974(at)gmail(dot)com

Julie

yes, please include in the comments. I don’t need it for my prize as I can see folks’ addie’s from the admin page, but the grandprize drawings will be done across ALL the comments on all the blogs, and it would be unwieldy if the coordinators have to as blog owners to pull addies.

So thanks!

Sue P

Historical, contemporary, suspense – not much into the vampire, shape-shifter stuff. Only paranormal I read is Jayne Ann Krentz.

Nissa Collins

I read just about anything I can get my hands on, but my favorites are paranormal romances. I really enjoy being whisked away by the characters and the fantasy of it all. I found my Prince Charming, so I don’t have to live vicariously through the “normal and realistic” characters. But, the characters and the stories have to grab me. I love reading Julie Kenner , Casey Daniels, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Katie MacAlsiter, and Kerrilyn Sparks (to name just a few). What I really love, though, is being in touch with some of my favorite authors through social media. I’m old enough to remember when the only contact you could have was snail mail through the publisher. I really feel like I know the authors and have struck up friendships with them. I’ve met an awful lot of kindred spirits this way, too. Thanks to my favs for being so easily accessible!
phizgig24@yahoo.com

Julie

It is cool, isn’t it! I love the interaction that’s available now, too! And the immediacy!

Delphina

What a fun hop! I am not sure I could pick a fave.
delphinareadstoomuch at yahoo

Kelsey S.

I loved your post. I agree that there is a lot of variety in romance. It’s not always the same. Lately my favorite has been erotic romance.

kesummer69 at gmail dot com

Julie

🙂

I hope you check out RELEASE ME, then! Coming in December!!! (end commercial….)

Liv Rancourt

There seems to be an endless number of ways that writers tell the same basic story: couple meets/sparks fly/ obstacles arise and are overcome/HEA. That’s what makes the genre fun!
livrancourt (at)yahoo(dot)com

Shannon

I love historical romance with the dashing lord

fencingromein at hotmail dot com

Ginger Robertson

Hi Julie.
I prefer contemporary romances. Whether it is a funny, suspense, some tears or a combination of any. I love reading, it relaxes me and puts my mind in another place. I thank you for your time and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Trix

I’m crazy for m/m, but I’m starting to enjoy m/m/f menages as well. I like stories that aren’t as predictable as het romance.

vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

Lorraine

Totally into historical romance. Give me earls and viscounts, and I’m a happy reader !
ptitpupuk at sky dot com

Krista

I am currently obsessed with urban fantasy! I’ve always loved vampires and werewolves, and I just love the deeper character development that you get with urban fantasy.

Thanks for doing this giveaway!
pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com

Dovile

My favorite subgenre is paranormal romance. Thanks for the chance!

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Michelle

Hi Julie,

I love paranormal and urban romance. I recently tried to read a “normal” romance and found I kept waiting for the mystery or “abnormal” to show up, even when I knew it wouldn’t be there;) . Thanks for the many hours of great fun. Can’t wait for the next Demon Hunting Soccer Mom.

tsmith891@gmail.com

kimmyl

I love historical romance and paranormal the best. I don’t really have a favorite author but I have authors that I love reading – Jennifer Ashley, Alex Rickloff, Elizabeth Hoyt, and so many more. Thanks for a great blog hop.

klmc_37@yahoo.com

JeanMP

I read all types of romance but find I tend to read more historical and romantic suspense.
skpetal at hotmail dot com

donnas

I read them all. But my all time favorites and the ones I keep coming back to are paranormal and romantic suspense. I love love when they combine as well.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Marie Haney

I’m not particularly picky about what sub-genre of romance I read. I tend to like a large variety 🙂 But one of my favorites is J.R. Ward.

What I love the most about romance, is that I get to live vicariously through the characters of the books. It’s an escape to a whole other world for awhile 🙂

Thanks for the post and the giveaway!

songbird1613 at yahoo dot com

Evie T.

I really like Historical romances.
Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br

gaele

FINALLY – another promiscuous non-discriminatory reader! I commented to a post on fb about reading that I am a nondiscriminatory promiscuous reader who doesn’t practice “safe” reading – if something catches my eye I dive right in. I love books – always have – and read anything that crosses my path. I like romance for the paths to the HEA or HFN, although I’ve found some amazing sub-genres of it I don’t yet have a “must”… I’m still finding it all out. And this blog hop has been amazing for my list of “to gets and devour”. Thanks for participating

glhince@gmail.com

Feather Stone

Hey, I thought I was one of the few that liked all the colors – no favorite. And I don’t think I’ve read a book that didn’t at least some romance in it. Love your post. Good luck in your success in publishing those manuscripts waiting on your shelf. Two thumbs up!
Feather

Susan Smith

I love all sorts of romance but my two favorites are historical and
contemporary

Patti C

Thanks for participating! Really like the hop so far!! I love reading, especially romance. I love reading contemporary, historical and erotic romance. I love the happy ending that is garenteed at the end. My favorite book is Lover Mine by JR Ward! I love John Matthew and Xhex. My favorite romantic moment was when my fiancé asked me to marry him! We meant two years ago right around when summer was ending! I think it is romantic when he brings me flowers because no one else has ever done it! My friend and I went out for our last big night out before classes started again. Thanks so much! Hope everyone else is having a great long weekend!!

prettyunicorn78@yahoo.com

JanD

I read romance for the characters’ journey to HEA. I prefer to read paranormal and historical romance.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com

AnnaM

My favorite type of Romance is Science Fiction Romance. Next, I’d have to say Romantic Comedy or Romantic Suspense.

AnnaM.
doxisrcool at aol dot com

Veronika

My favorite sub-genres are contemporary and paranormal romance! But I really love all of them! Thank you for the giveaway!
verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

KittyB78

I adore romances. My favorite part is the growing chemistry and intimacy {being able to know what the other wants/needs without words} between man and woman. 🙂
Fave books are The Princess Bride, The Jungle Book {great movies too!}
Movies are Romancing the Stone, and Not Another Cinderella Story.
Thanks for participating in the hop and giving us all a chance to win, and share our stories.
bidelia78@yahoo.com

Kaylyn D

My favorite sub-genres are erotica & suspense. I read all kinds of genres though, it just depends on my mood. I love your cover. It draws you in. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

Kelly R

I love reading romance books because it is an escape away from real life, knowing in the end that the girl gets the guy and they live happy ever after….I have met my Love and we do have a Happy Ever After…

ronnkelly3@aol.com

Elizabeth H.

Love to read romance books because I like to know that at least someone is getting an HEA, even if the characters are only fiction! Thanks for joining the hop and the awesome giveaway!
ehaney578 at aol dot com

Krystal Shannan

My favorite thing about romance is the journey the hero and heroine go on to find their HEA!
Thanks for sharing. Love the blog, great hop!
krystalshannan@yahoo(dot)com

Shadow

Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaways! This is so much fun! Thank you! My favorite thing about romance is the romance. lol I love the characters, the plots, the HEA’s, the love. I love it all!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

Qwillia

I’ve got to say, I love almost all genres of romance, but most particularly now it’s erotic romances.
For me, romance is all about the trust and respect built between the characters. Since I write BDSM, these elements are very important.
Thank you for participating in the blog hop!
qwilliarain(at)gmail(dot)com

Crystal Craig

I love all types of romances too and I don’t really have favorites of anything, haha. I guess I’m a lover of variety as well. 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway and for being part of the hop!

craigcrystal(at)ymail(dot)com

Michele L.

I love historical romance! Love the manor houses and lords and ladies!

shermie40 at yahoo dot com

Tracey D

I love the chase and HEA in romances. I love several sub-genres, too. I love erotic, paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, and m/m.

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

Pamiam

I love all romance. I tend to get lost in the story and feel the angst and love and have been known to sit in my chair with tears running down my face. There is nothing like the big sigh at the end of a book when they get their HEA

Rita Wray

I love contemporary and historical romance. Two of my favorite authors are Judith McNaught and Kathleen E. Woodiwiss.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Sherry S.

I love paranormal and romantic suspense the most. Some of my favorite authors are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Lora Leigh, Lori Foster, Jayne Ann Krentz and Linda Howard.
sstrode at scrtc dot com

Sandy Lion

I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and follow many serie, maybe too many according to my husband and our dwindling bank account. i love the Dark-Hunters and The League from Sherrilyn Kenyon, the LOTU and Alien Huntress series from Showalter and the Ghost-hunters and Darkor Carpathian series from Christine Feehan. That is just a taste. I love your series as well and think you have amazing witt and talent. Take care, sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

Mel Bourn

I love all types of romantic genres. My favorites being historical, paranormal,and BDSM. I love to read a good series.

mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

Renee B

What a great hop! Grand prizes, old friends to visit and new ones to meet… and chances to win at each stop too. I’m in Blog heaven! :-}

I’m a sucker for the HEA. All my favorite authors give me a great story line, characters I can identify with, HOT love scenes and a perfect HEA! I especially like the erotic paranormal romances.

Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

Yazmin Rangel

My favorite romance are paranormal and contemporary. But it always has to have a HEA.
Thank you for being part of the blog hop. 🙂

yazmin.z.rangel(at)gmail(dot)com

Michelle Bledsoe

I love the romance of the books. How the characters go after what they want.
I just want to say how much I am loving your books.
Thanks for joining the hop.

koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

JoAnna B

I love paranormal romance. I have a few of your books in my TBR pile. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
beckerjo at verizon dot net

Sarah Kalaitzidis

I think romance is a great thing! I’ve never experience it before but I would love too! Thanks for the great giveaway!
red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Tammy Turner

Why I like Romance Novels….The reason I like Romance Novels so much is because it is one place where I can be anywhere like England, Scotland, Rome, Ireland, or anywhere in the US. I can also be in any time like 1200’s Scotland, 1500’s England, 1900’s Chicago. I can be anyone like a princess, a servant, a werewolf, a duchess, a vampire, or a lost soul. But no matter what I get the privilege and the experience to overcome many different obstacles and find love. I am a mother of three teenagers as well and there are many days when I need an escape and my heart needs a rest from the trials of being a parent and trying to do what is best for everyone but yourself. I have overcome cancer, loss, and financial problems and Romance Books let my heart soar and feel free. Let me tell you in this world, and during this time where life can have so many struggles it is great that you can be, have, and do so many things to find love and romance and still be yourself!

angelheart618@gmail.com

Penny B W

My favorite sub genres are paranormal and contemporary!

pennykathleen28(at)gmail(dot)com

Monica

Lately I’m reading sensuous historical romance with paranormal as a close second.
mcv111@hotmail dot com

Tina B

I love romance!! It is my favorite genre! My favorite sub-genres are paranormal and historical. If there is some erotic material in them, all the better. 😉
Romance allows me an escape from my world to relax and enjoy something with that HEA.
Thank you for the wonderful post and giveaway.
trb0917 at gmail.com

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