How I Fell into Romance

Welcome to my newer followers. I’d love to know how you fell into romance, but I’ll share my experience first. I'm also including some of my favorite books from when I began reading romance.  

*Some cover images and texts may contain referral links. If you click through and take action I may be compensated at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support! 

Many of you probably discovered romance in your teens through your mom’s stash of romance novels . I instead discovered romance through my daughter in 2007, and purely by accident. It started when she wanted to read the Twilight series. Incredulous as to what drew people to read

Twilight Saga

such tales, I went to the first page, just to check it out and to see what all the commotion was about. Seven days later, I read all four books and it was like a switch in me was flipped ON. I went to my library and started reading women’s fiction, mysteries, but I truly found my match in romance! Why?
Because I found romances brought joy, laughter and love to my heart. I was inspired by how heroes and heroines overcame obstacles, plus so many other positive traits and for the happy endings!


 
Reading romances made me realize that we’re not alone in certain experiences in our lives. Also, I think

LOVE the series!

subconsciously certain events inspire us to become a better person, building a sense of community, offering a helping hand to our seniors, friends and family. We also learn a great deal of respect and appreciation for others, as well as the brave servicemen and women who protect us each day. Romance authors take us back in time, to different worlds or right here in the present evoking emotions with such ease that sometimes for a few hours we forget that what’s happening in the story isn’t real. We go through highs and lows with the characters, cheering them on or shedding tears of laughter, joy or sorrow with them. In the end, love always prevails.

 

Love Lisa Kleypas!

You may enjoy the sweet kind of romance novels, with kisses that melt your heart or those where passions ignite the pages in flames. It’s not a one-size-fits -all kind of genre. I discovered quickly the difference when I went from the Twilight Saga to books by Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Cherry Adair and Lisa Kleypas just to name a few. Yes, there's drama, action, suspense and happily ever afters, yet all very different in the love department. While I now know where my comfort zone lies, it depends what I’m in the mood for, whether it be for historicals, contemporaries, YA, mysteries, paranormals or military romances. So, whether you prefer reading novels that are one, ten or fifty shades of romance, there's a book for everyone.

Something amazing happened on my quest to find books in my comfort zone. I felt like Goldilocks and the three bears.

Swoon! Navy SEAL

I read and read in search of my “just right” authors. I enjoyed all of Suzanne Brockmann’s books. Prince Joe will forever remain a favorite, as well as Robyn Carr’s Virgin River. But in 2010 I discovered one particular author and did something I’d never done before. I wrote my first fan mail. Her books had all the elements I was looking for in a story, and I felt the need to let her know. Honestly, I thought I’d get a response in a month or maybe never. To my surprise she replied the next day! I remember replying “ OMG!” and proclaimed to be her BFF- Biggest Fan Forever. 

I'm hooked on Higgins

This author was Kristan Higgins. She was so nice and down to earth, just like her stories. She invited me to follow her on Facebook. That’s when her daily posts and recommendations opened my eyes to the world of romance writers. I discovered what a supportive, generous and talented community this is. It inspired me to create Lorelei’s Lit Lair on Facebook and other social media spots to share happiness with others.

Only $1.99 e-book

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Authors are real women, like you and me. Yes, that’s right.  They all have different personalities, hobbies and  interests. Some are shy, others are outgoing. Many are moms with kids and have pets. Some are even grandparents. They also have good days and bad days. Some enjoy baking, gardening, sewing, running, boxing, etc. Some are afraid of hummingbirds, while others are fascinated with penguins. I’ve noticed most love wine and chocolate. I mention this because we often  forget authors are real people, like us. I’ve met authors who have day jobs and still find time to write amazing stories. Social media has been a wonderful resource to learn more about  favorite authors.  

 I'm a character in the series!

I have to share this story with you. One time I met a lady at one of those Mall Kiosks. I told her about so many wonderful authors and books that I’d read and started giving her recommendations, but then she said, “Just tell me which one is the best and I’ll read that one.” You know the deer in the headlights stare? No one had ever asked me that question before! After standing there speechless for a few seconds, it came to me. I said to her, “The best author or book is the one that makes you happy”. It’s true!

LOVE this one! $2.99!

Without a doubt, I can truly say that the anecdotes I share, the causes I’ve supported, the prizes I’ve won, the joy and laughter that fill my days and most specially the friendships I’ve made with readers and authors around the world, would never have been possible if I hadn’t received Kristan Higgins’ reply. It has changed my life in a positive way, brightening my days, my little escape of this busy and hectic life. 

Favorite Christmas!

I also know with certainty had I written first to any of the Sarah's, Virginia's, Robyn's, Nancy's, Jennifer's, Michelle's, etc, that I've discovered throughout the years, I would have received just as an enthusiastic reply as Kristan's, because that's how the Romance writing community is. Authors LOVE hearing from readers!

Now it's your turn! How and when did you fall into Romance? Do you remember who was your gateway author? Have you connected or written to an author lately? 

 If you missed my post about when I finally got to meet Kristan Higgins in person after 7 years  click here. But before you click, share your story first in the comments!
 _______________________________________________________________________________

This post has been edited/updated from when I first wrote it for Read A Romance Month in 2015. 

🙂 If you enjoy Lorelei's Lit Lair and this post Subscribe here: Never Miss a Giveaway & Post!.