Tag: romance

Writing Romance: Why I do it

July 26th, 2022
A friend of mine asked me why I like romance so much, specifically, why I like writing romance. So, lets go a little deeper into why I like writing about romance.

What is Romance?

Well, according to Google, the definition of romance is “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love”. Isn’t that what we are all looking for? A little excitement and mystery? I mean, each individual has their own definition as to what excitement or mystery means to them. To me, finding someone that has the same dreams, passions, and a sense of humor is excitement enough. Others may want more.

This is where Romance novels come into play. Besides the fact that romance offers some hope or dream for some, it can come in many different forms. For instance, there is at least eleven different sub genres for a romance novel to qualify in (I am not including LGBTQ+ as a subgenre simply because it shouldn’t need one all on its own; it shouldn’t matter what gender the lovers are in the book, only that there is love between them), and more emerging all the time.

Romance Subgenres:
Billionaire – where the MC falls in love with a very wealthy lover
Comedy – think of the amazing rom-com movies. Books can fall in this category as well.
Contemporary – Modern day romance
Erotic – Where the main characters develop their romance through sexual encounters.
Fantasy – includes magical, supernatural, science fiction elements in the story
Historical – any romance novel where the time period is before the 1940’s
New Adult – Where characters are in the 18-30 age group
Paranormal – Think Twilight; vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, etc.
Sport – where sports is the central theme
Suspense – plot involves suspense/mystery
Young Adult – for young adults between the ages of 12-18
Plenty of different avenues to start. Then, with romance novels, you also get into the aspect of tropes. Now, the definition of a romance trope is: a plot, theme or character used so often that it has become a convention within the genre. One example of a trope is enemies turned lovers. That one is a classic.

Google it. There are literally hundreds of commonly used tropes, for any novel type. And I hate to say this, but romance sells. It doesn’t matter who you are. Anyone is looking for a good romance novel to read. And frankly, almost EVERY book you read has some kind of romance in it. Even JRR Tolkien included romance in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Harry Potter had his share as well. I mean, who wasn’t rooting for Ginny from the beginning?

These are all reasons why I choose romance to write about. It is everywhere. Everyone needs it. Some may not be magical, suspenseful, or exciting, but everyone deserves to have a romance story, even if it is fictional.

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Time to Celebrate some Romance

July 17th, 2022
So, I may have done a thing. Not sure what it is going to do for me, but I am TRYING to put myself out there. And as an Introvert, it is hard to overcome the feeling of failure and rejection.

Scrolling through Facebook, I actually found an ad (because that is pretty much all that is on Facebook anymore) for a writing contest. Intrigued, I decided to click on it.

This brought me to Inkitt, a website for authors to publish original work. Cool. I scroll through everything and think to myself “What the heck. Why not submit a short novella to see what people think?”

So, without further ado, I have created a short novella called An Unlikely Romance. This follows Summer Paxton, a freshman in college who attracts the attention of the most eligible senior on campus, Ryan Scott.

But what will this contest really do for me? Not a clue. I am just hoping that someone, somewhere will like it. That someone will read it. I know that the top three winners get a publishing contract with Inkitt’s partner app, Galatea (which has amazing reads on there by indie authors by the way, but more on that a different day).

I will say, that if people do like it, I am thinking about expanding it out to a series. Currently, I have a few chapters published. Subsequent chapters being released every other day. It is slightly rushed, only because I am wanting to get it done and submitted by July 31^st.

Click the link here to read the what has been published so far. Be sure to subscribe to be notified when more become available.

https://www.inkitt.com/stories/romance/925437

I hope you enjoy this, and I would love comments and feedback. Wish me luck on this new endeavor, and I will update soon with the Matchmakers!

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Lyla’s Top 10 Favorite Romance Movies

July 14th, 2022
You know what’s the best way to spend your time off? Watching some great romance movies! I can’t think of anything that will make me happier than giving this list a go. Here are my top ten favorite romance movies.

10. The Notebook

This is a classic; in writing and as a movie. There are so many good things about this book. But the ending was hard. Definitely a tear jerker.

9. The Last Letter from Your Lover

For those that have not heard or seen this, I was pleasantly surprised when I watched it on Netflix. It was beautiful. Love lost then found. Just amazing.

8. P.S. I Love You

This made this list, not only because the book was amazing, but also because Gerard Butler is amazing as well (in more ways than one). Surprisingly, it did the book justice, even if there were deviations from the plot.

7. Dirty Dancing

An absolute classic. Nothing but good things to say about this movie. Who doesn’t like to watch Patrick Swayze’s hips move?

6. Ghost

Another Patrick Swayze movie, and boy this one can pull on your heartstrings. A classic with an amazing cast.

5. Pretty Woman

An amazing Rom-Com. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere did a fantastic job. The chemistry was perfect, and dragged you in.

4. Failure to Launch

Great Rom-Com. And of course, Matthew McConaughey is just to die for. Another great actor, who plays the role well. You also can’t forget the side romance between the roommate and best friend. It was too funny.

3. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Rom-Coms hold a special place in my heart (if you can’t tell). I love drama, but comedy typically gets you farther. Matthew McConaughey does an amazing job as well as Kate Hudson.

2. 50 First Dates

Adam Sandler in a romance movie? Yes, and he did a great job. When I need a good laugh and feel good romance, this is one I go to.

1. One Day

Not one that is spoken of often, but I fell in love with it anyway. Very sad, but the build up in the relationship was well worth it. If you haven’t seen it, make sure you have a box of tissues.

I hope that one of these you haven’t seen so you can add to your Netflix and chill list. Granted, some you may not want to watch with your significant other (the really sappy ones are kind of hard, but the Rom-Coms aren’t bad). Let me know what you think! Happy watching!

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The Most Worn Romance Novels on Lyla’s Bookshelf

July 11th, 2022
As a writer, I spend a lot of time reading. Here are some romance novels I’ve read (and reread) over the years and why they’re my favorites. (Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com)

I would have to say that my all time favorite romance author is Eloisa James. When I first found her books, they opened up a whole different world for me. I grew up in fantasy worlds, not romantic (Think Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter worlds).

In my early twenties, after my first son was born, I discovered the book Pleasure for Pleasure. It described the youngest of the Essex sisters and her launch into society and finding a marriageable husband. Full of romance, intrigue, and some silly antics, I finished it in a matter of days.

By then, I was hooked. I started reading every novel she had available; every series in order. And yes, I have reread every book she wrote while waiting on her next book.

But, which ones of hers are my favorites?

That is really hard to determine. It really just depends on my mood. Here are my top five of hers.

5. When Beauty Tamed the Beast

This one is based on the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. If you have ever watched the show House, you would realize that she based the male character on Dr. House. It was amazing how she brought that character in her beast character in the book.

4. Pleasure for Pleasure

Of the Essex sister books, this is by far my favorite. A lot of it has to do with Josie’s attitude. She is a no-nonsense person but has image problems that has carried with her through the years. Being the youngest, she is the last to be married off, and she fears she won’t be able to fall in love.

3. Duchess in Love

This was another one of the stories I read in the beginning of my experience with Eloisa James. This follows Gina, a duchess who has yet to consummate her marriage as the Duke, who she thought was a relative, fled out a window immediately after the marriage ceremony. Years later, she wants an annulment so she can marry, who she thinks is the best chance for her. But, boy is she wrong.

2. Potent Pleasures

One of the first books that Eloisa wrote, and is one I come back to often. This follows Charlotte, a young debutant who makes a reckless mistake at a garden party, as she rediscovers him several years later and decides to marry him. However, the dashing Earl doesn’t remember her at all, thinking instead she remembers her brother. Will Charlotte be able to convince him of the truth?

1. This Duchess of Mine

Jemma makes an amazing Duchess, even with all the supposed scandals she creates. However, her husband needs an heir. After nine years separation, she comes home so they can attempt such a fete. Many things had changed for both of them, but one: they both still loved each other. Can they get over the past to build a future? Will Elijah have a future?

As you can tell, amazing reads. Every one of those books I have read/listened to at least five times. I know the plots of each by heart. I hope that you find your next great read in one of them.

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Lyla’s Top 10 Favorite Romance Authors

July 8th, 2022
What’s better than one or two great romance authors? Ten, actually. Below you’ll find my favorite ten romantic authors that are sure to give your heart all the feels and leave it pining for more! (Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com)

10. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games Trilogy

Not your typical romance novel, but it does provide the dreaded love triangle. Add in the dystopian drama, and it makes for an amazing read. I think the only question I really have is, did Katniss settle for Peeta? Or did she really fall for him?

9. Stephanie Meyer – Twilight series

Okay, I know. Some people may not actually like this as a favorite, but the writing style was pretty good. Definitely better than the movies. One other book that most don’t know about is her novel the Host. I feel it was much better than Twilight, but not really romancy.

8. Charlaine Harris – Sookie Stackhouse novels

Now a major series on HBO (which did deviate from the books, as usual), the Sookie Stackhouse novels were a very steamy vampire romance series. Definitely couldn’t put it down. Of course, seeing the dreamy bods in the HBO series definitely helped with the scenes in the book.

7. Cecelia Ahern – P.S. I Love You and Love, Rosie

Cecelia Ahern wrote two amazing books that was also adapted to movies. Full of love, heartbreak, and bad timing, they will keep you going to the end.

6. Nicholas Sparks – The Notebook, A Walk to Remember

Okay, who doesn’t love a good Nicholas Sparks book? I may not be a huge fan of all of them, he did create some swoon worthy novels.

5. James Patterson – Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas, Sam’s Letters to Jennifer, Sundays at Tiffany’s

As another male author creating romance (he did cowrite some of these books), you have to wonder if they are any good. Normally, James Patterson writes amazing thrillers, but the few romances he has done, are ones you can’t put down. And let me tell you, MAJOR tearjerkers! Grab a box of tissues before you start in on them, you will need them.

4. Julia Quinn – Bridgerton Series

I will admit that I got into the Bridgerton series from the Netflix series of the same name. I am a huge historical romance fan and finding Julia Quinn has increased that fascination. Another that is gracing my Kindle page.

3. S. Nelson – Addicted Trilogy

A new (for me anyway) author that captivated me from page one. Pretty sure it took me three days to finish this trilogy (couldn’t stop and bought one after the other as soon as I was done). Could not put them down.

2. EL James – 50 Shades of Grey

The movie may have died, but the flame inside the book, will burn you alive. For a contemporary romance, this one would be hard to put down. Not everyone likes it, but I most definitely did. The companion trilogy told from Christian’s point of view was also good as well, although not as good as the original.

1. Eloisa James – there are too many to name. I have read them all.

I mentioned already that I am a historical romance junkie, and she is the drug that started it all. Not every book is a smash hit, but when 95% of them fill that hunger inside of you, I would say that is a total win. Her expertise in the field of Shakespearean, as she is a professor that teaches it, is brought to light in her writing. (Here is the link to her most recent book: How to Be a Wallflower)

Conclusion

I hope that this list offers more on your TBR for this summer. I will post more authors as I find them. As I have started writing myself, I have discovered plenty of indie writers that have undiscovered gems. More to come on that, so stay tuned and happy reading!

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Character Spotlight – Melina Morozov

May 4th, 2022
This weeks character spotlight – Melina Morozov.

Melina Morozov has been a fun character to create and mold for my newest novel series. One thing that I have learned in this process; as you write, the more your character develops. You really need to have a good baseline in order to build the character to the end.

Inspiration and Characteristics

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word “gypsy” is the Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the beautiful Esmeralda.

Her long black hair, green eyes, and olive skin (though that is more because she is on the beach all the time) made Esmeralda the perfect starting point for Melina.

Other similar characteristics that gypsies tend to have:
- independent
- wants new and exciting things and experiences
- free spirited
- deeply passionate
Honestly, all these characteristics make for an amazing matchmaker. But no one is perfect. Finding faults was a lot harder.

Faults and Backstory

Now, I know that I am far from perfect. I also know that I need to make sure that my characters aren’t perfect either. To start working on her faults, I had to start on her backstory.

Melina was born and raised in the United States. She has been to her grandmothers homeland, but was never at home there. She grew up in the busy town of San Diego, always on the beach with her friends growing up. Melina never rebelled against her mother or grandmother, as a result she tended to think things through and make an informed decision.

But her childhood wasn’t always sunshine and roses.

Melina has had a lot to deal with in her short life:
- Her mother, who was always overbearing with her.
- Her father, who died when she was young.
- Being stereotyped because of her culture.
Because of this, her emotions tend to get the best of her. Melina will throw herself into an idea if she is very passionate about it, such as the matchmaking business her grandmother started. And at the same time, if she starts to get overwhelmed with emotions, she will withdraw.

All Melina wants is to find her own love and a path in life. Besides her overbearing mother, she had one constant in her life; her grandmother. (More on the Bubby in a later post).

The Future

As I am writing, I am building Melina’s future. I make all the decisions. That is a pretty difficult and heavy burden on the authors shoulders. Think of all the best selling authors that have had to do the same thing? Starting with a simple idea, gaining the inspiration, then building to make the character feel like your new best friend. No easy feat.

What do you think? What flaws or other characteristics do you think Melina should have? Comment below.

Stay tuned for next weeks Character Spotlight – Dorian “Double D” Hargrave

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It’s all bout the place, bout the place, no joking!

April 28th, 2022
One thing I have learned when researching for my novel is that place and setting do matter. Especially when you are picking a real place. You don’t want the setting of your novel be in Florida, then start talking about snow (unless it was some weird climate change book, then it might be understandable). For me, I wanted it to be as close to the original place as possible.

All the greats did it. Rowling in London (I am sure she tweaked some things to fit with the lore); EL James in her Fifty Shades trilogy; Dan Brown in his books where Robert Langdon was the main character. Research is a big part, and I need to do my due diligence so that I can make it seem as real as possible.

Place and Setting for the Morozov Matchmakers

For my place and setting, I have chosen lovely San Diego, California. One reason is that I have actually been there before. The other because it was such a cool place to visit. There are so many things to do and see. And Old Town, my absolute favorite (besides Coronado Island, but we will get to that).

But how was I supposed to make this as real as possible? I have been to San Diego and the above-mentioned locations, but that was 12 years ago. I don’t remember every little detail. This is where Pinterest comes in. Another horrible addiction of mine, but it has been super helpful! Just being able to create a board then pin pictures on there while I am waiting at the doctors office? Yes please!

Not to give away my age or anything, but I do remember the time when you used to have to go to the library if you wanted to do research. Now you can do it from the convenience of your phone. Crazy how times have changed.

Since my novel is only at the beginning stages, I haven’t incorporated a lot of scenery into it yet. But some places I will most likely mention is Coronado Island, Old Town, Balboa Park botanical Garden, just to name a few. And that isn’t including the date ideas that will be coming up as well.

What do you think? Anyone got any good ideas for unique or unusual places to visit in and around San Diego I should know about? Leave a comment below!

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New Upcoming Romance Series!

April 19th, 2022
I am so excited to announce a new romance series that I have been working on! It is called “The Morozov Matchmakers”.

While going through some new writing prompts and plot ideas, I came across one about a matchmaking family, grandmother and granddaughter team, that works with individuals who are too busy to find the “one”. Having a mentally unstable mother, the main character, Melina, attempts to match individuals who would never attempt a relationship on their own. However, the proven formula that Melina and her grandmother, Bubby, have come up with ALWAYS works!

I really take inspiration from this series. If I am being honest, my husband and I were set up by my ex sister-in-law. We would have NEVER been seen together, or even attempted to start a relationship on our own. We were polar opposites on the outside; him being a little bit more of a playboy style, and me being a down to earth, jeans and t-shirts type of girl. Extrovert vs Introvert. I would have never thought that it would have worked out. I most definitely wouldn’t have attempted the relationship, if it weren’t for the fact that she told me, “You never know. You really should try. He could surprise you!”

12 years later, we are still going strong. My brother may not be with the same person, but I can’t think her enough for introducing us (or the niece and nephews I have from their relationship). I guess that is why this series holds so true in my heart. Knowing that sometimes, it takes an outside person to realize what it is that you really need in your life. I am sure that God had a hand in it as well, since he has been helping us in every other aspect in our life.

I hope that you as a reader will enjoy the series as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I will continue to provide updates leading up to release date. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions and I will be more than happy to respond!

Happy Reading!

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