This week’s author is a Facebook friend of mine– Bonnie Paulson. I asked her to write a guest post about romantic gestures and she even included Will in her post!!! (I confess, I may have squeed when I read it.) She has a special surprise giveaway at the end. One you’re guaranteed to be a winner! How awesome is that?
Scoop of Romance – Season to Taste
When you think of romance what comes to mind? A novel? A movie? Flowers? Channing Tatum without his shirt?
Usually romance involves the giving of something like jewelry or chocolates (my favorite are Ethel M’s lemon satin crème dark chocolates). But what about the intention behind the giving? Is it bigger than the gift itself?
I like to see some effort behind the act, especially if I’m reading about it. For instance, Will in Chosen saves Emma’s life like a thousand times – even against his better judgment. Isn’t that romantic? In my YA Urban Fantasy romance, Barely Alive, Paul does his best not to eat Heather – he likes her for more than her flesh. Isn’t that romantic?
I go out of my way to have dinner on the table as often as possible when my hubs comes home – not because I don’t work full time, home school 4 kids, have another job as an author, volunteer for church, and whatever else I can fit in, it’s because it’s one of the ways I show him I love him.
In all of my novels there’s a dish that one of the character’s makes for the other (either guy or girl). I believe the adage that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs. Each of my books has an original recipe of mine linked to it. You can find them here. My lasagna is guaranteed to get me a kiss from Hubs and a big ole grin which makes my day.
That’s romance I hope lasts a long time.
I love giveaways! Don’t you? I find them romantic – it’s me giving you an early Mother’s Day present, or maybe an I’m-Not-A-Mother Day present, or maybe an I’m-Celebrating-My-Fifth-Baby-Due-September present. I’m going to do something a little unorthodox with this giveaway. I have 2 new books seasoned with romance recently released that I love: Into the End (adult apocalyptic thriller) which features a traditional romance (boy meets girl = happy ever after) as well as nontraditional romance (a married couple rediscover their significance to each other) and Barely Alive (YA urban fantasy) which features traditional zombie romance (if there is such a thing) with a Twilight feel around the world ending. I love them both.
Comment below with 1) your idea of a romantic gesture, 2) your email and 3) your choice of either book and you’re guaranteed to win. That’s right EVERY COMMENTER WINS an ebook from the two choices above. I’ll contact you and ask your preference for format and send it as soon as you answer.
,
I can’t wait to hear what romance means to you!
Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and gives every romance the genetic strength to survive. Barely Alive is the first in a YA zombie romance where fighting the virus might be easier than fighting attraction. (Falling Apart, #2 comes out late summer 2012). Into the End introduces the scary realism of what happens when nature and other countries seek to defeat America. (Through the Flames, #2 due out early summer 2012). Visit her at www.bonnierpaulson.com and see what she thinks about science flavored with romaction.
————————
Everyone has until Sunday night at midnight to leave a comment for a copy of one of Bonnie’s books!!!
Where to Buy My Books
My books are also available for purchase in the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Check out the translations of my books.
Thank you, Denise, so much for having me! This was a fun post to write. You’re an awesome author and awesome FB friend. I’m enjoying getting to know you (sorry, if I come on a little strong. I have a tendency to want to be friends with cool people!). What book would you like?
And hugs!
I get one too??? Awesome!!! I’m so intrigued with your YA! Zombie love? I have check this out!
Oh, I should answer the romantic gesture question too. Hmmm… I was never into big things like gifts or fancy dinners. Like you, it’s the little things that mean the most to me. Help with the kids or sending a sweet email or text.
What a wonderful post! As romance writers, we should definitely have a good answer for that. But, I’m afraid in my personal life, I haven’t exactly been over-exposed to romantic gestures. My ex-husband (key word ‘ex’) once got me a calculator for Christmas because he was thinking of starting a cab business and wanted me to help him with the books. LOL. Do I win anything for NON romantic gestures? 🙂
So…let’s see…I’ll have to resort to fiction. Many years ago, I read a book called This Other Eden by Marilyn Harris. At the beginning, the Lord of the Manor is having a servant girl (the heroine) publicly flogged for refusing his advances. He falls in love with her throughout the book, but she’ll have nothing to do with him. At the end, to show his contrition, he has HIMSELF publicly flogged. How romantic is that??? (Okay. Maybe I’m a little twisted)
My email address is: AliciaMDean@aol.com
I would love a copy of Into the End. Sounds like a wonderful book. Huge congrats on the ‘fifth baby on the way’ – I have three (grown) children and I had my hands full raising them. 🙂 I admire you!
Lasagna, huh? Yeah, lasagna works for just about anything. My favorite romantic gesture is to give a massage. One of the ways I worked my way through grad school was doing body work. Quiet room, candles, and an hour’s worth of relaxing TLC. I’m a firm believer the world would be a more peaceful place if everyone got one once per week.
So a mother of 4 AND a dirt bike rider (wearing Fox gear)? Nice! Both your books sound interesting, but I’d go for Into The End. I wish you great success with your writing career, Bonnie.
Wonderful interview! I love traditions too. So cool you make dinner for the family every night 🙂 I would love to have you on my Romance Recipes blog! Here’s the link if you want to check it out. I would love to feature your book and one of your recipes 🙂 http://romancerecipes.wordpress.com/
It was nice getting to know you and your book sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Your Comments… Ahhhh romance. This might be sad to say but the first thought that popped into my 46 year old head was coming home to find a clean house… that I didn’t have to spend all day cleaning!!! Actually, that’s what I asked for for Mothers Day… every one grumbled and wanted to know what they could buy me instead. But I’m sticking to my guns and requesting the clean house. Sooo if the hubby wants romance… he best be cleaning the house.
I loved that you have a YA Zombie book. I’m very interested in that! sherry@sspromo.net
Funnily enough I just made lasagne tonight for dinner. Usually it’s hubby who cooks. I’m not sure I was doing it as a romantic gesture, though, mine always tastes better! Some days I feel barely alive so I love that title! Romantic gestures? How about when a guy asks you to marry him, but since it’s spur of the moment and the rain is pounding down, he removes the umbrella for that sizzling kiss? You guessed it- A dunking in a swimming pool would have soaked just as much…after about say 15mins of solid kissing!
@Alicia – I’m sorry about the ex thing. That sucks. But a calculator? Seriously? holy cow.
Let’s go with you have the best potential to be blown away with a romantic gesture and it’s waiting to come your way. And yes, I love the public flogging for contrition. Let’s face it, tit-for-tat is sometimes perfect.
I will email you for the correct format of the book. thanks for stopping by and your awesome comments!
@derekd = Lasagna and a massage! sounds perfect to me. Ack! I can’t find your email addy. i will see if Denise has access to it so I can send you the ebook.
Thanks for stopping by and your sweet comments. It’s a pleasure seeing you here.
@Jennifer, I will definitely contact you for your blog. That sounds like a blast. I’ll even pull out an unreleased recipe for yours for the upcoming release of #2 of the Into the End series, if you’d like.
Thanks for stopping by, and I will contact you via your blog to see which book you’d prefer. Thanks!
@Sherry,
Oh, girl, you had me at clean house. I’m changing my request for a new pair of riding boots to a clean house. All kids are under the age of 8 and that sounds like something I could REALLY use. I’ll cross my fingers for both of us getting what we want.
I’ll email you for your preferred format for Barely Alive. And thanks so much for stopping by!
@Nancy, I love that your romantic gesture highlights the messiness of life, too. Like when you think swimming and hanging out on the beach is a great date idea, and then sand gets everywhere? Chafing is not romantic. I love it. You made me smile.
I hope you get this so i can get your email addy. If not, I wil see if Denise has access to the emails that are attached to our Avatars.
Thanks for the comments and it’s so nice to meet you here!
Wow, that YA Zombie romance sounds amazing! I’d love to read it.
Romantic gestures? After being married FOREVER, it’s the little things that remind me that my husband is thinking about me.
I think the ones that come to mind are the ones when My husband does dishes without asking, or gets early to make me waffles.
Granted, this happens about once a year, but I still float on cloud nine.
Or, when he gets up early with the toddler because I’m sick and I get up to a clean house and sparkling sink? I might need to kiss him when he comes home.
I used to have dinner waiting for hubs each day but now he’s usually home before three so I don’t. Still, I try to show him my love in other ways. Though I’m the romance writer, he has to be my inspiration. He’s the most romantic guy I know. He texted me yesterday to tell me “I can spell love with one letter…U.”
cmselfridge@gmail.com I’ll take Into the End, please. Thank you.
One quality that I absolutely love in people is energy. Another is a positive attitude. I think you must have both to do all you do. I’m very impressed. Flowers, especially ones brought to me from my husband’s garden, are one of my favorite romantic gestures. I love the thought, and then I enjoy the fragrance and the beauty of the flowers.
I’m working on a scifi WIP, so I’d love to see your IN THE END. Good luck with your writing, and when you have a minute (if you ever do) visit me at my web page.
Thanks,
Danelle
OF COURSE there’s a traditional Zombie romance! Sounds like a great read!!
When it comes to gestures, I’m all about making the bed & he’s all about having that morning cup of tea waiting for me. <3
Thanks for the great post!
Great interview. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 😀
I think I’m kinda weird because I think the most romantic gestures are the physical ones. Not THAT but brushing her hair behind her ear. That kind of thing.
I would love a copy of Bonnie’s Into the End. I’m at candicegreen1221@gmail.com
Thank you for the great post and giveaway <3
Well, first, the giveaway is great, and isn’t really necessary for me to comment on romantic gestures, but I’m not saying I’ll turn down a book – my preference would be “Into the End.”
My comment is about the variety of gestures that can be considered romantic. There’s a book out – can’t remember the author(s) – called “Love Languages.” The thesis is that there are different ways, or languages, that people gravitate towards when they want to express love. Some people respond more to words, some to touches, some to gifts, and so forth. The romance here occurs when the gesture, and the response, are in tune. The partner making the gesture knows enough about his or her opposite number to make just the right type of gesture. This not only shows that there’s a caring relationship, but that someone has gone to the trouble to figure out what’s best to show the care to the other person.
After 42 years of marriage, my wife and I still find ways to make these gestures to each other. Having taken the time to learn what thrills her the most – at least most of the time, if I’m paying attention – when I make the gesture, I at least have some confidence that it will be the right gesture. It all starts with listening. I’m still learning that art, even after all these years.
Thanks for your blog post – those are good words to take to heart. And thanks for the book.
Great post, Bonnie! I think it’s so cool how you keep the romance alive, and it’s so true that sometimes it’s the littlest things (like dinner on the table) that show how much we care.
My husband and I have been married forever (really…I mean it :-)), and he often puts movies I’ll love but he won’t (you know, gushy chick flicks like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) on our Netflix list. Then he’ll sit and watch them with me even though I know he’s groaning inside. To me, that shows how much he cares about spending time with me.
If you’re still doing the giveaway, I’d love a copy of Into the End. Sounds like a terrific story!
Thanks so much!
Leah
leah@leahstjames.com
Romanceing with your hubby, with chocolates, a great dinner, I’m with you there. Also with you homeschooling. I did that with two and that is work well worth it. I bet you have them writing stories.
Great interview. Wishing you the very best
J
I love this. Being romanced! rather than loving romance…
@Jill,
What a great hubby! I love that he helps with the Toddler. That is romance at its best.
Thanks for the comments and stopping by! I’ll send you the ebook as soon as i get your email (I have a list I’m sending to Denise on whose I need). : )
Have a great day!
@calisa, oh my word, my heart melted. that was absolutely adorable. i’d keep that text. Very romantic.
I will send you the ebook asap. Thanks for stopping by!
@Danelle, I’m searching for your website right now.
What kind of flowers does your hubs grow? That is awesome that he shares that with you. How sweet!
Great gesture and thanks for stopping by!
@Natasha,
Love the tea! What kind does he start your day with? Does he sweeten it for you or add creamer? That’s just awesome.
I will send the ebook asap. Thanks so much for stopping by!
@Candice, haha you have me laughing with your “not THAT” hahaha.
How did you know my mind went that way? lol.
I will send you the ebook and I agree, physical gestures are awesome. Great point.
Thanks for stopping by!
@dennis, wow I love that you listen to your wife. that’s a skill most spouses (men and women) can afford to work on.
I’ll send you the ebook and congratulations on 42 years. wow.
Thanks for stopping by.
@leah, Oh the sacrifice to the chick flicks. Yes, my hubs does that too, but I think he secretly likes them. lol. Great gesture though.
I’ll send you the ebook and thanks for stopping by. Here’s to another forever of chick flick sacrificing. : )
@judy,
Thanks for the words of encouragement for homeschooling. It’s nice to hear from someone who’s been in the trenches that it’s worth it. Some days it doesn’t feel like it. : )
Thanks for stopping by!
@Kathy,
Thanks Kathy for the sweet comment. I will try to contact you and find out which book you’d like. Thank you for stopping by!
Is it too late to leave a comment?! I’m a big ole romantic at heart. The whole white knight rides in and saves the princess type. A fantasy of course, but we all love reading those. 😉 In every day life the simple gesture of reaching to hold hands…knowing someone is beside you through whatever life tosses your way is romantic to me. Understanding, listening and communication is another huge toss into the romantic ring for me that also warms my heart daily. A partner, side by side.
I would LOVE to read ‘Into the End’. sshelnutt9@gmail.com
I know it’s too late for the giveaway, but wanted to say anyway that this was a lovely post! Very sweet, as were the other comments. I’d definitely agree with food being a romantic gesture, the way to the heart is through the stomach! For me, I think it’s the every day simple things, making a cup of tea for someone without being asked or getting a surprise hug from behind.
Best of luck with your books Bonnie (and Denise!)
R.
I’m sorry I missed the giveaway… but I’ll play along anyway! Romance is something simple… holding hands while riding in the car, a lingering hand on your back while watching a movie together, fingers that gently trace your shoulders while lying in bed reading. *sigh*
Bonnie,
What a lovely post! I am so intrigued by how I am finding awesome new authors that I probably would have never come across 1. because of my Kindle <> and 2. because of links made on Facebook and blogs such as this. I just downloaded Barely Alive and would love to read Into the End soon.
My idea of romance? …coming home to find dinner cooked; the kids given a bath and put to bed; bringing home a single flower or a piece of chocolate or a silly little nothing just because you were thinking of your loved one; a gentle caress or a sweet kiss just because. These are all simple things. Of course, the big, way out there, I’m-going-all-out-for-you things are great too! 🙂
Paola
destined_09@yahoo.com