Aug 31, 2015 | August 2015, Blog, Shana Galen
Guest Post: Top 5 Most Romantic Pick-ups by Shana Galen
We all know the story—two people from different worlds who meet under the most unlikely circumstances, and despite all the odds, fall in love. I love those stories, and at their heart, most of my books touch on this theme to some degree or another. In The Rogue You Know the hero and heroine really are from two different worlds. Gideon is a thief from the notorious Seven Dials rookery who has absolutely nothing. Susanna is the daughter of an earl, who has everything she could ever want or need. They meet when Gideon climbs through the library of Susanna’s town house. He’s looking for a friend, and she’s looking for a way out. She hits him in the head with a candlestick, which isn’t the most romantic of meetings, but it certainly makes an impression! The meeting of the hero and heroine is always my favorite scene to write. Here are my top 5 most romantic pick-ups.
1) Rapunzel Hits Flynn Rider with the Frying Pan in Tangled
If you’re thinking this sounds a lot like Gideon and Susanna’s first meet, you’d be right! The Rogue You Know is loosely based on the Disney film Tangled. From Flynn’s broken smolder to Rapunzel’s too-free use of that frying pan, the meeting of my favorite Disney couple is romantic, funny, and memorable.
2) The Pressing of Hands in Romeo and Juliet
Okay, so the ending of this story isn’t the happiest, but no one can deny that the sparks fly when these star-crossed lovers meet and fall instantly in love. Shakespeare makes the simple act of touching hands both heart-melting and sigh-worthy.
3) Hugh Grant Spills Juice on Julia Roberts in Notting Hill
I admit that I’m a huge Hugh Grant fan. He does bumbling and charming so well. Paired with Julia Roberts, Notting Hill couldn’t not be cute and romantic. Plus, it takes place in a bookstore. That’s it. I’m sold.
4) Hugh Grant (this time as Prime Minister) Meets Natalie, His New Housekeeper in Love, Actually
I know! Another Hugh Grant movie. I told you I like him. This movie has a lot of great meets, but my favorite is when the Prime Minister meets Natalie, and she’s so nervous she can’t stop cursing. Hilarious!
5) Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore Meet Over Waffles (and Meet Over Waffles) in 50 First Dates
Any movie that has this many romantic meetings between the two characters destined to fall in love deserves a mention. Sandler has to woo Barrymore every day, and he is super romantic and creative about it. One can’t even claim he’s in it for himself because he has to start over from the beginning every day and doesn’t get much except the opportunity to spend more time with the woman he’s falling in love with. I could swoon.
What’s your favorite romantic meeting from a movie, TV, or a book?
Author Biography
Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Book Reviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter. Stop by her website at shanagalen.com.
Social Networking Links
Website: https://www.shanagalen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shanagalen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/93709.Shana_Galen
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Apr 6, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Shana Galen
While You Were Spying by Shana Galen is a fantastic prequel in her Regency Spies series. I’m always ready to read a great spy story set in Regency England that has dashing Lords besotted by strong and resourceful women. Oh, and the cover – OMG it is absolutely fabulous! Based on a few book covers I’ve seen lately, I think purple is the new hot color!
Our heroine, Francesca Dashing, is still trying to sort out her future after her broken engagement a short while ago. No one has discovered the reason for her unmarried state and she hopes to never reveal the truth to anyone. If her parents had their way she’d be married and settled down, but that doesn’t seem to be in her future just yet.
As usual, one afternoon while out and about she plans to save yet another animal, from a neighbors farm, from a fate worse than death. Unfortunately, she falls into the arms of the Marquess Winterbourne, Ethan Caxton and discovers she may be the one in need of rescuing.
Unfortunately, Francesca is not content sitting about and learning the skills necessary to take care of domestic tasks. Much to the exhaustion of her parents, she finds herself in precarious positions of adventure that test everyone daily. When she brings home another injured animal in need of rescue, her father finally puts his foot down and tells her no. However, when Francesca’s parents discover who the gift is from, they assume there is something much bigger going on and insist on an explanation. Will she be able to find a way out of her sticky situation this time?
Ethan was hurt before and is convinced he will never be able to fully give himself to another woman ever again. No matter how pretty, smart or seductive and charming she might be. When Ethan can’t get Francesca out of his thoughts he has a decision to make, his job isn’t one that allows him to disclose personal information or matters of the heart. Still unable to trust after being hurt he has a choice to make and it’s one he can’t seem to do on his own.
When lives are in danger and a thief must be caught they will have to work together, or risk endangering everyone they care about. Will Francesca finally put herself first? Will Ethan allow himself to truly trust and be open to finding love again?
Through the sweeping countryside of England to the taverns and rustic roads of Paris, France, this book will take you on a journey of the heart and capture your soul. This prequel is the perfect beginning for a fabulous new series filled with spies, mystery, romance and lots of sizzle that will leave you breathless and wanting more from these fabulous characters! I received this ARC from the author for an honest and fair review. I loved it and know that you will too! I only hope that I hope that we don’t have to wait too long to read the next book!
Author Info:
Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
Feb 2, 2015 | Blog, February 2015, Historical Romance, Shana Galen
Earls Just Want To Have Fun (Covent Garden Cubs, Book 1) by Shana Galen has just the right amount of mystery, adventure and attraction to draw you in and keep you satisfied. Marlowe, a member of Satin’s Covent Garden Cubs, unexpectedly and mysteriously receives news that instantly turns her life upside down. When a mysterious stranger whispers a name into her ear in the dark shadows of night, a name she once recalled being spoken to her, everything changes. Fearful she will run extreme measures are taken to ensure she’s plucked from the hell of Seven Dials and brought to safety.
When Brooks Dane decides that he’s found yet another lost child who’s been kidnapped he leaves her in the care of his brother Lord Dane. Why? There is no other safe place for her. Unfortunately for Lord Dane he has no idea the mischief that’s about to occur. Is she truly an orphan or is she indeed the lost daughter of Lord and Lady Lyndon? Either way, her life is about to change. Somehow, all Lord Dane manages to do is get under Marlowe’s skin and the dialogue between them is fantastic. I don’t want to spoil a thing, what I can tell you is that what transpires between them in his bedroom is just one of many reasons why this book is a must read and a new favorite! We are swept into the pages of the book, right into room with them. It happens effortlessly and you can feel the kinetic energy as the attraction electrifies. If only they could realize this!
Unfortunately, Lord Dane’s family is intrigued and aghast when they discover a street orphan is now waiting in their house. While Lord Dane did his best to “clean her up,” she’s still a hellcat! When Lord Dane concedes and declares he’s done babysitting for his brother Brooks, he gives Marlowe a choice. Stay or go. Can she walk away? Does she really want to go back to Seven Dials and live in “hell” with hunger, grit and crime? It’s all too tempting to run back and tell the gang where they can find their next big break-in. Yet, what would become of her if she went back? Satin won’t let her go, the stakes are too high with the knowledge she now has. It all boils down to who she can trust and who will trust her? The more time Dane and Marlowe spend together the more they both question what to do. Can Dane admit to himself that he just might need Marlowe regardless of her true identity? Is it possible that there is another world waiting for Marlowe or will she dismiss it out of fear?
This series is engaging and chock full of fabulous and believable characters. The chemistry is scorching and the writing is Shana’s best yet! I can’t wait until the next installment and you won’t be able to either! While I received this ARC for a fair and honest review, I would buy this book or gift it as well!
If you haven’t read The Viscount of Vice (Covent Garden Cubs, Book 0) check out my earlier review of another must read! Happy Reading Dear Readers! https://booksilovealatte.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/discover-the-world-of-covent-garden-cubs-a-new-series-from-shana-galen-its-time-to-meet-the-viscount-of-vice/
BIO:
Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
