WordPress blog top for author picture and book cover Freud famously asked the question: “What do women want?” and apparently, men are still scratching their heads as they try to figure out an answer. A writer friend of mine once said, “If men really want to know what women want, they should read some romance novels.” Five women’s fiction and romance writers—Justine Davis, Eve Gaddy, Teresa Hill, Vicki Hinze and Judith Arnold—shared our thoughts about what makes our heroines heroic and why women want to read about them. What distinguishes the heroines of romance novels and women’s fiction from the heroines in other fiction genres? Vicki: In romance novels, the heroines face conflicts on multiple levels—physical, emotional and spiritual–and they tend to have the same types of complex conflicts average women do. Heroines share similar concerns, vulnerabilities, fears and doubts, and they address their challenges in ways women can see themselves addressing them. For them, the conflicts are rarely about just them, rarely impact just them, and rarely come at no personal cost. Judith: Women’s fiction and romance heroines aren’t some idealized version of Woman, or some male fantasy. They don’t have to be gorgeous, brilliant and sexually voracious. Nor…

Life can get so heavy sometimes, don’t you think?  Too often things that shouldn’t be taken seriously get completely misconstrued and out of hand – which is sorta how wars start.  Then there are those things we want to say, but politely veil behind other words – something a lot more people probably should do. It’s always good to keep life in perspective, to remember what’s really important…and what’s really not. All too often in relationships, communication is a sticky element that can really gum up the works.  I thought it would be fun to bring that into a new light – a humorous light.  Because its fun.  Because it might bring a few smiles.  And because if someone can gain a new perspective, well, that’s great too. Offer up one your own what-you-said vs. what-you-meant phrases (or one from your significant others’) and you’ll be entered to WIN a copy of my debut release FEVER, a fun read about a man with unusual powers whose been wrongly convicted of murder and escapes prison by abducting an innocent woman. Enjoy! What women say to men…  And what they really mean… 1. Fine: I’m right, this argument is over, and you’d…

SWEET ENEMY…A Veiled Seduction Novel ~ Book One “Historical intrigue and heart-pounding passion make Sweet Enemy a great read. Romance fans will love it.” ~#1NYT Bestselling Author JULIE GARWOOD Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates.  His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs.  When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford.  But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom…and his heart. Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a countess.  If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge.  However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball…