More Than Romance by @KaraONealAuthor #RomanceGems

Valentine's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean romance has. And for those of us who write romance, well, we're in the thick of it daily.

But one thing I've noticed about romance novels is that, very rarely, does every scene contain "romance".

What these books have more of is heart. And love. And struggle. And pain. And courage.

Most of the books I read are about real people facing problems and overcoming them. Our heroes and heroines aren't having meals by candlelight every night, and rose petals aren't raining down from the sky or covering their beds.

Does that happen sometimes? Yes. Because we're reading about people who are falling in love, and so, yes, there will be violins and flowers when appropriate.

But more often than not, you'll find a heroine who is working hard to be the best version of herself, who falls in love and changes for the better. Even if the book has fantasy in it, like dragons or fairies, you'll still be reading about a man or woman going on a journey to what matters most.....

Love. In all its forms.

And this makes me sigh with happiness. It makes me giddy. I love romance novels; with guaranteed happy endings, and people finding their soul mates, I can't help but swoon.

Probably my most "romantic" novel is The Cowboy's Charms. J.T. Davis and Angelique Morgan fall for each other pretty quickly and get married early on in this story. As a reader, you'll watch them struggle through some tough odds.

Angelique's father is J.T.'s rival for an extensive inheritance, and her father sets out to sabotage J.T., his daughter's husband. J.T. has inherited a large amount of cattle and starts his own ranch. Only if he drives 1500 head to Wichita will he get the rest of the cattle. If he doesn't succeed, his winnings go to Angelique's father.

After a series of problems, like sick livestock and cattle rustlers, J.T. insists that Angelique go on the drive with him. Well, that's no place for a woman, especially not one who was raised as an heiress. Still, Angelique is determined to do her best and help her husband get the steers to market.

This sets the stage for all kinds of romance, and here is one scene I like very much:

Angelique found she wasn’t as embarrassed to be in town as she’d thought she would be. Being on J.T.’s arm obliterated all worries and bolstered her confidence. He hadn’t said anything about the food poisoning incident, but his actions told her he didn’t blame her. Her love for him strengthened every day. She would make him proud in some way, even if she had to crawl across a field of cactus to do it.

They stepped onto the boardwalk, strolling slowly with the moon as their guide. “I think most of the stores are closed,” she observed. She felt him look at her. 

“I didn’t expect they’d be open,” he told her. “We’re lookin’ for fun, not shoppin’.”

Angelique smiled as they passed a tailoring business. “You don’t like shopping? Even if it’s for me?”

His breath strangled on a cough.

“Hmmm… Did I get your tongue?”

He laughed outright and pulled her closer to his side. Hearing him laugh warmed her heart. If she could keep him happy always, she’d be content.

“I can’t wait for you to meet Jane. She’ll like it that you can stump me.”

“Your cousin sounds like an amazing woman. Going to college, living on her own.” Angelique sighed. “I’m not sure I could do that.”

J.T. stopped and tipped her chin up to look at him directly. “You have more strength than you realize. And I’m gonna prove that to you.”

His words sent a sweet ache rushing through her. Pasting on a smile, she declared, “Well, who decided to let talk turn to troubles? I thought we were looking for fun.”

He took her cue and led her toward the only lights in town. Angelique saw a line of saloons ahead of them. “I can’t go inside one of those,” she gasped.

“Who said anything about going inside?” he countered.

Confused, she made no response. Once they reached the first saloon, J.T. pulled her into the alley then around to the back. He stopped there and turned to face her.

“What are we doing?” she asked him as cries of revelry filtered through the walls of the night-time establishment.

He took her hands in his. “We’re gonna dance.”

She cocked her head.

“Do you hear the music?”

Her pulse raced with excitement and romance. “Oh, J.T.,” she breathed.

Pulling her into his embrace, he held her much closer than would have been allowed at a sociable. “This settin’ has its advantages.”

Angelique moved her body against his as longing for him grew swiftly. The night they’d planned had been stopped by the sickness of Trap and Booker. Her upset and weariness had kept her from thinking of the time they’d missed.

“I see you agree with me,” he whispered near her ear.

There was no more talking as he led her in a slower dance than the music asked for. The piano player banged out a reel, rarely missing notes, but J.T. ignored the rhythm. Instead they circled a small area, holding each other close.

Angelique could feel his heart beat and drew security from the slow and strong pulse. With him by her side, she could get through whatever life threw at her.

Confidence and courage grew, and she realized all she’d needed was time with him. Real time. She could make it to the end of the drive. She would be careful. All decisions would be double checked, and any worry or exhaustion would not show on her face.

Sliding her hands up his arms, she linked her fingers behind his neck. He pulled her flush against him as she lifted her mouth to his. Their kiss consumed her immediately, burning her with need and desire.

He didn’t take her back to camp for a while. They danced in the moonlight until she was almost mad from waiting. “Can we go?” she finally asked, hearing the urgent, husky timbre in her tone. “Do you have to watch the cattle right away?”

He stopped their swaying. “You’re ready to leave?”

She nodded. “I feel properly and thoroughly romanced.”

“Then let’s hurry before something else happens.”

She laughed in delight as they ran to their horses, glad for missing petticoats as keeping up with him would have been much harder. They galloped to camp, handed their horses over to Slim and went straight to their tent. They saw no one else as people were either watching cattle or in town.

J.T. propped himself up on an elbow as he lay next to her. “I love you,” he whispered.

Tears clogged the back of her throat. “How did I get so lucky?” she rasped.

In answer, he kissed her.

There is nothing else like romance novels, and I read all kinds of books. I've read books by Lou Holtz, Stephen King, and Anne Rice. I read classics and Shel Silverstein. And I love all of those, as well, but nothing sparks my joy like a romance.

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day! Don't forget to participate in our giveaway and visit our Book Fair! We love bringing books to y'all and we have so many that you're sure to stay in a constant state of giddiness!

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