Respect: Mutual respect is key to a romantic relationship. Each partner should value and appreciate the other’s opinions, boundaries, and individuality.
My favorite historical novels are those where the main male character goes against societal norms in that he actually respects the main female character. If he admires and supports her, all the better. Yes, this is atypical for the time periods that I read and write in, but this is a trait that makes you absolutely fall in love with the hero.
Tag: romancebooks
Figuring Out The Romance
When I’m reading or writing a romance, I always try to figure out why I do or do not consider the relationship between the main characters to be ‘romantic’. Sometimes a novel will miss the mark completely, opting for lust rather than romance.
I realize that there are certain things I consider deeply romantic that don’t necessarily fit into the usual romance novel tropes- the biggest being open and honest communication. This is crucial in any romantic relationship and in a novel, must happen by the end of the book, in my opinion.
Miscommunication is the main driver of most plots. I confess that in the books I love best, the romantic duo should be on the same side and facing adversity together. Yet, in my first novel, I chose to show a potentially romantic relationship thwarted by a lack of honesty. In A Misalliance with Love, miscommunication comes about because the romantic duo are blinded by their own views and needs. in Marry Me, Duke, the female main character is honest, even though her honesty can be seen in a bad light. Her love interest is keeping secrets and suppressing his love for her.
The ability to express feelings, thoughts, and desires fosters a deep connection between partners, and it does happen at the end of the novels.
Check out A Misalliance with Love and Marry Me, Duke – available on Amazon.
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How did you come up with your idea for a novel?
A reader asked me this and it made me realize that most of my ideas come from something that resonates with me on a personal level.
I love writing historical romances, and the inspiration for my most recent novel, Marry Me, Duke, came from experience. No, sadly, I did not marry a duke. I was a caregiver for a few years and decided that one of my main characters should be a caregiver.
It turned into a semi-mystery with a bold debutant caring for a handsome duke. She was bossy and controlling but well-meaning and falling in love.
Most of my ideas come to me while thinking of hobbies or situations a Victorian heroine can find herself in, and it is easier to craft a character I can personally relate to.
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The love of the historical romance
My love for Regency romance novels – and writing them – is a tribute to the genre’s ability to provide an engaging blend of history, romance, and escapism. The elegance of the historical era, be it Regency, Victorian, or any other, coupled with strong characters and timeless love stories, creates an experience that I continue to find enchanting and enduring.
Check out ‘A Misalliance with Love’ and ‘Marry Me, Duke’ where you can enter the enchanting world of the Victorian debutant. https://amzn.to/3RVBJLD
On Valentine’s Day, Marry Me, Duke will be released to Kindle Unlimited!
Happy Reading!
Image generated using AI – Midjourney.
DEE HARPER LEWIS 