Ann Christopher, author of the upcoming Sweeter than Revenge (coming 1 Jan 08) and all around beautiful person, shares 12 “squealers”…
I know how this sounds, but I actually mean it in a GOOD way. Sometimes a book is working so well and my emotions are running so high as I read it that I just can’t stand it anymore. I have to put the book down, walk away for a minute, and try to catch my breath. Alternatively, I like to bury my head in the nearest pillow and just squeal.
Authors, you know what I’m talking about, right? If you’ve made a reader squeal in a good way, you’ve really done your job, the writer’s equivalent of a grand slam home run. You may as well pop open a bottle of champagne and toast your own brilliance.
So here’s my list, in no particular order. Some authors, you’ll note, make the list more than once. You might also notice that I am, ah, partial to the first consummation scene between lovers. But I swear that’s only because such scenes have so much innate emotional potential that, in the hands of the right author, they just explode to life.
12 Scenes That Made Me Put Down the Book
1. V and Jane Make Love for the First Time — J.R. Ward ’s LOVER UNBOUND (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5). Let’s just say that V isn’t quite able to suppress his need to dominate.
2. V Tells Butch How He Feels About Him — LOVER UNBOUND. I waited years for this moment.
3. Wrath and Beth Make Love for the First Time — J.R. Ward’s DARK LOVER (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1). This happened, as you probably know, within minutes of them meeting each other, and this was my first J.R. Ward book. I wasn’t prepared, I have to say.
4. Liam and Katherine Make Love for the First Time — Brenda Joyce’s THE GAME. The thing that really got me about this scene was that Katherine immediately regretted what she’d done and pushed Liam away. Ripped his heart (and mine!) out.
5. Liam and Katherine Make Love for the Second Time — THE GAME. This time Katherine has no regrets and no inhibitions. Need I say more?
6. Calder Confronts Francesca About Their Mutual Attraction — Brenda Joyce’s DEADLY DESIRE (Francesca Cahill Romance Novels). Up until then, Calder and Francesca had been good friends who periodically flirted a little. Now Calder totally calls Francesca on her attraction to him. Figuratively rips her bare. This is one of those moments where the alpha hero reveals himself to be every bit the wolf the heroine always suspected but never really saw/appreciated. Love it.
7. Calder and Francesca Almost Make Love — Brenda Joyce’s DEADLY series. Pick any one of the later installments.
8. Carlos Howls for Damali — L.A. Banks’ THE AWAKENING (The Vampire Huntress Legends, Book 2). Carlos, the newly-turned vamp, and Damali, the slayer, are sharing a, ah, tender moment when Carlos feels himself losing control and has to leave. But he can’t get far. So he stands outside the compound and sort of … I don’t know … howls for and telepathically communicates with Damali. The scene is WAY over-the-top (I love over-the-top!) and WAY intense.
9. Carlos and Damali Make Love for the First Time — L.A. Banks’ THE HUNTED (The Vampire Huntress Legends, Book 3). Talk about a scene worth waiting for. L.A. Banks really works it.
10. Ian and Elizabeth Make Love for the First Time — Judith McNaught’s ALMOST HEAVEN. This scene is so tender, emotional, and rich in sensorial detail that it just boggles the mind. Ah, to write like this. If only I could.
11. Maris Meets Parker for the First Time — Sandra Brown’s ENVY. There’s a little bit of a twist here that I can’t give away, but let’s just say that Parker is one of the most fascinating, complex heroes I’ve ever read.
12. Lilly’s Health Issues Reach a Climax — Sandra Brown’s CHILL FACTOR. I can’t even describe the power of this scene. Lilly and Ben are trapped in this mountain cabin together during an ice storm, Lilly’s asthma attack is getting worse by the second, and Lilly won’t let Ben, whom she suspects may be a killer, help her. I still shudder thinking about the emotional roller coaster Sandra Brown puts readers on here. Amazing.
So there it is. Twelve of my favorite scenes ever. What about you? Feel free to share your favorites, or to disagree with me. Happy holidays!
