Jenna Kernan, author of some really wonderful historicals, is our next cupid. She shares with us her meaning of love and why it’s different from ‘romance’ for her. Don’t forget to catch her February Harlequin Historical, Outlaw Bride, released 1 Feb 08.
First, I’d like to thank Sybil for inviting me to comment on what is so romantic about the hero of my February Harlequin Historical release: OUTLAW BRIDE. Sybil’s question got me thinking about the difference between romance and love.
Cole Ellis is not a romantic guy by nature, but he is in love. My heroine is initially attracted to him not because he is romantic, but because he has skills she needs. He has the ability to save her family, stranded in a snowy mountain pass because he’s led a successful winter rescue before. Trouble is, he’s behind bars and condemned to hang. He agrees initially to her crazy scheme just to get rid of her, not expected she’ll succeed in breaking him out. Once she does, it is only the knowledge that there is a child in the trapped party that makes him buy into a mad plan.
But when does his desire to rescue the child become secondary to something stronger?
That happens when he is exhausted, dying and hopeless. What keeps him from quitting? Not his promise, not even the child, it is his love for this woman that makes him fight on. Here is the passage where Cole recognizes he’s in love. He has just fallen through ice. Below, the swift river tries to drag him down. Above, Bridget struggled to save him using a branch.
The pain was going, already replaced by a strange warmth that he knew was a trick of his brain.
The longer they delayed the more impossible the task. He would get himself out or die.
“Hold on,” he cried.
She did, flattening to the ice and spreading her legs wide.
He kicked awkwardly with his frozen legs, heavily laden with the wet boots and snowshoes. At the same time he climbed, hand over hand up the pole. But she could not hold him and as he inched out of the hole, he dragged her closer to it.
He let go with one hand, prepared to sink to his death, rather than take her along with him.
“Don’t you dare, Cole Ellis! Don’t you leave me out here in this frozen hell.”
He paused, stunned by her order. He had been prepared to give up, just like his wife. Instead, he gritted his teeth and clasped the pole.
“Come on, damn you. You’re nearly clear.”
He wasn’t, but he did as she bid, heaving himself up until he could lift one shoe back to the opposite side of the hole and push off. The other snowshoe now cleared the gap and he kicked against the rim, escaping the river. He was inches from her now. She reached a bare hand to him.
“Get back to the bank.”
She crawled away. He tried to follow, but his legs moved clumsily.
“Come on!” she called, motioning him on.
He gained his knees and finally stood to scramble up the bank. But it was no good. His legs were frozen. He could feel nothing below his thighs.Copyyrighted © 2008 by Jenna Kernan.
Any reproduction is strictly prohibited. Harlequin Historical is a registered trademark of Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
As such all cover art and excerpts are copyrighted © by said publisher, and all rights are reserved by the publisher.
That might not seem all that romantic, but it is the moment Cole recognizes he will do anything for her, including not dying. He’s risks his life to get her family back, not out of obligation but from love.
It doesn’t get any better than having someone in your life that’s got your back, someone who will do whatever is necessary to help you.
It doesn’t have to be a lover. I’m blessed with many people in my life that would face long odds for me. My sisters and brother come to mind. I dedicated OUTLAW BRIDE to them because my feelings about family and love are woven so deeply into the fabric of this story. My Mom has fought many dragons on my behalf and continues to do so. My husband is solidly in my corner and woe to those who hurt me. The man is a born protector. That’s the kind of love that doesn’t include chocolates or flowers. But it is the kind that sustains me in hard times.
Who’s in your corner?
Post a comment and let me know about those special people in your life. I’ll be drawing from the responses and giving away three signed copies of OUTLAW BRIDE from the posts. And, of course, if you’d like to read more visit my website: http://www.jennakernan.com/
Happy Valentines Day, Duckies!
Jenna Kernan
So tell us, readers, what do people in your life do to help “slay your dragons”? Tell us here and you may win a book!
Oh man yes!
Romance is lovely and warm and fuzzy and all that, but love? Love sticks. My brothers, my mother, friends, my kids, my s.o. They have my back, and I have theirs.
My husband, my parents, my siblings and my best friend are in my corner.
I agree with you. The other day both my husband and I didn’t feel well and we had to get our son to the high school at 5:30 am for wrestling. I am always up early so I get up super early and get my son going and then I hear something on the steps. It’s my husband who just grunts that he’ll bring our son to the high school because he didn’t want me going out feeling so bad. Plus my daughter had also offered to make the trip. Just wake me up and I’ll come home and go back to bed she offered.
My mom’s in my corner because she has told people to back off her kids. And she swoops in when I really need her.
My boyfriend has my back too. The cat (who the boyfriend doesn’t really like), threw up yesterday. BF picks up cleaning supplies the same time I does, and when I start wiping it up he keeps saying he’ll do it and takes over. How much do I love this guy?!
And my best friend – always there to listen to me. Always, always always.
My hubby, children and mom spring instantly to mind. It is the people who help through the tough times as well as celebrating the good ones that I value.
It is great to hear so many of you have protectors and loved ones who have your back.
Maureen~ leaving a warm bed before 5 AM, now that is love! I hope you are feeling better.
I also think Janice has found a really special guy. Life gets messy and it is rare to have someone that is willing to jump in a help clean up.
These small kindnesses are just another way to say, “I love you.” The actions, not the greeting cards, fill up our hearts.
I had a little help getting going today, too. This morning was snowy and wet, here. I was rushing around trying to get ready and my husband took my keys to go shovel off the cars and get them warmed up. That’s the kind of stuff that happens all the time and I think we need to acknowledge it. In about an hour, I’ll start my nightly ritual of telling him I love him, by making the best dinner I can for us.
I’m collecting names of all who comment today and will be drawing three names for a signed copy of my February release, OUTLAW BRIDE.
Nice to hear from you all!
Jenna,
Wow – Outlaw Bride sounds terrific. That definitely is love, when Cole pulls it all together to save Bridget. As to who is in my corner? I’d say my family, and a few of my very good friends. I know I can count on them for the really important things.
If it weren’t for the love, care, and support of my family I wouldn’t know what to do with myself! Whenever I am in a jam they are always their for me!
xoxo
I love this post, so true! “Romance” is one thing, but love, loyalty, devotion can’t be measured by the number of roses one gives (or gets). I could definitely say that of my husband, parents and sisters.
My parents and my online friends help me to slay my dragons.
Great post… I don’t need anyone to help me slay dragons, however my family are great supporters, my mom is my biggest fan… so they asre true heroes 🙂
Special persons… hmmm… definitely my parents. Even though I am in my later twenties now, I know they would always support me no matter what kind of problem I have.
My ten years older sister who has become one of my best friends. And a selected few but very dear friends who mean the world to me. I think it’s quite easy to make fun acquaintances but those frienships who last through fights, discussions, year long separations and some of lives most joyous moments are not easily found.
My parents, siblings, and friends.
I have so enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks to all who kept the discussion rolling.
Jenna