Tag: ROMANCE NOVELS

Please Note:  [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to see trailer (with acts of betrayal) and haunting new music video "Dangerous Shadows" inspired by novel.

An act of betrayal by a lover or mate is generally acccompanied by severe emotional distress by the betrayee. Cheating is the most common form, but the act can take many forms, including emotional betrayal. Few women (or men) can forgive and forget such a transgression, as trust is severed with the act. However, when one is deeply in love the decision to walk away can may extremely difficult. Generally, there must be a long period of groveling and the belief that the transgressor has truly learned a valued lesson and can be trusted to maintain integrity in the future. This process is a torturous one for both individuals.

Although living through such an experience is pure hell, it can be therapeudic to vicariously live through the experience of a character in a novel. In fact, much can be learned of human behavior through this process. In the [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]House on Black Lake [/amazon_link]Alexandra is betrayed at every twist and turn on her journey. Both men and women betray her throughout the story. However, each character is forced to confront the ramifications of their selfishness, while Alexandra's character is strengthened as she learns to become more self reliant, intuitive, and emotionally grounded. Ultimately, when it appears she has been betrayed by them all and most cruelly by Ramey Sandeley, the object of her obsession, her dorment strengths are awakened. Metamorphosis is possible following an act of betrayal. And that is its greatest gift.

The top romance novels featuring acts of betayal are listed below. The list was culled from romance forums and discussions with readers. In no particular order.

1. [amazon_link id="0671019759" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Dream Man[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard

2. [amazon_link id="0312998872" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Perfect sin[/amazon_link] by Kat Martin

3. [amazon_link id="055329430X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lady Gallant[/amazon_link] by Suzanne robinson

4. [amazon_link id="0821778838" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Risk Everything[/amazon_link] by Sophia Johnson

5. [amazon_link id="0425226336" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Coyote's Mate[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh

6. [amazon_link id="155166934X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Almost Forever[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard

7. [amazon_link id="B0020MMBP8" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Missing[/amazon_link] by Shiloh Walker

8. [amazon_link id="B000FBJEKG" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Cry No More [/amazon_link]by Linda Howard

9. [amazon_link id="1456493124" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Pulled[/amazon_link] by Danielle Bannister

10. [amazon_link id="0671019767" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Angel Creek[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard

11. [amazon_link id="0373302258" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Loving Evangeline[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard

12. [amazon_link id="B000E2780E" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]My True and Tender Love[/amazon_link] by Jill Gregory

12. [amazon_link id="B001J4SYXG" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Seducing Simon[/amazon_link] by Maya Banks

13. [amazon_link id="0380790912" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]That Scandalous Night[/amazon_link] by Christina Dodd

14. [amazon_link id="0312948239" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Total Surrender [/amazon_link]by Cheryl Holt

15. [amazon_link id="0671776800" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Paradise[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

16. [amazon_link id="0671737619" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Kingdom of Dreams[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

17. [amazon_link id="042524315X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Belong to Me [/amazon_link]Shayla black

18. [amazon_link id="0732267447" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Heart of the Outback[/amazon_link] by Lynn Wilding

19. [amazon_link id="161213050X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Take this Regret[/amazon_link] by Amy Lichthench

20. [amazon_link id="0373119178" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Gold Ring of Betrayal[/amazon_link] by Michelle Reid

21. [amazon_link id="B005ISQ7ME" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Blue Moon[/amazon_link] by MacKenzie McKade

22. [amazon_link id="0452296641" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Bitten[/amazon_link] by Kelly Armstrong

23. [amazon_link id="1420110225" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]His Bonnie Bride [/amazon_link] by Hannah Howell

24. [amazon_link id="0345517741" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Last Chance [/amazon_link] by Christy Reece

25. [amazon_link id="0061136093" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Tempt Me Tonight[/amazon_link] by Toni Blake

Please note - [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake [/amazon_link]has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to see provocative trailer and music video based on novel.

A dangerously obsessive male can be both highly exciting and a nightmare for a woman. In reality few would desire such a challenge, but held at arms length - inside a novel or on a movie screen, such a man can be enormously intriguing.

[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] features three such obsessive males, all very different. Ramey Sandeley's obsession with Alexandra Brighton leads him to the brink of emotional and physical cruelty. He can't help himself, as he has never heard the word "no".  Rock God Georgie La Pointe, on the other hand, grooms his hair in the eyes of his lovers, but when he loses control over his conquest he becomes obsessional. Andre Labat, the sensuous young Frenchman has the same expectation of female surrender and a ruthless desire to level the playing field by seducing the object of his rivals' desire. All men are out of control, and that is what makes them so appealing.

The following top ten are taken from lists of romance lovers and are in no particular order.

1. Simon Boldevar -[amazon_link id="0786014164" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Crimson Kiss Series [/amazon_link] by Trisha Baker

2. Lucien de Malheur "The Scorpian" - [amazon_link id="0778328503" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Breathless - The House of Rohan [/amazon_link] by Anne Stuart

3. Judd - [amazon_link id="0425218422" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Caressed by Ice (Psy-Changelings book 3) [/amazon_link] by Nalini Singh

4. Dimitri - [amazon_link id="0425243915" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Archangels Blade (Guild Hunter)[/amazon_link] by Nalini Singh

5. Zsadist - [amazon_link id="0451235959" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Black Dagger Brotherhood [/amazon_link]- by J.R. Ward

6. Conrad Wroth - [amazon_link id="141654707X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Immortals After Dark Series[/amazon_link]by Kresly Cole

7. Travis - [amazon_link id="B0052VUNHC" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Beautiful Disaster[/amazon_link] by Jamie Mcguire

8. Jake - [amazon_link id="0515146234" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Burning Wild[/amazon_link] by Christine Freehan

9. Baird - [amazon_link id="B004N62M26" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Claimed[/amazon_link] by Evangeline Anderson

10. Domenico - [amazon_link id="0345289927" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Silver Devil[/amazon_link] by Therese Denys

Sean Culhane from [amazon_link id="038087668X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Stormfire [/amazon_link]is a very controversial "hero" who is hated by most readers, but leaves a powerful impression, nonetheless.

Please Note: Go to HOME PAGE to view provocative trailer for [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class=" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] filmed by award winning cinematographer.

Scene from "The House on Black Lake" Trailer

 [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class= ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] explore a woman's experience as she is lured into a seductive web of intrigue and deceit, and held a virtual prisoner on Black Lake. Although Alexandra Brighton takes the trip to the exclusive enclave of summer homes outside Montreal on her own volition, to find resolution to her obession with charismatic Ramey Sandeley, she does not initially realize there is no way out. By the time she recognizes there are sinister forces at work she is essentially kidnapped and forced to confront the dark forces at play within the shadows of the lake, and well as inside her own heart. In the end Alexandra must must make a dramatic personal transformation is she is to survive.

The subject of kidnap is a popular theme in romantic literature. Some of the most popular are as follows, in no particular order.

[amazon_link id="0671795538" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Perfect[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

[amazon_link id="0425217620" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Unlawful Contact [/amazon_link]by Pamela Clare

[amazon_link id="044661114X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lone Rider [/amazon_link]by Lauren Bach

[amazon_link id="0451224183" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Comanche Moon[/amazon_link] by Catherine Anderson

[amazon_link id="0671737821" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Honor's Splendour[/amazon_link] by Julie Garwood

[amazon_link id="0843944625" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Silken Savage[/amazon_link] by Catherine Hart

[amazon_link id="0505523868" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Flame[/amazon_link] by Catherine Hart

[amazon_link id="0553297511" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Hawk O'Toole's Hostage[/amazon_link] by Sandra Brown

[amazon_link id="0380805863" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]His Wicked Ways [/amazon_link]by Samantha James

[amazon_link id="0671737619" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Kingdom of Dreams[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

[amazon_link id="0671019724" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Touch of Fire[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard

[amazon_link id="0821728644" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Cheyenne Song[/amazon_link] by Georgina Gentry

[amazon_link id="0821735608" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Apache Caress[/amazon_link] by Georgina Gentry

[amazon_link id="0425216616" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Tanner's Scheme[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh

[amazon_link id="0380810719" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Abduction of Julia[/amazon_link] by Karen Hawkins

[amazon_link id="050552208X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Darker Dream[/amazon_link] by Amanda Ashley

[amazon_link id="037327047X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Twilight Illusions[/amazon_link] by Maggie Shayne

[amazon_link id="0821769286" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Knight Triumphant[/amazon_link] by Shannon Drake

[amazon_link id="0821747967" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Princess of Fire[/amazon_link] by Shannon Drake

[amazon_link id="0821747940" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lie Down in Roses[/amazon_link] by Shannon Drake

[amazon_link id="067179339X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Masquerade in the Moonlight[/amazon_link] by Kasey Michaels

[amazon_link id="B001BHJNNQ" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Bride of the Beast[/amazon_link] by Teresa Medeiros

[amazon_link id="0553590146" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Thief of Hearts[/amazon_link] by Teresa Medeiros

[amazon_link id="143915788X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Devil Wears Plaid[/amazon_link] by Teresa Medeiros

[amazon_link id="0380813009" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]One Man's Love[/amazon_link] by Karen Ranney

[amazon_link id="0373837585" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Heart of Winter[/amazon_link] (Anthology) with Maggie Shayne

[amazon_link id="0373775350" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Nymph King[/amazon_link]by Gena Showalter

[amazon_link id="0373775253" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Heart of the Dragon[/amazon_link] by Gena Showalter

[amazon_link id="B00413PIUY" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Captain's Price[/amazon_link] by Lyla Sinclair

[amazon_link id="0373163983" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night of the Phantom [/amazon_link]by Anne Stuart

[amazon_link id="0373291574" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Gallant Waif[/amazon_link] by Anne Gracie

[amazon_link id="038075620X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Fire[/amazon_link] by Catherine Coulter

[amazon_link id="0451210689" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Uncommon Vows[/amazon_link] by Mary Jo Putney

[amazon_link id="1611940109" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Hawk [/amazon_link]by Monica McCarty

[amazon_link id="0553568612" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Quest[/amazon_link] by Juliana Garnett

[amazon_link id="0449002470" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Pirate Prince[/amazon_link], Ascention Trilogy, by Galen Foley

[amazon_link id="B0040RMF6G" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Spymaster's Lady[/amazon_link] by Joanna Bourne

[amazon_link id="0451222350" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lover Unbound[/amazon_link], Black Brotherhood Trilogy, Number 5, J.R. Ward

[amazon_link id="038079747X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Pirate Lord[/amazon_link] Lord Trilogy 1, by Sabrina Jeffries

[amazon_link id="0778328481" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Ruthless[/amazon_link], The House of Rohan, by Anne Stuart

[amazon_link id="0553576275" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Scotsman[/amazon_link] by Juliana Garnett

[amazon_link id="0505525143" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Savage Heat[/amazon_link] by Nan Ryan

[amazon_link id="0843947233" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Raven[/amazon_link] by Elaine Barbieri

[amazon_link id="0821721593" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Untamed Captive[/amazon_link]by Elaine Barbieri

[amazon_link id="0380777045" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]This Fierce Loving[/amazon_link] by Judith French

[amazon_link id="161756091X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Panther's Prey[/amazon_link] by Doreen Owens

[amazon_link id="1575660687" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Captive [/amazon_link] by Colleen Faulkner

[amazon_link id="0380792052" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Destiny's Warrior [/amazon_link]by Kit Dee

[amazon_link id="1419958291" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lakota Love Song [/amazon_link]by Madeline Baker

[amazon_link id="B004HILQ8Q" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Falcon and the Dove[/amazon_link] by Bonnie Vanak
[amazon_link id="1419964321" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Northman's Passion[/amazon_link] by Kate Hill
[amazon_link id="0373029411" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Whirlpool of Passion[/amazon_link] by Emma Darcy

[amazon_link id="0758234651" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]In the Warrior's Bed[/amazon_link] by Mary Wine

Alexandra is kidnapped to island by Andre Labat

Please Note:  The House on Black Lake has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to view provocative trailer by award winning cinematographer.

All three of the central male characters in [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] sport tattoos. Charismatic Ramey Sandeley  has "In One Man Lie All the Mysteries of the Universe" in ancient script across the high arch of his perfectly formed backside. Ramey's cousin, Georgie LaPointe, the decadent Montreal rock god, has an intricate tribal band encircling his immense triceps. And sensuous French artist Andre Labat has a vicious rattler inked up his arm. There is also a tattooed and pierced Oriana, who has a taste for both sexes and hidden rooms in the back of her Old Montreal salon where taboos are broken by discreet adults.

In a dream sequence (or perhaps a look into her future) protagonist Alexandra Brighton dreams she is tied to a four poster and about to receive a branding of her lover's initials as part of her wedding ceremony. The finality of the ceremony will have her branding the groom in turn, followed by consummation of their unbreakable vows. A ring may be removed - but a branding is forever. Alexandra has lived her life as "the good girl", the perfect daughter, wife, and mother. But society does not reward her efforts as she seeks freedom from a suffocating marriage. She is about to turn "bad" and the trio of men will aid in her journey to self actualization.

I have researched romance forums (thanks to Amazon community and others) and the following novels feature the best of the tattooed and pierced heroes/anti heroes  in romance novels.  The novels featuring the marked bad boys are as follows:

1. [amazon_link id="B004HYH9WM" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Ink Spots [/amazon_link] by Lissa Matthews

2. [amazon_link id="1476712042" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Beautiful Disaster[/amazon_link] by Jamie McGuire

3. [amazon_link id="1402245777" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Rock Hard [/amazon_link] by Olivia Cunning

4. [amazon_link id="B003YUCEF2" target="_blank" ]Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour Book 1)[/amazon_link] by Olivia Cunning

5. [amazon_link id="0425214133" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Nauti Boys Trilogy[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh

6. [amazon_link id="B003DX0I9O" target="_blank" ]Rock Me (Ross Siblings Book 2)[/amazon_link] by Cherrie Lynn

7. [amazon_link id="B003V8BN9A" target="_blank" ]Making Chase (The Chase Brothers, Book 4)[/amazon_link] by Lauren Dane

8.[amazon_link id="B002HPRBXU" target="_blank" ]Obsession Untamed (Feral Warriors Book 3)[/amazon_link] by Pamela Palmer

9. [amazon_link id="0505526670" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Squeeze Play[/amazon_link] (Richmond Rogue Series)  by Kate Angell - for those who prefer it "light"

10. [amazon_link id="B000UZPI8E" target="_blank" ]Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)[/amazon_link] by J.R. Ward - a number to choose from

11.  [amazon_link id="B015CJIK4Q" target="_blank" ]Lead Me On (Tumble Creek)[/amazon_link] by Victoria Dahl

12. [amazon_link id="B009CBG6QK" target="_blank" ]Rough Edges[/amazon_link] by Ashlynn Pierce

13. [amazon_link id="1608202283" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Redeeming Characters[/amazon_link] by Jennefer L. Hart

14.[amazon_link id="B00O4H5EJ2" target="_blank" ]Tempting Alibi[/amazon_link] by Sylvannah Stuart

15. [amazon_link id="B00452VBHU" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Cracklin' Rosie: Blue Jeans and Hard Hats [/amazon_link] book 2 by Lissa Matthews

16. [amazon_link id="B003VYAY6C" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Carnal Ecstacy[/amazon_link] by Lisa Matthews

17.[amazon_link id="B002WEPC7I" target="_blank" ]What the Librarian Did[/amazon_link] by Karina Bliss

18. [amazon_link id="B01BTASH3G" target="_blank" ]ICE (The Elite Forces Series Book 1)[/amazon_link] by Anne Stuart

19. [amazon_link id="0804119740" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lady of Desire[/amazon_link] by Galen Foley

20. [amazon_link id="0373772467" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lords of the Underworld[/amazon_link] series by Gena Showalter

The sexy male model  featured on Pamela Palmers cover of Hunger Untamed  is featured in The House on Black Lake trailer, which may be viewed on Home Page.

Please Note: "The House on Black Lake" has been adapted to screenplay. To view provocative trailer filmed by acclaimed cinematographer go to Home Page.

Tender, vulnerable words, and the expression of  "I love you" are powerful when spoken by a man for the first time. This is especially true of a powerful alpha male.

In [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] Ramey Sandeley breaks down at one point and tells Alexandra: "The first time I saw you was the first time I felt myself come alive. Your eyes pierced through mine like razor blades and I saw in you all the wonders of the universe. I felt I had found my mate, someone I could share all the crazy fantasies, ideas and dreams. And in the darkness, every night, I wished you close to me to stave off the montrous evils that dogged me. It was you, only you . . ."

Later, Alexandra asks Ramey to tell her he loves her, even if he doesn't mean it. He expresses his love and tells her he means it. Later Ramey recants his statement and exclaims that he doesn't believes loves exists, it's only nature's way of assuring reproduction. Yet, Alexandra will not accept this definition. She believes we feel love because we wish to create, not replicate. Their struggle to resolve  feelings will lead both to the brink of destruction, and to experience a powerful new emotion, neither has ever  felt.

I have researched romance novel forums to determine the most popular novels with great "I love you" scenes. The top novels are as follows:

1. [amazon_link id="0060531231" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]When He Was Wicked [/amazon_link]by Julia Quinn

2.[amazon_link id="0671776800" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Paradise[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

3. [amazon_link id="0671737619" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Kingdom of Dreams[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught

 4. [amazon_link id="067168972X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Duchess[/amazon_link] by Jude Devereaux

5. [amazon_link id="0380761327" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Flowers From the Storm[/amazon_link] by Laura Kinsale

6. [amazon_link id="1599987430" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Rough Riders Series[/amazon_link] by Lorelie James

7. [amazon_link id="0451947630" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lover Awakened[/amazon_link] (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series) by J.R. Ward

8. [amazon_link id="193659451X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]. Persuasion [/amazon_link]by Jan Austen

9. [amazon_link id="0671742558" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Almost Heaven [/amazon_link]by Judith McNaught

10. [amazon_link id="1568654650" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Texas Destiny[/amazon_link] by Lorraine Heath

11. [amazon_link id="0440423201" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Outlander Series[/amazon_link] by Diana Gabaldon

12. [amazon_link id="1419957694" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]After The Storm[/amazon_link] by Tia Isabella

13. [amazon_link id="0671019716" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Shades of Twilight [/amazon_link]by Linda Howard

14. [amazon_link id="0345517741" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Last Chance Rescue Series[/amazon_link] by Christy Reece

15. [amazon_link id="B00126A5T2" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Keegan's Lady [/amazon_link]by Catherine Anderson

16. [amazon_link id="0380791021" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Simply Love[/amazon_link] by Catherine Anderson

17. [amazon_link id="0061082139" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Crazy for Lovin' You[/amazon_link] by Lisa G. Brown

19. [amazon_link id="0312605382" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Married by Morning[/amazon_link] by Lisa Kleypas

20. [amazon_link id="0380791021" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Simply Love[/amazon_link] by Catherine Anderson

Khor play by Jason Momea in the HBO hit [amazon_link id="0345529057" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Game of Thrones[/amazon_link], based on the novel of the same name, has awakened many women to the sexiness of giant alphas, particularly the primitive sort. The novel I am currently working is titled "The Chamber of Curiosities" and features a very sexy giant, Darney Vasquez, who is purchased as a young man and displayed in a carnival freak show. He is a very popular feature of the show, and soon both performers and patrons are transformed in very unexpected ways by the preternaturally beautiful  and soulful creature.

Also, the primary male characters in "[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake [/amazon_link]" are all tall and well built. Though not giants, most women are frail and vulnerable in comparison to their girth and stature. There is something very sexy about an unusally large male specimen, both men and women are intrigued by the breed, which is an element of  the popularity of sports spectacles. They are anomaly and the more exaggerated their physicality, the greater the appeal.

The sexiest giant alphas in romance novels, as voted for by women who are experts in the romance genre, are as follows:

Scene from "The House on Black Lake" trailer

Please Note:  The House on Black Lake has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to view cinematic trailer.

[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] has three bad boys who push the boundaries of "good girl" Alexandra Brighton. Preternaturally good looking Ramey Sandeley was  born to wealth and power, rides a horse like a native, shoots wild game like a professional, and seduces every creature that crosses his path. He has never heard the word "No". Georgie La Pointe, Ramey's cousin, is a tanned and  muscle bound Canadian rock star who has never dated the same woman more than once and grooms his hair in the eyes of his admirers. Andra Labat is a seductive French Canadian artist who woos conservative Alexandra Brighton to his bed within hours of meeting her, and remains charming and seductive as he lures her into a web of deadly intensions.

Most women have loved a bad boy at least once in their lives. My personal favorite bad boy boyfriend was a 6'7" New Zealander with wavy dark hair to his shoulders. The perfect man to date after a messy divorce.  He was utterly primitive, an outlaw, and untamable. One day I plan to hunt him back down and write a non fiction account of our reunion. But until then... here is my list.

I have chosen the top twenty best bad boys in romance novels based in input from fans and forums (thanks to Amazon community).

Please Note: "The House on Black Lake" has been adapted to screenplay. To view provocative trailer go to Home Page.

Ramey Sandeley, the Hero of "[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link]" is physically perfect, which means he has a price to pay. He is internally scarred due to the suicide of his mother, a tricked marriage, and the loss of something so dear his fate is in peril. Perfection gives him the right to anything he desires, yet he is incapable of having his deepest needs met. The man is tortured, conflicted, and lost, yet on the surface he appears to have it all.

There are other suffering heroes in novels of romance that share this curse, and others who face physical disfigurement  Each is charged with the same challenge - to find love with a woman who will overlook flaws and accept without judgment. Alexandra, the heroine of "The House on Black Lake", says of Ramey, "If beauty is nothing without a dark river running through it, then Ramey Sandeley has more than God gave him, he now claims the greatest of God's gifts."

Alexandra is possibly more evolved than other women, as she has experienced life as "a freak". The right side of her face was paralyzed after the birth of her first child. A vow at St. Joseph's shrine, "Truth for Beauty" cured her malady but left her with a price to pay. She must seek out her rightful destiny in return for her unmarked face.

[amazon_link id="1936594323" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Phantom of the Opera[/amazon_link] is the quintessential story of a scarred hero, both inside and out.  I love [amazon_link id="B0007TKNII" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]the film [/amazon_link]with Gerard Butler. The following are the top romance novels with flawed/scarred heroes. Information is culled from discussions with fans and Amazon Romance forum.

1[amazon_link id="0821764039" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Exposure [/amazon_link]by Susan Anderson

2. [amazon_link id="0671702513" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Prize[/amazon_link] by Julie Garwood

3.[amazon_link id="0446611808" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Envy[/amazon_link] by Sandra Brown

4. [amazon_link id="0553573225" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Home Fires[/amazon_link] by Luanne Rice

5. [amazon_link id="0440241979" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Simply Love [/amazon_link]by Mary Balogh

6. [amazon_link id="0553293168" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Ravished[/amazon_link] by Amanda Quick

7. [amazon_link id="1936594196" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Jane Eyre [/amazon_link]by Charlotte Bronte

8. [amazon_link id="0743297334" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Sun Also Rises [/amazon_link]by Ernest Hemingway

9. [amazon_link id="0061794716" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Feral Warriors [/amazon_link]Series by Patricia Palmer

10. [amazon_link id="067187750X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Fire Rose [/amazon_link]by Mercedes Lackey

11. [amazon_link id="B0040RMFJS" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Running Hot[/amazon_link] by Jayne Ann Krentz

12. [amazon_link id="0758204272" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Lover[/amazon_link] by Robin Shone

13. [amazon_link id="0373770227" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Lord of the Desert[/amazon_link] by Diane Palmer

14. [amazon_link id="051512866X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Winter Garden [/amazon_link]by Adele Ashworth

16. [amazon_link id="0440129818" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] The Gentle Pirate[/amazon_link] by Stephanie James

17. [amazon_link id="0061684287" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Captive of Sin[/amazon_link] by Anna Campbell

18. [amazon_link id="0615252656" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Music Box Danseur[/amazon_link] by Marlene K. Slade - the story is about two men, but many  women seem to love this book about mismatched lovers

19. [amazon_link id="034553087X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Midnight Breed [/amazon_link]Series by Lara Adrian

20. [amazon_link id="0312376871" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Dark Hunters[/amazon_link] Series by Sherilyn Kenyon

21. [amazon_link id="1416563458" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Defeat the Darkness[/amazon_link] (Paladin Series) by A. Morgon

22. [amazon_link id="B0044KM0ZU" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Indian Rose [/amazon_link]by Emma Daniels

23. [amazon_link id="0345521226" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Troubleshooter[/amazon_link] Series by Suzanne Brockman

24. [amazon_link id="1604359064" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Beneath the Surface [/amazon_link]by Marie Rochelle

25. [amazon_link id="0451226739" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Comanche Heart[/amazon_link] by Catherine Anderson

26. [amazon_link id="0446406937" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]To Beguile a Beast [/amazon_link]by Elizabeth Hoyt

27. [amazon_link id="0425229025" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Bengal's Heart [/amazon_link]by Lora Leigh

28. [amazon_link id="0061340294" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]When Seducing a Duke [/amazon_link]by Katherine Smyth

29. [amazon_link id="0312938837" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Dream Warrior [/amazon_link]by Sherrilyn Kenyon

30. [amazon_link id="0373775237" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Darkest Kiss [/amazon_link]by Gena Showalter.

31. [amazon_link id="0380756250" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Once a Princess[/amazon_link] by Johanna Lindsey.

 
32. [amazon_link id="0821764039" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Exposure [/amazon_link]by Susan Anderson.

33. [amazon_link id="0425214494" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Warriors of Poseidon[/amazon_link], Alyssa Day

34. [amazon_link id="1568654650" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Texas Destiny [/amazon_link]by Lorraine Heath

35.[amazon_link id="0821754858" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Tapestry[/amazon_link] by Karen Ranney

 ATTENTION READERS: New Romantic Fantasy, The Chamber of Curiosities is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER. The e-book will be delivered to your Kindle on Sunday, May 14, 2017. Be the first to read, review, and start discussions on forums. In the epic love story, set in a carnival in an ancient land, forbidden love is a central theme, and taboos are broken by both hero and heroine, and a host of supporting characters.

In [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] Alexandra Brighton meets Ramey Sandeley months after they each have wed another. They both fall in love at first sight, but it is too late. Ramey's wife is pregnant with their first child, and Alexandra is impregnated that night by her husband. Years later, a world weary, Alexandra journeys to Black Lake to find resolution to the obsession that has kept her captive for years.  She is now single, but he is still married and the father of five children. In addition to the lure of infidelity, the taboo of incest, racial and age differences, and marital bisexuality are also explored.

Below are listed thirty favorite forbidden love romances. Thanks to Amazon romance community for their input.

1.[amazon_link id="1442419954" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Forbidden [/amazon_link]by Tabith Suzanna - Soon to be released. The novel deals with brother/sister incest in a sensitive manner that is both illuminating and heart breaking

2. [amazon_link id="B002KE46IG" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Thorn Birds[/amazon_link] by Colleen McCullogh - a young priest's faith is tested when he falls in love with a and beautiful woman

3. [amazon_link id="1936594277" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Scarlet Letter [/amazon_link]  by Nathaniel Hawthorne - A Puritan woman has an affair and illegitamate child with priest that leads to her being tagged with the scarlet letter

4. [amazon_link id="B0042P57WA" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Object of Love[/amazon_link] by Sharon Cullars -  a woman's son dies and when his friend returns (now a handsome young man) she finds herself falling for him.

5. [amazon_link id="0553582216" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]By possession[/amazon_link] by Madeline Hunter - a master and his serf

6. [amazon_link id="1585712698" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Indigo Love Spectrum [/amazon_link] by different authors - publisher specializes in romance stories with African American women with white men.

7. [amazon_link id="0440206111" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Through a Dark Mist[/amazon_link]by Marsha Canham -Medieval tale - a young woman is set to be wed in an arranged marriage but falls in love with an outlaw en route

8. [amazon_link id="0425244946" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Surrender[/amazon_link] by Pamela Clare (Mackinnon Rangers Series) - Western -  Religious difference - protestant/catholic. Everyone warns them to stay away from each other, but to no avail

9. [amazon_link id="0425245810" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Untamed[/amazon_link] (Mackinnon Rangers Series) by Pamela Clare - H is a prisoner of war

10. [amazon_link id="0843951699" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sweet Release[/amazon_link] by Pamela Clare - H is a criminal and h purchases him, trusts and believes in him

11.[amazon_link id="0263868117" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Stranger[/amazon_link] by Elizabeth Lane - h a widowed mother and H a drifter. She isn't aware that he was with the group of men who killed her husband and tortured her years before

12. [amazon_link id="1419958291" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lakota Love Song [/amazon_link]- and others, by Madeline Baker. Her novels focus on Native American men and white women

13. [amazon_link id="0743411978" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Fever[/amazon_link] by Katherine Sutcliffe - h is a young heiress of a plantation and H   poor overseer.

14. [amazon_link id="1461052149" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Star series[/amazon_link] by Patricia Potter - entire series features forbidden love

15. [amazon_link id="1599982099" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Bounty [/amazon_link]by Beth Williamson -  H is hired to capture h, then falls in love

16.[amazon_link id="1420108506" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ] Diablo[/amazon_link] by Georgina Gentry - Western - h is a lady and H is a drifter/ gun for hire. H kidnaps h for revenge on her fiance, then  falls in love with her

17. [amazon_link id="0553562266" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Relentless[/amazon_link] by Patricia Potter - she's his captive, the daughter of the man he desires to revenge

18. [amazon_link id="B004D4Y61S" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Heat[/amazon_link] by Heather Killough Walden - h falls for her best friend's brother despite friend's insistence she keep away

19. [amazon_link id="0778329747" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Shelter Mountain[/amazon_link] by Robyn Carr -  H loves h but won't persue her because she's married

20. [amazon_link id="0451225716" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Star Bright [/amazon_link]by Catherine Anderson  h is married to an abusive man and H isn't sure if it's reasonable to act on his feelings

21. [amazon_link id="0373773781" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Heartless[/amazon_link] by Diane Palmer - h and H are step-siblings

22. [amazon_link id="0671795538" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Perfect[/amazon_link] by Judith McNaught - H is a criminal on the run from jail, wanted for murder and h falls for him

23. [amazon_link id="0345517784" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]No Chance[/amazon_link] by Christy Reece- h is very wealthy and H is very poor. Her father forbids them to marry, then when they do he destroys marriage. Eight years later they have a second chance at love.

24. [amazon_link id="0345517768" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Second Chance[/amazon_link] by Christy Reece - H is responsible for her husband's death and knows he should tell her, but gets involved nonetheless

25. [amazon_link id="0345505441" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Run to me[/amazon_link] by Christy Reece - h has amnesia and H knows he should walk away because they have a terrible past, but his love for her is too power to resist

26. [amazon_link id="0425217620" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Unlawful Contact [/amazon_link]by Pamela Clare - H escapes from prison and is wanted by the law and h helps him

27. [amazon_link id="B002QHATS8" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Stealing Midnight[/amazon_link] by Tracy MacNish - h is a strange, abused, and sheltered young woman who has an insane father. h saves H from her father. His feelings for her are marred by fact that she is so strange his family will likely never accept her

28. [amazon_link id="0380811073" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Worth Any Price[/amazon_link] by Lisa Kleypas - H is hired to bring h home to her fiance but instead marries her himself

29. [amazon_link id="B00D7SI6N0" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Last Highwayman [/amazon_link]by Katherine O'Neal - H is an outlaw bandit and h is a duchess. Their love is fierce, although circumstances conspire to keep them apart

30. [amazon_link id="0451406494" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Stealing Heaven[/amazon_link]by Jaclyn Reding - h's family will not allow her to be with H and attempt to marry her off to someone else

31. [amazon_link id="0373126336" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Wife by Contract, Mistress by Demand [/amazon_link]by Carole Mortimer - H is much older than the h and she's loved him since she was in her teens

32.[amazon_link id="1568654650" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Texas Destiny[/amazon_link] - h falls for brother of her fiance

33.[amazon_link id="B004DEPETQ" target="_blank" container="" container_class=""]Passion [/amazon_link](Fallen) by Lauren Kate - paranormal - YA - star crossed lovers over the centuries

34.[amazon_link id="B004LQ0FZO" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Heart of the West[/amazon_link] series by Maggie Brendan - h falls for husband's brother

35. [amazon_link id="B002T4J8VM" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]November of the Heart[/amazon_link] by LaVryle Spencer - H is rich, H poor

36.[amazon_link id="B000FCKKLW" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Secret Pearl[/amazon_link] by Mary Balogh - Regency - H is married, after night of paid love he asks h to work in home

37. [amazon_link id="B005ACL6CE" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]One Summer [/amazon_link]by Karen Robarbs - teacher and student - five years age difference - H paroled prison for murder of girlfriend, h believes him innocent

38. [amazon_link id="978-0425212899" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Grave Sight[/amazon_link] - paranormal that gradually unveils step sibling romance
Forbidden Love is so Sweet:

r.

Ramey Sandeley and Alexandra Brighton Reunite in Scene from Trailer

ATTENTION READERS: New Romantic Fantasy, The Chamber of Curiosities is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER. The e-book will be delivered to your Kindle on Sunday, May 14, 2017. Be the first to read, review, and start discussions on forums. The epic story, set in a carnival in an ancient land, features characters forced to abandon love, but fight to reunite, against all odds.

Reunited romance is popular in fiction, as in real life. Often a highly charged attraction cannot be realized as one or both are in a committed relationship. Or, one spurns, and then returns to woo or be won. Time apart can bring great change in individuals and offer opportunity for grown and maturity. Fate usually has its way, one way or another, so if an attraction is strong enoughh generally there will be a reunion at some point in the future.

In [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] Alexandra Brighton meets Ramey Sandeley months after they have each married another. When he first takes her eyes she experiences a powerful connection.That night she makes love to her husband and pretends she is making love to Ramey. Nine months to the day she gives birth to a son.

Nearly 12 years later, now in the throes of a vicious divorce battle, she is invited to vacation at the Sandeley’s summer home on Black Lake. Alexandra does not make the journey to seduce Ramey Sandeley, as he is married with 5 children.  Rather, she makes the journey to release herself from him. However, she does not bargain on the fact that he is just as obsessed and tormented by the fateful evening, and their attempts to find resolution draw them into a dangerous web of betrayal and deceit.

Other popular novels featuring second hand love (thanks to Amazon romance form for input) are listed below.  None of the heroines are easily won back.

1. [amazon_link id="0373775059" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Libertine’s Kiss[/amazon_link] by Judith James – the couple were childhood playmates/sweethearts and got separated, she went on to get married and widowed and finds the H again when she goes to petition for her lands, H helps her

2. [amazon_link id="0804119759" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Devil Takes a Bride[/amazon_link] by Gaelen Foley  -H spurns h, then has to woo her back

3. [amazon_link id="1416567038" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Duke of Shadows [/amazon_link]by Meredith Moran - h thinks the H abandoned her, H thinks the h is dead, when they meet the h doesn't want to rekindle because it brings up bad memories, so the H pursues

4. [amazon_link id="0061136093" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Tempt Me Tonight [/amazon_link]by Toni Blake - H and h were high school sweethearts, H cheated on h and they broke up. Years later she returns to town and they rekindle, lots of groveling by H.

5. [amazon_link id="0446566586" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Edge of Sight [/amazon_link](The Guardian Angelinos) by Roxanne St. Clare - H and h hook up and then split up due to H. Three years later h needs help in a situation and H becomes bodyguard.

6. [amazon_link id="0446614823" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Forget Me Not[/amazon_link] (Navy Seals, Book 1) by Marliss Melton - H is solider captured for a year, presumed dead, then returns with amnesia. h has moved on with life.

7. [amazon_link id="0425235459" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage [/amazon_link]by Jennifer Ashley - H and h separated for years, after H treated her badly. H wants to reunite.

8. [amazon_link id="0440243963" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Sins of Lord Easterbrook[/amazon_link] by Madeline Hunter - H and h intrigued by one another, but circumstances prevent them getting together. They meet up again and he pursues.

9. [amazon_link id="0060561661" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Three Nights [/amazon_link]by Debra Mullins - H and h have arrangement for three nights of sex to forgive father’s dept.  h gets pregnant and thinks H abandons her, but actually he is captured away for years. When he gets back and finds out about the child he wants a real relationship.

10. [amazon_link id="0312945795" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Wild Card[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh - H is a Navy Seal who is forced to assume new identity. h believes he is dead, but when he returns to protect her from trouble, they must pretend to not know each other.

11. [amazon_link id="1419953249" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Sweet Gum Tree[/amazon_link] by Catherine Allred – Couple meet as children and friendship turns to love. H suddenly departs after death of father. H has fifteen years of struggles and family heartbreak, then one day H shows up in town.
12. [amazon_link id="0373605285" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Addicted[/amazon_link] by Charlotte Featherstone - historical – Young friends and lover find their relationship ruined by H’s opium addiction, h later tries to help him get over his addiction.

14. [amazon_link id="0553578138" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Place to Call Home[/amazon_link] by Deborah Smith – Star crossed lovers meet as children on opposite side of tracks. H is son of abusive father, h is his champion. Twenty years pass until they meet again.

15. [amazon_link id="B0020MMBP8" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Missing[/amazon_link] by Shiloh Ward - psychic, paranormal about troubled young woman with psychic powers and young man who helps her define her gifts by befriending, then leaving her, and returning when he needs help

15. [amazon_link id="0345476255" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]To Die For: a Novel[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard  - H breaks off with her because he thinks she's "high maintenance". He's a cop and when he thinks she's been killed at her place of business, he realizes he loves her. Light hearted.

More to come . . .