I was thinking of classic love stories this morning and planned a post on romantic books that would make great Valentine gifts.
But I threw all that out the window when I came across this: ROMANCE BY YOU
The website offers a number of romance novels that you can customize with names, physical characteristics and places. Now, these are not even close to being literary works. Think Harlequin with a dash of humor, but with just a click of your mouse, you and your special someone can star in your own romance! They will even put a personal cover on the book.
Titles include things like “Pirates of Desire,” “Vampire Kisses,” “ER Fever,” “Western Rendezvous,” “Starstruck” and “Fierce Moon.” The titles alone made me laugh, and the website says the books have a good dose of humor to balance the mush. Each novel is 160 to 200 pages, and under the frequently asked questions, you’ll find guidance as to which books are steamier than others.
If you order a book by Friday, they say you’ll receive it in time for Valentine’s Day. If nothing else, you have to go check out the excerpts. A section of the website lets you enter the names of the hero and heroine, and it pulls up a sample of the story so you can see how it will read. The result is hysterical.
I haven’t purchased a book, but here’s the “sample” I created from “Western Rendezvous”:
Intro
In the 1800s, Kristen Tribe is the savvy, stunning saloon owner who, on the advice of her best friend Sally, dares to give love one more chance. When Shane Terwiliger rides into town on the rails of the new railroad, his smile steals our heroine’s heart – but his holster is loaded with a secret that could blast away her livelihood!
Can Kristen trust a man who may ultimately destroy her? Will Shane choose business or pleasure before his secret is revealed? Saddle up for love, passion and humor!
Chapter 1
Kristen had to admit he was a rather attractive man, neatly attired in denim and leather. She scanned his athletic frame and stopped at an arresting pair of blue eyes peeking out beneath a rather large cowboy hat, set atop salt and pepper hair. The stranger approached the bar, wearing a smoldering smile across a handsomely rugged jaw.
“What can I do for you?” she said coolly.
“What’s your specialty,” he flirted, leaning against the bar, flashing his big blues.
“Sarcasm,” was the sharp reply. “Care for a double?” Kristen had spent the morning cleaning the saloon’s eaves troughs and was feeling filthy, embarrassed and annoyed all at the same time. She was in no mood for flirtation.
Put in his place, Shane cleared his throat and introduced himself as Shane Terwiliger, a foreman with the Grand Humber railroad. “Ma’am, just call me Shane,” he said, trying to make amends.
“Well the guy you’re looking for? The hotel manager? That’s me. I’m also the owner, Kristen Tribe,” she said coolly, giving a little and extending her hand.
Note: The bold words note the personalization. If you purchase a book, the personalized words are not bold.
On this snowy day, I’m tempted to personalize every sample because they’re so funny, but I’ll probably pull myself away to work on other projects. But if you order one of these, you must report back here to tell us about it!
Happy Valentine’s Day!