How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said. ~Victor Hugo
In romance, is there any more important moment than the first kiss? When I write about that kiss, I want the world to stop, not only for my characters, but for my readers as well. The universe must shrink to that very instant and everything else must fall away. Doesn’t matter if the earth is being attacked by aliens or if the Huns are about to storm the castle. Nothing could possibly interfere with the euphoria of that first intimate discovery.
So why is the kiss more important than the first time the hero and heroine make love or make eye contact? The second that kiss occurs, they’ve crossed a bridge from maybe to yes. It’s the definitive answer, when they know for sure that the other wants them, that friendship or acquaintance has turned to something much more intimate. It’s the first step down a path full of possibilities, two souls, sealed in a moment.
A kiss is a game changer, which is why it is an important event in any sort of romance. Whether the characters consummate their love in the book or not, they are going to kiss. All that comes after is like whipped cream and cherries and hot fudge. We assume the sundae will have all sorts of delicious toppings but without that ice cream, it ain’t happening!
Because it is such a pivotal point in the story, I give the first kiss special attention. I want my readers to experience the pounding heartbeats, the heat of arousal. Everything the point of view character sees, smells, tastes, feels and hears is about that kiss.
As a reader, I want to melt as I read that scene. If I do, the author earns a spot on my auto buy list.
What about you? What do you like/dislike in a romance book kiss? Do you prefer that moment to come sooner, or would you rather it be dragged out to the end like an old Hollywood movie?
Leave a comment and I will enter you in a drawing to win a copy of Protective Custody
Protective Custody – Available from Carina Press
Witness to a murder, but no one will believe her…
Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she’s written off as a nutcase.
Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.
Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?
Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she’s written off as a nutcase.
Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.
Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?
Wynter Daniels lives in Central Florida with her husband of more than twenty years and their two nearly grown children. They are all the slaves of two very demanding cats. After careers in marketing and the salon industry, Wynter’s wicked prose begged to be set free. She writes for several publishers including Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Red Sage and Loose Id. Join her Facebook fan page HERE and her Yahoo! Group HERE. She loves to hear from readers, but only if it’s good;-)
Text Copyright © 2011 by Wynter Daniels
Cover Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.
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8 comments:
Love the first kiss! And you're right it is very important. That first kiss can set the tone for how the whole relationship develops. As for when it occurs? Depends on the story. It's got to happen when it's right for the story and characters. If it's near the end, then just make sure it's a good one :)
Good points, KC. I agree, if the reader is made to wait to the end of the book, that first kiss had better be great!
As readers, how many first kisses have we read? And do we ever get tired of them? Heck no! It's exactly why we keep coming back. :)
Great book, Wynter!
Thanks, Maureen. I know I never get tired of those first kisses.
Definitely, that first kiss is a turning point, and one that has to hook the reader (and the writer!) I wonder if we like them because there's no real way to experience that "firstness" once we're all settled in. (I've been with Hubster for over 40 years--not saying things aren't good, just that it'll never be 'first' again)
Congrats on the new book.
Terry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
Thanks, Terry. I think you're right - it's the fact that there can only be one first kiss in any relationship makes it extra special.
Is there anything better than yelling at a book because you just KNOW those fools want to lock lips and they haven't done it yet? And then when they do? Ahhhh... Great post, Wynter!
LOL! Thanks, Betsy. Yeah, I've yelled at a few, too.
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