Aloha to Terri from Bodice Ripper Novels

I've introduced you to SOS Aloha readers with special talents:

- Mary Gramlich, The Reading Reviewer, who donates her review copies for me to giveaway at SOS Aloha.

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2010/10/mary-gramlich-and-hoilday-book-giveaway.html

- Jodi, The Hedgehog Quilter, who shared her quilting ideas.

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2011/01/aloha-jodi-and-hedgehog-quilter.html

- Georgina, a Scottish reader who shared Burns' Night with us:

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2011/01/toast-to-scotlands-bard-robert-burns.html

- Zosia, an Australian reader who posts reviews on Goodreads

http://sosaloha.blogspot.com/2011/02/aloha-to-zosia-australia-and-goodreads.html

Today I would like you to meet another SOS Reader, Terri from Bodice Ripper Novels, "where old school meets new."

Kim:  What was your first bodice ripper?

Terri:  I believe my first bodice ripper was Brenda Joyce's 'The Game', in 1995, which I bought from the grocery store. in Southern Maryland, where I'm from. I'd only read one book of hers many months before, which became a favorite, so when I saw she had a new one, I grabbed it up. My first hardcore bodice ripper was 'Stormfire' by Christine Monson, published in 1984. I first read it in August 2003 and have read it four times. If anyone isn't quite sure what a bodice ripper is, track that book down, read it and you'll know. It's a one-of-a-kind romance. There isn't another one in the world like it. I've been searching for its equal for 7 1/2 years. Sadly, the author committed suicide in September 2003 without knowing what that book meant to some of us. Bodice rippers are no longer published, haven't really been since about 1995 with the exception of 2007's 'Claiming the Courtesan' by Anna Campbell, which I consider to be a mild bodice ripper. It was pretty tame but I'm still a bit surprised it got published.

Kim:  What draws you to the bodice ripper trope?

Terri:  The intensity and the depth of the stories. The heroes were usually brutal, very alpha and in charge and I really like that. The heroines were put through the wringer and suffered so much at their hands. So many crazy things go down in these books and I don't want to miss any of it. Some really have to be read to be believed. There is no historical romance like an old one. Nothing satisfies me more than to read one. The books of today in no way, shape or form compare. None can hold a candle to the romances from the days of old. The more I read newer romances, the more I long for the old ones and that's the truth. Bodice rippers certainly are not for everyone. I'm ok with them not being published anymore. Thank goodness for used book stores. They can always be found there. Don't get me wrong; I still like to read newer romances and do when I need a break from the old stuff.


Kim:  What inspired you to start your own blog?

Terri:  In February 2010 I'd just told a male friend of mine that he should start one and then a light bulb went off in my head to start my own. So as soon as I'd sent the email to him, I went to blogger.com and wordpress.com and registered mine. I'd done quite a few spoiler reviews and had them posted somewhere so I just took those and posted them on my own sites to get me started. The original idea was to only review older historicals but I now review most of the books I read, no matter the genre. I'm longing to get back to reading them.

Terri also offers some awesome contests - so check out her blog!

Mahalo, Terri, for joining us at SOS Aloha!  In honor of your visit, I am giving away a historical trinket gift pack to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about bodice rippers and/or historical romances.  Who is your favorite author?

2.  This giveaway is open to US residents only (comments welcome from all readers). Comments are open through Saturday, March 12, 10 pm, to enter the giveaway. The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 13, during the Weekly Winners announcement post.

3. If you are new to SOS Aloha, please make sure I know how to contact you. If your Blogger profile does not provide your email address, please send it to sos.america@yahoo.com. (I have several unclaimed prizes because I do know how to contact the winner). I prefer you do not leave your email address in your comment.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Terri's website includes the "ripper list" of books from romance's trailblazing authors, including Julia Justiss, Johanna Lindsey, and Bertrice Small.

Julia Justiss is the spouse of a retired Naval officer.

Johanna Lindsey was born in Germany while her father served overseas in the Army.   She resided in Hawaii for some time but now lives in New England.

Bertrice Small is married to WWII Army veteran George Small.  Bertrice will be my guest on March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in honor of her Irish saga, Sky O'Malley.