Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Today's Special - - Eloisa James

I'm delighted to welcome one of our favorite people back to the Dish to help us celebrate our first anniversary.  Besides being one of the nicest, smartest (Harvard Grad, M.Phil. from Oxford University, Ph.D. from Yale) and most giving women I've had the pleasure of meeting, Eloisa James is also one heck of a good writer!  The New York Times Bestselling author has published eighteen books (most of which are on my keeper shelves) and two novellas.  






Eloisa's current book, A Kiss at Midnight, is in my top 10 books of 2010...



...and her next book, a "novel in three parts" collaboration with Julia Quinn and Connie Brockway titled The Lady Most Likely..., will be released December 28th.  (I've read it and it's terrific!)

For more information about Eloisa, visit her website and to follow her fascinating life adventures, "like" her facebook fan page and follow her at twitter!  Please give Eloisa a warm welcome to The Romance Dish as she blogs about one of my favorite topics: those quirky dogs that bring a special something extra to the romances we love!
~PJ


Call of the (not so) Wild
by Eloisa James


I love dogs in books. Jennifer Crusie’s Tell Me Lies comes to mind: I adored the heroine, Quinn, for rescuing a neglected, nervous dog. Of course, I also loathed her former boyfriend/stalker, but even more so after he kicked the poor dog. I was just surprised that the man didn’t have a little brush mustache and the ability to bark things in German. In fact, as the stalker’s mental state continues to break down, the dog became the tool that Jenny used to reveal his innate cruelty and instability.

I did something like that in A Duke of Her Own. My heroine had a little dog, a pug named Oyster. The Duke of Villiers had to choose between two women: one who appeared to be extremely maternal (but hated dogs), and one who made no pretense to know anything about babies (but loved her dog). I crafted the climactic scene so that the villainess’s cruelty to a dog was expressive of her disturbed mental state.






I tripled the dogs in A Kiss at Midnight, my version of Cinderella. Since I wanted a parallel to the Disney rats, I ended up with a trio of tiny dogs. True, they couldn’t sing, but they did serve as a mirror for my heroine’s underlying sweet nature. She didn’t like dogs particularly, and these were notorious for biting her stepsister’s lip. But Kate gamely took on their care. In the end of the novel, a terrified little scrap of fur named Freddie has taken possession of her heart as firmly as the prince himself did.





So I suppose you’re wondering whether I put a dog into my February novel, When Beauty Tamed the Beast. As a matter of fact…I did! I happen to be a huge fan of the Fox TV show, House, M.D., the story of a brilliant, irascible doctor at the Princeton-Plainsboro hospital. I found a similarly brilliant, grumpy doctor in the Regency period, and used the Regency doctor plus Dr. House as my inspiration for Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, who was a brilliant diagnostician and a Beast. (But not doggishly so.)

You can imagine how sarcastic Piers gets when his father shows up at the castle with beautiful Linnet in tow. Enter a little boy, Gavan, who’s been confined to bed for months, at least until Linnet has Gavan carried out to the stable so he can meet a dog. Not a fancy dog, or a tiny dog, but a scruffy dog named Rufus. Linnet is a counterbalance to Piers, not merely in her beauty, but in her bone-deep kindness (though she tops his sarcastic wit word-for-word). And Rufus, with his lopped off ear and fleas, is the signal for just how wonderful Linnet is—and how much Piers needs her to heal his wounded heart.

So—what’s your favorite romance-with-an-animal? And, if you were writing a romance, which animal would you include? (Be specific as to the breed, if relevant!)

One randomly selected commenter will receive an Eloisa tote bag and a signed copy of the UK edition of When the Duke Returns.

119 comments:

  1. Well, it's a paranormal romance, but my favorite animal in a book is Pirate from Angie Fox's Demon Slayer series. He's a talking Jack Russell terrier. I think if I was going to write a story with a dog it would be a cocker spaniel as we always had these when I was growing up.

    seriousreader at live dot com

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  2. Welcome Eloisa,
    Elaine Fox and Susan Donovan have written some funny and great romances featuring dogs. One of my favorites is definitely Elaine's "Guys and Dogs." We didn't have pets when we were growing up, but I've always thought golden retrievers and labs were so cute. I think I would use those two breeds if I were writing a romance.

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  3. Whoo Hoo I love stories with dogs in them they are just the best friends to have they give so much love and I have found that they are good listeners as well. I loved Anna Cambpell's Untouched there is such a fantastic dog in this book and for the life of me I cannot think of his name at the moment and my sister has the book LOL. But for me dogs big or small I love I have had pugs before at the moment we have a little dog named Brandy and she has lots of different types of breeds in her LOl but she is very loving.
    If I was writing a book the breed would for me would depend on the genre I think.

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  4. I love the stories with animals, not just dogs, and I loved Freddie. So much personality for such a little dog.

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  5. I recently read Kristan Higgins Too Good to be True. And the Heroine had a little dog called Angus. He's a West Highland terrier. And when the dog escapes the Hero helps her find him. It bring's them closer togeter and I like that, that's what animals do bringing people together and letting them show you more of who they are inside.

    I always wanted to read a book that had a large white fluffy cat in it. Basically because I used to have one and he was a great cat. Always comming to the door when I got home. Watching soapopera's with me on the couch. Having this really weird love for raisins, never heard of anther cat that liked to eat raisins. He survived a fall from the upstairs window, Got bitten by a German Sheppard, was stung by a bee on his lip and swelled up like a balloon... There where a ton of (near-) accidents but he was a fighter. I admired his positive vibe and happy attitude towards life. Sadly he didn't miraculously survive death but I think he would make a great character in a story.

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  6. Deidre Martin's Chasing Stanley had a dog Stanley Neuf a Newfoundland!

    Kristan Higgins has had a dog in the last couple of books I've read of hers.
    Catch of the day Colonel a Golden Retriever. Fools Rush In had a Black Lab named Digger.

    The most unique pets Jayne Anne Krenz's Dust Bunnies! Elvis, Rose, Max and Fuzz

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  7. Hi Eloisa! Welcome back to the Dish! We're so thrilled to have you with us today.

    I'm sure you're not surprised to hear that I love dogs in my romances. Oyster is a particular favorite and "the moment" in that book where "the unthinkable" happened had me sobbing all over the pages of my book. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for a happy ending!

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  8. Linda, I've known Jack Russells that I swear could talk. They're such expressive little dogs!

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  9. Hi Jane!

    Elaine Fox writes terrific dogs, doesn't she? I loved her Guys and Dogs!

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  10. In Tracey Warren’s The Husband Trap the Heroine insists that she must rescue a big dirty cannot tell exactly what it is mutt from a coaching inn. I love a H/h who saves an animal in need!! Also, in Heyer’s The Grand Sophy when Sophy introduces the monkey to the family I laugh every time and it kind of sets the tone of Sophy’s personality.

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  11. Good morning, Eloisa and everyone! Thanks so much for dishing with us today, Eloisa. We are so happy to have you with us today.

    What a terrific topic! Like many of the others, I adore pets in romances, most particularly dogs. Kristan Higgins has dogs in her stories and one of my favorites was Angus, the Scottish terrier, from Too Good to Be True. I also loved Newton, the corgi, from JQ's The Viscount Who Loved Me.

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  12. Kirsten said: I recently read Kristan Higgins Too Good to be True. And the Heroine had a little dog called Angus. He's a West Highland terrier. And when the dog escapes the Hero helps her find him.

    Great minds think a like, Kirsten!

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  13. Helen, Wolfram was the dog in Untouched. He was great, wasn't he?

    Another favorite of mine is Dumfries from Julie Garwood's Saving Grace.

    Kandy Shepherd writes some of the best dogs around. Brutus, the canine casanova from Love is a Four-Lettered Word is a hoot and Mack, the lovable lug from Home is Where the Bark is absolutely stole my heart.

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  14. I love the stories with animals, not just dogs, and I loved Freddie. So much personality for such a little dog.

    Freddie was great, wasn't he, Dianna? By the end of the book, I wanted to take him home with me!

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  15. Hi, Eloisa.

    I, gulp, am not much of an animal lover. We have a Chorkie named Bear and he is very much my daughter's and my husband's dog. I like him and tolerate him. Ironically, I'm the one who seems to take care of him.

    My sister has a bunny and I do like to hold him when I go visit. He's not a house bunny, but my cousin does have two and they're litter box-trained.

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  16. I loved the dog in Duke of Her of Own and I am writing a contemporary with a springer spaniel in it as the hero's side kick. Should be a fun write as I just started it.

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  17. Jeannene said,I loved the dog in Duke of Her of Own and I am writing a contemporary with a springer spaniel in it as the hero's side kick. Should be a fun write as I just started it.

    Good luck with your new book, Jeannene! I love springer spaniels. A friend has one and he's a real character.

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  18. Hi Eloisa!
    Great to have you here. I'm so looking forward to Lady Most Likely and When Beauty Tamed the Beast! Can you tell us if you're still working on The Princess and the Pea story, or what your current work in progress is?

    I absolutely loved Oyster and Freddie! :) One of my favorite books (or series) with a pet was Foolish in Nora's Chesapeake Bay series. Poor Seth had been abused and neglected by his mother Gloria, and he first learned to love and trust Foolish before he opend to up Cam, Anna Ethan,Grace, Sybil and Phillip.

    There's also Malcolm, Lady Danbury's cat in JQ's How to Marry a Marquis. I thought JQ did a perfect job with Malcolm because that is just the kind of cat Lady D would have-ornery but loveable underneath it all, lol.

    And there's Dodger the ferret from Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series. How can you not love a pet who steals garters and anything else in plain sight? ;) Let's also not forget Medusa the hedgehog. As Beatrix said, "Always trust a man who can handle a hedgehog." LOL

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  19. First off, Eloisa is one of my top 10 favorite authors. Wouldn't miss a thing she writes.

    I'm rather indifferent about animals in books...I can take 'em or leave 'em. That said, I'm reading 'The Naked Viscount' by Sally MacKenzie right now where the hero's screwball aunt has a rather sassy talking parrot and a rowdy monkey. Very funny...the character wouldn't really be the same without her pets.

    I would love to see a book include one of those cute little Westies as seen in the Cesar dog food commercials. If I were to have a dog...that would be the one!

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  20. It's always a celebratory kind of day when EJ is in the house. :)

    As I said yesterday, I'm really eager to read The Lady Most Likely. Reading the excerpts yesterday just increased my anticipation--and my impatience.

    I love dogs in books and in RL. Poor Oyster! That was a painful scene. And I have never quite forgiven Anne Gracie for killing the puppy (even though for a good purpose)in The Stolen Princess. Lufra, the Baluchistan hound, in my favorite Georgette Heyer book, Frederica, is high on my list of favorite dogs, as are Fred in Jenny Crusie's Anyone But You and Angus, the West Highland Terrier, in Kristan Higgins's Too Good to Be True. Barbara Metzger has some great dogs in her old trad Regencies too. I also have a great affection for Boomer, the Basset hound in my first ms.

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  21. Kirsten -- you are right about your cat being unique: I have never, ever heard of a raisin-eating feline!

    And Laurie, how could I forget the dust bunnies! I love all of them--especially Elvis.

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  22. Lisa, I hate to sound like such a noodle, but yes--I'm still writing Princess and the Pea. I'm slow! But it's coming along... I love Dodger. Love that whole book, in fact--it's one of my favorites.

    Karen H, I love Westies too. They have adorable faces.

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  23. Lisa, I loved Dodger! He's a great character and that book is one of my Kleypas favorites!

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  24. Karen H, Westies are such cuties. One of my friends has two and I adore them!

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  25. It's always a celebratory kind of day when EJ is in the house. :)

    It most certainly is, Janga!

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  26. Lisa said: And there's Dodger the ferret from Lisa Kleypas's Hathaway series. How can you not love a pet who steals garters and anything else in plain sight? ;)

    Oh, I love Dodger, Lisa! He stole a lot...including my heart!

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  27. My favorite book with a dog is Angie Fox's Pirate. He tells it like it is and is food motivated.
    I am owned by a Golden Retriever and a German Shorthaired Pointer.
    I have read some stories w/Goldens but I would love a story with a GSP
    with a take on their goofiness and also their princeliness.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  28. Hi, Eloisa! We're so happy you're back dishing with us today!

    I loved Freddie---such a big personality in such a little dog.

    And Rufus? That's my golden retriever's name. He's a 77 lb. sweetheart who thinks he's a lap dog!

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  29. Hi Eloisa!
    My favorite romances with animals would have to be the books by Kristan Higgins. I absolutely love them! I'm a huge animal lover, so books with pets are some of my favorites.
    If I wrote a romance, I would have to include a Dalmatian. I have two of them at home and they are the best dogs. ;)

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  30. Not a fan of dogs in books off hand. I mean, I'll still read the books if they're by beloved authors, but I prefer a cat to a dog most times.

    Although I do recall a Julie Garwood book, Saving Grace, where the heroine is terrified of the hero's wolfhound, and she ends up winning over the dog, even though it's as big as her. That was a great book and a wonderful dog.

    In Disney, my favorite "animal moment" is the moment between Prince Philip and his horse, when they hear Sleeping Beauty singing in the forest--and he's negotiating extra oats if his horse will go looking for the girl instead of going straight home. Maybe I just prefer romances with horses in them. :)

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  31. Gannon said, And Rufus? That's my golden retriever's name. He's a 77 lb. sweetheart who thinks he's a lap dog!

    Rufus is a total sweetheart and I love his lap snuggles!

    Like Gannon, I have one of those big lugs who haven't figured out yet that they've outgrown the puppy years. Rachel is a Rottweiler mix (probably Lab or Hound) who adopted me from the shelter. That's right. She adopted me. I really had no say in the decision. *g* I love dogs like that in my books; the big mutts of undetermined origin who can scare off the bad guys with one growl but are really just huge marshmallows with tons of love to share, who are happiest in the laps...or sprawled across the chests...or snuggled up in bed next to their humans. Dumfries from Saving Grace is a dog like that.

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  32. In Disney, my favorite "animal moment" is the moment between Prince Philip and his horse, when they hear Sleeping Beauty singing in the forest--and he's negotiating extra oats if his horse will go looking for the girl instead of going straight home. Maybe I just prefer romances with horses in them. :)

    Oh Hellie, I love that scene! It makes me smile every time I think of it.

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  33. I do love animals and so, yes, I love pets in books. I have a preference for dogs, but I enjoy reading about any kind of pets. Kristan Higgins does an excellent job, showing that the animals are real characters, important in their own right. In Much Ado About Marriage, Karen Hawkins has a quirky heroine who is always saving animals no one else would have—a horse, a dog, and a bunny. What I especially liked about the dogs in A Kiss at Midnight was how differently they were treated—and then, behaved—when they were with Kate. Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to your next book.

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  34. Everyone who mentioned Kristin Higgins--you are SO right! Love her book, and the pets are irresistible.

    And MsHellion, I remember Saving Grace. Isn't that one of her medievals? I absolutely love those early books.

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  35. I love dogs in books as well. Kristan Higgins has such a gift for using dogs in her stories. I loved the Westie too! I'd love to see a novel with a giant talking parrot that just irritated the crap out of everyone. I believe that would be hilarious!

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  36. Eloisa is a terrific writer and person! I would have a teacup Yorkie. Imagine all the trouble one little dog could get a Mistress of the house into. Finding it's way into secret places, or running into new men and bringing her Mistress right into the fray. The dogs in most books are always bigger. Hunting dogs and such. Why not just a fun little dog whose only wish is to have fun and love his/her Mistress. I want a teacup Yorkie and would name her Fancy. The way they prance and yip just seems to remind me of the Ladies of the Ton snipping and sniping at each other.

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  37. I loved Jo Beverly's A Lady's Secret, and the hero Robin's little Papillon named Coquette. Such a frivilous dog for a hero, she added a lot of comedy to the story.
    If I were writing a romance, I'd include a little dog like a tiny Yorkshire terrier that the hero would have to care for. There's nothing like a big strong man stuck with a frivilous little dog, and seeing how he treats it with love against his will.
    By the way, I'm reading A Kiss at Midnight right now, and I love the little rats, they're so cute.

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  38. I loved Robin Kaye's Romeo Romeo. She wroth a dog named Dave that could have been human. It was wonderful!

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  39. My Favorite Books that have animals in them....

    Dreaming by Jill Barnett
    Letty's (Heroine) dog Gus was so funny!! Gus growled EVERY time someone said the hero's name "Richard"

    Bewitching by Jill Barnett
    Joyous Fiona MacQuarrie's pet and familiar, Beelzebub (an ermine weasel) provided a very cute comic relief to an already laugh out loud funny story

    The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
    Newton, a "benign-looking corgi" (according to the hero, Anthony) has a funny scene when he runs into the heroine's (Kate) sister and pushes her into The Serpentine... heheeheheh!!

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  40. I started reading romances with Jennifer Crusie's "Anyone But You" and I picked it due to the dog on the cover (Fred the basset hound). I also like Kristan Higgins' books, except maybe "The Next Best Thing" as it has a cat on the cover instead of a dog (plus the ending up with the ex-boyfriend/ex-brother-in-law was not my fav trope).

    How about frogs or salamanders or some other sort of amphibians? They should be in romances, too.

    ironss[at]gmail.com

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  41. Hi Eloisa!

    I'd love to read your new release.

    I loved the Basset Hound, Sadie, in 'Nobody's Darling' by Teresa Medeiros,

    If I were to include an animal character in a book, it would likely be a chubby Beagle puppy - one with a mischievous streak.

    bridgemama on twitter

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  42. First, I also have all of Eloisa's books and novellas. I think all animals are good in stories they often add a needed element of humor.

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  43. Hi Eloisa, I love dogs and they seem to love me back. Whenever I go to see friend who has a dog(s)
    or when I meet a new one, they seek me out for attention. Head patting, rolling over for tummy rubbing, hand licking, etc. It's very ironic since I am highly allergic to all dogs!
    However, I do also love dogs in books. I get to have one of my own vicariously! I liked Oyster in "A Duke of Her Own" and those 3 "Rats" in "A Kiss at Midnight" were a riot!
    Freddy is irrisistable!
    Lisa Klaypas uses a troubled Terrier in her book "Love in the Afternoon." She even includes a cute sketch of him in the epistolary stage of the novel. More importantly, he mirrors War Hero, Christopher Phelan's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A problem not often addressed in Historical Romance.

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  44. Hi Eloisa,
    I do enjoy animals in stories. The ferret in Lisa Kleypas' recent stories comes to mind. Also, I remember years ago Julie Garwood had some great wolf like dogs in one or more of her romances.

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  45. I have to admit, my favorite dog from a romance novel is the one from Jennifer Crusie's "Crazy For You"...which I think is the book you meant, Eloisa, not "Tell Me Lies." There is a dog in "Tell Me Lies" though, so a mix-up is understandable.

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  46. I like Jim, in Katie MacAlister's paranormal books. He's a talking dog who is actually a demon but he's very funny. :)

    If I were to write a romance novel, I would include a cat and the breed doesn't matter to me. I love the comic relief they provide...in stories and in real life.

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  47. Favorite animal in a book: Albert
    *forgive me for this I read far to much so its foggy the actual title of the book.* in the last book of the series that Married by Morning is the second to last book.

    If I were writing Id either use a long haired tabby with pure cat personality or a Pekinese like the one we had when I was groing up. It would have her inate empathy that even tho she passed away 10 years ago I still feel.

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  48. Cool... Thanks Eloise for refering me onto Romance Dish.. never heard of it before. :)

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  49. I was just reading earlier posts and noticed the comments on Dodger the weasel! I love him!
    Judith Ivory's "The Proposition" also has a wonderful, funny and mischievous weasel in it.

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  50. Eloisa! {{Hugs}} It is so wonderful having you with us again!

    I truly love when animals appear in romance novels, especially when one of the characters have such a strong bond with the animal. I'm terrible at remembering names of books and characters, so bare with me on this one. I remember a historical novel where the heroine had a pet monkey which she loved. It was fun to read about their adventures. Sure wish I could remember the name of that book now! Oh well.

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  51. Kristan Higgins has some terrific dogs in her books and I love how they're incorporated into her covers. That's actually how I first discovered her books. I was browsing the book aisle at Wal-Mart and the dog on the cover of Catch of the Day caught my attention!

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  52. Oops, guess the topic is DOGS in books, not monkeys! Sorry!!!! Long day at the office. And I'm dealing with monkeys, ahem, kids at home :-)

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  53. Carla said, I'd love to see a novel with a giant talking parrot that just irritated the crap out of everyone. I believe that would be hilarious!

    Carla, have you read Tessa Dare's books yet? (She's terrific!) The third book in her current trilogy, Three Nights With a Scoundrel has a talking parrot in it.

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  54. Melanie said, I want a teacup Yorkie and would name her Fancy. The way they prance and yip just seems to remind me of the Ladies of the Ton snipping and sniping at each other.

    Perfect description, Melanie! :)

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  55. Barbara E said, I loved Jo Beverly's A Lady's Secret, and the hero Robin's little Papillon named Coquette. Such a frivilous dog for a hero, she added a lot of comedy to the story.

    Barbara, thank you for mentioning Coquette. I had forgotten about her! That was such a good book and, you're right, she added a *lot* of humor to the story!

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  56. I loved Robin Kaye's Romeo Romeo. She wroth a dog named Dave that could have been human. It was wonderful!

    Hi jewels! I haven't read that book yet but I've heard good things about it. One more reason to move it up my tbr mountain! *g*

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  57. Great examples, Estela NW! I love all three of those books!

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  58. Sheree said, I started reading romances with Jennifer Crusie's "Anyone But You" and I picked it due to the dog on the cover (Fred the basset hound).

    Fred is definitely a classic!

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  59. Hi DC/Bridgmama! Thanks for stopping by! You said, I loved the Basset Hound, Sadie, in 'Nobody's Darling' by Teresa Medeiros

    It's been years since I read Nobody's Darling. To be honest, I had forgotten about the Basset Hound. May be time for a re-read! :)

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  60. Hi regencygirl! Thanks for stopping by!

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  61. fsbuchler said, Lisa Klaypas uses a troubled Terrier in her book "Love in the Afternoon." She even includes a cute sketch of him in the epistolary stage of the novel. More importantly, he mirrors War Hero, Christopher Phelan's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A problem not often addressed in Historical Romance.

    I thought that was so well done!

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  62. Maureen, Garwood's big hounds in her medievals are some of my favorite dogs in romance and I'm with you on the ferret. Love him!

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  63. Sara said, If I were to write a romance novel, I would include a cat and the breed doesn't matter to me. I love the comic relief they provide...in stories and in real life.

    I've read some great cat characters in books! In real life, I'm allergic to cats but in books? Love them! :)

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  64. Hi Erimeh! You said, If I were writing Id either use a long haired tabby with pure cat personality or a Pekinese like the one we had when I was groing up. It would have her inate empathy that even tho she passed away 10 years ago I still feel.

    Isn't it amazing how some animals are born with that empathy? I had a dog like that. She died last year in the age of 13. She always knew instinctively when her humans needed comfort.

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  65. Cool... Thanks Eloise for refering me onto Romance Dish.. never heard of it before. :)

    Welcome, Jac! We're glad you found us and you sure picked the right week! Lots of fun surprises going on during our first anniversary celebration and lots of prizes to give away too!

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  66. Not just dogs, Buffie. Any kind of animals in books!

    I remember a Sabrina Jeffries historical with a mischievous monkey.

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  67. I can't think of a favorite book with an animal off-hand, but I am writing one now that has an amusing scene with a Doberman in it - it belongs to the hero.
    Margay

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  68. I loved the dog in your book "A Duke of Her Own" and what a great book and series that was!

    I recently read Liz Carlyle's "One Touch of Scandal" and the hero had 2 gray cats named Silk and Satin. Loved the names and the cats. We have 2 cats in our home so I could relate!
    Heather W.

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  69. Hi Eloisa!

    I definitely enjoy reading about dogs with personality in romances! As for a few of my favorite dogs... I'd have to say Oyster (A Duke of Her Own) (Villiers!!!), like PJ I was horrified. Oh Lord I cried!

    I also loved Albert, (Love in the Afternoon, Lisa Kleypas) as well. He was so smart! Let's see... Jennifer Crusie has a couple as well! Dakota Cassidy has an amusing little one in The Accidental Werewolf.

    Anyway, looking forward to the new book!

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  70. Margay said, I am writing one now that has an amusing scene with a Doberman in it - it belongs to the hero.

    My neighbor has a giant Doberman who's quite the character. Another one that weighs about 140 pounds and thinks it's a lap dog.

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  71. Heather said, I recently read Liz Carlyle's "One Touch of Scandal" and the hero had 2 gray cats named Silk and Satin.

    Wasn't that a good book? I really enjoyed it!

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  72. Monica M said, I definitely enjoy reading about dogs with personality in romances!

    Me too, Monica. Oyster and Albert both had great personalities. Glad to know I wasn't the only one sobbing!

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  73. My favorite type of dog is dachsunds! If they were in your stories they'd have to be snuggled up to their owners or saving them from harmful men! I laughed and laughed when I read that you based the latest beast somewhat after House, M.D. I can't wait to read the book! Thanks for the post. It was great to know dogs will continue being a part of the stories...♥

    lalibrarybug@yahoo.com

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  74. I would have to say Oyster was my favorite dog in a romance. I am currently writing a romance novel and I plan to include some sort of retriever mutt as a present to the heroine's little brother from the hero.

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  75. I love dogs in stories, particularly when they are friendly with big personalities. My absolute favorite is Lufra from Georgette Heyer's "Frederica". I mean the whole bit about the Baluchistan Hound versus the Barcelona Collie makes me laugh every time. Almost as much a favorite is Ulysses from "Arabella" by the same author.

    I think they are so fun in a book because most of us make up dialog for our pets, and when we see the same type of thing in a book we know exactly what the author is trying to convey. When Georgette Heyer talks about Ulyses being ill bred and hurling insults at other dogs instead of maintaining a well-bred demeanor that ignores the riff-raff, you know she is just being funny and obviously loves this dog character she has created. It's just one of those things that helps you bond with the characters and the books and that makes you smile long after you have finished it (like the next time you take your dog for a walk and they embarrass you by barking at another dog).

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  76. Eloisa, thank you so much for blogging with us today and helping us celebrate our first anniversary!

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  77. Many thanks to everyone who posted today! Hope you'll all stop by tomorrow for Day 3 of our anniversary celebration when we play "Guess the Mystery Author!"

    We're giving away daily prizes to random commenters each day this week. Check the blog Friday night for a list of all our daily winners!

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  78. K you had me from the comment about mustache & shouting German lol I had tears filling my eye when you mentioned Gavin being bed bound Then you show me Rufus I want that dog....
    I so want that book too 3 great authors what could be better?....
    Better would be meeting face to face & having Rufus for my own:-}
    have a good one Ann
    alba47@gmail.com

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  79. Funny thing, I am not an animal person. My son and his family who live nearby got a little beagle last year. Well I just love my grand-dog Phoebe now. I keep treats in the pantry and toys for her. I also visited my daughter and her family in FL this summer. I've met her little mutt Maggie many times and said, oh yeah a dog. Well I just cuddled her the whole 2 weeks. Loosening up after all these years I guess.

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  80. I loved Crusie's Anyone But You -- her compassion for Fred is truly beautiful.

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  81. I love it when there are dogs in the books I read. Sara Lindsey wrote 2 rescued Great Danes into Tempting the Marquess and it was the hero's relationship with them that revealed his true character under all his grief and pain-

    Pets in books are always great but there's something about a dog- have always had one all my life. Have cats now too but a dog- yeah,all good.

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  82. I love books with animals especially dogs I work at a doggie daycare and am very passionate about not only dogs but all animals.Dogs like people all have different personalities you get class clowns and bullies ,lovers and my favorites the mischevious ones lol.

    flanagan@mebtel.net

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  83. I love stories with animals in them. You can tell a lot about human characters by the way they respond to them. I really enjoy a well-written fictional animal with fun quirks and personality. Barbara O'Neal has wonderful animal characters in a few of her books.

    And Jayne Ann Krentz's dust bunnies are so much fun!

    A big dopey lab makes for a very fun read or a smart feline. ;)

    laurieire at hotmail dot com

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  84. I am in a hotel and it is too late to think. I am over 1,000 unopened emails behind and don't have access to my bookshelves. There was an Irish wolf hound in one of the Medievals I read years ago.
    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

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  85. Forgot to answer the second part of the question. I would include a bagle in a romance I wrote. Our first dog was a beagle and the sweetest dog you ever met.

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  86. I would love to see a romance with a parrot in it, especially one that plays a positive role (not the annoying squawking bird). Any type of parrot would do, but it would be especially nice if it were a smart African Grey, silly Macaw, or a doting cockatoo.

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  87. Thanks, all, for reminding us of terrific dogs (I'm so happy to read comments from those of you who loved Oyster--me too).

    It was a pleasure being at Romance Dish, as always!

    smooches,
    Eloisa

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  88. Alba said, I had tears filling my eye when you mentioned Gavin being bed bound Then you show me Rufus I want that dog....

    No better medicine for a little boy than a rough and tumble dog. Rufus could steal my heart too!

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  89. Sheila said, Funny thing, I am not an animal person. My son and his family who live nearby got a little beagle last year. Well I just love my grand-dog Phoebe now. I keep treats in the pantry and toys for her.

    Sheila, you brought back some lovely memories for me. My dad was the same as you, never liking dogs much. We grew up with a dog but I don't remember ever seeing my dad cuddle or play with her. But, in his later years, when he and my stepmom would come south to spend a couple months with us during the winter, his heart was captured by my big, goofy Lab. He started carrying a picture of him in his wallet and would whip it out to show people his "grand-dog." He loved that dog to pieces...and the feeling was mutual!

    Thanks for visiting with us today!

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  90. Sylvia said, I loved Crusie's Anyone But You -- her compassion for Fred is truly beautiful.

    Me too! Such a good book!

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  91. Maribeth said, I love it when there are dogs in the books I read. Sara Lindsey wrote 2 rescued Great Danes into Tempting the Marquess and it was the hero's relationship with them that revealed his true character under all his grief and pain-

    Sara writes lovely stories, doesn't she?

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  92. WandaF said, I love books with animals especially dogs I work at a doggie daycare and am very passionate about not only dogs but all animals.

    Have you read Kandy Shepherd's Home is Where the Bark is? The heroine owns a doggie daycare and much of the story centers around the animals there and her and the hero's (he's not a dog person in the beginning) interaction with them.

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  93. Hi Laurie! Thanks for dropping by!

    I adore JAK's dust bunnies!

    Big, dopey Labs never fail to steal my heart. I've owned several and always enjoy seeing them in the books I read.

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  94. Hi librarypat! (waving)

    Thanks for checking in from the hotel! I agree with you on the beagles. They're just the sweetest dogs. Good friends have two beagle/spaniel mix dogs and I just love them to pieces.

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  95. justme said, I would love to see a romance with a parrot in it, especially one that plays a positive role (not the annoying squawking bird).

    Check out Tessa Dare's Three Nights With a Scoundrel!

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  96. Thank you, Eloisa! It's always a pleasure having you here!

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  97. Buffie said: I remember a historical novel where the heroine had a pet monkey which she loved.

    Buffie, Liza from Karen Hawkins's novella, Two Hearts, in The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown anthology had a monkey. I loved that story!

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  98. Maribeth said: Sara Lindsey wrote 2 rescued Great Danes into Tempting the Marquess...

    I loved Red and Blue, Maribeth!!

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  99. Thanks so much for joining us, Eloisa! We always have so much fun when you visit! :)

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  100. To me, any book with a dog or dogs is better than without because it adds the element of humor. That one element is more important to me than any other. I'll be looking forward to picking up all of your books. Thanks for writing.

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  101. My favorite "animal" story in a book is Heather and Velvet by Teresa Medeiros. The cat is owned by the lovely herione Prudence and the cat's name is the same as the hot hero Sebastion! Very funny and sweet! I would be adding cats to my books if I was writing them. I'm a cat person and have owned the Bengal breed before and think it would be cool to use them.
    Thanks for sharing with us!

    evjochum@aol.com

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  102. Laura Kinsale always has an animal in her stories and I like that, but my favorite would have to be the 3-legged cat named Lucky. It is featured in Lisa Kleypas's book "Love in the Afternoon." I'm a cat person...what can I say :D


    And that Beauty cover is TO DIE FOR!

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  103. I love dogs in roamnce books. One of my favorites has always been Kate's little dog in Julia Quinn's THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME. I also loved the fact that you included them in A KISS FOR MIDNIGHT and each of the dogs seemed to have their very own personality. I have always had a dog and they are very smart and intuitive about our moods which always amazes me.

    I would probably include a rat terrier or another breed of terriers becuase they are so smart and cute and since I have had a rat terrier for 14 years I have a good idea I would have a good bassis for writing about one.

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  104. I love Rita Mae Brown and her books with Sneaky Pie Brown, her cat (I have 4 cats). These are such cute books. But in truth I love all books that have a dog or cat in them. Animals make great books better. Their antics, personality and quirky ways are always funny and I love to laugh when reading.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  105. I adored the ferret Toot in 'My Sweet Folly', and Hubert the ox in 'Lessons in French' (both Laura Kinsale).

    Myself, I've written a llama into a manuscript, and she was great fun.

    mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca

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  106. The little dog in Mary Jo Putney's SHATTERED RAINBOWS was hilarious, and I dig the hamster in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. With all the stuff that happens to Stephanie's life and apartment, somehow Rex always pulls through. Kind of a metaphor for Stephanie, I suppose.

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  107. I love animals of any kind in books. As you said, I believe they can reveal so much about the characters. And really, who doesn't feel safer revealing their innermost feelings to a four-legged creature as opposed to the two-legged ones? I have a special love for Great Danes, and when I'm writing I find they make their way into the stories. Sometimes only for a brief cameo, and sometimes for a major part. Regardless, love, love, love animals in stories.

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  108. Judy, I also love the humor that dogs often bring to a story, as well as the sweetness and emotion.

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  109. My favorite "animal" story in a book is Heather and Velvet by Teresa Medeiros.

    Oh, that's a good one, Johanna! I haven't read that book in years.

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  110. Laura Kinsale always has an animal in her stories and I like that, but my favorite would have to be the 3-legged cat named Lucky. It is featured in Lisa Kleypas's book "Love in the Afternoon." I'm a cat person...what can I say :D

    Nothing wrong with being a cat person, Antonia! Laura had a wonderful character in her last book, Lessons in French: Hubert the bull. Loved him!

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  111. Kasey, terriers are great little dogs, aren't they? I grew up with a terrier/chihuahua mix and she was quite the character!

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  112. misskallie2000 said, Their antics, personality and quirky ways are always funny and I love to laugh when reading.

    Me too! :)

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  113. M. said, I adored the ferret Toot in 'My Sweet Folly', and Hubert the ox in 'Lessons in French' (both Laura Kinsale).

    Myself, I've written a llama into a manuscript, and she was great fun.


    I haven't read My Sweet Folly but I sure enjoyed Hubert in Kinsale's book.

    Oh, I can imagine lots of fun escapades for a llama. You must have had a great time writing that story! Good luck with the ms!

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  114. The little dog in Mary Jo Putney's SHATTERED RAINBOWS was hilarious, and I dig the hamster in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. With all the stuff that happens to Stephanie's life and apartment, somehow Rex always pulls through. Kind of a metaphor for Stephanie, I suppose.

    I agree, Vivien! Shattered Rainbows is one of my favorite Putney books.

    You're right on target with Rex too. Can't imagine Stephanie without him.

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  115. angelaares said, I love animals of any kind in books. As you said, I believe they can reveal so much about the characters. And really, who doesn't feel safer revealing their innermost feelings to a four-legged creature as opposed to the two-legged ones?

    My dogs know all my secrets and they haven't spilled one yet!

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  116. I enjoyed Oyster, but Andrea Kane has 3 adorable miniature dachshunds in her current FBI series.

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  117. I enjoyed Oyster, but Andrea Kane has 3 adorable miniature dachshunds in her current FBI series.

    Thanks, Penfield! I'll have to check those out.

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  118. Who won Eloisa's book and tote bag for this blog. I didn't see it posted.

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  119. Who won Eloisa's book and tote bag for this blog. I didn't see it posted.

    The winner was Maribeth. All of the daily winners are listed under WINNERS - Anniversary Celebration, posted Friday night.

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