Please welcome our very special guest blogger…ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE!
I am so happy to introduce one of the most talented and fun people I know. Roxanne (Rocki) St. Claire and I met in Florida several years ago, right after I’d sold my first book. We were both stay-at-home moms with little ones, both with big dreams of a career in romance writing and a liking for white wine and laughter. For those of you who’ve read her books, you already know Rocki is one of the most talented authors out there…she’s gonna be big, folks. No doubt about it.
And if you haven’t read her, now is a great time to start. She’s recently launched a series of books about a group of hot-as-sin bodyguards, the Bullet Catchers: (click on cover to order from Amazon)
And now, let’s give a warm jungle welcome to Roxanne St. Claire! 
The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of…
Hi everyone! What an honor and privilege to be invited to guest blog at one of my very favorite sites, populated and penned by four of the world’s best romance writers and all around great people! Thanks to the plotmonkeys for holding out a branch so I could swing through this fun jungle.
I’ve got my mind on marriage today. No, no, I’m not getting married. I did that – 17 years ago. But I’ve been reading some emails from readers and am always surprised when they mention their husbands to me (and I’m delighted to hear from the husbands, too!), reminding me of a theory I’ve had for many years. A theory about marriage, happiness and reading.
Back in the days when alcohol flowed freely at the annual RWA Rita Awards and attendees sat at tables more like the Golden Globes than the Oscars, I’ve heard rumors that there used to be a secret drinking game: every time a winner thanked her husband, attendees took a sip. By the time Nora stepped up to accept her annual statuette, most of the room would be spinning.
This bit of folklore (I’m certain it’s not true – romance writers never drink) demonstrates a theory I’ve held since I started writing romance and meeting the people who love to read it: we’re a happily married bunch. Judging from the mail I get and the hundreds of readers I’ve met in person, romance readers might love their heroes hot and hunky, but their hearts belong to the man who mows the lawn, fires up the barbecue and hides the remote next to his La-Z-Boy. And I really believe there’s a relationship between the love we read and write about, and the one we cuddle next to when we close the book and end the day.
Before becoming a novelist, I spent 18 years in public relations, an industry populated by high-energy women who are particularly gifted at putting a positive spin on everything. And yet, separation, dissatisfaction and man bashing were the norm, not the exception, and in those two decades, I attended more divorce decree parties than weddings. When I switched careers and began to develop friendships and share secrets with a whole new set of girlfriends, I was constantly amazed by the general (and I am generalizing) impression that many of these lovers of the HEA had found one of their own. In fact, the phrase “she’s married to her real life hero” morphed from cute to cliché the fourteenth time I read it.
So, is it possible that there’s a connection? Are those of us who live for love – the writers, the readers, the fantasy-seekers – just lucky in love? Or do we work harder for the happy ending because it is so important to us? Or do we actually learn how to keep the fires stoked because we read and write about it every day? I believe we do. I believe that a lifetime of reading and writing about the stuff that dreams are made of gives us some power tools that help us make those dreams come true in our own lives.
And, yes, before you ask, I married my real life hero. I got into an elevator on June 8, 1987 and quite literally stopped in my tracks. He was gorgeous, dressed in Armani and when he smiled, my stomach fell faster than the car on its way to the first floor.
On June 8, 1989, in that very same elevator, he dropped to one knee, blinded me with a diamond and said, “This is where I found you, so this is where I want to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me.” I swear I didn’t make that up. Here’s a picture of him.
Just kidding. That’s Alex Romero, the Bullet Catcher from KILL ME TWICE. How did he get in here?
Here’s my husband….
Whoops. Another one of those pesky bodyguards I write about. That’s Dan Gallagher. His book’s coming up in the future.
Oh, here he is. Seventeen years and many elevator dips later…
So, in an effort to improve the quality of even just one marriage, I’m going to give away a signed copy of THRILL ME TO DEATH, one of my Bullet Catcher books. I hope that it, and many other wonderful romance novels, remind you of the first time you fell in love and knew, without a doubt, that he was The One! Happy reading!
xoxo
Rocki
www.roxannestclaire.com
Hi Rocki!!! Cathie here. Beautiful to read more about you!! Yep I think we talk,at least I do, about our hubby’s when emailing you all is because I think reading your books inspire us to think of memories with our own hero we have at home. So I know when I read a book and so comforted after finishing it I too am happy I have my hero as well.
So beautiful how your husband proposed to you!!! Gave me goosebumps reading that. Jim and I were taking a walk and sat on a bench and were telling each other that we didn’t want to ever be away from each other and asked each other to marry!! See here I go telling you about my hubby.d
Looking forward to so much more of reading your books Rocki!
Thanks for all you do!
Cathie
Comment by Cathie — October 23, 2006 @ 6:26 am
WOO HOO! Welcome, Rocki! I’m so glad you’re here. LOVE your hero hubby. What a cutie! BTW everyone, I LOVE Rocki’s books!
Comment by Carly — October 23, 2006 @ 6:27 am
Hi Roxanne!
I agree with you. When I’m reading a book there are times when something the hero does or says will remind me of my husband.
Comment by Maureen — October 23, 2006 @ 6:33 am
Hi Rocki, it’s great to have you here. I already have both your Buttet Catcher books, just havent’ gotten the chance to enjoy them yet. I’ve heard a lot of great stuff about them though.
Your hubby looks like a romance hero! I’m kinda picturing Max from Suzanne Brockmann’s books, at least that’s how he should look LOL. Congrats on 17 years together. I’m still waiting on The One, just haven’t found him quite yet
Comment by Stacy ~ — October 23, 2006 @ 8:32 am
Good Lord that should say Bullet Catcher! Sorry ’bout that.
Comment by Stacy ~ — October 23, 2006 @ 8:33 am
Hi Rocki,
Welcome to the Jungle! I just loved reading about you meeting your husband and how he proposed. And the pictures of the heroes in your books makes me want to run out and buy them. I can’t wait to read them.
Comment by Kelly F. — October 23, 2006 @ 8:55 am
Hi Rocki! Welcome! I have noticed that many of the authors I read seem to have been married to their hubbies for a very long time and have wondered about the connection myself. I think we get what we focus on and when we spend time thinking about love, that’s what we find (just my opinion, but something seems magical with romance writers/readers).
My own life and marriage has definitely gotten much happier and sexier since I started reading romance.
Have a great day everyone!
Comment by Jodie — October 23, 2006 @ 9:40 am
Hi Rocki and welcome!!!
I had known and worked with my hubby for years (he was my boss). A year after his wife suddenly died, he asked me to attend a function with him, and a year later we were married. :love2:At our ages, we weren’t waiting around. That was 9 years ago this month.
I used to work in the same kind of environment and when I think about it, didn’t read romance as much as I do now. I think the happier you are, the easier it is to enjoy a book with its own HEA. If you’re not happy, why make yourself more miserable??? Just a theory.
I have added you to the list of books to buy on my next spree. Looking forward to them.
And, although the 2 models have great bods and are hunky, I like your hubby’s picture best- he has a face that says so much more than theirs do. (Besides, the gray hair does it for me too. Jusy like my hubby!!)
Comment by ev — October 23, 2006 @ 9:43 am
Rocki, welcome to the jungle. I loved your blog…I will put your books on my never ending list of books to buy!
Comment by katie — October 23, 2006 @ 9:49 am
Hey Rocki! Welcome to the jungle! I love your book Kill me Twice and can’t wait to read Thrill me to Death. I am not married, but hope to someday find my real life hero. Thanks for the great story!!
Comment by Lori H — October 23, 2006 @ 9:58 am
Hi, Rocki! Welcome to the plotmonkey blog!
:thumbsup2:Romance readers and writers are always looking for that happy ending and I think we work hard to make that happen for us in reality! I mean, come on! What good is all that imagination if you can’t use it to make your own life a little spicier!
I hate to say I haven’t read one of your books yet, but I’m logging on to Amazon to get it today! I don’t know what a bullet catcher is, but it sounds FABULOUS!
Thanks so much for dropping in!
Comment by Lara — October 23, 2006 @ 10:33 am
Awwww. How sweet.
Great post, Rocki.
And don’t draw my name, I already have a copy.
Happy Monday.
Comment by Heather Harper — October 23, 2006 @ 10:36 am
Hi Rocki,
Welcome to the board. It is great to know there are such happy marriages inspiring you. Your husband is a very handsome man.
I know I personally read to escape the daily grind of marriage. I mean not all of us are lucky enough to be married to a man who mows the lawn, cleans the garage, or even makes love to you.
My husband has been sick for a few years and sometimes I get very frustrated with him, but then he will do a hero move—like bringing home romance books for me, and I will remember the reasons that we fell in love and stay together.
It is so great to read about your supportive husband and real life hero.
Comment by Debbie — October 23, 2006 @ 10:39 am
What a true romantic story I enjoyed reading it. I admit that I have not read any of your books yet, but will be investigating them, they sound like my type of book…….Thanks for stopping by today.
Comment by Cryna — October 23, 2006 @ 10:42 am
Hey all! What a great turnout. I love to hear “how we met” and “how we got engaged stories.” Share ‘em all. (But be warned, they may end up in a book!) As an addendum to those of you “still looking” — I didn’t get that elevator proposal until I was in my early thirties. Before that, I was a serial dater,wildly kissing frogs and holding out for my Prince. But it was soooo worth the wait. The only downside to waiting is that by the time I had kids, I needed glasses to read to them and naps more often than they did!
My darling Rich is quite thrilled to see himself up there with my fantasy men…I think he’s checking this blog a lot today.
xoxoxo
Rocki
Comment by Roxanne St. Claire — October 23, 2006 @ 10:43 am
Rocki,
Love you Bullet Catcher books! Your hubby could be a character in one of the stories - he’s a hunk! Love the other pictures too. Love HEA’s and am married to my hubby for 23 years. I think those of us who read & write romance do try harder to work at keeping love alive…..
Comment by Nina — October 23, 2006 @ 10:47 am
Welcome. It’s always really cool to hear about new authors (I should say new to me). I’m going to be looking for your books the next time I hit the bookstore.
Comment by julie — October 23, 2006 @ 10:56 am
hi roxi!
good to see you here. i hope you come soon. the heros are just hot.:love2:
Comment by kim H — October 23, 2006 @ 11:54 am
Welcome to the Jungle!
I added the books to my TBB(to be bought) pile.
I hope everyone is having a great Monday!
Comment by TRICIA — October 23, 2006 @ 12:18 pm
Love your story about DH.:love2:
Comment by Karen B — October 23, 2006 @ 12:34 pm
I absolutely love your “meet” and “got engaged” story. Very sweet.
I just read you for the first time in a Christmas anthology — I’ll definitely hit Amazon for these Bullet Catcher books. They look great!
Comment by Ellen — October 23, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
I can’t wait to read these stories. Loved the pictures. Very sweet the way your hubby proposed. :love2: What a story to tell the grandkids!
Comment by Phyllis N. Crabtree — October 23, 2006 @ 12:46 pm
What a beautiful story you shared! Your DH could easily be put on the cover of a romance, he’s very good looking.
Comment by Susan — October 23, 2006 @ 12:54 pm
Hi Rocki,
Yes, I can see the correlation between long marriages and romance books.
For me the books help give me new ideas of how to keep the home fire burning HOT. You certainly hit the jackpot in your DH. Love the way he proposed. That is something you would read about in a romance story.:doggie:
Comment by Gigi — October 23, 2006 @ 1:21 pm
Welcome! What a sweet story about the proposal! Your hubby is a cutie!
I must admit that I haven’t read your books yet, but I will definitely check them out!
Comment by Jennifer Y. — October 23, 2006 @ 1:50 pm
Rocki,
I thought I would share how I met my husband. We worked together. but hte very first time I encountered him at work I had to call him around midnight to come in early and cover someone’s shift…I had never met him, so when he came in he had an attitude and started yelling at me.
Then a few weeks later I lost my wallet and he helped me search for it and started bringing me dinner every now and again.
Then we started dating…about 6 weeks later we spent a wonderful day at Hoover Dam and he called me at work that night and said “let’s get married” so I said when and he says now, so I got off early around 10 in stead of my scheduled 11 and we went and bought a ring and license and ended up at the Drive-through chapel.
Gotta Love Vegas Baby!!!
The next morning I called my mom and she asked if I had worked a double and I responded no the reason I didn’t come home last night is Bob and I got married and her response was “Well Happy Trails to you.”
Bobby and I still joke about that line. I swore we would never get rid of that car, but unfortuneatly two years ago…it had to go.
Comment by Debbie — October 23, 2006 @ 2:18 pm
Debbie — I LOVE that story! Talk about a romance novel - even starts off with conflict! Wonderful! Thanks for sharing! :love2:
Comment by Roxanne St. Claire — October 23, 2006 @ 2:30 pm
Hi Rocki, What a wonderful story of how you met your hubby. I love your men from your books there gorgeous! I think your hubby is a fine looking man too. He looks very distinguished in his pic. It sounds like you two are very happy, that’s wonderful after so many years together. I hope you have many more to come.:love2::love2::love2::love2::love2::love2:
Comment by Dena — October 23, 2006 @ 2:32 pm
Hi Rocki!
I absolutely love the story about how you met your husband and he proposed. That story is what romance is made out of. I am excited to read your books. I am adding them to my Amazon cart right now. I am always looking for authors who are new to me to read. Thanks for sharing with us today!!!
Comment by Stephanie S. — October 23, 2006 @ 2:35 pm
Aww, that was so cool!
I haven’t read your books yet, but I hope to soon! 
They sound soooo great — not to mention those heroes look quite yummy too! 
Lois
Comment by Lois — October 23, 2006 @ 3:30 pm
Having been lucky enough to meet Roxanne’s hero hubby, I have to give him a definite :thumbsup2: in all departments! Looks, charm, charisma. The man’s a honey. AND he can cook!!! You’re a lucky girl, Rock!
Comment by Leslie — October 23, 2006 @ 4:23 pm
Hey Rocki…I love your story.
Comment by Vicki — October 23, 2006 @ 4:34 pm
Hey Rocki, I am reading “I’ll be home for Christmas” right now and I’m just about finished with Julie’s story and I can’t wait to read yours. I don’t think I have ever read any of your books but I will be looking for them now.
Comment by Claudia — October 23, 2006 @ 4:51 pm
LOL I believed you about Alex Romero since I didn’t have a clue who he was and what the heck - could have been - of course I was totally envious. But I’m sure you’re real one is a sweatheart and a much better catch
I’m looking forward to reading your books some day - they sound wonderful.
Comment by catslady — October 23, 2006 @ 5:18 pm
okay I meant sweet for goodness sake :oops:
Comment by catslady — October 23, 2006 @ 5:19 pm
Hi Rocki!
Just want to let you know I love all of your books.
It is interesting to learn more about the authors I like to read.
Comment by Estella — October 23, 2006 @ 5:25 pm
That elevator story should be used in a book…great story
Comment by Jeanette Jackson — October 23, 2006 @ 5:54 pm
Thanks for the great love story about how you met your hubby. Thanks to the other ones who shared their story too ~ sure love to read about romance.
As for my hubby and I we met online through a dating site (matchmaker). He was from PA and I am from OH. I was on my last month of looking, I kept telling myself after this month is up ~ I am not renewing. I had enough of all the “jerks”. Then I received his email in January 2001. It was right from the start and we bought a house and he moved to OH in Sept. 2001.
He proposed on Thanksgiving Day 2001 when we were putting up the Christmas tree. He had the engagement ring nestled within the tree branches ~ how is that for romance?? We were married in January 2002.
Great Topic!!
Comment by Shelley — October 23, 2006 @ 6:33 pm
Hi and Welcome Rocki
Your hubby is very handsome and great story
I met my hubby thru my brother in law. I had just gotten divorced and he was going thru a divorce. It was love at first sight
I walked on air for days
Comment by Cherylann — October 23, 2006 @ 6:53 pm
Wow what a great story ! Will have to add you to my buy list.
Comment by Karen K — October 23, 2006 @ 8:01 pm
The story of your own romance & HEA is wonderful, thanks for sharing that with us. I am sorry to say my HEA, didn’t last long despite reading romance! The romance community of authors seem to be a giving, caring group of people creating books I love to read. Thank you all. :love2:
I hope you will drop by for another visit soon.
Thanks for the pictures–yummy to look at! :love2:
Comment by Donna M — October 23, 2006 @ 8:02 pm
I’m coming in late today but I wanted to extend a big WELCOME to Rocki! It’s so great to have you here.
Ladies, if you haven’t read Rocki yet, you’re missing out on some super sexy stories! KILLER CURVES is one of favorites!!!
Comment by Janelle — October 23, 2006 @ 8:13 pm
Hi Rocki~
I’m so glad you joined the plotmonkeys today!! I’ll be looking for you again. Your stories sound wonderful!
Comment by Barbara-Jo — October 23, 2006 @ 8:21 pm
Hi, Rocki! Your Bulletcatcher series has been on my wishlist since I read an excerpt from Romantic Designs.
I met Tev when I was 18. We have been best friends ever since. Finally, 11 years later, we have seen the light and know there is no one we would rather be with than each other. I’ve finally figured out what it is they talk about in romance novels. I finally fell in love!:love2:
Happy writing!
Comment by Sherry — October 23, 2006 @ 10:14 pm
Hello there Rocki!
Welcome to the Jungle! I haven’t read your books yet but I will now that I have been introduced to you and your books. They sound fab!
I absolutely loved your story. That is so romantic how you two met. My husband and I met through an ad in the paper. It was my first year of college and he put an ad in the paper because he was looking for a tutor. I answered the ad thinking it was going to be a kid in high school. Well, when I called his house, his dad answered and said his son was in his first year of college. Suprise!
Anyway, he called me up and set a date to interview me for the job. He was very nice and handsome! A couple of days later he called me back and told me I didn’t get the job but would I like to go out dancing with him instead! I was shocked!
I said yes. Needless to say, I didn’t get the job but I got him instead.
Comment by michele l. — October 23, 2006 @ 11:26 pm
Hi! I loved your proposal story! How romantic. I gotta say - as great looking as the guys for the bullet catchers are - your hubby is one serious hottie!! Very handsome.
Comment by Martha Lawson — October 24, 2006 @ 1:56 am
Hi Rocki,
Welcome to the jungle! You have a lot of fans here, hope to see you here often!
Comment by Sue A. — October 24, 2006 @ 4:24 am
Hi Roxanne,
Your husband has a beautiful smile … it lights up his eyes! Thanks for sharing your love story.
I’m a big fan of yours…loved “Killer Curves” and “French Twist”.
I haven’t read “Thrill Me To Death” yet.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Comment by Laurie G — October 24, 2006 @ 5:11 am
No wonderyou write such a great stories. You had you’re own fairy tale
Comment by Barbara — October 24, 2006 @ 9:49 am
What a wonderful :love2:story. I plan to get your books asap. Your hubby is a cutie. Your pictures of your heroes are yummy. My hero and I have been married 42 years. Our story not as romantic as yours but over the years he has proved he is my hero over and over again. He rarely says no to me,loves me unconditionally, is a pillar of strength when I am not and was so very supportive when I went thru not one but two cancer treatments. I am truly amazed at his strength and love. I am a romantic and he has never taken away my dreams. I’m sure that has to make him a hero. I would love the signed book I would take it on vacation with me. Welcome and thank-you for the very:love2: warming blog.
Comment by jeannie — October 24, 2006 @ 10:19 pm
was there a winner?
Comment by kim H — October 27, 2006 @ 12:38 pm
Hello Roxanne,
Happy Friday! Just checking in to see if you selected a winner yet for your book.
It was great having you stop by the plotmonkey jungle! :doggie:
Comment by michele l. — October 28, 2006 @ 12:41 am
Roxanne’s winner is SHERRY, comment # 44! Sherry, please contact Roxanne at roxannestc@cfl.rr.com to give her your mailing information. Congratulations!!
Comment by Leslie — October 28, 2006 @ 10:19 am
wtg sherry
Comment by kim h — October 28, 2006 @ 11:51 pm