Guest Post & Giveaway: Claim Me by J. Kenner

Giveaway details:  One lucky commenter will win a copy of Claim me.  Just leave a comment with a valid a-mail address to enter.  The winner will be chosen on May 4, 2013.  Good Luck!!!

The Chemistry of Dialogue

by J. Kenner

I love banter.

I love it in books, I love it in movies.  Frankly, I think that’s why I love romances (in print and on film) because the odds are the characters will have some great back and forth moments.  And those moments build tension.  They build the relationship.  And, yeah, they make us as readers (or viewers) fall in love with the characters, too.

This is not a new thing.  Shakespeare was a master the sharp witted lovers.  And classic movies are often classic in large part because of the memorable dialogue. A  quick Google search about the Thin Man movies (some of my favorites) revealed what I already knew: that one of the reason those films are classics is the witty banter between Nick and Nora.  And even more recent, I was watching The American President the other night, and that’s another one that has some stellar dialogue between the characters.  (Sydney trying to apologize for the “tight ass” remark leaps to mind.)  

I’ve shouted out a number of times about how much I love the In Death series by J.D. Robb, and one of the reasons is the back-and-forth between Eve and Roarke.  (As an aside, someone slap me down and tell me to get over the urge to re-read the series.  I really don’t have the time, and there are a ton of books in my TBR pile that I’ve not yet read!)

So, naturally, I’ve been thrilled when readers tell me how much they love the banter between Damien and Nikki.  And considering how much I love the Thin Man movies, I was over the moon at this review of Claim Me:  “Honestly, I got a whole Nick and Nora Charles (The Thin Man movies) vibe during these flirtatious interchanges. Updated and more risqué, but definitely a modern day twist on the classic couple.” Thanks!!

She even quoted one of my favorite interplays from my current release, Claim Me:

Nikki: "'Should I alert the financial papers?' I'd teased. 'Doesn't it affect the market when Damien Stark takes a day off work?'"

Damien: "'I'm willing to risk global economic collapse if it means a few hours with you.' He drew my hand up and kissed the tip of each finger. 'Of course, the more shopping we do, the more we support the economy.' His voice was low and sultry and full of enticing promises. 'Or maybe we should go back to the apartment. I can think of several interesting ways to spend the afternoon that have no fiscal impact whatsoever.'"

Nikki: "'Tempting.' I'd retorted. 'But I don't think that I could stand the guilt knowing that I traded an orgasm for fiscal ruin.'"

Damien: "Trust me, baby. It would be more than one orgasm."

How about you?  Do you love witty or sexy banter?  Any favorites to share?

One lucky commenter will win a copy of Claim Me! (print for US winners, digital for international winners!)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner has written over 40 books under multiple names including Julie Kenner and J.K. Beck.  Her newest release, CLAIM ME (April 23, 2013), is the second book in the bestselling Stark Trilogy, which began with RELEASE ME, a multi-week NYT and USA today bestseller, continues with CLAIM ME, and which will conclude in July with COMPLETE ME.

You can learn more about her at her website (http://www.juliekenner.com) or connect with her on Twitter (@juliekenner) or on Facebook (http://juliekenner.com/facebook/)