Welcome to the hop! There are over 200 authors and bloggers participating in this blog hop, and the prizes are AWESOME! Each participating blog is offering a prize, plus, for each blog where you leave a comment, you are entered into the drawing for one of THREE grand prizes. Remember to leave your email address in your comment!
Now what are those prizes?
1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
So, on with the hop! But first, and this has nothing to do with the blog hop, but I’m throwing it out there anyway…Sunday is my birthday! Happy birthday, Self!Now then, let’s chat a bit about romantic gestures, those sweet things our heroes do that just melt our hearts. The Helvetican has always been good about the classic gestures: remembering the dates of my birthday and our anniversary, taking me out for regular date nights, buying me flowers (extra points for remembering that roses are not the only flower on the planet) and/or chocolate, and accompanying me to events he has no interest in just because he knows I want to go.
I love those things, but it’s the little things he does that really turn me to mush. Like how he remembers so many details from funny or sweet moments in our whirlwind courtship, and how he’ll talk about falling in love with me, or what he loves about me now. Or the way he always manages to walk in the door holding a Diet Coke when I really need one. Or the quiet flirting, the way he’ll hold me or drop a quick kiss on the back of my neck and pat me on the backside, even when there are teenagers in the room. Yes, they groan and tease us, but I think it’s a great example to them of keeping the good stuff alive in your relationship, even when you’ve been married long enough to have teenagers.
In return, I give him little romantic gifts, too. Guys do tend to find different things romantic than we do. With the Helvetican, when I pick up his car at work and return it to its parking spot after a wash and vacuum, he gets a little misty eyed. He’s the only guy he knows who never gets a honey-do list on his day off, and he regularly mentions how much that means to him, that he’s allowed to just enjoy his time off work. But I think his favorites are those little gifts of physical affection when he’s not expecting it, like a quickie before he heads off to work, or a little flash when we’re alone on a mountain trail. Those moments tell him I still find him sexy and I still enjoy playing with him after all these years.
It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut in a relationship, but it doesn’t take big romantic overtures to keep the wheels of love turning and stir up the passion. What’s your favorite romantic gesture to give or receive? Leave a comment (remember your email addy) for an entry into the Grand Prize drawing, as well as an entry into MY drawing! I’m giving away a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card! Then, continue on the Hop with this link: Romancing the Hop. Have fun!
My favorite gesture is giving flowers.
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
I think the simple gestures are the best, the ones that aren’t over done or too thought out. A look, a touch or even a smile that is sincere and reflects the affection that person has for you is more important than all the poetry and grand gestures in the world.
Adria
adria(.)rose_03(at)yahoo(.)com
I hope I haven’t posted twice.
I have been married 37yrs so romantic gestures don’t seem to happen anymore. That’s what I get for picking a bad boy. Still 37yrs we did get it right.
Oh gosh. I was JUST talking about this on my previous hop comment. I was saying that romance is in the little things, like a random gift on a bad day. And this is a random gift I was speaking of. I was having a really bad day. I came home to find my best friend in my kitchen unloading some groceries he and his mom picked up for us. Amongst the bags were three boxes of Powerpuff Girl cereal. He’d grabbed those b/c he knew how much I adored PPG. Along with the cereal, he’d cleared out the quarter toy machine and brought me back some plastic bracelets and other silly things that made me smile. He has NO idea to this day how big of a deal this was to me.
samantha12jane@gmail.com
I love it when my hubby will send my random love text while he is at work. Or just this week, I woke up to find heart stickers on my computer!
ajenkins979(at)gmail(dot)com
for ME the most romantic gift to give or receive is TIME. there is nothing more special or loving for me than if i can spend time with my ‘special’ guy…and it can be anything, going to the movies, going out to dinner, vegging on the couch watching tv. to get a gift say like a piece of jewelry is just stuff but being w/ the person you love is the best gift and can’t be purchase anywhere
parisfan_ca@yahoo.com
♪♫♪♫ Happy Birthday♪♫♪♫ so it’s a bit early. 🙂
I have to consider myself really blessed – for he does all of those little things; including bringing home a treat occasionally just because he knows I will like it. And he also deals with things that make me scream – like spiders. Even though he hates them himself. That is more important to me than the grand and sweeping gestures.
Thank you for participating
glhince@gmail.com
Thanks for the opportunity to meet you. Happy Birthday, Lucy. I hope someone treats you to a lovely romantic night out.
featherstone.author@gmail.com
Favorite romantic gesture? When someone cares and anticipated your wants and needs as much as you do theirs.
molly dot frenzel at gmail dot com
Happy Birthday!!!!
You two sound like you have an ideal relationship! That is something to definitely be proud of!!
I’m not in a relationship, and haven’t been for some time. But I definitely agree it is those small things. Keep the grand gestures, I’ll take the wink, the carnations, and a sweet stolen kiss🙂
Thanks so much
liz
liz at fictional candy dot com
Happy birthday!
I like the small gestures too, anything from a back massage on a stressful day to him doing the dishes or cooking dinner just so I have an extra 30 minutes for me🙂
kegasg@aol.com
email address
johnst_jb(at)yahoo(dot)com
Brandalynn Johnston
I would say making dinner when I have no clue what we are doing, also when I am cooking just being in the kitchen to chat with me and not playing video games.
Happy Birthday!! My husband’s not so into romance so it’s rare, but every once in while he’ll bring me flowers or light candles (20+ years now).
kesummer69 at gmail dot com
I haven’t found my one but the list is something to keep in mind booksswagger@gmail.com
Happy Birthday!
I love when my husband brings me home flowers for no reason at all. And he loves it when I let him sleep in and take the dog for a walk.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
I just like to do that something extra, do the dishes, bake something to make someone’s day better.
Megan G.
megonski216(at)yahoo(dot)com
I think the gesture depends on the relationship…the best gestures are ones that only the two of you would understand (an in-jokey gift that’s unexpected, a recreation of something from your first date, and so on).
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
I agree, it’s the little things that mean the most. I love it when my husband does things for no reason other than he was thinking of me, like bringing me flowers or calling me to hear my voice.
janna@jannashay.com
A boyfriend I had worked at a bakery and would bring me home sugar cookies with cute things written on them in frosting. I loved it. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
I agree that the little things are what matter the most. Like my husband buying me tulips since I had a rough day or baking cookies for me in the evening
fencingromein at hotmail dot com
Happy Birthday!
My sister’s Birthday is the 3rd.😄
A nice slow massage, especially if he’s uber stressed.
Great post.
bidelia78@yahoo.com
Even after 30 years of marriage, my favorite thing for my hubby to do for me is to bring me flowers. He doesn’t do it often, but I love it when he does. My favorite to do….hmmm…he loves it when I wear lingere! LOL!
Barbara
bbsbooknook@aol.com
The sweetest thing I’ve come home to is an old soda can filled with tiny wildflowers picked by DH. And for DH I try to flash him now and then. He really likes that. I try to make his favorite meals, and don’t nag about the unfinished state of our house, but I think he likes the flashing.
i would love to win the kindle fire or tablet because i don’t have any. thank you
deborahdumm@yahoo.com
letting me get that exter 15 minutes of sleep because i was up all night with the babies that are sick (have twin boys and they are loud when sick!!!) makeing my coffee just the way i like it befor bringing it to me in the morning as im rushing around trying to get ready for work. little things like that make the day that much more special for me. as for the giveing part well i dont think about it much but i guess its how i’ll have his baby (1999 harley) cleaned and polished befor he goes for a ride.🙂 thank you for joining the hop!
miriam.whitewolf@gmail.com
What a great hop! Grand prizes, old friends to visit and new ones to meet… and chances to win at each stop too. I’m in Blog heaven!
Happy Birthday on Sunday. today is MY Birthday and I’m celebrating by hopping and having lunch with my hubby. We have been married for 22 years and he will bring home little treats that he knows I like every now and then. It’s that type of romantic gesture that means the most to me.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
Happy Birthday! Thanks for the chance and this lovely post, I’ve been married for 23 years and the best thing about my husband is that he’s strong where and when I need him to be, and soft and sweet just at the right time.
I agree it’s the simple things. Like when he sets up a date doing something he doesn’t care for but knows you love! That’s my favorite.
Happy birthday! Thanks for participating.
slinkydennis@yahoo.com
My favorite is when my husband brings home dinner so I have a night off.
sqwalker2@hotmail.com
Surprising me with my favorite chocolate bar or bottled tea.🙂
Diana
bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com
My favorite thing he does is watch the kids for me for a litte while.
Lisa G
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Random presents. :0)
Jesse
jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com
I think the most romantic gesture is just being able know that there is someone out there that loves me! And also the said person always makes me feel good.
I love the simple sweet gestures, like a hug or a kiss on cheek, holding the car door for you. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. (:
AnimeAngel1016(at)yahoo(dot)com
Happy Birthday! My favorite romantic gestures are things my husband does or says that are just for me, no one else.
deedee [at] grifmail [dot] com
My hubby always gives me his hello/goodbye ritual. It doesn’t matter who is there or where we are at. He gives me a kiss on the lips, tells me he loves me. Then he hugs me and kisses me on the forehead. Then he pats my butt and winks. People call us mushy but with him in the army we have learned never to take each other for granted. Thank you for the giveaway.
kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com
How about ‘Honey, I’ll clean up the kitchen – you go relax’.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
My real-life hero passed away in 2001 — he made me laugh and he always did little things for me like making me hot tea with a cough drop and honey in it when I had a sore throat or cough, buying me my favorite foods (pasta, ice cream, Chinese food), etc. There will never be anyone like him. The heroes of my books do things like that for their heroines, too.
My favorite gesture is kissing my boyfriend on the cheek and holding his hand even when we’re just watching a tv show in the living room or something. I also like to rub his tummy for him while we’re lying in bed, it helps him to go to sleep better.🙂 The gestures I like to receive are cuddling and doing small stuff to make me smile.
craigcrystal(at)ymail(dot)com
How fantastic! Romance rules. Recently my boyfriend asked me to go walking with him on the beach at night and he taught me about the constellations!🙂
Best,
Danielle
loveandlookpretty@gmail.com
I’m big on holding hands. It’s just so romantic.
fitzgerald_sue at yahoo dot com
Just turning off the TV to talk can be romantic at times!
mcv111 at hotmail dot com
quick kisses and flirty teasing as well as little gestures like flowers or just keeping me company or making me feel better when i’ve had a ruff day.
californiazgold(at)gmail(dot)com
What a lovely post! I would say what I would find crazy sexy at this stage in my marriage is for my husband to just stop me from making dinner one night and take me out. A night off from cooking would be a lovely gesture.
sclare(at)sharonclare(dot)com
For me a truly romantic gesture after all of our years together would be to be whisked away to dinner without the what to you want? I don’t know what do you want? discussion LOL Lets just go and enjoy. Thank you for participating in this fun hop.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
Happy birthday!
I like unexpected presents.
bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com
I am always glad to find a good romance book because in real life it isn’t happening!
Happy Birthday!!! I like the little things. Opening doors etc. What a fun hop! delphinareadstoomuch at yahoo
I agree, the small gestures are the best. Maybe a kiss on the cheek or a hug in the middle of the day, for no reason at all🙂
Happy Birthday!
And thanks for the giveaway!
by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br
Love when my hubby surprises me with flowers or a mocha frapp.
Caity_mack@yahoo dot com
Any gesture to show he cared would be good enough for me. Thanks for the awesome and amazing giveaway!
cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com
a gentle touch from him as he walks by, omahablack at yahoo dot com
Flowers and chocolate are always romantic🙂
verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com
Small things are nice, but I love it when my hubby cleans for me. To me, that’s the best thing he could do for me. krystalshannan@yahoo.com
Favorite romantic gesture, kissing my hand. I know, it’s so old-fashioned, but I love being treated like a lady. Thanks for the awesome post and great giveaway!
ehaney578 at aol dot com
I think giving or receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers for no special reason is a very romantic gesture.
kareninnc at gmail dot com
A simple gesture like the touch of a hand to the lower back or neck.
qwilliarain(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy Birthday!!! I just love holding hands.
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com
I love when my husband touches the nape of my neck , it is his way of showing me his love for me…I also love when he set’s up our massage table and calls me to our bedroom to give me a full body massage….that is romance…
ronnkelly3@aol.com
I love the small unexpected stuff. One of my favorite romantic scenes is in See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson. The hero (a hockey player) randomly brings the heroine (a reporter) a heating pad and a bag of m&m’s when they are out of town together and she has her period. *Sigh* He’s a total keeper!
Thanks for doing this giveaway!
~Krista
pinkbonanza{ AT }gmail{ DOT }com
A meaningful kiss and a meaningful I Love You. Most of the time these things are given in passing, but just kiss and say I love you like you mean it, not as an afterthought.
sam1slim1@gmail.com
A kiss on the hand.
Thanks,
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
i agree the little things are the best. i really like getting an out of the blue text that says I love you
chris
cgricci@yahoo.com
Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaways! This is so much fun! Thank you! My favorite thing about romance is the romance. lol I love the characters, the plots, the HEA’s, the love. I love it all! I like the little things. Thats what romantic to me.
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Sometimes it is the little things that make me smile to let me know that he’s thinking of me. Just today he got the clothes out of the dryer and folded them without me asking. What a nice surprise to have it done.
edor628@verizon.net
I love those affectionate gestures like kisses on neck when you least expect it. I also love when he plans a romantic evening.
mythic021@gmail.com
I find that the smaller things work for me. Not the grand gestures. Him cleaning, mowing grass, cooking for me, now thats sexy.
marine.mom42@hotmail.com
I’d have to say it’s the SPONTANEOUS little (and sometimes big) things🙂 After 7 years, he still finds a way to surprise me with romantic gestures. When we first started dating, he hand picked roses and drove an hour to surprise me with fresh flowers!🙂 He knows what I like and he incorporates those things into his surprises. For instance….. a carriage ride while it was snowing, none the less, all while reciting my favorite poem by memory, and he pulls out a journey diamond pendant. He’s taken me on surprise picnics and read me poetry, surprised me with tickets to the opera (LOVE!), and done simple things as well, like making me soup when I’m sick, rubbing my feet when I’ve worked all day, among so many other things. I have a classic, romantic guy, and I consider myself pretty darn lucky!🙂
songbird1613 at yahoo dot com
You’re very lucky, Marie — he’s a keeper!
I love the small things. A glass of water while I am working outside. A pat on the arm. And even the look across the room to make sure I am there.
mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
My favorite romantic gesture is to surprise my husband by making one of his favorite desserts.
snhoveln(at)gmail(dot)com
I love it when my husband brings home flowers for no special occasion or stop by and get me my favorite chocolate malt and suprises me
Great post!! I think the little things that are done out of the blue just because he loves you are the most romantic!!
thanks for the contest!!
forettarose@yahoo.com
Romance Hop…awesome idea! Best love story for me…Pretty Woman…romance indeed with the must have HEA!…🙂 It’s always the little things that count…just holding hands..nice!
Nice to checkout your page! Thanks for the opportunity!
Belinda belgre@comcast.net
Happy Birthday!
I would say anything thoughtful for someone else. No particular thing because everyone likes something different so whatever would mean more.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Any gesture that shows he is thinking of you and your happiness or comfort!
maryjooller [at] yahoo [dot] com
One thing that I like to do for my husband is bring him breakfast in bed on the weekends. He really enjoys this after working all week long. He always randomly surprises me with single roses, which I love!
kaylas_1mom@yahoo.com
I’ve got to agree with most everyone else. It’s the little things. It does get hard while you get stuck doing the mundane things in life. But while you’re doing the mundane things, like buying milk from the store, buy a flower. Or just make sure to snap out of the rote everyday things and do or say something where you actually mean it, want to do it and pay attention to the person, instead of doing something on autpilot because you feel you should. Basically be thoughtful!
Thanks!
rae.gwendy(at)gmail(dot)com
I would have to say just a nice gesture like a compliment or a rose is enough for me.
yazmin.z.rangel@gmail.com
I left a reply but I don’t see it here, so I’m sorry if it’s a repeat. My most romantic moment was when hubby left an old soda can filled with wildflowers on the kitchen table for me. We were either just married or it was right before the wedding. So much better than snow tires for my birthday. In March. LOL
miadowning007 @ hotmail.com
I love this blog hop!!! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love the simplest little gestures like at a party he winks at me from across the room, or going for a walk around the neighborhood holding hands and talking about our day. Thanks for the giveaway!
flava_sava_chick@yahoo.com
just leaving little things to show he’s thinking of me. havebookwillsurviev@gmail.
I love to receive a rose, just a simple rose is so sweet.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com
Happy Birthday! Your hubby sounds like a keeper. I also appreciate the little things that my hubby does–making me breakfast before work, sending me off with my “to go” tea every day to work, filling up my gas tank when I don’t even ask, etc..
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Love when hubby takes control, plans a date, gets the sitter and all. Shows how much he wants to spend time with me. beck.paloma@gmail.com.
Thanks tons for the hop! I only read romance. My fav is Lora Leigh! Going to parade Monday with brothers and sisters! Should be FUN!
swkimbell@yahoo.com
I love the small gestures too! Loving this hop
sugerlady@aolcom
one of my favorite romantic gesture would be one or both in the couple just doing something sweet out of the blue. Not doing it because it’s a day where they feel like they have to. Sort of makes me think of Buy Me a Rose by Kenny Rogers. Thanks for being a part of the hop. I hope that you have a great labor day weekend.
jessangil at gmail dot com
-Jessica
Holding hands…such a sweet wordless connection🙂
http://romancethebookblog.danitaminnis.com/?ci=22763
Even though I haven’t been lucky in love I think that receiving and giving flowers is a romantic gesture.
jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com
My hubby and I have been married for 18 years….it’s the small thoughtful things like having a cup of coffee ready for me when I come in from feeding the animals, or I’ll bring him a treat without asking if he wants one
shermie40 at yahoo dot com
For me, it is when my husband gives me a foot rub, unsolicited🙂
jochibi AT yahoo DOT com
Favorite gesture …anuthing to show that i listen to him like giving him teh book he wa sspeaking a lot about, going to the cinema to see his film etc
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the simple gestures! In the real world (mine), we have to work, kids, carpool, clean, and rarely have a moment to be a “couple” so the simple gestures are our reminders that we are a “couple” not just “mom and dad”! My husband likes to suprise me with arranging a babysitter and taking me to the movies or dinner and it feels so romantic to us!
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
Why I like Romance Novels….The reason I like Romance Novels so much is because it is one place where I can be anywhere like England, Scotland, Rome, Ireland, or anywhere in the US. I can also be in any time like 1200’s Scotland, 1500’s England, 1900’s Chicago. I can be anyone like a princess, a servant, a werewolf, a duchess, a vampire, or a lost soul. But no matter what I get the privilege and the experience to overcome many different obstacles and find love. I am a mother of three teenagers as well and there are many days when I need an escape and my heart needs a rest from the trials of being a parent and trying to do what is best for everyone but yourself. I have overcome cancer, loss, and financial problems and Romance Books let my heart soar and feel free. Let me tell you in this world, and during this time where life can have so many struggles it is great that you can be, have, and do so many things to find love and romance and still be yourself!
angelheart618@gmail.com
What a lovely post, Tammy — I have also overcome many obstacles including almost dying after getting pneumonia after knee surgery last year, fire, the death of my husband, and loss of several jobs. Love and laughter and support of my parents and friends kept me going.
I’d say going out to dinner alone, no kiddos.
AnnaM.
doxisrcool at aol.com
we like talking and doing everything together, from cooking & cleaning to our next getaway – regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
Manners go such a long way. Holding the door, just saying thank you for a meal. People multitask and have too little time so it stands out when the time is taken to be kind, to be complementary to each other. Meaningful small talk does not happen enough anymore.
tjandbcd at optonline dot net
Happy Belated Birthday, Lucy!! I hope you had a wonderful day.
I love to buy/receive little gifts, even if it is my favorite snack or a little inexpensive trinket that I collect.🙂 To me, that is the sweetest gesture.
trb0917 at gmail.com
My favorite gesture is anything that shows my husband was thinking of me. It doesn’t even have to be something elaborate; just remembering my favorite candy makes me melt🙂
lindsayavalon (at) gmail (dot) com
When my fiance comes to me with a bottle of warm body massage oil and says “wanna massage”
BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom
Making a meal for no reason
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway. Favorite romantic gesture? Just doing little things to let someone special know you are thinking/loving them (small gifts or notes, errands to make their lives easier, etc)
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
I love the little things my husband does, like stopping at the store on his way home to get the candy he knows I like. Simple, really, but so sweet and remindful of how much attention he’s really paying to me and to us.
And, I forgot: feathermaye at gmail dot com.
Thank you for the great giveaway I have no romance in my life! I love this blog hop because I do love to read about romance happy endngs are my favorite!
tishajean@ charter.net
I say little things like opening the car door , holding me at night , stealing kisses
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
The little things mean the most to me. Whether my husband realizes we both had a long day & offers to get take out instead of myself or him cooking. Or when he just dives in to do the dishes after dinner. Thanks for being part of this hop!
JessieL62@comcast.net
I love it when he has dinner ready when I get home from work.
sstrode at scrtc dot com