If only I could banter like a romance character
Feb 03, 2025 1:53 pm
Who doesn't love banter in a romance novel?
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Hello ,
I think banter is my favorite thing in a romance--both to read and to write.
First of all, it's dialogue and whenever the hero and heroine are talking is when things get juicy--or it should be.
There should be tension, teasing, nerves and laughter, all kinds of feelings and maybe even deception.
Secondly, see above. All kinds of fun!
In this episode of my newsletter I'm all about the banter, including examples
Plus, do people banter like that in real life?
Yes. I think we call it flirting.
Check out the Banter discussion below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Sooo, I know I told you I was slowing down and taking a break before I start my next book, Lucky Puck, but...
I didn't even last one week before I had the compulsion to work on it. Big sigh.
Guess this means I'm addicted to writing.
(It's better than my other addiction--chocolate!)
The important thing is that there's another hockey rom-com coming in the Portsmouth Whalers series soon!
In the coming weeks, look for the cover reveal for Lucky Puck.
Also coming soon - the special hardcover edition of The Cheerleader!
And finally, look for my new upcoming Shopify Store - Stephanie Queen Romance Books. It's not live yet, but I'll keep you posted!
Check out my featured hockey romance author and featured romantic suspense author--plus lots of featured book deals for Valentine reading below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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At SQ's House
Our walking streak ended at 8 days due to pouring rain. Not much of an excuse, but at least I'm not counting walking a few laps around the grocery store...
I didn't take any photos this week, so I'm including one from the vaults.➜➜➜➜
This is a throwback to my college days with my roommates circa 1977. We had an apartment off-campus for a semester. I'm the one on the far right with the shockingly dark hair! (those nightgowns!! lol!) 💜
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If you enjoy my books, I invite you to
The next best thing to an in-person book club!
We talk about books and whatever else grabs our attention. I share covers and contests and some behind the scenes writer stuff and you share what you're up to.
I'd love the chance to get to know you better!
💜
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THE CHEERLEADER - Paperback Available Now!
One of My Favorite Reviews!
Here's an early review from a fan and UConn alum:
"From start to finish, I was mesmerized by Suzie and Bryan! Their story kept me eagerly turning the pages, unable to wait for the ending. The book brought back a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of cherished moments and the fun we once had. A truly delightful and heartwarming read!"
--Patrice F., UConn Alumni Cheerleader, former Patriots Cheerleader
The Cheerleader is available at your favorite store. 💞
AMAZON | APPLE | KOBO | B&N | GOOGLE
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Banter: Key to a Good Romance?
My theory is, yes, banter is key. My reason? I think good banter ratchets up the emotional and sensual tension between the couple.
When you read the flirtatious episode, you get that same blip of pleasure that you get when you flirt in real life--if it's written well.
Here's an example from Playing for Keeps:
“So what can you tell me about Tate Fontanna?”
He laughs. Okay, I deserve that. Time to get real.
“I hear he has a back problem he’s not telling anyone about.”
“If he’s not telling, then what makes you think you know about it?”
“I see. You’re protecting him too. Call it women’s intuition.”
“How about if I let you buy me a beer, get me drunk, and pump me for information later?”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Okay, you’re on.”
“Seven p.m.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be in training?”
“I am. But I’m a kicker. We train differently than the rest of the guys.” He lifts his brows up and down comically.
There's an element of fun and humor in this example, but sometimes the banter/flirting can be more intense.
Take this example from The Beachcomber, a romantic thriller:
“Don’t try so hard, girlie. I’m not going to bite you. You do what you need to do and we’ll be fine.”
“I’m not—”
“Save it. And pack that chip on your shoulder away somewhere. No place here for attitude. You need to be charming and you need to be convincing. So far, I’m thinking you’ll need an Oscar-level performance to turn it around.”
“I could say the same about you. But then you’d tell me I should know how good you are. In fact, I believe you’re quite seasoned with experience.”
“Guess we’ll have to rely on you making up in spunk for what you lack in girlie charm.”
“And stop calling me girlie. Don’t use that word again.” She felt herself heating up with frustrated anger and strode off to the car.
He called after her. “Don’t forget to study, bunny.”
These two are supposedly antagonistic toward each other, but you can feel the underlying attraction, can feel what's under the words. You can tell the antagonism is purposeful and the purpose is to get a rise... so to speak.
I'm sure you have your own favorite examples from books you love, or even movies.
To Have and Have Not with Bogart and Bacall was famous for their banter, and in particular the famous line "Just put your lips together and blow."
That movie is a classic example of banter excellence that makes me sigh just remembering it now.
But this movie should be exceptional since both Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner, recipients of the Novel Prize for Literature, had a hand in writing the screenplay!
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Stephanie Queen's Featured Author
a hockey romance
Melting the Ice - Stephanie Kay
Micah's new roommate is turning his world upside down. Maybe a little shake up is just what he needs.
Micah Smith loves order. He’s stable. Single-minded. Sure, he has quirks and routines, just like all hockey players. But his focus is on being the best possible defenseman for the Denver Stampede, and everything is going perfectly. Until a purple-haired hurricane blows into his life.
Josie Caine lives by her own rules. Chaos is the spice of life and boredom doesn't exist in her world. Staying put isn’t her thing, but she’s made Denver her home the last few months. So, when her boyfriend-of-the-moment skips town, she’s not ready to leave, she just needs a place to crash.
As luck would have it, her brother's best friend—a man she’s secretly crushed on for years—happens to have a two-bedroom condo. Josie promises she won’t mess up his schedule. Except as soon as she moves in, she’s making him feel things he has no business feeling about his best friend’s little sister. Their heat’s not just melting the ice, it could liquify a glacier.
Can Josie fall hard enough to put down roots? Or is Micah messing up his carefully constructed life—and his heart—for nothing?
READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
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Indecent Demands - Marlee Wray
Shane Moran hates me. I need his help. What he expects in return is unthinkable.
Somewhere in the night there’s a predator called Casanova. He’s transformed a beautiful university campus into his hunting ground. The lavender rose I find marks me as his next victim… unless I’m willing to turn to the most powerful person I know.
Shane is devastatingly gorgeous. And secretly dangerous. Our poisonous past has him bent on revenge, so if I want his protection, I’ll have to agree to his dark demands.
READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
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SQ’s Featured Book Deals
HOT & STEAMY ROMANCE READS
FILL YOUR KINDLE KU ROMANCE
KU BOOKS TO READ
KU SPICY ROMANCE READS
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Thank you for reading this newsletter. I'll be sharing more about my upcoming Shopify store and cover reveal for Lucky Puck, my next release, in the coming weeks. 😘 💜
Warmest Regards and Happy New Year!
