Dear Reader,

The difference between the language in historical romance and contemporary romance is vast. Conveying your feelings in 19th century England or Scotland is not the same as conveying your feelings in 21st century Las Vegas or Washington D.C. It’s the difference between saying “I’m quite out of charity with you” and saying “I’m so mad at you, I could hurl your body out of a ten story window.” And this month, while I was reading several contemporary and historical romance books—Suzanne Brockmann’s Infamous, Elizabeth Jennings Shadows at Midnight, Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton’s Nauti and Wild, Alexandra Hawkins Till Dawn with the Devil (Lords of Vice Series) and Kira Morgans’ Captured by Desire—I couldn’t help but think about the power of words. The way words are put together to form sentences and convey ideas can instantly tell you so much about a character.

While a heroine in long ago Regency England might say “I like him exceedingly well” when meeting the hero for the first time, her counterpart in 21st century New York would probably say “A steamroller has nothing over that guy; he’s hot!” If our 19th Century heroine heard that phrase she’d most likely ask if the hero had been hurt and suffered from a fever.  

If our historical heroine were being berated by her brother for daring to speak with a man whom he deemed improper, she might respond to him by saying "That is the outside of enough." I like this phrase; it conveys so much. She could have said “enough is enough,” but that wouldn’t quite convey how far her brother stepped over the line in trying to control her actions. No, she pretty much told him in six words, you’ve definitely crossed over the line and if you say one more word I’ll bash you over the head with my reticule. On the other hand, our contemporary heroine wouldn’t find herself beholding to the whims of her brother or family for her actions, but rather she might be the boss of a special government agency trying to escape rebel forces in West Africa. If someone questioned her motives she’d probably say “You need to step back and get a hold of yourself,” while holding an AK 47 in hand. Our heroine could have rattled off her very impressive resume, which would have included taking down hostile forces and helping to topple corrupt governments, to solidify her position as the person in charge. But why should she, when a sneer, a big gun, immediate action, and several well-placed words can succinctly and quickly put any questions about her superiority and intelligence to rest.

Oftentimes, the heroine confounds the hero and he simply cannot understand what he’s done that would cause her distress. The handy pharse, “I am at sixes and sevens” is used to express the confusion he encounters when he cannot fathom why the heroine is upset. Today’s hero would most likely stare the heroine down and tell her straight off, "I have no idea what you’re talking about,” or simply shrug and go about his business.

With just the right words, phrasing, and timing, a character immediately comes to life and this is true for the books I’ve read this month. One of the many reasons I am a lover of books.

I'm curious: What’s the best phrase you’ve heard in a book?

Until next Monday, remember, there’s a book waiting to be read.

Marisa is an avid reader and a television producer.

This week stop by and visit Eloisa James' new column "Twice Told Fairytales". Also, join Melanie Murray at Romantic Reads as we discuss the second feature for August, Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost.