When I write a story, the first kiss between my hero and heroine is even more important than the love scenes, because that first kiss is their initial intimate connection. I love writing steamy kissing scenes. The stories I write are character-driven versus plot driven so I feel that know my hero and heroine personally. And since I truly believe in the theory that no two kisses are the same, I apply that premise whenever I write a kissing scene. The first kiss has to fit the characters that I am writing about, as well as the situation I’ve placed them in. And I based it on a number of things and surprisingly, not on the list is how long they have known each other.
I determine the magnitude of the kiss by 1) the sexual chemistry between the two individuals 2) their attitudes toward each other at the time the kiss takes place (friends or enemies) 3) their location at the time the first kiss take place (public or private 4) length of time in the story have they waited for that kiss to take place (the drum roll effect).
In my very first book, Tonight and Forever, this was Justin and Lorren’s first kiss. … A groan rumbled in Justin’s throat as he closed his mouth over hers. He made sure his kiss was gentle, yet seductive. Her taste was sweet, hot, sensuous. He hungered for her and relentlessly explored her mouth, demanding a response and enticing her tongue to mate with his…
In my November Silhouette Desire, Westmoreland’s Way, Dillon and Pam’s first kiss was… He took another step toward her and heard himself groan low in his throat at the same moment he reached out and pulled her into his arms. And with a hunger that he felt all the way to his toes, he lowered his mouth as she parted her lips. The connection was explosive, and sensations rocked through him as his mouth greedily took hers, desire flooding him for all corners and settling in his body part right below the belt…
During the celebration of my 50th book, I did a survey with my readers on my kissing scenes. I wanted them to rate the top 5 and this is the result:
1. Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
2. Fire and Desire
3. Thorns Challenge
4. Surrender (Christy and Alex’s kiss)
5. Truly Everlasting (Trask and Felicia’s kiss)
On a personal note, I received my first kiss at fourteen and my guy was sixteen. Not a lot of experience on either of our parts. I smile whenever I think of that first kiss because the same guy is still delivering them to me after 42 years (5 years of courtship and 37 years of marriage), and I have no complaints. Just like just like the finest wine, they just keep getting better with time.
What do you remember about your first kiss?
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss?
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female?
Answer the questions above and be entered to win an autographed book from Brenda Jackson!
About the author
Brenda Jackson was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University and worked in management for State Farm Insurance where she recently retired after thirty-seven years. She married her high school sweetheart, Gerald, thirty-seven years ago and they have two sons, Gerald Jr. and Brandon, ages thirty-two and twenty-nine, respectively.
Her professional writing career began in 1995 with the release of her first book, Tonight and Forever. Since then she has written over 70 titles, which includes a made-for-television movie by BET. She has received numerous national and literary awards and has made many trail-blazing accomplishments, which includes being the first African-American author to make the New York Times Bestseller’s List and the USA Today’s Bestseller’s List in the romance genre.
Inspired by her love of romance and dedication to her numerous readers, Brenda formed her own publishing company, the Madaris Publishing Company. Her readers determine what hero and heroine introduced as secondary characters in her various books that they want Brenda to pen stories about. She is proud of her national book club – the Brenda Jackson Book Club – that has a membership of over 1,800 readers.
Brenda also joins her readers every two years for a Madaris/Westmoreland family reunion cruise to various destinations.
A listing of her books can be found on her website – www.brendajackson.net.
Visit Brenda online
http://www.myspace.com/authorbrendajackson
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=520166584
About the books – click covers to purchase
One mind-blowing kiss. That was all Ellie Weston shared with her neighbor and crush one summer, before he angrily discovered she’d approached him on a dare. Ten years later, Ellie is back at her great-aunt’s lake house, and so is Uriel Lassiter still wildly sexy, single and happy to stay that way. When Ellie finds her great-aunt’s never-completed romance novel, she decides to finish the manuscript but first she needs some real-life inspiration: a sultry summer fling.
Uriel hasn’t forgotten Ellie, and their sizzling chemistry is starting to make him reconsider his tried-and-true bachelor status. But when the truth about her motive emerges, can Ellie convince him that make-believe has turned into sweet reality?
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Mr. November: Dillon Westmoreland, real-estate tycoon
Objective: Pamela Novak, business owner
Strategic Plan: Seduce and rescue
There was a secret to Dillon Westmoreland’s heritage—and Pamela Novak had the key. Though the raven-haired beauty was ensnared by her shifty fiancé, Dillon—eldest of the Denver Westmoreland clan—couldn’t resist a mind-blowing night in her arms. And after that incredible passion… Well, once a Westmoreland claimed the woman he wanted, he wouldn’t let anything tear them apart!
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*This book can only be purchased from Brenda’s Online Store at www.brendajackson.net
Tis The Season…for Romance contains 4 romantic stories to get you into the holiday spirit by sharing plenty of love, passion and promise .
READY FOR LOVE
Barbara Andrews is trying to get her life back together after her divorce while planning her daughter’s wedding. Even with everything she has on her plate she hasn’t been able to forget the man who had entered her life at a very difficult time and had shown her kindness. And when Detective Rick Blair asks her out, she is not sure if she’s ready to put the past behind her and move on, although she can’t deny the attraction between them. Rick intends to prove that she is definitely a woman who is ready for love.
Barbara was first introduced in HER LITTLE BLACK BOOK
THE SECOND TIME AROUND
Peggy Morrison has finally gotten her life together and is happily involved with a man who knows how to treat her like the desired and passionate woman that she is. And when Willie Baker asks her to accompany him to Paris, she has to decide just how far their relationship has come and even importantly, how far she wants it to go. Willie is determined to be the one to teach Peggy a thing or two about love the second time around.
Peggy was first introduced in HER LITTLE BLACK BOOK
CONQUERING HIS HEART
Cathy Bristol has been in love with her boss for what seems like forever, and decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. She gets the chance to do so on a business trip they take together. While Orin Jeffries focuses on business, Cathy focuses on trying to show Orin that she’s the woman for him and is determined to make the emotionally scarred divorced Orin see her for the woman that she is. A woman intent on conquering his heart.
Cathy was first introduced in TALL, DARK…WESTMORELAND
COREY’S MOUNTAIN
(A Westmoreland Novella)
When Corey Westmoreland runs into the one woman he let get away over thirty years ago, he is determined to keep Abby Winters within his reach. Even if it means taking her up to his mountain. And once he realizes their attraction is still explosive after all this time, he is determined to convince her that it’s not too late for them and that their past and present have now collided for a reason. It was always meant for Corey’s Mountain to be their home.
Abby was first introduced in STONE, COLD SURRENDER
I’ll say one thing Mrs. J you sure can write a kiss scene…gracious!
My first real kiss was at 15 and yes I remember it
Yes she can, Jen, yes she can!
My first kiss was at 16. I was standing under the street light. I was nervous, but he knew what he was doing. Whew!
When reading a book, I like to see a lot of chemistry between the characters so when the kissing scene comes, it melts the page.
As far as who should initiate the kiss. It depends on the person, I suppose. Some people want to be catered to, while others go for the gusto.
Brenda definitely writes some page melting scenes! LOL
My first kiss was at 13. I just knew that I was in love. He was 12. When he put his hands on my face to kiss me I was dumbstruck. Then he put his tongue in my mouth and I started to gag! he wouldn’t let me go so I bit his tongue! That got his attention. When he pulled away I started spitting, Ewww. I never kissed him again, but we remained friends to this day. But I later I found that kissing was very enjoyable, tongue and all. with the right person.
One of my favorite kissing scene in a book, has to be Delaney’s Desert Sheikh. That thing he done with his tongue….WOW!! Ms. Brenda you are the bomb!
OMG Patsy! You have me cracking up! Kissing is definitely enjoyable with the right person.
What do you remember about your first kiss?
I was 16 and thought I was in love. The kiss itself wasn’t really that spectacular as I think back on it. LOL
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss?
I love it when the first kiss happens when its unexpected–the scene is set up perfect and the characters lips gravitate towards one another.
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female?
It depends on the personality of the characters on who should initiate the first kiss. I love it when a “shy” character finds him or herself take a leap and initiate the first kiss.
I know my first kiss wasn’t spectacular because I’m having a heck of a time remembering it. I love it also when a shy person finds themselves and takes that leap. It makes for some great scenes.
I remember my first kiss and thought it was nasty. As you know being young and grown you just had to learn what some would say is the correct way. But I just love scenes where the one of the persons don’t see it coming or he or she hoovers over one another lips waiting for the other to pull away only to let it go. Soooooo romantic. I really don’t have a perfernence on who should intiate the kiss but I am kind of old fashion and feel that in the beginning of a relationship the male should always let his intent known.
Fonda you are making me want to go pull out some tried and true books and give them a quick re-read! Glad you stopped by!
I just love Ms. Jackson scenes as well. I Just want to know were girlfriend
gets here inspiration from. Not trying to be nosey, just curiuos!lol
My first kiss was when I was 14 and he was 15. We were at a family function(NO HE WAS NOT FAMILY).
Are moms kept noticing we kept gravitating to each other and when we disappeared, they came looking for us. Needless to say, we got caught and are moms snatched us up by both our ears and dragged us backed to the party. I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE MY MOMS SIDE FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT!LOL
LOL!
I too remember that first kiss….how many ways can you say YUCK? It was unexpected, and unwanted at the time, I was 12. He thought he knew what he was doing and I was absolutely clueless. That whole swishin of the tongue thing had my stomach bubbling for days! I’m soooo glad that I later found out that he DIDN’T really have a clue and that what he called kissing…was not ALL that it could really be!
When reading a book, I like the build up before the kiss the anticipation. I also love the detailed descriptions of the emotions going through the minds of the characters as they kiss develops. I mus say that I also like to read about the reaction or the 1st coversation after the kiss is over.
Mrs. Jackson your books are absolutely wonderful. To date, THORN is my favorite male so far…that kissing scene on the back of that bike…whew & Lawd Have MERCY!!! That scene alone made me seriously consider buying my Hubby a bike just to keep in the garage!
Although, Justin is a close second….I read that while pregnant with my son, and I named him Justin! My hubby thought naming him Madaris, was a bit too much! 
I am old fashion in the sense that I think that man should approach the woman with the very first kiss…but after that it’s anyone’s game. I don’t think the man should have to initiate every kiss that follows!
Venus, I am cracking up at your story! LOL Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting the tour.
I remember my first kiss was wet and sloppy, but I was only 13 at the time. I always like the reaction of the couple after the first kiss. Someone usually gets very quiet or nervous. I think the man should initiate the kiss.
I’m still struggling to remember my first kiss! LOL Thanks for stopping by Catherine!
I am an avid Brenda Jackson fan, I have all of her books (yes all 50+) and although I am a die hard romance fan and have a lot of favorite authors (present company included) No one can write a first kiss scene like Mrs. J. My favsorite first kiss of hers is Kylie and Chance in “Solid Soul”
Susan I loved that scene at the car wash. Chance was a very smart man and knew how to get what I wanted.
Susan, you’re making we want to go back and re-read Solid Soul! LOL But I don’t have a problem with that cause I love to re-read my favorite romance novels. I’m always in the mood for a good romance. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, I never thought about kisses like that while I was reading… that’s a very interesting take. Great scenes you picked to share with us… they definitely have me adding to my amazon cart, hehe
You really had me teary eyed when you wrote about your first kiss and how you are both still together
That’s just beautiful *sigh*
As for your questions:
What do you remember about your first kiss?
I remember I was fifteen, the guy was a bit older and more experienced, and omg I remember being swept away because this first kiss was a french kiss and being a very hormonal fifteen yr old, it was hot, lol
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss?
You know, there really haven’t been, but after reading your post, I’m sure I’ll be thinking about what you’ve written.
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female?
You know… as dependent and forward thinking I may be at times… I’m still a bit traditional and think the male should initiate the first kiss. Though, my bf was testing my patience when I knew this was the moment we were going to kiss, but he was taking his sweet time getting there. I just wanted to ask him, “Can we go ahead and kiss now?” lol
LOL! I guess your bf wanted you to feel the anticipation Ali. LOL
What do you remember about your first kiss? I remember it and thought it was not worth all the hype. Guess because it was not the right person.
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss? I think that as long as the chemistry and timing is right I don’t really care. Timing is everything.
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female? I think the man should initiate the 1st kiss.
Sidebar – I am a huge BJ fan. Can’t wait until we have another book signing in Jacksonville. She is really a wonderful person to talk to.
Lashonda, yes she is. I’ve only met a few authors in person and Brenda is one of them. She is a wonderful person who really enjoys and appreciates her fans. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello everyone, just dropping in to see how things are going and how everyone is doing. I’m enjoying reading the comments. Glad to know I wasn’t the only girl kissed before her 16th birthday!
Happy to hear you’re enjoying my kissing scenes. I put a lot of thought into it and actually close my eyes and visualize the couple locking lips to make sure I get it right. So you can imagine how things got when I wrote Delaney and Jamal’s kissing scene. Luckily I had interviewed a couple on a cruise I went on who’d told me the basics of the Ares technique. Mr. J claims such a kiss sets up unrealistic expections for a woman. LOL
I want to take this time to thank everyone for reading my books. I appreciate each and everyone of you!
Brenda Jackson
Brenda, thanks so much for being a part of this tour! You definitely write some hot scenes, more than just kisses! LOL Delaney and Jamal’s was definitely the hottest! I don’t remember many kissing scenes from books, but I remember that one.
Hi Brenda,
That’s something to think about, and you know I love your books.
What do you remember about your first kiss?
For me it had to be with the boy next door, of course we was outside behind the house were we stole our first kiss I guess like all little girl I though I was in love, so of course couldn’t tell my parents, my daddy would have had a FIT. We was 11 & 12 yrs old.
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss?
When reading I love with the man hold the woman face and it starts off slow but end up so intense that the couple doesn’t know if they are coming are going. I look for the way they are looking at each other and where they are at. Like Brenda if they are inside or outside.
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female?
I think it really depend on the situation and what is going on at the time.
Smooches
Louise
My first kiss, yes I remember it and smile at the memory. I was 14 and the guy was 16. Great kisser although the friendship didn’t last but a few months….you know what they say about first loves…always has a special place in my heart…When reading about the first kiss between two characters, I like to feel as though I’m getting ready to be kissed…and I’m left saying, “Whew” after I’ve read the buildup and the actual occurrence. BTW, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Brenda Jackson’s books. Recently finished Fire and Desire…Whew!
Fire and Desire is one my all-time favorite books! It was my first Brenda Jackson read. After that I made it point to find all of Brenda’s books and I’ve been a die hard fan ever since. I’m proud to say I own all of her books. Even have duplicate copies of some. LOL
I’ve caught myself saying “whew” quite a few times! LOL That’s when you know that was a good scene! Thanks for dropping in Vanessa!
Brenda J, it is mighty good to see my fav, “Thorns Challenge” make the cut! It is always a pleasure to connect with you online and offline!
You ask, “What do you remember about your first kiss?”
Hmmm . . . honestly, I can’t remember it. So it must not have been good . . . . ROFLMBO!!!
You ask, “When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss?”
I love books where my suspension of disbelief kicks in and I’m all into the hearts, minds, and souls of the characters. And if that is the case, I will FEEL that kiss . . . .sounds crazy I know, but it’s true!
You ask, “Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female?”
I guess I don’t have a preference because I think it depends on the story and the experience level of the characters involved.
Feeling the kiss is not crazy at all! I like to be able to feel it also. The character kiss I really remember is the kiss from Delaney’s Desert Sheikh. All I have to say is umph, umph, umph! LOL
Another great topic.
What do you remember about your first kiss? I don’t remember my first kiss. I recall a first kiss of a past relationship. It was one of those you are leaving the room but get pulled back with a “I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time and can’t wait any longer” — whew. LOL
When you’re reading a book, are there any specific points you look for in a first kiss? build up, great chemistry between the characters, that urgent feeling
Who do you think should initiate the first kiss? Male or female? Not that I have ever, but I think it’s okay for the woman to initiate.
I can’t wait for Tis the Season…
Claritta, I think it’s okay for the woman to initiate the kiss also! Shoot, sometimes you gotta go for what you want! LOL Glad you’re enjoying the tour. I’m really grateful to you and everyone who stopped by this first week of the tour. Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude. I know the authors appreciate it also.
What a beautiful story! I love that the first guy who kissed you is still giving you kisses today!
I think the first kiss can be initiated by either the hero or the heroine ad long as it’s a good one.
I agree on both points Gwyneth! Thanks for stopping by and supporting the tour!
Hi Brenda:
That’s for reminding us how special that first kiss can be!!
I wish I remembered my first kiss! LOL Ever since this tour has started and we’ve talked about kisses, I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember. I guess it wasn’t memorable enough! LOL
My first kiss was memorable only because it was the first one. When I’m reading a book I find that the build up to the kiss is very important to me. I like it when both characters feel the kiss deep down in their souls. I will never forget that kiss in Delaney’s book. It doesn’t matter who iniates the kiss as long as it fits into the story. If the writer can’t write the kissing well, it takes away from the book. Ms. Jackson consistently writes the most awesome kissing scenes. Makes me want to go grab my husband and get to kissing! LOL!!
My first Kiss……
I was 6 going on 7, and it was winter the first real snow of the year. I mean it had to be atleast 8 inches of snow on the ground. Me and my brothers and my sister was playing snow ball fight with our neighbors when one of them throw a hard snow ball at me and made my whole side of my face red. He was about 10 years old at the time but he was mean, and he told me to stop crying before he call my dad so he can make me go in the house (yeah I stop crying alright lol). Well I stop talking to him for the rest of the game, and when it was about that time to go in for dinner he ask me to come here( he was on the other side of the fence now, and we had those wire fences that had spaces in between) well when I went over there I knew it was my chance for pay back but when I got close enough to the fence where my face was almost directly on it, he jump out and kiss me right on the lips. I jump back real quick and wiped my lips forgetting all about my revenge. I just stared at him for a second and I wanted to hit him but I just ran to the house and told my sister. That kiss never left my mind I still think about it till this day but im pretty sure thats because that was my first and only kiss I have ever had. No matter how many dates I went on I still could not kiss that person or start a relationship. And that 10 year old boy who gave me my first kiss ( and I think it some how messed me up for everyone else) is still one of my best friends, he probably don’t even know that I still remember that moment, but it is burned into my brain and I dont think I want to ever lose that moment.
When I read a book I look for the eye connection right when you know or think its about to happen, those few seconds can reveal exactly whats in your heart, your fears, hopes, and passion. I also love when the man initiate the kiss because it shows his strenght, passion, and desire but I also feel its up to the women to turn up the heat!!
Thank you Brenda Jackson for writing so many wonderful books I know I have atleast 40 of them not including the ones your did with other people, and I still trying to fine the ones I dont have. Your books take me to a place where love have no end and for that I will always read anything you publish. ; )