Oct 26, 2016

The joy of holding hands – Kandy Shepherd


 When revising my most recent story for Harlequin Romance, I realised how much time I spend on bringing alive the simple act of holding hands. The awareness of that first inadvertent brushing of fingers. The very first time the hero folds the heroine’s much smaller hand in his large protective one. The moment when she slips her fingers between his and they fit so perfectly. When either hero or heroine takes the other’s hand and leads them somewhere—maybe to the bedroom!



That’s the thing about writing “sweet” romance—where the bedroom door is kept firmly shut—simple things like holding hands become invested with simmering sensuality. Of course these first touches and building of awareness are really important in a sexier romance too. But in a sweet romance, those initial, innocent touches are really important in building desire and passion when more explicit physical descriptions are not available.



I asked my twenty-something daughter did she remember when she first held hands with a boy. Instantly she recalled his name, the circumstances and how she felt about it. They were thirteen and fourteen respectively—and each felt both nervous and joyous. But I believe the romance of holding hands isn’t just limited to adolescence. Even in an adult relationship it can be that first, significant step towards intimacy.


Do you remember the first time you held hands with a significant other? Was it awkward, embarrassing or sweetly memorable?  I’d love to read your comment!

16 comments:

  1. Oh Kandy
    What a great post and I can remember when Hubby first held my hand I was 15 him 17 and we were walking from the ice rink up to the train station to get the train home it felt like butterflies were doing summersaults in my tummy but it bought a smile to my face :)

    I do love the small touches in a book that increase sensual awareness :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. What a lovely memory, Helen, and how marvellous the you are still happy together years later!

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  2. Oh, yes, I remember the first time a boy held my hand. It was at the local agricultural show and it was seriously crowded and he told me he didn't want to lose me. Happy sighs.

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  3. Alas, I don't remember the first boy I held hands with, but I definitely get all the feels when reading about that first touch...sigh

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    1. Sadly neither do I Louisa! I do remember when I first held my husband's hand though and that was 28 years ago!

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  4. I love this blog, Kandy, because you are so right! I remember the first time my now husband held my hand in absolutely startling detail and clarity. I think maybe even more than our first kiss! We were at the drive-in and we were walking to the kiosk to get something to eat. It was night. I was wearing an orange pantsuit (hey, its was the 80's!!) and he was in jeans that hugged those incredible thighs to perfection. Our hands brushed. I dont think either of us actually made that move from brushing to holding, it was something that happened simultaneoulsy, as we both reached together. It still stops my heart today just thinking about it :-)

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    1. How lovely, Amy, you've taken me right to the moment you and your husband reached for each other's hands! Sigh...

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  5. I cant remember really the last time I held hands and it was something special. But of course in high school a guy Ill always remember. First kiss, first holding hands. Its no innocent and sweet back then. Its something I hope to find in my near future. That simple act says so many words ;D x

    Great post Kandy

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    1. Katrina, that first kiss, the first holding of hands, the youth and the possibilities of it all is something not readily forgotten is it? My heartfelt wish for you is that you will feel that exciting moment again before too long! xx

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  6. Oh my goodness! You have stirred up some memories for me, Kandy. I remember so clearly the first time my husband held my hand. I can feel it even now just thinking about it. On our second date he put his hand in the small of my back to guide me past someone. Woo hoo! I think I fell in love at that moment.

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    1. Melanie, what a beautiful moment to relive! Thank you for sharing it.

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  7. I think I kissed my husband before I held his hand. So, like my characters, I'm always eager to jump ahead it seems! But I agree, that simple act in romances can really convey so much and grow a special moment between the characters :)

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  8. Kandy, what a lovely post. No, I don't recall the first hand hold but I can tell you that even now I love it when we do hold hands. There are so many feelings and sensation wrapped up in that it's still very, very special!

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    1. II agree Annie, as a relationship matures those simple gestures have so much history and significance. My hubby and I still like to hold hands as we walk along together.

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