This week I’ve had a flurry of buying books from authors I’ve never read before—shhh, don’t tell my husband. I’ll always be loyal to Nora, Jennifer and Nalini, of course, (that’s Nora Roberts, Jennifer Crusie and Nalini Singh for those who may live on another planet and haven’t read any of their wonderful books), but some days, some moods, you need to break out and try someone different.
My first port of call when looking for a new author to try is always my friend and critique buddy. She’s pretty much read every romance book ever written—maybe a slight exaggeration, but I know she’s probably read every military romance book ever written—and she knows the type of books I like. Ones with hot guys. Oh yeah. Sort of goes with the territory of ‘Romance’ doesn’t it? Anyway, like her, I write contemporary romance. While I love reading other sub-genres of Romance, the books I have written, and are currently writing, have a definite contemporary style. So aside from familiar favorites, I asked my buddy for some recommendations to broaden my reading/writing horizons. Jill Shalvis was one of her picks.
When I bought one of Jill’s books, she transformed me into a loyal-fangirl-forever by the end of the first page. Finding a new author that really resonates with you is like having Christmas come early—especially when they have a big backlist of books you know you’re going to love.
I also hunted down some other authors I’ve yet to sample, like Catherine Mann, Jo Davis, Kristin Higgins, and Jill Gregory, and ordered their books on the internet. I can just see my husband throwing up his hands and saying, “And you’re going to find time to read these, and the two hundred other books on your shelves, when?!" I’ll keep you updated. On the new authors, that is. Not on how I’m going to explain the charges on my credit card…
Happy reading everyone!
Tracey
What I’m reading this week: Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis. This is the book that started it all. Funny, heartwarming and oh so sexy – I’d recommend if you haven’t read Jill, go to your local bookstore RIGHT NOW!
What I’m watching this week: Cold Mountain. Gritty, raw and Jude Law looking as sexy as hell when he isn’t hidden by a damn beard.
This week’s favorite quote: If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison
Hot guy of the week: Jude Law.
Yep, your hubby is going to blame me for your book buying binge alright...
ReplyDeleteHey, good idea, Julieann - I hadn't thought of that excuse! Yay!
ReplyDeleteDarn. It's okay. I can handle it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just an amazing moment when you 'know' you've found another author you're going to love? I've been too busy lately to read as much as I should be reading, but a couple of friends have given me some new authors to try. I do hope I have the same fan-girl moments.
ReplyDeleteJulieann, you've got broad shoulders - carrying all that blame! ;-)
Absolutely, Toni - the only bad thing is finding that they take a looong time to put out new books! Thankfully, most of my favourite authors are more prolific than my budget and time allows for. So in theory I should always have something to read. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete