Guest Reader, Karen Matheny & GIVEAWAY!
by sue on Mar.12, 2010, under Book Chat
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BOOK!
Once upon a time we avid readers relied on a limited amount of publications in our quest for the next best read. Armed with the latest copies of Romantic Times, or the New York Times Sunday Book List, we roamed the stacks, deferring to our dog-eared, yellow highlighted copies, hoping the reviewers’ tastes matched our own. The method was hit or miss, and many of us kissed our share of frogs in search of the perfect hero and compelling story. But when we did ultimately find “The” book, we shared our new find with all our friends, excited to pass along the latest gem of a story and its new author.
Fast forward twenty-five years and here we are inundated with reviews and blogs, along with a bevy of readers’ personal opinions on emerging authors, and the latest and greatest reads. I, personally, believe information is power, and love having access to all the backlists, new release info, and comparative suggestions many bookseller sites offer. I’ve found some of my new favorite authors through this literary information highway, and take full advantage of the forums to share my excitement about my latest find with equally passionate readers. Lately “The” books for me are: Georgina Gentry’s, DIABLO; Catherine Mann’s; RENEGADE; Lorelei James’ BRANDED AS TROUBLE, Megan Hart’s, SWITCH.
While the theme of sharing is the same, the venue is far more reaching and encompassing. I believe it makes for a better match, with the perfect books getting it into the hands of the right readers; a must when time and money are limited.
It may be a new decade, with new options for finding our literary princes, but it’s always been - and always will be - about “the” book.
So, how do you find “The” book? What are your favorite sites, and who do you defer to when picking your next great read? Is the emphasis on fellow readers, blogs, newsletters, or published reviewers? Inquiring avid readers want to know.
Comment below & someone will be chosen to win some of Sue’s stash — Happy Romance!
Karen Matheny
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
March 15th, 2010 on 10:11 pm
Innocently enough I go to eBay to buy a book off my “Most Wanted” list and end up buying multiple books from the same seller (I’m a sucker for combined shipping). I have found numerous great authors this way. I’m also on many new release and author sites so I get a lot of excerpts to review and choose from. Unfortunately my readings desires far exceed my budget so I have to limit my exposure but when I find an author I like I try to find similar reads. There are so many search options available that it’s never hard to find something/someone new to read. Coupons are good for finding new authors too!
March 15th, 2010 on 9:45 pm
I definitely rely on blogs when it comes to picking new authors. I try to read as many as possible before plunking down my money. And I want to see what they did’t like as much as what they did. Sometimes the things a particular blogger didn’t like or appreciate is exactly why I would like it. I love to see that many authors offer the first chapter free on their site or if it’s a series and this is not the 1st in the series, their first book free.
March 14th, 2010 on 4:32 pm
I find new authors and books in several ways. Let’s see blogs is a good one, friends who either send me a book or tell me about a book they like. There there is just browsing in a book store or even a chat where you might find out about a author. One of the places I’ve found alot of great books to read is the back of one i just read where they might put in a advertisement or excerpt of another book that’s coming out. lol It’s all fun cause you never know where you’ll find inspiration!
Lisa
March 13th, 2010 on 6:23 pm
I have been an avid reader since, well forever; so my list of authors is extremely extensive. I have to be very, very careful which books will make it in the house. I read RT book reviews, and since I belong to Judy Mays, Sarah McCarthy, and 50 + other authors groups, the suggestions are not lacking.
This is the first blog I read and it is not something I will use to base myself on what to buy on my next trip to he bookstore.
March 13th, 2010 on 12:40 pm
I mainly use other reader’s recommendations and blogs when trying to find new books. When I’m shopping online, I also check out the books that the website suggests based on what I’m purchasing. In store, I find books with catching covers, read the back and if it sounds interesting, I’ll buy it.
March 13th, 2010 on 5:23 am
I have a couple of places where I get recommendations. I belong to Lorelei James’ yahoo group and the ladies on there give great suggestions. I go to my favorite author’s blogs. The often suggest other authors or books. I also search on Amazon.com. The suggest other books based on ones you’ve bought or are currently searching. I search specific publisher’s websites. I also love suggestions from friends/family. I make time to check out books that have been suggested and make a list of the books I want to read.
March 13th, 2010 on 2:03 am
I usually chk out this blog borders also I have diff authors so I follow their blogs so I always find out the latest books. N sumtimes Im at the store n I see the covers n thn I read the back
March 13th, 2010 on 1:13 am
Oh, I definitely read blogs! I probably woudn’t know about half the great books I’ve read if it wasn’t for them!
March 12th, 2010 on 11:13 pm
I am an avid blogger these days. I research new books, read reviews and check out authors’ sites to find the perfect book to read. This site, RomCon and a few other blogs have been my best resources plus I win books every once in awhile which is nice. I love learning about new writers and seeing my old favs.
March 12th, 2010 on 10:21 pm
Hi Karen! Thank you so much for including my “Dark Ops” novel RENEGADE is your list!!! I’m honored to be included in such awesome company.
March 12th, 2010 on 10:13 pm
Right now I’m heavily into blogs for book info. Then there are those sites that showcase groups of authors whether it be by publishers, the authors themselves or other means. Then there are the internet booksellers too. I also belong to author yahoo groups and sign up for newsletter mailing lists.
March 12th, 2010 on 9:59 pm
I visit various reviest sites and author blogs often and get many recommendations from those sources.
March 12th, 2010 on 9:06 pm
I visit lots of blogs!! I subscribe to author websites, check out AAR every month for the new books coming out. I have found lots of new authors on the blogs. My favorite author right now is Cynthia Eden. Just finished up her books. Waiting anxiously to get my hands on Pamela Clare’s newest!!
March 12th, 2010 on 9:31 pm
Pamela Clare is an author I learned about through many venues; fellow readers, blogs, newsletters and overall industry buzz. I’ll definitely check out Cynthia Eden now. Thanks!
March 12th, 2010 on 8:14 pm
ever since i started blogging books, i discovered many other book blogs i like and whose reviews i trust. i like http://thebookbinge.com/ best.
March 12th, 2010 on 7:14 pm
I read lots of blogs. Some of my faves are here, Dear Author, Romantic Times, and many personal reader’s blogs. I read RT magazine and base my book buying on the book blurbs. If they sound like my thing then I’ll buy them. There are also a few authors that I will automatically buy without even knowing what their new books are about.
March 12th, 2010 on 7:07 pm
I read too many blogs to list here, but that is how I usually find the books I want to read. Especially when the same book appears on more than one blog and is getting good buzz.
Margay
March 12th, 2010 on 7:04 pm
I just started a blog myself where I am going to review not only books but other forms of media that deal with the romance and erotica genres. This kind of blog is so amazingly helpful to find other people interested in what I am interest in as well as other aspiring authors, which I am as well, and also to find more book recommendations because the more you read, the better you write!
As for find my current “IT” book, it was sent to me at my office by one of my dearest friends. She is what I jokingly refer to as my litterary heroin dealer as she sends me the first book of a series to get me hooked and then I have to go buy the whole series! The book was Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione.
March 12th, 2010 on 5:39 pm
This blog is a great idea. I just joined today, and already i’ve found 4 new sites, thanks to two bloggers on here.
March 12th, 2010 on 5:20 pm
Email-Newsletter(s)!!! Not a day goes by that I dont get at least one newsletter w/a new release featured. Newsletter(s) from allromanceebooks.com and fictionwise.com let you “set” your own likes, genres and fave authors. Publisher(s) send out weekly newsletters w/new release info such as Torquere Press, Loose Id, Changeling Press, MLR Press, Liquid Silver Books and Amber Quill Press. I luv newsletters. Also, authors will send newsletters updating you on new releases and upcoming releases. Another great way to find recommends is GoodReads.com. This is a site I absolutely luv! Join, add friends and let the fun begin…. Visiting your fave authors sites is great too. Not only do they list their backlist but most will have links to other authors who write similiar books….
Thanks for the chat!
jo
March 12th, 2010 on 5:17 pm
Sometimes its just the cover but most of the time its from the blogs I read!
March 12th, 2010 on 4:40 pm
I follow certain authors and groups blogs.
I am signed up for newsletters from Writersspace,Avon authors, Fresh fiction My tote bag and many more. I get updates all the time from these sites. I also get many newsletters and updates from individual authors.
That is how I find books that I am interested in.
March 12th, 2010 on 4:23 pm
I purchase by author and recommendation from friends and blogs.
March 12th, 2010 on 3:23 pm
As an author, it’s interesting to see where readers find their books/recommendations! There are so many great sites out there to find books. I’m glad to see that not too many rely largely on the covers, as we have so little to do with those.
Jaime, off to check out some of the sites recommended here…
March 12th, 2010 on 3:22 pm
Actually, as much as I love all the venues and options for finding new books & authors, nothing beats sitting in the stacks of my favorite bookstore [Borders] with coffee in hand and my TBB list in the other, and having a fellow reader come up and say, “Oh, I loved that book!” which opens up a discussion that leads to new reads…and sometimes new friends!
March 12th, 2010 on 3:21 pm
i look athe aouthors websites mostly and then the publishers sites
March 12th, 2010 on 3:19 pm
I tend to go through an authors books once I read on of theirs that I like. I also check out blogs and lists of favorite on amazon. I’d they have a few I love, I will try some of the others they reccomend. Also, blurbs in the back of books for other books or being able to read an excerpt often makes me want to get the book to find out what happens.
March 12th, 2010 on 3:07 pm
Karen thank you for this wonderful link, it will be among my favorites from now on.
….
Ode to read a book and within the pages lives unfold … and within those moments of time reading … I become the person on the page … and read faster to turn life’s page …. ….
March 12th, 2010 on 2:24 pm
I follow several reader/author blogs for the reviews and pay attention to what is mentioned in the comments or in the forums. I also recently started reading RT Book Reviews. When I find an author I like, I then tend to want to read the whole backlist which makes for a mountain of TBRs! I carry a small notebook devoted to authors and their backlists so I’m prepared if I happen to be in range of a bookstore. I have to say I almost never browse; I usually have a title/author in mind and I’m on search. Once in a while a great cover will catch my eye.
Now I’m trying to develop a system to tackle the TBR pile which currently means rotating through a standalone historical, a contemporary, next in a series, a paranormal, a debut author, a new-to-me author, plus my book club’s monthly selection and a non-romance fiction or non-fiction thrown in to whittle down that pile, too. Whew!
March 12th, 2010 on 2:18 pm
Most of mine are recommendations from friends with similar tastes. Occasionally I will see some on blogs and check out the Amazon reviews to get some more gems.
March 12th, 2010 on 2:10 pm
I have just recently started reading blogs. I have found some new authors to read that I have truly become hooked on. I also get good recommendations from friends.
I would love some of Sue’s stash. My pile is running low.
March 12th, 2010 on 2:10 pm
I rely a lot on blogs for recommendations and reviews. I also surf the Borders and Amazon sites for new releases. If I actually go into the Borders store (as opposed to doing everything online), I might pick up a copy of Romantic Times (or RT Book Reviews as it’s called now)
March 12th, 2010 on 2:09 pm
I look at sites of authors whose books I’ve enjoyed and listen tho fellow readers opinions.
March 12th, 2010 on 1:54 pm
This blog will help me a lot, because word of mouth is how I usually find my authors. I used to belong to reading groups, on line, which no longer exist. I also have bookreporter news sent to me, and I love finding new authors by connecting with their “ones to watch” list, and I haven’t been disappointed, so far.
Unfortunately, when I find a favorite author, such as Beverly Barton, Karen Rose, and Sue Grafton, I am very impatient for their next book. I will have to work on that problem.
March 12th, 2010 on 1:39 pm
I check out the bookseller sites and blogs, like Borders, as well as publishers and authors sites and blogs. I subscribe to numerous newsletters from authors, book bloggers, booksellers, reviewers & etc. I also peruse the book sections in stores. The Sunday edition of our local paper has a book page, and it has great reviews from people in our region. Harlequin is very interactive with their readership. My friends who are bookworms like me offer invaluable insight, and we talk about books on a regular basis. Also, even though I live in a small town, there are three public libraries within a 15 mile radius of my home.
March 12th, 2010 on 1:11 pm
I read the blog reviews such as this one; The Romance Dish; AAR; Dear Author; RT; and TGBU. Sometimes I’ll read an excerpt on the author’s website and then there’s reader recommendations on some of the boards. Finally, I always read the back blurb on a book.
Besides my must-read authors, such as Judith McNaught, Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts, through the aforementioned sources, I’ve discovered Julie James, Deanna Raybourn, Sherry Thomas and many others.
March 12th, 2010 on 11:55 am
Mostly recommendations come from on line friend recommendations and blogs. Some come from friends. Pretty much anything about reading makes me happy. I am a huge Lorelei James fan too, her yahoo group rocks!
March 12th, 2010 on 11:53 am
I like to go to the book store and just look at the books. If I see something I like or a title that grabs me I will pick up the book and read the back. But I also count on my romance group, and the RT message boards. Have gotten allot of good books that way. I also like getting ARC”s they will open my eye to new authors. I will sometimes go to a blog, but not much. Although I have to say I come to this one everyday.
Then I have Ellen, I would be lost without her. She knows what I like and has even got me to try new things. She see’s a book she thinks I will like she calls and tells me about it. And she hasn’t been wrong yet!
March 12th, 2010 on 11:23 am
Covers do get one’s attention, but, for me, the blurb on the back is what will or won’t sell it. When looking for a specific topic or themed book I rely website comparatives. At the least, it compels me to take a look at the suggested title/author.
When trying a new author, I want to know how they deliver on characterization, so many times I’ll rely on word of mouth or traditional review sites. However, overall, I prefer the opinions of fellow readers. They give it to me straight!
March 12th, 2010 on 11:18 am
I find out about great books through blogs, newsletters, contests, and browsing the bookstore. A title, cover,excerpt, or word of mouth will help me decide.
March 12th, 2010 on 11:01 am
I often visit blogs like this one but i have a great Lorelei James friend base(she rocks!!) Plus there are certain publisher sites i frequent but the biggest i guess is just word of mouth. i trust all my friends.
March 12th, 2010 on 10:39 am
I used to purchase only be specific catagory, like books about pirates or highlanders. Then over time I found the authors I liked and then bought all their books. Now - however I am much more enlightened in my reading and I actually search out their publishers and find who else is publishing with them that I might like. I read blogs and websites to get ideas of things I enjoy. I have a list of hundreds in my amazon cart now - because I’ve either had an interface with the author or because I read a blurb and it sounded good. I have one newsletter I get that gives me a 5 day preview of the book…oh my that is a dangerous tool. One author I read, her writing was so horrible I skipped the entire week, but other weeks I read them and have to buy the book that weekend. Great post. Thanks
March 12th, 2010 on 10:34 am
Wanted to mention - I’m embarrassed to say, I’ve been crying my eyes out over this bk http://bit.ly/cvzXTE MUST READ!!! 4 sure, so emotional IMPOSSIBLE ATTRACTION — part of Brenda’s de Warenne series & no you don’t have to read the others but really, you MUST READ THIS - seriously, would not steer you wrong.
Just had to mention
March 12th, 2010 on 10:50 am
I just read Impossible Attraction this weekend! Could not put it down, read it all in one night…I loved it! It was a fantastic read!
March 12th, 2010 on 5:35 pm
Did you cry? Really broke my heart — what great characters!
March 12th, 2010 on 5:53 pm
I did cry - more than once. Strong Characters.
March 12th, 2010 on 9:59 am
Oh my goodness, I remember those RT mags! It was alot harder to be a romance lover back then. I used to borrow romances from the library and by trial & error, I’ll weed out my favorite authors.
Nowadays, I keep a Blogger list with all my favorite blogs and read online reviews to find new authors. Winning book contests is another way to discover new talent. I won a Stephanie Tyler book and found that I like romantic suspense quite a bit. And most recently, from this blog, I discovered Pamela Clare. Loving her newest NAKED EDGE alot!!!
March 12th, 2010 on 10:24 am
COOL! you’ve got to read Pam’s early books too — they are alllllllllll awesome, even the historicals!
http://www.borders.com/online/store/SearchResults?keyword=pamela+clare&type=1&simple=1
March 12th, 2010 on 9:30 am
I enjoy locating new blogs which are a great resource of new authors, books and generally loads of information. I read many reviews from publishers sites which are helpful and give me insight into books I would never have discovered.
March 12th, 2010 on 9:20 am
There is nothing like word of mouth! Whether it’s from a reader,reviewer, blogger, author, editor, bookseller or my own mother…that’s how I find my books! If people aren’t talking about it, it’s going to be much harder to find!
I’m also going to say the one thing we’re NOT supposed to say…yes, I also judge books by their cover. If it has a great cover, I’m intrigued enough to take a second look…
Great blog!
March 12th, 2010 on 10:26 am
Covers make you pick up the book for sure, but do they make you buy? Until I’ve read the back copy I’m undecided but intrigued — if the back cover rocks its a buy.
March 12th, 2010 on 10:54 am
I agree, it *doesn’t* always get me to buy. But it definitely helps me to *find* a book, to pick, read the back and decide if it’s for me…
So, no a cover doesn’t make it an auto buy, but it sure does help me notice it!!!
March 12th, 2010 on 9:07 am
There’s not one thing. I’m always looking for new to me authors and books on blogs like this one from Borders. I like to read reviews from other readers on their blogs, they can be helpfull. And I remember all my favorite authors, so I check if they have something new and exciting. I ask friends what they love to read, usually they have similar taste. I also try new authors who’s writing can be compared to some that I like, you know if you like this book you’ll probably like… There’s loads of things I do really.
March 12th, 2010 on 8:43 am
Thanks Karen for a great post & thanks commenter’s for your kind words about our blog! I know I’m learning a lot about different authors & their books so it’s fun to see others are too
Being in the business of course it is easy for me to see new talent & I am all about supporting new authors. As readers, we love our fav best sellers but also enjoy finding new voices and story lines & that is why I love to find those talented debuts.
I always have felt there is a book for everyone so when I’m recommending books I try to leave my opinion out of it — unless I realllllllllly like the book, however, I try to suggest books based on their merits: great characters, pacing, storyline, etc.
March 12th, 2010 on 8:41 am
I recently learnt about a site called Savvy Readers http://www.savvyreaders.com/ (it is such a freakin’ awesome site - you can select category/plot and it spills out a ginormous list of titles for you to peruse). I also love going to Coffee Time Romances, Just Erotic Romance Reviews, Writerspace, Fresh Fiction, The Romance Studio, Blackraven’s Reviews, Dark Diva Reviews, TRS Blue, The Rainbow Studio, individual publisher websites i.e. Kensington, Siren, Samhain, Loose Id, Liquid Silver, Total-e-Bound, Ellora’s Cave, Wild Rose Press, Aspen Mountain Press, Berkeley’s, Resplendence and a whole bunch of other publisher sites.
I’m also subscribed to a gazillion different blogs - author blogs, reviewer blogs and just general romance reader blogs. I love checking out B&N, Amazon, Chapters Indigo, The Book Depository, Fictionwise, & All Romance.
I also follow up on information on various author sites…they tend to sometime list links of other authors and I definitely always check those out as well.
I’m a voracious reader so I’m always on the look-out for the next fave author or title. As you can tell, I’m rather fierce in my quest for the next great read.
March 12th, 2010 on 7:49 am
I get information about new books from author and reader blogs. Also from past reads that I liked a lot they may include snippets of other author’s books or the next one out . As for what book I choose to read or to buy next, that is totally up to how I feel that day. I read the back blurb and that determines what I’ll read next. I have been introduced to new authors via blog wins. I love free books or gift cards!
March 12th, 2010 on 6:48 am
Blogs like this one offer great reviews & contests to introduce new authors to me, also recommendations from fellow readers, and strolling the bookstores to see what grabs me. And like Katrina said, I like to share great authors and books - it is fun to spread the word.
Pat L.
March 12th, 2010 on 4:47 am
I don’t defer to anybody when picking a book to buy or read. I do rely on blogs, my Yahoo groups, publisher’s sites and author’s sites to learn what books are coming up but I only read the blurbs of the books(and get looks at the covers and a few rare excerpts. I never read the reviews before I read a book and only sometimes after I read a book.
I like the blogs also because you can find contests there that giveaway ebooks and sometimes print books or book store gift cards. It’s a great way to expand my reading choices with new authors or just new books by old favorites.
March 12th, 2010 on 3:35 am
Aside from blogs like this one, I find authors by reading compilations. If I like an author’s short story, I will read some of her books.
March 12th, 2010 on 3:17 am
Ooh, I rely on blogs like this one. I read about new books here and on The Season and RomCon blogs, and use the comments section to get recommendations from other readers. Then I search on review blogs (like Dear Author) because some of their tastes are like mine.
I’ve also found giveaways to be a great source of new favorite authors. I won Kaki Warner’s Pieces of Sky in December, and she’s by far the best new author I’ve found in a long time. I can’t wait for her Open Country to come out this summer. The best thing about blogs is that you can recommend things you love to other readers and, hopefully, spread the word about fantastic new writers.