I love the humor throughout all of Cheryl's books and the hot factor, of course:) I generally like to read a series in order but I didn't with The Cat Star Chronicles and didn't find it to be a issue. The series is a fun diversion for me because it's not one I'd normally choose. I'm glad I did:)
I relate well to authors who are also readers and love hearing their honest recommendations. Pictures of your pets are good as is any humorous items you might like to include;) A short overview of books written and what's happening with a WIP, humorous...all good. Since I'm an addictive reader across most genres and there are literally hundreds of newsletters available in our cyber world, may I suggest that you consider making yours VERY distinctly you with associated graphic(s), concise, short and sweet with a monthly contest for your newsletter members (nothing wrong with offering author friend books or small gift card until you can build a back list;).
I like making my own decisions about the books I read. I do this by doing my homework which generally includes reading an excerpt or possibly just the blurb on the cover. I consider recommendations but at the same time I consider the source of those recommendations.
Mostly I read comments or reviews about a book after I finish reading it just to see if my opinion is in the minority or majority. It's always an interesting exercise.
There are some reviewers I skip entirely because no matter what they've read, it's always given the highest rating available. That makes her opinion on any book invalid to me.
I feel no need to trash an author. If I'm upset at something written by a favorite or auto-buy author, I can put on my big girl pants and express that constructively and privately. If it's a book that I thought sucked, then I know that author's voice just isn't my cuppa. I never forget that other readers may love a book as intensely as I don't and in the end each of us will buy exactly what appeals to us. Reading is subjective and that's the nature of the beast.
When I give feedback to an author, I try to be constructive and specific with pro's and con's. In other words, I try to put myself in their shoes and act accordingly.
I happen to love the Cat Star Chronicles and have read the entire series. They have heart, heat, soul and humor, which fits my taste. They take me outside of myself, which is exactly where I want to be when I'm reading. After reading several books in the series I also enjoyed Cheryl's blog so much that I became a follower. Now we're just having fun until Virgin publishes in the spring of 2011;)
If I should win, HERO would fine a good home with a good book buddy of mine that lives out of state.
I'm an eclectic book a day reader and Fugitive was hot and humorous. A total winner for me. The relationship between Manx and Drusilla is a woman's fantasy, for real:) Even though Fugitive is part of a series, it stands very well alone. I'm not a huge Sci-Fi fan but this one was thoroughly entertaining and refreshing. Did I mention hot?;) I'm looking forward to the next book that will be published in August.
Kathryne...I commented the other day about how much I like independent heroine so I'm back today for my chance at winning a copy of My Unfair Lady. The more I read the excerpt, the more it appeals to me. Thanks for the contest.
The holidays don't really have a bearing on my reading habits. I read according to mood and as I've gotten older, I mostly skip holiday drama:)
I rarely reread but have keepers just the same:)
I have so many favorite authors across the romance genres that it's difficult to pick just five (and they have not necessarily all been published in 2009 but read this year). Anyway, doing a quick check of my notes, here's what I've come up with:
Robyn Carr's Virgin River/Grace Valley series
Kate Douglas: Wolf Tales series
Julia Quinn: Bridgerton series
Cindy Gerard: Feel The Heat
Roxanne St. Clair: Hunt Her Down
And I just have add:
Jade Lee: The Concubine
I could easily add 10 or more that were tops according to my taste, which is easy with a habit of a book a day. I buy new, used, and in thrift shops and have accumulated a TBR mountain of about 300 books (I don't ever want to be caught without something to read;). I've also been lucky enough to win some in contest.
In addition to all my favorite authors, I try new-to-me authors all the time and find even more to add to my growing list.
I am a romance junkie....
P.S. I agree with Lisa...the J. D. Robb series is well worth getting into. Which of us doesn't want a Roarke for our very own?
Hot Pursuit is the sequel and yes I'd like to be entered in today's contest. February 1 was my birthday and a new Suz book would make an ace gift;)I'm a long time fan and have most of her back list.