Characters I'd like to hang out with, and a compelling story. I like to see how someone else deals with the issues of life, but I don't want a lot of angst and false situations (so I pretty much steer clear of young/new adult--too much unnecessary drama). I like all genres of romance but my favorite is still historical.
I don't actually do the reward thing. I don't know if it's because I'm older but I know myself well enough that I just have to decide to DO IT! Rewards don't really make me do it so I don't bother. I gave up New Year's resolutions, too, because that just depressed me. That said, although reading is almost as important as breathing, I still realize it's a treat to do so, so I get "rewarded" quite a bit. But I try to live a good life so hopefully I deserve a treat.
I prefer paper books as I find it difficult to read on an e-reader (not to mention the cost) and I just like the feel of a book in my hands. And, Sandra, I first picked up one of your books while in a bookstore browsing. It had John DeSalvo naked on the cover (Sweeter Savage Love, of course). I bought that book and found a wonderful new (to me) author whose books I devour when they come out. And I love them all, Vikings historical, Vikings/SEALS time travel, contemporary (Tante Lulu is a hoot), "regular" time travel (ah, Etienne), really anything. I very definitely pick up and buy books by other authors while I'm just browsing.