Coming Soon – The Romances We’re Most Looking Forward to Reading in November 2020
Looking ahead to the new releases for November, the AAR team has come up with a small selection of the new titles on offer; all ones we think most likely to entertain, engross and enthrall over the coming weeks. Drop by and tell us which new books YOU’RE most looking forward to reading in November!
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins (1 Nov)
A titled lady journalist and a detective team up to solve a murder in Victorian England. It’s a start to a series which is exciting — I’ve enjoyed historical mystery series with couple detectives like the Amory Ames Mysteries before. — Charlotte
Collins’ historical mysteries have always been a lot of fun, and I expect that this will be no exception to the rule. – Lisa
I’ve enjoyed Manda Collins historical romances and while I haven’t read too many historical mysteries, I’m eager to delve into this one! – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Duke I’d Like To F… by Eva Leigh, Joanna Shupe, Adriana Herrera, Sierra Simone & Nicola Davidson (10 Nov)
Look. This title is ridiculous. But with authors Sierra Simone, Joanna Shupe, Adriana Herrera, Eva Leigh, and Nicola Davidson, I look forward to an anthology with some great spicy reads. – Caroline
Well, the title’s only the third-goofiest historical title I’ve seen all year, and with a talent line-up like this it can’t go wrong! – Lisa
I pre-ordered this one when I first heard about it based on the authors involved so I have high expectations for this steamy historical anthology. – Maria Rose
Buy it at: Amazon
The Same Place by Gregory Ashe (24 Nov)
Book two in The Lamb and the Lion series reunites wildlife vet Teancum Leon with grifter Jem Berger when a friend of Tean’s realises she’s being stalked and asks for their help. As Em says, Mr. Ashe has never disappointed; his books are superbly written, with clever plots and wonderfully complex, flawed yet loveable characters, and his insight into what makes them tick and into their relationships is laser-sharp. Book one, The Same Breath is SO good, and is a contender for my Book of the Year; I’m looking forward to more of the same from this latest release. – Caz
Anyone who follows me or Caz knows we are involved in a prolonged love affair with Gregory Ashe. Well, with his books. Fortunately he’s a prolific author and he hasn’t yet disappointed us. In September, he released the first book in his new The Lamb and the Lion series, The Same Breath, and I was hooked from the first page and thrilled to discover more books featuring these two “friends” were still to come. The Same Place reunites Jem and Tean after a mutual friend asks them for help identifying someone who is stalking her. The investigation leads them in unexpected directions, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, it forces them to spend lots and lots of time together. YES! Eager to try Ashe and unwilling to commit to the Hazard & Somers or Borealis series? Start with this series. You’ll fall for Ashe, Jem, and Tean too! – Em
Buy it at: Amazon
Lord Lucifer by Jade Lee (24 Nov)
Lucas couldn’t prevent his love Diana from being forced to marry a much older man. When her husband is murdered and Diana is the leading suspect, Lucas is the only one who can help. I like this premise, and I’ve enjoyed Lee before, so that’s a yes from me. – Caroline
Lee is megatalented and I’m looking forward to reading her latest! – Lisa
Buy it at: Amazon
Winter Solstice in St. Nacho’s by Z.A. Maxfield (30 Nov)
Described as “a second-chance, small-town gay romance,” this novella stars a librarian and man he used to tutor, who is now in the grip of a heroin addiction. The author, Z.A. Maxwell, has the chops to handle this serious topic. – Caroline
I’ve enjoyed quite a few books by Z.A. Maxfield, most recently the first in her spin-off to the original St. Nacho’s series, so I’m pleased to be returning to the place for this seasonal novella. – Caz
Buy it at: Amazon
We’re also looking forward to…
Alexandra:
Archangel’s Sun by Nalini Singh (17 Nov)
When was the last time I said no to a Nalini Singh book? Um, never. She always delivers a great read, and this book about a famously fragile angel going toe-to-toe with a powerful archangel looks like another great entry in her Guild Hunter series.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Defending the Galaxy by Maria V Snyder (17 Nov)
I was consumed by the first two books in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series, and I’ve been impatiently watching for this next entry. The last book ended on such a cliffhanger, I’m looking forward to the mystery of the terracotta warriors discovered on uninhabited planets unfolding here.
Buy it at: Amazon
Caroline:
Off Limits Attraction by Jayci Lee (1 Nov)
Jayci Lee debuted this year with a B- and then a B, and hopefully she’ll continue her upward trajectory with this story of an actress and a film producer. – Caroline
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Mistletoe Kiss with the Heart Doctor by Marion Lennox (1 Nov)
In this Australia-set medical, GP Dr. Elsa McRae rescues cardiologist Dr. Marcus Pierce in a cave accident and then becomes his coworker for the holidays. Lennox writes lovely, cozy stories, which is just what I’m in the mood for.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Tempted by her Viking Enemy by Terri Brisbin (1 Nov)
Always game for Vikings!
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Confessions in B Flat by Donna Hill (24 Nov)
In 1963 Harlem, a man mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meets a woman who passionately follows Malcolm X. I love modern historical settings, and I am fascinated by this new spin on opposites-attract.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Caz:
Just Like This by Cole McCade (24 Nov)
I enjoyed my first visit to Albin Academy in Just Like That, a sensual, beautifully written age-gap romance between a professor and former student. This return visit to the Academy features the art teacher and the grouchy football coach in an enemies-to-lovers romance – a trope I’m particularly fond of. – Caz
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Evelyn:
The Flip Side by James Bailey (10 Nov)
This début novel is getting some great reviews. It’s about a twentysomething recently dumped man who wonders if his life decisions would be better made by just flipping a coin. He decides to give it a try – but what happens when he meets his dream girl. Will he start making the decisions or will he leave it to chance? The premise sounds like a great read!
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
LaVerne:
The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson (10 Nov)
You don’t see many romantic comedies from mainstream Christian publishers. I’m looking forward to this prankster-neighbors-turned-to-lovers story. – LaVerne
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Lisa:
American Christmas by Adriana Herrera (2 Nov)
I love Adriana Herrera and will read anything she puts out. This holiday novella is book five in her Dreamers series.
Buy it at: Amazon
A Christmas Waltz by Josi S. Kilpack (9 Nov)
Kilpack’s quiet romances are interesting in of themeselves. This is another friend-to-lovers story, a trope that is my catnip
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Her Lady to Love by Jane Walsh (10 Nov)
A country mouse and an improper type meet up during the whirl of the social season and vow to help one another snag a husband – but find love together instead. I need ALL of the historical f/f in my life, and I’m excited about this one.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
The Truth About Dukes by Grace Burrowes (10 Nov)
A duke with a harsh past worries that his time in an asylum might be used against him, so to quell the scandal he looks for a proper (and properly dull) woman with whom to to settle down. He picks an old friend with a similar background who might just be his perfect match. Burrrowes, as always, knows how to do characters right, so I’m looking out for this one.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Snowbound with the Viscount by Shana Galen (10 Nov)
Shana Galen is always my go-to for Derring Do – and this holiday romance features leads named Holly Farthing and Adam Ivy. I mean, come on!
Buy it at: Amazon
Notorious by Minerva Spencer (24 Nov)
I’ve come to expect the unexpected from Minerva Spencer, and this book – about a sharp-tongued woman who accepts an impulsive proposal from a rogue – sounds like another of her talent-laden, spicy stories.
Buy it at: Amazon/Indiebound
Maria Rose:
Kissing Lessons by Stefanie London (9 Nov)
I’ve enjoyed several of Stefanie London’s contemporary romances in the past and this one sounds cute, a small town romance between a barista and a professor who’s in town for a temporary teaching assignment. And I love that the cover features a plus sized heroine!
Buy it at: Amazon
Rachel:
How to Lose an Ex in Ten Days by Lottie Lucas (19 Nov)
I’ve read this one, and it really surprised me. It’s a common premise, but the writing is so original and inventive that it totally sucked me in. I’ll definitely be looking up Lucas’ other books. -Rachel
Buy it at: Amazon
Just realized that Redemption by Karina Bliss is scheduled to come out November 20th. This is the follow-up to Elizabeth and Zander’s romance. I will definitely be scooping that up when it comes out.
Wow, Confessions in B Flat looks great (I’m really excited to read a historical set in the 1960s Civil Rights movement). Beautiful cover, too.
Zoey Draven anticipates releasing the third book in her Horde Kings of Dakkar series in November and I am impatient. I really love the first two books and can’t wait to see where she takes the series.
I suspect the slim pickings this month might have something to do with the proximity to the election in the U.S., as well as the generally scrambled epidemic publishing calendar.
I’ve only preordered one romance novel this month: the f/f contemporary debut, Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur. Several people I follow on Instragram have been excited about it & I’m always happy to support a debut romance author and mainstream f/f stories.
The non-romances I’ve chosen are Holly Black’s YA short story collection, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate, and two paperback releases, Simone St. James’s The Broken Girls and Kathy Iandoli’s God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop.
I read Written in the Stars for the site! it’s quite cute.
Is “The Christmas Waltz” really only 132 pages in PB but costs $8.99? I’m a little less price sensitive than most, but that is most definitely too much for too little. Otherwise I’m another for whom friends-to-lovers is my catnip, and I’m definitely in the mood for a holiday story. The promised waltz as a way for the H/h to get to know each other echoes Mary Balogh’s “Someone to Trust”. I think it’s a lovely metaphor for moving together in Life as well as in the dance (and it reminds me of the ending to Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia”, one of my favorite plays).
Sadly so – surprisingly pricy for a novella length episode.
…novel.
I seem to recall that that publisher’s books are always expensive. No idea why.
Wow, I totally forgot the Guild Hunter series was still going on! I checked and am disappointed to see it is about Titus and The Hummingbird (whom I vaguely remember from the previous book). Not really interested in them or in the ongoing, sort of revenant-type apocalyptic theme of the series. The last book, I really just ended up skimming a lot of it.
Sad to say, the Guild Hunter series does not seem fresh to me any more. And the one thing I was hoping for, an Aodhan and Ilium pairing, looks like it isn’t going to happen (at least, not based on what I heard, though it would be great if that were wrong).
I gave up on the Psy/Changeling Trinity series, though I did love most of the original Psy/Changeling series. Sorry to say that I may have to give up on Guild Hunter as well. Still, it had a great run.
Oh yes, so agree!
I am still willing to give this one more try.
I am hoping hoping hoping that after the disappointing book about the war’s end, that was nearly a repeat of the older book about the first battle of New York, the series will hit a new stride, with some new ideas, or character driven plots.
I gave up on Psy/Changeling a while back, tried one some time ago, and just am not interested anymore. GH seems to go the same way. I am sad, I really loved GH for quite a while there.
Oh well, new things will come, and, as you say, it had a great run.
On Nov 1 there will be an e-book release called Gifts for the Season, a charity MM anthology of winter/Christmas stories. It has stories by Annabeth Albert and Joanna Chambers, both of whom have been well reviewed on this site.
I’m also looking forward to:
See Me After Class by Meghan Quinn (about 2 teachers)
One Last Time by Roxie Noir (the last in her Loveless brothers series)
Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews
I’ve just preordered Gifts for the Season – I have a soft spot for Christmas short stories and there are some good authors included in it!
I read Gentleman Jim! Not my absolute favorite due to some plot choices, but still good.
Also I definitely want to read Gifts of the Season.
I can’t believe I missed this one! So many terrific contributors. Also preordered! Thank you Manjari!
I’m curious to try out a Minerva Spencer book as I’ve read her under her other name S.M. LaViolette.
I think it’s interesting how few really big name, traditional authors have books coming out in November. I think a lot less are still publishing. For some reason I had in my mind that November used to be a big month for releases for the holiday season.
Chrisreader – make sure you read a few reviews of the Spencer before you buy. I like this author quite bit. I didn’t like this at all.
I’ve found Spencer to be hit or miss too – her work under LaViolette has really specifically been spotty for me.
LaViolette has for me as well that’s why I’m curious to try her as Spencer.
Ooh, check our archive – I know I gave a positive review I believe to something of hers that came out in 2018.
I will definitely check them out- AAR is always my first stop before I take the plunge!
I noticed that as well – Sep-Nov is usually bursting at the seams with new big,-name books but not this time around. Do you think it’s COVID-related? I know there was a real publishing glut in Sept because so many books had been pushed back from earlier in the year. But I really struggled to find titles to add to the list this month.
I suspect at least some of it must be. I mostly buy new releases in quarters (e.g. in September I order for October-December), and usually there’s one or two that get postponed for a quarter or so, or sometimes to later in the same quarter. But this year, a lot of the books on my lists for the last two quarters got pushed back a quarter or even two, across several genres. That’s never happened before. Could be a coincidence for some books (e.g. Tessa Dare’s next book was delayed because she’s had some health issues), but it seems unlikely to be coincidental with all of them. Possible, but.
That’s really interesting Star, thanks for sharing.
I don’t understand the mechanics of the book industry at all. Someone explained before why new releases are always on a Tuesday in the middle of the work week! Why!? I’ve had a lot of tired, bleary eyed Wednesday mornings because of that.
A lot of summer releases got shoved forward to December for COVID. Seems to be related.
I didn’t think of COVID affecting the book business as much (unless because there are no in person author signings?) -but it must have an impact.
Based on myself and my habits I would have assumed, as streaming services and at home entertainment businesses are doing great, that the book industry would be as well.
If I were an author I think I would be more likely to push books up to get them out now, particularly if they were escapist type books.
One author I read has been publishing a new book to read for free on her Facebook since the Pandemic began. She’s on her second book now and posts a chapter a day. It’s a lovely thing to do and she’s putting it out in addition to another regular book a month lately. Clearly there is a market for new books now.
I can’t figure it out.
And there are authors who are struggling creatively and who may have had to postpone new releases. There are knock on effects all round.
Yes the author I mention above said she cannot work up enthusiasm to write for a series she has that is set on a post apocalyptic earth so she has concentrated on her “happier” series for now.
“Clearly there is a market for new books now. I can’t figure it out.”
Like nblibgirl said below, the publishing ecosystem has been heavily disrupted. I’ve noticed this to be true of small presses as well- perhaps even more so because of a lack of alternative options for book production.
Being both self-published and freelance, I don’t see the behind-the-scenes struggles firsthand, but I definitely hear bits and pieces about the problems they’re facing. Printing is the big one. Quarantine practices for handling print books prior to delivery is another. Dealing with hardcopy proofs and people that might have to circulate through several departments must be a nightmare right now. Outside of slapdash erotica shorts that no one is expecting to be War and Peace, I doubt everything in a publishing house can be done solely by computer communication. Just based on my own limited experience, multiple people have to check print versions of books in person unless you want to alienate customers with wacky colors and fonts that looked fine over the screen but look garish in the light, among other nitpicks that spell the difference between “amateurish” and “professional.”
Also, Harlequin mentioned on a blog post that they are using rejected stock photos from prior years’ category romances for new book covers. So, in other words, you are going to be seeing some familiar book cover faces in slightly different poses. I suppose if the cover models appeared far enough in the past, fewer customers will notice. But this strategy sounds risky for long-term use, especially among those who make “cover buys.”
As for the book market in general, I think current demand depends on genre and availability of disposable income. A lot of self-published erotica authors have taken to Reddit comparing sales figures lately. Quite a few writers have complained about taking a significant financial hit in recent months. Theories for the drop include people not having discretionary income to buy smut and people not being able to hide their salacious reading as easily when stuck at home with immediate family (“I can’t let my spouse or kids catch me reading Ten Tawdry Tales of Teenage Trollops!“). There might also be hyper-saturation of the market right now with people home and unemployed, but that doesn’t explain the dearth of new literature in other genres. KU borrows are a mixed bag. Some authors said they have been struggling to get page reads, others are getting more than ever. It sure doesn’t help that Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature is acting buggy right now, but I digress…
Then, as you and many others here have mentioned, there are the psychological aspects as well. Fiction writers, like other types of artists, tend to be quite emotional people. Some days, it’s just plain difficult to write. Sometimes, it’s impossible. Ongoing global problems definitely aren’t helping any.
In general there are many, many books across all genres that have been and continue to be delayed. Covid impacted the entire ecosystem but printers in particular – few of whom are still in the US. In the meantime, independent bookstores are in big trouble – which is really sad because they were just finding their footing the last few years as they learned to compete with Amazon. I know I’ve made a point of ordering a few extra print copies of books (especially romances) that I’d normally just read from the library. But as Sourcebooks newest ad campaign slogan says – “read local now, so you can read local forever”.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/27/books/printing-companies-backlog-book-publishing.html?searchResultPosition=2
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/books/booker-prize-barack-obama-promised-land.html?searchResultPosition=3 Booker Prize Is Rescheduled to Make Way for Obama’s Memoir
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/books/the-strand-bookstore-nyc.html?searchResultPosition=1
With millions of people largely stuck at home, book sales are up this year. But much of that shopping is happening online, and independent bookstores across the United States have rushed to reinvent themselves even as they watched their sales crater. The American Booksellers Association said this month that more than one independent bookstore has closed every week since the pandemic began.
I mourn the independent booksellers as well. They were pretty much obliterated in my area along with many of the smaller book chains as well when the “book superstores” rose in my area.
I was shaking my head cynically when the few remaining big chains (at the time) like Borders and Barnes and Noble were lamenting Amazon for putting brick and mortar stores out of business when I had watched them pulverize independent book stores and small chains I had shopped in my whole life.
There was one medium sized local bookstore that held so many great memories from my childhood that finally closed around 2005. I went to their going out of business sale on my lunch hour one day and went back to my office and hid for a bit because I felt like crying (I know that seems silly).
There used to be several used book stores in my area as well where I would hunt down older Carla Kelly books that were out of print or an odd mystery you couldn’t find anywhere else. They are all gone.
The only bookstores for miles around now are Barnes and Noble and I think they survive because they have a Starbucks, tons of games and Knick knacks and an enormous magazine section.
I’m lucky to have lived near excellent independents in many communities all my life (have moved quite a lot); and just picked up Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade from my current local bookstore. It took them almost 3 weeks to process my order and obtain the book. But I’ll continue to order from them and wait for items to arrive because my neighbors make their living working there.
I admit to being one of those readers who strayed away from the independent book stores. I loved our local Borders and for years went every week for a couple of hours while my daughters were at choir practice. I drank coffee, ate fresh scones, and browsed book shelves. I usually bought a book, as well. I miss them so much! My local independent booksellers never carried much romance, and now I can’t afford to pay the almost $10 per book retail price. My husband and I read a lot of books per week.
I also miss the used book stores, which I went to 2 or 3 times a year to look for older titles. I’m not sure if they are still open or not.
For years I’ve also use Better World Books online for used books. They sell used books and donate thousands of books. I recently found two Nonnie St. George books there after reading about them here.
But we (my family) are also regular Amazon customers for books on Kindle and are Kindle Unlimited members. Since I was furloughed due to Covid, our income has diminished, and while I didn’t make that much (retail) it was that extra income that paid for things like eating out and books/audiobooks. I’d love to say I hate Amazon, but it would be hypocritical of me to do so. I know they are a problem, but they, along with my library, make it possible for me to afford to read,
It’s a complicated issue.
Oh I’m 100% guilty of being an Amazon supporter since the year they opened. I think they sent me a travel mug to thank me for buying from them that first year. I bought my first apple product after they announced they had a kindle app. I was 1000% behind ebooks and ereaders.
I can’t blame Amazon for the demise of the independent book stores and smaller book chains in my area. It was Barnes and Noble and Borders that destroyed them here before Amazon became a factor.
I remember watching cynically when the publishers and the few super book stores were conspiring against Amazon because they said Amazon would “destroy” brick and mortar book stores” -because the big chains had already done it. What they meant was they were afraid Amazon was going to do to them what they did to every other book store.
I was guilty of hanging out and shopping at Borders as well, now they are gone too.
Well, it’s like the old Sears & Roebuck. People tried to stop department stores from coming to their towns the same way people try to stop mega grocery stores from opening up today. But where is Sears- the 20th century version of Amazon- today? Bankrupt.
Obviously, I’m biased in Amazon’s favor as I make most of my writing income through them, but I’m not worried in the sense that Amazon is just the new Sears or Walmart or whoever else is accused of making stores close. Companies come and go and adapt if they can. We’ll just have to see if other options, like indie bookstores, make a resurgence. If they do, I suspect they will have to offer something more than books. Like you mentioned, they might have to go the Barnes & Noble route of becoming more like boutique gift shops + books rather than purely literature-focused. Or, they might have to target specific niches. There is a bookstore in Los Angeles, for example, that only carries erotica and romance books. It’s called The Ripped Bodice.
Speaking of niches, this is actually one of the main points Joe Biel made in his book The People’s Guide to Publishing. For the sake of streamlining, major publishers have gutted their midlist titles and niches that are only expected to sell 5,000-10,000 copies. This ironically gives small press and indie publishers an advantage over the Big 5 because they can target those markets that mainstream publishers no longer want to trifle with. Because while 5,000 copies sold is next to nothing for a major publisher, that’s a huge return for a little guy.
In the meantime, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens in the book selling/book publishing industries. It’s hard to make any predictions with the whole marketplace so disrupted.
That’s so true Nan, I have become the person who looks at pretty much everything as being in a state of flux now. So many industries that were considered “ eternal” have gone by the wayside. I’m sad about many but have received other wonderful benefits in the meantime so I just have to be philosophical.
For me ebooks (which is largely tied to Amazon as they did so much to promote them) have been a dream come true. I love everything about them.
I was furious when publishers and the big book chains tried to manipulate pricing and say that an ebook needed to be priced HIGHER than a hardcover! Let alone a paperback. Personal interests aside, just environmentally ebooks are so much better than mass market paperbacks (many of which are destroyed if they don’t sell) which fall apart, use trees and countless fossil fuels to ship. I never buy mass market paperbacks anymore (except used) and only buy physical books in hardcover that I want to keep forever. Everything else is in ebook format for me.
I also love that ebooks gave many authors the chance to take back their rights to older, out of print books and offered so many people the chance to publish.
I used to be the biggest paperback buyer and could have built a house out of MM paperbacks that yellowed, deteriorated and lost pages despite me babying them and barely bending the spines.
“I was furious when publishers and the big book chains tried to manipulate pricing and say that an ebook needed to be priced HIGHER than a hardcover! Let alone a paperback.”
The annoying thing is, major publishers still charge ridiculous prices for e-books- especially to libraries. From the financial end of things, I get it. Short of a massive computer virus, e-books last forever and don’t need to be replaced. Plus, there are still middlemen to pay in addition to the author. But who are these companies kidding thinking customers are willing to pay $20-50+ (depending on genre and sales channel) for something that’s solely digital?
Also, I remember reading a blog post from someone who used to work for one of the Big 5. She told the librarian in the interview, “You don’t get the culture of the Big 5. They would outlaw public libraries if they could get away with it.” I’m guessing that’s probably a fair assessment.
Personally, I prefer the look and feel of paperback or hardcover books to reading e-books, but I love the anonymity e-books provide for racier content. Plus, e-book library loans are the most convenient option right now- sometimes the only option.
“just environmentally ebooks are so much better than mass market paperbacks (many of which are destroyed if they don’t sell)”
Here’s where I’m about to go on a rant about those destroyed books. It’s not just because the publishers need to make room for new books, although that’s part of it. The honking big reason why publishers need to “pulp” (i.e. destroy) paperbacks in a giant shredder is because of stupid statutes that tax companies for unsold inventory. Now, we can debate things like sales tax, income tax, etc. But taxes on UNSOLD INVENTORY? That’s some draconian sadism, right there! Whose brilliant idea was it to punish struggling business owners by taxing them on things they haven’t sold yet? Given that publishing is such a financially unstable trade, this ridiculous law essentially forces companies to destroy their own inventory to avoid the tax. Think of it like scorched earth policy. So, congratulations, whoever came up with this destructive idea. (And I’m guessing you never owned a business in your life!) The policies you and your cronies enacted directly encourage environmentally destructive practices, discourage companies from taking risks on niche products that might not sell, and all around make it insanely unpleasant to own a business in the first place. Ugh! Rant over.
I don’t normally pooh pooh on an entire industry but big publishers really grind my gears. What they charge libraries for ebooks is a crime pure and simple. I am all about free enterprise but whoever said that about them hating libraries is correct. And the simple fact is libraries create readers and a market for books. How many library books did I read and then go onto buy?
“And the simple fact is libraries create readers and a market for books. How many library books did I read and then go onto buy?”
Exactly! With the exception of certain books that I need for my work outside of erotica, I would never buy a book without reading it first. (That goes for movies too. Try before you buy!) Even then, I’m the type that will simply do without a book than pay for it if the library doesn’t have it. So Big 5 publishers that don’t play nice with libraries get next to zero business from me. Because I don’t say, “Boo hoo. The library doesn’t have the book. I guess I’ll have to pay $20.” Nope, I pay $0 and read something else that my tax-payer supported library was able to buy instead. Publishers, take note. Because I can’t be the only person who acts like this.
I’d like to play the gentle devil’s advocate here. Why shouldn’t readers feel a responsibility to buy books? To not to so means authors don’t get paid a living wage in general. If we bought books in the way we buy Starbucks, we’d have a lot more successful authors.
Couldn’t agree more Dabney. I truly value libraries – I’m a huge reader and a retired librarian. What publishers’ are doing to keep e-books out of libraries hands is infuriating – and short-sighted as comments here prove. But I also have a responsibility to support my favorite authors and my favorite indie bookstores. (Amazon does get e-book sales from me, because I think they truly innovated a great product with their Kindle. But nothing else. I’ve even begun buying audio books through Libro.fm – which provides some support for the indie bookstore of my choosing – because Amazon swallowed up Audible.) Otherwise, we readers will be left with nothing to read.
I see this as a complicated issue. On the one hand, as an author, I definitely want people to buy my books. But on the other hand, as a reader, I am a huge fan of libraries for accessibility, especially considering it’s a service we have to pay for through our tax dollars anyway. As bond measures keep passing, a lot of readers- including me- say, “I’m not going to be double taxed for my reading and viewing habits. I’m already spending hundreds of dollars per year to read books and watch movies, thank you.”
As for writers getting a living wage, I don’t see that happening in the Big 5, save for a few big name authors. Because there are so many middle men, paperback royalties for authors hover around a pathetic 8%, sometimes as low as 6% for romance writers. E-books have definitely improved royalty payouts, but nothing quite so much as KDP which actually pays authors decently (up to up to 70% royalties for e-books in select markets, 35% for e-books in other markets, 60% for paperbacks sold through Amazon, 40% for paperbacks sold through third party channels).
Regarding Starbucks, I really don’t like what I call the “coffee argument.” It’s one of those things politicians like to say every time they’re trying to pass yet another crippling bond measure as in, “It will only cost each person a daily cup of coffee.” Well, I’m sorry, but those fictional cups of coffee- which a lot of us never drank- add up to a lot. And those big dents in my pocket leave me feeling a lot less charitable, I’m sorry to say, even to fellow authors.
You don’t have to like my arguments! (This is AAR.)
But I stand by what I said. Books are so cheap, in general, these days and tons are published by indie authors and small presses. Art should not be considered something we get for free–we have to be patrons of the arts or quality art will vanish.
“Art should not be considered something we get for free- we have to be patrons of the arts or quality art will vanish.”
I actually do agree with you on this point. But, unfortunately, when times are tough, the arts become a luxury item. Let me put it this way: I don’t feel guilty about using the public library or visiting a local museum on free night because I am already paying for those goods and services via my taxes. I don’t have discretionary income to spend on the arts because the voters already took it from me pre-emptively- plus all the money they took for services I don’t or can’t use.
Having said that, I think there is a difference between borrowing books at a library- which the library purchased- than outright piracy. I remember I almost had an apoplectic fit at a vendor booth years ago when someone actually said to my face, “Can’t I just buy one copy and then photocopy it for distribution?”
Boy, did I have to keep my temper in check when I told her, “No, because this is copyrighted material. This is how I make my living. If you want to read the book for free, please ask your local public library to purchase a few copies, because then, at least I get something. Or, you can join Kindle Unlimited and read it for free that way.” Honestly! I am definitely generous with providing avenues for reading my work for free or cheap through legitimate channels that also make me some money, but that was beyond the pale. And sadly, not an isolated incident.
In short, I’m very much in the mentality of the Depression-era saying, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I certainly don’t expect to read books and watch movies for free, but I am on the spectrum that if the library doesn’t have it, I’m not buying. Things are tough enough right now.
I think everyone has to decide how their budget works for them and what is necessity and what is luxury.
I remember when I was young and started working I would dream about the day when I could go in and just buy every paperback or book I wanted at one time.
I remember the time years later when I was in Walmart or someplace shopping and it dawned on me I could buy ten or twelve paperback books if I felt like it. Not that I was in any way rich, but I had some discretionary income then (and only myself to blow it on) and liked to buy tangible things rather than to go out for drinks etc. like others may have preferred to. It was my extra money to spend how I pleased and it was a very heady feeling at the time.
In these crazy days when so many people are tightening their belts and trying to make cuts where they can, people who can still afford to should try and support others where they are able, and public money should go to providing as much freely accessible books and free entertainment for people as they can.
I agree with you.
I buy ebooks on impulse or if they are on sale so much that Amazon has to tell me often “hey you bought this book back in May” so I don’t buy it again.
They helpfully put the books you own in green now with a note that you own it. I couldn’t count the number of books I would have bought twice otherwise.
I also have Kindle Unlimited and borrow from a number of library networks in my state. When I really like something I have read from the library or K.U.-I buy that too.
I have made a lot of goofy purchases in my lifetime and there’s definitely been things I regret buying but I never (or almost) never have regretted buying a book.
I just hear from authors all the time who are literally unable to make minimum wage because so many books are free.
I am one of four siblings who all read F&SF and romances (with some other genres not shared by all of us), so for many years any printed books we bought were a family resource. I have always bought more than I have time to read, partly for sharing with my siblings (who all read faster than I do) and partly as deliberate support for authors. About 15 years ago our accumulated printed books passed all the space our zoning permitted us to build bookshelves, and over the following year or two I shifted almost completely from buying printed books to buying ebooks. As a long-time rereader, I like having our personal library with instant access, not having to worry about being able to check a book out when an impulse to reread something strikes.
Mark, that was a large factor in my switching to ebooks. Almost every wall in my home is covered floor to ceiling in bookcases. Family members joke about the floors collapsing under the weight.
Over the years I have culled many mass market paperbacks that have deteriorated and replaced them with ebook versions.
There are some ebooks through Kindle/Amazon that do allow you to lend them a certain number of times. Some Jayne Ann Krentz books I own as well as some Carla Kelly’s for instance have that option.
I have done the same. And it makes me crazy that my family, with the exception of my daughter, doesn’t do ebooks.
But I have always factored buying books, print or e, into my budget. It’s a basic in my budget!
I believe it. There is an awful lot of free books out there that are junk. I don’t mean one time specials or limited time deals but always free books of very poor quality. I think it does affect the authors who are putting out more thoughtful, better quality stuff.
I know Amazon is also diabolical at redirecting shoppers to other stuff, mainly their stuff or free books rather than the book or author you searched for. Ellora’s Cave (which had a number of other issues I know) claimed that Amazon helped kill their business by doing that.
As someone who cried when my local used bookstore went out of business (I’m lucky to still have a few others in the area in operation),there’s nothing silly about that!
Thank you! You made me feel better. I knew I couldn’t be the only one.
Oh yeah, I love books better than certain people.
Ha ha, you can say that again.
“but printers in particular – few of whom are still in the US.”
The ironic thing about this is that Amazon’s KDP paperbacks are printed in the US in various locations. I just received a contributor copy for an anthology that was printed in Middletown, DE. Other towns represented among my KDP bookshelf include San Bernardino, CA; Columbia, SC; and Charleston, SC. I’m sure there have been some others as well. Not sure what point I’m trying to make by mentioning this, but I thought it was interesting that a bookseller that’s taken over a huge chunk of the market is still printing their stuff in the old US of A.
I have no idea whether this holds true or not in Amazon’s international markets. Does anyone have any insight about this?
I have The Same Place by Gregory Ashe and American Christmas by Adriana Herrera preordered.
I’m particularly looking forward to The Same Place as I loved the first book in the series and it’s my favourite of all GA’s books. So far, anyway!
I think the MCs in American Christmas are the two young men who worked for Nesto in American Dreamer. I enjoyed that book the most of the three I read from the series.
I’ve also preordered Stella Riley’s Christmas book, but that’s not out until December.
I’m not sure yet what else I’ll be reading in November – I’ve read a lot of unplanned books this month………………
American Christimas is AMAZING! Read it for the site, review soon. They are indeed the two guys who worked at Nesto’s food truck.
I’m pleased about that – on all points!
Stella Riley has a Christmas book!? Off to Amazon…..
My library bought my e-book request for The Vicar and the Rake, an MM HR from Carina Press, so yay! That’s probably going to be my first November read. I also have a hold on the FF contemporary Hairpin Curves, part of the Carina Press’s Carina Adores line.
Congrats! I remember you mentioning the Vicar and The Rake in a previous discussion, I hope it’s great.
I love my library system so much. It’s helped me try so many new authors through ebooks.
I hope it’s great too! Libraries have to be picky about selecting e-books because of the expense and sometimes metered rentals, so I was thrilled they accepted my recommendation. Hairpin Curves was also a fulfilled request, so I’ll have to read that when the waitlist clears.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy both books. It still kind of blows my mind that you can get all these wonderful romance novels from the library. It would be so great not having to buy almost all the romance novels I read.
Hairpin Curves is by Elia Winters, right? I really liked her book Tied Score, I think I’ll have to check out Hairpin Curves too.
I love the library. Honestly, if it weren’t for public libraries, I would either have to get a KU subscription or not read anything because I’m a notorious cheapskate.
Do you have trouble getting romance novels in the library in your area? Lately, a lot of public libraries have been pretty good about following a policy of “patron-driven acquisitions,” meaning they set aside a portion of their budget specifically for patron requests, regardless of genre. See if your local library has a patron request form on their website. As long as something isn’t super old or obscure, I’ve had a lot of luck getting them to buy books I want to read. When a library can’t or won’t buy something, I use ILL (interlibrary loan) to borrow it from another library system free of charge. Are purchase requests and interlibrary loans options where you live? If so, you could save yourself a lot of money.
Yes, Hairpin Curves is by Elia Winters, a new-to-me author. I hope it and The Vicar and the Rake are both excellent.
I am so grateful for my library’s willingness to buy my books for me. And to get my research books for me too. I don’t know what I would do without my library.
One of my favorite things to do is tell readers about the abundance of ebooks available free of charge from the library and Hoopla. I have an incredible library ebook catalog that buys just about everything in multiple genres. When combined with Hoopla, I constantly have a full ebook list. Once I tell a friend about the library and they say “I don’t have a card.” I’ll check out their library website and encourage them to get a card. Yes, I’m a bit pushy, but library cards are one of the best parts of living in a community.
“but library cards are one of the best parts of living in a community.”
Absolutely! I’m always gobsmacked when someone says “I don’t have a library card.” Last I read, only 68% of Americans have one. Seriously? You’re paying taxes for this incredible service and you don’t use it? Even if you’re not much of a reader, most public libraries have movies now too. Sure, if you have money to throw away and you’re not willing to be patient, I can see renting a video. Or if you want the experience of going to a movie theater to be surrounded by an audience, that makes sense too. But I’ve known people to spend as much as $20.00 for one On-Demand movie rental in their own living rooms just because it was new. As far as I’m concerned, if a movie is good now, it will be good three months from now. And I can keep that $20 in my pocket.
Also, I’ve noticed a lot of public libraries now offer a digital-only library card for patrons who don’t want to actually visit a library or check out physical materials. These digital-only cards typically give access to e-books, audiobooks, movie streaming, and online research portals like encyclopedias for research. And since digital materials don’t have overdue fines (they just get taken off of your devices), what is the excuse? I mean, okay, I guess, if you don’t like books, movies, music, or research. But if you like any of those things- whether a little or a lot- what possible sense does it make to not have a library card? (Assuming of course, you’re not a fugitive or a spy or something…)
It really boggles the mind that people can be adamant about not needing a library card. When I pay my property tax every six months, it’s the one thing I’m happiest to see supported. I am a book nut but still so many great benefits.
My library offers digital library cards as well so you don’t even have to physically go to a library to sign up. Not having to return an ebook is the best! And in these days of Pandemic fears there is no personal contact with anyone using ebooks so people of any age or health condition can enjoy reading freely.
The libraries in my state also offer great things like free or heavily discounted museum passes you can sign out or sign up for.
Digital library cards?! What a brilliant idea!
I’ve only been loaning ebooks since the beginning of the pandemic as I belong to a high risk group because of my health. If it wasn’t for ebooks, I probably wouldn’t have been able to use the library at all since the beginning of March. What a depressing thought.
I love that libraries here have been embracing more digital content to be more inclusive. I work with a group that helps to get technology and training for free to people in need that would not otherwise be able to afford it. With the pandemic its become even more vital for people to have it to be able to connect with others let alone find jobs etc.
I’m so happy that you have been able to borrow ebooks where you are as well! They have helped me get through the past months of craziness myself.
Libraries are seriously the best. I use my local library for loaning books written in Finnish or translated to Finnish. With those, I’ve rarely had any problems, and they take book requests and inter library loans are an option too, both of which I’ve also made use of. The problem is that there are only about 5.4 people in this world who speak Finnish language so only a very limited selection of books in any genre actually gets translated to Finnish. And unfortunately very few of those books are romance novels, and the ones that are tend to be of the kind that can be more or less guaranteed to sell a ton. There are, of course, exceptions and there are signs that things might be looking a bit brighter. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
My local library does have a selection of books written in English, but it is very small and mostly consists of world literature classics and big-time best sellers. They have not been too keen on expanding their repertoire before. In bigger towns and cities the collections are often bigger too, so I do check from time to time if there are romance novels written in English that I’d like to read available anywhere in my country (there’s a search engine for that) but the romance selections are pretty small everywhere.
And of course people from my country can’t use Kindle Unlimited. So my options are pretty limited. It’s terribly frustrating. And makes for expensive reading.
I’m so glad you have access to interlibrary loan for English language romances. But I can see where libraries wouldn’t be too keen on stocking “pulp” type literature in foreign languages. If you need to convince your local library of the importance of English language romance novels, maybe you could mention the Kato Lomb approach to language learning through popular fiction. (Some library system request forms ask patrons to justify the expense in some way. Maybe this would work? Just brainstorming here…)
“And of course people from my country can’t use Kindle Unlimited. So my options are pretty limited. It’s terribly frustrating.”
Yikes! I’m sorry to hear you can’t take advantage of KU. Amazon has been making some improvements to KDP lately. Let’s hope they eventually expand to include other countries.
What I forgot to say about interlibrary loans the last time was that around here they are only free from the libraries within the subregion where your local library is located. (Subregions are areas consisting of a number of municipalities divided on the basis of municipal cooperation and work mobility.) From any other libraries they cost 2 euros per book. So while one might still end up saving a pretty penny not all interlibrary loans are entirely free.
I feel like I also understand why libraries might be reluctant to invest in romance novels in foreign languages. I’ve certainly never had trouble understanding my local library’s standpoint. It’s a small library in a small town with a small budget. They obviously can’t have large selections of everything there – or even small ones for that matter. They have to prioritize their acquisitions. The possible readership for books written in foreign languages is pretty small overall, for books written in English it’s smaller, and for romance novels written in English even smaller. And romance novels also happen quite often to be considered pulpy, as you said, which works against them. So I get it. It sucks, but I get it. I still might try mentioning the Kato Lomb approach at some point though, as you suggested, and explain to them how immensely reading books (romance novels included!) written in English has improved my English skills. Besides, perhaps if they did add a few romance novels in their collection of books available in English they might be positively surprised by their popularity.
I just finished listening to the audio version of that (the Greene) – I’m reviewing for AG. I hope you like it more than I did.
Oh, Caz. As much as I don’t want to be mean to fellow authors- especially debut authors- The Vicar and the Rake was just plain painful to read, almost a DNF. The breezy prose and clever turns of phrase in the first couple of chapters sucked me in, but after the 10% mark, it was all downhill from there.
More than half the time, I didn’t know which character was speaking, where he was, or what he was doing. I don’t think the book had a single dialogue tag, even though a few “Edward said” would have helped tremendously. Sure, you can use action tags instead, especially if you have only two characters in the scene. But when you have five+ people in the room- as Greene often does- it’s easy to lose track of who is saying what. I feel like the author got bad advice about not using the word “said.” It’s a perfectly decent word to carry dialogue that disappears naturally while still making it clear who’s talking.
The pacing was way too fast, plot points showed up out of nowhere, conflicts resolved themselves too quickly, and there were plot holes I could hardly believe. The vicar just disappears from his parish for- how long was he gone again?- and none of his parishioners wonder where he is? Edward, the duke, is supposed to be in hiding but all these people show up at his residence/hideout? But thankfully, they’re mostly the right people? And I know they are surrounded by like-minded men, and Edward has a history of carelessness, but the vicar should have been far more cautious in his liaisons.
Don’t get me started on the unbelievable HEA that fails to address any practical issues regarding a duke…
Moreover, the characterization for the vicar was particularly weak. I never got a real sense of who he is as a person. And for giving God a promise to remain chaste, I would have liked to see way more mental conflict around breaking his vow. The best written characters were the duke’s brother, Maurice, and the vicar’s sister, Lady Caroline. Honestly, I would have preferred reading a story with them as the main characters rather than Edward and Gabriel. Edward’s club friends get lost in a whirlwind too as far as characterization goes and feel like sequel bait.
As for the sex scenes, they felt way too perfect for someone who was supposedly inexperienced. Sure, it’s a romance and there’s going to be some suspension of disbelief regarding how awesome the first-time sex was. But no fumbling? No discomfort? No fear or hesitation when performing…
I am frankly surprised that Carina Press published the book as is. The premise was interesting, but it needed a lot more fleshing out, proper plotting, less clunky dialogue and exposition in places, and a more believable HEA to work.
To end this on a nice note, I think Greene created some genuinely humorous moments and turns of phrase that kept me reading until the end. I would consider reading more of her work if she found herself a really stringent editor or a competent co-author.
In conclusion, Caz, I look forward to reading your review, hopefully on AAR.
I agree with all those points although I probably won’t be able to get them all in to the review! I’m reviewing the audio version at AudioGals – which in a way was an advantage as the narrator (who was excellent) made the character distinctions that the author didn’t.
One of the biggest problems I had was that the “Rake” was said to be
And it was like “sex scenes by numbers” – hand jobs. Check. Blow jobs. Check. Anal. Check. Switching. Check.
And as for Gabriel’s vow of celibacy? What vow of celibacy! He instigates as many sexy times as Edward does!
It’s just another book trying to jump on the m/m bandwagon and doing it extremely poorly.
Yes, to all of this.
“Sex scenes by numbers” is a great way of putting it. And as much as I have ruffled feathers bemoaning “checklist characters” in HR, this is exactly what I am talking about: Rakish Duke with a Tragic Past? Check. Member of the clergy who ends up breaking vow of chastity pretty darn quick? Check. Side character sequel bait? Check. Overly anachronistic attitudes from the “good guys?” Check. And on it goes. With the possible exception of Maurice and Caroline, the characters feel like popular, obligatory traits thrown together rather than believable people. Bryce, the valet, had his interesting moments but like I intimated before, the book was too much of a whirlwind to explore any character development to any significant extent.
“He instigates as many sexy times as Edward does!” I know, right? Bryce nailed it when he accused Gabriel of sniffing around Edward “like a dog in heat.” (I would have used a far less polite word in place of “dog.”)
“It’s just another book trying to jump on the m/m bandwagon and doing it extremely poorly.” I’m sorry to say, you’re right on the mark with this one. As I was reading, I actually thought to myself, “You know, this is so formulaic that if Greene turned the heat level way up, she could have had a decent erotica.” I don’t mean this as an insult, but as someone who writes in the genre, the beats are there. A lot of erotica historical fiction readers would probably have devoured this with some modifications (i.e. more sexual detail).
I think an HEA that involved two characters living in self-imposed or culturally imposed exile would be fascinating, but it doesn’t fit “the formula.”
It reminds me of when I saw the first part of Roots: The Next Generation where a wealthy young white man fell in love with a black teacher. The whole time, I was thinking, “Don’t throw your lives away in a country that hates you and might possibly kill you for being together- move to France where you’ll have a fighting chance at happiness, money, and a lot less discrimination!” Especially considering said young man had the financial means to do so, I felt like smacking him up the side of the head for not thinking things through.
As for Gabriel and Edward, I think their moving to France or Italy would have been fantastic. It would have shown them having to make a huge adjustment- leaving friends, family, country, familiar language- but at least they would have each other to face all their difficulties head-on as a united front.
Sorry, the “Spoiler Tag” didn’t work!
Fixed:)
Thanks! :)
So far, my November list is not particularly long. Good thing my tbr is never ending!
November 1 brings Caitlin Crews’s new HP, HIS SCANDALOUS CHRISTMAS PRINCESS. I’m eagerly anticipating this one because I very much enjoyed the first book in the duet, CHRISTMAS IN THE KING’S BED, and the hero & heroine of that book are the brother & sister, respectively, of the hero & heroine in HIS SCANDALOUS CHRISTMAS PRINCESS. In addition, the heroine is blind and I’m not sure I’ve read an HP with a blind heroine before. I’m interested in how Crews will present the heroine—the glimpse we had of her in the earlier book revealed her to be a real tough cookie. November 1 also brings Clare Connelly’s UNBREAK MY HART, the next in her Dare series about the Hart family. I don’t think these have been as successful as her Montebello series, but I’ve read all the other books in the Hart series, so I’ll finish this one.
Lauren Blakely’s m/m romance, ONLY ONE TIME, drops November 18. It features the relationship between a rock star and his bodyguard. A prequel, MAYBE THIS TIME, was released today—it’s a freebie so I downloaded it first thing this morning. (Blakely has said the story in the prequel—which is about how the bodyguard was hired—will not appear in ONLY ONE TIME.)
Sybil Bartel releases HEARTLESS, the ninth of her Alpha Bodyguards series, on November 23. Bartel is one of my favorite writers, but I did not care for her last Alpha Bodyguards outing, SHAMELESS. I’m hoping HEARTLESS rights the ship.
I’m looking forward to Juliana Stone’s next Crystal Lake book, SHAKE THE FROST (November 25). The story features one of my favorite tropes: a man falls for his late best friend’s widow.
Huh. My favorite Stone has that plot (mostly) already.
Yes—I thought about that; I guess there are only so many plots & tropes in Romancelandia and a prolific author will have to revisit them from time to time. I enjoyed THE CHRISTMAS THAT HE LOVED HER, where the hero is in love with his late twin brother’s widow. (Coincidentally, Melanie Harlow published FROM THIS MOMENT, also featuring a man in love with his late twin’s widow, at almost the same time. I give the edge to Stone’s book). Regardless of whether the heroine’s late husband was the hero’s brother or his best friend, it’s one of my favorite tropes. Although, oddly, when the genders are reversed and a woman falls for her late sister’s or late best friend’s widower, my reaction is pretty much “Meh.”
Also, I see that I commented about the Stone and Harlow books back when the review of THE CHRISTMAS HE LOVED HER was reviewed here in 2017. It was apparently not a favorite trope of mine back then, but now it is.
I like that trope too!
Have you read Marley Valentine’s WITHOUT YOU? It’s one of my favorite books of 2020 and it’s a twist on the trope: the late brother was gay, so the story involves a man (who has always identified as straight) falling for his late brother’s widower. It’s beautifully written and quite melancholy.
No–I’ll check it out. Thanks!
The audio version was excellent.