TBR Challenge: You've Just Got to Read This
First things first – since a couple of people emailed me to ask about it, I figured I’d go on and post my confession. Why yes, I did indeed screw up and forget to post my…
What Makes Romantic Suspense Work?
I know there are romantic suspense workshops out there for writers. I’ve seen them mentioned at RWA, among other places. But what makes romantic suspense good for the reader? In reviews, we often mention the balance…
The OTHER Reading Slump
Do you ever hit those points in your reading where you just don’t know where to start? Usually, at this time of the year, I’m brimming over with reading ideas and books that I cannot wait…
Free and Bargain eBooks – Blessing or Curse?
I have caught a new addiction: I hunt the net for free and bargain eBooks. Thanks to the delightful folks at Mobileread and here at AAR Potpourri Forum, and thanks to special discounts offered by ebookstores…
In Defense of Darkness
Earlier this year, Leigh blogged about liking lighter romance. I enjoyed her piece and it got me thinking about my own views on tone in the books I prefer to read. I certainly don’t mind humorous…
The Hardback Dilemma
There are very few books out there I will buy in hardback. Hardbacks have several severe disadvantages, mainly: They are big, and don’t fit into my handbag. They are heavy, and I don’t like to carry…
A Few of My Favorite Things
Not too long ago, Sandy Coleman blogged about romance cliches she would love to see die. That got me to thinking about the plotlines and features I just love in a romance. I’m sick of small-town…
Setting the Mood
So, what about a setting makes it feel romantic? We tend to complain about settings being too wallpapery (the 21st Century Regency) or too cliched (every small town in possession of a fetching heroine must be…