Happy New Year!!!

Hey All-

Before the blowing horns, clinging glasses and wild dancing begin, I wanted to say thank you for making 2010 so enjoyable for me. Through all the ups and downs of this wonderfully crazy career I've chosen, you've made it so rewarding. Having you buy and read my books is a dream come true, but hearing from you that you loved them, getting to know you and chatting with you is more than I ever anticipated. Thank you for the inspiration, thank you for the laughter and thank you, dear readers, for buying my books!

This year has been wonderful for me in so many ways, with NO CHANCE receiving a starred review from Publishers Weekly, SECOND CHANCE hitting the New York Times list and LAST CHANCE being nominated for an RT award for best romantic suspense, as well as the Cosmopolitan excerpt, so many of my dreams came true. And you were right there with me, with your encouraging words and good wishes!

And I am so excited about 2011. The release of SWEET JUSTICE and SWEET REVENGE in the fall seems like a long way away, but we'll make it fun with a count down, prizes and lots of discussion about the characters. Covers and back cover blurbs will be arriving soon, along with excerpts. I can't wait to share these stories with you! And then, in early 2012, SWEET REWARD will arrive and you'll meet two of the most daring LCR operatives to date!

Yes, 2011 looks to be a fabulous year and sharing it with you will make it all the better.

Stay safe out there tonight and this weekend. Enjoy your festivities and be sure to come back for Recommend Monday and then Tuesday for a visit with the awesome Marie Force!

For the new year, I wish for you health, happiness and fulfillment of your dreams. May God bless and keep you and we'll chat again next year!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

Hey All!

Just stopping by to let you know that one of our favorite authors, Marie Force, will be with us Tuesday, January 4. With Fatal Justice, her second book in the Fatal series, to be released on Monday, January 3, Marie will share a never before seen excerpt and answer questions all day!

So be sure to mark your calendars to come by on Tuesday to read the excerpt and chat with Marie about Nick and Sam, where she's headed with her Fatal series and what's coming in future books from her.

Now I'm headed back to my writing cave to finish up the synopsis of SWEET REWARD. So excited about this book because it's turning into one of those stories that I can't wait to get started on so I can see what these characters will do!

Have a great Thursday all!

Recommend Monday

Good Monday Everyone!

How was your weekend? Was your Christmas bright and beautiful? Did Santa bring you everything you wanted?

My Christmas was lovely. Got to see family I haven't seen in years, watched the kiddies run around (young and old) peeking at name tags, laughed till my jaws ached and ate till my tummy ached. A wonderful time with my beloved family and it snowed on Christmas day! Can't get much better than that!

I heard rumors that Kindles and Nooks were in several stockings this year. If you received one, can't wait to hear what you think about yours and what books you've already downloaded.

In between the hustle and bustle of the season, did you get a CHANCE to read anything? If so, tell us what you loved so we can run out and buy it too! I didn't read anything last week. Spent most of it playing catch up. However, now that the craziness is over, I'm ready to settle down to some great reads. Can you help me out with some suggestions? (:

In the next few weeks, I hope to be able to share with you the back cover blurb for SWEET JUSTICE and SWEET REVENGE and all the covers for the SWEET books. I haven't seen anything yet and I'm chomping at the bit to see what they'll look like. The moment I can, I'll share them with you.

I'm still in the midst of SWEET REVENGE where Jamie and Dylan are still huffing and puffing at each other. Jamie's is mostly from indignation and Dylan's is mostly amusement. Again, if these two don't kill each other, I do think they'll be very happy together.

Can't wait to hear about your great reads from last week. If you're anywhere warm, savor the heat and if you're in the midst of the winter storm hitting the eastern U.S., hope you can stay inside, sip hot chocolate, bundle under a blanket and read to your heart's content.

Happy Monday All!

Merry Christmas!

I'm in the midst of wrapping gifts, listening to Christmas carols and shushing my fur-kids who are as excited as two-years-olds on a sugar high. Just wanted to stop the madness for a moment and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and the most beautiful of holidays.

This time of year can get crazy and sometimes I get so mired in what has to be done, I forget to stop and appreciate the specialness of the day and its true joyous meaning. I wish for you a day filled with that joy, along with laughter, presents, yummy food and bundles of love.

Have fun everyone and I'll see you back here on Monday for some great recommends!

Grand Prize Winner

Thank you to everyone who posted these last two weeks. I've had a blast chatting about all sorts of different topics and learning more about you. Sorry I was sick for several days and didn't get to chat as much as I would like. And thank you for your good wishes!

The Grand Prize package includes the following:

$25 Books-A-Million gift card

$25 Barnes & Noble gift card

$50 Chili's Grill Bar gift card

Bath and Body Work Products

Chocolate

Books and Books and Books!!!

And the winner is Oklanannie (Anne)!

Congratulations, Anne!

Email me at christy@christyreece.com so I can arrange for delivery.

Thanks again to all who played. There will be more fun and prizes in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! See you back here Monday, December 27 for Recommend Monday!

Recommend Monday, Featuring Your 2010 Favorites!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Feel free to share your adventures here.

Since I'm about ten days behind, I played catch-up over the weekend. At my finest, I'm not a good shopper, but since time is of the essence, I hunkered down and got a lot done. Still not finished with everything, but I made progress and that's a huge relief for me.

It's hard to believe there's only eleven days left in 2010. What a great year it's been but I'm so looking forward to next year and all the possibilities. And those possibilities include more reading. There are so many exciting books coming next year from my favorite authors and future favorites, but I know I missed out on reading some good ones this year.

Since this is the last day of our contest and it's Recommend Monday also, I thought it'd be a great opportunity for you to list your 2010 favorite reads. They don't have to be published in 2010 but you read them this year. We'll see if we can get a list together so everyone can print it out and next time you're in a bookstore, you'll have your shopping list!

So, tell us your favorite reads for this year. There's no limit, so list all of them or as many as you like.

Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of the prize package, so be sure to stop by to see if you won!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Sunday's Question!

Good Sunday Everyone!

Yesterday's question provoked a lot of good comments. Thank you! I loved that most of you are finishers. I vow in 2011 to do a much better job at that too!

Yesterday I went shopping with hubby. After looking at all the toys in Walmart and still not coming up with what I thought looked like anything fun, that I could afford, it prompted me to remember some of my toys when I was growing up. One of my very favorite toys was this thing called a Creepy Crawler set. It had these molds of different kinds of insects and creatures like frogs and snakes and it came with a liquid. You poured the liquid into the mold, cooked, and in a few minutes, you had this wonderful little creature. I would go off for hours by myself and cook and create to my heart's content.

Here's today's question: When you were a kid, what was your favorite toy?

Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to comment for the contest and it's also Recommend Monday. Be ready to share your favorite reads of 2010. They don't have to be published in 2010, but you read them this year.

Have a fantastic Sunday!

SWEET Saturday

Good Saturday Everyone!

Hope your day has started out on a positive note. It's sunny here and a bit warmer, so I'm planning a busy day of catch up. And I'm feeling so much better. Yay!

Yesterday's question provoked some thought provoking comments and it got me to thinking about one of those 'non-resolution' goals I want to tackle. I want to be a better book finisher. What does that mean? Years ago, before I started writing, I devoured books, no matter the genre. Just give me words on a page and I'd read them. When I started writing, I geared most of my reading toward the romance genre, but I still read voraciously. Over the past couple of years though, I've started a disturbing habit I want to stop. I start a book and if it doesn't capture my attention within the first couple of chapters, I stop reading and rarely do I go back and finish. I know I'm missing out on some treasures. I tell myself that my time is too important to waste on something I'm not enjoying, but I wonder if I'm just using that as an excuse. I know it's not realistic for me to love every book I read, however, I know how hard it is to write a book. And other people have loved books I didn't finish, so what am I missing when I don't bother to read to the end?

I remember telling my mom that I stopped reading books when I lost interest and she gave me a look of disbelief. It was a look I probably would have given someone else years ago if I'd been told the same thing. Those words on each page are valuable and have meaning. How can I not want to know how things turn out?

So, there's a confession from me and a promise to myself. I have a lot of DNFs and I want to stop that cycle.

Today's question: What about you? Do you stop reading after a couple of chapters or do you have to finish reading to the end?

Looking forward to seeing which side of the fence you're on. (:

Hope everyone has a safe, productive and fun-filled Saturday!

Finally Friday!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wow, we made it to the weekend! As you know, this week hasn't been my best ever, so I have to say I'm glad to see this one end. With each day, I'm feeling stronger. By Monday, if at all possible, I plan to be 100% better. Can't wait!

Every year, about this time, I get reflective. Thinking about the past year, the good I've done, the not so good I wish I could change and the work left to be done. I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. I used to do this, but when I realized my resolutions only lasted until mid-February, if that long, I determined it was just best for me to make changes as I saw fit. Sometimes that worked, sometimes not. This year I realized that though I may not make any resolutions for the new year, I am going to have to make some changes. I haven't taken care of myself like I should. So I'm making not so much a resolution as a promise to myself. I will live healthier from now on. These healthful promises include, exercise, eating better, sleeping more, reading more, worrying less, and taking time off the computer to spend with my loved ones.

Next year promises to be a busy one for me. With two books coming out, plus writing another one and then hopefully more. I need to be healthy to pull all of that off.

So, that's my resolve and promise to myself. What about you?

Here are today's questions: Do you make New Year's resolutions? Or, are you like me and you're making yourself promises as opposed to resolutions? Does the end of year make you reflective? Is the beginning of a new year a time for change for you or is January 1 just a date on the calendar?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Hope everyone is in the process of making their 2010 Best Reads List and will be ready to share with everyone on Recommend Monday.

Have a fabulous Friday all!

Thursday's Thoughts

Good Thursday All!

Oh, what a difference a day makes. I'm feeling so much better! Still have a bit of headache and an impressive cough, but compared to how I felt two days ago, I'm a different person. Glad that's over!

Now, it's catch up time. Got shopping to do, cards to mail and lists to make. And oh yeah, got to try to make peace between an arrogantly amused man named Dylan Savage and a tempestuous, irritated woman named Jamie Kendrick. If these two don't kill each other first, I think they'll be very happy together. That's a big IF though!

Since I'm running behind here, today's question is uber super simple. What are you reading? Yep, that's it. Tell us what book(s) you're reading this week.

And just so you won't think we're slacking, here's an assignment for this weekend. Since it's getting close to the end of the year, I thought it'd be a good time to put together our favorites for the year. So on Monday, the last day of our contest, let's plan to list our favorite reads for 2010. Won't that make a great Recommend Monday?

Looking forward to seeing what you're reading today.

Also, over on the Romance Magician's blog, Diane Richmond is talking about taking chances. Come over and comment for a chance to win a signed copy of NO CHANCE. http://romancemagicians.blogspot.com.

Have a fabulous Thursday all!

No Blog Wednesday

Hey All-

I'm not blogging today. Still feeling poorly. Have full plans to recover today and return tomorrow feeling chipper and bright.

Hope you all have a warm and productive Wednesday. And stay healthy!

See you back here tomorrow!

Tuesday's Question

Good Tuesday Everyone!

Hope you're staying warm wherever you are. It was 14 this morning when I woke. I am now ready to apologize to the sultry summer of last year that I obviously offended. I'm inviting it back anytime it wants to return.

I'm still in the midst of my cold/flu/pneumonia/consumption/... LOL, yes, I know I'm being a bit melodramatic but yikes, I hate being sick! Poor hubby is tiptoeing around the house since I'm not the most, shall we say, agreeable sick person.

When I'm sick, I have several movies that are like a hot cup of tea for me. I turn them on and fall asleep while watching and love being able to wake up in the middle of the movie and know exactly what's happened or is about to happen. There's comfort in that for me. Some of my favorites are Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail and The Princess Bride.

So, here's today's question. Do you have a favorite movie(s) you like to watch when you're not feeling well? If so, what are they?

Okay, I'm headed back to bed where in my dreams palm trees are swaying under a brilliant blue sky and the sun is warm and wonderful.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday!

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All-

How was your weekend? Are you staying warm? It was 18 degrees when I woke this morning. I know it's December. I know it's supposed to be chilly. However, there's a fine line between chilly and ridiculous. We are way past the ridiculous stage!

No recommends for me today. I'm still sniffy, sneezy, grumpy, coughy, sleepy and dopey. LOL, yes, I'm living with Snow White these days.

But I know you must have some great recommends. So tell us what you read this past week that you want everyone to read.

And btw, SWEET JUSTICE is now up for pre-order on Amazon. Yayayayayay! Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Justice-Novel-Christy-Reece/dp/0345524071/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292259645&sr=1-8

I'll have a prettier link later on when I post the back cover blurb and cover, which I hope will be within the next couple of months. Stay tuned!

Look forward to seeing what great books you're recommending. I'm diving back under the covers and dreaming of a hot, sultry, southern summer day. Heck, that's only about 5 months away!

Happy Monday All!

Sunday Cinema

Good Sunday Everyone!

I'm snuggled under blankets, looking out the window of my office. Trees are swaying, birds are shivering and I just saw some snow flurries. Yes, winter has arrived in Bama. Brrr...

When hubby and I were dating and newly married, Sunday afternoon was movie time for us. We'd get the special value deal at the concession stand--giant (refillable) tub of popcorn and two giant drinks. Many times, I'd get the Raisinettes because I love them with popcorn. Then, we'd settle into our seats, watch the coming attractions, have fun with the trivia questions and I'd keep an eye on hubby's intake of popcorn. (He likes to take full advantage of the refillable popcorn tub).

Today, I thought we'd talk about turning books into movies. When I write, some of the scenes appear in my mind like a movie. Not an entire movie, but just snippets to give me an idea of what the characters are doing, their expressions or their surroundings. Though I don't think I've ever been able to fully translate the scene in my head to the words I type, seeing the scene does help. What also helps is picturing my characters. When that happens, my brain inevitably pictures actors that are familiar. It's fun to cast the hero, heroine, the villain and even smaller walk-on roles.

So, here're today's questions/challenge: Pick a favorite book you'd like to see turned into a movie and cast the characters. Or, if you'd rather turn a book into a television series, or sit-com, go for it. Are there any books made into movies/series that you loved? Was the cast how you pictured them?

Have fun with the casting!

Okay, my achy, sniffly self is headed deeper under the covers. Mmm, maybe I'll cast Gabe and Skylar from NO CHANCE as they laze about on Kalamina Island in the South Pacific. Sounds warm and wonderful.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday!

SWEET Saturday

Happy Saturday All!

The weekend finally arrived! Hope you've got some plans to enjoy yourself! I was anxious for today to arrive because I had so much I wanted to get done. Don't think that's going to happen though. Yesterday, I came down with what we call in the South, the creeping crud. Which can basically describe anything from a cold or sinus infection to the flu or pneumonia. LOL Mine is probably just a cold, but it feels worse because, well...it just does!

Yesterday's challenge was taken up by so many. It's exciting to see so many of you jump out of your comfort zone and try something completely different. Can't wait to see if it brings some of you over to a completely different way of thinking about certain sub-genres. Have fun with it!

Today I thought we'd talk about upcoming books. Before I started writing full time, I used to peruse websites, chat rooms and online bookstores to see what was coming in the next few months from my favorite authors. I don't do that as much as I used to, so I know I miss out on a lot of anticipation--which is all part of the fun, isn't it?

I do know two upcoming books I'm excited to buy and that's Allison Brennan's new Lucy Kinkaid series. The first one, Love Me to Death, releases on December 28 and looks to be awesome. The other one is Karen Rose's new book, You Belong to Me. Though the U.S. release isn't until June 7, I think it released in the UK already, or is about to be released, not sure. But from what I've heard, it's going to be another nail biting, suspenseful ride. Allison and Karen are two of my auto-buys.

So, here's today's discussion question: What upcoming books are you excited about?

I'm going to go get under the covers and dream of warm, sunshiny summer weather. I look forward to seeing what you're excited about reading.

Have a great day everyone!

Finally Fabulous Friday!

Hey Everyone!

Yay, we made it to Friday! Hope you've had a good, productive week. Are you planning some fun things for the weekend? My plans include writing, a bit of Christmas shopping, sending Christmas cards and sleep!

Yesterday's discussion about themes was great. So much fun to see everyone's preferences and tastes. We have a very diverse group here! And by the way, if you didn't get in a comment on a certain day, feel free to comment. I'll take count of each day's comments on the 20th. Until then, each day is open, but remember, only one comment per day will count. I'm gathering things for the package and am very excited about its contents. Hope the winner will be too!

Okay, today I'm issuing a challenge. Yep, just when you thought it was going to be a slow and easy day, I throw out a snag, but it'll be a fun one, so hear me out! I've noticed that several of us, including me, don't necessarily venture out into unknown territory in our reading. Though there are a few who have very eclectic taste, many of us stick with what we like. And there's nothing wrong with that, but let's have a little fun and see what kind of trouble we can get into.

I've read most sub-genres of romance, including romantic suspense, contemporary, historical, science fiction, paranormal, young adult, futuristic, fantasy and erotic romance. However, there's one romance sub-genre I've not tried and that's Steam Punk. I know almost nothing about it and am actually a little uncertain about it. Whenever I read something about the description, I always see the Will Smith and Kevin Kline Wild Wild West movie used as an example.

So, what's the challenge? Tell us a sub-genre you've never tried and give it a try. I have no deadline and will not check in and ask you if you've completed the assignment. This is just a fun challenge to get me and maybe you out of a comfort zone. Who knows, I may fall so in love with Steam Punk, I'll be writing it next year. Wouldn't LCR have fun with all those futuristic gadgets?

Anyway, what do you say? Want to join me in the challenge? If so, tell us the sub-genre you've not tried that you're willing to give a shot.

Okay, I'm headed over to Facebook for First Line Friday, so if you've not 'Liked' me yet, be sure to come on over and click 'Like' for some First Line Friday fun! And then, I'm headed back to West Virginia where Dylan is about to issue Jamie a challenge of his own. Mmm...

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Thursday's Thoughts

Good Thursday Everyone!

Hope you're staying warm and having a productive week. Yesterday's discussion was great. Good to know I'm not the only one who has certain preferences when it comes to character's names.

Today, I thought we'd talk about favorite and least favorite themes. You know those stories that for some reason always catches your attention. For me, one of my favorites is...you guessed it, rescue themes. I love it when there's danger lurking, expected or unexpected, and the hero and heroine must save someone or each other. The romantic in me just sighs at this storyline. Another one I love is the revenge theme. Where the main character is out for revenge and does something to the other main character to get their revenge. Historicals are great for this because, well, abductions are often involved. Doing that today is icky, but hundreds of years ago, they were kind of commonplace. One of my favorites with this theme is Julie Garwood's Honor's Splendour. Sigh, it's so just romantic when the hero realizes the error of his ways. A twist on this theme is revenge against the villain (hint, hint, SWEET REVENGE). That theme has its own set of dangerous problems, but the outcome can be just as SWEET!

My least favorite is probably the secret baby story line. I know this is a huge favorite of many but somehow, unless there's just a really good reason for it, I don't like keeping a child a secret from the father. Just doesn't sit right with me. However, there are millions who disagree with me.

Here are today's discussion questions: What are your favorites themes? Are there any books that you search out and buy just for a particular story line? Are there any that you avoid?

Have a great day everyone. I'm headed back to Paris to see exactly what's up with Jamie and Dylan!

Wednesday's Wonderings

Wonderful Wednesday All!

Hope you're having a good week and staying warm. It's still too cold here in the South, but I've discovered if I wear several layers of clothing, I can stay comfortable and then peel them off as the day gets warmer...or my blood unfreezes

Yesterday's title discussion was good and as I mentioned, I love coming up with what I hope will be the perfect title for my books. But there's another naming chore that I agonize about for days, sometimes weeks, and that's naming my characters. Even though I love finding that perfect name because it means I'll soon meet some amazing people I'd love to know in real life (well, with the exception of the villains), finding the right name for each person can be difficult.

I think I mentioned last week, that I went through several names before deciding on Jordan in RESCUE ME. He went through almost half of the book with the name Dane, but it just wasn't working for me. My usual process is to give them what I think is a good name and then, as I get to know them, it'll either stick or I'll have to think of another one. If the name isn't working for me, I often have to stop writing and brainstorm names before I can continue. I have books and websites I peruse, and I drive my family and friends crazy asking for input. The villain gets almost as much attention. I want to make sure I never give the villain a name I like so much I want to use it as a hero's name one day.

Names are important to me not only in my writing, but my reading. If there's a main character with a name that seems off, I just can't get into the book as much as I might have with a different name. I've even renamed a character occasionally to help me enjoy the book more. LOL, yes, I am a bit obsessive about this!

Most of my pet peeves comes from names of people I've known or maybe television shows that pigeonholed that name for me. Whenever I hear that name, I see that face. One that comes to mind is the name Jethro. Now, I know that many people will think of Mark Harmon in NCIS and I admit, he has given that name a wonderfully, sexy image. However, before NCIS, all I could picture is Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hill Billies. And as hunky as that actor playing him was, his character wasn't exactly the kind of sexy hero I love in romance.

So here are today's questions:

Are there certain names you just can't abide in a romance? Are there any that you adore? Are names important to you or is one name just as good as another? What are your favorite male and female names?

Looking forward to hearing what you think.

Have a great day all!

Tuesday's Question

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Yesterday was great. Got some wonderful recommendations to add to our ever growing list. Sorry I was late responding to so many of you. Had a doctor's appointment that took longer than I wanted. But now I'm all medicined up and hopefully headed to feeling better.

In one of the comments yesterday, someone mentioned titles. I can't recall who it was, but if it was you, please take credit for it in your comment. It was a great suggestion.

I love coming up with titles. My first manuscript went from Once in a Lifetime to More Than a Miracle. Sigh, so romantic. It's really hard for me to write a book without a set title. I know some authors who wait until the book is written or half written before they decide on one, but I've never been able to do that. I'm like that with character names too. If I don't know the name, how can I write what 'no name' says?

I've been very fortunate to be able to keep most of my titles. RESCUE ME and RETURN TO ME were mine, but I originally had Remember Me, instead of RUN TO ME. I was perfectly happy with the change.

In my second trilogy, I wanted LAST CHANCE to go first, but the marketing people felt that LAST denotes LAST and it should go LAST. LOL Makes way too much sense for my dreamy, floatey brain. It was the right marketing move but since I wrote the first book with the title LAST CHANCE in my mind, I did have to take some brain detours. Whew! Those hairpin curves are scary. So LAST CHANCE became NO CHANCE and NO CHANCE became LAST CHANCE but SECOND CHANCE was always SECOND, because, well...it was SECOND.

The third trilogy, SWEET JUSTICE, SWEET REVENGE and SWEET REWARD, was my second choice, but I love them now and feel they fit the stories so much better. Won't tell you my original titles because I hope to use them some day. We'll see!

So, let's get to that question. What do you think about titles? Do they make you pick up the book? Are some of them so off-putting, you don't pick up the book? Have you ever bought a book because of the title? I know I have. And I'm sure I've not purchased a book because of the title, though none come to mind.

What about you?

Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday! And stay warm...it's freezing in Bama!

Recommend Monday!

Good Monday All!

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fabulously fun? Read anything deliciously wonderful?

My weekend was a little low-key. Been under the weather lately (does anyone know where that term came from? It just seems an odd phrase but I've heard it all of my life) Anyway, I'm feeling better and plan on a productive week with Jamie and Dylan, as well as an intense discussion with...you guessed it, a dastardly, vile villain!

We've been having some fabulous discussions the last few days. As you know, I announced a contest on Friday and I'm collecting comments (only 1 per day counts) until December 20. Then, I'll draw a name and give away a prize package filled with goodies, gift cards and books.

Friday, we talked about what book you would recommend to a friend who confessed she/he had never read a romance. Saturday, we discussed covers, your likes and dislikes. And yesterday, we talked about the book or books that brought you over to the romance genre and made you a fan.

Today, can you guess the question? Here's a hint: Recommend Monday! You got it! What book(s) did you read recently that you're dying to tell others about so we can run out and buy it before they're all gone? If you've not had a chance to read anything recently, tell us an old favorite. Maybe we haven't read it and are missing out on a good thing.

For me, I didn't get to read anything new this past week, but there's a book I read several years ago that I don't think has been mentioned here. It's one I really want to go back and read because I remember how fabulous I thought it was. The book is The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll. Anyone read it? I think there were three books in the series. I remember laughing, crying and being thoroughly entertained.

Okay, that's it for me. I'm headed to work on SWEET REVENGE where the sparks are a'flying!

Happy Monday All!

Sunday's Question!

Good Sunday All!

Yesterday was great fun talking about covers. So interesting to see what diverse likes and dislikes readers have. Sometimes it's hard for me to say what I do or don't like about a cover, but most everyone yesterday was very specific about their preferences. Great input!

On Friday, we talked about what romance book you'd recommend to a friend to bring her/him over into the bright side of love. Today, let's talk about the ones that brought you over. For me, I honestly can't remember that very first one, but I remember several first ones, such as The Flame and the Flower, The Wolf and the Dove, Sweet Savage Love (LOL, sounds like a good title for Dylan's book), Whitney My Love. I remember authors like Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Emilie Loring, Grace Livingston Hill, Laurie McBain, Judith McNaught and so many others that introduced me to the genre and kept me coming back for more. I know I devoured every Harlequin Presents I could get my hands on. Oh, the joy of reading all of those beautiful, wonderful, amazing books!

So, today's question:

What was the book or books that brought you over to the romance genre?

Can't wait to compare. Will be interesting to see how many of us read the same books.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Sunday!

SWEET Saturday

Hey all, yesterday was such fun. Wow, what a great list of books mentioned for bringing someone over to the romance genre. Will have to try some of those with a few of my non-romance reading friends and see if they work. Several of the suggestions were great for me too. Some of them I'd read and want to go back and revisit. Others were ones I've heard so much about and now have even more incentive to try them.

Today we're talking covers. (Thank you, Ronlyn, for the idea!) I haven't seen the covers for my SWEET trilogy yet, but I've seen a couple of email discussions about them and I am so excited. I think they're going to be fabulous and even better than the CHANCE covers. Can't wait to get them, so I can share them you.

Covers have been a controversial subject for romance novels forever, it seems. Whether it's the covers for what people termed 'bodice rippers' to the manly, muscular chests, cartoon characters, people without heads (not literally!) or the quiet, scenic covers that seem to denote hearth, home and a small town setting, everyone seems to have an opinion about them. Some people are sensitive about the covers of books they read and use a book cover while out in public. Others don't mind carrying around their latest, perhaps steamy looking read.

So here are today's questions. Feel free to address one or all of them:

What's your favorite kind of book cover? Do you like them sexy, sweet, or in between? Do you mind when the characters' faces aren't shown? Does it bother you when the heroine is described as having fiery, red hair and the cover shows a blonde? Would you prefer the characters completely clothed or maybe not have people on the cover at all? If you're reading a book with a steamy cover, do you hide it with a book cover if you're out and about while reading?

Remember, your comment will get you entered into the prize package giveaway in 17 days. Be sure to comment each day to increase your chances of winning.

Looking forward to hearing your preferences!

Have a SWEET Saturday!

Happy Friday All!

Hope you've had a good week! Thanks so much to those who came over yesterday to the Romance & Oreo Book Club. We had a great time!

I think I mentioned Monday that I'm starting a new contest today that will run through December 20. The winner will receive a price package filled with books, goodies, gift cards and oh yeah, more books! Each day, starting today, I'm going to post a discussion question. You can comment as much as you like, but your name will only be counted once each day. If you're able to comment each day, that means your name will go into the drawing eighteen times, increasing your chances of winning.

So let's have some fun discussion today. And tomorrow, I'll post a new question.

Today's Question:

If a friend confided in you that she'd never read a romance novel and you wanted to bring her over to the bright side of love, what book would you suggest she read? (LOL, no extra credit for suggesting one of mine).

See you tomorrow! And don't forget about Recommend Monday!

Have a fabulous Friday!

RESCUE ME on Romance and Oreos Book Club!

Just dropping by to remind you to come by the book club today where awesome author Marie Force is featuring RESCUE ME and Hope Frost is co-hosting. We'll be talking about Eden, Jordan, Noah, the awful Alise, the dastardly LaRues and of course, Last Chance Rescue!

Come on over and chat. I'm giving away three books!

http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!