A New Discovery! Read These Books (And No, They’re Not Mine)

It’s no surprise that I’m a huge reader of romance. Or at least, I used to be. Once I started seriously writing with tight deadlines, it got harder and harder to find time to read. I’m also a mood reader, and if I’m reading something sad, I’m likely to get in a funk for days. Also, when writing, I can be influenced by what I’m reading, so I try to read in a different genre than what I’m writing.

Last year was a tough one. I didn’t read much at all, bogged down with a tremendous amount of work and family commitments that left me hardly any time for recreational reading. The few books I tried to read, to find new authors, didn’t work at all and pissed me off because I’d spent valuable time reading–frankly–crap. Seriously. Poorly edited, crazy storylines, but 5 star reviews all over the place. Yeah, I’m done with reviews being my go-to for books.

Fast forward to Christmas last year. I had downtime I used to my advantage. And I read books. From the library even! I read the new Jayne Ann Krentz (Secret Sisters–read my review). Loved it. JAK is an autobuy for me, because I’m hardly ever disappointed after reading her books. But I couldn’t find any new romance that I wouldn’t have to take a chance on, so I branched out of romance while online at my library. If you haven’t checked out ebooks from your library, you are seriously missing out. I tried Andrea Cremer’s Rift, then Rise, the last two books, prequels really, of her Nightshade series. I loved them too, and the fact I hadn’t read the previous books in the series didn’t matter at all.

I’m on a UF/paranormal/fantasy kick. Just last week, instead of popping in front of the TV at night, I enjoyed a new series so much that I wrote the author to let her know. I rarely do this, and I should do it more. I know how much it means to me when I get a note from a reader who liked my work. So I wrote Anne Bishop about her wonderful The Courtyards of the Others series. I purchased Written in Red having seen it for sale. I was so hooked I went out and bought Murder of Crows. I’d classify the series as paranormal or fantasy, not romance. I’m SUPER enjoying them, but holding off on the next book because I have deadlines to meet.

Imagine my surprise when Anne Bishop wrote back! I was giddy reading her lovely response. That she took the time to answer me, when she’s got to be busy with so much fan mail (her books are amazing and she’s a very popular author), just rocked.

So if you like well-written stories that won’t let you stop after you’ve started, check out these titles. Note, these are paranormal with younger protagonists, but not so young I’d call them YA books. Both series contain violence and darker themes. Awesome reads! Also, if you’re hung up on price, hit the library!

• Written in Red by Anne Bishop  (hurry! It’s still only $1.99)
• Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
• Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
• Rift by Andrea Cremer
• Rise by Andrea Cremer