Today marks the half way mark of Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW) and it’s already been so much fun! Today’s activity is entitled: Unexpected Treasure: “we invite you to share with us a book or genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger. What made you cave in to try something new and what was the experience like?”
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Most of you who frequent Book Chick City regularly will know that I had a huge genre revelation a few months ago when, after never wanting to read a book from the “Romance” genre because of certain misconceptions, I read my first romance novel in probably twenty-plus years, and loved it! So, I thought today I would share some of the books I have discovered in this new-to-me genre.
Historical Romance
This was the first sub-genre I tried under the “Romance umbrella”, and it was all down to a recommendation by Ana (aka book smuggler) of Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Ana had nothing but praise for this novel. So, as I like to occasionally read push my personal boundaries and read outside of my comfort zone, I purchased the novel and voila – my love for a new genre was born!
I’ve read a few historical romances since and I still really love this type of romance. The other authors I have read and enjoyed are Lisa Kleypas, Gaelen Foley and Nicola Cornick. There are many other HR authors I am eager to try: Julia Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, Lauren Willig, Joanna Bourne, Judith James, Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh – I could go on and on…
Contemporary Romance
I haven’t read many books from this sub-genre at all, but what I have read I’ve enjoyed. The first contemporary I tried was Can’t Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards originally for a guest review, and has now become an author I really enjoy. I have an ARC of her latest book, Just One Taste, sitting on my shelf which I hope to get to soon. I’m also looking forward to her next book, Luscious – Book 1 in the ‘Best American Chef’ trilogy, coming March 2011.
But there are so many authors I’ve heard of through Twitter and Goodreads that I now have a wishlist full of them! Such as: Victoria Dahl, Megan Hart, Nora Roberts, Susan Mallery, Shannon Stacey, V. K. Sykes and Rebecca E. Grant – all look like fabulous reads.
Paranormal Romance
The first PNR I read was for my All Hallows Eve event last year – Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom, a fabulous witchy romance. I really enjoyed it but didn’t pick up another PNR until January of this year, Anya Bast’s Wicked Enchantment, which I thought was a great read. Since then I have discovered MaryJanice Davidson’s ‘Undead‘ series, which is hilarious.
But as with every genre, the more I read the more I find. Here’s a list of some of the authors on my shelves: J. R. Ward, Michelle Rowen, Molly Harper, Katie MacAlister, Meljean Brook, Kresley Cole, Gena Showalter, Lynsey Sands, Dakota Cassidy, among many others…
Erotic Romance
This is a sub-genre I NEVER thought I would read – I just get all squirmy when I read those naughty words, but when I read Laid Bare by Lauren Dane for a double dare with Leontine’s Book Realm (she read zombie horror The Rising by Brian Keene), I was surprised to find that there was much more to these books than just sex *although there is a lot of that* I did cringe and die of embarrassment and couldn’t believe my eyes when I read that word, but after a while I managed to settle from the utter shock of it all and enjoy what was essentially a very good story. I have now bought Coming Undone, the second book in the ‘Brown Siblings‘ series, which is followed by Inside Out coming Nov 2010.
I’m not sure that this is a genre I will read extensively, but I have added a few authors to my wishlist including Lora leigh and Lorelei James.
Sci-Fi Romance
I read a small amount of science fiction, but I never knew sci-fi romance existed until I came across The Galaxy Express blog. I haven’t managed to read any yet but as I have a ‘Women of Science Fiction’ week planned in November, I will soon by diving into this sub-genre. I have quite a few books on my shelves and they all look like great reads, such as Linnea Sinclair’s ‘Dock Five Universe’ series, Katherine Allred’s ‘Alien Affairs’ series and ‘Kitty Katt’ series by Gini Koch.
Fantasy Romance
This is another sub-genre of romance I haven’t tried yet, but some of the books I’ve seen around look fantastic. I’ve heard a lot about C. L. Wilson’s ‘Tairen Soul‘ series and I have also added Diana Gabaldon and Kathryne Kennedy to my list of must reads.
I’ve absolutely loved reading romance over the past few months and I’m glad I tried the genre – it’s fast becoming a favourite! I like the fact there are lots of different kinds of romance to suit everybody’s palate. It’s been really fun and I can’t wait to discover more!
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Wednesday’s BBAW Giveaway – Open Worldwide!
You have the chance to win a book of your choice (up to £6) as long as the Book Depository ships to your country.
To enter please follow these rules:
1. Click here to see if Book Depository delivers to your country. DO NOT enter if your country is not listed!
2. Read BCC’s Giveaway Policy
3. Fill out this form
4. One entry per person please.
Winners announced Sunday 19th Sept.
GOOD LUCK!
32 Comments
Wow I never realised that there were so many different types of romance books! I am off to Amazon to check some of these out, loved this post!
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After stumbling across so many blogs and book sites I found Demon Angel by Meljean Brook, the cover at first came across as a mills and boon which I relate to my grandma and her reading etique, but after reading the post, went out and brought it. Loved it and brought the whole series to date. and even found myself winning the latest arc of Demon blood. Which I must say I was estastic about.. so never judge a book by its cover reviews are often great ways to find new books and genres! and since then have also started my own blog to post book reviews and what not else !! love your post so many differnt romance books, have my handy dandy notebook and have written a page down..
thanks Kat
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So many romance novels!
Here is my BBAW: Unexpected Treasure post!
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done! thanks!
oh I love historical romance too:)
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Great post! And thank you for the giveaway!
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This is great as @Dot said so many good books on here
For sci-fi romance you should also give 'Born of Night' by Sherrilyn Kenyon – it's one of 3 but this one is by far the best
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As someone who wants to try the romance genre herself I'm looking forward to your reviews for recommendations. I'm always seeing Mills and Boon in stores but considering all the humour made about them I'm reluctant to look at them and I think I want to try something less…graphic? first.
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always look into books other people talk about and have opened my eyes to authors I've never knew about. The blogs I follow have been great and my friends on goodreads too. I recently discovered some errowow, thanks for all these recommendations. I'll need to check them out. Itic romance and even some YA books that I love
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What a fun and informative post. And look at all those steamy covers! This is a genre I don't read a whole lot of but sometimes am in the mood for, so, thanks for all the ideas!
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Hi Dot – Neither did I until I started reading romance, and then I started to find all these sub-genres! Let me know if you find something good
Hi Katrina – I'm glad you like the post and have found a few recommendations. I've heard good things about Brook so I'm keen to read Demon Angel
Hi Gautami – Yes, well that's the genre I decided to write about as it was new to me only a few months ago
Hi Jen7waters – I'm assuming you mean "done – you've entered the giveaway" LOL I really enjoy HR, it's a great genre
Hi Giada – Thanks and you're welcome!
Hi Laura – Sounds good, will poop along to Goodreads and check it out!
Hi Charlie – I'm always reluctant to read Mills & Boon, it really does have a stigma about it, so I've never actually read any, which I'm sure is a shame and I'm probably missing out on lots of fab stories. I will do my best to review lots and help you with your choices
Hi Jolene – I love Goodreads, such a great place to find lots of great book recommendations
Hi Suey – Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't often read this genre, but up until a few months ago I wouldn't go near it at all. But I've opened myself up to knew reading experiences and I can honestly say I'm glad as there are some great romance stories out there
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I am yet to be convinced that I should read romance. I don't know, the "lusty" looking covers scare me.
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Wow. That's a lot of romance. Incidentally, the topic of my Unexpected Treasure.
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I admit I'm still afraid to try a romance book!
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Yay to someone discovering romance!
You have some great authors on your list. For Historical Romance, you can add Elizabeth Hoyt as well!
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Great post and list of romances! Thanks for the great giveaway!
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What a great list of the different genres of ROMANCE – I personally love Paranormal Romance and Historical Romance.
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Hi irisonbooks – I completely understand – I felt like that for years and years, but after giving a romance a go I found a new genre that I really enjoyed – *however* there are romances I don't like, but I think that goes for most genres.
Hi Rabid Fox – It certainly is – and probably not of much interest to you LOL
Hi Amanda – I was afraid too, but you should take the plunge, just make sure it's a romance that gets a lot of praise, at least that way you know you are starting with something good – that's what I did anyway and it worked for me
Hi Marg – I've heard of Elizabeth Hoyt, not sure if I have anything of hers on my wishlist though so will check her out. Thanks!
Hi Jeanette8042 – Thanks! And you're welcome for the giveaway!
Hi Chrystal – I think there's something special about Historical Romance, I love gong back to a different time.
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I'm not someone who normally gets into romance books, but I'm so glad I made an exception for Diana Gabaldon's books – they're awesome!
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I think your fantasy romance selection to try is fantastic, I rec them all and of course your erotica list ain't bad either LOL
I hope you get to read many good stories along the way of exploring the sub genres!!
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Hi Alyce – I've heard the Outlander series is amazing – I have book one waiting for me to read
Hi Leontine – I must admit I'm very excited about finding more great books to read. I like discovering new authors and books it really keeps things fresh for me, sometimes I can stay in my comfort zone a bit too much and I end up on missing lots of great stories
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Wow! Great post… You have some "wicked" good choices up there. I know you said you hadn't read any Sci-Fi romance… You'll love Gabriel's Ghost, it's one of my favorites and Linnea Sinclair is an awesome writer.
And you have to read the Outlander series, my favorite book… ever!
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Great post, i read my first historical romance on your recommendation of My Wicked Marquess and have been hooked since (although i do only read them on my iphone as most of the covers are too cringeworthy to be seen in public with).
Looking forward to your Sci-Fi romance feature later in the year, i read Born of Night at the start of the year and really liked it but haven't been able to find much else that has appealed to me.
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I just found some more books to add to my wishlist!
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thank you!
and wow so many different types of romance!!
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for contemporary romance I wanna highly recommend Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James!! It's witty and fun, and I loved it so much
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For erotic romance, I highly recommend Beth Kery. Her characters have so much depth, her stories always both erotic and sensual. :]
Please enter me in the drawing. This is such a generous giveaway — thanks for making it worldwide!
esashamartinez[at]yahoo[dot]com
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I am smitten with romance. It doesnt matter the genre really (although I have my preferences) as long as there is romance- even just a pinch is enough for me!!=)
Excellent posting!!!
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Justpeachy – Thanks! I'm glad you mentioned Gabriel's Ghost as being a favourite. I'm really looking forward to reading that one, sounds really good. Yes, I have to read the Outlander series, I just keep hearing nothing but good things about it
cardnoc – Yay! I'm glad I recommended a HR and you LIKED it – phew!
I know what you mean about the covers, some are definitely cringe worthy! My Sci-Fi event will contain Sci-fi written by women and although it will contain a lot of sci-fi romance I'm going to be reviewing straight sci-fi too – but should still be a fab week! 
linaramz – Cool! I'm always finding new books to add to mine too
Fi-chan – You're welcome – and good luck!
Bella – Ooh, thanks for the rec – I'm off to check it out!
Sasha – Oh goodie another rec, I will check this one out at the same time! And you're welcome on the international giveaway
LLL Reviews – I am liking ROMANCE more and more – looking forward to reading all the books I have waiting for me! And thanks, I'm glad you liked the post
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Alot of great books thank you for this contest!
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I'm looking forward to your "Women of Science Fiction" week in November! Do you know about the "Women of Science Fiction" book club run by Dreams and Speculations in 2011? (I only just discovered this blog during BBAW.)
Thanks for the great giveaways!
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Too funny on the erotica! I nearly died with Lora Leigh and the Breeds, man I was flinching constantly and I'm no prude
You have got to get reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood! I'd love to know which brother becomes your fave!
Paula
Tomes Devotee
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I started with historical romance but now prefer contemp and PNR. I never dreamed I'd be a romance reader
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