Weekly topic for discussion - How do you decide what to read next?

[Jonetta]

When I first joined sites like Goodreads and Shelfari, I had no idea what to read next. Someone in one of my groups would recommend something that appealed to me and I tried it out. I remember about three years ago, I read five or six Nora series back to back because they were recommended (I was in heaven).

Now, I don't read so spontaneously given the commitments of the blog and to group reads. I put together a plan each month and stick to it for the most part.

So what do you do? How do you decide what you're reading each day/week/month? Is it working for you?

[Janeiowa]

I don't do anything as organized as a monthly plan for reading. It depends on what I feel like at the moment. Yesterday I started the second Tall Grass series and loving it. The newest by Robyn Carr will probably be next.

Because I read a lot and can forget specific characters, I tend to skim the previous book of a series to refresh my memory on the characters.

If I start a book and it doesn't pull me in, I go on to something else.

[For my stash, I've been downloading a lot of the free and under $5.00 offers from BookGorilla and BookBub because my favorite authors aren't writing fast enough!

I've found some really good books and authors that way, and I've found some "good grief, this isn't even a good first draft" disasters.]

[Jonetta]

Janeiowa wrote: "I don't do anything as organized as a monthly plan for reading. It depends on what I feel like at the moment. Yesterday I started the second Tall Grass series and loving it. The newest by Robyn ..."

What do you use as a source for new titles? Are there groups you're in or people you follow who help add to your shelf?

[Talya]

Before GR, I would just go on Amazon recommendations, or just peruse the bestseller and romance isles in Borders (before they went out of business :-(
Now with GR, I get so many good recommendations from others, and group and botm reads, that I never really have to wonder what to read next. On the rare occasion I don't have something planned, I can go to my ever growing tbr list.

[Janeiowa]

What do you use as a source for new titles? Are there groups you're in or people you follow who help add to your shelf?

I'm in several groups here. In truth, I've yet to find (1) a new author or title suggested that I hadn't already read or (2) the suggestions were for authors/books in genres I dislike. [I'm not into vampires, shifters (whatever kind of paranormal that is), historical, or books that are heavy on content that includes child abuse, torture, etc.]. I've read blogs and had the same results. I've tried sites like BookLikes, but I don't seem to know how to navigate that site to learn anything.

So, I end up relying on descriptions and offers from the BookBub and Book Gorilla and from places like Writerspace, etc.

[Jonetta]

What do you like?

[Janeiowa]

What seems to be called "Contemporary Romance" and "Romantic Suspense."

I just went through my spreadsheet and my own ratings for books I've enjoyed and have read more than 3 of and enjoyed all 3 or more, and my list is 84 names long, many you probably wouldn't recognize.

Better known ones include
Marina Adair, Elisabeth Barrett, Bella Andre/aka Bella Riley, Susan Andersen, Marie Force, Christie Craig, Robin Carr, Emma Cane, Jean Brashear, Toni Blake, Rosalind James, Julie James, Julie Garwood, and from the end of the alphabet...Mariah Stewart, Heather Tullis, Jill Shalvis, RaeAnne Thayne, Ann Vaughn.

[Maggie]

What I read depends on my mood. I tend to jump around unless I start a series that I really enjoy, I will read series books back to back if I can get them. I do try to keep with what we are reading as a group. The one thing that will make me read one book before another that I want to read more is how many library books I have out. I will usually read library books 1st. This month I have had so many library books out( 5 right now ), I haven't had a chance to read anything else.

[Lynn Renee]

I have 100+ books on my Kindle to read and am always adding to that number. Amazon, Audible, and Goodreads reviews, suggestions, along with members/friends marking books as want to read keeps me with a lot of books purchased and waiting to be read, and a long list of books I want to purchase. Choosing which book to read next is decided only by whether I want an easy read or something more involved. Unless I am reading a series, which I like to read in order.

[Jonetta]

Janeiowa wrote: "What seems to be called "Contemporary Romance" and "Romantic Suspense."

I just went through my spreadsheet and my own ratings for books I've enjoyed and have read more than 3 of and enjoyed all ..."

You HAVE read a lot. I can only suggest you consider Ava Miles as she seems to write in a similar style to many of the authors you've listed. And if Molly O'Keefe isn't on your list, I highly recommend her as well.

[Jonetta]

Maggie wrote: "What I read depends on my mood. I tend to jump around unless I start a series that I really enjoy, I will read series books back to back if I can get them. I do try to keep with what we are reading..."

I love reading a series back to back and miss doing that. Mood reading is WONDERFUL!

[Jonetta]

Lynn wrote: "I have 100+ books on my Kindle to read and am always adding to that number. Amazon, Audible, and Goodreads reviews, suggestions, along with members/friends marking books as want to read keeps me wi..."

*sigh* There's something pretty wonderful about your method. I started making plans because I kept forgetting stuff I wanted to get to. Now, I keep getting enticed into all these wonderful new books that were released this past year.

[Janeiowa]

Jonetta....yes, I do read a lot. That's one of the joys of retirement! :)

I have hundreds of books on my IPAD. I do know and like Molly O'Keefe; Ava Miles is a new name I'll check out.

Thanks!

[Lisa]

My mood, I look at what other read in these groups, but generally stick to romance either contemporary or suspense and crime.