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2009 Reading Recap (This Years' Reading in Review)
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by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Dec 09, 2009 07:35AM)
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1. How many books did you read this year?
2. What were the different genres of books and how many of each did you read? If you want to list the different types, here is an outline that you can use if you like, or come up with your own:
Historical romance (Regency, Victorian, Medieval, Viking, Pirate, Traditional Regency, Georgian, Paranormal Historical, etc)
Contemporary romance
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Interracial Romance
Category Romance (Harlequin, Silhouette, Loveswept, Kimani, etc)
Paranormal Romance (Vampire, Witch, Faery, Werewolf, Other)
Erotica
Mystery
Historical Mystery
Historical Fiction
Chick-Lit
Inspirational Fiction
Urban Fantasy
Fantasy
Horror
Non-Fiction
Literary Fiction
Action/Adventure
If you keep track, you can even classify them by themes such as: Less than perfect, hero in pursuit, fairy tale, virgin hero, Scottish setting, etc.
3. What were the top ten books that you read this year?
4. Were there any books you did not like? Why?
5. What is your top favorite book and why?
6. What are your reading goals for next year?
7. Did you read any books out of your normal routine?
8. Any new genres that you got into this year? What books got you into this type of reading?
9. Who is your favorite new author?
10. Did you glom any authors this year (meaning: read as many of the author's books you could get your hands on)?
11. Favorite hero and why? Has this changed?
12. Favorite heroine and why? Has this changed?
13. Any authors you decided to 'fire'? Why?
14. What was the most unique storyline you read in a book this year?
15. Any book you liked that you were surprised that you liked?
16. Any book you expected to love but were disappointed by?
17. Favorite couple and why? Has this changed?
Anything else you want to tell us about your reading this year?
Mod
Mod
1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where their interracial romances included in another type of genre?
14 books. Most were romances but there was a horror story and two urban fantasies thrown in, I believe.
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
That's a hard one because there were two that stood out. It's between Cassie and Dr. Ethan from Activity Partner and Raine and Hayden from Against the Odds. Both were pretty awesome.
3. Your favorite IR author?
Sandra Kitt is still my fave. I wish she would return to IRs.
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
It's still The Color of Love and No Commitment Required. Both are tied lol.
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
Hmm. A Diva's Christmas Carol with Vanessa L. Williams was IR but unfortunately the couple didn't have an HEA (boo). I also watched Strange Days for the umpteenth time earlier. Nothing new on my list although I'm currently trying to track down Wonderful World with Sanaa and Matthew Broderick (it's supposed to be out on demand now) and I still really want to see Cole starring Kandyse McClure. Both were set to premiere this year but no go. :-(
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
Stephanie Morris who's in my TBR pile at the moment, Nicole Green who has a first book release coming in a month or so from Genesis Press (congrats, Nicole!), Charisma Knight who's first book I had the pleasure of designing a cover for, Michelle Lauren, Nitanni Chionne (author of Activity Partner), Jewel Adams (author of Against the Odds), Christina Kelly, Denise Skelton, Empress LaBlaque, Mandessa Selby (author of After the Lies) and Layne Blacque.
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
I do indeed. I'm on a quest for more IRs in sci-fi, fantasy, paranormals, historicals and suspense rather than the contemporaries. :-) Hoping to see the genre continue to grow!
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
More genres, please! As an author, I'm dipping into different genres, backgrounds and stories and it's great to showcase IR couples in other settings for past, present and future. But I'm lazy and want to read others because I write too slow and want to enjoy other work. :-)
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
I did catch one on Flash Forward before I stopped watching it. Lincoln Heights returned with Charles and Cassie getting into wacky and wild hijinks again this season. But more importantly, Cassie's little sister Lizzie got herself a lil boyfriend (latino fella :-)) who's really cute! I can't say anymore because he's probably not anywhere near of age lol.
Hmm I don't think there was any more. 2009 wasn't as good of a year for IR couples like the previous ones!
Mod
--Thanks, Rae. I'm just posting it in advance to give people an opportunity to gather their thoughts. I probably won't post mine until Jan 1 or 2.
Mod
Mod
How many books did you read this year? 179
What were the different genres of books and how many of each did you read?
Historical romance total: 20
• Victorian: 5
• Regency: 8
• Harlequin Historicals: 9
• Traditional Regency: 1
• Scottish: 3
• Western: 3
• Historical Paranormal: 2
• Medieval: 7
• Love Inspired Historical: 1 (Inspirational Romance: 1)
Contemporary category romance: 30
• Harlequin Presents: 18
• Harlequin Romance: 7
• Silhouette Romance: 3
• Silhouette Desire: 8
Contemporary Romantic Suspense: 4
Paranormal Romance: 52 (most read in a category) Contemporary: 50, Historical: 2 , Silhouette Nocturne: 5
Interracial Romance: 14
Young Adult: 11 (2 Romance, rest horror or fantasy)
Children’s Books: 2 (horror/fantasy)
Various Themes
• Vampire: 25
• Witch: 10
• Wizard/Sorceror/Warlock: 3
• Faery: 7
• Werewolf: 13
• Mythology:
• Greek Mythology: 2
• Norse Mythology: 1
• Demon: 7
• Inspirational Fiction: 1
• Urban Fantasy: 8
• Fantasy: 12
• Horror: 12
• Non-Fiction: 1
• Literary Fiction: 0
• Classic: 2
• Classic Horror: 3
What were the top ten books that you read this year? Arghhh!!! So many good ones. I don’t know if I can list 10. I’ll cheat and just say that all the Ghostwalker books made my best of the year list. Some others:
• Trolling Nights by Savannah J. Frierson
• Lord Loss by Darren Shan
• Taming the Beast by Heather Grothaus
• Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
• Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
• Tempting Faith by Crystal Hubbard
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• The Lord and the Scorpion by Shiree McCarver
• Sin’s Doorway and Other Ominous Entrances by Manly Wade Wellman
• Mountain Wild by Stacey Kayne
• Cry No More by Linda Howard
• Wolfsbane and Mistletoe by various authors
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• Lover Avenged by JR Ward
• Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Were there any books you did not like? Why? I didn’t care for The Sultan’s Bought Bride by Jane Porter (did not like the heroine), and Taming the Texas Tycoon by Katherine Garbera. I thought the hero was a jerk and completely unworthy of the heroine.
What is your top favorite book and why? Probably a tie between Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, and the Ghostwalker books by Christine Feehan. They both blew me away and were hours of wonderful entertainment. I was blessed to have read so many good books this year. It’s really hard to just pick one.
What are your reading goals for next year? To read more books (try to get to 200 again), to read new genres and new authors. To read off my bookshelves and weed out some books I don’t have to keep.
Did you read any books out of your normal routine? I read more classics this year, and a lot more fantasy (big pat on the back).
Any new genres that you got into this year? What books got you into this type of reading? Fantasy. Some short story anthologies got me interested. Also urban fantasy opened the door for me to immerse myself in pure fantasy again after about 20 plus years away from the genre.
Who is your favorite new author? Christine Feehan. I can’t believe I waited so long to read her. She writes some delicious heroes, and I can say that I haven’t read a heroine by her I didn’t like.
Did you glom any authors this year (meaning: read as many of the author's books you could get your hands on)? Christine Feehan-- I read 23 of her books.
Some other new authors that I enjoyed and want to read more of:
• Simone Elkeles
• Rae Lori
• Michael Moorcock
• Olivia Parker
• Savannah J. Frierson
• Shiree McCarver
• Courtney Milan
• Kat Richardson
• Karen Chance
• Darren Shan
• Patricia Briggs
• Lara Adrian
• Ilona Andrews
• Sheri Lewis Wohl
• Georgette Heyer
• JA Konrath
• Rick Riordan
• Stephenie Meyer
Favorite hero and why? Has this changed? My favorite hero is still Sebastian Ballister, the Marquess of Dain. I have added some new favorites such as Rochester from Jane Eyre and William White from Courtney Milan’s story This Wicked Gift, and Garret Daines from Mountain Wild by Stacey Kayne, and Rehv and John Matthew from the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and also all the Ghostwalkers by Christine Feehan, and Edward Cullen from Twilight, and Timothy Capshaw from Trolling Nights.
Favorite heroine and why? Has this changed? My favorite heroine is still Jessica Trent from Lord of Scoundrels, but I’ve met some really great heroines this year such as the Ghostwalker heroines and Drake sisters from Christine Feehan, and Jane Eyre.
Any authors you decided to 'fire'? Why? No authors got fired this year.
What was the most unique storyline you read in a book this year? Lord Loss was very unique and different. It was story that kept me on my toes.
Any book you liked that you were surprised that you liked? I was surprised at how much Jane Eyre resonated with me. I had heard it was a good book, but I found out how much it truly meant to me.
Any book you expected to love but were disappointed by? Not really.
Favorite couple and why? Did this change? My favorite couple is still Dain and Jessica. But I really like the Ghostwalker couples.
Anything else you want to tell us about your reading this year? I am very happy that I got to read so many good books this year. I hope I read even more next year. And thanks Christine Feehan for giving me many hours of enjoyment during a rough year spent mostly on the road and staying in hotel rooms, with your awesome books!!!
Recap of faves from this year:
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message 8:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Jan 02, 2010 06:57AM)
(new)
Mod
Part I: Interracial Romance-Oriented Questions:
1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
I read 14 IRR this year. All but two were romance.
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
Timothy and Bevan from Trolling Nights by Savannah J. Frierson. I thought it was a really good love story, and they both complemented each other so well. Second place goes to Alex and Brittany in Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles.
3. Your favorite IR author? Argh! Tough question. There are quite a few. I'd have to go with Rae Lori, because she's writing books in genres that haven't gotten as many IR books that I have gravitated to. She's really crossing boundaries with her writing. Honorable mention to Shiree McCarver, for the fantastic historical interracial The Lord and the Scorpion
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed? My favorite is still Fate by Pamela Leigh Starr. It's just such a sweet, meaningful book for me. Although Trolling Nights came very close to knocking it out of the top spot!
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
I don't think I watched any interracial movies this year. :( The Secret Laughter of Women is still my favorite.
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
Savannah J. Frierson, Shiree McCarver, Simone Elkeles
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
Of course! I hope to get a Kindle, which will greatly facilitate my IR reading since a lot of the ones I have are in ebook format.
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
Please continue to write books that cross boundaries. I'd like to see interracial romance stories in all the genres, be it western, futuristic, action/adventure, horror, etc.
**Don't forget us non-erotic romance fans. I would love to read all writers, but I don't like erotic stuff very much, so some authors won't get read by me if all of their works are highly erotic. Some of us still like the old-fashioned, sweet romance with loving love scenes, that don't push erotic boundaries. Please make sure that your books are properly labeled for erotic content. Urban fantasy/paranormal interracial romances don't all have to be erotic in content. I feel I don't get to read that many IR romances in these genres because most of them are very erotic.
**Thank you for writing these wonderful stories that really reflect that love does cross boundaries of race and ethnicity, and that two people from different backgrounds can find love together.
**More Black Woman/Asian man IRR, pretty please.
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
**Maybe on BBC. I still believe that The Doctor would be in love with Martha if the Rose situation didn't make him wary of falling in love with a human! There is some serious chemistry between The Doctor and Martha.
I saw a little bit of an IRR between Gabrielle Union and John Cho on Flash Forward. Very cool!
Interracial romance I read this year:
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Really interesting topic, Danielle. I'm going to have to crank up my brain and gather my info to do this justice.
message 10:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors
(last edited Jan 02, 2010 07:02AM)
(new)
Mod
1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? I usually don't remember much about books I've read unless they were really really good. Furthermore when I think of IR, its predominantly BWWM for me so I'd be unable to remember other ethnicities. Don't recall reading any IRs of any ethnicity.
Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
Can't say since I can't recall having read any.
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
Same answer as # 1, part 2. Though I have to say of all the IRs I've read, a couple has yet to emerge as my fav.
3. Your favorite IR author?
Don't have one yet.
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
Haven't found that special book yet! I really need to hunt down IR books more regularly. I admit to being lazy. My usual book stores carry little or no IR titles and sometimes I'm too lazy to try other avenues. No disrespect to anyone, but I rather not read e-books, esp if they're self-published. It's not that I have anything against self-publishing, but the few that I've read were poorly written with A LOT of grammatical and spelling errors. I spent more time correcting the errors in my head than concentrating on the story.
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
Yes, Something New & there was a small IR romance in ... hmm, can't recall the name but it was a movie starring Curtis Jackson and Val Kilmer. If I've seen others I can't remember. Definitely, I love Something New. Simon Baker ... sigh! :)
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
Yes, too many to list, but I'm looking forward to re-visiting Kimberly Kaye Terry and I have to read Rae's "Romance in London" which I downloaded about half a year ago!
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
Definitely! I've allowed the few poorly written IRRs I've read to sway my focus away from the genre, but I've gotten a lot of inspiration from various forums across the net.
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
Don't define your heroine by her race. Good (white) heroes will love her more because she is so oblivious to how supposely "different" she is from his race. Let him realise that if there's a problem with her race, its because of issues within his group, not her or hers.
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
I don't know. I don't watch a lot of TV. Even if I did, I wouldn't be able to recall much of the shows. I have a terrible memory when it comes to these things.
I won't attempt part 2 of the Q & A. I can't remember the answers to even half of those questions. My new year's resolution for reading this year is to write down every book I've read with a little comment beside it.
Part I: Interracial Romance-Oriented Questions:1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
19. Most were romance, two were mystery with a IR couple in the background, and one was a crime fiction with the main cop in an ir marriage.
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
Tully and Jamie in Shelly Laurenston's The Wolf, The Witch and her Lack of Wardrobe which is a novella in Belong To The Night. He's a sexy, good ol' boy who is the mayor of his small town and he just enjoys her antics. She is a driven witch who wants more power, is a bit prickly but also a total bad ass. The whole story was just fun, funny, quirky, sexy and had some great 'Hell yeah!' moments.
3. Your favorite IR author?
Seressia Glass
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
Passport Diaries: A Novel. yes it used to be
Three Wishes. But PD hit on every single cylinder for me. Excellent, excellent writing and a lovely romance. I wish that I was on that trip with her.
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
Not this year. The closest thing to an IR relationship in a movie I've seen this year was Star Trek. I do have to admit, Spock and Uhura had it going on! My all time favorite IR romance movie is Something New with Mama, There's a Man in your Bed as a close second. I have on my to watch list, Secret Laughter of Women, Run Fatboy Run and Flirting.
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
Yes.
Shelly Laurenston
Crystal Hubbard
JM Jeffries
Lena Matthews
Tammy Williams
Nitanni Chionne
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
Not consciously. AS new books come up, if they look interesting I will certainly read them. I do like to buy IR romances rather than borrow to do my small part to make pubs see it is a viable subgenre.
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
I sf/f is my second favorite genre and mystery is my third. I would love to see an IR romance/hybrid with these genres. Maybe an sf/romance hybrid that is set in a truly post racial society maybe in the future where the race of the couple is not even an issue just a fact. I also like to read series that follows one single couple. I'd love to read an IR romance/mystery series, maybe a Nick and Nora-esque couple who solve crimes and have a fabulous marriage. This is probably why I loved Hot Pursuit so much. It read more like a mystery than a romance and it prominently featured a married, in love IR couple that i love.
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
crickets....crickets...
Mod
Part I: Interracial Romance-Oriented Questions: 1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
I really have no idea of the number, but it has been a lot (both print and e-book format). I’ve actually read quite a few Sci-Fi/Paranormal IR stories this year.
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
I don’t really have a particular favorite. I liked any that were well written.
3. Your favorite IR author?
Both Savannah J. Frierson (IR Contemporary) & T.J. Michaels (IR Paranormal) have won me over
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
My all time favorite is still Sandra Kitt’s “The Color of Love”. I would really like to see that made into a film or series.
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
I really can’t recall any IR romance movies this year. Does Star Trek & Avatar count?
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
There are quite a few authors that I really like, but I discovered these talents just this past year.
Aliyah Burke, Savannah J. Frierson, T.J. Michaels, Giselle Carmichael, Denise Skelton, Dahlia Rose, Kori Roberts, LaVerne Thompson, Shiree McCarver
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
Sure, I would love to read more quality IR stories.
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
I enjoy diverse storylines. Try to bring the IR aspect into other romance genres such as Paranormal, Action/Adventure, Historical, etc.
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
Dancing with the stars (Mya & Dmitry) *smirk*
I've actually haven't been keeping up with any TV shows these past few months. Nothing has been interesting to me. Well I do like Bones & Cold Case.
Mod
1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
2009 - romance - three that I've finished(I'm including Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann, although the whole book wasn't about Sam and Alyssa but it was suppose to be their second book.)
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
Sam and Alyssa. They are my favorite interracial couple.
3. Your favorite IR author?
I don't have one.
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
Gone Too Far. No, it hasn't changed.
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
I've seen Dance with Me. BWLM.
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
Yes, but I will have to look their names up.
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
Yes. I would hope that more IR books that fits my liking, will be available to me in 2010.
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
I love tension. I love romance. I want to see the couple have romantic times in stories.
I know that a lot of interracial stories are riding the ebook road and a lot of them are erotic books. I don't read erotic books, please write books that will also target me and others like me.
I want more books where race isn't an issue. I would love to read stories about married interracial couples. Sam and Alyssa shouldn't be the only married interracial couple.
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
Lincoln Heights. Cassie and Charles.
Mod
1. How many books did you read this year?
I've finished 23 books. I know that's a low number, but I have been busy writing and reading stories on here.
2. What were the different genres of books and how many of each did you read? If you want to list the different types, here is an outline that you can use if you like, or come up with your own:
Historical: I'm sending reading one that I've started in December 2009 and I will finish in January 2010.
Contemporary: 17
Interracial: 3
Chick-Lit: 1
Non-Fiction: 2
Other: 2
3. What were the top ten books that you read this year?
I only have three
Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann
One Evening In London by Rae Lori
Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann.
4. Were there any books you did not like? Why?
I didn't finish reading them.
5. What is your top favorite book and why?
Dark of Night, because it was Dave's book and because he gotten the woman of his dream. I love Dave.
6. What are your reading goals for next year?
To read more books in 2010.
7. Did you read any books out of your normal routine?
I tried to read some paranormal books.
8. Any new genres that you got into this year? What books got you into this type of reading?
Not really.
9. Who is your favorite new author?
I don't have one.
10. Did you glom any authors this year (meaning: read as many of the author's books you could get your hands on)?
No.
11. Favorite hero and why? Has this changed?
Sam Starret. He's my number one hero. I have more.
12. Favorite heroine and why? Has this changed?
Alyssa Locke. I have one more.
13. Any authors you decided to 'fire'? Why?
No.
14. What was the most unique storyline you read in a book this year?
Heroine is pregnant for her best friend, who is a hero in his own right. A super nerd!
15. Any book you liked that you were surprised that you liked?
No.
16. Any book you expected to love but were disappointed by?
Yes. Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann. I wasn't feeling Sam and Alyssa.
17. Favorite couple and why? Has this changed?
Sam and Alyssa.
Anything else you want to tell us about your reading this year?
Nothing right now.
Mod
The question you asked about was referring to your favorite all time interracial. If it hadn't changed, then you can list it and no, that it was the same book as before. I hope I answered your question, Arch.
Mod
The question you asked about was referring to your favorite all time interracial. If it hadn't changed, then you can list it and no, that it was the same book as b..."
Thanks.
Part II: General Reading Questions:1. How many books did you read this year?
I think I figured about 124
2. What were the different genres of books and how many of each did you read? If you want to list the different types, here is an outline that you can use if you like, or come up with your own
I am not sure of the number but I gravitate to romance. I prefer contemporaries but good contemps are hard to find. I started reading historicals again this year and really cut down on paranormals cuz they began to really blend into each other. I also tend to read mysteries and sf/f.
3. What were the top ten books that you read this year?
In no particular order:
The Help
Soulless
Iron Kissed
Hot Pursuit
Poison Study
The Night Gardener
Angels' Blood
Nightlife
Pleasure Seekers
Devonshire
Venice
4. Were there any books you did not like? Why?
sure. When I look back at the books i didn't like they all seems to be books that seem like they had gotten awy from the author. usually they were books that were later books in the series and just didn't stand up well against better earlier books
5. What is your top favorite book and why?
The Help
This book was a revelation. It is told in three voices, two black women and one white woman set in the south before the civil rights movement. The book itself was written by a white woman, but the sentiments, the words, the emotions in the voices of the black women (who are maids and take care of white children) feel so very authentic. They are resentful, loving, wary, bitter, tired, and caring. For instance, one maid isn't good enough to go to the family's bathroom (they build her her own) but yet, she is trusted to care for the children in every way and prepare their food. Go figure. There is also the careless racism amongst some of the white people. What strikes me is how matter of fact it is. As a reader you can't even be outraged because to these people it is just as normal as picking up bread at the grocery store. In others there are horrified glimpses of their own darkness but they are powerless to confront it much less change it. Anyway, great, great book.
6. What are your reading goals for next year?
Well, I am doing a 144 books challenge. So I am determined to meet that, also I want to re-read some old favorites I haven't read in years and discover some new authors and read at least one book a month outside my comfort zone. maybe non-fiction.
7. Did you read any books out of your normal routine?
Once in awhile. I am beginning to like just plain old historical fiction.
8. Any new genres that you got into this year? What books got you into this type of reading?
Historical Fiction. I've read Through a Glass Darkly which was excellent and am currently reading The Conqueror. There are certain time periods I like that romance novels shy away from.
9. Who is your favorite new author?
First time author would be Gail Carriger. New to me author would be Patricia Briggs.
10. Did you glom any authors this year (meaning: read as many of the author's books you could get your hands on)?
Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson and Alpha/Omega series. Lynn Connolly's Richard & Rose and her Alluring Countesses series.
11. Favorite hero and why? Has this changed?
I think Sam Starrett is still my favorite. I like that he can cry. And I like salty language and his multiple uses of the F-Bomb crack me up!
12. Favorite heroine and why? Has this changed?
Still Alyssa Locke. Tough, smart, beautiful...what else is there?
13. Any authors you decided to 'fire'? Why?
LOL. With me it was more like had an interview and decided not to hire. Victoria Dahl and Claire Cross. I tried a book of each and could barely make it past chapter three. So gave up and am now gun shy.
14. What was the most unique storyline you read in a book this year?
I have to say Lynn Connolly's Richard and Rose series. Very few romance novels follow a single romance through several books. And I am not talking about a will they/won't they thing. In this series the couple meet and fall in love in the first book. The following three books are about their courtship their marriage and their life together. And as each book progresses you find out more and more about them as people and as a couple. Great concept, executed flawlessly.
15. Any book you liked that you were surprised that you liked?
Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros series. I really should hate this series. There is no romance, the dialogue is all hipper-than-thou snark (which I normally can't stand). Things are relentlessly dark. And yet....LOVED!
16. Any book you expected to love but were disappointed by?
Bitten by Kelly Armstrong. To be fair, I think this book was a casualty of my I-Am-sick-of-paranormals-right-now. I may pick it up again when I am not so off them.
17. Favorite couple and why? Has this changed?
Sam & Alyssa (with Eve and Roarke coming in a close second).
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Great reading year, Tina.
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Alyssa will get us. lol, maybe Tina. I will run fast.
Tina, I LOVED The Help! Karen Stockett was definitely a gem find for me as well. I think I'll attempt PART II, although I can't remember much about the books I read in '09. I really need to start writing these things down.
14. What was the most unique storyline you read in a book this year?Tina's reply: "I have to say Lynn Connolly's Richard and Rose series. Very few romance novels follow a single romance through several books. And I am not talking about a will they/won't they thing. In this series the couple meet and fall in love in the first book. The following three books are about their courtship their marriage and their life together. And as each book progresses you find out more and more about them as people and as a couple. Great concept, executed flawlessly."
Also Tina, the more I chat with you and from your answers in this thread I dare say we have quite similar tastes in very many cases.
Obviously, I don't read as much as you do, but I agree with a lot of what you seem to look for in your books.
Regarding the quote above, I'm particularly fond of romances that feature a married couple. It's always nice to re-live the honeymoon stage of a relationship, but for me its how the couple functions together AFTER all the stars in one's eyes have dimmed that interests me the most.
LOL we even pay full price for IRRs for the same reason! I also recently listed your favourite IR author as one I'd like to discover in 2010 over at Amazon.
I've added several of the books you mentioned in your posts to my To Be Acquired list, including the Lynn Connolly novel. Great post.
Davina wrote: I'm particularly fond of romances that feature a married couple. It's always nice to re-live the honeymoon stage of a relationship, but for me its how the couple functions together AFTER all the stars in one's eyes have dimmed that interests me the most.Then I definitely recommend this series. I think even though it is an historical romance you'll find that she doesn't abide by the romance novel conventions. It was definitely one of the highlights of my reading this year.
Arch wrote: "Tina and I are Sam fans. But, I think I talk about him more. Alyssa will get us. lol, maybe Tina. I will run fast."
Arch, i don't think I am quite as dedicated as you are. Lol!
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And I am very dedicated. :)
Fans of Interracial Romance
Books mentioned in this topic
The Conqueror (other topics)Hot Pursuit (other topics)
The Night Gardener (other topics)
Devonshire (other topics)
Through a Glass Darkly (other topics)
More...
Part I: Interracial Romance-Oriented Questions:
1. How many interracial romances did you read this year? Were they all romance or where there interracial romances included in another type of genre?
2. Who was your favorite interracial couple this year in books? Why?
3. Your favorite IR author?
4. Favorite IR book? Has it changed?
5. Did you watch any interracial romance movies this year? Which ones were your favorites? Has your all time favorites list changed?
6. Did you discover any new IRR authors this year?
7. Do you have a goal to read more IRR next year?
8. What would you like to tell interracial romance authors about you as a reader so that they can consider this when they look at the IRR market?
9. Did you see any good interracial romance arcs on tv?
Edited to Add: The books don't have to recently releases from 2009. They can be released at any time although read this year.