I've documented here before my fangirl adoration of Jayne Ann Krentz.  The one time I managed to meet her in person I gibbered with all of the sophistication of Porky Pig.  What's unusual for me about this author is that I enjoy all of her different romance genre explorations equally, whether it's the science fiction Jayne Castle books, the historical Amanda Quick books, or the contemporary Jayne Ann Krentz titles.  I would imagine that authors use different pen names to manage reader expectations with different types of books, so I wonder what usually ends up being stronger -- the appeal of the author's style or the appeal of the type of plot or setting?

I seem to be getting a lot of requests for romance novels available for eReaders.    This is right up my alley since I have a very close and personal relationship with my Nook.  We spend a lot of time together.  If you haven’t yet, take a minute to check out our Digital Media Catalog, I’m sure you will find something to tempt you.  Is there any particular book you would rather read in book form or eBook form?  Does it really make a difference?  Right now I am really enjoying Sylvia Day.  If you have any favorites I’d love to hear about them.

Every year, I write a blog about the nominees for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA© Awards, and it’s that time again.  For those that are unfamiliar, these awards are given in 12 different categories (historical, inspirational, paranormal, etc.)  to the best of romance published in 2011.  Some of my favorite authors are nominated this year, and it will be interesting to see who takes home the prize.  Awards will be given out on July 28th; be sure to check back here for the complete list of winners.

The full list of nominees can be found here, but here are some of my favorites:

If you're like me, you sometimes feel like you're held at the starting gate of a race to get new library titles and when the signal goes off and the books are in the catalog, you're number 325 in line.  Well, that still could happen, but here are a few popular new romance titles that are just in or have been ordered for a May release -- hopefully you'll get a head start to be one of the first to place your hold!

Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr         Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston

It is always nice to have some really good books on reserve.  Ones you have read and loved and can return to them time and time again.  Times when you can’t find something new or when your current moods just suit them and nothing else will do.  These are stories that have stood the test of time and will be great no matter what year it is.  What stories do you turn to again and again?

This post is a shout out to Laura and all the other fabulous romance readers out there!  Whether you’re already an avid romance or chick lit reader or you’re new to the genres, you might consider looking for one of these books that have just come out or are new to our shelves.  What do you recommend?

New Chick Lit & Romance Reads for Teens

One of the biggest new trends in fiction is steampunk, a sub-genre of fantasy and science fiction.  Important elements of the genre include steam power (which usually means a historical setting), technology ahead of its time, and some elements of alternate history and fantasy.  Steampunk is often set in Victorian England, but because of the alternate history elements romance heroines need not be protected society misses and the world around them can be close to reality or whatever the author can imagine.  Steampunk is perfect for readers who love both fantasy and romance or for historical romance readers looking for something different.  If you are looking for something different and creative, try a steampunk romance!

When recommending books to people, I've found that what a person does not like is almost as important as what they do like.  I read a tremendous number of books, usually 3 or 4 a week, from various genres.  I read even more book reviews and descriptions of books and blog posts about books and book catalogs.  Still, there are certain title words or plot points that will make me stop immediately, knowing that this is not a book for me -- particularly in the romance genre.  This is not to say that there is anything wrong with the book, it is just not one that matches my tastes.  In fact, isn't it better that the title or the blurb on the back of the book gives you a clear signal of appeal?