March is one of my favorite months. Not only is my wedding anniversary in March, but also the first day of spring!! And I am so ready for spring. I’m not fond of the cold, which probably stems from the fact that I was born and raised in Florida. And as I’m writing this blog, it’s actually snowing . . . in March . . . in Atlanta! Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful and my kids are ecstatic, but I’m ready for spring to get here.
This month’s topic is EXCERPTS. Do you read them? For me, it all depends. If it’s a book I’m familiar with or part of a series I’m reading, I usually don’t read it. I’d rather be surprised when I read the book. However, if it’s been a while since an author’s last book, I will occasionally read an excerpt to get a small taste to tide me over until a book releases. I’ve heard other people say that reading an excerpt gives them a sense of déjà vu when they check out a book in the store and don’t end up buying it because they think they’ve already read it. I will almost always read an excerpt of a book by an author I’ve never read before and/or that I’ve heard a lot of buzz about to get a sense of feel for the author’s voice to see if I’d actually like to read the book. When I do read an excerpt, I’d have to say that my favorite kind is when the hero and heroine first meet. There’s just something about those initial sparks. The bottom line is: as long as an author has left a reader wanting more, I think they’ve done their job. How do you feel about excerpts? Love ‘em or hate ‘em? Do you read them? Why or why not? What is your favorite kind of excerpt? When the hero and heroine first meet? First kiss? Or something steamier? Tell us and one random poster (living within the United States) will win a book!
Until April, happy reading!
Historical
First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh
The Rose and the Shield by Elaine Barbieri
Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan
Tempted All Night by Liz Carlyle
Kidnapped: His Innocent Mistress by Nicola Cornick
Eden by Carolyn Davidson
As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason
Someone Like You by Leigh Greenwood
Seduced by Your Spell by Lois Greiman
Bride of a Wicked Scotsman by Samantha James
To Romance a Charming Rogue by Nicole Jordan
Dark Victory by Brenda Joyce
Every Time We Kiss by Christie Kelley
Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens
His Calvary Lady by Joanna Maitland
Highland Outlaw by Monica McCarty
The Wicked Ways of a True Hero by Barbara Metzger
Highland Rebel by Tess Mallory
Love with the Perfect Scoundrel by Sophia Nash
Never Resist Temptation by Miranda Neville
Revealed by Kate Noble
Conquering Knight, Captive Lady by Anne O’Brien
The Club by Sharon Page
Seducing the Viscount by Deborah Raleigh
Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn
Cry for Passion by Robin Schone
Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren
Seducing a Scottish Bride by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Questions of Honor by Kate Welsh
Fire at Midnight by Lisa Marie Wilkinson
The Education of Madeline by Beth Williamson
Too Hot for a Spy by Pearl Wolf
Contemporary
Naughty by Rochelle Alers
Trouble in High Heels by Leanne Banks
Anything But Love by Celya Bowers
To Believe by Carolyn Brown
Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr
Evie Ever After by Beth Ciotta
Body by Night by Zuri Day
Private Lives by Gwynne Forster
Tempting Faith by Crystal Hubbard
Romancing the Runway by Linda Hudson-Smith
Nutcase by Charlotte Hughes (Mainstream Fiction)
Tall, Dark . . . Westmoreland! by Brenda Jackson
True Love by Brenda Jackson
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
A Long, Hard Ride by Alison Kent
Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (March 31)
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Suzann Ledbetter
Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
Redneck Cinderella by LuAnn McLane
Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller
Only in Paradise by Michelle Monkou
The Company We Keep by Mary Monroe
Nobody But You by Francis Ray
Always Ready by Joanne Rock
Her Best Friend’s Brother by Kay Stockham
Hudsons Crossing by AlTonya Washington
Romantic Suspense
Kept by Jami Alden
Snowed in with the Boss by Jessica Andersen
Hold Back the Dark by Eileen Carr
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad
Danger in a Red Dress by Christina Dodd
Let Me In by Donna Kauffman
Maverick by Lora Leigh
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Renegade Soldier by Pat White
Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop (Fantasy)
The Accidental Human by Dakota Cassidy
Hunted by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast (UF)
Immortal Bride by Lisa Childs
The After Wife by Lexi Davis
You’re the One That I Haunt by Terri Garey
A Drop of Red by Chris Marie Green (UF)
White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (UF)
Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry (UF)
Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione
Darkness Revealed by Alexandra Ivy
Second Skin by Caitlin Kittredge (UF)
Blood Magic by Jennifer Lyon
A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison
Fury Calls by Caridad Pineiro
Spell Games by T.A. Pratt (UF)
The Better to Hold You by Alisa Sheckley (UF)
The Vampire’s Bride by Gena Showalter
Hope’s Folly by Linnea Sinclair
Angel’s Blood by Nalini Singh (UF)
Between a Rock and a Heart Place by Natale Stenzel
Deader Still by Anton Strout (UF)
Casual Hex by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Deathwish by Rob Thurman (UF)
Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn (UF)
Wicked by Any Other Name by Linda Wisdom
Immortals: The Reckoning by Jennifer Ashley, Joy Nash and Robin T. Popp
Erotica/Erotic Romance
Dominic by Elizabeth Amber
Obsessed: An Invitation Erotic Odyssey by Delilah Devlin
Texas Men by Delilah Devlin
The Family Jewels by Carole Hart
A Vampire’s Claim by Joey W. Hill
Total Surrender by C. McCray
Hunting Love by JB McDonald & Dana Marie Bell (March 31)
Pleasures of the Forbidden Valley by Diana Mercury
Hittin’ It by Amie Stuart
Animal Attraction by Charlene Teglia
Naughty by Velvet
Naughty Bits by Lacy Danes, Delilah Devlin, Eden Bradley & Megan Hart
Satisfy Me Tonight by Fiona Zedde, Sydney Molare & Kimberly Kaye Terry
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kh
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 12:09 am:
i like it cause it gives u atease about the books. and i dont like wthen i dont see it when the book is out. some authors dont give u an excerpt so i like it
Margay
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 5:57 am:
I like excerpts because I like to get a glimpse inside the book before I buy it. My favorites are either when the hero and heroine first meet or when they have some type of conflict at a later time in the book.
Margay
Marisa
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 5:58 am:
Hey Andrea! Great list, and again, so many books to read this month.
EXCERPTS! Love them. Especially when it is the next book in a series I’m reading. I always want to know who’s up next. Of course after I read the excerpt its usually a long wait until that book comes out and I wait with much anticipation until the release.
Generally, I’m going to read an excerpt of an author I haven’t read yet. I like to get the tone/flavor of their writing – get a sense of their style. I love going to author websites and reading what’s coming next. It is a way for me to find out about new authors and also a way to find out what my favorite authors have in store for me.
OH, Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a great day.
Kati
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 8:54 am:
Hi Andrea! Another comprehensive list, thank you!
I’ve actually read a bunch of the March releases already, and have really enjoyed them.
Excerpts? They’re a mixed bag for me. I always read Nora Roberts’ excerpts, likewise JR Ward (which always ends up frustrating me because I want MORE!). Other authors are hit or miss for me. I don’t usually seek them out, but if I come across one I’ll read it. I read them at the end of the books too. Like Marisa, I’ll read an excerpt if I’m trying to decide whether or not to get the book to see whether I like the author’s voice and if the story grabs me.
Happy Anniversary, Andrea! I hope it’s a wonderful one.
PJ
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 8:59 am:
Another great list of new releases, Andrea! I’m going to have to get a second job just to afford my books. lol
I especially like excerpts of books by authors I haven’t read. They help me get a “feel” for the author’s writing style before I plunk down the dollars to buy the book. If it’s a book I’ve been looking forward to or a book in a series I’m reading I usually avoid the excerpt. In those cases, I want the book to unfold naturally without any advance peeks.
PJ
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:00 am:
Oops…forgot. Happy Anniversary!
Hope you’re enjoying our taste of spring today. Isn’t it gorgeous?
Keira
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:11 am:
Occasionally – I admit I buy 70% from cover, 25% by back blurb, and if I’m not quite sold then 5% from excerpt.
Brandy W
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:28 am:
I love excerpts unless I know I’m going to get the book already cause I’ve read the book blurb. Then I don’t want to ruin it with wanting.
Donna
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:14 am:
Andrea, Happy Anniversary!! I love exerpts!! They let you know what is up next and I like others get frustrated when we have to wait for it to come out…lol Great list for the March books I saw some of them at the book store, but I am waiting for a good coupon to get some…. (sorry can’t pay full price for ANY book, buy too many)
Donna
Maria Lokken
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:22 am:
I have never read excerpts. I always felt they gave wayyyy too much of the book away. However, I recently took a book out of the library by an author I hadn’t read before, but had heard raves about. I started the first chapter and knew this book was totally not for me. Then I read the inside jacket copy. If I’d read it before taking the book home, there would have been no way I would have carried that 600 page book out of the library. So – now, I do read a bit of the excerpt (not the whole thing) just enough to give me a sense if this book fits in with what I’m in the mood for.
Lisa Freeman
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:26 am:
I always read excerpts when I find them. I’ve found many new to me authors that way. With some books costing $14 or $15, I always try to make certain it will be one I’ll enjoy before buying it.
Andrea
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:34 am:
Thanks for the anniversary wishes, everyone!
Yes, PJ, I am LOVING this weather!!!
I’m enjoying everybody’s answers about excerpts. Keep ‘em coming!
azteclady
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:36 am:
It really depends. If I know I’m getting the book–favorite author, the next in a series, etc.–I rather skip the excerpts, because they have a slight flavor of spoiler to them, and I’m spoiler-phobic. (Yes, I know, my mind works in truly weird ways)
If it’s a new to me author, I’ll read the excerpt to get an idea of the writing voice, yes. However, I prefer excerpts from the first chapter or two, regardless of whether there’s action, kisses, first meet, or what not–again, because of the spoiler allergy thing I have going.
Happy March, here’s wishing you spring like weather soonest!
Buffie
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:42 am:
Great list Andrea!! I have to say that I have read a few of them already and have a few more in the TBR pile. Just like everything else with me, reading the excerpt totally depends on my mood at the time. I have to say that it usually doesn’t sway my buying unless it is an author I have never read before and the excerpt if fabulous.
Congrats on the anniversary!
Stacy ~
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:45 am:
Happy anniversary Andrea! March is also a very busy birthday month for me. And wish St. Patrick’s Day, well, it’s a good month “_
Azteclady, I feel the same way. I rarely read excerpts, and almost never for a book I really want to read, for the very same reasons. Spoilers terrify me LOL. I would prefer to read the first page or pages of a book rather than somewhere in the middle. It goes back to that thing of reading a series in order, I guess.
Today is beautiful in Chicago, and I am totally going to brag and say that I am meeting 2 authors in the city for coffee. Srsly, I really have to count my blessings – I have a very good life.
Jody F.
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 10:56 am:
Oh yeah, I definitely read excerpts. I don’t mind being spoiled by anything I read and for a book that I can’t wait to read, I get my fix until it’s released. I kinda feel like Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally when he says he reads the end of the book first because he could die tomorrow and never know the ending.
Maureen
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 11:12 am:
I definitely read excerpts. They are a great way to see how a new author or new to me author writes and also give me an idea of what the story is about. My favorite excerpts are ones that have both the hero and heroine in them.
Joy
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 11:49 am:
Thanks for the list, Andrea. I’ve read many of the books on the list already and have a few more waiting on me to read them. I bet you are happy to be in Atlanta now that instead of snow this weekend, we had 70+ temps. It’s great to see so many of the flowers and trees budding out now.
As for excerpts, I usually enjoy reading the excerpt. I’d prefer it be an excerpt of the first (or first few) chapters. There have been a few times when I read an excerpt way ahead of the book release and had a deja-vu style moment when I was looking at a potential book for purchase. I recently decided to try to balance out my love of excerpts with my love of new releases…and so I’ve become really nerdy and created a master list of all books that I own or have read. That method has helped me to cut down on double purchases (I’ve done that twice with a big red face) or bypassing a book I thought I had read when I hadn’t.
Buffie
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 1:24 pm:
Stacy — be sure to tell Julie hi for me!! Wish I was there with ya!
I have to say that I just found out about a book that is coming out later in the year and I am very anxious just to read the excerpt. I can’t wait until the author puts it up on her website. The book — When Alex Was Bad by Jo Davis. It’s gonna be a so hawt!
Cathy M
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 1:44 pm:
My favorite excerpts are when the hero and heroine first meet. For an auto-buy author, I don’t read excerpts, like to be totally surprised. For new authors, an excerpt is what gives me the best sense of the author’s voice and if their storytelling style will work for me.
orannia
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 2:43 pm:
HI Andrea! What an amazing list – thank you! Oh, and Happy Anniversary! I hope you and your significant other have a wonderful day!
Hmmm. I’ll admit it – I read excerpts! For authors I don’t know it’s a chance to see if what they’ve written draws me in. If it’s a favourite author, then I do it to tease myself. I just have no willpower. It is preferable though if the excerpt isn’t too long. My favourite excerpt of the moment is from Nalini Singh’s Branded by Fire
*fans self*
Buffie
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 3:00 pm:
Oooh, Orannia, I didn’t know that excerpt was up! Off to check it out!
Lisa N.
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 5:11 pm:
Happy Anniversary! I like reading excerpts. It makes me anticipate reading the book more, and usually I like the book if I like the excerpt. I don’t always want to buy the book, but I will at least put it on my library list. Though it can be frustrating when you have to wait a year before you can read the rest of the story!
cyclops8
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 5:25 pm:
I love excerpts. I always read the excerpts at the back of the book of the upcoming book. I’m not worried at spoilers. I always want to know as much as possible about the next book(characters, plot.) I enjoy all kinds of excerpts, but my favorite is the one that previews the hero and heroine’s first kiss.
mindy
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 7:08 pm:
i am probably one of the few that can take them or leave them, when i read them it tends to “confuse me” more than lure me into a book. sometimes i will read them in order to decide which book to read next thanks for the giveaway
Anna Campbell
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 7:32 pm:
Andrea, happy anniversary and as ever, great list of upcoming books. I’m usually so far behind in my reading but I’ve got quite a few of the March releases already – Sophia Nash’s, Liz Carlyle’s, Nicola Cornick’s, Miranda Neville’s (she’s my guest on the Bandits tomorrow – pop by, she’s funny and fascinating!) and I’ve started Silent on the Moor and I’m loving it!
Hey, I hardly ever read excerpts!
Deborah
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 7:50 pm:
Happy anniversary, Andrea! I like to read excerpts, both for auto-buy authors and new authors. If it’s a new author to me, it usually gives me their writing style and a little of what the book is about. I enjoy excerpts involving both the hero and the heroine.
cheryl-kelley
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 8:25 pm:
I read the excerpts as a teaser to hopefully get a feel for the book but I don’t want too much plot line in it – just a tease.
Happy Anniversary
Gannon
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:00 pm:
Another month filled with great releases! My poor wallet! LOL I do like to read excerpts, especially if the author is someone I’ve never read before.
Happy Anniversary and enjoy this spring weather. Looks like winter is going to make a return visit here in a few days.
Amy S.
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 9:15 pm:
I love reading excerpts. It really helps me decide on a book.
Lisa H
on Mar 9th, 2009
@ 11:30 pm:
I love excerpts and always read them. I like the ones that have suspense to them and leaves me wondering, “Hey, what’s gonna happen.” Then I have to get the book to see.
Andrea
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 7:38 am:
Thanks, everyone, for the anniversary wishes and the thought-provoking answers about excerpts. Azteclady, I don’t like spoilers either which is another reason I prefer the excerpt to come from earlier in the book.
I will be back later today to post the winner!
Karin
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 11:50 am:
I hope you had a good anniversary, Andrea!
I love excerpts. I’ve actually come across a number of new books and new authors through excerpts. I don’t necessarily like a ton of spoilers in the excerpts, but I do like them to give me a taste of the story so I know what I can expect to get when I pick it up to read it.
Kim V
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 2:19 pm:
I like excerpts b/c it tells me if I want to read more.
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
Marie
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 2:57 pm:
I like excerpts because it gives me an idea of whether the books will be appealing to me or not especially if I am unfamiliar with the author and wondering if I should give them a try!
Paula H
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 4:29 pm:
I read them if I’m unsure whether or not I would like the book. I like when they first met or some other early, high-drama type of moment.
Andrea
on Mar 10th, 2009
@ 6:02 pm:
And the winner is . . . Margay!!
Congratulations, Margay! Please send your full name and address to alphamail@romancenovel.tv and we’ll get your book out.
And again, thanks to everyone who posted. Check back next month for more new releases and another giveaway!
kh
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 12:40 am:
wtg wnner
Karin
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 7:47 pm:
Congratulations, Margay!
azteclady
on Mar 11th, 2009
@ 9:49 pm:
Congrats, Margay!
MRS.MOMMYY
on Mar 13th, 2009
@ 10:17 pm:
like the little tease too without saying it all