I’m always on the lookout for great books from authors not known to me. Many will end up flying under the radar. Why? Lack of promotion, lack of ‘buzz’ and lack of store space shelf. These books become invisible unless someone or someones picks them up and start spreading the word. How often does this happen? Sadly, not enough.
So I want to know which great romance books I’m missing out on? Tell me about a great romance I need to feature on the blog and give some attention to.
On great romance that seems to be flying off the radar is “Soulless” by Gail Carriger. I personally haven’t gotten to read it yet, but everyone on my goodreads friends list adore it. It’s also getting a bunch of high star ratings as well.
From experience, I find those under the radar are ones who are not from big NYC publishers. Smaller presses get less promotion, unless it done by the author. However, that doesn’t mean the reading isn’t just as good.
There is still a way to go to close the gap between traditionally published books and those that are from smaller presses or e-publishers. Even when quality is equal, the “buzz factor” isn’t.
Just my $.02! I suggest maybe haunting sites like The Wild Rose Press, Samhain, and Loose ID — to mention a few — where awesome books could be waiting for someone to spread the word!
One author I would to see featured here is Eve Silver. Her gothic historical romances are wonderful.
I don’t know if she is under the radar as such, but think she would be a good fit.
There are so many great romance books out there in all genres, it is very hard for me to choose just a couple. Beverley you have already made my TBR pile grow (I do love that) I am sure there will be more to add after this post LOL.
Have your read Olivia Parker’s books they are really good.
Have Fun
Helen
I just discovered Sarah Elliot. I really enjoyed her new release.
@Melissa, katiebabs did something on Soulless. I think it’s like steampunk, right?
@Leslie, I agree with you on the e-books. I believe, however, that NY published print books are etched in most readers minds. Yes, many people buy books online but still the vast majority do their book shopping at brick and mortar bookstores. Now if readers had a particular title to look for, I think not only would it bring attention to the book but also the publisher. Can you give us a book that you think is a fabulous read?
@Helen Thanks! I know I have Olivia Parker’s first book. I think they called it ‘The Bachelor’ in Regency. LOL
@ Jane Does Sarah Elliot write historical romance?
I read Broken Wing by Judith James from a recommendation on a blog review. So happy I did because it is one of my favorite historical romances for 2009. The hero was abandoned in a French brothel as a child, the heroine, was dedicated and nurturing. The story rich with emotion and love that just leaves your heart yearning. I thought the HEA was not going to happen, but when it did I just wanted to rejoice. Their story stayed with me weeks afterwards.
Bev:
A lot of reviews say it’s very similar too it. It’s basically a supernatural book featured in Victorian england.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6381205-soulless
I discovered and enjoyed Lisa Renee Jones recently.
I just fiished reading this debut author’s book and I like it a lot Wild Heart by Lori Brighton
This past year I discovered Toni McGee Causey and Penny Mc Call for fun reads
I don’t know about promotion but it seems Harlequin Historical books don’t get as much promotion as books from other publishers (maybe it’s because of the shorter format, Idon’t know). I read a few and really enjoyed them, like In the Master’s Bed by Blythe Gifford, a very good medieval romance.
Also, The Horseman’s Bride by Elizabeth lane has a very nice cover and the plot seems interesting too. I already put it on my (long) TBB list for 2010.
Oh Joye, I have read Wild Heart by Lori Brighton and you are right, its a great read. Also another new author you may want to try would be Elaine Levine her second book comes out in Feb. She is a western romance author but her first book Rachel and the Hired Gun was awesome!
I saw that someone else mentioned Olivia Parker. I have to agree. I loved her book At the Bride Hunt Ball. Another author that I found out about last year that I loved was Alissa Johnson her’s are sweet romances, with great story telling.
A new author that I’d love to read is Alexandra Hawkins her first book, All Night with a Rogue comes out soon and looks interesting.
I agree with Emmanuelle, I can think of three Harlequin historical authors, Like Sophia James, Michelle Willingham, (Who is releasing a Victorian triology starting this month) Elizabeth Rolls.
I must admit….and this is an old story, told and continued by many, but Sharon Lathan pens such a beautiful continuation of “Pride & Predjudice.” These are the books she has written:
“Mr and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy”
“Loving Mr. Darcy”
“My Dearest Mr. Darcy”
These stories are filled with SO much passion! I love how Elizabeth and Darcy have been written. Oh…..Jane Austen would be so proud!
Hi Bev,
Yes, Sarah writes historical romance.
Books of Elizabeth Ann Michaels:. She’s such a great writer. Of Sapphire Dreams is my favourite.
I enjoyed Beth Williamson’s last books (hot Westerns)
I think Bonnie Vanak is fantastic but she doesn’t get enough love! Her books are historical, set sually in both England and Egypt 😀
Shana Galen also is wonderful, another historical romance author (I’m usually in love with her covers too lol)
I think Mary jo Putney’s book, being mostly out of print should be featured since several are currently being re-printed- I LUFF HER!
I think authors Patricia Grasso and Adrienne Basso do not get the attention that they should get. Both have been writing books for years.