A Book By Any Other Name?

As Shakespeare says, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet.” So would a book by any other name be as good? YES. The question lies in whether it would sell. How important is a title to a romance reader buying a book?

As for myself, when it’s time to find a new book to read, I start with my favorite authors. If they have a new one out, I buy it. I don’t read the title or the back cover. But what about when I look for a new author to try, then the title matters . . . somewhat. Okay, maybe it’s really the cover that catches my eye.

However, there are a few titles that have drawn me in over the years because they were different. WHITNEY, MY LOVE by Judith McNaught caught my attention, as did Jennifer Ashley’s THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. Another romance I read simply because I thought the title was clever was Angie Fox’s THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER. But I have to admit, these are few and far between.

I guess the title matters for me when it gives me an idea about what the book is about. For example, if I’m in a Scottish mood (which happens a lot), my eye naturally travels to titles with the word “highland” in them. If a swashbuckling adventure is more my wish, then of course I look for “pirate” or “sea.” There are many other words in titles that give us an immediate impression: demon, cowboy, bite, warrior, wolf, knight, just to name a few.

So does the title really matter? Will you buy one book over another because of the title? Does the title influence your decision to read the book? Does it call you to pick it up and read the back cover? Let me know.

Do You Follow Your Favorite Authors Across Genres?

Some romance authors have amazing talent and are able to successfully write in many subgenres. Sometimes this necessitates different pen names as in the case of Tina Gerow writing Paranormal Romances and her other side, Cassie Ryan, writing Erotic Romances. Or there are others who can use the same name and write all types of subgenres like Johanna Lindsey who writes Western Romances, Historical Romances, and even a few Futuristic Romances.

When I find an author I like, I follow them across all the romance subgenres and to my surprise, I have found there are a number of subgenres I really like. But what about when an author crosses genres? I always loved Julie Garwood romances, and then she started writing mysteries. Unfortunately, I don’t care for that genre so I don’t read her mystery books. I know that Nora Roberts, a real genius in the romance field, also writes futuristic suspense under the name J. D. Robb, but while I’ve read some of her romances, both historical and contemporary subgenres, I haven’t picked up a J. D. Robb book.

I’m rather curious about what other readers do. Both Garwood and Roberts are excellent writers, so it is not their talent that causes me to avoid buying some of their books, but rather the subject matter. So tell me, do you read across romance subgenres? Do you also read across genres if it is a favorite author of yours? I would love to know.

LADY IN WHITE by Denise Domning

I read a lovely romance recently and just had to share it. It’s so fun to talk about books one has read. It keeps them alive just a little bit longer that way.

This book, LADY IN WHITE, by Denise Domning, is an historical romance. It is amazingly crafted, incredibly accurate, and beautifully layered. There wasn’t a character or event that didn’t rivet me to the story. Belle is a widow with a child. Jamie is the steward and friend of the reclusive Squire Nicholas, and Jamie is sent to the court of Queen Elizabeth I to bring home Nicolas’ new unwanted betrothed, Belle.

Between the politics of religion at the time, a secretly wed Nicholas (whose body, by the way, is covered in burn scars) and a growing attraction and love between two very honorable people, namely Belle and Jamie, the tension and angst of this romance is strong. Then throw in the Queen’s representative who is there to make sure the wedding between Belle and Nicholas takes place and is consummated, then add a rebellious governess, and the relationship cords are stretched to the limits.

I will tell you someone dies, someone is almost hanged, and someone changes sides, but you’ll have to read it to find out. With all this said, this is not a complicated novel, simply one that keeps your attention, your mind working, and your emotions spinning. This is a beautiful read in my humble opinion.