I need serious help, people! I’m in the worst reading slump I’ve ever been in.
Year-To-Date I’ve read a total of 20 books. For those of you who know me, you understand how horrible this is. For those of you who don’t, let me break it down for you.
In 2005, I read something like 370 books. In 2006, that number dropped, but was still fairly high…in the 300’s somewhere. That’s close to a book a day (if not more).
I’m not exactly sure what my problem is, but I think it’s a combination of things.
- I’m over paranormals. Seriously over them. I don’t want to read about witches, warlocks, magic, werewolves, vampires, angels, demons or any other paranormal element. I’m totally burnt out on them.
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None of my favorite authors have released anything new, or are releasing anything new for awhile. Which means I can’t pick up an autobuy and fall into it.
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I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for, but romantic suspense doesn’t seem to interest me and neither does historical romance.
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I’ve re-read my favorite re-reads so often I’m sick of them.
I need help. Please! Can you recommend something that’s just straight-up romance? No suspense plot, no paranormal elements, no historical setting? Please?!? I’m desperate!
Maybe a category or anthology? Maybe an old Harlequin?
Save me! Please!!!!
I feel like I’ve been a bit slumpy this year myself. I just set myself a challenge to slog through some of my TBR pile. As I was going through these books, I was noticing how many I’ve tried and then put down, and also how many authors that used to be auto-buys are now just “eh”. I’m just not excited like I used to get.
I won four books by Claire Cross at Sybil’s. They’re straight up contemps and they look fun. I’ll be trying ’em soon.
I also liked the Blaze by Sarah Mayberry that I read recently. I’ve seen some other good buzz about her, too.
Good Luck. I’m definitely still on the paranormal tip, so I can’t help you too much.
Hey Holly – tough right, reading slump… worst syndrom you could get ^^; I’ve been on one myself, but mostly because I’ve been antipating some titles soo much that when I’m done reading them, I have nothing else 🙁
Try Blame it On Paris by Laura Florand: funny, witty and definitively different. Kay Hooper if you want something a bit more gory and mystery. You should also check the ppl who have done the “Little-Known Favorite” meme… I think those have really good suggestions 😀
I just want to laugh at you…hehe.
Hmm…what about erotica?
Kathleen O’Reilly’s The Bachelorette Pact Series (Harlequin Temptation). The last book is my favourite. She’s also just released a trilogy under Blaze. I’ve only read the first book, and it was good!
I’m on a rereading spree at the moment and am slowly approaching the same point you’re in now.
Thanks Wendy! I’ve read Gibson, but the rest are new to me. Except Shay. I read..I can’t remember the title and I’m too lazy to look now, but I didn’t care for it. After the Fire, I think?
Yes Lori, we did have that discussion. LOL I’m sorry you’re in a slump, too. 🙁 Sucks.
Dev,
Let me know how the Cross books are. I’m desperate!
Nath,
I just got the Laura Florland in the mail today. I’m going to start it soon.
Ames,
Hush. 😛 And I’m not feeling erotica at the moment. I think I burnt out on those, too.
Kat,
THANK YOU! I’m going to order those and the ones Wendy suggested right now. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you don’t hit the point I’m at.
Read Deborah Smith. Pretty much anything by her will do the trick. If you need specific recommendations I highly endorse When Venus Fell and The Crossroads Cafe.
How about Kathleen Eagle? I really liked The Night Remembers.
I’ve enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s women’s fiction-y titles as well, and there’s usually some romance in them. I loved Between Friends and Changing Habits is good too.
How about Rachel Gibson? She does contemporary settings and has a slew of fans.
As far as Harlequins – have you read Kathryn Shay? She writes for HSR (plus she has a bunch of single titles out). Her HSR firefighter books are really good.
Best of luck! I hear you on paranormals. I’m past burnt out as well.
I can totally relate, Holly. I’ve been having the same problem. I blogged up my first book today for the last… 2 months? Absolutely nothing has inspired me at all.
And I’m laughing at Wendy’s comments about Kathryn Shay (no offense Wendy), simply because you and I have had the Shay conversation before.
I know the feeling exactly…I’ve been on a semi-slump for months now since my new job and I want to get over it fast–but there’s seems to be no solution for it in the near future.
I’ve no commendations for now since I’m still in my historicals mood and that’s not what you’re looking for. ;P
Kookie,
Get over it already and pimp me a good contemp. LOL
Wendy,
I ordered two DS books. Let me think what KS books I’ve read.
After the Fire (my review of that is up at SF, posted a few weeks ago). I didn’t really care for it. The fact that the hero was married throughout the book was something I couldn’t get over. Plus, I thought she jumped around too much.
I also read Something to Believe In. As far as I know it’s a single title. It was better than AtF, but not over the moon amazing. Actually, now that I think about it, I think I really enjoyed it. Hmm. I might have to do a re-read.
I have On the Line TBR, but after reading Mitch’s book I wasn’t excited to pick it up.
I haven’t read any of Shay’s single titles (of course they’re all TBR) – but I really think her HSRs are worth a look. That’s just me though 🙂
My vote still goes to Deborah Smith.
I haven’t read anything in a week, that’s a long time considering I’ve been whipping out the books a lot lately…Ugh, slumps suck but like Ames, I just want to laugh at you! haha.
Hey, Hols! I know this is funny but I read a young adult fiction to get myself over my so-called reading slump. LMAO! And what the heck, I’m reviewing it as soon as I can.
And if your still looking for some contemps, I could prolly send you some e-books so do send me an email so I’ll know where I can send ’em. :o)