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Dec
30 2009 | ||
Today’s book is Anya Bast’s fabulous anthology – HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS (so many great authors in this one!)
Four bestselling authors invite readers to spend the night with these never-before-published novellas spiced with sexy romance and paranormal passion. So come in out of the cold and experience the thrill of a soul-stirring new tale of the Breeds from Lora Leigh, a return to the beguiling world of the Mageverse from Angela Knight, and two more mesmerizing and unexpected stories of sensual surprises and seasonal spirits from Anya Bast and Allyson James.
Anya’s novella is titled Sweet Enchantment. It provides a first taste of the world in which her new Dark Magick series is set.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you all think of anthologies? A way to revisit old characters with established authors and to find new ones? Do you only buy for the lead author? Do tell!
I’ll choose a winner via random.org and post it first thing in the morning. WINNERS HAVE SEVEN DAYS TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZE!
December 30th, 2009 at 4:02 am · Link
Normally, I’d rather borrow anthologies from the library. Because of the variety of authors, the odds of me equally adoring every story…the odds aren’t good. Which is why I shy away from short story anthologies.
But as for novella anthologies, where there’s only five stories max…as long as all authors I’ve either read before or have on my wishlist, then the anthology is definitely worth me purchasing.
A prime example of that is the Unbound anthology I ordered recently. I’d already read novels by Vicki Pettersson and Kim Harrison, whilst Jocelynn Drake, Jeaniene Frost and Melissa Marr are all on my wishlist. Haven’t read the book yet, but I’m convinced it’s money well spent 😉
December 30th, 2009 at 4:07 am · Link
I love to buy anthologies and to discover new to me authors this way. Only problem I have with those is that I hate to read a series out of order and it’s problematic for me to discover a new author in the middle of the ongoing series. I hate that!
December 30th, 2009 at 4:18 am · Link
I don’t like to read novellas because I like to find out a lot about characters and novellas and short stories are just too short for me 🙂
But I did borrow a few anthologies and found out about new authors that way.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:49 am · Link
Sometimes I love them, especially when they are part of series that I already love! I rarely read them if they are a part of a series that I have not read before because I do not like to read out of order. The ones that are not part of a series I will read and have discovered new authors that way before.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:57 am · Link
To discover any new authors – if they capture my attention I’ll give myself the go ahead to buy full length novels from them.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:10 am · Link
I like the anthologies that have fewer authors. I usually have to convince myself that the author is worth buying before I will get the anthology.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:23 am · Link
I enjoy anthologies as I have discovered several new authors that way and there are times when my time is limited and reading a story in an anthology is just perfect to fill that time.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:25 am · Link
First let Me say, I LOVE LOVE LOVED! HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!!!
I love anthologies, I am very leary of New Authors, because If I can not get into a book within the first chapter ,Chances are I will not like the book! Anthologies Is a great way for me to find New Authors and move on to thier other work. Also I love to read the side stories that sprout off from most of thier seires.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:39 am · Link
I love anthologies! They give you a chance to “sample” unknown authors before spending too much money on them. I’ve become a fan of many new authors just by reading anthologies.
Blessings,
Rhonda
December 30th, 2009 at 6:41 am · Link
I like anthologies to revisit series that I love, AND to find new authors. I read all of the stories in each anthology and can’t even begin to count the number of authors I now read that I first read in an anthology I got because of a different author
December 30th, 2009 at 6:56 am · Link
It depends on the anthology. If the anthology itself sounds interesting, I’ll buy it even if I’ve never read any of the authors in it – which is a great way to meet new authors, another reason I like anthologies. It gives you a taste of a new author’s writing. And sometimes I get them just for the authors involved.
Margay
December 30th, 2009 at 6:59 am · Link
I didn’t buy anthologies that much before, think only 2 or so. Don’t ask me why, think it’s because I haven’t paid that much attention for it but more for my favorite authors. But the ones I read were pretty good.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:02 am · Link
Generally, yes I buy an anthology for one of main writers which I know, but have found some other really great writers that I may have never thought to get. Its nice sometimes to get a different perspective of a theme from a totally new writer!
December 30th, 2009 at 7:05 am · Link
I enjoy anthologies for the themes. Short and sweet snippets of a world of new characters. I am pleasantly surprised when I come across well loved characters.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:07 am · Link
I usually buy an anthology to stay current with favorite authors, especially when they include a short that includes characters from a series. Usually, I skim the other stories. But if something catches my fancy, I read it. Have found new authors to add to my favorites that way.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:07 am · Link
Generally I prefer single titles. But I do buy anthologies. I think it is a great way to get a taste of new authors and it is fun to see how a favourite author writes a short story.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:37 am · Link
I’ve been given a few anthologies, and enjoyed them, but I have never bought one on purpose.
I find them uneven so they tend to be my ‘nothing else left’ read.
Also many writers have a totally different voice when writing short stories compared to when they write novels so unless they were truly excellent or truly appalling a good short story would have little effect on whether I buy a full length novel by the same author.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:39 am · Link
I usually buy because of a particular author, but it’s always a bonus if I am introduced to new authors.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:45 am · Link
I have discovered a few new authors through anthologies; usually I like at least two of the authors already.
However, I do no like anthologies. There is not enough to get into. An hour after starting, I am done, and my usual reaction is “okay… now what”.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:50 am · Link
I have to be in a particular mood for an anthology, and I seldom am. They are too short, and do not contain the detail I crave. I want my story rounded out with a lot of back story, and present time detail. I suppose that is why I am a series junkie.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:52 am · Link
In order for me to buy an anthology, the majority of the novellas have to appeal to me–otherwise, it’s a no-go. However, if there is a novella that I find that I must have for my collection, I will shell out for the entire book.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:01 am · Link
I LOVE to buy anthologies because I can get exposed to authors I might not have read before.
Mindy 🙂
December 30th, 2009 at 8:02 am · Link
😎
I love them and usually buy for the lead writer but I read them all and discover new writers and new series.
Zina
December 30th, 2009 at 8:07 am · Link
Now we’re talkin!! I LUV anthologies!! They are a great way to find new authors. Sometimes I love all the novellas and sometimes not. It can be the only way to read all the books in a series at times. Holiday anthologies are my fav and keepers for me. I do sometimes buy the book because one of my fav authors is in it. I use them as a quick read when I’m waiting in the car for a fam member. I like that the stories are short, but I read one lately where I thought they were too short. Thanks, Sue
December 30th, 2009 at 8:15 am · Link
I like them it is a way to find out if you like new authors as well as getting more from old favorites.
Gabrielle
meingee@yahoo.com
December 30th, 2009 at 8:36 am · Link
I LOVE anthologies–they’re definitely a way to get a bite-sized chunk of authors I already enjoy and a nice way to be introduced to ones I haven’t tried before. And since the stories are shorter, it isn’t as hard to finish one before the inevitable interruptions of life…
December 30th, 2009 at 8:48 am · Link
I like anthologies to discover new authors and revisit old characters from past series. Usually the lead author catches my eye…but I read all the stories in the book.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:01 am · Link
I think of Anthologies as a Mini-Vacation book read, short stories multiple characters and a quick reading fix when pressed for time.
I have found many new authors to me in anthologies and now follow them faithfully as well as the main or lead author whose work have already read and it is a great way to keep up the story line in between the book releases…
I do buy for the lead or author have read before sometimes, however these days in the anthologies have bought there are maybe only 1 or 2 writers in them that have not read so it is a sure thing for me to buy the books..
This particular book is a good example, have books by all of the ladies already in my shelves..
Jackie B Central Texas
jacabur2008ATgmailDOTcom
December 30th, 2009 at 9:18 am · Link
I LOVE anthologies. I think it’s the best way to find out if you like an author, instead of buying a longer book, and occasionally being disappointed. I have been disappointed when buying an anthology because of an author that I already know, though. So I like to buy one’s where it’s an author I haven’t had a chance to read yet.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:29 am · Link
I have always like anthologies. I do buy some for the main author, but I like the fact that I get a few other stories from other authors. I have found several authors that I had never read anything by, and now I look for them also. I have a large selection of anthologies!!
December 30th, 2009 at 9:38 am · Link
Love anthologies.
Doesn’t have to contain a ‘headliner’.
Great bathtub books.
Special treat when you discover a follow up from a series you love.
Ex: Charlaine Harris has a few party stories from the Sookie Stackhouse series. Sookies Christmas present and Eric’s Hallloween bash.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am · Link
I usually borrow the anthology or read it at the bookstore if its a easy read. I like it more if its a connecting story to a series, then I’d buy it.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:00 am · Link
i usually read anthologies to revisit old characters from an author i’ve read and loved before. however, if it looks good and the blurbs interests me, i’d buy it. i have a few favorite authors, but usually who writes the book doesn’t matter to me (unless i had a really BAD reading experience with one of their books or i know they write a particular subgenre i don’t read). i buy new authors all the time and anthologies are a great way to discover new authors.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:03 am · Link
Anthologies are a great way to discover new authors. A lot of times the stories just seem too short for me, but they are great for planes or when you know there will be lots of interruptions 😉
December 30th, 2009 at 10:09 am · Link
I enjoy reading anthologies, I’ve discovered many new authors this way!
December 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am · Link
I love anthology but sometime I’m not buying it for the lead author but another one I’m interested.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:58 am · Link
I will buy an anthology if I know at least one author and the rest of the stories sound good. 🙂
December 30th, 2009 at 11:05 am · Link
I love anthologies! I like that they are generally short and give a nice break from multi-book series which I delve into quite a bit. It’s nice to get some additional information on some of the characters. I also like when I final one that expands on a smaller character who previously caught my eye but was not a big part of the original story line.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:09 am · Link
I actually LOVE anthologies! A mixture of writing styles, a quick-fix on getting your “read on”, and introductions to writers I may not have read before.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:19 am · Link
Honestly? so far I’m not sure I like anthologies – I’ve read some, but the first impression wasn’t that good because the stories were a little bit short and the inside in the protas was to little…
December 30th, 2009 at 11:45 am · Link
I don’t really read a lot of anthologies, I just read the ones featuring an author I liked.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:52 am · Link
I’m on the fence about anthologies…
On the one hand, I’ve discovered a couple authors and series that I just love.
On the other, sometimes I only want to read one of the stories because it’s part of a series I’m already reading.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:58 am · Link
I enjoy reading anthologies. You get to read favorite authors and get introduced to authors that you have not read. Since the novellas are shorter, they also are good for a romance fix when there is not a lot of time in the schedule to read.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:13 pm · Link
I like anthologies as they’re a introduction to new authors or I sometimes having a short story to read before starting another book.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:18 pm · Link
I enjoy anthologies and generally purchase them because of the authors listed. There has to be at least 1 author that is a favorite and then if the other stories sound interesting I’ll buy the book. It’s a great way to check out other authors that may have caught my eye but that I haven’t read yet. Example: several years ago I bought an anthology for a JD Robb novella and discovered Lori Foster!
December 30th, 2009 at 12:28 pm · Link
I love anthologies. They give me new authors to read. Plus they are great for that quick short story fix. I usually take them to doctor’s appt. and so forth.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:34 pm · Link
I love anthologies – it gives me the chance to sample several authors at once. I usually save anthologies for when I’m travelling and am interrupted a lot.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:39 pm · Link
I like anthologies because they give me a chance to discover new authors and get a sense of their style of writing.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:09 pm · Link
I enjoy anthologies because it is an opportunity to read a story from an author that you already enjoy, and expose yourself to new authors that write within the same genre so that you can expand your horizons.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:09 pm · Link
I like to buy anthologies every now and then to check out authors that I’ve heard about, while getting to read stories about characters that I love. It’s a good chance to do both at the same time.