I do not usually make New Year’s resolutions for a reason. I never stick to them and then I feel like a loser but this year is going to be different. I’m setting realistic goals for something that is near and dear to me. Reading!
In the past, I have been quite content to surround myself with auto-buys, comfort reads, and rereads. That’s my happy place and maybe I shouldn’t rock the boat but I feel like I need to. I’m sure I’m missing out on some great books.
My two reading resolutions are simple:
- Read more new-to-me authors
- Read outside my comfort zone
I am making progress with this. I’ve read/am reading 15 books so far this year and 5 of those have fallen into the resolution categories. That’s not a lot but I’m taking baby steps!
New-to-me authors
I started off the year reading the three books in the Jane Porter trilogy. They were short, hot, and fun and were a great introduction to this author. Plus, the first book is free on kindle right now. That’s a bonus. And I’m counting all three books toward my resolution. 😀
Doesn’t that cover just make you say “Aww”? I’m sucker for the pregnant heroine story line. Add in a couple working through their problems and I’m a very happy camper. I enjoyed this one a lot and plan to look for more books by Ms. Matthews in the future.
Stepping outside the comfort zone
Steampunk
A few months ago, I received an ARC of WILDERS’ MATE by Moira Rogers (blurb and excerpt here). It is steampunk and I’m not ashamed to admit that freaked me out a little. It is in a historical setting (which I very rarely read) with a fantasy (which I never read) feel to all the inventions and lifestyle. Imagine my surprise when I liked it! The romance was the focus, it had a dose of paranormal, and the world was explained in a way I understood. This was easily a 4 star read for me so I started to feel a little more comfortable with this genre.
Which led to my second book of the year…
THE IRON DUKE by Meljean Brook
(Also new-to-me author)
I saw this book on just about every “best of 2010” list around. I’ve had trusted reading friends recommend this book to me. And, like I said, I enjoyed the one steampunk book I’ve read. This one should have been a slam-dunk, right? Not quite. I spent the first few chapters totally lost. There was a lot of terminology used that I didn’t understand that wasn’t explained until later (a “bugger” is not what you are thinking it is) and all the very intricate world building dragged it down a little for me. I can understand why a lot of people are fans of THE IRON DUKE but it just wasn’t for me. However, I do plan on buying the next book when it comes out in hopes that it will be faster paced now that I understand what I’m reading about.
Futuristics
This is my current read. I’ve read all of Ms. Dane’s books except this series. It’s sci-fi, futuristic, and it’s not even set in this world. UNDERCOVER is so far outside my comfort zone I can’t even see it from here. But it’s a Lauren Dane book, it’s a menage, and I’ve made it to chapter seven without scrambling for a comfort read. So far, so good!
What about you? Did you make any reading resolutions? And have you read any awesome books that might fall in my resolution categories? I need recs!
I suggest Stephanie Tyler for a new author. Well she is a new to me author I just got hooked on!!
Stephanie is an auto-buy for me. Love her books! 😀
I read Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook in the Burning Up anthology. Wonderful read. First time I’ve ever read anything by her. I’m looking forward to the Iron Duke making its way to my house. She was also my first steampunk. Awesome way to enter the series!