About a month ago I received an email from Access Romance (I’m subscribed to their newsletter and excerpt lists) which had an excerpt of an author’s latest release. I get these periodically, and I do read them. And occasionally I’ll read one that prompts me to try a new author. But I have to admit, I’d been in a reading slump and it had been a very long time since an excerpt piqued my interest.
Well, this email contained an excerpt from Larissa Ione’s latest release, ECSTASY UNVEILED, the fourth book in her Demonica series. While I’d heard of Larissa Ione, I’d never read this author before, and I almost didn’t read this excerpt because it was a paranormal romance that dealt with the demon world (and it was already the fourth book in a series). I’m not a paranormal fan to begin with, and demons? Well, that just sounded way too creepy to me. 
But something compelled me to read the excerpt . . . and by the time I was done with it, I was intrigued and fascinated. More than I ever thought I’d be. But I didn’t do much about it. A few days later, while perusing my bookshelf for something new to read, and bypassing my normal contemporary reads, I discovered that I had Larissa Ione’s FIRST Demonica series book, PLEASURE UNBOUND, already on my bookshelf! This book was originally published in 2008, and for some reason something had compelled me to buy this book — probably an excerpt I’d read at some point! But here it sat, languishing on my bookshelf. So, being in a reading slump, I thought, what the hell, and decided to give my first demon book a try.
Oh. My. God. From the first page of this book until the last, I was riveted. The characters (especially the hero — swoon 
), the world building, the action, and even the smoking hot love scenes had me quickly turning the pages to find out what happened next. Normally, it takes me a few weeks to read a book, because I read in spurts, but I read this book in one day because I could not put this book down until I finished it. Then I called Carly, who was also in a reading slump, to get this book and read it. Which she did, with equal fervor, and was just as shocked at the fact that she was enjoying a book about demons. Then I bee-lined it to my nearest Barnes & Noble to buy the second, third, and fourth books in the series. I read the second and third books just as quickly, and I’m now on the fourth book, and I’m loving it just as much as the first.
All I can say is WOW. I. 
. This. Series. 
I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed reading so much (Thank you, Larissa Ione! 
) . . . and a paranormal series about demons, at that. Go figure! And to think, it all started with an excerpt I’d read.
So, my question to all of you today is, do excerpts ever sway you into buying, or reading, a book by an author you’ve never tried before?
P.S. Larissa Ione will be blogging with us in a few weeks, and I can’t wait! I’m such a Fan Girl now! 
Janelle Denison finds it hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since she first started writing romance novels. At first, it was a way to pass idle time while her husband worked swing shift, but before long it became an obsession to get published. Luckily, she kept at it (it took her over 5 years to get that first book published!) and is now a Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and USA Today Bestselling author! Now, after selling over 45 plus novels, she finds that her Plotmonkey pals help to keep her stories fresh and unique, and she can’t imagine writing a story without their input. Janelle lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, along with two teenage daughters that keep life interesting.
Destiny
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Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I read Pleasure Unbound twice. The first time I didn’t care for it, the 2nd time I LOVED it. Now I have the other 3 in my tbr pile. Can’t wait to get started. You’ve inspired me to pick them up.
And yes, definitely, an excerpt can convince me to pick up a book. Gives me a taste of their writing. I don’t read a lot of excerpts, but if I want to get more of the idea behind the story, I’ll read them.
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I only read excerpts from new authors (new to me anyway), or if it’s someone I read who is going in a totally different direction from what I am used to. I have no idea why I do this, but it works. I guess I just don’t like to spoil the surprise of what is coming? Or maybe I am afraid it will be a bit that for some reason doesn’t sit well with me and I will not pick up a book I would normally just go get because I know the author? So many seem to put out (haha) the sex scenes, when that is not what sells me on an author or a book- it can have the hottest sex going, but if the story line sucks, I don’t care. You lose me. (Are you listening LKH??? :taz: )
I find as I am getting older (Holy crap, did I just type that?) that I want adventure, laughs, mystery- whatever-but there has to be a story.
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I agree with you, Ev. I love hot love scenes, but there has to be a story, too!
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I tend to read the back of the book when I’m looking for a new author. I am loyal to my favorites and will pick up their new book on faith, no one has let me down yet. I do read some exerpts for new authors(new to me) to see if their writing voice is one I like.
I recently bought a book on hype, everyone was talking about how great it was, but it was the hardest read I’ve had, although I did finish it I would not recomend it. I lent it to a co-worker who felt the same.
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Pat — Back cover blurbs don’t work for me. It doesn’t give me a good enough feel for the author’s voice, which is what pulls me into a story. That’s why I like reading excerpts.
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Usually when I’m looking for a new author it is in the middle of a long shopping day(Hate Shopping – Love Books). I will stop by B&N for a latte and a casual stroll through the store. I will pick up ‘many’ books before choosing one and reading the first few pages before actually buying.
But when I see an author on here or recommended by other authors I like I will go to their site and read an exerpt. I agree they are more insiteful to the writers voice than the backs of books.
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Excerpts are essential for me because I’m sorry, publishers and cover artists, but a whole lot of the time a books title and cover don’t tell me a thing about what the story is. I need that excerpt so I have a clue as to whether or not I want to actually read it.
I really enjoy paranormals. Didn’t think I would, but I do.
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Gillian — I feel the same way about a book’s packaging. Sometimes it can be deceiving.
I’m still not a huge paranormal fan — it has to be the right story to grab me!
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Woo-hoo!! Congrats on finding a new author and series that you love. That is such a great rush – it’s like falling in love!
I do read excerpts, and it doesn’t have to be a new-to-me author. And very often I’m compelled to read the book because of the excerpt. Author interviews have also prompted me to buy their books. I read an interview with JR Ward and was intrigued, so I went out and got the first in the BlackDagger Brotherhood series. At that point, I was hooked!!
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OMG, that’s it EXACTLY!!!!
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it doesn’t take much for me to want to go buy a book….an excerpt is just as good a reason as any to hook me into wanting to read a book.
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I love excerpts. Authors that are new to me and don’t give any excerpts, I’m not likely to buy, because I never know whether a book is going to turn out great or just so-so. Authors I do know, well, there an excerpt doesn’t hurt either because most of the time when I’m still on the fence about whether to buy a book or not, once I’ve read an excerpt, I’m a sucker and I’m hooked.
So an excerpt most definitely helps in every respect. I’ve even recognized a new kind of weird habit of mine: if I haven’t read an excerpt of a book and Amazon, or Barnes and Noble, don’t allow you to look into the book (if in fact, I order online), I most certainly am not going to buy the book, because there have been so many times when the blurb sounded great or at least good, and the book turned out to be boring as hell (But don’t worry, none of yours :) )
So if you want me to buy a book, I guess the best way to hook me is with an excerpt.
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I signed up for an online bookclub through my local library and we receive excerpts (actually full chapters). Each Monday a new book is introduced. I receive an email everday for five days. By Friday, I am usually searching the bookstores for the book so that I can finish it.
About 25% of the time I don’t even finish the current weeks reading because I know I’m not going to buy the book.
Tami
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Sometimes the excerpt will sway me to buy a new to me author. I think I have Pleasure Unbound in my TBR pile. Might just have to move it up the stack.
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Liza — Read it ASAP! You’ll love it!!!
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I am all about the excerpt. I am finicky when it comes to the author’s “voice” and I also have issues with 1st person! So excerpt are really important for me, especially if it is a new author!
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I don’t do first person, either. It’s very “rough” for me to read.
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I need to have a good storyline and some of the excerpts are just sex scenes. I don’t tend to read them. I think the Seattle librarian said you should read a book 1 and 1/2 your age and then decide to continue. Something like that. If I am not ‘hooked’ by chapter three, I am done.
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Katie — I’m the same way about a book. I’ll give it to chapter three, but if I”m not hooked by then, I tend not to finish, especially since it usually takes me so long to read a book! I don’t have time to waste on a book that doesn’t interest me.
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You know, excerpts will sell me on a book, but I kind of thought it was only me, so to be honest, I wasn’t sure of the value of excerpts or group newsletters like that. Awesome to know they work!
This made me think hard, trying to figure out what the last book I bought based on an excerpt was…and I think it was Mark Henry’s Happy Hour of the Damned. Freaking hilarious book. Sick and twisted, but hilarious.
Anyway, great post and I’m a little extra squealy because I love your books! Your Temptations were staples for me when I was trying to sell to Harlequin — I LOVED them!
I’ll also admit to a little bit of fangirl flutter every time Carly Twitters me!
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OMG, It’s Larissa Ione! Thanks so much for pulling me out of my reading slump!!! When I grow up, I want to write just like you!
Can I have Eidolon? Just for a few hours? Pretty please?
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BTW, Isn’t it nice, that even as authors, we can get excited and giddy about another author’s work? I love that!
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LOL — it is! I seriously make such a blubbering fool of myself when I talk to authors. At conferences I either sit in silent horror at saying something stupid, or I gush like an idiot.
Am pathetic.
I’ll send E right over, btw. I’m sure he can spare a few hours to help you out with whatever…ails you…
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I am a bit under Larissa’s spell too Janelle. I remember when her third book was coming out, and I spied her first two at Walmart. I was very tempted, but I didn’t know how many books were in the series at the time, and I didn’t want to glom another new author, so I bypassed them. They tempted me every time though. When I finally made the decision to buy her books, they were no longer available, so I waited for the next one. Now, I am glomming her like crazy. I love the demon world, as long as it is well written.
Now, the question you asked…I think you know the answer to that question. I don’t like to read excerpts unless it is you guys or one of my faves. And, I never buy a book based on an excerpt.
I am so proud of both you and Carly for stepping into that world. I know you guys don’t generally like to read stuff like that. So, does that mean you will venture into other unknown worlds soon, like Gena’s Underworld, J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. Or maybe even Colleen Gleason vampire world or her alter, Joss Ware’s world in Envy and Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeeper world? You guys played a big role in my swing to the darker side of reading when you introduced me to Gena Showalter. Now, I have a good balance of the dark and light reads…LOL!!
Have a great rest of the day. I will swing by later to see who is hanging around.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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You know, Paula, I MIGHT give another series a try. But the thing is, Larissa Ione has set the bar so high for me as a reader, that I’m not sure another author will be able to live up to that for me, LOL!
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Oh, you should venture out a bit…you might be pleasantly surprised…LOL!!!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I love excerpts! On more than one occassion they’ve prompted me to purchase the book *G*
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Yes, book excerpts prompt me to buy books. In fact I’d say half the books I buy are based on the excerpt – and it used to be more.
So glad you found a new author you like, Janelle :) Larissa is awesome, isn’t she?
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Yes, she is! I’m in awe of her ability to suck me in to a world I was so reluctant to read about! I’ve already pre-ordered SIN UNDONE!
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I only read excerpts from the new to me authors. I really enjoy it when an author shares an excerpt from their book.
The Demonica Series and Larissa Ione Rock!!!
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Most definately! I have found many a good author just by reading the excerpt in the back of a book after reading another bookor on line. Those capture my attention and keep me hooked at times till I can run out and get that book.
Have a great day ladies.
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Most definitely….I read excerpts…I have come across a lot of great authors that way. The only thing I don’t like about excerpts is when they give away something important in the book.
If they are done right…excerpts are great for selling books!!!
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I love Larissa! Your review is fantastic.
Yes, excerpts get me to buy/read new authors.
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Okay, all you readers have me quivering in a corner chewing my nails. As an author, the hardest thing I do is pick an excerpt and write a blurb. Thanks for the pressure, guys!
As a reader, if I come across an intriguing excerpt from a new-to-me author, I’ll do further research on the book and check the cover blurb. If possible, I’ll read a couple of pages. If I’m still curious, I’ll get the book.
I’ve got Larissa’s books on my radar, too. Finding the time to simply sit and devour books is hard at the moment, but she’s right up there at the top of the pile!
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Silver — Just know that once you start reading Larissa’s books, you won’t be able to stop so carve out enough time to finish it in one sitting.
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Absolutely! If I hear some buzz about a new author I go to their web site first–if they have one–and see if there are any excerpts posted. I read them and if the voice and style and characters grab me I buy the book.
Okay, I just popped over to Larissa Ione’s site and read an excerpt from Pleasure Unbound. Holy freaking books, Bat Girl! I am totally blown away and must read these books. Next stop–Barnes and Noble. The world building is incredible–in-your-face first rate. It sucked me right in. I love the characters, I love the story.
Confession time: I had the same thoughts about demons and vampires and werewolves. Recently, I picked up J.R. Ward’s first Brotherhood of the Dagger books which had been on my shelf for a while. I remember I bought it because someone said she was great. Despite that I resisted reading it because ewww, who wants to read about blood sucking vampires? WRONG! Well, I read it. Oh. My. God. I’m totally hooked. I am such a blubbering fan now that I went over and joined her member/forum group on her web site. I’ve NEVER done that for any author.
And now thanks for my daily swing through the Jungle I’ve found a new author who I will praise to the skys when people ask and even when they don’t.
Thanks for the blog today. I get the warm fuzzies when I discover a new author. Maybe one day someone will discover me the same way.
Have a wonderful day all,
Cher
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See, the excerpt was amazing. And her writing is fantastic, too!
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“skies” that is.
Cher
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I’m big on reading the excerpts, they often sway me one way or the other. I have picked up books that I would normally over look, but have been snagged by an intresting tease, but then I have been sucked in by a good book cover as well…
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I had the exact same experience reaction to an excerpt. It was Slay Me by Katie MacAlister. I haven’t been a fan so far of paranormals – but read an excerpt of Slay Me on Amazon.com and had to buy it. I loved it and am now looking for more by her and in that vein to read.
With such a glowing recommendation on this series, I think it will be my next.
Thanks!
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You’ll be hooked, Cindy, I promise!!!
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I love excerpts! I’ve found many new authors and books that way.
I have one or two of Larissa’s Demonica series in my TBR stack. Based on your experience reading them, I’ll be moving them up to the top of my stack.
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Even though paranormals are not a favorite I am curious about Larissa’s books. Next time I am at Border’s I’ll look up her books. Despite not caring for paranormals I’ve read several that I enjoyed. Julie’s Phantom series was wonderful. Nora has had paranormal elements in books over the years & I love just about anything she writes. That said I’m not a lover of J.D. Robb. It is always fun to discover a new to me author, excerpts do help me decide if I want to try a book.
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Donna — Go to Larissa’s website and read her excerpts. That should give you a good idea whether it’s something that interests you, or not.
all I have to say is that I NEVER thought I’d read a book about demons, but I’m so glad I finally read Larissa’s books!
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Oh Janelle I HaTe it when you do this! Okay so I also LoVe it when you do this!
I currently read every author you have recommended. That’s right!
You do seem to be able to separate the cream from the crop. I would never had
read Linda Lael Miller if it weren’t for you, I read them all. Hugs!
Off to buy me a demon Series by Larissa Ione.
daffodills. The ducks, geese and swan are back on the pond too.
Spring at last!
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Let me know what you think, Jeannie!
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I love reading excerpts. I think it is a great way to experience writers that you might otherwise look over.
I’m off to amazon!
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Get prepared to be thoroughly entertained!
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I usually don’t read excerpts—-have never purchased a book because of an excerpt.
I have read this series and I loved it!
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Excerpts are the ONLY thing that will get me to try a new author. If I go to their web-site (if they have one) & there are no excerpts, I don’t buy. I like to read what the author’s voice is like, whether it’s written in first or third person. I don’t mind first person but not for romances. I like the hero’s POV as well.
The down side: All my books are keepers because I’ve done my research (so I tell my family lol). I spend way too much on books to buy the wrong one.
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Oh so naughty Janelle.
Stephanie Tyler and Sydney Craft
and Larissa Ione are 3 new authors in 1
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Oops make that Sydney Croft
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I’m subscribedto Access romance, also. Reading excerpts by new to me authors, definitely influences me to buy a new author..
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I have bought books because of excerpts before and loved them and I’ve also bought them because of excerpts and couldn’t get into them before. I’ve read a lot about this series mainly the last one which I ended up buying then I realized that I needed to buy the other three before I read this one. I haven’t got around to getting the others yet but I will.
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I also get Access Romance and others. Yes I definitely read them & if it peaks my interest, I’ll read the rest of it. I’ve found many different authors that way & expanded my interests. When I get tired of reading too much of a genre, I look for something else.
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Definitely. In fact, it’s the only way I find new authors!