Something to Look Forward To
My last cover (SECRET SANTA) was all about props. A red shoe. A santa hat. The cover art left a lot to the imagination. My next release, a novella in the “BAD BOYS WITH RED ROSES” Anthology is pure HUNK! The cover isn’t posted anywhere yet, so I thought I’d give you all a sneak peek of this drool-worthy cover. The bad news is . . . you have to wait until May to read the book. 
So now, my question to you all is, do you enjoy reading anthologies (books that feature 3 stories in 1 volume), or do you prefer longer, full-length stories? Have you discovered new authors you now enjoy by reading an anthology? And when you buy anthologies, do you do so depending on the author names on the cover, or because the title or cover art grabbed your attention? My inquiring mind wants to know! 
Mostly I prefer longer stories, but I love reading anthologies because they introduce me to new authors and also sometimes tell the story of secondary characters that don’t require a full-length book (although we love those full-length books!)
I especially adore the Brava bad boys - you have a winner here Janelle!
Comment by Stacy ~ — January 4, 2007 @ 7:58 am
I love to read both types of books as sometimes anthologies introduce me to new authors plus when reading I don’t always have the time for a full length novel and wish to read the entire story at one time instead of waiting to find out the ending when I find more time to read. When I do have relaxation time I definitely love my full length novels. When looking for books I have my ‘always read’ authors and I enjoy looking for more books by both covers and authors as I enjoy spending time in book stores looking around for future reads.
Comment by Shari C — January 4, 2007 @ 8:13 am
I like anthologies because I get to find new authors. I bought a book called Bite a few years ago because it had a Laurell K. Hamilton story in it. Since then I’ve read all of Charlaine Harris’ books, bought one of Angela Knight’s books (last night), and am about to buy one of Rebecca York’s. I hardly ever buy an anthology without knowing (and loving!) at least one of the authors. I discovered Shirley Jump this way too.
Comment by Jen — January 4, 2007 @ 8:58 am
Wow! That cover is hot!! I have never thought of being a photographer before but I’m beginning to see their could be perks!
Let’s see….longer, full length stories, yes, author names.
I will read a Plotmonkey anthology because, well…it’s a Plotmonkey. And because of that, I have found other authors that I now enjoy. But for the most part, I prefer the longer, full-length stories because I love to get totally lost in their world. And in a short story, about the time I get lost, it’s time to come home!
I have picked up books based on the cover, which is how I found Janelle to begin with, but with anthologies I will only buy because of the authors. Have a great day everyone!
Comment by Jodie — January 4, 2007 @ 9:28 am
I like both longer stories and anthologies, but love that I find new authors through anthologies. I usually only buy anthologies if an least one of the authors is one of my must reads. I just love to go into book stores and look around. I always look for my must read authors first and then explore covers and backs of books for other selections.
Comment by Liza — January 4, 2007 @ 9:29 am
I do a little bit of everything.
I pick up anthologies when they do have authors I enjoy, but I will also pick them up if there is something of interest in them even if I don’t know the authors. I have found many new authors this way and if I don’t like them, I haven’t spent money on a bunch of new authors I wouldn’t read again. (one anthology instead of 3 or 4 books).
I may be attracted to a book first by its cover (for someone I have never read before) but when it comes to authors I do read, I don’t care if the cover is a plain brown wrapper. The Hot, sexy, yummy covers are nice to have and look at (but on my shelf, no one sees that part), but it is what is between them that matters.
Comment by ev — January 4, 2007 @ 9:51 am
I love anthologies for when I don’t have a lot of time. I think they’re great for reading by the pool or on the beach where you get distracted. And I love finding a great new author!
Comment by Kristen Painter — January 4, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Beautiful cover.
I have to admit, I’m a long story gal, I think I’ve only ever bought one or two anthologies. Just habit. The ones I bought were Blaze, since I was curious how they go about it. I enjoyed them, they were fun, but I don’t buy them often. Covers definitely attract my attention — weirdly, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a book just because of the cover, but I have NOT bought books because of the cover. Sometimes that’s a bad decision — for instance, I love the Sookie Stackhouse books, but I hated their covers — I remember when my MIL handed me one, I rolled my eyes (sorry Charlaine!), and then discovered what a treat lay inside.
I definitely gravitate to authors I know, then will decide via blurb — even with an author I know, if the story doesn’t grab me I might not buy.
Titles, actually, are a big draw for me. I will pick up a book if I think it has a wonderful title, regardless of the writer…
Sam
Comment by Sam Hunter — January 4, 2007 @ 10:28 am
What attracts me to an anthology is a favorite author or authors. If there are also one or two authors whose works I have not read also in the book that is just icing on the cake since it means i get to try someone new as well.
Comment by Cherie Japp — January 4, 2007 @ 10:39 am
I love anthologies (and longer ones). What can I say. It’s fun to be introduced to new authors and have longer stories by favorite authors. My favorite anthology series was the three part book series that then made up a picture. WHEW. Janelle, about that cover…..all I can say is WHEW! It’s up there with the “Surf’s Up’ cover that I kept staring at when it was on the right hand side. Who cares what’s in between (I am so just kidding). Hot covers are the best. Leslie’s new book looks pretty hot, too, though. Don’t ask me why.
Comment by katie — January 4, 2007 @ 10:58 am
I have just recently been turned on to novellas - maybe because I’m seeing more and more of them in the bookstores! I prefer novel-length stories because you can get more attached to the characters. But I have found several new authors through the novellas that I’ve purchased (based primarily on the lead author’s name that I recognized).
HOWEVER… I bought a novella last week titled “Cowboys” or something like that. Who knows what it says on it?! The man on the cover is nothing short of spectacular!!!
I bought that book BECAUSE of the cover - don’t have a clue who the authors are, but I hope to find some new ones by reading it.
Comment by Lara — January 4, 2007 @ 11:07 am
I must admit I’m not crazy about anthologies, I feel like the stories leave out alot of the detail that you get in a novel. I much prefer a long, steamy, novel that doesn’t skimp on all the lucious details
As for authors, I have my favorites (plotmonkeys) but I also enjoy searching Amazon.com to discover new authors as well.
And honestly I don’t usually let the cover sway my buying decision, although in this case I might have to make an exception.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — January 4, 2007 @ 11:37 am
I have discovered numerous new authors from anthos. I love a antho while lying by the pool or on the beach. I like that I can read the whole story in a matter of a few hours. But I prefer a full length story. I have no problem reading the story of a secondary character in an antho. I am a visual shopper as well as an author shopper. I always look for books by my favorites, but a great cover like your new one will grab my attention, and a good description of the story will seal the deal.
Comment by Patty L. — January 4, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
i do prefer longer stories, but can antho sometimes. it can depend on the authors.
Comment by kim H — January 4, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
I also like it when one of my fav authors write a story in an anthology that uses a secondary character from their story lines. It ties it up nicely and answers questions that they may not be able to do in the full length books. :thumbsup2:
I tend to keep them in my car for those times when I have to wait for daughter to get out of class or find I actually have a few minutes to stop for lunch somewhere spur of the moment and, horrors, walked out without a book in hand.:wallbash:
Comment by ev — January 4, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
My Goodness! get the ice water. What an awesome cover.:love2:
I know when I was younger I enjoyed a longer book, but as it is I passed forty a few years ago I like the shorter books a bit better.
Here are my reasons.:doggie:
Time…I never know how my time I am going to have for reading. The smaller books are great for shoving in my purse to read while I’m waiting for one of the kids.
Eyesight… I hate to admit it but my eyes tire faster just in the past year or two. I still don’t need reading glasses even after my last visit with the optician.
I also don’t have the patiencem an more to sit through a long book (I have other things to do with taking care of the family). I’m thinking over 350 pages unless it is a good story.
Anthology’s who ever invented them needs a gold star. It is like getting a sample pack. Usually a tried and true author and a couple of newer authors to try out.
Usually the Title of the Anthology is what grabs my attention.Next it would be the lead authors name on the book.:doggie:
Comment by Gigi — January 4, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
I am a huge Lori Foster fan. I discovered you after reading a couple of the bad boy books that you shared w/ her. I can’t wait for your new book!!
Comment by Darcey — January 4, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
Great cover–yummy!
Usually I buy anthologies because of one or more author, sometimes it is the subject matter that grabs me, such as Christmas or Valentine’s. It is nice to be introduced to new authors this way. Most of the time I prefer the longer books but anthologies are good at times when traveling or when you know reading time is going to be limited. Sometimes the cover is what attracts me to a book if it is not the author but I don’t buy it unless it sounds like my kind of story.
Comment by Donna M — January 4, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
That cover is HOT
I like to read anthology. I just finished reading a book called “Sizzling” by Susan Mallery
which is an anthology
Debbie Macomber also has a great antholgy called Cedar Cove
Comment by Cherylann — January 4, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
I wouldn’t miss a chance to read anything you write!
And as for the wait:
:love2:BAD BOYS WITH ROSES :love2:
Will sure make a nice May
Comment by jeannie — January 4, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
Yes I only buy an anthology with a favorite author in it but it has also introduced me to a few I may never have tried had I not read it for the one I knew. I have to date read every Bad Boys Book. I prefer a whole book by my favorites but some anthologies are fun especially when you don’t have time to read for long periods of time.Hugs off to work.
Comment by jeannie — January 4, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
I love any kind of book…anthologies are great though and give me a taste of different authors. They sometimes introduce me to new-to-me authors who end up becoming auto-buys.
I buy anthologies because of the stories…if the stories sound interesting, then I will buy it.
I love this cover, but I must confess my first thought when I saw it was, “Where are his roses?”
Comment by Jennifer Y. — January 4, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
For some reason my whole post didn’t show up…hmmm.
Oh and that closest I could find to a rose icon
I am kind of glad they are going with steamier covers though rather than some of the cartoonish ones some of the other Bad Boys books have. However, I don’t buy based on cover.
Comment by Jennifer Y. — January 4, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Great cover!
I read both types of books. I really enjoy meeting new authors this way. I buy books based on three things 1) cover–art and back page, 2) author / series (liek blaze) 3) recommendation.
I can spend hours looking for just the “right” book to read for the mood I am in at the time I am shopping.
Thanks for the eye candy.
Have a great day!
Comment by Debbie — January 4, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
I WILL READ AN ANTHOLOGY IF I LIKE AN AUTHOR, BUT I PREFER THE LONGER BOOKS…
Comment by Kim W — January 4, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
I prefer longer stories, but I do read anthologies. I have discovered new authors by reading anthologies. I usually pick an anthology that has an author I am familiar with on the cover.
Comment by Estella — January 4, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Some of them I like, others I don’t. But I do find that when I read an author I haven’t before, I will continue to read them if I like them.
Comment by Jessica M. — January 4, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Honestly, I can’t stand anthologies.
It’s just too little, although the story is resolved by the end of the book you still can’t help it to want more and that’s what sometimes lacks in an antho.
But I did put it aside and actually bought my first antho Bad Boys To Go just for Chayse & Adrian’s story.
Now I’m anxiously awaiting Born To Be Wilde, so I will be complete!
I just love Joel
Comment by Qua — January 4, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
:thumbsup2:nthologies are new to me this year. I’ve won several in the past few months and now have “new” authors on my TBB and TBR lists! Of course I still love a good long book that I can really get involved in.
Comment by Karen B — January 4, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
I prefer longer books over anthologies. I’ll read an anthology, but only if there is at least one of my favorite authors in it.
Comment by Shari — January 4, 2007 @ 6:27 pm
I do prefer the longer books but do enjoy reading the anthologies. And yes I have discovered new authors this way.
Love the cover and you are such a tease. May, Huh?
Comment by Pat L. — January 4, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
I usually buy anthologys because of one favorite author I reads name is on the cover. I then am happy to find a new author who I enjoy. So yes I do enjoy anthologies but prefer the longer versions.
Comment by Teresa Warner — January 4, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
I usually read longer stories, but I like anthologies because sometimes I get a taste of an author that I may not have read before. I usually buy anthologies on the strength of an author that I enjoy reading and if it includes an author I am not familiar with then that is good as well.
I love the cover of this new one that is coming out, it is one that would make you stop and take a second look, even if you didn’t know the authors……… :thumbsup2:
Comment by Cryna — January 4, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Some women have “habits”….a shoe habit, purse habit or jewelry habit. They buy these items and attempt to hide their purchases and credit card statements from their spouses. I have a book habit. Seriously. My favorites range from the Monkeys, Lori Foster, Tami Hoag to Dean Koontz and Michael Palmer. I like ‘em all! Nora Roberts has a few that I’ve absolutely loved….the Chesapeake Bay anthology being my favorite.
I’ll buy books first depending on the author. Then I’ll glance at covers. If nothing is appealing that day, I go home and grab a well-worn book and read it again. Too Wilde To Tame has been read several times!
Comment by ~ Leslie in GA ~ — January 4, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
Thanks everyone for your comments! I enjoyed reading everyone’s take on anthologies. I enjoy reading them because they are “quick reads” when I really don’t have a whole lot of reading time (which I miss
).
Qua — Joel will be out in September 2007. I hope you find he’s worth the wait! His cover is very hot and sexy!
Darcey — it’s cool to know that you discovered me through an anthology. In the beginning of my career I wrote quite a few of them to reach a broader audience, and then used the anthologies as a “cross-over” with my Wilde series.
Katie — I thought it was pretty clever of Harlequin to do the three separate covers that then made ONE sexy picture when all the books were side by side. Those were some great covers! :thumbsup2:
Comment by Janelle — January 4, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
YOU WITCH! How could you tease us like this and then say,”Nanny-nanny-boo-boo, you don’t get it until May?”. Pffft! Love the cover. Guaranteed, I’ll buy it when it comes out. Maybe I’ll even pre-order it and be surprised when I get it in the mail because I forgot that I preorderd it a long time ago. By the way, I LOVE antholgies. Particularly the “Bad Boys..” ones.
Comment by Celise — January 4, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
WOW–Great Cover!! Can’t wait to read the book. I :love2: anthologies. It truly is a great way to discover authors I might enjoy. I do go by covers though– Have you seen “The Cowboy” Anthology? That cover is YUMMY!!!
If I like an author, I am going to buy them regardless of cover. But eye candy sure does help. 
Comment by Renee — January 5, 2007 @ 12:45 am
I prefer the longer stories, & always buy by author. I’ve never bought a book as a result of its cover, nor have I discovered another writer from a story in an anthology. Most of the times I don’t even read the other stories. However, um sorry…, but, I don’t buy very many TPs, as I always feel they are a rip-off with their price.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — January 5, 2007 @ 1:48 am
I love the cover!
I read both.
If I know I’m going to have a busy week (like this past one) I’ll grab an anthology because they are quicker reads. A big plus for me in reading anthologies is discovering new authors and yes many of them have become favorites of mine. When I buy them I have read something by at least one of the authors before.
Comment by Susan — January 5, 2007 @ 11:54 am