I saw on a loop somewhere that a clever author came up with a generic book cover that readers could print off her website, then fold it to fit over their paperbacks so they wouldn’t be embarrassed to be “caught” reading a romance.

I can’t believe I didn’t book mark the site so I could show you!  I think it is clever of the author. She was being sensitive to some of her reader’s concerns without judging.  I’m good with that!

But that sparked a discussion about whether or not readers are embarrassed by racy or suggestive romance covers. We KNOW sexy covers sell the books, so this is really an interesting dynamic. People buy them because of the cover but don’t want to be caught reading them.  Interesting psychology there!

Some people were convinced that people will switch to electronic readers to avoid embarrassment. Hmm, maybe for erotic? I don’t know,  I think a select few might but most people have stronger reasons for choosing electronic readers.

For me, most of the time I really don’t care.  On an airplane, I take whatever book I’m reading or appeals to me.

What about you all? Are there instances where you get embarrassed if you’re “caught” reading a romance?

The last two books I read were ENEMY LOVER by Karin Harlow–I really liked that book! It came across as fresh and Karin’s voice is unique.  I think it might be more Urban Fantasy than Paranormal–if any of you have read it, what do you think? I’m looking forward to future books from her to see what she does with the world-building.  I loved the way the book opened with the heroine as a disgraced cop going to prison for murder…and then her world is dramatically shifted.

The second book is Maureen Child’s CLAIMING HER BILLION DOLLAR BIRTHRIGHT. It was utterly perfect for my stressed and tired mood! Just want I needed to unwind!

Now I have to go through my stack to choose what to read next.  I’m kind of in the mood for a really erotic read and I don’t see that in my stack But I’m sure I’ll find something else equally engrossing!

I am determined to carve out more reading time! It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to find the time.

What about you all? What are you reading? And how do you pick your next book from your pile?

And lastly, I want you all to know that I valiantly refrained from another endless rant about my frustration with McAfee and what they laughing calling their Customer Service/Tech Support. I deserve and appletini for that!

This week I won’t be blogging much or at all.  If I can get online, I may check in, but that’s really iffy.

So tomorrow, if all goes well I’ll be boarding the plane for Orlando, and the Romance Writers of America Conference. (I hope–we’ve had some ill family members, but I’m thinking positive!)

And I really like this plane in the picture! I’d fly him!

For any of you looking for me in Orlando, I will be at the RWA Literacy signing on Wednesday night. I think that’s from 5:30 to 7:30.   And I’ll be at the Ballantine signing Saturday morning morning 9 to 10:30.

Please stop by and say hello!!

This weekend was mostly prep work, hanging out with Wizard, casting a few spells to aide family members in getting and staying well. Oh and I bought new shoes that will cripple me (more than I already am!) to wear at conference.  Wizard said, “Why????”  Then I put them on, and he liked them, LOL. Still–will they be worth the pain and blisters?

Oh and I read Kate Carlisle’s THE MILLIONAIRE MEETS HIS MATCH and loved it! Next up is Maureen Child’s CLAIMING HER BILLION-DOLLAR BIRTHRIGHT. On the plane, I think I’m going to read Nalini Singh’s BONDS OF JUSTICE.

So how was your weekend?

Man it is hot here! The summer heat has finally hit Southern California! And yesterday, I went all over looking for the last bit of clothes I need for conference and FAILED.

I do not take failure well. I should have stayed home, swam and read!

Oh and speaking of reading, I read an AWESOME book over the weekend.  This book won’t be released until February 2011, but it is going to be HUGE. I was blown away. And of course, it’s about witches! The book is:

VISIONS OF MAGIC: An Awakening Novel by Regan Hastings.

This book has it all: romance, adventure, witches, magic and immortal hunks.  It’s the whole package. I’ll be telling you more about this book as we get closer to the release date. And I’m sure we can get Regina to blog here with us.

As you guys know, I’ve been working on having this website expanded (all done, yay!) and I’ve been clearing other stuff off my desk. Soon I’ll start on a new Wing Slayer Hunter Synopsis for my agent and publisher to see if there will be any more books. I know a lot of this next story, but one main thread is eluding me.  For once, I’m not worried about it…probably because the upcoming RWA conference is distracting me.

Your turn now–how was your weekend? And are any of you going to the RWA Conference?

I’m moody. I hate being moody! So I’m heading off to the gym (I think) to shake it off.

So my weekend–Wizard came home early on Friday, we went to the movies and saw GROWNUPS. Wizard’s choice He laughed and I laughed at him so a good time was had by all.

Saturday I met a couple author-friends at Starbucks then we went to the bookstore, which of course is the perfect start to any Saturday! Then we went to our local RWA chapter meeting.

After that–work.  It seems  I’m not getting much time to read, which is frustrating, but I have bought some books!

BRANDED AS TROUBLE my Lorelei James.  I did read this one and wowzer–it’s hot! (It’s an erotic book published by Samhain)

VAMPIRE MISTRESS by Joey W. Hill.  I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author so I’m looking forward to it.

THE MILLIONAIRE MEETS HIS MATCH by Kate Carlisle. This is Kate’s first Desire book, you might know her as the author of the mysteries HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVERS and IF BOOKS COULD KILL. I can’t wait to read THE MILLIONAIRE MEETS HIS MATCH.

CLAIMING HER BILLION-DOLLAR BIRTHWRIGHT by Maureen Child.  I love all Maureen’s books, but she has a new series coming out next year that I am over-the-moon excited about! I will be telling you more!

and finally, I bought:

COLBY CONTROL by Debra Webb. Deb is on my MurderSheWrites blog, and I’m so excited to read this book! This is her Harlequin Intrigue about her wildly popular Colby Agency series that I have heard so much about. All these books are basically stand alone but have reoccurring characters, so I’m starting with her latest COLBY CONTROL.

Okay that’s it for me. How was your weekend and what books have you bought lately?

I’ve been reading more lately, well until I got a new prescriptions for my contacts last Friday. Since then I’ve had a headache and felt a bit off. Think I’m going to have to call my eye doctor on that today.

Anyway, I’ve read THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL by Samantha James.  I liked it, although I would like to have seen the heroine tested just a bit more.

FANGED AND FABULOUS by Michelle Rowen. This was a fun book, easy to pick up and put down as I had time.

CHASING PERFECT by Susan Mallery. I read that straight through and enjoyed it!

LION’S HEAT by Lora Leigh.  I found this book intense. Just…intense. I liked it but, umm, intense.

Okay–you’re turn! What are you all reading?

I’ve already mentioned that I’ve been in a reading slump.  It happens every so often. I just finished an older book THE ANGEL MAKER by Ridley Pearson.  I liked the premise of harvesting human organs for money.  The plot was pretty good, but the characterization didn’t always work for me.  I finished the book, so I guess that says something.

I’ve read about 80 pages of ABANDON THE NIGHT  by Joss Ware. I”ve seen her name a lot so I wanted to check her out. I can’t decide! I realize I’m starting in the middle of the series (not uncommon for me), but it’s kind of hard to get into. So we’ll see.

Want to know what book I’m really excited about? It’s one that I just ordered. You may have heard of it, FAERIE FATE by Silver James.  I read an early version of this book, and I can’t wait to read the polished version! From my reading, I could immediately see that Silver has a true “storyteller” voice that draws you in deeper with each page until you just can’t stop thinking about the book.  I ordered my book from Amazon yesterday, and it’s also  available at Wild Rose Press.

So here’s my TWO questions:

1) What are you reading?

2) Should we persuade Silver to guest blog for us so we can find out more about FAERIE FATE? (nothing like a little public pressure on a debut author!)