And it’s 
all my fault. I loved, absolutely loved writing about those dark-haired, dark-eyed Texas cowboys, the Garahan brothers. But I have to say so long to Pleasure, Texas for the moment because I’ll be spending the next few books in Apple Grove, Ohio writing about small town life and love. The first book in the series A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE releases on November 6th.
Funny thing though, in Jesse’s story (bk 3 in my hot cowboy series for Sourcebooks) two of their NYC firefighting cousins and two of their Colorado lawmen cousins show up to lend a hand…and funnier still is the fact that one of the NYC Garahan firefighting cousins shows up in Apple Grove, Ohio. Who knew? Apparently Patrick Garahan did. He wanted me to pay attention because in his book (book 3 of my small town series for Sourcebooks) he finally gets to have his story told, but not without his Texas cousins. That’s right, Tyler, Dylan and Jesse–and their families–will be making the trip to Apple Grove for Patrick and Grace’s wedding…but there’s a whole lot more storytelling before we get to that point. Did I mention that Patrick Garahan has brothers…they’re auburn-haired, amber-eyed, broad-shouldered men who have dedicated their lives to their jobs…but like I said…there are two other books that come first.
So although I’m leaving Pleasure, Texas for the next few books, those Garahans have weedled their way into my heart and my books. I have to find my notes because I can’t remember how many Garahan brothers there are in NYC! LOL! Yes, this is my brain on deadline. I’ve just turned in the edits for the 2nd book in my small town series ONE DAY IN APPLE GROVE and am writing Patrick Garahan’s story: WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE.
Soooo, as a way of saying so long–and not goodbye–I’m giving away a signed copy of JESSE to one lucky reader who answers the question: Do you read across genres or stick to one genre only, and if you do, why? I’m going to let random.org select one winner so be sure to leave your name and email address so I can get in touch with you.
Happy Reading!!
cowgirlbeth
Delilah Devlin
desiree01holt
empetrova
Gem
jenniferjakes
Lissa Matthews
maricarr
marietuhart
Myla Jackson
Randi Alexander
Rebecca Zanetti
sablehunter
sandys37
SaydeGrace
Sophie Oak
staceyespino
Usually, I read what ever grabs my attention! There are some that I shy away from, as the setting has never appealed. I am probably missing out on some great books, tho. I should broaden my horizons.
Stacy Wilson
Dang…sorry!! Forgot my email!!
dragn_lady at yahoo dot com
Hi Stacy – thanks for sharing that you do shy away from some settings that don’t appeal I totally understand and think that because I’ve always wanted to follow my roots back to Ireland, that I’m in love with the British Isles and love reading stories set there…other places in Europe…not so much. Thanks for including your email!
I read across genres. it depends on my mood, books recommended to me by friends, and books being promoted by authors. I feel that it is good to give all genres a go, if you do not like them stop reading them and stick to what you like best. annpa@gmail.com
Hi Ann, another interesting point, that you read depending on mood and books recommended. I go through phases where I read historicals, then switch to contemporary, paranormals, etc…all depending on the all important…mood
When I read, if something in the story, whether it be a character’s actions or plot arc, or really any aspect of the story, jolts me out of the “dream of the story” then I put the book down…sometimes I try again another day…sometimes I never do. I read to escape, I read to relax, I read for the all important HEA
I read across genres. I just love reading a variety and am always finding new authors and new genres from recommendations by authors and friends…and I, in turn, have lured friends and family to new authors and genres as well. There are so many facets to everyone so it’s just a matter of finding the flavors people like!
ivegotmail8889@yahoo.com
Hi PC, this is great and a way to share the love. I’m a firm believer that word of mouth recommendations from friends and family are usually the most tempting reasons to branch out and try something new. These are people who know you and know what you’d like. Romance is such a big umbrella with so many fascinating genres and sub-genres that there is something for everyone…like all those flavors of ice cream that Howard Johnson’s used to advertise to tempt people to stop and sample some.
I’m the same, I read across genres, though I do tend to stay in the romance, reading paranormal, contemporaries, historicals, etc…and I’ve been known to squeeze in a Stephen King here and there too
Hi Eva P. interesting choice
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story guaranteed to scare the you-know-what out of me. I used to read bestsellers mixing it up with the romances, but life has had a bunch of really great highs and really devastating lows over the years, so I’ve been sticking with Romance. It would have to be something really amazing, or someone that I know that has written something life-changing that would tempt me to pick it up. Right now I have two books in my TBR pile in genres I’ve never read before: ISABEL THE INVISIBLE, a middle grade book, by Christine Bush and OMID’S SHADOW, a story of 3 generations of Revolutionary Iranian women, by Hichkass Hamekass.
I never say Never. I read across genres if only to give them all a chance. If I don’t like them or can’t get into them I just stick with what I do love most. I favor Westerns, Scottish Highlanders (my favs),regency romance, historical fiction etc.But I have to read about these Garahan brothers. Thanks for the chance.
Carol L
Hi Carol L – like the last James Bond movie Sean Connery made…Never say Never. I love it! I’m a fan of the same genres
BTW, you didn’t leave your email address…I need it to put your name in the random.org drawing.
I do read across genres. Their are so many amazing stories to be found by mixing it up a little.
Mary Preston
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hey Mary Preston – another great response…and there are so many amazing stories out there…and isn’t that the best thing about Romance?
I read all genres. If I read the cover and I think it will to able to transport me away from my crazy/boring/hectic life then I will pick it up to read paranorma romance, paranormal, romance, historical romance. After a car accident 2007 which that took away many things I used to do because i had a choice do to the fact if the injury in my neck becomes worse i could be paralyzed or need to deal with my pain in that area because it is no dangerous. I will also read YA books. I also enjoy series books because then the story does on and even if the book has two different lead characters there will be some mention of previous main charartcters. I also like books with cowboys, alpha men, and strong women. The Secret Life of Cowboys seem like a book that will definitely be added to my home library of about 1000 or paper books and ebooks.
Jenny
Jennywen20@aol.com
Hi Jenny I’m so sorry to hear about your neck injury and accident, but know that losing yourself in another time or world, with characters that you will care about while they search for their HEA, righting wrongs, or simply the journey of self-discovery has had the power to sweep me away while I’m reading. I’m so glad it does for you too. Reading is definitely a precious gift that we give to our children – they can experience so much through the power of the written word. Hmmm…I’ve never counted how many books I have, but know that I’ve had to go through my bookshelves over the years to give away books to make room for more
I do read across genres…only because i go through phases where i read a while bunch of paranormal, then get on a highlander kick, then cowboys, then contemporary. Whatever catches my fancy at the time.
andieleah78@gmail.com
Hi Andieleah – exactly! I admit I do that with food too…I’m a carboholic
That’s the best part about having lots of bookshelves, I have my books organized by author and can go right to the genre I want to read…I do re-read favorites. They’re like old friends. 
I read aross many genres. At the moment I read a good deal of crime, including procedurals and cosies, some fantasy, YA and NA, SF, urban fiction, western romance, Amish romance, modern romance, historical romance, historical crime, modern fiction and occasional literature.
I have read that an author who wishes to write in different genres may have to write for different publishers, a one who only turns out romance will not publish a crime book or SF book etc. That could make it very difficult to carry characters over between genres.
Good luck with your books because it sounds as though you have a great cast of characters running around in your head and you can’t bear to let them go!
Hi Clare – wow, you really do have a wide range of genres:) When we used to go visit my one grandmother in Florida, she always had a supply of paperbacks that my great-uncle left behind a bunch of Mike Hammer, PI stories written by Mickey Spillane.
It can be difficult for an author to write different genres for one publisher, because publishers are trying to promote their author’s brand. It is why some of my favorites who used to write historicals now write romantic suspense, and why some of them do write under more than one pseudonym. Thanks for the well wishes.
I usually aim to read one genre at a time, western hisorical romance at the moment with some contempory western too as a side dish (4 books approx a week). however if I enjoy a particular authors writing I will look at all their works across genres and usually read them. Then again sometime there is the total random purchase completely out of the usual pattern/gentre because a story/cover has caught my eye.
Hi Rosheen very interesting… I am a fan of Louis L’Amour, too:) I read at night to relax and when I’m not on deadline with read about 4 or 5 books a week…kindred spirits!
When we had a bookstore closeby (less than an hour away) I used to pick up books because of their covers, then would read the back cover copy, then if it hooked me, I’d read the first page…and never, never turn to the last page…and would buy the book:)
I am a mood reader. So I read everything and anything depending on my mood.
I read across genres.
I one of those who loves to read,
And i will try anything once. lol <3
So if a book has a good description or is by a Author ,I love, <3
than I'm all for it.. lol
Teresa, dragonwolfe42@hotmail.com
Hi Teresa…this is great…so many of you today have said that you do read across genres. I may have to write an article about that at some point…the fact that Romance readers have such open minds and are willing to read across genres.
I’m like you, I’ll try anything once…reading-wise…jumping out of planes (like a friend of mine has done) not to much 
I pretty much read all genres. I switch genres every other book in order to keep it fresh. I rarely read one series all the way through because it becomes too much. Lucky for me there are plenty in my TBR pile to choose from and i never encounter that problem. So glad to her that there will be a cross over between the two series. woo hoo!!
Hi Eileen – very interesting that you don’t read one series all the way through…when I was at RT last year a reader picked up a copy of Dylan (bk 2) and asked how many other books would be in the series because she was going to wait until all of the books were released and then buy them all at the same time. That was a first for me and a cool idea. My friend was raving about Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series but told me that I wouldn’t get it if I started with book 3, so I went back and got the first two and read them and have been reading them ever since. She was right:) My editor seemed to like the idea, so fingers crossed readers will too:)
I read it all
I think it’s better to have a open mind. Also if you like it and enjoy reading it, why not right:) Thank you for the giveway! I enjoyed the post:)
Hi LorettaLynn – an open mind is like an open book…so many wonderful things are possible! I’m glad you enjoyed the post…if you want to enter the giveaway, remember you need to leave your email address.
I do read across the board. ..I’ve read menage, regency, contemporary, BDSM, futuristic, space/alien, shape shifting, and I’m sure there are a few others i’ve simply forgotten. I usually follow recommendations from others and then read snippets and if it catches my interest I read it.
Hi Linda H. – now that’s quite an interesting range of choices. And isn’t that the point, that in Romance there are so many wonderful choices of genres and sub-genres? Where else can you find that? And IMHO…this is why reading is such a gift.
I read some of everything, I go in fits and starts of one genre or another but I have never just stuck to one for long. Carin
mawmom at gmail dot com
Hi Carin W. – there have been some really interesting answers today – moving on from one genre to another to keep sounds a good idea too:)
I read just about anything I can get my hands (or ereader) on! I will try anything once maybe twice. If it’s an awesome story and great writing, I’ll read it. Thanks for offering your book!
Another voracious reader…love it! And the bottom line is a story that you get lost in, isn’t it? BTW,if you’d like to enter your name, you need to leave your email address.:)
I read just about everything and normally like it all. A lot of times, I pick up a book based on the cover alone and have hit the jackpot many times. As long as the story and characters are well written, it’s all good.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Hi Joanne B – hmmm…I’ve never picked up a book just because of the cover, but very cool that you’ve loved some of the ones you’ve picked up. I agree that the characters have to be people I can really care about.
I LOVE reading all generes of books….sometimes a good story line just can’t stick with one!…LOL… I go from read the murder and mayhem of James Patterson, the strange and messed up mind of Stephen King to the humor and qurikiness of Vicki Lewis Thopmson and pretty much everything in between! …LOL… My books are the spices of life they allow me to escape to anywhere I wish to be without ever leaving home!…LOL….I really am glad I found your post today and I plan to visit be paying a visit to both Pleasure, TX and Apple Grove, OH very soon! My email is fclark00@yahoo.com
Hi Frances – LOL…loved the diversity of your authors…they are really across the board. I totally agree about VLT being really quirky– loved her Nerd series.
How awesome that your books are the spices of life! Great quote. Let me know what you think once you visit Pleasure, TX or Apple Grove, OH 
I read what interests me. I do stay away from certain genres. I have to desire to read some of them, on that note, I might be reading two or three books at one time. As I have two Kindles, I might be reading different books on both and I might have a paperback going at the same time. I also like to read series in order and If I start a book and find out it is a series, ususally I’ll stop and go and order the first how ever many books are in the series and start at book 1. I’m funny like that.
tiss81@hotmail.com
Tiss
Wow…that’s amazing…since I read to unwind, I don’t know if my mind could follow reading two different stories at the same time. I have read some series out of order, but then have gone back and re-read the series in the right order ..so I don’t think your funny
During the Roundtable Discussions (aka Author Speed-Dating) at Lora Leigh’s RAW in Pittsburgh we had some great discussions with readers about reading books in order. 
I too read across genre, it just goes in fits and starts over which genre I prefer at the time! LOL! I prefer books that have an HEA but if the story is good I’ll read just about anything. I grew up reading Harlequin romances because both grandmothers, my aunts and mom all read them so it was just natural to pick one up and start reading them. I do love a good thriller/horror sometimes and Dean Koontz is my go to author for those. Several of his books have a version of an HEA but it’s not the focus of the story. I work with middle school kids so I try and keep up with some of the book’s that interest them.
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
HI Suzlyne – I’m sticking with Romance because of the HEA.
I grew up reading Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames – Camp Nurse, the Bobbsy Twins, etc. then I discovered Romance when I borrowed LOST ISLAND by Phyllis A. Whitney at our library’s bookmobile when I was 12. For the longest time, you couldn’t tear me away from Gothic Romances 
I guess because the one time I did go with a recommendation from a friend to read THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY and sobbed at the end. That was the last time I read a book without knowing what the genre was. While it was a good cry, I read to be uplifted and taken away from the troubles/everyday life things…I really needed a read that would be the equivalent of Leslie Gore’s song SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS & RAINBOWS. LOL!
I read what I’m in the moody for. A hot cover usually will grabs my attention. I read anything from comtemporary to paranormal to historical to old west to romance suspense. Basically any with HEA. I’m in love with reading about cowboys. Thanks for the posting. Will be adding to my TBR.
Kidsue99@yahoo.com
Hi Susan T. – you’re not alone, and in good company with other readers who enjoy reading what they are in the mood for….I’m so with you on the HEA!
I absolutely read across genres. In fact, I make a point of mixing them up so I don’t get burned out on any genre. Additionally, I like to read across genre because so many authors write across genre. I love your series The Secret Lives of Cowboys. Jesse is the book I am missing so I would love to win this! Thanks! jepebATverizonDOTnet
HI Mathlady68! So far everyone has said that they read across genres…and how exciting is that…from an author’s POV.
Thanks for loving the Secret Life of Cowboys:)
Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by and leaving your comments about reading across genres. There were so many wonderful and insightful answers. I just plugged all of the names into Random.org and Jenny jennywen20@aol.com was chosen as the winner! Congrats Jenny! I’ll send you an email right now…so check your inbox
Definitely across Genres. Keeps things interesting!