I’ve been lucky to attend three Romance Writers of America conferences – two as an aspiring writer and, after deciding I’m a reader instead of a writer, one completely as a fan of our wonderful romance storytellers. Seeing all that talent in one place is awesome, and you tend to gravitate toward the heavy hitters in the genre. But this time in Anaheim last week, I thought…
…why not give the spotlight to a debut author who has worked just as hard as those big names? So I have three ARCs of Nina Rowan‘s first book, A Study in Seduction, in her Daring Hearts series. She’s a new author with Grand Central, and I enjoyed chatting with her at the publisher signing.
To make it fair and interesting, hopefully, leave me a comment about the best debut book you’ve read lately – or ever. I know it can be some time in between the really good ones. And to take it a step further, since Nina’s book releases August 28, I’m going to ask the three winners to do a guest review for us. Now, that’s not mandatory, but I’m going to ask anyway. Our readers like varying opinions in the reviews they come to see here at The Pond, so I ask you, “Why not?”
The contest will remain open until August 15 to give the winners time to read and hopefully review A Study in Seduction. Come on, go with the flow! What have you got lose???
And sorry to do this, but U.S. readers only, please.
It’s been awile, but I really enjoyed Kalen Hughes’ Lord Sin. And when she came back under Isobel Carr (and I didn’t realize it was Hughes) Ripe for Pleasure. I’m just wondering if there will be another LoSS book… 🙁
There have been a few really good debut novels I’ve read. The first one that comes to mind is My Fallen Angel by Pamela Britton. It was SO funny. I also really liked Drive Me Wild by Julie Ortolon.
I just finished Tracey Graves’ first novel, On the Island, and it was unputdownable.
Tawna Fenske’s Making Waves — it immediately put her on my auto-buy list. I love an author that makes me feel ridiculous because I’m laughing out loud at a book.
You are EVIL Sandy! LOL. I have read so many books for debut authors, that I seriously can not remember some of them. But I thnk one of my favorites was a historical by Cheryl Sawyer’s debut book “Code of Love”. Great contest Sandy.
Billie Jo
Debora Geary – I have enjoyed the Witch Central books from the very beginning.
I don’t know if she would still be considered a “debut” author but I love Christina Brooke’s Ministry of Marriage series. I read her first book, Heiress in Love in June, 2011 when it was released and was immediately “hooked” on her stories!
If I hadn’t found out about her on a blog when her first story was released I never would have guessed she had just gotten published! Her characters as well as her stories are truly wonderful and I was thrilled when the second book in the series was released in January and the third book in the series was released this June.
Enough also can’t be said about Vicky Dreiling who also came onto the scene last year with her first and second book last year, How to Marry A Duke and How to Seduce a Scoundrel and this year How to Ravish A Rake has already been released and in the fall she has A Secret of Sin coming out!
Kudos to both these authors publishers for making sure that they books have been released on a regular schedule!
Anyone who is looking for a “calgon moment” won’t be disappointed with any of their books!
humm lets see theres been a few mistress of pleasure by delilah marvelle as well as heather snows sweet enemy I loved both books and both authors r on my auto buy wishlist its awesomeness ty for the chance i love reading new authors and if i win id love to do a guest review
mortalsinn(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I have two that were not marketed as romance, although they do involve quite a bit of romance: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (which I have recommended to everyone I know since I read it last year) and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (a debut in fiction – the author is a published historian). Both are very well written, and create very believable worlds that mix the fantastic with the mundane. I think a lot of romance readers would like them as much as I do.
As someone who reads mostly Historicals, very few paranormals, and even fewer contemporaries, I was surprised by how much I loved Firelight by Kristen Callihan. It was a wonderful blend of a Victorian historical mixed with elements of paranormal. I loved how the magical elements, the suspense, the mystery, and the romance just seemed to flow together perfectly.
Even though it has been a few years since she debuted, I thought Judith James’ Broken Wing was unforgettable.
The best debuts I read were from several years ago: Sherry Thomas, Julie James, Sarah Maclean and Beverley Kendall. The writing in each of their debut books was so strong for a first novel. This is especially true for Sherry Thomas. Her prose has an almost lyrical quality to it.
I love historicals and its fun to find a new author to read! I am so looking forward to many of them that are coming as well! One I’d so recommend is Manda Collins, HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE! That came out January and the second just out now! I can’t wait to get and read! Gosh I want to recommend lots of debut authors, I’m also reading a debut author in Indie books by Sophie Greyson called HEAVEN SCENT. Its great reading so far!