It’s that time of the week again… and there’ll be no weather talk from me cos it’s still hot and dry in my part of Australia. Alas.
I also need to apologise to bloggers who participate in the Sunday Post or ‘It’s Monday’ linkups as I didn’t get around to read as many posts as usual last week. Don’t ask. Long story.
What I read
I kicked off the week with the enjoyable Evil Games by Angela Marsons before launching into Daniel Cole’s Ragdoll and finally Sally Hepworth’s confrontingly weepy A Mother’s Promise.
What I wrote
Unsurprisingly I reviewed some books, but just a couple as I have two reviews pre-prepared for this next week for a change!
Police at the Station and They Don’t Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty – the 6th in the Sean Duffy series which is set in 1980s North Ireland
Evil Games by Angela Marsons – the 2nd in a series featuring DI Kim Stone… a prickly cop with a lot of childhood baggage
I planned to participate in a blog link-up on Monday and the theme was ‘love’, but as has been common of late, I couldn’t get my own thinking straight so just wrote about five things I’m currently loving.
And finally I explained why I don’t read romance novels – a post which was poorly timed for reasons I’ll explain later!
What I did
I went on my first work drive of the year… about 4.5-5hrs of driving for a 90min meeting. Sadly I had no audiobook so spent the time listening to podcasts and some music.
I also went back to ‘dancing in the dark’ – the class that involves people dancing around a dark room (albeit with disco lights) in any old way they like.
And I went to an event with the surprisingly funny Candice Fox. I love Candice’s writing but she spoke for an hour and was hilarious. Everyone loved her!
And… this little non-reader of romance won tickets to the Australian Romance Readers Convention. Yes, really!
What I plan to do
I have another work trip Monday which is a slightly longer 5.5-6hrs drive in total and thankfully I have an audiobook this time around. I’ll be listening to James Phelan’s Dark Heart.
And then there’s this…
Australian Romance Readers Convention
I planned to write a post – for Valentine’s Day and ‘romance’ week – to explain why I don’t read straight romance novels. (Again, I mean ‘solely’ romance, not non-gay!)
I didn’t get my act together on Tuesday and decided to publish it for a link-up I do on Thursday and – just before I finished tweaking it I got an email to say I’d won a pass to the Australian Romance Readers Convention (ARCC) 2017.
And yes, the irony of it all does NOT escape me. My feeling are a little mixed. I’ve written about the fact I wanted to go to a readers / writers event this year. Sadly there aren’t many around for crime fiction but – if given the option – I probably wouldn’t have chosen romantic fiction. But… I do want to hang with like-minded people and those who are as passionate about reading (and writing) as moi.
So this time next week I’ll be coming to you from Melbourne. #eek
And that’s it for this week in reading. (And blogging and other stuff.)
What have you been up to? Are you a fan or romance? Or readers’ conventions?
I’m linking up with Kimberly from The Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Kathryn from The Book Date.
February 19, 2017
Hmmm…I’m with you on the romance novels, nice that you are going to a reader’s event, but not sure how “like minded” they will be? Our tastes are very similar and I always appreciate your suggestions! I have recently finished, All Is Not Forgotten, The Chemist, The Couple Next Door and a Linwood Barclay that I can’t remember the name of!
February 19, 2017
Oh I’m glad you’ve enjoyed some of the books I’ve read Pam.
I have to admit I don’t know what to expect from a readers’ convention. I’ve been to some writing festivals in the past. Most of the engagement on the group’s Facebook page seems to be from writers rather than readers, though perhaps most of those going are both.
I’ve had a look at the program and there are probably 1-2 sessions which won’t be of as much interest but I’m also looking forward to meeting a couple of people I’ve only met ‘virtually’ to date.
February 19, 2017
Evil Games looks… spooky maybe? Congrats on the tix for the convention. Even if it is romance. 🙂 But hey a getaway is a getaway right, and there are books involved. Enjoy!
Like your 5 things you’re loving post- I’ll second Netflix lol.
February 19, 2017
I blame you for my Netflix addiction Greg. Sure people here raved about it but you kept talking about all of these great shows…. 🙂
February 19, 2017
I can see I’m going to have to get on board with audio books too what with my commute. I haven’t liked romance books for a long time. Since I was about 12, really. However, there are some brilliant romance writers and I’m not downgrading them. Just not my cup of tea. Congrats on the win. You’ll enjoy it.
February 19, 2017
I hope so Michelle. I’m excited about the idea of a trip away. Not so much about blowing all of my (meagre post Xmas / house-move / NZ trip) savings on the airfare and accommodation though… *sigh*
February 19, 2017
The irony of it all, right? Maybe after the “romance” convention, you’ll discover that you love romance novels. Ha.
I used to love them, when I was young and still believed in it…LOL. I do enjoy a few romantic suspense books, mixed in with my primary love of thrillers and mysteries. I prefer the romantic suspense books to be heavy on the suspense.
I am eagerly awaiting The Mother’s Promise…and I’m curious about Ragdoll.
Have a great week…and those long drives don’t appeal to me, but audio books would be the way to go, I think. Thanks for visiting my blog.
February 19, 2017
The Mother’s Promise is the first book I’ve read by Hepworth Laurel. Ragdoll disappointed me a little and I think that’s cos so many people are loving it!
February 19, 2017
My main objection with romance novels is that the men are invariably dicks and at some point someone stamps their foot. To be fair, this might be a prejudice I’ve held on to since going through a short phase of reading Mills&Boons years ago. Someone introduced me to Courtney Milan, however, and I like her romance novels a lot. The characters are all great, and feel real, and no one is an arrogant dickhead. … Enjoy the convention and have a great week 🙂
February 19, 2017
Courtney Milan will actually be there Maree – though I’ve not read any of her work.
February 19, 2017
5 hours of driving for a 90 minute meeting? Well that sucks. When I used to do a lot of driving, I used to just put my phone on speaker phone and use the time to catch up with people. I never thought of audiobooks back then.
Haha, that is rather ironic about the romance convention. But hey, like you said, it’s still a chance to be with like-minded people and go to a bookish convention, so I’m sure it’ll still be interesting and fun! Can’t wait to hear about it 🙂
February 20, 2017
Today’s trip will be interesting Kristen, given that I’ll have the audiobook to listen to and it sounds like an action-packed one so I’m hoping it keeps me occupied the entire time!
February 19, 2017
I really like romance in books I need to have some in a book or most likely I want enjoy it as much. Lol I a rather ironic you got the email as your where writing that post maybe it’s fate. Have a great week 🙂
Megan @reading away the days
February 20, 2017
I know Megan. I ‘should’ have finished the post and published it Tuesday… I did wonder if it was a ‘message’ I should shelve my post and write something else but didn’t have time!
February 19, 2017
I wanted to by Ragdoll by Daniel Cole yesterday. It sounds like a great book. I’m curious to read what your thought were.
Congrats on winning the tickets. I’m definitely a fun of Romance novels. But I read all kinds of genres. There aren’t many readers’ conventions out here. But if there were I would definitely love to go.
Have a great week and happy reading!
February 20, 2017
I probably didn’t enjoy Ragdoll as much as others have Maureen. I’ll be publishing my review of it in the next day or two.
February 19, 2017
Ragdoll sounds really good – I want to read it but my wimpish nature is holding me back at the moment. I’ve only heard good things about it though so I may well find my brave boots! The Mother’s Promise sounds good, I think I’m going to add that one to my list.
Well done on winning those tickets – I’ve never been to a reader convention but they do sound fun.
Here’s my Sunday post: https://rathertoofondofbooks.com/2017/02/19/weekly-wrap-up-19-feb/
February 20, 2017
I enjoyed The Mother’s Promise, though you could see where it was going of course. I thought Ragdoll had potential but (to me) it was a bit all over the place in terms of its structure.
February 19, 2017
You know I’m a big fan of romance, even if I prefer some suspense or mystery or other things mixed in with the romantic parts of the story 😉 I’m going to RT Convention in Atlanta in May, and it will be my second time. I had so much fun at the first one, the authors were so incredibly nice, and I met so many fellow bloggers I wouldn’t have had the chance to hang out with otherwise!
I’m sure you’ll have fun, even if you don’t read ‘straight-up’ romance (whatever that may be… did you share your post? *goes searching*)
I hope you’ll have a fantastic week ahead! Drive carefully and enjoy your audiobook.
February 20, 2017
Thanks Lexxie. I’m not sure if many other bloggers are going to this event, but I’ve asked on the Aussie Book Bloggers FB page. And I’m sure everyone will be lovely.
February 19, 2017
Romance as a standalone genre isn’t one I read all that much – but it does regularly crop up as a subplot in a fair number of books I read and the thing that strikes me these days is how much it varies. I’ve just completed a fairly urban fantasy where the sex was steamy and the attraction instant, which was a stark comparison with the beautiful lyrical quality of a paranormal retelling of ‘The Tempest’ I read earlier in the week. I do hope you enjoy your sojourn in Melbourne and look forward to hearing about it. Also glad you had another go at Dancing in the Dark – it sounds fabulous! My Sunday Post –
https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/02/19/sunday-post-19th-february-2017/
February 20, 2017
Oh yes, many of the books I read have a glimmer of romance in them and I think that’s to ensure they appeal broadly… I think a lot of TV shows are the same… there’s an undercurrent of romance somewhere.
February 20, 2017
I don’t mind a touch of romance overmuch, but when I feel the setting and plot are the vehicle for the relationship, I tend to lose interest.
February 19, 2017
I am sure the conference will be really fun even though Romance isn’t your thing. I am with you though I would much rather death and murder any day over sappy romance!
February 20, 2017
Ha! It sounds bad doesn’t it… 🙂
February 19, 2017
Sorry last week was a bit crazy. 🙁 I hope this week is better! I think long drives are my only realy chance to listen to audio but I don’t do a lot of them now and especially by myself (a 3 year old is NOT a good audiobook listening companion…. Not MY books at least). Drive carefully this week and enjoy your book!
I’m glad you went back to the Dancing in the Dark class! It sounds so awesome! And well done on the ARRC tickets – how funny! I’m glad you’re going regardless!
Hope you have an awesome week Deb!
February 20, 2017
Thanks Di. I don’t attempt audiobooks at other times – I can’t imagine listening to a book and focussing enough when I’m also doing something I need to think too much about. At least driving is pretty much something I can do without TOO much concentration… I just have to make sure my mind doesn’t wander too much!
February 20, 2017
Maybe the convention will change your mind on romance novels? I read Evil Games too, reciew to hopefully go up tomorrow. Enjoyed it to.
February 20, 2017
I must track down some of Marsons other books now! Look forward to your review Emma.
February 20, 2017
I wish we had any type of convention here but nothing. I’ll have to check out your romance post!
February 20, 2017
This is apparently the last one of its kind here. Not sure what the Romance Readers Association is planning in future. There is also a Romance Writers gathering on a regular basis.
February 20, 2017
I think I would listen to an audio on a long drive like that. Lately I have been very…displeased? disheartened? by the radio. I have my normal stations as well as Sirius XM radio, and I find myself constantly switching and getting bored and not real happy. I love to sing my heart out while I drive (by myself). I only have a long drive on the weekends going to and from the man’s (about an hour). I should start listening to an audiobook and see if that helps.
You know how we wish for something, and then when we get it we sometimes don’t like how it came about and wish we never got it in the first place? I hope you enjoy your convention, even if it isn’t your forte. You can still connect to other readers and people in the industry. You’ll get to cross this item off your list for the year!
February 20, 2017
I have to head to rural places Charlie and sometimes the radio stations are affiliated with the sorts of stations that have talk-back radio etc… Most of the work cars are all pretty new so I can use bluetooth or connect my phone and play my own music or audiobooks etc. Thankfully!!!
February 20, 2017
I hope you find the convention entertaining, there are great Australian writers and hey you’ll most likely meet up now with Rachael Johns. Perhaps Natasha Lester might be there? I say go and enjoy – be a bit of a “anti-romance” reader and they’ll enjoy you and you them. Have a ball. Well actually I think they do all get dressed up and have a party – so there you are.
February 20, 2017
Rachael is going but Natasha isn’t. There are some other authors I’m keen to meet (I like Amy Andrews so am keen to meet her in person) and there are a few other authors I’ve heard of but not read.
And yes, there’s an ‘awards dinner’ apparently.
February 20, 2017
🙂
Oh yes, we romance folk know how to party!
February 21, 2017
Yay! Am looking forward to that bit!
February 20, 2017
A Mother’s Promise is one I have had my eye on. I don’t mind driving if it isn’t sped traffic and I love to listen to audios so it would be a win win. Still that is a lot of driving!Congrats on the tickets you won even if its for romance event. I am sure you will have good time. Have a great week!
February 20, 2017
That’s actually the nice thing about these work trips Grace – they’re to rural places so I’m off the main highways and there isn’t much traffic so it’s quite stress-free.
February 20, 2017
The books you read this week all look good. I read all genres. I don’t need them to have a romance, but I don’t mind if they do. I love conventions and struggle with my introverted nature to attend more.
February 20, 2017
It’s nice to be staying at the venue for the convention Kimberly cos I know I’ll be able to escape to my room if I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed or if I need some space. I’ve booked in (and paid) to attend welcome drinks and the awards dinner, so that should be good.
February 20, 2017
Congrats on the win! I am a fan of all types of romance. I would have been banging my head on the wheel not having an audio book for that long of a drive! Just a bit obsessive about audios. Evil Games looks good. Have a great week and enjoy the audiobook you chose.
February 21, 2017
I’d been offered a couple of audiobooks by a publisher Nise’ but when I tried the links they sent me they didn’t work. Luckily the same publishers came back with something this week so it was good timing!
February 20, 2017
I am allergic to romance, period. Ha ha. The Dancing In the Dark class sounds fabulous. I would definitely attend. Too funny about winning the Romance convention pass! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
February 21, 2017
It’s funny isn’t it? I’m the same about fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction and non-fiction!
February 20, 2017
LOL that’s quite funny Deb! I’ve heard of a Romance Writers Convention but never a romance readers one. Look forward to hearing more about it x
February 21, 2017
I ‘think’ the readers convention is only every second year but not sure Janet. The Romance Writers’ Convention is actually in Brissy this year I think.
February 20, 2017
I didn’t get around last week either. I’m usually able to comment back on everyone’s blogs and say hi to a few people, but I just didn’t have the time last week. Have a good week, and have a good drive! 🙂
February 21, 2017
Same… I had a work trip and some stuff on and then a few days had passed and suddenly it was Thursday and I’m involved in another link-up and then the week was gone!
February 20, 2017
I’m not a romance reader by any means, by I attended a presentation put on by an American romance writer’s association, and it was fascinating! Sometimes branching out of your comfort zone can really be a lot of fun!
February 21, 2017
True Jane and I’m trying to remind myself it’ll be nice to meet other passionate readers!
February 20, 2017
I can only imagine what it might be like at a romance writers convention. You must give us the blow-by-blow soon.
https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2017/02/four-reads-plus-my-favorite-love-story.html
February 21, 2017
I most certainly will Deb!
February 21, 2017
All that driving sounds exhausting, I only do about two hundred miles a week and I get knackered!
Dancing in the dark sounds fab fun!
Have a great week!
February 21, 2017
I have to admit I struggled a little on yesterday’s trip Heather. It ended up being about 6hrs in the car and 2hrs in a meeting and I REALLY wanted to close my eyes on the trip home and was rather sore!!!
February 21, 2017
I prefer my romance to be incidental to the story, but admit to reading Mills & Boon in my much younger days and enjoying them! It’s interesting that some mainstream authors started off writing for Mills and Boon (like Lisa Chaplin author of The Tide Watchers).
Congratulations on winning the free pass. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Convention.
February 21, 2017
Yes, I’ve heard of a few people who started with Mills & Boon (or one of the subsidiaries). And it’s funny how many people were readers of them!
February 21, 2017
I used to love romance books, but in recent years, I need more than just straight romance. I like romantic suspense. There’s more of a storyline with those.
The Sally Hepworth book looks good. Hope you have a great week!
February 21, 2017
I quite enjoy romantic suspense too Yvonne, but the book needs to weigh heavily on the suspense side of things!
February 21, 2017
Hi Deborah,
I had a broad smile in my face when I saw your banner – that looks so GREAT! Congrats to your win. I wish you all the fun the world has at the Australian Romance Readers Convention and looking forward to your SP next week. Hope you can enjoy your time there. I like to read romance, but if it gets to kitschy or gooey I am out 🙂
Best wishes
Vi @ Gone With The Books
February 22, 2017
Hi Vi, I have to say I’m not expecting much from the convention so I’m hoping I’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
February 21, 2017
Wow, that’s a long drive. I don’t drive. My partner gets travel sick when not driving and where I come from public transport connects the entire country, so there’s not really a need. So, I didn’t have my license and now that it would be useful, I wouldn’t be allowed to drive anyway hehe! Hope you have a great week.
February 22, 2017
I used to really hate driving and it was a joke with my friends. I’d fly the 3hr trip home to see my parents or travel by train. Anything to avoid driving. It’s weird that I don’t mind driving these distances for work… I guess I’m getting paid to do it and – thankfully – the roads aren’t busy etc… Most of my trips are to smaller places inland so there isn’t much traffic.
February 21, 2017
I am actually the opposite, I LOVE romance novels. lol! I read a lot of romances and mix it up with suspense/thrillers, fantasy, YA, etc. I hope you enjoy yourself at the Romance Convention. I’ve never been to any reader’s conventions, but I would love to one day. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Hope you have a great week!
February 22, 2017
I’ll let you know how it is next week! Fingers crossed!
February 22, 2017
Found you via the link up and think it’s great meeting an Aussie book blogger. A couple of my fav novelists are from your part of the world – Liane Moriarty, Graeme Simsion.
I don’t read a lot of romance novels but I do enjoy a little romance sprinkled into my literary fiction and every now and then it’s nice to lose myself inside a man meets woman and fall in love type story.
Following your blog now.
I blog at http://runwright.net and also make videos at https://youtu.be/8SVWshiMqrQ
Check in and follow either (or both). Thanks.
February 22, 2017
Hi there, I’ll definitely check your blog out (and welcome!). You’ve caught me at an interesting time however, as I’m looking at perhaps pulling back on my blogging a little! And I’m glad you enjoy Aussie authors. I’m trying to read more of the all of the time.
February 22, 2017
Sounds like you had a busy week! Congrats on winning the tickets to the Romance Readers Conference. The timing certainly was funny. 🙂 Maybe you will discover new authors to try and be surprised to find something you like. I overdosed on romance in my younger years and refused to read it for quite a while–until recently. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of it, but I do enjoy it from time to time. And it really is such a broad genre, whether you like mysteries or fantasy or contemporary or historical and everything in between–or a mix. There’s comic and serious, well written and the not so well written. Everything on the spectrum between erotica to no sex. The romance novels of today are much more varied in characters, story lines and ideas than I remembered from my teen/college days. I have my definite preferences (and tropes I can’t stand), like with most every other genre. I hope you do enjoy the conference regardless! I think you will have fun even if the genre isn’t for you.
February 22, 2017
Oh yes, I’ve had a look at the sessions on offer and there are a lot of different sub-genres on offer at the convention and stacks of authors going. I suspect the authors will outnumber the non-authors.
February 24, 2017
OMG NOOO Debbie! 5hrs of audio book wasted????! That’s HALF a book! 🙁 Hope you remember next time 🙂
I’m a closed romance reader LOL! So I would LOVE to go to a readers convention but I’m not sure if I’m ready for a ROMANCE Readers Convention yet. That’s funny that you want to go though 🙂 I hope you enjoy being around other writers and bookworms.
Now off to check if you already wrote that “straight romance” post 😉
February 24, 2017
I’d had a few audiobooks given to me by Hachette but the link wasn’t working and I was hoping to hear back from them before then but didn’t. I did get one through for last week’s trip though and hope to finish it off next week.