Inevitably, my colorful covers attract a younger crowd. The 10-12 age group. And while my books aren't over-the-top sexy, that age range is a tad bit young to be reading the Lucy books (I recommend 14+).
As the afternoon wore on, a young girl (about 12) came up to my table, her big brown eyes wide. She picked up Truly, Madly, read the back, put it down. She did the same for Deeply, Desperately and Absolutely, Positively, carefully reading the description of the books.
Then she ran off to get her mother and drag the woman to my table.
Her: Mom, I really like these books!
Mom (eyeing my books warily): Why?
Her: I really like those love books now.
Mom (winking at me): Love books?
Her: Can I get them?
Mom: No.
Lol. Though it was the right decision, I couldn't help but feel badly for the girl. It's hard to get excited about a book, only be told you can't get it. However, I don't think the girl was giving up so easily--she took a bookmark and clutched it to her chest as she wandered off. I have a feeling one day she will read my "love" books.
Meanwhile, the cookbook author sitting next to me asked why I chose to write romance. Technically, the Lucy books aren't romances--they're mysteries with a strong romantic theme. But my answer is the same, no matter what. I really like those love books, too. I love romance because I'm a sucker for a happy ending. And I love writing--and reading--those happy endings.
Do you like love books, too?
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PS: I'm thrilled to announce that Absolutely, Positively has been nominated for an RT Reviewer's Choice award for Paranormal Fiction. Thank you, RT!!!
I absolutely adore cozy mysteries, but the one thing I love about them is the little bit of romance in them! Like the Lucy books and I'm reading Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Mysteries (which have some romance in them too).
ReplyDeleteI'm such a sucker for the "love" especially since I was probably that tween too, who was so eager to read the love books!
I DO! ;) I'm a sucker for a happy/sappy ending, too! And can you ever have too much love in your life?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the nomination!
ReplyDeleteI love love books. I don't care what kind of genre, I want some romance in it. It's what I love to write, too.
Congratulations on your nomination! I like my mysteries and I especially like it when there is a romance.
ReplyDeleteBella, me too! Love the romantic threads, esp. in cozies. I love to see how the growth of the relationship through the series.
ReplyDeleteKristine, definitely not!
Thank you, Stacy! And I completely agree with you.
Dru Ann, thank you! If there's no romance in a mystery, I feel a little cheated. If that's wrong, I don't want to be right. :)
I agree with everyone on this point - I like mysteries, especially if their humorous, but I LOVE mysteries that have both humor and romance - it's the perfect combination. I really feel a little let down if there is no romance. And I admit that if I read one book in a series, and there is no romance, I will probably move on to another author/series rather than buying more of the romance-less one.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Heather, on the nomination!!! That's positively spectacular! Well deserved!
ReplyDeleteI love a happy ending too…with an occasional tragedy thrown in for balance. ;)