Romance Readers' Advisory

Down to the Nitty-Gritty The Readers' Advisory interview is one of the most challenging aspects of RA, especially when it comes to romance readers. Now, don't be discouraged; it's completely do-able, even for a romance R.A. novice. As we discussed earlier in my posts Why Romance Readers' Advisory? , romance readers are used to being judged and dismissed for their taste in literature. So, we really only have a short window in which to connect with the reader. In First Tuesday: Romance Readers' Advisory , Kim Storbeck gives R.A. guru Joyce Saricks' advice, while you, personally, do not have to be a fan of the genre, you, as a library professional, could help break down barriers for your patrons and customers by admitting you have read romances. You invite the reader to have a conversation about their likes and dislikes, who they have enjoyed reading, what worked for them and what didn't. The R.A. interview is a little different for Romances than traditional ...

Grab and Go Book List: Librarian-themed romances In celebration of libraries, I listed our romances featuring book crazy babes and the hunky men who love them. If you enjoy a light romp, try the newest release from Molly Harper, Nice Girls Don’t Bite their Neighbors.   This series focuses on a former children’s librarian turned vamp, Jane Jameson and her adjustment to nocturnal living.   As she plans her wedding to Gabriel, she must deal with a her grannie’s ghost and acting as guardian of a newbie vampire. Tessa Dare’s (who describes herself as a sometime librarian) latest historical romance is out. In Week to be Wicked ,  Minerva Highwood walks and reads a t the same time. She proposes a fake engagement to Lord Payne, a man who cannot even remember her name. Minerva hopes present her scientific findings, and Colin is in it for the huge cash prize. They may just find love along the way. What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss she’s an ...

Alright, I admit it... Hi my name is Joni and I am addicted to romance books. There is just something about this genre that speaks to me. I fly through my books, so it’s great that I have a library card to save me money. The average romance paperback can run between $4.99-$7.99 per book, plus tax, and an e-book will averages slightly less. With the money I save, I can buy the necessities: shoes and chocolate. The romance categories are endless: inspirational, contemporary, romantic suspense, mystery, paranormal, historical, and so many more. The best part, for me is the happy ending. The couple’s journey towards each other is met with interesting secondary characters, plot twists, and sometimes evil villains. But, at last, true love conquers all! Check out those sleeves! I got hooked on romance when I was in high school. I sneaked into my older sister's room and "borrowed" the Harlequin romance novels. I believe my first true "adult" romance (if you don...

Lets Talk about Books, Baby! In this week's book talk, I discuss connecting with our readers, explain subgenres, and book talk historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Mobile Friend video If you have trouble viewing, try this link to my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iy9aJMZWU0I In this week's book talk, I discuss connecting with our readers, explain subgenres, and book talk historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Full screen friendly video If you have trouble viewing the video, please try the link to my YouTube Channel:  https://youtu.be/qO_G_Jkivvw Romances that will make you LOL   These contemporary authors will make you chuckle and then peeking around to see if anyone heard you.   About That Night by Julie James -   Ahh, nothing like giving the guy who stood you up on your first date a hard time, especially when he’s a handsome, billionaire, genius. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rylann Pierce gets that chance, ...

What makes a romance a romance? Library Journal Reviews boils it down to characterized by characteristics- "—a love story and the satisfying resolution of that story" (LJ Reviews ). Essentially, a romance has a happy ending. Though authors are constantly playing with the rules of romance and breaking out of traditional boxes, an happily ever after (HEA) ending is what appeals to most readers. We want to see our the protagonists of the story wind up together in some fashion. They don't have to walk down the aisle together, though most historical romances do end that way, but we want to see some type of commitment. Readers' Advisory expert and author Joyce Saricks explains that while a reader may not always be able to describe exactly they enjoy about a romance, there is a strong emotional component and appeal to the reader. In a Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, Saricks says: "How exactly does one describe that satisfyingly evocative, romantic...

Why do I have to learn romance readers' advisory? So, for all my fellow romance readers out there, I'm creating a blog to help my fellow library and book store colleagues. But this site, is also for you! As an avid fan and romance reader, for years I tried to hide and down play my addiction and appreciation of romance novels from co-workers. The invention of e-readers hugely helped make this possible. Before e-readers, I awkwardly would hold my book in the staff break room. There is a "sort of" perception or preconceptions of romance readers and the genre, particularly in reader's advisory. How many romance readers have dealt with preconceptions and stereotypes of the genre? Romance genre is viewed as smutty or "low-brow" reading, yet it is one of the highest circulating and most popular genres in libraries and highest selling by publishers. According to Romance Writer's of America, romance genre grosses over $1 billion a year. Why would you n...