It was really fascinating reading everyone’s responses. Sometimes I was nodding my head thinking, “Yes, yes, yes!”, and sometimes I was thinking, “Well, I took a little time to warm up to that author, but I’m a big fan now!”

Some other authors mentioned who had me at “hello”:
Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Crusie, Elizabeth Hoyt, Julia Quinn

Some of the mentioned authors I adore now, but might have taken me a few pages to warm up to:
Laura Kinsale, Julie Garwood, Nicole Jordan, Joanna Bourne, Stephanie Laurens, Shelly Laurenston

But see, my evil plan in this post was to get some suggestions for new-to-me authors. And now (insert evil cackle) I have several to add to my TBR pile. So thanks to everyone for your responses!

Looking above at my list, I’m seeing a pattern, at least in my own response to authors. All of the “had me at hello” authors have very strong, witty voices. The others on my “favorites” list have characters and plots I found ultimately compelling and memorable.

Would you say your keeper shelf consists of books with stronger characterization, stronger plots, or stronger author voice? (I know they’re probably mostly “all of the above,” but which element do you find to be most important?)

One commenter will win an early signed copy of A HINT OF WICKED! I’ll post the winner on Monday.

Also, as I was browsing around the Samhain site, I realized two books I’ve critiqued (and loved) are currently on Samhain’s bestseller list. Called By Blood and Bound By Blood by Evie Byrne are not your “average” vampire books. Evie is, like Tessa, one of those writers that has a way with wit and words that will just make you happy while reading her books, guaranteed!

I’m so thrilled and excited to have worked with both these amazingly talented authors & to call them my friends. From the moment I opened the document and read the first pages of their writing, I’ve been hooked. They’re both great people, too, who have supported me on this wild journey to publication. So, to thank them, and to thank you for stopping by, I’m giving away three e-books to three different winners. If you win, you can select an e-book of your choice:

The Legend of the Werestag by Tessa Dare
Called By Blood by Evie Byrne
Bound By Blood by Evie Byrne

All you need to do is respond and let me know about an author you’ve been hooked on ever since you read that first page of the first book you ever read by that author. Who had you at “hello”?

I’ll announce the winners on Friday!