New release time! Like any other author, I want to promote my work. After much thinking (okay about five minutes maybe), I decided a plain and simple howdy and a chance for readers to win a book would be a good blog for today.
INTIMATE ALLIANCE is the paperback version of my novellas MALE CALL and UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER. Both stories are the first two in my HOT ZONE series at Samhain Publishing www.samhainpublishing.com You can preorder it at Amazon, Borders.com and Barnes and Noble (www.bn.com). It should be available on the Samhain Publishing site www.samhainpublishing.com site soon as well.
What, you might ask, is INTIMATE ALLIANCE about? Here are some teaser blurbs to give you a clue.
In Male Call—Her sexy letters are his only lifeline in his dangerous world, and both of them must contend with the growing passion tumbling them straight into the Hot Zone. Eve Carmichael fears for soldier Sean O’Callahan’s life. How she longs for more of his flirtatious, hot letters. When Sean is wounded, her fears are realized. But fate serves up a wonderful gift that neither of them expected.
In Unconditional Surrender—She’s archaeology, he’s Special Ops, and both of them teeter on the edge of stepping into the Hot Zone. Keith doesn’t want her to travel to a hot zone he feels isn’t safe and the place where his sister was killed years ago. As they grapple with exploding passion between them, their battle of wills may just lead them to the truth living in both their hearts.
And what shameless promotion would be complete without some review/author quotes?
“…the chemistry is explosive.” Romance Junkies
“…genius…” Love Romances
“…I cannot say enough good things about this story…” Fallen Angels
“Denise A. Agnew’s stories are a guarantee of riveting characters who grab your heart and soul, and don’t let go until the final page.”
~Linnea Sinclair,
RITA-Award winning author
“Denise Agnew delivers exciting, sexy, well-crafted stories that keep you positively glued to the pages.”
~Cheyenne McCray, USA Today bestselling author of Wicked Magic
In celebration of this release, I’m offering a paperback of MEANT TO BE, one of my tamer, though definitely sensual romances. So be sure to comment today and you could win. Here’s my question for the day (DRUM ROLL)…What is the first thing about a romance novel that grabs your attention? Blurb? Cover? Excerpt? Anything else?
I’ll check back with you all from time to time and pick a winner at the end of the day. Happy reading!
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For me, it’s the excerpt. I always like to read a sample of the author’s writing style to see if it fits my reading style. Hope that makes sense.
by Cheryl S.
on August 4th, 2008 at 7:37 am
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When I go to a book store most times I first see the title & the author’s name. If I’ve liked a past book or I’ve heard good reviews about the author I will select it and read the back blurb. The blurb does influence whether I do or don’t buy the book!
by Laurie G
on August 4th, 2008 at 8:13 am
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Hi and Happy Monday! 
Well, let’s see. . .
Blurb? Absolutely. It’s always the blurb — if it sounds interesting, then I want to pick it up. Heck, even all the autobuy authors of mine now I had to start somewhere and the first book I picked up sounded interesting.
Cover? I’d be lying if I said that I never catch or stare at the covers (LOL) but in the end, they don’t make me buy a book. But there is one way it might (but this usually works only for the historicals I read) — if I happen on a book, at the store, online, where if there is a man and he’s wearing a cravat and breeches, or a woman wearing a bonnet and empire waist gown, then it catches my attention because it’s suggesting it’s a Regency era story, so I want to know more. But it might not mean I get it. And this doesn’t usually happen for the contemporaries that I get. But I might do a bit of drooling however. 
Excerpt? Sometimes, but I think I would have to say not much because it just isn’t enough. Though arguably, if it were longer, then we wouldn’t need to pick up the actual book. LOL
Anything else? Ah well. . . hmm. Oh, contests actually do help — picking one example, I won a Marianne Stillings book once a couple years ago, and she is sooooo an autobuy author to me now! LOL But as a whole, can’t think of anything else other than the blurb. It all comes down to what the book is about that catches my attention, or not.
Lois
by Lois
on August 4th, 2008 at 9:06 am
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For me, it is the blurb on the back. If the book sounds good, I want to read it.
by Crystal B.
on August 4th, 2008 at 9:08 am
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I think that the cover attracts me to the book but reading the book or the excerpt makes me want the book so I can read it from cover to cover.
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Congrats on the release!
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Usually the blurb is what attracts me and having a good cover helps also! Good luck on the release.
by Teresa W.
on August 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
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Congrats on your release!
First the cover attracts me to a book. Then the blurb makes me buy the book. Although if it’s a favorite author it doesn’t matter what the cover looks like or what the blurb says because I will buy it anyways.
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It’s definitely the cover that gets my initial attention, but then I’ll read the back to see if the storyline appeals to me.
by Sandra M
on August 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
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Cheryl,
Definitely an excerpt makes sense to me. If possible, I always read an excerpt of a book before purchase. I want to know of that author’s style appeals to me before I try a book. So I’m right there with you.
Denise A. Agnew
Step off the edge…
Into dark, delicious adventure…
www.deniseagnew.com
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Laurie,
A good blurb can really catch attention and make someone want to take a second look. I know it does for me when I’m considering a book.
Denise A. Agnew 
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Lois,
I’m with you on the covers. If I see a really striking cover that appeals to me visually and says very vividly “this is about something I may want to read,” then I’ll definitely pick it up and read the blurb.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Crystal,
Thanks for stopping by to comment! Much appreciated. And those blurbs are so important. I’ve always enjoyed writing blurbs, but never synopsis. You would think if I could write a good blurb, I could write a good synopsis.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi, Denise! If I’m browsing, the cover and title will be what catches my eye, but I won’t buy without reading the blurb and excerpt–if those and/or the first few pages don’t grab me, it’ll go back on the shelf. If I’ve heard of the book before (a recommendation from a friend, most likely), I’ll still check all the other things, but the recommendation will carry weight, too.
Congrats on Intimate Alliance–how very exciting to see your work in print!
by Fedora
on August 4th, 2008 at 11:19 am
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Phoebe,
Another vote for the covers. An excellent cover at least gets readers to pick up the durned book, eh?
Denise A. Agnew
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Phoebe,
Thanks for the kind kudos on the release.
Denise A. Agnew
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Stephanie,
Ah, the good ole autobuy! I’m pretty much that way with a favorite author, too.
Denise A. Agnew
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Teresa,
Thanks for the kudos on the new release! Appreciate it. 
As for covers, I’ve been fortunate that I often have quite a bit of input into my covers. Not always, but many times.
Denise A. Agnew
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I’m with Stephanie S. if it’s my favorite author it doesn’t matter what the book cover looks like I also pick it up and buy it.
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NEWS FLASH!!! I should have added this information to my main blog but didn’t think of it in time. MALE CALL, one of the stories in the INTIMATE ALLIANCE book won the PASSIONATE PLUME AWARD this last week for best novella! Wow, wow!! I had champagne and chocolate. 
Denise A. Agnew
www.deniseagnew.com
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Let’s see… First would be the Author, then the excerpt, then the cover. If the Author is unknown to me it might be the title and the cover that grabs my attention!
by Colleen
on August 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am
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Sandra! Almost missed your comment. Thanks for stopping by.
Denise A. Agnew
www.deniseagnew.com
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Fedora,
I’m an old jaded author. LOL. I have quite a few books in print, so sometimes I have to remember to get excited about another coming out in print. 
I know, that sounds awful!!! That’s why when I won a Passionate Plume Award I hurried out to get the champagne and chocolate because I got out of the habit of celebrating.
Denise A. Agnew
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Colleen,
There are always certain key words for me that jump out, too. For example, the title might tell me that it’s in a genre I’m interested in or has the “flavor” of something that I like such as romance and adventure.
Denise A. Agnew
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The first thing to grab my attention would be the title and author’s name followed by the cover. I then move on to read the blurb.
I definitely like to read about an author’s new book on various blogs as I have had the pleasure of discovering new stories and authors I certainly enjoy and now continue to follow.
by Shari C
on August 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
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The title and the blurb.
by Kimmy L
on August 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
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First thing is the book cover and the title of the book. I love most book covers and they are a work of art for me.
If I can’t see the cover then it is a sentence of blurb that gets my attention.
by RobynL
on August 4th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
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It all depends on where I’m shopping! If I’m online, it will most likely be a blurb, excerpt, or word of mouth that draws my interest - and reviews on occasion. Even though I am a reviewer and hope that my reviews might sway someone to purchase a book I’ve especially enjoyed, I keep in mind that reviews are matters of opinion and seldom buy based only on a review. If I’m going to the bookstore, I typically go with a specific list, but that’s where a cover is most likely to catch my eye - then I’ll go on to check out the back cover. I rarely make a purchase based on the cover alone, but have to admit that I have done it!
by Laurie
on August 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
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The cover always catches my eye first. Then I will go onto the Blurb and if that still has me hooked I will read the excerpt next. Congrats on the release!
by Cherie J
on August 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
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The title and the authors name is the first thing I look at.
by Estella
on August 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
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The authors name followed by the cover and blurb.
by Susan
on August 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
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Shari,
I discovered a new favorite author recently by reading a blog on My Space. I’m so glad I found out about this author, because I hadn’t heard of her before…her name is Pamela Clare by the way. She writes awesome romantic suspense and historical.
Denise A. Agnew
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Thanks for dropping a note Kimmy.
Denise A. Agnew
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Robyn,
I have to admit I have some all time favorite covers myself.
Denise A. Agnew
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Laurie,
I’ll admit reviews don’t do much to influence me on reading a book one way or the other. That darned excerpt is definitely one of the biggest factors for me. Getting a great review is AWESOME, though. I can’t deny that.
Denise A. Agnew
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Cherie J!
Thanks for commenting and for the kudos. I very much appreciate it.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Estella! Thanks for stopping by and saying howdy.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Susan,
Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciate it.
Denise A. Agnew
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Guys, the weather is getting a little hinky around here, so I may not have the computer on again for awhile. Do check back later tonight, though, because I’ll pick a winner then!
Thanks so much for the feedback and comments, ladies.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Denise. Congrats on the release of INTIMATE ALLIANCE. It sounds terrific.
What hooks me??? either an auto-buy author or a combination of things.
#1 if I have read and loved the author, it’s a done deal.
otherwise
#2 Excerpt… What is the story about and is it me genre(although that’s most of them)
and
#3 Excerpt… I want a taste of it
and maybe
#4 Reviews for good sites…. will help too.
The cover dosen’t make a difference. That is from an artist, not the author.
Hope that helps Denise.
sandie
by sandie
on August 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
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Congratulations Denise YaY! I am so happy for you. Please keep those hot books of yours coming and I will keeping reading them INTIMATE ALLIANCE sounds great look forward to this one 
What is the first thing about a romance novel that grabs your attention?
Answer: For me it’s blurbs, excerpts, word of mouth and some times the covers Also if the author is one of my favorites they are on my auto buy list
Hugssss
LindaH
by ReadingIsSoMuchFun
on August 4th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
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The cover is always first. I scan for authors’ names and a picture/title that catches my attention. Next I check the back cover blurb and if it sounds interesting I’ll read the first few paragraphs and make a decision from there.
I used to have a long list of authors that were auto-buys, but that has diminished as many authors have changed their style/subject or started writing additional books that just don’t resonate with me. It doesn’t mean that I won’t buy them, just that I make sure it’s something I’m interested in.
BTW, I’ve loved all of the Hot Zone stories and like to reread them. Congratulations on the new print editions, I highly recommend this series.
by Beth aka Scifibookcat
on August 4th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
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I like the blurbs or excerpts, that helps me to see if I might enjoy the book, but if the cover is eye catching that will work too.
by Dina
on August 4th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
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i do say cover first, but read the blurb on teh back and it seals it for me. congrts on teh new book
by kh
on August 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
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Congratulations! First there are the autobuys, then word of mouth, if I’m just browsing a cover may get me to pick it up but the blurb will decide if I buy it and then of course actually reading a book by that author (as a gift or win ).
by catslady
on August 4th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
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Denise, I do have MEANT TO BE on my keepers shelf here but wanted to let you know I love this series!
by Caffey
on August 4th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
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Sandie,
Thanks for the rundown of what gets you to look at a book. I appreciate it.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi there LindaH! Glad you’re looking forward to getting a copy of INTIMATE ALLIANCE! Thanks so much for stopping by and giving your two cents.
Denise A. Agnew
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Beth,
Thanks for the kudos on the release! And I know what you mean by autobuy. I think I’m the same way. It’s possible, too, to just get tired of reading a certain author and you have to take a break. Hopefully you come back later. I know this happens to me from time to time, too.
Denise A. Agnew
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Dina,
Another devote to the blurb and excerpts. I’m right there with ya!
Denise A. Agnew
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KH,
Thanks for the congrats! Appreciate it very much.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hi Catslady! How are you doin’ 
Thanks for stopping by and dropping a note on my topic.
Denise A. Agnew
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Caffey! Good to hear from you! How are you doing. Thanks so much for having MEANT TO BE on your keeper shelf. That’s way cool. Glad, too, that the HOT ZONE series is lighting your fire.
Denise A. Agnew
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Hey all, sorry it took forever for me to get back to you tonight. Darned lightning! It kept me off the computer. Anyhoo, the winner of a paperback copy of MEANT TO BE, is Laurie!! Congratulations Laurie! Contact me at danovelist@cox.net
Thanks again to everyone for commenting on my blog. This has been awesome!
Plus if you’ve already preordered INTIMATE ALLIANCE, I’ve heard it isn’t shipping out yet because they don’t have it yet. But never fear, it’ll get to you. Thanks so much!
Denise A. Agnew
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OOPS!!! I meant Laurie…not Laurie G. I wanted to clarify which Laurie I was talking about as the winner of the contest! But, because I messed up and didn’t clarify, then can both Laurie’s please contact me. Laurie for a paperback, and Laurie G I can give you a download of MEANT TO BE. Sorry for the faux pas ladies!!!
All the best!
Denise A. Agnew
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You are a new author for me so I am thrilled to receive a download of “Meant To Be”!
THANK YOU!!
by Laurie G
on August 5th, 2008 at 8:18 am
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Congrats to the Lauries!!!
by Colleen
on August 5th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
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wtg Lauries!!
by kim h
on August 5th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
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Woohoo, Laurie and Laurie G, and thanks again, Denise, for celebrating this release with us!
by Fedora
on August 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
