Pamela Tracy here, and I am a list maker
Not only do I love making lists, I love reading them (well, some of them.)
Every year I go looking for the top ten bestselling romances. Used to be, that was easy. I went to Barnes and Noble, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Times.
It's not so easy anymore. I couldn't find a list I could trust on Barnes and Noble. The New York Times didn't seem to have one listed. Below is what I finally arrived at, and I settled for 5 or 6 as apposed to 10.
Every year I go looking for the top ten bestselling romances. Used to be, that was easy. I went to Barnes and Noble, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Times.
It's not so easy anymore. I couldn't find a list I could trust on Barnes and Noble. The New York Times didn't seem to have one listed. Below is what I finally arrived at, and I settled for 5 or 6 as apposed to 10.
According to the Washington Post, the five best romance novels of 2014 are
- The Arrow by Monica McCarty
- Evernight by Kristen Callihan
- Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan
- Fool me Twice by Meredith Duran
- When the Duke was Wicked by Larraine Heath
I've not read any of them. How about you? Now, I've heard of Lorraine Heath and have read her in the past.
According to Publisher’s Weekly, the six best romance novels of 2014 are
- The Submission Gift by Solace Ames
- Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett
- The Honeymoon Trap by Kelly Hunter
- Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner
- Craving Temptation by Deborah Fletcher Mello
- Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt
Ah, finally a list with one I've read. I read Bitter Spirits and LIKED it. Had no idea it had made it on a list. You go, girl, Jenn Bennett (and no, I don't know Jenn personally). Also on this list is one I think I'll buy. Somebody Like You. Christian fiction rarely gets it due. I think I'll write Beth a fangirl letter.
The top five for Goodreads
- Written in my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
- Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
- The King by J.R. Ward
- Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
- Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
I have not read the above, but I did try. I checked out Diana Gabaldon's book in audio from the library. 33 discs I think. Alas, that was just part two. Somehow I walked out of the library without part one. 66 discs felt a little overwhelming. Plus, I'm pretty sure I need to read the one before.
As a note, Outlander is one of my top ten favorite of all times book. I'd take it to a deserted island with me. I've probably read it a dozen times and have two copies. The series on TV captivated me. I have a nine year old and never get to watch my own programs. I made time and wasn't disappointed.
As a note, Outlander is one of my top ten favorite of all times book. I'd take it to a deserted island with me. I've probably read it a dozen times and have two copies. The series on TV captivated me. I have a nine year old and never get to watch my own programs. I made time and wasn't disappointed.
According to Eros Books, the top five are
- Written in my Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon
- Captivated by You by Sylvia Day
- Blood Magick by Nora Roberts
- The Arrow by Monica McCarty
- The Hawley Book of the Dead by Chrysler Szarlan
Okay, here's Diana again. Not surprised about Sylvia. I've read many Nora Roberts. Hmmm, here's The Arrow mentioned again. As for number five, I'm heading to Amazon to check it out now.
What all this tells me is that probably Diana Gabaldon was the number one best-seller for 2014, with The Arrow coming in next. Not sure about the rest, but to me, Eros looked the most on target, although I'd like to think that Publisher's Weekly nailed it.
In truth, I don't know.
What do you think?
btw, Pamela is not a top ten bestselling author, but she made the USA Today bestseller list with Mistletoe Kisses just last month.
Oh, and she has a new release coming up in April from Harlequin Love Inspired!
btw, Pamela is not a top ten bestselling author, but she made the USA Today bestseller list with Mistletoe Kisses just last month.
Oh, and she has a new release coming up in April from Harlequin Love Inspired!
Gosh, I feel like I'm reading all the time. Of your list I've read: Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan and Blood Magick by Nora Roberts. But hey, I've read all of the Heartwarming books and many other series books by authors I know and love. Many American books, some Superromance, some Special Edition, some Love Inspireds, and quite a few single titles. Is it sales figures that make these books best sellers?
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ReplyDeleteI think on some lists it is. Goodreads, it appears it goes by votes because they had the rankings.
Thanks for the lists, Pamela! I'll have to explore. Ashamed to admit I haven't read anything on it, and have heard of only a few of the authors. There's comfort in the knowledge that many, many great books are circulating that never make a list. But in the quest to be a better writer, It's a good idea to check out all those that get attention, presumably because they've tapped into something readers relate to.
ReplyDeleteI agree. That's why I honed in on the books that made more than one list.
DeleteInteresting, Pam! I didn't recognize any until the last list. Not sure what that says about me LOL. I love your April cover and awesome on Mistletoe Kisses!!
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ReplyDeleteNext, I'll go for overall fiction. I've probably read a few there. I love so many of Harlequin's covers!
Pamela...interesting! Thank you. Like Roz, I feel like I'm reading all the time but have only read a few of these... I love Colleen Hoover partially because I discovered her back when she very first started and offered her first book for free on Amazon. Read everything by her since. Now....I'm going to go update my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteI don't read nearly as much as I want to, and often have trouble concentrating when I do--this has only happened in recent years and I'm not sure what to blame it on. I'd only read one of the books on the list and, even though I liked it, I wouldn't have chosen it above, say, a nice Heartwarming read. What surprised me more, and made me feel a little uncomfortable (which I can't explain) was how few of the authors' names were familiar to me. Interesting post, Pam.
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DeleteI agree, I used to recognize all the names.
Wow. I definitely need to catch up on my reading, too. I read all the time, but I am obviously out of the romance loop. Time to go make a list of my own...and get to the bookstore, library and internet. Thanks so much for the info!
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DeleteYou're welcome
This is a great post, Pam. What a lot of work to compile. I'm with everyone else. I hardly recognize these names and I AM reading a whole lot---though a lot is also just research, honestly. I try to read ALL our Heartwarming books and frankly, I'm so hooked I don't much care about anything else. I say we pat all of ourselves on the back!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam!!
DeleteI read a lot too because if I don't, I get grumpy.
Pam, I've read Someone Like You and it is great! Beth Vogt is a wonderful writer.
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely inspired me to check out all these list-keepers...and some of those books, too! Hope your Christmas was wonderful and that 2015 will deliver only the very best of everything to you and yours!
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