Guest Post by Allison Brennan + Giveaway

Filed in Allison Brennan , featured , Giveaways , Guest Post , The Coffee Lover Posted on November 7, 2012 @ 7:00 am 34 comments

Today we are really happy to welcome author Allison Brennan to Book Lovers Inc in celebration of her latest release Stalked! Stalked is the 5th book in the Lucy Kincaid series, a romantic suspense title full of mystery and action. Allison stops by today with a really interesting guest post about books and what else, reading! So, welcome Allison and don’t forget to check at the end of the post for the details on your chance to win a copy of Allison’s books 😀

 

Readers First by Allison Brennan

Like most writers, I’m a reader first.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been writing stories since I could hold a pencil, I am first and foremost a reader who loves books. Though I have an iPad and have been known to read a book or two on my iPhone, I still favor a physical book in which I can disappear while curled into my favorite reading chair or—even better—to read in a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine at my side.

But because I love reading, I don’t shun any medium—it’s the story I care about, the ability of my favorite authors to bring me into their world and make me feel like I’m right there with their characters, in the pages, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel, loving who they love.

For example, among my early childhood favorites was Judy Blume. Honestly, what girl didn’t love Blume’s characters? I could relate to the girl who didn’t have a dad in her life, or the girl starting her period of the first time. Blume made me feel like I was part of the story so even though I wasn’t overweight as a child, I felt a kinship with the girl she created who was.

Because there was no substantive YA genre while I was growing up, I graduated from Judy Blume and Lois Duncan and Nancy Drew and Paula Danzinger fairly early. By the time I was 13, I was reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz and all my mom’s police procedurals. (Fun fact: When my mom was pregnant with me in 1969, she read an Ed McBain book. Two of the characters were named Allison and Matthew. If I had been a boy, I would have been Matthew. Crime fiction is in my blood!)

I’m often asked by my readership what authors I recommend. This is a hard question to answer because I read A LOT (like most of you!) and I couldn’t possibly list everyone I read or recommend. I have a few go-to authors who have never let me down, and a few who have penned some of my favorite books even though I haven’t loved everything they’ve written. I greatly fear that I’ll leave someone out and then when I see my list of recommendations I’ll hit myself on the head because I should have added one, three, ten more names …

I used to think I read broadly, but compared to most avid readers (those who read more than one book a week), my reading is rather limited. I read primarily romantic suspense, mysteries and thrillers. I also read horror and contemporary romance, depending on the author or the theme. I don’t read much historical and I’m sure I’m missing out; I prefer urban fantasy to paranormal romance; and I read extensive non-fiction that’s related to crime and forensics, but little beyond that.

Fortunately, I’m lucky that there is a wealthy of reading material in my preferred genres. If I step out, it’s usually because of a recommendation by someone I trust.

When I first started writing, I used to lament that I would never be as good as my favorite writers. Unfortunately, this is still the case. Whenever I’m done read Michael Connelly’s latest, I inevitably think I will never be this good. When I’m finished with the latest J.D. Robb I think: How does she keep getting better? I started reading Lee Child later than most people – I read his first book about three years ago, and have been working my way through the Jack Reacher series. And I remember mentally hitting myself, after that first book, Why did I wait so long to read these books?

Before I seriously started writing (in 2002), I read 3-4 books a week. When I was on maternity leave with my son (Brennan #3) I read 77 books, an average of 4.8 books a week. (I can’t sleep during the day, and he could.) Now, I’m lucky to read 3-4 books a month. I often miss it, which is why I tend to volunteer to judge contests like RWA’s RITA awards or ITW’s Thriller awards. Then I have to allot more reading time and I’m always happier … even when I don’t get as much sleep as I should!

I rarely buy books because of hype, but I’m reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn right now – because it was specifically recommended to me by several people. The jury is out … but she’s an amazing writer. I’m also reading my friend Laura Griffin’s latest Tracers Series book, Scorched, which so far is right up there with the best of romantic suspense. I’m anticipating Robert Crais’s January release Suspect and the next installment in Wendy Robert’s Ghost Dusters series about a crime scene clean-up worker who can communicate with ghosts.

I love writing. I feel greatly blessed that I can write full-time and tell all the stories I have in my head. But I would never have written a word if I didn’t love reading first.

What book are you reading now? What book or series are you most anticipating in 2013?

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Allison Brennan is the author of eighteen novels and several short stories. A former consultant in the California State Legislature, she lives in Northern California with her husband Dan and their five children.

Crime fiction, mysteries, and romantic suspense have always been Allison’s favorites, so it’s no surprise that her romantic thrillers have a dark suspense edge. Reviewers have called her books “terrifying,” “mesmerizing,” “fast-paced,” “pulse-pounding,” “wonderfully complex,” “layered,” and “a master of suspense – tops in the genre.” Lee Child called LOVE ME TO DEATH, “A world-class nail-biter” and Lisa Gardner says, “Brennan knows how to deliver.”

Writing three books a year is more than a full-time job, and so is raising five kids, but Allison believes life is too short to be bored. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, playing video games, watching old movies or new television shows, driving to or attending volleyball / basketball / football / soccer games, and on occasion even makes it to the gym where she enjoys people-watching more than exercise.

Allison is currently writing the Lucy Kincaid series about an FBI recruit. The third book, IF I SHOULD DIE, is on sale now. SILENCED will be out on April 24, 2012, followed by STALKED on 10.30.12 and STOLEN in spring 2013. Also look for THRILLER 3: LOVE IS MURDER, an anthology of romantic suspense edited by Sandra Brown, on sale 5.29.12

Visit Allison:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

About Stalked:

Lucy Kincaid returns—as a killer’s obsession.

IN THE GAME OF CRIME

A new trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Lucy Kincaid has already seen more than her share of murder and mayhem. Still reeling from the sex-crime case that sealed her reputation, she’s found a true friend and mentor in Agent Tony Presidio. No matter what goes down at the Bureau, Tony’s got her back—until he’s called to New York to help investigate the murder of a reporter with ties to Lucy.

NEVER PLAY THE VICTIM

But the reporter may not be the first victim of a patient killer with a penchant for revenge, and she’s definitely not the last. Connections between closed cases, a missing person, and Tony himself lead Lucy to fear for those she cares for most. When the FBI is rocked by the death of one of their own, Lucy seeks the help of her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, to help put together the puzzle—and puts her career in jeopardy. But the harder she pushes for answers, the clearer the truth becomes: There’s a killer inside Quantico. Watching her every move. Waiting to kill again…

Buy it at AmazonB&NBook Depository

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Allison has generously offered to one lucky winner his/her choice of one of her backlist books.

This giveaway is open to all!

All you have to do is answer one of Allison’s questions: What book are you reading now? What book or series are you most anticipating in 2013?

(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please be sure to include a valid email address in the comment form (need not be in the actual body of the comment).

Giveaway ends on Saturday, November 17th, 2012; we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

About Anna


Anna is a psychologist from Greece.You can almost always find her with a book stuck under her nose,so it's no wonder that all her friends make a joke of her.Apart from reading she dreams of the day she'll be able to travel around the world!Anna also blogs at Books to Brighten your Mood.

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34 Comments

Join the Discussion
  • Patricia Eimer November 7, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Your book sounds great.

    I just finished Delusion in Death last night and have a hold placed at the library on the new JD Robb

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Patricia! I’m still behind on the JD Robb series, so no spoilers … I have about 5 books to catch up. I need to have a binge reading session soon …

  • Maria D. November 7, 2012 at 9:48 am

    Congratulations to Allison on her new release! I’ve started the Lucy Kincaid series but I’m behind on the books. I’m currently reading Naturally Charlie – it’s a contemporary romance by S.L. Scott. As far as what I’m anticipating for 2013 – I’m not really sure yet – I haven’t looked that far ahead – though probably the next Patricia Briggs book and the next Thea Harrison book in her Elder Races series. Thanks for the giveaway

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 10:09 am

      That’s always the problem with series, LOL. I’m behind on J.D. Robb and Michael Connelly, plus the last two Tess Gerritsen’s even though (gasp!) I bought them in hardcover. :/

  • Diane November 7, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Today I am reading Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus and quite enjoying it; it’s a paranormal story with wolf shifters. As far as 2013 I’m not looking forward to any particular series, just wish my favorite authors would write faster!!!

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 10:10 am

      It’s funny — I used to write faster, now I’m slow. I used to write 3 books a year, now I’m writing 2 … though next year I have to write 3. Hope I can get it done! 🙂

  • erinf1 November 7, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Thanks for the great post and congrats to Alison on the newest release! I’m dying to read this series and it’s on the top of my want list!!!

    I’m reading a light rom com right now, The Proposition by Katie Ashley. Just started it so jury’s still out.

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 10:11 am

      Oh, I like romantic comedy! If you finish it today let me know what you think

  • aurian November 7, 2012 at 10:11 am

    Congrats on the new release, and good luck! I just finished Karen Chance – Hunt the Moon, and my next book will be Gail Carriger – Timeless.

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Thanks so much! I love that title TIMELESS … is that a time travel?

      • aurian November 7, 2012 at 11:00 am

        No, it is a steampunk / paranormal series, titles are Soulles, Changeless, Blameless, Heartless and Timeless.It is a really fun and well written series.

        • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 11:01 am

          What a great endorsement. I don’t usually read Steampunk, but a friend Beth Ciotta has a steampunk Sky Cowboy out that I just ordered, so if I love it I might have to go on a reading binge … oh, woe is me! So many books …

  • Lisa November 7, 2012 at 10:21 am

    just finished Olympic Games by James Patterson, very much looking forward to the Lucy Kincaid Series, you had me hooked from the first ones I read by you, The Hunt, The Prey and The Kill. all were awesome!!

  • Vicki P November 7, 2012 at 10:34 am

    Making my way through the JD Robb series (by both paperback & audio), but have read all of LG’s Tracers series and all of your Lucy K. books.

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 11:03 am

      Love JD Robb — like I said above, I’m about 5 behind (next up is her recent RITA winner, New York to Dallas, which I can’t wait to read! But … writing comes first, and I’m judging the Thriller awards :/) Love Laura’s books too! You have great taste 😉

  • Michele H November 7, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I’ve been reading Susan Mallery’s Fools Gold series recently and can’t wait for Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Princess in March 2013. As you can tell, I read a bit of everything. Best of luck to you on your release and can’t wait to read it!!

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 11:04 am

      My daughter read the first Clare series, but didn’t get into the second … Mallery is one of the best contemporary romance writers today. Lots of fun, and my mom loves her books.

  • Katey November 7, 2012 at 11:02 am

    I am currently reading Fatal Secrets, and then I will be done with all your novels, except for some in Lucy Kincaid’s series. I also read all the books up to date by Sue Grafton, and I am looking forward to her next release in January. After I finish Fatal Secrets, I plan on starting Joanne Fluke and her food mysteries.

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      My mom loves Joanne Fluke! I’m sure you’ll love the series, too 🙂

  • LSUReader November 7, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Allison–I just finished Laura Griffin’s Scorched and it was wonderful. Her Tracers series is full of marvelous characters and topical plots.

    You mentioned a few of my favorite authors in your column–Lee Child, Robert Crais and Michael Connelly. (What is it with the C names?) For 2013, I’m looking forward to Suspect (Crais,) The Ninth Girl (Tami Hoag,) Touch & Go (Lisa Gardner) and Six Years (Harlan Coben–another for the C list!) Thanks for visiting today. I’m looking forward to the newest Kincaid book!

  • Linda November 7, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    There are two books that I am really looking forward to in 2013. The first is the last book in the Wheel of Time series that Robert Jordan was writing and Brandon Sanderson has finished. This is a Sci-Fi fantasy series that I started in college. The other one is Diana Gabaldon’s next book in her Outlander series.
    Right now I am finishing Pamela Clare’s book so that I can start your latest this weekend.

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks Linda! I have the first three books in the Outlander series sitting on my shelf ready to start reading, I just haven’t done it yet even though all my friends tell me I will love it … Maybe that’s what I’m afraid of, and have to read all the other books!

  • Chelsea B. November 7, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    Right now I am reading The Passage by Justin Cronin. It’s interesting and I really like the author’s voice. It’s a biggie, with a sequel that just came out, but hey, I like big books 😉
    Next year I’m looking forward to the next in Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series!

    • Allison Brennan November 7, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      I like big books too — THE STAND by Stephen King remains one of my all-time favorites!

  • June M. November 7, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    Right now, I am reading Miranda Baker’s HOOK UP and LOVING it 🙂 I am a huge fan of her stories! Very sexy, lol
    There are two books that are coming out at the end of the month that I am looking forward to. Larissa Ione’s ROGUE RIDER and Kerrelyn Sparks’ WILD ABOUT YOU

  • Jen B. November 7, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    I am reading Iced by Karen Marie Moning. What am I looking forward to? Normally I would have a laundry list of books but since I had to give up my book budget I haven’t been looking at upcoming releases. It’s so hard! I’m sure something will hit me and I will save my pennies so I can buy it. Right now I am using coupons and saving for The Prince by Tiffany Reisz.

  • Victoria Zumbrum November 7, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    I am reading Plain Fear Forbidden.

  • Laura November 7, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    I also used to consider myself to be a broad-spectrum reader, but now I mostly stick to romance – I do like lots of subtypes of romance though – suspense, mystery, contemporary, YA, paranormal, etc… Right now I’m reading Beautiful Creatures because my sister loved it and I saw the trailer for the movie coming out next year and thought it looked great. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Mary Preston November 8, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Hi,

    I’m reading Book 5 (A DANCE WITH DRAGONS) of the series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE by George RR Martin. It is brilliant. I’m trying to take my time so that I can savor the book knowing I will have a wait for Book 6 & then 7.

  • sienny November 8, 2012 at 9:19 am

    i’m in the middle of meljean brook’s heart of steel, lauren carr’s dead on ice and sherry thomas’s his at night. hope i’ll finished them soon.

    this year, my most wanted are Delusion in Death and Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. Both already released and i’m so happy with both.

  • Diane Sallans November 8, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    I’m almost thru Victoria Alexander’s Effington series (Regency Romance) so I’ll switch it up and look for a different genre to read next – Romantic suspense is a good choice!

  • Penni November 15, 2012 at 6:35 am

    Right now I am reading The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn. An old christian romance series. Reading it with my almost teen daughter …thus the reason for such an old series meant for younger ages lol We like to read books together once a month. We choose either a whole series or just a specific book that she wants to read.

    There is such a list of books that I am excitedly waiting for in 2013!

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