Binge buying is not like binge drinking. Gross. Another turn of phrase for binge buying would be a gluttonous shopping spree of epic proportions. You know the ones I’m talking about, so don’t try to deny it, because I see your credit card, and I know it matches mine.
Binge Buy vs. Auto-Buy:
A binge-buy shopping spree is based off of one or two books by a previously unread author. When you finished reading the first or second book, you knew two things: You loved it/them and wanted more. Auto-buy comes later, when the author has proven to be a consistent favorite.
I have plenty of auto-buy authors, many of whom started out on my shelves from my binge buys. The focus of this article, however, is binge-buy authors, and mine in particular. During my romance career I have had many books by authors start a binge-buy shopping spree. Here are the ones off the top of my head:
Where the Gluttony Began:
LaVyrle Spencer / The Gamble—I read my mother’s copy and that right there, ladies and gentlemen, is the book that started my love for romance novels. My love for alpha heroes and flawed heroines started here too. I loved The Gamble’s rich descriptions for the time period and especially the heroine’s vulnerability set against her outward strength. Spencer is a wonderful author with a focus on historical American romances. Her books feel like home and adventure all rolled into one delicious package. From the binge buy more favorites flowed into my shelves: The Hummingbird, Separate Beds, Years, Endearment, and Vows.
Teresa Medeiros / Charming the Prince—This is the first warrior hero I remember reading, and boy was he hot! He fought his attraction to the heroine tooth and nail because he didn’t want any more children (and he has a lot from two previous wives who both died in childbirth, along with many bastards). The more he struggled against his emotions and desire, the worse it was for him. In fact, he even started an all out war between his heroine and children and himself. Can you guess who lost? Medeiros writes mainly historicals, and from the ones I grabbed in my binge buy I have loved: The Bride and the Beast, A Kiss to Remember, Yours Until Dawn, One Night of Scandal, and Breath of Magic. If you’re looking for a fun lighthearted historical romance, I recommend that you try Medeiros.
Jacquie D'Alessandro / Sleepless at Midnight—My love for bespectacled heroines didn’t start with this book, but it was around here that I noticed how prevalent my preference was for characters with poor eyesight. This humorous Regency-set historical had me thirsting for more of the same and so I grabbed what I could find from the bookstore. I really enjoyed Red Roses Mean Love and have other of her books in my TBR pile.
Lisa Kleypas / Prince of Dreams—I love both her historicals and her contemporaries; I admit I was concerned about trying Lisa Kleypas in anything other than historicals, but this was one literary diet addition that I’m glad to have included. Kleypas’ novels are emotionally rich and beautifully composed, whether they are historical or contemporary. Some of my favorites from the binge buy are When Strangers Marry, Worth Any Price, and Because You’re Mine.
Jennifer Blake / Fierce Eden—I loved Fierce Eden, which was recently re-issued. Prior to the review copy, I had never even heard of Jennifer Blake. I’ve only had a chance to read one book from her backlist since then, which was Triumph in Arms. Midnight Waltz is next on my list. Her books remind me a bit of LaVyrle Spencer’s, and not to go all McDonald’s on you, but I’m lovin’ it. It’s so refreshing to have American historical romances featuring French colonists instead of the traditional British colonists. These three books have taken place in Louisiana/Louisiana Territory.
Now that I’ve revealed my binge-buy authors, it’s time to share yours. Which authors have you consumed over the years? Did they lead to auto-buying tendencies?
Keira Gillett reviews romance of all genres at Love Romance Passion. She loves marriage of convenience plots and angst ridden breakups that ultimately end up in gooey happily ever afters. You can also find her on Twitter.
