By Laurie Johnson
Did anyone else develop a subscription obsession during lockdown? No, just me? Since 2020, I seem to have curated a list of subscriptions for everything! From fresh coffee beans to laundry capsules, audio books to natural deodorant, beauty products to, probably my favourite, wine! But my latest sign-up is the one that makes me do a happy dance when the post arrives: romance books.
Yes, I know, I’m a romance book editor and you’re probably thinking ‘don’t you read lots of romance already?’ and yes, I do, but can you ever really have enough?
What I love about a subscription is the variety! I get to try all different types of coffee/wine/books, and the best part is I don’t have to spend ages picking them out. They just land on my doorstep, ready to be enjoyed. And my romance book subscription is no different. At the end of the month, two beautifully wrapped books arrive and I’m so excited to open them.
Often when I browse books online, I’m overwhelmed by the amount of choice and then I go down the rabbit hole of reviews and end up not buying anything. Does this happen to you? But with the subscription, I’m given a chance to read something I wouldn’t have possibly found or picked up. And I love not knowing what the books are going to be, it’s such a lovely surprise to unwrap each one and see what stories I can get lost in!
Last month, I read Lease on Love by Falon Ballard, which was quirky with engaging and relatable characters. This month it’s Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake and omg this story is so much fun! Yes, it’s responsible for the extra eye make-up I need (because instead of going to sleep, I keep thinking, ‘one more chapter, just one more chapter’), but so worth it. This story is everything I want from a romance, with LGBTQ+ characters that spring off the page and into your heart.
With such wonderful books coming through, it’s safe to say my romance book subscription is one I will be keeping. (Honestly, I don’t keep them all! There are a few I’ve tried that haven’t been successful – looking at you clothes subscription!) But the books? They are here to stay 😊 Have you discovered the world of subscriptions yet? What’s your favourite? (Actually, don’t tell me, I’ll only sign up to it!)
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!