May 6, 2008 | Filed under: Stuff
THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE has been voted the Best Romantic Comedy of 2007 by the reviewers at Romance Reviews Today, which is cool beans for me!
Here’s the link to an excerpt . . . but the long and short of it is Every Day Girl wins a cruise where she meets two really cute guys. Only problem, there’s a missing guy on the ship, a storm, a deserted island . . . and quite possibly one of the guys who are into her are also into making people vanish.
And it’s a comedy, I swear!
Anyway, I remember writing this one and wishing *I* was on a cruise with a bunch of cute guys. I guess here is where I should admit, the heroine resembles me in many, many ways, although I have never won a cruise, dammit.
Or gone to an exotic island . . .
Maybe that’s for the best. If I was on an exotic island, I doubt I’d want to write. I’d be too busy having a love affair with the sun (see all my posts all freaking winter long to understand why).
Oh, and before I go, I’m curious about something. When you go to buy a romance, what do you like on the side: comedy, suspense, thriller, mystery . . . or anything? Just wondering what goes on in your mind at the bookstore. Or at the computer screen at the online bookstore. Or the library. Or . . . you get my drift. What makes you pick up a book?? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
Stacy ~ says:
I absolutely loved this book. One of my Jill faves.
Many things help me decide - word of mouth by friends with similar tastes, so I’ll keep an eye out for it. The cover - whether it’s sexy or gorgeous or a tropical setting in the dead of winter (ahem). The premise, as there are some books that really don’t interest me all that much (i.e. werewolves) and others that do (friends who fall in love).
And if I love an author’s work a lot, they become an auto-buy for me. Have you ever read Jill Shalvis? She writes very hot, sexy and funny, funny, funny stories. Never heard of her? Hmmm, you should check this writer chick out. Definitely auto-buy material.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 3:11 amLaura says:
Any of those things can attract me to a book - it just depends on my mood when I’m “shopping” (wherever it might be I’m shopping). I love a good thriller or mystery but I will say, comedies are high…HIGH up the list of what I buy.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 4:03 amPat L. says:
So show was the bday girl’s bday?
I like comedy on the side - some supense or a secret is good too. The cover is what attracts me, back blurb and of course the author.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 4:23 amHélène says:
I LOVED this book.
The characters were great, so funny at times they had me snorting, and the love scenes? Woooooweeeee! Hotter than jalapeños! 
Why o why can’t i meet a sexy french doctor?!?
Or someone who loves motorbikes!
The french doctors I know are old and decrepit
What do i look for in a romance book? Lately, lots of humour. So many of them out there, it’s costing me a fortune! Love books about characters with kids and animals. Funny dialogues. And also hot love scenes. And franckly Jill yours are hotter than a most. Not that i am complaining.
Trouble with Paradise and Room service & Her Sexiest mistake were so hot they sizzled. I have to be careful when i read one of your books. Gotta make sure i don’t read them while in public. One scene in Room Service made me blush. *fans herself 
Keep ‘em comin’!
Have a great day all!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 4:26 amMental P Mama says:
Fantastic news! I am going to go get this one next! In response to your question, I like comedy on the side followed closely by a thriller. By the way, how is your batboy working out? Do I need to crack a whip?
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 4:47 amDevon Gray says:
I would have to say comedy on the side…definitely!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 4:59 amDevon Gray says:
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:00 amSheila says:
Congratulations, Jill!
I absolutely loved THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE. It was funny and sexy and the characters, as your characters always are, were heartwarming and real.
I guess THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE would describe the kind of book I love to buy.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:06 amTreasia Stepp says:
I always look for romance/comedy books for reading. I want every day type stuff with more pizazz in it.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:14 amBailey Stewart says:
Congratulations Jill! That book is so deserving!
What do I look for?
Author (some are auto-buys, some are ones that I’m interested in, etc.) is foremost.
A recent trip to Borders resulted in the following:
A romantic comedy
A historical romance
2 Romantic suspense
A mystery
So you see, I like different things “on the side”. My favorite storyline, like Stacy, is friends to lovers.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:25 amMargaret McDonagh says:
Fantabulous!!! Many, many CONGRATULATIONS! So well deserved. I’m chuffed to bits for you.
Love,
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:29 amMags
Liza says:
Congrats Jill! I read all types of books(romance, mysteries, fiction, YA). I always have my auto-buy authors and for there I go with what looks and sounds good. I also listen to other readers who suggest new authors to me. I have recently gotten into the paranormal romances. I’ve never been a huge historical romance reader, but I have found a few recently that I enjoyed. I think contemporary romances will stay my favorites.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:08 amAsthmagirl says:
Congratulations! Good for you! That’s really great news!
Like others, I auto-buy some books based on the author. Other things that I look for are a unique story line. I rarely buy for comedy although I enjoy it when it pops up. I usually buy for adventure, thriller, mystery or suspense. I like the premise that extraordinary things happen in an everyday life.
I don’t usually buy for exotic sexy covers. I’m not opposed to werewolf/vampire type material as long as it’s well handled… not the whole plot, but a great addition to the plot…adding to the book and moving the protagonists forward rather than causing the plot to lurch and grind. Of course, that’s with any genre of romance.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:09 amPicky I know…!
Ashley says:
Congrats!! I loved that book as well, it was great, as are all of your books!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:33 amWhen shopping for books, I have my favorite authors that I auto-buy, I love comedy and mystery/suspense, and if the cover catches my eye and there’s a good write up on the back I’ll check it out. I’m not too picky, I read just about everything. However, the only romance authors I buy regularly are the fabulous Jill Shalvis and Erin McCarthy!
Jackie Colt says:
My side order of romance will be mystery. May I please have a second side with hisorical. I know I’m out of it, but what can I say, I still like a brawny Highland dude sweeping into the castle.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:45 amKathleen says:
It all depends on my mood when shopping. I will often crack the book open and read the opening sentence or two (or paragraph or more if it really hooks me)…and if I’m intrigued, I’ll buy it no matter what genre it is.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:46 amJen(aside) says:
I like realistic gritty books, or I like far-fetched comedies. One or the other. I want the romance ITSELF to seem somewhat realistic though - like it could actually happen. And I don’t want a book that has sex in every chapter, or damn near. I want to know the characters, their agonies, their feelings.
I also like books with powerful male figures. Cops, military, firemen. You know, typical (romantic fantasy).
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 7:10 amapril says:
There’s not one thing I can put my finger on exactly. I just want to like the characters. I don’t necessarily have to identify with them, but I have to have some kind of inner conflict (even if it’s ridiculous) and I have to feel like I understand them. It helps if I can identify with them in some way, but it’s not necessary. I have to want to care what happens to them and wish them well. If I don’t like them, chances are, I won’t finish the book. If I hate them, chances are, I’ll wish them a fiery death and be disappointed when they’re awarded for stupidity.
I like comedy, drama, some action. I like all sorts of heroes and heroines, locations, occupations, storylines. If it is fantasy or paranormal or a little kooky, I want the author to have a set of rules and have consistency. If a vampire can see sunlight, I want to know why in her world that that’s accepted.
As for why I pick up a book, author name is first the most important. Then, I’d say title. If a title grabs me, I’ll read the back.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 7:20 amMelissa's Cozy Teacup says:
Congratulations!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 7:21 amChrista says:
great going
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 8:35 amFirst and foremost the author. I also like a little comedy in the book or suspense. A little bit of plot to the story. And a ruggedly handsone cowboy(or french doctor) helps too.
Hélène says:
Did i forget to say Congrats??!!??
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 8:39 amkim h says:
congrats Jill. i do love romantic comedy .
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 8:57 amCourtney says:
Congratulations Jill! I loved that book.
As to your question, the one thing I look for in any romance book is good writing so I buy books based on the writer, not necessarily the other aspects. So sometimes that means I like the suspense aspect of it (Shannon McKenna, Pamela Clare), the world-building (JR Ward), comedy (YOU!) and sometimes I just like the family dynamics (Kathryn Shay).
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 9:03 amSuzanne says:
Congratulations!!!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 9:56 amDonna M says:
Congratulations Jill!
You are a winner.
First of all I tend to buy anything written by a favorite author & my list seems to always grow! I love a good hero/heroine, the story should have substance, humor is a plus as is some mystery. My favorite books are ones that can make me laugh, make me cry & leave me feeling good at the ending. There are many very talented authors busy writing. You are right up there at the top of the best.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 11:22 amSusan says:
Congratulations, Jill! I buy any book by you.
And you have introduced me to some great authors, Donna Kauffman and Suzanne McMinn being the first two that jump to mind. 
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 11:28 amCarol says:
I love comedy! So you know The Trouble With Paradise is one of my favorites. It’s laugh out loud funny!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amAllie says:
Congratulations! And it is well-deserved. I just love that book.
I want humor with my romance. I like adventure, too. I do not like scary things like thrillers. A little mystery and danger are fine, but nothing too scary. If there’s no humor, I put it down. That’s why I love your books. ALL your books have humor!
I know I will be happy if you are the author. There are several authors who I read nearly everything they write because I know I will be entertained.
I also like when the author spends a decent amount of time in the guy’s head as well as the girl’s.
I’m reading the… & Sexy books now and I love them! All the qualities I like! Those are definite keepers!
!!! I’m in a ! mood today. Sorry.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 11:39 amBrandy says:
I read this book! LOVED IT!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 11:41 amI prefer a bit of comedy with my romance. Weird I know, but life is so serious that sometimes I just need a laugh. But, I do read all of the sub-genres you listed with romance. *G*
Cryna says:
Congratulations
When I go shopping I have my auto buy Authors that I look for and a list of what I want. But if a book cover catches my eye - then I will pick it up and read the back blurb. If I am still intrigued I will then buy it. So would depend on my mood or what catches my eye, while out shopping.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pmanniebb says:
Congratulations!:yes:
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pmDru says:
Congratulations!
I’m always on the lookout for books by my auto-buy authors. I will wander in the book aisles and sections that I go to are romance and mysteries. What catches my eyes will be the cover, the blurb or a combination of both. I always leave a bookstore with a book or two and one will most likely be romantic suspense.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:40 pmlimecello says:
Congratulations, Jill!
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 5:46 pmHm… I guess I look for humor on the side. I don’t go for mystery/thrillers, really.
Randi says:
Congratulations! I loved, loved, loved this book! A great read. I just finished it. From reading your daily blogs, I did think that the main character was a lot like you.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 6:35 pmI like humor in books, but sometimes a mystery is good, too. It depends on the author for me. I, too, have my auto-buy authors.Reading the back cover always helps.
Lori says:
Congratulations!! I like comedy and mystery with my romance.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 at 10:41 pmDiana says:
I really enjoyed The Trouble with Paradise, and regarding romance books, I like comedy on the side.
Posted on May 7th, 2008 at 7:50 pm