September 1, 2008 | Filed under: Stuff
So say you could walk into a book store right this very minute. And also say you had money in your hot little fist. And that you could walk into any section, and the book you’ve been wanting was right there in front of you. Not a real book of course, this is pretend. This is Jill’s world.
But what would that book be about? Would it have a dead body? A beach? An alternate universe? Would it have a hero or heroine who is an astronaut, a cowboy, a twin, a politician . . . ?? Would it take place in this century or a past one? Or maybe a future one? Would it have a cast of thousands, or just two? Would it have an intricate plot, or simple?
Would it make you laugh, cry, or hide under the covers?
Inquiring minds want to know any or all of the above.
Oh, and once again, I’ll be drawing names from those of you who post for a free book from my backlist, enticing you to both like me and comment. 
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
Ewa says:
Intricate.
Secret Services - intelligence.
Complex and uexpected turns.
Woman struggling in man’s world.
Discovering world that only few know.
Makes laugh.
/Greetings, Ewa
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 2:00 amNancy L. says:
The hero would be a firefighter. The cast would be big: lots of family and friends, making it possible for many books in the series. Plots would include: romance, sex, laughter, and mystery.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 3:34 amLaurie says:
I’m on the lookout for a book with a hero who’s giving his all to keep the heroine safe from an evil villan. The heroine isn’t the delicate little flower she looks like though, she’s spunky and tough. Oh, and both are incredibly intelligent - no stupid characters for me, please!
Enjoy the holiday!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 5:11 amLaura says:
I want a book that will make me laugh until tears stream down my face. I like a moment when, as the reader, I’m caught off guard by something that really touches the heart and can make me cry - in a good way. Something that is light and not too complicated - simple. And that is the book I actually AM looking to read, today!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 5:28 amStaceyB says:
I’d like dark, urban fantasy with romance and some humor. I like complicated characters and storylines. Not asking for much, huh? lol.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:06 amConnie Lee says:
I like the story to take place in 1800’s. That was a time of a little slower pace and a time for slow “courtin”. I would like to see some fun times and sad. Some of the best books I have ever read does not always turn out happily ever after at the end, but will leave you thinking about them for a long time. There should be some personal stuggles going on for the main characters, and a special connection for each other from first sight. I do not like books when the man and woman meet, hate each other for some reason, and then wind up falling madly in love with each other, it seems to phony.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:06 amLaurel says:
Oooo, I love Jill’s world. Right now I’m a little obesessed with vampire books. BUT, I like a book that makes me laugh and cry. I need to like the characters so I don’t just skip over their names. I like smart capable women and the men that like her that way. I love subtle romance with good sex scenes that don’t make me blush (too much). I really like books that I can say ” oh, I wish that were me”.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:06 amElizabeth K says:
Jill, dear, you don’t need to entice us to like you–we all think you’re the bomb!
So far as a book goes… hmm… lately it has been historical, rich with atmosphere and detail. Throw in a bit of mystery and a dash of attraction/romance, two strong leads… I’m snapping that one right up!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:07 amLiza says:
I’m reading lots of vampire books right now. I love books with strong women and men that aren’t afraid to go after what they want. I like a bit of mystery with my romance, but am fine with a straight up romance. I really like the idea of any book I want waiting for me on the bookshelf when I get to the bookstore.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:18 amJenn C says:
Well lets see if I were walking into a bookstore right now I would probably look for something with a good romance time period doesn’t matter. I want something that will draw me in with a suspence and strong characters that I love. I want a hero who is strong and a heroine who is just as strong. I want to be able to see what I am reading in my head like I am watching it on screen. These are just a few of the things I would look for.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:22 amKathleen says:
A book with mystery, romance and lots of laughs!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:30 amCheryl M. says:
I’d look for a book that has a strong, smart heroine, and I’d like the hero to be the dark and brooding type; a little bit possesive and bossy. And I’d want there to be a dangerous situation they have to get out of or a terrible bad guy trying to destroy the world that they have to stop, and of course they have to fall in love and have lots of really steamy lovemaking scenes too!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:43 amWendy says:
Alternate universe, kickass heroine, lots of evil people, zombies! and a hero who’s hot for the heroine and both find the time to have steamy sex while fighting the evil guys with their army of flesh-eating zombies.
Sounds like a fun read!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:47 amNatasha says:
What am I looking for? Well, anything romance. I would love to just be able to have money to go into the bookstore and buy any book! lol We are on a budget and buying books is a luxury I don’t really have right now. What do I want to read…well the firefighter post above was good. I do love the heroes. Police, paramedic, firefighter, military, etc. I also don’t like “easy” romances. Where they just fall into each other - the end! That’s not to say I won’t/don’t read them though!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:51 amJanet says:
Well my all time favorite books are about firefighters but someone already said that. I want a book that has lots of family ( someone always around to interupt things), lots of laughs, a little danger, and animals because life would be so boring without my pets. But nothing with SNAKES!! And last but not least, lots of hot sex!!!!!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 7:07 amCaryn Caldwell says:
It depends so much on the mood I happen to be in. I’ve been reading a lot of intense books lately — mystery/suspense, literary — plus some historicals, so I’m in the mood for something different, probably something cozy and sweet with a dash of humor, something that makes me feel good about life and like everything will work out, no matter what. I’ve embarked on such reading in the past few days. Who knows what I’ll be in the mood for next? It’s why I have the TBR pile that just won’t quit.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 7:08 amDevon Ellington says:
For me, there is no single answer to that question.
I read a wide variety of books, depending on my mood, the stresses in my life, and also what I’m writing. I can’t read in the same genre I’m currently writing — i have to read something completely different.
For me, I want strong, intelligent, ACTIVE characters who are determined to make a positive difference in the world and stand by the people they love — no matter what else is going on around them.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 7:18 amTreasia Stepp says:
When I go book shopping I look for books about contemporary romance. Set in this day and age, with cast of dear friends and family, much laughter and comedy, light suspense. I also like the woman to be the hero overcoming divorce, death, or something like this. But it’s got to be set in the south.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 7:52 amFannie says:
I like a book with believable characters. Any time period cause love and romance span any era. I also like steamy sex and warm thoughtful conversation. I am not so much into books where every other page is about sex. Real life has a lot of ups and downs so a book should also. I am not so much into non-fiction, I live that everyday. I want something to take me away from normal life for a little while. Wow, what a rambling post. have a great day and hugs to all.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 8:10 amMelinda says:
I love your books. What I think I like most is that they are all so different (the characters, the plots, the setting). I love humor and I love characters that spark.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 8:26 amKaren B says:
Contemporary, suspense/mystery, romance. 
No fantasy/paranormal.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 8:31 amJoyce says:
In general I like romantic suspense but I also like political thrillers, fantasy, and sci-fi. I love stories about fire fighters, police, military, FBI, CIA etc. I also enjoy series books, and books that stand alone. I hope that helps.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 8:59 amJen(aside) says:
I love things that are in alternate universes or alternate timelines. Sci-fi/fantasy stuff. I like things that make me laugh, feel warm and fuzzy, and cry. The whole range of emotions. I prefer series books as then I can really get into the universe portrayed in the books and get to know people. I prefer storylines that don’t overlap (so when three books overlap the exact same period of time, I’m not nearly as intrigued).
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:09 amLynn says:
My recent book purchases have consisted of a vampire novel, four wine mysteries, and a motivational type book, so I’m all over the place in my reading.
What would I look for today? A contemporary romance with mystery, humor and steamy sex. I like the dead body and beach idea. Maybe a dead body *on* a beach? And a cowboy as a hero does it for me, too. Although firefighters are pretty…hot!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:11 amAllie says:
Adventure. Humor. Romance. A happy ending.
I love a touch of paranormal or fantasy as well.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:15 amRandi says:
I like a variety of books, but most of my main reads are romance. Contemporary romance. I don’t get into historical reads. I like strong heroines and heroes. I want to like the characters in the story. I do like stories of revenge. It’s interesting how the author can turn a someone not so nice into someone the reader understands and learns to like.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:48 amKirsten says:
I like just about any type of fiction. I look for a hero who is alpha, though betas are good too without being so chauvinistic it makes me grit my teeth. A heroine who can take care of herself, but can also yield to her hero. I love a bit of comedy and men with babies, firefighters
, military, cowboys, car racing, and recently the paranormal with vampires, werewolves, demons, etc.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:50 amLexi Connor says:
A dead body…or two.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 10:10 amA kick-ass heroine.
A hot/competent hero who takes care of his woman.
A beach would be nice, or mountains would do.
Lots of take my breath away moments-from romance & fear.
A chase…or several chases.
A fight to the death where the good guys win.
A happily ever after in the romance too.
Patty L. says:
The hero would be a professional athlete with all the cockiness that they possess and the vulnerbility that we all love in our man. The heroine would be sassy and eloquent and of course after all their troubles getting on the same page with their budding romance their would be the happily ever after.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 10:13 amcheryl c. says:
I read all kinds of books, but TODAY I am in the mood for something sweet and sexy with lots of romance and laughter.
No fantasy, paranormal, or suspense for me right now.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 10:49 amKP says:
Since 60s are the new 40s, gimme a steamy romance about a tall rugged cowboy type whose word is his bond, finding the heroine, a self confident independent sort who is ready to ’smell the roses a bit’ after years of the hectic career…
OH and please let him be named Jesse
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 11:26 amCryna says:
I would be looking for a romance with a heroine that does not back down from the hero and gives him what for, because she is not whimpy. I like suspense and mystery with some humor thrown in.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 12:20 pmStephanee says:
Love a good contemporary with or without suspense that’s not too dark or complicated. Like Patty L., I love strong, successful athletes too, which they say is not popular, but I can’t help writing about them, since it’s what I like to read.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 12:29 pmDiana says:
My book would take place in contemporary times, be about two people falling in love, doesn’t really matter what their occupations are, except I don’t really like reading about attorneys or politicians. It’d be funny, but also include a lot of angst. I’m a fan of angst and what appears to be unrequited love when it comes to romance. I also like it when the two main characters have known each other in the past, although that’s not a requirement. I also like secondary characters if they’re interesting and relevant to the story. Doesn’t matter if the story takes place in a small town or big city.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 12:50 pmCarol says:
Dear Jill,
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 1:07 pmAll of the above!
april says:
First, yay for having both money and a bookstore with a book I want! hehehe
Let’s see… I really like a good character-driven plot with more internal conflict than external conflict. I like to laugh and cry (though not at the same time - it’s messy). I want to keep wondering what’s going to happen next or want to be completely enthralled with the world created. I trust the author to the details. Oh and some nooky is always good…
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 1:15 pmJane says:
I would go for a book full of mystery and suspense. The military/law enforcement hero teams with a strong and intelligent heroine to find source of the crime or terrorism.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 1:32 pmMelissa's Cozy Teacup says:
A really great French or Asian cuisine cook book.Or a tea book with great, artistic photos and recipes.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 2:46 pmDonna M says:
Wow! What a great treasure of ideas!!
I have a gift card, can’t wait to go get Superb & Sexy!
I do love a good guy hero, strong character, has a soft spot for family, is confident enough to let his lady be herself, strong independent but feminine and smart. Suspense with the romance, a little intrigue, steamy, laughter and maybe a few tears from sadness or something that just touches the heart. On the other hand I love a tall, dark & dangeous bad boy! Yum! His heroine can keep up with him and make him proud to be with her. Must have HEA!
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 3:27 pmLaure says:
Ooh, I want a one-way ticket to Jill’s World, please. Money and a bookstore where the books come to me,
Well, my tv obsession has been BBC’s Robin Hood (highly recommended, though slightly cheesy) I’ve been carrying the themes over into reading. So I’d love a good historical, English, Irish, Scottish maybe, with a dashing hero some see as a bad boy but with a good heart fighting the Powers That Be for the good of all, and a heroine who can hold her own but knows they’ll work better together. Strong, sexy, funny, sexy, dramatic, oh and yeah, sexy.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pmBarbara says:
I read all over the board so it could be any of the things you listed.
I really love connecting books and books with a big group of characters. My two favorite genres of late are romantic suspense and urban fantasy. I have read several books lately with firefighters as heros. Trial By Fire by Jo Davis being the most recent. You should give it a try if you haven’t read it already…since I know you are partial to firefighters as well.
I like a touch of humor as well.
Guess it really depends on my mood when I visit the bookstore and what’s new on the shelves.
My most recent purchase included Hostage To Pleasure by Naligh Sihi (I know I got the name wrong) but I love this series….And Able by Lucy Monroe…got a third book too but the title escapes me at the moment.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 5:25 pmSarah says:
I like light, not too complicated, tight focus on the romance and hero/heroine, lots of sexual tension, unique dialogue, descriptions and word choices that make me smile.
Also, contemporary settings, limited number of dead bodys…
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pmErin says:
We’re limited to just one book? Is it possible to go into a book store and buy just ONE book? lol
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:00 pmPat L. says:
It would make me laugh AND cry. Love a snappy dialogue between h/h.
A Cowboy, a carpenter or man who works with his hands, a cop or a rich businessman. Love a tortured soul who the love of good hero or heroine fixes everthing. LOL.
And it would take place in this century.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 6:32 pmMichelle says:
I enjoy an ensemble cast of wacky characters that get themselves involved in kooky situations. I am still searching for the book that makes me laugh so hard milk (or diet mountain dew) comes out my nose.
Cheers & Cookies,
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 7:08 pmMichelle
AO says:
It would be a funny witch story. Romance of course. Contemporary setting. Funny because either she can’t get the spells quite right or because she likes to play tricks on the hero. Not dark ‘fantasy’ or paranormal… something more along the lines of “Bewitched” or “I Dream of Jeannie”, ie light and humorous.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 8:50 pmjeanne says:
I like variety too. I guess if I have to pick one it would be past (or future) but not now. I can fantasize better when the surroundings are totally different. Complicated is fine as long as it makes sense and things aren’t thrown in just for the heck of it. And I like to laugh and cry.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pmtrish canfield says:
I like a romance where the hero is surprised by the heroine in some way. EX. She has strength/humor that he was not previously aware of.
I also like series like the Promise Texas series by Debbie Macomber that focuses on family along with the romance.
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:39 pmkim h says:
mabye a book about my life, in a fairy tale,
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 9:58 pmLindsay says:
I love romance novels that make me laugh, and I’m pretty picky in that I only really like the contemporary ones (so in the present). I like a plot in the middle; some of the suspense mysteries get a little too intricate for me but I don’t like books to be too simple either. As far as the setting, I like them to take place pretty much anywhere! =)
Posted on September 1st, 2008 at 10:43 pmKatie says:
I’m a sucker for a good book that makes me laugh and cry, but there’s also got to be some action and adventure in there too. Anything with a hot man is okay, but firemen, carpenter/construction, outdoorsmen, and cowboys are my weaknesses. Right now, anything that isn’t about the methods of teaching high school biology is what I want to read. But that might just be because I’m up to my eyeballs in studying for my certification to teach!
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 at 7:20 amSusan says:
As long as the book is written by you I would be in heaven!
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 at 1:03 pmKate says:
HMMM. This is a hard one. I know it would be contemporary, but when it comes to what the hero does I am not picky he could be a fireman (you do those so well), a cowboy, a SEAL, basically any of those hot hunky jobs. Action, adventure and suspense is always a plus but then so is humorous and kooky. Like I said I am not picky!!
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pmnaomi says:
I love plots that are driven by internal conflict and well drawn characters. Dead bodies, chases, mysteries are all nice, but not needed if the first two requirements are met. I love second change at love stories and coming home stories and redemption stories. A secret baby can also be nice if well written.
Sexual tension in a romance is a must. And I’m not a big fan of the Big Misunderstanding, unless it’s written in a believable way and isn’t just a plot device.
Location doesn’t matter so much to me as the characters. Though right now, I could handle a beach or two.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 7:01 amLynn R. says:
I’m a sucker for romance. How about an imaginary person from your dreams that you have fantacized about for years and becomes a reality. Of course it has a happy ending.
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 amMickey says:
I’d love to see a book of pictures of strange places all around the Earth….hanging monastery in China, Stemmaya Road in South America in the mountains…unusual places and people since I wouldn’t be able to visit them in person….I’d let my mind dream of being there!
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 6:36 pmSharon Cullen says:
Of course it would have to be romance. But not twins. I *hate* books with twins in them. Maybe something with suspense in them. Or time travel. There aren’t nearly enough time travels out there IMO. Something with a lot of emotion. But please, no twins.
Posted on September 4th, 2008 at 8:29 amlimecello says:
Oops - as usual, I’m late. Life is meh and I’m distinctly unlucky right now. lol. - However books, I want one that makes me laugh and cry (though not at the same time - that’s rather complicated).
Posted on September 4th, 2008 at 11:51 amI don’t care what the setting/time is - my interest is in the characters. I love a great story - friends to lovers, enemies to friends, strangers, whatever. I love reading the development of the relationship, and believing that the hero and heroine honestly feel in forever love.
Drama is good - but I love the humor, witty repartee, and emotionally charged scenes.