Isn’t it odd how some authors seem to be overlooked, while others draw attention automatically? Due to this strange phenomena, I decided to point out a fabulous author who I think has be given the short stick. If this entry is popular, I will make it a regular part of my blog. 
I originally had two authors lined up for this entry, but one has recently changed the way she writes and has upset her reader base. I think she’s getting ready to transition out of romance. Pity, since she wrote such delicious heroes. Oh well…
My first choice is an author by the name of Michele Albert. I’m not a big fan of many contemporary novels, but I LOVE this lady’s writing. She’s smart, sexy, and tells a good story. When I first encountered Michele, she was writing under the name Michele Jerott. Her books included such titles as ‘Absolute Trouble’ (sexy cajun cop), ‘All Night Long’, ‘A Great Catch’, and ‘Her Bodyguard’.
She changed back to her real name, Michele Albert, and came out with ‘One Way Out’, ‘Getting Her Man’, and ‘Off Limits’. She has a new book, ‘Hide in Plain Sight’ coming out in April 06. Why do I like her books? Well other than for the reasons I mentioned above, she does a great job at blending romance with action-adventure. The sexual tension between her characters sizzles off the page. You will be thoroughly invested in the characters and want them to find their HEA by the end of the first chapter. When you’re reading her work, you are reminded of what storytelling is supposed to be. She leaves you satisfied, while yearning for more. If you haven’t done so, check her out. You won’t be disappointed.
Do you know of an author that you think has been overlooked? If so, who? And why?
March 14th, 2006
This is a great idea Jordan - I’ll have to check her out. I can’t think of one right now - but I’m sure I’ll come across somebody just as soon as I finish this post
by Eve March 14th, 2006 at 11:48 amWait, I just thought of one - you’ve probably never heard of her - her name is Jordan Summers and she writes great books. I have three on my shelf right now and I don’t have a lot of shelf space, so I’m kind of stingy as to what books I keep.
by Eve March 14th, 2006 at 11:50 amJordan, what a wonderful topic to discuss. Unfortunately I can’t think of any mainstream author I read who’re overlooked consistently. I will agree with Eve though…Jordan Summers is a very talented lady that should be writing more Bravas!!! I think Kelley Armstrong is sometimes overshadowed by those other popular paranormal writer which I shall not name, and I personally think she’s by far a better writer. Hmm, now I’m going to go through my bookcase and come back to tell you some more…
by Vivi Anna March 14th, 2006 at 12:15 pmI really enjoy Louise Marley’s books, especially The Terrorists of Irustan and The Child Goddess. Both are set in the same futuristic universe, tackle unique themes and offer strong female characters. I don’t know if she’s a little known secret or if I’m just sheltered from SFF communities, but I’m just so entranced whenever she comes out with a new book.
by Mariann March 14th, 2006 at 12:39 pmEve, That’s not exactly what I meant, but thank you. I’m honored that my books are given shelf space in your home.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 12:59 pmThanks Vivi! I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. And yes, it’s a very LONG story. I agree that Kelley Armstrong hasn’t found her footing. I think it has to do with the changes in publishing houses. It’s certainly not the writing.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pmMariann, Like you, I’m not up on the SFF community. I have no idea if she’s a big writer or not. I’ll definitely take a look at her books. Thanks for sharing.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 1:04 pmLinda Davies (financial thrillers), Justine Musk (dark urban fantasy), Patricia Lewin (suspense, another kickass heroine writer), Zoe Sharp (thriller, with a kickass heroine by the name of Charlie Fox)…I can’t think of any romance writers though, partly because I’ve not been just ‘browsing’ for romance any more. Well I do, but I don’t often find something I want to read.
by May March 14th, 2006 at 1:04 pmMay, I haven’t browsed romance beyond reading reviews in the RT mag. Michele Albert has been around for a while and I just love her work. She’s not a fast writer, so she tends to get buried in the stampede of prolific authors. I’ll definitely check out a few of the authors you listed. Thanks!
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 1:12 pmMay, It looks like BloodAngel is Justine Musk’s first book. It sounds great. I’m definitely going to give it a look.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 1:18 pmOh, man I nearly forgot…Nancy A Collins…her Sonja Blue collection is fantastic. You want a kick-ass heroine, she’s one of the best ever written. Tragically flawed in so many ways. Anita Blake could only hope to be this kick-ass! You should check it out Jordan. For some reason Nancy no longer writes, or she’s changed her name and writes something else. But she’s disappeared.
by Vivi Anna March 14th, 2006 at 1:32 pmVivi, I definitely will.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 1:40 pmOh, what a great idea for a regular blog feature!
Shelby Reed (Ellora’s Cave) is an author I don’t think is getting the readership she deserves, but she’s got an agent so I expect that to change soon. Once she sells to NY, I predict a stampede to her backlist.
by Charlene March 14th, 2006 at 4:40 pmCharlene, I recently picked up a couple of her books. I’m really looking forward to reading her work. I’ve heard great things about her.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 5:17 pmIt was an honest answer - no LOL or
followed it. I hit send on the first message, twirled in my chair and looked at my few shelves of fiction. Overlooked author … Crusie - nope; Shalvis - not if I have anything to say about it; Hooper - uh uh. Then my eyes lit on your books and the answer was there. You asked the question, you got the answer. But I’ll add a couple more - Leslie Kelly. Her books have the same kind of humor that I enjoy in Jill’s; and Jo Leigh - great stories, told with a wonderful voice, and great HEA.
by Eve March 14th, 2006 at 6:57 pmThanks Eve.
by Jordan March 14th, 2006 at 8:03 pmJennifer Ashley. Great author who spreads herself too thin with all her pen names. (I’ve told her this, LOL). She’s a terrific author.
by Cheyenne McCray March 15th, 2006 at 7:18 amHmm… I can’t think of any author who’s being overlooked at this moment. But they are tonz. Especially among the ones with printed books. The competition there is fierce. All those books line-up, awaiting to be chosen. There are many that get lost in the shelves. And if the bookstore is anything like the one we have here, then it’s worst. Our local Borders only brings books from certain romance authors, the ones they know will sell. All the others are simply ignored. I’ve gone in with my list of books and ended up coming out empty-handed.
by Silma March 15th, 2006 at 7:37 amHere I am agreeing with Vivi again….Great topic Jordan! *blush*
I can’t think of anyone right off the top of my head. But I can’t think of that many authors who I feel have a respectable backlist and are overlooked. THen again, I haven’t found that many authors that are new to me, that I find myself glomming.
Maybe because blogging has introduced me to so many new authors (and I definitely think I’ve bought more new authors the last couple years than probably in years and years!), who don’t have a backlist to speak of?
by Cece March 15th, 2006 at 9:35 amDid that EVEN make sense? LOL
by cece March 15th, 2006 at 9:36 amChey, I forgot about Jennifer. You’re right, she does.
by Jordan March 15th, 2006 at 10:05 amSilma, I’ve had that happen. It’s very distressing. Of course, I’m pushy enough to make them go search the back. (wg)
by Jordan March 15th, 2006 at 10:06 amCece,
I’ve bought quite a few new to me authors lately too. I don’t know how many will get a second look, but I’ve at least given them a try.
by Jordan March 15th, 2006 at 10:08 amJenny Siler. Fantastic writer. Phenomenal.
by Trace March 15th, 2006 at 10:16 amThanks Trace! More great writers to check out.
by Jordan March 15th, 2006 at 1:13 pmJordan - Sadly they don’t even have these books on the back. They just don’t bring them. Once the attendant told me that if I wanted I could have the book (sorry, I can’t remember the name right now) specially ordered, but that it’d take 2 - 3 weeks to arrive.
My best friend in MA told me that she has the same problem. Many bookstores just bring books from authors that they know are “proven sales.” Anyone new is out. *sighs*
by Silma March 15th, 2006 at 5:53 pmThat’s crazy.
by Jordan March 15th, 2006 at 7:07 pmMajorie Liu and Kresley Cole. I discovered Cole through Kenyon and Jaid Black’s anthology Playing Easy to Get. She has her first novel coming out and the short story in Playing Easy to Get was hilarious and fun. Nice twist on the vampire legend.
by Shar March 16th, 2006 at 1:52 pmShar, I read that story. It was entertaining. I didn’t realize this was Kresley’s first book. Marjorie is a terrific writer and is building a nice name for herself.
by Jordan March 16th, 2006 at 4:38 pmOh, that’s not Kresley’s first book. Just her first paranormal. She’s got a few historicals already.
Maybe Lori Wilde. I loved her newest, You Only Love Twice. It was funny and fast-paced.
by Nicole March 17th, 2006 at 9:56 amNicole, I thought she had work out. Thanks for the heads up.
by Jordan March 17th, 2006 at 11:07 am