Sunday, September 18, 2016

Almost Here ~ New Series Nerves! by Jannine Gallant

Seeing all our book babies roll out is always exciting, but the launch of a new series doubles the anticipation. Will readers like these new characters they'll be seeing for the next four books? Will they welcome the concept of the new series or be disappointed it isn't the same as the last one? Changing up your MO is always a bit of a risk. Readers have expectations, and when authors deviate from those standards, we risk pissing off our reading public. That certainly goes for hopping between genres, but even differentials within the sub-genre can add uncertainty.


The first book in my new BORN TO BE WILDE series releases on September 27th. I can't wait because I loved, loved, loved writing WILDE ONE. My Who's Watching Now series has sold pretty well, and it's fairly typical of its genre. The bad guys are really bad. The threat to the heroine is ongoing and deadly. Readers like and expect that in a romantic suspense. This new series has more adventure added. Yes, there are still bad guys who turn out to be really nasty, but the threat throughout the book isn't the main focus. These characters are caught up in really fun (for the reader) adventures on their way to their HEA. Take WILDE ONE, which features a cross country treasure hunt. Griff and Ainslee have to solve a series of tough riddles leading to the next clue that will eventually lead to a treasure. At the same time, they have to beat the other contestants, one of whom will do whatever it takes to stop them. But, the focus is more on their developing relationship along the journey that the villain's antics.

In other words, this isn't traditional romantic suspense. Will the new series sell well? Boy, I hope so! I'm holding my breath, praying readers will embrace the fun along with the suspense. So far, NetGalley reviews have been positive, but I'm still anxious. So, if you want to try something a little different in romantic suspense, WILDE ONE is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and KOBO. Have it waiting on your reader on September 27th, and then you can tell me if my edgy concept hit one out of the park. Or not.

The Wilde brothers have one thing in common—a thirst for adventure. But Griff Wilde is about to be taken on the ride of his life . . . 
 
When Griff Wilde receives a letter from a dead man sending him on a race to find a mysterious treasure, he’s not worried about the competition. After all, salvaging sunken treasure is what he was born to do. But the riddles leading to the clues are a little trickier than he anticipated . . .
 
Ainslee Fontaine is ready for a change. A cross-country scavenger hunt sounds like a piece of cake after teaching in New York City. How hard could it be? For starters, travelling alone seems to have its hidden dangers, like real-life treasure hunters who ignite her deepest passions. But there’s still a hidden prize to find—unless someone stops them by any means necessary . . .


12 comments:

remullins said...

Sounds wonderful. Good luck!!!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Robin!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

I think your series is close enough in the romantic suspense genre, your reader base will love it. I'm hoping so. It's when you change so drastically like I was forced to do that ticks readers off. I went from humorous and somewhat suspenseful bear shifters to wounded SEALs with PTSD. It didn't sell. It was too much of a change or, perhaps, I simply didn't write it good enough. There is always that to consider. With your strong voice, I'm betting this new series will do well. I love the premise.

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Vonnie. I hope so. I think Loveswept did you a disservice by trying to fit you into a box of their choosing. You're a smart woman, and they should have trusted you to write in the sub-genre that fits your voice.

Alison Henderson said...

I can't wait for this series! I loved the Who's Watching books, but like you, I'm ready for a little genre stretching. You know I like humor and adventure mixed in with my suspense. Wilde One sounds like so much fun!

Rolynn Anderson said...

The people I hang around with work hard for chuckles; my husband is the king of sarcastic humor...so I like to write/read in the funny vein...along with the suspense and the relationship tangles. So I already know I'll like your book, Jannine. Other readers...hard to tell. I used to think I understood voters in America-big laugh! I may not understand readers, either. It's a puzzle. The fact you loved writing the book is huge. We're rooting for Wilde sales!

Jannine Gallant said...

Alison, these books do have humor and adventure. Definitely your style!

Rolynn, the only mediocre review I got complained the bad guy scenes weren't frequent enough, so we'll see how it goes. All the other reviews were strongly positive, so I hope I have "Wilde" sales! LOL

Margo Hoornstra said...

I already know it's a great series, you know it's a great series. You'll see, those readers will realize it's a great series, too. (Note correct comma usage -- um -- right?) What's not to love about the Wildes? You done good!

Leah St. James said...

I'm sold...literally! Just pre-ordered. :-) Wishing you much continued success, Jannine. I know how hard you've been working on your career plan. I'm sure this new series will be a hit, too!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Margo. I appreciate the pep-talk! I'm working on Book 4 edits, as I type this. The whole series is almost out of by hands...for better, I hope!

Geez, Leah, you just made my day! Let's hope Wilde One lives up to the hype!

Diane Burton said...

Jannine, your new release will do well. You are a talented writer. But don't we all go through a bout of insecurity as the release date looms? Best wishes!

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Diane. I sure hope so, and yes, the worry about how our work will be accepted is always there.