Reading Outside The Square

By Cassandra O'Leary 
A couple of months ago I found myself in a reading rut. I had plenty of ebooks to read on my Kindle app, paperbacks I bought ages ago taking up space on my to be read pile, but nothing appealed to me. This was not cool. I'm a big reader...normally I love it for relaxation and enjoyment. But nothing was tickling my proverbial fancy.

As a contemporary romance and romantic comedy author, I'd found myself buying books in those genres almost automatically. I was reading them with a critical eye, working out whether I liked the balance of humour and more subtle character elements, whether the plot was interesting or how they snuck up on me with twists or surprises. Long story short, I was reading with the analytical mind of a writer and it was hurting my head.

I set myself a vague goal of reading some different books, outside my usual sub-genres. Guess what? I found some gems that not only impressed me from a writerly standpoint, but drew me into the story world unlike some of my other recent reads. I think the difference is the step back from my own work. Sometimes it's good to reinvigorate your love of reading just for the love of it.

Here's a short list of some of those books I've enjoyed most.

1. Psy Changling series by Nalini Singh

I'm currently reading Kiss of Snow, book 10 in this expansive paranormal romance/fantasy/sci fi series. So many people had recommended these books to me, knowing that I'm a Star Trek and science fiction fan from way back when. They were right! I should listen to my clever bookish friends.

I love the complexity of the world building in this series, with its contingent of alpha heroes from werewolf and leopard characters, strong heroines and an undercurrent of impending war. The strangely Silent Psy race who have contained their emotions and live almost entirely online, is an interesting take on our society's current reliance on technology. It's also a super sexy series filled with sexual tension...if you like that sort of thing. Hint: I do!

Psy Changling series info - nalinisingh.com/books/psychangeling-series

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas

This is an addictive new adult fantasy series with mythological and romantic elements. Powerful fae and demons rule a number of kingdoms, and our heroine (a human who later becomes immortal after she dies and is resurrected) must navigate a complex political landscape of rival courts.

This series sucked me right in, and I did not expect the changes the heroine brought about in her world through her actions in choosing, then leaving, a fairy mate. She's strong and relentless, weilds a sword and isn't afraid of monsters. Or if she is afraid, she goes out there and deals with them anyway. Now I'm about to start reading Maas's other series, Throne of Glass. I can't wait!

A Court of Thorns and Roses series info - sarahjmaas.com/court-of-thorns-and-roses

3. The Merridew Sisters series by Anne Gracie

This series is pure Regency fun, with a light touch of humour that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anne is an Aussie author I've had the pleasure of learning from, as I've attended a couple of her writing seminars. I just knew I would adore her books, from the moment I heard her speak about imbuing characters with depth, humour and heart but not forgetting to show their faults and flaws.



I started with The Perfect Rake, the first book in the series, and it's now a firm favourite. Highly recommended read for all the historical fans, or anyone who likes a well constructed story with a dishy hero.

The Merridew Sisters series info - www.annegracie.com/books/the-merridew-sisters


Anyway, I hope I've inspired others to read outside their usual box and grab a good read that sings in a completely different key.

About Cassandra O'Leary

Cassandra O'Leary is a romance and women's fiction author, communications specialist, avid reader, film and TV fangirl and admirer of pretty, shiny things. In 2015, Cassandra won the We Heart New Talent contest run by Avon Books/HarperCollins UK. Her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was published in July 2016. Cassandra is a mother of two gorgeous, high-energy mini ninjas and wife to a spunky superhero. Living in Melbourne, Australia, she's also travelled the world. If you want to send her to Italy or Spain on any food or wine tasting 'research' trips, that would be splendiferous.

Read more at cassandraolearyauthor.com