Fast or slow?

So here's a question for you all: say there's a book coming out that you've been looking forward to reading for a long time.  You buy it right away, of course, but what happens after that?  Do you clear your schedule and start reading, or do you wait, putting off starting the book until you can give it your undivided attention?

I'm the latter type of reader.  When there's a book I really want to read, I will stalk the bookstore and snatch it off the shelf before the employees can even stock it.  But once I get it home, I am reluctant to crack the spine and get started.  I think it has something to do with the anticipation--if I don't start reading it right away, I still have something to look forward to.  I can still imagine what's going to happen in the story, and I can view the book as a reward--"After I do this, I can read my new book."

As a consequence, I'm rarely caught up on the latest in a series, which means I have to do my best to avoid spoilers (which is a whole other topic!).  But that's okay. There's something nice about relaxing into a book I've been thinking about for a long time.  After all, you only get to read it for the first time once, and I like to savor that first read rather than race through it.  Know what I mean?

What's your routine when it comes to a new book?  Do you dive right in or wait until the right moment?

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Speaking of new books, you can still catch my latest, Killer Exposure!

"With smart dialogue and a solid, intriguing mystery at its center, this story will draw readers in.... this story is one fantastic read." RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Toxic chemicals and instant chemistry in this tale of murder, medicine and combustible attraction! 

One minute Hannah Baker is a quiet science professor. The next, a possible murder suspect. Six victims, one per week, all poisoned with the same exotic chemical Hannah once worked with. Now she's wanted by Houston detective Owen Randall—but is it to enlist her help, or arrest her? Owen knows the prim Hannah is hiding something, but he isn't sure she's a killer. Especially after some unfortunate incidents. Is she the next victim of the chemical killer? Torn between duty and his growing feelings, Owen only knows he has less than a week to save her…

Amazon Kindle | Print

Barnes & Noble Nook | Print

Harlequin eBook | Print