Out of all the parts of a story I might find myself struggling to get down, it’s always the beginning that leaves me obsessing for days, if not weeks. I just want it perfect. Something to grab the reader and keep their attention engaged till the chapter end and hopefully long after. Of course, I realize what grabs one reader might not grab the next. But perhaps there are certain elements that are more liable to gather a stronger audience in short order.
I would love to know what grabs you? What kind of story opening is most likely to get you reading and keep you reading? Are you a fan of the opening murder scene? Perhaps a steamy scene that starts right in the heat of the moment? Or a life altering decision? Do you like a bunch of narrative up front so you know the characters ASAP, or would you prefer to get to know them over time and instead have the story be what starts out ASAP?
I just got my hands on author copies of Sweet and Sinful, my next Aphrodisia which is out in mid to late July. From all those who comment, I will select two winners to receive signed copies. One thing, It is an erotic romance, so if you do win, be prepared for plenty of steamy heat! 
~ jodi
June 27th, 2008 at 6:51 am
For me I like first line grabbers. Where the situation has the hero or heroine making a statement that can be taken in a couple of ways.
In one book I finished recently, the scene is the handyman hero has just arrived to look at the woman’s (heroine) ceiling that has a hole in it. The first line is “Are you the man who’s going to plug my hole.” She says this in a very innocent way and doesn’t quite realize that it came out to possibly mean something else, but of course it throws our hero’s mind racing in other directions. (This is from Alexis Flemings A Handyman’s Best Tool).
June 27th, 2008 at 6:52 am
i have to say i like some narrative in the beginning so i get a feel for the book and the characters..but i guess it also depends on the book storyline too..congrats on the new release.. it sounds awesome..
June 27th, 2008 at 6:56 am
It depends on the book. I like openers that intrigue me to find out what is going to happen next.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:08 am
On a book that I have never read that author, I read the first chapter to see if it is going to grab at me. I like for there to be intrigue, humor, steam, basically what the book’s storyline is. On authors that I know and read you basically know when and how everything is coming.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:13 am
It depends on my mood! Sometimes I like the hot opening, but the next, I want some background and build-up. The book that I’m currently reading opened with a dog walker talking about running her hands through his dark wavy hair, etc. and it turned out that she saw a dog that she wanted to pet! It was pretty funny reading it.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I like to read a book that gets me going in the first chapter. I like to feel my way throughout the book. I really do not like knowing everything right when I open up the book.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:19 am
I like to get to know the characters as the book progresses. That way you never know what to expect.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Yes, the opening is very important to me when reading. There must be something there that catches my iminagination or peaks my interest and wnats me to keep reading.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I think it depends on my mood. I love humor as a way to grab my attention but then I also like suspense if it is suppose to be that time of book. I have seen both in the beginning of the story for a suspense type book. One of my favorite Susan Johnson’s books had them having sex in the first half page of the book…I can tell you that I read that whole book in one setting
June 27th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I’ll be honest - I want it all!
I love a great first line that hooks you right away, but I also love the hot, steamy, take you off at the knees love scene that sets the tone of the story. I also believe that you need some of the character narrative in the first chapter to set the foundation and then roll with it throughout the story. If the writer cannot get me hooked by the end of the first chapter, I usually will not finish the book.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:26 am
If it is a murder story, I like to be kept on the edge of who done it until close or to the end of the story.
With romance and erotica, I like for the story to lead up to a strong attaction and have the characters develop over time.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Hm… it depends on my mood too- but like Laura J - first lines sometimes do stick. I recently re-read a YA book, and the first line is “My mother was the village whore and I loved her very much.” Just try and forget that one.
Sometimes a little humor is good (I tend to go for the more lighthearted books) - also, because of the first scene is tense and gristly etc- it’s hard to maintain throughout the book, and might set the reader up for disappointment. I love a steamy scene at the beginning too - but it has to flow. Or, match the rest of the book - because if the story steps away from it, the reader is left hanging. (I’m so picky!) Really… I think as long as the beginning meshes with the rest of the book, I’m sold.
Normally, I have noticed that books begin with a moment of change- and the rest of the novel builds on that decision. Some narrative is nice, just as a quick intro to the characters- but sometimes a “slice” of their every day life also fills in gaps. I think I like to settle into a story a bit, then be surprised.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Personally, I tend to prefer a grabbing first couple of paragraphs to set the scene, characterisation should be built up over the course of the book.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Hmm thats tough I read the firt chapter and if I can’t put it down I’m hooked.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Ohhh…please put me into your drawing! I agree with many who have responded already- a good book grabs me from the opening few pages. I usually give a book until about chapter three when I’m reading if I’ll finish it!
June 27th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I’ll go with this question — Do you like a bunch of narrative up front so you know the characters ASAP, or would you prefer to get to know them over time and instead have the story be what starts out ASAP — because this one’s the easiest for me. Most of the others are pretty much it depends. LOL
But anyway, I think I prefer over time. I’ve read a couple books over the years that it just made it hard to get into because it felt like it just starts right into the story, like chapter 1 could be more of a chapter 2. So it’s not even getting to know them right off the bat, it’s like we’re skipping that and just getting right into the story, and it feels like something to me is missing. Sure hope that’s making sense. LOL
But in the end, first scenes, first chapters, first lines, it all depends I guess.
One thing works really well with one story, and for another something else will be better. 
Lois
June 27th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I love steamy scenes right up front, at the beginning. Maybe a little physical description of the characters first, then the steamy love scenes. That gets me hooked and keeps me reading.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I am a really moody reader. I would say sometimes the sex grabs my attention, sometimes the hero or heroine, soemtimes just the story line, sometimes the cover adnd blurb made me take a look….mostly good story i would say if that isnt there the book is not worth reading.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I am one of those readers, that if I am not swept into the story by the 5th page, will usually stop reading the book. Definitely my favorite stories start without a big narrative up front, rather it takes me right into the story with a great action or romance scene, introduces me to the characters, and keeps my attention through out.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I like an attention grabbing first line i.e. like an argument or something heart pounding about one of the main characters. I can’t tell you how many times a life-changing event (i.e. introduction of two main characters when they were kids in a not so pleasant situation) has snatched me by the throat and I don’t notice I’ve read 6 chapters already.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Jodi,
I have to admit that suspense right off or a very life altering decision right off generally grabs me.
Denise A. Agnew
June 27th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Well dang, look at all the comments already! I love when something drastic happens at the beginning of a book. A huge attention grabber that just sucks you in and you don’t notice that 5 hours have gone by!! I love when I am reading and my heart just starts pounding away, like I am one of the characters in the book, right now I am reading Obsession by Karen Robards and I have not wanted to put the book down. She has a way of just sucking you in, and meshing you into all of the characters so no matter what goes on you feel like you are part of it!
June 27th, 2008 at 10:28 am
A great first chapter is a must for me. I like the story to open up almost like its in the middle of a scene. There’s already action going on–then as you read more you find out about the characters, setting, etc.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I like something to happen right away and then to get to know what it all means as the story develops.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:40 am
You know, it’s a bit of everything depending what the book is about. I love learning about the characters first and the storyline goes along evolving.
I also like a situation to grab my attention and then this leads to the story. I just like reading, that’s what.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:56 am
June 27th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Mmm…. you all have me thinking. I don’t know what my favorite is. Maybe I am mood reader, too. I do know that like many of you if you don’t hook me by chapter one, the book is going down. Just way too many books out there to read something that isn’t connecting.
Probably topping my list are stories that start out with either a life-altering event or a murder of someone who is integral to the primary character’s lifes. I guess those can be one in the same. I just love my action stories that also have great characters to go with them!
June 27th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Speaking of books with a lot of character info up front… I used to read quite a few Blazes. But one thing that the Blazes do have is a lot of character info up front. I see where the more established authors are able to get away from this, but still I am finding these days a lot of Blazes do have that up front info and it’s gotten so it turns me off. I look at it as I want to know the hero as the heroine gets to know him and vice versa.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Ah, Denise, I see we are of like mind! And, OMG, did I comment on your PM cover yet? Holy, hot stud. Sold me from the first lick, um, glimpse.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I really don’t remember what has grabbed me about most of the books I am reading. I know the one I am reading now grabbed my attention as it set the scene about a woman running away from an arranged marriage. It was her scheme to go to her Uncle’s after her parents death and an Aunt helped her escape marriage to a guy she did not love. Her posing as a man has been funny and enjoyable to read.
Whatever it is it sets the mood for the story I think.
I am fond of trying new authors I have never read before and if I get a book from one, I will read it in entirity to get the feel of the Author.
I read one of the Red Mafia before this and it grabbed my attention until the middle of the book. But by then even if it bogged down with details that were necessary, I was hooked to keep on reading.
Have a great day.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I like an opening scene that’s unusual (eg a romance novel that opens with the heroine contemplating murder) or an emotional scene that sets up anticipation of what’s to come.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I like the stories where women dress as men as well, Jane, so long as they are crafted well. I know for some they really don’t like these, as they don’t think it’s buyable. But let’s face it there are some manly women. Also, there are quite a few thin women that are flatchested and it really wouldn’t take so much to pull of the young lad look.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Great pick, Jenny! Those are always a lot of fun and generally have unexpected twists.
One of the stories I read lately that I really enjoyed was Sara’s Son by Tara Taylor Quinn. I had read a historical by her not too long before and could not get in to it. But I’ve liked her other stuff, so I tried SS. It was a great read! The opening starts with a cop on her door and it just gets better from there. Really good stuff!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
What grabs me is the fun between the hero and heroine that keeps it interesting from the start.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I’m a fan of opening murder scenes. I like my books to start with the murder or mystery. I want to know about the characters up front, although I don’t mind learning other tidbits about their personalities later in the book.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I’m intrigued by an opening action scene or suspense scene.
Hugs, Danette
June 27th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I need a great first chapter to grab my attention.
Bring on the steamy heat!
June 27th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Oh…..steamy heat, I miss that, I’ve been single way too long
, I need it. 
June 27th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I enjoy a lot of different kind of plots. But, the ones that I really enjoy are the ones where the Female lead starts out thinking that her life is perfect and fine. Gradually, she realizes that some things are illusions - not what they appear to be. She can’t be a whiny woman or a wimp either. And, the alpha male has to have some redeeming qualities too.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
If I am reading an erotic romance-then an opening sex scene draws me right in. I prefer that books don’t spend the first 2 or 3 chapters setting the scene as it were, as you will loose me faster than melting ice. I read a book once that by the time she set the scene and got to the action, the book only had a couple of chapters left. I’m all for series books but, come on. That was just redundant.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
It depends on what I am reading but most times hot and steamy will do the trick. I also like some antagonism between the lead characters that will turn into love later in the book. When you do not get along to start, only to find out you were fated to be together, it grabs one. I also love books in a loose series. The sub characters from one story, get their own book, then their sub characters get their books, etc… You have a familiar town or group or club. I like to know my characters quickly (within the first two to three chapters) so I will know how they will react to different situations. Hope this helps. Thank you for entering me in your drawing.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I do like a little bit of narrative about the characters so I can get to know them. I also like hot and steamy.
June 27th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I love you steamy novels Jodi! I can’t wait to find out who wins your awesome new release Sweet and Sinful.
June 27th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I like to know the characters, but I really like a steamy novel. Can’t wait for Sweet and Sinful to be released.
June 27th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I do enjoy a narrator part to learn more about the characters. It also depends on the book and the mood I am in. Also the hotter the better
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
June 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I like a great attention-getting first line but then I want to get to know the characters over time. I don’t want to be TOLD what their personality is, I want to SEE what it is as the story progresses. People are complex creatures and I like to see how the characters react to different situations.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Hi Jodi!
I like the first chapter of the book to open with one of the main characters in a predicament like discovering a murder or a chase scene. OR I like it silly like the hero and heroine literally bumping into each other and then some witty banter between them. Give me some conflict or action right away and I’ll keep reading!
June 27th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
please enter me
June 27th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Well, the writing definitely grabs me. If I like the way it’s written, it can start however it wants to
Thanks for the chance!
July 5th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Hi Jodi!!! Great on the upcoming book, i’d love to be in the contest. I saw the cover, its awesome! I think for me what grabs me in the story can be several things. From the first contact how the awareness to the point of falling in love, with how it intensifies as the story goes on, how the tensions gets stronger. Then I love many themes around this (paranormal, suspense, etc). For me it doesn’t matter where it starts, because I know your characters will tell you where to go with them! I hope they being cooperative with you!
July 7th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Hi Jodi!!!! Great to chat with you! I love how they have the suckers down the side of this cover!! Love it! Would love to be in the contest! I love being pulled into a book and I find that I like a variety, that whatever fits the story. If its a contemp it could be the appearance of the heroine at an event that the hero sees, if a suspense, the suspense happening, there so many ways to start it. For me its the blurb that pulls me in of what the book is about and I go in expecting that and I can fall into the story with the first paragraph!
July 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Saw the cover of Sweet and Sinful. It looks delicious, especially the stud on the cover!