Among my favorite bits of bulletin boards are the "What are you reading now?" threads.
People list the last book they read, the book they're reading and the next one off the TBR pile.
It's fun from a whole heap of viewpoints. It shows what people are actually reading rather than talking about. It introduces me to writers I've never heard of but often end up enjoying. It reveals individual reader tastes in a way I find fascinating. Even HarperCollins have put their money where their mouth is in agreeing that people find what other people read endlessly interesting. On their newly revamped website, there's a place for authors to list books on their bedside table. You can find mine here. Just keep clicking refresh and you'll see a list of my current reading.
Anyway, I thought we'd play that today! I also thought I'd talk about a couple of books I've read recently that I really liked. In case any of you are coming to the bottom of the TBR pile and need some additions. (Laughs hollowly!)
The first is THE LAST RAKE IN LONDON by Nicola Cornick, who is extremely talented and, curses, up against me in the Regency RITA category with her wonderful LORD OF SCANDAL. LAST RAKE was written as part of Mills & Boon's 100th anniversary celebrations this year. For anyone who doesn't know, M&B in London started the category romance juggernaut and are part of the Harlequin empire.LAST RAKE is set in the Edwardian era which is great fun. You get cars and Suffragettes and telephones. The heroine is an independent, emotionally scarred woman called Sally Bowes who runs the Blue Parrot nightclub (perhaps it's because I'm an Aussie, but I kept reading that as P*ssed Parrot nightclub - clearly I have no class!). Enter our hero, the dashing, extremely sexy Jack Kestrel, heir to a dukedom, rake and alpha male, who sees Sally and immediately decides he must have her. Do I need to say more to get you interested?
The next on my whirlwind list of recommendations is what I can only describe as a Regency noir! It's WHAT ANGELS FEAR by C.S. Harris. This is the first book in a mystery series, featuring the seriously tortured but extremely sexy Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. I honestly couldn't put this down - it's dark, it's desperate, it's terrifically romantic. C.S. Harris used to write fantastic historical romances as Candice Proctor and you can see that background here in the emotional depths and the strong characterization. I've got the next two books on the TBR pile and I'm having trouble keeping my hands off them. I've got a manuscript to finish before I allow myself a reading binge. I already know Sebastian St. Cyr isn't the man who will let me put him aside after a couple of pages so I can get a good night's sleep and front up to work all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the next day.
The last book I'm recommending is a Blaze by Kathleen O'Reilly and again, it's the first in a series. SHAKEN AND STIRRED is about one of the sexy (OK, I'm overusing this adjective, but sometimes the right word is the right word and nothing else will do!) O'Sullivan Brothers and the stories center around a bar in New York. What I loved about this story aside from the emotion, the fantastic characters and the beautiful writing (hmm, perhaps that's ENOUGH to love!), is how real it all felt. The world was so rich, compelling and tangible. When you read this story, you know these people, you know their environment, and you live through every moment. Great stuff!
So here's my list for the game:
The last book I read: DARK AND DANGEROUS by Jeanne Adams. Fantastic!
The book I'm currently reading: SEX STRAIGHT UP by Kathleen O'Reilly. Need I say more?
The next book off the TBR pile: NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY by Beth Andrews.
So over to you. What are you reading? Do you have any recommendations for must-reads? Inquiring minds want to know!
I got such a lovely response to my last blog where I offered a copy of CLAIMING THE COURTESAN to someone who hadn't read it, this month, I'm offering a signed copy of UNTOUCHED. Same deal. Please just mention in your comment if you want to be in the draw for the book. Good luck! And may the Games begin! I look forward to building a TBR pile that blocks out the sun.
159 comments:
Can it be again?
I love the "What are you reading?" question...I have even made it a weekly feature on my own blog. It's a great way to discover books I might have missed or lost in the TBR Mountain Range.
The last book I read: Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon - LOVED it! It is one of my faves of the Dark Hunter series so far...loved the hero and heroine, the story, everthing.
The book I'm currently reading: I have not started it yet because I have had a migraine, but it is Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
The next book off the TBR pile:Well, it will probably change...I tend to do that...I am a mood reader, but it is Sins of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon....um, notice a pattern? I am working my way through the series so I can be caught up when Ash's book comes out.
But my reading choices tend to vary and change usually...I don't really keep a TBR stack...it is a mountain range of crates and shelves of books and I tend to pick books based on what kind of mood I am in.
But right now, the Sherrilyn Kenyon series has been my choice...I had never read any of the Dark Hunter books until last month...I read the first and quickly bought the entire series to date.
Hi Anna! Great choices!
I'm afraid it's been forever since I was able to read more than three chapters of a Romance. I'm currently reading an unpublished one for purposes of a quote, and a ton of Victorian reference type books. My TBR pile includes many by my fellow banditas, but also one that came today - My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne.
I think I need a beach somewhere to kick back and read the books I love.
I have just finished for the second time, The Shieks Secret Bride, by Susan Mallery.
Once I started reading the damn thing I couldn't put it down. It is unreal! And that goes for both times... It drags you in and insists you have many, many cups of coffee.. lol.
Oh, yes please I'd love to be in the draw.
Suz :)
Hi Fo! What a great idea. Those CS Harris novels sound fab (almost said CS Lewis. Oops) Love your harpercollins author page. It's gorgeous!
OK--Last Book--
DARK AND DANGEROUS by our own Jeanne Adams -- this is romantic suspense at its best. Powerful hero and heroine, sexy romance, great stuff!
Book of the moment--
Though I shouldn't be reading due to deadline, I can't manage to go cold turkey. At the moment I have 3on the go.
BLACK ROSE by La Nora. Well, it's Nora so 'nuff said. Love the heroine's strength and vulnerability, the wonderful sense of community.
MY LORD AND SPYMASTER by Joanna Bourne. I took this up pretty much as soon as it arrived in the mail. Jo's voice and use of language is superb. Her characters' voices are wonderfully true and clear.
DIARY OF LADY SHELLEY -- a fascinating account by a lady who knew most of the great people of her time.
TBR--NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY by our Beth, which will probably arrive soon (I hope!) Can't wait! Did you all see Beth's book got DIK'ed on All About Romance? Woohoo!
Jennifer, that GR seems to want to stick with you. Is he providing you with intelligence about when the blog goes up? We know he's spying on us!
I'm looking forward to reading Jeanne's DARK AND DANGEROUS. I won a DARK AND DANGEROUS Beach Pack when she was guest author at RNTV. As soon as that prize package arrives I'm diving in. Can't wait! :)
I'm currently reading the Cabelas catalog. Seriously, that's about it.
Sad. I know.
Can't count system documentation/manuals, right?
Because, lemme tell you, those are some kickin' titles there. "Microsoft Exchange 2007 in the Enterprise," I think. Oh, and "Linux Advanced Routing and Traffic Control." And I'd probably better not forget the documentation for Paraben Forensics "Network Email Examiner."
GRIPPING STUFF. I mean, real edge of the seat nailbiting rip-your-hair-out suspense.
The story of zippy the TCP/IP packet, and all the barriers to delivering his critical data payload! Machiavellian rate throttling! Misconfigured routers! Cable modems! FIREWALLS. Yes... poor zippy must pass through FIRE to bring you this blog comment.
God help me, I think I'm losing my mind.
Even more sad.
Anna,
Great post. Hm, my book list.
I've just finished Abby Green's 'The Spaniard's Marriage Bargain' (Harlequin Presents) - terrifically strong emotion and intensity.
I'm currently reading travel guides for a trip at Christmas and have also just picked up a thriller set in Greece 'The Golden Silence' by Paul Johnston (gift from my dear son). But as I haven't started yet I can't give any recommendations.
And next on my TBR pile is 'Harem: The World Behind the Veil' (research) which keeps getting put aside, not because it doesn't look interesting (it does!) but because all those romance stories are under it, clamouring to be read!
Annie
Anna, I love these "What are you reading?" threads! I almost always discover new books/authors to add to my enormous tbr stash.
I just returned from a relaxing week at the beach where I was able to lose myself in five romance novels. Loved it!
The most recent book I finished: WILD FOR HIM by Janelle Denison, a contemporary romantic suspense spin-off of her popular Wilde family series. This is my first book by this author but I'm already searching out her backlist. I liked it a lot!
I'm currently reading SOME LIKE IT WICKED by Teresa Medeiros, an unpublished August release that I am reviewing for RNTV...and LOVING!
My next book will be HIS SON'S TEACHER, a Harlequin Superromance from Kay Stockham. Kay is an author I discovered at the end of 2007. I love her voice and the depth of emotion in her stories. I've been busy glomming her backlist all spring. HIS SON'S TEACHER is book #2 in her Tulanes of Tennessee series.
I'm currently reading Forbidden Fruit.
Anna and Christine, you have a real treat awaiting you with Beth's NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY. It's a wonderful story!
Hey, Jennifer, congrats on the chook! You must have something he wants ;-)
Isn't it fun to hear what people are reading? Or is it just because I'm nosy? I always check out people's bookcases when I visit too. Always hate it when I go to someone's house and there's not one single book to be seen. How does anyone live without a book?
Clearly, you're on an SK binge. Just out of interest, is it as a result of Sherrilyn's wonderful guest day or were you already on the binge? I know I've discovered some great authors through guests we've had in the lair. It's great when you find a new author and they have a LOOOOONG backlist, isn't it? That happened to me with my first Linda Howard.
Donna, it's hard to avoid the siren call of the TBR pile, isn't it? But sometimes, you must. I honestly can't manage without something on the go. Hope you get to some leisure reading soon!
Hi Suz! Lovely to see you here. Thanks for coming over from ROMAUS! Vrai Anna, one of our Banditas, is a huge Susan Mallery fan as I'm sure she'll say when she pops in. A re-reader is great, isn't it? I'll put you in the draw for the green monster.
Christine, I think you'd like the C.S. Harris books. I've only read the first one but she's got such a powerful, dark voice, and there's this really rich historical background that would appeal to you. I like mysteries. I particularly like mysteries that include a good, juicy romance. This one succeeds on all counts!
Isn't D&D fantastic? I've been so looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint in the least. Jeanne, you're brilliant! The three you've got on the go sound great too. Joanna Bourne has made such a splash in Romancelandia.
Hey, PJ, cool on the D&D pack. You'll love that book - but don't expect to put it down halfway through! Great list of reading and I haven't read any of them! I hope you had a great holiday. A week by the beach with some great romances (of either the human or reading kind - I'm not fussy!) would be fantastic right now!
Two days in a row Jennifer well done
Great post Anna and I totally agree I love to see what people are reading and tell others what I am reading here goes
Just Read
Lessons From A Courtesan Jenna Petersen fantastic book
Reading Now
In Bed With The Devil Lorraine Heath thouroughly enjoying
Read Next
After The Kiss Suzanne Enoch I am looking foward to that one as well.
As for recomendations I have not long finished Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams totally enthralling from start to finish and The Naked Duke by Sally Mackenzie another great read and The Lost Duke Of Wyndham Julia Quinn it was fantastic as well.
Anna thanks for the recomendation for more books I need to buy my TBR pile is really getting big I love it.
I have read Untouched and for those who haven't it is one of my all time favourites I could not put it down.
Have Fun
Helen
P226, I think you need to consider LEISURE reading! Ask the GR for some recommendations next time you've got him on patrol. He's been checking out some serious bookcases in recent months.
Annie, great list of reading. Travel guides are fun even if you're not going to the place - I read some for Jersey for my mip and they were surprisingly compelling. Who knew there were so many prehistoric monuments in the Channel Isles? Not that any make an appearance in my story, sadly. The castle in the harbor at St. Helier does! Seeing you're reading a harem guide, does that mean we have more wonderful sheikhs on the way from you?
Hi acdaisy! Nice to see you here. Who wrote Forbidden Fruit?
PJ, did you see the All About Romance review for Beth's book? It was fantastic and they gave it an A! They never give anyone an A!!! Here's the link:
http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6840
Helen, I knew you'd like this game. You always play it over on the Avon board and I love to see your selections. You've picked some goodies here too. I thought Lorraine's book sounded great when she was a guest here and was talking about the Oliver Twist aspects of the story. I think you'd really enjoy Nicola's book - right up your alley! And thanks for saying that about Untouched!
Hi, Anna! I love this game. I'm getting loads of ideas to top up the TBR pile.
The last book I read was a memoir by Virginia Lloyd called THE YOUNG WIDOW'S BOOK OF HOME IMPROVEMENT. Virginia was "single at 32, married at 32 and widowed at 34." So sad but somehow an uplifting read!
Currently reading: STORY OF A GIRL by Sara Zarr. I'd heard so much about this book and it's living up to the hype.
Next book on the TBR pile: Perry Moore's HERO, which is about a gay teenage superhero. I gave this book to a friend for his birthday and now he's letting me borrow it because he thought it was fantastic.
Vanessa
Jennifer Congratulations ...the GR
must like to browse those books too!
P226... my son loved those Cabalas mags too.. on our trip to the USA we visited the Cabalas in Sidney Nebraska...A fabulous place.
Top of my list is Your Scandalous Ways...Loretta Chase,
I have been down in Victoria and not been able to pick it up...it's in my backpack, maybe next week!
Cheers to all, Carol
Just read Keri Arthur's Full Moon Rising, which was great, though it took a few chapters for the story to grab hold and not let me go! Just started a Helen Bianchin sexy/presents with her typical alpha male (and who doesn't like one of those). I've even been reading some of my daughters YA, just for a different writing perspective... Oh, and I'd love to read Anna's latest Untouched (hint hint)!
ps - what a great way to discover new books! Keep up the recommendations people, please!!
Suzanne, Susan Mallery writes fabulous sheiks, doesn't she? I love her books! Her newest, SWEET TALK, is one of the books I read at the beach last week. Great start to what looks to be a terrific new series!
THis is fun...
The last book I read: This is how it happened by Jo Barrett. A Little Black Dress book which I fell in love with instantly. WRitten in past and present with the most horrific ex in the history of novels... oh and a plot to kill him.
The book I'm currently reading: Boardrooms and a Billionaire Heir by Paula Roe. THis is a Silhouette Desire book but best of all it's part of the DIamonds Down Under series, of which I cán't get enough. Go Aussie!
The next book off the TBR pile: The Stolen PRincess by Anne Gracie! I absolutely loved every inch of her PERFECT series and can't wait to get to this one.
Other books I've read in the past week are:
INTO THE SHADOW by Christina Dodd - I LOOOOOVE this series and ITS is my favorite of the bunch. Guess others like it too because it just hit #4 on the NYT Bestseller list!
This was the second reading for me.
HOT PROPERTY by Carly Phillips - this story was a fantastic finish to her Hot Zone series. Baseball player, John Roper, satisfied all my desires!
VIKING UNCHAINED by Sandra Hill - another LOL time travel from her Viking/Navy Seals series. I liked this one a lot, probably my 2nd fav after THE VERY VIRILE VIKING.
THEN YOU HIDE by Roxanne St. Claire - the second book in her newest Bullet Catchers trilogy. I couldn't put this one down! I adore the Bullet Catchers!
Rachel, you're in for some fun reading. THE STOLEN PRINCESS is fabulous!
PJ I second that Anne Gracie's The Stolen Princess was absoulutley fantastic you are really going to enjoy this one Rachael.
I am loving all these recomendations keep em coming
I have Loretta Chase's Your Scandalous Ways here to read and Eloisa James's Duchess By Night as well and I am looking forward to both of those.
Donna Macmeans The Trouble With Moonlight is another fantastic read if anyone hasn't read that one yet.
Have Fun
Helen
Love, love, love whaya reading posts!
FINISHED READING:
A Little Less Talk and A Lot More Action by LuAnn McLane. LuAnn writes sexy Southern contemp romances. Fabulous book!
Bound to Please by Hope Tarr. This is the first historical book written on the Blaze line.
CURRENTLY READING:
Private Places by Robin Schone, Claudia Dain, Allyson James, and Shiloh Walker. I think this is an August release. I am really enjoying it.
UP NEXT TO READ:
There are a few books that are jockeying for top position in my TBR pile. My Lord and Spymaster, In Bed with the Devil, Duchess by Night. And I'm hoping to pick up a couple more books today.
PS -- Anna, I do want to be in the drawing :)
Oh, Anna, I'm reading Last Rake in London right now! I love Nicola's books! I always have a fiction book going along with at least one research book. I just got a fabulous book about great houses in England and Wales.
Jennifer Y -- didn't know you had a blog. Can you leave a link?
Anna, you have been raving about Kathleen O'Reilly for a while now. Guess I need to look for one of her books today too!
Anna, thanks for the AAR link! That was a wonderful review of NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY and perfectly illustrates why I loved this book so much.
I love hearing about what everyone is reading. Anna, my TBR pile is more like multiple shelves, boxes, piles, etc. I could probably block out the sun. ;)
The last book I finished was In Bed With the Devil. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Now, I'm re-reading an ARC of La Dodd's Into the Flame--I'm reviewing it for RNTV in a few weeks! I cannot say enough how much I love this series! Christina has really outdone herself. Guess that's why Into the Shadow is #4 on the NYT. Go, Christina!!
I've got an ARC of Colleen Gleason's When Twilight Burns up next--another fantastic series. My Lord and Spymaster will be after that, followed by A Match Made In Hell. Hmmm....I think I could use a week at the beach to get some of this reading done!
Hi Anna,
I have not yet read Untouched, so please enter me.
Right now I just started reading Cindy Miles "Highland Knight" and then comes Michelle Hauf "His Forgotten Forever".
What fun -- you're all reading such great summer books! I read a bunch while I was on vacation, but the best read of all was NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY, by the stunning Beth Andrews. ;-)
Just last night, I finished an ARC I got at BEA. It was absolutely ADORABLE, and is a romance of sorts with the hero being a "short, round, balding" man who is competing with a much better looking guy to see who can identify more bird species in one week -- winner gets to ask Rose Mbikwa to a ball. It's called A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA, by Nicholas Drayson, and comes out in September. Reserve a copy NOW because it will leave you smiling for weeks.
I'm not sure what's next for me...I think a lot of writing and not a lot of reading for a little while!
I just finished To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt. I loved it. I am reading Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen now. It is good.
I haven't read Untouched. Please include me in the drawing.
This is one of my favorite questions too, "What are you reading?". My TBR pile needs some more books...
Thanks Anna for your recommendations, they are now on my TBB list, especially C.S.Harris. It's sad you have to order all those books here in Finland(and wait for ages!), the bookstores are full of thrillers but have very few romances...
Last book: Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase
Books (always more than one!)I'm currently reading: How To Propose to a Prince by Kathryn Caskie, Taken by the Viking by Michelle Styles and Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle. The last one seems interesting, "a scottish highlands werevolf and a warmhearted woman looking for a new pet..."
Next will be: Seduced by a Spy by Andrea Pickens (I loved her The Spy wore Silk) and To Wed A Wicked Prince by Jane Feather.He is Prince Alexander from Russia, you know Anna I couldn't resist him...
I always love the "what are you reading" questions. I just finished Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams and loved it!! I couldn't put it down. I just started Not Without Her Family by Beth Andrews and it's wonderful so far. I'm only on chapter 3 but I can't wait to get time tonight to read more.
After that, I have to find The Trouble with Moonlight. Then I'll be all caught up with my Banditas.
PJ, is SOME LIKE IT WICKED by Teresa Medeiros an historical? I love her historicals.
I agree with LaCampbell. Jennifer has something that GR wants!! LOL
And if anyone has NOT read UNTOUCHED, shame on them! You just don't know what you have missed!
I am on the romance reading starvation diet right now. My CP is cracking the whip for me to make progress on my second book which is doing rather well on the contest circuit. I just found out it made it to round two of the Mollys!!
Jennifer, aren't the Dark Hunters fantastic?? Can't wait for Ash's book to come out.
Have MY LORD AND SPYMASTER on my stack, Hope Tarr's UNTAMED, Caroline Linden's A RAKE'S GUIDE TO SEDUCTION. Many, many others!!
Loved Loretta Chase's HIS SCANDALOUS WAYS and Donna's THE TROUBLE WITH MOONLIGHT - gorgeous book! And Nicola Cornick's THE LAST RAKE IN LONDON is a wonderful, wonderful read!
Now let me scan this list and see what else I need to add to my TBR mountain!!
Christie, SOME LIKE IT WICKED is a historical, set in England and Scotland and awesome!
Hmmmmm, Jennifer, two days in a row? How late are you staying up reading my dear?
Okay...last book I read...The Lost Duke Of Wyndham by Julia Quinn. I liked it a lot and it has a sister book coming out in the fall! How cool is that?
Next book on the pile? Uh, I have four TBR piles....so it's a choise of Olivia Paker's The Bride Hunt Ball, Jodi Thomas' Touch Of Texas, Steve Berry's The Alexandria Link, or Christine Feehan's Predatory Game.
Yeah, I know, a bit eclectic.
What am I reading now? Uhm...nothing, coz I have pages to write before I pick up any of the above!
Ohhh, I love this!
Just finished reading:
An ARC of To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt. Oh my God is all I have to say. Sexy. Deep. And just so damn satisfying.
Finished Into the Shadow last night.
The book(s) I'm currently reading:
What Angels Fear to Tread---I've had this book for a while but am going to read it now after Anna's review!
Rereading New Moon by Stephenie Meyer and then Eclipse in preparation for the upcoming release of Breaking Dawn. If you haven't read this series... you must. They are phenomenally great.
The next book off the TBR pile:
I haven't read these series by Madeline Hunter, so I'm going to start with The Seducer. I know, I think I'm the only person who hasn't read that series. LOL
I'm hoping my ARC of Mr. Cavendish, I presume and a few other ARCS arrive soon.
I also have Tribute by Nora Roberts.
I have so much reading to do, but I also have to write! Luckily, I read very fast. *g*
Last Book I Read: Eternity by Jude Deveraux (this was a re-read, but it has, hands down, my favorite scene from a novel: where her brother comes to Eternity on the stage that has never been on time until HE rode it. 'Ring Montgomery is without a doubt one of my favorite heroes of all time. I even love him as a secondary character.)
Book I'm Reading Now: Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balough. I haven't read the Bedwyn series yet, so this is my first read for this. (I know: EVERYONE has read the Bedwyns...)
Book I'm Reading Next: Either The Kiss by Sophia Nash OR Slightly Tempted by Mary Balough. Will depend who starts off with a bang better.
Jennifer Y: Seize the Night is even better than Night Play!! I love Val in this book! *swoons*
What a fun blog, Anna! I've been on deadline so haven't been reading as much as I'd like to but here goes...
The last book I read: The Hollow by Nora Roberts. Book 2 of The Sign of Seven trilogy. Actually, I read Blood Brothers and The Hollow on the same day and loved them both!
What I'm reading now: Nonfiction - 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
YA - I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter. Great book and a really fun premise!
Fiction - Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer. Wonderful, emotional story - and it's beautifully written as well *g*
What's next in the TBR pile:
The Trouble with Moonlight by Donna *g*
Or: Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne
Or: Kathleen Long's The Body Hunters trilogy from Harelquin Intrigue
Or: The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride by Stacey Kayne
Or: Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman (this is YA and my daughter could not put it down *g*)
So many great books, so little time ;-)
Hellion, I love Ring Montgomery! Can't tell you how many times I've read his book, MOUNTAIN LAUREL. I love it, especially the scene when they finally "get together". (grin)
Christine and Anna, thank you for mentioning NWHF's review on All About Romance (and for providing the link *g*) I'm obviously so thrilled with that review :-)
Anna and Christine, you have a real treat awaiting you with Beth's NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY. It's a wonderful story!
Thanks so much, PJ! And I too can't wait for His Son's Teacher! Kay's books are always so moving *g*
I read a bunch while I was on vacation, but the best read of all was NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY, by the stunning Beth Andrews. ;-)
LOL - thanks so much, Kirsten! I'm not sure which tickles me more - that you enjoyed NWHF or that you called me stunning ;-) I owe you a big drink in San Fran *ggg*
Beth, I heard on another blog that Stacy's The Gunfighter's Untamed Bride was fabulous. I'll need to pick up a copy at the bookstore this afternoon.
First, and I think I've said it before, I don't believe it TBR PILES, but I do believe in TBR LISTS. I can't afford to stack books that I may or may not get around to reading. If I have more than 10 on the stack, I stop getting more. Possible exception is ebooks for my eBookwise, because I know I'll get to them and they don't take up space.
BUT -- what am I reading? Right now, it's Size 12 isn't Fat by Meg Cabot, and also Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais. (It's from the library until it comes out in paperback or digital for my reader; can't afford hard covers). I'm also going through all of the J.A. Jance JP Beaumont series, so the next one is on my list. I'm waiting for the first in the Jack Reacher series to get to me from the library, and then I'll continue reading his back list. I've got Roxanne St. Claire's two most recent books on my reader; saving them for the trip to Nationals. Long plane rides.
Barbara Parker has a new mystery out; that's on my list.
The last book I read: Lifelines by CJ Lyons - finished at 3:30 this morning. GOOD! GOOOOOOD!
Next up: Tribute by Nora Roberts.
Also in the TBR: Anna Lucia's latest, Pam Morsi's latest, Larissa Ione's Demonica book, and many many more!
Beth, congratulations on the DIK status - well deserved!
I read The Hollow and Blood Brothers, liked the first way better, can't WAIT for Pagan Stone!
Terry, I loved Size 12 Is Not Fat! I have Big Boned in my TBR too.
Woohoo! Congrats on the GR, Jennifer Y!
Anna, I agree, I love hearing about what everyone else is reading (although I think my TBR is well on its way to being able to block out the sun ;))
Let's see:
Last book read--Ken Casper's Upstairs at Miss Hattie's. It's one of Harlequin's Everlasting Love stories, and it was sweet--it mostly focused on an older couple's recollection of their history, and it had a number of parallels for the couple's grandson and his new wife. I've been liking this line which seems to be about couples who are beyond love's first blush (so to speak).
Currently reading--Noelle Mack's Juicy, Mary Balogh's The Secret Pearl, and Sylvia Day's Don't Tempt Me. I don't think I used to have more than one book in progress at a time, but since the ol' TBR is so huge, sometimes I get distracted partway through and do set stuff aside to get back to later.
Next up--porbably Merline Lovelace's Countess in Buckskin, which a friend just sent me.
And like JenniferY, my TBR is enormous already; but of course I add to it all the time!
And Anna, I don't have a signed copy of Untouched yet ;) Not that the keeper pile needs feeding either!
It's a good thing I arrived late today. My TBR pile is already pushing 300 (gosh I hope it's not over that) and I cannot be adding more. Or should I say, I'm good at adding more without you all aiding and abetting.
Last week I read Weddings Can Be Murder by Christie Craig. Great read, fast paced, sexy as all get out hero, sweet but not too sweet heroine, and lots of different POVs. Loved it!
Sunday I read the third in a series from new author Tessa Dare. No you cannot go get this one for yourself...YET. Tessa has guest blogged here and her books won't hit the shelves until next year. But trust me when I say, you HAVE to read these. OMG! I'm trying to get an I (heart) Toby! shirt before Nationals.
Now I'm reading an unpubbed MS by another friend before she sends it to her agent and again, you'll want this book when it hits shelves. And that's when not if.
Eloisa's Duchess By Night is up next then there's Jeanne's book, and Donna's book, and Beth's book, and Tawny's new one, and Cindy's since October will be here by the time I get through all of these. LOL!
Oh, and I'm on an Erotica kick lately. Picked up Jaded by Karen Tabke and Blush by Opal Carew. There are hundreds others, and I've probably forgotten someone, but I've rambled long enough.
Forgot to say I've read Untamed so don't put me in the running. *makes not to put I (heart) Matthew on back of shirt*
Also forgot to name the author of the unpubbed MS. That would be Courtney Milan. I'm positive you'll be hearing that name a lot in the future.
Eva -- I hope you are enjoying How to Propose to a Prince -- I sure did :) I love all of Kathryn's books!
Suzanne -- Jodi Thomas' TOUCH OF TEXAS is fabulous!!! I couldn't put that book down, and I usually don't go for western type books.
Terrio -- how was JADED by Karin Tabke? I have her historical in my TBR pile, but I have been wanting to try some of her erotica too.
Terri,
Sigh about A LADY OF PERSUASION by Tessa Dare. I love her books. Toby is so dreamworthy...Tessa writes the best heroes around.
I'm always torn which one I love more: Jeremy, Gray, Toby...decisions, decisions.
Luckily, for all of you, her books come out summer 2009!!! Look for the first GODDESS OF THE HUNT. Here's the URL where you can find more about it and even read an excerpt: http://www.tessadare.com/books.htm
CM is going to be a powerhouse. As will Sara Lindsey, whose book PROMISE ME ALWAYS comes out in 2010.
Thanks for giving more details, Ely. As mentioned, I was rambling.
BTW, have we mentioned Bon Bons rule? LOL!
Buffie - Afraid I just picked it up over the weekend and haven't read the Tabke book yet. But I'll report back when I do.
Yes, I want to be entered in the drawing!
I have recently read and enjoyed Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase, and The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride by Stacey Kayne. I am now reading To Wed a Highland Bride by Sarah Gabriel.
Buffie, I stumbled upon Jodi years ago with one of her westerns at the grocery store. Have bought every one of them since. And she's a very nice lady in person, too!
Hey, just rolled out of bed on a VERY chilly morning here in Queensland to find there's a party going on! What fun! I was hoping this would turn into a free-for-all recommend fest and that's just what's happened. Thanks, everyone! Although my credit card will want overtime if I get ALL these great books!
Hi Vanessa (Authorness is just a pseudonym)! How great to see you here. That book sounds sad - actually it reminds me of a book I read years ago that's really stayed with me. It's the autobiography of Irish harpist and folksinger Mary O'Hara, Scent of Roses. In her early 20s, she married this lovely poet and then he dies of leukaemia so she goes into a convent for 20 years and then comes out to this worldwide career as a singer. It's an amazing story. Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Scent-Roses-Mary-OHara/dp/0718117336/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215715878&sr=1-6
Hey, Carol, welcome back! Hope you had a great time in Victoria. Friends down there tell me it's been snowing! You'll love Loretta's book. Is this your first experience of her? She's a classic!
Hiya Mel! Lovely to see you too. Keri's such a powerhouse, isn't she? What's she on? Her 5th NYT bestseller? Wow! Helen writes such classic Presents, doesn't she? I hope you're having a great time with that! I've put you in the draw for the green monster. Good luck!
PJ, another Susan Mallery fan? I must check these books out. VA has been raving (um, if I put a full stop there, she'll shoot me) about SM ever since we all met. Apparently she does amazing hockey hunks.
Hi Rachael! Is it your first visit to the lair? If so, pull up a chair, grab a cabana boy, slurp a margarita and hang around! The LBD book sounds great. They're publishing some really interesting stuff (they're a women's fiction imprint based in England). I've got Paula's new one and Bronwyn Jamesons's too (all Diamonds Down Under) on my TBR pile - what a lot I have to look forward to. You'll love the Stolen Princess. I thought it was fantastic. Here's a review I wrote for RNTV where I put my money where my mouth is:
http://romancenovel.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85&Itemid=40
Hey, PJ! More recommendations! You're doing me proud, my friend! Don't you love that title, THE VERY VIRILE VIKING? I wonder if there's a manuscript under Sandra's bed called THE WIMPY WOOSSY WIKING.
PJ and Helen, looks like we all LOVED The Stolen Princess!
Helen, thanks so much for more recommendations (you girls are doing my work for me! Great stuff). Nice to see you're still working your way through the Bandita list! And I've heard so many great things about Eloisa's latest.
Hiya Buffie! What great recommendations. I haven't read LuAnn's stuff. Must check it out. Hope's book really intrigued me, not just because Blaze is moving into historicals - hurrah. Love the idea of HER kidnapping HIM to have her wicked way with him! What fun. The anthology sounds great - and so does what awaits in the TBR pile. Perhaps we may add UNTOUCHED to that list ;-) I'm just sayin'...
Hi Deb! Great to see you. Isn't Nicola wonderful? I've got UNMASKED on my TBR pile too. It sounds like her usual tour de force full of emotional conflict and drama. Have you guys seen the trailer for this? It's fantastically sexy.
http://www.amazon.com/Unmasked-Nicola-Cornick/dp/037377303X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214288438&sr=1-2
Buffie, Jennifer's blog is fantastic. Check it out!
http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/
Also I definitely think you'd like the KOR books. For some reason, they strike me as right up your alley (where there's a bar in New York full of really sexy brothers, LOL!).
PJ, there were quite a few Bandita bosoms swelling with pride when Beth collected a DIK review on her first outing!
Gannon, your place sounds like my place. I sort of have a system - the stuff I WILL read within the next month is in the bedroom and then it works back in piles from there. The problem is the fairies keep buying new books and putting them on the bedside table. It's all most bizarre!
What great recommendations. And aren't you lucky getting ARCs? I think a week of reading at the beach sounds like heaven. A few years ago, I did just that. Went away with a suitcase full of books and just went from book to book to book. Got through them all too. I got home a new woman!
Dina, I've put you in the draw for the book. Thanks! And more recommendations! That TBR pile is rising exponentially!
Kirsten, Beth's book is really screaming at me "READ ME, READ ME!" The ARC of the bird book sounds great too. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Last year, I really let my reading go by the wayside because I was writing so much. But I realized that reading fed into my writing and if I didn't do it, my writing suffered. This year, I've really tried to keep up with the books and it's helped. Even a couple of chapters before bed is enough to keep me going.
Hi Crystal! Great to have Elizabeth's new series in the recommendations. And I've seen nothing but rave reviews for Jessica Andersen's latest. Glad you're enjoying it. You're in the draw! Good luck!
Eva, the Harris a great read, especially if you like dark and intense (and I know you do!). And there's a great forbidden love romance going on which always works for me. Not only that, it's a reunion story, which I like too. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one, WHEN GODS DIE. Some great recommendations there - thank you! Laughed at the 'pet' blurb!
Christie, you're a great supporter of your Bandita buddies! I just wish my Bandita buddies wrote a bit faster! Hint, hint, girls!
Hey, Louisa, sounds like you've got a lot of the same books waiting for you that I have. But you get writing! Strike while the iron (and the editor) is hot! Hey, congratulations on the Molly!
Suz, great list of books waiting for you. I don't know how you're resisting them all. Good luck with the pages!
Hey, Elyssa, another Elizabeth Hoyt fan! I LOVE Madeline Hunter. I think the new series, Lessons in Desire, etc. is even better than the last one. She's up for a RITA this year. I'm not at all surprised. I've heard so much about the Twilight books - apparently every teenage girl on the planet is in love with Edward the Vampire. Would you groan if I said I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into those? Of course you would! Hope you like the C.S. Harris. I think it might be just your style.
Hiya Hellion! Now it's REALLY a party! We needed some more pirates! You know, I haven't read the Bedwyns although I love MB. So many books, so little time. Jude Deveraux wrote one of my all-time faves, A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. Still an absolute time travel classic. The Kiss has been edging towards the top of my TBR pile for ages. I loved Sophia's Dangerous Beauty, the first in the series. If only those fairies would stop putting new stuff on top of the old stuff...
Beth (everybody have a fangirl moment, OK?), sounds like you have exactly my dilemma. What to read next? An embarrassment of riches! The I'd Have to Kill You book has had some amazing buzz, hasn't it?
Actually in the interests of disclosure (and seeing you've brought up the nonfiction word), I finished the second KOR SEX STRAIGHT UP the day I started it. It's brilliant - even better than SHAKEN AND STIRRED, which is saying something. I'm currently reading (and surprisingly enjoying) John Keay's THE HONORABLE COMPANY, a history of the East India Company. The hero of my wip worked for the EIC as part of his backstory so I thought I should make sure I knew what I was talking about! Beth's book is still screaming at me to pick it up, though. Sigh.
PJ, is Mountain Laurel the one with the opera singer? Thought that was great!
Beth, clearly you are among friends ;-)
Suz, isn't it great how Stacey's western historicals are going great guns (pun intended!)?
Terry, what an interesting lot of recommendations. I'm loving what a variety we're getting in everybody's lists. Hope those books keep you happy on the plane. I've got some critting and some editing to do on my EXTREMELY long plane ride. I find that's a good time to do work on paper as there's no internet and no phone and I can really concentrate.
Anna, that list is made up of just a few of my long-time favorites.
Although (sigh), it would be so nice someday to see one of my books on somebody's list. Such are the trials and tribs of writing for a small press with such limited distribution, I guess.
Just out of interest, is it as a result of Sherrilyn's wonderful guest day or were you already on the binge?
Oh, I had already started the binge when she was a guest so I was SUPER excited to see her here.
But I have discovered quite a few authors from your guest days...and even from the comments section (I remember seeing Jo Davis comment and now I have been eagerly anticipating her release since I looked her up and read more about it).
Hey, Mary, great to see you back in the lair! Congratulations on the release of WHERE THERE'S SMOKE! We had Anna Lucia on as a guest, courtesy of VA, a little while ago. Her book sounded fantastic - especially Keir the dark, tortured, sexy hero! Oh, the cottage in the Scottish Highlands where he holds our intrepid heroine captive. Hmm, I feel a Claiming the Courtesan moment coming on!
Hey, Fedora! Great to see you supporting the romance writing industry. Seriously, we should give you a medal! Great recommendations too. Laughed at you having three books on the go at once!
Jennifer Y -- didn't know you had a blog. Can you leave a link?
http://jennifersrandommusings.wordpress.com/
I have had a Bandita or two as a guest over there...I like guests ;)
Hmmmmm, Jennifer, two days in a row? How late are you staying up reading my dear?
Who needs sleep? But it's just been dumb luck that I have gotten the GR the last couple of days.
Terri, it's not helping, having all these people talk about great books, is it? 300? That's pretty impressive. As I said, mine is scattered in order of priority all over the house. I'm seriously thinking of taking a leaf from PJ's book and going away for a week just to catch up on reading when I get my latest book in. Oh, I'm green with envy about you reading Tessa's book! I've been looking forward to getting my hands on it ever since she won Fan Lit! And Courtney's sounds fantastic too! That's another one I'm slavering for!
By the way, nice to see you supporting the Banditas! ;-) And an I heart Matthew T-shirt sounds like just the fashion accessory every girl needs!
Hey, Buffie, thanks for coming in with more recommendations! I mean, THANKS!!! Sun officially blocked out down here in Oz. And it's winter. I want the sun!!!
Ooh, yes, Elyssa, don't forget Sara Lindsey! I've been so thrilled to see all these Fan Lit alumni being picked up! We built up such a great community there and so many of us are still in touch - it's fantastic!
Hi Cheri! You're definitely in the draw. Good luck! NBC is in the TBR pile on the second bedside table - I'm saving it for a day when I can just curl up and enjoy it. I love her books. Most recently I read an old one called Heaven, Texas, which was fantastic! Just a real feel-good read. Bet you enjoyed the Loretta! Weren't the h/h great together? Loved the witty snark covering up this amazingly witty attraction. Actually while I'm touting my reviews on RNTV, here's the one for YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS:
http://romancenovel.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140&Itemid=40
Anna, yes, Mountain Laurel is about Maddie Worth a/k/a LaReina, the opera singer and Captain Ring Montgomery. I love Deveraux's older historicals.
I'm right there with you on A Knight in Shining Armour. It's my all-time favorite time travel romance. I first read it in 1990. I remember finishing it in bed at about 2am and just sobbing my heart out. I long ago lost count of the number of times I've read it since then but every time I'd pull it off the shelf my husband would hand me a box of kleenex and make himself scarce. lol. Poor guy.
Oh, geez. As if my TBR pile weren't already stretching to the heavens & destroying my budget! Now I have three more to add?
Heavy sigh.
But I'm a sucker for a good book, so bring 'em on. :-)
Suz, must check Jodi's stuff out. Haven't read them! AAAARRRGGGHHH! More books to buy!
Terry, hang in there. I know people who have moved from small presses to large ones VERY successfully. Keri Arthur is a good example! She was epublished for years because the New York houses couldn't see a market for dark urban fantasy. Hmm...
Jennifer, so glad you've picked up some of our guests. I know I've read people's interviews and thought, wow, I must buy this book! Nice to know we're spreading the lurve!
Phew! Think I've caught up for the moment. Thanks, guys! This is great fun. Don't stop!
Oh, and don't forget to tell me if you want to be in the draw to win my RITA-finalist book UNTOUCHED. Yeah, OK, but I need to milk that RITA thing for all it's worth ;-)
I just finished reading Howling Miller by Arto Paasilinna -I believe this one has been translated in English. Too bad they haven't translated "Sweet Poison Cooker" just yet. Right now I'm reading Memory in Death by J.D. Robb.
Hello, Ms. Anna,
Books just finished: The Education
of Mrs. Brimley/Donna MacMeans, Slow Burn/Julie Garwood.
Currently reading: Too Wicked To
Tame/Sophie Jordan.
Next books on TBR list: Hot Property/Carly Phillips, Stop Me/Brenda Novak, The Hollow/Nora Roberts.
Please include my name in the drawing!
Congratulations, Jennifer Y!
Pat Cochran
Anna -- yes, the premise of Hope's book is great. And the heroine *ahem* executes her revenge on the hero in a very good way *wink wink*
And yes, I am one of those awful people who have yet to read UNTOUCHED. Definitely need to remedy that situation.
I did look for Kathleen O'Reilly's books today at Wally World, but was unable to find any. I'll have to check back next week. I love the titles -- they make me giggle :)
Off to check out Jennifer Y's blog.
Hiya Minna! I haven't seen those books around. Must check them out. Love the titles! Are you enjoying the Robb? I've read Nora as Nora but not as J.D. although people rave about Eve and Roarke.
Hiya Miss Pat! Isn't Mrs. Brimley fun? I'm not surprised it's got sucha buzz going about it. Looks like you've got some fantastic reading ahead of you. We must play this game again. I've loved getting a peek into everybody's TBR pile!
My TBR pile is about 300 and my To get list is getting bigger all the time I love all of these recomendations a girl can never have too many books to read I alway tell my family and friends that they are for my retirement LOL.
I am having 11 days off work in 2 weeks so I plan to catch up on some of my books perfect weather for me to curl up on the lounge with a coffee Tim Tams and a good book.
Have Fun
Helen
OK, Buffie, you had me at wink! ;-) I love stories that turn the tables and this one is Scottish too. Just what the doctor ordered! Hmm, if only there was a romance reading diet. Great books and size 10! I'd like that a lot!
You're not awful, not having read Untouched. You just need guidance ;-)
Actually as someone who has recently started reading quite a few Blazes (they've got a nice flirty tone to go with all that sex and I enjoy that - reminds me of the old Temptations), I'm with you on the titles. So many of them are...um, subtle? No, that's not the word I'm looking for!
Tawny, get writing! I want your next book!!!!
Helen, isn't this just perfect reading weather? And last week, we had days of rain. Even better for curling up with a biscuit (or a packet! Although I'm sure you're stronger about resisting Tim Tams than I am!) and a cup of something hot. Enjoy your 11 days. You'll have to let us know if you come across any gems! Beth's book is definitely my next port of call and all the girls here raving about it has confirmed that.
Now Anna, you know I have to enter this competition as hubby and I got such great,um, tips from your other book, well we might even find a bit of inspiration from this one... *g*
I've just finished Matthew Reillys 'Ice Station' (fast paced read) and Angie Fox's 'Accidental Demon Slayer' which was a hoot, I'd recommend it to anyone.
At the moment I've got Sherrilyn Kenyon's 'Seize the Night' ebook on my computer so I have to finish that.
And I have Elizabeth Bevarly's books to go yet... read read read, when will I ever get to write?
I am currently reading Last Wolf Standing by Rhyannon Byrd. It is really good so now I want to read the next two books. I fyou like shefter stories this one is one I can recommend. The characters are well developed and a great job was done on the plot as well. Hope the rest of the series is just as good.
Oh my, I am getting so many good ideas for future reads here. I also see that a lot of you have enjoyed the same books that I have. I have a huge TBR pile already. In fact, it is really piles, plural. I have so many that I have had to hide them from my husband. ;)
Oh, I'm definitely enjoying the In Death book! I've also just read a time travel book called Time and Again by Nora Roberts.
There are a couple of other books by Arto Paasilinna which have been translated in English. One is Year of the Hare and I think the other one was called A Businessman's Guide to the Finnish Sauna. I've heard they are translating more of his books in English. Quite a few of them have been translated in French, I've heard...
THE LAST BOOK I READ: Around the World in 80 Dates by Christa Ann Banister This one was alot of fun and a new author for me! THE BOOK I'M CURRENTLY READING: Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden This is a hot one and would be a favorite for Paranormal fans. I've never read a book by her that I didn't like. THE NEXT BOOK OFF THE TBR PILE: Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready This wiil also be a new author for me. I've heard alot of good things about this one!
Cheri, it's great, isn't it? I know we all groan about all the books we want to read - but I think secretly we love having all these fantastic stories waiting for us!
Natalie, I've put you in the draw! Good luck! Actually I think we learn a lot about writing from reading, so don't feel too guilty!
Cherie, thanks for the shapeshifter book recommendation. I'll keep an eye out for it. I haven't read a lot of shapeshifter books - although I love Nalini Singh's.
Minna, great you're enjoying the Robb. More great titles from your Finnish guy! I'll have to venture out of the romance section of bookshops and start checking out the rest! Oh, no, more books to read!
Hi Tetewa! Always a pleasure to see you here! Would you believe I haven't heard of ANY of these books? Not only that, they all sound great! Thanks for popping by and playing with us!
Resist Tim Tams me LOL
I really want Beth's book it is high on my to buy list but I can't seem to get it thru rendzvous books but I haven't given up I am still trying to get it I so want to read it.
Have Fun
Helen
Hey Anna:-)
The last book I read was The Greek Billionaire's Baby Revenge by Jennie Lucas.
The book I'm currently reading is Ask For It by Sylvia Day.
The next book I'd like to read is The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride by Stacey Kayne.
If I should recommend any reads that would be anything by Jennie Lucas and Stacy Kayne. I enjoy their writing very much. Count me in the draw;-)
Omg...Natalie I always get a laugh from your post!
Anna's next book might produce another set of twins...lol, I've read Untouched and loved it.
I also have Anne Gracie's latest waiting in my pile, then an Edith Layton whom I've never read any of!
Another book I loved was Lisa Kleypas Blue-Eyed Devil ... the underlying social issues in it stays in my mind and would help inform young women in that circumstance...sorry to be oblique but don't want to be a spoiler either.
Cheers Carol
Helen, it's tough, isn't it? I must say with our dollar being so high against the US one, I've done a lot of shopping at Amazon lately. I can get what I want WHEN I want it - which makes me feel guilty for not supporting the local sellers. Does Rendezvous sell a lot of category romance? It's a while since I've been in there but it was mainly bigger books last time I looked. And I see you're not more self-controlled about Tim Tams than I am! Yum!
Hey, Mona, another Jennie Lucas fan! I think she's great - a really interesting new voice. Have you read Caretti's Forced Bride (which is an 'orrible title, I must say!)? It's absolutely brilliant! I sent her a fan letter about it and I notice she's quoted verbatim what I said on her website. Nice to think she took my ravings seriously! I've got the Greek Billionaire on my TBR pile. And another Stacey fan - great to see! Sylvia's up for a RITA award this year! Yay! She's a very nice lady!
Oh, and Mona, you're in the draw! Thanks!
Carol, thanks for those kind words about Untouched. But please don't threaten Natalie with another set of twins. She'll never read another book of mine again! I've got a couple of Edith Laytons waiting for me (you can see I'm not exaggerating about the size of this TBR pile at my house!). I've heard good things about her writing.
I haven't read Lisa's contemporaries although I noticed all the great buzz they got. BED seems to be even better than the first one from what I can gather. I'll have to check them out. She's another lovely lady too.
Hmm, sounds like I'm name dropping. It's just that I'm getting excited about seeing all my romance writing friends in San Francisco in a few weeks!
Anna
Rendezvous don't sell any of the category romance so I will probably get it from Amazon but I will need to order a few because of postage I will go thru my to get list.
Have Fun
Helen
I have read a few of Edith Layton's and they are very good I also have a few more of them in the TBR pile
Have Fun
Helen
Helen, the postage is the killer, isn't it? But on the other hand, books in the US are so much cheaper than in Australia, I often find it works out much the same. There's also great four books for the price of three deals on some things (including mine, but that won't help you, seeing you've already got both books!).
Hey, Helen, thanks for the tip on Edith Layton. I should drag these out and read them. They look interesting, but then everything does, doesn't it? ;-)
Last book I read: The Virtu Sarah Monette
Currently reading--finishing up Sebastian--Anne Bishop--I put it down halfway through 'cause it wasn't grabbing me like her books usually do.
TBR pile--I have many more than 300--many, many,many more... I'm on a fantasy kick, but my next book is going to be Lacey Alexander's Brides of something... (hey, I'm terrible with names) and EC just released it, I believe it was two novellas.
Great lists everyone... now back to writing, than some more reading.
Anna - Get thee to Amazon and getting the Kleypas cotemmporaries right this minute! BED isn't better than Sugar Daddy, they are just very different books. I'm sure that sounds odd but Sugar Daddy leans more toward Women's fiction in that it covers a longer period of time and the hero situation isn't typical. Don't want to give any more than that away.
Carol - I know exactly what you mean. BED stayed with me weeks after I turned the last page.
Now I'm excited because my ARC for the new Teresa Medeiros was in my mailbox when I got home. Only I have another I have to finish first and something spectacular showed up in my email inbox too. Gosh! I need more hours in the day!
Hiya Tiff! It's funny how we go on a kick, isn't it? I was on a Harlequin kick a couple of weeks ago which is when I read the Kathleen O'Reilly and the Jennie Lucas and a couple of good local authors like Amy Andrews and Fiona Lowe (Amy's a regular here - she writes really heartfelt Medical romance if you can get hold of any of them). Then before that I was on a historicals kick - that's when I read most of that latest Madeline Hunter series which as I said, I highly recommend.
Hey, Terri, you're getting pushy in your old age ;-) I hear you! I getteth me to Amazonia right noweth! LOL! Hmm, I'm beginning to wish I lived next door to you so I could steal stuff from your mailbox!
I love Madeline Hunter. I have yet to read her newest books though... time and all that fun stuff... I haven't been on a fantasy kick in a while.. before this it was eating up harlequin nocturnes... like six of em in less than two weeks.
I wonder what will be next. :)
Don't be silly, Anna. I was pushy when I was young too. :)
I'll let you know when an apartment opens up!
Actually, speaking of great Harlequins, Tiff, one of the ones I read in the binge was Pamela Palmer's new one, Dark Deceiver. Thought that was fantastic! I'm actually trying to hit research books at the moment so I wouldn't say I'm on a particular kick. But as you can gather, there's always something romantic on the go (in my reading life at least, LOL!).
Ah, Terri, I'd come and live next door to you even if I didn't want to mug your postman! Snork to being pushy when you were younger!
I want to track down all the PP's soon... very soon... I need another trilogy with the nocturne... my favourite so far is Rhyannon Byrd... werewolves push all the right buttons for me---as you know :) That and a little Rothy...lol!
My TBR was doomed a long, long time ago... I just go with the flow and thank the money heavens it's a tax write-off :)
There will be no more twins... nope, now it's fun time hubby and I can play without worrying.
Oh Anna, by the way my foxy male author of the week is: Richard Armitage, I figured because he writes for BBC then he's an author... so I get to post hunky pictures of him at my blog all week... and not feel guilty, I tell hubby it's purely for the readers, I get no enjoyment out of it at all, and I'm not really exploiting Richard per say, it's more appreciating his mind... because he can write, you know it's a writers thing, you'd have to be one to understand.... (he just gives me a stare and says hurry up writing, we need to read more Campbell books!!!!)
Oh I also just finished Shana Abe's "The Dream Thief" that was quite good. I've been reading through different genres lately, a thriller here, mystery there, horror thrown in, and of course romance sprinkled throughout.
Tiff, definitely see if you can find the PPs. I loved the Dark Gate and it's probably better if you read both, but I thought Dark Deceiver was even better. It's got a geek heroine, a six-foot tall redhead who's really clever. Gotta love that! I've heard good stuff about the Rhyannon Bs. I'll have to see if I can find them. And you tell Rothy to behave... Well, maybe not!
Natalie, glad to hear no more twins are on the immediate horizon. You sound like you've got your hands full. Laughed at you saying Richard is a writer! Bit of a tenuous connection, my friend, but I'm not complaining. I really liked the Dream Thief. Have you read The Smoke Thief? That's absolutely amazing. I also love her Last Mermaid. She has such an individual voice.
I have got to start getting up early enough to do this before I go to work......LOL
No way I can get the GR but he is kind of miffed at me anyway so that is probably a good thing.
Recently read, last two weeks:
DARK AND DANGEROUS by Jeanne Adams
A Match Made in Hell and Weddings From Hell by Terri Garey (Yes, right here in the lair is where it started)
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Three Little Sins by Anne Mallory
I am now reading Mustang Wild by Stacey Kayne (Yes, right here in the lair is where this one started too)
Next up in the TBR is more of Stacey's books with Maverick Wild, a re-read of Bride of Shadow Canyon and then The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride.
Whewwwww! I have been and plan to be a very busy little reader!
YAY! Terri, I'm so glad the arc arrived today. I hope you like the other goodies I tucked in with it. Let me know what you think of the story after you've read it. I LURVED it!
AND, prior to the two weeks past I have read
Every Night I'm Yours
Does She Dare
The Trouble With Moonlight
Untouched
The Education of Mrs.Brimley
Scandal's Daughter
Claiming the Courtesan
Double Dare
I am supposed to pick up Not Without Her Family tomorrow I missed it when it came out and they never had it when I kept going back so now I have my very own copy on hold.
I have Risque Business, The Dangerous Duke, The Wild Sight pre-ordered.
I can't find Heartbreak River anywhere.
Great game, Anna! I, too, love to see what other people are reading and what they think about those books.
Right now I'm reading JR Ward's latest in her Brotherhood series, Phury's story in LOVER ENSHRINED. While vamps are not my primary kind of reading, nobody does world building better than Ward.
I never read one book at a time, so additionally I'm reading our own Beth Andrews' NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY -- super writing -- and a strange little YA book by Cory Doctorow called LITTLE BROTHER, a computer-aged Orwellian-society book.
Just finished Bandita Donna's THE TROUBLE WITH MOONLIGHT -- what a terrific book! And next up is Robert Crais' latest Elvis Cole story CHASING DARKNESS.
Jo, I just finished Chasing Darkness. (Even though I should have been writing!). I think you'll like it. The man has a way with language, and I love his sense of humor.
Dianna, he's a temperamental old bird (don't tell him I said that) so I wouldn't worry too much. It's funny - you offer him a Tim Tam and he's back to being full of charm!
Hey, how cool that we've become your book recommenders of choice!
And then I read your next post - make that your book WRITERS of choice! Yay, you! Um, guess you don't want to be in the Untouched draw then, lol!
Jo, I agree with you about J.R. Ward. She's an amazing writer. I love the way she builds such complex relationships between her characters too. It's such a rich world to enter. I've got Phury's story (yes, you guessed it!) on the TBR pile. He may have to wait till October. I really do have a book to write! Did you see Terry was reading the Robert Crais book too? I've never heard of him!
Oh, and Terry, just saw your post. Sounds like he's another one I should check out. I think I need to marry money to feed my book habit! ;-)
Robert Crais and Michael Connelly were featured speakers at SleuthFest a couple of years ago. I figured I should read something by the keynote speakers before I went there, and dang, I got totally hooked. These guys know how to write. And both series are set in Los Angeles, which is where I grew up (well, where I lived for a bunch of years--I still haven't grown up) and they really make setting another character.
I HATE finding authors I love with huge back lists!
Yeah, I can tell you really hate it, Terry! The pain just shouts out at us ;-)
Anna, hee! Just trying to do my part to support the industry I love best! ;)
And Dianna, I loved Stacey's Wild books--the last in the Wild series is coming next year, I think. I can't wait! :)
Woohoo, Dianna, thanks for reading all our books. We really appreciate your support!
Fedora, I think we're all looking forward to Stacey's next book! And keep up the support! ;-)
Thanks to everyone for a great day in the lair. My TBR pile will indeed block out the sun once I've checked out all these great authors.
And don't forget to check back to see who won UNTOUCHED!
currently reading:
1. Shadow Touch, Marjorie Liu (to cover paranormal)
2. Games of Pleasure, Julia Ross (to cover historical)
3. Unbridaled, Eileen Rendahl (to cover humorous)
4. Prince of Midnight, Laura Kinsale (to cover acknowledged masters and so soak up education)
All four are new to me authors, and so far, great fun and great contrast to one another!
And since I'm told by reliable sources (*coff* Tiffany *coff*)that Anna Campbell must absolutely be next up on my new authors list, I would love to be entered.
Good luck on the Australian nomination!
P226 wrote:
The story of zippy the TCP/IP packet, and all the barriers to delivering his critical data payload! Machiavellian rate throttling! Misconfigured routers! Cable modems! FIREWALLS. Yes... poor zippy must pass through FIRE to bring you this blog comment.
God help me, I think I'm losing my mind.
Snork! OMG. SNORK!
Okay, I can't go on. I'm just in from the dreaded DAY JOB and have to be there again at 5 in the morning, so I'll leave my books list but I'm SO sorry I can't read through all the comments. This was a fab blog Fo, and I want to stay and be part of the fun, but I can't. Must be functional tomorrow.
Okay. What I'm reading right now is three books at once, sort of. I got part way through Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer because Anna Campbell was reading it and liked it, and I'm always up for a good encouraging book. It's great. But I've stopped reading to do some of the exercises in her book.
I'm also reading Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron, another craft book. This one because I'm trying to incorporate some mystery-type elements into my current suspense manuscript, and I don't think I do a good job of it--the red herrings and all that rot. This one, like many craft books is not a fun read but is really valuable.
There was a cool quote in the mystery craft book above, which led me to an old book called Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith. I had to order it used from somewhere, as I think even the reprint is out of print. There's not a lot of immediately usable information in here, but it's a good insight into her mindset, and how she uses snippets of material and ideas...and works them into whatever lenth piece she wants out of it. Lots of good stuff about the mentality necessary to write this type of fiction. But it's an older work--from the 70s I think, that's been reprinted, so some of the information is a little dated. Still valuable. I see almost everything as valuable even if I get only one little goodie from it.
The last fiction I read was Not Without Her Family and it was phenomenal.
Next up is Jeanne's Dark and Dangerous.
There is also an historical romance on my bedside table that I started in maybe February, but put down because the hero was such a huge jerk, and cannot bring myself to pick back up right now even though I should. I will. I promise. The extreme low will probably result in an even more incredible ending, but I haven't read this author before and can't be certain, and I'm so busy I don't have the emotional space to stretch and then fall flat so I'm not taking the chance.
Hmmm. I guess this, in itself, is a good lesson for me as a writer.
It's not a new release and I'm not saying whose it is, but I will say that it's NOT a Bandita book. It may be wonderful. We'll see.
What a great day! I love all the great recommendations - thanks to everyone who played *g*
Terry and Mary, aren't Meg Cabot's books great? I read all three Heather Wells mysteries and now want to read the second and third of the Queen of Babble trilogy *g*
Suz, I hope you find a copy of Stacey's The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride! I just happen to have a signed copy sitting here that I'll be giving away the next time I blog ;-)
Helen, thanks for looking for my book!
Dianna, wow! How cool that you've read so many of our guests' books! And ours!! Thank you!
No Anna, Unfortunately I haven't read Caretti's Forced Bride though the excerpt is great. No doubt about how great Jennie Lucas is. I hope she'll start writing novels soon because I felt The Greek Billionaire was too short. I'm still really at the beginnings of Sylvia's book but I liked what I've read so far;-)
Hi Cassondra! Hope you're enjoying Dorothea Brande. It was a how to book that really spoke to me. Sorry to hear about the disappointing book! Jeanne's book is great and I can't wait to get into Beth's. Don't work too hard!
Beth, hasn't it been a great day. And hey, I think you might have won for the book everybody either has read, is reading, or will read. I clearly owe you a drink in SF!
Mona, grab Caretti when you can. It's a beauty!
M, I LOVE Julia Ross. She has such a lush prose style! And Laura Kinsale is one of the masters. You can't do better. Don't know the other two. Clearly two more for the TBR pile! Thanks for the Oz good luck. And I'll definitely include you in the draw.
Hmmm, see I have probably stumbled on this blog too late.
But I just had to play cos guess what? Guess which is my just read book? I know people are going to think this is a set up but truly it's Untouched by Ms Campbell. It's been on my TBR pile all year and I finally picked it up the other day. And I just loved it. Loved Matthew and Grace - love an underdog - or two!
What I'm reading now - Taken By the Maverick Millionare by my friend Anna Cleary. She gave me an autographed copy last week and of course I couldn't read it straight away cos I was knee deep in Fo's. But I'm nearly finished it now and I think Anna C just keeps getting better and better.
Next to be read is Keri Arthur's Dangerous Games. I'm not really a huge paranormal head but I loved her first Riley Jensen book so I'm looking forward to this one.
By the way, M., I wanted to say thank you for listening to the wonderful Tiffany ;-)
Hi Anna! I too love recommendations and hearing about what everyone's reading. I don't want to miss out on anything!
I just finished a great read of Jillian Hunter's first in the Boscastle series, THE SEDUCTION OF AN ENGLISH SCOUNDREL. Now I'm hooked on the series and can't wait to read all the brothers and sister's stories! I may be behind because of just discovering her books, but its great to go back to find these treasures!
I'm currently reading Missy Lyon's DRAGON HEAT which is a historical with the fantasy of magic within it. Just so great reading so far!
Up after is WHEN HE WAS BAD by Cynthia Eden and Shelley Laurenston. Last month I had the joy of reading HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT, Ms. Eden's first Brava and so totally unique that I'll be watching for each of her reads.
Loved this post chatting our favorites, books!
Caffey, there's been some great books talked about today, hasn't there? Great to hear you've found a fantastic new series! And the books you mentioned otherwise are new to me. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for stopping by!
WOW!!!! I would love to be entered.
Just read:The Rose Red Bride by Claire Delacroix
Kiss Me Quick by Margaret Moore
His Forgotten Forever by Michele Hauf
Homecoming by Jill Marie Landis
TBR: B/C your Vampire Said So by Michele Bardsley
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Hi Kimmy! Nice to see you squeaked in to join us for a nightcap! Great list of books. Oh, man, I need a clone. One to read and one to do everything else! I've entered you in the draw. Good luck!
WOW! GREAT reading material listed here. You all rock :-)
Anna, I'm writing as fast as I can *g* But I keep wanting to take breaks and read. And after reading THIS blog, I want to take even MORE reading breaks lol
Tawny, it's terrible, isn't it? All these good books! Actually I blame you for the Blaze binge - I was looking for something to keep me going before Risque Business hits the stands! And don't read this - get writing!!!!! Your fans await, going purple because of bated breath!
Anna Campbell said...
Um, guess you don't want to be in the Untouched draw then, lol!
LOL, no, don't put me in the drawing, better let someone else that hasn't read it get their shot. Not that I wouldn't love to have an autographed copy but I have already read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. :-D
flchen1 said...
And Dianna, I loved Stacey's Wild books--the last in the Wild series is coming next year, I think. I can't wait! :)
Me either! I just got The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride but I am going to re-read Bride of Shadow Canyon first.
Beth said...
Dianna, wow! How cool that you've read so many of our guests' books! And ours!! Thank you!
I keep telling you guys you are bankrupting me but I am addicted now and just can't stop myself.
Hey, thanks, Dianna! You do of course know Sven is currently creating a new cocktail in your honor!
Anna Campbell said...
Hey, thanks, Dianna! You do of course know Sven is currently creating a new cocktail in your honor!
Oh how nice, and is our darling Sven going to deliver it to me personally??? ::::Dianna tearing through her house looking for that fancy peignoir, dialing GF to see if son can sleep over:::::
Weeeeeeelllll, right now the poor Swedish darling is caught tight in Lady Kate's clutches. But if Lyle leaves him in one piece enough to carry a tray, we will certainly have it delivered to you! And Sven might need some TLC by then!
Oh, and Sven appreciates a good peignoir! It's something he's learnt in the lair ;-) When he arrived, he thought it was a French liqueur!
Anna Campbell said...
Weeeeeeelllll, right now the poor Swedish darling is caught tight in Lady Kate's clutches. But if Lyle leaves him in one piece enough to carry a tray, we will certainly have it delivered to you! And Sven might need some TLC by then!
LOL, yes, I have been keeping up with that whole scenario, if you can get to him tell him that I have EXCELLENT TLC abilities.
I'll have to sneak in a note tied to the GR's tail. That Wells woman is watching all entrances and Lyle is keeping a close eye on Lady K.
Hey Anna - yep this is my first time visiting the Bandits and I'll definately be back... although I really think I shouldn't add anymore blogs to my current list as then WHEN ON EARTH am I gonna find time to actually write?
RACH!
Hi! I got an email saying I'd received a compliment here and thought I'd pop in to say thanks to PJ for picking up HIS SON'S TEACHER and my backlist! :) Wow. LOL You know how to make a girl's day!
I'm so thrilled that you're enjoying the Tulanes of Tennessee series! I totally fell in love with Nick. Drop me an email and let me know what you think when you've read it.
As to what I'm reading? I just finished Jane Porter's ODD MOM OUT and absolutely LOVED it! I'm not much for first person books but this one sucked me in and made me so sad to turn the last page. Great characters, wonderful pacing. A great read all around.
I'm now reading Debbie Macomber's Twenty Wishes, Johanna Lindsey's latest Malory novel and I also downloaded Christina Dodd's last Shadow book for my up and coming flight to SF. Can't wait to dig in.
Ladies, thanks for a great blog--and a great question! I've made lots of notes of books to check out.
Kay
Rach, the lures of cyberspace! It's tough, isn't it? You're always welcome here!
Kay, great to see you here. Yes, there was a rave about your book. How cool was that? I'm a huge fan of Jane Porter. Have you read her Flirting with 40? It's absolutely masterly. I've got OMO on the TBR pile (where else?). She's up for a RITA for that this year, had you seen?
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