Apparently romance novels are proving recession-proof. Or at least so far.
Did you all see that great article in the New York Times, no less, about how romance sales are going through the roof? Here's the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/books/08roma.html?_r=1&ref=books
Very heartening, isn't it?
Mind you, I was thinking about the Great Depression and what was popular with audiences then. Glamour and escapism immediately spring to mind.
Think of those wonderful Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films with their elegant and luxurious settings. There's two quotes I love about F.A. and G.R. One is something like "Everybody talks about what a great dancer Fred Astaire was. Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything he did, except backwards and in high heels." The other is Katharine Hepburn's "He gave her class and she gave him sex appeal."
Actually if you want to see just how magical these two were together, here's a clip from You Tube of Night and Day.
My book buying doesn't seem to have slowed at all, in spite of all the doom and gloom in the news. In fact, I'm just back from a visit to Sydney for a wedding and have added to my TBR pile until it's now tottering up towards the ceiling.
I know I'm not Robinson Crusoe here!
We're all addicted to books! We all have towering TBR piles.
I thought it might be fun to ask you all to pull the top five books off your TBR piles and report on them here. I bet we get some interesting selections! No cheating! Just whatever comes off first.
First off my pile is Miranda Neville's NEVER RESIST TEMPTATION. Miranda sent this to me as a thank you after she visited the Banditas recently and she received such a tumultuous welcome from the Banditas and Buddies. I'm actually putting off reading this one, even if it is on top of the pile. I'm trying to write a book of my own at the moment and I know once I start this, I won't be able to put it down. It's a book about a girl disguised as a boy who gets a job as a chef in the hero's kitchen. Sex and food? What else could an avid reader want?
Next off the pile is one of my Sydney purchases. PARIS: THE SECRET HISTORY by Andrew Hussey. I really hit the nonfiction shelves hard down there as I'd run out of interesting factual books. When I'm working on a book of my own, I love to read nonfiction. It's like a sorbet - cleanses the palate! This Paris book sounds like a hoot. The review from the Independent in the U.K. says it's full of "sinister trivia and captivating alternative histories." Sounds right up my (dark and sinister) alley.
Next is THE ARISTOCRAT AND THE SINGLE MUM by Michelle Douglas, a wonderful newish Aussie romance writer who my critique partner Annie West introduced me to. I've since had the great pleasure of meeting Michelle a couple of times and she's great, really straight down the line and smart. I'm looking forward to reading this story - as yet, I haven't picked up one of her books. They've been lurking in the TBR pile but haven't made it to the top. That situation is about to change!
I always have a lot of category romance on my TBR pile. I find they're great for when I want a quick fix of romance without losing myself for hours in a longer book. Not only that, but some of the best writers around publish with Harlequin. Think of our own Banditas who are published in shorter romantic fiction!
Jane Porter is one of my favorite writers. She writes sparkling single title books like FLIRTING WITH FORTY and ODD MOM OUT. But she cut her teeth writing for Harlequin Presents and she does an amazingly good sheikh, millionaire, prince - you know the drill, those wonderful alphas who have propelled the Harlequin Presents line to the top of the tree.
The last of my five books is a doorstopper of a murder mystery by Elizabeth George called IN PURSUIT OF THE PROPER SINNER. As I'm sure I've said before, I discovered the Inspector Lynley mysteries on my visit to Sydney in November, thanks to a recommendation from the fabulous Christine Wells. I was looking for a book to read in a not particularly well-stocked bookshop and the first Inspector Lynley book was there so I bought it. This is now my tenth in the series! Given a lot of them weigh in at over the 700-page mark, this has taken up a serious chunk of my reading time in the last few months.
Anyway, the last one, DECEPTION ON HIS MIND, ended on a huge cliffhanger with my favorite character, the delightfully rough-as-guts Barbara Havers, suspended for trying to shoot her superior officer. I'm itching to pick this one up - but as I said before, I've got a book to write so at the moment, I'm being strong.
That's my five books! What are yours?And just to encourage you to play, I'm offering a choice of one of my books, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, UNTOUCHED or TEMPT THE DEVIL, my most recent release, to one lucky poster whose list takes my fancy. I need to keep your TBR piles fed, after all!
Just mention in your comment WHICH book you'd like and you'll go into the draw! Good luck!
127 comments:
anna?
My messy TBR next to my side of the bed...
1) Homicide in Hardcover
2) The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Story
3) Seeing Red
4) The Last Rake In London
5) Risque Business
Hi Foanna,
I actually have "Never Resist Temptation" in my tbr pile. It's number five on the pile. The others are "The Billionaire Next Door" by Jessica Bird, "Falling In Love" by Pauline Trent, "Sexiest Man Alive" by Diana Holquist and "Double the Pleasure" anthology. I would love to win a copy of "Tempt the Devil."
Mine is mostly YA right now:
1. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
2. Sabriel by Garth Nix
3. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
4. How to Hook a Hottie by Tina Ferraro
5. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
I started 13 Reasons Why but kept getting interrupted, and it's not a book I want to put down when I get started.
Congrats PinkPeony have fun with him
Anna I love the post and I can only name 5 books from my TBR pile at the moment I have a bout 200 in this pile but here goes with just 5
1.A Not So Perfect Past Beth Andrews this one is next up
2.Some Like It Wild Teresa Medeiros
3.Tempted At Midnight Jacquie D'Alessandro
4.Lord Of Scandal Nicola Cornick
5.The Kings Man Alison Stuart this one I picked up at the conference in Feb
Truly I have lots more as I am sure everyone else does as for what order I read them in not sure yet I have such a hard time deciding I do know that Beth's will be next I am reading Donna's at the moment The Seduction Of A Duke and loving it.
Have Fun
Helen
My TBR pile:
It Runs in the Family by Patricia Kay
Baby, I'm Yours by Karen Templeton
His Best Friends Bride by Jodi O'Donnell
Blood Bargain by Maria Lima
The Dad Who Saved Christmas
Aw man, now I have to get up and go in the other room. Okay, hang on...
Real Magic - Wayne Dyer
Every Time We Kiss - Christie Kelley
A Long Hard Ride - Alison Kent
10 Zen Seconds - Eric Maisel
Master of Torment - Karin Tabke
I admit, though, I'll probably shuffle the non-fiction to the top of the pile while I'm working on this story.
PinkPeony- YAY you :-)
Hey, Jen, way cool on the rooster!!! Congratulations! You'll have to do some of your famous baking and feed him up!
What an interesting pile - two Banditas and Bandita guests in Nicola and Susan. Nice to see we're keeping you stocked in book suggestions!
Howdy AC!
Just had to stop by since the pic of Astaire & Rogers caught my eye. The pic that you used is from their "Waltz in Swing Time" number in SWING TIME. You can see that dance here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oYh1ycMTAs
It's considered one of their most virtuoso dances from a technical standpoint.
Please dont enter me into the running. I have your books. :-)
Jane, I only just finished re-reading the first Brotherhood of the Black Dagger book, Dark Lover, for a review on RNTV that should turn up later today (around 1pm). The link is http://romancenovel.tv As I'm sure you know, Jessica Bird is J.R. Ward's alter-ego. I haven't read the others on your list! Hope they're good! Good luck for the contest! You're in the draw.
Natalie, I have to say I love the new blog you and Vanessa and a lot of other YA luminaries have put together at We Love YA: http://weloveya.wordpress.com/
That was a great interview Vanessa did with the publisher of Walker Books today!
Interesting list! Thanks for playing.
Helen, I knew you'd keep the historical side going! What a great list. Alison's book is on my TBR pile too but further down. I've read Nicola's book and loved it. Thanks for playing! It's fun knowing what people have bought and are waiting to read.
Minna, I have to say all those books are new to me. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for playing too!
And then there are a couple of books in German (Julie Cohen) and all those ebooks I'm yet to read...
TEMPT THE DEVIL
Tawny, sounds like you read nonfiction when you're working on a book too. Partly it's because generally I can put nonfiction down and get a night's sleep whereas if I get hooked on a story, I'll stay up to finish it and then have a bad day's work the next day. Great list!
Hey, Seton, isn't that a gorgeous picture? Have you seen the Night and Day dance? It's amazing too. There's a moment when he takes her hand and she (kind of) surrenders to the seduction - just gives me goosebumps. Would you believe I've seen every A&R film EXCEPT Swingtime? I love them - they have great snappy dialogue and wonderful music and are just so beautiful to look at. Great to meet another fan! I think Top Hat is my fave. Or perhaps Shall We Dance which has a wonderful Gershwin score. Just checked out the link - amazing! Thanks for putting it up!
Helen...thanks. I just finished Nicola Cornick's Lord of Scandal. It was 0500 and I was cross-eyed but I finished it. It was fantastic! I ordered three more of Nicola's books today on Amazon. Anna..I hope the GR likes to vacuum. :) After that, we're going to make chocolate mousse cake! Tawny, I'm sure I'll be ordering your other books after I finish RB. Good coffee and good reads go hand in hand and are two things I will never give up.
Jen, try and get hold of Kidnapped: His Innocent Mistress by Nicola. It's such fun. A first person story and she had such fun writing it, you can tell. Lord of Scandal was up for a RITA last year - a well deserved accolade. Another recent book of hers that I love is Unmasked. Is that one of the ones you bought? Really enjoyed that one too. Nicola's going to be my guest next month in the lair, so keep an eye out for that.
AC, I have seen most of the A&R films several times. I have seen most of them in actual theatres too and it's incredible to see the jaded NYC audience who never clap for anything, actually clap after every number. TOP HAT is probably my fave too. The more obscure CAREFREE is my second fave. Love the screwball comedy flava and how can I resist THE Ralph Bellamy in a classic "Ralph Bellamy part"?
SHALL WE DANCE on the other hand, hmmm. Gorgeous Gershwin score but no great romantic duet a la NIGHT & DAY or CHEEK TO CHEEK or LET'S FACE THE MUSIC & DANCE. Also, the endless misunderstandings in that movie is IN-sane. It's like being stuck in a Judith McNaught novel. **dodges tomatoes**
The current top 5 on my TBR pile are:
5 Stories - Peter Straub
Curse the Dark - Laura Anne Gilman
The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger
Smarth Mouth - Erin McCarthy
The Immortal Hunter - Lynsay Sanda
They arent necessarily the next 5 I will read but they are currently the ones on top.
Tawny, I'm sure I'll be ordering your other books after I finish RB.
*ggg* Thank you! I hope you'll let me know what you think!!
Anna, I do focus on non-fiction when I'm writing. Partially its paranoia- but mostly its exactly as you say, I'm so drained when I go to bed at night (I write before bedtime) but have to let my brain unwind before I can sleep and NF is an easy read that I can put down after a few pages and gives me something interesting to mull as I drop to sleep.
Oooh, I love this game, Anna. I'm glad you limited us to five books, because otherwise this list would extend beyond infinity.
1. ABCs of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro (actually in the process of reading; does that count?)
2. Dutch in Three Months (not a novel, but essential reading ahead of my Amsterdam adventure)
3. Thief with No Shadow by Emily Gee (former RITA nominee)
4. Never Trust a Dead Man by Vivian Vande Velde (an Edgar Award Winner)
5. Stealing Heaven by my agency sistah Elizabeth Scott
xxx Vanessa
Thanks for the pointer, Anna...I just ordered "Kidnapped" from Amazon. The other Nicola books on order were "Unmasked", "Deceived" and "One Night of Scandal"...yeah, I'm on a Nicola kick you could say but I'm writing down the titles of the books everyone has in their piles.
Seton...I've read all of Judith McNaught's books...I know what you mean!
Anna, no fair! Why can't you offer a prize I haven't read? Hm, (tapping feet here). There should be something on offer for those of us (crit partners) who've already devoured your books. I can see I'll have to take this up with you personally in private. Great prizes for everyone else mind you but what about me!
OK, my five at the moment are:
1. Lady Hester, Queen of the East, Lorna Gibb (non fiction)
2. Alexandria, Lindsay Davis
3. Antonides' Forbidden Wife, Anne McAllister
4. Tycoon's One-night Revenge, Bronwyn Jameson
5. The Wicked Ways of a Duke, Laura Lee Guhrke
Was actually going to read tonight but I've been good and have been working instead. Do I get brownie points?
Anna, I second what Annie said about people who have already read ... make it "devoured" all your books. Hmmm ....
Anyway on to my TBR pile:
From the e-List: (for reading on the run)
- His Expectant Ex by Catherine Mann
- Risque Business by Tawny Weber
- The Tycoon’s Very Personal Assistant by Heidi Rice
- Dying To Please by Linda Howard
- Tempted by Midnight by Jacquie D’Alessandro
From the real book list:
- Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
- Mercury's War by Lora Leigh
- If There Be Dragons by Kay Hooper
- The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen
- Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
From the book club list:
- The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
- Jewels A Secret History by Victoria Finlay
- Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough
- Thieves of Baghdad by Matthew Bogdanos
- The End Of History and The Last Man by Francis Fukuyama
Okay, so I admit, I have a lot of lists but that's because there are piles of books EVERYWHERE. It didn't feel right to leave any of them out. They (the books) might feel rather miffed and neglected.
xxx
Good morning--er, evening, Anna. Congrats on that GR, PinkPeony!
TBR:
Homicide in Hardcover
Coming On Strong
The Rake's Inherited Courtesan
On order: Her Very Own Family, A Not so Perfect Past. And more, but I can't think.
And I have downloaded some Harlequin Undone's I need to read.
When school's out in six weeks my pile will start to shrink, big time. When I'm under end of year paperwork and meeting stress, I tend to re-read old favorites instead of new books.
I'm actually going back to bed now instead of getting the kids ready for school--it's a day off! I feel positively decadent...;)
PinkPeony, way to make off with the chook! Enjoy the dubious pleasure of his feathered company. *g*
Anna, thank you for the Fred and Ginger. I needed them and the booster shot of romance this morning!
As to the TBR pile, I have several piles. Let me go grab one:
1. My So-Called Love Life - Allie Pleiter
2. Certain Girls - Jennifer Weiner
3. Karma Girl - Jennifer Earp
4. A Private Hotel For Gentle Ladies - Ellen Cooney
5. Lost In a Good Book - Jasper Fforde
My list, like my reading, is very eclectic and not terribly 'of the moment'. It often takes me YEARS to get around to books I want to read. I've had 'Water For Elephants' for two years! Still haven't gotten to it. *sigh* Maybe this summer.
Oh, never mind, I'm supposed to be WRITING this summer. Oy.
Caren, I've just read Water for Elephants about a month ago for a book club I attended. Its a quick easy read. I got through it in one sitting.
I'd love to be in the drawing for Tempt the Devil.
1) Master of the Highlands by Veronica Wolff
2) Small Favor by Jim Butcher
3) Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
4) Fire Star by Chris D'Lacey (middle grade novel)
5) It's a Bunny-Eat-Bunny World by Olga Litowinsky (@children's publishing 1/2 way read)
Hi Anna
Great list (smirk). Seriously, thanks for mentioning my book. I love Elizabeth George. She really gets the contemporary English thing right - we can all write about 19th century aristocrats and who's to argue with us, but the fact that she sells well in the UK is a testimony to her voice/ear.
Like you I am in deadline. I do a lot of rereading when I don't want to get too engrossed.
Top of my TBR pile is Tempted All Night. The fact that I haven't finished a Liz Carlyle within 24 hours of it hitting the stores is a testimony to my desperation. Four others, more or less randomly selected are:
A JR Ward - haven't read her yet.
It Happens in Threes, an RS by Denise Robbins, my NH chapter mate
Virgina Kantra's Sea Fever
Fire at Midnight by Lisa Marie Wilkinson, a historical debut that sound really intriguing.
In my tbr pile I have:
1. Kill for Me by Karen Rose
2. Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
3. Skinny Dipping by Connie Brockway
4. The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
5. The Courtesan's Wager by Claudia Dain
Plus at least 3 more that are on order. Anna I would love to have your book Tempt the Devil on my tbr pile.
Hi Anna! What a fun post!
On my TBR next are:
1) When Twilight Burns (Colleen Gleason)
2) As Shadows Fade (Colleen Gleason)
3) The Duke of Shadows (Meredith Duran)
4) Fate & Destiny (Claire Collins)
5) Loving Lydia (Amy DeTrempe, my crit partner! It's her debut, set to be released on 4/15!)
I would love to add Claiming the Courtesan to that pile, if I win :)
My 5:
Chosen Prey by John Sandford
Jewels of the Sun - Nora Roberts
Presumed Guilty & Keeper of the Bride - Tess Gerritsen
Phantom's Touch - Julie Leto
The Inferno Collection - Jacqueline Seewald
How about Claiming the Courtesan.
Hi all - back from Scotland ... and yes, I saw men in kilts *g*. Note I didn't say sexy men in kilts!
My TBR mountain grows ever larger - I blame the Banditas for interesting guests - who I rea dna love and then I'm forced to go and get all their back list too!
I'm currently reading Thomas Perry's The Face-Changers (and now have to go and find his other Jane W books!). Just finished Susan Mallery's Sunset Bay.
Next up are probably:
Goddess of Light by PC Cast
Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart
Lord of Scoundrels or The Last Hellion (whichever comes first) by Loretta Chase - at Fo's recommendation.
The Remarkable Miss Frankenstein by Minda Webber
Faceless by Debra Webb
Congrats on the GR, PinkPeony!
Hmmm... my TBR is different from my "super want" pile (but that's because those books aren't out yet!)
Let's see. My five?
1. Scandalous by Lori Foster
2. A Long, Hard Ride by Alison Kent
3. Her Best Friend's Brother by Kay Stockham
4. A Natural Father by Sarah Mayberry
5. The Moretti Heir by Katherine Garbera
:P looks like I'm on a harlequin binge. I'd love to have a copy of Tempt the Devil - have a great weekend, everyone!
Hey Pink ! Good grab on the GR!
Doing a driveby as I am on my way to work.
Let me just pull five titles from the towering TBR pile.
Some Like It Wild - Teresa Medeiros
His Cavalry Lady - Joanna Maitland
When Gods Die - C.S. Harris
Count to Ten - Karen Rose
The Devil's Heiress - Jo Beverley
I love Fred Astaire! I've always thought he would have been the perfect Lord Peter Wimsey.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, too. I love the screwball comedies of the 1930s, especially Frank Capra's YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. The whole movie is wonderful, but this is one of my favorite scenes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jlIUAnF2pw
Far from slowing down, my book buying has skyrocketed in the past year, ever since I got hooked on historicals and paranormals IN ADDITION to my long time favorites, contemporary romance. And I've always been a mystery fan, even though that genre has slipped to second place.
It would be hard to pick five books from the top of my TBR pile, because it currently fills five bins and a bookcase. A couple of books that I keep meaning to read, but get waylaid by romances instead:
THE MONSTERS OF TEMPLETON by Lauren Groff
THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Walls
OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon
BUSMAN'S HONEYMOON by Dorothy L. Sayers
CERTAIN GIRLS by Jennifer Weiner
Great blog topic!
Yes, I know two of those ARE romances, but I just haven't gotten to them yet. Blame Anna C. -- I'm working my way through her recommended list, and then I have to read the other books by those authors. Plus all the Bandita books that have been arriving.
All the books Helen mentioned are in my TBR pile, too, as is the new Teresa Medeiros historical.
I've read (and really liked) a lot of books other people have mentioned:
HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVER
RISQUE BUSINESS
DYING TO PLEASE
MERCURY'S WAR
IF THERE BE DRAGONS
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
KILL FOR ME
SEA FEVER
JEWELS OF THE SUN
MERCY STREET
COUNT TO TEN
SCANDALOUS
HER BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER
SKINNY DIPPING
THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR
THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE
Oooooh, more talk about books we're reading, my favorite topic!
Congrats, PinkPeony! It's been a while since you took the chook home, hasn't it.
Hmmm, this is hard for me because I usually read three books at a time. I'm having a particularly hard time right now because two of those books are Nora Roberts' books! Talk about schizophrenia!
In the cue, however, are
1. Michael Connelly's THE BRASS VERDICT, the second in his Mickey Haller series.
2. The wonderful Lisa Kleypas' SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE.
3. Kate Atkinson's WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS. I adore her writing.
4. Anne Perry's RESURRECTION ROW, the fourth in her Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.
5. And Deanna Raybourne's SILENT IN THE MOOR.
Ooops, forgot to say, lovely post, Anna. And of course the reason there are no Bandita books are my list is that I snarf them up the moment they come out. They're always on my ARL (already read list)!
1. Just Take My Heart
2. Fire at Midnight
3. Secret Baby, Suprise Parents
4. Eden
5. Dark Pursuit
Please send me Claiming the Courtesean if I win.
PinkPeony, congratulations!
Oh, lordy pete, Anna! You don't really think the top 5 are static do you? They change hugely, depending on my mood and on whether there's a new bandita release. In no particular order, the top 5 are:
Tawny Weber, Coming on Strong
Donna MacMeans, Seduction of a Duke
Beth Andrews, A Not So Perfect Past
My friend Cathy Pickens' southern mystery, fifth in a series about lawyer Avery Andrews, Can't Never Tell
The End of the Barbary Terror (about the naval action against the Barbary pirates in 1815)
Six Frigates (about the birth of the U. S. Navy).
PinkPeony, I have almost bought The Unforgiving Minute several times. The main thing holding me back is that it's a hardcover. It looks really interesting (about a West Point graduate and his experiences in c combat, for those who don't follow the war book market).
Tawny, I got that Maisel book for Christmas. I find his outlook helpful but haven't cracked it yet.
Donnas, you're reading Curse the Dark! How cool. I love that series. The concluding volume, Blood from Stone, is due out next month, and I'm eagerly awaiting it.
Authorness, I've always wanted to go to the Netherlands. I hope you have a fabulous time.
And master Dutch quicly. :-)
Caren, I've enjoyed those Jennifer Estep books. In general, I prefer my superheroes played straight, but those are fun books.
Treethyme, I love Dorothy Sayers! Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon were my favorites.
Nancy - Gaudy Night has been a long-time favorite, and I love her short story collection, but I wasn't a huge fan of her other books.
Someone recently told me that if I liked Gaudy Night, I had to read Busman's Honeymoon. I went out and bought it right away, but Banditas keep writing romances, so I haven't gotten to it yet.
Hi Anna! You captured my two favorite actors -- Fred and Ginger! I have been a huge fan since high school. I was also captivated by Gene Kelly -- can I get an Amen? :-) Sexy, masculine, AND he can dance. Yum.
Now about this surge in romance books sold -- why, pray tell, do the airport kiosks not have more romance, if that's what's selling? Why don't the smaller bookstores carry more romance? Could this be why bookstores are going out of business? They don't seem to have very good business sense!!
Okay, off the soapbox...I just came back from a business trip to Miami, so I had lots of time to read on the plane. I haven't refilled the bedside table yet, but I did knock off a few from the TBR pile. Anyway, here's a combination of the TBR and JBR (just been read!):
1) Tawny's new one, Coming on Strong
2) A Miami history/coffee table book. I am now officially in love with this city. Cafe cubano, I miss you!!
3) Little Lady Agency, by Hester Browne
4) Beth's new one, A Not so Perfect Past
5) The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Natalie, I don't know if I can handle 13 Reasons Why. You are brave. Have you read the Hunger Games? My dh read it while I was gone and loved it -- it's generating a lot of buzz and my favorite YA librarian adores it, so it must be good!
I also read The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver, on the plane. Hardly new, but I'd never read it. Wow -- seriously awesome book!
Have a great Friday everyone!
*LOL* I have all your books already, Anna. *LOL* But I can't resist playing.
1.) Smooth Talking Stranger (Lisa Kleypas)--which I'm starting as soon as I'm out of here for the weekend. It will be a read book by the end of the weekend, I'm sure.
2.) The Wedding Dress (Kimberly Cates)--A Scotsman named Dr. Jared Butler--who looks like Gerard Butler--coincidence? I don't care. The book seems delicious and angsty.
3.) The Ripple Effect (Dr. Gail Saltz)--sue a pirate for trying to improve her sex life.
4.) Fool (Christopher Moore): I've loved him since his book Lamb. And the opening page where he says, "if you're looking for a book about sex, adultery, wanking"--and on and on in rather lusty, offensive terminology--"then this is the book for you." It's King Lear told by the Fool.
5.) The Emancipator's Wife (Barbara Heeley?): about Mary Todd Lincoln. I love reading historical fiction about actual historical characters...I love my history to sound like it was actual history. But told in an engaging way. She does both, bless her.
By the way, Anna, I was listening to comedian writer David Sedaris the other day--and he said, "Americans love Australia. It's like home. It's friendly. It's Canada in a thong."--and for some reason, I immediately thought of you and the other friendly Aussie Bandits. :) I'm thinking he's right.
Good morning, Anna and everyone!
Anna, I loved that clip of Fred and Ginger. You know, that was the nickname I used when speaking of my two youngest children. They were always together, so they were Fred and Ginger! Mind you, I had to resist the urge just now to view every video clip of those two. They are too fun to watch. One of my favorite movies with them is Going Down To Rio.
OKay, top five books:
1) Last Vampire Standing...(the ARC)by Nancy Haddock. It's my treat for when I finish my book, and a motivator, since she's coming to visit us in May, I must read this before that visit!
2) Montanta Creeds: Dylan by LInda Lael Miller....love me a western!
3) Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty, one of my new finds (read one and bought the back list) in the Scotland historical genre.
4) Every Time We Kiss by our Bandita, Christie Kelley...I LOVED Every Night I'm Yours!
5) Trouble In Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. If you've never read Jana, you really need to pick her up. She writes quirky, funny contemporaries, some with a light paranormal twist set in the bayous of her home state, Louisiana!!
AND currently in my workbag...(the one I cart to work every night with books, magazines, bottles of water and pads of paper), I have Samantha James' newest Bride Of A Wicked Scotsman
Which pile? I have several, you know! OK, I will check out the pile closest to me at the moment.
I have more in this pile than I can count, but here are the ones currently balanced at the top:
Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
A Knight's Vow by Lindsay Townsend
Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Devil in a Kilt by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Oh my! I hadn't realized what a "devilish" mood I have been in lately!!! ;-)
Anna, I would be delighted to receive Claiming the Courtesan.
Cheryl
I loved Lisa Kleypas' Blue-Eyed Devil and Smooth Talking Stranger! I'm finally going to read the first in that series, Sugar Daddy, as soon as it's delivered. I'm also reading her Wallflower series, in between Bandita books.
Yay PinkPeony - way to snatch that bird!
My TBR pile? Well, I'm reading Tawny's book COMING ON STRONG and loving it - but if I don't count bandita books (and that cuts my reading down considerably) I have books by Liz Carlyle, Katherine Caskie, Jane's Flirting with Forty that Anna mentioned, and Amanda Quick's The Third Circle.
Now here's an interesting tidbit from the Amanda Quick (this was pointed out to me by a friend). In the back there's an excerpt from her latest release THE PERFECT POISON, which is a Victorian. The lead character (in the excerpt) is Lucinda Bromley. My friend though she was influenced by my Mrs. Brimley - but I assured her I doubted that was the case.
However, I just received the latest Rhapsody bookclub brochure and I see the character's name has changed to Lucinda Clayton. Do you think maybe my friend was right? I'm stunned!
Rach's Official 100% TBR List :) -
1. Blue Eyed Devil By: Lisa Kleypas
2. Then Comes Seduction By: Mary Balogh
3. Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz
4. Immortal Lover by Lindsey Sands
5. Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist!
It's fun seeing what everyone else is reading :)!!
Treethyme, I didn't like the early Lord Peter quite so much. He was a bit to flibberty for me. With Strong Poison, The Nine Tailors, and the one about the ad agency (can't recall it at the moment), I found him more engaging.
Did you know there was a Sayers society? I just found it trying to look up the title of that ad agency book:
www.sayers.org.uk
Hi Anna! Another great question!
My TBR Pile
1. Highland Outlaw
by Monica McCarty
2. Your Scandalous Ways
by Loretta Chase
3. Simply Perfect
by Mary Balogh
4. The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger
5. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
by Julia Quinn
(My TBR List on PaperbackSwap.com has been cut by to a reasonable 80 books, so I'm pretty sure my last breath will be with a paperback in hand!)
And in the miraculous event that I win, I choose....
(Knowing my indecisive tendencies, you should never expect a straight answer from me;) Tempt the Devil is my favorite cover of all time, even though all 3 of the books are a bit battered from overreading;) But I think NK will decide this for me, since I love all 3 stories too much to decide!...Tempt the Devil.
Congrats PinkPeony on grabbing that rooster today! Have fun with him!
OK here is the books that I grabbed from the top of my TBR pile.
1. On Mothering Sunday by Sarah Mallory and Kathryn Albright.
2. The Education of Mrs Brimley by Donna MacMeans.
3. Safe with A Stranger by Linda Conrad
4. Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad
5. Find Me by Debra Webb
I am not sure which books in my TBR pile I will read next. Its so hard to choose.
And Then He Kissed Her - Laura Lee Guhrke
Unmasked - Nicola Cornick
Master of the Highlands - Veronica Wolff
Deep in the Heart of Trouble - Deanne Gist
Pitch Black - Susan Crandall
I would love either Claiming the Courtesan or Tempt the Devil (I loved Untouched).
Donna, that's interesting about the names. Maybe someone reminded them about Mrs. B. and they just decided to change to avoid confusion?
I love Mrs. B. Looking forward to Seduction of a Duke.
Congraulations!
my one would be
King Of The Desert, Captive Bride
by Jane Porter
Confessions of a Little Black Gown by Elizabeth Boyle
Some Like It Wild Teresa Medeiros
The Wicked Ways of a Duke, Laura Lee Guhrke
Penney
Thanks Nancy - Hope you enjoy Seduction as much as Mrs. B.
Amanda Quick publishes with Jove which is under the Berkley (my publisher) Jove umbrella. I'm guessing someone caught the similarity - but I'm surprised it made a difference. I'm rather flattered *g*.
Donna - I just got a second copy of your book delivered today. Guess I preordered it twice. I'm putting together some raffle baskets for the Lori Foster event, so I'll put the extra copy in one of those.
If my name should be drawn, I'll do the same with the prize book, since I've read all of them.
Only five???
I don't have a pile or even piles. At the moment it's more like a heap on my bedroom carpet that extends well under the bed. I'm currently reading three of them (So Enchanting by Connie Brockway, Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair, and Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson), so those don't count. Right below those is Tempt the Devil. I'm not counting that either, because it's a given (and don't put me in the draw, thanks, 'cause I have the others as well :~)))
1. No More Lies by Susan Squires
2. Into the Wildewood by Gillian Summers (a YA)
3. Take Me If You Can by Karen Kendall
4. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
5. The Watchman by Robert Crais
... and many more....
Seton, not a Shall We Dance fan? Love the way you drink your tea, the way you wear your hat... I think Top Hat has the cleverest script - mind you, that's the first one I saw when I'd reached an age to really appreciate the wit and elegance. That always makes a difference when it comes to picking faves, doesn't it? The first cut is the deepest and all! Is Carefree the one where she's in psychiatric treatment? If so, I liked that one too! I've only seen Top Hat on the big screen and you're right - people clapped! How cool is that?
Hi Donnas. Interesting selection. Loved the movie of the Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep was amazing! The ones I pulled off probably aren't the next ones I'm reading either. I treat my TBR pile a bit like a buffet. I only take what I'm feeling like at the time. Eventually I'll get around to sampling all the dishes!
Hi Miss Vanessa! I've got Emily's book on my TBR pile too. Haven't quite got round to reading it yet. I've heard great things about it. And Tina Ferraro is always a great choice. I was so excited for her when she finalled in the RITA this year.
Hey, Jen, Nicola would be delighted to know you're on a kick of her work. She's got what sounds like a wonderful trilogy coming out back to back in June, July and August this year. LOTS of Nicola for all her fans to read!
Annie, seeing I'm the world's exclusive bestower of brownie points, yeah, you can have ONE! LOL. What a great list. I loved Bronwyn's book and LLG's in that list and the other three sound really interesting. Love Anne McAllister's Presents! Actually she's up for a RITA this year too. So many good books in this year's list.
Deanna/Daz, laughed at you slightly cheating - and you don't even want to win the prize! What an interesting selection of reading you've got lined up! I've only read the Linda Howard and Tawny's book in your selection.
Ooh, Gillian, a day off! Fantastic. Hope you read something good while you're there. Great selection and always wonderful to see a Bandita book or two listed. Tawny's new one is in my TBR. I loved COMING ON STRONG. The Rake's Inherited Courtesan sounds interesting!
Caren, my list contains new releases, often the ones I've heard about here in the lair, and old things that somehow just keep getting pushed to the bottom of the TBR pile. I'll definitely read them! I actually find I write better when I'm doing a lot of reading so maybe that can be your excuse for diving into your book pile!
Magolla, I have to get it's a bunny eat bunny world! Did you check out Cassondra's hilarious post yesterday about El Diablo Conejo. I'll never look at the Easter Bunny the same way again. Actually speaking of great titles - have you seen the latest NYT list. There's a book there called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! What a wonderful moniker! Magolla, you're in the draw for TTD!
Miranda, lovely to see you. Don't know if you saw my earlier comment, but I've got a review of Dark Lover, the first J.R. Ward up on Romance Novel TV today. http://romancenovel.tv Love her work! I've got Lisa Marie's book on the TBR pile and the Liz Carlyle. In fact, I have a few Liz Carlyles on the pile - I'm putting off reading them because I tend to inhale them and do nothing else for the duration. Actually hoping to curl up with a book later today (it's Easter Saturday here so I figure a nice day for a bit of R&R). Will probably be one of her Devil ones I haven't read yet. And yeah, I thought you MIGHT like my list ;-)
Hi JSH! Thanks for popping over to play the game. You're definitely in the draw for Tempt the Devil. I loved Skinny Dipping! I recently read Connie's new historical So Enchanting and found myself laughing aloud. She has such a sharp comic voice, hasn't she?
Jerrica, what a great list! Glad you enjoyed the game. I'm really having fun seeing what everybody else has waiting for them in the TBR piles. Fantastic news about Amy's debut coming out. I've heard wonderful things about Meredith's book too. Hey, you're definitely in the draw for CTC.
Terry, another one wanting CTC? You're definitely in the draw! The only one of yours that I've read is Jewels of the Sun which I really enjoyed. That's a great trilogy especially the one about the American girl who goes to Ireland. I think that's a fantasy for so many of us.
Och aye, wee Anna! I'm gae glad ye had a braw time in the land of the mountain and the flood! OK, that's about it for the cod Scottish. Lucky you, reading the Lorettas for the first time. Lord of Scoundrels is kind of a prequel to the Last Hellion so I'd definitely recommend reading it first.
Lime, you're definitely in the draw for Tempt the Devil. I can see you're on a Harlequin kick. I go through stages where all I read is category. Love Sarah Mayberry's stuff. I've got her book that was nominated for the Romantic Book of the Year down here on the TBR pile - I think it's called Amorous Liaisons.
Louisa, great to see so many historicals lurking in your pile. Not that I'm surprised about that! Now work hard and come back and see us again, ya hear? ;-)
Nikki -- I just finished Time Travelers Wife a week or two ago. Amazing book! I won't give you any spoilers -- you'll have to tell us what you think after you read it! :-)
Oooh, I'm getting more ideas for my "to be read mountain"- what a great blog, Anna!
1) Red-Headed Step Child by Jaye Wells (I'm so excited to finally get to read this!)
2) First You Run by Roxanne St. Claire (I haven't read any of her "bullet catcher" series and I'm looking forward to diving in- it sounds amazing.)
3) Casual Hex by Vicki Lewis Thompson (I love Big Knob..that's the town where this series takes place. I know you were wondering what I meant!)
4) What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (I've been waiting till I won't get interrupted to start reading...that's not gonna happen. I'm just going to have to go for it and hope no emergencies arise! I love this woman's writing!)
5) The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks ( I read the first scene and I was hooked! Can't wait to read the rest..)
Becke, I have to say I've always imagined Peter Wimsey in the Astaire mould! Very cute clip. I haven't seen that film. It's definitely been added to the list. I too have found the Banditas have been deadly for my attempts to limit the book-buying budget! Hey, and thanks for adding the list of recommendations!
Jo, interesting selection. I've read all the Deanna Raybournes. I can see why she's made such a splash in romancelandia. Love the idea of you SNARFING up the Bandita books. Wonderful word!
JCP, thanks for playing. Great list! You're definitely in the running for CTC.
Nancy, you always read interesting nonfiction. Love hearing about your latest forays into historical research. With so many Bandita releases in April, it's hard to keep up, isn't it?
Great question! It's fun to see what everyone else is reading.
My TBR list:
Lucky Charm - Carly Phillips
Kiss of Darkness - Jennifer St. Giles
Duke to Die For - Amelia Grey
Dream Warrior - Sherrilyn Kenyon
and
Her Secret Lover - Sara Bennett
Nancy, I adore Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon too. I love the way she writes the romance between Harriet Vane and Wimsey.
Kirsten, I adore Gene, especially in Singin' in the Rain which is such a great movie. But I think as time has gone on, my preference has leaned (only slightly) towards Fred. There's a joy in those old movies that I think is missing in a lot of recent stuff.
I agree with you about airport bookshops. There's a big Watermark books at Sydney Airport and I went in looking for romance. Would you believe they had an erotica section but no romance? What's going on there? Although I have to say I got a huge thrill in San Francisco - I found CTC in the big bookshop there! Wow! Needless to say I bought it! Love your list of books!
Hellion, laughed at "Canada in a thong." In Australia, thongs are what you guys call flip-flops. Creates a completely different picture, doesn't it? Actually I'm always completely blown away by the welcome I get in America. It's like I'm the long-lost (nice) cousin come home for Christmas. Always makes me feel wonderful. And you guys love my accent which makes a nice change from the UK, much as I love it. In England, everybody winces every time I open my mouth! Great list of books. I'm getting some wonderful recommendations. Which I don't NEED!!!
Suz, I love that bit on the planes in Going Down to Rio. Amazing! And it's immediately clear why Fred and Ginger, who are only supporting characters in that, ended up going on to mega stardom. I must admit I had huge fun watching clips and coming up with my favorite for the blog. It was a close-run thing, as the Duke of Wellington said about Waterloo! I love your list too. I love the way the Banditas all love each other's books. Warms the cockles of my heart!
Cheryl, you're definitely in the draw for CTC. You ARE in a devilish mood! I was thinking that even before I got to your comment saying that. And lovely to see such a great lot of historicals in your TBR stack. I have several piles too. In fact, the bedroom looks a bit like the backroom in a big bookstore. But I just picked the top five off the pile nearest the bed. Seemed most appropriate.
Ooh, Donna, you're coming up in the world, influencing a character name by Amanda Quick. I read all her single title books way back when. Thought they were huge fun! Love the rest of your list. Did you see the Lifetime TV movie of Jane's Flirting with Forty? I'm hoping it comes to Australia some time.
Rachie, one of the things I've learnt is that readers are insatiably curious about what other people are reading. We're like anteaters scratching around to see what delicious morsels are in other people's anthills! Great list! Glad you're enjoying the game. Seemed like a fun way to pass Easter Saturday - which it is down here.
Nancy, interesting about the Sayers society. I love ALL the PW books. In fact, at one stage I was quite obsessed by them. But I agree, there's a heart in the later ones that's lacking in the early ones, as clever as they are.
Oh, boy, look at all the comments!
Hi Anna, nice post! Aren't you glad I got you hooked on Eliz George? And I had to wait a whole year for that cliffhanger to be resolved. At least you can glom the entire series at once.
I'm deep in writing mode now so my TBR pile takes a back seat to research books. I also read books I've read before, for some reason, don't know why. I've been dipping into old SEP and Linda Howard faves and I also have on my bedside table LONDON, A SOCIAL HISTORY, THE POLITE TOURIST and A HISTORY OF THE BRITISH SECRET SERVICE.
I also have Annie West's THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE and Kate Carlisle's HOMICIDE IN HARDCOVER waiting for me when I come out of the cave.
Congrats, Jen! Wooohoo on snaffling the bird!
Oh and I forgot to say that if I win I'd love to get a copy of Tempt The Devil.
Ooh fun, Anna! The perfect distraction after what feels like an eon spent in the cave! Thank you!!
Oh wow, PinkPeony and Gillian, I'm honored to see HIH on your lists! I really hope you enjoy it! And Treethyme, thanks for the mention, too! I love Gaudy Night best, too.
So let's see, here's mine...
1. Silent on the Moor, Deanna Raybourn
2. Sunset Bay, Susan Mallery
3. Pushing Up Daisies, Rosemary Harris
4. Every Time We Kiss, Christie Kelley
5. Blackmailed in a Fake Engagement, Leanne Banks
I'm mixing in more mysteries lately and also stocking up on Silhouette Desires in anticipation of joining the gang at the new Desire Authors blog starting this Monday on eharlequin.com. Yep, that was definitely some BSP! Hee hee! :-)
P.S.,I love Fred Astaire, not only for his dancing but also his singing. Call me a geek but I have CDs of his songs in my car.
Heaven ... I'm in heaven ...
P.P.S., Congrats on the GR, PinkPeony!!
Barbara Monajem--I love Gillian Summers! Robin McKinley's Sunshine is my favorite vampire book. I do wish she'd write a sequel, but I've about given up hope.
Hey, Nikki, isn't this fun? It's great snooping in other people's bookshelves, isn't it? I'm one of those awful guests who when she comes to visit, goes straight to the bookshelves to scope them out. Hate it when I go to a house with NO BOOKS!!! Great to see so many historicals on your TBR pile. I loved the Loretta Chase and it was so great to read a book set in Venice. Excellent news you've loved all three books - and I agree that cover for TTD is spectacular! Good luck!
Virginia, I actually get a bit nervous if I don't have towering stacks of future books to read shadowing the corners of my room. Is that odd? No, don't answer that! Great list. I haven't read Linda Conrad - clearly you're a fan. I'll have to check her out. Thanks for playing!
Hey, Catslady, fantastic you're a fan of the lovely Matthew. I still get fan mail for him, would you believe? You're definitely in the draw. Great list of books. I loved Pitch Black - discovered Susan Crandall after Cassondra had her in the lair as a guest. LLG's And Then He Kissed Her was one of my favorite books from 2007. You'll love that one too!
Hey, Penney, great to see you here! Thanks for popping by to play. Snap on the Jane Porter. She's a great writer, isn't she? Such intensity in her writing! I loved the Laura Lee Guhrke too. I really like all the Girl Bachelor series and I love that they're set in the 1890s. Don't get me wrong - the Regency is great but it's wonderful to have another setting to look at now and again.
Becke, I do that too! I get so excited about a book coming out, I forget I pre-ordered it! Christine Wells, my fellow Bandita, usually seems to benefit from my silliness ;-)
Ah, Barbara, I've thought before you were a woman after my own heart! ;-) Actually do you have this situation ever? You discover something on the TBR pile you'd forgotten was there and it's like unearthing buried treasure. Fantastic news that TTD is there too - sounds like my devil is in good company! I only recently read So Enchanting and I absolutely loved it. Laughed out loud - she writes such great dialogue.
Kirsten, isn't there a movie coming up of the Time Traveler's Wife? I heard a lot of buzz about that book when it first came out. Will have to get it!
Kay, great to see you! We all love you in the lair (except for that cabana boy you chased so hard... Actually I think he loves you too!). What a great selection! I've heard great buzz about Red-Headed Stepchild. VLT comes up with the best titles, doesn't she? Love the nerd series titles. And I snicker every time I hear about Big Knob!
Marie, that's a great list! Thanks so much for playing. Sara's my guest next month in the lair to launch her newest release Led Astray by a Rake (oh, I wish!).
Christine, I'm delighted that you're deep in writing mode because it means I'll have another fantastic CW book to read. I'm not sure if I've congratulated you publicly on this, but fantastic news about THE DANGEROUS DUKE being up for a RITA. I'm not at all surprised. That's a wonderful book - Kate and Lyle just sizzle! Sounds like you're like Tawny and me - we all read nonfiction when we're working on a story of our own. Thanks so much for putting me onto Elizabeth George. It's a great series. I was heavily into English crime novels maybe about 15 years ago when I had a P.D. James phase but I'd drifted away from them since then. EG has brought me right back into the fold.
Marie, thanks for popping back and letting me know. You're in the draw!
Kate, we like you in the cave too - more Kate Carlisles for us to read! Although we love you in the lair too! Hmm, had you considered cloning? Hey, I didn't know you were another Dorothy L. Sayers fan. She really is a remarkable writer. Do you consider her an influence?
Kate, I often think what an amazing conjunction of talents came together to make those Fred Astaire films. Those scores are full of just classic after classic and I agree - nobody sings them like Fred. He sounds like he's not trying and it suits the songs somehow. Another amazing clip of him dancing is from the Bandwagon when he does that gorgeous solo with Cyd Charisse. This is one of the most romantic moments I know of on film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm4I41mnjHI
I love the way they just sort of start to dance and then fall into the whole magic of it. Breathtaking. Sadly, though, it didn't suit my 1930s comparison with now because it's too late. But hey, I got to mention it now!
Let us know where we have to go when the Silhouette Desire blog goes up. I love reading your columns. It's almost as good as being in your company in real life!
Well, I've caught up! What fun I'm having reading about everybody else's reading.
Don't forget to mention if you want to be in the draw for one of my books and if you do, which book you'd like.
Thanks for the congrats on the RITA nomination, Anna! Following in illustrious footsteps, aren't I?
Yes, I had a real yen for the English mystery a while back but it seems to be in hiatus at the moment. I'll have to get back and see what Linley is up to.
And you've introduced me to so many wonderful writers, I'm glad I could return the favour!
Great video, Anna!! i was singing "Heaven" all afternoon but now I've got "Dancing in the Dark" in my head. :-)
I love Dorothy L. Sayers and do consider her a big influence on me, although my writing doesn't come anywhere near hers. Don't I wish! One thing I admire and appreciate about her is the fact that she had a very grown-up, very fun romance going on throughout the Lord Peter Wimsey series. So for anyone who thinks romance doesn't belong in mysteries? They're just wrong. :-)
Christine, there's a particular quality to an English mystery, isn't there? Perhaps the Englishness! I must say I've really been enjoying the Poirots the ABC have had on on Sunday nights. Such wonderful period detail and David Suchet is amazing in that part!
Kate, isn't that video gorgeous? Have you seen The Bandwagon? It's one of my favorite musical movies. Gosh, wouldn't you kill to have a figure like Cyd Charisse? I remember seeing her in London in 1985 in Charlie Girl when she must have been in her 60s at least and she still had the most fabulous legs.
I think Harriet is a great character in the DLS books. Mind you, I kept saying, "Marry him!!!!" But I could see why she hesitated, for all that. So glad they got together at the end, though.
Kate, I'm dying to read 'Silent On the Moor'! I got Deanna's 'Silent In the Sanctuary' last year at conferece and became an overnight fan girl. I haven't bought the latest (for recently discussed monetary reasons), so you'd better watch your copy--it might go missing and end up in NC! *g*
Barbara, I bought 'Into the Wildwoode' for my younger daughter, but she has been busy re-reading all the 'Twilight' books and hasn't touched it. I think I may snag it from her!
Kirsten, I'm giving you an AMEN on Gene Kelly! *g*
Becke and Anna, I can't tell you how many times I've ended up with two copies of the same book. I wait and wait and wait for the release, then I panic when I see it on the shelf, thinking I've been missing it. Then it turns up in the mailbox. Doh! I ended up with two copies of Liz Carlyle's 'Never Romance a Rake' that way.
Of course, then she told me, "I would've just given it to you if you'd asked me." Doh again!
I have posted my list on my blog ...http://alainereading.blogspot.com/2009/04/You inspired me to count up all my books and total up my TBR pile.
Alaine, 178 on the TBR shelves?! I think you have us all beat! I get overwhelmed when I have, you know, 20. *g* We'll expect book reports!
Alaine, I dread to count up how many unread books are in the house. I have lots and lots spread around the bedroom but there's more on the shelves. Thanks for playing! I'd probably have about 40 in the bedroom as the immediate TBR pile.
Hey, guys, thanks for an amazing Good Friday blog. It's been such fun - thanks so much for throwing yourselves into the game with such enthusiasm.
Don't forget to check back late tomorrow to see who won the signed book (although with over 100 comments, I may just extend myself to giving away TWO books!).
Happy Easter, everyone!
Ooh, Anna, you have my 'Aristocrat' on your pile. I do hope you like him :-) Ms West would tell you to read my 'Loner' first, you know?
The top five on my tbr pile at the moment. Hmm...
1. Kings of the Cattle Country by Nigel Austin (for research purposes)
2. Wedded in a Whirlwind by Liz Fielding (one of my fave authors of the Sweet/Romance line). This book travelled with me all the way to England earlier in the year (I always pretend I can read on a plane but I never can) and then came all the way home with me again.
3. The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie (need I say more? I bought this at the last RWAust Conference, got it signed... and I really, really, really want to read it).
4. For the Sheikh's Pleasure by Annie West. I LOVE her sheikh's. Looking forward to Arik... but he won't live up to Rafiq. No one lives up to Rafiq.
5. Untouched by... well, I'm figuring you know who! (And yes, I bought this at the last RWAust conference as well, got it signed... and I really, really, really want to read it).
Don't you find that you hold back reading some books until you know they can have your undivided attention? I have ideal reading situations for all of these books, which means that although they're on the top of my tbr pile, they may have to wait until the stars are in alignment!
Hm... the top five off of which part of the TBR? I have stacks pretty much covering all flat surfaces ;)
Let's see:
- It Happened One Night -- Laurens, Balogh, D'Allesandro, Hern
- A Kink in Her Tails -- Sahara Kelly
- The Boss's Bedroom Agenda -- Nicola Marsh
- Highland Warrior -- Monica McCarty
- A Game of Chance -- Linda Howard
Recently finished Tawny's Coming on Strong and Beth's A Not-So-Perfect Past and am champing at the bit for their next titles.
Don't enter me, Anna :)
And congrats on the GR, PinkPeony!
Hi Anna, LOL, love the post. I do have some earlier Georgette Heyers, those originals in a box here, and I should let them go cuz I read the newer ones, much clearer!
I have a TBR soon read here and its:
1. THE WILD ONE by Denise Eagan
2. COYOTE'S MATE by Lora Leigh
3. THE DEVILISH PLEASURES OF A DUKE by Jillian Hunter
4. FIRST COMES MARRIAGE by Mary Balogh
5. THE SCANDALOUS LIFE OF A TRUE LADY by Barbara Metzger
Hey, just saw this - the Today Show agrees with me about romance being recession proof:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30133182#30133182
Ms West raves about your longer but I collected your aristocrat, Ms Douglas. And for some reason having your aristocrat on my pile sounds faintly salacious! ;-)
Hey, that's a great pile you've got, speaking of piles. Anne Gracie's The Perfect Rake is a fabulous read and Liz Fielding is one of my faves too. Love how she compresses such emotion into her books. I think Arik is quite enchanting although you're right - Rafiq is a hard act to follow. You know, I think Untouched might actually be up your alley. Annie has always said so! Hey, cool you dropped by to see me saying nice things about you ;-)
I know exactly what you mean about waiting until the stars are in alignment. When I know a book's going to be really, really good, I have to make sure the world lets me enjoy it!
Fedora, thanks for coming by to play! What's up with you, turning up at this hour? You're usually around at midnight! Great list. And you're right - I wish the Banditas wrote faster too! It Happened One Night has two RITA finalling novellas in it so I suspect it's great. Just out of interest - did you buy Nicola's after she was such a fabulous guest in the lair? I'm hoping to have her back again before too much longer. She was an absolute hoot.
Caffey, great list - I've really enjoyed seeing what everybody has selected. Such a wide variety!
Great post - I'm embarrassed to say I have hundreds of books on my TBR pile, but the five closest to my bed are -
The Magicians Apprentice by Trudi Canavan
Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan
The King's Daughter by Sandra Worth
Dark Prince by Christine Feehan
The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston
I have blogged some more here -
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blogspot.com/2009/04/tbr-pile-game.html
I chose to read Homicide in Hardcover, so far its been really good. I forgot to mention please enter me for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. I have read your other books Anna and really enjoyed them.
Teddyree, how fantastic! The game is going global! Thanks for dropping by - interesting list! One of the things I've loved seeing - and it bears out my suspicions about people who read romance - is that there's a vast range of genres on most people's TBR piles. Most people who read romance sample all the styles!
Virginia, you're definitely in the draw for CTC. Actually it's surprising. I thought everyone would want the new one, but CTC seems to be almost as popular. Nice!
Anna, yes, you'll have to read Michelle's Loner's Guarded Heart. It's such a terrific read! Obviously the reason I didn't lend it to you is that I want to reread it myself.
Glad you two are so fond of Rafiq, but honestly, Michelle, if you're still about, Arik has a lot going for him.
Enjoying the blog, Anna but must head back to pulling teeth (er, trying to eke out another page on the ms).
I did indeed, Anna! How fun it would be to have her back :)
As for timing, it's been a busy week at school and I haven't had as much computer time ;p Looking forward to spring break--woohoo!
Annie, nice to see you back again! You were a nice early poster and now you're going to be one of the last. Looks like I'm going to have to wrench the Loner's Guarded Heart out of her claw-like mitts.
Ah, Fedora, well, that explains it! I hope the GR has been a good boy for Jen over in California!
Oooh I'm in too! I've blogged my list here: http://readingwritingranting.blogspot.com/2009/04/tbr-pile-game.html
The GR has been great. I detect a slight Aussie accent. Overheard him on his mobile today chatting about his next move...perhaps to Oz or Limecello-Land. :)
I see Mary Balogh on some lists...I know I've read her stuff but I can't remember!
Happy Easter, Anna!
Annie, hey, another spreader of the word! Good on you! Loved your list.
Hey, Jen, happy Easter to you too. Happy Easter to all our Banditas and Buddies!
Wow, what an excellent day it's been. Thanks again to everyone who's participated!
The ignorant (that would be me!) is wondering what a GR is?
My dear Ms Campbell, in your hands my Aristocrat would indeed be salacious (but Ms West is right, my Loner is probably more your style - a rough diamond who needs taming... Ooh, did I just see your eyes light up?)
Annie, I hope that tooth pulling, umm, manuscript writing is going well. Chop chop, please. I want more Sheikhs! (And I don't doubt that Arik will find a place in my heart right alongside Rafiq).
Happy Easter, Anna (and everyone else) I hope the Easter Bunny is very kind!
WOW reading the comments on this post is dangerous ;) but I love adding to my pile..
here is my list..
http://desertrosebooklogue.blogspot.com/2009/04/tbr-pile-game.html
thanks for a fun game :)
Daz, the Golden Rooster is a mythical but somehow still extremely mischievous bird who gets to spend the day with whoever posts first. He's hard fought over as you'll see when you hang around the blog for a while. I don't know why - he does nothing but cause mayhem wherever he goes! He's become something of a mascot to the Banditas. And every so often he turns up for an interview or a personal appearance.
Michelle, thanks for playing such a large part in this fun day! Right from your book featuring in my TBR pile! Happy Easter to you too. Looks like it's going to be a rainy one on the Sunshine Coast. Hmm, that sounds rather oxymoronic, doesn't it? And yeah, my eyes light up every time Annie tells me about the Loner! ;-)
Hey, DesertRose, thanks for spreading the word! Glad you enjoyed the game. I sure did!
Thanks for the explanation, Anna. Great blog and discussion, btw.
Glad you enjoyed it, Daz! Don't be a stranger. We have interesting discussions (although the cabana boys are at least as interesting!) every day!
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