It's book club time! For those who haven't joined in before - it's all about sharing the books we've enjoyed recently. So if you have a read you'd like to share, leave a comment!I haven't read much this week, but prior to that, I blazed my way through C.S. Harris's four Sebastian St. Cyr novels (thanks for the rec, Orannia!).
This is a historical mystery series set in Regency England. It's dark, gritty, and while it does have a romantic thread, it falls firmly into the mystery genre. This is what it says on the author's website about the hero, Sebastian: "Think Mr. Darcy with a James Bond edge... " I completely agree!
The first book is What Angels Fear - you can check out an excerpt and read more about the series on the author's website. I'm now impatiently waiting for book five - What Remains of Heaven.
Okay, your turn! What are your book recommendations this week?
42 comments :
Wow - that does sound interesting, must see if my library has it.
I've only gotten through two books this last week. Well, two new books. I reread the Psy-Changling series so I could read Branded by Fire and be completely immersed in the world. It was outstanding! I'm already itching to reread it especially with the Q&A coming up next week. I was blown away by the intensity and the further twists that seem to be forming in the overall story arc. I loved revisiting our beloved past couples and I'm really looking forward to the next novel.
The other 'new' book I just finished is a wonderful collection of short stories, it's in an anthology called "The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance". Oh, my, it was REALLY good. A few authors I was familiar with and quite a few that were new. I really suggest it, if you like short stories or want to "try" an author, pick it up! However, warning: one story had me crying...a lot. But it was still good!
Hello!
I'm going to check that one out. Myself, I'm reading EON Dragoneye Reobrn by Alison Goodman this week. I just started so I can't say much about it except that I like it very much!
I just finished
Christine Feehan's Hidden Currents &
Heather Grahams-Dust to Dust.
Both were good.
Hidden Currents had me cringing a bit in the beginning due to some sensitive subject matter but it was handled tastefully.
So many new books are coming out in Aug & Sept I need a 2nd job to pay for them. lol
Though its Young Adult, I really liked Lament : The Faerie Queen's Deception
by Maggie Stiefvater
My normal list of recommendations are: Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole's Immortal after Dark series, and Gena Showalter's Lord of the Underworld trilogy (waiting with baited breath for the next one!)
But since all of these lovely author's get mentioned a lot on this blog, I think I'll expand to someone else. And with the blog at booksmugglers on YA books, I am going to suggest PC Cast. Her Goddess series are simply, well, divine. They are fun, sexy, and smart. Her YA series, The House of Night (book one is Marked) is just as amazing! I simply don't care that they are YA books, I buy them the day-off-release.
Another recommendation is Karen Marie Monning. I have all of her Highland books, and adore all of them. Paranormal, time travel, historical, full of scottish lairds and the fae. (yum!). I've heard a lot of good things about her Fever series (which are in my TBR pile).
Au Contraire-- I have Hidden Currents on top of my TBR pile! I'm going to read it tomorrow after my interview. I have been waiting forever for Elle's book!
Since all of my favorite paranormal authors are between releases, I've had to scour the bookshelves for other things of interest.
I recently discovered Lori Foster and I just have to say that her SBC series is OMG. Yes, OMG! I'm reading the books and thinking 'ooh, I want!' and visiting the UFC website! Shocking. However, her books are so well-written that I finish them before I realize it.
Other than Lori Foster, I've also been pulling out the historicals: Loretta Chase, Lorraine Heath.
Waiting for the next Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter, le sigh.
Me too Una... Branded by Fire (second time through!!) and Hidden currents - a Drake sisters novel by Christine Feehan, initially I wasn't keen on reading this book as I'd not really enjoyed the Dark series (I read the first two and found them too 'dark' if the series evolved and others want to persuade me, I'm open!).
However, I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. Unfortunately I discovered I was actually reading the last novel in the series, but hey happy endings are mostly what you expect so I am sure I can read the previous few without too many problems.
The book was gritty, but at no time too dark and depressing. The heroine was strong and the hero beautifully written to be firmly in love and yet at the same time fearful of the commitment that entails.
A few of the scenes were intensely shocking but I think necessary to the storyline. I'd have liked to have understood more about the characters feelings and relationships with their powers, but this may have been covered in more depth in the previous books in the series.
"From afar, Sheriff Jackson Deveau has always loved Elle Drake, the youngest telepath of seven sisters. After a long time away she’s finally returning home to the small coastal village of Sea Haven. But someone has been following Elle, someone who doesn’t want her to make it back. And when Elle fails to arrive, her disappearance strikes fear in the hearts of everyone who loves her. Now it’s left to Jackson to uncover the mystery of Elle’s vanishing, and rescue her from an unseen danger. But Sea Haven is no longer safe for anyone, and it’ll take the powers of all the Drake sisters and their men to survive the coming storm."
I've recently finished "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" by Toni McGee Causey, which was a lot of fun! I also DEVOURED "Branded by Fire" and was oh so happy to be back in the Psy-Changeling world. I read Alyssa Day's "Atlantis Unmasked" which I liked even more than I liked "Atlantis Unleashed" which came out last month. Right now I'm in the middle of "Red Kiss" by Deidre Knight. It's the 2nd of her new Gods of Midnight series about Immortal Spartan Warriors and a demon hunter clan. The first book ("Red Fire") intrigued me and the second book is about who I thought was the most interesting character in the first book. I'm enjoying it so far.
I'm actually reading a non-romantic book. "I'm reading Such a Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster and I really like it.
I just picked up Branded by Fire this Tuesday, and loved it!
You're very welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Oh, and CS Harris has confirmed there will be a sixth book! *happy dance*
And you've blazed past me :) The third book is looking at me reproachfully, but I'm waiting for a work colleague to return from a conference - we're going to read it at the same time so we can talk about it!
As for what I'm currently reading - Twilight. I've also finished and then I'm going to watch the movie :) After that is the third Sarah Monette book - The Mirador! I can't wait :)
Earlier this week, I read Cindy Dee's Medusa's Master, which is the most recent (maybe last?) in her Medusa series. They are series romances, but in spite of that (lol), I think they are great. I do wish she would switch out of just the series romances though.
Today I started Thrill Me to Death by Roxanne St. Claire, which is the 2nd in her Bullet Catcher series. I didn't much like the first one when I read it a couple years back, so never picked up any more of them until now. And this one is going much better so far I'm happy to say:)
I love the St. Cyr series.
On my shelf this week was The Dangerous World of Butterflies by Peter Laufer, which was facinating.
I'm also on an Anne Stuart glom. I've gone through the first 2 in the Ice series and 3-5 are sitting on the shelf beckoning.
I had to go to CS Harris' website to check out Sebastian St. Cyr. You hooked me at "Mr. Darcy with a James Bond edge." - interesting combo. That series will be added to my TBR pile.
I just finished Sabrina Jeffries' Don't Bargain With The Devil and Wed Him Before You Bed Him.
I loved both books. Now hopefully SJ will write one for Lord Stoneville. I really want to read about him.
Branded by Fire, of course, which was luscious.
Black Hills by Nora Roberts, which was a good read with great characters.
Just discovered Z.A. Maxfield, MM Author with lovely romances: ePistols at Dawn, Drawn Together and Crossing Borders.
Oh and these two great books by Marie Brennan's Witch and Warrior.
And also re-read Jet Mykles' Heaven Sent series.
I just finished Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden. It was hot! Now I'm going to find the rest of the books in the series and possibly glom her remaining backlist, yeeee!
Today I started on Red Roses Mean Love by Jacquie D'Alessandro -- so far so good.
Sarah Addison Allen's "Sugar Queen." Just magical.
Gabrielle, I really enjoyed that as well. Reminds me I need to check her website for her next release.
Orannia - I was given The Mirador as a gift. Can I read it on it's own or should I read books one and two first?
Like everyone, I read branded by fire and then of course the lastest Atlantis book. Loved it!
Currently I am reading the breeds series of Lora Leigh. First I wasn´t really sure about the books but those published by berkley sensation are really good and I grew rather fond on most of the breeds. Can´t wait for Cabals book which will be released in august...
Nalini - I would definitely read Melusine (the first book) and The Virtu (the second book) first :) There is so much character development in the first book, which continues in the second.
Ohhhh! *hugs self* I can't wait to hear what you think of them! Warning - they are very, very dark! Enjoy :)
Cabal, mmm...:)
Orannia, thanks. I'm going to wait until I have a block of time. As you may have guessed, I tend to inhale series I like *grin*
I just read "Going too far" by Jennifer Echols, who I discovered after the fact, usually writes romantic comedies and this was her first romantic drama. It's Young Adult, but it was so awesome! I picked it up on a whim, and it's one that sticks with you. I kept thinking about the two leads for days!
Here's a link to read the summary on the back. It was really well written, you would all love it.
http://www.jennifer-echols.com/goingtoofar.html
Karah, can you email me? (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com) Thx!
A book that I finished this week and loved was actually one of yours, Nalini! I've had Caressed by Ice sitting on my shelf for months... and I've had the rest of the series on my "to buy" list from Amazon forever, too.
So I finally read Judd's story. Good, yummy stuff!!!!
Hey Nalini, are you reading the breed books of Lora Leigh, too? I really liked Tanner that´s why I am really looking forward to Cabal...
Ohh, we missed our Friday Book Club last week, for good reasons!
I've read quite a bit. Branded by Fire, of course! One of the best installments in the series and an "A" read for me. Loved Mercy and Reily. Thank you, Nalini.
Black Hills by Nora Roberts was a good solid read. Enjoyed the romance in that book more than the suspense, but Nora was solid as always.
Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase was a fun read and one that I truly enjoyed. Zoe Oliva was a fun heroine.
What Happened in London by Julia Quinn was also a funny and light historical. I smiled throughout, and I think I needed some light reading. So this was refreshing for me.
Read five M/M Romance books for my Challenge and liked a few of them, but will recommend Ginn Hale's Wicked Gentlemen, I had this one under M/M Steampunk category. Loved, loved this book.
On the M/M front, looking forward to reading ePistols at Dawn by ZA Maxfield, a new release this weekend. Also starting No Limits by Alison Kent my first book by her. :)
Phewww! long post -- but had to catch up.
Julia, yep :) But I think my favorite so far might be Elizabeth's Wolf or Mercury's War.
Hilcia - I have the Julia Quinn sitting on the tbr. Can't wait to get to it!
@Hilcia: ePistols was a nice read. The main character is very different, but endearing I thought. I'll see what you think if you post a review.
Ginn Hale sounds very interesting, will have to check it out ;)
Julia-- I just started getting into Lora's Breed series, too! I thought Tanner's was pretty good, and I can't wait for Cabal's either. I am really looking forward to Jonas' book, and I hope we see more of the young psychic (Cassandra? The name escapes me at the moment, but she is in Dawn's Awakening).
Faith Hunter's Skinwalker is a fantastic read.
I've got Ginn Hale's Wiked Gentlemen sitting on the computer tower as incentive to get my work done. I think I'm going to really like this one.
As you may have guessed, I tend to inhale series I like *grin*
Oh, I'm sure you'll inhale this one :) It's a doozy!
Mariana/Jory - Ginn Hale's Wicked Gentlemen is really good...and there is to be a sequel - YAH! *happy dance*
I have been reading Lynn Kurlands series, I highly recommend this series, they have all been great books.
HI! I'm new for the Friday book club, I've been to this site so many times and never noticed a book club! I'm so excited! I've read so many books I don't even know how I've done it! First off I love all your books Nalini! I'm currently in the process of receiving An Enchanted Season! I can't wait to Read!
I've read Night's Kiss by Amanda Ashley! And It was absolutely amazing! SO are the other two of that particular series I've Read.
I've also read All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire, and Secret Life of a Vampire Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake series! They're amazing! I Can't wait to read the latest one!
OH! and I've read Two of Crystal Jordans E-Books! Treasured, which was extremely fascinating. And the other was It's Raining Men, which was equally as fascinating.
Beauty Tempts the Beast was a very good read. Kept you locked in the mysterious castle with an intriguing twist and plots.
I have to say though if you have never picked up one of Lynsay Sands vampire novels you are definately missing out, I love that series almost as much as Nalini's Psy!
Eh...I've kind of hit a brick wall lately with reading. I read the Huntress anthology w/ Marjorie M. Liu, Christine Warren, et al., but only ended up reading the one by Marjorie. The others just left me cold.
Been reading a lot of e-books lately. Read 3 for me...can't remember the author's name. Got it on Samhain. Multi-partner. It was...bizarre.
Other than that, reread Branded by Fire, and a couple of older Julia Quinn's. And now I'm going to bed. Ciao!
@christina: I really look forward to Jonas´Book? what do you think who will be his mate? I would believe its Ely but on the other hand I don´t think that Jonas suppresses his animal the way Tanner did and that´s why he should recognize his mate right away. Maybe we don´t know her, yet....what´s your opinion? And yours Nalini?
Welcome, Kira :)
Julia - I think Lora might have announced who Jonas's mate is. (If you go to her forum and search for Jonas's Mate, it brings up some discussions.)
Here's the description of his book from her site:
20. Lions Heat – The story you’ve been waiting for. Jonas Wyatt. It’s time that bad boy Lion is brought to his knees. Or at least forced to have weak knees. Would he tremble for his mate? Would he bow before her? Is there anything or anyone that could actually be considered a weakness for our arrogant Director?
Soon you’ll see just how deep, how well and how savagely Jonas Wyatt can truly love.
Uh, I think the forum is rather confusing. But as far as i could see there wasn´t a remark about Jonas mate. I guess we have to wait. But thanks for your help anyway;-)
@Mariana/Jori -- ditto on orannia's comment about Wicked Gentlemen... I'll be recommending this one as a "must read" -- and I can't wait for that sequel. YAY!
Mariana *g* --ePistols... yes!
Julia: I wondered about Ely after reading Mercury's war, but I can't believe after that, what Ely went through, he wouldn't recognize her as his mate. I saw it just as a deep respect and friendship, alpha-protector. Unless Ms. Leigh is writing Jonas as being in denial? But I can't see that. I think it's someone we haven't met yet. I haven't been to the forums, I've only read the blurb on Ms. Leigh's website. I can't wait to read his story, though. And Cabal's. I really felt for him at the end of Tanner's book.
Chiming in to recommend Sebastian St. Cyr series, I sailed through the first three and now need to get the fourth soon as I can.
I liked the new Julia Quinn a lot, light and fun, and loved Don't Tempt me by Loretta Chase.
Just read Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey. All I can say is WHOA!
Jonas' book is finally coming! Oh YAH!
Bridget - I have Santa Olivia somewhere on my TBR list! It sounds sooo good!
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