Whatcha Reading? Holiday Long Weekend Edition (If You’re, You Know, in the US)

Bitchin' Blog Posts

by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | November 24, 2012 | Saturday at 2:32 am | 105 Comments

Open book with a road and a tree beneath a sky of blue with fat ass clouds. If you're in the US, it's a four-day weekend, unless you're in the US AND located in western Pennsylvania, where I grew up. Then you might also have Monday off because it's the first day of deer season. I had off school when I was a kid, anyway, and was all afronted when I had to go to work the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. Don't you people know it's the first day of deer hunting season and we should all be home reading books?!

Anyway. Sometimes I think vacation reading comes with a lot of pressure. The books must be good, if I save them for vacation! But then, I'm also surrounded by a lot of (very loud)(omg)(seriously) family for most of the weekend, and tend to grab my Kindle and go hide in a closet for an hour to read. And at that point, I'm so desperate for silence I could be reading a digitized version of my scanner's instruction manual written, and it'd be the Bestest Thingest Everest.

So what's on your reading schedule for this weekend? Long weekend or ordinary weekend, there must be some reading, right? Are you saving something special for long trips and traveling, or are you hiding in a closet with me to escape the noise? Whatcha reading?

Filed: General Bitching, Random Musings

Tagged: whatcha reading, thanksgiving, holidays, awesomesauce

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Loni said on 11.24.12 at 02:57 AM • [link]

I’ll probably be going through the huge collection of old 80s and 90s Harlequins my Grand Aunt had accumulated but mostly I think I’ll be re reading Shelly Laurenston Magnus Pack books again.
DesLivres said on 11.24.12 at 04:17 AM • [link]

I have just finished the final MJ Putney Dark Mirror book (recommend the trilogy - it’s young adult - high school students from 1802 and 1940 time travelling to around hitler and napoleon’s invasions of Britain), and am miserably creeping around Amazon, smart bitches and dear author, looking for something *good* to read. So thankyou Sarah for starting this thread!
Jaelwye said on 11.24.12 at 07:17 AM • [link]

I’m reading The Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell. It’s a military sci fi series but it has a great protagonist and a nice romance arc to go with all the exploding spaceships.
LG said on 11.24.12 at 07:43 AM • [link]

I was in a HUGE reading slump, which I think I’ve finally managed to break out of. I just finished Rat: How the World’s Most Notorious Rodent Clawed Its Way to the Top by Jerry Langton. It’s a horrible non-fiction book about rats. I’m also about to finish (finally!) Draykon by Charlotte E. English, which means I’ll be choosing a new e-book to read soon. I’m very excited - I have so much to choose from.

My paper fiction reading right now is Monsoon Wedding Fever by Shoma Narayanan.
Pat said on 11.24.12 at 07:57 AM • [link]

Just finished Nora Roberts latest in the Boonsboro series and unfortunately did not enjoy it anymore than the other two. Her characters and particularly the dialogue between characters just doesn’t feel authentic any more. And the ghost was just silly. Just started Jill Shalvis ‘s Rescue ny Heart.
Laura said on 11.24.12 at 08:27 AM • [link]

I finally read Cinder by Marissa Mayer and I really liked it. Can’t wait for the rest of the series. I also read Timeless by Gail Carriger and was glad to read it and finish the series, but I think I’ve gotten rather tired of Alexia. I kept being disappointed when the action went back to her after scenes with Lyall and Biffy.

I don’t know what I’m going to read next. I’ve got a ton of needlepoint to do, baby gifts to make and Christmas crafts to start, so I should probably take a break.
Joanngagnier said on 11.24.12 at 08:35 AM • [link]

I’m reading With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley. Long story for a long weekend. Loving it!!
Appomattoxco said on 11.24.12 at 08:57 AM • [link]

A lot of the kids in my area of Jersey were Jewish so I had those major holidays off. When we moved to VA and got the first day of hunting season off it seemed crazy. I have a mountain of TBR but can’t settle on anything. I think I may be waiting for the latest Dresden Files.
Pheebers said on 11.24.12 at 08:57 AM • [link]

I just reread A Devil in Winter by Kleypas. It’s a real comfort read for me, one of my all-time favorites, and just what I needed as my whole family has colds :(
Crystal Grey-Hewett said on 11.24.12 at 09:21 AM • [link]

The Diviners by Libba Bray. Good so far.
Lostshadows said on 11.24.12 at 09:50 AM • [link]

Recently started reading Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunter series. I’m on book two*, and I’m hoping I don’t get to book four before Monday, because that’s the earliest ILL can now deliver it.

*Three by reading order.
Jennifer Estep said on 11.24.12 at 09:56 AM • [link]

I just finished The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa. Next up, I think I’ll read some contemporary romance. Maybe Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas; Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller; or the Rescuing Christmas anthology.
Gail Leinweber said on 11.24.12 at 10:28 AM • [link]

I started 50 Shades of Grey, put it down a hundred pages in and finished Anthony Bourdain’s Medium Raw instead. I’ll probably finish 50 Shades over the weekend (it’s a library copy with an insane hold queue, I try not to squat on those). Next in my TBR stack are The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Frost by Wendy Delsol.
Nita said on 11.24.12 at 10:38 AM • [link]

I’ll sneak some reading in on Sunday, my only day off. No rest for the wicked who work retail, y’all. But I’ll finish up Devil in the White City (not a romance) and then start something new. Maybe a Rachel Gibson.
Sewingturtle said on 11.24.12 at 10:42 AM • [link]

I have about 100 pages left in Nalini Singh’s Blaze of Memory (i’m a little behind in the series) and then I think I am going to dive into Tart, Lauren Dane’s latest that I got from the library this week.
KarenF said on 11.24.12 at 10:43 AM • [link]

Reading Gil McNeil’s “In the Wee Small Hours” ... which I had to find from a used dealer here ... the first book in the series I read via Nook, and then realized there was a second book, but it wasn’t available as an ebook. She’s a perfect cozy for the first cold morning of the season (it was 9 degrees when I woke up).

I’m saving Mark Helprin’s “Winter’s Tale” for our first blizzard.
Liz said on 11.24.12 at 10:54 AM • [link]

@Jaelwye- I’ve been in a rut, and Jack Campbell’s series sounds like the perfect thing to get me out. Thanks!
Liz said on 11.24.12 at 10:58 AM • [link]

Was on a sci-fi kick, but fell into a rut. Switched genres, and just finished the backlists of Josh Laynon (OMG perfect), K.A. Mitchell (yummy angst), and Abigail Roux (the iffiest writing, but fun action)... and now am in a new rut. Will be haunting this post for some rec’s. So far going to check out Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series thanks to @Jaelwye. More please :)
Rij said on 11.24.12 at 11:17 AM • [link]

Karin Slaughter’s Criminal. I might have to balance it out with something happier so I might make some dents in the pile of unread manga I have somehow managed to cultivate.
Mom_on_the_run2001 said on 11.24.12 at 11:32 AM • [link]

A couple of my kids are here and the others keep showing up to eat leftovers, so I put them to work hauling out the Christmas decorations. I’ve managed to reread 3 Sarah Mayberry Blaze titles and Her Best Worst Mistake, along with Kelly Hunter’s With This Fling, a really good HP that I recently discovered. Saving some other new stuff for after December 2 when I’m done with a huge project.
rayvyn2k said on 11.24.12 at 11:58 AM • [link]

Read Season of Temptation and Season of Surrender by Theresa Romain and liked them both. Especially the fact that the hero didn’t try to turn “no” into “yes” with his magic sex.

I’m now reading Violet by Lauren Royal. I’ll probably read the other “flower” books in the series, but am finding this one stretching my credulity meter with the match-making momma being so…permissive. And am now at the “magic sex” part.
Sanalayla said on 11.24.12 at 12:12 PM • [link]

I LOVED that book. I was so disappointed when I realized it’s the first book in a four book series - and that each book comes out once a year!
Sanalayla said on 11.24.12 at 12:20 PM • [link]

Just finished Larissa Ione’s latest (Eternal Rider). Next on the list is a re-read of a Lisa Kleypas’s Wallflower series.
Readsalot81 said on 11.24.12 at 12:24 PM • [link]

I bought Heaven and Hell by Kristen Ashley so I can see what everyone is talking about. (yeah, yeah.. I don’t like being left out in the cold).. I also picked up Susana Kearsley’s Mariana which got a really good review from DA. Also on deck : Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long, Knaves’ Wager by Loretta Chase, His Yankee Bride by Rose Gordon. I’m pretty set for the holiday I should think :)
RebeccaJ said on 11.24.12 at 12:35 PM • [link]

Ahhh, yes, opening day of deer season…a high holy day here in Western Pa. I grew up here and I still find it bizarre when businesses close for the day! I just finished reading “Look Alike Lawman” from the Love Inspired line and now I’m focusing on the Christmas holiday shorts on Kindle. I LOVE a good Christmas romance!
Karenmc said on 11.24.12 at 12:43 PM • [link]

I’m reading Midnight Scandals, the anthology by Carolyn Jewel, Courtney Milan and Sherry Thomas. Finished the Jewel last night and quite enjoyed it. I chose novellas rather than a long, time-absorbing book because there’s a new pooch in the house who requires close watching, if ya know what I mean.
Mirandaflynn said on 11.24.12 at 12:54 PM • [link]

I’ll be picking up the next Dresden for an upcoming vacation. I’m also saving the new Stephanie Plum. I need really good books on airplanes to distract me.

Miranda
Elyse said on 11.24.12 at 01:06 PM • [link]

I’m reading Reading in the Brain: the Science of How We Read. It’s non fiction, but not dry. The author discusses what a complex neurological process reading is and how our brains adapted to do it in the last 4000 years.

Also reading the thriller Cold Granite (set in Scotland—yum) which kept me up all night.

I’m from WI and deer season is done tomorrow. It’s a big deal, but we never got a day off for it. Now I’m jealous!
MissB2U said on 11.24.12 at 01:51 PM • [link]

I just finished the Kate Daniels series by Ilone Andrews and am waiting for inspiration. I’ll re-read “Lord of Scoundrels” because I’ve been sick and it’s just comforting to have an old friend like that to distract one from reality! Waiting in the library hold queue for “Libromancer” and “Ashes of Honor” the new October Daye novel. Any good Regency recommendations ladies?
Heather said on 11.24.12 at 02:04 PM • [link]

I’m about to start “Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld. It will be the first non reread in a while

Heather
StarOpal said on 11.24.12 at 02:16 PM • [link]

I still have to work this weekend, so no long reading for me *sad face*. I haven’t been reading much lately trying to finish up some Christmas projects/gifts.

But now that I’m caught up, I started the second Mary Russell book ‘A Monstrous Regiment of Women’, by Laurie King, and the third Dresden Files book ‘Grave Peril’ by Jim Butcher.

After those I’ll probably pick up something from the Christmas themed used romances I’ve acquired to get me in the spirit. (Whenever I happen across romances for, like, a quarter, anything with the words “Christmas” or “holidays” or has a festive cover gets picked up. With mixed results as you can imagine.)
Catelele said on 11.24.12 at 02:16 PM • [link]

I just finished my first Julia Quinn book: The Duke And I. It was really entertaining. Lots of emotional drama kept it interesting even though there was no villain in the normal sense. And I liked seeing a hero who could laugh and cry and be human rather than just standing around looking “implacable.” Next will be Season for Surrender I think.
CutMyTeethOnKleypas said on 11.24.12 at 02:20 PM • [link]

Gotta bust through Season for Surrender in time for the Sizzling Book Club chat on Tuesday 11/27 @ 9pm EST. Only on Chapter 3! I finished An Inconvenient Duchess (srsly this is free from Amazon, B&N, and harlequin) - it was pretty good!
jliedl said on 11.24.12 at 02:23 PM • [link]

I just wrapped up “How to Dazzle a Duke” which I picked up at the bargain table. Next up is on my Kindle: “Silent Revenge” by Laura Landon.
Susan Jean Blexrud said on 11.24.12 at 02:50 PM • [link]

Just read The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig for the book club I lead at Malaprop’s Bookstore in downtown Asheville. All the clubbers LOVED her beta hero, Turnip. Just started Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes, and I believe I’ve found a beautiful new Regency voice (new to me, at least) This book is delightful!
Susan Jean Blexrud said on 11.24.12 at 02:53 PM • [link]

Also wanted to say that Lauren Willig popped in via phone to our book club discussion of The Mischief of the Mistletoe. Sarah, thanks for encouraging her to write the wedding night scene. Gotta love Turnip, who remarked that he’d never been to bed with a virgin…unless he counted himself, of course.
CarlaM said on 11.24.12 at 03:02 PM • [link]

I just finished Krampus, a very interesting twist from traditional Christmas stories.. and I’m holding my breath eagerly waiting for Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews new books.. Cold Days and Steels Edge.. both out on Tuesday.. Tuesday
maddiemom said on 11.24.12 at 03:09 PM • [link]

I finally finished the Pride and Prejudice Annotated Edition. “Finally” because I couldn’t help reading ALL the annotations, even though I knew most of the ones that were explanatory of terms or expressions. Interesting format with the “footnotes” sharing the page right beside the text, but the book weighed a ton.
Grimalkinclare said on 11.24.12 at 03:15 PM • [link]

the new nora roberts (Perfect Hope, wrapup of the Inn Boonsboro trilogy). They just put me in a happy place. :)
ridiculousspider said on 11.24.12 at 03:19 PM • [link]

I finsihed “Touch Me in the Morning” by Catherine George. It is not the book I’ve been looking for but I was pleasantly surprised by how blunt and independent the heroine is. The hero isn’t all bad but, lord, his alphole moments made me want to hit him in the head with a blunt object. Mostly, I enjoyed the H/h verbal sparring.

Now I’m reading the 19th Stephanie Plum book. I used to be in love with the series but now I read it in hopes she will either end up with Ranger or Morelli (or somebody else, I really don’t care anymore) and the series will finish. I loved the books up to 17. 17 just fell so flat for me. It was boring. I know plenty of people find the antics boring by book 2 but I suppose I am easily amused. Haha.

SB Sarah, I’m from southern Louisiana and am surprised we didn’t get a day off for deer hunting season. We used to get the opening day of squirrel season off, though. Just the parish I lived in, anyway. The school board called it “Budget Day”. LOL.
Johnny Ray said on 11.24.12 at 03:20 PM • [link]

This the movie To Anna Karenina is out now, I wonder how many will go back and read the book http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/...
Johnny Ray said on 11.24.12 at 03:21 PM • [link]

This the movie To Anna Karenina is out now, I wonder how many will go back and read the book http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/...
laj said on 11.24.12 at 03:24 PM • [link]

Reading Elizabeth Thornton’s backlist which I am enjoying very much. Read Jill Shalvis’ Wilder trio. MEH. I also disliked Rescue My Heart which was a book I was eager to read. Boo Hoo. The Inconvenient Duchess is good and a terrific deal. Also downloaded Carla Kelly’s Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand (my absolute favorite Christmas romance) and Miss Grimsby’s Oxford Education in e-book from Amazon. My paperback of the two is seriously tattered. Kearsley’s Mariana was $1.99 yesterday at Amazon, I love that book. Will power read Season of Surrender on Sunday.
Becca said on 11.24.12 at 03:45 PM • [link]

alas, I have to agree - I didn’t care for the whole series, which read more like an extended infomercial for Boonsboro than anything else. I much prefer her stand-alone romantic suspense novels.
Becca said on 11.24.12 at 03:53 PM • [link]

I’m re-reading the Liaden (SF romances) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Actually calling them SF romance does them a disservice, since they’re so much more. I just finished the eARC of Necessity’s Child, and now have to re-read the whole series.
Mikaela Lind said on 11.24.12 at 03:58 PM • [link]

I just finished reading the Gansett Island Novels by Marie Force. Book 1-3 was Ok. Book 4-6? Addictive. Unfortunately, I am missing the latest book in the series.
BrooklynShoeBabe said on 11.24.12 at 04:10 PM • [link]

I’m reading the eBook Just One Last Night… by Amy Andrews. I’m also reading Love Story by Jennifer Echols. I also read a children’s book on Respect.
JG18 said on 11.24.12 at 04:13 PM • [link]

The latest in the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold thankfully came into the library this weekend right before I’m leaving to go *to* the US. It’s the long-awaited story of Ivan (“You Idiot”) Vorpatril and I thought it was the best and most tightly plotted book of the last few in this series.
Jessi Gage said on 11.24.12 at 04:26 PM • [link]

Am trying out an inspirational paranormal romance, Kiss of Night. Like the story, but the writing isn’t tight. Reading it feels like work because I can’t stop highlighting instances of “for a moment” and “seemed to” and all the times characters dissolve into tears. It’s a weird sort of masochistic fun. I might make a spreadsheet later and run som statistics, which would a weird sort of nerdy fun.
DesLivres said on 11.24.12 at 04:34 PM • [link]

Kelly Hunter and Sarah Mayberry are two of my favourites. A poster here recommended Karina Bliss and I really enjoyed her too. Can anyone recommend anyone else similar to those 3 writers? (a ridiculous ask, I know).
Susan said on 11.24.12 at 04:46 PM • [link]

After DA had a fairly negative review of the John Carter movie, I watched it when it played on Starz this past week. I liked it so I decided to try Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Barsoom books for comparison. I’m on the second book now and am surprised at how well they’ve held up.

Just finished the latest in Mike Shepherd’s Kris Longknife series. The last few books have been a slog for me and I’ve been debating on whether to continue. The (somewhat) surprise ending saved this book for me so I’ll stick around. And I may also try the Jack Campbell series. It keeps showing up on my Amazon recommendations list so I guess I should take the plunge.

With the new Herne and Butcher books coming up, I’ll be on a UF/SF kick for awhile (following my trad Regency kick).
Vicki said on 11.24.12 at 04:47 PM • [link]

I’m on call so may not read as much as I’d like. I just re-read Mercedes Lackey’s Vows and Honors trilogy - a mix of longer and shorter stories - I do like strong, independent women. Also just reread Heyer’s The Masqueraders which is a comfort read for me. Not sure where I’m headed next. The TBR next to the bed is starting to topple and there are way too many unread books on the Nook, too. Well, better get started.
DesLivres said on 11.24.12 at 04:48 PM • [link]

I’m checking them out now. Have you come across the William Feintuch “Hope” series? The most angsty books I have ever read. I am also still reading David Weber’s Honor Harrington series (and related series) - and years back I got hopelessly addicted to Patrick O’Brien’s Aubrey/Maturin series, probably amoungst my favourite books .
SusannaFraser said on 11.24.12 at 04:50 PM • [link]

I just finished John Scalzi’s Redshirts, which isn’t a romance but is one of the funnest books I’ve read in awhile. Definitely recommend for fans of science fiction, especially Star Trek.
Karin said on 11.24.12 at 06:31 PM • [link]

Winter’s Tale is a beautifully written book-plus, Mark Helprin has a new one out, forgot the name of it.
Karin said on 11.24.12 at 06:38 PM • [link]

I just finished Blackstone’s Bride by Kate Moore, which started off slow, but turned into quite a good read. I really got caught up in the missing person/mystery plot, and there were some great characters that I want to read more about. I’ll definitely be looking for the rest of her books.
Meredithea said on 11.24.12 at 06:50 PM • [link]

So THAT’s why my kid has Monday off! (She’s in Kindergarten, my eldest, and I’m from TX!)

I just bought Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell and Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec. They both seem fun in their own way ;)
Meredithea said on 11.24.12 at 06:52 PM • [link]

I preordered Cold Days and can’t wait!
SusannaG said on 11.24.12 at 07:11 PM • [link]

An Infamous Army, by Georgette Heyer.
Aurora said on 11.24.12 at 08:50 PM • [link]

Work on Monday, my reading list is long though: finishing off goodreads.com books I won, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, Anna Karenina and others I have in queue. I will also either today or tomorrow will be writing book reviews for the three I finished: Kenjiro by Pat Barr, Carolyn Keene #8, and My Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan.

http://sveta-randomblog.blogsp…
PamG said on 11.24.12 at 08:59 PM • [link]

Just finished Julie Ann Long’s The Runaway Duke, and liked it much more than I expected to. The cover featured a headless female in pink with her skirt hiked to her knees to expose her red plastic ballet flats emerging from an open carriage that resembled the Sears French Provencial bedroom furniture that I longed for in my youth. The story was a delight, featuring Long’s detailed and delicate brand of character development. Am now reading the Joanne Dobson’s 6th Karen Pelletier mystery, Death Before Tenure. It’s enjoyable but not gripping. The same might be said for Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance. I love everything Vorkosigan, but Ivan’s story will not be the first to pop into my mind when it comes to recs. I think I’ll tackle Circle of Shadows, the last of Imogen Robertson’s excellent historical mysteries next. After that, though I have an extensive tbr pile, nothing calls to me. Maybe I’ll do some housework. Maybe I’ll study this thread for ideas.
Luckylewis24 said on 11.24.12 at 09:21 PM • [link]

@Gail I’ve read some if the 50 shades of grey online and really enjoyed it so far…what do you think of it so far??? Please share
Taylor Reynolds said on 11.24.12 at 09:39 PM • [link]

I just finished “Season for Surrender” for the chat on Tuesday and am thinking I may go on a nonfiction kick next with Nate Silver’s “The Signal and the Noise” and/or William Doyle’s “A Soldier’s Dream” because I went to language school with Travis Patriquin, the subject of the book.
LG said on 11.24.12 at 10:22 PM • [link]

I finally finished Draykon and have now started reading Kate Aaron’s Blood & Ash, which I purchased because a later work in the series looked like it might have aspects that would appeal to me, and I hate reading series out of order. Unfortunately, I’m not impressed so far. Insta-lust (which I don’t always mind, but this is very, very instant), typos, and a jarring lack of transitions between scenes. Oh well, at least it’s short and I didn’t pay much for it and the rest of the series. Maybe the series will get better?
Vasha said on 11.24.12 at 10:56 PM • [link]

I just finished “Captive Bride” by Bonnie Dee, and quite enjoyed it—a historical with a decent, thoughtful and never overbearing hero, imagine! Starting “The Countess Takes a Lover” by the same author, a gender-swapped version of the virgin-and-the-rake plot.
Vasha said on 11.24.12 at 11:22 PM • [link]

@liz—huh, I think I need to read Josh Lanyon too. Which one would you recommend starting with?
DesLivres said on 11.24.12 at 11:30 PM • [link]

Just finished finished Jack Campbell’s Dauntless based on this thread - thoroughly enjoyed it. Off to read the next one now.

I read Captain Vorpatril’s Allience as an ARC as a died in the wool Bujold fan. Oddly, since she started researching into the realm of romance, her books have become remarkably….spongy. I miss the searing intensity of her earlier work.

There was a recent post on Dear Author about series - (I’m just noticing my reaction to Cambell’s work as “woo hoo! another great series!”) versus reading Robyn Carr’s recent Virgin river book - in this one all the characters from previous books turn up in almost literal busloads - to the extent that it impinged on the experience. We don’t need to see every character in everybook - or even as many as possible. Having said that Carr is an autobuy for me).
Sarah said on 11.25.12 at 01:39 AM • [link]

I just got done reading I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella. It’s probably one of the best contemporary books I’ve read in a long time. The main character had me giggling throughout the book. I loved the concept of what is the most intimate thing two people could do: sharing a phone and being able to read each others texts and emails. Those whose phones are always at your side (you know who you are) you have to Read This
StarOpal said on 11.25.12 at 01:46 AM • [link]

Redshirts just went on my list!
JenniferH said on 11.25.12 at 02:21 AM • [link]

I have just reserved Redshirts at the library - and i am about to read Anna Campbell’s Seven Night’s in a Rogue’s Bed
Carmen said on 11.25.12 at 02:31 AM • [link]

Just finished “Rogue Rider” by Larissa Ione, and then had to go back and read some of the prior Lords of Deliverance (I liked them all except for Thanatos’s story). So excited Reaver’s book is next!
Trying to wait until Tuesday when Ilona Andrews’ “Steel’s Edge” and Kresley Cole’s “Shadow’s Claim” come out.
So many people have mentioned “Lord of Scoundrels” that even though I’m not big into historical romance, I will read it to tide me over until Tuesday. However—I loved Lauren Willig’s “Mischief under the Mistletoe”. I was a bit disappointed with her last one, so am hoping the next Pink Carnation book is better.
Scrin said on 11.25.12 at 11:08 AM • [link]

I bought and read Jim Butcher’s Cold Days Saturday.

Folks, always support your local indie bookstores with your business and friendship.

You make friends, support awesome local businesses, and sometimes they’ll come up with books early. Or swag. Swag’s always fun.
Sophia said on 11.25.12 at 11:16 AM • [link]

I had a reading plan but then I got a copy of Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole in the mail and I tossed everything else over my shoulder. So excited to read it.
Liz said on 11.25.12 at 11:18 AM • [link]

@Vasha- That is a really difficult question. He’s quite well known for the Adrien English series, which is excellent. (Be warned, the individual books do not necessarily have HEAs, but the series does.) But I’d actually recommend reading one of his solo novels or novellas, first. They’re all excellent, and will give you a better sense of his writing style. Come Unto These Yellow Sands or Fair Game for contemporaries, or Snowball In Hell for a historical. Enjoy!
D Cross said on 11.25.12 at 12:09 PM • [link]

Today’s my only day off and I’ve been holding on to Gina Koch’s Alien series hoping for the perfect moment (and since my retail worker holiday blues has started….what could be better?). Just finished Justin Cronin’s The Twelve which moved so much faster than The Passage but now there is a 2 year wait for the last in the trilogy (dammit!). Next up will be Wool 1-5 I think because it finally went back on sale for the kindle! Yay.
Annie M said on 11.25.12 at 12:32 PM • [link]

Bought six of Loretta Chase’s re-releases last week from Kobo @ about $3 each. What a thrill! Finished “Isabella” and am now reading “Sandalwood Princess.” Sensational book, amazing writing, wonderful characters. I’m in heaven!
Kim said on 11.25.12 at 01:23 PM • [link]

Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley ARC!
Zulma said on 11.25.12 at 01:46 PM • [link]

Been going through Natalie Anderson HP books. Not bad! In fact, I’m enjoying them. Perfect long weekend reading.
Dread Pirate Rachel said on 11.25.12 at 01:47 PM • [link]

Trying to get through Season for Surrender in time for the book club, but I have so much other stuff going on this weekend that I’m having a hard time doing it. Between hosting Thanksgiving for my in-laws, traveling to visit my parents for two days, and driving to Portland for a concert today, I haven’t had much free time. I need a vacation from this stupid vacation. :-P
Elizabeth Gunther said on 11.25.12 at 02:02 PM • [link]

I just finished Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot and started Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella.
Carmen said on 11.25.12 at 03:40 PM • [link]

Wow, just fell in love with Loretta Chase! Almost done with “Lord of Scoundrels” and have “Captives of the Night” and “The Last Hellion” to read on my ereader.
If anyone has a suggestion for Sarah Mayberry fans, I also want to know! She is my top autobuy for category, and can’t find anyone else in category that comes close.
Nadia said on 11.25.12 at 05:04 PM • [link]

In the middle of Willig’s “The Garden Intrigue.” Enjoying seeing the true Augustus after having him as a minor character in other books. Also have Showalter’s “The Darkets Seduction” in process but keep setting it aside. After waiting for these two characters’ story for several books, I’m finding myself bored by their mooning mopiness and self-loathing. Clobbering Time had better start soon to wake this story up.

I have a fat pile of library TBRs, including the latest from Liz Carlyle, the second and third “Edge” books from Ilona Andrews, a MaryJanice Davidson werewolf/vampire crossover, an old Eloisa James, and the latest Feehan in the Sea Haven line. Not much time to read lately, the kids had the whole week off and I kept them busy to keep them from making me insane.
Nabpaw said on 11.25.12 at 05:13 PM • [link]

I’ve been reading the Pennyroyal green series by Julie Ann Long. I started with Genevieve’s story because of the book club reading here. I loved it! As a consequence i bought three of the other pennyroyal green books. I just finished Colin Everseas’ story, The Perils of Pleasure and i’m now on Miles Redmund’s story, Like No Other Love. I found Colin’s story hard to get into, but eventually I did get into it and enjoyed it. I’m quite liking Miles’ story.
samantha said on 11.25.12 at 05:51 PM • [link]

Reading When Lightning Strikes by Brenda Novak. I am really enjoying it so far. I have been in a bit of a reading slump and am hoping to get the books I wanted to have done by the end of the year. I might have to stop going outside and watching tv to do that though. lol
Evangeline said on 11.25.12 at 07:10 PM • [link]

Highly recommend Ruthie Knox if you like those authors.
Melinda Smith said on 11.25.12 at 07:24 PM • [link]

As usual I have two going at once—ok, three. I’m reading and loving Thea Harrison’s Lord’s Fall on the Nook, and during intense knitting sessions (it being Ye Olde Christmas Craft Season) I’m listening to an oldie-but-goodie, Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride, on audiobook. Devil’s Bride is a total hoot—Simon Prebble reads it as if it’s Great Literature, and the voice he does for Devil is a growly kind of English Humphrey Bogart—as if Devil is perpetually talking around a cigar. Fabulous! I’m also listening to Moby Dick in the car, in small doses, as I can—I’ll probably have it done sometime in the next two years. . .
DesLivres said on 11.25.12 at 07:37 PM • [link]

I love Ruthie Knox - how I wish she had more books out!
Sanalayla said on 11.25.12 at 08:42 PM • [link]

Wow, you got it early?!?! How is it?
Aimee McComb-Rohling said on 11.25.12 at 11:32 PM • [link]

I read the book club book Season for Surrender and quite enjoyed it! Looking forward to hearing how everybody else enjoyed it. And if you haven’t read Night Circus yet IT IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST! Finished it. Loved it.
sabbyATL said on 11.26.12 at 12:04 AM • [link]

I’m also reading Cronin, but the apocalyptic “The Passage”. It’s riveting, but it’s super thick.

Thick enough I have to come up for air and I interrupted it for a day to read Matthew Quick’s “The Silver Lining’s Playbook”. And I highly recommend that, by the way. It’s rather a romance, from the POV of a highly likable bipolar guy. And it’s veeeeerrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyy different than the movie, way more. Just more.

Also, I never pictured Bradley Cooper. Or Jennifer Lawrence, though I can deal with her.

Because, in the book, while Pat is described as 34 and muscular and fit, he describes himself as not being particularly attractive. So, I always pictured a non-traditionally handsome kind of guy, not a GRAH (generally recognized as hot). More like a lunk. Like a Liev Shreiber (though he may now be GRAH).

Anyway, the only reason I had a problem with Jennifer Lawrence is because in the book Tiffany is a couple years older than Pat. They don’t say exactly. So, she should be anywhere from 34-38. Jennifer Lawrence is 22 and she looks it. Bradley Cooper is about to be 38 (just looked it up) so he’s right.

And, ew, 38 and 22 making a romantic movie?

Now, Pat does think she’s beautiful, so having a beautiful woman for Tiffany is fine. And for Nikki. Both women are supposed to be beautiful.

Anyway, the movie is cute but it’s a lot shallower than the book because it doesn’t have a choice. The book is 90% in Pat’s head. That sounds boring, but it’s not. It’s a good read. Go read the first few chapters on Amazon and see for yourself. There are some things that happen in the movie that will make a whole lot more sense when you see them in the book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T…

Anyway, that’s what I read. Because “The Passage” has 912 pages (in the paperback). I think it counts as 3 regular books…I’m about halfway through it.
Lyra Archer said on 11.26.12 at 01:45 AM • [link]

I just finished reading The Hobbit, because ~~winter is coming~~ erm, I mean the movie. Yeah, that thing. I’m also still slogging my way through a historical non-fiction on Queen Isabella, because I’m determined to read the entire Alison Weir catalog in order this time.
Vasha said on 11.26.12 at 05:11 AM • [link]

Just read “Snowball in Hell”. Thank you liz for the tip! That was incredibly moving, so well written and full of an anguish that makes the ending sweet. Hands down the best romance I’ve read this year.
Dawnell Kirk Claessen said on 11.26.12 at 10:07 AM • [link]

I am reading Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines. It is very good, esp. the world building. Characterizations could use a few more words, but it I am really enjoying the book! Taking it slow, savoring it. Cause I got nothing else to read after this…
Darlene Marshall said on 11.26.12 at 10:15 AM • [link]

After Thanksgiving we joined friends at the beach (Yay for the beach!) and I brought along the new J.K. Rowling, The Casual Vacancy. I’m still reading it, and it’s engrossing. I don’t think people will doubt whether Rowling can write a novel for grown-ups after this.
Dawnell Kirk Claessen said on 11.26.12 at 10:15 AM • [link]

I absolutely devoured the “Hope” series by Feintuch in the mid 1990’s. But I agree that Nicky was an agnsty dude. And I have just absconded with the word agnsty.
Kim said on 11.26.12 at 11:17 AM • [link]

I just checked-out night Circus from the library. Can’t wait!
Christina Auret said on 11.26.12 at 12:34 PM • [link]

I would just like to say, to everyone who recommended the Vorkosigan Saga in previous ‘what are you reading’ threads: THANK YOU!
Darlene Marshall said on 11.26.12 at 05:31 PM • [link]

I just finished Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance and loved seeing Ivan’s story.
Amymarie325 said on 11.26.12 at 09:16 PM • [link]

I loved how Ryder had his radio tuned to Lady GaGa. Sure. He’s a GaGa type all right. Took me right out of the story. The ghost was a little meh but I thougvht the proposal was sweet and in character. But yeah, she’s loosing me, too.
Amymarie325 said on 11.26.12 at 09:19 PM • [link]

Mariana was good. I don’t love it as much as Winter Sea or the Rose Garden, but it’s a lovely read all the same. :-)
Holly Bush said on 11.26.12 at 09:44 PM • [link]

I remember telling my college roommate from Connecticut in our freshman year (this was about a million years ago, it’s a miracle I remember) that I’d always been off school on the Monday after Thanksgiving for hunting season. She’d never heard of such a thing and I thought that everybody everywhere was off that day! Ja git yer deer?

I saw Lincoln last weekend and it was a great movie, so I started Doris Kerns Goodwin’s A Team of Rivals. Really enjoying it so far.
LauraN said on 11.27.12 at 02:02 AM • [link]

Have you gotten to the poncho crafted from the whale penis yet? Personal favorite. I got to class the next day, and everyone was all “Did you read that? Did it mean what I thought it meant?” but trying not to actually say it because if you just shouted “PENIS PONCHO? WTF?” Then people would think you were totally nuts if you *somehow* misinterpreted what was going on.
DesLivres said on 11.27.12 at 07:30 AM • [link]

Me too - stopping after the first few Feintuch Hope books I mean - they got a bit indulgent after a while. Except for Children of Hope. That one got to me.
Lauren said on 11.27.12 at 09:00 AM • [link]

My kids looked at me like I was crazy when I was reading her Twenties Girl. I howled through so many of her descriptions. Bought Got Your Number the day it came out in hardcover and loved it.
Jennifer Lohmann said on 11.28.12 at 11:36 AM • [link]

I’m a little late to the discussion, but I’m reading The Black Count by Tom Reiss about Alex Dumas (the author’s father, on whom many of his novels were based). It’s fantastic!