Time to get all nosy up in your reading list – what are you reading this weekend?
I'm reading several books at once, which is NOT good for my brain, especially when I mix genres, but I started too many things that I like. I have one book on the phone, one on the coffee table, one on my Kindle – it's getting messy. But Pig was right – Liz Fielding's Tempted by Trouble [Goodreads | Amazon | BN | HQN] is really adorable. Plus, Tessa Dare's A Week to be Wicked [Goodreads | Amazon | BN] has been pushing all the happy-joy-joy buttons in my brain, too, and I'm trying to savor that book as well. That's not working as well as I'd planned.
So what books are pushing the happy-joy buttons in your brain this week? What books are you looking forward to reading this weekend? Share, share!
Chimes at Midnight by Seanan McGuire. I’m not very far into it, but it’s being very good.
Next up, Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews.
I just finished Janet Mullany’s Hidden Paradise which was…frustrating. In some ways so good, like really, actually not grading on a curve good. And then utterly, falling apart bad that was like a personal betrayal. Also too much sex, which is not a complaint I tend to have.
I abandoned Good Girls gone Plaid as unreadable. Who’d have guessed it could suck as much as its title?
I’m currently enjoying Pam Rosenthal’s The Slightest Provocation. Some snappy dialogue, smart characters, and laudable social values – which last is practically unheard of in a historical. And yet, while I’m so glad that there’s finally a realistic look at the repressive post Naploeonic government, and servants that aren’t simply loyal pets, and acknowledgement that bringing charity baskets to impoverished cottagers is not the ultimate heroine indicator, any more than virginity or violet eyes…and yet. I wasn’t looking for a political treatise. I’m getting a little impatient for the romance.
I’m also reading Dance:A Very Social History which is great, but would go a lot faster if I could figure out how to open it on my ereader instead of my phone, or at least in my nook ap on my phone, but as usual my phone has outsmarted me.
Next up:one of Parker’s Spenser novels, and the Guns of War, which is supposedly going to explain one of the mysteries of the universe: why WWI happened.
I needed to hit the reset button on my reading, so I decided to give fiction a break for a bit and am almost finished Murder City: The Bloody History of Chicago in the Twenties, by Michael Lesy. I love the photos and there are some really interesting stories in it: Like Belva and Beulah the inspiration behind Chicago, or Francis/Fred.
I’ve also been rereading A Christmas Carol which is a tradition of mine. And will probably be rereading the first of the Silent Night books by R.L. Stine (Fear Street Super Chiller No. 2 – Booyah!)
After I finish those and get back from traveling to visit family, assuming my mind doesn’t change, I’ll go on to either The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen, or something I still haven’t read from Loretta Chase’s backlist.
I just started Never Trust a Pirate by Anne Stuart. By the way, the last Tessa Dare book Any Duchess Will Do is the kindle deal of the day, so I bought that too.
I’m in the mood to read some fantasy books, so I’m hoping to read The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa; Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.
Just finished Christmas Kitch by Amy Lane. She’s hit or miss for me, and this one was a definite hit. Now reading The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan. Two chapters in and its great.
@Star Opal- Murder City is the perfect gift book for my brother. Thanks for the rec!
Just started Fire bird, by Susanna Kearsley, and might also start a mystery by Elizabeth Duncan.
I’m currently reading Goblin War* by Jim Hines, which is book three in his Goblin series.
If anyone is looking for a humorous fantasy book to give someone, I highly recommend Goblin Quest (first Goblin book) or The Stepsister Scheme (first book in the Princess series, also by Hines.)
*Partly because I enjoyed the first two, but mainly because I have an omnibus edition of the trilogy, and want to be able to mark the thing as read this year on Goodreads.
I just finished The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan. It is brilliant! I have such a good book hangover :). After I finish rereading it. I have Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson on deck.
Just finished Courtney Milan’s latest, which was a bit of a harder read than I anticipated; something in the heroine’s backstory hit a bit too close to home. Oof. I am still sad thinking about it, and my losses were not as many as hers.
Am currently happily reading Ilona Andrews’ ‘Clean Sweep’, which is so far lovely, and as a bonus, illustrated! She’s joined Patricia Briggs and Seanan McGuire in my ranks of ‘urban fantasy authors who are not going to horribly let me down at any point so I shall buy their new books right away’. (I suppose it’s possible that Kate Daniels will develop the ardeur and suddenly get a harem of long-haired and short-statured lovers which Curran will suddenly not mind at all, but I THINK the audience is probably safe from such horrors.)
I’m currently working through William S. Shirer’s The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It’s not light, and it’s not fast, but it’s one I’ve been meaning to read for years and I got the Kindle version from the library, so it’s easier to physically read than a 1400 page paperback.
But my “break” books right now are Sherry Thomas’ Private Arrangements and Courtney Milan’s The Countess Conspiracy.
I just finished a History of the World in 100 Recipes (if by World, you mean Britain). It was pretty good for the first 85, but after that, he starts getting funny about microwaves and supermarkets.
We go on a 10 day break at work over the holidays, so I have a ton of reading. Courtney Milan’s Countess Conspiracy is first (as soon as my Kindle is done charging), but I also have The Hobbit, Gun Machine, The Pursuit of Miss Mary Bennet and a Jillian Michaels on my stack.
Just to switch it up a bit, I’m going to recommend a couple of science fiction romances I’ve read recently. GHOST PLANET by Sharon Lynn Fisher grabbed me from the first chapter. The heroine’s plight really pulled me in, though I wish the book had revealed more about the planet at the end. I also have to recommend Kelly Jensen’s LESS THAN PERFECT, a post-apocalyptic romance with creepy aliens and a realistic and flawed heroine. It’s a novella, so a quick read.
I’m reading My Notorious Highlander by Vonda Sinclair and at the same time Jennifer Ashley’s The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie
I just finished I Kissed An Earl by JAL, my first (and more than likely last, sadly) Susan Mallery Fools Gold series Two of a Kind. The writing and characterization just wasn’t to my tastes. I am almost finished with Jessica Clare’s Stranded with a Billionaire, the first book in the Billionaire Boys Club. It hasn’t knocked my socks off, but has been enjoyable enough to make me interested in the other characters stories so I picked up the second and third book. A friend just gifted me the book: Daughters of Britannia: The Lives and Times of Diplomatic Wives by Katie Hinkman. It sounds pretty interesting and I hope to start it soon. I look forward to seeing what the Dip Wives of yore got up to and compare it to my own less than glamorous Foreign Service/Diplomatic life, haha. I definitely don’t wear the gorgeous brocade dress, turban and pearls of the cover painting!
I just started And the Band Played On, which I wanted to start after seeing Dallas Buyers Club. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are amazing in that film. Go see it.
I’m also working on Grace Burrowes’ Lady Jenny’s Christmas Portrait, Tessa Dare’s Any Duchess Will Do, and Sarah MacLean’s One Good Earl Deserves a Lover. I’m enjoying all of them.
Just got finished with an old Zebra, Beloved Bondage by Katharine Kincaid. Which leads me to the question of why aren’t more historical romances set in the ancient world of the Romans, Greeks, or Egyptians? Nowadays “historical” romances seem to have the cut-off date of 1066.
I’m working my way through Maya Banks KGI series – I’m on book 4. When I want a change of pace, I switch between non-fiction (I love a good biography, right now it is Amanda Knox’s memoir) and getting caught up on some previously unread Jill Shalvis books. I am almost done with her back catalog and have read every Nora Roberts, I hope I will find some new book ideas from these comments, suggestions welcome!
Nonfiction for me this week: “The Story of the Human Body” by Daniel E. Lieberman, new release about the quirks of the human body and how these arise from our evolutionary past. Absolutely fascinating. I am devouring it.
I have been on a fantasy romance and high fantasy streak lately.
Just read Master of Crows by Grace Draven, that one was great, and Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas. I have the second one in the series Throne of Midnight on my TBR pile, coming up shortly.
I’m currently reading A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan
I also have The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett on my list.
I’m so looking forward to Christmas and a few days off, so I can read all these!
I am reading a biography of Mae West called She Always Knew How by Charlotte Chandler. I have always been a fan of Miss West. It’s a long book so it is taking awhile to read.
I just started The Marriage Surrender by Michelle Reid. I am waiting for my holiday gifts to myself that I made in the last few days-used and new books along with new clothes desperately needed. Trying to restrain myself from buying any more books. though.
I’m working on Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay after Julia Quinn posted about it on her FB page. I don’t usually enjoy journal/letter style books, but this one is working for me.
I just started The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber. I’m literally 3 pages in, so I couldn’t tell you how good or bad it is. I usually like her Christmas themed books, but I didn’t like the last one I read (Call Me Mrs. Miracle) because there were too many times when i had to suspend my belief in reality. There were characters changing simply because the story called for them to change and we really didn’t see them make a decision to change. I think that if it had been a longer book, it would have worked better.
I recently finished Duke of Shadows which I loved, it was tough and hurt but beautifully written. I’m in the midst of a book called Havana Real by a Cuban blogger that I keep dipping into.
Yesterday I started The Book Thief which I’ve been meaning to read but I’m having trouble getting into it, the narration feels contrived and makes me want to reread Terry Pratchett’s Death. Also I’m rereading The Dark is Rising as its one of the books that I love to reread around this time of year.
I’m reading Elisha Barber by E.C. Ambrose, a historical fantasy about a barber-surgeon in medieval England.
Courtney Milan’s The Countess Conspiracy, which I just finished and then promptly bought as a gift for a good friend. SO WONDERFUL, I CAN’T EVEN.
I can’t seem to get into much right now. I did finally finish Nelson DeMille’s Plum Island, which was very good. But I’m not sure i’m up for the next about a Muslim terrorist. I’ve recently gotten into Sherry Thomas, thanks to this site. I liked Robyn Carr’s new holiday Virgin River book, a Virgin River Christmas. I liked it better than her new series. Reading Jo Beverley’s I’ve missed, as well.
Just finished The Countess Conspiracy which was wonderful – definitely one of my favourites for 2013. I am reading may way through Sarah Morgan’s backlist.
I am also reading The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. I am onlynanfew chapters in but it is really interesting.
A few weeks ago I read 1356 by Bernard Cornwell of Sharpe’s Rifles. As to be expected, it was about a bloody battle, but the characterizations and historical details were delightful lead up to the expected conclusion.
To get into the Christmas spirit, I’ve been reading novellas/short stories. Christmas Roses and Grosvenor Square were fun escapist reads.
Right now, I’m part way through a debut author, Kat Sheridan’s, Echoes in Stone. It’s a gothic romance, so of course there’s someone who want to kill the heroine. I want to know the identity of the would be murderer but I’m frustrated with the high level of lust and the low level of affection.
And for comfort reading, I re-read the Exordium series by Sherwood and Trowbridge.
I’m in the middle of Julianne McLean’s Taken by the Cowboy. Despite being a Whovian, I’m not big on time travel stories. Skimming seems to be the way to read this one and it’s keeping me occupied until I decide what’s next.
Nothing 🙁 I’m currently in between books and debating what I should read next
I just recently finished “Louder Than Love” by Jessica Topper and I loved it. It’s about a widowed librarian and a former heavy-metal rockstar. Totally surprised me with how funny and poignant and mature the book was. Highly recommend!
I am currently reading the Russian Protector series by Roxie Rivera—they’re sexy and fun, but a little lacking in conflict. Still I am enjoying having something lightweight to read in between stressing about the holidays.
I’m currently reading ALL THE BOOKS! Deborah Yaffe’s Among the Janeites, Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion, and Connie Willis’s holiday anthology Miracle, as well as her novella All Seated on the Ground, which is not included in Miracle.
OMG, these books you are reading are not making me feel the holiday spirit: The Guns of War? The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich? And The Band Played On?
I just finished the next-to-newest Liz Carlyle book, “A Bride By Moonlight”. I love her writing and her characters, and this was as good as anything she’s every written. Carlyle hasn’t lost the erotic intensity, which some authors do after writing for upteen years. The plot turned a bit into a British country house murder mystery, which is a change for her, but I enjoy those anyway.
Right now I am reading is Olivia Miles’ Twas the Week Before Christmas. It is a Harlequin Special Edition. It takes place in and Inn owned by the heroine and there is a Grinchy angle to the Hero. So far I am really enjoying it.
Gee, I’m reading way too many books at any one time. The books I’m focused on right now are The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, then Forsaken by Jacquelyn Frank, and following that will be Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford, Last Train to Paris, hopefully Somewhere in France by Jane Robson (Still waiting for it to arrive…) Netherwood, My Mother’s Funeral, and The House on the Cliff by Charlotte Williams.
Well, currently I am reading House of Hades by Rick Riordan. I’m trying to get it situated, since I’m sure there’s a child or two on the hold list at the library that would be resenting my almost 35 year old self. Starting Tuesday, I’m until the 6th, and am hoping to get a lot of reading in. Just from the library, I have Parasite by Mira Grant, Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep, Behind the Shattered Glass by Tasha Alexander, and Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James. And the lot of you are seriously wearing on my resolve to not buy The Countess Conspiracy until I read what I have out of the library. Have mercy, folks.
Just finished “Beautiful Player” which is absolutely the best book in the series so far. Yes, yes, it involve that whole brother’s bff thing we discussed last week, but still. The authors mention that they have a new editor, so props to him. And now on to Shannon McKenna’s latest, “Fatal Strike”. What can relieve my holy crap I’m not done with my Christmas shopping and there’s 5” of snow headed this way! stress but over the top McKenna style WTFery. Unless… why, what’s in this envelope with the Amazon logo that was waiting on my doorstep when I returned from the mall? Mmmmmm, Kristen Callihan’s latest. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
I recently read Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis, which was fun but a little light for my usual tastes. It was my first Shalvis and I liked it enough to buy the first two in the Lucky Harbor series so those are waiting in my TBR list. After the Shalvis, I read Reaper’s Property by Joanna Wylde. This was my first MC romance and I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea. It wasn’t cracktastic enough for me to overlook how (unintentionally) silly it all felt. Right now I’m trying to get into Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper, but while the mystery is intriguing, the plot is slow to start. I might just not be in the mood for it right now and am thinking about putting it down and picking it back up later. I want to move on to some holiday romances and, after some slow reading, I really want to read a romantic suspense that keeps me up all night. I’m thinking Season for Temptation by Theresa Romain and Married for Christmas by Noelle Adams for the holiday reads and A Righteous Kill by Kerrigan Byrne for my RS. All three were recently on sale and I snatched them up.