I just finished the 1st book of the Hollows series (Dead Witch Walking).  It was pretty good, but it started off really slow.  The first 150pgs dragged with endless descriptives and plot set up, then it took off after that and petered to sluggish finish.  I don't know, maybe the writer was experimenting on writing styles while drafting her first book.  I bought the whole series so that is what I'm going to read, but I hope it gets better.  Not a bad book by any means, just a little inconsistent.

Not a bad book by any means, just a little inconsistent.

Yeah. I hear you. See what you think when you keep reading. I had that problem throughout. Book 4 took me aggggess to motor through.

Her ideas are big. Props for her creativeness & she has good banter, but it's fits & starts throughout IMO. Her descriptions of characters (how they look, things they do - like Rachel always holds her middle etc..) & many scenarios are repetitive too.

Did you also buy the whole series up front?  The rest of the series has high marks, so I figured it was just the first book.

No. I only bought the 1st book on kindle. I borrowed the rest.

If I didn't buy it I probably would not have read further.  I can't wait for the next Harris and Frost book.

Me too. There are quite a few I can't wait for. I get so ridiculously excited.

So, what are you reading now? I just started the 2nd hallows book, it's seems a little better than the start of the first one.  Is there no romance in any of there books?  I half hope that she gets together with the villain.  Is that weird or what?

There's romance. It's...kind of weird. I don't want to give you too much of my impressions...which villain are you wanting her to hook up with?

I am reading the 4th book in the Cassandra Palmer series. So far the series is good but a little all over the place. There are a ton of similarities with the Sookie books. Not exact replicas but ideas taken & reformatted in a new way.

My main issue is the author wastes a lot of words. I think she could use a better editor. The time travel is cool but can get a little overly complicated.  The other big one is the author is a major cock tease (excuse my french). She has the MC alllmost have sex soooo many times with a few different characters it gets a bit tedious.

Even after she has a payoff at the very end of one of the book, I might add, come the next book - she is back to her old tricks. I'm thinking...why? Really? Come on already!  Its for sexual tension sake but after reading Bones & Cat....it can be done. You can put a couple together & still have the tension so....it's a premise that I'm a bit over already.

But she's funny. She is quick. I have laughed out loud at various points & I do like the characters. I just don't need all the tedious descriptive detail (Cassandra Clare who wrote Mortal Instruments does right by this rule. It's one of the reasons why I love the books).

However - one of our posters recommended this series to me & we have very similar tastes. I think the 4th book is where it really starts to get good & I am only about 15% into it.

Time travel aye?  I'm not that far along.  I was hoping that Rache would get together with Mr. Druglord Trent.  That would make it somewhat interesting, no?  And I agree, romance doesn't always have to kill the sexual tension.

Oh no sorry - The Cassandra Palmer series has time travel.

As far as Trent.....you'll see.

There is one thing that has been puzzling me about this story.  How is a Witch not a human?  Harrison fails to explain that.

Trent and Rachel aye?  Okay, I'll stop prodding.

I imagine that will be just the start of your questions, LOL!

It's their DNA.  They are just born with a different makeup. There is a lot Harrison fails to explain. A lot. One HUGE explanation doesn't happen until book 5 & the way it's finally done...it bizarre. It's like she thought she explained it previously so it's done so nonchalantly.

Anyway - wait until you see how witches have sex.

Do you really want to know? It's up to you. I'll tell you if you want.

Basically, Harrison's imagination can't keep up with her pen. Her ideas are so many & so big - it's like they move ahead of her leaving the necessary explanations & detail in the dust a lot of times. She gets ahead of herself. IMO - the series lacks continuity.

no, don't tell me. okay tell. I mean no!

LOL!! You sound like me when I was debating hearing spoilers for DAG.

Yes, she seems like a smart woman and writer with terrible editors.

I guess in her world witches are born not self-made.  I don't read a lot of fantasy, so most of what I know about witches are what I've seen in the movies.

I've heard of Palmer, but not familiar with her work.  How do you like it so far?

And how do you know about Hallows book 5 if you are on book 4?

Correct. They are Born. As well as Vamps & their hierarchy. Vamps can be made but most are born. She writes a complicated world

I've heard of Palmer, but not familiar with her work.  How do you like it so far?

Actually the series name is Cassandra Palmer - the author of that series is Karen Chance. 

And how do you know about Hallows book 5 if you are on book 4?

Sorry I was saying I was on Book 4 of the Cassandra series  - currently b'c you had asked what I was reading now. So then I was giving you a little feedback about that.

BTW - although it was book 4 of the Hollows series that I did in fact struggle with.

gotcha.  I've read that most struggle with the first book in the Hallows series.  I had to put it down a few times he first 200 pgs myself, but I was still able to read it in a day.

Okay, all I want to know is what book will the whole Trent thing go down.  I must know.

Trent is an important central character so he is throughout the series. With that being said, there is a relationship but not typical or expected.

So far Harrison is doing a better job of explaining the virus back story in the 2nd book with fewer words, than the first.  I wonder if she got a new editor.

I second all the suggestions for the Night Huntress Series. I finished 4 yesterday and they're really good. Honestly, this might sound wierd, but I loved the sex scenes in this book. I'm not a big fan of sex in books, b/c of the way most of it is written. When I'm reading, I can tell if the author was uncomfortable when writing the scene, and that makes me uncomfortable. I also don't like when I'm reading, and the nouns used remind me of 70's porn "manhood" and such words. I don't like too graphic either.(The Sleeping Beauty series)  Not when I'm trying to watch my kids at the same time I'm reading anyway!!

Cat and Bones get down and dirty w/o it being awkward, it's damn sexy. HMS at it's best.

Oh god Krysta totally. The Sex scenes in this book rock & add completely to the emotion & intimacy.

I'm not a big fan of sex in books, b/c of the way most of it is written. When I'm reading, I can tell if the author was uncomfortable when writing the scene, and that makes me uncomfortable.

Totally!! That is what I feel with Mercy Thompson. Briggs is emotionally stunted she used every trick in the book to even avoid kissing! I mean she really went to great lengths to avoid what she was setting up as the inevitable. It was ridiculous.

Same with the CP books I am reading - I feel like maybe Karen Chance is slightly conflicted about going there. Same wiht the sex scene in DAG...

I also don't like when I'm reading, and the nouns used remind me of 70's porn "manhood" and such words.

LMFAO!! Or how about.."my nub"...or "bundle of nerves" or ..."topography" or "my folds" or "wet folds"...?

Christ - get an urban dictionary or a thesaurus people!! I need some new lingo.

YES - that is why I freaking love C&B - that was dirty sexy ... hot. Never cheese.

OMG YES !!! That is awsome you agree with me! I cringed everytime I read "topography" and "my nub." I'm thinking, ok, just say clit already. That's what it is. No more wierd inuuendos.

Seriously!! Sometimes what I wouldn't give for an author to bust out with "and he touched my beef curtains" or something. You know...to be different. I would just die. OK I am obviously kidding b'c that is just gross really...nothing hot about that... but could you imagine!!??

Oh wait..wait I thought of another one: "his length"! Shit really? His length?

I cringed everytime I read "topography" and "my nub."

My particular "favorite" was in the shower scene lol, when she said something to the effect of MR. HAPPY WAS KIND OF FOLDED UP AGAINST HIS STOMACH

oooooooh I'm laughing just thinking about it now. It says a lot that I still found the whole thing sexy after that. 

SSL...that's funny & so true. Oh god...hilarious.

Wast that in Book 4?  I just might have to check that out again. LoL.

Yes.

Oh wait..wait I thought of another one: "his length"! Shit really? His length? 

HAHAHAAAA!!! Yeah, I read that and I'm wait...are we talking about a tape measure, or his penis?

OH YEAH!! I forgot about Mr. Happy!! Really, just say cock, because we can take it. This isn't Sex Ed. here. It's not the tale of Mr. Happy meets Ms. Wet Folds.

Really?  There wasn't a lot C&B interaction in that one.

It's not the tale of Mr. Happy meets Ms. Wet Folds.

Oh god!! SO funny!! 

Oh yeah.  I've already "reviewed" that scene a few times.  You think they'll keep that scene in for TB?  It would be awesome if they did.

Hey everyone!  Just finished a new one this weekend and had to rave about it!  So sorry if this has been recommended elsewhere - I'm at work and can't skim through prior posts to see.

It's called Graceling, by Kristin Cashore.  It's YA fantasy.  A really lovely story set in a pre-Industrial Revolution fictional place called the Seven Kingdoms.  There are these people called "gracelings"  who are each blessed with some enhanced special ability.  The main character is called Katsa and her ability is killing.  It become an adventure quest, but it explores really wonderful themes about indepdence, love, who we really are and how we come into our own as people.  Oh, and there's a great romance too!  I HIGHLY recommend this one!  Read it twice over the weekend already.  I particularly recommend it for the moms and daughters on here who share books - as a mom (albeit of a 2 year not yet old enough tor ead these things) I'd love my daughter to read this one.  There'sa very strong female protagonist, a supportive male lead and it's great.

Ooh thanks newlybitten! I have this one on my wish list but hadn't found anyone else who had read it yet. I'll definitely pick this one up.

Oh and THANK YOU everyone for pointing out the horrible anatomic descriptions in some of these books. "Nub" is the worst!!!!!! I've seen a few authors use that and I always think REALLY??!! Do YOU call your own genetalia that Ms. Writer?? And is that sexy even in the least??? "Nub" sounds like the result of a horrible accident, not a happy place on your body. I swear this to you all right now, that if I ever write a book I will never use the word nub unless I'm describing a tailless cat or a severed limb.

yes nub is kinda severed limbish.

Reminds me of the scene from 10 things I hate about you where the counselor is writing the book trying to think up a new term for a "quivering member"  LOL

Sometimes what I wouldn't give for an author to bust out with "and he touched my beef curtains" or something.

OMG, that is too funny.  What a description!  I'm going to have to work that one into a conversation with my guy friends.

I agree with you all about euphemistic language coming across as awkward and unnecessary.  I'll try to avoid that in my writing.  Frost does well with it.  Her story is gritty and so is the sex.  Of course I know plenty of adult women that couldn't handle words like "cock" or "clit", but they shouldn't be reading big girl stuff then.

Ohh, Oh I have another one! "her wet core" or "my dripping wet core".

ACK!

Or the overall typical description for eating a chick out? "Lapping her wet folds".

I am reading a fanfic right now & I swear she is using every single sex euphemism there is!

And what's with the 2 finger maximum? Always..most dare not more than 2.

To maintain the illusion of virginity!

Ahh - ok so if it's no bigger than a super tampon, not only are you still a good girl (aka: tighter than a vacuum packed jar of pickles) but technically it's not big enough to break a hymen? Thus...the illusion. But of course!

I was thinking it might be for decorum's sake. You know..3, 4 or even well...you get the picture is far too daring but I see - the virginity rule applies to the 2 finger max rule.

It's like all men in Romance novels have to be hung bigger than a kielbasa.

Oh yup! And one more..sorry it's just ALL in here in what I am reading now...all the "Come for me"....or the simultaneous orgasm. There's a ton of those too.

Ok so I just open up this thread and my 15 yo son is literally hanging over my shoulderand sees laura'spost about :dripping wet core"' before I do! He wants to know what the heck I am reading!LOL!

So I don't have to work for a couple of days and thought I'd start the  The Night Huntress series everyone talks about. What is the title of the 1st one and author please?

ROTFLMAO!!! Oh god. Oh my god. Good thing he didn't see the one about the beef curtains...or the kielbasa. Did you tell him we ladies also have dirty juvenile minds once in a while? Seriously...what did you say!?

It's Jeanine Frost & the 1st one is called Halfway to the Grave.

"Come for me"..

Would you believe my husband says that one sometimes?  I hope I don't laugh next time.

The simultaneous orgasm kills me, though.  And why be shy about two fingers when your man is dung like a honkey?  One of the reasons I've shied away from romance novels for so many years was the heroines that couldn't own their own sexuality.

Would you believe my husband says that one sometimes?  I hope I don't laugh next time.

Oh man Sano you get props for coming clean with that. I bet he says it sexy though. It can be sexy but it's just used a TON.

And why be shy about two fingers when your man is dung like a honkey? 

Completely! Makes no sense. I get you have to keep her lean & mean. Save the stretching the cumbersome erection. It keeps it special. I guess - that's my guess.

Yeah on the other forum we have a whole thread about sexuality in the romance genre. It's the whole - "if it ain't broke" adage the publishers are still going off of when it was a much different demographic.

Luckily he's still pretty naive- so I just nothing you need to know about (yet)!

Oops posted before I said thanks for the book title!

LMAO! I agree. with it ALL. You guys are hysterical!

I just finished up all the vampire diaries.  My friend started watching the series and of course after the first couple I couldn't resist reading them.  Anyone else read all of them?

I did. I didn't like them at all. I thought it was promising afetr the 2nd book but I really didn't like the 3rd or 4th books.

I hear the series is good though. I saw the 1st 2 ep's & liked them.

I like the show better than the books.  The books okay but I guess the YA-ness made them a little fake to me.

I started Night Huntress this morning.

Oh BTW - for those Who have a Kindle or are getting one- Amazon are currently giving away the very 1st Book in the Merry Gentry series by Laurell K Hamilton.

oooohhh. I just ordered Night Huntress series. I'm excited. Gotta read Catching Fire today and do my Fever rereads. I love books

Oh D you are going to love NH. I know it.

love that English accent on Bones

oh, I can't wait.

Ok, I had been waiting and waiting for the first Night Huntress book to come in to the library and it finally did....and then I realized I had accidentally requested the third one by mistake. Should I just start that one, or should I wait for the *actual* first book?

No definitely don't start with 3. I know it stinks to wait but I think you'll enjoy it a lot more if you read them in order- that way you get the back story on everyone and you'll appreciate them a lot more.

I second that!

As far as I remember, I don't think that Frost does much recapping so you'd miss a lot Anita. Am I right Laura? I don't remember reading much of a recap with the books.

thanks...guess I'm going to tackle Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, then!

Yeah, very little backstory...the way she integrates it is scattered so it not like a big chunk all up front.

I see that you're from Atlanta too Anita. What part?

I'm glad that Frost doesn't do big blocks of recapping. BORING!!

I live in Inman Park / Little 5. You?

No way! I live in East Atlanta not too far from the Village so we're almost neighbors!

I just wanna throw out there that hands down, so far the best fashion in supe genre books is the Fever books. Dolce & Gabbana, yes thank you!

lol yes the designer clothes are great including the cars.... maseratis are hott!

Yay! Fever!!! ok, sorry, I get a little excited about em.

I'm on the 4th. Ch 11. I like them, but it's killing me not to know what's going on!!! Barons is what?? I've got a huge list, in the first book or 2 I thought he was a werewolf, but now, not so sure.

V'Lane:Good/Bad.........

Is 4 the end of the series?

On each book, I get to like the last 50 pages, and I'm thinking ok, there's got to be some resolution, but nope...

LQTM....There's one more book due out early next year. Resolution? uhmmmm...not yet. not completely. KMM is brilliant in her delivery. Keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting more, needing more. Just keep reading! Then you can join the forum discussion  with spoilers. I have so much fun with this series! Love me some Mac and Barrons. *squeal!*

SPOILER

Well, she's back in the city and puked on his shoes and he called her Ms. Lane. If it was me, I'd be like "You screwed me six ways to sunday, and yet you still can't use my first name?"

I've never been so on edge w/ a book before. I usually figure out what's going to happen

It's the formality it offers. Notice he only calls her by her first name when they get emotionally intimate (i.e. she's near death). When he tries to distance her, cut off how she affects him, he calls her Ms. Lane. Ahhhh! I love this series!

I've never been so on edge w/ a book before. I usually figure out what's going to happen

Lol...it's delicious, isn't it? Not knowing? Not being able to figure it out. The sexual tension...

Right now I'd just settle to find out what species Barrons is. Some Celtic Druid warewolf(my first guess from book 1), or some Fae species run amuck.....it's  making my  brain hurt....in a good way

OK guys, love you but take it to the other forum please..XX

Yes mam

But first I must say that "Fae species run amuck" made me laugh Krysta : )

sorry...sorry! I was done, really.

OMG I read the Succubus series, OMG I loved it!!!  Thank you so very very much for the recom.  I am going to start the Hollow series next.  Thanks again Laura for the book recommendations!!!

Oh Yay! Another Georgie Lover!

Hell Ya another Georgie lover, I cannot even believe the series stopped the way it did!

Alright, Laura...picked up 1984 y'day. Let's see if this helps with Hunger Games.

Don't kill me if you don't like it! I was 15 & studying fiction that was all that dystopian, existential, controversial book crap. I think it will help though.

never! It's like a must-read anyhow. May as well read it now. Now if I could just get my ass off the internet, I could do some reading. lol

Has anyone ever heard of the author Lillith Saintcrow, her Jill Kismet series? It was an Amazon choice for me.

OOHH I love 1984!!!!  It was one of my fav's my 10th grade year

You should read the Hunger Games then...see what you think of the comparisons. It reminds of it very much.

I have that and then Hallows.  I am re-reading Sookie and then I am re-reading New Moon for the movie next week but those are in my que's to read.

Hunger Games is great...I'm probably going to start the sequel this week. I got a free copy at a conference I went to this summer but forgot I had it until recently. I can't wait to see what happens with Peeta/Gray...

Ok I am on the 3rd book of Night Huntress and loving it.  Love Bones. Which made me think of Fever series and how I love Barons. So this made me think if you had to choose which one would it be--Eric, Barons or Bones?  My son plays these stupid games on me all the time and I hate them--but --------just wondering! I am going to say right off that I can't decide( big cop out, I know).

I can't decide either!!

Oh I am Eric all the way!! I hate Bones and I prefer Eric over Barons...go figure I'm an EricLover!!!

I Love all 3!...Ugh...I can't pick just one. I do seem to find myself more obsessed with Barrons, but I think that's more because nobody knows what he is. He's so mysterious!

I know it's a hard one:

Barron's is so feral & mysterious. There is a sense of honor or loyalty I do get about him. Just a feeling. Plus, he can hump somene back to thier actual sense's That's saying something!

Bones is more human actually b'c he is the most accessible emotionally. He is playful, sexy but wears his heart on his sleeve so he's more raw/passionate in his words, actions & responses. I nearly died with how vulnerable he was when he was seducing her, but even more still after he took her blood for the 1st time.

And Eric is Eric. He has charm, humor & a playful side & when he chooses to show it, it's so far & few between. It's more precious. But he is also observant & a cool customer. Has great acumen..business & otherwise by being a student of survival. Plus, he accepts who & what he is. No apologies. He just...IS..Eric is well, Eric.  In many ways - I find him to the less obvious 'Alpha' male in comparing the guys. I love that subtly.

Tough one but I'd have to say Eric I think we know more about him than Bones.  You know I think the main thing I don't like about Bones is his gigolo-ness...

EricLover I think the reason we like Vlad is b/c he seems more Eric-like.  I think NH's love scenes are on a whole different level than SVM's.

I haven't read the fever books yet so I can't throw in an opinion there.

Patricia-You know I never thought about Vlad being Ericlike as the reason I prefer him...I hope that I am not going to compare all Alpha Males to Eric, that may set me up for disapointment...I am glad thought that you dont prefer Bones.  I was starting to feel isolated on that area.  You know his gigilo past doenst bother me so much as just him in general.  I really got mad at him when he locked Cat in the closet and did not explain to her in any way that things were going to be OK.  I know that she couldn't go to sleep but GAWD had he just TOLD her something then that WHOLE drama would not have happend.  He is not a calm and collective person and Vlad is.  Even Tate doesnt make as wreckless choices.  IMO.  I know people will disagree with me.

Sorry I got off on a rant.  Fever is a good series, Amazon was giving book 1 away for free and I got ropped in on it, those damn marketing people know how to suck you right in.

Just finished the 3rd book and yeah-really starting to like Vlad. He definitely has an Ericness about him. Bones' gigolo past doesn't bother me. I think because he is so into Kitten/Cat that the mystery of does he or doesn't he is not there. But he's hot!  Now I was on CH 's forum last night checking out other authors and on the  JF thread they were talking about Bones. I was chuckling to myself because it was a bunch of BL's and I thought I would never have liked the same male characters as them. Well now that I am intriqued with Vlad and I see that they like Bones so much because he really LOVES Kitten/Cat  like Bill LOVES Sookie!  So we are not on the same page and it's all good now!  Just kidding-sort of!

Oh gawd, I would hate to have something in common with those crazy BL's.  Why cant' they just be normal.  I mean look at us, we Love Eric yet we can discuss other options with out any explosion of emotion!!!  Well in that case i am glad i dont like Bones, one more thing I do not have to agree with those nuts on!!!  (Not calling you a nut at all!!!!!!!!!)

LOL

omg night huntress!!!!!!

Thought I should put this here even though I haven't read it.  I was in a book store today picking up book 2 and 3 in the Night Huntress series.  I took a look around and stopped short.  There is a book on the shelves called "Mr. Darcy, Vampyre" by Amanda Gregory or Grahame... definitely a G last name.  Anyway, it reminded me of the "Pride and Prejudice" thread here which blew me away, so I thought you might appreciate hearing that someone has taken it the next step and instead of comparing Mr. Darcy to a vampire has actually decided to turn him into one!!

Okay, so I finally finished the four Night Huntress books, and here is what I have to say:

1 - I'm surprised that the Quinn contingent isn't the group that's all about Bones, what with the constant "luv" and "kitten" nicknames and the millions of references to what a great fighter he is! I'm being a bit glib, as actually Bones didn't annoy me to nearly the extent that Quinn did and overall I liked him just fine (especially in the dirty bits!), but still...I doubt I could stand to be around someone constantly calling me "luv" for too long at all! And I agree, Vlad did seem pretty Eric-esque, although it seems there's no chance whatsoever of he and Cat getting together.

2- I really, really liked the first 3 books, but the fourth was pretty tough for me to get through until about the last 1/4 or it...so depressing! I really had to struggle through it until I got to the end portion, which I did like a lot.

what with the constant "luv" and "kitten" nicknames

He's English so it's common term of endearment. My hubby calls me luv.

But overall they like the pet names. One I hear quite a bit over here is "rabbit"! His nickname for her of "Kitten" didn't bother me b'c I felt it was a tongue 'n cheek pun based off her name. Which they also do a lot out here. The English love words. There's nothing like a good pun they feel. At least that's what the ones I know all tell me!

No the series will last with the Bones & Cat pairings.

Are the Night Huntress books good, I haven't come across them yet? I quite like the sound of 'dirty bits'.

It's true Brits have loads of pet names (some regional), I've been called lots of (relatively polite) names.

My husband calls me 'luv' and 'sweetheart' and my dad called me 'pet' or 'lass' (he was from Yorkshire), I've never heard of 'kitten' in the area I come from but I have a friend from Glasgow who calls women 'hen' (y'awright hen? - are you alright dear?) and a male friend from the Aberdeen area who calls me 'quine' (pronounced kwyne and presumably related to TB!Eric's old Swedish 'qvinne') .

The weirdest 'pet name' I've been called is, I think, 'witch' when I lived in Lancashire, a boyfriend used to call me that (I was a bit offended at first until someone explained it was a compliment to my eyes). Lancashire had famous supposed witches at Pendle and there was a well known folk song that spoke of the beauty of the Lancashire mill girls and portrayed them as witches putting a spell on the boys with their eyes.

It's weird how I can't stand Quinn calling Sookie 'babe' really. It just seems so flash and cheesy, like a wannabee ladies man.

Is this strictly vampire books or can we recommend anything? I don't know if any of you read Dean Koontz, but I got caught up in the Odd Thomas series. Love it! It has a lot of humor in it but it's a suspense/mystery and paranormal book series. It's witty and easy going.

The funny thing is, I lived in London for a while and I remember guys addressing women like, on the street or working somewhere by pet names all the time, but not so much their girlfriends...at least not anymore than I've noticed people doing that anywhere else. Reading the books I just felt like the "luv" was the British equivalent of Quinn's "babe" but maybe it was just me...

As far I I always perceived, "luv" is a common term of endearment reserved mainly for dear friends, family or loved ones. There is usually a genuineness behind using it. Whereas, "babe" the way Quinn uses it definitely more...flippant? B'c he uses it straight off the bat (at least that's the way I feel about it).

Nena - you can recommend whatever you want.

I've only read the first Night Huntress.  Am starting the second today.  I loved the first one.  Just so much fun and very hot chemistry with Bones and Cat.  I was born in Canada, but both my parents are from the north of England.  So this is just based on them and visiting England and my relatives.  The pet names didn't bother me.  They seemed about right.  But it did seem like sometimes the author was just loading Bones up with every "englishism" she could think of.  I'm not being very specific, sorry. But some of them didn't ring right in my ears, or the amount of them just seemed a little like overkill.

With the holidays approaching, I thought I'd mention a couple of kids book series that I have really enjoyed with my son.  If anyone has kids to shop for.  One is the "Bone" series of graphic novels by Jeff Smith.  Beautiful art and the story is great.  Fantasy, suspenseful and really funny.  Also, the Lemony Snicket "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books.  Each book is like a little jewel.  Beautifully bound and illustrated.  Daniel Heard is so funny.  He always includes things for the parents reading, but the kids enjoy as well.  The whole series really lays out how good and bad exist in all of us, and that no matter what has happened, we can make choices.  There's so much more to them as well.  I think he wrote them for children who have endured abuse or neglect.  They are not at all preachy, but could be a bit much for the really younger set.  Maybe for age 8 up.

Thank you for the book reccomendations for the younger set -- it's appreciated.

Have you read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? I know it's insanely popular and I was looking for some feedback.

No, sorry!  My son has expressed interest in it, but has yet to borrow or buy.

I finished the 4th Night Huntress the other day. really loved JF's whole world, the vamp hierarchy, etc. Can't wait to read the others coming out.

The whole nickname thing didn't bother me. I love that he calls her Kitten all the time. It did start out as a joke, like Laura said, very tongue in cheek.

Loved the humor through all the books. Also loved that Cat and Bones are a couple throughout and their story doesn't get old or boring. Not schmoopy at all. Wish Ch would take notice. I can totally see Sookie and Eric being a couple and having amazing adventures. Maybe then people would focus more on the mystery/plot and not on who's the one foe Sookie!  Of course then she would have to really step up her mysteries, they could use some work.

Anita, i 100% agree Bones/Quinn are BOTH EHHH to me!!  I actually like the nick names, it is about the only thing (aside from the dirty bits) that I like about Bones.

the dirty bits were top notch, no questions about that =)

I just finished book 2 of the Night Huntress series, and am squeezing my eyes a bit so I don't see any spoilers.  Just had to say that I love Cat in this book!  She's tough, loyal, foul-mouthed, sexy and smart... I just really like her.  You know, she reminds me of Faith on Buffy, but on a really bad day and hopped up on something!  I loved how she told off Annette after staking her in the heart:

"I think we need to have a little talk, woman to skank...Bones forgave me for deserting him and running off for years,so you can bet your overused,group orgy twat that I will forgive him for one bad mouthful of you.  Now, are we clear on that?"

LMAO!!!  I wish I could come up with stuff like that when I'm really pissed off!

LMAO! I LOVE Cat!! I love them all - smart, rich, direct....so good.

yes! I love Cat and Annette's frenemy situation

I found a wonderful starting series.  There are two so far.  "Stepsister Scheme" and "The Mermaid's Madness" by Jim C. Hines.  It is the "ever after" at the end of fairy tales just...it did not turn out all happy.  The main characters are Snow White (Snow), Sleeping Beauty (Talia), and Cinderella (Danielle).  Has anyone else here read them?  Quite good fantasy and characters.  Highly recommend them.  It was a nice rest from vampires and werewolves.

Sounds really cool. I will put them in my queue.

Have you read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? I know it's insanely popular and I was looking for some feedback.

My oldest loved the first two books.  Can anyone recommend some Independent Reader/Young Adult books for him?  Keep in ind he's reading at a 12th grade level but is only 10, so nothing sexy.  He loves LOTR and I'm trying to get him into Harry Potter.  They've gotta be good or he'll get bored.

Has anyone read the Vampires Assistant?!?  We saw the movie and it semi-intrigued me but I was wondering if any of you all have read it.

Sano-When I was 13 I fell inlove with the Phantom Tollbooth.  That was the first book that I had ever read that I truely enjoyed

What about Hunger Games Sano? I can't remember if you said he read those.

There is also a YA book called Unwind by Neil Shusterman which got rave reviews across the board. It one all sorts of awards. I bought it from Amazon.

Here's the link to see him explain the book: http://www.storyman.com/books/unwind.html?animate=1

Here is the link to see all of his books (you have to scroll down past Everwild):  http://www.storyman.com/books/

He has a trilogy called The Skinjacker Triology as well which I hear is excellent. Everlost is 1st, then Everwild.

I haven't read the VA....I think Tracy may have though.

What about the Cristopher Paolini books? First one is Eragon. There are 3books out,my son and I are eagerly awaiting the 4th and final.

The Eragon movie sucked!

Oh, what about the Gideon trilogy by Linda Buckley-Archer?  The first book is called "The Time Travelers".  My son and I have just finished the first book, so I can't comment personally on the 2nd and 3rd, but the first is excellent!  It is about a pair of children, boy and girl, in England who get transported back to the 18th century.  They are trapped there and must find a way back.  It's a really great story, the kids are believable and likable.  Also, a great way for kids to learn about the differences between how things are now, and how they were in the past.  Real "fish-out-of-water" stuff.

Thanks, ladies!  They all sound great and that expands his Christmas list.  He's a hard kid to buy for.  I also think I'm going t get him Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and maybe try a Discworld book.  I don't remember them being too "adult".

LOVED Gaiman's Graveyard Book! Highly recommend.

Oh and Rachel, the Wimpy Kid series is great, my 10 year old daughter loves them, I think they're funny too! I just bought the first book of the Gregor the Overlander series for my daughter to try out. It's written by Suzanne Collins, author of the Hunger Games books which I loved so I'm hoping that her younger readers books will be just as fabulous. The reviews for the entire Overlander series on Amazon are just glowing so I'm thinking it will be a good read.

Ashley, I've read the first two Cirque du Freak books that the movie Vampire's Assistant was based on. My daughter and I are sharing them but it's definitely a tween/teen read. I'm enjoying them but if you're thinking of this series for yourself, know that it has a very young feel to it. I've also read the first book of Darren Shan's Demonata series which I liked but still, it's an older kid read. I'm not sure that I would pass that series on to my 10 yr. old though. It's pretty disturbing and gory in parts.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely right now and I'm liking it in case anyone needs a fae fix.

I need help!

Has anyone ready Bad Attitude by Sherrilyn Kenyon?  I am only 21% into it and I really like it.  So far it seems really decent.  Not a PNR but a good book thus far

aa-loves-eric... You should go in an slightly different direction and start the Fever series... It is obsession inducing amazing... The Fever Series and Georgina Kincaid rox my world world...

I agree Fever is great and I just read Georgia Kincaid on Laura and Caroline's suggestion and it was great!  I also really like the dark hunter series, each book has a love interest and there are soem good humans in them.

Keep in ind he's reading at a 12th grade level but is only 10, so nothing sexy. 

Have you tried the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr)? Has great diction/vocab, great action, moral storyline, and original plot lines. Or try the Pern (Dragon)series by Anne McCaffrey

Thanks EricLover and CMaC...I will look into those suggestions!

Okay I remember these books being suggested on the last thread (which is how I discovered them, so THANK YOU to everyone who mentioned them) but I just finished the Vampire Academy series. My computer's been messed up for days which is why I haven't been on here, so I had a lot more time for reading.

Anyway, I loved it. I was very skeptical, but as soon as I really started reading it, I couldn't stop. This writer is so good IMO, I can't tell you how many times I cried throughout this series. Very witty dialogue too, I laughed out loud. Her characters are so loveable and relatable. I also thought she was fearless when it came to the story. My sister read them before me and she told me that the last book "Rocked the house" lol. It seriously did though. I love a writer who isn't afraid of doing somthing controversial, sad, slightly frustrating, or rocky. She went with it, and she's made it work. I also felt like she has always known where she was going. She has some of the greatest most subtle foreshadowing. Anyway, I love this series, can't wait for the next one. Just felt like sharing =)

I just read a little article about Vampire Academy somewhere & was looking to try them. Glad to hear you liked!

According to the article, it's actually a mother & her 16yo daughter that write them together, which is really cool IMO!

Hi aye17,

Much romance in the Vampire Academy?  If so, how graphic?

I have got to say, I have read 3 books now in the B.A.D. series, while it isnt PNR it is a good romance.  There are some hot sex scense and it is an easy read.

B.A.D series?  What does that mean?  What is pnr?       sorry-feel stupid but want to know.

Bureau of American Defense, Para-normal Romance

 Thank you!

Oh, woops....the books I was thinking of aren't Vampire Academy. They are called "House of Night" (by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast) and they are YA so probably not dirty at all...it's about a "vampire finishing school" and they actually pre-date Twilight but are just now getting a lot of attention as YA vamp books. I haven't read them, but I thought they sounded good so I just put the first one on hold at the lib...

aa-loves-eric, prepare for my review lol:

These books have some good romance. I loved it because it was very subtle for the most part. Most of it takes place through the emotions, not the actions, if that makes sense. They feel a lot more than they act on I guess you could say. It takes some time to blossum, but the anticipation is wonderful. It doesn't frustrate you, or come across as structured. It has a natural feel to it.

And IMO these books were pretty clean about the sex. She didn't avoid the topic, and it's in there a few times, but the main romance is more anticipation than action. When sex does come up in the story, she doesn't go into deep detail. You never hear about his "manhood" or anything like that. She gets right up to the moment, and implies the rest. And actually she focuses on the emotional aspect more than the physical IMO. There's definitely not as much detail as Sookie for sure. These are after all young adult.

Overall, I loved these books because despite the total fantasy aspect, they were so believable and natural. Especially the relationships. She took her time which was refreshing, I guess she wasn't pressured to bring on romance, and in doing so, it feels that much more real and deep. Nothing came across as forced, and it wasn't like she sees a hot guy, falls in love with him and suddenly he's the only thing that exists. Her love life is only a part of her life, sometimes the center, but never all of it.

Hope this helps. These books are definitely worth the read.

Much romance in the Vampire Academy?  If so, how graphic?

Ashley got it spot on. It's not graphic. There is romance. It's the basis of the series in many respects but not the entire focus. The 1st 3 books are extremely strong & they do get dark with the 3rd being the darkest, IMO. 

I'll give you a elaborate on a slightly different opinion from Ashley b'c I wasn't a fan of the 4th book which was a huge disappointment for me but I'll tell you why b'c it may be pertinent for you. It had far too much recapping (the 1st quarter of the book) & I felt the pacing was off as a result. So I felt it was crammed (esp. the end) & totally predictable. Most of all though -  It was a bad Buffy rip off. 

I really, really hope that the 5th will get better and the 1st 3 were strong enough that I will still read the 5th in hopes that she gets back to her best writing form.

Overall though you should read Richelle Mead in general b'c normally, as a writer she is fab.

Her Georgina Kincaid series is one of my top faves. She is fantastic but this last VA was not her best, IMO. It was missing Mead's usual heart & flair. However, I am in the minority feeling that way. Most readers love the 4th book so chances are you'll love it. I think it's easier if you're not familiar with Buffy b'c she pretty much ripped the premise/outline from one of the major ones done on the show.

I though she was doing an awesome job (in the 1st 3 books) honoring it while making it her own but with the 4th, she cocked it up b'c the storyline has been done before and much better. She could have kept going with it but all that recapping didn't leave room to really pace it right so it was rushed & became silly instead of leaning toward her normal poignancy.

My take - I felt like she sold out to her publisher's request to recap heavily b'c the series is gaining popularity. So in order to capture lazy readers who decide to pick up the series at the 4th book instead of starting from the beginning - the publisher made sure Mead gave the entire low down of the previous 3 books. It was crazy redundant & everything after that felt stilted & rang untrue to me.

Laura- I get what you're saying about the fourth book, about the recapping. I pretty much hate it when any author does that because if I'm reading the fourth book, I've read the others. And anyone too lazy to read the others shouldn't be considered IMO.

I get it if they recap certain things because they were small and they plan to bring them up again, but I like putting the puzzle together myself. I don't like every little thing spelled out for me, maybe she was lacking confidence because it was such a bold and different spin on things so she felt she had to explain herself...

The fourth book was dark to me, but I liked it. Mostly because it showed so much growth in the main character. I loved seeing her do things she never thought she would do, and for reasons she never thought she would have. It revealed that the somewhat childish black and white view she always held isn't as easy to cling to in real situations. Even if it's right, that doesn't make it easy. If anything, I felt this book was necesarry, mostly for the character growth though. Something had to push her to be who she needs to be, who she's supposed to be. It did major things for the story, but I think this story was more about the heart than anything, emotional battles. I'm sure we'll get the old vibe back in the next one.

I never watched Buffy so I don't know about the rip off. I'm begining to think that to an extent all things vampire rip off one another. The themes and analogies are always somewhat similar. No matter how much they change them, the "vampire" aspect, their struggles, weaknesses, etc. are always going to have likesness. But like I said, I haven't seen Buffy so I can't say that it wasn't a rip off. I would be disappointed if it was though, like you said, as a writer she is fab. She doesn't have to stoop to that.

Laura- I get what you're saying about the fourth book, about the recapping. I pretty much hate it when any author does that because if I'm reading the fourth book, I've read the others. And anyone too lazy to read the others shouldn't be considered IMO.

I know. I don't get why people would even one to do that but apparently it happens a lot esp. with YA. I would think they would purposely keep the recap at a minimum so it makes people start form the beginning, therefore generating more sales (I would think).

I felt this book was necesarry, mostly for the character growth though.

I totally hear you & I think that was the absolute intent but I didn't buy Mead's purpose in the end. I really wish I felt the same way b'c I wanted that but I felt Rose was totally disconnected & borderline was lobotomized. The solutions wrapped up too neat & easy (with Lissa, her friends, Adrian, her family, etc..) in order to get to the "cliffhanger" which was anti-climatic for me. Again - b'c of the Buffy story line, I saw that coming was soon as we were re-intro'd to you know who.

I was mostly upset about how she handled the Lissa situation.The way book 3 ended was so, so fantastic. It was about time they had a confrontation & so I thought that in the next book, the delicacy & emotional complexity of Rose & Lissa's relationship would be explored. I really hoped for that b'c Mead is so wonderful at writing that stuff & I thought it would be brilliant to give young girls an insight & maybe even take from it for themselves. So I expected in  book 4 to have some time to more deeply explore that. It was unhealthy on so many levels, I felt their talk should have had more breathing room.

Instead, in order to move things along (finally) Mead chose to introduce a big bad from far away for Rose to be able to swoop in & save the day earning her a HUGE reprieve in the forgiveness area. I mean - how shitty would it look for Lissa to still stay hurt or mad at Rose after what she managed to do from a distance? It was a total cop out in order to tie it all up quickly.

I expect more from a writer like Mead. She has the chops & the talent but even more so, she has the ability to write emotional nuance with precision w/out having to use a ton of words. She's fantastic like that & yet - she just blew through the Lissa part!! What!??

I never watched Buffy so I don't know about the rip off. I'm begining to think that to an extent all things vampire rip off one another.

They do to some extent but the premise really was straight from the TV pages.

That actually wasn't the main problem for me b'c she was doing a brilliant job making it her version of the story for the 1st three books.

But in this last book, when it got down for her to write the nitty-griity...baring in mind she already had an amazing outline which she was clearly using? She choked & it came across lazy. Esp. the massive recap. She just lost heart & I felt the book had the fact that she gave in to big publisher, all over it.

To me, it had a lot of holes all of a sudden. It just seemed like the weakest book in her cannon. It just didn't sound like Mead's usual standard. I hope to goodness, the next books kills. However - I don't have too much hope b'c this book has done really well & her audience loves it for the most part, so it is what it is. It's funny, I noticed that quite a few of her older readers and moms had similar issues as me. Most of them familiar with Buffy too!

she just blew through the Lissa part!! What!??

Yes, the whole Lissa part was a little too neat. Because all of their problems aren't really solved. I expected more of a climactic resolution (in person). I've always kind of wanted Rose (heck even Mia) to slap Lissa and say "Snap out of it you big baby!" LoL.

The only thing in the Lissa storyline that was totally satisfactory was the storyline with her relationship (I don't want to say the name, could be a spoiler). At first I was disappointed, then I was glad he stood up for how he felt. It seemed so realistic that just because it was all explained, his feelings didn't immediately flip. I kind of think Rose should have taken a similar attitude to be honest. He had a right to it, so he stood his ground. I liked that, because Lissa is always an easy target, maybe she will learn that she can't be a victem all of the time and stop being a victem. Because unlike Rose, he won't let her get away with that. Rose sometimes enables her because she's bent on protecting her, but he is pushing her to grow.

I think this book meant to take everything to a different level. It will change things. Especially Rose and Lissa's friendship, it's always been a one-way street. I'm hoping Lissa will toughen up. IMO she's a bit static. Everyone else has grown and changed immensely and it's making her weak in comparison. I think it's sole purpose was to open doors, open wounds, do all of that stuff. Lay out new situations, problems, possibilities, etc.

Maybe that's why it came across as lazy in places, it may not have been as hopeful and fun to write as the others. This book was all about painful obligation IMO. So I'm hoping it was supposed to have that tone, perhaps so that we could truly relate to what Rose was doing. Maybe we were supposed to feel that obligation she felt. The detachment to her familiar surroudings, all of that. I did like this book, but I guess I liked the possibilities it introduced best.

I like the others better, but that's only because they were so utterly awesome. The book was good to read, but it mostly took the story further. I think the whole plot needed a slight turn after four books, she worked out a lot of the original problems and issues, so it only makes sense that it would lead to more. The characters are getting older, so I think this book was to introduce more mature problems, and situations. Everything is growing deeper and more complex. I consider this her second "first book" if that makes sense. The first book was great, but sometimes slow, but it got better and better. I'm hoping this one will do the same.

I do think there are a lot more things to be explained in the future, but I'm hoping she's just setting up further plots, not accidentally leaving gaps. That would be a shame because one thing I loved was her ability to take something tiny out of an earlier book, that she could have expanded on but didn't immediately, and make it significant later, whether it be a quote or some tiny detail.

BTW I have to say out of the entire series, one of my favorite characters from the very begining was Christian. I think RM did such a great job with him. He's consistant, somewhat troubled, and so funny.

Also, I hope I don't seem like I'm argruing all of your points, you truly do express some concrete opinions. I love reading them, but I also love discussing stuff like this, on top of that I'm a relentless optimist, it's hard for my faith to be shaken in a series that I love.

Today I sort of finished Midnight's Daughter.  I say sort of b/c I started skimming after 200 pages.  I would not recommend it.  I was bored with the endless flashbacks and dialogue.  I will start the Twilight Series tomorrow, and hopefully it won't be too junior for me.

I just finished reading the Hallows Series, and I have to say I enjoyed it throughly.  Many of you are familiar with this series, but for those who aren't, it is written in the perspective of a strong female lead who is a witch and bounty hunter with complicated life.  Addition to the lead, there is are interesting sub-plots that involve viruses and wonderous creatures. For those who decide to dive feet first into this series, you should beware that the first book drags a bit, but definitely gets better after 200 pages.  There are 7 books and the 8th comes out in a few months.

The Huntress Series is also on the top of my list.  I hope we see a fifth book in the next year.

BTW I have to say out of the entire series, one of my favorite characters from the very begining was Christian. I think RM did such a great job with him. He's consistant, somewhat troubled, and so funny.

I love Christain too. I am also Adrian girl all the way. 

Also, I hope I don't seem like I'm argruing all of your points, you truly do express some concrete opinions. I love reading them, but I also love discussing stuff like this, on top of that I'm a relentless optimist, it's hard for my faith to be shaken in a series that I love.

Oh god no! No worries. We're just chattin'.

I just finished reading the Hallows Series, and I have to say I enjoyed it throughly.

Do you have a fave. book of the series?

Yeah I read Cass Palmer & it dragged for me.  Same author who wrote Midnight's Daughter. A lot of potential but she wastes a lot of words in order to avoid getting to the meat of the matter.

Ok just finished the 2nd book in the Back Dagger brotherhood. I like them so far but not loving it. Give me a good reason to go on to the 3rd book, which I believe will be about Z. I guess out of any of the brothers I am most intriqued about his story but if each story is just another version of the same not sure i want to invest too much money and time into them.  So thoughts please!

That's a tough one. Some people REALLY love those books but I personally wasn't nuts about them. I enjoyed them but I did feel like they were repetitive- self-loathing male/female gets saved by the love of a good woman/man. There are some really cool charaters in the books though and some really interesting ideas/story lines. The dialogue was a little distracting for me because it switches from frat boy to old world in the blink of an eye but all in all, if you can get past that and some repetitive themes the series has several redeeming qualities. Parts of it I loved, parts I thought were just absurd but Ward did leave me interested enough to read the next book when it comes out.  That probably didn't help at all but there's my two cents : )

Thanks. You've expressed what I was feeling. I especially am not liking the frat boy dialogue. But I am interested enough in Z to try the next one.

Imb 1309, I'm not sure exactly which I would classify my favorite since I don't remember which happened where, but I can say I have throughly enjoyed the last 3 books.  I also love all Rachael + Trent, and Rachael + Ever After/demon interaction.  In my opinion, my least favorite was the first one (Dead Witch Walking) and A Fistful of Charms, which is probably b/c of no Trent.

I seriously think Rachael needs to either end up or have some sort of fling with Trent or Al.  And I think I need to read the Pierce short story, b/c I was throughly confused when he was catapulted into the story without explanation in the last book.

I quite enjoyed the first four, but wasn't quite as keen after that, I have read the first six but not the seventh. I found the abrupt changes between 'the good guy's' POV and 'the bad guy's' POV a bit distracting from the flow of the story sometimes.

I'll probably go back and re read them with a bit more of a time gap between them, I think that will help because it's very easy to miss some of the small differences that may be important (that's what I found from reading the SVM's anyway). The similarities are easier to pick up I think.

Not as interesting to me as the SVM's but still quite enjoyable (I think three and four were my favourites).

SVM?  And what do you mean by the inconuity between the Bad and Good guys POV?

.

Southern Vampire Mysteries (The Sookie Stackhouse books).

I just meant that sometimes the jump from the 'brotherhood dialogue' side of the story to the 'lesser dialogue' side of the story was a bit abrupt and disrupted the flow of my reading.

Have you tried the Huntress Series, that one is really good too.

Haven't tried those yet, I've got a few names on my list.

Anyone read the Chicagoland Vamp series yet? I  read the first one last night, stayed up to 3:30 in the morning to finish and cannot wait to start the 2nd!

LKC-I really loved the BDB but I can see why you would not love it.  It is similar on each one like Tracy said.  Lots of people LOVE Z.  He isn't my fav but he is awesome.  Its not foreveryone but I love V and Butch.

I love Christain too. I am also Adrian girl all the way. 

Oh yes, Adrian is something. Definitely a favorite. I liked him from the get go, he's so perceptive.

Anyone read the Chicagoland Vamp series yet? I  read the first one last night, stayed up to 3:30 in the morning to finish and cannot wait to start the 2nd!

I'm going to look into these. Staying up until 3:30 in the morning is a good review for me, that means I should look into it. Haha. If I like a book, I don't put it down until I'm finished. I can't tell you how much sleep I've lost over a good book lol. It's funny though, I'm reading a lot of vampire stuff lately, I've never considered myself "into" them specificallly, it just happens that they apart of some really good stories.

Wow Laura, I could not have agreed more!!!  I really love all the books and there isn't one i don't like as of yet but I agree with what you said about Butch and V.  I think they have a great relationship!!

Just finished the 4th NH book.  Really enjoyed it, but Bones pissed me off something awful!  I have to state that I have been a real Bones fan - an english accent will do me in at the best of times so put it on a hot vamp and I'm done for! lol!  And I realize that there have to be misunderstandings or there won't be any tension etc.  But I totally agree with Ashley that it was a pissy thing to do to push Cat into that panic room with no info!  Not only that, but she had misleading info coming at her through those monitors!!  What was she supposed to think? And then he gets all high on his horse that she tried to do something to help !!!  That was hard to swallow.

Really loving Vlad, and I'm with Anita that it would be cool to see him with Cat, even for a little bit.  He keeps stating it's not romantic, though.  It was kind of tense when he bit Cat, though.  Sigh, I know, not gonna happen...

I also think that it would have been a bit more interesting if Gregor hadn't been quite so much of a chauvinistic, controlling asshole.  If they'd had just a bit more of a real connection when she was 16, it would have been a little more interesting to me to see her puzzle out her feelings for him while finding out who he really is.  Just my opinion.

Liann, I am so happy you agree with me!!!  I really hate Bones!!!  I woudl be cool with a Vlad book but I want him with with Cat.  Bones is my LEAST fav alpha male I have read thus far.  However Barrons is just above him!

Well, to be clear, I don't quite hate Bones, but he did really piss me off in the 4th book.  I guess one could argue that he's been really patient with Cat and put up with a lot of emotional turmoil, but I just thought in the last book his upset over what she did wasn't fair.  It seems like she's always the one having to realize that she's in the wrong!  This time, I didn't feel it was justified.

Yeah, I find Vlad really interesting too.  I wonder what his connection is to Cat?  He says it's not romantic, but then there are moments where I wonder.  Like when he talks her out of jumping off the ledge, doesn't he say something about it being a pity she's already taken, or he didn't get a chance to try for her?  Something like that.

Did you read the first chapter of the new JF book?  The one about Spade and Denise?

I don't really hate Bones or necessarily prefer Vlad as a suitor for Cat, although I do love his character...it's just that their relationship (cat/bones) stresses me the EFF out with all the ups and downs. I seriously had to sit down and read #4 all the way through as quickly as possible because I couldn't stand the tension of them being separated and angry at each other.

And Liann, where is this first chapter? On her website?

Yes, they do have it on her website.  It was also included at the end of book 4 in the copy I purchased.  Nothing special.  Just setting up that Denise has a supe problem and calls Spade when she can't get in touch with Cat or Bones.  Being the chivalrous vamp that he is, he offers to come and check things out.  I really like the NH so far, so I'm tempted to try it out.

it's just that their relationship (cat/bones) stresses me the EFF out with all the ups and downs. I seriously had to sit down and read #4 all the way through as quickly as possible

Lol!  Glad it's not just me!  I get really caught up as well.  I had serious heart palpitations when I was reading DAG during the torture section. All my husband could hear at 1am was me murmuring "Oh no, Sookie, Sookie...no... oh, Sook..."   I was a mess, and he thought I was totally nuts.

I didnt mean for it to seem like you hated bones too, I just meant i am glad i am not the only one who doesnt love him you know!!!

Oh, I know, Ashley.  It sucks to be the only one with a certain opinion!  I didn't think you were implying anything.  Just wanted to be clearer on what I was thinking.  

Anita, along the lines of being clear, I think I should also tell you that I wasn't referring to the first chapter in the next NH Bones/Cat book.  It's the first chapter of a new series that JF is developing.  It exists within the NH world, but follows a new story line centering around Denise and Spade.  Sorry if I wasn't clear and you got your hopes up!!!

OOHH where did you see the new chapter at?  I would love to read it!  I really liek Spade

http://www.jeanienefrost.com/

The book is called First Drop of Crimson and it's out on February 9th.

Well, to be clear, I don't quite hate Bones, but he did really piss me off in the 4th book.  I guess one could argue that he's been really patient with Cat and put up with a lot of emotional turmoil, but I just thought in the last book his upset over what she did wasn't fair.  It seems like she's always the one having to realize that she's in the wrong!  This time, I didn't feel it was justified.

I completely agree. Bones frustrated the crap out of me in book 4. In the end though I appreciated it b'c I think a lot the time Cat has been the more...foolish one is some ways (some ways, not all ways...but some). It was good to see him really screw up. I also just really love the fact that we have an imperfect couple that fall in love fairly quickly despite things, admit it and don't give up on each other. That the whole series is in part about watching them grow and work it out as a couple. It's messy, complicated, infuriating just like a marriage is.

After all the back & forth with Eric & Sookie (I mean, how much do so many of us complaining about wanting Sookie to make up her mind already, choose Eric  - or even someone etc..etc...) I found JF's approach completely refreshing b'c you don't see this often in PNR series. Usually, once a person has met their match & decided to live HEA, it's series or book is over. Which is probably going to happen with Sookie (I don't know about anyone else but I would LOVE to stick around see what happens after Sookie makes her choice. Esp. after having to wait so long but again....it doesn't sound like that is at all what CH had in mind).

Not this one. JF bucks PNR convention and shows them working it out while sticking together. That is my favorite aspect of the series. They're like a Bonnie & Clyde sort of thing.

I am a huge fan of Vlad too. Looking forward to see where JF is going with that. He & Cat seem like kindred spirits.

They're like a Bonnie & Clyde sort of thing.

Yes, that's it exactly!  I guess it was about time for Bones to be the one to jump to conclusions, and mess up.  I think I had gotten so used to him being all cool and strategic with her.  Not really fair though.  And yes, it is much more like a real marriage with all the messy bits included.  I think it's a testament to JF writing that we all got so upset about how he was acting!!

I'm so curious about Vlad!  Has anyone thought that they might be related in some way?  He says he feels a connection to her.

I'm so curious about Vlad!  Has anyone thought that they might be related in some way?  He says he feels a connection to her.

I've been wondering that lately.

I also wondered if it just comes down to him seeing a lot of himself in her. Kind of an outcast by his own kind (or looked down on), misunderstood, famous but not necessarily being conscious of how it happened or what would happen if you played up to the role.

So that's where I get my kindred spirits thought, as in maybe they are soul mates in a different way...a friendship way. They are immediately drawn & are empathetic towards one another b'c there are so many similarities?

I heart Vlad & Cat I think it will be really cool to see her have a healthy friendship with someone. Tate wants too much from her.

OOOH!  Tate gets on my wick!  I mean give it up already.  Any more and he'll start pulling a Bill!

Yeah, the kindred spirits in their sense of self and experience makes sense for Cat and Vlad.  Of course, my dramatic side wonders if she's some descendant of his wife, but really that would be too over the top, I think.  I love their trust and the comfort they take in one another.  Loved when she fell asleep in his arms!  Course, I was pissed at Bones enough that when Vlad said that in her emotional state it would be all too easy to seduce her, I though "Well then, get on with it, buddy!!!"  I guess Cat has more sense than I do!

This is from Jeaniene Frost's Blog back in Dec 2008.

The Southern Vampire (Sookie Stackhouse) series by Charlaine Harris - and  I'm rooting for Eric all the way!. Keeping the storyline fresh and continuing to deepen the characters over the course of the series is what keeps me coming back. And if you haven't caught True Blood, the Showtime adaptation of the books, then you're really missing out.

I knew I liked that woman!!!  Thanks, LKC!

ahhh, yes...Tate. Him I do hate!

I love their trust and the comfort they take in one another.  Loved when she fell asleep in his arms!  Course, I was pissed at Bones enough that when Vlad said that in her emotional state it would be all too easy to seduce her, I though "Well then, get on with it, buddy!!!"  I guess Cat has more sense than I do!

I would not have been mad at her if she got it on with Vlad.  

Yes!! Jeanine Frost! She rocks. I love that she is rooting for Eric. When you even have other authors giving shout outs, you know the character & the love triangle CH has created is officially large.

I still very much want her with Vlad...but I really like your speculation of hte possible family relationship.  I would be completly happy if they cant be romantically involved to be at least family b.c then we can continue the relationship and maybe even deepen it

Just finished the first "Fever" book...I'm still sort of undecided on it. I'll definitely read at least one more, because one of the things that bugged me was that it felt like there was very little resolution and I want to know what's going to happen at least! Some of it I liked a lot...I liked Mac and her journaling, and the glossary at the back of the book - although until I found that I was getting extremely confused with some of the terms and names.

Someone please tell me that more is revealed/resolved in the later books! I feel just as confused as Mac, which I guess is the point, but I feel like after finishing the book I should know a little bit more about what is going on!

It's a 5 books series. The 5th comes out this  aorund May 2010. Yes, Each book grows & progresses in plot. The 1st one is a very typical, setting the stage book in a series.

The writing is very tight. Moning has spent an enormous amount of time crafting the detail of entire story. You're mean not to know what's really going on (well the main things). It's very interactive, She wants the rader to be engaged & try to figure things out. It's laden with clues & hints....every reveal brings more questions. I have had so much fun trying to put the pieces together with the posters from here on the other forum.

It's one of my faves.

Oh Anita.... I have to say that in some respects I understand what you mean by the first book in the fever series and back what Laura says 100%.

To give some big props to Karen Moning here... I am a jack (maybe off) of all trades as far as broad spectrum knowledge. I know a little bit about a lot.. enough so that when I began to read these books, I could tell that Ms. Moning had spent a HUGE amount of time crafting the framework for these stories with the research that she did. Not only is there a ton of historical information included, but she does it in a casual way so that you don't feel like you are cracking a history book or reading a survey on pre-roman empire culture on the British Isles. She nails the layman's response....

I have read her highlander series to some degree, but the fever series is the piece de resistance... It is amazing in the complexity that is subtly crafted into the series... There are more than a few aha moments where you look back and think WOW! that was what that meant. It is a true sink your teeth into it series.... It is my obsession De Choix right now and well worth the read...

If you like the promise of the Sookie Stackhouse Series books... You will love the delivery of the Fever Series....

Oh an the love interest in this book... magnificent...

these books

If you like the promise of the Sookie Stackhouse Series books... You will love the delivery of the Fever Series....

Oh, dear.. oh, no... must resist... no more crack! No, no, no!  But it's calling to you... I SAID NO... well, maybe a little peek... Oh, God, then I'll be done for... you could go to the book store tomorrow, early Christmas present!  Oh, who am I kidding!!

(Thanks a lot, Caroline!!  I now sense another new obsession around the corner.)

Liann I could almost guarantee you will love Fever. I just have a feeling....

Oh, Laura, not you too!!!  Now I am well and truly sunk!  Early Christmas present it is...

Thanks Laura & Caroline...I am definitely going to read the rest of the series, I was just really itching to have more resolved by the end of the first book. I think I was expecting to have issues resolved/explained in the first book that are actually series-long issues. It seems like a lot of series that I like started out with a stand-alone book (such as DUD with the SVM's), so I'm used to having more of a sense of narrative completion, but these books feel more like they will have to be read as a whole series to tie everything together.

(I'm pretty sure there are no spoilers here, but just in case I'll leave some spaces)

Like from the beginning, I figured that by the end of the book we were going to figure out who killed Mac's sister and who he was and why he did it, then they would have a big showdown of sorts, and also we would find out more about Barrons and all that really happened was that we found out who the guy was who killed her. And then when I finished, I realized that those seem to be more big-picture issues and it frustrated me a bit because I have to wait for the others to come in from the library, and I don't know how it all ends up! ha.

It is sooooo so worth it... Amazing series...

I really have the patience of a small, bratty child. I shouldn't start reading any series until they are completely finished, because I hatehateHATE waiting for the next installments to come out!

Just finished the Twilight Series-and thought it was really good.  However it felt like it was definitely holding back due to the YA status.  I am out of books to read so I'm going to try the widely recommended BDB series, Fever Series, and the 1st Succubus book and Immortals after dark.

I've really enjoyed the Sookie, Hollows, and Huntress Series.  Any other suggest along that line?   Reading back the last week, it looks like there are now some real Huntress fans out there.   I can't wait to read the Spades+Denise book.  Hopefully we will get more information about the next Cat+Bones book soon.  Should be due out at the end of next year.

Ms. Frost, wrote on her blog today that  ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS has made it past the editor, which hopefully means an early release.  She also mentions that she has already starting writing the 5 Cat & Bones book and the 1st chapter will be at the end of  ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS.  Yay!

Hi Everyone,

I am listing to Fever on Audio Book.  I think I'm about 2/3rd's done, and am getting a little angry.  I'm tired of  Barrons being such an a-hole to Mac.  Does this get better? Is there any romance coming for Mac in other books?  I hate her having no "nice" relationship with anyone!

Sorry, I mean the first book in the dark fever series.

Ah... the first book is really an intro to the series... And as far as having a nice relationship, I am not sure how to answer that... The series on the whole is classified as a romance so there is that, but it as far as a nice conventional relationship, I am not sure I can give you a lot of encouragement... But it is well worth the read if you invest some time in it. It is my favorite series since the Sookie books (and maybe even better than the Sookie books).

KMM holds out with Mac, letting her character develop and allowing for some good strong self determination. She writes using a lot of foreshadowing and does impeccable research in her subject matter, so at the very least you get a very well crafted story.

One of the main things that I have come away from the series with is that Mac is on her way to becoming. She finds out a lot about herself through the course of the series. The fever books are a perfect example of someone not knowing what they want or where they should be until they reconcile themselves to who they really are. The is exemplified best with Mac, but you also see this with Barrons as well. Conversely, there are plenty of characters that refuse to explore who they are and blindly pursue an agenda at great cost to themselves and the ones that they care about... 

Also I think Audio is different. I heard a bit of book 4 & it bothered me. I had to stop. It was a much different interpretation reading it. Maybe you'll have better luck that way? For me, I picked a much improved nuance.

I think you have to bear in mind when it's a series, things are going to take a bit more time to develop but esp. this series. 1st books usually set the stage & then reveals come in time  Usually...at least when the writing is on point. The great thing is it's only a 5 book series which means the series is well plotted out which in turn, keeps Moning's writing is tight w/a capital T, IMO.

Ok, thank you CMac and Imb1309.  I will keep going.

Also, I just started book 3 of the dark house series (reading), it took me a little while for me to get "hooked" on that one too.   * Oh Loren, you jerk! Poor Erik, she doen't deserve him..... *

I've just finished reading book 7 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I enjoyed it very much. I was near to tears a few times.

Argh, I just finished FaeFever and was ready to dive into the fourth (all my requests seem to show up at the library at once, ha) when I saw that chapter 1 of DITF was up and now I am torn in a million directions!

Well, really just the two, ha.

Anyway aa-loves-eric, I was having a lot of the same issues with the series at the start but as it goes along I am getting more and more pleased with how things are turning out! Also, I think I picked up on a huge Barrons foreshadowing/spoiler but I'm pretty much afraid to ask about it, so I guess my curiosity to see if I was right is winning out right now. Back to reading....

I read the first two Chicagoland Vamps.  They're not bad and I would pick up the third, but it's not the kind of series I'll run out to buy the next one the day it drops.  Sometimes it seems a little - what would happen with Sookie and Eric if Sookie were a vampire - to me, you know?  Also, the houses concept could have been really good - but they mostly come off as sororities, you know?  Also, I won't say what in case you haven't read the second one - but parts of the relationship stuff in the second on really pissed me off!  I have a thing about characters doing 180s . . .

Also - ya'll might want to check out Penguin's project paranormal.  Interviews with authors - including some faves from here.  CH of course, but also Laurell K Hamilton and JR Ward

Guys, I just read a charming 1st book in a new series. It's called Tempest Rising (Jane True #1) by Nicole Peeler.

It's a very quick & easy read w/witty humor & likable characters. Great pacing & world building esp. for a 1st book in a series. A solid start, IMO. I think fans of Sookie will enjoy this. It's not as nuanced as Sookie but the author did something that surprised me.

Plus we don't have a MC fashion victim! Yay!! FINALLY! Peeler is up on current vernacular & throws in quotes from TV, music or movies that are funny, witty & cute - not pretentious.

Here's what the author did which surprised me - w/out giving too much away, it actually had me crying a bit. It was the 1st time I felt emotionally connected to the MC and left me rooting for her and definitely in for the next installment.

It also made me wonder about Peeler's intent with Jane overall which was a nice touch b'c I didn't expect to reflect on the character or Peeler's style by the end & that's b'c even though the characters were very likable & interesting  -  I felt at arms length for most of the book. It felt sweet & cute but very surface.Esp. Jane's relationship with a certain someone.

However , when I finished, I wondered if Peeler meant to do that all along considering Jane's past & how she had to cope in order to survive her experiences & guilt. Because, the ending had finally pulled me in for the 1st time emotionally & that is when Jane had made an important decision...I'll leave it at that even though it's not a like a big shocker or anything

So with all that being said - I have hopes that Peeler will end up really delivering a rich world with characters who allow the reader to invest emotionally & get seriously involved in the lovely world she has begun to create. I think it's a good holiday read too - nothing too serious.

Plus look at the cover... very cool & different. Maybe publishers are finally taking heed of the cheesy PNF covers they usually do.

Love the premise and I adore the cover -- adding that to your reccomendation and I'll gamble my $7 and see where that gets me (but I expect it will be a good read). Thanks for the reccomendation!

so i tried reading dead witch walking.. from the hallows series, and for whatever reason i cant just get with it.. i dont know if its her style of writing or what ... read the first succubus book and LOVED it! so i just went out today and bought the next two installments.. also bought the first book from the anita blake series.. heard that was really good as well...

Blondee,  I also thought the first Hollows book was so-so and dragged a bit the first 200pgs.  But I have to say that it is a really great series and it shouldn't be judged off the 1st book.  I heard that the Anita Blake books are not so good, especially the newer ones are kinda pornographic.  Though, If you like the BDB series you may like it.

Laura, Tempest Rising looks promising.  Thanks for the recommendation.

I am so running out of stuff to read.  During x-mas I read through the Mecry Thompson Series.  Against my better judgement I ordered the Black Dagger Brootherhood series from amazon.  Heck it was only $28, I am out stuff to read, and it seems to be a favorite here and among PNR readers.

I have to say I am little surprised and not.  It read like a cliched romance novel; full of sex, bad dialoge, and unrealistic relationships.

Spoilers for those who have not read the 1st BDB book..... 

I appoligize in advance to anyone who loves the BDB series.  This is just my take on the matter:

Okay I like a little romance and flirting as much as the next person (I don't read romance though), but I think it was just silly that the two main characters met, had lots of sex, fell in love, and got married within 2-3days.  Ward's take on vampires wasn't even the most unbelieveable part of this book.  No, the fact that this female lead would actually go from scared to death of someone to completely in love in less than a week seems to be the part that I really can't swallow.  I mean she doesn't even know the guy's real name before she decides to take the plunge.

Now don't get me wrong, b/c I have enjoyed other sexy vampire novels in the past.  I thought Frost did a tastefull and real character development with Night Huntress series.  I thought the sex wasn't over done and the relationship seemed believable for the time alloted.

b/c I already bought the series and have the books I will probably end up reading the rest of the BDB series, but I don't think I will pursue anything like this in the future.  I think I enjoy my ronchyness in about the middle of the road; like Night Huntress and Sookie series.  I think the Hollows and Mercy books could use a little more of it if you ask me.  In the Mercy series I found myself having to re-read a chapt or two just b/c the violence and sex would be so quickly covered that you could actually miss what happended.

Anyways, I think this Amazon review describes Dark Lover perfectly, albeit with a bit of humor.  http://www.amazon.com/review/RSD66FUB0IKSY/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#RSD66FUB0IKSY//

Hello There Wolfy!

I am only 5-books into the Hollows series and I'm going to respectifully disagree with giving it a solid reccomendation.  I'll go into my reasons in a moment, but I'd love to get your perspective on why you liked it -- because I need a different way of looking at this and I am hoping you can help me.

Anita Blake is the big, bad grand-daddy that created the cross-species, paranormal, urban fantasy genre -- before Anita Blake the only time Weres and vampires met-up was in b-grade horror. Anita Blake created the genre and many of the books that follow are literary versions of theme-and-variation. And there are plenty of authors that develop their own characters and stories and stake a real claim on the subject matter -- look at Sookie Stackhouse, Twilight or Harry Dresden as cases in point. All have followed the in the footsteps of Anita Blake to a large extent, yet the authors in all of these series have added enough variation to create something new and compelling.

This is where I have a problem reccomending the Rachel Morgan/Hollows series -- the first three books are very, very, heavily influenced by the Harry Dresden series. With the exception of Rachel herself and her relationship with Jenks, there is nothing else in the first three books in the series where the author has staked a claim on theme or subject matter with an original or inventive turn. By book four, and it will take almost half of the book before it happens, but in the fourth book the author does stake a claim to the theme and varies things enough to make it her own. However, four books to achieve that isn't something I'd really reccomend because there are authors and series who have covered this ground before and who have done it in a way that is more compelling and cohesive like Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden.

Anyway, my point is that the Rachel Morgan series is neither orginal nor compelling. Now that I'm on book 5 and Harrison is taking the theme in her own direction, I might feel differently but you seem to have really enjoyed the books and maybe if I had your opinion, I'd look at them differently.

I really want to like this series, but it's just leaving me flat. Rachel is vapid and if she were blonde, she'd be a cliche. Please, help me find a way to bond with this series -- I'd like to!

Thanks!

Montbriac,

I am new to this genre, but I think I have read enough, so far, to be able to voice my opinon on the matter.  I however cannot coment on Anita Blake or the Dresden Series, since I have yet to read them.

Having said that, what I do know is that I thoughly enjoyed the writing of Kim Harrison; however unoriginal her story line may be.  Like I said, I have not read everything in the genre, so most of it seemed quite original to me. Additionally, after the 1st book, the story seemed to flow much easier and quicker, and the relationships and characters seemed much more complex than a lot of what I have read so far in this genre.  And the dialoge was also much better, than say BDB's 1st book.  After about book 2 of the Hollows, I found myself not only concerned with the next part of the story, but with the characters themselves.  Not to say that some parts of the series were not frustrating to keep reading- say like the Rachael-Ivy relationship that was droned on and on.

But I can see how it may not be for some others.  I recommended the Night Huntress series to my cousin, and she loved it.  But I was a little hesitant to recommend the Hollows series to her, b/c I think it may take it bit more commitment than some other series.  Prior to starting the series, I purchased the first 4 books, which often do.  After being somewhat disappointed with the first book I thought a made a mistake, but was later glad I commited myself to reading.  If you don't like this series after 4 books, I doubt you will like the rest.  It's okay that it's not your thing.

Me again! For the record, you may be new to the genre but you've got a good head on your shoulders and so your opinion is as good as anyone else's! And I'm hoping you can help me see something I may have overlooked in the series -- so thanks for answering me!

Part of the difficulty I am having with the series is that I don't think Harrison does a good job of establishing an identity for Rachel as a person until the fourth book when she basically gets called out on her faults but told she is loved all the same. Up until that point I was frustrated by the lack of inner dialogue from Rachel about anything beyond what she is going to wear or whether or not Ivy is going to bite her. The best writing for Rachel is in her interactions with Jenks where she really seems to consider the world, her place in it and other people, and it's also the only writing in the series where Rachel demonstrates empathy and rises to the level of the occassion.

More often than not though, I felt that she was really one-dimensional in how she was constructed and written and even now I can't say she's particularly likeable but she's become a lot more interesting.

As a writer, I think Harrison is distracted -- do I really need to know where Ivy is standing at all times unless Ivy has history of jumping Rachel? No, I don't. So why am I spending half of a page reading about how Ivy is standing and where her feet are placed if they aren't going to move the story along? I'm a fan of texture and context, but I think Harrison is distracted by Ivy's presence to the extent that she looses momentum for the scene she is creating particularly when most of the set-up she invests in explaining Ivy's outfit, stance or location doesn't lead into anything of relevance other than the fact that Rachel has noticed her (we get it).

Along those lines, I also think that Harrison takes too long to follow-through on a plot point and the result is that Rachel looks like an idiot to the reader and her friends too self-involved or like they have their own agendas. For instance, we knew from the moment we meet Nick that the guy is a thief and trouble -- sure he has a good side, but so does everybody, why didn't anyone give her more information on him (Kisten and Ivy knew about him through vampire networks).  Or what about the cure to her blood disease? Although Rachel hasn't figured it out yet, her DNA has been mixed with demon DNA which is why she can manage demon magic and why Kalamack didn't use the treatement to save other children with the condition -- only Lee who was the child of another friend because the price was high. If a strange vamp (DeLavine) could smell the matter on her within minutes of meeting her then that means Piscary, Ivy, Kisten and probably even her own mother have known this yet no one ever said anything? It's annoying particularly because this is a major point in the overall arc to the series yet it's not given much attention by author and clearly it's a big deal and the implications for it are huge (because by not saying anything about it to Rachel, her friends and family have compromised the trust she should give them), but all I'm still getting are entire pages dedicated to whether or not Ivy is going to bite?

That said, I feel that in book 5, Harrison might be hitting her stride and so I'm also curious if the books start to progress a little more directly in 6 and 7?

I really want to like this series, it has some good qualities -- particularly the storyline with Jenks and even the demons, the demons are really good reading. I just want to see more of that and less of to-bite-or-not-bite and for Rachel to get a clue.

Will I get that if I keep reading?

Thanks,

Rachel (yup, that's really my name)

I completely agree with you on Harrison's penchant for describing mundane things that have no real bearing on the story or are unimportant to most readers; especially in book 1.  I think a lot of people feel that the first few books mainly focused on the "will she or won't she bite me" storyline.  I for one was over it after one book and I think Harrison caught on, b/c it's not the predominant focus in the last couple of books.

I also agree that some of the characters were a bit predictable and little underdeveloped.  It seems Harrison is still trying to catch her stride, but all-in-all not doing terrible job so far.

One thing that truly miffed me was that in the last couple books a character was just dropped into the storyline without any sort of explanation.  It is as if the author assumed all her readers pre-read all her other work.  Well, it left me scratching my head until I found out there is a short story that I have to read to have the book make any sense.  Which is not to fair to the readers IMO.

So, does Rachael ever buy a clue?  I think she has, and takes the opportunity to voices her mistakes.  But as anyone human (so to speak) she will continue making the same mistakes if not consistently keeping herself in check.

Steph

p.s. do you let people call you Ray-Ray too?

I completely agree with you on Harrison's penchant for describing mundane things that have no real bearing on the story or are important to most readers; especially in book 1

yes that it what im having a problem with.. plus like mont said earlier, she had no inner dialogue other than that shes freaked out about ivy.. idk im usually not one to give up a book but i need something to keep me going LOL maybe it is her writing style? like i said, i heard alot of people like the anita blake and if theres some sex involved, im fine with it.. i did pick it up in the romance section overall ha ha and im like a fanfic addict and theyre pretty crass with their sex on that site

Sorry about my typo.  I meant to say "unimportant to most readers".  Anyways, I think the Night Huntress is in the romance section as well, but I wouldn't classify it as that, if I had my way.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind sex either, but when storyline is solely set up for the sex scene, almost like a plot porno, that's when I have to give pause.  Though, I have never read Anita Blake, and don't intend to, I have heard that her latter books are flat out just porno.  If you end up reading thought the series, please come back and let us know.

arent there like 20 some books in the anita blake series? thatll take me awhile.. lol to give you an overall consensus about it ha

yeah no problem.  I'm not going anywhere.

I just started the 2nd BDB book, and it already feels a little like deja vu.  How is this series so popular?

idk i havent read it yet.. though i started reading the succubus series and i absolutely love it.. have you read them yet?

not yet, but I have the first book and the rest electronically.  I'm going to finish off the BDB series first, then to Secccusbus Blues or the Fever Series (which have already as well).  I'm actually just trying to fill my time till the next books in all the series i'm reading comes out.  The Night Huntress spin-off comes out in Feb, then a Holows and I think the next Mercy book.

Hello Wolfy!

LMBO -- so I finished book five last night and I have to tell you I really think Harrison improves as a writer by book five to the extent that she makes the story and the pacing more compelling, the last third was a real page-turner and I stayed up much later than I intended.

I'm not making this one of my favorite series and I'd hesitate to really reccomend it when I think there are authors out there who tell a similiar story much better but it's still a formula I personally enjoy and I think that after five books, the series is now taking shape and I think I'll really enjoy the sixth book -- and that Harrison is developing as a writer and has staked a claim on the theme and varied it enough to make it her own and I like reading that.

So I guess my point is that I think the author took a bit too long to develop the larger arc in a way that made the series her own. I also think that her style is a little self-indulgent to the extent that she gets bogged down in the details of setting every scene -- some scenes really do need the big set-up but there are plenty that don't but that receive that attention all the same. There are some good characters in the series and the author isn't afriad to change the role of a character to further the plot.

These are good points.

Again, I'd like to thank you for the discussion it helped me get some perspective on the material.

Rachel

PS

In answer to the Ray-Ray question -- that moniker is only used by some friends when I'm with the old ball and chain because his name is Ray. Please don't vomit now that you know that we mostly share the same name -- I  know, it's too precious for words.

lol, well I'm not vomiting but I do think it's quite funny.  I never heard of the nick of Ray-Ray before I read these books.  Then again, I have never known anyone name Rachel personally.  I think your absolutely right about Harrison's tendency to describe and set settings up to death.  I definitely felt that way about the 1st book, and often found myself putting it down.  I however have a lot of patience and a little OCD, so I didn't really see or mind it much in the subsequent books.

That's probably why I'm determined to pain myself with finishing the pre-purchased BDB series.  I'm 100pgs in the 2nd one and still can't believe this drivel.  If you think Harrison's books are bad, I would love for you to read a little of the BDB series and tell me what you think.

I read the entire BDB series -- and I never would have gotten past the first two installments if I didn't have Laura's support and assurance that there is an actual arc to the series and that it would amount to more than just a bunch of "males" mating by pheremone.

There is some good complexity to characters and relationships in the later books but it's going to take a bit of time to get there.

What I liked about this series is that as it progresses, the author goes back to look at the couples and we can see that what might have originally appeared as a HEA is really only one-step in how a relationship is started and evolves -- there are some wounds that never really heal and there are different problems that arise and there are different kinds of love.

This series is written in the romance-genre tradition though so I cut it some slack on being overtly forumlaic in the first few books because that is the point of the genre -- however, Ward will take it to a new level and in another direction as the books progress. It's a series I enjoyed but it's not a series I would reccomend broadly because it is based in romance genre conventions and it takes a certain frame of mind to go with that (you feel, bro).

One series I will reccomend broadly and which a lot of people here have enjoyed is Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. This series is erroneously marketed in PNR by the publisher but it's really more urban fantasy thriller. The series is well constructed and exectued with a likeable heroine who learns by the seat of her pants and a compelling mystery (we still haven't figured it all out yet) and it's well written with just the right amount of texture and detail to provide context and foreshadowing without being over bearing. The series includes some great characters and amazing sexual tension all in a really well-told story.

It's a sort of modern fairy tale and I'm expecting a mostly happy ending when the series finishes up in 2010 but there's no promise we'll get everything we want.

Fever is really good, and the covers are not embarassing to be seen reading in public (a small point but a point all the same).

I never heard of the nick of Ray-Ray before I read these books.

I have a friend whose name is Rayanna, she had a boyfriend who called her Ray-Ray. Then I have a friend whose daughter's name is Raegan, and she is nickname Ray-Ray as well. Both girls usually just go by Ray though. BTW I know this is totally off-topic, just thought I'd leave some trivial info for you hahaha.

Thanks Montbriac.  Your comments on the BDB series has persuaded me to keep in open mind and to read further.  I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.  I purchased the fever books at the same time as the BDB series, but started BDB first.  I also plan to read the Succubus series after those two; then plan reading the followups to the series I am currently following.  Any other suggestions?  I also have ton books and series have download for after I am again without anything to read.

OK I understand how you could not love the BDB, but I do love it and I really do not have a solid reason why.  I just fell inlove with all of them and I couldn't put the books down.  I am not sure why, its just that I couldn't stop reading them.  I also agree the Fever series is great.  I got the CD from the hubby for Christmas that goes with the series and I thought it was all very well done.  I am re-reading the highlander series by KMM and realizing why i love her style so much

I liked BDB too, EricLover.  I think it is the characters themselves that are compelling -- strong but also flawed, deeply in love with their chosen mates, etc.  I'm not crazy about all the stories; they are seeming somewhat formulaic.  Phury was my least favorite, but overall I liked the series and will be reading Lover Avenged soon.

I'm currently rereading the first book in the Fever series so I can continue on with the rest of the series and I've read a few of the Riley Jensen series by Keri Arthur... getting somewhat weary of her (Riley's) indecision and her insatiable need for sex at every moment of the day with anybody, no matter what.

OMG Phury is my fav!!  I love V too, Actually I think V is my fav but Phury would be a VERY close 2nd!!

Too much self-recrimination with Phury for my taste... V is my favorite and I like his friendship with Butch.

the fever series is excellent.. i love it almost as much as i love the sookie stackhouse novels (i know, blasphemy!) but still.. great, great writing.. amazing plot. though you will get left at a cliffhanger in the last one until the next one comes out next spring.. i recommend reading them

Sorry if I offended anyone, regarding the BDB series.  I think the thing that gives me the most eye roles is the formulaic predictable nature of the books.  It sort of like watching 7 Wives for 7 brothers or something.  I think this is true PNR, heavy with the R, and it may just not be my thing.  However, I am trying to keep an open mind.  I'm almost finished with the 2nd book, and even though I'm still heavy w/ the eye rolls and laugh in inappropriate places, am still reading.  Hopefully I start to fall in love with the over sexed brutes to overlook the writing.

My 2-cents here... I don't think anyone is offended by a review or opinion of a book or series not really being what they expected or even that good. Everyone here is thoughtful and takes time to qualify their opinion and I don't think anyone takes it personally when someone says that they were disappointed with book A or series B.

Part of what makes this forum rewarding is that we do have honest discussions and we're all open to a dialogue.

My point being, keep discussing what you like and what doesn't resonate to you about books, movies, etc.

No prob.  I didn't really think I offended someone grossly.  I just wanted to keep the white flag out, just in case.  You ladies seem very laid back, approachable, and very open minded as a group.  That is not always the case for any themed discussion group out on the web, which sometimes attracts die hard fans who will defend their ideas and what they consider important regardless of freedom of opinion.

I think it's really important for us to be able to speak freely and openly about what we like or don't and why.  I think that's one of the things I really like about the Sookie books; the idea that there is room for everyone, and the differences are what makes things interesting!

Besides, every reader has different things that interest them, or attract them to a story, and we all have differing levels of expertise in and exposure to literature.  I know when certain things irritate me in books, but I don't always have the language to explain it or be able to put my finger on it.  Frankly, reading these posts helps me to refine my understanding!

On another note, has anyone read the Longlight Legacy?  It's a trilogy by Dennis Foon, the first book is called The Dirt Eaters.  It is described as YA, but I wouldn't recommend it for younger kids as I found a couple of the ideas a bit disturbing.  It was recommended to me by a friend who worked in publishing, because the main character has the same name as my youngest son: Roan.  I really enjoyed it. Here's a link to a description if you'd like to check it out.

http://www.dennisfoon.com/books/longlightlegacy.html

yes that it what im having a problem with.. plus like mont said earlier, she had no inner dialogue other than that shes freaked out about ivy.. idk im usually not one to give up a book but i need something to keep me going LOL maybe it is her writing style?

Hey Brianna - I struggled through the Hollows & I had help while reading it b'c one of our posters was like my own Hollows Wiki (I had a lot of questions).

As with anything it's horses for courses. For me personally, I think it's 1/2 her style but also, I felt it was a series full of fits & starts, a ton of redundancy & some major plot holes/continuity issues. Things which were addressed & answered & then in later books, when the MC is questioning things again - doesn't consider what she already knows. To me - it spoke to Harrison losing her own plot. Forgetting where she went previously. It just lacked for me. So if you are struggling - I'd say put it down & start a new one b'c there are a ton of series out there

As far as Anita Blake? Seventeen books flew by for me. I couldn't get enough. Then again I like "porn". Seriously though - I am a really big fan of Anita & Laurell K Hamilton in spite of the sex. It doesn't bother me at all for a bunch of reasons which I will explain (sorry it's a long one ).

1st off - I don't like gratuitous stuff as much as the next person but for me, it's not. I think it's helped that I read LKH's blog & read her interviews about creating the series. So I understand her POV & why she writes in it.

Mostly though - by the time the heavy sex started, it's not until book 10! By that point I was already completely invested in the characters, the story, the drama (oh the drama) & when it did start - it was not such a rapid shift that all of a sudden, I was shocked by the change of tone or anything. It made complete sense.

LKH uses sex to challenge Anita & push her boundaries. When you met her - she is sooooo judgmental, repressed, angry etc...everything was B&W. By having to force sex on Anita to get her to change faster? Totally different than anything I have ever read.

I found it really cool that LKH used sex as empowerment to re-shape her character thereby bucking 'traditional' storyline methods (like using rape, for example, which so many female authors do so). It is borderline cruel, twisted, very adult & harsh as a method of choice for Anita but these are Adult, dark, harsh, violent, sexualized books with lots of drama. Know that going in.

Also -  it's the type of series where you can get into the story & not take it too seriously but still look beyond the obvious criticism & see LKH's chops.The woman has a problem solving imagination that is unparalleled in many respects. She does it her way.

LKH is a different kind of writer from her peers. I think if you can just appreciate her creativity & sheer determination to write what she wants to write with a big ole'chip on her shoulder, you'll be able to appreciate & get into Anita. She writes what she wants to write with no apologies. Her interaction as an author is also much, much different from what we're used to seeing.

She is far more insular. I respect her for keeping a healthy distance. This way her diatribes don't come off as so self-righteous that you end up worring she is bringing it to the story to spite her audience. You don't have that worry b'c she is assuredly single minded in so many respects. Not only that but she is character rich. How does this women still keep coming up with compelling secondary characters who you root to take center stage?

On the other hand she is certainly not for everyone. Many readers get tired of her use of sex and her reasons for it. I think though that they forget LKH is a sheer adult writer. She embraces her own vision & fought for it. She is the Gran Daddy. She was a woman who did dark horror, action, fantasy Sci-fi & sex b'c no one believed a woman could or should. We had a few - I hear Nancy Collins Sonja Blue series is out of this world dark & complicated & horrific (haven't read yet but intend to) but LKH managed to get mainstream. There is a reason for it.

In the end - it's horses for courses. I don't like many popular series out there & the fact that they are popular boggle my mind however, many people feel the same about Anita's popularity. I say - just go with it. If you can, you should be able to really enjoy them. I think they're kind of classics.  Anita is drama. Emotional drama. It's refreshing, occasionally infuriating.

Personally, I thought the 1st books sucked (which is hugely popular) & so did the 2nd one. It didn't start getting good for me until the 3rd book but by the 4th I was hooked & devoured. I always say though - start with the 1st. I am anal that way.

I'm 100pgs in the 2nd one and still can't believe this drivel.  If you think Harrison's books are bad, I would love for you to read a little of the BDB series and tell me what you think.

Steph - I pretty much laughed my ass off through the 1st three BDB books & majority of the 4th book. I still call DarkLover - "White Men Can't Be Blade". Three quaters of the way into the 4th book, I started seeing the shift & the arc in the story & that's when it turned for me. The 6th book barely has any romance & it's prolly my fave in the series & the least fav. of most fans.

My take? Ward & her publisher looked to cement her audience (Romance has a big & loyal following) & when she had them - was then free to write the story line she always intended.

I'm now tackling book 3 of the BDB, and I am finally getting a little hooked.  Not to say that I don't still think it's a still a little formulaic and very predictable.

As far as Anita Blake? Seventeen books flew by for me. I couldn't get enough. Then again I like "porn". Seriously though - I am a really big fan of Anita & Laurell K Hamilton in spite of the sex. It doesn't bother me at all for a bunch of reasons which I will explain

HA HA yeah i just now finished the 1st book Guilty Pleasures-- there was no sexing at all LOL and actually, I liked it, it was somewhat lighthearted but had the kickass mentality that i like for my strong female characters... im going to continue on with the series.. i do like her writing style-- very different from the hollows-- i think ill be dropping the hollows series.. to be honest, i want the first book to attract my attention, not bore me to death.. i need something to go on and harrison just isnt doing it for me.. hamilton though, is very witty and i liked her plot and her characters are great as well..

Also, i like how she shows the "bad" side of vampires-- like them ripping peoples throats out.. everyone forgets that this is what vampires do, and now these days, we have sparkling vampires that dont even have fangs lol

Steph-I was not offended by anything you write ever!!!

I have not tried the anita blake series yet...for some reason i have not felt drawn to them just yet.  I am reading the new Series BAD by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Bureau of American Defense) and I am enjoying it.

I think a lot of authors now days are cookie cutting the process, once they find what works.  I think that is why I enjoy reading different series so much cause while it is all simmilar it gives me the amount of difference I need inbetween reading the different books

I'm finally in book 4 the BDB series, and I have to say that the writing and dialogue in this book is much more improved compared to the 1st two books.  Unless I'm just getting use to her style of writing.   However, I'm still little irritated by some of the slang she uses, such as leathers and shitkickers. I guess she thinks that is how her characters would refer to those mundane things, but I don't think it's necessary.

I was hoping that the Phury story was next after Z's.  Is V's story integrated with Butch's?

Eric Lover, I don't mind unoriginal stories as long as the writing and dialogue is done well.   I downloaded Dark Hunter series for latter reading by Kenyon.  I haven't heard of the BAD series.

I'm patiently waiting for my Kindle in the mail, but the ship date keeps getting pushed back.  At this rate it will be 2 months by the time I get it in my hot little hands.

butch and V are very very much together...they have a complex relationship and I really feel that you get more and more of them as the series goes on

I was hoping that the Phury story was next after Z's.  Is V's story integrated with Butch's?

No, V's book is next, then Phury's.  Although they have a very important relationship/friendship which is intrinsically tied to one another - so in each of their books they appear.

Wolfy, I'm interested in your (and others') thoughts  on the Dark Hunter series, always being on the lookout for something new.

V and Butch have their own books, but as others have emphasized, they are intertwined.

I hope your kindle arrives sooner than later.  After being uncertain as to whether or not to invest in one, (I actually let it set in its box unopened for several weeks before starting up) I love, love, love mine!

Not to go too off topic, but can you drop files from your computer to the kindle?  I have a ton of books on my computer and was hoping to transfer them there.

Yes you can. You'll probably have to convert them. The info to have amazon do that is in the which e reader thread.

You have to convert pdfs, even with the latest kindle update?  That sucks.

Not sure about the latest update actually, I am just in the habit of doing it. It's not hard & only takes a few.

Yes, there is a kindle update 2.3, that has a built in pdf reader.  Hopefully that will prevent having to convert.  Not 100% since I don't have my kindle yet.  The update can be downloaded manually or wirelessly.

 Built-in PDF reader: Your Kindle can now display PDF documents without losing the formatting of the original file. Send PDF documents directly to your Kindle (via your @Kindle address) or drag and drop PDF files from your computer to your Kindle (when connected via USB).

 Option to convert PDF files to Kindle format. If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format (so that they can reflow), type "Convert" in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.     

How to Update:  

"All Kindles are designed to automatically check for and download updates when one is available. If an update is available, your Kindle will download and install the update the next time the wireless connection is activated and Kindle goes into sleep mode. 

During the update, you'll see screens that show the update progress. The update should take less than 10 minutes and is complete when Kindle displays the Home screen. Do not power off or reset your Kindle until the update is complete."

If you want to get the update immediately, or if you don't have wireless connectivity, you can download the software manually by following the steps below."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200324680&#kindleautoupdates/

Mine rads my PDF's just fine now after the update!!!

So I've just finished the first three Vampire Academy books and I have to say...they may actually be one of my very favorite series so far. I hear that some people are iffy on the 4th one (which hopefully I'll get from the library in the next few days), but based on the first 3 I am completely hooked! This is pretty hard for me to say, but I may love Dmitri even more than Eric!!! Even though I guess they're technically YA, I think they are so well-written and thought-out and I love the mythology behind them. I also love Rose and Lissa's relationship and think it's really good to have a strong female friendship in a series like this, which are so often all about the heroine meeting a love interest and not as much attention is paid to friend relationships.

On the other hand, I also recently read the first Vampire Diaries and thought it was just terrible. I liked the premise behind the story but it just felt poorly written to me and I had a very hard time relating to Elena's character at all. I hated her relationship with Stefan and how it was developed - or really how it WASN'T developed. I've seen a few random episodes of the show and it seemed to be done slightly better, so I may go back and rewatch it from the beginning but I definitely won't be reading any more of the books.

Hey Anita - VA series is one of my faves minus the last book. The 1st three just kept getting stronger & stronger. I will be curious to hear your thoughts about the last book.

I completely agree abotu the Vamp Diaries. Just awful.

Anita- Yay! I'm so happy you liked them! Dimitri is definitely one of my favorite male characters, if anything right up there with Eric. They're both headstrong and intimidating. One of my favorite things about the series apart from the incredible writing was that the characters actually have flaws, some they notice and some they don't. It makes them so relatable to see that they screw up, sometimes with good intentions, sometimes with bad. I've read so many books where it turns out to be a happy ending all because the heroine had good intentions and that's just weak to me. I like these because it forces the characters to overcome things, rather than everything fall together for them.

It didn't pain a "black and white" kind of picture. It's all about truth, finding the difference in what you're raised to believe and what you choose to believe through experience. It was just beautiful.

I've realized that YA writers are often given very little credit. Just because they write for a younger audience does not mean that they have limited skill or talent, it just means that their story is best suited for that audience. I love VA because it focuses on growing up, consequences, and learning from things. It had depth, it's just best suited for YA because that's the age to learn such lessons IMO.

And the fourth book was....something. It was very well written and I loved what we learned about the characters in it, but I think that was the point. It focuses on character developement above all things, IMO. It set up some new situations, but I see it is a the turning point in the series. I enjoyed it very much, it wasn't my favorite, but I had a good time reading it, and it definitely kept me guessing.

I completely agree abotu the Vamp Diaries. Just awful.

I've heard mixed reviews about these, but I'll probably listen to yours and Anita's lol. I've seen some of the show, a friend was watching it at my house and I laughed out loud most of the time. It looked like one big SNL Digital Short to me. I was expecting Andy Samberg to come out at any moment. It appeared cheap and overly dramatic. Hope I didn't offend anyone, this is just my bold first impression.

Thanks guys, I'm going a little bit nuts waiting for the 4th VA to come in at the library. I'm SO excited to read about Rose going to Russia! I studied abroad in Russia in college and I love to read/watch things set there. So that on top of my general desire to know what happens in the story has got my anticipation at like record levels.

hey guys. i'm new here so i hope i hon't mess something up. i whanted to offer my help with anything you whant that means books. i love to read, i opened a store http://www.ebook.muncom.com so if you whant to ask about diffrent books here i am. sorry for the spelling, but english it's not my language.

I love it when I'm right and according to the Romantic Times, I am correct in categorzing Sookie Stackhouse as PNR. Dead and Gone was nominated by the Romantic Times for the Best Urban Fantasy in 2009, other nominees in this category include Destined For An Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost and Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs -- although in my opinion, Mercy Thompson is anemic when it comes to emotion or romance but that's just my opinion.

What really caught my attention with the nominations however are some of the categories... for instance, did you all know that there is an entire category dedicated to Scotland-Set Historical Romance (seems it's a sub-genre) or how about Historical Vampire/Werewolf/Shapeshifter Romance?

Indeed, these categories are all viable and vibrant. I was disappointed that Vicki Pettersson's City of Souls didn't make the Urban Fantasy Protagonist category (hey, if Mercy Thompson can get a romance nod then a story with real emotion and heart should) but it was a fun peek at the nominees.

   http://www.rtbookreviews.com/temp/RT.09.Nominees.pdf

LOL, there are several Harlequin categories and one is Harlequin NASCAR. LMAO!! Oh that just tickles me to no end. "Black Flag, White Lies"...BAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

I studied abroad in Russia in college

I know this is off topic, but I just thought I'd let you know, that is seriously cool!

Who would have thought that there was a subgenre of NASCAR romance novels -- then again, I shouldn't be too surprised, after all the ladies need to do something between crashes, why not read a book?

Thanks Ashley! I was there in the summer, so I managed to avoid the most obvious downside to being in Russia (ha) and I totally had a cute Russian boyfriend =) I would love to go back again sometime, especially since I was really only in St. Petersburg and Moscow so I'd love to see more of the country.

That sounds amazing... A cute Russian boyfriend... Hahaha.

Anywho, sorry for getting off track ladies, I'll try and behave myself now.

OMG really Nascar?  That is freaking crazy.  They should deff have a vamp/shifter catagory if they have nascar!!!

Amazingly, my boyfriend was aware of the existence of these NASCAR books. He says they are often the topic of "discussion" (read: ridicule) on sports blogs/sites.

haha thats awesome!

I so do not get the whole NASCAR thing!  Maybe they have hockey themed Harlequins?!!!

I think Nascar is just popular.  I read a free e-book from the Kindle-it was just a so-so book...nothing to write home about though

deff not my cup of tea!  Give me vamps any day

Ooh Liann, you might be onto something there. Hockey player/vampire- two of my favorite things! Where do I sign up? Now I have this vision of a vampire in hockey gear with a missing fang.

Now I have a vision of a vampire in hockey gear with a missing fang,  That is too funny-I almost spit my coffee a over the computer!

Has anyone read anything else by CH and if so what did you think? I tried reading her most recent Aurora Teagarden book but couldn't finish it. It just didn't grab me. It also made me wonder about CH's own  personality. I found the MC a little like Sookie in that she was judgemental, but would than mentally slap herself. She seemed quick to take offense and have a temper. I found her and the story boring so I put id down and haven't picked it back up.

So I gave another CH book a try, A Secret Rage. It's about a former model who moved back to her small southern town and becomes a victim of a serial rapist.  I really loved this book inspite of the disturbing subject matter. Since CH herself is a victim of rape I wanted to read how she woud have her MC deal with it. I aslo wanted to see if it would give me any insight to wether she would  ever put Sookie and Bill back together. Personally I just can't see it, but I feel that with CH you just never know. So even after finishing it I still don't have a clue as to what she would do. However I did find I couldn't put the book down. I loved her MC even before the rape. For me she has a different voice than Sookie or Aurora, more likable( even though I DO like Sookie).I  did find some interesting passages that also reminded me of Sookie. At one point after the rape she is taking about how she will never be the same again, physicallt, mentally. It really reminded me of Sookie after the torture in D&G. At the end she also brought up maenards and vampires! If anyone else has read it would love to discuss it.

Now I have this vision of a vampire in hockey gear with a missing fang. 

Now that would do well with us canadian gals too, eh?  Mixin' the supes in with the boys on the ice.   LMBO!!  I wouldn't put it past Harlequin to write it.

Has anyone read anything else by CH and if so what did you think? 

I read her Harper Connelly series. Didn't like it. The MC was cold & distant & overall - the whole thing was awkward. Plus, the mysteries we not that tight. You can figure them out very early on. 

Plus, the mysteries we not that tight. You can figure them out very early on. 

Kind of like the Sookie books : )  Good characters, bad mysteries.

Kind of like the Sookie books : )  Good characters, bad mysteries.

Yes- although some of the Sookie mysteries are better. At least I didn't see the big Bill betrayal coming in book 6 or the Queen being involved in the overall Sookie mission.

The small mini-mysteries in Sookie I always found lame. Holly's little boy. Jason & the shifters. Mel etc...

The overall vamp or Sookie centric mysteries are better b'c the can be spread out.

Hello All!  I took a break from this discussion board, the SS novels and TrueBlood for a couple of months.  My obsession was on the borderline of requiring medical attention!

Lately, I've been reading more books within the paranormal genre which now includes werewolves, shifters, gargoyles and dark elves.  Those are as good as the vamp books we often talk about if not better.  Surprisingly, I've found that those books from Phaze, Red Rose Publishing, Changeling Press, Loose Id, Amira Press and many other smaller publishers actually have some pretty good books and a lot of the can be found in 4shared.  Check out their sites and sort through their selection of ebooks. I also like to browses through the selection at http://www.allromanceebooks.com. You just may find something you'd like.

Thanks for the link and reccomendation of some of the smaller publishers, I will look around more closely because I am sure I'll find something that catches my fancy.

I have to tell you I was left speechless but for my laughter by one of the covers on the landing page for the link you provided  and I had to share because it's priceless (and I think anatomically suspect)... I particularly like the touch of the wolf jumping over the moon (in pursuit of a cow perhaps).

That is so ridiculous!  I wouldn't buy a book with that cover even if it was the best book EVER!  (Unless I had a book cover)  OMG.

I've seen romance novels with hockey themes when I worked at Borders, but can't remember the authors.  Sorry.  But they do exist.  Romance was never my thing, until SVM.  Now Anthony (teasingly) calls me a sellout.  Of course, he doesn't complain about what they've done to "improve our marriage" (ahem ).

Oh. My. Gosh. That book cover is by far the funniest/cheapest thing I have ever seen!

They're all cheap I must admit but some of the stories are pretty good cheap cover and all. I think a lot of the authors actually have talent but are just starting out.  Also you can go to http://www.fictionwise.com if you want an idea of what other readers think of those 'cheap' books based on Great, Good, Ok or Poor ratings.

If I judged books by the covers, I never would have gotten into the BDB or Anita Blake -- really, the body part covers or couple's embracing are truly awful and highly embarassing to be seen reading in public (I have a story about that for another time).

I don't let an awkward cover stop me from reading -- I just use a book cover over the book and read on. I did poke around the site you linked to and there looks to be some intriguing reads so I've placed orders in my online book swap (yes, I am a big enough dork to have joined a book swap),

See thats why the kindle is good---No book covers to worry about!!!

"yes, I am a big enough dork to have joined a book swap"  Rachel I just joined one too this past week and it's free! We may be talking about the same one.  I wish I'd seen it before because I've discovered that they've posted links to so many books that I've already paid for!  A lot of times I just feel skeptical because I fear of wasting my money on an awful book.  Often I'll read the reviews first before purchasing which tends to help greatly.  At least that way I won't buy a book that I'm sorry I spent money on.

Funny thing is that I'm starting to feel that CH's books are a little over priced.  Don't get me wrong I do like to series but I've really found that there are better books out there that's cheaper in paperback. Has anyone noticed that her books really don't have that many words as well?

I don't let an awkward cover stop me from reading 

Really it shouldn't. I just get a big kick when these books try to appear sexy. It's hilarious to me. In all honesty if I were judging books by their covers and title I wouldn't have half of my book collection. I mean even the Sookie book covers (and titles) are funny, but totally cheesy.

I was kinda kidding.  Book covers with monsters and dismembered corpses never embarrassed me, but a naked man would a bit.  Boy am I American or what?

I got accused of being a satanist once by a homeless man, while carrying Samhain's album Initium.  I laughed until the guy started chasing me.  Funny in retrospect.

I started the Dresden books recently.  They are so much fun.  Certainly not PNR, but pure fantasy with a great noir feel.  I'm loving them so far.

I'm glad to hear more positive reviews of the Dresden books. I have the first one sitting at home and I can't wait to get into it! Thanks for the review you devil worshipper you : )

I was kinda kidding.  Book covers with monsters and dismembered corpses never embarrassed me, but a naked man would a bit.  Boy am I American or what?

Funny because when I was buying the highlander books with hot Celts and half naked women on the covers, that is exactly how I felt.... I kept telling myself that the clerks at the store had seen much worse and who cares what they think anyway, But still I felt a little cheesy and like the dude that was checking me out might have thought I was a little bit of a horn dog......

"yes, I am a big enough dork to have joined a book swap"

I am an unofficial book swap, or maybe more like a library without a strict return policy... If I find a good read, I loan them out to friends that I think might like them...

The bookswap I joined is PaperBackSwap.com -- and you can get hardcovers and even children's books and audio books too. There is no membership fee and you just pay for the postage on the books you mail which is averages a little over $2.00 per book.

Really popular series like Sookie Stackhouse, Harry Dresden and Anita Blake all get turned-around really quickly, it took me less than a month to get all of the Harry Dresden books.

It's received the Oprah seal of approval so you know it actually works, to check it out use this link:

PaperBackSwap.com

Glad to know that someone else is giving Harry a try -- the first book was a little slow but it takes off pretty quickly and I really got into the series (despite the location errors in the first couple of books -- clearly Jim Butcher never spent any time in Chicago when he penned those two).

So one of you got accussed of being a minion of Satan? Well, I was reading one of the Laurell K Hamilton's books on the bus and a man mistook my choice of reading as some covert signal that I am a BDSM swinger and he pulled out a collection of photos of the leather masks he's been making while at the same time telling me how he's been looking for a woman who is "into the lifestyle".

Awkward moment to say the least.

I don't let the cover stop me from reading but either A: I have my hubby go buy it for me, B: I read it in strict privacy or C: Hide it.

Although now I have a kindle to the point is kind of moot but that's what I used to do.

To be honest though, I don't think they need to make covers like that anymore. I really don't. They are beyond cheesy.

I don't let the cover stop me from reading but either A: I have my hubby go buy it for me, B: I read it in strict privacy or C: Hide it.

I always use self check out or order from amazon anyway. LoL.  And I agree, who is captivated by those cheesy covers with a man's naked body in the first place? It's almost insulting to those who actually want to read the story. I know I don't need that to buy a book. It makes me more weary to read than eager, not that it stops me. Haha.

This is where I give Stephenie Meyer credit, her books were pretty plain. No cheesy dramatic pictures, just an apple, a flower, a ribbon, or chess bored centered on an all black book. Nothing particularly embarassing there.

I don't let the cover stop me from reading but either A: I have my hubby go buy it for me, B: I read it in strict privacy or C: Hide it.

To get my man to do this would be worse than making him buy tampons.... He would fear gay retribution...

My husband read the NH books on the subway going to work, so either he's completely clueless or has no fear of retribution!  lol

You are all cracking me up about the genres and book covers!  I was a bit of a literature snob myself.  Not really because I thought it was superior, I just figured if it stood the test of time it had to be good and thus a good bet to spend my money on... and I could find them in second hand stores.  Then friends started lending me the Anne Rice vampire books, Twilight, Sookie.  I finally took my courage in my hands to go purchase the first NH book and just about died of mortification when I was directed to the "romance section".  My cheeks probably approached the colour of a tomato as I had to search through cover after cover or half clothed, burly men and "ready to be ravished" women!  It's so silly, I've bought condoms at the drugstore with less embarassment!!!

I just figured if it stood the test of time it had to be good and thus a good bet to spend my money on...

My standby negation for this... catcher in the rye....  Holden Caufield and his day of fuck off....

I am a pure pleasure reader.... It comes in many forms, but I read for fun and entertainment.... Enrichment comes with anything that is done well,

I've never read "Catcher in the Rye", even that was too modern for me!  But I agree with your sentiment now.  I guess I was just being lazy, and not doing the research, and not wanting to take a chance.  I'm not sure why I was so worried about that.  what's the worst that can happen?  I'll read something and not like it, or put it down.  Not exactly life threatening!

Haha exactly! I've tried to remain openminded, I'll either love it or not. If so, that's great. If not, I can laugh about it and read something else lol.

For the people who recomended I stick with the Fever Series when frustrated with the first book.....THANK YOU!!!!

I love the series.  I CAN NOT WAIT until the last one comes out!

....^^^yep, totally dig the Fever Series....and hating the wait aha

I am with that all the way... It is AMAZINGLY  GOOD... Try the Highlander series to tide you over. The stories get progressively more complicated as the series progresses. They are a series of one shots so to speak that are meant to stand on their own but they have some interesting tidbits that carry over into the fever series.

Don't be daunted by the covers (because some of them are kinda cheesy) it is a decent series BUT don't expect them to have the epic quality that the fever series has either.... But still, all in all, they are a good read.

I am re-reading the highlander & BDB and I really like the highlander more the 2nd time around.  I really hated Adam but he really grew on me this time around

yes the fever series is amazing!! aghh the wait is too long for the last one.. i need answers lol

Okay, I have to say that I've actually enjoyed reading the BDB series.  I know, I know I complained a lot at the begining.  I almost finished with the 7th book, and looking back I really still think that the first two books were not very good.  As you go further into the series the writing, dialogue, and character devolopement seems to really improve.  There is even a few orignal or unexpected developments starting with Butch's book.  I actually wasn't looking forward to the book soley involving him, but now I think it might have been one of my favorites.  Butch is definitely great comic relief and wity.  I wasn't too keen on V's book ending, but since then I have warmed up to it.  I think Phury's story was the most frustrating, and definitely not my fav. I think Rehv's is one of my favorite characters.  Please no one tell me what happens with him, because I haven't finished his book yet.

I'm delving into the Fever series next.  Anyone know where I can get the 4th book?  4shared only has it in Spanish.  I also get my kindle finally next week, woohoo!

I know, I know I complained at the begining.  I almost finished with the 7th book, and looking back I really still think that the first two books were not very good. 

I did the same. They weren't very good but they were like crack candy. For whatever reason, you kept reading.

I didn't like book 3 either. Too much whining from Z. It didn't really stop until about 80% into the book. I thought I was going to go mad. It didn't pull the compassion from me like Ward intended. I thought Bella was a masochist for dealing with him like that for so long. I wanted her to grow a pair.

Butch's book is were it turned for me.

There is even a few orignal or unexpected developments starting with Butch's book.  

Exactly!

I actually wasn't looking forward to the book soley involving him, but now I think it might have been one of my favorites.  Butch is definitely great comic relief and wity.  I wasn't too keen on V's book ending, but since then I have warmed up to it.  I think Phury's story was the most frustrating, and definitely not my fav.

That's how I felt about the ending of V's too but I love his book so much for numerous reasons & I really loved Doc Jane of all the women so I warmed & accepted it.

Phury's book I loved.  It's my favorite but not for Phury. He never did anything for me anyway - too long suffering so I was extremely pleased it was his book that had the least amount of romance & it had many other sub-stories going on.

It really delved into ramping up the whole Lesser arc & John Mathew, Qhuinn & Blay's friendship. I adore them & how Ward has written their bonds as best friends & the sensitivity in which she has handled the intricacies of their friendship. The whole story with Lash was completely compelling. She hit that one out of the park for me.

Phury though? He's still very much, meh for me.

Phury's book I loved.  It's my favorite but not for Phury. He never did anything for me anyway - too long suffering so I was extremely pleased it was his book that had the least amount of romance & it had many other sub-stories going on.

It really delved into ramping up the whole Lesser arc & John Mathew, Qhuinn & Blay's friendship. I adore them & how Ward has written their bonds as best friends & the sensitivity in which she has handled the intricacies of their friendship. The whole story with Lash was completely compelling. She hit that one out of the park for me.

Phury though? He's still very much, meh for me.

I completely agree with your assesment of Phury's book.  I was so tired of his whinning.  All the side stories were way more intesting, especially the 3 boys.  I am little confused about Qhuinn's recent look change.  I know he had a few tats thrown on him and is packing now, but what is with the lip ring?  I could do without that visual, especially when he was already such a dish.     

And the turn of events in who actually turned out to be the son of Omega, sort of surpised me.  I thought it was going to be Johnny boy. 

I just finished reading the VA series and I loved it,( until the very end). I know Laura you said you didn't like the fourth book and I would love to know why. For myself I cried my way thru the 4th book but by the ending I was OK with the way things turned out. I felt Rose would be OK moving on and I really felt like a possible hook up with Aidian (sp?) would be good. I liked him from the first, he reminded me of Eric a little bit in the early books, fun, flirty but not to be taken seriously, until he surprises you. I think there is enough questions and material for the next book( I am assuming there is going to be one?) w/o that surprise ending. So not sure how I am feeling about that, and I loved Dimitri. ( Trying not to say too much and spoil it for anyone who may want to read it.)

I know Laura you said you didn't like the fourth book and I would love to know why.

OK but basically (& I mean no offense to anyone who enjoyed it, it just was what it was to me. Plus I am in the minority!) - I felt it was hugely predictable & the reason being is b'c it was a total rip off of the "bad Angel" from Buffy plotline (she has been riffing off Buffy since book one but I felt she was doing it more like an homage & so still making it her own). I knew the ending was coming practically in the beginning b'c it had Buffy written all over it.

The pacing was really bad with the entire 1st 25% of the book being all recap for the most part. So I felt her "resolutions" or solutions were lame b'c they had to be rushed in order to get to her big surprise (which wasn't) ending.

Her resolution between Rose & Lissa was completely unsatisfactory which was hugely disappointing for me. They had such big serious issues & Mead decides to let a big bad happen from thousands of miles away so Rose can astral travel to save Lissa again, therefore when Rose gets back, the repercussions for her absence are lessened. I mean - b'c how shitty would Lissa look if she didn't take it easy on Rose & forgive her after all that right? It was lame, lame, lame. I hated that esp. b'c her readers are all teens & you know their drama. It would have been awesome if she could have really helped to craft the emotional complexity & resolution it deserved, IMO. Mead is so good at that but there was zero nuance between Rose & Lissa. It was all.."bygones".

I was mildly shocked at that considering the huge emotionally cliffhanger she left book 3 on. Not only w/D but esp. w/Lissa. Their relationship had finally come to an extremely important head & then all I get was that??? No way.

Plus I felt D wasn't all that scary or menacing & I felt that Rose had a lobotomy. I had no clue who she was. Sure, she was all under D's spell but honestly? It just kept me at a distance, I couldn't get into & therefore buy what Mead was trying to sell. Again, another instance where it didn't ring true for me.

So, I expected better from Mead. I felt she kind of sold out b'c this is her popular series & she knows that most of her audience prolly isn't familiar w/Buffy so she could get away w/it. She cow towed to her publishers format with all the recap in order to capture the readers who lazily chose to start w/the 4th book instead of the beginning.  It lacked heart for me big time. It didn't even come close to the authentic emotional subtlety she had written in the previous 3 books (esp. the 3rd).

It was one of those books I read where I was re-writing it & re-pacing it. That's never good. I really hope Mead's next book is much better b'c I love her as an author but there was no growth in this one for me. It was all very flat. I could see her intention but I personally didn't feel she authentically pulled it off.

PS - I LOVE Adi. Every since he was intro'd as well.

Laura-Thanks for that. I have never watched Buffy so for me it was all new. I agree with a lot of what you said. I did hate all the recap and it was done in  a very boring oh so matter of fact way. The resoloution with Lissa or lack of was disappointing but I do feel they made some progress at the end towards forming a more mature, mutually beneficial relationship. Hopefully this will come into play with the next book.

The whole thing with Abe I didn't see coming , which surprises me because I was looking for it. And the clues were there.

Lobotomy Rose, well yeah, I agree. But I can buy it. With all the blood enduced endorphins and her trying to hold onto D and what they had it rang true for me.She and us the reader had to come to terms that he was gone. Which I did, but that ending really is starting to piss me off ( now that I have some time to process it). What I think Mead is going to do with the next book I initially thought might happen with this book. I think it's going to come a book to late for me. Like I said in my 1st post I initially felt Rose was in a good place to move on( b/4 the cliffhanger). That would have shown growth and maturity. Now we are going to have a triangle and 1) I am getting sick of those and 2) did I say I am really getting sick of those? and 3) it will bring the story back to a YA story for me which as a 50 y/o I have truly enjoyed the series and didn't feel it was YA. I could relate to the characters. I hope it doesn't become too contrived and forced.

What I think Mead is going to do with the next book I initially thought might happen with this book. I think it's going to come a book to late for me.

Well, if she still bites the big one off Buffy, I can tell you where she is going to go. 

I could relate to the characters. I hope it doesn't become too contrived and forced.

Which is also why I loved the series. I didn't have to be a teen to remember or feel those dynamics but actually you nailed my issue w/the 4th book as a whole but esp. the ending & it's intent. Contrived & forced.

I guess I am going to have to go watch Buffy! So many people seem to love it. The next book comes out in May( going to be a busy month for reading) and there is a total of 6. I am also starting to hate series-I need that instant gratification.

I have to agree, I will be very annoyed if she goes in the Buffy direction as Adrian has really grown on me.

However, LKC, I just started watching Buffy a couple months ago and I will give it a full recommendation. I've just finished season 5 and can't wait for the next two! I never had any interest in watching it until I just got bored one day and watched a few episodes from the first season on Hulu...the first was actually a bit tough to get through but after that I was 100% hooked!

For myself I cried my way thru the 4th book but by the ending I was OK with the way things turned out

I did too! But I liked the ending, I just couldn't help but think oh crap, it's on now.  And I love Adrian, but in all honesty, I think he deserves someone who is more emotionally available. He'd be good to Rose, but she wouldn't be good for him. I do think this next one is his time to shine, and reveal what a great guy he is, but that no matter how great someone is, they may not be great for you.

Which brings me to my next point, I get what Laura said about lacking heart, I think it was because Rose was. Look at all that happened, I'm obviously not the only one who pretty much cried my way through it, but I believe, or hope, that it was intended to keep us in understanding with Rose's emotions, or lack of. She cut herself off, and that was totally believable, for me.

 Her resolution between Rose & Lissa was completely unsatisfactory which was hugely disappointing for me. They had such big serious issues & Mead decides to let a big bad happen from thousands of miles away so Rose can astral travel to save Lissa again, therefore when Rose gets back, the repercussions for her absence are lessened. 

Totally with you, but I think this was a big band-aid with Lissa and Rose, and I haven't given up on the idea that this is all going to blow up one of these days. Lissa made a pretty hefty promist in this last book, and I think both of them are going to be reluctant to allow her to follow through which will reignite their tension. It may be slight, but the slightest jar in their fragile state will result in an explosion of everything they never dealt with.

 Posted by Sanomara on the AS thread, re Game of Thrones:

Read the series, if you can tolerate epic fantasy (IMO, Martin's writing kicks Robert Jordan's ass and stomps mercilessly up and down on Tolkein).

Well, I love epic fantasy so I'll definitely check it out!  I need to get away from the vamps and fanfic anyway - crack, I tell you, It's like crack!!!!!

I read the first, IDK, 7 or 8 Robert Jordan Eye of the World books and then gave up. I loved the first 3 or 4 and then he just kept introducing more and more characters - all with sleeves slashed in different colours! - and I couldn't keep track.  I'm usually really good at that, but it just became unmanageable.  And time seemed to slow down to a snails pace!  Tarmon Gaidon was "just around the corner" but book after book came and we didn't seem to be really any closer!  It drove me nuts.  I just saw where RJ passed away, but left an outline for the last book.  His son and publishers decided they couldn't possibly cover it in one book , so they plan three!!!  I'm so glad I quit while the quitting was good.

As far as Tolkien goes, I am a big fan, but his writing style is sort of pseudo biblical.  I know he was trying to invoke that "tales of old" quality, but it can make it feel remote at times.  I love his story, but not necessarily his style.

Looking forward to GOT.  Thanks for the recommend.

So I just recommended A Prayer for Owen Meany--forgot what a great book that was.  Does anyone else like it?

Lunar Bunny, I just finished the neweest WOT book (co-written by Brandon Sanderson) and it's a definite improvement.  There is still a lot of skirt clutching and horizon gazing but the story is finally moving apace towards Tarmon Gaidon.  The last two books will be out in November if this year and 2011.  At least there's an end in sight.

Hope you like the SoIaF series.

okay so i just finished the first 5 books of the Anita Blake series and i said i would report back on what i read... there was like no pornographic/sex scenes or anything of that nature at all.. if anything there is more nudity/sex in the sookie stackhouse books which was shocking.. how did the anita blake series get such a bad wrap??? if anything, i find there more like mystery books then romance... of course you have some hints of nudity but the main character wont even have premarital sex lol

Keep reading : )

Just finished the first 4 books of the fever series, and I love it.  I'm so very sad that I have to wait a whole year to read the conclusion.  With such a cliff hanger at the end of the book I don't know if I would have started reading the series if I knew how it would leave us for a year.  Uhh!

I'm starting the Succubus Blues series today.

Have a great weekend ya'll.

I'm with you on that! The ending was really driving me out of my mind....but lucky for me Tracy (Valhalla) lent me the Highlander books which are giving me some good food for thought about Barrons.

actually, pretty much with every one of the Highlanders I keep thinking "oh...THAT must be what Barrons is!" and then in the next one it's "oh wait...he must be THIS!" so it's probably not clearing that much up, but at least I'm entertained =)

I tried reading the Highlander series today and quickly got bored.  Does any of the characters cross the two series, or is their a similar alpha male to Barrons in the Highlander series?

Then I read the first 6 chapters of Succubus Blues and now I am reading the Short Story Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel, which helps explain characters in the Hollows series.  I am so over the place today, but I finally got my kindle and I playing with the 150 books that I added to it.

The 1st two HIghlander's are fairly generic "romance" however there is a character who is intro'd to the 1st that you continue to see in each subsequent book who is important in regard to Fever. From book 3 onward - that's where it really starts tying in more & more Fever. It is definitely very closely intertwined & shed's a lot of light so I guess it depends on how into the Fever series you are whether or not you want to keep reading them.

I defo. thought it was worth it & a bunch of others as well, but that's b'c we got really into the puzzle as a whole & went to town on trying to figure things out in our other Paranormal Fiction forum.

Intertwined aye?  Well, i'll definitely try to read the series, b/c I am very curious what I can learn about the Fever series.

I read the highlander series MONTHS ago, and I just finished the fever series and started re-reading the highlander books and now I appreciate them much more.  I dont know if its because I got so "envolved" with the fever series or because I joined this forum and now everything is disected...but either way I appreciate the Highlanders more now than i did 8 months ago

The later books (Spell of the highlander, The immortal highlander & the dark highlander specifically) are building towards the level that you see in The Fever Series. I think that they are decent reads and great sources for some good background info. You get a glimpse of some of the characters from The Highlander Series in the Fever Series with the exception of Darroc who makes his first appearance in The Immortal Highlander....

KMM does excellent research that is even apparent in the earlier books of The Highlander Series. She starts out avoiding a lot of complexity in her earlier books, but as the series progresses she weaves more and more of it in... Keep reading... 

For all of you Mortal Instruments fans, this should be a lot of fun to look at when it comes out. Can't wait to see this artist's pictures of Jace with all of his sexy rune tattoos!

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/mortal-instruments-th3rd-world-100126.html

Don't know if you ladies have seen this but it popped up on my facebook page form KMM, it sa poll to see who the best hero is, rihgt now Barrons and Dageus are the last ones standing.  Go Vote!

http://thebookbinge.com/2010/01/last-hero-standing-karen-marie-moning_26.html 

I did not know where to post this but I have some MAJOR beef to talk about.  I logged onto my Facebook account just now and got a new message popping up from my Sherrilyn Kenyon Fan Site which states as of March, Amazon will NO LONGER be selling the e-books for her and only her paper books through 3rd parties because they do not want to change the pricing from what I can tell.  This really really pisses me off because I have about 16 books of hers ALL on my Kindle, what am I supposed to do now, get the paper books and put them where?  I am out of room, thus the reason I purchased the Kindle.

This seriously pisses me off about Amazon.  1st they PULL the 1984 off the e-book because they didn't get the proper rights to it, NOW they are banning an awesome author.  I LOVE HER BOOKS...sadly to say more than Sookie and it just seriously pisses me off to no extent!!!!!!!!!!!!  I feel like I want to start a petition to have Amazon take their heads out of their asses and wake up to the fact that they cannot do this.  I would be willing to pay 12 bucks for her books instead of 9.99.  UHHH I just had to vent and I didn't know where else to do it. I am hoping you book lovers will agree with me and  maybe help me do something about this craziness!!!!!

It's OK - you can download the PDF's form other ebook sites & just manually drag them onto your Kindle now.

So this is kinda cool I sent Sherrilyn Kenyon an email asking where to find her books for pDF versions and because of that one email she sent me like 4 or 5 personal messages this weekend about this whole crap with Amazon. So that was pretty neat because its not every day that you get to have a semi-conversation with someone like that you know!!!

So for anyone in Houston (or near) Sherrylin Kenyon is going to be at B & N for a book signing April 22nd.

Anyone need a good paranormal read, I found "Urban Shaman" by C.E. Murphy.  It's a series, so far, 4.  The MC is a great, really likeable woman who has a great sarcastic sense of humor and the storyline is nice--she's a mix of Irish and Native American, falls into a metaphysical "mystery" of sorts, and along the way, you meet some nice characters.  I finished the first and I'm on the 2nd, "Thunderbird Falls."

It's a nice change from fanfic smut, which I've been drowning in, happily, but still...well-written. 

Has any one read this "Outlander" series, apparently it is really good?  I am trying to find a new series to start to tide me off untill the new books start coming out and I was just wondering if any of you ladies had read this one.

I know that Krystal (Misfit) read them and really liked them. I'm not sure how much of the series she's read but I know she had a hard time putting them down. I plan on reading them but I have a big pile of books to get through first.

Ericlover I literally just started it today. Only on page 20 so cannot give you any input yet, other than I have heard a lot of great reviews.

hmmm well, guess i'll give it a go...amazon./kindle here i come!

I like the Outlander series a lot.  DG is great at character development and her players grow and change with the circumstances.  Plus the time travel/historical thing is a lot of fun.

Okay... So I love the Succubus Series, The Sookie Books and to say I have the Fever for the Fever Series is an understatement... But I am shopping for new reads... So I like the series listed above, I would like the Outlander series?

I haven't read the Succubus series, though it's def. on my TBR list.  I like Fever and of course Sookie, as well.  There is some romance (and nookie, too) but it's also historical fiction, ranging from the days of Bonny Prince Charlie to the American Revolution.  I thought it was good stuff and even liked the spin off books about the gay British officer (a man that has saved both Claire and Jamie a few times) that aren't directly related to the plots of the main books.

I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction.... I also love theoretical physics so I guess that teniously makes me a syfy fan... I am not into huge overblown construction of a premise, though I love a writer that does their research and is able to grasp their presumptions... I love how a really good writer will fit all of this into good character development...

I also like spin offs that can stand on their own... So I am sold...

Caro - I think you would like Night Huntress (you'll love Bones I have a feeling)  but I think might really appreciate the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersen.  I put the 1st book down but was soooo glad I picked it back up. It's truly well crafted. It didn't seem it at 1st to me but then the reveals happened & I was completely taken off guard. It defo has a lot of sci-fi elements to it but it's also a bit existential in a non-pretentious way.

Kinda deep, IMO but I really appreciated it & dug it. It's on my A list but I know it's not a series that's gonna be for everyone. Not sure why...maybe b'c I found it much darker than we're used to reading & more on the guy side? Still Not sure though.  It's not one of those where you know you must share & majority of peeps are going to like it like Fever, Sookie etc... - it's one of those you savour & then maybe recommend tentatively depending what kind of tastes the person has? Like - I used to be a wanna be comic book artist, so, I could appreciate the overall concept VP based ths series off of. One of the most original, IMO. It was also very visual for me so that appealed.

As far as Historical Fiction - try A Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. It's not technically considered HF but I considered it very much so as far as the setting (think New York during gangs of New York) & what went on. This book just did it for me & funnily enough, I was lost at various points but IDK, when I read it (years ago now) it didn't distract form the overall feeling I had when I read it.

I have loaned out all of my girl card books.... And I do love the girl books, but I think I will give the zodiac series a go and switch up to outlander?

Laura... I completely agree on the consideration about who to lend what to... I enjoy dark (in fiction) but get that it can be off putting or overwhelming... I have a few friends that I would dole that stuff out too, but with consideration...

I loved night huntress, (not a bones fan though-as i have stated before).  But I love Kat and It was just a very enjoyable read IMO.  I purchased the 1st outlander book and I hope to start on it tomorrow or Saturday-depending on my val. day plans with Tony.

I can totally vouch for the amazingness that is the Outlander series. What I really like about the series is the amount of research Gabaldon put into her books. There is so much historical detail in her work. It's not solely romance or science fiction. The books are rather hefty though (800-1000 pages each) and it was hard to pause for eating/sleeping. The newest book that came out (Echo in the Bone) was a great disappointment though. But Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager.... all lovely.

I also recommend Sunshine by Robin McKinley for anyone who is looking for another vampire book. McKinley is known as a YA author, but I wouldn't consider this a light book. The best part about it is that heroine truly views vampires as the horrid, evil creatures they are. It's quite refreshing from the usual "oh you're a vampire, you must be sexy" thing that other books have.

Does anyone have any recommendations for books in the southern chick lit category?

I'm moving on to book three of the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. At first, I didn't know if I wanted to read any more vampire stuff but this is turning out to be pretty interesting.  It's more "romance" than I have ever gotten into before but the general plot and character development outweighs the love scenes. I reccomend it!

OHH I loved!!!!!  Those books.  I totally forgot about those.  I think she might have a new book coming out sometime.  I really want another one in that series!!!

I was reading this article yesterday: http://io9.com/5465923/what-is-paranormal-romance

Anyone read any of these series? Thoughts?

Nice find Anita! I haven't read any of these but I'm definitely intrigued by the Van Eekhout book. Urban Fantasy/Norse mythology! Awesome!

Anyone read Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay? The reviews are good and it's set in my home town (Atlanta) so I'm really curious about it.

Yes Norse Code was the one that really caught my eye!

I ordered it Anita so I'll let you borrow it when I'm through : )

Started the first book in the zodiac series... It is a slow goer (Not one that I feel compelled to tear through yet), but I am interested and like her writing style. She definitely has a dark wit.

Yeah - I put the 1st book down but 80% the way through the reveals started coming & I was really happy I continued. You have to plow through the b'c there are a lot of COD's. You can't skip ahead unfortunately for you mama. She surprised me & that's always a bonus. The next books were much faster to get through. You'll see, I think you'll appreciate the twisted dark side to it.

I thought that the first two books in the Zodiac series could have been condensed into one -- but I really got into the third book and I fell head over heels for the series with the fourth book. As an author, Vicki Pettersson doesn't pull punches and isn't afraid to write a scene or situation that leaves the reader a little raw afterwards -- she will go in directions you didn't see coming but she does it in a way that makes a lot of sense.

There are two short stories outside the novels that really need to be read, the first is between books 2 and 3 and the last is after book 4.

The series is dark and the author is creating a new genre so I think it's stumbling enroute to finding the right audience but I really got into the books -- so thanks, Laura for the reccomendation!

I found this great website on urban fantasy books.

http://urbanfantasyland.com/books/

I've read a few in this list and am looking forward to reading some of the others. I love how the site tells you whether they are vampire, fey, were, shifter, and other centered.

Just started the Succubus series and so far really enjoying it. But I am only like 20% into it( Kindle-so don't know what page). This is my 1st impression and I could be and probably am totally off base, but I am already seeing Seth=Bill, Roman(yum)=Eric.  I just got past where Seth stood her up for the hockey game  so Roman comes running and is really sweet and seems to just like her. Seth just wrote her that letter telling her why he stood her up. I really liked the letter, thought it was sweet also, then I went wait a minute, it's like Bill always having an excuse for why he doesn't do the right thing!  Now this could just be me and I have crossed over into the realm where everything relates to Bill/Eric and I need to go see my shrink now!

Very interesting...when you're done go to our other forum - Paranormal fiction. There are lots of threads for this series. But they are full of spoilers!

OK Thanks! I'll try and avoid it for now as I don't want to spoil it. But it definitely is going to be a big reading weekend for me!

I've just started the latest Immortals After Dark "Pleassure of a Dark Prince" and really like it. The whole series is great! Very fast paced.

Ok Laura I finished Succubus Blues. It really blew me away. I was taken by surprise by a few things. I want to discus but I don

Don't want spoilers. Does the other site have a discussion for just the 1st book?

A few impressions. My first impressions from above are probablt way off but I am not giving up on them yet. I really like Carter and wonder what role he will play in the future. Not sure why Jerome is so distant with Georgie now. Is it because she was willing to turn Roman in when he himself was obviously conflicted? I really feel for Roman, not sure how that is going to play out. I guessed about his sister but not him. I thought maybe Erik was one( but I hoped not).  I am not sure what I think about Seth. Is there a deeper connection, one relating back to her husband?  Overall I am very excited and can't wait to start the 2nd book!

How about this - I will start a thread for book 1 & we can go over there....

Sounds great. I am ordering book 2 on my kindle right now!

The downside to loving this is my work life is picking up. Jan and Feb were dead and I had lots of time to read. Now I am uber busy at work( which is a good thing) but I am going to be distracted.  I guess it means time will really fly until May 4th!

OK I set it up. I will copy & past your ? over there!

Hey Laura, did you ever get around to reading J.R. Ward's short story "The Story of Son"?

Is that the one w/Bella & Z??

I loved that story about Bella, Z, and Nalla's birth. When I was pregnant I was concerned my husband would not bond with our son. He was one of those guys who was squeemish about talking to my belly. Luckily, they hit it off as soon as he was born. It was me who took longer to bond, ironically.

I have tried to read through both book recommendation threads, and only found 1 small mention of Mercy Thompson.  If this has been discussed, I apologize.  I just read the first 4 Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs (the first is Moon Called).  They are not as good as SVM, but they are a good read.  The fifth book comes out the end of March.  They are more straightforward books then the SVM, not as many "bombs in the garden", still I found them very interesting.  It has her take on vampire blood bonds and a lot about werewolves and dominance.   Plus it is something to read from now til May 4th!

Hi Ronni. I'm actually reading book 3 of the Mercy Thompson series. The first one to me was a little boring because she's introducing us to the pack and keeps going back to talk about dominance and pack politics but the second book had a more interesting villian so I really enjoyed it. I'm not really rooting for an HEA yet since i'm still in the first part of book 3 but I don't think it would be Sam. Stefan sounds like an interesting character but definitely not an HEA, being a vampire and all. So far the only guy I can see her with is Adam.

Hi Judy!  I am glad I am not the only one.  As I said, they are not as good as SVM, but book 3 is the one that hooked me!  It is not the search for the HEA that sookie has, but it is a good story.  Book 5 comes out Tuesday.

Is that the one w/Bella & Z??  No that one is called "Father Mine" or something like that.  The Story of Son is a stand alone novella that J.R. Ward wrote that's included in the anthology "Dead After Dark"  It's about a vampire who is locked in his room by his mother and her butler because of what he is (a vampire).  Apparently a vamp knocked her up and left her.  Periodically they would kidnap women to (feed) to him to sate his hunger.  But Claire, his mother's estate lawyer, gave him a little more than blood....

Ive actually just started reading Patricia Biggs' books also. I've only read the first Mercy novel but will be going out to buy the next one soon! It wasnt nearly as enthralling as SVM but i was kept entertained. I actually really liked her werewolf novels Cry Wolf and Hunting Ground. I just love how she made the wolves have such a unique bond with their mates

Did you guys know Stephenie Meyer just came out with a new Twilight book?

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Second-Life-Bree-Tanner/dp/031612558X/ref=pe_59400_14776980_fe_txt_2/

Nope, that's a new one for me. I don't remember this character ever being introduced, do you remember her Laura?

Not at all.

I guess between non-stop marketing events and okaying the newest, bestest Edward Cullen action figure that she only had time for a novella about a character that no one remembers.

Meyer does say that she'll post the novella on her website, free of charge when it comes out in July.

Bree is the newborn vampire that Carlisle tried to save after the battle in Eclipse. The volturi decided to kill her however.

I remember Bree vaguely from Eclipse.  Why would SM write a whole book on such a minor character?  Are any of you really interested in reading further about Bree?  I know there are millions who would devour anything new Twilight related, but geez come on now.

I think she would have been better off just rewriting Breaking Dawn or maybe the ending of the Host.

I don't have any interest in reading it. She would be better off finishing Midnight Sun. Oh, well...

If it's free I may read it. It's not on the top of my list though. It would be more interesting for me if she wrote more about Marcus than Bree.

I like the idea of knowing what was going on with the newborns in Eclipse but I do find the choice a bit odd. She must have really loved the character.

I've been looking around for a "lighter" read and happened to find this.

Enchanted, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

In her first mainstream novel, romance writer Swendson puts a Harry Potter–inspired twist on the standard tale of a smalltown girl in the big city, with lively if saccharine sweet results. Fish-out-of-water Katie Chandler suffers in her thankless job as assistant to marketing manager "Evil Mimi," worrying that maybe she just can't hack it in New York City. Will her colleagues ever consider her anything but a hick? For a girl from Texas, the Big Apple is stranger than a foreign country, but she discovers that the weird things she notices are signs of real magic afoot. Her "small-town honesty and common sense" soon land her a new job at Magic, Spells, and Illusion Inc., which traffics in benevolent sorcery. "You... are of the rare breed who can neither do magic nor be influenced by magic. You see the world as it is," an MSI executive explains. With her clear-sightedness—plus business acumen gained working for her family's feed-and-seed store—Katie will play a pivotal role in MSI's magical battle against a malevolent competitor. From sanitized descriptions of New York City life to hunky wizards and fairies on the subway, this book is pure and innocent fantasy, suitable for preteens or readers hungry for a cotton candy read.

This series has 4 books so far and has really great reviews.

I'm on the last Mercy Thompson book and need something funny once I'm done.

Ok I've finished the first book and have to say, it was actually quite fun. It is like Harry Potter meets Bridget Jones Diary and Devil wears Prada, at least the beginning does. There are a few sections where I'm thinking the author contradicts herself but there are also a few laugh out moments that are just plain silly. I'm on book 2 and it's still very entertaining and a very quick read.

I think she would have been better off just rewriting Breaking Dawn or maybe the ending of the Host

Ohh Wolfy, that is so funny. I struggled through Breaking Dawn. It was nothing short of preposterous. I still read it (twice!) but it had such a disappointing conclusion.  

Just read the new book in the Succubus series and I really was pissed at the ending...wondering if anyone else was too?

yeah i was pissed too.. it was kinda lack luster.. the book was a filler in my opinion

I really REALLY wanted the other ending.  The only thing that book was good for with that ending was the first chapter of the storm series next book.  I haven't been that pissed about an ending in a while

what other ending?!

the way it was leading to until she changed her mind!!

I read it. I loved it though. I thought it was her best one in the series yet, we got to really, really understand Georgie in this one. And well - all sorts of revelations. It did the job for me.

I mean - I didn't expect anything but a cliffie b'c the next book is the last in the series.

oh damn really its the last one...that makes me sad!!!  I mean its a godo book i just dont want her ending up with him!!!

Neither do I but I'm actually not so sure she will. I am not so sure it will be a typical HEA.

Laura I hope so, I mean I really have issues with Seth and I can't put my finger on it....

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who recommended the Jeaniene Frost books, Night Huntress series.  I enjoyed them so much.  Thank you for having this thread!  The other books keep me waiting more patiently than I would have for the next CH book.  And for anyone who was thinking about Patricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson books, I just wanted to say, if you read book 1 and didn't love it, try to continue with the series.  The books got better and better, and by book 5, I am hooked!

The Mercy Thompson series was interesting. Book 2 is much better than one and 5 was good enough to keep me up at night for a couple of extra hours.

Ronni, I'm so glad you liked the NIght Huntress series!  I love it too.  I think the next book in that series is also coming out in May, n'est pas?

I completely agree that the last Succubus book was somewhat of a filler, All I can say is that I will be PO'd if she ends up with Seth at the end.  Team Roman all the way!

Some recent reads I really recommend:

Spiders Bite- Kick but assassin who can control the elements.

Alpha Omega Series-Briggs (don't forget to read the prequel short story first)

Johny Mark of Chaos- 2 books about an Angel & Demon

Guild Hunter Series- Angels/Archangel Action Rom

Toby Daye Series- Fae Suspense/who done it

And Last but not least suggestion:  .....

Fever Series- Total obsession worthy

Weather Warden Series- If you haven't read it yet, you're missin' out.

Hey Ladies!

I just finished the 1st Dresden book by Jim Butcher. I liked it a lot. I do hope it gets better though, but I think it will. Most 1st books are a little weaker, so I have high hopes.

I'm curious about the Weather Warden series, what is it about?

Weather Warden-

It's about a group of elitists that control the weather on the DL.  Kinda of like a secret gov't agency that think they are protecting the public from themselves.  These weather wardens can control at least one ement (Air, Earth, Water, Wind) in order to positively affect the destructive nature of global weather.  You can sort of think of them as witches that were born with this innate ability.  The more experienced wardens are granted Djinn, that help them harness and direct their powers.  You can think of them as Genies with little to no freedom of their own.

The books are written in the POV of Joe Baldwin; a young and promising weather warden who gets caught up in a whole lotta trouble. She quickly becomes a fugitive in order to escape death from colleagues & friends  and to figure out a way out of the mess she finds herself in.  The rest of the books are pretty much non-stop action and good amount of romance.   Love the two romantic leads.  Sort of reminds me of Cat & Bones, being able to consistently keep it fresh throughout the series.

There are 8 books so far, w/ the 9th due out in Aug.

Excellent! Thanks Wolfy!

It's going to be my next series. I dunno if I'm gonna be able to read all 11 Dresden books one after the other, so I might stop when I get tired of Harry and read this. Then, I'll get back to Harry.

Thanks again, I'm really excited to read it. The Night Huntress series is one of my favorites series ever, so it bodes well for me.

My intro into this genre was the Sookie Series.  I read the 1st 9 books after being sick and stuck at home for a month.  I quickly delved into the Night Huntress Series.  I have to say that the Night Huntress Series is still up in my fav Top 5.   However, I really can't recommend her latest spinoff.  Sort of a disappoint if you will.  Hopefully the next one will be better.

My top 5 fav Series:

Fever, Night Huntress, Hollows, Weather Warden, & Succubus/Sookie (tied)

I haven't read the Night Huntress spin off. But I will someday.

I love most of your top 5 series. I just read all 4 fever books this week and I'm in love with the series and with Barrons. Sookie is my favorite, but just because of Eric. Night Huntress has the best couple dinamic and Bones rocks. I really like the Succubus series, although I'm totally off Seth. I haven't read the Weather Warden series yet. The Hollows is the only one I don't like. I read the first 5 books, but got totally put off by it. There were some good moments, but it annoyed me to no end and I quit. Maybe one day I'll get back to it, but I'm not sure.

You should try Anita Blake (although a lot peole hate it from after book 10, I like it, but I prefer the first 10 books for sure)  and the Black Dagger Brotherhood. They're good and fun.

Oh and also one series I love is Vampire Academy, you should totally try it!

The Hollows is definitely a hit or miss as a favorite it seems.  I really like the Mercy Books too as a series, but I think it misses the mark a little b/c Briggs tends to skim over describing scenes that have rather controversial subject matter.  As in, if there is sex or rape in the book it usually only garners passing notice, leaving the readers a bit confused & frustrated.

I've read the BDB series.  Not my fav, but will definitely read the next one due out this month.  From all I have heard and excerpts I've read I doubt I will ever read the Anita Blake Series.  I've never read any YA books, w/ exception of the Twilight books.  *hangs head down in Shame*  I may read the Vampire Academy some day.  But if it revolves around HS I think I rather pass.

Thanks for the Recs.

I've read the first 2 Mercy books, but also grew tired of it. The Vampire Academy books mayb be labeled YA but they are really really good. It's not really a HS in the strict sense of the word and the subject matter seems more adult than most YA. I pretty sure you'll like it. Give it a try and let me know!

If you want something other than paranormal, I'm really in love with the Millenium triology. Very very good books!

What is the Millennium Tri?

Is this it?  ???

Yes! Exactly it. It's awesome.

Sookie was my frist PNR, and the more I read the further down the list Sookie goes because of CH's writing not hte characters.  My Top 5 Series is as follows:

!) Black Dagger Brotherhood---Totally obsessed with Vishous

2) Dark Hunter Series---In LOVE with Vane

3) Fever Series----Love V'Lane

4) Night Huntress---HATE Bones love Vlad

5) Succubus Series----LOVE Roman HATE Seth!!

Anyone read the Morgan Kingsley series by Jenna Black?

Wolfy, you mentioned the short story prequel to the alpha omega series.  Do you know the name of it?  I hate to read books out of order, so I want to make sure I get it right before I start.  I am still waiting for amazon to deliver them.

Anyone reading kate Daniels series by Ilona & Gordon Andrews? They have a new book out same time as Ms Harris, May is going to be a very busy month for me.

I downloaded a sample (and subsequently the book) The Vampire Shrink.  It's holding my interest and I'm about 25% into it.  It's the first of a pair of stories about a psychologist who inadvertently gets drawn into the "vampire community," a serial murderer, etc.  It was a good buy on Kindle at 1.99... and I'm trying to ignore the cheesy covers.  There's another title (unrelated story) by the same author  Undead in the City that I haven't yet had the chance to check out.  Just FYI for anyone who might be interested.

I've already recommended the Enchanted Inc series above and I have to tell you I had an "OH NOOOOOOO!" moment after finding out that the next book in the series is on hold by the publisher until sales picks up on the rest of the books. It's that fun. It's like Bridget Jones meets Harry Potter. It's all about good versus evil set in NYC. It's more on the side of light reading but very entertaining with enough substance to keep you enthralled. I was completely hooked after book 2.  I've read a few other series this year and have to say this is the one I really really liked and want more of.

Here is my grading from 1 - 5, with 5 being the best. My ratings are based on how much I care about the characters.
SVM (Sookie Stackhouse) - 5 (Eric anyone?)
Katie Chandler (Enchanted) - 4.5 (i love Owen Palmer!)
Twilight - 4 - 4.5 (Edward all the way)
BDB - 3 - 4 (Tie between Vishous and Zsadist/Bella) although Rhage would be a sight to see Hated the first book but I had to finish what I started.

Hunger Games - 3.5 (action is great. Peeta is the one!)
Immortals After Dark - 2.5 - 4 (Great action and a mix of smut) My favorite is Conrad and Neomi but the Sebastian chase was more fun in the action scene.
Mercy Thompson - 2.5 - 3. (She doesn't deserve Adam) I think I like the walking stick better than Mercy.

i bought all the vampire diaries books (LJ Smith) and found them melancholy, as if Fell's Church was under a black cloud, or enveloped in dense fog. I couldn't see any joy in the story line. I love the show though:) and i love Damon:))))))

I think I like the walking stick better than Mercy

 hahaha! i though this was hilarious!!!  im in the middle of reading the series and im not a big fan of her and Adam for some reason either

im in the middle of reading the series and im not a big fan of her and Adam for some reason either

The series is fine. I do like some of the plots and action. The magic is interesting. I just don't care for the characters as much. The romance seems forced and I don't feel any warmth coming from Mercy. The other pack members are boring also. Seriously I want to know more about that walking stick! LOL

hahah me too! im hooked on trying to figure out why it pops up in certain situations lol. and i agree Mercy doesnt really seem to have much emotion on whats going on in her "love life". it makes me not really care either Another thing i dont like is that in her world it takes years to make a vampire! i think thats so odd lol. I do like the way Briggs deals with the pack and their rules and magic though.

I do like the way Briggs deals with the pack and their rules and magic though.

Yeah that's exactly what kept me reading. I'd still like to read the next one, but she could cut out relationship and I wouldn't miss it.

Anyone read the Merry Gentry books? they're by the same author as the Anita Blake books.

Yes Gee I have. They are some of my faves with a HUGE caveat. I love them but I am vastly in the minority & I can understand why. I am not even sure who to recommend them to b'c I think maybe you have to be a big LKH fan. I read Anita 1st which helped in terms of expectations.

Have you read them?

I'm halfway through book three and enjoying them very much, but I understand why you would be reluctant to recommend them, they're quite different. I've only read the first Anita Blake so far myself.

Oh that's cool! I wonder if you'll continue to like them. Let me know. The last book was not great but it's a total transition book. LKH does blocks of arc's. She is gearing up for a new one. What do you like about them so far?

Hey guys so Kindle is giving FREE ebooks away of 2 well known popular series:

Wicked Lovely w/Bonus Material by Melissa Marr

The Scent of Shadows (Signs of the Zodiac book 1) w/Bonus Material by Vicki Pettersson

Also -

A new Vamp series called Children of the Goddess but I think it's short & some reviews say explicit but it's free.

A new YA Vamp series that got decent reviews called Bite Me

What do you like about them so far?

Just starting book 4 now

I like the visual richness of them, Merry and her men are baroque, like jewellery, full of colours and shapes and the character drawing is just as rich and baroque as the visuals, which is wonderful.

I like the importance placed on character vs. looks and how being honourable is so important. To Merry and the best of her people the spirit of a bargain or agreement is as important as the words.

Fairy is scary! definitely, and some of the hate and violence is the stuff of nightmares (sometimes literally) but the love (and lovemaking/sex) is just as vividly portrayed and as varied and nuanced.  No character is completely black or white, not even the minor ones and not just the major ones are compelling.

Doyle has to be my  absolute favourite amongst the men I think, although I like Galen and Rhys too.

Very entertaining and engrossing, I'm definitely thinking these are going to be amongst my favourites.

I want to thank everyone for the book recommendations - I have four books on order at the library - they have to be delivered from other libraries to borrow. I ordered succubus blues (Richelle Mead), Halfway to the Grave (Jeaniene Frost), Darkfever (Karen Marie Moning), and one other that I cannot remember the title of. I'll report back when I finish them.

I like the visual richness of them, Merry and her men are baroque, like jewellery, full of colours and shapes and the character drawing is just as rich and baroque as the visuals, which is wonderful.

Wonderful way to describe them too. That's what I love most as well. It's just such a visual read for me & I adore that. 

I like the importance placed on character vs. looks and how being honourable is so important. To Merry and the best of her people the spirit of a bargain or agreement is as important as the words.

Great point. Very true.

Fairy is scary! definitely, and some of the hate and violence is the stuff of nightmares (sometimes literally) but the love (and lovemaking/sex) is just as vividly portrayed and as varied and nuanced.  No character is completely black or white, not even the minor ones and not just the major ones are compelling.

So scary I know! Queen Andias is my favorite baddie of all time. She is truly frightening, IMO. There are 2 scenes that struck such a visual & mental chord for me, I started playing the "Who would play her in the movie" game.   But every time she was in a scene I held my breath & she just stole the show for me.

Doyle has to be my  absolute favourite amongst the men I think, although I like Galen and Rhys too.

Rhys is one of my faves. Doyle I loved at 1st but then waffled & am still wishy washy a couple of others round out my top but I won't say who b'c I don't know if you're there yet. Galen did nothing for me really but in the last book, I really came to appreciate his character.

Very entertaining and engrossing, I'm definitely thinking these are going to be amongst my favourites.

Cool. You can join the club I think there are 3 of us now in total, LOL!

You can join the club

count me in thank you

Anyone start the latest BDB book Lover Mine? I'm debating on whether or not I really want to give in to the higher ebook prices.

I still haven't gotten around to reading the previous one -- L. Avenged.  I have it, but I'm waiting for a time when I can read it relatively uninterrupted.  I notice the new one is not available in Kindle yet, so I'll definitely be waiting until Amazon and Penguin can get their acts together.

I am protesting the damn penguin books.  I am even thinking of sending a letter to the FTC because this is Apple causing the issue with Price fixing

Yes, it does look like price fixing, but I wonder if it could also be interpreted as a company simply trying to control how much their product sells for.  It seems that they do have that right too...

I just started it! Judy don't give in yet.....

Laura, I'm stuck with it. Doh! Lol. I just got it for Kindle, just to see if I can..It's all in the thread "Best eReader"

Judy thank you for your help today!!!! It never worked for me but it worked for my friend so I guess it was the work firewall thingy

Cool! Glad to help!

seriously you made like 4 ppls day!!!

I just want to say that I love the ghost in the night Huntress series, book #4 (Fabian). I always wished CH would have included a ghost among the supes in the SVM.

So I'm looking for other series to get into and I have browsed through this thread; it's been confusing, lol. Very mixed opinions about different series and I guess I just have to see for myself. I just finished the Wicked Lovely series and I liked it ok. I was able to put it down; that's sort of a bad sign for me on whether or not I'm into a series.

I want to start the BDB series, but I'm almost scared too! I need someone to give me a blunt response to this question. Is it cheesy?

I think I am going to start the fever series. The Anita Blake series looks very interesting, but I think I'm going to dive into a shorter one first. I feel like Eric has ruined me for any other leading males, arrrgghhhh!

Go with the Night Huntress series, even with Eric in your heart you will love the other vamps there, trust me.  I also adore the Fever series and Anita Blake.

The BDB is a bit cheesy, but not in the way you are thinking. You will probably enjoy it too, but I love Anita Blake, Fever and especially Night Huntress much more than the BDB.

I feel like Eric has ruined me for any other leading males, arrrgghhhh!

If you like Eric, you'll like the lead in the Fever series. Jericho Barrons is very worthy.

I want to start the BDB series, but I'm almost scared too! I need someone to give me a blunt response to this question. Is it cheesy?

For me, BDB is roll your eyes cheesy with quite a few laugh out loud moments, some of which may not have been intentional by the author. It is still a decent read, if you can get past some of ridiculousness. I myself had a hard time with the first book because for me a man with "thighs the size of tree trunks" doesn't do anything for my libido. I am also the type of person who HAS to finish what I start so even if my opinion of the first book was "blah" I HAD to finish the series because my logic was "there has got to be something about these series people are raving about that I totally missed in the first book". So far I like them just fine even if the bro-mance factor is a little annoying at times.

I'm pretty new to the PNR genre myself. When a friend of mine suggested I read Twilight I scoffed. I didn't read romance novels, let alone teen romance novels. I read more sci-fi/fiction books from authors like Neil Stephenson, Neil Gaimon, and even Stephen King. I have read a few vampire novels in the past but none like these. Now I am completely addicted!

Sasha here's my write up of BDB from another thread - It's on my A list but with caveats...

SUMMARY: I gave this series a shot despite the not really liking it until  70 % of the way through book 4. If you can get past the typical romance book pandering she did in the 1st 3 books (& lame vernacular), Ward bursts out of the gate to flip the genre on it’s head. She seriously & respectfully tackles topics & sticks with them that other authors in this genre just haven’t. She can also deftly handle weaving numerous different story lines together. I love more than a few characters & that the series is mainly about the bonds of friendships & relationships.

Thanks for the honest feedback everyone. I think I will go with the Fever series and Night Huntress for now. My curiosity will get the best of me eventually and I'll start the BDB. There definitely seems to be some appeal to it.The names crack me up, Zsadist and Tohrment, HAHA! I hope that is purposely over-the-top.....

Did anyone read the Wicked Lovely series? My friend got me to read it (the only other YA books I have read are the Twilight series) and while I thought it was well written, I'm afraid I love smut far too much for a story like that to hold my attention. I don't need super graphic suff, but SOME at least, lol.

I read Wicked Lovely. Marr can write but I found little happened. The whole 2nd book in the Aislyn story was Seth whining & ending up where we ll knew he would form the beginning. She did keep me engaged but I need more really.

You'll love Night Huntress & Fever....

Night Huntress is also my recommendation.  I absolutely loved those books.  I still haven't read the Fever books.  Can anyone tell me how many there are?  Did anyone hear a rumor about CH doing more than 13?

There are currently 4 Fever books. The 5th and final book is due in December.

Did anyone hear a rumor about CH doing more than 13?

Last I heard, she said she would decide if she wanted to continue the series when she finished the 11th book. Is there another rumor now?

Someone told me today that CH was going to do more.  But I can't take her word on it, so I figured I would ask around here.  She is a very unreliable source, it was probably something old she read.

CH is currently contracted to do up to book 13 but she says she'll write Sookie as long as she feels she has a story to tell. That's as much as I have heard.

I'm losing my mind, haha. I went to Books-a Million in a rush while my daughter was at soccer practice and they were out of the first Fever book, so I was frustrated and trying to remember what other book I wanted to get was (didn't know the author's name of Night Huntress books; I've never hear of them) and ended up browsing. I accidentally bought the first Dark Hunter book when I was trying to buy the first Night Huntress book. I just realized this. FAIL, lol.

The cover of the Dark Hunter book was embarrassing, I was like nooooo, lol.

It's Jeaniene Frost (author of the Night Huntress series).

I just finished the first book of the Night Huntress series and the cliffhanger is a killer. But the book is great.Thankfully, the remaining books in the series are available. It was the middle of the night when I finished book 1, and I kept saying aloud, "I can't believe she left it like that!!!! AARGGGGH"

Make sure you have book 2 lined up. The title is One Foot in the Grave.

Audible had a half-price sale and I got Darkfever. I feel ambivalent about it because I don't like her writing style. But I guess it intrigued me enought to get the next three audiobooks. There's something distancing about her style, so I have trouble staying in the story. I recently went nuts and got 12 credits at once (instead of my usualy 2 per month). I had a lot of books I had been meaning to buy, so I still had a few to spare on the whole series. I did this some time last year and got 24 credits at once, and I filled my backlog of classic stories, like Scarlett Pimpernel, Gone with the Wind, and the entire The Three Muskateers series... and others.

I will probably try the Night Huntress series next. I'm really a SciFi (that's SF to the cognizati) reader (and writer) at heart, so I tread lightly into fantasy series. I tend not to like fae stories, so that might be influencing my feelings about the Fever series. Even though I love the Harry Dresden series, I only seem to tolerate the fae stories. And unfortunately it seems the future Dresden books will be heavily fae.

Ok, why do I dislike fae stories? There are all these arcane rules and forbidden actions. And there are endless complex monsters and powers that can be pulled out of a hat as a literary crutch.

Guys - need something quick to read to bide your time (I know I do) & don't want to commit to a series?

What about CH's latest vampire short - "Dahlia Underground" from the anthology Crimes by Moonlight? It only came out a couple of weeks ago.

Also - did anyone read Bacon? Her other one she released this year?

Then for Anita Blake fans a study of her work which is supposed to be really, really fascinating (like the fact that LKH said that there was NEVER ever going to be sex on stage) -The Ardeur: 14 Writers on Anita Blake Vampire Hunter

http://www.amazon.com/Ardeur-Writers-Anita-Vampire-Hunter/dp/193377147X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272892834&sr=1-1

I read Bacon standing in a bookstore 'cause I didn't want to buy the whole book!!  I liked it, but must admit I read quickly and skimmed a bit.

I took my sons to the comic book store on Saturday for "Free Comic Day".  Apparently, it's the same day in Canada and the US, 'cause my hubby knew about it from a tweet from Kevin Smith!!  Anyway, while browsing the comics while looking for back copies of the Buffy series, I came across Anita Blake comics!!  I haven't read the books so I didn't open them, but was curious if you were aware they existed?!  I like the comic/graphic novel option.

Yeah - they're pretty cool. Did you know there are Buffy comics too?

Oh, yes, we collect them!  I've enjoyed the story arc so far, but we're a bit behind and need to find some back copies!

I started collecting them a while ago but stopped. I couldn't keep up!

Just want to report that I found Karen Marie Moning's Fever series riveting, especially Book 4 (which I haven't yet completed - I'm about half-way through). I highly recommend it.

I am glad to hear it, I am starting book 1 in the Fever series tonight.

Love the Fever series!!!  Can't wait until December, when the 5th book comes out... 

I just started the Anita Blake series and am on book 2...the mystery/supernatural part is interesting, but I am not feeling as "riveted" as I have with previous vampire series, maybe because thus far there is no romantic interest?  For those who have read this series, when does it get gooooooood?

*ItzKelly: and the fifth Fever book will be the last in the series, I believe.

There's a line in book 4 that broke my heart. Can't tell, or even hint further, b/c that would be a Grand Spoil for anyone.  But the line will stick with me a long, long time.

laladida ~ yeah, that is what I heard as well re: book 5 being the last book.  I at least hope it's a long one...

Now you have me intrigued as to what line you are referring to???   I actually just re-read book 4 last week - silly, but I sort of missed the characters and wanted to get back into the feel of the story, you know?  I've been on the Amazon message posts that are speculating who was really who at the end.  Interesting reading....

I at least hope it's a long one...

She said that it's going to be the longest one in the series.

Ladies - there is also a Paranormal Fiction Forum that discusses the Fever Series, Anita Blake, and others if you are interested.

Thanks, Ash.

I just started the Anita Blake series and am on book 2...the mystery/supernatural part is interesting, but I am not feeling as "riveted" as I have with previous vampire series,

Oh..it'll get there.  Books 1-3 are the weakest. By book 4 I was hooked.

Good to know!  I am a little over halfway thru book 3 - have already downloaded book 4 to my kindle! 

Thanks SO much for reccomending the Night Huntress series. I am LOVING Cat and Bones! I had never heard of this series and it has been a pleasant surprise. I was able to read like 60 pages on the author's website and after that I was really into the book. The combo of humor, action, and romance is perfect. Bones is a riot!

Oh and I read the first BDB and didn't find myself wanting to know more about the continuing plot. The pack of vampires riding around in an Escalade listening to 2pac and Biggie had me seriously cracking up. Only, I don't think it was supposed to be funny, lol.

The 1st & 2nd books had me howling, 3rd book...meh. By the end of the 4th book, I was hooked.

Has anyone read the Night Huntress World book, First Drop of Crimson, with Spade? I'm wondering how that is.....The cover art for ALL of these make me cringe, haha.

I started reading it while I was waiting for DITF. It's okay, but it didn't really intrigue me like the Night Huntress series. I could put it down and walk away.

Sasha, give BDB a few more tries. You'll eventually *bond* with the leathers and shitkickers. LOL. I did enjoy the last book "Lover Mine". Each one grows on you. Like I said earlier, I hated the first book and yeah I did laugh a lot because the images I got in my head were ridiculous.

I'm reading the Night Huntress book 1 and have to say, it is great! It's really funny and Bones is a riot! Cat can be somewhat as dim witted as our dear Sookie. Kept woman my A$$. I'd take the money I earned.

I read an interview with CH recently, and she was asked what book character she would like to marry (or something to that effect), and her answer was BONES!  Jeaniene Frost, the author of the Night Huntress Series, was so flattered by this (I have JF as a Facebook friend, lol).

Has anyone read the Night Huntress World book, First Drop of Crimson, with Spade?

Yeah I read it. It was bad. Really surprisingly bad. Cant believe this is the same woman wrote Cat & Bones.

Oh i just been reading the BDB series must agree some of the books are hard to get into but overall the series quite good - Always helps if theres half naked leather wearing hunks about ^^

I have to thank you all as well for the recommendation of the  "Night Huntress" Series.  I've read all four books in the last week, and I'm In LOVE. It's an immediate fave.  I know i'll sound like a broken record, but it truly *is* incredibly refreshing to see a relationship series, not a courtship one. That women knows how to write monogamy in the finest way. I've always felt that couples could have just as good, if not better adventures together, if simply b'c their resolve to be together (and not the annoying "ping pong" of "what if?") would add a true credibility and integrity to my investment of them. Plus i really don't find Cat or Bones annoying characters. They're not perfect by any stretch, but they learn from their mistakes most of the time, and fast. I love that they kick but, have insanely intense chemistry, and push each other to be stronger and better characters.

I also like that Bone's isn't stuck in this rut of thinking he is evil all the time. That was one thing i had a really hard time with Edward, simply b'c the guilt wasn't really doing him any good, and was a constant stumbling block for his relationship and himself. I can understand the guilt, but i guess i'm happy that it's not being revisited here . I think Laura, that you said somewhere that Bones life had taught him a sort of humility and integrity. . .and I agree. It's not blatantly obvious, but it's definitely and undertone. . .

... Still can't believe i had never heard of it before. It's a shame the fanbase is kind of small, I want to find fanart and gush over it. lol CH has great romantic taste! Eric and Bones. Thanks again all of you.

It took two books, but I'm finally into the Fever series. It just hadn't caught my interest until then. And Moning's stopped doing one very annoying thing, which was to jump cut halfway into an action scene and then passively recount what happened prior to the jump cut. By doing that she not only violated basic Writing 101 by telling instead of showing, but she dumped my head right out of the story each time with the jarring change.

It had an irritating distancing effect. And it was even worse than it would have been if I had been reading it in print. Every time she did one of those jump cuts while I was listening to the audiobook, I had to backtrack to make sure I hadn't spaced out and missed something. Even after backtracking I couldn't be sure I didn't have a damaged audiobook with a missing section. I once got a damaged Hound of the Baskervilles from Audible. It was missing an entire section in the middle. And Moning has dropped some of the more cloying southern belle stuff that made Mac very annoying.

I just finished dreamfever, and I am jumping out of my skin to get the last book.  I am so happy that book 5 is the final book, because I don't know if I can take the suspense anymore!  Thank you all for recommending the books, and AP, it took me a while to get into it as well!  I was definitely not disappointed.

There's a line in book 4 that broke my heart. Can't tell, or even hint further, b/c that would be a Grand Spoil for anyone.  But the line will stick with me a long, long time.

Laladida, I think I know which line you are referring to.  There are quite a few good ones, but one in particular that stands out.  Thanks to everyone, again, for such great recomendations.   

OMG! I love the Fever series. I was reading that one before I started reading the Sookie books. Lol I laugh to myself when I walk into dark rooms at the thought of the shades getting me. Lol at 23 I have a very active imagination.

I'm glad there wasn't a hughe cliffhanger on dreamfever but waiting until december for Shadowfever is killing me. Lol I have to stop reading series or at least unresolved series. I hate waiting.

I also read the League series from Sherrilyn Kenyon and the Offspring series from Jaime Rush. I like the Offspring series better of the two. That one deals with people with psychic abilities and the govt trying to use them. It's really good and there are 3 books out now.

I just started the Fever series last night. It's interesting but I'm having a bit of difficulty getting into it like I have with the Night Huntress series I just finished.

I just reread my last three posts. I have got to cut back on the caffeine and sugar. The series really does get better luvinleif. I like it because I've never read anything about fairies the closest I've been is Tinkerbell.

Judy - the first two books are the weakest in comparison to the rest of the series, IMO. The amount of engrossment rises gradually. By the time I got to Faefever (book 3), I was hooked.

My biggest problem with the Fever series was Mac's immaturity, but it was necessary for her character development and she becomes AWESOME later into the series.

Judy (AP) I tried a sample of the first couple of Fever books on audible and could not stand to listen to it. I love Sookie's voice in audiobook format but Mac was completely annoying. You would think I'd be used to southern accents around here in Texas but there's only so much I can stand.

Judy - the first two books are the weakest in comparison to the rest of the series, IMO. The amount of engrossment rises gradually. By the time I got to Faefever (book 3), I was hooked.

Definitely.  My favorite is book 4, dreamfever.  And Jessica, my imagination is as active as yours, I looked in my shoe this moring before putting it on, and then laughed at myself.  I am having a hard time waiting until December.  The only problem I had with Dreamfever is that it was very emotional, and I cried.  I have been trying to avoid all things that make me cry, looks like it didn't work!

Judy, the southern accent gets better as the series progresses--she softens it a bit, and and the narrator changes in Dreamfever and the accent is more tolerable. It was quite hard to get into the series. It took me two whole books. Now I am hooked and Mac isn't annoying anymore. Ash, I was hooked by book three too. Now I'm into Dreamfever and quite hooked.

AP how are you feeling?  I hope all is well.

Ronni, my answer got somewhat involved so I moved it to the Random Thoughts thread.

Judy (AP) I tried a sample of the first couple of Fever books on audible and could not stand to listen to it.

I can't stand the Fever series on audio. In fact, I had to stop listening to it b'c when I went back to read, it was taking place of how I heard the story as I read & it wasn't good. No more for me.

I can;t wait to listen to Dresden on audio thought. James Marsters (Spike)! Yum.

*Ronni, I loved Dreamfever for its emotional tone as well. It is a noir-ish tale, and one does get hooked. I'm obssessed. And Book 4 was my fave, too.

I am a newbie to the genre. I surprised myself that I had the patience to stick it out learning about the Fae, etc, but I am so glad I did 

Dresden on audio is fabulous. However, the first four books were recorded on a shoestring by Buzzy Multimedia (now they are produced by Penguin). Actually the audiobooks were coming out very slowly (five or six books behind) until Penguin took over. There were technical difficulties on the first book and you can hear when Marsters breathes or moves. Also, Marsters was a little stiff at first, but he soon finds Dresden's voice and is fabulous.

There is also an editing problem on one of the early books where Marsters misses a line and says fuck and something about he got Dresden's position wrong (I don't remember exactly but it had to do with his position on a wall). It sounds like it is part of the narrative, until you realize he was repeating the line correctly the second time. I don't know if a re-issue would have cleaned that up. But when I do a re-listen soon, I'll edit my audio to remove that mistake.

Judy (AP), what tool do you use to convert your .aac files to .mp3? I use audials but I'm looking to see if there are better ones out there. It takes forever to strip/convert my files. After that, I can split the files using hjsplit (freeware) but I need something that will help me split it by chapter, not size.

I finished reading the last Fever book Dreamfever last night and !!!!  I should have waited to read the series until December.

I finished reading the last Fever book Dreamfever last night and !!!!  I should have waited to read the series until December.

I know just what you mean.   I loved those books!

I am reading black daggar brotherhood now.  I am into book 5.  I can't stop in the middle of the series, but if not for my compulsion to finish what I start, I think I could easily put these down.  I enjoyed the first book and felt the next 2 were the same book about different characters.  The fourth I found more interesting, but the jury is still out on #5.  Do they continue getting better, or was that it? 

The 6th was my absolute fave...see what you think. To me it's where she really started driving the bigger arc of the story into the forefront. Although I loved 5 & didn't really like the 1st 3....

I've only read the BDB series through once. To me, they are not immediately re-read worthy. I like Bella and Z, but mostly after their short story. I think it's because of the baby and I can relate as a new mommy. The romance does seem a bit repetitive in the series but like Laura says, the bigger arc does get interesting.

A relative suggested the Quantum Gravity series by Justina Robson. Has anybody heard of it? It's supposed to be about a bunch of other realms combining after some massive quantum explosion ripping up the space time continuum or some crap. LOL. It's got vampires, demons, elves galore.

Judy, I used to use Tunebite which is a sister product to Audials, but there would be clicks in the recording (since they run multiple instances to make it faster). I have tried dozens of tools to speed up the capture and they all suck one way or another (lost quality, random noises). So I just use Roxio to capture the audio in realtime.

You need to make sure you have all your system sounds turned off, since it captures sound from the System Mixer. Roxio has some decent tools for capture and the editing cleanup (pop and hiss removal, audio quality soundwave manipulation).

You could also use Audacity, but the Roxio tools are much more user-friendly. It will take forever, since it is realtime, but it's the only way to get decent sound quality. I have to do that whenever I get a tape from the library or from the Braille Institute. I've also captured BBC radio plays that way.

Check out http://www.pistonsoft.com/ They have amazing splitting and joining tools that don't require recompression (one tool for splitting and one for joining). That way you don't lose sound quality. I've used them to trim, split, or join up audiobook mp3s that I've gotten from "other" sources. Apparently pistonsoft has a converter/ripper tool. I haven't tried it but I do like their other products. I may try it out.

Ok, sorry for the OT discussion. Back to book recommendations.

Awesome thanks for the info Judy. I don't mess around too much with this stuff but it's nice to find some good tools. I use Tunebite 7 and it's ok. I'll check out the other ones you've mentioned.

My issues with Tunebite could be my laptop or my OS. It worked fine with my ancient Dell and Windows XP. When I got my Compaq and Vista, I started having problems. I may check it out again, to see if it had been an initial problem with Vista and they've since resolved it. I was thinking about getting a new PC, but my recent purchase of a humongous TV and Blu-ray soundbar, has put a nasty dent in my savings (I also had to get a new TV table and a lot of cables).

I won't bother with Windows 7 until I get the new PC. I don't see the upside of having to do a conversion and upgrade a bunch of stuff. I used to have to do massive upgrades and migration conversions (thousands of desktops and servers, both Windows and Unix) in my former life. I don't have the patience anymore for it, just for the the hell of it. I need a reason, like a piece of software I just have to have (and they are few and far between).

I envy you your TV! Did you get an LCD? We still have our Samsung DLP. It's a beast and is busy playing kids' shows. Right now we've got Disney Cars playing.  I refused to upgrade to Vista when it came out. There were way too many compatibility issues. I think we're going to build a tower for something more powerful next but I'd really love a powerful mac and dual boot it. We have tons of kid videos to process and edit. I do hear that Windows 7 is much more stable and compatible.

Well back to the book discussions. I started Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia after finishing Dreamfever last night. I felt so sad/disappointed for Mac but I couldn't get myself out of bed and climb down the stairs to reach my computer and browse spoilers for Shadowfever that I needed something else to read. I purchased the kindle version a long time ago but didn't get to it so I thought I might as well give it a try. So far....meh...The slight difference is that the narrator is a male.

I got a 55" Samsung LCD. Hopefully it won't explode in six years like my Samsung DLP. Conveniently, there was a Mother's Day sale and one of the boxes I had been considering was on sale. The clarity and brightness on it far exceeds the DLP. And my Blu-ray soundbar lets me download Netflix and Blockbuster (also YouTube). Actually the TV also downloads Netflix and Blockbuster (but not YouTube). 55" was as big as I could get and still fit it on my wall (even then I had to move around some furniture--reinjuing my right arm).

I'm going to dip into some SF (both classic and modern) for a while. Classic=Asimov (umpteenth reread: his characters are cardboard, his prose is clunky, but his ideas/concepts and world-building are fascinating). I'm going to run through newer (hence cleaner and less crapped up) audio copies of his entire Foundation series, including prequels and sequels, as well as his robot mystery series (which I adore). Some of my prior audio copies of some the Asimov books were appallingly bad. So bad it was hard to listen to them. Modern=Kim Stanley Robinson's two ecology trilogies: Mars terraforming and Earth's global warming. I am antsy about Shadowfever, but not much I can do until December.

I had been working my way through the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. It's suspense/mystery. She's a female Quincy--a medical examiner who investigates. Most of the stories seem to put her or her niece in personal peril. I liked it at first, but by the time I reached the 10th or 11th book, I was tiring of all the emotional drama either by Scarpetta or her niece or the hackneyed crazed serial killers. I was struggling to get into book 14, when Changes and then DITF came out. I guess I kept with the series since I had nothing to distract me from it, even though I was finding it simultaneously tedious and overwrought. Then I read the fever series and enough time passed that I have no desire to finish the Scarpetta series (I have 4 more books). I may finish sometime since I went that deep into the series.

I also have some of the Dune prequels and sequels by Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson to read. They are engrossing enough, but lack the poetry of Frank Herbert's writing. I had been waiting to finish until I got cleaner copes from Audible. My prior copies had come from crappy library CDs and tapes. The books can be read in chunks since they address different eras in the series. I may hit them after my Asimov extravaganza and before the Robinson trilogies.

Wow it sounds like you've got quite the set up at your place! I love the samsung lcd tvs. They are so bright and clear!
It also sounds like you have a lot of classic sci/fi to catch up on too. Have you read Neuromancer? I've been putting that one off for years. Been too busy reading O'reilly technical books to find time to read for enjoyment. They are really good bedtime books. They put me to sleep right away! I never could do more than one chapter at a time of DNS & BIND, and I even got to sit in a training session with Cricket Liu, the author.

I'm catching up on the reading for enjoyment right now though! My husband says he misses me. The last book I read before starting the PNR stuff 2 years ago was Neverwhere. I highly recommend it. One of my favorites. 

I loved Neverwhere. You really can't go wrong with anything by Neil Gaiman. American Gods is positively brilliant. And Anansi Boys (sort of a sequel in a slight way to American Gods) is a fun romp.

I agree. Neil Gaiman is the bomb! Have you seen Mirrormask (movie). I think you would enjoy it. I didn't care much for Stardust however. I felt it was one of his weakest, but the rest are stellar, like you said!

Stardust had its charms, but it was a lightweight story. I have the Mirrormask audiobook, but haven't gotten to it yet. I had been involved in a long Gaiman run and needed a break. I guess I forgot to get back to it. I think I'd want to listen to the book before seeing the movie. Since I'm going hard SF for a while, maybe I'll get to it when I'm more in a fantasy mood. The BBC has a decent, but low budget, mini-series of Neverwhere. It's fun and charming (like the book). You can get it from Netflix.

Oh yeah, my husband and I watched Neverwhere on dvds. It was definitely low budget but we still enjoyed it because we loved the book.

I haven't read much SF for ages and I used to read it a lot, I've just got ebooks of the E.E. Doc Smith 'Lensman' series, which I read years ago in hard copy, and some Anne McCaffrey audio books (The Crystal Singer trilogy).

The Lensman books are wonderful. Of course they're corny since they are so old, but they're a lot of fun. I'm much more an SF reader than fantasy. But I have been enjoying more fantasy recently. But I also enjoy mysteries/suspense and non-fiction, mostly science and more specifically paleontology.

Thanks for the info Laura.  I finished 5 last night and am going to start 6 sometime today, I hope!

The 6th was my absolute fave...see what you think. To me it's where she really started driving the bigger arc of the story into the forefront. Although I loved 5 & didn't really like the 1st 3...

Book 6 was my favorite too. You really start to see where she's taking the series in that one.

Laura, on another thread that you said you have read some books with angels and it spiked me into asking if anyone has recommendations for books about angels. I've been wanting to read an angel/human love story for several months now, but can't find anything.

If you go here & scroll to the bottom - there is a series called Guild Hunter, I do a little summary:

http://www.tangler.com/forum/sookie-stackhouse-series/topic/78641

Have you read Georgina Kincaid yet? There's a lot of Theology & Mythology in that. Esp. Angels...etc..

Also - I, Lucifer. I did a summary on that one too in that list so you can see what you think.  

There's a book in my Kindle queue called The Madness of Angels but I haven't read it yet....

Oh & duh - there was a miniseries I watched based on this book:

This is a better link -

 http://www.sniegoski.com/fallen/books.html

I loved the series but it got cancelled.

Also just saw the movie Legion which is very cool & I imagine The Guild Hunter Angels to be like the ones in the movies. Esp. the Archangels.

Thanks for the suggestions Laura! I'll check them out.

Thanks for convincing me to stick with BDB.  I also loved book 6.  It did get better.  Now I am wondering when the next book comes out.

Books 7 & 8 have come out. Rhevs book & then John Mathew's

I've been working on the Asimov robot novels: The Caves of Steel, The Naked Sun, The Robots of Dawn, and Robots and Empire. The last book was written much later, as a bridge to his famous Foundation Series (originally a trilogy, but later expanded by several prequels and sequels). They suffer from the typical problems of any old SF book, so they can be quite quaint. Society, science, and technology predications can be laughably off the mark. But that's part of the charm. And sometimes the predictions are astonishingly on the mark.

I now remember what I love most about them--they're logic puzzles. The robot novels are all murder mysteries. Asimov also wrote mysteries so he builds a very constraining circumstance, and then the protagonist has to reason his way out under very difficult conditions. He plays fair with the reader, so if you were really paying attention, you could work it out yourself. But mostly, it is a very clever surprise.

Asimov was also very good at world-building, so the societies he creates are detailed and intriguing.

I read 7 & 8 and I loved 8.  I love John Matthew!  They were really good.  A lot better than the first few.  Now I have moved on to the highlander series.  I am on book 2.  I decided to read it after searching through the threads and someone mentioned that if you are obsessed with the fever series (as I am) that you should try highlander.  I think the fever series might be my favorite so far.  For those who haven't read it, give it a try.  I found it addictive by 3 and 4 was amazing!

I love the Fever series too. I think it is my favorite after sookie.