I’ve been losing a lot of sleep lately…thanks to Robyn Carr. I was able to get books one through four of her VIRGIN RIVER series for $9.99 on Amazon for my Kindle and I’ve been reading non-stop for a week and a half. These are books unlike what I usually read–these are contemporary, big, multi-character women’s fiction romances with hot sex that make me laugh, cry and wonder how she can weave such humongous stories without having anything I normally love–twisty suspense, car chases, explosions, etc.
I’m almost done with the fourth book and then I’ll be moving on to Jennifer Ashley’s THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MCKENZIE, which I’ve been dying to read for a while, but got sidetracked or Stephanie Bond’s 6 KILLER BODIES, which is the last in her triple Body Mover summer release. I finished 4 & 5 right before I went on my Robyn Carr glom and before 6 was released (though now it is all mine and waiting on my Kindle.)
So…what are you reading???
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
3 Seductions and a Wedding
Hot Number
Play With Me
Wild For Him
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Next I am going to read Lori Foster’s Say no to Joe. I read The secret life of Bryan and it was good I know I tend to read the books out of order because I read them as I come across them. I have read the first three books in her SBC Fighter series and just recently got the forth “My Man Michael”. The thing I don’t know if I am going to like it that in the forth book she changed the formula from the first three and the forth has some sc-fi in it. I don’t tend to like that sort of thing so I will just have to see.
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You will love Jennifer Ashley’s The Madness Of Lord Ian McKenzie. There is one problem, the next book in this series doesn’t come out til next year. Just a friendly warning. I’m currently reading 3 books, Get Off Your ‘But’ by Sean Stephenson, Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas, and The Highwayman by Michele Hauf. I’m all over the place, a self help book, a historical, and a paranormal. I’m doing the split personality for now. Have a great day.
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Here you are! I missed my early morning Plotmonkey fix *g*
I’m reading Janice Maynard’s “Mating Game” and then I have a new book, first in a series, by this author named Leslie Parrish. Know her? The book sounds amazing and I can’t wait to dive in.
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What do you mean 6 is the last of the Stephanine Bond Body Movers? Please tell me it’s a typo and it’s the latest?!?
right now I am reading Patterson’t 8th book in the Women’s Murder Club on my ereader. Just finished Lord Ian yesterday. I can’t wait for the next one.
Evanovich’s new one won’t be out for the ereader for a week or two as usual, so I will wait. If it comes in from the library first, so be it. They loose the bucks.
And then I need to sit and look at all the deck books I got from the library before my contractor calls me to see what we are doing and what we need to go buy. Oops.
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to Patsy L Roberts, I felt the same way about My Man Michael after reading the other fighter series (I LOVED THEM!!!) but trust me the book is really good. I usually dont like time travel books to but this one was great. I just kept an open mind and I really enjoyed it. It’s not as outer space as you think. The ending actually made me cry!! I can’t wait for the next one Back In Black. I’m about to read Lori Fosters Judes Law and Murphys Law. I can’t wait!!! I love her as an author. If you havent already I really suggest you read the Buckhorn Brothers by Lori Foster. They are the best and most unforgettable brothers you will ever read about!!!
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I’m reading Jeanne Stein’s latest Anna Strong book “Legacy”. Her next one releases in September. As usual I’m loving it! And I don’t read vampire books! Except for Jeanne’s.
But I might check out J.R. Ward’s books…
Just finished James Lee Burke’s Swan Peak–The first one of his I’ve ever read. I loved it!! Great writing and fresh too!! I couldn’t put it down.
Next in line is Carly’s Lucky Streak.
Then I’ll probably read Rachel Gibson’s new book.
Enjoy your day everyone,
Cher
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I’m reading Fade to Black and loving it! The Reaper is the best and most evil villain I’ve read in a long time and I love the chemistry between Dean and Stacey. Only about half way thru right now, but plan on doing some serious reading tonight. After Fade to Black I have several more Plotmonkey books at the top of my TBR pile.
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I finished “JULIE AND JULIA” (had to read it before the movie came out!). I am almost done with Jane Greene’s “Swapping Places” (or something like that). I don’t know what is next on tap. Our library does a summer reading program for adults and I have to jam through books :).
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I lived the Virgin River series !!
I’m currently reading Tempted at Midnight by dalessandro which I really really enjoy. I’m not sure about the next one, hopefully “wed him before you bed him” by Sabrina Jeffries… I’m dying to know who this Cousin Michael is !!!
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Julie, KISS OF THE PHANTOM? Yeah. Best of the series!
And if I may, I received news yesterday that FAERIE FATE will be released April 30, 2010.
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I am currently reading Robyn Carr’s “Paradise Valley” the latest book in the Virgin River series. I love these books. It always takes me a chapter or two to catch up with all of the characters, but once I do I’m hooked.
I also love Lori Foster’s books and as for My Man Michael, I think you have to have an open mind while you read it. I would not count it as one of my favorites by her, but definitely not something that I would pass up.
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I am currently
the second book in the Outlander series, “Dragonfly in Amber” by Diana Gabldon. I only have 220 pages to go. 
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Currently I’m reading Jennifer Lyon’s Blood Magic but I’m really looking forward to Leslie Parrish’s ‘CAT’ series and actually, based upon Silver James’ recommendation, your (Julie) series as well. So many books to read, so little time …
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Hey Jules, I abso love Robyn…she is so awesome…you should definitely check out here Grace Valley series too…Virgin River is awesome…I fell in love with the town and all the characters…some cameos of characters in Grace Valley show up too…you must get the next three too…
Right now, I am reading Janet Evanovich’s Eleven on Top, a book on Maya Angelou, PC and Kristin Cast’s Marked, and Irish Magic II, an anthology with Susan Wiggs, Morgan Llywelyn, Barbara Samuel and Robert Gellis…
I have too many books on tap to figure out what to read next…but The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright is on that list too…I have the Phantom re-read coming up as well…not sure what I am going to do yet…
Ardie, you are going to love that entire series…Jaime and Claire are amazing…
Congrats Silver…I am so jealous that you get to read Les’ books now…
Patsy, Say no to Joe is awesome… I loved that entire series by Lori…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, I loved the VIRGIN RIVER series (especially, the Mel & Jack couple) & have devoured them all. A real relationship-based series about real issues, & the heroes (Army & Marines) are flawed & great. There’s the first trilogy, then, a Xmas book (excellent), then, the current trilogy &, when I sent an email to Carr with my compliments about Mel–a gutsy midwife who loves her patients & her town, her hubby (both of whom can’t keep their hands off each other) & her children, she said (because of readers’ response) she’s writing another trilogy for ‘10. Can hardly wait.
Just am finishing my second Joanna Bourne book, MY LORD & SPYMASTER which is set in the Napoleonic era. Her lst, THE SPYMASTER’S LADY was my fave book of 2008. These are not traditional Romances or even traditional Historicals, more spy thrillers, but, the heroines are to die for: gutsy, brave, not very by-the-rules, but, brilliant. These gals “run the show”. For me, these are must-reads. Highly recommended.
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Jane Green’s book is “SWAPPING LIVES”. It’s most excellent.
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I just finished BLACK AND WHITE by Jackie Kessler & Caitlin Kittredge… They created an interesting world of superheroes… I hate that I have to wait until next year to read the next book SHADES OF GRAY. Turning to Catherine Coulter’s FBI series TAIL SPIN next.
Was a winner chosen for the June 10th post?
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I’ve just started a book club with some friends, so this past week I read The Professors’ Wives’ Club by Joanne Rendell. It’s really terrific! I highly recommend it. While women’s fiction, it had plenty of romance to keep me happy.
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Thanks everyone who has read it and told me to give it a try. I normally would not read it but am willing to give it a try. I tend to like things that “could possibly” happen as opposed to stuff that there is no way it could ever happen. LOL
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WITH A TWIST by Deirdre Martin. I like her hockey series, but this one is the sequel to another one about sisters from Paris, now living in NY.
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I’m on a Karen Rose kick right now.
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I am reading Carly’s Lucky Streak.
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Just finished Virginia Kantra’s Sea Lord–that was fabulous, and now we have to wait until next year for more… *sigh* Julie, I’ve got most of Robyn’s books on the TBR–sounds like they’re good ones!
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That is an awesome series and it is continuing next year!
I am reading Smitten by Evanovich.
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Yay Stacy! So glad you got Fade To Black and I hope you love it! (Not just like!)
Liza, so glad it’s still working for you–I really loved creating The Reaper. And Silver, I hope you’re not falling asleep while reading! Ban, please let me know what you think when you get the books, okay?
I am actually excited because I got home from being out of town to a package from Barnes & Noble…1 copy of Fade To Black! The first time I’ve seen it in print as I haven’t even gotten author copies from my publisher yet. I was so so so so so excited! Like my first book all over again, to be honst.
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Thank you, Cher, Estella, Alice!!!
Julie, I’m sorry I’ve still only read chapter one of Virgin River (book 1) but it’s on my nightstand! And also had already started Susan Andersen’s latest reissue I missed the first time.
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Sadly, the only thing I’ve read the last few days has been my C++ programming text book. I am looking forward to reading the first three books in Larissa Ione’s Demonica series, though, as soon as I take my final this weekend.
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Madness of Lord IAn is delightful. I was excited to read it and it definetly worked for me. I really liked it and I’m sure you will!!!
Definetly left it open at the end for sequels…I immediately jumped on her website and of course….there’s a series!
VERY EXCITED!!
I’m getting ready to read Jennifer Haymore’s “A Hint of Wicked”
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If I LOVE Lori Fosters books (agree with everyone about My Man Michael)will I enjoy Robyn Carr’s? I am just worried that they will be too much like a lifetime movie where i will seriously be depressed at the end. I would appreciate any guidance you guys may have as Im always looking for new authors to read!
thx
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Corinne,
I found the VIRGIN RIVER series very uplifting. If one believes in a town where (i) people help out each other; (ii) ex-Marine & Army guys are honorable, but have seen unspeakable things in Iraq & support each other back in the States; (iii) women live a rather hard existence, but, are gutsy & brave, this is the series for you. The men have been in the war but the book is not able the War. It’s about a small-town existence where all help out each other. I loved the characters & fell in love with the town. It’s not political. As Julie inferred, it’s hard to characterize this series, as it has many characters who revisit in the various sequels, there’s wonderful love scenes, but, not traditional endings since the stories continue, though, couples get together. I haven’t loved a couple as much as Mel/Jack since Sam/Alyssa in Suz Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series.
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Correction in #31 should be “….. it’s not ABOUT the War”.
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Corinne, her books are not at ALL depressing. That’s what I adore about them…when my romantic suspense mind goes to the worst case scenario, Carr doesn’t go there! The books still have suspense in that you don’t know how the characters are going to work things out and there is sometimes a danger element, but these are feel good books with happily ever afters that will make you cry with joy.
BTW, I’m arranging to have her guest blog here at Plotmonkeys soon. I’m so excited!!!
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Thank you everyone for their feedback!!!! I have now purchased the Virgin River Series 1-4 on kindle as well and am looking forward to diving right in
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Julie, I, too, am looking forward to Robyn’s Plotmonkeys visit. I’m eager to see if she’ll give any info as to which guys are being featured in the 2010 trilogy.
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ok, i have to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for their suggestion
I have rarely read a series of books that so truly captured the heart and the reality of war. So many people think about war and forget what happens to the soldiers when the come home; I praise Ms. Carr for showing the world that these men and women have gone through something unimaginable and deserve happiness however they can get it 