I just remembered…I LOOOOVE to read!
I made a New Year’s Resolution last year, and again this year, to start carving out time to do something I’ve really been missing lately: reading for pleasure!
Ever since I started really rolling fast and hard with my writing, I’ve somehow lost the drive to read the way I once did. So I made that pact with myself to read a little every day. And while I haven’t managed every day, I do quite a lot more reading now than I had in the previous couple of years. And I’m loving it!
So I thought I’d do a bit of armchair reviewing of a few of the books I got for Christmas & my b-day that I’ve been reading since that time. (PS: You can see I got a lot of dark books for Christmas…lol…I buy paperbacks–including romances–for myself. The hardbacks I get as gifts!)
1. Lisey’s Story by Stephen King. 
King is one of my two favorite writers (the other being John Irving.) And everyone has raved about this book. For me, though, it was kind of a “meh” read. It took me a long time to get through it, which is very unusual for me.
It’s not that I was upset that King wrote something other than the horror for which he’s famous. I am all for authors branching out.
I think the problem I had with this book was the same one I had with Bag Of Bones…another of my least favorite of King’s books. The narrator spends a great deal of time alone. There’s a ton of introspection and narrative and I just didn’t care about her enough to keep madly flipping those pages through it…unlike Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon–where the character was also alone, but I did flip pages like mad because I was so engaged by her. I also never bought into the suspense storyline–the villain was not credible to me and that part of the story seemed tacked on.
It certainly wasn’t the worst of his books…and I’d never consider any of his books truly “bad” but it wasn’t anywhere near a favorite. I guess I’ll give Lisey’s Story a 
since King’s writing was, as always, wonderful, even if the story didn’t totally engage me.
2. Cell by Stephen King 
(Got both of them for Christmas!) I liked this one better. It wasn’t a King Classic, but it had shades of The Stand. I liked the protagonist’s devotion to his son and really liked the ambiguity of the ending. Read this one much faster than Lisey’s Story. Zombies have never been one of my favorite monster devices, but he pulls these off well…and you truly feel sorry for them. So, for this one, how about a… 
3. Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris 
Hmm…on the fence about this one. On the one hand, I read it at the speed of light. On the other–I just didn’t feel terribly satisfied at the end. I liked the richness of the post WWII history of it, and seeing Hannibal Lechter’s childhood. Wasn’t so crazy about the Lady Mariska element of the story. It didn’t come near Silence of the Lambs or (my favorite Harris Red Dragon.) But it was way better than “Hannibal” which just skeeved me out.
Okay, I think it was a :|
4. You Suck by Christopher Moore. 
I loooove Moore’s books. But he’s one of those writers you need to read sparingly–no glomming or the humor can get old and the characters tend to blend together. But if you spread his books out, you just cannot help but be entertained. This was a sequel to my 2nd favorite of his books, Bloodsucking Fiends. Very paranormal romance novelish, only hysterically funny. Thumbs up on this sequel, too (I even loved the slightly controversial ending.) This one gets a
5. Gone With The Wind 
I did not get this one for Christmas or my birthday, but last weekend when I was in Florida, lying on a heating pad or a bag of frozen lima beans, I really wanted something to read. Most of my books are packed, but I had a hardcover copy of this on a bookshelf, remembered I hadn’t read it in years and just dove in.
Still a wonderful read. I read it the first time when I was in 6th grade and have reread it several times since then. Scarlett is a much richer character in the book than she was in the movie–though I prefer the movie version of Rhett. A delight to rediscover if you are looking for something epic in which to lose yourself. Undoubtedly a 
for GWTW.
Some other quick ones…
I read 6 historical romances for the Rita’s. One was fabulous…just loved it and rated it very highly. I hope to see it in the finals. (But I can’t tell you what it was…
Another one was pretty good. The rest were okay. I am just not a big fan of the “feisty & headstrong” historical heroine. I spend half the book with my hands clenched because of how badly I want to slap her, and that type starred in several of these books. So (without naming them) I’m giving them from :| to 
Also just read Vicki Lewis Thompson’s My Nerdy Valentine 
I love Vicki’s books. They are so effusive and full of brightness and light, just like she is…her personality truly comes across in her work and you just can’t read her books without a smile on your face!
As with all of Vicki’s Nerd books, this one was just delightful. Fast paced, funny, with a bit of a suspense edge that lent a creepiness factor. I think this was my 2nd favorite of her Nerd books, after her “The Nerd Who Loved Me”…(maybe because I have a thing for stripper heroines…lol!) A big 
for this one.
I also got a chance to read Lori Borrill’s Blaze Private Confessions. 
Wow, a super-steamy, super fun and fast-paced read. She’s hit the ground running with her first release! Grab it if you haven’t yet! Another
Well, that’s about as far as I’ve gotten since Christmas. I still have some great books in my TBR pile…if I can ever find time to read them! 
(Believe me…I’ll make time! I am SO enjoying giving myself permission to read.)
Coming up…
I got the second Matthew Pearl book, In Poe’s Shadow, a historical mystery involving Edgar Allen Poe (whose work I adore.) I enjoyed Pearl’s first book, The Dante Club, for the most part (until it fell apart at the end.) So I am looking forward to reading his sophomore effort.
I got Hubby the new Clive Cussler book for Christmas and I intend to borrow it from him one of these days. I’d also like to try some of his Bernard Cornwall books–never read him, but hubby really liked his Arthurian trilogy.
My good buddy Roxanne St. Claire has another of her fabulous Bullet Catchers books coming out later this month- It’s called Take Me Tonight and stars a yummy “wiseguy” type hero! I’ve read a sample chapter and it looks terrific!
So… let’s have a for reading!
Now tell me, anybody read any of the above books and care to discuss? Or read something else you’re dying to talk about? What about upcoming releases–what are you all looking forward to?
PS: Don’t forget…editor Brenda Chin is going to be our special guest blogger this Thursday, March 15! Don’t miss it!
PSS: One more thing…we’re getting ready to send out our first Plotmonkeys newsletter! Thanks for your patience in waiting for it…and if you’re not subscribed yet, it’s not too late!
Other than romance, we sooooo don’t share the same love of reading - the thrillers and horror! But I agree, reading is a treat we MUST give ourselves!
I’m looking for contemporary light romance to read - similar to what I write - that people have enjoyed because other than my standard reads which I devour as soon as they’re published, that’s just not what is on shelves right now. :cry:
Can’t wait to read what people say about books today!
Comment by Carly — March 12, 2007 @ 6:19 am
I read Lori Borrill’s story and enjoyed it a lot. I don’t read Blazes as much as I used to cuz I find I like longer stories.
Totally into the Brotherhood series by JR Ward, though the latest one, “Lover Revealed”, isn’t my favorite. Still, there were many compelling elements to it that will keep me engaged in the series.
Though I am getting tired of the paranormal books, I did really enjoy Vivi Anna’s “Blood Secrets”. She was inspired by the show CSI, and that made this book a lot of fun.
But the book that I just read that I can’t stop thinking about is “Dirty”, by Megan Hart. Marketed as an erotic novel, I was extremely hesitant to read it, but it totally blew me away. It’s a deeply moving story about a woman who rejects emotional intimacy. The main character, Elle, is extremely likeable, and I hated that the story had to end. It was amazing.
Comment by Stacy ~ — March 12, 2007 @ 6:42 am
I am also not into the King/Harris type stuff. ick.
I loved Vivi’s Blood Secrets and am looking forward to the sequel. Lori’s book is still in the pile.
I have been catching up on my library books, which consists of a lot of cozy mysteries. I need to get them done and back. Soon.
Now that I have started back to work, I can see that the pile will grow bigger. Tomorrow I go in to do shelving and hope to heck they put me in a section I don’t like. Otherwise I will shop and not shelve.
Comment by ev — March 12, 2007 @ 7:58 am
What perfect timing for your post! Yesterday, I mailed off the final MS to my editor and am hoping my revisions are accepted (please, God). That means I get a break for a while and can actually sit down and read/relax for a change! (woo hoo!).
LOVE the book recommendations, particularly since our tastes are so similar, I read with piqued interest. I’ve got Lisey’s story on my shelf and the VLT Nerd one too, but there’s a couple authors there I’ve never heard of and am now interested in checking out! (In addition to about 30 Blaze’s in my TBR pile, some dating back to ‘05!)
And would you believe, last month I watched Gone With The Wind for the first time ever?? And I call myself a romance writer! Tsk. I’m proud of myself for finally seeing the movie–reading the book? I don’t know. It’s awfully fat.
Hope your back is better, BTW, and thanks to both you and Stacy for the kind words on the book. I jumped when I saw my cover on your list. You’re the first Blaze author to read/comment on it–Gulp! Readers are wonderful, peers are nerve wracking. LOL! I’m glad you found good things to say about it besides, “How cool that it’s set in San Francisco!” LOL!
Comment by Lori Borrill — March 12, 2007 @ 8:59 am
I just finished The Nymph King by Gena Showalter. Very entertaining. I haven’t read Christopher Moore, but I’ve seen one too many great reviews for him, so I think it’s about time I picked him up. Reading is one thing that I absolutely have to do. I’m a fanatic. I read constantly, including most of the Blaze titles each month. Enjoyed Lori’s book, as well!!
Comment by Kimberly Raye — March 12, 2007 @ 9:05 am
I Still need to hear from VICKI so she can get her prize!
Comment by Carly — March 12, 2007 @ 9:42 am
Carly, I know from Halloween that you’re not into the horror thing…lolol! But honestly, as crazy as it sounds, You Suck was pretty much a paranormal romance. (Not at all gory…and hysterically funny…the first line of the book is, “You turned me into a vampire. You bitch. You suck!”
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 11:12 am
Stacy, I have heard fabulous things about the Ward books, but I haven’t picked one up yet. Honestly, when I read vampires, I either want Anne Rice’s first 3-4 books, or else comic vampires like Moore’s and like Kimberly Raye’s! (Whose 2nd book I know just came out and is on my list to buy for myself!)
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 11:13 am
Ev–okay, that’s two votes for Vivi Anna’s books. I’ve seen the Nocturne, it has an amazingly gorgeous cover, but haven’t picked it up.
Is it dark/vampirey?
PS: I really enjoy Agatha Christie’s cozy mysteries. In fact, I have a beautiful collection of about forty of her books in custom black hardcover. Started collecting them *years* ago in one of those book of the month clubs. Someday I’m going to have to search out the rest to finish my collection!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 11:14 am
Kim–The Nymph King has an utterly amazing cover and I really enjoyed Gena’s first book (Stone Prince I think it was called?) I’ll watch out for the new one!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 11:16 am
Lori–a GWTW virgin until a few weeks ago??? Shameful! lolol! (What’d ja think?) The book is actually much fuller, Scarlett has 3 children instead of 1. Very interesting.
My good friends Roxanne St. Claire and Cami Dalton are big GWTW afficianados (sp?) The two of them do great accents and they’ll start going back forth through entire scenes!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 11:18 am
I usually love Thomas Harris, but I’m in agreement with you Leslie.
Right now I’m reading “Smart and Sexy” by Jill Shalvis and loving it!
Comment by Susan — March 12, 2007 @ 11:26 am
What did I think about GWTW? Okay, I’ll say this quick and then duck really fast. Loved all but the ending. I wanted them to ride off in that sunset. Sorry, but “Tomorrow is another day” didn’t do it for me. I’d rather the movie go 3 1/2 hours and SHOW me tomorrow when she gets Rhett back.
Other than that, I loved it!
Comment by Lori Borrill — March 12, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Leslie, great blog… I dont read kings books, but i like to watch them when they are made into movies. I have read every thomas harris book except the new one, Hannibal Rising. I havent read Gone with the Wind, but saw the movie. Im like you, not into the historical romances.
Im one that likes to buy contemporary romances and mysteries. Im reading Susan Andersen’s, All Shook Up. I have read most of Susan’s books, and love them all.
I recommend her as a contemporary romance author. On my TBR pile is Lori’s book, Private Confessions, plus Kimberly Raye’s Sweet as Sugar Hot as Spice, and some Susan Elizabeth Phillips books. Another good book i recommend that just came out last summer on hardback is The Labryinth by Kate Moss… excellent book. 
Comment by Elisa Varey — March 12, 2007 @ 11:47 am
I am anxious to read Roxanne’s new one. I just finished her first in the Bodyguard series. I have another here to start, but I love how you don’t HAVE to read the books in order if you don’t want too. They are part of a series but also stand alone.
I also loved “Sizzling” by Susan Mallery. That was a good read, a bit surprised at the end, but VERY GOOD nonetheless.
I am also anxious to read Carly’s new book coming in Ocotober. And I think Suzanne Brockmann has one coming out this summer too. Force of Nature is the title and her books are always good.
Comment by Kelly F. — March 12, 2007 @ 11:56 am
have the new vicki and would love to read the new roxie book
reading new blazes, they are so hot
reading ian by kate hoffman, damn hot, from the first page.:thumbsup2:
Comment by kim h — March 12, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Leslie: Geez…we don’t have the same taste in books. I prefer romances (contemporary, not the vampirey type stuff). My life is scary enough.
I loved VLT “Nerdy Valentine’. Too funny. All of her “NERD” books are fun! I will have to check out Roxanne St. Claire’s book (loved her story with Julie from Christmas).
Hiding from Lori whose book I still haven’t read even though I won it (okay, I am still staring at the picture, you caught me!). It’s next…I am right now reading “Night Whispers”.
Comment by katie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Kelly, the “non-sequential” part of Roxanne’s series is one thing I really like about it, too. Wish more writers would do that.
Elisa–how’s it feel celebrating your last “official” birthday for a while? (This will be the number you celebrate until you hit 39…then that’s the age you’ll be for a while.
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
Susan–I LOOVE Jill’s books, too!! She has the most wonderfully engaging writing voice, you can pick up one of her books and just immediately fall right into it!
Way hot cover on that one, too!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
Lori–sorry you were disappointed by the ending, but it’s definintely better to use your imagination to picture their HEA rather than reading the sequel. Blech.
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Kim–is Ian one of her Mighty Quinns? I read a few of those back when she was doing them in Temptation and remember really liking them!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
Katie–lol…yeah, I have a wide variety of interests. Honestly, I used to read a ton more romances, but now that I’m writing them full-time, I really like to read a lot of other stuff. And I’ve always had a thing for being scared…as evidenced by my Halloween blogs…lol!
Hope you like Night Whispers…thanks for picking it up!!
Btw, what’d you think of There Goes The Groom? You were reading it the other day, weren’t you?
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Leslie…this will be my last celebration of a birthday…
Though my bestfriend told me i will be counting down the days till i hit 3-0 and then it will be all over. 
She turns 30 in June and she hears the violin playing everytime she thinks it. lol. Next year i think im going to hit las vegas, i hit the jackpot at dave and busters for tickets so all my friends think i should try the casinos instead. 
Comment by Elisa — March 12, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Leslie, your list is not my list (except for GWTW)–LOL. However, I would like to recommend a great writer I just discovered last year through the Celebrate Romance! Advanced Book Trade, Kathryn Shay. She writes single titles for Berkley & for HSR. My fave is SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN, her ST of a couple of years ago, one of the most different & interesting Romances I’ve read. The heroine (Bailey) is a Liberal Democrat, who runs a website & has a shelter for girls trying to escape girlgangs. She also has a 4 YO son (never married) & 4 Irish brothers who work at the family pub who want to run her life. The hero is a Conservative Republican who, in the prologue, as the D.A. prosecuted Bailey for Accessory After the Fact & sent her to jail for 1 year, &, now is a U.S. Senator. Current time, the Governor has assigned both of them to a task force to allocate social service funds, where they batter each other through the press & try to stay away from their attraction. STBI has some hard aspects, describing what girls go through in the gangs, but, I think, it’s a fascinating book, with a great relationship. Her current release is the story of one of Bailey’s brothers. Shay was a HS teacher & taught in college & has some very interesting ideas how to reach adolescents. I’ve learned from all her books. I think STBI is still available to buy, & I highly recommend it, as well as all of her backlist.
BTW, met Vicki Lewis Thompson at this year’s Conference & she was very warm & friendly.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — March 12, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Thank you, Leslie, for including my next Bullet Catcher on that awesome list! You put a smile on a face that surely needed one today. I love that you re-read GWTW - it reminded me that I need to do that myself. I like to go back and read the ones that made a book lover and, ultimately, a writer, out of me. Especially the juicy “commercial” hits that I loved - THE GODFATHER (oh, Sonny C on page 28 - the reason my fave love scenes are up against a wall!), Judith Krantz, Jacqueline Susann, Sydney Sheldon. Certainly, I’d put GWTW there (not as steamy, but certainly “big”
, although I don’t think I’ve read it since high school. As soon as I finish the book I’m writing, I’m going on a reading binge. Thanks for the list!
Thanks again for the props!
xoxo
Rocki
Comment by Roxanne St. Claire — March 12, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
Leslie:
LOVED IT! All three of the novellas were awesome! I think they might be my favorites (I guess I can sort of understand them because my husband is Portugese and we had a little culture clash when we got married…not too much, just a little).
Comment by katie — March 12, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Thanks for the recommendation Patricia–I’ve heard the name and will be on the lookout for Kathryn’s books!
Rocki–glad you got a little smile today. Miss ya!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Katie–YAY! Glad you liked it. I thought that whole collection was verrrry adorable, too! I just love working with Janelle & L&T, it was a lot of fun.
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Lol! Bag Of Bones is my favorite King. :o But I love King, especially his early stuff. I’m saving Lisey’s Story to reward myself once I finish my WIP.
And Yay for you! Pleasure reading feeds the muse.
Comment by Heather Harper — March 12, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Ack–sorry Heather! Honestly, I loved the story and cried at the end when you learn the whole story of the woman & her son. But the first person narration just weighed the whole thing down so heavily IMO. Took me forever to drag my way through it.
Good luck on the wip!!
Comment by Leslie — March 12, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
This is a great discussion! Such diverse tastes we have in our reading! Leslie, your taste & mine are wide apart!! However, I loved Lori B.’s first book–whew! Great job on a first book. Hi Lori!
It has been years since I read GWTW but I watched the movie a few years ago & boy does ones perspective change as the years go by!! Clark Gable however stands the test of time. Right now I am reading Carly’s third HOT book & am loving the series, glad she is doing a new one! 
Not to long ago I read Jill’s Smart & Sexy which was very entertaining. Before starting on Carly’s HOT series I read Jo Leigh’s very intriguing Blaze mini-series In Too Deep, this was very good reading not your usual Blaze or romance books. Well, I guess that sums up my humble opinions & recent reading. Thanks for giving us a place to discuss books. None of my friends read much or have the same taste I do & I miss book discussions! 
Comment by Donna M — March 12, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
Leslie: I forgot to mention that I am just not seeing how the old cover of “Night Whispers” dude (aka John Boy) would be Mitch. Not seeing it whatsoever. What was Blaze thinking?
Comment by katie — March 12, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
I am probably the biggest chicken, so when it comes to books I stick to romance…lol I did once try a vampire/romance by Shannon Drake but didn’t make it past the first chapter
Lori, I’m with you on the ending of Gone With The Wind… i live for happy endings, and after sitting through such a long movie I wanted to see it!
I am starting a new book today called When Dashing Met Danger by Shana Galen, I’ve read a few others of hers and really like her writing.:thumbsup2:
Comment by Tina Martinesi — March 12, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Leslie- it is so NOT dark, vampirey. Vivi paints a whole different aspect of what a vamp can/can’t do- busting a few myths along the line. I like that she isn’t into the Dracula version. This one is quite hawt. The who csi team of his has their own unique ablities and they use them wisely. He’s normal, just drinks blood to survive, like humans do vitamins. LOL
Comment by ev — March 12, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
Well, I generally stick to romance and some mysteries. I can’t wait for Alison Kent’s new book and I still have a couple of the Nerd books to read. BTW loved, loved, loved Lori’s 1st book. Hot read and great story. I’m not a big vampire story reader, but have branched out a bit in the last little bit. I haven’t read Stephen King since high school…IT did me in. As for GWTW, I do like the movie, but have never stepped up and read the book…although I do have the book in my tbr pile.
Comment by Liza — March 12, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
Donna M., I also read Jo Leigh’s RS Blazes & found them very different & excellent.
Karen/Carly, if you’re still looking for a contemp & never read SEP’s AIN’T SHE SWEET from a couple of years ago, I loved that book. It has SEP’s usual, smart sense of humor, but, had more characterization than her Chicago Stars series (which I’ve also enjoyed). However, I liked that book much better than her recently-released “Stars” story.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — March 12, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
I too read Lori’s book. It was hot, hot, hot! I told her so, too.
Anyway, aside from my normal romance fix, I read The Camel Club and The Collectors by David Baldacci. Not bad. Set in DC, intrigue, and little fun.
Some of my all time favorite books are old Sidney Sheldon’s (Master of the Game, The Other Side of Midnight, to name a couple). In high school we had a required reading period. I read pretty fast, which got me to wanting books that lasted longer than my HQN’s. (I still read everyone that came out every month… ) So, I re-read Gone With The Wind. :love2:
I also read Herman Wouk’s The Winds of War & War and Rememberance. I loved those books. Romance, war, death, infidelity - you name it. Both of the 80’s mini-series didn’t do them justice. I’m still gonna order the DVD’s though. 8)
Comment by Lynn Matherly — March 12, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
I love ViVi Anna’s book’s read them all.
I am also a huge brotherhood fan. JR Ward does a nice job with the series.
My next read is Lover Revealed.
I just finished “Deadly Game” by Christine
Feehan. I read the Ghostwalker books.
I like to mix things up a bit. I read both Julies
“Private Lesson” & Leslie’s “Night Whispers” last week and enjoyed both.
I rarely read anything not Romance. I like navy seals, vikings, vampires,
intrigue, suspense and comedy too.
As long as it’s a good story with characters that are
in a relationship I usually like it. I pick up Blaze if I want to try a new
author, see an old familiar name or I’m working long hours & need a fast
read. My favorite books are the ones you can’t put down until your done.
Comment by jeannie — March 13, 2007 @ 9:21 am
Oh I read “Causing Havoc” Lori Foster Very good read. I liked it.
Comment by jeannie — March 13, 2007 @ 9:22 am
I’ve been so busy writing that I haven’t even glanced at my TBR pile in months. Yikes! Thanks for reminding me that it still exists. I hit The End last week on my latest story, so I s’pose I could squeeze in some reading time. That, and I have an international flight on Friday… I’ll try to grab some of these books for the plane!
Comment by Erica Ridley — March 13, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
yes leslie blaze one now, so damn hot
Comment by kim h — March 13, 2007 @ 9:59 pm