Whatcha Reading?
As you know, I’m in between books right now, which means I’m reading like crazy. I’m actually writing again, but as I’m not deep, deep in a book, I can still read some great books. I just finished two I wanted to tell you all about and then see what everyone else is reading right now. I know I’ve done this recently…but not too recently, I hope!
The first book I read is DEMONS ARE FOREVER by Julie Kenner. Julie is going to be a guest blogger here next month! I’m very excited since this book (which is available in bookstores on July 3) is the third in her super-terrific Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series. I’m just sure I’ve talked about this series before, but I can’t say enough about how much I love this series.
Kate Conner is a former demon hunter who was raised by a secret Vatican organization to hunt and destroy demons. Before the birth of her daughter, she and her then-husband retired. Then her husband died, she remarried and has created a wonderful, normal, soccer-mom life in the ‘burbs when a demon shows up and she’s called back into action. With each book, the mysteries surrounding the sudden appearance of demons in San Diablo, California escalate. Kate’s daughter plays a larger role and for every answer, there are ten more questions. You have no idea how much I hated waiting between books! But the wait was sooooo worth it. I can’t wait for the next one!
The second book I got a sneak peek at is Diana Peterfreund’s UNDER THE ROSE (available in bookstores June 26!), which is the sequel to SECRET SOCIETY GIRL. You remember Diana, don’t you? She was one of our first guest bloggers over a year ago when SECRET SOCIETY GIRL, her debut novel, came out in hardcover. It’s now out in paperback! But I got to read the second book, which like the first, follows the adventures of Amy Haskel, an Ivy-League co-ed with tendencies toward conspiracy theories that more often than not, turn out to be true. I inhaled the first book…and frankly, did the same with the second. And there’s this one love scene…shew!
One of the lucky parts of being friends with other writers is that I can finagle ARCs…but as a result, when I love the books, I have to shout it from the rooftops. Neither of these books are romance novels in the classic sense, but both explore romantic relationships in ways I’m certain romance readers will find satisfying. Both have incendiary sexual tension.
But why did I love, love, LOVE these books? Hands down, the heroines. Both are intrepid and smart and have awesome senses of humor that really had me chuckling out loud. Each is flawed in her own way, but not in a way that makes me think them incapable of taking care of themselves…even when they need a little help from their friends.
Ah, the friends. Another reason I love both of these books…they have the best friends. Interesting, mysterious, loyal (or not) the people that surround these heroines are interesting in and of themselves. I love watching the heroines interact with these people…it feels so real, even when the storylines are so outside my world.
The guys aren’t bad neither. 
Anyway, in celebration of a double whammy of fabulous reading at a time when I needed it most, I’m giving away two prizes–one copy of SECRET SOCIETY GIRL for someone who will then, next month, go out and buy book two and then a copy each for another lucky winner of both CARPE DEMON and CALIFORNIA DEMON in mass market paperback to someone who will go out and buy DEMONS ARE FOREVER in trade. 
It’s honor system, here, of course…but to win, drop a comment (you may comment more than once, of course, but you’re only entered once) along with a note about what you’re currently reading. You have to live in the US…Amazon only ships here and that’s how I’m sending the books.
Happy reading, everyone!
Oh exciting to have Julie Kenner here! And I’ve read nothing but glowing reviews for Diana’s book, but because it was in hc, I never picked it up.
I just finished a Sept release by Erin McCarthy called “My Immortal” and now I’m starting Lucy Monroe’s “Satisfactions Guaranteed”. They are two of my all-time favorite authors, so it’s been a good last few days
Comment by Stacy ~ — June 20, 2007 @ 6:20 am
oh that sounds great!
i’m currently reading my way through Liz Carlyle’s entire back list in order of original release date. for those of you who haven’t yet read them, i highly recommend each one thus far!
Comment by Cail — June 20, 2007 @ 8:34 am
Good morning~
I just finished Donna Kauffman’s “The Black Sheep and the Princess”. Ms. Kauffman is always a great read. Prior to that I tried out a new author (new to me) Emily Griffen, who wrote “Something Borrowed”, and also “Something Blue” Loved them both. I just ordered “Baby Proof” by Ms. Griffen.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — June 20, 2007 @ 8:55 am
Hi, Monkeys! I just finished reading SPELLSTRUCK by Jaclyn Reding. A really charming book with interesting characters and a yummy hero. Also, a cute little girl. I just stared PLAY IT AGAIN, a hardboiled detective novel by Stephen Humphrey Bogart, who is in real life the son of Bogie and Bacall. So far, I’m liking it.
Have a great day!
Comment by Delia — June 20, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Morning! I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince since Deathly Hallows comes out next month but before that I read Suzanne Enoch’s “Sins of a Duke”.
Comment by shannon t — June 20, 2007 @ 9:15 am
I would love to have Julie Kenner’s books. I haven’t read either of them yet but want to. I promise I’ll buy the the third one when it comes out.
I’ve just finished the Raintree: Haunted. The second in the Raintree trilogy. I’ve loved both books so far and can’t wait for the third to come out in July. Each one has a different author. The first is Raintree: Infereno by Linda Howard. Raintree: Haunted is by Linda Winstead Jones and the third one to come Raintree: Sanctuary is by Beverly Barton.
Not only have both books been great reads it’s also interesting to have three different authors writing them. Especially since the others have to visit in. Which means each of the authors has to know the characters and their particular traits from the two books they didn’t write.
Hopefully all of that made since.
Comment by Vicki — June 20, 2007 @ 9:24 am
Okay, I am not quite sure what is supposed to happen if I win, but enter me anyway. It’s a little early for me! I have CALIFORNIA DEMON: CONFESSIONS OF A DEMON FIGHTING SOCCER MOM . I got it for Christmas and got behind in books, so I will have to move it up on my TBR pile. My oldest brother got it for me because it was on my list and he thought the title was hysterical. LOL!
Comment by katie — June 20, 2007 @ 9:33 am
I’m in the process of reading the last two months Blaze books. I’m reading The ex-girlfriends club by Rhonda Nelson right now. I got behind and am playing catch up(had to re-read all the HP books). I’m also getting ready to re-read Half Blood Prince so I’ll be ready for the final Harry Potter.
Comment by Liza — June 20, 2007 @ 9:34 am
I am reading Colleen Gleason’s The Rest Falls Away.
Comment by Crystal B. — June 20, 2007 @ 9:41 am
Good Morning ~ I’ve just started The Pleasure Slave by Gena Showalter. I couldn’t wait to pick up some of her books after meeting her here last week. Thanks for the introduction!
Comment by Robin — June 20, 2007 @ 9:42 am
Good morning..its very interesting to see what everyone else is reading.. lots of good ones that very well may get added to my shopping lists..lol…
i just finished Susan Lyons Hot in Here, and the Firefighter by Susan Lyons, PJ Mellor and Alyssa Brooks… both very good..
i ordered and just this week recieved Wild Wild Women of the West, by Delilah Devlin, Layla Chase, and Myla Jackson.. but havent started it yet..
I currently am reading something that is very interesting to me anyway its nonfiction.. My Men Are My Heroes the Brad Kasal Story, Earning the Navy CRoss in the brutal Fight for Fallujah.
I wont go into all the details but its his story.. Hes from Iowa and i just found this one to be a great real life hero read.. if you dont know my hubby is active duty with the Iowa National Guard, and has served in both desert storm and Iraqi Freedom..i have always liked this type of book and this one just really in my opinion is very good.
Comment by Jolene — June 20, 2007 @ 10:00 am
I :love2: Julie Kenner’s trilogy consisting of the Manolo Matrix, Givenchy Code and Prada Paradox, but I haven’t tried any of the Demon books.
I’ve read both of Diana’s books. Loved them, too!
And the second one is even better than the first IMHO.
I just finished reading Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfield, which were amazing.
They are YA and I bought Uglies for my nephew but figured I’d take a peek at it first. Well it was so good, I went out and bought and read the second book in the series, Pretties. Now I have to get my hands on the third book, Specials. If you think YAs are only for young adults, think again. These books were great.
Right now I am reading Kiss and Dwell which was Kelley St. John’s first Blaze. I just started it yesterday. On deck is Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason, which is the second book in a series — the first book is The Rest Falls Away and it rocked–even considering I’m not a big vampire person. The series is about a vampire hunter in the Regency Period in Europe.
I know this is long, but I love books, especially really good ones!!
Comment by Kelly R. — June 20, 2007 @ 10:04 am
Julie Kenner is on my TBB list b/c the demon hunting soccer mom thing just sounded too good to pass up. I can’t wait to get the chance to finally buy & read it. The book I’m reading right now is The Last Warrior by LA Day. It’s really good so far - about a witch who transports a Yahi Indian from a couple hundred years ago to the future.
Comment by Stacia Helpman — June 20, 2007 @ 10:23 am
I just finished reading an ARC of Just Wicked Enough by Lorraine Heath
Right now I’m reading Wolf Tales IV by Kate Douglas (just got it in the mail on Monday)
And, at the top of my TBR pile is an ARC of Come and Get Me by Alyssa Brook
Comment by Christy H. — June 20, 2007 @ 10:50 am
I had dinner with Scott last night. He’s got a new “Uglies” book coming out in a few months, called SPECIALS.
I’ve read Carpe Demon, but not the new one of Julie Kenner’s — but I love her books!
Hmmm, what have I been reading? I just re-read the Philip Pullman HIS DARK MATERIALS books (first one will be a movie this December called THE GOLDEN COMPASS), and a great non-fic book called VIRGIN, and Sophia Nash’s A DANGEROUS BEAUTY (doing a giveaway on my blog for that right now).
Thanks, Plotmonkeys! :kiss:
Comment by Diana — June 20, 2007 @ 10:50 am
Well, I’m a little behind on my reading because my son just graduated from 8th grade
and we had a family party so I was busy running around getting everything ready. Everything went great
and I’m happy its done so now I can relax and enjoy my summer.
I just finished reading Julia London’s The Peril’s of Persuing A Prince, which I loved:love2:.
Now I’m reading The Heir by Johanna Lindsey who is one of my all time favorite authors. She just released a new book called The Devil Who Tamed Her which is a follow up to the Heir, which I will read next.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — June 20, 2007 @ 11:28 am
I am currently reading Janelle’s ARC (Thanks again Janelle!) that came in the mail last week. :P So far I am loving it. If I didn’t have a sick toddler and a relay this past weekend I probably would have been done with it by now.
I must admit I haven’t read either of these Authors Julie. I don’t know what happened but I remember when Secret Society Girl came out I wanted to get it but didn’t. I’ll have to make a trip to Barnes & Noble later and see if I can find a copy.
Comment by Kelly F. — June 20, 2007 @ 11:55 am
Kelly, rumor has it that Diana’s book is a featured title at Target this month. Thought everyone should know that. It’s a trade paperback, so that’s where it will be…hopefully on an end cap!
Tina, congrats on your son’s graduation!
Kelly R, I have Kiss and Dwell right here beside me. As soon as I finish PRADA PARADOX (which has the double pleasure of being not only a great fun read, but also research since her heroine is an actress and so is mine on my WIP) it’s next up!
Comment by Julie Leto — June 20, 2007 @ 11:59 am
Julie Kenner & Diana Peterfreund are both great authors! :thumbsup2: I’m in the middle of Changling by Yasmine Galenorn…little tiny creepies in this book, lovin it! Next on my list is Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu, its part of her buzz campaign and I can’t wait to start it.
Comment by Darla — June 20, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Darla, what is a buzz campaign?
I’ve been wanting to read Yasmine’s book. I need to get it! Saw it at Waldens just the other day, but walked out without it for some reason. Distracted, no doubt. Story of my life.
Comment by Julie Leto — June 20, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Just finished reading Haunted by Lisa Childs. Not sure what to start next. Having trouble deciding.
Comment by Cherie J — June 20, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
:thumbsup2:I’m currently reading Kate Collins’ Flower Shop Mystery series - 3 down, 2 to go!
Comment by Karen B — June 20, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
I just finished Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak and it was an incredible book! It was a mystery that really kept you guessing in an unusual way… half the time you didn’t know what was going on but you wanted to keep reading and find out!
I’m currently reading Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in its Golden Age by Michael Barrier.
Comment by Jen — June 20, 2007 @ 1:12 pm
Julie,
Like you i read Diane’s first book in a day. Then handed my bestfriend the book and she too read it within a day. We cant wait till her second book is released at the end of the month.
I just finished reading, “All Jacked Up” by Peggy Mcall… it was a great read, especially if you love action and romantic suspense. The other books i read recently were, Kimberly Raye’s, “Dead End Dating,” and Pamela Britton’s “To the Limit.” Awesome reads, i highly recommend.
Have a great day.
Comment by Elisa V — June 20, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
Karen B,
I love Kate Collins Flower Shop books… I get a laugh out from reading her books… :thumbsup2:
Comment by Elisa V — June 20, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Just finished Heather Graham’s THE DEAD ZONE. Definitely not my last one by Ms. Graham. Loved it. Heroine was okay but I think I liked some of the other characters more.
Now reading FOUND by Karen Kingsbury.
Comment by Patricia W — June 20, 2007 @ 1:47 pm
Robin - I read “The Pleasure Slave” over the weekend and loved it!!!
Hope you enjoy it as well. Right now I’m reading another of Gena’s books, “Enslave Me Sweetly” but I did take time out to read “Lean Mean Thirteen” yesterday and today. I just finished it, and as usual, laughed my *** off all the way through it. 
She makes writing seem so easy!
I have 2 more of Gena’s books that I got on Friday but I don’t remember what they’re called. I’m also reading “Dialogue” by Gloria Kempton and “Technique’s of a Selling Writer.” Not the kick back in bed kind of book, but good and important!
We just had a big thunderstorm move in so I’m going to curl up in bed and read more of “Enslave Me Sweetly” this afternoon and be extremely lazy. I actually read most of Lean Mean 13 while running errands with hubby so I haven’t been extremely lazy all day
I just read very, very fast (and it’s so easy it goes fast).
Comment by Jodie — June 20, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
HI, I just finished LL Miller’s McKettricik’s Pride - vg- 2nd in the modern day McK series. Brought a few tears to my eyes. Will be starting McKettrick’s Heart next.:cry:
Comment by Pat L. — June 20, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
PS - dont count me in on this draw - just wanted to comment on a great book I read.
Comment by Pat L. — June 20, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
Oops. When I said that Scott Westerfeld has a new Uglies book coming out soon I meant that it was called EXTRAS. oops. :wallbash:
Also, how could I forget! I’m ALSO reading Gena Showalter’s book (a “bedside” book rather than a “purse” book) — it’s called RED HANDED, and it has the most glorious cover I’ve ever seen.
~Diana
Comment by Diana — June 20, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
I just finished reading “Shop on Bloosom Street by Debbie Macomber
now reading “Marriage Game” Fern Michaels
Great :present:
Comment by Cherylann — June 20, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
I just finished reading a Susan Mallery book… and for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of it… only that it was the last book in her Millionaire trilogy. Up next, I’ll be starting Sarah McKerrigan’s “Knight Prize” during my lunch break. It’s the 3rd book in a medieval series. Oh, and I’m listening to “Twelve Sharp” by Janet Evanovich (which I’ve previously read, but needed something to listen to during the commute each day) and am anxiously awaiting book 13 (which has been shipped from Amazon!!!).
Comment by Jennifer K. — June 20, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
I’m currently reading an ARC - Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu which comes out on July 3rd. I’m about half way through and it’s a great read!
Comment by Teresa W. — June 20, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
I just finished His Perfect Woman by Kay Stockham. I think it’s the first book by Ms. Stockham I’ve read . . . but won’t be the last. I stayed up till 1:00 this morning to finish it and had to get up at 6 a.m. for work. But it was worth it. I’ve read the Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner and have been wanting to try her Demon series books.
Comment by Cheryl S. — June 20, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
Just got A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash. Haven’t started it yet. But would love to win a book.
Comment by Stacy S — June 20, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
I just started Innocent As Sin–by Elizabeth Lowell. I’ve only read 3 chapters but I am already hooked, I didn’t want to go to work today because I didn’t want to put it down!!
Comment by erin — June 20, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
I just finished California Demon, knowing that the next one was due out. I love them too and wish it were before I was going on vaca so I could take it with me.
I have never read the other books. I wonder why?
On the other hand, what did I unpack at work today and stick on the shelves for the upcoming Friday release dates??? Anyone want to guess???
Huh, Huh????
They are in my pile to buy and take with me next week.
Comment by ev — June 20, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
katie- Good In Bed is one of my favorite books!! There was just something about that that I fell in love with. You will have to let me know how you liked it.
Right now I am trying NOT to read as there is so much to do before we leave on Saturday. I did start Fanged and Fabolous at work- it’s book 2 of the Toronto Vampires Series by Michelle Rowen. Bitten and Smitten was book 1. I will have to buy it and take it with me, but I left it there so I wouldn’t sit at home and read it.
I am taking Evanovich’s new book with me, so I refuse to get it out until then. And I haven’t decided what else- we can borrow up to two hard covers at a time. Any suggestions anyone???
Comment by ev — June 20, 2007 @ 4:55 pm
Very Cool Books
I’m reading anything Connie Mason and On A Wicked Dawn by Stephanie Laurens
Comment by Qua — June 20, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
I would love to read the Diana Peterfreund book. Thanks for the unexpected giveaway.
Before I sat down here at the computer I just finished reading Just One Look by Joanne Rock. It is not really a typical Blaze book. It is a little dark, had a hero with a unpleasant past that I loved & a heroine trying to take back her life after a nasty divorce. Very good reading. Not sure what to pick up next, maybe Brazen by Carly! I also recently finished Bad Girls Don’t by Cathie Linz which was most enjoyable.
Seeing what everyone is reading is dangerous! I always discover more books & authors I want to read.
Comment by Donna M — June 20, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Nice giveaway, as usual! I am reading Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.
Comment by Michelle — June 20, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Lovely giveaway. I am reading A Sense of Paper by Taylor Holden.
Comment by annie — June 20, 2007 @ 5:57 pm
I’m starting a new book, HUNTERS: HEART AND SOUL by Shiloh Walker.
Comment by Sue A. — June 20, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
I just finished reading It Must Be Magic by Jennifer Skully. The main character is someone who can talk to animals. Made for some funny and light hearted reading.
Comment by Carol R — June 20, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
I’m currently rereading Warrior’s Heart by Bianca D’Arc :love2:
Comment by Ali — June 21, 2007 @ 2:44 am
Well, I expected one or two (I won’t name names) to guess what books they were.
Party Poopers!!
Comment by ev — June 21, 2007 @ 5:45 am
I’m currently reading two at a time. I am jumping between “Ask for It” by Sylvia Day and “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Both are great so I’m having trouble deciding which to pick up each time I have the chance.
Comment by brownone — June 21, 2007 @ 8:27 am
ev…I meant to guess! Can I hope for the paperback of CROSS MY HEART…maybe Leslie’s SHE’S NO ANGEL???
Comment by Julie Leto — June 21, 2007 @ 8:55 am
Julie-
Comment by ev — June 21, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
:cocktail: for Ev!
Comment by Julie Leto — June 21, 2007 @ 6:18 pm