Looking for new books to read.

[Loons]

I am looking for more books to read. I loved night huntress- especially the first books in the series and looking for something similar- good writing, funny and sexy. I read chicagoland vampires after it got recommended, and was disapointed. The male character in them is such an ass, and the female one just gives in to his stupid whims. I didnt really enjoy them. (even though the humor in them gave me a few chuckles)

Then I read vampire academy, but they were far too "young adult" for me. Written for 16 year old girls, and Rose just annoyed me. The only book i really enjoyed in the series is the fourth one, though one plus for the series is the male character Dimitri, I liked him.

Then I read Karen Chance- both Cassandra palmer series and Dorina Basarb. The first books in cassandra Palmer was kind of bleh. The second book I really disliked. But the last books- Loved them, mostly due to the things that develop in them, relationships and such. the thing that annoyed me with the karen chance books is the way the characters, in the middle of conversations, think "back" on things and rant on for a page or more about events in the past related to the conversation they are having, would be so much more enjoyable if conversations were had and then after the conversation is done with, there was short backtracks instead.

So I know I sound like I hate everything, but something with a good ammount humor, (vampires!) good writing, interesting characters and sexy, but not too much.

Any recommendations?

[Michelle]

Check out the group's bookshelf if you want. There are a lot of amazing titles there.

I agree about the Vampire Academy books. Not my cuppa; although, my daughter's bff *loved* them.

Some of my favorites are Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series, Kim Harrison's Dead Witch Walking, and Death's Hand. And don't forget Sookie Stackhouse, lol.

[Loons]

I see alot of people recommend sookie stackhouse. But since I have seen all of True Blood expect the last season, im thinking those books are kind of spoiled for me? thats why I havent read them. Loved the first seasons of true blood.

[carol.]

Loons--not at all. The books are quite different and the tv show goes in a number of directions that the books don't. In fact a character that passes away in the series plays a major role in the show. So they are VERY different.

I'd also recommend Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series. Some people also love the "Edge" series, but they are too relationship focused for me.

[Tasula]

Hi Loons,
Try


And as for the Sookie Stackhouse series, I found them very enjoyable, much more so than the TV series- at least the first 4-5 in the series. On the light hearted side.

I also second Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, and Kelley Armstrong's Bitten series (werewolves).

[Michelle]

Carol wrote: "Loons--not at all. The books are quite different and the tv show goes in a number of directions that the books don't. In fact a character that passes away in the series plays a major role in the sh..."

I had *really* wished that the character had stayed on in the book series. I was so sad when it didn't happen.

It's true. You can watch the show and have a completely different experience in reading the books.

If you want a stand alone book that is good, try . It's a ghost story, not really a were/vamp thing, and it's also YA *but* it is a very compelling read. It reminded me a lot of the TV show Supernatural.

I also enjoy the Black Dagger Brotherhood series; although that is a series that people either love or hate. (Also, it may be a little too sexy for some readers.)

[Christine]

Have you tried:
Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series
different couple with each book, but by book three she develops a cohesive story arc that incorporates many of the previous characters into each book


Shannon K. Butcher's Sentinel Wars
first book is slow, but it's fast becoming one of my favorites, a good blend of PNR with an UF edge


Eileen Wilks' World of the Lupi
follows a single couple, more UF with a little romance

[Loons]

Well I decided to pick up black dagger brotherhood. LOVING it. Read the first three books in the series so far- book 2 & 3 were amazing! My only complain is that I wish zsadist and bella had more than one book, so that the relationship between them could have build up slower and over longer time :) ! love their tension, and love zsadist. Going to continue with the next books and pray they dont disapoint, since I enjoyed book 2 & 3 so much. Book 1 was ok, good start to it, but then it just got abit boring and predictable, but 2 & 3 - loved them!

[Michelle]

Loons wrote: "Well I decided to pick up black dagger brotherhood. LOVING it. Read the first three books in the series so far- book 2 & 3 were amazing! My only complain is that I wish zsadist and bella had more t..."

YAY!!! Another BDB fan is born, lol.

[Loons]

Michelle wrote: "Loons wrote: "Well I decided to pick up black dagger brotherhood. LOVING it. Read the first three books in the series so far- book 2 & 3 were amazing! My only complain is that I wish zsadist and be..."

Indeed! Im on paynes book atm. But since I have been reading them so fast after eachother, the stories becomes a little bit "predictable". Though I must say what keeps me going is the Qhuinn and Blayne story atm! The tension! oooooh!

But I still loved book 2 & 3 the most. Rhage and Mary aswel, who can resist?

[Michelle]

I'd highly recommend Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series - starts with Angel's Blood.

I second Patricia Briggs and Kim Harrison.

[Michelle]

Loons wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Loons wrote: "Well I decided to pick up black dagger brotherhood. LOVING it. Read the first three books in the series so far- book 2 & 3 were amazing! My only complain is that I wi..."

I just started #3 today! I can't wait to find out what happens. I don't mind the predictability because it's nice to have books be dependable, you know?

I also agree with the other Michelle, Briggs and Harrison are both very good.

[Jalilah]

Loons wrote: "I see alot of people recommend sookie stackhouse. But since I have seen all of True Blood expect the last season, im thinking those books are kind of spoiled for me? thats why I havent read them. L..."


I find people either like the Sookie books and not True Blood or the opposite. In particular people who watch the show first and like it are often disappointed by the books.
Personally I prefer the books. There is a certain quirky off beat humor that is not there in the show. That being said, I only saw the first season of True Blood. Also re: the books. I thought the first two were okay but loved books #3,#4,#5 and #6 but feel the series has gone downhill since. I think this is often the case with series that go on for too long.(view spoiler)[ I feel Charlaine Harris was influenced by the show. I don’t think she originally intended for Sookie to stay that long with Eric but because the Eric character went over well in the show she chose to continue the relationship. I feel Sookie was meant to be with Sam. (hide spoiler)]

Has anyone mentioned Jane Yellowrock yet? It is my favourite series at the moment.

[Michelle]

Jalilah wrote: "Loons wrote: "I see alot of people recommend sookie stackhouse. But since I have seen all of True Blood expect the last season, im thinking those books are kind of spoiled for me? thats why I haven..."

I agree about the love/hate thing with Sookie. Personally, I like both the TV show and the books, but I actually like the TV show better because it is darker. The books are cute and quirky, but the TV show can be a nail biter. Plus, the hot vampires are a plus, lol.

[Cathy]

If you want a series with a good mix of urban fantasy with sexy romance and humor, the Carley Davidson series by Darynda Jones should be right up your alley.

Lynsay Sands Argeneau Vampire series is more a typical romance series with a different couple every book, but so is BDB, right? The Argeneau books are very light, but cute.

Molly Harper's books are also light and funny but very romantic. I really like her Jane Jameson series.

Definitely don't dismiss the Sookie books, the books are so different from the TV show. Not exactly lighter, but definitely brighter, if that makes sense. The show is just so dark, physically, visually dark. I think the books have more balance.

I love everything Dakota Cassidy has written. Her guys are all adorable and super sexy, I want to be friends with every one of her women, and she just cracks me up every time. Her books have a chick-lit tone and rhythm and a lot of humor, but they all have a lot of heart too, with an emphasis on friendship and how strong women are. And animal rescue comes up in a lot of them because she's rescued a lot of dogs herself.

Keri Arthur's Riley Jensen series is hot too, a great mix of action and a woman who isn't afraid to be sexy. Because you know those werewolves, it's a part of their nature after all ;)

Those are the ones that came to mind 1st from what you described. Hope that helps!

[Cathy]

BTW, I totally agree about Ethan in Chicagoland Vampires, what an ass. I've stuck with it and read all of the books and he's just as bossy and annoying as ever. And she just becomes more of a know-it-all, it's a shame. I want to love it, but it's gotten very hard.

[Kevin]

I've enjoyed both True Blood and the first Sookie Stackhouse novel. They are different, but as long as you start them with that in mind, I think it's possible to like both.

[Loons]

Cathy- glad you agree with me, because alot of people loved the that series (chicagoland vampires). But I just cant "fall in love" with a male character like that, its like he doesnt even appreciate her, even though he wants her and supposedly loves her in the end? It just doesnt fit into my "girl power" universe! ;) We are strong, and i want to read books with strong, independent women, were the males are fun, badass but also show their love, and not being selfish assholes, that are bossy and demanding as hell.

I really appreciate more of the recommendations! I will look into them since i am, once again, all out of books to read.

I am LONGING for Karen Chance's next cassandra book. (That series really got to me in the late books, 4 and onwards really caught me, and I cant wait for more pritkin!!) Even though I think she acts really silly at times (cassandra) I still love the books.

[~Thena~]

Vampires and funny--

[Michelle]

Try Laura Anne Gilman - the latest book is Dragon Justice - however, there are a number of books earlier in the series

Laura Anne Gilman

[chucklesthescot]

Loons wrote: "I see alot of people recommend sookie stackhouse. But since I have seen all of True Blood expect the last season, im thinking those books are kind of spoiled for me? thats why I havent read them. L..."

I love the books but hated the series, so don't give up on the books!

[Gaelle]

Well, just knowing that L dies in the first book takes all the fun of reading the books, cause L is one of my favorite character in the TV show.

[ladymurmur]

I had a couple of standalone UF books catch me completely by surprise earlier this year, and I highly recommend them:

Velveteen by Daniel Marks

and

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

[Tasula]

Gaelle wrote: "Well, just knowing that L dies in the first book takes all the fun of reading the books, cause L is one of my favorite character in the TV show."

One of the best things about the TV show besides Eric, was L- a wonderful character- absolutely agree with you on him. But the books are great fun, and they avoid some of the things I hated about the TV show.

[Lauren]

One of the best series I've read in a long time is The Graveyard Queen by Amanda Stevens. I recommend the audiobooks in particular as the narrator really adds to the creepy atmosphere:

[Karen]

I am absolutely loving right now. It's like a sci-fi cross between The Warriors and Escape from NY. Not sure if it's technically UF, but it's well done, and I am really engrossed in it and cannot wait to see where the story goes.

[Venture]

I enjoyed reading the Dark Hunter series

[Michael]

just finished M. R.Forbes two books.

Its about the battle between heaven and hell with prefatory fighting to keep balance on earth.

fun read!

[bookcrazedchick]

has anyone read this one?




How was it?

[Michael]

A good vampire book, that didn't go all Anne Rice was "Chance in Hell" it was a step up from young adult but it was very enjoyable.

[Cindy]

~Thena~ ♥Machar♥ wrote: "Vampires and funny-- [bookcover:Nice Girls Don't ..."


Whats this series about besides vampires?

[Dawn]

bookcrazedchick wrote: "has anyone read this one?




How was it?"

I read that one and I really liked it.

[Dawn]

Cindy wrote: "~Thena~ ♥Machar♥ wrote: "Vampires and funny-- [b..."

A woman by the name of Jane gets turned, she lives in a small town and gets herself in the oddest situations.

Very chick-lit, I found them quite funny and highly entertaining.

The audio version is also quite good.

[Amber]

Loons, have you looked at Gail Carriger's Soulless series? It meets the description of 'has vampires, is well written, is funny and sexy' without verging on erotica. Just reading the opening page had me laughing and intrigued it was so well done, and the book lives up to it from there. Set in the Victorian era, but full of modern sensibilities.

[Michelle]

Amber wrote: "Loons, have you looked at Gail Carriger's Soulless series? It meets the description of 'has vampires, is well written, is funny and sexy' without verging on erotica. Just reading the opening page..."


That's a terrific series! One of my favorites.

[Nancy]

true blood on TV is nothing like the books its amazing just takes characters AMD tosses them in another story.LOVE both

[Michelle]

One of my favorite PNR/UFs is Dominion, a series I discovered last year. 800yo twin vampire brothers, who have a dark past and are each flawed in different ways, and the young vampire hunter they both fall for, who has her own flaws and issues. Really good (imperfect) characters, plot twists and history of the brothers, revealed throughout the books.

Book 1 is free on Amazon July 23 & 24 (recently revised)



http://www.amazon.com/Dominion-ebook/...

My second favorite vampire series is Elemental Mysteries. Loved it! Great history, via flashbacks, and world building and an interesting twist on the nature and unique powers of the vampires. Got a HEA by the end of the series, after some really good drama. Book 1 is also free on Amazon. Can't wait to read the spin-off series, about some of the supporting characters.

http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Fire-Ele...

[Jalilah]

Another very enjoyable series is Darkfever
by Karen Marie Moning
There are 5 books. I envy everyone who starts now and can read them straight through because there are cliff-hangers in most of them.

1.Darkfever
2.Bloodfever
3.Faefever
4.Dreamfever
5.Shadowfever

A word of warning however, the lead character is really annoying and dislikeable, but she changes as the story progresses.

[Michelle]

Jalilah wrote: "Another very enjoyable series is Darkfever
by Karen Marie Moning
There are 5 books. I envy everyone who starts now and can read them straight through because there are cliff-hangers in most of th..."

I've heard so many good things about this series. It's still on my expanding TBR list...

[Jule]

Michelle (~TeamIan~) wrote: "One of my favorite PNR/UFs is Dominion, a series I discovered last year. 800yo twin vampire brothers, who have a dark past and are each flawed in different ways, and the young vampire hunter they b..."

These are by far the best books I have ever read, I love fae books. There is also a spin off "iced"which I enjoed. I borrowed these from the libary then brought them again on e books fron ebay, one set of books I would be at aloss not to own.

[Andi]

Hi! Reading your message, I believe we have the same taste in books. I'm into tough female leads so I recommend Elemental Assassin for you. It was a really good book and I enjoyed it a lot. If you will not like the romance part in the first book, don't be discouraged! I swear it will get better on the following books :)

[Andi]

Try Dragon Kin series too. Definitely worth the read! The characters are awesome and the books are so filled with humor.