Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What Are you Reading?
K.Z. wrote: "KC wrote: "Feral Machines (in Tangle)"It made me cry! I was wary of the story at first, because I've never been a science fiction fan, but I fell in love with Thomas, the android-like character. ..."
Tissues at the ready, i'm looking forward to meeting Thomas. I don't usually read sf, i'm more of a fantasy fan, but anything Ginn writes is a must for me :-)
And both Tangle anthologies have pretty cool, intriguing stories.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, I finished Every Time I Think of You. It was great! I almost stopped at the 40% mark. My interest in teenage angst is limited. No matter how well written, I get saturated quickly. I kept going and... BAMMO!... a great story emerged. Excellent read. Thanks all!
Just finished The Foxhole Court this week, which is kind of an AU New Adult story set in our world now, but a lacrosse-like sport called Exy is very popular.The MC Neil is just coming out of high school and is on the run from his criminal family past, but is recruited to play on a rag-tag Exy college team. His teammates are crazy, but his past is crazier, and he struggles to balance not revealing the truth of who he is while still trying to play the game.
It's a first novel (and self-published.) I thought it was very good and very different, just with the character motivations and the story.
It's marked as "m/m" but there is no romance in this book or in the sequel The Raven King. (I think the romance part is coming in the third and last book.) The restraint is there because the main character is almost asexual in how he keeps himself away from intimacy, but at the same time, the reader can see how others react to him (and how one of his teammates cares about him, but shows it often in messed-up ways.) It will be interesting to see if/how the romance plot eventually plays out. I believe the author herself has labeled the story as m/m in her blog, and has alluded to more things coming, so I am very hopeful. (Because that UST is killing me...)
Even though it's low on romance (and I had a few issues with the second book), I still think this is a fascinating series by a new author. The first book is so not "normal" compared to what m/m I've read that I was continually surprised on how the trajectory went. (It can be seen as more YA, but even for YA, it reads very fresh.)
So, if you like New Adult, are okay with sports stories, some mafia/crime stuff, and a very-very-very slow burn romance, I would recommend checking it out. (The first book is also free on Smashworda and Amazon. The second book is a dollar.)
I finished the sequel yesterday, and I thought it was overall good, but I liked the first book best so far. I am interested in checking out the third book, which will hopefully come out later this year, just to see how things wrap up. (I'm really praying that the sexual tension will end, like, puleeeeeeze have something happen...)
Thank you for the extensive review. And a little help for everybody wondering, like me, what New Adult means:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New-adul...
Antonella wrote: "Thank you for the extensive review. And a little help for everybody wondering, like me, what New Adult means:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New-adul..."
Thanks, Antonella. New Adult is kind of a strange nebulous term (created by publishers. So marketable...) For a good m/m example, Anne Tenino's college series Theta Alpha Gamma would qualify as New Adult--kind of that "in-between" stage during college and soon after when people are figuring a lot of things out.
Mod
I'm glad you liked that one, Reggie. There is something different, unique about it. I liked it a lot.
Two non-fiction books that I think people here might like. Fanny and Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England is about two cross-dressing men who ended up in the middle of one of the most notorious court cases in Victiorian England. It's an absolutely jaw-dropping story about cross-dressing and gay life in general, and brilliantly written, as compelling a story as any novel. Massive recommend.
The other one is a total oddball. As Good as God, as Clever as the Devil, the impossible life of Mary Benson, which is a bog-awful title, is the bio of a woman who was married to the Archbishop of Canterbury and had some kids. Sounds unbelievably dull, I know, but it's just amazing. Twisted-up sexuality, Victorian/Edwardian repression, an utterly bizarre family (of husband, wife and four kids, all were basically gay, at least three were manic depressive, three became extremely famous writers at the time (producing the Mapp and Lucia books and the words to Land of Hope and Glory). It's a brilliant read even if you have no reason to imagine you'd be interested in these people.
I am in the middle of the first Julian Kestrel mystery Cut to the Quick after Hj's recommendation. It is absolutely wonderful, I am already a fan. Thanks for the recommendation!
K.J. wrote: "Two non-fiction books that I think people here might like. Fanny and Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England is about two cross-dressing men who ended up in the middle of one of the m..."
Thank you, I am such a history nerd that this is right up my alley (what a weird saying....;)
Sometimes it's so good to read something that just lets your feelings loose and gets you crying, it reliefs emotions. I'm reading for tenth.... fifteenth time
. It's such a beautiful but tragic book and everytime I cry like I haven't read it before.Isabel Allende is one of my ultimate favorite authors, her books are sheer beauty and draw me in from the first page.
Valerie wrote: "Anne wrote: "Ame wrote: "I just finished 
& 
..... they just blew my mind. Too bad I have to wait until s..."Ren is actually quite civilized, isn't he?
Anyway I'm really grateful that I got to know Kristen Ashley books.... without it I wouldn't have known about Goodreads.... which led me to Black Dagger Brotherhood.... which led me to Cut&Run and if I hadn't gotten into Cut&Run I would never have found out about Adrien English or any other Josh Lanyon books............ and how sad would that be?
Ame wrote: "Valerie wrote: "Anne wrote: "Ame wrote: "I just finished & ..... they just blew my mind. Too bad I have..."Too sad for words :)
Mod
Fanny and Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England is about two cross-dressing men who ended up in the middle of one of the m..."
I'll admit, both books sound interesting. I'll have to check them out!
Mod
So, I can't wait to read them and figure out how they really got started. I missed out on so much! I'm just wicked excited about this! Will take it with me when I go traveling next week.
Also found a good brand-new "used" copy of Death Claims yesterday, so hopefully that will arrive very soon.
And Man Oh Man should arrive soon too.
So many good things are here and coming, it's amazing.
I also got two of my current favorite YA novels last night so when the author comes to do a talk in November to our book group (which will be reading the third book in the series) I can have her sign my copies. Woot! These would be Croak, Scorch, and Rogue which comes out next month. OMG, can't wait!
OK, fan girl squee is over. For now. lol.
So pleased you're enjoying the Kestrel books Anne.
I've got the The Absolute Sandman, Vol. 1.Now I understand the title: Kg 3,3 of a large-sized leather covered comic book with gorgeous colours! In fact when I got the parcel I thought there must be two or three volumes of the total 5 in it.
I'm so glad I didn't go for the cheaper version!
Ame wrote: "Ren is actually quite civilized, isn't he?"Yes, I had mixed feelings about the book but I loved Ren! I have to admit Ren and Hank are probably my favorites from the series.
I had never read any romance until a friend made me read Twilight which led to reading a ton of paranormal romance and then through a Goodreads group I discovered KA. The first M/M romance I read was TJ Klune's Bear, Otter and the Kid. I think it was reviewed on Maryse's blog, and thanks to goodreads I discovered this wonderful genre.
I am reading Capture & Surrender by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt. Reading about a sexualized paintball game first thing in the morning (5 am) before work was an.. interesting.. experience. Fun, hot book and emotional.
Mod
I've got the first two of that series in print, but I have yet to read them.
I'm reading Vintage Affair, halfway through and loving it even if I was bit scared to start in the beginning because the reviews were not as good as I expected.However... I have one question Josh..... totally selfcentered question because my country as after all the center of the universe.....;) This is the third book I've read by you that has a reference to Iceland and this is so unusual that I took notice (unbelievable since it is the center of the universe etc)..... so, have you been here? I just had to ask.......
Barbara Mertz, who wrote under the names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels died this week. She wrote various mystery series under the name Elizabeth Peters including the Amelia Peabody series. I prefered her Vicky Bliss books. Vicky was an art historian who had an art theif on/off boyfriend.Barbara Michaels books were normally mysteries with a bit of a paranormal bent to them. They all had odd bits of history and archaeology and a history geek's dream. All of the Michaels books recently were made digital, the entire backlog. I picked a few up on .99 and 1.99 sale. Even the regular priced ones are around $5 and well worth it.
The funniest thing. I used to always find her books on the bestseller racks at the grocery store. I'd be at the store with mom and have a sneaking suspicion another was out, check the rack and there at #1 or #2 would be a new one by either author. It was my own special treasure hunt. Later I also found the rest at the library.
Under her real name Barbara Mertz she wrote history books. Mostly ancient history (one of my favorites). I didn't know this. More to read!
Susinok wrote: "Barbara Mertz, who wrote under the names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels died this week. She wrote various mystery series under the name Elizabeth Peters including the Amelia Peabody series. ..."I liked Amelia Peabody quite a lot, but my favorites were the Jaqueline Kirby books (particularly Die for Love.)
Die for Love was my favorite Kirby! It cracks me up even now.
Mod
I enjoyed the Vicky Bliss books, but the Amelia/Emerson series was my favorite. It just hit on some of the peculiarities of my sense of humor. These were books I starting reading as a young wife/mother along with my sister, my mom, and eventually a niece. The Peabody-Emerson family were like old friends of my family. I'll miss the rest of the stories Mertz had to tell. What a smart, literate, and wickedly funny woman.
Susinok wrote: "Barbara Mertz, who wrote under the names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels died this week. She wrote various mystery series under the name Elizabeth Peters including the Amelia Peabody series. ..."Whoa, thank you for the news. That takes me back. I read several of the Amelia Peabody books in my younger teens. (I don't think I understood all the banter between her and Emerson before the Fade to Black parts.) I had really enjoyed the books though, and the mix of history, mystery, and adventure.
I never really connected to the Amelia Peabody books. They were ok but the humor just didn't connect with me. I have the first four on audiobook and they seem to be more palatable in audio.Bliss and Kirby and her stand-alones as Barbara Michaels are still my favorites.
Susinok wrote: "Die for Love was my favorite Kirby! It cracks me up even now."I feel like I should reread it before GRL... You know, Just In Case.
It actually reminds me a bit of another favorite, also a murder mystery set at a con (although a sci-fi one) --
LOL I've read that one. It was also hilarious.
I liked the first few Amelia Peabodys but the family saga got a bit overwhelming. The shoutback to the Emersons in the last Vicky Bliss book was fun, though!
I've tried reading Amelia Peabody a couple of time and haven't taken to her. I'm going to try the first Kirby book.
Mod
Susinok wrote: "LOL I've read that one. It was also hilarious."I have a copy which I refuse to lend out. I met her once my freshman year in college & she was kind enough to sign it for me. Then a couple of years ago, she was speaking at my hometown courthouse, which was the setting for the then-most recent of her releases,
, at a time when I was actually visiting my parents, so I got THAT one signed, too. I love that I'm familiar with a lot of the places she writes about because I grew up in that little corner of TN/VA/NC.
Hj wrote: "I've tried reading Amelia Peabody a couple of time and haven't taken to her. I'm going to try the first Kirby book."I enjoyed the first few Peabody books, but have always loved Kirby more. My first was Naked Once More, and I didn't realize she featured in any other books for a long time. My mom is more of an Amelia fan than I am, and for a long time, my reading tastes were informed by what was available on my mom's shelves (which means I read a LOT of classics and some really really obscure yet awesome science stuff.)
Mod
..."
It's true. There's nothing sadder than animal stories. I think I swore off them forever even before I hit Junior High.
Mod
However... I have one question Josh..."
I have not been there, no. But I had a good friend whose girlfriend was from Iceland and we used to joke about Iceland and I guess that affection sort of worked it's way into my general frame of reference. I never noticed that before.
VA is a story that a lot of readers find taxing. It's not for everyone. ;-)
Mod
That was such sad news. One of the last greats of romantic suspense.
Josh wrote: "Ame wrote: "I'm reading Vintage Affair, halfway through and loving it even if I was bit scared to start in the beginning because the reviews were not as good as I expected.However... I have one q..."
I finished it and I love it. Yeah there were things done that weren't nice but honestly in real life people do worse things. And I can handle that as long as I get my happy ending because that is something sorely lacking in real life. I have experience with a person trying to come to terms with it's sexuality with one parent approving and the other furiously against it and I don't think anyone can predict what do or react in that kind of circumstances.
Anyway I loved Vintage Affair.
And thank you for the explanation... this is such a novelty because honestly I think most of the population don't know we exist or could even relate something as moss or sweaters to the country so I got really curious...:)
I so very much lack self discipline when it comes to books. I can live sparsely with food, clothes, even shoes but not books. Never books.Yesterday I bought Anne Tenino's Fratboy and Toppy and I LOVED it! And before I knew I had 1 clicked the rest of the series..... books are just this temptation I can not resist.........
I do wonder if the name Fratboy and Toppy turn people of the book.... I was very hesitant buying it, only did it because so many praised it and I totally get the name AFTER I read it but I wonder if people might not go for it because of the title. But I loved this book, so sweet and so funny, perfect read in my hangover yesterday.
Mod
However......"
Thank you very much. I personally think VA requires an emotionally mature reader.
Tracy wrote: "Then a couple of years ago, she was speaking at my hometown courthouse, which was the setting for the then-most recent of her releases, The Devil Amongst the Lawyers (Ballad Series, #8), at a time when I was actually visiting my parents, so I got THAT one signed, too. I love that I'm familiar with a lot of the places she writes about because I grew up in that little corner of TN/VA/NC."Thanks for mentioning this series! I will have to check it out. I'm from the northern Shenandoah Valley but I like to read about Appalachia. :)
I finally succumbed to the hype and read Captive Prince: Volume One and Captive Prince: Volume Two and actually ended up liking it a lot more than I thought I would. But volume 3 will not be out until next year (no release date yet?). Boo!I just read a review for
- can't wait for August 30th!
Valerie wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Then a couple of years ago, she was speaking at my hometown courthouse, which was the setting for the then-most recent of her releases, The Devil Amongst the Lawyers (Ballad Series, ..."The Ballad series are amazing -- all deep and dark and fabulous, and she weaves in gorgeous bits of actual real-life history from the area.
I am reading Whiskey and Wry by Rhys Ford. Second book in the Sinner's Gin series. It is so good, but I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open but like a sulky kid I keep going on, refusing to head to bed. I want to read. Dammit.
Sarah - I love the Lucia and Mapp stories too. I first came across them when I borrowed an audiobook from the library - I needed one for a long drive and I seemed to have borrowed evert other one they had. It was one of those occasions when you're stuck in traffic laughing so hard that other drivers start edging away from you...I love Rye (where they're set) and the Romney Marsh.
Sarah wrote: "Yay! Awesome, thank you! I really need to figure out how to set up the Kindle app on my phone--right now I'm reading off the PC, as I have a Nook e-reader..."Kindle apps do not take other formats. You'll need to download a reader app for epubs or mobi files. I have an android phone and I use MoonReaderPro and like it a lot better than the Kindle app.
Sarah wrote: "Yay! Awesome, thank you! I really need to figure out how to set up the Kindle app on my phone--right now I'm reading off the PC, as I have a Nook e-reader..."Get the nook app for your phone!
Ame wrote: "I do wonder if the name Fratboy and Toppy turn people of the book.... I was very hesitant buying it, only did it because so many praised it and I totally get the name AFTER I read it but I wonder if people might not go for it because of the title. But I loved this book, so sweet and so funny, perfect read in my hangover yesterday."It didn't put me off, but then it had Anne Tenino's name on the cover! Mind you, I'm very partial to a Toppy man in my book characters :)
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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It made me cry! I was wary of the story at first, because I've never been a science fiction fan, but I fell in love with Thomas, the android-like character. ..."
Oh gosh... so I should prepare my Kleenex box when I pick that one up. Thanks for the warning!
You know, I used to be proud of the fact that I rarely cry. But books just kill me. The dog dies in the end, and I'm just gone with tears. Happened to me as a kid several times.
I keep wondering about the bookstore where my parents live. I think there's a special section in there marked "Tearjerker" and within that section is "A Few Tears" and "Will Cry Buckets". I think my Mom always goes to the "Will Cry Buckets" section when she buys books for me. I swear. I cry every time, and I cry buckets. lol. And they're usually about animals too. Oiy.