What are you reading March 5?

[Okie]

Happy March, y'all! Can't believe how quickly 2018 is moving along.

This week I'm reading Winter Cowboy by R.J. Scott, Been Here All Along by Sandy Holl, and Pins And Needles by A.J. Thomas.

[Leigh-Ayn]

How is it March already!?
I’m reading the Sins of Lord Lockwood.

[Stacey]

Finished and enjoyed Still by Camilla Monk and now I'm reading Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas.

Next up...Lord Garson’s Bride by Anna Campbell, Dirty Ties by Pam Godwin and maybe my ARC of The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis.

[Janga]

I'm reading Lord Garson's Bride too. Next is Debbie Mason's Driftwood Cove.

[Rachel]

I’m reading The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cromwell

[Irisheyes]

Just finished Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. I enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite in the series but it was good. I really enjoyed the relationship between West and Ethan - as usual, I'm all about the peripheral relationships. And I cannot wait for West's story. He stole the show whenever he was in a scene. The teaser at the end of the book is awesome! I had no idea she was putting West with St. Vincent's daughter Phoebe!

Not sure what's up next. I have LORD GARSON'S BRIDE, but haven't read all the other books up to that one and feel like I should first. I also have the new releases from Kelly Bowen and Meredith Duran. Can't really decide.

[Janga]

Irisheyes wrote: "Just finished Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. I enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite in the series but it was good. I really enjoyed the relationship between West and Ethan - as usual,..."

Hello Stranger is my favorite of the series, although after the brouhaha over racism at SB, I feel as if I am opening myself to charges of insensitivity to say so. I also loved Lord Garson's Bride, and Duran's The Sins of Lord Lockwood is high on my list of best of this year. The first quarter of my reading year has been extraordinary. I am sad though that the release of Resurrection has been pushed back to May, Irish.

[Leigh-Ayn]

Janga wrote: "Irisheyes wrote: "Just finished Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. I enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite in the series but it was good. I really enjoyed the relationship between West and..."

I am enjoying Hello Stranger but I am not sure it is my favourite. Not sure why. I also loved West and can not wait for his story!! eek!
I feel that I may be viewed as insensitive as I didn't even realise the racism until it was pointed out on SB. I really liked that LK responded which shows great sensitivity of the author.

I loved The Sins of Lord Lockwood but oh my! I feel like I am emotionally wrought after it! added to that the book I read before that also had me in tears so I need fluffy fun next I think - maybe the new Caroline Linden?

[Dls]

I must be missing something-I don’t see the racial implications on Hello Stranger.

I have to admit that I found it slightly disappointing—Garrett didn’t come across as amazing as she would have had to be to succeed as she did. But I enjoyed it.

[Janga]

Dls wrote: "I must be missing something-I don’t see the racial implications on Hello Stranger.

I have to admit that I found it slightly disappointing—Garrett didn’t come across as amazing as she would have ha..."

Here's a link to the F review with the rant about the "unnamed woman of color":
http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re...

[Dls]

Thanks. I do remember finding that disturbing. Did you see the update with a comment from Lisa?

[Leigh-Ayn]

Dls wrote: "Thanks. I do remember finding that disturbing. Did you see the update with a comment from Lisa?"

Yes I did. will be interesting to see how she changes the book going forward.

[Janga]

Dls wrote: "Thanks. I do remember finding that disturbing. Did you see the update with a comment from Lisa?"

I saw it as well. It is the kind of classy response I expect from Lisa Kleypas. She consistently shows that she is one of the most gracious authors in the genre.

[Stacey]

Janga wrote: "Dls wrote: "Thanks. I do remember finding that disturbing. Did you see the update with a comment from Lisa?"

I saw it as well. It is the kind of classy response I expect from Lisa Kleypas. She con..."

I too think Lisa's response was classy. I hadn't read SB's review until after reading Hello Stranger. To be honest, the things mentioned didn't cross my mind once while reading. To me, they were just an additional character to explain his experience. You could have slipped in an Aussie and I wouldn't have even noticed.

My heritage is Sri Lankan so I don't feel like I'm being racist when I neglect to see the issue. There are a lot of times that an additional character is not looked into further but used as a way to justify or explain why characters acts or speak a certain way. I just think sometimes people look for reasons to be horrified, disgusted and shocked.

Just my thoughts, not intended as an insult or to cause controversy.

[Irisheyes]

Wow. Did not know about the controversy surrounding Hello Stranger! I kind of agree with you Stacey. I've been horrified in the past by the blase victimizing and disrespect towards women in romances (mostly bodice rippers from the 80's) but I didn't really see that here. I thought the same thing, that the character was used to explain Ethan's extensive knowledge of all things sexual. LK could have thrown a courtesan in there and achieved the same result. And I also agree that her response was classy. And like you I'm kind of over everyone being horrified, insulted, disgusted, shocked and any other emotion you want to throw out there. And if that offends someone I apologize! :)

My problem with the book was that it just didn't engage me until about half way through. Usually LK's characters grab me but in this case I was more interested in West than Ethan and Garrett. I still liked it, though, and can even see re-reading it. I've yet to meet a Lisa Kleypas book I haven't at least liked and most of them I love.

[Leigh-Ayn]

I just want to say that I love and appreciate you all!

[Stacey]

Exactly Irisheyes, I'm glad it wasn't just me.

West really stole the show, didn't he?

[Irisheyes]

Janga wrote: "Irisheyes wrote: "Just finished Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. I enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite in the series but it was good. I really enjoyed the relationship between West and..."

I forgot to reply to your comment about Resurrection being pushed back to May, Janga. I, also, was very sad to hear that, but was very excited for the little sneak peak she gave in her email. Moss looks to be a very interesting character! I can't wait!