Need a good historical romance. Other genres too. discussion
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Discussion of HR and other books. And recs.
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I could not get into Cameron's new Jocasta book. Stopped past a quarter way in. The hero seemed a slimy manipulator. Doubt I have the energy or inclination to read more.
What about Danker? Did I miss her posting recently?
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HR-ML wrote: "Months ago I asked if anyone heard from Vivienne? Yesterday I added some bookshelf classifications on a few old books, and Vivienne 'liked' one of my books! Hope she's OK."
That is such good news. I hope she is okay also.
I was thinking about Altair tonight. Wish she would drop in and let us know how she and her family are.
HR-ML wrote: "Jocasta and the Cruelty of Kindness: A feel-good Regency RomanceI could not get into Cameron's new Jocasta book. Stopped past a quarter way in. The hero seemed a slimy manipulator...."
OLT wrote a good review about it. What I liked the most about it was written in the title - kindness and pity can be cruel to a person like Jocasta, whose suitor fell in love with her sister. As one of five sisters myself, that made me wince. I had not read the sister's book so I don't know if the young man had paid much attention to Jocasta. I didn't think she was in love with him but it is 'lowering' to be ditched for your sister.
I finished reading John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow and recommend it for anyone who liked Jane Eyre. It's a good romance with lots of menacing atmosphere. I loved Jane Eyre and have read it so many times ... although older me recognized that Mr. Rochester wasn't really much of a 'hero'.
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I understand why Rochester lied in original book, but I dislike
perpetual liars.
OLT wrote: "Georgette Heyer's historical fiction Simon the Coldheart is free today in the U.S."If the link doesn't lead to the freebie, try this one. https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Coldhear...
Thanks, Carol. My link leads you to a book on Amazon that costs $3.99. Sorry.
Thanks for the link to Simon the Coldheart. It is a Heyer I've never read.
Roberta2 wrote: "I just preordered The Wayward Son by Caroline Warfield. It is only $0.99."Me too. I just checked to make sure. Preordered it a month ago. Hope it's good. She's a hit or miss author for me.
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My Favorite Countess got deep into emotions. The heroine
was too blunt and changeable, but when she met the H &
others she felt safe & came into her own.
Hello. I’m still alive and kicking, but not much time for posting. Thanks for Heyer I didn’t get it for free but $AUS2.95 is too good to miss for that title. I remember reading it at about the age of 13 and being disappointed, but re-reading it as a young adult and being more impressed. I don’t have it in me to read it again at the moment, but it can join my huge TBR pile. I also pre- ordered the Warfield (less than $AUS2.00) and dragged the Vanessa Kelly from my unread Archive collection, so thanks for those recs, as well. I may have something to add in a few weeks.
By the way, has anyone read titles by Martha Keyes? Interested generally, but in particular, the two new ones in the Scottish (Tales from the Highlands) series. The Enemy and Miss Innes is being promoted to me by Amazon.
Danker wrote: "By the way, has anyone read titles by Martha Keyes? Interested generally, but in particular, the two new ones in the Scottish (Tales from the Highlands) series. The Enemy and Miss Innes is being pr..."Another romance author from Utah. I haven't much interest in these young Brigham Young University writers. Probably a terrible bias on my part, but there you have it.
I have to admit to the same bias. And not only BU writers but any HRs labeled Christian romances. I don't want a religious lecture when reading.
Roberta2 wrote: "I have to admit to the same bias. And not only BU writers but any HRs labeled Christian romances. I don't want a religious lecture when reading."What is it with these Christian romance readers that they can't handle a bit of sex in their stories? Didn't their god invent sex and sexual urges so the world would be fruitful and would multiply?
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Amen on religious (& political) lecturing in romance. Also too-perfect people in some of these stories.
OLT----
I've read a few Christian romances where the couple failed to
consummate their marriage. Or did it behind closed doors.
Do these couples believe in all work and no joy?
What bothers me the most about these Christian romance readers is that they will read a mainstream HR or CR and criticize it for "bad" language and talk about sex. I've seen perfectly good romances with the top reviewer giving it one or two stars for this reason and getting lots of helpful votes. Stick to your own genre, I say, and don't rate books outside that. I will sometimes read a Christian romance and don't rate it low for not having any sex in it. I will rate it low for having a piss poor plot and boring characters, and usually it's full of anachronistic behavior also.
(Can you tell that I, a lapsed Lutheran, have a bit of a grudge against 'Christians'?)
The bad reviews for sex in books makes me angry as well. Don't read the book then. I have the same grudge against intolerant a**holes who call themselves Christians.
I started typing more criticism but realized this is the book discussion group.
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I'm reading a Western rom covering 1880s. The hero is playing
at seduction. But the h, a Christian, is resisting. I don't recall this
author using this rationale before? He's too aggressive and
needs to slow down. He also flirts w/ another young lady,
this one more buxom. Will he tone down his attitude? Or will
I give up on the story? He's as subtle as a tank.
I also don't care for reviews when people read what a book is about right in the title and then give the book a low-rating for being just that. I just saw a two-star review for a romance about an older MC and a younger one, and right in the title, it says the book's a May-December romance. If a person doesn't know what that means, they should look it up.
HR-ML wrote: "Kathy,True. If May-December does not appeal, why read it?
Do you think it is easier finding books recs in our group now we have a separate politics thread?"
I'm not Kathy, of course, but I'm putting my two cents in here. I think you did a good job separating the two topics. Now anyone who only wants to talk books knows where to go.
I agree and I was one of the people who objected.
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Value your thoughts also!
Has anyone else noticed that notifications are not working correctly here? My last notification is from four hours ago and several of you have posted at our discussion groups since then. I have to go searching for posts. Guess it's time to vacuum instead. I've been putting it off.
I like the 2 threads, and it seems I need all the help I can get to keep my head straight. Today I showered, dressed, put on make up then logged on to attend our team's Monday team meeting. But I was all alone, so sent a text to my manager - she replied, it Sunday!!!! The current lockdown as got me undone. So books, - I finally got around to reading Book 1 of Revenels series by Lisa Kleypas. Needless to say, as it's Sunday (!) I've just read book 2, about to buy book 3, and, the H is Evie and Sebastien's son. Bliss.
HR-ML wrote: "HBW 2020---I understand why Rochester lied in original book, but I dislike
perpetual liars."
I read Jane Eyre so many times and was always caught up in the story - It was romantic to me that he would go to such lengths to 'marry' her. Older me would want to horsewhip Rochester for attempting a bigamous marriage with a young woman - chosen partially because she had no relatives to protect her.
BJ wrote: "I like the 2 threads, and it seems I need all the help I can get to keep my head straight. Today I showered, dressed, put on make up then logged on to attend our team's Monday team meeting. But I w..."I re-read that series (Ravenels) so many times, although the Hathaways will probably always be my favorites. I am really looking forward to retirement when I can indulge myself and re-read my favorite series all over again. Right now, I read when I can, like during lunch at work.
I had thought the two threads would be stifling, but it has been okay.
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Thanks for your opinions.
HR-ML wrote: "BJ & HBW----Thanks for your opinions."
The two threads are better than okay. You make wise decisions. Thank you for creating and moderating this group. It's lovely to have a place to come and talk books and everything else.
This book by Tessa Dare is on sale for *gasp* 99 cents. That is rare these days, as most books on sale are for 1.99. Prices are for USA. Romancing the Duke 99 cents
I have read these two books and liked them.
Oregon Trail Boxed Set free in USA
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Thank you. We can add moderators if anyone is interested.
HR-ML wrote: "Kathy,True. If May-December does not appeal, why read it?
Do you think it is easier finding books recs in our group now we have a separate politics thread?"
HR-ML wrote: "Kathy,
True. If May-December does not appeal, why read it?
Do you think it is easier finding books recs in our group now we have a separate politics thread?"
My notifications have been running days behind. I even checked this post a couple of times and there wasn't anything after my last comment, so I was glad to finally see an update.
I really like having this separate topic. You all read such a wide variety of HRs that aren't the ones that are being so heavily pushed, commercially, and I am finding some great reads. I read the political and social thread because it's informative. Our members in the different professions have given me some insights I definitely would not have had. But, with my schedule, having this thread just about books is such a time-saver. Thanks so much for creating it.
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I'm unclear about notifications. Am having the same problem.
The mostly women in our group have noted good rom & other reads. Making a separate politics thread makes it easier to find book titles. Told myself I can buy no more Kindle books till a month from now. LOL!
I appreciate all who post and lurk here! You make this a lively place where all are welcome!!!
Thanks all of you for the recs of Slightly Dangerous. I listened to it and found my self laughing and snorting out loud. The H&h were just so fun together. Loved great uncle, too. Like OLT, I think I can read or listen to this one over and over again.
Carol wrote: "Thanks all of you for the recs of Slightly Dangerous. I listened to it and found my self laughing and snorting out loud. The H&h were just so fun together. Loved great uncle, too. Like..."Carol, I have read that book so many times. It is hilarious. When Wulfric was sitting in that tree arguing with Christine ....
HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "Carol wrote: "Thanks all of you for the recs of Slightly Dangerous. I listened to it and found my self laughing and snorting out loud. The H&h were just so fun together. Loved great un..."I liked the bit about the dead aunt. I listened to it by a reader that was great. I got the audio version from hoopla. I'm thinking Amazon has locked up the ebook version, but not the audio version.
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HR-ML wrote: "Wulfric... now there's a (imperfect) hero."Perfect description, imperfect hero.
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Thanks OLT for your + review! I read and liked it. My 3rd (?) book
by this author.
Slightly Dangerous is one of my all time favorite HRs. Best version of Pride and Prejudice ever.
Need a good historical romance. Other genres too.
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Yesterday I added some bookshelf classifications on a few old books, and Vivienne 'liked' one of my books! Hope she's OK.