Discussion of HR and other books. And recs. Showing 1,951-2,000 of 3,299

[Roberta2]

Carol, But if you haven't read any Meredith Duran, I highly recommend her books.

OLT, So Duran isn't writing anymore?

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "Carol, But if you haven't read any Meredith Duran, I highly recommend her books.

OLT, So Duran isn't writing anymore?"

I've read about a half dozen of her books. Ones I got when on sale or from the library. I agree, that're usually pretty good.

[OLT]

Roberta2 wrote: "Carol, But if you haven't read any Meredith Duran, I highly recommend her books.

OLT, So Duran isn't writing anymore?"

Nope. Her last book, The Sins of Lord Lockwood, was released in 2018. Nothing since then and she has ghosted the HR community. A shame. Same thing with Cecilia Grant, another excellent HR author. Grant, of course, has only written 4 HRs, compared to over 20 for Duran. And Sherry Thomas, although still around and writing, is missed by me as a HR author. Her Sherlock series isn't half so good as what she used to write.

[Roberta2]

OLT, I feel the same way. 3 of my favorite HR authors. I wish Grant would pick up her pen again. I agree about the Sherlock series. I read the first 3 or maybe 4--can't remember now. I just wasn't that into it.

I was scrounging around for a new HR title and downloaded Miss Fleming Falls in Love: A Witty Historical Regency Romance. It was only $0.99. It's the author's first book; there's not much to her autobiography. I hope I haven't bought something preachy. I always worry about that. Those books make me angry. lol I don't think that is what they intend to do.

[Roberta2]

There is also the real possibility of the book being badly written, but my husband is working tonight, and I need something light to read.

[Roberta2]

Has anyone read this? It is free with Prime. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder.

[OLT]

Roberta2 wrote: "Has anyone read this? It is free with Prime. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder."

Yes. I don't recommend it. It's the first in a series and is, IMO, very ordinary.

[OLT]

I just downloaded the Miss Fleming book you mentioned. At that price, even if I don't like it it won't matter. And the author is from Canada, and hopefully not one of those authors of clean, inspirational romance.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I just read a historical romance from Netgalley that will be published 2/21. I liked it a lot, particularly from the halfway point on.

I had just read three extremely depressing books in a row with child deaths/abuse and argh. I think my mood may have effected my enjoyment of the first half.

The Counterfeit Scoundrel

ETA by Lorraine Heath, and first in a new series, although some of the characters were in other books.

[OLT]

Well, I read the Miss Fleming HR last night and for me the best thing about is was the price. It started out okay but turned into a bit of a silly mess. But that's the way it always is for me with newly-released HRs, even the expensive ones. Of course, the only more expensive ones I buy are those offered at a bargain rate, so maybe those aren't the top of the line ones.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

Just read Amanda McCabe , Secret’s of a Wallflower. Nice read, with no smutty sex scene’s.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I think I read a little at lunch. It's been a busy Monday, so not much reading today.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I am reading Everything and the Moon , by Julia Quinn.

[Roberta2]

OLT, I read the Miss Fleming one too, and I am having trouble remembering it already. lol Is it my memory or was the book that forgettable?

[Roberta2]

My husband and I went out for dinner last night, and I got tipsy on one drink. It was a strong cocktail, and I also have no tolerance for alcohol. So, I came home and reread (kind of skimmed) a Meredith Duran book to sober up. It reminded me why I like her so much. Also, I completely sobered up by the middle of the book.

[OLT]

Roberta2 wrote: "OLT, I read the Miss Fleming one too, and I am having trouble remembering it already. lol Is it my memory or was the book that forgettable?"

Not your memory, it's the book. Nothing new in it and some silly anachronistic actions in the last part of the book.

[Roberta2]

This has nothing to do with books or politics, but I am going to try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help with my insomnia. My first (virtual) appointment is in March.

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "This has nothing to do with books or politics, but I am going to try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help with my insomnia. My first (virtual) appointment is in March."

And I can't stay up past 9:30. coffee or not.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

There is a App called Headspace that is supposed to be okay for anxiety and insomnia. My daughter said it was okay. Though I was not impressed with it. Probably because I couldn’t concentrate on it.

[Cath]

I'm reading Loretta Chase's Lord Perfect.

The H and h interactions put a smile on my face. Rathbourne considers himself controlled, rational and able to handle all situations, and this is also the way society thinks of him. And he considers Bathsheba something of a mess and of course emotional, being a woman. But then Bathsheba is constantly telling him he's too emotional to do a specific task or that he won't be able to take command of a particular situation b/c with his superior attitude and aristocratic bearing he'd stick out like a sore thumb. And then she just blithely waves a hand at him and marches over to deal with whomever they need to interview, as they search for his nephew and her daughter. It's really pretty funny. She simply won't go along with his worldview; not something he's used to!

[Roberta2]

Cath, are you new to Loretta Chase or have you read other titles of hers?

[Cath]

Roberta2 wrote: "Cath, are you new to Loretta Chase or have you read other titles of hers?"

I've read quite a few. Just hadn't gotten around to this one yet.

I came late in life to HR, so one good thing about that is I still have a lot of older stuff to look forward to!

[OLT]

Don't know how long ago it was when I first read Chase's Lord of Scoundrels and The Last Hellion, but it must be some decades now. I remember feeling at the time that they were as perfect as HRs could get. Since the first reads long ago I have done a couple rereads. Still liked them but, for me, nothing compares to the first read of a romance. There are novels that are better on the second or third read, but I haven't ever found a romance that holds up to that very first read.

[Roberta2]

I did really like her newest title, Ten Things I Hate About the Duke. I am hoping the next one in the series is even better.

[Cath]

^Loved that one. A favorite, for me.

[HappyBookWorm2020]

I'm just popping in to say that I may be missing for a while. Our house burned down and we are are staying with my sister for a while. We are busy finding a temporary place to stay, dealing with insurance, etc. I'm using my husband's laptop right now.

[HR-ML]

HBW----

Sorry for your news. Hope no one was injured, your family or furry
friends. Saying a prayer for you. Please be OK.

[Cath]

Oh no, @HBW! I am so sorry to hear this. Hope everyone's okay? I'll be keeping you in my thoughts

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

So sorry to hear about your house HBW.
You must be devastated.
Hope you are all okay. It is good that you are with your sister.

[BJ]

HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "I'm just popping in to say that I may be missing for a while. Our house burned down and we are are staying with my sister for a while. We are busy finding a temporary place to stay, dealing with in..."
So sorry HBW, best wishes and hope you get the help needed in a timely way. My thoughts are with you.

[OLT]

Dear HBW, I am so sorry about your news. You must feel devastated at the moment. My heart goes out to you.

[Carol]

HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "I'm just popping in to say that I may be missing for a while. Our house burned down and we are are staying with my sister for a while. We are busy finding a temporary place to stay, dealing with in..."

HBW,
Oh, so terrible. I am at a loss for words.

[Roberta2]

HBW,

I am so so sorry. This is awful news. But you are are at least safe and well? Glad you have your sister to stay with.

[OLT]

HBW, I imagine you have little time to be checking in here at GR. Just know that we are all thinking about you. (Not that thoughts and prayers are quite what you need at the moment.)

[OLT]

Since this is the HRs thread I'm going to mention a book I found for free on Amazon. Have no idea if it's good and it's seemingly a debut HR for the author. I'll put the link in case anyone else wants to try it out. Love and Other Perennial Habits

And Mia Vincy's 186-page novella is available to purchase on its own now, instead of in a bundle with the newest edition of A Wicked Husband. A Christmas Affair to Remember

[Carol]

I've been read a new series. I've read the first book, Life, Part 2: Lydia's Story--The Second Chance and the second in the series. I've been getting them through KU, but my subscription is up so the rest will have to wait. It's take place in "NJ" very near where I live. It's about a group of female friends and life's trial and tribulations. Very believable characters. So far they have both been 4 stars.
ETA: I forgot. These books should be read in order for maximum enjoyment.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I have started reading a series 11 books in all. Might take me a while, as I tend to read other books in between. Book 1 Sensing Danger .
Wendy Bella The Sinclair and Raven Series .

[OLT]

Gonna do an edit of my message 1985. Love and Other Perennial Habits isn't worth downloading, IMO, in spite of being free. I think reading the back of cereal boxes would be just as interesting a way to pass the time.

[Roberta2]

Thanks for the update, OLT. I won't download it. I did get the novella by Mia Vincy.

I read The Matchmaker's Gift for our book club read this month. It was a light fun read.

[Roberta2]

I am not finding any new HR titles to read right now. Is this because nothing new/good is released in February? Or is it me?

[OLT]

I can only do rereads of old HRs. For the past couple years or so there hasn't been a new release to my liking. These newer authors seem to have done their research of the period only by reading other HRs. And the farther away they get from the real history sources, their accuracy becomes a bit like that old telephone game.

I saw a recent release of a Mary Jo Putney novel, Lady of Fortune. Turns out to be a rerelease of a book originally from 1988.

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "I am not finding any new HR titles to read right now. Is this because nothing new/good is released in February? Or is it me?"

I really enjoyed the Matchmaker's Gift. I read the Wishing Well Series by Sofi LaPorte. I think it's five books, all KU. S.W. Hubbards Life in Palmyrtron is a wonderful, modern series about the lives of liberal ladies. Also, KU. And finally, Lessons in Chemistry.
I often check your ratings on new reads because they're pretty close to mine, so I'm pretty sure you might like the books I'm recommending.

ETA: The Paris Secret is also KU. Two love stories, WWII and modern day. So good!

[Roberta2]

Lessons in Chemistry. One of my book club members brought this to book club, and I picked it up from her. There is not as much of lending of books we read now, because most of us read on kindle/borrow from library. Thanks for the rec, Carol.

[HR-ML]

Hoping HBW + fam are OK.

[Roberta2]

Me too. She is probably really busy with insurance paperwork and getting through one day at a time.

[Carol]

The Things We Leave Unfinished is 1.99 on Amazon. I'm not sure if it's a reduced price. I loved it and gave it 5 stars.

[Carol]

I'm reading Miss Fleming Falls in Love: A Witty Historical Regency Romance. enjoying it.

ETA: Silly. Cute. Funny. Entertaining. Thanks for the rec, whoever recommended it on sale.

[🐝 Shaz 🐝]

I am reading the third book in Wendy Vella , Sinclair and Raven series.
This series is about a family with special senses. Hearing, taste, smell, healing, and sight.

[Roberta2]

Carol, I did like Lessons in Chemistry. I have to admit I teared up at a certain point in the book and got a bit angry, but I managed to get past that and finish it.

[Carol]

Roberta2 wrote: "Carol, I did like Lessons in Chemistry. I have to admit I teared up at a certain point in the book and got a bit angry, but I managed to get past that and finish it."

I teared up. too. /glad you enjoyed it. Do pick up The Things We Leave Unfinished. It's only $1.99 right now or KU. I thought it was great. You'll probably tear up again.

I've been looking at some of the new Kindle releases and the cheaper ones are $10.95 and $11.95. More known authors are $14.95. I'm sure glad I have a ton of TBR's already. Of course, I'm always on the lookout for good cheapies. And am really getting into library books.