Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
General Discussion
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What are you reading right now?
Lori wrote: "...One thing that bothered me though was Paris's apparent homophobia...."I must admit that I hadn't thought about it much, but at the same time I do distinctly remember those passages, so it obviously made an impression. I agree though that it's a shame to have to make such obvious statements, especially when other main stream authors like J.R. Ward deal with it with a lot of respect. I guess we'll just have to wait and see where she goes with it.
I'm shocked! Gena Showalter responded to my email...really quickly too! Here's her response:Actually, I'm a big fan of m/m romantica. I also like the idea of having the characters feel a certain way about something (or thinking they do) -- and then proving them wrong. It allows growth and change throughout the series. I don't want to give too much away, but I can assure you that a change is coming in their mindsets about that issue :) All the best!
Lori, that is great news! And actually makes me more anxious to read the series...
That is awesome news. Hmm... I wonder what is to come.
Just finished I Burn for You last night. I liked it a lot, even though I've developed a taste for the steamier end of the PNR genre, and I don't think this book really qualifies. The writing was good though, very fast-paced and quick, and the dialogue was snappy and entertaining. I would have liked a little more romantic tension in the relationship, but I got over it eventually. Will be checking out a few more in the series, methinks.
I'm shocked! Gena Showalter responded to my email...really quickly too! Here's her response:Hi Lori, I read the series and I remember the passage very well. I also remember thinking ANNNDD......
Anyway I really like GS writing so I kept reading. I am so glad to hear she responded and that she will address this in the future. She just made me feel better about liking her as a writer.
Dawn, I think The Vampire's Bride is the fourth book in a series. (Her Atlantis series, I believe.) So, if you haven't read the other three, I don't know that you'd want to start with it. I have all four, but I haven't read them yet.
Hey all,I've been reading your comments about Gena Showalter? I may need to read a few of her books. Can you guys tell me how her books are? Humor, action, alpha males? Any book I read MUST have those 3 in it.
Thanks
I haven't read any of her books yet, but she's good friends with Kresley Cole, so they must have all those things, right?
Not a lot of humor in the Showalter books, apart from Lucien and Anya. Yes to alpha males. Yes on action, to a degree. My experience is based on the Lords of the Underworld series.
I was trying to read Minion by L.A. Banks but I just could not get into it. I will try the next book in the series to see if it is better. I just read Breaking Dawn and now I reading Summers Knights by Jim Butcher. I am really enjoying The Dresden Files series.
Katdragon wrote: "I was trying to read Minion by L.A. Banks but I just could not get into it."I also couldn't get into Banks' series.. not my thing. After 2 or 3 books I gave up.
Michelle wrote: "Hey all,
I've been reading your comments about Gena Showalter? I may need to read a few of her books. Can you guys tell me how her books are? Humor, action, alpha males? Any book I read MUST have ..."
Her books aren't really humorous, but definitely worth the read!! I think the series is similar to Kenyon's DH.
Hey Jess,Thanks for the info! Now that you mentioned they are similar to the Dark Hunters I'm definitely going to check out her books! Kenyon is one of my favorites
Just on the last few pages of The Darkest Night. I just could not get into this book, and I really wanted to. Demons, a troop of hot guys possessed with them, clearly defined baddies--what's not to like? But the writing felt laboured to me, and the endless amounts of time Maddox spent repeating to himself how much he desired Ashlyn, oye.
I have to agree more with Moss. I also didn't particularly give a damn about the characters in the first book. The second was better. The third was meh. I wouldn't compare it to DH (sorry, Jess)...Kenyon spends a lot of time building her world and also explaining who the main character is, his background, etc., and then has the couple get to know each other over the course of the book. Showalter follows the more "here's a guy, here's a girl, yay you're soul mates" formula. I didn't find Showalter's characters anywhere near as compelling as Kenyon's.
I finally gave up on The Story of Edgar Sawtelle... I'm ready to return to PNR lol...Going to start The Last Twilight by Marjorie Liu, and then I will be moving on to Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton
I am currently reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. The story is told by a former porn star (male) who was horribly burned in a car accident. While recovering, he is visited by a woman who tells him about past lives they have shared. I am about a 130 pages into it. I am enjoying it so far.
Julie wrote: "I am currently reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. The story is told by a former porn star (male) who was horribly burned in a car accident. While recovering, he is visited by a woman who tell..."I finished this book not too long ago and I really liked it.
Hey, Yz. Not trying to beat you over the head with Kenyon, but since you mentioned reading Wren and Alexion's books...I thought those were two of the weakest of the series. I read them because I'm invested, but wouldn't say they were characteristic of the series on the whole. If and when you try another of hers, start with Kyrian. If you did, then the only thing left to ask is if you read Valerius' story, or Zarek's. They seem to be popular with all the DH lovers and are the ones that stick with me.
I think it would be very hard to like her stuff if you skip around. She definitely writes to the "series" reader, instead of creating stand-alones. The first group of books, including Kyrian, Valerius, Zarek, and Vane, are still my favorites.
End of rant! I've made my valiant effort and shall now leave you alone!
I had dismissed the idea of reading The Gargoyle, but everyone seems to love it! I'll have to put it on the TBR!
Mod
I still have Kenyon's books on my TBR shelf, so one of these days, I shall probably revisit them. I will take note of your suggestions.
Hmm..maybe I can squeeze one of them as a challenge book, then I will have a reason to read them..LOL
Lol. I couldn't help it when you mentioned those two books. My friend just read them and I warned her going in that they were my least favorite. Very meh.
Michelle M. wrote: "Lol. I couldn't help it when you mentioned those two books. My friend just read them and I warned her going in that they were my least favorite. Very meh."I thought they were alright actually, a little bit different from the usual Dark Hunter stuff...I'm dying to get to Acheron...but I'm so glad i listened to you and am reading them in order, it makes sense, and then besides that, they keep giving more background information on the bigger picture of it all...
I'm out of DH books now!...i just finished Unleash the Night....and it was the last one I had here that I hadn't read yet...maybe I can finally get back to FInal Watch or just get some sleep and go to work not looking like a zombie for a change..
You know you'll buy more tomorrow!
Michelle M. wrote: "... If and when you try another of hers, start with Kyrian. If you did, then the only thing left to ask is if you read Valerius' story, or Zarek's. They seem to be popular with all the DH lovers and are the ones that stick with me..."I read the BDB series before the DH's, so had fallen in love with Zsadist before I ever met Zarek. As a result, he paled in comparrison for me and I wasn't as overwhelmed by him as everyone else was (I realize Zarek came first, but I read him second). I reckon you can't go wrong with Vane though.
I just finished re-reading Lover Awakened. Oh my goodness, I actually teared up when I got to some bits. I don't remember it being quite so hard-hitting the first time around, maybe because I was focusing so hard on the romance and the HEA stuff. But this time round I concentrated on the extraneous story bits, and you know, there were some parts of the story with the Mistress and Z as a slave that I just couldn't bear to read. Oh it's such a good book. Possibly my favourite in the whole PNR genre.
I just picked up Blood Bound again... had tried it when it first came out after reading the first book and couldn't get all the way through it. I'm loving it and remembering the story line and could've stayed up all night reading it last night if I didn't have to wake up at 5:30 am to work. I read it this morning while I ate breakfast too.. I'll probably wiz through it tonight and pick up Iron Kissed this weekend too.
Moss wrote: "I just finished re-reading Lover Awakened. Oh my goodness, I actually teared up when I got to some bits. I don't remember it being quite so hard-hitting the first time around, maybe because I was focusing so hard on the romance and the HEA stuff...."The same thing happened with me. I loved the series the first time through, but I got quite emotional at bits (Z's suffering, V on the ledge, JM breaking down in front of Tohr and Wellsie, etc.) when I read them all the second time. I think it's because by the second read through I had a real emotional investment in the characters. Whew... I love this series. =D
Of all the books I've read, the Brothers are the ones I most care about, cheer for and I too have cried. I can't remember which book it is right now, might have been Z's story, but I had to keep putting it down, I could only read a few pages at a time because I was so "into" it and it was so depressing.I know that Lover Enshrined, Phury's story, seems to be one of the least popular with the readers, but that was another one that was hard on me. At some point, I decided that Phury didn't deserve Cormia and I wished she wasn't so in love with him. That way she could have walked away without too much pain.
I've been reading your comments about Gena Showalter? I may need to read a few of her books. Can you guys tell me how her books are? Humor, action, alpha males? Any book I read MUST have those 3 in it.Hi Michelle, If you are going to read GS start with the "Lords of the Underworld series" Beautiful big bad Alpha males that you just want to take home with you. I am reading the Altantis series now and I like it but I would suggest the LOTU first. I like GS writing and style, however that being said my fav authors would be Sherrilyn Kenyon and JR Ward. So if you like them you might want to give her a try.
Uniquely Moi wrote: "Of all the books I've read, the Brothers are the ones I most care about, cheer for and I too have cried. I can't remember which book it is right now, might have been Z's story, but I had to keep pu..."I am with you on that part..I hate Phury..I was mentally screaming at him "WHY!! can you not see her?) I knew that they could not hear me, but still.
But at the same time watching them in the temple cutting away the weeds so he could see. I realized that he had to go through all that in order to truly know the love that she could give him. At that point I was glad that she did not truly give up on him.
I was also glad to have more of insight into JM. I think him and his little band of bros (Q and Blay) are really going to bring forth some interesting stories.
Kristen wrote: I read it this morning while I ate breakfast too.. I'll probably wiz through it tonight and pick up Iron Kissed this weekend too. I was the same way once I finished Moon Called I was like what happens next who will she choose I loved it I just got Bone Crossed and I am so excited I am going to start it tonight :>
Uniquely Moi wrote: Phury's story, seems to be one of the least popular with the readers, but that was another one that was hard on me. At some point, I decided that Phury didn't deserve Cormia and I wished she wasn't so in love with him. That way she could have walked away without too much pain.
I so agree and he was one of my favorite brothers. That book actually tainted me a little I used to be really obsessed with them but then after that book and between all the multiple story lines and the lack of unity between the brothers I am not sure if I will continue being so devoted. I know everyone like JM and all that but I need to see more of the original crew fighting together and supporting each other. Anyway the new book we be here soon and we shall see.
Also I stared reading Jennifer Armintrout The Turning and I am really into it. It has been on my TBR pile for a while but last night I started it and I cannot put it down.
Dawn wrote: Also I stared reading Jennifer Armintrout The Turning and I am really into it. It has been on my TBR pile for a while but last night I started it and I cannot put it down.Dawn, I loved the Blood Ties series. Much darker and grittier then your typical PNR but they were a nice change after plowing though Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse books...which I loved, but this series doesn't shy away from the nastier side of vamps. Hope you enjoy them!
I noticed man when they introduced the Soul Eater I was like wow what the and then when they can be disfigured YUCK brings back visions of Nosferatu.
Katdragon wrote: "I just read Breaking Dawn and now I reading Summers Knights by Jim Butcher. I am really enjoying The Dresden Files series. "
I also really enjoy the Dresden Files even though there's so little romance. Harry Dresden is a character with depth, empathy and heroism combined. Definitely hunk material, seriously Alpha Male. I give all the books in the series rave reviews -- and I've just gotten the newest one.
We keep rooting for Harry Dresden to bond with his soul mate. The TV series had him attracted to his friend the Cop who had her own issues with the supernatural world he lives in. But in the novels, his woman is offstage because she's trying to master being a Vampire all of a sudden.
Another great series with more actual Alien Romance is C. J. Cherryh's FOREIGNER series (easy to find all of them listed together on Amazon). You don't see the romance coming until you're in the middle of it, deep into the middle of the series of books. But I like the slow build, the details, and the depth of character that allows. There's a new one in the Foreigner Series too.
Both Dresden and Foreigner are tight story-arcs so I recommend starting at the beginning.
Jacqueline wrote: "Katdragon wrote: "I just read Breaking Dawn and now I reading Summers Knights by Jim Butcher. I am really enjoying The Dresden Files series. "
I also really enjoy the Dresden Files even though..."
Thanks for the info I used to read Cherryh's books and really enjoyed them but haven't read them for a long time. I will have to give her books another look.
Hi,everyone, I've been a member of this group for a while but have never posted. Dipping my toes in this early morning...I'm reading The Whispering Room by Amanda Stevens. I'm not yet sure that it's headed in a paranormal direction, but it's definitely eerie.Teri Thackston
www.terithackston.com
Has anyone read Father Mine Zsadist and Bella's Story yet? Is this the story of the grown-up Nalla who finds out her father used to be a blood slave? Or is it another story? It's only available on Kindle, which I don't have, and I don't think is available outside the US anyway (?).
Moss - I believe it was in the Insider's Guide to the BDB.. That book should be available in paperback.
Moss wrote: "Has anyone read Father Mine Zsadist and Bella's Story yet? Is thi..."It's the first story in The Black Dagger Brotherhood An Insider's Guide, but no, it isn't a grown up Nalla. It takes place just after Nalla's birth and how Z & Bella's relationship has been affected. Awesome read. I recommend getting the whole guide though. It's got hilarious board chat, interviews with the Brothers and deleted scenes.
Jess wrote: "Moss - I believe it was in the Insider's Guide to the BDB.. That book should be available in paperback."
Ahh..thanks Jess and Darkheart. I remember seeing someone mention a novella in the Insider's guide, I guess this is it. Thanks! Will go and check out the Guide.
Ahh..thanks Jess and Darkheart. I remember seeing someone mention a novella in the Insider's guide, I guess this is it. Thanks! Will go and check out the Guide.
hi I'm new here but a fan of the Dark Hunter Series and The Black Daager Brotherhood::i've just finished Pheurys book:: have to say i enjoyed it::suppose he couldn't get his head round Cormia because he was so screwed by his drugs problem and thinking about buying his next fix:any how i've decided to buy the Insiders Guide as i can't last until the end of April for my next BDB fix Ha HA:: like Stav i enjoyed Alexions story(also liked The Dream Hunter) as they are a little different to the other DH's
Hi everyone...I am new to here and the PNR world in general..I first read A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR moved on to all of Karen M Moning's Highlander series which I LOVED and now I JUST finished CL WILSON'S LORD OF THE FADING LANDS and LOVED IT! Never ever thinking I could like a book based ALL on fantasy but I really enjoyed it and I am now reading the 2nd LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS. So I am very happy that I got this series recommended to me by someone over on the amazon threads. Looking forward to reading your likes and dislikes and getting more great reading to add to my TBR mountain.
I'm reading Bond of Blood for my Texas pick this month (RRR challenge) and I honestly don't know what to think about this book. I like the premise, the setting and most of the characters. It's the writing that is getting to me and I don't really like the heroine. I understand what the author is trying to convey with her, logical thinking doctor (vet), raised in an orphanage, but she comes across as too clinical in some instances and then over the top emotional in others. There is lots of sex, which is more than fine with me, but it's nothing extraordinary and pretty vanilla considering our hero was a sex slave for 200 years who "participated in or assisted in every sex act that can be performed". Hmmm...well that's interesting as hell so why not share? I dunno. I may or may not read the next book in this series.
OK all! I'm just about done with Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed Series! I'm a total Kenyon and Ward fan and now I'm adding Adrian to my list... Now it's time to start a new series! After reading all your comments I think I'm going to start GS Lords of the Underworld or Lora Leigh's Breed series!! There are just so many books and so many series that I don't know where to start... ARGH!
Finally got my hands on Slave to Sensation and have just finished reading it today. It was terrific, and a great foundation-layer to the Psy-changeling series. I can't say it's impossible to get a grip on that world if you don't read the first book, but it definitely grounds you better if you do. She is such a master at character building, and doing it subtly enough that she also builds the world simultaneously. Having said that, I did also think on finishing it that Singh really hit her stride more in the second book, which makes sense--the characters in VOH kind of have less work to do to build the book, and the relationship can take priority. Don't get me wrong, the chemistry between Sascha and Lucas is sizzling, but Faith and Vaughn somehow pushed my buttons more.
All in all though a magic read, and highly recommended.
PS: Welcome Elizabeth. Hope you get lots of ideas and fill up your TBR shelf!
All in all though a magic read, and highly recommended.
PS: Welcome Elizabeth. Hope you get lots of ideas and fill up your TBR shelf!
I'm starting Death's Daughter.. I didn't realize it but apparently the author is Amber Benson who played Tara on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hope that doesn't mean the book will suck.
Jess wrote: "I'm starting Death's Daughter.. I didn't realize it but apparently the author is Amber Benson who played Tara on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hope that doesn't mean the book will suck."lol... I thought that name sounded familiar!
You'll have to let us know how it is. Maybe she's a fantastic writer!
Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Melanie Price (other topics)
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Darkest Pleasure was good but I think my favorite was Darkest Kiss. Speaking of Gena Showalter has anyone read The Vampire's Bride? It is on my shelf.
Anyway I am reading Devil May Cry which I must admit is slow reading I only want to read the parts about Ash I just cannot get into Kat and Sin, and I am reading To Tame a Highland Warrior