Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion
General Discussion
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What are you reading right now?
I'm half-way through reading Ain't Myth-Behaving by Katie MacAlister. It's actually two shorter stories: Stag Party and Norse Truly. If you've liked Katie MacAlister's other writing (the Aisling Grey, Guardian novels) then you'll like this one, too. If interested, check out my page in a few days for a review.
I'm reading Halfway to the Grave and I love it. I'm only 22 pages in and I love Bones already. Can't go wrong when you have a vampire with an English accent starring in your book!
Melissa, it was Doing it Right, comes in trade size and includes two stories, one old and one newer and shorter. The shorter one is a spin-off of the first. It wasn't bad. And I think I've read all of MJD's stuff except maybe a novella or two -- she always makes me laugh. Still have to get her latest one, though. Soon . . . I saw her at RT and requested another Wyndham book*g*. She recommended Dead over Heels and I had to admit I'd already finished it at that point*g*.
Martina, I've read that one. I'll be interested to see your review. I adore her vamps and her Aisling books.
There is a some violence in Cole's books, but I don't think that they are too graphic or over the top with it. Nothing that made me want to barf or anything. I absolutely love her books though. We'll see what others who've read her books think about the level of violence, and perhaps come to a consensus.
Ranata---LOVED Halfway to the Grave. Just wait till you get to One foot in the Grave--Bones gets even better!!!!!!
I actually like bones best in halfway to the grave, but maybe I'm just being prejudice towards sequals. In any case, he is an AMAZING character. I have to say, that English accent is a wonderful catch!
It's getting late - I've been busy posting on the groups that I haven't had a chance to post my review! Guess I'll have to do that tomorrow, LOL! I just finished Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson - excellent, btw. I just grabbed Crimson City by Liz Maverick from my TBR pile. I managed to get my hands on the entire series through eBay.
I was surprised at first by the violence/physical damage in Kresley Cole's books, but have gotten used to it now. Since her characters are immortals, she really gives herself free reign in what she does to them. But I agree with Jennifer -- she seems to gloss over the descriptions of the violence/harm. I read a romance novel by a different author that had a scene of violence so disturbing that I had to lie down for 20 minutes to avoid hurling. Kresley has never taken me anywhere near that.
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I'm trying a new author, whose name I have forgotten, but the book is Pleasure Unbound. I haven't read far yet but it's about different species of demons and the humans who hunt them because they believe them to be evil, while in fact the demons seem quite civilised (and jokingly call the demon hunters "Buffy"). It's a bit overwhelming at first because there's not a lot of exposition, but I don't like lots of exposition anyway, so I'm going along with it :)
I have to agree, I love the Immortals' series she's taken legends and lore outside of vamps and weres and combined them into a whole that just leaves me wanting more. I love the covers and the names as well, unique and different which is what I look for.Lil
Lil, I completely agree with you! Its nice that she goes outside the usual suspects of paranormal romance. And, am I the only one who adores the Valkerie? I freaking love them! Cole makes me want to BE a valkerie. Now where's some magical lightning of the gods when you need it?
I just finished The Host by Stephenie Meyers. Took getting half way throught the book to feel interested in what was happening, really boring 300 pages. It picked up a bit and I enjoyed the ending the best. As for it being her "adult" book, and young teen could read this without a mothers worry. It's like a made for TV movie on the Lifetime network, tame and boring. I did grow to like it in the second half so it was worth the read. I heard most people hated that Mel and Jared don't have a summary of their reunion or whatever, but it wasn't really about them it was more Wanda's view on them and I think it was summed up well enough for me. I'm about to start Tribute by Nora Roberts and then have to pick up a book for my flight saturday...need to find a really huge jucie thriller. Any suggestions?
I just started Halfway to the Grave and LOVING it. Plot line....great...very smoth flowing and "sucks" you right in! I know I am going to thoroughly enjoy this one!!
I finished it yesterday and I do have One Foot in the Grave but I'm reading Dead to Me first. I need a break from Bones for awhile. He's too hot to handle and I'm mad at Cat for what she did at the end of Halfway. I'll read it after I finish the non-romance book I'm reading. Good so far!
I like Cat so far, though she is young and niave and I am sure she is going to piss me off somehow...I laughed so hard out loud when she told Sergio that she needed a tongue bath...then her Icks and Double Icks after her comments ...cracks me up!
Did this review for Over the Moon as I am still trying to read that as well, figured I would post here also:Loved Moon Dance, fun sweet read! Between the Mountain and the Moon was good but a bit confusing, so I know now that I have to read the prequel to that one. Skipped over the MJD story as it looked like I might be confused by her note at the beginning, and stared the Sunny story as she is new. Couldn't get into it. The charachters did not seem real enough to me, not enough explaination of who Mona Lisa is...and the first sex scene...EEEK! TMI for me...a bit too raunchy for my taste...I may try again, but for now I have put it down and on to something else.
Dark Side of the Moon (Dark-Hunter Series, Book #16) By Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Cat will totally shock you, Jessie. She really grows in this book, which is why I liked her naivete because it doesn't continue throughout the entire book. She's growing and she learns a lot from Bones. I think the end will piss you off but otherwise, I think Cat is a solid protagonist.I am really starting to think I'm weird. LOL. The sex scenes were hot but the lovey dovey stuff was really annoying me, so much so that I had to put it down after some parts and go do something else. LOL. I really hate that because here I am in a paranormal romance community and I flinch at the romance aspect of it! Am I the only one here that has this "issue"?
I love a good sex scene and all but in the Sunny story ***spoiler*** there was a 2 on 1 early in and when ever she began the dual entry thing and then the word "sphincter" UGH....I just had to close it...for some STRANGE reason...so not appealing to me...
I'm currently reading Crime Seen by Victoria Laurie. Abby is starting to get on my nerves a little. She doesn't seem to be learning from past mistakes.
Jessie, sex scenes bother me but I think it's the whole I love you unconditionally thing. Never felt that so it kind of makes me squirm but I decided to continue with One Foot in the Grave because I do love Cat and Bones. It's good and I'm only on the 2nd chapter. Can't wait until you finish, Jessie so we can talk about it!!Yeah, I'll be sure to stay away from Sunny, LOL.
I'm currently reading the Mary Janice Davidson's Undead Series. The Herione Betsy is hilarious. Definitely different than most vampire books I've read.
>>I think it's the whole I love you unconditionally thingRanata you're NOT alone. It's why I lean more toward urban fantasy than para-rom. and romance in general (also because I write it I guess too). The love thing only works for me in certain contexts (IE Lynn Viehl's Darkyn books are excellent Para-rom in that regard. You're ready for the Love when it happens LOL)
I'm starting two new series Rachel Morgan and Carrie vaunghn Kitty series. I've had these on my tbr for awhile . I can't wait to read them.
Candie- I love the betsy series. Betsy is Hilarious. I've only read 1-4 but have picked up the last three books in the series. I'll be reading those once i get through some series I havent read yet.
Amie, I am so glad I am not alone. I cringed so much during Halfway to the Grave. I'm okay with it in One Foot in the Grave, though! I guess it's like what you mean about the Darkyn novels. You're read for it when it happens!
I am almost done with One Foot in the Grave and I hear that Chapter 32 is something else. LOL. I'm not there yet but I'll be done with it by tomorrow probably.
Ranta, ***Halfway to the Grave SPOILER ALERT***
So I finished it last night. I don't know that Cat actually pissed me off or not. She has learned a lot and grown, but is still a bit naive. I was very very sad at the way it all turned out. I believe she did the only thing she thought she could do to keep her mum and Bones safe. I also feel that Bones will stop at nothing to find her. Of course, you know more than me being almost done with One Foot, but I am sure we are in for him causing some serious trouble, though I am glad that her "Men In Black" think he is dead. I think I actually shed a tear or two...
Now I have to go right out and get the next one....dammit!!! I hate getting so darn addicted!!!
I'm cramming the Twilight series. Trying to read them all before the final book! I'm getting no sleep but it's worth it. These books are sexually frustrating though! I know they're for tweens, but cum on! ha.Thank goodness for Sookie and the boys. I need another Sookie book STAT!
Nicole, I hear ya. The series was good but they needed some naked action and I'm usually not that into sex in books and would prefer it didn't have lots of sex scenes but Edward was too hot. I was in love with Edward right along with Bella and I was like GIVE IT UP ALREADY! I can't wait for another Sookie. I'm mad that I devoured them so fast last year. LOL. I hate waiting for new books to come out.
Halfway to the Grave Spoilersare
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Jessie, I told you it was awesome. I understand why Cat did it and I hate that One Foot doesn't continue from when she left him. It takes us 4 years into the future. I think Bones could have handled it had she let him in on the secret. When you decide to just take away someone's right to make a decision, this is what happens. Her mother...I can understand how she didn't want to lose her mom but her mother has made her miserable from day one.
There is a deleted chapter on Jeaniene's website for the first chapter of Halfway to the Grave that was cut from the book. It's basically about Cat at 16 and what happened the night she killed her first vampire. It made me really understand why she couldn't just tell her mom to go to hell and why she began this vampire hunting thing in the first place.
I can't wait until you get into One Foot. I'm almost done but I think this one was better than the first one and that's not saying much since the first was amazing.
I just finished Darkest Pleasure by Grna Showalter. It's the third in her Lords of the Underworld series. I've liked this series and I liked the way they put out 3 in a row. Now we have to wait until 2009 for the next one.
I just started reading Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh. It's the 3rd book in her psy-changeling series.
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About 2/3 or so done with Moon Called. Loving it, though the vamps are a tad different that what I am used to even though I know that is not the main premis of the story.
I'm getting ready to start Eternal Pleasures by Nina Bangs. I wonder if it will have the same tone as her other books, which I enjoyed.
I started back on Dead to Me by Anton Strout. I put it down to read One Foot in the Grave but I'm back into it again. I think Simon (the protgonist) is...cute in a shy guy sort of way =)
I just started reading The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter and I believe that she is a great writer with a lot of imagination. I love her books and she is now my favorite author
I'm currently reading The Darkest Kiss by Keri Arthur. So far so good!! ~Purehellion
I just finished Eye of Heaven which is technically the 5th Dirk and Steele novel (the 4th is in an anthology). This was the best one yet. The best romance and it brought back some old characters and answered some questions brought up in each of the other books. I had a hard time putting this one down and was a little sad when it was over. Looking forward to the next one, but I've noticed that they are all a bit different so I hope it's as good as this one.I'm now starting City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare. I was a bit upset at the end of the first book so I took a break and now I think I'm ready to see what happens next.
I wish our lovely fangirl moderator would change the title of this stream to "Describe what you are reading now". (hint, hint ;-) There are a lot of titles and authors on this stream without any description. It would be helpful to many of us to hear a little bit about the book, if it's part of a series, and what you think of it. How else can we tell if it's our cup of tea? Just a friendly suggestion - it sure would help me.
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Er, like mine. :D I just started Realm of Shadows by Shannon Drake, and I honestly haven't a clue what the plot's about, haha. But I don't have time to look it up at the moment, because I'm, er... supposed to be writing a paper. :D
I'm reading the 8th book of the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. Personal Demon. It's about Hope, a half-demon, going undercover into a gang of supernaturals in Miami.
One foot in the Grave: 2nd in the series by Jeanine Frost. Halfway to the Grave was the first. Kinda similar to the movie Blade, but with a female half vamp half human going after vamps with a vengence. The first was a "can't put down" and though I am only 20 pages into the second installment I am quite sure this one will be the same. Just finished Moon Called by Patricia Briggs last night. Great werewolf story with lots of tid bits of other preternatual goodies. Looking forward to the second in the series!
I've got four books going right now (which is so weird because I don't usually pick up the next book in my TBR pile until I finish the first). Anyway, I'm reading The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Pettersson (3rd book in her Zodiac series), Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Galenorn (4th in this series), The Live and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (reading this for a book club, and having a hard time being interested), and since Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs was on the shelves already at my local B&N, I had to get it and start reading immediately!
Hey, I'm a new member, I guess (thought I was already a member here, but I must have been thinking of another group), so hi! I am reading The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox, which I won an ARC of (it's due out next month). It's about a preschool teacher who finds out she's a demon slayer on her thirtieth birthday. It's amusing so far.
That's funny, I'm halfway through Realm of Shadows right now...lol... it's the 4th of Shannon Drake's vampire series. The first three are "Beneath A Blood Red Moon", "When Darkness Falls", and "Deep Midnight" and it's followed by "The Awakening" and "Dead By Dusk" although I do not know for sure if those last two are in the same series or not, I just know they were published later and are sitting on my TBR shelf. :) Realm of Shadows and the three before it are all vampire stories. Technically all four can stand alone, but the characters are recurring, so you'll miss things if you haven't read the ones before. (For example in this book, Rick, whom you'll meet shortly if you haven't already, refers to his accident, he (and what happened to him) figure prominently in "When Darkness Falls" where something was simply never mentioned at the end and I've been wondering about it ever since...and now I sort of have my answer, a book and a half later... but must read farther to know for sure, as he pretty much just showed up...lol).
The basic story in most of these is similar, there are more "ethical" vampires and those who just revel in pain and death and consider humans sheep and slaves and that's it. A great evil that was sealed up for all time escapes or is freed and the "good" vampires combat the evil and find love in the process. The stories are nicely different even if the basic storyline is similar, and the outcome of each is very different too.
This one's heroine is an american girl, Tara, who has come to stay with her grandfather and cousin in France as her grandfather is recovering from pneumonia and her cousin needs to go back to work. An archeological dig nearby unearths an evil vamp that the good guys were hoping to keep from rising, but obviously fail. Tara's grandfather knew also, as he is part of a mostly dissolved "alliance" that guarded against evil or vampires or evil vampires...lol. So the hero is trying to protect Tara and family, with help from the main characters from "When Darkness Falls" (who also helped in the third book and one of which was also in the first). Tara, of course, thinks her grandfather is losing it and she doesn't believe in vampires. So that's what this one is about. :)
ok, that was longer than I had planned...lol...
Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
Books mentioned in this topic
Problematic Summer Romance (other topics)All the Missing Pieces (other topics)
One More Day of Us (other topics)
Archangel's Ascension (other topics)
I Thought of You (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Rebecca Ross (other topics)Abby Jimenez (other topics)
Melanie Price (other topics)
Leslie Wolfe (other topics)
Sandra Ghorbani (other topics)
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I'm reading Damien by J.Frank right now. It's good but she's a little wordy for me.