What are you currently reading?

[Kelly]

Sue wrote: "Toni, I don't think Jamie is controlling. That was a punishment for almost getting everybody killed by not listening. He is head of the household but Claire is not 18 so she is stronger willed and ..."

You bring up a really good point Sue. Makes me think what about Tatiana and Claire are they very alike or not?

[Sue]

No they are not alike at all.

[Sue]

This is probably in the wrong section,(don't know how to start a new one!) but I am watching Game of Thrones on HBO and they have a warrior who is given a princess to marry so that he will help them regain their country. Anyways, he's a big brute and she is a tiny little blonde thing and all I could think of was Alexander and Tatiana. He is quite good looking all though he would be really scary to just be given to. Check it out if you can. The 1st. episode is running all week. The 2nd will be on Sunday night.

[Toni]

Sue and Leea, you know I posted that comment re: the controlling natures directly after reading the beating scene. I was quite caught up in it being a woman of the 21st century, but as I got on I started to see it more clearly. I have to agree that I think you are both correct and I am wrong on this one...the more I read about Jamie the more I see that I was just flinching at the scene (I hadn't even gotten to the part where he explains about his situation and past experiece w/ Randall-so after that I really DID get what she did as being SO dangerous and reckless) and that he isn't actually controlling at all. My hats are off to you!!! I was a bit slow on the uptake.
As regarding Game of Thrones - it is a fabulous story!! I read the first two books Game of Thrones and Clash of Kings (I think there are 7 in total and I would be reading book 3 now but all you Outlander fans had me thinking I was missing out on too much so I put the G.O.T. series aside to take up w/ Jamie and Claire and SOOOOOO glad I did. While the G.O.T books are very good (I'd never read fantasy before but these are very good and creative stories and I do plan to keep up w/ the series at some point) they are NOT as good as Outlander! The HBO series is remarkably close to the books a deft translation for sure. I think you all would like it too, as Sue said.
I seriously NEVER EVER thought that ANYONE could come close to Alexander but I am totally astounded at how lightning fast Jamie is catching up!!! He is such an amazing character-SO love him. I can completely see how reading Outlander first would bind you to Jamie over Alexander. I'm awful curious at myself to see who will win me over when I finish the Jamie/Claire saga--who was it of you that said you can't go wrong w/ either one of them....I totally agree!!!!

[Megan]

i am reading drums of autumn but forgive me for saying this but i need a break from the outlander series. voyager left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth so i need a break to rekindle my love for jamie and claires story... im reading an autobiography of a jews survival during ww2 called for esther. there are no reviews on goodreads which is sad as its a story which should be heard. after that ill read jennifer donnellys revolution. then maybe back to the outlander series...

[Sue]

Megan what mad you sad?

[Leea]

Toni wrote: "Sue and Leea, you know I posted that comment re: the controlling natures directly after reading the beating scene. I was quite caught up in it being a woman of the 21st century, but as I got on I s..."

Well said... It's hard not to love him I wills say that Jamie makes Claire a vow in Outlander that he has yet to break and when Jamie makes a Honor bound vow - well he holds fast to that. I have read all the books an cannot wait for #8

[Leea]

Megan wrote: "i am reading drums of autumn but forgive me for saying this but i need a break from the outlander series. voyager left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth so i need a break to rekindle my love for jam..."

Megan, you did not like Revolution? I have wanted to read that for awhile - what did you not like? Thanks!

[Tina]

Yeah, I finally am starting the Outlander!! Jamie here I come.

[Sue]

Lucky you Tina!

[Toni]

Tina-I just started Outlander 2 days ago and it is AMAZING!!!!! I thought there could be no one like Alexander (and Tatiana and their great story) but Jamie is swoon worthy. You will love it!!!!!

[Megan]

oh no i think ive been misunderstood lol. i havent read revolution yet but am looking forward to it as ive read everything else by jennifer donnelly and i love her writing. im sad that nobody has reviewed for esther. this mans life is tragic yet his fight for survival is phenominal. kind of like night for those who have read that... as for the outlander series well (view spoiler)[ after the whole thing with laoghaire and then lord john, ive lost respect for jamie and claire pissed me off for leaving bree and seemingly not giving her a second thought... ill get shot down in flames for saying that but i cant help the mother hen in me coming out so i need a break from them ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

toni im up to drums of autumn and alexander is still my #1 man ;) i actually liked sid malone from the winter rose as well. cant wait for the wild rose. lets hope theres more from sid and india. their love was pretty epic not to mention fiona and joe ;) fiona is my very favourite female character...

[Toni]

Megan wrote: "toni im up to drums of autumn and alexander is still my #1 man ;) i actually liked sid malone from the winter rose as well. cant wait for the wild rose. lets hope theres more from sid and india. th..."
This site has been great, because not only can I listen to other people talk about their love of TBH and Alexander which I can totally relate to but I have also started reading Outlander which I am loving and now have the wonderful knowledge that when I am done w/ the Jamie/Claire saga that the Jennifer Donnelly ...Rose series is ahead of me. So Wonderful!I am really looking forward to those books too Megan. Super excited. It's fantastic to share w/ others that share you're tastes in reading and they can turn you on to other great reads and vice versa.

[Sue]

I'm anxious to read the Tea Rose series!!!

[Megan]

sue its awesome and the winter rose is even better. the winter rose is up there as my equal favourite of all time (with tbh). if i could've given it 10 stars i would have!!!

[Sue]

Wow Megan that is an awesome review! I told my daughter-in-law about the series and she is flying to Washington State next week and plans on putting it on her Nook, so I thought I would read it at the same time. It's so hard to love a story and not be able to talk to anyone about it!

[Leea]

I'm reading the Winter Rose right now and loving it! I can't wait to read the Wild Rose :)

[Leea]

Megan wrote: "oh no i think ive been misunderstood lol. i havent read revolution yet but am looking forward to it as ive read everything else by jennifer donnelly and i love her writing. im sad that nobody has r..."

I can understand that. I have read all the Outlander books and as a mother to 2 boys I cannot imagine leaving them. When you read the book further you will see that it all works out for the best for everyone :)

[Megan]

leea isn't freddie the biggest prick ever? he made dimitri look like a choir boy in comparison. not quite as evil as jack randall but he was a sick sadistic psychopath!!!

yeah i mean with claire (view spoiler)[ i was rooting for her to go back to find jamie and when bree turned up at the stones wearing the regalia of the times i was like "yes!!! she's going too" but what annoyed me most was that she hardly gave her a second thought. there were token references but if that were me i'd be sick to the stomach. yeah she's an adult but i'm 34 and still need my mum! but that moment when claire found jamie and he fainted?swoon!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

I just finished
Nothing epic just a great HR. I gave it 4.5 stars. My first Brenda Joyce.

[Leea]

I'm having a hard time this week finding time to read so that just stinks. Yes Freddie is an prick! India - I loved from page 1.

About Claire and Bree (view spoiler)[I felt like Claire was upset over leaving Bree. It's been awhile since i read the books so I'm forgetting some. I remember feeling like she did not morn leaving her as I would have but I also think she was so shocked to find Jamie alive that she just jumped right in. I guess in the end it all turned out. I love Rog and Bree, I know some people find them annoying. It's william that I have issues with. (hide spoiler)] What book are you on Megan?

[Milena]

I am reading . I was reluctant to read it, as I usualy don't enjoy fantasy romance genre. I find this type of books is often heavy on sex and very light on the plot, but this book came higly recommended on this forum. I am really enjoying it so far. It is very well written, with intruguing characters and interesting plot.

[Leea]

I read this book a few month back Milena... I love it! I found the world building amazing and the characters so different and likable. I got the first 2 from the library and I just got the 3rd for my Nook - Can't wait to read it!

[Megan]

leea i'm about 100pages into drums of autumn. (view spoiler)[ roger has taken bree to that highland festival . i like them - im finding the america storyline hard to get into (hide spoiler)]

milena ive heard a lot about that series and looked into it and its not available on kindle in australia but the fantasy genre does nothing for me either so i wasn't all that disappointed but hearing your comment has left me curious about it now...

[Milena]

Megan, Lord of the Fading Lands is def cut above most of the fantasy romance books I've read before. Hope it will be available for you soon in Australia!!!

[Jessica]

I'm about halfway through Queen of Camelot and can hardly put it down - it's wonderful and heartbreaking.

[Toni]

Jessica-sounds like a good review. Could you give me a brief description-w/o giving anything away? Thanks.

[Jessica]

Queen of Camelot is basically the story of King Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot - the story is one I haven't read of them though, and it is very well-written and touching. Although I know what happens in the end I'm still flying through it, it's really good.

[Toni]

Thanks Jessica, I love king Arthur stories so I'll have to check it out. I appreciate you taking the time to fill me in :).

[Tina]

Outlander **Spoiler**

I am into Outlander now. Just am at the part were they marry and are "investagating" their relationship. Have to be honest here, I really am not feeling it like I did in TBH. Jamie is swoon worthy, but is so NOT Alexander. Maybe if Jamie came into my life first, but there is no comparison to Alexander. In my opinion. But I do have more to read!!!

[Megan]

yes tina alexander will always be my benchmark ;)

totally unrelated but i just watched the encore screening of "paper giants", the story of the birth of cleo magazine in australia. what a fabulous series... makes me wonder if the abc can produce that this year and already broadcast it, why the hell can't we even get an announcement for tbh movie. every day that goes by makes me just a little more sceptical...

[Toni]

Tina wrote: "Outlander **Spoiler**

I am into Outlander now. Just am at the part were they marry and are "investagating" their relationship. Have to be honest here, I really am not feeling it like I did in ..."

Tina-I felt the EXACT same way at that point in the story and posted the same, but I pretty confident your feelings will greatly change as the story progress. We are all different, so who knows, but as I said I went from where you are to thinking Jamie equal to Alexander and honestly, perhaps even thinking him more swoonworthy (gasp!). Well, you'll have to decide for yourself, but I would suggest you don't give up on the book yet as it is a great read. I am on DFIA (the sequel) and equal loving Jamie, swooning at his mere presence. Good luck with it!!

[Leea]

Outlander is an odd book to describe. When I tell people about it I don't even mention Jamie because during a large part of the first half of the book you don't even know who Claire's love interest is. It does take awhile to really understand him and I feel that you learn more about his character as a man during all the hard choices they must make and the struggles they face. I wish I could tell you that they are still not struggling but I cannot. I also cannot see those 2 settling down even though it's all I wish for them in the whole big wide huge world :):)

[Sue]

It's seems like we are making Jamie and Alexander compete against each other, but let's face it, the odds are we would take them both!! :)

[Toni]

Ha ha Sue you are SOOOOO right!! Why are we making them compete? I'm one of the worst offenders too-hmmph (LOL). We would take both, wouldn't we?

[Kelly]

Outlander is more of a romance/adventure/hr. I think TBH is Drama/romance/hr

for me anywhoo.

That is a smart idea don't mention Jamie. My first read I was waiting and waiting and guess what waiting!!!!! LOL

[Leea]

It does make you go hmmm once you know who he is :) I just think that Alexander and Jamie are do different in many ways. I don't often compare them at all. I just mention either series to anyone who has not read them.

[Kelly]

Leea *Fire and Gasoline* wrote: "It does make you go hmmm once you know who he is :) I just think that Alexander and Jamie are do different in many ways. I don't often compare them at all. I just mention either series to anyone w..."

I can't help but talk about both of them to everyone I recommend them to... It's like talking about a long lost LOVE!!!!

But it is wise to let them fall in love for themselves with out my take on the matter!!!

[Megan]

whilst both are epic love stories, i think outlander is on the cusp of the paranormal genre so i think outlander appeals to a cross section whereas tbh is a straight historical fiction. i think this also influences peoples preferences between the two... i've seen people who love outlander not embrace tbh so maybe its more about the genre than the characters??

well being anzac day today i'm going to re-read albert facey's 'a fortunate life'...

[Tina]

I am trying not to compare Jamie and Alexander, but boy it is hard to get Alexander out of my mind, isn't it?!

I am enjoying Outlander, I guess I was looking for something that isn't there early on in the book. I am still reading though!!!

[Sue]

Tina, Outlander was not written as a romance novel. I think that is what people are comparing to TBH. But the love between Jamie in Claire in the novel is wonderful.

[Kelly]

[Milena]

I started reading Tully. I am enjoying it so far, but not blown away yet like I was by TBH. Did anyone read it? What did you think? The book has very mixed reviews.

[Tina]

Milena wrote: "I started reading Tully. I am enjoying it so far, but not blown away yet like I was by TBH. Did anyone read it? What did you think? The book has very mixed reviews."

I just received Tully in the mail last week. Haven't started reading it yet. Let me know how you like it as you go. Thanks.

[Megan]

I read it years ago - I haven't felt a need to re-read it, although I didn't hate it... I think I expected to fall in love with the characters like I did with TBH and I didn't, I didn't particularly like Tully much at all. I find Tully is very similar to some of her other novels, in fact I have a hard time distinguishing them apart now time has gone by...

[Megan]

Milena - how was the Lord of Fading Lands?

[Hildy]

I've read Tully. Hmm...I always have a hard time deciding how I felt about that one. I was hooked and read it really quickly but I also didn't always like the character of Tully and was pretty exasperated by some of her decisions. When I finished, I couldn't get it out of my head, though. There was a lot to think about. I thought the writing was a big awkward though. I don't think she wrote about American teenagers all that well. You could see her Russian background poking through. There was some beautiful writing though and I think you can see glimpses of brilliance but it wasn't quite developed yet, not like in TBH. I thought it was worth the read. I haven't read any of Paullina's other books outside of TBH trilogy.

[Milena]

Megan, I read the first three books, but I lost interest and haven't read the last two. They started out very nice, but became a little slow and repetitive for my taste. I might finish the series later, but I just felt I needed a break from them for the moment

[Jessica]

I loved Tully! The first time I read it I actually didn't enjoy it as I found it quite depressing and hard to relate to the characters. However I've now read it several times and really like it now, it's tragic and heartbreaking but on the other hand a really touching and endearing story and I can empathise with Tully. Also very well-written I thought.

I've also read all of Paullina's other books - of course TBH trilogy is the best by far, but I also really liked The Girl in Times Square. The others are okay but I wouldn't rush out to buy them (A Song in the Daylights pretty bad actually and my least favourite of her books).