What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed* Showing 8,201-8,250 of 13,523

[Anne]

Josh wrote: " Nephews (and nieces) are one of the great pleasures in life, aren't they? :-)"

Not to mention grand-nieces :)

[Josh]

Anne wrote: "Josh wrote: "I feel like I have to check in every so often -- especially if there's a direct question -- just to reassure you all that I'm still here. :-D

(Edited to add a smilie face -- that defi..."

I'm gardening, swimming, and staying mostly off the computer. Really! I just check in in the mornings to make sure all's right with the world.

Also I'm being much more diligent about a regular routine of icing, heat, anti-inflammatories. And it does seem to be helping.

So I won't ruin it now by continuing to chatter. ;-)

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "I'm gardening, swimming, and staying mostly off the computer. Really! I just check in in the mornings to make sure all's right with the world."

That sounds healthy and fun. Just like the sabbatical should be. Enjoy yourself! (And do not answer this comment.) :)

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Josh wrote: "I'm reading along, just trying not to comment!

Emanuela, did I congratulate you on the new nephew? Nephews (and nieces) are one of the great pleasures in life, aren't they? :-)"

He's a grandcousin, but we're very close to his side of the family (my mom and the grandmother are sisters and it's almost like we cousins are all brothers). Unfortunately it set my mother on wanting to become a grandmother too and I'M NOT GOING TO COMPLY! She can go visit Luca anytime she wants :D

By the way: he's so beautiful - of course - and so quiet, but when he hears something that appeals to him, he lifts up his little head. *cough*notprojecting*cough* I wanted to hear his voice, but he just does these small noises. And he's hungry. He's going to spend his first years in my old house that we lent his parents while they're building their own. It's strangely comforting to know that there will be a little boy playing in the same garden, in the shade of the same trees.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Josh wrote: "I feel like I have to check in every so often -- especially if there's a direct question -- just to reassure you all that I'm still here. :-D

(Edited to add a smilie face -- that definitely needed..."

And that we're behaving :)

[Josh]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm reading along, just trying not to comment!

Emanuela, did I congratulate you on the new nephew? Nephews (and nieces) are one of the great pleasures in life, aren't they? :-)"

He's..."

That is just lovely, E.

[Cleon Lee]

Anyone is following Love is Not Write event on MR Romance group? I just finish reading Megan Derr's story and it's superb as usual. I gotta go reading the rest.

[Syfy]

Cleon wrote: "Anyone is following Love is Not Write event on MR Romance group? I just finish reading Megan Derr's story and it's superb as usual. I gotta go reading the rest."

I'm trying to snack on them in-between, but wow! some of them are no light snacks! Really enjoying them!

@Josh, hiya! Good to hear that you are taking care of yourself, be happy and well!

[K.Z.]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "By the way: he's so beautiful - of course - and so quiet, but when he hears something that appeals to him, he lifts up his little head. *cough*notprojecting*cough* I wanted to hear his voice, but he just does these small noises. And he's hungry. He's going to spend his first years in my old house that we lent his parents while they're building their own. It's strangely comforting to know that there will be a little boy playing in the same garden, in the shade of the same trees."

These are beautiful thoughts, beautifully expressed. :)

[Vivian]

I'm gardening, swimming, and staying mostly off the computer. Really! I just check in in the mornings to make sure all's right with the world.

Also I'm being much more diligent about a regular routine of icing, heat, anti-inflammatories. And it does seem to be helping.

I bet you and your SO have a lovely tan going. Some day you'll have to treat us to more photographs from your garden.
I am glad you are taking care of those golden hands.

We miss you, but understand you are being awesome and following the doctor's orders. :)

[K.Z.]

Josh wrote: "I'm gardening, swimming . . ."

I'd go swimming too, if I could fit my ass in the birdbath. (Sheesh, you Californians with your omnipresent pools. But I'm not envious. Nuh-uh. I get to walk barefooted over crunchy-dry grass and pinecones. So there.)

[Vivian]

I'd go swimming too, if I could fit my ass in the birdbath

I'd go swimming if I could fit my ass in my bathing suit. [/end of fat rant]

[Kari]

I just bought a new suit for the trip to the beach in August. I was still wearing a string bikini -- STRING -- at the beach last fall, but it was October, FGS. No way I'm prancing my 40+ year-old ass around a beach in a bikini when I'm sharing that beach with more than a couple dozen people. Plus, I acquired boobage since the last time I wore the string one. I'm not, but in my family, most of us are Grandmas by my age. Granny Boobage + string bikini is just a great big hell no.

So I got a halterkini. LMAO

[Vivian]

So I got a halterkini. LMA

I am really shy. I haven't worn a bikini since I was 18 when I was 110 pounds. Now I am waaay fatter than that so no way. One pieces for this lady.

[Johanna]

K.Z. wrote: "Josh wrote: "I'm gardening, swimming . . ."

I'd go swimming too, if I could fit my ass in the birdbath. (Sheesh, you Californians with your omnipresent pools. But I'm not envious. Nuh-uh. I get to walk barefooted over crunchy-dry grass and pinecones. So there.)"

LOL!!! :) I was just thinking that yeah, I've been doing the gardening thing the whole day too, but swimming in the nearby Baltic Sea in +2 degrees Celsius water (= about +35 Fahrenheit) doesn't sound too compelling... I wouldn't like to live in the warm California with the pool of my own, no way... ;)

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Johanna wrote: "I wouldn't like to live in the warm California with the pool of my own, no way... ;)"

Yes, that's exactly what I thought! Same words. Really.



My fitness program has shown its results and I'm proudly wearing a new flashy bikini this year. I'm not going to turn heads, but it's the first time since I was 14 that the top part of my bikini is bigger in size than the bottom part!!! lol

[Johanna]

Emanuela wrote: "My fitness program has shown its results and I'm proudly wearing a new flashy bikini this year. I'm not going to turn heads, but it's the first time since I was 14 that the top part of my bikini is bigger in size than the bottom part!!! lol"

Yay! That's awesome, Manu! (My New Year's resolutions haven't worked out as well as yours...)

[Vivian]

Johanna wrote: "Yay! That's awesome, Manu! (My New Year's resolutions haven't worked out as well as yours...) "

Agree. I am very happy for you. :)

[Anne]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I wouldn't like to live in the warm California with the pool of my own, no way... ;)"

Yes, that's exactly what I thought! Same words. Really.
i>

My thoughts exactly..

[Marge]

Anne wrote: I have been reading some of the stories in the Love Is Always Write event in the m/m romance group. Kaje Harper has a very beautiful historic piece, Oco has a fun little piece with a very real voice of the 1. person POV, and I found a new writer (new for me that is) KD Sarge who has a great story too. There are more there of course, so I am going to explore further

Thank you for these recs. Since they're free, I feel like I should read some of these stories, but there are so many! This SHOULD be a good thing, but lack of time makes it difficult. I'd planned to read Kaje's story, but I appreciate the suggestions of where I might go thereafter.

[Candice]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "When you (you you and you everybody in the broader sense) decide to come down South, I'll be waiting for you. It's not a menace :D"

You watch out, g..."
How wonderful. How is it you were able to study in Venice? I can't think of anything sounding much more sophisticated (so, I guess I'm a rube). Have you lived there since?

[Candice]

Have a DO and a DON'T Rec. The DON'T is by Cooper Davis, a shapeshifter thing. Just awful. Pls avoid.

DO rec: HEYDAY That shocking novel of New York's Lavender Underworld by Michael Butler. Not in eform as far as I know. Bought a used copy. You know going in it will have a tragic ending because the reviews and the synopsis tell you so. Took me awhile to read it anyway.

It was great fun. Very goofy/funny with terrific characters. One loves almost all of them, and the leads are adorable. Again, very funny and romantic also. Don't worry about the ending. Enjoy the story.

[Josh]

Candice wrote: "Don't worry about the ending. Enjoy the story.
..."

If you've mastered the trick of this, I want to know what it is!

[Josh]

This week I've read

and

and am currently reading

[Josh]

I thought was the best in the series so far. I loved it. Nice solid mystery and such a great capture of scene and setting. I think Nicole has hit her stride with this series. I would love to see it go on and on.

[Karen]

We're in Buenos Aires for the next two weeks and my reading time is being usurped by dancing time. ;-) I took my print copy of Irregulars to read during non-device times on the plane, and I'm reading Flewelling's Luck in the Shadows based on comments here — thanks!

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Candice wrote: "How wonderful. How is it you were able to study in Venice? I can't think of anything sounding much more sophisticated (so, I guess I'm a rube). Have you lived there since?"

No, I haven't, I came back to my hometown. Being a student was good, but I don't know if I'd live there. Just carrying something heavy up and down all the bridges - think of groceries when you have bottles of water to carry - could be a nightmare. Also when you have little time to get some place - almost always on foot - and you have to run around tourists. Venetians walk their calli as if they were driving cars, on the right, but people who are on their leisure time walk all over the place. It's chaotic sometimes and a challenge to patience. Venice is just an hour and a half drive from where I live.

[Lady*M]

I just finished The Rabelais Alliance, the first book in Mel Keegan's Hellgate series. Solid, complex SF, but, after reading the first book, I can say that I like his NARC series better. But, there are more books in the series and they could change my mind. ^^

Now I will take a small break from SF and read something else: the latest Ethan Day or Edmond Manning's King Perry or some Love is Always Write stories... What to do? What to do? XD

[Syfy]

I've forgotten who was reading the Infected series, but thanks to all your happy reviews... I read the first three all in a row. *whew* Loved it, but it wore me out! Then I really did it,
Now I'm decompressing with

Sounds like we're all having happy reading time!

[Johanna]

Lady*M wrote: "Now I will take a small break from SF and read something else: the latest Ethan Day or Edmond Manning's King Perry or some Love is Always Write stories... What to do? What to do? XD "

When you've read the latest Ethan Day, let us know how you liked it. :)

I followed Emanuela's recommendations and I read Ethan Day's . And what do you know... it worked like a charm cheering me up!!! I really fell for Boone, hilarious disaster-on-legs, who made me laugh out loud too many times to count. I highly recommend in case of an emergency! ;)

I'm currently reading Sno Ho's sequel . I think I've never seen as badly made cover before, but the story continues to entertain me, so... one shouldn't judge this book (or any book!) by it's cover. :)

[Antonella]

Syfy wrote: "I've forgotten who was reading the Infected series, but thanks to all your happy reviews... I read the first three all in a row. *whew* Loved it, but it wore me out! Then I really did it, [bookcove..."

I had some hesitation as well before reading ''Bashed''. It is intense, but it's also worth reading.

BTW in occasion of the Hop Against Homophobia I found out that it is taken by a real experience, but luckily in real life Rick and his friend were ''saved'' by the appearance of a police car, see here:
http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.ch/2...

[Jordan]

Wow, I clearly haven't been getting updates in my inbox! Oh bother! Or, as my coworker and I have just christened the new phrase Oh pimple! (for that pimple you get on your butt that's not ready to pop. You know, the one that hurts like heck... yeah, that.)

Anyway, what was I going to say?

I forget... but related to books I've read recently: Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clark, was a torturous read for sure. So not my type of sci-fi. I was really glad to finish that the other day.

Right after that, I picked up Zero Hour by JCP, and read it in one day. Super fantastic, relaxing read with a happy ending. LOVED IT!!!

And now I'm reading a classic gay mystery from the 1970's called The Lure. I actually bought this over a year ago in print, not knowing what it was and that it was as old as it was. Started reading it last night, and I have to say, the preface was really interesting, and so far this book is fantastic and well written. It's a true mystery, and very realistic. I'm LOVING it so far... and drat work, I wish I could go home and delve back into it!

[Vivian]

Or, as my coworker and I have just christened the new phrase Oh pimple! (for that pimple you get on your butt that's not ready to pop. You know, the one that hurts like heck... yeah, that.)

I don't know what you mean, Jordan... I never get those... *looks shifty*

[Candice]

Josh wrote: "Candice wrote: "Don't worry about the ending. Enjoy the story.
..."

If you've mastered the trick of this, I want to know what it is!"

Sorry. I understand, believe me.

[Candice]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Candice wrote: "How wonderful. How is it you were able to study in Venice? I can't think of anything sounding much more sophisticated (so, I guess I'm a rube). Have you lived there since?"

No, I h..."

The inescapable realities. You know the best time to live in exotic places? When you're 12.

[Anne]

I am reading Casket of Souls and having a lovely time. This is Alec and Seregil back in form unlike the previous two that was little more strange in my opinion. They were still enjoyable, but not quite the same as the "real thing" :)

[Syfy]

Antonella wrote: I had some hesitation as well before reading ''Bashed''. It is intense, but it's also worth reading. BTW in occasion of the Hop Against Homophobia I found out that it is taken by a real experience, but luckily in real life Rick and his friend were ''saved'' by the appearance of a police car,

I saw that too.(I pop up as Sylvan65 on blogs)
Bashed was like a little ticking time bomb on my bookshelf, LoL! I thoroughly enjoyed the blast!

[Johanna]

I've had an excellent day lying in the sun reading . Just excellent. :)

[Alby Krebs]

I am on the second book of the Darshian Tales by Ann Somerville. I read Kei's Gift last week, and I am now reading Falling From the Tree. I haven't read an epic story for a very long time, and I am enjoying it ever so much.

[Antonella]

Johanna wrote: "I've had an excellent day lying in the sun reading . Just excellent. :)"

I hear you ;-). I feel like re-reading (once more)...

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Antonella wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I've had an excellent day lying in the sun reading . Just excellent. :)"

I hear you ;-). I feel like re-reading (once more)..."

Me too :D

[Johanna]

Antonella wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I've had an excellent day lying in the sun reading . Just excellent. :)"

I hear you ;-). I feel like re-reading (once more)..."

I know exactly how you feel. :) I had already read most of the short stories in Games & Players before, but I hadn't read for example Game, Set that starts the book. Oh. My. God. It was brilliant! The way we get to see Toreth through Carnac's eyes! And all the wicked mind games going on. This series is fantastic for re-reading with all the twists and turns and between the lines (and not so between the lines) emotions that these guys have. And don't even get me started on the short story Playing with Fire... because, man, that one is just... breathtaking.

[Vivian]

I am reading Casket of Souls and having a lovely time. This is Alec and Seregil back in form unlike the previous two that was little more strange in my opinion. They were still enjoyable, but not quite the same as the "real thing" :)

I was so happy that they were back doing nightrunning business in Rhiminee and not somewhere far away. I also enjoyed the subplot with Thero/Klía and Beka and her husband. I also liked that Seregil was not "infallible" in this one, that he made serious mistakes. It made him less "fantastic" a bit more real.

[Antonella]

Johanna wrote: "I've had an excellent day lying in the sun reading . Just excellent. :)"

Johanna, you don't know what you started! ;-)

After your remark I re-read bits of ''Games & Players'', discovering new details and sentences I hadn't noticed before.

So I thought that I really should re-read everything starting with . Even in ''Mind Fuck'' I'm noticing some new things although it is the 4th time I re-read it.

The process will take a while...

[Johanna]

Antonella wrote: "Johanna, you don't know what you started! ;-)

After your remark I re-read bits of ''Games & Players'', discovering new details and sentences I hadn't noticed before..."

LOL. So it's infectious then... ;) Everybody, be aware... :)

[Johanna]

I spent too much money in the book store today buying real paper books! And I don't feel guilty at all! :)

One of the books I bought is by Hernán Rivera Letelier from Chile (I like the cover of the Finnish translation, by the way). The original book is called La contadora de películas. It is such a beautiful, small book even to look at and the story sounds intriguing. I'll get back to you when I've read it. :)

[Antonella]

Johanna wrote: "LOL. So it's infectious then... ;)"

Regrettably, it is not.

A bit in the direction of K.Z.'s reasoning, I wonder why some writers sell lots of books and some others, which in our opinion are excellent, don't.

Please notice I don't say that our favorite writers should be *on top* of the best sellers' lists, but it wouldn't hurt if they would sell a bit more.

BTW: print books are good for your health ;-)

[Becky]

Antonella wrote: "I wonder why some writers sell lots of books and some others, which in our opinion are excellent, don't."

I think availability is hurting Manna Francis. It looks like the ebook of Mind Fuck is only for sale on three websites, and none of them are what I'd call top-tier vendors. Strong second-tier maybe, but not the first places I think to look for a book. People can't buy the book if they can't find the book.

BTW, it looks like Books on Board has it for $5.79 right now, which is about $4 less than the other stores. So if anyone has been thinking about trying this series (and can work with or get around the DRM'd pdf), now would be a good time to check it out. http://www.booksonboard.com//index.ph...

[Johanna]

Antonella wrote: "BTW: print books are good for your health ;-)"

Believe me, after today I have the first hand experience about that! I ended up buying quite a few and I also ended up carrying them around the city for quite a while. Perfect exercise, that is. :)

The heaviest one was , but I forgive it, because it also is the prettiest. :) If I would describe it in Finnish, I would say that it's fiilistelykirja. It's kind of a lifestyle cook book with lovely pictures of the tempting dishes and the nature and happy people living in harmony. ;) The kind of book you want to sit with every once in a while and just to look at its pictures and to enjoy the feel of it. And you never know, I might even try some of the recipes in it...

[Johanna]

Becky wrote: "I think availability is hurting Manna Francis. It looks like the ebook of Mind Fuck is only for sale on three websites, and none of them are what I'd call top-tier vendors. Strong second-tier maybe, but not the first places I think to look for a book. People can't buy the book if they can't find the book."

Yeah, I think you are absolutely right about that.