What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed* Showing 801-850 of 13,523

[J. Rosemary]

Emanuela wrote: I think Duck! was a great book, it's a retelling of The Ugly Duckling tale and the avian-shifter theme was very well done. The author created a hierarchy of avian species in the book and it worked for the dom/sub relationship of the protagonists.

It's easy to border on ridiculousness with a shifter story, but when it's well done, it's... well done. :)

Sounds like a fun book--I'm a sucker for (mild) D/s stories and shifter tales. Adding this to my TBR list!

[JPerceval]

Mariana wrote: "Just finished Blood Challenge by Eileen Wilks... that series is FANTASTIC. It only gets better with each book."

I just bought this one myself -- can't wait to dive back into this world!

[Cat]

I just finished Astrid Amara's books Love Ahead and Half Pass. Surprisingly, I liked Half Pass better, despite the better reviews and comments Love Ahead has been getting. I think I kinda struggled with Love Ahead because of the shifting POV. Third person limited narration and first person narration are the way to go for me.

Astrid Amara is still an auto-buy for me.

[Mariana]

Josh wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Just finished Blood Challenge by Eileen Wilks... that series is FANTASTIC. It only gets better with each book."

Really? What makes it stand out for you?"

I love that her characters are smart. Also, the world building is on point.

The books feel genuine... or as genuine as werewolves and such can be. The characters are complex, as the story is, but not so that it seems implausible. Her female leads are strong, but not stubborn; and her male leads are alpha without being overbearing.

And what I enjoy the most, so far, is that it's building towards something. It's not just random stuff happening just to give her characters something to do. I'm invested in what's going to happen to the characters, which is always a plus.

I hope this makes sense. I feel like this about other books; but I don't hear the hype with Eileen Wilks, which I think is a shame, since she's a fantastic author.

[JPerceval]

Mariana wrote: "I don't hear the hype with Eileen Wilks, which I think is a shame, since she's a fantastic author."

Mariana, everything you said, and then some. I adore the World of the Lupi series. It grabbed me by the throat from the get-go and has given me untold thrills since.

I love that Lily and Rule are so strong and sure in their own worlds (for Josh and others, it's FBI and wolf pack, respectively), but they each get thrown for a loop equally in their relationship -- in terms of culture and power. It's truly an equal give-and-take, and that's so rare.

[Mariana]

JPerceval wrote: "I love that Lily and Rule are so strong and sure in their own worlds (for Josh and others, it's FBI and wolf pack, respectively), but they each get thrown for a loop equally in their relationship -- in terms of culture and power. It's truly an equal give-and-take, and that's so rare"

I totally forgot to add that her characters are culturally diverse... and done well. So glad to see another EW fan :)

[JPerceval]

Mariana wrote: "I totally forgot to add that her characters are culturally diverse... and done well. So glad to see another EW fan :)"


And not just the culture of werewolves (though their puzzlement over Rule's desire to be -- gasp! -- monogamous is a riot), but the fact that Lily is Chinese. You don't often see minority heroines in mainstream books. The only other author I can think of off the top of my head who does this (and does it well) is Marjorie M. Liu (though I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention others).

I love finding other fans -- most of my book forum adores this series, but finding anyone who's head of Wilks outside my little group? Fantastic!

[[deleted user]]

Stopped by Half Price Books and picked up a copy of A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I'm only half way through it; I'm finding it difficult because I know with all the foreshadowing something is amiss.

Also, on my Kindle, I'm reading two really fun and informative books:

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man by Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman

The Manly Art of Seduction by Perry Brass

Happy reading everyone!

[Josh]

I love finding other fans -- most of my book forum adores this series, but finding anyone who's head of Wilks outside my little group? Fantastic!

So true!

[Josh]

Leah wrote: "Stopped by Half Price Books and picked up a copy of A Separate Peace by John Knowles. I'm only half way through it; I'm finding it difficult because I know with all the foreshadowing something is ..."

I still get that inner...clench when I think of A Separate Peace. I read it when I was a kid, so in some ways it had more impact--but in other ways I'm sure I missed a lot of what was going on.

Still...a very moving book.

[Heather C]

I decided to read I Am Number Four. The movie comes out in a few weeks so I decided to give it a shot before I see the movie. Looks like YA sci-fi. I'm about 15% into it

[Patty]

I'm part of the Eileen Wilks fan-club. I've read all of Ilona Andrews books, as well. In the Urban Fantasy genre, I think that Nalini Singh's books are outstanding. Well-written and unique. She is writing 2 series concurrently: The Changling/Psy books and Guild Hunter.

I've just finished reading Tere Michaels books, Faith & Fidelity and Love & Loyalty. I've just started the third book in that series Duty & Devotion. They are nicely done. I like the fact that the books link to each other.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Has anyone read the series Russell Quant Misteries (Amuse Bouche is the first book) by Anthony Bidulka? Did you like it? I'm debating whether to buy the first four books at once or not.

[Josh]

Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Has anyone read the series Russell Quant Misteries (Amuse Bouche is the first book) by Anthony Bidulka? Did you like it? I'm debating whether to buy the first four boo..."

I enjoy the series very much. I consider them gay mysteries versus m/m fiction -- meaning there is little to no romance in them. They're engagingly written and the plots are more than competently executed. Bidulka creates a great mood with setting and supporting characters, and Russell Quant is a very likable protagonist.

I'm about two books behind in my reading, though I've bought all the books in the series.

[Patty]

LC wrote: "Patty wrote: "I'm part of the Eileen Wilks fan-club. I've read all of Ilona Andrews books, as well. In the Urban Fantasy genre, I think that Nalini Singh's books are outstanding. Well-written and u..."

No, I haven't LC. I've gotten totally side-tracked in my reading by discovering a love of m/m. I have an affinity and comfort in this sub-genre that I would be hard-pressed to explain. I have read many positive reviews of Marjorie Liu's books, though. I also need to read Meljean Brook's new steam punk series, The Iron Seas. It's gotten great reviews, too.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

Awesome, thank you! Mystery is good :)

[[deleted user]]

Josh wrote: "Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Has anyone read the series Russell Quant Misteries (Amuse Bouche is the first book) by Anthony Bidulka? Did you like it? I'm debating whether ..."

That a nice recommendation; adding that to my wish.

Just bought Blood Relations by J.P. Bowie for my Kindle last night. I don't usually like vampires or shape-shifters, but I really liked Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield so I like to keep an eye out for the ones that go a little beyond the usual plots and prose, and so far Blood Relations is a nice little read.

[Josh]

I've just finished reading Tere Michaels books, Faith & Fidelity and Love & Loyalty. I've just started the third book in that series Duty & Devotion. They are nicely done. I like the fact that the books link to each other.

I forget which one I read. It had great reviews at Jessewave's, but it just didn't grab me. Competently done, but derivative. In my opinion.

[Patty]

Josh wrote: "Competently done, but derivative. In my opinion. "

Actually, this was a topic of conversation with another reader- sort of. We were discussing the "Gay for You" theme. Characters who were apparently "straight" until they met each other. There are many books with a similar plot on the market right now. The second book in this series could have been so much more. I'm finding the third book to be more interesting in how the characters live together and work out their demons after the first HEA (book one.)

[Josh]

Patty wrote: "Josh wrote: "Competently done, but derivative. In my opinion. "

Actually, this was a topic of conversation with another reader- sort of. We were discussing the "Gay for You" theme. Characters who ..."

That has to be one of the most romantic premises around. Can it be viewed as offensive? Sure. But at the same time it gets straight to the core of our desire to be loved for our intrisic self -- the self that goes beyond physical form. So we may be ugly or crippled or whatever -- male! Female! The beast from Beauty and the Beast. But our soul mate will still find and love us.

Yep. That's pretty romantic.

[Jordan]

Patty, I agree, Tere Michaels is amazing! I read the whole series and loved it. Especially the first one. That's my favorite out of the three. If you love cops, and family stories, along with a sprinkling (ok, maybe a little more than a sprinkling) of angst, this is a great series! Very realistically written and beautiful all around. Gosh, I can't wait to reread it again!

And, it's awesome that Elle Parker has a sequel. I'll have to check it out! Thanks for mentioning it.

[Patty]

LC wrote: "Josh wrote: "...it gets straight to the core of our desire to be loved for our intrinsic self -- the self that goes beyond physical form. So we may be ugly or crippled or whatever -- male! Female! ..."

Josh's comments are much more eloquent than when I was explaining the plot of the stories Taking you Home and Boys of Summer by Cooper Davis, to my husband. It's all about our spirits finding each other regardless of the trappings. Those 2 books are deeply emotional and totally about the connection- and acceptance- of the souls.

[Patty]

LC wrote: "Patty, I just finished Boys of Summer and completely agree. I'm halfway through Taking You Home right now. I really did enjoy the first book - such a sweet read. Jury's out on the second until I'm finished. ;-) "

LC, I'll be curious to hear what you have to say about the follow-up to Hunter and Max's story. First person, present tense, makes the story very personal.

[Heather C]

I want to say thank you (several of you), for recommending Like Coffee and Doughnuts to me. I'm at 86% and have loved have word of it!! Must get off here now to go finish it. Plan to immediately follow it with Like Pizza and Beer

[JPerceval]

Patty wrote: "I'm part of the Eileen Wilks fan-club. I've read all of Ilona Andrews books, as well. In the Urban Fantasy genre, I think that Nalini Singh's books are outstanding. Well-written and unique. She is ..."

I love the Guild Hunter series -- in fact I made a special trip out yesterday just to get my hands on Archangel's Consort. *g*

Totally agree with LC about Marjorie M. Liu too. Both her series are excellent.

[Lori K]

Josh wrote: "That has to be one of the most romantic premises around. Can it be viewed as offensive? Sure. But at the same time it gets straight to the core of our desire to be loved for our intrisic self -- the self that goes beyond physical form. So we may be ugly or crippled or whatever -- male! Female! The beast from Beauty and the Beast. But our soul mate will still find and love us.

Yep. That's pretty romantic. ...."

Aww, THIS right here, is why Josh Lanyon is so loved as a writer.

[Oco]

@HeatherC--

Isn't word of mouth awesome? I had those rec'd to me, so I rec'd them here (or at least I think I did), and maybe you'll rec, and I wonder if the author is seeing a spike in her sales and going "hmmmm? what's up with that??"

:D

So, among recent reads (I've been on a tear) I also just absolutely loved The Pharaoh's Concubine by ZAMaxfield, and Admit One by Jenna H. Sinclair.

Both very different from the pizza/beer fun-ness, but both well written and engaging. Highly rec both.

Oh, and am right now reading Death by Misfortune by A.M. Riley, and am loving it, too.

[Bubbles Hunty]

I am struggling with Sticks & Stones about 62% into it and just hate it (I know I am in the minority here and I would just stop if it wasn’t a challenge book) I have been trying to find something to like about it but just can’t like the characters and with no real plot I am just going to force myself to read a chapter a day

[Bubbles Hunty]

Yeah we will have to make out own support group. The people that seem to really love Ty and Zane get offended when I say I don’t like them

[[deleted user]]

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: "Yeah we will have to make out own support group. The people that seem to really love Ty and Zane get offended when I say I don’t like them"
Count me in, ladies. Gave up on it after a few minutes of listening (it was an audio book - Cut & Run). This book is a quintessence of all I hate to see in m/m fiction.

[[deleted user]]

I'm a big fan of Richard Stevenson's "Donald Strachey series". Has anyone read them? I'm at my fourth book right now - great plot, humor, amazingly written series.

[Minne]

this is interesting - i adore the cut and run series - and a number of you don't - and no I am not offended by that - honest! - but I read this thread amongst others and become a member of the m/m group to get reccomendations because I kept buying really badly written, just rubbishy stuff - and I have not been steered wrong since - i mean i may have not liked them all but not because they were badly written!
so thanks for sharing.

[Minne]

Opps - forgot to mention - I am just starting to read the latest Petit Morts - delicious morsels!

[Heather C]

Ocotillo,

I stayed up to 2am last night finishing Like Pizza and Beer! I really needed the comedy from those two. I did talk one of my friends into reading it along with me and I couldn't count the number of times she has thanked me. We spent an hour last night sharing our favorite lines and scenes from Like Coffee and Doughnuts.

I think I'm going to try and squeeze Petit Morts #9 Critic's Choice between breaks today

[[deleted user]]

I started reading My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, and so far I really like it. I read The Englor Affair, the second book in the series - and, yes I know, I read them out of order - but I will have to re-read it after this one because I do think I missed out on some stuff due to reading #2 first. Friendly tip: Don't read a series out of order, you miss stuff! :)

I almost didn't bother with this series at all due to the low ratings some reviewers gave it on Amazon.com, but I'm so glad I took the time to really read between the lines of those reviews. These stories are really different in that they are set in the future on other worlds who have a regency-style society to them. You get the whole space ship, galactic war thing along with royalty hierarchy.

I love M/M sci-fi and it is REALLY hard to find, so if anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears! :D

Happy reading everyone!

[[deleted user]]

Heather C wrote: "Ocotillo,

I stayed up to 2am last night finishing Like Pizza and Beer! I really needed the comedy from those two. I did talk one of my friends into reading it along with me and I couldn't count t..."

Well this will definitley be my next series! Amazing what word of mouth can do. I do the same for Josh's books on several discussions on Amazon. People need to know about the great authors in the genre!

Thanks for rec everyone!

[Jordan]

Oh, Cut and Run? Hated it. The fact that there were so many -ly endings per page when the words could have been deleted entirely just bugged the heck out of me! That, and the fact that there was a tag after every line of dialogue too. Stopped reading in chapter 2. The plot would have been really interesting, but oh well.

Between Friends by Sean Michael was pretty bad too. Mostly sex just for the sake of sex, and no plot, or very little plot. And it's very unrealistic. The plot of the second book (I think) really bothered me because Sammi has a stalker, yet his best and only friend goes on a cruise with his new boyfriend and all we read about is more of the same sex. And when we get back to Sammi, we find out things have gotten worse. So unrealistic. Especially when said bf is a cop.

But, I don't want to be completely negative... I started White Knight last night, since I finished rereading Dark Horse for the second time just the other day. And I'm finding White Knight to be really interesting. I like the way it's told, each chapter having three parts, one in the future in 1st person, one from the past in 3rd and another in the past in 1st. It's different, and it's keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what happened between the books! It's just the perfect book to read in the middle of a snow storm... too bad I'm stuck at work! *sigh*

[[deleted user]]

Anna wrote: "I started White Knight last night, since I finished rereading Dark Horse for the second time just the other day. And I'm finding White Knight to be really interesting. I like the way it's told, each chapter having three parts, one in the future in 1st person, one from the past in 3rd and another in the past in 1st. ..."
One of my favorite by Josh :) Before reading this series I was sure I didn't like VERY romantic stories. But apparently I just hadn't read the good ones.
I found those switches in time and narration very refreshing and nice. I wish there were more books in the series >.>

[Heather C]

I haven't made it to Dark Horse and White Knight yet!

Leah, I quit reading amazon reviews over a year ago. Too much hate and fake reviews over there. Most of the books I find to read come from word of mouth

[Lori K]

Patty wrote: "LC wrote: "Josh wrote: "...it gets straight to the core of our desire to be loved for our intrinsic self -- the self that goes beyond physical form. So we may be ugly or crippled or whatever -- mal..."

I loved these 2 books too.

[Mariana]

Marie Sexton's One More Soldier was so touching. There's no HEA, but so moving.

[Lori K]

Mariana wrote: "Marie Sexton's One More Soldier was so touching. There's no HEA, but so moving."

I was going to read that one but I heard it (view spoiler)[was an incredibly sad ending (hide spoiler)]. I decided not to go there.

[Josh]

Bubbles (Dane) wrote: "I am struggling with Sticks & Stones about 62% into it and just hate it (I know I am in the minority here and I would just stop if it wasn’t a challenge book) I have been trying to f..."

Did you read the first one, Dane? That could make a difference in a series.

[Josh]

Lori K wrote: "Mariana wrote: "Marie Sexton's One More Soldier was so touching. There's no HEA, but so moving."

I decided not to go there."

Yikes. I can't take that!

[Josh]

Heather C wrote: "I haven't made it to Dark Horse and White Knight yet!

Leah, I quit reading amazon reviews over a year ago. Too much hate and fake reviews over there. Most of the books I find to read come from wor..."

Hey, and coincidently that was a big topic of conversation at Jessewave's today. ;-)

[Josh]

Anna wrote: "But, I don't want to be completely negative... I started White Knight last night, since I finished rereading Dark Horse for the second time just the other day. And I'm finding White Knight to be really interesting. I like the way it's told, each chapter having three parts, one in the future in 1st person, one from the past in 3rd and another in the past in 1st. It's different, and it's keeping me on the edge of my seat wondering what happened between the books! It's just the perfect book to read in the middle of a snow storm... too bad I'm stuck at work! *sigh* "

So glad you're enjoying those two!

[Josh]

Suhi wrote: "Anna wrote: "One of my favorite by Josh :) Before reading this series I was sure I didn't like VERY romantic stories. But apparently I just hadn't read the good ones.
..."

I really enjoyed writing those two. I took a lot of time and got lost in their world.

[Josh]

Leah wrote: "I started reading My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, and so far I really like it. I read The Englor Affair, the second book in the series - and, yes I know, I read them out of order - but I will hav..."

There's a reason JL is as popular as she is. Those books are wildly imaginative.

[Josh]

Minne wrote: "Opps - forgot to mention - I am just starting to read the latest Petit Morts - delicious morsels!"

Great! Hope you enjoy them. I think they're a wonderful concept.

[Josh]

Suhi wrote: "I'm a big fan of Richard Stevenson's "Donald Strachey series". Has anyone read them? I'm at my fourth book right now - great plot, humor, amazingly written series."

I've read every book but the very last. I love them. He's such a smart, funny, talented writer -- and they mysteries are good, strong, real mysteries.