Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Susan wrote: "Decided to dedicate an entire week to re-reading some of my favorites. "Re-Read Week" starts with the Cut & Run series, Adrien English series, and then Afflicted...I'm finding re-reads are fun because I can just skim to the best parts! :) "
I was wondering how you were going to get through all those books in one week until I read the last sentence!!
K.Z. wrote: "After getting hooked on the two hoarding shows on TV (and having had a friend who was a hoarder), I became intrigued enough by the disorder to start reading Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meani..."If it is books you are hoarding, then it is not really hoarding, right? :). Books are always ok, right? ;) Btw, the cover of that book is really gorgeous.
Marge wrote: "it was so nice to read an Amy Lane book that was not so full of angst. :)"Her holiday novellas hit that sweet spot for me. Touching, but they don't wreck me like some of her full length stories do. If I Must and Christmas with Danny Fit are comfort reads for me.
Anne wrote: "If it is books you are hoarding, then it is not really hoarding, right? :). Books are always ok, right? ;) "Yes. Books are most definitely ok. Always. Even the annuals that you used to read as a girl and have stored in your mother-in-law's garage.
:D
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Yes. Books are most definitely ok. Always. Even the annuals that you used ..."
Oh yes. Books are ok. Always. Most definitely. Even when you tend to buy beautiful children's books when you don't have children of your own. ;)
Johanna wrote: "Hambel wrote: "Anne wrote: "If it is books you are hoarding, then it is not really hoarding, right? :). Books are always ok, right? ;) "Yes. Books are most definitely ok. Always."
" Even when you tend to buy beautiful children's books when you don't have children of your own. ;) ..."
But "children's books" is just another category, like "mystery", right? Nothing says you can't enjoy them too! And definitely books don't count - I'm *collecting* them, not hoarding...
In the last two days - and nights - I got lost in Evenfall, the first book of the series ''In the Company of Shadows''. It's a free read that you can find here: http://www.aisylum.com/sonnyais/story...It's long, it's sometimes annoying because of repetitions/long internal monologues and descriptions.
But it was a compelling read.
I started re-reading Mary Calmes'
just as good as the 1st time. Ended up reading until 0300 and didn't finish.
Becky wrote: "Marge wrote: "it was so nice to read an Amy Lane book that was not so full of angst. :)"Her holiday novellas hit that sweet spot for me. Touching, but they don't wreck me like some of her full l..."
Ooh, thanks, I'll have to try those. Especially since it's the season!
Antonella wrote: "In the last two days - and nights - I got lost in Evenfall, the first book of the series ''In the Company of Shadows''. It's a free read that you can find here: http://www.aisylum.com/sonnyais/stor..."I've nearly finished re-reading Evenfall too :) it's addictive reading isn't it? I love the book though it's nothing like what I normally choose to read.
Marge wrote: "Becky wrote: "Marge wrote: "it was so nice to read an Amy Lane book that was not so full of angst. :)"Her holiday novellas hit that sweet spot for me. Touching, but they don't wreck me like some..."
Hope you like yarn :/ The characters are caught up in a knitting cult ;) it gets a bit excessive.
Meep wrote: "I've nearly finished re-reading Evenfall too :) it's addictive reading isn't it?"Yes, it is.
But I had a glimpse of some spoilers for book 2 and I don't know... Did you read also the rest?
I'm busy re-reading 'Evenfall' which is very absorbing, not a genre I normally read but the characters fascinate me.Also halfway through 'The Larton Chronicles' which a number of people here rec'd - Thankyous, I'm loving it. Would like this as a film, there's a lot of subtletdy about the relationship that'd be interesting to view.
Just finished 'Knitter in his Natural Habitat' I liked Stanley but for me the balance always seems off in a Amy Lane. Sweet/quirky middle story and then a high action ending tacked on.
Jen wrote: "I started re-reading Mary Calmes' just as good as the 1st time. Ended up reading until 0300 and didn't finish."This one I read the first, the second for a challenge, and never the third.
The dynamic between them is something that I wasn't able to relate to. :)
I still have to read in the company of shadows.
The plot intrigues me, but it's so long, I never manage to start.
Is Evenfall the second one?
Darkm wrote: "Is Evenfall the second one? "Evenfall is the first one.
You can download the ebooks off goodreads, which I only discovered recently.
Meep wrote: "I'm busy re-reading 'Evenfall' which is very absorbing, not a genre I normally read but the characters fascinate me.Also halfway through 'The Larton Chronicles' which a number of people here rec'..."
It seemed to me she wasn't really finished with Jeremy yet so a big part of the end was about him. But it still a cute read despite some flaws.:)
Meep wrote: "I'm busy re-reading 'Evenfall' which is very absorbing, not a genre I normally read but the characters fascinate me.Also halfway through 'The Larton Chronicles' ... Would like this as a film, there's a lot of subtletdy about the relationship that'd be interesting to view.'..."
Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finished the book! If that's right, you probably have already seen the relationship on screen.
I read the book before I heard this, and enjoyed it, although I remember thinking that more could have been said to establish the relationship. When I heard it was originally fan fiction I thought "that's why", because of course one of the beauties of fan fiction is that so little needs to be spelled out because the readership already shares your knowledge.
Anne wrote: "I believe I shall take responsibility for those two recommendations, and I am so glad you liked both. AHJB was probably the one with the most unique voice, but both are good, and real, as you said."Dear Anne, I finished ''Atom Heart John Beloved'' and ''Every Time I Think of You'': both excellent, than you for your recs. I had already heard of Jim Provenzano, but for sure I wouldn't have found Luke Hartmann without you.
I am reading Listening To Dust approximately one quarter into it. It can probably not be called romance as such, and the back and forth in time might annoy some since it is the opposite of straightforward, but the writing is very good and I know I like it already! But one should in all honesty be prepared for heartbreak from the start.
Antonella wrote: "Anne wrote: "I believe I shall take responsibility for those two recommendations, and I am so glad you liked both. AHJB was probably the one with the most unique voice, but both are good, and real,..."It is always so great to find new and interesting authors, isn't it?
Na wrote: "Hambel wrote : It does look intriguing and I am a fan of Rowling. The kindle version of this is far too expensive for me though, I'm afraid.My thoughts too! This book is quite expensive ! Even in..."
Depending where you live it's available in supermarkets at a cheaper price! Reviews I've read haven't been positive. I'm a bit cynical over the fact it was to be released on it's own credit but then came out under her name so can utilise the Potter rep. Not saying it's wrong, just indicative..
Darkm wrote: "Becky wrote: "The Hot Floor is excellent, too. :)"I think I am between the few who read it, but didn't find it wonderful. I liked it, yes, but I needed a bit more story.
I want to try another on..."
I found it ok but like more story too.
Also it can feel almost aggressively british - and I'm british :/
Antonella wrote: "Meep wrote: "I've nearly finished re-reading Evenfall too :) it's addictive reading isn't it?"Yes, it is.
But I had a glimpse of some spoilers for book 2 and I don't know... Did you read also t..."
Not for ages, I remember certain things being 'noooooo' ;) but then I'm still checking back for the new book's updates so it's not put me off.
Hj wrote: "Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finished the book! If that's right, you probably have already seen the relationship on screen. ..."I'm passingly familiar with the tv series :) perhaps you need to watch a lot more of it to see the possibilities!
There is the issue with no physical descriptions that's common to fanfics, but I've still enjoyed it, the connection is obvious with the pacing at the beginning but I thought it evened out after.
I'd like to watch it with the relationship established, but still subtle familiarity :)
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There are definitely a few things about her writing style and other things that bug me, like the fact that every time a new character comes on the scene she has to describe them right down to the little dimple in their chin and whatever color socks their wearing. But thankfully, what bothers me I can put behind me and just simply enjoy a good, entertaining story. Though I will say, gosh there's a lot of angst in this series.
I'm beginning to wonder about myself. I used to love angst, but now I'm finding that I might just have a limit after all. Guess we'll see over time.
I've also gone back to Manna Francis's Administration Series. I'm currently reading the shorts between the novels. They're still dark and weird as hell, but not too bad. Just don't expect a real romance. Don't know why I'm reading them, but I am.
I'm reading Half Blind. It's been a wonderful surprise. To me, it feels a bit like Ocean's Eleven with a dash of White Collar and a bit wizard in the mix and I loved it. I considered rating it 5*.I'm at 85% now and was dealt a blow when there's a quite sudden change in the character of one MC. It doesn't feel consistent. Have to convince myself to finish the last 15% and hope it's not as bad as it seems...
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Sold! :) I want to read this one! Thank you for the recommendation, Calathea.
I'm at 46% through Half Moon Chambers and it's as lovely as all of you have described. Harper Fox also always manages to surprise me. Because of the title I was expecting something entirely different — something close to In Search of Saints, maybe?
And one thing I absolutely love about her writing is her ability to portray surroundings. For example in Scrap Metal it was the gorgeously rough Scottish landscape and weather, but she does it as beautifully with the city view, the pavement and the buildings! Reading her books feels very much alike looking at a painting or some other form of visual arts. Just like I'd want to stay in front of a beautiful, powerful painting for the longest time, to lose myself into it, just like that I find myself reading her poetical sentences over and over again and enjoying their beauty.
Calathea wrote: "I'm at 85% now and was dealt a blow when there's a quite sudden change in the character of one MC. It doesn't feel consistent. Have to convince myself to finish the last 15% and hope it's not as bad as it seems... "I enjoyed that book, but I had the very same complaint you do. The characters don't remain consistent throughout. And I thought the romance would have been much more interesting if they did!
I finished new Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch book - The Black Box. Harry remains my favorite fictional detective. The book was quite good - after a few weaker books, the last two are just what I expect from Connelly.
Lady*M wrote: "I finished new Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch book - The Black Box. Harry remains my favorite fictional detective. The book was quite good - after a few weaker books, the last two are just what I e..."Good to hear, it is absolutely on my list, I have read all books about Harry Bosch, definitely one of my favorites as well (I also have a weakness for John Rebus and Dave Robicheaux to be honest) :). I agree some of the later books haven't been up to the usual standard, even though they are still better than most out there :)
Calathea wrote: "I'm reading Half Blind. It's been a wonderful surprise. To me, it feels a bit like Ocean's Eleven with a dash of White Collar and a bit wizard in the mix and I loved it. I considered rating it 5*...."
Half Blind is published by Samhain, so it is on sale today. Mmmmm, much more tempting on sale. Thanks 8)
At the moment I'm reading Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, which is doubly interesting since I'm in the middle of organizing all my junk and putting it away on all the new shelves I just got. But my digital hold came in from the library, so....
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Jordan wrote: "Though I will say, gosh there's a lot of angst in this series.I'm beginning to wonder about myself. I used to love angst, but now I'm finding that I might just have a limit after all. Guess we'll see over time..."
Though I really love the Infected series, it is a bit relentless in the angst department. Poor Rhoan never catches a break, and never seems to improve in his actions in any meaningful way over time.
I'm starting to have a limit on angst myself. Many angsty books lately seem to slide over into melodrama, and not in a good way.
Susinok wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Though I will say, gosh there's a lot of angst in this series.I'm beginning to wonder about myself. I used to love angst, but now I'm finding that I might just have a limit after a..."
In Roan's case I think it's more justified than in a contemporary non-fantasy setting. He is the only Infected-born and the world is turning increasingly more vicious against the Infecteds. And I'm not even touching the subject of the people he loves/he's close to. I also feel that he is so uncompromising that drama is attracted to him like a magnet. In the last book Lesser Evils - even if I had a few issues about the way his virus is developing - I found finally something different in him (view spoiler)
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I'm beginning to wonder about myself. I used to love angst, but now I'm finding that I might just have..."
I wondered if he would start to go that way. Andrea plants the seeds for that direction in book 5. Well, I haven't read six yet. But might before the end of the year.
And yeah, he does have a pretty darn good excuse for all the angst. Which is probably what's keeping me reading. I AM enjoying, even with all the little niggles.
Meep wrote: "Hj wrote: "Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finished the book! If that's right, you proba..."Please tell, ladies; what show are we talking about?
Candice wrote: "Meep wrote: "Hj wrote: "Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finished the book! If that's rig..."The Professionals.
Hj wrote: "Candice wrote: "Meep wrote: "Hj wrote: "Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finished the boo..."Ah! Thank you. I haven't seen it, but I guess I'll have to have a look.
Just finished The Good Thief by James Buchanan, a good m/m romantic suspense story about a thief and a cop working together to bring a criminal to justice. Pretty solid story with great characters. It was the first work by Buchanan that I've read and am looking forward to checking out more.
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Candice wrote: "Hj wrote: "Candice wrote: "Meep wrote: "Hj wrote: "Meep - I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that The Larton Chronicles began as fan fiction, from a TV show which I won't name until you've finis..."It's an old British TV series from the late 1970s and early 1980s starring Lewis Collins and Martin Shaw as Bodie and Doyle, with Gordon Jackson as their boss. They're tough secret policeman who rush around being tough and laconic with clever quips. They are very different, but as Wikipedia says: "Bodie and Doyle have a deep and enduring friendship, and are almost inseparable".
ttg wrote: "Just finished The Good Thief by James Buchanan, a good m/m romantic suspense story about a thief and a cop working together to bring a criminal to justice. Pretty solid story with great characters...."I loved Hard Fall and its sequel. The narrator has a strong accent, and I think many readers disliked it, but it was very intense, and I liked the way the religious theme was handled, as a personal issue, not in a preaching (one way or the other) way.
Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "I loved Hard Fall and its sequel. The narrator has a strong accent, and I think many readers disliked it, but it was very intense, and I liked the way the religious theme was handled, as a personal issue, not in a preaching (one way or the other) way. "I was going to recommend these too. I believe she's working on a third story.
I am just about to finish Feral by Joely Skye http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64...I like her werewolf stories because they have a kind of sinister/dark edge to them.
I have also started reading Half Moon Chambers http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16.... Harper Fox is one of my favourite authors. Reading Scrap Metal left me yearning to see the Scottish Highlands for myself so I put them on my to-visit list. :)
Karen wrote: "Nudged by several posts, I read books 2 & 3 of Amy Lane's "Knitting" series, How to Raise an Honest Rabbit and Knitter in His Natural Habitat. I'd read The Winter Courtship Rituals of Fur-Bearing C..."I see what you mean. For me the darkness within is what saves the books from being unbearably cute. I like that mix, like chocolate with chili or ginger you know, sweet but with a bite. :)
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He's only discussing the stories that made it into film, so it's a comparison of the original story and then the approach the filmmaker took. It's interesting, though when Renzi gets on the topic of homosexual subtext I think he often founders.
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I have a deep and abiding affection for The Professionals, but it's really hard to see Larton in canon. It's more like...The Irish RM meets The Professionals. ;-)
Hj wrote: "Candice wrote: "Ah! Thank you. I haven't seen it, but I guess I'll have to have a look.."
Don't expect to see Larton in it, the manner of the characters comes accross and the pace of the first part of the book, but that's the only really connection.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
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Thank you for the rec, plastic duck. sounds like fun