Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
Cheryl wrote: "I'm currently re-reading The Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby, which I enjoyed more than his fiction. It's basically a monthly diary of his reading experiences, with lists of books bought vs. books read, mini reviews, and even a few excerpts. "See, now why won't someone give me a contract for a record of my reading? Actually, that does sound really good, and I like the way he writes. Some of his books aren't my favorite, but he writes so well.
I loved that book bt Nick Hornsby. My favorite book is still High Fidelity, but I'm afraid for young readers it might read as an historical: vinyl records? LPs? I am one of the people who liked Striking Sparks. There's something about Crash that remains behind our reach, because we never get his POV, we always see him through the eyes of someone else. Vic knows him, by now, there's a bit of affection for him that's showing, so we get a warmer impression of Crash. Andrew just met Crash, so he could only be concerned with his own feelings and Crash came out as a "user" or a "provocateur", but I don't think Crash was unaffected and I don't have the story here, but I seem to remember that he tried to connect - maybe asking Andrew to stay? - or to prolong their encounter. I like reading Crash between the lines. I'm always waiting for the little cracks in his facade that show us his fragility.
By the way, I'm always terrified of giving recs, because I hate thinking people might lose reading time with a book I recommended :-/
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "I loved that book bt Nick Hornsby. My favorite book is still High Fidelity, but I'm afraid for young readers it might read as an historical: vinyl records? LPs? I am one of the peo..."
I friend of mine (6 months younger than me -- we're both about 40, now) didn't like High Fidelity because he didn't get the whole 'making a tape' thing. I was shocked. I'm still convinced it's because he didn't have a boyfriend making tapes for him in high school.
Anne wrote: "I friend of mine (6 months younger than me -- we're both about 40, now) didn't like High Fidelity because he didn't get the whole 'making a tape' thing. I was shocked. I'm still convinced it's because he didn't have a boyfriend making tapes for him in high school."Making tapes was part of the seduction, lol
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Anne wrote: "I friend of mine (6 months younger than me -- we're both about 40, now) didn't like High Fidelity because he didn't get the whole 'making a tape' thing. I was shocked. I'm still convin..."I think the young'uns are still doing it these days. They just call it a play list. :P
I have mixed feelings about JCP. I like Vic and Jacob quite a bit. But I'm not always quite as satisfied with the mystery portion of the PsyCop books, and that's really important to me, too. Of course, I'm only three books into the series, so there's still time for her to really sell me. And I wouldn't have read books 2 and 3 if I didn't like them at all. So, yeah. Mixed feelings.
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "There's something about Crash that remains behind our reach, because we never get his POV, we always see him through the eyes of someone else. "As much as I'd love a story from Crash's point of view, I think part of the reason we never get one is to keep us on our toes around him. As an empath, I feel he's always going to be one step ahead of us and we'll always be scrambling to keep up. I'd really love to be in his head now that Jacob and maybe Vic are able to block him. It must drive him nuts! I'd also love a short about Crash and Miss Mattie. I wish JCP had a place for story requests on her website! Anyone know when the next Psycop is supposed to come out? I am seriously and unhealthfully addicted to this series. Need. Fix. Now.
Emanuela ~Zstyx~ wrote: "Anne wrote: "I friend of mine (6 months younger than me -- we're both about 40, now) didn't like High Fidelity because he didn't get the whole 'making a tape' thing. I was shocked. I'm still convin..."Completely part of the seduction!
ETA: And it worked, too. At least on me.
Just read
LOVED! and about halfway done with
This is quite a book...
LOVED! and about halfway done with
This is quite a book...
Just finished The Cat in the Cradle. What a lovely fantasy novel. Rather low-key romance elements, but I have the feeling that this is intended more to be YA than anything. That doesn't change the fact it's now one of my favorite books. *dreamy sigh*
I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's
because of the extremely high angst level of
. But, I started it last night and so far, it's wonderful. I am hoping that the angst is kept to a minimum (no matter what's happening with one of the MCs mother).
I've read several this week. I loved
by Tom Collins. I also really liked
, the third book in the mystery series with Tom & Stanley. Other good books this week:
by Megan Derr and
.I also read
which was a little too lightweight --maybe if I'm in that kind of mood it'd work better.
Yvonne wrote: "...Other good books this week: The Missing Butterfly (Missing Butterfly, #1) by Megan Derr and Edward Unconditionally (Common Powers, #3).I also read All Stirred Up which was a little too lightweight --maybe if I'm in that kind of mood it'd work better. "
Missing Butterfly is a good one, but not my favorite Megan story. And Unconditionally Edward is my favorite Lynn Lorenz. :)
I started All Stirred Up but cannot finish it. I'd be interested to know your thoughts about this book.
Sprite123 wrote: "Just finished The Cat in the Cradle. What a lovely fantasy novel. Rather low-key romance elements, but I have the feeling that this is intended more to be YA than anything. That does..."It looks good....
Merith wrote: "I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's because of the extremely high angst level of . But, I started it last night and ..."I liked Making Promises better than Promise Rock (the angst level was pretty high for me -- the scene in the rain with the snakes? shudder). There's still angst in Making Promises, but it was easier for me to deal with.
Merith wrote: "Missing Butterfly is a good one, but not my favorite Megan story. And Unconditionally Edward is my favorite Lynn Lorenz. :)"Ditto. Megan Derr's fairy stories/fantasy are divine. Really.
The Missing Butterfly and By The Way are her only two contemporary novels and were so-so. They were the original books I read of hers, a very long time back, and I had almost forgotten them. I'm glad I went on to read her other books.
The only one of the fantasy books I didn't care that much for was the The King's Harem, and I read that mostly because it was a prequel to Sandstorm (some of the same characters).
If I had to recommend a sorted list of Derr recommendations, it would be:
- Magic and Mischief
- Fairy Tales Slashed
- Midsummer Moon, Curse, Law
- The Matchmaker
- The Bastard Prince
- Locke and Key
- The Jewels of Bangkok
- The Rapier Brothers (first story is in M&M)
- Bound
- Runaways
- Highland Wolves: Ulrich
- A Secret Admirer
- Behind the Mask
- Finder Tolan
- Sandstorm (Lawrence of Arabia take, sheikhs etc)
- Midnight
They are all very different and yet similar. They are highly original, and have a different feel to them, yet quite a few are set in the same world.
She's just gifted, gifted, gifted...
Merith wrote: "I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's because of the extremely high angst level of . But, I started it last night and ..."
Merith did you read
it's my favorite Amy Lane book
Edward Unconditionally is lovely
because of the extremely high angst level of . But, I started it last night and ..."Merith did you read
it's my favorite Amy Lane bookEdward Unconditionally is lovely
Merith wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "...I also read All Stirred Up which was a little too lightweight --maybe if I'm in that kind of mood it'd work better. "I started All Stirred Up but cannot finish it. I'd be interested to know your thoughts about this book."
Unfortunately I don't have too many deep thoughts about this book. It was supposed to be about PTSD but it didn't feel well researched. Things would be bought up only to be brushed aside. It seemed every time Brendan had some kind of panic attack, that he would then engage in some kind of sexual activity with Dr. Dirk (who had to recuse himself due to this). I wasn't sure what tone ZAM was going for here (funny? Serious? melancholic?) & I think she was confused herself. It was basically a road trip book with a cookie cutter wrap up ending to the romance. It's the kind of book I'd read when I don't want to work my brain too hard, so basically a beach read.
Merith wrote: "And Unconditionally Edward is my favorite Lynn Lorenz. :)This, absolutely.
I started All Stirred Up but cannot finish it. I'd be interested to know your thoughts about this book. "
I did read it, and thought it wasn't bad. It got better as it went on. Of the other ZAMs I've read (Fugitive Color, ePistols at Dawn, Crossing Borders, Long Way Home), Fugitive Color was probably my favorite (although none of these were wow books for me). ePistols started out really interestingly, had a lot of promise, but faltered in the second half.
ns wrote: "I did read it, and thought it wasn't bad. It got better as it went on. Of the other ZAMs I've read (Fugitive Color, ePistols at Dawn, Crossing Borders, Long Way Home), Fugitive Color was probably my favorite (although none of these were wow books for me). ePistols started out really interestingly, had a lot of promise, but faltered in the second half."Ugh, wrong book. I was talking of Stirring up Trouble, not All Stirred Up (which I have not read, and now am unlikely to read).
Anne wrote: "Merith wrote: "I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's because of the extremely high angst level of . But, I started it ..."Deacon's scene in the rain and the horse and the snake! OMG, I thought *I* was going to lose it. That just ripped me apart.
Stirring up Trouble is a much better book than All Stirred Up. The St. Nacho's series of books by ZAM are also good.
You know when you guys make the book title into a product image, it becomes unreadable on smartphones (unless you're willing to take the hit to follow the link, let it search and return to your original comment. There's no way to hover and read the title/author. Unless someone knows if there's a shortcut for it in the mobile GR version?
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Merith wrote: "I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's because of the extremely high angst level of . But, ..."
That book...I just re-read it a couple of weeks ago and COULD NOT stop crying
Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan?
because of the extremely high angst level of . But, ..."That book...I just re-read it a couple of weeks ago and COULD NOT stop crying
Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan?
ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "Missing Butterfly is a good one, but not my favorite Megan story. And Unconditionally Edward is my favorite Lynn Lorenz. :)"Ditto. Megan Derr's fairy stories/fantasy are divine. Re..."
I want more Ulrich of the Wolves. Though, I'm thinking any subsequent stories will be about other wolves... I want more in that universe. And oh man! Her stories are love... I just adore pretty much everything she's written.
The King's Harem and Sandstorm (being of the same universe) I haven't started yet. I'm not a big fan of poly-partners. I have to be eased into the relationship, and I've the idea that 'Harem' starts off with multiple partners right away.
ns wrote: "ns wrote: "I did read it, and thought it wasn't bad. It got better as it went on. Of the other ZAMs I've read (Fugitive Color, ePistols at Dawn, Crossing Borders, Long Way Home), Fugitive Color was..."That's okay. :) I actually really liked Stirring up Trouble. It was cute and I loved Toby. Of the ZAM books you've mentioned, Fugitive Color is probably the least favorite for me. And I can't tell you why. Isn't it funny how some things just hit you funny and you either love or hate it? (Not that I hate it, I just can't read it.)
Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan? "Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought it could be. It's pushing some boundries, but the author is easing the reader into the ultimate act, just as Sno is Ryan.
Merith wrote: "I want more Ulrich of the Wolves. Though, I'm thinking any subsequent stories will be about other wolves... I want more in that universe. And oh man! Her stories are love... I just adore pretty much everything she's written.I do, too. I'd also like more in the Ulrich universe. I also just finished her latest this morning: "The Dragon's Tamer." Absolutely adorable, I have to say. I go to LT3 Press pretty regularly now just to check on upcoming books. I've now bought all of her stuff in print and ebook (like I've done for Lanyon).
The King's Harem and Sandstorm (being of the same universe) I haven't started yet. I'm not a big fan of poly-partners. I have to be eased into the relationship, and I've the idea that 'Harem' starts off with multiple partners right away."
Me neither, but Sandstorm was sufficiently sparing of that (King's Harem has the backstory of some of the peripheral characters of Sandstorm). Sandstorm was quirkily original and sufficiently full of action (have you read Lawrence of Arabia or seen the movie?) and other interesting dynamics that I found it pretty fun, overall.
ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "I want more Ulrich of the Wolves. Though, I'm thinking any subsequent stories will be about other wolves... I want more in that universe. And oh man! Her stories are love... I just a..."I loved The Dragon Tamer! I love how Meg can take such diverse characters and make us fall in love with them as they fall in love with one another... and not just lust. I think that's another thing I love about Meg's books; she writes romance, not sex. Her universes are rich and colorful and her characters are no less so.
Merith wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan? "
Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought it could be. It's pushing some boun..."
I just emailed you just now. I am liking a lot better than I thought too. Specially they aspect of Sno being a gay man in Africa it is something that I am always curious about having lived here for years an knowing how hard it is.
Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought it could be. It's pushing some boun..."
I just emailed you just now. I am liking a lot better than I thought too. Specially they aspect of Sno being a gay man in Africa it is something that I am always curious about having lived here for years an knowing how hard it is.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan? "Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought it could be. It's pu..."
I keep trying to figure out where the book is going. I mean, I know what the surface event will be, but there's more to it than that. It's actually a pretty deep story for all the summary makes you think it's just about the sensationalism of it.
Merith wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Merith how are you doing with Sno and Ryan? "
Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought..."
Yeah I think the idea of 'Savoring' things is a biggie in this story I'm reading about their curry dinner and just keep grinning...which is weird, cause I should be creeped out right? I'll email you with more thoughts in a bit.
Just sent you an email a few minutes ago. The story is much better than I originally thought..."
Yeah I think the idea of 'Savoring' things is a biggie in this story I'm reading about their curry dinner and just keep grinning...which is weird, cause I should be creeped out right? I'll email you with more thoughts in a bit.
Merith wrote: "That's okay. :) I actually really liked Stirring up Trouble. It was cute and I loved Toby. Of the ZAM books you've mentioned, Fugitive Color is probably the least favorite for me. And I can't tell you why. Isn't it funny how some things just hit you funny and you either love or hate it? (Not that I hate it, I just can't read it.)"Yep, I liked both the MCs in Stirring up Trouble. The only problem with the book for me was that it really ended around 30% of the way in, really. I would have liked to rearrange much of the plot!
ns wrote: "Merith wrote: "And Unconditionally Edward is my favorite Lynn Lorenz. :)This, absolutely.
I started All Stirred Up but cannot finish it. I'd be interested to know your thoughts about this book...."
Cool, I've been wanting to read Fugitive Color, but the reviews were mixed. When ZAM is good, I love her, but sometimes she just doesn't measure up. I liked All Stirred Up, but it was ultimately pretty forgettable.
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Merith wrote: "I've been putting off reading Amy Lane's because of the extremely high angst level of . But, ..."I know. It got so bleak I wasn't sure it was worth it, and the bleakness just dragged on and on. It was ultimately worth it, and I gave it 4 stars (well, 3.8 or so), but it's not on my re-read list.
Has anyone read Truth in the Dark? I really liked that one. I'm working up to The Locker Room, but I have a personal prejudice against books that start in the middle of relationships. Don't ask me why. I'm trying to overcoome it.
Anne wrote: "Has anyone read Truth in the Dark? I really liked that one.
It's lovely had a very fairy tale feel...
I loved this one too probably my second favorite of hers
It's lovely had a very fairy tale feel...
I loved this one too probably my second favorite of hers
Mod
As for my reading, I started 72 Hours by Clare London yesterday and I couldn't put it down for the life of me! If I hadn't had a kitchen cleaning emergency late last night, I would have finished it before bed.
I had some problems with the way she told the back story, because it was so important to the current story, and there was so much of it, it took up most of the beginning of the novel. However, it wasn't enough to derail me (obviously), and she told it in an interesting way, while current events were unraveling.
I was hoping that novel would last the whole weekend, until Three Wrong Turns arrives tomorrow. lol. I wasn't sure what to do this morning until I opened my apartment door and nearly walked into a package sitting there. Lord knows how long it was there, since I never went anywhere yesterday, but Three Wrong Turns was in it, so I can start it later today! Woot!
I also got Angel Land by Victor J. Banis. That looks soooo good! I can't wait to dive into it!
Anne wrote: "ns wrote: "When ZAM is good, I love her, but sometimes she just doesn't measure up. "Yeah, I'm with you here. I love ZAM most of the time, but there are a few books of hers that I just couldn't read, and that makes me feel bad. While we haven't met in person (like some other authors I do know), I've come to know her and love her as a person. So, it bothers me that I don't care for some of her stories.
And... shhh, but there's a couple of Josh's books that I have difficulties with; ones that others don't seem to have issue at all. At least, not the same issues I have with them.
Jordan S. wrote: "Cleon, that Native American book sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out. I always thought it was interesting how they accepted Two Spirits and all that. As for my reading, I started 72 H..."
I love the idea of the two spirits and have read it touched upon in other books (I know Sean Michael's Wind Brothers has the same concept).
Clare I just love. I've known her for years (about 8 now?) and have read just about everything she's written, from her fanfiction days to now. There are times I don't care for the way she's written something, but she will always hold the interest. What is interesting is, I tend to hear her voice reading the story aloud as I read it. I think it comes from her reading a couple of stories aloud at a panel or two while at Yaoi con. I just love her voice!
Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Has anyone read Truth in the Dark? I really liked that one. It's lovely had a very fairy tale feel...
I loved this one too probably my second favorite of hers [bookc..."
I have the locker room but haven't started it yet. It's on my list to read after this and that and this other one. ;) I will get to it soon though.
I loved Truth in the Dark! It had such a wonderful feel to it. Megan Derr has a similarly themed story - in her 2nd Fairytales anthology - The Wizard's tower. I greatly enjoyed that one as well.
Jordan S. wrote: "Cleon, that Native American book sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out. I always thought it was interesting how they accepted Two Spirits and all that. As for my reading, I started 72 H..."
72 Hours was pretty short, wasn't it? I liked it, but I don't remember it taking long at all.
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "ns wrote: "When ZAM is good, I love her, but sometimes she just doesn't measure up. "Yeah, I'm with you here. I love ZAM most of the time, but there are a few books of hers that I ju..."
I have issues with all my favorite authors. :)
Jordan S. wrote: "Cleon, that Native American book sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out. I always thought it was interesting how they accepted Two Spirits and all that. As for my reading, I started 72 H..."
Have you read Two Spirits by Kiernan Kelly? I liked it (although I don't always like her books that well).
Merith wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Has anyone read Truth in the Dark? I really liked that one. It's lovely had a very fairy tale feel...
I loved this one too probably my second fa..."
Alright, I have to check out this Megan Derr person.... Where should I start?
Mod
Anne wrote: "Alright, I have to check out this Megan Derr person.... Where should I start? ."Personally, I would suggest The Matchmaker or Finder Tolan first. She has a lot of stories that are great, but those two are a good introduction to how she rolls with the writing. Her Fairytales slashed books are really good, containing several shortish stories as well as her myths and magic book.
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Alright, I have to check out this Megan Derr person.... Where should I start? ."Personally, I would suggest The Matchmaker or Finder Tolan first. She h..."
Okay, I'll put them on my list. Maybe I'll actually get to them, soon-ish. :) Thanks.
Anne wrote: "Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Alright, I have to check out this Megan Derr person.... Where should I start? ."Personally, I would suggest The Matchmaker or Finder Tolan"
Yeah, what Merith suggests, and you can also see my post a little earlier - I had just listed my recommended order of reading Megan Derr. I neglected to add Dire Straits, too, to that list, which I also love.
Merith wrote: I love ZAM most of the time, but there are a few books of hers that I just couldn't read, and that makes me feel bad.
I COULD NOT finish
Drawn Together and I love her books!! And I love Yaoi which I think is what she was going for.
But hey some of her books are still some of my favorites.
On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least.
I COULD NOT finish
Drawn Together and I love her books!! And I love Yaoi which I think is what she was going for.
But hey some of her books are still some of my favorites.
On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least.
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
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I do this all the time, for the exact same reason -- comfort. I think it's because I associate 1 book in the series with comfort (I like No Souvenirs, for example) then I finish it and it seems like a good idea to go back and read other books in the series.