Candidates for Next Month's Read Showing 451-500 of 3,043

[Kaje]

That's been on my TBR since I started on GR, I wouldn't mind an excuse to read it. but it may be too well known/read/discussed for this group?

[Cheryl]

Maybe something horror or paranormal for October, or is that too trite? I don't read very much paranormal so I'd love to get some suggestions. Wicked Gentlemen is on my TBR list, but it's probably been read and discussed here too much to be a good choice.

[Cleon Lee]

Cheryl wrote: "Maybe something horror or paranormal for October, or is that too trite? I don't read very much paranormal so I'd love to get some suggestions. Wicked Gentlemen is on my TBR list, but..."

I'd love to discuss Wicked Gentlemen to give me motivation to read. I stopped reading it when I read ... well, the graphic institutional religious torture. (I'm a wuss for that kind of stuff. Now that you know my weakness, I have to kill you! lol). So maybe if it's October read, I'll be motivated to continue it.

[Cheryl]

Well, if it's going to be off-putting for some members of the group then perhaps it's not such a good choice. I still cringe when I think of all the fingernails that were pulled out in Shades of Gray and that all happened off screen.

[Cleon Lee]

Cheryl wrote: "Well, if it's going to be off-putting for some members of the group then perhaps it's not such a good choice. I still cringe when I think of all the fingernails that were pulled out in [book:Shades..."

OUCH!! yeah, that scene bothers me a lot too, but it's the inquisition thing that really bothers me. That some people could commit such horrible crimes and think they're saving souls for doing that. Horrifying. That's just my issue though. I have the same issue about reading historical Inquisition.

[Becky]

For a paranormal/horror story, how about Oleander House? I haven't read it myself yet, but I've heard it's pretty creepy. The first book in the Bay City Paranormal series, which is up to 7 books now, so it must have a following. (Which I acknowledge doesn't always translate to good, but whatever.) I've enjoyed other things I've read by the author, and this one is on the Best Gay Paranormals list, so I'd say it's got about as good a shot as any to be a decent read.

Although if it really is scary someone might need to come hold my hand while I read it.

[Kaje]

Becky wrote: "For a paranormal/horror story, how about Oleander House? I haven't read it myself yet, but I've heard it's pretty creepy. The first book in the Bay City Paranormal series, which is..."

It's not bad. I had some TSTL issues with it. It's not very scary to my mind, more because of the writing style which is definitely romance not horror.

[Cheryl]

The only Ally Blue book I've read ended up being a DNF. I've thought about trying again, but hearing that the characters may be TSTL doesn't bode well.

As for Cut & Run, I'm one of the few who just couldn't stand that book. Maybe discussing it would open my eyes to what everyone else loves about it. Otherwise, I don't mind being the lone dissenting voice. :)

Are we only allowed one suggestion? I'll withdraw Wicked Gentleman and suggest Unnatural Selection. I've never read anything by An Sommerville and I feel like I should. Is it too soon after Hemovore to do another vampire story? How about another by JCP?

[[deleted user]]

What about one of AM Riley's books. Maybe The Elegant Corpse?

[Cleon Lee]

Kate Mc. wrote: "What about one of AM Riley's books. Maybe The Elegant Corpse?"

Dunno if Josh will like it since it deals with BDSM theme.

[[deleted user]]

Cleon wrote: "Kate Mc. wrote: "What about one of AM Riley's books. Maybe The Elegant Corpse?"

Dunno if Josh will like it since it deals with BDSM theme."

Oops. I wasn't thinking things through. I'll retract it.

[Tammy Lyn]

Kristie wrote: "I'd suggest . The fourth book of this excellent series comes out in October so maybe a good time for people to check out the series."

Kristie wrote: "I'd suggest . The fourth book of this excellent series comes out in October so maybe a good time for people to check out the series."


I tripped over this series and I have to say i'm hooked... would not mind joining in- i'm not sure about the popluarity part as i'm a newbie to this genra....and i'm loving every minute of it too... it's all Josh's fault BTW
;o )

[Becky]

Tammy wrote: " i'm a newbie to this genra....and i'm loving every minute of it too... it's all Josh's fault BTW
;o ) "

I'm right there with you. I've only been reading m/m for about 8 months, but it's entirely Josh's fault! Damn him and his addictive series writing. :P

As far as The Elegant Corpse goes, it's been on my TBR list for a while, so that would work for me. It's good to remind everyone of the BDSM theme-- it's been on my list so long that I forgot that it had that element. But I wouldn't strike it from the list for that yet. If Josh isn't interested he'll let us know. :)

I wouldn't be interested in reading anything by Ann Somerville. I haven't read any of her stuff-- she may be a very talented writer. But she also makes a hobby of posting nasty comments online, and she's totally turned me off. (One of the very rare circumstances when the person/persona outweighs the writing for me.)

I know we just read a Jordan Castillo Price, but another would be OK with me. Sleepwalker is, I believe, a stand alone novel, and I think it's got some supernatural elements, so it would be fun for October.

[[deleted user]]

Becky wrote: "I wouldn't be interested in reading anything by Ann Somerville. I haven't read any of her stuff-- she may be a very talented writer. But she also makes a hobby of posting nasty comments online, and she's totally turned me off. (One of the very rare circumstances when the person/persona outweighs the writing for me.)"

I have the same problem. I did try to read one of her books, but my dislike of her on-line persona kept getting in the way.

[Tamela]

I like the idea of reading the 4th book in the Cut and Run series, . It's on my to-read list and the waiting-4-publishing list, so I'm ready to see it added to my Kindle. This would be a good reason for me to push it to the top of my list.

[Antonella]

Becky wrote: "I wouldn't be interested in reading anything by Ann Somerville. I haven't read any of her stuff-- she may be a very talented writer. But she also makes a hobby of posting nasty comments online..."

I share your point of view: I haven't read anything from her, don't plan to read anything. I was wondering whether to tell Cheryl in private...

[Liade]

Antonella wrote: "Becky wrote: "I wouldn't be interested in reading anything by Ann Somerville. I haven't read any of her stuff-- she may be a very talented writer. But she also makes a hobby of posting nasty commen..."

And I thought I was only one...

[Josh]

I've never read anything by An Sommerville and I feel like I should

Sommerville has made such a point of being hostile to me and my work that I really can't see featuring her writing on my GR group. I'm sure she's talented, but supporting that talent is above and beyond my call of duty. ;-)


**edited to add that I'm agreeable to any of the other suggestions. Oleander House sounds fun and I'm a fan of AM Riley, so those are good ones.

[Jordan]

lol, I'd agree with you on Sommerville. Definitely above and beyond the call of duty. I've never read her work or ran into her online, but from what you all are sayind, I'll stay away.

As for cut and run, I couldn't stand that book either, simply because of the bad writing. I didn't even finish chapter two before I got rid of the book. Sorry, that's just how I feel. If others want to read it, go ahead. But I'll skip it, thanks.

I actually just finished As Meat Loves Salt late last night. I got past the tough part in the middle and then couldn't put it down. Plus, a few hours on a plane got me a lot of reading done! Fantastic read, I must say. And I would love to hear other's thoughts on it as well, especially the ending I wasn't expecting. I'm half and half on calling it a romance, but only because of the ending. Other than that, I'm not saying a word. Wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone.

btw, I'd be up for another JCP book, especially for the creepy factor of October. I think you might be right about Sleepwalker, and I don't have it yet! So, that's a good choice from my end here.

[Sagajo]

Kate Mc. wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Kate Mc. wrote: "What about one of AM Riley's books. Maybe The Elegant Corpse?"

Dunno if Josh will like it since it deals with BDSM theme."

Oops. I wasn't thinking ..."

I've read The elegant corpse and the BDSM is done very differently from the standard m/m bdsm kink.

[Sagajo]

I want to suggest two Amber Green books; Turncoat and Khyber Run.

As for JCP books, I like Sleepwalker a lot.

Anything by AM Riley. If not the elegant corpse maybe Bill Turner #2?

Freeman by Clare London.

[Kristie]

Jordan wrote: "As for cut and run, I couldn't stand that book either, simply because of the bad writing. I didn't even finish chapter two before I got rid of the book. Sorry, that's just how I feel."

Seriously? I thought the writing was fantastic. In all of the Cut & Run series I've been impressed by the writing which is something that I often find issue with in other M/M romance (other than Josh's work of course). I did think the writing in Caught Running, another Roux/Urban book, was rather bad but I think the characters of Ty and Zane (from Cut & Run) are written beautifully and believably.

[Jordan]

It was more the line editing that got me. They kept using too many unnecessary dialog tags and then too many adverbs that were completely unnecessary. It was those two things that made me put it down. I did leave it for a few months and went back to it, but the second time I couldn't even get past chapter one. It just bugged me too much.

[[deleted user]]

I don't like the way Urban and Roux write, either separately or together. The head hopping infuriates me, the plots have holes you can drive troop carriers through, they write "fat" and could really use some editing, they do that descriptor thing where they use some noun instead of the guy's name.

BUT. While I didn't like Cut & Run, I do like Ty and Zane, and I can get my self into a place where I suspend disbelief and just go with the humor. I laughed my way through both Sticks & Stones and Fish & Chips. These two guys are great and the circumstances they end up in are always so over the top that it works in some kind of weird way. I'm looking forward to Divide & Conquer.

[Cleon Lee]

Kate Mc. wrote: "I don't like the way Urban and Roux write, either separately or together. The head hopping infuriates me, the plots have holes you can drive troop carriers through, they write "fat" and could real..."

It's so interesting that you can hate the writing and even the plot but like the characters. So in a way, Urban & Roux have really succeeded. lol. I like Ty & Zane too, but yeah, I could do without the headhopping, which is the only issue for me about the book.

[[deleted user]]

Cleon wrote: "Kate Mc. wrote: "I don't like the way Urban and Roux write, either separately or together. The head hopping infuriates me, the plots have holes you can drive troop carriers through, they write "fa..."

lol. These are the only books of theirs that work for me. Shows you that two sexy alpha guys will go a LONG way in making up for weak writing.

[Kristie]

It's all about the characters for me. If I like the characters, and care about their relationship, I'm hooked.

[Charming]

Jordan wrote: "It was more the line editing that got me. They kept using too many unnecessary dialog tags and then too many adverbs that were completely unnecessary. It was those two things that made me put it do..."

The writing in Cut & Run about drove me crazy, because I made the mistake of getting the audiobook. I couldn't gloss over all the egregious over-describing, but had to experience every word[1]. Gah! I also had a lot of trouble with the TSTL agents. I nearly always want the MCs to be competent at what they do[2], and TSTL is a particular irritation for me. And the mystery sucked and not in the good way.

But! There was enough to like about C&R, and especially the characters, that I read the other books in the series. The writing has gotten better with each book. I think C&R isn't the best choice for this group, since we are picky about good writing and good mysteries. But I would cautiously recommend these books with appropriate warnings.


[1] BTW, Fair Game is an excellent audiobook. Experiencing every word is a good thing for that one.

[2] Unless they are just starting out at it or they are in a mismatched situation but impress me in other ways or something like that.

[Kaje]

I'd go for Sleepwalker - haven't read it yet.

[Jordan]

True, if I really like the characters I'm more likely to stick with it and suspend disbelief. however, these two didn't even give me the chance to like them. Granted, I did skip through it just to see what happened, and it seemed like I might like them, but I still wasn't given a good chance.

I can't stand head-hopping either. If I don't know who's head I'm in, how am I supposed to know and understand what's going on?

[[deleted user]]

Charming wrote: "Jordan wrote: "It was more the line editing that got me. They kept using too many unnecessary dialog tags and then too many adverbs that were completely unnecessary. It was those two things that ma..."

I'm with you on the incompetent agents. Compounded by every other law enforcement agency being just as willfully stupid. I skimmed lots in C&R.

[Jordan]

So, we should be nominating books for next month's read so we can get a poll together.

It looks like there are a lot of votes for Sleepwalker by JCP (honestly, anything by her would be perfect for next month!)

Now that I've read the ending of As Meat Loves Salt, I'll recant it. I have a feeling you all would murder me in my sleep for that one, even though it's fantastic. lol. So, I'll go with my original suggestion of Branded by Clare London, since I have nothing else creepy to suggest.

Cut and Run by Urban, though since we've talked about this book/series a lot on Josh's threads before and I seem to recall we were so divided on it, it might not be a good choice. But whatev. If enough people want to read it, then it shall be so.

The Elegant Corpse by AM Riley

Oleander House by Ally Blue

Unnatural Selection by Sommerville, has this been taken out of the poll? Or is it still in?

I think I got everyone's choices in, but if I forgot someone, I'm terribly sorry!

So, what do we think of this list? Anything to add or take away?

[Kristie]

I think Sommerville should be out since Josh said she was hostile towards him and his work.

[Tamela]

Jordan wrote: "So, we should be nominating books for next month's read so we can get a poll together.

It looks like there are a lot of votes for Sleepwalker by JCP (honestly, anything by her would be perfect fo..."

I think it wasn't Cut & Run (book 1 of the series) but the NEW book Divide and Conquer (book 4) which is coming out in October. That is the one I've seen recommended and that I agree with.

[Jordan]

Ah, book four. ok. So, new list! And I'll take out Sommerville. I agree!

So here's the new list:

Cut and Run series book four: Divide and Conquer by Urban

Oleander House by Ally Blue

The Elegant Corpse by AM Riley

Branded by Clare London

Sleepwalker by JCP

Any other changes? Additions? Anything to take out?

[Susan]

I am a huge fan of the Cut & Run series, but it is not realistic to have Book 4 in this poll. It is not available from DSP until Oct. 14 and the October book discussion would normally begin on Oct. 22.

[Cheryl]

I'll voluntarily retract my suggestion for Somerville and apologize for bringing it up.. I had no idea any of this was going on!

There was so much in Cut & Run that drove me crazy that I could carry the discussion on my own for the entire month. I only finished it due to extreme acts of willpower, but it wasn't worth the eyestrain headache I got from rolling my eyes so much to do so. However, if the writing really does get better with each book, I'd be willing to give the second book in the series a shot, since most people here already seem to have read the first and the fourth is being released rather late for us. Unless that book is also set in New York City, in which case I'll have to pass.

[Kristie]

I'm kind of sorry I brought up Cut & Run what with the beating it's taking. Oh well, I like it.

[Cheryl]

Kristie wrote: "I'm kind of sorry I brought up Cut & Run what with the beating it's taking. Oh well, I like it."

You and most others. It certainly gets good reviews. I didn't enjoy it, but there are certainly books that I've loved that have been ripped to shreds by others whose opinions I usually respect, so, to each their own.

At least you didn't suggest a book by an author who's a big meanie to everyone!

[[deleted user]]

Kristie wrote: "I'm kind of sorry I brought up Cut & Run what with the beating it's taking. Oh well, I like it."

Oh, everyone likes different things around here. You can never make everyone happy with a book rec. ;)

Even though I didn't like Cut & Run, I've enjoyed both sequels. Maybe it's an acquired taste for some of us?

[Cheryl]

"Now that I've read the ending of As Meat Loves Salt, I'll recant it. I have a feeling you all would murder me in my sleep for that one, even though it's fantastic."

Now I really want to read it.

[Becky]

Cheryl wrote: "Kristie wrote: "I'm kind of sorry I brought up Cut & Run what with the beating it's taking. Oh well, I like it."

You and most others. It certainly gets good reviews. I didn't enjoy it, but there a..."

No biggie. Around here you might get a lot of "I didn't like this book, and here's why." But there's not much in the way of "You're ugly, and your mama dresses you funny!" For me personally, Urban and Roux's writing style is irritating, but they still tell a good story, so I see both sides. And there's nothing wrong with not being up on the gossip. It probably makes you a better person than me. (I do enjoy rubbernecking the occasional internet melt down.)

[Jordan]

Cheryl, lol. I really did enjoy it and I would recommend it though there are a lot of unhappy moments in it that you have to be prepared for. That, and the graphic descriptions of war in the middle. When you read it, you really feel like you're there, like you are the main character, Jacob, and you're fighting for what you want. Well, it is written in 1st person pov too.

It's sometimes hard to choose books here because we all like different things and for different reasons. I loved Slave Boy by Evangeline Anderson, but it's not a book I would recommend here. For me, even though there was lots of BDSM, but using it more as a way to torture people, I still enjoyed it because there was also a lot of hurt/comfort in it. But I know other's would hate it, and maybe h/c isn't their thing. Or the BDSM as torture for that matter.

Kristie, don't feel bad at all. If you don't know the author, or know someone who knows that author, how are you to know that about them? I've never heard of Sommerville so I didn't know that either, and of course, have never read her books. It's a fact of life. Heck, ask me what some popular actor or actress is doing right now, and I probably couldn't even tell you what they look like, let alone who they're dating, or breaking up with. lol.

[Kaje]

Jordan wrote: "Kristie, don't feel bad at all. If you don't know the author, or know someone who knows that author, how are you to know that about them? I've never heard of Sommerville so I didn't know that either, and of course, have never read her books. It's a fact of life. Heck, ask me what some popular actor or actress is doing right now, and I probably couldn't even tell you what they look like, let alone who they're dating, or breaking up with. lol.
..."

I'd second that, and it's a pity when author's personalities intrude on their work enough to affect readers like this. Ann Somerville has been (startlingly) nice about my work, and I like hers, but she does write quite abrasively in her reviews and online comments and has a resulting reputation as someone to avoid. But don't let that stop you from reading her work if it interests you. It just would be hard to discuss in this forum.

[Josh]

Okay, I set up a poll -- there are so many nominees I'm not sure how that will work, but the poll is there. If I can join in I will, and otherwise, I'll just enjoy the usual discussion from the sideline.

[Yvonne]

It looks like a lot of good choices. I've read most of them except As Meat Loves Salt, which sounds very heavy & Branded. I just have to decide if I want to reread something or try something new.

[Kristie]

Jordan wrote: "Kristie, don't feel bad at all. If you don't know the author, or know someone who knows that author, how are you to know that about them? I've never heard of Sommerville so I didn't know that either, and of course, have never read her book"

I didn't suggest Sommerville. I'd never even heard of her before.

[Emanuela ~plastic duck~]

I'd click on Wicked Gentlemen even if it were on a "this is the end of the world" button, but seeing AM Riley made me ponder for a second :)

[Josh]

I just remembered -- I didn't put Jordan's title in because we just did one of her books. And I don't think I put both of Clare's titles in because I figured one made it more even.

Other than that I don't have a strong preference. I loaned my copy of WG to someone and never got it back, so this is a reminder I need to buy another.

[Yvonne]

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "I'd click on Wicked Gentlemen even if it were on a "this is the end of the world" button, but seeing AM Riley made me ponder for a second :)"

I just read Wicked Gentlemen about a week ago so I'll be ready to discuss if that gets picked. I loved The Elegant Corpse as well.

I almost picked Branded but I saw a review that said there were more sex scenes of the main character with his mistress than with the two guys in the story. Plus apparently there were scenes with lots of other men as well. That's probably a very superficial reason to pass on what looks like it may be a good fantasy book--but that's what I'm doing.