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I'm 3/4 of the way through Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breed, #6) by Lara Adrian. Gotta love Lara! She starts her novels with a bang, LOL! No slowing down with this author!

Kathleen wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Re-reading A Rose in Winter (OMG I love Woodiwiss' writing!..."

For our younger members, [author:Kathleen E. Woodiwiss|88445..."

Oh, Kathleen, how did I get old enough that we need to explain who KEW is? LOL! Old Skool though KEW was, Shanna was the first historical romance I ever read and has affected how I read most others. I know they are quite tame compared to most nowadays, but her storytelling and buildup make up for it, IMO. For the awesomely written love scenes I go to any of the more recent authors.

I'm reading right now. I'm not even halfway through but I can already tell it is going to be an amazing book!The Help

Gina wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Re-reading A Rose in Winter (OMG I love Woodiwiss' writing! For me, she is the standard against which I measure all)

and picked up Chesapeake Blue yest..."

I love her books also, when I actually start looking I'm amazed at how many of hers I have. I'm sure I have one of the trilogy downstairs, not sure which one though. I've started picking hers up at the ubs when I'm in there, I'm always sure to see at least a couple of new (to me) ones there. I need to ask you though, how big is your bookcase to hold 200 books?

Do you have the Nora Roberts companion? If so is it worth it? I've thought about picking it up a few times - I'm a keener for that type of book (already have both versions of the Stephen King companion - excellent - and the Patricia Cornwell - which was a big disappointment IMO)

Tammy wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Re-reading A Rose in Winter (OMG I love Woodiwiss' writing!..."

For our younger members, [author:Kathleen E..."

I agree with your analysis of her writing style. I also like to reread some of the older stuff occasionally.

I am reading The Good Mayor by Andrew Nicoll and what a neat little book. I am enjoying every word.

I finished Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian last night, the 6th book of her Midnight Breed series. Really good book!

I'm currently reading A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, the 2nd book of her Immortals After Dark series.

I just finished Thirteen Reasons Why and am about to start Boy Toy.

I love the title "Boy Toy" Please let me know how it is.

I just finished L.A. Bytes by P.A. Brown and am beginning Kami Jin by Lloyd Kaneko

I completed Fantasy in Death as an eBook. It was one of the best Eve Dallas stories that I have read recently. I have resumed reading Tempt Me with Darkness (TMWD) by Shayla Black, one of our April 2010 Books of the Month. After TMWD, I plan to start Stray by Rachel Vincent, our second BotM for April 2010.

Colleen asked about Boy Toy by Barry Lyga. It's a tough to read because of its subject matter --it's about an 18 year old boy who was molested as a 12 year old by his female 24 year old History teacher--, but it's also a real page-turner.

Now I'm reading , a fairy tale retelling of Sherazade.

I finished A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole. At the beginning, the hero, a werewolf, has an ego the size of NYC and is continuously growling, complaining about the heroine being his mate but is of another 'species'. The heroine, for a 70-year-old half-vampire, half-Valkyrie, was a little too naive for me. Heck, my daughter is 9 and isn't that naive. It doesn't help with the way she was brought up. But let me tell you, if I haven't have bared it and pushed through to 80 pages, I don't think I'd have finished it. But, the middle and the ending make up for the lousy beginning. The plot is good, and flows (after the first 80 pages), the characters become way more likable, and the ending made me smile. Rating it 3 stars.

I started Must Love Hellhounds anthology by Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook. I'd put it aside to read another, but picked it back up and finished it this afternoon. The first story, I'm surprised to say, was by Charlaine Harris and I didn't care for it whatsoever. The plot sucked, the characters wooden and unfeeling (except to say that Batanya really hates dogs). The second story was by Nalini Singh and was terrific! I love her writing style! The characters are full of life and are engaging, the plot was smooth. The third story was by Ilona Andrews. *groan* Now I have to get the rest of her Kate Daniels series!!!!! I loved this story!!! I thought Andrea and Raphael were beautifully suited. The plot was great, I loved how the characters interacted and the banter between the two. And the last story was by Meljean Brook. I've read a few of her novellas before and wasn't really interested in her novels. I found the novellas had fallen flat. However, this time around I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the story! I thought it was cute and a little on the original side. Maggie is a bodyguard. Blake is blind but **spoiler alert** can see through the eyes of others. I liked that aspect. While the plot wasn't very original, it was how the story played out that was nice. I especially liked Sir Pup, the hellhound, and how he interacted with the characters. Really good anthology, rating 4 stars.

When I had put Must Love Hellhounds on pause (so to speak), I read Savor the Moment (Bride Quartet, #3) by Nora Roberts. *sigh* I loved it! A little on the slow side, but I think it's more how the characters interact with each other that I absolutely love about the story, forget the plot. I liked how Laurel managed to get over her hang-ups and how Del pushed and went around that wall she built up, how he made her realize that he loved her, regardless of what anyone else thought. *sigh* It was so sweet! Rating 4.5 stars! And now it sucks, cause I have to wait until November for the 4th book, dang-it!

And now I'm reading Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld, #1) by Jennifer Armintrout. I've never read her before. I'm on page 31 in Chapter 3. So far, I'm curious. The first chapter started well and I'm curious as to where the author takes the story.

FINALLY found Naked in Death at the library -- here we go with another series! I've heard good things about this one, so am looking forward to reading it.

Tammy wrote: "FINALLY found Naked in Death at the library -- here we go with another series! I've heard good things about this one, so am looking forward to reading it."

You'll love it. One of the best series out there.

Kathleen wrote: "Tammy wrote: "FINALLY found Naked in Death at the library -- here we go with another series! I've heard good things about this one, so am looking forward to reading it."

You'll lov..."

Yes, yes, yes! I completely agree with Kathleen, Tammy! The series is my all-time fave.

Back in June '03, I was out of town, visiting friends and family. One friend told me, "If you like Danielle Steel, you'll love Nora Roberts." That August, I picked up Imitation in Death and started reading it. The cover had said Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. I didn't get what that meant at the time (boy, have I learned a lot in the last 7 years!). I started reading it, and had to flip to the front of the book. It felt like I was missing something, like I should have known the characters. Well, after counting the list, I realized I had picked up #17 in the series! *gasp*. I read the book, absolutely loved it and went back to the bookstore every Friday, getting the first three books, then the following three, and so on, until I was caught up. I still have Promises in Death and Kindred in Death to read, but this is a series I can't miss! You will love it!

Gina wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Tammy wrote: "FINALLY found Naked in Death at the library -- here we go with another series! I've heard good things about this one, so am looking forward to reading i..."

You and Kathleen are two/one? of the reasons I picked this book up -- I did read the book that she wrote as both of herselves (wow, did THAT make sense?) but thought it was kinda disjointed (lol). Can't wait to read this one, but have to finish Cry Wolf and now Shameless first!

I reading Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières and listening to the audio book Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddons

So in the past 3 days I've read Shameless, devoured Lover Revealed and have started Naked in Death- pretty good so far.

I am reading The Thirteenth Tale byDiane Setterfieldreallyenjoying an adult book after Percy Jackson for my son.

Maggie wrote: "I am reading The Thirteenth Tale byDiane Setterfieldreallyenjoying an adult book after Percy Jackson for my son."

I just read this one and really enjoyed it - you'll have to post your thoughts after you read it.

Tammy wrote: "Maggie wrote: "I am reading The Thirteenth Tale byDiane Setterfieldreallyenjoying an adult book after Percy Jackson for my son."

I just read this one and really enjoy..."

I will indeed Tammy. Will definitely be making time to read this one. Glad you enjoyed it.

Tammy wrote: "Gina wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Tammy wrote: "FINALLY found Naked in Death at the library -- here we go with another series! I've heard good things about this one, so am looking forward..."

You might have found Remember When a little disjointed, and I can see why, especially if you haven't read the "In Death" series. I've had a lot of readers say the same thing. You really have to know Eve and Roarke by that time to understand how they work.

When I read Imitation in Death, which is Book #17, I was done the first chapter and thinking... what the hell? I'm supposed to know these people? That's when I flipped to the front of the book and counted ... I had #17 in my hands, LOL! Yeah, I was finding it difficult to get through, mainly because of that feeling. Still though, once I'd finished it, it was one of the best books I'd read at the time. The following Friday, I went to Coles, ordered the first three (cause they didn't have them in stock at the time). I'm at Coles every Friday. I picked up the first three and ordered the next three and so on until I was caught up, in about a month and a half, I'd read sixteen books, then re-read Imitation. LOL, I didn't have that lost feeling after that. And, to this day, whenever I read the latest in the series, I get this sense of "coming home". :D

I enjoyed Naked in Death quite a bit, so will make an effort to read the series - not sure if I'm committed enough to buy them, though.

I can sure relate to your trips to the bookstore - I call it my "bookstore shame" - *hangs head*.

I have to endure it yet again this week when I go get the next BDB (just finished Lover Revealed and LOVED it - I even posted a review!) If I could only wait for a shipment from Chapters or Amazon I could save myself the embarassment, LOL.

LOL, one of the girls called to let me know the two books I ordered last Friday came in today, just to say: "So, see ya Friday!" LMAO! There's no shame in hitting the bookstore on a weekly basis. I'll never be ashamed of that! If I could, I'd camp there, LMAO!

Who knows? Maybe when life calms down, when the kids get older - old enough that they can fend for themselves after school and dinner (like when they're fifteen/sixteen), I just may apply for a part-time job there. To me, that would be a dream job come true!

I stared 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill last night.

Since my last post, I finished Queene of Light. I'd give it no more than 3 stars. While I liked certain aspects of the book, it left lot to be desired. I haven't posted a review yet... still trying to figure out what I want to write without being a b*tch about it.

I also finished The Screaming Room (Lt. John Driscoll, #2) by Thomas O'Callaghan. Now that was an excellent book! I did post a review for this one. LOL, I couldn't wait.

I'm currently on page 43 of Deal Breaker (Myron Bolitar, #1) by Harlan Coben. Wow, great start so far, very interesting.

A couple odf days ago I finished The Thirteenth TalebyDiane Setterfield.
What a brilliant debut novel. A story about a young girl who hasa love for books, that is asked by a reclusive aging novelist to write her biography. It was so good I could imagine Bette davis as the aging Miss Winter. During the writing the girl uncovers the mysteries surrounding the author but she also learns a lot about herself and her own story. Full of suspense, pain, beauty, love, humour. I think we may have a new author from here in the Uk that has a phenomenal career ahead of her. I look forward to reading her next novel and hope it can live up to this one. This book will have a permanent place in my To Be Kept shelf. Please read it. I'd love to hear what others think.

I started and hope to finish today Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning today.

Maggie wrote: "A couple odf days ago I finished The Thirteenth TalebyDiane Setterfield.
What a brilliant..."

Wasn't it beautifully written? My favourite passage was

"I left the window ajar so that I could listen to the rain as it continued to fall with an even, muffled softness. I heard it while I was undressing, while I was reading, and while I slept. It accompanied my dreams like a poorly tuned radio left on through the night, broadcasting a fuzzy white noise beneath which are the barely audible whispers of foreign languages and snatches of unfamiliar tunes.

Loved the book, and you're right Bette Davis would have been perfect.

Completed Burning Lamp (Dreamlight Trilogy, #2, Arcane Society, #8) - Amanda Quick (pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz), another excellent chapter in the story of the Arcane Society. I have started Bewitched & Betrayed (Raine Benares, #4) by Lisa Shearin. Looks like another hit from Shearin.

It is, Kathleen! I finished it yesterday, and now I can't wait for Con & Conjure! I posted my review too!

Currently on page 135 of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Mellinnium, #1) by Stieg Larsson. Not bad so far, but the story is still on the beginning stages of setting up the scene and the characters.

I'm almost 300 pages into The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo but I put it aside and started Nightwalker late Saturday. I'm 100 pages in and enjoying it so far. I was hoping to get it done by tonight, but I went to my parents yesterday for the afternoon and dinner and forgot my book at home *gasp - I left home without a book!*, and a bad headache is keeping the book a little at bay. I'm hoping to really dive into it again tonight.

I have completed Bewitched & Betrayed (Raine Benares, Book 4) by Lisa Shearin. Another excellent volume. Glad to see that Raine has finally chosen between Mychael and Tam. Have hopes of a relationship between Tam and Imala in future volumes. Would like to see the saga of the Saghred finally resolved and a new storyline started in this same fantasy world.

I am currently reading the story "Originally Human," World of the Lupi, #1.5, in the anthology Cravings.

Have started Mortal Danger (World of the Lupi, Book 2) by Eileen Wilks. Just love the fantasy world that Wilks has created.

Kathleen wrote: "I have completed Bewitched & Betrayed (Raine Benares, Book 4) by Lisa Shearin. Another excellent volume. Glad to see th..."

Oh, how I adore this series, Kathleen! I'm so super glad that we discovered her first book a few years ago. Remember that? I'd thrown it in as a suggestion after seeing the first book on Fantastic Fiction. All 4 books are excellent! Did you know she just handed in her manuscript for Con & Conjure, the 5th in the series, to her publisher! She did so on Monday! It sucks that we have to wait a year to get a copy in our hands, but I'm anxiously awaiting it!

Shearin's characterization and world-building are among the finest in fantasy. At this point, however, I would like to see the saga of the Saghred resolved. I would love to see a series of stories set around Phaelan on the high seas or perhaps Tam and Imala in the goblin court.

Ditto, Kathleen. I agree completely.

What really amazes me, right from the first book, was how Shearin sucks you right into Raine's world, right from the first page. With her writing style, the books are easy and fast-paced. The way she writes, you could swear that Shearin has been a published author for decades, not just since 2007. I'm so glad we found her when her first book was published. Remember that? I'd posted the book on the BotM suggestion thread after finding it on Fantastic Fiction. Both of us were wary about reading a brand-new, first-time published author. And I'm so glad we went for it. The books are fantastic and I highly recommend them!

Gina wrote: " . . . I'm so glad we found her when her first book was published. Remember that? I'd posted the book on the BotM suggestion thread after finding it on Fantastic Fiction. . . "

Yes, I do. I was back on MSN Groups. Kudos to you for recommending her.

It's really neat finding authors like this. I'm so super glad we gave her the chance, LOL!

We've got to do that again, LOL!

I finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. And excellent, 4-star mystery-suspense! Highly recommend it!

I'm currently on page 27 of Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) by Ilona Andrews. An excellent start!

Just loved Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 8 -- John Matthew and Xhex's story) by J.R. Ward. Best BDB book yet. (Although Zsadist still remains by favorite brother -- this book was for me the absolutely best volume in the entire series to date.) We also finally see the introduction of No'One and Muhrder. The scene is set for Manny to finally enter the world of the BDB. I would give this book six stars if that were possible.

Now I am on to Succubus Blues (Georgina Kincaid, Book 1) by Richelle Mead, one of our June 2010 Books of the Month.

I have to wait for the paperback, Kathleen, but I'll be hitting Coles the second it comes out, LOL! I'm not waiting for my usual Friday night excursion for it, LOL! I lent my copy of Dark Lover to my sister-in-law, along with some other books. I'd asked her last week if she read it yet. She started it yesterday afternoon and finished it today at lunch, LMAO! I've got her hooked, LOL! Shannon, welcome to the BDB world! Hahaha!

Last night, I finished Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) by Ilona Andrews. Holy smokes, I love his series! I can't wait to get my hands on the rest! I have two books to order tonight, but you can guarantee I'm ordering Books #3 & 4 next Friday!!!

I'm now on page 92 of The Demon in Me, our other Book of the Month. Not bad so far.

Gina, Ilona Andrews has become one of my favorite authors. Didn't you just love the last couple of pages of Magic Burns? Book 3&4 are even better than book 2. Her other series On the Edgeis also good. Looking foward to the second book in that series this fall.

I just finished Infinity this week. Kenyon hit it out of the ball park with this new YA series. I gave the book to my newphew after I finished it and he started it Sunday night and had it done Monday night and then asked for the next book. I laughed and told him to wait in line with the rest of us.

I am currently reading Gina Showalter's The Darkest Kiss

I started Ya Yas in Bloom by Rebecca Wells today.

Sam wrote: "I just finished Infinity this week. Kenyon hit it out of the ball park with this new YA series ..."

Sam,

Is Infinity a graphic novel or in a traditional YA book?

Its a traditional YA book Kathleen.

I'm starting The Wild Zone: A Novel by Joy Fielding today.