You might have guessed - I'm a bit of a book addict. (And I don't think I'm alone with this affliction!) So my family are asking for titles of books to buy me for Christmas.What I usually do is give them a very long list to choose from so that the exact titles will still be a surprise. But, being such a book addict, I usually buy most of the books I want, so my list to offer my family isn't long this year. I need help!
Tell me a book you've loved this year. I don't want books you only half liked, just the ones you loved. I'll read most genres of romance, but I'm a 'fraidy cat and I can't read anything scary, so no suspense, no thrillers or horror. So, what recommendations do you have for me? I'll be grateful forever!
Also, the winner of a copy of Return of the Secret Heir from my Is It Christmas Already post is Virginia! Virginia, drop me an email: rachel (at) rachelbailey (dot) com with your snail mail address and I'll pop a copy in the mail.
Room by Emma Donoghue. I saw it recommended on the blogs (cannot remember which one) and was reluctant to read it because of the theme of the story. It is not a romance but a study in human nature and perceptions. It is extremely well written. The characters are developed so well. It's is such a great book.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.harpercollins.ca/books/Room-Emma-Donoghue/?isbn=9781554688319
I loved Room too. Do you like cosy mysteries Rachel? I've started reading Carola Dunn's Daisy Dalrymple series on the rec of Anna Campbell. They are set in 1920's England and have an aristocratic female sleuth who has to work for a living. She gets the feel of the times very well. And there's a nice understated romance between her and a Detective Inspector. Fun reads.
ReplyDeleteKaelee, that's a pretty strong recommendation, so I'll go and have a look now... Oh, that seems uncomfortable topic but interesting. Might go read a bit more about it. Thanks for the rec!
ReplyDeleteKeziah, I've never really read any cosy mysteries, but I watch them on TV, so it stands to reason that I should be trying them in book form too. And the Daisy Dalrymple series sounds like the perfect place to start. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteProbably my favourite book this year has been Susan Wiggs' MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY. It's not a must but it'll help to read the books before it in the Lakeshore Chronicles series.
ReplyDeleteI really like books by Jojo Moyes and Santa Montefiore - big women fiction books - relationships, cool locations etc. Very good holiday reads.
ReplyDeleteI remember her talking about that one at the conference and thinking it sounded interesting. I've read The Winter Lodge from that series so I'm probably up to date enough for it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite non-series/category book would have to be Cathryn Hein's Promises. I loved this book. Horses, horses, horses and a dash or romance. Exactly what I like :)
ReplyDeleteSo, that comment above is for Rachael J about her recommendation, Marrying Daisy Bellamy. After I posted it I realised there was no identifying stuff in there, lol.
ReplyDeleteZana, I've seen the name Jojo Moyes around a lot but not tried one. Will go do some research on the net about her books - they sound good. And Santa Montefiore as well. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm not surprised about you and Promises - all the horse references made me think of you! Can't wait till we meet your horses on the LoveCats' Catwalk. =)
ReplyDeleteRach, I recently reread "Seven Little Australians" and I devoured it in one sitting -- it was so GOOD. I just loved it. I know it's not a romance, but it is a classic. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a non-fiction recommendation... Sarah Wendell's (from Smart Bitches) "Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels." It was a great fun.
I've been looking at spooky stuff to read but, no, won't pass that on, lol. How about Susan Mallery's latest series? It's topping the charts and the reviews have all been fabulous. (Dibbs on borrowing =) )
ReplyDeleteMichelle, Seven Little Australians? Really? Okay, will order it from the library and give it a go. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I've been thinking about Everything I Know About Love I Learned From Romance Novels - seems it's a must to add to the list. Good thinking. =)
Robyn, I read a Susan Mallery Special Edition last year (it was older than that, but I only just got around to reading it last year) where the heroine was in a wheelchair and she and the hero both did some spy kinda work for a private company. Loved it. So, on the basis of that book, I think your recommendation for her latest series is a great idea. And yes to loaning to you after I've read it. =)
ReplyDeleteOoh, am worried now, Rach. Do you know the story of Seven Little Australians? There is a terribly sad event that happens at the end. It's not scary, but it is sad. Just sending out a warning. :-)
ReplyDeleteA terribly sad event, Michelle? Why would you recommend a book with a terribly sad event at the end??? Hmm... but you did say it was "so GOOD" so I'll give it a go anyway. Thanks for the warning. ;)
ReplyDeleteWell strictly not horror, so I'm going to recommend - J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yes, some dark elements but the romance in her books are so strong, and it's great seeing these alpha vampires fall in love.
ReplyDeleteThere's also Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter novels - very much paranormal romances.
I loved Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie. But being a Crusie fan, you've probably all ready read this. As well as Kandy Shepherd's Home is Where the Bark Is, which I read not too long ago and loved.
I've been trying to catch up on romance reads lately, concentrating on my writing buddie's books. Currently reading 'Tempt the Devil' by Anna Campbell. Can the woman write or what?
Now, if you ask me about non-romance....I'll have another list for you :)
I absolutely loved HEART'S BLOOD by Juliet Marillier. A delicious Beauty & The Beast concept.
ReplyDeleteEleni, I read a couple of Black Dagger Brotherhood books and they were good. Haven't read a Dark Hunter novel - I was thinking they might be too scary?
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved Maybe This Time! I borrowed it from the library while I was waiting for the paperback to be released, so it's on my Christmas wishlist already. :)
Keep meaning to read Home is Where the Bark Is and Tempt the Devil - great suggestions!
Marybelle - that's a strong recommendation! I'll have to try it. I had another Juliet Marillier book from the library but I wasn't that far into it when it had to be returned and I keep meaning to get it out again or order it. But now might try Heart's Blood first!
ReplyDeleteI've just finished a Marian Keyes book called The Brightest Star in the Sky - not a romance but quirky and appealing. And I finally did buy The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - another very different and engaging read!
ReplyDeleteAnd then there's my TBR and e-TBR pile! I've got Kandy Shepherd's e-book and Fiona Lowe's as well! So some great reading for me to look forward to!
:)
Sharon
Sharon, I've read almost all of Marian Keyes's books, but not this latest one, so that's a great suggestion. My favourite was probably Rachel's Holiday (and not just for the name!).
ReplyDeleteOh, Michelle recommended The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society here a while ago. Now two recommendations for it!
Rach, I'm going to be really bias here and start with some Aussie authors.
ReplyDeleteSHADOW KIN by MJScott - just finished her debut novel and loved the unique fantasy setting (I heard the term gaslight fantasy bandied around in reference to it). The heroine, Lily, really hooked me. Phew, what a past and wow, does she have some issues to overcome to reach her HEA. MJ writes both characters in first person narrative (which takes a bit of getting used to) but look for the sun or moon symbol at the scene breaks to indicate who's POV it will be in!
THE LONE WARRIOR by Denise Rossetti. Another fantasy romance, the third in the Four Pentacle series. The heroine Mehcredi has trouble reading emotions and human facial expressions (reminds me of autism). She's a very, very bad assassin. Walker (the hero) tracks her down seeking vengeance for the attempt she made on a friend's life. A powerful, powerful story.
Now for some non-Aussie authors.
Eleni mentioned Sherrilyn Kenyon. If you go with her Dark-Hunter series, start with the one that kicked it off - FANTASY LOVER. While Julian isn't a DH, he's a love slave trapped by a curse. It's funny and more light-hearted than the DH series but still a great read.
Lora Leigh's BOUND HEART series is hot. Start with FORBIDDEN PLEASURE. It may not be for everyone as it involves a menage & BDSM elements but it's a poweful love story between Mac & Keiley and them accepting each other for who they are.
Rachel
ReplyDeleteI have just finished Joanna Bourne's The Black Hawk and it was fantastic although if you haven't read any of her other books I would suggest that you start with no 1 The Spymaster's Lady and keep reading they are all fantastic
Have Fun
Helen
Any thing that Kaki Warner has writen is awesome. Also Maya Banks Highland is really good also.
ReplyDeleteKylie, fab list! I read the opening of Shadow Kin on MJ Scott's website and I was blown away - both characters, the world, the writing - everything was excellent! Only problem is I'm a 'fraidy Cat and I think the heroine was about to get into some deep water. I wonder if I should risk it coz the book looks so good...
ReplyDeleteDenise Rossetti - another fabulous author! But, the heroine's an assassin and the 'fraidy cat thing comes into play again... I need some fantasy / Paranormal that's not quite so dangerous.
Which brings me to your third recommendation - I told Eleni above that I think the Dark Hunter series might be too scary for me, but if Fantasy Lover is more lighthearted and funny, then it sounds like the perfect compromise! I'll start with that one and maybe I won't be able to stop and keep going with the series. :)
Forbidden Pleasure sounds fab too. Will give it a go. Thanks!
Helen, I've heard about Joanna Bourne and Spymaster's Lady before, so this is a well-timed nudge. I'll get it!
ReplyDeleteVirginia, I haven't heard of Kaki Warner before, so I just went and checked out her website. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteAnd Maya Banks - an amazing woman. I haven't tried her Highlanders yet, but I bet I love them. Great idea!
Rach, I'm loving the the suggestions you're getting here. Helen's post reminded me that I've been meaning to read The Spymaster's Lady for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteHave made a nicely long list for myself from these suggestions. :-) Don't you just love Christmas.
Michelle, I'm loving all the suggestions too. I've ordered a few from the library (ones I'm not sure I'll like - I test them with the library and if I like them, I buy them and usually glom the author), and added a couple that really sound up my alley to my family wishlist. I foresee lots of reading in my future!
ReplyDeleterachel, I've just finished Night Road by Kristin Hannah and loved every word. One of those books I had to keep reading regardless of anything else. I don't know if you've read any of her books but I'm a big fan of hers.
ReplyDeleteThe blurb on the front cover goes like this - You always remember your first love and you never forget your best friend.
Sue MacKay
Sue, that sounds perfect for me! I haven't read a Kristen Hannah before, but her covers have always attracted me, so this could be perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteRach I just read "A Hunger Like No Other" by Kresley Cole and loved it. That Mel Teshco chick isn't bad either *g*
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've heard that Mel Teshco chick is actually pretty good. ;)
ReplyDeleteKresley Cole - doesn't she write vampires? Does that mean little ole 'fraidy cat me will get scared...?
Yep, put The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society on the list - the most gorgeous and beautifully written love story. A quirky delight. Tho there is a sad aspect - the author died before completing her MS which was finished by a niece.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I didn't realize that about TGL&PPS! And quirky, you say? Hmmm... tempting!
ReplyDelete