If you’ve spent any time on my Twitter feed or on my Facebook page, you’ll know that I’ve been seriously whining about not having had time to read in a very long time. It’s true. It’s a truth and an inevitability that I hate even as I acknowledge why. My first priority is to write MY books and give my readers the stories I promise them. Then and only then do I get to indulge in being a reader and fan of OTHER authors’ works.
Now I read fast and the thing is, when I do get some precious time to read I an one grumpy bitch if I get interrupted. I binge read to the exclusion of all else. I’ll stay up an entire night reading one book after another and once I START a book I am absolutely resentful of ANYTHING that interferes with me finishing that book. I HATE having to close a book in the middle of it.
So for the past few months, I’ve continued to buy books, even knowing it might be forever until I got to read them. But there is a certain comfort in having the books on my Kindle for “when I get the time” And if I don’t buy the book I’m interested in RIGHT THEN, I’m likely to forget all about it and never get to go back and get it. I try to preorder as much as possible just so the books are automatically downloaded and I don’t have to worry about missing a great book.
I finally got a chance to do some reading over the weekend. I didn’t really have the time to be honest, but I was at “that point” where my brain was just shutting down. I’m tired. I tend to cram into three months what a normal year’s worth of work is, so I feel like every three months I NEED some sort of vacation. And I can’t just read as soon as I finish up one of those back to back to back deadlines because my brain is seriously so shut down that I can’t even fathom opening a book to read.
Reading is…I can’t even explain it in words. I mean it’s something I’ve loved since I was a child. A very young child. I never owned a television growing up. Books were my EVERYTHING and I do mean everything. Libraries and my local librarians are absolutely why I’m a writer today. They fed my voracious appetite for books because I simply could not have afford to buy 40 every week to read. So I wore out that library card and read every single thing I could get my hands on.
So when I go a long time without reading, I get cranky and the longer I go, the harder it is for me to actually be able to open a book and dive back in. Weird huh? So it always takes me a little bit because I resist all the books I have because I’m just so tired and brain dead and I have this fear that especially since I’m trying a “new” book that it won’t be awesome or that I’ll be disappointed which is WHY I do a LOT of rereading. I have my “comfort” reads and these are the books that I pull out when I’m really dragging the bottom of the barrel and I need my batteries recharged but I don’t want to take a risk on a book I won’t like. So these comfort reads get read over and over. I have print copies and I have kindle copies because I’m one of “those” readers who will absolutely buy both formats.
Anyway to get to my point, not only was I craving some time to read but I really wanted to branch out and try something new and different. Maybe a little out of my comfort zone. I never read in the genre I’m writing in, and I really have no explanation for that one, but I just don’t. I know other authors who are the same way so at least I’m not alone in my neurosis. So the fact that I write so many genres? Well, it limits my options. I’ve only just recently started reading a few erotic romances simply because I’m not writing as many as I used to. I’m very picky about it so I’ve been selectively getting a few to read here and there. Since my other two “main” genres at the moment are romantic suspense ( hate that tag. I really don’t write suspense. I write action adventure) but anyway and I also write historicals so I’m not reading romantic suspense or historicals. Which leaves me with contemporary….and well, paranormal. And I’ll be honest. I don’t read a lot of PNR. And I never ever read Urban Fantasy. I just don’t. Nalini Singh is like my one exception but she’s made of awesome so really, she’s worthy of being an exception!
But several months ago I decided to give Kresley Cole’s IAD series a try. The current blurb intrigued me so I read it. It wasn’t my favorite but I was sufficiently intrigued enough to go read the first in the series. Now. Holy shit. THAT book I loved. Liked seriously had mad love for. So I bought the rest of the series and loved some more than others. Like LOVED some. Was okay with others. But It was definitely enough to make me buy Lothaire and I loved it. Kresley has a very entertaining way of writing that keeps you turning the pages. It’s kind of like crack. So maybe she’s found a way to be spell her books?
And then I emailed a friend because (and I’m still not sure what prompted me) but I was suddenly and inexplicably intrigued by Patricia Briggs. Now I should explain I do not read first person books. DO. NOT. LIKE. So WHY was I contemplating reading her Mercy Thompson series? I have no bloody idea. In fact I once sent a love letter to Nalini Singh THANKING her for writing an Urban Fantasy series in third person because I was like YES, FINALLY someone broke some implied rule that all UF MUST BE first person. Ok I’ll stop now lol.
And then I was told about her Alpha/Omega series which IS in third person so I pounced on that first and very quickly consumed the novella and first two books in the series. And the thing is I love her writing. It’s just very evocative. I can’t even explain how it makes me feel but it’s mesmerizing. (Maybe she and Kresley Cole are onto something with that be spelling thing??)
So then I bit the bullet and bought the Mercy Thompson series and it had the same mesmerizing quality that her writing had for the A/O series (and yes people I do know that Patricia Briggs is a writing team but for my purposes it’s just much easier to say HER instead of him/her at every turn) I’m only up to book 2 so far but obviously I’m not stopping until I get to the present book at which point I will bitch and moan ENDLESSLY over having to wait for another goddamn book in the series. I mean I’m already whining because I have to wait until March for the next A/O book. (Patience is not one of my finer virtues, BELIEVE ME)
So the verdict? I have loved THREE PNR/UF series in the past year, people. That’s huge for me as before I only read like a very, very (count on one hand) PNR authors.
Let’s see what else have I read in my binge? I read two Lisa Marie Rice novellas. They were “snacks” because the thing is I love her full length books so much and it’s kind of frustrating for me to read something so short from her because I just want to say NOOOOOOOO where’s the rest?? But they were good and satisfying and a good follow up to the original novels.
Awhile back I did a shout out on twitter to see if anyone had read Barbara Elsborg and if so what they thought? I didn’t get many response and they were varied but nothing just overnethusiastic. But there were two of her books that I had bought because the blurbs intrigued me. This was a few months ago and I finally decided to take the plunge last night.
Holy fuck, people.
Ok, I get that maybe I might be in the minority. Maybe a lot of people just haven’t read her. But wow did I love the two books I read. They were An Ordinary Girl and Strangers. I really don’t have the words to describe how compelling I found these books. I mean it was like I just couldn’t stop reading. They weren’t easy, “fluffy” reads by any means and I kept reading with this sense of dread KNOWING that the entire world was going to go to shit at ANY minute. I was holding my breath at some points and then was cursing because I was like damn it, this is stressing me out. Strangers was my favorite of the two but they were both just so good. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love me some angst and drama, the more the better and Strangers had it in spades. The ending of that book just had a huge knot in my throat and my chest was tight because I just knew what conclusions the hero had drawn based on how they “met” and that he was going to think she was dead because he couldn’t find her anywhere. And then they find her abandoned car… Ok I’ll stop but wowza, those books just hit all my buttons. They were meaty reads that had me absorbed from beginning to end.
So anyway, that’s my reading report for now. I’ve been on a great self published search and I’ve bought a couple of titles but I’m scouring for more because I know there are some hidden gems out there and I’m always very happy when I find a new to me author who knocks my socks off. So I’ve been hoarding some, buying as I come across them but the search continues :)
And now that I’ve told you all about what I’ve been reading, what about you?? Got any awesome rec’s for me? I may not be able to READ them right away but my one click finger works VERY well hahahaha. I click and then just know it’s there to read later ;)
The two best indie’s I have read are Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Beautiful Disaster. Hot, hot ,hot characters and stories that you can’t put down.
Um… As far as I know Patrica Briggs isn’t a writing team. ( Ok, her husband gives feedback on her drafts, but nothing more. I think.) Maybe you are mixing her up with Ilona Andrews?
But it doesn’t matter. I love her books anyway. I have them all, from Urban Fantasy to Fantasy.
If you are willing to branch out a bit, I recommend her Sianim novels. Especially When Demons Walks.
I am glomping on Allison Brennan right now. I read the first Lucy Kincaid book from the library, and enjoyed it. But, I realised that I would enjoy it *more* if I read her backlist. So that is what I am doing. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to buy them right now. But I will buy the Lucy Kincaid novels, and the rest of her books as I can afford them.
Next up is using the Harlequin code before it expires.
I love Patricia Briggs and Kelsey Cole .And of course i have my favorites to read that are a must read on my reading list such as Laurell K Hamilton , and Lora Leigh. Your books are high on my list , but to be honest i love a good PNR series. I have over 7000 books downloaded to an external hard drive so that when i get ready to read they are there and i am the same way about reading as you are, if i get interrupted i get angry lol but it is so worth it in the end, cause if i don’t read someone might die
Well I read a lot of erotica to keep me busy inbetween your “Sweet” series. Some of it is just too repetitive but some of it hooks you. I just finished “Swap” by Jenesi Ash. I purchased 3 Lorelei James books and started the first one but I think it’s gonna be too simplified and not enough story for me. It’s okay but I want something more. Something with the ability to take my breath away. Make me not be able to put it down, or can’t wait to get into bed at night and read for hours before going to sleep. I also enjoy all the JR Ward brotherhood series. Love me some vampires that don’t actually kill people. And there is always Gabaldon – totally different genre- but who couldn’t love her series. I really have enjoyed all the books of yours that I have read. I read the actual paperbacks not the downloaded versions. I like the feel of the books in my hands. And I love filling my bookshelves. Have also read all the Shayla Black series..never read any Kresley Cole though. I did read a little blurb about “lothario” but haven’t purchased it. Let’s just say Amazon.ca is my best friend as I live in Quebec Canada,,,french speaking,,,and all the bookstores around here carry mostly french books. I am not french, I am an american who just happened to marry a french canadian. Amazon.ca keeps me in touch with the good ole USA bookstores if I cant get down to Vermont for the shopping. Well I’ve bent your ear enough. Good Reading.
Hey Maya.
Let me tell you. I’m a huge fan and love your books. I’v read quite a lot of them and KGI is Deffinatly my comfort series. Love Nathan and Shea’s story, Ethan and Rachel coming in at a second.
Now I’m totally with you on the third person books, I feel as if I can get more in depth with all the characters instead of just the main female or male lead. Don’t get me wrong iv found some great books that are in the first person and props to the author for still being able to keep my attention. But third person is just so much more.. Personal.
I’m not to much into YA reading but the one book everyone should read is The Mortal instrument series by Cassandra Clare. I’m sure you’ve heard about it but it’s in the third person and a absolutely delicious story. I also enjoy Marisa Cheneys books. Her Ra’s Chosen series, and all her werewolf romances. I am a huge romance fan and will read almost everything in that genre. Dana Marie Bell also has some very entertaining story’s. She is a pnr author. Now, J.R Wards Black dagger Brotherhood series is another one of my absolute favorites. It’s entertaining, sexy and just plain out fun. But for comfort reads, I would say your novellas hit the top of the list.
Well, there are some of my favorite reads and I’m sure I could keep the list going forever. My read list on goodreads is almost at 1,200 books. Aye! I am a avid reader! I would rather read then watch tv and when I get into a book. Let’s just say I always have to finish it within one sitting. And someday I’m hoping to be a accomplished author myself!
It was great writing to you and hopfully you can find as much pleasure out of these recomandations as I did.
Sincerely, Laurie
I also love too many books to count or to have counted. I have had to limit the books I keep in the house, just because of space issues. Greatminds thinkalike and all that… have anymore auhors you haven’t listed? Looking for some morereads.
I will be keeping an eye out for what Indies you find. I have found some that I have really liked (mostly in the mystery/suspense not romance area) and some that have made me cringe.
I bought all the K.C. and P.B. series but haven’t read either one. I am a major buy the whole series so I have them for when I start kind of gal. Might need to bump them up!
Books that have moved me the most have been Room and Every Last One. Both Women’s Fiction and both of the tear out your heart kind. I don’t read many of them but luckily the ones I have read have been fantastic.
Maya-freaking-Banks, i LOVE me some Kresley Cole! Haven’t tried Nalini Singh (yet)… i know, i know…
I’m with Erin, the “Fifty Shades Trilogy” by E L James is a MUST READ. Also try “Gabriel’s Inferno” by Sylvain Reynard… if you have a nook i’ll LendMe it to you. ;)
I agree with Laurie above, the BDB by JR Ward is one of my absolute favorite comfort reads. I always go back to her..I also enjoy Lauren Dane,her Brown series and Petal Series. I Love PNR. But you and Lauren have helped to make me realize there are other romances out there. Thank you for that…
Hey Maya, I love Nalini Singh and Patricia Briggs – great writer!!!
In my opinion the queen of PNR is J.R. Ward, her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and her Fallen Angels series are pageturners and oh sooo good and definitely the best.
In Historical romance Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is outstanding but …you need time, a lot of time for this.
I discovered by accident a very interesting author: Amy Lane. She writes contemporary m/m romance – I’ve fallen in love with her Promise-series (First book “Keeping Promise Rock”). And she writes something you would maybe categorize at PNR..but it isn’t really, it’s the “Little Godess”-series which starts with “Vulnerable”. I am at a loss of words why I love her books – they are somehow different and full of love and hope despite the problems. I just can say, try one and you’ll be as captiveated as I am.
My favorite PN/Urban Fantasy authors:
Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James-Shifters & Stormwalker Ser, anything she writes if good even the old Dragon Ser
Jessica Andersen’s Final Prophesy Ser
Meljean Brook Iron Sea’s Steampunk is a fun romp & Guardian series is awesome
Thea Harrison’s Elder Series is addictive
Sanda Hill’s time traveling Viking SEALS (#IISer) is a fun romp through time
Jaime Rush’s Offspring is X-Files meets romance
JR WARD IS AWESOME
That’s a start :-)
Ms.Banks,
I have done something with your books I have not done with another authors book series. I tok a gift card and down loaded “Whispers In The Dark” on my new e-reader well,the e-reader quit in the middle of a sentence.You know how I love my men of the KGI so I grabbed my husband and told him if he had any hope of eating or getting lucky tonight he had to take me to Wal-Mart to get the “book” and we both better pray Wal-mart better have a copy. Well,the book powers that be heard us because I bought the last copy that Wal-Mart had. Now, both husband and me are happy:)
Have you tried Gena Showalter’s “Lords of the underworld” series I can’t put those down.
How big should a “to be read” pile be I have 150 books in my tbr pile. I have 2 teenagers and a husband with his own business–so I don’t get to read as much as I would like–but I buy the books so I won’t forget to read them:)
First off, I just love your books, Maya. Colter’s Woman was one of the first novels in the Romance genre that I read after a 30 year hiatus. Really love your “Sweet” series. If you are looking for some good Indies I have two authors to recommend. The first is Kallypso Masters and her Men At Arms series. She calls it a serial because you really do need to read the books in order. The other author is A.B. McKinley. He, and yes I said HE, has only written 1 book so far. I don’t usually read romance written by guys but Scott’s book just grabbed me when I read the blurb about it. The title is Kilted Desires – Sands of Betrayal. It is based on his own life experiences. He is Scottish and former Special Forces. He’s also a super great guy. He plans to write 2 more in this series, but is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer so his writing is going a little more slowly than he would like.
The Fifty series by E.L. James is freaking incredible. You will want to read them completely through without stopping, the third book comes out Thursday and I can hardly wait! Also beautiful disaster by Jamie McGuire is a good read too.
I absolutely love Megan Hart. She writes a little bit of everything but I especially love her erotica books. It’s not just sex it’s a story. It’s very well plotted and really written well. Broken and Dirty are two of the titles that I’m thinking of right now but I just got her new one All Fall Down and it was excellent. Not erotica though. Am so thrilled to see someone who feels about reading the same way that I do. I always tell people that when I’m back out on my own I’m turning my apartment into a library with bookcases all around me displaying all of the books I just refuse to get rid of.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Kresley Cole. Just finished Lothaire. Loved it. Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series is great as well. Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series and Fever series are must reads for me, as well as books that I keeep going back to. Have replaced them several times. I also have Lora Leigh, J.R. Ward, Suzanne Enoch and your books that are must buys when they come out. These are just a few of my many.
Oh, I forgot Lynsay Sand’s Argeneau Vampires. She gets those poor vampires in the most ridiculous predicaments and somehow gets them a HEA. Oh then there’s Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress Series as well as the Dark Lords. You might like Moning’s Fever series, not my cuppa, I need more romance. Her Highlander’s were great. Then there’s Christine Feehan no one’s mentioned and of course Sherrilyn Kenyon…
I would have to say that I love Nalini Singh books. ALL of them. I also love J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) adore her books in that series. I also devour anything by Diana Palmer, especially the older in the books series. I have every book in print. J.R. Ward and The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Love it!!! I have also enjoyed the book series by Dixie Lynn Dwyer, Leah Brooke, and Heather Rainier. Great series to get hooked into, and they download to my phone, so I can keep up with my reading while I wait for any one of my 5 kids or a lull at work or before and after I spend time with my hubby. Always somewhere to put in some reading.
Gotta say since i got my Kindle just a bit over a year ago I’ve read more than I have in recent years. My husband was getting tired of all the books lying around….not sure if he’s sorry he got me the Kindle or not but WOW I have nearly a 1,000 books on that thing right now. Because a lot of my favorite best-selling authors cost more for e-books than hardcover bargain books, I turned to the “freebies” and Indie authors. All I can say is am I glad. I discovered you, Maya, and many others! What fantastic authors. I’m reading genres I never thought I would… Erotica, Paranormal, etc. A few that I have discovered and absolutely wait with anticipation for the next book are…Tina Folsom (Scanguards series & Olympus series), Healther Killough-Walden (Big Bad Wolf series), Evangeline Anderson (Brides of the Kindred series), N J Walters (Legacy series)and so so many more….I absolutely love your Colter and Highland series. I pre-order as soon as I can. Keep writing cuz I’ll certainly keep reading….Thanks so much for so many hours of pleasure! : ) I do have to say though after downloading a “freebie” I immediately had to buy any others by that author in the series or any other book by that author! I have discovered authors I really didn’t like and wouldn’t order another book by them…not that they were bad but I struggled through them…it was more the style of writing than the actual story.
Well besides you, my favorites are:
All of Janet Chapman’s Books
J.R. Ward – BDB & Fallen Angels
Donna Grant – Highlander Series
Jamie Rush – Offspring Sereis
Jessica Andersen – Final Prophecy
Monica McCarty – Highland Guard
Pamela Palmer – Feral Warriors
I have a lot of catching up to do and a lot of waiting. Mainly on your books :)
I love Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega series. If your looking for some fun paranormals Lyndsay Sands and Kerrelyn Sparks are good. Love, love JR Ward BDB series. Some of my other favorites are Eileen Wilkes, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Katie MacAlister, Lara Leigh, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kim Harrison, Alexandra Ivy, Michelle Rowan, Lori Handeland. Well, you get the idea. I love to read. These are authors I keep going back to.
I am currently reading Lara Adrian’s newest in the Midnight Breed series. I really enjoy them a lot too.
Hey Maya,
Like you…..I have both my favorite books on paper and on my Kobo.
Some of My Favorites are:
Shayla Black (wicked series)
Anything Monica Mccarty(her Highland guard series is really good)
Karen Marie Moning (Both her highlander series and Fever series)
Lora Leigh
Jess Michaels
Lisa Marie Rice
Iris Johansen
Julie Garwood
Jasmyn Haynes
and of course You…..Sweet temptation was the first erotic novel I ever read and I was..hooked. All of your books are my favorites.
I was a big historical romance reader and anything actual historical I like. I’m a huge reader on my downtime. All the staff at our local bookstore know me as I use to go in 1-2x a week. It’s a little more less now that I have a Kobo. Will be ordering a wack load of books in the next few months as they all seem to be releasing around the same time. Trying to wait patiently.
A few single books that are really good….they are set in later time though…..1100’s, 1600’s
Ken Follets Pillars of the Earth
Jane Guill Nectar from a Stone (awesome although the romance is real subtle).
I’ve tried to get into paranormal romance but not really into it.
Will have to try and read some of the books you mentioned though……
Anxiously waiting for Sweet Addiction and the next KGI.
Mary
Fav Series in order
1) J.R ward- brotherhood series is mind blowing
2) Sherrilyn Kenyon- I love the league series and also enjoyed the bad agency
3) Christine Feehan- Ghostwalker series is amazing, it’s paranormal action packed.
Hi Maya!! Love your books!!! I think I have read all of them except for your Highlander series. If you are looking for some great books to add to your collection let me suggest a few!!! Paranormal – JR WARD – Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, LARA ADRIAN – Midnight Breed Series….JR WARD – Angels series. HOT HOT Erotica…Submissive Beauty by ELIZA GAYLE; Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker by E L JAMES; Their One and Only by TRISTA ANN MICHAELS; A Table for Three by LAINEY REESE; The Dom of my Dreams by MF SINCLAIR; and Their Virgin Captive by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake…they are just a few, teeheeee….please keep writing Maya, you keep me sane!! Have a great night! :) CK
just reading your notes on the blog…sounds like we have the same reading interests….thanks for the shout out on other authors I had not heard of!
Absolutely love Christine Feehan, except for Lair of the Lion, and am reading Jayne Castle’s Ghost Hunter series. Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick paranormal series are good quick reads also! And yes I know she is the same person !!!! She usually starts in JAK moves to Amanda and finishes in Jayne Castle!
Laurann Dohner’s New Species series. So far I love the books she has out. Humans altered with animal DNA amount to males that have dominant tendiencies that are ooh so delicious. So far she has 5 books out and I’m waiting for 6. Most of her work has been published with Ellora’s Cave.
Also forgot to mention Cherise Sinclair. I was never a fan of BDSM books, but she has such compassion written in her books that it really opens your mind to the lifestyle. The Masters of the Shadowlands books have all been great so far and don’t contain that crap about women being treated like lowly slaves.
Hi Maya,
I recommend the following authors:
Christine Feehan – Ghostwalker Series / Dark Series
Lora Leigh – Breed Series
Sherrilyn Kenyon – Dark Hunter Series
Happy Reading!
A new to me author who I am enjoying is Eve Langlais. The titles were what got my attention: Bunny and the Bear and also Delicate Freakin’ Flower. She is very entertaining. I have read four of her books so far and three of them were awesome and the fourth, though not as great, was still entertaining.
I have read many books from different authors. I read all the time! I love your books maya!! Excellent imagination!! I love romance..those tear jerkers and i love erotic romance. I am picky about what i read. Usually if i read a book from a author i have never read before and it doesnt interest me then i will not read anymore books from that author. Kate douglas and lora leigh are really good authors and i have read just about all their books!! When someone ask me whats my hobbie i say reading!! Love to get lost in a book!!!
I have so many “favorite” authors I can’t even begin to tell you them all. Many of the ones listed above are on my list, but a few I haven’t seen mentioned
PNR
Shelly Laurenston/ GA Aiken – very funny and fun
Deidre Knight – Red Gods of Midnight series
Jean Johnson – Sons of Destiny
Larissa Ione- Demonica
Sydney Croft- ACRO series
Cynthia Eden
Dana Marie Belle – Halle Pumas
Romantic Suspense
Lauren Dane
Jaci Burton
Catherine Mann
Stephanie Rowe
Shiloh Walker
Love Patricia Briggs also! If you enjoy Mercy, then I’d recommend Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series also. The romance develops slowly over a number of books like in the Mercy series but the payoff is hugely worthwhile. Also, the world building is excellent. Both series are also excellent on audio.
I’d definitely recommend having book 4 on hand when you get to the end of the 3rd Mercy book. No cliffhanger or anything, but… Well, just trust me that you’ll be glad to jump straight into book 4.
Thanks for the recommendations. I am always searching for new authors.
JR Ward’s books are amazing. Love, love the characters.I also like Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kresley Cole, Lara Adrian and Gena Showalter.
Someone had recommended to me Cherise Sinclair a month or so ago. Loved her books books so much I read all of them in less than a week. I just really enjoyed the characters. I like when authors weave characters from previous books in, so that you can know what is going on with them.
Hi Maya!
Love your books. I am a readers that like everything. I read m/m, bdsm. comtemporary, paranormal, history. etc.
My latest read was Rocky Mountain Haven from Vivian Arend a great book with lots of emotion and courage. Her series include Rocky Mountain Heat.
Also love reading Midnight Series from Lara Adrian which a great paranormal series.
And To Collar and Comand from Cheriese Sinclair love all her books and recomend all of them.
Happy Reading
How about Annabel Joseph’s books? Some of them are pretty hot( e.g. Comfort Object, Mercy or Owning Wednesday) – that is if you like BDSM ;-)
My go to for PNR are Larissa Ione, JR Ward, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Love them.
I love Kresley Cole too! And I don’t even really like PNR. Her IAD series is really good and like you I’ve loved some of them more than others, but they are very entertaining so they are good when you need some downtime which it sounds like you do. I still love her historical romances and have hopes that maybe someday she’ll write more. I know it’s unlikely though since her paranormals are so popular.
Now I know you said you stay away from the subgenre’s of romance that you write in, but I really can’t recommend Surrender by Pamela Clare enough. It’s a historical romance but set in America. Seriously, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while. It was a roller coaster and the hero..sigh. Since it’s set in colonial America during the French and Indian war I hope you break one of your rules and give it a try because it is just fantastic!
I love Ms. Clare’s I-Team Romantic Suspense series and I have been on a campaign to read all of her other books, but have been waiting to read Surrender until it had be re-released with a new publisher because I knew it had new content. It was soooo worth the wait. Loooove it! Serious mad love for it. Please give it a shot because I think you will love it too.
I’ve read some other really great books so far this year but most fall into categories that you don’t like to read. Since you have read a few erotic romances I also loved Roni Loren’s Crash Into You. Also very good.
I hope you find some great reads. I’ve not been too successful with the self published reads so I don’t have any recommendations there, but if you find some I would love to hear about them :)
OOOOooo, I looove me some Kresley Cole and Patricia Briggs! Those are some of my ‘comfort read’ when I don’t feel like being adventurous enough to try a new book.
There have been some wonderful authors mentioned here. I love your books. I have almost all of your books and tend to pull them out when I need good to read. I read them over and over again.
I also agree with you about the wait for the Patricia Briggs’ novels. I can hardly wait for the next in each series.
Here are a few other authors that I like.
Lauren Dane – Cascadia Wolves Series and de la Vega Series
Chloe Neill – Merit Series
Dianne Duvall – Immortal Guardians
Wow – sounds like I will have to check out Barbara Elsborg! I also hate putting down a book halfway through too, Maya, and I am SO tired at work today because I was reading Whispers in the Dark until 2am! LOL. I did have to put it down though and get a couple hours sleep before work today.
I also LOVE Nalini Singh, her writing style is just beautiful. As for some recommendations
1. JR Ward’s – Black Dagger Brotherhood series is FABULOUS (and written in the third person)
2. Jeaniene Frost – Halfway to the Grave (but is in first person)
3. Meljean Brook – Iron Seas series. My first foray into Steampunk and it was so different. Really enjoyed it.
4. GA Aiken – has a dragon shifter series that I thought was sexy and funny
5. ML Rhodes – Draeganlord series (Male/male dragon shifters) and I am anxiously waiting for the final installment.
6. JL Langley – With/without series – male/male wolf shifters
(as you can see I love my M/M romances too!)
For self published what I have read lately that I loved:
1. Nicky Charles – The Mating, The Keeping, The Finding and Bonded. They are all FREE from Smashwords. Some of the best self-published I have ever read.
2. MF Sinclair – Dom of My Dreams. Can’t believe how much I liked this book since the hero pushed all my angry buttons for about 70% of the book, but I loved him in the end!! Super great value at just $0.99 (It’s in the first person though).
Kristen Ashley is an awesome read. She writes in a totally different style. Try Sweet Dreams or the Gamble or Golden Dynasty. She has over 20 books and the majority of them are ones you will re-read over and over again!
First, a quick gush — I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! The KGI series is to die for — I just bought ‘Whispers in the Dark’ yesterday, but haven’t started it yet, as I was still reading ‘Enticed by His Forgotten Lover’ until a few minutes ago. I’m not usually one for the Harlequin Desire books, but you have definitely taken them up a notch with the guys from TriCorp. I look forward to reading Dev and Cam’s stories.
As for recommendations, I’m surprised no one has mentioned Sarah McCarty. She does paranormals and westerns and also combines those two genres in her ‘Reaper’ werewolf series. I haven’t read any of her Shadow Wrangler series, but they are vampire cowboys. I’m big on werewolves, not so much on vamps. McCarty’s ‘Wild’ series is actually modern day werewolves and is a series of six novellas published in two volumes ‘Running Wild’ and ‘Wild Instinct’. Outstanding!
Her ‘Promises’ series started out with Ellora’s Cave and moved to Penguin, I think. She’s also got the Hell’s Hard Eight western series that started out with Spice books and now his carried by Harlequin Historical. Good God Almighty, can this chick write a great story! I loved the ‘Wild’ books and can’t wait for the next Reaper book, but for me nothing beats her ‘Promises’ series. It started with Asa and Elizabeth in ‘Promises Linger’ and, just like your KGI series, each one I read became my new favorite. I actually read the last one, ‘Promises Reveal’ first, not knowing it was fourth or fifth in a series. I thought it was just the boldest romance novel I’d ever read…I mean, none of the hundreds I’d read up to that point included the kind of ‘variations’ McCarty had her characters enjoying…but then I had to go back and read the rest and they are all keepers. No selling those to Half Price Books, which by the way, is my favorite store on earth because it’s where I first discovered you and your Colter series…which led me to your ‘Sweet’ books and then the KGI’s…
One other suggestion, author-wise, would be Marliss Melton. I know you said you don’t read the genre you’re currently writing, but if you decide to take a break from the KGI boys at some point, you should check out Melton’s ‘Team 12’ Navy SEALS romances. After seven successful ‘Team 12’ books, her former publisher lost their minds and said ‘Ix-nay on the EALS-say’, so she is self-publishing these days. Her latest is ‘The Protector’, which is about a former SEAL, not a Team 12 character. It is soon to be followed by ‘The Guardian’ which should come out later this year.
Happy reading!
Love your colter series, can’t wait for colter’s daughter and the next one too
I had to pare down my authors too much $.
so must buys are:
maya banks-colter series
christine feehan’s series-dark, lepard, miltary,sisters
leah brooke- dakota series, desire series-siren pub
heather rainier-divine creek series-siren pub
dixie lynn dryer–siren pub
nalina singh
sophie oak-siren series,bliss series-siren pub
aloha , janis
I know these aren’t romances, but the heroine is one of the most awesome I have ever found. Look into the Honor Harrington series is one the best SF written I’ve ever found. The author, David Weber doesn’t treat his heroine the same as most men. She is neither a “wimpy help me” or a butch woman. It is so rare to find a man that can write a woman so well. To make it further enticing, Baen publishing was one of the first publishers to sell ebooks and many of the Honorverse are free from their website. Another series I like from him is the Mutineer’s Moon books. All of these books are full of action and drama. I frequently fell in love with some characters only to have them die a horrible death, as can only happen in war.
I love you!! Thank you so much for reading Strangers and An Ordinary Girl and saying such nice things!! That’s so nice of you.
I tend not to read in the genre I’m writing, though I do read everything except for hardcore fantasy and technical sci fi. My suggestion for a great read? Unsticky by Sarra Manning. She mainly writes YA but this one is for adults and it’s really good.
I’m a hugh fan of Barbara Elsborg. I couldnt agree more with what you said about Strangers and Ordinary Girl.
From heart wrenching, underlying humor, and strong complex plots, she’s unforgetable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and adding some new authors, such as yourself, to my ‘off to buy now’ list.
I too am a fan of Elsborg, and remember how moved I was by Ordinary Girl, and its depiction of how somebody seemingly ordinary can turn out to be an extraordinary person, even a hero. Elsborg is worth reading and re-reading.
I’m another HUGE fan of Barbara Elsborg. All of her 20+ novels are compelling and fascinating, but Strangers and An Ordinary Girl are my two very favorites. (How either missed the best seller lists is still a mystery to me.)
Also, much thanks for the many wonderful suggestions for my TBR “tower.”
Strangers is an amazing story and my favorite Elsborg book. I’m not surprised you loved it. It made me cry, and I’m not that kind of girl. Lol
After reading some reviews on Good Choice Reading, I found one review that really sparked my interest. It was on a self pub’d book called TWENTY WEEKS. So I took the plunge and got copy. OMG! The review said it all. If you want a seriously emotional journey, you’ll get it! Some of the things that happened will make your blood boil and I was so pissed at the author! Like “how could you” And then something really warm and beautiful happens and you love the author all over again. And the way it ends is really awesome. For a peak at the review:http://www.goodchoicereading.com/2011/12/review-twenty-weeks-by-melisa-hamling.html
Oh yeah, and the main characters name is MAYA! :)
On Barbara Elsborg! You’ve gotta read Perfect Timing and Power of Love! Those are amazing! And now I think I’ll check out An Ordinary Girl and Strangers!
Hi Maya,
I love when you blog about books to read (especially when I seem to have read all of yours and am waiting for the next release), last time you had some amazing recommendations (I would never have found Lainey Reese without you).
Anyway, happened upon Suzie Quint and her McNight Family, which was a great read. Also Sophie Oak and her Bliss series which is one of funniest erotic romance series I have ever read.
Am pulling an all nighter tonight with Barbara Elsborg
Barbara Elsborg “Strangers” is by far one of the most “real” and compelling stories I’ve ever read. I bought the e-book on a whim and couldn’t stop reading it until finished. I think I called in sick to work the next day because I stayed up all night!
Also, I’m (not so) patiently waiting for the next Scottish historical…I’m in love with a good highlander story.
Thanks for the recommendations I need to find more great authors because I caught up on all my favorites and am waiting for more of their series. I wish I had your extraordinary talent to write my own but alas I’m not that brave.
Sadly I like many of the genres that you write in but here are some of my favorites.
Silvia Day, Shannon Mckenna, Maya Banks (you), Lori Foster, Susan Anderson, Rachel Gibson, Pamela Clare, Nalini Singh, Lora Leigh, Lacey Alexander, Shayla Black, Lorelei James, Sophie Oak, Erin McCarthy, Jennifer Ashley, Stephanie Meyers, Jayne Rylon, and Victoria Dahl who I just discovered.
I’m sure someone could find a recurring theme for why I like these authors but I haven’t found it because I’m too busy reading them. Thanks ladies for your hard work.
I love all your books but when it came to Micah’s story. It has been over a year and I still wish I could kick his azzzzzzzzzzzz the way he treat her.Thats is one book that will never get out of my mind.Now Cole’s book I thought he should have Micah’s woman since he never cared enough not to treat her the way he did.Beauitful writing but Micah,lets just say he deserve to be by himself. Now all the guys on the kelly’s series fine as they came come.Thanks keep the writing coming
I agree, I love both Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs. My girlfriend and I talk about the books and the characters seem like old friends, as if they are real people. And the world building is first rate. BTW, she is not a writing team.
But Ilona Andrews is a team and if you have not tried their books I can highly recommend them! The Kate Daniels series is intricate and well built. Kate and Curran are among my favorite characters. They make me chuckle. I think that’s what I enjoy, so many of their characters are bad ass but funny, too. I haven’t glommed on their Edge series as strongly, but I have read the first 2 and enjoyed them.
One author I have not seen mentioned is EILEEN WILKS. She doesn’t get enough good word of mouth imo. Her World of the Lupi series is amazing! (Death Magic = most recent) She can’t write them fast enough for me! Very good worldbuilding, good plots, supernatural stuff that follows the world’s logic and enough romance to keep that glow going. I love her heroine Lily Yu and the rest of the cast is pretty darn entertaining also. I enjoyed one of her short stories in an anthology and then got hooked on the full series.
A lot of my favorites are listed in the comments, but there are some I consider stinkers, too. Different strokes for different folks! :) I got a lot of good ideas for “new to me” authors to try. Thanks! :)
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