Mary Kate’s Question of the Day

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Author: Kati
Published: May 13th, 2008

Question of the Day
By Mary Kate

Hi Ladies! We’re blogging, woohoo!

So, I was thinking this morning in the shower (that’s where I do all my important thinking), about what question I would ask for my inaugural Question of the Day blog. And I was reflecting back on my year in reading so far — 2008 has been very, very good to me.

The year kicked off with me reading The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne – a book that I gushed endlessly about. Honestly, after I read it, I went into about a month long reading slump — the book is that good. Historical and evocative, lush and sexy, the book also boasts some of the most fascinating dialog I’ve ever read, and a heroine who catapulted almost to the top of my favorite heroines list.

But then, along came Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. A tightly written, gritty futuristic action filled romance. The book features a wonderfully flawed heroine, and a mysterious, tortured hero who struggles daily with his demons. My favorite kind!

Then there was the wonder of Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas. What a book! It’s my favorite read of 2008, and I can’t imagine another book that will top that reading experience. Haven’s story was so harrowing and difficult, and for her to meet and fall in love with Hardy, a hero who I thought might be beyond redemption when he was in Sugar Daddy, well, it was reading perfection for me. Lisa continues to be one of my all time favorite authors.

I’m currently reading The Hollow by Nora Roberts. This is the second in her Sign of Seven trilogy. The books are trademark Roberts. The heroes are long time friends and have a dialog shorthand that, I swear, there are only about three authors who can write. The heroines are smart and sassy and brave and don’t put up with any nonsense from their men. The Big Bad in this book is one of the scariest I’ve ever read. It’s shaping up to be another wonderful read by Nora.

All of this leads up to my question of the day: How is your reading year going so far? What have been your favorite reads of the year, and why? Are you reading stuff published this year or previously published?

26 Responses to “Mary Kate’s Question of the Day”

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heidenkind
on May 13th, 2008
@ 10:14 pm:

Great question Maria, although I still feel like the year only just started! My reading year hasn’t been going too well so far, basically because I have very little time to read for myself, which makes me sad. I still haven’t caught up on my TBR pile, but my favorite books I’ve read this year so far are Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs, Grave Peril by Jim Butcher, Reader & Raelynx by Sharon Shinn, and Twilight and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer.
Marisa
on May 14th, 2008
@ 4:17 am:

Mary Kate this is a great question and one that had me running to my keeper shelf to try and figure out how to answer it. I read so many books all year it’s hard to just pick a few. It’s like asking a mother which one of her children are her favorite. So I had to ponder, which books made me sigh as I closed the last page? Which books made me hunger for more about the characters? Which books made it hard for me to pick up the next book because I couldn’t stop thinking about the one I had just finished?

I agree that the Spymaster’s Lady blew me away; and yes the heroine created a new standard for historical heroines. The Hollow and Blue Eyed Devil are still on my TBR pile – Darn, that pile grows bigger every day!

I fell in love with One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost – the chemistry between the H&H had me from the first book (Halfway to the Grave) and continued to get more intense and hot in the second book. The heroine is strong, capable and powerful. She’s also sexy with just the right touch of vulnerability – you gotta love that in a heroine.

As always every 6 months or so I anxiously await a new In Death book by J.D. Robb and Strangers in Death was no exception. Eve and Roarke – ’nuff said.

Lydia Joyce’s Shadows of the Night – was intriguing and different – it had an edge to it that kept me turning the pages and will have me buying her next book.

The Murder Game by Beverly Barton was one I couldn’t put down, a well crafted romantic suspense that had me turning the pages and staying up late into the night.

I’m fortunate enough to have received 2 ARC’s of books coming out in June (next month ladies) that BLEW ME OUT OF THE WATER.
J.R. Ward’s Lover Enshrined and Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeepers!!! The world building and characters in both of these books is phenomenal and has be waiting anxiously for the next book. Can’t say more, except to say, make time to read these 2 books.

I’ll be back to post because there are many more books that turned my head and kept me turning the pages so far this year!
Buffie
on May 14th, 2008
@ 6:05 am:

This year has been a great year for reading, at least for me.

Like MK, The Spymaster’s Lady was one of my favorite reads this year. The writing is just brilliant.

The Blue Eye Devil is Lisa Kleypas’ best work to date. I savored this book, trying to read it as slow as possible so that I could prolong my enjoyment.

The Night Before The Wedding by Debra Mullins is a fabulous book, which a sexy Scottish hero who can talk to me in that accent all night long. Sexy and fun.

The Temptation of a Warrior by Margo Maguire. This book has time travel, intrigue, a hottie of a hero, and a heroine who has been let down by every man in her life. What more is there to say!

And now I am reading a book that I wasn’t too sure I would like, but the author has sucked me into the world she has created and has me practically panting for me. Yes, MK, I am finally reading Slave to Sensation. OMG, what a hawt book!
Marisa
on May 14th, 2008
@ 6:40 am:

Buffie, I’ve have The Temptation of a Warrior on my TBR pile, now I know I have to move it to top.

OK MK and Buffie, talk to me – what up with Slave to Sensation and who is the author?
MaryKate
on May 14th, 2008
@ 6:48 am:

*MK shakes head*

Marisa, Marisa, Marisa, if you’ll check your TBR mountain, I think you’ll probably already find Slave to Sensation in there. It’s Nalini Singh’s first in her Psy/Changeling series. And Lucas Hunter is one of my all time favorite heroes EVER! You simply MUST read this book!

Mornin’ ladies! I’m glad we’re talking about this reading year. I’ve had such a good one.

On top of the books I listed, it has to be said that my most memorable reads of the year were Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. Such a terrific and well written series. I’m desperate for the next installments!
MaryKate
on May 14th, 2008
@ 7:06 am:

Marisa – Is it just me, or is this blog hard to read? Did I do something funky with the font??
AndreaW
on May 14th, 2008
@ 7:11 am:

Oooo! Great question, MK!

Well, for me the following books are some of my faves so far this year:

The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne – for all the reasons already mentioned … brilliant!
Blue-Eyed Devil by LK – for all the reasons already mentioned LOL … so emotionally intense
Three Nights of Sin by Anne Mallory – fantastic dark and sexy romance with a surprise
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth – superb reunion story
The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason – I am TOTALLY hooked in this fantastic series!
Marked By Moonlight by Sharie Kohler – my first lycan book and definitely not my last!
Confessions at Midnight by Jacquie D’Alessandro – witty, humorous and beautiful love story

As for upcoming titles I’m really looking forward to:

Let the Night Begin and Before I Wake by Kathryn Smith
Lessons From a Courtesan by Jenna Petersen
Kiss of a Dark Moon by Sharie Kohler
When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason
Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman
Scandalous by Night by Barbara Pierce
AndreaW
on May 14th, 2008
@ 7:12 am:

Btw, did you get the book, MK?
Maria
on May 14th, 2008
@ 7:14 am:

Wow – what a question Mary Kate.

First, I couldn’t agree more on Spymaster’s Lady. What I most enjoyed about the book was the unpredictablity. It was anything but pat. The plot had all manner and twists and turns while being totally believable.

I’m reading the Hollow as we speak – and it’s scaring the bejezz out of me. Nora can weave a tale – and that’s just the name of the that tune.

I too have read Lover Enrshrined by JR Ward – and she’s building a world that breaks all barriers, this will be a must on everyone’s list.

But I think the book I LOVED the most was The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. I wrote a review on it a couple of months past. It’s a historical and it was a book I could totally sink my teeth into. The characthers were amazing – the story evolved and it was a love that really had to endure on all levels… it was the kind of book that put me in a slump as you say after I read it. It was hard finding a book that caputred my attention afterwards.

I know I’ve left out a gazillion books, and my spelling is… well, it’s my own spelling. but those are my thoughts for the moment.
MaryKate
on May 14th, 2008
@ 7:56 am:

Hi Andrea! I did. But losing the forum means losing the PM function and I don’t have an email address for you. Thanks so much! I’m finishing up Kresley Cole’s newest and then I’m on to the Winter Garden. You are a goddess, as always.

I’ve already started groveling to Colleen for an ARC of When Twilight Burns, Andrea. I’m hoping she’ll listen to me, but who knows. I think since this is the book that she finally lets us know who Victoria ends up with, she’s nervous that I might have a hissy fit if it’s not Max, what with me being the cheerleader of the Team Max posse. ;o)

Maria – The Winter Rose is more historical fiction, isn’t it? I’m trying to remember.
Buffie
on May 14th, 2008
@ 8:19 am:

MK — Lucas is fast becoming one of my top 10 heros. I wouldn’t mind being petted by him. I’m probably a third of the way through the book. The “dreams” have started, and I have an idea on who just may be the serial killer. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
MaryKate
on May 14th, 2008
@ 8:29 am:

Buffie – I’m SO glad you’re enjoying it. I know you’re not a huge para fan, so I consider it a great compliment that you’re giving it a chance. Yes, Lucas is a wonderful hero. There are a couple of scenes we’ll have to discuss once you’re done. He’s one of my favorites. I love how bewildered Sascha is by him.
AndreaW
on May 14th, 2008
@ 8:55 am:

Oh, good. I just wanted to make sure you got it.

I hear you on WTB by CG! I’m not sure how I’ll react when all is revealed if it’s not Max. I’m excited, anxious and nervous. If you do get it early, I will look forward to your review (’cause I know you’ll do one!). If Vic doesn’t end up with Max (sob!), I know the book will still be great. But still … GO TEAM MAX!!
Maria
on May 14th, 2008
@ 10:52 am:

MK – I think The Winter Rose is a romance – it has all the attributes… totally worth the read.
Vivi Anna
on May 14th, 2008
@ 1:59 pm:

Hmm, so far the stand out book for me has to be GRIMSPACE by Ann Aguiree. I loved everything about it.
Vivi Anna
on May 14th, 2008
@ 2:00 pm:

oops, sorry Ann, I spelled your last name wrong… Ann Aguirre double r not double e *smacks self in forhead*
Paula
on May 14th, 2008
@ 2:20 pm:

The book(s) that have made my year (so far) are the In Death books by J D Robb, I am currently reading Strangers in Death. Other books that I have enjoyed are Karen Hawkins’ McClean series. Amongst my TBR pile are Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. The books that I am Looking forward to are Karen Rose’s Scream for Me, Rachel Gibson’s Not another Bad Date and Karen Hawkins nw contemporary romance which is due out late summer/autumn time
MaryKate
on May 14th, 2008
@ 2:51 pm:

I gave up reading Kenyon books a while ago, but I’ll definitely be reading Acheron. Anyone else feel that way?

I’m also really looking forward to Nalini Singh’s new one, and also Lisa K.’s Wallflower Christmas and Seduce me at Sunrise. And Nora Roberts’ HC in July and the finish of the Sign of Seven series.
Gannon
on May 14th, 2008
@ 3:02 pm:

Excellent blog, MK! Since we all have such fantastic taste, natch, I have many of the same books on my list of faves!

The Spymaster’s Lady — without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read!
Blue-Eyed Devil — an incredible, emotionally intense story. Lisa just keeps getting better!
The Duke of Shadows –an amazing debut novel by Meredith Duran! A must read!
The Hollow– I ripped through this one in one day. Too right, MK, about Nora’s male dialogue–she is the queen!
Strangers In Death — I never get tired of Eve and Roarke!
One Foot In The Grave — I completely have the hots for Bones!
The Bleeding Dusk –thanks, MK and Andrea, for turning me on to this series!
Marked By Moonlight — another excellent paranormal and the beginning of a new series
The Virgin River Series — I just read these, even though they were released last year. Another great recommendation by MK and PJ!

I’m sure there are more, but that’s a start. Plus, there are dozens of new books coming up. My book budget is going to be shot to hell!
Sophia Nash
on May 14th, 2008
@ 3:14 pm:

Wow! Love the new blog format! Just had to check in to say hello despite terrifying June 1 deadline looming. Have to list my current faves:
Anna Campbell’s Untouched
And can’t wait for the new JR Ward! I have yet to find another paranormal series I like better…
And also can’t wait for Julia Quinn’s new release. I heard she wrote two books/two stories at the same time – weaving them expertly together!
Best,
Sophia

http://www.sophianash.com
“Love with the Perfect Scoundrel” ~ coming Feb. 2009!
Gannon
on May 14th, 2008
@ 3:18 pm:

Good luck with your deadline, Sophia!

I do need to add Untouched to my list! Anna created a special hero there.

And Sophia’s, The Kiss–another emotional roller coaster ride!
keoweegirl
on May 14th, 2008
@ 4:12 pm:

The first four months of 2008 have been jam-packed with fabulous books. I’m excited to see what the rest of the year holds! Here are some of my favorite reads this year. ~PJ

Confessions at Midnight – Jacquie D’Alessandro
The Warrior – Kinley MacGregor
The Spymaster’s Lady – Joanna Bourne
The Stolen Princess – Anne Gracie
In the Highlander’s Bed – Cathy Maxwell
Skinny Dipping – Connie Brockway
Let Sleeping Rogues Lie – Sabrina Jeffries
Thigh High – Christina Dodd
First You Run – Roxanne St. Claire
The Kiss – Sophia Nash
The Duke of Shadows – Meredith Duran
To Taste Temptation – Elizabeth Hoyt
The Perils of Pleasure – Julie Ann Long
HOT – Julia Harper (a/k/a Elizabeth Hoyt)
The Loner – Geralyn Dawson
A Wanted Man – Linda Lael Miller
Marisa
on May 14th, 2008
@ 4:48 pm:

Mary Kate – I’m soooo waiting for Acehron’s book, soon as it comes out I’m there.

How could I forget Anna Campbell’s Untouched, broke my heart and put it back together again.

MK and Gannon – I know, I know, got to get the Virgin River Series!

Sophia, I’m selfishly glad you’re working on your deadline, can’t wait for the follow up to The Kiss – that one’s on my keeper shelf. Another book that filled me with longing and anticipation (the good kind) until the last page. —

And, Sophia, you’ll be in for a big treat with Lover Enshrined. Also… if you like the J.R. Ward’s series you’re definitely going to want Jessica Andersen’s new book. J.R. turned me on to her critique partner’s new release coming out in June – The NightKeepers , I’m totally pimping this book, you’ve got to read it.
heidenkind
on May 14th, 2008
@ 5:36 pm:

I can’t wait for Acheron to come out, either. I heard it was 700 pages or something crazy like that, but I don’t care. I’m buying it as soon as it comes out and lugging it home! I’m still a fan of Kenyon’s books, though the Dream Hunter series seems a bit off-topic.
Pam P
on May 14th, 2008
@ 11:18 pm:

Buffie, now you’ll have to read the rest of Nalini’s fab series, they are all so good. If I had to pick a paranormal series for one not much into the genre, this is the one I’d recommend – it’s not much into shifting as some might think, more those traits in their human personas, and definitely should appeal to anyone liking pyschic elements.

Another one who’s top read of the year is Joanna Bourne’s The Spymaster’s Lady, can’t wait for July for the next in the series.

I love Lisa Kleypas but hadn’t yet tried her contemps. Just finished Blue-Eyed Devil last night, and I’ll certainly be reading more of her contemps.. Such a powerful, emotional story, definitely a top read. Not being so much into contemps, I kept putting it off, now I need to get the first and the next and will read them right away.

I liked A Private Arrangement by new autor Sherry Thomas a lot, too, with her imperfect, flawed characters and her different and more realistic approach to this marriage in trouble, showing how they matured over time in ways, yet still not really changing in their basic personalities and flaws, but more aware of instead of how it affects others and taking that into consideration.

I’m behind on my TBR pile, the ones I’m most anxious to finally get to – Grimspace, One Foot in the Grave, To Taste Temptation and now reading A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth, curious to see if it holds up to my alltime favorite of hers, Winter Garden.
Buffie
on May 15th, 2008
@ 4:48 am:

Pam — I’ll definitely be reading the rest of Nalini’s series. She has me totally enthralled with this world she has created. Lucas is definitely one hot alpha male.