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Your Turn Friday Returns
April 4, 2008


We haven't had a Your Turn Friday for a while, so this is more than due.  You can post what you've been reading lately.  Even traveling doesn't stop me from reading.  While others were complaining about our 2 hour flight delay, I was secretly pleased because I had some great reading time.  

At the airport I read The Perfect Kiss by Anne Gracie.  Grace Merridew has decided to forgo marriage to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids.  But when her friend needs her help, she disguises herself as a servant to stop an unwanted marriage.  Dominic Wolfe needs to marry in order to inherit the family estate he wants to destroy.  

This captivating tale is the third in the Merridrew sister series, but I didn't have any problem not having read the previous books.  The hero and heroine aren't perfect, which makes them more endearing to me.  The poor villiage is full of memorable characters who are more than happy to have a legend to believe in again.  The Perfect Kiss transported me from my airport mess to an enchanting estate complete with a gargoyle and isn't this what we all want a book to do?





Next up was Highlander Ever After by Jennifer Ashley.  Princess Zarabeth escapes her treasoness husband with assassins on her heels.  She's sent to Egan MacDonald, a highlander she met and had a crush on when she was a child, for protection.  While Zarabeth can read minds, Egan's is closed to her.  The MacDonald castle is overrun with relatives and Egan longs to escape the bad memories of his father and brother.  Now that Zarabeth has arrived, the castle doesn't seem so awful, but keeping her safe is a full time job.

Ok, I'll admit that Highlander covers are a weakness of mine, but Jennifer delivers on this one.  Zarabeth is married, so she's not another virgin (refreshing).  And while this is Egan and Zarabeth's story, I was charmed by the MacDonald family, especially the nephew who doesn't want to be the laird and tries everything to get his Uncle Egan married.  At times funny, sweet and riveting with sizzling romance.  (See book trailer here)




On my iPod, I'm listening to by Dark Paradise Tami Hoag.  Marilee Jennings quits her job and lousy boyfriend and runs off to visit her best pal in Montana.  When she gets there, her friend is dead and neighbor  J.D. Rafferty is watching the place.  Marilee feels there's more to the story and starts investigating the death, with the killer following her every move.

I'm a big Tami Hoag fan, but I couldn't figure out why this one wasn't connecting with me.  Turns out this "new" audio is from 1994 and I could feel the difference compared to the extremely suspenseful books she writes now.  Perhaps that's what made this just an ok book for me, but may be just perfect for someone who's never read her before.  

Ok, now your turn to let everyone know what you've been reading lately.  Is your TBR pile going down just a little?

Bottom Line:  As long as I have a book in my bag and one on my iPod, I can put up with any delay.  Of course, a hazelnut latte in one hand doesn't hurt either...oh, and maybe a scone to go with it.
                  

Posted by Barbara Vey on April 4, 2008 | Comments (41)


April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Deborah Macgillivray commented:

Brides of the West - super anthology by Michele Ann Young, Billie Warren Chai, and Kimberly Ivey. All three stories are strong in delightful anthology. Another good Westerner,
Touch of Texas by Tracey Garrett. A wonderful tale from a new author.

Sherwood Charade a time-travel by Mimi Riser. Funny, witty tales of going back to see Robin and finding all was not as we have been told.

WILD: Pack of St. James by Noelle Mack. Super start to a series about Russian Werwolf Princes living in Regency England. So made a dent, but way too many to get to yet!




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jan commented:

Did'ja ever??? Read an ARC a couple of months ago "Firefly Lane" by KRISTIN HANNAH, a new author to me BUT she's been around for some time. I was entranced with the book and now am on a roll reading ALL her published books..have a stack next to my living room chair. I am finding each is a great read. Try her--you'll like her. Jan WW




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jan commented:

Did'ja ever??? Read an ARC a couple of months ago "Firefly Lane" by KRISTIN HANNAH, a new author to me BUT she's been around for some time. I was entranced with the book and now am on a roll reading ALL her published books..have a stack next to my living room chair. I am finding each is a great read. Try her--you'll like her. Jan WW




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Beth Ciotta commented:

Hi Barbara! I've most recently read NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth Phillps (FABulous!)and OFF LIMITS by Jordan Summers (Fun!). Next up, another SEP novel, MATCH ME IF YOU CAN and a biography on Cary Grant. I need more hours in the day. What about you?




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Liza commented:

I'm in the process of reading the Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I'm a little late gettig into the books, and I just finished Night Play this morning befor work.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Mary Stella commented:

I finished Lori Foster's Hard to Handle and enjoyed it very much. I've really liked her series featuring heroes who are all ultimate fighters from an organization much like the UBC. Great heroines, too! I'm now reading Shannon McKenna's Dangerous Exposure -- a dark, edgy, very hot suspense/adventure.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
JessicaMcG commented:

I'm on the third book, Caressed By Ice of Nalini Singh's series. So far this series has kept my full attention.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jennifer Ashley commented:

Thanks for the mention of Highlander Ever After, Barb! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love reading while traveling, because I have this chunk of time that I get to do nothing but READ. A luxury to me. My favorite travel reads these days are Charlaine Harris and Patricia Briggs, because I know I'll get sucked in and never notice the passing hours (or miles). Two others are Nina Bangs and Sandra Hill--any of their series. I laugh and laugh and enjoy their hot, hunky men. :-)




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Natale Stenzel commented:

I've been on a funny vamp kick. I spent the weekend before last on Lynsay Sands' two latest (Vampires Forever and Vampire, Interrupted). I think V,I is her best yet. Then MaryJanice Davidson entertained me last weekend (Undead and Uneasy and Dead Over Heels). Fun books, all of them. Great column, Barbara! I don't always comment, but I do enjoy reading it.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jenne commented:

I am now reading the Daisy Dalrymple series by Carola Dunn. I need to get to the library to get Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell because it will be on Masterpiece Theater later this month. One of my book clubs is going to read and review the Memory Keeper's Daughter pretty soon so I need to get a jump on that one as well.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Lynda/LighthouseLady commented:

Jeffrey Archer's Prisinor of Birth. Had not read him in a while, but he sure knows how to twist and turn the story line and make you cheer for the underdog. Another great job Jeffrey! Also read Strangers in Death by JD Robb...she continues to keep this series rolling along. Fern Michaels' newest SisterHood series Houkus Pokus....she also continues to keep the story going with the group of ladies. Now reading Kristin Hannah's Between Sisters...yes it is from 2003, but I have not read too many of her books and picked this one up....so far very good.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Joyce Henderson commented:

Oh boy, Highlander Ever After. Yummy cover. Gotta get that one. Though it's not what I write, the story line sounds like a favorite of mine. As for being upset by flight delays, nah. I'm with you, Ms. Vey. It's a chance to read more. I read on exercise machines, too. Makes the exercise go down "with a little bit of sugar."




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Cindy Holby commented:

I'm reading Marshall's Guard by Isabo Kelly. A great futuristic action story with a couple who are equally matched in every aspect. The little twist that she's from the future and he might die if he stays there helps to keep it interesting.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
CHRISTINE commented:

Just finished "The Boundless Deep" by Kate Brallier. The Nantucket setting is great and the past lives/ghost story (which involves whaling) that threatens the present day heroine is equally interesting and I enjoyed the romanctic aspects as well. This is only Braillier's 2nd book so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Shari Anton commented:

This week I'm enjoying a trip into Fantasy land. I'm reading Dragons of the Highlord Skies (The Lost Chronicles, Vol. II). I nudged my son into serious reading by buying him the DragonLance books when he was in high school. We both still love and read them. On the Ipod: The River Knows, by Amanda Quick.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Kathleen Bacus commented:

I just finished reading No One Heard Her Scream by Jordan Dane. A fabulous, intense read, I am eagerly awaiting her next two books, No One Left To Tell and No One Lives Forever. In the meantime, next up, Alibi in High Heels by Gemma Halliday. I loved the previous books in her 'High Heels' series.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Liz Kreger commented:

Taking a short break from romance and reading Naomi Novik's "Temeraire" series. Really well done.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
joysannoh commented:

I, too, am working on the "Temeraire" series in audio; I like it a lot. And at a work related conference today and tomorrow, think they'll let me smuggle in the new Marjorie Liu book to keep me awake?




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Leeanne Grant commented:

I just read Dances with Werewolves by Carole Nelson Douglas. I think I got the recommendation from one of your ladies. I really thought it a very fun book.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Lesa Holstine commented:

I finally got Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book. Very good! If you like character-driven novels, and books, it's hard not to like this one. Lesa Holstine, www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
dolphinover commented:

I am reading Lake News by Barbara Delinsky this week. This must be the time for airport problems. I had major delays and problems coming home from vacation on Sunday. I am glad I had a book with me.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jody Wallace commented:

When I'm not obsessively reading The AAP Guide To Your Child's Symptoms, in the past couple weeks I've enjoyed Leigh Wyndfield's Secret Obsession, Sharon Shinn's Mystic and Rider, and Kresley Cole's A Hunger Like No Other.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jody Allen commented:

On my TBR pile, which is kind of small at the moment: Keeping Kate by Sarah Gabriel, (I must be the last one to know that this is the new pen name for Susan King, whose books I loved. So was excited to discover them and a backlist to explore.) A Lady's Secret by Jo Beverley The WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley this one is new and had to order from the UK, ouch!! ) And for research I am reading David Crouch's TOURNAMENT




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Edie Ramer commented:

I'm reading Brides of the West, which Deborah, your first commenter, is reading, with novellas by Michele Ann Young, Billie Warren Chai, and Kimberly Ivey. I'm also reading a nonfiction book, Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Virginia H commented:

I am reading Real Vampires have Curves by Gerry Bartiett needed a little change. I just finished Give Me A Taxan.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Wendy commented:

I'm reading Hot by Julia Harper! :)




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jenny Haddon commented:

So agree about the Anne Gracie, such a fabulous world to visit, really satisying story. Love the Temeraire books too. Have just read IN THE WOODS by Tana French, a psychological murder mystery set in Ireland. Great characters and believable world, and some really lovely writing, especially in the creepy stuff. Mystery not so great but this is a debut and I shall certainly be buying the sequel. Couldn't put IN THE WOODS down until I finished.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Tori Carrington aka Lori & Tony commented:

Read? Read? The word rings a bell, but I can't quite connect it to the chaos that is currently our lives. Unless you count the Sunday Times, which takes me a week to get through 'cause I can devote no more than two minutes a day to reading it.

And now y'all are giving me all sorts of recommendations for great books, many of which are sitting in my precariously high TBR pile. (Piles, really.) Thanks a lot. Really.

Sigh.

Has it been two minutes already? 'Kay, back to work...

Have a fantabulous weekend!

Cheers, L :> (&T ;>)

FOUL PLAY Available Now - Enter to win a $25 B&N Gift Certificate!

www.toricarrington.net, sofiemetro.com, www.myspace.com/toricarrington




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Joy Nash commented:

I've most recently read Star Shadows by Colby Hodge - it's the third book in her futuristic Oasis series (Stargazer, Shooting Star). It did my Trekkie heart good - I just love a good futuristic. Colby's world building is superb, and she can really write a starfight. The characters in Star Shadows are the kids of the characters in the first two books in the series, so that was fun, too! I highly recommend it to people who like futuristic romance! Joy Nash www.joynash.com DEEP MAGIC (1/08) Gwendolyn risks forbidden magic and forbidden love in her quest to forge a sword in Avalon's defense.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Robyn En commented:

Oh I LOVED 'Perfect Kiss' and I went out and got all the others too. My latest read was The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long.




April 4, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Tracey O commented:

I loved the entire "Perfect" series. The Merridew sisters are wonderful. I have just finished reading "The Stolen Princess" also by Anne Gracie. It was fantastic and I can't wait to read about the other "riders".




April 5, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Marcia Colette commented:

I just finished reading No Humans Involved. So, I'm balancing my time between La Vida Vampire, Halfway to the Grave, and Secrets in Shadow. So far, so good. I think I'm on a winning streak because this is the first time in a while where nothing has been hurl-across-the-room worthy.




April 5, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Debi Murray commented:

Currently making my way through Jim Butcher's latest Harry Dresden, Small Favor. This guy gets better and better with every book. Rumor has it that he's got Harry's story mapped out for 20 books which couldn't make me happier. ;-)




April 5, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jordan Summers commented:

Barbara, It was great meeting you at NINC last week. Jennifer Ashley always delivers--no matter what name she's writing under.:) Right now I'm reading Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry. Quite entertaining.




April 5, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Jusy commented:

Almost finish with Beatrice Small's THE BORDER LORD'S BRIDE. I can always count on Beatrice to entertain. As for my TBR pile, it keeps growing and growing. I think I need to stop borrowing books from the library and get to my TBR pile. I just can't seem to just return books and walk out.




April 6, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
limecello commented:

I just read Witch Fire and Witch Blood by Anya Bast, and I'm starting Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas now :D. Otherwise, I'm reading about trusts, and first amendment freedom of expression rights =\.




April 6, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Tina LaVon commented:

I love Jennifer Ashley's books. I can't wait to read this one.




April 7, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Kathryne Kennedy commented:

Ooooh, Highland Ever After sounds like my kind of read. I'm so looking forward to it! Thank you for the heads-up, Barbara.:}




April 8, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
Roberta Beach Jacobson commented:

Just started The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (about time, eh?) and next up for me will be The Liar's Diary. I tend to buy books in bulk and then they sit for months (even years) before I get to all! Have just ordered the new Hillary Carlip (A la Cart: The Secret Lives of Grocery Shoppers) and The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel.




April 8, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
anne gracie commented:

Hi Barbara It was so lovely to meet you in NY. Thanks for blogging about my book. I'm still jetlagged, so I'm rereading some old favorites -- Eva Ibbotson and I also re-read the Kelly Hunter RITA finalist book, that I just loved to bits the first time around. I'm happy to say it's still a lovely book and is staying on my keeper shelf.




April 10, 2008
In response to: Your Turn Friday Returns
mary s commented:

Hello Barb--I've talked/blogged with other people who know you or of you & they are amazed that you can read & listen to 3 books at once (1 on your IPOD & 1 on the car CD player)!! Keep up the good work--we love the book suggestions!





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