Reading Review of the Year

I find that this time of year kind of naturally lends itself to looking back and thinking about the great books I’ve read this year. If I had to pick some of my favourite m/m to recommend they would include:-

Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville
Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price
Every Good Thing by M. Jules Aedin
Hero by Perry Moore
A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan

And to celebrate – the re-relaunch of the blog, the holiday season – I have a copy of Every Good Thing by M. Jules Aedin to give away. Just comment on any blog post between now and the end of December and I will choose one poster at random to win a copy of the book.

If anyone has any book recommendations from 2009 I would love to hear them, or about the books you’re looking forward to in 2010. I’m always looking for new books to add to my TBR pile.

What I’ve Been Reading

 So because of the decorating and writing, I’ve actually had very little time to do any reading. But I did manage to sneak in a quick novella – Object of His Desire by Ava March.

Yep I’m keeping with the historical theme of my other recent reads, this is a sweetly erotic m/m novella and I’ll be checking out more of Ava March’s stories. Blurb is below:-

“He thinks he’s just a wallflower. Little does he know he’s the guest of honor…

It’s the last night of a week-long house party in remote northern England. Every sensual delight imaginable is right at Henry Shaw’s fingertips. Yet all he wants is to be with his host, the deliciously handsome and enigmatic Arsen Grey. Henry’s certain it’s love, not mere infatuation. He’s also sure it’s hopeless. After all, the party’s purpose is to find Arsen a new mistress.

Arsen longs to leave the glittering, jaded world of the ton behind and find someone who will value him for himself, not his wealth and his title. He suspects that someone could be the strapping country gentleman he’s caught staring at him. Henry is loyal and dependable, nothing like his other acquaintances. Arsen sets a plan into motion, one designed to get Henry into his bed. One that includes a test of devotion.

Arsen never expected that in winning Henry, he risks losing his heart.”

What I’m Reading

Completed my second beta read – a rather hot menage,

I also managed to squeeze in The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop.  I love the Black Jewels series, and my fingers are crossed that we have more to look forward to, following the introduction of some very interesting characters in The Shadow Queen.

And I’ve just started Frost Fair by Erastes. This is a m/m regency. Now I don’t usually read historicals. But having taken the plunge with Pride and Prejudice, and having read The Shadow Queen to get my dark fantasy fix, I’m ready to put my toe back in the historicals pool as it were. Having had a quick scroll through I’m pretty sure I’m going to like it. More thoughts next Monday.

What I’m Reading

Yay! Finally finished Pride and Prejudice and it will definitely be staying on my keeper shelf. I can see this as a book I will re-read to cheer me up when I’m feeling down. Am now indulging myself with watching the television series.

I also finished the beta read on the novel. And am about to start another beta read.

On the reading for enjoyment front. I’m thinking up next will probably be something m/m.

What I’m Reading

Still Pride and Prejudice but I am a lot farther through it now, about halfway. Charlotte has married Mr. Collins. (So I guess he doesn’t end up with Mary huh?) I’ve also watched the first episode of the P&P series which featured Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy. Even though I’d never watched it, I’d seen that many trailers that those actors were pretty much fixed in my head as the characters anyway.

Although I initially thought I’d struggle with the story, even though I’m only half way through I can completely understand why for some people this is their ultimate comfort read. Jane Austen’s use of language is so precise there is never any doubt to her meaning, and I very much appreciate how cleverly it is written.

One of the reasons it’s taking me so long to get through P&P is that I’m currently beta reading. Now I don’t know how other people beta read but I write lots and lots of notes. Though this can depend on what the writer is looking for, sometimes it’s just a general overview, other times it’s a line edit. I always feel privileged when someone asks me to betaread, apart from anything else it’s helped me a lot as a writer to see how other authors go about developing their stories and ideas. So if ever you have the opportunity and have the time and commitment I heartily recommend beta reading.

What I’m Reading

I’ve been re-reading the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon over the past couple of weeks. It features one of my favourite m/m couples Jake and Adrien. And if I had to chose a favourite book it would probably be A Dangerous Thing because it has more Jake and Adrien. Lol. Rereading the series whilst I wait to get my hands on his newest book – The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks.

Still plugging away with Pride & Prejudice though. Currently up to p52. Jane has recovered from her illness and gone home and the Bennets have received a visit from their cousin Mr. Collins. Whom I suspect would be a perfect match for Mary Bennet.

What I’m Reading

Still Pride and Prejudice at the moment and as I’m working hard on the WIP  have only made it to page 32.

On the positive side have now clocked well over 10,000 words on The Bargain – more on that tomorrow.

So far in P&P – Mr.Bingley has moved into Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet would like Jane (one of her daughters) to get her hooks in him. There have been a couple of balls and Mr. Darcy has not endeared himself to the local population by apppearing to have a stick permanently lodged somewhere it shouldn’t be. Jane has visited Netherfield but got caught in the rain and became sick. Much to the delight of Mrs. Bennet this means she’s stuck at Netherfield. Elizabeth (Jane’s sister) has visited Netherfield to look after her sister where the Bingley females are polite to her face but rude behind her back, mainly it seems because she had the temerity to walk to Netherfield rather than take a coach.

Austen certainly manages to pack a lot in.

What I’m Reading

So I’ve made a start on Pride and Prejudice.

Currently at page 30 (remember I said I was a slow reader), and despite my misgivings before I started reading I’m quite enjoying it. It’s not heavy going which was a pleasant surprise and a lot of it is very witty and cleverly written. I’m particularly enjoying the conversations between Mr and Mrs Bennet which are laced with double meanings and little digs.

It’s interesting to note that there seems to be a lot of ‘telling’, quite frowned upon in modern writing where we are very much concerned with almost pulling the reader into the action and story of the book. Also the cast seems to increase every couple of pages, usually with a cast this large I’d expect there to be a list at the front of the book detailing how everyone relates to everyone else.

Even from the few pages I’ve read so far I can appreciate why for a lot of people this is their ultimate comfort read. I think I definitely lucked out on picking this one.

A couple of weekends ago there was a Pride & Prejudice (Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) marathon on the television which I’ve recorded. I don’t want to watch it until after I’ve read the book, but it seemed too fortuitous not to take the opportunity. Maybe I will finally get to understand the attraction of a man going swimming with a shirt on. lol

Favourite line so far comes from Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy when he comments that he only knows six accomplished women and then proceeds to list the variety of skills and talents said accomplished woman should possess.

“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.“

What I’m Reading

Lol – it’s reading Monday.

My reading aims for 2009 are to focus on three categories – bear in mind that it takes me quite a while to read anything – the classics, banned books and I’ll probably sneak a little m/m in there.

Why these three? Well in 2008 during banned books week I realized I’d actually read very few of the banned books listed and wanted to rectify that. Hopefully by banned books week this year I’ll be able to make it to 13 books read.

Also apart from the books I HAD to read at school I’ve read very few of what would be considered classic stories so I’m going to try and get in at least a couple of those and hope they aren’t too heavy going.

And I couldn’t possibly get through the year without reading and recommending some m/m.

So I’m starting out with a classic – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This is one of those books that has been made into television series and movies several times over. I admit I have watched none of them and have never read the book. So this should be interesting. I’ll update you all next week with my progress (or lack of).