Lindsay Emory

March 7, 2017

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - March 2017

Lindsay Emory

March 7, 2017

Best Books

Reminder/ Caveat/ Disclaimer: This is my (hopefully) monthly list of books I’ve read and enjoyed. These are not reviews, I do not include books I didn’t enjoy because life is too short to speak badly of books!

Yes, dear reader, I skipped my BBTRN post for February. Life, man. Also, DNFs. Also... I was catching up on some of my favorite series and I didn't want my whole blog post to be about book 9 and 10 of a great series...

Like Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson series. I wrote about this series before and like I said then, I don't know how I got behind (except, y'know, LIFE) and obviously it took me longer than I'd like to catch up but oh man, Darynda just never disappoints. In The Dirt on Ninth Grave and The Curse on Tenth Grave Charley and her ragtag crew of (other)worldly friends are still funny, loyal, sexy and mysterious. Exactly what I love to read. And yes, I'm already behind again because Eleventh Grave in Moonlight is already out and waiting for me...

Y'all.

Those of you who have seen me in person have probably already heard me gush about the Winston Brothers series, about seven (mostly bearded) sexy siblings. From the humor to the dialogue to the fantastic covers, I loved these up and down. For some reason, I read book 3, Beard Science, and then book 1, Truth or Beard and I can attest to the fact that you will love the Winston Brothers in all the various birth orders. Do not amble, stroll, mosey or otherwise lollygag, RUN to your local internet book retailer and start (wherever you please) with these books and then come talk to me about them and we can sigh and giggle over them together.

Right after I saw Ms. Quarles win the RITA for Must Love Chainmail last year in San Diego, she popped it on sale and I nabbed it. I like time travel historicals (oh hai Jamie Fraser) but I hadn't read a medieval book in decades, probably, so I just needed to be in the right mood, which I was in February (probably because I had an inexplicable urge to put on armor and grab a very big weapon and fight against tyrannical kings.) I chomped this one down fast. The historical details were fascinating and well-researched, the romance lovely, the suspense immediate. I like the slight twist on the typical time-travel ending (it's an HEA, don't worry) and the fact that the two characters couldn't understand each other immediately (modern day English is very different from 13th century English). I'm definitely going to pick up her other books in this series, Must Love Breeches and Must Love Kilts to tide me over until Outlander returns...

Big Little Lies was my book club selection for January/February and mostly because I saw the HBO show was starting and remembered I always wanted to read a Liane Moriarty book. I'm pretty embarrassed it took me this long but... um... see my Darynda Jones delays. I'm a busy woman. I can't read everything! I loved the book. I found it refreshing, suspenseful and real and I've got a couple of episodes saved up to binge watch this weekend. (I've heard great things - are you watching?)

As always, I'd love to hear about what you're reading, watching and loving lately. Hit me up on my Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. And are you subscribed to my newsletter? I hope to have some announcements about new books coming soon!

P.S. I'm also participating in a multi-author contest this week featuring books with women sleuths! Check it out here to win 45+ books!

Lindsay Emory

August 22, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - August 2016

Lindsay Emory

August 22, 2016

Best Books

No virgin heroines here!! Wives, widows, and divorcees are the focus this month! Let's get started, shall we?

The Swans of 5th Ave

by Melanie Benjamin

This was my pick for my book club and let me tell you, I was s t r e s s e d about choosing a book that was "literary" enough (even though my book club isn't snooty like that, I still want to impress.). So I selected this novel based on real people and their relationship with a "literary" author, Truman Capote. Maybe I've read too many

Vanity Fair

issues (see

MEET ME

) but I've had a longstanding fascination with Capote and his glamorous friends; Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Maria Guiness and the rest of his so-called "Swans."

Our group had so much to discuss about this easy, fun, yet thought-provoking read. I highly recommend it - and I'll want to discuss it with you too!

Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress

by Theresa Romain

I've been enjoying the non-traditional historical romance (is that a thing? You know what I mean) and this is one of them. The hero is mixed race and not a Duke, the heroine is an heiress but not aristocratic and it's set in Bath, not London. If that's not enough to interest you, the sexual tension in this book is set to 11.

Your Scandalous Ways

by Loretta Chase

Julia Kelly

recommended this book to me by the pool in San Diego.

A spy.

A courtesan.

Venice.

By Loretta Chase.

Um, one click.

Again, not your mama's Regency romance. And it was awesome.

First Women

by Kate Andersen Brower

I bet she wanted to call this First Wives Club but that was already taken

and so not the same thing. This book is about modern First LADIES, you know, the women who are married to presidents. I was expecting tell-all behind the scenes tales and there's some of that, but what's even better are the truly heart warming stories of the First Families, their friendships with each other and the strength of the marriages in the White House. If you're sick of politics, have turned off cable news and wish you could take a nap until November 10th, I urge you to try this book out because it will make you not want to move to Canada.

What else? Check out this

giveaway

to celebrate our

#ReadWritePlan challenge

for a chance to win a planner, pens or a book (Read, Write, Plan, get it?)

OH! And new subscribers to my newsletter during August will get an opportunity for a free download of my Sorority Sisters Mystery, RUSHING TO DIE!

Click here

to subscribe!

If you've read anything great recently, I'd love to hear your recommendations below or on

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Lindsay Emory

July 18, 2016

Plan * Write * Publish

RWA16 Roundup - Mystery, Magic and Girl Crushes

Lindsay Emory

July 18, 2016

Plan * Write * Publish

Prologue

Editors often suggest that a writer should start her story with a hook, or an inciting incident, or, in the case of a mystery, a body.

So here you go.

That is a man in white boxer briefs, standing on a San Diego bar with motorcycle gloves and a helmet covering his, um, steering column.

Chapter One - the Setting

This was my third RWA National Conference to attend and, like the first two, it did not disappoint. Also, like the first two, it defied my expectations. San Diego was better than I expected it would be - the sun, breeze, coastal temperature put everyone (okay, me) in a happy mood. The city is walkable, has tons of attractions and restaurants and our hotel, the Marriott Marquis Marina was an outstanding place for a conference. It was large, clean, the staff and service were impeccable and there were so many chairs and places to meet friends and colleagues.

Chapter Two - the Introduction of the Heroine

I've discussed in my previous blog posts about RWA Nationals (here and here) that there are always unexpected surprises that occur at the conference so this year, I came prepared. I came to conference open to whatever magic might be brewing. As I told someone on my last day, I may not learn what I want, but I learn what I need. This year the standouts were Beverly Jenkins' keynote, getting to watch Love Between the Covers again (which is now available on iTunes and Amazon - go NOW and watch this uplifting documentary about friendship, self-determination and making dreams come true) and an amaze-balls two hour creativity workshop that I'm still working through, brought to us by Lori Wilde and the Indra's Grace yoga crew from "back home" in Texas. I also got some great tips from Rachel Hollis on social media which was pretty cool since she's sort of awesome at all the platforms.

I signed at the Readers for Life literacy signing and at the Avon book signing where I was happy to just be in the same room with that amazing group of writers, and I gave out my buttons to readers, to librarians, to people I made a personal connection with. I thought long and hard about what my swag should say this year and in the end, I just wanted to spread a positive message about the thing that we all love so much.

It was so fun to watch people's faces go from "oh yeah, I'll take your crappy pin" to "Man, I need this" or "This is awesome." It made my day and I hope it lifted them a little too.

Chapter Three - the Heroine Finds True Love

Warning - this chapter contains explicit fangirling which may offend those readers who aren't awesome and don't have friends. Or hearts.

The best best best part of any conference, but this one in particular, was my girls. The women who preached from the stage, the ones who listened to me debate minute career decisions while under the influence of tequila, the ones who immediately "got" me, the ones who made time to get to know me. I am always in awe of this sisterhood, this sorority of Romancelandia. That doesn't mean that there weren't those who got snippy or had bad table manners or tried to put me in my newbie place. Yeah, yeah, whatever. You do you. I do me. And I choose to celebrate talented writers and inspiring women. I choose to smile at everyone and drink with anyone who asks.

I love Susanna Kearsley so much. If I ever move to Canada in November *cough* I want to live on her street.

I finally got to tell Diane Kelly, the president of RWA, how she was the first person to welcome me to DARA and tell me she thought my vampire lawyer book sounded really good (let's just say this shows how warm and supportive she is). I got to tell Sarah Wendell how I talk to her in my head and that she sounds sexier in real life (I don't think she reported me to the police.) There were so many other awesome moments and so many new friends, I just can't list them all. Check out my social media and that of Alexandra Haughton, Julia Kelly and Alexis Anne for more fun pics of our adventures (and late night videos!.)

Chapter Four- the Happily Ever After

I left #RWA16 leaving uplifted and convicted (and almost 7k words written - whoop!). Most importantly, my tribe is stronger than ever. And even though I feel a leeetle like Margot Blythe when I say this, isn't that the best kind of happy ending?

Epilogue - the Cruel Cliffhanger

If you want to know the story of the man in the tighty whities pictured above, I'll be posting it in my next newsletter, along with some really fun giveaways and promos and book news, as always. Sign up here to get the scoop!

Lindsay Emory

March 9, 2016

Best Books

Best Books To Read Now: March 2016

Lindsay Emory

March 9, 2016

Best Books

Another interesting mix of stories this month,but these are all by authors I am a major fangirl for. Shall we get started??

Wife for the Weekend by Ophelia London

If you know me on social media or have followed this blog, you'll recognize the name Ophelia London. The first time I met her in person at a DARA meeting, I kind of (yes, I did) freaked out on her, and gushed about her (then) latest release, Definitely, Maybe In Love (If you love Pride & Prejudice, and you want a modern retelling, check it out). We've become good friends since, and I'm still a fangirl of her personally and of her books. In fact, I was lucky enough to get an early ARC of this book because that dear sweet girl asked me to write a blurb for her. See it there? In tiny letters on the top of the cover? That's how I feel about this funny, sweet book about how two opposites can attract.

Be Not Afraid by Alyssa Cole

I think I've only met Alyssa Cole once in person, at last year's RWA, but it feels like I've *known* her for longer, in that way that you do when you tweet and podcast with someone. When we met, she gave me the biggest, warmest hug and well, I'm just a huge fan. We guested on the same episode of First Draught last year and we shared that we both (coincidentally?) had books where someone gets killed in the first scene; this was the book she was discussing. Yes, it's a romance, lol. It's a short novella set during the American Revolution and if you're obsessed with Hamilton, like I am (Hey Universe, still waiting on those tickets, thx) you will love this story.

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

And I am officially obsessed with this author and series now. My darling friend Erika had been telling me to get on this for a long, long time and I finally did and OMG.

I'm trying to savor the Lady Julia Grey series and not rip through them like I am known to do. If you like modern women in historical times, mystery and dark, forbidding heroes, you will love this book. And Ms. Raybourn seems like a peach so I'm fangirling hard for her, as well.

The Bourbon Kings by JR Ward

Someone who doesn't need another fangirl is J.R. Ward. The woman is worshipped by millions for her Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I've read them all. Here's the deal about the BDB; they're badass, supernatural vampires who live like Jay Z and look like, I don't know, hot wrestlers. Then J.R. Ward starts this series, about a Kentucky bourbon dynasty and I was like...

But somehow a privileged Southern family is just as insane as rap-star vampires. This book is a total throwback to 1980's Jackie Collins/ Dynasty/ soap opera gloriousness. It's ludicrous and no one is a nice person and you see the plot twists from a mile away and you just want to gobble it up like a one pound bag of peanut M&Ms. My advice? Wait for this summer, when the sequel comes out and you'll have two cracktastic sagas to enjoy by the pool

So what else is new?

MEAN SISTERS, (the UK version of Sisterhood is Deadly (which is on sale for $.99! for a limited time!)), releases in the UK on March 17, 2016 and is currently for sale via pre-order for .99!

I had such an amazing response to my last Goodreads giveaway, that I'm doing another one and giving away another 2 books to celebrate the print release of RUSHING TO DIE. Check it out!

We're headed to the mountains for Spring Break so I'm going to fill up my Kindle with something amazing to read in the lodge while everyone else skis... Any suggestions?

Lindsay Emory

February 10, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now: February 2016

Lindsay Emory

February 10, 2016

Best Books

So this last month has been a hard reading month. You'll notice that I'm not including four books and that's not because I didn't read four (or more) books, it's just I can't talk about all of them (*cough* RITA *cough*).

Hopefully next month I'll be right back to devouring my 2016 TBR pile, which will include diverse authors and genres to talk about! Yay!

But actually, this month's reads were pretty diverse. In fact, they're so diverse, I'm finding it hard to find a theme that will hold all of them. I have a memoir by an Indian-American actress/writer/producer, a paranormal about the Grim Reaper and an Italian literary novel translated into English.

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

I've been a HYUGE (say in a Donald Trump voice) fan of Mindy Kaling since WAY back in the day. I even used to follow her shopping blog back before shopping blogs were a thing (like, circa 2004). I love her voice in her television shows (The Office and The Mindy Project) and I loved her voice in this memoir, as well. It was seriously LOL funny. I know, lots of people say that but trust me. I've also decided that one day Mindy and I will develop a project together. This is a serious Bucket List item, along with

*meet Dolly Parton,*
*see Hamilton on Broadway* and
*get my eyebrows on fleek.*

Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones

I feel kind of dumb talking about this book, when apparently book #9 in this series was just released? I don't know how I got behind, because I usually jump on new releases in series I love. This is another book / series where I just love the voice (Wait....

I now know the theme for this entry. VOICE. All of these books have great VOICE. Carry on.

Charley Davidson (the main character in this series, also known as the Grim Reaper) is one of those voices that can inspire me, make me laugh and make me feel immediacy. It took me a little longer to get into this book, probably because I waited so damn long between books, but the cliffhanger and the way Ms. Jones wrapped up on plot point and jumped into a new direction has me so excited to pick up #9, The Dirt on Ninth Grave ASAP.

My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante

Last month I mentioned that I had been invited to a real, grown-ass, booky book club. I was so excited! All of my other book clubs have dissolved like:

[embed]http://https://youtu.be/qkTzDh8IKNU[/embed]

This month's selection was MY BRILLIANT FRIEND and I'm still trying to process it. The voice is incredibly intimate yet distant, with a beautiful musical quality. It's a story of a complicated friendship between two girls in post-War Naples and I flipped through the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next, who was good, who was a psychopath, who was maybe a mentally ill murderer. I'd love to discuss this one with more of you!

In case you aren't a digital reader, RUSHING TO DIE came out in paperback yesterday! If you've read it (or any of my books), please consider leaving a review wherever you bought it. I'm also giving away two copies on Goodreads and you have until February 14th to enter there!

As always, I'd love to hear what you've been reading and what you thought about it! Leave a comment or hit me up on Facebook to discuss books, #mancrushmonday and more.