Lindsay Emory

May 12, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now- May 2016

Lindsay Emory

May 12, 2016

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!

I didn't post my list last month. Why? So many reasons - home repairs/ remodeling, book editing, day job stress etc. But I'm glad to say that I've now read enough awesome books for a new post! YAY BOOKS! Let's get started!

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK!!!! Hero is a half-Black former slave who is now passing as a rich white guy in post-Civil War Nevada. Heroine is a free-born woman who has big dreams, a work ethic that won't stop and finds herself stranded in the Nevada desert (in a scene that will make you want to do violence against a fictional character.) Just by nature of their very identities is CONFLICT with a capital C, yet Ms. Jenkins creates a beautiful, historically rich love story in a time period that is underserved in romance novels.

The Rogue by Katharine Ashe

And then THIS BOOK. Yes, it's yet another Great Britain historical romance but OMG. I haven't had feels like this in a long, long time. The hero is NOT a lord or a Duke or whatnot, so that's refreshing. It's set in Scotland, there's a credible mystery, and some secondary characters that practically leap off the page and into your lap.

A caveat: This is apparently the end of one series and the beginning of another. There were references to characters and plot lines that were obviously from the first books in the series. I did not find that difficult to navigate, but it could bother other readers. So start from the beginning (as I'm probably going to do) and then get to THIS BOOK.

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

I did not realize that this book was released in 2009 until I went to Amazon to steal the cover photo. Like the last book, this was also part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. The heroine is an American heiress and I'm pretty much a sucker for any New York heiress-husband-hunting in England story (think Earl and Countess Grantham's backstory from Downton Abbey.) There's a touch of magic, a villain who you pray can be redeemed, and a pleasantly grumpy yet not-too tortured hero.

Act Like It by Lucy Parker

First, let's take a moment and gaze upon this cover. THIS. COVER. IS. EVERYTHING. I know most have you have already bought it just based on that cover.

Now I'm going to admit something awful. I bought this book when it came out because THAT COVER and the love on Twitter was strong for this one. Then I didn't read it. And I didn't read it. And I wanted to read it, because The COVER and the LOVE, and LONDON and .... what stopped me from reading it??

I write contemporary romance and mystery and I'm just SO PICKY when I read other contemporary novels. Not picky in a "oh that sucks I'm so much better way" but "is this book going to make me hate everything I write" and "am I unconsciously going to emulate this voice or trope or setting" and "is this just like something I've written and OMG maybe I should change X, Y, and Z in my book." But I was at the beach, and my writer brain was calm and I finally found myself in a place where I could just relax and enjoy all the fabulousness that is this book. It's an enemies to lovers, fake relationship set-up but it ultimately goes to a lovely, REAL contemporary story where you see two people (He is a moody wealthy stage actor - think Richard Burton without the cirrhosis. She is his warm, down-to-earth co-star.) fall for each other for all the right reasons.

The Last Plus One

And speaking of covers... THIS COVER. THIS COVER!!!! Take a second and just appreciate this piece of fun, summer perfection. There's pink! And champagne! And WHO IS THAT GUY? And "I'm on a BOAT!"

This is my next release, a fun little project set at a Maine compound at the wedding of the year. Three authors, three novellas, three Happily Ever Afters. Check it out and make sure you stay tuned to my Facebook and Twitter because there will be a fun wedding-themed giveaway around the release date in June.

Until then, happy reading!!!

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.

Lindsay Emory

January 7, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now: January 2016

Lindsay Emory

January 7, 2016

Best Books

I can't believe I actually read books in December. All I remember of the month is unpacking boxes from Amazon and frantically driving around the county. I swear, one Saturday I used a whole tank of gas, shuttling children (and myself) here and there. No wonder I collapsed in a great heap after Christmas.

Anyway, I tried coming up with a theme for the month and it hit me: RETURN.

Let's see how that flows:

Love Me Sweet, by Tracy Brogan

This is the third of her Bell Harbor series, but it could easily be read on its own. Unlike the first two, it's in alternating his/her POV's and it's about a reality show cameraman who

returns

to his hometown of Bell Harbor, Michigan and finds that his mom has rented his house to a (unbeknownst to him) reality show star runaway. There's lots of snow (perfect for this time of year) and as always, plenty of Tracy Brogan humor.

Again My Lord

and

My Lady, My Lord

both by Katharine Ashe

This author has really become one of my favorite historical authors and these two books are in her Twist series. I didn't know what to expect of this series or what differentiated it from other series but OH MY GRAVY (to borrow an expression from my friend

Alexandra Haughton

). These are...different. In a good way! They are not your normal historicals, they each have a twist, perhaps sort of supernatural? wherein a goddess plays a little prank on the main characters. Anyway, I don't want to give too much away (and when you read them, you'll see how my

RETURN

theme fits in here), but I thoroughly enjoyed these books and whenever the next one comes out, it will be a insta-one-click from me.

The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah Maclean

It's the

return

of Sarah Maclean! This is the first book in her new highly anticipated new historical romance series, which is being promoted as TMZ in Regency period. This was a break from her last series, it was lighter and funnier and actually, I kept drawing comparisons between this and LOVE ME SWEET, above, which also has the hero and heroine on a madcap road trip.

RUSHING TO DIE by Lindsay Emory

The

return

MARGOT BLYTHE

! My latest was released on 12/29 and I'm so pleased by the response from people! Yes, it's the second in the Sorority Sisters Mystery series, but it can be read on its own. This time, the sorority ladies of Sutton College are preparing for Rush and when another dead body is found in the Delta Beta yard, lots of caffeine is needed to deal with the resulting craziness.

Let me know what you've read and enjoyed lately and if you have any book reading resolution for 2016! I'm pretty stoked that I've been invited to join a proper book club so who know what I'll be posting around here in the future? It could be this

Or this:

See y'all next month to find out!

Lindsay Emory

December 2, 2015

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now: December

Lindsay Emory

December 2, 2015

Best Books

BEST BOOKS TO READ NOW

I got through more books in November mostly because I was fortunate enough to escape to Napa, California for a long weekend right before Thanksgiving. You may have seen some pictures (mostly of wine) on my

Instagram

but the weekend was more than just wine tastings. It was beautiful weather, good "old" friends, and going to bed early in the blessed silence of a Calistoga mountainside.

Last month when I was writing up my books, I noted that there were some themes to my selections and I'm noticing the same this month.

Kissing Her Crush - Ophelia London

I love this book for so many reasons, not least of which I had several good plotting sessions with Ophelia while she wrote this book over the course of a year. It's exciting to see the things we talked about "come to life" and see how Ophelia embued them her signature flair (hint: Gorilla!) While it's not strictly a Christmas / holiday book I think it fits in perfectly with the holiday season with its themes of chocolate, family and love.

One Week in December -- Alexis Anne, Audra North, Julia Kelly, Alexandra Haughton

The "

One Week" crew

is back with this enchanting (and FREE!) selection of short holiday romances. I'm telling you, this was perfect for holiday travel - little bite sized pieces of holiday cheer.

Pick it up (for FREE

) while you can!

The Best Man - Kristan Higgins

This was my first Kristan Higgins book (I know! Where have I been?!) but she's been on my AUTHORS TO READ list since I heard her speak at an RWA 2014 workshop and THE BEST MAN won't be my last. I literally devoured this in 24 hours after Thanksgiving, the day that will henceforth be known as The Day I Walked 5000 Steps In My Own Kitchen (thanks Fitbit for that data nugget). Being drawn into the Blue Heron winemaking world (right after my own trip to Napa, no less) with all of the small town sweetness and family humor was ideal for a post-Thanksgiving escape. The digital version is on sale now for $.99!

Magic Shifts- Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels Book 8)

So obviously, the accidental themes of my books this month have been sweet, family, romances. Does MAGIC SHIFTS fit in with that? If you've read the first seven books of this series and if you're a major Kate Daniels/ Ilona Andrews fan, the answer is UM, YES. If you haven't (and why haven't you?), then you might not understand that after seven Kate Daniels books and four more other books in the series the post-Shift world of Kate Daniels at this point FEELS like home and the characters at this point feel like family. Am I stretching the theme at this point?

I am a big BIG fan of Ilona Andrews (the husband and wife writing team of Ilona and Gordon Andrews) and I've read EVERYTHING they've ever written. I'm such a huge fan that I had to stop tweeting Gordon because I didn't want to be one of those annoying fans that tweeted things like, "I like cake. Do you like cake? Want to be best friends? I can send you cake." I was sitting at the bar at RT this year with my agent and when I saw Gordon and Ilona across the room, I kind of forgot what I was supposed to be talking about, I was so star-struck.

Basically, I love them. I love their books. I recommend them. MAGIC SHIFTS came out this summer but because I didn't have enough time to really savor it, I saved it and when I got to Napa and heard the silence, I knew I could immerse myself in the latest installment.

If you want more information on this epic, sometimes-violent, sometimes-spicy, always entertaining series, hit me up and I'll talk your ear off.

SPEAKING OF SALES...

I have books too!

KNOW WHEN TO HOLD HIM

is on sale for $.99... AND!!!

RUSHING TO DIE

is releasing on 12/29 and available for pre-order NOW!!

I'm so excited for everyone to read the newest installment of the Sorority Sisters Mysteries. Margot Blythe is back and preparing for rush (recruitment). There are new characters, new challenges, but Officer Ty Hatfield, Casey Kenner and the ladies of Delta Beta are still there for Margot to boss around - I mean, motivate and inspire.

because I'll be sending out a deluxe sample of RUSHING TO DIE before the release date!!