Lindsay Emory

January 17, 2017

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - January 2017

Lindsay Emory

January 17, 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!

As is often the case, my reading plans for the past couple of months didn't quite go as planned. I had a stack of books I intended to curl up with over the holidays and then I found myself reading something else. Fortunately for me (and for you?) the novels I picked were totally engrossing and perfect for lazy winter sick days (Yeah, I was struck down by the Great Cruddy Cold of Christmas 2016 - anyone else?).

If You Only Knew - Kristan Higgins

When Kristan Higgins' If You Only Knew was released, readers and her fellow authors alike raised a brow. A women's fiction novel from one of the queens of contemporary romance?

I am happy to report that there's still plenty of romance in this book, but also a fascinating story about three women who try to put their lives back together after heartbreak, betrayal and loss. There's something in this book for romance fans and women's fiction fans.

The Hating Game - Sally Thorne

Speaking of the blend of romance and women's fiction, The Hating Game was on so many "best of" lists of 2016, including NPR's. This is packaged as a women's fiction or chick lit book but in my opinion, it is a straight up romance/ romantic comedy about how hate and love are two sides of the same coin. I couldn't put it down.

A Promise of Fire - Amanda Bouchet

I first heard about A Promise of Fire on Smart Bitches Trashy Books but then, suddenly, it was every-freaking-where. This was another book that got a lot of end-of-year accolades and for good reason. It's a totally unique fantasy romance and I didn't really know what I was reading for the first 20 pages. It was a pseudo-Greek mythological world. People have magic, there are lands and kingdoms, Game of Thrones-style and a romance that sort of reminded me of Curran and Kate in Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series (one of my all-time faves.)

I will make one caveat/ warning that I've noticed in a lot of the reviews. For a good portion of the book, the heroine is literally tied to the hero after being kidnapped by him. Yes, it's a magic rope. Yes, he's a benevolent captor. Yes, she can make herself invisible. Still, if such things would bother you, I wanted you to be aware.

Now is a good time to grab this because Breath of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles), Book 2 has just been released and the third book is supposed to be released later this year, I believe.

A Lady Awakened - Cecilia Grant

This is another book that someone mentioned in a SBTB podcast (I think? I can't remember and I can't find the episode) and I kept seeing it on people's "OMG Favorite Historical Romance" lists. To continue my trend of atypical historical romances, this is a tale of a widow who essentially hires a playboy neighbor to try to impregnate her so that she can inherit her late husband's estate and save it from her late husband's brother's evil clutches... got that? Even though the plot sounds bananas and over the top, I can't remember the last time a romance felt so intimate and so small. The hero and heroine truly develop and mature through the book. There are (gasp!) conversations, there are real feelings and true, sweet intimacy. If you're tired of wham, bam thank you ma'am stories this one might be a breath of fresh air for you.

So... as always, I'd love to hear what you've read or are reading. Throw those suggestions at me down below or keep in touch on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. And are you subscribed to my newsletter?

If not, WHY NOT? My newsletter subscribers get all the news about new books, sales and contests, FIRST - sign up here and keep in touch in 2017!

Lindsay Emory

November 10, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - November 2016

Lindsay Emory

November 10, 2016

Best Books

Can I talk for one sec about that ^^ above? Some observant readers might notice that I didn't post this blog in October. The reason? DNF's - books I did not finish - and books that I couldn't really recommend to a friend. And I get a physical ache talking about this because... I want every book to be something I can share and be giddy over. But... alas, I have a string of half-finished novels in my Kindle and a bunch of texts to friends about "this book is so stupid, it makes me want to bang my head against a brick wall." You know the ones.

BUT. I am happy to report that I finally finished four books worthy of the title Best Books to Read Now. Ready? Here we go.

Hidden by Kendra Elliot

In July, I had the opportunity to participate in the RWA Literacy Signing and there I had the pleasure of sitting next to the lovely Kendra Elliot. I got to see her adoring fans and meet her gregarious husband and she was very sweet to me, the newbie. I finally got to read the first of her Bone Secrets romantic suspense series, Hidden, and it was quite the page turner. I can't wait to keep reading the rest of the series!

The Earl - by Katharine Ashe

Regular readers of this blog will note that I have become a serious Katharine Ashe fan girl. If you love Scotland, and the beautiful scenery of Outlander, I recommend this historical romance that tells the story of a lady and an earl on a trip through nineteenth century Scotland. The Earl is part of a continuing series and the start of a new series I believe but I enjoyed it without reading the rest.

Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley

I'm not going to lie. I kinda sorta thought there would be a dragon in this book. I don't know why. It's not like (the always amaze-balls) Susanna Kearsley is known for her dragon shapeshifters but...what can I say, these days dragons are a thing. I'm not saying I was disappointed - of course not! -especially when the book seamlessly weaves together a modern day mystery (y'all know I love a mystery!), Arthurian legend, Tudor history, a Rosamunde Pilcher-esque holiday house party and a sexy rural Welsh playwright. I highly recommend Named of the Dragon as a perfect cozy comfort read during the holidays.

Six Dirty Secrets - by Alexis Anne

My friend Alexis Anne has just released her latest, 6 Dirty Secrets and it is so fun, hot, creative and pure escapism. Yes, it's number 6 in a series, but the series is more like connected characters - you don't have to read the first five to read this one (although you'll want to!)

So... November hit and a big hit of HOLIDAY CHEER smacked me upside the face.

And I thought, I want to spread more holiday cheer across the land! I'm doing a RANDOM GRAB BAG GIVEAWAY here. Three winners will receive a wrapped holiday gift during December. There will be books. There will be treats and swag and surprises!

My newsletter subscribers will also get a separate chance to enter, so make sure you're signed up here. I've been planning 2017 already and tons of things are percolating and my newsletter subscribers will get all the news and deals and bonuses first.

I'm not sure I'll post a Best Books to Read Now in December... I have a stack of nonfiction and cozy mysteries I've been saving to devour during the holidays. Keep in touch on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lindsay Emory

September 19, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - September 2016

Lindsay Emory

September 19, 2016

Best Books

Dream a Little Dream

by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This is the first SEP book that made me cry. Again. And again. And over. and over.

Let me back up a few. When I join a book club, I lay down my first rule: no hurting kids stories. I don't care how uplifting they turn out, if there's an abused or murdered kid, I'm out.

So it should be no surprise that it was the KID in this book that made me sob. And really, it wasn't so much the kid as his mother, who loves him so desperately that she's willing to go to desperate measures to provide him food, shelter and clothing.

Even with the tears, do I recommend it? Yes. It has more pain than most SEP books (with a widower hero, to match the widow heroine), but it also has all the feels, the funny and a few Chicago Stars - my favorite.

A Scot in the Dark

, by Sarah MacLean

The first few chapters of this book were fine. And if you think I'm speaking badly of this book, please remember that it's written by Sarah MacLean and a "fine" Sarah MacLean novel is better than 98% of all books.

I'm just warning you. It's a fine story about a forgotten ward and the Scottish duke who discovers he's her guardian. And then. ...Slowly, deliberately, artfully, Ms. MacLean began to slice and dice my heart with a Scottish broadsword and stuff it into a sheep's intestine and call it haggis, #romancelandia style.

A SCOT IN THE DARK comes very close to my favorite Maclean (That would be

NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED

) (and yes, savvy Sarah Mac fans will note similarities between the Diluted Duke and the Killer Duke and therefore deduce my preferences in heroes - growly, damaged and often violent.) I also loved the bright spots of humor and banter that balance the torturous haggis o'heartbreak. Also? SESILY NEEDS A BOOK, SARAH!!

Me and the ever-awesome Sarah Maclean — That's me plying Sarah with alcohol so she'll write me a Sesily story.

The Governess was Wicked, by Julia Kelly

As observant readers will remember, Julia Kelly is a friend of mine and I was able to scoop up an exclusive advanced reading copy of this book in July at RWA. Observant readers will also recall that I've been devouring non-traditional historical romance for this whole year, and THE GOVERNESS WAS WICKED fits right into that. The heroine is a governess, of course. The hero? A doctor. And a whole heck of a lot of clandestine sexual tension between two people who are supposed to be very good role models. Scoop this one up quickly (it's on sale for $.99!), because the next two in the Governess series (Wild and Wanton) will be released in the next TWO months.

Julia Kelly is unique among historical romance authors because she has dual citizenship in both the U.S. and U.K. She graciously agreed to provide my readers with this exclusive, insightful and delightful quick BRITISH Q&A w/ Julia.

Austen or Bronte?

Tough one, but I’m going to have to say Austen. Although it feels like I’m betraying governesses by picking her over Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre, Persuasion has been one of my favorite books since I read it in high school. Every time I go back to it I find some other insight that fits another stage of my life.

Sherlock or Poirot?

Another hard one! I was raised on both series of books and TV shows. Choosing one feels wrong. Kind of like this:

If I have to choose, I’d say it’s Sherlock by a hair. He’s a fascinating character, and I really enjoy watching how different actors have interpreted him in so many different ways.

Sorry Poirot.

Afternoon tea or ale at the pub?

This is a little easier. An ale at the pub, please. I love pubs and the little communities that surround them.

Also, although I’m a staunch tea drinker I’m actually not crazy about high tea (which is how I interpreted this question). It all stems from having been a waitress in a rather stuffy tea shop before going off to college. I used to have to wear a frilled cap and a pinafore that was a pain to keep clean, starched, and ironed. The one benefit was that developed asbestos hands that can still stand very hot water.

Favorite British historical period?

If you think about it, the Victorian era was an amazing period. You could have been born at the beginning of Victoria’s reign in 1837 and by her death in 1901 have watched the railways and manufacturing boom, the installation of electric lights on the streets of London, the explosion of print media like books and newspapers, and the invention of the telephone.

For a writer, it also is helpful that the Victorian era is a time of social shifts with the rising industrialist classes clashing with members of the aristocracy who struggled to maintain their fortunes in a changing Britain. It’s full of material to write about, and it doesn’t hurt that the frocks were pretty too.

Favorite British tourist spot?

Although I grew up in Los Angeles, my parents relocated to London and live right by Hyde Park. When I go there for the holidays I love taking the dogs for walks in the park. On some mornings you can still see riders exercising their horses along Rotten Row just like a Victorian gentleman would have.

Favorite undiscovered (by Americans) spot in the UK

There were two things I did on my last trip to Edinburgh that I thought were wonderful and I never would’ve known about if my sister and her boyfriend didn’t live there. One was taking a boat called the Maid of the Forth out to Inchcolm Island. There’s a ruined abbey you can climb to the top of if you’ve got a strong stomach for slippery, narrow staircases. There’s also World War I and II defenses on the island, but I went during nesting season for gulls. Here’s what happens when you try to walk by a gull’s nest:

I also paid a visit to the Assembly Rooms on George Street. It’s an imposing Classical building with a grand Georgian interior. I actually gasped when I walked into the ballroom which still has its massive original mirrors and chandeliers. I desperately want to set a scene in a historical romance in that beautiful space.

Music you listened to while writing Governess was Wicked (or series)

I’m not much of a music listener while I’m drafting, but I rely on it to keep me on track while editing. For the Governess series I listened to a lot of dreamy ballads like Beyonce’s “Superpower” and Hozier’s “Work Song” as well as big, joyful songs like Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” which is the stuff of happy endings.

Will Liverpool win the 2016-17 EFL Cup?

For those who don’t know, I’m a big soccer fan and wake up too early some Saturday mornings to Liverpool play.

To answer your question, Lindsay, I wish that Liverpool could pull out a league-winning season but, I think it’s too optimistic to believe the manager, Jurgen Klopp, can turn around a team that’s hovered at mid-table for so long. He needs time to reshape Liverpool to his own system, and I just hope that the club has enough faith in him to allow him the time he needs to pull it off.

For now, let’s just look at GIFs of the adorkable giant German nerd of a man that is Jurgen:

Favorite Britishism

There are so many! I lived in Manchester while studying abroad which isn’t far from Liverpool where my mother’s family is from. I still miss everyone from bus drivers to the ladies in the school cafeteria calling me “love,” and starting off every conversation with “You alright?” (which sounds a lot more like “Y’alrite?”)

I also love (and believe) that the appropriate reaction to any crisis is to put the kettle on and make a cup of tea.

Favorite Royal

Is there really an answer other than Harry? Here, look at this BuzzFeed article of him playing with dogs and tell me I’m wrong.

So here’s the deal. The man is a former wild child who served in the military and now does a lot of high-profile charity work for children and wounded veterans. Harry’s also faces a lot less pressure than William who stands to inherit the crown — something I’m not at all interested in. He’s also handsome, seems intelligent, and fun.

Plus the man dances like this which just makes me giggle:

Thank you Julia! You answered all the questions correctly, especially the last.

Interested in winning Julia's book, mine, or tons of other prizes? Julia (and friends) have put together a huge Rafflecopter giveaway to celebrate the release of THE GOVERNESS WAS WICKED. Enter today and as always, let me know here, on Twitter or Facebook what books you're loving!

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

June 7, 2016

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - June 2016

Lindsay Emory

June 7, 2016

Best Books

Um...how did it get to be summer already? The kids are out of school, the weather is getting too sticky for my walks and I'm finding myself reaching for a beautiful chilled rose instead of a cup of tea.

Summer is such a fabulous reading time, isn't it? You've got trips and vacations and lazy days by a pool or the lake and we all need reads that will take us away.

Once again, I've got an interesting mix this month. I dug up some reads from my TBR pile, took a chance on a new trope and indulged in continuing a series.

Silent in the Sanctuary / Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

First up? Two more Lady Julia Gray mysteries! My husband and I were able to escape to Cabo San Lucas for a quick getaway to celebrate my birthday. I posted pics on my

instagram

and our trip was as heavenly as it looked. I have this (strange?) affinity for reading about rainy, cold locations while sweltering by a pool so reading about Lady Julia Gray at Belmont Abbey and on the Yorkshire moors was perfect for me.

Silent in the Sanctuary

kept me guessing the entire time and

Silent on the Moor

was an unusual mystery in that it was piecing together a mystery from the past. Two more winners from Ms. Raybourn.

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

Shamefully, this book has been in my Kindle for YEARS. YEARS. Y'all know how that happens. You one-click a book because of rave reviews and a gorgeous cover and then... life. Other books. Pretty soon, your new pretty book is on page four or five in your Paperwhite and you keep thinking, "why haven't I read

A Bollywood Affair

" when you see the constant recommendations on Twitter. So because I'm awesome like that, I finally opened this one... and I couldn't put it down.

It's a contemporary Indian romance, set in the U.S. (... mostly) but the characters are wholly influenced by their culture and history back in India. There's a complicated relationship between the hero and heroine - you know, your typical "my brother's annulled child bride" trope. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the unique cultural and plot points and Ms. Dev truly shines in writing characters jump off the page, fully realized and nuanced and loveable.

Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson

Speaking of tropes, the secret baby trope is... not my favorite. Especially in contemporary romance. A few years ago, I gave one a shot and, um. Let's just say I was not planning on reading another one. Until I was listening to the

Avon on the Air podcast

and Sarah MacLean said this was the secret baby book that would convert people who didn't like secret baby books and while I respect Ms. MacLean's professional expertise, I was dubious. Because SECRET BABY, y'all. But I bought it because HOCKEY PLAYER HERO. You see where my priorities lie.

Turns out, Sarah MacLean was right. *sigh* This book is a joy, the characters totally made me believe in the secret baby and I'm *semi* converted to secret baby books if they're recommended by Ms. MacLean.

*Note* on Avon on the Air. I'm trying really hard to be respectful here and call Lucia Macro and Sarah MacLean by their proper names. Because when I listen to this podcast, I'm totally calling them "Lu" and "Mac" and discussing books in my head with them (or whoever's on the podcast.) I just love talking books, even if its an imaginary conversation.

See

, also, this blog. If y'all know of any other awesome book podcasts, let me know because I'll happily talk to other podcasters in my head.

Or if you know other good secret baby books, let me know about those, too. I will readily admit that I could be, maybe, a little wrong about secret babies.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Here's another from the TBR pile. This one, unlike A Bollywood Affair was not buried in my kindle. It was on my bookcase. Because it was an actual, physical hardcopy of the book (shocker, right?) that my mom had 'loaned' to me a few years ago. I always knew I'd like Susanna Kearsley's timetravel-esque book about 18th century Scotland because I have a well-documented love for other time-travelly 18th century Scotland books. *cough* Outlander *cough*

On a side note, this season's

Outlander

is KILLING ME. Just knowing what is coming at the end of the season is preliminarily devastating me. I'm texting my friends after each episode asking them for comfort because the end is going to be so exquisitely terrible and then we'll have to wait a stupid amount of time before Season 3 starts...

or maybe not

So yes, Ms. Kearsley's novel did not disappoint. It flips back and forth between the past and present and while no actual time-travel takes place, you, the reader, feels as if it has. I can't wait to read another Kearsley novel, especially after I heard her

interview on the SMART BITCHES podcast.

(another podcast where I talk to another Sarah in my head all the time. I swear, I'm completely normal.)

And that's it for this month! I'm not sure I'll have an official BEST BOOKS TO READ NOW post in July. I'm doing a lot of non-fiction research for a new book I'm writing and I'll be headed to RWA nationals in San Diego (where I'll be sure to add to my TBR pile, natch). I may do a Best of Best Books post instead and then my usual post RWA roundup.

Oh! I'm also busy getting this little baby out the door.

The Last Plus One

Her release date is 6.13.16 and you can read more about it here. If you're not already, make sure you like

THE LAST PLUS ONE facebook page

and

. We're doing a few giveaways, posting excerpts and talking about weddings and you don't want to miss any of that.

As always, keep reading and let me know if you read something amazing!