Lindsay Emory

April 4, 2017

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - April 2017

Lindsay Emory

April 4, 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!

FAN GIRL ALERT!!!

Gushing ahead!!!

Magic Binds - Ilona Andrews

I'm not even going to apologize. I am a Level A1 Ilona Andrews fan girl, as I've stated before. Magic Binds is Book 9 of the Kate Daniels series and one of the best. I can't even explain why, it just had everything I love about the best of Ilona Andrews, crazy yet loyal friends and families, strong women and the strong men that love them and completely unique world building.

And while we're talking about THE BEST of Ilona Andrews.... The first book in their new series, Burn For Me is on sale for $.99. It originally came out in 2014 and I have read it, no lie, at least four or five times since. So yes, you can say I recommend it. Read it now and then you'll be able to read the next two with me when they're released this summer.

Dark Road to Darjeeling - Deanna Raybourn

This was book 4 of the Lady Julia Gray series and this time Julia and her family take the trip to India to solve crimes in their oh-so-English way. I've read books about colonial India since a very young age (I'm not making that up. That would be a weird thing to make up.) and this story felt lovely and familiar.

Belgravia - Julian Fellowes

I almost picked Belgravia to be my book club selection. I picked Big Little Lies instead but grabbed this one for Spring Break reading. As the cover says, the author is the author of Downton Abbey so if you were a Lady Cora fan...

I mean, a Dowager Countess fan, you'll be quite happy with this Upstairs/Downstairs tale of scandal and family in the early Victorian era.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot

If you haven't read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks yet, do yourself a favor and read it now before the HBO series starts this month. If you loved Hidden Figures, this book will also tell you a story of science and the amazing contribution of an African-American woman who never got the acknowledgment she deserved. I first read this with a prior book club. We were a diverse group and this book kept us talking for hours about science, ethics, and American history.

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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! There will be some awesome stuff coming up soon!

Until next month, Happy Reading!!!

Lindsay Emory

March 7, 2017

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - March 2017

Lindsay Emory

March 7, 2017

Best 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

January 17, 2017

Best Books

Best Books to Read Now - January 2017

Lindsay Emory

January 17, 2017

Best 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!