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What are you reading?

Aug 30th 2007RachelG
RachelGOn Writing!

It just goes without saying that the Goddesses have written some of the best books so far this year. But what else are y’all reading and enjoying? For myself, I’m currently reading and loving Alisa Kwitney’s Flirting In Cars.

flirting-w-blue1.gif An accomplished journalist, Zoe Goren cant drive and she doesn’t cook. But that’s never been a problem in Manhattan, where the streets are filled with taxis and takeout restaurants, and a busy single mother can find everything she needs right at her fingertips. In fact, Zoe can’t imagine living or working anyplace else. But when Zoe’s daughter is diagnosed with dyslexia, she decides to make the ultimate sacrifice, moving two hours from Manhattan in order to enroll Maya in an excellent school for children with learning differences. Stranded in a rural paradise, Zoe must grapple with isolation, coyote howls, and the lack of good delivery services. But when she decides to overcome her fear of driving and take lessons, she meets Mack, an unnervingly attractive townie, back from Iraq and trying to adjust to civilian life. With a budding new romance and a reporting gig for the local paper, Zoe just might survive in the wilderness of small-town America after all.

I’ve read most of Alisa’s books, and what I love about her writing is that it is sexy and sassy and just plain fun. She writes wonderful characters and smart dialog. If you are in the mood for an urban-mom-meets-county-boy love story, this book is for you.

What are you reading this summer? What do you recommend?

50 Comments »

50 Responses to “What are you reading?”

  1. Karen Hawkins on 30 Aug 2007 at 8:39 am #

    I’m reading Harry Potter right now (Ok, ok, I’m late! But I’ve been on deadline.) I em enjoying how Rowling’s writing style is evolving with each book. So far, I’m loving it! My son, who is 16, says the last book is the best of them all, so I’m looking forward to checking that one out the most.

    Btw, Rachel, I love Alisa K’s work, too. VERY fun stuff. Maybe we should get her to guest blog here on Mt. Olympus some day!

  2. RachelG on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:01 am #

    I gave Alisa a quote on her first chick lit book Dominant Blonde. I’ve been a fan since.

    It helps that I like her as a person too. Even though she did once tell me that I reminded her of Michelle Pfeiffer in Grease 2. I’m still puzzled by that.

  3. Tracy Kay on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:03 am #

    I have to admit that most of my summer was spent reading the Harry Potter series (AGAIN!) haha. However, I did get in a few of the goddesses books.

    Sorry to say, I haven’t been able to pick up a book other than those mentioned above, however, I think I might stop out and grab ‘Flirting In Cars’ - it sounds really cute!

    Thanks!!!!!

  4. darla on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:08 am #

    I am listening to Urban Shaman by CE Murphy…I do so love my audio books, makes exercise so much more fun! The story has me inthralled, I don’t remember who is reading it but the voice really fits the story.

    I’m reading Touch a Dark Wolf by Jennifer St Giles. Just finished both of Christina Dodds new paranormal series…very hot! Also read Lara Adrian’s breed series. Looking forward to the next one.

    Waiting to read 74 Seaside Ave by Debbie Macomber, Dream Thief by Shanna Abe, The Serpent Prince, Elizabeth Hoyt.

    Want to get…so many I can’t count! LOL Riding The Storm by Sydney Croft.
    Tangled up in love & I’m in no mood for love by some author named Rachel Gibson…do you know her? Her books are excellent…love her sense of humor! LOL

  5. gannon on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:26 am #

    Karen, I loved all of the Harry Potter books, but the last was excellent. I wept several times, so keep some tissue handy!

    Let’s see, I recently finished Karen’s TSWL! Of course, it was wonderful and I am so looking forward to Dougal’s story–just wish I didn’t have to wait so long. :( Right now, I’m in the middle of JQ’s The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheevers–love, love, love her books! And Karen Rose’s Die For Me is now on top of my TBR pile–got it yesterday.

    What can I say, Goddesses, I have a huge stack of books that I’m dying to read and just keep adding more! It’s an addiction, for sure!

  6. Lisa Plumley on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:18 am #

    Flirting in cars sounds like a cute book! Thanks for the heads-up, Rachel. I just turned in a manuscript, so I’m on the lookout for new things to read. :)

  7. zambonigirl (zambi) on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:20 am #

    Wow, I just got back from vacation, and I have three answers to this question.

    Well, five answers, but let’s go with the books I’m actually enjoying.

    “Chosen By A Horse” won the 3 Hanky award. MUST READ.

    “A Zombie Survival Guide” not as satirical as I had hoped, but very entertaining. Particualarly since the on-board movie was “28 Weeks Later” and the guy at the bookstore had actually seen Shaun Of The Dead, and he and I had a great conversation about cricket bats vs. LP’s.

    “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” Wow. Wow! So good and interesting!

    I am also slogging through “The Aquariums Of Pyongyang” and “The Letters of Thomas Jefferson.”

    The letters of Thomas Jefferson are actually very interesting, just a hard read.

  8. Susan K on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:32 am #

    I’ve had a lot of time to read the past month. You can only job search so much before your head explodes.

    So, Rachel, I read one of your books like I said I would. My fiance actually bought one for me on the day I was laid off to cheer me up. Loved it! I then went to the library (I have no job so I”m not allowed to buy any books) and checked out all your books and loved those too! Well except for one. It’s been on reserve for almost a month now and it still hasn’t come in. Next I started reading Janet Evanovich’s romances. Those are really good too. Now I am reading the new Christine Feehan “Dark Possession”. I’m a little behind cause I’ve been trying to finish a craft project and I’m also trying to teach myself to crochet. I want to learn to make crochet purses. I also have 22 library books to read by September 25.

  9. dbrown3400 on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:33 am #

    This is review week for me and I’m reviewing four books — a romantic suspense, an historical and two eroticas. They will be in the November issue of romantic times and my deadline is Tuesday morning. Thanks for Labor Day.

    I just finished TSWL and have DFM ready to read after I email my reviews if that guy in the trailer doesn’t get me first. I also have John Connolly’s THE UNQUIET, George Pelecanos’ THE NIGHT GARDENER, Christina Dodd’s two new paranormals, and a couple back list items I want to read to start everybody else’s kid’s school year and football season.

    I enjoy this question every now and again because it introduces titles I wouldn”t hear of or get opinions about otherwise.

  10. dbrown3400 on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:35 am #

    . . . and I’ll probably re-read GENTLE ROGUE. *G*

    Donna

  11. KMB25 on 30 Aug 2007 at 10:47 am #

    Last night I stayed up way too late again (I’ve really got to stop doing that or I’m going to get sick!) to finish Susan Elizabeth Phillips “Heaven, Texas.” A woman in a Barnes and Noble hipped me to her last week (and I remembered just randomly reading Match Me If You Can last year and loved it..but never followed through on the series!) So I started at the beginning! Next I’m on to “Nobody’s Baby But Mine”….well, and I still need to run to the store and get Karen Rose’s DFM too!!

    ~Kim

  12. SuzyQ on 30 Aug 2007 at 11:28 am #

    Rachel, I just started Tangled Up In You, the first of your books I’ve read and I am enjoying it. Looks like I’ll have to go out and get more of your books :)

    Next up are both Karen’s books - TSWL and DFM. I am looking forward to both reads.

  13. Sabrina Jeffries on 30 Aug 2007 at 11:31 am #

    I just read Deb Marlowe’s latest (excellent, btw), since I’m one of her critique partners. None of you will be seeing that book for a while, though. I’m also reading a book for a quote. More about that when I’m done. *G*

    I also just read another book for a quote, by Laura Joh Rowland. Normally she writes samurai mysteries set in 18th century Japan, but this is not part of her Sano Ichiro mysteries. It’s called The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte, and is a fictional story of a crime Bronte witnesses in London. It has a romance and a mystery and is a wonderful look at Victorian London. Some of you might really like it.

    This summer I read Pamela Aidan’s trilogy based on Pride and Prejudice: An Assembly Like This, Duty and Desire, and These Three Remain. She breaks the book down into three parts, entirely told from Darcy’s point of view. It was WONDERFUL!! I really couldn’t put it down.

  14. Lisa H on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:05 pm #

    I am reading an old book, Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase. It is the third book of hers I have read, and I really like it. I also have on my bedside table two new books by Stevi Mittman who is in my RWA group. I can’t wait to get to those.

    Over the summer I re-read Shanna by Kathleen E Woodiwiss (for the third time) it is my all time favorite. I also enjoyed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn, and The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale. I read others but I think those were my favorites!

  15. Karen on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:06 pm #

    Finished KH’s TSWL, totally wonderful read..you did it again, Karen! Reading Stephanie Laurens’ BEYOND SEDUCTION, love those Bastion Club men! DH and I are heading to WV, cabin in the woods; will probably start Jenny Crusie’s new one or Diana Gabaldon’s Lord John Grey book or MAY BE NOT . Live - Love - Laugh, Happy Reading, another Karen H

  16. twolilhahas on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:11 pm #

    See, this terrible-wonderful thing happened last month and I read every one of J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood books and now I can’t read anymore. lol I fell so in love with those brothers that no one else measures up. I haven’t read an entire book since then, and I’ve started several! It’s a sickness. I’m trying to read Christina Dodd’s “Scent of Darkness,” but I’m only on page 14. I keep putting it down to do something else. *sigh* I hope this passes soon.

  17. colinfirthfan on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:17 pm #

    I just finished- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini last week. What an amazing book. It was really really good.
    I also finished Samantha James - The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell and The Perfect Bride. Loved both books.
    I read Sabrina Jeffries - Beware a Scots Revenge. Loved that as well. Can’t wait for the next one.

    I have started reading - The Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Also in the queue for this weekend - Dark Possession- Christine Feehan, Yours Until dawn- Teresa Medieros. Suzanne E and Julia’s books as well.
    I can’t keep up with the new releases anymore….. I will eventually get to them all….
    I drop everything to read J.R. Wards books. I am sooo addicted to the BDB.
    Sigh!!

  18. Julie on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:44 pm #

    Currently reading To Scotland with Love. ;-) My TBR pile (it’s really an entire bookcase) is literally overflowing. A local bookstore is going out of business and I’ve spent entirely too much money there.

    I can’t even begin to list everything I’ve read this summer…gets hard to do when you read 2-3 books/week. I did re-read all of the HP books before the 7th came out.

  19. colinfirthfan on 30 Aug 2007 at 1:17 pm #

    TWO - that happens to me every time I read the BDB books. Its a medical condition!! I then resort to reading Calvin and Hobbes or some sci-fi fantasy!!
    i am going to DIE when V’s book comes out. I am sooo in love with him.

  20. ladydawgfan on 30 Aug 2007 at 1:19 pm #

    This summer, I have read way too many books to list in just 1000 characters, but suffice it to say that the Goddesses books cover a LOT of the list. I just finished Karen’s TSWL (thoroughly LOVED it! :) ) and am now reading Elizabeth Boyle’s Love Letters From A Duke. My TBR pile is completely out of control, so I won’t be running out of books for a while, and I will be going out tonight to add to it (gotta have those new releases!).

    My name is Ladydawgfan, and I’m a book-a-holic.

  21. foreverdelayed on 30 Aug 2007 at 1:41 pm #

    Two of my favorite books of the the summer were Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and “Hot Wheels and High Heels” by Jane Graves. It was the first book of hers that I have read and I have been spending the last few weeks tracking down more of her work. She also writes under the name of Jane Sullivan and I read one of her Harlequin Temptations “When He was Bad.” Very fun, quick read.

  22. RachelG on 30 Aug 2007 at 2:01 pm #

    Darla–as a matter of fact, I have heard of Rachel Gibson. She’s brilliant.

    Lisa P. Good to see ya around. I’m trying to turn in a book, but I just can’t seem to get there.

    SusanK. I’m glad you liked the book and checked out the backlist. My goal is to take over the world one reader at a time. Good to know the plan is working.

    SusyQ–If you like Tangled Up In You, it’s the third book in a series and you might enjoy the others.

    I’m busily writing down everyone’s list of favs to add to my TBR pile.

  23. Ladytink_534 on 30 Aug 2007 at 2:02 pm #

    I finished The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton and now I’m working my way through Brenda Joyce and Teresa Medeiros’ books.

  24. Susan K on 30 Aug 2007 at 3:29 pm #

    Rachel G - LOL, it’s working! I am converted! I will never again turn up my nose at a contemporary again. And you are the one who converted me. Oh, btw, I can’t wait for the 4th book in the series!!!!!!! Eagerly looking forward to it. And as soon as I find my good paying job that is sitting out there waiting for me, I am going to add all your books to my keeper shelf.

  25. Judy F on 30 Aug 2007 at 3:45 pm #

    Oh I loved Tangled Up In You, that book kept me from cleaning on a sat. So I love it even more.

    Just finished. Susan Andersen’s Coming Undone. OH man that was a good book, been waiting for those characters to have a story it seems like years.

    Just started a hot new Karen Rose book.

  26. gannon on 30 Aug 2007 at 3:45 pm #

    Twolil, I know just how you feel about those Brothers! I am obsessed with that series and can’t wait for the next one—next month! WooHoo!! I did love Christina’s Scent of Darkness and Touch of Darkness–very hot heroes, so just keep reading!

  27. Claudia Dain on 30 Aug 2007 at 3:57 pm #

    I’m making a list, too, because my pleasure reading has been seriously derailed of late because of 1)the RWA conference and 2) a Sept 1 deadline. I have turned in the book this week so I am FREE.

    There are so many good books out there, just based on goddess recommendations, that I’m sure to be buried by my TBR pile!

  28. Kay on 30 Aug 2007 at 4:16 pm #

    I just reread the wonderful DIE FOR ME by Karen Rose. It is just as exciting the second time around :-)

    I am currently reading THE SECRET LIVES OF LOBSTERS, which is NF and as quirky as it sounds.

    The top of my TBR list includes UNTIL THEY BRING THE STREETCARS BACK, by Stanley Gordon West. That is our cities’ community book club book. I am waiting for my DH to read STARDUST, by Neil Gaiman, so I can have a turn.

  29. Suzanne Enoch on 30 Aug 2007 at 4:17 pm #

    I’m starting KarenH’s new one, though I’m forcing myself to read only during lunch — otherwise I’ll miss all my deadlines and the world as we know it will cease to exist. *g* BTW, it’s GRRRRREAT so far!

  30. Karen Hawkins on 30 Aug 2007 at 4:35 pm #

    Aw, thanks guys for reading my new book! You all made me get all teary eyed!

    Btw, I just went out and bought THE VERY LAST Karen Rose Die For Me from my local B & N! I’m excited and plan on snuggling in with a glass of wine this evening and devouring it.

    Hey, don’t you guys LOVE that first moment when you open a book and begin to sink into the story? It’s like peeking through a magical window. Ooohhhh, how I adore that moment. It’s right up there with the very first second the chocolate touches the tip of your tongue …. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

  31. FreshEChelle on 30 Aug 2007 at 4:47 pm #

    Just finished J. Crusie’s & B. Mayer’s Agnes & the Hitman - funny, complete farce. I’ve read every RG books twice (I pick a fave to reread when I’m in a slump - always does the trick). To be read pile includes Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster (not sexy but interesting). To be added to this pile: KH’s TSWL when I find a B&N that stocks it - those fiends - and Karen Rose’s DFM. oh yeah, and some of the thousands of emails in my work in box. at least the ones from my hot boss.

  32. Brandy on 30 Aug 2007 at 5:39 pm #

    I just read Karen Rose’ Die For Me and it was fantastic! I’ve also read Liza Palmer’s Conversations with a Fat Girl and many, many other books. Ghost, Interrupted by Sonia Singh was great too!

  33. Aemelia on 30 Aug 2007 at 6:14 pm #

    I just finished Karen Hawkin’s “The Seduction of Sara” and just started Carly Phillips’ Hot Zone trilogy-she’s a “new to me” author, and I’m finding that I really enjoy her style so far.
    After I’m done with that I do believe I will start J.R. Ward’s (another “NTMA” Black Dagger Brotherhood series, that I have heard so much about (I have finally gotten my hands on the first 4 books of the series, and hear that the 5th will be out the end of Sept.) I so hope that they are as great as all the hype I’ve heard!

  34. Aemelia on 30 Aug 2007 at 6:17 pm #

    I have about 40 books sitting in my TBR pile (and seem to keep adding…) I’m hoping that this winter I will be able to catch up some!

  35. twolilhahas on 30 Aug 2007 at 6:27 pm #

    Oh, Aemelia, they ARE as good as all the hype. lol They should come with a warning though…they are impossible to put down and impossible to get over! You just love and love and love afterwards. :) Those brothers are the best.

    Okay, gannon, I’m going to keep on keeping on with this “Scent of Darkness.” I hope it helps me overcome my newfound BDB Medical Ailment. lol

    Colinfirthfan, I can’t wait until September 25th! Vishous’ story should be amazing. Though I’ve heard it may be October. I’m hoping that’s just a “vishous” rumor, though. hehe

  36. Tracy Kay on 30 Aug 2007 at 7:21 pm #

    I just finished Karen Hawkin’s - “To Scotland, With Love” and it was absolutelyy FABBBB! Totally loved it!!!!!

    Definately a great read!

    I am looking forward to Karen Rose’s new book too though! It’s on the top of my “to buy” list!

    :o)

  37. darkshire007 on 30 Aug 2007 at 7:31 pm #

    Along with “To Scotland, With Love”, I am also reading a book called Under and Alone (The William Queen Story), A Feast of Carrion and How to Make Love Like a Porn Star. All of these I keep scattered throughout the house and read whichever happens to be in the room I’m in. With the exception of my romance novels; I usually read through those in a couple of hours (while doing laundry or laying in bed drinking chocolate).

  38. doglady on 30 Aug 2007 at 8:40 pm #

    Finished TSWL and LOVED it! I am reading BEYOND SEDUCTION right now. Gotta love those Bastion Club men! I finished Elizabeth Boyle’s new one and loved it. Of course Karen Rose’s DFM was fantastic. Last week read WHAT ISABELLA DESIRES by Anne Mallory and TEMPTED AT EVERY TURN by Robyn DeHart. Both wonderful! Had to reread Julia London’s PERILS OF PURSUING A PRINCE, just because I love it! Read Candace Camp’s THE MARRIAGE WAGER and Jacquie D’Alessandro’s SLEEPLESS AT MIDNIGHT. Now I am going to go back over this blog and comments and make a list of the things I have to get my bookseller to order for me!! I was trying to cut back and you ladies are leading me down the road to sin and iniquity!!! My name is doglady and I am a romanceaholic!!

  39. Dot C on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:05 pm #

    OK, so the Random House guy pelted me with ARC’s and most of them were IR fantasy, so I’ve read Elissa’s Quest by Erica Verrillo and still need to read Inkspell by Cornelia Funke. Elissa’s Quest was a good read. I’ve finished the follow up Meljean Brook book, and Christina Dodd’s two new paranormal books. I’m just now finishing up Deathly Hallows, I reread the Daughters of Merlin series by Quinn Taylor Evans, and also finished the latest installment in the Riley Jensen Paranormal Series. I have on the sideboard…an ARC of Diana Gabaldons latest in the Lord John series, a novel by Alison Weir, and some local fiction recommended by Tess Gerritsen. What I NEED to read is the latest installment in the Dark Hunter series by Sherilyn Kenyon. OHH, I also finished Harlequin by Laurell K. PLUS, I managed to sneak in some of the goddesses books for good measure. I read the Julia London duke/prince series. (LOVED IT) I also read one of Suzanne E’s, and that was a great read too!

  40. Dot C on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:07 pm #

    I gotta say…I love Sabrina’s books, and Sabrina is the one that sucked me into this website too thru her yahoo group. I have yet to read any of the school for heiresses books, although the brothers books were really really great. My god you make me laugh! So the school for heiresses is next, but I have to start at the beginning of the series…So Sabrina, which is the first???

  41. Dot C on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:14 pm #

    twolilhahas - I’ll check the street date on that vishous book for u…I end my vacation on saturday :( Will post it for you on yumm yumm sunday LOL.

  42. twolilhahas on 30 Aug 2007 at 9:57 pm #

    Awesome Dot! Can’t wait to know for sure.

  43. Sabrina Jeffries on 30 Aug 2007 at 11:05 pm #

    Dot, the first of the School for Heiresses is Never Seduce a Scoundrel. Or you could just read the anthology (entitled, ironically enough, The School for Heiresses *G*), since Julia is in that one with me (you get two goddesses for the price of one!).

    BTW, I just put up the artwork for the upcoming (Feb. 19th) heiresses book. It’s gorgeous, if I do say so myself. If y’all want to see it, just go to http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/book_sleepingrogues.php

    I liked it even more because purple is my fave color!

    I’m halfway through the first of KarenH’s Scotland books, and I have the other ready and waiting for me to read it, along with Karen R’s. Can’t wait!

    Colinfirthfan–glad you liked Beware!

  44. twolilhahas on 30 Aug 2007 at 11:32 pm #

    Oh, Sabrina, that is pretty. I never used to like purple, but over this last year it has become one of my favorite colors. I really like blue-violet. So pretty!

  45. kim h on 31 Aug 2007 at 7:43 pm #

    suzanne books. many hot blazes.

  46. pri.r. on 31 Aug 2007 at 10:23 pm #

    omg!! great topic and coincedental with my purchase of Rachel’s ‘Tangled up in you’, Christina Dodd’s ‘Barefoot Princess” and Sabrina’s ‘Beware of a Scot’…..okok so i’m a little late in my books but take into account that i’ve just emerged from my hole in the ground after finishing my exams :P
    oohh and i couldn’t think of which one to start first so…… i’m reading them all SIMULTANEOUSLY!! *grins goofily*

  47. pri.r. on 01 Sep 2007 at 2:44 am #

    ooooohh Dotc tell me if you liked Christina Dodd’s two paranormals coz they seemed awesome and they haven’t been released in Australia yet so i have to organise my book purchasing before then :P… it’s true i have NO life peopLe!

  48. pri.r. on 01 Sep 2007 at 2:50 am #

    hey.. i’ve heard the name >>Lisa Plumley

  49. TinaLouiseF on 01 Sep 2007 at 11:11 am #

    Currently reading “Beyond Seduction” by Stephanie Laurens. Next is “To Scotland, With Love”

  50. TheNightPoet on 03 Sep 2007 at 12:07 am #

    I am currently reading all the books I have to read for my classes in college. I have such a big itch to pick up a “fun” book and start reading it, but then I know that I will get lost in it and start slacking off on my homework and readings for my classes, so I’m ignoring that itch. Christine Feehan’s newest book in her Dark Series (”Dark Possession”) came out recently and I’m going to buy it. When I’ll get to read it, I’m not sure. I’m needing “romance” in my life right now via a romance book!!! lol It’s true though. I’m going through that “I hate romance”, “I need romance”, “Screw men”, stage at the moment. Usually I’ll read a romance to get “romance” in my life and then my world is right again. But right now, I can’t because of all the readings I have to do for my classes. Ugh….oh well, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, right? Over Christmas break, I’m definitely reading a ton of romance books to get my fill! :)

    Andrea