More Recommended Reads

One of the advantages of being a Sourcebooks author is the opportunity to purchase our publisher’s books at discount. Although part of the reason I take advantage of those discounts is a loyalty to my publisher, the other part is just because they publish darn good reads. I try to focus on those I recognize hearing about on our Casablanca Blog. This also allows me to expand my genre of reading. So, my list includes many Sourcebooks’ authors and works. I purchased most of these books months ago, and am grateful to have the chance to finally read them, although now my TBR pile is sorely depleted…which is a good thing, cause I haven’t read all the Sourcebooks Casa authors, and now I get to buy some more .

The Heir by Grace Burrows

This is a Historical romance, what I consider a ‘classic’ romance, where the story is primarily centered on the relationship between the hero and heroine. This is a particularly page-turning one, easy to get sucked into, easy to read. I especially loved that the physical relationship between the H&H reflected the advancement of their emotional connection. The brothers of the hero are intriguing as well, and I’m looking forward to reading their stories (there’s a sneak-peek of Devlin’s story at the end of the book). I also adored the secondary story-line of the deaf sister, and when Val plays the piano for her after giving her a ‘speaking tube’, it’s truly magical.

Demon’s Curse by Alexa Egan

I was actually asked to read this book for an author endorsement, so the first time around, I read it too quickly. This is a book that should be savored, so I read it again, with my ‘business’ hat off. If you enjoyed my Relics of Merlin series, you’re sure to enjoy this story. The author has created her own race of shapeshifters she calls the Imnada, although they live in hiding, most of their race in a land cut off from mankind by the palings, a magical mist. There are also the Others, the Fey, who live peaceably alongside mankind, but are mortal enemies of the Imnada. The story centers around an Emnil, an Imnada who broke the clan’s laws and is now rogue. He falls for an actress who is strong enough to deal with the man and his beast, and their romantic future will keep you guessing until the end. This is an entirely new, richly textured creation of a world of shapechangers and Fey, incredibly well conceived and realized.

Cover Me, By Catherine Mann

This is another foray into a genre I haven’t read before, that of sexy military men and the women strong enough to fall in love with them. I don’t often read contemporary romances, but I was glad I delved into this one. The hero was incredibly special, incredibly HOT. A Pararescueman, a job I’m assuming is real, although it would take an incredibly special man to do it, which the hero is. This is a wonderful, sexy romance with a thrilling adventure story as well, set in the wilds of Alaska. Great story!

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

I have a collection of books that I read over and over, waiting a year or so to forget most of the book, so I can experience it all over again. I have added this book to my collection of treasures. This is my second reading of it, and it was even better than the first.

The Crystal City by Orson Scott Card

One of my favorite authors I’ve been reading for years, I truly enjoy the tales of Alvin the Maker. Here’s just one of the gems in this novel:

“Cal,” said Alvin, “ideas aren’t like land or poems or babies or something. If you tell me an idea, and I like it, then it’s my idea too, and still yours, and it also belongs to everybody on God’s green earth who thinks it’s a good one.”

Cowboy Fever, by Joanne Kennedy

Really warm, believable, charming characters. A hot romance. A hunky cowboy. The scenes of Equine Assisted Therapy had my eyes watering more than once. This is a wonderful romance that can’t fail to touch your heart. An absolute must-read.

The Goblin King by Shona Husk

I’m almost through reading this one. It’s a very dark fairytale, about a king cursed to become Goblin, and about the woman who tries to help him. The author weaves a spell that makes the world of the Shadowlands, and the heartbreak of the king, so very realistic. Even though I haven’t reached the end, I can absolutely recommend this book. The author has an incredible talent for dark fantasy.

A quick disclaimer, here. As you can see, I’m not a reviewer. It takes a certain skill to summarize books clearly, and there are many wonderful professional review sources, like Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, RT BOOKReviews, NOR, TGTB&TU…check out the reviews on my website and blog for more great on-line review sources as well. This is just my personal recommendation of great books I’ve recently read and had to share with my own readers.