There's almost nothing I like better than a dark paranormal or romantic suspense. I love delving into a deliciously twisted plot with an alpha hero tortured by a scary, smart villain and a heroine who won't let him go it alone. Lately though, I could use a laugh. After a hectic summer filled with trying to revise my yearly business plan and finish a new paranormal romance that has the potential for a series, I don't need anymore angst.I need comedy, I need fun characters in a situation that will have me laughing out loud. My keeper shelf is full of, you guessed it, dark paranormal and gritty romantic suspense except for my 'go to' dog-eared copies of Jennifer Crusie's, Welcome to Temptation and Agnes and the Hitman. The later was co-written with Bob Mayer but it has all of Crusie's signature humor along with a suspense subplot, which believe it or not does not detract from the humor.
I'm posting the cover of Head Over Heels because I still grin when I think of that story and the cover is one of my favorites. Trust me, I need a laugh.
What about you? Do you have a book on your keeper shelf that is totally different from what you usually enjoy reading? Do you have a book or an author that you read at least once a year because nothing else will satisfy you?
Until next month,
Happy Reading!
Paris Brandon
Bend
Over, Cowboy-5 Stars, Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Petting
Kitty-Ellora’s Cave
Cross My Heart-NOR Top Pick
Head Over Heels-5 Hearts, The Romance Studio
Assassin’s Kiss-4 Stars Romantic Times Book Review
Love, love the cover, Paris. I usually read darker stories too, but I agree that there are times I need to laugh. My favorite go-to author when I need humor is Gemma Halliday. I love her Hollywood Confessions and Hollywood Secrets series, plus her Stiletto series.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cara! I'll have to check out Gemma's stories:)
ReplyDeleteI love smart villains too. They create a perfect foil for that perfect hero and heroine.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I go on an Outlander binge once a year. Diana Gabaldon's series is my winter read with a chaser of Harry Potter. Then it's back to work. Good writing draws me back I suppose, but I never get tired of those two series and their cast of characters.
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of 'seasonal' reads but you're right. I do find that when the shadows grow long my choice of reading material changes. I do love a good mystery or urban fantasy.
I read a Mary Balogh at least once a year. Her choice of words is so precise. Don't want to write quite so much description but I admire her tremendously...
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteI'm reading, The Arrangement, now. I was hooked on her Survivor's Club series after the first book and have become a fan!
I've been feeling like I need some humor, too, Paris. The world is in such chaos; it would be nice to laugh.
ReplyDeleteLove the book cover, Paris, and the story. When I need a break from my writing or just want to relax, I read. There are times when a new book won't do. That's when I revisit an old friend. Right now I'm reading, for about the hundredth time, Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Not much in this book tickles the funny bone, just an enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteLove the book cover, Paris, and the story. When I need a break from my writing or just want to relax, I read. There are times when a new book won't do. That's when I revisit an old friend. Right now I'm reading, for about the hundredth time, Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Not much in this book tickles the funny bone, just an enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few different keeper books on my shelves but I keep reading the Laurell K. Hamilton early books from the Anita Blake series. I've gotten rid of most of my keepers but I keep rereading those few books.
ReplyDeleteStrange... I like the angst and passion between the characters.
This was one of my favorite stories by you Paris:)
ReplyDelete