One of my standout reads for this year has been Lori Armstrong’s Julie Collins series. I finished the third book in the series during the weekend and immediately emailed Lori, attempting to bribe her in exchange for an ARC of the next book. I’m desperate to know what comes next! Sigh - I failed. Evidently others have tried bribes with little success as well.
This is a mystery series with a romance subplot. Julie is a chain smoker, she drinks, and she brings a lot of baggage to the first story. Julie has a screwed up relationship with her father and her brother was murdered, which colors her actions. She’s a tough chick with a smart mouth, and I loved her straight away. And Martinez, her love interest - let’s just say, I want him and leave it at that.
The books are Blood Ties, Hallowed Ground, Shallow Grave and Snow Blind (out in October). They are best read in order.
If you haven’t read Lori’s books before and enjoy mysteries, run and grab a copy. You won’t regret it. As I said - the first three books in this series are among my favorite reads to date this year.
I’ve also just finished reading Drui Claiming by Jory Strong. This is part of Jory’s Supernatural Bonds series and I’ve enjoyed all four books. The last two books in the series Drui Claiming and Sophie’s Dragon take place during the same time frame. Gotta love those dragons!
What have your standout reads been so far this year?
Today I’m guest blogging over at the Romance Studio. Come on over and say hello!
Hmmm JR Ward’s series.
OH The Duke of Shadows (dang can’t think of her name other than her last name is Duran).
I haven’t had a real stand out gut wrenching read since I picked up Duke of Shadows.
Looking forward to the next Aisling Grey and I have to pick up the Silver Dragon books. Didn’t realize Gabriel’s story was out.
by Amy Ruttan April 22nd, 2008 at 12:10 pmAmy, I keep meaning to check on Aisling Grey to see which books I’ve missed.
I enjoy JR Ward’s books as well, but the last one disappointed me. The hero and heroine just didn’t seem right to me, and I hated the ending. That said, I’m looking forward to the next book.
by Shelley Munro April 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 amHey, Shell, thanks for the great comments about my books :)
I’ve had lots of bribe offers. The funniest one was a book group I spoke to at their place of business after hours and I sat in the world’s comfiest leather chair. I jokingly said I wanted to steal it for my office…and these ladies (jokingly) said they’d let me if I’d give them advance copies of SNOW BLIND…
by Lori G. Armstrong April 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 amI’ve had a really good reading year so far and have pretty much loved everything I’ve picked up, though a stand out is the book I’m reading now - Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood - I just wish that I was the one who wrote it!!!
by amanda ashby April 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pmNo problem, Lori. You’ve written a wonderful series. You mean all I needed to do was offer you a chair?
Amanda - I’ve had a good reading year, too, and there are quite a few books where I’ve wished I was the one who wrote it. There are some seriously talented authors out there!
by Shelley Munro April 23rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm