No, that’s not a typo. I’m unique. And the rogue duckie – so instead of making my own “Best of 2008” list… I’m going for the new year. These are the 10 books I’m most looking forward to in 2009. (You’ll notice some books don’t even have cover art yet.)
N.B. I’d like to issue the caveat that… this is only based on books/lists that I could find. I’d also like to note that… just because I’m excited about it, doesn’t mean its a guarantee I’ll like it. (Color me picky.) 😛
I also haven’t been reading romances that long, and it seems my tastes/author choices differ from a number of people. But that’s ok, because this is my list and I’m sticking to it.
In no particular order…
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1. What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Contemporary romance, Wm.Morrow, 27 Jan 09). Case in point – I’m not 100% sure how I feel about Ms. Phillips’s last few novels. But I bought them – in hardcover. The premise for What I Did For Love sounds interesting, but hasn’t gripped me. (Then again – I wouldn’t have thought I’d *love* Nobody’s Baby But Mine, based on the plot summary.) So we shall see. But still. It’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips – and she’s one of my favorite authors. |
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2. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (Contemporary romance, St. Martin’s, 31 Mar 09). She’s one of my favorite authors – and… don’t kill me, but Seduce Me at Sunrise and Blue-Eyed Devil were good reads, but not AMAZING. I’m already more excited about Smooth Talking Stranger based on the blurbs. Ms. Kleypas is also one of the few authors that can make me enjoy first person point of view. (Cuz FPPV and I? We are not friends.) But the Travis’s! And… even though it’s a secret baby book, which makes me chuckle, I WANTS it. |
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3. Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole (Contemporary paranormal romance, Pocket, nodate Jan 09). I discovered Ms. Cole relatively early in 2008, not too long before I started reviewing, and I think she has the one series I’ve reviewed in total (thus far). And, the hero, Rydstrom, has horns. Horns! I never thought I’d be into horns, but… Ms. Cole has won me over. I love her kick ass heroines who *actually* kick butt -and they’re super hot to boot. And the heroes. Yum. This is a great paranormal world. Fun, scary, violent, full of lore- but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. My kind of books. |
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4. Naked Edge by Pamela Clare (Contemporary romantic suspense, Berkley, 3 Nov 09). I heard about Ms. Clare, and first read Extreme Exposure, which is probably one of my favorite books. Extreme Exposure is extremely well written, great plot, and the hero is one of my favorite types. A good politician. More rare than… well something you’d think is outrageous but I’m sure is in a number of paranormals. Thus, Extreme Exposure (and the subsequent books by Ms. Clare I’ve read, have prompted me to put Naked Edge on my list). I have been waiting for this new I-Team book – and… I don’t know. The heroine Kat is Native American. I think that’s pretty nifty. (Major understatement.) |
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5. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh (Paranormal romance, Berkley, 7 Jul 09). I discovered Ms. Singh early on in ’08, and read all her Psy/Changeling books – in proper Psy/Changeling chronological order, even – serendipitously. Ms. Singh’s book world is intense, and amazing. It’s so well developed you believe it’s real. Scary. (But oh so cool!) Thus, this book edged out Angels’ Blood. (That and the blurb talks about lots of violence and I’m kinda squeamish about teh violences.) AND more importantly, when I read the excerpt for this book my reaction was pretty much “SQUEE SQUEE SQUEE!” |
| 6. True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson (Contemporary romance, Avon, 28 Apr 09). Yes, another one of my favorite authors. And a book back to/dealing with Hockey. I read See Jane Score – and I was hooked. I was even willing to get into hockey. (SEP‘s Chicago Stars, along with college, were what got me into football. And if you click around in my posts, you’ll see I can be a football nut. Especially College.) Although… I will say I DO NOT like all the Flash stuff on Ms. Gibson’s web page. Yay for her designer and all – but it takes forever and I can’t get to the information I want. Does not like! The book, however… *happy sigh* | |
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7. Deeper by Megan Hart (Contemporary erotic romance, Spice, nodate Jul 09). I love the title. I love the cover. I really like Megan Hart’s writing. There’s something about it. Like crack. It also often depresses the hell out of me – which I hate – but I love her books. They’re so raw, yet well written. And this book blurb. *shivers* I’m going to smack myself if the ending isn’t relatively happy. (I know not to expect bubblegum yay.) |
| 8. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (Historical romance, Avon, 30 Jun 09). Yet another author that goes on my “best of” lists – and… while others didn’t like it as much, I adored The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, and I hope to like the sequel just as much. (Especially if, you know, it is its own book.) So joy for another book more like The Secret Diaries! | |
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9. Written On Your Skin by Meredith Duran (Historical romance, Pocket, 28 Jul 09). This one looks more interesting than Bound by Your Touch – although I’m a little skeptical about some of the settings. Though I expect if anyone can win me over to parts written in Hong Kong, it is Ms. Duran. I hope not to be disappointed. This book also makes the list because had I done an ’08 list, Ms. Duran would have made it with her debut novel Duke of Shadows. |
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10. Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy (Contemporary romance, Berkley Trade, 5 May 09). First, it’s Ms. McCarthy. Second, it’s Ms. McCarthy writing a contemporary novel. Third, the heroine’s name is Imogen. I really like a number of Imogen Heap’s songs – so I have a major positive association with her. And – Ms. McCarthy may even win me over to NASCAR. At least in fiction. I read the excerpt, and I am in love. I love it. I want this book. I don’t even want to see when this book comes out (May 09) – because I don’t want to wait. |
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Honorable Mentions/if I squint just right are included/still within the number 10…
| 10a. Tasting Fear by Shannon McKenna (Contemporary erotic romance, Brava, 28 Jul 09). Okay, so I have to admit, I know nothing about this book. I think it’s Kevin McCloud’s book – and how exciting will it be for a McCloud book to actually star a McCloud? (See? I can good naturedly mock my favorite authors/self.) I also know that Ms. McKenna is one of my favorite authors, and she is one of the few authors I will venture into adventure/suspense for. (And once I buy Ultimate Weapon, Ms. McKenna might have the sole and honorable distinction of being the only author whose entire back list is in my possession and my property…) | |
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10b. Relentless by Lauren Dane (Sci-fi romance, Berkley Trade, 5 ay 09). I don’t read scifi/fantasy or futuristic novels. I haven’t read scifi/fantasy since middle school. I’ve never particularly enjoyed futuristic novels. BUT! But! I read Undercover, and I loved it. I can see why Undercover took Ms. Dane to the bestseller’s list – and if you haven’t read it – you should. I enjoyed Undercover so much I had to pace myself, and used it as a way to treat myself. And Ms. Dane’s writing (in my humble opinion) only gets better. |
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10c. This Duchess of Mine (Historical romance, Avon, 26 May 09) and…10d. A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James (Historical romance, Avon, 30 Jun 09). I, being the lowly peon I am, do not know what these books are about (other than This Duchess of Mine is Jemma’s book). I have been waiting for Villier’s book, so hopefully he’s healed at some point in the near future. And you know, I love Ms. James’s books. I read Duchess in Love and fell in love. There’s been no turning back since. |
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11. The book I don’t know about by the new author (whoknows, someone, date TBD). I know a lot of people will say that’s a cop out, so that’s why I listed 10 books, then have this one. I mean, I’m sure there are books I don’t know about – and/or what about that one newbie author that writes an amazing book?
The End. Seriously.
Out of all the books coming out in 09 (that I know about – and I found some lists of hundred of books.) These – *these* I want. I will do much to get my hands on these books. What did Scarlet O’Hara say? “Lie, cheat, kill or steal” right? Well… take out the third… and you’ve pretty much got me 😉
Well, we share one book on our anticipation list! The Kresley Cole comes out this Tues.
you can go rogue too liv
and I the only one that has tina fey’s snl skit going through her head now…
Oooh…we are looking forward to many of the same books. The SEP, and Kresley Cole’s and Nalini’s and Julie Q’s and Erin McCarthy’s and the Duchess books. Great minds, eh? LOL
I haven’t read Lauren Dane. Apparently I should, yes?
Liv – haha WHEE! ONE BOOK IS GOOD! And yeah, I know we have totally different reading tastes, but variety is the spice of life, yes? 😉
Sybil – HAR. I was totally chuckling to myself and reliving the “oh noes she’s gone rogue” in my head.
c2 – Great minds of course think alike! And sure – I super liked Undercover, and I thought it was a big deal because… I totally don’t go for that genre.
… O_O I just realized someone edited this post! (Haha, how unobservant am I?) Because some of the books I didn’t list out separately because I just couldn’t decide, so I went for grouping 😛
A very minor edit of adding a couple of line returns. No substance changes, I promise. 😉
lol – thanks Gwen. Too late for me to change that comment but i was like “O_O something is different *think think*”
Tasting Fear is not Kevin McCloud’s book. I don’t know if it is connect to the McCloud. The story is about three sisters in danger.
May B. – Thanks for that update. I thought the three sister’s stories were novellas, based on this “Next on my agenda is a collection of linked sexy suspense novellas, as yet untitled, and after that, I will tackle the elusive Kev McCloud.” from Ms. McKenna’s website — so I had assumed Tasting Fear, the novel, was Kev’s book. Whoops 😛
Great list, limecello! I have a few of those on my informal list of anticipated reads of 2009 as well. Your number eleven selection is so smart!!! I’m going to add that same one to my list! 😉
Oh! And thanks for the heads up on Deeper. I visit Megan Hart’s blog fairly regularly, but somehow missed this one! It’s on my list now.
Great list, Kleypas, Cole, Singh, Duran and Quinn are on my “must get” list already. Speaking of Nalini, I can’t wait to see what I think of her new series after loving the Pys books – Angel’s Blood. I like Jeaniene Frost’s series, just got her latest Cat and Bones – At Grave’s End.
Then there’s CL Wilson’s Queen of Sword and Souls we had to wait for, Mary Balogh’s new series, First Comes Marriage, Connie Brockway’s return to historicals – So Enchanting, Don’t Tempt Me by Loretta Chase, To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt (I was somewhat disappointed by To Taste Temptation but then she came right back for me with To Seduce a Sinner.. I’m into Moning’s Fever series, too, waiting for Dreamfever to see where it goes after the end of Faefever and more about Barrons.
Christine – Thanks! 🙂 I know, isn’t eleven brilliant? *buffs nails on shirtfront and looks superior. 😉 As for Deeper-hee! I’m sure Megan is grateful. (Actually, I’m not sure but I imagine so.) 😛
Pam– Thank you too! Yeah… I chose Branded by Fire because I liked the excerpt *just* a tad more than Angels’ Blood – and I think I was feeling/wanting something more happy – which I imagine BbF would be.
I thought about Balogh’s – but she’s hit or miss for me -though I do want to read the other 2 books that tie into Simply Love more strongly. I haven’t read Brockway in a while either – but I could be tempted especially as this is her return to historicals. And… dare I admit it but :X I don’t think I’ve read Loretta Chase, or Elizabeth Hoyt. Eek!
Hey limecello,
I am usually a lurker but I loved this post. I wanted to let you know, I just finished Angel’s Blood. My review is posted at http://www.nightowlromance.com. But what you heard about the violence is correct. It is a gritty, bloody world, Ms. Singh has devoloped. But it was a great story, interesting world. If you can take it, you won’t be disappointed. I don’t think Ms. Singh could write a bad story if her life depended on it. I look foward to reading your reviews on these books cause some of them are new to me!
Wow!
Interesting choices, we have one in common I see – Singh’s. I’d have to add Feehan to mine as well as Leigh, Krentz, Armstrong, Jim Butcher, Laurenston, Robb, Hamilton, Briggs, Michaels……..Uh my list wouldn’t be the top 10 I’d be looking forward to, looks like more like uhhhh maybe 50 or more…
The world wouldn’t be as fun if we had the same taste!
How I miss Tina Fey on SNL. *sigh*
Leslee! – Whee! Delurking is *good* – especially considering this: http://goodbadandunread.com/2009/01/15/big-news/ yes, yes?!?!? (EVERYONE CLICK THAT LINK!) And, I knew it about the violence! Haha, I’ve become a lot more ok with it – or inured :X but yay! And thanks – stop by often 🙂
Tammy – I haven’t read Feehan in a while/ever :X and LL is hit or miss for me as well – I also preferred Krentz’s historicals, though I have one of her contemps on my TBR pile. I don’t recognize some of your authors – but I believe the genres are generally action/suspense? 🙂 Very nice. (Hee those are the type of books I don’t tend to gravitate to – real life news is enough for me.)
Liv– Totally. And yes! Although I don’t miss her enough for Palin to try to make a run for president in 2012. *shudders*
Thank you for the book love! I appreciate it.
As for Deeper, I’ve read it and I think it’s one of the best things Megan has written. It’s got a paranormal element to it and if you read it knowing it’s not a romance (most of her Spice novels aren’t) you’ll be fine. The ending is happy for the main character and the story is so striking you’ll get sucked in right away.
I’m totally waiting for many of the books on your list – the SEP and the Singh especially but I love Kleypas too
Lauren – :D! As for Deeper – whee! Yeah – I’ve read all of MH’s other Spice novels (well, am working through Stranger now and read til like… 4 am? Gah.) But also noooooess does not want to wait!
… I hadn’t realized how many books I really wanted until I made this list!
Definitely hanging out for a couple of the books on your list (the Lauren Dane, Nalini Singh and Kresley Cole books) and also Christine Feehan Dark Slayer, Ilona Andrews Magic Strikes, Gena Showalter The Vampire’s Bride, Maya Banks Sweet Persuasion, Lila Dubois Gone With The Monster, Lora Leigh Coyote’s Mate and Nauti Intentions, Marjorie M Liu Darkness Calls plus numerous others.
Hi ShellBell! I think I’m going to have to look into the Andrews book – and also Showalter’s – I haven’t read either of them :X. I like LL’s books – loved the first two Nauti books, but the third was less exciting for me :\ haha, and it was really tough limiting my list to “ten.”
Heh – Kiss of a Demon King comes out Jan 20, and Deeper comes out the 1st of that month. [Wooowww… more non-observance on my part of not even noticing Gwen added dates. Whee Gwen! Haha you = the info monster of awesome.]
Great list. Very excited for some of those, especially Pamela Clare’s newest. Love. Her.
Hi HelenKay! Thanks 🙂 I’m glad you think so. I’m sooo excited for the new I-Team book by Ms. Clare! Also – I need to check your 09 releases – for some reason I feel like I don’t have those. :X
it was really tough limiting my list to “ten.”
I know I wouldn’t be able to limit myself to 10!
My sister actually liked Palin. I was horrified upon learning this.
I’m hoping my Borders puts Kiss of a Demon King out early so I can buy it this weekend instead of having to wait for next.
ShellBell – hee- that’s ok, because technically/really neither of us have to. Whee!
Liv – ohhh noooooooooo. That is… ack. And… oohh good call! I need to freaking buy Kiss of a Demon King – esp since my library won’t – but also because I already own all the previous books in the IAD series!
Why won’t your library buy it?
No idea 🙁 they stopped even calling me to let me know they won’t buy it (and usually it just shows up on my holds list.) This time, nothing. I think they’ve just decided to cut me off :X – and *after* I put libraries on my “good things” list!! Hmph!!
Leigh, Krentz, Armstrong, Jim Butcher, Laurenston, Robb, Hamilton, Briggs, Michaels Feehan in a while/ever :X and LL is hit or miss for me as well – I also preferred Krentz’s historicals, though I have one of her contemps on my TBR pile. I don’t recognize some of your authors – but I believe the genres are generally action/suspense
Some of them are action/suspense some are sci fi.
As for Feehan – I started reading her Dark series and stopped they no longer held my attention although I’ve heard that the last one Curse? might. I adore her Drake sisters, the Leopard series (new one of these this year), and the Game series. As for LL – I just started reading her Breed series haven’t read any of the others.
As for Krentz – LOL – in the re-arranging of the bookshelves I discovered that if I don’t own ALL of hers even when she wrote as Stephanie James, then it’s close, no matter the name on the book – Quick/Krentz/Castle/James.
Let’s see who’s left – Jim Butcher – author of The Dresden Files (scifi), Laurell K Hamilton – author of Anita Blake Vampire Hunter and Merry Gentry series (also scifi). Not sure where Patricia Briggs is shelved in paranormal or sci fi – she writes the Mercy the Mechanic series (Mercy short for Mercedes is a shapeshifter – a coyote that was raised by werewolves) and that’s all I’m saying other than come on Feb 3 for the next book in the series! J.D.Robb is of course a nome de plume for Madame Nora for her In Death Series with Roarke and Eve. Shelly Laurenston is erotica also with shapeshifters, and Kelley Armstrong..hmmmm. another I’m not sure what the actual classification is scifi or paranormal romance, again with shapeshifters.
And yeah there is a theme there – I like shapeshifters 🙂
LKH, Patricia Briggs, and Kelley Armstrong are all shelved under SF/F at my local bookstores. I like all three. ^_^
Y’know, I just reread A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER and really liked it this time whereas the first I just found it ‘meh’.
My critique partner Janine, who also happens to be Meredith Duran’s crit partner, has read WRITTEN ON YOUR SKIN, and is ecstatic about it.
I can’t wait to read it myself.
At my local B&N I’ve found Briggs and Armstrong in both places. It’s one more reason I shop online I can find what I’m looking for easier.
Tammy – Hee! Thanks for going through all those authors! I recognize a number of them and… the ones I didn’t – yup :X genres I don’t normally read. Which is why for some of the ones on my list… they’re so special/made it on!
I personally like shopping online because generally the selection is wider/larger. Though sometimes they run out online *cry* I missed out on a book I really wanted.
Liv – I knew you would come over to the
darklight once you came to your senses! 😀 Whee!Sherry – Hello! And… *squee!* I’m so excited that it’s going to be wonderful! Now I really can’t wait!
I just have to add another book I am eagerly awaiting – The Assassin by Elizabeth Elliott. I have been waiting for this book for at least 7 years – from what I have read EE unfortunately had a bad case of writer’s block during the writing of The Assassin. Not sure if The Assassin will actually be released in 2009 but fingers crossed as it has been sent to EE’s editor and is in the final editing stages! Just waiting to let out a loud *squee* once I see a release date.
ShellBell- Whoa! I’m excited not only for you, but with you! First book in seven years?! Hopefully it does come out in 2009!