Friday Booktalk!
Sep
11
2009

I’m on deadline so I’m not reading as much as I normally do – but I did manage to get in some re-reads!

First – Megan Hart’s Pleasure and Purpose

The usual disclaimers apply here – Megan is my BFF and my crit partner, I believe she’s one of the best writers out there today and that’s not just because I’ve slept on her futon.

Pleasure and Purpose is three novellas set in a sort of spec fic future/past. The book is future/fantasy but also has a historical flavor. There’s really not much like it out there. Each novella is set in the same world, with the same group of men as handmaidens come to aid them in a search for solace. It’s one large story arc with three HEAs in it.

Each story, each handmaiden is different, some are hotter than others sensuality wise, but all work well because of that. Each man finds what he needs along a different path. The connection between hero and heroine is so well done. Each woman sees the man in a way he’s never been seen before, aids him by enabling him to accept himself. For all its sexiness, and there is a great deal of sensuality on the page here, Pleasure and Purpose is one of Megan’s best romances yet.

I loved the world and the way Megan has built the Order of Solace – the mytho-religious structure is intricately drawn and fascinating. It however, is NOT anti-religious, or sex based religion either. The handmaidens bring solace, perfect peace in whatever way the patron needs it. Mina doesn’t save Alaric with sex, she saves him because she pushes him out of his pit of self pity and enables him to find himself, the self reliant man within. In doing so, she helps him find self respect.

Anyway, I loved Pleasure and Purpose and you’re all going to love No Greater Pleasure, her next book in the Order of Solace series!

To celebrate it being Friday, how about a contest to win a copy of Pleasure and Purpose? I’ll choose a winner from the comments on Sunday at noon pacific. What book are you reading now, or have read recently?

I also re-read the first five In Death books. My favorite remains Naked in Death, because it’s just such a beautiful, well drawn start to the Eve and Roarke story. Nora really has such great talent with her characterization and Eve Dallas is just so very flawed and three dimensional.

I’ve got Dreamfever and the new Briggs too, I just have to find the time to read them!!

33 comments to “Friday Booktalk!”

  1. Taige Crenshaw
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:28 am · Link

    Luv the In Death series. I’ve reread it numerous times. About to get them out to re-read. I blame you. LOL.

    Dreamfever is that Karen Marie Moning book. I haven’t read any of her books yet. Have to go check them out. I also have the new Briggs book but haven’t read it yet.

    Don’t enter me in the contest. Already have my copy of Megan book. (grin)



  2. Edie`
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:36 am · Link

    Just finished Nalini Singhs latest, am nearly finished the Red Headed Stepchild by Jaye Welles and for the next I have go e-pub shopping. Put my name down for a reading challenge, mine is to read new to me authors, anyone got any recs for ebooks?



  3. RRRJessica
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:44 am · Link

    Oh, I would love, love, love to win this. Have read and loved all of her Spices. It sounds like Hart is once again pushing at the boundaries of romance, something I love in her writing.

    At the mo, I am struggling to finish Judith Ivory’s Black Silk. It’s not what I was expecting at all. I only have 20% left and cannot see how an HEA is possible. But I love the wonderful writing, the vibrant characters, and the complex, adult relationships.



  4. Calila
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am · Link

    Love Nora Roberts/JD Robb, she is definitely one of my all time favs.

    Just finished reading The Sins Of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter.



  5. Melody Miller
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:54 am · Link

    😀

    I would love to be entered, thanks!

    I have about 130 books in my TBR pile – I just finished the new Maya Banks, and I’m hoping to start on the new Patricia Briggs this weekend, but we’re house hunting and so I’ve got a full plate. I hate it when life gets in the way of my reading!! LOL!

    Have a great weekend!



  6. Natasha A.
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:56 am · Link

    I haven’t read anything in about 2 weeks, and I am starting to go a little crazy. I hope this weekend to change that!!

    It’s start up at the college where I work. So I am hiring and training, and working a crapload of overtime.

    I am tired.

    I think I am going to read Songbird by Maya Banks as soon as I can!



  7. Sharon M
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:00 am · Link

    I think I’ve read more email and twitter tweets than I have books this week. I’m trying to finish up Christine Feehan’s Dark Slayer and have started several ebooks but haven’t followed through on finishing any of them.

    I’ll also be starting my fall reread of the Twilight Saga in preparation for New Moon (movie) coming out in November. Yes, I’m one of those. 😉



  8. Catharine
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:03 am · Link

    I usually read a book or two per day (I love eBooks! Lol) so my read lately list is:

    “Always” by you
    “Laid Bare” also by you
    “The erotic secrets of a French maid” – Lisa Cach
    “Something borrowed” – Emily Giffin
    The entire Soithern Vampire series (for the 3rd time) – Charlaine Harris
    “Reason Enough” – Megan Hart
    “Stranger” – Megan Hart (2nd time)
    “The Wedding Girl” – Madeline Wickham/aka Sophie Kinsella

    Currently reading:
    “Someone like you” – Sarah Dessen
    “Undercover” by you

    On my “To be read next” pile:
    all the rest of your books
    all the rest of Megan’s books
    “Black Hills” – Nora Roberts
    “Names my sisters call me” – Megan Crane

    yeah I like to read. Mostly I read eBooks or listen to audiobooks these days because I can only read at work (how sad!!) but I have a huuuge collection of “real” books — my inheritance from my grandmother… She collected romance books. 🙂

    ok now that I’ve sufficiently rambled your eyes off and proven my nerdiness… Please enter me in the contest? I need another book! I’m running low! 🙂



  9. JP
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:07 am · Link

    I’m doing double-duty. I’m reading Gennita Low’s VIRTUALLY HIS in preparation for the ARC of VIRTUALLY HERS I just got, but I’m also on a Jayne Ann Krentz re-reading streak — right now, it’s HIDDEN TALENTS.



  10. Jo K
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:13 am · Link

    three HEA’s — THREE! Please, Please, Please… enter me in the contest.



  11. Jo K
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:17 am · Link

    forgot to add the book I’m reading now! Oppsy. It’s Friday mind fog! LOL

    Book I’m reading now is Bitten and Smitten by Michelle Rowen and recently finished Mark Henry’s Road Trip from Hell.

    Think my most fav recent read was The Frog Prince by Jane Porter. A perfect beach read :O) Of course, beach reading season is kinda over now. Now I need something to keep me warm and cozy during the winter nights…. hint hint! LOL



  12. Blanche
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:25 am · Link

    I’m really anxious to get and read Megan’s Pleasure and Purpose!!

    I’m kind of in a reading slump…..I have so many books and I can’t pick so I’m not reading…..sad I know!

    I did just finish Creation of Desire by Leah Brooke!



  13. Crystal D
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am · Link

    re-reading the Outlander series in preparation of book 7 (I think) coming out. I can’t wait to get my hands on Megan’s book.



  14. Jamie
    September 11th, 2009 at 9:41 am · Link

    Sounds wonderful!

    I have not heard of this book yet, please add my name to the entries.

    Currently Reading Go Fetch by Shelley Laurenston.



  15. Booklover1335
    September 11th, 2009 at 11:11 am · Link

    I have been anxiously awaiting this new book by Megan since finishing Deeper, so I would absolutely love the chance to win Pleasure and Purpose!

    I completely agree with you, I think Megan is such a talented writer (and so are you)! Both of you are two of my fav authors to follow these days. Neither of you have written anything that disappoints (at least of the ones I have read). Counting down the days until Coming Undone:)

    I am currently reading Servant: The Kindred by L.L. Foster. Really loved the first two in this series so am anxious to see how she ends it
    🙁



  16. Cathy M
    September 11th, 2009 at 12:03 pm · Link

    Just finished reading Dreamfever, and while I am hooked on this series, I am so not a fan of huge, hairy cliffhangers.

    Currently reading Tara Janzen’s new book, Breaking Loose. She is one of my auto-buy authors and I really like the path she is on with this series.



  17. Fedora
    September 11th, 2009 at 12:25 pm · Link

    Just finished Ann Aguirre’s first two Jax titles, and am eagerly awaiting book three! Megan’s new book sounds terrific–thanks for the contest 🙂



  18. Jody F.
    September 11th, 2009 at 12:57 pm · Link

    Currently reading Darkness Everlasting by Alendra Ivy. It’s a vampy series that’s got hot guys–enough said. After that I’ll be reading the next book in the Paladin series Darkness Unknown by Alexis Morgan.



  19. Heather Brewer
    September 11th, 2009 at 1:02 pm · Link

    Currently I am reading Heat Seeker by Lora Leigh. I love the SEALs/Elite Ops series. I think they are one of her best series.

    I finished up Katie MacAlister’s 2 newest vampire books. Zen and the Art of Vampires and Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang. They were better than the past few that have come out.

    I am looking forward to JR Ward’s new book Covet. I have Briggs on my TBR stack too.



  20. Joy
    September 11th, 2009 at 1:18 pm · Link

    I’ve been sick so haven’t been able to read as much as usual. My TBR is toppling over!

    Currently reading “Fair Game” by Jasmine Hayes. Finished ” Bengal’s Heart” by Lora Leigh last week.

    Looking forward to this book!



  21. Vivian Arend
    September 11th, 2009 at 1:25 pm · Link

    I am attempting to simultaneously finish two wip, complete first edits and judge some books for a contest…but I can’t talk about them.

    Arghhh.

    The most recent book I got to read for fun was His Convenient Husband by JL Langley, and I’ve got Cheyenne McCray’s The First Sin waiting for me…I swear I’m going to get to it soon.

    And Megan? Oh yeah, her work rocks.



  22. Collette
    September 11th, 2009 at 2:19 pm · Link

    This week I’ve read a couple of library books: To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn and McAlister’s Fortune by Alissa Johnston. And I’ve read Seduced by His Touch by Tracy Anne Warren and Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen.

    Gee, I don’t know why I don’t get anything done…



  23. Mary G
    September 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm · Link

    I read Where Dreams Are Made by Anne Hope – take your breath away beautiful. Reading Heatseeker by Lora Leigh (love Ops too) & anything by Beth Kery.



  24. Scott Romanski
    September 11th, 2009 at 3:36 pm · Link

    I am currently reading CSI: Mortal Wounds…pretty good so far. Definitely want to read this book.



  25. Lisa F.
    September 11th, 2009 at 3:58 pm · Link

    I’m reading Heat Seeker by Lora Leigh. I’ve also just read Christina Dodd’s Storm of Visions and Storm of Shadows. Plus I reread Dreamfever because that book is going to drive me insane waiting for the next one.



  26. Diane Sadler
    September 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pm · Link

    I am reading Belong to the night by Shelly Laurenston, Cynthia Eden. I just got it yesterday and am reading the first story, loving it so far. I want to read Karen Rose’s book next.



  27. Megan
    September 11th, 2009 at 5:11 pm · Link

    I will get Megan’s book (great name!) if I don’t win it today, but I am currently reading Julia Spencer-Fleming’s All Mortal Flesh. Rich, complex writing with mystery and death and longing and all sorts of fun.



  28. Jessie
    September 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm · Link

    Right now I’m reading Tempt Me At Twilight by Lisa Kleypas, I’m really enjoying it so far



  29. Barbara Elness
    September 11th, 2009 at 5:54 pm · Link

    I’m reading Jaye Wells’ Red-Headed Stepchild – which is awesome so far. I just finished Eloisa James’ A Duke of Her Own, which was a fabulous finish to a wonderful series.



  30. Mari
    September 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm · Link

    I just started reading Laid Bare—-didn’t win it in your contest, so I HAD TO go get a copy. And so far, so good!



  31. Tez Miller
    September 11th, 2009 at 8:54 pm · Link

    Am currently reading Kelly Gay’s The Better Part of Darkness, an urban fantasy due for release in late November/early December. Fabulous world-building!



  32. MichelleKCanada
    September 12th, 2009 at 12:27 pm · Link

    Hi Lauren!

    I am currently 1/2 way through “Sweet Restraint” by Beth Kery. I never read one of her books before and she was one of the books you blogged about during your Laid Bare contest so I went out and bought it.
    I also bought “Deeper” by Megan Hart at the same time and I haven’t read it yet. It would be totally cool to win this next book by her.

    Thanks for you awesome give aways and suggestions.



  33. Janet H
    September 12th, 2009 at 9:32 pm · Link

    Just finished Heat Seeker by L. Leigh. I just started reading Nalini Singh’s Psy series from the beginning. I read them out of order the first time.