Summer Reading List

Posted on May 20, 2012 Updated on May 21, 2012

TGIS!!  I’m off for a couple of months from school and can be a “grown-up,” again.  Which means the possibility of searching for a “real” (professional) job, which may/may not impact school, taking on a volunteer position at a local hospital or Planned Parenthood, or learning how to be a housewife.   The latter is not really an option.

In the meantime, I’ve already devoured “Bear Meets Girl,” by Shelly Laurenston, my new favorite contemporary paranormal author.  Shelly writes strong, sexy, independent, intelligent female lead characters who are in their thirties (or a little older).   I appreciate that she continues previous characters’ stories, as the series progresses, so we can revisit old, beloved characters.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her Magnus Pack series, her Pride series and the first in her Gathering series, “Hunting Season.”   She also writes a dragon series as G.A. Aiken, but I’m not a fantasy fan and have never been able to get into that series.

The second book I read was Christine Warren’s “On the Prowl,” latest installment in The Others series.  This series also features paranormal characters, in contemporary situations, and follows a group of female friends as they find themselves, their leading men and HEA.  The heroines are smart, sassy and able to stand on their own, so their men have to be true alpha males.

A newer series I started reading, even though the characters are younger than I typically like, are Olivia Cunning’s “Sinners” series, which follows a naughty rock band and their lady loves.   The themes are stronger sexually (some BSDM), than Laurenston’s or Warren’s.  I was surprised I enjoyed them as much as I have.

I’ve downloaded the “50 Shades of Grey,” trilogy, to see what all the hype is about.  However, I already have some doubts about the relationship in that series.   I am not a fan of women who are unable or unwilling to refer to their own body parts in anatomical terms and use “down there,” or “my privates,” to describe their female organs.   Furthermore, I feel it is irresponsible to introduce said women to a D/s lifestyle, without a great deal of coaching and sex education.   The premise of the books and the character’s too young ages, give me pause.   We’ll see.   (Lorelei James and Maya Banks have a better understanding of this lifestyle and extensive libraries, that are responsibly written and cheaper).

My newest find has been the “Savannah Coven,” series by Suza Kates.  Again, my favorite theme – female friends who find their mates and HEA.   It explores some paranormal themes and is a travelogue for the beautiful city of Savannah.   The first three book are available: “Whisper of the Witch,” “Conviction of the Witch,” and “Binding of the Witch.”  There will be nine books when she completes the series.  It has been unexpectedly engaging and entertaining learning each character’s personalities and unique abilities.  I am looking forward to reading more.