Yes, yes, I know. It as been a while since I posted another book on Wicked's Re-Readable list. In my defense, I was on a vacation of sorts (read: no deadlines) and decided that meant no writing of any sort. Plenty of reading though so maybe I'll start posting more frequently.
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MM Romance, Contemporary
Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan
A book in the Tucker Springs series
This book is one of my favorites to re-read. It is a book within a series written by several authors. While I have read all but the first in the series, this particular book is absolutely Re-Readable.
I felt completely connected with the main characters and experienced their romantic journey along with them. Both main characters were dealing with what they perceived as a flaw but when their secret was exposed to the other, the strength of their burgeoning relationship helped them to deal with their issue together as a unit.
Ms. Cullinan approached each character's perceived imperfection with compassion and a deep understanding of what it would be like to live with it. I have no intrapersonal or interpersonal experience with either of these conditions, but I have a greater appeciation and admiration for those who do. To say Ms. Cullinan did her research is an understatement. I felt the each character's anguish over revealing their "flaw" and relief that their partner not only accepted it, but embraced it as part of what made them who they are. The way the main characters faced these issues together instead of abandoning the relationship during ardous situations made my heart flip.
The whole Tucker Springs series is worth reading; however, Dirty Laundry is definitely Re-Readable.
Hope you have a Wicked holiday weekend.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Cat Star Chronicles
This is another series of books on Wicked's Re-Readable list. Each book adds to the world the author built without repeating storylines or characterizations.
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MF Romance, Sci-Fi Romance, Interspecies Romance
Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks
Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, Wildcat, +1 in progress.
These books tell the story of a cat-like species, the Zetithians, that were hunted to near extinction, including total annihilation of their home planet. It seems Zetithians are incredible lovers with unique sexual organs and fluids, making them highly sought after by females of several races/species. Of course, these attributes inflamed the ire of a powerful person bent on eradicating the whole race. However, a champion has taken up the cause of locating any surviving Zetithians and avenging the destruction of their home world.
The stories can be read out of order but several characters from the early books make appearances throughout.
I have to say, Ms. Brooks does too good of a job creating these interstellar casanovas and I often wonder if I'll come across an amorous Zetithian for myself. And if the stories are true, once you go cat, you never go back.
It is difficult to pick one favorite book/character within the series but if pressed, I'll select Virgin for the sheer fact the male protagonist has a Wicked flame tattoo on his face and neck.
As always, have a Wicked week!
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MF Romance, Sci-Fi Romance, Interspecies Romance
Cat Star Chronicles by Cheryl Brooks
Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, Wildcat, +1 in progress.
These books tell the story of a cat-like species, the Zetithians, that were hunted to near extinction, including total annihilation of their home planet. It seems Zetithians are incredible lovers with unique sexual organs and fluids, making them highly sought after by females of several races/species. Of course, these attributes inflamed the ire of a powerful person bent on eradicating the whole race. However, a champion has taken up the cause of locating any surviving Zetithians and avenging the destruction of their home world.
The stories can be read out of order but several characters from the early books make appearances throughout.
I have to say, Ms. Brooks does too good of a job creating these interstellar casanovas and I often wonder if I'll come across an amorous Zetithian for myself. And if the stories are true, once you go cat, you never go back.
It is difficult to pick one favorite book/character within the series but if pressed, I'll select Virgin for the sheer fact the male protagonist has a Wicked flame tattoo on his face and neck.
As always, have a Wicked week!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Special X series
For those of you who like horror novels, I highly recommend the Special X series by Michael Slade; they are all on Wicked's Re-Readable book list. Insanely graphic murder mysteries with a mix of history, occult themes, and law enforcement investigation strategies. I do not plan to touch upon every book in the series, but I urge anyone who likes this type of reading material - and thinks they can sleep with the lights after - to hightail it to their local library, bookstore, or ebook* seller to snatch up the whole series.
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Subgenre: Canadian police procedural (RCMP)
Special X series by Michael Slade
Headhunter, Ghoul, Cutthroat, Ripper, Zombie (Evil Eye), Primal Scream, Burnt Bones, Hangman, Death's Door, Bed of Nails, Swastika, Kamikaze, Crucified, Red Snow, & 1 in progress as of 2013.
This series follows the creation of a special division within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dedicated to hunting psycho killers, the members of the department, the cases they investigate, and the impact these case have on their personal & professional lives.
Michael Slade is the pen name for Jay Clarke and his various collaborators (wife, law partners, & daughter). Capitalizing on his experience as a criminal lawyer and his many contacts within the Canadian law enforcement community, Slade has created a uniquely believable world combining historical fact and gothic occult subculture with a good ol' fashioned whodunit.
While none of Slade's books are lacking, my favorite by far is Ripper. Slade takes the unsatisfactory conclusion to the Jack the Ripper legend, adds a nod to an Agatha Christie plot device with a grotesquely gruesome twist, and the resulting story is Wickedly Re-Readable.
And you can't go wrong with the Special X series when Slade's background research for book 15 includes discussions with members of Rammstein!
Be aware, no one is safe from Slade's murderous machinations.
*Note: not all of Slade's books are available in e-format yet. However, there's something to be said about reading paperback horror novels late at night when the rasping of the pages being turned sounds like monsters breathing down your neck.
Have a Wicked week!
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Subgenre: Canadian police procedural (RCMP)
Special X series by Michael Slade
Headhunter, Ghoul, Cutthroat, Ripper, Zombie (Evil Eye), Primal Scream, Burnt Bones, Hangman, Death's Door, Bed of Nails, Swastika, Kamikaze, Crucified, Red Snow, & 1 in progress as of 2013.
This series follows the creation of a special division within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dedicated to hunting psycho killers, the members of the department, the cases they investigate, and the impact these case have on their personal & professional lives.
Michael Slade is the pen name for Jay Clarke and his various collaborators (wife, law partners, & daughter). Capitalizing on his experience as a criminal lawyer and his many contacts within the Canadian law enforcement community, Slade has created a uniquely believable world combining historical fact and gothic occult subculture with a good ol' fashioned whodunit.
While none of Slade's books are lacking, my favorite by far is Ripper. Slade takes the unsatisfactory conclusion to the Jack the Ripper legend, adds a nod to an Agatha Christie plot device with a grotesquely gruesome twist, and the resulting story is Wickedly Re-Readable.
And you can't go wrong with the Special X series when Slade's background research for book 15 includes discussions with members of Rammstein!
Be aware, no one is safe from Slade's murderous machinations.
*Note: not all of Slade's books are available in e-format yet. However, there's something to be said about reading paperback horror novels late at night when the rasping of the pages being turned sounds like monsters breathing down your neck.
Have a Wicked week!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
A Needful Heart
I had not planned to post another addition to the Wicked list of re-readables, but I'm still awake. Damn insomnia!
This next book is one of my all-time favorites. Total comfort read! Had a crappy work day or didn't get far on my writing project - I read this book. Had a giant spider crawl into my truck making it no longer driveable until I see his shriveled carcass - I read this book. My favorite hockey team lost . . . again - I read this book. I couldn't count on both hands and both feet how often I have read this book and it melts me every time!
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MF romance
A Needful Heart by J.M. Madden
Oh man, what can I say about this book? I absolutely love this story and these characters. I feel Matt's anguish at what he perceives as his flaws and I revel in the completeness that he with Gina. He is willing to give up his happiness to protect her from himself. Who wouldn't feel all gooey inside from that? Tortured hero trope to the max, but I love it. Plus, he has ink!! MMMM, makes him deliciously lickable. All is well that is implied well; Matt & Gina + 1 get their HEA. Oh, did I mention the sex scenes are smoking hot?
This swoon-worthy book is at the top of Wicked's Re-Readable list.
Let's try this again. Have a Wicked week but know my morning is going to Wickedly suck.
This next book is one of my all-time favorites. Total comfort read! Had a crappy work day or didn't get far on my writing project - I read this book. Had a giant spider crawl into my truck making it no longer driveable until I see his shriveled carcass - I read this book. My favorite hockey team lost . . . again - I read this book. I couldn't count on both hands and both feet how often I have read this book and it melts me every time!
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MF romance
A Needful Heart by J.M. Madden
Oh man, what can I say about this book? I absolutely love this story and these characters. I feel Matt's anguish at what he perceives as his flaws and I revel in the completeness that he with Gina. He is willing to give up his happiness to protect her from himself. Who wouldn't feel all gooey inside from that? Tortured hero trope to the max, but I love it. Plus, he has ink!! MMMM, makes him deliciously lickable. All is well that is implied well; Matt & Gina + 1 get their HEA. Oh, did I mention the sex scenes are smoking hot?
This swoon-worthy book is at the top of Wicked's Re-Readable list.
Let's try this again. Have a Wicked week but know my morning is going to Wickedly suck.
Coda books: Promises & A to Z
This comprises my first post in With The Wicked's list of re-readable books. I opted to post these 2 together strictly because I recently re-read them in order. There are other books in this series, but I haven't read them yet.
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MM romance
Promises by Marie Sexton
* This book introduces readers to the city of Coda, CO and the romance between Jared and Matt.
* I like how one main character realizes their love of the other almost immediately but it takes the other main character awhile to catch on.
* Laughed at the use of a "natural" first aid product, but my germaphobe side cringed at the thought (I think I still prefer to use an antibiotic ointment).
* Secondary characters work well to round out the story and you can't help but love them (well most of them).
* Romantic scenes were both hot and sweet. Matt's fascination with Jared's hair makes my heart flutter.
A to Z by Marie Sexton
- This book continues the Coda, CO background but starts out in Denver.
- The main characters in this book, Zach and Angelo, meet Jared and Matt at a music festival and provide the opportunity for Z & A to transition to Coda.
- Secondary characters from the first book return in this installment and interact well with the new main characters.
- Same theme of one main character knowing they love their other half before the light bulb appears for the second main character.
- Loved the "crazy" psychic and her wild visions.
- Romantic scenes are again hot and sweet. Swooned at the scene where Angelo gets all possessive and dominant with Zach.
Both of these books make it onto With The Wicked's RE-READABLE list.
Until next time, have a WICKED week!
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: MM romance
Promises by Marie Sexton
* This book introduces readers to the city of Coda, CO and the romance between Jared and Matt.
* I like how one main character realizes their love of the other almost immediately but it takes the other main character awhile to catch on.
* Laughed at the use of a "natural" first aid product, but my germaphobe side cringed at the thought (I think I still prefer to use an antibiotic ointment).
* Secondary characters work well to round out the story and you can't help but love them (well most of them).
* Romantic scenes were both hot and sweet. Matt's fascination with Jared's hair makes my heart flutter.
A to Z by Marie Sexton
- This book continues the Coda, CO background but starts out in Denver.
- The main characters in this book, Zach and Angelo, meet Jared and Matt at a music festival and provide the opportunity for Z & A to transition to Coda.
- Secondary characters from the first book return in this installment and interact well with the new main characters.
- Same theme of one main character knowing they love their other half before the light bulb appears for the second main character.
- Loved the "crazy" psychic and her wild visions.
- Romantic scenes are again hot and sweet. Swooned at the scene where Angelo gets all possessive and dominant with Zach.
Both of these books make it onto With The Wicked's RE-READABLE list.
Until next time, have a WICKED week!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Introduction to With The Wicked's Re-Readable List & Rating Scale
I will start posting my list of re-readable books in between required writing as I have time and inclination. The majority of what I read is romance/erotica but I do enjoy a bit of fantasy, sci fi, and horror, as well. I will label each book by genre and subgenre to make it easier for everyone. The list is in no particular order and I will probably jump between new reads and archived reads.
This is not a book review site per se, so I won't be posting links for purchasing or author websites - for now. I do not know how to post pictures so you will probably not get book covers either. However, I will make a conscious effort to think about learning how to do those things sometime in thenear future.
My rating scale is quite easy to understand. If I think it is re-readable, I will list it here under the category of RE-READABLE with a short explanation. There may be times I read something that didn't unequivocally make the list but I left me intrigued enough to think about adding it to the list, I will categorize it as PENDING. At this time, I have no plans to post the list of books I read only once as it is ginormous, but we'll see.
Feel free to comment but I can't guarantee I will respond or acknowledge your comment.
Oh, and have yourself a Wicked week!
This is not a book review site per se, so I won't be posting links for purchasing or author websites - for now. I do not know how to post pictures so you will probably not get book covers either. However, I will make a conscious effort to think about learning how to do those things sometime in the
My rating scale is quite easy to understand. If I think it is re-readable, I will list it here under the category of RE-READABLE with a short explanation. There may be times I read something that didn't unequivocally make the list but I left me intrigued enough to think about adding it to the list, I will categorize it as PENDING. At this time, I have no plans to post the list of books I read only once as it is ginormous, but we'll see.
Feel free to comment but I can't guarantee I will respond or acknowledge your comment.
Oh, and have yourself a Wicked week!
Monday, August 12, 2013
And so it begins
I am one of The Wicked Ones and a voracious reader, to boot. Therefore, I plan to subject you all to uncontrolled ramblings of what books I consider to be re-readable. I am currently working on a boring advanced degree piece of drivel and this will be my secret outlet that might be used to take over the world. Do I have dreams of world domination? . . . Possibly. Will I embed subliminal messages in my blog as I gather my minions? . . . Maybe. But until either of those actually happens, this is just a list of books my Wicked self put together to get through the mindless boring crap I have to write.
Each book will have a short description that's more phrases than sentences of what makes it re-readable. I might even keep a running tally of how often I have re-read them. But that seems like a lot of work so probably not. I should probably warn you I don't know crap about blogging or what makes it awesome and followable, but whatever. This is more for me than you. Because I am With The Wicked.
Each book will have a short description that's more phrases than sentences of what makes it re-readable. I might even keep a running tally of how often I have re-read them. But that seems like a lot of work so probably not. I should probably warn you I don't know crap about blogging or what makes it awesome and followable, but whatever. This is more for me than you. Because I am With The Wicked.
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