Monday, December 29, 2008

a look at 2008

With 2009 right around the corner I figured now would be a good time to talk about what I enjoyed about 2008. I'm generally not the type to do the whole resolution thing, but I do like to set goals for myself and I also like to look back at what I got out of the previous year.
I found some new authors. Well, they're new for me. One Lora Leigh. I had never read her books before this year. Boy was I missing out! I've since read nearly all of her backlist, there are still a few to go, but I'm getting there. My favorite book of hers remains to be "Loving Lies". A very hot story! I want the other two friends' stories, like today! LOL
I also discovered the joys of reading erotica, rather than erotic romance. Diana Hunter's "New York Moment" was probably the first story I've ever read that didn't have a budding romance and a HEA. Well, that's not entirely true. I think I've read a few others, a long time ago, but it's been so long I can't remember. Anyway, it's not something I'll read daily because I do love me a good romance, but I admit it was interesting enough for me to have bought a few more of the Exotica titles over at Ellora's Cave. (Damn, I just love having those hot stories on my ereader, too! lol)
One of the best stories I read this year is probably "Fallen" by Erin McCarthy. I love it when and author can suprise me. I knew she could write a fun, laugh out loud romance, but I had no idea she could write darker. I liked this particular book because of the hero. I go for heroes who have an inner struggle the way Gabriel does. It makes me desperate for his happy ending.
So, those are the books I've loved this year. What else did I love about 2008? There were a lot of good things to happen to me this year. My writing career is beginning to take off, I have a new positive outlook on life, I've learned to put things aside and spend time enjoying my family, and I feel better about me than I think I ever have. Will 2009 be perfect? I think not, but it's bound to be an adventure!
What books did you read this year that made an impression?

12 comments:

Kelley Nyrae said...

Anne, I'm reading a book right now that I KNOW you will LOVE. It's called Wicked Burn by Beth Kery. I'm not yet done with it about half way but I'm loving it. I borrowed it from a friend and I know its a new one too. The hero is the kind of alpha you like and its HOT and I know there is a deep emotional conflict in there that I don't yet know all the details about.

Anyway, on to your post. I read some books I loved too. The Art of Desire by Cherie Feather was great. I had a rough year with lots of ups and downs. I'm hoping for more ups in 2009. LOL. I made a list of goals for myself and I'm working to make myself feel better and hope that will help the rest fall into place.

Tonya said...

Glad to see you guys are back!

I read a ton of books this year that made an impression to me. Kelley made me do it!!! =)

I enjoyed both Fallen and My Immortal by Erin McCarthy. I'd never read anything dark and loved those!!! Can't wait for more! Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake really moved me a lot. All the Twilight saga series....just fun and a whole new world brought together. I'm only a few in on the Dark Hunter series, but those tortured heros are fabulous!!!

I can't wait to read more this year!

Anne Rainey said...

Kelley--Wicked Burn. Dang, I saw that book, but didn't pick it up! I could kick myself! I'm hoping for more ups for you too! :)

Tonya--I haven't seen a date announced for the third book in McCarthy's series, have you? I really want that third book!

Dianna C said...

I am not sure if any of the many books I have read this year left that big of a lasting impression on me. I know there were many that I enjoyed immensely and will love to read again. I love the alpha male thing.

Regina Carlysle said...

Hasn't 08 been a wonderful year? At least for me, it has. Can't really narrow down the best books I've read. I've got to get back into the habit more often. Seems these days I'd rather write than read. That's not a horrible thing but I've been missing just relaxing with a book that makes me SIGH.

Molly Daniels said...

I discovered several authors this year: Cindy Spencer Pape, Brynn Paulin, and someone named Regina Carlysle...

And yes, I've put Lora and Erin's books on my list, and should get to them in the coming months, as well as yours and Anne's, Kelley:)

J.K. Coi said...

Hmm, I did read some great books this year. LOVE Nalini Singh's series, and two or three of those came out. Also loved Deb Cooke's Kiss of Fire and Kiss of Fury. Mostly though, I fell in love with my ereader, and I devoured TONS of great quality, superbly written ebooks!!

Jen said...

Well 2008 has been a bit of a challenge for me work wise. At times I thought it was going to get the better of me. It caused me to miss out on some things through out the year. But I can't really complain too much these days. I'm just grateful I have a job. And starting next Monday, my job is changing. So I'm looking forward to that new chapter beginning.

Bookwise, I have read alot of good books this year and can't wait for what will be coming out in 2009.

Anne, now that you have your ebook reader you can check out Joey W. Hill's books from Ellora's Cave. You can finally read Natural Law and see what I've been talking about with that one. Dang.....

Jody W. and Meankitty said...

I just finished Robin Owens' Heart Dance and quite enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading one of Julie Kenner's Demon Slayer series books I got for Xmas as well as Anya Bast's Chosen Sin. My agent sent me some funny "Choose Your Own Romance" adventure spoofs a couple weeks ago to celebrate the release of my interactive fiction from Red Sage, and I want to check those out, too! They look pretty funny.

Jody W.

Anne Rainey said...

Dianna--I'm with you on those alpha males! :)

Regina--I just bought Murder Game by Feehan and I'm really enjoying it so far. It felt good to spend time sipping coffee and reading this morning, instead of jumping right into my latest WIP.

Anne Rainey said...

Molly--Thanks for adding me to your list! :)

J.K.--I saw a Nalini book at Borders yesterday and didn't get it (money). Damn, wish I would have though!

Anne Rainey said...

Jen--OMG! THANK YOU for reminding me of that book Natural Law! I'm definitely adding that to my ereader!!

Jody--Chosen Sin looks good. Let me know what you think after you read it. :)