MY DIK BOOKS (and why I love them)
When I was first given the opportunity to join in on the book-loving, men-loving journey called DIK, I honestly wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I’d read the other ladies choices for favorite books and was really impressed with the overall diversity shown.
And then it came to be my turn to choose my Keepers. I hemmed and hawed and almost ended up pulling out my hair with indecision, but I finally narrowed it down to these 6. And let me tell you, the choices were really, really hard to make.
Book 1 is one of those books that I’d been anticipating ever since the character was introduced way back in Book 1 or 2 of the series. He’d make an appearance in each book, stealing the scene he was in and I’d welcome his arrival with a happy sigh. He’d have his heart broken, he’d move on and I’d feel sad that he hadn’t found the right one for him.
Then he was introduced to someone. At first, I really wasn’t sure if the man chosen for him was the right one, but I kept my peace and waited through the next few installments of the series. When would he get his turn? Finally, it was announced that this book was coming out. I was so excited I could hardly wait to drive to the store and pick up my copy.
What book got me so excited I was literally bouncing up and down when I was buying it? All Through The Night by Suzanne Brockmann! Finally, Jules was getting his man. Talk about a story a long time in coming. Watching as Jules and Robin made their dedication to each other clear and the fact that they were willing to thumb their noses at society because they decided to get married was just awesome. And the letter that Suz wrote about her son and dedicating it to him…well, honestly? It made me cry. I’m such a wuss.
Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh is my 2nd book in this epic journey through DIK. CbI is the story of Judd and Brenna. Watching Brenna slowly break through Judd’s icy exterior to the man hidden deep inside was an amazing journey. I’m such a sucker for the dark hero who has a sweet, tender nature hidden deep inside his psyche. For some reason (unbeknownst to me) I find men like that super sexy.
Book 3 is Goddess of the Rose by PC Cast. This book is dark and pretty twisted, but the romance between the hero and heroine is just beautiful, especially when you consider that she’s an uprooted human from Oklahoma who is now living in the world of the Gods and he’s a…well, I won’t tell you, but I can’t recommend this book enough. I love how the reality of Gods & Goddesses and humanity are twisted and turned upside down in this world that Ms. Cast has created.
Book 4 is my all-time favorite Lisa Kleypas book. I know, I know, so many people rave about Dreaming of You and though I agree it’s a great book, Secrets of a Summer’s Night is definitely my favorite and the reason is 100% due to Simon Hunt, the hero. There’s something so yummy about a man who is definitely a hard man, but who has a complete and total soft spot for the heroine. It’s all about how he feels deep inside and to me, that’s sexy.
Book 5 is actually a series. It was a toss-up between this one and the Heralds of Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, but the reason I chose this one is for one reason…DRAGONS! I chose the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, because this series transported me when I first read it. It was so awesome to read about people who could ride on the backs of dragons. I so desperately wanted to have a dragon bond to me. *sigh* Unfortunately, that was never going to happen, so I read the books instead. An epic fantasy with some great sci-fi thrown in to tip the balance. I reread this series once every couple of years and I still love it.
And finally, book 6 is one of those books that I reread EVERY SINGLE YEAR and I still love it. I read it for the first time when I was about 12 years old or thereabouts. I fell head over heels in love with the hero and thought the growth of the heroine was very true to life. Also, I wrote my own version of a sequel starring the hero’s son. Unfortunately, it never made it out in the publishing world (like I would’ve actually sent it out), but that is how much this book touched me. What is my 6th and final book, you might ask? It is Years by LaVyrle Spencer, the coming-of-age story of Linnea Brandonberg and her trials and thrills as a teacher in Alamo, North Dakota. Throw in a curmudgeonly hero, his eccentric, but awesome family and you’ve got one of the best historical romances out there, in my humble opinion. It’s based around WWI, so it’s a bit more current than most historicals, but what an amazing tale.
And so ends my first day on this here DIK blog. I hope you enjoyed my look into the books I love. Maybe you’ll give them a try sometime. Enjoy!
When I was first given the opportunity to join in on the book-loving, men-loving journey called DIK, I honestly wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I’d read the other ladies choices for favorite books and was really impressed with the overall diversity shown.
And then it came to be my turn to choose my Keepers. I hemmed and hawed and almost ended up pulling out my hair with indecision, but I finally narrowed it down to these 6. And let me tell you, the choices were really, really hard to make.
Book 1 is one of those books that I’d been anticipating ever since the character was introduced way back in Book 1 or 2 of the series. He’d make an appearance in each book, stealing the scene he was in and I’d welcome his arrival with a happy sigh. He’d have his heart broken, he’d move on and I’d feel sad that he hadn’t found the right one for him.
Then he was introduced to someone. At first, I really wasn’t sure if the man chosen for him was the right one, but I kept my peace and waited through the next few installments of the series. When would he get his turn? Finally, it was announced that this book was coming out. I was so excited I could hardly wait to drive to the store and pick up my copy.
What book got me so excited I was literally bouncing up and down when I was buying it? All Through The Night by Suzanne Brockmann! Finally, Jules was getting his man. Talk about a story a long time in coming. Watching as Jules and Robin made their dedication to each other clear and the fact that they were willing to thumb their noses at society because they decided to get married was just awesome. And the letter that Suz wrote about her son and dedicating it to him…well, honestly? It made me cry. I’m such a wuss.
Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh is my 2nd book in this epic journey through DIK. CbI is the story of Judd and Brenna. Watching Brenna slowly break through Judd’s icy exterior to the man hidden deep inside was an amazing journey. I’m such a sucker for the dark hero who has a sweet, tender nature hidden deep inside his psyche. For some reason (unbeknownst to me) I find men like that super sexy.
Book 3 is Goddess of the Rose by PC Cast. This book is dark and pretty twisted, but the romance between the hero and heroine is just beautiful, especially when you consider that she’s an uprooted human from Oklahoma who is now living in the world of the Gods and he’s a…well, I won’t tell you, but I can’t recommend this book enough. I love how the reality of Gods & Goddesses and humanity are twisted and turned upside down in this world that Ms. Cast has created.
Book 4 is my all-time favorite Lisa Kleypas book. I know, I know, so many people rave about Dreaming of You and though I agree it’s a great book, Secrets of a Summer’s Night is definitely my favorite and the reason is 100% due to Simon Hunt, the hero. There’s something so yummy about a man who is definitely a hard man, but who has a complete and total soft spot for the heroine. It’s all about how he feels deep inside and to me, that’s sexy.
Book 5 is actually a series. It was a toss-up between this one and the Heralds of Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey, but the reason I chose this one is for one reason…DRAGONS! I chose the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, because this series transported me when I first read it. It was so awesome to read about people who could ride on the backs of dragons. I so desperately wanted to have a dragon bond to me. *sigh* Unfortunately, that was never going to happen, so I read the books instead. An epic fantasy with some great sci-fi thrown in to tip the balance. I reread this series once every couple of years and I still love it.
And finally, book 6 is one of those books that I reread EVERY SINGLE YEAR and I still love it. I read it for the first time when I was about 12 years old or thereabouts. I fell head over heels in love with the hero and thought the growth of the heroine was very true to life. Also, I wrote my own version of a sequel starring the hero’s son. Unfortunately, it never made it out in the publishing world (like I would’ve actually sent it out), but that is how much this book touched me. What is my 6th and final book, you might ask? It is Years by LaVyrle Spencer, the coming-of-age story of Linnea Brandonberg and her trials and thrills as a teacher in Alamo, North Dakota. Throw in a curmudgeonly hero, his eccentric, but awesome family and you’ve got one of the best historical romances out there, in my humble opinion. It’s based around WWI, so it’s a bit more current than most historicals, but what an amazing tale.
And so ends my first day on this here DIK blog. I hope you enjoyed my look into the books I love. Maybe you’ll give them a try sometime. Enjoy!
Oh, who am I kidding? Here's a picture that you might recognize from my review blog. Enjoy! :~)
11 comments:
B.
I LOVE YOUR LIST. I mean, most excellent.
And Suze donated every penny of profit from sales of ATTN to MassEquality.
For those of you who don't know this, Torquere Press had the Marriage Sips Blitz -- the authors contributed 100% of their earnings and Torquere matched it and donated the proceeds to Lambda Legal Fun. So cool.
Anywho, B I've read 4 of your six and love them. SIMON HUNT Oh YEAH!
Great choices! I've read most of your choices too.
Hey Bridge! You have a fabulous list!
ATTN was a great book. I thought thought Adam coming into the mix and stirring things up was a nice twist.
CbI I have to say I love this book but it's been my least favorite of the series. Still a fab book though.
Years - Ok it's been YEARS since I've read it! I might have to read it again cuz I honestly barely remember it. I just remember it was good.
Thanks again for stepping in!
Oooh some of my faves.
First off I love Robin and Jules. And the letter made me tear up as well, so you're not alone there.
Caressed by Ice is my favourite Psy/Changeling book so far.
And although I haven't read Years for well...years, it still has a special place on my keeper shelf. :)
Hi all!
LB-I love hearing about authors who stand up for what they believe in. It's just so cool! :)
Kati-Ah, thank you! I love my list too. LOL!
Tracy-Years is just one of those books that just makes my heart go pitty-pat. :)
Lesley-Yep, CbI is definitely my favorite! I *heart* Judd. All cold and growly on the outside, hot and smokin' on the inside. Sexy. :D
Damn, now I need to wade through freaking 11 S.E.A.L/F.B.I. books to get to Jules's hapy ending! Poop. But you really, really made me want to read that! Man....there is not enough hours in the day...srsly!
I haven't ever gone OldSkool (I'm afriad too) so I haven't read any Lavryle Spencer but you aren't the first person to recommend her.
Nalini rocks. Simple as.
Great books! Some of my faves listed there too!
CbI is also my fave Psy/Changling book to date. Got me nifty autographed copy at RAW this year. *g*
Sayuri-Though it helps to have read all of the previous books, ATTN is definitely a stand-alone book IMO. :)
Why is CbI such a gut-wrencher for me? I don't know if it's all because of Judd or because of Brenna or because of both of them. :) I just love their story.
Simon Hunt is one sexy DIK hero indeed!! If only I had a man like him who could buy me the perfect footwear!
KB-You can't say no to good footwear. LOL!
My day is driving me nuts! We are SLAMMED! I wanna run away. *sniffle*
Hey Bridget!
Thanks again for stepping up in my stead at the last minute like this. You're such a trooper! xoxo
I've only read CBI from your list, and it is one of my favorite Nalini Singh novels. Probably tied with MtP.
I've got the Lisa Kleypas novel on my TBR pile, and Years sounds really good. I'll have to keep that one in mind.
Great list!
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