I’ve read two books lately that I loved. While they are completely different genres and at first glance appear to have nothing in common, I realized that they actually do have quite a few similarities.
They are both stories with females who are smart, who are fiercely protective of those they consider family, and who refuse to stay in the little boxes that society has tried to put them in. I love strong female characters who stand tall and show that being different isn’t just okay but that it’s a good thing. After all, if we were all the same how boring would that be?
The first book is a steampunk mystery by Shelley Adina. It is the first book in a new series, but is set in the same world as her Magnificent Devices series. (If you haven’t ready Magnificent Devices then I highly recommend it. It starts with the book Lady of Devices)
The title is: The Bride Wore Constant White and it is Book one of the Mysterious Devices series.
This book is listed as a clockwork cozy mystery. It takes place in the United States, but not as we know them. While there are some familiar characters from the Magnificent Devices Series, if you haven’t read that series you don’t have to worry about being lost.
This book is full of unforgettable characters and smart women who are brave enough to stand up and be noticed in a world—an era—where they are expected to sit down and be invisible until told to do otherwise.
Shelly Adina has created a world that is unique and yet easy to imagine. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
The second book is a paranormal romance by Shelly Laurenston. It takes place in the same world as her other shifter books. If you’ve read any of her other shifter book then you’re likely to recognize a few familiar characters. If you haven’t read her other books, then I highly recommend them. You can start with the Magnus Pack or the Pride Stories. Both Series take place in the same world. You can find a complete list of her books by series HERE.
The title is: Hot and Badgered
I hate when Shelly Laurenston has a new release because I’m going to be sleep deprived from staying up all night reading and hubby is going to look at me like I’ve lost my mind when I just bust out laughing at random times. I do not recommend reading this (or any of her books) in public unless you don’t mind the looks. And whatever you do, DON’T drink any liquids while reading. Snorting tea through your nose is not a pleasant experience. I can personally attest to this.
But she is definitely an auto-buy for me and I can’t wait for her next book. She has a sense of humor that I identify with. Her characters are flawed (sometimes DEEPLY) but they are all lovable in their own way. She has her own unique take on shifters that sets her apart from all of those other shifter books out there.
If you haven’t read her other books, don’t worry about not being able to follow along. Most of her books can be read as standalones but you get more out of them when you have the knowledge of the other characters in this world. This book is a great introduction to her world and I have a feeling that once you read it you will want to go back and read the others.
You can find the full list of her books on her website.
So, that’s what I’ve been reading lately. What books have you read recently that you’ve loved? Feel free to share them in the comments.