RaeLea

Sorry to be all 'Chick' about this, but I will toss Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb into the mix. She has always entertained me with her characters and story lines.

I can only say, if you're determined to purchase the books...just, try the first one. If you like, fantastic, carry on. Personally, I couldn't get through #1, and it's not the BDSM world but the writing that stopped me.

You are quite correct in that the TV show 'Castle' is based off the books. I was reluctant to try the books as I enjoy the show so much (one of my favs) and I didn't want to ruin the show if the books weren't up to that par. However, as I have enjoyed James Patterson's books, though predictable as they are, I believe Richard Castle will prove to be highly entertaining.

HA! Exactly so! I do appreciate that feature, very much.

Agreed! My thought regarding the 'underdogs' is spot on. I truly wish that were the media to be all hyped up on a book, or in this case, series of, that said book(s) would have a certain amount of quality to them. I am not talking about subject matter, but simply the very quality of the writing. The underdogs of self publishing took a hit with this one, how it got to be so popular is beyond me. *ducking for cover at any left over projectile objects*

While yes, there are drawbacks to self publishing, which have mostly been notated above. Bottom line, for me, I want the chance to discover an author who's either been rejected by main publishers for one reason or another or who's decided to make the leap of faith and do on their own. I believe that we readers will simply need to cast our reviews and help weed out the unworthy.

I love this question and am delighted to know that there are others who feel the same way. My books are rather cherished and nobody will treat them as well as I do. I am done with lending out my little treasures to find the pages 'dog-eared', stained with beverage rings from being used as coasters and having the bindings cracked. Also, any lending I do is now via e-readers as I love the feature of when you lend out a book, it returns to you in 14 days!!! Hurrah!!! No more missing books or ruined books!!!

No, no, no... I have the best one for this topic. The one that has seared in my brain, though perhaps because it happens to be the most recent, is the newest sensation out there. You know of whom I speak... E.L. James, author of 50 Shades of Grey. I will take the formulaic plots of James Patterson and vulgar language of others. But, I simply cannot choke down juvenile, poorly written, unimaginative (and uninteresting, unrealistic, etc) characters in the work James has created. Over the course of my life I've read thousands of books and have finished all but a handful (what can I say, I hate wasting money) but there came a time when I couldn't consume another word of this dribble. Sidenote: Thanks for the 'heads up' on Richard Castle, I'm looking forward to trying his works.

Good question. Typically, it's one at a time, and most happy when I've a series to devour. However, there are times when the subject matter is difficult to digest or the reading isn't quite as fluid as I'd wish, so I'll put it down to read something else until I'm ready to go back to the first.

I realize it's been quite some time since the last posting, however, I simply wanted to comment that I adored the series and the world Anne Bishop had created. And, yes, her Ephemera books are quite engaging as well.

Another favorite Author/Series where the author has allowed our main protagonist to grow and develop. I have found Kim Harrison's writing a pleasure to read, the series entertains me and the characters keep me coming back for more in a desire to see what will happen next. Overall, a successful combination.

I must say that I do't believe I've come across a 'bad' book from Nora Roberts and believe you'd be fairly safe with any choice you might make. Simply find a subject mater that interests you and allow Ms. Roberts to take you on a wonderful adventure. I'll admit, however, I'm a HUGE fan of her pseudonym, J.D. Robb, for her 'In Death' series and have enjoyed (and own) every book.

As others mentioned, bookshelves are key. Find a good quality shelving unit that will be able to hold your treasures. I'm also a reluctant fan of e-readers. Reluctant because I simply adore the sound of fanning the pages of a newly minted book, crisp sound of a new page turning and the smell of my newest purchase as I open it for the first time. However, being able to purchase a book whenever and where ever I wish coupled with the convenience of of keeping my library with me is immeasurable. One may also point out, as noted above with losing your books to fire or other disaster, having your library on (in??) an e-reader may possibly allow you to keep it safe(er).

@ Vodkafan, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. As far as Janet Evanovitch, I am familiar with her books and like the humorous flow of her stories. And, while at times I like the female protagonist to be nearly invincible, her characters are definitely wonderfully real and flawed. As far as excellent story tellies, or word smiths, I have to admit, one of my all time favorites isn't even in the romance genre. I blush to admit Louis L'Amour is possibly the best story teller I've encountered . If one were looking for a story that is in the BDSM world, I'd more recommend Carries Story, by Molly Weatherfield, I've read this and the second book, Safe Word. The story is still of the Dom/Sub but the writing is far better. Both women come into the world of BDSM ignorant however, 'Carrie' is a far more realistic and likable character and her story is far more engaging. Final thought (for the moment) about men writing erotica... I'm more than happy to dispel the myth that men cannot write erotica. Granted, my guy may not be 'typical' but the man is a fantastic wordsmith.

Who knew my first post would be on this book. I've finished about 70% of the first book having purchased it despite the poor reviews from other customers and the reception/criticism it received from various newspapers. I simply had to find out why this book was creating such a buzz. The only thing I can fathom for the success of this series is the BDSM aspect of it (or excellent marketing strategies). As mentioned before by other readers, the main protagonist is not a character that one can easily identify with and honestly, not a very likable creature. The male, an unbelievable hero as a 27 year old billionaire who's a proficient pilot, feeding the hungry, 'control freak', dominating man. The writing is juvenile and at times, painful (no pun intended to the BDSM aspect). While I intend to complete the first book, I've no intention of purchasing the second and third of the series. This is one of the few books I've had to choke down, typically I devour a story, completely immerse myself in the world the author creates. I adore finding a good storyteller, a wordsmith, someone who has the talent to build worlds so colorful that you live the story. You will not find that with E.L. James. Sorry. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of erotica, I'm a fan of BDSM. Shades of Grey may be a good choice who's unfamiliar with both, however, I'd not recommend it.