Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others has presented one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Here are a few honorable mentions that didn't quite make the cut!
Honorable Mentions
Jennifer - Lora Leigh, paranormal romance author and creator of the Breed series. If you checked out Laurann Dohner and enjoyed her new species series then you’ll absolutely love these as well.
Melanie - Neil Gaiman, Fantasy / Science fiction writer who honestly can be a little hit or miss for me. When he hits he hits big and his imagination is incredible. Plus he will forever win points for bringing David Tennant and Michael Sheen together - the duo the world didn't know it needed until we had it. The TV Adaptations of Sandman and Good Omens are fabulous!
Jennifer - Cherise Sinclair - bdsm romance. Don’t think about Fifty Shades when you read these because they’re nothing alike. Sinclair actually knows what she’s doing. These Masters of the Shadowlands and their heroines are absolute fire.
Melanie - Molly Harper Paranormal Romance. I really loved the first few "Nice Girls" books but then they sort of dropped off for me. But I do think some of the Musers will enjoy them
Jennifer - Sylvian Reynard romance author is a newer one that I’ve found thanks to her Gabriel’s inferno novels which just happen to be movies on passion flix as well, and that’s also how I happened to find her. Gabriel and Julianne are definitely not to be missed, my advice though is read the books first and then go checkout the movies.
Melanie - Jim Butcher Urban Fantasy - I have read Jim on and off for years. The Dresden series is definitely my favorite but sometimes the short stories end up hitting home better than the longer books which is why he has kinda dropped off my radar a bit. Still if you are looking for something a bit different I would say to check it out. (There was a 1 season tv series which tried to bring it to life - but it wasn't the best adaptation. The series is good if you don't know the books lol.
And there you have it! Our 30 days of Authors! We hope you found some new ones!
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** 
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 29 - K Bromberg - From Jennifer
Author name: K Bromberg
Genre(s) they write: Contemporary romance
How I found the author - through the "Driven" series on Passionflix, after that I went back to read the books.
Why People Should Read Them - I think people will like these books because they’re easy to read, also if you enjoy anything on racing romance then these are definitely for you.
Recommended Series: The Drive Series
Colton is one hot racer and he definitely needs Ryles to keep him centered. The books are good but so is the series though they change up Colton in season two. I usually hate that but this was a good change.
Conclusion - I think if you enjoy Susan’s racing novellas then you’ll definitely enjoy driven as well, there’s even books about some of the other characters that you meet in driven
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** 
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 28 - Nalini Singh - From Susan
Author name: Nalini Singh
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Thrillers
How I found the author- I saw the cover for Angel's Blood, the first Guild Hunter Novel and that made me pick it up.
Recommended Series 1: The Guild Hunter Series
Elena Deveraux is hunter born, a mortal who can scent vampires and hunt those who dared defy their masters, the angels of New York. When she is summoned to The Tower, where the devastatingly handsome and brutal Archangel of New York resides in order to complete a task, Elena finds herself smack bang in the middle of angel politics.
Elena is one if my favorite book heroines. She is feisty, tough, and has no sense of her own mortality. She might be terrified of the immortal beings who call the Tower her own, but that doesn't mean she won't fight back if she needs to. Nalini's characters are so realistic, you half expect them to step off the pages.
The angel's live in a brutal harsh world where they have to keep an iron grip in the vampires in order to ensure the world isn't drowning in blood, and that reality is ever present throughout the series. The books are mostly Elena and Raphael ,but you get to have other books from prominent characters in the series.
Why people should read: You should read these books if you want a lore that's not really been done before, characters that are so vivid you think that they are real, and a strong female protagonist who understands that the world is a terrible place, and that an Archangel must be vicious and calculated, his darkness calling to hers, and she accepts that.
Recommended Series 2: The Psy/Changeling Series & The Psy/Changeling Trinity Series
I freckin' LOVE these books. In this world set in the future, there are three main species; Changelings-shifters who change from human to animal and live under a strict set of rules, under their alpha, The Psy -human like people who have enhanced mental capabilities and powers, but who have turned off emotions, Silence, in order to suppress urges and focus on being mentally superior, and humans, the ones normally caught in the middle if the Psy and Changelings go to war.
Each book focused on a different couple while still keeping you up to date with everyone else. What I loved about these books was that, male or female, if the Changeling was what they call dominant, they were stringer, faster, than less dominant packmates. You have male characters who are submissive, meaning they are less likely to be aggressive, and females who as tough as their male counterparts. They don't think less of their packmates who were born maternal or less aggressive, it's just their way of life.
Why people should read: The Psy/Changeling Series us sexy, action packed, filled with tension and laughter in parts. Read them from the start - that's my only take on it because you have to see it through from the beginning to get to where they are now. And with the Psy, can emotions ever truly be turned off?
Recommended Series 3: Contemporary and Thrillers:
Nalini is such a brilliant storyteller, that I've devoured her contemporary series as well and Love them all. I recently read one of her thrillers, and didn't enjoy it as much as I did every other series, but I think it's because I love the other series so much, it was hard for me to fully get into it.
Conclusion: Whether its angels and hunters, or changeling and Psy, or even Rockstar's and rugby players, any of Nalini's series will keep you gripped and wanting more. Lucky for you, each series has a large amount of books released so you don't have to wait impatiently like me for the next in the series! Is it July yet?
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** 
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 27 - Stephanie Meyer - From Jenn
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Conclusion: - Again I’m sure we’ve all read these books or at least have seen these movies. I’ve had a love hate relationship with this series, but lately it tends to be more on the love side. This also has a retelling where the story is flipped and Bella is a Cullen and Edward is the human, interesting right. I do love me a retelling.
Melanie Says - I remember reading the books back in the day because Emily wanted to read them and some parents thought their children were too young - I deemed Emily (obviously) to be fine. I am not a huge Meyer fan for the most part but I have to give it to her that her world building skills are amazing. This is another series where I lean in favor of the movies EXCEPT Midnight Sun. This was Twilight told from Edward's Point of View and I don't know if she was just at the point in her career where she has better editors around her OR the first time round they wanted to skew the books much lighter, but Midnight Sun is fabulous! (This was my video with my thoughts about it - the first part is spoiler free and the big SPOILER WARNING will appear when you need to turn it off if you haven't read it).
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 26 - Cassandra Clare - From Susan
Author name: Cassandra Clare
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy/Historical Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy/Historical Fantasy
How I found the author- I read the blurb on some blog post and knew it would be my kind of book
Why people should read: If you are looking for a series to jump into and devour all the six original books and the various spin offs, with another spin off in the worlds, I'd advise you to check out any of the series. The characters are rich and engaging, the fight scenes brilliant and the twists and turns keep you guessing until the very last page.
Recommended Series: The Shadow World
Welcome to the Shadow World! When Clary Fray search for her missing mother reveals that she is a Shadowhunter, angel blooded warriors who hunt demons and Downworlders to protect the mortal world, Clary is thrown head first into a world where all the legends are true.
Welcome to the Shadow World! When Clary Fray search for her missing mother reveals that she is a Shadowhunter, angel blooded warriors who hunt demons and Downworlders to protect the mortal world, Clary is thrown head first into a world where all the legends are true.
I absolutely love this series and all the spin off's, including the more historical fantasy ones which normally wouldn't grab my attention. Cassandra Clare has a way of making all her characters feel like they could walk off and have their own series and some have! I'm a Magnus Bane girl, love that warlock!
The way the books and the spin off are devised, you can jump into any series and you won't be lost. I started with the Mortal Instruments series, which was the first one released, and moved on to the spin offs as the came out. Characters mentioned in the Mortal Instruments appear in the prequels and the spin offs.
The first series was also made into a TV series (There was also a dreadful movie, so we won't talk about that), and although the OG books were old school, the TV series gave the story a fresh spin by having the Shadowhunters use technology to hunt the demons. I really enjoyed it and there is a rumour of one of the prequels, set in Victorian London, being adapted to screen and I am on board with it all!
Conclusion: Cassandra Clare is one of my fave authors, the ShadowHunters world one of my favorite worlds to dive into. I seriously think a reread is on the cards!
Melanie - Unpopular opinion .... Those that have been following me for a while know that I LOVE the movie, Like REALLY Love it .... I liked the TV show - for the first couple seasons at least .... and I HATED the books and didn't even finish the first one.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 25 - Amy Daws - From Jennifer
Author name: Amy Daws
Genre(s) they write: Romance
Genre(s) they write: Romance
How I found the author - I first heard of Amy through passion flix I ended up watching wait with me and went back and realized it was a whole book series so I read them all in a week.
Why people should read: I think readers would like Amy’s books because even though they’re romance they’re a bit on the lighter side, though at times things can heat up between the heroes and heroine, also millionaire romance is so out , mechanic romance is so in.
Recommended Series: The Wait With Me series
I actually saw the first book's movie on passion flix, so afterwards I went back and read the series. These you actually need to read in order. The first one being about a romance author who finds her vibe writing in a tire shop, and ask any author when you find your vibe definitely keep it.
I actually saw the first book's movie on passion flix, so afterwards I went back and read the series. These you actually need to read in order. The first one being about a romance author who finds her vibe writing in a tire shop, and ask any author when you find your vibe definitely keep it.
Conclusion : If you are looking for something sweet and different then this series is definitely for you. There’s five books in the series and don’t worry all the characters you meet in "Wait With We" have their own stories as well.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 24 - Amanda Bouchet - From Susan
Author name: Amanda Bouchet
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
Why people should read: Why people should read: If you want a curvy heroine, with a smart mouth, and a knack for finding trouble, or it finding her. Once the trilogy is complete, you have a novella, and a fourth book that's sort of a spin off, and more books planned.
Recommended Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles
Cat Fisa is hiding her true identity as the Kingmaker in order to stay safe. The magic in her blood allows her to tell truth from lies, and that makes her a valuable commodity. When she is kidnapped by a warlord with ambitions of his own, Cat will use all of her cunning, her smarts, and her survival to free herself from his clutches...even if he kindles a flame in Cat that she rather he not.
Why people should read: If you want a curvy heroine, with a smart mouth, and a knack for finding trouble, or it finding her. Once the trilogy is complete, you have a novella, and a fourth book that's sort of a spin off, and more books planned.
Conclusion : Steeped in Greek mythology, this series has action, romance, magic, and laughter. Cat is one of the best characters I have read in a a long time and her arc is fascinating.
Melanie - I think this is the series you keep mentioning to me about. I'll get there... eventually lol
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 23 - Sherrilyn Kenyon - From Jennifer
Author name: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
How I found the author: I found this author back in my high school days, along with Christine Feehan I’d read Kenyon on the bleachers in gym. She’s one of my oldies. I’ve had her books forever on my shelf but I’ll say this after all this time, she’s definitely still one of my favorites.
Why people should read: Her series is really different with her dark hunter warriors. In fact I’ve never seen anything else like these immortal warriors, and I think any fan of paranormal romance would love them as well.
Recommended Series 1: Dark Hunters
The dark hunters are ancient warriors who have sworn to protect man kind, meaning the fate of our world is in their hands. So that means they don’t really have time for the females that enter their lives and throw everything upside down, or do they?
The dark hunters are ancient warriors who have sworn to protect man kind, meaning the fate of our world is in their hands. So that means they don’t really have time for the females that enter their lives and throw everything upside down, or do they?
Conclusion:
Man I really loved paranormal romance back when I was younger, and some of my picks are definitely making me feel nostalgic at times but like I said, if you’re a fan of these like I am then Kenyon and her dark hunters are definitely not to be missed.
Man I really loved paranormal romance back when I was younger, and some of my picks are definitely making me feel nostalgic at times but like I said, if you’re a fan of these like I am then Kenyon and her dark hunters are definitely not to be missed.
Melanie Says:
I read quite a few of these back in the day - not really sure why I stopped. Maybe I will look into them again.
I read quite a few of these back in the day - not really sure why I stopped. Maybe I will look into them again.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 22 - JD Robb - From Melanie
Author name: JD Robb
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Mystery
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Mystery
How I found the author: I actually picked up Ceremony in Death (which is about book 5 in the series) in a thrift shop because it looked interesting and I didn't realize it was part of a series. You can actually read the early ones as standalones for the most part in any order but they are definitely better read in order because of the backstory that follows through.
Why people should read: If you are looking for a futuristic mystery series this is for you. Although it's in the future it's not like Star Trek future where everything has changed - it has changed just enough to be futuristic but the tech etc is still very relatable even if you aren't a sci fi fan.
Recommended Series: The In Death Series
I think this is the only series that the author writes as JD Robb. It is actually a pen name for Nora Roberts (who as an interesting side note I cannot stand her books at all - I am really surprised they are the same person). There are a ton of books in this series, so many so that I am not even up to date as it isn't one that the publishers send me (I know I know - bad Melanie). I have read the first 45 or so (It is up to 58 with pre-orders) and for the most part they are 5 star reads. There are some where the story definitely has more sexual storylines involved, versus the ones that are really about the mystery (which I personally prefer), and there have been a couple of bad installments along the way (one where you got the killer's side as well in certain chapters, and one where we as the readers knew the killer from the beginning), and these are obviously "fresh ideas" either from JD Robb or from her publishing house that didn't work out. Luckily after each one she goes back to the style that DOES work. If you like a good crime story and don't mind some romance (and a bit of future tech and gore) you should check these out.
I think this is the only series that the author writes as JD Robb. It is actually a pen name for Nora Roberts (who as an interesting side note I cannot stand her books at all - I am really surprised they are the same person). There are a ton of books in this series, so many so that I am not even up to date as it isn't one that the publishers send me (I know I know - bad Melanie). I have read the first 45 or so (It is up to 58 with pre-orders) and for the most part they are 5 star reads. There are some where the story definitely has more sexual storylines involved, versus the ones that are really about the mystery (which I personally prefer), and there have been a couple of bad installments along the way (one where you got the killer's side as well in certain chapters, and one where we as the readers knew the killer from the beginning), and these are obviously "fresh ideas" either from JD Robb or from her publishing house that didn't work out. Luckily after each one she goes back to the style that DOES work. If you like a good crime story and don't mind some romance (and a bit of future tech and gore) you should check these out.
Conclusion: There are SO many I highly recommend the library. That's where I get mine from (when I get them). Other than a signed copy of book 1 I don't actually own any of them. They are not a reread series (if that makes sense) - more a read one and move on to the next.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 21 - Brigid Kemmerer - from Susan
Author name: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre(s) they write: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Genre(s) they write: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
How I found the author:I first discovered Brigid Kemmerer when I read the blurb for her Cursebreakers Books, and read that the intended heroine in the book had cerebral palsy. It was unique, and the premise drew me in to this beauty and the beast esque story.
Why people should read: Brigid Kemmerer is one of those rare authors that even had me reading her contemporary YA books. Thought provoking, heart-wrenching stories that stay with you after you finish the books
Recommended Series 1: Cursebreakers
This series is remarkable in the way in which the main heroine of the storyline has health issues. Her grit and determination, to not bow to her illness. Harper sees the best in people, despite how badly life has treated her. When she saves a girl from being kidnapped, she herself gets taken to another world under a curse, and a prince who must have a girl fall in love with him in other to break his kingdom's curse.
If you are looking for a different kind of story, and has twists and turns that you won't see coming. Plus a spin off series, but I won't tell you much about the Forging Silver Into Stars Books because SPOILERS!!!
Recommended Series 2: Defy The Night Books
A desperate prince.
A daring outlaw.
A dangerous flirtation.
A mysterious sickness is ravaging Kandala and the cure is only available for the wealthy. Tessa uses her apothecary knowledge to steal and distribute the cure to those who can't afford it. She is helped by another outlaw, one who Tessa is drawn to, but when everything comes crashing down, will Tessa find the strength to work with her enemies...
A daring outlaw.
A dangerous flirtation.
A mysterious sickness is ravaging Kandala and the cure is only available for the wealthy. Tessa uses her apothecary knowledge to steal and distribute the cure to those who can't afford it. She is helped by another outlaw, one who Tessa is drawn to, but when everything comes crashing down, will Tessa find the strength to work with her enemies...
Romance and suspense are aplenty in this series, with book 3 due out in January 2024. The characters in this series are fantastic and I can't wait for book 3!
Conclusion:
Brigid Kemmerer's books has something for everyone; romance, suspense, mystery, intrigue, fierce heroines that strike a chord with you, and conflicted, morally grey characters, and stories to keep you up reading all night long!!!
Brigid Kemmerer's books has something for everyone; romance, suspense, mystery, intrigue, fierce heroines that strike a chord with you, and conflicted, morally grey characters, and stories to keep you up reading all night long!!!
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 20 - Stephanie Brother - from Jennifer
Author name: Stephanie Brother
Genre(s) they write: Reverse Harem Romance
Genre(s) they write: Reverse Harem Romance
How I found the author: She was actually a random find through Facebook that someone suggested on a Passionflix thread.
Why people should read: I think people should check her out because she’s different but in a good way, and her books can get spicy and sometimes we just need a little spicy.
Recommended Series 1: Multiple Love Series -- There’s eight books in this series and they’re all absolutely amazing. Again they get very spicy at times. Can these heroines handle their hero’s, or is it the other way around.
Recommended Series 2: The Roommates Series - There’s nine books in this series and then not being very long you can almost read them in one sitting. There's not really much I can say about them because you either like reverse harem romance or it's not your thing.
Conclusion: Again these books are not for everyone, they’re reverse harem and multiple partner romance, not for everyone but I will say this the heroes in these novels love there heroine like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Also the author is one of the sweetest, meaning she interacts with her fans and asks them for there opinion, which I love and appreciate. It’s why besides her great writing that she’s quickly become one of my favorites.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 19 - Anne Rice - from Melanie
Author name: Anne Rice
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal, Gothic, and Erotica (originally under the name A. N. Roquelaure)
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal, Gothic, and Erotica (originally under the name A. N. Roquelaure)
How I found the author: I was 11 and wandering through the library looking for something new. I didn't know what, but then I found Interview with the Vampire. I guess that is probably where my obsession with vampires really stems from. This was just after her second book The Vampire Lestat had been released and I remember having to go on the waiting list for that one!
Why people should read: I think this series is a must read (the earlier ones anyway - but more about that later) for anyone who loves the vampire genre. These really were the books that opened the door to the vampire literature we have today. Yes, there were other series out there, but none (since Dracula) that had really taken the mainstream by storm. Even now, almost 50 years later, her stories are being made (butchered) into TV series!
Recommended Series 1: The Vampire Chronicles - My first vampire love was (and will probably always be) the Brat Prince himself, Lestat. Although the first book is (annoyingly) told from Louis' point of view, the rest of the series follows Lestat, including book two giving us the story of the many, many years before the blip that was Louis. The writing style is not for everyone, but I adore it. The lore, the imagery, the sheer beauty of the first 10 in the series I revisit often. There is so much in there that will never make it to the screen (and having seen the adaptations that is probably a good thing), but people will never meet the tragic "Nicki", and his beautiful violin music (which those paying attention may notice I have mentioned before).
And for years Lestat was quiet, and most fans thought that was all we would get. Anne was off writing other things, we had already had the Mayfair Witches and their inevitable crossover into the vampires world, there were some spin offs with the stories of some of the vampires we had already met, there her weird mini obsession with wolves (that I pretend never happened), and of course her dip into religion, which also did not appeal to me.
Then, suddenly, 11 years after the last musings we had read from Lestat, a new book was released. Prince Lestat! He was back to fill us in on everything that had been happening. Now this new book received very mixed reviews, but then so had the last few before Lestat went quiet before, but personally I liked it. You could tell that things had changed, and Anne definitely needed her editor back (something that in her later years she deemed unnecessary and her name held such revere that the publishing company allowed it). That being said I loved the book, perhaps for sentimental reasons, but it felt like visiting an old friend. But things didn't stop there .....
Then came the book that RUINED it all. It broke my heart to the extent that I couldn't bring myself to read it. After 40 years of Lore for some reason, near the end of her life, Anne decided to throw all that away and just create a whole new theory. SORRY THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS. I won't lie, I was more than a little heartbroken and was just pleased I had seen the spoiler so I didn't read it. I did relent and read the final book published, and whilst I am sort of glad I did, I sometimes wish I hadn't because the beauty and elegance was definitely not there.
OK time to cut myself off, so I will leave this by saying the first 11 books in the series, remain must reads, in particular my favorite, Memnoch the Devil poses interesting philosophical questions that would appeal to anyone who enjoyed the TV show Lucifer. It does, in fact, pose many of the questions presented in that show. Maybe that was part of the reason I love that too.
And for years Lestat was quiet, and most fans thought that was all we would get. Anne was off writing other things, we had already had the Mayfair Witches and their inevitable crossover into the vampires world, there were some spin offs with the stories of some of the vampires we had already met, there her weird mini obsession with wolves (that I pretend never happened), and of course her dip into religion, which also did not appeal to me.
Then, suddenly, 11 years after the last musings we had read from Lestat, a new book was released. Prince Lestat! He was back to fill us in on everything that had been happening. Now this new book received very mixed reviews, but then so had the last few before Lestat went quiet before, but personally I liked it. You could tell that things had changed, and Anne definitely needed her editor back (something that in her later years she deemed unnecessary and her name held such revere that the publishing company allowed it). That being said I loved the book, perhaps for sentimental reasons, but it felt like visiting an old friend. But things didn't stop there .....
Then came the book that RUINED it all. It broke my heart to the extent that I couldn't bring myself to read it. After 40 years of Lore for some reason, near the end of her life, Anne decided to throw all that away and just create a whole new theory. SORRY THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS. I won't lie, I was more than a little heartbroken and was just pleased I had seen the spoiler so I didn't read it. I did relent and read the final book published, and whilst I am sort of glad I did, I sometimes wish I hadn't because the beauty and elegance was definitely not there.
OK time to cut myself off, so I will leave this by saying the first 11 books in the series, remain must reads, in particular my favorite, Memnoch the Devil poses interesting philosophical questions that would appeal to anyone who enjoyed the TV show Lucifer. It does, in fact, pose many of the questions presented in that show. Maybe that was part of the reason I love that too.
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Recommended Series 2: The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy And now for something COMPLETELY different! Just over 20 years ago when I was visiting Greg (before I moved here), he took me to Barnes and Noble, where I saw a book by Anne Rice writing as A. N. Roquelaure. As I adored all things Anne at the time I picked it up without so much as glancing at the description and threw it into my carryon to read on the plane. Well let me tell you, this was not the Anne Rice I was expecting. This is flat out dark erotica and it wastes no time getting into it (I mean we are starting at about page 3 lol). This was nothing like I had ever read before, A Sleeping Beauty reimagining that was so dark, but also very compelling. For those that like their reading on the less sexy side THIS IS NOT FOR YOU! This is super graphic, everything on display, BDSM, I mean literally everything, so much so that originally she didn't publish it under her own name as she didn't want her family to know that she had written it. ( The name Roquelaure means cloaked in French).
The "secret" covers that people have now, that are safe for work without the sexy people on them? This cover was plain black even all those years ago, honestly I don't even know WHAT they could put on the cover that could begin to give any hint of what was to come.
This is an erotic trilogy and if you like erotica I highly recommend this. Anne did write a couple of other standalones in the genre (Like Belinda), but none delved into complete depravity like this trilogy did.
The "secret" covers that people have now, that are safe for work without the sexy people on them? This cover was plain black even all those years ago, honestly I don't even know WHAT they could put on the cover that could begin to give any hint of what was to come.
This is an erotic trilogy and if you like erotica I highly recommend this. Anne did write a couple of other standalones in the genre (Like Belinda), but none delved into complete depravity like this trilogy did.
Conclusion: As much as some of the choices Anne made writing wise later in life did not sit well with me, I have to admire that her work with vampire literature was so groundbreaking and I 100% believe that we would not have the wonderful story options we do today, had she not taken that chance.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 18 - Patricia Briggs - From Susan
Author name: Patricia Briggs
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy
How I found the author: I saw the books in a store and picked the first few up.
Why people should read: Always full of action, suspense and a little disaster ( Mercy is a coyote shifter!)
Recommended Series 1. Mercy Thompson
I love the Mercy Thompson world because all Mercy wants to do is stay of out of werewolf politics, fix the cars at the garage she works at and stay under the radar. But that doesn't work when being a coyote means trouble always comes knowing on your trailer! And when you have an annoying protective, newly divorced, alpha werewolf who won't leave you alone...and not to forget to mention my fave foul-mouth, British werewolf Ben, who works in IT, and hates almost everyone...LOL
Recommended Series 2. Alpha and Omega
As much as I love Mercy, my fave of Briggs series is the Alpha and Omega. Charles Cornick is werewolf boogeyman, sent to scare any who might decide to go against the rules. He is standoffish, and rarely smiles, and when he does, it usually means someone gonna die. But when he rescues an Omega wolf, who is the epitome of calm for a wolf, and his mate, who has been hurt in so many ways, they work together to get through their differences....
Conclusion: You have to start the world with Mercy's story and then after a few books, you can swap between them...a lot of characters show up in both series, and to get a glimpse at all the characters before they show up in Alpha and Omega, but I never get tired of reading either Mercy's story, or Anna and Charles story. I just wish we didn't have to wait so long between books!
Melanie Says:
Hmmmm She has floated around my recommendations list a lot but she is sooooo full of shifters I just don't think I can do it lol
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!Why people should read
Day 17 - Michelle Pillow from Jennifer
Author name: Michelle Pillow
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
How I found the author: This author was another random find, lol I did tell you I have a lot of those. I was searching for something new to read and that’s when I came across Michelle’s books.
Why people should read: I think people would love Michelle Pillow's books because there’s a little something for everyone. Cat shifters, Dragon shifters (which are my favorites) and then she has her series about magic, witches and warlocks. The dragons will always be my favorite though because you don’t see much with dragon shifters anymore.
Recommended Series 1: The Lords Of Var Series- These books are actually the first I read of Michelle’s work and my favorites, even though they are a spin off from the other series I am going to talk about. The king (who is a cat shifter) believes to fall in love would be a tragedy until he meets agent Ulyssa Payne. She’s on the planet on a mission but is then stuck for three months until the agency can come to get her. I mean there’s a lot that can happen in those three months between our hero and heroine.
Recommended Series 2 : Qurilixen Lords - This series is all about the dragon shifters, who knew? Well I did say they were my favorite shifter and Michelle Pillow has them in abundance. This series again starts with a stranded human on a planet that’s not her own, but this time there is a dragon prince with a mating ceremony that happens to be going on. I mean what could go wrong right?
Conclusion: Although a lot of her series are set in the same universe the sets can each be read as series on their own. If cat shifters, dragon shifters or story’s about magic, warlocks and witches are for you then I definitely say check out this underrated author because trust me you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Melanie Says:
I have actually read some of Michelle Pillow's work, but it is more the cozy mystery stuff and works in anthologies. She actually worked with Kristen when a group of authors wrote the "bewitching ever after series" and she was also one of the original Fab 13 authors that started the Paranormal Women's Fiction genre! I actually have a couple of her books in my TBR pile!
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 16 - Piers Anthony - from Melanie
Author name: Piers Anthony
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Fantasy
How I found the author: My dad read "Out of Phaze" that he randomly found as a new release at the library. He then shared the book with me. This is technically book 4 in the Apprentice Adept series but at the time it was being released as book one in a new series (and is set years later than the original ones).
Why people should read: I haven't ever read another series like this one. Even though it is one of the least popular of his series with only 7 books (Xanth for example has 42), it is the only series of his that I ever really connected with. I tried a few of the others - but there is something different about these. The basic premise of alternate or parallel worlds has been done many times - but none quite like this.
Recommended Series : The Apprentice Adept Series. As I stated in the into I actually started this series at book 4. Books 4 through 7 are in fact a series in their own rights with books 1 through 3 acting as another complete series in its own right, although they do definitely all work as one complete set with the first books following one generation and the next four following the second. The series is split between two worlds, one based in science, and the other in magic. Each world mirrors the other in its own way for the most part. Sometimes a death would cause a slight chance, or in the science based side people could come in from off world, but in the end it all evens out.
The first three books the worlds are very joined with a lot of communication between the two, the second series they worlds have been separated (for the greater good) but I think everyone knows how that goes.
I have very old copies of these books, as my dad and I acquired them over the years because they were great to reread, but I was sad to see that on Amazon only the first part of the series (books 1-3 were available as eBooks). The other parts are available in print, so I am assuming that the publisher, for whatever reason, didn't deem the series popular enough to bother with which I think is awful and it almost made me pull this article because you can't easily get them all, but I still wanted to share it... so I did!
The first three books the worlds are very joined with a lot of communication between the two, the second series they worlds have been separated (for the greater good) but I think everyone knows how that goes.
I have very old copies of these books, as my dad and I acquired them over the years because they were great to reread, but I was sad to see that on Amazon only the first part of the series (books 1-3 were available as eBooks). The other parts are available in print, so I am assuming that the publisher, for whatever reason, didn't deem the series popular enough to bother with which I think is awful and it almost made me pull this article because you can't easily get them all, but I still wanted to share it... so I did!
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Conclusion: As you can probably tell if you check out his work on Amazon, Piers Anthony loves titles with a bit of wordplay. I know a lot of people loved his Xanth series, but although I did try all the other series at some point or another, this is the only one I really loved.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!Why people should read
Day 15 - Ilona Andrews - From Susan
Author name: Ilona Andrews
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
How I found the author: Saw a quote online with Kate saying to Curran "Here Kitty Kitty" and I was sold!!! LOL
Why people should read: Both the Kate Daniel's world and the Hidden Legacy series are packed with humour, drama, romance, kick ass women and swoon worthy men!
Recommended Series 1. Kate Daniels World
I love this fresh take on shifters and magic, and the evolution of the characters within the pages. Kate starts off a pretty much a loner, hiding from herself, and her blood legacy. But that all changes when she meets Curran, the beast lord of the Atlanta shifters, and she gets dragged into things she really wanted to stay away from.
These books will make you laugh out loud at some scenes, cry at others, fist pump at the victories, and feel sadness at the losses. All the spin off books slot in seamlessly, and the novella's, and I am really enjoying revisiting Kate's story with the new Wilmington years books that have just come out.
Recommended Series 2. Hidden Legacy Series
Contrary to what Mel says below, you HAVE to read these books in order with the OG series first, then the spin off series. The first series delves deep into the lore and how the magic works and while they do go into it in the spin off, it all makes more sense when you read from the start. Plus, you get to see how the Baylor family started out and started to move more in Prime circles. And then there's Connor "Mad" Rogan, who Mel would really like because to him, he does not see the problem with hurting someone to get the outcome her desires LOL
Conclusion: If you like a little humour with your paranormal romance and action, then definitely check out either of these series. I mean, it's not everyone that would be brave enough to say to a lion shifter, here Kitty Kitty, right?
Melanie Says:
I read one of hers when Susan and I did a joint review. The publisher said I didn't need to read the rest of the series first, Susan disagreed but I read it anyway. It was OK. I kinda figured most of it out but it wasn't bad. I personally just didn't like her style as much as some others but to be fair I DID start on a random book.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 14 - Christine Feehan - From Jennifer
Author name: Christine Feehan
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Romance
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Romance
How I found the author: She was a random find during my freshman year of high school, she’s also the reason that I started to love reading in the first place.
Why people should read: I think people who love paranormal romance would love her Dark series and her Ghost Walker series, also she has the Drake sisters as well for a lighter romance take, so a bit for any romance book lover out there.
Recommended Series 1. :The Dark Series-These books take a different turn on vampire lore with the Carpathians, an older race that after centuries of not finding there life mate or other half can loose the ability of feeling emotions and even the ability of seeing in color. They could also turn vampire, which no Carpathian male wants.
Recommended Series 2. The Ghost Walker series- This take on paranormal romance leaves us with genetically altered military men, and genetically altered woman that were orphans and taken as children. They were both experimented on so they could fight better, and basically be indestructible. What happens when these men and women meet, well let’s just say that sparks fly, literally
Conclusion: I recommend these two series to anyone that loves paranormal romance, if paranormal is not for you then definitely check out the Drake sisters. Honestly you can’t go wrong with any of Feehan's books. Oh and shifters are right up your ally then she has a series for that as well, not wolves like normal but basically leopards
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 13 - Anne McCaffrey - From Melanie
Author name: Anne McCaffrey
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Genre(s) they write: Science Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
How I found the author: My dad first handed me Dragon Flight when I was about 7 and I loved it. I gradually ended up reading pretty much everything she ever wrote.
Why people should read: Although I read these books for the first time when I was young, I have revisited them many times over the years and they are definitely adult stories, I was just a precocious child. For the longest time I wanted to be a Crystal Singing Dragon Rider (which as they exist on totally separate worlds would NOT be a thing), and then I decided if that failed I would be a "Prime" not something you can just pick. There are so many great stories that I feel sit undiscovered from an author that made her home in Ireland, and always had time to help out fellow writers (something I didn't discover until long after my dad passed). Plus pretty much ALL the books are available through all libraries as eBooks weren't a thing when these were originally released.
Recommended Series 1. The Crystal Singer Trilogy: Although this wasn't the first series I read, it is the trilogy even now I visit quite often. I don't think I will ever grow tired of reading it and can literally pick the series up at any point and just read. Symbiosis in science fiction isn't new now, but when I read it it was so different. As a teenager with perfect pitch, the fact that this story was about a job that required you to have perfect pitch, AND the planet accept you as you literally connect to it? I thought that was fabulous. Of course living such a life has consequences but I always thought they would be worth it. I would also add that I had NO DOUBTS I would make a perfect adaptation. I don't even think you need to be a science fiction or fantasy fan to enjoy them. Just be prepared for a different kind of world. As a side note this series does have a tie in with her brainship series, with this being a way they travel at one point. That series is heavy on the science fiction and started with a heartbreaking short story so it took me a long time to read them. They are good - but not quite enough to make my top 3 series recommendations.
Recommended Series 2. The Dragonriders Of Pern: This was the first book I was handed about Dragons and it definitely made me want one! These stories are unusual in that although this is listed as the first one (and it is the first one I read), chronologically these stories jump a bit all over the place. It never bothered me and when I reread them when I was older I tried them in chronological order rather than release date and I actually think it works better the original way. Anne McCaffrey obviously knew what she was doing releasing them the way she did. This series does have some seriously heartbreaking moments in it, but equally as many beautiful ones. I pretty much guarantee if you read them you too will want a dragon of your own (if that isn't something you already want). My personal favorite of the entire series is Moretta, Dragonlady of Pern (which is listed as number 7 in the reading order), if you read them let me know which one you like the best. As a sidenote - while Anne was alive she refused to give the rights to television or movie adaptations because she didn't feel that they could be done justice. Now that she has passed her family have been in talks and at one point the rights were optioned for movies. I think the technology is there now to do these books justice, if they can JUST stick to the stories!
Recommended Series 3. The Tower And The Hive Series: This is probably the most SciFi heavy of the series I am recommending. Dealing with incredible powers including telepathy and telekinesis, the strongest members can do both and help keep their planets running smoothly. Rowan is perhaps the strongest "Prime" that has ever lived, but she is lonely. A plea for help from a distant planet introduces Rowan to things she never dreamed could be possible. As a note this book isn't even available as an eBook although later ones in the series are.
Conclusion: Anne McCaffrey wrote so many amazing stories. She even wrote "The Lady" which is a standalone romance about horse breeders. Some of her stories cross over a little, like the original short story The Ship Who Sang (which is so sad) launched a whole brainship series which as I mentioned appears in The Crystal Singer Trilogy. Towards the end of her life she was writing with her son Todd, and he continues to write, although I have to say none of the books have the same feel as the solo stories. There was something about the way that Anne wrote that could connect with your soul.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 12 - Leigh Bardugo - From Susan
Author name: Leigh Bardugo
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
How I found the author: I read the blurb when scouting for books on amazon.
Why people should read: If you love action and laughter, and romance in your books, then the entire Grishvaverse is the series for you.
Recommended Series. The Shadow And Bone Universe
Before the massive success that was the Netflix show, The Shadow and Bone series created a world that was rich in character, extensive in its lore, with page turning action. Now, I'm the first to admit that Shadow and Bone is my least favourite of the Grishverse series - TV Alina and Mal are way less annoying than book Alina and Mal. The Crows are my all time faves, with Nickolai and his series firmly after that.
You can't read the series without starting with Shadow and Bone series, and it is good...but for anyone who is heading into the books under the assumption it follows the TV series, it does to an extent, but season 1 shouldn't have featured the Crows - that was all original content.
I will say that what the TV series got right was the casting, because as soon as I saw who some of the actors were playing, it was like they had stepped off the pages and into life.
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Melanie Says:
I watched season one of the TV show Shadow and Bone and then read book 1 in the series. I (well Em) has the rest of that series but I haven't read them yet (or finished Season 2). I do like the world that she built - It's just not top of my priority list. (But hey - Team Darkling lmao)
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 11 - Gena Showalter - From Jennifer
Author name: Gena Showalter
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal Romance
How I found the author: I first heard of Gena when I was in school, actually I was just searching a used bookstore and there she was, and I can’t resist a paranormal romance author.
Why people should read: I think people would like her because her books are different, and sometimes you just want that with paranormal romance books, because a lot of them can end up being the same after awhile.
Recommended Series: Lord of the underworld series- Though they carry an eternal curse, these immortal warriors are beautifully seductive and powerful. They think something like love is impossible for them but they come to realize that is isn't and they end up being brought to there knees by the women who love them.
Conclusion: If you love hot fiery immortal warriors then this book is for you, even though there’s 15 books in this series. I promise you if you enjoy paranormal romance, then you’ll love these and finish them in no time.
Melanie Says:
I feel like I either had some of these at some point, or maybe read them ... the name is definitely familiar but can't quite put my finger on it. They do look like the sort of thing I would have read lol.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 10 - Colleen Gleason - From Melanie
Author name: Colleen Gleason
Genre(s) they write: Historical Paranormal Romance, YA Steampunk, Paranormal Women's Fiction (She also writes various other things under Penn Names so check out Colleen Cambridge too)
Genre(s) they write: Historical Paranormal Romance, YA Steampunk, Paranormal Women's Fiction (She also writes various other things under Penn Names so check out Colleen Cambridge too)
How I found the author: Colleen was a random library find. I picked up the first in the Gardella series and was instantly in love .... and then had to wait as they released. A couple of years later I had moved to reviewing and I saw A Clockwork Scarab in Barnes and Noble so reached out the Colleen for more info - and have pretty much read everything since!
Why people should read: One of the great things is the variety in genres. Want something like Buffy meets Bridgerton? - Gardella series. Looking for something vampy but darker? The Draculia series .... How about a bookstore where fictional characters pop out of books? Or relatives of the great Stoker and Holmes? Literally SO MANY OPTIONS! But I am going to break down my faves.
Recommended Series 1. The Gardella Vampire Hunters. This is another one where you can't let the hunter part put you off. Total regency romance here set in London so if you love Bridgerton this is perfect for you BUT our heroine has a secret. She is from a line of vampire hunters and just settling down to be a good wife is not on the cards for her. At one point the series was complete at 5 books (and that is personally where I tend to stop although I have read the others) - The first 5 for me just take the cake!
Recommended Series 2. The Draculia Vampire Trilogy. This is, in my opinion, one of the most overlooked vampire series out there. There have been several changes to the book's official title and the cover but as I have the original set I tend to think of them by "The Vampire Voss" style titles (which is book 1). Although about vampires, this is a different idea than the Gardella series and focuses on a special group that have actual ties to the Lucifer bloodline. The stories are darker than the Gardella's and for me totally unique (even though I wasn't a fan of one of the endings - but that was a Melanie issue as authors should be able to tell the story they want - and the story is excellent). If you like your vampires darker then this is a good trilogy for you, and as they are all wrapped up you can read them without worrying!
Recommended Series 3. Three Tomes Bookshop. This is one of Colleen's newer series and at this time there are only 3 books released but each book wraps up its own story so although I suggest reading them in order because of the background stuff, you don't need to worry about cliffhangers. Paranormal Women's Fiction has really taken off in the last few years and this is one of the great examples of it you can find. I mean you literally have a bookshop with FICTIONAL CHARACTERS "alive?" and working there, and some of the issues come when other characters find their way out of the pages and into the real world. It's hard not to give spoilers because this world opens the door to so many fabulous things - all in a bookshop. It is lighter on the romance than some of the other series though - think more cozy mystery with a big dash of paranormal mid life crisis .... and did I mention a magical bookstore? lol
Conclusion: If none of these sound like something for you there are plenty of other options from Colleen out there. the YA Stoker and Holmes series follows descendants of the illustrious families of the same name but with a Steampunk twist, or you can check out some of her penn names ..... Colleen Cambridge has a fabulous series about Agatha Christie's maid solving murders, or CM Gleason for some high stakes international mystery thrillers. There are SO many options ... which one will you choose first?
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 9 - Sarah J Maas - From Susan
Author name: Sarah J Maas
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Fantasy
How I found the author: The original cover and the blurb for the Throne of Glass series made me buy the first book.
Why people should read: People should pick up any of Sarah J Maas series if they are a fan of strong female characters, swoon worthy men, captivating storylines, and a good ole plot twist thrown into the mix!
Recommended Series 1. Throne Of Glass. Okay, let's talk series in the order they were first released. The Throne of Glass series starts with an assassin, as all great books do, and an offer made to her by a prince - defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the king’s champion and earn her freedom from captivity. Celaena Sardothien accepts the offer, and inserts herself in the castle, where a world without magic is ruled by a cruel king.
Recommended Series 1. - A Court Of Throne And Roses. Next, let's talk about one of my fave Sarah J Maas series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. People describe the first few books as a kind of beauty and the best retelling, and I can see that, but this series is so much more than that. with all Sarah J Maas books, the strength and power of women to overcome is front and center, and just when you think the story is going to go in one direction, Sarah completely throws you a curve ball.
I'm excited that A Court of Thorns and Roses is being made into a TV series, but am nervous that they will mess it up!!! Casting is key!!
Recommended Series 3. - Crescent City. The most recent series that was released is the Crescent City Series. A story of revenge and danger, Bryce is a half fae, half human who doesn't like to do what she's told. Fiercely protective of the family she has chosen, she will do anything to find out what happened when her friend is murdered. A lot of people throw shade at this series, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Conclusion: You can't go wrong with any of these series to be fair, as there is something for everyone. It's one of those series you should read before the TV series, because the books are epic, and it will make you love the TV series even more.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 8 - Laurann Dohner - From Jenn
Author name: Lauraan Dohner
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal/ sci-fi romance
Genre(s) they write: Paranormal/ sci-fi romance
How I found the author: She was just a random find for me, honestly I’ve had a lot of those so be prepared and come to think of it, those can be the best kind.
Why people should read: I think people would like her books because she’s a different kind of paranormal romance author. It’s not just vampires or wolves with her and that’s what I like. I like that she has a different take on that whole world.
Recommended Series - New Species - These books are about basically shifters, but different meaning they have been genetically altered by a lab called mercantile industries, and since these are definitely romance you know there will be a heroine to go along with our hero. These books are some of the best I’ve read in a long time, though just a warning they’re definitely fiery.
Conclusion: This series is definitely not for everyone especially if you’re not into sexy romance books because at times things in these books really do heat up between our main characters
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 7 - Laurell K Hamilton - From Melanie
Author name: Laurell K Hamilton
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy / Vampire Horror
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy / Vampire Horror
How I found the author: This was another library find. I think it was about book 16 ... and I was like well DAMN that will keep me busy for a while. Other than having "Vampire Hunter" in the title (which I was dubious about the general premise looked great so I went hunting for book 1.
Why people should read: This series is definitely not going to be for everyone but this has become the fiction world that is probably my favorite to visit, and you know coming from me that is a big deal. They are very dark, twisted, and hey if nothing else you can read to see one of the VERY FEW shifters that is on my favorite character list. He is my shifter exception... yes you can all faint now. Moving on ....
Recommended Series - Anita Blake Vampire Hunter I'll be honest - when I started reading these I really didn't think it would end up being a series for me. I kept seeing things online about how dark they were, how much sexual content was involved, and honestly I read the first 3 and was like hmmmmm stuffed penguins and an interesting necromancer understory with vampires but it was nothing major. I actually set the series aside for a couple of years but then I started seeing a LOT of complaints about how the series had changed so much - embraced so much darkness etc etc and THAT was what convinced me to start again. The whole series shifts when it gets to about book 10 and from then I have never looked back. Bring on the darkness, the metaphysical lores, and all the smut and story that goes with it!
Conclusion: This is never going to be a series for everybody but we are hitting book 30 this year and I hope this ride just continues. As a side note Laurell K Hamilton does write 2 other series - The Merry Gentry Books (which personally I can't stand), and her new series featuring Zaniel Havelock (A Terrible Fall of Angels) which only has one book out at the moment but has potential, but I don't think anything will replace Anita and her band of supernaturals!
Susan Says:
Where to start with LKH! I picked up the first three books in a train station in Dublin coming home from a concert, having finished my current read. I decided to give Guilty Pleasures a shot. I inhaled the book, and went to the bookstore the next day to get as many of the series as I could. I enjoyed the Marshall aspect of the Anita storyline, the necromancy, and the fascinating blend of vampires and shifters all in one series. I also enjoy that Anita seems very much the "Guy" in the books, more comfortable to leave her lovers wear the heels than wear them herself! 30 books in and I'm still excited for the next book, the next shift in storyline, and I don't think that will ever go away.
And any series that forces Mel to read about shifters is always a plus!!!
Melanie - I will just ignore this other than to say Shifters are food lmao (If you read the series you will know what this means)
Melanie - I will just ignore this other than to say Shifters are food lmao (If you read the series you will know what this means)
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Welcome to 30 Days of Must Read Authors! Every day throughout June one of our VIPers (Jenn, Susan Or Melanie) with occasional comments from the others will present one of their favorite authors and the series or series' they recommend! Hopefully you will find some new books and new authors to love!
Day 6 - Amanda Bonilla- From Susan
Author name: Amanda Bonilla
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy
Genre(s) they write: Urban Fantasy
How I found the author: I found this series through another author that I used to read, who shared about the series, and having seen the cover and read the blurb, I was instantly pulled in.
Why people should read:I think people should read this series if they want something different, something unique to read, and characters to love and loathe. While I do love a good vampire or shifter story, it's refreshing to jump into new lore, no stories that aren't as widely known. FYI, if vampire's are you're thing, Amanda also has a vampire series under her alter ego, Kate Baxter, Last True Vampire.
Recommended Series - Shaede Assassin The series starts with a storyline and supernatural entity that hasn't been done before, and a kickass heroine that really connects with the reader. Darian isn't a perfect character, and she isn't used to letting people in, which is something I can relate to. I just wish I could wield a sword as well as she does!
Conclusion: If you want a series that will keep you guessing, with characters so real they step out of the page, and a heroine that I never get tired of reading about, then you should read the Shaede Assassin series, make friends with Darian...and her very, very complicated life.
***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
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