“Best of 2011?” Honorable Mentions

I think there are one or two books I wanted to have on this list and… I lost them. I didn’t copy and paste properly (which is yet another reason why I shouldn’t be writing these posts in the wee hours, like 2:30 AM, and yet here I am at 1:30 clicking away.) I’m sorry for not searching for them again, but I just don’t have the fortitude to go through thousands of titles again. I browsed through something like 200+ amazon pages for my books post. Will not do it again. I am weak. Forgive me.

And, I’d like to remind you, before anyone gets all het up about this list… these are books I think are going to be super awesome. I’m just… explaining why they aren’t on my other post. Because I’m stupid and feel the need to explain and shoot myself in the foot, obviously.

So without further ado and in no particular order… here are the honorable mentions:

The Seduction of His Wife by Tiffany Clare
I LOVE the premise of this book. I’d actually been thinking “I wish there were more books about couples after they’re married.” And here is the perfect set up. I’ve also been meaning to read one of Ms. Clare’s books, because I’d heard so many wonderful things about them. Also, they’re unique. The characters, plot, setting, of her books all stand out in my mind. I had a really hard time taking this off my “10” list.

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Mesmerized by Lauren Dane
I have to admit, the book by Ms. Dane I really really really want to read is Never Enough – which is Adrian Brown’s book. (The setting, his character… *drool*) But I think his book won’t be out til 2012, so I guess I’m not allowed to talk about it. Anyway, this book sounds awesome. Not just because the heroine is bad ass. And yes, these Phantom Corps books focus on the heroes. I’m all for that. but the heroine here, Piper – sounds awesome. And, here comes the confession. I couldn’t in good conscience put this book on the other list because well… I haven’t finished Insatiable yet. Which actually makes me really sad. No, honest. I LOVED his sister Abbie’s story. SO! LOVED! And I thought Daniel was fantastic, and I was so eager for his story. I just… can’t seem to get into it. I’ve started it a few times, from the beginning to make sure I don’t miss anything, and each time I get a little bit further, but I just… haven’t managed to get to the end yet. And I know a big part of it is and was my reading slump. In my defense, another reader friend I was talking to said she LOVED Insatiable but when I asked her about it a few months after she read it she couldn’t remember a thing. So maybe, in the tiniest, darkest, smallest corner… it’s not entirely me.
However, I seem to like Ms. Dane’s second book to a series more than her first – and as Mesmerized is the second Phantom Corps book… I’ve got really high expectations. I’m probably going to read it, then kick myself for not reading Daniel’s book faster so I have all the background.
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Sweet Possession by Maya Banks
This book … sounds awesome to me, and not. I love Conner. He’s an awesome character and I’ve liked him throughout all the other Sweet books. And considering how I feel about series these days, that’s huge. I’ve been waiting for his book. And based on his personality, I expect this story to be more like Sweet Seduction which was hands down one of my favorite books of 2009. What kept it from “the list”? The heroine. Lyric Jones, “outrageous and out-of-control, is a spoiled pop star who lives hard and fast.” This falls way too close to the heiress heroine and I just… no. Just thinking about it now is annoying me. I find it very difficult to like and sympathize with the bratty heroine. “Oh no. I have so much money. Everyone loves me. My life is soooooo hard.” Yes, I bet the story will be great and I’ll enjoy it. But how I feel about the heroine just edges out my “yay Conner!” feelings… And honestly – did you see the ten I posted? All these books were neck in neck!
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Never a Gentleman by Eileen Dreyer
The premise of this book sold me. 100%. Also, on the amazon page, the description of the heroine: Miss Grace Fairchild is under no illusions about her charms. Painfully plain, she is a soldier’s daughter who has spent her life being useful, not learning the treacherous ways of the ton. She may have been caught in a scandal with society’s favorite rogue, but how can she marry him when it means losing herself?

Grace Fairchild is not beautiful. She has few social graces, having spent her life following the drum with her father. Diccan Hilliard is society’s premiere bachelor. Suave, elegant and witty, he barely notices Grace exists….until she wakes in his bed, naked. The situation might have been orchestrated by Diccan’s enemies, but the outcome is the same. Marriage. Now the two most mismatched people in the ton will have to learn to live together  as they seek the traitors who seek to overthrow the throne.

The whole “traitors seeking to overthrow the throne” might have me rolling my eyes a tiny bit. I’m sure it fits in the plot, but based on the blurb it seems like a bit much. I suspect there will be a lot going on in this book. Also there’s no excerpt on the author’s page, which doesn’t reassure me. But the point is – zomg! The heroine! The hero! He’s going to fall head over feet and it’s going to be wonderful. I just know it!
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Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson
This book is an honorable mention, because hello it’s Rachel Gibson. However, it’s also on this list because I don’t know anything about it. Aside from  a tiniest excerpt. And the whole “my ex wife hates me and I was a jackass but I guess I love her…” : And I really don’t want a re-hash of an already written hockey story. (I felt that the most recent was perilously close to her first book.) As a side note it must be said… I still super hate her website. I just hate it. But the point being, I am excited about this book. I’ll probably be even more excited once I read the book blurb and a longer excerpt. But at this point, knowing so little, it doesn’t get to be a most anticipated book.
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[Cover Not Yet Available] Collide by Megan Hart
For many of the same reasons as Any Man of Mine, Collide by Megan Hart is on this list. I think I’ve seen one line teasers from it, that Ms. Hart tweeted while writing or editing, but that’s obviously not enough. It’s here though, because it’s a Spice book, and an erotic romance. I’m big on those happy endings. Also, I love the song by Howie Day. This book always makes me think of it, and I’m sure the song is like the perfect soundtrack for much of this book. It’s so perfect it’d almost be disgusting if it weren’t so damn awesome. I have to say that Deeper was a bit much for me, and I couldn’t get into it, and I haven’t read Naked yet… but Stranger, Dirty, and Broken are always on my “books I recommend” list. The books just gutted me. What comes to mind first is “guh” – as in my reaction. After finishing them, I’m just speechless and… well… guh. I expect the same thing from Collide and I’m almost as nervous as I am excited about it.
Also, it comes out on my sister’s birthday. Which is exactly one week before my birthday. It’s fortuitous.
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A Lot Like Love by Julie James
I have to say that Ms. James absolutely gets the best covers ever. It’s probably because she’s always so perfect her publisher’s art department is scared to give her anything less. (Have you ever seen her? She’s the cutest thing and always put together. I think I hate her.) But seriously – pretty much everyone and her mom absolutely gushes about Julie James. So much so that I have all her books. Yes, I bought them. (And one I was lucky enough to win in a contest – thanks!) But uh… I haven’t read them yet. :X I discovered her during my reading slump, okay?! Also, I tried to start one, and it was going well, until there was this tiny throw away less than one sentence thing that… stopped me in my tracks. I just… no. And it’s not a big deal and I totally realize it’s entirely a personal thing but I just… haven’t worked up the nerve/will to go back. I have no idea if it’ll even bother me now, but it’s been built up in my head so much… and also with the slump I have a TBR pile/list of like 1,000 books (and I’m actually not exaggerating) so it hadn’t been a priority to race through her books. However, the premise to A Lot Like Love sounds like something right up my alley, so I might just have to move Ms. James’s books up in my pile. Or just read out of order, which totally doesn’t bother me. (And yes, I realize this last statement just horrified a bunch of you more than anything else I’ve said.)
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Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole
I have, well not exactly mixed feelings about Regin, but I’m not sure how much I like her. I mean she’s ok, but I’m not dying for her book. The whole reincarnated bit for the hero sounds interesting… also DoaDW didn’t make the “10” because >.< I haven’t read the previous book in the series yet. (Although I have it.) And okay, I’m really starting to hate series. If I keep going, how long will I be sucked in? I’m one of those people who does her best to follow something through. Even to the bitter end. And let me tell you, some ends get really bitter. Not that I’m saying Ms. Cole will write her series into the ground, or even that I expect her to – I mean hello this book is on my honorable mentions list! It’s just… I’m scared, okay? And that’s making me react aggressively and defensively.
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Heat Waves by Susan Lyons
I loved Susan Lyons’s books. The Fantastic Foursome quartet is a set of books I happily recommend to anyone looking for books with some heat. But not only does Ms. Lyons write sizzling stories, there’s so much to them. Amazing characters, all these wonderful emotions, and depth. So much content. It’s delightful. I also have to say, I’m super psyched that she’s writing under the name Susan Lyons again. (She writes under Susan Fox for Brava because I guess they made her change her name – which personally I think was silly…) but anyway. I have to say I’m behind on her Susan Fox books. I just… enh. So… while I am very eager to read this book, I have the tiniest shadow of apprehension. Also there’s the fact that I don’t know a darn thing about it. No blurb or excerpt on her page-  so add the reasons behind Collide and Any Man of Mine to this book as well.

Almost Honorable Mentions…

Her Ladyship’s Companion by Evangeline Collins is a book of interest but … I’m not sold on it. The cover is extremely eye catching, and Ms. Collins has a lovely site as well… but… the premise. It’s… I’m just not sold on it. The hired lover part could be interesting, but the fact that the heroine is still married really gets me. Even though she fals in love with her hired lover… they can have no happy ending. Or, there’s that whole legal/moral aspect that is setting off my spidey sense.
.

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[Cover Not Yet Available] Merciless by Diana Palmer is another book of interest because… well, in 2007 I started on an almost quest of sorts, to read every book Diana Palmer has ever written. At the time I’d run out of romance authors, and I was really excited to find one who had a back list. Little did I know she has the mother of all back lists. If I had been smart I would’ve checked before decided on my little endeavor. But I didn’t, so now I’m stuck. Nevertheless, she’s something of a romance powerhouse. Like the modern day Barbara Cartland. And some of the books Ms. Palmer has written rank right up there with my favorites. Unfortunately, some of the books she writes make me consider giving myself papercuts on my eyes with the pages. Ok, so none of her books have been that bad [yet] … but close. So this choice is rather personal. I’m a Diana Palmer addict, and that’s not going to change. I don’t expect you to put this book on your list, but it’s here on mine.

Wishful Thinking On My Part

[Doesn’t Exist But Should] by HelenKay Dimon I don’t think Ms. Dimon has any sort of [non category] single title romance coming out in 2011… other than the HCI book and I’m sorry. While I’ll read it, and I’m sure it’ll be good, I just… I just can’t be that excited for a “based on reality” book. I firmly believe “reality tv” can be blamed for a number of society’s ills. However, all too often I’ll be late to the party in reading one of Ms. Dimon’s books and I’ll be kicking myself for the delay. My general thought is “how could I have been so stupid and let so much time pass before reading such an awesome book?” Holding Out for a Hero is a great example. If you haven’t read it, go. Do so. So any publishers, editors, if you’re reading this, please offer Ms. Dimon a contract for a single title.
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[Doesn’t Exist But Should] by Dee Tenorio. Ms. Tenorio has been one of my “people don’t know about her but should” authors since 2009. I recommend her stories, or suggest her as an author to look into, and generally the response is “who?” Or “oh, I really should… sometime….” I really enjoy Ms. Tenorio’s contemporaries – and her writing and stories appeal to a number of different people. What doesn’t work for one person does for another. There’s just something that… seems to be missing, at least in my opinion, this tiny unnamed indescribable aspect that keeps one of her stories from being the best book ever. But you know, I have faith it’ll happen, and in the mean time, her stories are still wonderful. And you know, there’s nothing wrong with wonderful. So I hope she gets to write this book – and that it’s made available to us readers.

~*~

So there you have it. My books that I thought about, and want, and really want… but they’re just a smidgen off. We’ll see though. Maybe I’ll be wrong. I hope so. I hope the majority of all the books I read knock my socks off.

What about you? Am I wrong on any of these? Who would you put on this list?

0 thoughts on ““Best of 2011?” Honorable Mentions

  1. Mary G

    You don’t have to read Julie’s books in order. SAY was fabulous and is steamier than the first two. JTSMA has the best courtroom scene ever. Julie is the first author I ever emailed before I finished the book to say that I couldn’t read her books in public anymore because they were LOL funny. Hope you give them a chance when you’re in the mood. After all she’s brilliant & a lawyer too. Sound familiar?

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Mary – you are too sweet! <3 <3 <3
      I only wish I could grow up and be half as awesome as Juie! And… hmmm… I dunno how I'd feel about the courtroom scene in JTSMA but… SAY sounds good 😉 Also, it's the magenta dress right? I love magenta…

      Reply
  2. EC Sheedy

    The first list was great! And now this.

    I must put a lot more pennies in my book jar for 2011. Particularly interested in the Julie James, Eileen Dreyer, and Lauren Dane’s books. And Susan Lyon’s book is bound to be good. I know Susan personally and she is so hardworking and talented, she makes me feel like a slug. (Maybe because I r 1 🙂

    Another worthy list.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Hi there EC! :X Sorry – heh. Although, I do get this evil little satisfaction from spending others’ money. It’s a character flaw, I know 😉
      You’re not a slug silly – you’ve got books out too! Which reminds me I’m behind on yours as well… >.< isn't Susan wonderful though? Those Fannon sisters though… they're getting me. And just watched I misspelled the name which will be my just punishment for being too lazy to go to her site and look it up.

      Reply
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  4. Brae

    I’m so far behind on so many books right now I haven’t even really looked at what’s coming out this year.

    There are so many series books sitting on my shelves that I need to start but I’m really afraid to find out that I wasted my money on them and just can’t start.

    Reply
    1. Limecello

      Oof – Brandy, that is scary. Hopefully they’re good! And… yes. I’m totally behind on books too, but I took one for the team and went through all the romance books currently up on amazon for 2011 to see what I should be excited about 😀
      I know, the sacrifices I make for all of your entertainment! You can thank me later 😉

      Reply
  5. Caffey

    For you to put a list together is fab! I so need to just write down all that I read so I could say my best reads because I was asked this and I blanked because I loved so much and rarely think about one better than another, but too I would love to have a list of those I’d love to read again.

    I too enjoy those of them that show the relationship after they married. Those are rare. Here’s a few I’m looking forward to that not out yet (Because I have lots I’m looking forward to but haven’t been able to get yet):

    Captured by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean (March 1). She’s a favorite author of mine and this is a new venture into a Highlander series and I’m ready! I know of two coming out in a row in the series, not sure if its 3 tho.

    Pride And Pleasure by Sylvia Day (Feb 1) So I don’t have long to wait for this one! Been so waiting forever!

    When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James (Jan 25) What can I say, its Eloisa James voice!

    The Highlander’s Heart by Amanda Forester (Aug 1) A long wait. I absolutely loved her debut!

    Bride of the MacHugh by Jan C. Speas. (Jun 1) New to me author coming from Sourcebooks. Another highlander!

    Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney (May 1) Same as above. I don’t know what it is with Highlanders that I keep finding coming out but no complaints!

    And Tyler (The Secret Life of Cowboys) by C. H. Admirand. I have read her ebooks and so enjoyed and thrilled she with Sourcebooks too.

    Plus I do have the historicals you listed too on my wishlist and Kresley Cole. I’m so way behind in Lauren and Banks because of them out in trade paperback and haven’t been able to afford them but I know I’m missing out on some great reading since I have read ebooks of theirs before and heard so much great about these series!

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Hey Cathie – thanks for visiting me! <3 Did you see the previous post? :X I have even more books listed in my ØMGWANT list 😀 When Beauty Tamed the Beast is on my other list 🙂
      As for Banks and Danes… yeah, it is tough isn’t it? 🙁 I have to depend on the library, generally. Can’t remember- I think you’ve said your library isn’t so on the up and up with romance? Someone mentioned there’s a place where you can buy membership for a reasonable price and get their ebooks. With bluefire etc that might be something you want to look into…

      Reply
  6. Caffey

    Nope, my library has been on a budget freeze but they seem to order like 20 copies of James Patterson for each library (nothing against him or his books) just wished the did arrange that to get some romance in too. Most of the romance books they have have been from donations. So hard to know where or which any have. So most I find is by luck. I plan to go soon (obviously the plans to go yesterday didn’t work out with weather) but soon. Shall go find that other post! Its fab to come chat here books with you! I don’t get to get on the blogs much but love to find out what you reading and I’m missing, LOL.

    Reply
    1. Limecello Post author

      Boo, Cathie, that’s so annoying! And yay, so glad you’re visiting me at my blog <3 Thanks!
      Also… hm… your libraries don't have their catalogs online? I definitely depend on that. It's so useful. Or, I did, until I turned to ebooks and elibraries. I'm really lucky 🙂

      Reply
  7. Rowena

    I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for the new Rachel Gibson and the Julie James. The covers are gorgeous on both books and I want them to make my bookshelves look even prettier than they are now. =)

    Reply

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