Anya Bast

I’m reading a book I picked up in the goodie room at RT called Seduced by a Spy, by Andrea Pickens. I believe this is the second book in her series, but I don’t think you have to read them in order. This one seems pretty stand-alone. I used to love historicals and lately have acquired a taste for them again (I’m not the only one, looking at reading trends within the romance genre).

This book is set in the Regency period and is chock full of spies, action, and espionage. The premise is intriguing. The heroine comes from a school called Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Select Young Ladies. All the ladies are orphans taken from London’s slums and taught not only how to comport themselves in society, but also how to spy, wield weapons and seduce. Oooh…cool! I’m so there!

Is the premise historically accurate? Probably not. If it is, please correct me, but I think that if there had really been such a school in real life, learning about it would have kept me awake more often in history class. I’m sure many people have dismissed the series because it’s not true to history, but my attitude is this–it’s fiction I’m reading here. It’s not a history book. I’m reading to be entertained and I am very capable of suspending my disbelief as long as the story is good. Give me interesting characters with depth and a well-written, well-executed plot and I’m more than happy. You can give me the hero, Alexandr Orlov, while you’re at it too. I think I’d forgive him anything. Yum. In any case, so far I’m really enjoying the book.

Do you enjoy historical romance? What are some favs if you do? (Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase is probably my absolute favorite) And how about that historical accuracy thing? Do you need it, or can you suspend your disbelief enough to leave it?

Here is my TBR Pile…one of them, that is. This is my immediate TRB Pile. We won’t talk about the bookshelf in my office, mmmkay? If one day I’m brave enough, I’ll post a picture of that one and let you all shudder in disbelief.

Not pictured is the book I just finished — Archangel, by Sharon Shinn. Loved it. Am now bent on buying Shinn’s backlist.

1. Surviving Demon Island, by Jaci Burton. I started this one last night and frigging couldn’t…put…it…DOWN! I stayed up waaaay too late and read about half the novel. It’s a fast, action-packed read. I love the characters. (I always love Jaci’s characters.)

2. (Sequel to Archangel), Jovah’s Angel, by Sharon Shinn.

3. The Rest Falls Away, by Colleen Gleason. I’ve heard so much about this book. I can’t wait to start it.

4. Blood lines, Eileen Wilks

5. A Hunger Like No Other, Kresley Cole (another book I’ve heard a lot about)

6. Beyond the Pale, Savannah Russe

7. If Angels Burn, by Lynn Viehl. I’ve been meaning to try this author for some time. Honestly, it was the title that got me on this one.

8. Hell’s Belles, by Jackie Kessler

And…Blood Bound, by Patricia Briggs is soon to be released. I can’t wait for that one.

Yesterday I got my Witch Fire edits back to Berkley. Now I’m working on polishing up Whisper of the Blade for EC. I hope to have off to my editor by Monday. After that? Well, I have a couple different projects I can turn my hand to.

Now I’m off to stick a nice organic, non-poisonous chicken in the oven for dinner. I prefer the organic, non-poisonous ones, but they’re expensive. *whimper*

I also really need to clean my house. *looks around and shivers* It’s pretty bad.

Two great books that I’ve read lately and highly recommend:

This is what happened. I met him at the candy store. He turned around and smiled at me, and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children’s candy store, mind you — this was the kind of the place you went to buy expensive imported truffles for your boss’s wife because you felt guilty for sleeping with him while you were both at a conference in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

I’ve been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears. Someimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.

The problem with wanting is that it’s like pouring water into a vase full of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don’t apologize for who I am or what I’ve done in –and out — of bed. I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven’t wanted anything else.

Until Dan. Until now.

This is a complex book with interesting, equally complex characters. It’s a book that wraps you up and holds you close from beginning to end. A book with meat on its bones, one that stays with you for a long time after the telling. I really, really enjoyed it.

Here it is on Amazon.com

You can find an excerpt on her web site.

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I always enjoy all the Secrets anthologies, but this one in particular is very good. It’s an enjoyable and well-balanced mix of novellas that will sweep you away until you’ve finished the last page.

Did I mention it’s hot? It’s very, very hot. 🙂 Always a plus in my book.

Of particular note is Ellie Marvel‘s story Birthday.

Here it is on Amazon.com