I am saying goodbye to my store.
It wasn't a decision I made overnight. It has been coming for a while. First strike was the e-books. Second had been the recession. But I guess I would still have tried to weather it, if I didn't have to move. It's tough to carry all these books from one place to another (although I already did it twice) but this time I am moving far away and just can't afford to ship it all with me. It would be way too expensive (not something I can afford).
It breaks my heart to close my store down. I build it from nothing. Well OK, I had a book or two (or a few hundred) that I didn't know where to put. Could not throw them away, that's just not me. I had to find new homes for them. I managed for some. But still have some remaining. I will take the bookmarks with me though. They are light enough to carry. And I just can't discard all the effort and time that went in to making them.
I never thought it would be so hard to say goodbye to a store. Especially when I knew the closing was coming. I thought I worked through these emotions when I decided to dismantle my library and give my books away. The books that I wanted to keep. Now it is just coming to an end. The last of it needs to go. And that last bit appears to be the toughest to let go. I don't know why. Maybe it means something I built is coming down. Maybe it is just another unsuccessful undertaking. Maybe it is me failing yet again on something I tried hard to make it work.
Of course this isn't the end of me reading. Nor is it the end of me posting about books, or about anything else. Just the closure of the store. I may not have as much time to spend on the internet, but I doubt I will be completely absent.
ACRead
http://acread.ecrater.com
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentines Day Special
As you may have noticed today is Valentine's Day and I thought it would be fun to write about something that relates.
I've been thinking about what the most romantic book I've read is. (I think I just caused some poor English teacher out there a stroke with that last sentence. :P) Over the years I read a few, :D so it was not such a easy task to just pick one. And why should I. Many of those books were romantic, and some left quite a lot to be desired for. Since my memory isn't strongest I chose books that actually remained with me.
The most romantic gesture I read in a book was at the end of One Summer by Nora Roberts (one of the books that is part of Summer Pleasures in the photo on the left). Well if I talk about what it was it might be a spoiler for those who have not the book. It is at the very end. I always hate reading spoilers and would not want to do that to anyone else. So let's just say he gives her something, and it is the most unusual thing to give, and if you read the whole story you will see that it is extremely a thoughful gift and extremely meaningful for the two characters involved. It shows how well he knows her. And isn't that what all people really want in a close relationship to be known who they are deep inside, to have that intimate understanding. This book really is Nora Roberts at her best. The whole book is full of incredible imagery (descriptions of photos) to the extent you feel like you are on a trip with the characters yourself. And then at the very end this thing comes up. :D Wow! I would definitely recommend for anyone who likes romance novels to read this book if they haven't yet.
Now to talk about the most romantic love scene I read in a book. Sorry, I won't be sharing details, but give you an idea as to why it was so. It is in a book called The Scent Of Shadows (The First Sign Of The Zodiac) written by Vicki Pettersson (seen on the right). Now this book is not in a genre that makes you immediately think you might find a very romantic scene in it. It is a fantasy novel. More properly it is an urban fantasy novel. If I am correct this is Pettersson's debut novel (but don't quote me on that). Extremely well written. The scene I am refering to is close to the beginning of the book. And the reason it made such impression on me is the oozing sensuality that came with the scene. Things were written in a slower, softer pace with a gradual build up and very suitably so because it was a good bye of sorts. Quite heart breaking too. And yes, romance can mean broken hearts. In my opinion that does not retract from the sense of connection which is a main requirement of romance. By the way the whole series is wonderful. We get more of Pettersson's crafty sensual scenes later in the series among other things. I look forward to each book that comes out.
As to what novel I thought had the best romantic story, it is amazingly a Stephen King novel called Wizard and Glass. Yes, you read that right. It is a Stephen King novel. It is part of King's Dark Tower series, which is King's uber duber series that references and pulls together a majority of his books into it. It spans King's writing carrier and has recently been concluded after his accident. You can literally see the change in Kings work as he evolves as a writer. But that's a whole different story.
I think the generality of the Dark Tower series can only be classified as horror, but don't let that scare you. :P This is not some bitter outlash of a lonely person on a Valentine's Day guiding you astray. Wizard and Glass really is the most romantic story I ever read. To be able to get the actual background on it, I think it is important that the whole series is read up to that novel at least (you don't necessarily need to read all the books that were referenced. I did and did not regretted doing it. But it is not a must.) The first 3 books of the series introduces us to Roland, the last of the gunslingers, and in Wizard and Glass we see him in his youth and his falling in love with Susan Delgado. It shows the shyness, the intrigue, the innocence, the passion, the bravery, and many more qualities that sum up romance in exquisite form.
I hope you'll read these books and enjoy them just as much as I did.
And Happy Valentine's Day to all. :D
AC Read
http://acread.ecrater.com/
I've been thinking about what the most romantic book I've read is. (I think I just caused some poor English teacher out there a stroke with that last sentence. :P) Over the years I read a few, :D so it was not such a easy task to just pick one. And why should I. Many of those books were romantic, and some left quite a lot to be desired for. Since my memory isn't strongest I chose books that actually remained with me.
The most romantic gesture I read in a book was at the end of One Summer by Nora Roberts (one of the books that is part of Summer Pleasures in the photo on the left). Well if I talk about what it was it might be a spoiler for those who have not the book. It is at the very end. I always hate reading spoilers and would not want to do that to anyone else. So let's just say he gives her something, and it is the most unusual thing to give, and if you read the whole story you will see that it is extremely a thoughful gift and extremely meaningful for the two characters involved. It shows how well he knows her. And isn't that what all people really want in a close relationship to be known who they are deep inside, to have that intimate understanding. This book really is Nora Roberts at her best. The whole book is full of incredible imagery (descriptions of photos) to the extent you feel like you are on a trip with the characters yourself. And then at the very end this thing comes up. :D Wow! I would definitely recommend for anyone who likes romance novels to read this book if they haven't yet.
Now to talk about the most romantic love scene I read in a book. Sorry, I won't be sharing details, but give you an idea as to why it was so. It is in a book called The Scent Of Shadows (The First Sign Of The Zodiac) written by Vicki Pettersson (seen on the right). Now this book is not in a genre that makes you immediately think you might find a very romantic scene in it. It is a fantasy novel. More properly it is an urban fantasy novel. If I am correct this is Pettersson's debut novel (but don't quote me on that). Extremely well written. The scene I am refering to is close to the beginning of the book. And the reason it made such impression on me is the oozing sensuality that came with the scene. Things were written in a slower, softer pace with a gradual build up and very suitably so because it was a good bye of sorts. Quite heart breaking too. And yes, romance can mean broken hearts. In my opinion that does not retract from the sense of connection which is a main requirement of romance. By the way the whole series is wonderful. We get more of Pettersson's crafty sensual scenes later in the series among other things. I look forward to each book that comes out.As to what novel I thought had the best romantic story, it is amazingly a Stephen King novel called Wizard and Glass. Yes, you read that right. It is a Stephen King novel. It is part of King's Dark Tower series, which is King's uber duber series that references and pulls together a majority of his books into it. It spans King's writing carrier and has recently been concluded after his accident. You can literally see the change in Kings work as he evolves as a writer. But that's a whole different story.
I think the generality of the Dark Tower series can only be classified as horror, but don't let that scare you. :P This is not some bitter outlash of a lonely person on a Valentine's Day guiding you astray. Wizard and Glass really is the most romantic story I ever read. To be able to get the actual background on it, I think it is important that the whole series is read up to that novel at least (you don't necessarily need to read all the books that were referenced. I did and did not regretted doing it. But it is not a must.) The first 3 books of the series introduces us to Roland, the last of the gunslingers, and in Wizard and Glass we see him in his youth and his falling in love with Susan Delgado. It shows the shyness, the intrigue, the innocence, the passion, the bravery, and many more qualities that sum up romance in exquisite form.
I hope you'll read these books and enjoy them just as much as I did.
And Happy Valentine's Day to all. :D
AC Read
http://acread.ecrater.com/
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Devil's Bargain and Devil's Due by Rachel Caine
DEVIL'S BARGAIN
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Silhouette (2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373513674
ISBN-13: 978-0373513673
Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
Jazz Callender - don't call me Jasamine - is an ex-cop with a goal: opening her own private detective agency and proving her former partner is innocent of murder. Too bad no one will lend her the money. Until a sexy lawyer with the devil's own grin appears with an offer she can't refuse...
$100,000. A savvy new partner. And an agreement to make any case arriving via red envelope a top priority. But if Jazz accepts, there's no turning back. Because once she opens that envelope, all hell's gonna break loose...
Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
Jazz Callender - don't call me Jasamine - is an ex-cop with a goal: opening her own private detective agency and proving her former partner is innocent of murder. Too bad no one will lend her the money. Until a sexy lawyer with the devil's own grin appears with an offer she can't refuse...
$100,000. A savvy new partner. And an agreement to make any case arriving via red envelope a top priority. But if Jazz accepts, there's no turning back. Because once she opens that envelope, all hell's gonna break loose...
DEVIL'S DUE
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Silhouette (2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373513879
ISBN-13: 9780373513871
Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
The money Lucia and her new partner received to open their detective agency had come with strings: any assignment delivered via red envelope had to be top priority. No sweat. No one could make Lucia do something she didn't believe in - right?
Wrong. Lucia soon learned that every choice she made meant life or death for innocent people. No one could be trusted, not even the ex-cop she'd hired - and fallen for. in fact, Ben might be her fatal weakness, if the powers warring to control the future used him to control Lucia...
Comments:
These two books make up a wonderfully intriguing duology. Writer Rachel Caine is better known for her popular urban fantasy series, the Weather Wardens. Her writing in these two books is just as strong, exciting and interesting. She is in my opinion definitely a rising star who will go far in her career.
Genre: Romance
Synopsis:
The money Lucia and her new partner received to open their detective agency had come with strings: any assignment delivered via red envelope had to be top priority. No sweat. No one could make Lucia do something she didn't believe in - right?
Wrong. Lucia soon learned that every choice she made meant life or death for innocent people. No one could be trusted, not even the ex-cop she'd hired - and fallen for. in fact, Ben might be her fatal weakness, if the powers warring to control the future used him to control Lucia...
Comments:
These two books make up a wonderfully intriguing duology. Writer Rachel Caine is better known for her popular urban fantasy series, the Weather Wardens. Her writing in these two books is just as strong, exciting and interesting. She is in my opinion definitely a rising star who will go far in her career.
The romance aspect of these books is a bit secondary to the interesting mystery-adventure paranormal plots. So the expectations may be different judging by the publisher (of these books), however they definitely won't be a disappointment.
Where to find one:
You can find a copy of Devil's Bargain at AC Read:
Where to find one:
You can find a copy of Devil's Bargain at AC Read:
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Master Of Swords by Angela Knight
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley (October 3, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425209210
ISBN-13: 978-0425209219
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only - and it's not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire's arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
Comments:
Part of bestselling writer Angela Knight's wonderful Mageverse series.
Where to find one:
You can find a copy of this book in our store
Publisher: Berkley (October 3, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425209210
ISBN-13: 978-0425209219
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:
Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only - and it's not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire's arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
Comments:
Part of bestselling writer Angela Knight's wonderful Mageverse series.
Where to find one:
You can find a copy of this book in our store
Promise Me Tomorrow by Nora Roberts
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Pocket (1984)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0671470191
ISBN-13: 9780671470197
Synopsis:
Sarah had to build something big, in her work and in her life. And Byron's searing kiss stirred wild longings in her no other man had touched. Her future as an architect was in his hands. But he would trap her in a desperate passion - one never fulfilled by love. She fled to a glamorous assignment in Paris - to the embrace of an elegant Frenchman whose sensuous caress hid a dangerous ambition.
Comments:
This is one of Nora Roberts' most sought after books. It has been out of print for a very long time and Ms. Roberts is refusing to have it reprinted. There have been only a few publishings of it in the mid-1980's. Since then Nora fans had been searching for the few remaining copies. As you can imagine the condition of the remaining books are deteriorating with time. And after 25 years it is very tough to find a good reading copy let alone one in priecetine condition.
Where to find one:
Luckily for you we have a great reading copy of this book in our store
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4517706
For collectors of Nora's books we have several more copis of this book. Here are two different prints of it with rare covers
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2619879 (I have only seen one more book with this cover over the years, searching, buying and selling copies of this book.) and
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2056999 (I have seen a few books with this cover, however it is still pretty rare)
Here is a copy of this book printed in Canada. I have not run accross another such copy. Looks similar to the US prints however there are minor differences.
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4246475
Publisher: Pocket (1984)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0671470191
ISBN-13: 9780671470197
Synopsis:
Sarah had to build something big, in her work and in her life. And Byron's searing kiss stirred wild longings in her no other man had touched. Her future as an architect was in his hands. But he would trap her in a desperate passion - one never fulfilled by love. She fled to a glamorous assignment in Paris - to the embrace of an elegant Frenchman whose sensuous caress hid a dangerous ambition.
Comments:
This is one of Nora Roberts' most sought after books. It has been out of print for a very long time and Ms. Roberts is refusing to have it reprinted. There have been only a few publishings of it in the mid-1980's. Since then Nora fans had been searching for the few remaining copies. As you can imagine the condition of the remaining books are deteriorating with time. And after 25 years it is very tough to find a good reading copy let alone one in priecetine condition.
Where to find one:
Luckily for you we have a great reading copy of this book in our store
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4517706
For collectors of Nora's books we have several more copis of this book. Here are two different prints of it with rare covers
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2619879 (I have only seen one more book with this cover over the years, searching, buying and selling copies of this book.) and
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=2056999 (I have seen a few books with this cover, however it is still pretty rare)
Here is a copy of this book printed in Canada. I have not run accross another such copy. Looks similar to the US prints however there are minor differences.
http://acread.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4246475
And here is the same book printed in German.
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