Welcome to the first day of Turkey Tales! Everyday this week, some of my favorite bloggers will be sharing some of their worst reads with us in the first Turkey Tales event.
Kicking things off is the dirtiest, sexiest, bookiest blogger I know, Rebecca from Dirty Sexy Books. Getting to know Rebecca this past year, we discovered that we’re both diehard Linda Howard fans (Son of The Morning and Heart of Fire are my favorites)…er, well we used to be. I’ll let Rebecca take it from here. And make sure to check out the giveaway details below.
By Rebecca @ Dirty Sexy Books
The past couple of years have been damn hard on us Linda Howard fans.
One of my all-time favorite romance authors has hit a writing slump. Yep, she’s swinging at air. Her latest books have been skimpy, preposterous, and the biggest crime of all, they’ve been unromantic!
This was my conclusion when I realized that I gave three of her most recent efforts two-stars a pop. Two-stars! That’s crazy bad when it comes to Ms. Howard’s writing, which transcended the field with novels like Cry No More, Son of Morning, and All the Queen’s Men. I recommend these books without hesitation, but her latest stuff?
- Burn - Imagine a romance based on Stockholm syndrome that takes place on The Love Boat.
- Ice - Too, too short. If you pre-ordered this wafer-thin hardcover then I pity you. I really do.
- Blood Born - Info dumps up the wazoo, and a sex scene where the heroine is gritting her teeth because she’s too dry???
These are mistakes that rookie authors often make, but long-time Linda Howard fans have been scratching their heads and wailing, What the hell is going on?
Well, there is an answer, and Ms. Howard shared the news on her Facebook page a few months ago. It turns out that she’s been suffering from long-term thyroid issues that have directly impacted her ability to write, but she didn’t really know what was going on for the longest time. She wrote:
“Usually I don't discuss health issues, because it's not only Too Much Information, it's really not anyone else's business. I'm making an exception this time because it relates to writing, and almost caused me to stop.”
Reading that sentence almost caused my heart to stop. Linda Howard is THE author who made me the romance fan I am today, and I’m certainly rooting for her comeback. I’m happy to say that in her latest novel, Veil of Night, I saw glimmers of her past genius. Nothing would thrill me more than seeing her smash one out of the stadium again.
Thanks so much Rebecca! And check back tomorrow for another Turkey Tale from Carolyn from Book Chick City
Giveaway
5 winners will get to pick 1 of the books from the list below that I’m truly thankful for this year:
![5bat giveaway_thumb[23]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRuaj8sZueEAm7DbWO1fzYPUwXSxE30ggZIX_TecpHQBJp0gvKVlmB-doifqbGXnFMHX-itVpiKRycqL-8Rd0Wr3YFMkHWUpB15o16kR_SgHCYgmhCl6_TACpQtKWPt7AZGrNUbRBrEE/s1600-h/5bat%20giveaway_thumb%5B23%5D%5B4%5D.png "5bat giveaway_thumb[23]")
You can comment once a day on each Turkey Tales post (any post with the Turkey Tales graphic) for up to six entries. On Nov 26th, I’ll add up the entries and choose five winners to pick one of the 5 bat! Reviewed titles above to win.
Giveaway Guidelines
- Open Internationally (wherever The Book Depository ships)
- Leave a comment that includes:
- Tell Rebecca what you think about her Turkey Tale choice
- A way to contact you if you win
- Winners will be announced on Nov 26th
I've never read any of Linda's books, but it sounds like it's pretty much a crap shoot on whether you will end up with a great read or a paperweight. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeletethe_happy_soul@yahoo.com
I have not read any of Linda's work and I would have felt heart broken too if I was a fan But it is good to know that she is writing her old style again or somewhat!
ReplyDeletekristen_babygurl@hotmail.com
Kristen
My Bloody Fairy Tale
I think that this show how being an author is not being invincible! Everyone has its lows and ups, of course with the dealings with the editor, I guess they prefer to publish than to wait awhile. Anyways, it's always good to know that she found what was wrong and is getting help!
ReplyDeletesophieamontreal AT gmail DOT com
There's nothing worse than picking up a book by an author you love and feeling let down. The later Harry Potters were a bit like that for me.
ReplyDeletelibertyfallsdown (at) hotmail.co.uk
I have not read any of these books. Hopefully her medical treatment will help her feel better.
ReplyDeletekjovus
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
I have not read any of Linda Howard's books so I can't relate but I did feel the same way with Kelley Armstrong's Personal Demons and Living with the Dead. I definitely had to struggle to get through these. Luckily she stepped up her game with Frostbitten and Waking the Witch so hopefully the same will happen with Linda Howard (I sincerely hope she feels better soon).
ReplyDeletespettolij AT gmail DOT com
I haven't read any of Linda Howard's books. Might have to give some of her early ones a try.
ReplyDeletedrakeLa90 (at) aol (dot) com
I can't say that I actually agree because I haven't got down to finishing the Linda books myself, but it's Rebecca's choice so she can't actually be wronged. I plan to take a closer look though, see if those Turkey Tales are really full of hot air :-P
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!! :)
legally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi Rebecca, Wow I totally know how you feel. I have picked up Author books that I loved and was disappointing as well. Im glad her latest book was better though. I haven't read anything from Linda but it is nice to know what books to avoid. On another note, there was an author just last month that I wasn't going to pick up her newest book because I couldn't even get threw one of her previous books But I gave it a try and it ended up being one of my rare 5 star reviews.
ReplyDeleteChllybrd(at)gmail(dot)com
That stinks being disappointed by an author you used to love. I kind of feel that way about Anita Blake, though I'm giving it another shot (last one I read was Blood Noir.) A friend of mine gave up on her years ago, because, as she put it 'she went from kickass vampire executioner to victim ho-bag.' Cheers to renewed hope!
ReplyDeleteb(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
Enjoyed your post Rebecca. Thanks to the book club I read my first Linda Howard book this year. I really enjoyed it and put some of her earlier stuff in my TBR.
ReplyDeletejend(AT)notnowimreading(DOT)com
Hi Rebecca and Abigail, You both probably know that I'm onboard with this post. I think I have read almost everything Linda Howard has written and some are my faves of all time and some are so disappointing as to cause depression symptoms. I do encourage the many commentors who have never read Howard to get into those "good ones" Rebecca mentioned. Plus one I'd like to add, KILL AND TELL. Thanks R & A for highlighting this topic.
ReplyDeletesalvagin@verizon.net
Hi :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the information on Linda Howard. I hope she gets well!
All the best,
RKCharron
I agree, I thought it was just me. I felt ice should have been treated as a novellete, instead of a stand alone book. I have felt her writing doesn't have the punch it used to. I hope she does get better, maybe it would be good for her to take a break, and come back feeling better. Health is more important than anything else.
ReplyDeletetwoofakind12@yahoo.com
I've never read anything by this particular author, but this story hits home for me. I think that I tend to put authors in a category that's a little more than human. It's so sad to hear that this author has such a debilitating illness (I have a friend who has been ruined by her thyroid problems). It certainly makes me think that authors are people who have lives and troubles and who need support, though it's sad that her writing has suffered so.
ReplyDeleteThis is a thought-provoking post for me. Thanks!
mrsderaps @ hotmail . com
What a bummer to have a favorite writer struggling so much. Thankfully, I haven't seen this from my truly favorite authors but some that I have generally enjoyed suddenly wrote some duds. Glad you can see the writing shining through again.
ReplyDeleteangela.donner @ gmail.com
Never have read a Book By Linda Howard many friends have..This is the best Giveaway and trust your choices so much that I am always giving kudos when I can..So I am ready to start my New Year with a new Author..At least two times a week someone on BN posts a Linsa Howard book they are reading..I must be missing something..Yes Whatever you chose for me..Will be a surprise..Thanks and I see we can post once a Day..Amazing,Thanks..Also a Big Fever Fan Waiting for Shadowfever and Hope for Xmas to get for The Holidays "The Greyfriar"..Passing on This Giveaway for sure VtCozy Susan
ReplyDeleteNever read this author, but knowing her work has been inconsistent because of her health issues make this type of subject hard. Do you sympathize and still read her books or give them up if they aren't doing anything for you? Could be hard.
ReplyDeletestarmetaloak(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven't read any of her books either. I do know a few people with thyroid issues and it can be pretty hard to deal with. Hopefully things will be looking better for her soon.
ReplyDeleteLilianril at gmail dot com
I have not read any of her work but i will now. I too have a thyroid issue and it does mess with your thought process. I am on medication now. I am glad that she found it and can take care of it. I would love to win this contest. I am an advocate for my highschool. the books i win I read and donate to Middletown High School. So your books would find a good home for years to come!
ReplyDeletechaarmedone1512@aol.com
Awe. I guess it can happen every now and then. Love your choices..Rebecca. I haven't read these and I probably won't either.
ReplyDeletedorcontest at gmail dot com
It would make sense that her work would change if she has health issues. I do hope her health improves. I will have to check out one of her older releases.
ReplyDeletejnmt3@hotmail.com
I really enjoyed your post. Thank you for sharing that information.
ReplyDeletejoycefierro@mindspring.com
I haven't read any of Linda's books, but hopefully she gets better.
ReplyDeletevan
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
I think I have read one or two of Linbda's books but can't find them on my bookshelf. I often have to give away books when the shelf gets too full.
ReplyDeleteI will try and enter daily for the Turkey Tales but don't know if I will manage all 6.
Thanks for opening it to International entries.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Wow, I am absolutely floored by the number of commenters who have never tried a Linda Howard novel. Her recent efforts haven't been great, but I do challenge you all to try one of her earlier works. I think CRY NO MORE is a superlative example of romantic fiction, and you know the best part? I bet your local library has a copy. She's one of those authors that the librarians buy automatically, so all of her amazing work from her glory years is available to try on a no harm/no foul basis. When in doubt, read for free, I always say.
ReplyDeleteAh, someone above asked if I'll keep reading her novels, even though they've changed. Yes I will! I think that's the optimist in me, because I believe that Ms. Howard still has what it takes to write an unforgettable romance. I won't give up on her.
Veil of Night, Blood Born and Ice are in my TBR pile. But I haven't read Linda's work before.
ReplyDeleteThyroid issues can really take it of you. I hope she recovers and gets back to what she loves.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Jennifer
BookNoise @ gmail.com
I haven't read any of Linda Howard's books and probably won't since I'm not much of a romance reader. Anyway, interesting post.
ReplyDeletemusmekipi at gmail dot com
Since I have not read a single book by her I can't comment, BUT, I will stay clear of those new ones.
ReplyDeleteblodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I haven't read anything by Linda Howard--well, except for a Harlequin Nocturne I think she wrote a couple years ago. But it must be really sad to have your writing quality decrease so much due to your health problems. I hope she's feeling better and wish her luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!
beax0002 (at) umn (dot) edu
That's such a shame when one of your favourite author work goes downhill but even worse if it's due to a medical condition. I might give the early work a go though!
ReplyDeletenotanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
I have only read a few of Linda Howard's books - and then her recent Blood Born. Though the previous releases were better I don't share the low opinion of Blood Born that Rebecca does. It does start out slow and they give quite a bit of info as she states, but once I got to reading the book I enjoyed it okay (personal rating feel between 3.5 and 4). I will say I was being drawn as much to the side characters as the main. I am actually interested in seeing what book two in the series has to offer and hope that it runs a bit smoother/flows faster since a lot of ground was covered in one.
ReplyDeleteI can sympothize with Rebecca on being disappointed in books by authors you've enjoyed however. Here is hoping that Ms. Howard gets better soon and her future releases are five stars :).
Pam S
pams00 @ aol.com
I have not read any of Linda's book and I am sorry you have not loved them. I try to be as fair to authors as I can. It is likely that there are still fans very much enjoying these stories.
ReplyDeleterobin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Thanks for sharing, I have not read any of Lindas books but I do hate when you love a writers books only for some of them to really go down hill! Hope Linda gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Linda's books unfortunately. It's always sad when this happens with an author's books but we must remember that authors are human too and can slip up and make mistakes. At least Linda has noticed, has a good reason for it and is improving!:D
ReplyDeletek_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Thanks for making this an international giveaway! Much appreciated.
I too have been let down by an author that I loved. I havent read Linda Howard but that is how I felt about Laurel Hamiltons later books in the Anita Blake series. Worse than just being not good books, she ruined the heroine for me. Tainted a series that I deeply loved, such a shame!
ReplyDeletepurplebeachpalms AT yahoo.com
I haven't read a Linda Howard book but I know what you are talking about. I think sometimes we get such high expectations with a author we have been with since the beginning and when new books come out that dont even suffice to the books that are older its like a nose dive. I think sometimes authors do hit levels where they have to level out but i dont think they should publish anything that they know wont be there best work. I hope she gets better and everything works out
ReplyDeletesouthrnbella614@yahoo.com
It's been a while since I've read a Linda Howard book and that seems to be a good thing now. I feel the same way about Laurell Hamilton. I haven't read anything by her in a while cause they getting kind of icky so I haven't been able to make myself read them. And for a while there it's seems like Christine Feehan was going through and slump for the last few of book i've read it seems she's coming back better than ever. Granted I've not gotten to her last couple of books but am looking forward to them now.
ReplyDeleteI've never read Linda Howard, but I'm sorry that one of your favorite writers hit a writing slump! I don't think that's actually happened to me before. At least not with a favorite. Thanks for sharing your experience, though!
ReplyDeletemindfulmusings(at)live(dot)com
I am an old Linda Howard fan and noticed the very different writing voice in her recent books. It was interesting to find understand what had happened. Am hopeful that she will again find her footing. She had some lesser known books that were fabulous, too. Diamond Bay and Midnight Rainbow were books which hooked me into being a fan.
ReplyDeleteoops...forgot to add.
ReplyDeletelittle lamb lst (at) yahoo dot com
Love your "Turkey" book idea. There are books that I have found myself plodding through, asking "why am I reading this?" Although I am glad to say those books are in the minority. Only rarely do I actually put a book down, and it is usually because I get so angry at the lead character that I want them to fail! I hate to hurt an author's feelings as posting their book as that bad...
ReplyDeletelinda at gordonvalley dot com
Rebecca--Great column; thanks. You are right--CRY NO MORE is the best Linda Howard ever and among the very best of romantic suspense novels. At least Howard has a medical reason for her writing slump. Other prominent authors who will remain unnamed seem to be phoning it in lately. Wonder what their reasons are?
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of Linda's books but sadly the same thing has happened to me with different authors, but at least it looks like she's making a comeback.
ReplyDeletelilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
I know the feeling when you love an author and you're waiting for her next book...and then you read it and it's nothign you expected. But they usually redeem themselves! Thanks for bringing her to my attention, I wasn't sure about her books before.
ReplyDeletemy1blog17@yahoo.com
I haven't read anything by Ms. Howard, but your post made me go and check the library's online catalog - they have all three books you highly recommended, so I know what I'll try next time I am in the mood to read some romance ;)
ReplyDeleteRussianOlya@gmail.com
I have not read any of her books, but I do agree with you on how much it sucks when a loved author has books that flop. An author I use to love and wait on the edge of my seat to put a new book out has had 2 flops in a row that lacked a lot in my opinion as well. Oddly enough, she also had health issues.
ReplyDeleteLane
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com
i've never read a Linda Howard book but Rebecca's last comment made me think to go onto the library website and request a copy of cry no more - so i will wait and see what i think of it when it comes in.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of turkey tales, makes a change from all the 'favourite book' lists.
cardnoc @ sky . com
I have never read any of Howard's books but I can understand how human it is to have good times and bad times. I will not count her out and I would definitely add her early work to my TBR list. I appreciate Rebecca letting us know about Howard's health issues and giving credit where credit is due.
ReplyDeletewalarsha(at)gmail(dot)com
So many Linda Howard virgins! While I agree with Rebecca that the more recent LH books have dropped off in terms of quality, her early books are fantastic...no body writes romantic suspense like LH. Go check out her backlist!
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of her books. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I'm a huge Linda Howard fan but feel like she hasn't been writing as well as she used. While I'm sad it's due to health reasons, at least we can be optimistic about future books. Hopefully her next book will be as wonderful as her earlier works.
jennifer (dot) thorburn (at) gmail (dot) com
I have read some books, but Linda Howard, but nothing lately. It is sad that her medical condition has impacted something she loves to do.
ReplyDeletesmccar1 at hotmail dot com
I've never read any of the author's books, but it's sad that her health is really affecting her great writing.
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com
Linda Howard was one of the first romance authors I checked out. I love After the Night, Cry No More, and Shades of Twilight. I heard about her health problems a few months ago and that's awful. Glad to hear one of her recent books is much better.
ReplyDeletenalynboni AT gmail DOT com
Linda Howard is an author I still have to try. It's good to know what books not to pick up when I try.
ReplyDeleteI welcome the info on Linda Howard's latest. I haven't read any of her books lately, but have in the past. I have Blood Born but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Don't think I'm going to any time soon now, LOL.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
what a great blog topic . Stephen King has done the same thing. I love him, but some of his books were just plain silly.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Linda's books, but I'm interested to go thought with nice experience and it's sounds pretty much. Hope I'll have chance for it. Thanks for the info! Please count me too!
ReplyDeletenorida(dot)hanim(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm glad that, despite how "bad" Linda's most recent books have been, there was a reason (and it wasn't just her losing her touch). I also hope Linda feels better soon, and her next book is better!
ReplyDeletexlilangeltorix[at]gmail[dot]com
I've never read any of Linda Howard's work, but I know I would be crushed if my favorite author started letting her work suffer. At least there is a real reason, and not just laziness or not caring. I hope the docs can help her feel better.
ReplyDeleteheatwave96(at)hotmail.com
I've never read a Linda Howard book! Honestly, I never knew much about her writing and I think now I will definitely have to give it a go. I am sorry that she's having health issue. Thyroid issues are rough, or at least can be, so I wish her all the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful post!
Wenj @ Black Lagoon Reviews
blacklagoon.wenj(at)gmail(dot)com
Years ago, when she wrote categories, I used to read all of Linda's books. I stopped reading romance for many years and just recently got back into it, so when I saw some of her older books at the UBS, I picked a few up and wasn't disappointed - I loved Death Angel and I have Cry No More in my TBR pile. I haven't read any of her newest ones though because I'd heard about the quality problem. I'll just stick to her older ones for now.
ReplyDeletejen(at)delux(dot)com
I have never read anything by Linda but I haven't heard that many good thing about her more recent releases so I never bothered to pick up her books. Maybe I'll give her older stuff a shot.
ReplyDeleteapk1princess@live.com
I've never read Linda's books. But I know what it's like for much loved author to let you down. For me that was Laurell K. Hamilton.
ReplyDeletekarenbailey@internode.on.net
I read a western romance by Linda Howard a while ago (don't remember the title) and I didn't like it. The story was kind of lame and the writing wasn't too good.
ReplyDeleteangeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
I have to admit I havent read any of Linda's books yet. I have one on my shelf that I just got. But Im thinking now I should go back and start with her earlier work first. I do totally understand how you feel though. I hope she gets better soon, I can only imagine how hard it is for her as well.
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
I'm not a big romance fan but I know Linda Howard takes up a lot of shelf space at our local library.
ReplyDeleteIt is always sad when a favourite author disappoints and I think it was brave of Ms Howard to give her readers a proper explanation.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
Its a real disappointment when an author you love starts writing stuff you don't love, but I'm glad to hear that she found out what caused it and hopefully her health with improve and with it her writing.
ReplyDeletejlynettes @ hotmail . com
I've always been a big fan of her's, but I know tastes change and what I liked last year, I might not like this year.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
I've actually never read Linda Howard, even though I read a lot of romance. I don't really read contemps though.
ReplyDeletethejoyofthejoyofcooking at hotmail dot com
There is nothing more dissappointing then feeling let down after reading a bad story when you expect it to be great. Not meeting your expectations is huge in my opinion. I give you credit though because at least you are willing to keep buying her books in hopes that you'll recognize that glimpse from her past books. I don't honestly know how many bad books by an author I'm willing to pay for & read before I'd give up buying but I would guess that it wouldn't be more then 2 myself. Books are expensive anymore & there are so many other great reads I could try out. I try to buy new author books once I hear alot of hype or read great reviews about. The bloggers I follow who review, they all can't be wrong when they are all giving high rankings. You guys don't master plot to make a book more then it really is. I have some of Linda Howards books and I especailly have that Blood Born Book and to be honest now I'm probably going to have a hard time reading it now, knowing how much of a dissappointment her recent books are compared to what we know she is capable of. Now that she recognizes that her writing is affected by health reasons. this is enough justification for me to give her a few more auto buy's but I think I'll also make sure to come back here when that new book gets released. Have a great Turkey Day ;) I GFC & Email Follow you.
ReplyDeleteStephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com
The only Linda Howard book I've read was Ice and it wasn't very good. Maybe I'll have to give her another try.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Linda Howard fan. The only one I can actually remember reading is the red book with the assassin and mobster's girlfriend (forgot the title). I didn't care enough to even finish it.
ReplyDeleteIf there's a bad book by a favorite author, I'll get the next at the library to see if it was just a one time issue.
acm05atjuno.com
Those 3 books maybe are a little not so her style ...but hey she's a great author .
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourites.
What about Kiss me while i sleep , Mackenzie Family Saga ,Loving Evangeline...those were great .
I have not read any of those books you complained about , but i will sure give it a try ..see for myself :)
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
I haven't read anything by this author. Just haven't had the time to pick anything up. It seems like a lot of authors once they have written for a while tend to have ups and downs when it comes to there books.
ReplyDeleteStephanie G
Paranormal Haven
Unfortunately, I haven't read anything written by Linda Howard, therefore I can't relate to Rebecca's post. But I know the feeling when you love an author and his/her newest book are not worth mentioning. I truly understand that somebody can have a day/month/year off, but it's really irritating when you read a series, because even if you loved characters at the beginning, now you can't even stand them. It's like being unfair to one's fans.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
himilika@hotmail.com
Wow, I'm sorry to hear about her medical issues. I'm kind of glad that she said her style change was a direct result of the issue though. It gives me hope that I might one day like her books again.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'd given up on reading her. I just reread older works when I needed a Linda Howard fix. Her recent works were nothing like the ones that hooked me. I loved her work and it was extremely hard for me to give up, but I just finally couldn't hang on and hope that the money I spent would actually be worth it.
I have only read one Linda Howard book..."Cover Of Night" which was pretty good. Thanks for the list of which other ones to read and which not to waste my time on. Thanks for the great giveaway too! :)
ReplyDeleteTina
tinabxtr@yahoo.com
That's always a terrible experience when one of your favorite authors starts putting out 1-2 rating books. Haven't read anything by Howard.
ReplyDeletegoldeneyeddragon@gmail.com
I like Linda Howard, however I agree that her books of late are nothing like releases from past years.
ReplyDeletejustpeachy36@yahoo.com
I agree - I used to love Linda Howard but haven't read her last several books because they just aren't the same! Here's hoping she gets back on track health-wise and writing-wise!
ReplyDeletesmaccall @ comcast.net
never heard of this author, hope she gets well and back to her old writing self though
ReplyDeleteelizabethjhoskins@gmail.com
I haven't read a Linda Howard book before. But a book about Stockholm syndrome on The Love Boat. I think I'll pass.
ReplyDeleteelaing8(t)netscape(dot)net
Wow that tale was really moving. I would have reacted the same as Rebecca in being disappointed. But as soon as I found out about a health issue I would completely sympathize.
ReplyDeleteVivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Unfortunately, massive fails can happen to even the best of authors and as everyone knows, our health can impact any and every aspect of our lives.
ReplyDeleteDeidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
I've never really read her novels, but when I was on a "wedding" themed kick a couple of weeks ago, someone recommended Veil of Night to me. I was avoiding reading it because I read something else by her and the heroine turned out to be a doormat. Still haven't managed to finish it><
ReplyDeleteEven though it might not be a reader's business to know everything that's going on in an author's life, I don't think being sick is TMI. I really do hope she gets better.
jaded.huntress.of.iris@gmail.com
That's so sad, I didn't know she was having health issues. I wish her the best. I've gotta say that all authors have hits and misses. We put people on paths to perfection that we get dissapointed when they fall off that path. I have read several of Linda Howards books, some I have loved and some I thought was ok. I do have Burn, Ice and Veil of Night on my TBR. I'm a little concerned about Ice, I'm not a fan of Novellas and I like my novels long with lots of depth. I may need to take that one off my list. I honestly can't agree with you on Blood Born. I really liked it. The first half of the book was a little slow and possibly due to the world building. Overall, when I put the book down, I was happy I read it and thought it a good read. It's a matter of opinion. Your always going to find some book that you liked and someone else thought was awful. I always go into my books with an open mind, because yes, I read reviews, but I always stick to my guns and wont judge the book till I've read it. If I'm interested, I'm interested. I have read books that I didn't like and others have loved, and books that I loved and others didn't like. Kind of like that saying, one person's junk is another person's treasure. I do agree with some of her older books, that I thought were amazing. Some of her newer ones just didn't have that sizzle that I'm use to from her. Doesn't mean I thought the book was bad, just thought it was missing something. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving :)
ReplyDeletejune111@att.net
Oh wow. I didn't know she had health issues!
ReplyDeleteThis is horrible. But I guess she must be on her path to recovery... right?
But even health issues aside, I think there will be a "miss" for every author at some point in their career.
We may love an author, but it happens that we love certain books more and others not so much. Then again, it can also be that we like them all so far, the key words "so far".
I understand how being ill doesn't lend itself well to writing though, so it is only natural and we should stand by the author - any author for that matter- through this difficult time.
Plus, like Jolene says, you should always read a book with an open mind and like tabula rassa, with no bias and preconceptions about the author, good or bad.
yvantis[at]hotmail[dot]com
Forgive me for my ignorance but I didn't even know that romance books were published in hardcover unless they were a cross-genre romance book (like Laurell K. Hamilton)! Its the pits though when you buy a hardcover on preorder only to find it isn't long enough to justify the price tag.
ReplyDeletemaureenfitzgerald99@gmail.com
I am glad that there was a reason for her dip . . . hopefully things will be different in the future.
ReplyDeleteChrizette
baychriz at gmail dot com
Wow! I can't imagine having an illness drain creativity like that. I am glad to hear the LH is doing so much better!
ReplyDeleteKatie
bigferret at email dot com
I haven't read any books from this author. kinda sad when the illness can cause so much effect to her writing :(
ReplyDeleteBtw, Glad to hear that she's doing okay now !
uniquas at ymail dot com
Actually tried Blood Born sigh I was lost the entire book. Let's hope she comes back strong!
ReplyDeletejbax90@gmail.com
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteI've never read Linda Howard, but I know how it feels when a favourite Romance author seems to be going downhill. =(
altaemoeniaRomae [at] Gmail [dot] com
I have not had the chance to read any of Linda Howard books yet but I will check them out (definitely the first ones) Thank you for sharing:-)
ReplyDeletemysteriousredrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
Rebecca, I ahve never read any Linda Howard books yet, but thanks for the heads up, now I'll klnow which books to avoid and by which ones to start my introduction to her work. I hope she'll come back and grace all her fans with a stunning novel :-)
ReplyDeletestella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com
I have actually had my eye on Ice! Thanks for the heads up :)
ReplyDeletechidoryx AT hotmail DOT com