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    Holiday gift guide — Books

    Today, I thought I would finish up my holiday gift guide by talking about books. For more holiday ideas, check out my previous posts about music and TV shows.

    HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE — BOOKS

    ACTION-ADVENTURE AND SPY THRILLERS

    SoloSolo by William Boyd: James Bond is back in this new book, which takes him on an adventure to Africa in 1969. This might be good for the spy thriller fan on your holiday shopping list.

    Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver: This is another James Bond book, although this one features Bond in today’s world.

    Spirit of Steamboat by Craig Johnson: This is the latest book in Johnson’s Walt Longmire mystery series, which some of you may know from the Longmire TV show. My dad enjoys these, and they might be a good fit for the western or mystery lover on your list.

    Richard Stark’s Parker, Vol. 1: The Hunter by Richard Stark and Darwyn Cooke: This is a graphic novel of The Hunter, the first book in Stark’s series about Parker, a thief who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

    FANTASY

    He Drank, and Saw the Spider by Alex Bledsoe: Okay, okay, this book isn’t actually coming out until Jan. 14, but Bledsoe’s Eddie LaCrosse series is a cool mix of fantasy and detective noir fiction. Wheezley and I have both enjoyed the books in this series.

    And hey, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, right?

    In the meantime, get caught up on the other books in the series, which include The Sword-Edged Blonde, Burn Me Deadly, Dark Jenny, and Wake of the Bloody Angel.

    Kicking ItKicking It anthology: This urban fantasy anthology, edited by Faith Hunter and Kalayna Price, features stories from Chloe Neill, Rachel Caine, and other authors.

    I really like anthologies because they let me check out a variety of authors. Plus, they’re perfect for when you only have a short time to read. You can finish a story, put the book down, and then go on to the next story when you have a chance.

    The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch: I actually bought this one for Wheezley when it came out in October, but if you’re looking for a new epic fantasy series for yourself or someone on your list, check out Lynch’s books, which follow two thieves as they have a series of adventures. The first book is The Lies of Locke Lamora, while the second book is Red Seas Under Red Skies.

    ROMANCE

    Dangerous Seduction by Zoe Archer: This is the second book in Archer’s Nemesis Unlimited historical romance series, after Sweet Revenge. The holiday e-novella Winter’s Heat is also available.

    I’ve seen the series described as a historical version of the TV show Leverage. Basically, a group of folks help the helpless against the rich and powerful, and romance blossoms for some of them along the way. This might be good for a historical romance lover on your list who’s looking for something a little different in the genre to read.

    Love IrresistiblyLove Irresistibly by Julie James: If you’re looking for a contemporary romance read, check out James’s FBI/U.S. Attorney series, which is set in Chicago and features the relationships between, you guessed it, FBI agents and US attorneys.

    The books are a lot of fun and full of snappy dialogue. Plus, the couples from previous books make return appearances as the series goes along. As a reader, I always enjoying seeing past characters and catching up with them.

    Other books in the series are Something About You, A Lot Like Love, and About That Night. The next book in the series, It Happened One Wedding, is set to be released in May 2014.

    YOUNG ADULT

    Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George: This is the latest book in the Twelve Dancing Princesses series. I love fairy tale books, and I enjoyed the first book in this series, Princess of the Midnight Ball, which features a hero who likes to knit. (I thought that was really cool.) I’ve got the second book, Princess of Glass, in my TBR pile.

    Crash Into YouCrash Into You by Katie McGarry: If you’re looking for a contemporary read, check out McGarry’s books, which feature teens struggling with a variety of issues.

    Other books in the series include Pushing the Limits and Dare You To. An e-novella, Crossing the Line, is also available. Warning: These books will make you root for and cry with the characters at the same time.

    Poison by Bridget Zinn: This is a really charming, young adult epic fantasy book about Kyra, a potions maker who saves her kingdom with the help of a pig. This might be a good choice for the YA reader who enjoys a mix of fantasy, adventure, and friendship in their books.

    So those are my book picks. What books are you guys hoping to give or get for Christmas this year?

  • Holiday gift guide …

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    I love buying books to give as Christmas gifts, and I’m pretty good at picking out titles that my friends and family like. Seriously, it’s a weird, random skill that I have.

    So I thought that I’d put my skill to good use and share some of my picks for gifts for the book lover on your holiday shopping list. Here goes:

    Contemporary romance: Nobody writes it better than Lisa Kleypas, so check out Sugar Daddy, which is part romance, part coming-of-age story about a girl growing up in Texas. Another good bet is Kristan Higgins, whose books like Too Good to be True feature lovable dogs.

    Epic fantasy: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch focuses on a group of thieves and a con gone wrong. Also, check out The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe, which features a Sam Spade-type private investigator in a sword-and-sorcery fantasy world. For dragon lovers, you can’t go wrong with His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik. Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin is good for those who like female-focused epic fantasy.

    Paranormal romance: Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series is great for romance readers who like a variety of paranormal creatures and books with a dark, fairy tale feel. Start with the first book, A Hunger Like No Other. For vampire lovers, check out Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost or Dark Lover by J.R. Ward.

    Romantic suspense: Roxanne St. Claire’s Bullet Catchers series is fun, action-packed romantic suspense. Kill Me Twice is the first book in the series. For darker reads, check out Anne Stuart’s Ice series, which focuses on a group of spies and includes Black Ice.

    Thrillers: Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series is a solid choice. The first book is Killing Floor. For more of a vintage read, check out Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks. It features Ian Fleming’s super spy, James Bond.

    Westerns: Although he’s better known for his detective novels, Robert B. Parker has written a couple of westerns, including Appaloosa, which was recently turned into a movie. And there’s always Louis L’Amour. Several of his short story collections are available.

    Western historical romance: Try Jodi Thomas’ Whispering Mountain series, which kicks off with Texas Rain. Also, A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller would make a great before-Christmas gift. Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman is another good western romance to check out.

    Young adult: For teens who like epic fantasy, Graceling by Kristin Cashore is a good bet. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is another great YA read, and for teens who can’t get enough vampires, check out Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

    I could go on (and on … and on …), but those are some pretty good choices when it comes to books. Looking for something besides a book to give? Check out these items:

    Harlequin Notables stationary: I love this vintage line of stationary that Harlequin is offering, which features everything from notepads to collectible postcard tins. Also, watch the site for special deals, like buy 2 books get 1 free. Plus, if you’re a new customer, shipping is free on your first order. (I took advantage of that offer myself).

    Holographic bookmarks: I saw some of these at my local Hallmark store. Basically, they’re bookmarks that you turn this way and that to make the images on them move. Pretty cool and a little more interesting than your typical bookmark.

    Gift cards: Yeah, I know they’re a little boring, but sometimes, it’s just easier to give a gift card than it is to hunt for a certain book. And then, the person you’re buying it for can get exactly what he or she wants.

    What about you guys? What books would you suggest? Which ones are you giving or getting for Christmas? Share in the comments.