Since one of Tessa’s absolute favorite series in the world is having a new release on Tuesday, I thought I’d dedicate this Saturday to HER reader favorites list. Have you get to know her, her book-tastes, and why Tijan (and one of Tijan’s men) rocks her world so hard!
A little about Tessa:
- She’s been with us since 2013. I found her very first post and it was about Tijan’s Fallen Crest Series:
“Omg. Just finished reading this and you’d love it. Mason is an awesome alpha male, and Logan is freaking nuts. It’s sweet and fun, and beyond insane if Logan laughs.
Sam is ballsy and tough…”
- Mason from Fallen Crest High is her book-husband. That’s right. HUSBAND (not book boyfriend). She’s serious!
“…yes, I adore Logan. I’ve just always gone for the a$$, thus the Mason appeal, but Logan. I want him for a brother, I seriously do. He’s pure fun and wonderful.”
- Her take on alphas:
“I normally either love the alpha all the way through (even if he infuriates me, or hate him all the way through”
- She’s been reading paranormal books longer than many of us!
“I should mention by the time Twilight came out, I think I’d read every conceivable vampire type book out there. I started those at about thirteen?”
- She MUST have an HEA:
“Cliffhangers are okay, but no HEA is absolutely horrible. I just end up crying too much. There’s a book that was standalone without a HEA and I’m still waiting for a book two for that to change. (It won’t happen, but I still hope!)”
- About her favorite things in books:
“I do like jerk heroes, but past that, what really checks my box is great secondary characters. So many times, the secondary are one dimension. When they are fully fleshed, and even better, there’s a friendship/ family love there, I just go nuts.”
- About her romance reading history:
“I’ve always loved romance novels, even as a kid. Though, Skye O’Malley was such an OMG, especially at 14. That stuck with me for some very obvious reasons, if you read it. Thankfully, I had my sister to go to to ask a TON of questions while reading the series.” and “I wish I could say I was sneaking FitA, but my mom knew full well what I was reading. Her theory was i wouldnt be able to handle it when i had kids. She’s the one who recommended to her 14 year old Rosemary Rogers and found Skye O’Malley for me. *shakes head*”
- About her love of historical romance:
“I’d love a good romance from the twenties or thirties. People either living large, or suffering trying to survive. Twenties has that “fun” that hides what’s really going on, and the thirties… depression! Both could have exciting stories.”
“My favorite era is between two. The Tudor era or Regency. I’ve loved medieval romance since I picked up my very first Julie Garwood at 13. That’s why Skye O’Malley was mentioned as a book that influenced me. Beyond the OMG of the drama in the book, it was so rich with details and history, it was like being transported to Queen Elizabeth’s court.”
“Regency is a thrill for all that the time really was. Pre-Victorian morals, with the rules and nicety of the upper class. The juxtaposition just fascinated me.”
- She gets a kick out of “taboo step-sibling romance” books, but we suspect it might have to do with FCH:
“I absolutely love this form of taboo, which is odd considering all my siblings are my half siblings, and the thought of those steps hooking up… EEEW!”
and…
“Is Step relationships always after the marriage, because um… Fallen Crest High. Mason and Sam did meet through their parents moved in together, and started talking about getting married after her mom’s divorce. Logan in fact loves to say how his sister and brother are in the bedroom… *grins*”
She commented with these “favorites” below when Fabi asked for our book help (which, incidentally is what started this Saturday ritual):
“I need a recommendation that’s going to knock my socks off. The kind of book that can’t be put down. The kind you walk around with your ereader in your hand and call in sick to work over… Please ladies, give me your all time favorite read of forever. Hopefully I haven’t read it yet and it will knock me out of this yucky fog I’m in.”
So Tessa jumped in and helped save the day (and our Saturdays)!!! Here’s her list:
- FCH by Tijan <– SHE WILL THROW PEANUTS AT YOU FOR NOT READING THIS ONE! “Finished Mason and darn if I’m not rereading the Fallen Crest series again. Prepping myself for Fallen Fourth Down, I guess. (Yeah, I love the series that much.)”
- A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
- Sweet Lia by Jude Deveraux
- Up In The Air Series by RK Lilley <— “I swear, I love the series; it’s one of the best. James is one of my absolute favorite hero, even as dark as he is. Or maybe, because?
“ - Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey
- Acheron: A Dark-Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon
- Remember Me by Christopher Pike (Seriously, years later, it stood the test of time) <— “My first paranormal was at 12: Remember Me by Christopher Pike, I think. (It had been a few years.).”
- The Covenant Series by Jennifer L Armentrout
- Night Series by Catherine Coulter
The Rocker Who Holds Me (The Rocker Series Book 1) by Terri Anne Browning <— She says: “This series is not just good, it’s sweet. You will be in love with Emmie and the boys by the end of the prologue. The characters and their relationships make this series. You have got to try at least the first book The rocker who holds me is soooo wonderful. I’ve read it probably five or six times. And also the rocker who holds her twice! I’m not even a fan of re-hash from his POV books, but that story, and the other stories… *sighs* It’s too sweet to resist.”
Tessa: A good start?
Fabi: Wow Tessa. And these are all “can’t put down books”? Awesome. I’ve a couple and even have one in my tbr. Maybe I’ll finally start it. Lots to add though. Thanks!
Oh!!! And here’s and extra “Tessa-tidbit” from last year (Halloween, in fact!) that she submitted in her comments (a fun questionnaire we were all doing):
I wrote the answers down, and ended up with an essay! *inserts essay*
1 – Is your TBR mostly print or e-books?
E books. I just don’t buy print anymore. At approximately 250 books a year, there’s no room for them on bookshelves.2 – A book that has been on your TBR list the longest.
Undead and Unstable by MaryJanice Davidson – I love her books, but this one just is ending a mini trilogy within the Queen Betsy series and it isn’t as humorous as the others.3 – A book you’ve recently added to your TBR
Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Shadows. It’ll be read by the end of the week.
4 – A Book on your TBR strictly because of its beautiful cover.
The Goblin King (Shadowlands Book 1) by Shona Husk. I did read the prequel, but have yet to read the actual book.5 – A book on your TBR that you never planned on reading.
Unholy Magic (Downside Ghosts Book 2) by Stacia Kane. I read the first book, and didn’t really like the hero choice, so I wasn’t interested. Then, I kept reading how good the series is, and bought book two. So, one day, maybe? Another try.6. An unpublished book in your TBR that you’re excited about
Two of them! The Rocker Who Cherishes Me made me squeel in real life. Not joking. *grins* And First Debt by Pepper Winters. OMG, the first book was intense and wrong on so many levels, and this one is not just a novella, but it’s supposed to be about 300 pages.7. A book that everyone’s read but you.
A lot of them! Main ones? Archer’s Voice. No idea why, just haven’t yet. Night Owl. Because, let’s be honest, he’s kinda creepy to me. I can’t get past that. Deeper. I know. *ducks* I read over a quarter of the book, and I just can’t. It’s too boring to me. I read that they had conversations. I want to know the conversations word for word! I didn’t feel them falling in love. I need talking to like a story and there wasn’t enough for me.8. A book on your TBR that everyone recommends to you.
Deeper. Archer’s Voice. Night Owl.9: A book on your TBR that you’re DYING to read.
One that’s not mentioned yet? Cause Archangel’s Shadows seems like a must read. How about the one I have yet to buy, (because I don’t want the series to end) Black Spring by Christina Henry. The series is so good, that I’m sad it’s ending. On the same boat, though I have this one, (and still haven’t read it) Jeanine Frost Up From the Grave. I don’t want to say goodbye to them either! *Sniffles*
Now, don’t you feel like we really know her? She’s one of us, for sure!!! 😀
Oh my God! Matt is -not- creepy, you -MUST- read Night Owl!! Great lists.
Tessa!!!! Nice. I love how well “spoken” you are. I treat it like texting and you through out words like juxtaposition. Love it.
I know I’ve read some JL & JD, but like 20 years ago. Boy. Have read FCH. And I think Maryse is trying to pacify us with watching Princess Bride.
*throws some side eye at Maryse*
I’ve read a couple of the Rocker series, the first for sure.
I need to play catch up on Singh & start on Downside Ghost. Catch that Terrible fever.
Great list & fun to read. 😀
J, I will. It’s just, erm, still unread. *ducks sooo many peanuts*
*blushes* Thanks Bev. I talk like this on texts too. I’m odd. Rocker series *sighs* It’s so sweet. Though, I forgot my all time favorite series, because I’m a dork like that. Harry Potter series. *shrugs* Again, dork here.
Maryse. *psst* Mason is my book husband. Logan, I want to adopt him. I didn’t know my first post was about FCH. Okay, fine. Maybe I’m a little obsessed.
GREAT list!! I have a Christopher Pike book on my list of books that shaped me, too. My first CP was Slumber Party & I was in 5th grade. My dad took me to Waldenbooks or B Dalton to pick out books for our road trip to Florida. He had no idea what he was getting me… LOL It’s still one of my favorites to re-read. : )
love FCH!! I re read this book all the time! Love mason and of course Logan! 🙂 Tuesday can’t come fast enough
Yeah, someone else who loved Christopher Pike! Slumber Party was so good and so scary. CP is definitely under-loved. He was way better than RL Stine. I passed all his stories down to all my nieces and nephews. They had horror, murder and, at the age of twelve, the big kicker, romances that led to S-E-X! lol I loved them and thought that all high schools were like his books.
Katherine… I’ve been told by experts that sadly, it’s not Tuesday yet. *grins impishly* I keep hoping though!
I LOVED a Knight in Shining Armor! I also loved Johanna Lindsey….my first “adult” reads when I was a kid but still remember vivid details from these author’s books! Great recs!
Gah I keep getting your book husband WRONG!!!! How do I keep forgetting?
Okay lemme fix. LOL! 😛
Cause you haven’t read the book. You’d know Logan is the freaky one.:-)
Logan is pretty awesome. However, Mason’s an a## so… I choose Mason. 😛
Jennifer, She used to be an insta buy for me. I just got Secrets from the library last week. I’ve got a few to get caught up on. Yeah!
Tessa, so grew up with the Montgomery Series by Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood. Have you read Mary Balogh books? I love those too! I have to get my Regency Fix every now and then!
Loved all three. I had a spot on my shelf for all three that I used to re-read all the time. 🙂
I’ve been looking for this list all day. I don’t know why it wasn’t showing up for me. 🙁 I just found it.
Tessa, Tessa, Tessa, I will always love you for recommending FCH. Gah! It sat in my tbr forevah. Silly me. Now I’m chewing my nails off waiting for Tuesday.
I still want to try several of your other ones. Especially some of the older ones I haven’t read yet.
I love The Goblin King cover too!
The entire series isn’t bad either.
As for Maryse’s Twilight comment – I’ve been reading paranormal and urban fantasy – love CE Murphy – since I was a pre teen ( I’m closer to 50 than 40 🙂 )
Oh, I have to throw in my two cents for Night Owl. It was one of my favorite reads last year. Matt is not scary. He’s dreamy. I fell head over heals for him. After reading that book I wrote to an author for the very first time in my life. I just couldn’t stop gushing about it. It has layers and layers to it that are fascinating.
*hugs* You read my second favorite. (Seriously how did I forget Harry Potter?) The fact that you liked it was a big yeah for me. *grins*
Omg, I read Skye O’Malley at 14 too, we’re soul book sisters, Lol!! It left the Biggest impression on me, I didn’t know it at the time, it was my first Dark Read.
Love Nalini Singh too, only I’ve been reading the changeling series.
Oooh. I’ve only read the first two, but I liked them. Raphael and Elena’s story is so romantic, it’s swoon worthy! Yeah, I didn’t even think of that, but you’re right. It is a dark read. Heck, everything by Bertrice Small could be considered a dark story! Now, which of the men did you like the best? My favorite was Geoffery. He was pure great.
I loved the Up in the Air series. Have not read the FCH books yet but the first has been sitting in my kindle for awhile. Guess I need to get to it. My first romance was Sweet Savage Love. How I loved Ginny and Steve!!!
I’ve read about half your list… and I, too. loved Knight in Shining Armor. I’m going to have to chime in and put my money on Archer’s Voice first and foremost and then Night Owl. Definitely missing out on some greatness there.
And on the Mason versus Logan debate – I’d be a Logan girl. I love that snarky attitude. But I would love for my best friend to have Mason so he could be close by!
Tessa, great list of a lot of books I haven’t read, yet! 🙂 I know I need to read FCH, it’s already on my tbr. The Rocker Who Holds ME is also on my tbr, although the 10 books is a little daunting!!
Deeper is good, but Archer’s Voice- you’re missing out on my poor, sweet broken Archer!! I didn’t find Matt creepy, just clingy and the story for me got to be a little “are you kidding me, that seems extreme.” I dnf book 2, I’ll look at it again sometime, maybe it was just the mood I was in. 😉
Dude! Have you ever read Swan Song by Tracey Ward? If you love historicals, DO IT. It’s about a singer at the Cotton Club in Chicago back when it was run by Al Capone’s brother. She keeps everyone there at an arms length, because you know . . . gangsters. Until Birdy comes along. Drew, known as Birdy, the mysterious, dark, and deadly sniper. And OMG. It’s so good and I am typically NOT. A fan of historicals. Highly recommend! He’s the first guy I ever considered replacing Ignazio Vitale as my book husband. But I can’t. Naz is mine forever.
Beatrice Small was one of my favorite authors when I was reading historical exclusively. Her books were always so hawt. Lol. Sky O’Malley *sigh*
Autocorrect changed her name 🙁 “Bertrice”
I enjoyed Night Owl a lot. Would of been happy if just one book. I would definitely rec it. I was really disappointed in the second and so have not read the third. If it ever goes on super sale I’d probably grab it and finish it out.
But the first is good, Tessa. You could see how Amy got her Manny.
Bev, Amy’s Manny is the main reason I want to try to read it. Manny has helped oh so many times. *mutters Bright Side*
Fabi, she was mine too, and they were hawt. Which, imagine trying to read them in school. *grins* I had a book cover and everything.
Alloson, I’ll definitely look it up. I love mob stories. Naz is awesome, dangerous and ugh, such a jerk. Though, in book two, he broke my heart a little with the Peter Pan reference. I felt so bad for Karissa when he said that!
Cheryl, you haven’t read FCH either? I thought I nagged everyone into it, well except Maryse. She’s stubborn. 🙂 The Rocker who Holds Me is so sweet. Words can’t explain. Archer’s Voice. *sighs* I will. Really, I will eventually. Though, maybe that word, clingy, is why I haven’t read Night Owl. Clingy is definitely not sexy. 😛
MichelleS. *grins* You might have to fight Jean for Logan. Anyone who gets him gets such a big, snarky sweetheart. I just want to adopt him so badly and hug him. 🙂
JennyO, that was the book my mom gave me! Talk about dark. Though, she gave me a contemporary by her that scarred me for life. I couldn’t read anything by her after that. Up in the Air… *smiles* If it weren’t for Mason, James would probably be the book husband. He’s so loyal and so sweet, yet still dark. *sighs*
Yay Tessa! Love your list! You will forever hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to FCH. You know how I feel about Logan!
Some on your list I haven’t read and I’m excited! Thank you!
Yes, big time jerk moment! But he’s so justifiably a jerk because of what he went through. I don’t know what it says about me that I love him so much. I’m just going to keep buying wine and not think about it. Lol
*hugs Jean* You’re welcome. Though, you might have to fight MichelleS for Logan. *eyes them both* No blood, you hear?
Allison, um, the same it says about me? *grins* I’ve been quoted before that “I like jerks.” *snickers* Mason, James Cavendish, Jared from Bully… That moment though, it made me tear up, and he was so clueless!
Tessa, my almost book twin, I love your list but surprised by not much PNR/UF on it! I will have to send my list in and make up for this 😉 I still haven’t read Night Owl either and keep going with Downside Ghosts -book 4 for me was crazy good but the series is a slow builder.
Michelle, you haven’t sent your list in yet? :-0
Hehehe My book twin! I totally forgot a ton of books. Harry Potter, Fever series, Ilona Andrews. Tons. However, I do adore those books. I just didn’t remember most PNR/UF. 🙂 I’m with Fabi, no list yet?
I know I can’t decide though! I mean getting my favorites in a list of what under 15 is almost impossible for me! I might have to cheat and do like 15 more honorable mentions 😉
🙂 Do that! And then sign onto Goodreads. 😛
HA asking for much are we? I’m one of those doctor types you just mentioned dealing with needles and craziness daily…if we had 30 hour days, I’d be all over it!
pfft. who needs hours?
Um, there was more. I was going to say I take minutes a day if that. Just, this is what I’m reading and add a few books. Since I am re-writing this, I looked it up and joined Nov 2011 and I still have a ton of books, though the little Amazon button helped a little. I just go through, remember an author, add that author, then not add anything for weeks. Though the Amazon button is still showing I need tons added. lol
Oh my gosh… Tessa, I love your list, however, I am so embarrassed to say I haven’t read any of them, except number 4!
Great list though! (and I’ll throw a peanut at you for Night Owl too… wowsa girl, really? you haven’t read that one!!!)
I’d say only number four, but man, I adored number four. Their relationship just made me melt. Most of my favorites are happy, not as dark. Though… *throws peanut back* FCH. I might read Night Owl waiting for FCU to become available. I don’t know. 😛
Great list Tessa! Remember Me by Christopher Pike is one of my all time favorite books. I remember stalking bookstores and the library for any of his books. And then I moved on to historical romances-loved Julie Garwood too! Funny how much my taste in books has changed over time. I haven’t picked up a historical romance book in years-It was probably the Highlander Series. I was addicted to the Fever series and read through Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series when I figured out they tied together.
I must agree with the Queen Betsy book! I think I’ve started it 2 years ago and am having the most difficult time even thinking of picking it back up!
Amber, I did the same too! I stalked my local bookstore every Tuesday the next book by him was released. The horror and romance combo was too much to resist. I just finished a historical romance today, but yeah, I don’t read them as often as I used to read them. I still have to read most of the highlander series. “) I will though. Immortal Highlander was too good to not read the rest of them!
Ela, right? For some reason, that one is just hard to read. I think it’s the lack of humor compared to all the other books. I like her humor, and want that!
FCU!!! Can’t wait one more day!!! Squee!!! Started reading The Rocker That Holds Me series. On the 2nd book already. So sweet!! Sometimes you just need to read those kind of books!! Smiling & chuckling to myself. I can totally see how they could be a re-read!!!
Tessa, read Archer’s Voice before Night Owl….. it’s so much better has much more meaning.
But, I’m sure everything is on the back burner while you hold your breath waiting for FCU….. i keep checking my Kindle, hoping for an early release, and then I’m all over that! MichelleS, Logan is mine!!!!
The Rocker series is so awesome! I’m all caught up on that one and as soon as a new book releases in the series, I drop everything I’m reading. First book was the best and I was so happy to see it on your list Tessa!
Lisa, I’m so glad you like the Rocker series. Super sweet, huh? All the characters are so great. Proof secondary characters make a great series. 🙂 Is it 10p yet? *looks at tablet* Nope. No FCU there yet. Hehehe
Jean, I might. I’m at 4% of Night Owl and he’s such a jerk, and not in a sexy way. In a “Let me club the guy with a stick” way. Yeah FCU tonight. I’m actually reading Every Last Breath by Jennifer Armentrout. I knew I’d get it done before tonight and I had to know who she chose and how it ends! 🙂
TESSA!!!!!! I can’t believe this has been here for TWO DAYS and I am just now getting to it! Gah!
You get to find out where the stuffed manatee obsession began! I wanted to hug him and try to make it all better at that part. And when you’re done hanging out with your book husband get right to Archer’s Voice! That was definitely a why-did-I-wait-so-long-to-read-it book. 😉
The Covenant series…I LOVE that you share my love for that series! *squeezy hugs Tessa*
“I’ve just always gone for the a$$…” <——— *snort!!!!* Did ya really think I would let that one go?!? LOL!!!
lol Nope, I should’ve known better! I will get to Archer’s Voice, it’s just th word recluse makes me shy away from it. All the love, though, I’ll probably adore it. And of course love for the Covenant series. It was hit, sexy and re-readable. 🙂 Also, tummy twisty. That’s important too.
#4 book 1 is free right now for those who have not read yet – it really is good!
Thanks Michelle. I picked it up because I don’t think I’ve read it yet.