Favorites From... Jocelynn Drake

Jocelynn Drake

When I was invited to take part in this blog, my first thought was “I don’t have to pick just one, do I?” Impossible. How do you pick just one favorite book? Or even one favorite author? When I read, the book has to match my mood, so I am going to provide some of my favorites according to my mood.

As an Urban Fantasy/Vampire author, I tend to have read a lot of Urban Fantasy and I try to sneak back to some of my favorites when I am between projects.

When I am in the mood for urban fantasy, but need lighter reading I generally turn to one of two favorites: Kerrelyn Sparks (Love at Stake series) and Lynsay Sands (Argeneau series). Both series are centered on vampires, but it’s the lighter side. Both are firmly in the paranormal romance genre and both wonderful authors have made me laugh out loud when I was reading them. For the Love at Stake series, I love her Scotsmen and I am so looking forward to her new book coming out this fall featuring a were-bear named Howard. For the Argeneau Series, I think Lucian might be my favorite, but all the guys are pretty cool.

When I’m in the mood for dark, brooding, angry vampires, I fall to J.R. Ward and the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I am still getting caught up on the series, but these men are seriously sexy, damaged, and addictive. Also, Christine Feehan can spin a great dark vampire in her Carpathians series. Favorites males: Rhage or V for Ward and Gregori for Feehan.

For just straight urban fantasy (minus the romantic elements), it is Richard Kadrey’s Sandman Slim series. Kadrey’s writing is dark, gritty, and highly addictive. The Sandman Slim series centers on a character back from Hell and ready for revenge. The fourth book in the series (Devil Said Bang) just came out on August 28, so you’ve got plenty to read. Do yourself a favor – check out this series! For another great urban fantasy series, look to Simon R. Green’s Nightside series. This is some seriously strange but awesome reading. Nightside is a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

When I need a break from the weird, I will occasionally dip over into historical romance. I don’t do a lot of reading in this genre, but I tend to fall back on some old favorites. I love Johanna Lindsay, Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series, and Amanda Quick. I also love to pick up the odd Pride and Prejudice spin-off book (love Elizabeth and Darcy).

When I need a shot of epic fantasy, I turn to Raymond Feist. He is the first author to ever make me cry while reading, and when I re-read the book 20 years later, I cried again. He creates characters that live and breathe.

And when I need some saving, I go to my enormous stack of Batman graphic novels. When the world gets ugly, just cuddle up with Bruce Wayne. Trust me, Bruce can fix it all.

A big thanks to Jocelynn Drake for sharing all of these fantastic recommendations! I asked Jocelynn to be a part of this feature because I loved her Dark Days series (and the finale, Burn the Night, was one of my favorite reads last year.)  The books follow an ancient Vampire named Mira with the unique power to control fire... and her love/hate relationship with the fascinating vampire hunter Danaus. Jocelynn is also launching a new series this month called the Asylum Tales.

Here is you chance to win one of her recommendations. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter to win a signed copy of Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt. US only please.

Be sure to check out all of the Favorites From My Favorites posts and giveaways this month, by clicking here.
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