Random books from ktleyed's library

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

The Queen's confession: A fictional autobiography by Victoria Holt

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Xover) by Judy Blume

The Skystone (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 1) by Jack Whyte

The Thorn Birds by Colleen Mccullough

Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

Sylvester (Harlequin Single Title) by Georgette Heyer

Members with ktleyed's books

RSS feeds

Recently-added books

ktleyed's reviews

Reviews of ktleyed's books, not including ktleyed's

Helper badges

Member: ktleyed

CollectionsYour library (887), Wishlist (10), Currently reading (3), To read (169), Favorites (109), All collections (887)

Reviews183 reviews

Tagsunread (196), historical romance (175), historical fiction (123), fav (117), Scottish (108), 2008 (105), regency romance (103), 2009 (88), 1001 (74), juvenile fiction (69) — see all tags

Cloudstag cloud, author cloud

Groups40-Something Library Thingers, Audiobooks, Bloggers, Historical Fiction, I Love Jane Austen, Knights Galore, Livejournalers, Outlander: Gabaldon's series about Jamie and Claire, PaperBackSwap, Reading the States — show all groups

Favorite authorsJane Austen, Celeste Bradley, Janet Chapman, Pamela Clare, James Clavell, C. S. Forester, Suzanne Frank, Diana Gabaldon, Julie Garwood, Colleen Gleason, Khaled Hosseini, Linda Howard, Elizabeth Hoyt, Kazuo Ishiguro, Julie James, Robin Kaye, Lisa Kleypas, Karleen Koen, Monica Mccarty, Colleen McCullough, David McCullough, Larry McMurtry, Margaret Mitchell, Karen Marie Moning, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Sharon Kay Penman, Julia Quinn, Paullina Simons, Evelyn Waugh, Lauren Willig (Shared favorites)

Favorite bookstoresBarnes & Noble Booksellers - West Paterson, NJ, Barnes and Noble Booksellers - Livingston, NJ, Montclair Book Center

Favorite librariesMontclair Public Library, Verona Public Library

About meI'm an avid reader, I've been this way ever since I learned how to read! It's what I'm really into these days when I'm not at work or making icons. I'm a huge Outlander fan, borderline obsessive when it comes to Jamie and Claire. While waiting for the next book to come out, I intersperse my reading with a lot of Highland and time travel romances to tide me over and I also try to read some current bestsellers or classics. I also read a lot of historical novels, concentrating mostly in Great Britian.

About my libraryI have tagged the books in my library by the year I read them. I also have some other self explanatory tags, categorizing them. Many books I do not own, some I do. This is mainly for me to have a list of all the books I've read and what year. I've rated them all according to how I felt about them at the time I read them. For all I know if I read them again now, I'd feel differently about them. I read all of the Nancy Drew books back in the early 70's, but I'm not listing them here. They were probably the last mysteries I've read. I can't remember all the books I've read in my life, but it's fun trying!

You can see what I've most recently read and my reviews on most of the books here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/53102

Homepagehttp://ktleyed.blogspot.com/

Also onblogspot, LiveJournal, PaperBackSwap

Real nameJulie

LocationNJ

Account typepublic, lifetime

Connection NewsConnection News

URLs http://www.librarything.com/profile/ktleyed (profile)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/ktleyed (library)

Common KnowledgeSeries (236), Awards (241), Characters (3919), Places (630)

Member sinceOct 1, 2007

Currently readingAcross a Wild Sea (Wild) by Sasha Lord
Wolf Hall: A Novel by Hilary Mantel
The Bleeding Dusk: The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason

Most recent activity

ktleyed added:
Sunshine by Robin McKinley

ktleyed added:
Full Moon Rising (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 1) by Keri Arthur

ktleyed added:
Dark Prince (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 1) by Christine Feehan

ktleyed added:
A Quick Bite (Argeneau Vampires, Book 1) by Lynsay Sands

ktleyed added:
Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

ktleyed added:
Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood

I think I'd have to say Voyager is my #1. As much as I loved the young Jaime & Clare, it's the love they have for each other 20 years later that really resonates with me. Actually I liked Karen Moning's highlander books but I tend to rate the books I've read relative to each other rather than independently. Now that I think about it that's rather unfair to everyone concerned; so I think I'll be updating some of my ratings in the near future.

Thanks!

posted by Virginia0908 at 8:46 pm (EST) on Oct 19, 2009

Thanks and I absolutely love Outlander. I just discovered it this year and am totally hooked. I was impatient just waiting a few months for Echo, which I loved by the way, so waiting for the next installment will likely drive me crazy. Do you have a favorite?

posted by Virginia0908 at 10:17 am (EST) on Oct 19, 2009

Your Welcome! I actually already have the book, but ooks came up you know the drill...

posted by VivianeoftheLake at 12:33 pm (EST) on Sep 26, 2009

Amber is a very young character (I think she's about 16 or so) as the book begins, and she's very saucy but naive about the world -- she's not a diabolical character at all - just cunning, charming, and very aware of her charms when it comes to men. I just believe you would enjoy Amber's adventures and the historical aspect (which is richly detailed but extremely readable -- London under Charles II in 1660's comes alive and you get absolutely LOST in another world). Borrow it from someone and read the first two chapters -- if you are not hooked, I'll be very surprised!

posted by joannesliceoflife at 8:53 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2009

Hi, it's me again - I just thought of something! Instead of reading Now Face to Face like you planned this summer, why don't you move it to the bottom of your list and put Forever Amber in its place? I think you would absolutely love it -- I rank it right up there as an all-time favorite, right along Outlander. How's that for a recommendation?
Joanne

posted by joannesliceoflife at 7:18 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2009

Hello, Julie!
Oh, yes, the old cast of characters are all still in the story -- Tony, the Duchess of Tamworth, Diana, Aunt Shrew, Jane, Philippe, Wart, Therese and Hyacinthe....I just loved all these richly developed characters in TAGD; everything just seemed to fall flat in Face to Face. It had such promise...
Joanne

posted by joannesliceoflife at 7:01 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2009

Silly you....you don't need an interesting story to tell. The book itself has the story. I have always been curious about who read the book before me, if anyone. Try posting about the book you are reading now and see how it goes. Looking forward to seeing your post.

posted by callmejacx at 11:00 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2009

Read your profile and thought you may be interested in my new thread

http://www.librarything.com/topic/67343

posted by callmejacx at 12:23 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2009

Hi, Julie--
I'm bummed to see that Dark Angels didn't live up to your expectations...that's a disappointment. I was so hoping that you would say it was a big, fat, juicy prequel. Oh, well, on to the next novel. I'm leaving for the beach with a few light, fun reads in my beach bag. (Lisa Kleypas, Karen Moning, and Deanna Raybourn) Have a good weekend.
Joanne

posted by joannesliceoflife at 9:55 am (EST) on Jun 12, 2009

Hi, Julie! Just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for becoming a follower of my blog! It's beginning to take shape and direction, and I hope you find some interesting things when you visit. Look for your own blog link listed under "fun stuff" -- it always puts a smile on my face! Have a great day, and thanks again for your support.
Joanne

posted by joannesliceoflife at 1:41 pm (EST) on Jun 1, 2009

Hi, again! Just wanted to pass along some new titles that I picked up today at B&N -- took my kids to get their summer reading books and made a point of searching out some new titles for myself. (gulp--my nightstand is going to crash from under the weight of too many "waiting to be read" books.) Anyway, Bertrice Small's The Border Chronicles looks absolutely yummy.....The titles are A Dangerous Love, The Border Lord's Bride, and The Captive Heart. All three of these beautiful editions are tagged with "never before published." Here's a blurb from the books: "With it's proud, stubborn, beautiful heroine and richly detailed plot, packed with history, adventure, and sexy, passionate romance, A Dangerour Love is classic Bertrice Small"; "an action-packed erotic tale set in the English and Scottish borderlands....";"cover to cover passion, a keen sense of history, and suspense." (The series begins in 1461.) I'll post them in my library and review them ASAP. Happy reading!

posted by joannesliceoflife at 4:52 pm (EST) on May 27, 2009

Oh, how I wish we could find a series that would even come remotely close to the Outlander series, but, alas, I fear they stand in a category all their own. James Michener is a prolific writer of historical fiction that I enjoy, but, of course, his style is his own and is a personal preference. His novel, Hawaii, is one of my all-time favorite reads and I can whole-heartedly recommend it; it's an investment in time ("I love big books, and I cannot lie....") but well worth it. I also enjoy Jean Auel's Earth's Children series (Clan of the Cave Bear, Valley of Horses, etc...) Looks like we'll just have to keep merrily reading along.

posted by joannesliceoflife at 11:58 pm (EST) on May 25, 2009

Hello! I am just beginning to set up a new blog and librarything profile, so it will take me quite a while to get everything organized! Know that aspire to match your library and blog one day. Since finding Diana Gabaldon's books a few years ago, I divide the world of books into two groups: the Outlander series, and Everything Else! Anxiously waiting for Sept. for Echo. Hopefully, over the next few weeks, I will have time to review the few books I've posted in library thing. Please visit my blog, as well, as hopefully it will evolve into an interesting place to visit. (www.joanne-sliceoflife.blogspot.com) I love your Outlandish Dreaming blog - excellent job! Very informative and interesting!.

posted by joannesliceoflife at 11:09 pm (EST) on May 25, 2009

I am reading The Secret Bride in The Court of Henry VIII. I do have a copy of Outlander. I think I will read it next as everyone is making such a to-do about it. I bought it because it was recommended by the Historical Romantic fiction group. I liked Susan Carroll's highlader books regarding The Bridefinder and wanted to read similar books.

posted by scarpettajunkie at 1:09 pm (EST) on Apr 26, 2009

Julie,
How do you get those lists of what you are reading on your profile?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Cheli

posted by cyderry at 2:03 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2009

*chuckle* I don't mind at all. I've been collecting (and reading *g*) for years and it's gotten quite extensive *gulp*

posted by dkthain at 10:00 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2009

I really hope you are enjoying The Tea Rose! It's one of my absolute favorites. You should check out Into the Wilderness, by Sara Donati, too, since you're a fan of Outlander.

posted by goddessladyj at 12:48 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2009

Thanks! Those give me more than enough to get started with, whenever my current TBR pile from the library diminishes some... :o)

posted by grkmwk at 9:07 pm (EST) on Jan 21, 2009

Hi ktleyed! I too am a huge Outlander fan, but have never tried any other Highlander or time-travel romance. In fact, other than the Outlander books, I haven't really read any romance at all. Any recommendations?

posted by grkmwk at 8:56 pm (EST) on Jan 21, 2009

I loved Pippi too! I use to wish to be like her...lol...she was really strong, she had a horse and was always on an adventure! I was about the same age as you when I read about her. How exciting it was to a young girl!

posted by lindasbooks at 8:56 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2009

Hi ktleyed!
I was browsing through your library and I saw the Pippi Longstocking books. They brought me a chuckle and a sense of nostalgia. (Ribsy too!) I loved those books. I try not to dig around in other libraries, my tbr pile is already too big! But I'm sure I will be picking up the Pippi's lol. I also look forward to reading your reviews on shared books. Linda

posted by lindasbooks at 8:38 pm (EST) on Jan 20, 2009

Saw your TBR list and I have to nudge to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Move this to the top of your list, NOW. If you can also get the audio version of this book. I read this book last year and it is one of my favorite books.

Libri

posted by rarelibri at 1:09 am (EST) on Jan 3, 2009

I saw that you were on PaperbackSwap as well! I don't think I have anything on your wishlist but I'll look. I thought you're review of Cole's A Hunger Like No Other was great. I love paranormal but am not a big fan of time travel. I still haven't read The Outlander books but I might need to given everyone's comments.

posted by reesa00 at 4:29 pm (EST) on Nov 15, 2008

I would give you two "thumbs up" if I could. I won't read it, I don't want to be angry. There are too many books to read. I hope Borders will take it back and give me at least store credit. It is obviously unread!

I just finished such an unsatisfying book. The Clefts! Look it up! Such a great idea and so disappointing.

Thanks again!
Louise

posted by LASMIT at 6:30 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2008

Hi

I liked your review of Edgar Sawtelle. I have the book sitting on my counter and am afraid to start it. I just can't bear the thought that anything horrible might happen to the animals. I can't read books where bad things happen to animals or young children. I use to hide when I had to watch Lassie as a child. Yes, I had to watch it. Can't figure that out now though! ha!

After reading your review, I don't think I will read the book. Reading to me has to be enjoyable. I don't mind a good cry, but not if it doesn't end well. Fiction CAN have a happy ending.

So what do you think? Should I read it???

posted by LASMIT at 5:56 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2008

Pullo and Vorenus do have bit parts in 'Caesar,' but apparently according to CM's afterword they are even a bigger part of Caesar's own Commentaries about The Gallic War.

I agree Antony's part on HBO's Rome was well cast. But I also thought Servilia, Brutus, and Cicero were pretty good, too. Servilia didn't look like CM's character, but she was just as witchy and beguiling.

I also see you are a Gabaldon fan. Me, too. Anxiously awaiting the next installment.

posted by jhowell at 8:33 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2008

The only other Margaret George I have actually read is 'Helen of Troy,' which I didn't like as well as 'Cleopatra.' But I have heard her 'Mary, Queen of Scots' and her 'Henry the VIII' are good. I bet you would like Cleopatra more if you read George's book. I am sure it was biased in her favour but she sure was a strong, fascinating woman.

So, am I missing a book? I thought I had the whole Masters of Rome series on my shelf. I have 'The October Horse' and 'Antony and Cleopatra' left to read, So there is another one called 'Caesar and Cleopatra?' Is that after October Horse maybe?

You know, I think if I had seen HBO's series after I read these novels I wouldn't have liked it either. It pales in comparison, but it sparked my interest. Certainly, the actor who portrays Cesaer wasn't a good choice. I did get a kick out of reading about Titus Pullo and Lucious Vorenus though -- I thought they were made up characters for the show. JEN

posted by jhowell at 7:11 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2008

Hey - thanks for your comment. I am always almost startled when I realize someone actually reads my reviews. Overall, I did like the book and really love the series. Although I started reading it after I watched HBO's Rome -- I actually am finding that I have enjoyed the less well known stories of Marius and Sulla perhaps better. I think my favorite has been 'Fortune's Favorite' -- I really liked Sertorious as well as Spartacus and the slave revolt. I am looking forward to reading more about Cleopatra who has to be one of my favorite historical figures. Have you ever read any of Margaret George? More romancy, but still good historical fiction. Her 'Cleopatra' is quite good. Jen

posted by jhowell at 6:29 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2008

I need to reread GWTW again, but there are so many books I haven't read out there that it's been hard to justify a reread! :) Maybe I'll get to it later this year, though.

Any idea when Gabaldon's next one will be out? I think it's called An Echo in the Bone.

posted by goddessladyj at 3:25 pm (EST) on Jun 29, 2008

I love the Outlander series, too! Looks like we have plenty of other books in common as well!

~Jenny
posted by goddessladyj at 12:00 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2008

I'll have to check out your link after I've read the first book, so I can properly appreciate it! But it sounds amazing, just like the books do! Okay, I wasn't thinking of reading it until after the other books in the series anyway, but now I know for sure from you. I really do think I am going to buy them-- possibly not all at once, though I would love to, only because of my ever-increasing pile of books and hardly-increasing non-pile of money. :)

Yes, I think he is going to be my favorite hero... well, except for maybe Edward, from Twilight, but he only has a step up from James *I think..... will tell you for sure later!* because he is a vampire, and I love them... Perfect combination for the perfect man: Highland Vampire with hugs amounts *but all equal!* of brains, brawn, and heart! I think if for nothing else, I'd love this book simply because it takes place in olden day Scotland, which I love. But don't worry, I know I will love the series for many other reasons too!
posted by The_Book_Queen at 9:26 pm (EST) on Jun 11, 2008

Yes! Lonesome Dove is on my list of top ten favorite books of all time. I read the prequels but they were pretty depressing. I loved Telegraph Days, though. That was a really fun book. Jane Austen is a favorite, I reread her books every once in a while. I loved the PBS series that they did on the books. I'm enjoying the Cranford series now, though I've never read the books. I never knew they existed! I might have to check those out.
posted by bookheaven at 1:29 pm (EST) on May 10, 2008

I, myself am a HUGE Outlander fan. I am on the 3rd book and savoring every minute of it. Claire just crossed over to find Jamie after 20 years and I must have looked like such a dork to my co-workers - me sitting at my desk with my head in the book and a huge grin on my face! And my husband thought I would never think of another man.....
posted by abruno at 4:28 pm (EST) on May 8, 2008

Hi!
I am also an Outlander fan and I must admit to sometimes reading a book just because someone on the cover is wearing a kilt! But nobody ever lives up to Jamie. I liked the Sara Donati series, too. Someone I work with was telling me about this great book she was reading that she picked up at the supermarket. She said that it was about a nurse who goes back in time to Scotland...and I screamed out "Outlander!" So funny! She got completely hooked and read all of them and then two other people at work also got hooked. We all LOVE Jamie!
posted by bookheaven at 3:19 pm (EST) on May 5, 2008

Welcome friend!

You know, I have a few other highlander romance books now..I don't know if I want to read them. Nothing can compare to the Outlander series. I can't wait to finish the book just to be able to reread them!
posted by MDLady at 1:13 pm (EST) on May 5, 2008

Crymeariver! I just made the connection. The Myspace page you joined (Qutlander Fans), that's me!! I'm still looking for stuff to add and any suggestions you have please feel free to suggest away! I do want to use a few of your icons and I will credit you for making them. They are awesome icons!

Any ideas on what else people may want to see on there?
posted by MDLady at 7:51 am (EST) on Apr 28, 2008

Believe it or not...I didn't find one Myspace page dedicated to Jamie and Claire..but I think this weekend I may just start making one. By the way...I loved your icons...my fave is the "if he were a horse.." Very nice.:)
posted by MDLady at 7:19 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2008

Did you ever think of doing a Myspace fan page for Jamie and Claire???
posted by MDLady at 9:47 pm (EST) on Apr 17, 2008

Hello and welcome to 40-Something Library Thingers! Please feel free to start some new topics. I've run out of ideas..:)
posted by MDLady at 7:17 am (EST) on Feb 8, 2008

Hello there!!

Yes, there are several characters mentioned in Into the Wilderness, but none directly connected yet. It was fun to run across their names, I won't mention them so I won't spoil the surprise. Yes, your discription of a Jane Austen character into upstate NY is quite correct, although she changes quite quickly to deal with her surroundings. THere are others in the series, but I'm wondering if I should stop now and work on Last of the Mohicans!!
Take care!!
posted by homeschoolmom at 11:39 pm (EST) on Jan 18, 2008

Julie, I am seeking new authors and I see you highly recommend Penman. This name is completely new to me. What is it about this author, her stle, etc that captivates you? Is there a certian title to read first?
posted by Schotzy at 6:40 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2008

Hi, Julie, I, too, am mad for Jamie and Claire, and have essentially stopped mid stream in the Fiery Cross even though I have purchased Snow... because I cant stand to come to the beginning of the great "wait"!Doesnt that sound weird, but I just had to stop the read for a time. I actually stopped to partake in planning a long sojourn in Fraser Country and parts south. I would soo love to do the Gabaldon Tour but then again I want to take Scotlnad by storm on my own terms! Just for fun there are some Julie Garwood's and Kathleen Givens that I think you would really enjoy!
posted by Schotzy at 7:52 pm (EST) on Jan 13, 2008

glad to see a fellow scot's lover! I'll be checking in on your reads for recommendations too. I've read several great authors you dont have listed.
posted by Schotzy at 5:39 pm (EST) on Jan 13, 2008

Hi, Julie!

I know exactly what you mean about "no Caesar"! Well, we'll just have to muddle through somehow. :-(

And, after I posted the comment that an LTer had said this book wasn't a good as the rest, I got ANOTHER comment from someone else who said that she thinks it's one of the better ones in the series! There's simply no telling. Let me know what you think as you read it--my copy won't be here for some time.

Joyce
posted by Joycepa at 8:28 am (EST) on Jan 2, 2008

Hi, Julie!

Just wanted to apologize about seeming so certain that Antony and Cleopatra was not part of the Masters of Rome series. My belief was based primarily on the way it was advertised--or not advertised, actually--on Amazon. All the rest of the books in the series are labeled "Masters of Rome" and this one is not, at least on the Web site. I figured it was maybe something like Lindsay Davis did with her Falco series in Vespasian's time--take a diversion the way she did with the story of his mistress. Frankly, I'm delighted to see that I was wrong about McCullough, since I love that series. I'm hoping that she'll continue with Octavian's career although she's said that she doesn't want to. Still, she did do this latest book.

So, sorry for the misinformation about the book's place in the series. It was based on something I was told and the Amazon Web site. I should have checked further and didn't. Fortunately, the series doesn't stand or fall on what I think! :-)

Joyce
posted by Joycepa at 11:14 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2008

Sure! I never turn away a friend! And I love Outlander too -- it is kind of a guilty pleasure for me though -- I am not always down with the over-the-top romance stuff - I guess I am very prudish and repressed ;) Isn't it funny that after readin one of those novels you feel like you can't possibly read anything else that is not about Jamie and Claire -- they are so consuming! I also see you have the Masters of Rome too which is becoming my current obsession.
posted by jhowell at 3:03 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2008