We Read Indie Books RG2E! discussion

As you read Moon Dance, without spoiling it for the rest of us, what are your thoughts so far?

I've already read it, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the idea of a vampire who's a PI and a mom.

I've just begun. So far I'm also liking that the main character is a vampire and a mom and a PI - talk about juggling. I'm also really enjoying her voice.

3/17: Okay, I've finished and I really enjoyed it also. Throughout the novel, I found myself grinning at the narrative voice Rain used. Like she'd get off on a tangent and then use a simple sentence like "Change of topic" and redirect in the next paragraph. I completely loved the voice and it enhanced Samantha's character for me.

Sorry, but I tried to get into this book and just couldn't do it. But I have to admit I just don't like books about vampires. I also felt that after reading the first couple of pages that the female protagonist felt "forced" to me. Not genuine. I think a good writer can write a protagonist of any gender, but this writer just couldn't pull it off.

I'm a little late, but just bought the book from Amazon (currently only $.99). Am finishing up third book in Hunger Games trilogy and then will read Moon Dance. Looking forward to it!

Darlene wrote: "Sorry, but I tried to get into this book and just couldn't do it. But I have to admit I just don't like books about vampires. I also felt that after reading the first couple of pages that the fem..."

I thought he did a good job writing a woman, but YMMV. I also love vampire books, so there you go. :)

Dana,

I've never seen that term before. What does YMMV mean?

I read this book last week and really enjoyed it though I don't gravitate toward vampire books generally. There was one part where I got a bit teary eyed, in relation to her kids. I thought the writing was well done and I agree with Tamara about liking the voice--I found myself smiling at different things throughout the book. I would read another book in this series.

I read this a while ago - got the four book set around Christmas - and I really enjoyed it. I'm not big on first person books, but this was well done, and I finished it quickly. Great first choice!
~Cate

I liked it. But then I like most of his. :-)

For those of you who have read more of this author's work, do you feel like his novels get shorter and shorter but are sold for the same price? If so, does it make a difference to you? This is the first book and only book I've read by this author, so I truly don't know.

I haven't noticed that. But then I haven't read them in order of publication. I've gotten many of them when he had them free. I still have some I haven't read. Believe me...if I thought they were too short for the price or not living up to expectations in some way, I'd say so. Especially the "short" part. That irritates me even worse than poor editing.

I have been a terrible member of this group, and have only read the first few pages. I wanted to keep reading, though. So far so good, I guess.

I'm always interested to see how convincing a female main is when written by a guy. However, not being a woman, I may be a little under-qualified to judge this.

From the other comments, it looks like he did a decent job it. Do any of you disagree?

Also, did we ever figure out YMMV? Inquiring minds, and all that...

I think he did a good job of writing from the female perspective. I think he over did thinking all the guys she ran into were gorgeous hunks though. A few different descriptions would have been good.

And yeah...what does YMMV mean?

Darlene wrote: "Dana,

I've never seen that term before. What does YMMV mean?"

Your mileage may vary

Tell us, Dana! No, wait. Before you tell us, Is it something that will make me feel stupid for not figuring out? Darnit! I wanted to sleep tonight!

I thought the writer did a fantastic job writing as a member of the opposite gender. I found the narrator to be quirky and fun... and I wish I lived in a world of hunks! Wait... I'm married... so I already have my hunk!

Greg wrote: "I have been a terrible member of this group, and have only read the first few pages. I wanted to keep reading, though. So far so good, I guess.

I'm always interested to see how convincing a femal..."

Your Mileage May Vary

I've only read the first few pages so far, too, but enjoying it so far. I really don't know how y'all find time to read, I'm so envious. I'm trying, really.

I finally was able to sit down and begin reading the book. I'm really enjoying it so far (about 1/3 of the way through). Based on stereotypes, the protagonist does read as masculine (loves boxing, checks out hunky men though she's broken up about her marriage being on the rocks, and has a pretty heavy hand in disciplining her kids). However, considering that she's a)an ex federal agent, b)a P.I., and c)a vampire, I took her 'maleness' in stride and figured she was just a kick-ass heroine!

How do you know this book was written by a man?

Hi, J.J. You can click the link on the book page on amazon and visit his author page. http://www.amazon.com/J.R.-Rain/e/B00... (That's his author page, complete with photo.)

I didn't have any problem believing in the character's femininity, though. I didn't even think about her maleness until mentioned here. But now that folks mention it, I do see it!

For next month, can we have a third post that's for discussion for after we're done with the book?

Hi, Karysa, and thanks for the suggestion! I'm thinking maybe next month of just creating one discussion for folks who've finished reading the selection. (Less confusion.) What do you think?

Also, please feel free to open a new discussion thread about any relevant topic any time you feel like it! (I think this group is set up so any member can do this, but let me know if it isn't.) Thanks again!

I think a discussion after the book is finished would be great. :-)