Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer

All right, so I’m susceptible to trends. This book has been sitting with its sequels in the massive displays in the bookstores, so I succumbed. And I am SO glad I did. Oh my God, is this book good. The chemistry between Edward and Bella is on every page – it consumes and drives the story, much like first love consumes and drives action. Plus, vampires! What more could you ask for? (I have absolutely no time to read, but I’m totally getting the rest of the saga now – damn you, Stephanie Meyer!)

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

I have a constant deal going with a friend of mine. I’ll recommend something to him that he has to see/read, and he’ll do the same. So far, I’ve made him watch The King and I, Eddie Izzard:
Dressed to Kill and It Happened One Night (a musical, a British transvestite social comic, and a black and white romantic comedy – tell me I’m not a girl). And he has recommended… comic books. This is the one I’ve liked best so far – it’s steeped in the literature of the age in which its set – late Victorian – and has a fun sci-fi bent. So much better than the crappy movie they made, and again, vampires!

Sugar Daddy, by Lisa Kleypas

I have to admit, I’m cheap. I waited until this one came out in paperback before buying it. But I’m rethinking waiting to get its sequel. It’s a different kind of romance novel – the first third is spent on the heroine growing up, her first love, her first job. Its more about how the heroine becomes the person she has to be when she meets the man she’ll love, than about that relationship on its own. Very different from Ms. Kleypas’s historical novels, but both genres are very very good. (Sorry, no vampires. But 2 for 3 ain’t bad.)