I know most of you have probably read and loved these for many years, but just in case, Robin McKinley's classic The Hero and the Crown and The Blue Sword.  Sterling adventure for young adults and anybody else, a beautifully crafted world, wonderfully real characters...it's all here.  I like the second one best, for some reason.  There are Damar short stories to be had, in Water and A Knot in the Grain, also marvelous. 

Here are heroines who are real and strong without being cliched or overconfident, people I'd like to know.  Harry in particular.  These books are one reason why fantasy succeeds as a genre. 

This appears to be a new author, but goodness knows if they were writing somewhere else previously.  The skill certainly implies it.  Step One by Aaron Cronin is a quick Iron Man story that manages to be both funny and touching at the same time--and that addresses an issue that often goes ignored.  Very clever, and a read that leaves me wanting more.  

Grace Livingston Hill's Crimson Roses.  One of many, many romances by Ms. Hill, most of them with Christian themes; they are almost all set either during the Depression or the Great War, and vary in quality, but this one is my favorite.  It has the sort of delicate romance that is hardly thought of any longer, and while the heroine presents as meek, she has a strong will.  Also, there's not too much of the Prohibition sensibilities that feel so odd to the modern reader.  Not for everyone--one must have a taste for early-twentieth-century literature--but not heavy going and simply a tender, sweet story. 

tres_mechante's Book Lovers.  Not graphic but definitely adult.  Marvelous! 

First off, I want to recommend cincoflex's new Pseudonym to all you Happy Hogan (or Copra Cabana) fans out there. Even taciturn chauffeurs need love, and she supplies it perfectly!

Second, she's also mostly responsible for Feast, which is an Easter story only for the eggs as it misses the original point entirely. But it was fun to write. Please note, I am resurrecting my personal rating of Unabashedly Sentimental for this one. Previously unknown levels of fluff. You Have Been Warned.

Now, do I bother going in to work this afternoon, or not?

I just finished re-reading N. Lee Wood's Looking for the Mahdi, which is a unique and fascinating near-future novel--now slightly out of date politically, as it was published in 1996, but that doesn't matter. It's complex, uncomfortable, and a great read, and while I do not recommend the author's Faraday's Orphans (ew ew EW) this one is a keeper. I always finish it and think "Why not?"

Ohhh, I've been waiting to rec this one!  cincoflex's stunner Clandestine, which will break your heart in the most bittersweet fashion.  Be warned: it is  Iron Man, Obadiah/OC (and what an OC!), and most definitely adult.  Yummy, yummy, yummy. 

That ineffable genius, csinut214, wrote me a birthday fic!  With artwork!  It's sweet, with a touch of angst, and ends on a note of delicate, incredulous hope.   And it has the beautiful, unexpected twist she does so well.  *happy sigh* 

Late Fees 

I feel so privileged!

I must add, she worked hard to get it to me in time for my birthday.  I just haven't been around much to post about it! 

I want to recommend this here because it's not specifically G/S, and so I can't do so on YTDAW.  Reverend Killjoy's perfect, which is a beautiful peek at both Grissom's past and psyche and at his relationship with Catherine.  The Rev did some terrific fic; what a pity they don't seem to be writing any longer.