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Latest Romance Book Releases – 10-27-2020 | Maryse’s Book Blog

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HAPPY TUESDAY NEW RELEASE DAY!! 75 new releases on today’s list and a bunch that I highlighted that sound so good!

BLURB JOLTS! Like that one to the left (Roya Carmen’s latest!! The Boss Upstairs – I love a reclusive neighbor, and he lives in the Penthouse above her!! Though it CAN be read as a standalone, he’s actually a main character in her “Ground Rules” series so it will spoil that series if you haven’t read it yet), All the Love in the World (Karina Halle’s collection of novella’s revisiting some of our favorite characters in her series), and The Chateau (Eeeeeep!!! She and her sister are in a labor camp, and her guard is secretly nice to her)!!

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out:

TODAY’S BLASTS FROM OUR BOOK PAST 😀 !!

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS!

  1. ➔➔ Not a member of Audible yet? Get a free 30 day audible trial (which includes one title from their premium selection of best sellers and listen all you want to thousands of titles in their growing Audible Plus Catalog.)
  2. ➔➔ AND! Audiobook Matchmaker!! <— Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! This is how it works. Click on that link & Amazon will show you all of your Kindle books that are also available as an audiobook at a seriously discounted price. This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
  3. and…
  4. Love Your Life: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella
  5. Code Name: Rook (Jameson Force Security Book 6) by Sawyer Bennett
  6. Far From Destined (Promise Me Book 3) by Carrie Ann Ryan
  7. Below the Bones (Widow’s Island Novella Book 5) by Kendra Elliot
  8. Man in Charge by Laurelin Paige
  9. The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas by Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace
  10. My Last Duchess by Eloisa James
  11. Jane in Love: A Novel by Rachel Givney
  12. Truly, Madly, Deeply: A Novel (The Baxter Family) by Karen Kingsbury
  13. The Christmas Backup Plan (Twilight, Texas) by Lori Wilde
  14. Love Is a Rogue: Wallflowers vs. Rogues (Wallflowers Vs Rogues) by Lenora Bell

READER RECOMMENDATIONS & BARGAIN FINDS:

  • TWO MONTHS FREE KINDLE UNLIMITED DEAL!!! <— If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s your chance (you can still get in on it since the deal has been extended through the end of DECEMBER). 😲👏👏
  • and…
  • Deliver Us: Books 1-3 by Pam Godwin <— PAM GODWIN BOOK BUNDLE SUPER-BARGAIN!!! FALL FOR THE VILLAIN… “…Van Quiso’s chilling gunmetal eyes will shiver your blood and torment your heart. You’ll fear him and crave him, for behind the cruel mouth lurks a jealous, possessive devil who will sacrifice everything to protect the woman he loves. Each standalone is a different couple with its own dark love story, all interconnected in a dangerous underworld of murderers, kidnappers, and cartels. Forget your comfort zones. This world isn’t pretty. But it’s oh-so-delicious and twisty...”

Renee: Pam Godwins Deliver series is great.

Siana: …books you should add to your TBR list that my friends & I recently read and adored: Deliver by Pam Godwin… dark and deliciously sexy. Deliver has some heart stopping twists and turns…

Jill: Maryse when you are ready for a dark read again, go for deliver by Pam Godwin. Just finished it and it was awesome!

  • Wicked Love by Andrea Smith, C.J. Pinard, Dani René, J.D. Hollyfield, Kristen Middleton, Lexy Timms, M. Stratton, M.C. Cerny, Michelle Dare, Natasha Raulerson, RB Hilliard, and Sarah M Cradit <— ANTHOLOGY SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT! “…Get Ready For Mischief… With days growing shorter and nights getting colder, get into the Halloween spirit with this collection of wicked stories designed to thrill you...”
  • Dear Santa: A Christmas Wish (The Holiday Series Book 3) <— CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY ALERT!! “…The Authors’ Billboard’s 2020 fabulous Christmas Box Collection, DEAR SANTA, is filled with 18 brand new stories about characters who have special wishes to ask the big guy during this season...”
  • The Pride Series Bundle 2: Four Fantasy Romance Novels by Shelly Laurenston <— BOOK BUNDLE ALERT!! “Once the hot-blooded shapeshifters in New York Times bestselling author Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series catch a scent of desire, the hunt is on, and every fang and claw are out and ready to take what truly belongs to them…“
  • A Very Highland Holiday: A collection of six enchanting seasonal novellas by Kathryn Le Veque, Jennifer Ashley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Kerrigan Byrne, Eliza Knight, Darcy Burke <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY W/ FAVORITE AUTHORS!! “It’s an enchanting holiday season in the Highlands with some of your favorite Historical Romance authors!”
  • Briar’s Mercy Medical Romance Boxset by Autumn Reign <— 5 BOOK SERIES BUNDLE SUPER-BARGAIN! “…Doctor Eliza Todd seemed to have it all. As a highly respected neurosurgeon, she has a successful career, a beautiful home, and a caring fiancé. All her dreams are about to come true… Until a disastrous mistake during surgery claims the life of an innocent child. And Eliza blames herself for the tragedy...”
  • Terrifying Love: A Halloween Anthology <— SCARY ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY ALERT!! “…This collection is full of never-before-seen tales of romance that will make you fall in love and terrify you at the same time. Get ready for a glimpse of the darkness and things of shadows as these authors show you that sometimes the dark can make your dreams come true.”

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES:

  1. Crown of One Hundred Kings (Nine Kingdoms Trilogy Book 1) by Rachel Higginson <— FANTASY ROMANCE ALERT!! A LOST PRINCESS & A REBELLIOUS PRINCE! “…Tessana Allisand had a family once. A home. A title. A future. Until one night when everything she loved was taken from her. Secreted away to an isolated monastery in the farthest region of the realm, Tess was raised in the silence of monks and the loneliness of tragedy. And there she would have stayed if the dark magic that killed her family hadn’t finally found her…”
  2. Billionaire Wolf’s MateDate: Shifters MateDate Agency by Serena Meadows
  3. A Dash of Destiny (Warlocks MacGregor Book 8) by Michelle M. Pillow
  4. Dark by Erika Phillips
  5. Spells (Bayou Magic Book 2) by Kristen Proby <— KRISTEN PROBY ALERT!! “…As a powerful hedgewitch and psychic, there isn’t much I can’t work to my advantage and finesse with a spell. Love, fortune, and even the perfect cup of coffee are all possible with the snap of my fingers. But some things are utterly beyond my control. Like the powerful and broody warlock who’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—and even the lifetimes I often can’t. Things almost as dangerous as Lucien Bergeron’s hold on me and the breathtaking smiles only I get to see...”
  6. Her Dragon Outcast (Dragons of Mount Valen Book 4) by Riley Storm
  7. A Growl, a Roar, and a Purr (Lions & Tigers & Bears Book 1) by K.C. Wells <— M/M ROMANCE!
  8. Wolf at the Door (Wolf Winter Book 3) by TA Moore <— M/M ROMANCE!
  9. After I Fall (Immortal Billionaires Book 1) by Melissa Sercia <— “…Raven and Ozi have sworn off love, but when their paths cross, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Drawn to each other’s dark sides, they can’t seem to stay away. But when Ozi’s ex comes back into town to settle an old score, the odds shift and the danger becomes real, pitting Raven in the middle. Now Ozi must decide what he’s willing to risk to protect Raven from the threat of his past coming back to haunt him. Her safety or his heart...”
  10. Shadow Fae: A Dark Paranormal Romance, Enemies to Lovers (Dark Fae: Extinction Book 1) by Quinn Blackbird
  11. Sandman (Ceasefire Series Book 6) by Claire Marta
  12. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco <— BLURB JOLT!!!! “...Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against…”

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES:

  1. The Boss Upstairs (Orchard Heights Book 3 (standalone)) by Roya Carmen <— GRIEVING SINGLE MOM WIDOW & HE’S HER RECLUSIVE BILLIONAIRE NEIGHBOR… “...She’s nothing but a hollow shell, going through her life on auto pilot, trying to be strong for Ethan, but failing miserably. She’s looking to become self-sufficient again, to head back into the job market and start a new chapter. Surprisingly, all it takes is one jolt to bring her back to life; an opportunity to work with the reclusive wealthy man in the penthouse upstairs…”

Maryse: It can be read as a standalone HOWEVER… BIG HUGE NOTE!! DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS FOR THIS BOOK until you’ve read the first three books of her “The Ground Rules” series (or *if* you intend on reading the first three, that is). Unless you just want to read this as a standalone – then that’s fine too. But this is a main character from the original trilogy and might spoil some parts of the trilogy.

Jocelyn: So excited about this!

Rhonda: OMG! I cannot wait 😋

Rae: Glad to see ????? (No names) going in this direction. Maryse I wanted to 🤬 swipe you know who. 🤬😂

  1. Layover (Open Skies Book 1) by Becca Jameson
  2. The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas by Jodi Thomas, Sharla Lovelace
  3. Whiskey Tango (Royal Bastards MC: Huntsville Chapter Book 2): Royal Bastards MC: Huntsville Chapter Book 2 by K.L. Ramsey
  4. All the Love in the World: A Holiday Anthology by Karina Halle <— LIVE!! KARINA HALLE ANTHOLOGY ALERT!!! “…This collection of five sexy, funny, thrilling, & emotional novellas bring together some of the most beloved characters from such books and series as The Forbidden Man, The Nordic Royals, Experiment in Terror, Dirty Angels, and The McGregors into one amazing anthology. Each novella is all original, never-before published, with each story revolving around a specific holiday…”
  5. My Last Duchess by Eloisa James <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE!!
  6. The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray (The Swooning Virgins Society Book 1) by Anna Bradley <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE!!
  7. Missing Christmas by Kate Clayborn
  8. Code Name: Rook (Jameson Force Security Book 6) by Sawyer Bennett <— HE LIED TO HER ABOUT HIS REAL JOB… “…My harmless deceit has never failed me. Until now. Because I met the most amazing woman and did the unthinkable. I married her. And now my beautiful, unsuspecting, probably-going-to-leave-my-sorry-behind-when-she-finds-out-the-truth wife doesn’t know that I’m not a used car salesman like I told her when we met. As it typically does with lies, the truth is about to come out in a big way when Jaime unwittingly gets herself mixed up with some unsavory characters...”
  9. Left to Kill (An Adele Sharp Mystery—Book Four) by Blake Pierce
  10. Cruz : A Dark MC Romance (A Dark and Dirty Sinners’ MC Book 5) by Serena Akeroyd
  11. A Ten Beach Road Christmas (Ten Beach Road Series) by Wendy Wax
  12. Truly, Madly, Deeply: A Novel (The Baxter Family) by Karen Kingsbury <— THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE IS SICK… “…Tommy begins seriously thinking about the far off day when he can ask her to marry him but she hasn’t been feeling well. Tests reveal the unthinkable. While his girlfriend begins the fight of her life, Tommy is driven to learn more about the circumstances surrounding his birth and the grandfather he never knew. Secrets come to light that rock Tommy’s world, and he becomes determined to spend his future fighting crime and bringing peace to the streets. Or is this just his way to fight a battle he cannot win—the one facing Annalee?”
  13. A Date for the Masquerade (The Dating Series Book 10) by L.P. Dover and Heidi McLaughlin
  14. Lakehouse Beginnings (Sisters of Snow Pines Part 1) by Sage Parker
  15. A Gathering Storm (Courage Under Fire – The End Is Just The Beginning Book 7) by Mary Alford
  16. Far From Destined (Promise Me Book 3) by Carrie Ann Ryan <— SINGLE MOM STARTING OVER ALERT! “…Dakota Bristol left her ex with nothing but the clothes on her back and her child in her arms. She’s been hurt before and wants nothing to do with the shadows in Macon’s eyes. The problem? Her son loves him, and the more time she spends with the man, the more she’s afraid she’ll come to love him just as much…”
  17. Shopping for a CEO’s Baby by Julia Kent
  18. Silver Creek Fire by Lindsay McKenna
  19. SEAL’s Desire (Alpha SEALs Coronado Book 1) by Makenna Jameison
  20. The Black Stetson: (Desert Phantoms .5) (Bar Hop Book 1) by Verlene Landon
  21. Maybe This Time: A One Time Only novella by Lauren Blakely <— M/M ROMANCE!! “MAYBE THIS TIME is a prequel novella about how Stone and Jackson meet and it leads into their full-length novel ONE TIME ONLY. You don’t have to read MAYBE THIS TIME to enjoy ONE TIME ONLY, but you’ll likely enjoy this story before the story!”
  22. The Duke Effect (Rogue Files) by Sophie Jordan
  23. Fix It Up: Torus Intercession Book Three by Mary Calmes <— M/M ROMANCE!!
  24. Liars (Licking Thicket Book 2) by Lucy Lennox and May Archer <— M/M ROMANCE!!
  25. Lord of a Thousand Steps: An Age-gap, Sexy Babysitter, Single-dad MM Romance (Love in Laguna Book 4) by Tara Lain <— M/M ROMANCE!!
  26. Blacklisted (Loveless, Texas Book 3) by Jay Crownover <— JAY CROWNOVER ALERT!! SHE’S QUIET & RECLUSIVE… “…Dr. Presley Baskin has always lived a quiet, calm life. Unfortunately, nothing about her life in Loveless, Texas — especially not the wild, rowdy, and impossibly close-knit Lawton family who’ve claimed her — is quiet or calm. Which is how loner Presley finds herself roped into patching up local bad boy Shot Caldwell against her better judgment. Presley wants nothing to do with the dangerous, brooding leader of the local outlaw motorcycle club. But when someone starts stalking her, Shot is the only person she trusts to help. Plus he owes her one . . “
  27. Only a Duchess Would Dare (The Rogues’ Dynasty Book 2) by Amelia Grey
  28. Love Lies (Tails from the Alpha Art Gallery Book 3) by Cynthia St. Aubin
  29. We Don’t Talk Anymore (The Don’t Duet Book 1) by Julie Johnson <— BEST FRIENDS FOREVER UNTIL... “…the summer we turned eighteen, when I started picturing him as something else entirely. The love of my life. I knew confessing my feelings wasn’t going to be easy; I had no idea he’d reject me so cruelly… or that he was only breaking my heart to save my life…..”
  30. Real-Life Prince Charming: A Friends To Lovers Romance by Lauren Wood
  31. Seasoned: A Love Story by Jayme Mansfield
  32. Home Is Where You Are (Midnight in Dallas Book 1) by Melissa Grace
  33. Step Into My Web (Death and Moonlight Mystery Book 1) by Cynthia Eden <— SHE’S A PROFILER… “…Chloe Hastings doesn’t like rules, and she doesn’t exactly play well with others. But she does have one amazing talent—she can get into the mind of killers like no one else. A police consultant and profiler, Chloe is definitely not like anyone that Joel Landry has ever encountered. From the moment they meet—in the middle of a bank robbery—she throws him off balance and pulls him under spell. She seems to have no fear, she plots constantly, and…Joel quickly finds himself trapped in her web…”
  34. The Chase is Over (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Book 5) by Toni Aleo <— HOCKEY STARS ALERT!! “…Shelli has been planning her wedding to Aiden in her scrapbook since she was old enough to wield a glue stick. And now that day has finally arrived. Sure, it’s over the top, but what else would you expect from the firstborn daughter of hockey royalty?”
  35. The Christmas Stocking by Fern Michaels
  36. Below the Bones (Widow’s Island Novella Book 5) by Kendra Elliot
  37. Breaking Away (Delta Force Strong Book 3) by Elle James
  38. Spinster Ever After by Rebecca Connolly
  39. Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas Book 5) by Donna Grant <— DONNA GRANT ALERT! THE COWBOY & THE P.I. INVESTIGATING HIS FRIENDS… “...A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away…“
  40. Ryker (Hope City Book 5) by Kris Michaels
  41. His Grumpy Childhood Friend (Cider Bar Sisters Book 2) by Jackie Lau
  42. Protecting it All: Dark Romantic Suspense (Punishment Pit Book 6) by Livia Grant
  43. HOT MARINE: Strong Curvy Girl Military Romance (HOT SERIES Book 1) by Anna Kane
  44. The Chateau by Penelope Sky <— HER SISTER GETS THEM INTO TERRIBLE TROUBLE & NOW THEY’RE IN A LABOR CAMP!! “…She gets herself into a bad situation, and of course, I come to her rescue…like I always do. Now we’re in a labor camp in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by endless snow and mountains, processing drugs for a group of men that never show their faces. There’s no chance of escape in this wilderness. Except for my guard. He’s not a saint, but he’s the only man that’s kind to me…”
  45. True Blue (North Brothers Book 3) by Amy Knupp
  46. The Summoning: A gripping psychological thriller (Secrets of Redemption Book 4) by Michele Pariza Wacek
  47. Stroke of Midnight: A Cinderella Novel by K Webster <— K. WEBSTER DARK READ ALERT!! “…Ash Elliott needs cash, and I make her trade in crudeness and degradation for it. I crave her tears, her moans. I pay for each one. And every time, she comes back for more. When she challenges me with an offer of her own, I have to decide if I’m willing to give her far more than cold hard cash. But love can have deadly consequences when it comes from a Constantine. At the stroke of midnight, that choice may be lost for both of us...”
  48. Beautifully Broken (The Montebellos Book 6) by Clare Connelly
  49. Ruthless King: A Dark Mafia Romance: War of Roses Universe (Mice and Men Book 1) by Lana Sky
  50. Tropical Skies at the Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James
  51. Love Your Life: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella <— SHE’S AT A WRITING RETREAT & SHE MEETS HIM… “...The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch. But then their real identities—Ava and Matt—must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything?“
  52. Happily Ever After in Bliss (Nights in Bliss, Colorado Book 11) by Lexi Blake and Sophie Oak
  53. Mistletoe and Wedding Bells (Hope Springs Series Book 3) by Ashley Farley
  54. Holden’s Resurrection (Gemini Group Book 6) by Riley Edwards
  55. Man in Charge by Laurelin Paige <— LAURELIN PAIGE ALERT! SHE’S FAKING IT!! “...even though I don’t fit in, I’m excellent at faking it. Until I come face to face with the man in charge, Scott Sebastian, the arrogant, playboy heir with the mind of a devil and the body of a god and a mouth I can’t stop thinking about. He’s infuriating. He’s a distraction. He’s the man who wants me in his bed as much as I want to be there. And, if I get too close, he’ll be the one person who could expose me for what I really am–a fraud...”
  56. When He’s Dirty (Walker Security: Adrian’s Trilogy Book 1) by Lisa Renee Jones
  57. Sleigh Bells by Fern Michaels
  58. Bound by Leah Holt
  59. Jane in Love: A Novel by Rachel Givney <— “…What happens when Jane, against her better judgement, falls in love with Fred? And when Sofia learns the truth about her new friend Jane? And worst of all, if Jane stays with Fred, will she ever achieve her dream, the one she’s now seen come true?”
  60. Holiday Home Run by Priscilla Oliveras
  61. The Christmas Backup Plan (Twilight, Texas) by Lori Wilde
  62. Love Is a Rogue: Wallflowers vs. Rogues (Wallflowers Vs Rogues) by Lenora Bell
  63. Together for Christmas by Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, Sheila Roberts, RaeAnne Thayne

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

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Donna Grant – Heart of Texas Series Reading Order

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<— COWBOY ROMANCE LOVERS… REJOICE!!! Looking for a Cowboy (Heart of Texas Book 5) IS LIVE and Donna Grant is sponsoring today’s newsletter! And while we’re celebrating this new release, I thought I’d post the series reading order too! But no worries, they can each be read as a standalone, so you can jump into this latest one right now! 😀

In fact Donna says:

Hey y’all!

I was on Goodreads looking through a few of the early reviews of LOOKING FOR A COWBOY and saw more than a few reviewers mention that this was the first book in the series and I wanted to mention that these can absolutely be read as standalone books.

So, don’t be intimidated if you haven’t started the series yet and want to dive in with this book 😀

And here’s a fun tidbit from her website’s FAQ!!

Q. Is the Heart of Texas series a spin-off of the Sons of Texas?

A.  Yes. And no. 🙂 Yes, because it’s set in Texas and the hero is ex-military, but no, because the characters do not interconnect in any way.

About Looking for a Cowboy:

A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .

P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered—and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister…and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth—and keep her safe in his arms.

SERIES READING ORDER:

Buy Links for Looking for a Cowboy:

Book Review – Clayton by Rachelle Mills | Maryse’s Book Blog

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Clayton (The Wildflower Series Book 1) <— BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION because of a recent reader question, so many jumped in and LOVED IT, and sure enough… THIS HOOKED ME RIGHT FROM THE START!!! You guys were right!!

Ohhhh yes!! This has unrequited love IN SPADES!!! Along with a love triangle (or actually 2) plus the romance rejection comes in all sorts of ways, and oh my heart was on edge. And well… you know me, even though I’m not compelled to read paranormal romance as much as I used to (in this case, two neighboring wolf-shifter packs), I could NOT resist… because after all, they are part human too and THAT… I could relate to! 😀 And boy did I. For the most part. 😉

M.L.: Ooh…rejected mates are one of my fav tropes!

Rae: Just finished Clayton… Loved the rejected mate situation though. It finishes with Dallas.

Bec: OMG.i just all 3 (Clayton)books over the weekend. I don’t think I have cried 3 books in a row. Loved them. So thanks Wendy for the question and ML for rec.

Mona: I loved this question and response! I had never heard of Clayton before and couldn’t put it down! There is just something about books that make me cry that make them unforgettable!

Shaleen: I went ahead and read Clayton and I’m on my way to reading Cassius. I have to say paranormal is not my genre, but I really enjoyed this one, alot!! Rya, gosh, you Feel everything she is going through, Dallas is book boyfriend material and holy, but I sympathized with Clayton and let me just say I have a crush on the Silverback Alpha and he is not even our main lead. I swear I do not have daddy issues😂 but if there was a list for best book father – in law he would be my top 10.

Stephanie: Loved it!!!!

Kelly: Yay Maryse! It was so good. Well written and characters so fleshed out. Couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely loved the first half, the writing, the emotions, the description of their surroundings, the characters, their world (and their rules) was pretty incredible. Exquisite even. The hurt and the angst, and the cravings, and the need, and then… a possible light at the end of the tunnel that brought so much relief and hope. And yet, even with that, I seriously had NO clue how this was going to end (and who was going to get an HEA…if any of them at all).

Why? Because there are so many facets to their pasts, and their choices, and their lack of choice, which is something I absolutely LOVED. That their human side could choose and love someone that was not their wolf’s mate, yet their wolf side absolutely insisted on their one true mate. What a dilemma, and so much potential pain to come of it. And yes it did.

So what’s it about?

Rya knows that Clayton is her one true mate (actually everyone in their pack knows it), but Clayton outright rejects her. Why? He’s deeply in love with his beautiful girlfriend that he was raised with, and he wants no other, no matter that their nature, their wolves, are the only true mates for each other.

I went to him as soon as I shifted, knowing who he was to me. She was there; she has always been there since they could walk. He must have known I was his even before I shifted, yet he continued on with her. I begged him, pleaded with him to just give me a chance, making a scene for all to witness. He told me to go, leave. That she might not be his true mate, but she is the one he wants, regardless of what the moon thinks.

The rejection cuts her deeply, as well as her punishment for attacking his girlfriend in devastated fury, when the entire pack essentially rejects her too.

I did attack her, an escalation of words turning into violence between two females wanting the same male.

Except I am his mate, and she is his everything.

*oooooof* My HEART broke with hers. Hoping that “out of site out of mind” might help her get over Clayton (or at least ease the sting), she leaves for a few years…

I will not embarrass the people I love again. It was so much easier out of sight, out of mind.

Yet, when her pack calls her back, she must face him (and them) all over again.

Sometimes, on very rare occasions, I can feel his eyes on me. But, just as fast as I feel them, they’re gone. I try not to look at him anymore for fear he will be able to feel my gaze as well.

Two years I endure this. It’s a lonely, miserable life. It’s funny how you grow and mature and the body people see looks healthy and young, except for me it’s just a shell covering my emptiness.

Oh you guys. THAT WAS ROUGH ON ME!!!! And I loved that I had no idea what would happen. I love that it explored true human choice vs. innate nature and pack rules. And I loved that it didn’t back down when it came to the extremely conflicting emotions. Their wants vs. their needs and all of the destructiveness that came along with these two things NOT being the same thing. I WAS SO IN!!!!

Why me? Why can’t I just feel numb to him? Why does he affect me so much? How do I not affect him? How can he fight this so easily?

Ohhhhh but easy… It is NOT.

It’s as if I’m the mistress, hell-bent on destroying their made-up bond.

Yep… I know. I hate to admit that I become seriously invested when characters emotionally tortured. I want their HEA so bad for them, but at the same time, I really like to work for it! I mean… for them to work for it. Er… in books. ONLY IN BOOKS!!! 😂

Maryse: WHAT I’M READING ➔ I just started “Clayton” (the unrequited love book that everyone was loving after a reader question brought it to light). She was rejected by her true mate (and he chose another)… *oooooomph* OH MY. I just finished chapter one and I’m already SO HOOKED. This is incredible and I’m loving her writing and the details and being in her POV. I think this one is going to rock my world!!

Tasha J: Found it! I think I saw it earlier and I thought, Wildflower series? No it can’t be that. But, it was! Thanks!

Maryse: Yep!! That’s the one. Sometimes the writing is incredible and sometimes, it lacks just a little, you know? BUT!!!!!!

The actual scenes and emotions and intensity of the unrequited love, and possible love triangle and possible becoming the other woman (when essentially SHE IS THE MATE!!! And should NOT be considered the other woman…) *ooooomph* And the rejection… On many counts. INCREDIBLE.

I have no idea yet… still reading, but all sorts of issues and potentials.

Nancy: Clayton is heart-wrenching!!😭

And while the second half still had me so invested, it did get a little melodramatic and over-the-top, and in the process, the writing became a little less “tight” (including the characters and flow of the story), which had me disconnecting somewhat.

Also, I seriously struggled with one character in particular – a side character – that I can’t see as anything other than abusive and awful. Some scenes made my stomach turn, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was part of the “shifter-world”  even when they were in human form (rules, and hierarchy etc…). Ugh… still had me cringing in fury.

Still, I really enjoyed this one, and while it does end of a cliffhanger (or more of a gasp-worthy reveal), LUCKY US… all the books are out so we can effortlessly move on to the next, to get relief.

‘Cause yep… while I have a much better idea of the “coupling” in this one, I still don’t know how it’s going to end. 😉

Kelly: THANK YOU FOR THIS BOOK! I sat down to read Clayton this morning at 10am and read straight through. I LOVED this book. My heart hurt throughout but Dallas! OMG!! Added him to my new book boyfriends list. Thx so much. …it is one of my fave this year. The title of the book has me confused but I’m hoping it goes where I hope it does.

Cody: I just read these too, because of the previous post and there were times where I was GUTTED!!!!! Whew, what a ride! Loved the first two, wondering if the 3rd is just as good. 😍

4 STARS <— 5 stars for the first 50% and 3.5 to 4 stars for the second half.

P.S. Keep sending me those reader questions!! They introduce us to awesome new ones we might not have known about. Like this one!! 😀

➔➔➔  Looking for more of my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

➔➔➔  Love this trope? Browse more unrequited love features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 10-26-2020 | Maryse’s Book Blog

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HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!! Today’s early bird list is bigger than usual, and pretty awesome if I do say so myself. LOTS of blurb jolts!! LIKE THAT ONE to the left. 😉

THREE THINGS:

1.) I discovered that I LOVE BASEBALL!! YAY RAYS!! And Saturday night’s game was amazing, and thrilling and exciting and so incredible, and I feel so lucky to have watched it. Who knew baseball was so fun????

2.) My beautiful metal bird crane/heron statues have arrived from my Amazon Prime Day spree, and I LOVE THEM! I’m still not 100% committed to where I put them, but maybe. 😉

3.) My Publix is now selling my most favorite cheese in the world (CURD CHEESE!!) It reminds me of home (a staple in Quebec, Canada – and eaten as a snack in all of it’s cheddar cheese squeaky goodness, and melted all over French Fries and gravy – Poutine!!) so I bought myself a bag and have been in cheese heaven all weekend. I love cheese. You guys know that, I know, but I feel the need to say it even louder now that I have my curd cheese!! 😀

BLAST FROM OUR BOOK PAST!

JulieO: Maryse Can’t believe it’s been 8 years since I’ve read SKIN and FLESH by Kylie Scott. Loved those books and have been patiently waiting for her to continue the series. I’ve enjoyed some of her other books but thought those were the best zombie books ever!

Maryse: HOW HOT WERE THEY, THOUGH, right? I had never read something like that (I was so attached to the initial first two characters when they met and fell for each other, and then another guy comes along. OH. BOY!!!!!!!!

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

and…

  1. Ruthless: Black Mountain Academy by Mila Crawford & Aria Cole <— THE BAD BOY & THE GOOD GIRL!! “...The boys that came out of the academy were notoriously bad news. And boarding school dropout Kyler Sinclair was the worst, a good-for-nothing bully with a broken moral compass. He was beautiful, he was dark, he was ruthless. Madison Evans prided herself on her immaculate school record. A dedicated bookworm with a love for fiction over reality, she’d always been a do-gooder rather than a good-time girl. Transferring to Black Mountain from the wrong side of the tracks was torture when you’re a born loner. But then bad boy Kyler entered her quiet life...”
  2. Wicked Relations: Magic and Mayhem Universe (Wicked Series Book 6) by Teresa Gabelman
  3. The Bad Boys of Assjacket: Magic and Mayhem Universe: Magic and Mayhem Book 9 by Robyn Peterman
  4. Any Witch Way But West: Magic and Mayhem by Virginia Nelson
  5. Hawnt by Elizabeth J. Rekab <— HE’S A GHOST AND HE’S STUCK & THEN HE MEETS HER… “...Just when he thinks death can’t get worse, his parents sell the house to a new family, and leave for a new life without him. Thankfully, the homebuyers’ teen daughter, Marti, is a medium who can communicate with Eugene. Once he gets a taste of the interaction he’d lacked for the past two years, he can’t remember what his undead life was like before. But Marti also harbors a dark secret. After her miraculous recovery from heart surgery, a sinister presence became attached to her, and it wants blood. Eugene sets out to do what any self-respecting ghost should; learn how to fight back before it’s too late to save the love of his afterlife…”
  6. Friends: A Friends to Lovers Gay Romance (White House Men Book 2) by Nora Phoenix
  7. Heartless Hunk: A Hero Club Novel by Ann Omasta
  8. Big Baller : A Hero Club Novel by Katrina Marie
  9. A Very Bossy Christmas by Kayley Loring <— HE’S BEING UNPROFESSIONAL WITH HIS ASSISTANT... 😉 “..The first was when I agreed to let her have Christmas Day off, but only if she goes with me to three family gatherings as my fake girlfriend. The second was when she caught me belting out a Christmas song on stage in the awful hotel bar. The third was the hot, drunk, angry sex that followed, but I do not regret it. And she hasn’t even found out the real reason I need her by my side this holiday season...”
  10. Addictive (The Houston Defiance MC Series Book 2) by K E Osborn
  11. Goose: A Devil’s Highwaymen MC Romance by Lila Grey
  12. Damaged Desires: A Frenemy, Military Romance by LJ Evans
  13. Needing Arella (Rockers’ Legacy Book 6) by Terri Anne Browning <— SHE’S FAMOUS & HAS A STALKER… “…Which leaves me with just one choice. I’ll have to call the only other person I can trust. Jordan Moreitti…”
  14. The Christmas Proposal by Miley Maine
  15. Cruel Titan: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Golden Olympus Academy Book 2) by A.J. Logan
  16. Falling into Forever: Enemies-to-lovers, Second-chance Romantic Comedy (Singletree Book 5) by Delancey Stewart
  17. For Want of a Rose: A Fairy Tale Fantasy Romance by Alice G. Whitby
  18. On The Line by Sawyer Lee Davis <— NOT EVERYONE IS OKAY WITH THEIR BUDDING RELATIONSHIP… “…The last thing Mila expects on her normal mundane train ride to school is to find love. But that’s what happens when Kaleb hands over his seat, so she doesn’t have to stand. He’s sweet and thinks her quirks are charming. Maybe the universe is dealing her a new hand. Kaleb has seen Mila get on and off the train for some time now and he’s always wanted an excuse to talk to her...”
  19. Don’t Let Go (Free Your Mind Book 1) by Chelle Ramsey <— THE COFFEE SHOP OWNER & THE FAMOUS JAZZ MUSICIAN!! “…After a relationship full of lies and pain that resulted in loss, coffee shop owner, Calista Walker is disillusioned about the virtues of love. She’s accustomed to the attention men pay her, but she’s skilled in the game of avoidance. When a stranger walks into her coffee shop and makes it his mission to get his daily dose of her, she finds herself sliding down that slippery slope once again…”
  20. Whispers of Betrayal: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Academy Series (Blade Keeper Academy Book 3) by Madeline Freeman
  21. Fighting for Love: An MMA Second Chance Romance (TKO Love Book 2) by Nadirah Foxx
  22. Don’t Say Never by Jen Teegarden <— THRILLER?? Sounds like it! “…things get a little uncomfortable when she realizes her Tinder match is British singer, Lachlan Jude. Between the tiny secret she’s been keeping from Aubrey for years and her ex-boyfriend, Jacob Reid, becoming more obsessed with her than she is with checking doors and not saying never, she’s running out of patience with what’s going on inside her twisted head…”
  23. Honeycombs and Homecomings: A Pumpkins and Proposals Novel (The Harvest Ranch Romance Series Book 5) by Ellie Thornton
  24. Only for You (Crave Book 3) by C.C. Wood
  25. REGRET – The Price of Truth: Everhide Rockstar Romance Series Book 4 by Tania Joyce
  26. Her Damaged Protector: Alpha Ever After by Kelli Walker <— SINGLE MOM WARNED HIM TO STAY AWAY… “…The moment I met her I knew—she was running from something. She was broken like me, hiding behind fear and sadness. The moment I tasted her I knew she was mine. I shouldn’t have let myself fall for her, I shouldn’t have let her five year old son burrow into my cold, dead heart. She deserves a world I can’t give her. But I’m a greedy bastard. Instead of walking away I claimed her...”
  27. Why He CRAVES: A Dark Billionaire Romance Series (Why He Sins Book 3) by Mary Madison
  28. Why He LUSTS: A Dark Billionaire Romance Series (Why He Sins Book 4) by Mary Madison
  29. Why He FIGHTS: A Dark Billionaire Romance Series (Why He Sins Book 5) by Mary Madison
  30. The (Un)fortunate Fall: A Rewind Romance by Tracy Krimmer <— HE OFFERS HER A JOB… “…Vivienne’s business means the world to her, but Cal’s offer is so tempting. Unsure of what to do, her best friend makes her a paper fortune teller to guide her. The result is a promising future where all her dreams come true. Though she’d rather focus her efforts on individual clients and building a portfolio, Cal’s proposition ticks a lot of boxes and is in line with her fortune teller. It seems like a no-brainer…”
  31. My Second Chance Player: A Romantic Comedy (Beaky Tiki Series Book 2) by Elyse Riggs <— EX-NFL STAR ALERT!! “…Getting cut from the NFL forces me back to my hometown and a last-ditch effort to save my career. Now that I’m back, the one woman in this town who I want more than anything is the one who won’t even give me a chance...”
  32. Just a Little Bet (Where There’s Smoke Book 2) by Tawna Fenske <— FIREFIGHTER SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE!! “…Kayla thinks he’s a straight-up commitment-phobe. So they make a bet—they’re going to hunt down his exes and decide once and for all why he’s so unlucky in love. Terrible boyfriend or commitment-phobe. Why does either answer feel like he’s still losing? But between roadside burgers and late night detours, they discover some fires never burn out—like the one slowly smoldering between them. And suddenly losing feels a whole lot like winning again…”
  33. From Ashes (Phoenix: LexTal Chronicles Book 1) by Elise Faber
  34. The Last Mage (The Forrester Trilogy Book 1) by Evelyn K. Parrish
  35. Enduring Act (The Survivor’s duet Book 2) by Heather D’Agostino <— DUET CONCLUSION!!! Here’s a bit from book #1: “...What would your life would be like if you chose a different path? Would everything still be your fault? Would he still hate you? Would it be better or worse?Would he love you then?My name is Brooke Ellis. I’ve spent the last five years asking myself these questions as I try to survive my marriage. Some things don’t change, and some people don’t want to. Sometimes the only answer is to disappear...”

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

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Reader Question – The mafia book where she was supposed to kill the hero, because of her mother’s pact with the mafia…

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Bhargavi needs our book help! Sounds like an arranged marriage type of thing and full of vengeance!

She asks:

I forgot a book name. Can you please help me by reading the story below.

Hero and his family will kill the heroine’s father, brother, uncles because she was promised to him but the heroine loves another man on her family’s side.

Heroine’s mother persuades her to go to the hero’s house and live there. And when the time is right her mother ask her to kill the hero.

But heroine falls in love with hero. And got pregnant. So she refused to kill hero but her mother made a pact with other mafia to kill the hero.

Anyone have a guess?

Barb: I believe it’s Waiting for my Queen by Georgia Cates.

➔➔➔  Browse more reader questions (solved & unsolved) here on Maryse’s Book Blog. 😀 Maybe you’ll find a solved one to read or have a guess for us for one that’s still unsolved.

Have a reader question for us to solve? Send it to me here.