HAPPY TUESDAY NEW RELEASE DAY!!! 😀 60+ and counting as I will continue to add more throughout the day. That one there to the left (The Queen of Nothing) had many squeeing in delight with anticipation for its release and IT. IS. LIVE!!! 😀
Blurb jolts for me? Yep! Love, Jane (this is actually a prequel to a marital strife psych-thriller I LOVED from a few months ago – this one sounds creepier! Her husband leaves her for another woman, actually moves her IN with him, so she’s penniless and homeless & she’s attacked by the driver that picks her up off the street… and then she discovers a secret…), Outmatched (sounds hilarious!!! She needs a fake relationship to appease her boss, and the guy she has hopes for sends his obnoxious fighter brother that she can’t stand!!!), One Hot Holiday (she feels like the grinch so she takes a break in Alabama for the Holiday season and her new landlord is the town Sheriff. YAY!!!), Wall Street Titan (OMG!! This one made me snort… a case of mistaken identity between the librarian cat lady and the handsome Wall Street Suit), Disarm (Karina Halles latest – wealthy family saga, mistrust, and well… he’s her cousin. IN NAME only 😉 ), Man Cuffed (Another snort-worthy blurb jolt!!! Sarina Bowen’s latest and she needs a fake date for the wedding, and her cop neighbor – that she once mistook for a stripper cop – seems like the perfect candidate!), Call It One-Sided (unrequited love!! Both of them are in love with someone – and those someones start dating each other!!)
While you’re here, and in case you missed it, don’t forget to check out:
- Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 11-18-2019 <— Yesterday’s included a new one by L.J. Shen and it’s already in the top 10 of all of Amazon Kindle!!!
- Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 11-15-19 <— another HUGE list!
- Katie Blanchard’s “Love, Jane” is live and she’s sent over an excerpt & giving away a signed copy! <— PREQUEL to a psych-thriller marital strife book that I 4.5 star LOVED (Dear Anna), and the author is today’s newsletter sponsor!! 😀
Shannon: I loved Dear Anna! I was addicted to the letters, and I fell in love with Jane. She was the perfect anchor character that left you dying to know her story.
AUDIOBOOK LVERS!
For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal
- AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
- ➔➔ Audible now has a “Romance” package membership (30 day free trial)– this one is SO cool, and worth it (unlimited listening for all of the audiobooks in the program, and there are tons)!!
- and…
- The Queen of Nothing: The Folk of the Air, Book 3 by Holly Black
- Wall Street Titan by Anna Zaires
- Disarm: The Dumonts, Book 2 by Karina Halle
- Man Cuffed: Man Hands, Book 4 by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
- Dangerous Games: Dangerous Beauty, Book 3 by J.T. Geissinger
- Beneath the Ashes: The Calderwood Cases, Book 2 by Dea Poirier
- The Princess Plan by Julia London
- My Big Fat Fake Wedding by Lauren Landish
- The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love by Alice Winters
- Shock Advised: Kilgore Fire, Book 1 by Lani Lynn Vale
- Tank: Ballsy Boys, Book 2 by K.M. Neuhold
- CEO Daddy by Taryn Quinn
READER RECOMMENDATIONS & BARGAIN FINDS:
- Descending Into Madness (Winterland Tale Book 1) by Stacey Marie Brown <— Nancy LOVED it! P.S. Here’s book #2 (that she jumped right into – Ascending From Madness (Winterland Tale Book 2)
Nancy: I was in a book funk & was looking for something different to read. I tried several books, but it was Descending Into Madness that caught my interest. This is constant action book. As soon as I finished reading book 1, I bought and started reading book 2. I don’t think this book might be for everyone. But like SpongeBob would say, “You must have an IMAGINATION!!”
Maryse: OH YAYYYYY!!! I’m adding your recommendation. I featured book #1 a few months ago!!
Nancy: I actually had the book 1 on my Wish List after you posted it in July as a new release! So I have you to thank for finding this crazy book.
- Angel Numbers: The Message and Meaning Behind 11:11 and Other Number Sequences by Kyle Gray <— NON-FICTION SUPER-BARGAIN NEW RELEASE (and this is totally my thing!!) “Are you seeing number sequences like 11:11 and 4:44 everywhere you turn?If you always see the same numbers repeated – from license plates to receipts and digital clocks – it could be your angels sending you a message…”
- Hot Hunks – Joey’s Christmas Miracle: Hot Hunks Steamy Romance Collection (Holiday Hunks) <— ANTHOLOGY SUPER-BARGAIN!! “…Seven USA Today bestselling and award winning authors come together to give you Holiday Hunks, the next in the Hot Hunks Steamy Romance Collection...”
- Love, Jane: A psychological thriller by Katie Blanchard <— RECENT RELEASE & this is the prequel to a book I read (and 4.5 STAR LOVED!!!) a few months ago —> Dear Anna: A psychological thriller). OMG I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS!!! P.S. Here’s my Book Review of Dear Anna!!! Also, the author is this week’s newsletter sponsor so you can enter to win a signed copy on my blog here ➔➔➔ Katie Blanchard’s “Love, Jane” is live and she’s sent over an excerpt & giving away a signed copy!
- Attachments: A Novel by Rainbow Rowell <— RAINBOW ROWELL SUPER-BARGAIN & Diane enjoyed it!
Diane: I finally finished Attachments- I really liked it, I just love her voice and I can’t get enough of the dialogue & inner thoughts
Jackie: Attachments…that was one great AUDIO read. The narrator really does a great job with this book. And since much of this book is in email format, it’s a great format when you have 10 or 15 minutes to stop and start.
Sadie: Her characters are so quirky and real.
- Winter Tales: An Original Sinners Christmas Anthology (The Original Sinners) by Tiffany Reisz <— TIFFANY REISZ TURNED HER Christmas stories into an anthology collection!! “…Return to USA Today bestseller Tiffany Reisz’s Original Sinners series with “Winter Tales,” a collection of three fan-favorite Christmas novellas plus a brand-new novella exclusive to this anthology…”
PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES:
- The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air Book 3) by Holly Black <— HOLLY BLACK’S TRILOGY CONCLUSION IS LIVE and these must be read in order, and our crew LOVE them! Relief is finally here!! 😀 “…From the number one New York Times best-selling author Holly Black comes the highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy...”
Grey: Okay seriously, I know I’m really late to the party but, The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King…OMG! ❤️ We are talking 5 star love for both of them, for real… How long do I have to wait for The Queen of Nothing? It’s been fifteen minutes and I’m already having withdrawals over here!
Michele G: Yay!!! So glad you loved them too! I think the Queen of Nothing is slated for November …do you think we can hope? I literally can’t wait either!!
Nay: Michele–Did you see what’s coming out next Tuesday? Queen of Nothing!
Michele G: Oh yes girl! I’m on the wait list for the book and the audio with my library…I’ll take whichever is available first. Although, I have some audio credits that I just might have to use for this…because I don’t know if I can wait! So Excited!!
Grey: Omg, I neeeed Queen of Nothing. Who do I have to throw glitter at to make this happen???
- Chosen Mate (Crescent Moon Series Book 9) by Katie Reus
- The Bear’s Fated Mate (Borealis Bears Book 2) by Vivian Arend
- Confessions of a Dangerous Fae (The Supernatural Spy Files Book 1) by Jenna Wolfhart
- Tea, Anyone? (A Brooke & Abby Cozy Mystery Book 1) by S. R. Mallery
- Betrothed To Jack Frost 2 (Betrothed To Jack Frost Saga) by Alex Gedgaudas
- Hunter (Decorah Security Series, Book #20): A Paranormal Romantic Suspense Novel by Rebecca York
- The Keeper’s Vow: A Chosen Novel (The Keepers Book 3) by Meg Anne
- Wicked Hot Magic: A Paranormal Academy Romance (Salem Academy Book 1) by Riley London
- Darkness Awakened: A Vampire Master Romance (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Mandy Rosko
CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES:
- Outmatched by
- Declan (Undercover Billionaire Book 4) by Melody Anne
- Marine’s Promise (Iron Horse Legacy Book 3) by Elle James
- The Story of Us (Sweetbriar Cove Book 11) by Melody Grace
- One Hot Holiday by Cynthia Eden <— SHE FEELING LIKE THE GRINCH, TAKING A BREAK IN ALABAMA & THE HOT COP IS HER NEW LANDLORD… “…enter sexy sheriff Spencer Lane…Tall, muscled, and made with an extra dose of sex appeal, he is exactly the kind of man that Haley should be avoiding. He’s charming, he looks way too good in a Santa hat, and, oh, yes, he’s her new landlord. The hits just keep coming. She can’t afford to let Spencer learn all of her secrets, a tough job since she is living with the man…”
- Demise of a Self-Centered Playboy (The Baileys Book 5) by Piper Kayne
- Something Just Like This: A Stay Novella by Jennifer Probst
- All Fired Up (Road to Love Book 3) by Lori Foster
- Wall Street Titan: An Alpha Zone Novel by Anna Zaires <— THE BILLIONAIRE & THE CAT LADY!! “…Twenty-six-year-old bookstore clerk Emma Walsh has it on good authority that she’s a cat lady. She doesn’t necessarily agree with that assessment, but it’s hard to argue with the facts. Raggedy clothes covered with cat hair? Check. Last professional haircut? Over a year ago. Oh, and three cats in a tiny Brooklyn studio? Yep, she’s got those. And yes, fine, she hasn’t had a date since… well, she can’t recall. But that part is fixable. Isn’t that what the dating sites are for?…”
- A Holiday Proposal (Wedding Trouble Book 6) by Bianca Blythe
- Dean (Face-Off Series Book 6) by Jillian Quinn
- Coming Home (Haven, Montana Book 4) by Jill Sanders
- Disarm (The Dumonts Book 2) by Karina Halle <— KARINA HALLE’S LATEST IS LIVE!! FAMILY SAGA and she’s trying to hold it together despite appearances… “…underneath the facade, Seraphine struggles to hold it all together. Besides grieving her adoptive father’s suspicious and sudden death, she also shares a tenuous role in the family business with Blaise, her in-name-only cousin. As tumultuous as their history is, he may be the only member of the deceptive Dumont family she can trust. Seraphine is a temptation Blaise can’t resist…”
- Dangerous Game: An Armed & Dangerous/Circle of Justice Crossover Novel by L.P. Dover
- Spirit of Danger: An Aegis Group Novella (Body of Danger Book 2) by Sidney Bristol
- Knocked Up by Prince Gallant: An Accidental Pregnancy Romance (Knocked Up Royals Book 3) by Lilian Monroe
- Two Together (Naked Trilogy Book 3) by Lisa Renee Jones <— LISA RENEE JONES TRILOGY CONCLUSION ALERT!! “...The two of us together threaten to expose a secret about Jax, and our families, that not even we know...”
- Man Cuffed: A Romantic Comedy by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby <— SARINA BOWEN ALERT!! SHE MISTOOK HER Hot COP NEIGHBOR FOR A STRIPPER… LOL!! “…Hey, I it’s not my fault that Hot Cop’s nightstick gets excited every time we see each other. And I can’t help that someone broke into his apartment. Fine—that last thing was totally my fault. And I intend to make amends. So when he needs a date for his sister’s wedding, I’m there. This is right up my alley. I’m an actor. By the time it’s over, his entire family will believe we’re a couple. Even him...”
- Traceless (Stateless #2) by Meli Raine <— MUST BE READ IN ORDER
- The Guardian (Highland Heroes Book 1) by Maeve Greyson
- My Boss’s Sister (Make Her Mine) by Alexis Winter
- Rock Me Longer (Licks Of Leather Book 1) by Jenna Jacob <— ROCK STAR ROMANCE ALERT!! “…Sofia Jackson grew up poor and fast. After clawing her way out of the gutter, she worked diligently to earn a killer reputation in the music promotion industry, ensuring no one would ever have the power to drag her down again. Work was her life, which left her no room for frivolous fantasies, especially those about Burk…”
- A Kiss in Spring (Kiss the Wallflower Book 3) by Tamara Gill
- Tasting Her Christmas Cookies: A Holiday Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs
- Small Town Love (Lovetown Book 1) by Michelle Stimpson & Michelle Lindo-Rice
- Headstrong Like Us (Like Us Series: Billionaires & Bodyguards Book 6) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! “...You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Maximoff Hale & Farrow Keene, and according to Celebrity Crush—the ceremony for this American prince and his tattooed bodyguard is going to be the event of the century…”
- Boys & Toys (Ace’s Wild Book 9) by Morningstar Ashley <— M/M ROMANCE!!
- Pierced (Nailz Book 1) by Sean Michael <— M/M ROMANCE!!
- Brownie’s Sway (Midnight Rodeo Book 10) by BA Tortuga <— M/M ROMANCE!!
- Against All Odds (Eternal Soulmates Series Book 2) by Elle W Silver <— M/M ROMANCE!!
- Beneath the Ashes (The Calderwood Cases Book 2) by Dea Poirier
- Delivered with a Kiss (Veteran Movers Book 4) by Marie Harte
- Shelf Awareness (Green Valley Library Book 4) by Katie Ashley <— KATIE ASHLEY ALERT!! She’s back to dating hell 😉 “…In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters—the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle...”
- Charm School Christmas Karma: A Steamy Holiday Romance by Lynn Carmer
- The Studio (Shadow of Dance Book 3) by Judith Erwin
- Fired: A Holiday Romantic Comedy (Cooking up a Celebrity Book 3) by Hadley Harlin
- Kings of the Castle by Naleighna Kai <— “USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Authors work together to provide you with a world you’ll never want to leave. It’s time to discover The Castle. “Fate made them brothers. Protecting the Castle, each other, and the women they love will make them Kings.”
- Call It One-Sided (Call It Romance Book 1) by Daniela Reyes <— UNREQUITED LOVE & FAKE RELATIONSHIP ALERT!! The two people they’re in love with start dating each other instead of them… “…Then Cecilia and Will end up dating each other and Marco is forced to pretend to confess to Elena instead. The video of the confession goes viral over night. So he makes Elena an offer, pretend to date him until the attention dies down, and he’ll pay for the month of rent her family’s bookstore is behind on. To his relief, Elena accepts and the two of them are off on their fake relationship, lying to their families and to the public alike. Soon they both realize it isn’t as difficult as they thought to pretend...”
- A Country Christmas by Lilliana Rose
- Hidden Rocco (Hidden Alphas Book 5) by Victoria Pinder
- London Soul (London Royal Duet Book 2) by Nana Malone <— The author says: “A long long time ago, I wrote a book called LONDON BOUND. You can no longer get that book, but Alexi and Abbie have gotten another chance to tell you their story in a whole new way. LONDON ROYAL and LONDON SOUL are a new take on their story adding them to my royals world! These books have fresh material, a fresh plot, and are being told from a whole new point of view. Enjoy!”
- Saving Him (Lovers in Louisville Book 2) by Ariella Talix
- Dangerous Games (Dangerous Beauty Book 3) by J.T. Geissinger <— J.T. GEISSINGER ALERT!! MUST BE READ IN ORDER and hey!! Much loved author in our crew (her books are often recommended) and I just 5-starred another book by this author (unrelated to this series) and I’m so excited!!! She’s clever and twisty and a pretty awesome storyteller!
- The Christmas Scoop (Dogwood Mountain Book 1) by Mimi Wells
- A Billionaire Boss For Christmas by Ann Lexi Cole
- Stolen September: A Military Romance by M.C. Cerny
- My Stepbrother, The Bad Boy by Ashley Sands
- Win Big: A Wynn Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson <— HOCKEY STAR ALERT!! HE’S ARROGANT & SHE HATES HIM! “…As the only daughter in the Wynn family of hockey heroes, I never shared the ice with my brothers—or the approval they got from my father. And that was before the scandal that ruined my life at sixteen. Now that I’ve put all that behind me and built a successful career, the last thing I need is another hockey player in my life. Especially one like Wyatt Bell. He’s an arrogant, fast-living party boy...”
- Breathe (Lakeside Vines Book 2) by Jen Doyle
- Broken Rules: A Standalone Romance by Lily Baldwin
- Cruel Love (Killer Love Book 6) by Tabatha Drake
- The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding) by Julia London <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE ALERT!! Someone’s been murdered… “…Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip about the crime, prompting Sebastian to take an interest in playing detective—and an even greater interest in Eliza. With a trade deal on the line and mounting pressure to secure a noble bride, there’s nothing more salacious than a prince dallying with a commoner. Sebastian finds Eliza’s contrary manner as frustrating as it is seductive, but they’ll have to work together if they’re going to catch the culprit...”
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )
- The Girl He Loves (Orchard Heights (standalone) Book 1) by Roya Carmen – November 21st 2019
- Hidden Truths (Truths and Lies Duet Book 1) by K. Webster & Nikki Ash – November 21st 2019
- Regarding West by Ashley Simmons – November 21st 2019
- Blindsided: A Best Friends to Lovers Standalone by Amy Daws – November 21st 2019
- Someday, Someday by Emma Scott – November 24th 2019
- Bossy Brit by Kendall Ryan – November 25th 2019
- The Rise of Magicks: Chronicles of The One, Book 3 by Nora Roberts – November 26th 2019
- Spy: A Novel by Danielle Steel – November 26th 2019
- Lethal Nights (Brute Force Book 3) by Lora Leigh – November 26th 2019
- Winter Finds You (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series Book 19) – November 26th 2019
- A Coyote Ridge Christmas (The Walkers of Coyote Ridge Book 7) by Nicole Edwards – November 26th 2019
- Rush: A Black Hearts Still Beat Prequel by L.A. Cotton – November 26th 2019
- Broken Record by K.A. Linde – November 26th 2019
- Audition by Skye Warren – November 26th 2019
➔➔➔ Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).
Good morning! Is it me or are tons of books with king and queen in title lately?? Anyway, lots of goodies up there but I need to focus on Audible Escape right now as my subscription ending. I had great deal for a while but dont want to keep paying full price. I can’t believe how quickly Christmas is coming!! I need to step up my shopping game.
I’m finding that there are a TON of “fake relationship” books coming out these days. I do get a kick out of them, but that seems to be the current huge trope.
Leslie–the king and royalty trope has been going on for a while (unfortunately). Don’t you remember me complaining ad nauseam about the covers with the guys wearing the fake, photoshopped crowns? I can’t stand them! 😂
I canceled my Audible Escape subscription because I went through all the romance-lite books that are included in it. So what did I do? I signed up for full Audible again! Just for a few months so that I can get a few audio books that the library doesn’t have.
Hmm. Outmatched looks fun. Maybe?
Agreed. I can already imagine his obnoxiousness… and then his sweet gooey middle. 🙂
There were some problems with the location of the characters and timeline of the story towards the end. The story was ok, but forgettable. It wasn’t developed as it should. At the end, things were solved so fast and without any problem that it seems like it shouldn’t have being a worry in the first place. A positive though is that the H and h at least talk about their problems and the fight didn’t linger.
Isn’t it weird how certain tropes can be trendy. Like remember the step brother books phase?? It’s hard when we have too much of the same thing.
Yep I’ve noticed that too, Leslie. And the fake relationship ones too. Tropes do seem to go in and out of fashion a bit, don’t they? You can have too much a good thing.
Dukes have been the fashion in historical romancelandia for quite a while now. Makes me laugh when I think how many fictional dukes there are wandering around pretend nineteenth century England. In reality, there apparently aren’t many dukes. They probably all have thinning hair and buck teeth too LOL. Not like our hot, hunky, gorgeous six-packed fictional ones.
But I do give a sad little sigh when a new HR comes out and it’s about yet *another* duke. It’s getting a bit ridiculous. Come on, guys……..
Jan, are you a crazy cat lady yet? 😺😹😻
Ha ha ha. I’m feeling like it. It’s cat city here with four cats for the month.
LOL Jan!!! Your description of historical real-life Dukes made me snort. Now my throat hurts. 😉
Rise of Magicks comes out next week? *puts on her Dec book list*
Once I’m done with The Unlikely Event, I’ll be jumping onto The Queen of Nothing. 😀 The end of the last one assures that it is going to be a wild ride.
How are you like The Unlikely Event? It sounds EXACTLY like my kind of romance angst…
I finished it last night and it was so good. Different from her usual, but soooo good. A lot of laughs, a lot of angst, and so many questions throughout the story. The best, though, was certain “notes from…” that intermingled throughout the story. Some brought clarity into the story or furthered a question. Others were just hilarious. 😀 And a part I got super teary-eyed.
That said, I wish the questions were answered a little bit more throughout. One seemed obvious to me, but the others DEFINITELY weren’t. Still, LOVED it.
Oh wow this sounds perfect for me!!!!!
Maryse (or anyone else) I need help! You seem to be somewhat of a wood expert (hold the snickers you dirty girls). What product can I use on an antique table leg that has lost it’s finish? I dont want to do anything heavy like sanding or applying poly. I just want to spruce it up. Maybe Old English or linseed oil?? It’s actually for my dad and he is driving me crazy saying that table looks like it came out of dumpster. He is going to hound me daily until I find a solution.
OMG Leslie…
I’ll destroy your wood even more if you try and let me give you suggestions. That’s how I went from one table built to 3 (’cause I totally ruined the finish of the first one). Then I tried to fix it with “finish markers” that I thought would solve my problem and made things SO much worse.
Then I consulted on cost of refinishing the top, and the price was almost as much as just getting a replacement. So replacement I did…
*sigh*
NEVER TRUST MARYSE WITH WOOD.
*side-eyes over her shoulder in case of Amy…* 😉
Okay wait!
I DO HAVE this that has AMAZING reviews and everyone is crazy for it saying it brings dull and worn antiques to beauty. I haven’t used mine yet though…
https://www.amazon.com/Rejuvenate-Cabinet-Furniture-Restorer-Scratches/dp/B004C1OKGS/
Ooooh Maryse….I might give that a try. Thanks!
Leslie–I love the Old English scratch cover. It has oil in it and the stain to cover scratches/scrapes. It doesn’t make it super shiny–it makes it look less dry. I guess it conditions the wood. I use to buy tables at yard sales for my antique booth, and I used it all the time to make them look tons better.
I’m also going to look into the stuff Maryse mentioned.
Nay, I am gonna see if I can get Old English today and try that first.
My book Blindsided releases Thursday! It’s features a hot Scottish hero and is a spin off from my Harris Brothers Series that you guys have featured here!
Ahhh YAY!!! I just added it. Thank you for letting us know. 🙂
I am looking forward to it !
I came to announce that I got an email that Twist by Lucia Franco was released, but I see it’s already here! After I finished Frayed (which I loved!), I haven’t been able to commit to anything else, but Twist and my Kova😍 will definitely get me reading!
I don’t think I mentioned that I’d started it, but I listened to Demi Moore’s new book, Inside Out, the past couple of days and I highly recommend it. I hate to say I loved it since so much of it was about the trauma she’s suffered during much of her life, but I definitely give it 5 stars and couldn’t stop listening. And I really loved listening to her narrate! I also listened to Orange is the New Black over the weekend. Except for the beginning, it was VERY different from the series as far as the author’s life went, but I enjoyed trying to pick out the women in the book who were also in the series. It was a solid 4 stars for me.
I’ve read so much stuff online (snippets of the juicy bits) in Demi’s book and I was wondering if I even needed to read it at this point. But I’m thinking I do. I LOVE autobiographies and I was definitely a fan.
I learned SO much about her childhood, which was crappy, and her early years in the movies. And I also loved hearing about her courtship/marriage to Bruce Willis and her mindset before and during her most popular movies. The Ashton years were strange. I feel really bad for all she’s been through in her life.
Well, this is unexpected. The school where I work has had to close for the day due to weather conditions, so I have the day off. Can’t really go anywhere due to the weather, so gonna stay in and READ!
It’s a Code Red weather day here – bushfire (wildfire) danger day. The temp is forecast 42 centigrade (that’s 107.6 fahrenheit) GULP! before a wild windy stormy cool change with raised dust. And it’s not even officially summer yet……
Whatcha gonna read Jan?
I’ve taken a side step from romance and have been rereading some courtroom dramas – the Mickey Haller series by Michael Connelly (Lincoln Lawyer series). I’m going to start The Gods of Guilt this afternoon. Michael Connelly is the master of fantastic plotting. You never really know whodunnit or what’s going to happen till the end. I read them ages ago and (luckily) have forgotten what happens LOL.
BTW the weather here has officially hit 42.1 C. Eek! It’s 2.30 in the afternoon and the change isn’t here yet. A few small grass fires in the district but nothing too major (yet) thank goodness. I’m staying in with the air conditioner on!
Eeep! Stay safe!
Oh Jan I just looked these up right now and they look good. I love when I can’t figure out the twists!!!
Got my Spain snack box and kind of excited for next months. No specific country just treats from a variety of countries.
After that not sure if I will keep it or not. It is a fun surprise each month but then want to save more. Ah, decisions.
Treats are nice. Especially treats you can’t get anywhere…
I finished A Bad Day for Sunshine. Now I’ve downloaded 2 audiobooks and a Kindle Unlimited like I’m gonna accomplish reading them all ASAP n stuff. 🙄 Can’t stop, won’t stop. Hehe
Also, I know I said I’d sworn off Audiobooks, cuz I just can’t focus. But, I really wanted to read this memoir and decided after listening to the sample, I’d prefer to listen to it. And it wouldn’t let me just buy the stinking audiobook without a subscription so I had to get the free trial offer. And then I got the other book I was trying to decide between in the first place. I believe, maybe, I’ll be able to follow these because of a bunch of hoopla I’m telling myself to make me believe it.
I’ve firmly decided to make my own Thanksgiving dinner this year. So, I’m thinking turkey ribs bc they’re already cooked and the most delicious things ever and I can’t mess them up and they’ll take no time at all. And a Mac n cheese casserole. Maybe will make that a day ahead (I think you can do that). And cinnamon apples in the crockpot, another veggie in a small crockpot and a mashed sweet potato. And rolls. I’ve not done a mashed sweet potato in a couple years at least and I’m sure it was nothing to write home about, anyone have a good recipe? I like a bit more savory than sweet. I prefer simple butter and a dash of cinnamon usually (not on mash) or I believe I’ve had with cilantro and that was good. And I’ve added several spices to a skillet version (curry and such that I like) so you get the idea. Not so much marshmallows or candies almonds on top anymore.
Also, am I forgetting anything?? What’s your typical meal include?
I always put brown sugar, butter and a couple of splashes of Kahlua. Yum. So good!
I’ve never heard of a splash of Kahlua before! Sounds fun. ☺️
I’ve never tried savory mashed sweet potatoes! We always do the marshmallow ones. But as much as I love to cook, we stopped doing Thanksgiving. We have Cracker Barrel cater now. Cheaper, no stress, and more autumn sangria because I can’t burn the turkey!
You’re missing out! I had only ever had them on special occasions with the marshmallows and nuts, which I liked, but then my step sister was over 1 day and said to just do the butter and a dash of cinnamon and my life was changed. She also made them mashed once with some fresh cilantro, really good! And I myself have made roasted with thyme, rosemary, curry, Graham Marsala, a skillet version with chili powder, oregano, anything that smells good and like it fits and throw it in, lol. I have done them mashed in ages though, so just seeing if anyone had any ideas. I’ve since looked at Pinterest and it seems like they’re all just butter and whatever spice you like. Some have some garlic, 1 had sour cream. I suppose I’ll go for whatever I’m in the mood for and hope it tastes good.
I used to make savory baked sweet potatoes when my daughter was here but the hubs isnt a fan and I rarely make carbs when I cook. I’d eat mine plain, without even butter. But it never occured to me to try mashed. I bet cilantro is fantastic with them. Or anything Indian.
Tasha, we always have to have green beans. I par boil fresh green beans, mix with cream of celery soup (traditional recipe calls for mushroom but hubs hate mushrooms) and a little milk to thin and add those crunchy fried onions and bake!!
My mashed sweet potato “secret” is to bake them instead of boiling. Poke a few holes in them, wrap in foil, bake until wicked soft. Unwrap and let cool. The skin will just fall off and baking them develops their natural sugars so you dont need to add any sweetener. You could then add your “savory” seasoning of choice. I honestly add nothing except salt, pepper and butter.
“Bake until wicked soft.” *dies* 🤣🤣🤣
I’m letting my Massachusetts show.
I find I type like I talk. And….I do say “wicked” a wicked lot! 🤣
For the record…I do NOT sound like Good Will Hunting or a Kennedy. I DO pronounce my “r’s”. (most of the time) 😜
My Boston friends say it all the time too and they loveeee to tease me because ONE time I said “that chaps my a$$” in front of them. Lordt.
Thanks, Leslie! I may just try baking them first, I bet it gives it a yummy flavor.
Oh I almost forgot to mention…make sure you put sweet potatoes on a sheet pan or baking dish (not directly on oven rack) because the sugars come out almost like a sticky syrup and leak through foil.
Ohhhh what a GREAT idea for the mashed potatoes. I may not be able to eat them but I will still be making them for thanksgiving…
My sleep has been off this week. So I was so tired last night i fell asleep at like 8…..then woke at around 130. Been up ever since. I now feel like I could maybe go back to sleep, but my alarm goes off in 25 minutes.
Instead of watching tv or reading things on my phone i should of gotten up and folded laundry. It’s a tip I’ve read before if you wake in the middle of the night, to do some mundane repetitive task.
Mid day slump here I come….
Another quick feedback! Finished The Queen of Nothing! OMG, everyone who loves YA fantasy, read this series. It was a perfect ending to the series and soooooooo good.