<— BREAKING NEWS EARLY MORNING UPDATE!!!! HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!! HERE. IT. IS. Tarryn Fisher’s latest JUST WENT LIVE EARLY. YESSSSSSS!!! Atheists Who Kneel and Pray by Tarryn Freakin’ Fisher!!!! Sidenote: I don’t think that’s her middle name but it should be. 
HAPPY “FRIDAY FINDS” & MEET THE OTHER STAR OF THE SHOW TODAY (The Idea of You and, yes… this is the one you saw last week). ➔➔➔➔➔
No I haven’t read it yet, nor am I squirreling from our current buddy-read (The Unrequited) :D!!! , but I don’t even care what price that book is. I AM ONE CLICKING AND READING THIS NEXT!!!! Buddy read anyone?? OMG… the reviews. The reviews and recommendations and the shock and awe and BIG LOVE for this book means this has HUGE potential of being my latest, unputtdownable favorite. I just know it. Maybe even the next winner on the Marmy list. 😉 Or maybe not. How do I know?
But that’s not the only book on today’s list. Today is exceptionally pro-recommendation and each one seems to be our next potential book-funk buster, my friends!!
Let’s READ!
Take a look at what we found for the weekend!! 
- Atheists Who Kneel and Pray by Tarryn Fisher <— LIVE!!!! TARRYN FISHER ALERT!!! And here’s a tantalizing tidbit (of the blurb):
“…A talented musician lacking lyrical inspiration. When he first sees her, he knows he’s found what he’s been looking for.
Yara believes she can give David exactly what he needs to reach his full potential:
A broken heart.David’s religion is love.
Yara’s religion is heartache…”
- The Idea of You: A Novel by Robinne Lee <— FORBIDDEN LOVE STORY IS BACK ON THE LIST ‘cause everyone who tried it from last week’s list is FIVE STAR LOVING IT like crazy. OH MY!!!
Lindsay: just finished The Idea of You and it is fantastic. I just got the chills after reading that last sentence. Very well done.
Jen: Ohhhh I read The Idea of You last week and I am still thinking about it. I also can’t stop listening to Harry Styles album! I thought of him the whole time. I loved the author’s bio too. She is an actress that was in Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker. I am hoping there will be a book 2
Marion: Maryse you have to add this book to the Older Woman Younger Man list. “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee is a serious page turner, I slept at 4 am last night because I couldn’t put it down!! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes this sort of genre.
Maryse: YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME, I WANNA READ THIS SO BAD!!!!
Carina: Ughhhhhhh!! I just spent 2 days reading The idea of you!!!!It was soooo good. Written soooo welll but man the ending!!!!!!!! Did you read it Maryse?!?!? Thank you for the heads up on this one!!
Maryse: OMG Carina!! This is the THIRD message like this I’ve received in the last day or so. HOLY MOLY this is my next one HANDS DOWN my friend!!! Thank you for letting me know you love it this much!
Angela: Hey Maryse, I just finished The Idea of You: A Novel by robinne lee. If u haven’t read it yet , it’s a must read. I’m still thinking about it this morning. I slept terrible. I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m hoping , going that robinne will see it in her heart to do a sequel for it…. I loved it. It will be a while before I forget about this one. 5 stars.
The Silent Sister: A Novel by Diane Chamberlain <— PSYCH-THRILLER SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!!! And look at the thousands of AWESOME reviews on this book!! Years ago, she thought her sister committed suicide… but later, when she’s cleaning out her father’s house… “…she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family…”- Whispered Prayers of a Girl by Alex Grayson <— SLOW BURN, RECENT RELEASE & NANCY LOVED IT!
Nancy: 1st time reading a book by this author, but WOW!! It was very, very emotional and angst full read. A slow-burn romance between two very lost and lonely people and add two children: one carefree boy and a very broken little girl.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton With 2nd Epilogue (Bridgertons Book 4) by Julia Quinn <— UNREQUITED LOVE & HE SAYS SOMETHING BAD ABOUT HER ALERT!! Terry recommends this one!
Terry: I don’t know if you like historical romance but Romancing Mr. Bridgerton fits the bill for unrequited love. He isn’t super mean to her but she over hears him say something bad about her and it is wrenching. I highly recommend it! New to your site and I love it!
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You: New York Sullivans Spinoff (Summer Lake, Book 2) by Bella Andre <— BELLA ANDRE LIVE!!
- Not By Chance (Chance Series) by J. BLISS <— LIVE!!! HIS FATHER IS USING HIM AS A BUSINESS PAWN & HER CHILDHOOD WAS ABUSIVE… “Jasmine Chance is in her last year of college, a challenge she chose after suffering through physical abuse and leaving home without ever looking back. She has done all she can to carry on toward graduating with her college degree, she believes a brighter future will keep her away from the nightmare that was her childhood. However, her life changes forever the day she met Drew. A dinner party draws the two together in an electrifying way. After being preyed upon by their pasts, they stick together closely as a couple once their life circles out of whack…“
The Heart Series by Shari Ryan <— LIVE!! TEARJERKER ALERT!!! Shari found us this one!
Renee: Shari Ryan has a new release today. The Heart Series. You girls will love it. Be prepared though with the kleenex. …you get two full books and the novella.
- Lost in Love: A Second Chances Novella by Kristen Casey <— LIVE!! SHE’S HIS DREAM COME TRUE... “George Hughes never minded being the spare heir – at least, he didn’t mind until his brother and father almost got themselves killed six months ago. He might be brawny and good at fixing things, but without his older brother’s charm or cleverness, what good is he? Then George meets a woman whose problems he can actually fix, and he knows he can’t just walk away. Not when she might hold the key to his brother’s recovery, and especially not when she looks and acts like his dream come true…”
Pretty New Doll (Pretty Little Dolls Series Book 3) by Ker Dukey & K. Webster <— LIVE!!!! DARK ROMANCE but they have to be read in order and this is #3 (so I won’t read the blurb). Eeeeep!- On the Island: A Novel by Tracey Garvis-Graves <— FORBIDDEN ROMANCE ALERT!! OLDIE BUT GOODIE & IT’S back on the list ’cause Leslie finally went for it!
Leslie: I’ve been listening to you rave about On The Island for a couple of years now. I always knew it wasn’t my kind of story, so I kept scrolling when you mentioned it. You made another post about it back in march as well as the link, it was on sale. I said ‘what the hell’, you’ve always made amazing recommendations and it’s on sale. I one clicked. I continued to purchase about 10 other books. I have read all of those 10 books and was in a book funk. As that book stared at me in my kindle, I decided to try it. 2 days ago I started it and couldn’t put it down. I just finished and I had to let you know it was another amazing recommendation. If anyone is on the fence about this book, take the plunge. You won’t regret it!
Before We Were Yours: A Novel by <— TASHA’S FAVORITE FOR 2017 HANDS DOWN ALERT!! SHE LOVED it!
Tasha: Yay, I finished a book!!! It’s been WAY too long, but this book makes up for all my missed time. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate- 5+++ stars for me. This one’s my favorite for 2017, hands down. I’ve never read Lisa Wingate before, but I’ll definitely be looking into more of her work.
For ME (my opinion) it was as good as The Nightingale. COMPLETELY different stories, but all the feels were there for me. Historical fiction, though I’d never heard of the Tenn. Children’s Home Society scandal before. And such beautiful writing! Rill and her family will forever be in my heart, *sniff* they really came alive for me. I really loved reading all the past parts, the way they spoke, everything’s descriptions, felt so alive and real.
And then I also enjoyed the present because, man I needed a break from all the rough stuff and the mystery, some part of it probably only for me (drrr) had me puzzled until the near end. Gosh I feel all full of emotion, it’s so heartbreaking. I even had to stretch this sucker out forever it seemed, though I didnt want to, and it was still fresh and raw every time I jumped back in. I’m actually going to watch that shark movie with Blake Lively to block it all out right now. Lol
The Silver Swan by Amo Jones <— UNPUTDOWNABLE INTRIGUE & ROMANCE ALERT! Maria recommends these!!
Maria: I think you should add The Broken Puppet (The Elite Kings Club Book 2) by Amo Jones (the Silver Swan sequel) to both your TBR and Preorders’ lists. The Silver Swan was WAY too good, with just the right amount of romance, intrigue, suspense and, of course, kink! It was sort of like a good combination of storylines similar to Corrupt and Paper Princess which are two INCREDIBLE books. I mean, it was one of those books that you simply CAN’T PUT DOWN so obviously I’m hoping The Broken Puppet will be similar or even better. Thought it was worth mentioning.
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent <— OUR CURRENT BUDDY READ and we’re LOVING IT!!!!
Lisa: I’ll take a whole damn bottle of Amaretto please, Grey – this one is evoking feelings suppressed long ago. Oh man – the pain on unrequited love…gahhhh!
Sally: OMG! I’m only at 39 % and I can feel it!! I feel a 5 star book!! This book is owning me right now and all I can think is YESSSS!! FINALLY!!! Woohoooo Maryse I think we found a awesome one this time!
The Darkest Sunrise (The Darkest Sunrise Duet Book 1) by Aly Martinez <— I. LOVE. THIS. AUTHOR!!! And Bianca IS FREAKING OUT over this new one!!!
Bianca: It’s been 7 days!! 7 days of reading sample after sample, 7 days of hoping to find a book to get me out of my funk!! And then the darkest sunrise magically appears on my kindle after having preordered it last week. OH MY GOD!!! I actually can’t put into words how much I loved this book! You must read it! I love Porter, I love Charlotte, I just love everything about this book!! Please please read it!! I’m going to go crazy until July 27!!
- Cocky Client: A Novella by Whitney G <— WHITNEY G SHORT SEXY ROMANCE STORIES!! THIS latest in this series is LIVE!! And the covers in this series are some of my absolute favorites. HOT yet subtle. Yet HOT!!! 😛
Loved (The House of Night Other World Series Book 1) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast <— LIVE!! P.C. CAST & KRISTIN CAST ALERT!!! just released this one (I devoured this series back in my strictly paranormal days)
Tracy: Got it yesterday….it was awesome. I finished it yesterday also!
- Devils Wolves Series by Carian Cole <— UNCONVENTIONAL/TABOO LOVE STORIES BACK ON THE LIST, ’cause more are joining in on the BIG love for them and recommending them BIG TIME!!
Kristy Lynn: Just marathon read Torn and Tied by Carian Cole (sp?) Yikes they were great. So much better than expected, torn hooked me with the taboo premise and the brief intros to Ty made me have to read Tied. I’m totally crushing on this author and the families in these books. So much so that I’m probably going to read the other series even though I’m generally not into the Rock star books. I think I’ve gone about this backwards tho haha
Hello Forever by Sarina Bowne <— LIVE!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!! And I love this author!! They got caught when they were teens and there was trouble… “Six years later, Axel is astonished to spot his first love’s face in the crowd of a college basketball game he’s watching on TV—at a school which has just offered him a job. It’s a thousand miles away, in a tiny rural town. But suddenly, he can’t wait to get there…“- Depth of Field (Last Chance Book 1) by Riley Hart <— LIVE!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! And I love this author!! He was once his bully, and now he’s back in town… “He’s only here to help his mom tie up some loose ends after his father’s death and to apologize to Shane. After that, he’s heading back to LA for good. Shane never thought he’d have anything in common with Maxwell, but there’s a depth to Van that surprises him. Van knows what it feels like to be alone. He sees Shane in ways no one else does. There’s a shared connection neither can deny. Somehow, despite their rocky history, they get each other…”
- Lost Girls by Merrie Destefano <— SHE WAKES UP MISSING A YEAR OF HER LIFE ALERT!!! And it’s super-bargain priced today! “Yesterday, Rachel went to sleep listening to Taylor Swift, curled up in her grammy’s quilt, worrying about geometry. Today, she woke up in a ditch, bloodied, bruised, and missing a year of her life. She doesn’t recognize the person she’s become: She’s popular. She wears nothing but black. Black to cover the blood. And she can fight…“
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!
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz <— BEV LOVED IT!!!!
bev: Speaking of audible Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz is beautifully written. On top of that it is brilliantly narrated by Lin Manuel Miranda.
PREORDERS (next week’s!!! )
Trust by Kylie Scott <— July 18th 2017- Eyes On You: A Blasphemy Novella by Laura Kaye – July 18th 2017
- The Broken Puppet (The Elite Kings Club Book 2) by Amo Jones – July 18th 2017
- Elusive (Shipwreck Book 1) by L.A. Fiore – July 21st 2017
- When I Need You (The Need You Series) by Lorelei James – July 25th 2017
- The Difference Between Us: An Opposites Attract Novel by Rachel Higginson – July 25th 2017
Racer by Katy Evans <— SEPTEMBER 28th 2017 (but here’s the preorder!!) <— Lauren says: “OMG….Racer by Katy Evans, Sept. 28, 2017. Racer Tate, Remington Tate’s son….I CANNOT WAIT!!!!”
➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2018!)
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).
I read the Idea of you a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely loved it! Definitely a 5 star read. I loved Hayes. He’s my new book boyfriend. I want to read it over again. I rarely do that. I hope there are more books about the main characters and the other guys from this author. Enjoy!
Morning!
My Kindle is loading up again with excellent reads! I am starting The Unrequeited this morning and have on tap next Athiests Whi Kneel and Pray. BTW, I am so glad I picked back up The Opposite of You! It was such a slow burn, but it wouldn’t have worked any other way. Killian was the perfect amount of broody male without being over the top. I liked how he made his way into Vera’s heart. Its definitely a series I will follow now. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars!
I’ll keep shouting it from the rooftops, anyone in a book funk read “The Idea of You”….leave all judgement at the door and just enjoy the ride lol!!!!
It’s here??? IT’S HERE?!?!?
*SQUEEEEEEEEE!!!*
A new Tarryn Fisher book! Maryse, you read it already, right? Was it TF lite or full-on TF craziness?
I’m so fully engrossed in The Unrequited right now. That girl has some issues, but damn if I’m not feeling everything right along with her. I hope it stays at this level for the rest of the book!
Maryse has another Leslie. That was freaking me out as I didnt remember writing that about On the Island. Then I realized *duh* I read OtI when it first came out. Silly me!
Anyway, Happy Friday! Making progress on The Unrequited and looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts.
The Idea of You!!! I wish I could experience it for the first time all over again!! I told you!! You won’t be able to put it down. The idea of a boy band book did not appeal to me but I am so glad I did not allow that to deter me from reading it. That ending. Ugh!!! I want more so bad. Everyone has to write reviews for this book when they read it and get the word out. The author said that she had a sequel in mind but it’s up to her publisher as to whether or not it gets done depending on how well the first book does. I’m still thinking about this book!!!
Fell asleep reading The Unrequited. This girl has some issues; I think her Momma is to blame for a lot of it!! Ha-ha!! Hope to get more reading time in today.
Want to read the TF new book and I’m hoping the The Idea of You will go on sale or become a KU book; $9.99 is outrageous!!
Good morning ladies.
Question. Any recs for simple online recipes?
Bev, not sure what type of recipes you are looking for but I assume meal ideas? I find the simplest ones are those with fewer ingredients. Maybe start with a search for 5 ingredients meal ideas? I am not one who follows recipes. I kind of just throw a bunch of stuff together.
Simple online recipes… you mean like reservations?? *giggle*
I’m kidding. My husband is actually a way better cook than I am, but I do alright in a pinch. What types of food do you like to eat? Allrecipes.com has a filter you can apply to narrow it down…
Oh my. Maryse just posted to the side there that This Man is going to be adapted.
*snort*
I have only read the first one but it is a bit bonkers.
What are ya in the mood for Bev? I get most of my recipes from the internet and I’m not really good at cycling dishes so it’s almost always something new. Here are some ideas: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/classic-beef-stroganoff/ (I’ve not made this one but looks simple enough)
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/fish-potato-chowder-1-pot-meal/ (first time ever making fish and I loved this one)
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-the-best-whole-chicken-in-a-crock-pot/ (the only way I can make a decent rotisserie and we love this one)
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-real-food-sloppy-joes/ (I’ve made this several times, it’s a hit)
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-irish-shepherds-pie/ (ultimate comfort food, was surprised how easy this was to do)
https://www.momables.com/easy-alfredo-sauce/ (recently made this with some cheesy ravioli and shrimp, could do chicken too or just veggies)
https://www.lifeloveliz.com/2017/05/15/ground-turkey-sweet-potato-skillet/#_a5y_p=6338506 (used to use this one a lot and play with the spices)
My internet suggestions are awaiting moderation. It’s not an internet recipe, but I’m making my mom’s version of Salisbury steak for supper tonight. It’s basically meatloaf patties baked with a mushroom sauce over the top, super easy and one of the meals I make over and over. And I have a really good recipe for honey mustard turkey loaf if your interested.
Tasha, your recipes sound delish. I am always looking for new (but non-complicated) meal ideas.
This Man is going to be a movie?!!! Yippee!! *happy dance* I know that was a crazy series but I FLOVED it.
Thanks Leslie, but I wish I was more creative and able to just throw things together like you! It would make things easier. I depend on the recipes I find online to get us through. I also got a recipe book for my bridal shower that everyone gave a favorite of their’s for. I still haven’t made all of those yet and it’s been 8yrs, lol. If they’re not quick and easy, I don’t have time or the patience to mess with them. And sometimes it’s hard to find ones that are simple enough. I may search for recipes like I hunt for books, I have plenty, but I never stop searching. I thought of more! I like kraft recipes ranch pork chops. You can’t get any easier than that. (2 ingredients of you don’t count all the crap in the seasoning packet) One of my fave tenderloin recipes https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/2015/05/best-crock-pot-pork-tenderloin/
And easy egg casserole https://www.kevinandamanda.com/breakfast-casserole/. Ok, sorry, I’ll stop now! 😛
They look great Tasha.
Thank you.
I am not a good cook, I tend to burn….everything.
I too need a recipe if it isn’t the meat, veg, carb plate.
But I do want to start doing a bit more. Maybe find simple fast ones and being summer fresh ones.
bev I cook all the time and with my writing schedule I cook a lot of fast simple stuff. I keep my recipes on saymmm.com which you can access if you get a free acct. Or just message me for ideas.
Right off I want to make that pork tenderloin.
And that Shepard pie (with beef) as soon as it gets cold out.
I cook for one but I like having left overs. Especially for co.ing home after a long day. But things like the chicken is nice cause then easy sandwich or salad or what not.
I will post a couple I’ve made more than once with success. It can really be 50/50….ok maybe 40/60.
I will look it up R. Thanks.
I’m this turned out well 2x …..and then….i have no idea what I did.
https://abeautifulmess.com/2013/12/try-this-one-pot-pasta.html
I love the flavors in this one.
https://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/31/15-minute-creamy-avocado-pasta/
Last one.
This is GREASY and SALTY. I tried to adjust the salt the second time but stilll…..also really delicious if you like that crusty top on meat. I used the bag method. I may just not have distributed it well.
https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/2009/08/how-to-make-pork-carnitas.html?m=1
Tasha, I love meatloaf. Especially as sandwiches.
Bev, I started getting HelloFresh a few months back. You get to pick your meals and usually the meals take about 30 minutes start to finish. Nice trying different recipes and having all the ingredients.
That does look fun and simple. Just the cost, though if I’m not going to the store as often I might not be buying extra.
Is it bad I’m also thinking …..diet? Lol. Kind of built in portion control.
I made a creamy avocado pasta dish recently and I loved it but hubs hated it. It was very similar to one Bev posted. I hate when the fam doesnt like same things.
You know i havent made it on awhile. Maybe tomorrow. I love avocado.
Oh, yum on those pasta dishes!! The pork carnitas…not so much. lol I’ve never made those though I always see crockpot recipes for them from my favorite food bloggers and Pinterest. I don’t have luck with pork butt/shoulder at all. It never shreds well for me, even in the crockpot. The crockpot chicken is such a versatile dish! I actually cut up a bunch of carrots and potatoes and put those on the bottom to elevate it, but that’s the only thing I do different. You can use it for salads, noodle soup, quesadillas, sandwiches, casseroles, and stir fries galore. Or freeze the leftovers and use later. I did the cottage pie version of the shepards pie too (no baby sheep for me), the only thing I’d suggest doing differently is the sautéing of the carrots and celery. I cannot sauté veggies until they’re soft, it just does not happen in a few minutes for every recipe I’ve ever sautéed for. – Stir fry is super easy too. I cook the rice, just one cup of brown rice, and it can be done a day ahead even. And boil the chicken if I don’t have any left over and grab a bag of microwaveable steamed veggies and cook those. Then cook 2 eggs in the pan with some oil and throw everything in until it looks good and dump soy sauce in to taste. Summer fresh makes me think of pasta salads, which I’ve been playing with recently but I have picky fam so I’m the only one that eats them, and egg salad, layered salads, salmon/tuna patties, seafood salad, wraps, and BBQ chicken (shredded). Oh, I made this coconut chicken last week and I thought the flavor was awesome and what says summer more than coconut? https://shewearsmanyhats.com/coconut-milk-baked-chicken-recipe/ I marinated like 3hrs, cut the sugar in half, pepper to taste (what they call for us way too much for us) and it was savory, not sweet.
https://fisheramelie.com/blog/dear-miss-meddlesome-volume-4/ I mentioned reading Miss Meddlesome on the group page on GR. It’s short little letters and hilarious, she put up this one I just read. Check out the header of the last one, Bev. I thought the hunger games one was hilarious too.
Just finished the idea of you and I have no words….ugh! I want more!! The writing was fantastic and the banter between Sol and Hayes was so funny. This is definitely a 5 star books and in my top of 2017. I know I’ll be thinking about this book for days to come.
That is funny Tasha. Grr. I was not happy with how Rory ended up.
That chicken looks seriously good.
Morning… Is this like Groundhog Day? Where is everyone? Lol!
Morning!
I ADORE the writing in this book. Unrequited. There’s something so raw, and primal, but pure… to it. Makes me feel like I’m her, and big time. And I cringe. Yet I LOVE it.
And I’m worried. I feel like I’m headed for disaster.
Morning everyone!!!
*back to my book* 😀
Good Saturday morning! I have had very little time to read. Big bummer. I’m getting new flooring and have gotten five estimates. Ugh. So confusing & time consuming. But it needs to be done.
Maryse, right?!? RIGHT???
She is so devastated and distraught (damn her stupid mother), and she expresses it in a way that her actions make me feel FOR her without thinking less OF her.
*****
“I’m scared…” I whisper brokenly.
“Of what?”
Of always being this miserable and alone.
*****
GAH! My heart. 😥
Then things start to look promising and…no, don’t do it…don’t…don’t…ARRRRGHHHH!!!! *grabs hair and covers eyes* What are you DOING?!?
I just love this poor, broken girl…
OMG!!!! MICHELLE!!!!
*tackle hugs Michelle*
How ARE you, woman?? So good to “see” you! 😀 Deciding on major home improvement projects is stressful. Rewarding in the end, but stressful. Hardwood, carpet? What are you getting?
Engineered hardwood. Hickory, distressed. Have Walnut & Tile downstairs. Now need all upstairs done. I hate carpet.
THE STAIRS! Gah! Costing a fortune to do those buggers. Never getting a two story house again!
I’m half way through Low right now..
Anyone else who has read it do the characterisation of non whites bother You?
Like the Mexicans supposedly speak bad about him in Spanish. He was just fired by a Mexican man.
He threatened to call immigration on them…..which What? Why assume they are illegal?
His slum lord is described as having an Arabic accent.
And another I can’t remember just that it made me go…hmm.
Little things but adding up.
Gah. I think just that it is giving me that feeling is enough.
Plus, the writing feels flowery just to be flowery.
And I don’t like them. Post was robbed and it totally knocked her down but evidence no remorse or empathy before she starts on her path. Plus…..she is better than waiting for a job with all the other people?
Low is ….unsympathetic.
This buddy challenge is at least cleaning up my tbr.
Going to finish a HR then on to my pick for Nay, Bad Romeo.
I finished Unrequited last night. What the heck did I just read?! That book drained me. First off, Layla is a nut case! Just WOW! I felt that Thomas, as an “older” and hopefully a more mature person shouldn’t have given into half her antics. Yeah I know he was Unrequiting to, but still! I don’t want to give anything away but, that girl needed some major help. Not to fall in love, but some self love help. But alas, it is just a book and all that…..but it could happen in real life! See! What the heck did I just,read?! I’m rambling…gah! I’m giving it 3.5 stars. What did you guys think??
Robyn, I’m with you! I liked the first half much better than the second. It had more emotional depth, and eye-opening, heart-wrenching personal introspections that made SO much sense to me.
But then once the sexy-times started, I found it a little too overt, for me. Like… WHOA. What am I reading? That said, I’m sure plenty will love the descriptive super-dirty talk. 😉 LOL!!
But for me, the whole integrity of HER story shifted so much, and then it was bad decision after bad decision, and OMG. I was face-palming so hard.
It was interesting, but I thought, even with the forbidden love aspect, that it would be… deeper.
Maryse, glad it wasnt just me. I felt a def shift in the 2nd half AND the sexy times were a bit too porn-ish.
I did 10 Days of no book buying. WHOOT. So after I buy some I’ll have to do it again.
I did not read 10 books, but 6 isn’t bad. 4 tbr books 2 library.
LESLIE!!!!
That’s the word I wanted to use. 😉 It was… *gulp* whoa.
Have about an hr of free reading time left, whoop! But, of course, now I can’t decide what to read. I should finish what I’ve started (Lauren Graham’s Talking as Fast as I Can), but I’m not in the mood right now. Tried a sample of The Idea of You and sadly, not for me. I’ll admit I didn’t read the blurb, everyone’s excitement got me excited too. And then I finished the sample and read the blurb after. I couldn’t get One Direction out of my head. Older women/younger man just isn’t for me. Also read the sample for The Map That Leads to You and that one is totally staying on my tbr, just not in the mood for it now either. And I even totally pictured Rory and Jess. Hmmm, this better not be a funk coming on! Off to try One Plus One by JoJo Moyes. I know I’ve tried to start this a cpl times, but never took off so we’ll see. Thinking of sampling Red Queen if that doesn’t bite either.
Oh mot the slump.
I just had one. Luckily it was a short one.
I know really nothing about Harry Styles or one direction, my boy band days date to NKoTB, but this made me laugh:
https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kathy-griffin-tom-hanks-wanted-to-drive-harry-styles-to-rehab-w452086
I have heard his new album is good so maybe have to try it.
BEV! You succeeded in your non-book-buying 10-day drought!! Well done! I’m sorry I doubted your strength. And you read 6 books as well. *falls at bev’s feet in admiration* *gets up again, slightly embarrassed, and casually wanders off, whistling*
Haha, mine were Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. But, I did like a couple of their group songs. And then Harry’s new album, I really love his song Sign of the Times. And I thoroughly enjoyed this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JvLLx0cpJVI. But still, I don’t get much enjoyment of a 40yr old dating a boy bander. I just can’t get the picture out of my head. It’s not just this set up either, any older woman/younger man doesn’t work for me. There was another really popular “cougar” one I read a sample for a while back. I can’t think of the name of it, she dates her son’s friend. And I just couldn’t get past it. I’m not knocking others reading them though! We all like different things and that’s ok.
LOL!
And then promptly bought 3.
That was hilarious Tasha
I love when they come to play.
Put the album on….i like it.
Also, want to watch Notting Hill now.
I’ll watch Notting Hill any time. Can you bring the popcorn, bev?
I never really got into the boy band thing – always went for the more ‘mature’ man LOL. I’m not sure about this book either. (The Idea Of You). The age gap is huge, and I’m not that keen on the whole cougar concept. I did read a CR recently that I liked, The One In My Heart by Sherry Thomas. It had a back story of the H as a very young man being deeply in a romance with a hot, much older woman just like the one in TIOY. But she had died and he had grown up quite a bit, and the book focusses on his current romance with a woman his own age. I must admit, it was ok as a back story, but I was really relieved that part of his life was over.
Whoa! Wait…
*stomp* bev!!! I thought this no book buy thing was ALL MONTH!!! That’s what I told my husband! Crap.
Well, I bought One Plus One. It hits the spot for now.
Leslie, I agree pornish! I’m not a prude by any means and I like things described but I felt I was reading a dirty movie. Glad I’m not the only one who was thinking these things.
Now I’m sanitizing…errr….I’m mean desensitizing my mind with some PNR, Sirens Song by Ella Summers! Love this series, thanks Tessa!!
Lol. Well I could….though I just bought 3 books if you want to make it even, Grey?
And I pre-ordered Trust before I even thought to do it. It was actually kind of nice.
So, yeah I will go to August 1.
So….Grey do you talk to your husband about us? Like by name?
You know bev is on a book ban, MichelleS is flooring her steps, Tasha bought a baby hand?
BTW thinking of a couch and chair. Just thinking cause ouch. Definitely reason to go on a book ban. Plus pretty sure fridge on brink of death. *sigh*
😀 😀 😀 I’m so glad you like it, Robyn! She’s one of those great authors that just improves as she writes. I love that. Means that the more books of hers you read, the better the book.
Well, we just redid our kitchen floor. So yeah, book buying ban ALL month, LOL! Probably next month too, although next month is birthday month, so yeah, no.
My hubs shakes his head at my online interactions mostly, he knows that I do some “book work”, and have you guys… your names, some, although, how much he pays attention, that would be debatable. 😆
I talk to my son about you guys. He thinks Nay is the coolest thing ever! He is fascinated w/her heart transplant and asks about her constantly. He loves that I have “book buddies” all over the country and goes bonkers over ones from outside the US. He is a major geography nerd and obsessed with other cultures. Hubs just rolls his eyes when I am laughing at you all.
Robyn, I too am not prudish. I mean I have read and enjoyed Tiffany Reisz…so not much shocks me anymore. But there was just “something” in the sex scenes from The Unrequited that gave me the ick factor instead of hot. 🙁 I guess sometimes its all about how connected to the characters you are?!?
I am reading Love, in English and I think I have a crush on Mateo. (Even his name sounds sexy) *waggles eyebrows*
See.. not me. I love my naughty in books. ONLY in books. Right, Maryse? LOL! Love is love and it takes ALL kinds. Anywhoo, different strokes for different folks. I haven’t been able to pick up a book to read since TU though… I edited one, but not to read. I need to actually just escape though. so hmmm… what to read, what to read…oh, and it has to be one I already have, being as though I can’t buy any, right bev… *side-eye* 😆 Gah, I love us!
Except Maryse is trying to start a new buddy read up…..lol.
Stay strong Grey.
Okay, so I finished The Unrequited. I came back here expecting to be the oddball and feeling like I am WAY too nit picky (once again), but I was so flippin’ relieved to see I wasn’t the only one who struggled a bit with the last half.
The first part? FANTASTIC!! She was such a distraught and slightly unhinged mess, but I was totally relating to her and feeling her feels. Not sure what that says about me but whatever. And then…it just shifted for me. I skimmed ALL the sex scenes after the first one, and Thomas kinda lost his appeal. Things also stopped feeling so forbidden, ya know?
Also, the dreaded “angry penis” description was used a handful of times, and when the penis starts lookin’ angry you KNOW I’m just gonna lose it. 😆
The Bear and the Nightingale is on sale!
As is The Roanoke Girls!….I am lucky my library has this one as I probably already would of broke my ban, lol.
bev, your self-control amazes me. 😉 Never fear, I’ve spent enough on books for the both of us during your ban, LOL!
To add to bev’s finds, Fabi and Maryse’s favorite, The Martian, is on sale as is the first Game of Thrones book! OH! And the season premiere is tonight so YAY!!!!
I swear, the movie Me Before You made me love Emilia Clarke even more than I already did. And my Sam Claflin crush just deepened all the more…
Ha! I wish I had good self control.
Penises have emotions? Who knew?
Jan, Amy likes happy penises and when she is really frisky, she likes to throw them at Maryse! 😉
Ok, so I am feeling a little bit of anger towards all of you who have read Love, in English and haven’t held me down and shoved this book in my eyeballs!! Come on!!! You guys know my love for swoony CRs and this is it people!!! Seriously….why oh why haven’t I read this til now???
Leslie you are SOOOOO LUCKY!!!!!! I gotta know where you’re at!
*yawns and rubs sleep out of eyes*
*reads Leslie’s comment*
😯
Bahahahaha!!!! OMG, I’m awake now!!! *snort*
And Leslie, I’m so jealous you’re reading Love, In English for the first time! Holy freaking moly, I absolutely LOVED that one. SO much emotion and turmoil and swooniness, and I don’t think I had even one single complaint. And the cover…ohhhh the beautiful cover. Everything about it was just… *dreamy sigh*
Ahhhhh yes Love, In English.
OMG that bus scene and the Lana Del Rey song KILLED ME. LOVED IT SO HAAAAARD!!!!
Yeah, Amy…..I KNOW!!!!
So what the heck…WHY hasn’t anyone insisted I read this????
*gives meanest face I can muster to all my book buds*
*then feels guilty for mean face and basks in the glow of a good book and Mateo*
OKAY WAIT!!!
What book is Leslie freaking out about? And Amy?
*backtracks through comments*
Lol I have the opposite issue with my book. Last night, I finished The Infamous Ellen James by NA Alcorn, and… Meh. It was okay, but it didn’t make me laugh. I think some of the humor was just too crass for me to enjoy. *shrugs* I like some crass, but this just was too much for me too laugh.
Tessa, there was a super-popular book from a few months ago (maybe end of last year) that everyone was loving, but I struggled with the crass humor too. My perfect humor in a book is realistic, fun banter between people (or in thoughts) such as Elle Kennedy’s college series, or Sustained (or even the Aly Martinez book I’m reading now. Her humor is 100% my type of fun reading). A little dirty, and guy-humor is so fun, but I have a threshold I think. 😉
I am at part where they kiss the first time (and its almost the end of the retreat). I stopped right there this a.m. because I an busy today and want to savor the delicious-ness that is Mateo. *huge swoon*
I have been listening to Maybe in Another Life for last few hours. The whole parallel storylines are cool. I am a bit anxious waiting for h to find out *spoiler*. She knows about *spoiler* in one of her paths, but not rhe other. *bites nails in anticipation *
Tessa, The Infamous Ella James was just a “like” for me as well. I like humor but most times it is OTT or I have just read too much of it. I looooooooved Seduction & Snacks, but I think I am burnt out on the “crass humor” thing.
Yes, too much. I have a feeling some of the jokes are funny if you’re a nurse, but my only thought was, I seriously hope I never have a woman like this as my nurse. But, yeah. I can handle a little bit of crass or crude, but this was OTT as you said, Leslie. Oh, well. I still thought the relationship was adorable, how he loved watching him with her friend and her little spank bank pictures being a moment of him being silly and smiling. That made me just say awwww.
Hi! Long time lurker and first time commenter here. Just wanted to say thanks to all those who recommended The Idea of You and The Heart Series as you guys got me out of a frustrating book slump though I’m now in a bit of a book hangover after those last two!
YAY Colleen!!! I LOVE hearing about books that have pulled us out of book-slumps!!! *hug* Thank you!!!
Just popping in to give Colleen a *GREAT BIG WELCOME HUGGLE* and to say I’m glad you came out of lurkerdome to post!! 😀