Happy Friday the 13th!! It’s kind of like we have a two Halloweens back to back. Well okay… no ’cause I doubt anyone will be going trick or treating or dressing up today, but!! I bet a bunch will be indulging in the scary movies or books today, so you know I couldn’t help myself. I had to find us just a couple of “scary” finds for the list.
And for those that aren’t into the scary stuff… there are PLENTY that are right up our love story alley! 😀
ALSO!! I just want to say YAY and you guys are AWESOME to both of our fellow readers, Tessa and Grey, because we just found out they are participating in the “NaNaWriMo” writing competition!
Tessa: I just do Nanowrimo for the challenge.
fabi: I can’t even imagine entering a writing challenge. That’s really pretty awesome Tessa. You should share with us… I did a bit of research on NanoWriMo today. Apparently, its a group move to write a novel in one month. November. It’s seems like an awesome opportunity for writers to colab and communicate. I know several of the authors I follow on Twitter are participating. —Tessa still blows my mind.—
bev: So, Tessa & Grey are the two of you authors and not telling us?
Grey: Well… I write, therefore I’m an author, I guess *sheepish grin* … This is my 3rd year in a row doing NaNaWriMo, I’ve won both years so far, nervous about this year, but hopefully I’ll be able to pull it out *heads out of the gutter, naughties*. But I will say, it’s unbelievably hard, *oh, did I mention, my work is definitely intended for mature audiences haha!*! Anyway… 50k words in 30 days… Even to someone as verbose as myself, it’s…intense!
fabi: Grey! *thud* *dies* Seriously woman?! You just now think to tell us you’re an author? Are you going to share your work with us? *eyes bugging out* *dying, dying, dying* You’ve WON NaNoWriMo two years in a row!!! — that’s it, I can’t talk to you anymore, I’m completely tongue tied and star struck.
Cheryl: Grey-congrats on your writing success!
bev: Tessa and Grey (who WON NanoWriMo the last two years!!!) ugh ugh ugh dying dying dying Here I’ve been talking to them without even knowing. *drops face on desk*
Amy: Grey, really?!? You won two years in a row? (note to self: look up Nanow- however it’s spelled) That is amazing, Grey! I am so excited for you and Tessa and what you two are doing this month with writing.
P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).
P.P.S. Don’t have a Kindle? No problem! Amazon offers various free Kindle apps and a free Kindle Cloud reader for any and ALL of us to use. You can either use the free Kindle App for your smartphone, tablet, AND your desktop computer (just like you’re using a Kindle, but right through your web browser <— No need to download anything! 
)
EBOOK BARGAINS & READER RECOMMENDATIONS (NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order).
- Cruel & Beautiful by A.M. Hargrove & Terri E. Laine <— JUST RELEASED HOCKEY PLAYER MED STUDENT & HIS COLLEGE STUDENT BLIND DATE (sounds like it will be ANGSTY!!) They go on a blind date and… “he shows her just what a future with him would hold. Only life has other plans. The unthinkable happens and everything begins to shatter. Both in too deep, they will have to fight the cruel and hang onto the beautiful.”
Tethered Bond (Holly Woods Files, #3) by Emma Hart <— JUST RELEASED!- Finn Beckett: Rockers of Steel by MJ Fields <— JUST RELEASED!!! ROCK STAR ALERT AT ROCK BOTTOM BUT THAT SEES THE LIGHT and then… “Hours before my dream comes to fruition, though, I run into a girl, one f’ing girl, and I am back on the path of destruction” OH NO!!!
- Ride Trilogy Book 2: MMA Fighter New Adult Romance by Jayne Blue <— JUST RELEASED MMA FIGHTER ALERT! “…the second book in a steamy MMA fighter romance series with a possessive alpha male and a young heroine fighting for her life.”
- Twisted Perception (Flawed Book 2) by T.L Smith <— JUST RELEASED!! She runs a male escort service…? “I’m a trafficker. I traffic gorgeous young men for my clients. The lonely old women whose husbands are more than likely off cheating on them. You’re not going to like me; I’m not going to lie. I’m a bitch, a manipulator, the type of girl your mother warned you about…”
- Thunder Rolls: Episode 8 (Rising Storm) by Dee Davis <— JUST RELEASED!!
Quiet Lies by R.L. Griffin <— JUST RELEASED PSYCH THRILLER ALERT!! “I hate myself most days. I hate that I feel for him as much as I loathe who I’ve become with him. This story is hard to hear. You know what the worst part is? You’ll see part of you in me. You’ll hate that. You won’t tell anyone. My story is about cracks. A description or telling of how cracks in a marriage, a life, a personality, a heart and a mind begin and continue for years without anyone knowing.“- The Truth About Love by Emma Nichols <— JUST RELEASED! MARRIAGE TROUBLES ALERT! “Nina and Shane are already married and have a special needs baby. Life isn’t the fairy tale she imagined. Their happily ever after has never seemed so far away. Then one October, everything falls apart…“
Paper Dolls (Falling Paper, #1) by Ketley Allison <— JUST RELEASED! SHE’S ANGRY & HER ROOMMATE PROVIDES THE PERFECT UNDERGROUND LURE... “…all Scarlet wants to do is to rebel against the life that betrayed her and her roommate provides the perfect lure… Scarlet awakens when she enters the New York City underground, where vice and fortunes thrive.“- Voyeur by Christine Alvarez <— JUST RELEASED M/M ROMANCE! HE HATES HIS FATHER... “I’ve turned into a monster – sitting in the shadows of another’s pleasure, lurking just out of sight, getting off as a silent spectator. This is who I have become. This is who you left to run your company. This is who is sitting at your desk…” but someone knows he can be happy again. “He has so much faith in me – too much faith in me. He cannot see what I won’t show him and I’m scared if I do, he will run…”
- Pointe of Breaking by Sarah J. Pepper & Amy Daws <— FAMOUS BALLERINA AND HER VERY SCANDALOUS AFFAIR… “Our scandalous rendezvous is plastered all over NYC’s tabloids. Because of my status in Manhattan, now I’ve dragged her into the limelight. My ex will stop at nothing to tear us apart.”
The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith <— MIND BLOWING SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN ALERT!! My friend Sali is going CRAZY for this author!! She says: “If you’re in a psy fy-ish sort of mood, take a little look at this author!!! Don’t know who they are … Make/female etc lol but OMG the character development & world building is MIND BLOWING!!!!! The Last Hour of Ghan was also amazing!!!! Anyway. Just thought I would share the psyfy/distopian love with U lol… absolutely blew me away!!! Seriously Maryse….. There is something really special in this authors writing & I don’t say that lightly “- Heat by R. Lee Smith <— SUPER DARK READ BY SAME AUTHOR ALERT! It’s back on the list ’cause I HAVE heard of this author dueto THIS book that I’ve had by her for a few years now that has been SO OFTEN recommended, and is still being recommended today! In fact… Chrissy is my latest adamant recommendation for this one! “Heat by r Lee Smith is sooo good and cannot find anything like it. It is a long book and it is not for everyone! but I loved it. I seriously could not put it down. I wonder because of the way it ended if there will be a second book? R Lee Smith is an amazing author I am reading a book now by him called The The last hour of Gann, not alot of sexual content like Heat by a great story.
“ 
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams: Stories by Stephen King <— STEPHEN KING LATEST RELEASE ALERT! JUST RELEASED a few days ago and I MISSED IT! A collection of his short stories (many are new!) and it sounds typical Stephen King awesomeness! “There are thrilling connections between stories; themes of morality, the afterlife, guilt, what we would do differently if we could see into the future or correct the mistakes of the past. “Afterlife” is about a man who died of colon cancer and keeps reliving the same life, repeating his mistakes over and over again. Several stories feature characters at the end of life, revisiting their crimes and misdemeanors. Other stories address what happens when someone discovers that he has supernatural powers—the columnist who kills people by writing their obituaries in “Obits;” the old judge in “The Dune” who, as a boy, canoed to a deserted island and saw names written in the sand, the names of people who then died in freak accidents. In “Morality,” King looks at how a marriage and two lives fall apart after the wife and husband enter into what seems, at first, a devil’s pact they can win.“- After We Fall: A dark, gripping psychological thriller by Emma Kavanagh <— PSYCH THRILLER ALERT! Sounds pretty crazy! “Four people, who have never met but are permanently linked by these disasters, will be forced to reveal the closely guarded secrets that unlock the answers to these questions. But once the truth is exposed, it may cause even more destruction.”
- The Rockstar Series Box Set by Anne Mercier <— ROCK STAR ALERT! Athena HIGHLY recommends this series! “…hands down my all time favorite.. There are 4 books and 1 novella in the series so far and the next book should be released any time this month.. The series I’m gushing about is the Rockstar Series by the ever talented Anne Mercier.. Gaaaahhhhh when I found this series lets just say I read that book in a day and was left wanting more, which luckily I was not left wanting more for too long.. You learn about the alpha bad boys of the band Falling Down and can I say if they were a real band I would def be a groupie. The series starts with Jesse Kingston front man for the band reuniting with Luciano Russo famous academy award winner actress wanting to follow her real dream and be a rockstar herself.. This series has some tears, feels and laughs.. You will fall in love with each character and I can’t wait for the next book to come out..”
Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock <— SHE’S ON THE RUN TO PROTECT HER CHILDREN ALERT! Sounds fantastic!! “A mother fleeing unspeakable danger to keep her children safe… Two young girls guarding secrets in a “cross my heart and hope to die” pledge… A father desperate to be reunited with his family…“- Evolve Series Box Set by S.E. Hall <— THE WHOLE SERIES bundled!
- Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina Mcmorris <— SOUNDS INTENSE and it’s a WARTIME HISTORICAL ALERT! It’s also listed as a psych-thriller and it’s only $2.51 today! “When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.“
WITHER (THE WITHERED SERIES Book 1) by Amy Miles <— Amy is enjoying this one and describes it in her signature *snort-worthiness* LOL!! “Holy moly!!! There is no easing into the story with Wither…it starts off with a bang while we are still trying to get to know the h, but it’s working and I like it! Wham, bam, screw you ma’am. That about sums up the opening scene for me. Except there is no actual screwing. And the wham-bam is literal. But not in the sexy time sense. I’m pretty darn eloquent, right? *snort*“- The Queen (The Original Sinners Book 8) by Tiffany Reisz <— This one made Grey cry!! “I just finished The Queen by Tiffany Reisz…. and I’m crying. Yeah… talk about a sap, I need Manny and a blankie fort and a glass of wine stat… yes, I realize that it is 10am, and a Wednesday, but it’s a holiday here in the US and I’m off today… and… it’s the end of the Original Sinners series, and… and… and. I’m sad girls …Major book hangover.”
VERS
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 ebooks deal —>
Michelle says: “My new attempt to listen to one book and read another is getting me through more books with my work schedule. My commuting goes faster with an audiobook playing too.”
- AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as AUDIOBOOKS AT A BARGAIN-PRICE!<—
Audiobooks for ebook super-sale prices. I’m thrilled with that, and what’s fun is you can flip flop from reading it, to listening to it without losing your spot… This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans 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! (This is the “Whispersync” thingie).
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah <— MichelleF loved this one! “I also listened to the Nightingale audio book a few months ago. It’s beautifully written and quite moving. The story really demonstrates how crucial women were during WWII and showcases their enduring strength and bravery.”- The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre <— Cheryl is listening to this one! “I started listening to The Girl in 6E and I’m so amazed at how different this is from anything else Alessandra Torre has written. It’s very erotic and eerie and disturbing. I put off starting it waiting for book 3 to be released, although her website says books 1 & 2 do not have CH and are considered standalones. I think listening gives an added edge because the romance has basically been nil to non-existent so far. Can’t wait to see where this goes with the next two books. “
- That Boy by Jillian Dodd <— Cheryl found us this super deal and loves it! “I recommend listening to That Boy. Hearing it makes it so much more funny!!”
- Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock <— the Kindle version is on super-sale today, and the audio version is super cheap too!
PRE-ORDERS (next few days…!!!):
- Emeralds (All That Glitters Book 3) by K.A. Linde – November 16th 2015
- Crush (The Tainted Love Duet Book 2) by Kim Karr – November 16th 2015
- Appealed by Emma Chase – November 17th 2015
- Some Sort of Crazy (Natalie and Miles): A Happy Crazy Love Novel by Melanie Harlow – November 17th 2015
- To the Stars: A Thatch Novel by Molly McAdams – November 17th 2015
- Monster Prick (An Older Brother’s Best Friend Romance) by Kendall Ryan – November 17th 2015
- Some Sort of Crazy (Natalie and Miles): A Happy Crazy Love Novel by Melanie Harlow – November 17th 2015
- Perfectly Imperfect by Harper Sloan – November 17th 2015
- Pia Does Hollywood (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – November 17th 2015
- Tricky Twenty-Two: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich – November 17th 2015
- Evan Arden: The Complete Boxed Set by Shay Savage – November 18th 2015 for the whole bundle and I LOVED THEM!!!
- Command (Storm MC #7) by Nina Levine – November 18th 2015
- Hearts of Blue by L.H. Cosway <— November 19th 2015
- Endure (Evolve Series #4) by S.E. Hall <— November 24th 2015
- Defenseless by Corinne Michaels – January 19th 2016
- Enshrine by Chelle Bliss – January 26th 2016
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).
Loved Wither and have thought about it quite a bit over the last week! The Last Hour of Gann!!! 1-CLICK!!!!!!!!!! (Been on my wish list for a while).
Cruel and Beautiful sounds great too!
Maryse, what are you reading this weekend?
I’m thinking either Wither, or The Last Hour of Gann or Tangled (that bully one)…
Tangled keeps catching my eye too. So does the one up there, Paper Dolls. Something about that blurb gets to me. Someone said that the Last Hour of Gann reminded them of Radiance by Grace Draven. I’m not sure if that’s true, but I’ve seen a LOT of love for it.
oooh a new list – need to check this out as well as Tuesday’s – am so behind AGAIN! Mind you shopping has just arrived along with Heston’s Cherry Bakewell Vodka…it’s evening here in the UK so must give that a try on a Friday night!
I’m getting Voyeur because ever since Blay and Qhuinn introduced me to m/m romance I’ve been a big fan.
I also want the The Hour of Ghann, even though I said I wouldn’t spend any more money until I finished reading my 2015 musts. Still, I’ve heard so many great things about it. I read Heat by that author and was blown away by that dark, dark story.
Yes finally someone else is touting The Last Hour of Gann! Read it early this year and thought it was incredibly unique and the story was riveting. It is a big book too and I love when you get a lot of the world and characters; I liked it more than Radiance for that reason.
I thought it was you, Michelle, who mentioned it. I just wasn’t sure enough to mention names. I make the mistake of naming the wrong person so many times.
An hour or so and home. Haven’t read at all last couple of days. So finally start Wither tonight. Been hearing about Last hour of G for awhile and remember Michelle loving it. Maybe time to take the plunge.
Take the plunge with Illuminae Bev which I ‘loved’ even more 😉
Started reading Tryst. So far I’m enjoying it and it is well written.
One’s above that have caught my eye are Cruel & Beautiful, Finn Beckett and Pointe of Breaking. Now to decide on my friday night drink!!
Lol Cheryl. I’m stopping at the liquor store on my way home.
Sending good thoughts to any of our group who may be from France.
First off, I second what Bev said. Sending thoughts and prayers to our fellow readers from France.
Okay, I have been REALLY good lately with restraining my one-clicking finger but that restraint went *pblttttt* with today’s list. Cruel and Beautiful, Quiet Lies, The Truth About Love, After We Fall and The Siren (so I can start the Original Sinners series at some point) were all just added to my library. Yeah, and the one or four pumpkin pie martinis probably didn’t help my self control any…
I am sooooo jealous of those of you who listen to audiobooks! I would love to listen to those while on the elliptical or bike (BORING…can’t wait to start running again) but I just can’t get into the story when it is in someone else’s voice. When I’m reading I hear the character’s voices differently in my head, but when I’m listening to someone else reading it out loud it just doesn’t work for me. *sigh* Like I said, jealous. 😉
I agree my heart goes out to those from France.
Heart breaking for France and especially for victims’ families.
How can people do this to their fellow man? The atrocity is unimaginable and I just keep shaking my head like I’m trying to deny it.
OOOOOH!!!! Sephora VIBs can get 20% off their orders from today through Monday!! *happy wiggle makeup dance*
And I am *loving* the MACnificent Me MAC collection…anyone was considering any of it, GET IT!! 😀 I am especially in love with the Patentpolish lip pencil in My Flip Side, the eyeshadow x9 palette and the accentuate/sculpt compact. Perfect neutral awesomeness! 😀
Amy, the narrator’s voice can make or break listening to the book. I’ve listened to some where the male voice also narrates the female POV which is needless to say not good.
The narrator for The Girl In 6e series is excellent and quite honestly reading the book would have dragged somewhat because there really is not any romance and the story is very descriptive about obsessions with killing and different statistics with the world of online sex. It’s definitely a unique story. Reminds me of the SLOW-build relationship between Dex and Perry minus the obsession with killing. 😉
Got that email for VIB 20% off. Making my list…
Have to check out that Mac collection.
I don’t understand it either…freaking roaches is all they are. They do damage then run and hide. I hope there is a special place in hell for them.
Sorry, rant over.
OMG Cheryl! I was just imagining a man’s voice talking about getting his “nub” or “bundle of nerves” rubbed. LOL!!!!
Heat and the Last Hour of Gann are amazing! I’ve read good things about the author’s other books but those were great…Heat is dak erotica with a very satisfying ending and Gann is long enough to get completely immersed in the story.l highly recommend!
Jennifer, that’s what I keep hearing about Heat. 🙂
Amy maybe try non fiction. I really enjoyed David Sedaris essays.
Or maybe a podcast. Try different ones, see what you like.
Michelle with your reaction Illuminae is definitely on my radar.
Amy read it! I don think you’ll regret it… Come on you know you want to….I read My Life Next Door based on your rec and didn’t regret it….
I will, Bev…hey, maybe those will be my gateway to liking audiobooks. 😉
Jennifer! Wasn’t MLND wonderful??? It seems like Heat might have the same kind of vibes as After by Varian Keylov, and I really liked that one. Okay, moving Heat up!
Scrolling through trying to catch up….we’ve had Jazz ballet concerts, art exhibitions and visiting relatives…so very little reading here lately. What have I missed???
…I started Illuminae and OMG OMG OMG this has to be the best book of the year…such an original concept and its sucked me right into the midst of this dystopian space oddessy.
Hope all our bookish friends in France are well, accounted for and coping in this time of madness.
Amy I never listen to audio books. Only the Sedaris one years and years ago. I think my mom and I listened to it while driving. So we were laughing together, always better. I tried one fiction and, nope. But have heard some do better with non fiction. Amy Poehler’s book I’ve seen rec’d.
Only other time is the flu. When you get to bad to keep reading Ive put it on text to speech. Its….interesting. I am usually falling to sleep listening.
I like music or discussion when cleaning or errands or walks.
Okay I chose Tangled and I love it so far… he really is an a$$!!!! LOL!
So I put Tangled in the search bar. And all the Disney toys and movies pop up. Then that cover—something wrong with that.
Lol.
Side note—Amy is right. I would not have looked at it based on cover. Blends in with the rest.
The read the blurb/excerpt. Total paraphrase. But. He leaves her with with self doubt and the smell of cannabis. Lol. One click.
I swear it seems like everyone smells like pot right now.
Do they not register the smell after a bit?
I’m with you, Grey, so sad that Original Sinners has come to an end. I loved every single book. It just got better & better. I was hoping for a bit of Wes in this one. Overall, 5 stars for The Queen. 5+ stars for series. Just amazing writing.
I can’t do audio books either. When they try dialogue, I lose it. Maybe that’s why Acheron was so weird for me!
I have to say with audiobooks I prefer a female narrator. Something about a woman narrating the male part is tolerable vs. a man narrating the female part- eeek, no, no, no! The best audio narrators that I’ve listened to so far where the one for the That Boy series and the one for The Girl in 6E series- both can pull off “believable” multiple character voices, including the male one’s. Most books you can listen to a sample of the audio.
Now off to run and listen to Do Not Disturb. 🙂
So Amy, *scoots up beside* what’s on your list for Sephora? Trying to decide everything I “need.” I’m also going to stop at Ulta to get the UD Naked on the Run travel-all-in-one-kit.
Michelle!!!! @#%£@&£@ AND “@” ¢€®& I got to a major, heartbreaking freakout about 3/4 of the way into Illuminae and it was the middle of the night and I couldn’t scream out loud. Oooohhhh. Holy crap, Kady and Zang and AIDAN and Ezra. Crap, crap, crap. I had noticed the inconsistencies too but thought it was because of the situation. Then the picture…but…I was too into the story to pause for long. OMG Destroyed me.
Lisa, you are in for a book treat like no other with Illuminae.
Amy, Heat is much darker and more graphic than After.
Peeking in, hi all!
Major writing weekend for me. I had a great day yesterday, so far on par for a great day today too. I was really behind word count wise, tomorrow is the halfway point, I need to be at 25k words. Yesterday… sadly, I was only at just over 13k… I will let you know if I make it or not. Keep me accountable, haha!
How are you doing Tessa? Been thinking about you a lot, I know this November seems to have been really hard for a lot of us Nano-ers!
I downloaded Room 212… Amy, you win! You haven’t steered me wrong yet, LOL!
Illuminae certainly looks intriguing, and what’s this about Heat…. is this a new read?
MichelleS, omg, I know. When I write my Top Ten List for Maryse, I think The Original Sinners Series will probably be #1. For me, I loved Zach and Nora’s relationship more than her relationship with anyone else almost. I’ve actually had several twitter convo’s with Tiffany Reisz about them… she’s promised me that someday she’s gonna write a short story about their week. Gah! I cannot WAIT!!
Bev, audiobooks, yeah, me neither. Cant do them. Wish I could, it would probably allow me to get a whole lot more done LOL!
Maryse… OMG… you put me in a post?!? Now I’m the one dying! Dying I tell you, blushing and hugging Manny and everything! (I promise I’ll try to learn to see and make everyone’s manatees when November is over LOL!) This list looks epic as usual!
Ok, back to work with me!
Thinking of our French friends… sending my prayers and best thoughts!
*sew… see, I can’t type I’m so rattled, haha!
Grey, I think you need to take a deep breath! Lol! Good luck to both you and Tessa!
Missed you guys last night. Prayers and thoughts to all those in France…..so sad and distressing.
I just finished Illuminae. If I never read another book in my life, I will die happy knowing I’ve read the best there is. There is no comparison to anything else I’ve ever read. It was a completely unique experience.
I am going to stand on my rooftop and shout to the world. “READ THIS BOOK!”
Just finished reading Tryst. I’m still grappling with the ending and trying to decide if I am ok with it and if that was the only way it could end. Having said that, it was really, really good. It’s like if Arsen and Pure Abandon and probably throw in The Ground Rules had a book baby. The angst of Arsen and Pure Abandon and the difficult back and forth decision of the h on who to be with, with the knowledge that the husband knows about the other guy and in fact encouraged it at first. I thought I knew who I wanted the h to be with, but that changed and I wanted to b*tch slap her to make up her mind and not be so wishy-washy. And the “other guy”, oh my heart hurt for him and the H had some unexpected “twists.” *sigh*
R Lee Smith is one of my favourite authors. I love all her books. I have just re- read The Last Hour of Gann. Such a good book. She has just released a new book The Land of the Living Dead so that is what I am reading next.
I want to read Illuminae so bad – but that format!! Is it like that the whole way through?
Wait just a cotton-pickin’ minute. I’m just reading the nanny-nanny-boo-boo whatever it’s called writing contest thingy. (NaNaWriMo). GREY!!! and TESSA!!! You write? Oh-Em-Gee. I’m a little star struck right now. Are you going to share with us? huh huh?
Fabi! I missed the freak out that I knew was coming! I thought the same thing…like something seemed off with the dialogue and then sledgehammer to my heart! It was suck a shock that I just kept reading so I didn’t have to process it. The last third though blows your mind even more right?! Gah let’s both shout read it, READ IT!
MichelleS, the format is what is brilliant and so creative imo. The format or lack of format continues for the whole book but it really adds so much to the story. It’s my new WiR that I will hound you all to read so just do it so you do not have to listen to me ;).
‘such a shock’
Best book EVER.
I went to read some of the reviews. There are very few that are not 4-5 star ones. The ones that aren’t seem exclusively to be from strictly romance readers who had a hard time with the sci-fi aspect of the first third of the book.
I am in a total book fog. I don’t even want to think of reading another book. I may head out to see a movie tonight in spite of the bad weather forecast, just to avoid reading. I can’t read anything else right now. It wouldn’t be fair to the next book.
Fabi, don’t you think the romance that does build throughout is so simple but powerful though? And honest. Ezra just…*sigh*
For a sci-fi heavy first part, I truly believe that if people push on that may not like the technical aspect *cough Maryse ;)* they would get the romance/story to hold their attention. Really for this type of read, it has more romance than most I thought.
Cant wait to experience Illuminae!!! The Hardcover was my early bday present. I may have to lock myself away to read it. Absolutely love Tiffany Reisz. Her books are in a category of their own. Amazing. I’ve been putting off reading The Queen because I don’t want it to end. 🙁 And totally agree re. audio dialogue sometimes. Alternated between reading and audio of Stephen King’s 11/22/63 and everyone in my book club loved the relationship but I could not connect because he was doing the woman’s voice and it sounded terrible! Guy’s voice was hot.
The love story in Illuminae was amazing. Way more than typical in apocalyptic plots.
Illuminae was definitely an experience. I strongly recommend the hard cover although I read many reviews of the eBook that didn’t seem to affect the story. I even read one reviewer who spent tume fondling her book like I did. hahaha. The hard cover is a work of art. Amazon has it for a little over $10. I bought mine locally and paid $18.99 plus tax. Worth every penny and more.
Fabi I am loving Illuminae too. Keep going backwards and forwards…going over documents and re-reading for clues.
And a little Aussie Pride bragging but these two wunderkind are from Melbourne Australia!!!!
Go Aussies!!! Lisa what part are you on? I’m going to do like Michelle did with me and channel re-reading through you.
I’m up to where the pathogen has mutated and horrible things have happened with a family on the ship they x-ed. Earl in story…..but I’m already wondering if either H or h are actually dead and AIDAN is manipulating this situation…..oooh I have conspiracy theories flying around my head.
It gets crazy addicting doesn’t it? Thanks for the update. I enjoyed the flashback. lol
I just read Blindsided by TC Matson. Holy hot alpha MMA fighter! Paige is the H and is super head strong. Levi is the fighter and is an arrogant, cocky, sexy, bad boy.
I’m totally fan-girling over Ms. Matson. This is the first book I’ve read of hers and I fell in love. I haven’t had a book hangover in a long time. The writing style is good and at times I laughed my butt off! Oh, Levi! Swoon!
Um, ok. *raises hand* Where do I find Tessa and Grey’s books?! Do you guys have published books I can read? I totally bow down to you for trying NaNoWriMo.
I am almost done with my first book and wanted to finish it in time to try NaNoWriMo for the first time this month. Especially sine the characters in my second book are haunting my dreams and begging me to get started on their story. Hope that doesn’t make me sound crazy!
I’m at 69,000 words in my current book and am on the cusp of wrapping it all up with maybe like 5 – 10 more chapters and the epilogue. I can’t wait to finish. I’m thinking of posting it over on WattPad and would welcome any advice or feedback on that if anyone here has any thoughts.
And would totally love to read any books you two have published if you feel like sharing! Thanks ladies! And good luck!
Jodie, I missed your comment that R Lee Smith has a new book. Went and looked and Land of the Beautiful Dead is free with kindle unlimited and it looks soooo good! I’m going with that next too – thanks for the heads up :D!!
New R Lee Smth book…automatic one-click for me! Bonus that it is described as another dark erotica story, can’t wait to dive in….
Allison, I’m FAR from published. This is only the second try at a full book. 🙂 It’s more of a why not write the stories I dream thing, and learn in the process. Though, at this rate, I’ll be done in February. *grins* I hate writing tummy achy parts.
Happy reading Michelle and Jennifer. I am at 31%. Her imagination and storytelling is incredible. Look forward to hearing your thoughts along the way
*clears throat*
Finished Wither. Really Jean?
Oh no bev….does that mean you didn’t like it? Amy, are you still reading it?
I just finished Wither a couple of minutes ago…seriously, Jean?!? What was this, no warning about THAT as payback for UTEOTW???
*kicks Jean’s Wither peanuts*
And by the way, I REALLY liked it…even with the “no, no, NO!” part. Then again, that’s what I usually love in books. 😉
Hey! You need to read Thicker Than Blood by Madeline Sheehan now! Actually, that or her Holy Trinity books (you haven’t read them yet, right?)…there are only 2 books and a novella right now, and some of us are impatiently waiting for book 3!
Psst, Cheryl! *checks to make sure hubby isn’t around* I went a little crazy with my 20% off code. *giggle* I ordered more Diorskin Nude Air foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation and Tarte BB tinted primer…they all have different coverages, and I love them ALL! I also ordered a few Tarte Lipsurgence lip tints, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, some Buxom lip creams, more Tarte face and eye primers, a couple of Nars eyeliners for tightlining, and restocked my YSL and UD mascaras. I swear, if they carried MAC I would be a VIB Rouge customer with no problem. What did you pick up?
Grey!! *happy dance for Room 212* Make sure you check in and update me as you’re reading it. 😉
Allison is a writer, too! *whooping* We’re surrounded by talent! 😀
Emily…I know it’s quite a leap from MMA books, but do you watch UFC? Did you see the Rousey-Holm fight last night? Daaaaaaaaamn!!!!
Jean, like Amy. Little warning lol.
Hmm. I already rambled about it on the suddenly Sunday post. I’m not sure how I feel about it. It has all the elements that I am looking for in this genre. Gritty, different characters brought together, no one safe, the humans could be more evil than the zombies but the potential for romance. But I didn’t connect with the characters and the pacing felt rushed. But it is a first book in the series that could turn into pure awesome.
Bev and Amy, I didn’t want to give you any warning…..that would have spoiled it. I did say it totally reminded me of Until The End of the World.
Amy, payback? Who me? No way! Lol! I haven’t read Thicker Than Blood or Holy Trinity series…….but I have them. That’s something right?
Jean – I will second Amy’s recommendation for Holy Trinity. It’s just one of those crazy good series that sticks with you. Nothing else like it. So original. Loved it.
I haven’t read Until the End of the World yet, or Thicker Than Blood. Just not enough hours in the day. Sigh. I AM reading The Last Hour of Gann. Crazy good, weird, long…. great writing…
No, Jean, that’s NOT something! Er…
*looks at unread books in Kindle library*
…okay, I guess it is something. 😉
Lol, see Amy, yes it’s definitely something! (I don’t know what, but…..)
MichelleS, I really want to read The Last Hour of Gann but damn didn’t realize how long it is!
MichelleS…and Jean too because you haven’t read Thicker Than Blood either…
TTB is great because it is post apocalyptic with Madeline Sheehan’s tried-and-true writing style, and while there is a slow-burn romance building, the most focal relationship is the close friendship between the two women.
Ok Amy, I will read TTB because it sounds great! Is it a standalone? You aren’t setting me up for heartbreak are you? Oh, but I have to read Corrupt first by Penelope because damn, that blurb!!!!!!!!!!! Join me?
You wound me, Jean…when have I ever set you up for heartbrea– Oh yeah, that’s right. *snicker*
There is a second book after TTB but it is about a character introduced in TTB, and I refuse to read it because I am holding a grudge against him. He’s irredeemable and unforgivable and I don’t want to read about him! And you KNOW I can like the unlikable…hell, I was rooting for Javier for most of the Artists trilogy! But this guy, nooooooope. Nuh-uh. I’d like to reach down his throat and pull his balls through his mouth via his esophagus.
Corrupt sounds CRAZY! But it’s dual POV and those haven’t been working for me lately. I know, I’m being a whiny baby but it’s true! And I just started Rush last night so I’m kinda invested in that. Maybe if Corrupt gives you a freak-out then I will try it. 😉
Just the fact that you are reading Rush makes me giddy! You MUST read the novella after that….it really completes the book!
I’ll keep you updated on Corrupt.
“pull his balls through his mouth via his esophagus”…..lol! You have such a way with words!
Read TTB and you’ll see why. He’s a bad man and I don’t like him. *makes pouty-angry face*
You’ve definitely peaked my curiosity with TTB Amy! Sometimes hate turns to love if the author is really great and she is! So you never know……
Jean I’m about to start Corrupt. It sounds like a tummy twister and I’m not certain where the romance comes into it cos they don’t appear to have any L.O.V.E. for each other in the blurb.
I’m still reading Illuminae but savouring it because I don’t want it to end.
Amy Rush was beautiful. Loved it.
(PS still have Inevitibility in our Stars in paperback here for you.)
Thank you Lisa! I’ll be in touch. 😀