Friday Finds & five-star reader recommendations!

Next week preorder that I am patiently waiting for the release is Cara Dee’s new one Noah…For all those m/m fans 🙂

Play Fair sounds so good! I notice it is book 3….can it be read as a standalone? Anyone know?

Oh, oh, oh and The Fighter……first of all MMA fighter (no brainer), but also, he’s a jerk! Perfect! Lol!

I wonder why we can’t preorder Lady’s Man by Katy Evans on Kindle?????

I’ve just discovered Wattpad thanks to Colleen Hoover’s story, Too Late. Loved it, of course. Can anyone give a recommendation for another story on there?

When I Lost You looks super good and The Devils Cradle gave me a thrill just reading the blurb! I’m still on my paranormal kick currently though. Started Moon Called (Mercy Thomson series) by Patricia Briggs today, so far so good! I’m really looking forward to early May reads also. Karina Halle’s new one, Smut, has me really intrigued. I haven’t read any of her contemporary works yet. And R.S. Grey’s new series, The Summer Games. I really liked Scoring Wilder by her as well as a few others by her, she’s pretty much a one click author for me. Oh, and my Mom is currently reading Thanks for the Trouble by Tommy Wallach. It gave me a serious blurb jolt (the part about him not speaking for 5 years especially), and the overall goodreads reviews look promising. I read the editorial reviews on Amazon and one said it was a good read alike for John Green fans whom I love! It’s definitely going on my tbr! 🙂

OMG! Just realized Ladies Man is the story about Tahoe!! YES!!!

Finished Radiance and really loved it. The relationship was so real and sweet, with humor. Really good.

I just read The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid, and now I’m reading The Pixie and the Player. Highly recommend!

Thanks Leslie. Don’t think I’ve read any Karina Halle? Sounds worth a try.

Bounty was really good, but no surprise there….all of KA books are good. Getting ready to read Chance Carter “Heart of the Hunter” it is rated 450 5 star read, going to try it.

Just finished The Widow by Fiona Barton, a good one if you want psychological suspense. Her husband has died, but was suspected of kidnapping a child. You start to wonder did he really do it? And then: did she have anything to with it.

And I can’t wait for The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert to come out next week. It’s kind of like The Godfather meets Romeo and Juliet, but for a Boston Irish crime family. And the cover Is SO HOT.

Fabi – Uh oh! You just freaked me out. I’m 54% in and it’s so good! I hope you are freaked in a good way, but I’ll be doing my best to finish tonight and find out for myself!

Oh, and while I did struggle a but with Dirty, I did end up liking it and will definitely continue the series.

Confessions of an Alli Cat free today by Courtney Cole. And Bullet to the Heart (I forget the author) also free!

Book(s) you can’t believe you haven’t read yet?
Book(s) that the cover grabs your attention?
Book(s) from buzz/review?
Book(s) from book buddy book talk?
Book(s) you are hesitant to read?
Book(s) in part because the author makes you feel you are in that locale?
Book(s) you really hope is what you think it is going to be?
Book(s) that randomly pop into your head and you think yes I need to read that?
If your weekend read had to come from this list what 1 or 3 would they be?
Last one. Should Maryse put her tbr away and watch the first episode of Sherlock and blog it?

Omg bev, just those questions are giving me the shakes! Lol! I hit the thousand mark on my TBR so yeah, I don’t even know where to start!

Off the top of my head without looking at my list, The Mason List, Brightside, Hopeless, continuing BDB series (I’m up to book 10), the Driven trilogy, the Roam series, tons of KA books, Consequences series…….yeah ok, thanks for overwhelming me!

Ok, that was a lot. Maybe too much.
You are welcome Jean. Heh.
Fabi, do you really want me to push more books on you?….. Have you driven on that Jellicoe Road yet?

Uh-oh.
Maybe see if more respond to it, lol.
According to Jean it may be too stressful. Heh.

Jean, I was wondering the same thing about Play Fair. Also, thanks for the heads up about Confessions being free.

I’m still reading Dirty. Still early so not sure about it yet; although I have been able to put it down.

Bev, I’ll answer your question after I bake my hubby’s birthday carrot cake.

Really, Bev? As if I didn’t have enough stress…*sigh* Oh well, you know I can’t resist your polls and “question lists” so I’ll be answering it. 😉

And where is this TBR question list from Maryse?? I wanna play too!!!

I’m thinking When I Lost You is up next after I finish The Mistake I Made (it totally just made me grab my hair and say “oh sh!t” out loud). WILY sounds like it’s just the emotional pressure release I need right now! 😀

Lol. Is it that stressful?
And, yes answer. *happy claps*
I have a horrible memory, but remember some lines or the gist of them. Or scenes. And they will float through my head occasionally.

Was Vaughan(the H in Dirty) in the Stage Dive series? He was in a band that toured with stage dive.

Amy, I remember some lines, like “I met someone” ( After I do) and like Bev, the feelings (the emotions of the music video in (Thoughtless series) and with hearing the multiple covers of Prince’s song Nothing Compares to You, it makes me think of all the angst of the break-ups and loss in the books I read.

Amy, I can’t find the original tbr questions. It was a while ago. I think Maryse was tagged in a fb post.
Fabi, it’s YA and we’ll written. Though the beginning is confusing.

Bev’s question list:

Book(s) you can’t believe you haven’t read yet?
Way too many to list. A prime example being Radiance which I finally read and just finished.
Book(s) that the cover grabs your attention?
In general, any cover with the color emerald green immediately snags my eye. Also any cover with a depiction of the DNA strand makes me pause and read the blurb. In particular, there is one book on my carousel that catches my eye every time I open Kindle. It’s Eternal Eden by Nicole Williams
Book(s) from buzz/review?
Almost every day I add a “want to read book” based on reviews. Some people read the news with their morning coffee. I read book reviews. One or two dozen a day.
Book(s) from book buddy book talk?
I tend to read books rec’d on Maryse’s book blog. 🙂
Book(s) you are hesitant to read?
Amy’s heartbreaking favorites and Maryse’s scary thrillers. I’m such a chicken. :-/
Book(s) in part because the author makes you feel you are in that locale?
No idea, other than sci-fi when I’m on a space ship or a cool as shit planet.
Book(s) you really hope is what you think it is going to be?
Not to many of these. At least I can’t think of any. I go into books with closed eyes and an open mind.
Book(s) that randomly pop into your head and you think yes I need to read that?
There’s lots of these every day. Most recently, The Girl With All the Gifts
If your weekend read had to come from this list what 1 or 3 would they be?
:-/ I didn’t pick a single one from this list for my weekend read. I scrolled and scrolled through my tbr. Opened Altered by Marnee Blake then switched to my iPad so my phone could charge and as I was looking for Altered I stopped on MNevermind, opened it and started reading. It’s great so far. But I am so random in my reading. There’s no telling what I’ll read next in spite of the dozens of lists I keep to get books in some sort of order.
Last one. Should Maryse put her tbr away and watch the first episode of Sherlock and blog it?
Maryse may have to. Although, if it were me, I’d turn the show on and read a book while it played. 😉

OK has anyone read any Garth Nix? Awesome YA fantasy writer. Australian too, lol. Reading people’s comments, I just get a feeling some of you might like his Old Kingdom Chronicles. Book 1, Sabriel, and especially Book 2, Lirael are much loved favs of mine. OK, there’s no sex, maybe not even kissing?? Can’t remember. But they are absolutely AWESOME books. If you liked Radiance, and you think you can cope without a strong romance element, (I know …) then I can’t recommend these books highly enough. The Old Kingdom is a beautiful, unique fantasy world with its wonderful charter magic, the Abhorsen’s magic bells, magical animal companions, the spooky library of the Clayr (where Lirael is a junior Second Assistant Librarian) etc etc. Really well-written, engaging, involving fantasy adventures. (Obviously, you wanted more on your TBR, Bev and Fabi …. 😉

*whispers “don’t tell Bev* I’ve actually looked on both Netflix and Amazon Prime video for Sherlock. It’s still a paid view. So no go for me. I spend all my money on books (and the occasional casino trip). *snort*

Jan! More for my tbr. Yeah me. Would you believe I’m as new to fantasy as I am to contemporary romance? I didn’t start reading either until joining Maryse’s blog.

Fabi- have you watched Orphan Black- if you like DNA strand, the show title picture has it in it and the story revolves around it. Great show and newest season just came back on. BBC. Other seasons are free.

Thanks Cheryl, that looks interesting. Looks like it’s only on A Prime but I have a TV set up with it. Next time I watch TV…

Fabi & Grace just remember it is confusing when it starts.
Cheryl I do want to watch that.
Tonight I think I want to try the first episode of Penny Dreadful.
I still want to watch the first season of Poldark.

OMGeee Bev. Poldark. You haven’t watched it? What???? Ross Poldark Yessss. Just google images of Aiden Turner (preferably without his shirt). Hotter than Jamie (Outlander). I swear. My husband says every second scene is Ross galloping his big horse along the Cornish cliffs. I say, what’s wrong with that? Watch it now!

Jan130 – I’ve got my husband getting me Poldark just based on your last post. It went like this:

Me: Honey can you look up something called Poldark and see if you can get it for me?
Him: Found it. It sounds like a chick novel.
Me: Yeah, and? You watch Outlander with me.
Him: It’s English.
Me: Yeah, and?
Him: Ugck, if we must!

I said nothing about big horses galloping Cornish cliffs.

LOL! I am so freaking blessed!

I’ve watched the first episode then bought them all as a Christmas present for myself. Just haven’t watched them yet.
I’ve watched a few of the original version too.
Grace, your husband sounds sweet. I’m imagining him sitting beside you watching your chick shows with a subtle glimmer to his skin.
It is a novel, have it but unread so far, written by a man.

Bev, I literally did laugh out loud at the glimmer ref. Funny.

In this (rare for me) case, I’m not really interested in reading the original books. I think they’ll be too dated. (But I’m happy to be told otherwise). But the TV show is sweet as a veritable nut and I don’t know how you’ve contained yourself so long. Ross Poldark is my TV husband. OK – it’s a toss-up between Jamie and Ross, but, yes, I think Ross just edges Jamie out…….

First, Jan130, I never read Sabriel, but I did read his Keys to the Kingdom. The sad thing, though, I’m on Friday still, and have been for ten years. I’ll get to it, because, well, I’ve only got three more books to read! Everyone tells me Sabriel was a better series though. 🙂

Grace, the locale thing! Me too! I still remember reading about Disneyland and getting lost. Or worse, someone went to my high school and I was all, uh… this doesn’t make sense and isn’t even possible? (Also, your husband sounds awesome. lol)

Questions!
-Book(s) you can’t believe you haven’t read yet? Oblivion and Carter Reed 2.
-Book(s) that the cover grabs your attention? Brightest Side of Darkness by PT Michelle. I loved another of her books, and that cover. I’ve no idea why I haven’t read it yet.
-Book(s) from buzz/review? Jack and Jill. I know! It’s great. I’ll get to it eventually.
-Book(s) from book buddy book talk? Paper Swan. I have it. It’s just… I have it!
-Book(s) you are hesitant to read? True Love Story That one scares me.
-Book(s) in part because the author makes you feel you are in that locale? None I can think of.
-Book(s) you really hope is what you think it is going to be? Shatter Me by Tahara Mafi
-Book(s) that randomly pop into your head and you think yes I need to read that? Red Rising. You know how many times I’ve checked it out of the library. I swear, I have to buy it and read it when the urge to read sci fi actually hits.
-If your weekend read had to come from this list what 1 or 3 would they be? Shatter Me.
-Last one. Should Maryse put her tbr away and watch the first episode of Sherlock and blog it? lol

Now, Amy’s question: Scenes. I don’t do quotes, I remember scenes. For instance, the soliloquy in Bully, the bathroom scene in Fallen Crest Public, the song being sung in Blur that seriously ripped my heart out, the one scene that had me in tears in NOLA series, and the recording studio in Bright Side. *sob* Those moments mean more to me than any quote. They are the moments I knew the book truly owned my heart.

Tessa, do you know how happy you’d make Fabi & Michelle. Speaking of I haven’t seen her pop in lately. Or you as much.
Was it you that read a book that took place at your high school?

Oh, and Cheryl I have not forgotten that you need to read WiR, but as I have not read Mif….

Awwww Amy, I probably have it because of your rec. I haven’t read it yet but I will soon because that beautiful cover catches my eye every time I scroll through my Kindle.

YAY Fabi!! It’s been so long since I read it (4, almost 5 years?) and I would love to see if you could enjoy it like I remember I did.

Tessa…I’m definitely, for 100% sure starting NOLA tonight! 😀

Now I’m off to get some answers to Bev’s questions…

Y’all know I have over 2000 unread books, and obviously it’s hard to remember and list the many that could be answers to Bev’s questions…so I’ll just list the first ones that pop in my head…

Book(s) you can’t believe you haven’t read yet?
The Dark Elements series by Jennifer Armentrout, especially with how much I absolutely LOVED her Covenant and Lux series and how much Tessa loved the DE series.

Book(s) that the cover grabs your attention?
Any cover that stands out among the others in my Kindle library. Bright colors, abstract pictures, simple covers like Eight Hundred Grapes (currently on my TBR ;)), covers that look like sketches (the original FCH cover) or are cartoonish (BADGER!!!), covers that make my heart clench (yes, some have covers that make my heart do that), covers that are UNIQUE, basically anything that will make me stop when scrolling through my pretties.

Book(s) from buzz/review?
Hmmm…usually the only reviews I read and take to heart are Maryse’s, and I have been thinking more and more about Five Stages of Falling in Love and Every Wrong Reason (both of which she loved). I’m PMSing big time and stressed out to the point of constantly feeling on the verge of tears, so I think I need a good ugly-cry book to release those tears and I think those will do it for me!

Book(s) from book buddy book talk?
Oh good lord…most of the books that are gushed about here.

Book(s) you are hesitant to read?
Male-only POV. Because issues. *My* stupid issues.

Book(s) in part because the author makes you feel you are in that locale?
Well, the books aren’t out yet but the EIT spinoff books by Karina Halle because the EIT books were set in my neck of the woods. 😉 Oh! And most of Tarryn Fisher’s books have taken place in cities near me as well. By the way, how FUN would it be to go as a group to the spooky places in the EIT books, or at least the ones that really do exist like the leper island???

Book(s) you really hope is what you think it is going to be?
The Bronze Horseman and the Outlander books.

Book(s) that randomly pop into your head and you think yes I need to read that?
The Driven series and the “ghost” series that Maryse and so many of you have gushed about…is it Downside Ghosts?

If your weekend read had to come from this list what 1 or 3 would they be?
The Dark Elements series…it’s rainy and gloomy right now, and for whatever reason I love PNR books when the weather is like this. Or maybe the Outlander series.

Last one. Should Maryse put her tbr away and watch the first episode of Sherlock and blog it?
Ummmm, I plead the fifth as Bev has been on me to watch it as well. So…no comment. 😉

Poldark sounds interesting…have to see where I can watch it…

Amy, Cheryl is a fan too.

Cheryl, the one ep I watched was really good. Gorgeous scenery.

Amy, we all wrote that much. And of Dark Elements or NOLA, I’d recommend NOLA. At the same time, Oah, you have to read Sinners on Tour series. So many good rock star books out there!

Nev, yes I am the one who suffered through reading about my high school. I still haven’t figured how they’d have a carnival with a rock band performance within hearing distance. I’m thinking the football field, but how crappy would that concert be? And even then, yeah. I can’t think of the logistics.

Omg, your lists are giving me anxiety by reminding me of all the books on my tbr.

Yes Grace, I was wowed and I’m moving onto Book 2! This is like nothing I’ve ever read before.

Whoa, Grace that was fast.

LOL! Bev – I sort of inhaled the second book. I was getting cranky because the last 20% of Radiance was not happening because I kept getting pulled out of it by life. Then things settled down and I was free to just read! Love that! I think I also read faster when the storyline is action packed. My need to know what happens drives me forward. Plus there are so many books I need to read!!!

Wow that was fast Grace! Glad to see you were happy with book 2! Won’t get much reading done today but you have me excited!

Grace, keep us updated on JR! 😀

You know, I totally don’t mind that this season of GoT will have spoilers. I am still on the first book (this whole thing of all Sony books going to Kobo issue), but I wouldn’t read it until after the show anyway. I have a tendency to not enjoy shows I’ve read as much as unread ones. Ironically, I still enjoy the book thoroughly after seeing the show.

The questions made me change the book I’m reading to Shatter Me. 🙂

Amy, speakin of lines , I sometimes look up quotes from Jellicoe Road. This is making me want to re-read it.
Like about the difference between a trip and a journey. Or Narnie’s smile. Or “its not the pain they are getting over its the love.” -so true.
Or, “‘Like he’s saying,’Here I am world, are you ready for so much passion and beauty and goodness and love and every other word that should be in the dictionary under the word life?’

OMG! I just fell in love….he is this amazing guy who likes to keep things free and easy…big, strong and for the most part silent (until he gets to really know you), close group of friends and a hottie free spirit who can’t lay down too many roots….his name is Deke!!!

GAH! I just love him! *fans face*

My opinion is, I’ve read it. Grrr. It didn’t confuse me but I now where you got confuysed bvecause I remember having to read that part a lot slower due to what was going on. However, grr. I was looking forward to it! lol

*looks around lost…unsure what to do since Bounty is finished*

Oh it happens too often. I got a Mary Balough from the library because she’s a great go to for a feel good book. Yeah, I read it in 1991. The older books with the changed cover always throw me.

Have to add Sinners on Tour ( I did listen to book 1) and NOLA to my tbr.

Still reading Dirty. I like it, but RL has been interrupting my reading time.

Amy! What a graphic! Holy Cow! I’m just getting going this morning, but I’ll be back to it as soon as I can. Now I’m nervous and excited!

She could. Or she could read….

Wait for it

WRITTEN IN RED

I couldn’t let Cheryl think I’d forgotten her.

Amy, there are a few parts of that book that are painful. I’m trying to think of code, but hard. One of them that I think about is something we learn and it is only really a knowledged and there.

Alright. I’ll back off.

Do you remember her old friend? And that whole story? I think a big mac was eaten?

You, Amy. There is something that we learn about someone in JR that we the reader learn and another character learn. It is something that I think would usually be a big thing in another book. In this book its just acknowledged and does explain some past actions. We learn of it around the time of the big mac or whatever that kid ate. Her old friend. Yes, being vague. Trying not to give to much away. Anyway sometimes it pops into my head how subtle the whole thing was.

Okay, now I have to go look it up or else it’s going to drive me nuts…

Mmhmm.
In another book it would of been written big. In this it’s subtle but you see how it …..shades so much, maybe?

Yes, exactly.

“It’s alright to get on Cheryl” ~lol.

Written in Red. Lots of positive reviews. Anne Bishop’s books are on that sector of my TBR under the heading: Can’t believe I haven’t read yet. I might just try Written in Red, I think.

But first, I’ve started a big, meaty read in The Last Hour of Gann. I’m 23% in and LOVING it. It’s a massive book (even long than KA’s books lol). Thanks for the person who recommended it on this blog. (Can’t remember who, sorry). I would never have discovered it otherwise. And on the surface it doesn’t sound that promising – a human and a *lizard man* fall in love on a far planet. Wait, what?? But it’s so much more. I am FLOVING this book. So Written in Red can sit tight and wait for now …. 😉

My precioussssssss

Bev and Amy: Jellicoe Road!

Beautiful. Just beautiful! I was crying about wanting more deep feels after finishing Bounty and you called it Bev. I was so completely wrong in what I thought the story was going to be about when I started reading it. I guess it was the way the book description goes right into the war games aspect so I was essentially imagining a dystopian type book in the back of my mind, but it’s so NOT that. It’s a beautiful, happy, sometimes very sad but hugely life affirming journey of personal growth and discovery made so much more challenging by loss and heartache and secrets she has no control over. The war games are comic relief. I loved it. I’m so glad I read it. It was worth waiting out all the questions hanging over everything in the beginning to get to where it ended.

I wish there was a another book set later revisiting everyone!

I just read three books in a row that I so totally enjoyed, and there is no way I would have ever found any of them without this amazing site and you all! I’m so grateful I stopped trolling and started asking for everyone’s recommendations! Keep them coming! Maryse! Love what you do! Thanks!

Grace, yes The Last Hour of Gann should not be missed. The only way it is ‘like’ Radiance is in that it has an alien MC. Otherwise the books don’t compare. TLHoG is dark and gritty and takes you on a wild ride.

Wow, I get distracted by family visiting and I get peanuts and “getting on me!” Ha, Bev and Tessa fighting over my next read. Such love.

One day Bev, I’ll read WiR.

Yes, Amy let’s buddy read NOLA. I’m almost finished Dirty and already was debating what to read next. Did you finish When I Lost You?

You guys are making me want to do a re-read of JR! And I still have to read Gann but the length intimidates me!

Dumb question…… what is NOLA?

Thanks Tessa! Just checked it out! Looks good, cover is unusual…..

I’m intrigued by Nola, but I’m intrigued by New Orleans.

So it was just me, huh? Okay.

It’s alright Amy. *hugs* Seriously, I really was curious of your opinion. The reviews either show complete love or meh. Though one hated the “paranormal aspects”. 🙂 Do not judge Sinners on Tour by this one. That series is TOTALLY different.

Yes…yes Maryse, you *are* pulling a Bev. And it worked. 😉

*snuggles into Tessa* You know I still trust your recs, right? I’m just so picky lately, painfully so, and with rock stars I crave nothing less than a Kellan type of read. 😕 Even Groupie didn’t work for me, and I know it’s gotten plenty of love around here!

Ha, like she needed to. Lol. When it comes to Maryse’s recs, Amy your easy.

Amy, I don’t mind the paranormal aspect, but if book 1 doesn’t conclude the story or end in a CH, I’m not sure that I cannot, not read 2 and 3, if that makes sense.

Dumplin’ is on SUPER SALE. One of my favorites last year.