<— Ooooooooh HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th, my friends!! I’m going to kick off today’s Friday Finds post with one that’s totally fitting for today (but sounds light and fun and by one of our original indie FAVS!!!)
<— Kristen Ashley just released Mathilda, Superwitch Rise of the Dark Lord (Mathilda’s Book of Shadows 2)!!! P.S. Here’s book #1 Mathilda, SuperWitch (Mathilda’s Book of Shadows 1) (and I am IN LOVE with this cover).
Krystal: im listening to book 1 now! im finding it super light and funny. not in love with it but still enjoying it. I am totally Team Ash and have about 4 hrs left.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND !!
- The Truths We Told (Secrets and Truths Duet Book 2) by E.K. Blair <— DUET CONCLUSION ALERT!!! This one sounds CRAZY tumultuous and angsty and book #1 gave me a total blurb jolt!! “...Realizing she might be on a broken path to healing, Kate must make a choice—a choice that could be her defining moment…”
- Dirty Prince: A High School Bully Romance (Scarsdale Royals Book 1) by V. Darling
- The Prospect Who Saved Us (Devil’s Dust MC Legacy Book 3) by M.N. Forgy <— ***Continuation of The Long Road To Us
- Forbidden Fruit: A Taboo Romance (Sweet Treats Book 7) by S.E. Law
- Fae Games: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Bully Romance (Royal Fae Academy Book 2) by Sofia Daniel
- The Trade by Meghan Quinn <— BASEBALL STAR ALERT!! He’s into her but she’s married… “...I swore I would never get involved with anyone during the season. Too complicated. But can you believe I have zero restraint when it comes to this girl? I couldn’t get her out of my head and the more I talked to her, the more I realized I needed her in my life. So what’s the problem? Why am I screwed? Because, Natalie, the girl I can’t stop crushing on, yeah . . . she’s married…”
- House Of Gods 2: The Baby (The Gods Of New York Series) by Samantha Snow & Amira Rain
- DON’T GO BACON MY HEART (The Way To A Man’s Heart Book 4) by Frankie Love
- Outside (Death Row Chronicles Book 2) by Nicke James <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
- The New Guy: A page-turning enemies to lovers romance perfect for romcom fans! (The Kathryn Freeman Romcom Collection, Book 1) by Kathryn Freeman <— A RARE ONE NIGHT STAND… “…Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee. Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits…”
- The Right Man (Once Upon A Rock Star Book 1) by Michelle Mankin <— ROCK STAR & THE HOOKER SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! The author describes it as “…a modern day Cinderella retelling with a hooker who used to be a good girl and a bad boy lead singer living a lie...”
Kelly: That blurb hooked me right away.
Lisa: I’m downloading this today!!!! I love a Cinderella story!!!!! My fav!
- The Bound Collection: Bound, Freed, Redemption, and Reprieve by Stephie Walls <— SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!! Nancy found it for us. 😀
- Explosive (The Bleeding Scars MC Book 2) by Abby McCarthy
- Magic Misfit: A Reverse Harem Academy Romance (Raven Academy Book 1) by A. Caprice
- Queen of Darkness: The Dark Fae Trilogy Book Three by Samantha Britt
- The Initial Fall (Devinicus University Book 1) by Michelle Dare and Victoria Renteria
- The Rose Contract (Sleeping Lotus Book 1) by Scottie Kaye
- Love’s Language by D. Rose
- Her Scream in the Silence: Carly Moore #2 by Denise Grover Swank <— RECENT RELEASE THRILLER ALERT!
- Zombie Playlist: A Rock Zombie Romance by Kirsty Dallas <— RECENT RELEASE & IT SOUNDS LIKE BAD-ASS FUN!! 😀 EVERYONE’S INFECTED… “…I’m untrusting. I smoke and curse too much, and I’m somewhat of a kleptomaniac. In a normal world, those faults help keep my rock queen facade intact. But in this new world, one raging with illness and torn apart by the desperate and stupid, I’m what you would call a survivor. My plan was simple, stay alive and protect my teenage sister. When a silent man with a steely gaze shot his way into my existence, I knew that more than my life was at stake...”
- Psychic Prison: A Paranormal Prison Romance (Supernatural Marked Monarchy Book 1) by Avery Song and Veronica Agnus
- The Deal Breaker (The Billionaires of Silicon Forest Book 3) by Melissa McClone
- Marriage For One by Elle Maise <— SLOW BURN ALERT!! CAT LOVED IT!!
Cat: My last read was Marriage for One by Ella Maise….it was more than 5 stars for me. I just loved the slow slow burn. I loved how they fell in love… Loved loved the heroine….and how she was counting his smiles, so adorable
I know some readers found it boring or too slow but for me…it has something magical… left me feeling good. I would read another book about these two just going on with their lives.
Maryse:Oh I LOVE a slow burn. I tend to love the ones that take their time getting there. Thank you, Cat!!! 😀
- Out of the Dark: A Kissing and Screaming Novella (Kissing & Screaming Book 1) by Megan Hart <— MEGAN HART ALERT!! ONE NIGHT STAND BUT HE’S CHANGED… “…Celia Henry and Luke Gaines shared only one passionate night before he disappears from her life for months, only to return…changed. The day after their one-night stand, Luke survived a cave exploration gone horribly wrong and learned the truth about the monsters that made their home in the dark. Now he hunts the evil creatures that tormented him…”
- Beautiful Savage by Lisa Sorbe <— BLURB JOLT SUPER-BARGAIN THAT NANCY JUST FOUND & I JUST ONE-CLICKED IT!! MARITAL STRIFE (PSYCH-THRILLER???) ALERT & SHE WANTS ANOTHER!! She’s in a loveless marriage and then she reads a book written by her ex… “…As she reads his words, two things become crystal clear: he’s speaking directly to her, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get him back. Rebecca is certain that Hollis is the key to her happiness and quickly devises a mad plan that not only tests her limits, but soon has her life spinning wildly out of control. Because Hollis has a family now, ties to a wife and daughter that won’t be easy to sever. And if he won’t cut them, she’ll just have to do it for him…”
Nancy: Beautiful Savage by Lisa Sorbe … It was on my Wish List since released. I got from your new release list back then! Read the blurb!!
Michal: I loved this book!
Maryse: Oh that makes me so happy to know!!!!! THIS SOUNDS UP MY ALLEY!!!
- Pandemic by Robin Cook <— SUPER-BARGAIN today!! I love this author, and I probably shouldn’t be reading this right now, but maybe I’ll learn something extra from it… so I’m giving it a go. It’s the only thing I can think about right now anyway… “…Although the facts don’t add up to influenza, Jack must race against the clock to identify the woman and determine what kind of virus could wreak such havoc–a task made more urgent when two other victims succumb to a similar rapid death. But nothing makes sense until his investigation leads him into the fascinating realm of CRISPR/CAS9, a gene-editing biotechnology that’s captured the imagination of the medical community. . “
AUDIOBOOK LVERS!
Not a member of Audible yet? Get a free 30 day audible trial (which includes 1 free audiobook + 2 audible originals)
- AND! Audiobook Matchmaker!! <— Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! This is how it works. Click on that link & Amazon will show you all of your Kindle books that are also available as an audiobook at a seriously discounted price. This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
- ➔➔ Audible now has an “Escape” package membership (30 day free trial) – used to be called the “Romance” package <— this one is SO cool, and worth it (unlimited listening for all of the audiobooks in the program, and there are tons – kind of like Kindle Unlimited)!!
- and…
- Firefly Lane: A Novel by Kristin Hannah <— Shirley is LOVING audiobooks!!!
Shirley: Absolutely loving Audible! I have officially subscribed after having a 30 day free trial. I am now listening to Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. So Good and I love the narrator. Absolutely loved The Great Alone also! I know you love making lists so is there or could you start a list for recommended books on Audible…maybe with help from our friends on here.Thank you Maryse!!
Maryse: Hi Shirley! We have three audiobook favorites lists in fact! You can start here: https://www.maryse.net/tag/audiobooks <— I hope that helps!! 😀
Shirley: Thank you Maryse! I must have missed your post regarding Audiobooks. So many great recommendations. Thank you for all you do!
Maryse: YAY!! My pleasure Shirley. I hope you find some awesome ones in there (and let us know if you do). 😀
- A Killer’s Wife: Desert Plains, Book 1 by Victor Methos <— And NAY LOVED IT!
Nay: I wanted to mention that I finished listening to the legal thriller A Killer’s Wife by Victor Methos last night and I really, really enjoyed it. Five stars for sure. It’s extremely well written and I definitely experienced that “gotcha” moment from it. I also thought the narration was great. Highly recommend, especially if you enjoy John Grisham type books.
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )
- Reborn Yesterday by Tessa Bailey – March 16th 2020
- Mating Theory: A Trust Fund Standalone Novel by Skye Warren – March 17th 2020
- Crush the King (A Crown of Shards Novel Book 3) by Jennifer Estep – March 17th 2020
- What It Seems by Emily Bleeker – March 17th 2020
- Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel – March 17th 2020
- All I Ask by Corinne Michaels – March 17th 2020
- Southern Chance (The Southern Series Book 1) by Natasha Madison – March 17th 2020
- The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben – March 17th 2020
- The Shape of Family: A Novel by Shilpi Somaya Gowda – March 17th 2020
- Tempting Talk (Tempt Me Book 3) by Sara Whitney – March 18th 2020
- Sweet Jane by Joanne Kukanza Easley – March 19th 2020
- Inevitable: A Second Chance Standalone Romance by Shain Rose – March 19th 2020
➔➔➔ 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).
Hey Maryse! Where is everyone?! Happy Friday the 13th ….The Trade by Meghan Quinn is calling me. Also, I’m pretty intrigued by Mating Theory by Skye Warren…what the absolute heck?!
I’m here!! I’m falling down the black hole of Coronavirus research. I can’t stop reading… so I’m here… but in mini-freak out mode.
Also I’ve been updating lists. The Alaska Romance list, The Time Travel Romance list, The “What to Read After Drive” list, and yesterday’s Reverse Harem list.
So I’ve been booking, too. 😉 But a little panicking amongst the books. LOL!
Are you worried about getting sick?
I’m not really worried about that. For most it is just a cold.
Oddly the states starting to take steps by shutting down schools and such makes me feel better. It is one way I think we can all feel like we are in control or doing something, not helping the spread of it. Also, it makes me feel communal, lol. Like everyone at home snacking, watching tv, or reading together. Not just a country thing but a global thing to try and stop this spread. The “social distancing ” and “Flatten the curve” makes me feel better like a set plan. 🤷♀️
I was just reading how someone says better to over do the precautions than regret. Except I think everyone can stop buying tp now. I mean how much does the average user in 2 weeks? If mild it’s cold symptoms not stomach virus.
I’m enjoying staying at home. And now we all get to chat. 😉
I’m a little worried about getting sick. I was really afraid I’d catch the flu after 2 of my kids did too though. Just bc I can’t get any space as is, imagine trying to heal your body so you’re at your best with kids fighting, needing, needing, crying and crawling all over you. Also, I don’t like that not a whole lot is known about how it’ll affect you or how to treat. Like, as I write this my kid is dumping milk all over the couch. Apparently his sippy cup is malfunctioning and this is a fun discovery. Another is having a meltdown bc we didn’t get donuts today.
Mostly though, I’m afraid of the unknown. Not just here at home or with the virus, but what comes next because of the virus. This is just the beginning, I think.
Also, huge one for me. I’m not sure how I’m gonna fit in teacher to my resume. I’m already stretched thin, even in the summer or Christmas break or something, I never have down time and homework time as it is is painful to accomplish here. I think bc of the ages. I needed an hour or more with the oldest who was struggling much of the year and it is like that’s the time all hell breaks out with both the younger boys. Fresh on my mind is the 7hours in one day we did hw catch up with the flu (for 1 week, missed). It’s one thing to do a couple hours of review, basically after a full day of learning in class. Another when you’re figuring out the direction on your own.
I’m doing my part to make my life easier by putting a strict restriction on getting dressed only if necessary, to lighten the laundry load. Otherwise, being home is a dream. 😂😂
Tasha I just saw someone post this, unless your school gave you a curriculum to follow.
A lot of work for you but maybe it could be fun. Maybe look through and find a couple that look good to you and then have your daughter help choose from that. I think some links on how to homeschool to. It might help if she could help set up the schedule, something that flows well for her learning style and for you too.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/vt.co/amp/news/us/here-is-the-entire-list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions-due-to-school-closures
Thanks, I may refer to this often. My biggest stressor is the little boys. I have 5 year age gaps between all of my kids so dedicating a ton of effort and time to homeschooling sounds like hell to me right now. They don’t do well entertaining themselves, that’s for sure. Lots of whining, screaming, tantrums and getting into absolutely everything all the time still. Doesn’t make for the easiest environment to sit and try and figure out what we’re doing on a day to day basis. I’m sure we’ll manage, I just hope we keep things where they were, she was doing so well!
Governor just closed all bars and restaurants as of 9pm tonight (except carry out). Yet, still school tomorrow? Doesn’t apply to me as much, but it sure is changing fast.
LOL Tasha… sounds like it. 😛
I’m here!!! But spent the day trying to get supplies. Still no tp.
I’m caretaker for my 87 yr old dad so I have to make sure he has everything he needs and it’s been a bit of a nightmare.
I just finished Tragic by Devney Perry. It was good! 4**** & great narration. Not sure what to read next.
I’m here. I’ve been painting pots today for my Mother’s Day project. My son wanted this really elaborate one painted and this is the first I’ve ever sealed pots, but I read u should so the paint didn’t bubble or something and it left this white, chalky finish all over everything so all my hard work was for nothing. 🙁 I didn’t even get pics before the sealant messed it all up. I used the kids fingerprints all over them so there aren’t even touch ups to be made. We just finished planting the bulbs and now I need a shower and am dreading preparing dinner cuz I’m in the mood to sulk tonight.
I read ZOMBIE PLAYLIST early last week and really enjoyed. It wasn’t like most zombie books where they are fighting them all the time. And of course a soldier that just came home joined her group..
That’s what you always have to do girls-find a soldier with skill set who knows everything and can protect you and is so good looking that you can hardly stand it. That makes the whole horrible zombie experience go a lot better.
OMG HECK YES!!!!!!
I’m here! I’ve prepped as much as I could. People are stealing TP from public restrooms, so… secondary public health issue there! Gross. I agree with Bev, I’m okay with taking these drastic measures if it helps to flatten the curve.
I’ve considered re-reading Station-11, since it was an Avian Flu Pandemic, just for the prepping advice. But that’ll just scare me. It didn’t end well.
I’m happy for more reading time, and I’m sure we’ll be chatting more. I just haven’t found that IT book yet. Started quite a few.
So what’s everyone afraid of? I’m worried that it’ll bring out the WORST of us before it brings out the BEST of us. The potential for systems to break down. Lawlessness. Every man, woman & child for themselves. That kind of thing. Maybe I’ve read too many books. I’m hoping for community spirit. I’m seeing some of both already. On a small scale. Someone stole the TP from my friend’s shopping cart. When she told him, he said he thought it was an abandoned cart. As if. But, another friend posted on FB that she would provide babysitting or meals, no questions asked.
What are you all seeing?
I’m worried for the elderly, that scares me. But other than that nothing.
Try to stay home as often as you can. Soap kills it so wash your hands well. What is it? For like 20 seconds.
I worry that the US hasnt stepped up quick enough and the numbers will increase and the hospitals will be overwhelmed. So I hope people call in first. If you go in it could just spread it faster.
I’m curious as to the political fall out. It looks like local and state authorities have decided to step up on their own in a lot of places.
I dont think we have been effected like this since the 1918 flu pandemic. That was a global horror show. I remember learning about that in history class and it kind of blew my mind and scared me. That one I dont want to see it again, but I remember my teacher being all it will happen again this is what history teaches us while I sat there in horror, lol.
There is the economic repercussions that could happen, except for I guess toilet paper which must be a booming business right now.
I get the psychology behind fear buying and jumping onto what others do, but why toilet paper? I remember a few years ago when the norovirus went through the schools and yet I dont remember a run on tp and that’s the virus that needs it.
I’m eyeing that Marriage for One up there and otherwise thinking of dramas and variety I can catch up on and binge.
Agreed, Bev.
Also my worry is that even though many of us are self-isolating and things are closing for now, everyone is at grocery stores in DROVES, so the public is still completely connected… so this. I don’t know. It doesn’t seem good.
P.S. I’m a natural hermit. There’s nothing better for me than quiet evenings and weekends at home. Even shopping and grocery shopping I do online (and have been for years) except for fresh stuff (and even THAT, I have mostly resolved with the bi-weekly vegetable subscription I receive).
So basically, I go to the grocery store for meat and cheese. That’s it.
I’m not personally seeing anything because I won’t go out except if I have to. I don’t deal well with panic or even enjoy much of that whole competitive high-energy (even during good times of sales and such). But what I see on Facebook posts and pictures and videos freaks me out.
Though a week ago, I went to my local grocery store expecting to see what I’ve been seeing online, and it was very calm, people just shopping. No crazy carts full and all the shelves were fully stocked.
Though this week? I’m afraid to look.
Oh and today I’ve taken the opportunity to make turkey stock (and I mean RICH turkey stock that will be on the stove until at least 7pm).
I also made a pork tenderloin on a bed of leeks, fennel and sweet potatoes.
Separately:
I also made roasted Brussels sprouts (that were marinated in olive oil and lemon juice) and
I also made roasted multi-colored carrots – orange, light orange, and one was white!! Again, drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper.
I’m taking advantage of the quiet weekend.
That sounds nice.
I’m craving corned beef and cabbage so think crockpot version soon.
What are you going to use the stock for?
I use stock for my chicken soups, and gravies, and often when a savory recipe calls for water, I’ll add stock to that too. I always have it in the freezer. When I got sick last year (bad cold) and also during my initial Keto Flu a couple of years ago, I just drank it and it made me feel so much better.
And I can’t wait to make corned beef and cabbage too. That will be my next Saturday meal. 🙂
I’ll still have to go to the store though will try to plan out so I’m stocked up. Especially need to get some more canned dog food or someone is going to be unhappy soon. I went yesterday afternoon and my store was fine. Everybody calm and just shopping. Maybe because it is a smaller rural town. Saw only one or two mass buying some to and all the bananas were gone but that’s it.
All schools and libraries are shut down for now.
I’m with Bev. I’m only worried about people who are elderly or already sick getting it. Other than that, it’s finding what I need because people went nuts and bought it out! lol I went to Target to get dish soap, and it was almost wiped clean. Getting bottled water right now is nuts. People need to realize, your faucet works! *facepalm*
That said, dude’s school is closed. ALL of Santa Clara County’s schools are closed. They reduced the crowd rate to 35 people. Add to that, it’s supposed to rain a lot this week. He’s gonna go stir crazy! We can’t go anywhere fun, because of Covid19. Okay, so biggest fear? He’s gonna drive me insane due to his boredom to the point I’m gonna go screaming and running down the street. ROFL
Oh, happy note? The school district is giving away free breakfast and lunch to the kids while school is out. So those who need it just need to go to one of the schools participating and grab the food to go. They do the same during the breaks and summer but you can eat there, but they aren’t letting people stay due to the whole crowd issue.
That is awesome Tessa. I know that was a big concern, that school meals for some is there only food.
That’s what I thought. The school has been doing it for a few years since the 49ers moved here. One year, they even just made a sweeping free lunch no matter your money status. 🙂 The vacation food is the main place they are putting the 49ers money.
Hi everybody. Here, in Belgium, we’re in a sort of lockdown for the next 3 weeks (or longer) People are allowed to go to work and do the necessary shopping for food. The government said there’s no need to hoard, but people have been fighting over toiletpaper and bags of rice. Everyone is scared. The streets have a “I am Legend” look. I’m trying to stay calm. I’m reading a lot. Only funny, upbeat stories. It helps. Take care everyone !!
Welcome Ann!
One of our fellow readers (R. Renee) is in Belgium right now, visiting. I’m so glad you’re here with us. We’re all in this one together. Let’s read!! 🙂
Maybe we should have a group reading or whatever day? I honestly have been staying away from constant news this time, but maybe we pick a day to do it the whole day?
Instead of social media or news on this we spend the day with books, shows, podcasts, or music. Whatever takes our fancy. It doesnt have to be the same thing.
As we consume come on here and share how the book is, or that song you havent heard on forever.
Well… I am still at work all day (we haven’t closed), so I’m available Saturdays & Sundays until further notice. 😉 And evenings. LOL!
And I’m currently writing a review for a book that did a number on me. I’m not even sure if I love it or not. *sigh*
In Brasil, things are getting tense too. I spent the last year of my life preparing for this test that will allow me to get a job as a “police officer” (the real position only works with the notary part of the job). There were almost 53 thousand people taking the test that was supposed to be today. The government postponed it indefinitely. I’m bummed about it, but I get it. The schools are having their break anticipated too. I guess now I have more time to read all the books on my wishlist. Any recommendations on good romances? I want something amazing like Simple Wild and I haven’t found anything appealing yet.
That has to be a let down after all that work, but you should be proud to accomplish that. Hopefully the test is rescheduled soon.
I’ve been in the longest slump so I’m not up on the newer reads but I’m sure people will chime in soon.
Thanks, bev! 🙂 🙂
Harper!!!
Read another by that same author. I’d say “Until It Fades” 🙂
FANTASTIC. My review: https://www.maryse.net/books/book-review-until-it-fades-by-k-a-tucker.html
Also I LOVE Police Officers!! YAY HARPER!! I’m so happy for you!!!! 🙂 Now… what do you mean about (the real position only works with the notary part of the job).<--- What does that mean?
Our system is completely different from yours, at least from what I know. Here our public security department is divided into special areas (just like yours), but there are two completely different branches. One is responsible for the investigation of crimes and to produce enough proof of the crime and its author to initiate a lawsuit. The other is responsible for enabling crimes on the street and dealing with the day to day security problems. In the end, they cooperate but have different functions. One is the muscle and the other is the brain.
In the investigation branch, which is the one I’m applying to, you can choose different careers. I have no idea how to translate any of them because I don’t know if they exist there, but basically there are the forensic experts, the chief, the police officer, and the registrar. You have to have specific qualifications to apply for each of them and take a different type of test. I’m applying to become a registrar now. I will be responsible for the hearing of the suspects, witnesses, collecting bail, elaborating the report of the findings and other similar stuff. When needed, I will go to the streets and help other police officers with the investigation and dealing with suspects, but it won’t be my primary job. I hope I did a good enough job explaining.
So very cool!!!!! Forensics would have been what I would have loved to do.
Our schools are closed starting tomorrow for at least the next two weeks. Online classes, which should be interesting for the younger students. As the school nurse, I have to monitor “absences” and emails/voicemails from parents. Also have to do 2 professional development courses/day. My kids college moved their finals to online (this week) and then they have spring break and were told to not plan on coming back until sometime in May. As far as grocery stores and other stores, similar shortages of TP, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Was at Target yesterday and was not crazy busy. Have several projects I’m going to do and plan to be a homebody for the next couple of weeks, except for when I have to do my other job with hospice home visits. Some of the nursing homes have closed their doors to any visitors, so can’t see those patients.
Stay safe everyone and good hand-washing and social distancing. 😉