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Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 08-21-2020

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HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! I hope everyone has an amazing weekend whether you’re hoping for fun and adventures, peaceful and cozy, or loaded in reading time! 😀 Speaking of which, we’ve found and gathered some amazing book recommendations AND a few new releases!!

Today’s “Blast From Our Book Past” highlights,

P.S. Make sure to check out today’s newsletter sponsor!! Blair Babylon’s latest release “One Night in Monaco” is LIVE and it’s on sale today!! <— She gives us awesome detail about his new series and her writing process. 😀

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND :D !!

And…

Liz: I just finished Heart Bones, it was absolute perfection. There is nothing I would change about it. I sure had my doubts when I was in the middle of it, but the beauty of it all emerged.

I imagine that Colleen started the book and got her inspiration with A line from her book. “There’s a saying from Maya Angelou that reminds me of our situation. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”.

My heart bones sure felt this one.

Ashley: Ok I’m sure you are on it, but gah! You have to read Heart Bones immediately. She’s done it again! It’s one of those books where I feel like I need to take a reading break because it’s not fair to the other perfectly wonderful books if I read them next. It’s that good. Ahhh

Maryvic: Hi Maryse! Happy Friday! I hope this is the right place to put this but I would love to make a book rec, two actually, because I believe they deserve more attention.

The books are written by an author duo Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue called Devil May Care and A Deal With The Devil, a series featuring different couples from the same world/high school setting.

I highly recommend both! Well written, solid storyline, developed characters, and filled with swoony moments—the sa-wooon kind! I wish I could experience reading them for the first time again. They are that good!

  • Wicked Forever (Wicked Bay Book 8) by L A Cotton <— The conclusion to the edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L A Cotton <— LIVE!!
  • The Boyfriend Diaries: A Romance Box Set Collection by S.E. Law <— SERIES BUNDLE SUPER-BARGAIN!!
  • If You Break (The Redeemed Book 1) by J Rose <— LIVE!! M/F/M ROMANCE!! “…Forced back into a body she longed to escape, Lexi is initiated into the world’s best kept secret. The shadowy society of The Redeemed. A motley collection of lost causes brought back from death by a mysterious force, known as the Vitae. It is a fresh start, but this second chance does not come without a price. Lexi will be tested, forced to confront the trauma of her past and the danger of her present. Because a war is brewing beneath the surface and every good army needs a survivor.  All she needs to do is stay alive, and somehow keep her fragile heart intact against the two men determined to claim what is left of her soul...”
  • Sanctum (Blackwater Pack Book 1) by Hannah McBride <— LIVE!!
  • House Of Dragons 5: The Siblings (The Cami Bakersfield Saga) by Samantha Snow <— LIVE!!
  • Kitty Valentine Dates a Fireman by Jillian Dodd <— LIVE!!
  • Wasted: A Single Daddy Rockstar Romance by Andrea Smith and Gina A. Jones <— LIVE!! SHE THINKS HE LOVES HER!! “...Stacie Coulter is from the wrong side of the tracks, but that doesn’t stop her from fan-girling Emmett’s band: Wasted. She is infatuated with Emmett, and mistakes a one-night stand as a declaration of love, and is determined to prove that to Emmett. She continues to pursue, too immature to realize that things with a wannabe rock star often fizzle long before they sizzle. Right before Emmett is due to leave on tour with the band, Stacie drops a bombshell that will forever change his life...”
  • Shadow Lake Vampire Society: The Vision by Wendi Wilson and Katie French <— LIVE!! “…I take a job at Camp Shadow Lake, a place where nothing is what it seems. Every counselor is beautiful and aloof, including Levi Kass—who is as hot as he is hostile. I don’t know what I did to make him hate me, but he seems to want to eat me alive...”
  • Some Like It Greek: A completely laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by Sue Roberts <— LIVE!!
  • Fated Silk Book One : Memoirs of the Apprentice by P. Willow <— LIVE!!
  • One Night in Monaco by Blair Babylon <— SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED TODAY!! HE DISAPPEARED... “...too many people in Monaco think he might be a danger to them. He never should have been there. But he was. And so was Simone. She’s trouble from our past at boarding school. Her husband is a good friend of some of the people who would be happier if Maxence wasn’t around anymore…“ P.S. The author is today’s newsletter sponsor!!! 😀
  • Legacy Academy: Year One: Paranormal Academy Romance by M Guida <— LIVE!!
  • Leslie M is looking for her next read:

Leslie M: What can I read that won’t stress me out? I just can’t do sad and emotional but yet I’m not in mood for an over the top comedy either. A light, happy romance is what I need.

Diana: Idk if u like historical fiction or fantasy, but they’re my go-tos when I want to escape. HF is generally more light hearted, so it might be your best bet. I’m a stan for anything Julie Garwood, Lisa Kleypas, Judith McNaught, etc. I’ve read them all multiple times, so I’m biased.

Leslie M: Hi Diana! Thanks for the suggestions. I pretty much only read contemporary romance (despite my love for Twilight) but probably need to give historicals another try.

Mony: Hi Leslie, Hmm…light, happy, contemporary romance, you say? Here are some of my favourites…maybe you’ll find one in this list…Good Luck!

Note: * = Really loved these

  • The Artists Trilogy by Karina Halle <— NANCY’S PICK FOR A BLAST FROM OUR PAST SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!!! She found it on super-bargain!!! We went CRAZY for it. Ahhhhhhh Javier. BAD BAD Javier. 😏❤️😏❤️❤️❤️ P.S. Here’s the proper reading order including Javier’s prequel (where I fell in LOVE with him) and the spinoffs:

Nancy: I think I was one of the only ones who preferred Camden over Javier!!

Kat: No, Nancy I preferred Camden too. I loved Camden so hard

Nancy: I felt back then like I was all alone! I really was out-numbered!

Kat: Nancy yes we still are out numbered. But I stand with you Camden love always

Isabel: Oh, I loved Javier!! 😍 I should re-read this series. I’m not sure I’ve read the kids’ books.

Cézanne: He’s so terrible and yet I love him so lol.

Maryse: I think he was my first “bad guy” love. LOL!!!

Sherry: Oh Cam 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I remember our conversations about our two favorites. Me Cam, you Javier ☺️

Teri: Nope Nancy you were not alone. I hated Javier. Much preferred Camden!! I think this series was Karina Halle’s best work

Rebecca: Thank you- just bought the first one!

Vesper: Thanks for spreading that awesome news. Bought immediately ❤

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS!

  • ➔➔ 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… if you’re not an audible member yet, you can get the first 4 months for 46% off this summer!!!

and…

  • Dangerously: A Femme Fatale Romance by M. Never <— JUST WENT LIVE!! “…A femme fatale caught between two men. One a Boston crime boss. The other an Irish gun for hire. Both my enemies. Both dominant. Deadly. And dangerously seductive. Both want something from me…”

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

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Tasha J

😲😲😲 Literally screamed just now when I went to put a toon on for the kids and saw Chemical Hearts on prime!!! I forgot, cuz life and surprise!!! Someone take my kids so I can watch in peace! 😂

Reply
Maryse

OMG!!! I hd no clue and now I know what I’ll watch when I get home. 😀

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Michele G

Yay!! Thanks Tasha for the reminder!!

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Tasha J

Yay! Maybe we’ll all watch together tonight! Just saw Lucifer released on Netflix too! I ❤️ that show. ☺️

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Maryse

I’m watching it RIGHT NOW just started.

I’m exhausted today and all I want is to be a couch potato.

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Tasha J

I’m starting now, was it good? Will I feel it as much as the book?

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Tasha J

It was good for me! I think it did the book justice, though I probably felt more strongly when I read it than watching.

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Maryse

It was good, and very heartbreaking (her reasoning for being so angry and secluded). WOW. Made me melancholy at the end… bittersweet for sure.

I bet the book is better though.

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Maryvic

Hi Maryse! Happy Friday! I hope this is the right place to put this but I would love to make a book rec, two actually, because I believe they deserve more attention.

The books are written by an author duo Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue called Devil May Care and A Deal With The Devil, a series featuring different couples from the same world/high school setting. I highly recommend both! Well written, solid storyline, developed characters, and filled with swoony moments—the sa-wooon kind! I wish I could experience reading them for the first time again. They are that good!

Reply
Maryse

Hi Maryvic! You bet this is the right place. 🙂 I’ll add them in today!!

Reply
Jan

I’ve got my eye on some books coming out over the next month.

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh. 25th Sept. New one in her popular Westcott historical romance series. This one is about Jessica, sister of the Duke of Netherby (from book 1)

A new duet from Susan Fanetti is coming in September, the Golden Door Duet. La Bellezza (The Beauty) comes out on the 5th and Il Bestione (The Beast) comes out on the 19th. They are kind of prequels or connected to the Pagano family books apparently. Set around the start of the twentieth century, about a brother and a sister who flee Sicily to make their home in America, but don’t find settling in to the new world is easy. I’ve preordered both. Can’t wait! 😀

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Amy

Happy Friday, ladies!

Wow, how long has it been since I’ve said that?

I started Heart Bones, and I’m so excited to have what sounds like it will be another CH emotion churner.

So tell me, what books have had all y’all in frenzy over the past several months?

Reply
Melinda

Wow Amy, long time no see.

Where have you been? We all missed you! 😊
I just read a fantastic book called Rapture by NN Britt and Nay was the editor and Robin helped too. Great book 5 stars from me. It was a Rockstar book. My Favourite.
Also read Flock and Exodus by Kate Stewart. Both 5 stars too. Loved them.
So many good books.

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Amy

I’ve been dealing with some stuff over the last few months, but I’m doing better now. 😊

Kate Stewart is a definite click for me! Flock is now in my library!

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mony

Happy times…rain has stopped, a beautiful sunny day on the lake ☀️, no moose anywhere (haha Maryse 😏)
My 4-month old grandson keeps looking at the lake, his eyes darting everywhere, like he can’t take it all in. All of us are here – some sleeping on tent platforms with beds & warm blankets (goes down to 55 deg. F at night).
I hope this time can get me through the upcoming winter…☺️

Reply
Maryse

LOL!! This just took me back to my college days. We camped A LOT. Tents by a lake in the woods… cooking only over a fire. Cold at night but so cozy. Ahhhhhh WOW!!! I remember.

Reply
Maryse

I just put a meatloaf in the oven!!! 60% ground beef, 40% ground pork, and I threw in about 6 slices of applewood smoked bacon (I also ground that up) for extra yummy flavors.

I followed about 4 different recipes. LOL! So… yeah. We shall see. I ground up super tiny, one green bell pepper, one medium Vidalia onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 3 huge mushrooms. And I mean GROUND up, so you’re not getting chunks of veggies.

Then of course, the flavors… ketchup, herbs & salt & pepper, mustard, worcestershire, eggs, bread crumbs… (no this is NOT Keto) but still a nice meal and a slice here and there shouldn’t hurt too bad. 😉

Reply
Maryse

Oh and the top glaze, I mixed 50/50 ketchup & smokey peach barbecue sauce that is delicious on its own.

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bev

I love meatloaf, especially sandwiches the next day.

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Maryse

THE BEST!!!!

Reply
R. Renee

Meatloaf sounds so good right now!

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mony

my meatloaf never turns out 🙁

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Tasha J

I couldn’t stand meatloaf growing up. It was one of the most disgusting foods on the planet if u asked me. As a grown up 😂, I decided it was good, my version, that was basically a hamburger log. I’ve developed a taste for the moister better homes and garden recipe, but I leave out onions and opt for powder. I don’t like bacon on it either, the more basic, the better.
So, I thought I’d enjoy eating it at my folks’ the other day, cuz I’m a grown up and I like it, right? Wrong. They cooked it on top of potatoes, it was greasier than mine, the color was off, and I picked out all the peppers and onions. And there was ketchup on top, which, I like, it’s in my recipe too. But, it tasted funny. And not like so bad I couldn’t eat it, but not so different and give me more either. I couldn’t figure it out. Then Mom said something about how that sauce does give it a different taste. And I said, what sauce? Manwich. Freakin Manwich. Also, one of the most disgusting things on the planet.
Nothing against your meatloaf of course, but I just ate this this week and your dinner reminded me of it. 😂🤣

Reply
Maryse

LOL!!!!!!!

I never had meatloaf growing up (I’m assuming ’cause my dad hated it? What he loved, we ate. That was that). So no meatloaf.

And then one day I had a meatloaf sandwich and I was in heaven.

Now… I make meatloaf. I miss the mashed potatoes or the bread for sammiches, or even macaroni and cheese on the side, but every once in awhile I make it anyway, and have a few bites.

Like… this weekend. 🤣

Reply
Melinda

We don’t really eat much meatloaf in Australia but Meatballs are a must. My recipe is 1/2 pork mince and 1/2 veal or beef minces parsley risoni pasta 1/2 a cup. 2 cloves garlic, Parmesan cheese grated 3/4 cup, I finely chopped onion. Mix altogether, roll into balls then place in casserole dish pour over Passata tomato sauce. Then top with a mix of Parmesan cheese and Italian mix cheese 11/2 cups or fully covered. Cook on 180 for 50 min. This is to die for. Deiicious. Serve with salad or veggies.

Reply
Maryse

Melinda I LOVE MEATBALLS!!!!!! When I was eating pasta, it took me everything not to simply order “spaghetti and meatballs” when I went to Italian restaurants. Everyone was always like… “REALLY? That’s what you’re going to order, you can have that anytime.”

BUT I LOVE THAT ANYTIME!

Reply
Maryse

Also… we never had Manwich.

I bet I would love it.

😂

Reply
Tasha J

I challenge you to try it and enjoy it.

Reply
Maryse

😂😂😂

Reply
Jan

I had to google manwich. Never heard of it. AFAIK we don’t have it in Australia. Sounds like that may be a good thing LOL. I do like a decent meatloaf, though.

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Tasha J

You aren’t missing out. 😉

Reply
Jan

LOL

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mony

Any good meatloaf recipes? I even screw up the Lipton’s Onion Soup recipe 🙁

Reply
Tasha J

https://www.bhg.com/recipe/beef/meat-loaf/#page=0

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mony

Big thanks Tasha! And I’ll try the baking dish technique!

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Tasha J

I find it easier to shape a loaf on a lg baking dish do get grease off/cooks faster.

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Amy

I hated meatloaf as a child, but now that I can make it MY way I love it.

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