SATURDAY BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!!!!!! Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil<— IS ON SALE!!! *gasp* Thank you bev!!! 😀 I just one-clicked it SO hard! This is one of bev’s most HIGHLY recommended books and Tasha loved it too, and Tasha is my book twin. YAY MEEEEE!!! 😀
bev: Stayed up past two reading Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. I’m still thinking about the characters… …Right book at the right time and just so good. Some one has to read Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. Cmon, you know you all want to.
Tasha: I finished Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. I agree with Bev, more people need to read this book!! It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. I didn’t want to put it down. It’s incredibly powerful and moving. I had tears, many times for the unfairness of it all. And chills a couple times, and some laughs too. I also liked following the mystery and clues to what happened.
There were tons of characters, but I didn’t have any trouble following what was going on. They were very well constructed and I felt deeply for all of them. This book is definitely going on my favorites of 2017 list!
…Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. I think you would love it! It has all the feels..
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! The weekend is mine and I shall be reading!!!! YAY ME!!!
I just finished a book that I’ll be reviewing in just a bit (kept me guessing to the very end), and I’m already into another that I’ll be reviewing in a day or so.
But in the meantime…
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND !!
- The Varlet and the Voyeur (Rugby Book 4) by Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway <— THE LATEST BY PENNY REID & L.H. COSWAY IS LIVE!!! And it’s on Kindle Unlimited too! 😀 “…What he needs is a companion to keep him on the right path. What she needs is an apartment with free rent. Will is convinced Josey will make the perfect companion, since she’s brutally honest and basically ‘just one of the guys.’ Josey is convinced she can ensure Will doesn’t succumb to his voyeuristic proclivities by keeping a scrupulous eye on him…“
D.G.: I just LOVE this series! I was ‘hooked’ *laughs at myself* on the Hooker and the Hermit….a bold alpha and a shy h….and then comes along the OTHER story. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED that we got to see a different side of the ‘bad boy/troublemaker’ from book one! He is huge….most definitely…..he is a hottie…no doubt….he lacks certain skills behind closed doors….unfortunately! This was definitely a first for me where the H was not amazing and even he knew he was not!
- Reckoning (Vincent and Eve Book 2) by Jessica Ruben <— ANGSTY & DARK SOUNDING TRILOGY!!! She’s trying to escape her dangerous city… and then meets a fighter.
Angie: SOOOOO excited about this! GAH
Autumn: AHHH!!! I hope you read RISING! I think you’ll love it! xo
Susan: I loved Rising!!!!!!
- Leaving to Stay: A Bad Boy Rock Star Babies Romance (Baby Fever Book 1) by Nicole Casey <— HE LEFT HER TO BECOME A FAMOUS ROCK STAR... “…Fate brings us back together. And when she comes back into my life, It’s like no years have passed. I’m addicted again, but this time I’m hooked on her. And then she whispers something that turns my world upside down …She has two twin babies, and I’m their Daddy…”
- Whispers at Seaside (Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers) by Addison Cole <— SINGLE MOM HAS A CRUSH ON HER BOSS’S SON… “Having a mad crush on her boss’s son, Matt Lacroux—an intriguing mix of proper gentleman and flirtatious bad boy—is probably not the smartest idea for single mother Mira Savage. Especially when the company, and her job, is already on shaky ground. But as a Princeton professor, Matt’s life is hours away from Mira’s home on Cape Cod, keeping him safely in the fantasy-only zone. And as a single mother to six-year-old Hagen, with a floundering company to save, fantasies are all she has time for…”
- Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas <— Ashley has a whole SLEW of recent favorites for us! Recommendations for MOST of our moods and favorite book genres… SEE BELOW:
Ashley:
- This weekend I reread Birthday Girl….it’s just so good. It’s my top read so far this year.
- I read Unbreak My Heart (Fostering Love) because it kept popping up on the blog and OH BOY that was amazing.
- I also read Arrogant Devil which is the perfect bully book. It’s funny and I loved the heroine and it has a sassy grandma (WHO doesn’t like a sassy grandma! They steal all the scenes they’re in!)
- I’m the one who recommended The Bride Series by S. Doyle! I’m so glad glad you liked it JulieO! I’ve been telling other people about how much I ended up enjoying it.
JulieO: Ashley Thanks so much for recommending THE BRIDE. Like I said, it just sucks you in. And didn’t you just want a Jake of your own? Thanks so much!
- Moments of Disarray: An Alex Kennedy Story by Megan Hart <— MEGAN HART ALERT!! Ohhhh I love Megan Hart (she has a very deep… raw romance writing feel) and she just released this one! “Alex Kennedy knows he’s a rascal. A rogue. An arrogant bastard. He wreaked havoc on his best friend’s marriage by falling in love with his best friend’s wife, and now he’s trying to move on. Sex, drugs, booze, boys, girls and toys. He’s hell-bent on forgetting the past and running toward a future he doesn’t believe he deserves, only to discover the truth in moments of disarray… AHEM!!!!!!!! YOU GUYS. Remember her book “Tempted”? This new release is the sort of… sequel (spinoff). YA GOTTA REMEMBER THAT ONE!!??! *blink blink* 😉 My review *waggles shocked eyebrows* ➔ https://www.maryse.net/books/megan-hart-books/book-review-tempted-by-megan-hart.html
- Atticus: A Woman’s Journey with the World’s Worst Behaved Dog <— SAWYER BENNETT WARM & FUZZIES ALERT!!! Sarah loved this one!
Sarah: Devoured this book. Loved it! A warm fuzzy book. More comedy than romance. But was so nice to read something light hearted especially if you’re a dog lover
- xo, Zach by Kendall Ryan <— KENDALL RYAN FORBIDDENY SUPER-BARGAIN!!! He’s her school adviser…. 😉 “...You hate Mondays so every Monday I slip an anonymous poem into your bag and your smile gets me through the week. I think I’m falling for you, and I know it’s wrong. I know that I’m only supposed to be the adviser to your program and nothing more, but here’s the thing. I think you’re falling for me too…“
- The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. CAREY<— BLURB JOLT ALERT!! POST APOCALYPTIC AND SOUNDS DELIGHTFULLY SCARY & IT’S SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED!!! THIS IS THE PREQUEL TO “The Girl With All the Gifts” & I ONE-CLICKED!!! OMG THIS BLURB!!! “Once upon a time, in a land blighted by terror, there was a very clever boy. The people thought the boy could save them, so they opened their gates and sent him out into the world. To where the monsters lived.“
Amy: Oooooh guys, The Girl With All the Gifts was good. 😀 Messed up, but good.
Marit: I just read The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R Carey. Great book 🙂 A total page turner! And it’s different. It melted my heart ❤️ I know that many of you in here have read it too.
- Act Your Age by Eve Dangerfield <— RISQUE/TABOO ALERT!!! And Anne recommends it!!! 😀
Anne: I would like to add Act your Age by Eve Dangerfield. I read it a few month ago and still think about it. It’s about a woman, who has a crush on her much older boss. So they hook up…and act out their daddy-daughter fantasies. I’m not really into that but the story is so well executed that I couldn’t put it down!
- Secret McQueen by Sierra Dean <— PARANORMAL ALERT!! Melissa C recommends this one!
Melissa C: Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but I really enjoyed the Secret McQueen series by Sierra Dean. Has a little bit of everything and she kinda reminds me of Buffy.
Julie: I love this series. It’s totally worth checking out. You should give it a try.
- All This Time (Sweet Sins Series) by Kathy Coopmans <— THE LATEST BY KATHY COOPMANS IS LIVE!! Rock star alert!! He’s lived in his own darkness clouded by drugs until her… “…Bits and pieces of his memory start to surface after the two of them are caught up in an unexpected photo shoot. She’s rocked his world. He feels the shift. The intoxication. But Miles, he has no recollection of the night they spent together. If he finds out the truth of what happened, it could possibly lead him back to the darkness. And Julia, she holds the secret. A secret that could send Miles back into the dark or straight to his grave...”
- House of Imperial (Secret Keepers Series Book 2) by Jaymin Eve
- Rainbow Place by Jay Northcote <— M/M ROMANCE
- Rebel Pilot, Texas Doctor (Devil’s Rock at Whiskey River Book 1) by Eve Gaddy
- Comfort Zone (Awkward Love Book 4) by Missy Johnson <— MISSY JOHNSON ALERT!! SHE’S HOT FOR TEACHER 😉 “…Walking into Jake’s bachelor party to see my professor motorboating a stripper? Talk about Awkward. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I wasn’t completely hot for the guy. I had been since I first walked into that feline anatomy class and saw him performing chest compressions on a Persian cat named Andrew…”
- Desperate Play (Off the Grid: FBI Series Book 3) by Barbara Freethy <— BARBARA FREETHY ALERT!! “Special Agent Wyatt Tanner has always worked undercover. He thrives in the dark of the night. He survives by turning himself into someone else. But living so long in the shadows can make a man forget who he really is…”
- Fearless: The Complete Novel (Dartmoor Book 1) by Lauren Gilley <— Tessa is getting a kick out of this one!
Tessa: 52% so far and it’s fun. Some slap the stupid person moments, but fun. I just want to keep reading it. Also, I think my angst button is even more broken than before. *nods* I can so see where, a year ago, my tummy would’ve been in knots, but after some of the mafia books I read, nope. No knots. *sighs* Stupid angst box!
- The Bombshell Effect by Karla Sorensen <— THE FOOTBALL STAR & HIS NEW NEIGHBOR ALERT!! “…What he wants is to be a good father to his daughter, the best quarterback possible for his teammates. What he doesn’t need is a blonde bombshell ruining the team’s chances at another championship. Especially when that bombshell turns out to be his new neighbor. The neighbor he was a complete jerk to the first time they met...”
- The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastards, Book 1) by Scott Lynch <— SUPER-SALE ALERT!! bev found us this sale!!
bev: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is on sale. I have had this in my tbr for YEARS! I need to just finally read. Lots of great reviews and sounds fun.
- Twisted Strands (The Handcrafted Trilogy Book 1) by Lilia Moon <— He ties women up to set them free. She’s not looking for his kind of freedom… “...Liane Granger is a flannel-clad artist with a dandelion tattoo and a life that doesn’t need a man, much less the new kitten she somehow acquired when she wasn’t paying attention. She makes handcrafted rope in her small studio on Kootenay Lake and runs an on-again, off-again B&B. One of her best customers is coming to spend the night and pick up a special order. Which sounds really simple until he walks in her studio door and uses her own ropes to tie her up.”
- American Queen (New Camelot Book 1) by Sierra Simone <— THIS TRILOGY “GOES THERE” ALERT!!! And it put R. in a severe book fog, and she can’t get past it!
R: I’m still struggling with my American Queen/Prince/King hangover and can’t seem to focus. The second I get my loan back, I’m putting this down and starting that over.
Maryse: Wow R!!! That is quite a reaction on that trilogy. I haven’t even started it yet… DARN SQUIRRRELING!!!!!! Now I wanna read it.
R: I’ve been obsessed over it for weeks Maryse. It’s bad. I need an intervention.
JulieO: R: I read American Queen the day it came out and had to wait forever for the next book. I think I commented that the end chapter or two was a little eye opening for me because I had never read that being done before. I’m not a prude just never thought of that. Loved those books. Read them twice also. Enjoy again.
Amy: I’ve heard the American Queen series is unique because it goes THERE. After all the hullabaloo I’ve heard about it, I’m thinking I need to give it a shot.
R: It’s so different from my norm! I only picked it up because of what I’d heard about the writing. I have 3 friends reading it now: #1 isn’t sure it’s her thing, #2 knows it’s her thing, but is still on the fence, and #3 is flipping the heck out. 😀 If you decide to try it, I encourage you to get a sample first. It is lendable (but mine have already been claimed). Be prepared for an OTT ride that definitely GOES THERE! And keep in mind, the premise alone is farfetched. It you’re looking for something practical and realistic, this isn’t it.
Amy: I just checked, and I already have American Queen. Well, guess I HAVE to read it now. Practical and realistic? In a book? *snort* Nah, not always needed. 😉
MichelleS: R.Renee – I’m getting a kind of “Original Sinners” vibe from American Queen. Not quite the level of T. Rheisz writing, but some CRAZY stuff for sure!
Leslie M: MichelleS, YES! American Queen did have Original Sinners vibe.
- Kings of Rittenhouse – A Shameless King Prequel by Maya Hughes <— FREEBIE PREQUEL to a GIVEAWAY for the release of book #1 that I’m having next week!!!!! THEY HATE EACH OTHER!!! “Declan and Mak have been at each other’s throats since sophomore year and now it’s time for the party to end all parties for the seniors of Rittenhouse Prep. What’s the worst that could happen?”
AUDIOBOOK LVERS
For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>
- AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
PREORDERS (The next few days & a few of next week’s!!! )
- Mister Tonight by Kendall Ryan – June 18th 2018
- Born to It: Hellions Motorcycle Club (Hellions Ride On Book 1) by Chelsea Camaron – June 18th 2018
- Ghostgirl by J.B. Salsbury – June 19th 2018
- Tattered (Lark Cove Book 1) by Denver Perry – June 19th 2018
- Rainy Day Friends: A Novel (Wildstone) by Jill Shalvis – June 19th 2018
- ELECTRIC IMPULSE: Love, Life & Sex (Book One) by Angel Hilson – June 19th 2018
- Providence: A Novel by Caroline Kepnes – June 19th 2018
Tasha: I read a review for Providence (which I was dying to read anyway) that stated “Providence, a novel for the Stranger Things audience…” and Now my resolve is already broken.
- The Date: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtakding twist by Louise Jensen – June 21st 2018
- One Week by Roya Carmen – June 21st 2018
- Fixed Forever by Lauren Paige – June 25th 2018
➔➔➔ Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).
OMG, am I FIRST?!?
*snags Grey’s glitter bomb and sets it off*
Coffee is on me this morning!!!
Whoot!
Go West coast. Go.
Now….shhhhh.
It’s early.
bev! You’re up, too? Yep, East coast is slackin’ this morning. 😛
Oops! *whispers* Sorry!!
Now let’s try and fully wake up before we head to work. It IS early. *slides mug of coffee over to bev*
I had coffee. With cream. No sugar. No chocolate caramel goodness.
Just… coffee. With cream. *sigh*
LOL!!!
Thanks. I appreciate it.
I love the smell of coffee in the morning. It is one of the best rituals ever.
Now, who is waking Tessa up?
My phone was doing update this a.m. so I was a slacker with the friday a.m. greeting. 🙁
Anyway, happy friday everyone. *tosses belated Friday glitter*
I am listening to Keepsake by Sarina Bowen and reading Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder this weekend.
Maryse do you make a summer tbr or do you mostly just go by mood?
I’m thinking of making a tbr of a handful of books.
bev, I only always go by mood. It changes daily (unless I’m really INTO a book), so I never really stick to my TBR list OTHER THAN, I do end up reading them all eventually (while continuously adding on to them). Or it, I should say. My never ending “OMG I WANT TO READ THIS!!!” TBR list.
Maryse if you like cinnamon maybe iced cinnamon coffee and cream. Or other flavors.
https://abeautifulmess.com/2012/06/homemade-iced-coffee.html
Oh bev!!!!
P.S. My cousin Tanya is into K-Dramas BIG TIME. She just posted this meme (makes me giggle):
https://www.facebook.com/koreaboolive/posts/2184858631736428
bev that sounds DELISH!!!!! Yes. I want that… but no sugar for me, so it will be heavy cream. Maybe stevia. Also I’m missing nutmeg.
If I’d known… I was awake at 4am this morning. Not willingly, but due to little dude waking me up at 4am and not going back to sleep.
Oh, Fearless I put at 4.5 stars. It would’ve been higher, but my angst box is broken. There was only one part that had me feeling angsty, and that was with Aiden, not the main characters. That said, I kinda want to skip the next ones to get to Aiden’s book, but I know that’ll just confuse me. Yep, Aiden is my favorite. 🙂
Maryse, can you have unsweetened cocoa powder? Its delicious in coffee.
Yes, the brooding shower scene.
Mmm cocoa powder in coffee! I need to try that. I’ve used Hershey’s syrup and whipped cream. That’s yummy. Great now I’m craving coffee. Coffee and tacos. And a nap.
EVERYONE! You all know I keep harping on about Mafia and His Angel by Lylah James. It’s THAT good. I went to her Amazon page because the next series book 1 is up on GR (sadly not Amazon) and found the whole Mafia and His Angel series for 0.99!!
https://www.amazon.com/Mafia-His-Angel-Tainted-Hearts-ebook/dp/B07DG48Z2R/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
It’s KU as well, which is how I found it, but now, I own it! YEAH! (I will be re-reading this one).
I’m hoping to finish The Kiss Quotient this weekend and then, if I get any entertainment time, catch up on movies/tv shows. I feel way behind there too. I’ve got 3 Netflix mail dvds here and then I want to catch up on secretary Kim and there’s a new romcom on Netflix that I want to see. I also just borrowed my Mom’s cable password so I could try Younger on the TV Land app. Not that I’ll ever accomplish all that in a weekend, but I’m so behind! A lot of laundry and sweeping today, maybe I’ll even cook supper with the food I bought (doubtful), Father’s Day cake decorating @ the local grocery today, The Incredibles 2 @ the theater tomorrow, and a big supper @ my parents’ Sunday. Yea, let me just squeeze my me time in riiiight…..where? Lol
I’m in a reading slump again. Nothing sounds good. I came off a reading binge with really good books, the Ribbon Duet, The Idea Of You, Transcend Duet, The Hating Game, Red Queen, Off Balance, now where do I go?
I started Jane Yellowrock and will continue. I’ve read Secret McQueen….loved it! Maybe I’ll go reread some of my favorite historicals or a good LaVeryle Spencer. I hate the book doldrums.
That’s right Maryse, I forgot you’re doing keto so no sugar. 🙁 There are a couple of ladies at my work who are doing keto, and they said they feel fantastic.
I’m doing a protein-focused diet (at least 80-100 g daily) and it is working beautifully. I put on some weight over the last 6 months (my own stupid fault for not running as much and bailing on my trainer too often :roll:) and I’ve already lost 20 pounds in the last 2 months. 😀
I obviously don’t gain in small increments. *snort*
I need help. LOL!
I am reading two different books (good, but I’m not in the mood for college-aged angst right now). I want 30-40-something year olds, with real life issues, and of course realistic push-pull, or enemies-to-lovers. Not necessarily second chance romance. I’m in the mood for a first meeting. I like grumpy neighbors, bumping into someone at a bar… bad dates… and then rejection, or well… you know. KA style.
Anyone have a recommendation? I’m desperate. My psych-thrillers are all doing it for me, but I’m bound and determined to fall in love this weekend, and the two romances I’ve started (I’m 25% in, for both) and they feel… too young for my mood right now.
Amy I’m feeling great on Keto, too!! Sleeping is SO much better and I have NO idea why. That is my biggest awesome gain so far, along with no more bloating, water retention and all the other uncomfortable things that come with apparently, too much sugar.
I always figured I didn’t eat that much sugar because I don’t really eat many desserts or even chocolate but the occasional indulgence. But come to find out, it was all my pastas and breads and cereals and granola bars that were doing me in (and those… I DID eat a ton of. Lotsa sugar! WHO KNEW??)
Exactly what I’m looking for in a book also Maryse! I want to fall in love , have some angst, and be captivated. If it’s a series, that’s even better. I can even do PNR. Just something please!
Maryse – Have you read The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry? That one fits what you’re looking for. I’ve really enjoyed all of the books in the Jamison Valley Series, but that’s the first one. Nuts by Alice Clayton is great. After We Fall by Melanie Harlow. To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise. Heart-Shaped Hack by Tracey Garvis-Graves. Unbreakable by Emma Scott (still one of my top favorite reads). Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward has a fun first meeting, so does Dirty by Kylie Scott.
Tessa, who is Fearless by? I’m intrigued and want to look it up.
Maryse, Jojo Moyes- One Plus One. Not K.A. style, but you’ll love it. I’m sure of it. Little grumpy meet, fun road trip, real life problems, a little drama, funny, brainy kid, moody kid, and romance!! That was probably poorly described, but you should try it!
I also really love Amour, Amour by Krista and Becca Ritchie but that might be too young for what you’re looking for.
Okay Maryse, I’ve got one for you. There really isn’t any push-pull, and it’s not enemies-to-lovers. There are no grumpy neighbors, and they don’t meet at a bar or bump into each other randomly.
But it’s realistic. And you WILL get some feels. And confusion. And WTF-is-going-on. And I *believe* they were late twenties to mid thirties.
1986 by Morgan Parker. Deals with buildup to the Chernobyl meltdown. And a cheating wife. And it’s bittersweet. And ohhhhhhh has it stuck with me even after all this time. My heart ached at the end for so many reasons. So. Many. Reasons. I had no idea who was the right guy and who was the wrong guy.
Now I want to go and re-read the last quarter of it…
You know what I’ll say, so I’ll refrain. 😉
Bad bad bad day at work. Not the end of the world but bad. An answer to one of my stresses I had no control over. I’d put a crying emoji but don’t know how. So I bought ice cream.
I LOVE Unbreakable! Cory is my book boyfriend for life! <3
Amy, Lauren Gilley wrote it. Everyone got my books as a favorite pick this month and they chose Fearless for me. I’m glad because I really did love it. 🙂
Maryse, in the Moore series by Julie A. Richman they are older. They do meet as kids, but things go wrong, and the actual story starts as adults with flashbacks of when they were younger. The story really tugged at my heartstrings when I read it and still is pretty memorable.
Happy friday and yeh weekend! Been a crazy week and just caught up on all the comments.
Finished Constant and Consequence. Good mafia story, little redundant on the writing and book 2 dragged some but overall a good series.
Now I think I will read Allesandra Torre’s latest, since book 2 will be soon out.
So the Netflix romcom is called Set it Up, it’s really good!
Very excited for A Torre’s second nook to come out. Loved EVEN MONEY and ALL IN should be out in a couple of days.
Tessa…have you read THE BOSS’S LOVE by Casey Clipper? I thought it was a good mafia book.
Maryse…the MOORE SERIES is good but what you really need to read is YEARS BY LAVRYLE SPENCER. Your mom and I have been bugging you about it for years! About as down to earth as you can get. Just read it and get it over with and make us happy. I guarantee you will enjoy.
LOL JulieO!!! You, my mom AND my aunt!!!
Hey, everyone!
I’m riiding with hubs in a 26 foot Uhaul through the mountains outside Chattanooga, taking son #1 back to college and his first apartment.
I have had zero time to read this week. I had a bunch of chapters to edit, along with buying furniture to replace what we’re giving to our son. It was an awesome excuse for me to finally get new living room furniture!
bev, in answer to your question earlier in the week, I haven’t gotten far in this book yet. I’m only at 28%—just because I’ve been so crazy busy. But I’m dying to see what happens at the end (although I have a guess).
Maryse, You squirreled, correct? If so, I can see why. The writing is great, but it’s a bit slow going so far.
If you all made a summer tbr of books that you really want to read what would they be?
1. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. I have the pb somewhere hanging around for years. And I miss reading fantasy.
2. Unconventional by Maggie Harcourt. A trip to book conventions in the UK? My kind of armchair travel.
3. Most of All You by Mia Sheridan. I saw a positive review that had me interested.
4. Royals by Rachel Hawkins. I like the idea of the people surrounding those in the spotlight.
5. My Not so Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella. I love the cover and she makes me laugh.
6. All In by Simona Ahrnstedt. It has good reviews and translated from Swedish. I’m really curious to read a translated CR.
7. Ghosted by J.M. Darhower or Until it Fades by K. A. Tucker? Oh, the love on here for these two.
8. A Kiss to Die For by Claudia Dain
9. Sustained by Emma Chase. Sounds fun.
10. Abroad by Liz Jacobs. Occasionally the cover will pop into my head.
It’s funny. This could easily be a quarter of my summer reads in years past, but now almost looks like too much.
But I think these would be the ones I’d like to finish or at least try them. Will I? *shrug* Moods are ever changing. If they were all physical it’d be a pretty pile.
TO TELL THE TRUTH SHAME THE DEVIL IS ON SALE!!!
Sorry, had to pull an Ela.
GAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU BEV!!!!!! I just one-clicked it SO HARD!!!!! *wiggles*
If you try it I hope you like it. *fingers crossed*
Bev, I’ll hold your hand and also cross my fingers, what shall we chant? Lol!
Kid FREE for the night (minus baby). I shall watch at least 1 Secretary Kim. I just have to do dishes and dinner and no more chores. Yay!! 🙂
Maryse, I bet you would like Heart Shaped Hack or Unbreakable as you love those authors. Plus, picky-pants me loved them. 😉
I also think you would like the Needing More series as its very emotional & tear jerky but it is a second chance romance.
I’m a bit worried. And should tell people it is not a romance, though lots of personal connections.
I hope you get into Secretary Kim.
🙁 🙁 TTTSTD isn’t on sale in Australia. In fact it’s $12.99 aussie dollars, which is a lot for a kindle book. I’ll keep on waiting till it’s on sale here bev. It does look good.
I like your reading plan, bev. I want to read All In too. I’m intrigued by that one. I think you might like Sustained. Really lovely dynamics between the MCs and a whole family of cute kids. And it’s an easy read. Why don’t you start there?
I read the Lies of Locke Lamora ages ago and did like it ok for a fantasy read but I didn’t like it enough to read any more in the series. I don’t recall it being a romance btw, but then again I just read and really liked Silence Fallen (Briggs) and that’s not a romance either, really. So there’s that.
Maryse
I think the book mentioned with the KA feel was LESSONS IN CORRUPTION. His dad is in an MC and he’s in high school and you can figure it out. It’s good but I liked the second book better
If reading a different genre I don’t expect romance, though appreciate it if they want to add it.
*waves* sorry. Busy busy here. I chaperoned a major field trip yesterday and then this weekend is my daughter’s dance recital. And we are camping. I’m exhausted… 1 more weeks. 1 more week…
So I’ve been reading If You Say So off and on all day, and I can’t remember the exact point in the book where people have been getting pissed off, but I’m just getting to 70%, and all I’m feeling is some delicious angst, so we shall see!
I like be reading this blog. First I want to say thanks for the tip on the Tripped books by Nicole Archer. Fantastic. Wanted to put a plug in for Dark Notes by Amy Goodman. Audible has the five start listen. When you start you can’t stop. This is one of these books we are always looking for or the book you don’t want to end.
Nay…I just finished IYSS earlier, and I did appreciate the non-traditional ending (LOVE those).
Unfortunately, I just wasn’t all that impressed with the book overall because of the writing (I skimmed…A LOT). I didn’t feel much for the h or H either way so I was “meh” with what happened. But, like I said, there is definitely some appreciation from me for where the author went with it. 😉
Omg! The Perfect Mother is on sale for 3.99!! I’m surprised it did so close to release.
The problem with mysteries and thrillers is I always want to read the end first.
The journey is the best part though. With mysteries like BLL and The Perfect Mother, or even To Tell the Truth, I’m so wrapped up in the characters lives and drama, the reveal is just a bonus.
Oh, I totally agree with you. One of the reasons an HEA doesn’t bore me, because the story is in how they get to it. Bit I’ve always liked to read the last page so when I start a psych thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10, it’s like I’m Denise the Menace with a button he shouldn’t push.
Ok Bev, I made a *tentative* summer TBR.
But first, I need to comment on yours. Sustained is perfect for lighter read and if you like kids, you will love it! Ghosted…GAH! That punched me in the feels. Emotional, 2nd chance romance with the cutest kid ever. Until it Fades is slow burn but totally surprised me and was not boring AT ALL!
Summer TBR:
1. Finish True North Series by Sarina Bowen (currently on book 3 & loving series)
2. Riders on the Storm by Robin Hill *lights spark under R’s butt* 😉
3. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover
4. Kiss Me Back by Sidney Halston
5. Only You by Melanie Harlow
6. Neighbors by Stylo Fantome
7. Survival of the Richest series by Skye Warren
8. One Week by Roya Carmen
9. The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland
10. Bring Down the Stars by Emma Scott
Okay bev, I clicked Tell the Truth. No promises as to when I’ll read it (I have to be in just the right mood to get sucked into a thriller) but it is officially in my TBR. 😉
And hey, it’s by the lady who wrote Jellicoe Road so I’d be surprised if I didn’t like it!
That looks like a great list, Leslie. I had one last year, but did not stick to it. Last summer was also the start of my slump though.
Lol, I like how happy you are that the slow burn wasn’t boring.
I’m trying to think of how to label To Tell the Truth.
Part thriller, part mystery, part procedural, and part general fiction. But blended so well. And so much more. Cast of characters that are all interesting and well drawn. All these stories that make up one whole story.
IDK, Tasha? What do you think?
Summer TBR:
1. Re-read American Queen by Sierra Simone
2. The Definition of Fflur by ES Carter
3. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
4. Ravensong by TJ Klune
5. Long Live the Beautiful Hearts by Emma Scott *lights spark under Emma’s butt.
Oh…and finish Riders on the Storm 😉
TBR(maybe) for summer:
1. R.–Move that last comment to #1, so it can be my #1 on my tbr list!!! 😉
2. The Movie Trilogy by Kimberly Adams
3. Catch up on Melanie Harlow books
4. Miss February by Karen Cimms
5. R. – I usually love Christina Lauren books- but the cost and a new Emma Scott book- yeh, that goes on the list too!!
6. All Your Perfects- the premise does sound good Leslie
Sunday to-do list:
– go to horse races with hubby
– line up summer TBR list (subject to change…because SQUIRREL!)
– laze around and READ
😀
I keep bumping the CL book because of the cost too. Especially after buying the 3 American Queen books and Fflur!
I have the CL book. I wish all books had a loan.
I forgot about the new TJ Klune. That will be a squirrel.
Cheryl like you have some series or authors I’d like to catch up on, we will see how it goes.
I just wanted a “stack” going into summer. I miss a good stack of books, looking at digital covers doesn’t quite give the same feel.
Amy, please wear a huge hat and bet on the underdogs…..or a good name.
Oh bev, I most definitely WILL be wearing a big hat. I have a gorgeous new bright green wrap dress (I’m obsessed with wrap dresses right now and have bought a stupid amount lately :roll:) and a beautiful tan/beige wide-brimmed hat to wear with it.
And I almost always bet on the underdog, especially if they have a good name. 😉
Just finished episode 2 of Secretary Kim and Bc I don’t subscribe to Viki, the other episodes are locked for 16 days. :/ I’m into it too.
Summer TBR –
-Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
-Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
-American King by Sierre Simmone
-Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven
-Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
-Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews (The finale of the series! *cries*)
-Blood Match by KA Linde (I LOVE her take on a vampire dystopian!)
-Submitting in Vegas by Sam Mariano (It releases on my birthday! Happy birthday to me!)
-Trust Again by Mona Kasten
That’s a good start to my list. 🙂
Plus a whole bunch of incomplete books, but I refuse to rush those. I’ve had authors rush a book and they end up so obviously rushed, it ruined what could’ve been an awesome story. (Remember the end to the Never, Never series people?) So take your time R. I’m willing to wait for you to love it. 🙂
Summer tbr (realistically maybe 2 or 3 of these)
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
2. The rest of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series
3. The rest of the Butterfly Garden series
4. The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
5. Providence by Caroline Kepnes
6. How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
7. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
8. Legendary by Stephanie Garber
I think you’re pretty spot on w/your description Bev. Honestly, I loved Jellicoe Road back when I read it, but I don’t remember much about it. This one stuck with me more.
Darn it Tasha. I wasn’t thinking about that. I hate when they do things like that.
But I’m happy you got into it. I love that he is so narcissistic but still likeable. And I can’t wait for her to break out and make her own life.
Let me know if you want recs for older ones why you wait or if you have the free time, which I know is rare for you.
Oh, I don’t know if you like recaps, but I love them.
https://www.dramabeans.com/shows/whats-wrong-with-secretary-kim/
Yes. Their chemistry is fun and I want to know more about this older brother, the nightmares, and who she’s looking for/what happened when she was young.
I finished without reading the end first.
Amy, I just purchased a DVF wrap dress on eBay. Now I need somewhere to wear it!! One thing I have discovered about wrap dresses for me is a need to sew a snap at the boobs to keep them covered more. Then if going on date night with hubby, can always un-snap and be a little more daring! 😉
OMG I LOVE DVF!!!!! When I used to watch King of Queens, Carrie’s wrap dresses were to die for!!!!
I couldn’t wait and googled it instead of the app. I’ve finished episode 3! Lol And that’s all I have time for today….grrr, I can see why these are so addicting. Like binging a good show on Netflix.
So addicting. You know with the subscription you might get a month free…
I love how he doesn’t break expression on the rides. And then when he thinks she is offering her pink scarf, lol.
Some recs:
Healer: this left me on a high. I had eps I re watched like R re reads books. The OTP our WONDERFUL together and apart. The lead is the same actress as in Secretary Kim. Perfect blend of action and romance. Just….smiling writing this.
Fight My Way: same lead actor as Secretary Kim. Really strong friends to lovers romance. It was really a fun watch and both leads are great. It is one of those ones I liked while watching and like more the more I think back on it. Great summer romance.
Coffee Prince: Gong Yoo! Seriously when my crush was born. So many love this one and it is deserved. The h is a tomboy who the H mistakes as a guy. She let’s him believe it for job reasons. He starts to really fall for her which obviously confuses him. Great confession scene. Also, you do not really need to suspend belief that she is a boy. The actress inhabits this role. Took me a couple was to really get into it but I love it.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo: Gah. The H is a puppy and the two of them are a pile of puppies. This takes place at a sports college. He is a swimmer and she a weight lifter. She has good confidence until her first crush which has her questioning being a weightlifter, her body, and her femininity. It is just a wonderful confection of a show.
Because This Life is Our First: this is the show that the Viki subscription got me with. It is from the same director as Secretary Kim. Starts slow but, oh I loved it and its quirky hero. Has a marriage of convenience and forced cohabitation tropes. Great secondary characters with their own compelling story lines. Love the friendships. Fumbled a bit at the end but still one of my favorite watches last year.
Bow-chick-bow-wow Cheryl!! Date nights with hubby are ALWAYS a reason to get daring! 😛 And I’m with you on adding a snap to the front. If I don’t add a snap or pin the dress, the girls will end up popping out at the most inopportune times, LOL!
DVF wrap dresses are absolutely gorgeous. Did you get a good deal on the dress?
I love maxi and midi wrap dresses, ruffly or snug, even hem length or high-low length, print or solid. Love. Them. All. This is the one I wore today with nude strappy heels and my wide-brim hat *nods to bev*:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chelsea28-ruffle-wrap-dress/4733786?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&fashioncolor=Green&color=green%20pepper
OMG AMY that is a beautiful dress!!!!! Kelly green! Gorgeous!
Oh! Speaking of adding snaps to the dresses, I picked up this one recently and HOORAH! It already had a snap in the boob area:
https://m.macys.com/shop/product/michael-michael-kors-cold-shoulder-wrap-dress?ID=6070026&CategoryID=5449&experience=responsive&pdpserver=internal
Very pretty Amy. Hope you won.
Thank you, ladies! I fell in love with the dress and figured the races would be a perfect place to wear it. And it flutters! Felt like I was playing dress up. 😉
I won a little bit, bev. Enough to rub it in hubby’s face that we should pick based on names, LOL!!
Also, bev, you already KNOW I’m throwing a vote in for both Ghosted and Until It Fades. Both have adorable little girls who steal the scenes, and the adults actually act like adults. They were both perfect in their own ways.
AGREEEEEEED!!! I’m in with Amy on those votes.
Also… Sustained. I can’t remember if you read it, but it’s perfect!
Thanks for the recs! I’ll add em to my tv watch list.
Actually, I haven’t read Sustained yet but I do have it. Isn’t that the one where he gets involved with an h who has a bunch of little ones (her nieces and nephews) and he’s totally out of his element?
Yes ma’am!!! And it is so witty and flows just right and the kids are hilarious and totally believable. This was a smart one!!!
Maybe they will be my first three off of my list. Sounds like though similar elements all different. Almost summer. Made a paper list too.
PAPER???!!! What’s paper?
*snort*
I make paper lists too. 😉
I love a paper and pen list…..though I rarely complete them. It’s horrible.
I even have a list of potential dramas to watch this summer.
Paper…isn’t it the flat material that cuts our fingers? *snort*
Alright, I’m adding Sustained to my summer list. Y’all know I’m not a fan of all-male POV, but I think it could work for me with that one.
Um, I still use a paper list for my grocery shopping. I don’t like not being able to cross things off as I throw them in the cart. *shrugs*
Amy, those two dresses are great!! I got a great deal on the dress. No fun horse race to wear it to though!
I love making lists, on paper and make one just about every day at work. Although I usually forget them at home when I go to the grocery store.