Look what just went live!! Today’s latest Friday Finds and Reader Recommendations…

Crap Jean that one too! I read your review. It looks like a K. Halle cover, doesn’t it?? Love the blurb!

R, yes it does look like a K. Halle cover! You guys know I’m usually all for the broken hero, well in this book, the heroine is broken…..so good!

OMG Fabi I love that you practically need a separate calendar for reading. No one understands our lives.

It’s payday! Yay!!! Thank God! So I get to buy a couple, now to decide what I want… I need to finish the ARC that I’m proofing but I have a headache and I don’t want to miss anything, so I’m gonna switch out …decisions, decisions.

So insanely jealous of everyone that is at SBC this weekend too. That would be my ultimate wish, to get to meet some of my literary heroes, pick their brains, get autographs and pictures…gives me the chills just thinking about it!

What is everyone up to/reading tonight?

I haven’t finished, I don’t get to sneak away from work to read. *shakes fist at work*
Not really I like my job.
I’m not sure what I should say when done. I don’t want to give too much away if any choose to read it. Especially you Marmy readers if I’m too relieved you’ll be disappointed.

M.N. Forgy has her Devil’s Dust MC series bundled & released yesterday for $9.99….this afternoon it went down to $.99!!! Get it while you can!!!

Thanks Maryse! *blushes feeling the love* AND I am all about the weekend!

Now if I had a big ole glass of watermelon Chardonnay frappe I would be …happy and lit.

I’ve never even seen the movie but I loved the latest musical tour. Best show I’ve seen since American Idiot.

Wow! Last night I kept checking and there was nothing…crickets on here, and tonight, when I haven’t been checking, y’all have written a novel!! lol

Cheryl–I did the exact same thing with my oldest son last year during his freshman year at college–more than once. He was a wreck that first semester. Hope yours gets adjusted soon!

R–I just got on here to say that One True Loves is breaking my heart! But I love it!!!

Grey–I live for those books too! We could be Greynay Marmys!

Bev–I love most all of them–Death, cheating, love triangles–anything that rips my guts out; however, right now, I do try to steer clear of any death books that have to do with a heart problem. I was watching all the seasons of Grey’s Anatomy earlier this year and I had to stop because there were too many gravely ill heart patients (and if any of you watch Grey’s, I have the same thing that Izzy’s boyfriend, Denny, had for his bad heart, but at the time that I watched it, I had NO idea what it was, much less that I’d be getting one!.) Anyway–I LURVE angst!!!

Oh, and I’m listening to Everything, Everything on audio while I do chores around the house.

Bev–the KA quote is Joe isn’t it? I always hated his pet name for Vi–‘buddy’. Every time I read it, I just substituted ‘baby’ in my head because ‘At Peace’ is one of my top 3 KA books and I couldn’t stand having an icky nickname!

I do that too!! I have to sub out both sweetheart and darling. If I came across buddy, I’d probably have to give up.

I am with you guys on stupid terms of endearments making me cringe. The whole “daddy” thing in Knight by KA made me GAG!! However, I swoon if it’s a southern accent saying “darlin'” (not to be confused with “darling”).

Actually, now that I think about it, it all depends on the H. If he’s likeable and super swoony he can get away with pretty much anything. One of my fave CRs (One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake) the H calls the H “pussycat” (stop rolling your eyes everyone!!) but it works in the context.

I always liked Buddy, different unique. But know many had the same reaction. When he first calls her that he is not meaning for it to be a term of endearment. It’s when he first meets her and it’s a slightly stressful moment.
I’m not sure I want to say that KA said a soldier called her that at a bar one time and she just remembered it, lol.
Darling makes me think of Cary Grant and I have no problem with that.

Punk 57. *sighs* It was so good. Penelope Douglas is an awesome writer and this just reminds me why she’s an auto buy for me.

The only pet name I don’t like is mom, mommy, or mama. That’s just a nope for me. I actually DNF’d a book that did that.

R. The play is insanely good. I saw it first for my 17th birthday. The actor for phantom kinda sucked, (he whined!) and the Christine couldn’t hit a high note to save her life, but it was still good. About 10 years later, I took my mom, and the cast was superb. We were both crying and loving it. 🙂

I’ve read the 1st 2 Cheryl. Yes it’s HS which is something I struggle with. Think Gossip Girl as in they pretty much *run* the school. Now, if you can see past that, it’s a fun angsty guilty pleasure that is a bit OTT soap opera-y in the best sense. I was un the mood for it so it was fun.

Negative Nelly here – Sorry…
I did not like The Royals…well, I only did first one Paper Princess. However, a lot of people loved it. It was very YA, OTT rich people drama with not as much focus on the romance. However, the h was bada$$. But keep in mind I disliked Fallen Crest and this had same “feel” as that.

Cheryl, I read Black Swan Affair and gave it 3.5 stars. I was expecting angst and turmoil, and it didn’t really have much of either. It wasn’t bad, just a little mild for my taste. But it was fun enough to keep me reading!

Punk 57…OOOOOOH he is a meanie JERKFACE!!!! I mean, I get *why* he is behaving the way he is, but I also get why she is acting as she does. Not that I agree with her, I just understand with her being an insecure teenager and all. I’m only 30% in and really curious to see what’s in store considering how things are going right now.

Yes Maryse! The writing style is my favorite part. I love how she compares her German classes and the German language to real life and her situation.

I really loved Black Swan Affair and I’m loving The Bronze Horseman, which is totally out of the box for me (historical romance). I’m only at 40% though so not sure if Leslie’s comments will come into play.

Jean, I hope you LOVE Bronze Horseman….it seems like most do. I HATE when I don’t like a popular book!!! 🙁

It is just taking so long to read it Leslie. And all these new releases are out and screaming my name! And I too only like Tania at this point.

Liz, YES! Loved, loved, loved Pull Me Close. Everyone has to read it!

I’m enjoying it, as in I haven’t felt the need to put it down, but I’m not loving it. The rainstorm scene made it jump the shark for me a bit. I have no intention to DNF because I’m curious how it will all wrap up.

That is exactly what I’ve been thinking! A lot of the issues I have are issues I know all of you have with other books. Maybe you (readers in general) didn’t have those issues back then (when this book came out). I loved 50 Shades, but I think I’d hate it now that my tastes have become more defined. I’d really be curious to go back and read some of the books I thought I loved way back when .

Yeah sometimes when you go back, a book seems a bit dated and you wonder what you first saw in it it. Maybe our tastes develop and mature? (Like good wine LOL) Altho I have been on a bit of a HR reread fest lately, and funnily enough found I liked some of them more than before! What’s with that?

Leslie I usually don’t like high school books either, or bully books. I like some NAs, mainly college age. I could never get into Fallen Crest (I tried, guys, I really did). So I’ve kept away from the Royals.

I don’t mind most cutesy terms of endearment, in context of course. (except ‘buddy’ lol). Weirdly, I even didn’t mind ‘Daddy’ in Knight, even tho IRL it would seem really creepy. That book always felt a bit taboo for me. I liked but kept looking over my shoulder, thinking, hope no one’s looking. I shouldn’t be liking this. Weak, I know. It’s pretty tame compared to many others, but still.

Now I’m gonna look up One Reckless Summer 🙂

Liz and Jean, Pull Me Close is a standalone?

I’m mixing things up a bit here.

FLS in lieu of FLT cause I need to share this first line:

“I was staring at a penis”. Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton

I like the sound of this one already! 😉

Cheryl, yes it is a standalone
But i just realized its not out until Tuesday
One of those books that the less you know the better so I won’t say too much other than you should read it

Leslie–ROFL!!

Dang Cheryl. I hope your hubby likes YA romance. Illuminae is not along the lines of Isaac Asimov sci-fi. It’s along the lines of Divergent/Hunger Games. 🙁 I feel bad. I would never recommend Illuminae to a die hard sci-fi fan. Hope he enjoys it anyways. 🙂

Now to answer your question. I haven’t read Gemina yet but it’s supposed to be a direct sequel to Illuminae.

Question, did you buy the hard copy?

And yes he loves Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card too. He’s pretty much a sci-fi nerd and likes it all.

*son*. Sorry, I was trying to eat pizza and type at the same time.

*giggles at R* it is Saturday night….

Woohoo! Time to break out the vino!

Everyone in my house is down for the night…including my pup! Love some quiet time!

*pours big* It’s virtual so I have an endless supply! OMG soooo good!

Cheryl, I just finished the black swan affair and I really loved it. I generally don’t books that contain cheating. But it was the first chapter I worried but I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Love a glass R.

All my kids have exams at the moment so we are treading carefully around the house as everyone is stressed. So I feel your pain Cheryl.
Especially 3 girls hormones hormones.

Oh Cheryl, I didn’t even notice price of Roman Crazy….I get most of books from library. It’s tough to pay more than $2.99 for books with how many we all read. I will let you know how I like it.

Public Service Announcement: Where I live (central Massachusetts) besides my town library (as a MA resident) I have free access to Boston Public Library too!! You even apply on line. It’s awesome since Boston is huge city compared to mine, its a big selection AND they now have Hoopla which has TONS of audiobooks. ALL FREE BABY!! So……check out what options you have where you live!! 🙂

Lisa, my little town does sometimes surprise with books they do have and then I can check online all libraries around for either hard copy or electronic. Unfortunately, Roman Crazy is not available on those but I’ll have to take a look at bigger libraries around me.

I did start Royally Screwed last night too. So far the funny, lighthearted read I was looking for.

Yay Nay!! Blind!!! And really avoid reviews. And give staus updates!!

So far so good! I’m just at 10%, but I just had to mention that laughing out loud at the Ellen Diaries entries! And I very rarely laugh out loud when I read books. Okay, back to it!

I just unpacked my new hardback copy of Gemina. It is gorgeous. They really hit the jackpot with the format of these books.

I’m tempted to get a hardcover copy of Punk 57 because I’m in love with that cover. I don’t know. I really don’t have any more room on my bookshelves. I kind of envy people who can put nick nacks on their shelves. Since moving to this smaller house, my books are cramped. They’re about to start overflowing into the main living areas. :-/

lol Bev, mine aren’t quite that bad. But I completely agree that books are the most interesting and beautiful decorations in a home.

“All the books on these shelves represent the many hours I’ve spent in another place, as another person, learning something about myself and the world.

What could be more beautiful?”

Three things:
1. I just got back from the park with little dude.
2. I really want a hard apple cider for the yummy taste.
3. I started The Man I Love and so far, it’s put downable.

Who knows. Right now I want virtual candy corn more.

Lol but real ones won’t get me cute in game outfit!

Ugly Love, that male pov sounded so off to me.
Haven’t tried this one yet though I have it and the next.

Oh oh, I’m pretty picky about male POV

Tessa and Fabi,

The Man I Love starts out very slow. It’s for a reason. I almost put it down myself until someone told me, “just make it to 30%.” I did and it became my favorite book of all time.

Tessa–TMIL was put-downable for me too–up until a certain point, and then it just went off the rails at about 30% (I thought it was really good before that point, but that’s when I thought it got REALLY good!) I ended up loving it, so try to stick with it and, hopefully, the same will happen for you!

I was worried about you Fabi because we like opposite H’s. Aside from Full Tilt’s Jonah, Erik is my top book boyfriend ever.

That’s funny, we had a similar discussion about JR. No info dump in that book, she throws you right in. The beginning is confusing. I enjoyed right away, but many had to get past that first 100 pages or so.

Oh. And Leslie.. who is evidently a pervy old man and Amy who we know is really a horny pre-teen named Andy. Have a great day!!

R I didn’t know we like opposite Hs. :-/

I DNF-ed TMIL a long time ago… *hides from the massive peanut onslaught I’m sure is coming*, I didn’t know about the 30% thing.

Oh ha! Ok. Although I have to admit my first hubby was like that. He would have made a good MC for you. Me? It didn’t work so well. lol

It’s ok Grey. If you don’t know about the 30% I admit it’s hard to stick with it. But considering you like Marmy books, you should give it another shot!

Once I finished it I was mad at myself for rushing the first part and went back and read it all over again. Now I try to tell people ahead of time to take it slow and savor it, because the point will come where it nears the end and you won’t want it to.

Fabi…don’t make me drive up there! I’m kind of busy this week! I totally understand if you want to squirrel it. I know it’s not your thing. I won’t be upset at all!

3 things…

1) watching The Voice from this past week with my middle kid. (Our mother/son bonding, we have the app and picked our team members and everything)
2) I’m real nervous for Nay…
3) I can’t remember the last time I read a book-book.

Ha! No, don’t give me an out. Besides, I picked it out of your favorites. I could have picked another one.

Ill start it tomorrow. I’ll be done with my current arc by then. If I don’t jump into my Kindle and kick the MC where he’ll remember it.

What’s a book-book?

😮 lerve? Is it contagious?

I’m anxious to hear what you think Jan! Her style of writing is not for everyone, but I love it, obviously. I actually got tricked into reading it. My friend (you’ve probably seen on GR) Ashley picked it and then couldn’t get into it LOL. She squirreled and I kept going after some encouragement. Then I made her finish it! I had zero interest in it but it was her turn to pick!

Grey–Oh no! Is something bad coming soon?!

DG happy happy birthday! I’ve been waiting all weekend to say that and then the day almost got away from me. Hope you’ve had a wonderful birthday.

Is DG on here tonight? Happy actual birthday!!

50% OH NOOOOOOO!!!!

I just realized…I’m ONLY at 50%! There’s still 50% MORE!!!

Cheryl, just bought thst book. Looks fun.

Cheryl. It reminds me of Princess Mary of Denmark who was an Aussie commoner….met the Prince of Denmark (in a pub rumour has it) during the 2000 olympic games in Sydney and didnt know who he was.
Obviously they worked it out because she is now Danish royalty!!

OMG!!! I just realized Ms. Essbaum came by!! *blushes and waves to her* Would that be a little robin who told you about us? 😉

You’re right…this place, it’s fantabulous host, and the wonderful ladies here ARE great. 😀

The name gives me away every time!

lol with that title Jean

Charles. Le sigh. Pass me one of those martinis.

Chocolate martinis coming up shortly…

Ugh, not chocolate martins……hahahahahaha!

Amy’s famous last words….”trust me”……

“Le sigh”. LOL R. That’s how I felt after reading Laura Florand and all those French hotties. I’ll have a chocolate martini too, please.

Maryse, I won’t be able to start until tomorrow night probably, but yes, would love to buddy read!

Nay was talking about Marriage Games by CD Reiss right Grey? That looks really good, but it’s a 2 book series and 2nd book doesn’t come out until January.

I am seriously struggling to finish TBH……I totally get it now Leslie.

You can make it, Jean. I doubt I will finish it tonight. I really like it. *shrug*
But I am getting a bit antsy with my tbr looming. Because it’s a trilogy I doubt it will all tie up at the end.

Yes bev, it’s very easy to picture them. I’m at 78%. Wanted to finish tonight, but my eyes are already closing!

Oh shoot Gtey, I forgot about the new Max Monroe book tomorrow……Wes and Winnie…..so excited! Preppy comes out tomorrow too…..I think I have like 4 books preordered…..yes, feeling really antsy right now!

Isnt it great when authors pop in here (besides our beloved Robin who we want to keep).
I forget others are watching our chat….it feels like our intimate little group most of the time.
Hi Jean!! Im feeling you with TBH. I remember hitting the wall a bit with that book.
Wondering if I can squeeze the new Max Monroe in before my Gemina BR with Fabi??

Yup Lisa, I think you can. Since mine is a hardback, I’m considering leaving for next weekend since I’m not going to haul it around with me.

Maryse has authors popping in all the time. 🙂

We also have several writers among us, R, Grey, Tessa…who am I missing?

Jean, that’s why I got a hardcover of Hausfrau. The ebook was too much. I found one at Powells online and it was even autographed. I paid $10 for it, but I just saw on Amazon the “like new” used hardcovers are $4 shipping included, and there’s a “very good” for the same price on Prime.

I know, Maryse. I KNOW.

And just think…I had to go through all of that ALONE.

Now do you get the whole “holding my head and walking in circles” I was doing?