BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!! I one-clicked it. I don’t even care that it’s not on sale. I HAVE to read this ➜ All the Ugly and Wonderful Things. And I’ve started. And I AM SO IN.
Belen: I loved it
Paula: It’s amazing. I hope you will love it as much as I did. It’s an epic story.
Jessica: It was an amazing book.
Sandra: It’s AMAZING!!
Amanda: One of my top reads of 2016. Happy Reading!
Erin: I just started this today as well!
PLUS:
WEDNESDAY RELEASES THAT JUST WENT LIVE!!
- Mr. Corporate: A Mister Standalone (The Mister Series Book 3) by J.A. Huss <— SHE’S HIS COMPETITION ALERT! “Weston Conrad is the best headhunter in the business. That handsome smile goes a long way towards convincing most people to trust him with their future. I’m not most people. I’m his direct competition. And it doesn’t hurt to be just the kind of woman he’s been looking for…“
I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie (The I Like Big Dragons Series) by Lani Lynn Vale <— HE’S A DRAGON SHIFTER & SHE’S A NURSING STUDENT ALERT! “She’s a good girl. All she wants is to graduate from nursing school, get a job, and move out of her hell hole apartment. What she does not have time to deal with is a sexy bearded man that accuses her of grabbing his junk. She tries to forget about the encounter, but fate’s a cruel bitch. One second she’s a normal college student barely living paycheck to paycheck, and the next she’s setting her panties on fire with powers from an ancient immortal dragon…”- Chased by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders): Trish Ryder by Melissa Foster <— FAMOUS ACTRESS & A ROCK STAR ALERT! “Actress Trish Ryder takes her job seriously and has no time for those who don’t. When she’s awarded a major role in a new movie featuring America’s hottest rock star, Boone Stryker, she’s beyond excited…”
WHAT A RELEASE WEEK! This August boasts the ultimate in book releases by our “original favorite indies” (Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire, Kristen Ashley, S.C. Stephens, Abbi Glines, Tijan… the list goes on… and is mind-blowing!), but I’m also discovering some awesome sounding new-to-mes that have me excited, too!
Mini blurb-jolt list!! IN fact, I’m extra excited about these, today! Neighbor Dearest (Unrequited love with her new neighbor, Lisa 5-starred it), All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (back on the list ’cause I keep hearing how it’s the best book of the year – or a new HUGE favorite and the whole “drug dealer dad, and falling for his criminal helper intrigues me), A Beautiful Funeral (because TRAVIS!!!), Sting (he’s there to kill her, but kidnaps her instead, and now they’re both on the run together!), Midnight Soul (he’s a cop in a parallel universe to help save it, and meets his destined love… THERE), Close To Falling (an addict that has been bounced around as a child, and the bad boy that loves her), and Knocked Out By Love (she meets a famous MMA fighter at the hotel she’s staying at for a wedding).
But these aren’t the ONLY stars of today’s show. We have new releases by Tillie Cole (I need to catch up on that series first) and Callie Hart (Zeth, anyone??)… I know I need to read #1 first, plus a few more that were VERY highlight worthy (at least, blurb-wise). Take a look! 😀
P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).
P.P.S. ➔ Follow me (and Pimmie AND Hobbit – my sweet puppies – yep, I have a new addition!) on Instagram? That would be SO cool!!! 
AUDIOBOOK LVERS
VERS
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 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!
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer- Easy Kisses by Kristen Proby
- Ravage: Scarred Souls, Book 3 by Tillie Cole
- Curious Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel by Janet Evanovich
- In the Barren Ground by Loreth Anne White
- The Sapphire Heist: A Jewel Novel, Book 2 by Lauren Blakely
- The Sight: Devil’s Isle Series, Book 2 by Chloe Neill
- Risk by Dannika Dark
BARGAINS & READER RECOMMENDATIONS (NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order. Sales listed are for Amazon U.S., however some of the Amazon UK links also reflect the sale!):
Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward <— UNREQUITED LOVE WITH HER NEW NEIGHBOR ALERT! And Lisa M LOVED IT!
Lisa M: “Finished Neighbor Dearest!! I love Penelope Ward!! She’s an awesome writer!! Started it last night & finished today!! Addicted!! You have to read Stepbrother Dearest first so you know the characters. Highly recommend this book!! 5 star read for me!!”
- Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward <— UNPUTTDOWNABLE ALERT! AND HERE’S BOOK #1! Grey loved it!
Grey: “Stepbrother Dearest. Oh, I definitely enjoyed it! This was a “I couldn’t put the book down until I was finished with it” type of read for me. So… in the bathroom… sorting laundry…. talking on the phone… all occurred while reading!”
Marina: “Stepbrother Dearest = Unputdownable. Everything else fell by the wayside. It was that… when you are searching and hunting and searching for that book to hook you and hook you now.”
Swear on This Life: A Novel by Renee Carlino <— RECENT RELEASE ON SALE ALERT!!! I read and really enjoyed this one! (my review)- Letters from Skye: A Novel by Jessica Brockmole <— WARTIME ROMANCE! You know we love those!! And this one is super-bargain priced today. “A sweeping story told in letters, spanning two continents and two world wars, Jessica Brockmole’s atmospheric debut novel captures the indelible ways that people fall in love, and celebrates the power of the written word to stir the heart….”
- The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman <— HORROR ALERT! And it’s super bargain priced today! “Henry makes his living by painting his disturbing works of art. He loves his wife and his son and life couldn’t be better… except there’s something not quite right about the old stone farmhouse his family now calls home. There’s something strange living in the cramped cellar, in the maze of pipes that feed the ancient steam boiler.” Lots of great reviews!
- The Asset (A Wounded Warrior Novel) by Anna del Mar <— INJURED AWOL SEAL IN HIDING & SHE’S HIDING FROM THE CARTEL ALERT! “Lia Stewart’s in hiding from the cartel she barely escaped alive, holed up in this small Rocky Mountain town. Surviving, but only just. Helping the wounded warrior on her doorstep is the right thing to do…it’s loving him that might get them both killed.” super-bargain priced today!!
- Over You (A Romance Novel) by H.M. Ward <— super-bargain priced today!
- All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood <— I’M DESPERATE TO READ THIS & WISH IT WOULD GO ON SALE ALERT! You know… just putting it out in the Universe, in case my wish comes true. ‘Cause I keep seeing talk of “best book of the year” and “OMG I LOVED IT, one of my favorite book ever, now!!!” so… yeah. I WANT TO READ THIS!!
- The Cellar by Natasha Preston <— FOUR GIRLS KIDNAPPED & LOCKED IN A CELLAR ALERT! “For months Summer is trapped in a cellar with the man who took her—and three other girls: Rose, Poppy, and Violet. His perfect, pure flowers. His family. But flowers can’t survive long cut off from the sun, and time is running out…” super-bargain priced today!!
PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN
Midnight Soul (Fantasyland Series Book 5) by Kristen Ashley <— KRISTEN ASHLEY ALERT!!- Arcana Rising (The Arcana Chronicles Book 5) by Kresley Cole <— KRESLEY COLE ALERT!
- Magic Steals: A Novella in the World of Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews <— ILONA ANDREWS ALERT!!
- Risk (A Mageri World Novel) by Dannika Dark <— DANNIKA DARK ALERT!!!
- Her Mad Dragon (Dragon Guard Series Book 15) by Julia Mills
- Unknown (Unknown Series Book 1) by Wendy Higgins <— POST APOCALYPTIC ALERT! “When an unknown organization meticulously bombs major cities in the United States and across the globe, a trickle-down effect spreads to remaining towns at an alarming speed—everything from food and water sources to technology and communications are compromised. Without leadership, the nation is split between paralysis and panic, but Amber isn’t one to hide or watch helplessly. She’s determined to put her nursing skills to use, despite the danger, even if it means working alongside the man she can never have.“
- Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar (Pyper Rayne Book 2) by Deanna Chase
- Warrior’s Conquest: A Medieval Timetravel Romance (Knightspell Book 1) by Elle James & Delilah Devlin
- Naughty Little Gift — A Temptation Court Novella (Temptation Court, Book 1) by Angel Payne
The Sight: A Devil’s Isle Novel by Chloe Neill <— CHLOE NEILL ALERT!!- Zeus: Lost Gods Book 1 by LaVerne Thompson
- Breeders 3: Second Chances by Charlie Daye
- Unleashing Desire | Paranormal Romance: Vampires (Brides of Prophecy Book 4) by Brooklyn Ann
- Raven Ridge (Witches of Sanctuary Book 2) by Savannah Blevins
- Vein of Love (Blackest Gold Book 1) by R. Scarlett
- Saved by Wolves (Shifters Meet Their Mate Book 1) by Elena Hunter
- Red Inferno: a paranormal romance (STORM Book 4) by L.M. Connolly
- Exodus (Imp Series Book 8) by Debra Dunbar
CONTEMPORARY
A Beautiful Funeral: A Novel by Jamie McGuire <— JAMIE MCGUIRE/TRAVIS MADDOX LIVE ALERT!!!! The mob is targeting Travis’s family… “With brothers against brothers and wives taking sides, each member will make a choice–let the fear tear them apart, or make them stronger…“- Artfully Yours by Isabel North
- Coastal Erosion (Golden Shores Book 2) by Rachelle Paige
- Stain (King’s Harlots MC Book 2) by J.M. Walker
- Wolf’s Mate (Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club) by Chantal Fernando <— BIKER BOOK ALERT!!!
Sting by Sandra Brown <— HE’S THERE TO KILL HER BUT KIDNAPS HER INSTEAD… “…here she is . . . and Shaw Kinnard is here to kill her. As Shaw and his partner take aim, Jordie is certain her time has come. But Shaw has other plans and abducts Jordie, hoping to get his hands on the $30 million her brother has stolen and, presumably, hidden. However, Shaw is not the only one looking for the fortune. Her brother’s ruthless boss and the FBI are after it as well. Now on the run from the feds and a notorious criminal, Jordie and Shaw must rely on their wits-and each other-to stay alive…“- The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck
- Wicked Pleasure: Part 3 (Bound Hearts) by Lora Leigh
- Surprise Me (Brie’s Submission, #7) by Red Phoenix
- Curious Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel by Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton <— JANET EVANOVICH/SHE JUST GOT HER DREAM JOB BUT IT ENDED UP BEING CRAZY ALERT! “Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing bank funds in the Knight account leads to inquiries about a missing man, missing gold, and a life-and-death race across the country…“
Savage Things (Chaos & Ruin Book 2) by Callie Hart <— DARK READ/MOB GUY ALERT! “…things are about to get bad. Real f**king bad. Zeth Mayfair isn’t your average criminal, though. If the New York mob wants his allegiance, they’re gonna have to force him to submit…“- Sugar Rush: A Sugar Bowl Novel by Sawyer Bennett
- Protege by Lydia Michaels
- The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer <— AUTOBIOGRAPHY ALERT!!!! So many love this comedienne including ME!! And I love autobiographies so you can bet I’m curious about her life!
- Broken Pieces (Cape Isle, #3): A Cape Isle Novel by Allie Able
- Personal Protection (Hauberk Protection Book 2) by Leah Braemel
- Hero of Mine: The Men in Uniform Series by Codi Gary
- SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN (The Renegade Saints Book 4) by Ella Fox <— ROCK STAR ALERT! “Despite his standoffish and rude demeanor, Daisy can’t deny the pull she has for him. Determined to stay away from the bass player with an attitude, she goes about her business without getting in his way…”
- Love, Lies and Alibis (Twisted Sisters Club) by Deb Julienne
- Sexual Healing: A Novel by Allison Hobbs & Cairo
- 667 Ways to F*ck Up My Life by Lucy Woodhull <— SHE’S TIRED OF LIVING LIFE BY THE RULES ALERT! “To heck with rules—Dag orchestrates a spectacular fall from grace by ruining her life exactly six-hundred-sixty-six times, and finally has a little naughty fun. Some scandalous Spandex and a few bar lies later, tame little Dagmar becomes Giselle, ballsy siren. The wild thing is…it works! Dag gets a better job and meets the sexiest man she’s ever known. Well, Giselle meets him. Dagmar doesn’t exist…“
- From Florida With Love: Sunrise and Stormy Skies
- Stud for Hire (Stripped Down) by Sabrina York
- Expectation (The Murphy’s Law Series Book 1) by Holly Mortimer
- Ravage: A Scarred Souls Novel by Tillie Cole <— TILLIE COLE ALERT! HE CAPTURES HER… “As a young girl Zoya Kostava barely escaped the brutal attack that killed her entire family. Now twenty five she lives in secrecy. That is until she hears her brother also survived and is living with their greatest enemy. Zoya risks her safety and anonymity to find the brother she thought dead and is captured by a beautiful, brutal man…“
- Sting by Sandra Brown
- Say When (Markson Grove, #2) by Amy Vanessa Miller
- Cherry Bomb (A Keystone Novel Book 2) by Megan Michelau
- Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1) by Nicole Edwards <— HOCKEY STAR ALERT! He’s being accused of something he didn’t do… “I’m being forced to repair my tarnished reputation. Only I don’t know how to do that. When the suggestion is made for me to pull off this ruse for the media, I know what I’m getting into. I also know there’s only one right answer. But it’s complicated, and I’m not the only one who could get hurt.”
- The Sapphire Heist (A Jewel Novel Book 2) by Lauren Blakely
- In the Barren Ground by Loreth Anne White
- Close To Falling by Paige P. Horne <— SHE’S AN ADDICT & HE’S A BAD BOY THAT LOVES HER ALERT! “…bad teenage choices take her life down a road full of dependency and a daily struggle of addiction. River Dawson will do anything for his girl. His intentions may be good, but sometimes plans don’t work out the way you want them to…“
- Vacancy: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens
- Torn from Two (Taken and Torn Book 2) by Sam JD Hunt
- Torch: The Wildwood Series by Karen Erickson
- Gypsy Lane: A Love Drama by Vernard Dorsey
A Beautiful Sight by Sandi Lynn <— SHE’S BLIND & HE’S A HARDENED BILLIONAIRE ALERT! “I met him and he changed everything for me. A smart, sexy, and shattered man who hid in the shadows of his own tragedy. A man who kept the better part of himself concealed away from the world. I wanted to show him that life was more than how he saw it. My name is Aubrey Callahan and I am blind…”- Unknown Reasons (10,000 Reasons) by D.W. Cee
- Homerun (Pro-U Book 4) by Ali Parker
- Leopold: Part Three: Royal Heartbreakers by Ember Casey & Renna Peak
- More Than Miles (A Lost Kings MC Novel) by Autumn Jones Lake <— BIKER BOOK ALERT! Her brother’s best friend… “Growing up around the Lost Kings MC, Heidi’s witnessed his manwhoring ways. He’ll never give that up for her. Besides, he’s too late: Heidi’s in love with her high-school boyfriend Axel.“
- One Last Weekend by Linda Lael Miller
- The Crêpes of Wrath: A Pancake House Mystery by Sarah Fox
- Perfect Ten by Nikki Worrell <— HE’S AN IN-DEMAND ESCORT & SHE NEEDS ONE FOR A WEDDING ALERT! “Faith Graham’s first reaction to Joe Starling? No. Make that hell no. She needs an average Joe on her arm for her model-thin sister’s wedding. Who will believe a dazzling hunk like him would date the Graham sister who has a few too many curves? For the first time, Joe experiences what it’s like for a woman to look at him with loathing rather than lust...”
- Mr. Unlucky (One Horse Town Book 1) by BA Tortuga
Twisted Reality (Blind Reality Book 2) by Heidi McLaughlin <— HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN/KILLER CLIFFHANGER SEQUEL ALERT! I won’t read the blurb ’cause I don’t want to ruin it for myself…- Almost Hitched (Clover Park STUDS, Book 5) by Kylie Gilmore
- Politically Incorrect by Jeanne McDonald
- Boston by Alexis Alvarez
- Some Like It Hotter (Sweet Life in Seattle, Book 3) by Andrea Simonne
- Torture (Siren Book 2) by Katie de Long
- Ripped by Lisa Edward <— ONCE IN LOVE… TRYING TO MAKE IT BIG ALERT! “…sometimes dreams don’t go as planned, and we have to make new ones. I know Bax would have made it big; he was such a phenomenal dancer. I wish I could have been there to see it happen, but I can’t wait to catch a Broadway show and see his name in lights. Maybe he’ll still remember me.“
- The Price of Winning: London Calling Book Four by Kat Faitour
- A Court Gesture (It’s Reigning Men Book 8) by Jenny Gardiner
- On The Ropes: A Romantic Suspense Novella by Hallee Bridgeman
- Working for The Billionaires Club by Sky Corgan
His Royal Favorite by Lilah Pace <— M/M ROMANCE!!! The conclusion of Lilah Pace’s racy, romantic male/male duology following His Royal Secret…- Lime Gelatin and Other Monsters (Offbeat Crimes Book 1) by Angel Martinez <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
- No Borders: Gay Romance MM Story, One Last Job Reunites Them (Undercover Series Book 2) by Alex Gilove <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
- Real World (Love is Blind Book 2) by BA Tortuga <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
- A Dark Road Home (Soldiers & Steel Cages Book 1) by Lanna Farrell
- Breed True (Eclipse Heat Book 7) by Gem Sivad
- Inevitable by A.S. Roberts
- Game On by Michelle Smith <— BASEBALL STAR ALERT! “…when a fight lands him in jail, he’s only got one more strike before his baseball career is over for good. His only chance for redemption? The girl next door, Bri Johnson…“
- Putting Out Old Flames (Pineville) by Allyson Charles
Knocked Out By Love (Love to the Extreme) by Abby Niles <— FIGHTER ALERT!!! “All Scarlett Harris wants is to get away for a while and rethink her life after filing for divorce from her lying, cheating bastard of a husband. The gorgeous Bahamas sounds like the perfect escape, except she’s booked in very resort Brody “The Iron” Minton is staying at for his sister’s wedding…“- A Moment of Bliss (A Honeywilde Romance) by Heather McGovern
- Give Me This (It’s Kind Of Personal Book 6) by Anna Brooks
- Icing The Kicker (Paradise Park Book 7) by Mary E Thompson <— FOOTBALL STAR ALERT! “After Greg’s professional football career ends, his agent gets him a job coaching college football, hoping it’ll help his tarnished image. Greg is less than thrilled with being sent to the bitter cold of Paradise Park, in spite of the name…”
- One Wrong Move by Angela Smith
- Prepared To Fall: a Golden Oakes novel by E.J. Shortall
- Dangerous Illusions (Steel Hawk Book 3) by Sarah Balance
Empty Streets by Jessica Cotter <— SHE’S BEEN LOCKED IN BY HER PARENTS BUT FOR A GOOD REASON ALERT! “For 17 years she has been caged. It’s time to escape.What Eri encounters outside, however, is the opposite of what she’d imagined. Outside, she finds empty streets and people hired to keep them empty. Eri meets Bodhi, another explorer determined to understand the outside world. What seemed simply turns into a complicated puzzle, with both of them piecing together how their world got this way, and how they can keep each other alive…“
PREORDERS (next few days & next week’s!!! )
- I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie (The I Like Big Dragons Series) by Lani Lynn Vale – August 17th 2016
- Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan – August 22nd 2016 <— TIJAN ALERT!!
Furious Rush by S.C. Stephens – August 23rd 2016- Wrong Question, Right Answer (The Bourbon Street Boys Book 3) by Elle Casey – August 23rd 2016
- Nailed by Opal Carew – August 23rd 2016
- Body Shot: A Last Shot Novel by Kelly Jamieson – August 23rd 2016
- Show Me How: A Thatch Novel by Molly McAdams – August 23rd 2016
- Allegiance of Honor (Psy/Changelings) by Nalini Singh – August 23rd 2016
- Wild Embrace: A Psy-Changeling Collection (Psy/Changeling Collection, A) by Nalini Singh – August 23rd 2016
- Loving Deviant (Cyborg Seduction Book 9) by Laurann Dohner – August 23rd 2016
- With Every Breath: A Slow Burn Novel (Slow Burn Novels) by Maya Banks – August 23rd 2016
Under the Lights (Field Party) by Abbi Glines – August 23rd 2016- Ravenous (Quantum Series Book 5) by Marie Force – August 23rd 2016
- Six Scary Stories by Stephen King – August 25th 2016 <— “Number 1 bestselling horror author Stephen King introduces and presents six gripping and chilling stories in this captivating anthology!”
➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2017!)
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).
Happened AGAIN!!! Go to 1-click Stepbrother Dearest & it says, “You purchased this item September 29, 2014”. 2014?!?!? How do I not remember this?!?
The Complete Hearts Series by Claire Contreras is on super sale for $.99!!!
Shoot, I didn’t know Stepbrother Dearest had to be read before Neighbor Dearest! That one is calling my name! And Beautiful Funeral, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, Swear on this Life, Sting, A Beautiful Sight, Furious Rush, Anti-Stepbrother, etc., etc., etc. BUT, I’m living in the land of Gann right now and looks like I will be here for a while! Lol! 4 day weekend coming up for me though so that’s promising!
Happy reading all and thank you Maryse!
*whispers *
Lauren, it wasn’t that memorable.
For one minute when I read one of Maryse ‘ s alerts I pictured an actual seal. A poor hurt seal hiding. Watch to many sea rescue shows, lol.
Jean, I don’t think you have to read Stepbrother Dearest, it’s one of those interconnected standalones. The author even says that in her blurb. I’m still debating if I want to read it first also.
I’ve read Stepbrother Dearest and it was just ok for me. There was tons of hype, but it didn’t live up to the expectations, so I’ll probably pass on Neighbor Dearest.
Buttttttt, I’m definately getting All the Ugly and Wonderful Things! I can already feel my heart doing the pitter-patter. I cannot get the synopsis of the book out of my mind, so that HAS to mean something. I’m gonna break down and pay the price and I’ll let you know how it goes!
I also got Swear on This Life. I was hoping for a price drop and the Gods answered! YAY US!
And of course I got Risk by Dannika Dark. I’m a huge fan of the PNR worlds she writes about. This book takes place in her Mageri world. It is Simons turn and I can’t wait to see if some girl captures this illusive bachelor!
Did you ever meet Simon from Written in Red?
poooooooor sweet cuddly seal. 😉
Just wants to hide in peace. *snort* 😛
Robyn… illusive bachelor you say? That speaks to me. 🙂
I know SO many love Dannika’s series.
I’m reading All The Ugly and Wonderful Things. I couldn’t help myself anymore.
Everyone should meet Simon and his squeaky toy.
I finished Born Sinners by SL Jennings today and LOVED it. It was all sorts of PNR awesome though, warning – CH.
Bev- Yes, I’m very familiar with Simon from Written in Red. I love that series!
Maryse- you need to read Dannika Dark’s books. You will not be disappointed. Her Mageri series is so good.
I also see you were pulled in by All the Wonderful too. I haven’t started yet because I’m knee deep in Kate Daniels book 5! It’s my next book in the que though. I’m getting squirly just thinking about reading it!
Tessa- I got Born Sinners also. I can’t wait to read it! I love PNR books. Glad you loved the book.
Kate Daniels is always good. Im anxious for the next one to release. Plans are starting to be revealed.
Just finished Neighbor Dearest and loved it!! Damien is so dreamy and Chelsea is amazing. A 4.5/5 for me.
Want to read All The Ugly and Wonderful Things but its Kindle price is $12.99. Ouch.
Oh Jean The Last Hour of Gann is so amazing! It took me almost a week to finish it but when I did I wanted more!
HOLY MOLY!!! All the Ugly and Wonderful Things…MINE!!
I apologize to all the other books in my TBR who just got bumped over but I’ve wanted to read ATUAWT since I first heard about it. I’m so giddy!!
Okay, now to take a deep breath and catch up on things around here…
BUDDY READ!!!!!!! :D!!!!!
Lauren…*hee hee* That is SO familiar around here. “Ooh, that looks good…*click*…wait, I already bought it??” 😉
Simon’s toy squeaks? *snicker* That’ll ruin the moment. 😛
YES!!!!! BUDDY READ!!!!
I’m starting it this evening. 😀
Awww it must time to visit the courtyard again soon.
Nothing jumping out at me which is just as well. I just got my credit card bill which was TWO PAGES of freaking Amazon kindle purchases!!!!! And nothing else.
Gonna try (again) for a nil new book purchases month (beside the eleventy billion pre-ordrrs I’ve already made). I have a problem.
That’s what my bank statements look like. I get embarrassed cause small town bank. Like can they see that on their computers?
Lisa I’m tempted to see if from September 1st to end of December if I could do only one book buy a month.
Ridiculous thing is Bev…I’ve already failed this month…opened my kindle and three books I’d pre-ordered had loaded. Looks like Im reading Neighbour Dearest next. *shrugs*
I get a bit click-happy late at night.
Lol. That’s why I have to start next month, I’ve already gone over. I have got to stop reading sales posts & there is a book coming out still I can’t wait for. So, next month.
Hehe, how about drunk one-clicking? Not that I’ve ever done that…
Rofl. You all are too funny. Drunk clicks. 🙂 I couldn’t say one book a month. I have those pre-order must haves. That’s why I’m going nuts this month. Thank goodness, HP and Day Zero were pre-ordered last month.
Anyone else get nervous/excited at the salon?
Haha! Yes bev! Sometimes when I’m getting my hair cut I get so nervous I have chills down my spine!
So, still in Gann. 51% and I have to say I hate Scott (and Nicci for that matter)!
Yes…I get very nervous. Im about to break up with my hairdresser and find someone new and I swear its like ending a relationship….I feel like Im emotionally cheating just thinking about going to someone else. But he’s not listening to me anymore and I need a change (see…just like a relationship). Its stressful!!
OMG. First world problems. I sound like a Real Housewife. KMN.
Almost finished with Swear on This Life and loving it!! Renee Carlino is so amazing! Jase is so so great! Love him so much! This is truly a heartfelt story.
5 Star read alert!!! A Beautiful Funeral just blew me away!!! I felt like I was catching up with old friends, those Maddox brothers & their better halves!! Crying & smiling over & over again!! So emotional!!! They are the best reads!! Highly recommend this series!! Jamie McGuire is one of my most favourite authors!!! I never wanted the story to end!! Started & read it till I finished in between getting done what I had to do!!
A bit of a rant. So sorry and understand if others disagree.
But can authors please stop with the embarrassing covers. The naked men, the tied up women, the couples going at each other, etc, etc, etc.
I just hit on a sales post and the books are listed by cover. I was supper embarrassed that some one was going to look over my shoulder. I clicked off fast and may go back when not in a public place. Idk. I like a good looking guy but cheesy skeevy covers are not why I buy a book.
Rant over.
I honestly don’t have issues with it because no one is looking at my Kindle. That said, I also had the bodice ripper paperbacks when I was a teen so, any embarrassment is long gone.
His Royal Secret by Lilah Pace! Fabi, did you read that one? I have been trying to remember the name of the M/M book I’d give a try. I’m curious if it’s good, because I like the author, and well, Prince without cheesy!
Yes, on kindle helps. It mostly bothers me when I want to look at my carousel or when looking on romance blog post or buying on amazon. Also, I use public transportation often.
Tessa, I didn’t read His Royal Secret.
*puts it on her list* Seriously, I’m hopeful just from reading the first chapter. It sounded interesting.
Tessa, I have not read it but a reviewer at a blog i read gave it 5 stars. *shrug*
Yep. I think all the bare chested dudes and crotch shots are WAAAY over done. They certainly dont grab my attention anymore. It just MEH.
Id prefer pretty covers….some abstract stuff…more pink (no one does pink books!) And nothing with nipples or bulges!!!!
Do you think cover designers are mostly men?
I think women ARE visual creatures…but more subtley than the ‘in your face’ images used. I’d be way more turned on by, say, a close up shot of a mans hands….adjusting cuff links or something, or holding a guitar…than I am by the full frontal torso shots. IDK.
Ok, loading up my kindle for a long weekend at the beach. I’m still trying out kindle unlimited, so I’ve been reading the Sosie Frost Sports series that are KU. Pretty funny series, especially the Once Upon A Half-time; the H is definitely ADD!! The part where he shimmied, gyrated, moonwalked, cha-cha’d, whip and nae-nae across the parking lot, while carrying a Tinkerbell backpack had me busting!! These are interconnected standalones. Probably also, going to read Twisted Reality, after I skim/re-read Blind Reality.
I’m not sure. I still do not understand the decision to change the Undecided cover. Who thought that was a better choice? Unless it was because a lot of readers are turned off by a triangle. Indie authors I think are usually using stock photos and maybe that’s the trend with thoes. Look, I enjoy shoulders, arms, and abs too, but come on. The hands might be nice, they do it with women’s hands often.
I read were someone didnt, but I like the Christina Lauren covers. I think that’s her name. I really have to read those books, have most except the 1st, just not interested in that one.
But it WAS sort of a triangle (Undecided) so I LOVED that very “undecided” looking original cover. And it was the perfect kind of love triangle… it was a natural progression and getting to know them and “things”… so I don’t know why it’s such a bad thing that it “might” be a love triangle by that cover. It’s the cover and title that caught my eye in the first place.
I think the indies are doing stock photos because it sells a little better than the non stock. At least, if you are still trying to be known, they do. Also, it’s a fine line between pretty and cheesy, or worse, just ugly. Torso is safe. I will confess, if it looks too flowery or old, I avoid it. My mind automatically goes into thinking it’s not going to be good. I know. It’s sad, but true. I see flowery or pretty and I think, dull without angst.
That said, I like artsy, cartoon, or clever. I think that’s why I keep going to PNR. The covers are better and draw the eye far more than a headless body. Unless it’s The Headless Horseman romance novel. I’d read that!
Alright, I have not been in a reading mood all day. I don’t know why. I have a book here from the library I’m dying to read, but instead I was playing Kingdom Hearts Unchained. 🙂
I love Christina Lauren. Those girls are guaranteed to make me laugh out loud. And yes their illustrated covers are excellent.
Christina Lauren covers fall under artsy! Ironically they are artsy torso without a head…
I the pretty, Tessa, lol. I first picked up and read Nora Roberts because of the flowers. Whatever house she wrote her categories at had, repackaged I’m assuming, with pastel covers and flowers. I wasn’t as embarrassed to check them out. I devoured them.
They make me think like 60s/poppy art. Idk. Something like that.
I have a book that I want to read but I’m scared too, lol. But I really like the cover. It matches the feel of the blurb, i think. It’s Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed.
Before Nora Roberts did it, some others did. Sadly, that”s where my prejudice against pretty comes from. Especially a house with a porch and swing. The ones I read prior were so boring. Nora Robert I just picked up because the writer was Nora Roberts. 🙂 I currently have from the library Nora Roberts’ The Last Boyfriend. If it weren’t for the name, I’d have avoided it like the plague. It is yellow,and soft,with pink flowers.
All this talk reminded me of Bettina Krahn. Her outside covers were always plain, yet pretty.
That’s fumny.
Yeah, it’s how I discovered her. I must of been around 17. That was fun.
Barbara Delinsky was the author I wasn’t fond of. She just wasn’t my cup of tea, but all her covers were so pretty.
No, I never got into her, either.
I have the Husband Test bin my tbr, and yes, that cover is not embarrassing. 🙂
Tessa, I know nothing about video games. May have asked before, but have you played this?
https://bookriot.com/2016/01/31/spoiler-free-book-lovers-guide-life-strange/
Ooooh, no I haven’t. I love games with a story. My favorites like Kingdom Hearts, Fatal Frame, and Final Fantasy are all story based. Even Guild Wars 2 is story driven. It is what keeps people interested.
The first episode is free on Steam! *squee* It looks like your basic sample. Now to figure out what my password is. lol
Let me know what it’s like, I’m very curious about it.
Not sure I’ll be online while we’re away at the beach, so have a great end of the week and weekend everyone!!
FLT:
“Toothpaste. We had a love-hate relationship.” Happily Ever All-Star: A Secret Baby Romance by Sosie Frost.
*grins* I like that first line, Cheryl.
I downloaded the game overnight, so I haven’t tried it yet. If anyone is curious, though, here is the promo video for it. https://store.steampowered.com/app/319630/
I finally started reading last night. FLT:
Shadow Market nights were Kit’s favorite.’
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
That really is a super cute first line Cheryl. Have a great time at the beach.
FLT
“Live!”
Mark of the Incubus by E.S. Hutch
lol, it’s a little misleading because this one doesn’t go live until September. But I figured I’d jump on the ARC since I haven’t found anything else to read that’s holding my interest.
Have a great time, Cheryl.
FLT
“The first time I met her was at the tail end of one of those endless weekday nights you could only have at a school like Sherringford.”
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro.
Speaking of beautiful men.
https://www.laineygossip.com/Charlie-Hunnam-participates-in-22pushupchallenge-with-friend-Dominic-challenges-Garrett-Hedlund/44687
Bev, I am with you on the embarrassing covers. I can’t stand even when my husband sees them (he will tease me) and I feel like non-romance readers just don’t get it and are all judgey.
Finished Swear on This Life and loved it! It was such a heartfelt story. A 4.5 for me.
Now I am reading a book called Muy Profundo from a Mexican author. Yes, I read in Spanish too lol
I agree about the covers! I too get embarrassed at some of them. Sometimes they don’t even depict what the book is actually about and I feel they use the bare torso to catch your attention. Its been so overdone already that now when I look at a cover like Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, I am much more interested.
Leslie I totally agree! I feel like they are thinking I am reading some sort of porn or something lol.
Bev he’s so gorgeous!!!!
Alright, TOO quiet. For that, a well written sentence from the book I’m reading.
‘He tightened his hands *spoiler* and adjusted his heart to bear the new burden.’
Thank you Bev. Its 8am here and Charlie was exactly what I needed to start the day…. sigh.
Sucky first lines so Im following Tessa’s lead with a beautiful sentence instead:
‘If he loved you with all of the power of his soul for a whole lifetime, he couldn’t love you as much as I do in a single day’
Close to You.
Awwww.
Those are two beautiful lines. Thanks for sharing ladies.
FLT:
“My eyes burn a hole in the page.”
The Distance Between Us by Kassie West.
Boring first line, but hopefully will improve.
Is there anything worse than not having a good book to read? Flipping from one to another to another and none of them get really good. It’s annoying and frustrating and … makes me feel restless. *whispers “addicted”*
You already know what I would rec. 🙂
yeah but I definitely couldn’t get into YA right now, bah humbug
Do you need a number? 36! Or the Lilah Pace one!
That one just doesn’t sound appealing to me. and I’ve tried rolling the lottery number a couple of times but didn’t land on any winners.
idk know what I need. Maybe some nonstop action with gasp worthy reveals. …or not
ick – this is awful
Ok, I’m going to go play my guitar. Tessa, come sing. 🙂
The Kraken King was a fun action adventure steam punk.
Or, I know it is hard, but like you are doing a book break. Slumps suck, but end.
#36 is Reignite (Extinguish, #2) by Darhower, J.M. *
I don’t remember Extinguis#1. I need to clean out my tbr. Most of these I’ve shelved I’ll never get to.
I’m gonna go read the blurb of The Kraken King. Yuck title but you’ve mentioned it before and I know I’ve seen others rate it highly too.
Release the kraken!
*snort* bev!!!!!! 😛
*release the Kraken* Tee hee. That makes me giggle.
Bev, I can’t tell what’s what with that huge series. There’s parts and others look like full books and some look like spin offs. *scratches head*. Did ya have to make it so difficult? lol !
Lol.
So it is part of a series of standalone books. If im right she created this big world. The first one is The Iron Duke. Goodness I have had that book in my tbr for a long time.
Then the author first released The Kraken King as a serial, and people were loving it. So, when it came out as a whole book I decided what the heck.
As I was reading it I could see how it would of been fun as a serial.
So The Iron Duke is the first book, then The Kraken King “book” is a compilation of all The Kraken King parts. Do I have that right?
You were just trying to distract me from my slump by making me solve a puzzle weren’t you? Ya, I’m onto you now. 😉
Late to the conversation (story of my life lately *snort and eyeroll* but I’m with y’all on being tired of the covers with half-dressed guys or couples in a passionate embrace. Those all look the same to me anymore, and if it looks like all the rest then I am most likely going to pass right over it. I need unique, eye catching, or heart clenching…and yes, some covers make my heart clench because they just scream heartache. 😉
FLT…don’t have one right now. I finished All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and…hmmm…I don’t know what to say about it yet. I need to digest it a bit. It had potential with the whole forbiddenny aspect but something about it was just…off. *shrug* Not bad or anything, just off. Multiple POV thing, maybe? I dunno…
Maryse…did you stick with ATUAWT? What do/did you think of it? We are so bad with BR’s. *snort*
I’m at 90% Amy… I don’t love it like everyone seems to. I LIKE it due to the fact that it’s an absorbing story and I keep picking it right back up to continue reading, but there’s an incredible ICK-factor for me that I just… I wasn’t… I can’t… ya know?
Maybe the ending will flip me around?
I’m not in love.
I’m a bit grossed out. 😐
Fabi…sending vibes to put an end to your icky book slump.
*grabs glitter and flings it on Fabi*
Fabi, yes. Did it work?
And The Kraken as a whole is a whole book, beginning, middle, and an end.
Well. Thats gonna put a dent in my reading time…..
I recently finished my contract teaching at the Uni here and was enjoying some recreational time. But I felt guilty not working, so yesterday I half heartedly applied for a three day a week OT job. And damn. The manager phoned this morning, i had a phone interview and start next week. Great for the bank balance which was looking forelorn….but bad for idle reading hours.
YAY Lisa!!!! How cool is that?!! 😀
Fabi…read The Scorpion Races or The Night Circus. Both fantasy-ish but two books that I often think about….just lovely writing and imagery.
I just figured out why I loved the cover of Neighbour Dearest so much! That is Kellen Lutz – Emmett from Twilight.
Happy Friday ladies!!!!
So I will admit the title caught my attention…BIG time. I Like Big Dragons and I Can Not Lie by Lani Lynn Vale. Just got to say…I love the whole dragon who can telepathically communicates with their bonded person thing. Maybe it goes back to How to Train your Dragon? Everybody loves Toothless…right??? Who knows but I loved this book. Strong, hot alpha…everyday h who turns into a badass strong h. Dragons, baby dragons, bad guys ….oh my!!! Shed loads of smexy scenes!!! Not my usual read but LOVED it none the less!!!!
YAY DG! That one sounds so good, and even though I’m not reading a ton of paranormal these days, I LOVED that the blurb mentions the heroine is a human nurse just trying to live her life.
YES!!!!!
Thanks Lisa. I’ll take a peek at those. Congrats on the new job.
DG that title is pretty funny. I’m glad it turned out to be such a good book.
Fabi…every time I say the title or even think about the title…it must be to the tune of the song… Baby got back….*giggling like crazy*
Sharon, really? wow, I wouldn’t have thought a movie actor would pose for the cover of a book. That’s totally cool.
Congratulations Lisa!! Just think…more money to buy more books. 😉
*looks up cover of Neighbor Dearest*
*fans self with scrub top*
*looks around break room to make sure no one saw*
*snort* 😛
Yeah, I had to picture/imagine her as older to get past that ick factor. She seemed older as well so it made doing that easier. Like I said, the forbiddenny potential was there but her age was a bit of a stretch.
And the multiple POVs…some were just random and felt unnecessary. Like the teacher who was all torn up over John Lennon. Um, what? *scratches head*
It was definitely good and I even kept picking it up when I was stuck in traffic (2 hours to drive 25 miles…thank you oil spill on he highway) so that says something. 😉 Love? No. Liked? Yep! Worth the price? Nuh-uh. *shakes head*
Hey, have you ladies seen the Results May Vary by Bethany Chase? I keep seeing it pop up.
Amy, did you read that other book by her? The cover looks familiar.
Whenever I read reviews or discussion on Undecided there would be the, “is it a triangle cause I don’t like those” questions. So, I was just wondering if that might be why.
I think they should of left it cause the cover, title, and premise and how the author played with it all was so great. I kept getting these little surprises. Like, I know what’s going to happen here….oh no guess not, lol.
Also, cover and title represented more than just that aspect.
Yep Bev, I did…The One That Got Away. I really liked it from what I remember. I don’t think it was an OMG-this-book-is-awesome read but still worth a rec. 😉
And I liked the original Undecided cover better. 😕
“…even though I’m not reading a ton of paranormal these days” <—– yeah, just reading a DIFFERENT kind of "bump in the night" books. 😛