BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!! J.R. WARD/BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD ALERT!! Look what’s up for preorder!!! ➔ The Chosen: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood It’s Xcor’s book!!!
Happy new release day!!
<— And LOOK!!! It’s live, and I read it, and barely put it down! (my review). But… there’s more!! Like…
My mini blurb-jolt list: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (I’ve been waiting for this one!!! Her dad is a drug dealer, and she becomes friends with one of his “thugs” It sounds so intense!), Virgin Wars (group of 20-something girlfriends that are all virgins and have a contest. Last to lose it… loses. So she decides to seduce a stripper!!), Reaper’s Fire (More Joanna Wylde bikers!!!), Notorious (he’s in love with the housekeeper’s daughter, but the biggest Mafia families want to partner, and he’s the one in the middle… promised to a mafia princess? That’s what I think…), Results May Vary (she finds out that her husband, who was her love since high school, is having an affair… with a man),
AND check out the giveaway Lisa Renee Jones is having right here on the blog for HER new release: Hard Rules by Lisa Renee Jones NEW RELEASE Celebration Giveaway!
P.S. ➔ Follow me (and Pimmie AND Hobbit – my sweet puppies – yep, I have a new addition!) on Instagram? That would be SO cool!!!

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!
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Until the Sun Falls from the Sky by Kristen Ashley
- Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley
- With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley
- Insidious: FBI Thriller, Book 20 by Catherine Coulter
- Close to You: A Fusion Novel by Kristen Proby
- The Matchmaker’s Replacement: Wingmen Inc., Book 2 by Rachel Van Dyken
- Now That I’ve Found You: New York Sullivans, Book 1 by Bella Andre
- Until June: Until Her, Book 2 by Aurora Rose Reynolds
- Turbulent Intentions: Billionaire Aviators, Book 1 by Melody Anne
- The Gun Runner: Mafia Made, Book 1 by Scott Hildreth
- A Wildly Seductive Night: Seductive Nights, Book 3.5 by Lauren Blakely
- Hetch: Men of S.W.A.T., Book 1 by River Savage
- Ruthless by Lexi Blake
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!):
The Consequences Series Box Set by Aleatha Romig <— DARK READ ALERT! ENTIRE SERIES BUNDLE, super-bargain priced today!!!!
Cristina: “I spent the weekend with the Consequences series. Definitely one of the most mentally and emotionally taxing reading experiences of my life. It was the most unpredictable love story I have ever read. This series shocked me and twisted my tummy over, and over, and over again. I say “love story” lightly.
This series is not for the faint at heart. If you like an easy love story or an easy hero/heroine, run far, far away from this series. Is it dark? The first book yes. But after that, it was more emotional than anything else. I would call it a psych thriller.
One quality I look for in my hero, in a dark series, is redemption. That’s what makes it a love story for me. It’s here, but it doesn’t come easy. I wasn’t sure after book #1 it was even possible for me, by Romig’s superior writing got me there.
This series is going to stay with me for a while. These kinds of feels don’t go away easily. It’s time for a glass of wine and a light read. Phew! I’m brushing the sweat off of my forehead. Well done Aleatha Romig! Well done indeed!”
Score (Skin in the Game Book 1) by Christine Bell <— FOOTBALL STAR ALERT! She doesn’t trust sports stars at all but… “I just got assigned to be wide receiver Callum Samskevitch’s physical therapist. Pro: It will be great to add to my resume. Con: I have to see him. Every. Single. Day.” (super-bargain priced!!)
- Signal Bend Series by Susan Fanetti <— SUPER-POPULAR GRITTY BIKER SERIES ALERT! And each book is super-bargain priced today!! Kathy: “I have had the first two books in the Signal Bend MC Series by Susan Fanetti that a bunch of your readers love. So excited to see this morning that all of the books in the Signal Bend and Signal Bend So Cal are on sale… Just scooped them all up!! I have been waiting to read this series!“
- Heller by JD Nixon <— SO MUCH LOVE FOR THIS SERIES back when we first discovered indie, and Stephanie wants us to read it badly!!!
Stephanie: “Out of all the books I have read… this series is my ALL-TIME favorite! (I don’t even know if you’re ready for this lol) it’s a little series called The Heller Series by J.D. Nixon! I don’t want to tell you too much about the book before reading it, but basically it’s about a girl named Tilly that lands a job at a privately owned security company. The owner just happens to be a total god but of course is at first oblivious to Tilly’s liking to him (she also denies it). He sends her on these security jobs which somehow always end up going wrong. She along with all of the other characters will have you CRACKING UP and falling in love at the same time! …You will not put the books down!!!
…once I finished reading the series I was severely depressed without being able to hear more about Tilly and her ridiculous love life and the crazy situations she always seems to find herself in…”
- New York Crime Kings Box Set: Books 1-4 by Skyla Madi <— GANG DARK READ ALERT! This whole series had been bundled at a super-bargain price!! “I had no right following Jai into the abandoned industrial site, but I did, and that stupid mistake was all it took to rip me from my world of semi-normalcy and thrust me headfirst into the gritty criminal underground with Stone as my only ally. Aboveground, I’m a student nurse painfully dragging herself through an unfulfilling life, but down here, where men wear tattoos on their faces and kill without remorse, I’m a fraud living on borrowed time...”
- Always Room for Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez <— SWEET SUPER-BARGAIN ’cause book #2 is coming out soon! The author says” “Always Room for Cupcakes is on sale… leading up to the release of book 2 in the series. In this Romantic Comedy/Suspense, Lila is an Investigative Photographer who finds herself in big trouble, and keeps getting rescued by a mysterious motorcycle man, Cade.”
PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN
- Kayden/Simon: Bayou Heat Novellas by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright
- Luke’s Dream: Judgement of the Six Companion Series, Book 3 by Melissa Haag
- Celeste (Glory Book 3) by Dale Mayer
- Erstwhile (The Jekh Saga Book 1) by H.E. Trent
- Inherent Cost (Inherent Gifts Book 3) by Alicia Cameron <— M/M
- The Chief (The Tribe 3) by Sarah Cass
- Mysta by Kristi Bradley
- Waking Anastasia by Timothy Reynolds
- Disciplining the Beast (Taming the Beast) by Tina Donahue
CONTEMPORARY
- Swear on This Life: A Novel by Renee Carlino <— RENEE CARLINO ALERT!!!! SHE READS A BESTSELLING BOOK AND REALIZES IT’S ABOUT HER ALERT!!!! Oh yes… she knows the author. Good stuff!!! (my review)
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood <— HER DAD IS A DRUG DEALER ALERT!! Kim just found us one that sounds OMG AWESOME. Her dad is a drug dealer, and she’s helping to raise her siblings and… “…she forms an unusual friendship with one of her father’s thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold.”
Kim: “Have you heard any chattering about this book: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood? The author lives in my state and is doing a reading and signing in my city. I see a lot of positive words on Goodreads, but wanted to see if any of my fellow book world people have read or heard anything about it.”
Maryse: “Kim seriously… I just read that blurb and I HAVE TO read that book. I haven’t heard anything about it yet, but yet again, you’ve found another that is right up my alley!”
Sadie: “I can’t wait for this one”
The Stage Dive Complete Collection (A Stage Dive Novel) by Kylie Scott <— KYLIE SCOTT ROCK STAR SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!!! We loved this whole series like CRAZY and here it is, all bundled up for this that want to “dive” in. Tee hee! 😉 See what I did there? *snort*
- Whatever You Need: (A Chicago Mafia Syndicate) (Castaletta Book 2) by Ali Parker
- Chasing Forever by Kimberley Hatch
- Text Me, Maybe by Jolyse Barnett
Virgin Wars by Sarah Bale <— VIRGIN FRIENDS & SHE WANTS TO SEDUCE A STRIPPER ALERT! “Stacie’s solution is simple – she’ll seduce her favorite male stripper. If he does other things half as well as he dances she’ll have no problem winning the war against her friends. Only it’s not as easy as she thought. Turns out even strippers have baggage, and she has way more to lose than her virginity...”
- Accidentally Me by Kim Karras
- Want & Need by CJ Laurence
- Stripped Bounty by Dorothy F. Shaw <— SHE’S A STRIPPER TRYING TO START OVER & HE’S THE BOUNCER… “After her drug-running husband gets himself killed, Rosie Santini figures Phoenix is a fine place to get a fresh start. Deuce’s strip club isn’t too fresh, but the money’s easy. As she works the pole, the only gaze she can’t ignore belongs to the club’s head bouncer, Badger Baxter…”
- Ruthless (A Lawless Novel) by Lexi Blake
- Pierce My Heart (Women of Willowbrook Book 1) by Kelsey Jensen
- The Matchmaker’s Replacement [Kindle in Motion] (Wingmen Inc. Book 2) by Rachel Van Dyken <— THEY HATE EACH OTHER ALERT! “Gabi has a secret, something she’s keeping from not just her best friend but her nemesis too. Lines are blurred as Lex becomes less the villain she’s always painted him to be…and starts turning into something more. Gabi has always hated the way she’s been just a little bit attracted to him...”
- Hard Rules (Dirty Money) by Lisa Renee Jones <— GOOD BROTHER & BAD BROTHER BATTLING FOR THEIR FAMILY’S EMPIRE ALERT! ” She trusts him. He trusts her, but therein lies the danger. Emily has a secret, the very thing that brought her to him in the first place, and that secret that could that destroy them both…”
- Grievous (Wanted Men Book 5) by Nancy Haviland
- Learning to Fly by Spencer Durrant
Close to You: A Fusion Novel by Kristen Proby <— HIS BEST FRIEND’S LITTLE SISTER ALERT! “After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend…”
- Wicked Pleasure: Part 2 (Bound Hearts) by Lora Leigh
- Until Summer Ends by Elana Johnson
- Carla’s Cowboys (The Cowboys of Cavern County Book 1) by Bella Settarra
- Where Love Lies: A Novel by Julie Cohen <— TEMPTATION ALERT! She’s married but begins thinking about a long lost love… “…she is overcome by forgotten emotions-passionate memories of another man she loved many years ago. As the feelings continue to surface again and again, Felicity begins to question the life she thought she knew so well. She doesn’t doubt that she loves her husband, but does she owe it to herself to explore these overwhelming emotions that have taken hold of her?“
- Trent (Redemption Romance Book 4) by Anna Scott
- Hot Flashes by Barbara Raskin
- Found (Arielle Lockley Book 3) by Elle Field
- The Devil’s Game by Alex Strong
- Tailored for Trouble by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff <— SHE’S COACHING THE HEARTLESS CEO THAT FIRED HER ALERT! “Taylor Reed is no stranger to selfish, uncaring CEOs. She was fired by one, which is why she has created her own executive training program—helping heartless bosses become more human. So Taylor shocks even herself when she agrees to coach Bennett Wade, the cutthroat exec who got her unceremoniously canned…“
- Burn Down the Night by M. O’Keefe
- Turbulent Intentions (Billionaire Aviators) by Melody Anne
- Delta Recon (SEAL Team Phantom Series, Book 2) by Elle Boon
- The Apprehension: Unexpected Circumstances Book 6 by Shay Savage <— SHAY SAVAGE ALERT!!
- Sweet Seduction Sayonara (Sweet Seduction, Book 9) by Nicola Claire
- Champagne and Chaps (Rough and Ready Book 3) by Cheyenne McCray
Reaper’s Fire: Reapers Motorcycle Club by Joanna Wylde <— JOANNA WYLDE BIKER BOOK ALERT!!! “She deserves a good man—one better than me. I can’t take her yet because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead. Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul . . . Mine’s been dead for years…“
- Confessions Of An Old Lady by Christina Morgan <— BIKER BOOK ALERT!!!
- Striker: No Prisoners MC Book 1 by Lilly Atlas <— BIKER BOOK ALERT!!!
- Forgetting the Past (The Forgotten Trilogy Book 1) by Brenda Kennedy
- Dear Jane by Rachel Ward
- Journey of Joy (Happy Eternally After (LDS Romance) Book 2) by Emma Rylin Ballard
- The Hating Game: A Novel by Sally Thorne
- Can I See You Again? by Allison Morgan
Notorious: A DeLuca Family Novella (The DeLuca Family) by K.A. Ware <— MAFIA PRINCE & THE HOUSEKEEPER’S DAUGHTER ALERT! “Duty to his family drove a wedge between us. We tried to hold on—secret meetings, hooded glances, and stolen kisses. Proclamations of love whispered into the night. We tried to let our love get us through, but as much as we longed for a life away from everything that stood in our way, we knew it was hopeless. He was the heir to the DeLuca family throne, and I was just the housekeeper’s daughter…“
- Laws of Attraction (Teach Me Book 4) by RC Boldt
- Wanting It All: A Naked Men Novel by Christi Barth
- Three More Wishes (Rainbow Island Book 2) by Sean Michael <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT! “James, Guard and Damien are back, still running their resort, where every fantasy, no matter how perverse, may come true. The three men continue working out the bumps in their threesome, but when it comes to their clients, they’re a well-oiled machine. Which works perfectly for the three new couples arriving in paradise…“
- Zac’s Mulligan (Guarding The Gods Book 1) by Ann Lister <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT! “Zac Mulligan is a former Marine now providing personal security for the infamous rock band, Black Ice. Seeing all the guys around him in committed relationships reminds him of his childhood best friend . . . the only person Zac has never managed to get out of his head or his heart…”
- Closer by Morning by Thom Collins <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
- A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan
- French Kiss (Silver Cove Series Book 2) by Jill Sanders
- Sunset Shadows by Bronwyn Parry
- The Matchmakers of Minnow Bay: A Novel by Kelly Harms
- Monsoon Summer: A Novel by Julia Gregson
Results May Vary: A Novel by Bethany Chase <— SHE FINDS OUT HER HUSBAND IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH A MAN ALERT! “Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him…”
- Insidious (An FBI Thriller Book 20) by Catherine Coulter
- Forever My Soldier (Love Conquers Life Book 3) by Alison Mello
- Current Affairs by Barbara Raskin
- The Altogether Unexpected Disappearance of Atticus Craftsman: A Novel by Mamen Sánchez
- An Improper Deal (Elliot & Annabelle #1) (Billionaires’ Brides of Convenience Book 3) by Nadia Lee
- Promises by Lori Beasley Bradley
- Challenging the Center (Santa Fe Bobcats) by Jeanette Murray <— A FOOTBALL STAR & A TENNIS STAR ALERT! “Katrina Kelly has seen some success on the tennis circuit, but she’s hit an all time low, thanks to a sex tape released by her ex. She’s become persona non grata on the tour, and between injuries and sponsors dropping her, she’s hit the rock bottom, both professionally and personally. But seriously, sending her to be mentored by a football player? This is not going to end well…”
PREORDERS (next few days & next week’s!!! )
A Beautiful Funeral: A Novel by Jamie McGuire – August 15th 2016
- Midnight Soul (Fantasyland Series Book 5) by Kristen Ashley – August 15th 2016
- Arcana Rising (The Arcana Chronicles Book 5) by Kresley Cole – August 15th 2016
- Ravage: A Scarred Souls Novel by Tillie Cole – August 16th 2016
- Wolf’s Mate (Wind Dragons Motorcycle Club) by Chantal Fernando – August 16th 2016
- Curious Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel by Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton – August 16th 2016
- The Sight: A Devil’s Isle Novel by Chloe Neill – August 16th 2016
- Magic Steals: A Novella in the World of Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews – August 16th 2016
- The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer – August 16th 2016
Ravage: A Scarred Souls Novel by Tillie Cole – August 16th 2016
- Sting by Sandra Brown – August 16th 2016
- I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie (The I Like Big Dragons Series) by Lani Lynn Vale – August 17th 2016
- Always Room for Cupcakes by Bethany Lopez <— The author says: “Cupcake Overload is book 2 in the Cupcakes Series, and is available for preorder now. It is releasing on Aug 22nd. In this second installment of my Romantic Comedy/Suspense series, Lila and her friends are pulled in to a murder investigation whose lead suspect is one of Cade’s brothers. Lots of shenanigans and cupcakes! :)” August 22nd 2016
➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2017!)
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Been seeing some buzz for The Hating Game, but $$$.
Besides that nothing is really catching my eye. Which is a blessing. I just put some of my books I own on kindle on GR. The ratio of read to want to read is ridiculous. Plus, some I forgot I even had, when at one point I just had to have them.
Jean, if you pop in. We really should try and make a date to read The Bronze Horseman ….again.
A re-read? Or do you mean again as in an attempted “buddy-read”? LOL!!! 😛
Attempted buddy read. None of us decided to show up for it, lol.
Maryse I’m still putting Sawbones out there for a br–though I have heard it is a violent read.
Also, a Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda peanut & A Last Hour of Gaan peanut.
Um, no Sawbones for me. lol I only like my scary in paranormal or fantasy. Nothing real.
When was Bronze Horsemen? Did we forget. I forgot (sorry!).
Nothing for me this week too. Which is good because I’ve been lazy about the getting the card thing. 🙂 Next week Arcana and also, Debra Dunbar just put the pre-order for the next imp book up. So, two next week. I own the Ilona Anddrews already. it’s from a book of short stories.
Although I am a self proclaimed book wimp, I actually DO want to read Bronze Horseman series and would love to a buddy read but I can’t start it til probably the end of the month.
I’m loving All That Jazz but I have shed a few tears today over it. (book wimp, remember?)
“Text me, Maybe” from today’s list looks adorable and right up my easy-read alley.
Tessa, it was last December. We were going for a winter read.:)
Maybe this time we should try a fall read—like October.
Sawbones, western scary. Just saw some warnings for the violence and also for the prejudice of that time.
Same goes for The Last Hour of Gaan. Read and believe any warnings.
Thank you Maryse! I don’t know what I would do without your recs! I think I will start Joanna Wylde’s Reaper book next. Currently I just started JD Robb’s In death series..has anyone read them? Thanks again 🙂
The In Death series is really good. I don’t even read them for the mystery so much as keeping up with the characters. They are that interesting.
Last Hour of Gann… I just can’t justify spending money on that one when the blurb keeps me away. :/ I wish I could find it at a library or something instead.
It’s really good, but really dark. Really dark. Lots of different types of violence–no one is safe.
And very long. I was reading and reading and would look down and it still say 16 hours left, lol.
Wait, Tessa. It might be lendable.
It is, do you want it?
Thank you Tessa. I will continue with In Death book 1 then. It’s fortunate the city elibrary has the series or else there’s no way I can afford to read all the volumes.
0.0 Yes, please. I can send you my info over Goodreads. At that price, I had no idea it was lendable. They usually aren’t.
The library is awesome for the In Death books. That’s how I read them now. Before I used to get them at used book stores. 😀
Thank you Bev! For that, I promise no hugging you for a week!
Ok, let me know if it worked.
If you like it I have her Cottonwood also.
Also, if you like it be prepared. It leaves a book fog.
Lol.
Andrea… check out my reading order blog post for that series. A TON of comments about the BIG love for it and why:
https://www.maryse.net/reading-order-guide/j-d-robb-in-death-series-reading-order.html
Because Eve and her love are wonderful together! Because Dallas’s eventual partner is awesome! Because the angst! Because of the whole electronics dept! For the humor! The cat! The butler! The shady pathologist! The BFF!
Did I give enough reasons?
LOL Tessa!!! Those are GREAT reasons!!!! 😀
The only problem is, I read a few out of order and I have no idea which one I’m on. I don’t know if my last one was. I think next is Salvation? Your list helped me figure that one out. *blinks* I have a lot of books to read. 😀
Signal Bend series!!!! Loved every one and about to start the So Cal series after Ive finished Swear On This Life.
If you havent read them yet and you loved Undeniable and some of those gritty dirty biker books grab them on sale. Awesome awesome books.
A break and then to pick what’s next.
Alright, I think I’ve read too many books. I’m reading Spiked and my only thought is, why do you two actually like each other? From her POV, I get, he’s sexy and popular, we are together. He doesn’t have a POV, but I get from his words, because we are good in bed. So, uh…
Why are they together?
I wonder if I add 3 to my currently reading status if it will keep me current on reading them?
Tessa I think that happens a lot. Even with books I’m engaged with. I’ll think later, when did they fall for each other? Did they even?
Yeah. I don’t see the click.
Yes, it will keep them all as if you are reading them all right now. I have so many like that, I need to move them to GBL, Going back later.
Ok, got GR’s friend request from Bev, but also got one from Melinda. Not sure who that is. Is there an Melinda on here???
Cheryl, I’ve noticed with the new layout I get more reqs because more people see what you’re reading/reviewing. It’s probably random.
It could also so be someone who lurks here or maybe doesn’t post often. I got her request too. She seems to be a new GR user.
I’ve been using the new GR layout since it was first released in beta. I have to say that, after the first shock of seeing it, I fell in love with it. I can barely remember the old layout but it was busy and small and hard to navigate. Love the new one.
Cheryl, I did too.
Melinda, Apologies for my memory if not true. I think like Fabi said she lurks more than comments. Though I believe she has dropped by before.
You know what’s weird? I forget how public we are here. It feels private. Maybe because it isn’t a forum & I can’t see how many people view.
Good Reads feels public. I think because I’m seeing comments from people I don’t know on all of your updates. I feel like I’m navigating a party. Trying to stay on the edges and in the corners.
Bev, so true!! hahaha
The first two in the Young Elites series are 1.99 right now.
So I finally decided what to read and went ahead and finished Salt to the Sea. Highly, highly recommend! I had gotten this as an audio book with the free trial, it was the best book out of samples I had tried to really ‘catch my ear’, lol. It’s a little hard for me to connect with audio books but I thought it might help me ‘read more’ I guess and multi task. I cannot multi task while listening. My thinking voice turns out is too strong and my children too loud and demanding, thus I got a nice pair of headphones. Haha. So though I really liked the first quarter, I walked away as it turned out to be too difficult to really listen. Well I was in an indecisive slump and committed to finishing, and so through a couple naps and bedtime, I finished. And I’m so glad I went back, it was a great book and once I got in the rythm of it, I was enthralled. It’s told from 4 different narratives, Florian, Emilia, Joana, and Alfred. And in the audio book, 4 different voices, which I thought was cool. Set in the WWII era, there’s heartbreak, tragedy, a bit of romance, secrets, and friendships. My only complaint was it was a bit of an abrupt ending. Though you get closure, I would have liked to see a little more of how they got there.
I am reading a great autobiography/memoir about a beautiful story called Abandoned In Search of Rainbows by AK Driggs. I needed some inspiration and happiness in my life, I think we all do. Her story from birth makes my problems seem small and that’s ok with me! So many suggestions in these comments I could be filling my tbr till Christmas!
Heather!! Thank you for letting me know about that one. I LOVE autobiographies!!
Just saw the little box to uncheck on GR. The one that shows you the books I’m shelving on my updates. Gah, sorry about that.
Tessa- I LOVED Last Hour of Gann. One of my very faves. Yes, dark, but I fell in love with an alien lizard man. Yes indeedie.
On this list, KAs last book in Fantasyland Series has my name all over it.
Still trekking along. Haven’t gotten hardly any reading time in. Watching Olympics. Dang – those speedos are getting tiny on those divers. I feel like a pedophile cougar for just watching. And Phelps? That was spectacular! In your face South-Africa dude!!!!
The heroine in the Hating Game is only 5ft, so making me think of all you short ladies on here.
It’s very much a part of her character and identity.
Hey I’m a short lady! 5′ exactly!
Ok, finished The Weight of Rain and The effects of Falling, both of which caught my attention because of their beautiful covers. They were interconnected standalones. I liked the story of TWOR better; neither were 5 stars, prob 3-4.
Tonight I plan to start Swear on This Life. 🙂
The MCs are nemesis at work. He is very standoffish and proper. Like he calls her Lucinda, instead of Lucy. Or Shortcake. This made me smile. They are collecting money & waivers from co – workers.
“Waivers to me. Cash to Lucinda. ”
“Who’s Lucinda?”, someone farther back in the line asks.
“Cash to Lucy. This ridiculously small person right her. Hair. Lipstick. Lucy.”
Just finished One by Jewel E Ann and once again a masterpiece read!!! Loooved it sooooo hard!!!! Highly recommend reading the Jack and Jill series first to get the full back story.
Loving The Last Hour of Gann. *grins* “Speaking” to each other is hilarious.
I promised myself I’d go to bed early but I just want to keep reading. 🙂
Because I’m still up reading. Because it’s now officially Thursday.
FLT
“I have a theory.”—–The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
I’m playing catch-up. I justt fimished Collen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, An absuloutely stunning, heart wrenching, intelligent, 5 star read! Maryse, I can see a ‘What to read after…’ list on the horizon, but frankly it’s going to be a tough one to follow.
I took an angst break and finally read The Wall of Winnepeg and Me, which was a very slow burn (and too much inner dialog), but I would 4 star it. I picked After I D back up and am back in angst land. My next read is The Girl on the Train – because did you see the movie trailer?
Sharon I LOVED The Girl on the Train!!!!
What’s happened to the price of Kindle books? All the one’s I like cost ££££’s – on to the wish list they go – praying for a price drop!
My TBR is outta control!! I just keep adding more and more and all those old, lonely books are collecting virtual dust!!
Maryse, I have no idea how you are not completely overwhelmed .
Tailored for Trouble looks really good and I love the cover!
I just saw a review and doesn’t The Woman in Cabin 10 look fun?
Maryse, I’m not done yet, but I need to throw a The Hating Game peanut at you.
*open hand and drops a handful on top of Maryse ‘ s head”
I can do that cause your so short.
Is it really good bev? I’m intrigued…
Still reading Last Hour of Gann, so
FLT:
‘The eviction notice was hanging on the door when they got back from the hospital.’
Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith
FLT
“When Kirgipa accepted the coveted position of second nursemaid to the youngest of the Kai heir apparent’s brood, she never imagined the role entailed consecutive days of sleep deprivation and exile to the farthest corner of the palace.”
Eidolon by Grace Driven
That was a long first line. :-/
Tessa I am so curious about how you’re going to feel about TLHoG.
FLT jumping outside the box. Like way outside.
“I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice–not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother’s death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.
A Prayer for Owen Meany
That first line sounds right up your alley.
…with the heartbreak
New FLT.
“I have three simple wishes.”
—Lola and the Boy Next Store by Stephanie Perkins
I just looked and I hate when the physical book is less than the ebook, as it is with The Hating Game.
Traditional publishing so if anyone is put off by the price I’d definitely look at the stores. There used to be a new/used book store I’d visit, large romance section. It was nice because there would be a fast turnover with people wanting to use credits to buy more books.
It’s something I’ve been thinking about, I used to wait the whole year to buy the pb. What happened to my will power and budgeting?
we are the victims of instant gratification 😉
Sorry girls, been MIA!
Yes, October sounds good for BR of Bronze Horseman.
Tessa, you are making me want to read LHoG which I already have downloaded!
Bev, you are making me want to read The Hating Game which I can’t afford right now.
FLT: “You have to give it back.” Heartless by Winter Renshaw
Maryse, thanks as always for all your hard work!
Jean. Two words. You should. I had a few issues with one party in the beginning, but it’s been really good and intense.
Some of those secondary characters………..*Deep Breath*
Isn’t it really long though. I think that’s what is stopping me.
So jealous of anyone reading last Hour of Gann for the first time. Maybe I should re-read it. Is it too soon?
Another 5-foot-nothing girl here. Maryse – don’t you feel like you are looking someone right in the eye and that you are about the same height, then you see a picture and you’re super short? Or you think other people are really short and your hubby tells you you’re shorter? This happens to me all the time.
My FLT is from Until the End of the World (still, I know…. the horror…. taking me so long to finish). “Today is the kind of spring day that used to make me feel like anythings was possible.”
MichelleS I look GOOFY in photos with multiple people. You see them all bending down to match my height. Yikes!!!!! I don’t even know if they realize they’re doing it. 😛 *snort*
Ah MichelleS! Love that series!
Yes Michelle S! I feel exactly the same about LHoG. Is it too soon for a re-read? Probably is for me, but I’m torn, cos I’m in a bit of a book funk at the moment, which is when I tend to go back to old favs. And I think maybe Gann was my fav read so far this year. So glad you’re enjoying it, Tessa. Yes Jean, you should go for it. It’s long, but so engrossing. Fantastic book.
My FLT: No one could’ve predicted this moment in time.
from Allegiance of Honour by Nalini Singh. I finished it this week, but so far nuthin else is floating my boat, so I haven’t started a new one yet. Not sure whether the new Colleen Hoover is too angsty for me so I haven’t gone there (yet). Allegiance of Honour has very mixed reviews, and sadly, I weighed in on the meh side. I gave it a mere 2 stars. #15 in the psy-changeling series, a once great series that has fizzled out. A long book I had to force myself to finish. Didn’t have a real plot or much romance at all. One reviewer said it was like a very long epilogue. Yeah, it was. Very disappointing 🙁
I read the new Joanna Wylde book this week as well. Reaper’s Fire. I was really looking forward to it, but sadly, like the new Nalini Singh, it was a 2 star for me 🙁 There are lots of 5 star reviews on amazon, but I found it very disappointing. Another book where I kept skimming. I did eventually finish, though. I’ve really liked some books in this series, but this one was just a dud for me. The writing just wasn’t up to the usual standard, and the plot dragged. The hero also overused the c-word, like, waaaay too much. Yeah, I know, it’s an MC book so it’s par for the course, but this time I frankly found Gage’s language unpleasant and off-putting, whereas it doesn’t worry me (in context) in other books. Darn it! I need another new, good book STAT! Like the new Christina Lauren, which sounds GREAT! But not coming out till October 🙁 Or a new Lauren Gilley. I FLOVED Tastes Like Candy. Wonder when the next one is out. Maybe I’ll go and skulk in my local library and see if I can luck out with a new, great author from their shelves…. Sick of paying for books that turn out to be blaaah… OK, yeah, I’m a bit grumpy today LOL. (Is it too early for wine?)
Jan, are you in the mood for something in particular?
Not really, Bev. Just something well-written and romantic. Contemporary or PNR is fine. My favs this year range from LHoG to Tastes Like Candy to Kulti to The Turning Point to One Second (Dannika Dark pnr). I’m also a fan of a well-written HR. e.g my fav of all time, Heartless by Mary Balogh. (Well, after These Old Shades, that is 🙂 So I like a wide range, but at the same time, I’m annoyingly picky. And I’m not a massive angst or suspense fan. Suggestions welcome 🙂
First, definitely skulk in your library, I’m doing that tomorrow myself. Most would probably be ones I’ve already rec ‘ d to you or you’ve read.
I seriously enjoyed The Hating Game, yet expensive.
Have you read any Laura Florand or Ellen O’Connell? If you want i can lend you Once Upon a Rose, great meet cute. Or one of my O’Connells, Eyes of Silver Eyes of Gold, Beautiful Bad Man, or Dancing on Coals. Her Without Words is wonderful too, but I read it on…..oh Amazon subscription thing. Total mind blank on name.
Haven’t read it but coming up is A Promise of Fire, lots of good buzz.
Oh, The Kraken King was fun.
Just on principal I have to rec Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda –so fun and good, but YA.
An Ember in Ashes was a good fantasy.
Just promise you’ll try a sample of any first?
Jan, aren’t you also a fan of sci-fi? Sometimes changing genres is the only thing that will get me out of a funk.
Sorry if I’m wrong, just ignore me. But if not, then I just finished reading a sci-fi called Recon by Sarah Benner that I FLOVED. It’s a dystopian sci-fi with a little splash of romance. I was glued to that story. When it ended I couldn’t click and download book 2 fast enough. It’s so good! I’ve been meaning to read Recon for so long. *shakes head* There are amazing gems buried in my tbr.
Oh, wait. One…….Two….more.
Good Time Bad Boy is another I can lend. It is a bit different as kind of a quiet slower book. But I thought a solid read.
I really want to read Sawbones, soon. If you want to take a chance.
Fabi, I think about that often. What gems I’ve buried. 🙂
I know Bev. It’s just that between freebies and sales and recs our tbr lists grow so big that some of us have no hope of ever getting to all the books we added.
The author of Recon is Tarah Benner. My autocorrect insists on changing Tarah to Sarah. It’s major fight to get the T to stick. Sorry about that above.
Yes fabi, Bev, Cheryl, I’m here lurking around, as you put it. The time difference in Australia sometimes makes it hard to comment. You are all talking about Martinis when I get up in the morning and feel like I need a bender to catch up. So quite often I just read take note and then click, click
, click. Some one the other day recommended Lovers Lament so I bought that and read it. Best book I’ve read for ages. But by time I’ve caught up you guys have moved on. So yes I did send friend requests on GR.
Fabi, earlier I posted about peanuts on Maryse ‘ s head. I caught it in time but my phone wanted to add zombie. So, it wanted to say on top of zombie Maryse ‘ s head.
*lifts hands and shakes head*
I’m a zombie AND I’m Fabi’s mom?
Ooooh the plot thickens. We should write a book right here.
Melinda, Jean. Your books totally remind me of Jean.
Hi Melinda! I’m Robin Hill on GR. I take partial responsibility for the martinis! Welcome!
Yes, we’re fast and stealth on here. Like cheetahs. Or baby elephants.
Hi Melinda. Im in Australia too…as is Jan.
And I just join in on the Martini chat even when its only 10am here 😉
Glad you loved Lovers Lament….Ive been badgering people to read it. It was very insightful in the way it depicted life for the troops.
Holy moly…it’s FLT and I haven’t even checked in since before this post went up? I swear, RL sucks donkey nuts sometimes.
FLT
“Had the man in front of her not already been dead, Chess probably would have tried to kill him.” ~ Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Now to get caught up on comments…
*gasp* AMY!!!!!!!
UNHOLY GHOSTS!!!!!!
OMG.
*thud*
Thank you everyone. Lots of wonderful ideas. Bev I have read and enjoyed Ellen O’Connell but not Laura Florand. I read a sample of Sawbones and was intrigued, but from memory it seemed expensive to take a risk? Which Hating Game? (There are 2 on amazon lol). I will look at your other recs too. I’m not usually a massive YA fan – I usually like more mature protagonists. Altho some of my favs are YA fantasies???? e.g. the Abhorsen series (Garth Nix) or Wizard of Earthsea books. Now I’ve even confused myself lol.
I don’t know how to share/ borrow books on kindle. I am in Australia. Does that make a difference?
Yes, Fabi. I do love sci-fi. A review of Recon said if you liked Wool, you’ll like this. Well, I loved Wool so I’ll download a sample of Recon right now 🙂 Melinda, which Lovers Lament (there are several on amazon!)
Thank you, friends. I can feel my book funk slipping away…….
KL Greyson Jan. Co-written with BT Urruela….a vetran.
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=bt+urruela&client=ms-android-telstra-au&prmd=inv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi869OY5brOAhUBHJQKHVx7A_0Q_AUIBygB&biw=360&bih=559#imgrc=C7BJ1tLjdtznWM%3A
By Sally Thorne. Maryse has it listed up there, blue cover and H & h in yellow dress and tie.
I don’t know if they lend to other countries or not. Hmm.
No guesses for how I imagined the hero of Lovers Lament!
Jan, Wool omnibus was incredible. I still remember every single detail of those books. I can see why Recon has been compared to Wool. But they do have a different feel. I’ve only gotten through book 1 so far, so I’ll have to keep reading to figure out if it totally measures up.
Lisa, I’m little surprised at you and Lover’s Lament. I got to the hospital grieving scene very early in the book and had to squirrel away because I couldn’t handle it. It was right after everyone read CoHo’s book so I may have been a little nervous. Plus I was listening to it instead of reading so I may have gotten more emotional because of that. I went to a comedy and then a sci fi, but I’ll get back to LL when my head (or emotions) are in a better place.
See guys. A Lover’s Lament is a must read. Please go back to it Fabi!
Yoohoo Amy, did you hear me cursing you all the way over there on the west coast? Yeah, Thicker Than Blood…..why do you do that to me? The ending killed me!
*waves to Melinda* Welcome! Speak to your hearts content. 😀 We need more Aussies and English type for the later talks.
Jean, it is LONG. However, I’m not bored with it. I’m at 58% which is location 13516 and I’m NOT BORED. The story just sucks you in.
That’s what that sonic boom was !!! Jean hollering at Amy across the country. It went right over Texas. 😉
*waggles embarrassed fingers at Melinda* Can’t believe I forgot to say hi. Where are my manners? Sorry Melinda.
Tessa, if you like it as much as we did, you’ll be sorry to see it end. In spite of the length we wanted more.
However, I am not picturing it as a Jean book. *ducks rotten tomatoes* Hey! I’m calling it like it is. I have NOT seen Jean reading sci-fi/fantasy romance. —But it is a great book Jean— 😉
She just read Thicker than Blood… 😛
Right, Tessa? You just become so immersed.
Lol, Fabi was surprised when I read it too.
Maybe Jean would like Sawbones.
I placed a hold on The Hating Game at my library, only 15 ppl ahead of me, must be a popular one ;). Did you guys know The Nightingale was being made into a movie?! I did not know this, but I just saw Kristin Hannah post that it had a brand new director and she also directed Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones and other popular shows! Usually when I see rights bought for books to be made into movies I try not to get too excited bc it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s happening -like Beautiful Disaster :'( -but it looks like this one is! AND for those of you that read Big Little Lies, did you know it was being made into a min series on HBO? They wrapped filming and everything but I’m not sure when it airs, I’m majorly excited for that….Anyway my FLT: ‘ “A girl, a mocha latte, and a naked dead man walk into a bar,” I said, turning to the naked dead man sitting in my passenger seat. ‘ – Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones
Tasha, I think you just win FLT this week. I love that first line!
Haha, I loved Thicker Than Blood, ending and all. One of my favorite dystopian reads. I also read Beneath Blood and Bone and there’s this part in it that I still have a question about and drives me crazy, though it’s a spoiler. I don’t think I can read book 3 though.
Thicket than Blood is a dystopian? I love those. But is this angsty sad one Jean just finished? I’m getting confused. I’m going to have to scroll aren’t I?
WTF Tasha seriously? The Nightingale? That just made me weepy!!!
That’s the one Fabi 😉 Yea R. Renee, I have high hopes it’ll be great. Those WWII movies always make me sad, like Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Fitst Line Friday:
‘He’s back.’
Close to You. Kristen Proby.
Average first line but kudos for the pretty cover.
We had a discussion on here not long ago about scents. About how the characters, particularly the hero, smells. Now I enjoy it, I like scent, and wish people, and myself, smelled as described. Anyway, The Hating Game had the scent descriptions and made me think of that discussion. Now the book I’m reading now also just did it.
I’m going to share it and I’m curious if you all come across it in your current reads what the description is. *shrug*
Why surprised Fabi….did you think it was too angsty for me?
We are talking about the same Lovers Lament arent we?
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a bit tummy twisty in spots but I didn’t feel like it wasnt going to resolve well at any point…if that makes sense.
And then we’re so close that I smell him. I smell him.
His scent is clean like bar of soap but with a sweet hint of mechanical oil.
–from Lola and the Boy Next Door
Hi everyone, Thankyou for the welcome after I stalked you all…… Lovers Lament hmmmmmm so good by k.L Grayson and BT Urrela. It’s a war romance book. Very good. I think I already said that. It’s like 2pm here and its10.43 where you guys are. So most of the time I’m at work then catch up after. I don’t think we can lend books over here. I’ve looked into it before. R is that book good you are reading it looks really interesting. I need a new good one.
YAY!! Welcome Melinda!!! 😀
I dont mind scent descriptions like that Bev. Not such a fan of ‘musk’….yew!
Oh geez, Jean…I missed it when you finished TTB!! Was I right about the ending? I swear, I SO wasn’t expecting all of that. It was one of those “What? WHAT??” endings. I’m still not sure about reading the second book 😕
Tasha, I didn’t know there would be a third book (I still have yet to read the second though…I’m just not sure I can read about HIM) but it might be a while before it comes out…I love her books but man, some of us have been waiting soooooo long for her to release the third Holy Trinity book!
Hi Melinda!!! *big welcome hug*
Bev…for some reason, I love when the guy is described as smelling like soap and man. But I’m with Lisa on the musk smell…I once read about how *that* area (male or female) has what can be described as a “musky” smell. That term is ruined for me now. Blech.
I do love the “smells like soap” description. That’s just nice and fresh, and clean and… perfect. Just that.
Melinda…too soon to tell! I haven’t had much reading time today!
Wait.
We can make up stories of how we met?
Fabi & bev
Family.
Long lost twins. Maryse told us. I think she’s Fabi ‘ s mother.
Ok, I need to sleep. No staying up reading tonight. Good night ladies.
I’m Fabi’s mother??!!!
How cool.
It’s 5am and I’ve been reading since 3am. Funny how I fall asleep every night at 11pm only to wake back up after midnight and THEN start reading again. LOL!!!
Night.
Just finished Swear On This Life. Loved the feels while reading it. Beautifully written, although was rushed at the end.
Did someone around here recommend The Bourbon Thief? Just recently downloaded a sample based on rec.
Hi Melinda!!!
I missed FLT so here is FLF:
“I didn’t cry the first time it happened.” Born Sinner by S. L. Jennings
Amy, yay for reading Unholy Ghosts!!! I too am waiting for the third Holy Trinity book!!! Maybe I will go stalk her website to see what I can find….
I agree Cheryl, Swear on this Life was very rushed at the end…and a one and half page epilogue didn’t satisfy.
Let me know what you think of Born Sinner Nikki…Id like to read that one.
Maryse….that’s my sleep pattern!!
Thank God for kindles so I don’t have to wake the hubby up with a reading light.
Lisa… and still I wake up early no matter the lack of sleep, because my body won’t STAY asleep past a certain time in the morning. I’m a “morning” person but not always a happy one. LOL!!!!!! 😛
That’s where the coffee comes in. 😉
Amy, I did love TTB! Even the ending kinda made sense ya know? I was wondering if you read the 2nd book.
Guys, I like all genres and stepping out of my box. Fabi, I even bought the hardback of Illuminae after reading sample. Of course its still wrapped in its original packaging. Ha. Maybe a winter read. And, I love dystopian and post apocalyptic books!
Trying to figure out my next read……bev I’m checking out Sawbones. I swear that recommend button on GR is going to wear you out! Lol!
Chiming in on the “musk” thing….yuckers!!! *gags*
Maryse, is it a good book?
Jean, I’ll try to restrain myself. Just so easy.
It is! But it’s a Marmy book. Along the lines of “Arsen” and extremely stressful. But what makes this one so extra-intriguing to me is that it’s called “Author Anonymous” and it’s a true story about an author in our community (NYT Best Seller indie, now traditionally published) BUT!!! She didn’t write it. She told her story to another author (E.K. Blair) who wrote it for her.
It’s not up for pre-order yet, but it’s going live this month. It’s hard to put down, but also a difficult read. YIKES!
Jan, did you find something yet? I’m going to throw out some of my same old recs!!! Did you read Roam series??? Time travel, paranormal, “teacher student”, amazing secondary characters. Full of twists & turns. Maybe I’ll re-read that soon. Loved it!!! You on GR? Gotta go see….
Yup. Soap. Clean. Perfect. No leather or woodsmoke (yuck). Definitely no musk! Ick. And all of the above? Why? Just why?
My favorite, though, is not smells. It’s the low slung jeans (oh yeah!), a wink here or there, lopsided grins, messy hair. I guess I’m just visual.
Dimples are my favorite description. Those get me every time. Bad-ass hard-edged look… and then the dimples pop out. Rarely, but they’re there and extra special. LOL!
Oh Maryse, Author Anonymous! I just saw that the other day and it looks so good!
Yes Jean!!! For sure one of our-angsty-traumatizing reads. I’m 60% in and it’s hard to put down.
I think I may be the odd one out but I like when they’re described of smelling like smoke and mint.
Hi guys! I just finished a fantastic book and wanted to recommend anyone who’s in book funk. It is called Daughter of smoke and bone by Leni Taylor. I think someone here (maybe Bev?) recommended before. It is labeled as YA/fantasy but I didn’t feel it too YA. Jan, I know you like fantasy so if you haven’t read, you might like to try a sample.
Young, I think it was Michelle S. I keep meaning to check it out at library.
I’m 5ft tall too. Totally get it!! And my husband’s 6’2″ lol.
R… and Michelle…
Now I don’t feel so lonely down here. LOL!!!!
Not so much a “smells’ person, I’m like MichelleS, more visual. Although I feel the smirks and messy hair are overdone- seems like every H is described that way.
Still haven’t figured out my next read. Still perplexed over where or who I got The Bourbon thief rec. from. Seems like it was someone(s) 5* read.
Janet!! What a great idea for a list. It will be hard to follow, but I’d love to have one that follows that genre and level of depth and emotion.
YAY!!! EXCELLENT!!!! 😀
*happy wiggles*
Cheryl, I’m having problems deciding on my next read too. The Bourbon Thief was loved by Ela and Grey!
We can all be vertically challenged together!
I’m 5’2″” so I’m vertically challenged with you!!! 😉
MARYSE!! You’ve got a Marmy book?? Like Arsen?!?!?!? Now it’s my turn to…
*thud*
And I am REALLY enjoying Unholy Ghosts. 😀
Yeahhhhhh, another shorty here…5’1″ and dang proud of that extra inch. 😉
Friends with Jan. Jan 2 stars for Kiss an Angel? You’re killing me.
Wait I’m lost. Took a wrong turn. Thought I was in Fridays.
Haha Amy. I always put 5’1″ on forms because…5’1″ sounds so much taller! Kind of like how 42 sounds younger than 41. Yes I am hearing myself and it is scaring me a little.
YOUNG!! Hi. I floved Smoke and Bone! That is an amazing series.
Wow…is it a prerequisite to be vertically challenged here? Im a ungainly giant by comparison (5’9″ not really that tall). But my mum is 5′ and my dad was 6’3″….they were so cute together.
Yay Lisa so me and my husband aren’t the only ones!
No, we are just over run by lilliputians.
I always wanted to be petite!
It sounds so much better than ‘athletic’ or ‘statuesque’ which are just polite ways to say your as tall as a bloke.
Yeah, well, it ain’t easy for us lilliputians to be runnin’ around all you brobdingnagians!!
😛
R…that’s okay ’cause scary talk (along other craziness) is the norm around here!
Omg…along WITH other craziness
Dozed off, woke up, and still have a nice buzz going. 😉