BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!! LOOKIT WHAT’S LIVE!!!!!! Keeping 13: Boys of Tommen #2!!! #1 was MUCH LOVED in our crew but #2 was DESPERATELY needed and here. it. is. ➔➔➔➔➔➔➔➔➔➔➔➔
Tasha: Oh, yes. I finished Binding 13: Boys of Tommen #1 saying out loud, “WTF kind of ending is that?!” I need book 2 ASAP!
…Binding 13: Boys of Tommen #1 is crazy good. If only ppl understood my need to live in this book and leave. me. be. It’s giving me old school feels! And talk about fleshed our characters. Something about the way they curse makes it feel more classy than over here. Lol! The spelling too.
HAPPY NEW RELEASE DAY!! Plenty of books to choose from (I highlighted a bunch, but make sure to check yesterday’s list, ’cause it was awesome)!! I’ll also be loading in deals that I find – book AND products – into the “bargain section” below since Amazon is running some awesome sales right now.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out yesterday’s earlybirds, a new review, and my latest BIG LIST:
- ➔➔ Monday Earlybird Book Releases <— We have a few early birds books to squee over (from some of our favorite authors)! This is one heck of an early bird list! 😀
- ➔➔ Recommendations for our favorite cowboy & rodeo star books… <— We’ve started a new reader recommendations list and It. Is. Goooooood!!!! Recommendations for your FAVORITE COWBOY & rodeo star books… Have any to add?
LET’S READ!!!! 
!!!!
P.P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).
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 all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
Two Weeks Notice by Whitney G.- Fatal Invasion: The Fatal Series, Book 13 by Marie Force
- Love in Catalina Cove: Catalina Cove by Brenda Jackson
- White Hot by Sandra Brown
- Overkill by Linda Castillo
- Bonds of Cupidity: A Fantasy Reverse Harem Story: Heart Hassle, Book 2 by Raven Kennedy
- Tom Clancy Oath of Office: Jack Ryan Novel Series, Book 19 by Tom Clancy
- The Other Miss Bridgerton: A Bridgertons Prequel by Julia Quinn
- Kingdom of the Blind: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, Book 14 by Louise Penny
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)
➔ Amazon is having an AMAZING Kindle Unlimited promotion (for a limited time only)!!
➔ Amazon is still having their “Cyber Monday Week” deals! <— I’ll be looking for goodies to point out and add to this post in a bit. I’ve already seen a cool
- “photo negatives and slides scanner” (for the old way we used to take pictures),
- the Roomba AND the Braava is on sale (I have BOTH and love and use them weekly!! The Braava washes my floors!)
- a Bose speaker and Bose headphones,
- an awesome looking set of Calphalon knives,
- a DOGGIE DNA kit (breed discovery & health detection!!) <— WAY cool. WOW!!
The deals are great this week. I’m thinking even better than Black Friday (I’m finding more stuff that I like, this week).
The Great Alone: A Novel by Kristin Hannah <— KRISTIN HANNAH’S LATEST & STILL ON SUPER-SALE & #1 on all of Amazon right now!!!!- Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines <— OHHHH HUGE SALE on this right now too!! He is one of the cutest, funniest, goofiest guys ever and I just love this couple so hard!!!
- Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury <— I LOVED the movie, this band, and I love reading biographies and this one is on sale!!!
- Keystone (Crossbreed Series Book 1) by Dannika Dark <— SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!
Dear Diamond by Stephie Walls <— BLURB JOLT ALERT!!! Recently released and totally up my alley! She’s a stripper and he’s decided to claim her as his own. Wait. The rub is much better than how I just put it. 😉 And here’s a Five Fun Facts about it (right here on the blog!!) 😀
PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES
Raff (The Vorge Crew Book 4) by Laurann Dohner <— SHE THOUGHT MEETING ALIENS WOULD BE COOL, but they want her as a slave… “…Fighting for survival since childhood, Raff Vellar is more intimately familiar with knives and bloodshed than women. Then, during a trip to his home planet, a tiny human literally falls at his feet. When he learns she’s been forced into slavery, a fierce need to protect the human overcomes him…”- Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
- Roxy’s Warriors (Bondmates Book 4) by Ann Mayburn
- Kiran: The Warrior’s Bride (Rights of the Strong Book 2) by Ellen Stellar
- This Happened to Jessica (Secrets of Redemption Book 2) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek)
- Envied (Immortal Chronicles Book 6) by Samantha Britt
Touch of Regret: The Collectors Book 1 by Autumn Reed <— HER ABILITIES MAKE HER A TARGET… “At twenty-four, I’d resigned myself to a simple life following in my mother’s footsteps. I would manage the antique shop she left me and marry a kind, stable man. Most importantly, I would never tell a soul about my psychic abilities. But with a single, intentional touch and a vision of the past, I set events in motion that expose my secret...”- Fuse: Bolt Saga: Volume Four: Parts 10, 11 & 12 (Bolt Saga Volumes Book 4) by Angel Payne
CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES
- Playing by Heart by J.B. Salsbury <— J.B. SALSBURY ALERT!! ROCK STAR ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS & HE’S HER BOSS’S BROTHER ALERT!!! And he’s not that impressed with her either… “...She’s bossy, has a horrific singing voice, and she’s so ordinary, she practically blends in with the eggshell-colored walls—the complete opposite of anyone I’d bang. The only reason I put up with her is because my career is on the line…”
- Her Mafioso King (The Vitucci Mafiosos Book 4) by Terri Anne Browning <— TERRI ANNE BROWNING MAFIA ROMANCE ALERT!!! “…I was never supposed to love her. My future has been set in stone since birth, down to who I am expected to marry. With our inner circle now compromised from my bastard of an uncle, it looked like my future had arrived earlier than expected...”
Trust Game by Kitty Thomas <— KITTY THOMAS QUEEN OF DARK READS ALERT!!! OMG THIS BLURB!!!!!! *GASP*!! “Astrid believes she’ll never be free of her abusive husband–until she walks in on his murder. His killer is unable to take her life but refuses to set her free. Will she come to enjoy her new cage and the man with the keys to it?“- Hunky Heartbreaker: A Whiskey Kisses Novella by Kendall Ryan <— KENDALL RYAN ALERT!! “…When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down. After spending most of his life living in the shadow of his brother, Duke has something to prove, and he’s not about to let this distraction get in the way of his plans, no matter how hot things get...”
- I’ll Always Love You (The Worthingtons) by Ella Quinn
Someone to Trust (A Westcott Novel) by Mary Balogh <— MARY BALOGH HISTORICAL ROMANCE ALERT!! OLDER WOMAN-YOUNGER MAN ALERT!! “…They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he. They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . “- The Runaway Bride: A Medieval Scottish Romance (The Brides of Inverfyre Book 2) by Claire Delacroix
- Earl to the Rescue by Jane Ashford
- Rule Number Four (Rule Breakers Book 4) by Nicky Shanks
- Perfectly Inappropriate by Stacey Kennedy <— SHE JOINS A DATING SITE… “…after sweet, innocent Olivia is vetted and arrives for their week together in his penthouse, it’s blatantly clear that she’s running from her demons. Noah’s more than willing to be her escape—until their emotions get tangled up in their games…”
- His Student (Forbidden Series Book 1) by Sam Crescent <— FORBIDDEN LOVE ALERT!!!
Love With Me (With Me In Seattle Book 11) by Kristen Proby <— KRISTEN PROBY’S LATEST!!! THEY’VE BEEN BEST FRIEND’S SINCE COLLEGE… “…Joy Thompson collects unwanted strays. A dog with one eye, a three-legged cat, a bird that swears like a sailor? All part and parcel of her veterinary business. It helps pass the time. Until Jace calls out of the blue to ask her out on a real date. Spending extra time with him is dangerous. Her feelings for her best friend have always been stronger than simple companionship…”- Buried Lies (Crimson Point Series Book 2) by Kaylea Cross
- Fueled in Fire (Ravage MC Rebellion Series Book Two) (Crow & Rylynn Trilogy) by Ryan Michele
- Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
- Insistent (Soul Serenade Book 4) by Kaylee Ryan
Until Cobi (Until Him/Her Book 7) by Aurora Rose Reynolds <— AURORA ROSE REYNOLDS ALERT!! He’s tying their lives together… “…Hadley Emerson knows she could fall hard and fast for a guy like Cobi. A man who seems to show up every time she needs him, but she knows better than to just hand over her heart. Knowing his future with Hadley is on the line, Cobi begins to tie their lives together…”- My Forever Home (Rescue Me Book 3) by Debbie Burns
- Hell or High Water (Boston Syndicate Book 3) by Michelle St. James
- Refrain (Beautiful Monsters Book 2) by Lana Sky
Melt With You (Into The Fire Series Book 8) by J.H. Croix <— SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE ALERT!! He’s a billionaire and she’s a firefighter... “…A wedding, a one-night stand, and no happily-ever-after. That’s how it all started with Max Channing. Along comes another cliché – a second chance. A year later, I’m about to face Christmas alone when tall, dark & s*xy as h*ll Max shows up again. Our lives are worlds apart. He’s a billionaire tech investor. I’m a hotshot firefighter. Nothing about us makes any sense…”- Finding Forever: Book 3 of the Rollin On Series by Emilia Finn
- You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence Book 2) by Jennie Marts
- Girls’ Night Out by Glynis Astie
- Blinding Echo by Tina Saxon
A Whirlwind of Color (The Light to My Darkness Book 2) by Ivy Smoak <— OOOOOH INTRIGUING!!!!!!! BLURB JOLT ALERT!!! She wrote a novel… “...The pages make my heart ache, my tears flow freely, and my cheeks hurt from laughter. My whole life is written on these pages. I have the perfect husband. The perfect family. The perfect life. But I don’t remember any of it…”- All That Glitters (Jasper Lake Book 3) by Leah Atwood
- Sean (More Than Friends Book 1) by Fiona Keane <— UNREQUITED LOVE ALERT!! “…To him we’re nothing more than friends—good friends. To me he’s the one man who makes my heart beat faster. It doesn’t matter that his affections are elsewhere, I continue to love him from a distance dreaming of a happily ever after. Then…my world is turned upside down. Even if we manage to find each other through this storm, it will be a race against time...”
- The Rancher (Morgan Ranch Book 6) by Kate Pearce
- Sweat by K.B. Andrews
- Your Wildest Dreams (Keeping Score Book 5) by Tawdra Kandle
- Hard Night (An 11th Hour Novel Book 3) by Jackie Ashenden
- Joshua and the Cowgirl & Seduce Me, Cowboy: An Anthology by Sherryl Woods & Maisey Yates
Fatal Invasion (The Fatal Series) by Marie Force <— MARIE FORCE FATAL SERIES ALERT!!- Secretly Dating the Lionman (Cowboys and Angels Book 2) by Sue Brown <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
- Rend: A Novel (Riven Series Book 2) by Roan Parrish <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
- Silent Scream (South Shores Book 5) by Karen Harper
- The Duke That I Marry: A Spinster Heiresses Novel (The Spinster Heiresses Book 3) by Cathy Maxwell
- The Girl with the Sweetest Secret (Sin & Sensibility Book 2) by Betina Krahn
- Best of Luck (Chance of a Lifetime Book 3) by Kate Clayborn
- Western Hearts: An Anthology by Debbie Macomber & Jodi Thomas
My Lover, My Murderer by Loretta Lost <— DARK READ BLURB JOLT ALERT!!! SHE FINDS OUT WHAT HER BF REALLY DOES FOR A LIVING… “…The day I found out I was pregnant was the day I found out what my fiancé really did for a living. In the worst possible way. And then he asked me to help him clean the bloodstains out of the carpet. I refused. He said it was fine. He would just have it replaced with hardwood floors. But I really, really liked that carpet. Like our relationship, the carpet was ruined forever. I knew I had a terrible choice to make. I knew I had to get away...”
PREORDERS (going live soon!!! )
Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices Book 3) by Cassandra Clare – December 4th 2018- The Dirty Ones by J.A. Huss – December 4th 2108
- Wrapped in Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbor Book 4) by Lexi Ryan – December 4th 2018
- Lies (Web of Sin Book 2) by Aleatha Romig – December 4th 2018
- Sacred Sins: (Sins Duet #2) by C.D. Reiss – December 4th 2018
- Owen by Melody Anne – December 4th 2018
- Of Blood and Bone: Chronicles of the One, Book 2 by Nora Roberts – December 4th 2018
- Bound By Love (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles Book 6) by Cora Reilly – December 4th 2018
- My Bad (The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 4) by Lani Lynn Vale – December 4th 2018
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren – December 4th 2018- Dirty Rich Obsession: All Mine (Reid & Carrie Book 2) by Lisa Renee Jones – December 5th 2018
- Finding My Girl / Loving Talia (Love Like Ours Companion Booklet) (Sugar Lake Book 4) by Melissa Foster – December 5th 2018
- Across the Horizon by Aly Martinez – December 6th 2018
➔➔➔ Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).
*tosses glitter* I win!
*twirls*
*tosses glitter over Grey* :D!!!!
Good morning!
*retosses glitter*
Morning. So, I’m a converted peppermint mocha lover. It took me over a decade to be able to stomach it again and now I crave it. Starbucks has been out for weeks, they say there’s a shortage everywhere. Maybe today I’ll get lucky.
Also, 2 days till Kerping 13, eeeep!!!
And lastly, the book I’m most excited for for the new year is Sally Thorne’s 99 Percent Mine.
And lastly lastly ;), I started watching Shameless on my sick days and am hooked. Super long one though at 9 seasons and still going.
I LOVE peppermint ANYTHING so that would be totally for me, Tasha!! 😀
Mmmmm…. peppermint mocha.
So I finished Look the Part. And of course I didn’t love it. It was fine, I just didn’t “feel” anything. (However, Harry cracked me up when he kept blurting out “sex”.) 3.5 ***
I decided to give Hate Notes another try since I have KU right now and it’s got the narration.
They STILL don’t have any. Grrrrr
I’m a little late…
1. Candy canes. Do you savor them or crunch them? Savor til super thin, then crunch.
2. Ginger cookies or sugar cookies? I love all the cookies. No discrimination here.
3. Best holiday scent? Yankee Candle Candy Cane Lane
4. As a child was it presents on Christmas eve or day? One present Christmas Eve, rest in morning. I don’t get opening everything Christmas Eve?! Santa only comes when you are sleeping…duh!
5. Anything you really want this year? New 4 CD collection of Chris Cornell.
6. If you could would you live in the cottage from The Holiday? Haven’t seen this but going with no.
7. River by Joni Mitchell or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues? Youtubed them and neither. Too sad.
8. Does Auld Lang Syne make you kind of sad? Omg, yes! Most Christmas carols make me weepy too.
9. Will you be glad to see 2018 go? No….I wish we stop time or have time machine and go back.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? I actually love both, but like Grinch just a smidge more.
11. Choose two words to define your 2019. Lose weight
12. It’s the 21st are you here in pjs watching elf? Yes! Love this.
If so eating or drinking what? Hot chocolate and cookies (and maybe popcorn)
Tasha, stupid Dunkin Donuts DOESN’T EVEN HAVE IT!!! *horrifed gasp*
Leslie!! You actually looked up the songs? I love you, lol.
Move over Jean.
Maryse – what were those makeup brushes you bought a while ago on Amazon?
I did Bev! The videos were cool as were the songs.
I’ve been feeling a little meloncholy so I need more upbeat music like jingle bells or feliz navidad.
Michelle, the brushes Maryse liked were Real Techniques brand.
I am super late too but here is mine.
1. Candy canes. Do you savor them or crunch them? I savor them till all color is gone than crunch.
2. Ginger cookies or sugar cookies? Definitely sugar!
3. Best holiday scent? I like the one that smells like real xmas tree not sure of the name.
4. As a child was it presents on Christmas eve or day? We had family over xmas eve and got to open all our grab bag gifts only. Our tree would be bare till we woke up xmas morning.
5. Anything you really want this year? New refrigerator; I know not exciting 🙂
6. If you could would you live in the cottage from The Holiday? Absolutely-love that movie and that cottage is so “home” to me.
7. River by Joni Mitchell or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues? River
(If you dont know them, Alexa play me….or YouTube, but would she play them?)
8. Does Auld Lang Syne make you kind of sad? 🙁 yes
9. Will you be glad to see 2018 go? no, time moves too fast as it is.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? The Grinch
11. Choose two words to define your 2019. “more reading”
12. It’s the 21st are you here in pjs watching elf? Yes even ordered new xmas pjs 🙂
If so eating or drinking what? -drinking wine and not sure what I will be eating…..
Apparently I must be missing stuff. I know I pop in and out…I missed the 12 questions and are we doing something on the 21st?? I’m so confused…
BTW Maryse-I did post this yesterday in my three things but after posting it twice and my message only posting the first line I gave up lol but I did want to THANK YOU. I ordered 5 of those blankets from Kohls you posted about on Black Friday. I ordered 2 of the paw print ones for my doggies-one for my hubby, one for my mom and of course one for me. love them and such an awesome deal. 🙂
Don’t feel bad MicheleG, I missed it to so I had to back track, I think Bev’s questions were in Mayrse’s post from the 21st or 23rd?
Dec. 21st we are all going to watch Elf together in our PJ’s-
Yep, I missed questions too. What is auld lang syne? Looks like an artist- what song?
I am also very late too but here is mine.
1. Candy canes. Do you savor them or crunch them? Totally depends on my mood…I crunch if I’m stressed.
2. Ginger cookies or sugar cookies? Sugar cookies for sure!
3. Best holiday scent? I like the one that smells like cookies …unfortunately it always makes me hungry.. also like Bath & Body Works Tis the Season.
4. As a child was it presents on Christmas eve or day? One thing on Christmas Eve and everything else on Christmas Day
5. Anything you really want this year? A big Amazon gift card for my spontaneous book purchases 🙂
6. If you could would you live in the cottage from The Holiday? Oh yes…loved the movie and the cottage!
7. River by Joni Mitchell or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues? River
by Joni Mitchell
8. Does Auld Lang Syne make you kind of sad? Yes, it always does
9. Will you be glad to see 2018 go? No, I’m not sure where it went.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? The Grinch (although I do appreciate Charlie Brown as well)
11. Choose two words to define your 2019. More exercise
12. It’s the 21st are you here in pjs watching elf? I hope so…trying to get the scoop now on what’s going on?!
If so eating or drinking what? – Probs wine ….cause holidays!
Leslie, I’ve never even had it from Starbucks. It’s closest to me so it would be more convenient if they’d get it together. There’s a super yummy one from a town over, local shop, that’s been supplying me. My hubby jokes it’s my coffee from France. 😛
I’ve never had anything from Dunkin Donuts. Or Tim Hortons. I’ve been informed I’m sorely missing out.
Tasha, It’s the traditional song of New Year’s Eve…”should old acquaintance be forgot….”
Bev’s questions got me thinking; what is your favorite non-animated xmas movie. Ever since I saw this movie I believe back in 2012 I watch every year with my mom and my sister-The Family Stone-(I know sad) but the amount of love I feel from watching it is just priceless. It really shows you the love of a family no matter, color, gender, sick, healthy, bitchy ( 🙂 )I could go on about my love for it but I won’t….and than my other one which we watch every year as well is Christmas Vacation, that movie never gets old.
1. Candy canes. Do you savor them or crunch them? I don’t really like them. They’re messy and sticky and awkward. But, when I do (very, very rarely), savor.
2. Ginger cookies or sugar cookies? Sugar
3. Best holiday scent? I don’t do candles anymore. It’s been over a decade (until I get my Gilmore Girl’s one!) or scented anything anymore really, so maybe I like holiday joy (Doterra) in the diffuser.
4. As a child was it presents on Christmas eve or day? Always Christmas Day. We were so jealous one year that my cousin got to open 1 gift on Xmas eve that we begged for the same. The family dog also died this night so it was completely ruined. We never did it again after that. Oh, and it’s my birthday so we always just did that.
5. Anything you really want this year? Money, I guess. We’re putting in a fence this spring and I want to put it back for that. I suppose my happy place would be Amazon gift card for books, but I rarely read anymore. Food always wins- Macarons!
6. If you could would you live in the cottage from The Holiday? Yes. Do i get Jude Law too?
7. River by Joni Mitchell or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues? I had to listen to both of these for the first time. I’ll go with River by Joni Mitchell. The other one started off slow and I was ready to dnf. When it picked up, I really loved it. But, the other is something soothing that I could listen to whenever over and over.
8. Does Auld Lang Syne make you kind of sad? No. I have a cold, dead heart.
9. Will you be glad to see 2018 go? Yes. I can’t wait until holiday season is over. January/February/maybe March is my jam.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? The Grinch, only because I’ve watched it more and in many different versions so I remember more of it.
11. Choose two words to define your 2019. I hate setting New Years goals. They’re unrealistic and I’m a realist. So….exhausting, busy.
12. It’s the 21st are you here in pjs watching elf? It’s a toss up. I’ll try, but probably not at the same time as everyone. And my pjs won’t be Christmas themed. Lol
If so eating or drinking what? – Hot chocolate (with whip cream and candy cane bits I’ll have my children smash up) and popcorn.
I totally love Christmas with the Kranks!
Tasha-Jude Law lol
Michele G, that is a good one too. One of the guys I work with told me to look up “The Ultimate Gift” never even heard of that one so I will have to look it up.
Still a kid at heart so Home Alone for sure and Christmas Vacation.
Amy was missing our Friday night get togethers a couple weeks ago.
So we decided to live watch Elf on Dec 21st!
If we actually follow through it will be our first live watch.
So:
What: Live watch Elf.
When: Dec 21. Time TBD.
Where: Maryse’s.
Yes to Home Alone! My husband will forever laugh like a little kid when that is on…which makes me giggle at him!
Watching Elf “live” sounds awesome!!! I hope we follow through!!
Keeping 13 is live folks (well, in Australia anyway – and England?) Thanks Paula for mentioning over on GR. I’ve one-clicked that sucker. And My Oxford Year that everyone raved about a while ago is FINALLY out in Australia on Dec 1st. I’ve preordered the new Christina Lauren too. It’s all happening!! *throws glitter just for fun and new books*
I’m 1/3 in to the new Mary Balogh HR Someone To Trust. I quite like an OWYM scenario, if done well and the gap isn’t too massive. (Not Emmanuel Macron type gap LOL), But it’s done quite well in this one so far. I also finished the new Stella Riley Georgian HR Cadenza. 3 to 3.5 stars. Liked but didn’t love.
Favorite non cartoon Christmas movie…”Love, Actually”… watch it every year. The guy learning Portuguese, “Plumpy”, the wedding video… swoon.
YES!! Here in U.S. too, just one-clicked. Thanks Jan! 😀
Do you happen to know if this is the conclusion or will this be a series?
So, what time should we start it? That is the hard part.
Not too late for east coast or too early for west. Using coast cause I know those times, lol. The evening west coast would be sometime Saturday afternoon for Australia.
I’m late too.
1. Candy canes. Do you savor them or crunch them? Savor, basically suck on them until they are a sharppoint. 😉
2. Ginger cookies or sugar cookies? Sugar!
3. Best holiday scent? Christmas tree and sugar cookies
4. As a child was it presents on Christmas eve or day? Just like Leslie one gift Christmas eve the rest Christmas day.
5. Anything you really want this year? Amazon gift cards. Vintage Aluminum christmas tree.
6. If you could would you live in the cottage from The Holiday? I’m with Maryse, I don’t know The Holiday.
7. River by Joni Mitchell or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues?
(If you dont know them, Alexa play me….or YouTube, but would she play them?) Nope.
8. Does Auld Lang Syne make you kind of sad? Yes.
9. Will you be glad to see 2018 go? Mixed.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Grinch
11. Choose two words to define your 2019. Bittersweet (Daughter will graduate high school, but will also go away to college). Hopeful.
12. It’s the 21st are you here in pjs watching elf? Yes.
If so eating or drinking what? Christmas cookies and wine.
Fav. non-animated Christmas movie: It’s a Wonderful Life. Practically have all the lines memorized from watching it so much. 😉
I don’t know, Tasha, sorry. Does anyone else know?
Love Actually is a fav Christmas movie of mine too. I love the soundtrack. And it’s just warm and funny and bittersweet. The ageing rock star who takes the bet to perform in the nude is hilarious. (I love Notting Hill as well, even though it’s not a Christmas movie.)
BTW, in case anyone hasn’t heard, Mariana Zapata’s new book Luna and the Lie is supposed to be out VERY SOON too!! OMG. There’s so much cool new stuff I’m nearly hyperventilating. *sets off big glitterbomb*
I know Tasha! Chloe has said that this will be the last book for Johnny and Shannon since it is so long( 10 chapters more and longer than B13!!). I can’t remember if she said if she will visit other characters in this world or not.
I’m traditional. Favorite non-animated: It’s a Wonderful Life
I’m staring at Queen of Air and Darkness and I already requested it, but I have to say, I’m scared of tears. The ending of the last book… gah. I’m definitely scared.
Thank you Jan! Woot! I have to finish my book first, but YAY!!! That’s right after.
Thanks Niki. I just cracked the (virtual) covers and found that too. Keeping 13 will conclude Johnny and Shannon’s story. Didn’t realise it’s so long though. *gasp*
I got an email saying that Starbucks has a special latte out for the holidays. Juniper Latte. Tastes like pine and citrus. They are trying to kill me. Juniper, pine, citrus… All things I’m allergic too. lol
If someone tries it, tell me. I want to know if it’s good.
It sounds disgusting to me, Tessa, but who knows? Maybe it would grow on me.
Thanks Niki!! I’m glad it’s the conclusion. I do t have the time/patience for series anymore. Even if they’re amazing. I hope I can follow through with Jack and Jill.
I’m so torn right now!!! I can’t decide whether to read Rend By Roan Parish which I have started or dive right in to Keeping 13 which I have been impatiently waiting for since September. Maybe I will have to read them together. I don’t usually do that. Decisions decisions
Traci right there with you. I need to continue Binding 13 now that #2 is out. I’m only a quarter of the way in, on #1… it’s so long!!
My 3 things.
1) I must do bev’s questionnaire later today because it looks like one of the good ones.
2) The challenge reads are all live now on Goodreads, not sure what happened with one of them. I thought it posted, but it didn’t, it’s up now though.
3) I hit the 50k goal on Nano last night! Not done yet, but stoked all the same!
YAY GREY!!! You’re gonna win it again!!! 😀
Congrats Grey! That’s awesome. What are you writing about?
Congrats, Grey! What an accomplishment!
I’ll just enjoy my peppermint mocha. Don’t think I could hand evergreen tree in my coffee.
I totally wanna try the gross evergreen coffee!!!!!
One of my favorite sodas from when I was young (and also a Quebec tradition) is called Spruce beer. Just like root beer, (super sweet soda) but it’s clear – or kind of a foggy translucent white soda and tastes like Spruce trees. Seriously.
I love it. 😛
Oh, Leslie… I totally channelled you all. This story is all from *HER* POV, without a doubt, it’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever attempted.
Maryse, *blink, blink* it tastes like a tree? The only thing I can think of that tastes like a tree is gin…lol, and gin straight up tried to kill me once. *Giggle* I’m gonna pass, even though I’m stranglely intrigued….
Is Jack and Jill gonna break my heart? I’m feeling attached to Luke. It’s very early in. 20ish percent.
I read about your spruce beer, Maryse. Interesting history.
Intrigued about the Juniper latte, but not enough to try it. Just sounds yuck!
Oh Tasha, Jack & Jill makes you feel ALL the feelings. I laughed, I swooned, I cried and I rampaged.
Maryse, do it! I can’t even try that, since it pretty much everything in it is something I’m super allergic too. (Nope, no real Christmas trees in my house!) But I’m so curious.
Lisa, I do love feeling all the feelings. Doesn’t stop me from being scared and wanting what I want to happen to happen and the uncertainty making me SUPER anxious!! I knew this was going to be an epic read from all the love I’ve heard here, I just needed to be in the right mood to deal. And now I don’t wanna come up for air. It’s the best feeling! 🙂
Maryse! You should be reading this book with me. It has your name all over it. Who else hasn’t read it? I know I’m in the minority.
Me…I haven’t…
Grey, wanna read it with me?! 😀 It has ALL the feels so far and a bada$$ heroine.
My favorite weird drink from childhood is Waltmeister (woodruff in US)… in little packets you mixed with water. Green and bubbly. No describing that taste! Earthy?
Two thumbs way up for Jack & Jill series. ALL the feels. Wish I could read something like THAT right now. Vulnerable & badass heroine… flawed heroes… crazy storyline. Check check check.
Tasha – your heart will break, mend, break some more, mend again. Crazy ride. Totally worth it. No spoiling anything, but…. it’s going to be okay.
Grey – I think Jaegermeister tastes like a tree. In a good way! Ha!
Traci – *ears peeking up*… I see Rend & Riven are m/m romances?!?!? One of my favorite genres! Worth checking out? Sounds like it. Thank you!
Michelle A. I read Riven a while ago and I remember loving it. A m/m Rock Star
Romance. I was hooked on Rend when I started. I love Roan Parish’s writing. I got hooked on m/m romances about 5 years ago thanks to Maryse recommending the cut and run series
Sorry. To Michelle A. not S.
I’m just gonna go hide. My comment was for Michelle S. It’s been a looong day
Oh, went to Starbucks at Target. They had peppermint mocha, but not sugar-free. Target itself had a few trucks delayed and won’t be there until tomorrow. What’s in one of the on those trucks? Sugar-free peppermint mocha creamer. lol So… I got SF pumpkin spice instead.
LOVING Keeping 13 so far. Gah, so many emotions and such angst. And anger. SO MUCH ANGER. I want to beat people up in the book. Not in real life, just the characters in the book.
Tessa – looked up Keeping 13.. 938 PAGES?!?!? Gah! Not since Gaan… or one of the Outlander books… nope… too long a commitment.
BTW, speaking of Gaan… while I was way, did Maryse ever read it? So unforgettable. Am I right?
I think jaegermeister tastes like Robitussin. My first taste of chai was really overpowering to me. I described it as tasting like Christmas and it took some getting used to. Now, Matcha? That’s something I don’t think I can get used to.
Thanks for the reassurance Michelle. I’m still scared. Lol. I have a love/hate relationship with feeling. I crave it in the books I read and the shows I watch, but I can only do so much heavy at a time, I think. It’s overpowering, emotions. I compartmentalize in real life so I don’t feel much heartbreak or anything too strong. And so I always get super anxious with the books that invoke so many feelings. It’s a rush at the same time. Lol
MichelleS, honest truth, time is flying with this book. I love a big book, but when it’s this engrossing, there are no words. I can’t stop reading. The first book was about 800 pages and at first, I was against it (based on the blurb, not the number of pages). Then, I read it. And felt stupid. Why? I didn’t read it right away.
Yes Tessa. I found the pages flew past with the first book, and somehow I’m already 14% into Keeping 13! And it’s just as emotional and addictive as the first one. Yeah, Gann – I’ve only read that once, but it was an unforgettable read. Maybe I’ll tackle it again sometime.
Some of those drinks you’re describing don’t sound that appealing to me……… a drink that tastes like a tree? I’m not too sure about that one……..
I’m 26% into keeping 13 and can’t put it down. Why do I have to work lol. Chloe Walsh just sucks you in. I’ve laughed and cried already.
That coffee flavor sounds ick to me too. Those are flavors to season poultry with! I hope someone will be brave enough to try it. 😉
What IS yummy is peppermint whipped cream that I got to load on my hot chocolate. 🙂
Jack & Jill series…hmmm. I read first one (we did a group BR) and I think everyone but me loved it. I don’t remember having any emotion with it. I was bored and annoyed by all the unanswered questions. I’m not a fan of mystery type stories. 🙁
I want to try Binding 13 but the length scares me. I am so slumpy and crabby with books lately I’m afraid it will drag.
I think I will see what I can get from KU that has narration for my next read.
I’m sorry for your reading misfortune Nay and Leslie.
But……I’m not alone. Hehehe
Just wait until you pick up new obsessions. Hehehe
Bev, I have found that I have started to watch more TV as my entertainment and read less. I had given up tv for quite a few years.
FLT:
The first time I laid eyes on the man known throughout the state of Louisiana as “the Beast,” I thought he couldn’t possibly be as bad as his reputation.
Burn for You by J.T. Geissinger
Hi Lovelies-
FLT:
Ella, your wanted in the principals office, Ms Weir says before I can step into her precalculus classroom.
Paper Princess-Erin Watts.
Loving this and thank you MicheleG for loaning me this. Loving these “Royals” well most of them anyway. 🙂
Leslie I know what you mean about Binding 13, I usually jump on reads once the second book is out but the length scares me too….and to know Keeping 13 is even longer…I want to read them so bad though! I tell you the struggle is real 🙂
I got my peppermint mocha today. 2, bc the first was nasty. Can u believe they put 8 PUMPS in a medium?!! *gags* 1 of each is perfect for me.
FLT is the last line of Binding 13, so… not going to post it for obvious reasons.
Eeew. Talk about sweet overload! The barista for my peppermint mocha at SB tried the juniper and said it was “interesting”. lol
I have to say this. My cat is a little off. I adore her, but we got a lazy cat owner toy for her. It’s a laser light that moves on its own. She loves it. But with any laser light, you aren’t supposed to look directly at the light. She has begun to knock it down and try to take the top off while staring at the light! And she’s taken it off once and just stared. I’ve had to save that cat’s eyes so many times! Mind you, she’s already blind in one eye, so I’m just trying to keep her from being totally blind.
FLT: “Obsession is a peculiar thing.” The Devil by Ashley Jade
Wanted something quick while I’m waiting on another KA Tucker from my library!
LOL Tessa. Quirky kitties are the best. Maybe staring with the blind eye is letting her see a little something with how bright it is.
lol Maybe. I think the problem is she’s too smart. She figured out where that light is and she’s going to get it! When she got it off, though, she kept staring at the lightbulb directly, pawing it.
FLT: “Jonah‘s whistle echoed off the marble walls as he strode purposefully down the empty courthouse hall.” The Wish Collector by Mia Sheridan
and I’m listening to:
“Before she became The Girl from Nowhere – The One Who Walked In, The First and Last and Only, who lived a thousand years – she was just a little girl in Iowa, named Amy.” The Passage by Justin Cronin (great audiobook)
Jenn, I’m thinking I’ll tackle Binding 13 and Keeping 13 in January. I don’t think I can take them on in December. If you still haven’t read them, maybe we can BR….let me know.
Tasha, I think I may have become diabetic just reading the post about ALL of the excessive pumps into your peppermint mocha today….blech! And I’m just saying…the thought of drinking anything that tastes like a juniper tree is odd to me…but hey…obviously someone likes it. I’m a pretty boring girl with my hot tea (preferably green)…yep boring!
Right? I said when I tried the first time, I can’t drink this. It’s like a thick, syrupy peppermint paddy. My hubs got it and forgot to say half the pumps. I went back, mind you I’ve never had Starbucks version before, and asked how rich it was with half pumps. She said she thought the mocha was always rich so she always got half pumps. Because I was worried, she said instead of 2 pumps she could do 1 1/2. I said ok….until she said do u also want 1 1/2 in the peppermint. Half pumps is 2 of EACH syrup. Oh my gosh, my eyes bulged, that is so insane!! Yuck, yuck, yuck I say.
Peppermint paddies are one of my favorite candy bars or whatever you call that. I miss them. I think they need to make a Keto one. 😉
I bet I would love that nasty peppermint drink. 😛
I’m reading Keeping 13 now. It’s naptime, I was in a groove, and the heater went out so I had to answer the door for the repair man and it’s ruined everything. I finished Jack and Jill late last night. And the ending right pissed me off. Not what I was expecting. And I badly want to read book 2, but I need to know what happens in Keeping 13 too! And this way, one of you could read it and join me for book 2!! 😉
I like the mystery in books. It keeps this girl wanting more. You may not like the Julie Moffett series O suggested then, Leslie.
I bet you wouldn’t Maryse! Lol, I’m telling you. A medium cup full of all that syrup. It’s just not right. *shakes head*
Yeah I bet you’re right considering I haven’t had real sugar in months… i’d probably keel over. LOL!
Hey ladies!! Man, I need to catch up on comments. Miss a day, miss a LOT! 😉
FLT
“Tell me what you can’t forget, and I’ll tell you who you are.” ~ Marlena by Julie Buntin
Finishing this one up and then it’s time to dive headfirst into Keeping 13!!! 😀
Tasha, I still haven’t read the second Jack and Jill book yet myself. I keep saying I have to get back to the series…just haven’t done it yet…
Hey, is anyone else into the show This is Us??
I can’t believe “you know who” is “you know what”. I was shocked.
MicheleG that sounds like a plan as there is no way I can tackle them in Dec either. I think I’m going to struggle just completing my reading challenge of 50 books, I have 5 more to go.
Leslie I do not watch that, my mom does and loves it. I may at some point binge the seasons on Netflix when I “fake sick” and hubs takes care of everything for me
I’m the same FLT as Tessa (Keeping 13) so I’ll do another book I’m also reading. (I do that a lot – more than book at once LOL).
FLT: There was nothing like a family Christmas to make a person feel warm about the heart – oh, and a little wistful too.
From Someone To Trust by Mary Balogh. New HR with OWYM scenario. It opens with a quite a long, nicely done scene/ section at a white Christmas house party. Of course they have an oopsie in the snow and he accidentally falls on top of her and they kiss!! And he’s nine years younger! *gasp*
Michele–don’t forget me for Binding 13 BR! And I’ve only read the first Jack and Jill. Would love to BR the 2nd and 3rd sometime!
I mentioned this on GR and thought I’d do so here too. We need thoughts and prayers for our 10-yr-old Jack Russell, Cali, please! She’s spending the night at the vet to get a blood transfusion for severe anemia. It came on so fast, we barely noticed it before she was fainting and by that time, it was really, really bad.
bev, you are so right about my slump! It’s pretty bad when a book from one of my fave series of the year (that I’ve been waiting months for) comes out a week ago and I haven’t even gotten past the first chapter yet.
FLT:
“It wasn’t the first time I’d seen a dead body, and I knew it wouldn’t be the last.”
Good Gone Bad by Giana Darling
*sigh* I love this song. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5RSSRG4fjw
Nay, sending good thoughts. Dogs are good at being great right up until they are not.
Jan the drama I’m going to start tonight is a Noona romance. Looks pretty, huh?
https://youtu.be/xSJKYmxZpyA
I haven’t read the Jack and Jill series but did read One, which involves characters form that series and tells you what happened. I LOVED this book!
FLT:
“Groaning, Liam Walsh allowed his leg to drop off the side of the bed letting it hang there a moment.” Mercy: The Mavericks Series by Julianna Marley.
🙁 The video link didn’t work for me, bev. The uploader ‘hasn’t made it available in my country’ says UTube. Never mind. Hope you enjoy anyways.
Cheryl your book Mercy looks like it could be good. I might add it to my looonngg list of books to try….. 😀
Jan, the story is good, but there’s a lot of typos-somewhat distracting.
I love Gibbie. Yes, Shannon and Johnny are awesome, but I adore Gibbie.
Tessa,
I love Gibsie too. I hope we get a book for him as Claire. I also hope we get a book for Shannon’s brother Darren.
Leslie, I do watch This Is Us…but I’m a few episodes behind…now I’ll have to catch up this weekend to see what you are referencing…I’m intrigued!!
Nay….I haven’t forgotten you…you’re on my list for Binding…also I’ve been thinking of Cali…I hope the transfusion has helped!