<— Happy Monday everyone, and if you missed them yesterday, two HUGE authors had two releases that just went live early!! That one to the left (TIJAN!!!) and Penelope Ward’s latest, too!!! And of course, a few more book-goodies to peruse.
Time for three things? I’ll start!
1.) I finished Emma Scott’s latest, Bring Down the Stars (Beautiful Hearts Duet Book 1) and it is a true, angsty love triangle and pretty clever how it comes to be. 😉 My review will be up shortly.
2.) I made “Chinese Spaghetti” this weekend (sautéed veggies, and chicken with ginger and soy sauce) but not actual spaghetti!! And not zoodles either. I used “Shirataki noodles” (supposedly some sort of Japanese yam) and they look like ramen noodles. Fried them in the oils and soy sauce and added them to the veggie/chicken mix and it was fantastic!! YAY FAKE NOODLES!!! P.S. For some, they are an acquired taste. 😛
3.) My dogs are battling me right now, bouncing on my arms to stop typing so I can get up and feed them. Good morning everyone!!! 😉 And…
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE 
!!!
-
Crew (Crew Series Book 1) by Tijan <— TIJAN’S LATEST IS LIVE!!!! “…You can be a Normal—a cheerleader, jock, member of the debate team, or on the yearbook committee. You pretend everything is normal. Or you can be crew. You insult us? We hurt you. You hurt us? We really hurt you. And if you f*ck with us, we will end you…”
- Love Online by Penelope Ward <— They met online but he couldn’t have her...”…At first, we knew nothing about each other’s real identities…and she was adamant that we keep things that way. Anonymity had no effect on our unstoppable chemistry, though. If anything, it allowed us to open up even more in ways we may not have otherwise. Eden was funny, intelligent, gorgeous—everything I’d ever wanted in a woman. But I couldn’t really have her. I had accepted things would have to stay the way they were—until the day I found a clue that led me straight to her...”
- Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven by Bella Forrest
- Black Book: Black Star Security by Cynthia Rayne
The Wedding Obsession (The Morgan Sister Brides Book 1) by Madeline Ash <— “Emmie Morgan woke up from heart transplant surgery, saw her best friend Brandon Tan sitting by her bedside, and promptly asked him to marry her. If there was a faster way to ruin a friendship, she didn’t know it...”- Saying Yes to the Mess (Sycamore River Series Book 1) by M. Kate Quinn
- Defying the Odds: Risking It Book 3 by Autumn Reed
- Until We’re More (Fighting for Her Book 2) by Cindi Madsen <— MMA FIGHTER ALERT!! “…I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she’s finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us…”
- Love at first sight by Mia Ford <— SHE DOESN’T REMEMBER HIM… “…something’s wrong. She doesn’t remember me. Acts like we just met. I don’t know if she’s f*cking with me, or if it’s something deeper. But I’m going to find out. I was hurt once. Never again…”
Big Talking Man (Kings of Castle Beach Book 2) by Marquita Valentine <— LIVE!! SHE’S DATING A HOLLYWOOD STAR… “...Hollywood Superstar and now the most sought after movie director in the industry is *mine*. We’ve hidden our relationship from the world for so long that it’s become second nature. The last thing we wanted was a media frenzy to rain down on us…”- Black Rose: A dark romance thriller (Obsession Inc. Book 3) by Dori Lavelle <— LIVE!!! TRILOGY CONCLUSION ALERT!! “…Every day he buries me under the cloak of his obsessive love, I forget how to breathe. I forget how it feels not to hurt. I forget who I am, who I was. If I want to walk out of this hell alive, I have no choice but to become like him. Sometimes it takes a monster to fight a monster...”
Last Heartbreak (A Nolan Brothers Novel Book 5) by Amy Olle <— LIVE!! SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE ALERT!! “...Shea and Isobel were teenagers when they had a baby together, months before they’d even gone on their first date. Now, after nearly eighteen years of marriage, the heartaches have piled one on top of the other, dousing the fire of their passion and drowning the memories of a life built together. Though he is her first and only love, two years spent living separate lives has convinced Isobel it’s time for them to let go. Except quitting isn’t in Shea’s blood...”- Breath We Take (Cuffed By Love Duet Book 1) by Amanda Kaitlyn <— HE’S PROTECTING HER… “…Being put on the security detail of my sergeants daughter was never part of the plan. But then I see her. Emberly. I see the broken in her. I see how she’s been hurt, cast aside by everyone she’s ever loved. Someone’s chasing her and it doesn’t matter what I have to do. I’ll protect her with my life…”
The Earl of London by Louise Bay <— HE’S DESTROYING EVERYTHING… “…When I find out Logan Steele is out to destroy everything I’ve dedicated my life to protect, the chemistry disappears and the hope that had blossomed my chest turns to rage. It no longer matters that he quickens my pulse just saying my name, weakens my knees with a single touch and that he might just be the greatest kisser that ever lived. I might believe in love but Logan Steele is definitely not the one...”
AUDIOBOOK LVERS
For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>
- AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <—
This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
PREORDERS (going live at midnight!!! )
Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels) by Ilona Andrews – August 28th 2018- The Waiting Room by Emily Bleeker – August 28th 2018
- Dagger’s Edge: A Brute Force Novel by Lora Leigh – August 28th 2018
- Cowboy, Cross My Heart (Heart of Texas) by Donna Grant – August 28th 2018
- The Governess Game: Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare – August 28th 2018
- Stygian: A Dark-Hunter Novel (Dark-Hunter Novels) by Sherrilyn Kenyon – August 28th 2018
- The Evolution of Man by Skye Warren – August 28th 2018
- Make It Music (Broken Dolls Book 1) by Everly Lucas – August 28th 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).
Good *chugs coffee* morning!! Its back to swing of things here. Vacation was last week and school starts Wednesday. 🙁 My “baby” is a senior and I am sad. Also I hope we have a nice fall as I don’t want summer to end. *dreams of day when I can move to florida and be neighbors with Maryse*
Love Online looks like a good one!! *click*
Good morning! Feeding J waiting to make my coffee now. Crew by Tijan looks good, I haven’t read a Tijan in ages.
Senior year! I feel like that would definitely be bittersweet.
Ok, 3 Things-
1. My hubby is currently tailing my daughter on her way to school (hopefully stealthily) to see if she’s getting along with the group she’s walking with. We’ve always taken her to school until this year. She complained last week that they’re mean to her and have made her late to class. We shall see. I feel like this is something we’ll be doing in the teenage years too. Lol
2. I’m going to try foaming chocoalate milk in my Nespresso for a mocha this morning. I got the Citiz and Milk and I love it.
3. I’m having an impromptu garage sale this week so that I can find my floors again and it’s hard work and this heat is unbearable. Fingers crossed I actually get rid of stuff. 8 years of buildup of clothes from my daughter. That’s several garbage bags for each size and about 4 pairs of shoes (for diff. outfits) in every size also. Insanity. Girl’s are SO much more expensive than boys and she wouldn’t wear half of it.
Maryse, I am excited for your review of Bring Down the Stars. I have decided to wait to read it when sequel is out. Your dogs are hilarious. I love looking at pics of them on Instagram.
Tasha, let us know how hubs stealthy detective work went! 😉 It is very bittersweet about my son entering senior year. *sniffles* Do you have children’s consignment shop there? I got rid of all my sons clothes and toys there with little effort and made a lot of money over the years.
1. Back to work again. I forgot how much it cuts into my drama watching, lol.
2. Back to sensible eating. Trying for another 4lbs. Small goals. Very small goals.
3. This song is so personal, but also has a sense of humor. We all have complexes…..unless your G Dragon, lol.
https://youtu.be/9_iZsw9mmXQ
Good morning!! Drinking my coffee while reading this.
Leslie- I can so relate. My “baby” is a senior this year too! I think it seems harder than when her brother was a senior. Maybe because I know how fast this year will go and then it’s off to college and she’s my baby and then it will be an empty nest here!!
Tasha, I hope your daughter is ok walking to school. In our experience, girls are worse than boys with their pettiness and who’s in, who’s out groups.
Girls can be mean.
But when you find the true friends they are the best.
I met my bf in second grade. One of the luckiest days I ever had.
Good morning!
1. I’m eating leftover pizza for breakfast so my week is off to a stellar start!
2. I agree with bev. True friends are the best and I’m fiercely loyal to mine, but once I feel betrayed I can’t get past it, and not for lack of trying.
3. I finished Ravensong last night. Wolfsong, it was not. I bumped it up to 4 stars because…Rico. Lovesong, on the other hand, was fantastic and I’m still eager for Heartsong.
His stealth skills suck. He was caught right out and had to do tricky maneuvers the rest of the way so she didn’t catch on. He said they walked fine, but I told him walking behind would’ve been better. She says they’re name calling (it’s a bro and sis and 2 other boys) and it’s all of them and when she tries to walk with the girl she runs up ahead so she can’t. And then 1 day they held her backpack so she couldn’t get in on time. These aren’t her normal friends. All the boys are older and the girl is her age, but hasn’t been in her class or any sports or anything since preschool. They’re the only ones that live close that I know of and I thought it’d be better than walking alone. The bus won’t come to our house Bc we’re close enough. I told her to try today and if it doesn’t go well, we’ll go from there.
We do have a consignment shop about 20 min away, I didn’t even think of that!
Heartsong & Lovesong?
No, she doesn’t need to deal with that every day. She won’t want to go to school.
That’s tough if you don’t feel comfortable having her walk alone.
Lovesong is Elizabeth’s story. It’s a short story he released on his blog yesterday.
This is the next show I’m looking forward to. Doesn’t it sound good and potentially twisty?
https://www.dramabeans.com/2018/08/facing-the-monster-in-a-hundred-million-stars-falling-from-the-sky/
You know with Ravensong I totally think Gordo had every right to feel abandoned and pissed. Also, I skimmed a bit of Wolfsong and they didnt really try to make it up to him or Ox to understand where he was coming from.
Agree with you about Gordo 100%.
Hey guys! Happy Monday!
1. Automatic 1- click for Love Online…. that man is Gorgeous! Stunning! Hot!
2. Just about finished The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker and really loved it. For those of you who like the slow burn, and that initial dislike of each other slowly growing into something more, you will love this. And I loved all the aspects of Alaska and the types of people who live there and their way of life!
3. 4 day work week, then I’m off Friday and the entire
following week! I’m so looking forward to it!
YAY Jean!! I love vacation days!! 😀
I’m definitely going to read The Simple Wild. I absolutely love K.A. Tucker.
Marsye – Kym Grosso has new one out tomorrow. Paige Tyler has one this week too. Do you know when Emma Scott’s next is coming out? I think I am waiting too. I find I like better to read straight through.
It’s scheduled for early October, Theresa.
Tasha, if that stuff is happening, yeah. I’d say end that walk now. That type of behavior can really mess with a kid emotionally and the end results will not be pretty. 🙁 *hugs* Good luck.
3 things:
1. Needless to say, I’m reading Crew. 🙂 For those who’ve read Fallen Crest, the heroine is Channing’s little sister. 😀 😀 😀
2. So… pumpkin spice wars have commenced. Dunkin Donuts started selling their latte today, and upset Starbucks who starts tomorrow. 😛 Yay Pumpkin Spice wars!
3. So, MANY years ago, my friend had been in a minor fender bender. When it happened though, I was positioned in such a way that I really hurt my right shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff. Honest truth, no biggie, doesn’t affect my life much at all. I just can’t reach past above my head.
That is until the last two weeks. GAH, I don’t know what I’m doing but the arm won’t even go up halfway to the side without pain. I went swimming yesterday and couldn’t even do a normal freestyle with pain. 🙁 Normally it’s just breaststroke and backstroke that are an issue because of the reach from behind your back. Grrr Tonight IcyHot, because this is stupid.
Tasha, I’d nip your daughter walking with those kids – that kind of behavior is just awful…
Tessa, I just had rotator cuff surgery in July…it’s not been nice but everyone keeps telling me how I’ll be glad I did it down the line…I feel for you…
To all of you with high school seniors, enjoy every minute. Senior year always seems to go so fast! I have 3 in college now. Actually, my youngest just graduated from HS in the spring and is spending a year at home at community college before officially leaving the nest and going away – so I get to delay the “empty nest” status for a little while longer.
1. I’m reading 99 Days (can’t remember how it hit my tbr but looked like it was down my alley) and I absolutely do NOT like the h. She is just an absolute idiot… that said, I need to see what happens so I keep reading…
2. Going on a girls trip to FL in a week and trying to figure out how I’m going to maneuver security with an arm immobilizer and an arm that can’t lift very high…I need to do some investigating this week. If anyone has tips, please let me know.
3. I also one-clicked Love Online – – I mean Jean is spot on, he’s a fine specimen and that book will look REALLY good sitting in my TBR! 🙂
Ugh, kids can be AWFUL. And particularly girls with all of the social bullying. Not that boys don’t do the same thing, it just seemed to hit harder when it was girls doing it.
1. I’m reading Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering.
2. I’m about to lose my sh!t because of said book.
3. I’m wondering why I am doing this to myself. And at work of all places. 🙄
Thanks R. Renee. Originally I thought they were scheduled 2 weeks apart but with the sad news of her daughter. I’m surprised they are coming out at all right now.
Anybody got updates on Laura Wright books? Yes, I still read a few paranormal books. Lol
They were originally. Her daughter inspired this duet and that is her motivation. And for anyone waiting for book two, I just read chapter one and I can promise you it will be worth waiting the few extra weeks for.
As someone who hasn’t read Fallen Crest (except a few chapters in book 1), I am enjoying Crew.
That behavior of the kids bullying/being mean speaks volumes (we stay across from our school and my daughter walks but she is in high school), I would not let her walk with them at all (does she enjoy walking with them?)
My “middle” child is now a high school senior, but with only 2 classes on campus and the rest online (hmmmmm) She will be going to a local University and staying at home. (I have twin 24 yo daughters and my youngest is now 9)
As a sahm for the past several years, my friendships have dwindled down so cherish those friendships
Struggling through a rough summer cold with flu like symptoms
Happy Monday
Okay, I’m about to throat punch him. That stupidsonofawhorepieceofmonkeysh!ta$$hole, who the f&$k does he think he is?!? Arrogant sack of d!cks, that’s what he is!! Aw, f&$khimtohell!!!!
The only thing keeping me reading is the hope she will grow some freaking lady balls and stand up to him. If she doesn’t…oh no no no no. Nope octopus to the eleventy millionth power. Just NO. 😐
Oh…and happy Monday to you as well, Jenn. 😉
Happy Monday!
1. I’m currently reading “Love Online” I have never read one of her books before but that cover got me….he looks like Paul Walker!
2. Getting ready to take my dogs on a walk.
3. Praying we don’t get attacked on said walk like last Monday. Seriously 4th time it’s happened with 4 different dogs but this last one was the scariest.
Sweet Liitle Thing by Abbi Globes is free.
Amy just stop reading. Lol. You know you’ll go nutty if he’s that bad.
Amy, I told you not to read Thoughtless.
No one likes a Kellan Kyle.
No one.
Put the book down and walk away.
No.
Run.
Run until you can’t hear the sound of his laughing.
Lol Bev! I loved Kellan Kyle!
Amy! Keep us updated, it’s sounding good, but I guess it could go either way from here, huh?
Jenn, dog attacks?! 4 times! Have you contacted authorities? I don’t think I’d walk that way anymore, that’s scary.
On they bullying- I just wanted to be sure it was the way she said. I take it very seriously- when she tells me these things, I see red. But, I know she can also be dramatic and who knows if they’re horsing around and she is too. I asked her a million questions to be sure. And my hubs went back when they got out and saw her walking ahead like she said. But, she said after she tossed a rock at her n poked her with a stick. I told her she could ride her bike by herself from now on. It’s not worth the headache for either of us. Their Mom is one of my cousin’s Mom and a good friend of my other cousin, they’re a good family, but kids are sh!ts and when parents aren’t around, ya know how it is?
Yes Tasha dog attacks- irresponsible dog owners not keeping their dog on leashes. A pug, a poodle, a yorkie, and most recent a German shepherd. Are you ready to hear what I have… 2 pit bulls-they are sisters. I have not contacted anyone because really the bad rep they have I feel like who is going to believe me. I have taken them every different route I can possibly take them and it does not matter. My dogs have never hurt any of them. And yes it is very scary with the German shepherd I literally threw up from the fear. I was attacked by one as a kid. On a much lighter note I know a lot of you ” clicked” it but anyone currently reading Love Online?
Crew by Tijan is now in KU… just a PSA. I just picked it up, but then realized it’s part 1 of 3… not that I will be able to hold out or anything. I have so many books to read. *bangs head* Gah, I am ridiculously behind.
Tasha, poor little muffin, girls are mean and nasty… they’re way sneakier than boys… and if the boys are older, then that scares me on a whole other level.
School starts next week for us. My oldest will be a junior… gah, when did *that* happen. I’m not old enough to have a junior in high school. I mean, I just turned 29 last week… 😉
I completely understand. I hate owners who don’t abide by the leash law. Funny enough, the dog warden is my neighbor and won’t leash his own dogs and they’re always in my yard. Boxers (3) trampling my kids, chasing em through the street. Nice, but my kids were terrified. And I’ve told his wife that though mine are caged and nice, they don’t get along with other dogs. Well, my lab didn’t and she’s recently deceased, but she’d jump the fence in a heartbeat and attack em in the yard. So annoying.
*giggles at Amy’s aggressive thoughts* It’s morning here and I haven’t got work today. *slowly sips coffee* When I sit down and read the blog, I often get a laugh. Thanks for making my mornings fun!
1. I’ve got piles of (dare I say not terribly good) essays by 16 and 17 year olds to mark. Ugh. It can get tedious.
2. Winter is just about done here (although they’re predicting a hard frost tomorrow morning). But today it’s going to be a beautiful clear sunny mild day. 😀
3. I don’t think I’ve read any KA Tucker. So I might check out The Simple Wild.
I read Love Online yesterday. It was just ok for me although I generally love her books. I might still be in a book funk from The Idea of You. So good! I need a good rocker/famous/rich/royal type book to read.
JR are you on Goodreads so we can see what you’ve read?
Tasha-I agree annoying for sure.
JR-I’m not loving it either-I’ve never read one of her books before so I really have nothing to compare it to but for me the writing just seems juvenile. Although I loved the concept of the story it is actually Ollie who I adore.
Tasha- that sounds like a better idea for your daughter, although such a shame can’t walk with the other girl because she is a little sh!t. I’ve seen both with my daughter and with the elementary girls at my job how b!itchy and mean girls can be. Best for her to not be exposed to their hurtful behavior. I can relate to seeing red and wanting to go all protective momma on them.
I think I dnf the last Penelope Ward book. I agree about the juvenile and just poor writing as the reason why. It just did not “flow.”
R Renee – Yes! I’m 5453246-julie on Goodreads – friend me!
Jenn – try Playboy Pilot by Penelope Ward – I gave it 5 stars (which I’m very stingy with)
I tried searching that name and nothing came up. Can you friend me? https://smarturl.it/robinhillgoodreads you have to click on the down arrow under my pic.
R Renee – just sent you a friend request. I think I had the wrong name. Mine is J2R1.
I think it worked!
JR have you read Ghosted yet?
Ghosted by Rosie Walsh? No – I didn’t have it on my list. Good?
That’s my top pick, but here is my celeb shelf. These are varying levels of celebrity though. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/47734324-robin-hill?shelf=trope-celebrity
No Ghosted by JM Darhower! One of my top ten of all time!
I did have that one on my list and I love JM Darhower – I had forgotten about this one and I haven’t read it – thanks RRenee!
OMG. Be prepared to swoon. And make status updates so I can stalk you!!!
Thanks JR will definitely look into that one. I agree with R; Ghosted by JM Darhower so good!
JR, you MUST read Ghosted!!!
My daughter was bullied in middle school. If I were to do it over I would have pulled her out and placed her in another school or home school her. Though I don’t think I would be very good at that, she’s smarter than me. I read an article once that said the meanest creatures on earth were teenage girls and I tend to agree with that.
Re: Penelope Ward’s writing (and pretty much all authors for me)…I seem to flip flop with ratings. Some books I absolutely love, others are meh and some even DNF.
Fictional bullies are fine. Real life bullies?!? They should be thrown into the fiery pits of hell.
My son has been bullied too. 🙁
Loving Ghosted so far! And teenage girls can be the worst (I have two and have seen it all)
Well, I’m certainly not looking forward to teenage years! *cringes* I hate this part of parenthood.
I’m sipping a pumpkin spice latte, mmmmm. I wish I’d have gotten a large. And reading Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella. It’s a library book.