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Friday Finds and Reader Recommendations – January 6th 2017

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Okay you guys!!! I just finished my awesome latest dark read (Hidden Bodies: A Novel <— and yes, I LOVED it) so I’ll be reviewing later today, and no matter what, I WILL be reading the follow-up. I don’t even care that it ended in a cliffhanger, I’m wickedly (and not in a good way ’cause some are crazy!!!!) attached to the characters. UPDATE!!! I’VE REVIEWED HIDDEN BODIES!!

But next up for me, is Wolfsong <— one of the most repeated “2016” favorites from my most-trusted book buddies and I KNOW I cut-out too early when I first one-clicked and started it. The way you guys are going on about Wolfsong, I HAVE to find out what all the fuss is about. I KNOW I’m missing out, and lucky for me, I’m going back in!

Fabi: Nothing has measured up since Wolfsong. :-( …Everyone I know who has read it has loved it. It went straight into my favorites. I wish I could wave my magic wand and convince everyone to read it. I don’t push books often. But Wolfsong simply must be read.

R: WOLFSONG!!!! Hand’s down, not even a question. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. And this one Fabi did recommend. XOXOXO!

Fabi: Gah! R! Wolfsong. That book is everywhere lately. Maybe it will nudge Maryse into giving it another shot. :-)

MichelleS: WOLFSONG! I will never forget these characters, the werwolf lore, the story… the FEELS… just loved the heck out of this book.

bev: I’m reading Wolfsong right now and it’s wonderful. I love when they meet as children.

MichelleS: You see that Maryse? She picked Wolfsong too!!! LOL. Have we all convinced you yet?

Jennifer: I loved Wolfsong as well….definitely a masochist!

bev: We want Maryse to read Wolfsong. Can say that even though it is the year of zen cause it’s a Fabi book not a bev book.

Maryse: Okay here I am!!! I’m going back into Wolfsong. …LOL bev!!!! You crack me up!!!! I’m back in. Who’s buddy reading Wolfsong with me?

Amy: Wolfsong…hmmmm, I *think* I’ve heard of that one before. Maybe it was mentioned here a time or two? :P

MichelleS: Maryse is going to read Wolfsong??? SQUEEEEEEEEE

Robyn: I also clicked Wolfsong. I don’t really read M/M, but everyone loves it and I don’t want to be left out! Plus it has wolves, so yeah

Fabi: Everybody already knows, but mine is Wolfsong for uniqueness. Unique story, unique characters and unique writing.

R: Wolfsong…that book is in my skin like a rash. It’s sitting under my Christmas tree right now and it’s killing me not to open it and put it on my pretty new shelves. ONE MORE DAY. The phrase “kid at Christmas” really means something when you love books.

Kelly: The book gods have decided to make 2017 a stupendous year for me. Why? Because the book I decided to start my year with is Wolfsong. I am only 1/2 way through but I know I will NEVER forget this book. The writing is beautifully simple but undeniably profound. It is heart wrenching but is also make-me-laugh-out-loud funny. (Joe’s idea of courting? Come on!). This group is like my “book pack” so I hope you can hear me howl my song of love and joy and join in and share the love.

Now… take a look at what else we found! (NOTE: some are 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!):

Holly: So excited! The first one was a 5 star read for me!!
Morgana: I definitely recommend the Captive Prince trilogy by C.S. Pacat. It’s a genre all on it’s own, deals with two princes, power play, complex characters, slavery, hidden identities and a great freaking plot.
  • Please Don’t Go by Felice Stevens <— LIVE!!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!!
  • Sister Sister: A gripping psychological thriller by Sue Fortin <—- LIVE!!! PSYCH-THRILLER ALERT! These sisters appear to hate each other… “Clare thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life. Alice thinks Clare is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family. One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac.“
  • Imposter: A blockbuster suspense thriller by K. Larsen <— PSYCH-THRILLER SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! I read and enjoyed this one!!! Her sister is kidnapped… and then shows up years later. MY REVIEW.
  • Silver Bay: A Novel by JoJo Moyes <— JOJO MOYES SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! (thank you for finding it, Amy!!!) “Liza McCullen will never fully escape her past. But the unspoiled beaches and tight-knit community of Silver Bay offer the freedom and safety she craves—if not for herself, then for her young daughter, Hannah. That is, until Mike Dormer arrives as a guest in her aunt’s hotel…“
  • The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz <— TIFFANY REISZ SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! I hear it’s got that family saga Back on the list ’cause it’s still at that amazing price, and so many think this one is AMAZING!!! And my friend Natasha went CRAZY for this one!!!Natasha: I sure did!! It’s an amazing page-turner, with an incredibly provocative and unexpected storyline, and written so so beautifully. I can’t recommend it highly enough.Sally: One of my favorites for 2016! Loved it!
  • What She Knew: A Novel by Gilly Macmillan <— PSYCH-THRILLER SUPER-BARGAIN THAT I TOTALLY JUST ONE-CLICKED!!! She’s newly divorced and her young son disappears while he’s with her… “…Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion. As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment…” eek EEEEEEEP!!!!
  • Big Rock: (A Sexy Standalone Contemporary Romance) by Lauren Blakely <— LAUREN BLAKELY SEXY FAKE RELATIONSHIP SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! “…he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock...”

Pia: Finished Big Rock a few days ago. A very sweet, fun, sexy and safe read – no angst here. But Lauren Blakely when she is best 🙂

Anne: Pia I loved Big Rock! So fun! I love when books are from the guys POV. They always crack me up lol

  • We Were Liars by E. Lockhart <— HUGE TWISTY TEAR-JERKER ALERT!!!

Ann: That was my ugly cry book of 2016. Like you, Lisa, I tend to stay clear of the “hurty” books. But once in a while I let one thorough, and damn if it WWL didn’t kill me. There I was cruising along, enjoying a nice little YA read, until BAM! Biggest twist ever. I cried. Like a child.

Tasha: What? We Were Liars is an ugly cry?? Yikes I’m reading that one now and I’m already too invested to stop. I have ideas though, here’s too hoping I don’t get punched! Lol.

Amy: That one had a bit of a sucker-punch in it, right? Fellow YA lovers (I’m lookin’ at you, bev and Fabi ;) ) should give it a shot.

Maryse: What what whaaaaaaaat?? How come I’ve never heard of We Were Liars until Lisa’s list? AMY!!!!

Amy: Er…ummmmm…crap, Maryse. I didn’t mention it before because…because…*sigh* I don’t know why. *shrug* I thought I had? Here, have a lemon meringue martini!!! *pushes martini into Maryse’s hands* It had a nice sucker-punch but didn’t make me ugly cry. It kind of had a Jellicoe Road feel to it (not the same plot, just the same kind of melancholy and “what happened”), and fortunately the way it played out actually worked. It could have been a disaster had it not been written well, but it WAS written well so I can honestly say it’s a rec. ;)

  • An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur <—- OMG IT’S EVEN MORE SUPER=BARGAIN PRICED!!!! You guys!!!! This was one of my most favorite books of the year, and that of SO many of our fellow readers. READ THIS!!! READ THIS!!! READ THIS!!!!!!!!!! You’ll get it. Awesome writing, amazing, intense,, heart wrenching and uplifting story, and HOT AS ALL GET OUT!!!! Just sayin’ 😉 (my review!!!)
Grey: Wow, I finished An Exaltation of Larks… I get it now.

  • AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS ➜ 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 ebooks 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. :D !!! VERY COOL!
            

 

PREORDERS (next week’s!!! :D )

  1. Full Package by Lauren Blakely – January 9th 2017
  2. Surrender: Careless Whispers 3 (The Inside Out Series) by Lisa Renee Jones – January 9th 2017
  3. Sinful Abandon by Jeannine Colette – January 10th 2017
  4. Worth The Wait: A McKinney/Walker Novel (The McKinney Brothers) by Claudia Connor – January 10th 2017
  5. Gone (Deadly Secrets Book 2) by Elisabeth Naughton – January 10th 2017
  6. #Blur (The GearShark Series Book 4) by Cambria Hebert – January 10th 2017
  7. Trick by Laramie Briscoe –  January 13th 2017

➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2017!)

      

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Reader Favorites – Tasha’s 2016 Reader Favorites

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OMG I absolutely LOVE this list!!! Why? ‘Cause I’ve only read a few of ’em (What Alice Forgot, The Nightingale, and Dark Matter) and I loved all three. BUT!!! The majority are completely NEW to me, yet are right up my INTENSE alley! OMG Tasha!! Where have you been all my life??!!!

Since this is Tasha’s first “Reader Favorites list” with us, I thought I’d post some fun tidbits so we could get to know her better. 😀

“…I hate ugly cry books. I don’t always read happy ever after books, but I have to really be in the right mindset for an ugly cry book…”

” I never thought I could really be grouped with loving the angsty books, they scare me bad and stress me out, but most all of them I’ve read have ended up being favorites! I suppose I’m just eclectic. I like a little of everything, even if I need to push myself to read those angsty books they’re always worth it in the end!”

“…You know when you have to switch up genres from time to time so u don’t get that burnt out feeling? At least I do quite often…”

About her pet peeves in books: “One I haven’t seen mentioned that makes me roll my eyes every time is the dead parents thing. Maybe I’m not sensitive enough but I literally can’t stand it when they whine or behave a certain way bc of it or it cripples them emotionally somehow. Or even when a parent walks out on them as a kid bothers me.”

AND

“Also when the mc’s feel sparks of electricity when they touch for the first time you see a connection made. It’s too played out and unrealistic. Unless they scoot their feet on the carpet in their socks first, there couldn’t have really been electric sparks felt. Or I suppose if it’s pnr that can be factored in somehow. :P”

“…fall is my fav season. I’m craving pumpkin spice lattes, hot chocolate, brats n popcorn, mmm…and maybe a snicker doodle too! Haha … I love just about pumpkin spice everything, but peeps? I don’t think that even sounds good. Lol Probably would help if I were a peep fan to begin with. My hubby brought home some pumpkin cheesecake something twinkies the other day and I thought those were disgusting. I only took a bite bc I felt bad since it was a nice gesture and all, but I couldn’t finish it.”

“October is the absolute busiest month of the year for me and it doesn’t much slow down from here until January really. :(I’m having major book withdrawals.”

Take a look at HER 2016 favorites!!!!

“Happy new year!! My first list. I’m a terrible chooser. This is why I don’t do lists, I tried, but I just couldn’t leave any of these out and believe it or not, I DID narrow it down. Lol”

What Alice Forgot and Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty – These are equally good in different ways. Her characters are always so real and relatable, you can’t help but be sucked into their stories.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell – This book is everything! Magical, witty, funny, emotional, and romantic!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Mischling by Affinity Konar – Different from any historical fiction I’ve read. Its hard for me to put into words, this one. I fell in love with these sisters and their stories. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, with so much hope, still.

Where They Found Her: A Novel and Reconstructing Amelia: A Novel by Kimberly McCreight- A newly discovered author this year. Loved both of these! I couldn’t put either one down.

Sweetheart (Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell Book 2) by Chelsea Cain – This is book 2 in the Gretchen Lowell series. While I enjoyed #1 (Heartsick (Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell Book 1)), it just got so much better with this one! It’s thrilling, completely twisted, and I can’t wait to read the rest.

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass series Book 3) and Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass series) by Sarah J Maas – I read both of these this year and it’s impossible to choose. Every book in this series just gets better and better. I love a feisty heroine.

Our Chemical Hearts by Crystal Sutherland – This one has a little John Green feel to it. It’s told in Henry’s pov, he’s a little nerdy, with two awesome best friends. Its funny, quirky, and heartbreaking. Loved the ending!

Penny in London by Fisher Amelie – Everything I like in a short story. A light story with a likeable heroine, some angst, and a sexy hero.

Pretty Girls: A Novel by Karin Slaughter – Loved this thriller! I liked the mystery, it kept me on edge, it was so intense! Disturbing subject matter.

I’ve Got Your Number: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella -This one was so fun! Fun heroine, hilarious situations she gets herself into, swoony hero, great writing!

Kids of Appetite by David Arnold – Perfection! All of those Outsiders references..*sigh*. You can’t help but love these kids. Baz, Zuz, Mad, Coco, especially Coco, and Vic. Their friendship, their voices, their hardships, their chapters, and adventure, was written so well and drew so much emotion from me. I had to hurry and finish this one today so I could add it to this list!

Dark Matter: A Novel – I had to sneak this one in here too. I’m not much of a science fiction reader, but this was easy to read and really made me think! All the possibilities!

Here’s to 2017, happy reading everyone!

              

Like Tasha’s book taste? Check out more of her favorites:

➔➔➔  Looking for more of our favorite recommendations? Browse our “Ultimate Favorites Lists” here. Are you in the mood for a certain kind of story? Browse our favorite “genre/trope categories” here and our reader favorites lists too.

Reader Question – The latest KA Rock Chick book release… do we need to have read the series to read it?

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ROCK CHICK QUESTION!!!

Grace wants to know about the latest Kristen Ashley book that was just released ➔ Rock Chick Reawakening:

Hi Maryse…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

With Kristen Ashley’s latest novella that came out today, do u need to read the entire series of the rock chicks to know what’s goin on?

As much of a HUGE fan as I am of Kristen Ashley (and I have read SO MANY of her books, new and old), I have yet to read the Rock Chick series. Can you believe that? Is it because I’m saving it for an old-school KA reading marathon? I think so. :D!!!

So… I am unable to answer this one, but maybe someone here can?

I DO KNOW that these fellow readers are saying THIS about it:

Robyn: I just finished Rock Chick Reawakening. I have to say that this is my favorite book in the series! I fell in love with Daisy and Marcus reading and rereading the Rock Chick series. I’m so glad KA told their story and it ended with a Prince Charming, a huge castle and other surprises!

Carly: I never ever post on here (first time so Hi!)… But has anyone read Rock Chick Reawakening yet? I’m a mess. A big blob of tears. I think I look worse now than I did after having my girl. But I’m SO HAPPY!! I can’t stop! I don’t want to read anything else from the list yet, I just want to stay in my happy Daisy and Marcus bubble… But if anyone has read it, and recommends something that will top it, I’m open to suggestions!

Roopali: HI Carly….Just finished Rock Chick Reawakening…..OMG OMG…OMG…loved Marcus and Daisy’s story sooooooooooooooooo much…Happy tears…. now what to read next …

So… can anyone let us know if we can just start with this one, or not?

Kathryn: For the most part no, because it is set before any of the other Rock Chick happenings but in the last few pages there is some mention of the other Rock Chicks (after all the happenings) which could be a bit spoilery :). Xx

Lori: Yessss it’s part of what you know that gives you all the feels

Amanda: I think reading the RC series before made it better. And the ending mentions the other ladies and their spouses and kids so that could spoil things. But I don’t think you HAVE to.

Bethany: It’s a prequel, so you don’t have to, but if you do you will be much more invested in the characters!!!

Shannon: You really don’t need to read the whole series first but if you haven’t, you really should. They are definitely in my top five of all time. The characters from previous books are only briefly mentioned. Daisy story took place quite some time before the other books. Enjoy!

Cristin: No this book is a stand alone and this book takes place before all the other Rock Chick books – so you can start with this one.

Andrea: It’s not necessary to read the series in order to understand Daisy’s story. But the epilogue mentions the other characters and where they are at in their lives. I personally love KA and could reread her books all day. I started with the Rock Chick series and fell in love with her writing and her characters.

Debra: This is an amazing book. The series is absolutely a must read. Besides, if you haven’t read the series and read Marcus and Daisy’s story… trust me…. you WILL read every single book. The storylines and KA’s writing is brilliant. But no, it’s not imperative to read the others first but I do recommend it in order to fully enjoy this last installment of a great series.

Rebecka: Nope! But it’s more fun cause you get glimpses at characters from the other books before you met them.

Teresa: Loved this book! I like how we get to see what happen to everyone over the years.

DG: Finished 1001 Dark Nights and LOVED, loved it! Absolutely LOVED getting to know Daisy and Marcus. Love the way he loves her. GUH! Through all the Rock Chick books we get peeks of Daisy and Marcus, but not really enough to know, know them. I agree that it can be read as a standalone since it takes place long before any of the other Rock Chick stories happen.

Reader Question – The book with the heroine that remembers the bad guy’s scent, the hero that is a hotshot tracker and the retired judge that has escaping alpacas…

By 5 Comments

UPDATE: WE ARE STILL LOOKING for the answer for this, and Shannon tells us it’s NOT a KA book.

LOL!! I totally know what Shannon is going through when she remembers scenes from a book, and can’t tell if she’s having a book-mash-up memory-meltdown.

Either way, whether it’s one book, or two books, they both sound good, so let’s see if anyone here knows which one (or ones) she’s trying to remember.

She asks:

Hi Maryse, happy holidays

I need some help in the worst way. There is a book that I have been searching for since around June and for the life of me I can’t find it. Okay, here is where it gets a little confusing for me. I’m almost positive I am thinking of two different books and mushing together.

It starts with the h being new in town. I think she has a business where she does home meals, cleans and helps run errands for the elderly and disabled.

Something happened at a clients house and the police were called. She walks outside and the H is there. I think he is ex military and current cop (named hawk?). There is something about a USB drive. The h befriends the H grandma and she tries to play matchmaker.

There is a part where she ends up on a hiking trail with the bad guy and remembers his scent. The H is some hotshot tracker. I think the other books in the series are about the other detectives the H works with (a red head).

Okay, now is where I think I’m mixing it up and thinking of another series because the h owns a bookstore/yarn store. There is a fire. It’s a small town and I think the H these books are brothers but one is a cop. AARRRGG, I’m soooo confused!!!

There is a scene where they go to a retired judges house to get used books and his Lamas/Alpacas keep escaping. There are more things I remember but I’m trying not to give too much away.

Any suggestions would be so amazing. I have been looking for what seems like forever. It’s driving me insane.

Thanks, Shannon

Anyone?

Beth: The name Hawk instantly makes me think Kristen Ashley Motorcycle man, he’s a commando guy. Then the rest reminds me of other Kristen Ashley books, like the rock chick series, all about cops, trackers, private investigators. The first heroine is a red head I believe. But I love Kristen Ashley I may be wishful thinking haha

Maryse: YES Beth!!! Hawk is MY FAVORITE (other than Tate), so that book immediately came to mind… :D

Andrea: Hawk is my favourite as well – Mystery Man from KA. No grandmother, USB, matchmaker, red head or llamas involved in that one. Rock Chick – heroine is a red head I believe and she owns a book store. Her father is a cop and the hero is a private investigator. But again no grandmother playing matchmaker

Shannon: Thanks ladies but it’s not a KA book

Reader Question – The book about the small town where everyone could read each other’s minds…

By 2 Comments

YES!! This one sounds like a sort of “paranormal” (or esoteric) reading fun but I know for SURE I haven’t read it.

Melissa is looking for this one! She asks:

“Question for my avid reading friends.

Someone was telling me about a great book that started out with the Northern Lights coming to a small town and then everyone could read each others minds (even over text and phone).

They said the book was called “Ink and Bone” but I read the first few chapters of it and I don’t think its the right book.

Any ideas?”

I wanna know, too, and I found these three with that title (two look like they could very well be it).

Does anyone know which one (or is this story under another title completely)?

Brenna:  It’s not the Lisa Unger one. I read that one and there’s no Northern lights or mind reading.

   

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