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Monday early birds & some HIGHLY anticipated preorders going live at midnight!!!

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<— Okay so tomorrow is gonna be AWESOME!!!! There will be some serious squirreling going on, ’cause there are at least FIVE books on that list that I had been dying to read, let alone the ones that I still have to explore the blurbs for!

Taylor Jenkins-Reid (my FAVORITE!), Cara McKenna (my FAVORITE), Tracey Garvis-Graves (my FAVORITE), Stephen King (my FAVORITE) Tee hee…. I could go on and on, ’cause tomorrow’s list is LOADED in our favorites (including T.M Frazier <— surprise pre-order!!! AND Nicole Jacquelyn which is my read for tomorrow).

In fact, I have already read and reviewed two of the books going live tomorrow (here’s my review for One True Loves and here’s my review for Killing the Sun), I’m reading a third one right now (Idol <— it’s a rock star book and I’m so into it… maybe I’ll have the review up tonight), and then first thing in the morning (well, after I finish the BIG new release post), I’m moving on to Unbreak My Heart (<— OMG THIS ONE! I would have already started it, but Amy and I wanna buddy-read it so I’m waiting’ for her).

Poor Amy… I just realized, by locking her into a buddy-read with me for Unbreak My Heart (which we’re both dying to read ’cause it sound EXACTLY like the angsty, unrequited-love romance that we devour), she can’t jump right into One True Loves that she was (is!!) DYING to read. I feel bad… P.S. JOIN OUR BUDDY READ!!! 😀

Amy: I want to start it on Tuesday BUT I am supposed to BR Unbreak My Heart with MARYSE on Tuesday. Unless she already read it and didn’t tell me. *side-eyes Maryse* In which case the earrings are coming off…then I’ll have to hide them because she’ll get all “shiny!” on me and take them. :P

bev: She did. She did read it.

Amy: What?? WHAT?!?? MARYYYYYYYYYYSE!!! Where are you?!?

Maryse: I’m here Amy. I’m reading now… (but not our buddy read!! I promise)… although I DID read One True Loves. 😉 *sideeyes bev* Tattler! 😛

Amy: Maryse…phew!! *wipes forehead and relaxes* Thought I was going to be on my own for that one. ;) Okay, you can go back to your reading (which is…?) now that I’m through angrily stomping around here.

Maryse: Right now I’m reading Idol (she finds him – rock star!! – passed out on her lawn… it’s SO funny!!! She doesn’t realize he’s famous yet…)

No matter what we read tomorrow… YAY ME!!!!! LOL!!!!! ‘Cause the upcoming new releases are right up my ALLEY!!!

LIVE RIGHT NOW!!

  1. Dark Sexy Knight (a modern fairytale) by Katy Regnery <— THE LATEST IN HER MODERN FAIRYTALE SERIES!!! Nancy found it for us sayings: “As the biggest fan of Katy Regnery’s Modern Fairytales. I am so excited that Dark Sexy Knight is now LIVE” and Selma finished it! “Loved this book!” (also on Amazon UK)
  2. Nolan: Return to Signal Bend by Susan Fanetti <— GRITTY BIKER SERIES ALERT!!! LIVE!!!! Linda says: I highly recommend the Signal Bend series! I’ve read them all and it’s a series that will stay with you. Each book becomes more and more intense. Love this author. Series reading order. (also on Amazon UK)
  3. Six by K.I. Lynn <— DARK READ KIDNAP ALERT! “Kidnapped and on the run, my life and death is in the hands of a sadist captor who happens to be my one-night stand…” (also on Amazon UK)
  4. Big Vamp on Campus (Half-Moon Hollow Series Book 7) by Molly Harper
  5. Love Me (Brie’s Submission, #2) by Red Phoenix
  6. Stanton Bliss: Stanton by T L Swan <— FORBIDDEN LOVE TABOO!! LIVE LIVE LIVE!! The conclusion to this forbidden love series is up!!! Danielle says “It’s taboo and super angsty!” ALSO: series reading order (<— important!!) and also on Amazon UK
  7. Homeward Bound (Journeyman Book 1) by Golden Czermak
  8. A Promise Kept by Anissa Garcia <— FAMOUS ACTOR MOVES NEXT DOOR ALERT! She didn’t ever want to fall in live again but… “Having Hollywood heartthrob Evan Matthews move in next door with his alluring good looks, charisma, wit, and sexy smile is a temptation that runs the risk of compromising the importance of that promise…” (also on Amazon UK)
  9. Paradise Found: Cain (Paradise Stories Book 2) by L.B. Dunbar <— MMA FIGHTER ALERT!
  10. Foolproof Love by Katee Robert <— FAKE RELATIONSHIP WITH A BULLRIDER ALERT! “…this thing between them has an expiration date. Putting down roots isn’t in Adam’s blood, and Jules’s roots in Devil’s Falls are bedrock deep. He’ll leave, even if it rips out his heart…” (also on Amazon UK)
  11. Engaging the Bachelor (Pulse) by Cathryn Fox <— FAKE ENGAGEMENT WITH A DOCTOR ALERT!
  12. Playing the Perfect Boyfriend (Gone Hollywood) by Julie Particka <— FAKE RELATIONSHIP WITH A FAMOUS ACTOR ALERT!
  13. Vivid Lies by Alyne Robers <— TWIN SISTERS, THEIR GUY BEST FRIEND, and a new guy comes into the mix… “Nothing goes as planned. Things are never as they seem. No one is who they say they are. The lies are so vivid, they are almost real.” (also on Amazon UK)
  14. From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk <— FAMOUS ACTOR & A PRESCHOOL TEACHER ALERT! OMG it sounds SOOOOO SWEET!!! And maybe funny? “Sandra Moyer’s preschool is struggling, so when her sister suggests allowing a super-famous actor to research his latest role there, she reluctantly agrees. Except the actor turns out to be Ben Capshaw—a playboy who’s never serious…” (also on Amazon UK)
             

 

GOING LIVE AT MIDNIGHT!

  1. One True Loves: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid – June 7th 2016 (here’s MY REVIEW)!! (here is the book also on Amazon UK)
  2. All the Rage by T.M Frazier  – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  3. Idol (VIP Book 1) by Kristen Callihan – June 7th 2016 <— I’m reading this one RIGHT NOW!!! (also on Amazon UK)
  4. Rootbound by Shannon Mayer – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  5. Coast (Kick Push Book 2) (The Road 3) by Jay McLean – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  6. Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn – June 7th 2016 <—- I’m BUDDY-READING this one tomorrow!! 😀 (also on Amazon UK)
  7. Killing The Sun: Part 1 by Mara White & K. Larsen – June 7th 2016 (here’s MY REVIEW)!!! (also on Amazon UK)
  8. Downtown Devil: A Sins in the City Novel by Cara McKenna – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  9. End of Watch: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King  – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  10. White-Hot Hack: Kate and Ian #2 by Tracey Garvis Graves – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  11. Amber Fire by Lisa Renee Jones – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  12. Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn  – June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  13. Nothing More by Anna Todd – SPINOFF!!  June 7th 2016 (also on Amazon UK)
  14. Struck from the Record by K.A. Linde – June 7th 2016
  15. Speechless (Pier 70 Book 3) by Nicole Edwards – June 7th 2016
  16. Love Thy Enemy (romantic suspense) (Red Stone Security Series Book 13) by Katie Reus – June 7th 2016
  17. BURN (L.A. Untamed Book 2) by Ruth Clampett – June 7th 2016
  18. To Love a Wolf (SWAT) by Paige Tyler – June 7th 2016
  19. Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers) by Rebecca Zanetti – June 7th 2016
                

Book Review – Killing the Sun Part 1 by Mara White & K. Larsen

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Killing The Sun: Part 1 (COMING OUT ON TUESDAY!!!)
MAFIA ROMANCE (DARK ROMANCE?) LOVERS!!! Guess what? I went ahead and taste-tested the first part of a new serial (a little over 100 pages) coming out in just a few days. Three parts in all, each one super-bargain priced, and not much of a wait between each installment.

I enjoyed it! I experienced a touch of thrill, as I “lived in” a relationship with a potentially dangerous man (via the newly opened eyes of his girlfriend). Sure, it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but it doesn’t have that killer-edge that serials like to torture us with, so I’m feeling… comfortable. While it wasn’t necessarily unputdownable, and the ending didn’t make my jaw drop, I was still intrigued by where it was going. It’s a quick read for a little psycho-thrill reading break.

So what’s it about?

Young and innocent Aimee, brought up in a “white trash” world, moves to New York and tries to make something of herself. As she explores her new life and new city, she meets Danny, who’s twice her age, and becomes absolutely enthralled with him.

He had a gold cap on his left canine. Maybe it was tacky, but I loved it. The tooth was the very first thing that made me want to f**k him. It told me that no matter how far he’d risen, Danny came from less than desirable stock—he wasn’t always an envied business tycoon. Danny was once a scrawny, bullied Brooklyn guido who wanted nothing more than to leave Bay Ridge and prove himself to the world. I can relate to that—a past that would only let up if you erased it entirely; just struck from your repertoire. Without looking back.

Wealthy, sophisticated, but with a definite touch of “alpha male mob-guy”, yet so gentle and protective of her. To keep her safe, and to keep her near him, he gets her a great job with his huge company, passionately and incessantly woos her, showers her with affection,

Danny took care of me. Nobody had ever taken care of me.

…and they fall head over heels in love.

I was a really good girlfriend—that I made sure of. I’m not being self-deprecating or trying to make people feel sorry for me when I say there wasn’t much else to me. It’s just that there was never anything in my life before that felt so right to me as being his woman did. It was a role I was born for.

After years of a seemingly solid relationship, she finds out one of his many secrets ( eek <— and yes… I gasped!!),

Call me green if you want—but the way we met was magical; the way we evolved, so fluid. There was nothing that could stop us.

That’s why my whole world ended when I found out…

…and leaves him. Both of them, devastated and broken.

“You lied to me, Danny!”

“I was protecting you. Stop trying to run away from something that’s bigger than you.”

“I have to learn to take care of myself!”

“This is nonsense. You’re torturing us both!”

And when he finally convinces her to come back to him (promises, promises…),

…without him, I’m just not okay; I’m lost, I’m alone. Maybe I’m childish. Maybe I’m weak. Or maybe Danny is telling the truth…

she dejectedly realizes things have changed, but not for the better. Aimee is stronger, and more assertive now. She sees things…. clearly. His secrets have changed her view of him (and of herself).

How do I have so little self-esteem that I got myself here? Why can’t I just leave him? I don’t know how to be Aimee. I only know how to be Sunshine, Danny’s pushover girlfriend.

He’s not the sweet Danny she once knew, and his usual Dom self takes on a whole new level, unsettling her (and ME!!!).

I’ll let you experience their semi-sweet past, with their creepy-scary present (as we go back and forth, both through Aimee’s eyes, and Danny’s). A lot of insight into both of their worlds and ideologies, and what’s real beyond the lies.

Being the first part of the series, we were provided a good deal of the “backstory”, given a feel for the characters including an ominous touch from the anti-hero (and definite fear on the heroine’s part). Mind you, she’s still making some bad decisions, but her thought process is actively trying to work herself out of the mess she’s in, while simultaneously trying to talk herself out of her trepidation. Which is one issue I had with the story as a whole. She’s stronger now, her internal dialogue is RIGHT ON with how a determined, independent and informed woman should be thinking, and yet, she’s like a deer in the headlights when it comes to him. Stuck. And much of her thought process, is the same, back and forth, back and forth, to the point of repetitiveness.

Which is probably why I read this without my usual “psych-thriller/dark romance” gusto. BUT!! The expected “dangerous thrill” still hasn’t officially kicked in yet (although all the pieces are officially in place). All the players are ready to play. P.S. There’s an exceptionally intriguing/mysterious one, and a really grounded, supportive and sexy new neighbor, too! 😉

Now for the game…

I will continue the series to see where this unnerving journey takes me. This might end up being a chilling love triangle, or even a love square, with one of ’em leaning hard on the psycho-scale. Anything goes!

But anyone would have fallen like I did, the moment they met him. You can’t say no to Danny. No one ever does. No one did.

3.75 stars <— This is only the beginning my friends. This was only the intro. I have a feeling this could be a wild ride!

And here it is on Amazon UK

P.S. Thank you to the authors for sending me this review copy!

10 Questions based on our TBR lists – Amy’s List:

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It’s Amy’s turn on the TBR-LIST hot seat! And she’s sweatin’ it!

(P.S. For those just tuning in, bev posted a fun “TBR LIST QUIZ” that we can answer, to help us decide what to read next, and to help us decipher why these books are still on our TBR lists, in the first place! 😉 )

Amy: Really, Bev? As if I didn’t have enough stress…*sigh* Oh well, you know I can’t resist your polls and “question lists” so I’ll be answering it. ;) Y’all know I have over 2000 unread books, and obviously it’s hard to remember and list the many that could be answers to Bev’s questions…so I’ll just list the first ones that pop in my head…

Amy’s Answers:

1. Book(s) you can’t believe you haven’t read yet? The Dark Elements series by Jennifer Armentrout, especially with how much I absolutely LOVED her Covenant and Lux series and how much Tessa loved the DE series.

2. Book(s) that the cover grabs your attention? Any cover that stands out among the others in my Kindle library. Bright colors, abstract pictures, simple covers like Eight Hundred Grapes: A Novel (currently on my TBR ;) ), covers that look like sketches (the original FCH cover) or are cartoonish (Badger!!!), covers that make my heart clench (yes, some have covers that make my heart do that), covers that are UNIQUE, basically anything that will make me stop when scrolling through my pretties.

3. Book(s) from buzz/review? Hmmm…usually the only reviews I read and take to heart are Maryse’s, and I have been thinking more and more about The Five Stages of Falling in Love and Every Wrong Reason (both of which she loved). I’m PMSing big time and stressed out to the point of constantly feeling on the verge of tears, so I think I need a good ugly-cry book to release those tears and I think those will do it for me!

4. Book(s) from book buddy book talk? Oh good lord…most of the books that are gushed about here.

5. Book(s) you are hesitant to read? Male-only POV. Because issues. *My* stupid issues.

6.) Book(s) in part because the author makes you feel you are in that locale? Well, the books aren’t out yet but the EIT spinoff books by Karina Halle because the EIT books were set in my neck of the woods. ;) Oh! And most of Tarryn Fisher’s books have taken place in cities near me as well. By the way, how FUN would it be to go as a group to the spooky places in the EIT books, or at least the ones that really do exist like the leper island???

7. Book(s) you really hope is what you think it is going to be? The Bronze Horseman and the Outlander books.

8. Book(s) that randomly pop into your head and you think yes I need to read that? The Driven series and the “ghost” series that Maryse and so many of you have gushed about…is it Downside Ghosts?

9. If your weekend read had to come from this list what 1 or 3 would they be? The Dark Elements series…it’s rainy and gloomy right now, and for whatever reason I love PNR books when the weather is like this. Or maybe the Outlander series.

10.) Last one. Should Maryse put her tbr away and watch the first episode of Sherlock and blog it? Ummmm, I plead the fifth as Bev has been on me to watch it as well. So…no comment. ;)

           

Book Review – The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

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The Butterfly Garden
Oh yes, you can bet that this creepy, beautiful (yes yes! In a way… beautiful), dark, subtly terrifying story pushed all my psych-thriller buttons, without a doubt. It had everything I fear, and then it had something that chilled me to the bone. I was HOOKED.

From waking up realizing you’re kidnapped, to acclimating to a new “life”, bonding with new people (because even in dire times, humans need to connect), to fearing a monster. Or two. Terrified and adjusting, hoping and praying for rescue or the chance at an escape… and then the truth is revealed.

“Remember who you are and then it’s just playing a part. If you start to think of it as you, that’s when the identity crisis hits. Identity crisis usually leads to a breakdown, and a breakdown around here leads to—”

“Bliss.”

“What? She seems like she can handle it. She isn’t crying yet, and we all know what he does when the ink is finished.”

Like Hope, but much smarter.

“So what does a breakdown lead to?”

“Check the hallways, just don’t do it after you eat.”

Terrifying. And yet… subtle in it’s “horror”. This is not your typical horror story, and these are not your usual monsters. Well, one of ’em, anyway. Creating a sort of paradise for his captives, they are protected and cherished with loving care, but the outside world will never be theirs again.

Di-Ann: Just finished The Butterfly Garden and OMG!! The writing was wonderful with a nice pace. Very unique storyline and a heroine the you feel for! Finished this book in one sitting. Loved it!

Amy: I’m not too far into The Butterfly Garden yet, but so far I *am* loving the writing style. Not too much homework tonight so I get to crack open a bottle of plum wine and get lost in the Garden. :D I better see you there, Maryse!

Maryse: I’m there, Amy!!! I’ll be reading alongside you ‘n Fabi. Fabi. You gonna be there?

Fabi: Yes Maryse, I’ll squirrel over to it tonight once I settle down to read. I can never resist a buddy read.  :-)

Amy: Oh man…there is some build up going on in Butterfly Garden, and when it’s revealed it is NOT going to be pretty. Not. At. All. But I am really, REALLY liking this book! :D Yay Fabi!! Anyone else coming to frolic in the Butterfly Garden with us? If it continues like it is now, holy moly! I’m gonna be GUSHING over this one. *fingers crossed* <—– though I don’t think it will need that. ;) Who else is frolicking in the Garden with us? Grey, Kathy? And Di-Ann is already way ahead of us and finished with it! :D

R. Renee: I want to frolic but Fabi has me stuck on a raft with some hot dude named Bastian. And if he doesn’t let up soon I’m popping that bitch and drowning them both!

bev: I’m not sure that is the type of garden one frolics in.

Maryse: We can try, bev!!

bev: I’m not sure what to think that that is a garden you want frolic in. You’d so be the one in the movie that the audience screams at to not go in there, lol. Lol. Amy, would be all you go first Maryse. And when you don’t come back Fabi would be like screw it I’m heading back to Texas.

Cheryl: *in sing-song voice* How does your garden grow?!

Maryse: Grey come frolic in the butterfly garden with us!!!! Come on! It’ll be fun. *wicked giggle* And yes bev… I would be the one everyone would scream DON’T OPEN THE DOOR!! DON’T LOOK UNDER THE BED!! DON’T INVESTIGATE THAT NOISE!!!!

Amy: Hey, I tried to find a pink butterfly that would be Maryse in the Butterfly Garden…the closest is the Pink Glasswing. So, Maryse is a Pink Glasswing butterfly. And if you are reading (or have read) Butterfly Garden and have gotten to THAT part, then you know just how macabre that really is. *shudder* Still, I couldn’t resist. ;)

Amy: Fabi…right?? I am absolutely LOVING this one. The writing, how it is all unfolding, the perfectly-timed shifts between last and present…ALL of it is perfect for me. If I had to use one word to describe it right now, it would be haunting. Kinda like how Rainfall was for you. Oh wait…your word for that was traumatizing. :P

Fabi: Amy, TBG kind of reads like a movie doesn’t it? With the flashbacks? … it’s dark. I can’t imagine any romance coming through this type of plot. But, who knows. Authors surprise me all the time.

Amy: Yes, Fabi! That’s a good way of putting it. I like how there is the past, recent past (the garden), and the present. And their whole…situation. I can’t stop playing a certain part on a loop in my head and it’s making my chest ache. ACHE. :| BG is dark. Not dark like erotic dark, more like…well, Silence of the Lambs dark. No gore (yet) but just disturbing now that I’ve hit a certain part. And my heart actually aches for these girls…especially certain ones. :( Whether it ends on a 5-star note or not, this one will stick with me for a while.

Ela: AMY? SILENCE OF THE LAMBS DARK??? WHY DIDNT I SEE THAT POST EARLIER? IM SO HATING ALL OF YOU *points a shaking finger towards Maryse* IM SCARED

Maryse: Amy are you talking about the first *oomph* scene? ’cause OMG that was traumatic, albeit… strangely… poetic. UGH. LOL! There are psychos and then there are psychos. Or should I say poetic psychos, and just psycho-psychos? Tee hee Ela!!!!It’s fun!!! Er… in a creepy terror-psych-thriller kind of way. Forge ahead, my friend. Let’s frolic amongst the butterflies. ;)

Amy: The first *oomph*…the *spoiler* scene? Because THAT one was the first one to hit me hard. It was just…so…haunting. And yes, traumatic. Truth be told, it has been haunting me all day. :? I’m actually past that part now, but MAN…every new revelation is just like another sucker-punch to my gut. And GAH! What *is* her role in all of this??? I am seriously addicted to this twisted mess right now.

Ela: I’m scared to forge ahead *whimpers* screw The frolicking

Amy: Awwww come on, Ela!! It’s creepy and haunting and traumatic but it’s SO good…just stick with it! I say it’s like Silence of the Lambs because of the mind messery. No gore. No Guy trying to wear people’s skin. Just…despondency, yet with a smidgen of hope so it’s not overwhelming in how twisted the situation is. If that makes any sense. *snort* Maryse could definitely word it better than that. ;)

Maryse: Yep Amy!! That’s the scene. OH. EM. GEE. Er… okay um…. poetic terror. LOL!!!! :P

Amy: OH. EM. GEE. is right! I just keep picturing…THAT…and the beautifully horrific nature of it. Those two words look so wrong next to each other, but I have NO other idea how to describe it. Michelle!!! Come frolic in the garden with us! Maryse is a Pink Glasswing and I’m…well, I don’t know which one I am… *scratches head*

Amy: Poetic terror. *points at Maryse* See, told ya. ;) Grey!! You gotta join us! It is dark and yet still has a beauty to it. Not gonna even consider what that says about me thinking that way…

Maryse: OMG AMY!!! I was gonna say the same thing!!! That I think some moments are so heartbreaking and touching… and that it’s poetic and terrifying… what does that say about me? YIKES!!!

Grey: I wanna be a butterfly… Don’t I???

Maryse: Er… Grey. Ummm…. I wouldn’t bother asking. ;) Just pick one or he’ll pick for you.. They don’t ask. In the book? They just are. Because reasons. P.S. In real life? HECK NO. LOL!!!!! :P

Ohhhhh and then we went and found each other our “butterflies”. Tee hee!! It was hilarious… you can catch the whole thing in the comments, here. Well… what? *smirk* We needed comic relief, ’cause we were terrified! We were coping. Our coping mechanism.

So what’s it about?

Maya is kidnapped and held captive in a sort of “glass bubble” called “The Garden”. She soon realizes that she’s amongst beautiful captives, all hand-chosen and renamed by their captor (whom they know of as “The Gardener”). They all display a full-size butterfly back tattoo (a different butterfly assigned to each of them, etched into each of them by The Gardener himself).

“You’re exquisite,” he said hoarsely. “Absolutely flawless. Truly a worthy addition to my garden. And now . . . now you must have a name.”

The garden is lush, with a beautiful pond, a manmade rock cliff, and a waterfall. They are fed, cared for by a private nurse and chef, and wear beautiful black dresses that expose their backs at all times. They are “loved” by their captor, as he relishes (and encourages) their individuality. The sweet quiet ones, the spunky outspoken ones, the caretakers. He needs them all. Giving them tools to enjoy their hobbies, allowing for their different personalities, and cherishing the synergy that has developed amongst his “butterflies”. And when unexpected bad things happen to his butterflies…

…he was weeping. His entire body moved with the strength of his sobs, his eyes screwing shut against this unexpected pain, and he rocked back and forth…

But as “coddled” as they seem (compared to some captives and their terrible circumstances and torture that we’ve read about in the past), these girls still face a daily nightmare. The Gardener “takes” them whenever he wants, and well… other things that I’ll let you find out about, on your own.

And don’t even get me started on The Gardener’s son. NOW THAT is your “typical” monster. The stuff of nightmares, indeed.

Maryse: Amy and butterfly crew… my question is, as much as I’m enjoying this book (and I TOTALLY am… I am SO into it) why is it taking me so long to read it? It’s as if I’m reading super-slow… there’s definitely no skimming in this one, though.

Amy: I’m definitely not skimming either, and I’m enjoying the fact that I can savor it a bit more with it taking longer to read. But GAH! So much gut and chest clenching! The twins? And Evita? And Simone? And…oh, just ALL of them!

Fabi: Amy, Des…OMG Maryse, I stayed home from work yesterday and finished it. I felt exhausted after I was done. I don’t know why. But, yes, it seemed to take forever.

Oh yeah… why did I include the word “beautiful” to describe this torment? Because there is an incredible personal growth that occurs within the main character’s current life, and that of a few others. The realizations, the connections made, the desolate pasts…

“You seem to have this strange image of me as a lost child, like I’ve just been thrown on the side of the road like garbage, or roadkill, but kids like me? We’re not lost. We may be the only ones who never are. We always know exactly where we are and where we can go. And where we can’t.”

…and the terrifying present. Yet there’s so much potential for hope, happiness and love. Much change that occurs within her own psyche, a clear realization. A metamorphosis of sorts. And yes, I found that poetic. 😉

And while the story starts out on a GREAT note (the FBI is questioning “survivors” to help piece together this nightmare that they’ve obviously been saved from), the story as the main character (and “mother” of the group) tells it to them, still leaves you wondering just how it’s going to end, really.

“The other girls look to her. I want to know why. They must be desperate to get home, so why do they look at her and choose not to answer questions?”

“You think she might be part of this?”

“That’s what we need to find out.”

Easily four stars for the first three-quarters of the book, but three stars for that almost rushed, incredibly convoluted ending that didn’t at all match the exquisite pacing of the story at all!! I had to backtrack and try to remember stuff, that was suddenly thrown at me, read, and re-read that ending slowly so I could piece together what was so obviously the twisty-unexpected-reveal.

Ela: I finished Frolicking with the Butterflies *so not appropriate * and loved it BUT that ending needed more! It almost felt unfinished or unjustified? I just needed more!

Fabi: Ela, I just finished too. I’m exhausted. Thank you for talking me off the ledge earlier today. I’m glad I didn’t jump ship.

Maryse: Okay somebody’s gonna have to give me a cliff notes version of WTH Butterfly Garden ending is THAT?!!!

I don’t understand. WHAT? WHO? WHAT?!!! I’m reading… and then reading slower… conversations are happening, things are being revealed, and with all the double names, etc… and all the characters in these last few pages, I have NO idea who’s saying what? And what I AM understanding… it’s kind of absurd. WHAT??!!!

And it was unexpected. I certainly didn’t see it coming, but the *oomph* was lacking in that surprise. In fact, it only served to annoy me. I like the idea… I just didn’t like the twisty-execution (<— no pun intended and that’s not an ending spoiler). *snort*

Maryse: Okay… whatever. I got it… I think. It’s convoluted and kind of has a few crazy coincidences and all (that I didn’t see coming, but doesn’t make it much of a twist if you ask me – how fast all that unrolled into one big long reveal), but whatever. I got it. I think. I kind of feel like rolling my eyes. :? Grrr.

Ela: Maryse I’ll post in the spoiler area my thoughts…

Maryse: It just felt lackluster to me… kind of a crazy big ending with an extra twist-reveal, but it was so freaking convoluted and I wasn’t sure if I was reading that right… And then the end. Oh. Well okay.

Fabi: lol Maryse. I posted a bit of a ranting review on GR.

3.5 stars!

P.S. Here it is, also on Amazon UK

Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations

By 148 Comments

<— TRAVIS ALERT BIG NEWS FIRST!!!! Look what’s going live on my birthday!!!!!!! A Beautiful Funeral: A Novel by Jamie McGuire  <— eek *thud* MY. BELOVED. TRAVIS. It’s about HIM!!!! And this book will be so mine, and I’m just gonna marathon read the last two going into this one, (plus her freebie on Wattpad) ’cause apparently there’s a big secret that’s going to be revealed in this. I think I know what it is, but still. MIBE MINE, MY ALL MINE!!!! *squeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!* (and here it is on Amazon UK)

Sheneen: Whoop, whoop, pre-ordered!!

Katie: This can’t be the last of the Maddox family!!!

Cassie: I can already tell the title is gonna make me ugly cry haha

Carla: Wtf? Aaaahhhhh

Maria: OMG……WOW…..Aaaahhhhhhh.,,,,,?????????????????

Linda: ??????? I don’t want the family split up!!!! I don’t want a funeral!!! I don’t want a single hair touched on any Maddox!!!! No no no!!!

Maryse: LOL!!!! You guys are cracking me up! 😛

And here is the WHOLE series reading order for those that want to catch up – there’s even a few free short stories in there focused on Travis & Abby! (and as everyone knows, Beautiful Distaster is my most favorite book in the whole world)

ALSO!!! My latest book review is up, of the release from a few days ago! Book Review – The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison

But, in the meantime… lookie lookie what we found!!!!

P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).

FIVE-STAR READER RECOMMENDATIONS (and bargain finds!) :D  (NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order).

  • Me Before You: A Novel by Jojo Moyes <— JUST A REMINDER!!! THIS ONE’S IN THEATERS TODAY! And I loved it like crazy (the book, I haven’t seen the movie yet, and I know I’m going to ugly cry… SO SOO SOOOOOO GOOD!!! my review and here it is on Amazon UK)
Yessi: This book destroyed me in the best possible way. Yeah I had a difficult time with a certain something but overall it was an incredible story and is one that has stayed with me.

Katie: I thought I would write you a quick note and tell you about a book you mentioned a while ago that you thought sounded good. I started reading ” Captured” by Jordan Marie a couple nights ago and Holy Cow I couldn’t put it down. It is one of those books that makes you forget about the things that need to get done around you because your so into it. I started the 2nd book in the series “Burned” and was up till almost 1:00am reading and even then I had a hard time putting it down for the night. You need to bump these ones up on your TBR list…you won’t regret it!! … I’m half way through the third and it’s just as good

  • The Substitute: The Wedding Pact #1 by Denise Grover Swank <— FUN-SOUNDING/THEY MEET SITTING TOGETHER ON AN AIRPLANE ALERT! Yeah I’m totally one-clicking this, plus it’s the start to a much-loved series by this author!!! She just got dumped by her fiancé and she hasn’t told her parents yet, on her way home to HER WEDDING!! And she drinks on the plane… “Though she’s completely loopy, her honesty, openness, and humor charm him. So when she passes out before landing, he helps her off the plane–a good deed that leads to a colossal misunderstanding. Her parents assume he’s her fiancé. In a twist of fate, the mix-up might help Josh save his business, so he plays along, figuring he can help Megan too…“
  • The Anatomy of Jane (WJM Book 1) by Amelia LeFay <— ROBYN SQUEE’D & CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE ENDING ALERT! (and here is is on Amazon UK)

Robyn: OMG Maryse! You have to read The Anatomy of Jane (WJM Book 1) by Amelia LeFay. I was in the mood for something different and this book is doing it. It’s a sexy romp with some m/m and m/m/f action! The storyline is great and gives you that “feeling”. …You have to read this book! It gave me happy, squeeing feelings and I can’t stop thinking about the ending. I want so much for these 3 people to be together. This was a beautifully written book. Part 2 comes out later this summer/fall. Grrrr….I hate sequels!

Lisa: Thx for this recommendation. I started this today. (Fanning myself)!!!!!

  • Where Lightning Strikes (Bleeding Stars) (Volume 3) by A.L. Jackson <— SHE’S A RECLUSIVE BARTENDER & HE’S A ROCK STAR ALERT! “For the last four years, Tamar King has hidden herself in an isolated world she created. She was safe. No one could touch her. Until Lyrik West walked through her door…” Nancy found us this one! “WHERE LIGHTNING STRIKES (A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel) by A.L. Jackson… Got to 1-click this one!” and it reads as a standalone! (here it is, also on Amazon UK)
  • Lawless & Soulless: The Limited Edition Collection by T.M. Frazier <— JUST RELEASED SERIES BUNDLE! Lawless & Soulless: The Limited Edition Collection by T.M. Frazier (and here it is on Amazon UK)

Kelly: LOVED King and Tyrant

Jean: I’ve been loving the King series by T.M. Frazier. Flew through the first two books and 35% into Lawless!! So great!!!!!!!

Marit: I’m currently reading Tyrant by T.M Frazier. (Book two in the King series). OMG, I loooooove it 🙂

  • Flash Point (Kilgore Fire Book 2) by Lani Lynn Vale <— JUST RELEASED/MARRIED FIREFIGHTER & HIS EX (who’s with another firefighter…) “The day he starts his first civilian job at Kilgore Fire Department, his worst fear of seeing Masen is realized. And not only does he see her, but he sees her with another man. A fellow firefighter that he has to trust with his life…” (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • Chasing Butterflies by Terri E. Laine <— JUST RELEASED FOOTBALL STAR ALERT! “College is a different game, a second chance for something better. She’s not the girl he remembers and he’s the one boy she can never forget…” (here it is on Amazon UK)
  • Clinch (The Underground Book 2) by Becca Jameson <— JUST RELEASED RUSSIAN MAFIA/MMA FIGHTER ALERT! “Dr. Katie Schwan has no idea what she’s getting into when she rushes to the back of a speakeasy to tend to an injured underground MMA fighter. But the hot Russian guy leading her to his friend has her attention…” (and here it is on Amazon UK too!)
  • Flow: (#6 The Beat and The Pulse) by Amity Cross <— JUST RELEASED MMA FIGHTER & ROCK-CHICK BARTENDER ALERT! (and it can be read as a standalone!) “He’s got more than his fair share of problems and being heartbroken wasn’t part of the plan. Enter Lori Walker, the mysterious rock chick who works behind the bar at The Underground, the illegal cage fighting league that’s Hamish’s home away from home…” (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • Fallen by Kathleen George <— PSYCH-THRILLER super-bargain find!!! OMG IS HE A CREEPY STALKER? Her doctor husband was just murdered, and she’s grieving… and then a new neighbor moves next door. “This man, this stranger to the city, is fascinated by Elizabeth’s sorrow. And he knows exactly who killed her husband and why. But he isn’t in the business of telling truths. He simply wants to know her. He wants to take her in his arms. He wants to know she has fallen just for him…” It’s in the top 100 of all of Amazon right now… (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson <— HER SISTER JUST DIED/ TEARJERKER ALERT! “Lennie finds herself torn between quiet, seductive Toby—Bailey’s boyfriend who shares her grief—and Joe, the new boy in town who bursts with life and musical genius…” It’s on super-sale right now!! (and here it is on Amazon UK)

Elizabeth: One book that made me cry (besides those) was The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelso.. Incredible, quirky, funny and heartbreaking. Loved it!

Jacee: it’s very good! Made me cry!

bev: I really liked it, read in one sitting, and went and put another of hers on hold. But it is YA, gentler than some you like, and the author does have a distinct style…

  • Three Little Mistakes (The Blindfold Club Book 3) by Nikki Sloane <— SUPER-BARGAIN (today!) and reads as a standalone, and it’s in Amazon’s top 100 right now. “I sell sex, sin, and pleasure, but it isn’t just my business, it’s my entire life. I get off on the power of controlling it all. She’s the one woman I can’t have.” (also on Amazon UK)
  • The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy <— SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED TODAY!! “a startling conclusion to America’s most infamous unsolved murder mystery–the murder of the beautiful young woman known as The Black Dahlia…” (and it’s also on Amazon UK)
  • This Old Heart of Mine by A.J. Compton <— DG WAS A BAWLING MESS & LOVED THIS ONE! (and here it is also on Amazon UK)

Has anyone read this one yet?!?! This Old Heart of Mine by AJ Compton. Started out a bawling mess…a good heart hurting deep into her life bawling mess! And then she was given this second chance and now she has met Him. (Not the original HIM just Him). And he is very moody….yeah, we love the moody ones with that air of mystery. I was ALL IN…as in as stayed up to 3am to finish it ALL IN! And I Loved it! I LOVED how they FELL, loved how DEEP and completely he LOVES, loved how strong she is…All kind of FEELS packed into this great read…several bawling moments, laughter, and meltie moments BUT …life is a roller coaster ride…you can either stay on the ground and watch or jump on the ride and throw your hands in the air! Ava definitely decided to jump on the ride!

Linda: My name is Linda and I’m a sucker when a fellow reader is using caps in her review to emphasize the love for a book!!!! Thank you DG!!!!! Why of course I one clicked!!!!

Maryse: Oh DG yes that one looks SO good!!! I highlighted it in my mini-blurb jolts on Tuesday (or last week?)… THANK YOU for the feedback!

  • Here and Now: The Complete Series by Lexi Ryan <— THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, A ROCK STAR, AND A BIT OF AMNESIA ALERT! “Torn between the man she’s always wanted and the rocker she can’t remember…and can’t let go…” Lauren found it for us saying: “Lexi Ryan’s Here and Now series is bundled. I’ve wanted to read this series for SO long!!!” (also on Amazon UK)
  • Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella <— TONS OF GREAT REVIEWS, super-sale and Nancy found it for us, saying: “I love ghost stories and GHOST GIFTS by Laura Spinella (also author of “MY” favorite “Beautiful Disaster” book) is …on sale.” (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • Sweet Jayne by K. Webster <— DARK, TWISTED TABOO ALERT!!! Rachel recommends this recent release! “Just finished Sweet Jayne by K Webster last night! So good” and YES!!! I remember that blurb, and it so gave me a blurb jolt. It was another I included on my mini-blurb-jolt list last week. Or was it Tuesday? (here it is also on Amazon UK)
  • One Night: Promised (The One Night Trilogy Book 1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas <— Candace is LOVING it! “Halfway through One Night: Promised and loving every word” (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • A God in Carver: A Carver High Novel by Haven Francis <— Deborah found us this one! “Maryse…… Just read a 5+ star book that seems to be a hidden gem…”A god in Carver” by Haven Francis….. It’s teenage angst at its best!!!! And for all those that love Tijan…this will be right up there ally… I’m always looking for books like hers and this is as close as it comes…. Absolutely loved it!!!!! And there’s a second book in this series with a different hero and heroine called “A son of Carver” so I’m off to read that next!!!!” (and here it is on Amazon UK)
  • Tastes Like Candy (Lean Dogs Legacy Book 2) by Lauren Gilley <— GRITTY BIKER SERIES ALERT! Jan130 is a new recruit (<— Haha!! See what I did there) in our Lauren Gilley gritty, SUPER-well-written, biker-book love! In fact, she’s been reading the Dartmoor series AND it’s spinoff completely out of order, and is LOVING them anyway! 😀 P.S. Here’s the reading order (and here is the latest book, also on Amazon UK)

Jan130: I did try a sample of Lauren Gilley’s Tastes Like Candy (Lean Dogs Legacy Book 2) (just out last week) and LOVED IT!! So I bought it and have dropped all of my other reading and dived into the dark and sca-ee MC world of Lauren Gilley.

Now I’ve gone back to the start with Fearless – book 1 in Gilley’s Dartmoor series. (Taste Like Candy is in a spin-off series). OMG. So good. Big, long, well-written meaty book a la Kirsten Ashley, believable (if scary!!) characters. Slightly taboo :-/ Main protagonists are seventeen and thirty when they first hookup eeeek! But so right for each other. There’s some violence too. :-/ But I’m luvvin these books and fully intend to read them all.

I’ve tried quite a few ho-hum MC series, and also some that are just TOO gritty and OTT for me. My favs (till now) are Jo Wylde and KA. But now I have a NEW FAVE. Yay me.

Maryse: We loved Fearless, here!!! So glad you’ve discovered her, Jan130!

Jan130: Thanks Maryse. So many goodies I would never have discovered without this group. :-)

Ela: Lauren Gilley totally rocks! I started reading her non MC books as well!

MichelleS: I, too, am in Lauren Gilley’s amazing MC Club world. I loved all of the Dartmoor Series, and am reading the latest in the spin-off series, Lean Dogs.

Lisa: Jan!! So glad your reading and loving the Dartmoor series. I lost myself in Lauren Gilley MC land earlier in tbe year and Im all caught up and waiting for the release of Loverboy. Havent read Snow In Texas (Lean Dogs Legacy Book 1) or Tastes Like Candy yet…..but I think Bev read Snow and liked it. Yay. Book love!!

Jan130: Hey Lisa. Yeah, I’m right into it. Book love to the max. I think Fearless: The Complete Novel (Dartmoor Book 1) might have been my fav read for May. Tastes Like Candy is really great too. Candyman is hot *fans self*. But I haven’t been as hooked by Snow In Texas. About Mercy’s brother Colin, so still pretty hot *fans self again* but something about the setting didn’t sit right with me from the start and it just hasn’t been as awesome as the others. And Colin is a bit unsure of himself at times and not always that bada** alpha we love to love. Still a good read, though.

Without meaning to, I’ve been reading them out of order. I loved Walsh’s story as well (Dartmoor Bk 3 Skeleton King) but haven’t read Price of Angels Bk 2 yet LOL. So I’ve had some spoilers about books I haven’t read yet. Never mind. I am eagerly whipping through them all and also looking forward to Lover Boy even though I haven’t even read all the others yet LOL. There is also another Lean Dogs on the cards, I believe. Sweeeeet. :-D Lisa – try out Taste of Candy. You’ll lerrrve Candyman ;-)

  • And for AUDIOBOOK L:PVERS
    1. 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 ebooks deal —>
    2. AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —>Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as AUDIOBOOKS AT A BARGAIN PRICE!<—Audiobooks for ebook super-sale prices. I’m thrilled with that, and what’s fun is you can flip flop from reading it, to listening to it without losing your spot… 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! (This is the “Whispersync” thingie).

                     

PRE-ORDERS (next week’s!!! :D )

  1. Nolan: Return to Signal Bend by Susan Fanetti – June 4th 2016
  2. Six by K.I. Lynn – June 6th 2016
  3. One True Loves: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid – June 7th 2016
  4. End of Watch: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King  – June 7th 2016
  5. Idol (VIP Book 1) by Kristen Callihan – June 7th 2016
  6. Rootbound by Shannon Mayer – June 7th 2016
  7. Coast (Kick Push Book 2) (The Road 3) by Jay McLean – June 7th 2016
  8. Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn – June 7th 2016
  9. Killing The Sun: Part 1 by Mara White & K. Larsen – June 7th 2016
  10. End of Watch: A Novel (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King – June 7th 2016
  11. Amber Fire by Lisa Renee Jones – June 7th 2016
  12. White-Hot Hack: Kate and Ian #2 by Tracey Garvis Graves – June 7th 2016
  13. Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn  – June 7th 2016
  14. Nothing More by Anna Todd – SPINOFF!!  June 7th 2016
  15. Downtown Devil: A Sins in the City Novel by Cara McKenna – June 7th 2016
  16. The Proposition by Missy Johnson – June 7th 2016

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