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Michelle Mankin’s Book Release ebook giveaway & five fun facts (+ pictures!!)

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<— Congratulations to Michelle Mankin on her latest book release, Outside (Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #1). It just went LIVE!!! Rock stars AND surfers? YES PLEASE!!! And guess what? Michelle is going to give away one ebook right here on the blog to one lucky commenter. Tell me this book doesn’t sound awesome!

Michelle’s surf instructor. Maverick master Conor.

Here are a few “fun facts” about it… I love an author that “lives” her books (even if just a little). 😉 P.S. *waggles eyebrows at her hot instructor*

  1. I wasn’t planning on writing it. I was supposed to be working on the next book in my paranormal rock romance series with my dream falcon BUT inspiration struck and I had to write these characters.
  2. After I had the rough draft written I went on a 5 day whirlwind revisit of SoCal and walked out all the band’s footsteps etc…
  3. and of course I had to have a surf lesson. I stood up on the board on my first lesson.
  4. Here’s my instructor. Maverick master Conor.
  5. And I put my Havanese in the story…write what you know and all of that…

    Michelle’s adorable Havanese!

About the book?

When handsome California surf god Lincoln Savage suddenly rolls into Ocean Beach like a rogue wave, shy beauty Simone Bianchi’s foundation is shaken. No longer under the thumb of her domineering father, she’s made a simple quiet life for herself and her fluffy fourteen pound Havanese pup running a surf shop in her hometown of OB. Long ago she gave up her dreams for a future with Linc.

But now the notorious lead singer of the Dirt Dogs has returned, and Simone is reluctant to admit that she’s still vulnerable to his killer dimpled smile and easy charm. She finds that although she’s stowed away the mementos, it hasn’t been as easy to erase the memories of their epic summer love.

It seems he hasn’t forgotten, either. Is the recording contract he’s offering merely a pretense? Or does he have something more in mind? Does he really believe that they can just pick up where they left off, despite all the bad luck and heartache? And is she willing to risk everything again for one last chance at love?

 

Michelle Mankin and Maryse at RT 2015

Now for the giveaway:

Michelle is giving away and ebook copy of  Outside (Rock Stars, Surf and Second Chances #1)!!

How to enter for a chance to win? Just leave a comment below, and by TONIGHT at 10pm, I will randomly select ONE winner for the prize above.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond verifying their email address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. This book will be sent to the winner directly by the author.

Open to everyone!

Reader Favorites – Fabi’s Top Favorite Books List:

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It is Saturday (Reader Favorites Day!!!) and it’s fabulous Fabi’s turn!!! Fabi’s been with us for… 106 pages worth of her comments alone!!! 😛 *squeeee!!* I decided that counts as “she’s been with us forever” (YAY FABI!!!! :D) and I wasn’t gonna scroll back that many pages to find her first dated comment. LOL! And to give you an idea on how perfect she is for us… this is a little bit of “Fabi”:

“bahahabahaha *can’t breathe* bahahabahaha Bev!!! *holding stomach* *gasp* bahahaha Give me a minute..I’ll brb *snicker, snort*“

*snort* I’m giggling just reading that, and now I so need to backtrack in those comments to see what had her laughing so hard!! OMG I LOVE HER!!!! :D!!!!

Wanna know more about Fabi and and what has her, when it comes to books? She once told us:

Book triggers, hmmm, I can’t really pin it down. I know I’m partial to younger characters, especially if they’re fighting against a dystopian world and there’s a little romance thrown in. So when I read a blurb with those elements, its an automatic 1 click. But there are many others too.

Music, that’s another trigger for me. Give a character that plays guitar/sings and I’m likely to read the book. Same goes for soccer/football/basketball athlete characters. And dont even get me started on sci-fi. Ah, so many triggers. Probably why my reading is all over the place and I end up missing as many great books as I find.

Plus! She’s big on everything we love but also EXTREMELY well versed in all genres! From historical romances, classics and urban fantasies, to sci-fi, M/M romance, and dystopian. All sorts of great stuff! I think ANYONE that loves a a great story (love and all!) will relate to Fabi’s favorites! 😀

And!! She gave us little tidbits of why each one is her favorite!!!

Hi Maryse,

Seriously Maryse, this weekly blog post immediately became my favorite. Thanks so much. … Submitting my crazy list for your new Saturday blog posts.  It’s in no particular order.

  1. Bad Things by Krylov, Varian <— MM, BDSM, the alpha of the alphas
  2. Surviving Raine: Surviving Raine Book 1 by Savage, Shay <— CR, the toughest alpha ever
  3. Hominids (Neanderthal Parallax Book 1) by Sawyer, Robert J. <— SF, parallel universe, most unique love story
  4. Beautiful Disaster: A Novel by McGuire, Jamie  <— CR, NA, Travis McDreamy (sidenote from Maryse: *snort* Travis IS McDreamy… 😛)
  5. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book 1) by Clare, Cassandra <— YA, UF, scary good
  6. Daemon by Suarez, Daniel  <— SF, techno thriller, what a crazy ride
  7. Atom Heart John Beloved by Hartwell, Luke <— MM, YA, coming of age, very unique
  8. Kulti by Zapata, Mariana <— CR, sports theme, dreams come true
  9. 1984 by Orwell, George <— Dystopian, was this really written that long ago?
  10. The Warded Man: Book One of The Demon Cycle (The Demon Cycle Series 1) by Brett, Peter V. <— Epic Fantasy, post-apocalyptic, demons, so original
  11. Uglies (The Uglies Book 1) by Westerfeld, Scott <— YA dystopian, gripping premise for teens and young adults
  12. Twilight (The Twilight Saga Book 1) by Meyer, Stephenie <— YA UF, Edward & Jacob – enough said
  13. Unwind (Unwind Dystology Book 1) by Shusterman, Neal <— YA dystopian, WTH?! This is a mind bender
  14. The Clan of the Cave Bear (with Bonus Content): Earth’s Children, Book One by Auel, Jean M. <— Epic fantasy, the dawn of Homosapiens with Neanderthals
  15. The Crystal Cave (The Arthurian Saga, Book 1) by Stewart, Mary <— YA mythological, Arthur, my favorite legend of all time
  16. Pygmalion by Shaw, George Bernard <— Classic lit, Eliza Doolittle, the first feisty heroine I ever met
  17. Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 11) by Ward, J.R. <— UF, BDB, Qhuinn and Blay, reread so many times!!!
  18. The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner, Book 1) by Dashner, James <— YA Dystopian, how do people think of these stories?  WOW
  19. Roselynde (Roselynde Chronicles, Book One) by Gellis, Roberta <— Historical Romance, the one that truly brought me into the romance genre
  20. Red Rising (The Red Rising Trilogy, Book 1) by Brown, Pierce <— YA SF Dystopian, gripping, intense
  21. Maybe Someday by Hoover, Colleen <— CR, tied with BD for my favorite CR of all time
  22. The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 1) by Collins, Suzanne <— YA Dystopian, heartbreakingly tragic
  23. Ender’s Game (The Ender Quartet series Book 1) by Card, Orson Scott <— YA SF, Apocalypse, aliens, savior, absolute page turner
  24. Try (Temptation Series Book 1) by Frank, Ella <— MM, CR, a romance for the ages

                     

Do you have a “Top Favorite Books” list? Don’t forget to send me yours!! I post one every Saturday (send it here: https://www.maryse.net/contact-me). You can make it just a list (top 10 or more) but if you want to include a tiny (or longer) tidbit next to each one about why you loved it, that would be awesome, too! :D

20 of the Latest Bargain e-Books & Reader Recommendations – July 17th 2015

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HAPPY Friday everyone!! A whole weekend of reading is in store for me and I couldn’t be happier!! Considering the SERIOUSLY awesome finds this week (below) I think most of us have some great reading ahead.

Okay so… what am I currently reading? I finally chose! Jezebel <— I know you guys have seen this one mentioned a lot lately, but I’m finally reading it myself, and… so far I’m 50% in, and absolutely in love with “Jezebel” (the book… although the lady is pretty awesome too). Oh wait!! HOLY MOLY it’s almost 500 pages?! Wow I truly must be loving it, ’cause I just started last night, and I’m already halfway through!!! Heartwarming, intriguing, profound… INTENSE! It feels like it could be BIG in regards to the depth of this story. I was expecting it to be so much darker (psych-thriller-like), ’cause of all of the “twist” freak-outs. I’m still guessing like crazy as to what it will be, but I love that no matter, I’ll be wrong. 😀

Sally: Don’t bother trying 😛

Tracie: This book was awesome! God the ending was crazy

Jenn: The ending…oh my!!! Didn’t see that coming!

Paula: Don’t forget the novella after. It’s a must. I loved this crazy, twisted book. Mind.f**k.

Next on my list after it? I’m pretty sure it’ll be this one: Pure Abandon <— Sounds right up my angsty romance alley and a few of my trustee fellow readers are LOVING it! (You’ll see below, I posted their comments). 😀

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

EBOOK BARGAINS & READER RECOMMENDATIONS (NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order).

  1. With A Twist (Bad Habits Book 1) by Staci Hart <— ANGIE IS LOVING IT ALERT!! JUST RELEASED, bargain priced and my friend Angie LOVES it like CRAZY!! “First book I’ve read by her but it was amazing. …It’s called With a Twist by Staci Hart. Its about a Ballerina who falls for her best friend. It’s phenomenal. So sweet and cute and heart warming and refreshing. I’m in love with it. I’m so in love with this book… I think it’s a indie gem! So brilliant.“
  2. King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway <— REVIEWS ARE PHENOMENAL ALERT!!! JUST RELEASED and Anne went nuts for it! “…read King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway and seriously one of the best books I’ve read this year! I was intrigued by Oliver King and his story since Hearts of Fire and was anxiously awaiting his book. So happy it didn’t disappoint! Seriously L.H. Cosway writes such unique, amazing and heart breaking stories she has become a favorite author of mine.“
  3. Inspiring You (Unraveling You Book 4) by Jessica Sorensen <— JUST RELEASED
  4. What She Doesn’t See by Debra Webb <— JUST RELEASED (she cleans up crime scenes and finds something at one…)
  5. I SEE YOU by Ker Dukey & D.H Sidebottom  <— JUST RELEASED and it sounds deliciously creepy!
  6. Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime) by Rebecca Raisin <— JUST RELEASED and sounds sweet… she heads off on her own to a new place and runs into a grumpy guy…
  7. Point Blank (Lawmen Book 4) by <— JUST RELEASED and this one sounds crazy! She sells her art at trade shows and realizes it’s got drugs hidden in it… and the sexy cop she meets has been following her for a reason.
  8. Pure Abandon by Jeannine Colette <— ARSEN FEEL ALERT!!! This recent release is back on the list ’cause Neika recommends it!! “…read Pure Abandon by Jeannine Colette yesterday had an Arsen feel…the whole neglected wife and super attractive boss. Surprisingly really good…5 stars” and Cheryl agrees BIG TIME!! “Just finished Pure Abandon. LOVED it!!! Well-written, angsty, love-triangle. It reminded me of Arsen, maybe not in the level of angst, but a h who is married, thought she knew what she wanted in order to be happy, but she ends up questioning her life, her husband, her choices. I knew all along who I thought she should end up with, but I still felt maybe she should choose the other MC. *my heart hurt for him* That said, I think it ended how it should. That epilogue *sigh* …heart palpitations wondering who she would choose…and that ending *tear running down my face*”
  9. Arsen. A broken love story by Mia Asher <— And while we’re talking about Arsen… here it is!!! Tore my heart OUT!!!! Over and over and over again. MichelleS: “…. Shhhhh… Don’t tell anyone… I never read Arsen (it was mentioned again earlier in this thread)… Peanut gallery is in full force lately” and Cheryl just lost it! LOL! “*whisper/yells* MichelleS, whaaat?!!!! Arsen was a great read!!! All kinds of angsty and I think Maryse gave it 5* Get started before the peanuts rain down on you.” and Ela agrees: “Arsen rocked my worled….just sayin’”
  10. Toxic by Kim Karr <— Cheryl is enjoying this one!! “It’s a standalone and so far it’s good. Have a feeling there are some major twists/angst coming up.  :)“
  11. Obligation: Obligation ((Underground Kings Series) Book 2) by Aurora Rose Reynolds <— HAS TO MARRY HER TO SAVE HER ALERT! super-bargain priced and a standalone! “Kai has been watching Myla from afar since he took over the family business from his father and inherited the responsibility of keeping her safe. When word gets back to Kai that Myla is not only in danger, but that his assets are being compromised, he immediately jumps into action and does the only thing that can be done at the time by marrying her…“
  12. DIRTY (The Vengeance Duet Book 1) by A.C. Bextor <— BIKER BOOK ALERT! Recently released and super-bargain priced right now! Her very young niece (daughter of an MC whore) is imprisoned in an MC and her ex-biker friend is going to help her get her out… “In order to get to Casey, Max must find a way to infiltrate the MC. Setting up a meet with Hoss, Satan’s Creed’s President who’s known for his depravity as much as his double-crossing ways, it’s made clear that forming an alliance is going to be more of a challenge than he expected. Now he must prove his loyalty to the club and in doing so, he’s forced to get his hands… dirty…“
  13. Unruly by Cora Brent <— ANGSTY ROMANCE ALERT!! Bargain priced and lots of great reviews on this one! “I would forget him. Yes, I had to forget him. Through the years, triumph or heartbreak would bring us together. Only to shatter us once more.  It was never over though. It never will be.“
  14. Sloth: A Sinful Secrets Novel by Ella James <— CRAZY TWIST/SOB-FEST ALERT!! Back on the list ’cause Arianna just discovered it and went crazy for it, saying: “I just finished reading this amazing book that I thought many others would like to hear about. It’s titled Sloth by Ella James. This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It’s dark, gritty, with a love story like no other. There is a huge twist near the end of the book so I can’t give much away. You just have to read it! I literally had to set the book down a few times because my tears were affecting my reading abilities. My roommates looked at me like I had lost my mind, but I just couldn’t explain to them how connected I felt to these characters, and how their pain felt like my pain. For warning it is a very steamy read, and a little confusing at times, but what that all amounts to is a beautifully tragic love story.“
  15. Capitol Submission: The Complete Collection Box Set by Skylar Cross <— Erika HIGHLY recommends this! “…i read one series Capitol Submission,  its a 4 part serial. Oh. My. God! I loved it!!!! So yeah just wondering which to go to next…” Sounds full of mystery and intrigue and STEAM! “Terissa can’t stop herself from giving in to submissive encounters with a mysterious dirty-talking dominant man whose face she has never seen…a man with a dark secret and a VERY high position in the U.S. Government…“
  16. Manwhore +1 (The Manwhore Series) by Katy Evans <— Bringing this one back ’cause it got Anne out of a reading funk!!! “I was in a reading funk for several weeks. Nothing grabbed my attention which totally sucked lol! But thanks to Manwhore +1 my reading rut is over! Yaay! Loved that book and Malcolm was awesome! A perfect ending to book 1! I hope Katy wrotes about Tahoe and Callan next :D“
  17. Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands Book 1) by Elizabeth Vaughan <— RECOMMENDED FOR MORE LIKE TGOT and Golden Dynasty!! And Michelle enjoyed!! “Ok finished Warprize and the second book, Warsworn, already and definitely enjoyed them. The story is very emotional and has an abundance of great characters.”
  18. Caged: Takedown Teague by Shay Savage <— MMA FIGHTER THE “SHAY SAVAGE” WAY ALERT! Back on the list from the last batch of new releases ’cause Paula really liked it! “Caged is very good BUT does have a CH. Not an oh no, but a “I really want to know what happens” one! Book 2 out 4th August and book 3 25th August so not too long to wait but I have read the synopsis of both and they are going to give major feels!“
  19. Black Dawn (Titan Book 8) by Cristin Harber <— Another from the latest batch of new releases and it’s getting rave reviews too! Denise is loving it! “70% done and all I can say is HOT HOT HOT!” and Cathy agrees! “I started Black Dawn last night and oh my hot holiness!!! Got me women from the get go ..“
  20. Sacrifice by Adriana Locke <— DEAD-HUSBAND’S BROTHER/TEARJERKER ALERT!! Recent release that is back on the list ’cause Stacey loved it! “Loved, loved, loved, Sacrifice!!!! Been a long time since a book made me cry. Roller coaster of emotions ****sigh****” and Dani agrees! “Sacrifice was AMAZING!!! Best book in a long time. Definitely a 5 * for me”

  21. And for AUDIOBOOK LOVERS :P

    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 —>

    1. 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). :D Okay so MY Matchmaker shows these books in my library with audiobooks that are awesome sounding for super cheap if you already have the ebook:
    2. Unbeloved: Undeniable, Book 4 by Madeline Sheehan <— If you already have this one in ebook, you can get the audiobook for so cheap!
    3. Hate to Love You by Elise Alden <— Angsty bad girl had a kid by her sister’s fiancé!! If you have the ebook, the audiobook is bargain priced too!
    4. The Will by Kristen Ashley <— Already have the ebook? Audiobook is super-bargain priced!
    5. Bad Things: Tristan & Danika #1 by R.K. Lilley <— Ooooh each one in this trilogy, too!!!! 😀

                       

PRE-ORDERS (This month!!)

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Lauren Gilley – Dartmoor Series Reading Order

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BIKER SERIES ALERT!!!! So this is the super-gritty biker read that I read all last weekend and part of last week and really enjoyed. It is being 5-starred by SO many in our group. If you want to immerse yourself in a “book-world” (intense lifestyle, criminal activity, injustice… justice, and the main course, forbidden love) and you love to be completely absorbed by a series for a week or two (or more!)… these books are for you!

Britton: This is probably hands down the best motorcycle club book I have ever read! I can’t wait for others to read this gem because that is what it truly is !

Bethany: Oooooh!!! i just finished it and am reading book 2 now!!! It is long, but really doesn’t feel like it when you’re reading it. I don’t know how I didn’t know about this series sooner! I love when an MC series is done right! New Fav!!!

Jennifer: I am 94% in. It is fantastic! I love long books, to the point that I rarely read anything under 300 pages (only if it is a continuation sequel). There is definitely some angst, but it is beautifully done. Very well written, almost literary for an MC novel. I mean certainly not Emily Bronte, but just a way to differentiate it from others. The character development is excellent. There are many, but you still feel the soul of all of them. A little lengthy in descriptions sometimes, but mostly adds to the beauty of the story. It’s a 5 star for me!

Tracie: I’m still thinking about scenes from Fearless…I just loved this book so hard core!

Reanell: I ADORED Fearless! I just finished Price of Angels and it was just as good!! Lauren Gilley is an author to watch!

Jill: Such a good book!! The next one is awesome too!!!

Lori: just you wait…gah! it’s sooooo good!

Maryse: God I love it!! Mercy is all hers. When her father said. “Call him off.” OMG YESSSSSSS!!!

Tracie: That is my favorite scene in the book, knowing only she could do it? Just perfection

Nicole: I couldn’t out this book down! I read it over a day & 1/2. I’d do some dishes, take a break & read, fold some laundry, take a break & read lol Then I was like “oh the cats cuddled up to me, I better not disturb him, guess I should read a bit more”

Rae: The Dartmoor Series by Lauren Gilley. It was so well written and I devoured the whole lot one after the other some years ago. If you haven’t read this series grab it.

Linda: The Dartmoor series and all the characters. Loved. What is it about these MC men???? ONLY in books!!! Right??!!

Angela: What is the reading order? I’m confused when I look at Goodreads with the different parts????

Here it is Angela (below). I hope it helps!! 😀

About book #1:

From the author of the Walker Series comes a family drama like no other, a sprawling character epic, a forbidden love story full of angst, adventure, heartbreak, and second chances. Welcome to the mother chapter of the Lean Dogs Motorcycle Club; meet the girl raised by outlaws, and the fearsome man who will always hold her heart.

Ava Teague left for college with a busted heart and a deeply ingrained love for her biker family. She returns home to Knoxville for grad school, just in time for her father to accept the burden of president…and for Mercy Lécuyer to roll back into town, looking to patch into the Tennessee chapter once more. She’ll steer clear of him, she tells herself. She has a new life, a new boyfriend, and a new outlook. But she can’t shake her DNA. And maybe she doesn’t want to.

Felix Lécuyer left the swamps of Louisiana for a life as an outlaw biker named Mercy, but it was his family, and the retribution he dealt because of it, that made him famous within the club. Fourteen years ago he fled New Orleans for Knoxville, to become an extractor and bodyguard within the mother chapter, guarding Ghost Teague’s family, becoming a constant companion to little Ava. When she was seventeen, he finally crossed the line. Now she’s twenty-two, and he’s back in town as an old nemesis rears its ugly head, and puts the entire club in danger. The fate of the club is uncertain, but Mercy has no doubts about his heart; it still belongs to Ava.

Now available as a complete novel, Fearless launches a thrilling new series about the Lean Dogs of Tennessee, and the women tough enough to love them.

SERIES READING ORDER:

Jessica Topper – Love & Steel Series Reading Order

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<— I can SO vouch for this one!! OMG it was one of my favorite rock star books, but … different. OH I LOVED IT! I gave it 4.5 stars (here is my review). And many of you loved it right along with me!

Maryse: I LOVED Louder Than Love (the 2nd half really makes it shine!)

Diane: Louder than love was such a highlight for me last year

Kally: I just finished Louder than love. Great book!!

Jean: Lighter read? Have you read the year we fell down or louder than love? I just recently read them and loved them!

Lynne: Just went to “1 click” Louder than Love. Guess What?? I already have it!! I need an intervention. :)

Maryse: LOL Lynne!!!! I think that has happened to all of us for one book or another. Or ten. 😉

And I just found out it’s officially a “series” now, ’cause while the first is a “complete” book, it looks like we’re getting follow up!! So here is the reading order.

About book #1:

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband…and discovers a love that defies classification.

It’s been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth…the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian “Digger” Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids’ TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it’s unclear whose past looms larger: the widow’s or the rocker’s. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

SERIES READING ORDER:

 

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