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Reader Favorites – Amy’s Top Favorite Books List:

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We are continuing with our “weekly” reader favorites list and tonight, Amy’s list is up!

Amy is our resident goofball, total instigator, snort-maker (’cause of all the crazy stuff she says and blames it on her autocorrect), our stuffed manatee caretaker, our big hearted bartender, and our girly make-up lover!! She’s a girl after my own reading heart, ’cause she loves the sob-inducers and the angsty romance heartbreakers just like I do!

And she has compiled a list of her absolute FAVORITE books just for us! And even told us why on each of ’em!!! YAY!! 😀 P.S. I’ve read most of these and she is SO RIGHT!!! I love ’em too, like CRAZY!!! I almost feel like bein’ bad and tagging my name in the title with Amy’s LOL!! Alas… this is Amy’s list and I must say… she has FABULOUS book-taste!

Ready?

Amy: Okay, so here it is…um, it’s a little long-winded but is that any surprise? Nope, didn’t think so. *snort*

I don’t know that I could narrow down a list of my favorite five-star books of all time to just a few, and you know as well as I do that we can have five-star books that we LOVE but after a bit of time really don’t remember all that much of them, only that we loved them.

So, the way I narrowed my list was to pick books which have for whatever reason just STUCK with me. It could be because of angst (which is *always* a great thing!), because they were devastating but wonderful, because of a truly blind-siding twist, or maybe they were just the first of that genre that made an impact on me. These are the books which I think about months or even years after reading them, or I repeatedly relive certain scenes in my mind, or I have even gone back and re-read certain parts just because I wanted to experience it all over again. I remember the characters names and certain events so clearly, and just a single thought about some of them can make me want to cry all over again. They may or may not have been five star reads for me, but they ALL have my heart. And I’m hoping there’s something for everyone from my list! 😀

Oh, and let’s just get the obvious ones that are favorites among us out of the way…yes, that’s my way of getting around the limit I set for myself: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (because, um, TRAVIS!!); Love Unscripted by Tina Reber (my first ever and most-loved celebrity story); Experiment in Terror series by Karina Halle (love y’all so much for getting me to read it!); The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski, which was just beautiful; The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, also just beautiful; Transcendence by Shay Savage (a freaking caveman stole my heart!); Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward (I. Love. Z.); The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning (*sigh* Barrons the sexy jerk); and Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan…yeah, that one just needs no explanation. 😉

Amy’s LIST:

1. Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens – Holy freaking mother of all exhausting and painful angst!!!!

2. The Covenant Series by Jennifer Armentrout – Aiden in this series is my Edward and always will be. Yep, that’s how much I love him. He’s a pure and she’s a half-blood, they have crazy chemistry, and them being together would mean her being pretty much drugged, enslaved and abused. Yeah. How the heck could that ever work out…

3. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma – Taboo but not cringe-worthy. Ripped my f&$%ing heart out.

4. Arsen by Mia Asher – The *realness* of it just broke my heart. That scene with Kathy, her dad and Ben in the coffee shop all the way to the epilogue…I’ve re-read that section SEVERAL times.

5. Accidentally on Purpose by L.D. Davis – Delicious love triangle ANGST!!!

6. Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Fleming – Post apocalyptic with zombies, and I’m STILL devastated by stuff that happened in the second book even months later despite the great wrap-up of the series.

7. The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley – My first KA book. LAHN!! 😀

8. Tristan & Danika series by R.K. Lilley – What a beautifully broken but amazing couple with a train wreck of a story. I swear those two still put butterflies in my tummy.

9. Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I loved how different the plot and delivery was. We know he dies at the beginning (no spoiler there) but I fell in love with him AFTER he died, and I wasn’t expecting that.

10. The Avoiding Series by K.A. Linde – ANGST!! Ohhhhh, Jack was a pr!ck. I couldn’t believe how things changed over the course of the series, and the last book went in a direction I wasn’t expecting…and it actually worked!!

11. Rainfall by Melissa Delport – The twist. Oh, you’ll think you know the twist…but you don’t. And you won’t see it coming. And it will kick your gut into your heart and both will get stuck in your throat.

12. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick – The *perfect* blend of YA and NA feelings. It was just perfect in every way. I’d group it with Eleanor and Park. Yeah, I went there.

13. Insanity by Lauren Hammond – Mind fu-…er, mind messery. Heartbreaking. Made me want to stomp my feet and kick the wall and throw a tantrum in the hopes that things wouldn’t be the way they actually were. Books 2 and 3 aren’t necessary to read. Just…trust me. 😉

Can I add one more? I had debated whether or not to include it, but not enough ladies have read it so it needs some attention again…and I know it worked you over a bit, too! But we love that, right? 😉

14. Drowning Instinct by Ilsa Bick – With all the teacher/student books out there, this one definitely stands out as so many things are different in it from typical T/S books. It caught me up in the gray area between right and wrong, knowing I shouldn’t want it for them and yet wanting it for them anyway but with a heavy heart. It’s a tough read but sooooo worth it. I can’t say it any better than the blurb does, that it’s “…a novel of pain, deception, desperation, and love against the odds – and the rules.” For me, it’s the closest I’ve found to the feels of Forbidden…nowhere NEAR as intense and not the exact same feels but similar nonetheless.*hugs*

Told ya it was long-winded. 😉

*great big squeezy hug*

                     

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

The Latest Bargain e-Books & Reader Recommendations – June 26th 2015

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I’m still recovering from my fantastic latest angsty read (in case you missed it, here’s my book review of The Ground Rules by Roya Carmen) and now I’m in the process of choosing a new read. 😉 I’ve been unable to pick up a new one all week as I drowned my delightful book-angst sorrows in that one, and Sharon is right there with me!

Sharon: Anybody know when books 2 and 3 of The Ground Rules comes out? I was book drunk from #1, I’m Hungover! I need more. IMMEDIATELY. This is the best angsty book I have read in a while. Who do you root for? How does it end? That blurb of book 2 . . . Where is it going? I need to know! NOW!!!! I can’t even pick up another book and I was on such a roll.

I. Know. Sooooooo good. But it’s time and I’m thinking my next one is gonna be Sloth: A Sinful Secrets Novel ’cause the reviews are WAY too good so far, and that blurb gave me an ultimate “blurb-jolt” upon it’s release. They write to each other anonymously, and…

This is how she saves my life. She doesn’t even know it. We’ve never even seen each other. But I need a reason. Just one reason to continue. She becomes mine.

The anonymity is good. She doesn’t need to know me, but I need her kindness. We both live our lives: a letter here, a post card there. For three years, I escape my demons. And then one day I’m pulled back in.

I’ve resigned myself to what I know is coming. Until the girl I’m spanking gives her safe word: Sloth.

And then the lie I’m living starts to unravel.

And yes…. yessssssss I know I just posted my LATEST MAIN TBR list and I need to pick one from that list. But but but!!!! You guuuuuyssssss!!?? How can I resist THIS one?

Nikki: Sloth was absolutely fantastic!!! Best book I’ve read in a longgggg time. I laughed, cried, and wanted to pull my hair out! Could not put it down!!!!!!

Jillian: I think I’m posting this everywhere today! I read Sloth and it’s SOOOO good! I loved it!!

Allison: I read Sloth in 2 days. Was in a total book haze and am now in a book hangover. It gutted me. There’s no better explanation. I highly recommend it!… Sloth is standalone. And yes, I’m gutted. Still recovering. But in a good way. I just can’t stop thinking about it. It’s the kind of book that unfolds in so many layers. Also, the sex is HOT!

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. Lies In Rewind (Audio Fools Book 2) by Tali Alexander JUST WENT LIVE!!! I can hear “Lee” *squeeeeeeeing” from here. 😛
  2. Be The One (Crave Book 2) by Nina Levine <— JUST RELEASED ROCK STAR BOOK “Presley Hart wants one thing in life – a man who will make her his number one. After being married to a man who never put her first, she swore she’d never settle for second best again. At least, she thought she wouldn’t…”
  3. Feels Like a Dream: Dream Series, Book 5 by Isabelle Peterson <– JUST WENT LIVE!!! This series was very loved by Lisa! (series reading order)
  4. Reprisal (CONTRITE Book 2) by Kathy Coopmans <— JUST WENT LIVE!!! Lauren reminds us of this one! “FYI….I know A LOT of us read & loved Contrite by Kathy Coopman….well, book 2, Reprisal (Contrite book 2) came out today!!”
  5. CONTRITE by Kathy Coopmans <— And here’s #1! Oh I REMEMBER the blurb for this one!!! Her husband is hiding something… “Clove Calloway knows within an hour of picking up her husband Turner from the airport that something is different, yet she can’t pinpoint what. Together since college, they know everything about each other… so why has she spent the last few days watching everything he does, hoping for a clue? What could have happened within the week he was gone?“
  6. Moment in Time: a New Adult Romance (Summer House Series Book 1) by Lisa Mondello <— JUST RELEASED!! SOUNDS LIKE A TEARJERKER ALERT! She’s in remission and he’s on temporary leave from the military to heal… “He didn’t count on meeting a girl like Jenna whose thirst for life made him break out of the walls he’d so carefully constructed around himself. And once he realized she had his heart, he knew he never wanted to let her go. And then fate stepped in…“
  7. Steady by Nicole Tillman <— JUST RELEASED!! GHOST STORY ROMANCE OR WILL IT BE SCARY?!! I can’t figure it out… Okay, so she survives a heart transplant and moves away to start again, and a game of Ouija board has her waking up to a ghost in her house (his name is Jake). “Bree tries to brush off his existence and heads off to the lake for a vacation with her friends. There she meets Jason ‘Jay’ Bryson, a charming, intelligent, and lively man who bears a striking resemblance to Jake. As the summer stretches out before them, Bree finds herself falling for Jay – all while Jake is falling for her.“
  8. Taming the Beast (The Fairy Tales of New York Book 3) by Lucy King <— JUST RELEASED!!
  9. Chasing Shade by Sommer Marsden <— JUST RELEASED!! SHE’S STARTING OVER FROM A VIOLENT PAST & HE’S HOMELESS… “Betsey’s trying to recover from a violent past that’s still haunting her. Paying emotionally for something she’s never done. She’s created a small safe life. Archie’s homeless, jobless, living on the road and clueless as to where he’s going. Until a hair piece and gas station directions leads him to her…“
  10. BLINK by Caroline Easton <— JUST RELEASED!!! His parents are dead and he’s wanting to raise his little brother and she’s a race car driver that got into a bad accident… “leaving her locked inside her own body, all but switched off to the outside world. When Flynn and Harper’s world’s collide the sparks begin to fly, but each one holds a secret they don’t want to share.“
  11. One to Chase (One to Hold Book 7) by Tia Louise <— JUST RELEASED!! “A courtesy meeting with one of the top lawyers in the city should be a boost to her career… Until the polished green-eyed player turns out to be the same irresistible “random” she hooked up with at a friend’s wedding in Wilmington. Bonus: He’s the brother of her older brother’s new wife. What the hell?!”
  12. Delusive by Courtney Lane <— JUST RELEASED & SHE’S OUT FOR REVENGE! “Unbeknownst to him, there is more to me than I will ever show him. He will know exactly who I am when it’s too late–when I’m done with him...” BUT!!! Tables are turned when… “I’ve become his obsession. He won’t stop exerting control over me until I’ve become his exclusive possession. How can so many things go wrong and feel so right?”
  13. The Fall and Rise of Kade Hart: A Hart Brothers Novel by  A. M. Hargrove <— JUST RELEASED!! He’s a drug addict, and she’s hiding from someone that wants to kill her… “…she makes me want to be the kind of man who can protect her, who can save her. But I’m not sure I’m that guy. I’m no one’s hero.“
  14. The Gentleman Mentor by Kendall Ryan <— SUPER-BARGAIN DOM ALERT! “I’m training her for another man, and that fact guts me every time I think of it. I know she’s not mine … but part of me won’t accept that.”
  15. Lady of Light and Shadows (The Tairen Soul Book 2) by C.L. Wilson <— Tessa is LOVING this series (it seems everyone who reads it goes CRAZY for it). She says: “Still reading Lady of Light and Shadows. Ugh, my tummy twists every time I see bad things happening. I keep wanting to yell at the characters on who to trust or stop being a greedy, power hungry jerk. Yep, it’s that good.” Yep. I’m missing out…
  16. King by T.M. Frazier <— Back on the list ’cause MichelleS just went crazy for it! “OH.MY.GOD. I just finished King. Been marathon reading. Could not put it down. 5 stars for me. Reminds me of exactly how I felt when I first read M. Sheehan’s Undeniable, except more, I think. When is book two coming out already? He’s bad. bad. bad. bad. And she’s lost. lost. lost. lost. And they just EXPLODE when they are together. You just have to read it. AMY – this is your book for sure. Gritty, but awesome.” *sigh* Poop. Now I wanna read THIS one next. 😀 and Marit’s not helping me at all by saying: “Not read KING? *gasp* :p I’m telling you girl, this is the book of the year ;) !!!!!! But know the feeling with too many books ;)“
  17. Lily of the Springs by Carole Bellacera <— Paula recommends this one saying: “I am readying Lily of the Springs by Carole Bellacera, only 99p. The first line had me hooked – ‘I knew my marriage was in trouble the night my husband brought home a streetwalker to teach me how to satisfy him’ – I am really enjoying it and would recommend it.” <— *oooomph!!!*
  18. Own the Wind: A Chaos Novel by Kristen Ashley <— MichelleS found out that this BIKER BOOK is on super-bargain!!! I loved it! (here’s my review)
  19. Unexpected Fate (Hope Town Book 1) by Harper Sloan <— Lauren found us this super bargain! “Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan. It’s the Corps Security spinoff featuring the kids of the Corps Security guys. I’ve been waiting for it to go down.”
  20. When We Collide by A.L. Jackson <— Sally found is this super-bargain! “Maryse and ladies , one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES is on sale right now!! If you haven’t read this yet pick it up ladies! The writing, the characters, the story ALL flawless! AL Jackson’s When We Collide.”

  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

                   

 

PRE-ORDERS (This month!!)

      

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Reader Question – Book Recommendations like “Game of Thrones”

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MORE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST!! YAY US!! UPDATED!!! 07-18-2019 (just scroll down until you see the updated date for the new ones). 😀

Ohhhh!! This is an interesting reader question, and I have NO clue what else would be suited, but I’m sure a ton of you do. This would almost be like a “What to Read After…” type of list. Calling all fantasy lovers!

Reader question time! Sommer is looking for more like this (but specifically, MORE like the love story of a certain couple of characters):

“I’m looking for books that are like the Daenerys (Khaleesi) and Khal Drogo relationship from A Game of Thrones. I’ve read The Golden Dynasty by Kristin Ashley, which is very similar, and LOVED it! Any suggestions?”

And sure enough a bunch from our Facebook crew have jumped on this list’s bandwagon wanting some suggestions, too! And offering some. 😀

Niki: Oooooooh, following!!!!!!!

Bethany: That’s the only one I can think of, The Golden Dynasty. Would love to know more too! 🙂

Maryse’s Book Blog: Me too! I have NO clue what else to suggest… I haven’t read many in this genre (well, actually only one. KA’s. 😉 ) But I’d love to know more. P.S. Here is my review of The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley.

Melissa: I would love to read those too!!

Magan: Wait…this isn’t the brother and sister who bone…is it?

Maryse: eek *snort* 😛

Lori: Loved the Dax, I’m in!! Following

Marisa: No Magan, that’s Cersi and Jamie. Khaleesi is the mother of dragons and Khal Drogo was her husband who died by the witch

Maryse’s Book Blog: LOL Magan. What’s boning? 😉 P.S. Kristen Ashley’s has none of that.

Rochelle: LOL!

Eve: Bahaha loved golden dynasty I need more of that too

Keryn: Just looked up The Golden Dynasty – did you read the series in order or can you read them as one off books?

Maryse: Keryn, I only read The Golden Dynasty out of that series, and had no problems following, so it reads perfectly as a standalone.

Sherida: How About Transcendence by shay savage. Not entirely the same but it does depict two completely different people with no understanding or knowledge of each other’s customs and ideas but trying to make it work

Maryse: Ohhhh yes!! Another one that I LOVED and reviewed. Great suggestion, Sherida! Here’s my review of Transcendence by Shay Savage.

YAY! So we have a few recommendations from our Facebook crew so far, but I’d LOVE to add to this list.

LATEST UPDATES: 07-18-2019

Yvonne: I’m reading The Tairen Soul Series by C.L Wilson right now…..it’s fantasy…more about the Fae however but along the same lines.

MichelleS: Well, you know you can’t throw Tairen Soul out there and have me not say anything, right???? It is not like Golden Dynasty – but it is an amazing fantasy series. best ever, in my opinion.

…It’s my number one favorite epic fantasy series ever!!! 5 books – so it’s a commitment… But when in the mood, go for it. It’s amazing.

Melanie: Sommer – The Fae Chronicles are AWESOME!!! I am dying for the next book. And thanks to all the suggestions. I just one clicked 3, found one sitting in my kindle unread, and added 2 more to my audible wish list. I am pumped!

Samantha: David Eddings The Belgariad series first book Pawn of Prophecy: The Belgariad, Book 1!

Cindy: I would recommend any of the Fantasyland books by Kristen Ashley as well. They have a similar feel and the setting is so fun! They provide an awesome escape from the everyday!!

MH: Nothing will ever quite match up to Golden Dynasty, but for those who read it and didn’t read the rest of Kristen Ashley’s Fantasyland series, what are you waiting for?!

Jeannie: I loved C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series! Her newest book, The Winter King (Weathermages of Mystral Book 1) (first in a series but it IS a standalone), was amazing too. I cried so much throughout it, but what a beautiful story! I was in a book funk for a few days after that. Definitely would recommend that for those looking for fantasy world building and romance.

Booklady: I just finished reading “The Warlord’s Wife (A Sons of the North Romance Book 1)” by Sandra Lake. Although the female character had a little more freedom than Cerci in The Golden Dynasty (that I LOVED), she definitive was backed into a corner and could not refuse his offer. The writing is good, the story keeps you wanting to learn more and their relationship is hot.

Debbie: My favorites have already been listed, but here are some books you may consider. I’ve really enjoyed Sarah Maas’s Throne of Glass series, even though it is YA. Another good YA series would be Iron Fey from Julie Kagawa…

Tessa: OMG, OMG, OMG, if you want to read the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa (Highly recommend it!),…It’s worth a try for any lovers of Fae, YA, or fantasy. *spins*

Amy: Yep, I’m agreeing with Tessa…Iron Fey series is GREAT.

Debbie: You may enjoy:

Jenna: Shadow Fires by Catherine Spangler!!! There is a whole series but this is the only one that I and it was goooood!

Debbie: Some additions….

MH: There are books by Laurann Dohnner (Cyborgs and Zorn’s Warriors) that have that otherworldly/fish out of water quality with alpha males and fighting heroines. Way more sex than your average Johanna Lyndsay or highlander type book though so if you’re a fragile flower, don’t go there. There’s also some early work by Susanne Sizemore and Karen Marie Moning that involves time travel romance with alpha male types.

Anyone else?

  • Knights of Black Swan <— MichelleS suggests this one: “Okay – for more of the “she was thrown into a barbarian society” or “a trip to another universe” kind of GD feel? I’d say Knights of Black Swan series. And the bonus there? You get Rammel Hawking – only the hottest freaking elf ever written (fanning self).”
  • Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning <— MichelleS is a BIG fan of the genre so I’m very happy she jumped in on this one! She also suggests: “Let’s see – I think that Karen Marie Moning’s Highlanders are similar in feeling – fun, sexy, alpha, sometimes the girl is thrown into the past, some paranormal “stuff”.”
  • Reluctant Concubine (Hardstorm Saga Book 1) by Dana Marton <— And she found us this one, too! MichelleS: “I also read one called The Reluctant Concubine (Hardstorm Saga #1) – that had a similar feel. Not as much “fun” – more serious, for sure, but same concept of a gentle girl (a healer) finding herself sold to some barbarians in another land, and right into the hands of the warlord himself!”
  • The Dragonbone Chair: Book One of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams <— Christine recommends this one saying: “One of my favorites, although rated PG-13, is amazing. The book series is called the Dragonbone Chair series by Tad Williams. There is a love story and the main character, as described, is Jaime Fraser-like.”
  • The Conqueror (The deWarenne Dynasty Book 1) by Brenda Joyce <— Sharon says: “Try reading ‘The Conquerer’ by Brenda Joyce.”
  • Warprize (Chronicles of the Warlands Book 1) by Elizabeth Vaughn <— Anna suggests this one, saying:

Anna: Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughn there are four books in this series. It’s similar to Golden Dynasty.

Jenna: “I second Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughn.

Raven: Jacqueline Carey’s Phèdre’s Trilogy and Imriel’s Trilogy. It has the same great world building and the court intrigue. Sex scenes are hot. Phèdre’s Trilogy starts with Kushiel’s Dart”

Sophia: Raven… thanks for that suggestion! Just one clicked on amazon 🙂 Never heard of Kushiel’s dart before but it has some great reviews… also it’s 900 pages long, so good to buy before a long weekend.
Thanks again Raven!

Tessa: Johanna Lindsey’s Ly’San Ter Family Saga. It’s a sci-fi romance series, but it is still a civilized female/ barbarian male series. It’s one of those I read a billion times as a teen.

Danylle: …I finally found a book that I couldn’t stay silent about. I love novels like Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan and The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley and I’ve finally found one that has the same pizazz. All it took was one read through of the summary and I was sold. I one clicked. I just wanted to bring this jewel to your attention. I hope you enjoy it. The book is Pathfinder’s Way by T.A. White.

Jennifer:  Whoever recommended Pathfinder’s Way last week by T.A. White thank you! great fantasy book with a bit of romance that just sucked me in. Love strong female characters with extraordinary abilities.

                

Britney King – The Bedrock Trilogy Reading Order

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Book #3 was JUST released so the trilogy is now complete (and OMG it sounds romatically-tumultous):

“…Like many women, Addison is defined in terms of marriage and motherhood, until she suddenly finds her life turned upside down by her husband’s decision to take a job thousands of miles away. When her tough-as-nails boss offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse, Addie is forced to make difficult choices…“

and Jeanie loves this!

“Holy cannoli I just finished Bedrock!!! OMG, talk about twists and turns!!! When I got to the end I was like what?!?!? Noooooo!!! That can’t be the end!!! … Omg! It’s like Love Square meets Fifty Shades – sooo good!!! 😀 “

About book #1:

When Addison Greyer, a happily married mother of three, decides to re-enter the workforce, she never once considers that taking a job might unravel everything she thinks to be true about her life—that it would cause her to look deep within and confront fears she didn’t know existed. She couldn’t have foreseen how a chance meeting or a single day can change the course of an entire lifetime.

Like many women, Addison is defined in terms of marriage and motherhood, until she suddenly finds her life turned upside down by her husband’s decision to take a job thousands of miles away. When her tough-as-nails boss offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse, Addie is forced to make difficult choices. Those choices take her further and further out of the carefully crafted fairytale life she has created and lead her into an unknown world where things are anything but black and white: a world where she learns that desire is not only dangerous but deadly. In this world, all bets are off as she is forced to finally confront her past. As her past and present collide, she has to make decisions that for most are unthinkable, decisions that can tear her family apart, and perhaps even have fatal consequences.

  

Book Review – The Ground Rules by Roya Carmen

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The Ground Rules
<— Whoooooohoooooo my book-friends!!! Looking for a book to pull you out of that “safe” book lull and excite you while making you second-guess your emotional sanity? THIS ONE!!! The blurb of all *ooooomphy* blurbs had me raving about how badly I wanted to read this one, on release day. I mean… TWO gorgeous married couples that decide upon an “arrangement”? With rules, of course. But rules were meant to be broken. *waggles eyebrows*

…physical attraction is a powerful thing, an all-consuming thing. I didn’t want it, and I certainly wasn’t looking for it, but there it was, nevertheless.

I should have run in the opposite direction. But I didn’t. No… I yielded to it.

It’s amazing how life can change so easily— veer off the path. A single moment, a decision you make, however insignificant, can change the course of your destiny.

A quick “reaction” video review of this book. 🙂

There are no boring parts here. And so I’m telling you all right now, I gave it 5 stars (and I’m saying this for those of you that want to go in blind and can’t read anymore – even though I won’t spoil it…). Five. Stars.

Maryse: I’m finishing The Ground Rules you guys and it’s rocking my world. LOVE IT!!!! oooooooh the badness and the titillation. *fans self*

Jean: I know it will give me pains in my stomach and the only other books that really did that were the Thoughtless series…..

Maryse: The Ground Rules does give you some of those Thoughtless tummy aches & butterflies. ;)

Amy: My resolve to wait for the next book after Ground Rules is breaking down…the whole premise just sounds soooo different and intriguing! And I’m assuming pretty hot as well from the fanning that Maryse is doing. ;)

Fabi: You have me dying to read The Ground Rules.  :-)

In fact, I found myself delightfully overwhelmed, and it didn’t stop until the end! Pulling every emotion out of me from trepidation to titillation, from infuriation to elation. And then I cried. Good cry or bad cry? I’m not telling. But I couldn’t help but shed tears as my heart was so immensely affected. And being that this book was entirely from HER POV, that just made it even more affecting. Because every action or thought from the other parties was something that I could only experience from her eyes… making me second guess everything along with her. Yep. I love me some romantical-angst. Tee hee. I said romantical. 😛

I knew I was in for some serious emotional and romantic angst, and I was anticipating some “Arsen” vibes. And I got ’em. But I knew right off the bat, that what made this one just a bit “safer” than Arsen, was the fact that it was agreed upon by everyone involved, and they all “knew” exactly what would be going on. I was already in!

But it was the enthusiastic recommendations from my angst-loving book friends that made me decide on this one next.

Kandace: Maryse – I’m feeling really shouty right now. I picked up The Ground Rules by Roya Carmen from your list this week and I freakin’ loved everything about it. I think this is the authors debut book and it was sooooo good. The Ground Rules is a sensual story about a normal couple (Gage and Mirella) who one day cross paths with the alluring and enchanting Weston and Bridget. And oh boy…. their world is about to change because of this chance meeting (it’s sooooo good, did I already say that? LOL!!). The rules seem simple enough, but as emotions and bonds form, slowly the rules become muddled. We slowly start to see the cracks in their plan. This story is very erotic, sensual and forbidden. I found myself rooting for a certain couple. Their chemistry was off the chart HOT. I was a little nervous going into this book. I picked it up in a whim and read it straight through in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m totally obsessed. Now I’m stalking poor Roya for the next book.

Steph: I bought Ground Rules yesterday afternoon, wrote a review this morning. So so so good. I really fell in love with the characters. All of them. I kinda wished they would just all end up together, one big happy family. lol~… I did love it so much. I read “Arsen” right after (a having an affair book, not consensual) and loved it as well. Maybe even more? Both were excellent and I 5 star both.

DianeM: You guys should try The Ground Rules!! … it was SO good! Finished at 2am, could not put it down or sleep. It totally felt like Indescent Proposal (remember with Robert Redford?!) Gah! So good, I haven’t stayed up all night to read since last year lol… it’s 100% unapologetic swinging and both couples have kids AND it’s gonna be a trilogy FYI (cliffhanger wasn’t bad, felt complete)… It was high angst for me Amy, had a bit of an Arsen feel but the husband is the tattoo covered bad boy

But there were some that weren’t ready:

bev: So, am i the only one that is scared of Ground Rules?

Julie: Ok – add me to the list that is scared of The Ground Rules.

Laura: Yeah im scared of the ground rules too!

MichelleS: My fear is that it will spark the same kind of reaction that 50 Shades did: usually vanilla people trying to be kinky – and now, usually vanilla people trying to be swingers? AND, I don’t ever want to have the conversation with my husband, or anyone of my friends, even for fun, about who we’d pick – because that would hurt my feelings…. you think so-and-so is hot? I never knew!!!

Shell: I absolutely loved ‘ The Ground Rules’ , it’s so well written and girls there is nothing to be scared of. I can’t wait for the second book to come out.

Maryse: Okay I see some are concerned it’s a “kinky” read but it’s not like *that*.They don’t have orgies and group sex or anything like that… it’s not “erotica”… They just… date each other (and stuff) separately (with permission)… without details so as not to cause jealousy… but feelings (good & bad) still come into play… of course. 😛

And then MichelleS (whom I consider somewhat picky… 😉 ) caved. AND LOOK!!!!!!! Lookit right now! What she said? EXACTLY!!!

MichelleS: OMG – you guys….. YOU GUYS…… I decided to go ahead and go with Ground Rules, and not wait for Maryse’s review, based on her little video cheerleading alone. OMG. I stayed up until 3:00 trying to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. But my eyes were hurting so so bad. I had to go to sleep. Now I have about an hour left and I have a “do not disturb” sign out (figuratively speaking). This book is so good. Don’t be afraid. It’s not weird or kinky or anything. Just constant butterflies in my stomach!!! YAY!!!

Rox: …So, so good!! We needed a new plot line and something keeping us on our toes and it got me out of my book funk!

See? Seeeeeeeeee YOU GUYS?!!! I promise. If you can even sorta handle the “extra-marital situations” then this one will keep you captivated and emotionally invested like you haven’t been in a LONG time. It. WAS. GOOD!!!!

So what’s it about? Well… LOL! My video review right here pretty much gives you the “short & bitter-sweet” version but I’ll tell y’all right now:

So Gabe & Mirella are both good looking, they’ve been together since high school, and have had two adorable daughters. They are happily married, albeit possibly a bit bored and maybe taking each other for granted.

Still, both are pretty solid with each other, attracted to each other and have an active sex life. We don’t go into this book being mad at either of ’em. In fact, we immediately connect with Mirella when she ruminates over her somewhat monotonous life.

I’m happy I still fit into my favorite dress. But on the other hand, I’m a little depressed. I’ll probably never get to wear it again. Let’s face it— my life is not exactly full of charity balls and glamorous events. Gabe and I don’t get out much— our idea of a date night is a hearty meal at the local family restaurant and a movie, or perhaps the occasional dinner with friends.

“Why do you look so sad?” Claire asks, a dash of concern in her sweet voice.

Because Mommy has no life. 

I smile to reassure her. “I’m not sad, Claire. It’s just… I’m probably never going to wear this dress ever again.”

But one night, trying to spark some fun into their couple, Gabe and Mirella have a date night at a fancy restaurant, only to be dismayed realizing the restaurant messed up their reservations, and they don’t have a table. But the gorgeous couple that they’ve been chatting with while waiting, Weston & Brigette, come to the rescue! Their table is ready, and they have room for two more!

Oh YAY!!!

And they hit it off. Supermodel-esque Bridgette is unabashedly flirting with Mirella’s sexy bad-boy tattooed husband (Gabe) and he’s eating it up.

I still can’t get over how flirty she was with him— another woman’s husband, a father.

And while Weston is equally gorgeous, his reserved and distinguished nature fascinates Mirella.

I find myself checking him out— hey, if she can chat up my husband, I can at least sneak a peek at hers. He’s truly beautiful in the classic sense— chiseled features, olive skin, dark sleek hair, not a strand out of place— he’s as sleek and put-together as his wife.

Everyone leaves the evening rejuvenated and just a little… *ahem* excited.

And that’s when a request for another meeting comes their way. Weston and Bridgette would love to get to know them… and perhaps explore other aspects of the other couple, privately.

I’m no idiot— I’ve put two and two together.

Two and two together.

That’s exactly what we’re talking about here.

Separately.

Damn, part of me wants this, despite every bone in my body telling me not to.

*gasp*

OH NOOOOOs!!!!

YES!

I mean… everyone essentially “loves” their spouse in this one. So… how does that work, exactly? 😉

I think both of us know, deep inside… our relationship is about to change.

And that’s where I’ll leave you on her journey. ‘Cause let me tell you. WHAT A JOURNEY IT IS!!

Was it perfect?  For my reading enjoyment, pretty darn close! I LOVE the opening chapter and her thoughtful look at herself and where she was at. I loved the intro to her sweet children. It got a little rough after the initial “meeting” with that gorgeous couple (I found the dialogue between her and her husband, and her own internal thought process a little… bumpy, for me, which had me wondering if I’d be able to connect to them), but it picked up and found it’s rhythm soon enough!

It took me on a wild ride, kept me enthusiastically reading, made me feel crazy, AND best of all? Had me wanting to continue onto the next book IMMEDIATELY. Desperately. Now THAT is a book I can recommend!

My hearts starts to pound… hard. I have absolutely no control over the damned thing— if it’s anything, it’s damned, this heart of mine.

YES!!!! God I love that line!!!

5 stars!!!

P.S. A fun little conversation between Kandace and I and our BIG ANGSTY love for this book (don’t look if you like to go in fairly blind). We don’t *spoil* anything but just in case it gives you preconceived notions… 😉

Maryse: *****% and OMG I feel like crying with *spoiler* so bad… and *spoiler* is breaking my heart…. GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Kandace: I KNOW! I was such a mess. this is the part where Lori messaged me at 3AM. I had to hold her.

Maryse: No serious. I’m freaking crying, and I totally did the forbidden and told my mom about *spoiler*… and now SHE’S crying. I read to her *spoiler*’s parts too

Kandace: are you done?

Maryse: No. LOL!!! I’m aching too hard… okay goin’ back in

Kandace: go go go

Kandace: tic tock… I’m waiting. Are you recording yourself. I wish I was there to hold the camera for you.

Maryse:  not done yet… almost and no I missed the tears part. Grrr! Silly me. I was too enthralled with the book I forgot to capture the good part on video. *sigh* ok back to my book … ugh. My heart ******!!!!!!!!!!!! I want #2 NOW!!!!  This was FANTASTIC! So full of emotion and REAL people thoughts.

Kandace: I find myself spending my day begging people to read this book. I haven’t really read anything else. I wish I would have waited but then again I would have missed out on this book. It’s worth the ending to read something that gave me all these “FEELS”

Maryse: *sigh* my heart…. I swear I have the after-awesome-book trembles right now. And you’re right… knowing how much I love this one, I’m glad I didnt wait until #2 was out. I got to experience something BIG

Kandace: Lori messaged me at 3 AM because she had them too. I can’t believe I woke up to chat with her. Normally, I would just roll over and go back to sleep.

Maryse: yeah but THIS one was too adrenalizing to sleep over. LOL! I totally get that! GAH!! I’m seriously SHAKING! I love it. I swear… this one was like the olden-book days LOL!

Kandace: I don’t remember feeling that intensity in forever We could have been her. I wanted to be her… I loved when she gave him the *spoiler* after his *spoiler* I feel a bit concerned for their *spoiler*.

Maryse: LOVED that. Totally had him breaking his own rules.

Kandace: yes. I cried the *spoiler* they had *spoiler*.

Maryse: I was so upset when *spoiler* had *spoiler*

Kandace: grrr. and she *spoiler* it was her idea. and when he *spoiler* I wanted to *spoiler* him

Maryse: yep. 😉

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