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5 more new releases that look right up our alley…

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Since the Tuesday release list is just SO huge… even too huge to put anything on it other than the Tuesday releases, many of these earlier releases sometimes fall by the wayside. But they look so good and shouldn’t be penalized just ’cause they came out a few days before, or a few days after “the official Tuesday release day” right?

P.S. I’m currently working on reading the books from my 2015 reading challenge and was in the mood for a comedy (which of course is on there!). I’m currently reading The Rosie Project: A Novel (Don Tillman Book 1) (and it’s keeping me happy. SO MUCH fun!!!)

Okay so… here are 5 more brand spankin’ new releases, with covers, authors and/or blurbs that made me waggle my eyebrows. 😉

  • Fighter by Tijan <— Tijan rocks the reader-world!!! And this is her latest release. 😀 Awwwww… he’s got a reason for needing to win, and it makes my heart swell! “…she’s back to chasing after a bail jumper. When she realizes the jumper is her ex-boyfriend, Jax, Dale gets dragged into helping him evade her brothers so he can win an underground fighting competition…“
  • Consumed: A Devil Chaser’s MC Romance by L. Wilder <— yep. THAT cover. 😉 And Lauren is excited! “Consumed (A Devil Chaser’s MC romance) by L. Wilder is live!! Been looking forward to Bobby & Courtney’s story for soooooo long!!” Okay lemme check out this synopsis… “Courtney is a curvy, feisty bombshell who has watched her friends be swept off their feet by the alpha men of the Devil Chasers’ Motorcycle Club. She thinks she has met her match when she falls for one of the MC bad boys, but a vindictive act against the Devil Chasers will change her forever.“
  • Consume Me (Ravage MC#3) by Ryan Michele <— how could I not waggle my eyebrows at this cover. “Prospect Andrew “Tug” Tugger wants two things. One, to become a member of the Ravage Motorcycle Club, and two, Blaze, the sexy brunette whose eyes set him on fire. Only one of those things is under his control, and he is done waiting.“
  • #TripleX by Christine Zolendz and Angelisa Stone <— this one appears to be making waves, too! Renee says: “This book had me peeing in my pants it was so funny.” and Rachel agrees: “It is the funniest book you will ever read.” HEY!! I could use some funny right now. 😀 YAY ME!!!
  • Dominic: The Prince (Ties of Steel Book 2) by MJ Fields <— HE just moved from Italy to NJ… “Delaney Johnson is starting over after a break-up and graduating college. She has landed the job of her dreams in NYC. Arrangements had been made to stay with her best friend, Nikki Bassett, and her fiancé’, Abe O’Donnell. Feeling that her luck has suddenly changed, she stops to play a few slots, just for fun. She finds herself winning big, and gains an admirer. One hot night of uninhibited sex with a stranger takes her places she never knew she could go.“
  • When We Collide by A.L. Jackson <— Plus a bonus super-sale tried-and-true book that SO many LOVE (and I love this author, too!!) Jessica LOVED it: She said: “Maryse, one book that I’ve read recently and really really loved was When We Collide by A.L. Jackson. That book had me physically and emotionally shaken up. I loved every minute of it.”

     

Pierce Brown – The Red Rising Trilogy Reading Order

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<— The latest dystopian series that appears to be ALL the rage right now with our fellow readers! Fabi says: “Put that one on the greats list.  Truly awesome.”

And they’re swooning over the author!! 😉

Michelle: I started reading Red Rising and boy am I on a fantastic book run! I get why this one was hyped to me and I am going right into Golden Son after!

Fabi: Michelle I’m rereading Red Rising before starting Golden Son too. It was a 5 star for me the first time and amazingly it’s even better the second time. There are so many quotes I want to save from this book. Pierce Brown is a genius. He became an auto buy for me with his very first book.

Michelle: Hey yeah Fabi Red Rising is fantastic! I tore through half of it last night and cannot wait to get home like I literally have to talk myself out of sneak reading it today!

Michelle: Ahh finished Red Rising Fabi and I’m officially a huge fan and addicted to this series! LOVED Darrow and felt everything along with him. I started Golden Son today and the reviews look even better for this one not that my rating can go higher because I’m with ya that it was 5 stars all the way!

Fabi: Isn’t Darrow amazing in all his perfect imperfection? I can only think to describe him as so very “human” in his alphaness.

Michelle: Fabi, I got through it so fast because I stayed up two nights super late since I couldn’t put it down! I love every flaw of Darrows truly and his growth is inspiring and real. When this book is made into a movie, I wish them luck because they will never capture it.

Michelle: Let me just say Fabi, you think you know where Golden Son is going and then that’s blown up and I’m left scratching my head. Soooooo good and I’m only 1/3 in!

Cheryl: Fabi and Michelle, Universal studios bought the movie rights. He’s writing the screenplay.

Fabi: Woohoo! I knew it. It just had to go on the big screen. Ender’s Game and Hunger Games were awesome on the big screen. Michelle you’re psychic. Cheryl and Bev thanks for the confirmation. Pierce Brown is headed towards “most eligible bachelor” status quick.

Carol: After finishing up the Hunger Games movie last weekend, I was in the mood for something similar. I picked up Red Rising by Pierce Brown. I read through the night until 4 am. Yesterday, I read his second book, Golden Son! This series does not disappoint! It was amazing and well worth this book fog that will likely stick with me until Feb when book 3 concludes this wonderfully surprising series!

About book #1:

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.

Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power.  He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

  

Book Review – The Mason List by SD Hendrickson

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The Mason List
Oh my!!! This book delivers on everything it promises in that blurb! Gorgeous and tragic and exhilarating and incredibly inspiring and just soooooo sweet but in a fulfilling way. Not saccharine sweet. Profoundly sweet.

A touching story that carries as much raw anguish in it…

I was so tired of being his strength.

… as it does tender belly laughs.

“I’m the one who will be in so much trouble.”

You think I don’t ever get in trouble? Well I do!”

“Sure you do,” I shot back.

“They’re gonna have me scoopin’ poop again. I hate poop.”

“Poop?”

“Yup. Poop.”

*snort* Endearing and goofy and just plain awesome! I LOVED IT!

Wonderfully written with purpose, we never lose track of the initial focus. Of where we just KNOW we are going. Or where we *think* we are going. The author keeps us guessing as she weaves us from past to present. And best of all? She takes her time as she presents to us, a complete story that will have you crying happy tears. And sad tears.

I hurt in every possible way a body could hurt. I hurt from my skin to my soul.

And it gave so many of us (not just me 😛 ;)) the sniffles! Okay fine. The ugly cries, too.

Maryse: I’M LOVING LOVING LOVING The Mason List my friends. LOVE! Has a bit of The Sweetgum Tree feel but more modern I’d say.

Amy: eek Sweetgum Tree feel??? *claps hands* Now it’s definitely a late reading night for me!! :D

MichelleS: Maryse – you are loving Mason List with all capitals? And It’s go that Sweet Gum tree feel? SOLD! Sounds like the perfect weekend read!

Victoria: Ahhh!! I was just about to suggest this to you! I just finished reading it at 6am this morning (hardly slept a wink!) and couldn’t stop bawling! I still cry even now whenever I thumb through the pages again. It’s such a tear jerker! I absolutely loved Jess and Alex! I have never been moved so strongly by a book before! Seriously guys, get the tissues ready and maybe have some ice cream at hand. I can’t even start another book yet because I’m still emotionally recovering from this one!

Amy: I’m a-freaking out here. Heart is racing (and aching!), tummy is clenching, skin is splotching…you name it, it’s happening to me. I’m loving this ride but I think it’s gonna hurt. Badly. But I almost hope I’m wrong. *Almost*. ‘Cause you know I like to hurt…in books, always and only in books. ;) That last line of the chapter way back at 27%…did you get an *oomph* there? Like a that-was-a-significant-line kind of *oomph*? Or maybe I’m just too wound up and letting my mind run rampant right now. Probably. I hope so. Or I *think* I hope so. Arrrrrgh!! See?!?!? Told ya I was a-freaking out!

Cheryl: Maryse The Mason List has a “Sweetgum feel!!!!” That just might be my next read!!

Amy: It’s been a balls-to-the-wall freak out for me so far…and I don’t think I’m to the hardest part yet! Laura has the manatee right now but she’s on notice that she’ll have to share him soon. ;) I *think* I know something that is going on from some subtle hints being dropped. Very subtle hints. With the way the “present” story is going…oh man, this is gonna be rough. And I love it. :D

MichelleS: I got to about 40% last night. It’s got me 100% invested. It does have that Sweetgum Tree feel. I love it when I am right there in the simple moments – jumping in a lake, or climbing up into a tree house… with a sweet boy… total sap… that’s me. LOVING IT…… please don’t break my heart…. please don’t break my heart…..

Amy: Mar-y-y-y-y-se!!! Why you makin’ me go through this alone??? *huffs* Not happy with you. :| Kidding! You know I luffs ya! But seriously, not cool… :P Wow, how old am I again?? I’m gonna take my iPad and go hide in my blankie cave. I *have* to finish this book before my hubby gets home and starts laughing at me.

Maryse: GAH!!!! I’m SO sorry Amy. I’m such a bad buddy-reader!!! *slaps hands!!!!* *sigh* Hug? And… Amy… ummmmm…. can I borrow your manatee?

Amy: Awww, I never turn down a hug!! *big squeezy hug* *hands manatee to Maryse* You’re at “that” part, aren’t ya? Here, you might need some tissue too…

Camille: 52% through it and totally hooked.

Melannie: Finished it and LOVED it!

Amy: Oh my… It already hurts. And I don’t even know *exactly* why yet…I just know it hurts. I need to go on my run before I attempt to jump back in because I don’t think I’m going to want to run afterwards. *walks off rubbing chest*

Chris: Im almost done. Loving it so far.

Amy: Finished The Mason List last night and…well…I’ll just say the ending was not what I expected. That’s all I’m saying. Y’all just need to read it. ;) Okay, okay…I cried. Yep, I did. But I had a more visceral reaction to the parts leading up to the end. Obviously. *snort*

MichelleS: I finished The Mason List. I am going with 4.5 stars…. I absolutely loved it, and stayed up way too late to finish it, because I couldn’t put it down… only thing keeping it from 5 stars, for me, was the ssssllllllooooowwwww build up. I mean excruciatingly slow! And at some point I start thinking that no way would it happen this way. Then after the achingly long wait…. BAM…. it’s over. And short epilogue. So that’s why the 4.5 stars for me.

Amy: I agree about the end and epilogue being kinda quick, MichelleS. I didn’t mind the slow build-up (love that kind of “slow burn” as Maryse calls it) but once I got to about the 50% mark, holy sh!t it was a crazy intense ride for me! As if that’s not obvious from my comments on the other page, right? ;) I absolutely loved this one.

Maryse: I agree with both of you on the epilogue. Considering how much time was taken for each part of their story, the end was a bit… quick… a bit too much so, but still had quite the impact. 😉

Davina: I loved it

So what’s it about?

A girl’s journey (and personal and emotional struggle) from beautiful childhood memories, to devastating circumstances, to a charitable family taking them in. From her growth within that family, within their society, within her new home, and yet… so far from what she ever dreamed her life would be.

Shame pumped through my body with each beat of my heart. I hated charity. I hated depending on others. I hated being homeless. I hated people knowing we had nothing.

From a wonderful life with her loving mother and father, to her mother’s declining health as cancer ravages her body. Her father ends up losing his job due to staying at the hospital with his dying wife for so long (the love of his life), and they eventually end up living in their car. Eating moldy sandwiches. Living in filth, and yet still staying by her mother’s side with each set of visiting hours. They had nothing. They were losing everything. Even themselves.

When did I stop being the child and become the rock for my father? I nodded in agreement. It completely sucked. At the time I should be getting a bedtime story, I was lying to my father, so he didn’t have another breakdown.

From childhood, to teen years, to college years to adult years, each character comes alive. Their interactions to their reactions, to their personalities, flaws and all.

I would pay them back; I just didn’t know when or how, I just knew it would happen. Someday I would repay every so-called miracle. I would not be a product of charity.

Every character is distinguishable, real, “fleshed out” and perfectly believable. They can be awe-inspiring and genuine, self-centered and pouty, to typical-hateful and no-nonsense. Each one will surprise you in their own way. Good surprises… and bad surprises too. Two surprises involving side characters were especially marking, to me. One hurt me so badly, and one warmed my heart and I never saw it coming.

Yep. If you love a “sweet” but weighty read that takes us through life lessons and growth to romance and all of it’s angst, then this one is for you. Kind of reminded me (in FEEL) of books such as The Sweet Gum Tree and Butterfly Weeds and even a touch of The Sea Of Tranquility (due to the incredible maturity displayed by even some of these younger characters. From their thought processes and how they dealt with certain life situations to the epic heartwarming and enlightening moments). Every emotion from dejected heartache and no hope to incredible hope. From resentment, to an undeniable bond, to incredible mistakes. A bit of hate, even. Of each other, and often of themselves. But mostly love. Tons and tons of love.

After months of hurt, the rope holding us together was growing stronger. That’s what happens when something severs a tie. A new one has to be woven in place around the broken threads, making it bigger and tougher than what existed before the ripping pain.

Deep, clever, heartfelt and loaded in wonderfulness!

4.5 stars!

➔➔➔  Looking for more of my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

6 book finds that sound just plain awesome! Three new pre-orders and three new releases…

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I was alerted to a few brand new pre-orders that are from our FAVORITE authors, and while I was squeeing over them, I found a few more that are live right now that look pretty darned good, too! Three are pre-orders and three are live right now. 😀

Like these:

  • Keys To My Cuffs (The Heroes of The Dixie Wardens MC Book 4) by Lani Lynn Vale <— I’ve not heard of this series before but this one seems like it can be read as a standalone and sounds quite exciting! It’s a pre-order but coming out this February! He’s a cop AND an MC member. “Everything he’d done for the last eight years was under an assumed name for the Benton Police Department. He’d lied, cheated, and stolen all in the name of the law. He wore himself thin, and not even the open road could take away the pain anymore. Then his little next door neighbor moved in, and suddenly he had a reason to get out of bed every morning. Except he was an officer of the law, and a member of a prominent motorcycle club in the area, The Dixie Wardens MC. Neither of which she could deal with.“
  • Ride Steady (Chaos) by Kristen Ashley <— BIKER ALERT!!! And on top of that, one of my FAV authors alert!!! This one will be out in June, but the pre-order is up on Amazon and she is “saved” by a biker…
  • Sweet Nothing: A Novel by Jamie McGuire and Teresa Mummert <— FAV AUTHOR alert and a blurb that made me go whaaaaaaa??? It’s up for pre-order (releasing in November) and I can’t wait!! “When you think you know what’s happening, you’re only half way there.” I BET!! There is no way I have any idea what this one’s about other than angst! YAY ME!
  • Strictly Temporary by Ella Fox <— JUST RELEASED and it’s making me sing an old Journey Song… 😉 “Raised on fairytales and dreams of true love, Arden Winger left for college with a smile on her face and a happy, hopeful heart. Fast-forward seven years and that small town is behind her, but not the baggage she’s been carrying since she left.“
  • A Near-Life Experience (The Survivors) by Sunny Cole <— This one was just released and the blurb made my heart clench. “...she has a bucketful of lies and a heart full of hope once she’s released from the psych ward after a suicide attempt. While searching for coffee and donuts, she inadvertently enters a meeting of cancer survivors. Loathe to admit she’s made a mistake, she stays…and keeps going back. Their lessons and friendships feed her lonely, hungry soul, and there’s the problem. Continue lying? Or come clean and risk losing everything?“
  • Dare (Brothers of Ink and Steel Book 1) by Allie Juliette Mousseau <— MMA fighter alert just recently released! “Sophie Garner is a single mom who’s been raising her daughter on her own, fighting for both of their lives ever since going into hiding to escape her abusive husband. When Sophie gets offered the job of a lifetime as the exclusive massage therapist for Josh “The Jackhammer” North’s team, it’s difficult to say no to the outrageous salary—and the bet—that Josh proposes.“
And a bonus find!! I just realized one of our fellow blogger/reading addicts just released her own “true story” of finding true love today, so I’m adding it to this list. It sounds crazy and angsty and she says: “Every second of this trilogy is true, exactly as it happened.”: Wished for You: The Blogger Diaries Book One by KD Robichaux <— “…he made it perfectly clear, I wasn’t his type.“

     

Sweet Nothing by Jamie McGuire & Teresa Mummert is up for pre-order!

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Look what’s up for pre-order on Amazon!! A book from one of MY FAVORITE authors (Jamie McGuire) and she co-wrote it with another huge reader-favorite, Teresa Mummert! That GORGEOUS cover has me wanting to read it, on that alone. Yes. I’m judging a book by it’s cover. Don’t judge me. 😉

Jamie says: “This is a full-length, stand alone contemporary romance.”

In fact, I’m going to choose it as one of my 2015 Reading Challenges (A book based entirely on it’s cover). But that blurb? Makes me think I’m in for an angsty, amazing romance read. I have NO idea what this one’s going to be about.

And when someone mentioned that it “seems depressing” Jamie McGuire responded:

“I don’t do depressing. I do wtfery on occasion and this is one of them… It is such a complex story that we really struggled to write a description that didn’t give anything away.”

And Teresa agrees: “Not sad I promise!”

Yep.  I’ve read and re-read this blurb and I’m imagining all sorts of possible storylines….

It is enough to break any man: watching what could have been my future slip away before it was ever in my grasp. The possibility of losing someone I loved, before she was even mine, is something I never would have imagined. Certainly nothing I’d ever wish on anyone. I go to her every day and wait. Wait for the impossible, for a sign, for her to look at me … hoping sinners are granted miracles, too.

Just one glimpse of him was all it took. In the next lane, at a stop light, was the man I would fall in love with and marry. People talk about the kind of love that takes time–love you fall in to. We were more like a crash and burn, and when our lives intertwined I would never be the same. He was the man I would cherish the rest of my life, who would father my children. In an instant our life together began, and in an instant it would end. The late nights; the excuses; the lies. And in the blink of an eye, it was like we never were.

For the first time, experience a heartfelt, jaw-dropping novel by #1 New York Times bestseller Jamie McGuire, and New York Times bestselling author Teresa Mummert.

When you think you know what’s happening, you’re only half way there.

It’s gonna keep me guessing!!

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