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Book Review – The Pact by Karina Halle

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The Pact
<— *oomph*!!!! This one has it!!! ANGST in all of it’s delicious angsty glory. IT IS HERE my friends. I was pretty much… “into” it you know? It was good, entertaining, funny, cute, and going the way I expected it to go. I could tell they were into each other, but I wasn’t FEELING that just yet, ya know? That… intense pining. The “OMG I can’t breathe when he’s around” level. Not yet.

But then… things. Karina Halle’s version of emotions kicked in and OMG. So real. So raw. So intense. And I was SO into it!!!! And so was Sherry.

Sherry: When she *spoiler* and then *spoiler*, then finds the *spoiler* My heart broke, and I knew I was done… LOVED IT…So So much. Ooops, hahaha, I thought this was your PM. Damn I was tired. But wow, loved the Book!!!

Maryse: RIGHT???!! That *spoiler* KILLED ME!!!!! I told you… good fun in the beginning… but OMG right??!!!!!

Sherry: Oh me too!! I felt *spoiler* so much more than *spoiler* I was giddy when they *spoiler*, giddy when she *spoiler* and HE *spoiler*….ohhhhhh, so sweet!! But yes, the *spoiler*, then the *spoiler* chapter  How can they *spoiler* without *spoiler*…

Maryse: ACK! I know…. it would have killed me!!!

Amber: OMG! I am at **% I think my heart is going to burst from my chest. Cannot put this book down!

Tee hee!!! I know. You guys are SO mad at me right now with all of this spoiler business. Believe me, it’s worth it!

Now, to be fair… it took me a little bit to be that connected. I was enjoying it, as it was fairly easy-going and sweet in the beginning. Almost safe. It had that comfortable contemporary romance feel. But I liked it ’cause we were dealing with adults. Their flirtations, their connections and their dating other people as their 30’s were coming close. That was the first half, and necessary because we got to know them, and their pining for each other as they continued to resist each other. Living their lives and all that.

Two guys and a girl that have been best friends for years, she dated one (James), he was too scary-intense as a boyfriend, and they broke up.

He was temperamental and would fly off the rail easily and usually over nothing.

Yet she’s always had that *spark* with the other (Linden). But you know how that goes. Nobody wants to ruin a best-friendship and the three of ’em don’t want to mess with a good thing.

I don’t want to lose them. But as I look around the table, I’m wondering if that’s just the way things go in life. Age brought us together, age will tear us apart.

And Linden proposes a “pact” at one point. If they weren’t seriously involved with anyone by the time they hit 30, they’d marry each other. Yep, we’ve seen this before, but not necessarily when it involves others that might just throw that monkey-wrench into their whole shebang.

“The two of you in a marriage? World’s pickiest woman with the world’s biggest manwhore? Yeah, have fun with that.”

Linden is a total player. Unabashedly so. He can have anyone he wants and has never wanted anyone. So why would Stephanie be that different to him? She asks herself that very question… and doesn’t take him all that seriously.

He’s one hot package that any girl would be lucky to snatch up.

But he’s egotistical, cocky, arrogant and a player. It’s hard to get any real emotion out of him other than intensity – he’s got this way of looking at you, at life, like he’s trying to spear you alive. He lives his life on the selfish side, can be passionate about something (or someone) one minute, then indifferent the next.

Until the time comes, and things start heating up. And I’ll let you play with the rest from there. *whoooooo!!!*

I’m afraid I can f**k up two friendships at once.

So the pact goes on the back burner.

Two more years and then I’ll face it.

Just two more years until everything changes, for better or for worse.

This one was different for me, because the second half REALLY kicked it into high gear. Slower beginning (albeit good), but at a certain point I could not put it down, and I felt EVERYTHING! I won’t say what, so you can be kicked in the gut (or tickled in the gut ;)) on your own, but just… wait for it. WAIT FOR IT!!!

SO WORTH IT!!!

Everything is changing. I’m nowhere but I’m somewhere and it’s not where I want to be.

I don’t really know what I want.

But I know I don’t have it.

4 stars! <— 3.5 stars for the first half (misunderstandings, misplaced loyalties, you know the drill) but 4.5 stars for second half but 5 STARS ABSOLUTELY for a certain part that rocked my world!!!!!!!!!!! In fact, I almost want to 4.5 star this book, and maybe I will, ’cause of how pivotal that part was, for me. You want intense? YOU GOT IT!!!

Archiving the December 2014 Book Releases

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DECEMBER 2014
                   

Maryse’s 2014 Top Twenty Five Favorite Books List

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Happy New Year’s Eve, my friends!! 😀 It’s that time of year again!! Time to scroll through all of my favorite 2014 reads and choose my absolute favorites out of the bunch! And you KNOW that’s gonna be hard for me, considering the fact that, if I’ve 4.5 to 5-starred it, I thought it was FANTASTIC!! So it’s already a favorite, ya know?

But I’m gonna try and consolidate. 😉 The keyword is TRY. I’m going to list them by those that I remember the most, in detail… still, without even having to backtrack over my review or the synopsis. Generally, all 5-star (and many 4.5 star) books have that effect on me, so make sure to check them all out, as I highly recommend EACH one). But… these just really stand out in my head loud and clear.

After I Do: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid <— This one…. I think is my #1 of my #1’s this year. It BLEW me away. The incredible writing, that SAD beginning… the journey, the letters… just WOW. Brilliant. Nothing too out there, but such a realistic read. I loved these characters and I felt as if they were truly real, and each moment played out authentically. Perfection. I said: “Pure reading entertainment for those of us that love a good love story, but that enjoy working for it, every step of the way. And I don’t mean that in an arduous or hard read kind of way. Working for this love story isn’t going to exhaust you. It will exhilarate you. Adrenalize you. Excite you and devastate you, and back again (and not necessarily in that order). It is laden in realistic moments. Moments that you can feeeeeel deep inside your heart, and your stomach, along with the characters.” In fact I loved it SO much that I immediately started her other standalone book and loved it almost just as much. This is my new *wow* author. Can’t wait for more! (Read the rest of my book review here).

Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan <— An early 2014 STANDOUT and absolute favorite that everything read after had to measure up to. LOL!!! Well… no, I mean every 5-star read was it’s own awesomeness, this year, but this one was just so good for me, had such an “old school” indie feel from back when I first started reading those pure, angsty, daring indies from back in 2011, and WOW. I was so excited about this!! He’s a recluse, she’s new in town, she can’t help but try and make friends with him, and he wants nothing to do with it. At first. What I loved? Is that the author allowed us to live the entire “meet cute” to disinterest, to eventual friends to… so much more. What I said in my review? “I loved these people, and I absolutely loved the pacing. Gradual and tentative, but constantly progressing and always had me brimming with anticipation. Everything made sense. It was EXACTLY as I think it would play out in real life.” Yep!!! She let it play out in it’s entirety and I was SO attached to these characters by the end, I could never forget this book. MUST READ!!! Check out my review here.

Ugly Love: A Novel by Colleen Hoover <— One of my forever favorite authors of all time, each book she releases steals me away, breaks my heart… MAKES my heart and drops me back off at home all melancholy and happy at the same time. Missing her world. Her characters. Her gorgeous stories. And this one ROCKED MY WORLD!!! Heartbreaking pasts, trust issues, falling in love… everything. But SO much more. I said: “This book felt normal. Totally connectable. Totally relatable, and a fun start, even though it was intense and super-tragic at times. It had all of Colleen’s writing charm, her relatable characters and profound (yet often lighthearted, too) feel to it. And yes!! It’s got its very poetic moments, but by that, I mean… thoughts and feelings, comparisons… so eloquently put together (but so raw in their words) that… that was poetic, to me.” and I’m still right there! (read the rest of my review here).

Forever, Interrupted: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid <— The one I read right after… “After I Do” and I loved it almost as much. Both are standalones and have nothing to do with each other… other than… they are both fabulously written by the same author, chock-full of realistic emotion and angst and they will both make you cry. Especially this one. Okay… this one? Maybe “cry” is not the right word. More like… *sob*. Just to give you an idea, here is a bit from my review: “And WHAT. AN. ENDING!!! I was blown away by that last line, eek but don’t you dare go look!!!!!! ;) I was just… moved beyond belief, stunned into silence as big fat tears plopped off my cheeks, soaking my pajama top. And then I backed up, and re-read that last chapter again. And sobbed some more. Yep. Sob-inducing, I think I cried during at least 4 different parts. And not just a few tears either. Had to put down the book, hug my pillow and cry into it.” WOW. THAT. ENDING!!!!!!!!! *whoooooooo* one of the best endings ever. I’d almost liken it to the awesome ending of “The Sea of Tranquility“. Not in what it means per se… but in that depth. That pure genius. That *oomph* and impact. She is my new/latest favorite author! UNFORGETTABLE!!!!! Read my review.

Loving Mr. Daniels by Brittainy Cherry <— One of my absolute favorite teacher-student romances out there (er… next to Slammed, of course. THAT was my favorite. And maybe even my first of the genre). 😉 BUT!!! THIS one gave me that feeling, you know? Not too sordid, not too easy, delicious angst and lots and lots of emotion. Everything I crave in a forbidden romance book with not too much “forbidden” that I am constantly trying to justify my love for it, ya know? But! Just enough forbidden to keep me on my toes and the butterflies fluttering. A bit from my review: “I haven’t read all of ‘em, so I might be missing out on another one, but last night? This morning? THIS!!!!!! This has been the one that has brought me all of those delicious “Slammed” feels. This was the one that made me tear up, over and over again (and for various reasons). Yes. I was that connected! This is the one that made me cry real tears. Twice.” See my review.

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma <— Speaking of forbidden, I gotta put this one on the list. Oh sure, it’s not one from 2014, but I read it for the first tie this year so it counts! And I KNEW… I JUST KNEW this was going to be a 5-star read a few years ago when it was first recommended to me. Over and over again. A bit from my review: “I purchased this one, in all of it’s full-priced glory (oh wow, I paid even more for it, back then!!) just on the recommendations alone (intense, insistent, adamant, emotional recommendations came my way every single time this book was mentioned).” Once we all came out of the forbidden closet, this ranked at the top of our eeeeeeeeep!!!!-list. This!! THIS will take you out of your comfort zone and never let you go back. THIS is that read that has you questioning what exactly you’re “rooting” for. THIS will have you swooning and sobbing and face-palming as your logic kicks and and says WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!??? And you heart kicks in… and well… kicks your logic in the butt. LOL!!! PURE emotional attachment/angst/love/extreme-discomfort. It took me years to read i ’cause I knew… oh yes. I knew. BUT i finally read it this year and THIS is UNFORGETTABLE. I can tell you from start to finish every single detail, and I read it months ago. See my review.

Play (Stage Dive Series Book 2) by Kylie Scott <— Here’s my PURE GUILTY ROCK STAR PLEASURE of the bunch. No. Wait. I have two. 😉 But this is the first one I’m going to talk about ’cause I was so sure Mal would not be “my guy”. Too funny, too silly, too laid back. You know me and the intense, brooding bad boy heroes. Mal was a rock star, yesssss, but too much of a clown for the brooding. 😉 But I loved him like CRAZY! A bit from my review: “This book is a must read, for those that love good ol’ fashion rock-star infatuation romance. Lots of sweeeeeeet laughs, a HUGE crush, and boy is it steeeeeeeamy (even though it’s kind of a slow burn at first <— which makes it THAT much better the whole way through). Oh. And plenty of angst in so MANY ways. I’m telling you, my heart felt it all.” Check out the rest of my review here.

Lovely Trigger (Tristan & Danika Book 3) by R.K. Lilley <— Actually this WHOLE Tristan & Danika Series rocks my world and turned into a whole 5-star fun-fest, but since this was the last of the series and the one I 5-starred, I’m featuring it. BUT! I’ll be posting my review only for book #1 (so as not to spoil it for any new readers). Rock star romance and pure drama and angst and breakups and misunderstandings and OH NO HE DIDN’T moments and everything in between! A bit from my review of this book (non-spoilerish): “This truly is one of those “old-school” indie bad-boy series the likes of those we fell in love with way back when. I’ve been on a search ever since and have successfully found more, but believable angsty love-story treasures like this are kind of rare, ya know? And even more so, when the first book hooks you (and keeps you) from the start, the second book is even better (and turns your world upside down for hours on end) and the final book proves to be the best one of ‘em all. As was the case (for me) with this one!” And here is my review of book #1.

Love, in English by Karina Halle <— One that was pure contemporary romance, but with a forbidden romance twist that made many squirm. A beautiful and exciting (and hilarious) summer trip to Spain, where it was a sort of english immersion program for the spaniards that wanted to learn the language. And SHE… was one of the teachers. A story of strangers that become friends, of friendships forming in a different country, bonds formed that are stronger than the expiration threatening to end their time together… and yet. Heartache. Loved it! And… Karina introduced me to Lana Del Rey with this gorgeous, bittersweet story. GOD THAT SCENE. *sob* A bit from my review: “That slow and steady climb (aka “slow burn”), the anticipation, the delicious nervousness fluttering in your stomach, as the wistful yearning to satisfy your hearts newfound desire builds. You tell yourself it won’t be that bad. You’ve got a handle on this. Even though you know better. You’re fooling yourself and the fact that your heart is skipping beats solidifies that knowledge.” (Read the rest of my review here).

Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher <— Pure Tarryn Fisher!!!! Dark, crazy, scary, and purely emotional. An intense love story that made so many of us cry. Crazy twists, I swear it gave me a panic attack at a certain point, but one thing is for sure… I could NOT put this one down. One full-on straight thriller-romance read for me. Romance? I dunno. Yes. No. YES. But a la “Tarryn”. Love is never pretty, never easy, with her. It’s raw, it hurts, and it may or may not have a happily ever after. 😉 A bit from my review? “I… ache. My stomach aches. My chest aches. My back aches. My overly-clenched jaw aches. It’s the bad kind of ache (but a good one, too). And I cherish every bit of the pain I’m in. Wow. What an unforgettable way to spend a Sunday.” Read the rest of my review, here.

Bright Side by Kim Holden <— And one that I 4.5 starred. An honorable mention that really feels like a 5-star to me, today… so I’m moving it up. 😉 MADE ME SOB!!!!! That’s all I’m saying. No dry eyes in our bunch. I’m certain of it! ” Y’all wanted me to drown in my own tears, didn’t you? Well I can’t say you didn’t warn me. Bunch of meanies. *shakes head* rolleyes P.S. I glare at y’all with love. And thanks. And rainbows and unicorns. ;)” (Read the rest of my review here).

So these are the ones that made me react BIG time this year, but they aren’t the only ones. I absolutely LOVED these, too:

  • Book Review – Deeper by Robin York <— Pure romance angst and a total guilty-pleasure read! A bit from my review: “The heartwarming scenes, the kindle-throwing moments, the realizations. The despair, the strength. The growth. I experienced it all, and I “got” them.“
  • Book Review – Push by Claire Wallis <— A romance thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. And then… WHOA!!!!  A bit from my review: “Excuse me, while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I’m just sitting here. Stunned. Dying for the next one. DYING!!!!“
  • Book Review – 53 Letters For My Lover by Leylah Attar <— Forbidden love! A bit from my review: “With it’s gorgeous writing, exquisite detail and a thoughtful, cautious yet raw exploration of something that is absolutely illicit. I say “gentle” in it’s approach compared to other books of this genre, but not so gentle that you don’t actually feel it. You feel it. BIG TIME.”
  • Book Review – Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick <— More forbidden love! Student-teacher romance! A bit from my review: “But as in all of these “types” of stories… there is so much more to them than what is first presented. Secrets. Struggles. Suspicions. Saviors.”
  • Book Review – Black Lies by Alessandra Torre <— TWISTY TURNY and gasp-worthy!!!! Love triangle that will blow your mind! A bit from my review: “Now I’m just going to say… go in BLIND with this one, please!!! If you’re in the mood for a crazy, twisty romance story, then don’t even bother reading the rest of this review (for now). I gave it 4.5 stars (leaning on 5 stars), so just know that I loved it, so many fellow readers loved it, and it has a few *gasp-worthy* twists that most don’t even see coming.“
  • Book Review – Rainfall by Melissa Delport <— Another fantastic twisty-turns read!! Pure surprise. It twisted a few times and even when I thought I “knew” there was SO much more to know… A bit from my review: “…twists and turns and I was right for some, and wrong for others but… no matter what I managed to guess, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire second half, and couldn’t put it down. WOW what a ride!!!“
  • Book Review – Changing Course by Aly Martinez <— One of the most unique “normal” love stories this year! Hilarious, has an awesome cast of characters, and totally intense! A bit from my review: “It had EVERYTHING!!! While there was an incredible heart wrenching depth to the main part of this heartbreaking love story, there was plenty of humor to keep it from getting too heavy. It had all of that “emotionally dark” potential, but it never drowned us in it.“
  • Book Review – Crazy Good by Rachel Robinson <— Perfect title for this book!!! Military romance that had me in tears. A bit from my review: “I LOVED it. Almost every single second of it (with maybe a tiny slow-ish “lull” in the “comfort zone” in the middle). But I promise you. You don’t stay comfortable for long.”
  • Book Review – Hard Time by Cara McKenna <— She works in the prison… and falls for a prisoner. A bit from my review: “I love a book that makes me think. Doubt it. Doubt myself. Doubt my sanity. And maybe even change my mind, even if it’s just temporary. Like… for instance, this book.“
  • Book Review – Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover <— another unique, yet pure Colleen Hoover treasure!! Love triangle, funny friends, grumpy friends. It’s SO good! A bit from my review: “Sweeeeeeeeet!!!! But… daring. Not CRAZY daring… but she definitely took ‘em somewhere that surprised the heck out of me.“
  • Book Review – The Plan by Qwen Salsbury <— One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE romantic comedies. Her internal dialogue had me rolling, laughing!!! SHE IS AWESOME! And he was SO not into her. *snort* A bit from my review: “OMG you guys. Seriously. I’m not usually THAT into “romantic comedies” but this one just did it for me. It made me work for the “potential” romance (’cause you know… maybe HE’S not the one… I won’t say, you never know… *lips sealed*), but it had me laughing so often, and had me feeling so often, that it just felt like fun. The perfect Sunday afternoon read. The perfect anytime read.“
  • Book Review – Transcendence by Shay Savage <— most unique love story of the year! Falling in love with a caveman? ME? Yep! A bit from my review: “An unconventional, delightfully weird love story. Weird… but not quirky or corny, you know? Just… right up our alley, and I loved it!“
  • Book Review – Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson <— Has that “old-school-indie” damaged and brooding bad-boy feel!! A bit from my review: “Fantastic angsty potential love story, that had just enough of everything to keep me guessing, torturing me just right. You know I love it when it hurts, and this one stung real nice!“
  • Book Review – Remembering Us by Stacey Lynn <— Memory loss and she’s trying to piece her life back together… my heart!!! A bit from my review: “That’s part of what made this an exciting, unputtdownable read. It’s secrets were gradually revealed which kept me guessing to the very end. Well paced, and it kept me emotionally invested. Oh yes, this one is not just “mystery” and secrets. It’s about emotion and love.“

Happy New Year’s Eve Giveaway!!! TWO signed books by M. Pierce + an exclusive excerpt from “After Dark” (book #3)!

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Happy New Year’s Eve everyone!!! I hope all of you have a fun and crazy night of champagne, sparklies, noise makers and sparkly tiaras and crowns and fireworks planned tonight. OR!!! Just as good —> cozy in warm PJ’s watching the ball drop (or does it go up? I can’t remember?) in your favorite reading chair with a good book! Either way, today rocks and tonight is gonna rock even harder, because it’s bringing on a whole new year of excitement and happiness!

And here’s something to kick this new year off right!

One of my FAVORITE authors is giving away one of my FAVORITE books from 2013 (my review of Night Owl (The Night Owl Trilogy)), plus the latest 2014 release (book #2 – Last Light (The Night Owl Trilogy))!!! SIGNED!!! AND AND AND!!! An excerpt from book #3 (After Dark (The Night Owl Trilogy) which will be releasing in 2015)!!

Ready for that excerpt?

After Dark

The Night Owl Trilogy, book 3

We drove out to Betasso Preserve, where I knew we’d have some privacy. I took the Jeep. In spite of Hannah’s aloof mood, I found myself smiling as we hit the trail.

“I haven’t been here in a long time,” I said. “It’s beautiful.”

She remained silent.

I reached for her hand and admired her as we hiked. She wore loose, khaki-colored pants that hid the curves of her legs and a tight black tank top that hid nothing. A pink sports bra peeked out of under the tank, clinging to her ample chest.

I am horny as f**k today, I mused as we walked. Did sleeping without Hannah affect me, or was I always this bad? Impossible to tell. The harder I tried to pry my eyes off her, the more lascivious my stares became.

Finally, I tore my gaze free and glared at the horizon. It really was beautiful—the hills dotted with pines, the sky a flawless faded blue. No one in sight. Dry grass, hot wind . . . a harsh beauty particular to Colorado, which I had come to love.

Mm, and Hannah’s breasts . . . I longed to peel that sports bra off them . . .

F**k! I jerked my stare away from Hannah . . . again.

“Are you . . . okay?” she said.

“Of course.” I looked steadfastly at the trail. “Enjoying nature.”

“You sure? Cause you look like you want to murder nature.”

“I can’t focus. It’s this pace. I’m used to running on these trails.”

Briefly, I envisioned myself and Hannah jogging. Hannah jogging. Hannah’s tits—

Good f**king God!

“We’re dawdling,” I snapped. “I’m hungry . . . starved.” I picked up the pace, hauling poor Hannah along at my side.

When we lost sight of the trailhead and picnic tables, I plowed off the path, up a hillside. There, in an arbitrary coppice of pines, I came to a halt. I glared around.

“Here,” I announced.

She spread our blanket and I set down the pack.

The shade felt heavenly. I stripped off my t-shirt and used it to wick the light sweat from my face and arms. After a beat, I looked at Hannah.

Damn.

I’d hoped to catch her staring at me, but she was focused on unpacking our lunch.

“I need sunscreen on my back,” I said quietly.

Without so much as glancing at me, she found the bottle and held it up. I smirked and took it. So, she wanted to play hardball . . .

“Thanks.” I sat on a corner of the blanket and worked off my Merrells and socks at a leisurely pace. I rolled my ankles. I reapplied a film of lotion to my arms, then the nape of my neck, my sides around to my spine, down to the small of my back. I stretched forward and gave a soft, content moan as some bone in my back popped.

“I thought you were starved,” Hannah snapped, glaring into the pack.

“I am. My mouth is watering, in fact . . .” My gaze lingered on her body. I grinned and waggled the sunscreen bottle. “Safety first, though.”

I lay on my back and stretched out one leg. As I slathered sunscreen on my chest, I watched Hannah out of the corner of my eye. Ha, she looked tense . . . as tense as I’d probably looked on the trail, trying to keep my eyes off of her.

How does it feel, little bird?

I sighed audibly as I spread the lotion across my pecs, down my abs, lower. Hannah’s gaze flickered to my hands. I slipped the tips of my fingers under the band of my boxers and circled my waist slowly, lifting my hips.

“There,” I murmured. I sat up and smiled languidly at her.

“All done caressing yourself?” She smirked.

“You tell me.” I crawled toward her. “I know you like to watch . . .”

Her eyes widened, her lips parting.

“Here.” She shoved a sandwich at me.

Damnit.

Now for the signed book giveaway!

How to enter for a chance to win it? Just leave a comment, and by 10pm EST, Sunday January 4th 2015, I will randomly select ONE winner for the prize above (signed Night Owl and Last Light paperbacks with two bookmarks (also signed!).

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing 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 U.S. only but all are welcome to comment!

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – December 30th 2014

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I’m almost done Karina Halle’s latest *surprise* release (The Pact) and I’m enjoying it and can’t wait to finish. I hear there’s a moment of tear-your-heart-out angst and I can’t wait to get to that part!! For anyone that missed that release, I re-posted it below with a a few reader comments in the contemporary romance category.

Now… there ARE some other yummy looking ones on here that are tempting me badly! Like Love Always, Kate (I have a feeling this will be a sob-fest for me!), DEBT (I need to jump back in, ’cause quite a few here are loving it, and well… the darkness factor kind of scared me, but I’m gonna give it another go), and Mugs of Love (’cause he’s been staring at her from across the street for awhile now and loves her even though they haven’t met… WOW!!!) and Now You See Me (she’s  recluse and he’s a criminal on the run), Wait for Me (She’s been in love with him and when they finally get together, he enlists, and when he comes back.. he’s engaged to someone else. OUCH!), Hundred To One (ex-con working for a woman rebuilding her life. in her diner, and she’s being harassed… and he wants to protect her). Yep. So many on here that are making me excited and I noted a bunch more below.

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

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).

  • Love Always, Kate (Love Always Series Book 1) by D.Nichole King <— sounds heartbreaking! It was brought to my attention because book # 1.5 was just released (see it below) and I had to know more!!! So here is #1, and it is what I consider “bargain priced” and couldn’t help but point it out. She’s dying… thinking of letting go completely (no more fighting it) and… “I think I know what I want. Then, in walks Damian, changing everything. I mean, everything… He’s got his own set of issues. It binds us together, you know? We understand what it’s like to lose what matters most in seconds. Still, the last thing I need is to have someone else to crush if I can’t fight hard enough. And the last thing he needs is someone else to grieve.“
  • Last of the Bad Boys by Nora Flite <— Aimee found us this super-bargain!The blurb made me blush! Tee hee!! Here’s a “cleaner” portion of it…”When my phone rang, I didn’t expect her pretty voice to beg me for help. She thought I’d save her and that’d be it. Well.  Too bad. I’m hooked on this girl—I want her more than water or air. I wasn’t her first. But I planned to be her last.”
  • DEBT by Nina Jones <— Jessica HIGHLY recommends this one. AND I MEAN HIGHLY!!! I started it a week or so ago, and it made my eyes BUG out!!! Eeeeeeep! Darkness. But good, just was a bit dark for me at that time… however:

Jessica: So I have been in a total book slump for months… months!!! Sure I have read MANY books written by extremely talented authors and I have finished them satisfied with the story telling… but once I was finished that was it… not a second thought. Until last night… last night I read one of ‘those’ stories… you know the ones where you finish and your head is a twisted mess… because… because I should HATE him… he is not innocent… he did very bad things… very, very bad things… he was vulgar, rude, crude, criminal, selfish, controlling, infuriating, vengeful, twisted, calculating, DARK… and yet I can’t stop thinking about him… obsessing…dreaming… swooning…this is a problem! DEBT by Nina Jones.

Marsha: Ooohhhh…I am intrigued!

Maryse: YAY!!! I started this one… it was a bit er… EXTRA dark for my mood that week, but maybe I should jump back in.

  • Mugs of Love by Norma Jeanne Karlsson <— Amanda recommends this one! “Just finished this one and it so freaking good! One of my favorite writers ever!” Yep! That blurb has me!!! “Every day across the street from his furniture store, Garrett steals moments full of warmth from Emily Garner. As she floats happily through her coffee shop, Emily provides him glimpses into her soul. She’s pure and full of life in a way Garrett’s never experienced. He’s never heard her voice and doesn’t know the color of her eyes. But he knows she lights up like a beacon when she serves coffee to couples on their first dates. Emily can feel the tingles of new love even when she’s not the one experiencing the thrill. And Garrett can feel Emily’s joy from across the street…“
  • Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven <— Back on the list because Courtney loves it!! And I hear this was a fanfic, once! She says: “Just finished this book and it was crazy good. Sexy, full of angst and a brooding bad boy. This is one of the best one’s I have read all year and that is saying something considering we only have a few days left  This is a definite must read!”
  • Hate to Love You by Elise Alden <— Stephanie found us this super-bargain! She asks: “Have you read this book? The blurb makes me go Eeek” Why YES!! Yes I have read it, Stephanie and it’s goooood!!!!! Here’s my review.
  • Broken Dolls by Kitty Thomas <— And Janet enjoyed this recently released dark read from one of my FAV dark-read authors: “Broken Dolls was really good. Kind of quick read and stand alone.”
  • Free Me (The Found Duet Book 1) by Laurelin Paige <— And here’s Marsha’s recommendation: “Last week I recommended the Fixed Trilogy by Laurelin Paige (which was Awesome!!)….well she also has a spinoff of that series with “Free Me”….oh my word I am over half way through and it is AMAZING!! A definite must read!”
  • Forever His Baby by Morgana Phoenix & Airicka Phoenix <— Bargain priced! “Two brothers. One impossible choice” Hmmm this one sounds pretty intense! New release, lots of great reviews already!! Jessica says: “It’s angsty but sweet.” and Brenda agrees: “Just finished… I loved it!”
  • Tattooed Dots (The Halo Series Book 1) by Kimberly Knight <— Aimee found us this bargain priced one and it’s got TONS of great reviews. Synopsis has me for sure! Single father and an overwhelmed woman meet on a singles cruise (although SHE doesn’t know it’s a single cruise…)
  • Beauty in the Ashes (Beautifully Broken Book 1) by Micalea Smeltzer <— And Aimee found us this one too! He’s angry… (tragic past) but… “When Sutton Hale moves into the apartment across the hall from Caelan she’s not prepared for her reaction to him. Something in his broken blue eyes calls to her—after all she’s always had an irrational need to fix everything. But Caelan doesn’t do relationships or feelings. He does drugs and alcohol.“
  • Ace’s Redemption (Devil’s Despair Book 1) by A.C. Bextor <— BIKER ALERT!!! Another “Aimee bargain find” and it has a TON of great reviews. Mostly all 5 stars! “Although I knew I wasn’t enough to keep him, this didn’t deter my hope that one day he’d love me for who I was, not the broken girl he tried so desperately to save.“
           

PARANORMAL

            

CONTEMPORARY

  • After We Fell (The After Series Book 3) by Anna Todd <— 848 pages!!! HOLY MOLY! This is that “fanfic” I was telling you guys about a few days ago that just recently got picked up by a big publisher (the famous band and the girl falls for the singer…). Here is the series reading order!
  • The Pact by Karina Halle <— I’m almost finished this one and it’s good!! And Amber is loving it! “OMG! I am at 78% I think my heart is going to burst from my chest. Cannot put this book down!” and Kat loved it: “This is the perfect fluffy novel. Linden is another dirty talking sexy male to add to Karina hot men.”
  • Dangerous Alliance (Pure Sin Book 2) by Kyra Davis
  • Jaden (Jaded Series Book 3) by Tijan <— This one completes the trilogy!
  • Wild and Free (The Three Series Book 3) by Kristen Ashley <— the last book in her paranormal trilogy!!
  • Served Hot (Best Revenge Book 2) by Marie Harte
  • Seize (Delirious book 2) by Clarissa Wild <— This one sounds dark! But I think you have to read #1 first… (not standalone).
  • Hidden Agenda (Southern Crimes Book #3): A Novel by Lisa Harris
  • A Necessary Sin: The Sin Trilogy: Book I by Georgia Cate <— Look guys She’s starting a new trilogy and I know how popular she is with our reading crew!!! Oh wow! From the blurb, I’m gathering that she’s hellbent on revenge and as a special agent has plans for the gang that destroyed her past… but you know there’s that monkey wrench in the form of a heart-stealer… “…walking hand in hand with retribution means risking collateral damage, in the form of Breckenridge’s son Sinclair–until Sin becomes so much more than Bleu bargained for. She’s always known this undertaking would place her life in danger–she never imagined her heart would be as well.“
  • Now You See Me: A Novel by Lesley Glaister <— Intriguing synopsis! She’s sort of a recluse, cleaning houses and staying clear of attachments, and he’s in hiding! “A fugitive on the run for committing a violent crime, he’s accompanied by Gordon and Norma, two mutts who love him unconditionally. Doggo needs Lamb’s help to stay off the radar. He also needs her in other ways—even after he learns the terrible secret she’s been lugging around like a second skin…”
  • Limestone and Clay: A Novel by Lesley Glaister <— “Nadia is a sculptor driven by a single obsession: to conceive a child. Her husband, Simon, a geography professor, is on a quest to uncover new worlds beneath the earth’s surface. Each consumed by private passions, the two live a blinkered coexistence, unable to see the bigger picture until it’s too late.”
  • Finding Gavin (Southern Boys Book 2) by C.A. Harms
  • Reining Men (The Boot Knockers Ranch Book 3) by Em Petrova
  • Rumors by A.C. Arthur
  • Curves on the Range: A Big Girls & Bad Boys Erotic Romance by D.H. Cameron
  • Angel in Armani (New York Saints Book 2)  by Melanie Scott
  • Caught Inside by S. Briones Lim
  • After Us (The Before and After Series) by Amber Hart <— Sounds “new adult”. Two very troubled souls (one suffering the loss of her best friend and one suffering the loss of his cousin, joins a gang and is hell-bent on revenge).
  • The Lost Art of Falling in Love by Kate Donovan <— “how to” videos (this one is how to tie a bowtie), and her co-star and her are into each other… but “…he is alarmed by the profusion of online perverts responding to Gracie’s beauty, and she balks as his protective instincts take over.”
  • The Best She Ever Had (A Gibbons Gold Digger Novel) by Shelly Ellis
  • Second Chances: The Lust List: Devon Stone by Mira Bailee
  • Caged Sanctuary by Tempeste O’Riley <— M/M ROMANCE and it sounds so good! “Deacon James is an architect and a demanding Dom, but he has spent the past couple of years without a sub or partner. When an employee invites him to a dinner party to meet his girlfriend, Deacon smells a setup but agrees anyway. He prides himself on being an excellent judge of character, and when he meets the younger dentist, he sees past the chair and finds a sweet submissive man who more than piques his interest.“
  • Love Lonely (A Love Lonely Novel Book 1) by William C. Cole
  • You’re So Fine by Kieran Kramer <— MOVIE STAR ALERT!! Single mother to her adopted son… “Lacey is the adopted single mother of his son. She takes little Henry with her to South Carolina to escape the film business but winds up working at a small movie studio, determined to do a good job both on set and at “home.” Only problem is she ends up sharing a house with movie star Beau Wilder, who is no role model for Henry—and only spells trouble for Lacey…”
  • Private Lessons by Chelsea Dorsette
  • High Altitude by Carol Kelly <— undercover and in danger!
  • Hush by Karen Robards <— ROMANTIC SUSPENSE! “Enter Finn Bradley, an FBI agent with a dangerous secret. He’s after the money too, and Riley quickly becomes his chief suspect. But when someone tries to kill her, he has no choice but to protect her until he can uncover the truth. The question becomes, can they discover the killer’s identity in time, before he resurfaces—and strikes again?“
  • Eight Days: A Love Always Novella: 1.5 (Love Always Series) by D. Nichole King
  • I’m Doin’ Me by Anna Black
  • Never Giving Up (The Never Series Book 3) by Anie Michaels
  • Wild Bride (The West Series Book 7) by Jill Sanders
  • One to Leave (One to Hold Book 5) by Tia Louise <— COWBOY ALERT and even though it’s #5 in the series, the author indicates it’s a standalone.
  • Mending Scars (Others of Edenton Book 5) by Brandy L Rivers
  • Wait for Me by Shannon Alexander <— she’s been in love with her brother’s best friend forever, and when he finally returns the sentiment, things are great! But… “then Tyler goes off to join the military and is deployed shortly after. He only asks Alyssa for one thing when he goes ‘Wait for Me.’ But Alyssa is left alone with her love for Tyler, broken promises, and a secret she has tried to share with Tyler, but one he has never acknowledged, leaving Alyssa to deal with everything with just her family by her side, but not the one person she really needs. The love of her life. Two years later, Tyler returns to see Alyssa graduate, and he brings along his fiancé. Crushing Alyssa to pieces.” <— What what whaaaaaaat!!!??? OH NO!!
  • Best Man for Hire (Entangled Lovestruck) (Front and Center) by Tawna Fenske <— MARINE ALERT!!!
  • How Sweet It Is by Kelly Jamieson
  • No Ordinary Love by Kenya Wright
  • Hundred To One (Cedar Tree Book 2) by Freya Barker <— Oh I like the sound of this one!! She’s starting her life again, owns a diner and has hired him as her cook… and then she is attacked and harassed… and he’s wanting to protect her… “An ex-con with secrets of his own, Seb walks a fine line. Since he began working at the diner, he’s developed feelings for his fierce, stubborn boss, and the need to keep his distance from her, to protect her, is a daily struggle. When it appears that Arlene’s past has come back, rearing its ugly head while her defenses are low, Seb steps up and claims responsibility for Arlene, praying that he can keep her safe from whatever is coming her way.”
  • FOURTH & ONE by Janelle Taylor <— FOOTBALL STAR ALERT!!
  • Love Takes Your Breath Away (Truth About Love Book 1) by Caleigh Hernandez
  • Playing With the Drummer (Entangled Indulgence) (Head Over Heels) by Robin Covington <— lots of good reviews already on this one… ROCK STAR ALERT!!
                                       

PRE-ORDERS

               

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