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Book Review – Rule by Jay Crownover

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Rule: A Marked Men Novel
An oldie but definite goodie that’s been floating around on my TBR list for a year now, and I finally read it! What took me so long… eh… who knows? Maybe it’s the cover. He looks… young. And kind of like my cousin or something. 😉

But wow, once I got over that aspect (I just re-invented him in my head), it ended up being everything I look for in a “book bad-boy”. It had all of the right touches. Steamy, slightly angsty, infuriating (oh he can be bad!!) but he’s also protective and deliciously alpha. And believable. Mind you the parents of both main characters were a bit over-the-top, but I went with it, because it helped cinch other parts of the story and emotional connection.

If you’re looking for that, and haven’t read this, I highly recommend it. But I know… LOL! So many of you HAVE read it… hence the surprised reactions from my fellow readers when they realized I still hadn’t read it yet (especially considering my penchant for this kind of character). 😉

Stephanie: Hi Maryse! I really enjoyed Rule by Jay Crownover. It’s the first book in her Marked Men series. I can’t remember if you’ve read that one yet, but it was one of my faves last year. The second and third books are out now too.. I loved them all…

Joanna: I read Rule over the weekend and have to say that I REALLY like it.

AmyD: You will love Rule by Jay Crownover.  It’s all about the bad boy, even though there is great perspective given from the the girl too.  Steamy scenes and a sweet and rocky ride of love story.  The support of the characters families and group of friends lends a lot to the love, hurt, pain and darkness.  You will so fall in love with Rule Archer, I did!

Christina: Maryse I think you should read Rule (tattoo and piercings) for your next read 🙂

Jean: Can’t believe you haven’t read Rule (the 1st book) yet….it is so up your alley…they basically can’t stand each other in the beginning and I KNOW you love that type of relationship!

*shamefaced* I know, Jean… I don’t get me, either. And I DO love that kind of thing. Pining is fun! Well… sorta. 😉

And so it goes, Rule would be my next:

Maryse: Why don’t we just play with the moody grumpy single guys for a while? I have two of ‘em and I bet they’ll only make us furious. Not cry. hahahahahah!!! :P Er…. I mean… I don’t “HAVE” two… I just one-clicked…. two.

MichelleS: You’re going with a moody dude Maryse? Oh please let it be Rule…. Love him so much…. It had everything. The guy (the guy!!! oh…. the guy)…. and the girl (smart, sassy, sweet, likable). The older brother. The forbidden aspect (it’s no secret, it’s in the blurb – she is his dead twin brother’s girl since high school!!)…. what else can I say to convince you? It was GOOD. Totally missing out on that one. I SWEAR you’d love it. I just know it… I read it twice… and I don’t often do that! Ooh. Hope you like it!

Jean: Love that whole series, especially Jet and Rome, but Rule will always be my favorite!!

Fabi: Is Rule in Maryse’s list above?  Been meaning to ask forever..

Amy: Aw, come on!!! I was so adamant about sticking to my list and then you guys have to get me all worked up about Rule. *sigh* And I already have it on my iPad! Yay! Okay, list has been adjusted and Rule is coming up for me in the next few days.

Maryse: okay… are we all doing Rule tonight? Who’s doing Rule? I’ll do Rule if you do Rule. Amy… shut it! But do Rule. ;) *snort*

Tessa: Hey, I have Rule and haven’t read it. Who knew?

Cheryl: Rule, huh?! As soon as I’m finished with Fan Girl I’m in!!

Amy: Oh, I am IN! I’ll do Rule with you!! That twin thing always gets me. ;) Sounds like tonight is going to be a menage a Rule. *snort* Yeah, so that was cheesy. And probably made no sense. Whatever. Sounded hot to me.

Maryse: LOL!!! We walked right into that one… 😉

Yep… *sigh*. It was very good! Right up my “bad-boy” alley, and so many of you knew it would be. Nothing over-the-top, dialogue right on par with how I think a guy like him would speak, and while he at times, proves himself to be sweet, he sure as heck messes up. Plus, he has that unapproachable, somewhat anti-social thing about him. He acts, and reacts in ways that I could totally believe.

Amy: Rule… *sigh* I went back and forth between loving Mr. Hottie with a very special piercing and wanting to rip that piercing out. With pliers. It’s okay though…he was worth it!

LOL AMY!!!! Yeah… he put the “bad” in bad boy a few times, that’s for sure!

Plus. What’s even better (for me, at least), is that she’s been pining for him for YEARS!!!

All I ever wanted in life was to affect him, to get him to feel something, anything, other than simple tolerance for me.

They’ve been “forced-friends/family?” since childhood, but he considered her his brother’s girl, and anyway, she wasn’t his type in the least.

“I like her fine.” I refused to comment on her hotness or lack thereof because it was weird. Of course I had eyes in my head so I knew logically she’s a beautiful girl, but she seemed so cold and so untouchable that I never really thought of her as attractive…

I think Michelle called her “uppity” in one of the comments, and that’s about perfectly described as how HE saw her (not necessarily who she was). His bad-ass/bad-boy attitude barely even give her a second glance as anything more than an extended family member, and an irritating one at that.

“Don’t lie. You two can’t stand each other.”

I shrugged a little. “She’s like family. You know how I feel about family.”

I LOVE that unrequited love thing, and he’s honestly been completely out of the loop when it came to how she felt about him.

“I think we need to figure out what’s going on between us.”

OH YES PLEASE!!!

Let the fun begin. 😉

Everything about Rule (the characters, the friends, his brother, the interactions) felt real. A few bouts of drama here and there, and heartache (with good reason!) but nothing tooooo crazy-angsty (just angsty enough – but I’ll let you experience that part),

She leaned forward and let her forehead hit the center of my chest. “Rule, if this goes bad it’s gonna be so, so bad.” Her voice was just a husky whisper against my chest.

“True, but if it’s good, it’s going to be so very, very good.”

*swoooooon* SOOOO much of that. 😉

And!!! It was even scary at one point (and believable there, too!!!). It was pretty great.

Did it put me in a love fog? Not a full-on day-long fog or anything, but I definitely slow-motion read a few of his parts as I swooned. So Rule definitely has that effect.

4 stars! <— I loved the flow of it, and I loved “being” her. And I loved his intensity when he really started looking at her differently. I believed it. Nothing too crazy (emotion-wise/love-fog wise for me) hence the 4 star rating, but darn good!

[lasso rel=”amzn-rule-a-marked-men-novel” id=”97259″]

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

➔➔➔  Love this genre? Browse more unrequited love features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – September 9th 2014

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<— Okay yeah… I know… rolleyes I’m cheating a bit ’cause this one hasnt been released yet, but it’s coming out soon, is up for pre-order and…. OMG finally! LOL! 😛

Yep! But that’s not the only great news. It’s a great release day all around from much-loved paranormal authors, to crazy-awesome sounding steamy reads JUST FOR ME!!! AND US! Plus, a few exciting pre-orders that just came to light and have so many of us *squeeeeeeing!!!* (like Captivated By You up there, and Smiley by Laurann Dohner).

Okay so here are a few that have me waggling my eyebrows with excitement. I wanna try ’em! Uncivilized <— HELLO!?? Have you seen this blurb. He’s a SAVAGE. For real! GAH! YES!! and Without You Here (sad looking sexy older man… at the bar she’s at. Married? Not sure… but sounds like heartache for them…), Crash Into You (on the run from ex, with his dirty-money! *eeeeep!* survives plane crash… escapes into the mountains and meets a doctor!).

Okay so I’m still adding to this as we speak, but we’re in a HUGE rain/wind-storm right now, and I fear I may be losing electricity soon enough. LOL! Or maybe my roof. GAH!!!! 😛 Okay so here’s the list so far…

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

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

  • Odd Thomas: An Odd Thomas Novel by Dean Koontz <— OMG I LOVED this movie!!! It IS romance… along with some fun-freaky-scary stuff!! Had me openly sobbing at one point. I’m one-clicking it. 😀 Plus, it’s a series that so many are loving. I kind of wrote a mini movie review with the reading order right here: Odd Thomas Series Reading Order
  • Infinitely by Cheryl McIntyre <— Childhood best friends… “Benji is no longer the sweet, easygoing kid he once was. A lifestyle of drugs and violence has hardened him, leaving him hollow and despondent. But his feelings for Briar have always been his one constant…“
  • Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans Book 4) by Kym Grosso <— sounds like some “alpha-wolf & the human he just saved” FUN!
  • Dangerous to Know & Love by Jane Harvey-Berrick <— Sheena found us this one on sale, saying: “… such a brilliant book Maryse great read and even better price, I hope you get a chance to read it as I think you would love it. FLASH SALE! DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE 99¢!” Oh this sounds YUMMY!!! “Moody, with an explosive temper, closed off and sullen, he’s also beautiful, tatted in delicious ways…” and then… “When Daniel and good girl Lisanne Maclaine have to work on together on assignment, Lisanne finds there’s a lot more to the college’s bad boy than his reputation.”
  • Renegade Lady (Renegade Sons MC Book 1) by Dawn Martens <— BIKER ROMANCE ALERT! “Jenna “Ice” Chandler grew up as part of a motorcycle club. She considered it her home, until one wrong move made it her prison. After months of abuse, she is rescued by Chipper, who takes her to Big Clifty, Missouri, home of the Renegade Sons MC.”
  • Renegade Reject (Renegade Sons MC Book 2) by Emily Minton <— BIKER ROMANCE ALERT! And here’s book #2. “Preach has a secret; one that forces him to choose between Daisy and his brothers. Even though he loves Daisy, the Renegade Sons are the only true family he has. He knows he can’t have her, yet he can’t let her go…”
  • Losing Control (Kerr Chronicles Book 1) by Jen Frederick <– And book #2 was just released. “I don’t know much about him, except that he has more money than some small countries. And he’s willing to spend it on me. Just one catch: there’s a string attached, and not just the one I feel pulling me into his arms and his bed. There’s also the plan for revenge he wants my help with…“
  • Taking Control: A Novel (Kerr Chronicles Book 2) by Jen Frederick <— and here’s book #2!
  • Falling Under by Jasinda Wilder <— Nancy found us this one saying: “Falling Under by Jasinda Wilder was just reduced.” It can be read as a standalone and I have NO idea how to take that blurb… intriguing indeed!! She’s in love with a bad boy… THAT much I gathered 😉 and then… “My name is Oz Hyde, and you’ve never met me. I’m part of the story, too, but I’m an aside, a quick line or two you’d all but forgotten about. Well guess what? I’ve got my own story to tell. Buckle up, ‘cause this is gonna be a hell of a bumpy ride.“
  • With You (Tear Asunder #0.5) by Nashoda Rose <— Stephanie found out these dark/kidnap reads are on sale, saying: “Have you read the Tear Asunder Series by Nashoda Rose??? If you haven’t, you don’t know what you’re missing!!! For a limited time, get #0.5 & #1 on SALE for 99¢ each!… Both Books are Dramatic, ANGST-Filled Stories that will hold your attention throughout the entire series!”
  • Torn from You (Tear Asunder Book #1) by Nashoda Rose <— Here’s #1
  • Overwhelmed by You (Tear Asunder #2)  by Nashoda Rose <— not on sale but still bargain priced!
  • Running On Empty: An LCR Elite Novel by Christy Reece <— Jackie recommends this one! “Just finished this one and it is her best one yet. Tortured Hero alert!”
  • Torn Trilogy Box Set by J.M Walker <— Stephanie found us this one, saying: “…three full length novels, wrapped up in one boxset… Torn Trilogy Box Set by J.M. Walker on SALE for 99¢! Includes: Possessed by You #1, Revealed by You #2, and Perfected by You #3” Ohhh yep. Sounds up my alley! “He was dark and thrilling, intense and controlling. And he captivated me from the very start. He unleashed something inside of me like no other. His bad rep and troubled past drew me to him like gasoline feeding a flame…“
  • Contessa (Choisie Book 1) by Lori Otto <— and Stephanie found us this one, too! “The much-loved author of the Emi Lost & Found series brings you… Choisie Series by Lori L. Otto – …are on SALE”
  • Olivia (Choisie Book 2) by Lori Otto <—
  • Dear Jon (Choisie Book 3) by Lori Otto <— 😀 I LOVED this authors other heart-wrenching angsty romance series (Emi Lost and Found) and this one is the spin-off!
  • Needing Moore Series Boxed Set by Julie A. Richman <— The whole series bundled and on sale, and Julie recommends it! “I read the Needing Moore series and loved it! I five starred the last book and I’m stingy with those five star ratings! a great price for all three books and they are finished although a spin off is planned and I can’t wait to read it or anything else she writes. Needing Moore was sweet and angsty – highly recommend!“
  • Skipping Stones by J.B. McGee <— super-angsty sounding one! It’s a standalone, she’s grieving a loss, meets someone who helps her begin her healing process and then… “…she’s made it her personal mission in life to save as many lives as possible. The extreme high she gets from treating trauma victims turns into Alex’s own form of therapy, or so she thinks. When faced with her world being turned upside down, Alex may just find that her true therapy is in the one who has always saved her.“
                  

PARANORMAL

             

CONTEMPORARY

  • Happenstance: A Novella Series (Part Two) by Jamie McGuire
  • Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss Book 1) by Nalini Singh <— ROCK STAR BOOK ALERT!! This one is from the hugely popular “Nalini Singh” (she’s one of our queens of paranormal”) but this time she went into bad boy contemporary romance territory! 😀
  • Greetings From Sugartown by Carmen Jenner <— LOOKIE!! I know a TON of our fellow readers went nuts for book #1 (although I hear it gets REALLY crazy-dark in that one), and now, there’s more!
  • Rule’s Property (The House of Rule Book 2) by Lynda Chance <— Orphaned as a teen, moves in with a family…”…but there’s something about the middle brother that causes an inexplicable wariness within her. When she finally emerges from her grief several years later, it becomes apparent that somewhere along the way, without her input and much to her anxiety, she’s become Nick Rule’s exclusive property.” <—WHAT WHAT WHAAAAATT!!?? Sounds like this could be fun. 😉
  • DAMAGED GOODS: The Outsider Chronicles by Nicole Williams
  • My Control (Inside Out) by Lisa Renee Jones
  • The Hook Up (Game On Book 1) by Kristen Callihan <— Bad boy football hero and uptight and uninterested (but super-interested) heroine. “The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love…”
  • Beast Part 3: An Erotic Fairy Tale by Ella James
  • Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett <— OH MY!!!!!!! WHAT. IS. THIS!??? “Savage man, loner, warrior… I am dangerous at my core. I have lived amidst the untamed wild of the rainforest, in a society that reveres me and where every woman falls before me in subjugation. Now I’ve been discovered. Forced to return to a world that I have forgotten about and to a culture that is only vaguely familiar to my senses. Dr. Moira Reed is an anthropologist who has been hired to help me transition back into modern society. It’s her job to smooth away my rough edges… to teach me how to navigate properly through this new life of mine. She wants to tame me…” Ooomph! And Chris just told me: “Excellent Maryse. Just 20%in and it’s heating up really fast. I love all of Sawyer Bennett’s books.” and Jo agrees: “It was SUPER HOT and totally fun read.” and Jennifer loved it, too: “Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. Wish there was an epilogue .”
  • No Weddings by Kat Bastion, Stone Bastion
  • Ignited: A Most Wanted Novel by J. Kenner
  • Boarded by Love (Bellevue Bullies Series Book 1) by Toni Aleo <— BAD BOY HOCKEY PLAYER ALERT!!
  • Bang Bang by Rachel Van Dyken <— MAFIA ROMANCE ALERT! (and it can be read as a standalone) “Now he’s back. Alive. And he wants something… Me. Nobody ever said the mafia played fair. Welcome to The Family.”
  • Open Road: A Biker’s Anthology by A.C. Bextor, Chelle Bliss, Dawn Martens, Emily Minton, Glenna Maynard, Jani Kay, Lila Rose, Nina Levine, Ryan Michele
  • Make It Right: A Bowler University Novel by Megan Erickson <— “When a rash of assaults sends Bowler University for a tail spin, Max volunteers to help teach a self-defense class. One of the other instructors is the beautiful pixie-faced girl he keeps butting heads with…and who challenges everything he thought he knew…”
  • Mending Him by Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon <— M/M historical romance
  • The Lover’s Game by J.C. Reed <— “I hope to never see you again. Last time you betrayed me, I ran away. You looked for me and found me, and I chose to forgive you. This time, your secrets hit me much worse. I don’t think I can ever recover. I don’t think I can ever look at you and not be reminded of them.“
  • Festive in Death by J.D. Robb
  • Without You Here by Carter Ashby <— “After fighting with her boyfriend, Ettie’s only goal is to drown her sorrows in some Jack Daniels. But when she walks into a country tavern, her attention is immediately redirected to the sexy, older man at the bar. He looks lonely, and sad, and absolutely mouth-watering…”
  • Dare to Submit (Dare to Love Book 4) by Carly Phillips
  • Roped In: A Blacktop Cowboys® Novella (1001 Dark Nights) by Lorelei James
  • School Fling Anthology: Class Is In Session by Jessica Wood, J.S. Cooper, Helen Cooper <— 6 books for less than the price of one!! Sounds like there might be some student-teacher romances in there. 😉
  • Chasing Trouble (a Chasing Love novel) (Entangled Brazen) by Joya Ryan <— BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER ALERT!! Teacher and professional bull rider… “…she allows herself one fantasy-filled night with her best friend’s bad boy brother.” <— *oomph!* Or at least… it sounds like it. 😉
  • Beginnings: A Collection of First-in-Series New Adult Romances by Tammy Falkner, Marquita Valentine, Brenna Aubrey, Beverley Kendall, Elyssa Patrick, Catherine Gayle, Sarra Cannon <— “Seven best-selling New Adult romance authors offer the first books in their series. From tattoo artists, to billionaires to rock stars, and everything in between, you’re guaranteed to get hooked on one or more new series.”
  • Built for Power (Women of Power Book 2) by Kathleen Brooks
  • unStrapped (Strapped Series Book 3) by Nina G. Jones <— “What do you do when the man who you love more than anyone else in the world terrifies you?”
  • Melt For Him (a Fighting Fire novel) (Entangled Brazen) by Lauren Blakely <— BEST FRIEND’S SISTER ALERT! Plus he’s a firefighter AND a bartender… *waggles eyebrows*
  • One Night of Scandal (an After Hours novel) (Entangled Brazen) by Elle Kennedy <— Ruh Roh. Best friend’s girl…. “Ex-fighter Reed Miller has been secretly lusting over his best friend’s girl for months, but he refuses to jeopardize a friendship over a woman–especially one who doesn’t like him all that much…”
  • Forever Family: Jase and Carly Summer Loving part ‘Due’ (Men of Steel Book 5) by MJ Fields
  • Mustang Annie by Rachelle Morgan
  • Palace Hills by S. Briones Lim <— Hrmmm… The blurb intrigues me but I have no clue what it could be about… dystopian? Contemporary romance? From what I’m gathering… a bad neighborhood, a love interest, a tragic *thing*, she leaves it behind… rebuilds her life and comes back to it 5 years later… “Upon return, one slip in judgment threatens to bring the life she had worked so hard to build to come crashing down.”
  • Chasing Perfection Vol. 3 by M. S. Parker <— This one completes the series!
  • As Darkness Gathers (Dark Betrayals Book 2) by Emma Elliot
  • Love Poison by Pete Barber
  • Forsaken by Sarah Balance
  • Threshold: A Society of Masters Anthology by Lynn Kelling
  • Crash Into You by Cara Ellison <— Interesting premise!! Running away from her ex (a dirty-cop and she has his laundered money) her plane goes down (reported as having no survivors)… “As a survivor of the plane crash, Aimee is injured but makes her way down the mountain to find shelter and plan her new life. She’s discovered by Mark Spanner, a doctor who is running from secrets of his own.”
  • Virtue Falls by Christina Dodd
  • Take the Heat: A Criminal Romance Anthology by Skye Warren, Pam Godwin, Shoshanna Evers , Giselle Renarde, Tamsin Flowers, Elizabeth Coldwell, Cynthia Rayne, Trent Evans, Audrey Lusk ,Sheri Savill <— “The ultimate bad boys, criminals capture our attention and awaken our darkest desires. Celebrate the illicit in this romantic suspense anthology, where handcuffs are used for more than play. These stories are shocking, sexy, and thought-provoking.“
  • Body Language (The Boot Knockers Ranch) by Em Petrova <— COWBOY ALERT!!
  • MASON (Second Chance Novels Book 2) by Kemmie Michaels <— MILITARY MAN BAD-A$$ alert!
  • Love’s Taming (The Love’s Series) by Maryann Jordan <— “…one night, danger and surprise show up in the alley behind her clinic. And Annie is in for the ride of her life. Stoney is a mystery. A man of few words but smoldering looks. She decides to take a risk and after a night of passion finds herself thrown into a world that she never knew existed. A world of drugs, danger and intrigue.“
  • Nashville Crush by Bethany Michaels <— RECLUSE ALERT!! “…she mistakes her new next door neighbor for a Peeping Tom and clobbers him with her sweet tea pitcher. Her accidental victim is reclusive, a little surly and irresistibly sexy with the whole smoldering gaze and body-of-a-god thing going on. Even though the last thing she wanted when she escaped to Nashville was more man problems, she can’t help but be drawn in by the sexy walking mystery next door.” Awww sounds fun!!
  • A Family Affair: Fall: Truth in Lies, Book 4 by Mary Campisi <— “Gina Servetti was raised to believe she wasn’t enough–not thin enough, not pretty enough, not clever enough. She’s more comfortable with a spreadsheet than a conversation and doesn’t trust easily, especially where men are concerned, most notably the good-looking, smooth-talking ones like Ben Reed…”
  • Dying for Love (A Slaughter Creek Novel) by Rita Herron
  • Stripping the Billionaire (Heirs of Damon Book 4) by Noelle Adams
  • (Watch Me) Break You (Run This Town Book 1) by Avril Ashton <— M/M romance!
                                          
PRE-ORDERS:
  • Hostage by N.S. Moore – expected release date September 10th 2014 <—- Okay admittedly, so I don’t know this author, or the story (or past work) or anything. I just heard of this one today, and you know me… the blurb, the cover and that title have my attention! ;) “Before Code. And after him. I didn’t know then what he would be to me. I didn’t know how he would transform the fabric of my existence. I didn’t know he would move me, reshape me, mold me into someone else, someone I wanted to be. Afterwards, he would become my lover, my savior, my hope, and my strength. But, before that, he was my hostage-taker.” <— Eeeeep! eek
  • The Understatement of the Year (Ivy Years #3) (The Ivy Years) – expected release date September 29th 2014!
  • The Perfect Witness by Iris Johansen – expected release date September 30th 2014 <— “She had the perfect life. She had the perfect cover. She was the perfect witness. Until they found her.”
  • Kisses After Dark (McCarthys of Gansett Island Series Book 12) by Marie Force <— expected release date October 1st 2014
  • Smiley (New Species) by Laurann Dohner <— expected release date October 28th 2014
  • Captivated By You (A Crossfire Novel) by Sylvia Day – expected release date November 18th 2014 “Gideon calls me his angel, but he’s the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.” <— *sigh* 😉

     

Author News Roundup – September 8th 2014

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Some fun news today including one piece of news that seems as if EVERYONE has been waiting for!! From “release dates” to works-in-progress updates, to fun tour pics, to new releases to books that just went up for pre-order, there is lots of good news here! 😀

<— (P.S. That one to the left is now LIVE!!!)

  • Ella James is releasing “Beast #3” sometime within the next 24 hours! She says: “I’m going to make this third volume 99 cents for the first 12 hours after it’s published. … I’m hitting “publish” anew sometime on Sunday. Amazon usually takes between 7-24 hours to make a book “live” on its site. So I won’t know exactly when it’s going to hit the store.“
  • Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover & Abbi Glines updates us on their current “Fall In Love” Atria Indies book tour! Jamie says:
Mondays normally aren’t all that great, but they are during the #FallinLoveTour! Today we’ll make our final stop in St. Louis, MO! Be sure to come see Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, and I for the final Atria Indie Authors 2014 event at the St. Charles Library. 7:00 PM! If you’ve missed any part of the tour, check out our Instagram accounts, packed full of pictures and funny videos.
Sidenote from Maryse —> check out this “Fall in Love” tour blog for fun pics and updates!
“I’ve been MIA as I work diligently on INSIDIOUS…I can’t express to you how much I’m loving this book. I will admit it was VERY difficult for me to move away from Tony and Claire. They’ve had residence in my head for four years. But I have to tell you…Victoria is something else! She is amazing, tough as nails, cunning…well, let me just say…she’ll do whatever is necessary to get what she wants or whomever!
I don’t want to say anymore…I’m out of here for a while.
Please get as excited as I am for INSIDIOUS!! It’s COMING!!!”
  • Emma Chase (author of Tangled) has posted an FAQ on her website!
  • R.K. Lilley just posted a teaser for her upcoming book, Mr. Beautiful.
  • Claire Wallis just sent me this fun tidbit:
“Did ya hear yet? PUSH #2’s official title is PULL. Will have a release date and cover soon!!!” <— *squeeeeee* This is ONE cliffhanger that had me on that excited edge. So worth it. Here’s my 4.5 star review of book #1: Push
  • Rachel Van Dyken’s Bang Bang just went live on Amazon, too!! Ooooh what’s this one about? Lemme go look! It’s a mafia romance book…

“This is the Mafia. Lines are blurred. Choices are never black and white. And the life you thought you knew is… one giant lie. He was dead. And I didn’t want his life to be in vain, so I tried to make something of myself. I tried and failed. Now he’s back. Alive. And he wants something… Me. Nobody ever said the mafia played fair. Welcome to The Family. ” Eeeeeep!! 😉

“Fire captain and bar owner Becker Thomas usually spends his nights alone, trying to escape painful memories from his past. When he meets a sexy, free-spirited brunette outside his bar, he knows he’s found the perfect way to forget for one night. But when he discovers the woman he wants back in his bed is his best friend’s sister, everything comes to a halt.” <— SQUEE!!! BEST FRIEND’S SISTER! I love those… 😉

Oh!!! AND PRE-ORDERS that are going live tomorrow:

                       

Suddenly Sunday Sales! September 7th 2014

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Okay so it’s not just “sales” but every book on here IS bargain priced. We’ve got some great looking new releases from this weekend too, so I thought I’d compile us a little “early” list. 😉

  • Holding On (Lights of Peril Book 1) by A.C. Bextor <— Been hearing that this is one of the best MC/Biker series ever (and have some serious book addicts recommend it to me all the time!) Stephanie just found out that they’re on sale! “Books #1 & #2 are on sale  Each for a limited time! This MC Series has great reviews and ratings. Check it out!”
  • The Way Home (Lights of Peril Book 2)  by A.C. Bextor <— (and while I’m at it, here is the Lights of Peril Series Reading Order)
  • Let Love Be (The Love Series Book 4) by Melissa Collins <—- and while it is book #4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone! Her husband died in an accident… “Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.“
  • The Devil’s Contract (Contracts & Deceptions Book 1) by Claire Contreras <— Stephanie found out this one today! Ohh that blurb! “He gave them a choice. She took it. He made her promise two years. She should have known there was a catch.“
  • God Shaped Hole: A Novel by Tiffanie DeBartolo <— She wrote one of my all-time FAVORITE books, and now this one’s on sale too! It’s on my main TBR list and I know it’s going to blow me away… Marina LOVED it: “I’ve said it before on your site…  love Tifannie’s writing. LOVE. I’ll read anything she writes and hoping there will be more!!!” and Suzanne says: “It is awesome! You will not regret one clicking!”
  • Knight (The Unfinished Hero Series) by Kristen Ashley <— Michelle points out that the first 3 in this series are still on sale, saying: “Knight, Creed and Raid!!! If you are in the mood for Kristen Ashley HEAVY then grab these. These men are her alpha men but with EXTRA testosterone. Unfinished heroes series.“
  • Creed (Unfinished Heroes) by Kristen Ashley <—
  • Raid (Unfinished Heroes) by Kristen Ashley <—
  • Trashy (Take It Off Book 10) by Cambria Hebert <— JUST RELEASED!! Each book can be read as a standalone… Here’s a bit from the blurb: “I moved out. I’m saving my stripper’s salary for an education that will get me somewhere better. But breaking the chains of a shitty past isn’t easy. He says I owe him. He says we aren’t done. I don’t care what he says anymore. I do care about Adam. But my history tells me I’m not the best judge of men. And the fact Adam’s been married four times tells me he probably isn’t a safe choice…” Here’s the Take It Off Series Reading Order (although they are ALL standalones).
  • Finding Ours (A Finding Series Novella) by Megan Smith <— JUST RELEASED!
  • Inevitable Detour (Inevitability Book 1) by S.R. Grey <— JUST RELEASED!! Okay this sounds good!! “Enter Farren Shaw. Not only is he older and intimidating, but he’s more sure of himself than any 29-year-old man has a right to be. Did I mention that he’s drop-dead gorgeous? Well, he is. He also happens to be my best friend Haven’s brother.” <— And then her best friend goes missing…
  • Reclaiming the Sand by Meredith Walters <— And here’s a bargain-priced reader recommendation. Oh yessss! I remember this blurb (she’s the bully and he’s the victim…) and then they meet again later on in life… Kandace loved it, saying: “Reclaiming the Sand by Meredith Walters was such a gem. I am so happy I finally listened to Nancy and read it. It was a truly unique story. I just adored Flynn. He had such a beautiful and loyal soul.“
  • The Fiery Cross (Outlander Book 5) by Diana Gabaldon <— on sale today!!! These must be read in order (one of my fav series ever) so here is the Outlander Series Reading Order.
  • Man of My Dreams by Faith Andrews <— Jennifer just sent me this add-on! “Missed one. Man of My Dreams by Faith Andrews is on sale for 99 cents ” From the blurb, she and her husband are separated… she goes to her high school reunion and “Although her heart still belongs to her husband, inescapable thoughts of her crush, Noah, resurface. And ten years later, Noah isn’t afraid to make his move.” BUT!! Her husband is still around… “Mia is his one and only and he’s not about to let another man win her heart.”

             

Book Review – Bright Side by Kim Holden

By 42 Comments

Bright Side

*sniff sniff* cry Welp. It was pretty fantastic.sad *sniff sniff*

*glares at all of you that recommended this!!* Glares? Thaaaaaaaaaaaat’s right!!! GLARES! confused  (<— it was a much angrier-looking smiley, but “Bright Side” taught me not to indulge that kind of face and emotion, so… you know. It’s a “baby glare”).

Lin: You.guys!!! You must pick up Bright Side by Kim Holden.  I’ve never ugly cried so much since I’ve read Arsen.  What a beautiful book!! Make sure you have tissues ready!!

but she adds…

Lin: Don’t compare Bright Side with Arsen… I just want to clarify that I never FELT so much since that book did a number on me. Bright Side has ruined me for any other book.  Seriously, this book is the book you want to read.

Kim: Almost finished with Bright Side..I started last night…definitely a MUST read! I’ve never come a character so genuinely beautiful as Kate. She’s by far my favorite female character ever… Head’s up be prepared to be shocked to your core and make sure you have multiple boxes of tissue available…. A phenomenal read!

Melannie: Does it pick up after the first few chapters? I read the sample but it was a little slow…

Amy: I was up until midnight reading this book and bawling. I don’t think I’ve cried like that in a really long time. Amazing book!!

Kandace: Yay, I just sampled too and it seemed slow.

Summer: I also sampled it and agree with kandace and melannie seemed slow I will go for it if it picks up. But it sounds like it may break my heart

Heather: Bright Side is good….total ugly cry. Well written, cute, fun, witty writing yet kind of slow build up but hang in there.

Melanie: I was in the car after picking up my daughter from school and a song came on the radio that reminded of that ‘one scene’ in Bright Side, and I started balling in front of my 5 year old. JEEZ, I just got rid of the cry headache from reading that book.

Lise: Ha Maryse, I read Bright Side on Sunday (non stop) I was going to message you and tell you about this, but figured you already had a heads up. It is so sweet and touching and yes, Kate is a favorite heroine for sure, dude! 😉

Ha! Dude. I was totally wondering… “why is Lise calling me “dude”? She never calls me dude. Nobody calls me dude…” LOL!!!! I totally get the “dude” part now…

But yep. 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. 😉

That was something else. Beautiful, sweet, positive, quirky, bittersweet, poignant. Valuable life lessons learned via a colorful cast of characters, each with their own personal issues, and the heroine that is the center of it all. Even when things get tough, Kate (aka “Bright Side”) is always the first to shed light… “…peace and love and good happiness stuff.”* It’s like it’s simply… ingrained in her. She can’t be anything but positive, and boy do I love that message! We need a little more “Bright Side” in our lives.

Smiles aren’t always happy, but hers is. It’s open, content, and confident. She looks friendly in the most literal sense of the word, like you’d swear you’ve known her for years and she knows all your secrets. And still likes you in spite of them.

So what’s it about? Gah! I don’t even know how to describe it, well I do… to someone like my husband that won’t be reading it. That notices I’m crying again, even after I’ve finished the book and has to put “Elf” on again to help fix me. 😉 It did help. But here I am, writing the review, reflecting on a few particular scenes and I’m getting all choked up again.

Okay so I’ll just give a quick… intro.

Even though she’s lived a tough childhood, one *mostly* in love (at least by those that should have loved her),  Kate simply doesn’t want to be… angry. Can’t hold a grudge. She’s not shy, she loves BIG hugs, she loves to take care of those that need it. LOVES I tell you. Not out of obligation, but out of her big heart. Some take to her so well… (even those that have built walls around them), but some… not so much. That alone made me sad.

But that doesn’t deter Kate. She’s does her best with what she has, and doesn’t worry about the details. Fun, life, love, family and friends, and at least “trying” to help even those that act as if they don’t want it.

“Not sure what you’re going for, but you do know that the twins are on full display, right?”

She shrugs. “Yeah.”

I throw her a thumbs up. “Okay, you’re all good then sister. See ya.”

Tee hee!!! Well, at least she tried to help. 😉

So Kate leaves behind her lifelong gorgeous best friend “Gus”, to go to college (while he begins his tour with his up and coming and already almost famous, rock band). She’s up to making new friends, having new experiences, even surviving “snow” for the first time in her life. No love, for her though. That is one complication she can do without. But you know how that goes… 😉 A new crush flourishes no matter how hard she tries to stifle it, all while she and Gus hold onto their forever-bond via Skype.

It’s sweet… in fact, at first I found it all… a bit too sweet. She was a bit too peppy. Too quirky. Too original. Too giving. Too patient. Too perfect… in that delightfully imperfect (or at least, unconcerned) way. Musical virtuoso, big into unknown/indie bands, makes her own unconventional but cool t-shirts, gorgeous (but unassuming). You know… in that “I just rolled out of bed and yes my hair’s a mess but no biggie” way. Will befriend anybody, and will make them feel like her very best friend ever… being in her head felt almost… a little… well… just not what I was used to. But then again… I don’t think there are many “Kates” out there.

But at 50% (yep… it took until 50% for me to truly latch on), I was IN!!! Once we hit that part, we were in full-on “love drama”, a bit of personal character drama (social issues, appearances… you know the real stuff). While the characters are “deep” (or at least “meant to be deep” from the start of the book), their personalities and depth really kick in at about the halfway point. Again, I’m not sure if I just got attached to them by then, or if the story and characters found their rhythm or what, but it took awhile for me  (’cause at times I found some of them to be a bit over-the-top in their actions). Mind you, the adamant reader recommendations kept me going, ’cause I knew I was in for something BIG!

Meredith: I downloaded “Bright Side” two days ago and CANT. PUT. IT. DOWN. I have loved ALOT of books, but this one has a special place in my heart. The characters are so LOVABLE and the story SO tragic!! I will read it over and over and over. Its one of those books, that just stick with you long after its over. I rate this one right up there with all my favorites, this author is just incredible!! Even if you don’t review it, READ IT! This book needs to be shared!!!! I am going to stalk you EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. until you read Bright Side!!!!!!

side note from Maryse: Eeeeeeeeep!!!! eek

Traci: I’m about **% in Bright Side. I think it’s really good so far.. I’m scared to finish it though …I went in pretty blind…I guess I’ll just bite the bullet @ finish it…ughh..

Brynne: Read Bright Side this week. It was soooo good! I loved it! Must read!

Traci: Finished “Bright Side” my eyes are still red from ugly crying..Think I need a drink now & a lighter book…on the bright side (haha) *spoiler* has a story coming in 2015!! Woohoo

Cheryl: Just have to finish crying, I mean reading Bright Side…

Cheryl: Finished Bright Side. Dear God I’m wiped. Oh yeh, UGLY CRY.

Denise: OMG!! I am so happy that you are reading Bright Side !! It is easily one of my favorite books of this year and will go down on my list of FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME.  It’s simply amazing.  It’s inspiring, uplifting, humorous, and gut-wrenching.

Yesssssss Denise. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Especially the “gut-wrenching”. confused

How could I possibly resist? Plus the threat of stalking up there… 😉

Maryse: …excuse me while I go wipe my face. And change my pj top. And dig myself out of these crumpled soggy tissues.

Lin: Maryse, sounds like you just got done reading Bright Side.

Maryse: I did, Lin… I did. I’m still all melancholy…

Jean: Poor Maryse, she’s melancholy today…. Ugh! Was it worth it Maryse? Like really worth it??

Maryse: Yah… I’m just… melancholy. I’m gonna write the review (trying to, right now) but I’m afraid I’ll cry again…

Tessa: Here Maryse. *hands over the manatee* You probably need this. That book broke me. I even woke up in tears just remembering it. (Especially the studio part)

Maryse: *snuggles soggy manatee* Thanks Tessa. GAH!! The studio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG. That KILLED ME.

Amy: Who has Manny? *holding hand out* His mama needs him. So…Bright Side. Ugly cry and melancholy morning after? Huh. I’m in.

Tessa: I handed Manny to Maryse. She needed it.

Maryse: I snuffled on him. He’s gross again, Amy.

Cheryl: One last cuddle with manatee, hands back to Amy. *sniff* still melancholy this morning just thinking about Bright Side (great descriptive word Maryse).

And that’s where I’m ending off. There’s not much more to say other than, I was eventually… truly affected. And I still am, right now. And I’ll never forget this one.

4 to 4.5 stars (3.5 stars for the first half, and 5 stars for the 2nd half)

P.S. *There’s a “Steve Vai” (guitarist) reference up there, in my review if any of you are fans. My husband said one of my lines reminded him of a song, so I creatively edited my line for him. 😉 Since Gus is a rock star, I thought it fitting…

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