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Archiving the May 2014 book releases

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MAY 2014
          

Latest Bargain e-Books – May 30th 2014

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<— This blurb tickled my “unconventional love story” fancy, so I’m thinking… maybe this one verrrrry soon for me. Right now I’m in Book Bash-mode (only a few weeks left to go and I’m in that “final stages” rush), so my reading has taken a slight hit. But!! It’s all in the name of our love-of-books, so I’m good with that. 😀

Still though, I’m hoping to take the weekend off, and finally indulge in… either of these two from my TBR list (I’m gonna try to stick with it this week :)): Maybe the “Addicted Series” <— I hear it’s angsty, tumultuous and addictive in every way. Or…. The Year We Fell Down ’cause it sounds sweet and uplifting but with that pining/unrequited love angle that I’m craving. Or… “Frenched” ’cause I keep meaning to read this. I’ve been told it’s not too… “anything-crazy”, but just has that awesome romance feel.

Mind you, there are a few below that have the potential to make me *squirrel*. Like the escort *sideeyes him up there* or… the one said to have a “BDB-feel”. <— Eeeeep!!! I noted a bunch more below (great-sounding finds and brand-new releases alike) that are making me nod and my one-click finger itchy, like… many military “bad boy” heroes that don’t intend on falling, a live-in nanny living with her charge’s “jerk” of a father (she calls him anti-christ <– heh!), a girl in love with a drug-dealer bf, a girl that falls for a good guy, but soon discovers he’s actually… bad…. oh! And a man, grieving his brother and caring for his brother’s pregnant wife. Yep. *nods*. It feels like a good list.

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

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

Todays latest reader recommendations and bargain ebook finds:

  • At Your Beck & Call by Jane Harvey-Berrick <— JUST RELEASED!!! A popular author amongst our crew has a new book for us! Annnnnnnddd….. he’s an escort! 😉
  • Drawn 2 – Redemption (Damien) by Lilliana Anderson <— JUST RELEASED!! hrmmmm… interesting premise on this. WE get to choose the guy of her final choice in this love-triangle.
  • Love, Chocolate, and Beer (Cactus Creek) by Violet Duke <— Nancy found us this one! 🙂 Lots of great reviews, and this one’s blurb seems to have that “fun” romance feel.
  • Breaking Alexandria by K.A. Robinson <— Kat found us this one! Caught between a drug-dealer bad boy and a good-boy farm boy… “Soon, she finds herself caught between two very different men, and the struggles within her heart just might end up breaking Alexandria.”
  • Fire Inside: A Chaos Novel by Kristen Ashley <— and Stephanie found out that another from the queen of bad-boys (Kristen Ashley) is on sale today!
  • Beloved (The Belonging Series) by Corinne Michaels <— NEW RELEASE! She doesn’t believe she can be loved until she meets a “sexy former Navy SEAL”… (thanks for pointing it out, Kandace!!)
  • Otherwise Alone (Evan Arden) by Shay Savage <— prequel to one of my fav series is on sale! Thanks Sally! Here’s my review.
  • The Devil’s Contract (Contracts & Deceptions) by Claire Contreras <— Jules loved this recent release, saying: “Loved The Devil’s Contract! It was suspenseful, steamy and riveting. Kept me guessing until the very end. Big cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the sequel!”
  • A Life Less Broken by Margaret McHeyzer <— Nancy found us this one! “On a day like any other, Allyn Sommers went off to work, not knowing that her life was about to be irrevocably and horrifically altered. Three years later, Allyn is still a prisoner in her own home held captive by harrowing fear. Broken and damaged, Allyn seeks help from someone that fate brought her.” Rachel says: “It’s an amazing book!!! … It starts out as a dark read but turns into so much more. I loved it.” and Tracie says: “It was pretty good.”
  • Blurred Lines by Jennifer K. Brand <— JUST RELEASED!! Has an intriguing blurb-jolty blurb. 😉 “I wanted to know him, claim him the same way he had claimed me. But you can’t claim that which doesn’t exist. A mirage. A man who showed me one face while showing the world another. A complicated man. A dangerous man. Now I’m caught up in his world. Trapped under all that is dark and dangerous. From hearts and flowers to guns and knives. I want out. But I fear it’s too late.” Thanks for pointing it out, Annie!
  • Whispering Wishes by Jennifer Miller <— JUST RELEASED! This one looks cute! At the urging of her bff, she sends her “wishes out into the universe” but… her wishes backfire on her —> “She gets fired. Her car breaks down. She gets kicked out of her house. And of course there is the crap icing on the cake of doom, falling for flirtatious and sexy, Wes, who sees her as nothing more than his “little sis”. It might not be so bad if his house weren’t the only place she had to go.“
  • The Bastard (Baddest Boys in History) by Inez Kelly <— Oh THIS paranormal looks right up our alley!!! “Real men. No vampires, no werewolves, no magic. Just down and dirty raw power —sin to sin, evil to evil, bad to bad. They fight for humanity. It was that or eternal damnation. They agreed to risk their souls. No one told them they would lose their hearts.” and Tess HIGHLY recommends them saying something that made my eyes pop right out of my head in excitement. She said: “OMG! Maryse you have to check out The Bastard by Inez Kelley. Absolutely amazing, couldn’t put it down. Has a definite BDB feel….” <— eek Did she say what I think she said?
  • Come to Me Quietly: The Closer to You Series by A.L. Jackson <—- I read and really enjoyed this one a few months ago, and Kat found out it’s on sale right now! (here’s my review)
  • Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park <— one of my original FAVORITES is only $2 right now!! (check out my review)
  • The Intern: Vol. 1 by Brooke Cumberland <— Tabby recommends it: “Maryse this is a must read!!!” “He’s the boss. She’s the intern. Nothing can happen. It’s against the company rules. Then again, rules were made to be broken.”
  • Finding Home (Home Series) by Ann Vaughn <— okay of course, the cover got me, but then… two more things did. The fact that he’s a former army ranger, and the GREAT number of amazing reviews this one has. The blurb didn’t jolt me so much (more like an angsty “bad past” sweet sounding story) but lightly skimming the reviews, this one sounds like it “plays out” awesomely.
  • Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra <— A TON of great reviews for this one! “Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons.A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina’s rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all.“
  • Inflame (Explosive, #3) by Tessa Teevan <— recent release!! Looks good. Two best friends (he’s in the military, she’s a schoolteacher) have a “friends with benefits” arrangement… but then… feeeeeelings start to change things. Lots of great reviews on this one (and this series, even!)
  • Sweet Temptation (Men Of Honor #2) by K.C. Lynn <— another good looking recent release from a “military hero” series with bad boy that suddenly finds himself falling for someone. Lots of great reviews. Author says can be read as stanadlones but best read in order, so here’s book #1. I skimmed VERY LIGHTLY the one lowest review, (just the first line) it actually made me wanna read it. LOL!
  • Fighting Temptation (Men Of Honor) by K.C. Lynn <— here’s #1! Great reviews, too.
  • Frenched by Melanie Harlow <— Tons of recommendation for it have come my way, and it’s one at the top of my TBR list.
  • Overexposed by Noelle Adams <— JUST RELEASED
  • Autumn and Summer by Danielle Allen <— JUST RELEASED!! “Best friends since elementary school, Autumn and Summer kick off the summer by embarking on a dating experiment. Unfortunately, expecting the unexpected doesn’t prepare them for what the dating world has in store.”
  • The Seduction by Roxy Sloan <— JUST RELEASED!! Oh myyyyyy!! That blurb made me go OH NO HE DIDN’T!!! I can’t even… *blush* Wha… Bu…. *harumph* confused Heh. It’s the first part of a “serial” so it’s a bit short.
  • Hold Me Closer: A Rebel Walking Novel by Hilary Storm <— JUST RELEASED!!
  • Live In Position  by Sadie Grubor <— JUST RELEASED. She’s a nanny… “When Sophia steps into the Bishop home to care for emotionally neglected Victoria, she’s positive Dr. Collin Bishop, aka The Anti-Christ, despises her. The intensity of his glare is unsettling and frustrating.” <— this sounds like it could be fun, if his “meanie-ness” really plays out.
  • His Billion Dollar Baby (Entangled Indulgence) by Lea Nolan <— RECENT RELEASE and he finds himself having to care for his deceased brother’s pregnant wife…
PRE-ORDERS (some highly anticipated upcoming releases this Monday/Tuesday)

                                

J.L. Berg – Ready Series Reading Order

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<— Ooooh this one looks like it has that angsty depth. A woman grieving the loss of her husband and “the last letter he wrote with the words “When You’re Ready”… Sounds awesome, book #3 was just released, plus, these fellow readers recommend ’em!

Jessica: Have you heard some talk of When You’re Ready by JL Berg? I came across this “gem” by chance and it was truly amazing… It Has to be one of the best books of this summer for me.  It’s an amazing story of loss, healing, and love, and second chances.

Theresa: My favorite book so far is JL Berg’s “When you’re ready”.

Sarah: I really liked this one!

Kathy: Me too!

Jillian: This book was awesome!!! Loved every minute of it. Part of it might be that I didn’t have high expectations, but nope! I think it was just a great story with beautiful characters. One of my favorites of 2013. And yes, Nikki, it is a series. It is a stand alone though.

Sarah: …each book is about a different character though, so you don’t need to wait. It’s definitely a stand alone.

About book #1:

Years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband, Ethan, which left her alone to raise their young daughter, Clare Murray still holds the last letter he wrote with the words “When You’re Ready” written in his familiar messy handwriting, unable to break its weathered seal. Ready for what? He was her entire world, and Clare had accepted a life without him, without love. Until years later, fate brings her to an emergency room, and face to face with a stormy-eyed doctor intent on changing her mind.

Son of a billionaire, Logan Matthews has spent his life trying to make his absentee father proud. Without a family to depend on, all he’s ever wanted is a place to call home. After a failed marriage, Logan believes he’s unworthy of love…until he meets a woman who awakens his spirit and transforms his entire life in an instant.

But how far are Clare and Logan willing to go for love? Can his love mend the pieces of her grieving heart?

When their love is tested, is Clare ready to put her whole heart on the line again? Can Logan learn the true meaning of love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness? When a second chance at love is given, Clare and Logan learn you are never truly ready until you’re ready to risk it all.

    

Ember Chase – Isaac & Maya Series Reading Order

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I haven’t read this series yet, but book #3 has just been released, and each book is over 400 pages! From skimming the reviews of book #1 it would appear this might have that Dom/sub angle. I hear major cliffhanger with #1, but hey! No need to wait, as #2 & #3 are live. And while the reviews are a bit all over the place (at least for the first book), I have received some excited-sounding recommendations:

Lisa: Maryse, wanted to let you know about Denial by Ember Chase. I could not put this down! It was over 350 pages! I didn’t think I would fall for the characters as much as I did. The description of this book was a little vague. Maya sets off for full time training with Isaac at the request of her boyfriend. Oh the tension and angst builds from here! At times both characters frustrated me to no end and some of the story left me feeling sick about the boyfriend. But i could not put it down as there were little bits of information about both of them slowly throughout the book. I try to avoid the big cliffhanger books because I’m not a patient gal 🙂  and whoa does this have a cliffhanger…

Sondra:  I am reading “Denial” by Ember Chase.  OMG.  I can’t put it down!  This book has taken me in a totally diff direction that I thought originally and it is soooo good.  I have laughed more than I expected.

About book #1:

I used to have such good judgment. A solid head on my shoulders. Then I met Isaac.

We are just supposed to work together, that’s it. There is no way I’m falling for this wealthy control freak with major anger issues and a different woman in his bed every night. Even if he is super adorable and ridiculously sweet sometimes.

I’m not like other girls. I don’t believe in love and I don’t have time for fairy tales. I fought hard to get where I am today and I’m not letting it slip away because of those mischievous green eyes, that cocky tilted smile, and a pair of hands that can make the world disappear.

People say that I’m damaged, that I’m missing something inside. They’re not exactly wrong. Turns out he’s even more twisted and broken than I am and that just makes me want him more. He tells me to let go. He promises to catch me. But no one can protect me now.

Isaac doesn’t have a secret, he is a secret. We can’t be together. In 30 short days, this assignment is over and we’ll go our separate ways like it never happened. Why does my heart stop beating when I think about that? This doesn’t mean anything. I am not in love with him. I can’t be.

  

Aly Martinez – Wrecked and Ruined Series Reading Order

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<— Here’s a book that gave me a HUGE *blurb jolt* and delivered exactly what that jolt promised. This series is a MUST READ.

  • Especially if you love characters that feel real. Feel like our friends (or friends we wished we had).
  • Especially if you like flawed and bossy alpha-males (that are wonderfully heroic, even in their occasional “alpha-jerk” obnoxiousness). ‘Cause these guys can be too bossy for their own good, but couple that with super-sweet, and I simply can’t resist. 😉
  • Especially if you like deepish-dark stories with a realistic feel. Darkish, yes… but still loaded in heartwarming, hilarious moments and reactions. I giggled and snorted in delight throughout. And I teared-up and clutched my chest in angsty pain, too.
  • Especially if you like twisty-turny ongoing story lines (that expand with each book) with *gasp-worthy* (and sob-worthy) scenes.
  • Especially if you like books that you obsessively think about each time you put them down (*if* you can put it down, that is) and still think about hours (and even days) after you finished ’em…

then… THESE! These are fantastic! Check out my review of Changing Course and Stolen Course.

And these fellow readers agree. 😀

Michelle: WOW!  Finished Changing Course yesterday and Stolen Course today.  Both are wonderful.  I really loved Brett and Emma’s story, but I think Caleb and Emma’s was even better.  Some of Caleb’s scenes were just heartbreaking, but also seemed so real.  The stories are certainly emotional, but not over the top angst or unrealistic situations.  And the characters seem like regular friends you could relate to.  I would read any future book Aly Martinez writes in this series.  I would love to see Kara’s book.  She is hilarious!

Lauren: excellent book….5 stars for me!!

Lauren: I loved Caleb so much in book 1 that I think I cried more for him than Brett.

Jody: The twisty bit was not what I was expecting at all and I can usually pick them. I miss the boys already now don’t know what to do. 🙁

Teresa: I loved Changing Course and Stolen Course….4.5-star reads for me, but I absolutely loved, loved Savor Me: A Novella which has Hunter, Emma’s friend from book two, in it.  It was a really short read, but it was just really cute and HOT!

Jean: OMG I am only into the prologue and I am already crying!

Danielle: Maryse I just finished this book today and I love it too! I really hope she continues on with different characters. I would love to see a book with Eli and Casey or even Sarah. These books have a Kristen Ashley feel to them for me and I didnt want the story to end where it did..I wanted more!

About book #1:

I met Sarah Kate Erickson when I was twenty-one years old. I was lucky enough to keep her for seven years before a tragic accident stole her from me. She didn’t die, but sometimes I think it would have been easier if she had.

I lived in a haze for those four years after the accident. Catering to her every need, even though she hated the very sight of my face. I tried to hold on to her and the future that we were supposed to build together. But you can’t hold on to someone that doesn’t exist anymore.

It wasn’t until I met Jesse Addison, a barista at the local coffee shop, that I realized I didn’t just lose Sarah that tragic night, I lost myself as well. Jesse taught me how to let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when your past haunts your present, and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?

OMG RIGHT!!???? YES!!! THAT is the blurb that gave me that jolt! What you’re feeling right now after reading that? That is how I felt! And everything you are imaging… yep. You’ll get to live it! This is one of those “blurbs” that totally matches the book.

    

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

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Aly Martinez features and reviews on my blog. 😀

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