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Mimi Strong – Peaches Monroe Trilogy Reading Order

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Her name is Peaches, huh? *giggle* 😉 It’s already making me chuckle. I’ve been told that tears are involved, but they are tears of laughter. I LOVE the sound of that! And and!! It’s of the “famous actor/normal girl” genre, plus I’m getting a love triangle (love square?) vibe. YAY US!! Something lighthearted, steamy and fun (and quite possibly angsty)! And the reviews make it look awesome!

Recommended by:

Susanna: My favorite book was Stardust by Mimi Strong! Loved Peaches and the way she accepted her body type! A great role model.

Jen: Loved,loved, loved ‘Stardust’ by Mimi Strong. I loved Peaches! Funny and heartbreaking all at the same time! Can’t wait for the sequel!

Shannon: So excited! The final Peaches Monroe book is released early!!! … enjoyed them both. Laugh out loud funny AND hot!

Helen: I’ve been dying to read Starfire. Maryse,why haven’t you read these books yet? You will love Peaches.I promise.

About book #1:

Peaches Monroe is a curvy blonde who manages a little bookstore, in a small town in Washington State. She’s twenty-two, and shares a house with her cousin, who’s also her best friend. Life is good for Peaches. Simple, but good. Sometimes she gets a little wild and goes drunk-shopping on the internet. She’s never had a boyfriend, but that just leaves more time for her books.

Dalton Deangelo is a hot, young actor who sets ladies’ hearts on fire. He shot to stardom from out of nowhere, and he’s very secretive about his past, preferring to focus on his work. He’s famous for playing the sexiest bad boy vampire on TV. Week after week, he’s seen kissing beautiful, thin actresses … or burying his face between their legs.

Now Dalton is in Beaverdale, Washington, to shoot an indie movie over the summer. He comes running into the bookstore looking for a place to hide from reporters, and refuses to leave until he gets a date with Peaches. As soon as Peaches kisses Dalton, her quiet, small-town life begins to unravel.

Peaches Monroe is launched toward the stars, beginning with a job in LA as a plus-size model for a line of sexy underwear.

Her relationship with Dalton has its obstacles, and she finds herself entangled not just with Dalton, but with a passionate male underwear model named Keith Raven, as well as an old crush from her past, Adrian Storm.

Life has become anything but simple for Peaches Monroe. Will her summer end in a wedding? And if so, who will be the groom?

  

Jessica Hawkins – The Cityscape Series Reading Order

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*ooof* I just read the latest in K.A. Linde’s crazy, angsty, turmoil-y mess of a love story (or 3 – lol!!) and I’m going to need to recover before writing my review, but in the meantime… a few other recommendations have come my way. 😉

So. Who’s in the mood for angst and intensity? Here’s a series that explores a very uncomfortable/objectionable romance subject matter, that in it’s own way… is taboo? Of the “torrid affair” kind of taboo. In fact, some readers specifically choose NOT to read this kind of “love story”. I haven’t read these yet but Julie and Janea brought them to my attention saying:

Julie: “I just read “The Cityscape Series” and I have to say that David in now on my top 10 list.  If you haven’t read it, this series is about a man falling in love with a married woman and they actually have an affair.  Just loved these books. So I thought I would look for some others like them and found the “Temptation series” by K.M. Golland.  Kind of the same thing, but not the same intensity as Cityscape.  Do you know of any other?”

Janea: “Ok! I am really rallying to get this series in a must read. The cityscape series is wonderful and a total must read. I haven’t felt so crazy about a book like this since 50 shades. I have been highly recommending it to my book friends, who have also loved it as well. So I beg please recomend this book!!!”

Intensity, huh? Yep, I can imagine! Good question, as to more like it. I’m not well-versed in this genre yet (these can get so emotional, and yet are often so hard to put down) but offhand, those that come to mind are “Arsen by Mia Asher“, “Covet by Tracey Gravis Graves” and “Tear You Apart” by Megan Hart“. Thanks for the recommendation, Julie!

About book #1:

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman – she’s created the life she always envisioned. But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love? And can David respect that line?

  

Carey Heywood’s signed Him and Her paperback giveaway!

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Author Carey Heywood is celebrating this holiday season by giving away a signed/personalized set of Him and Her paperbacks!

Here’s a little bit about the series (the blurb for #1):

Sarah Miller hasn’t been home in seven years. She thought she could stay away forever. If it wasn’t for her big brother’s wedding, that is. Part of her even feels silly for staying away this long. It’s not like anyone even knew what happened. Well, except for him.

That guy. The one she compared all others to. The one who set the bar so high no other guy after him could even compete. The one who made her feel like anything was possible. The one she thought she would never be good enough for. The one she spent the last seven years trying to forget.

All she needs to do is make it through the next week without running into him.

Yeah… I think she’s gonna be outta luck with that. 😉 Or my guess says, in luck! 😀

And look what else! Carey lets us into some personal “tidbits” about her books.

1. Will Price is inspired by every single guy I ever had a crush on.

2. I was writing another book when I got the idea for Him. Even though I’ve written Him, Her, Better and am halfway done writing Sawyer’s story that 20k word doc hasn’t been touched since Jan.

3. Their hometown of Decatur was inspired by my obsession with the HGTV show Curb Appeal -The Block. I may also have a crush on its host John Gidding.

4. While writing Her I asked my husband what a male ejaculation feels like. He said, “good.” I asked if he could elaborate. He said, “really good.” I ended up googling it.

5. There is a piece of me in every female lead I write. Sarah constantly spinning her thumb ring is 100% me. My thumb ring also came from a gum ball machine.

How to enter for a chance to win this set? Just leave a comment below, and Friday night (Friday December 13th, 2013) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select one winner.

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. These books will be sent to the winner directly by the author.

Open to US only however all are welcome to comment! :D

Reader Questions & Answers – December 11th 2013

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With the slew of awesome new books that we are anticipating comes reader questions! When? What? Where? How? Why? LOL!!! 😉 Twelve questions in all, for this edition!

Whether our fellow readers were wondering about the “steam-level” of a certain series before embarking on it, or wanted to know if a series needed to be read in order, or just wanted to know when the next release would be, I’ve attempted to answer them! 🙂

Maybe you’ve been wondering about these same questions, too? Check them out below, and feel free to send me more!

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Q: Laura: RE: Experiment in Terror Series: I want to start reading this but is the romance like ya? I don’t need it to be 50shades steamy lol but is it more than holding hands? Hmm is it more twilight or BDB?

A: Laura… no the romance isn’t YA. While it takes a couple of books to start building, it is so worth it. But there is nothing about these books that are YA. I can’t imagine Dex was ever YA (even when he was that age). LOL!! 😛

P.S. The latest release (Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror #8) just went live and is the second last book in the series (one more to come entitled “Dust to Dust” – thanks Paula!!). And then after, the author intends to write a spinoff! YAY US!

Q: Jo: Can I ask a question re the BDB series, do they have to be read in order. I have read the first one and I found another in a local charity shop but I think it is book 5, just wondering if I can read it or do I need to read the others first?

A: While the author does write them in a way that they can be read as standalones, it’s best to read them in order as their is a “backstory” that progresses throughout the series. Also, you get to know each character better and better as the series continues, so when you finally get to “their” book, you’re invested! The first 3 books are my favorites. Actually the 3rd one is my absolute favorite and one of my favorite books of all time. You should read them!

P.S. And then I have more favorite books in that series. Like V’s. And Rehv’s. You can’t go wrong reading them all!

Q: Gabby: beautiful disaster – According to iTunes the book is in development for a movie?!? I went through her website but states nothing, I have googled it and some sites “stated” future movie!! I need to find this out!!!

A: Yep, the rights to the movie have been purchased and it is slowly in production. The screenwriting is complete, a producer in place, and possibly a director, too! Check out the latest news on the author’s Beautiful Disaster FAQ here.

Q: Lea : I am so confused. I finished NIGHT OWL. Loved it. Quite unique with its storyline….however…what is going on with the epilogue? *spoiler* I was left with my jaw hanging. Also, the next book is titled Last Light. More thoughts about a possible *spoiler*?? OMG…do you know anything? I’m also intrigues by the author. Is M. Pierce male or female? Not that it truly matters, but it’s nice to at least know cuz I’m so curious. LOL.

A: Hi Lea! LOL!!! Awesome book but I can’t answer any of your questions… yet. All of it is a secret, so I can’t wait for book #2. BUT the series has been signed on by an agent and big publisher, and any rumors you may have once heard about book #2 going “paranormal” have been put to rest. It will remain a contemporary romance series. You can read the exact details here, on the author’s blog.

Q: Neika: Is Kristen Ashley’s Burg series standalones?

A: They can be read as standalones, but much better to read them in order. Book #1 (For You) has tons of stuff that happens that ends up being discussed in book #2 (At Peace). You’re not confused if you start with #2, but you “miss” all of that crazy action in real-time (and lose out on falling in love with them, too). PLUS!!! A very important character from book #1 in that series, appears/crosses-over into her latest release “Jagged“, from her Colorado Mountain series…

Q: Jennifer – Kindle app and categorizing – I talked with you a while ago about this back when it wasn’t available. I remember that it became available for everything but my Kindle Fire! I was wondering if you like it and if you think it is worth it? I am still debating on switching to an iPAD and this would make or break my decision.

A: I use that “Collections” feature all the time, Jennifer. I officially have a TBR NOW list, a TBR SOON list, and a special ARC list for my review copies that I’ve received and need to get to. Keeps me in order. 😉 But I will say that I am unfamiliar with other readers and automatically would recommend an iPad, because it is the best of all worlds. I get all of the various book-store apps, plus much of what I can do on my laptop, can also be done on my iPad. LOVE IT!! But one thing I have noticed. Amazon Prime’s book lending is only available to those that have an actual Kindle (not to those that use the app version of Kindle). BUT, Kindle loaning between Amazon book customers stills works for all of us. YAY!

Q: Merilyn: I like the Alex Kennedy character and have heard that there is a book telling his story from his point of view. If there is would you please give me the title so I can purchase it. I am in Canada and have gone to several book stores and have not been able to find it.

A:  Hi Merilyn. It would appear this book (entitled: Everything Changes by Megan Hart) is only available in e-book format. You can purchase it directly on Amazon (or any other online book store that carries it).

Q: Lauren: Does anyone know when Reviving Izabel will be released? The sequel to Killing Sarai? Author says, “before the end of 2013″ but I want to know WHEN!!!! Can’t wait!!

A: You’re in luck, Lauren!! It was just released yesterday. 🙂

Q: Olga: Will there be a sequel to The Edge of Always? Or is the Song of the Fireflies, book 3?

A: Song of the Fireflies is book #3 but it will be about different characters (that we met in book #2). I’m very intrigued by what’s to come for them…

Q: Mihaela: Hi Maryse i would like to ask you if you know when The Fae Chronicles book 3 will be out I can’t find any thing on it.

Anita: I’ve been searching for that too! I can’t wait! Someone commented on the author’s FB page that it would be Jan/Feb 2014… confirmation would be great!

A: So far the only concrete thing I was able to find was book #3’s title which will be “Escaping Destiny (The Fae Chronicles #3)”. I was able to find a vague answer by the author on her Facebook page (in November) regarding release date for it, saying:

“Not sure on a set date yet. Holidays coming up, and people who help will be busy as well as me.”

and back in October she answered:

“Spring ;)” <— side note from Maryse: but that smiley face leads me to wonder if she’s just pulling our legs, considering how far away “spring” is.

Q: Lynn: How many books are expected in beautiful bastard series?

A: Monique: Just finished Beautiful Beginning and I believe they mentioned that this was the final book. <— Thanks Monique!!

Q: Trish: Hi, Love your top 25 best of 2012 books, when will you be putting out your top 25 for 2013? Thanks!

A: Hi Trish! I’m hoping to have it up at the very end of December to early January (just in case I run into another 5-star one before the end of the year). 😉

          

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – December 10th 2013

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<—- BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!! The latest book (Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror #8) in the Experiment in Terror series just went live!! One of my favorite series in the world (and OMG I get another DEX fix!!!!!) I LOVE these with all of my heart. And yes, there is steam, and extreme romance (and extreme angst and heartache – a nice steady buildup throughout the series that has you craving more so bad). SO gooooooood!!!

P.S. for those that have been holding out ’cause they worry it’s too scary or wonder if it really is just that awesome… I wrote blog post answering both of your questions—> The Experiment in Terror Series – Intrigued Readers Want to Know…

Another AWESOME new release day, ’cause just for me, there are already FOUR in the bunch from series that I’m loving, and ONE that comes HIGHLY recommended by an author that I love. Plus, a new release from a “mafia” series that I had no clue was a mafia series. YAY!!!!

P.S. I’ve already read one of ’em (and LOVED it). Check out my review for Jamie McGuire’s latest bad-boy Travis book “A Beautiful Wedding“.

AND!! I’m going to highlight Kristen Ashley’s The Fantasyland Series, ’cause it’s on sale right now,  (’cause book #4 will be out in just a week or so), and the way many of our fellow readers are talking, this series is absolutely, hands down, one of her best ever. I’ve heard “some of her best work” and a few exclaiming they can’t believe they saved this series for last. Okay, so not a new series, but they have me wanting to read it SO bad, and I’m thinking I should!! Now, so I can be caught up and ready for “Broken Dove”.

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).

BARGAINS

  • Shattered Ties (The Ties Series) by K.A. Robinson <— I think I may have missed this one last week, but it sounds like angsty fun. She’s got famous parents and he’s from the tattooed bad boy from the wrong side of town. “Jesse tries to hate Emma, but he discovers that he can’t resist her. Forced to hide their relationship from Emma’s mother and everyone else around them, things start to fall apart. When Jesse’s friend, Ally, decides to interfere, things go from bad to worse.“
  • Better (Too Good series) by S. Walden <— book #2 after the student/teacher romance “Good”!! (thanks Jennifer!!)
  • Running in Place (Mending Hearts) by L.B. Simmons <— Aimee found us this deal! “I just hope he doesn’t have any plans to save me from my new-found life of self-destruction because in order to save me, he will have to see me…“
  • Carter Reed by Tijan <—  (thanks Aimee)! (a mob story!!)
  • Take Me (Take a Chance) (Entangled Ever After) by Diane Alberts <— Aimee found us this deal, too!
  • Everything I’ve Never Had by Lynetta Halat <— adult characters, and “…a forbidden love between the widow, Celeste, and her husband’s bad boy cousin, Adrian.” (thanks Aimee!!) I really need to get on this one, ’cause it’s TOTALLY up my alley, I can tell.
  • When You’re Ready by J.L. Berg <— Aimee is rocking the deals today, and she found us this one too! And Jillian said: “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.” Oh wow, it does sound great! “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?“
  • Fantastical (Fantasyland Series) by Kristen Ashley <— okay this one just went on sale, too!!! I’m hearing this series is AWESOME. (thanks Trisha!) Michelle says: ” I kick myself for saving that series for last on her list of books. Just goes to show you, the book descriptions on Amazon are not always very good. MUST READ…. seriously…” and Lori says: ” just found out from Sarah that Broken Dove will be out December 27th! woot!! thanks Sarah!” <—And Maryse says *happy dance* Okay wow. I’m totally starting this series!
  • Beyond Shame (Beyond, Book One) by Kit Rocha <—  (thanks Jami!!)
        

PARANORMAL

   

CONTEMPORARY

                         

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