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Maryse's Book Blog

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Angela Graham – Harmony Series Reading Order

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New wealthy badboy/playboy series, and it was the answer to a recent “reader question” that had me intrigued! And sure enough, the answer came quickly as many of our fellow readers are eagerly reading it!

Jennifer: Both are great reads! Logan is yummy and Cassandra is no push over! And Oliver is super adorable…I could go on.

Heather: I’ve read that, it’s very good!

Jenn: That’s it! It was really good.

About book #1:

After experiencing a humiliating breakup, twenty-two-year-old Cassandra Clarke is fresh out of college and living a simple solitary life without any intentions of pursuing love anytime soon.

When the estate next door sells, the last thing Cassandra expects is the unnerving attraction she feels for her sinfully handsome neighbor, Logan West, the young and charming single father with a playboy reputation.

It’s through Oliver, Logan’s four-year-old son, who keeps popping up in her childhood tree house, that she slowly begins to catch glimpses of the compassionate and wounded man Logan has hidden beneath his strong exterior.

Cassandra knows it’s wrong and that she’s heading for another heartbreak.
Logan will never be able to give her what she wants…love.

   

Shannon Mayer – Rylee Adamson Series Reading Order

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Jillian highly recommends this series:

“I absolutely love these books; they are one of the few Paranormal/urban fantasy series that I still follow religiously. When I got back into reading, it was with this genre but I I exhausted my options pretty quickly and moved on to contemporary instead.

But I still look at them from time-to-time, because finding a good paranormal/urban fantasy book is like coming home for me since that’s where my love of reading was rekindled and this series does exactly that. It reminds me, with every new installment, why I fell in love with them in the first place.

Shannon’s writing is wonderful and her characters worm their way into your heart. I cannot recommend these books enough. They are amazing. I wanted to pass it along in case anyone else is looking to sprinkle in a few P/UF books with their reading!”

About book #1:

“My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.”

When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I’m the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.

I’m on the FBI’s wanted list. I have a werewolf for a pet, a Witch of a best friend, and I have no need for anyone else in my life. But when a salvage starts to spin out of control, help comes from a most unexpected direction. One that is dangerously dark, brooding, and doesn’t know a thing about the supernatural. One whose kisses set me on fire.

         

Book Review – Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren

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Beautiful Broken Rules (Broken Series Book 1)
Okay so I liked this one! It’s been often recommended (especially lately, probably because of the recent book #2 release), and I was happy to indulge myself. And even happier that the author indulged us, too!

Lisa: My favorite book this year is beautiful broken rules!

Lindsey: I loved Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren.  I can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Jillian: Beautiful Broken Mess released a day early!  First book in the series is Beautiful Broken Rules – which was great!

Cori: LOVED the first book! It has a little Beautiful Disaster feel to it!

Jillian: It was sooo good! It kind of does. It was just so well written and ALL the characters were awesome. I fell in love with them. Gah! I might have to reread BBR before this book. You’re making me reminisce now…

Bobbi: Woot! Liked Beautiful Broken Rules a lot … looking forward to this one!

Emily: I LOVE the “Beautiful Broken” series by Kimberly Lauren but I would absolutely recommend that you read “Beautiful Broken Rules” first because all the same characters are in “Beautiful Broken Mess” and you get the foundation for so much laid out in BBR. Did I mention TWINS!? 😉  I loved BBM – looking forward to Lane’s story.

True, it wasn’t all that different from our usual reads in this “new adult” genre. In fact, quite similar to many we’ve read (girl with a past “issue” that lives by a certain set of controlling rules so as not to experience that kind of hurt again)… you know the drill. 😉 But there was *something* about it that made it really good (especially if you’re in the mood for something like this).

And what made it a tad different was the fact that her rules allowed her to live free, and sow her wild oats (as opposed to the more virginal heroines that have never, well… you know confused cool). But the gist of this is the same… no falling in love = no hurt. Why is she so afraid of loving? Of being hurt? What happened in her past? Well, you’ll see. I dunno that I quite followed her logic (my mind went one way, while hers was going another), but you know… whatever. She was young and “marked” by tragic events and… I went with it. *shrug* 😉

And of course the one gorgeous bad boy that every girl in the world wants, suddenly wants only her. Hey, I’m not knocking it. Everyone knows many of my favorites are definitely in that vein, and I certainly wouldn’t have minded that kind of intensity back in my college-girl days, you know?

Speaking of my favorites, specifically ONE favorite, was hinted at a few times. Many of you letting me know that this one reminded you of it.

Teresa:  I read Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren a few days ago, and it was one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.  It was 5+ stars for me.  It gave me the same feeling that I had while reading Beautiful Disaster.   It has a completely different storyline from BD, but it was just as great!

Jean: I am at 40%….totally reminds me of Beautiful Disaster!

And you know what? Yes it did! I agree.

In fact, while the story, scenes and characters were different enough “on the outside”, there was a feel, or a flow to the progression of their relationship. Similarities. Reactions and emotions that just reminded me of my favorite book. Even his intensity. Maybe especially his intensity. P.S. He’s what captivated me in this book. It was good, but to me, he’s why it was good. 😉

So what’s it about?

Emerson is tight with a group of definite “cool kids” in college (her best friend/roommate/sister-by-proxy “Ellie”, and a football player “Cole” that pretty much, rules the game, and looks out for them both). Them, along with the rest of their entourage give this book a “cool clique” feel, even though Emerson is well known in college to be “easy”. Having frequent sex with hot guys, but never letting it get too serious with any of ’em. She makes no apologies, and has a good time. And while there are some (even guys she’s been with) that give her a hard time about her lifestyle,

… he thinks he can convince me to change my rules for him. No one will convince me of that.

and she has to deal with a few “rumor mills”,

I really didn’t want to hear what they had to tell him. I could only guess it was something along the lines of ‘stay away from the school slut.’

… she’s still plenty popular and seemingly happy. Well adjusted.

Her world changes though, when Cole’s two “other” best friends (Jaxon and Jace) transfer to their college. They’re gorgeous. Tall and warrior-like. One is a super-football hero like Cole, and the other is in pre-med. And they’re identical twins.

Twins. Identical Twins. Identical freaking hot-as-hell Twins.

Ruh roh!! 😉 And… YAY!!!! I was extremely titillated once I realized this potential.

Emerson is super attracted to both of ’em. But especially Jaxon.

“Stop staring at him. I hear he’s the male version of you, he doesn’t settle down.”

And Jaxon is just as smitten with her. Let the fun begin!!

Even though he “accepts” their friends-only status (with a few extra benefits), his intensity and unapologetic public claiming of her makes it clear where he stands. Even when it’s just in fun, it’s always a touch serious, too.

I looked toward the field and Jaxon was right on the other side of the barrier separating the stands from the sidelines.

“Hey!” he shouted. “You do realize you’re doing that to the wrong twin, right?” He turned and glared at Jace, who only started laughing.

Yeah… I was enjoying his torment a little too much, here.

Much like my favorite book-boyfriend in the whole wide world’s torment. And of course, this causes lots of delicious problems. *grins*

Now… that’s not to say that this one matched my favorite (for me). Everything I loved was there, just… with slightly less intensity. Slightly less angst. Slightly less pain and heart wrench. It’s all still there, though. Just… easier on you (and while I like “easier” in real life, in my book life, I love my reads to scar me. At least a little). This one scratches and welts a bit, but I don’t know that I’ll be reminded of it via a permanent book-scar, you know? Those scars are kind of like trophies to me. If it can scar me, it’s my favorite.

But if you’re looking for a “What to Read After Beautfiful Disaster” option to continue that awesome angsty alpha-boy intense book mood, this is a great option!

Yep! I liked it.

True, there weren’t really any twists, or crazy reveals, or anything that had me gasping or racing to tell y’all to pick it up ASAP. Nothing out of the ordinary from our usual bad-boy (or in this case, mostly just uber-coveted boy) reads. And yet despite that, I was still “into” it. Sure, I could put it down, but I was always happy (and even a little excited) to pick it right back up. Nothing out of this world for me, but one that I plenty enjoyed, and I think many of you might, too.

“Please stop running from me,” he whispered.

“Please stop trying to catch me.”

3.75 to -I wanted to say 4 stars for the “feel” of this potential love story, (I was really feeling it, and enjoyed getting to know everyone in their “crew”) but I want to be slightly reserved just for the fact that I didn’t really reach any “shocking moments”, or have any intense reactions while reading it, nor did I have a pivotal life-changing moment.

And yet… I enjoyed it!

P.S. As I was looking through my emails for reader-reactions to quote here, I realized that the author sent me a review copy. Thank you Kimberly! I didn’t realize it though, and it looks like I bought it, instead. Must have been in one of my “bargain-book one-click frenzies”. Tee hee. I’m a book-mess. razz

P.P.S. Book #2 intrigues me. Not sure that I “like” a certain someone in it yet, but that might just make it that much more fun. 😉

Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie – Addicted Series Reading Order

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In celebration of today’s new release in this series, I’ve put up the reading order. So many of you seem to realllllly love it, so I’m in! Bring on the angst!! Full length books and everything.

Here are some of the recommendations that had me one-clicking! One fellow reader proclaims it “one of the best series I’ve read all year. The end.” and another called it “Amazeballs”. Tee hee! I couldn’t help myself. I can’t wait to give these a go!

Justine: I recommended the Book “Addicted to You” last month and then devoured the next book in the series, “Ricochet” (Book 1.5) right after that. Yesterday I read Book Two of this Addicted series in 2 sittings (“Addicted For Now” was released Nov 30th). I swear, hand on heart, this is one of the best series I have read all year. The End.  🙂

side note from Maryse: Justine that was just the CUTEST recommendation and one of the most convincing. The end. 😉

Kenesha:  what i am excited about now (before fallen crest public comes out Dec 30) is addicted for now by krista and becca ritchie. Originally learned about addicted to you (book1) and I read Ricochet but excited for addicted for now. it came out Nov 30.

Jackie: I read Addicted To You this week and immediately bought the next in the series.    It’s still very angsty, the dynamics between the characters really make your heart twist.  And without giving away too much, I don’t think I initially would have thought I would have as much sympathy for Lily’s addiction as I did.  I would definitely recommend this one.

Feifei: Maryse Addicted to You is freaking AMAZEBALLS!!! Just like the title suggests, I was addicted to this book and the rest of the series!! Didn’t eat lunch and skipped dinner to read them!! GAHHHH!!! Just thinking about them gives me all these feels LOL! 😀

Natasha: Reading the latest book in the series right now. I must say this series is wonderful and just pulls you in from the first few pages. A must read!!!!!

About book #1:

She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other.

         

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – December 3rd 2013

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Release day!!! A HUGE list! We’ve got hit men, aliens, fighters, professors, rock stars, football stars AND!!! Alpha men (actually, they’re likely all alphas). 😉 In fact, we’re loaded in new releases from many of our favorite authors, including a short story by Kristen Ashley (Shy and Tabby, anyone??) See it below (here’s a hint – it’s in a Christmas anthology).

Plus, we have fantastic bargains to boot (including a bunch of our favorite best sellers)!

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).

  • Take What You Want (The Rock Gods) by Ann Lister <— Rock star alert!! looks super steamy!!! Kandace says: “I loved the M/M pairing in this book. I was annoyed with Danni at first. But in the end I was happy for them all.” and Tracie says: “Zander has a small part in the first book. I’m halfway done and you don’t need to read the first one.”
  • Hopeless by Colleen Hoover <— (LOVE this one!! Here’s my review)
  • Left Drowning by Jessica Park <— (LOVE!!!! Here’s my review)
  • Chocolate Lovers: Sweet Stories About Love, Friendship, and Inappropriate Behavior by Tara Sivec <—- (all 3 books bundled + a short story) Marlena loves it: “So far my favorite humorous series EVER!”
  • The Rocker That Holds Me (The Rocker…) by Terri Anne Browning <—
  • When It Rains by Lisa De Jong <— Nancy found us this deal. This one made me cry! Here’s my review.
  • Divine Destiny (The Divine Chronicles) by JoAnna Grace <— Aimee found us this paranormal deal!
  • Forgive & Forget (Love in the Fleet) by Heathery Ashby <— Lea found us this deal saying: “Look!! Military fraternization, looks super sexy! And, the author is ex Navy, meaning the military aspects should actually be correct, which I appreciate since my husband is Navy.” OMG LOTS of 5 star reviews. Mostly only 5 star reviews!! I one-clicked it! 😀
  • Because of Low (Sea Breeze) by Abbi Glines <— Jami found us some Abbi Glines book deals!
  • While It Lasts (Sea Breeze) by Abbi Glines <— and this one!
  • Just For Now (Sea Breeze) by Abbi Glines <— and this one! and Bobbi says: “These are awesome!!! I love Abbi Glines too! Don’t forget to check out the Too Far Series as well”
  • Arsen. A broken love story by Mia Asher <—- and one of my favorites of the year. This one made me CRAZY mad and CRAZY sad… what a love triangle. CRAZY!!! Here’s my review. And Jules agrees: “Loved this book!”
  • Never Can Tell (Never too Late (Never say Never #4)) by C.M Stunich <— Nancy found us this bargain priced book and Stephanie says: ” I read the first three books in the series, and I really enjoyed the books and characters.” and Amy agrees: “One of my Favorite series !!” (Here’s the Series Reading Order)
  • Away by B.A. Wolfe <— From our past bargain list, but Jamie HIGHLY recommends it, so I’m bringing it back: “yesterday I got Away off the bargain list … it sounded good so I was like ok I’m in … O.M.G. I ugly cried for the 1st time in I dont know how long … I couldn’t even finish it I had to sit it down and come back … 2 hours later I got the nerve to finish it .. I am still emotional about it .. ***sigh***“
  • Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks <— Jennifer found out it’s on sale and Aimee says: “This was a really good story …!!! Had a little Sleeping with the enemy vibe but still really good.” I watched the movie and enjoyed it so this should be even better!
              

PARANORMAL

           

CONTEMPORARY

                                                      

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