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Cover Reveal!! Infinite Possibilities (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen) by Lisa Renee Jones

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I know SO many of you LOVED Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen) and were freaking out at the end of ’cause of that killer cliffhanger and you’ve been anxious for the follow-up.

Melissa: Hey Maryse, I just finished Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1). Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!! She certainly knows how to write about intrigue and this one nails it with a capitol “I”!!!! Steam, angst, mystery out the wasoo… this one is another gem with only one other book to conclude this series.

Lisa: Just started reading Escaping Reality I am hooked!!! It’s going to be a late night of reading!!

Lisa: I finished Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones!! Loved it! **Spoiler – Cliffhanger** Can’t wait for the next one to come out!! Does anyone know when?

Well… yes and no. I have an “idea” of when it’ll be released AND I revealing the cover, right now! Here’s a teeny tiny tidbit from the author as to it’s release.

“…I’m saying late October to early November with news very soon.”

Ready for the gorgeous cover?

My Top Five Summer Reads – 2013

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Whoa. Halloween decorations are already popping up everywhere. How am I so late with this, you ask? LOL!!! Apparently, the end of summer has officially arrived… a week or so ago. *whoops* I don’t think Florida received the memo yet… (87° right now) and ’cause of that, I er… “missed” the memo, too. Hey if it looks like summer, and feels like summer, it’s summer! And October in Florida didn’t get the memo either, ’cause I’m still not getting that cold blast of brisk air in the morning. Or the smell of wood burning. *sigh* My favorite time of the year. *taps foot at October* Cool it down, will ya? 😉

But nonetheless, I had an AMAZING summer. It wasn’t even all that crazy here in Florida, weather wise and probably the best summer ever! Book Bash, hanging with my favorite authors, my best friends, visiting with my mom and my aunts… going to Texas (now THAT was hot!!) and my reading buddies! Creating and spending time in my gorgeous flowery-reading nook on my deck (that as it turns out, I wasn’t able to use much ’cause it got too hot and sticky for me to be cozy reading)…

Speaking of which, I also had an awesome reading season. Some steamy books kept me flushing even more that the summer heat, and while normally, these “best summer reads” recommendations generally list “great beach reads”… ummm. I dunno that these are good for the beach. Or for vacations. Why? Well

  1. ‘Cause I’m an “emotional intensity” addict and there is nothing “light and airy and easy and romance summer-y fun” about these reads. 😉 These ones’ll make you react, so if you don’t want to cry in public, or fume in public, or groan in ecstasy… in public… er… save these for alone-time. Oh. And…
  2. While these are GREAT entertainment, I can attest that they are so entertaining, you just might shun your “family vacation activities”. So if your idea of a perfect vacation is hunkering down in your fluffy hotel room for hours on end with a book-hunk or two (while the rest of the world enjoys the outdoor festivities)… than these are for you! 😉 And…
  3. These are a vacation on their own, so who needs to travel, anyway? 😉

Either way, I read a bunch this summer and these were my favorites!

MY TOP FIVE SUMMER READS (plus an extra 5 “honorable mentions” – ’cause I loved ’em too!). 😉

A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers
<— Biggest thrill ride!
Taboo on two levels, but not too crazy to make you terribly uncomfortable. Just… “uncomfortable enough” but mostly ’cause you’re hot under the collar, and glancing around making sure nobody just heard you moan in delight! Taboo, I say? What’s it about? Right before she leaves for Italy, she… gets it on with her best friend. Who also happens to be her step-brother. Ah wait. By marriage. No need to freak out, too badly. And OMG the feelings these two have for each other. *whoo*. Except… when she gets to Italy, she meets a handsome young priest. Yeah… you’re gettin’ it. 😉 Wait wait!! He’s not a priest… yet. Sure, he’s made his vow of celibacy, and yes, he wears the robe and collar… okay. *giggle* Well. What? I told you it was taboo, didn’t I? 😉 (see my Book Review)

Surviving Raine by Shay Savage
<— Best alpha-jerk male that still made me fall for him!
This one pulls no punches on the despicable, hateful man front. It’s not that he’s that bad, per se (we’ve read more hateful antiheroes in our past), but he’s got all of his looks going for him, and none of his personality. Brash, uncaring, selfish and oh SO rude. Addicted. Coasting on life, and now… coasting near death as he and a pretty young woman he unwittingly saved, float on the sea, hoping to reach land before they dehydrate. Sounds awesome right? It totally is!! ‘Cause once you get past his rough, gruff exterior, you will fall HARD. Our favorite alpha males a la “Kristen Ashley” and even somewhat Travis-like… he’ll be in that group! (see my Book Review)

Arsen. A broken love story
<—Made me ugly cry!
This one made me do what I don’t usually do in a love triangle. It made me root for the original guy (and not the sexy contender). And not only did I root for him, I FELL for him HARD. One of my favorite male characters this year, because, I dunno. To me, he felt so lifelike. Redeeming qualities (the best a husband could have if you ask me), and yet, when things got tough, he was all-human. All feeling. All love. All pain. All anger. All hate. He was so perfect and so imperfect (but I loved him as both). He was all-consuming to me, and every time I see the author post a picture of “him” (her inspiration of him) I swear my heart skips a beat. It’s a bit obnoxious at first (and for a good portion of the first half), but this book will put you through the ringer and squeeze you tight, and you’ll come out wrinkled and stretched and maybe even torn. Does it end well? I guess it depends on who’s “team” you’re on. 😉 (see my Book Review)

Lick: Stage Dive 1 by Kylie Scott
<— Best rock star read and most fun! 
Just enough “…the famous guy wants me??” excitement, steam and angst to make me connect 100%. And nothing too over-the-top once the angsty parts get rolling. Plus, this author knows how to write an intimate love-scene that totally has me fanning my flushed cheeks with the top of my shirt. And of course, while the initial premise is a touch “much” (how they met and… the rest). But really, though… is it? After all, they *were* in Vegas. Anything goes, there. Rock stars do crazy stuff after all, and drunk girls do, too! (see my Book Review)

Left Drowning by Jessica Park
<— Most well-rounded, deep, emotional drama.
Had that wonderful emotional, friends-to-family feel of growth and healing. An absorbing read that includes dark pasts, a few twists and a heartfelt ending, and one that has you caring and connected to ALL of the characters. It kept me guessing… and I can’t wait for more!! Lots to explore with this one. (see my Book Review)

HONORABLE MENTIONS because I absolutely loved these too (and a couple of them *just missed* my summer reading timeframe)…

All of You: (InterMix) by Christina Lee
<— Sweetest/steamiest read!
Steamy and sweet? Oh YES!!! Total twist on our usual “innocent girl/bad-boy” ’cause it’s the opposite here. But don’t get me wrong… he’s hotter than hot (and he’s a tattoo artist). And he may not be our usual bad-boy, but he’s “no saint” as he says, and I must agree. It’s hard for me to explain just how much I connected to him, how much I melted, what a torturous tease this was but so perfectly, exquisitely detailed and I FELT every single moment. I think this one ranks equal (in regards to my own extreme craving and pining) to “A Little Too Far“. In fact, it’s been a couple of weeks since I read this, and I’m still so into Bennett that I’m thinking of changing the 4.5 stars I gave it, to 5 stars. Any non-bad-boy book that has me loving (and feeling) it this much still? Yep… must be a 5-star read for me. P.S. Why didn’t it make it up there? ‘Cause it, too… just missed my “summer” mark (I read it after). *sigh* still though, it’s a “summer” read ’cause officially, it came out during the last week of summer, so it belongs here! (see my Book Review)

Unbeautifully (Undeniable: Book Two) by Madeline Sheehan
<— Best dark & gritty! (this goes for the one beneath it, too)
One of my favorite reads of the year, but it just missed my “summer mark” by a few weeks (it was a spring read). I FELL HARD for “Ripper” and he is EXACTLY my type when it comes to true “bad boys” in books. Dirty mouth, dirty attitude, dirty past, but a pure broken heart & soul that needs mending, and boy did the author indulge us with him. I still remember every detail of this one, and since I read it last spring, I think it counts! Plus I gave it 5 stars so it’s a must read if you like gritty! (see my Book Review)

Unattainable (Undeniable: Book Three) by Madeline Sheehan
LOVED it but it *just* missed my summer mark by one day. So… it still makes the list 😉 While this wasn’t my favorite book of the series, one of the characters in it, certainly had my rapt attention. I don’t think I’ve ever been so into the plight and self-destruction and potential healing of a certain character since “Z” from BDB. One of the most tortured men I’ve ever read and what a story his was! These books might not be “for everybody” but they are definitely for me! (see my Book Review)

Good (Too Good series) by S. Walden
<— Most Taboo.
And that’s putting it lightly. Student-teacher romance (and not the much “safer” college-aged kind). I usually avoid the ones that skirt just under what I consider a “legal age” (actually, in this book and the state in which it takes place, this “17 year old” is considered legal)… but I digress. Legal or not, there were so many squirm-worthy issues that beat me up, along the way. This one also put me through the ringer but I loved that I couldn’t get a handle on if I was “supposed” to “like him” or not. I mean, I know officially, in real-life NO WAY!!! It’s just wrong. But I read this book through her eyes, and lemme tell you, I suffered and felt everything. So “her-me” was all *swoooon* and “me-me” was all oh No. NOOOO. ICK! But no matter what I thought at what part of the book, the author detailed it just so. And I couldn’t put it down. I still cringe as I say I really enjoyed it. But hey. I did. *shrug* And if you want to read something that will make you squirm uncomfortably while you have butterflies in your stomach as the main character, well. This. But just remember, it’s risqué and not for everybody. (see my Book Review).

Protecting What’s His (A Line of Duty Novel) by Tessa Bailey
<— best typical alpha-male and ultimate protector!
This one is “safe” all around, that is… IF you like ’em mega-alpha and demanding. He’s bossy, arrogant, and likes to dole out spankings (tee hee! No worries, his Dom tendencies aren’t too overwhelming). And the plus? He’s a cop! Totally different from my usual “criminal” bad guy, and bad boy reads, and yet I connected to him big time! There’s nothing too crazy/angsty/twisty or surprise-y in this book, no, but it just had an overall great feel. Good pacing, great conversations, funny, realistic dialogue, super-steam and butterfly inducing romance! A great “in-between” read that you’ll not soon forget. At only 160 pages, it packed a punch! (see my Book Review)

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

➔➔➔  Looking for more of our favorite recommendations? Browse our “Ultimate Favorites Lists” here. Are you in the mood for a certain kind of story? Browse our favorite “genre/trope categories” here.

Live chat TODAY with Lisa Desrochers, author of “A Little Too Far” + a signed book giveaway!

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We are having a LIVE chat, right here, right now TODAY  AT 3PM EST (Wednesday October 2nd 2013) with the author of one of our favorites, “A Little Too Far“, Lisa Desrochers.

Have you read “A Little Too Far” by Lisa Desrochers? Come and chat with the author at Maryse’s Book Blog! All are invited but there will likely be *spoilers* during the chat. This book is best experienced not knowing where it’s going… so if you haven’t read it yet, I suggest skipping the chat, and reading the book. You’ll love it! 😀

Where: Right here!! (see that chat box below? It’ll go live in just a few hours!)
When: Wednesday October 2nd 2013 (TODAY!!)
Time: 3pm EST

Also, leave a comment on the chat page and enter for a chance to win one of FIVE signed copies of this awesome book. One of my absolute favorites! (check out my book review. You’ll see. ;))

 

How to enter for a chance to win a signed copy? Just leave a comment below telling me one of your crazy/out there/fun romance moments (er… keep it PG) 😉 and Friday night (Friday October 4th, 2013) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select five winners.

The winners 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 winners directly by the author.

Giveaway is open to US only, but all are welcome to comment and chat!

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – October 1st 2013

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<– The perfect read to kick off the Halloween season! But strangely enough, October appears to be the start of book-Christmas-season. You’d think more Halloween, but nope. Lots and lots of Christmas sweetness.

No worries, 😉 I found us plenty of new “up our alley” reads, too, but if you’re in the mood for Christmas-y love stories, you have plenty to choose from and if it were up to my husband, I’d dedicate an entire post to Christmas romance. LOL!! Sheesh… if it were up to my husband, I’d be reading Christmas books from here until Christmas and he’d happily sit around and listen to me tell him about them. Yep… my “Christmas-loving-husband” is already antsy for his favorite holiday. But I had to remind him. Halloween first!!! I want the black and orange decorations and the Yankee Candle “Witches Brew” scents and the fall “Autumn Leaves” scents smelling up my house with that burning sootie leaves & wood smell…. before we head to Christmas Cookie. But I get him. Today officially kicks off my favorite time of the year and I’m grinning from ear-to-ear!

Okay, so lots of weddings and Christmas in this list, but a few standout-out-looking book-blurbs that have me excited! Like Scarred Love (from the bargains section) and I Surrender (’cause someone mentioned feelings like “Thoughtless”) and Hard Rock Remix. Oh and Beautiful Illusion. DEFINITELY that one!! That one has me the most curious, ’cause… what a premise!

And of course, the obvious highlights —-> a TON of books were just released today from our favorite authors like J.R. Ward, Jamie McGuire, Lauren Dane, Kresley Cole, Tara Sivec, Rachel Van Dyken, Kim Karr and more!! I’m reading Red Hill as we speak and LOVING it!

P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any. :)

Some Bargain ebook finds:

  • I Surrender (I Surrender Trilogy Book 1) by Monica James <– recommended by Angela: “Just finished “I Surrender” by Monica James OMG this one has me realing. It gave me the same feelings as “Thoughtless” the angst and the anticipation and the need to just shake them and tell them to jump in bed and get it over with already are overwhelming!! There is a second book but it comes out October 13th!“
  • Connected: The Connections Series, #1 by Kim Karr <—- book #2 was just released (see it below)
  • Scarred Love (Sulfur Heights Series) by M.S. Brannon <— found by Stephanie “Scarred Love (Sulfur Heights Series) by M.S. Brannon is on sale!” and the synopsis has me! Abused by her step-father, a jogger hears her screams for help and takes her. “…Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she’s fighting with something she isn’t prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.“
  • Axel (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan
  • Cage (Corps Security) by Harper Sloan
  • Shifting Shadows (Sparks Collide Series) by Amanda Kelly <— Aimee recommends this one saying: “It definitely grabbed me from the get go and did not let go until the bitter end. (love when that happens) If you enjoy a good paranormal story with witches, werewolves and vampires this may be right up your alley. Mature YA vibe similar to Carrie Vaughn or Patricia Briggs writing.”
  • Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren <— (thanks Nancy) and Jillian says: “I really enjoyed it! The story line itself isn’t anything unique, but it’s well written and all the characters are awesome!”
      

PARANORMAL:

                      

CONTEMPORARY:

                                                              

Laurelin Paige – Fixed Trilogy Reading Order

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I hear this series might be for you, if you love the “Crossfire” books. I’ve also been told that there are no cliffhangers, and, book #2 has just been released. 😉 This one’s for you, Maddie, since you asked me to help you find them, I figured I’d put up the reading order (linked up) for anyone else looking for it. I agree… #2 was kind of hard to find on Amazon, but here you go. 😀

Lori: You should also try Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige, great unexpected read (if you liked Crossfire you’ll like it)…

Lindsy: My favorite book in the past 30 days is definitely Fixed on You by Laurelin Page. Such a raw, honest, sexy book!

Kasey: … you have to add Fixed on You (fixed #1). I just finished it last night and it is amazing. So good and the lead Hudson is to die for. You won’t be able to put it down.

About book #1:

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Wither’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out–move up at the nightclub she works at and stay away from any guy who might trigger her obsessive love disorder. A perfect plan. But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub.

He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous–the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of it. Avoiding him isn’t an option after he offers a business proposition she can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.

When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

   

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