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Latest Free & Bargain e-Books – Friday December 28th 2012 PLUS!!! What I Am Currently Reading…

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<—- First I wanna tell you what I’m reading right now, and since it’s bargain priced, it totally fits this list! I’ve been receiving recommendation after recommendation for this one over the last 24 hours, and I started it last night… er…. this morning at 1am. Read it until 3am and I would have totally not put it down but my sleepless-zombie-powers conked out on me. I crashed. BUT!! I must say, so far, so very good, and I totally want to get back to it, right now.

Valerie: Maryse I have to share a book with you that I stayed up all night to finish. Painted Faces by L.H Cosway. Soo good!! I think you’ll really like it!!

Rebecca: Hey Maryse, Karina Halle was reading this book on GR and I ended up winning a copy from her, it’s called Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway. I think you might like it. It’s a very unique take on CR, one only for those with an open mind but I’m having a hard time putting it down. :0)

Debra: This is one of those books that I want (need) everyone to read! No one I know has read it yet and I am about to explode with the need to discuss, dissect, and share my experience. My heart is beating faster just thinking about it. It’s been 24 hours and the edge I got from this book hasn’t even begun to wear off!!! I am dying to see if others feel the same as I do. So READ IT everyone and let me know!!!! Read girls read….I need to discuss!!!!! Hopefully we can get Maryse to put a discussion board.

(sidenote from Maryse: okay hint taken!! I shall be putting it up as soon as I finish this post)

Fantastic writing, sarcastically witty, and sorta… sophisticated? Well you know, these are characters well established in their adult lives. Romantic subject matter that at first made me go… huh? What? Weird. Wanna know why? ‘Cause he’s her new neighbor, and he’s so obviously into her. He’s gorgeous, seductive and so very flirty. She’s crushing hard. So what’s the big deal?  Er… well. It’s his surprise “drag queen” reveal. WHAT!!?? Yep!! My eyes crossed at that part of the synopsis, too. I thought… well okay. But.. what?!! But I’m reading it and all I can say is it’s totally for me! OH YES!!! I can totally get into this. And him. Such an original idea, we’ve not read the likes of this before, but I have a feeling I just may fall head over heels. Oh and did I mention, it takes place in Dublin, Ireland? Can you imagine the sexy accent on him? Oh right, but he’s from New Zealand. Still. sexy accents applies. 😉

Okay so now for the goodies, so that I may return to my own special weird romance treat!

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

Free and bargain e-books that you can read on your Kindle, or even on your computer with the Kindle software. (NOOK USERS: I’ve been told that often, many of these freebies and bargains are also available on the Nook).

BARGAINS:

  • Addicted (Club Destiny) by Nicole Edwards
  • Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway <—- I’m reading this one now and so far so very good!!
  • Forever My Girl (The Beaumont Series) by Heidi McLaughlin <— Ivannie says: “i thought it was really good! you’ll like it! (YA)”
  • Beautifully Damaged by L.A. Fiore <— the reviews are a bit all over the place with this one, but I remember so many really liked the story and premise (there were some editing issues, and for me, some story-flow issues, so I put it down a few months ago because I was having a hard time connecting) but it has been “re-released”. Maybe it’ll rock? Tracy says: “I loved Beautifully Damaged…. had a more adult feel…”
  • Truth and Humility by J.A. Dennam <— this one has been brought up a few times over the last week (some say a “Crow’s Row” feel and after reading the premise, I want to read!!) Nikole says: “I just finished Truth and Humility by J. A. Dennam which someone posted as a reccomendation about a week ago and it was sooooo good, thank you to whoever reccomended it. 4.5 stars!!”
  • Someone to Love by Addison Moore <— no real notes or recommendations on this, yet… but a bunch of us are intrigued! Gorgeous cover!! Jennifer says: “Has anyone read this? It looks soooo good and I love Addison Moore ‘s other series. just wondering if anyone has any feedback on it yet!”
  • Hopeless by Colleen Hoover <— just made NYT Best Seller’s list and everyone is loving it! Joanna says: “Hopeless is a really good book – not just entertaining to read, but really thought provoking and full of loving sacrifice.” I read it and loved it, too!
  • VAIN by Fisher Amelie <— just released. Nikki says: “I have read two of Fisher Amelie’s books. Callum & Harper and Thomas & January. They are both very good!” My sidenote: I had trouble connecting with Callum & Harper but am interested in knowing more about this one… 
  • Shattered Valor (Red Team) by Elaine Levine <— Shirley says: “WOW! The new one is called Shattered Valor and is an immediate follow-up in the storyline from book 1 (The Edge of Courage). It is special ops. Anyway, fabulous book.”
  • The Edge of Courage (Red Team) by Elaine Levine
  • A Toast to the Good Times by Liz Reinhardt & Steph Campbell <–
  • The Opportunist (Love Me With Lies #1) by Tarryn Fisher <— LOVED this book! you can’t go wrong. Oh there will be some suffering, but then.. you can move on to #2 (Dirty Red (Love Me With Lies #2). And suffer some more. Tee hee!!!
  • The Devil’s Son (The Devil’s Eyes) by Jennifer Loren <— so many loved #1 & #2 and this one (#3) has just been released!
  • Beautiful Disaster (The Bet) by Francette Phal <– Nikki says: “it’s very good. The second book just came out.”
  • Redemption (The Bet) by Francette Phal <— and this is the second one!
  • CAGED (Book 1, The Caged Series) by Amber Lynn Natusch
  • Pushing the Limits (Harlequin Teen) by Katie McGarry <– Jeannie says: “It’s YA, but I read it and definitely liked it.”
  • Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines <— have I mentioned lately that I still love this one? Yeah? Well, I’m mentioning it again. 😉 I’m needing a “Rush” rush. 😛 I miss my Rush-crush. 😉 Okay I know. I’m being obnoxious now. *smirk*
  • Broken by Megan Hart <— ooohhhh I LOVED this one!! Check out my review (Thanks for pointing the bargain deal out, Nancy)!!
  • Dirty by Megan Hart <— another one from the same author that I loved!!  (my review)
  • Reason Enough By Megan Hart (A short story with the characters of “Dirty”)
  • Tempted by Megan Hart <— yep! This was a great (and SUPER STEAMY) read too!! (my review)
  • Everything Changes by Megan Hart <— Alex’s POV – character in “Tempted” 😉
  • Deeper by Megan Hart <— I just bought it (haven’t read it yet, but I love this author’s darker writing style in the romance genre)
  • Switch by Megan Hart
  • Forged by Becky Banks <— Debbie says: ” I recommend Forged by Becky Banks. Nate reminds me of Kristen Ashley heroes.”
  • Wrapping Up (Novella) Mitchell Family 4.5 (Wrapping Up Novella 4.5) by Jennifer Foor <— just released for you “Mitchell family” addicts!!
  • Hell on Wheels: Black Knights Inc. by Julie Ann Walker
  • In Rides Trouble: Black Knights Inc. by Julie Ann Walker
  • Rev It Up: Black Knights Inc. by Julie Ann Walker

                            

—-> Also check out all of the past freebies and bargains posts here: https://www.maryse.net/category/news/bargain-and-freebie-ebooks. BUT!!! Keep in mind. Many of these older bargain prices and freebies are temporary so they won’t all still be valid. Always verify with Amazon’s pricing first before finalizing your checkout.

Don’t have a Kindle? That’s okay, you can read these on your computer or phone with Kindle Apps:

Download Kindle for PC
Download Kindle for MAC
Download Kindle for iPhone
Download Kindle for Blackberry
Download Kindle for iPad (that’s how I’m reading these!)
Download Kindle for Android

Book Review – Bad Rep by A. Meredith Walters

By 27 Comments

Bad Rep
<—- Yes! Good! Much of what we have come to expect in our New Adult colleged-aged reads, sure, but… Jordan made this book, for me. His reactions and his… passion (okay, I’ll say it again because this word works so perfectly for him – his intensity) were sublimely reminiscent of my beloved Travis, that many of my little hiccups with the book were quickly forgotten.

Jordan’s bad-boy/good-guy character was not only believable but he had that extra edge to him that made him seem real. Okay sure, his initial introduction made him seem a little too much of a …. “cookie cutter heartthrob” to me. Successful college student, fraternity president, most popular (and gorgeous) guy in school, legions of groupies (he even has a nickname because of it) but he’s also tattooed, pierced and a drummer in a popular local band. Oh! And sexy unattainable bartender by night. Yep. He’s perfect. I was feeling like a bit of a hypocrite, ’cause he was absolutely everything I thought I wanted in my bad boy characters and yet, I was a touch jaded at first.

But I was hoping the characters would eventually come alive, and had my fingers crossed that I’d come across a more “raw” version of him, and I’m delighted to say, he emerged. A bit cocky, but a bit insecure, too. The way he flirted,

“What was that? I think I got pregnant just watching you two,” she snarked.

… the way he pursued “her”, the way he was. To be fair, I sometimes questioned why he was so intense about her specifically (I would have loved more detail and attention to the initial friendship) but hey… attraction is attraction and sometimes right from the very first look, it can’t be denied. So I went with it. But then, there were my favorite moments. His jealous moments, his overreactions, his anger… his pain. THERE it is. There. He. Was.

Maryse’s Book Blog: I’m reading this one right now!! It’s pretty good! Jordan is … *sigh* (WOW!!) and embarrassingly enough, I’m enjoying (and relating to) her running away issues. I know.. eye roll – hehe but I can’t help it. I’m all… “Ugh! Time to leave!” hehe. Fun! AND!! Wait! At the same time, my logical side is also exasperated with her “issues”. I’m just enjoying getting carried away in her mindset.

Brandi: Loved this one…..Jordan = smoking hottie

Candice: I’m reading it right now too. Almost finished! It’s so good!

Clarice: I just finished it last night. Ooh the number of times I just wanted to slap some sense into the girl!

Jennifer: Finished last night (well really at 1am lol) loved it but I agree her issues did get a lil annoying BUT in the same breath I did like that she *spoiler*!!!

Ashley:  I’m about 60%, really enjoying it as well. I know somewhere you posted that it was BD mixed with Mean Girls. I’d throw a little Thoughtless/Effortless in there too with her issues, not the same issues, but still very flighty.

Chrissy: It was really good, so good I was up till 4 am reading it because I had to finish it.

Manda: I finished it this morning. I love that they didn’t tap dance around the situation and you actually got to see what happens when you make those kinds of decisions. There is always a price for happiness.

MaryJoan: I literally just finished it and I really loved it. Jordan can be added to the never ending list of book boyfriends…sigh…

Sabrina: Maryse– I really liked this book too– for some reason I could not put it down!!! Enjoy!!!

Kim: OMG I so loved Jordan

Danielle: I loved this book! And like a true book zombie stayed up till 4 AM to finish it.

Liz: I really enjoyed this book. But yes her “issues” drive me nuts towards the end.

Rachel: Reading this one atm too, not bad

Kristie: Loved it

Krista: I just read this…..I liked it too. It was like Kellan Kyle, Travis Maddox and Jack Carter rolled into Jordan Levitt.

⇈ Yep!!! What they said. 😉 ⇈

Did I love it? Sometimes, yes. Lots of moments I loved, and quite a few that I really struggled through. Struggled with the heroine, as if I was her (her pain, and insecurities and shame… oh yes. I felt those at first, right there with her).

I felt battered and bruised and the tears started again. I couldn’t stop them. And I hated these people for witnessing my weakness. I had never been brought so low before. And they all had a front row seat.

But at some point… she lost me, and I struggled to believe her. I “get it”, I got her, where she was coming from, what she naturally struggled with, and how she was dealing with her “issues”. Yes. I got all of that. And for the most part, I stuck by her mindset (and perceptions). After all, we are only human and when we are in the middle of a mess, we often can’t see or think straight.

However, the level of “crazy” that she experienced with her outrageously immature student faculty, and her insistence that she stick to her “ideal of belonging to a group” made me eyeroll. There was viable drama here, for the purpose of the story, struggle and growth of the characters. And then there was over-the-top drama that the character seemed to force upon herself. And that’s when I started skimming.

So what’s it about?

Maysie meets Jordan at her new job in a bar. He’s got everything going for him, and he’s got an eye on her. Sweet smiles, super flirty (and I mean… so obviously wants her). They start connecting…

He was going to be difficult to stay away from.

But who says I even wanted to? We had chemistry and he was f&%king hot. I was a hot blooded college girl, why shouldn’t I indulge?

… until… D’oh! She finds out he’s got a girlfriend.

Everyone loved Olivia. Including, apparently, the guy I had just spent the entire evening lusting after.

And not just any girlfriend, but the president of the sorority she’s just dying to belong to. They’re a royal couple. And he’s known to be 100% faithful to her. Good right? He’s a faithful guy. But when Maysie crosses his path, he can’t resist his attraction to her, and it’s that very lack of resistance that gets this story rolling.

God, this guy was a complete player! I was so thankful I had wised up before being sucked into his rock god pants.

I’ll let you experience the resulting “hot mess” for yourselves.

Hot mess… and, sometimes just a mess. Had I not been as exasperated with the somewhat “high school” feel of this college’s student faculty, I may have loved it 100%. I just didn’t believe this type of “reaction” and gossip could happen to this extent. From my own college experience, I remember everyone having an “older” feel. An independent, focused air, and not so caught up in petty drama, and name calling. I’m not sure if it was simply because the college I attended was so large, and the one in this book was so small, but the rumor-mill, and immaturity level of these college students just didn’t… convince me. The problem wasn’t just within the “clique”. It became school-wide. And this was pretty much the main part that sidetracked me and had me skimming in exasperation.

I wanted to feel that sense of community. Now, I wished nothing more than to be lost in the crowd.

BUT!!! Things get rolling and then there is a whole lot more to “it” (this story) than petty clique issues. And that is what I connected to. Thank goodness for the few of her more “true-to-life” friends (especially one in particular). And for the more realistic moments/emotional confrontations, ’cause they allowed me to experience Jordan in his full glory (I stressed over him quite nicely, thank you very much). We all know… I LOVE doing that. My heart felt him in all of his heartthrob moments, and especially in his anguish.

4 stars total from me, for this guilty pleasure (3 to 3.5 stars for the melodrama, 4 stars for the love story and 5 stars for Jordan)!

P.S. Wanna see what he looks like? Here’s the author’s example right from her Facebook page.

Thank you for that, Ms. Walters!! It made envisioning him soooooo easy, and well. Just look at him!! Perfect for Jordan. Oh and! Thank so much for sending me this review copy. 🙂

Tarryn Fisher – Love Me With Lies Series Reading Order

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I LOVE this exciting, tumultuous, and often infuriating romance series. Err.. calling it a “romance” series makes me smirk, ’cause it’s so much more… gritty than that. When one of our fellow readers (Maria) described book #2 as an “anti-romance”, I laughed because this series is… sort of… exactly that.

An absolutely angsty love story, yes. It’s ALL about the love story, and the players will do ANYTHING for love. Put like that, it sounds sweet, right?  *smirk* confused Nope. This isn’t your sweet, indulgent romantic affair with a few “misunderstandings” to provide a little bit of tension. Selfish actions, and selfish thoughts abound, and it’s all about the tension. So let’s just call it an unconventional romance series. It’s risky and raw. A little dark and delicious. This series is the epitome of the old adage “All’s fair in love and war”. I swooned, I pined, I moped, and I cried. I reluctantly related to the characters, and was distressed for doing so. It’s that little devil on your shoulder tempting you to always do what you want, take what you want, circumstances be damned. And boy do the circumstances come back to haunt us. I mean… them. 😉 So far, a brilliantly written, guilty pleasure, but it’s not just that.  There’s… growth, too. Sort of. Maybe. *grins* Or at least, a better understanding of where it all comes from, and I can’t wait for the grand finale!

Andie: Read The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher and you’ll know who Dirty Red is and why we can’t wait for her book

Yanira: Yay!!!!  Let the mindfk begin!!! …. What I really love about this series is that we get all the POV’s involved, so we’ll get the whole story and then we can judge if there’s a hero or a villain. At least my jury is still out impatiently waiting for the whole thing.

Susan: … I loved the story. But I’m depressed!!?? What does Dirty Red have to do with this? Is it a sequel? … Okay! Bought and started reading Dirty Red. NOW I get it!

Victoria: I love that Tarryn Fisher didn’t shy away from making the main character a b&tchy person!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Spoiled, selfish and self-centered is taken to a whole other level. I’m appalled, and yet it’s so good.

Kimmie: I know everyone say they liked The Opportunist, but I’m a little hesitant to read it based on what everyone is saying. I know its going to draw me in and the emotions and everything. Which is a good and bad thing hee hee. Is The Opportunist really going to stay with me?

Claudia: Oh My..I am totally addicted to The Opportunist and Dirty Red, you should read but remember..you are going to have so many questions..the writing is amazing!!

Johanna: Haha so am I!! I loved The Opportunist, it is a def must read.. It’s not your conventional love story if that’s what you were hoping for.. There is so much drama, lies. And backstabbing that you’ll feel compelled to throw your Nook/Kindle lol.

Taina: After reading your reaction months ago, I told myself I would not read it. …Bought it an left it fermenting in my kindle for 3 days. Started last night and finished today. I’m angry. Sad. Confused. Hurt. However, I am not disappointed. Yes…I read The Opportunist.

About book #1:

Olivia Kaspen is a sharp tongued manipulator used to always getting what she wants. With just one exception-Caleb Drake, the one she foolishly let slip away. After a chance encounter brings Caleb back into her life, Olivia finds herself wanting a second chance with her first love, and asking herself how far she is willing to go to get him back.  Her only problem is a red head named Leah, Caleb’s new love. Olivia must fight for what was once hers, and in the process discover that sometimes love falls short of redemption.

  

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Tarryn Fisher features and reviews on my blog. 😀

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

Super e-Book Bargains!

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After Christmas ebook bargain deals!!! Sooooo many of our favorites, that I HAD to put this up ASAP. Some are repeats but super-bargain priced and still being mentioned amongst our crew, that I had to include ’em again. And some are new to me, but look good!

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

Free and bargain e-books that you can read on your Kindle, or even on your computer with the Kindle software. (NOOK USERS: I’ve been told that often, many of these freebies and bargains are also available on the Nook).

                                            

—-> Also check out all of the past freebies and bargains posts here: https://www.maryse.net/category/news/bargain-and-freebie-ebooks. BUT!!! Keep in mind. Many of these older bargain prices and freebies are temporary so they won’t all still be valid. Always verify with Amazon’s pricing first before finalizing your checkout.

Don’t have a Kindle? That’s okay, you can read these on your computer or phone with Kindle Apps:

Download Kindle for PC
Download Kindle for MAC
Download Kindle for iPhone
Download Kindle for Blackberry
Download Kindle for iPad (that’s how I’m reading these!)
Download Kindle for Android

 

On the 25th Day of Christmas… (25 Days of Christmas Giveaway)

By 525 Comments

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!! Congratulations to Pam who has responded to her email notification and will be receiving this gift!

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you’ve had a wonderful day with family and friends, and all cozied up with your favorite things. I spent a good portion of the day “FaceTime-ing” with my family back home in Canada. Almost just as good as being home in person and I’m thrilled that I can spend every holiday with my friends here, and still be with my family in Montreal.

So…. It. Is. Time!!! Today’s BIG 25th Day of Christmas MERRY CHRISTMAS giveaway is ready and I think so many of you will be thrilled. I’m opening this contest up to everyone that can receive and use a Kindle Fire 7″, LCD Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB – Includes Special Offers. I believe this should be easy for entries from the UK, and also Canadians (however I hear there are some “use” and licensing restrictions in certain countries). If a winner in another country wins, and there are too many Kindle Fire issues, then I will send an Amazon.com gift card for the same value (in US funds).

How to enter for a chance to win it? Just leave a comment below (or better yet, tell us your favorite thing about today), and tonight (Tuesday December 25th, 2012) by 11:30pm 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. If no response is received, I will randomly select another winner. This is open to anyone that can receive and use a Kindle Fire OR an emailed giftcard from Amazon.com.

:arrow:  OH AND!!! —-> Many of you have been asking how to receive a notice each time my blog is updated. Just use this link right here:

“Subscribe to my blog and be updated everytime I post: https://feeds2.feedburner.com/Maryse“

And if you haven’t “liked” my Facebook page yet, come on over and join us! We’re a fun and extremely active group and we’ve got really REALLY good taste in books! https://www.facebook.com/MarysesBookBlog

 

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