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10,000 LIKES!!?? No. Way. Giveaway Time!! TWO Kindle Paperwhites.

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WINNER UPDATE: Brenda and Elizabeth have both replied on time with their info and have each won a Kindle Paperwhite!! Congratulations guys!!

This feels monumental. 10,000 likes is just blowing my mind. I’m flabbergasted and wanting to do cartwheels! I haven’t done one since I was 10, but I’m gonna give it a go. I hope I don’t pull something. 😉 I think I might just video it so we can laugh. Eeeeeeep!! and Squeeeeeeeee!!!! 

I just can’t believe how quickly this blog has grown, and am just so grateful to you all. This has been such a blessing. To be able to indulge in my favorite hobby and share it with all of my new friends (and all of you who have been with me through the years). So, with each milestone starting with this one (10,000 Facebook likes), I will also begin donating to a charitable foundation, as well as the normal celebratory giveaway to the readers. Today I will be donating to the Make A Wish Foundation. And for the readers? Two Kindle Paperwhites – one for each of the two lucky winners.

P.S. Quick thank you to my fun cheerleaders who publicly start counting down with each milestone! You guys make me giggle. I ♥love♥ you guys.

How to enter for a chance to win one? Just leave a comment below, and by tomorrow, (Friday, November 8th 2012) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select two winners.

The winners will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address (must respond by Sunday November 10th 2012 – 10pm EST at the latest), so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance.

Here’s a suggestion. If you want to enter to win one of the two Kindle Paperwhites, leave your comment, and you may also pre-send me your mailing address, by email (if you haven’t already done so in the past), in case you do win (please don’t post it in your comment). In a couple of my past giveaways, there were some issues with getting the mailing address on time, so to avoid this, if I pick your name, and I already have your address, then all is good. Sorry for my international readers, this is a open to U.S. residents only (but you’re welcome to comment and join in any time!!).

And while you’re here, if you haven’t already joined me (actually “us”, ’cause we’re a big group now) on Facebook and Twitter, whatcha waiting’ for?! Oh and you can also Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email, too!

Book Review – Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn

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Leave Me Breathless (book #3 in the “Ross Siblings” series)
<—Loved this! Though I had a few “reservations” before starting it. As much as I desperately wanted (and still want) more in this series, I thought Rock Me would be a really hard act to follow. I adore Brian (from Rock Me) and he’s still, to this day, one of my #1 heroes. I wholeheartedly connected to him and his bad boy persona, and absolutely felt everything that story had to throw at me. And when I found out the next book (this one) would be about Ghost (his best friend & tattoo artist employee), I was happy, but didn’t doubt for a second that he had nothing on Brian.

I mean, sure, both were hot tattooed rockers, but where Brian was sweet, Ghost seemed brash. Where Brian was subdued, Ghost was obnoxious. Where Brian had a more “polite” way about him (despite his bad-boy look), Ghost had no qualms letting his foul-mouth and frequent innuendoes embarrass (or entertain depending on who was in the spotlight) everyone around. Especially the socialites that have suddenly become a part of their entourage.

“Are you all right, Macy? You look a little flushed.”

Just as Macy began to nod quickly, Ghost swigged his beer and jerked his head in her direction. “She looks that way because I have my hand up her skirt.”

He did not just say that.

ACK!!! Classic “Ghost” right there. I laughed (and cringed and blushed).

Okay where was I? Oh right. Brian vs. Ghost. OH!! Here’s another “Brian plus”. Brian has those dimples. Nothing can beat dimples. Except maybe… a shaved head. And muscles. Yep. That might do it. 😉 And ummm… Ghost has those.

Soooooo it’s official. I heart Ghost! Well, actually “Seth” because while he’s more of a cocky “Ghost” to his friends, I have a whole new perspective on Seth. I’m not saying that Seth and Ghost are so different that they are two different people. Both are him, and both fit him. Perfectly. But “Seth” is the depth, warmth, vulnerability and true heart of “Ghost”. And his story rocked my world. How could I ever doubt it? Well I didn’t doubt it, so much as I didn’t think Ghost could live up to Brian.

But he did. And it’s really not a stretch considering how much I love the author’s writing style, the detail into her character’s personality, and the extra attention to little things that take her characters off the page and make them REAL. A perfectly timed growl, chuckle, raised eyebrow, even a fleeting dirty thought.

Maryse’s Book Blog: Okay one part that made me laugh out loud in “Leave Me Breathless” was at 52% … Er…umm. Hehe. *blush* Something about wanting to buy him a beer and punching his lights out. 😉 Tee hee! I heart Ghost.

Amy: Just finished it – great book! Love Seth!

Sara: At 20%…looking forward to 52%!! 🙂

Melissa: I just started. Only at 8%. Lord is ghost hot!

Jessica: *swoon*

Milagros: I love Ghost too!! ( so far)

Priscilla: Yeah that part made me laugh 😉

Shanda: Oh My gosh, I LOVE That line. I read it last night and I was still giggling about it this morning. I heart Ghost also!!!

Tracie: Just finished Breathless!! Love Ghost, and Macy was tough. Really liked her. This series is awesome.

Lea: I loved that part. He’s so funny!

J.d.: I saw that this book was part of a series ( I’ve never read) but didn’t notice any of the same characters mentioned in the descriptions. Do you have to read this series in order or are the more stand alone?

Tasha: Not sure if you have to read the series I read Rock Me and it’s was AMAZING !!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Must at least read Rock Me first. You won’t regret it. It is one of my all time favorite reads.

Maria: Me too Maryse!!! Love Brian from Rock Me!!! In love with Ghost now!!!!! Love your blog, you rock!!!

Emily: Loving this book!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Oh and… O.M.G! I LOVE the twist!

Lisa: The funniest part for me is when he and Brian were telling Macy how he got his nickname!!

Sharon: Absolutely LOVED rock me and LOVED this one almost as much!!! Hoping a fourth book is coming in this series…..

Her character’s reactions are so in tune to what I would expect in real life (from the silly to the sad), you forget that you are reading, and can actually see them. This is another movie-like read (but better ’cause it’s a book!) that plays out right in your head.

So what’s it about? Ghost and Macy have been attracted to each other ever since Candace (Macy’s best friend) and Brian (Ghost’s best friend) have been dating. But like me, Macy find’s Ghost’s personality a bit scary.

“He’s not my type. A more not-my-type guy never existed.”

“Oh, throw the types out the window,” Sam said. “He’s hilarious—”

“He’s wrong.“

Her affluent lifestyle and social life doesn’t mix well with the likes of a guy like Ghost (or even Brian for that matter, and he’s from an affluent family, too)! In fact, she’s the one who tried to dissuade Candace from becoming involved with these bad boys.

And while Macy indulged in a bit of the “Ghost” fantasy, she hightailed it outta there as soon as she could, leaving Ghost (or “Seth”) high and dry. But after some time, they run into each other again and can’t deny that they haven’t gotten over each other yet. Maybe another go, will get each other out of their systems?

“Babe, nothing with you is obvious. Tomorrow, are you gonna just pretend tonight never happened, like you did before?”

“What does it… I didn’t really think you…”

“Didn’t think I cared? Thought I was only after the score?”

Like Brian and Candace, much of the angst and drama (realistic!!) stems from the social circles that don’t seem to mix. But there’s so much more to it than that. As she get’s to know “Ghost”, she gets to know “Seth” and can’t help absolutely falling for him. I fell. Hard!

No doubt about it, he’d been a doll then and he still was now, just… a scarier-looking doll.

I often totally related to Macy (even if in Candace’s book, I didn’t think I would). But here’s the thing. Seth has a LOAD of baggage that he so carefully hides from everyone (even his best friends), that really kicks the angst into high gear. And there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming.

Tiffany: Leave me Breathless has been added to my Favorite Reads List!!! Loved Everything about Ghost/Seth! Hot and Sweet!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Agreed. I really liked it all the way to 50% and then I LOVED IT!!!

Chrissy: Loved, loved, loved this book. Just finished. I almost stayed up all night to finish it. My favorite of the series. Loved both characters.

Tiffany: My favorite Too!

Katie: I love him too! He is competing with Brian in my list of favorites. Not sure who I like more?!

Maryse’s Book Blog: I still love Brian more but I can’t help but wonder if it’s ’cause Brian was on of my “first bad boys” or …? Either way, I DO heart Seth!

A FANTASTIC read. Enough angst and drama to keep you on your toes and feeling the pain (after all, no pain no gain), but perfectly realistic! No “over the top” here. Fictional “crazy-ish” circumstances, sure, but perfectly paced and totally believable.

4.5 stars!!

Why not 5 stars? Well, for one, while I enjoyed the ending, I could really use more. In fact, because of this book, I think BOTH Brian and Ghost’s lives could be TOTALLY re-visited in detail. Expanded upon. There is so much more to experience, and more realistic drama potential. Not saying that I don’t love HEA’s (’cause I MUST have ’em… for the most part), but didn’t you guys wonder… if there could possibly be more coming? And not necessarily in terms of other characters (I’d love that, too), but definitely for Ghost and Brian? I dunno, maybe it’s just ’cause I’m so partial to these as “favorite books” that I’m just being greedy and “thinking” there should be more. But I can’t help it. I like love these guys. I want more. *shrug*

*crosses fingers* and sends happy “hint hint” thoughts to the author…

Interested in the series? If you love contemporary romance and bad boys, you’re gonna love this!! –> Cherrie Lynn – Rock Me (The Ross Siblings) Series Reading Order

P.S. Cherrie Lynn sent me this book for review. Knowing how much I went crazy for Brian way back when, it was a GIVEN I would be reading this one. So, thank you Cherrie!!!

Another Squee-worthy Cover Reveal!! – Jamie McGuire’s Walking Disaster

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I HEART TRAVIS. My #1 bad-boy book hero? Yep. Pretty much. And really that’s all there is to say. Oh, and this —-> *squeeeeeeeeeee*

Beautiful Disaster is one of my all-time favorite books ever (and I think everyone knows this fact already), but to think that we’ll be reading Walking Disaster from Travis’s point of view… *sigh* 

(Scroll down for the large version of the cover. I swear the skin looks sooooo touchable!)

I’ve gathered some fun things already released about Walking Disaster (and some Travis-related material):

A bit about Walking Disaster as per the author’s website:

What is Walking Disaster?

Walking Disaster is the the companion book to Beautiful Disaster—the story from Travis’s POV.

Is Walking Disaster a sequel?

No, but you can expect to see a lot of new things in WD, and a great look into Travis & Abby’s future.

(from Jamie’s Facebook page)

“A sequel of BD, to me, would negate the HEA in BD, and if Travis’s antics kept up, realistically I don’t see our flighty Abby sticking around. I’m sure I could find more shenanigans for them to get into, but it would not and could not be the same formula as BD. So because of that I choose not to write a sequel. I like their story where it ended.

But don’t worry. You’ll get more than where BD ended in WD, and you’ll get a great look into their future in WD’s epilogue. =)”

So here it is. Part of Travis in all of his gorgeous tattooed muscular glory. The picture is so beautifully detailed. It’s like we can touch his skin!! Look! It sort of looks like he’s got goosebumps. I think it’s ’cause we keep running our fingers over the picture. *giggle*

How much is too much to love? Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Jamie McGuire’s New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

Katja Millay’s Sea of Tranquility Cover Reveal and BIG NEWS!!

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Congratulations to Katja Millay!! Her absolutely captivating book, The Sea of Tranquility, caught the attention of Atria (Simon & Schuster). They loved it as much as we did! And guess what? They are publishing it! *squeeeeeeee*!!! It will be released from Atria Books on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012, with a paperback edition to come in June 2013.

I have been bestowed the honor of revealing the new cover (eeeeeeeep I’m so excited!!!). I was thrilled to be given this opportunity, but when I saw what was in the top left corner of the book cover…

*thud*

To have had the opportunity to read and review this absolute wonder of a book, then to be asked to announce this amazing news, reveal the cover, and realize that I’m on there too? My whole year has been made! Next year too! I’m grinning so hard my cheeks hurt and I think I distressed a few eardrums with my squeeing. *sorrrrrry* 😉

I really want to thank Katja and Atria for allowing me to do this. I am so grateful.

For those of you who haven’t read this book yet, it is an absolute MUST read, and when I read it back in September, I knew this was going to be something BIG! An extremely touching, yet somewhat dark and very emotional read, but interspersed with moments of light, love and hope. Beautiful. My heart was beaming. I gave it 5 stars and it will be VERY high (and I mean all the way up there) on my best of 2012 list. You can check out my review, and I’m certain you’ll agree, once you’ve read this book too.

So without further ado…. here it is! (and ohhhh wow, this cover holds so much meaning. Knowing what the book is about, this is perfect!)

About the book:

I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.

Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone learning about her past and to make the boy who took everything from her—her identity, her spirit, her will to live—pay.

All Josh Bennett wants is to be left alone, and everyone allows it because they all know his story: each person he loved was taken from his life until at seventeen years old there was no one left. When your name is synonymous with death, people tend to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a new girl in town who won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. But the more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he will ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding—or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a rich, intense, and brilliantly imagined story about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

I. Am. BEAMING!!!!

Behind The Books – Book Signing Edition With R.L. Mathewson in Orlando + I have goodies to give away!

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R.L. Mathewson & Maryse —> I was excited, can you tell? LOL!

WINNER UPDATE!! Congratulations to these confirmed winners!!

  1. Nancy F
  2. Jacie O
  3. jovana s
  4. Michellena317

I just met the fabulous R.L. Mathewson yesterday and what a treat it was! A nice intimate crowd of fans, gathered around as she answered some questions and we laughed over some of the “situations” that inspired a few of her scenes. AND! We met her faithful assistant “Christi” who regaled us with tidbits of her own fun friendship with the author. Wanna know some of the inside scoop? I have a some goodies right here!

Upcoming writing projects:

  • More in the Pyte series, is next. Many story lines in that series are killing her and have to “come out”. She appears to be VERY excited about these. Very impassioned about what’s coming.
  • She intends on writing the “In-laws from Hell” but currently it’s on the back burner. Considering some of the outrageous “in-law” stories I’ve heard over the years, I bet this is going to be hilarious!
  • She is enjoying writing her “Anger Management” book. She mentioned that she loves them because there is no holding back in her writing, the story and character development. When she writes, she is careful to avoid offending readers, “using tact” (remains cautious with her storyline and words), but Anger Management will have warnings so that a reader knows what they might encounter in this book. She wants the guy to be free to be a real jerk! She tries to be careful not to offend her readers, but Anger Management will be freer.
  • For example: in past books, some lines or subjects  that could be considered offensive, but really helps build the back story and works, and she’s really letting go as she writes Anger Management.
  • Funny things that inspired some scenes. Cake. 😉 YES! AND… I had a hard time hearing the question but, I think it was asking if the “husband in the bathroom” scene could possibly be real? The author scrunched her forehead, looked up at the ceiling, and all of the sudden, her whole face brightened abashedly and she admitted that yes, this did happen. She didn’t go into detail, but chuckled. So did we!
  • She also had a few loosely detailed “insider” stories (but still obvious enough ;)) that helped build her EMT world that had us all giggling.

Pyte related info:

  • Lucan will be getting his own book. When asked if he was dead (some had the impression he was, or were confused with his situation), the author confirmed he was still alive and made mention that his potential upcoming story was hinted it in a past book.
  • Lucan wants freedom. His soul purpose is to get master to give him his freedom.
  • Christopher was a part of the Holocaust and she’s putting it in the book. Might make some readers uncomfortable but necessary for this story.

Christi:

  • Has known, chatted with and skyped with R.L. Mathewson for quite awhile now, but this was the first time they actually met in person.
  • Loved her books, became a super-fan, “stalked” her (her words, not mine 😉 Haha!!) and overtime became good friends. When the author’s books took off, she needed an assistant and asked Christi if she’d be willing. The rest is history!
  • Please feel free to let Christi know when there are editing issues in the book (typos, etc…) as they strive to put out the best they possibly can, and want to correct any errors.
  • Christi is not privy to any “insider” information about the characters and their upcoming stories. She wants to know just as badly as we do, and when she asks R.L. for some hints or even the full scoop, (for example… about “Josh”), the author just chuckles and leaves her hanging. Awwww… we feel you, Christi. We really do!
Christi & R.L. Mathewson
Maryse & Angie (a fellow R.L. Mathewson fan)

Interested in R.L. Mathewson and her books? Bargain priced and from what I’ve read so far, fantastic!

My reviews: 

So that’s it for now. If I think of any more, I’ll add it.

Now, time for the giveaway!

Maryse, R.L. Mathewson & Angie holding the signed shirt for the giveaway. Thanks Angie (you rock!). And so does R.L. Mathewson! 😉

Superfan (and my new friend!!) Angie gave me an awesome shirt to giveaway, and we had it signed by the author. The author also gave me some magnets and stickers for the giveaway, too!

  • 1st prize: the XL signed “Team Bradford” shirt, 2 magnets and a sticker
  • 2nd prize: a magnet and a sticker
  • 3rd and 4th prize: a magnet each
1st prize! Signed shirt –> Way cool!

How to enter for a chance to win something? Just leave a comment below, and by tomorrow, (Wednesday November 7th 2012) by 10pm EST, I will randomly select four winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th will receive an R.L. Mathewson gift as mentioned above).

The winners will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond with a mailing address (must respond by Friday November 9th 2012 – 10pm EST at the latest), so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance.

Here’s a suggestion. If you want to enter to win the book “proof”, leave your comment, and you may also pre-send me your mailing address, by email (if you haven’t already done so in the past), in case you do win (please don’t post it in your comment). In a couple of my past giveaways, there were some issues with getting the mailing address on time, so to avoid this, if I pick your name, and I already have your address, then all is good. Sorry for my international readers, this is a open to U.S. residents only (but you’re welcome to comment and join in any time!!).

And while you’re here, if you haven’t already joined me (actually “us”, ’cause we’re a big group now) on Facebook and Twitter, whatcha waiting’ for?!

My new friends! Karinna, Melissa, R.L. Mathewson & Angie
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