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Behind The Books – An Interview With… Maryse!

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That’s me with one of my favorite books!

Nooooooo… I didn’t interview myself, but Sandra (one of our fellow readers) did, for her podcast! Sandra has been a big part of our book group for a long while now. We’ve always been so in tune with our book choices (well, happily, the whole HUGE group of us are)! Like I love to say… we have great book taste!! FUN book taste. Exciting, angsty, exhilarating bad-boy book taste! 😉

She and her friend Maria have their very own book podcast channel going on (“Book Bitches“), and this week’s podcast features an interview with me. *blush* (scroll to bottom of this post to listen).

I was so nervous. I mean, it’s one thing to write out your answers thoughtfully and concisely, it’s another thing to speak them. Eeeeep! But I will admit, it was SO fun, and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to get to know one of my friends that much more. And now, you can get to know me a little bit more, too.

A lot of stuff many of you have heard me say throughout the years on this blog, but this is pretty much it, in a nutshell, and some extra detail to go along with it. How I started reading, how I deal with my TBR list, favorite authors, and honestly? Just so much more. The questions lead into fun conversations and it felt like we really were all together, hanging around, discussing our book-life. I couldn’t think of a more fun chat to have amongst fellow book-lovers! (other than discussing our favorite heroes… oh and yes. We do. :P)

WOOPS!
It looks like the original podcast is currently offline (oops? did we go over the bandwidth?) 🙂 BUT!! We have uploaded it directly here, for you to listen to (below). Please scroll down to the bottom of this post, to listen to it. I hope you enjoy it! It’s a longer interview, but it’s truly us, and I loved it!

P.S. I mention some of my favorite books/series/characters and THESE are the ones I’m referring to (if you were wondering what I was talking about):

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – September 25th 2012

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Now this is what I call a release day!! Look at all the books. Plus —> J.R. WARD!!!! Okay so it’s not the next in her BDB series, but I do enjoy her bad-boy fallen angels, and have been waiting for this one. *squee* Adrian *sigh* YAY US!! (Check out the reading order guide of her Fallen Angel series).

Plus tons of contemporary romance (and some a bit “harder” such as the latest book in Tiffany Reisz’s Original Sinners series —> The Angel – check out my review of book #1 – The Siren) , sexy shifters, and the Christmas books are already coming out. Well I guess it’s only fair since Halloween has books all year long with the paranormal and horror genres. I say… bring on the Christmas books!

Paranormal:

             

Contemporary:

                     

Historical:

          

Book Review – Risking It All by Jennifer Schmidt

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Risking It All
Really good read that might have had me even more enthusiastic had I not been pouting at the price I paid for it. I mean, of course the price doesn’t make or break an excellent story, but… you know. It has to be excellent. I have to be pretty floored by it, to not blink at a significantly higher ebook price.

This one was… really good, and when a story is good, it’s so much easier to adamantly recommend when the cost isn’t so steep. Was it worth the price? Hrmmm… I dunno. Sorta. After all, I DID like it, and at times I felt like I was loving it (Memphis… the ultra-sexy alpha male absolutely had me). But while I found myself personally involved with this angsty love triangle, this book wasn’t an absolute stand-out for me. I’ve read this before… in one way or another (even if this one was a good version of it). There is no denying that I was emotionally connected. At times… I. WAS. MELTING! At others… I was exasperated. And then… hurting.

This is another one of those books that was brought up quite a few times, last week, and had me racing to grab it. Even with that price, I couldn’t help myself…

Claudia: I am reading this book: Risking It All by Jennifer Schmidt and is very good!! … it’s a mix of – BD, On Dublin St, Thoughtless, lol..really good.

Johanna: Hmmm now thats just up my alley.. Thanks for the heads up Claudia 🙂

Tasha: Risking it All by Jennifer Schmidt is a must read 🙂

Maryse’s Book Blog: I think that’s the second time today that book has been mentioned!! 🙂

Claudia Flores yes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julie: Sounds good, I hate when they’re priced high like that tho :/

Tasha: Yea I know the price was a kicker

Tracy: … Risking It All? Please help me decide 🙂

Maryse’s Book Blog: I liked Risking it All (I’ll be writing the review shortly) and I LOVED Memphis – OMG to him, but the price! WHOA. I think I would have loved the book more had I not paid that much for it, if that makes sense?

Tracy: I chose RIA and I loved it and Memphis! And I wanted to punch her a couple of times 🙂 But I agree Maryse..reading as fast as we do, I have to rely in you and the other girls for great bargain books…

So what’s it about? Well at first I cringed a bit because I thought it was just going to be… too similar to the “Beautiful Disaster” book. And of course, I’m always on the lookout for what to read “after Beautiful Disaster” but it started off in a way that had me worried. College aged kids, cute bookworm girl (Kennedy) is warned against the infamous bad-boy (Memphis) on campus. And of course said bad-boy sets his sights on her, flirts, gets shot down (even though inside she’s reeeallly attracted)…

Oh, Kennedy definitely looked, and liked what she saw. But easy on the eyes wasn’t worth carrying around the resentment that seemed to follow every woman Memphis seduced.

… and then they become best friends. In fact, he even tells her the whole “… I like you too much to sleep with you” type thing. Sound familiar? Yep. I was raising an eyebrow.

BUT WAIT!!! It gets better. SO much better. Because this is the tale of two BEST ADULT friends. Along the lines of… if Abby and Travis (from Beautiful Disaster) had never taken that extra step and gave into each other’s attraction. EVER. What would have happened had they remained absolute best friends through college, and after college and well into their adult years? Bad boy continuing with his bad boy ways, while his good girl “best friend” dates her perfect man (which is not him). Spend all of their time together (when, of course, they aren’t with “others”) call each other, text each other, and cuddle… even if there is nothing more between them. Well THIS is that story.

So you know, once I realized where I was headed with this (I mean… ’cause come on – it is SO obvious they are torturing each other). I WAS IN!!!! I wanted to play in the emotional torture chamber with them. I wanted to pine with her, wonder why he never came on to her, like… ever. Wonder what if? And when I found out that he arranged to bring her on his next business trip (her dream destination), I just knew the angst was gonna hit the fan!

‘Cause remember… she has a boyfriend. Of two years. He’s a handsome surgeon. Almost perfect, right? Almost. Except he’s a bit boring. And he takes her for granted. And he forgets her VERY important events. The jerk! But as much of a bad-boy as Memphis seems to be (he’s got a motorcycle you know… and he likes her on the back of his bike! *giggle*), there is just something soooo perfect about him (hehe… of course I’d say that ;))

It still stung that he couldn’t commit himself to be there for her for one night.

“F#$king a$#hole,” Memphis said.

“He’s busy. He has a demanding career,” Kennedy said, trying to defend him for the zillionth time.

“Hey, I’m the one who globe-trots and I’m still going to be there.”

Kennedy gave him a small smile.

“That’s because you’re home right now.”

“No.” Memphis gave her a stern look. “Even if I had been halfway around the world, I would still make it home for this. I will always come home for you. You come first.”

*sigh* YES. THIS is Memphis. And now she’s on her way to Alaska for a week with him. Uh huh. Angst, confusion, denials, and ok, yes. Some drama for the sake of drama, and certainly some STUPID stupid decisions (but all of our angsty books have that, right?). Oh!! And pain. Yep! And despite the times when I found myself rolling my eyes (the heroine sometimes… just…. ARGH!!!!!!), when it came to Memphis, I believed everything about him. EVERYTHING. He had me. His “way”, his possessiveness, his sweetness, his alpha-male reactions… yes. I swooned.

But, I’m going to stop there and if you decide to, I’ll let you discover the rest.

If I’m honest with how I felt while I read it, to me, it’s mostly a 4 star read. I mean… it’s good. *shrug* I can’t take that away from it. 🙂

4 stars!

P.S. My mom is keeping me on my toes. She needed me to clarify this review, so I thought I’d include the conversation here, in case anyone else was wondering:

Mom: one little comment…. what would be it’s rating if it had been a less expensive book… would it be the same or would it be 4.5?… just wanted to know for my own sake.

Luv U
Mom

Maryse: Yep! 4 stars, if we only take the actual story into account (which is what I ended up doing). Anyone who reads it will see what I mean, I think. 😉 It’s good. It’s really good, but it has some *issues* like some drama for the sake of drama. That price for the “usual” drama is too pricey in my opinion. But, she wrote “his” character so well that it was worth 4 stars just because of HIM.

Mom: Excellent… that is exactly what I wanted to know from you…. I wasn’t sure from your comment if you felt that it should be more but gave it less because of the price.

 

➔➔➔  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.

Cara McKenna – Curio Series Reading Order

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I read book #1 “Curio” over the summer and really enjoyed it (check out my review here). In fact, it almost made yesterday’s “Top Five Summer Reads” list (as a “cheat” extra). Almost. Instead, I thought I’d save it for today  and post it as a reading order guide. A short story, but kept me entertained for a few hours, and I actually didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. It had just enough depth and personal touches to make me forget how short this book really was.

And to top it all off, it had that *oomph* moment that I didn’t see coming. It was recommended to me by a fellow reader, in the comments of my “Top 13 Illicit Bad Boys list” (which is dedicated strictly to the bad-boys that live a more “illegal” way of life). The gangsters, mobsters, dealers and… escorts. “Didier” (from this book) is one of those “escorts”. 😉 Great read, and now the author has released “vignettes” as follow ups to the main book. Shorter “shorts”, but I am quite intrigued as to how the story has progressed.

About book #1:

Caroly Evardt never expected to find herself patronizing a male prostitute. Then again, she never expected to be weeks from her thirtieth birthday and still a virgin.When a friend mentions that a gorgeous male model in Paris sells his body as well as his image, Caroly’s intrigued. Finally, a chance to sample the gifts of a beautiful man—no strings, no stakes, no fear of rejection.But she soon discovers that Didier Pedra amounts to more than a striking face and talented body. He’s a kind, charming, damaged man, and after a few evenings of pleasurable education, Caroly’s interest blossoms into something far deeper than mere lust. Her simple arrangement is suddenly feeling downright dangerous…

My Top Five Summer Reads – 2012

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Well, summer is officially over. As of today. The first day of fall. And my husband is already starting to get excited about Christmas. Yep! Do you remember me mentioning his Christmas addiction last year? And the year before that?rolleyes He comes up often in my posts nearing that time of the year, and he’s already starting up. I posted his first “Christmas *squee*” a few days ago on Facebook:

“I was watching the Hallmark channel and just saw a “Countdown to Christmas” commercial advertising their upcoming Christmas movies.

My Christmas-loving husband first *squeeed*, then freaked out saying OMG it’s already September, only two months to get ready!! And then immediately went into a “Ohhhh nooo Christmas is already almost overrrrr” tantrum.

Oh please help me. confused

Uh huh. So I figured today is the perfect day to go over my summer reads and pick out my five favorites. I’ve read a bunch that were great, but these are the FIVE that stand out in my head, right now. And… I need to get this finished ASAP before the Christmas lights go up. And that could be like… any day now 😉

So here they are… my TOP FIVE favorite summer reads! PLUS —> I cheated a bit. I included TWO extras because they are the perfect “lighthearted” books that  I would easily recommend as a great “vacation” read. Or a great anytime read, but you know what I mean. 😉

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The Experiment in Terror Series by Karina Halle
Okay to start off with, I’m going “cheat” my own system, right off the bat by listing an entire series as one of my choices. Since I LOVED the series it in it’s entirety and the last 3 “main” books in the series absolutely rocked my world, I can’t pick just one (and they all “feed” off of each other). If I had to pick my two favorites it would be Lying Season and The Dex Files, but each book is made better by the next one in the series, and as a whole?
AH-MAZING!!

Reading this series reminded me of back in the day, when I first started “power-reading” and would read an entire series back to back without stopping. I hadn’t done that in awhile, but this one took me back right “there”. Check out everything I’ve written so far about the author (Karina Halle) —> my book reviews, reading order guide, my own FAQ about the EIT series, etc…

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The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle
I loved it because it was “that kind” of rock star read. A big ol’ angsty, gritty romance. A steamy, intense, jealousy filled train-wreck of a love story. But you KNOW I love those. Oh things are a mess, yes. Sure… some big mistakes, unforgivable moments, face-palm moments. And at times I disliked the one I was rooting for. At times I cried (yes I did!) for the one I thought I WASN’T rooting for (now THAT was something that seriously surprised me! I felt the pain, but I didn’t expect to feel it… for everyone). The tension and angst are prevalent in this book, the “groupie” worries, the BIG “on stage” song to pass an angry/hurt message… it’s all there. My stomach churned with worry (not just the love butterflies), and my heart felt every bit of it. A guilty pleasure FOR SURE!!! check out my book review of The Mighty Storm

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On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
An excellent contemporary romance read! A friend asked about this one, and I summed it up like this:
“A great, even excellent, well rounded read. The whole shebang, maybe could have had even more moments of that deep pull, but overall it had pretty much everything going for it…. I felt it. Those “moments of desperation” when the character realizes something bad is about to happen. Hurt my heart and then later… retaliation… eeeep!! And of course the hero and his alpha moments were good too!”

Did I just say “good” alpha moments? Well I meant *whoooo* alpha moments! BIG STRONG yummy alpha moments! And don’t get me started on the spooning. *sigh* Loved it! Check out my book review of On Dublin Street

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Onyx – book #2 (A Lux Novel) by Jennifer Armentrout
I love this Paranormal series  (well… aliens but you know what I mean 😉 ) So far, it’s only two full length books in (plus a prequel) but it gives me almost that same “book rush” that Vampire Academy used to give me. This is YA, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out, you know? I don’t feel like it’s “too young” for me.

The story itself, and the connection between all of the characters has me hooked. It doesn’t really read like a “high school” story. Oh yes, they are in high school, true. And sure… there are a few moments of high school drama (OH AND I LOVED those moments because they are simply and deliciously infuriating!!), but the books are just so well written that I’m right there with them (or I’m “her”). This author is quite a tease when it comes to the book’s romance angle, but it’s totally working for me. For some reason, when it comes to these books, I don’t need the detailed steamy “adult” situations, because these two are steamy enough in their own right. I get all of the butterflies, and pine like crazy, and am satisfied with that “kiss”. And lemme tell you… those must be some serious kisses to make me forget I’m reading YA. The romantic tension is off the charts! Check out my review of Onyx (and if you haven’t read book #1 yet, skip the review and go directly to the Lux reading order guide).

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Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee
This was a “short” but just perfect for me. A darker, more brooding storyline that captured my heart from the very start.  An unconventional love story of two very lonely people that meet and connect and fall in love, against all odds. He is part of a circus side show (tattooed from head to toe), and despite his scary appearance, the heroine sees his beauty underneath it all. And so will you. But you’ll also feel their pain as she attempts to hide him (and them) from social scrutiny. LOVED THIS! Check out my review of Bone Deep

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And here are my “cheating-my-own-list” EXTRA TWO! Let’s get into the FUNNY stuff now. Perfect light-hearted summer romance reads. I mean, some are my favorite “summer reads” just because I read them over the summertime, and some are the perfect “summer vacation” read, and these would be them. Although, you might get some funny stares when you start snort-laughing on the beach. Just sayin’. Good thing beach-weather is pretty much over. You can snort to your heart’s content, in private!

Oh and beware (especially with the Chocolate Lovers series) –> Readers have mentioned over and over again that their laughing-fits would get so obnoxious as to incite their significant others to insist that they leave the room… the bed… and so on. So yes. Read these in private if you want to read uninterrupted. 😉

Seduction and Snacks (Chocolate Lovers #1) by Tara Sivec
Probably the funniest book I’ve ever read. Romance (sure) but delightfully silly (and at times, realistically so). This is not your sweet fluffy, “everything is almost perfect” love story. But it’s not your angsty, gritty one, either. A refreshing change from my usual book torment.

Everything is here! The drunken thought processes, the jealous but hilarious “speak before you think” moments (one of my favorite moments in the book!), the sexy innuendoes that are unapologetically not so subtle! And of course, even a bit of angst, and doubt. Just enough to make you root for the main characters! Check out my review (and I hear the recently released book #2 Futures and Frosting is just as funny!)

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The Redhead Revealed (book #2 The Redhead Series) by Alice Clayton
You have to read book #1 (here is my review of it – The Unidentified Redhead) which I really enjoyed, to get to this one, which I LOVED. Both are witty, and funny, but this one actually gave me a bit of that full-on angst and heartbreak.

The first was a sweet intro into an unusual romance (she’s a struggling actress, and he’s a full on movie star) and they are perfectly adorable and sweetly silly together. There are issues that they need to concern themselves with, but it’s mostly very light-hearted. THIS ONE, book #2 comes full circle for me, and allowed me to actually feel the reality of “them”. And better yet? Let me connect to the heroine, as a real person. The witty banter was toned down a bit and her “human-side” came out. Realistic doubts, and believable reactions. I could finally really connect to her, which made this series a perfect summer read, for me. My review of The Redhead Revealed (book #2)

So… what were your summer favorites?

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