Reader Favorites – Steph N’s Best Books of 2018 List

by Maryse on January 16, 2019 · 7 comments

in Book Recommendations

Oooops!!!! We just got one more in, so YAY US!!! Steph N has been with us since 2015, but most actively chatting with us this year!! I’m so glad!!

Let’s get to know her better, shall we?

About her reading preferences:

KU- worth it to me, I try and make sure to read four books a month from it to make it worth the $10 but that isn’t really ever an issue. I’m always at my limit and sometimes have to turn things before I read it just to download something else.

I love stumbling on a terrific series, especially when they allow me to use my KU.

I’m a mood reader. Sometimes I want sweet, sometimes I want dirty, sometimes I want dark. I only wish Amazon kept track of what you’ve read like they do your purchases.

I always considered a true romance book to have some sort of conclusion at the end that ends up with the couple together. A romance book also mainly focuses on all the stuff a couple goes through to get there and how it plays out and is written that makes it a good book.

I have never once listened to an audiobook!

Am I the only one that can’t remember reading books?? Thank goodness for the alerts from Amazon telling me I have!

About reviews: ”Thanks for the very long review. I have the opposite problem. (example- 5 stars-WOW- Read it! Ok. )” <— Sidenote from  Maryse: LOL!!!! CUTE!! We’ll take your short & sweet recommendations anytime, Steph! ;)

About the books that “stayed” with her throughout her life:

As a kid: Island of the Blue Dolphins. I bought a copy as an adult just to have it on my bookshelf

As a 20 something: Good in Bed (Cannie Shapiro Book 1) by Jennifer Weiner

In my 30s, the Left Behind Series (by LaHaye Jenkins)

In my 40s, not for any literary reason but because it got me reading again after my moms death, Fifty Shade (*after the movie came out. I hadn’t read in over two years and I had been one of those book a day readers. I picked it up because a friend on Facebook told me how much better the book was. I even wrote EL and told her how it got me out of my slump.)

Most Current: Full Tilt and All In (Full Tilt Book 2) by Emma Chase.

MANY Others were so good over the years but those stand out in my mind/head.

I have to add on the Left Behind Series, which is Christian fiction. My mom was a HUGE reader, mainly of the mystery/suspense genre. I was watching her TEAR through these books and she kept like chanting to me “so good, so good” (haha). I thought it was another in her typical genre and when I found out it was about the rapture and end times I was kinda like huh!? So when she reached somewhere around book 7, I picked up book one, read it and was instantly addicted. If you have not read this series AT LEAST pick up the first book and try it out! I would imagine that it is available at the library/overdrive.

About her dog’s reaction when she ugly-cried while reading:

I read Sloth and loved it. The only think I hated was reading it on a kindle paperweight, the letters they wrote back and forth were a bit hard to read. But whatever. One point gave me such an ugly cry my dog actually looked at me with a WTF expression.

About her search for cheese ;)

Steph N: I’m looking for a great queso recipe without velvetta. Does anyone have one? I’m probably going to have to resort to Velveeta again. There was a restaurant that I worked at years ago called “Tia’s Tex Mex”. I could drink their queso I was so in love with it. I’ve been on the hunt ever since to make it like that at home!

And now… her Best of 2018 List:

“Last year I made a New Years Resolution to keep track of books I read. I set a goal of 52 books and ended up reading 125. Going through my books, I feel I’m a little stingy with the 5 star rating.

I mostly read some sort of romance from dark to ditsy. I finally discovered the library and ebooks through them and read 45 library books.
Here is my list!”

5 Stars:

  • Transcend and Epoch by Jewel E Ann <— probably on everybodys list!
  • Transcendence by Shay Savage <— did not care for the second one. It was basically the same story, but the story is unique
Steph N:  loved Transcendence too! It was different than most “romance” books.
  • The Idea of You: A Novel by Robinne Lee <— (debut, wish there was a follow up, stuck with me, I couldn’t get Harry Styles out of my head)

Steph N: God I loved this book so much. The writing for me was just stellar. Five plus stars for me.

This was my review of that book and I’m STILL thinking about it which is a rarity in my world.

”I loved EVERYTHING about this book. The story, the characters, the romance, the art, the language, the ending. Everything.”

The Idea of You was in my top three of books this year. Something about it stuck with me.

Steph N: One click- Trailer Park Heart. I just LOVE her books!

Steph N: Side note- Emma Scott. One click author for sure.

…I’m a big Emma Scott fan too, can understand the wanting to add them all to the best list!!

Just realized I read a 5 star a month!

4.5 Stars:

  1. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas <— this only by second book by this author, need to read more!)
  2. The One by John Marrs <— Thriller, scary, crazy
  3. In Harmony by by Emma Scott <— love the Shakespeare in this book
  4. Behind the Bars (Music Street #1) by Brittainy Cherry <— quick read with lots of heart, loved the message in this one
  5. Until It Fades: A Novel by KA Tucker <— single mom, loved this one!

4 Stars:

Steph N: I read three naughtly cheating books (a series) by Giana Darling. Lots of misspelled words and there were some timeline things that were screwy (I didn’t notice ’till I read it in other reviews. I loved it but I may have just been in the mood for some hot sex scenes.

Old Books I FINALLY read:

  • Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas <— 4 stars (thanks for pick for me challenge)
  • Jezebel by K Larsen <— 5 Stars (also read because of pick for me challenge)
Steph N: and oh m gee.

YAY!! Thank you SO much for this, Steph!!! Keep ‘em coming. ;) You know how to reach me now. :P

7 comments

Latest Romance Book Releases – January 15th 2019

by Maryse on January 15, 2019 · 86 comments

in Latest Book Releases

HAPPY TUESDAY NEW RELEASE DAY!! Another loaded list (and yesterday’s Monday earlybirds had blurb-jolters on it too!) P.S. I’ll be adding more throughout the day as they go live, or deals are found. :D

Which ones gave me a blurb jolt? ➔ River Wild by Samantha Towle (I MUST read this!! She’s pregnant and starting over, and her new neighbor is a moody jerk face!!! I love those!!), Deal with the Devil (Forge Trilogy Book 1) by Meghan March (He’s a predator and he has his sights set on her),  Remedy (she finally got to be him with him one night, and he left her the next morning…), You’ve Got Male (Chick Flick Club Book 2) by Lila Monroe (they have competing food trucks but are into each other, and then a tv show is having a food-truck competition and now all bets are off), Wrong Bed, Right Roommate (Accidental Love Book 1) by Rebecca Brooks (her crush becomes her new roommate), The Consequence of Falling: (An enemies-to-lovers office romance) by Claire Contreras (she hates him, and then finds out he’s going to be her boss), When Ashes Fall (sounds like the ultimate love triangle!! She’s in love with two men, both so different), One Chance, Fancy (Prison warden and prez of an MC finds himself with a toddler…)

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out yesterday’s earlybirds, a new review, and my latest BIG LIST:

LET’S READ!!!! :D !!!!

P.P.S. Let me know if I’m missing any or if you loved any (from this list or elsewhere).

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS!

For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>

  • AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
  1. The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
  2. Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely
  3. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave: Charley Davidson, Book 13 by Darynda Jones
  4. Nevermore: Crossbreed Series, Book 6 by Dannika Dark
  5. Next in Line: A Brother’s Best Friend Standalone by Amy Daws
  6. Rough Terrain: Out of Uniform by Annabeth Albert
  7. The Light over London by Julia Kelly
  8. Deal with the Devil: The Forge Trilogy, Book 1 by Meghan March
  9. A Merciful Fate: Mercy Kilpatrick, Book 5 by Kendra Elliot
  10. Forget You, Ethan: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Whitney G
  11. Desire in Lingerie: Lingerie Series, Volume 7 by Penelope Sky
  12. At the Water’s Edge by Harper Bliss
  13. Good Time by Jana Aston
  14. The Adventurer: Ladies and Legends Series, Book 2 by Jayne Ann Krentz
  15. The Magnolia Inn by Carolyn Brown
              

 

BARGAINS & READER RECOMMENDATIONS (NOTE: bargain priced when I added them, but prices can change on Amazon, so make sure to check before you finalize your order)

  • Hate You Less by Aubrey Wright <— SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED! Her best friend’s older brother broke her heart... “…My mission: Make it through my bestie’s wedding with my panties still intact. I still hate him. And love him. What do they call that? Oh yeah. Insanity…”
  • London Celebrities Collection: An Anthology by Lucy Parker <— SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!! MUCH LOVED by our group!!!
  • Bruiser (Seattle Sharks Book 7) by Samantha Whiskey <— SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED! HOCKEY STAR & THE SINGLE MOM!! “...I’ve wanted Shea Lansing from the moment we met last season. She’s an incredible single mom. Sexy, sharp, stubborn, and hates hockey almost as much as she despises violence:  A.K.A….me. Her past is darker than mine, and she’ll do anything to ensure it never touches her daughter. Mentoring Elliot has Shea and I crossing paths—and wires...”
  • Fallen Ink (Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Book 1) by Carrie Ann Ryan – SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED!! The community doesn’t want her Tattoo shop… “…Adrienne Montgomery is finally living her dreams. She’s opened a tattoo shop with her brother, Shep, and two of her cousins from Denver and she’s ready to take the city by storm with her art—as long as she can handle the pressure. When her new neighbors decide her shop isn’t a great fit for the community, however, she’ll have to lean on the one person she didn’t expect to fall for along the way…her best friend…“
   

 

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES

  1. Summoned to Thirteenth Grave: A Novel (Charley Davidson Series Book 13) by Darynda Jones
  2. No Claim: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance (The Alpha Brothers Book 2) by G. Bailey
  3. Bearly Hanging On: Soulmate Shifters World (Soulmate Shifters in Mystery, Alaska Book 3) by Krystal Shannan
  4. Destined Fire (Nephilim’s Destiny Book 3) by Tessa Cole
  5. The Guardian (The Faerie Wars Book 1) by Quinn Arthurs
  6. The Jaguar’s Secret Baby: Howls Romance (Tales of the Were: Jaguar Island Book 3) by Bianca D’Arc
  7. Spellbound by Maggie Shayne
  8. Raven’s Gift (All the King’s Men Book 10) by Donya Lynne
  9. Dragon Claimed: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant <— SOLITUDE UNTIL SHE SEES HIM… “…Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons...”
  10. Ravik’s Mercy (Braxians Book 2) by Regine Abel
  11. Illusion of Death (Crystal Clear Book 2) by Lana Kole
  12. Nero Awakening: A Space Fantasy Romance (The Neron Rising Saga Book 3) by Keary Taylor
  13. Poppy: Hidden Realms of Silver Lake (Four Sisters of Fate Book 1) by Vella Day
  14. Night Wolves
  15. Spite (Witches of Manberry Book 1) by LA Kirk & Lyn Forester
             

 

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES

  1. Deal with the Devil (Forge Trilogy Book 1) by Meghan March <— MEGHAN MARCH ALERT!! HE’S A PREDATOR… “…One look at Jericho Forge and I knew the rumors were true. He was a predator, and he had set his sights on me. I knew better than to bet more than I could afford to lose that night. I knew better than to bet myself. But desperation leads to bad decisions, and I thought there was no way I could lose. I was wrong. Now I have no choice but to make a deal with the devil…”
  2. Game On: An Aces Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson
  3. Hook (Men of Inked: Southside Book 3) by Chelle Bliss <— CHELLE BLISS ALERT!! HE’S GRIEVING HIS WIFE…“...nothing prepared me for losing my wife. I promised her that I’d love again. Find someone to mend my broken heart. And that seems impossible, until the day that I walk into Tilly Carter’s cupcake shop. I’ve never met a woman like her–sassy, dirty-mouthed, and smells like vanilla and sin. Someone that makes me want to sweep her off her feet. But there’s pain in her emerald eyes that mirrors my own…”
  4. Remedy by Kaylee Ryan <— HE BROKE HER HEART!!! “…It took one night for all of my dreams to come true.
    It took one morning, waking up alone, for those same dreams to come crashing down around me.
    It’s taken me three years to confess that night changed me forever. He says this time is different, but how do I open my heart up to a man who’s already ripped it to shreds?”
  5. Trapped (Everyday Heroes Book 3) by Margaret Daley
  6. The Devilish Lord Will: Mackenzies (Mackenzies Series Book 10) by Jennifer Ashley
  7. That Wild Player: A Standalone Bad Boy Billionaire & (Former) Good Girl Romantic Comedy by Nadia Lee
  8. Love and Pancakes (Rockland Falls Book 1) by Lacey Black
  9. To Ruin a Gentleman (The Scarlet Chronicles Book 1) by Shana Galen
  10. One Chance, Fancy (The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 5) by Lani Lynn Vale <— HE’S THE PRESIDENT OF AN MC & A PRISON WARDEN… and now he has a new toddler… “...the woman that he’s been trying to convince to give him a chance takes one look at the little girl and tells him that he’s just not in the right place to handle both of them. But Bayou was never one to back down from a challenge. He can handle a three-year-old girl that acts exactly like him, and he can more than take on the fiery red-head that sets flame to his blood while he’s at it...”
  11. A Merciful Fate (Mercy Kilpatrick Book 5) by Kendra Elliot
  12. Packaged Husband (Trophy Husbands Book 3) by Noelle Adams
  13. Vicious King: A Dark Captive Romance (Dark Dynasty Book 2) by Stella Hart
  14. The Billionaire’s Cowboy Groom: Clean Billionaire Romance (Sweet Billionaires Book 4) by Lorana Hoopes
  15. When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann <— LOVE TRIANGLE ALERT!! BUT NOT ABOUT A CHEATER!!! “…It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time. You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half. But I’m here to tell you, you can. Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm. Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day. Both are mine. But I can have only one…”
  16. Rank (Lighthouse Security Investigations Book 2) by Maryann Jordan
  17. Claim the Crown by Carla Neggers
  18. Beauty and the Baron: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling (Forever After Retellings Book 1) by Joanna Barker
  19. Dakota Fire: Hot Shot Romance (Dakota Hearts Book 12) by Lisa Mondello
  20. Resolution: Baby Batter (A Resolution Pact Short Story) by Frankie Love <— COP WANTS TO MAKE HER PREGNANT… “…I’m a cop with a sweet tooth and Dolly’s the treat I’m craving. She’s finally ended things with her deadbeat boyfriend and I’m not missing the chance to make her mine. Dolly’s the owner of my favorite donut shop and the woman with the best Bavarian cream in the city…”
  21. Hosed by Pippa Grant & Lili Valente <— WORLD’S HOTTEST FIREFIGHTER IS HER NEIGHBOR… “…I want to move in next door to Ryan O’Dell the way I want to be the virgin gamer geek suddenly in charge of running my sister’s sex toy factory. Too bad both are written in my stars. Yeah, I’m the world’s oldest virgin code-writing nerd. And he’s the world’s hottest firefighter…”
  22. Securing Caite (SEAL of Protection: Legacy Book 1) by Susan Stoker
  23. SEAL Strong (Silver SEALs Book 0) by Cat Johnson
  24. HOT JUSTICE (Hostile Operations Team – Book 14) by Lynn Raye Harris
  25. Stealing Beauty: A Dark Romance by Julia Sykes <— SHE THINKS SHE BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE, BUT HE TAKES HER… “...As the most notorious, sadistic drug lord on the west coast, I thrive on power and control. Valentina loathes me as much as I despise her. That doesn’t stop me from kidnapping her, stealing her away for myself. Over the years that have separated us, hatred has festered in my heart. The girl I once loved is all woman now, and she thinks she belongs to someone else...”
  26. Unsung Hero (Band of Brothers Book 1) by Barbara Ankrum
  27. The Magnolia Inn by Carolyn Brown <— NEW START BUT HE’S IN THE WAY! “…After living with the guilt of failing to rescue her self-destructive mother, Jolene knows her aunt and uncle’s B&B is the perfect jump start for a new life and a comforting place to call home. There’s just one hitch: stubborn and moody carpenter Tucker Malone. He’s got a half interest in the Magnolia Inn, and he’s planting his dusty cowboy boots squarely in the middle of her dream…”
  28. Not Famous by Matthew Hanover
  29. Secret Match (The House of Morgan Book 11) by Victoria Pinder
  30. A Soldier’s Return (The Women of Brambleberry House Book 2671)
  31. Caged Collection: Sixth Street Bands (Books 1-5)
  32. Betting On Us (A Wilde Love Novel Book 3) by Kelly Collins <— SHE’S CAUGHT IN A BAD WORLD… “…When Kirsten O’Leary became a veterinarian, the last thing she thought she’d end up doing is patching up gangsters in her backroom. In spite of her best efforts, she can’t seem to leave her father’s world behind. When she’s framed in an elaborate drug deal, she turns to the last person she should for help.…”
  33. Game On: An Aces Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson <— HOCKEY STAR ALERT!!! “…Olivia Lockwood, heiress to the Lockwood Industries fortune, is used to people using her for her money and family connections. When Cam Brickley hits on her in a club, Olivia’s first instinct is to brush him off. But he couldn’t be using her for her money, since he has more than enough of his own. Cam’s gorgeous and built, and it would be no hardship to go out with him . . . besides, he’d be the perfect spokesperson for the children’s charity she works with. Maybe it’s time for her to start using people…”
  34. Give Me Fever by Jasmine and Arielle Lockhart
  35. The Sinner Within (L.A. Sinners MC Book 1) by J.L. Leslie
  36. Holding Savannah: Delta Force Guardians by Jennifer Becker
  37. The Soul That Redeems Me (The Forever Mine Series Book 3) by H.J. Marshall
  38. Come A Little Closer (Georgia Boys Book 2) by Chrissy Brown
  39. Mothballs and Coconut by Sabera Ahsan <— “...Set in 1990s London, Mothballs and Coconut is a story of love, friendship and betrayal across two generations...”
  40. Let Me Go (The Monroe Sisters Book 2) by Aliyah Burke
  41. Now or Never (San Francisco Thunder Book 4) by Victoria Denault
  42. The Time for Us by Ashelyn Drake <— HE SHOWS UP WHERE SHE WORKS… “…With her career heading in the right direction in the town she loves, Meradeth Halliwell has no complaints about her life. That is until her high school sweetheart checks into the hotel where she works and turns her life upside down...”
  43. Fool Me Once by Nicole Williams <— THE LATEST BY NICOLE WILLIAMS!! He left her behind and broke her heart when he landed a big record deal!! “…Ten years later, he shows up at their high school reunion with a proposition she can’t refuse. Six months. Seven figures. He gets a chance to clean up his reputation, and she gets the means to restore the old family farmhouse. It’s only for show—hold hands in public, kiss for the cameras—but boundaries blur behind closed doors...”
                                            

 

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

            

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86 comments

Book Review – Verity by Colleen Hoover

by Maryse on January 14, 2019 · 16 comments

in My Book Reviews

Verity
<— TOTALLY. TOTALLY MY THING. Love twists and jaw-dropping reveals? THIS.

Right from the VERY first line, I gasped, shocked at what I just read, and I was hooked. And to be honest, it doesn’t surprise me that it came from Colleen Hoover, as she’s written “love stories” in so many genres (some sweet, some forbidden, some with incredible personal growth, even that dark one… “Too Late”) that it just makes so much sense that she’d venture into a creepy, psych-thriller obsessive-love territory, too.

Maryse: I finished Verity and yeah… whoa. That was one of the craziest, most disturbing read at times (such incredible selfishness), but I loved it, because I had NO clue what was going on and what was happening… and the ending left me… strangely satisfied. LOL!!!! HOLY. MOLY.

Amy: Verity is screwing with my head. I’m with Jenn…how is this a CH book? She must have been spending time with Tarryn Fisher lately. *snicker* …Okay, this book is creeping me out. Verity isn’t scary, it’s more like WTH is going on?? :?

Michele G: I started Verity Friday morning and finished it on Saturday…it was a crazy good trip!! I stand by my statement that I think Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher are playing a prank on us…I keep waiting for her to say…JK it was really Tarryn who wrote the book…but seriously, it shows her wide range….it was twisty good!!

Amy: So, I finished Verity and…damn. *shakes head* That was crazy. If you’re a CH fan, give it a shot. Just don’t expect it to be one of her romances! ;)  …Yep, Verity definitely had traces of TF (Tarryn Fisher) vibes in it.

Jenn: OMG guys I started Verity Friday night and woke up Saturday morning and could not stop reading it till I finished. HOW IS THAT BOOK A COHO BOOK, I can’t even tell ya I literally still have no words and still can not pick up another book and because of this I went on a baking spree this weekend…….my husband thought I lost my mind and I guess I sort of did in that book! …I must say didn’t see that end coming and I felt like I was punched in the gut, slapped upside the head…rolled over and kicked. :-) I loved every second of it and two days later still can’t pick up another book…well I can but it’s useless.

Lisa: I read Verity over the weekend too and thought it was phenomenal. It’s been a while since reading a story left me feeling that anxious and unsettled. I didn’t see that end coming at all. I never even suspected something like that. It’s so hard to find something else to read when you’ve been wowed by a book, but I think it’ll have to be something with kittens and rainbows and unicorns farting glitter!!!

Erin: I just finished Verity and I am supposed to be working. I… I.. yeah I need more time to think about this one. I had to close my phone last night at a certain point as I was reading and move it away from me.

Amy: *snickers at Erin’s reaction to Verity*

Michele G: I’m having a lot of fun seeing the reactions people are having while reading Verity! It’s almost as much fun as reading the book myself for the first time! Just had to share that somewhere that people could actually appreciate it…carry on.

Amy: I agree about Verity…seeing people’s reactions on here as they read it is going to be fun. ;)

Cheryl: Curious but a little afraid of Verity. :)

Linda: Verity was my first Colleen Hoover read. Just wow.

Michelle S: Verity was good, but that ending… Wow. Just wow. Not only sharing names, but so much more.

JR: I just finished Verity. It was such a departure for Colleen and for me. It took me longer to read it because I couldn’t read it before bed with its creepy vibe lol!

Shara: I just finished verity by colleen Hoover. I love her books and I loved this one. I could not put it down. So good! Go in blind.

I’m going to stop right here for a second, and insist you heed Shara’s advice and go in blind!!! IF you can handle books that are dark, with scenes that are absolutely disturbing… thoughts that will shock you.

I don’t spoil it below, but I went in completely blind and 5-STAR LOVED IT, so I don’t want to give you any preconceived notions due to my review, if you want to go in blind too. :D

For those that want to know more…

Yes. There were times that the intense love (and hate) felt by one of the main characters was so ugly… so sadistic and scary-sociopathic and just completely evil, that I was repeatedly yanked right out of my comfort zone, appalled, my jaw on the floor. I couldn’t believe what I was reading, the reasoning that I was privy to. But this stuff and these thoughts happen, which makes it even scarier. I believed it.

We hear about it all too often on the news. People so obsessed with what they want that they’re willing to do AWFUL things out of selfish, psychopathic needs. And this story explored those very dark rationalizations. Thoughts and scenes that lead us through the mind of a monster. Someone by all outward appearances, seems… perfect.

So what’s it about?

Famous author, Verity Crawford, has had a bad accident and is unable to complete a HUGELY popular series she’s contracted for.

Lowen (our heroine), during a time of financial struggle, is offered a ton of money to “ghost write” the remaining 3 books in the series. Surprised that she’s the one they want, she apprehensively accepts the job, and stays in Verity’s home with her husband and child, hoping to learn more about Verity’s thought process and writing style. Go through her notes to match the feel of the “series” and writing style as a whole, and bring it to its conclusion.

Somewhat dismayed when she discovers that the whole series takes place via the villain’s POV (those are quite some shoes to fill). But the shock of all shocks is when she discovers an autobiography Verity was writing, hidden deep, out of reach.

Out of reach, that is, except when you’re going through every nook and cranny of her office hoping to learn all that is “Verity”.

*ooooomph*!!!!!!!!

I LOVE ugly love stories. This is one.

Was I creeped out and cringing? YES. But who am I kidding? I relish exploring lives through the eyes of the villain and/or the victim. What made this one so captivating was that I was never really sure WHO was the true bad guy. Or I should say… I suspected there was more to it, than the obvious “bad guy”.

Was I right? Was I wrong?

It seemed undeniable, but… you know. Things. ;)

My lips are sealed.

Subtle foreshadowing… had me raising my eyebrows a few times (both eyebrows, ’cause I can’t do that cool thing with just one) ;) I had so many questions and suspicions. This story could twist and turn in any direction.  AND THAT is what I love. It kept me guessing right to the very end, and WOWOWOW what an ending it was!!!!

5 stars <— OF COURSE!!!! This is the exact type of read I’m in the mood for. ALWAYS. This was the last book I read in 2018, and it hit the spot. What a way to end off a reading year! :D !!!

 

16 comments

Monday Earlybird Book Releases + some that are going live at midnight! 01-14-19

by Maryse on January 14, 2019 · 42 comments

in Latest Book Releases

Good morning and Happy Monday everyone!! :D My Book Review of Verity by Colleen Hoover is up!!! FIVE STARS!!

<—And… that book there to the left sounds like my catnip, and there are a bunch of others that went LIVE early that are right up our alley.

But first… three things:

1.) My sister is back home, and now the Holidays are officially over for me. *sigh*

2.) I’m excited about a fun photo collage I put together that I’m having Vistaprint print in poster size that I’m going to frame. :)

3.) I just bought a big leather bound bible that is from 1866!!! It’s in pretty good condition considering how old it is, and the inside even has photos of the family that owned it. It is TOO cool!!!

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

  1. River Wild by Samantha Towle <— SAMANTHA TOWLE’S latest is LIVE!! RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!! She’s starting over, pregnant and alone, and he’s her jerk-face neighbor… “…A new town. A new identity. Pregnant and alone. And far away from a past that can never find me. River Wild. Moody. Sullen. A$$hole. And my new neighbor. I have no interest in befriending River. And he definitely doesn’t want to be befriended by me…”
  2. The Virgin Blood Bundle: Complete Series by Alexa Riley <— ALEXA RILEY SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!!!
  3. Wild Ride by Bianca Vix
  4. Dark Widow’s Curse (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Series Book 24) by I. T. Lucas
  5. Seduced by You: A Steamy Billionaire Romance (Dark Billionaires Club Book 2) by Alexia Praks
  6. Art of Love by Khardine Gray
  7. London Celebrities Collection: An Anthology by Lucy Parker <— SERIES BUNDLE ALERT!! MUCH LOVED by our group!!!
  8. Kiss Me Like You Mean It (Valentine’s Inc. Book 1) by Jacki James <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  9. The D-Man: Redtails Hockey 6 by Stephanie Julian
  10. Reckless: a book tied to the Cotton Creek Saga (Shattered 1) by Ciana Stone
  11. Luke (Dark Water Security Series Book 1) by Madison Quinn
  12. You’ve Got Male (Chick Flick Club Book 2) by Lila Monroe <— COMPETING FOOD TRUCK CHEFS!!! “...Soon, their competition is heating up the kitchen – and the bedroom. But when the famous foodie TV show Truck Stop rolls into town looking for a new reality star, all bets are off, as Zoey and Cam compete for the prize...”
  13. Unforsaken (The Fallen Guardians Book 1) by Cassie Laelyn
  14. To Win Her Heart by Brenda Novak
  15. Love (SEAL’ed Book 2) by AJ Alexander
  16. Wrong Bed, Right Roommate (Accidental Love Book 1) by Rebecca Brooks <— HER CRUSH IS HER NEW ROOMMATE… “...First he accidentally gets into my bed, half-naked, the night before my first day at my new job.  Hello, muscles and tattoos! Then he’s there, in nothing but a towel, making me coffee in the morning. It’s more than any girl can resist. Right? But Shawn is off-limits, even if his eyes are saying differently…”
  17. Perfection In Pink by S.L. Summers
  18. Haunted by Gena Showalter
  19. Nevermore (Crossbreed Series Book 6) by Dannika Dark <— LIVE!!! Raven Black risks it all for loyalty and love in this stunning continuation in the USA Todaybestselling Crossbreed series.
  20. One Night with a Millionaire (Daring Divorcees Book 1) by Shannyn Schroeder<— OVER 40 SINGLE MOM ALERT!! “…Millionaire Miles Prescott can’t get the sexy nurse he met at a fundraising gala out of his head. For the first time ever, he doesn’t want a woman with no-strings-attached. He wants everything—even it comes with a ready-made family with a woman in her forties…”
  21. Just Come Over (Escape to New Zealand Book 12) by Rosalind James <— RUGBY STAR ALERT!! MAYBE HE’S IN LOVE WITH HIS DEAD BROTHER’S WIFE… “...Surely, being there for Dylan’s widow and their son is the right thing to do. He can control himself. He’s had forty years of practice. Until he gets a call from his lawyer, and flies to the States to find that handsome, charming, endlessly irresponsible Dylan has left yet another loose end for his big brother to sort out. This one is six years old. And her birth certificate says she belongs to Rhys…”
  22. Wild Ride by Bianca Vix
  23. Taking Back His Bride by by Madison Faye
  24. Kidnapped: A Criminal Deeds Novel by Kyle Autumn <— SHE’S INTO HER NEW NEIGHBOR, AND WAKES UP CHAINED IN HIS BASEMENT… “…Keaton Knox just moved into a new place, and he has a lot to protect. No one is allowed in his backyard. He keeps an unimaginable secret back there. So, when someone is messing around with his gate, he does the one thing he needs to in order to protect himself: knocks them out cold. But when she thinks he’s kidnapped her to make her wildest fantasy come true, things get interesting. Unfortunately, something sinister connects them in a way they never see coming–until it’s right outside their door…”
  25. The Consequence of Falling: (An enemies-to-lovers office romance) by Claire Contreras <— LIVE!!! HE’S GOING TO BE HER BOSS & SHE HATES HIM!! “…when my father informs me that he’s making Nathaniel Bradley his new business partner, and in turn, my boss, I flip out. 1. He’s an annoying know-it-all.  2. He calls me a spoiled princess every chance he gets.  3. He disapproves of everything I do. I go into this knowing I’ll hate every second in his presence...”
                       

 

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS

For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>

  • AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!

PREORDERS (going live at midnight!!!  :D )

          

➔➔➔  Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).

42 comments

Reader Favorites – Amy’s Best Books of 2018 List

by Maryse on January 13, 2019 · 14 comments

in Book Recommendations

It’s Amy’s turn! She’s my book-twin (we love the same type of jaw-droppers, or devastating reads), so I’m always excited to see her recommendations. This year, its a short and sweet list (she explains why – and she’s got a GREAT plan for this year!!) but I loved a few on this list like crazy, so I know the others  she names are absolute MUST-READS for me!!

But first… some AMY 2018 “Life” highlights (in her own words) ;)

About food: I am OBSSESSED with meatballs right now. Turkey meatballs, ground beef meatballs, ground chicken meatballs, Swedish, Korean BBQ, Italian, even flavored with Lipton onion soup mix *drool*! They freeze well so I can make a bunch in advance and then just thaw them out. But tonight, it’s a fresh batch, and I can’t wait!

I love my slow cooker! I have a couple hundred recipes saved on Pinterest, and I use it at least once a week. I recommend getting one that you can set the timer for a certain number of hours and then it will automatically kick over to warm at the end of that time so nothing is over cooked. It’s definitely worth paying a little extra for a slow cooker.

Three things:

1. I’m making Korean BBQ meatballs and garlic lemon zoodles tonight. YUM!

2.Verity is screwing with my head. I’m with Jenn…how is this a CH book? She must have been spending time with Tarryn Fisher lately. *snicker*

3. We went to the ball this weekend. *sigh* We’re never too old to get all dressed up and go to a ball. :D

Movies she loved: Wonder was SUCH a good movie. I saw it in the theater with a friend, and yep…I cried. Holy moly, I wasn’t expecting to actually cry. When Julia Roberts watches him walk into school, and she says something along the lines of “please let them be nice to him”…OMG! *sob* But it is touching and moving and SO worth the watch.

This annoys her: My latest pet peeve is authors who give their characters eye-rolling names. I get it, they’re trying to be creative. But dangit, if I read a name in the blurb that makes me cringe, I won’t click the book.

About her new family member: We should be getting a baby cockatoo next year (we were supposed to this year but none of the eggs hatched :( ), and the baby will probably outlive US. We are actually going to need to designate in our wills who he or she will go to when we pass.

And I would absolutely LOVE to get a rescue bird but they usually need a lot of time invested in them to heal from their circumstances, and between work and most likely going back to school, I won’t be able to do that.

…when it hatches, the breeders will keep the baby to hand feed it for the first two to three months, and will we go to visit and bond as often as we can. Once the baby is old enough to eat food on its own, we get to bring him or her home with us. :D

Three things:
1. My new favorite recipe! OMG the lemon garlic zoodles are AMAZING:
https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-lemon-zucchini-noodles

2. I’m craving peppermint hot chocolate.

3. I have to pick up a new extra-tall ladder this week so I can put up our Christmas lights this weekend. Because of course I can’t be happy with lights only on the lower levels of our roof. :roll:

Scary things:

Speaking of creepy, I watched episode 5 of Hill House last night (Nell’s episode and the backstory of the bent-neck lady). I was teary-eyed by the end. Holy moly, it was creepy but so damn emotional. If the lady who plays Nell doesn’t make your heart hurt with her acting then I don’t know what will.

And I’ll never be able to hear Heavenly Days again without feeling this way. :cry:

I have to say as well that I’m LOVING this show. All those hidden ghosts you’ll miss if you blink?? *shudder*

A new nail polish!

Random musing…I’m obsessed with color-changing nail polish right now, especially since it’s cold enough for it to change. :D …They call it “mood” polish, but it’s really based on temperature. It’s one color when it’s cold (usually darker) and then changes when the fingers warm up. Right now I have burgundy glass fleck that turns cherry red glass fleck when I’m warm. Last time it was deep purple (cold) that turned to a warm coral-pink (warm). AND! The glass flecks in that one went from blue with the purple to gold with the coral-pink. It’s so fun!!

Three things:
1. I want a jelly bean-scented candle at Easter. Hint hint. ;)

2. I’m working today, but it will be slow (meaning reading time) and it’s time and a half so YAY ME!

3. I’m contemplating going back to school. Again. *sigh* Getting restless easily is not fun sometimes.

And now… Amy BEST BOOKS OF 2018 LIST:

Amy: When I thought about making this list, some books immediately came to mind but I knew there just had to be others. Then, in looking back over the books I read in 2018, I was pretty surprised by how few stuck with me. I came across many where I thought, “I read that last year??” because I couldn’t remember a dang thing about them.

In other words, my list will be short but ohhhhhh so sweet. ;)

But that’s what I get for simply trying to clear out my TBR collections instead of reading the books which had blurbs that *OOMPH!*ed me…guess I know what will direct my reading choices this year!

In no particular order, here’s my list of 2018 favorites/books that stuck with me:

The True Story of Atticus and Hazel by Fisher Amelie <— The writing was okay, nothing fantastical (and the medical events needed some serious professional input) but the events delivered a gut punch which I still feel the effects of almost a year later. How can I forget watching the Olympics couples figure skating and sobbing while hearing Mariah Carey’s My All? I still hear the damn song when I see the beautiful cover.

Amy: What book has charmed you? The True Story of Atticus and Hazel…even though it gutted me at one point, I loved how they continually used each other’s names in conversing with each other (it wasn’t even close to being annoying), and I wanted to be a part of Atticus’ big, loud, crazy family.

Atticus and Hazel…you guuuuuuyyyyys, read it! I’m still feeling feels from it days later. MARYSE MY BOOK-TWIN!!! I know, know, KNOW you will love it as well. :D

Sadie by Courtney Summers <— This one is heavy. There is nothing feel-good about it. It starts off with a horrible event and just continues from there, but y’all know I love heavy. It is heartbreaking. It is frustrating. It is just so damn unfair. But it is great. The use of a transcribed podcast to help tell the story was ingenious and actually made me want to listen to the audiobook just to hear those chapters as podcasts (since I am currently addicted to podcasts). What I wouldn’t give for the author to release a novella to follow up the ending…

Amy: I just finished Sadie.

And now I’m in turmoil.

I’m not used to THAT sort of ending.

My heart is heavy.

So, now I need a drink.

Amy: I’m STILL having the hardest time wrapping my head around that ending. I expected it to end one way or the other, but I was NOT expecting the way it did end. I’m just having a tough time sorting out how I feel about it. :?

Amy: I loved Sadie. It’s a HEAVY read but so very good. In fact, it will be on my list of favorites for 2018 because of the way it’s stuck with (and haunted) me since reading it.

My Oxford Year: A Novel by Julia Whelan <— My eyes watered but I didn’t shed any tears. My throat tightened up but I didn’t sob. Even so, months later I still find myself reflecting on it as if I actually know them and as if they actually exist, wondering what is happening with them and hoping for an update. THAT is what propelled my initial rating of 4-4.5 stars to 5 stars. The scene at the end where he is standing under the waterfall? Oh, my heart.

Amy: Anyone considering reading My Oxford Year really SHOULD read it, even if it means waiting for it to drop in price again…

…it was really, REALLY good. I didn’t cry (although I did get teary-eyed a couple of times) and the ending was bittersweet but lovely. No angst, but a couple of tense moments.

Binding 13 and Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh <— Good LORD these books were long, but never did they feel like they were dragging. Never did I look at what was left and feel overwhelmed or frustrated. The characters may be in high school and often act as high schoolers would be expected to act, but the writing itself was not immature which is what I want when reading a YA-themed book. Nothing is over the top dramatic, and the situations are so very real and believable.

Amy: I never should have waited to read B13. I am thoroughly and completely wrapped up in Keeping 13 right now. I keep making the mistake of picking it up when I’m supposed to be doing other things, and next thing I know an hour has passed. LOVE these books.

…They are the type of YA books where the characters often act their age and are immature, but the writing itself isn’t immature. And due to the heavy, serious nature of what’s going on, they sometimes act and talk older than their age. The books are loooooooong and require a commitment, but I have never once felt like they are dragging. Yeah, obviously I’m a cheerleader for them. ;)

…if you haven’t made it to the part where he’s all high on painkillers, just wait. It’s hilarious. HILARIOUS.

I have to share the part which made me literally snort out loud from Binding 13. A little background, he calls her “Shannon like the river” because that’s how she introduced herself, and at this part he is freaking HIGH on painkillers:

“Not too much longer to wait.” I sighed. “Thank f*ck, ’cause I’m in love.”
“You’re in love?”
I nodded happily. “And she’s a river.”
“Well that’s… lovely, pet,” Mam coaxed, sounding confused. “Good boy.”
“I’m gonna sail my boat down her river,” I snickered. “My dick boat.”
“Can they knock him back out?” Ma grumbled. “He’s going to give me a stroke with all this talk.”
“It’s okay, Ma,” I coaxed. “I’m gonna keep her, too. Make all my babies with her because my balls work–and Da says I can pull on my dick again. Woo!”
“John!” Mam gasped. “What have you been telling our son?”
Dad laughed. “He’s seventeen, Edel. It’s the first thing he’s going to ask about after a surgery like that.”
“Oh, dear Jesus,” Mam groaned.

LOL!!!!!

And last but by no means least, my absolute favorite of the year…

Transcend and Epoch by Jewel E. Ann!!! <— They need no explanation. The guy… *ahem* COVER on Transcend was always eye-catching, but reading how it was tied in and explained in the story made it simply heartbreaking knowing the emotions and turmoil he was experiencing when it was taken. And the epilogue. Oh, the epilogue. So. Freaking. Perfect.

Amy: Still hungover from Transcend and Epoch. *dreamy sigh* Such a beautifully unique story. …I didn’t think I could adore Nate and Griffin more after Transcend, but Epoch took both of them to a new level. They. Are. Amazing. And human and REAL.

Here’s to a better year with filled with more amazing reads than I had in 2018! And since my list was so short, I’m throwing in the soon-to-be-released books I am just DYING to read!

Like Amy’s book-taste? Check out more of her favorites:

14 comments

Reader Favorites – Ashley’s Best Books of 2018 List

by Maryse on January 13, 2019 · 12 comments

in Book Recommendations

For now I’ll call her “Ashley D” (as we have TWO active Ashley’s on the blog) and this is our very first “Ashley D’s favorites” list from her. I just LOVE how she formatted it!! I giggled as I scrolled through her categories, ’cause it’s exactly what we need when we’re in the mood for something in particular. ;)

Ashley has been with us since March 2017, is one of our big “audiobook” readers,

“…I listen to audiobooks while I’m working and it’s amazing. I’m just being told a story all day long. I usually listen to them at a higher speed so that I can get through a whole book in my workday, it does take some getting used to – and you have to make sure the narrator is someone who you can listen to all day – but it’s worth it. The audible app on my phone is one of the best and most used thing ever. …I deliver mail and listen while I’m walking…

…I usually go through at least 5 a week. (And yes, I always have to listen to a sample if I haven’t listened to the narrator before because narration can sometimes make or break a book!)…”

LOVES the same authors we do, but I’ve learned a bunch of new-to-mes because of her, too!

Here are a few fun Ashley-facts (let’s get to know her even better!!):

About reading: I’ve always been a big reader… I was the kid who would go to the library and rent 10 books to read on vacation. I got older and busier and hardly had any time for ‘fun reading.’ Then one summer I decided to cut out tv almost completely (to an hour per week) and to primarily read…and it was amazing. I still hardly watch any tv and I don’t really miss it. I do hit double digits for books but I also listen to a ton of audiobooks. And I do sometimes stay up past my bedtime to read…but then everyone tells me I look tired.

About spoilers: I hate spoilers. I especially hate it when the description of a book gives away too many spoilers. A few of the audiobooks I have listened to have been spoiled for me by the description, I’ll say ‘oooh this sounds good!’ but then it’ll be 6 hours into the book when part of the description comes into play and to top it off it’s one of the plot twists of the book! And I’m always saying to myself this was part of the official blurb/description…why?!?! You’re ruining your own book!

About dogs: I wish my boyfriend’s kids weren’t allergic otherwise I would have gotten one years ago. BUT since I deliver mail I get to pet all of the dogs in the neighborhood. (Except the mean ones – fun fact: I was bitten in the face by a mean dog last week, he just jumped right up a bunch of times – there was a lot of screaming and a lot of blood. I’m okay, but I’m pretty sure there is going to be a scar or two through my eyebrow.)

About Colleen Hoover: I have had the hugest girl crush on Colleen Hoover since I read Maybe Someday. The way she incorporated music right into the book that you could actually listen to while you read the lyrics was incredible! I ended up buying the songs so I could just listen to them while I was working. It remains one of my favorite reads…and I didn’t think it could possibly get any better until I listened to the audiobook. Whole new level. (Zachary Webber everyone.)

…Maybe Someday is one of my go-to reads! I’ve read/listened to it at least 6 times.

About “couple nicknames”: When my boyfriend and I first started dating almost 10 years ago he once called me ‘babe’ and I looked at him and said, ‘you just took points off my IQ.’ That was before I read romance books! Now I wouldn’t mind it, but it really bothered me for some reason then! So his nicknames for me are Cute and Stuff. (Because apparently Stuff can be an all encompassing nickname; short stuff, cute stuff, sexy stuff, smart stuff, weird stuff…).

About favorite audiobooks:  …done a lot of re-listens; ALL of Mariana Zapatas books, K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, Jana Aston’s books, and a bunch by Penelope Ward.

Three Things:

1. I’m on vacation and I was up until 4 in the morning reading The Bride series by S. Doyle. They were SO good! If you’re in a slump it’s basically 5 novellas all on KU about a girl who’s almost 17 and marries the foreman/her best friend on her ranch after her father dies so she doesn’t go into foster care. It’s funny, touching and really well written – I didn’t know if I would like it but it completely sucked me in! It’s a slow burn which are my favorite type.

2. I mowed the lawn today so that I felt as though I actually got something accomplished.

3. I ate leftover egg rolls for breakfast. No shame in my game.

I love the lists here. I love that when I’m in the mood for a specific kind of book Maryse has a list for it…if not she’ll make one!

And now… time for Ashley’s Best Books of 2018!!

Here is my list of favorite books of the year (I’m sure I’ve forgotten some along the way and I’m going to curse myself later!) but I made it pretty self explanatory. If I talked about each one there would be far too many exclamation points to handle so I just made a list.

Book of the Year: 

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

Ashley: I LOVED this book! In fact it put me in kind of a slump where nothing else is living up to it right now. I love forbidden romance and Penelope Douglas does it so well. And yes, there were some great quotes in it!

Ashley: This weekend I reread Birthday Girl….it’s just so good. It’s my top read so far this year.

Best Audiobook:

Getting Schooled by Emma Chase

Ashley: Getting Schooled by Emma Chase. He is a high school coach/teacher and she is the drama/theater teacher. It is amazing! It is one of my top books of the year so far!

Book I Wish I Would Have Read Sooner:

On the Island: A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

Ashley:

1. I stayed up WAY past my bedtime last night reading but I HAD to finish my book because…
2. I FINALLY READ ‘ON THE ISLAND’ AND IT WAS AMAZING!!!!
3. I love books. *happy sigh*

Best Destination Books:

Books that Made me Laugh:

Ashley: …read Arrogant Devil which is the perfect bully book. It’s funny and I loved the heroine and it has a sassy grandma (WHO doesn’t like a sassy grandma! They steal all the scenes they’re in!)

Books that Made Me Cry:

Ashley: …it was beyond amazing! I still can’t get it out of my head. So so so so good!

Ashley: I JUST finished Transcend and … oh. my. goodness! I’m going to be at work all day tomorrow thinking about it and waiting until I can read Epoch. This is one of those books where you don’t realized you’ve stopped breathing. It just grabs you and pulls you right in. I couldn’t put it down! THIS is why I love books.

Ashley: I’m not much of a duet person and I’m glad I waited to read them together because those were intense! I’m still thinking about them! The writing was beautiful and you just felt so torn through it. That epilogue. Ahh. I said it before … THIS is why I love books.

Ashley: I read Unbreak My Heart because it kept popping up on the blog and OH BOY that was amazing.
Ashley: I completely agree with ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING by Mariana Zapata and Colleen Hoover

Books that Made My Heart Happy:

Ashley: (but basically everything by her).
Ashley: (I only just listened to it! I loved it!)

Angst Done Right:

Best Action Books:

Best ‘Well, That Was a Surprise’ Books:

Ashley: …I’ve been telling other people about how much I ended up enjoying it. …The Bride Series was just so much better done on all levels.
Ashley: I just finished Comatose by Catherine Black and it was amazing! I got it on sale on amazon and thought ‘I’ll try it.’ Sometimes those are the best finds!

Dirty Indulgent Books (aka I’m going to tilt my iPad so you cannot see what I’m reading):

And finally…Author I fell in love with…

Devney Perry. (Seriously, I loved all of her books. I devoured them this year. Good times.)

YAY!!! I love how you categorized you favorites, Ashley! In the mood for a certain thing, and your list becomes the ultimate TBR list!! :D

12 comments

Reader Favorites – Nancy’s Best Books of 2018 List

by Maryse on January 12, 2019 · 12 comments

in Book Recommendations

Nancy’s list is one of my favorites this year, not only because it has so many NEW-TO-ME books on it (that sound right up my book-alley) but because it’s a sweet tribute to our loving and long time friend, Kandace, who passed away.

Nancy: The year of 2018 was a very good reading year. I know from how hard it was to limit the books I want to put on my list. Having said that, I can’t make this list with out paying a dedication to Kandace. Kandace “Lovesbooks” Milostan was a Golden Girl in our book world. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on December 26th 2018. She was way too young, was needed here by so many, but she is at peace. Heaven now has an Angel, but she was an Angel here on earth to so many of us. Kandace and I shared a birth-date: January 24th. She use to say we were Birthday Twins. Not looking forward to this birthday. When getting ready to start making this list, I looked at my NANCY’S TOP READS FOR 2015, and so many were credited to her recommendation. Rest in peace Sweet Lady. You are missed so much!!

1) No Tomorrow by Carian Cole <— I had been patiently waiting for the release of this book. I am a big fan of Carian Cole, and have read all her books. But this is an epic book. It is a standalone long book, so don’t start reading till you can keep on reading. I didn’t want to put the book down till “The End”! This book does touch on sensitive subjects.

2) Watch Me Follow by Harloe Rae <—  This is a very unconventional love story between Ryker Doxson and Lennon Bennett. He has never had a kind word said his way, even his own parents taunted him with verbal abuse. He had been called demeaning names that made his anxiety turn to anger about his life. That is until she showed up. For the first time in his young life, he didn’t feel alone. He would do anything for his “Sunshine”! Two other books by Harloe Rae I enjoyed are:
FORGET YOU NOT (A Reclusive Novel) & REDEFINING US (A Reclusive Novel).

3) The Boy in the Window: A Paranormal Thriller by Ditter Kellen <— The book starts out on a sad note, but changes into a mysterious mystery. This book is also unique and a mind chilling experience. Won’t say more, as you must read it for yourself.

4) The Sinister Silhouette by Alex Grayson <— After reading this book, it became my favorite book I’ve read by Alex Grayson. It is a Mystery Thriller, and a book I didn’t want to put down till the end. There are plenty of twist and turns. Even when I ‘thought’
I knew what was going on, not so much, so kept reading on till the end.

5) Outnumbered by Shay Savage <— This is one ‘crazy’ good book!! Shay Savage has a way of writing unique, original, and unconventional romance novels. Bishop Harp has lived in his isolated cabin for three years with no desire for company. But what could he do, when he found a damsel in distress, abandoned and unconscious, but take her home to his cabin. When she finally wakes up, he finds that he is outnumbered.

6) Dagger in the Sea by Cat Porter. This is a long epic book. There is world building and world travel. All the way from the crime-ridden streets of Chicago to the enchanted Greek Islands. A Mafia theme through out, with more bad intentions than good. A love story to rival any Greek Myth.

7) Only the Positive (Only You Book 1) by Elle Thorpe (New to me author) <— This is a very different love story. This touches a subject that I’ve never really seen addressed in a book. Reese meets Low on her first day of work at the Lavender Fields Racecourse. They worked at the long bar serving drinks, and he worked the section right next to her and was her delicious and sexy-looking boss. By the end of her first day, she was hoping that Low would want to go home with her. They had been flirting with each other all day. But he left with someone else, and they both would come to wish he would have chosen differently. I also enjoyed ONLY THE PERFECT by Elle Thorpe.


Medicine Man by Saffron A. Kent <— This is the Ultimate Forbidden Romance! It is pretty straight-forward if Willow Taylor is a patient at Heartstone Psychiatric Hospital, and Dr. Simon Blackwood is her Doctor. Her psychologist. That any relationship is crossing the forbidden line. Also the no-touching policy can also be thrown out the window. Also enjoyed GODS & MONSTERS by Saffron A. Kent.

9) Gravel Road by Stephie Walls <— This is a Second Chance Romance, but not the usual kind. There are mountains to climb, and deep wounds that need to be healed. Apologies that might not be enough or just too late. Just saying “I still love you”! Won’t be enough to mend hearts that have been this shattered. Hateful words thrown in anger can never be taken back. You can’t change your yesterdays, but there are plenty of fences to mend if you want a happy tomorrow.
Also by Stephie Walls: FAMILY TIES, DEAR DIAMOND & SMALL TOWN GIRL.

10) Ruffles & Beaus by Carina Adams <— This is a triangle love affair. The story is told by three points of view: Cady, Roman, and Reid. Love doesn’t fit into a neat little box. It doesn’t have rules that we all have to follow. It doesn’t always make sense. It isn’t perfect. And it can hurt. But it can be all worth it in the end. Love is all that matters. So, love freely, love openly, love often. Because in the end love might be all there is!

11) In His Eyes by Nicole Hart <— This is my most inspirational book of the year. I thought it was going to be a difficult subject, but I found this book to be very inspirational. I enjoyed the strength of the characters and how faith and hope is the theme through out. The courage of a mother to draw on all her strength to take her baby and run, because she was sure the abuse would escalate, and be turned on her baby.

12) Lessons In Corruption (The Fallen Men Series Book 1) by Giana Darling <— This is the year I discovered this author and just was blown away. He was eighteen, but who would have known. He was heir to a notorious, criminal MC The Fallen Men. He was still in school and only eighteen. His teacher didn’t know until it was too late. A really, really good teacher/student story. Also by Giana Darling WELCOME TO THE DARKSIDE. So Good!!

13) Verity by Colleen Hoover <— This is not a book for everyone, but I found it consuming. It is a standalone romantic thriller. It is tragic, but creepy, too. Brilliantly written and I couldn’t put it down. Stayed with me and I needed someone to talk to about it. So made my husband and best book buddy read it also.

14) Bloodstained Beauty by Ella Fields <— I have read other books by this author, but nothing quite like this. It is a standalone thrilling, contemporary romantic suspense. Imagine finding your dream man, only to find your nightmare man just might be your soul mate.

15) My Favorite Duet: THE STARS DUET by Amie Knight.
*Beneath His Stars (The Stars Duet Book 1): Adam Nova and Livingston Montgomery were never meant to cross paths. They met under strange circumstances under the stars. Adam and Liv were pulled together by some unknown magical force. She would dream about him, until the next time she would see him beneath his stars.
*In Her Space (The Stars Duet Book 2): A continuation of Adam & Liv and their magical time beneath the stars. Even if after all these years they were two magnets drawn to each other. Not an easy ending, but destiny would win in the end.

16) My Favorite Series: MERCILESS by W. Winters (Willow Winters).
This is a four book series that is now complete. You can read the entire story of Carter Cross and his relationship with Aria Talvery. A Romeo & Juliet story with out a tragic ending.
*MERCILESS Book 1
*HEARTLESS Book 2
*BREATHLESS Book 3
*ENDLESS Book 4
This is a wild read, and you will enjoy every page.
Enjoyed these books with characters connected: A KISS TO TELL & POSSESSIVE.

Thank you so much for this, Nancy!! So many books on here that sound unique and raw and, just… everything I LOVE to read!

Like Nancy’s book-style? Check out more of her favorites:

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Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 01-11-19

by Maryse on January 11, 2019 · 89 comments

in eBook Deals

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Lots of great recommendations, and as usual, I will be adding more throughout the day as we find them. :D

P.S. Today is the LAST DAY for these Kindle Unlimited Membership deals!!

  • Huge Kindle Unlimited membership deal!! <— Kindle Unlimited for 3 MONTHS super-bargain (for new members) THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED! 
  • And…
  • This is valid for EVERYONE and not just new members!! :D !!! Instead of the monthly payment plan, you can save BIG time if you sign up for:
  1. ➔ 6 MONTHS (20% off!) ➔ https://amzn.to/2GBquXg
  2. ➔ 1 YEAR (33% off) ➔ https://amzn.to/2SfXmGt
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TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND :D !!

  • Thinking About You by Monica Murphy <— LIVE!!! PRO FOOTBALL PLAYER and they live so far apart… “…One minute I’m minding my own business at a party and the next I meet this woman who blows my mind. She’s beautiful. Smart. Funny. A little shy. I’m immediately drawn to her. We make an instant connection. The problem? Lady Susanna Sumner lives in London. I live in California I play professional football…”
  • My Two Husbands: A Laugh Out Loud Romantic Comedy by Amanda Aksel <— OH MY!!! THIS COULD GET WEIRD. ;) “...What happens when you live with your husband AND your ex-husband? A whole lot of trouble . . . Natalie is happily remarried to her sweet, handsome husband, Kyle. Meanwhile, her strong and sexy ex, Jake, lives in their loft over the garage. Did I mention Jake and Kyle are best friends? It’s been a harmonious arrangement . . . until now…“
  • What He Doesn’t Know (What He Doesn’t Know Series Book 1) and What He Always Knew (What He Doesn’t Know Series Book 2) by Kandi Steiner <— MARITAL STRIFE LOVE TRIANGLE ALERT!! This made Leslie M cry (and she avoids high angst like the plague!!)

Leslie M: Why do I read books that I know are going to hurt and I don’t like hurting??? Most of you are crazy Marmies that like pain. But me??? Not so much.

I finished What He Doesn’t Know/What He Always Knew. It’s a marital strife/love triangle a lot of you have read. It’s a really good story and it made me cry.

  • Unbreakable by Emma Scott <— EMMA SCOTT!! ENGAGED BUT FALLS FOR ANOTHER MAN ALERT!! Leslie M also found us one that sounds right up our stressful heartbreak alley!!
Leslie M: Unbreakable by Emma Scott is a similar theme as Heartbreak Warfare. The h is engaged and falls for another man while they are held hostage in bank robbery.
  • Havoc (Devil’s Boneyard MC 3) by Harley Wylde <— LIVE!!
  • Down and Dirty (Mosh Book 2) (Mosh Series) by Susanna Rogers <— LIVE!!
  • One Day in December: A Novel by Josie Silver <— BLURB JOLT ALERT!! OMG OMG OMG I LOVE THE SOUND OF THIS ONE! Ohhhh I can already imagine the angst. Love triangle? Unrequited love? No matter what it’s going to be a ride. How did I miss this?  Summer recommends it and I thank her SO much for bringing it to our attention. She sees… her “the one” but her bus drives away from him before she can talk to him…”…one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic…and then her bus drives away. Certain they’re fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn’t find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they “reunite” at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It’s Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.“

Summer: Not sure if I saw you post about One Day in December by Josie Silver but it was so good! Highly recommend!

Michele G: I finished One Day in December by Josie Silver last night… and I liked it A LOT!

Steph N: I avoided Atheists that Kneel and Pray for awhile because of the title and was I mad at myself once I read it. Such a great book.
Stacie: Maryse, I stumbled upon a book called “After” by Anna Todd it came out in 2014 it’s a college romance almost bully like kind of book i don’t know how I haven’t heard of it til now I didn’t know if anyone else has read it and loved it like me? I gave it 5 stars and it’s a series continuing with the main characters.
  • Blended with Pain: Notorious Devils (Cash Bar Book 4) by by Hayley Faiman <— LIVE!!! HE FINDS OUT HER PREGNANCY SECRET… “...His life has been one big party. No responsibilities. No relationships. No commitments.  That is, until he walks into a small diner in Texas. He recognizes her. She’s the girl from his past, and yet, she’s not–she’s all grown up.  She hides a secret that once he discovers causes rage to flow through his veins...”
  • I’ll Be the One by Hazel James <— This was on one of our BEST OF 2018 lists, and Ashley jumped in and LOVED it!
Ashley: How did I miss “I’ll be the one”??!! I started it last night and it’s sooo good! Exactly what I look for in ya/na romance! I can’t believe I missed it from 2016!
Stacie: I also read “Untouchable” by Sam Mariano it is a dark bully book I already seen recommendations for it on your page and ended up giving it 4.5 stars!!
  • The Fallback by Mariah Dietz <— LIVE!!! HE’S THE LAST PERSON SHE SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN!!! “…While trying to start anew from her best friend’s guest room and discovering the best doughnuts in the city, an idea sparks to life when she meets Levi. He’s intriguing, funny, and shockingly good-looking, and what had been a few stray thoughts becomes a new passion for Brooke, a blog detailing learning how to be single. The project introduces Brooke to new people and experiences, and keeps returning her back to Levi. But, Brooke learns kismet may have been wrong when she learns Levi is the last person she should be interested in…”

                         

 

AUDIOBOOK L:D VERS!

For those going on a road trip soon, or maybe you’ve got some projects that require both hands this weekend but still allows you to “listen”… check out the free audible trial + 2 free audiobooks deal —>

R: Renee …My new obsession with audio books continues. I’m now finding things to do around the house just so I’ll have an excuse to “read.” Not that there’s ever a lack of things to do. I just don’t usually do them.

  • AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
  • Sh-t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern <— You’ll laugh so hard, you’ll have cramps!! THIS IS THE STAR OF THE SHOW TODAY & TASHA recommended it!! And a few jumped in are laughing like crazy!!! GAH!! I wanna listen too!

Leslie M: I’m doing audio of Sh*t My Dad Says and it’s cracking me up. I am literally laughing out loud.

Jenn: Leslie-I could not imagine actually reading this; I would probably DNF it but listening to it is freaking hilarious. I love his Dad! I only have 52 minutes left! So thank you for mentioning it and inadvertently thank you TASHA

Leslie M: Jenn, I was thinking the same thing!! This audio is great but not sure if humor would translate in written form. I’m almost done (37 minutes left) and my stomach hurts from laughing so much. Thanks again Tasha for mentioning it.

Jenn: Leslie-I am done and yes my stomach literally hurts from laughing so hard, it’s almost as if I did 100 situps loved it. Tasha- “The Sh*t Your Dad Says” was only my 2nd audio-book I ever completed as like you I really rather read my books than listen but this one holy hell-the one liners from his Dad through all stages of his life…..just freaking priceless.

Tasha J: I read it in written form and I laughed just as much, but I’m glad you guys are enjoying it the way I did in audio.

Amy: I’m not an audiobook person, but after Jenn’s reactions I’m thiiiiiiiis close to buying Sh!t My Dad Says to listen to. I think I could totally listen to an audiobook like that as opposed to a fiction book. Considering how hooked I am on podcasts right now, it just might work for me!

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

          

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