Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

Alley Ciz – BTU Alumni Series Reading Order

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SPORTS ROMANCE SERIES ALERT!! Each one can be read as a standalone ’cause they follow different couples (and even different sports stars!!) A hockey star, and a couple of MMA fighters so far!! 😀 And book #3 just went LIVE!!

Sierra: Power Play was an absolute phenom! I can’t believe it was a debut!

Katherine: What I love about the book is the friendship between all the characters. Besides Jordan and Jake which by the way have an amazing chemistry, the union of friends and family it’s amazing. …I heard that it took Alley a few years to write the book…

Karina: it’s freaking awesome!

Brenda: At the end of the series you will have to do BTU Greatest hits in a cd. lol xx

About book #1:

Hockey players are off limits especially … if they’re on your brothers’ team.

The last time Jordan did that, it ended in disaster.
It was easy to promise her brothers she’d never date another one of their teammates again.
Until she meets Jake.
The spark she feels when she spends time with him makes her promise harder and harder to keep.
Surely her brothers would understand breaking this promise if it means following her heart.
Wouldn’t they?

Never sleep with a teammate’s sister.

This is the universal rule of athletes everywhere.
Until he meets Jordan. As soon as Jake sets eyes on her, he wants her.
The goalie’s job is to see missed shots and failed opportunities on the ice.
This is one shot he’s not going to miss, no matter what obstacles get in his way.

SERIES READING ORDER (although they can all be read as standalone)

Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 11-11-2019

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Good morning, happy Monday and Happy Veterans Day to everyone and a HUGE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE to all the veterans that have served and are serving this wonderful country!!! ❤️

PROGRESS UPDATE: I was late this morning but now it’s ready!! LOL! I’m obviously taking it easy today and slowly building our “earlybirds” list – I usually work on it Sunday nights, but I was reading a new book (Frayed <— so far so good!!) and I couldn’t help but take my time this morning.

Three things:

1.) In case you missed it yesterday, my latest 4.5 STAR REVIEW is up!! Gasp-worthy and made my jaw drop. TWICE!!! Book Review – Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger

2.) I’m still working on this list as we speak, and will be for the next few hours, so  keep checking back as it continues to grow. 😀

3.) It’s 57 degrees this morning and that makes me SO happy! Windows are open and that brisk air smells SO good. AND!! I have a candle burning that’s all of the fall smells that I love.

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

  1. Insatiable by Melanie Harlow <— MELANIE HARLOW’S FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS ALERT!! She walked in on him naked… “…After all those years of being just friends, suddenly we’re insatiable. He’s made it clear he’s not interested in romance. Which is fine with me because  I’ve got a plane ticket back to my real life at the end of the week…”
  2. Unforgettable (Harlequin Bestsellers) by Maya Banks
  3. Down the Line by Michelle D. Argyle
  4. Hearts Intertwined by K.L. Myers <— UNREQUITED LOVE ALERT!! HE ONLY LOVED HER LIKE A FAMILY MEMBER… “…Paisley Reed had always loved Braxton, but she knew there was no way he’d ever see her as more than his best friend. Her love went unrequited for far too many years. Finally, she’d given up, sealed a piece of her heart under lock and key, and learned to live with the knowledge that Braxton would never be hers. Then fate opened the door for her in an unimaginable way…”
  5. Sweet Victory: (BTU Alumni #3) by Alley Ciz <— PRO FIGHTER ALERT!! “…Holly Vanderbuilt is running. From her past, her present, her future—everything. Baking is her only solace. Cookies, cakes, ingredients coming together, they make sense. A professional fighter walking into her kitchen? Not so much...”
  6. Us, Again by Elle Maxwell <— SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE ALERT!! He just got out of prison… “…Mackenzie Thatcher has vowed off love forever. She’s already experienced excruciating heartbreak, and she has no intention of ever getting near that particular fire again…especially with the very man who burned her in the first place. She’s perfectly happy being a badass independent woman, thank you very much. That is, until seeing Graham again stirs up feelings she doesn’t know what to do with (besides a little quality time with her B.O.B.)…”
  7. Happily Ever After Is So Once Upon A Time: A Laugh Out Loud Romantic Comedy (The Awkward Adventures of Jane Nash Book 2) by Christine Zolendz <— COMEDY ROMANCE/LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP ALERT!! “…when they are sent to opposite sides of the globe for work, their fairy tale is threatened by temptation on every corner. Struggling to make it work, they fumble through the obstacles of a long–and lonely–long distance relationship.  And just when they think it can’t get any worse–the wicked villain shows up to destroy everything...”
  8. Reforming the CEO by Marisa Cleveland
  9. Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers Book 1) by Ahren Sanders
  10. Beauty and the Badge: Charlotte’s Cove Book 1 by Ella Fox
  11. Havoc at Prescott High (The Havoc Boys Book 1) by C.M. Stunich <— C.M. STUNICH’S LATEST IS LIVE!! REVERSE HAREM BULLY ROMANCE ALERT!! “…The Havoc Boys rule the hellhole we call Prescott High. Once upon a time, they ruled me. For an entire year, I endured their shit. But senior year is going to be different. This year, I own them. I’ve made a pact with the Havoc Boys to get the vengeance I deserve. Their price? Me...”
  12. Biker Babe (Biker Beauties Book 1) by Audrey Carlan <— BIKER PRINCESS IS INTO HER FATHER’S NEW MC VICE PREZ!! “…I was born a biker princess and I’ll be one until the day I die. The man in my life can try to tame me, but he’ll have one hell of a fight on his hands. Though if he wins, he’ll get the ultimate prize…all of me. Devoted. His old lady through thick and thin. So when I opened my store, aptly named Biker Babe, I didn’t expect to have the biggest, sexiest, most jaw-dropping man walk into my shop and set my world on fire. I wanted him instantly. Only problem, my father is the president of the Hero’s Pride MC, and Taggart “Rex” Crawford is his new Vice President...”
  13. With Every Breath by Allie Everhart <—HE SAVES HER & IS THERE FOR HER… “...That night on the bridge, I was ready for it to end. The pain. The guilt. I couldn’t take it anymore. But then HE showed up. Tall. Broad shoulders. A thick beard. Plaid shirt. Through the fog and rain, he looked like a giant lumberjack coming at me. Turns out he was a mechanic who just happened to stop and notice something leaking from my car. Next thing I know, the guy’s giving me a ride back to his garage. He ruined my plan. I wanted to hate him for that but couldn’t. Not after he told me what happened on that same night exactly one year ago…”
  14. The Guy in the Window by Cara Dee <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! “…Then one night as I got ready for bed, I looked across the alleyway to the next building, where I saw him getting ready for bed too. I couldn’t look away to save my life. It was the night he also became the guy in the window...”
  15. A Whole New Duke: A Regency Christmas Romance by Samantha Holt
  16. Our Perfect Moment (The McCormicks Book 6) by Elena Aitken
  17. Special Delivery (Always Satisfied Book 5) by Lauren Blakely <— LAUREN BLAKELY’S LATEST WENT LIVE EARLY!! HER BROTHER’S NEW PARTNER!! “…Instead, I’m stuck planning all the holiday parties with the one guy who makes me want to break my dating diet. Who thought that was a good idea? Oh, me. Yep, brilliant, strategic me who raised her hand and said yes I’d love to hang mistletoe with that hot former sports star…”
  18. The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse <— HE’S A GRIEVING SINGLE FATHER… “…When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly...”
  19. Rise of the Fire Witch: A Witch and Shifter Fated Mates Trilogy (Stone Sentries) by Lisa Carlisle
  20. It’s My Chance (Lake Placid Series Book 8) by Natalie Ann <— ARMY RANGER/COP REJECTED HER MONTH AGO... “...Kennedy Miles is no weak willed damsel in distress and she loathes anyone who thinks she is. Her father and brother taught her to be independent and stand on her own two feet. She doesn’t need a man to protect her and doesn’t want one. What she wants is Logan who she’s had a crush on for years and rejected her after she put herself out there more than ever before. Now he’s back and she’s wondering what his true reasons might be…”

 

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

         

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Book Review – Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger

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Perfect Strangers

<— HOLY MOLY PURE FANTASTICNESS ALERT!!!!!!! OMG. You guys were NOT kidding when you told me to read it ASAP so I wouldn’t come across any spoilers and I could experience that jaw-dropping twist blindly. Actually… TWO jaw-dropping twists. I have not been this elated in AGES. Pure steamy book romance at it’s finest, with but then even better. BOOK CLEVERNESS!!!

R. Renee: My readers group is going ballistic over Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger. Thinking of reading it next (whenever I start reading again).

Nay: I’ve got Perfect Strangers primed and ready on my Kindle. Looking forward to seeing what the fuss is all about.

Summer: OMG what did I just read? This book was amazing! What a wild ride! 5 WTF stars from me. Everyone should read this book!!

Donna: One of the BEST books that I’ve read all year! I can’t stop thinking about it!

Maryse: OH MY!!!!!!!!! Yep. I’m thinking this is next!!! 😀

Val: I finished this last week!!!!! I agree. It’s fantastic. I can’t move on. Read it now!

Robyn: This was an amazing book.

Dena: Guys I don´t know if it´s just me but I haven´t read any really good romantic book in a long time. The last good book that I read was The hating game and Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher new books but that´s it. Any recommendations what was good?

Maryse: Dena… people keep going crazy for “Perfect Strangers” that was released a couple of weeks ago. I think that one’s next for me. Supposedly it’s a total jaw-dropper at some point but exhilarating? 😀 !!!

R. Renee: Perfect Strangers is awesome, but if you’re looking for an old school romance, that isn’t it. It’s a romance, but not in the traditional sense. But Maryse, yes, that needs to be next for you! …I would do Perfect Strangers first only because the longer you wait the more chance there is of someone spoiling it for you.

Maryse: I will do Perfect Strangers so I don’t see a spoiler…

Maryse: Okay… I’m halfway through it and into it. Nothing crazy has happened yet, and it’s very steamy (lots and lots of that) but I hated putting it down to go to sleep last night. So I’m totally into it! And still have no clue… though maybe a few guesses. 😉

R. Renee: I did end up skimming a lot of the sex. Because there was a lot… Actually that’s part of what almost made me DNF early on. So glad I didn’t!

Maryse: Yes, I’m skimming those parts too, but the rest has me connected, interestingly enough. 🙂

And then…

OMG!!!! HOW. FREAKING. CLEVER!!!!!!

I couldn’t believe what I was reading… AND THEN!!! I couldn’t believe what I was reading AGAIN!!!!!!

I’ll be honest though. Throughout a good portion of the story, I was wondering what the big deal was? I mean it was good, and the writing was fantastic (deep and poignant and introspective AND fun) and it was HOT!!! But, it didn’t feel like anything I hadn’t read before in one way or another. Right?

  • Steamy contemporary romance? Check!
  • Dreamy romantic setting? Check!
  • Strangers with secrets? Check!!!
  • An astounding, almost-soulmate connection? Check!!
  • Potential heartache looming? DOUBLE Check!!

Speaking of heart attacks, I’m having one. I can’t think of anything to say, so I simply stare into the endless blue depths of his eyes and hope he can’t see the smoke rising up in curls from my skin.

After a long, blistering moment, he murmurs, “Tell me I’m not the only one standing here feeling like I just stuck my finger into an electrical outlet.”

I say faintly, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

My twist-guesses were exciting but not that jaw-dropping.

I thought I had it figured out, and wondered what was going to be so crazy about that? Crazy in real life? Sure, but… in our book world? *shrug* Eh… There HAD to be more to this considering the reactions of my trusty book-buds.

I mean… even though it was exactly what I used to devour and love like crazy, back in my early contemporary romance days (meeting of the eyes from across the room… a sexy stranger, and she’s only in Paris for a short time so the whole “let’s just have steamy-fun while we can” and then of course… the feelings pop in and then leaving is chaos), but…

So what’s it about?

Okay, I have to go slow here. Just a little bit of info, but trust me… there’s so much more to it than this.

So she’s a successful author that’s taking a fairly short stint in Paris to write. She’s divorced from a politician-type that really had no time or much interest in her as his career took off. She’s also still suffering from something devastating. I’ll let you discover that as you go, and at the worst time in her life, he pretty much checked-out altogether.

…the thing people don’t realize is that the past is a living, breathing entity that exists apart from our wishes or best intentions. It’s not gone, and it’s certainly not invisible. Its fingerprints are smeared all over every moment of the present, its weight drags on every second of the future, its consequences echo down every hallway of our lives.

We can no more rid ourselves of the past than we could stop the earth from spinning.

The sexy brooding stranger? Ohhhhh YESSSSS!! Their eyes meet from across the room at a Parisian cafe, and their passionate “no strings attached” affair starts here.

It can’t be. It’s a coincidence. There must be a million handsome artists in Paris named James. It’s not the blue-eyed stallion from the café.

But when I walk into the grand salon that evening, I’m reminded again exactly how much fate loves to prove me wrong.

Though… his secrets run deep,

Suffering is the great equalizer of humankind.

I recall him standing there surrounded by admiring women at the party, looking miserable and alone, and how oblivious he was to all the stares he received walking into the café, and realize with a jolt that this is a man for whom most other people have ceased to exist.

The happy ones, anyway. The normal ones who still have light in their eyes.

It’s only people like me he can see or connect with. People submerged in their own darkness, the way he’s submerged in his.

I say urgently, “Whatever bad thing happened to you, it hasn’t made you less beautiful. There’s beauty in darkness, too. It just takes a different kind of vision to see it.”

…and when she uncovers a few of ’em (unbeknownst to him), she has some soul searching to do. But you know how it goes. If it’s only for a couple of months, what’s the harm?

Three months, Olivia. You’re only in Paris for three months. Keep it light. Let it go.

But those pesky feelings… 😉

And I’m stopping there.

I know… I KNOW. It sounds like it could be emotional fun, and pull at your heartstrings, and the steam sure could do a number on so many of us. But what’s the difference here?

It goes crazy.

Then it goes crazy again.

And… 😉

*my lips are sealed*

ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE.

4.5 STARS!!!! The only reason I’m giving it just a touch less than 5 stars is ’cause for good part of the book, it’s just pure, potentially angsty contemporary romance, and these days I’m looking for more of that crazy oomph right from the start. Just be patient. You’ll get ooooomph in spades here.

Anjanette: Reading it now per your recommendation ❤️❤️❤️it’s pulling me out of my book slump

Chrissy: It really was top for 2019! What a great read!

Maryse: Agreed! It will absolutely be on my “Best Of” list for this year!!

Chrissy: yes and not enough talk about it! Author needs major high fives for this story!!

Anjanette: Omg I finished this book at 11 pm last night . I am shook wtf did I just read. I smiled, cried laughed everything. Totally unexpected and such an awesome read . I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

And now, I will be reading EVERYTHING from this author. When I searched through her backlist of books, I see SO many that many went crazy for right here. So yeah. She’s gonna be my new MUST-READ!!!

Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 11-08-19

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HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!! It’s going to be a wonderful long weekend and I’m hoping to finally jump into the “Parallel Duet” so I can devour it too, and see why everyone is so blown away by it. I’m STILL getting comments and adamant recommendations for it!!! YAY ME!! 😀 *claps and bounces*

Also, author Andrea Smith is today’s newsletter sponsor and she’s giving away audiobooks of her latest release to multiple commenters!! You can find out more here (and comment on this post to enter) ➔ Andrea Smith’s “All of Me” IS LIVE & she’s sent over an excerpt and she’s having an audiobook giveaway!!

And…

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND FOR THE WEEKEND :D !!

Nancy: Ever since I read THE ISLAND by Daya Daniels, I wanted to read her novel: THE CLIMB. The mountain is called K2 and the second highest peak in the world, and maybe the most challenging plus dangerous.

…Before their party even starts the climb, two of the porters have died. Plus their lead guide has been injured. This is not a good omen. Maybe God or the mountain itself is warning them not to go.

The author must be a climber herself or just have studied the technique of mountain climbing thoroughly. It takes a certain breed of person, man or woman, to put themselves threw this grueling and life threatening experience. I stayed up to 2:30 in the morning to see if they made it to the top. I never guessed the twist and turns this story took. I was tired, but couldn’t put the book down.

Laura: I read on your blog someone recommending The Grace Year. I Highly recommend it as well and has a lot of similar ideas to The Handmaids Tale, but a little more YA.

It is also been picked up by Elizabeth Banks to be made into a movie.

  • Frayed by Layne Deemer <— LIVE!!! PSYCH-THRILLER ALERT & R. Renee is loving it!! “…His new life as a clothing inspector is boring and predictable and the perfect escape. He’s finally in control. Lydia March is unexpected, but he can’t avoid her even if he tries. She makes him feel things and throws the delicate balance of his orderly life off its axis. When Owen begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown admirer, it’s not long before his world begins to spiral and nothing is as it seems. Is Lydia writing the notes or is it someone else? Has his past finally caught up with him?”

R. Renee: Guys!! This is Layne’s debut psych thriller. Some of you know her from the GR PFM challenge group. I started it this morning and I can’t put it down!! I went in blind so I have no idea what’s coming but at 16% it’s giving me serious YOU vibes!

Maryse: OMG MINNNNNNNEEE!!!!!!! TOTALLY my thing!!!

Marissa: Frayed by Author Layne Deemer is so damn good! I could not put it down until I finished it!!

Maryse: I AM SO EXCITED!!!! I’m a psych-thriller addict and now this is the second recommendation saying how good this one is!!!

Bekki: I have never done this before, and I have read ALOT of books. I loved this book. Especially the ending. I did NOT see that coming! I will definitely be reading more of K.L. Slater’s books!! I love that the book I just finished, Blink, has Safe With Me in the same book. On to next book. Thank you!!

  • Lear: Alpha one Security Book 5 by Jasinda Wilder <— LIVE!! JASINDA WILDER ALERT!! “...Turns out, though, that the green-eyed nerd I’d so enjoyed sleeping with was no one to screw around with, either. And he doesn’t like being forced to violence—which he was, in rescuing me. Not that I needed rescuing, mind you. I mean, there were a lot of them, and they were tough, and well-trained. I could kick ass and takes names with the best black-ops commandos in the world, and this mysterious Lear seemed to be no slouch either...”
  • Fall of the Elves (Elves of Asarton Trilogy Book 1) by Alexis Samson <— FANTASY ALERT!! “...Her marriage is one of convenience and obligation, leaving her with endless days to immerse herself in literature of the fallen elven race and the ferocious dragons that perished with them. Soon after she possesses the body of the dead elven queen in a dream, Tessa stumbles across a creature of legend in the forest behind her estate. The dragon, reluctant to talk about her past, claims Tessa as her own and trains her in the way of the elves…”
  • Lost Pretty Boys: A College Reverse Harem Academy Bully Romance (Shadowlight Hunters Academy Book 1) by Kailin Gow <— REVERSE HAREM BULLY ALERT!! “..**Lost Pretty Boys is book 1 of 3 the Shadowlight Hunters Academy. It can be read as a separate series, but is also a spin-off and continuation of the Shadowlight Academy Series. It is a College RH Bully Romance which contains language, dark humor and consensual sexual situations. Recommended for 17 and over…”
  • Veils: A Killers Novel Book 4 (The Killers) by Brynne Asher <— LIVE & TERRI RECOMMENDS IT!

Terri: Veils by Brynne Asher is out and Noah is absolutely swoon worthy!

  • The Boss Who Stole Christmas (Reindeer Falls Book 1) by Jana Aston <— LIVE!! JANA ASTON ALERT!! “...Dear Santa, Please bring me a new boss for Christmas. Mine is the worst. The worst, hidden in a six foot tall package of male perfection. It’d be easier if he looked like an old Scrooge, wouldn’t it?…“
  • Becoming His Mistress by A.E. Murphy <— SHE’S HIS MISTRESS & SHE HAS OCD ALERT!! And it’s back on the list ’cause Robyn loved it too!

Robyn: I have been in a serious reading slump for awhile. BUUUT, I just finished a book that whipped that slump right away. I’m talking 5 stars! It’s called Becoming His Mistress by A E Murphy. I stayed up super late last night because I HAD to finished that book. It covered all the “feels” and then some.

It was funny, sad, angsty, heartbreaking, did I say funny? When you find out what the little quotes mean at the beginning of every chapter your heart will just melt. You have to read this book!

  • Tell Me Everything by Amy Hatvany <— PSYCH-THRILLER MARITAL STRIFE FORBIDDENY ALERT!! OMG HOW DID I MISS THIS??? Thank goodness for Michele G ’cause she didn’t miss it AND she recommends this one!! “…As so often happens in marriage, their romantic life falls casualty to busy schedules and repetitive routine, until one night, a stranger asks Jessica to dance. On a whim, Jake urges her to say yes, saying that he wants to watch this other man touch her, something that surprises Jessica by arousing her like never before. A door opens for them then, into a realm of exploration neither of them knew existed. They create rules to protect their marriage, and are thrilled when their relationship is strengthened and enriched by deeper levels of communication and trust brought about by this exciting, but taboo behavior. That is, until Jessica keeps a secret from Jake…”

Michele G: Maryse, I also read an ARC of Tell Me Everything by Amy Hatvany that releases today. Check out the blurb…it’s a hot little page-turner for sure. I had never read anything by her before and it was quite good. It definitely kept my interest… 😉

  • One-Night Stand-In by T. Gephart <— LIVE!! T. GEPHART ALERT!! HAHAHH!! BIG HUGE OOOOPS!! She finally gets promoted but has to share her spot… “...Kyle Drake was smart, experienced, and probably just as good, if not better, in negotiations. And if she wasn’t careful, prove he could do the job without her. Add in good-looking and an incredibly sexy smooth talker, and everyone in the office either wanted to be him or sleep with him. Which Sarah could have totally ignored if he hadn’t been the stranger she’d married in Vegas during a fake ceremony six months earlier...”
  • The Dugout by Meghan Quinn <— BASEBALL STAR ALERT!! “…That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft. Now, I’m a senior fresh off recovery, struggling to find my groove, until the day I run into a nervous, fidgety, girl with freckles, in the dining hall. They call Milly Potter The Baseball Whisperer, The Diamond Wizard, and The Epitome of All Knowledge. She believes in baseball. She breathes it. She’s the queen of an infamous dynasty, but no one actually knows who she really is, and she plans to keep it that way…” Cheryl is enjoying this one!

Cheryl: Ok, just finishing The Dugout (which is sweet, funny and so enjoyable, but I’m a little afraid that some angst is coming up).

Kylie: I read it in a day. It’s heavy for a romance and intense, given the subject matter. Definitely a warning to go at the start of any review as the heroine has experienced physical and psychological abuse and torture in her backstory.

A couple of times I find the pace slowed, but overall I enjoyed the book. Not your typical romance due to the subject matter and there’s a BDSM daddy/little girl flavour to it – so might not be for everyone.

Loved the humour when it cropped up. The secondary characters were great – would read Cain’s story in a flash. Saw the epilogue ending coming a mile off. Hope this is just the first in this series.

Christina: Ohhh I want this!!

  • The Italian by T.L. Swan <— MARY ANN & NANCY LOVED IT!!

Mary Ann: Hi Maryse. I just finished The Italian by TL Swan and I have to tell you about it because it’s in my head and taking too much space. I believe you call it book funk! What do I read now? I know it will take at least 5 books of beginning and end before my funk will go away.

This book was awesome!!! A 5 stars!!! It had twist and turns I didn’t expect. Its about an Italian guy who didn’t know he is Mafioso and a traveling Australian who had a wonderful week together but tragedy happened. They separated ways but never really forgetting each other until they see each other again. The guy is hot! And when he makes up his mind he sticks to it. The girl is a good girl with a good head. I am not making a good job describing the story. But I am telling you it’s awesome! There was a Madam and for a second I thought he will make the wrong decision. Almost!!!

Nancy: THE ITALIAN by TL Swan!! This book is sooooo…GOOD! 550 pages of awesome!! This author has TWO books in the top 100 on Amazon! The other is The Stopover (The Miles High Club) & ANOTHER 5* BOOK!!

Michele G: Over the weekend, I read an ARC of Katy Regnery’s Nome-o Seeks Juliet. It’s the second one in the Odds-Are-Good series and I’ve enjoyed both of them. They are all standalone books with the common factor being that they are tied to personal/classified ads being placed by men from Alaska. This one had a little bit of the Vixen and the Vet feel to it (just a little).

Absolute 5 star read for me….Cody will capture your heart ❤️

The titles and covers are light and fun but the books really do involve serious issues, have steamy scenes and sometimes heartbreaking decisions. I 5 starred this one and 4 1/2 starred Single in Sitka – which was the first one in the series.

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

Ashley: This week I listened to a few audiobooks including:

Drowning Erin by Elizabeth O’Roark (super angsty but super good!) and

44 Chapters About 4 Men by BB Easton which made me laugh out loud a lot.

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

       

➔➔➔  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).

Andrea Smith’s “All of Me” IS LIVE & she’s sent over an excerpt and she’s having an audiobook giveaway!!

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<— ALL OF ME HAS JUST BEEN RECENTLY RELEASED & Andrea Smith is today’s newsletter sponsor and she’s got a special audiobook giveaway for us!!! Not just one audiobook giveaway. Nope. 😀 Many (until she runs out of codes – so “while supplies last” 😉 – JUST LEAVE A COMMENT on this post)!!

But she needs our help…

The author says:

“All of Me” will be out in audio within the next week or so!I’m looking for listeners who are interested in leaving honest reviews on Audible.I will have both US and UK codes!

I’m happy to say that Alexander Cendese and his wife, Gabrielle, are narrating this RomCom and they did a stunning performance!

In order to receive audio codes, please submit your name, email address, your reviewer name on Audible or Amazon, and whether you need a US or UK code.

If you’d like to hear a sample of the audio, please visit my author profile on audible:

➔ https://www.audible.com/author/Andrea-Smith/B00A1MLQGY

NOTE FROM MARYSE: IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENT, you can just enter it into the “commenter details” section when entering in your name and email and then go ahead and submit your comment. It will ask for your email address (and only I will see that section), and I will forward your email address to the author so she can send you your audiobook code. 😀 

TITLE:  All of Me

AUTHOR:    Andrea Smith

GENRE:     BBW ROMCOM

SYNOPSIS:

USA Today Best Selling Author Andrea Smith brings you her debut BBW Romance!

Dirk Sexton is a thirty year old playboy with a conscience.

He wants the sex without feeling the guilt of his meaningless one night stands.

Deciding to take a chance, he finally takes the leap only to realize that he may have chosen the wrong sister.

Autumn Dey may be Summer’s twin sister but they are definitely not identical. Summer is tall and toned . . . and, well, Autumn isn’t.

When Summer starts dating her sister’s gorgeous new boss, Dirk Sexton, Autumn slides herself into the friend zone, admiring from afar.

Until, that is, her alter ego and 900 operator, discovers Dirk’s true desires.

Will love truly conquer all?

Ready for an excerpt?

Excerpt from “All of Me.”

Scene:Radio Station WQRK

Autumn ‘The Night Hawk’ Dey has been contracted to do some promos for a product called Slather® (a longevity cream for men) on her late night call-in show.When the male narrator calls in sick . . . well, the promo must go on!

So her boss, Dirk Sexton, fills in for the male narration

Dirk

We were still waiting on Craig Freeman to arrive before we could start. With fifteen minutes to spare, Autumn repeated her lines until they ended up making no sense. By this point, I had already memorized the male lines for no other reason than to support her.

“Mr. Sexton? You have a call on line four. Craig Freeman.” I heard Bridget say over the intercom.

Winking at Autumn in a last-minute attempt to encourage her, I picked up the hand-held receiver and brought it to my ear.

“Dirk Sexton.”

“Hi Mr. Sexton,” said a hoarse and nasally sounding voice that was more than just raspy but practically on the verge of giving up on life. “I won’t make it today for the recording. I’ve caught a bug and seem to be losing my voice.”

F*ck.

“Right. Well, Mr. Freeman, please take care of yourself and get back to us in perfect health.” On the outside, I seemed calm and collected. On the inside? I was ready to punch someone.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Autumn turn to face me, practically giddy from the news. She was nervous and this was a reprieve for her.

Sorry, buttercup. A deadline is a deadline.

“Change of plans, everyone,” I announced, shrugging my jacket off and heading for the soundproof studio. “I’m doing the male part. Freeman’s down with laryngitis.”

I must admit, I took a little sadistic pleasure in watching Autumn pale. I was a nice guy but I wasn’t losing money because a virus decided to f*ck with my business.

No sir.

“Um, Dirk?” She blinked. I smirked.

“Autumn?” I answered with a low octave making sure to use eye contact. “Is there a problem?”

She blushed which I found kind of cute and then waved her hand dismissively, “Oh, what the hell. Let’s lube it up, boss.”

The entire crew choked on her words and I just laughed like a lunatic.

With everything set up, we both stood at the microphones, our headsets on, Neil would dub in the seductive porno sounding background music after we’d nailed the script. We looked at one another, with our scripts in hand, desperately trying not to laugh. Time was money and we weren’t stand-up comedians.

Watching for Neil’s hand signals, I brought my eyes to Autumn and watched as she began the narrator voice-over, using a deeper timber than her usual.

Go time, baby.

“Ladies, you own the world. You are a superhero and you are a mother. You are the boss and you are the doting friend. But there are some things you cannot control. Until now.”

My turn.

I looked Autumn straight in the eyes and uttered words that in any other circumstance would have my balls by the HR vice.

“Baby, is it something I’m doing wrong?” Said no Sexton ever.

“Oh, no, Phil, you’re perfect. It’s just sometimes I think we need a little Slather®. You know, honey, to make our intimate moments last . . . longer.” (Said no woman who had my dick within f*cking distance, ever.)

“Let me get that for you.” (Phil, Phil, Phil…it’s all in the mind, brother.)

“Ahhhh, you really are the best!” (Now, that sounded familiar).

Again, Autumn brought out the narrator voice and finished it off.

“Slather® is always there, for those moments too intimate to control. Available at your local pharmacy.”

“Cut!” Neil hollered from outside of the booth. “Brilliant! You guys nailed it first take. Want to try copy number two as long you’re on a roll?” Neil asked.

I looked over at Autumn to see if she was game. “Why the hell not,” she said with a wide grin. “Are you up to it Dirk?”

I gave her a side long glance. “Always.” And we both sat there in a fit of laughter while Neil scrambled to get up the script for Slather® 2. We were like two teenagers who had just said “vagina” for the first time.

True story.

Buy Links:

Audio Book Giveaway!

The author says:

“All of Me” will be out in audio within the next week or so!I’m looking for listeners who are interested in leaving honest reviews on Audible.I will have both US and UK codes!

I’m happy to say that Alexander Cendese and his wife, Gabrielle, are narrating this RomCom and they did a stunning performance!

In order to receive audio codes, please submit your name, email address, your reviewer name on Audible or Amazon, and whether you need a US or UK code.

If you’d like to hear a sample of the audio, please visit my author profile on audible:

➔ https://www.audible.com/author/Andrea-Smith/B00A1MLQGY

NOTE FROM MARYSE: Don’t leave your email in the actual comment – you can just enter that into the “commenter details” email section that only I will see, and I will forward your email address to the author so she can send you your audiobook code. 😀

AUTHOR BIO:

Andrea Smith is a USA Today and Amazon Best-Selling Author of the G-Man Series! She has a wicked sense of humor. No matter the genre, she is able to infuse laughter throughout. 

She self-publishes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Sensual Romance with a paranormal twist. She also writes RomCom, New Adult Romance, and has recently collaborated with Author Eva LeNoir on three M/M Romances.   

Here is a listing of her published fiction to date:

Baby Series (Contemporary Romance/Suspense w/erotic tone)

These Books should be read in order:

  • Maybe Baby  (Book 1)
  • Baby Love    (Book 2)
  • Be My Baby  (Book 3) 
  • Baby Come Back (Novella)  (Book 3.5)

G-Man Series (Contemporary Romance/Suspense w/erotic tone)

These Books do not have to be read in order, but they are most enjoyable if done so.

  • Diamond Girl  (Book 1)
  • Love Plus One  (Book 2)
  • Night Moves     (Book 3)  
  • G-Men Holiday Wrap (Novella) (Book 4)
  • Taz  (G-Man Book 5)
  • Walk of Shame  (Book 6)
  • Dude, Interrupted   (Book 7)
  • These Men (Spin-off) Part of the BEND anthology.  (M/M/F)
  • My Men  (Sequel to “These Men”)  (M/M/F)

Beyond Series (Contemporary Steamy Romance w/paranormal edge)

  • Broken Promise
  • Broken Dreams  

Forbidden Series (New Adult- Taboo)

Need to be read in order.

  • Loving Jesse   (Book 1)
  • Forever Jesse   (Book 2)

M/M Romance

  • Black Balled (Co-Authored with Eva LeNoir)
  • Guns Blazing  (Spin-Off from Black Balled)
  • Hard Edit  (Co-Authored with Eva LeNoir) Sequel to Black Balled.

YA Suspense

  • Southern Comfort

YA/NA Evermore Series

Must be read in order. These are novellas.

  • Crushed   (Book 1)
  • Claimed   (Book 2)
  • Paparazzi   (Book 3)
  • Star F*cking  (Book 4)

Check out her audio books! https://www.audible.com/author/Andrea-Smith/B00A1MLQGY

Social Media Links:

To sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit her website: https://www.andreasmithauthor.com/