Maryse's Book Blog - Page 694 of 1847 - Following my heart, one book at a time...

Reader Question – The book about the new girl that has a run in with the boys who play basketball…

January 23, 2020 By Maryse 2 Comments

Diana needs our book help and oooooooh Bully Book alert!!! And something in her description made me think of one of my all-time favorites!! In fact, if I’m right, this was a previous reader question a year or so ago: Reader Question – The book about the girl who used to play piano, but quit because her father had an affair with her best friend.

She asks:

Ok, Maryse and fellow book junkies I need help finding a book I’ve been looking for off and on for months.

A bb loving tomboy moves to a new poor neighborhood and school and has a run in with the boys who play basketball in her neighborhood park. I think that her fam had recently lost a bunch of money? But maybe not.

I can’t remember much, but she wants to play and they won’t let her. Hence why I need to read it again! hahaha

HS enemies to lovers or bully book IIRC?

Does this ring any bells?

Anyone have a guess? Let’s make a list! 😀

Maryse: It rings my bell!!! Though I may be way off but this is one of my favorites and the whole basketball scene is telling me I think it’s Wild Reckless (Harper Boys Book 1)

Pia: It could be Cry Baby by Ginger Scott. It was on my “favorites of 2018” list. She loves basketball and moves to a new neighborhood. She gets close to one of the boys, who play basketball and is a gang member as well.

Maryse: Oh I wonder if THAT’s the one I was thinking of??? Right author, different book!!!

➔➔➔ Browse more reader questions (solved & unsolved) here. 😀 Maybe you’ll find a solved one to read or have a guess for us for one that’s still unsolved.

Have a reader question for us to solve? Send it to me here.

Reader Favorites – Rebecca’s Top Books of 2019 List

January 22, 2020 By Maryse 10 Comments

We’re not done with the 2019 top lists!! LOL! I love this and ohhhh Rebecca went ALL out today!! She’s sent us TWO lists, so I’ll make a separate post for each of them.

Let’s start off with her 2019 favorites!

She says:

Hi Maryse!

I have been MIA and not as “commenty” (totally not a word) lately as thing have been insanely busy here. I started volunteering on a political campaign for the first time in 2018 and it consumed so much of my time the last two years! It has been very fun–but, it definitely cut into my reading. I usually average around 325 books a year (yikes, I know!) but managed to hit 125 and 175 the last two. Unfortunately, my little pup got sick and i had to rearrange my schedule to be home with her more but the positive side was I was able to pick up the reading pace again as we cuddled. 🙂

I always write my favorites down in a “note” on my phone as I finish ones that I know are special so that I have them handy at the end of the year to send to you and don’t have to go back through my Goodreads trying to remember what I liked, loved, and really, really loved. Well! When I went to clean up the 2019 favs list to send in–I realized I never sent in 2018! So–here is a double scoop of my reading greatness the last two years. I hope it isn’t too later to share–for 2019, I mean. 🙂

I am completely unable to keep either list to 10–please forgive me and know that I whittled even this down from way more. You give great recommendations which leads to me finding great authors–which leads to *lots* of amazing books!

Okay…drum roll…here is the list for 2019!

1) Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens)

I know this has made so many of the “top reads” lists so I won’t talk too much about it but it was definitely a top read for me. Different than my “usual” reads but a really wonderful book.

2) The Cruel Prince series (Holly Black)

A human girl living in the Fae world after being taken there as the charge of a man who killed her parents. He raised her (and her sisters) as his own. I was dying to read the conclusion to this while waiting for the third book to come out in November.

It was a great final book–my only complaint was that it could have been longer and that is just because i wanted more, more, more.

3) Waiting for the Sun/Riders on the Storm (Robin Hill, of course!)

loved this duet. Was so glad I knew about it from reading your blog and even more glad there was a second one!

4) The NewlyFEDS (Logan Chance)

FBI agents who have to do an undercover gig together as husband and wife. It was a shorter read but it was hilarious and led to me going to grab all of his other books.

5) The Unhoneymooners (Christina Lauren)

I know this made a lot of lists but this was actually my first Christina Lauren read and I loved it! I will be reading her other books soon.

6) 99 Percent Mine: A Novel (Sally Thorne)

From the author of The Hating Game (which I also loved!) and I knew I had to read it the day it came out. The second effort did not disappoint at all–I loved it. The title ended up being so perfect and got me right in the heart. This one will make you laugh too–I love those!

7) Things You Save in a Fire: A Novel (Katherine Center)

This was my first read of hers and I quickly went and got the rest of her books after finishing this. She is a firefighter–a badass, kickass firefighter, who has to join a new firehouse when she moves to help take care of her mother.

She has been told in no uncertain terms that one of the rules she always needs to remember in this male dominated profession–no dating firefighters. Enter the other new firefighter at her new job…the rookie.

8) The Kiss Quotient (Helen Hoang)

I wasn’t sure about this book–I am always nervous when people write stories with characters on the spectrum as I am not sure if there will be stereotypes, etc. My brother is on the autism spectrum. I didn’t know until the end that the author also has autism!

Glad I jumped in because this was a great read. It was sweet–it was also sexy!–and I loved the other characters in the book. Her job is to help predict online shopping trends, analytics, etc. (I am not describing that well at all) and it made me think about all of my Amazon one-clicking…books and otherwise! 🙂

9) Beartown: A Novel (Fredrik Backman)

This was an unexpectedly heavy topic but was definitely timely in the #MeToo era and covered a traumatic event (trying not to spoiler here) that tore apart a small town that is defined by it’s amazing hockey team– which is keeping the entire town’s economy afloat with its success. The story rotates between the perspectives of different people in the town.

This is not his usual charming, uplifting, sweet read and I didn’t know that going in and the story sucked me in and even though I could see it coming–it still hit me hard. Powerful story.

10) Iron and Magic (Iron Covenant Book 1) (Ilona Andrews)

This is the spin-off series about the “bad guy” of the Kate Daniels story. I love everything they write and love the Kate Daniels story (after I got through book 1 which was hard for some reason) but I loved, LOVED this book. I go and check once a month to see when the second one is coming– it is expected in 2020!

11) CURVEBALL (Mariah Dietz)

I grabbed this thinking it was a sports romance–it is not. What it is though is a beautiful and messy love story with about a million tons of angst and a mile wide of obstacles.

The lead h is a single mom to a little boy with food allergies. Something you should know about her is she does *not* date firefighters. Enter the new neighbor…a firefighter…who her best friend immediately falls in love with at first sight. Not a problem because she doesn’t date firefighters! Even super hot ones who save her child’s life…?

12) That Guy (Kim Jones)

The premise of this book sounded ridiculous to me– she accidentally ends up in this billionaire’s limo and then his apartment–but, it ended up being hilariously funny–laugh out loud, wipe away tears funny.

13) Midnight Valentine (J.T. Geissinger)

This was my first read by Geissinger and as soon as I ended the last page, I was off to collect everything else they had written. This is another one that features a plot line with my absolute worst nightmare–her husband has died and now she is trying to continue on with their plans, without him. I cried right along with her in several parts of this story.

I wouldn’t describe this as paranormal but the plot centers around the contractor for her house…who keeps doing and saying things that make her think of her husband…

14) The Other Side (Kim Holden)

I was familiar with the author ripping out your heart after reading Bright Side — I just didn’t know she would be able to do it again so effectively. But, she did. This is a great book but it is also deep and dark and deals with very traumatic things. It has uplifting moments as well and if you can handle the pain…you will be glad you did, the payoff is worth it.

15) The Work Wife: A Romantic Comedy (CJ Martin)

This was a new-to-me author and I loved this story. He is the executive chef at the restaurant where she works–he is hot and hunky and swoon worthy and sarcastic and *not* available. She is awkward and met him first when she ran right into him on the sidewalk. Literally.

This book has angst and laughter and a great love story.

16) False Step (Victoria Helen Stone)

I know I am already way over “top ten” so I am just going to cheat some more and add Jane Doe by this author too. Both of these are suspense novels that I never would have picked up without your recommendation–loved both of them.

17) Kingmaker Chronicles (Amanda Bouchet)

This is a series (3 books). She is a “kingmaker” (that’s her “power”) and he is a warlord…who wants her for his newly conquered kingdom…as a weapon. She does not want to be a weapon–she hates her power–and so she does not go willingly. Even if the warlord IS smoking hot. 🙂

These are very steamy and the world building is loosely based on Ancient Greece with the Gods figuring prominently in the story.

18) Frayed Silk (Ella Fields)

If you don’t do cheating–do NOT read this book. If you can stand it (and be patient with the story for the “reasons”) then this is not to be missed. I read this based on a very emphatic recommendation from Rebecca Shea and now I automatically read anything she recommends.

I also went and got everything else Ella Fields has ever written. This is angsty and hot and heart-breaking and heart-mending.

19) Hotshot Doc (R.S. Grey)

This was my first R.S. Grey book and I LOVED it. I loved it so much that it sent me on a frenzy–I immediately got all of their other books and binged read a bunch of them (Make Me Bad, Arrogant Devil (LOVED this…he was such a JERK! and then it just…ahhhhhhh. So good!) The Beau & the Belle) and they were all fantastic.

Automatic one-click author for me now.

20) A Place Without you (Jewell E. Ann –my favorite author. I swear Maryse. READ THE JACK AND JILL SERIES!)

This one is a “taboo” read (I don’t want to say how because it is a spoiler) but one of my favorite of the trope that I have read.

Here is the first line of the blurb: “The Law of Henna and Bodhi:

When love breaks, fall inward, fall together, and fall hard. Then let time pick up the pieces.” Yes, yes. There will be pieces. She never disappoints.

21) Black Swan Affair (K.L. Kreig)

whew. This one is Arsen levels of angsty crazy. She has loved him as long as she can remember. Literally since infancy. Loved him completely–and still did the day he married her sister. OMG. What’s a girl to do?! Well. Marry his brother is one option. Yikes.

Alright, there you have it! My top 10, ahem 21, whichever, reads of the year. I am already working on 2020’s list. Thank you so much for letting me share!

Rebecca (Becca D. on the blog)

Like Rebecca’s Book Style? Check out more of her favorites:

➔➔➔ Looking for more of our favorite recommendations? Browse our “Ultimate Favorites Lists” here. Are you in the mood for a certain kind of story? Browse our favorite “genre/trope categories” here and our reader favorites lists too.

My review of the BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp that I use as my reading lamp

January 22, 2020 By Maryse Leave a Comment

BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp with Swing Arm, Auto-Dimming and Hue Adjustment, No Screen Glare, Eye Care, Perfect for Designers, Engineers, Architects, Reading, Office – Silver

The lamp I received, in use. I tried to capture the two different lighting temperatures and various dimming but it’s not coming through in the photos.

Over the last few days I’ve been using this reading lamp (can also be used as a desk lamp) that I received from the BenQ company for review. And this thing is pretty great overall! It’s almost exactly what I needed (at least, by way of my needs for when I read a print book, vs. my Kindle). Almost, you ask? Well about 85% perfect (and I’ll get to that in a bit).

I normally read on my Kindle (it’s my preference because I don’t need additional lighting and can highlight and make notes easily), but every once in awhile I receive a print book for review, and it’s one that I’m dying to read. Try as I might, I just can’t hold out for the ebook to go live, so I dive in (and enjoy the nostalgia of reading a print book and actually turning pages like back in my early reading days). In fact, this is exactly the case right now for an upcoming release called “Fashion Jungle” that I’m reading as we speak.

Pimmie is hoping this huge box has a treat for her! Poor thing. 😉

I used to have a small book lamp (that attaches to the book) so I can read late into the night, but it would fall off, or the batteries would die, or it would just be an overall pain in the butt to maneuver while I’m trying to flip pages, and use actual sticky notes in my book to highlight parts for my reviews. Just a pain.

So over time, I gave up. I don’t actually have any lamps (not even book lamps) because I’m almost always on my Kindle, so night or day, rain or shine, I’m, fine. But when I’m reading a print book, I’m back to square one. I ended up only reading those during the day only, ’cause it’s inconvenient (and kind of obnoxious) to have all my ceiling lights on while I’m reading before bed, even with a dimmer. LOL!! 😉

And then I received this LED lamp. HOOOOORAY!!!! I was sure this was going to solve my reading problems. And it has for the most part.

Touch this cool design metal circle feature to turn it on and off.

It has two light temperatures (bright white and a more day/orangy color), and each temperature is dimmable. Super easy to turn on and off (just touching that metal circle will do it) and a dial that can brighten or dim it, and pushing down on the dial switches the color temps. This is actually a bit convoluted to explain (but once you play with it, you’ll see how easy it is to change).

It’s super-easy to put together, but I was initially surprised at the large packaging it came in. Kind of huge, but also super-well packed, and it has to be, ’cause the base of the lamp is quite heavy. That thing will do some damage if not properly secured (I know because of course, I dropped the base (stuck holding just the “arm” and lamp head in my grasp) when I tried to carry the lamp to my bedroom after I put it together. Don’t ask… (I can be a klutz).

So anyway, I picked it up by the base, and then as I was walking, loosened my grip on the base and was holding it pretty much by the long arm-part and that is a NO-NO. LOL! Holy moly, that base came tumbling down (the arm fits just perfectly INTO a section of the base) but also pulls right out of the base easily too. So had that fallen on my foot I would have screamed up a storm. But it’s heavy for a reason. To keep the lamp SOLIDLY in place, so you can flip the arm around, up and down, sideways, however you need it for your comfort, without tipping the whole lamp over. So this heavy base is fantastic!

The arm extends very tall or bends down, it swivels, and the head/lamp section can be tilted too!

Also, design wise, it’s very low profile and slim and quite modern looking. Contemporary. I LOVE the look. It’s MUCH larger than I expected it to be (the head/actual LED light section), but in the grand scheme of things, this is very useful! Excellent quality (this FEELS like an expensive lamp) and has a nice padding under the base to protect furniture and keep it from slipping.

Anyway, all that to say, that I’m loving it, but my only real complaint is:

1.) The dimmer doesn’t allow the lamp to get dim enough (for my tastes, anyway). Sometimes I just want a barely there warm glow, just enough to see what I’m reading, though dim enough so as not to disturb my eventual sleep cycle when I eventually decide to fall asleep. Maybe even fall asleep by that barely there light. Would love that. So for now, I throw a scarf over it to dim it as I’m reading, to get that even gentler glow.

2.) I wish there was a way to securely snap that arm into the base. Sure… it’s nice how easy it is, putting it into the base, and being able to easily pull it back out, and I understand the necessity of the heavy base, but if we could find a way to snap it/lock it in more securely (in case of mindless moving of the lamp and base, like I did when I first put it together) that the base stays attached to the arm and doesn’t come tumbling down onto the floor, or a foot, or ruin wood or glass on impact.

The next books I’m going to be reading using this lamp. 😉

So that’s it. I think it’s cool looking, it works AMAZING, kind of has a futuristic feel, especially with that neat barely-need-to-touch-it to turn it on feature. I can use it anywhere due to it’s size (not too big, doesn’t take up much room) but also not too small that it can’t light up a whole section of a desk. Clever design and extremely useful.

I think the next thing I’m going to try tonight, is to place the base on the floor between my bed and my nightstand (kind of out of sight, behind it all… sort of). Then, I can maneuver the very tall and extremely adjustable arm (bends and rotates) to reach above my mattress/reading area so it only lights my book and downwards, instead of over my whole head. Then simply fold it back down when not in use (while never having to actually move or displace the lamp from it’s location). Plus, that way, the base remains on the ground. Yay!!! I think that will work even better for me. I’ll test it tonight and add an image if it ends up working.

So thank you very much to the manufacturer for sending this lamp to me. It is much loved and will be well used!!!

FOUR STARS!! 😀

Latest Romance Book Releases – 01-21-2020

January 21, 2020 By Maryse 36 Comments

Good morning and Happy Tuesday everyone!! Over 60 new books on today’s list and I highlighted a bunch that look extra good to me. 😀

Blurb jolts? Yep! Like… that one to the left Whatever It Takes (she’s the geeky good girl that’s related to the celebrity he hates), American Dirt (psych-thriller and the blurb alone made me eeeeep! She’s on the run with her son from the Mexican cartel when her husband exposes them in a tell-all – but the blurb says it so much better!!), Dream With Me (She’s at the museum and bumps into the grumpy artist), A Long Petal of the Sea (wartime historical, and she’s pregnant and has to marry the brother of her dead husband – this one sounds AMAZING), Riven Knight (Devney Perry’s latest! Judge tells her she’s married to the broken stranger…), Mythomania (she’s a fan of a K-Pop group, and one of the members becomes obsessed with her in a delusional way…)

Plus, while you’re here, don’t forget to check out:

Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 01-20-2020 <— Yesterday’s! Releases by Kendall Ryan & Vi Keeland just to name a few!!
Maryse’s Top Fifteen Favorite Books in 2019 <— Here’s MY BEST OF LIST!!!! 😀
Reader Favorites – Leslie M’s Top Books of 2019 List <— And Leslie M’s, too!!!

AUDIOBOOK LVERS!

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!

➔➔ Audible now has a “Romance” package membership (30 day free trial)– this one is SO cool, and worth it (unlimited listening for all of the audiobooks in the program, and there are tons)!!
and…
Inappropriate by Vi Keeland
American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins
Hero’s Haven: Dark Protectors, Book 11 by Rebecca Zanetti
Gwendy’s Magic Feather: Gwendy’s Button Box Trilogy, Book 2 by Richard Chizmar
The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg
A Long Petal of the Sea: A Novel by Isabel Allende
The Majesties: A Novel Tiffany Tsao
Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington
Crossing the Line: Hot Jocks, Book 4 by Kendall Ryan
Ancients and Anarchy: Supernatural Academy Reverse Harem (Beautiful Beasts Academy, Book 6) by Kim Faulks
The Dawn of the End: The Rising, Book 3 by Kristen Ashley
Conceal by Ava Harrison
It Wasn’t Me: KPD Motorcycle Patrol, Book 2 by Lani Lynn Vale
Diesel: Hellbound Lovers MC, Book 7 by Crimson Syn
Her Strict Daddy by Morganna Williams
Knox: Hellbound Lovers MC, Book 8
Tricks or Temptations (Halloween Special – Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance Academy): Beautiful Beasts Academy by Kim Faulks
Heart: Ballsy Boys, Book 3 by K.M. Neuhold
The Five by Lily White

READER RECOMMENDATIONS & BARGAIN FINDS:

Three Sisters Catering Trilogy by Bethany Lopez <— TRILOGY BOOK BUNDLE ALERT!! “A boxset of the Three Sisters Catering Trilogy by Bethany Lopez, including A Pinch of Salt, A Touch of Cinnamon, and A Splash of Vanilla.”
Leave Me Breathless: The Black Rose Collection <— ANTHOLOGY!! “The Black Rose symbolizes rejuvenation or rebirth, but it can also symbolize death and farewell. This collection of romance books can all be read as stand-alone books and are guaranteed to give you a happily ever after that leaves you breathless! What will it take to tempt you?”
Shock Me: A Limited Edition Collection of the Novels Shock Me, Sparks, and Collide by Ashley C. Harris
Release: A Standalone Friends-to-Lovers Romance by Aly Martinez <— ALY HAS DONE IT AGAIN! FIRST BOOK SINCE JENNIFER HAD HER BABY AND SHE LOVES IT!!!

Jennifer: Release by Aly Martinez is the first book I’ve read since the baby has been born and OMGOSH! Aly is hands down one of my favorite authors!
This book had me laughing, crying and dreaming of my newest book boyfriend Ramsey !
I will definitely read this again as it was the perfect mixture of steam and store. I felt like I was setting on their couch watching everything unfold. 10+ Aly has done it again …. Maryse, you HAVE to read if you you haven’t already!!

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES:

Gwendy’s Magic Feather by Stephen King & Richard Chizmar <— SEQUEL!! I LOVED BOOK #1!!! “In this thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling novella by Stephen King and award-winning author Richard Chizmar, an adult Gwendy is summoned back to Castle Rock after the mysterious reappearance of the button box.” P.S. Here’s my 5-STAR Book Review of book #1. 😀
The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg
The Hunted Soul: A New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance Novel (The Cursed Key Trilogy Book 2) by Miranda Brock and Rebecca Hamilton
Dead Of Knight (Guardians of Camelot Book 2) by Victoria Sue
Their Dark Imaginings (Academy of the Supernatural Book 3) by May Dawson
Dark Star: Book Five of the Immortal Kindred Series by Clara Winter
Hero’s Haven (Dark Protectors Book 11) by Rebecca Zanetti <— SHE SEES HIM IN HER DREAMS… “…After years of struggling, Haven Daly has finally accepted that she’s nuttier than a fruitcake. Why else would she see visions of a beautiful but tormented male every night . . . and actually believe she can talk to him, even feel his touch? But thanks to those dream journeys, she can paint images nobody else on earth can duplicate. In each brush stroke, she captures the blatant masculinity and raw desire in his eyes that promise he’s coming for her…and soon…”
Unearthing the Fae King: Bramble’s Edge Academy Year 1 by Brenda Trim
Fated Fear: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance (Angel’s Fate Book 3) by Tessa Cole
The Girl Who Cried Werewolf (Of Fates & Fables Book 1) by Heather Hildenbrand and Bam Shepherd
The Elemental’s Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The Adventures of Maggie Parker Book 3) by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle
How to Woo a Wyvern (The Beasts of Big Easy Book 1) by Sheryl Quinn
Trapped in Time: A Modern-Historic Love Story (Time Travel Book 1) by Denise Daye
The Lunar Light (The Ayla St. John Chronicles Book 6) by C.J. Pinard

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES:

American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins <— PSYCH-THRILLER & EEEEEEP!!!! OMG IT SOUNDS AWESOME!!! She lives in Mexico, married with a child and owns a bookstore… “…And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with a few books he would like to buy—two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same. Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence….”
Almost Just Friends: A Novel by Jill Shalvis
When Hope Ends: life begins by Freya Barker
Anyone But Nick (Anyone But… Book 3) by Penelope Bloom
Whatever It Takes (Bad Reputation Duet Book 1) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie <— SHE’S GEEKY & SHY & HIS NEW NEIGHBOR… “...when Willow moves into my neighborhood, nothing should have happened. She’s geeky. Shy. A true wallflower. Willow is a good girl. Too good for me. And how the hell was I supposed to know that she’s related to Loren Hale—yeah, that douchebag celebrity that lives on my street...”
Forever Freed: Forever Bluegrass #13 by Kathleen Brooks
The Cowboy’s Marriage Mistake (Sweet Water Ranch Western Cowboy Romance) by Jessie Gussman
The Broken Heart (The Unmarriageable Series Book 4) by Mary Lancaster
Kingpin’s Property by Julia Sykes <— OPPOSING CARTELS... “…Carmen Ronaldo is my enemy, an influential player in a rival cartel. She’s also been the object of my twisted obsession for years. Her wickedly sharp mind and fierce demeanor have fascinated me for over a decade, but it’s her carefully concealed, sweetly innocent nature that I’ve come to covet. The thorny contempt she displays for me is nothing more than armor, a means of protecting her gentler soul from the monsters that inhabit our cruel criminal underworld…”
Jax (The Mavericks Book 3) by Dale Mayer
Don’t Love an Army Ranger (Strong Family Romance Book 6) by Cami Checketts
One Night with a Scoundrel (Escape with a Scoundrel Series Book 3) by Shelly Thacker
Dream With Me (With Me In Seattle Book 13) by Kristen Proby <— SHE BUMPED INTO THE GRUMPY ARTIST… “…she finds her again among the beauty in the museums of Seattle, and the O’Callaghan Museum of Glass is her favorite. She’s never met the artist, but he must be absolutely brilliant, if he can make such beautiful things out of glass. Bumping into a grumpy stranger at the museum wasn’t in Anastasia’s plan. And then discovering it was Kane himself was absolutely humiliating…”
Kerrick (The Mavericks Book 1) by Dale Mayer
Deadly Bounty: SCVC Taskforce Romantic Suspense Series, Book 11 by Misty Evans
Ghost Of A Chance (Wilde Ways Book 6) by Cynthia Eden <— NO ATTACHMENTS… “...if she ever did learn the truth about him, he knew it would terrify his sweet doc right to her core. Terror would make her run. He doesn’t want her running. He just wants her in his bed. But then…something happens. Danger sneaks up on Tess. She needs help—a very particular expertise and protective skill set. She needs someone lethal and strong…and James is just the man for the job. After all, lethal is his middle name…”
Griffin (The Mavericks Book 2) by Dale Mayer
My One Month Marriage: The brand new uplifting page-turner from #1 bestseller Shari Low by Shari Low
A Long Petal of the Sea: A Novel by Isabel Allende <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE SPAIN CIVIL WAR… “…Among them is Roser, a pregnant young widow, who finds her life intertwined with that of Victor Dalmau, an army doctor and the brother of her deceased love. In order to survive, the two must unite in a marriage neither of them desires. Together with two thousand other refugees, they embark on the SS Winnipeg, a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda, to Chile: “the long petal of sea and wine and snow.” As unlikely partners, they embrace exile as the rest of Europe erupts in world war...”
Rock Me Harder (Licks of Leather Book 2) by Jenna Jacob
Never Truth: A Mafia Romance (The Five Families Book 2) by Jill Ramsower
Riven Knight (Tin Gypsy Book 2) by Devney Perry <— DEVNEY PERRY ALERT!! JUDGE JUST SAID THIS BROKEN STRANGER IS HER HUSBAND… “…the father she met beside her mother’s grave is as much of a stranger as Isaiah Reynolds, the broken man with soulless eyes standing beside her in front of the judge. Isaiah is her protector from the murderer at large in Clifton Forge. Though he’s more like a riven knight in dented armor than a prince on a white stallion. She knows next to nothing about him, other than he works as a mechanic. As of tonight, he’ll be sharing her bathroom. And, according to the judge, Isaiah is now her husband…”
Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake Book 4) by Rachel Caine
A Widow’s Tale by Frances Paul
Herd That (The Valentine Boys Book 1) by Lani Lynn Vale <— LANI LYNN VALE ALERT!! “…every snub and insult she hurls his way brings him closer and closer to falling for her. He’s not sure what it is about the town’s bad girl that draws his attention, but every encounter they have leaves him wanting her until there’s nothing else left to do but have her. The only thing is, she’s been convinced by everyone around her that she’s not good enough. Tell a person that she’s a piece of trash enough times, and eventually she’ll start to believe it…”
Country Hearts: A cowboy romance from Hallmark Publishing by Cindi Madsen
Not Your Shoe Size: An Act Your Age novella by Eve Dangerfield
The Girl with the Golden Scissors: A Novel by Julia Drosten
Undeniable Love (Frozen in Time Book 2) by Morgan James
Koyn (Royal Bastards MC) by K. Webster <— THE MC PREZ & THE PAGEANT GIRL… “...live by a code that is shaped by hate, anger, and revenge. As prez, I’ve built a brotherhood of men who share the same thirst for vengeance and are loyal until the end. Together, we will find those bastards and end them. Every last one of them. All it takes is one slip, and I almost have them in my grasp. Until a pretty pageant girl, who looks far too much like my daughter, steps into the fray causing the ultimate distraction…”
Secret Cinderella (The House of Morgan Book 16) by Victoria Pinder
Tease Me: A Dark Billionaire Mafia Romance (Dark Odyssey Book 1) by Faith Summers
Monster Inside Me: Volume I (A Dark Mafia Romance Book 1) by Faye Byrd
The Majesties: A Novel by Tiffany Tsao <— PSYCH-THRILLER ALERT!!! TWO SISTER’S IN A WEALTHY FAMILY FULL OF SECRETS… “…now Gwendolyn is lying in a coma, the sole survivor of Estella’s poisoning of their whole clan. As Gwendolyn struggles to regain consciousness, she desperately retraces her memories, trying to uncover the moment that led to this shocking and brutal act. Was it their aunt’s mysterious death at sea? Estella’s unhappy marriage to a dangerously brutish man? Or were the shifting loyalties and unspoken resentments at the heart of their opulent world too much to bear? Can Gwendolyn, at last, confront the carefully buried mysteries in their family’s past and the truth about who she and her sister really are?…”
Worth a Shot by Gail Haris
The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson
Snow Regrets (Snowed In – Valentine’s Inc. Book 3) by MA Innes <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
Blindside Hit: A Toronto Wolverines Novel by Michaela Grey <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
Heroes in Love by David C Dawson <— M/M ROMANCE!!!
Thick & Thin (Chubby Girl Chronicles Book 3) by Tabatha Vargo <— SHE HAS A SECRET… “…He was my childhood until I was no longer a child. Now he’s something else entirely. A man instead of a boy—a soldier instead of a high school quarterback. He’s forbidden thoughts and secret desires. Our situation has changed and so have I. I’m no longer the love-sick tomboy he left behind. I’m a woman with needs, a secret, and an extra fifty pounds…”
A Plan for Everything by Beverly Varnado
Country Strong: A Novel (Painted Pony Creek Book 1) by Linda Lael Miller
A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague
Lace and Lies (Brooklyn Brothers Book 1) by by Melanie Munton
Mythomania by W. H. Rose <— FAMOUS K-POP SINGER IS OBSESSED WITH HER… and not in a good way… “…Isla Montgomery is a normal fan. She supports her favorite K-pop group and swoons over them like every other fangirl. But one Saturday morning her life changes forever when Matoi Jaemin announces to the world that he’s in love . . . and with her, a girl he’s never even met. He isn’t who anyone thought he was, isn’t that same smiling man she’s used to. Jaemin Matoi is a yandere: a delusional, obsessive, lovesick man whose only medicine is Isla.”
A Temporary Marriage: The Fake Love Series by Summer Dowell
Pizza Famous (Famous Series Book 2) by Callie Chase

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

Ruthless Knight (Royal Hearts Academy) by A. Jade – January 23rd 2020
The Forever Crew: A High School Murder-Mystery Romance (Adamson All-Boys Academy Book 3) by C.M. Stunich – January 24th 2020
About Last Night (The Alpha Boyfriends Book 2) by J.S. Cooper – January 24th 2020
The Stone Warriors: Dragan by D.B. Reynolds – January 24th 2020
Fashion Jungle by Rachel Van Dyken & Kathy Ireland – January 28th 2020
Wicked Bite: A Night Rebel Novel by Jeaniene Frost – January 28th 2020
When You See Me: A Novel by Lisa Gardner – January 28th 2020
And Then One Day (Magnolia Sound Book 4) by Samantha Chase – January 28th 2020
Darker Than Love by Anna Zaires – January 28th 2020
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City) by Sarah J. Maas – January 28th 2020
Vendetta Road (Torpedo Ink Book 3) by Christine Feehan – January 28th 2020
Marriage on Madison Avenue (The Central Park Pact Book 3) by Lauren Layne – January 28th 2020
Even If It Hurts by Marni Mann – January 28th 2020
Rules of Engagement by J.T. Geissinger – January 28th 2020
Frenemies by Emma Hart – January 28th 2020
Bastard Bachelor Society (The Bachelors Club) by Sara New – January 28th 2020
A Favor for a Favor (All In Book 2) by Helena Hunting – January 28th 2020
Firecracker: A contemporary romance by Kelly Jamieson – January 28th 2020
Wherever You Are (Bad Reputation Duet Book 2) by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie – January 28th 2020
The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler – January 28th 2020
Heartland by Sarina Bowen – January 28th 2020
The Romeo Effect: A Romantic Comedy (Cupids Book 3) by Lila Monroe – January 28th 2020
The Other People: A Novel by C. J. Tudor – January 28th 2020
The Rogue Captain (The Lost Planet Series Book 6) by K. Webster – January 30 2020
Intern Girl (Southern Girl Series Book 3) by Georgia Cates – January 30 2020
Dirty Sweet Valentine: And Other Filthy Tales of Love by Laurelin Paige – January 31st 2020

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Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 01-20-2020

January 20, 2020 By Maryse 20 Comments

HAPPY MONDAY EARLY BIRDS DAY!!! 😀 I’m slow today. 😉 I slept in, I drank two cups of coffee (one pumpkin spice and one vanilla) and I’m finally sitting down to play “build our books lists”. This is the first one but I’m not done yet, (still adding on) so let me know if I missed one.

Three things:

1.) Maryse’s Top Fifteen Favorite Books in 2019 <— I worked all day yesterday on it, and it’s finally done!!! *phew* 😀

There’s Birdy in his food/seed dish up front, just to give you an idea of “scale” size from him to this cage. Yeah… he’s a little intimidated.

2.) I bought a new cage for Birdy last week and I got it on Friday (it’s three times the size of what it was). I was so excited for him to try it. He hates it. *sigh* He’s insecure in it and afraid to move about and try all his branches, and all his various food bowls. I’ve got food and water and food clips hung all over his cage, and he’s got one favorite spot and that’s that! *fingers crossed* he starts exploring (and enjoying all of his space and toys) soon. Update: Now I just added a bird rope that I twisted into a spiral ladder that goes down a level of his condo. Hopefully he uses it…

3.) I’m spending my Monday blogging and cooking today. I saw one of those older Goodful videos where they did the recipes in fast-forward video mode and it’s always so easy and I’m going to do a marathon cooking using their videos. Lots of roasted veggies on my horizon! 😀

4.) Just added a 4th thing thanks to Tasha J reminding me… yesterday I bought a HUGE (like at least 3 feet tall and very full) Gold Capella’ Dwarf Umbrella Tree Schefflera plant. I used to have one back in college and it was SO easy to keep, and had been in my then-boyfriend’s family for years already, so I figured it was time for my own, now. I got it for $10 at Walmart.

I mean.. this thing is HUGE for having only paid $10 and so healthy and solid.

*thud* BEST PLANT DEAL EVER!!!

<— P.S. That’s mine right there. The HUGE deal I got, and I’m still clapping with glee. It brings so much life to my already pretty “sunflower” dining room, but it needed a huge plant. 😀

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE !!!

Inappropriate by Vi Keeland <—VI KEELAND’S LATEST IS LIVE!!!!!! 😲😃is the latest by Author Vi Keeland!!!! She got fired from her job because of a video… “…All because of a video taken when I was on vacation with my friends—a private video made on my private time. Or so I thought… Pissed off, I cracked open a bottle of wine and wrote my own letter to the gazillionaire CEO telling him what I thought of his company and its practices. I didn’t think he’d actually respond. I certainly never thought I’d suddenly become pen pals with the rich jerk…”
Descent by Natasha Knight
A Quartet of Pleasures: Four Steamy, Symphonic Shorts by Annabel Joseph
The Steel Rogue: A Valor of Vinehill Novel by K.J. Jackson
Bold from It: Hellions Motorcycle Club (Hellions Ride On Book 5) by Chelsea Camaron
Crossing the Line (Hot Jocks Book 4) by Kendall Ryan <— LIVE!! KENDALL RYAN ALERT!! “...being nursed back to health by my gorgeous friend Bailey, who’s just graduated from medical school, doesn’t exactly sound like a hardship. We spend a week together at my family’s beach house, a week of swimming and barbecues, a week of entertaining my little cousins and sleeping right across the hall from each other. A week of watching Bailey grow closer with my mom and sisters, and my wacky but lovable grandma. A week of enjoying Bailey tending to me...”
Above and Beyond (Twist of Fate, Book 4) by Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy <— LIVE!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!
Betrayed: An MM Shifter Romance (The Lost Wolves Book 1) by Skye R. Richmond and Skyler Snow
Sunflower Alley (The Merriams Book 4) by Ava Miles
The Bodyguard’s Breeder: An Alien Breeder Romance (The House of Kaimar Book 3) by Miranda Bridges
Face the Music (Love, Hate, Rock-n-Roll Book 3) by J.B. Salsbury <— LIVE!!! J.B. SALSBURY ALERT!! He’s still grieving his wife and she wants him… “...Every Sunday she watches me preach from the front row, wearing her halter tops and tiny skirts, a dangerous temptation. Her favorite words are the four-letter variety, and her smile lights up the darkness inside me. I vowed to love one woman forever. I never realized that vow would be impossible to keep when confronted with a chance to love again…”
Cowgirl Heart (The Dalton Boys Book 12) by Em Petrova
The Belle and the Biker: An Opposites Attract Romantic Comedy (Fake It Till You Make It Book 2) by Kenzie Reed
Headliners (London Celebrities Book 5) by Lucy Parker <— ENEMIES TO LOVERS ALERT!! “…For years, rival TV presenters Sabrina Carlton and Nick Davenport have traded barbs on their respective shows. The public can’t get enough of their feud, but after Nick airs Sabrina’s family scandals to all of Britain, the gloves are off. They can barely be in the same room together—but these longtime enemies are about to become the unlikeliest of cohosts. With their reputations on the rocks, Sabrina and Nick have one last chance to save their careers. If they can resurrect a sinking morning show, they’ll still have a future in television…”
Shadow Silence (Whisper Hollow Book 2) by Yasmine Galenorn
Mr. Big Daddy (The Mr. Big Series Book 3) by S.E. Lund <— LIVE!!! Must be read in order…