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Latest Romance Book Releases – 07-23-2019

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HAPPY TUESDAY NEW RELEASE DAY!! 50+ new books on today’s list, and I’ll add more as I go. 😉 Next week’s release day is going to be insane!! Look at what I’ve found already in the preorders section. GASP!

Plus… LOTS gave me blurb jolts!! Like that one there to the left (the latest by Katy Evans!! Million Dollar Marriage – they’re complete strangers and both on an arranged marriage reality show to win money!!), The Seekers (she joins a reality ghost-hunting show – and she’s normally a sceptic, but then she sees one…), One Night in a Storm (Shay Savage’s latest and it sounds kinky!! The storm waters are rising, she’s panicking and he’s the one to calm her…with knots…), A Beggar’s Kingdom(Paullina Simons latest!! This is book #2 in her epic saga that spans lifetimes), The Penalty Box (hockey star!! She’s a personal assistant that he’s never noticed in 2 years, and she has a big-time crush on him), Piece of My Heart (Nicole Jacquelyn’s latest!! They fall for each other and get married too soon, but are so happy… until a tragedy.)

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out these:

  1. Monday Earlybird Book Releases <— The latest by Kylie Scott is on here & it gave me a blurb jolt!!
  2. Book Review – Dear Anna by Katie Blanchard <—MARITAL STRIFE/PSYCH-THRILLER ALERT!! My latest review is up & I gave it 4.5 stars!
  3. Laura Pavlov’s “Beautifully Damaged” is LIVE & she’s giving away a signed copy + a $25 gift card! <— She’s this week’s newsletter sponsor and we are celebrating her book release! Just comment on the blogpost to enter! P.S. There’s a silly video of me opening the swag box she sent me!

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. ➔➔ Audible now has a “Romance” package membership (30 day free trial)
  2. ➔➔ Prime members Audible for 3 months at a super-deal!!!
  3. and…
  4. The Joy Delivered Duet by Lauren Blakely
  5. Web of Dreams: Casteel by V.C. Andrews
  6. Trial by Fae: Dragon’s Gift: The Dark Fae, Book 1 by Linsey Hall
  7. Million Dollar Marriage: Million Dollar, Book 2 by Katy Evans
  8. Jacob: The Kings of Guardian, Book 1 by Kris Michaels
  9. The Skull Crusher by Penelope Sky
  10. Trouble at Brayshaw High by Meagan Brandy

READER RECOMMENDATIONS & BARGAIN FINDS:

➔➔ Prime members that have not joined Kindle Unlimited yet can get a KU membership for 3 MONTHS at a bargain!!!

Jean: I finished the Kane series over the weekend. Read all 4 books one after the other. Been a while since I’ve done that! I loved the series and writing style!

Tessa: Kane series… it’s… You will get twisted up. Seriously, the main male’s nickname is Satan for a reason. He’s an a$$ to the highest degree. I got twisted up in it. Things you don’t expect do happen.

 

  • Finding Grace: An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist by K.L. Slater <— PSYCH-THRILLER SUPER-BARGAIN!! Their daughter goes missing walking home from a friend’s house... “…The day after her ninth birthday, Lucie and Blake Sullivan agree, for the very first time, to let their daughter, Grace, make the four-minute walk back home alone from a friend’s house just down the street. They joke with friends about hiding behind bushes to ensure she is safe. But the joke turns sour when Grace does not appear…“
  • Second Chance Babies: A Contemporary Romance Box Set by Mia Ford <— BOOK BUNDLE SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!! “…3 full length novels specially created for readers who love HOT Billionaire Bad Boys, Second Chances at Love and Secret Babies. These men will do anything to claim what belongs to them...”
  • The Dominion Series Complete Collection: Books 1 – 5 by S.E. Lund <— BOOK BUNDLE SUPER-BARGAIN!! SHE’S A BORN VAMPIRE HUNTER… “...Eve was shoved into an abusive foster home and was never taught about her talents with swords or fighting the monsters who took her mother’s life. She’s on her own with only her mother’s old files to guide her. Before she can even start to read them, she’s caught up in the world of vampires and angels — a world that is both deadly and seductive — and in which she must try to survive…”
  • R. Renee found us a bunch of book deals:
  • Ravensong (Green Creek Book 2) by TJ Klune
  • Into This River I Drown by TJ Klune
  • Ruin & Rule (Pure Corruption Book 1) by Pepper Winters
  • Left Drowning by Jessica Park

 

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

  1. The Seekers (Krewe of Hunters Book 28) by Heather Graham <— SHE JOINED THE REALITY PARANORMAL GHOST HUNTER SHOW… “…They’ve barely begun when a very real dead body is discovered in the basement. As a nonfiction author, Keri is supposed to be the rational one, but she can’t explain a terrifying apparition that seems to be both a threat and a warning...”
  2. The King: A Wicked Novella by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  3. The Blacksmith: Order of the Broken Blade by Cecelia Mecca
  4. King of the Fae: a Paranormal Romance by Ava Mason
  5. Saved Mate: Bloodline Warriors: Shadow by L.J. Red
  6. King of Ash: a Paranormal Romance (Blood Court Book 2) by Ava Mason
  7. Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors paranormal romance series Book 3) by Felicity Heaton
  8. Magic Bound: Paranormal Romance (Irish Rogue Series Book 2) by Kate Gellar

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES:

  1. Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans <— KATY EVANS ALERT!! THEY BOTH NEED MONEY & THIS REALITY TV ARRANGED WEDDING might just be the answer! “...If someone had bet Nell a million dollars that she would be saying “I do” to a complete stranger on national television, she’d have called them crazy, but with her crushing student loan payments sending her deep into the red, she’s out of options. This should be nothing more than a business transaction—until she sets eyes on her groom, and everything changes…”
  2. In It to Win It: A Wynn Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson
  3. The Work of Art: A Regency Romance by Mimi Matthews
  4. In Case You Didn’t Know (Magnolia Sound Book 3) by Samantha Chase
  5. Obsessed with a Daddy (Once Upon a Daddy Book 8) by Kelli Callahan
  6. Paris Pleasure: Billionaire Club Romance: Paris Trilogy #1 (Orchid Club Book 4) by Lila Dubois
  7. All Roads Lead to You (Stay Book 3) by Jennifer Probst <— SHE NEEDS THIS HORSE TRAINER’S HELP… “…Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction…”
  8. Shelter for Koren (Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Book 14) by Susan Stoker
  9. It’s Not Over by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black
  10. Cowboy Up (Dry Creek Ranch Book 1) by Stacy Finz
  11. Kade (Reapers MC Book 5) by Elizabeth Knox
  12. The Wolf and His Wife by Penelope Sky <— ARRANGED MARRIAGE ALERT!! BOOK #2 IN THIS SERIES!! “…My wolf protects me. He cherishes me. And I think he loves me. This arranged marriage was detested by us both, but now I look at him with new eyes...”
  13. Good Girl, Bad Girl: A Novel by Michael Robotham
  14. A Stranger on the Beach: A Novel by Michele Campbell
  15. Bride (The Deceit Duet Book One) by Logan Chance
  16. Love Me Dead (Lilah Love Book 3) by Lisa Renee Jones
  17. Royal Player (The Rourkes, Book 5) by Kylie Gilmore
  18. Just One Kiss: A Harbor Pointe Novel by Courtney Walsh
  19. This for That: The Edge Of Retaliation #1 by Bella Jewel <— PRETTY UPSET WITH THE FATES… “…An eye for an eye. That’s how it goes, right? Her life. Now mine. Someone is coming for me, but you already know that, don’t you fate? Did you plan it? Did you even try to tell them it wasn’t my fault? That it was an accident? That I didn’t mean for it to happen? Or is this part of your sick and twisted plan?I have one last question, fate, before you go… Have you got a hero for me? Because I’m going to need one…”
  20. Summer Heat: Imperfectly Yours Volume 1 <— ANTHOLOGY ALERT!! “Disability & Romance Authors”
  21. One Night in a Storm: Savage Kinksters Book 1 by Shay Savage <— SHAY SAVAGE ALERT!! “...Two university students thrown together in the midst of a raging storm, one a Shibari expert, the other an instinctive submissive. As the flood waters rise, so does Kasinda’s panic. When she allows Cree to use his expertise to ease her fears, she finds herself healing from the trauma of her past...”
  22. Seclusion (The Seaclusion Series Book 4) by by Leanne Davis
  23. Enforcer (Spartans MC) by Tiffany Casper
  24. Five Dates Only by R.L. Kenderson
  25. Love Loyal and True (Must Love Diamonds Book 2) by Stacey Joy Netzel
  26. A Beggar’s Kingdom: A Novel (End of Forever Saga Book 2) by Paullina Simons <— PAULLINA SIMONS ALERT!!! The second novel in Paullina Simons’s stunning End of Forever saga continues the heartbreaking story of Julian and Josephine, and a love that spans lifetimes.
  27. On His Paintbrush: A Romantic Comedy by Alina Jacobs
  28. Meet Me in Monaco: A Novel of Grace Kelly’s Royal Wedding by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
  29. The Matchmaker Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series) by Kayley Wood
  30. Take Down (Texas Heroes Book 1) by Jess Anastasi <—- M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  31. Four (Love By Numbers Book 2) by Tia Fielding <—- M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  32. Beach Boys by Dakota Rebel <—- M/M ROMANCE ALERT!
  33. Endless Stretch of Blue by Riley Hart <— RILEY HART M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! THEY BOTH EXPERIENCED THE SAME TRAGEDY… “...Being together is a tingle at the base of Enzo’s spine, a comfort that settles into Damon’s bones. No one understands what they went through the night the club caught fire–until now. For the first time, they have someone to lean on, someone who knows all the right things to say and when to say nothing at all. Neither of them has been with another man before, but their shared connection grows from friendship and explodes into something more…”
  34. Good Boy (Call Me Daddy Book 1) by Aubrie Lee <—- M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  35. Make Me Lose (Bayshore Book 1) by Ember Leigh
  36. Married in the Mountains by Alexa Riley <— SHORT STORY BY ALEXA RILEY ALERT!!
  37. The Penalty Box: A hockey sports romance novel (A Vancouver Wolves Hockey Romance Book 3) by Odette Stone <— HOCKEY STAR ALERT! HE HASN’T NOTICED HER ONCE IN 2 YEARS... “...I’m the personal assistant at a sports agency that no one notices. Unless they need coffee. I don’t like sports and I like professional athletes even less. I’m indifferent to the mostly male clientele, except for one. Mica “the savage” Petrov. When it comes to wild antics, Mica is the biggest offender of them all. He’s reckless, wild and carelessly charming. I’m mortified that I find him attractive. But it doesn’t matter because the guy hasn’t taken a second look at me. Not once. In two years...”
  38. One Fine Duke: School for Dukes by Lenora Bell <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  39. Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? (Tricking the Scoundrels Book 2) by Laura A. Barnes <— HISTORICAL ROMANCE
  40. Risking It All (Highland County Heroes Book 5) by Melissa Stevens
  41. Wait For Me by K.L. Grayson <— SINGLE FATHER & THE POP STAR!! “…I’m content with my life, until pop star Nora Hayes walks through my best friend’s front door and flips my world upside down. She’s beautiful, famous, and completely off limits…”
  42. Sweet Talk by Ashley Hastings
  43. Wide Awake by by Heather Blair
  44. Piece of My Heart (Fostering Love Book 4) by Nicole Jacquelyn <— NICOLE JACQUELYN ALERT!! They’re fraying at the seams... “...Sarai’s far too busy with school to date. But she gives Alex a chance anyway, and after a few whirlwind months, they’re getting married. They’ve heard all the reasons why it’s too soon, but Alex and Sarai are madly in love and determined to make it work . . . until a devastating tragedy strikes and their perfect world comes crashing down…”

   

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).

Monday Early Bird Book Releases – 07-22-2019

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<— HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!! Lookit what just went LIVE!!!! Kylie Scott’s latest, and OMG isn’t that cover HOT. Looks like Keanu Reeves, and the blurb sounds like fun (and danger!!) 😉 Plus, we have a few more that went live too!

THREE THINGS:

1.) I spent the day by the water (in a channel that goes out to the Gulf of Mexico) for a birthday celebration & BBQ and I’m a little bit sunburned. Yes yes… I know to cover with SPF but I hate that feeling. It gives me the heebs to have that all over my skin, so I did my best to stay under shade at all times. Sunburn is minor though, so I must have found myself in the sun at some point, just enough to get me! I have an aloe plant and used a piece (I DO like that feeling). It was a WONDERFUL day though, and made me happy to be out enjoy summer festivities!

2.) I saw a dolphin! He came right up to us, and swam back and forth along the channel wall interacting and not scared. The owners of the house were were at say that he comes every day… same thing. SO CUTE!

3.) I bought two auto feeders for my dogs on Prime Day, and have been trying to get the dogs used to the “noisy machines” (only noisy ’cause it drops food into the dish rather loudly. Pimmie has clued in, and now runs to the bowls when she hears it go off. Hobbit is rather reluctant, and waits for me to go to her bowl and show her the food is there. Problem is, if she doesn’t claim her food on her own, Pimmie decides to take hers, too. *sigh* Come on, Hobbit. Get with the program.

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

  1. Lies by Kylie Scott <— Kylie Scott’s LATEST IS LIVE!!!! 😲🥰 AND OMG THAT COVER!!! SHE THINKS HE’S A TOTAL BORE, but has NO clue who he actually is. Eeeeeeeep!! “…Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped. Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one…“
  2. Sensation Fantasies 2 by Kimberly Knight <— THE ONLY RULE… ASK BEFORE YOU TOUCH… “…Sensation is an exclusive black-tie party attended by at least one hundred and fifty of the clubs most privileged members, and held once a month at an undisclosed mansion in Beverly Hills. You may watch. You may interact. You can come together or you can choose to come alone. The choice is yours…“
  3. Infinite (Indefinite Duet Book 2) by Corinne Michaels <— CORINNE MICHAELS DUET CONCLUSION ALERT!! “…New York Times Bestseller Corinne Michaels brings you the conclusion in this emotional second chance love story…”
  4. Dark King (Sea Fae Book 1) by C.N. Crawford
  5. Point Blank Range (Ranger Ops Book 3) by Em Petrova
  6. Merciless (Severinov Bratva Book 1) by Kristen Luciani
  7. Broken Empire: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance (Boys of Oak Park Prep Book 3) by Callie Rose
  8. Heart Strain: Interlocking Fragments I  by Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  9. Spectre by Shiloh Walker <— HE CALLS HIMSELF A MONSTER BUT HE WANTS TO PROTECT HER… “…It’s taken a long time, but I finally had a nice, steady routine. I stopped trying to conform to the neurotypicals of the world and found my own normal. Normal went out the window when I walked into my kitchen and found a strange (hot), dangerous looking (so fricking hot) man drugging my new dog. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to leap at him like a banshee and attack, but that’s what I did. When my attempt to wreck the vehicle was averted, my kidnapper didn’t hurt or threaten me. In fact, he told me he wanted to protect me…”

 

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).

Book Review – Dear Anna by Katie Blanchard

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Dear Anna: A creepy domestic thriller
Ohhhhh myyyyyy gooooodddnesssss!!! New-to-me author!! I only learned of this book when she sent me a review copy and sponsored one of our newsletters and of course with that cover, you know I was intrigued (my love of psych-thrillers knows no bounds). And I must now happily declare… I AM A FAN!!!!!

I knew right when I saw that cover (and got a serious blurb jolt) that this would be my next read, and I got exactly what I was hoping for. Strictly from the “wife’s POV”, and despite the creepy-stalker/revenge vibe of the story as a whole, this could very well be actually relatable on many levels (to a certain extent, of course 😉 ).

Kiki: LOVED this book so much. I devoured it in one setting. I couldn’t stop!

Sarah: This is amazing!! I loved this book so much. I really enjoyed seeing Medeia find her strength again.

Maryse: I’m SO into it!!!

Brittany: I’ve read this one and it’s definitely my favorite psych thriller that I’ve read! I highly recommend this book!

Lisa: Oh my – this is a definite add. I looooove the sound of this. Cheating, marital strife, psych thriller. That’s catnip for sure. I promised I wouldn’t let my TBR list get over 2,000 books. I hit that number yesterday. Luckily, I finished one today, so I made room for this beauty!!!

So what’s it about?

Medeia is married to John, an upper-class, wealthy husband, and she’s living her perfect life. He’s a hard worker, with frequent late nights at the office, but he provides for her. Having come from a poor family and a rough childhood of abuse and addictions, and a criminal father, Medeia welcomes her quite and secure life, and never wants to look back.

But look back… she is forced to do, as she is reminded of just how little she means in the grand scheme of her marriage and the wealthy lifestyle she has become accustomed to. Her new perfect world begins changing as John goes from a loving husband, both of them completely devoted and wrapped up in each other, to a distant and mentally abusive, controlling monster.

And la creme de la creme is when she accidentally happens upon him and his secretary wrapped up in each other at a restaurant (as she’s walking by… from running errands).

There before me is my worst fear. Even with my vision blurred by the weather, I still see my husband of ten years dining with a woman who looks like more than just a business associate as he smooths a stray hair away from her face.

My eyes betray me as I watch him kiss the lady on the lips after they place their order with the waitress. There’s familiarity in the curve of her face and the way she holds herself—the angle of her chin and the dip at the end of it. I’ve seen her before. She flicks her hair away, revealing her profile.

Anna.

ROARRRRR!!!!!!

They don’t see me because they’re too busy laughing and staring at each other like fresh new lovers with no problems. They took no notice of the paralyzed figure in the middle of the parking lot, staring after them.  He never looked for my car to make sure the coast was clear. That’s even more terrifying than the act itself – the blatant disregard.

Devastated. After losing herself and becoming everything for him, she can let the downward spiral take her…

I have worked to remain the perfect image of a rich man’s wife: perfect manicure, expensive clothing, heels, hair maintained. It’s a strict grooming regimen to give me the bonus appearance of money. It’s tiresome, and I do let myself go at times when John isn’t home, but I have tried to take his comments into action. I am the perfect woman for John, straight from his design. So, why am I watching him smile at a blonde with spaghetti sauce on her chin? This whorish pig threatens the stability I have dedicated my life to maintain. I feel my shelter slipping through my fingers.

Or she can take her control back… but not without an incredible amount of strength, resilience and effort. But how, after he’s crushed her in so many ways?

At wits end, and not sure how to handle her cheating, abusive husband, she remembers the prenup she signed, and the fact that it pretty much locks her out of EVERYTHING if they divorce.

I’ve turned my whole life over to John’s rules. Why? Then it smacks me in the face like a puddle splashing up from a car. John has all of the money. I came into the marriage with nothing, and that’s why I never strayed from the straight line that I needed to walk to be the perfect wife. If I go in there now and let myself be known, I’ll put myself in a worse position.

I’ll be penniless. John has made it legal, thanks to the prenup, that I will never have any of his money to my name if I leave him. He knows it’s my weakness, coming from such a poor family.

What to dooooo…. What. To. Do?

Patience. She’s got plenty of it, and the story only gets better from here. As she learns about his mistress,

Anna plays to a different audience on each platform, making it hard to get a depiction of her true self. I can only judge on the part that she is willing to offer up to the world, and boy is it ugly.

untangles her mentally abused mind from his manipulating tactics,

F*ck him. That trick of acting worried would have sent me straight into submission before, but not now.

she begins to see clearly, and the past that haunts her might just serve her.

I wipe the tears off my face. He can’t get away with this. I will find a way out. In the quiet of my car, I promise myself that. It’s not time to confront him, not until I’ve come up with a plan.

I’ll be damned if I go back to the shack of my childhood without a fight.

Sounds awesome right?

This will be the hardest time of my life. I no longer find redeeming qualities in my husband; in fact, my stomach hardly tolerates being around him. But, I’m not an idiot; my corner is empty. And until I fill it, I need to play this game.

Ohhhhhhhhh yessssssss. And I will let you unravel the rest.

Is it believable? Yes. To an extent. That is… of course, limited only by what reality is to you… and what reality is to someone else. And how far some are willing to go. 😉

Is it entertaining? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!!!!! And I loved the ending. Who’s the bad guy? Who’s the good guy? An HEA? Depends on who you’re rooting for. 😉 And even still… *my lips are sealed*

4.5 stars <— Completely absorbing, eerie, emotionally distressing (you will feel for her!!) and frightening on different levels. It just got better and better until the very end and once things got rolling, I couldn’t put it down!

Five Fun Facts About “Broadway Beans” (famous actor & the normal girl!!) & a signed book giveaway!

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Broadway Beans by Karen Cimms!! <— I dunno how I missed this one when it went live this year (considering he’s a famous actor and she’s a “normal girl” – the ultimate fantasy and I’m all over that!!) but I’m so thankful that the author is today’s newsletter sponsor, ’cause it’s right up our comedy romance alley!! And that title made me go… hrmmm? But it’s actually pretty clever since that’s what the coffee shop is called, where she works. 😉

P.S. There are quite a few amongst our crew that went crazy for another series by this author!! Remember that super-angsty rock star series Of Love and Madness? Yep!

Nay: Another I loved is Karen Cimms’ Of Love and Madness series. Some of the most wonderfully angsty books I’ve ever read, but those also handle some pretty heavy stuff…

Mind you, Broadway Beans has a totally different feel (comedy romance instead of heavy angst). We can all you some lighthearted chuckles and swoons, now, can’t we? 😛

What’s it about?

Aiden Winchester: Call it self-preservation, but I need to get out of Hollywood. My heart’s just been shredded by my longtime girlfriend. Worse yet, we have to pretend we’re still America’s sweethearts until after our next picture is released. With the next six months looking more like American Horror Story than a Lifetime channel love story, I’m heading east to make my stage debut.

Broadway, here I come.

Franky Marchesi: I love my close-knit Italian family. I’d probably love them a lot more if they weren’t in my face all the time. So when my best friend begs me to move into her Upper West Side brownstone—rent free—to take care of her new pup whenever she travels, I’d be crazy to say no. But while my living expenses are covered, I still need to make some money if I’m ever going to save enough for college. So with a little luck and no experience, I land a job as a barista at Broadway Beans, a coffee shop in the theater district. But on my first day, I almost kill the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. With a latte. Who knew making over-priced coffee could be so difficult?

It’s a hell of a great way to meet someone though.

A modern-day “Moonstruck,” BROADWAY BEANS is a friends-to-lovers romantic comedy.

Five fun facts about Broadway Beans

  • The character of Aiden Winchester is loosely based on my cover model, Andrew Biernat. Andrew is funny, has a beautiful heart, looks super-hot in glasses, and is an aspiring actor. As I got to know Andrew and his sense of humor, I found I was writing more of a romantic comedy by incorporating more of his personality. I was having so much fun, I ran with it.  
  • Franky Marchesi’s crazy and somewhat overbearing Italian family is loosely based on my own. Technically, I’m only half Italian, but I think even my father felt more Italian than Slovak around my mother’s family. It’s the culture I feel closest to, and although some may think Franky’s family seems stereotypical—trust me, it’s all true.
  • While my Nonna didn’t curse like a sailor like Franky’s Nonna, she was kind and loving and made the best meatballs. There was always a pot of meatballs and sauce simmering on her stove, and she always gave me two in a bowl with a juice glass full of 7UP. 
  • My knowledge of Bali came from stalking model Mitchell Wick’s Instagram feed and then following up from there. (Gotta love the internet!)
  • I currently live in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Years ago I wrote an article (I’ve been a journalist for more than 20 years) about a playwright who wrote a one-man play about a coal miner, so that’s where I got the idea to star Aiden in a Broadway show about working in the coal mines and the terrible conditions miners faced. The 1970 film “The Mollie Maguires,” starring Richard Harris and Sean Connery and based on a true story about these coal miners, was partially filmed in the town where I now live and where the trial and hanging took place.
NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY :D !!

Karen Cimms is giving away a signed copy of Broadway Beans!!

How to enter for a chance to win it? Just leave a comment below and by 10pm EST, Sunday July 21st, 2019, I will randomly select one lucky commenter as the winner.

The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond confirming their mailing address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. The signed book will be sent to the winner directly by the author.

Giveaway open to US!!! :D

Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 07-19-19

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HAPPY FRIDAY!! It’s time for the Friday Finds, and we have a bunch! In case you missed the 5 Thursday surprises yesterday, I put them back on today’s list too. 😉

P.S. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out these updated “favorites lists” & the latest giveaway:

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

  • Filthy Vows by Alessandra Torre <— BOOK FRENZY ALERT!! WENT LIVE YESTERDAY & now I’m getting so much amazing feedback today. Eeeeep!!! Sounds so risqué!!!! MINE!!! 😬 “Would you tell your husband everything? Every torrid thought? Every twisted fantasy? The forbidden images that slink into your mind in your most vulnerable moments? I shouldn’t have. I hesitated to. But I did. And my husband? He gave them to me.”

Junis: OMG it’s soooo HOT! 😈

Ashley: Hey Maryse! Omg so do not read anything else until you read this book! Without a doubt my fave book of 2019 so far and in my top five ever. Stayed up until three am reading it and I haven’t done that in ages. The best!!

Daffy: i just finished it! Wow!! Loved it, so hot and steamy 🔥🔥🔥

Linda: I just finished reading a book & was trying to figure out what to read next. This is in my TBR & already on my kindle. I’m gonna start this one today! Thanks for the post!!! 😊 … My TBR list is never ending so seeing this recommendation made it super easy to decide!!!❤️

  • The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora <— OOOOOOH IT SOUNDS DARK & LIKE TWISTED ENVIOUS JEALOUSY… MY BOOK TWIN IS READING THIS!! Her childhood best friend has become a famous Hollywood star (and she’s fixated on her)… “…When Abby encounters Elise again at their high school reunion, she is surprised and warmed that Elise still considers her not only a friend but a brilliant storyteller and true artist. Elise’s unexpected faith in Abby reignites in her a dormant hunger, and when Elise offhandedly tells Abby to look her up if she’s ever in LA, Abby soon arrives on her doorstep. There, Abby discovers that although Elise is flourishing professionally, behind her glossy magazine veneer she is lonely and disillusioned…”

Amy: Paper Wasp has been calling to me so I might squirrel.

Maryse: Whooooaaa what is Paper Wasp??? *runs to look it up* That title alone is calling me!!

Michele G: I’m with Maryse, what is Paper Wasp??? We are all ears…..

MichelleS: Paper Wasp??? I just love the title!

Amy: Yes ladies, Paper Wasp! The blurb totally gave me a jot when I saw it on preorder months ago. I decided to start it…which I have a feeling I’m not going to like the h too much. That’s okay though as long as the storyline keeps me hooked!

Amy: Not sure how I feel about this one yet. It’s in first person but she is speaking to the former friend she is focused on, so it’s taking some adjusting on my part. She IS a little unstable though, and I’m curious how this will play out. I’m kinda getting Fig vibes from her. 😉

R: That’s so weird! I’ve never seen that before. It’s like a mix of first and second person. I just googled it and apparently it’s becoming a thing like third person, present has recently–though I’m still getting used to that one.

Maryse: the reviews are all OVER the place & I’m intrigued and titillated! That blurb… I AM DYING TO READ THIS TRAIN WRECK of an angrifying sounding story!! I’m already creeped out. I have a feeling whether I love it or not, I will never forget it. Yeah… okay. MINE.

  • Broadway Beans by Karen Cimms <— FAMOUS ACTOR & THE BARISTA THAT NEARLY KILLS HIM 😉 Ahhhh that title makes so much sense now that I read the blurb! She temporarily moves to NY to help out a friend… “…I land a job as a barista at Broadway Beans, a coffee shop in the theater district. But on my first day, I almost kill the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. With a latte. Who knew making over-priced coffee could be so difficult?…” P.S. It’s on KU, it’s on sale AND!!! We have a Five Fun Facts & a signed book giveaway! <— JUST COMMENT on the blog post to enter!!

Kathy: This is a 10* read… so funny and an awesome storyline… …love this author!!

  • Jane Doe: A Novel by Victoria Helen Stone <— ONE OF MY 4.5 STAR FAVORITES IS SUPER-BARGAIN PRICED RIGHT NOW!!! This is a must read!! Psych-thriller/cunning and strong heroine… (and maybe a little sociopathic) 😉 P.S. Here’s my book review

Jean: …just finished Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone……what a crazy ride to be in the head of a sociopath. Great story though!!

  • ROCK CHICK SERIES by Kristen Ashley <— KRISTEN ASHLEY ALERT!!! Each book in the series is super-bargain priced right now!!

MichelleS: I loved the Rock Chicks. I consider them “KA light & fun & sexy”.

Teri: Rock Chicks series by Kristen Ashley! Can’t beat it!

  • Medicine Man by Saffron A. Kent <— FORBIDDEN SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!! Nancy found us this one!

Nancy: Super Bargain on MEDICINE MAN by Saffron A. Kent! One of my favorite Forbidden Romances of 2018!

Robyn: OMG! You guys have to read Medicine Man. It was so good. The H is a Psychiatrist at a mental facility and the h is his patient. She’s 18 and he’s in His 30’s…so taboo. There is just something I really like about a mental hospital romance between doctor and patient. This book hits all the buttons.

  • My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend by Max Monroe <— Max Monroe’s LATEST IS LIVE!! And it’s super-bargain priced AND it’s on KU!!! SHE SENT EMBARRASSING TEXTS TO HER BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND ALERT!! And she’s been crushing on him forever… “...One minute, I’m a woman trying to find her way in the world, and the next, I’m the sender of six of the most embarrassing text messages that have ever been sent in the history of time—or the cell phone. Whatever. We’re talking code red, send a flipping mayday, the apocalypse is coming kind of texts.And I didn’t just send them to some random person I’ll never see again. No. That would be too easy…”
  • Tormented: A Bully Romance Anthology <— LIVE!!!
  • Depraved by Bella J <— LIVE!! BIKERS/DARK ROMANCE ALERT!! Sounds… stalkerish. BIG TIME! “...The day I first saw her, obsession took root inside me. Suddenly there was nothing else. Just her. My obsession left me no choice. I had to have her. No matter the cost. No matter the risk. In the end she will be mine. Until then…I wait...”
  • One Night (One Series Book 1) by Victoria J. Best <— LIVE!!
  • Defiant Princess: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance (Boys of Oak Park Prep Book 2) by Callie Rose
  • The Red Hunter: A Novel by Lisa Unger <— Ohhhh BLURB JOLT!! GAVE ME CHILLS!!! “…Claudia Bishop’s perfect life fell apart when the aftermath of a brutal assault left her with a crumbling marriage, a newborn daughter, and a constant sense of anxiety about the world around her. Now, looking for a fresh start with a home restoration project and growing blog, Claudia takes on a crumbling old house–one that unbeknownst to her has an ugly history and may hide long buried secrets...” Caroline found us this one!

Caroline: A good mystery suspense read. Also in kindle unlimited.

  • The Professor: (A Bully, Teacher/Student, Dark Romance) by Serena Akeroyd <— LIVE!!! STANDALONE BULLY ROMANCE ALERT!! “The Professor is no hero. No charming knight. He’s a predator stalking his prey, and Phoebe, a college student struggling to get by, just walked into his crosshairs because even monsters have needs... “
  • Beautiful Disaster: A Novel  by Jamie McGuire <— MY BELOVED TRAVIS IS IN KU ALERT!! Caroline also found out THIS AWESOME NEWS! Jump on it if you haven’t read it yet.

Caroline: Beautiful Disaster is new to Kindle Unlimited for those who haven’t read it!!

Teresa: My favorite bad boy will always be Travis from Beautiful Disaster

Tasha J: My favorite bad boy, hands down, is still Travis from Beautiful Disaster. 🙂

  • Shards of Frost (The Mercury Pack Series Book 5) by Suzanne Wright <— LIVE!!! SUZANNE WRIGHT ALERT!! SHE’S TRYING TO PROTECT HER BROTHER FROM A DEALER… “…” When the dealer—who’s also an Alpha shifter—demands she do something that goes against her very being, Casey decides enough is enough. It’s while she’s confronting the Alpha that he appears—Eli Axton, a ruthless wolf shifter with a dark reputation. When their eyes lock and the mating urge violently kicks in, she knows her world is about to change…”
  • Queen of the Underworld (a Dark Mafia Romance Book 3) by Stasia Black and Lee Savino <— LIVE!!! TRILOGY CONCLUSION (must be read in order!!) “…The King of the Underworld saved me from the streets, Treated me like a princess, And locked me in a tower. Then he turned into a beast...”
  • The Duets: A Contemporary Romance Box Set by Meghan Quinn <— LIVE!! MEGHAN QUINN TWO DUET BUNDLES FOR A SUPER-BARGAIN!!! BOX SET of FOUR BOOKS – The Upside of Falling/The Downside of Love/The Left Side of Perfect The Right Side of Forever. “…Gripping, heart-stopping, and an incredibly epic journey with a twist you’ll never see coming…”
  • Mercy by Nadia Lee <— LIVE!!! HE THOUGHT SHE WAS DEAD… “...I thought the only woman I ever loved died in a car crash… Until I found her ten years later–a miracle. Her memory is missing, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve reclaimed her heart, and we’re going to be married...”
  • Running After a Heartbreaker (Brides on the Run Book 4) by Jami Albright <— LIVE!! HE’S A COUNTRY MUSIC STAR & SHE’S THE BAR OWNER/TOWN PARIAH… and she just ran out on her own wedding…
  • Game Changer by Sylvie Stewart <— LIVE!! COMEDY ROMANCE ALERT!! “…I’ve been saddled with interviewing the beast to secure my new dream job in publishing, but his intense stares and monosyllabic responses are making my job impossible…”
  • The Night We Met by Beth Rinyu <— LIVE!!!
  • Breakdown by Aly Zigada <— HIS MUSIC ONCE SAVED HER… BUT SHE’S NOT BROKEN ANYMORE… “…We were innocent then. I’m not a broken girl anymore. Now I’m the woman who reigns over the corrupt record label he abandoned, and he’s a tortured musician who wants retribution as viciously as I want another taste of his lips. Inevitably, he will crash in my arms, and I will burn in his. Depravity is all we know...”
  • Run (Books Of Stone Book 2) by B.L. Brunnemer
  • Stand In Place by Many Calmes <— LIVE!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!

 

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!

➔➔ Audible now has a “Romance” package membership (3o day free trial)

  • Boss I Love to Hate by Mia Kayla <— LIVE!! MUCH LOVED author with quite a few in our reading crew! “…I hate that I need you to be my date for my best friend’s wedding because my ex-boyfriend, the King of Heartbreakers, and his new busty blonde girlfriend will be in attendance…”

PREORDERS (going live soon!!! 😀 )

    

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