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

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Good morning and Happy Monday everyone!! 😀 My Book Review of Verity by Colleen Hoover is up!!! FIVE STARS!!
<—And… that book there to the left sounds like my catnip, and there are a bunch of others that went LIVE early that are right up our alley.
But first… three things:
1.) My sister is back home, and now the Holidays are officially over for me. *sigh*
2.) I’m excited about a fun photo collage I put together that I’m having Vistaprint print in poster size that I’m going to frame. 🙂
3.) I just bought a big leather bound bible that is from 1866!!! It’s in pretty good condition considering how old it is, and the inside even has photos of the family that owned it. It is TOO cool!!!
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

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

 

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS

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

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

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

          

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Reader Favorites – Amy’s Best Books of 2018 List

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It’s Amy’s turn! She’s my book-twin (we love the same type of jaw-droppers, or devastating reads), so I’m always excited to see her recommendations.

This year, its a short and sweet list (she explains why – and she’s got a GREAT plan for this year!!) but I loved a few on this list like crazy, so I know the others  she names are absolute MUST-READS for me!!

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

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

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

Three things:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three things:
1. My new favorite recipe! OMG the lemon garlic zoodles are AMAZING:
https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-lemon-zucchini-noodles
2. I’m craving peppermint hot chocolate.
3. I have to pick up a new extra-tall ladder this week so I can put up our Christmas lights this weekend. Because of course I can’t be happy with lights only on the lower levels of our roof. :roll:

Scary things:

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

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

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

A new nail polish!

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

Three things:
1. I want a jelly bean-scented candle at Easter. Hint hint. ;)
2. I’m working today, but it will be slow (meaning reading time) and it’s time and a half so YAY ME!
3. I’m contemplating going back to school. Again. *sigh* Getting restless easily is not fun sometimes.

And now… Amy BEST BOOKS OF 2018 LIST:

Amy: When I thought about making this list, some books immediately came to mind but I knew there just had to be others. Then, in looking back over the books I read in 2018, I was pretty surprised by how few stuck with me. I came across many where I thought, “I read that last year??” because I couldn’t remember a dang thing about them.
In other words, my list will be short but ohhhhhh so sweet. 😉
But that’s what I get for simply trying to clear out my TBR collections instead of reading the books which had blurbs that *OOMPH!*ed me…guess I know what will direct my reading choices this year!

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

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

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

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

Sadie by Courtney Summers <— This one is heavy. There is nothing feel-good about it. It starts off with a horrible event and just continues from there, but y’all know I love heavy. It is heartbreaking. It is frustrating. It is just so damn unfair. But it is great.

The use of a transcribed podcast to help tell the story was ingenious and actually made me want to listen to the audiobook just to hear those chapters as podcasts (since I am currently addicted to podcasts). What I wouldn’t give for the author to release a novella to follow up the ending…

Amy: I just finished Sadie.
And now I’m in turmoil.
I’m not used to THAT sort of ending.
My heart is heavy.
So, now I need a drink.
Amy: I’m STILL having the hardest time wrapping my head around that ending. I expected it to end one way or the other, but I was NOT expecting the way it did end. I’m just having a tough time sorting out how I feel about it. :?
Amy: I loved Sadie. It’s a HEAVY read but so very good. In fact, it will be on my list of favorites for 2018 because of the way it’s stuck with (and haunted) me since reading it.

My Oxford Year: A Novel by Julia Whelan <— My eyes watered but I didn’t shed any tears. My throat tightened up but I didn’t sob. Even so, months later I still find myself reflecting on it as if I actually know them and as if they actually exist, wondering what is happening with them and hoping for an update.

THAT is what propelled my initial rating of 4-4.5 stars to 5 stars. The scene at the end where he is standing under the waterfall? Oh, my heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Not too much longer to wait.” I sighed. “Thank f*ck, ’cause I’m in love.”

“You’re in love?”

I nodded happily. “And she’s a river.”

“Well that’s… lovely, pet,” Mam coaxed, sounding confused. “Good boy.”

“I’m gonna sail my boat down her river,” I snickered. “My dick boat.”

“Can they knock him back out?” Ma grumbled. “He’s going to give me a stroke with all this talk.”

“It’s okay, Ma,” I coaxed. “I’m gonna keep her, too. Make all my babies with her because my balls work–and Da says I can pull on my dick again. Woo!”

“John!” Mam gasped. “What have you been telling our son?”

Dad laughed. “He’s seventeen, Edel. It’s the first thing he’s going to ask about after a surgery like that.”

“Oh, dear Jesus,” Mam groaned.

LOL!!!!!

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

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

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

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

Reader Favorites – Ashley’s Best Books of 2018 List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Things:

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

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

3. I ate leftover egg rolls for breakfast. No shame in my game.
I love the lists here. I love that when I’m in the mood for a specific kind of book Maryse has a list for it…if not she’ll make one!

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

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

Book of the Year: 
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

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

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

Best Audiobook:
Getting Schooled by Emma Chase

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

Book I Wish I Would Have Read Sooner:
On the Island: A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

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

Best Destination Books:

Books that Made me Laugh:

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

Books that Made Me Cry:

Ashley: …it was beyond amazing! I still can’t get it out of my head. So so so so good!
Ashley: I JUST finished Transcend and … oh. my. goodness! I’m going to be at work all day tomorrow thinking about it and waiting until I can read Epoch. This is one of those books where you don’t realized you’ve stopped breathing. It just grabs you and pulls you right in. I couldn’t put it down! THIS is why I love books.
Ashley: I’m not much of a duet person and I’m glad I waited to read them together because those were intense! I’m still thinking about them! The writing was beautiful and you just felt so torn through it. That epilogue. Ahh. I said it before … THIS is why I love books.
Ashley: I read Unbreak My Heart because it kept popping up on the blog and OH BOY that was amazing.
Ashley: I completely agree with ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING by Mariana Zapata and Colleen Hoover

Books that Made My Heart Happy:

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

Angst Done Right:

Best Action Books:

Best ‘Well, That Was a Surprise’ Books:

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

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

And finally…Author I fell in love with…
Devney Perry. (Seriously, I loved all of her books. I devoured them this year. Good times.)
YAY!!! I love how you categorized you favorites, Ashley! In the mood for a certain thing, and your list becomes the ultimate TBR list!! 😀

Reader Favorites – Nancy’s Best Books of 2018 List

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

Nancy: The year of 2018 was a very good reading year. I know from how hard it was to limit the books I want to put on my list. Having said that, I can’t make this list with out paying a dedication to Kandace. Kandace “Lovesbooks” Milostan was a Golden Girl in our book world.

She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on December 26th 2018. She was way too young, was needed here by so many, but she is at peace. Heaven now has an Angel, but she was an Angel here on earth to so many of us. Kandace and I shared a birth-date: January 24th. She use to say we were Birthday Twins. Not looking forward to this birthday.

When getting ready to start making this list, I looked at my NANCY’S TOP READS FOR 2015, and so many were credited to her recommendation. Rest in peace Sweet Lady. You are missed so much!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also by Stephie Walls: FAMILY TIES, DEAR DIAMOND & SMALL TOWN GIRL.

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

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

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

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

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

15) My Favorite Duet: THE STARS DUET by Amie Knight.

*Beneath His Stars (The Stars Duet Book 1): Adam Nova and Livingston Montgomery were never meant to cross paths. They met under strange circumstances under the stars. Adam and Liv were pulled together by some unknown magical force. She would dream about him, until the next time she would see him beneath his stars.

*In Her Space (The Stars Duet Book 2): A continuation of Adam & Liv and their magical time beneath the stars. Even if after all these years they were two magnets drawn to each other. Not an easy ending, but destiny would win in the end.
16) My Favorite Series: MERCILESS by W. Winters (Willow Winters).

This is a four book series that is now complete. You can read the entire story of Carter Cross and his relationship with Aria Talvery. A Romeo & Juliet story with out a tragic ending.
*MERCILESS Book 1
*HEARTLESS Book 2
*BREATHLESS Book 3
*ENDLESS Book 4
This is a wild read, and you will enjoy every page.

Enjoyed these books with characters connected: A KISS TO TELL & POSSESSIVE.

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

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

Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 01-11-19

By 89 Comments

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Lots of great recommendations, and as usual, I will be adding more throughout the day as we find them. 😀
P.S. Today is the LAST DAY for these Kindle Unlimited Membership deals!!

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

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

Leslie M: Why do I read books that I know are going to hurt and I don’t like hurting??? Most of you are crazy Marmies that like pain. But me??? Not so much.
I finished What He Doesn’t Know/What He Always Knew. It’s a marital strife/love triangle a lot of you have read. It’s a really good story and it made me cry.

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

Summer: Not sure if I saw you post about One Day in December by Josie Silver but it was so good! Highly recommend!
Michele G: I finished One Day in December by Josie Silver last night… and I liked it A LOT!

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

                         

 

AUDIOBOOK L:D VERS!

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

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

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

Leslie M: I’m doing audio of Sh*t My Dad Says and it’s cracking me up. I am literally laughing out loud.
Jenn: Leslie-I could not imagine actually reading this; I would probably DNF it but listening to it is freaking hilarious. I love his Dad! I only have 52 minutes left! So thank you for mentioning it and inadvertently thank you TASHA
Leslie M: Jenn, I was thinking the same thing!! This audio is great but not sure if humor would translate in written form. I’m almost done (37 minutes left) and my stomach hurts from laughing so much. Thanks again Tasha for mentioning it.
Jenn: Leslie-I am done and yes my stomach literally hurts from laughing so hard, it’s almost as if I did 100 situps loved it. Tasha- “The Sh*t Your Dad Says” was only my 2nd audio-book I ever completed as like you I really rather read my books than listen but this one holy hell-the one liners from his Dad through all stages of his life…..just freaking priceless.
Tasha J: I read it in written form and I laughed just as much, but I’m glad you guys are enjoying it the way I did in audio.
Amy: I’m not an audiobook person, but after Jenn’s reactions I’m thiiiiiiiis close to buying Sh!t My Dad Says to listen to. I think I could totally listen to an audiobook like that as opposed to a fiction book. Considering how hooked I am on podcasts right now, it just might work for me!

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

          

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