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Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – 12-28-18

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<— It’s that time again… Friday Finds Day! AND LOOKIT WHAT JUST WENT LIVE!! Karina Halle’s LATEST!!!
And it seems like many of you have been able to catch up a bit on your reading (despite the Holiday hecticness) ’cause we have quite a few recommendations that are popping up in the comments so I made a list of them, right here!
P.S. A few fun things:

  • HUGE KINDLE UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP DEAL <— OMG!!! eek I just found out that Amazon extended this super-bargain membership (<— 3 months for a super-steal)!!! Did you miss it the last time? Now’s your chance. JUMP ON IT!!! :D !!!!
  • AMAZON IS STILL HAVING A KINDLE UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP DEAL!!! 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
  3. ➔ 2 YEARS (40% OFF) ➔ https://amzn.to/2Gwonns

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

Tessa: Untouchable by Sam Mariano… GAH! This book! GAH! THIS is why the best of 2018 is waiting until the end. It’s so good and evil and OMG, I want to punch him and adore him and GAH! He reminds me of Mateo in all the bad and good ways.
Jean: I love seeing you excited over a book Tessa! And this one sounded like it was so you!!
Tessa: …OMG Mind mess jerk, right? If you like this, I’d recommend her mob stories.
bev: Lol. Tessa isn’t it fun to find something that gets us that worked up and happy?
Tessa: YESSSS! I finished it because I couldn’t stop reading it. HOT (seriously hot) but more than that, he’s such a jerk and everything that happens with the angst… my type of book. I want more of their story, even if it was a standalone.  :)

  • Nothing Personal: A Standalone Romantic Comedy by Karina Halle <— KARINA HALLE ALERT!!! SINGLE DAD/ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS ALERT!! He broke her heart once, and now he’s up for the position SHE deserves! “…New in town and on her turf, Kessler promises he’s not the same man he was – and considering he’s now a single father to a precocious toddler, he’s telling the truth. But he’s still an arrogant and devilishly charming man who’s taking over the position Nova feels she deserves...”
  • Riven: A Novel (Riven Series Book 1) by Roan Parrish <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! Michelle S thinks it’s HOT!!!
MichelleS: Is it weird that a m/m has me all flustered? I find myself skipping over sex scenes usually, but I’m reading every word of this one. I’m a gay man trapped in a woman’s body? Ha! Or maybe I’m just a straight woman & TWO men are just double the sexiness? Whatever… this book is working for me.

Amy: A Promise of Stardust was such a good read. As y’all know, I don’t connect well with male-only POV books, but that one worked for me as much as one of those could. I knew it was either going to end up sad or straight up heart wrenching, and not knowing which it was going to be kept me glued to it.

  • Tripping on a Halo by Alessandra Torre <— HUGE TWIST ALERT!!! Theresa read this recent release and she says:
Theresa: Just finished Alessandra Torre’s Tripping On a Halo. It started out a bit funky story line, a bit slow, it did have a huge twist at the end.

Tessa: FAE! BULLY! FANTASY WORLD! So, just pure catnip written really well with an awesome plotline….if you love those Holly Black, you have to read Cruel Prince, unless a bully is something you detest. 🙂
Tessa: …Best YA fantasy was Cruel Prince. *swoons* EVERYTHING I love in a book, including a huge bully. 🙂

  • Right Where I Want You by Jessica Hawkins <— LIVE!!! THE LATEST BY JESSICA HAWKINS ALERT!! “Bad boys? They run right over good girls like Georgina Keller. But after a confidence-shattering breakup, she’s determined not to let anyone at her new workplace push her around—least of all the brooding creative director, a “bad boy of publishing” who’s made it clear she’s enemy #1…”
  • Ringing in the New Year by Alexa Riley <— ALEXA RILEY’S LATEST IS LIVE!!! SHE WAS IN A CULT… “…Cami Evans fell in love with the boy next door when she was seven years old. They spent their whole lives falling for one another until one day she’s taken from him. She spends five years with her father in a cult until she’s able to make her escape and find her way back to Reed…”
  • Deflected (Texas Mutiny Book 4) by M.E. Carter <— LIVE!!!
  • Dignity (Determination Trilogy Book 1) by Lesli Richardson <— LIVE!!!
  • Landon (A Next Generation Carter Brother Novel Book 3) by Lisa Helen Gray <— LIVE!!
  • AMNESIA by Jamie Roberts <— LIVE!!! BULLY BOOK ALERT!!! AND HOLY MOLY BLURB JOLT!!!! “…From the moment I met Max three years ago, he was nothing but an arsehole. The only reason we put up with each other is because we share the same best friend. Then, everything suddenly changes when Max is involved in a horrific accident that sets him back three years. He remembers his friends, but here’s the real kicker: He doesn’t remember … me…” <— GASP!!! eek And then the blurb gets EVEN BETTER!!!!!
Lauren: LOVE this author!!!! My favorite book of hers is DEVIANT & the sequel, REDEMPTION (DEVIANT Book 2).
Jan: The Fortunate Ones by R.S Grey. I just finished it actually. It’s good. …IMO one of her better books. Good meaty characters (oops, that sounds weird LOL) OK, good, interesting characters. Good storyline. It’s a bit angsty for me but I still liked it. Worth checking out if you haven’t read it. Especially if you’ve got ku :)
  • Bird Box: A Novel by Josh Malerman <— STILL ON SALE!!!  I LOVE IT!!! BOTH THE BOOK & THE NETFLIX MOVIE!!! Ooooh I like the movie intro to Bird Box better than the book-intro, actually. It’s INSANE and chaotic and intense and stressful and SO SCARY!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE how they did that. But the book is just as fascinating from the very beginning and will keep you ON EDGE!!!
  • All the Lost Little Horses (A Desperation Creek Novel Book 2) by Janice Kay Johnson
  • Matt (Texas Rascals Book 2) by Lori Wilde <— DEPUTY SHERIFF & THE SINGLE MOM ALERT!!! “...Savannah’s busy days were filled with single-handedly raising a toddler and running her ranch. Her lonely nights were filled with longing for what might have been…if Matt hadn’t shattered her heart. Now Matt was back and Savannah had to decide whether to turn Matt away or take a second chance on a forever kind of love…”
  • Writing On The Wall (Between the Covers Book 1) by Rae Oakley <— LIVE!!! BOOKSTORE OWNER CRUSHING ON THE HOT BAKER DOWN THE STREET, but he’s harboring a dark secret… “…I’m the proud co-owner of an indie bookshop, and I didn’t get here the easy way. I fought for everything I have. My entire life revolves around making sure my shop succeeds. Nothing distracts me. I live and breathe for this shop. I don’t have time for love. That’s why I never expected to feel this way about finding the sexiest man alive in a bakery with flour on his cheek…”
  • Extra Innings by Jess Bryant & Maren Lee <— LIVE!! BASEBALL STAR ALERT!!
  • Dane’s Storm by Mia Sheridan <— STRANDED AFTER A PLANE CRASH ALERT!!! Jean loved it (and I’m thrilled ’cause I want to read it so bad!!!! Totally my thing)
Jean: I had the whole day to myself yesterday. So what did I do? Read a book! Dane’s Storm by Mia Sheridan……LOVED IT! Stranded after a plane crash with her ex-husband!!!
  • Ad Agency Series by Nicole Archer <— COMEDY ROMANCE ALERT!!! So many recommendations for it, and Rochelle wants to second the recommendation for this series!
Rochelle: First I want to say thanks for the tip on the Tripped books by Nicole Archer. Fantastic.
  • Watching You: A Novel by Lisa Jewell <— OHHHHH PSYCH-THRILLER ALERT!! This one is totally calling me!!! Everyone is watching and noticing… things that have to do with this teacher… “…One of Tom’s students, Jenna Tripp, also lives on the same street, and she’s not convinced her teacher is as squeaky clean as he seems. For one thing, he has taken a particular liking to her best friend and fellow classmate, and Jenna’s mother—whose mental health has admittedly been deteriorating in recent years—is convinced that Mr. Fitzwilliam is stalking her…”
  • Highland Queen (The Celtic Blood Series Book 4) by Melanie Karsak <— LIVE!!!
  • Fourkeeps (Ever After Duet Book 2) by Jayne Rylon <— LIVE!!! REVERSE HAREM ALERT!!
  • Cavalier (Crimson Elite Book 1) by T.L Smith <— LIVE!! SHE’S INTO A COLD, DISMISSIVE MAN that works at the sex club… “Welcome to Crimson Elite, the most exclusive sex club in the world. Enter at your own risk, and always remember our number one rule—You must never speak of Crimson Elite—the punishment is severe.”
  • Surviving Amber Springs: A Stand-Alone Contemporary Romance by Siobhan Davis <— LIVE!! SUPER-ANGSTY SOUNDING ALERT!! Everyone hates her and her twin brother… “...There’s no choice but to leave. To move clear across the country in a last-ditch attempt to start over. Transferring to a new school midway through senior year is hellish for most people. For me, it’s a welcome relief—until someone discovers our secret and now everyone knows. The pointing, whispering, and scathing looks follow me around again, and I’m back to square one. Except, this time, I’m not alone.…”
  • Elusive Promise (Off The Grid: FBI Series Book 4) by Barbara Freethy <— LIVE!!!
  • His Rock: A Marriage Mistake Romance by Ashlee Price <— LIVE!!!
  • Finding Hope (Satan’s Sinners MC Book 7) by Colbie Kay <— LIVE!!! BIKER CLUB PROTECTION BUT SHE’S HIDING SOMETHING… “Women. I should stay far away from them, especially after the last woman I loved almost got me killed. I say that, but then why am I entranced by the quiet girl who stays in her room?“
  • The Dating Alternative by Jennifer Woodhull <— LIVE!!! SEXY SWEET-SOUNDING COMEDY ROMANCE ALERT!! Her fiancé was dating someone else… “…There are some great things about being single. Going without… you know, s-e-x… isn’t one of them. My friends are trying to convince me that there’s an app for that, but it’s not working out so well. There is this one guy I’ve always sort of flirted with, though. For the first time since I’ve known him, we’re single at the same time. I’m so not ready to jump into another relationship, but maybe it’s time to find out if this friends-with-benefits thing can really work…”
  • To Have It All by B.N. Toler <— JENNIFER CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND LOVED IT!

Jennifer: I also want to say that I am not much for a paranormal read….but I like to read one here and there. I had a book on my TBR that I would always look at and dismiss…
Than awesome Grey with her TBR challenge for Ugly book cover happened and I chose that because well the cover is awful.
BUT HOLY HELL GUYS-if you have not read “to have it all” by BN Toler you need to. I actually started this last week but did not read beyond the first chapter. Picked it back up yesterday and just started from the beginning and completed it in less than 24 hours.
I went to bed thinking about it, woke up thinking about it and even though I was at work could not focus on that till I finished.
I may have picked this book for it’s UGLY cover (and by the way the cover is PERFECT as once you read the story it makes so much sense) but there is nothing UGLY about this story. Definitely 5 stars for me!

                                    

 

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!
  • Dark Notes by Pam Godwin <— Rochelle recommends!!
Rochelle: Wanted to put a plug in for Dark Notes… Audible has the five star listen. When you start you can’t stop. This is one of these books we are always looking for or the book you don’t want to end.

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

          

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Reader Favorites – Jennifer’s Best Books of 2018 List

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Jennifer’s back!!! And she’s got a GREAT list for us. Short and sweet but her favorites sound amazing, and that one there to the left just might be her VERY FAVORITE of 2018!!

Hi Maryse,

I haven’t been too active on commenting on your blog this year but you are still my go-to for great recs and bargain reads. I am also a frequent silent but observing member of the Goodreads group Maryse’s Book Blog….meeting place.

I had a fairly successful reading year and wanted to share some of my favorites as I’ve really enjoyed others’ favorite lists.  So here goes in the order I found them this year.

The Song of Achilles: A Novel by Madeline Miller <— This was epic; it brought Ancient Greek and Trojan mortals and gods to life for me again from vague recollections of high school required reading. It was about the moving love story and life story of Patroclus and Achilles. The audiobook was excellent and helpful with the pronunciation of unfamiliar names. Wonderful read.

An Ember in the Ashes and A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir <— Books 1 and 2 of a series and I was blown away by the multilayered and complex characters. This is a fantasy that is not straightforward but twisting with unexpected turns. Character pairings are uncertain and the world building is unique. Awesome reads.

Jennifer: Incredible series with fantastic world building, twists and turns. Can’t recommend it enough.

The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin <— These are book 2 and 3 of a trilogy. I rated the first book 4.5. Great book but it lost half a star because the author dropped the reader into the world, vocabulary and action with no preparation so it was initially disorienting. But books 2 and 3 were brilliant. Great fantasies with complex story arcs that kept evolving. I had never read a story like this, the author’s imagination is unbelievable.

Before We Were Yours: A Novel by Lisa Wingate <— This was an emotional journey told from the past and alternating view of the present through a granddaughter’s eyes.. very compelling story telling and unbelievably disturbing that poor children were viewed as commodities to be sold. Amazing story.

And finally… the amazing Holly Black! I read The Darkest Part of the Forest (which Bev may have been raving about…can’t remember between the time I got this book and actually read it) and The Coldest Girl in Cold Town.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black <— the author cleverly set fairies in a small human town. Everyone knows they are there and lives with faery influence in everyday life. The author had realistic teenagers, a kick ass heroine, and great love of family. This is a stand alone and a great adventure story.

My favorite of the year may be The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Again very impressed with this author’s ability to weave fantasy elements into everyday normal life. This time she does it with vampires and realistic teenage characters.

Her heroine is a teenage girl with a strong moral compass who never gives up. This is a brilliant take on vampires, a romantic slow burn, with a twisting plot. Wonderful.

That’s it…not a huge emphasis on straightforward romance…I’m a big fan of fantasy/paranormal romance and M/M reads as you may be able to tell from the list. Merry Christmas and looking forward to a great 2019 reading year!
Jennifer

Thank you Jennifer!!! 😀

Like her book-style? Check out her other favorites:

Cybill Cain’s "Delicious" is on super-sale today, and it sounds… absolutely delicious!!

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Oooooh book-catnip alert! Delicious sounds…. delicious. 😉 He’s scarred, and reclusive, and… in love with her. :D!!
<— Author Cybill Cain is this week’s newsletter sponsor, and she’s having a HUGE sale on this SEXY Christmas-themed romance!! Only $0.99 cents today, while we continue to celebrate this awesome Holiday!! Plus, she’s sent over an excerpt for us to “taste-test” it. See what I did there? 😛
She says:

“This Christmas love story is so hot you’ll forget it’s cold outside. Grab the cookies and the nog, put the phone on silent and prepare to be seduced by Delicious.”
❤Let Cybill tuck you in tonight. ❤

Book Synopsis for Delicious:
One taste will never be enough.

James Draven is a handsome successful billionaire, and the driving force behind the Chimera Club. He’s at the top of his game when he sees the woman he’s been waiting for across a crowded restaurant. His plans to seduce and claim her are brought to a screeching halt when he crashes his car, leaving him scarred, angry and alone, surviving on dreams of the woman he almost met in another life.
Della Martin grew up an orphan, and worked her way to the top of New York’s gourmet elite. When she’s summoned to receive a compliment her first night as head chef she glimpses a man that takes her breath away, but before she can get to him fate intervenes, and she makes a choice that prevents their meeting. A year later, still dreaming of the handsome stranger, she meets Thomas Meenan, who tells her that the man she can’t stop thinking about is in trouble, and only she can save him.

Excerpt from Cybill Cain’s Delicious

***
“Jesus, Delicious.  What did you do?” he asked, taking my hand in his, and putting it back over the sink.  “That’s deep,” he muttered, looking at my wounds under the water.   I felt the cuts start to sting, but barely noticed.  He was here.  He was standing beside me, the sheer size of him made me breathless, and he’d called me Delicious again, like he had the first night.
He grabbed a clean dish towel.  “Keep pressure on it.” He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.  As I held the towel tightly on the cuts I wondered if he was coming back.  A few minutes later he did, carrying a first aid kit in his hands. “Come over to the table, Della.” He pulled a chair out for me, and another close to it.
My mind wasn’t working right, because even with my wounds I couldn’t help but wonder if Della was a step up or a step down from Delicious. I hissed when he took the dishtowel away, and the blood immediately started streaming down my hand again.  “Put your hand here,” he said, placing another clean towel on the table.  I glanced up and saw his soft gray eyes filled with worry, before he dropped his gaze and reached into the first aid kit.
I hissed again when he doused my wounds in peroxide.  “Sorry,” he muttered, glancing at me again, before focusing on my hand.  “This is a topical anesthetic,” he told me as he sprayed my hand. “It’ll make it easier for the stitches.”
“Stitches?” I asked, speaking for the first time since he’d appeared.
“Yes, you need them.”
“A-And you can do that?” His eyes met mine again, this time holding my gaze with a warm confidence that gave me the tingles.
“Yes.  I can take care of you, Della.”  It felt like he was talking about more than my fingers, causing a flurry of thoughts to tangle in my mind.  One simple sentence had knocked the bottom out of me.
Oh, you were wrong, James, I thought as I stared into his eyes.  You are still the man I saw at Lemonge, confident, calm, dominant and breathtakingly sexy.   I forgot all about my hand, and what had happened earlier, as I stared into his eyes.
This was the man who had kissed me. This was the one who’d known exactly how to touch me when he pulled me into his bed. This was the man I had come half way around the world to see.
“I believe you,” I told him. He smiled, just a little and shook his head as if to clear it, before he looked back at my hand, and started rummaging in the kit again.  When I saw the needle I must have made a sound because he spoke to me again in a soothing tone.
“It’ll be all right, Della.  Just stay with me, and everything will be all right.”  Were we still talking about my hand?
“Where did you learn how to do this?” I asked as I watched him work. He completed the first stitch, and all I felt was a slight pressure. He was really good at this.
“In college, my best friend Max and I used to hike on the weekends.  For safety we took a first aid course, so we could patch each other up if necessary. We liked to go way out into the wilderness.  If something had happened, and we didn’t know how to handle it properly, it would have been dangerous.” He’d been so shut off with me that it seemed odd to hear him speak so casually about having close friends.
“What’s he like?  Your best friend?” He chuckled, but kept his eyes on what he was doing.
“A pain in the ass.  Even with his busy schedule and his new wife, he still won’t quit calling me.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s an actor.” I only knew of one famous Max who had recently married. The story had been top news for a week when he married his reclusive artist girlfriend from North Carolina.  I remembered they had looked so happy together in the pictures I’d seen online and in the news; almost like they knew some secret the rest of us had yet to figure out. That Max couldn’t be his Max, could he?
“Max Alexander? Max Alexander is your best friend from college?” His eyes met mine, and for just a second I thought I saw jealousy in them, but he looked down again before I could be sure.
“Fangirl,” he scoffed at me, but I saw the corner of his mouth quirk up in amusement. “I run one of the largest multinational conglomerates in the world, but you get wet for Max,” he mumbled. He was jealous! I chuckled, disturbing his concentration with my involuntary movement.  “Be still,” he scolded. “I’m nearly done here.” I sobered instantly. Would he disappear again when he was done with caring for my wounds?
As he concentrated I took the opportunity to look at his face. He had healed remarkably well.  There were scars, but they did not diminish his handsome visage as much as he seemed to think. He caught me staring.  “I know I’m hideous. You don’t have to stare,” he snapped, but his touch remained soft and tender. I shook my head. I was over this attitude in a major way.
“Stop telling me what I think.”
“I’m just saying what everyone thinks.”
“I’m not everyone,” I said through my locked angry jaw. “You should take the time to figure that out.” He sighed, sounding exhausted, but never wavered in his gentle care for me. I couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving me alone again.
He started on the second wound, dousing it again to clear away the blood still coming out before putting in another stitch. He glanced up at me occasionally, meeting my eyes before looking back down at what he was doing. I met his gaze each time, wondering how best to reach him, and convince him of the things my words had failed to get across. There was only one other way I could think of, but it meant I had to be bolder than I had ever been before.
When he finished sewing up my fingers, he wrapped them in gauze, and taped them loosely. He was putting everything back into the first aid kit when I slid off my chair and onto my knees, kneeling before him.  I leaned in, placing my hands on his muscular thighs to maintain my balance.  I saw his chest hitch once. His hands stopped moving, and hovered over the kit, frozen, as if he was afraid of what might come next.
On my knees, I walked a step closer to him, moving deeper into the V of his legs. I put one hand on each side of his face, and gently pulled him to face me. The things I saw in his soft gray velvet gaze gutted me. I deliberately used his words from the first night, hoping they’d spark some memory and feeling of shared desire between us again.
“Did you dream about me like this, James?” I asked him, barely more than a whisper.  “I dreamed about me like this.” His eyes widened briefly, before he searched my face, perhaps wondering if he was dreaming now. “I came all this way for a kiss.  May I have it?”

Find out what happens next for only $.99! One click this link and get your copy of Delicious now.
Available on Amazon, Apple, KOBO, B&N and GPlay
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Latest Romance Book Releases – December 25th 2018… Merry Christmas!! :)

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!! :D!!!!! My happy wish for all of us, is that today is filled with big bear hugs, and lots of laughter and friends and family, and warm memories. I’m already feeling warm and fuzzy now that my sister is here, and I have a big day planned!
But, I couldn’t leave for the day without celebrating the Tuesday new releases! Of course, today’s list is super-short and sweet (and loaded in Christmas short stories) but a few of them sound perfect for mini-breaks or a bedtime story. Like that one up there to the left. Oh I wanna read it!!!
P.S. A few fun things:

  • HUGE KINDLE UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP DEAL <— OMG!!! eek I just found out that Amazon extended this super-bargain membership (<— 3 months for a super-steal)!!! Did you miss it the last time? Now’s your chance. JUMP ON IT!!! :D !!!!
  • Reader Favorites – Best of 2018 <— TWO more added, and more to come!! Also, I’m still accepting “favorites lists”. Just email it to me! :D

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

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS!

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

  • AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
  1. All of Me baby A.L. Jackson
  2. Confess: Sin City Salvation Series by A. Zavarelli
  3. Let Me Show You: The McClain Brothers, Book 3 by Alexandria House
  4. His Consort by Mary Calmes
  5. Picking Up the Pieces: Enthralled Series, Book 2 by Prax Venter
  6. The Triangle: Shape of Love Series, Book 1 by J.A. Huss
  7. Yours After Dark: Gansett Island Series, Book 20 by Marie Force
  8. Melt for Him by Lauren Blakely
  9. Just One Taste: Topped, Vol. 2: Masters and Mercenaries Series, Book 9.5 by Lexi Blake
  10. Oracle’s Haunt: Desert Cursed Series, Book 4 by Shannon Mayer
  11. Heaven Sent: Heaven’s Rejects MC Series, Book 1 by Avelyn Paige
          

 

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

  • Bird Box: A Novel by Josh Malerman <— IT’S ON SALE!!!!!! *SQUEEEEEE!!!!* I loved this one a few years ago in book form, and I just watched it on Netflix this weekend and I loved that one too!!!! Creepy, scary, SUPER-STRESSFUL and awesome. Just plain… awesome!!! P.S. Here’s my book review!! 😀

Tasha: I almost started Bird Box last night. But, I resisted and finished watching Bodyguard. And then I almost clicked it today! I think Bird Box might have to be my next read. I’m weak, I’ll watch the movie first and spoil the book!
Maryse: Tasha you must read Bird Box!!! Totally worth it… and the movie is great too!! But that ending is worth not spoiling.
Tasha: Thanks Maryse! I’ll try to read Bird Box ASAP
Jean: Yeah, i totally recommend reading Bird Box before watching the movie! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!! Will be running around for the next couple days! Love you all!

Laura: The new release, Untouchable by Sam Mariano, is a deliciously dark bully romance. Easily my top read of 2018! The book begins with a sexual assault in a classroom so be warned and this theme of non-consent carries through most of the book.
The main character, Carter, is aware that he is a genuinely bad guy but doesn’t care. Zoey’s boundaries don’t mean anything to him. The storyline will keep you hooked until the very last chapter when you find out how much Zoey means to Carter.
Highly recommended.

  • Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann <— JEWEL E. ANN ALERT!! Jean is LOVING IT TOO!!!

Jean: I probably should have waited to make my list…..I am reading Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann and LOVING IT!!!!! So great!! I think it was on someone else’s “Favorites” list…..Jan maybe??

AMAZON IS HAVING A KINDLE UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP DEAL!!! 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:
  

 

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES

  1. Crimson Bite (Hillcrest Supernaturals Book 1) by Ben Alderson & Danielle Rose
  2. Winter Solstice in Draga: A Draga Court Epilogue Novella (The Draga Court Series Book 7) by Emma Dean
  3. Star Dance (Alien Blood Wars Book 4) by Samantha Cayto
  4. The Bad Wolf: A Shifter Fairy Tale Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood (A Camp Kikanoo Shifter Fairy Tale ) by Sylvia Frost
  5. Madoc (Trumbull Family Saga Book 7) by Jenn LeBlanc <— TIME TRAVEL ALERT!!
  6. Nic (Shifter World: Royals and Alphas Book 5) by Dana Archer
  7. The Predator by Amrita Kirti <— VAMPIRE?? “He knew she was his salvation. But he was a monster and she was a human. How long before she would turn into his victim?”
  8. Blade’s Destiny (Ishtar’s Legacy Book 3) by Lisa Blackwood
  9. Fox Blood (Moon Marked Book 3) by Aimee Easterling
  10. Hexes and Wolves: Queen Lucy: Book Two (A Reverse Harem Fantasy Adventure) by Rhiannon Lee
         

 

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES

  1. Yours After Dark, A Gansett Island Novel (Gansett Island Series) by Marie Force <— MARIE FORCE ALERT!! HE’S LEAVING IN TWO WEEKS… “...Despite the undeniable sizzle of attraction between Finn and Chloe, she is dealing with life-changing news that makes her reluctant to get involved with anyone, let alone a man who plans to leave the island for good in two short weeks…”
  2. Rocking Her Heart (Valentine Bay Book 3) by Melanie Shawn
  3. Finding Peace: Book 4 of the Rollin On Series by Emilia Finn
  4. Little White Lies (The Keepers Book 3) by Rita Herron
  5. Game On: a book in the Cotton Creek Saga (Heartbreakers & Heroes 9) by Ciana Stone
  6. Guilty As Sin: The Philistine Heart (Book 5) by Jean Evergreen <— MUST BE READ IN ORDER
  7. Secret Notte (The Secret Royals Book 1) by Marie Long
  8. Married to America’s Sweetheart (Rekindled Hearts Book 2) by Gracie Sullivan <— SHE’S A FAMOUS HOLLYWOOD STAR & HE’S AN MMA FIGHTER... (must be read in order).
  9. Unwrapped by Piper Davenport & Jack Davenport
  10. Christmas Secrets: Levi & Katie (Longing Book 1) by Chey M. Burn
  11. All I Want For Christmas by Nicole Falls <— SHORT STORY SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE!!
  12. Unlucky in Love & Lyrics (A Mayberry Family Novella Book 2) by Tracy Joy Jones
  13. The Christmas Pickup by Abby Knox <— SHORT & SEXY-SOUNDING!! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER & THE WEATHER GIRL ALERT!! “…Meteorologist Mary Reed knows all too well she shouldn’t be out driving in weather like this. But she has very good reasons. Her car ends up in a snow drift, because of course it does, and it seems like her Christmas Eve plans might be a bust. Out of nowhere, a hot and possessive tow truck driver rolls up and snatches her out of the blizzard. Plans? What plans?”
  14. My Holiday Joy by Jordan Silver <— SHE JUST MOVED IN NEXT DOOR & HE’S ANNOYED!! “...Devlin Monroe took one look at his new neighbor when she showed up at his door with her baked offering and smelled trouble. It didn’t take him long to decide that she was a nuisance and a pain not to mention an unwanted distraction in his otherwise ideal existence. He’d had a good thing going in his small hometown until she moved in next door.
    She’s nowhere near his type so why does he find himself going out of his way to spar with her...”
  15. A Charm Like You (Charmed in Texas Book 5) by Sharla Lovelace <— SHE JOINS A DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP… “…Finding out that her cheating ex-husband and his new barely-legal fiancée are expecting—that’s enough to drive Gabi over the edge and into a neighboring town’s divorce support group. It’s not really her thing to listen to anonymous strangers bash their exes, but at least there are cookies. And a sexy fellow newcomer who ignites her long-dormant libido…”
  16. Sugar and Spice – a fun festive frolic! (Pendle Falls Book 2) by Catherine Corr
  17. Forbidden (Three’s Company Book 1) by Katherine Powell <— THEY’RE OPPOSITES… “…Jessica Anastos and Felix Brannon are complete opposites: she’s gorgeous and the Queen Bee of Capital High School, he’s the nerd in glasses and has never been anyone of interest in any social circle. Yet, against what anyone expected, feelings rise and a relationship begins…in complete and utter secrecy…”
               

 

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

          

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Reader Favorites – Tasha J’s Best Books of 2018 List

By 12 Comments


BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TASHA!!!! I’m so happy that your “favorites” post coincides with your big day!! 😀

Tasha J is my other book-twin (actually, Amy, Tasha J and I should be book-triplets ’cause we seem to freak out over the same book genres and heartaches and thrillers alike). Her choices will “knock you in the feels“. Not only the touchy-feely heartache ones. Nope.

They’ll knock you in the fear-feels, too!!

Not only do I LOVE this list ’cause it’s gonna be my next TBR list, but Tasha sent over some AWESOME personal photos to share with us (of our beloved blog-baby, Jasper!!!).*squeeeeeeee* (scroll down to the end of this post to see him and her!!) 😀

“Hey, Maryse!

I’m going to try to attach a few pictures and I’m computer illiterate, so I hope this works! This is my best of 2018 list and since today is J Man’s 7 month birthday (and the kids are all at my Mom’s) it’s the perfect time for me to do it!

In no particular order…. (also, perhaps you can find some of my comments for a few of these. I almost never review books and I always have trouble putting into words how they made me feel.)”

1. Beartown: A Novel by Fredrik Backman <— Oh how I LOVED this book! It has so much depth and heart, spirit for the game, small town hardships. You get to delve into each character, their struggles and family dynamics, and what happens/ it’s ripple effect through the whole town- it’s just so well done. And so important. I’m still dying to jump into book 2. Though, it definitely is a standalone, I crave more.

Tasha: I can’t believe I waited so long to read it, loved loved it! Granted, it was also the only book I read, but it would’ve won anyway. ;) …It’ll knock you in the feels!

…Loooved it. Definitely had that Friday Night Lights feel, except hockey AND a much deeper issue/message

2 One Plus One: A Novel by Jojo Moyes.

Tasha: …Jojo Moyes- One Plus One. Not K.A. style, but you’ll love it. I’m sure of it.

Little grumpy meet, fun road trip, real life problems, a little drama, funny, brainy kid, moody kid, and romance!! That was probably poorly described, but you should try it!

…I paid full price for this one too, haha, and it’s GOOD!!

3. The Broken Girls by Simone St. James <— SO GOOD! This one scared me, I’m easily scared now a days though, so could just be me. 😛 I get chills just thinking about “Mary Hand” and that darn chant.

Tasha J: It’s different and spooky and stuff.

4. Lying in Wait: A Novel by Liz Nugent

Tasha J: Well, I’ve just finished Lying in Wait. My mouth dropped at the end. It was a very well written, engrossing read. I kept thinking these people are completely nuts throughout. And even though it was predictable, it still felt fresh to me and I was thoroughly invested in the characters.

And I’m mad for them.

5. How to Walk Away: A Novel by Katherine Center <—This one gave me the same feels as Me Before You. There’s a sexy PT *waggles eyebrows* and I just loved Margaret and her sister’s relationship. Heartwarming book.

6. All Your Perfects: A Novel by Colleen Hoover.

7. Everything You Want Me to Be: A Novel by Mindy Mejia. This was an Amy rec. and I absolutely adored it. It was so much more than I thought it would be. I was thinking more thriller, but it gives so many feels.

Tasha J: Amy, I finished Everything You Want Me to Be and it was fantastic! All consuming, don’t wanna come up for air, 5 Stars! I was on the verge of messaging my rage to u on GR towards the end. Totally thought I had it worked out a couple times. Lol

…gave me all the feels and mystery and thrills

8. I Suck at Girls by Justin Halpern. I read Sh*t My Dad Says, also by this author and loved it too. I just like the way Justin Halpern tells a story. It’s easy to read and feels like you’re listening to a friend talk about his life. There were plenty of moments I laughed out loud. His Dad was in here too and he’s my favorite character to read.

Tasha J: Justin Halpern’s I Suck at Girls was lighthearted, funny, and quick for people with time. ;) And his Dad was back in it and I LOVE his Dad. He’s hilarious. Though Justin definitely has his moments too. They have such a great relationship.

…read a scene that had my belly hurting from laughing so hard.

9. Dead Girls by Nancy Lee <— This is so different from what I normally read. I was searching for some short stories when I found this (on paperback through some used bookstore on Amazon, there is no kindle version). The endings to all of the stories were unfinished. Just left off with no real conclusion and I waned to keep reading more about them. But, done that way, felt just as real and raw as the stories themselves. Sally, in Parts was probably my favorite of the stories.

When I started, I wasn’t sure it was going to be my thing, honestly. I didn’t really like the first story. It was done in a little different way than the rest, but I stuck with it and am so happy I did.

Tasha J: Nancy Lee’s Dead Girls was fantastic! Totally not quite what I thought it would be, probably better. I feel like this one is way underrated or something just from the lack of reviews on Amazon or GR. It’s not on kindle either, but I got the paperback (used) within a week for $5. Each short story in it is 30 pages long and they are gripping! Real and raw. The 1st story actually didn’t do it for me, but I was curious enough to keep going and see what it was about. Sally’s Parts hooked me and each story from then on were great.

10. End of Day (Jack & Jill Series Book 1) by Jewel E. Ann <— Just read this one recently and HAVE to read book 2 ASAP. It was so good. Bada** heroines are my favorite to read. Add in some hotties, heartbreak, mystery?!

Eeeep….just thinking about it, I wanna jump into book 2 so bad.
11. Binding 13 and Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh <— LOVED this series. They’re the kind of books that suck you in and you just get lost in. The characters are so well drawn out, and lovable and humorous. I pulled a couple all nights and monstrous migraines for these babies. I can’t wait for Joey’s book.

12. That Guy by Kim Jones <— Everything I love in a romance. This book was laugh out loud funny. An easy, fun book with a sexy hero and a quirky heroine.

Tasha J: Well, I didn’t stop reading it once I started. It was hilarious! I like how it pokes fun at the usual romance tropes and yet still manages to play out a lot of them and not be too corny, but funny. There’s a lot of cursing and probably some more crass moments, but I didn’t even mind. Sometimes that stuff annoys me.

I loved the crazy heroine and “that guy”. Lol, the anger from him was so good. I have country family, and some of the stuff she says totally fits in with them. Haha..The “watermelon crawl” song is now stuck in my head.

13. Beautiful Player (The Beautiful Series Book 5) by Christina Lauren <— Can’t believe I waited so long to read this one!!

Tasha J: I finished Beautiful Player and I loooved it! I’m mad at myself for waiting so long to read it, but I swear it was one of those I thought I had. The only thing that irritated me a little was the conflict, but not enough to bother me too much.

14. Transcend and Epoch by Jewel E. Ann. These books introduced me to one of my new favorite authors!! New to me concept for a story, but done so well.

Gave me those old school feels. I also pulled some all nighters on these and I’m so not built for those anymore.

Tasha J: Ohmygurd!!! I just finished Transcend and I have goosebumps! Ahh, I NEED to jump into Epoch right now and I can’t cuz life is in my way. It’s gonna drive me nuts all day.

Tasha J: I stayed up until 2am to finish Epoch. It was epic, I had a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes a good portion of it, and now I’m paying for the sleep. Bc there’s no sleeping in w/littles OR a hungry baby in the belly. :’( When I don’t sleep much, my eyes get real glassy like I’m stoned.

I feel ridiculous today and I have to go to a baby shower soon for HOURS!! I should’ve stayed away, but I couldn’t resist!

15. The Perfect Mother: A Novel by Aimee Molloy <—  I read this right up until I had J. This one gave me that Liane Moriarty feel I had been searching for.

Tasha J: It was really good, I’m surprised it’s her first novel. Still followed through on the Big Little Lies feels for me, didn’t see the big reveal coming so a total win!

16. Waiting for the Sun: Waiting for the Sun, Part One by Robin Hill <— Another I can’t believe I took so long to read! I was pleasantly surprised by how awesomely good it was. I mean, I knew it would be, everybody said so. But still, I worried, what if I didn’t like it as much? Damien stole my heart and I cant wait to dive into the next book! Oh, and the acknowledgements?? I had the biggest grin and my eyes got all watery and stuff….love you R!! 🙂

Tasha J: Ahhh, Waiting for the Sun is getting super intense in the feels and I’m scared!! I feel like covering my eyes, taking a peek *deep breath* and then covering my eyes again. Lol

17. The Lingering by SJI Holliday <— I just finished it and it took me totally by surprise. I mean, the blurb grabbed me, I thought it would be something a little different, and it was releasing right around Halloween, so I was super excited. I’d never read this author before, but now I have all her books! YAY!

Anyway, it’s a psych thriller with some paranormal undertones, I suppose. I didn’t think it was overpowering. Great writing and kept me completely invested in the puzzle of what the newcomers were hiding. 🙂

Tasha J: This is the book I was so excited to come out around Halloween and bugged the author like crazy bc it wasn’t showing up on Amazon U.S. kindle right. And, I’m so glad it did and I FINALLY got around to reading it.

It’s a lot different than I thought it would be. I thought it would be way spookier, but it’s not. It’s mysterious and of course there is a paranormal storyline, but it’s not overpowering. I’m loving what all is happening with the newcomers, Jack and Ali, I feel like I might know some things, could go a couple diffeeent ways, and of course I want to know what happened with the history of Rosalind house too. Really well written, first time reading this author.

YEP!!! Consider this my new TBR list. 😉 Thank you so much Tasha J!!!

Like Tasha’s book taste? 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.

➔➔➔ Do you have your “Best of 2020 list” for us? Send it to me here. 😀

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