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Reader Favorites – Jan’s Best Books of 2018 List

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It’s Jan’s turn!! She’s our resident Historical Romance enthusiast, but she sure loves a wide range of romance too. Let’s see what she picked P.S. I added in quotes from her past comments on these favorites, too. 😉

“My top reads for 2018. Some came out this year; some were a bit older but I just read them for the first time this year.”

In no particular order:

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE:

Look the Part by Jewel E. Ann <— First book I’ve read by this author and I really liked it. A lovely, touching story about very real people. Flint feels like deep down he doesn’t deserve to ever be happy again. But Ellen brings the sunshine back to his life. And there’s a really great kid in this book too. (Flint’s young teenaged son).

Jan: Look The Part by Jewel E. Ann. Lovely CR about a music therapist who falls in love with a widower who has a mildly autistic son. To the widower’s surprise, he falls in love too! It’s a lovely, funny and sensitively told story. Really well-written.

Binding 13: Boys of Tommen #1 by Chloe Walsh <— Another new author for me, and like most who’ve read it, I got totally sucked in to the crazy lives of these Irish teenagers/new adults. A long book, with angst, bullying and a cliffhanger, but I loved it!

Jan: … It’s first in a new series. NA, bullies, rugby players, set in Ireland. (I know). I like the last two, but NA and bullies aren’t usually my fav. But there was just something mesmerising about this book. I got drawn right in and I just had to keep on reading.

…doesn’t Binding 13 draw you in? I felt the same – you were there with them and everything that happened.

Pretty Face (London Celebrities Book 2) by Lucy Parker <— I looked back at my GR review, and this is what I wrote: ‘set in London in the dynamic world of the theatre/ West End. Moody, jerky actors with massive but fragile egos. Backstabbing/ drinking/ drugs/ inappropriate sex. Cruel media who are out to over-sensationalise any little thing they can get their grabby hands on.’ Haha. It turned out to be a very nice love story.

The Difference Between Us (The Opposites Attract Series Book 2) by Rachel Higginson <— Older H, a gruff, grumpy businessman in the restaurant world, falls for a younger woman, and the book takes its time to build a real relationship between them. Lovely.

Jan: …It’s bk 2 after The Opposite of You. Anyone remember the beard controversy, and the beard apron etc etc? Well, Ezra, the hot H in this one DOESN”T have a beard. And he is hot. Older, dour, grumpy, taciturn, but he has a tender spot for the h. Sweet and low-angst…

Dirty Dancing at Devil’s Leap: A Hellcat Canyon Novel by Julie Anne Long <— Great second chance romance. I really liked this one. Some great, funny one-liners, and a beautiful and deeply-felt romance. It’s a solid series, actually, but this one was my fav.

Jan:  I didn’t like the cover or title, but read it on a rec. And it was lovely! A small town romance, but really well-written and involving. Very enjoyable.

Before Girl by Kate Canterbary <— Another new author to me and I really liked this one. Cal is an ex-Army Ranger and now a successful (but lonely) surgeon. Stella doesn’t believe in long-term relationships after being burnt in the past. But they fall in love and it’s a great story.

I’ve since found out this is a kind of spin-off of the Walshes series, which I’ve now started reading 😀

PARANORMAL ROMANCE:

Silence Fallen (A Mercy Thompson Novel Book 10) by Patricia Briggs. This year I finally caught up on this series. This one is a particularly good one. Fast-moving and gripping.

Jan: Best new-to-me book I read in June was the most recent Mercy Thompson PNR/Urban fantasy book, Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs. One of the best in that series so far. I just caught up on that series, even though Silence Fallen has been around since March 2017. WTG, Jan. LOL. The next one, called Storm Cursed, isn’t out till MARCH 2019 :(

Burn Bright (Alpha and Omega Book 5) by Patricia Briggs. I love this series too, about the fabulous Charles and Anna. And this is another excellent addition to the series.

Jan: …Quite gripping….

Jan: Rediscovering the joys of Patricia Briggs. …You’ve just gotta read Burn Bright for yourself. :D …It’s really good! One of the best in the series IMO.

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies Series Book 1) by Jennifer Ashley. This is a really popular HR that I’d never gotten around to reading. When I finally did, I can see why people love it so much. It’s unusual because Ian, the H, has Aspergers or mild autism or something similar. (He’s also HOT!!) And I loved the h Beth too, with her honesty and self-knowledge. They made a beautiful couple.

Jan: One of those everyone’s-read-it-except-me. It’s really good so far. The H is a hot Scot who seems to be somewhere on the Aspergers scale, and in the past was committed to an asylum for his supposed ‘madness’. Sounds like an unlikely premise for a HR, but it’s very well written and has been hugely popular.

The Viscount Who Loved Me With 2nd Epilogue (Bridgertons) by Julia Quinn.

This year I finally started reading the famous and popular Bridgertons series. I particularly liked this one about Anthony and Kate. Very sweet. I haven’t read them all yet. Looking forward to it. They’re a lighter, fluffier type of read, but sometimes you’re just in the mood for that. And apparently Netflix is now making a series based on these books. Yay!

Hello Stranger: The Ravenels, Book 4 by Lisa Kleypas. A beautiful HR about a character who was inspired by England’s first female doctor (1870s), and her deep and wonderful (fictional) romance with a spy working for the British government. Two lonely people who find their soulmates in each other. *happy sigh* Lisa Kleypas is currently my favourite HR author. I love this whole series.

And #5, Devil’s Daughter, is due out in February 2019. CAN’T WAIT!!!!

Jan: Yaayy for the Ravenels series!! I love all of them (in case no-one knew LOL). Half way through the new one, Hello Stranger, and it’s great. Has a spy twist/ mystery too. Highly recommend!!

YAY IS RIGHT!!! Thank you so much for letting us know your favorites, Jan!!! 😀

Like Jan’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.

➔➔➔ Love Jan’s book taste? Check out more of her favorites lists here: Jan’s Favorites

Jennifer M. Barry's "Shriek" is live & we have Four Fun Facts + a giveaway!!

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Shriek: Legend of the Bean Sídhe IS LIVE, and the author is sponsoring this week’s newsletter, and has sent over a super-fun guest post (and a “five ebooks” giveaway!!)
I must say… OMG the clever blurb had me giggling just a bit ’cause, can you imagine her confusion?? *snort* Plus, I love the tension and angst that the potential romance already hints at.

Sara Donovan is a banshee. Well, that’s what her father says. Her mom just thinks she needs a good psychiatrist. When she wakes the morning after her eighteenth birthday screaming her head off outside some stranger’s house, she’s inclined to believe her dad’s side of the story. She can’t control her shrieks – not when they happen or who dies – but things could always be worse. She could have a crazed madman determined to kill her, thanks to her newfound talents. Or, she could find out her long-time crush is the next to die.
Ridley O’Neill isn’t exactly unaware of Sara. As a long-time patron of her father’s diner, he’s watched her grow up. Now that she’s eighteen, she’s not the gap-toothed kid who used to serve him sweet tea. His current thoughts would send her mother the mayor into an apoplectic rage, since his family might as well have built the wrong side of town. Also, there’s a chance Sara is crazy. She’s convinced she’s a banshee and he’s on her hit list. Still, he can’t stay away from her, protecting her from a dangerous legacy, even knowing that her life saved means his is forfeit…

This one sounds fantastic and fun and intense, and the author lets us into this world, not only via her story… but her research!
Four Bean Sídhe Fun Facts for Shriek Insiders
Paranormal books give readers a chance to escape to a whole new world, to imagine creatures of the night may just be sitting across the high school classroom or on the bus beside you. These creatures are often bound to a specific set of characteristics that make them familiar to us. Vampires: bloodlust, coffins, crucifixes, holy water. Werewolves: full moons, silver bullets, wolfsbane. Demons: holy water, circle of salt, etc.
These characteristics are well known to writers and readers of lore and mythology. Many cultures have their own versions, which can open up more possibilities for characters. Some authors also take liberties with the mythology (Stephenie Meyer and her sparkling vampires, anyone?) to break through limitations placed on characters by traditional narrative.
What sets the banshee apart from most other mythological creatures is twofold: The legend is almost entirely exclusive to Celtic regions—Ireland and some tales from Scotland—and even those who’ve had banshee experiences can’t seem to agree on standard lore. What is known is that she sings for five (or maybe more) specific Irish clans, but even those aren’t in full agreement. The result is a nearly blank canvas upon which to paint new and exciting mythology.
I took full advantage of this with the world created in The Legend of the Bean Sídhe. I held true to the most tenacious of banshee legend, including the five families for which she sings. The rest was open to interpretation. Some say she’s old and haggard; others report that she’s young and beguiling. Some insist she thrives on terror, while others maintain that she shares the sadness of her victims’ families.
Because there is so spongy a foundation for the mythology of the banshee, I thought I’d share some Bean Sídhe insider knowledge—information that may help readers better understand the lore as they read Shriek. Of course, much of this will also be revealed throughout the series, so I don’t plan to give away too much.
This Banshee is Angry
During my research, I stumbled upon one source that suggested the banshee was one pissed off spirit. That makes sense, right? I developed a full back story that includes a witch during the Dark Ages, just before the spread of Catholicism throughout Ireland. Indeed, it is that spread of a new religion that sparks the events that make our Cailleach (Irish for witch) angry enough to kill not just those who wronged her, but also their descendants for thousands of years to come.
The Cailleach Takes Her Family Legacy to Extremes
The first banshee was a human once—sort of—named Cliodhna. As a descendant of one of the trio of war goddesses, she always had the ability to foresee the future. Her forebear—grandmother with many greats attached—was Badb, sister to Macha and the Morrigan, one of the Tuath Dé and a harbinger of doom. After Cliodhna was betrayed, she twisted that ability to foresee tragedy to instead create it.
The Cailleach Targets Only Men
Well, so far. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
Each Family Has a Designated Banshee
In Shriek, we meet Sara, who shrieks for the O’Neills. Four more banshees will be introduced and have the chance to tell their own stories. The second in the series is Fiona, who receives a small introduction in Shriek, also. She screams for the O’Connors. The third is Stacy, a banshee wreaking confused and terrified havoc on Boston as she wails for the O’Gradys. Caitlin, alone and scared, discovers her powers while living in San Francisco and lamenting the Kavanaghs. Finally, there’s Brenna, the most direct descendant of Cliodhna herself, who sings for the O’Brien clan.
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I hope you’ll fall in love with Sara as she races to find answers that might save her long-time crush Ridley from hearing her shriek. And I hope some of this insider information makes your reading experience more enjoyable!
YAY!!! Thank you SO much Jennifer. This was an amazing sneak peek into this world, and I’m thrilled you’re here with us today, too :D!! 
Now for the giveaway!!

  • The author is giving away FIVE Kindle copies of this ebook!

How to enter for a chance to win a signed set? Just leave a comment below (or better yet, tell us your favorite mythological creature or lore that just fascinates you) and by 10pm EST, Sunday December 23rd 2018, I will randomly select five lucky commenters as the winners.
Also, while not necessary to enter, it would be awesome if you’d share this giveaway on Twitter or Instagram, or Facebook.
The winner will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond confirming their email address, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. These books will be sent to the winners directly by the author.
Giveaway open to International!!! :D

Wanna know more about the author? Follow her here:

Latest Romance Book Releases – December 18th 2018

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OMG!!! eek I just found out that Amazon extended their HUGE KINDLE UNLIMITED DEAL (<— 3 months for a super-steal)!!! Did you miss it the last time? Now’s your chance. JUMP ON IT!!! :D!!!!
Good morning and another Happy Tuesday to us! It’s not a huge list today, but highlighted a bunch of new releases that sound good, and I’ll be adding more throughout the day as I find them. Like this one to the right Finding Juniper (Smoke Series Book 3) JUST WENT LIVE!!! ➔➔➔➔

Robyn: I’m so excited that book 3 in the Juniper Smoke series dropped today. It’s called Finding Juniper by Sadia Ash. If you haven’t read this series it it so good and the first 2 books are sold together for .99 today. If you need more convincing take a look at the cover of Finding Juniper, Kyle the H, is swoon worthy!
Jan: Thanks Robyn. I didn’t know Finding Juniper was out. Jupiter Smoke was a fresh and different CR, and I’m keen to read the next one. And it’s bargain priced on amazon Australia at the moment too. :D

P.S. A few fun things:

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. The Breakup Album by Lauren Blakely
  2. Bad Reputation by S.L. Scott
  3. Instauration: The City Series, Book 3 by Sarah Lyons Fleming
  4. Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley
  5. The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
  6. How the Dukes Stole Christmas: A Holiday Romance Anthology by Tessa Dare
  7. Zinnia: St. Helen’s Series, Book 2 by Jayne Castle
  8. Obsession: Explicitly Yours, Book 4 by Jessica Hawkins
  9. Crave by Adriana Locke
  10. Power Games by May Sage
         

 

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)

  • Devil in Spring: The Ravenels, Book 3 by Lisa Kleypas <— LISA KLEYPAS SUPER-BARGAIN! SHE’S AGREE TO MARRIAGE… “Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger…”
  • Charming (Bastan Hollow Saga Book 1) by Jane Washington <— Robyn is loving it!
Robyn: I’m reading Charming by Jane Washington and loving it! It’s making me laugh at some of the conversations being had. I think Tessa recommended this book…so thanks.
  • The Secrets We Keep: A gripping emotional page turner by Kate Hewitt <— PSYCH-THRILLER SUPER-BARGAIN!! “…The rental house may be a bit small – but it’s theirs for the summer. A place to hide… However, their isolation is disrupted by the family from the big house next door. Three children and their glamorous mother Rebecca – who seems determined to invite Tessa into their lives. Rebecca, however, is harbouring a dark secret…”
  • Little Women: 150th Anniversary Edition by Louisa May Alcott <— FOREVER FAVORITE CLASSIC ON SALE!!!

Renee: my favorite book of all time would be little women by louisa may alcott read it over and over growing up
Teri: my absolute favorite book has to be Little Women. It was my first big book that I read in elementary school and I couldn’t stop reading after that. 🙂
Kelley: Little Women. Still makes me cry.

  • The Almost Sisters: A Novel by Joshilyn Jackson <— SUPER-BARGAIN!! SHE’S PREGNANT & SINGLE & NEEDS TO TELL HER CONSERVATIVE FAMILY…“…She’s having a baby boy—an unexpected but not unhappy development in the thirty-eight year-old’s life. But before Leia can break the news of her impending single-motherhood (including the fact that her baby is biracial) to her conventional, Southern family, her step-sister Rachel’s marriage implodes. Worse, she learns her beloved ninety-year-old grandmother, Birchie, is losing her mind, and she’s been hiding her dementia with the help of Wattie, her best friend since girlhood. Leia returns to Alabama to put her grandmother’s affairs in order, clean out the big Victorian that has been in the Birch family for generations, and tell her family that she’s pregnant. Yet just when Leia thinks she’s got it all under control, she learns that illness is not the only thing Birchie’s been hiding. Tucked in the attic is a dangerous secret with roots that reach all the way back to the Civil War…”
  • When Tomorrow Starts Without Me by Stacy Claflin <— SUPER-BARGAIN!! THE ROCK STAR & THE GIRL TRYING TO END HER LIFE… “...Kenna Mitchell grew up despised and mistreated by those who should’ve loved and protected her. Now homeless and alone, with pain too heavy to bear, she’s ready to end it all. Enter Rogan Scott, an up-and-coming rock star with one focus—his band. Out in the woods, looking for song inspiration, he comes across a beautiful girl seconds from ending her life. Rogan saves Kenna, only to face her anger…”
     

 

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN NEW RELEASES

  1. Midnight Bite by Cynthia Eden <— SHE GOT BIT & SHE’S FREAKING OUT!! “A kiss on New Year’s Eve is supposed to be lucky…but a vampire bite? That’s not exactly something a woman dreams of getting. And when Lark Kinsley gets bit, all bets are off. She stakes her date, runs into the night, and tries to put the whole nightmare behind her. Only she can’t. Because she immediately runs into trouble—trouble in the form of a tall, dark, and deadly sexy vampire prince named Devereaux. He claims that he’s there to help her, but she’s not buying his story…”
  2. ATHEENA by Katrina Renee
  3. Blood Bond: 9 (Blood Bond Saga) by Helen Hardt
  4. Clayton (The Wildflower Series Book 1) by Rachelle Mills
  5. Her Deluxe Dragon Detective: A Cozy Paranormal Romantic Comedy (Lone Dragons Book 4) by Alice Summerfield
  6. Heart’s Inferno (Fallen Guardians 4) by Georgia Lyn Hunter
  7. Shifting Destiny: A Shifter Anthology that’s as fluid as the forms they wear <— ANTHOLOGY!!!
  8. Forbidden Desires: A Reverse Harem Limited Edition Anthology <— ANTHOLOGY!!!
  9. Fool’s Folly (Fate’s Fools Book 2) by Ophelia Bell
  10. Claimed by Noatak (Galactic Pirate Brides Book 3) by Tamsin Ley
  11. Reviving Graham (Project DEEP Book 5) by Becca Jameson <— TIMID & PRESERVED… “…Graham Wentz is an introvert. Painfully timid. Or he was.  Until he woke up from a ten-year preservation. Now, he finds himself face to face with Kate Bauer, a woman he’d secretly admired from a distance for years before he was preserved…”
  12. Master of Magic (Half-Blood Huntress Chronicles Book 3) by D.D. Miers & Graceley Knox
           

 

CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES

  1. 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz <— SHE’S TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND “…Ji-su’s traditional South Korean parents are concerned by what they see as her lack of attention to her schoolwork and her future. Working with Seoul’s premiere matchmaker to find the right boyfriend is one step toward ensuring Ji-su’s success, and going on the recommended dates is Ji-su’s compromise to please her parents while finding space to figure out her own dreams. But when she flubs a test then skips out on a date to spend time with friends, her fed-up parents shock her by shipping her off to a private school in San Francisco. Where she’ll have the opportunity to shine academically—and be set up on more dates!…”
  2. Can’t Get enough: A Rockstar Romance by Harley Wylde
  3. Angel of the Knight (Knight Ops Book 7) by Em Petrova
  4. Room Mate by Katie Ashley <— KATIE ASHLEY’S LATEST!! SHELTERED & PROTECTED BY HER BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND ALERT!! “…Growing up as the only girl with two overbearing older brothers, I’m no stranger to being overprotected. Just as I finished up college and prepared to truly dip my toes into the adult world, my father was elected President of the United States, which added a whole new level of protection with the Secret Service team attached to me. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly be more smothered, I began receiving threats, and my family decided it wasn’t enough to just have an agent living down the hall from me. Nope, I was to have one move in with me, and not just any agent, but Ty Frasier—my brother, Barrett’s best friend…”
  5. Awakening: The Deception Trilogy, Book 2 by Fallon Hart
  6. Gold and Ink (True Colors Book 2) by Ally Sky
  7. The Wrong Side Of Us (The Right Kind Of Wrong Book 2) by L.B. Reyes
  8. Dirty Little Secret: Wild Rose Ranch by Jennifer Ryan <— THEY HAVE TO SHARE THE RANCH WHEN THE PATRIARCH DIES… “...Roxy shares Noah’s last name, but not his blood. Estranged from her father, haunted by regrets, and eager to escape her notorious mother’s past, she is forced to fulfill her father’s last wishes. Inheriting means sharing a home with infuriating, challenging, and oh-so-tempting Noah. But John didn’t just make her owner of his ranch and guardian to her sister, his hidden sideline is her worst nightmare—she’s the new owner of the notorious Nevada brothel called Wild Rose Ranch where she grew up…”
  9. Yours and Mine in Dog Town by Sandy Rideout
  10. The Perfect Love Storm by Anna Black
  11. Peyton & Noah by Heidi McLaughlin <— HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN’S LATEST!!! “...Everyone dreams of meeting their soulmate. The person who completes them. For Peyton and Noah, they grew up together, falling in love along the way…”
  12. Safe and Sound (Sisterhood) by Fern Michaels
  13. Hear My Heart: Baytown Boys by Maryann Jordan
  14. Pepped Up & Wilder (Pepper Jones Book 6) by Ali Dean
  15. A December with a Duke: A Regency Romance (Seductive Scoundrels Book 3) by Collette Cameron
  16. Second Chances (Left at the Altar Book 6) by Melody Anne
  17. Home to Wind River (Wind River Series Book 7) by Lindsay McKenna <— THE BROODING EX-MARINE & THE ARMY NURSE CARING FOR HIS MOTHER... “…After a harrowing tour of duty in Afghanistan, Army nurse Lily Thompson escapes to Wind River Ranch to find herself once more. Working as a caregiver to foreman Jake Murdoch’s elderly mother, Lily almost feels at peace—except for the unsettling presence of Jake, a tight-lipped, intimidating man everyone calls Bear. But one look in the powerful ex-Marine’s eyes and Lily glimpses a vulnerability that shakes her soul: a hurt she understands all too well—and longs to heal . . .”
  18. Scars On Our Hearts (Open Door Love Story Book 4) by Stacey Wallace <— HOT FIREFIGHTER ALERT!! “...when Elizabeth’s fiancé Alex dumps her and she gets into a horrible car accident on the very same day, she’s not emotionally equipped to face her bleak future, much less heal the scars on her heart. Dani suggests Elizabeth should have a fling with Wade, the hot firefighter who pulled her from her burning car…”
  19. All I Want Forever (The All I Want Series Book 2) by Bella Emy
  20. Long Gone: Inspirational Romantic Suspense (New Beginnings Book 4) by Christina Freeburn
  21. Casey Come Home by Samantha Winston <— SHE’S IN LOVE WITH A SOCCER STAR but… “...Alessandro’s fans are against her, and life with a celebrity turns into a nightmare. Worse still, photographers stalk them during even their most intimate moments. Alessandro is vibrant, intellectual and desperately sexy. When they’re together, everything is perfect, but Casey wants a quiet life. Alessandro is a star and his fans are many…and vocal…”
  22. Highlander Ever After (Highland Heirs Book 4) by Paula Quinn
  23. Michael’s More (Female Addiction Book 2) by Louisa Sherman
  24. Becoming Brooke (Quinn Valley Ranch Book 6) by Kay P. Dawson
  25. The Boyfriend Collector by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff <— MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF ALERT!! SHE’S ABOUT TI INHERIT MONEY & FINALLY BE FREE BUT… “…After a lifetime of hardship, it’s all she’s ever wanted. But when Rose discovers she must marry before her twenty-first birthday to claim the money, she has no choice but to push herself out into the world in search of a man she can love and trust. Unfortunately, those are the very things that have been used as weapons against her...”
  26. Homebird by Amy Lane <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  27. Wolff (The Redemption series Book 1) by by JJ Harper <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  28. Saving Hannah by J.P. Barnaby <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!
  29. Dark Prison (Gray Tower Book 1) by J. M. Brister
  30. Something Like This: A Second Chance Romance (The Men of Evansdale County Book 3) by Alyne Hart <— FIGHTER & THE SINGLE MOM ALERT!! “...Vincent Owen. He was gorgeous. He was cocky. He was a complete and total douche bag, and I was head over heels for him. He left to become a champion, a warrior amongst men. And though he said he would call, I never heard from him again. I never admitted to him how I felt...”
  31. What a Widow Wants (The Widow’s Club Book 3) by Jenna Jaxon
  32. Not the Duke’s Darling: Includes a bonus novella (The Greycourt Series Book 1) by Elizabeth Hoyt
  33. The Duke’s Suspicion (Rogues and Rebels Book 2) by Susanna Craig
  34. The Bride Chooses a Highlander (The McKennas) by Adrienne Basso
  35. Let’s Try Love (Welcome to Willowport Book 1) by Paula Leoni
  36. Idol Worship (A K-Pop Romance) (H3RO Book 2) by J. S. Lee  & Ji Soo Lee <— REVERSE HAREM K-POP!!! Ohhhh bevvvvvv!!! It’s still not too late to taste-test. 😉 Tessa loved it, ya know!
Tessa: Finished the series from a few days ago with the kpop reverse harem. Happy to report it was really good. Totally believable that they are in a band. (pet peeve when it’s not) It actually got very in depth of what’s behind the scene of making a song get out and what’s needed for kpop to thrive.  :D Love that!
                                  

 

PREORDERS (going live soon!!!  :D )

  1. Shriek: Legend of the Bean Sídhe by Jennifer M. Barry – December 19th 2018 <— SHE’S SHRIEKING… “Sara Donovan is a banshee. Well, that’s what her father says. Her mom just thinks she needs a good psychiatrist. When she wakes the morning after her eighteenth birthday screaming her head off outside some stranger’s house, she’s inclined to believe her dad’s side of the story. She can’t control her shrieks – not when they happen or who dies – but things could always be worse. She could have a crazed madman determined to kill her, thanks to her newfound talents. Or, she could find out her long-time crush is the next to die…”
  2. The Darkest Captive: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter – December 24th 2018
  3. Yours After Dark, A Gansett Island Novel (Gansett Island Series) by Marie Force – December 25th 2018
  4. Tainted Bastard (Tainted Knights Book 4) by Terri Anne Browning – December 29th 2018
  5. The Lies We Tell by Brittany Butler – December 31st 2018
  6. Wicked Knight (Wicked Horse Vegas Book 5) by Sawyer Bennett – January 1st 2019
  7. Dirty Rich Obsession: All Mine (Reid & Carrie Book 2) by Lisa Renee Jones – January 2nd 2019
  8. The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister by Meghan Quinn – January 3rd 2019
  9. Ransom (Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team Book 1) by Laramie Briscoe – January 5th 2019
  10. Prisoner of Night (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series) by J.R. Ward – January 7th 2019!!!!
          

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Reader Favorites – R. Renee’s Best Books of 2018 List

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R is back at it again with her cool, funky “Yearbook-like” format for her favorites. I just LOVE her! I found and included some of her own quotes and funny reactions that she left in the comments here. 😉 Oh and and!!!! Her very own book – Waiting for the Sun –  just made one of our 2018 favorites lists (Jean’s), too!!

P.S. I must say I’m absolutely in LOVE with this list. So many new-to-me books that sound right up my intense alley (and a few that were my favorites of the year on here too. My book-tastes are definitely inline with R’s. YAY ME! YAY US!

Ready? 😉

“These are my picks for the GRADUATING CLASS of 2018! (And they’re all 2018 releases, with one itty bitty exception…)”

MOST UNIQUE: To Where You Are (The Protectors of Light Series Book 1) by H.A. Robinson and K.A. Hobbs is a shoo-in for this category, but I can’t tell you why because…spoiler. You’ll just have to take my word for it! While romance is a heavy theme, this story is about healing and friendship, one that will give you all the uplifting, sole soothing feels.

BIGGEST DRAMA QUEEN: Fifty Shades of Greg by Greg Archer. Love him or hate him, Greg tells it like it is—or at least how he *thinks* it is. I rolled my eyes, I cheered him on, I laughed my butt off, and I cringed—both for him and because of him. And in the end, my heart broke for him because Greg is more than the jerk he presents himself to be; he is a real dude with real hopes and dreams who makes real mistakes…and who should probably stay off Tinder.

R. Renee: It’s a real life account of this guy’s dating life and it’s super unapologetic! He’s the kind of guy you love to hate, but he’s really growing on some of us!! I’ve actually cackled. CACKLED!

R. Renee: I finished Fifty Shades of Greg late last night and I loved it! Aside from Bring Down the Stars (which I think I picked for June, July, and now August) it’s my favorite for the month. The buddy-read was exciting to say the least. Lots of heated opinions and mixed reviews. I think everyone from here who participated loved it though!

You guys check it out if you’re in the mood for something different! But read the blurb. Greg can be an a$$hat! But he is also a misunderstood romantic who will pull at your heartstrings if you give him the chance.

UNSUNG HERO: Too Good Girl by Eleanor Lloyd-Jones is not a sweet fairytale romance. It’s dark and gritty, and the fearless, unapologetic writing might even make you uncomfortable—but in the best possible way. More people need to read this book!

R. Renee: OMG I’M LOVING IT!!! It’s a little dark and gritty and man, can she write dark and gritty! I’m reading an ARC but it releases on the 14th. Soooo good!

BIGGEST HEARTBREAKER: Heartbreak Warfare by Heather M. Orgeron and Kate Stewart. I have so many conflicting emotions about this book, I still haven’t been able to review it. But what I can say for certain is that it made me an emotional wreck. While the previous book had fearless, unapologetic writing, this one has a fearless, unapologetic plot. One that requires a box of tissues and a fifth of vodka. Good luck.

R. Renee: I declare Heartbreak Warfare NSFL AT ALL. Maryse, drop everything and read it. Amy, it’s probably not for you.

BEST DRESSED: What’s Left of Tomorrow by Jeannine Allison. Jeannine gave me a sneak peak of this cover over a month ago, and I loved it so much I harassed her about revealing it so I could include it on this list.

I’ve never been a big fan of black and white covers or couples on covers, but with the dramatic multi-colored font and shadowing, it totally works! The book doesn’t release until spring, and I haven’t read it yet, but I will—based on the cover alone.

BIGGEST FLIRT: Beyond the Truth (A Beyond Surrender Romance Book 2) by Nicky F. Grant is clever, daring, and the sex scenes are off the charts hotttt. It gave me The Unrequited, and to some extent, New Camelot Trilogy feels, and I don’t say that lightly. Gavin and Jolene are deeply flawed but endearing, and so well written, I think Grant could have made them axe murdering, puppy smuggling, bank robbers and I would have found a way to forgive them.

R. Renee:  I loved it harddddd! Her first book was erotic romance and I loved it too for the love triangle, but this one is explicit contemporary romance and much more my thing. It gave me The Unrequited feels!

MOST LIKELY TO WIN AN OSCAR: The Simple Wild: A Novel by K.A. Tucker. Between the setting, the people, and the dreamy Alaskan bush pilot yeti—I had one recurring thought throughout this book, and that was, man, this would make a fantastic movie.

Tucker is another new to me author and I’m quickly inhaling her backlist. Until It Fades: A Novel was fantastic as well.

CLASS CLOWN: Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren. I was hooked from the very first page, and Hazel kept me in stitches the whole way through. I’ve never been much into romcoms, but I’m starting to think I was reading the wrong ones. Or maybe I’m just obsessed with Christina Lauren.

I read three of their books in 2018 (including Love and Other Words and Roomies) and I five-starred them all. Definitely a one-click writing duo for me now.

CUTEST COUPLE: Serena and Kholton from Tell Me You Love Me: A Novel by S. Ann Cole. Both are driven and focused, though their goals differ drastically. They’re also impossibly stubborn, and their #LOL antics are what makes this book so compulsively readable. But priorities have a way of changing, and when theirs do, you’re left with an #HEA that’s #DreamyPerfection.

BEST SIDEKICK: Angie from In Harmony by Emma Scott. This chick had zero competition. I guessed in February that no one would come close to beating her, and I was right. With her quirky tees and sage advice, Angie is BFF perfection. And…she has a cameo in another book on this list!

R. Renee: …In Harmony hands down. It will take a masterpiece to top it for the year.

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED: Beneath Your Beautiful (The Beautiful Series Book 1) by Emery Rose and Ride by Harper Dallas. I went back and forth and forth and back and finally decided on a tie! Both of these debuts are swoony and angsty with broken, brooding heroes and strong, spunky firecracker heroines. And the covers are stunning!

R. Renee: I just finished Kandace’s rec, Ride by Harper Dallas, and I second it! Great debut! You know I’m not a fan of naked torso covers, but aside from that, this one is a bit misleading. It’s about a broody mega-star broken snowboarder, not a hoodie-wearing vampire biker…

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Cards of Love: The Devil by Ashley Jade. WTF??? I picked up this book solely because I needed something quick…and wow! What a crazy ride! It’s kinda MF, kinda MM (more MM than MF), with some MFM scenes. Confused yet? Me too. And I suppose I’ll stay that way until Jade releases the follow up, The Devil’s Advocate.

BEST ALL AROUND: The Beautiful Hearts (duet) by Emma Scott could fit in several of these categories, which makes it perfect for this one. It’s unique, it’s heartbreaking, the covers are gorgeous, the sex scenes will fog up your windows, and it would make the best movie or *gasp* TV series!! And it has one heck of a swoon-worthy couple…I just can’t say which one it is!

Like her taste in books? Check out more of her favorites lists:

Monday Earlybird Book Releases + some that are going live at midnight! 12-17-18

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Good morning and happy Monday everyone!! Ten books are live early and I’ll be adding more if we get more surprises! 
Three things:
1.) I was dreaming of a huge designer  shoe sale and was so disappointed when I woke up suddenly, and realized my shoe-find wasn’t real. *sigh* That’s okay. That said, there are actual sales going on, but they’re on Amazon (called ➔ Last Minute Deals – ’cause there’s still time to get stuff for Christmas – especially if you’re a Prime member).
2.) I wrapped presents and they are under the tree, and my sister will be here for Christmas (it was confirmed)!!!
3.) My coffee is calling me, and I am desperate for it. I need coffeeeeeeee. Coooffffffffeeeee. <— Yup I know. that was a total cheating “3rd thing” but my brain is not awake enough to remember something fun. 😉
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

  1. HOOPS Holiday: A HOOPS Novella by Kennedy Ryan <— LIVE!! BASKETBALL STAR ALERT! “…They met when she was a young reporter fueled by ambition, and the ink on Deck’s first NBA contract was barely dry. Years later, they’ve climbed so high and lost so much, but one thing hasn’t changed…”
  2. Pretty Little Player (Blackwell-Lyon Book 2) by J. Kenner
  3. Tattered Souls: A Dark Romance (Bad Blood Book 3) by Marissa Farrar <— DARK READ TRILOGY CONCLUSION ALERT!! SHE WAS KIDNAPPED… and that’s all I’m going to say about that. 😉
  4. The Mentor and the Master: A Submissive Series Novella by Tara Sue Me
  5. Endless (The Unrestrained Series Book 8) by S. E. Lund <— The epilogue in the Unrestrained Series
  6. ReWined: Volume 3 (Party Ever After) by Kim Carr <— KIM KARR’S LATEST!! There are three guaranteed ways to ruin a perfectly unstable marriage…
  7. The Vendetti Empire: Capo dei capi – Ruthless Matteo Vendetti (Part 1) by Sapphire Knight <— MAFIA ROMANCE/ARRANGED MARRIAGE ALERT!! “…He must get married to prove that he’s matured and is stable enough to take over. The stipulation doesn’t sound like much of a challenge until he realizes who his betrothed is. Violet’s the Bottaro Princessa, not just a random woman he met by chance in another country…”
  8. Alex (Heartbreakers & Troublemakers Book 3) by Hope Hitchens <— HER HEARTBREAKER IS BACK… “…Here he comes, barreling back into my life after five years apart. The boy I would write frantic journal entries about. The boy who broke my heart. I can’t believe he’s returned. I can’t believe this is how we’ve met again...”
  9. Possessed by P.C. Cast
  10. Prodigal Son (Lean Dogs Legacy Book 3) b Lauren Gilley <— LAUREN GILLEY’S LATEST IS LIVE!! “This is a complete novel, the final book in the LEAN DOGS LEGACY spinoff series.”
         

 

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS

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

  • 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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