X

Maryse's Book Blog

Following my heart, one book at a time...

You are here: Home / Home

Monday Earlybird Book Releases + some that are going live at midnight! 07-30-18

By 39 Comments

Happy Monday!!! I can’t believe July is almost over. This summer is just flying by, but I’m having very good reading luck these days, and tomorrow’s big release day is going to be awesome (Kristen Ashley!!!). 😉
<— P.S. I just one-clicked this one!!! 😀 I’m going to start it tonight. I’m so in the mood for it.
Wanna do “Three Things”? Okay I’ll start!
1.) My mom and sister just arrived yesterday and they are spending 3 weeks with me!!! They’ll even be here on my birthday. 😀 YAY ME!
2.) I’m reading “The Perfect Mother” and I’m only a quarter into it but I’m still not sure what I think of it yet… It’s too early to tell, and the frequent POV switch through multiple characters can get confusing. I think Tasha loved it though, and she’s my other book-twin (especially for psych-thrillers), so I’m sticking with it.
3.) My mom hates vegetables, and always thought she hated “Zoodles” (zucchini that has been spiraled to look like long strands of spaghetti – so we can get our “pasta fix”), but I made her the ultimate bowl last night. Zoodles, covered in homemade meat-spaghetti sauce (very hearty), and melted cheese and parmesan all over it. SHE. LOVED. IT. 🙂 *beams*
4.) Okay I’m cheating here but!!! Kate Stewart’s latest book is LIVE and here’s my Book Review of Someone Else’s Ocean by Kate Stewart!!
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE :D !!!

  • Dr. Strange Beard (Winston Brothers Book 5) by Penny Reid <— PENNY REID ALERT!! HE GHOSTED HER… “…Ten years after Roscoe Winston dropped out of her life, all Simone Payton wants is to exploit him. She’d also like some answers from her former best friend about why he ghosted her, but if she never gets those answers, that’s a-okay. Simone let go of the past a long time ago. Seriously, she has. She totally, totally has. She is definitely not still thinking about Roscoe. Nope. She’s more than happy to forget he exists. But first, she needs just one teeny-tiny favor . . .”
  • Commitment: A Second Chance Romance (Redemption Book 1) by T.K. Leigh <— HIS SISTER’S BEST FRIEND… “…When the man she’s been dating proposes, she thinks it’s exactly what she needs to finally close this chapter of her life. After all, over sixteen years have passed since she gave Andrew Brinks her heart, only for him to destroy it. Why should that matter now? But it matters to Drew. When he learns of her engagement, he realizes he has a decision to make...”
  • Indeed by Amabel Daniels
  • Tainted Heartbreak (Tainted Knights Book 3) by Terri Anne Browning <— TERRI ANNE BROWNING ROCK STAR ALERT!! “...Cash Graves.  I knew the name, even if it was a newer one to the rock world. He’s the bassist for Tainted Knights, the band who was making huge splashes in the music world. Their newest hit was all over the radio and currently on repeat on my playlist … and I just spit my margarita all over him. With a wink and a smile, he should have gotten on stage and let me go on with my life, if a little star struck over the delicious rocker…“
  • Playboy by Katy Evans <— THE LATEST BY KATY EVANS IS LIVE!!! And it CAN be read as a standalone! “…I discovered who he was: Gambler. Famous playboy. Silver-eyed player who never plays to lose. …And my best friend’s soon-to-be brother in law, Cullen Carmichael. He needed a good luck charm, I needed a distraction. So we made a gamble and set off for Vegas—but pretty soon—I was in too deep…”

Erica: Oh my goodness! Reviews are saying Remi has been “dethroned” and losing his spot in reader hearts over Cullen. I have to see if this is true!
Lisa M: Playboy!!!! Perfect for a Sunday afternoon read!!! Can’t wait to get started!!! Love Katy Evans books!!

               

 

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 (look what’s going live at MIDNIGHT!! :D )

  1. Wild Like the Wind (Chaos Book 6) by Kristen Ashley – July 31st 2018
  2. Protected: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Lexi Blake – July 31st 2018
  3. Shadow’s Bane (Dorina Basarab) by Karen Chance – July 31st 2018
  4. At Midnight: Billionaires in Disguise: Flicka (Runaway Princess Book 4) by Blair Babylon – July 31st 2018
  5. Roughing the Kicker (Saints and Sinners Book 1) by Eden Butler – July 31st 2018
  6. Beyond the Bases by Kaylee Ryan – July 31st 2018
  7. Cathian (The Vorge Crew Book 1) by Laurann Dohner – July 31st 2018
     

➔➔➔  Get Maryse’s Book Blog updates delivered by email (you’ll get one daily email that will have each post from that day consolidated on it).

Book Review – Someone Else’s Ocean by Kate Stewart

By Leave a Comment

Someone Else’s Ocean
Kate Stewart’s latest JUST WENT LIVE and I had the pleasure of reading an early copy over the weekend!!
It was gentler on us than some of her past super-angsty books that had us in a frenzy, but it sure had it’s share of pull-pull, kindle-throwing moments, and of course… a seriously angsty moment that had my heart in my throat.

So what’s it about?

Koti has been living life on an island renting beautiful vacation houses to tourists, and loving her uncomplicated, and very single life. Having run from her high stress, demanding world, she’s finally found a semblance of peace living on the beach, and helping make visitors happy… even if for just a few weeks. That is, until Ian (her childhood friend that she hasn’t seen in ages) shows up in the vacation home right next door to hers, kicking up a storm.

At one point in time, I thought she was the most beautiful woman alive. At one point in time, I couldn’t imagine a life without her. At one point in time, I would’ve taken a bullet for her, no questions asked. She was my life. She was my purpose, my meaning, my everything. Seething, I fisted my hands at my sides and tried to hold my bite, but it was impossible.

Devastated, furious, brooding and absolutely uninterested in being friendly, he rudely rebuffs her every attempt at trying to connect with him. She has no idea why he’s so upset, but he’s locked himself into his own closed-off world, and she has no idea how to help… or even if she should (despite the promises she’s made his mom to keep an eye on him).

“Why are you concerned about me?”

I could have told him I was paid to be worried about him. But that wasn’t the truth. I was paid to keep an eye on him, but that was the extent of it. My concern stemmed from somewhere else. A place I recognized, a place

I felt like Ian was drowning in.

The lump I tried to speak around kept me quiet for a few moments. And then I gave him exactly what he asked for – honesty.

“Before I came here, I had a really sh!tty thing happen, the kind of thing that breaks people. I think you’re familiar with that.” He slowly nodded.

“Well, I was alone – alone in a way no human should ever be – and I needed just one person to ask me that question. I was surrounded by thousands of people, but I just needed one. And I decided I wanted to be that person for you. Because I do want to know. Because I am worried for you and about you. Because you deserve to have that question asked. So Ian, are you okay?

He didn’t hesitate a second.

“No.”

Tense moments passed as we stared at each other. “And what will you do with that answer, Koti?”

“I’ll keep it in confidence. I’ll respect your need for privacy and I’ll ask you until you say you are, or you could be, or you might be someday.”

And this is the story about how to one-time best friends (now, practically complete strangers) ran away from their lives and ended up on the same beach together.

“God, Koti, he’s so beautiful.”

I sighed. “I know.” A beautiful self-absorbed a$$hole.

There are SO many things I want to expand upon (regarding her issues – she’s got two very personal ones) and of course… what has him so devastated. Both characters are so relatable and even if he ticks you off (which he WILL!!! BIG TIME!!!), you’ll love him.

Okay… shhhhhh!!! I can’t really say anymore (as each one has their own past and present to contend with) and the joy in this book is all in the personal journey that we get to experience for ourselves.

It is heartfelt, with characters that come alive via Kate Stewart’s signature writing, and… for a certain situation (what she’s still struggling with to this day), I could totally relate. I “got” her. But the best part was a certain phone call that had me in tears. LOVED it.

4 stars!

P.S. Thank you to the author for sending me this review copy!!

➔➔➔  Looking for more of my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star reviews. 😀

Author & Book News Roundup – July 29th 2018

By 19 Comments

I’m in the mood to round up some awesome book news (and that’s because, all I’m seeing on my feeds today, is exciting stuff). For example… THESE TWO awesome new releases that just went LIVE today!! 😀

  • Playboy by Katy Evans!!! <— THE LATEST BY KATY EVANS IS LIVE!!! And it CAN be read as a standalone! “...I discovered who he was: Gambler. Famous playboy. Silver-eyed player who never plays to lose. …And my best friend’s soon-to-be brother in law, Cullen Carmichael. He needed a good luck charm, I needed a distraction. So we made a gamble and set off for Vegas—but pretty soon—I was in too deep...”
  • Someone Else’s Ocean by Kate Stewart <— KATE STEWART’S LATEST IS LIVE!!! I JUST READ THIS ONE and I had a feeling it was going live today!! :D!!! Heartfelt and so good. I’ll be reviewing shortly, but I definitely recommend it. This is one of my favorite authors!

Grey: Quiet weekend around here. I am finishing my current read, then getting ready to jump into an ARC that I am SUPER stoked about. You know…since this cover screams my name. Someone Else’s Ocean by Kate Stewart, it is gorgeous and *glitter, all the glitter*. I haven’t read anything about it… I want to read the book based on the cover…period. 😆 That makes me slightly insane, right?
Nay: Someone Else’s Ocean, a new one by Kate Stewart!
Maryse: Nay I’m reading that one (Someone Else’s Ocean ARC) as we speak. 😀
Grey: Kate Stewart hit the publish button for Someone Else’s Ocean, so my guess is that it will go live on Amazon sometime this evening…

  • IDLE: Book Four of The Seven Deadly Series by Fisher Amelie (thank you for letting us know, Tasha!!) 😀 I LOVE this author!!! “…Life’s easy when nothing expects so little of you. Easy is what I crave. Easy is what I do best. Let the world weep. What good could I possibly do them anyhow? Follow my lead and close your eyes. It’s effortless. Stop asking about me. I’m okay with being no one, a nobody…” (P.S. They can all be read as standalones – featuring a different set of characters in each, however here is the series order + a link to my review of book #1)

So it’s time for that list. 😉
P.S. Here’s some “me” news! I just finished an ARC of Kate Stewart’s upcoming release “Someone Else’s Ocean” (going live Tuesday… but maybe earlier, if Amazon is quick about it), and it was great! Review coming later today. 😀
And now… more book news:

  • All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood <— FORBIDDEN LOVE SUPER-SALE ALERT!! This one was addicting, impossible to put down, and very forbiddeny… Highly acclaimed and definitely took me right out of my comfort zone. I’ll never forget it. Here’s my review (and yes, I was one of those that totally struggled with it… but a year later, it’s still on my mind.) Thanks for the find, Tasha!! 😀
Tarryn Fisher‘s upcoming “Daddiopath” is THE BOOK I’m most obsessed about and dying to read. She keeps teasing us with these incredibly deep moments of introspection. I don’t know if they are quotes from her book, or if she’s giving us insight into HER process in writing this one, but she is one of my true-life heroes. Here… just to give you an idea:

Tarryn: Each thing I was given, by my life, my father, my circumstance-good or bad-has become a tool. Don’t think your toolbox only needs good experiences. I was forged in fire. Coming this Fall.#Daddiopath
and here’s the teaser graphic (that you must see!)
Tarryn: I can’t believe you broke my heart and I let you live to talk about it. Let me slay you with words.
The Men My Father Warned Me About
#daddiopath
and here’s the teaser graphic (beautiful)
Tarryn: Trust no man, my daddy said.
I didn’t mean to, but…
#Daddiopath #memoir #comingsoon
and here’s the teaser graphic (beautiful)

P.S. While I’m talking about Tarryn Fisher, OMG I just realized she re-did the covers for her “Love Me With Lies” series. These are ABSOLUTELY incredible and totally fit the mood of the books.
  

LATEST ADDITIONS just added to the main “New Releases” page :D

                                      

K. Bromberg – Everyday Heroes Series Reading Order

By 2 Comments

K. BROMBERG’S “MEN IN UNIFORM” SERIES ALERT!!! How can I possibly resist? 😉 And! Kooloo tells us this book was based on the author’s own real-life events!!

Leslie M: Hot cop alert!!!! …Its called Cuffed. THAT COVER!!!!

Kooloo: So I just finished a 5 Star read entitled CUFFED by K Bromberg and struggled with my rating until I found out it is based on real life events that involved the author – there are of course triggers which made even more relent knowing it actually happened. But it also made me lol and swoon… loved it xoxo

Mari: Someone mentioned Cuffed, I really liked that book, it was a little deeper than most and I think that is what I thought was better about it.

Cheryl: I’m reading Cuffed and it’s a combination of some funny moments with some very serious one’s. Think you might like it.

Leslie M: I am at 18% of Cuffed. It IS dual POV which I prefer, but I know some of you dislike. So far it is really good. I will keep you posted.

Maryse: Please let us know what you think of Cuffed, Leslie. That is on my TBR list ’cause I’m in the mood for cop-romance books (but more for “cop in uniform” than detective ones…)

Leslie M: I finished Cuffed. I liked it – 4 **** The H was swoony and perfect but the h bothered me a smidge. She was one of those that pushes the H away. She had her reasons but it still prevented me from fully investing in her. This was an emotional read despite the cover making it look “fun”. There was one hilarious scene at beginning but most of story had me tearing up. Its dual POV and although some of you dislike that, I think its necessary for this story. There are also brief flashbacks from when they are 8 and they are adorable albeit heartbreaking.

Nay: Leslie–I knew that Cuffed would be a ‘Leslie book’ when I saw you were reading it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Kooloo: Leslie did you know CUFFED was based on Bromberg real-life events!

About book #1:

“I hate you. I never want to see you again.”

Grant Malone is not the reason I moved back to Sunnyville—at least that’s what I tell myself. Yet, those parting words I said to him back in third grade, ring in my ears every time a townsperson brings up one of the Malone boys. I thought time had healed my wounds. I was wrong. Nothing could have prepared me for how I felt when I finally saw him again.

Twenty years does a lot to turn a boy into a man. One who hits all my buttons—sexy, funny, attractive, and a police officer. But Grant is off limits because he knows too much about my past.
But I’m drawn to him. That damn uniform of his doesn’t hurt either. It’ll be my downfall. I know it.
What’s one night of sex going to hurt . . . right?
***
I’ve always loved Emmy Reeves.

That’s why I’m shocked to see her all these years later. The shy girl I once knew is all grown up.
Adventurous and full of life, she owns my heart now, just as much as she did back then. Convincing her of that is a whole different story.

I’ll give her the one night she asks for—like that’s a hardship—but when it comes to letting her walk away after, she has another thing coming. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her go this time without a fight.

   

Pam Godwin – Trails of Sin Series Reading Order

By 2 Comments

I keep hearing about how CRAZY-INTENSE (or shocking?!) the first scene is, in this book, and I am soooooooo curious and kind of scared. WHAT? WHAT HAPPENS??!! *gasp* No. Don’t tell me!!! 😉

Brandi: Brandi: Pam Godwin has a new series the first was released on 5/1 “Knotted” I love her dark style of writing and this one was tragic, full of angst as well as dark but a beautiful love story. I could not put it down a 4.5 star for me only because I can’t wait for the next book! (Note: this is a complete standalone but will continue the storyline in the next book)

Kandace: This week I read Knotted and followed up with Belted by Pam Godwin. I really liked the books a lot. They had a darker side to them and the storyline kept me on my toes!

Victoria: I read Knotted by Pam Godwin yesterday and it’s quite stressful, but I couldn’t put it down. LoL! Great angst, bossy hero and strong heroine. I’m looking forward to the next two books! :)

P.S. Even though each book is about a different couple, author suggests that these MUST be read in order.
About book #1:

I try to forget her. It’s impossible. Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts. First love, first kiss, first… Not all our firsts.

We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched. I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering. Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.

Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact. Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets. She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her.
I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains.

She’s mine.

READING ORDER:

  

Contact Me | About Maryse | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Policy | © 2025 Maryse.net – Maryse’s Book Blog |
I am part of the Amazon affiliate program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other than potential affiliate link commissions, I receive no compensation for reviews. All opinions I have expressed are my own.