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Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – February 13th 2018

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The ULTIMATE NEW RELEASE LIST IS HERE!!! Eeeeeeeeep!! This is turning out to be one of the best book-weeks ever! It may not be the biggest, but it is SO LOADED IN HEAVY HITTERS I can’t catch my breath!!!!! I mean, not only are the new books intense (and by our favorites) but even the reader recommendations sound mind-blowing. We have plenty of choices today, and while we may be ping-ponging trying to choose one, we can’t go wrong!!
My blurb jolts? That one up there to the left, EASILY!!! The Smallest Part by Amy Harmon!!! (she and her best friend were both in live with him and then… “with that lie, she lost him. With that lie, she sealed her fate. She was the best friend, the bridesmaid, the godmother, the glue…), The True Story of Atticus and Hazel (it’s in the reader recommendations section and Amy lost her mind over it!!!! MINE!!!), Lake + Manning (Something in the Way Book 4) (the forbidden love series is now complete!!), Rough Ride: A Chaos Novella (KRISTEN ASHLEY!!! She betrays her biker boyfriend and he delivers her to the enemy), In Harmony by Emma Scott <— YES PLEASE!!! The rich girl and the boy from the wrong side of the tracks), The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz (TIFFANY REISZ!!! She’s living with the perfect new family in the most perfect house and life… and then she’s taken…) oh and the one I’m reading now (and loving!!) – Allegedly (it’s also in the recommendations section… a psych thriller with a twist!! YAY ME!!!) :D!!!!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out yesterday’s awesome surprises! ➔ Monday Earlybird Book Releases :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. Finding My Forever: Beaumont, Book 3 by Heidi McLaughlin
  2. Surprise Me: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella
  3. Dirty Talk by Lauren Landish
  4. Ace of Spades: Aces & Eights, Book 3 by Sandra Owens
  5. On a Tuesday by Whitney G.
  6. Midnight Valentine by J.T. Geissinger
  7. Unraveled by Helen Hardt
  8. The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz
  10. Gentleman Nine by Penelope Ward <— NEXT WEEK!!!
  11. One Last Time by Corrine Michaels <— NEXT WEEK!!!
         

 

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.)

  • Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson <— YOU GUYS!!!! One of Tasha’s favorites from her best of 2017 list (“Allegedly”) is super-bargain priced right now. I posted it up and I’ve been DYING to read it. I one-clicked it SO HARD!!!! YAY!!!!!! :D !!!! AMY!!!!!!! AMMMMMMMYYYYYY!!! R!!! ELA!!! NAY!!! KOOLOOOOOO!!! EVERYONEEEEE that likes crazy stories. Let’s read it. I’m starting tomorrow evening!!! :D
Tasha: Someone needs to read this book ASAP. (Amy, Maryse a I know you two will love this one!) SO, so good and completely pucked up. The writing was exceptional. The characters voices on point, the story will keep you on the edge of your seat, and your emotions will be put through the ringer. I couldn’t put it down, but I couldn’t handle reading straight through either. I wanted someone to hold my hand for sure, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about a book before. It’s why I don’t watch scary movies anymore, it jacks my anxiety through the roof. Don’t read reviews, I did read the blurb and that was just enough, but don’t spoil it for yourself.
Maria: I definitely just one clicked!!! And I am SO nervous!
Kat: 1 clicked and going to read blind as well

Jean: Hmmmm…..Allegedly…..I think I need it!

Jan: The last book that happened to me with was ages ago – The Turning Point. Now that one IS a death book, but I still loved it. What the hey? Not my usual fare. I remember trying to repress the loud sobs so my hubs and kids wouldn’t hear me. *sighs* That book was soooo damn gooooddd. Cathartic.
Cynthia: Try “Her Every Fear” by Peter Swanson. Also a new one you shouldn’t miss, “Baby Teeth: A Novel” by Zoje Stage coming out this summer (2018). Little girls are supposed to love their mothers….
sidenote: Here are the first ten chapters to read for free!
  • The True Story of Atticus and Hazel by Fisher Amelie <— OMG AMY READ IT AND SHE’S LOSING HER MIND OVER IT!! And she’s my book-twin so you know if she loves it, I WILL LOVE IT!!!!!! Eeeeeeeeep!! This is turning out to be one of the best book-weeks ever!

Amy: Anyone have The True Story of Atticus and Hazel on their TBR? Well, you’re going to want to READ IT NOW. But don’t read reviews or spoilers first. Just…trust me on this. I was hooked by the blurb alone and didn’t read any reviews. There is no crazy twist, no *gasp* moment, but it is one of those where you need to go in without expectations or preconceived notions and just experience everything as it happens. There is angst but nothing over the top, just real life stuff most of us can understand, and I wouldn’t say miscommunication but rather the h reacting to things in a realistic way for her age (21) and her history. Even the reactions from his imperfectly perfect family were understandable if not difficult to digest at one point.Then the Olympic figure skating is on in the background and a pair are skating to Mariah Carey’s My All and it was beautiful and heartbreaking and I haven’t heard that song in YEARS and I just lost my sh!t. I’ll forever link that song with this book.
Yes, I’m gushing but it’s hard not to when you stay up until 2:00 in the morning and then can’t sleep because your nose is stuffed up from crying. And sobbing. Out. Loud.
No, neither the h nor H die. Just putting that out there even though I try NEVER to do so because spoilers and all. THAT is how much I want someone…anyone…to experience this book with me. Their pain and struggle is so raw and real that I blew snot bubbles. Gross, I know, but whatever. Sometimes life is gross.

I am reading the best book someone rec on GR and have to tell you. IT IS FANTASTIC!!! The writing is fantastic. If you like angst this is the book. This is a poem from Live Me ( pieces of broken book 1) Wow, just wow and I’m only 48%…

     

 
PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN

  1. The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles Book 6) by Kresley Cole <— KRESLEY. COLE! “When Evie receives life-changing—and possibly game-changing—news, she has trouble believing it. Why doesn’t she feel any different? Is it possible someone she trusts might be lying?”
  2. The Rogue Queen (The Hundredth Queen Series Book 3) by Emily R. King <— “In the explosive third volume of The Hundredth Queen Series, the queen of fire faces off against a demon of ice. Despite the odds, Kalinda has survived it all: Marriage to a tyrant. Tournaments to the death. The forbidden power to rule fire. The icy touch of a demon…”
  3. Midnight Kiss: Tales of the Were (Were-Fey Love Story Book 3) by Bianca D’Arc
  4. Eternal Mourning (Talon Pack Book 7) by Carrie Ann Ryan
  5. Mating Games (Wolf Hollow Shifters, Book 2) by Nikki Jefford
  6. Threat of Raine: Book 2 in The Lynch Brothers Series by Heather Novak
  7. Revelations of the Aquarian Age by Barbara Hand Clow
  8. The Wonder of You (A Different Kind of Wonderland Book 1) by Harper Kincaid <— SHE WANTS TO STUDY HIM... “...Alice Leighton may have stopped chasing rabbits a long time ago, but that doesn’t mean she’s not up for some grown up adventures. What’s not part of her Alice 2.0 plan: losing her head – and heart – to the rugged and enigmatic Dare Grangeworth. Women go mad over him, but not Alice. No way. She may be curious, but she’s not stupid...”
  9. Devil’s Gold: A Black Rose Mystery (Black Rose Mystery Novella Book 1) by Amanda McKinney
  10. Lander (The Oberon Cycle Book 2) by J. Scott Coatsworth
  11. A Terrible Magic: a Paranormal Romance by Monica Corwin
  12. Twisted Fate by Jessi Elliott <— SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY THE LEADER OF THE FAE WORLD… “Tristan, the overbearing, gorgeous Fae Leader, and an admired businessman in the human world, is all kinds of dangerous. While he finds Aurora intriguing, her refusal to bend to his will keeps them locked in a constant power struggle. Entering into a deal is the only way to escape Tristan’s clutches, which only plunges Aurora deeper into the fae world…”
  13. So I Might Be a Vampire (Chasing the Sun Book 1) by Rodney V. Smith <— LOL!! This one looks like fun!! 😉 That cover makes me laugh. 😛 “...Everybody hopes that if they somehow get transformed into a vampire, they will instantly become some kind of superhero vampire out of the movies. Bad news guys: not gonna happen. More likely than not, you’re gonna be one of the poor clueless bastards hanging out on Thursday nights with Bob in his vampire support group…”
            

 

CONTEMPORARY

Lisa: Good morning, lovelies! I just finished In Harmony…and it was amazing! Dare I say my favorite Emma Scott book to date?? Yeah, that’s something given you all know I love me some Noah from Rush…and there’s Full Tilt/All In which I STILL am not over! But Isaac…OMG, that beautiful sweet boy. I love him. How Emma Scott takes Hamlet and weaves it seamlessly into a tale that is relevant today…that’s just magical!!!
Leslie: …I too can’t wait for In Harmony. *rubs hands together in anticipation*

z                                                        
 
PREORDERS (Next few days, and a few of next week’s!!! :D )

  1. Up in Smoke: A King Series Novel by T.M. Frazier – February 19th 2018
  2. Prince Charming by C.D. Reiss – February 20th 2018
  3. Secret Lucidity: A forbidden romance stand-alone  by E.K. Blair – February 26th 2018
  4. Blood Type by K.A. Linde – February 27th 2018
  5. Baby Daddy by Kendall Ryan – February 27th 2018
  6. At the Stroke of Midnight (The Naughty Princess Club) by Tara Sivec – February 27th 2018
  7. Charming Hannah (The Big Sky Series Book 1) by Kristen Proby – February 27th 2018

     

Book Review – Neighborly by Ellie Monago

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Neighborly: A Novel
Well, well well… 😉 what do we have here? A psych-thriller that had me guessing the whole way through. In fact, I THOUGHT I had it figured out from the start (my guess would have been pretty cool, too) but I love being wrong, because that means I’m surprised.

Was it a complete shocker? Hrmm… not really, and maybe even a bit far-fetched, but the whole journey was well worth the result, no matter what I expected.

Yes it’s a psych-thriller (no worries, nothing tooooo scary in this, but it definitely had a thrilling creep factor), but it was also a jaw-dropping social exploration of friendships, and couples (married or not) in a close-knit, well-to-do “happy and peaceful” neighborhood (nicknamed “The AV“). EVERYONE wants to live there, at almost any cost.

You do what you have to do to get into the AV. We’re on our own little island, jutting out into the Bay, just minutes from Oakland and San Francisco. Low crime, every school a ten, and you can smell the brine in the air. What wouldn’t you give to raise your kids here?

But YOU KNOW trouble is brewing in paradise. *waggles eyebrows*
An… unusual neighborhood dynamic that seems too good to be true.

“A house on the best block of the best neighborhood,” Regina says passionately. “I mean, there’s no other place like it. Some people have more money, some people have less, but there’s no tension. No conflict. No artifice. No airs. Only community. Where else can you find that?”

For many, they were right where they wanted to be, and loving life as a community… and *ahem* other things. 😉

…I’ve been around the block, so to speak. I know what chemistry looks like.

I couldn’t figure out if which of the two subject matters would dominate the storyline, and what kind of trouble we were about to embark upon. But either way I couldn’t put it down ’cause I had to know where this was going, and just how it could possibly resolve itself.

And then of course… someone appears to hate our heroin and keeps leaving her cryptic, yet threatening notes. She has no idea who they’re from and what she did wrong, and that just adds to the stress of trying to fit in (let alone, the fear-factor).

I thought I’d gotten rid of all that cardboard yesterday. But no, a piece of it is right here, in front of our door, positioned like a welcome mat:
THAT WASN’T VERY NEIGHBORLY OF YOU.

Ooooomph!!

What makes this one especially captivating is how the relationships are explored. From the neighborly quirks, to the block customs, the parties, and what everyone knows about everyone else, no matter how hard they try to be united, you know there’s tension brewing. The open and friendly ambiance that our main characters are basking in, segues into concern and regret for her.

What if my life before is indelible, the past written in invisible ink? What if the intensity and purity of AV sunlight will bring it out?

Our main character is already over-taxed emotionally (secretly stressed the heck out!!!), raising a new baby, drowning in debt, with a happy-go-lucky husband that seems purely… oblivious. He doesn’t understand her. He doesn’t even really know her.

She’s been hiding her past, trying to recreate her perfect life, masking her worries in marital bliss. And now, within this welcoming, seemingly perfect, wealthy neighborhood, she feels more alienated than ever.

This is going to work out. It has to. We did what was necessary to get here, because that’s how it is once you have children. You make sacrifices so they can have the best lives possible. But that feeling in my stomach is more than a pit. It’s the whole peach.

Good stuff! It’s not a psych-thriller “whodunit” masterpiece, no, but it was entertaining!

Solid, descriptive (but not overly so) writing, and whether you like the characters or not (and I’m still struggling with a few), you’ll become invested. 😉 A few holes here and there that didn’t fully flesh out, so I had to suspend disbelief at times, and the ending was somewhat rushed, however there was a lot of “reality” explored too. Especially within their couple, and her own internal dialogue. Living through her eyes, I could relate to her, and feel her, on so many levels. The need to live through a facade, even within your own home, will take its toll, and I was right there with it!!

4 stars!

P.S. I one-clicked this as my “Kindle First” selection from February’s book choices, so it may not yet be available to everyone, however if you are a Prime member and love a good “light” psych-thriller that explores an unusual social setting that might shock and appall (or maybe even intrigue you), this is the one!

➔➔➔  Looking for my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

➔➔➔  Love this trope? Browse more marital strife & psych thriller features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Monday Earlybird Book Releases + some that are going live at midnight! 02-12-18

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HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!! It’s a fun little earlybird list!!! And I can’t WAIT to discover what’s going live for tomorrow’s Tuesday new release list, just going by a few of the highlights that are going live at midnight. eek OMG EVERY SINGLE ONE is by our favorites.
Eeeeeeeep!! Tomorrow is going to be exciting!! But in the meantime…
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE EARLY :D !

  • Keeping It: A Navy SEAL meets Virgin Romance by Rachel Robinson <— RACHEL ROBINSON’S LATEST IS LIVE!!!! ALPHA MALE NAVY SEAL ALERT!! “..My daddy owns and operates the little airport in Bronze Bay, so my eyes have been skyward for as long as I can remember. Things like men and college, never appealed to me. My days are spent waitressing in my Mama’s diner, counting down the hours until I can head to the airport. Then the SEALs came and changed everything. Big, brutal, jerks, forcing themselves into our little slice of paradise. Demanding use of our airport. One man in particular, aiming to take more than I’m ready to give…”
  • Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson <— eekeekeek OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! I WISHED FOR IT AND NOW IT’S TRUE!!!!!! Okay confession… this is NOT an earlybird release, but this one goes on sale VERY rarely and I want to post it in case it’s only for today. I have been DYING to read this book, and now it is super-bargain priced, and guess what I’m reading next??!! SQUEEEEEE!!! I’m going in blind other than knowing how much Tasha loved it. It was on Tasha’s best of 2017 list and she says:

Tasha: This one was crazy. Crazy, crazy. Lol And thrilling and powerful. It put my nerves through the ringer! Mary’s narrative was extremely compelling. The only thing I could’ve done without, was the twist. I felt it took away from the message.”
“Someone needs to read this book ASAP. (Amy, Maryse a I know you two will love this one!) SO, so good and completely pucked up. The writing was exceptional. The characters voices on point, the story will keep you on the edge of your seat, and your emotions will be put through the ringer. I couldn’t put it down, but I couldn’t handle reading straight through either.
I wanted someone to hold my hand for sure, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about a book before. It’s why I don’t watch scary movies anymore, it jacks my anxiety through the roof.
Don’t read reviews, I did read the blurb and that was just enough, but don’t spoil it for yourself. One part really made me mad, but I don’t want to say which. I’m sure it was added oomph for a lot of people. Still, this one makes my list of best books for 2017!

  • Be Mine… Or Else by Alexa Riley <— THE LATEST ALEXA RILEY IS LIVE!!! And how can we resist this for Valentines Day? Perfect timing! GAH! I LOVE THIS COVER!!! And she has a crush… “Dove Rosetta is crushing hard on the hot guy she ran in to at the coffee shop. His big build, sharp suits and dark eyes have her flustered, and as luck would have it, they meet by chance every day. She might be innocent, but her thoughts aren’t, and she’s ready for him to make a move…“
  • King of Hearts: A Short Story Collection (High Stakes Book 2) by Christina C. Jones <— Three Couples. Three Days. A holiday they won’t forget.
  • Love Like Theirs (The Romance Chronicles—Book #4)
  • Draw Blood (Lone Star Mobster Book 6) by Cynthia Rayne
  • Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen <— SARINA BOWEN BILLIONAIRE HOCKEY TEAM OWNER ALERT!!!! “You’d think a billion dollars, a professional hockey team and a six-bedroom mansion on the Promenade would satisfy a guy. You’d be wrong. For seven years Rebecca has brightened my office with her wit and her smile. She manages both my hockey team and my sanity. I don’t know when I started waking in the night, craving her...”
  • A Baby for the Billionaire by Victoria Davies <— BILLIONAIRE HAS A BABY & SHE’S TRYING TO HELP HIM… “…Clara’s job has her busier than ever and she really can’t handle one more thing on her plate. Only this particular thing is a baby…Walker’s baby. Like always, he needs her. And, like always, she can’t say no to him. This time, though, it isn’t a problem they can solve over a bottle of wine. Seeing Walker take on the role of father is doing strange things to her…”
  • The Wrong Kind of Love (The Boys of Jackson Harbor Book 1) by Lexi Ryan <— OH MY!!!! HER TWIN CONFESSES THAT SHE’S PREGNANT WITH HER FIANCE’S BABY!!!! “…I wanted to get away, to hide until my heart mended. I found myself in a strange town with a mysterious stranger whose talented mouth and hands almost made me forget it was supposed to be my wedding night. Afraid to go home to face my broken life, I pretend to be my twin so I can take her job in Jackson Harbor caring for a six-year-old girl. Imagine my surprise when I find out my new boss is my mysterious stranger—Dr. Ethan Jackson…”
  • Caution on Ice (Boys of Winter Book 4) by S.R. Grey <— HOCKEY PLAYER ALERT!!! “…When Dylan meets Chloe Tettersaw, the pretty new girl in town, everything changes. A relationship and love are no longer off the table. But it’s not all smooth sailing. When a mysterious stalker makes Chloe’s life a living hell the couple find themselves, and their burgeoning love, tested. Little does Dylan know this may be his chance to rewrite history . . .”
  • Finding Rhiannon (A Lilith’s Army MC novel #2) by Ker Dukey & D.H. Sidebottom <— KER DUKEY & D.H. SIDEBOTTOM BIKER BOOK ALERT!! “When you live your life for Brotherhood, the betrayal of your flesh and blood brother is even more devastating…”
  • On Thin Ice (Bedroom Games Book 2) by Piper Rayne <— OLYMPIC STAR ALERT!! AND SHE AVOIDS HIM AS IF HE’S THE DEVIL HIMSELF… “…Which makes zero sense because at the last Olympic Games I rocked her world. Whatever though. I need to concentrate on winning gold anyway. I was at the top of the standings coming into the games, but since arriving in Korea I’ve lost my edge...”
  • Indiscreet (The Agency Dark Affairs Duet Book 1) by Amélie S. Duncan <— SHE”S DIVORCED BUT READY TO GET BACK IN THE GAME... “...Eager to get back in the game, she joins The Agency, a discreet and exclusive matchmaking service that can hook her up with the high-powered, gorgeous executive man she craves. Dane Westbrook is the most seductive and tempting of all the men that The Agency offers. His piercing eyes, smoldering good looks, and enigmatic personality captivate Gia, and Dane is equally interested in Gia. Despite the sparks that fly between the two, Dane is reluctant to reveal all his cards, and Gia quickly discovers that what should have been a hot, super-charged tryst has turned into a dangerous game...”
  • Deeper Water (Once and Forever Book 3) by Lauren Stewart <— LAUREN STEWARTS LATEST!!!! BUT!!! “*Deeper Water is not a true standalone contemporary romance novel like the others in this series. You will enjoy it much more if you read Darker Water (Once and Forever Book 1) first. I suggest starting there. Especially because it’s on sale… right now!“
  • Say You Won’t Let Go by Kelly Moore <— “…In searching for someone else, I found my heart again, but this time the fight for my life begins. And by my life, I mean my heart, the one that’s been frozen in my chest for the past twelve years. It’s found a meaning to beat again.
    But, fate isn’t quite as kind as I thought…”
  • The Penthouse Pact by Cathryn Fox <— HE RUNS HER OVER ALERT!!! “…Layla isn’t afraid of hard work. Still, there is no light at the end of her student-loan tunnel. When Stuck-Up Suit—Parker Braxton—accidentally runs her over, it’s the last things she needs. She refuses his help, but he’s persistent. He’s also handsome, kinder than she ever expected, and she’s doing her best to ignore her attraction. Which is harder than it sounds when she’s recuperating at his penthouse...”
  • Playing House (Sydney Smoke Rugby Series Book 5) by Amy Andrews <— HIS BEST FRIEND’S LITTLE SISTER & THEY HOOK UP AT A PARTY... “...Eleanor is content with her boring life—mostly. She’s even fine being the quirky sister in a bevy of beauties. So imagine her surprise when one of her brother’s Sydney Smoke mates hits on her at an engagement party. Her. The weird sister, who wears vintage dresses and prefers her books to parties...”
  • Gluttony (Seven Deadly Sins Book 2) by LJ Baker <— SHE WON’T GIVE THE DEVIL THE TIME OF DAY… “…Gluttony, a pretty little thing named Amanda, is the definition of her sin. Drinking to excess, eating anything you put in front of her, Amanda knows how to have a good time. Or she did. The only thing she manages to not overindulge on now, is men. She’s focused on getting her business running, or that’s what she tells herself. With the game underway, Luc is ready to find his true love. Except, Amanda wants nothing to do with Luc…”

                

 

PREORDERS (Just a few of those going live at midnight!! :D)

  1. The Smallest Part by Amy Harmon – February 13th 2018
  2. Lake + Manning (Something in the Way Book 4) by Jessica Hawkins – February 13th 2018
  3. In Harmony by Emma Scott – February 13th 2018
  4. The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz – February 13th 2018
  5. Rough Ride: A Chaos Novella by Kristen Ashley – February 13th 2018

   

Book Review – Forever Right Now by Emma Scott

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Forever Right Now
Looking for an excellent, heartwarming “moody new single-dad neighbor” read? This was pure Emma Scott at her very best. Gorgeous writing, a story brimming in emotion and, with real-life, relatable characters that I found myself wishing I could be a part of.

I love everything that I’ve ever read by Emma Scott, so I knew this one was a no-brainer. But its when it kept appearing on the “Best of 2017” lists that I decided to jump on it ASAP, and sure enough, it was exactly what my book-buds told me it would be.

R: Forever Right Now is a must read. If it weren’t for my RUSH bias I’d say hands down it’s my favorite.

Leslie M: I AM in corner reading Forever Right Now. This is my happy place. No boring starts, no not getting what is going on, immediate connection to story…pure CR bliss. …Did you realize that the h, Darlene is side character from The Butterfly Project?

Grey: Forever Right Now… Is amazing. I loved it. 4.75 stars for me.
Leslie M: Forever Right Now sucked me in and made me cry all over the place. Those characters were so real and gave me all the feels. I don’t remember having that strong of a reaction since I read It Ends With Us. …Books like this are why I read!!  *basks in the happy after glow of a great romance*

D.G.: Started Forever Right Now last night!!! *happy dances around room*. And I am LOVING it!!! Surprise, surprise…it is Emma Scott! So surprise, no surprise. A little over 57% in and I have that dreaded feel in my belly…

Grey: *Shoves Manny, Godiva and Moscato and makes up a blankie fort for D.G.* here you go!!

D.G.: *cleans up Godiva wrappers and empty Moscato bottle then folds blankets and sets Manny on top*.

Abso-freaking-lutely LOVED Forever Right Now! I worried over Darlene…I worried over Sawyer…I also feel in love with Olivia! This book was awesome!

Maryse: Yeahhhhhh Forever Right Now should be my next too. Emma Scott is awesome, and obviously this book is, too.

Kathy P: I just finished Forever Right Now. That Emma Scott sure can write beautiful heartfelt stories!! But I am a little upset, I saw that she has a new book coming out in February but that is not the one I want. Please please write a book with Max as the main character. I need for him to find his happiness!!

Maryse: I finished Emma Scott’s “Forever Right Now” and I loved it – I’ll be reviewing tonight!!! Thank you guys for THAT awesome recommendation.

OMG you are so right about no boring starts, Leslie. Not in this one. I was hooked from the start, having gone in blind except for knowing all the HUGE love for this book, and my jaw dropped with that initial reveal. OH I COULD FEEEEEEL IT!!!!!!!! And then… the character’s personalities. Each one, completely their own, and real… him with his jaded moodiness (and with good reason… you know… considering) 😉

I watched her walk away and the weariness hit me.   It did that sometimes, like being punched in the gut. The late nights and sleeplessness, stress and anxiety; it all bowled right into me. No beers with the guys. No dates with hot study partners. No sex, no parties…
“Suck it up, Haas,” I muttered into the wind as I began to walk. “This is what you signed up for.”

And her… with her hope, and optimism despite the personal struggle she’s been overcoming. Ready to start again. Ready and open to new friends. New experiences. Her new life. And the TWO of them becoming neighbors. What a perfectly imperfect pair, and yet perfect for each other in different ways.

This. This is what “you complete me” means. I was right there with them, while the butterflies fluttered in my belly, and my heart was in my throat, (or were those an abundance of almost tears?).

So what’s it about?

Darlene is starting over in a new city after a stroke of bad “trying to escape life” decisions that have landed her in the hot seat. After a few months in jail, she’s ready to get back to her roots, her creativity, and find herself again in her love of dancing. She messed up her chances once, but she’s ready to take back her life. And after finding an amazing deal in a gorgeous neighborhood, her life is finally looking up, and she’s in control.

They both glanced at me at the same time, like parents trying to figure out what to do with their problem child.

Let them, I thought. The past stays inside these walls. That’s what anonymous means. No one has to know. Sawyer doesn’t have to know…

And then she meets her neighbors. Including Saywer. He takes her breath away at first sight, but he barely gives her a second glance. He’s serious as a heart attack, and focused to the core, about to graduate law school soon, AND raising his baby daughter as a single father. He has no illusions about love and romance, and no time for distractions, no matter how friendly and cute they are.

I watched a beautiful woman hold my daughter in my kitchen, talking easily to her, making her laugh. An ache—a thousand times more potent than any sexual frustration—rose up from a deep place in my heart. It felt like hundreds of emotions I’d been keeping locked down were suddenly erupting out all at once: what I wanted for me, for Olivia, what she had lost and what I was working for to keep her. They were all spilling out of me like a bag of marbles, and now I had to scramble to put them all back before I fell on my ass.

But Darlene, being carefree (to an extent) and wanting to make new friends and help those in need… helps him when he least expects it, and most needs it. And the friendship begins.

I LOVED it. Just a slow-enough burn to make me believe it, and how I loved every single character that brought this story to life. Everyone of them fitting together to solve this puzzle called life, and together, completing each other to make a family, no matter that they might not be family by blood. A truly heartwarming, and fulfilling read, that had me stressing for so many different reasons.

Both characters had their own cross to bear, and yet amongst their own internal struggles and concerns, there were the stresses of new potential love too. So much was at stake.

A short silence fell, and my mind—so full of every goddamn thing I’d ever seen and read—had no words.

Well worth the read and satisfying right to the very end. If I was to have a hiccup of sorts, I’d say Sawyer’s sweet daughter was a bit more advanced in intelligence for her age than I’ve ever known in real life, and so I questioned the realism in that. Then again, Sawyer was above average himself, practically a genius, so who says his was didn’t transfer to her? I went with it. 😉

Oh yes. You’ll see. What a journey this is, in SO many ways. The personal growth is… incredible and this group, together, is a force to be reckoned with.

“I keep saying I need to work on me, but I’m doing everything right and I still feel like something’s missing.” Her eyes were impossibly blue as they gazed up at mine. “Is it you?”

4.5 stars!!

➔➔➔  Looking for my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Emma Scott features and reviews on my blog. 😀

Lauren Stewart – Once and Forever Series Reading Order

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<— THIS ONE HAD MANY in a delighted book frenzy, and now BOOK #3 IS LIVE!!!

bev: Darker Water had that great quick witted banter, love that. Wish more books had dialogue like that.
Anne: Just finished Darker Waters and loved it! The banter and chemistry between Carson and Laney was off the charts! 4.5/5
Lisa: Darker Water by Lauren Stewart (loooved this one).

And okay, it’s true… “Deeper Water” sounds familiar but you might not recognize it. That’s ’cause of this:

Lauren Stewart: I also did something crazy – I changed Darker Water’s cover. I miss the original already, but the new one is great and speaks to the tone of the book much, much better. eep.

About book #1:

Laney
I finally get it. And to think, it only took my heart being pried out of my chest and stomped on five separate times by men who claimed they loved me. That’s got to be a record, right?
Let me put it as simply as I can:
Fairy tales aren’t real. Love is a lie. And, at least in my experience, sex never comes with a happy ending.
Fortunately, I still have B.O.B, and he’ll never fall out of love with me. I won’t walk in on him in bed with another woman either. Nope. As long as I keep supplying him with fresh batteries, B.O.B’s only purpose in life is to make me happy.
And, damn it, I deserve to be happy. I’m a nice person. I work hard. And, most importantly, I’ve learned my lesson:
I will never, ever let a man near my heart again.
Carson
My secret to happiness is to be completely upfront with what I want and, trust me, it has nothing to do with Laney’s heart. Her lips? Hell yeah. A few other parts of her body? You better f*cking believe it. But her heart? Nope. Not even a little.
Until it does…a lot.
Forget I said that. I don’t have feelings for anyone. They were all ripped out of me when I was a kid.
This thing between Laney and me could be great. But we have to follow certain rules. We have a good time–no dates, no sleepovers, no expectations. When one of us is ready for something new or if she starts getting too attached, we move on with no hard feelings. Win-win, and everybody’s happy.
I came into this thinking it would be the same thing as it had always been and that she was like any other beautiful woman.
It isn’t. She isn’t.
But how do I tell her she deserves someone better, someone who can love her, someone who’s not broken, if I can’t seem to let her go?

   

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