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29 Monday Earlybird Book Releases + some that are going live at midnight…

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Happy Monday everyone!!! Looks like we’ve got a few awesome-sounding (and highly anticipated) earlybirds that snuck in today!!
<–Like that one to the left. 😉 Tee hee!!! All angsty and forbiddeny, and I get to jump back in. But that’s not the only one I want to read from today’s list…
LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE!!

  1. Move the Stars (Something in the Way Book 3) by Jessica Hawkins <— JESSICA HAWKINS FORBIDDEN LOVE TRILOGY RELIEF!! I read book #1 and loved it, and now I shall continue. 😀 YAY ME!!!! Fran can’t wait either… “I just read Something in the Way by Jessica Hawkins. OMG! I almost forgot to breathe and my pulse was over 180 ;-) The story is super angsty and I suffered with both of them. It’s a trilogy but the third book comes out this October (can’t wait). Teenage girl falls in love with construction worker. But he gets together with her older sister even though he’s in love with the younger one.”
  2. The Final Fight (Fighting Series Book 8) by J.B. Salsbury <— J.B. SALISBURY ALERT!! THEY ARE SO INTO EACH OTHER AND THEN HE GETS DEPLOYED… eek GASP!! Oh my heart already hurts… “...A few stolen weekends and neither can deny the feelings quickly growing between them. But the obstacles that keep them apart become more devastating when the Marine Corps calls Braeden away for a six-month deployment. It’s only six months. What could possibly happen?”
  3. The 7: Pride by Scott Hildreth <— ANTHOLOGY! 7 authors, 7 novellas, 7 deadly sins. It looks like ALL the books have been released today! Each one written by each of these authors, and released as their own novella – not in a bundle – Scott Hildreth, Kerri Ann, M.C. Webb, Geri Glenn, Gwyn McNamee, FG Adams, Max Henry. Here they are in order (including THIS one): The 7: Pride by Scott Hildreth, The 7: Greed by Geri Glenn, The 7: Sloth by Max Henry, The 7: Wrath by Gwyn McNamee, The 7: Envy by Keri Ann, The 7: Lust by F.G. Adams, The 7: Gluttony by M.C. Webb <— P.S. YIKES!!! It sounds like a great series but I’m not quite sure what’s going on with the pricing of each of these, considering the extremely short length of each installment. I’m hoping there’s an error somewhere in the page lengths listed?
  4. Too Distracting (The Lewis Cousins Book 3) by Bethany Lopez <— UNREQUITED LOVE ALERT!! HE CONSIDERS HER HIS SISTER’S PESKY LITTLE FRIEND (and she’s been in love with him since she was 9!!!)… “…Laurel has been in love with Dillon since she was nine years old. Unfortunately, he’s always seen her as his little sister’s pesky best friend. She can’t stop her heart from beating frantically whenever he’s near, but she’s become an expert at keeping her feelings from everyone, especially Dillon. Her secret has been safe, until now…“
  5. Dark Justice: Morgan by Jenna Ryan <— THEY’RE FORCED TO BE IN THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM because a drug dealer was exposed… “…Amber Kelly enters the Witness Protection Program. Unfortunately, her sister, who was once married to said drug dealer, is forced to join her—key word, forced. When Rachel grows tired of their new life and runs off with a local man, a nightmare ensues for Amber.  The only person who can help her is Gage Morgan, an edgy former police officer...”
  6. Homecoming in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 1) by Ciara Knight <— ENTIRE CHRISTMAS SERIES WRITTEN BY DIFFERENT AUTHORS!! All the books are out.
  7. Honeymoon for One in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 2) by Jennifer Peel
  8. Once Again in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 3) by Becky Monson
  9. Rumor Has It: In Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 4) by Melinda Curtis
  10. Forever Yours in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 5) by Susan Hatler
  11. Love Notes in Christmas Falls (Return To Christmas Falls Book 6) by Beth Labonte
  12. Finding the Truth in Christmas Falls (Return to Christmas Falls Book 7) by Danielle Stewart
  13. Second Chance Hero (Bad Boys Redemption Book 1) by Kimberly Readnour <— BASEBALL STAR!! ONCE UPON A TIME, HE LET HER GO... “...Life is great. Until it’s not. And the day it all went south? The day Lacey Stark appeared at my post press conference. The reality of not having her slams against my chest. Lacey’s still sexy as hell, sporting more curves and a little more sass. Pitching in the Major’s isn’t the only thing I want anymore...”
  14. Nailed It by Cindi Madsen <— SHE NEEDS HELP RENOVATING HER FLIP… “I’m Ivy Clarke. Bartender, best friend, and disbeliever in love. And now I’m in over my head, trying to flip a house all by myself. Thanks, HGTV. I’m not too proud to admit I need some help. Too bad the only one who can help me is the same man I want to throw out this house’s second-story window…”
  15. Immense Tension (Southern Chaotic’s MC Book 3) by Dana Arden <— MC PRINCESS CRAVES STABILITY... “Everyone’s perception of an MC Princess is that she’s cherished and protected, but this MC “Princess” was left to the wolves. My father, the loved Southern Chaotic’s President, dropped me like a bad habit when I was thirteen. My mother went off her rocker when I was fourteen...”
  16. Don’t Baby Me: Maple Mills Book Four by Kate Gilead
  17. Charade (A Fake Fiancée Romance) by Jade C. Jamison <— SHE’S READY TO QUIT BUT THEN HE MAKES HER AN OFFER… “...Erica is ready to pull up stakes and move home—until devilishly handsome but arrogant Brock Ford, the youngest son, makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Play his fiancée for a month…maybe two, because his future with the firm depends on deception. Just attend a function here and there. No kissing and definitely no sleeping together...”
  18. Saving Brad (The Kennedy Boys Book 5) by Siobhan Davis <— SOUNDS LIKE UNREQUITED LOVE (on both ends??) IT CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE. “…I need to escape. To put as much distance between me and that monster so I can start living my life. Yet, even the vast Atlantic Ocean isn’t enough to sever the connection. To allow me to forget how he’s ruined me. His hold is more than just physical. He has a vise grip on my head and my heart, and I can’t breathe, can’t think, can’t function. So, I do everything to blot it out. Until he reappears in my life. Brad McConaughey. So hot. So infuriating. So in love with my best friend...”
  19. Cuffed (Everyday Heroes Book 1) by K.A. Bromberg <— LIVE!!! K. BROMBERG’S SEXY COP ALERT!! “...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...”
  20. Finding Me ~ Complete Boxed Set with Bonus Scene by KL Kreig <— SERIES BUNDLE!! SHE’S HAPPY AGAIN WITH HER NEW MAN BUT HER EX COMES BACK… “…the world has a cruel way of slapping me across the face as she always does. Just when I think Shaw and I might have our happily ever after, my ex-fiancé re-enters the picture and flips our lives upside down with devastating secrets neither of us see coming, but more importantly, neither of us will be able to escape…“
  21. Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely <— LAUREN BLAKELY’S LATEST IS LIVE TOO!!! Tee hee. That title makes me blush. He wants to settle down and he’s totally into his long-distance best friend… but he can’t get attached. “...All I have to do is resist her for the week she’s in town. I try. I swear I try. But yeah, that doesn’t work out. And after one fantastic night with my good friend Mia, I’m ready to give her years of nights under the stars. What’s a few thousand miles when love’s involved?”
  22. Hurricane (Heaven Hill Generations Book 1) by Laramie Briscoe <— LIVE!!! LARAMIE BRISCOE’S LATEST BIKER BOOK!!! SHE’S AN MC PRINCESS & HE’S ONE OF THE MEMBERS…”…Being the daughter of the President of the Heaven Hill MC is a burden, but one I’ll face every day with pride. It’s hard for me to know what people like me for. Is it my personality, my looks, or are they trying to get close to the Club? There’s one person I’ve never doubted. Remington Sawyer. A year ago we had one night of almost passion – that ended with me walking away in tears – and him walking away in anger...”
  23. Finding Our Course: Collision Course Duet by Ahren Sanders <— SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH HER BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND & HE SHATTERED HER HEART!! “…Bryce shattered my heart into a million pieces, leaving me devastated beyond repair. I took the only choice I had, leaving behind my dreams of him and any chance at a future together. Time and distance did little to heal my heartache, but I forced myself to move on. Right when my life starts to make sense, Bryce returns…”
                          

 

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

  1. Forever Right Now by Emma Scott – October 24th 2017
  2. Hallow Be the Haunt: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham – October 24th 2017
  3. Strange Weather: Four Short Novels by Joe Hill – October 24th 2017
  4. Leopard’s Blood (A Leopard Novel) by Christine Feehan – October 24th 2017
  5. Forever Right Now by Emma Scott – October 24th 2017
  6. Tainted Butterfly (Tainted Knights Book 2) by Terri Anne Browning – October 24th 2017
  7. Falling Fast by Aurora Rose Reynolds – October 24th 2017
  8. A Little Too Late by Staci Hart – October 24th 2017
  9. Reddest Black: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Book 7 (In the Shadows) by P.T. Michelle  – October 24th 2017

       

Author & Book News Roundup – October 22nd 2017

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<— FIRST!!! Take a look at these three books that JUST went live. THREE extra-earlybirds. 😉
I had to take a break from my current read to post these BIG HUGE surprises, so while I’m here, I decided to round up some good news, too! Take a look:
JUST WENT LIVE 😀:
Cuffed (Everyday Heroes Book 1) by K.A. Bromberg <— LIVE!!! K. BROMBERG’S LATEST IS LIVE and *squeeeee* I LOVE my sexy cop books, and this one looks ALL sorts of for me! “...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...” OHHHH YESSSS!!! 😛 THAT. UNIFORM.
Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely <— LAUREN BLAKELY’S LATEST IS LIVE TOO!!! Tee hee. That title makes me blush. He wants to settle down and he’s totally into his long-distance best friend… but he can’t get attached. “...All I have to do is resist her for the week she’s in town. I try. I swear I try. But yeah, that doesn’t work out. And after one fantastic night with my good friend Mia, I’m ready to give her years of nights under the stars. What’s a few thousand miles when love’s involved?”
Hurricane (Heaven Hill Generations Book 1) by Laramie Briscoe <— LIVE!!! LARAMIE BRISCOE’S LATEST BIKER BOOK!!! SHE’S AN MC PRINCESS & HE’S ONE OF THE MEMBERS…”…Being the daughter of the President of the Heaven Hill MC is a burden, but one I’ll face every day with pride. It’s hard for me to know what people like me for. Is it my personality, my looks, or are they trying to get close to the Club? There’s one person I’ve never doubted. Remington Sawyer. A year ago we had one night of almost passion – that ended with me walking away in tears – and him walking away in anger...”
And now… even more awesome news:
J.R. Ward‘s next upcoming book in her Black Dagger Brother series now has a cover!!! The Thief: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood looks like THIS!! :D!!! ➔➔➔➔➔➔➔

“…Recovering from their most recent battle against the last of the lessers, the Brotherhood comes to realize that the fight against their enemies is far from over. Throe, Xcor’s former second in command, is using an ancient tome to summon a new army engineered by a force more dangerous and evil than the Omega…”

Alessandra Torre (one of my FAVORITE authors in the world) has a fun and informative “help” blog for authors (aspiring and experienced, alike). She’s just announced this latest blog post/video (which I’ve watched even though I’m not an author, I was still intrigued from a reader’s perspective – and agree with so much of this!!) titled “Are You Scaring Readers Away?“

S.L. Scott announces a new upcoming book called “Sacred” (reveals the gorgeous cover) AND is having a giveaway! That said, I think these two need to be read first Savage (The Kingwood Duet Book 1) AND Savior (The Kingwood Duet Book 2) (so maybe don’t read this blurb excerpt below) since I have a feeling there’s a tumultuous love triangle involved. 😉

“The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me?
When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart…”

Jessica Sorensen also has a new book coming out (and a gorgeous cover reveal) for one of her very popular “Ella and Micha” series. The Infinitely of Ella and Micha” but no preorder on Amazon for it yet. She does have it up for preorder at other online stores.
Publisher’s Weekly posted an article detailing how much indie-publishing has increased over the years. Exponentially! Very interesting layout…

“…since 2011 the number of ISBNs from self-publishers has jumped by 218%, from 247,210 to 786,935.”

Madeline Sheehan just teased us!!!!! More to come, so I will be keeping an eye on this. She says:

“I have a few updates/announcements coming this week, the biggest one regarding The Holy Trinity series. So, stay tuned. ;)”

Gena Showalter has some book news, but even better, the “why”. Oooooh I LOVE when authors give us backstories!!! A peak into the life behind the book. And Gena Showalter posted about her two upcoming novels, The Darkest Warrior (Lords of the Underworld) AND “The Darkest Captive”. Here’s just a tidbit of what she says (you can read the entire post here):

As you know, I have 2 Lords of the Underworld books releasing in 2018. The first—THE DARKEST WARRIOR. The second—THE DARKEST CAPTIVE.
I told you I’d tell you the hero and heroine of the first today, but I’m going to tell you the hero and heroine of both. AFTER I give you a little backstory…
…I was dreading talking to you guys about this. Yesterday, however, I had a light bulb moment and I stopped dreading. Because I know I’m giving you guys my absolute best. What is it some of the Lords like to say? I’m not giving you what you want, I’m giving you what you need. :)”

Book Review – Drive by Kate Stewart

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Drive
WOW. Okay first. 5 STARS PLUS. FIVE. STARS. PLUS. I already gave another book that score a few weeks ago (and I still stand by that), but how could I NOT give it to this one? It had EVERYTHING I LOVE in a love story. This book was highly addictive, incredibly agonizing (but in the best of ways) and angsty as all get-out. This is the real deal when it comes to our HUGE love of realistic love stories that may… or may not… end well. 😉 Depends on who your heart’s with.

And once the recommendations started coming my way…

Heather: OMG Maryse. You NEED to read this book. I can’t even formulate words. The entire premise is genius. The book is freaking magic. There is NOTHING else out there like it. I’m a huge fan of hers and this one is just. . . my God. EVERYTHANG!

Maryse: eek Eeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!!

Lisa: All I can say is WOW!! I did not come up for air until 1 A.M. The best book I’ve read in a long long time!! Thank you so very much for the recommendation…..geeze what a perfect lil’ gem!

Donna: Drive by Kate Stewart was AMAZING one of my all time top reads EVER!!

…I KNEW I could NOT go one more day without jumping in, and living IT.

Maryse: I’m reading this one as we speak, and I. AM. HOOKED!!!!!! Oh it’s gonna hurt!!! eek Who’s reading it with me?

Angie: Squeeeeeeeee! Omg! I was just wondering how you were liking it.

Maryse: I already feel the “feel”… and this is TOTALLY awesome old-school angsty, heartache, tumultuous romance. YAY US!!!!! ….Every thought I’ve ever had, chastising myself over crushes and heartache and mistakes… here. I’m already HER. The writing is excellent.

Angie: The writing was absolutely beautiful. I could not get over how strong her writing was. And yes, all the feels were so on point. She just nailed this book.

Cheryl: Started Drive and I agree it has the feels like Room 212. It starts present day so you have an idea of where things are headed, but not exact details. Not sure who I want the h to end up with yet; however, I know it’s going to hurt.

Nay: Ok, Maryse–all I had to do was read, “old-school angsty, heartache, tumultuous romance” and that was enough, but when I see that a book makes you identify so much with the character, I’m all in! I’m starting Drive right now!

Amy: Holy moly…just the prologue alone last night had my heart aching. And her relationship with music and memories is SO relatable for me. Maybe that’s why I’m already aching for her even though I don’t know the whole story yet. This, from the prologue:

“The lyrics sometimes set the tone for my day, and as a slave, I followed. But some songs were like a sharp fingernail poking into open-wounded thoughts. Because music is the heart’s greatest librarian. A few notes had the ability to transport me back in time, and to the most painful of places.”

GAH!! A sharp fingernail and open-wounded thoughts is RIGHT! That is totally me when I turn on one of my iPhone playlists and instantly I’m right back in an emotional time period…or (more often) one of one of our beloved books. ;)

Leslie M: *side eyes everyone who was reading Drive and didn’t tell me it was a love triangle* I just found out this is love triangle and gave Nay a tongue lashing on GR.  I assumed this was depressing/Marmy/anti-Leslie read with the way you all have been talking. Love triangle angst is definitely my thing!!!

Maryse: Leslie M. Drive. DRIVE!!!!!!! :D !!!!!!

Amy: Oooooooh!! I am SO mad at Reid. Who the hell does he think he is?!? *looks at clock* Crap! I’m going to be late for work if I don’t get moving. Stupid real life getting in the way of an addictive book…

Maryse: I LOVE THE STUPID ADDICTIVE BOOK!!!! Still reading it, and I think I’m where you’re at, Amy. ;)

Nay: Amy & Maryse–sounds like we’re at around the same place. I’m at **% now. My guts are all twisty!

Amy: YAY for our stupid addictive books!!

Nay: I’m at **% annnnd I’m bawling my eyes out…again! Stupid, annoying, addictive, angsty book with dumb, irritating. sexy guy(s) in it! …Drive is a wonderful angst-fest!!

Amy: *waves groggily* Morning all you chipper chipmunks. I’m running on four hours of sleep because I stayed up way too late so I could finish Drive and then couldnt fall asleep ’cause I kept thinking about it. Definitely a contender for fave of the year for me.  *yawns and stumbles toward coffeemaker*

Nay: Drive is definitely NOT low angst. Only read it when you’re ready for tummy-twisting, gut wrenching fun! …Once I read a book like this, I don’t want to stop! lol

Maryse: I’m with Nay on this one. IT IS INCREDIBLY INTENSE. But soooooo exciting!!!!

Cristina: Hey everyone! Happy Friday!!!!!! I finished Drive about two days ago, and like most, it is probably one of my top three (could be #1) books of the year!

“Living for a man is the quickest way to get lost.”
“Even in hindsight, with all of your mistakes disappearing in the distance, the things you got right are there alongside them. I’d made the mistake of only looking for the hurt. Because why do we have to be perfect?”

There is SO MUCH about this book that stuck with me, but those are two of my favorite quotes. Of course I love it when our hero finally wakes up, but I LOVE it when our heroine has those self-actualization moments.

Maryse: And yet… there are two heroes in this one. 😉 Which one?? *my lips are sealed*

Tessa: I’m already reading one you all recommended, Drive. I want to know stuffs, but I’m far from where I could possibly know stuffs.
Maryse: TESSA!!! DO NOT SPOIL THIS FOR YOURSELF. PROMISE ME. You will want to… even I wanted to, I was so distraught… so confused, so IN LOVE. DO NOT do anything but ride it all out with her. Go on this drive with her. ;) Tee hee! See what I did there?? No, but seriously. Don’t stop, and don’t skip ahead.

Jean:  I want to read Drive…. have a love/hate relationship with love triangles because they make my stomach hurt (but I always end up loving them).

Maryse: JEAN!!!!! Read it. I. PROMISE.

Grey: Drive, huh? I love my triangles… I haven’t read a really good one in a LONG time. Like a long time. Maryse, shoot me straight, on a scale on 0-Arsen, what are we talking here?

Maryse: Grey!! Angst-scale? A good ol’ 8-10… depending on your angst-tolerance. Tee hee!!! This totally DID IT for me.

Kandace: I can’t stop reading.

Donna: Drive is my top read of 2017, so glad you loved it too x

Oooooooooof!!!!! I feel like I lived two whole lifetimes in this book… two whole incredibly romantic, emotionally tumultuous lives. And loves. And the whole thing, entirely through the eyes (and mind and heart) of the heroine, keeping my own heart engaged the entire way through.

It was beautiful, and raw, and honest, and INTENSE, and bound for heartbreak, and I loved each life (love), as if it were my own. I’m telling you right now, my friends, if you love an “old-school” indie love triangle, THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!! And even if you avoid them (but love a good love story), this one will make you feel every single step of the way. And you’ll question your own allegiance in this one.

Cheryl: I just finished it today. I LOVED it- maybe even my favorite of the year. It also had my favorite ending-ending. Usually I’m saying I loved the book but wished for more of an ending, but have to say this one had everything and it even gave me pause and I wanted to throw my kindle, but then I didn’t. ;)

“Tell me that life magically starts to happen.”
“One minute past desperation, baby. I promise.” *sigh, my heart*

Nay: Amy–addictive is right. and Reid is SO pissing me off! This book is breaking my heart and I’ve been crying ALLLL morning. Where are you %??? (I’m at 61%). Maryse–have you finished?

Amy: *sags against pillows and closes Drive* That…was perfect.  PERFECT.  The last 30% had me so mixed up, I didn’t know WHAT I wanted for her…and the turmoil was delicious. And things ended exactly as they needed to.

Cait: Drive was amazing!

At a certain point, I was blinking away my tears (<— actually that happened a lot), in an utter panic, literally rocking back and forth in place furiously, while reading. Didn’t even realize it until I started cramping and had to readjust. Yeah. It sucks you in THAT hard. What I love about it, is that she GOES there. It’s ugly at times, and wrong, and yet… so right.

My face was burning, my chest on fire. Get a grip, Stella.
I unbuttoned my tweed coat, suddenly in need of more brisk air. I wanted to be covered in it. I wanted to numb myself, but even in sub-zero temperatures, I knew I would still feel the burn.

So what’s it about?

I’m going to tell you honestly… as fun and clever as that blurb is, the book and actual story is SO MUCH BETTER. Sure the blurb intrigued me, but I didn’t quite get the right “feel” of what I was about to embark upon, when I read it. It was the reader reactions (the old school OMG BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!! LOVE TRIANGLE AT IT’S BEST!!! freak-outs) that had me realizing I WOULD be able to connect to this one, just right.

*ahem* But I digress. This is the “what’s it about section” and I’m gonna give you only a hint. Because the synopsis IS somewhat convoluted, and this is for a reason.

Stella, raised in a wonderful household with a fun and loving family and wonderfully secure childhood is venturing out on her own. Always considered the wild child (emotionally overstimulated at times, or…what her father called “passionate”, and encouraged to be herself), moves in with her older, more stable sister. She’s jumping into adulthood with both feet, her dreams (and confidence) running wild and has it all mapped out. She’s addicted to music, and wants to be a writer… a music journalist. She wants to tour the world, and write articles about bands that she loves, or discovers, or both.

And then she meets her sister’s best friend, Reid. Brooding and jaded, and her sister warns her… DO NOT FALL FOR HIM. But openhearted Stella realizes he needs a friend, a little understanding, and some help, too, and despite their less-than-friendly start, they eventually forge a different kind of secret bond.

“All your secrets are safe with me,” I promised. He slowly nodded as I walked out the door…

Then Stella realizes he’s the drummer in one of her newly discovered indie bands, and she falls head over heels.

“What would I love?”

“He’s going to meet up with his band.”

Goose bumps covered my arms and hair stood up on the back of my neck. “What band? He’s really in a band? I thought he was joking. Why didn’t you tell me?!” Paige looked me over, brows drawn. “Uhhh, because maybe you two don’t like each other?”

I rummaged through my tickets and shoved the cash and credit slips into her hand.

“What’s the band’s name?”

“Dead Sergeants.” My eyes widened.

“He’s the drummer, or will be again when he gets out of that cast. Wait, where are you going? Stella, don’t run after him!”

But I was already out the door.

And so do we.

Trust me… this entire book flows so wonderfully. No step is skipped, no stone unturned, and the author indulges us every step if the way. There’s no rushing in this book. The purest of slow burns, but tantalizing the whole way. Coupled with the funny parts, the laughs and snuggles, so heartwarming, and uplifting.

But you know how it goes when you fall in love with an up-and-coming, young and yet already wearied rock star. Upheaval. Despair. Confusion… and then, possibly moving on.

After all, when we think we’ve found the love of our life, do we ever really move on?

What was it about a woman’s psyche that refuses to let us ignore the old aches, the ancient pains, and the memories of the men we bind ourselves to?

I used to think men were experts at forgetting about the past and moving on, but I was finally old enough to know better. Their memories were just as vivid, just as painful. They were just better at letting go.

*hrmph* *sneaky smirk* I’ll let you work this one out for yourself. 😉 And trust me. You will have NO idea where this is going. And you’ll love every single angsty moment of it. This book gave me the warm and fuzziness, and also made my blood run cold.

By the way… my heart is still broken. And yet, totally whole. How can that be?  I never wanted it to end. And yet I couldn’t WAIT for it to end. So I could know. Have that relief. Let myself go, once and for all. And boy did I.

5 stars PLUSSSS!!!!!!! I WILL NEVER forget this one, and will cherish it like I cherish my forever favorites from a few years ago. This one is one of those!!! THIS is what my kind of book love-stories/”romances” look like. No. Read like.

P.S. I just realized I’ve been rocking back and forth again writing this review. Yikes. I’m obviously still overstimulated. This one did a number on me. Well, at least I’m burning calories. 😉

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

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

➔➔➔  Love this author? Browse more Kate Stewart features and reviews on my blog. 😀


 

20 Friday Finds & Reader Recommendations – October 20th 2017

By 96 Comments


SATURDAY BREAKING NEWS UPDATE!!! Oh wow!! I just found out I had an extra credit on my Amazon that was still unused (for the Apple eBooks Antitrust Settlement – has it just been added into my account??) Eeeeep!!!  eek Who cares!! YAY ME!! :D!!! Check yours ➔ https://amzn.to/2yEyTmE
HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!! MY LATEST BOOK REVIEW IS UP ➔ Book Review – Drive by Kate Stewart, (this one was just released) and we LOVED like crazy, so I can tell you that, THAT will be my biggest recommendation of the day, weekend, month… maybe even year. 😉 IT. WAS. AWESOME!!!!!!!
It brought me back to my old-school, new adult love story indie days, that took my heart on a roller coaster ride of emotions, my heart dipping and swirling, and almost crashing, and I have to say it. Drive is one of the BEST reads of the year, and it is another that will be forever on my favorites list. And now, Unloved, a love story is up next for me!! YAY ME!!!! 😀
But in the meantime:
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE FOUND :D!!

  • Bountiful (True North Book 4) by Sarina Bowen <— LIVE!! SARINA BOWEN HOCKEY STAR ALERT!!! “...Hockey star Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach...”
  • Unintended: A Sin Series Standalone Novel (The Sin Trilogy Book 5) by Georgia Cates <— LATEST BY GEORGIA CATES IS LIVE!!! HE’S A MOBSTER & NEEDS TO TAKE A WIFE… “…a new duty calls. I must take a wife. A wife I don’t know. A wife born into a position at the top of The Fellowship hierarchy. A wife who will forge a strong alliance between her brotherhood and mine. A wife I don’t want. I knew next to nothing about Westlyn Breckenridge when I abducted her…“
  • Thrill of Love: Ty Braden (Love in Bloom: The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor Book 6) by Melissa Foster <— LIVE!!! MELISSA FOSTER’S LATEST (and it has tons of great reviews!!) “...After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create. Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains...”
  • Me Before You: A Novel by Jojo Moyes <— ONE OF OUR FAVORITE BOOKS EVERRRRRRR!!!! SUPER-BARGAIN ALERT!!! OMG!!! In case you haven’t read it yet, get it now!!!! P.S. My review.
  • Hollywood Love: Book 7: A sexy celebrity romance (Hollywood Billionaires) by Jillian Dodd <— LIVE!!! Another installment in her serial series!
  • An Untamed State by Roxane Gay <— TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! bev found us this one!

bev: An Untamed State is on sale. Not an easy read but a strong heroine. Could make you cry and want to throw something across the room. But very good. It is not YA and mostly her pov. Trigger warnings. Amy you might like it.
Amy: “…It is not YA and mostly her pov. Trigger warnings. Amy you might like it.” YEAH!!!!!! *shoots arms in the air*

  • Dirty Rich One Night Stand: a sexy standalone novel by Lisa Renee Jones <— LIVE!!! THE LATEST BY LISA RENEE JONES is super-bargain priced!! He doesn’t know who she is but she’s been watching him… “He’s a stranger. And yet, he’s not. She knows him even though he doesn’t know her. He’s the powerful attorney, now world-renowned after coming off the trial of a century which was publicized across the country. And I’m one of the reporters that sat in his courtroom. I watched him, studied him, got to know him from afar..”
  • Out by Cara Dee <— LIVE!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! “I had two things on my list when I arrived in Los Angeles. One, track down Henry Bennington, the uncle and guardian of my little brother’s best friend, and tell him to get his ass back to Washington. He needed to do something about his nephew, who was turning into a douchebag. And two, figure out just how non-straight I was…“
  • Familiar Angel by Amy Lane <— LIVE!!! M/M ROMANCE ALERT!! “...Now Harry and his brothers use their sorcery to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking—but Harry’s not doing so well. Pining for Suriel the angel has driven him to take more and more risks until his family desperately asks Suriel for an intervention...”
  • Halloween with the Hunk: A Lumberjack Romance (Holiday Studs Book 1) by Jewel Killian <— LIVE!!! HALLOWEEN HUNK ALERT!!“What do you do when the lumberjack next door knocks on your door? You let him the hell in!”
  • The Trouble with Lexie: A Novel by Jessica Anya Blau <— MADE AMY FACEPALM A FEW TIMES!! Tasha found us this one on sale!

Tasha: The Trouble with Lexie by Jessica Anya Blau is on sale… Amy, didn’t you read this one, not too long ago?
Amy: Tasha…yep, I read The Trouble With Lexie and REALLY liked it! I would definitely rec it, even if some of her decisions will make you cringe and do a face palm.

  • Ripple Effect: A Novel by Keri Lake <— DARK ROMANCE HITMAN ALERT!!! Nancy found us this one on super-sale!!! She says: “RIPPLE EFFECT is a full-length, standalone dark hitman romance. Comes with a link and password to steamy bonus scene.”
  • Taken by the SEAL: A Virgin and Navy SEAL Romance by Callie Harper <— LIVE!!! THEY’RE IN A REMOTE CABIN TOGETHER… “...Taking Olivia hadn’t been my plan. I’d been prepping my cabin in the woods for my own getaway. 
    I’m an ex-SEAL, but my instincts are still strong. One glimpse of her innocent, terrified eyes and I know I need to save her…“
  • Jaws by Peter Benchley <— JAWS!!!! ENOUGH SAID. 😉 Remember that decapitated head? I do.  I was little when I saw that the first time, and that scene is burned into my brain. *shudders* P.S. Renee found it for us on super-sale! “Omg Jaws is on sale”
  • The Consequences Series Box Set by Aleatha Romig <— DARK READ ALERT!!! In case anyone missed it the first time around, when I heard a NEW book is coming out in the series this month Ripples: A Consequences Standalone Novel, I knew I had to post this!!!

Adele: YAY!!! One-clicked that baby. The Consequences series still makes me shiver when I think back on it. Crazy insane books, but in the very best way!
Sherry: LOVE ALL her books!

  • Dr Stanton by T.L. Swan <— BACK ON THE LIST ‘CAUSE BIANCA IS FREAKING OUT & IN LOVE!!!!

Bianca: YOU HAVE TO READ Dr Stanton! I think I’m in love! I’ve fallen in love with a fictional character!! And not just one either, no no the whole lot of them in the book! I really really regret having not read the other parts of the seriesfirst! I would’ve had a more well rounded journey as I read this book and I just know I would’ve loved them too!!Now to figure out what to read next …aaagghh!!!

  • The Billionaire’s Toy by Penny Wylder <— LIVE!!! EVERY WOMAN HE HIRES QUITS WITHOUT WARNING... It’s a short one but sounds like it could be fun. “Andrew Xellum is one of the richest men around and sexy as hell in a suit. But the rumor is that every woman he hires quits without warning. If I wasn’t desperate for money I’d avoid him at all costs…”
                  

 

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 Company by J.A. Huss <— Rochelle LOVES these (5 stars!) but warns: “I am a JA Huss fan and bought The Company. It is on Audible. To my disappointment this is her 3 books together, Come, come Back, and Coming for You. This is an excellent read and the audible is fantastic. It is just sad it wasn’t stated as her other books renamed. So beware. BTW it is a 5 star read.”
Kooloo: I’m reading The Company by J.A. Huss and I’m sooooo into this one it’s like it was written just for me!!! I FLOVE this author and not just cause she has a Masters degree in Forensic Toxicology (she’s a big nerd like me)!

PREORDERS (Just a few of next week’s!!! :D )

  1. Move the Stars (Something in the Way Book 3) by Jessica Hawkins – October 23rd 2017
  2. Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely – October 23rd 2017
  3. Forever Right Now by Emma Scott – October 24th 2017
  4. Hallow Be the Haunt: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham – October 24th 2017
  5. A Little Too Late by Staci Hart – October 24th 2017
  6. Strange Weather: Four Short Novels by Joe Hill – October 24th 2017
  7. Leopard’s Blood (A Leopard Novel) by Christine Feehan – October 24th 2017
  8. Forever Right Now by Emma Scott – October 24th 2017
  9. Tainted Butterfly (Tainted Knights Book 2) by Terri Anne Browning – October 24th 2017
  10. Falling Fast by Aurora Rose Reynolds – October 24th 2017
  11. Go to Hail (The Hail Raisers Book 2) by Lani Lynn Vale – October 27th 2017
  12. Ripples: A Consequences Standalone Novel by Aleatha Romig <— October 31st 2017!!!

          

Reader Question… Solved! The book about the bar that serves as a sanctuary for shifters (but humans are allowed in)…

By 8 Comments

Mary needs us today, and I think I know the answer. 😀 But then again… there have been a few series with this theme, so it could be something else and I’m all ears!!! Or eyes. 😉 ‘Cause you know… books. *snort*

She asks:

Hi Maryse,

So I have a(nother) book I need help finding. My biggest problem is I’m not sure if it’s a series and if it is, I might be combining books – I’m a mess.

Anyway, the book is about a family of shifters that own a bar. Humans are allowed to go to it, but it serves as some kind of sanctuary for shifters. One of the shifters (younger sister) is helping someone injured and I think she has feelings for him.

That’s all I’ve got. Thanks for your help!!

Thanks,
Mary

Mary!! I think it’s Sherrilyn Kenyon’s “Dark Hunter” series and the book that is coming to mind is “Wren’s” book Unleash the Night (Dark-Hunter Novels Book 8) (which I LOVED!!). Although the sanctuary is often mentioned and featured in scenes throughout the series.

Anyone else?

Melissa: My very first thought was of Dark Hunters. The bears owned the bar. Sanctuary? I think thats what it was called.

Jessica:  Isn’t that part of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s darkhunter world?

Whitey: Sanctuary.. in most of the Dark Hunter books..

Renee: Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunter series. If I am not mistaken this is this first werehunter book Night Play (Dark-Hunter Novels Book 5)

Tammie: Definitely Sherrilyn Kenyon’s darkhunter series…..these are all awesome books.

Keri: Yep! I agree with the above ^

Tessa: Bad Moon Rising: A Dark-Hunter Novel. That’s Aimee’s story, the only daughter of the Peltier’s family. I had to look up where it falls in the series, but it was the 19th book in the series if it helps.

Mary: Thank You All!! It was the 19th book in the DarkHunter series. I re-read 1-11 then figured I may have made this part of the series up! Thank you all again.

Maryse: YAY!!! Another one solved. We all had the right idea, on this one. 😉 But Tessa was our pinpointer!!! 😀

➔➔➔  Browse more reader questions (solved & unsolved) here. 😀 Maybe you’ll find a solved one to read or have a guess for us for one that’s still unsolved.

Have a reader question for us to solve? Send it to me here.

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