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The Bourne Initiative was just released and the publisher is having an awesome giveaway right here on the blog!

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<— Hey you guys!!! I know I’ve watched (and LOVED!!) a few of the movies, but did you know this was actually a book series. HOLY MOLY it’s a HUGE book series!! And the latest one was just released! And guess what?

Grand Central Publishing sent me The Bourne Initiative (YAY ME!!!), AND is offering a prize pack for one lucky commenter here! (YAY YOU!!!) 😀

About the Series

Jason Bourne is one of the most popular and compelling characters in contemporary fiction. Originally created by bestselling author Robert Ludlum, the Jason Bourne series was later adapted into films that have become modern classics. Now, New York Times bestselling writer Eric Van Lustbader carries on Jason Bourne’s story with a new novel about the rogue secret agent who has lost his memory…

What do you have to do to enter to win?

Just leave a comment (and preferably, what your favorite espionage-type thriller book or movie is) and I’ll randomly pick one lucky commenter (at 9pm this Sunday, June 18th 2017 – Father’s Day!!)  for this prize pack:

One (1) winner receives 10 books from the Jason Bourne series, from book #5 The Bourne Betrayal through the latest release, The Bourne Initiative.

Giveaway open to US addresses only.

Prizing and samples provided by Grand Central Publishing.

Good Luck my friends!!! What an awesome prize pack indeed! 😀

Reader Confession – That time Maryse almost killed Keri Arthur…

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Okay yeah, this t-shirt is totally apropos, considering this post. 😉
Er… I mean tripped… TRIPPED. eeeeeeep!!!! Still though… almost just as bad, and OMG I’ve been thinking of it as “killed” (tongue-in-cheek, mind you), since that very day. ;)Did I ever tell you about that time, when I almost tripped/killed the VERY popular author named Keri Arthur at an integral moment in her life? I think it’s time I told you. But keep in mind, this happened back in 2009 (when I was BRAND SPANKING NEW to the book world). I’ve kept it a secret for years (and years), and I was mortified.

P.S. I still am. Oh yes. I hope she doesn’t read this, because I’m worried she’s still fuming.

Okay, so… this one time… I went to the MEGA RT Book Lovers Convention and it was my VERY first book signing EVER. I had JUST gotten back into hard core reading because of Twilight, and had JUST started my blog, and it just so happened that RT was in Orlando that year, so close to me and just a few months after I went live with my blog.

It was KISMET! I was meant to become a part of the book world, and here was my chance to meet my very favorites and LEARN LEARN LEARN!!!!

So I get there, and I am AWESTRUCK. Almost EVERY AUTHOR I was addicted to was there, and they were all SO NICE!!!!!! They wanted to take pictures, they wanted to chat about their books, and they seemed as excited as I was! I was ADDICTED. Not just to the books, but to the book world.

It was time for the RT Awards ceremony, and off I went, all alone (that’s right, I went ALL by myself and knew NOBODY), and I walked into the auditorium, feeling like I had no right to be there, finding a nice quiet spot in the very back of the room, far from the stage, but that’s okay. I had my HUGE LONG trustee camera lens to bring EVERYTHING up close. I was gonna BLOG my heart out about this, even if I was so far away from it all.

As I was hiding there in the back, a lady was standing next to me, glanced at me, and asked if I was okay to capture everyone with my camera? Oh yes. Look at this crazy lens. I could get it all! I was so proud. And then, while everyone was being seated, she said, “Follow me”.

Eeeeeeeep!!! eek WHAT? Where? Oh oh. Am I in trouble? But no… she lead me right to the very front (or almost… maybe it was the second row) and she sat me in the MIDST of it ALL!!!! I was freaking out, thinking, wait…. NO!!! I don’t think I’m allowed here? But she assured me it was fine, and as she walked away, everyone around me greeted me, so friendly, as if… OF COURSE I should be there. Amidst them all.

OH. EM. GEE. What world was I in, and how could I stay here forever??!!! And P.S. I was terrified!!!!!!

The lady to the right of me asked me how I knew Kathryn Falk…that very magnificent lady that had lead me to my seat. *gasp*!!!!!  OMG. REALLY??? I dunno, I just met her now, but she is the most amazing lady ever, as far as I’m concerned.

I sat there, unloading my “convention swag bag” (it’s big and FULLY loaded) and my camera bag onto the floor in front of me (heck where else was I going to put it all?), and watched the ceremonies while taking photos. And then, THE Keri Arthur was called up for an award. Now… lemme remind y’all. It is DARK in that auditorium. This TRULY feels like an award ceremony, and I can only see who’s on stage, and those right next to me.

Keri Arthur accepting the Career Achievement award for Urban Fantasy.

But the one right next to me was Keri Arthur’s personal publicist (as I found out AFTER this moment) and the one right NEXT to HER was Keri Arthur herself. But I didn’t realize that yet. So there I sat, preparing my camera lens for her onstage moment, and realize someone just STOPPED ON A DIME right in front of me, glanced at me and did this: *blink blink*.

Oh yes. rolleyes I WAS BLOCKING Keri Arthur’s grand entrance with my plethora of BAGS at my feet. And now… HER FEET. eek GASP!!!!!!!!!!

To her credit, I swear that woman has some serious paranormal blood running through her veins (just like those in her books) to be able to stop so suddenly… so seamlessly and await my scrambling of unloading the bulk from her path.

And off she went…. so gracefully to accept her well deserved award. And yes. I took that photo of her onstage. I just never told anyone of the horror story before it. 😉

But now I tell. Eeeeeeeeeep!

Any embarrassing author moments you’d like to share? Don’t leave me here all alone, out in the cold, now!!!

P.S. For those of you curious about my blogs posts from WAY BACK THEN about THAT RT convention, here are those posts (p.s. excuse the formatting – that was back in the OLD WordPress days):

Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – June 13th 2017

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<— HAPPY NEW RELEASE DAY!!! LOOK WHAT’S LIVE!!!! I read it, enjoyed it BIG time AND I reviewed it, and now it’s finally here!

But, of course, it’s no longer on MY TBR list, but I have found a few on this new release list that has me squirrely. Like: Sugar & Gold (Emma Scott is one of my favorite authors, and this blurb is so intriguing and already tugging at my heartstrings), Dear Aaron (I’m DYING to read this, because she’s another one of my favorite authors and there’s just something about writing and falling in love with a soldier you’ve never met that I KNOW I can get into), Hot Cop (<— that title says it all!!! It’s such a fun-sounding blurb and she wants a baby, and I think she’s enlisting the hot cop.) Eight (he’s a single father with a baby, grieving the love of his life, and is struggling with his attraction to another woman), and this one!!! Never Again (she has the perfect marriage and is so happy, until an accident reveals truths and has them unraveling). OH MY!!!!

Oh and don’t forget to check out yesterday’s 13 Earlybird Book Releases (<— 2 on there that I WILL be reading, and maybe that will be next for me, especially the roommate one. Eeeeep!! :D!!!).

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

AUDIOBOOK L:DVERS

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

  • AND! Here’s the fun-tool again! —> Find out which of YOUR Kindle books are available as audiobooks at a BARGAIN-PRICE! <— This thing is so cool (Amazon calls it “Matchmaker“)! It’s an Amazon feature, that scans all of your Kindle books and will list all of the ones you have that are also available as an audiobook at a discounted price (not normal audiobook prices). This way, you can switch back and forth, seamlessly between your ebooks and your audiobooks. VERY COOL!
  1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  2. Silver Silence: Psy/Changeling Trinity Series, Book 1 by Nalini Singh
  3. Fierce Obsessions by Suzanne Wright
  4. The Identicals: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand
  5. The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter
    

 

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. Sales listed are for Amazon U.S., however some of the Amazon UK links also reflect the sale!):

  • Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata <— RECENT RELEASE FEEDBACK ALERT!!!! Sloooooooowwww burn but I hear OH SO GOOD!

Shunda: Omg! Just finished Dear Aaron! The feels my God the feels. I’ve gotten no sleep and it was worth it! Read this book.\

L. Davis: Just finished Dear Aaron and let me just say Marianna Zapata doesn’t disappoint ever!!! Loved it!

Ashley: Just finished Dear Aaron! Oh my goodness!!!! So good!! Her books always make me smile and I do love the slow burn. It made my day when I went on amazon to see if it was available for preorder and found out it was live! *happy dance* :)

MichelleS: I’ve been on a 5 star binge too! The Queen and the Cure (The Bird and the Sword Chronicles Book 2), American Hellhound (Dartmoor Book 6), both 5 stars! Now I’m reading A Strange Hymn.
  • Blue Collar (A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology Book 2) <— HUGE ANTHOLOGY ALERT!! And it’s super-bargain priced! “It’s time to set aside those sexy billionaires and enjoy stories about the everyday, even sexier bad boys you meet in real life. They may have dirty hands and wear tool belts and jeans instead of Rolex watches, but they’re earthy alpha males unafraid to get down and dirty when face to face with a woman in need–whatever her need may be!”
  • The Reluctant Dom (Siren Publishing Menage and More) by Tymber Dalton <— TRIO LOVE that made so many of us cry HARD!!!! Dee went crazy for this one!!
Dee: Honestly read this book a few days ago and it hit me so HARD! I cried for the first time reading a book, that was how deep it went, I’m not a cryer! Honestly I came to the same conclusion this story was about Seth and Kaden (Platonically) but that love, that love of true friendship, sigh!
      

 

PARANORMAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI/DYSTOPIAN

  1. Sugar & Gold by Emma Scott <— EMMA SCOTT’S LATEST ALERT!! And it has a touch of paranormal!!! 😀

D.G. Grey…Emma Scott…Sugar and Gold! Awesome read! But I maybe be partial because I love all her books!

R: I only finished one book in May so good thing it’s my favorite 😆 Sugar & Gold, Emma Scott.

  1. Beyond by Catina Haverlock and Angela Larkin <— SHE DOESN’T REALIZE HE’S A GHOST ALERT!! “Presley Hale has no idea the guy she just told off in the school parking lot died in a drowning accident four months ago. Why would she? It’s not like she knows she can see the dead. Stunned by Presley’s sixth sense, Landon Blackwood rethinks his planned departure and begins tracking her to find answers to their mysterious connection...”
  2. The Girl From Mars: A Starstruck Novel by Brenda Hiatt
  3. Grizzly Beginning (Arcadian Bears Book 2) by Becca Jameson
  4. Unraveled By Blood, A Sweetblood World Vampire Romance by Laurie London
  5. Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity) by Nalini Singh <— NALINI SINGH ALERT!!!!!
  6. The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter
  7. Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack Series Book 6) by Suzanne Wright
  8. Jupiter’s Shadow (Smoky Mountain Wolves Book 1) by TL Reeve
  9. Blood Renegades (Rebel Vampires Book 3) by Rosemary A Johns
  10. Hidden Talent (StarLords Book 1) by Bianca D’Arc
         

 

CONTEMPORARY

  1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid <— TAYLOR JENKINS REID ALERT!!!!!! IT’S FINALLY LIVE!!!
Grey: Yes! Tomorrow is Sugar & Gold day…and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo day. I have been fortunate enough to prescreen them both… *tosses confetti* it will be a party here tomorrow I’m thinking!
  1. The Map That Leads to You by J.P. Monninger <— Tasha found us this one!!! Just checked my email and Goodreads said this one released today too. I put this on my tbr bc someone said they’d heard the main character resembles Jess from Gilmore Girls (sold!), and also I liked the blurb. Lol, but I thought at the time it was already out for a while, so surprise! :P I’ve read Lisa’s review too, looks like a keeper!
  2. MR. ROOK (Mr. Rook’s Island Book 1) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff <— HIS ISLAND CATERS TO YOUR ULTIMATE FANTASY BUT THEN HER SISTER GOES MISSING… “…when Stephanie Fitzgerald’s sister doesn’t return after her week in paradise, Stephanie will have to pose as a guest in order to dig for answers. Unfortunately, this means she’ll need to get close to the one thing on the island that’s not on the menu: the devastatingly handsome and intimidating Mr. Rook.”
  3. Finding Memories (Breaking Free Series) by Becca Taylor
  4. My Kinda Night (Summer Sisters Book 2) by Lacey Black
  5. Sweet Regrets (Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series Book 5) by Jennifer Peel
  6. Setting Off Sparks (Jupiter Point Book 4) by Jennifer Bernard
  7. Clair (Beach Brides Book 4) by Grace Greene
  8. Dangerous Rush (Furious Rush Book 2) by S.C. Stephens <— S.C. STEPHENS ALERT!!! RACERS & NOW SHE’S STUCK SEEING HIM WITH HIS EX… “...when Hayden’s racing team hires his beautiful ex-girlfriend, Felicia, to be their new hotshot rider, Kenzie and Hayden’s seemingly solid relationship begins to crack. Kenzie can only watch from the sidelines, as Felicia lives the life she was forced to leave behind…“
  9. Hard Stick: A Breakaway Novel by L.P. Dover <— HOCKEY STAR ALERT!!! THE GIRL HE’S CRUSHING ON HAS A DANGEROUS SECRET ... “When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again..”
  10. Deep Burn (Station Seventeen Book 2) by Kimberly Kincaid
  11. Whisper Forever by C.A. Harms
  12. Strangers Like Us (Reunion Gap Book 1) by Mary Campisi
  13. The Unexpected Husband (Captured by Love Book 8) by Miranda P. Charles
  14. All the Secrets We Keep (Quarry Road Book 2) by Megan Hart <— MEGAN HART ALERT!!! “In the riveting conclusion to Megan Hart’s passionate new family drama, the secrets they keep are no match for the truths their hearts will never let go.”
  15. Black Forever (Obsidian Book 4) by Victoria Quinn
  16. Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack Series) by Suzanne Wright
  17. The Ultimatum: A Thriller (The Guardian Book 1) by Karen Robards
  18. Issued to the Bride One Sniper (Brides of Chance Creek Book 3) by Cora Seton
  19. Silver Spoon Romeo (The Royal Romeos Book 5) by Jenny Gardiner
  20. Too Close to Call: A Romancing the Clarksons Novella by Tessa Bailey <— FOOTBALL STAR WANTS HER BACK ALERT!! “Four years ago, she walked away from Kyler, choosing a quiet life over the flash and notoriety his career would someday bring. Now he’s back in their Indiana hometown, refusing to leave for Los Angeles without her...”
  21. Finding Hope (A Chance and a Hope Book 2) by SJ McCoy
  22. The Identicals: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand <— TWIN SISTERS THAT ARE SO DIFFERENT … “After more than a decade apart, Harper and Tabitha switch islands–and lives–to save what’s left of their splintered family. But the twins quickly discover that the secrets, lies, and gossip they thought they’d outrun can travel between islands just as easily as they can.“
  23. The Third Wish: A Novella by Carolyn Brown
  24. Logan’s Light: A SEALs of Honor World Novel (Heroes for Hire Book 6) by Dale Mayer
  25. Slave To The MC (Penetrators MC Book 2) by Devyn Douglas
  26. The Last Guy by Ilsa Madden-Mills <— ILSA MADDEN-MILLS ALERT!! HE’S THE NEW SPORTS DIRECTOR AT HER NEWS STATION… AND HE’S A FOOTBALL STAR... “The first rule of office romance is don’t do it–especially if your dream is to hold the anchor spot on the nightly news and your boss is trying to get you fired. But one look at Cade Hill, the sexy new sports director, and uptight reporter Rebecca Fieldstone is daydreaming about other things...”
  27. Hot Cop by Laurelin Paige & Sierra Simone <— SHE WANTS A BABY & HE’S A HOT COP ALERT!!!! “…Livia Ward wants a baby before she’s thirty.  And even though Officer Chase Kelly is exactly the kind of cocky jerk this librarian has sworn off, he is undeniably hot.  Both of them think they can give each other what they want–a few nights of fun for Officer Kelly, a no-strings baby for Livia–but this hot cop is about to learn that sex, babies, and love don’t always play by the rules...”
  28. Sam’s Legacy (MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 4) by Shirleen Davies
  29. Preservation (The Walsh Series Book 7) by Kate Canterbary
  30. Bind (Irish Mob Chronicles Book 3) by Kaye Blue <— HE FINDS OUT HE HAS A SON… “When a one-night stand tells me I’m her kid’s father, it’s a shock. But I’m determined to do right by my son. Jess…she’s a different kind of surprise. Stepping in to raise her foster sister’s child. All gorgeous curves and dark skin, she takes no sh*t from anybody—even me.“
  31. Redemption: (Cattenach Ranch) by Kelly Moran
  32. Above and Beyond (To Serve and Protect Book 1) by Kathryn Shay
  33. MFM: A Menage Romance by Lauren Bliss
  34. More Than Need You (More Than Words Book 2) by Shayla Black <— SHAYLA BLACK ALERT!! “Book Two in Shayla Black’s sexy and emotional contemporary romance series More Than Words…”
  35. An Unlikely Bride (Lucas & Ava #2) (Billionaires’ Brides of Convenience Book 7) by Nadia Lee
  36. Paradise: In Search of Love by Sharon Hamilton
  37. The Thought of Romance: Legacy of the Heart Book One: Arcadia Valley Romance by Danica Favorite
  38. The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna (The Undaunted Debutantes Book 2) by Christina McKnight
  39. Forged in Flames (Made of Steel Series Book 2) by Ivy Smoak
  40. Playful Hearts (A Rocky Harbor Novel Book 4) by Marianne Rice
  41. I Knew You Were Trouble: An Oxford Novel by Lauren Layne
  42. Eight (Love by Numbers Book 6) by E.S. Carter <— HE’S GRIEVING THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE ALERT!! “She was my first love. She is my last love. I am an empty husk who pretends to be filled with enough love for those of us she left behind. Our little girl and newborn son need me. I am both mother and father now. I am hollow and empty. I am a shell. So why does the girl with the face of an angel and eyes that mirror my emptiness, look at me like I’m her everything?” P.S. CAN be read as a standalone.
  43. Butterfly Island by Corina Bomann
  44. Roamer (The Nomad Series Book 3) by Janine Infante Bosco
  45. The Beach House Anthology by LK Shaw
  46. Erin’s Kiss by Lora Leigh
  47. Fighting Mac (Charon MC) by Khloe Wren
  48. Empathy for a Killer by <— M/M ROMANCE!!! “Detective Shaw Peters, Burgess’ partner for several years, loves Burgess in ways he perhaps shouldn’t. Or ways that Burgess won’t accept, anyway. But Shaw isn’t one to back down from a challenge, and as well as being by Burgess’ side on the hunt for a killer, he has his own mission to accomplish—getting Burgess to admit they’re meant for each other...”
  49. Beautiful Assassin: Revelations (Destiny Awaits Book 2) by Stephanie Nicole Norris
  50. Soul Bound: The Warrior (Soul Bound Series Book 1) by Jas T. Ward
  51. Deadlock (Uncommon Enemies Book 3) by Fiona Quinn
  52. Decadence by Lynnette Brisia
  53. Forever Yours (The Brooklyn Brotherhood) by Addison Fox
  54. Never Again (Never Again Series Book 1) by Jamie Lynn Boothe <— SHE HAS THE PERFECT MARRIAGE BUT AN ACCIDENT HAS IT UNRAVELING... “One accident sets off a string of events that forces Sam to watch her life fall apart piece by piece. Loss, grief, betrayal—and the revelation of a long-kept secret have Sam questioning whether she will ever be able to find the happiness she once had…”
  55. The Beach at Painter’s Cove: A Novel by Shelley Noble
  56. To Die For by Caitlyn Willows
  57. Heartbeat of the Bitterroot by Janice Mineer
  58. Dear Addi by Regina Cole
  59. Mafia By Blood (Soul of the Sinner) by Rumer Raines
  60. The Masterpiece by Bonnie Dee <— M/M ROMANCE (I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! THIS AUTHOR!!!) He’s going to turn him into a “gentleman”. “…Joe is happy to participate in the experiment for a fee but receives more than he bargained for after moving into Lawton’s house. Arthur is determined Joe won’t merely wear a veneer of sophistication but educates him in every way. As he creates his new and improved man, Arthur grows more deeply infatuated with him, while Joe falls equally hard for his charismatic mentor. Underneath a growing friendship, desire simmers and one day explodes…“
  61. Hunter (Brawlers Book 4) by J.M. Dabney <— M/M ROMANCE ALERT!!

                                                         

 

PREORDERS (next few days, and next week’s!!! :D )

  1. All I Am: Drew’s Story (A This Man Novella) by Jodi Ellen Malpas – June 18th 2017
  2. Strong Enough by Melanie Harlow & David Romanov – June 19th 2017
  3. Black and Green: The Ghost Bird Series: #11 (The Academy) by C.L. Stone – June 20th 2017
  4. Stay by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen – June 20th 2017
  5. Lost and Found Sisters by Jill Shalvis  – June 20th 2017
  6. Hyde’s Absolution: Sydney Storm MC by Nina Levine – June 20th 2017
  7. Gone to Dust (Gravediggers Book 2) by Liliana Hart – June 20th 2017
  8. Revenge (A Lawless Novel) by Lexi Blake – June 20th 2017
  9. Salvaged: A Saints of Denver Novel by Jay Crownover – June 20th 2017
  10. Always You (Bachelor Brotherhood) by Denise Grover Swank – June 20th 2017
  11. Dangerous Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel by Janet Ivanovich – June 20th 2017
  12. Tycoon by Katy Evans – June 20th 2017
  13. The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely – June 23rd 2017

➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2018!)

           

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

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Happy start of a new week, everyone!!! Tomorrow’s going to be crazy with the big release list, but today has a nice edge to it, too. 😉 In fact… I’m exceptionally excited about that one there to the left, and it sounds like all sorts of forbiddeny-trouble. Maybe even a little “Thoughtless–like“. Check out the blurb and you’ll see what I mean. AND!!!! I already love this author. I absolutely went CRAZY for this author’s book Undecided (Burnham College Book 1) so… *squeeeeeeee!!!!!* 😀

P.S. If you missed my review for our crew’s “buddy-read”I just posted it yesterday and here it is again: Book Review – When Life Happened by Jewel E. Ann

LOOK WHAT JUST WENT LIVE!!!!! 😀

  1. My Roommate’s Girl by Julianna Keyes <— LIVE!!! OOOOOOOOHHH ALL SORTS OF FORBIDDENY-SOUNDING! He wants his roommate’s girlfriend alert!! “…When I moved in with Jerry, it was with good intentions. I needed a place to live while I got my degree, and he needed a roommate. Then I saw Aster. Blond and beautiful, good, pure, sweet, smart…and Jerry’s girlfriend. She was everything I never thought I could have. Except…maybe I can…”
  2. Searching for Love: Behind Blue Lines Series by Christine Zolendz <— LIVE!! CHRISTINE ZOLENDZ ALERT!!  HE’S A COP & SHE TRUSTS NOONE… “Betrayed. Destroyed. Shattered. But, I’m used to it. After all, I’m a cop, and I’ve seen the worst. I just never thought it would happen to me. But it did. Now, I can’t trust anyone...”
  3. Low Tide: Rarity Cove Book Two by Leslie Tentler <— LIVE!! FAMOUS ACTOR AND A STALKER... “Hollywood leading man Carter St. Clair had it all—until a brutal stalker attack nearly takes his life. Seriously injured, he returns to his hometown of Rarity Cove, South Carolina, to recover in private, his outlook on fame forever changed by someone claiming to be his “number-one fan.”
  4. Fatal Knockout (Fatal Series Book 1) by Julie Bailes <— LIVE!!! HE’S A FIGHTER ALERT!!
  5. The Rancher and The City Girl (Temping the Rancher) by Joya Ryan <— LIVE!!!
  6. Blackmailing the Bad Girl (Cutting Loose) by Nina Croft <— LIVE!!!
  7. The Wrong Kind of Compatible (A Love Undercover Romantic Comedy) by Kadie Scott <— LIVE!!!
  8. Anarchy Chained: Alpha Thomas by J.A. Huss <— LIVE!!! J.A. HUSS ALERT!! “Yes, Sadie Scott, you’re mine now. We were made to be together. Body, mind, and soul.  We were made to be together. Just the three of us. Together. Forever.”
  9. Falling for the Fake Fiance (Snowpocalypse) by Jennifer Blackwood <— LIVE!! SINGLE MOM NEEDS TO BE MARRIED FOR HER INHERITANCE ALERT! “…she needs money more than ever. It seems her fairy godmother—aka her deceased Grammy—has granted that wish in the form of one-fourth of her estate. The only catch? She must be married by her thirtieth birthday. In two months. Aaron Collins is fresh out of the army and back in town to help his father’s failing business. When he runs into Jill at a hotel where she’s attending a single’s mixer…”
  10. Harem of Fangs (Stairway to Harem Book 1) by Emma Dawn <— LIVE!!! AUTHOR FINDS OUT VAMPIRES ARE REAL... “When renowned novelist Ally Swift goes to help a friend out of a jam, she finds herself thrust into a world she previously thought only existed in the paranormal books she wrote…”
  11. Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata <— MARIANA ZAPATA’S LATEST!!!!! SHE’S PENPALS WITH A SOLDIER THAT SHE’S NEVER MET... Eeeeep. My heart already aches! In case anyone missed this huge news yesterday, here it is again.
  12. The Right Ranger (The Men of at Ease Ranch) by Donna Michaels <— LIVE!! THEY’RE STUCK TOGETHER... “Former Army Ranger Cord Brannigan has a secret, too. He promised his fallen teammate he’d protect the tempting, fiercely independent Haley from a distance, but now they’re stuck together for three weeks…”
  13. The Story of Us: A heart-wrenching story that will make you believe in true love by Tara Sivec <— LIVE!!! TARA SIVEC ALERT!! MARINE MISSING IN THE MILITARY & NOW HE’S BACK…

            

PREORDERS (GOING LIVE AT MIDNIGHT!!! :D )

  1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid – June 13th 2017
  2. Sugar & Gold by Emma Scott – June 13th 2017
  3. MR. ROOK (Mr. Rook’s Island Book 1) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff – June 13th 2017
  4. Dangerous Rush (Furious Rush Book 2) by S.C. Stephens – June 13th 2017
  5. Hard Stick: A Breakaway Novel by L.P. Dover – June 13th 2017
  6. All the Secrets We Keep (Quarry Road Book 2) by Megan Hart – June 13th 2017
  7. Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity) by Nalini Singh – June 13th 2017
  8. Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack Series) by Suzanne Wright – June 13th 2017
  9. The Ultimatum: A Thriller (The Guardian Book 1) by Karen Robards – June 13th 2017
  10. Too Close to Call: A Romancing the Clarksons Novella by Tessa Bailey – June 13th 2017
  11. The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld) by Gena Showalter – June 13th 2017
  12. All I Am: Drew’s Story (A This Man Novella) by Jodi Ellen Malpas – June 18th 2017

➜ CHECK OUT ALL the upcoming BOOK RELEASES here (frequently updated and it goes all the way to 2017!)

          

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Book Review – When Life Happened by Jewel E. Ann

By 9 Comments

When Life Happened
This one has been all the rage since it’s release, and has had so many jaws dropping (and subsequently, quite a few warnings against reading reviews, since a few contain spoilers) and I must agree!!!!! BE WARY!!!!! This one is good, but definitely has a big twist that I didn’t see coming and had me double-taking, freaking out, backtracking and re-reading, just to make sure…

Robyn: I just finished When Life Happened. WOW…..I’m left speechless. I don’t even know what to say. THIS BOOK!! This will definitely be my best read for a long time coming. I don’t foresee anything topping this! My heart will never be the same. Jewel E. Ann, you have a gift, thank you for sharing it with us.

Lisa: When Life Happened has been near perfection for me…funny as heck, twists, heartache/angst, and so much unknown. The rest of my work day today will be devoted to finishing it (pretending to hang head in shame)

Andrea: Ladies, I one clicked this as soon as I saw Maryse placed The list. It was absolutely awesome. I have never read any other books from this author. I want to get it in paperback too. I would highly recommend and will most definitely reread it

Nay: Count me in as another who loved When Life Happened. Such a well-written, awesome book!!

Kandace: I’m so freakin excited so many of you are reading When Life Happens. I haven’t been able to start anything else since I finished. I’m *gasps* cleaning out my cupboards. <– I’ve chosen cleaning over reading. You know you’re suffering from a major hangover when that happens.

Leslie: I am not reading When Life Happened but I know spoilers and I am enjoying everyone’s reaction…I am cruel like that!

In fact, this one will be almost impossible for me to do the whole… “What’s it about?” section, ’cause how in the heck can I tell you without possibly spoiling a few parts that are so worth experiencing blindly, and therefore, feeling them, fully. I DO say read the blurb, as that will give you a good idea of what you’re getting into, but let me say there is SO MUCH MORE to this story than that.

It’s one of those. It’s loaded in this author’s signature character humor (goofy and fun, and real with mostly all that goes with the kind of female characters we love), and of course, the really heavy angsty stuff that has us feeling the love, and the pain.

So what’s it about?

Parker moves into her grandparents old farm house, and finds herself living next door to a very sexy (slightly older than her) electrician (Gus), with a “socialite-type” beauty-queen wife (Sabrina). She’s perfect, she’s beautiful, and the two of them together are a total wealthy powerhouse. Except that she’s entirely too focused on her career (jet-setting… everywhere), her social status and appearance, and he misses who she used to be. Who THEY used to be. Yet no matter how hard he tries to reach her again, he feels… she’s lost. At least to him.

Loneliness and resentment had crept into his life. He lived with a dog that belonged to his wife and a wife that belonged to her job. At least that’s what it felt like with Sabrina gone almost as much as she was there. And when they were together, they were still so far apart.

But when his wife hires Parker to be her personal “home” assistant while she’s away (to handle their dog – *snort*!!! That dog!!!

“I sat in a pile of his poop.”

“How did you not see—”

“Just …” She held a flat hand up to him. “Shhh. Good night, Mr. Westman.”

…their personal parties, the household tasks, cooking etc…), Gus and the ever-present Parker become friends.

“Sure. I love baseball.” Of course she loved baseball. Gus loved baseball. His absent wife did not like baseball. Gus questioned if his wife still liked him.

“Great … just … great.” His enthusiasm faded after the first great, settling into an uneasy pang of guilt in his gut.

Well, friends that antagonize each other (LOL!!) because he’d rather HIS WIFE be there with him handling these things, and well… she’s loyal to his wife.

That is, until the friendship crosses an emotionally needy line, and all bets are off.

Gray. A terrible color. The murky water where sinners thrived. Parker Cruse was a hypocrite. A cheater.

That’s where I’m stopping, because this one sure takes a twist that I NEVER saw coming (even though I kept hearing about this “jaw-dropper” so I KNEW I was in for something but what something??? I HAD  NO CLUE. And when it happened, I would have NEVER guessed it).

Maryse: WHAT WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT???? eek WHAT WHAT WHAT WHATTTTTT??? *ahem* I’m at something-% in the book and… and WHAAAAAAATTTTTTT??? eekeekeekeekeek

Maryse: *thud*

Amy:Yeah Maryse, that was me when I hit that part earlier. I did NOT see that coming. Ground, meet my a$$.  But the whole thing with Piper and Caleb and what everyone expects her to do for them…grrrrrrrrr. They’re all a$$holes.

Leslie: Maryse, I didn’t even read the book and I went “thud” on floor from spoilers!!! I have been anxiously awaiting you & Amy’s reaction. Can’t wait to see how you will write a spoiler-free review.

Amy: I just would have liked for things to be more thoroughly developed before THAT happened so I could fully feel the effect of it.  But even so, it was still a *BA-BAM!* moment. ;)

Jean: I just passed “that point” in When Life Happened……totally threw me for a loop! Did not see it coming at all! Already a 5 star read for me!

D.G.: So I guess everyone has hit THAT part were I was all like….Started reading “When Life Happens”…. UGHHHHHHHHH! #%%?!@@@?! Not sure whether I want to cry…be pissed and shelf it…or push forward!’ I mean seriously…don’t get me all invested and then drop this bomb…UGHHHHH!

Amy: “The whole damn room smelled like his cologne, which had to be the brand called ‘F*ck Me, Parker.’” *snicker* I’ve smelled a cologne or two like that over the years. Just insert my name for Parker’s. :P

Amy: OMG…the whole dog rape and “slut mutt” scene with Rags and the other dog at the rest stop is killing me. LOL!!!!

Did I love it like everyone did? Mostly. I loved the progression, the tension, and the anxiety it gave me. I loved how clever the twist was because of the fact that I didn’t see it until it bonked me over the head, and I loved the anticipation of where it would go from there. What I loved? The whole kismet aspect. Serendipity. LIFE as it sometimes is and has to be, for us damaged, jaded, and perfectly flawed humans to find ourselves, and to understand things that we once did not understand at all. And maybe find our perfect life. Blame and forgiveness. Guilt and realization. It comes full circle.

He feared losing her with the truth. She feared losing him to a lie. The irony made her nauseous.

*skip this next part, please, if you haven’t read it and want to go in blind. I won’t spoil it, but I do analyze my feelings of it as a whole*

However… as good as it was, I think I was expecting SO much more… craziness. So much more angst, and turmoil, and flawed human condition (and the trouble it brings). It took such a turn, so completely different than what I was investing myself in, that it took me some time to reconcile the eventual docility of it all. And, I think some parts moved so much faster than I wanted them to. Twice. AND therefore I found myself questioning the “reality” of certain emotions and circumstances (and reactions). Maybe a bit more time spend in a few integral moments and some of that slow burn to burn just a little longer might have had me reacting harder. That’s about my only complaint though.

Overall, entertaining, endearing, uniquely surprising and deeply though-provoking!

4 stars!

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