Hello, Ladies 🙂
How are all my girlfriends in Grey doing? One more week before the start of our summer school hollies. Yay!
I saw this on Buzzfeed: 12 books by Indie authors. Have any of you ladies read any of these? I’ve read and enjoyed Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan, and the Frenched series by Melanie Harlow was great, but the Driven series by K Bromberg didn’t really do it for me. Let us know if you recognise any forgotten treasures in there 🙂
With all the trendy young guys out there these days, is this what we can expect from our future granddaddies? 😉
Then, this cute link is from Sharon: Fifty Shades of Black…
This week I read:
Thirty Nights by Ani Keating, book one in the American Beauty series, was an interesting experience. It’s my understanding that it was originally written as FSOG Fan Fic. For me, it started out as a two star read, the homage to Fifty simply too much. It came with its own broken, despotic billionaire complete with the prerequisite bodyguard, the Spanish artistic best friend (who may or may not feel romantically for our heroine), and the irresistibly vulnerable virgin. Throw in some odd grammar at times and I was pushing through only because of some VERY strong recommendations for this book. It took me up to just over 40% to become truly captivated by this story, but once I did, I was hooked. As the story unfolds, the male protagonist’s tale is what makes this book REALLY engaging. His scars are much deeper than Christian’s, the repercussions of his condition making life with him infinitely more complicated. And it all leads to a hella’ cliffie that I now cannot wait to jump off of! I say bring on book two already!!
Currently I’m reading:
Last Night by M. Pierce, book two in the Night Owl series. I maintain my previous stance on this book: it’s a very intriguing premise, but right now, at 70% complete, it’s lagging a little. It did, however, recently deliver this beautifully true quote:
This sign outside a tile store made me smile…
LOL! 😉
Have a beautiful weekend, girls. See ya’ next Sunday!
fifty shades of grey and more 
Hi Monique sorry but the beard on the grandads freaking me out a little well a lot lol definitely prefer clean shaved guys.Thanks for the review on Thirty Nights, I won’t read it now based on that. I did read the fanfiction which I enjoyed but disappointed to know the book is the same so not for me.
I didn’t read anything last week I have nothing that I haven’t read before and unfortunately no recommendations are exiting me at the minute.
It’s winter here and my favourite time to sit in front of the fire and read but nothing to read so hopefully the ladies can help.
Have a great week x
LikeLike
I’m sorry my review put you off, Katherine. I hope it didn’t come across as a negative review. I actually loved it in the end it just took a long time for me to develop that love.
Yes, the grandad is freaky! I’m not sure how I feel about it. Definitely intrigued by the look…
Hopefully you’ll find your book bliss soon. Good to hear from you!
LikeLike
Not at all Monique I’m glad that you always give honest reviews.
I just don’t see the point in reading something I’ve already read just with different character names. I forgot to mention I’ve preordered pucked so looking forward to that and still looking for Hush
LikeLike
I’m glad you feel that way, Katherine. It’s good to know. Preordered Pucked? It’s been out for ages. That’s really strange. I loved it thought: naughty and funny, but I hear book two is terrible, so I think I’ll give it a miss.
LikeLike
Sorry I meant Pucked Over the second part! Yeah I loved Pucked I wonder if MC will make an appearance in this one 😁
LikeLike
I LOVED MC! He was awesome sauce! Let us know how you go, Katherine.
LikeLike
That movie clip still makes me laugh. Not sure I want a whole movie of it, but will keep an eye out for the reviews.
Your Buzzfeed list was perfect timing. I’ve had Raw (#1 on list) in my iTunes library for ages, and finally started reading it last week. And I almost liked it. How is that for a recommendation? I heard this was her first book, so I’m sure that was part of it. It took 4evah to get to the big reveal, you already knew what it would be, and I finally skipped most of the repetitive scenes and read the last chapter. And no HEA. So it had strong potential, I liked the storyline, good characters, but there were more story issues than you would want me to get into here.
I’m with you on Driven. Thought it was OK, and that race fans would prob enjoy the setting. I liked Creed, but it wasn’t a fave. May look into some of the others.
LikeLike
IKR?? Do you think it’s really coming?? Oh dear! I don’t know if this makes me naive but I honestly thought it was just a joke! 😂😂 I like your rec! Yes, I know exactly what you mean with almost liked it… Makes perfect sense to me. And thanks for putting me onto Thirty Nights of Snow. Kept me up, that book! 😉
LikeLike
It’s for real! It will help pass the time while we wait on Mr. Grey!!
LikeLike
LOL! Oh dear…. 😂😂😂
LikeLike
Glad 30 nights eventually sucked you in, Monique. There were more FSOG similarities initially, she did change a number of them in the final rewrite.
While the basic core group remained similar to FSOG, it didn’t take long to perceive them as their own distinct characters. I very much enjoy her writing style. English isn’t even her first language, but she is better at shaping it than I am, and it is my only language! Just a little writing envy here from a non-writer. (Is that anything like penis envy?)
However, I’m astonished to report to my lovely LOG’s that I didn’t 100% adore the book. I was devoted to the pre-publication version, and am sooooo grateful that I read it first. Some of the changes were smart, and tightened the story. She added a big twist toward the end, and it was a great touch. However, she changed the center of the story in a huge way. It just did not work for me, and I assume it was required as part of the publication editing process. I even understand the reasons for the change, but it took a big bite out of the passion of the story for me. I missed the myriad of fun and tender moments that made me love both Aiden and Javier beyond distraction. Since I did read the first version, I was already in love with them, but not sure this book would have taken me there on its own merits. Maybe.
Her ending sequence still grips my heart like no other, and is one amazing ride of emotions. Will be looking fervently for book two, and the author promises we will be very happy. It will resolve Elisa and Aiden’s heartbreak, and then book three is Javier. I’m a sure thing for all of them. Thirty Nights will remain a strong “don’t miss this ride” recommendation from me.
LikeLike
Aww, that’s a pity, Sharon. Yup, I guess it’s the price one pays for putting up with a publisher. I really don’t understand what their deal is with word numbers etc. In an e book, who cares how long it is?? It’s not like they need to pay for extra printed pages!! The author does seem to have an amazing imagination, though.
LikeLike
LOL, exactly like penis envy. Too funny…how do I explain to my grandmother what made me snort? Your writing skills are not exactly lacking!
Agree re:30 nights. Wish she had self-published and not let the story change so much. Assume there is more $ potential with the resources of a publisher. Still love it.
Monique…awesome highlighted quote, have to save that one. Sometimes a passage says it perfectly!
LikeLike
It’s beautiful, isn’t it and TRUE! I love that about ebooks: that you can highlight and bookmark.
LikeLike
Hi Monique I’ve read 8 out of those 10 on buzzfeed…..does that say something about me!?!?😂 Here’s to Happy holidays and more reading💋
LikeLike
Yes, it says your as as addicted to reading than the rest of us! LOL! Nothing wrong with that! 😉 Thank you. I’m looking forward to the break!
LikeLike
Lynn, which ones did you like the best?
LikeLike
Well, after a long hiatus from Tiffany Reisz, I’ve begun again with The Saint. The first series was unbelievable but I can already tell that the white years will be equally awesome! I LOVED reading Soren and Eleanor from their beginning! Such an intricate storyline and well thought out. Enjoyed it so much! Now I’m hooked once again and will be on to the next this week. Don’t know where I’ll go after this series. I’m preparing for the mother of all hangovers!
LikeLike
There’s none better than Tiffany Reisz. Just an FYI, the Saint is on sale right now for .99 if any LOG’s have been dragging their feet.
LikeLike
Ooohhh, great special!! Thanks for letting us know, Sharon. I liked the book so much I’d buy it twice over! LOL!
LikeLike
Aww, the series is epic and The Queen does not disappoint! Enjoy the amazing journey! 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Monique 🙂
I read the First book in the Frenched series but it wasn’t for me. However, I’m a huge fan of Kristy Bromberg’s books. I read below you didn’t care for the Driven Trilogy but she has 4 stand alone books that you may like.
Happy Reading😄.
Karen Fischer
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
Hi Karen I will check these books out I’m so stuck for something to read
I didn’t particularly enjoy Driven either but I’ll have a look at the stand alone books
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Karen. That’s good to know! 😉
LikeLike
Hi Monique, well….I have finally read all of the Original Sinners books and free stories….I just have a couple of the novellas to go. What an amazing collection of stories! Their world is so different to mine and yet I do not doubt the love, the loyalty and the lives whose stories are told. Highly recommend the series even to people like me who are not into hard BDSM. I really hope that she writes more books. I feel like Nora, Soren and Kingsley’s story isn’t over though I’m not sure what is left to write. Oxymoron, I know!
Re Crossfire….I am thrilled that there is a release date but horribly disappointed that it is in April! What a load of ]!#*~€\ that it was going to be released in 2015! I know you share my frustration Monique. Cxx
LikeLike
Oh I do share your frustration, Casey, but we’ve been through this what feels like countless times with her. It’s a wonder she still has a following. It’s certainly a testament to our love for GC.
Yes, I’ve said it a million times: Original Sinners is EPIC in the best possible way. Not only the incredible intricacies of the story, but how she managed to make such an extremely taboo world accessible to her readers without being burned at the literary steak, is nothing short of a miracle. This is how strangely skewed the world is though. Erika copped all the flack in the universe for writing Christian the “monster BDSM abuser” but something like Original Sinners, certainly from what I see around the book blogs, comments etc. remain untouched, accepted. I guess the type of person that hates FSOG is probably not going to spend time reading OS, but still. It’s very strange.
LikeLike
Hi Monique, yes it’s definitely because we love GC so much…..this last book better be awesome!!! You’re right about OS but then again, I don’t think it has quite the following that FSOG has. Also, I think TR is a better author. (Though I still found hundreds of spelling errors in her books but not as many grammatical errors as ELJ’s….I used to be an editor so I HATE errors!) I do think that TR writes from experience and has an intimate knowledge of the BDSM world which makes it all the more realistic. I’m still not comfortable with the unholy trinity as a concept….one man with one partner in my mind….but I think it’s probably real in their world. I just hope she keeps writing their story! Cxx
LikeLike
Yes, TR is an exceptional writer! And her insight and imagination is simply astounding. I agree, most likely she has intimate knowledge of some sort. Write what you know, and all that. She’s made it all hella’ plausible. The Queen was supposed to be the final instalment, so I’m super curious about what’s gonna’ follow in its footsteps. It’ll have to be a mighty tale to top OS!
And double yes on the Crossfire finale being off the hook!! I just hope she brings her A game and that this will seriously be the last one. But there are A LOT of loose ends… *sigh*
LikeLike
HI Monique,
The Driven Series was it for me. I have never cried so much while reading a book. I can’t wait for ACE to come out in January. I will look into the others on buzz feed. Thanks for all you do. I do love your book reviews. Happy summer holly. How long to you all get? We have three weeks then off for Christmas break.
LikeLike
You’re so welcome, Melissa. I love chatting to you guys, and what better subject as delightful books? Our hollies span just over a month and a half. Yay! Some schools already closed last Friday!
LikeLike
Any of my LOGS read “Confess” Colleen Hoover?? Was looking at goodreads winners and it was top for romance and our Christian came second. It is a bit pricey so thought I would go to my ladies…
I have been reading MC Storm series. Just my mood I guess. Any goodies out there worth the plunge??
❤
LikeLike
Hey, girlfriend! I’ve read one of her books. It was beautiful and sad but lacked the heat that spices up my world, so I’ve not been back. Having said that, I think you can read her with confidence if you don’t mind the implied sizzle.
LikeLike
Yes, I’ve read “Archer’s Voice” several times! I love that book.
LikeLike
It was lovely! I understand that she’s sold the rights for a movie…
LikeLike
Mac, great minds and all that! I looked at the same thing and thought the exact same thing. I did download the sample, but I’ve never heard of it. Obviously, someone had. It won by quite a generous spread! Anyone else read it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sample hooked me. What an interesting premise! Review coming next week.
LikeLike
Yay! Let us know, girlfriend 😉 Also, make a note of what happening between the sheets!
LikeLike
Monique was it a yay or nay ~ in your humble expert opinion~ on the Ms. Manwhore?? I know we both wanted to bitch slap Rachel but can we still enjoy Saint or is she just to big a “PITA” ( Pain in the ass) to overcome.
LikeLike
No, it was okay. Better than the first!! If you search Ms Manwhore on my blog it should take you to my review at the time. You hit the nail on the head: SAINNT is yum, Rachel is a bum!
LikeLike
Good idea Sharon… Download the sample!! We do have a bunch of great minds don’t we??
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person