Hello there, lovely ladies 🙂
Happy spring to my fellow Southern Hemispherians. Here’s looking forward to long, sunny days and cool cocktails!
Rumor has it that we might see the Darker trailer in September. I, for one, am getting very impatient to see Erika’s vision come to life. From the stills we’ve seen, I feel confident that she’s stuck closely to the book. This article from Digital Spy has more info and a video featuring Dakota chatting about filming Fifty Shades of Grey. #QuietlyOptimistic
If you are in a country celebrating Father’s Day today, like we are here in Aus, give the dad in your live a big smacker on the cheek for being awesome! And while we’re speaking of fathers, these peeps who creatively put together the edits of Jamie and Dakota are just incredible. Check out this fabulous one:
They look so real. I saw this one on Pinterest, but credit to the owner.
I also found this on the marvelous net. It would make a very cute gift for a couple, don’t you think?
Sadly, I’ve not found any reading joy this week. It’s very frustrating flitting from one book to the next, and not finding something to sink your teeth into. Hopefully the new month will bring wonderful things.
This week I read:
Push the Envelope by Rochelle Paige, book one in the Blythe College series, was a disappointment. I wasn’t expecting GREAT things – I was warned – but I so love a good college romance I couldn’t resist trying. The premise had potential, but the writer spoiled it with pin-balling conversation streams between characters that gave me whiplash as it fell flat on its face. It had no detail, no soul, no meat to its bones. It gets a big no from me, and it went straight to my DNF pile.
The Storm by Samantha Towle, book 3.5 in The Storm series, was a novella that was almost great. The original books were very good, and though this short gave us another glimpse into the delectable Jake Wethers’s life, I felt a little short-changed by the lack of closure.
Currently I’m reading:
Ransom by Callie Hart, book three in the Dead Man’s Ink series, is STILL good, but I’m struggling to get into it. I can only spend a short while on it before I get restless, prompting me to search for something else. I’ll review properly when I’m done, but it might be a while. Please don’t take my reluctance as a bad sign. I’m just not feeling it right now. At least the cover is not too hard on the eyes 😉
The Ground Rules by Roya Carmen, book one in The Rule Breakers series. I’m intrigued by this premise, and so far, the writing is sharp and clear. Here’s hoping…
Along with the onset of spring’s fresh blooms and crisp, green leaves, September also promises the release of new tales. Let’s take a look at what my favorite Goodreads email brought this week:
Yippee! Lot’s of new goodies! (As always, please note that the links aren’t live.)
I’ll leave you to ponder the costume choices of some folks…
Wow, huh? Not sure whose mom signed off on that one! LOL!
Anyway, have a happy week, girls.
fifty shades of grey and more 
Hi, Monique. There’s a lot of books to consider this week, some I’ve read already! Have you heard of “Bookish” by Olivia Hawthorne? I really enjoyed it. It is quirky and entertaining.
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Hi Elizabeth 😉 Nope, I’ve not yet had the pleasure. I’ll be sure to check it out. Thank you for the share 👍🏻
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Hi Miss Monique, While Spring is coming your way, Autumn is soon to arrive our way (I’m a Summer person:) I have read the “Ground Rules” series by Roya Carmen and I enjoyed it very much. Interesting premise on the curiosity of engaging another couple. There is another book by this author and I will share the title when I locate it. Be well 🙂
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Yes, that’s the thing about seasons, while I’m happy to see spring, the North is sneaking into chillier times. Hopefully it doesn’t get too cold where you are. I’m glad you liked Ground Rules. I like it so far, and as you say, interesting story line… Thank you for checking in 😉
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Sorry Push the Envelope didn’t push your envelope. LOL! I def liked it better than you, the dialogue didn’t bother me at all…..and I liked Drake quite a bit. Love a hot guy with a singular focus! That said, it was only a like for me.
And that was better than anything I read this week….so I feel your angst! Some weeks are just like that.
I read The Revenger by Debra Anastasia….and have to say, don’t believe it belongs to the romance genre at all, and maybe just barely in the paranormal. Definite no for me.
I read Prisoned by Marni Mann, as it was a standalone dark read, and I was in a good place for that for whatever reason. Childhood sweethearts separated by violent event, guy wants answers, she says never ever. Got a bit darker with torture than I was ready for, but overall I liked the book, interesting ending twist. And I really do appreciate the standalone books. I would not have liked to see this one dragged out into two or three books.
Then I read Suit by Jettie Woodruff, which I think is 3 books. Really was hating the abuse in the beginning, almost gave it up because of it, Skipped a few chapters and found elements that intrigued me, but not enough to continue the series.
SO ready to get away from the darkness, picked up the first book of the highly thought of Dartmouth Cobras by Bianca Sommerland. Guess it was me….couldn’t find a character I liked enough to care if they ever got coffee, much less sex. I got several of the books in a set….don’t anticipate going any further with it.
Haven’t chosen what’s next….let you know next week!
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No worries, Sharon. You did warn me! LOL! Yes, Drake’s single-mindedness and the college situation drew me to the book, but alas, the writing let it down. Pity. I feel your book pain this last week, sister. Let’s hope we’re onto bigger and better things this coming week… 😉
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Good morning ladies. good reading week for me. I finished book 2 Commanding Her Trust and book 3 Claiming Her Heart by Lili Valante and I have to say despite the length of the books I really enjoyed them hot sex dominant alpha male with a heart of gold what’s not to love?!.
So I’m going to try to write about the next book as eloquently as possible without giving too much away…………..Author Anonymous by EK Blair, for those that don’t know this is a true story as told to EK by another author.
The writing was fabulous and if EK’s plan was to make “Tori” the most unlikable selfish self centred person you ever had the displeasure to read about then she succeeded and then some. I couldn’t stand her and wanted to smash her face in lol. In saying that I was disappointed by the end of the book, going by all the 5* reviews on Amazon and Goodreads I really was expecting a major scandal which didn’t happen, not that I agree with what Tori done but I just expected more.
I would love to find out who the anonymous author was only because I would avoid her books like the plague as I would hate to spend my hard earned cash on her!.
The ending was also mentioned in a lot of reviews, I don’t think there will be a book 2 and I think the ending only reinforced how much of a selfish cow Tori really is.
I would recommend this book it isn’t dark at all but prepare to shout at your book/screen 😤😤
Have a great week everyone x
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Hello Katherine 🤗 Glad you ended up enjoying your short, hot reads. You’re right; hot, horny boy with an open hart is certainly something to smile about 😉 And from your review Author Anon seems pretty much exactly what we’ve heard, that the woman is awful and the ending sucks. Did you enjoy it, though? I know from your comment she (the character) made you mad, and some authors feel that if they make you feel anything, they’ve succeeded, but are you happy you read it? Thank you for taking the bullet for us and going where I fear to tread! 😂
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I am happy that I read it but I honestly don’t know if I enjoyed it or not, I know that sounds strange considering I stayed up until 5am to finish it but I felt short changed when I finished it do you know what I mean?
It could have been the ending or that Tori didn’t seem to suffer the consequences of her actions she was still lying at the end of the book.
I think you should read it I would love to know what you think of her, I think you’d be a bit more compassionate in your thoughts than I am
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LOL! I doubt that I would be, Katherine. I don’t know the circumstances, but she sounds horrible by all accounts, add to that no consequences and you’re guaranteed a grumpy me. LOL! I must admit that I am intrigued, but not enough to have a go… 😝
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I really think you should give it a try Monique I would send it to you if I could 😘
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Hmmm, we’ll have to see 😝
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I haven’t heard a word about it before now. I may check it out….but I wonder if it is an autobiography without being disclosed? Sounds like anonymous realized there would be a backlash and want to avoid it. Or maybe it’s just a creative staging for another fictional story?
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Nah, I believe it is the real deal. But I do wonder at the woman’s motivation. If there is no solid conclusion or consequence to her selfish behaviour, why publish it, especially if it paints you in such a harsh light? You couldn’t even call it a cautionary tale then… Strange.
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Hi Sharon, hope all’s good with you.
I really hope you read Author Anon, I would love to read the views of someone I “know” and I don’t think Monique is going to go there lol!
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LOL! So perceptive, Katherine! 😂😂
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HI ladies
Sorry I’ve been busy. Family visiting, the garden winding down and now it’s time to harvest pumpkins The weather is starting to cool of a bit, only low 90’s and no rain. I am so ready for winter. Monique you can have summer! Yesterday had the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Oklahoma 5.6. Oklahoma now out ranks California for the most earthquakes per month. Come to Oklahoma we have it all. HA HA.
I’ve read two books that were both ok. Nothing that made me need a clean pair of panties, but were ok.
*First “Break the Shy” by Nina Lane. I loved the characters and they were well developed, but I just could never get into the story. They took to long to get into bed with each other and the story just lacked spark. Though I could see several of you really liking it. I give it a 3. I think y’all should look at this book for yourself.
* Second “Phoenix Running” by Nicole Stewart. The is a M/M/F. It met the things I look for in a book, male loving male and well as both loving the female. The sex was just good. No decription of man parts or dirty talk. It could have just be me but the story dragged, so I did a no no. I read about half and then jump to the last chapter. I give it a 2.5.
As always I have been readying lots of Fanfiction. I’m in such awe of some of the writers and their imagination. Now I’m not saying they are all good writers but some of the shit they come up with for Christian, Ana and the rest of the gang in over the top. I am enjoying this facebook page, as it has completed stories. It is a closed page, but all you have to do is ask to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/TopTenFavoriteCompletedFanFictionstories/
Thanks to Monique for emailing me with a suggestion for a new book that I have downloaded. “Override” The Underground Club Book 1 by SJD Peterson. A M/M, that I love. Might take me awhile to get to it as I’m reading “Beautifully Brutal” Southern Boy Mafia Book 1 by Nicole Edwards. Most of Nicole books have overlapping characters. And I’m off to a Lactation conference the rest of the week.
Have a great week ladies.
Crystal
USA
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Oohh, lots of stuff going on. How exciting, Crystal. And I’m happy to take the summer! 😂 No worries about the rec. I just hope it’s a worthwhile read. Thank you for checking in, girlfriend and happy pumpkin harvesting!
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Read the second Shadowlands….and have decided that I have to parse myself on these b/c when they end, I’ll have nothing to look forward to. But also, have to go outside the genre b/c two books just came in that I have to read in 3 wk. One Pompeii to get ready for a trip to Rome the end of the month and the other the new Lianne Moriarty book. Monique, hope this isn’t a cliche-ish question, but how are her books viewed down under? I mean other than they’re huge successes?
As usual, cannot go very long about thinking of FSOG. My hubby just sourced a hard copy (pun?) of Freed for me today…for only $1.25!…b/c I want to read it in tandem with a copy in Hebrew that I have. Of course, have to make sure I don’t use any naughty vocab from the book in everyday speech…lol
And just realized that I will be traveling when the next movie comes out in February!! Am trying to control my apoplexy and determine which drugs I’ll use to deal with the depression. If I can’t slip away from the planned events on the trip, I might have to wait until Feb 15 or so when I’m in NYC but can’t drive b/c I’ll have major jet lag. ARGH!!
So I’ll just leave you with this extended interview with Jamie and Cillian Murphy I found on line:
http://www.rte.ie/player/il/show/the-late-late-show-extras-30003017/10618147/
Lissa
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Hey Lissa! Pacing yourself, huh? That’s very disciplined! If I find something I love I read it to death! LOL! Moriarty, like you say, is a big seller. I hear good things but I’ve not dipped my toe in that pool. You MUST let us know how the Hebrew version of FSOG compares with the English. And traveling during the movie release time? That is a bummer! Hope you manage to make a plan to see it with all of us! Great hearing from you! 😉
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Quick reply about the Hebrew….I get the same kick (shall we say) when I read “yes, sir” in Hebrew as I do in English. My Hebrew is good enough, not great, but I was delighted when I found out that when I muddled thru the books in Hebrew, I got the same visceral reactions at the “right” parts. In airport book stores. I’ve looked at Spanish and French editions looking for the “good” parts. Not not a good reaction, but not the same frisson (shall we say). Fascinating how language is hard wired into our…um…hardwiring.
Release date is Feb 10th best I can tell. I think I’m in Sydney then thru the 14th, but don’t know the schedule and where I’ll be whether I could pop off to a theater. Hubby would prob not give me permission anyway. Will prob have to hit a NYC theater on the way back. Plan to start premedicating…now.
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Huh. That is interesting, Lissa. Well then, here’s hoping you get a thrill in EVERY language… 😉 Yes, I think it’s best you start medicating now. It will be tough knowing it is out and you have to wait! My sympathies 🤗
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Oh Lissa I understand about Masters of the Shadowlands. Love the books and on my last vacation started a reread of them. The newest one just came out book 11 called “Protecting His Own”. Haven’t read it yet but I love all Cherise Sinclair books.
Enjoy your trips.
Crystal
USA
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Oh boy oh boy oh boy. Thanks Crystal….9 more to go!! I also like Tara Sue Me (same sub-genre) and she has a book and a novella coming out in the next few weeks. I’m on the library queue for those but Cherise Sinclair doesn’t have ebooks or eaudiobooks at the libraries I belong to. Will just have to save up my Amazon points.
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