Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

I’ve wanted to share this with you for ages but couldn’t figure out how to until now. My birthday is long gone, but Sharon blessed me with this cool clip on the day…

 How fantastic is that? I felt very special! ❤️ This awesome ecard and more is available from American Greetings. 

I saw this on the @LatersBabyFR Twitter page, printable Fifty calendars from the Love Fifty Shades site.

Nifty, huh? 👍🏻

I always admire the edits people do for YouTube. The time and energy that goes into producing something for the sheer pleasure of sharing. This one is no different. From Twitter @50ShadesFierce, Toy Story gets a Grey makeover…

Buzz makes for an interesting Mr Grey. I like when his wings spring into action. 😉

Then, MORE from Sharon – quite literally. Focus Times reports on a new male record holder, a 48.5cm/19.1 inches long record, if you catch my drift…. I’m not sure if I should be impressed or horrified! 😳

This week I read:

Grey by E.L. James – for the second time. Actually, I didn’t read it but listened to it via Audible, and boy, was it fun?! I enjoyed it a WHOLE lot more than the first time. That voice! Just. Wow. Thank you, Lissa for redirecting my attention back to Christian.

Currently I’m reading:

 
Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland and Their Virgin Hostage by Shayla Black and Lexi Blake, book 5 in the Masters of Menage series.

Here’s to stating the obvious…

😂

I hope your week ahead is filled with fabulous reads, girls.

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

How has your weekend been so far? Have you read anything awesome lately? I read a white-hot one this week, but more about that later. 😉

I came across this recently, a surprisingly insightful review of Fifty by a gangsta….

Who would have thought? Pretty good, IMHO. 👍🏻

On another topic, yet oddly related, recently I’ve seen a slew of articles broaching the Hairy-Mary (or not so hairy) subject. (Thank you, Katherine for the delightful reference.) Sharon shared the latest one by Rebel Circus – should you or shouldn’t you shave? Is the proverbial fur burger back in fashion? It’s worth checking it out for the pictures alone!

 

LOL! 😂😂

This week I read:

 

Cheater by Rachel van Dyken, book 1 in the Curious Liaisons series, was a good read, it certainly ticked all the boxes, but despite my 4 star rating, it didn’t quite have the punch of her previous stories.

Rough by Sybil Bartel, book 2 in the Thrust series, came highly recommended, and boy, was it H.O.T!

Currently I’m reading:

Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland.

The advent of August is brining along with it a whole host of new treats. Thanks to Goodreads, I can share them with you:

Well… That should keep us busy, huh? 😉

I’ll leave you with a little life philosophy…

😊

Have a brilliant week, girls.

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

Well, winter ❄️ finally descended on our tropical half of Australia and to say I am not happy is an understatement! Feeling chilly in the middle of winter is so unreasonable. LOL! Yes, I know. I’m a weather wuss! 😂

I caught this on Twitter in celebration of World Emoji Day (who knew??), Fifty Shades Ireland summed up Fifty Shades of Grey and Darker in smiley form….

How cool?! 👍🏻

Then, for the last 2 weeks I’ve been chatting about Passionflix picking up our fav reads. Now Jesse is included in the mix. Yes, we’ll be seeing our beloved Lord of the Manor on the silver screen. Actually just the proverbial one seeing as Passionflix is a streaming platform. See the news of the This Man series being turned into film on Jodi’s site. 

Lastly, before I jump into my book club post, Sharon shared this: more absolutely gobsmacking romance novel covers from Lit Reactor. I especially enjoyed this one…

You have to ask yourself who gives their nod of approval to these beauties! 😂

This week I read:

Dirty Girl by Meghan March, book 1 in the Dirty Girl series. I adored the previous series I read from her but that was her latest offering. This one is a year old, and what a difference that year makes. This book is definitely not up to her improved skills. I will not be heading to book 2.

Currently I’m reading:

 

Rough by Sybil Bartel, book 2 in the Thrust series and Cheater by Rachel van Dyken, book 1 in the Curious Liaisons series.

On my shelf:

  

I have a whole slew of new goodies: Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland, Trust by Kylie Scott, and Wrecked by J. B. Salsbury. Happiness is a full bookshelf! ❤️

And here’s a cautionary word on excessive plastic surgery…

LOL! 😂😂

Have a stunning weekend, girlfriends. I’ll check in next week.

Between the covers book

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

My first week back at work and already I’m looking forward to my next holiday! Wowzers! How can one person be so damned busy?? 😝

Before I get into it I just want to wish my favourite Irish blogger’s hubby a speedy recovery. Hope the card makes sense, girlfriend. Google translate is not always the best source when it comes to language help! 😉

Then, I have some news. Sharon took this exciting screenshot for us, Erika tweeting that she has 3 chapters left to write in what I assume is Grey book 2, Darker from Christian’s POV.

On the one hand I’m optimistic. If she’s writing, hopefully it means that she actually wrote, not just swapped views like she did in book 1. On the other, I’m worried that we won’t get the MORE we’re after. Whatever she does, I predict we’ll buy it and devour it despite the content. But I can’t help asking myself if, from a writer’s creative perspective, that’s a good or a bad thing. Does the guaranteed mega sales make you lazy or inspire you to wow your fans? #GoodQuestion

Last week I reported on Passionflix adapting Sylvia Day’s Aftershock and Afterburn series for the silver screen. This production company seems to be the go-to guys for our genre books. They are the ones making Alessandra Torre’s Hollywood Dirt, Bromberg’s Driven series, and other stories including those from Rachel van Dyken, C.D. Reiss, J. Kenner, and more. BUT, and this is a big but, unlike what we assumed (or perhaps it was only me), these movies are not going to appear in cinemas all around the globe. Passionflix claims to bring us “Original content, turning best-selling romance novels into movies and series. From sweet and sassy to sultry and steamy, our originals will leave you gasping for more.” The catch? This is a streaming company, similar to Netflix. No going to the movies with your best gall, chomping popcorn while you watch your fav novel come to life, but it does stream said book to the comfort of your home for the bargain price of $5.99 per month. What do you think, ladies? Hot or not?

Check out the Passionflix’s Hollywood Dirt trailer….

This week I read:

Or I should say, “I hardly read!”? I did manage to finish Raw Need by Cherrie Lynn, book 2 in the Larson Brothers series, but just barely. I’m sad to report that this was the first book from her that I struggled to finish. I can’t say why, can’t put my finger on it, but it simply didn’t do it for me.

Currently I’m reading:

Dirty Girl by Meghan March, book 1 in the Dirty Girl Duet series.

On my shelf I have:

Rough by Sybil Bartel, book 2 in the Thrust series. Thanks for the rec, MAC! 😘

I’ll leave you with this useful advice for those of us turning the corner to maturity….

😂😂

Let’s hope I find some good reading time this week! Have a beautiful weekend, girls. Let us know when you find a book gem.

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

On the last day of my holiday let me wish you a happy World Chocolate Day for Friday.  🎉 What I don’t understand is why the day isn’t celebrated with a public holiday?? Seems fair considering the joy chocolate brings! 😉

Then, I have some fun news to share. Firstly, if you follow social media, you might have witnessed the Twittersphere explode with news of Jamie playing golf this week. Doesn’t seem newsworthy until you take a closer look at the picture…

Oh my. Is that a golf ball in your pocket or are you just happy to see us? 😉 Thank you, Lissa and Sharon for brightening my day with this tidbit.

We’ve all heard the rumours of Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series being turned into a TV series, but that project has been taken off the table according to her site. However, Sharon found this….

Aftershock and Afterburn, another series from Ms. Day, is being made into a movie. Though I’ve read both books, mostly to while away the time as I waited for a new Crossfire novel, I’m having a hard time recalling the details of the story. Interesting that they would go with this particular range rather than her more well known books.

Lastly, for those of you with romantic hearts, check out these adorable doodles from Bored Panda illustrating a happy couple’s life:

Cute, huh? ❤️

Currently I’m reading:

Raw Need by Cherrie Lynn, book 2 in the Larson Brothers series. I haven’t gotten very far yet, so the jury is still out.

On my shelf I have:

Dirty Girl by Meghan March, book 1 in the Dirty Girl Duet series.

I’ll leave you with a little levity…

😂😂

Have a good one, girls. See ya’ next week.

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗 

I hope you’re all well and happy wherever you find yourself today. 🌸

I just adore all things comedic that’s sprouted from our beloved Fifty. This past week Lissa shared this: wives texting their unsuspecting husbands lines from Fifty Shades Darker. Click this Womanista link for a giggle…

😂😂

The following vid is super cute. If the guy in your life struggles to find your… uhm, button of pleasure, here is a FANTASTIC way to SHOW him….

Thank you, Sharon for guiding us to cliroral enlightenment! 😉😉

Then, you remember Brant Daugherty, the actor who plays Sawyer in the Fifty Shades movie franchise? Sharon spoilt me with another delicious tidbit, an article from Just Jared featuring Christian’s close protection agent looking REALLY buff…

Holy WoWzEr! Phew! Shave the beard and you have a pretty plausible Christian, don’t you think? 😉

This week I read:

The Farthest Edge by Kristen Ashley, book 2 in The Honey series, was good if you don’t mind reading a virtual carbon copy of the first book in the range. Loads and loads of bonking with a female Domme and her alpha sub. Personally I still have an issue with the whole alpha sub concept, but for the sake of the genre, I’ll deal. 😜

Undeniably You by Jewel E. Ann was not for me. I can see the appeal but the flat, juvenile characters, the female protagonist in particular, left me cold. I gave it a reluctant 3 stars simply because the things that put me off are particular to me, not reflective of the book’s quality in general.

All I Am by Jodi Ellen Malpas, book 3.5 in the This Man series was a lovely reminder of why we (well, most of us) loved Jesse and his crazy-assed antics. Despite her recent failure to capture our attention, All I Am was a wonderful glimpse back into beloved characters’ lives. I thoroughly enjoyed emotionless Drew feeling the burn of love. Poor guy! 😂

Currently I’m reading:

The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz. I’ve got a LOT on my plate this coming week. I don’t know if I’ll have even a moment to spare, but, as always, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my girl, Tiff. 👍🏻

I’ll sign off with this useful reminder from Sharon to exercise….

😂😂

Have a brilliant week, girls. Thank you for thinking of me and sharing your thoughts when you come across something you think I’ll enjoy.

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

What’s new in your world? Nothing much happening in mine at the moment, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. No news is good news, right? 😉

This week I got a hilarious link from Sharon: Boredpanda feature REAL couples recreating cheesy romance novel covers. Too damn funny! I especially like this one with the unicorn in the background!

Kinda’ reinforces the need for tanned, ripped bodies, huh? 😂😂

She also shared this astoundingly hypnotic clip. It’s super weird, but damn, I can’t help staring at it. 

I’m not sure if it’s hot or disturbing! 😝 If the link is not working for you, you might need to sign in to Facebook to see the video.

This week I read:

Vicious by L. J. Shen, book 1 in the Sinners of Saint series was great, exactly what you’d expect from this gritty writer, but therein also lies the problem. Some authors have SUCH a distinctive style, such type-cast characters, that despite their books being awesome, you can only read them in small doses. Do you find the same thing? Kristen Ashley is another I could pick out in a book line-up without missing a beat. Great writing but recipe bound.

Real Dirty by Meghan March, book 1 in the Real Dirty Duet series was so good I jumped straight into book 2, Real Sexy. The range is well written and has a good story, it’s sexy and plausible. And if the words don’t do anything for you, I bet the big boy on the cover will! You gotta’ love a bad boy turning good for the love of his life. 😋

Currently I’m reading:

The Farthest Edge by Kristen Ashley, book 2 in the Honey series and Undeniably You by Jewel E. Ann.

On my shelf I have:

All I Am, Drew’s Story by Jodi Ellen Malpas, book 3.5 in the This Man series. I’m curious about this one. The way I understand it it’s technically NOT about Jesse and Eva, but has Jesse doling out advice to Drew. Though it is a novella it’s a pretty meaty one from a page count point if view. Let’s hope she brings back some of that Jesse magic!

Let me leave you with another import, again compliments of Sharon. She does a stellar job of keeping me stocked in entertaining (naughty) goodies! 😘

Oh my…. 

Happy weekend, lovelies!

Between the covers book club

Hello there, lovely ladies

This last week saw our first REAL chilly weather, and as you can imagine, I am Not. A. Happy. Puppy. ❄️ But, luckily, it also came with some stellar reading, so that’s a win. 👍🏻

I forgot to mention this with my previous rambling, but Sharon shared this, a blogpost from the Shameless Book Club featuring 16 Romance and Erotic Books to Read Before You Die. Not sure why Christian and Gideon didn’t make the cut, and a few I personally don’t feel belong, but nevertheless, an interesting mix and perhaps fodder for your bookshelf. Let us know if any on the list blew your mind and is worth pursuing.

As far as I know nothing new or exciting is brewing in our little world, but I came across this article by Entertainment News where Erika speaks her mind on writing Christian’s POV. Interesting stuff.

Then, let’s dive right in, shall we?

This week I read:

 

When It’s Real by Erin Watt was a lovely light read showing us yet again how shallow and lonely stardom can be. I enjoyed the premise, but it has to be said, cottoning on to my book-nookie trend observation from last week, that the lovin’ was VERY lite and started very late. With the previous success of her Paper Princess series I would have thought that she would stick to her winning recipe. Alas.

Sparrow by L. J. Shen scored a mega 4 1/2 stars from me. Thank you, Tara for the rec. 😉 It was much more gritty than our usual clean-cut stories, rather like a fairytale from the rough part of town, but it was well worth the glimpse into the grimy underbelly of crime families. I will definitely be looking for more from this accomplished writer.

Currently I’m reading:

Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker, book 1 in the Wild Wedding series.

I couldn’t help posting this. If boys have their toys, well then, so do we girls.…

😂😂

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, lovelies. As always, please feel free to share your book glory stories with us!

Between the covers book

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

How was your week? Anything interesting to report? I think I do… I might have started to notice a new trend in our genre. Lately, in almost every book I’ve read from an established author in our genre, the lovin’ was postponed to around 2/3 in. When the FSOG craze hit the market we saw the relative fast capitulation by the lady. Her resolve to stay away from her billionaire’s magnetism crumbling along with the speedy turns of our pages. Then came the rise of first-page nooky. Quick, hard and dirty was the name of the game, but the hook-up eventually evolved into a deep and lasting connection. Now we’re seeing a host of stories where there is some sort of reason that make romantic liaisons impossible until very late in the tale. Is it only me, or do you see it too? Tell me what you think, girls. I can’t say I mind. If the story is gripping I don’t particularly care when the joyous joining occurs, but it makes me curious to see what comes next. 

This week I read:

 

Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters, book 1 in the Truth and Lies Duet series. This was a strong rec and an interesting read for me from a writer’s perspective. Firstly, the tale is a fresh take on your standard boy-meets-girl. It had lots of unusual and creative plot lines, all of which makes for a good read. However, the author’s research lets her great story down. Personally, I get stuck on serious plot holes and this one is riddled. It’s a helluva’ pity. If you can read over the gaps, she’s written great characters woven into an engaging idea. Thank you for the gift, Katherine! 😉 I wish I could edit her book and make it as awesome as it could be.

Trophy Wife by Alessandra Torre was a sad disappointment. Throughout the book it felt as if she was building up to the gobsmacking twists that she’s known for, but, as I saw the place line on the bottom of my e-book’s page inch closer and closer to the end, I realised that there was less and less time for the excitement I sensed gathering to play out. In the end, the HEA was flat and gratuitous, it left so many important plot points unexplored, unanswered that I felt utterly deflated as a result. What a shame. 😔

Currently I’m reading:

When It’s Real by Erin Watt.

Before I sign off, let’s look at what June will bring thanks to Goodreads:

I’m particularly excited about the This Man novella and the new one from Christina Lauren. 🎉 Usually I wouldn’t hesitate to click that pre-order button on the latter, but the theme sounds so much like their first book in the Beautiful series, Beautiful Bastard. I loved the whole series, but BB was my least favorite, and I’m not particularly keen on a repeat. If you’re going to jump at their latest offering, please let me know if we’re getting another Chloe and Bennet, or if it feels completely new.

Let me leave you with this funny visual…

😂😂

Have a beautiful weekend, girls. Hope you spend it relaxing with a good book!

Between the covers book

Hello there, lovely ladies 🤗

How are you? My week was marred with the news of a dear friend and fellow book lover landing in hospital. 🤕 Dear Susan, I’m hopeful that you’ll be on your feet before long, fully healed and well again. I look forward to dissecting many more books with you in the future. #GetWellSoon

This coming week sees the Darker DVD release here in Oz. If you’re here in Australia, Sydney specifically, you might want to celebrate by spoiling yourself (and your partner) with an event that promises to be every bit as delicious as the books: “Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment invites you to a one-of-a-kind dining experience in celebration of the DVD release of Fifty Shades Darker on DVD and Blu-ray, out May 24. For one night only, experience a Grey style date with bespoke cocktails and a six course degustation menu inspired by the film’s romance and sensuality. The catch-all? Do it all while wearing a blindfold. With only your partner guiding your way, test your trust and bond by sharing the decadent courses of the unique menu.”

Personally, I love the idea. Check out this link to secure your spot. And just look at some of the delectable goodies you’ll get to savor… 

 

Looks yummy, right? 😋😋

Unsurprisingly, Darker scaled the DVD charts placing Fifty right at the very top – again. See this Variety article featuring Universal Pictures cornering the market.

This week I read:

Sweet Barbarian by Jayla Jasso. Now you know paranormal is not my thing, but despite this falling in the time travel genre, and utterly farfetched in it’s progression, I loved it. It was an unexpectedly sweet read, the barbarian a dreamy mix of alpha caveman and devoted hottie, top-shelf book boyfriend material. It’s a lovely light read, but well worth the uncomplicated R&R it provides. Thank you, Sharon for sharing your sexy BB with me! ❤️

Currently I’m reading:

 

Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters, book 1 in the Truth and Lies Duet series and Trophy Wife by Alessandra Torre. Not much to say yet, both are intriguing so far, so that’s promising. Also, I’m happy to say, that Torre’s gone back to her twisty turns story style for this one. #Hopeful

Have a beautiful weekend, girls. If you go to the above mentioned event, let me know how it went. I’ll be pea-green with envy! 🤢