10. I’ve survived summer vacation, with only a few trips to Vodka Castle and the Wine Barn *shifty eyes* School starts Monday – I’m broke from buying school supplies, and I have to start packing lunches. (I’m trying not to whine!)
9. Speaking of the ridiculous price of school supplies, Avery Flynn has started a TeeSpring Campaign. I’ll let her explain:
It’s back to school time, but not everyone can afford the supplies needed for school. All profits from this Look Good, Do Good – School Supplies campaign T-shirts will go to the Kids in Need Foundation which provides free school supplies to students and teachers through the Kids in Need National Network of Resource Centers. Find out more at http://www.kinf.org If we sell 50 shirts, we will send approximately $400 to the Kids in Need Foundation. Come on, let’s show them what readers can do!
Find out more HERE.
8. Hey, how about some book news: Tessa Dare has a free novella out (I believe it was her first book published), called How to Catch a Wild Viscount.
Undeclared by Jen Frederick is free right now. I have not read it but someone on Twitter told me I should One-Click the shit out of it. So there is that. It was reviewed by May at Smexy long ago not to the best review. So there is that too.
Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha is free – I highly recommend this erotic series. (and I rec you read it in order. Beyond Shame is #1).
And in head’s up news: I read The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan, out 9/8 – I won’t go too much into it now since we have a couple of weeks before it’s released, but it was a solid A read for me. I loved and adored it (and it’s a new adult – what is happening???) So sexy with one of the best heroes. I’ll be back in September to make everyone read it.
7. I have more two more pieces of book news, but this is the section where Mandi complains. So brace yourself.
#1 – Burned by Karen Marie Moning. The release date is still January 2015 but – what KMM posted on her Facebook page this week has me worried and frustrated. First she released the back cover copy:
And I thought – gee – that’s weird…the entire blurb is about Mac. Ummm…isn’t this Dani and Ryo’s series? Then KMM clarified by saying:
BURNED clarification: Getting lots of emails from people asking if Dani is still in the series. Of course! But when I decided to condense the planned five books (3 Dani, 2 Mac & Barrons) to three, the narrative was best served by using Mac as primary narrator, Dani as secondary. I don’t pull punches or skim emotional connection with either story arc. The planned story lines have not changed, just the method of delivery:)
What the heck?! Two things here: I LOVE Mac and Barrons – but we’ve already had their HEA. I don’t want another book where Mac has “a secret about their relationship forces her to question who she can trust if not the man she loves.”
NO. We’ve already had FIVE books of trust issues between Mac and Barrons. Can’t they just be in love and have dirty sex for us?? I’m exhausted already. And second, I actually really liked Dani in Iced. I WANT her story. I don’t want Dani to be secondary especially since she was the only person in Iced.
I’m not happy.
My second complaint: Oh hey – Riptide has released the blurb for the FINAL Ty and Zane book by Abigail Roux:
Riptide Publishing is thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of Abigail Roux’s final book in the Cut & Run series! The final teaser campaign for Cut & Run is “surprise release.”
Yes, that’s right. No title. No cover reveal. No galleys. No #miniontorture. No details whatsoever.
So you know what that means, right? No readers, reviewers, or even media–no one at all–will have access to this title until the exact same moment on release day. That way everyone can experience the final release at the exact same time. No sneak peeks allowed!
– See more here.
Seriously? I want a blurb damn it. I don’t need a galley or anything but I want a blurb, title and cover. I don’t like this. (and I if Nick and Kelly take over this book again I’m going to lose it.)
Should we move on to the good stuff now?
6. You guys, Matthew McConaughey was found wearing a fanny pack to a baseball game. What does this mean for the average joe? Should I run out and buy my husband a fanny pack? Is it cool now? Can McConaughey ever look like a dork?
5. Damn it Jamie Fraser. Just damn it. #Obsessed
Also – now that we have goats, I demand my husband look like this when he shovels goat poo
4. There are a ton of ice bucket videos I could share with you. I did mine this morning – my son took great joy in it. The funniest one to me, is Robert Pattinson. It’s so ridiculous. I also totally want to throw things at him while he wears a wet white shirt. Yes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3y6dJr2hYA
3. We saw Guardians of the Galaxy last weekend, and while I heard really good buzz about it, I really wasn’t expecting to fall in love as much as I did. What a great story! I laughed and I cried – and it takes a lot for me to cry – but by the end my nose was burning and then I glanced at my husband and his eyes were watery. Damn it! Damn it Groot and Star Lord and everyone. Upon leaving the movie, I said something like – Man, Chris Pratt looked good in those tight pants. And at the same time my hubs said something like- That Zoe Saldana, whoa. LOL. We got over our tears quickly.
The above pic was tweeted by the director of the upcoming 2015 Jurassic Park, which starts Chris Pratt. I’m obsessed now with Chris Pratt. Damn it.
2. Deep Fried Tequila shots. More specifically, angel food caked soaked in tequila then deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar. My god. GET IN MY MOUTH. Recipe.
1. Yay Friday! We are going to my husband’s grandmother’s surprise 91st birthday party this weekend. I’m excited. We also have a fancy fondue dinner planned for the kids last evening before school starts. They’ve requested Bison and Rabbit to cook in the fondue. Why do I have weird kids? Whatever happened to chicken?
This weekend I plan to read One Night of Scandal by Elle Kennedy. I expect it to be dirty. Verra, verra dirty. (It’s Reed’s book! Read book one if you haven’t!) I’ll report back.
School supply costs are ridiculous. Even though I had to practically take out a loan to get the kid ready for 8th grade, I’m STILL buying things a week into school because her teacher’s have special requests. Really?
KMM’s Burned tease kind of “burns” my arse. I wanted this to be Dani’s story. Not Mac & Barrons. Roux’s last book burns my arse too. The PR gimmicks are getting ridiculous.
Rob P’s ice bucket challenge is adorable. And those abs-ZOMG.
Have fun at B day party.
My arse is burnin’ too Tori!
I too am upset. I want Danni to be the main voice. I loved that we were going to really see an arc with her. And who is the main narrator does make a difference to the story. Ugh, just Ugh.
Side note. Should you be surprising a 91 year old?
We will make it a gentle surprise. I hope! I didn’t think of that! LOL
I’m also really raw over the KMM Burned news. RAW!
Dude. They did a perfect job at casting Jamie. PERFECT!!!
*shakes fist at KMM*
*shakes booty at Jamie Fraser*
Thank you for that. Lmao.
I’m ridiculously obsessed over Jamie Fraser. My poor husband ;)
Mandi, I got all melty when Jamie was crooning in Gaelic to the horses! It’s ridic! LOL
PS I have all the a Chris Pratt love too. GotG was so much fun. (But I only cried in the very beginning.)
If I have time I’m going to be trying those deep fried tequila shots for my Doctor Who viewing party on Saturday.
I also had the same questions Bev had, is it safe to surprise a 91 year old?
We are having a Dr Who viewing party too! I was planning chinese food. LOL
We’ll be gentle with the surprise. I hope. ;)
So far we’re trying three of the lays new flavors and we’re doing fish sticks and custard. Most of us are going to be eating them separately but one guy said he’s going to try them together.
My boys wanted to try the new Lays but the only flavor my grocery store had was the Cappuccino. It was….not good. ;)
That’s what I heard, but we figured we tried all three of the flavors last time so we’d try them again. We couldn’t find the wasabi baked lays.
Lays new flavors ranked from best to worse – bacon mac & cheese, wasabi ginger, mango salsa, cappuccino
NOTED!! – I def want to try the bacon mac and the wasabi ginger. :)
Since I reviewed 2 Dare books today I had to get the freebie :)
Yay!
I really shouldn’t have read today’s Top 10 because now I am all in ragey mode over Burned again. Seriously, Mandi. I am pissed Mac and Barrons are going to have strife. PISSED. WHY? I’m starting to shake. I need to step away.
Five years I waited, cried, panicked, stressed, pleaded over their HEA and now she is screwing with it???
ARGHHHHH. I might not be able to read this book. For real.
I know – why why why.
WHY
Maybe it won’t be as bad as we think….but damn that blurb has me VERY worried.
She’s going to torture the reader. You know she is. Do you remember how difficult that series was?
I’m going to make Sophia read it first and report back to me.
Yes – let’s torture Sophia with the first read! ;p
Arg, Mac and Barron had their HEA I was waiting to read the whole Dani series once it was finished (that is how I read the Fever series) but now I am not sure I want to read this series
I know…it’s so frustrating.
Okay first. I literally just almost choked to death laughing #2!! Yesssssssssss!!
and…
What in the damn hell. Burned. KMM is KILLING me with EVERYTHING surrounding Burned!!! I mean WTF! Is this Mac’s book??? I thought this was about Dani & Ryodan!!!??? OMG I waited 15 years for Burned- and Dani (and subsequently Ryo) are secondary!!???? *face palm* The hits just keep coming with Burned….suddenly I CAN wait for Jan. 15*massive shrug*
I mean I loved Mac/Barrons but I am over them. They feel finished and I didn’t need another effing book about her pink life or Black Mac or Barrons either for that matter.
*squeal* In the BAD way!!
False
<rant is open ended.
Right? Everything you just said. Yes.
Um, yes. THIS. I want their HEA to be LEFT ALONE. Dammit.
On more than one occasion I have tried to get into KMM’s series. And each time I was like, ugh. I didn’t want to wait three books for some smexy time. I’m an instant gratification kind of girl. So when I see you all worried and discouraged about a couple you’ve come to love I have to say I’m okay with not having read that series.
As for Ty and Zane, I’m as burned up about that stupid marketing scheme as ya’ll are, but you know you’re gonna read it right? How can we not after everything we’ve been through with these characters! Let’s just hope it lives up to the hype. Because if it doesn’t you know the fans will be very vocal about it!!
I’m totally reading Ty and Zane the minute the damn book is released. Damn it. They are MY BOYS. I have to finish them off (snerk)
I just hope, hope, hope it’s alllll about them and the other Sidewinders make small appearances.
Hold me, Helyce.
I was really enjoying this list until the deep friend tequila shots. I had to stop there and text all my friends as to what we would be doing this weekend ;)
I hope they are amazing :)
OMG those deep-fried tequila shots sound so amazing!! Now that’s an efficient way to combine 2 of my top 3 food groups (booze & cake). To hit the trifecta, I want to try to make them with chocolate liqueur.
The possibilities are endless!!
Helllloooooooooooooo Jamie Fraser. And omg deepfried tequila shots? I know what to put on my shopping list!
Are you putting Jamie Fraser on your shopping list – because I’d buy one of him.
I’m irritated enough with the Burned blurb, that like the last two southern vampire books, I’m tempted not to read it. I probably will, but I’m no longer concerned with the release date and reading it asap. Part of me is feeling judgey, sinceI know authors go with their muses, and can’t force it, but damnit I want Danni’s voice as primary! As for Ty and Zane- can’t wait. I want a blurb! They had better get married!
A Ty and Zane wedding – oh it’s going to be so good :)
I’m side-eyeing the hell out of that Burned blurb. I love Mac and Barrons. Barrons is my all-time favorite alpha male. But their story is DONE! Why mess with a good thing?!?!?!? As much as I didn’t like Dani in The Fever series I liked her in Iced. And I liked Ryo. I don’t want their story to take a backseat to Mac and Barrons drama.
Side-eye KMM. Siiiiiide eyyyyyyeeee!
But I will read it cause….it’s KMM.
Yes – I will complain and whine and stomp my foot. And still pre-order and read it on release day. Darn it KMM! :)
Damn, I’d get me some goats if they came with a Jamie Fraser. LOL I’ve been obsessed with him since reading Outlander years ago. The casting director did not disappoint, thank goodness, or I’d be a little pissed.
Maybe I shouldn’t admit this because you all are like villagers brandishing torches and pitch forks right now, but…Helyce, I’m with you about KMM. I’ve tried a couple times to get into this series but couldn’t.
I’m so pleased with their casting! So far I just love everyone.
The Fever series is very UF…and full of angst and cliffhangers and…yeah. She tortured us for years. I feel like the romantic payoff was worth it but it’s not a series for everyone.
I agree with the Beyond series by Kit Rocha, if you haven’t tried it, get Beyond Shame (#1), while it is free. You won’t regret it. LOVE this series.
I’m with you on the Ty and Zane book. I want a blurb or something before release day. Although, Nick and Kelly don’t bother me as much as some others. I’m still continuing with their spinoff series. I don’t know how many books will be in it.
Loved Guardians of the Galaxy. It is my favorite movie in a long time, but then I don’t see a lot of movies.
I haven’t read the Dani book from KMM, so I’m not as upset about that as many people. I didn’t like that series as much as others. To each their own.
Have fun at the surprise birthday party. Don’t surprise Grandma too much though.
Report back on the deep fried tequila shots. I want details on just how good those are.
I don’t see a lot of movies either – or if I do they are all with the kids, so this was a very nice surprise.
I think I heard Roux is starting a new series next year (maybe?) I’m curious to read something else by her.
Omg. I’m back and still supremely pissed about Burned! I have to find someone to read it and report back too! I am going to make a list of the shit that I need to go down and if those things don’t happen I’m done with this series forever!!
Forever!!!! *flails*
Omg you crack me up Sheena!!
We’ll be here for each other. *rocks and weeps*
I too have seen many ice bucket videos but I shared Rob Pattinson’s video on my Facebook saying – Yep, still Team Edward!! So cute and he definitely wins the wet t-shirt competition ‘winks’…
I loved the Fever series but have not yet read Iced as it is still not available on Kindle UK and there doesn’t seem to be any indication on when this will change. Frustrated :(.
As for Ty and Zane – they are my favourites. I had a huge rant over the last book and have not yet bothered to read the last Nick/Kelly book. If their HEA is taken over or ruined I will be FURIOUS!!!
I know – when the final T/Z book come out, we will have to have a big chat about it. I’m nervous…the only book that really disappointed me was the last one, otherwise I’ve loved this series, so I shouldn’t be nervous. Right?
Kaetrin: That man can make me swoon, no matter what he does :)
The very beginning of Guardians – wow – that was super tough.
Great top ten Mandi, I sure missed it! And those deep fried tequila shots, only in America would they think of something like that … Lol.
hahahaha…I’m going to try them soon!
WELL, I’m glad I didn’t preorder Burned. It’s now going on my “wait and see” list. I must confess…..I never finished the Fever series. I bailed at Faefever then skimmed the final book from the library. I gave Iced a shot and loved it. IF Burned is about Mac (mostly) and not Sami, I’m out.
Let’s hope the story stays true to Dani! She has a lot of story to tell.
It’s wonderful to have you on our side, haha!
What’s up, the whole thing is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s in fact excellent,
keep up writing.