M.E. Carter Archives - BFF Book Blog

2019 Besties

Before we get much further into 2020, I want to be sure to recognize the best of my read/listens from 2019! I think it’s important to note that nearly all of my BESTIES this year were audiobooks. Several were listen/read combos, but nearly all of them had an audiobook component. 2019 was a WILD year for me and my family and there just wasn’t enough time for reading. But, I’m so thankful that audiobooks allowed me to enjoy wonderful romances all year long.

Of course that means I’ve been HORRIBLE about writing reviews, but you can always see what I’ve been listening too/reading on Goodreads! With that, I present to you BFF K’s 2019 Besties!

#1 – Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This story is so exception, you almost forget it is a work of fiction. I laughed and I cried and I just wished it were real! I can’t wait to see it all come to life in an upcoming series produced by Reese Witherspoon on Amazon Prime!

#2 – The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

(Not released in 2019, but read/listened in 2019!) I was late to this party, but so relieved I didn’t miss out. The Hate U Give was my most personally recommended book of the year. I made tons of my friends read it and still can’t get over how incredible it was. Like both of the other books in the Besties Top 3 this year, I think THuG is better as an audio than a book. The narrator brought the book to life in a way that I would NEVER have been able to in my head! (On the Come Up is fantastic too!)

#3 – Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words by Tara Sivec and Andi Arndt

This book is LMAO funny! And it’s written by two of my favorites in the book world. Plus, Andi Arndt narrating her own words in the delightful Minnesotan accent is just perfection!

#4 – The Last Wingman by Daisy Prescott

There’s not much you can say about the end of a beloved series. But, Daisy Prescott did the Wingmen proud and delivered a wonderful conclusion for the Whidbey crew and I enjoyed every minute of it! And, I think she’s pretty much the bees knees! 🐝💛🖤

#5 – Smartypants Romance Launch #1

The idea of Smartypants Romance was so exciting, but I was almost overwhelmed by all of the different opportunities. I’m so grateful that I was able to attend the Smartypants Romance launch party at Book Bonanza 2019. Hearing the authors talk about their books and how each fit into Penny Reid’s world was amazing! I walked away learning about so many knew-to-me authors and getting so excited about all of the new stories. Launch #1 of Smartypants Romance was an absolute highlight of my book year! I can’t wait to read them all and then to read all of Launch #2 and beyond.

My favorites so far include: Stud Muffin by Jiffy Kate, Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott, Love in Due Time by L.B. Dunbar, My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon, Weight Expectations by M.E. Carter and Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen!

#6 – 44 Chapters About 4 Men by BB Easton

(Not released in 2019, but read/listened to in 2019!) I think the first thing to say is that I am just really really sorry that I waited so long to read this book. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to sit in a Rom-Com authors panel at 2019 Book Bonanza. BB Easton made me LOL and I immediately downloaded the audiobook for 44 Chapters and I’m so thankful. It is absolutely fantastic and everyone should read it!

#7 – Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This book is sweet and fun; it’s clever and interesting and a joy to read. It made me wish that it was a real life story. It’s political and royal and MM perfection – a MUST read!

#8 – Beard with Me by Penny Reid

This story broke my heart. It was beautiful and touching. The individual sacrifices of the hero and heroine were as inspiring as they were stupid. This set up Beard Necessities perfectly and because it was such a crucial part of the series, I’ve placed this story in my Besties!

#9 – The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Clever, romantic, unique and touching. Helen Hoang delivers another exceptionally unique and thought-provoking story wrapped inside a lovely romance!

#10 – Gypsy King by Devney Perry

Ahhh! An incredible start to a gritty new series. It ended with more questions than answers and made me breathless for the next book in the series. That’s exceptional!

I hope that everyone had an incredible reading year! Cheers to 2019 and bring on all the books in 2020!

Review – Weight Expectations by M.E. Carter

“Hilarious, engaging and relatable, I started laughing out loud from the first page” — Kristin Vayden, bestselling author

Weight Expectations, the first in the romantic comedy Cipher Office series of standalones, from M.E. Carter is available now!

Rian Thompson thought she joined the gym to get healthy. Little did she know she was about to add hundred and ninety pounds of swoonworthy abdominal muscles and arrogance to her life.

Every day in Rians’s life follows a predictable pattern, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s got a nice job, a nice place to live, and a nice family—even if they are a little wedding-zilla-ish at the moment.

She doesn’t need anything spectacular to be happy. She just needs to get healthy—mentally, physically. . . and maybe spiritually if that happens. But she’ll settle for two out of three until her sister finally gets hitched.

Carlos Davies thought his life was perfect. Little did he know it was about to be turned upside down by a woman who is not his type.

In Carlos’s mind, his life is damn near perfect. He’s got a great job, a great place to live, and a great stash of pick up lines that always work. It has occurred to him that maybe no one actually takes him all that seriously. But with these bulging biceps and thick, dark hair, does that even matter since he’s never sleeping alone?

Welcome to Weight Expectations, where great—and unexpected—things happen.

‘Weight Expectations’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#1 in the Cipher Office series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2p5bPLV

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WeightExpectations

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2lZkGwJ

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2k6uftk

BFF K’s Review of Weight Expectations

There are few storylines that I like better than a cocky hero who gets knocked on his a$$. And Carlos Davies is about to get his world rocked when he least expects it!

We can be honest…..at the beginning of this book, Carlos is…. an a$$hole. He’s cocky, self-absorbed and really really regimented about his fitness and lifestyle. Rian is not. She’s none of those things. She’s snarky, funny, sweet, smart and kind. And, she thinks, that Carlos thinks, he’s pretty darn special. And, she’s not wrong.

When Rian joins a new gym (Weight Expectations) she’s not so thrilled about the exercise, but she is ecstatic about meeting some new friends. She’s quickly taken under the wings of Abel (her trainer), Tabitha (the smoothie bar-ista) and Fred (resident geriatric hot-shot). This new group of friends helps her to expand her outlook on life. She recognizes the areas of personal growth she wants to embrace beyond the gym. And she creates for herself, the mindset to make those changes happen. This is a wonderful transformation, even if her plus size figure stays on the plus side.

Carlos is a pillar of health. He has a staunch regimen that he follows religiously. This is NOT the guy who skips leg day, or ab day or arm day. He eats clean. And his personal life is pretty darn clean as well. It’s stark and void of much color or personality. He works hard and plays pretty much never.

While they may seem like the most opposite of personalities, they find in each other a comfortable and comforting partnership. One where they each smooth the other’s rough edges and they support each other’s personal growth. It’s a delightful transition and makes the book a joyful, uplifting read. And it’s also wickedly funny!

Weight Expectations exceeded my expectations. I loved both Rian and Carlos and their unique and entertaining love story! This is another great installment in the new Smartypants Romance Universe!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

About the Author

My name is ME Carter and I have no idea how I ended writing books. I’m more of a story teller (the more exaggerated the better) and I happen to know people who helped me get those stories on paper. I love reading (read almost 200 books last year), hate working out (but I do it anyway because my trainer makes me), love food (but hate what it does to my butt) and love traveling to non-touristy places most people never see. I live in Houston with my four kids, Mary, Elizabeth, Carter and Bug, who was just a twinkle in my eye when I came up with my pen name. Yeah, I’ll probably have to pay for his therapy someday for being left out.

Connect with M.E. Carter

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2ly7Fu3

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzBqdQ

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2k4SZCf

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2k1O4Sx

Website: https://www.authormecarter.com/

Connect with Smartypants Romance

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2kvDnb4

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzyduO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lGdIMQ

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kwKsYK

Website: https://smartypantsromance.com/

New Release – Weight Expectations by M.E. Carter

“Hilarious, engaging and relatable, I started laughing out loud from the first page” — Kristin Vayden, bestselling author

Weight Expectations, the first in the romantic comedy Cipher Office series of standalones, from M.E. Carter is available now!

20180715_CO01_Weight Expectations_Carter_KDP_FINAL

Rian Thompson thought she joined the gym to get healthy. Little did she know she was about to add hundred and ninety pounds of swoonworthy abdominal muscles and arrogance to her life.

Carlos Davies thought his life was perfect. Little did he know it was about to be turned upside down by a woman who is not his type.

Welcome to Weight Expectations, where great—and unexpected—things happen.

CO01-LIVE

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2nQ4Rtx

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WeightExpectations

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2lZkGwJ

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2k6uftk

About the Author

Connect with M.E. Carter

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2ly7Fu3

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzBqdQ

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2k4SZCf

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2k1O4Sx

Website: https://www.authormecarter.com/

Connect with Smartypants Romance

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2kvDnb4

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzyduO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lGdIMQ

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kwKsYK

Website: https://smartypantsromance.com/

New Release – Ear Candy by M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston

M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston are romance writers who share a love of the written word. Combining their sense of humor, beliefs in love, and sarcasm, this writing duo has joined forces to create the Charitable Endeavors series. With the sole purpose of bringing laughter and love to their readers while tapping into their charitable hearts, a portion of the release proceeds will be donated to charity.

Ear Candy is the second book in the Charitable Endeavors Series by M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston. Each story is somehow related to the indie book community and is guaranteed to be a contemporary romantic comedy and fade to gray (no gratuitous sexy times when we’re donating to charity) PLUS a portion of each book’s release will be DONATED to charity!

Title: Ear Candy

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Charity: The Guardians Foundation, Inc.

He’s the plot twist she didn’t hear coming.

Becoming a book narrator was never my goal. But if your deep voice tempts romance listeners

to swoon and throw their proverbial panties at you, plans change.

When an unexpected chain of events rockets my easy-going and chill life in a completely

different direction, I tackle it like I do everything—with humor, wit, and a little bit of my “Hawk

Weaver” charm.

That’s not a hardship, though, because it means establishing a friendship with erotic romance

author, Donna Moreno. She’s a game changer. In all the best ways.

A Note From the Authors

As you all know, with the Charitable Endeavors series, we have committed to releasing each book with a significant portion of the release month proceeds being donated to charity. With the release of Ear Candy, we have chosen THE GUARDIANS FOUNDATION. TGF is a non-profit located in north Idaho and was founded by Michael Shaw, a SSG in the Idaho National Guard. The mission of TGF is to utilize resources within the community to support veterans and their families to bring comfort, offer hope, and provide immediate assistance. TGF assists veterans in the state of Idaho and parts of Washington with shelter, emergency and unexpected expenses, transportation, education and job opportunities, and an outdoor sportsmanship program. We are honored to support such an amazing organization that supports veterans.

Add it to Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US Amazon AU Amazon CA Amazon UK

Excerpt from Ear Candy

As an over-thirty single woman who writes erotica for a living, you would think I spend my days

fighting off every handsome, dirty-mouthed billionaire in a twenty-mile radius. I don’t. Sure, I

have a checklist for my ideal man who I write in my books. I just haven’t found “the one” in the

real world.

Todd Chimolski may not check all the boxes on my current list, but there’s something to be said

for a friend who makes you laugh and puts on a suit to make all your fantasies come true.

Hearing him bring the words I’ve written to life is nothing short of an eargasm, and that’s a box

I didn’t know I needed checked.

What happens when the woman who writes sexy romance and the man who narrates it build a friendship that quickly turns to more?

2018 Besties

Wow, 2018 was a wild year! It was a year of personal challenges that presented some challenges to my reading schedule. But, in the end I persevered (lol) and it was another stellar year for this book lover! 😅 Thank goodness for audiobooks to help feed my passion for Romance books when I don’t have the time to read! Some of the following books have been reviewed on the blog and some of the reviews are still to come. Without further ado, I present my list of 2018 Besties!

#1 – Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson

Stunning, emotional, fulfilling story set in Nebraska! I love this story and these characters!

#2 – The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

This is the book that I gushed about on All About Books on NET Radio! Just a fantastic, wonderful, emotional, moving story! Definitely check this out!

#3 – Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

This is hands-down the BEST audiobook that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to! The story is phenomenal, but it is made so much better by the incredible narration of Grace Grant and Richard Armitage. This will make anyone an audio lover!

#4 – The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Sweet and stunning. The most unique characters I’ve read in a long time. Heartfelt and hopeful!

#5 – My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Julia Whelan has long been one of my favorite narrators. But, hearing her narrate her own story and characters was one of my favorite book experiences of the year. This book is exceptional!

#6 – The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

This book was as much of a group experience as you can get with a book. It’s fresh and lovely and slightly taboo. I enjoyed the book and am obsessed with Robinne Lee’s narration, but more than anything I have loved talking about this book with other #HayeSolNuts and developing an obsession with Harry Styles!

#7 – Royally Yours by Emma Chase

This is the prequel that I didn’t even know I wanted! I adore this series and this is one of my most favorite stories in this series. It’s historical with a modern feel and characters that are absolute perfection!

#8 – Banking the Billionaire by Max Monroe (The Year of Max Monroe)

2018 is the year I devoured everything written by the hilarious duo. But with all of the great stories to choose from, I have to pick Banking the Billionaire (#2 in the Bad Boy Billionaire series) because Thatcher Kelly is my most favorite hero ever written. Period. He does it for me. He’s sweet, kind, caring, independent and co-dependent, confident, crazy in love with his heroine, but not so much that he’s willing to sacrifice who he is! He’s AMAZING! I’ve listened to this audio twice this year!!!

#9 – Tinfoil Heart by Daisy Prescott

I’m a believer! How about you? This is another complete unique story unlike anything else you’ve read. And, it’s thoroughly enjoyable! This is an absolute gem!

#10 – Steadfast by Sarina Bowen (The Year of Sarina Bowen)

Another “Year of” Author! It started with the amazing Bittersweet and I’ve devoured all of the books in the True North Series, the Brooklyn Bruisers Series and Him/Us, I have a few more on my list to enjoy. Everything she writes is fantastic! Steadfast has stuck with me more than any of the others. Jude broke my heart and mended it back together!

AND Now the Next Besties

I can’t just leave it at 10, so here’s 8 more stellar books to make it an even 18 for 2018!

Hate Note – Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland

https://amzn.to/2Vj5mIv

The Art of Us – Hilaria Alexander

https://amzn.to/2CI4nup

Change of Hart – ME Carter

(Also the Year of ME Carter! I had a hard time deciding between this and Groupie! But love me some Jason Hart!)

https://amzn.to/2BM5xDi

Clover Chapel – Devney Perry

https://amzn.to/2VjuRcP

Switch Stance – M.E. Carter & Andrea Johnston

https://amzn.to/2Rqqqh4

I Don’t – Andrea Johnston

https://amzn.to/2Amk8pd

Pucked Love – Helena Hunting

https://amzn.to/2RtRa06

Burn for You – J.T. Geissinger

https://amzn.to/2LMHo4h

What a great year and I’m sure that there will be many more great reads to come in 2019! I thank you all for following the blog and sharing your favorite reads with me all year long! Books really do make friends, BFF’s!

Cover Reveal – Switch Stance by M. E. Carter and Andrea Johnston

Switch Stance

A #MyNewLife & Country Road Series Crossover Standalone

Genre: Contemporary Sports RomCom

iBooks release day: September 16

Amazon release day: September 21

SwitchStance-Wrap2

Add to your TBR: https://goo.gl/u4ZRyP

Follow our heroine, Adeline Snow on Twitter @AdiSnowWrites

iBooks Preorder graphic.png

iBooks Exclusive Pre-Order ($2.99): http://bit.ly/SSiBooks

A Note from the Authors

M.E. Carter and Andrea Johnston are romance writers who have come together to bring you a fun sports romantic comedy! Combining their sense of humor, beliefs in love, and sarcasm, this writing duo has crossed over two of their most popular series – the #MyNewLife and Country Road Series with the sole purpose of bringing laughter and love to their readers while tapping into their charitable hearts. That’s right, 50% of all e-book sales for the month of September 2018 will be donated to charity. The chosen charity is The A.skate Foundation. A.skate’s Mission Statement says it all: A.skate – Autism. Skating with Kids through Acceptance, Therapy, and Education

For more on The A.skate Foundation visit: http://askate.org

So, if you’re looking for a light sports romantic comedy about a quirky romance author who (literally) stumbles across her muse and finds out he’s all that and a bag of chips, then this is for you! Help us spread the word and raise money to support an amazing cause.

A #MyNewLife & Country Road Series Crossover Standalone

I, Agnes Sylvester, a successful author known as Adeline Snow to the romance community, enjoy the simple things in life: watching the X Games with my childhood friend Todd; taking pictures of interesting buildings; and creating stories based on fantasies about my favorite skateboarder, Spencer Garrison. I’m known for my extreme sports stories, and as long as no one ever figures out he’s my muse, all is well.

But fate has never liked me and now that muse is standing in front of me. Asking me to sign a book.

What.

Is.

Happening!?!

“Extreme Sports Superstar” is the term the media has used to describe me over the years. I prefer to just be Spencer Garrison, a small-town guy who happens to ride a skateboard for a living and is known for philanthropy.

Nearing retirement, I’m focusing on my non-profit efforts and building a life outside of a professional athlete. My agent won’t let me retire in peace and consequently a talented and kindhearted woman stumbles her way into my life.

Sometimes happy endings aren’t written. They’re lived.

Switch Stance Cover Reveal Teaser.jpg