Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wednesday Reads

Well, what do you know? I finally finished reading some books! Here’s what I read:

forgotten sins by rebecca zanetti
Jan 17: “Forgotten Sins” by Rebecca Zanetti, the first in a series, a romantic suspense. Blurb on back of book: From the moment Josie laid eyes on sexy, mysterious Shane Dean, she was in love. Their desire ignited a passionate affair, and within weeks, Shane had slipped a ring on her finger. It seemed her every fantasy was coming true…until her new husband disappeared without a trace. Now, two years and one broken heart later, Josie is shocked when the hospital calls. Shane has been found…at a crime scene with no memory of how he got there. Shane can’t remember the blue-eyed angel at his bedside—or who he even is—but he knows something isn’t right. His hearing is razor sharp, his physical strength incredible, and the urge to protect Josie overwhelming. For powerful enemies are hunting him, and Josie is the key to discovering why. As Shane struggles to unravel his past, dangerous new truths come to light. Can he protect the only woman he’s ever loved? And can Josie trust a man she thought she knew—one who carries such a deadly secret? I’m becoming a junkie on romantic suspense. And on Rebecca Zanetti’s writing. I love her vampire series and now I love this series. This was a book that I wish I wasn’t working. I would have sat and read it straight through if I could. Lots of yummy suspense and danger! Good reading.

one sinful night in sao paulo by amber belldene
Jan 19: “One Sinful Night in Sao Paulo” by Amber Belldene, a contemporary romance novella. Blurb from Goodreads: Cassie Wilson has traveled to Brazil for her brother’s wedding; yet she’s the one with cold feet. She’s all set to begin seminary, but she’s sick and tired of being treated like a saint, especially by the best man. What she really needs is one sexy night with him to ease her jitters and give her a taste of normal life. Adam Forrester crashed and burned at his dream job, screwing up all his hopes for a better life. Now he’s moved home to start over, but first he must confront the irresistible Cass, apologize for whatever happened on that drunken night he can’t remember, and make damn sure it doesn't happen again. Only she has other plans. He has typecast her as the good girl in his heart. Can she force him to see her as a real woman, desires and all? I love Amber’s books, whether they be paranormal or contemporary romance. Long or short. She tells a good story. This one was fun, too. So much so, I walked on the treadmill way longer than I had intended. See...she's good for my health, too! J

Now, I know I wasn’t going to read novellas just to up my word count, but in this case I needed something short because…

On Monday I received nine books that I have to read in the next six weeks. I can hear you now: “What???” Yeah, that’s what happens when you judge a book contest. You gotta read books. And in my case…nine. I sure hope I make it.

Somehow I’ll figure out a schedule. I still have to get Blind Temptation done editing!

So…for the next few Wednesdays, I’ll probably post about something else, since I’m not supposed to discuss what I’m reading. Doesn’t mean I won’t keep track of them, or count them toward my goal (because I am). And you’ll probably see the book cover of the current book I’m reading listed on the side (as usual). But I won’t be giving stars or any comments here or on Goodreads (too bad for the author if I loved her book). That’s the only thing I really don’t like about the contest, but there’s nothing I can do about it. The rules are the rules. Then again, maybe I’ll go back and add all that AFTER the winners are announced. We’ll see if I even REMEMBER to do that. J

So… Do you think you could ever judge a contest? If so, what kind?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

11 comments:

JeffO said...

I helped judge an essay contest last year that awarded "camperships" to kids--it's not easy.

Good thing about all this reading is it always helps fill up the well, if you know what I mean. Good luck!

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jeff - I love to read, so it's nice to actually have an excuse! Haha! :)

Maria Zannini said...

I've been asked to judge in the past, but I hate to commit to that many books in such a short period of time.

And then what happens if I hate the book? I'd be forced to finish it and that would make me unhappy. You can't get that time back. ;)

Stacy McKitrick said...

Maria - I can learn something from bad books, too--what NOT to write! :)

Jennette Marie Powell said...

I've judged many RWA contests. Not the RITA, but I co-coordinated the FF&P Prism contest for two years and as such, also judged those years plus a year after. Found some fun books that way, also some duds. It's definitely interesting!

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jennette - It is interesting. I've judged the Prism a couple of times, too. I just wish there was a better way to score books, though.

The Happy Whisk said...

Yes, I have been a judge before, back in my fiction days. Sadly, the writing were mostly all rubbish. True crap. So it was a matter of, which writer, did the least shit job.

Hope yours goes better than that.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Ivy - Since these books are already PUBLISHED, I'm hoping I don't run into any true crap. That would be a real bummer. Not to mention stinky. :)

LD Masterson said...

Good Lord, woman. Where do you find the time?

Stacy McKitrick said...

Linda - I AM home all day. And my husband teaches three nights a week. If there isn't a Penguins game on TV, I'm reading! I read when I walk on the treadmill, too. By the way, already finished ONE book. Of course, it was really a novella, but hey. One DOWN! :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Hopefully you won't But even published there are tons of crappy books out there. Fingers crossed, for you, that you get zero stinkers.