Finished “Escape Clause” and Got My Books in a Local Bookstore

There is a bookstore in Dayton called The Cozy Book Nook (https://thecozybooknook.com) and they sell independently published books (they even have a section for local authors—like me!). They sell them on consignment, which is fine with me, and they took my books to sell. I figure any place my book is for sale is a good place.

I had forgotten to sign the books when I dropped them off last month, so I will go visit them tomorrow and sign them. So yeah, if you’re in Dayton and want a signed copy of one of my books, they’ll be available from The Cozy Book Nook!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 13

Dates read: June 14-19, 2026
Title: Escape Clause
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series: Cosmic Mates #1
# of Pages: 217
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: After a nano-virus devastates Caradonia, leaving the planet in desperate need of women, leader Krogan launches a last-ditch effort to save their civilization—convince men to accept human brides through Cosmic Mates.
    Krogan himself has no time or desire for a wife. A driven workaholic, he’s focused on solving his planet’s problems and maintaining peace in the world. But his people look to him to set an example. If he doesn’t take a wife through Cosmic Mates no one else will either. Thankfully, there’s an escape clause, and at the end of the trial period, he intends to use it.
    Fleeing a horrid and powerful man, Hope Bennett reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with an alien. The last thing she desires is to be locked into an unwanted union. Been there, almost did that. Fortunately, the escape clause in the contract gives her an out, and when it’s safe, she can go home to Terra Nova.
    Hope and Krogan promise each other a marriage in name only and vow to separate when the contract provisions are satisfied. But as they let down their guard, they recognize a kindred spirit in each other. Love and passion blossom, and each begins to long for a deeper, permanent union.
    Just as their secret wishes are about to be fulfilled, violent tensions erupt out of the pandemic, forcing Krogan into a dilemma—to save Hope he must invoke the escape clause of their marriage contract.
    If he sends her away, will she ever come back?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a so-so story. It was just way too short for my pleasure (large print in a 5x8 size book). Especially for a sci-fi romance (which was practically insta-love). Not a lot of world building. In fact, I don’t even know what year it is on Terra Nova, which used to be called Earth. So… way in the future, I suppose. I liked the premise of this story, just wish it were more involved. But if you’re looking for a quick read, here’s one for you!

FYI: I’m still busy writing. And I’m so close to finishing that first draft! I know, I keep saying that (which is what Hubby says to me). But it’s one thing KNOWING how it will end and another actually getting it WRITTEN on the page! Will it be done next week? I sure hope so!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Say You’ll Remember Me” and Almost Finished with My WIP, so Why am I Procrastinating?

Yes, I am almost finished with the first draft of The Alien’s Change of Heart. I finally figured out how to save them! Yay! So why am I not writing?

Stuff.

I did write on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday was my writers’ group meeting. In Dublin, OH. Left at 10:30 am and returned home around 4:30 pm. I usually don’t write on those days anyway. I should have. Because that’s when I woke up with some solutions. Thank goodness I wrote them down, because right now, I couldn’t tell you what they were.

Then this morning, during breakfast, I read the book I finished below. I was going to put it down after I ate and write, but said “Screw it! I’m reading.” And frankly, I haven’t felt like that about a book in ages! And I finished it just as my daughter texted she was ready to get gas. When we have a dollar off a gallon, we make sure we all benefit from that.

I had completely forgot about those plans! Maybe that’s why I didn’t write first?

Hahaha, yeah, right.

But now that I’m finished with the book, I want to post about it. And once I hit “publish” I will get to writing. I promise!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: June 10-14, 2026
Title: Say You’ll Remember Me
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: RomCom
Series: Say You’ll Remember Me #1
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: There might be no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…
    …unless, of course he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.
    Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Oh my god! This was sooooo good. I finally gave in and ordered some of her ebooks for my next cruise. Although, I doubt they will last the whole cruise. I sure breezed through this one. Such a good story. I am hooked on Abby Jimenez!

So… when you find an author you just love, do you go out and buy all their books, too? I do it too many times to count. And yes, I read them. They aren’t sitting on the shelf (or Nook), gathering dust. I tend to binge them until I’m all caught up and then I wait with everyone else. For the next one.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The End of the World as We Know It” and “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife” and a Successful Retreat

Ooh this post is a bit lengthy (because I have two books to report).

I was in Delhi, NY June 2-9 for a writers’ retreat. I consider it a GREAT SUCCESS! Not only did I figure out the end of The Alien’s Change of Heart, I’m almost to it. Of course, I’m home now and just finding the time to write while getting caught up in other stuff (like this blog, doing the COFW treasurer report, and sending out my monthly newsletter) is becoming impossible.

But I’m really glad I went. And that the ending finally came to me. Well… sort of. I still have to resolve one teeny-tiny plot point that only encompasses the whole story. Yeah, that’s all. But I will get there. I can see the end of this book!!!

And the best part? I do NOT need a book 3 if I don’t want one. Because I doubt I’ll write another in this series. I want to get back to my vampires (or ghosts). Something that actually sells. Usually.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 10

Dates read: March 19 – June 1, 2026
Title: The End of the World as We Know It
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Various
Genre: Horror short stories
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 757
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from book cover Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—with generations of writers impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization and its stunning array of unforgettable characters.
    Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World as We Know It features remarkable, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic bestselling novel.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I bought this book because Meg Gardiner has a story in it, although, I may have gotten it anyway because…The Stand. So I used this book to give me a reason to re-read The Stand first. There were a lot of good short stories in this and I really enjoyed seeing what others interpreted would happen after (or what also happened during). So if you love The Stand, you’ll enjoy this companion to it, too. But beware, it IS lengthy!!

Book 11

Dates read: June 2-9, 2026
Title: In My Dreams I Hold a Knife
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Ashley Winstead
Genre: Thriller? Mystery?
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 305
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Possibly free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads Six friends. One college reunion. One unsolved murder.
    A college reunion turns dark and deadly in this chilling and propulsive suspense novel about six friends, one unsolved murder, and the dark secrets they’ve been hiding from each other—and themselves—for a decade.
    Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller has planned her triumphant return to southern, elite Duquette University, down to the envious whispers that are sure to follow in her wake. Everyone is going to see the girl she wants them to see—confident, beautiful, indifferent—not the girl she was when she left campus, back when Heather’s murder fractured everything, including the tight bond linking the six friends she’d been closest to since freshman year. Ten years ago, everything fell apart, including the dreams she worked for her whole life—and her relationship with the one person she wasn’t supposed to love.
    But not everyone is ready to move on. Not everyone left Duquette ten years ago, and not everyone can let Heather’s murder go unsolved. Someone is determined to trap the real killer, to make the guilty pay. When the six friends are reunited, they will be forced to confront what happened that night—and the years’ worth of secrets each of them would do anything to keep hidden.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I think I got this book free from B&N when they were offering monthly free reads to members because otherwise, I don’t know how I would have come across this title. Right off, I didn’t like the narrator (it’s in first person for most of it), which made it hard to stick with it, but I did stick with it. Still didn’t like her at the end, either, but it’s not my generation, so what do I know? But the mystery is what kept me reading. So if you’re not into a character who makes decisions for all the wrong reasons, you might not like this book so much, either. But if you are, have at it.

I’m really behind in my reading this year, but surprisingly I’m okay with it. Got some lengthy cruises coming up, I’m sure I’ll get caught up in my reading then. But I am so happy to be back into writing almost daily. And once I finish the first draft, my present to me is to watch the mini-series The Stand (the one with Gary Sinese). I mean, why not??

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Haven’t Finished Reading Yet and Why That Is

I just realized how long it’s been since my last blog.

Why does it take me longer to read a book of short stories than an actual novel? Of course, I’m currently on page six hundred ninety something and have over a hundred pages left to read. But I do read them slower because I stop at the end of each short story (or after two, if I’m in the mood to not want to do anything else). Whereas I don’t necessarily end my novel-reading session at the end of a chapter (yes, I’m one of those weird ones). Chapter ends tend to end on some kind of cliffhanger. Usually. The slow parts are usually in the MIDDLE of the chapter. That’s when I feel safer to put the book down and will be able to get back into the story quicker that way.

But short stories aren’t like that. They’re short to begin with, so stopping in the middle (unless I’m forced to) is like stopping on a cliffhanger. I mean, they’re short for a reason. Not a lot of quiet stuff in there.

So why blog about all that? Probably because I don’t see me finishing a book for at least another week and on Tuesday I leave for a writers’ retreat (in NY, near Albany). So I doubt I get a lot of reading done. But then again, who knows? I WILL bring a book. And my crochet. It’s a long car ride (over 9 hours of JUST driving). But I will not bring the book of short stories. It’s just toooooo big to carry around. So I guess I better charge up my Nook and see what I have on there to read.

In the meantime, my writing has been going GREAT! I finally figured out how the book should end and what kind of conflict I can use (that actually makes sense!!!). And I might not need a book 3 (yay!). You don’t know how relieved I am that it finally all clicked together.

I knew it would eventually come to me. It has in all my other books. But just when I was writing all those other books, I wondered WHEN it would come to me. Thought I was losing my touch. Nope. Just a slow-ass brain, wanting to take its ever-loving time to get in gear.

So I do see me finishing The Alien’s Change of Heart during this writers’ retreat. Then I can start working on the blurb/story description. Then I can see if the book designer I had for Alien Desires can do the cover for this book too (and make it look like they belong together). Lots of thens there, isn’t there?

Anyway, that’s what’s been going on with me for the past few weeks. I am reading (although not so fast) and I am writing (which is picking up steam). I am also crocheting. I will be at a book signing in Bluffton, SC on August 29, 2026, and figure I might be able to sell some hot pads/pot holders along with my books. It certainly can’t hurt. Plus, I like making hot pads/pot holders. They’re quick and I feel like I accomplished SOMETHING!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Hold on Tight” and Getting Back to Normal

Not used to posting two days in a row. But I finished reading the last book in the series which meant…posting about it.

I think I’ve gotten caught up in my non-writing work (I’m treasurer for the writers group I’m in). So I’m all set to actually WRITE tomorrow. I also think I’ve gotten rid of the jet lag I had. I didn’t get up quite as early today as I did yesterday, so that’s good. Right?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 9

Dates read: May 7-11, 2026
Title: Hold on Tight
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Cynthia Eden
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Lazarus Rising #6
# of Pages: 205
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: He isn’t just a man.
    Lazarus super soldier Jett is the perfect predator. He’s faster, stronger, and far deadlier than a normal man—because he isn’t normal. Brought back from the dead, Jett is supposed to be little more than a machine. His heart should be ice cold, but it’s not. His heart beats fast and hard for the one woman he should never be able to possess, Savannah Jacobs.
    He’s the hero she didn’t expect.
    When Savannah is kidnapped, she doesn’t think she’ll escape her captors. Then mysterious Jett breaks in and takes out all of the men in the room—the masked men who’d yanked her right off a busy public street—and Jett barely breaks a sweat in the fight. Jett is tall, dark, and as sexy as every sin that Savannah can imagine. When he takes her to safety, desire explodes between them. Savannah falls fast and hard for Jett…then he walks away.
    But he broke her heart.
    Jett knows he can’t have Savannah. A woman as perfect and sweet as Savannah can’t possibly stay in the nightmare that is his world. He gives her up—the hardest thing he’s ever had to do—and disappears from her life. But then Jett learns that he’s been set-up. Savannah was kidnapped as part of a dark plan to throw her and Jett together, and, now, Savannah is in more danger than ever before. She’s pregnant with his child—the first woman to conceive the child of a Lazarus test subject—and Jett’s enemies will stop at nothing to get her and the baby she carries.
    And she can’t ever forgive him.
    Jett has to protect Savannah—and the baby. His problem? Savannah hates him, and she knows nothing about the secrets he carries. He has to earn back her trust, he has to fight for the woman who owns his heart…and he also has to reveal the painful truth about himself to her.
    Jett is a dead man walking. A soldier without a soul.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Kind of sad to see no more books in this series. I liked them a lot. Had just the right amount of suspense and paranormal stuff going on. Along with the romance. Can’t forget the romance!

Next trip isn’t until middle of July, so I’m home for a while. Well, I am going to a writer’s retreat (in NY) June 2-9 with some writer friends, but I’ll have access to my laptop and wifi, so I won’t really be away from the internet. I’ll just be away from my bed. I sure hope I don’t regret going. I hate hard beds!

But hey, maybe I’ll finally get The Alien’s Change of Heart FINISHED! Here’s hoping!!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy