Finished “Criminal Minds” and “The Happy Ever After Playlist” and I’m Cruising…Again

Yes, I’m cruising again. This time in the North and Baltic Seas! We left London (Dover) on July 19 and so far have stopped in Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel (Germany), and Warnemunde (Germany). Tomorrow we have a day at sea and on Saturday we’ll be in Tallin (Estonia), followed by Helsinki (Finland), Nynashamn (Stockholm, Sweden), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). And that’s just THIS cruise. We have two more following this one.

I’m having so much fun, even if some of our excursions aren’t all that great. It’s just nice cruising and relaxing. Plus, it was fun being in London for two days before the cruise started. We saw “Six, The Musical” at the Vaudeville Theater on my birthday and it was so much fun! I highly recommend it.

Oh, and good news. I was able to send my editor The Alien’s Change of Heart before I left. Yay! She is currently working on it. Which means I can work on my next vampire book. Yeah, I decided to work on that since I figured out how to fix what I had started, so hopefully I can get into that story. But first, I wanted to post what I read.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: July 8-19, 2026
Title: Curious Minds
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton
Genre: Mystery
Series: Knight & Moon #1
# of Pages: 307
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Free from a book convention (possibly Romantic Times 2017)
Blurb from Book: Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he’s also brilliant, rich, and handsome. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with megabank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing Knight money leads to a life-and-death race through the streets of Washington, D.C., and into the underground vaults of New York City as an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon could hope to stop it.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a silly book. I expected humorous, but not silly. Or maybe I should have expected silly, since she wrote the Stephanie Plum books. This was book 1 of the series and there are only two books (which were written about ten years ago), so I’m guessing the series didn’t make it. I can understand why. But, if you’re looking for a silly mystery, you might enjoy this one. I just wanted something a little more…smarter.

Book 16

Dates read: July 19-23, 2026
Title: The Happy Ever After Playlist
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: The Friend Zone #2
# of Pages: 318
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
    Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I read book 1 of this series so long ago, I didn’t realize that the couple from that book was the friend in this one. Didn’t matter, though. This book can be read as a standalone without any issues, since, like I said, I didn’t remember the couple (which is all me and not necessarily about the author). This book was great. I laughed. I cried (happy tears, of course) and I just LOVED the dog, Tucker. I really do enjoy her books.

The Smashwords July sales is still going on (through July 31). You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click here and start buying!: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/semckitrick

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The Crown of War and Shadow” and My Books are on Sale

Smashwords is having a sale this July, so I decided to participate. You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click HERE and start buying!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 14

Dates read: June 19 – July 8, 2026
Title: The Crown of War and Shadow
Year of publication: 2026
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Romantasy
Series: Kingdom of the Compass #1
# of Pages: 466
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: The fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.
    No one is safe.
    Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive…and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.
    Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.
    She must cross the Badlands to return a Queen’s crown and convince the fearsome sovereign to save their world from destruction.
    Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.
    The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.
    But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I was not happy that it is written in first person, present tense (which surprised me since she usually writes in third person past tense), so I’m not so sure I will continue with the series. Plus, the print was tiny in such a large book! But the story kept me going, even though it was all one-sided (I prefer my books to be two-sided). I guess this is what romantasy is all about and I’m not so sure I like it. Not if it’s all written in first person present tense. I have my limits. But the story in this book DOES end, so I’m not left on a cliffhanger. Yay!

Good news! I finally finished the first draft of The Alien’s Change of Heart and am working on cleaning it up before giving it to my editor. I was hoping to give it to her before I left on our trip on the 16^th, but I’m beginning to think that’s not gonna happen. I really need to get my butt in gear!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

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