Wednesday Reads -- My 500th Post!

This is my 500th post. Can you believe that? It only took 3 years and 8 months to do it. First, I’m surprised I stuck with it that long. Second, I’m surprised I remembered to say something. I don’t usually see the post number until AFTER I’ve posted. But no special celebration from me, though. Just another Wednesday post. Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Jul 18: “Gabriel’s Ghost” By Linnea Sinclair. This is a sci-fi romance. Blurb on back: Captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the interstellar Sixth Fleet, is framed for a crime and exiled to a prison planet from which no one escapes--until a seductive ghost from her past shows up to rescue her. Gabriel Sullivan, alpha mercenary and scoundrel, is supposed to be dead. Now he offers her a ticket to freedom--for a price. Someone in the Empire is breeding uncontrollable killing machines, and Gabriel needs Chaz’s help before hundreds of innocents die. Their own lives are on the line--but the long-held attraction that heats up between them may be the riskiest part of all… Not a fan of sci-fi (I hate names I can’t pronounce) or first person, but I’ve taken classes and workshops from the author and thought it only fair I buy and read one of her books and this one seemed interesting. Well, it was more than interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it (even with my little break in there - this is the book that was missing the 50 pages). I’ll definitely check out more of her work. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 19: “Tempted” by Rebecca Zanetti. This is a novella, book 2.5 in the Dark Protector series, a paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: On the run from a mental institution and her vindictive half-brother, it’s safe to say that Sarah Pringle’s happy life as a schoolteacher is on hold. Too bad that as far as self-defense goes, “run and hide” is the best she’s got. And with the monsters that started her escape hot on her heels, that’s not going to cut it for long… That is, unless Sarah has a bigger, badder, hotter monster on her side. Max Petrovsky is right at the top of the list of alpha male ass-kickers. And he knows exactly what Sarah’s up against. Good thing, because the minute he sees her something primal kicks in, turning everyday attraction into red-hot desire. As long as they’re cooperating, why not mix some pleasure with business? Of course, Max should probably tell Sarah he’s a vampire himself… I really don’t enjoy novellas (they’re just too damn short), but I like to know all that goes on in a series. I like Max and Sarah. Just wish there was more. I gave this 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 21: “Becoming Quinn” by Brett Battles. This is a novella in the Jonathan Quinn series, a thriller. Blurb from Goodreads: Most careers begin with an interview and a handshake. Others require a little … something more. Meet Jake Oliver. The day will come when he's one of the best cleaners in the business, a man skilled at making bodies disappear. At the moment, however, he's a twenty-two year old rookie cop, unaware his life is about to change. In a burning barn a body is found; and the fire isn't the cause of death. The detectives working the case have a pretty good idea about what went down. But Officer Oliver thinks it’s something else entirely, and pursues a truth others would prefer remain hidden, others who will go to extreme lengths to keep him quiet. Every identity has an origin. This is Quinn’s. Most novellas I read I find too short. This one was longer than most, but just about right for this story. I had a hard time putting it down, too, even though I KNEW how the character turned out. Because of that, I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

I’ve had a minor set-back in my latest submission. I have to figure out how to cut 10,000 words before my ms will even be read. Heavy sigh. Somehow I’ll find those words and cut them. I just hope I don’t ruin the story to do it!

I think I know how directors feel when they have to cut scenes to make the movie the correct length. They feel CRAPPY!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy