Let’s see how long it takes to make it to 200!
Anyway, with my WIP finished, the reading binge has started.
Here’s what I read this week (and it’s a long list!):
Aug 5: “Finders
Keepers” by Stephen King, #2 in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, a suspense/thriller at
431 pages. Blurb from book: “Wake up, genius.” So begins King’s instantly riveting story
about a vengeful reader. The genius is John Rothstein, an iconic author who
created a famously beloved character, Jimmy Gold, but who hasn’t published a
book for decades. Morris Bellamy is livid, not just beause Rothstein has
stopped providing books, but because the nonconformist Jimmy Gold sold out for
a career in advertising. Morris kills Rothstein and empties his safe of cash,
yes, but the real treasure is a trove of notebooks containing at least one more
Gold novel. Morris hides the money and the notebooks, and then he is locked
away in a high-security prison for a different crime. Decades later, a young
teen names Pete Saubers, whose father was injured in the Mr. Mercedes killings,
finds the treasure, and now it is Pete and his family whom Bill Hodges, Holly
Gibney, and Jerome Robinson must rescue from the ever-more deranged and
vengeful Morris when he is released from prison after thirty-five years—and
wants his money and his notebooks back. Wasn’t sure how this was the
second book in the Bill Hodges trilogy, since Bill Hodges doesn’t even make an
appearance until the middle of the book, but it all comes together after his
appearance. Can a person really be that obsessed with books? I believed it! I
had a hard time putting down this story. Only issue I had was the flip-flopping
from past tense to present tense (don’t know if it was intentional, or what),
but it was a very minor issue. Can’t wait to see what the finale is all about
(although I can almost guess).
Aug 6: “Her
Shirtless Gentleman” by M.Q. Barber, a contemporary romance at 163 pages. Blurb
from Goodreads: After
her marriage ends in betrayal, Eleanora Howard finds herself struggling to
navigate the dating scene as a thirty-one-year-old divorcee. But feeling
undesirable, and living alone in the house she once shared with her ex, is
hardly the recipe for finding new love—until she meets Rob. He’s just the kind
of charming, old-fashioned guy she needs—but he’s also eager for intimacy…
After serving in the Air Force and getting a well-paid civilian career, Rob
Vanderhoff planned to settle down with the right woman and raise a family. But
at thirty-six, he’s still single and searching—until he meets Eleanora. She’s
everything he wants. All he has to do is draw her out of her shell. Soon he’s
taking her on high school-style dates, fanning the flames of her desire—and
helping Nora re-discover the sexy, adventurous woman they both know she really
is… While there are some sexy scenes in this book (and Rob is one
hot-hot guy!), this isn’t an erotica like M.Q. Barber’s other books. No BDSM in
sight. But it is just the kind of romance I love to read (making me feel all
gooey inside) and it went much too fast (I might just have to re-read it!). I
love M.Q. Barber’s books and she’s an automatic buy for me.
Aug 7: “SEAL My
Destiny” by Sharon Hamilton, #6 in the SEAL Brotherhood series, an erotic
romance novella at 87 pages. Blurb from book: Navy SEAL Luke Paulsen, on the verge of PTSD
stemming from the death of his fiancée and a brutal tour overseas, knows he is
damaged goods and unsuitable for relationships. While paying respects to a
fallen comrade, he is unprepared for the chemical attraction he feels for the
carefree dark-haired beauty playing in the surf one evening. Julie Christensen
befriends the troubled SEAL, motivated by her yearning to sooth the young man’s
troubled soul. Fueled by intense mutual desire, they succumb to one night of
mind-numbing passion. Afterwards, he is unable to shed the memory of his lost
love and disappears. When they meet again at a wedding that will forever bring
their two families together, their passion and longing for one another forces
them to confront their pasts in order to find a future together.
There are two versions of this story. The novella (which I read) and a larger
novel. The novella was a quick & sexy read. Julie’s plot line isn’t
resolved, though and that kind of bummed me.
Aug 11:
“Bloodlines” by Richelle Mead, first book in the Bloodlines series, a young
adult paranormal/urban fantasy at 421 pages. Blurb from book: When Sydney is torn from her
bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she’s still being punished
for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is
far worse. Jill Dragomir—the sister of Moroi /Queen Lissa Dragomir—is in mortal
danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill’s guardian and
protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human
boarding school in Palm Springs ,
California . The last thing Sydney wants is to be
accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one. The
Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep but threats,
distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside—and within—the school
grounds. Now that they’re in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.
I loved the Vampire
Academy series, so when
this series began, I knew I would eventually read it. I also knew each book
would end in some kind of cliffhanger, so I told my daughter I wouldn’t start
the first book until the last one was released. Then, when she brought over the
entire series (there are six books), I knew I couldn’t read them until I
finished writing Ghostly Interlude.
And boy, was I right in that regard. I’m back in this world, eagerly turning
each page. I can’t wait to dig into the next book. YA is not my “thing,” but I
do love this world. And now it’s told through Sydney (instead of Rose). I like Sydney . And Adrian . And yes, there was
a little bitty cliffhanger (not too bad—yet). Can’t wait to see what happens
next!
My husband thinks I should only read one Bloodlines book
then get back to work writing the novella I want to write. I think I deserve at
least a week’s break. And since I’m in charge of ME, I win!
Doesn’t mean I won’t start on the novella. But why tell him?
J
So… Do you give yourself rewards for finishing a project?
What kind does it usually entail? Food? Event? Books?
Happy Reading !
Stacy
7 comments:
Heck yeah, reward yourself.
My reward is usually time off. I'll give myself an entire day to goof off.
Maria - Just ONE day? :)
Nothing wrong with celebrating - however you choose! My reward is usually a computer game marathon. :)
Jennette - I feel like I'm on the computer all the time when I'm writing. It's usually what I want a break away from! :)
Much congrats. I agree with your Hubby. As for rewards, yes, always. So much fun!
Ivy - You agree with my hubby? That I should only read ONE book? Hmmm... Considering I just finished the second one, don't think that will happen! :)
Yes, I do, but I also think you gotta do whatnis best for you, regardless of what we think.
So with that, I wish you happy writing and happy reading.
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