Wednesday Reads and Let the Healing Begin

Hubby’s last radiation treatment was yesterday. Yay! Now he’s on the road to healing. I sure hope it’s a short trip. He needs some encouragement.

Hubby’s been getting hydrated every day now, so I’m getting more reading done. Here’s what I read the past week:

Book #1

Dates read: April 15-19
Title: “Wolf Tales 10”
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Kate Douglas
Genre: Erotic paranormal romance
Series: Wolf Tales #10
# of Pages: 277
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: The Chanku are gifted with more power—of mind, body, and soul—than the most superior of humans. Yet even these exceptional beings cannot change the laws of nature…or destiny. And when one loses his human life mate to a tragic accident, he is shattered by grief he never imagined possible…
   The only thing worse than losing his love is knowing that her death was caused by the incompetence of a goddess supposedly possessed of timeless wisdom. The justice dealt for the goddess’s horrible mistake is a demotion—from immortal to human—and the charge of filling the missing space in the Montana pack. But while some accept her quickly, not all are so willing…
   It is time for Anton, Stefan, and Adam to test the newcomer to see if she can withstand the heights of ecstasy these Chanku men will show her—and to discover whether, when faced with the ultimate sacrifice, she will make the right choice…
My thoughts: Not my favorite. Don’t know if it’s because it’s so late in the series, or because of the death of a major character, or if my head just isn’t in the right place. I do want to finish the series (there are 12 books and I own them), but I’m thinking maybe I want to wait until June to do that.

Book #2

Dates read: April 20-22
Title: “Compulsion”
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Allison Brennan
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Series: #2 in the Maxine Revere series
# of Pages: 446
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Investigative reporter Maxine Revere has a theory: Maybe five New York City murders for which Adam Bachman is being tried are just one part of his master plan? In probing another case, involving a missing couple, Max uncovers striking similarities to Bachman’s MO. It seems likely that Bachman wasn’t working alone…but how can she prove it?
   Max wins a coveted pre-trial interview with Bachman, whose disarming composure is combined with uncomfortable knowledge of Max’s own past. She leaves the room convinced that Bachman is involved in her missing-persons case—but the D.A. refuses to hear it. With no physical evidence, Max must rely on her own wits and investigative prowess to dig deep into Bachman’s psyche and past. But as she gets closer to the truth, she doesn’t realize that she’s walking down a road that has been paved just for her. And at the end, the killer is waiting…
My thoughts: Well, the title was appropriate. Every time I put the book down, I was compelled to pick it back up!! J This is turning out to be a really great series.

Book #3

Dates read: April 23-24
Title: “Raging Heat”
Year of publication: 2014
Author: Richard Castle
Genre: Crime Drama/Mystery
Series: #6 in the Nikki Heat series
# of Pages: 290
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased (for my daughter)
Blurb from Goodreads: An illegal immigrant falls from the sky and NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat's investigation into his death quickly captures the imagination of her boyfriend, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jameson Rook. When he decides to work the case with Heat as his next big story, Nikki is at first happy to have him ride-along. Yes, she must endure Rook's usual wild conspiracy speculations and adolescent wisecracks, but after reuniting following his recent assignment abroad, she's glad for the entertainment, the chance to bounce ideas, and just to be close to him again and feel the old spark rekindle. But when Rook's inquiry concludes that Detective Heat has arrested the wrong man for the murder, everything changes.
   Balancing her high stakes job with a complicated romance has been a challenge ever since Nikki fell for the famous reporter. Now, her relationship lurches from mere complexity into sharp conflict over the most high-risk case of her career. Set against the raging force of Hurricane Sandy as it pounds New York, Heat battles an ambitious power broker, fights a platoon of urban mercenaries, and clashes with the man she loves. Detective Heat knows her job is to solve murders. She just worries that solving this one will be the death of her relationship.
My thoughts: This is still a fun series to read (or has turned back into a fun series—not sure I cared for the last one as much). Love the inside jokes and Rook has some really funny lines (but then, he usually does).

Tomorrow the Penguins start Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Capitals. I’ll be at RT (book convention) during two of the games in this round. And trust me, if I’m not doing anything, I’ll find someplace to watch the game. Which means… I better pack me some Penguins shirts!

So… How’s your reading coming along? Ahead, behind, or right on schedule? I’m ahead for once. Yay!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Playoff Hockey is STRESSFUL

Aaargh! I was really hoping the Penguins could have swept the Blue Jackets. But it was not to be. They play again tomorrow (in Pittsburgh) and I’ll probably miss a lot of the game. Boo!

Here’s what I read the past week:

Book #1

Dates read: April 11-14
Title: “Wicked Edge”
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Realm Enforcers #2
# of Pages: 249
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Daire Dunne is more than ready to take a quick break from his duties as a Coven Nine Enforcer. When he spots a sexy blonde across a Titan’s of Fire party, it’s not long before she’s on the back of his Harley on the fast track to his apartment. Unfortunately, one overheated kiss in, the woman drugs Daire and steals valuable files that can’t fall into enemy hands. The second he comes to, the hunt is on…
   Now that CeeCee has the information to take down an enemy that destroyed her family, she can implement her perfect plan for revenge. Nothing will stop her, not even a shockingly sexy enforcer barging into her life. Not even the spectacular, fire-branding sex engulfing them. But if Daire ever figures out who her family really is, all bets are off…
My thoughts: Wickedly entertaining. I really loved CeeCee. Oh yeah, and Daire wasn’t so bad, either (snicker, snicker). And despite the cover, this really isn't a motorcycle club book. In fact, I believe the covers to this series are getting an update to remove those motorcycles. Truth be told, they turned me off (not a fan of that genre). It wasn't until I found out they were paranormal stories that I picked them up to read. So glad, too. Great series!

Only one book read this week. Might say something about the book I’m currently reading. Or I just got busy with other things. Or a little of both.

Hubby update: Rough day yesterday. Only 5 more treatments. They can’t end soon enough.

So… Should I say the heck with our data plan and stream the game while Hubby is teaching? I could… I could… Oh wait, I think the school has wi-fi. Hmmm…

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Holey Moley, What a Game!

Whoo hoo! That overtime period last night was quite an adrenaline rush. Or would that be a heart-stopper? Good thing I’d eaten hours before. I’d have had heartburn for sure!

But hey, the Penguins are up 3-0 against the Blue Jackets now. Love it, love it, love  it!!!

And I sure do love Fleury!!

Let’s go Pens!!!

So… How’s your team doing? Think I used enough !!!! in this post? Maybe not. Here’s some more. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

Stacy

Hockey, Concerts, and Easter

Tonight is game 2 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets in round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. My daughter has tickets to the game (lucky duck), but I have to settle for watching it on TV. Unfortunately, the game is being telecast on the NHL Network, which, of course, I don’t have. Figures! So it looks like Hubby and I will put on our jerseys (yep, I’ll make him wear his) and head out to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the game. Oh, and have dinner, too.

I hope the Penguins score early and numerous times. I don’t need a stress-fest. Or heartburn.

I’m sure they’ll give me both, though. It’s what they do!!

Yesterday I bought our first concert tickets of the season. I was beginning to wonder if the Rose Music Center was going to have any concerts I wanted to see and could actually attend. When I got the e-mail about Air Supply performing on August 12, I first checked to see if that date was free (it was!). Then I asked Hubby if he liked them. I was so happy he said yes! I love presales. Got good seats.

I’m glad the Rose Music Center goes through Ticketmaster to sell their tickets. I had wanted to see Boz Scaggs at the Fraze Pavilion, but they sell their tickets through Epic, which charges $11/ticket fee. Ticketmaster isn’t quite that bad (and I have vouchers to use, which helps reduce those fees). Besides, the Rose is closer to home and the parking is way easier to get in and out. Bonus!

On Sunday we will be driving to Columbus to spend Easter with our friends. I don’t know how much Hubby will eat, but he is eating more now (thank goodness). He discovered taking oxycodone before dinner kills the pain in his throat and he can swallow (he had some leftover from his surgery and the doctors said it was better for him to take this instead of a fever-reducer pain med). Of course, it also makes him drowsy and I have to wake him to eat. You should have seen us at O’Charley’s the other night. I kept waiting for him to fall into his meal!

But I know he’s feeling better. Besides pouting up a storm when I told him he couldn’t drive to dinner (I really hope he was yanking my chain on that one), he was able to insult me in front of the nurse during one of his many appointments. Made me smile. After I smacked him in the arm. J

I’m looking forward to spending some time with friends this Sunday and eating lots of good food. Then hopefully we’ll be able to play Uno or some other game after dinner. Provided Hubby doesn’t fall asleep.

Oh heck. We’ll just play around him. J

So… Are you watching the playoffs? Got plans for the holiday? Seeing any concerts this year? Please share!

Happy Easter!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads (and reads and reads and reads)

Before you kill me, I’ll warn you up front: this is a long post. Apparently I was a reading machine! 4 books. Didn’t hurt that I had a lot of time to kill. A lot.

Hubby got his second batch of chemo last Wednesday. While that alone takes 7-8 hours, he also gets hydrated on the two days following, and that takes 2 hours each. See? Lots of time. Unfortunately, the chemo this time really kicked in. Started out with the usual “everything tastes bad” routine, but then the nausea kicked in on Saturday and he couldn’t keep anything down. Not even his nausea pills.

So on Monday he was able to get more hydration with an added “shot” of nausea medication (which thankfully worked). He was able to eat some soup after (although stuff still tastes bad and he hasn’t eaten much since).

I hate times like that. I just feel so useless. And I hate seeing him suffer. I’ll be glad when it’s all over with!

Here’s what I read the past week:

Book #1

Dates read: April 3-5
Title: “Thrown by a Curve”
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Jaci Burton
Genre: Erotic romance
Series: Book 5 in the Play-by-Play series
# of Pages: 327
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Free at Romantic Times (RT) Booklovers Convention
Blurb from Book: For Alicia Riley, her job as a sports therapist for the St. Louis Rivers baseball team is a home run—until she becomes the primary therapist for star pitcher Garrett Scott. Out of the lineup with an injury, he’s short-tempered, hard to handle, and every solid inch a man.
   Right now, the only demand he’s making on Alicia is that she get him ready to pitch in time for opening day. Except the sexual chemistry between them is so charged, Alicia’s tempted to oblige Garrett just about anything. But their careers are at stake—one bad move and it’s game over for both of them.
   Garrett also feels the hot sparks between them, and the way he figures it, what better therapy is there than sex? Now all he has to do is convince the woman with the power to make the call.
My thoughts: I had read Books #2 & #3 in this series and when I saw this one at RT, I had to pick it up. Why it’s taken me so long to read it, I don’t know. It’s not like you have to read these books in order and it’s just as hot and steamy as the other two. I like these sport stories, but then I like sports.

Book #2

Dates read: April 5-7
Title: “Immortal Unchained”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Book 25 in the Argeneau Vampire series
# of Pages: 369
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Ever since Domitian Argenis recognized Sarita as his life mate, he’s been waiting for the perfect moment to claim her. Those fantasies did not include him being chained to a table in a secret lab or both of them being held hostage by a mad scientist. Somehow, they have to escape…
   Sarita has seen some crazy things as a cop, but nothing to rival Domitian. A vampire? Seriously? But his healing ability, incredible powers, and their mind-blowing physical connection—none of it should be possible, yet her body knows differently. Now, not only do they have to save each other, but other innocent lives are at stake. Failure is not an option, for Sarita intends that Domitian show her exactly what an eternity of pleasure feels like…
My thoughts: At first I was a little confused, because I don’t remember ever reading about Domitian before (not that I remember ALL the relatives, but they tend to get mentioned every now and then). Turns out I probably didn’t. Ha! I loved where the storyline went (à la Island of Dr. Moreau) and wonder if it will continue on with some of the characters introduced (like, maybe, Thorne??). This series is my most favorite. As soon as the next book comes out, I buy it and place it in my stack to be read NEXT; over all the other series books I’ve gotten. And it will continue to stay that way for the next installment. Can’t wait!!

Book #3

Dates read: April 7-8
Title: “Make Them Pay”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Allison Brennan
Genre: Suspense
Series: Book 12 in the Lucy Kincaid series
# of Pages: 390
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan are finally tying the knot. Two weeks before their wedding, a surprise visitor shows up at their door: Eden, Sean’s estranged sister from Europe. She claims she’s in town for the wedding and wants to mend fences. Lucy invites Eden to stay with them—after all, family is family—but her boss, SSA Noah Armstrong knows far more about Eden’s sketchy past than he’s let on.
   While Lucy is focused on her investigation tracking down dozens of children sold through illegal adoptions, Noah begins a quiet investigation of Eden and her elusive twin, Liam. He’s certain that, since they’re both thieves, they’re here for a job or a heist. But they are up to something far more sinister than even Noah can imagine.
   Liam has a score to settle with his family, and Sean has something he wants. The twins will do anything to get it—including putting Lucy’s life in danger. It’ll take everyone—Kincaids and Rogans alike—to stop Liam before someone dies. Unfortunately, Liam’s treachery has unforeseen consequences for Sean and Lucy, as a longtime enemy of the Rogan family hellbent on revenge sees an opportunity to make them all pay…
My thoughts: Man, I certainly tore through this book in a hurry. So glad I finally had a free Saturday where I could do nothing but read. And I’m glad I was reading this book because I would have had trouble putting it down otherwise. I’m addicted to this series, no doubt about it. I love Lucy and Sean!

Book #4

Dates read: April 9-10
Title: “Trial Junkies”
Year of publication: 2012
Author: Robert Gregory Browne
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Series: Trial Junkies #1
# of Pages: 369
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Ethan “Hutch” Hutchinson hasn’t seen his old college pals for nearly a decade. Now fate has brought them together again as one of the gang is put on trial for a brutal, senseless murder.
   The Chicago police and prosecutor think they have their perp, but Hutch isn’t about to sit silently in a courtroom as someone he cares about is wrongfully convicted.
   When Hutch and his friends join forces to search for the real killer, what they find shatters every notion they have about friendship, loss, and redemption…and may very well cost Hutch—and the woman he loves—their lives.
My thoughts: Wow. Did not see that one coming. Also didn’t expect to read it that fast (and not just because I had the time). Shows you how captivated I was, huh? If you like whodunnits where you don’t know (or even have a hint of) whodunnit until the end, then you’ll enjoy this one.

So... Have you ever started reading a book just to see how it begins only to find yourself several chapters in before you realize it? That's what happened with that last book I read. Sucked me right in.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

I found another way to scale back. I’ve changed some of the Yahoo groups I’m in so that I will now get the e-mails in batches instead of individually. It was do that or unsubscribe, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to go that far…yet. Just that little bit has really reduced some of the stress I was feeling. Who knew e-mails could do that to a person?

Here’s what I read the past week (another 2-book week!):

Book #1

Dates read: March 24-29
Title: “How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Fantasy romance
Series: Book 1 in The Embraced series
# of Pages: 394
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: As one of the Embraced—one born with magical powers—the beautiful, innocent Luciana escaped certain death after her father hid her away on the Isle of Moon. Now, nineteen years later, her father has returned with a frightening request. He will be executed unless Luciana returns to the mainland and marries a man feared throughout the land: a terrifying brute known as the Beast..
   Luciana accepts her fate and agrees to wed the Beast—Lord Leo—in order to save her father. Soon she learns that her betrothed is also one of the Embraced. With the ability to wield lightning, Leo’s immense power strikes fear into the hearts of men…and his mere touch can put an end to a woman’s life. But Luciana cannot deny the passion that burns between them. How can she resist the man who scorches her soul and makes her feel intoxicated with desire—even if surrendering to him could destroy them both?
My thoughts: Set in a world without technology or any kind of power (except for the magical kind), this book read like an historical. I enjoyed it very much, though (lots of danger and suspense), and will continue to read this series.

Book #2

Dates read: March 30-31
Title: “The Education of Dixie Dupree”
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Donna Everhart
Genre: Fiction
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 299
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: In 1969, Dixie Dupree is eleven years old and already an expert liar. Sometimes the lies are for her mama, Evie’s sake—to explain away a bruise brought on by her quick-as-lightning temper. And sometimes the lies are to spite Evie, who longs to leave her unhappy marriage in Perry County, Alabama, and return to her beloved New Hampshire. But for Dixie and her brother, Alabama is home, a place of pine-scented breezes and hot, languid afternoons.
   Though Dixie is learning that the family she once believed was happy has deep fractures, even her vivid imagination couldn’t concoct the events about to unfold. Dixie records everything in her diary—her parents’ fights, her father’s drinking and his unexplained departure, and the arrival of uncle Ray. Only when Dixie desperately needs help and is met with disbelief does she realize how much damage her past lies have done. But she has courage and a spirit that may yet prevail, forcing secrets into the open and allowing her to forgive and become whole again.
My thoughts: For fear of saying too much about this book, I’m finding maybe I shouldn’t say anything at all. A lot of disturbing things happen (in detail) and could be triggers for some people (it wasn’t for me, but then I’m used to reading horror). So if you want to know what, e-mail me and ask. I’ll tell you. Otherwise, I’ll just say… While this is not the type of book I normally read, it intrigued me (especially since some people compared it to To Kill a Mockingbird—which this is not like, let me say that now) and once I started reading…well, I couldn’t put it down (as you can see, I read it in two days). Dixie is an interesting young girl, but this is a very dark book and I’m not so sure the blurb portrays that.

Since mentioning my Facebook Group in my newsletter (which went out last Friday), membership has picked up. Yay! If you’d like to join, just click HERE!

So… What are you reading now? Anything good?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Scaling Back and Dayton Baseball

Hey, I’m back! Did you miss me?

When it seems like your life is a series of drives to and from West Chester, Ohio, there isn’t much to talk (write) about, ya know? So I’ll probably scale back and only post on Wednesdays (because I’m fairly certain I’ll have at least ONE book to report each week) until Hubby’s radiation and chemo is finished at the end of this month.

I say probably because who knows what might happen? I might find out my next book will be published. I might get the link to that short story I started. I might get a bug up my butt and feel like blogging about nothing in particular. Or I get news I don’t want to wait until Wednesday to tell you. Just don’t be surprised if you only see me blogging on Wednesdays. Also, don’t be surprised if my Wednesday blogs are longer. J

On Saturday, Hubby and I watched the Cincinnati Reds play the Future Reds players right here in Dayton. It was fun seeing former Dragons players (esp. Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton) return and play. The game was sold out and the seats were actually filled. I’m amazed at that because the high temp didn’t even reach 50. Yep, it was quite chilly out.

At least it wasn’t windy. I don’t think I would have wanted Hubby out in that if it was.

One thing I wasn’t impressed with, though... The Dragons’ owners put netting all around the ballpark now (which you can see in my picture of Joey Votto). Well, the portion along the base sides (instead of just behind home plate). No more tossing the ball into the stands (unless you’re sitting on the grass behind the outfield). No more autographs from the sidelines. The atmosphere just wasn’t the same and I didn’t really like looking through that net (it’s like watching an analog show on a high-def TV). If I had wanted to look through the net, I’d have seats behind home plate! We’ll see if my opinion changes at the end of the season. If it doesn’t, I’m not so sure I want to renew our season tickets.

Oh, by the way, the Reds won, 5-1.

So… Did you play any April Fool’s pranks on anyone? Or did someone get you good? Please share. I love a good prank.

Stacy