Reading Update and I’m Motivated…to Exercise

I wish I were more motivated to write, but it is what it is. I am motivated to get into better shape, though. I love walking (once I get started outside, that is), but the colder weather coming scares me that I’ll end up stopping, and I don’t want to do that. Then I remembered what I LOVED doing at the fitness center when I used to go there all the time: step aerobics.

So I bought myself a step (the same kind used at the gym) and some DVDs. I’m excited. Scared, too. It’s been years since I last stepped, so I’m sure it will NOT be easy. Just have to start slow (like I did with my walking). But I’m motivated. And I’m sure my cardiologist will be super pleased if I actually keep with it. Winter doesn’t look too scary anymore!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #37

Dates read: September 18-25
Title: Ghost Moon
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Kathryn Knight
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 227
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: When Lark Cavanaugh’s life in New York City falls apart, she’s left reeling from a staggering betrayal. She escapes to Cape Cod, where a distant relative has left her an old house with a tragic past. Rumors of a haunting presence plague the abandoned home, but Lark doesn’t believe in ghosts…until she has no choice.
    After completing his military duty, veterinarian Jesse Holt returns to his small hometown to take over his father’s practice. He soon finds himself drawn to the alluring redhead now living next door. But she has made her intentions clear—she’s moving back to the city as soon as possible. When frightening events threaten her safety, though, he can’t deny his protective instincts.
    Unable to fight their feelings, they give in to desire…but another battle looms. Lark’s arrival has awakened a decades-old mystery, and the truth of what happened at Holloway House will only be revealed when it claims yet another life.
My thoughts: Kind of hoping I would enjoy this more than I did. It’s an okay story, and it has some scenes on the horror-side, but nothing spine-tingling (then again, I could be immune). I thought the pace was a little on the slow side, but if that’s your cup of tea, give it a try. Lots of sexy scenes, if that matters.

 

Book #38

Dates read: September 26
Title: When No One is Watching
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Alyssa Cole
Genre: Thriller
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting up like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she’s known all her life are disappearing. To hold on to her community’s past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour, and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block—her neighbor Theo.
    But Sydney and Theo’s deep dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. Their neighbors may not have moved to the suburbs after all, and the push to revitalize the community may be more deadly than advertised.
    When does coincidence become conspiracy? Where do people go when gentrification pushes them out? Can Sydney and Theo trust each other—or themselves—long enough to find out, before they, too, disappear?
My thoughts: Holy shit! I read this in ONE DAY. I could NOT put it down. This was some scary stuff (can almost consider this horror). Book sucked me in almost immediately and I just found myself reading all dang day! And that’s what I call an outstanding read.

So… how do you keep active during the winter months (for those of you who live in the snow zone)? I’m really hoping stepping works for me. There are also videos on YouTube that I could step to, but they have commercials (annoying). Not sure how much it would cost to avoid those, though.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Having Some Fun

On Monday, Hubby and I (along with our friends) went to the Columbus Zoo. I got my 10K steps in, but man, I think my feet were about to declare a mutiny. I walk 2-4 miles a day (or try to), but can’t stand on my feet for 4+ hours! But all in all, it was a beautiful day at the zoo and I did enjoy myself (just my feet didn’t).

On Tuesday, Hubby and I (along with the same friends) went to The Wilds (www.thewilds.org). This time my feet were okay because we toured the area in an open-air bus. Again, a beautiful day for such a tour, too. We really picked two great days weather-wise. And Hubby feels like he did SOMETHING during his vacation.

He’s still vacationing this week, but we have to figure out what we want to do on Thursday and Friday. Or rather, HE needs to figure it out. It’s his vacation!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #36

Dates read: September 12-17
Title: The Jackal
Year of publication: 2020
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Legacy #5/Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp #1
# of Pages: 351
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Won from Goodreads Giveaway
Blurb from book: The location of the glymera’s notorious prison camp was lost after the raids. When a freak accident provides Nyx clues to where her sister may still be doing time, she becomes determined to find the secret subterranean labyrinth. Embarking on a journey under the earth, she learns a terrible truth—and meets a male who changes everything, forever.
    The Jackal has been in the camp for so long he cannot recall anything of the freedom he once knew. Trapped by circumstances out of his control, he helps Nyx because he cannot help himself. After she discovers what happened to her sister, getting her back out becomes a deadly mission for them both.
    United by a passion they can’t deny, they work together on an escape plan for Nyx—even though their destiny is to be forever apart. And as the Black Dagger Brotherhood is called upon for help, and Rhage discovers he has a half brother who’s falsely imprisoned, a devious warden plots the deaths of them all…even the Brothers. 

My thoughts: I didn’t read the blurb before reading the book and I’m glad. I was surprised about one little tidbit mentioned at the end of the blurb. This book captivated me just like all the others in this series. I just love this world.

Funny story when I learned I won this book from Goodreads. It was release day and I checked B&N to see if it was on sale (they usually are on release day). Nope. And I didn’t have a coupon, either, so I e-mailed my daughter (or so I thought) to get a copy at Walmart (figuring it would be cheaper there). THEN I saw the e-mail that I had won a copy. Whoo hoo! So I went to e-mail my daughter back “Nevermind” and realized I had sent the e-mail to someone else whose e-mail address is similar (I hit enter when it highlighted and hadn’t paid attention—apparently). So I still had to send the “Nevermind” e-mail, just for a different reason!

So…Do you have vacation yet to use this year? What are your plans?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Meeting with Writer Friends

On Monday I was able to attend an in-person plot group meeting with some writer friends. What joy! We met at a Panera Bread that has outdoor seating (gotta be safe!). Only four of us showed, but it was wonderful. I really missed talking books with people and they helped me a lot with my own (which is a mess). Plus, they’re my friends and it had been so long since I’d seen them. It was the boost I needed to get back to work, especially since I now have some ideas of what needs fixing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #35

Dates read: September 4-10
Title: My Bonny Heart
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Synclair Stafford
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Pirate’s Progeny, Book #1
# of Pages: 277
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: A treacherous past haunts ex-pirate Anne Bonny’s attempt at a fresh start. Rescued from a Port Royal jail, she’s forced to marry a prominent landowner to retain custody of her children. She vows no other man will ever dictate her life again. But the lord she is to wed is more tempting and infuriating than the devil himself.
    Addison Blackhurst agreed to wed a fellow merchant’s daughter, solidifying the expansion of his rice plantation and trading business. Not mentioned in the contract? A temperamental, out-of-control widow who is unlike any woman of his acquaintance, complete with not one, but three children. But from the beginning, he’s drawn to her wild spirit and seductive charms.
    Through Anne’s husband-repelling schemes—and Addison’s equal endeavors to ignore them—they find an exasperating, yet most fascinating attraction. When Anne’s past threatens her future, and Addision believes he’s lost her for good, only a pirate’s resolve can determine if love will prevail. 
My thoughts: This was a fun read. If you like historical romances NOT set in England, this will be a treat for you. I hadn’t realized until after reading it that Anne Bonny was a real person, and that no one knows what happened to her after giving birth in jail. This story COULD be a possibility.

In sports… The Rams and Steelers won their first games of the season. Yay! But the Vegas Golden Knights season has come to an end with their loss Monday night. My hockey watching days are now on hold until the next season starts, whenever that will be. I’m thinking there won’t be much of a break after the finals.

So… what has brought you joy lately?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update, Hockey, and Football

I’m still watching hockey. I like the Vegas Golden Knights because Marc Andre Fleury is on the team (he used to be the goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins—my favorite team). He’s not always playing goalie, but by this point I’ve just become a fan. So as long as they’re in the playoffs, I’m watching.

I think football starts up tomorrow. Hubby is looking forward to that. I may be, too. My Rams play on Sunday night. Steelers play on Monday night. So at least we’re able to watch those games at home. Not sure I want to go to a restaurant to watch games this year.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #34

Dates read: August 28 – September 3
Title: Break the Day
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Midnight Breed #16
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: After a shocking betrayal nearly killed him and the people he cares about the most, what Breed warrior Rafe wants more than anything is revenge against the insidious brotherhood called Opus Nostrum. But to achieve that goal, he must turn his back on the Order and infiltrate a dangerous gang with ties to Opus. Risking everything to redeem himself and carry out his deep-cover mission, Rafe will let nothing stand in his way—least of all his desire for one of the loyalists he should despise, a mysterious, dark-haired beauty named Devony Winters.
    But Devony has secrets of her own to protect, as well as a personal duty she will do anything to fulfill. And as a daywalker passing herself off as human to the gang she’s been embedded with for months, the last thing she needs is a dangerous former member of the Order unraveling all her hard work. Her plans depend on keeping Rafe at arm’s length, but if she surrenders to the dark need he stirs within her, it will be her heart that pays the ultimate price. 
My thoughts: Been awhile since I read the last book in this series and had no problems getting caught up in the characters (or even remembering who is who!). Great romance.

So… Are you watching sports on TV this year? Do you miss going to the games? High school football has started up, but only family members are allowed to attend (and I’m not so sure I’d go anyway). They used to broadcast the games on the radio, which is what we used when we were out of town, but the announcers aren’t allowed in the booth, so no radio, either. I can pay to watch via a streaming thing, but I don’t miss it THAT much.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and August Walking Stats

August was a great month for walking. I walked 26 of the 31 days for a total of 73.71 miles. That averages out to 2.835 miles/day!

Although, I try really hard to walk at least 3 miles a day now. That’s the best way I can make my 10K steps a day. I’m really hoping I can continue as the weather cools, too. I need to keep this habit regardless of the temps. About the only thing that stops me is rain (or a morning appointment).

I prefer to walk in the morning before the sun gets too hot. But once the daily temps are lower than 80 (or the mornings are lower than 50), I might need to change my walks to the afternoon. Good thing I don’t have a job to worry about. I just need to get my body on board. And maybe my mind, too.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #33

Dates read: August 17-28
Title: Broken
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: Deep Ops #3
# of Pages: 366
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Former Navy SEAL Clarence Wolfe’s unit was taken out with a land mine. Injured and devastated, he hasn’t been quite right since. Worse, the tragedy was no accident. All Wolfe wants now is to take down the man responsible. In the meantime, he’s good with being the muscle for the Deep Ops team—and leading a steamy no-strings-attached personal life. Until one intriguing woman changes everything…
    Reporter Dana Mulberry is on a mission to avenge the death of a fellow journalist. She’s finally hot on a trail—right to a sex club—where she runs into…Wolfe? It seems both their leads have led to the same spot. To keep from blowing their covers, they’ll have to at least pretend to have a little fun. Trouble is, they genuinely like each other. And that’s way too risky for Wolfe, especially when, to his surprise, Dana agrees…
    Drawn to each other in ways they can’t understand, Wolfe and Dana keep it professional—until they’re shot at one night. And when their adventures land them both at the heart of corruption in D.C.—and at odds in their missions—they’ll have to dig deeper than ever to succeed in their quests—and with each other… 
My thoughts: These characters are also in the first two books of this series and I knew they’d get their own book…eventually. Lots of action and suspense in this romance and I loved it.

Seems like a lot of changes are going on and I’m not enjoying them. Facebook is changing (hate the new format) and Blogger has changed. Or is in the process of changing again? I’m not sure. I switched over months ago (because I wanted people to be able to read my blog on a mobile device) and wasn’t having any problems, but now they did something to the posts. I used to be able to just copy and paste from Word and only have to tweak minor stuff. Now? I’m fixing major stuff. And adding tags to a post is a PAIN IN THE BUTT. I don’t like it. Then again, I’m not a fan of change so much. Especially when the old ways were working (and seem more efficient).

So… has anything irritated you lately?

Happy Reading!

Stacy