Reading Update and Hanging in There

This time of year… It’s like I forget to do ANYTHING I normally do. Not that I do a lot to begin with. But hey, I got the tree up. And decorated it. I even have most of my shopping done. Heck, I may have all of it done. I’m just waiting on one more delivery (the original shipment got lost and it had to be resent, so we’ll see…). Then the fun (not) of wrapping begins. Next Thursday I get my fourth (and final double) treatment. So it would probably be in my best interest to have all the wrapping done before then.

But I’m hanging in there. I’ve laxed a little on my exercises, though. I need to find something that doesn’t wipe me out for the day, ya know? If it weren’t cold outside, I’d walk, but I don’t like walking in the cold. I’m really hoping that when I switch to only needing one drug for my treatment, that the fatigue isn’t as bad (or the headaches). And I’m hoping these drugs are working, but I won’t find that out until my CT scan in January.

Anyway… Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 38

Dates read: November 24-December 9, 2022
Title: The Demon’s Secret Baby
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Jeanne Oates Estridge
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Touched by a Demon #3
# of Pages: 262
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from book: Samael, Demon of Pride and Devil’s Advocate, rarely leaves Hell. He has everything he desires there—except his ex-wife. Their divorce was inevitable for both their sakes, but eons later he still burns for her—and Lilith still loathes him. Now an Aboveworld assignment forces them together for three weeks. His powers of persuasion are legendary. If he can’t have her for eternity, twenty-one nights will have to do.
    Over the past ten thousand years, Lilith has clawed her way to the top of Satan’s Operations staff. Aboveworld assignments are her get-out-of-Hell-free card, allowing her to escape her history as the dust wench who married into Hell’s elite and then got dumped. Her next assignment is as assistant to the Demon of Pride himself in her favorite stomping ground, the Big Apple. She’ll never get a better chance to even the score.
    Sam’s determined to seduce his beloved. Lilith’s out for revenge. Sparks fly, and a moment of weakness yields consequences that could upend the universe.
My thoughts: This was really good. Lots of tension (sexual and otherwise). If I could have just sat and read, I’d have read this much faster.

So… How hectic does it seem to you during this time of year?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Happy Anniversary to Me

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was also the 13th anniversary of this blog. The fall of 2009, I had finally decided to pursue publication and knew I needed to be online somehow. Blogging was more popular then, so that’s what I did. Mainly, because it seemed easy (and it is). Now, I struggle with what to post, which is why I mostly just post about what I’ve read. That’s definitely easy, plus I like to keep a record (even though I also keep a record on Goodreads).

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 37

Dates read: November 15-23, 2022
Title: The Viper
Year of publication: 2022
Author: J. R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp #3
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Framed for the grisly murder of his shellan, Kane is condemned to the notorious prison camp—unaware of the dark truth behind his arranged mating. Centuries later, when he is horribly burned while attempting to save others, he prays he’ll finally be reunited in the Fade with his mate…not knowing what revelations await him.
    Nadya is a self-taught nurse who does what she can to ease the suffering of the prisoners. When Kane comes under her care, she cannot help but empathize with his condition for very personal reasons—and as the guards take him away one last time, she fears he is facing a terrible death.
    After a daring rescue, Kane is offered a treatment that will change his very nature. Choosing life, for the time being, he goes back for the female who took such good care of him—but his duty to Nadya sets him on a collision course with his own past. When long-buried secrets are exposed, his self-destruction is inevitable…unless true love can save his soul.
My thoughts: Another goodie in this series. Lots of action, too. A good read.

So… how long have you been blogging or following blogs? Anyone here follow me from the beginning? I’ll be surprised if you have.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and I’m Here

It’s been awhile huh? That’s what happens when it takes awhile to finish reading a book. And not much else is happening.

I’ve survived two treatments so far. I’m not noticing many side effects, but man, the weekend after treatment is rough. Both times I ended up with a migraine-like headache that lasted a couple of days. And urinating out what was put in me caused a few issues (which I wasn’t sure there was a correlation until the second treatment). I hope this is only because of the drug I have to take only 4 times. If I have the same issues after the drug I’m supposed to take forever (or close to forever), I won’t be a happy camper.

Of course, I may not be a happy camper during Christmas, as that falls in the weekend after my 4th treatment. Fun, fun… not.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 36

Dates read: October 26 – November 14, 2022
Title: Heat 2
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Michael Mann & Meg Gardiner
Genre: Crime Drama
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 466
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: One day after the end of Heat, Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) is holed up in Koreatown, wounded, half delirious, and desperately trying to escape LA. Hunting him is LAPD detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). Hours earlier, Hanna killed Shiherlis’s brother in arms Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) in a gunfight under the strobe lights at the foot of an LAX runway. Now Hanna’s determined to capture or kill Shiherlis, the last survivor of McCauley’s crew, before he ghosts out of the city.
    In 1988, seven years earilier, McCauley, Shiherlis, and their highline crew are taking scores on the West Coast, the US-Mexican border, and now in Chicago. Driven, daring, they’re pulling in money and living vivid lives. And Chicago homicide detective Vincent Hanna—a man unreconciled with his history—is following his calling the pursuit of armed and dangerous men into the dark and wild places, hunting an ultraviolent gang of home invaders.
    Meanwhile, the fallout from McCauley’s scores and Hanna’s pursuit causes unexpected repercussions in a parallel narrative, driving through the years following Heat.
    Heat 2 projects its dimensional and richly drawn men and women into whole new worlds—from the inner sanctums of rival crime syndicates in a South American free-trade zone to transnational criminal enterprises in Southeast Asia. The novel brings you intimately into these lives. In Michael Mann’s Heat universe, they will confront new adversaries in lethal circumstances beyond all boundaries.
My thoughts: I read this because I enjoy Meg Gardiner’s books. Don’t know how much she contributed, but the story did start out a bit slower than I like (and it took me nearly 3 weeks to read it, but that’s a whole ’nother reason). I haven’t seen the movie “Heat” but was informed I didn’t have to (and that was correct). But I probably will eventually see it. Once I can find it on the television! It’s funny, I hadn’t read the book jacket before reading the book and didn’t know who played who in the movie. I really didn’t picture any of those actors playing the parts. Not even close.

Last week, Hubby and I took a little trip to Virginia to spend a couple of days with friends (they have a timeshare in Massanutten). We would have spent more than two days, but I had to be back for lab work and then my second treatment. It was nice to get away, even for a little bit. Saw James Monroe’s estate, a civil war site, and drove most of the Skyline drive this time around. Most of the leaves were gone or dead, but the last time Hubby and I drove the Skyline drive, it was snowing! So, we at least got to see some of the views this time around. Also saw lots of deer. But did I take any pictures? Of course not! I just don’t think about that until it’s too late. Oh well…

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Cruise News

Our next cruise was scheduled for Jan 8. Unfortunately, I have a treatment on Jan 12 that I can’t miss. We thought we were gonna lose out on the cruise. We thought wrong!

Technically, the day for us to cancel without penalties was on Oct 16th. We didn’t know for sure whether or not we could go until Oct 20th (figures, right?). We told the lady who helped book this cruise whether we could just transfer the payments to another cruise. She talked to her boss, explained the circumstances and how we were active cruisers, and they let us do it! So instead of leaving on the 8th, we’re leaving on the 21st. It’s a different cruise from a different port (out of Miami instead of Baltimore) and it’s an 8-day & 6-day cruise back-to-back (vs the 14-day cruise we had), but we didn’t lose any money. Well, we had to pay extra, since these cruises cost more, but it was less than what we would have lost if we had just cancelled.

While I’m bummed I have to have the cancer treatments, I was super happy that I still get to go on the cruise. And I’m sure by then (when I switch over from phase I to phase II) I’ll really need the break!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 35

Dates read: October 14-25, 2022
Title: After The Bite
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Argeneau Vampires #35
# of Pages: 392
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Immortal Enforcer Valerian just wants to relax. His last assignment had been more grueling than he’d care to admit, and golf has always helped him unwind. If golf course owner Natalie thinks it’s a little odd for him to tee off at sunset every evening, she’s keeping it to herself. The single mom is sexy as hell, and her little daughter, Mia, only adds to his delight. He knows Natalie is wary of a relationship of any kind…what will she think when she discovers he’s an immortal? His best course of action is to woo her the old-fashioned way.
    But the course of true love never did run smooth—especially for a vampire and a mortal. And when danger stalks Natalie, Valerian realizes he’s playing a game of life and death and if he loses this round, he risks losing her forever.
My thoughts: I so needed this book after reading The Witcher Chime (the book I finished before this one). I love the Argeneau series! Love the humor. Love the romance. And I love the suspense.

So… my first treatment went well. Lasted a lot longer than I expected, though. I expected one hour. It was THREE! I had an appointment with my cardiologist that I was a little bit late for. And I didn’t get the breakfast I had planned. I’ll know better next time.

So far I haven’t experienced any side effects. I had a headache the first couple of days, but that was it. I was told the effects are delayed with immunotherapy (whereas with chemotherapy, they happen almost right away). So we’ll see how I feel after the next treatment (on Nov 10).

My visit with the cardiologist went well. The mitraclip is working wonderfully. I still get tired climbing stairs or walking fast, but not as bad. On Saturday, we went to see the Penguins play in Columbus (against the Blue Jackets). Pens won, by the way—yay! After the game, in the parking garage, I didn’t have to stop to catch my breath climbing the stairs (and we were parked on the 4th level). Last time I had to stop twice! So I guess I can call that progress.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and an Online Class

The writing organization I belong with is having a month-long online class November 1-30, 2022. It’s only $25 for non-members, too! Here’s the details:

Writing guru Dwight Swain said it’s the author’s job to manipulate the emotions of the reader. There’s no better way for the author to do this than to put his/her/their characters through one roller coaster episode after another, taking the reader along for the ride.

But how much conflict, how much character angst is too much? How can the author keep the action from becoming cartoonish?

Long-time friend of COFW Digital Classes, Linnea Sinclair answers those questions and more in this fun and fast-paced (because torturing students is good, too!) workshop that explores the importance of conflict in today’s commercial fiction novels.

You can sign up on the website Classes - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). Last day to register is Nov 1. I’m taking the class, because I always learn something from Linnea Sinclair. She’s great!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 34

Dates read: October 4-13, 2022
Title: The Witcher Chime
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Amity Green
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: In 1922 and in 1988 a deadly, possessive entity imprints on members of the same family, ancient as Genesis and determined to remain free. Savannah Caleman is the latest object of obsession in this chilling, historical tale of haunted legacy and terror.
    Savannah Caleman’s family has been coming apart since the early 1920’s. After a horrific suicide by their great aunt, the Calemans sell off the family ranch, hoping to leave the stigma of insanity behind and gain a fresh start at a property known by locals as “The Witcher Place.” Days after the move, Savannah’s father isn’t himself and her mother grows increasingly distant. Her little brother, Chaz, is forced out of a second story window by a being that makes Savannah question her sanity for the first time. Her mother takes Chaz and flees the state. Savannah and her younger sister, Molly, are chased home by a mountain lion but when Savannah turns to look back, the cat has transformed into a man. Their father’s behavior takes a more serious twist as horror abounds and Savannah turns to distant relatives for answers, fearing the insanity is real and has spread. Her father is no longer in control. Armed with a shotgun, Savannah is forced to protect herself and her sister.
    The evil plaguing her family dons a suit and tie and introduces himself, giving Savannah an ultimatum. She must decide between her sister’s safety and aiding a monster that can’t be identified as either an angel or a demon. Either way, Savannah is torn, and takes to single-handedly running the family affairs with precision as she takes care of her sister. The Witcher Place is transformed to her liking using family money. Distractions are only that. Releasing a monster to roam at will isn’t a stellar option, no matter the promises it makes. The stain of murder and torment cannot be erased. He has fallen, been shackled, and now has plans to rise once more using Savannah as the key to regain grace.
My thoughts: What the heck did I just read? I don’t think that’s a good thing to think when you finally reach the end. Do you? I really didn’t enjoy this one at all.

Today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a $150 gift card to either B&N or Amazon (your choice). See previous post (Friday’s) for more information and the link to enter.

So…. I start immunotherapy treatment tomorrow morning. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get extreme side effects. I expect I’ll get some, but hopefully in the mild range. First phase of treatment is two drugs every three weeks, for four times. Then after that, one drug every four weeks, for however long it works. I’ll get a CT scan after the first phase (late Dec/early Jan) to make sure it’s working. I really hope it works!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Give Card Giveaway Going on Now!

 

Enter now for your chance to win a $150 Amazon or B&N Gift Card, winner’s choice.

The Rules are simple...Follow as many authors as you would like...the more points you get, the better your chances are of winning! Good Luck!

 

Enter Here: https://bit.ly/BookBubOctober2022 before October 19, 2022, 11:59pm.

I'm one of the authors listed. If you already follow me on Book Bub (thank you, by the way), you should still be able to get credit for me.

Have fun and I hope you find some interesting new authors to check out!

~~Stacy

No Books, No Surgery, But Pictures!

I was supposed to have surgery yesterday. That's been cancelled...indefinitely.

On Thursday, the 6th, I had my pre-op appointment and CT scan. Results from the scan showed other spots had grown (whereas only one spot was growing the past year) and a new spot appeared. Apparently, the CT scan at UC Health is more detailed than the one on the base. Or I just had some active growth since July.

In any case, there wasn't any reason to have the surgery to remove one spot when all the others seem active, too. And they aren't all in the same area. Some are in the other lung.

Today I see my oncologist to see when I start immunotherapy. Hubby wants it to start tomorrow. We'll see.

I haven't finished reading the book I started last week, so here are some pictures from my trip out west. See, I DID remember!

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

Yellowstone really surprised me. When I was there back in 1970, I only saw Old Faithful. I never realized how much it resembled another planet! I did see a lot of bison there, but no bears. I really thought I'd see at least one bear!

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

I've heard of Bryce Canyon before, but never realized how huge that place is. I'm so glad I was able to experience it.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Where you see Bryce from above, you experience Zion from below. Driving through the tunnel was an experience, too. They had to stop the traffic on the other end so our bus could drive down the middle of the road. It was too tall for one side. 

Grand Canyon (donkey excursion--looks like fun!)

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon (if you zoom you might be able to see some people on those trails!)

I've been to the Grand Canyon three times before this trip. We had planned on taking the helicopter through the canyon, but all flights were cancelled due to weather. I was very disappointed and don't know if I'll ever get another chance at it.

Our tour group at Zion.

I had a lot of fun on the coach tour and would do another.

Beach in Santa Barbara (along the Shoreline Park walking path)

Me in Pismo Beach

Sand Dunes at Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach

Me at Morro Bay

While in Santa Barbara, vising my mother, we also took some walks along the beaches. Pismo Beach is about an hour north of SB. Morro Bay another 30 min. I really love Pismo Beach. It's HUGE! 

Hope you enjoy the photos. I should have a book read by next Wednesday.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Vacation is Over

I didn’t post last week not because I didn’t have a book finished (I had two), but because I forgot what day it was. Oh well… That’s what happens when you’re on vacation, right? Now there are lots of books here and by the time you read this, I’ll be almost home. I’ve been gone a long time and I’m kind of looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 30

Dates read: September 17-21, 2022
Title: Rebels and Lovers
Year of publication: 2010/2016
Author: Linnea Sinclair
Genre: Sci-fi romance
Series: Dock Five Universe #4
# of Pages: 311
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Out of options… Techno-billionaire Devin Guthrie can’t forget Captain Makaiden Griggs even though it’s been two years since she was in his family’s employ. A Guthrie does not fall in love with a mere shuttle pilot. Going against his wealthy family’s wishes isn’t an option—not with the Empire in political upheaval, much of it caused by Devin’s renegade older brother, Admiral Philip Guthrie.
    When a Guthrie heir—Devin’s nineteen-year old nephew, Trip— goes missing, Devin’s loyalty to his family’s edicts is put to the test. Suddenly the unthinkable becomes the only option available: Devin must break the rules and ally himself with Kaidee Griggs, the one woman he could never forget, the one woman he was forbidden to love. It’s a desperate move that could change the fate of the Empire—and the Guthrie family forever.
My thoughts: I really liked this book (and the series). I wish there were more, but there isn’t. At least you’re not left hanging. Yay!

Book 31

Dates read: September 22-26, 2022
Title: Presumed Guilty
Year of publication: 1993/2019
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 199
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Miranda Wood thinks she has seen the last of Richard Tremain, her rich and married ex-lover—until she discovers him stabbed to death in her bed. With her knife.
    Miranda is the obvious suspect, and she looks even guiltier when her bail is posted by an anonymous donor. Was this an act of kindness designed to buy her time to clear her name? Or is someone trying to manipulate Miranda and draw her into the dark and secret world of a murdered man, where everybody’s presumed guilty?
    With her world falling around her, Miranda is determined to discover who killed Richard. But proving her innocence may become secondary to staying alive.…
My thoughts: This was an enjoyable quick read. Just what I needed for my vacation.

Book 32

Dates read: September 26-29, 2022
Title: Under the Knife
Year of publication: 1990/2020
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 207
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: For David Ransom, it begins as an open-and-shut case. Malpractice. As attorney for a grieving family, he's determined to hang a negligent doctor. Then Dr. Kate Chesne storms into his office, daring him to seek out the truth -- that she's being framed.
    First, it was Kate's career that was in jeopardy. Then, when another body is discovered, David begins to believe her. Suddenly, it's much more. Somewhere in the Honolulu hospital, a killer walks freely among patients and staff. And now David finds himself asking the same questions Kate is desperate to have answered. Who is next? And why?
My thoughts: Another enjoyable, quick read. This story couldn’t have been written now. It’s amazing how much life has changed (technology-wise) in 30 years. And 1990 doesn’t seem all that long ago. To me, anyway.

Book 33

Dates read: September 30-October 4, 2022
Title: Perilous Trust
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Barbara Freethy
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Off the Grid: FBI Series #1
# of Pages: 228
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: It was one dark night that brought Damon Wolfe and Sophie Parker together. They were two tortured souls, looking for escape, and they weren't supposed to see each other ever again…
    Four years later, Sophie's FBI father, who is also Damon's mentor, is killed in a suspicious car crash after leaving Sophie a cryptic message to trust no one from the agency. When Damon shows up looking for her, she isn't sure if he's friend or enemy, but she knows he could easily rip apart what is left of her heart.
    The last thing Damon wants is to get involved with Sophie again. It was hard enough to walk away the first time. But she's in trouble, her father's reputation is under attack, and the lives of his fellow agents are at stake if there's a traitor in their midst.
    When someone starts shooting at them, they have no choice but to go on the run and off the grid. Everyone in their world becomes a suspect. They want to uncover the truth, but will it turn out to be the last thing they expect? Proving her father's innocence might just cost them their hearts…and their lives…
My thoughts: I enjoyed this well enough. I think I got this book free from B&N (since I’m a member, I’ve been getting my choice of a free e-book each month, which has been kind of nice). Don’t know if I’ll buy the others in the series, though. I just have too many series going on right now. At least this didn’t leave me hanging. It can be read as a stand alone.

The next time I post will most likely be a week after surgery (that happens on Oct 11). So far all my surgeries have gone smoothly (and so has recovery). I’m hoping that trend continues!

If I do post next Wednesday, it’ll be some pictures of our trip. I actually downloaded them to my computer already (shocker!). So if I remember, I’ll get that scheduled once I get home. “Remember” being the KEY word there. Haha!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and I’m Having Fun!

Our Trafalgar tour is really fun. And we love our tour guide. If they’re all like this, we’ll probably take another. I still prefer cruising (because of only having to unpack once), but this is pretty nice, too. I don’t have to plan anything or figure out how to get to the next place. That’s all taken care of. Most of the time we have to get our own lunch & dinner, but we’re always someplace that’s in walking distance to a restaurant (or several).

Weather has been decent. It was freezing cold in the morning at Yellowstone but warmed up to the 60s during the day. And we only got rained on once (walking back to the hotel from dinner), so far.

If you’re interested in traveling, going by coach isn’t such a bad way to do it.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 29

Dates read: September 13-16, 2022
Title: Hope’s Folly
Year of publication: 2009/2016
Author: Linnea Sinclair
Genre: Sci-fi romance
Series: Dock Five Universe #3
# of Pages: 296
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Admiral Philip Guthrie is alive and kicking—despite an Imperial kill-order with his name on it. Now he’s leading a rebel alliance against the oppressive Imperial forces. Or he would, if he could get his command ship—the derelict cruiser, Hope’s Folly—functioning. If lack of crew and supplies isn’t trouble enough, his assigned bodyguard turns out to be former Imperial assassin Rya Bennton—the daughter of his best friend and first commanding officer. A man whose death is on Philip’s conscience.
    Rya Bennton has been in love with Philip Guthrie since she was a girl. But can her childhood fantasies survive an encounter with the hardened rebel leader who is now her commanding officer? Or will her determination to destroy the Empire put not only their mission, but their hearts and lives in jeopardy?
    It's an impossible mission on a derelict ship called HOPE'S FOLLY. A man who feels he can't love. A woman who believes she's unlovable. And an enemy who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this story very much. Lots of action. You don’t need to have read the first two books to read this one, but they’re just as good and you should if you’re interested in the series.

One thing I was surprised is that I didn’t see any bears in Yellowstone. Saw lots of bison, though. I’ve taken lots of pictures (and will take lots more). Maybe next week I’ll be able to post some of them (provided I download my photos to my computer before then).

So… Have you ever taken a coach tour? How was your experience?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Traveling

The part I hate the most about traveling is the getting-ready part. Did I pack enough of this, did I pack enough of that. That sort of thing. And a question I need to ask myself SEVERAL days ahead of time is…do I have enough pills to last the entire trip?

The funny thing is, I asked Hubby that question. Didn’t bother to check my own stash. And guess what? I didn’t have enough of the MOST IMPORTANT PILL I have to take (Arimedex—the pill I take for breast cancer). I called the Cancer Care Center on base Monday and asked if they could put in a new prescription for me (refills take 3 days—I didn’t have 3 days). Luckily, they were able to get a refill, I just had to pick it up the next morning (Tuesday). And luckily, we weren’t leaving until noon. Whew!

So, by the time this posts on Wednesday, I will be in Rexburg, ID. Provided everything goes according to plan. Our tour begins on Thursday in Jackson Hole, WY.

I’m ready! I hope.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 28

Dates read: September 6-12, 2022
Title: Angel Lover
Year of publication: 2015/2018
Author: Tricia Skinner
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Angel Assassins #3
# of Pages: 205
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: The Nephilim are bound. Their powers cursed. But half-angel Kasdeja will do anything to free them from Heaven's tyranny. When Kas is approached by a striking, mysterious woman, she tells him his greatest enemies hold the key to his freedom.
    Mariel keeps herself shrouded in secrets, using them to hide her true self. For she is not just employed by the Renegades--enemy fallen angels—she is a double agent, working on the sly for Heaven. Her directive is to seduce the gorgeous Nephilim—despite her insecurity about such sensual acts.
    For Mariel is playing a dangerous game, and falling for Kas could only cause trouble; her assignment isn't just seduction. It's destruction.
My thoughts: Okay, so the storyline doesn’t end with this book and there isn’t a book 4 out there. Plus, the author is now an agent and her website doesn’t reflect her books at all. Heck, you can’t even find these in B&N or Amazon. So… I guess that’s that. No use in recommending these books. You couldn’t find them to purchase as it is! FYI: I did enjoy the story and I would really like to know how it all resolves.

Weather has cooled here considerably. I hope we don’t freeze in WY, but we packed jackets, just in case. Thankfully, they fit in the suitcase!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Busy, Busy, Busy!

I had PLANNED to post this last night. But…

Hubby and I were in Atlanta (for Dragon Con) this past weekend (Wed-Tue). On Thursday, Hubby fell (stumbled over a curb that was painted BLACK and at night was not easy to distinguish from the road, so he basically fell into the road). He hurt his right side (where he used his elbow to protect his rib as he rolled on the ground). He’d been in pain ever since, so when we got home yesterday, we went to the ER on base (after dinner, of course) and didn’t get home until LATE. Luckily, he didn’t break anything, just pulled a muscle or bruised it (no blood clots, either—yay). Which is a good thing, because we leave on our vacation on Tuesday.

Vacation? you ask. Didn’t you just go to Dragon Con? Well, we always go to Dragon Con, but we were running out of dates to use our credit (from 2020) to book a trip in the states (instead of Europe as we originally planned). We’ll be taking a tour to see 5 National Parks. And after that tour, we’ll head on over to my mom’s for about 10 days.

See? Busy, busy! But fun busy!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 26

Dates read: August 24 – September 2, 2022
Title: Damning the Dead
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Kerry Blaisdell
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Dead Series #3
# of Pages: 270
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Hyacinth Finch’s life-after-death just got more complicated. High on her to-do list: Stop Satan from stealing any more of Archangel Michael’s powerful relics, marshal her Dead Army of two thousand souls, and recapture dozens of escaped Hell Demons, to prevent six thousand dead Nazis from wreaking havoc in the world. And on top of all that, her onetime ghost boyfriend has hijacked the body of a former German militant, which has its ups and downs for their relationship.
    Then, just when things seem to be under control, her nephew Geordi’s powers start leaking out, and Hyacinth’s own begin to change. She must discover where their abilities originated. But as she digs deeper, will the truths she uncovers do more harm than good? And more importantly—can she figure it out, before Satan escapes from Hell and takes Geordi for himself?
My thoughts: I am not a happy reader. This book didn’t end. I mean, it was worse than a stupid cliffhanger. It just didn’t end. Not sure if I’ll buy book #4, whenever it comes out. Heck, if it’s too late, I’ll probably forgot I read this series as it is, so it really won’t matter. But man, I hate it when a book doesn’t end!

Book 27

Dates read: September 3-5, 2022
Title: Angel Kin
Year of publication: 2014/2018
Author: Tricia Skinner
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Angel Assassins #2
# of Pages: 186
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: While channeling Robin Hood’s “steal from the rich and give to the poor” attitude at a local politician’s house, ex-con Katie Logan witnesses a forced suicide. Dirty or not, supernatural or not, he didn’t deserve to die, especially not by his own hand. But with her record, stepping forward as a witness isn’t an option. On the run from the police and the murderer, she turns to The Bound Ones for help.
    When a beautiful woman comes to The Bound Ones, half-angel assassin Cain is immediately drawn to her. But when she fingers him as the killer, he can come to only one conclusion. The twin he thought was dead is very much alive…and trying to send him a message. Unfortunately, that message is: “You’re next.” It’s a race against time as Cain fights to save the woman he’s falling in love with before his brother Abel destroys them both.
My thoughts: Finally getting around to finishing this series. Hopefully there are only 3 books, since there aren’t more out there and the author appears to now be an agent, so I’m wondering if she’s still writing. I enjoyed this book but will hold out on recommending it since it does have a cliffhanger (basically starting the next book, which is okay, in a way, since this storyline in this book did end, but was totally unnecessary). Book #3 is coming up next to read. We’ll see how I feel after that one.

Sometimes I really wonder about my memory. I marked that I read the first book in the Angel Assassins series (in Dec 2019, so not THAT long ago). I even reviewed it saying I loved it. So why can’t I remember what the book is about? Same thing happened to me at Dragon Con. I went to see The Buffy Horror Picture Show (where cast mates act out the episode while the episode is playing—it’s really fun). I’ve seen this episode a couple of times (at least). Yet, when it played, I barely remembered any of it. I hate that the blackboard in my head is apparently full and I’m erasing stuff I think is unimportant. At least, that’s the way I’ve always seen my brain.

So… Did you have a nice long weekend? Do anything fun?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and My Crochet Projects

Since I didn’t schedule this post yesterday (too busy watching the second season of Stranger Things—which I enjoyed a lot!), thought I’d share some photos of the granny square market bags I’ve made. These will go to some lucky readers at the Literary Love Savannah convention next July.

I call this my Halloween bag.

Used leftover yarn from a placemat project I made for my son and DIL.

This was made from leftover yarn of the placemats I made for me.

I've always wanted to try this granny square (from a pattern I had since the 80s). I need a brighter yellow, I think.

Again, leftover yarn from something. Probably more placemats or hot pads. I made a lot of those.

This was definitely made from scraps of all the yarn I had. I really like how it turned out. 

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 25

Dates read: August 15-23, 2022
Title: King of Midnight
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Midnight Breed #18
# of Pages: 335
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: As a Breed warrior and the son of the Order’s founder and commander, Darion Thorne is an exacting tactician and a lethal combatant, yet nothing can prepare him for the catastrophic act that forces him to step to the helm of the Order as its leader. With their adversaries growing bolder and more brazen with every strike, Darion knows he must take the war to them before it’s too late to stop them all.
    Yet of all their enemies, the one most dangerous for Darion is the beautiful, yet volatile, Selene, Queen of the Atlanteans. Determined to recover four powerful crystals stolen from her ages ago, Selene will go to any lengths to have them. When that goal puts one of the Order’s own in the crosshairs, she finds herself locked in a personal battle with Darion, a Breed warrior she knows she should despise, yet who stirs an unbidden desire within her.
    With the battle lines drawn between them and a diabolical evil on the rise, can Darion and Selene put aside their mistrust in time to save all they hold dear, or will they see the world plunge into a darkness that has no end?
My thoughts: This was a fitting end to the series. It was hard to see Selene as a heroine when she’d been a villain in previous books, but I came around. As did she. Haha!

So… do you think people will enjoy getting one of my market bags? Do you carry a bag with you when you shop? I have some, but I keep forgetting to take them with me! Or rather, I keep forgetting to put them back in the car. D’oh!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and a Writing Contest

The writing organization I belong with (which used to be a chapter of RWA, but broke out on its own in 2021) is having a writing contest. Ignite the Flame is a little bit different than other writing contests. It is geared toward romance as you submit the scene where your couple first meet. You can register and read all the details here: Contest - Central Ohio FictionWriters | Official Website (cofwevents.org). Submissions accepted through August 31.

It costs $30 and all submissions will get valuable feedback on their work. It’s why I entered contests before I was published. If you know anyone who would be interested, please share with them. Thanks!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 24

Dates read: August 9-14, 2022
Title: Waking the Dead
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Kerry Blaisdell
Genre: Paranormal/supernatural suspense
Series: The Dead Series #2
# of Pages: 248
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from the Goodreads: Hyacinth always assumed dying would simplify her life. But when her new boss, Archangel Michael, sends her on her first official mission—to retrieve a powerful rock from a collector in Germany—things go downhill fast. For one thing, the Dead keep popping up, expecting her to guide them to the Afterlife. For another, her part-demon nephew Geordi's powers are starting to leak out, at age seven. What if Michael finds out about him? Worse, what if Satan does?
    Then there's her love life-after-death. Rooming with a dead French cop no one else can see is complicated enough. But when Jason, Geordi's lying Dioguardi Demon cousin, resurrects himself—so to speak—all Hell breaks loose. Literally. Can Hyacinth get Michael's rock back before Satan steals its powers and breaks free of his prison? Or will her single-minded pursuit put those she loves—and the rest of the world—in the path of Satan's fury?
My thoughts: This is a fun series. And they aren’t romances (if that matters to you). If you enjoy Supernatural, you’ll probably enjoy these books too. I’ve already purchased book 3.

The weather sure has cooled around here. The mornings have been awesome for walking! Don’t know if the humidity is gone for good, but I will certainly enjoy what I got while I got it.

Happy Reading!

Stacy