Finished Reading “Mommy Dommy Minotaur” and More Health Issues

Doesn’t it always seem like the bad stuff just piles on top of bad stuff?

In November, I was told I had osteopenia (which is the precursor to osteoporosis). My oncologist wants to put me on Prolia, but first I needed to get my teeth looked at. Apparently Prolia helps my bone density, but does something totally different to my jaw and healing can be really slow. So I saw my dentist. The news there wasn’t all that great.

It seems the fillings in most of my molars are huge and are failing. They can’t just put in new fillings. I need crowns instead. And one is so bad, it needs a root canal first (which I’m getting this Thursday).

Now, I don’t see how I’m going to get all this work done quickly, and I wasn’t sure when my oncologist wanted to start Prolia. So I asked him this month and he said to shoot for six months.

I see $$ going to the dentist during this six months, because my insurance will be lucky enough to cover one tooth. Not seven! Yep, seven (one molar already has a crown).

So, if that wasn’t enough, my December scan showed a lymph node between my lungs enlarged (it was normal back in September). I had a cold in October (of which I’m still coughing), so it’s possible it’s enlarged because of that, but with my history he wanted to get a sample. I had that biopsy last week and I’m still waiting on the results. Fingers crossed it comes back negative (or whatever is good news)

And to add the cherry to all that mess, I’m getting my 5-year colonoscopy on January 22.

Hubby and I leave on Jan 5 for a two-week cruise. I think I need it!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 58

Dates read: December 11-26, 2023
Title: Mommy Dommy Minotaur
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Thundertail Slapbush
Genre: Paranormal erotic romance
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 176
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Given by author
Blurb from book: From the moment Voss Wolfeson laid eyes on the tall drink of minotaur milk, he knew he wanted to do something he’s never done before: lose himself in her.
    Voss likes control over all things in his life—his business deals, his impeccable designer clothes, and the alpha wolf side of him that constantly threatens to break free. He’s locked his urges down tighter than a rabbit snared in a steel trap—or in a wolf’s claws—until a trip to the library brings him face to face with a certain shy and alluring Minoan researcher and unleashes a new set of desires.
    Moumi Gloryhorn lives a double life, and she’s happy that way. By day, she spends her time figuratively and literally hunched over in a library basement, digging up old books and documents. By night, she indulges her minotaur instincts and desires by pursuing willing participants through the Labyrinth and punishing them—for their pleasure and hers. That is, until she finds herself the one pursued—by a certain tall, dark, and annoyingly handsome werewolf who threatens to destroy the carefully crafted walls she’s put up between her day job and her night life.
    What’s a wolf to do, when he can’t decide whether he wants to sink his claws into his prey or be spanked by her? And what’s a lady minotaur to do when she finds herself running full tilt at a predator she should be running away from?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: The author gave me this book in the hopes he would get some more reviews. I don’t always do this, but he is also a friend and a co-member of my writing organization and to be honest, the book looked interesting (I don’t do this if it’s not in a genre I won’t normally read). The book is well written and I liked the storyline over all. The rest of it is a bit much…for me. I’m not one who gets a lot of puns, and this one is full of them. I didn’t laugh out loud reading this book (I enjoy a different kind of humor, I guess), but I did enjoy the story. If you like the bizarre, with a lot of erotic stuff in between, give this book a try.

I got stuck in my editing of Ghostly Protector. Thought I needed another love scene. Thing is, I couldn’t write it. Now I’m thinking maybe the story doesn’t need it (because it wouldn’t have been hard if it did), so I’m leaving it out and will send it to my editor as is. I’ll let her tell me if she thinks it needs another love scene. I just need to move on right now and this is the best way to do that!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Bad Luck Vampire” and I Have a Deadline

Reading has really slowed for me. Not because of the book I was reading (I enjoyed it very much), but because I have a deadline.

Deadline for what, you ask?

A deadline to get Ghostly Protector to my editor! That’s right. To. My. Editor. She can start working on it Jan 10, I leave on a cruise on the 5th, so I need to get it to her before I leave. And frankly, I think she’ll get it long before then. That’s how close I am to being ready for her.

Yes, I’m Happy Dancing here!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 57

Dates read: November 20 – December 11, 2023
Title: Bad Luck Vampire
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Argeneau Vampires #36
# of Pages: 373
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Alasdair MacKenzize has never once considered himself unlucky in all the centuries he’s been an immortal rogue Enforcer. Not until he meets Sophie. Finding the beautiful, smart, and funny woman who is his life mate is great luck, actually. But meeting her at a wedding full of Argeneaus, not to mention his own busybody uncles determined to “help him claim his woman,” is bad luck. And the fact that Sophie is someone else’s date? Well, that’s just the next level of unlucky.
    From the way her gaze travels over his body like a caress to the electric zing whenever they innocently touch…he has to have her! He’ll keep his hands off Sophie until her date is over. After that, all bets are off and he’ll pull out all the stops to win her for eternity. Great plan—until he gets hit by a car. And then he’s poisoned. Is his luck that bad or is someone out to stop this immortal from claiming Sophie as his life mate?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: 36th book in the series and I’m still enjoying it. I love the humor in them, too.

I am very slow at getting ready for Christmas. Oh, I got most of the shopping done, but haven’t put up the tree yet. I just don’t look forward to that. It’s just so much work. But it’ll get done. Eventually. And then I’ll have the job of wrapping the gifts. Not looking forward to that, either!

So, do you love decorating and wrapping or is it a chore for you, too?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Darius” and Cleaning Up

For years, we’ve had two DVR boxes in the living room. Mainly because we watched so many series, that sometimes two would be recording and we’d want to watch some sporting event. Or we wanted to record a third and it wouldn’t do it.

But a lot of the series we watched are no longer airing. One DVR is hardly used, we didn’t need two. And when the main box acted up (couldn’t fast forward through the commercials on some of the recordings—annoying), we figured we didn’t need to pay for two DVRs.

So yesterday we finally disconnected that unreliable DVR and moved the backup to its place (after a long time of testing to make sure the backup didn’t also act up). Never realized how many wires were no longer needed (because we didn’t need the splitter). It looks…cleaner! On Monday I’ll return the unreliable DVR and start saving some money, too.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 56

Dates read: November 16-19, 2023
Title: Darius
Year of publication: 2022
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #0
# of Pages: 295
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her…everything goes off course.
    Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.
    Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost…unless, by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Darius died in book 1 of the series (practically the first chapter!) and I’ve always wanted to know more about him. So glad she gave us this story. Yes, I cried at the end!!

I was reading the Epilogue of Darius yesterday when I had to leave for my COFW meeting. I was hoping to just squeeze in those last pages, but nope. Then I got home, watched the OSU game, had dinner, and never sat back at the table where the book was to remind me to finish it! Not that I had the time to savor it then. Glad I waited until this morning, where nothing rushed me and I could just enjoy it.

Editing has slowed a tiny bit. Not due to anything except…doctor appointments. Plus, I’ve gotten to the point in Ghostly Protector where I actually added stuff (actually, the part that kept me baffled for two years), so I need to pay more attention and beef it up with more emotion and description. And being disrupted with appointments is quite annoying. Not to mention that the appointments themselves are quite annoying.

This week is pretty free, though (aside from Thanksgiving). I have hope I’ll finish soon.

Happy Reading! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Democracy Awakening” and It’s a Lazy Day

I had my treatment this morning, which makes me lazy the rest of the day. I figure it’s my right. Not that I’m all that active on other days. But no shopping, no laundry, no chores. I’ll read or watch TV and crochet instead.

Treatments don’t seem so bad (mentally) now that I’m in remission, but it can still mess with my body if I don’t watch out. Especially with a headache. I try to avoid those as much as possible.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 55

Dates read: November 10-15, 2023
Title: Democracy Awakening
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Heather Cox Richardson
Genre: Non Fiction
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 253
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: In the midst of the impeachment crisis of 2019, Heather Cox Richardson launched a daily Facebook essay providing the historical background of the incessant torrent of news. It soon turned into a newsletter, and its readership ballooned to more than two million dedicated readers who rely on her plainspoken take on the present and past in America.
    Now, in Democracy Awakening, she explains how, over the decades, a small group of wealthy people have made war on American ideals. By weaponizing language and promoting false history they have led us into authoritarianism. In this compelling and original book, Richardson reminds us that it is up to us to reclaim the principles of which the nation was founded, principles that have been repeatedly championed by marginalized Americans. Their dedication to the promises embodied in our history has renewed our commitment to democracy in the past. And it is in that commitment where we will find the road map for the nation’s future.
    Richardson’s talent is to wrangle our giant, meandering, and confusing news feed into a coherent story that singles out what we should pay attention to, what the precedents are, and what possible paths lie ahead. In her trademark calm prose, she is realistic and optimistic about the future of democracy. Her command of history allows her to pivot effortlessly from the Founders to the abolitionists to Reconstruction to Goldwater to Mitch McConnell, highlighting the political legacies of the New Deal, the lingering fears of socialism, the death of the liberal consensus, and the birth of “movement conservatism.”
    Many books tell us what has happened over the last five years. Democracy Awakening explains how we got to this perilous point, what our history really tells us about ourselves, and what the future of democracy can be.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I follow Heather on Facebook and also get her letters via e-mail (in case I can’t get to Facebook). They are usually the first thing I read every morning. I love the way she explains it all. I think if I had her for a history teacher, I might have paid more attention! She makes history interesting reading. And this book is no exception.

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week! With the way my reading has slowed (because I’m writing/editing—yay!), I doubt I’ll post before then. So… I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that you get to spend it with the people you love (or like).  And try not to eat too much. I know, it can be a difficult thing to do. But I’m gonna try. I’ll probably fail, but I’ll try!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Binding Their Hearts” and Redraft is Done!

Would you believe it? After starting the redraft of Ghostly Protector in September 2021 (over two years ago!) and wondering if I would ever write again, I finished! And the best part? I had fun fixing it! Whew! This was truly a day I never thought would come.

Next up: read it, add some more details or clues (if needed), and then send it off to my editor. Ghostly Protector is ALMOST READY!!

I should probably send out a newsletter and share the news, huh?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 54

Dates read: October 26 – November 9, 2023
Title: Binding Their Hearts
Year of publication: 2023
Author: M.Q. Barber
Genre: MMF Erotica
Series: Neighborly Affection Book 7
# of Pages: 350
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: Planning a wedding for three is the least of their problems.
    Since nearly losing Jay, Henry is driven by an inescapable urge to collar his submissives. Jay's certain to be all in, but Alice has fled from commitment before. Negotiating their needs is a treacherous tightrope. Can he sketch a path to forever?
    As Alice's career takes off, the new demands steal time from Henry and Jay. The stress is crushing when every decision hurts the ones she loves. She'll have to rig a solution before she cracks under the strain and takes her lovers down with her.
    After years of resisting, Jay is learning big lessons in therapy. Loosening his family's stranglehold leaves him free to explore what—and who—he wants in his life. But with Alice at work all the time and a deadline looming for the trio to vacate their apartment, stability is hard to find.
    Can Henry, Alice, and Jay hold themselves together when the world keeps pushing them apart?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love this series. It’s not a typical genre read for me, but the characters really grabbed onto me from the beginning and I really want to know how they turn out. Last book in the series comes out soon and I’ll be ready.

A couple of ideas are actually bouncing around in my brain as to what I’ll write next (another thing I thought I lost). I had started Book 7 in the Bitten by Love series, but stopped when I realized it really wasn’t good enough for a book. But now my brain is thinking…novella! Yeah, that would totally work. I think. Anyway, that’s one thing. The other is my alien series (which book 1 is still in my computer and not the store). I’m thinking if I finally clean up book 1, then an idea for book 2 will come. I really want a second book ready before I release book 1. Or… I re-write book 1 to be a stand alone without any hint that the story could continue on. That would be an option, too. Something to think about. And I have plenty of time to do that. It’s not like I’m in a rush or anything!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Tuesdays with Jay and Other Stories” and Still Writing!

Well… it seems when I write, I don’t read as much. And I’ve been writing—or rather, re-writing—a lot. I’m almost done with the fixes to Ghostly Protector. Then I get to start over, read from the beginning, and maybe stick in some clues (since this is sort of a mystery—it was to me!). But I can see the end from here and I’m so happy!!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 53

Dates read: October 4-25, 2023
Title: Tuesdays with Jay and Other Stories
Year of publication: 2020
Author: M.Q. Barber
Genre: MMF Erotica
Series: A Neighborly Affection Companion
# of Pages: 327
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads:  Finally, readers of the Neighborly Affection series get the other side of the story...
    Jay Kress knows his lover is into the girl next door. As a polyamorous bisexual guy, he’s cool with that. And he’s pretty sure the gal is into Henry, too, if their explosive dinner party is any clue.
    But now he'll have to tackle a submissive’s toughest job: getting his lovers to make the leap from occasional sex to the permanent triad relationship he knows they deserve. Their hearts are made for each other—and the sexual perks ain’t bad, either.
    With an overcautious dominant on one side and a newcomer to the lifestyle on the other, Jay knows he has to tread lightly, but he can't help pushing for more. Can he bring Henry and Alice together before their fear of losing each other dooms them all?
    Read Tuesdays with Jay and Other Stories side by side with Playing the Game and Crossing the Lines to see the bigger picture of how Henry, Alice, and Jay found their forever love.
Recommend: Yes (for readers of the series)
My thoughts: I had read these shorts from the newsletter M.Q. sent out quarterly, but thought it would be good to read them again to get ready for book #7 in the series (since it’s been awhile). It was fun reading. I love Jay.

Cruise News: It was great. While the weather was a bit hot and humid at every island we visited (Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten, and St Thomas), we explored some new places and created some memories. Not all great, though. I ended up getting a cold (not COVID) and while I was looking for a tissue on the way back to the ship in Barbados, I tripped over a pothole and really skinned my knee good. And then it took several people to help me up (since I couldn’t get on my knees to do that). At least I didn’t break anything!

Also on the cruise, it turned out that one of our table mates at dinner had read my books! We were just talking about Facebook and social media and I mentioned that I was only on Facebook because I was told that’s where my readers are. The next day she asked what kind of books I wrote. I mentioned the series and her eyes lit up. Did I make her cruise? I don’t know, but she sure helped make mine better!

Who knew that diving back into Ghostly Protector would get the characters to start talking to me again? Who knew? I didn’t. Although, I really don’t think I was ready to hear them before. Some people think it was getting that clear CT scan that did the trick. Maybe it was the cruise. I really don’t know what did it. But I’m glad it happened.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Grave Secrets” and Writing Again

Well… it’s happened. I’m writing again. And with Ghostly Protector! Man, if I can get this thing finished, I might just sign up for next year’s Literary Love Savannah. I got until January 1 to decide, but I’m hoping I’m finished long before then. I’m feeling pretty good about it.

And I haven’t felt like that in YEARS!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 52

Dates read: September 29-October 3, 2023
Title: Grave Secrets
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Alice James
Genre: Paranormal mystery
Series: The Lavington Windsor Mysteries
# of Pages: 251
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads:  An adventure with zombies. And vampires. And romance. And croquet.
    Toni Windsor is trying to live a quiet life in the green and pleasant county of Staffordshire. She’d love to finally master the rules of croquet, acquire a decent boyfriend and make some commission as an estate agent...
    ...but first she’s got to deal with zombies rising from their graves, vampires sneaking out of their coffins and a murder to solve.
    It’s all made rather more complicated by the fact that she’s the one raising all the zombies - oh, and she’s dating one of the vampires. Really, what’s a girl meant to do?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I thought this book had ghosts (don’t know where I got that because the blurb clearly doesn’t mention them), but got vampires instead. Win for me! While the graphics were a bit wonky on my Nook, the typeset wasn’t (thank goodness). This was a cute read. There is apparently more in this series, so I may check them out. But fair warning… this isn’t a romance (as the blub suggests). It has romantic elements (as a lot of cozy mysteries do—at least the ones I’ve read).

It’s been a bit warm on this cruise. I’m not used to it being hot over water. At night.

Spent the day in Aruba today. Took a walking tour that we’ve taken before. I don’t think I ever want to take another walking tour. Especially when it’s hot and humid. Too much work!! Tomorrow is Curacao and we’ll be visiting an ostrich farm. No walking! But it will be hot. Probably 90.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Unclean Spirits” and Going Cruising Again

I’m leaving on another cruise tomorrow. Fifteen wonderful days. We’ll be hitting Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and Barbados (not in that order). We’ve never been to St. Lucia or Barbados, so some new territory to explore!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 51

Dates read: September 16-28, 2023
Title: Unclean Spirits
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Chuck Wendig
Genre: Horror?
Series: Gods and Monsters #1
# of Pages: 248
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Book:  Five years ago, it all went wrong for Cason Cole. He lost his wife and son, lost everything, and was bound into service to a man who chews up human lives and spits them out, a predator who holds nothing dear and respects no law. Now, as the man he both loves and hates lies dying at his feet, the sounds of the explosion still ringing in his ears, Cason is finally free.
    The gods and goddesses are real. A polytheistic pantheon—a tangle of divine hierarchies—once kept the world at an arm’s length, warring with one another for mankind’s belief and devotion. It was a grim and bloody balance, but a balance just the same. When one god triumphed, driving all other gods out of Heaven, it was back to the bad old days: cults and sycophants, and the terrible retribution the gods visit on those who spite them.
Recommend: Ummm…
My thoughts: This book did not grab me enough to want to pick it up and read it. It was just…bizarre (I can’t even tell what genre it is). I’ve always wanted to read one of his books and now I have. I’m kind of disappointed. I don’t think I’ll pick up another of his.

I don’t know if I’ll get any writing done on this cruise, but stranger things have happened. Sometimes I think I need to write something else and forget about Ghostly Protector (for now). I just don’t know what to write about. No one is talking to me! And that’s what is really disconcerting.

Who knew I’d miss the voices in my head?

Got any suggestions on how to get them back?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “After That Night” and Got GREAT News!

On Tuesday I saw my oncologist to go over my last CT Scan. Seems my treatments are working great. There wasn’t any evidence of cancer. Anywhere. The spot on my lung has disappeared!!!

I asked if I still needed the treatments. He said to be safe, to stay on them for another year. Then I can quit and just be monitored after that. I think I can handle another year. Especially with the GREAT news I got on Tuesday! I’m a happy camper!!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 50

Dates read: September 11-15, 2023
Title: After That Night
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime/Suspense
Series: Will Trent #11
# of Pages: 421
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:  Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton’s life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor, engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her.
    Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who’s been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, led by GBI Special Agent Will Trent, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper’s assault is uncannily linked to Sara’s.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love the twists.

Tomorrow my daughter plays Australian Rules Football (Footy) in the Minneapolis/St Paul area and we decided to drive up here with her so we can watch (especially since we haven’t been to any of her games this year). She was going to drive by herself, but I said I’d go with her. Then Hubby said he wanted to go, too. So, here we all are! The weather for tomorrow’s games seems to be pretty decent: sunny, high low 70s. I think we lucked out!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Can’t Let Go” and Recovering from a Migraine

I spent all weekend suffering with a migraine. Yep, all weekend. Saturday AND Sunday. Don’t know if it came on because of the contrast I drank (or was injected with) for the CT scan on Thursday. I do know it wasn’t COVID. It’s been a rough weekend, that’s for sure and I hope to never have another like it. Keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t reappear today.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 49

Dates read: September 7-11, 2023
Title: Can’t Let Go
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Genre: Prequel to a contemporary romance
Series: Love in the Balance #1.5
# of Pages: 100
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book:  Sadie Howard would never admit there's such a thing as love at first sight, but she can't deny the connection between her and sexy Adonis Aiden Downey. She also can't deny she loves to kiss him-his mouth might be his most precious asset. Despite every promise to herself not to get involved any deeper than a first date, she can't keep from seeing more of Aiden . . . in more ways than one.
    Aiden Downey had no idea the hot blonde from the club would trigger his protective, gentle nature, but the moment she drops her guard and he sees the real Sadie Howard, he's a goner. When a family crisis puts the brakes on their budding romance, can Aiden find a way to hold on to her? Or will he lose the best thing in his life just as quickly as he found her?
Recommend: Only if you have Book #2 to read next
My thoughts: I thought this would be a fun novella to read between Will Trent books. I was wrong. It would have been fine if I was ready to read the next book in this novella’s series, but I’m not. No happy ending to this story. In fact, it leaves you hanging. I’m not a happy reader.

Not sure what I’m going to do today. I’m almost afraid to move because I do not want that migraine to return. Are you like that after a looooonnnnng migraine?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Silent Wife” and Being Peeved

Survived the roaches at the Courtland Grand Hotel in Atlanta (and got $500 knocked off my bill for my troubles). Was almost afraid to book for next year, then the CGH made it easy for me. They linked the booking information publicly (instead of sending it to those of us who had stayed during Dragon Con—like they said they would) and it sold out before I had a chance to make a reservation. So I’m not sure I’ll even go to Dragon Con next year. We’ll see what October brings (when two of the other host hotels open up their rooms to book).

Is it a requirement for us to stay at a host hotel? Not really, but the group rate for the con is better than their normal rates. I’m just really peeved at the CGH right now.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 48

Dates read: September 2-7, 2023
Title: The Silent Wife
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #10
# of Pages: 476
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: Investigating the killing of a prisoner during a riot inside a state penitentiary, GBI investigator Will Trent is confronted with disturbing information. One of the inmates claims that he is innocent of a brutal attack for which he has always been the prime suspect. The man insists that he was framed by a corrupt law enforcement team led by Jeffrey Tolliver and that the real culprit is still out there—a serial killer who has systematically been preying on women across the state for years. If Will reopens the investigation and implicates the dead police officer with a hero’s reputation of wrongdoing, the opportunistic convict is willing to provide the information GBI needs about the riot murder.
    Only days ago, another young woman was viciously murdered in a state park in northern Georgia. Is it a fluke, or could there be a serial killer on the loose?
    As Will Trent digs into both crimes it becomes clear that he must solve the cold case in order to find the answer. Yet nearly a decade has passed—time for memories to fade, witnesses to vanish, evidence to disappear, and lies to become truth. But Will can’t crack either mystery without the help of the one person he doesn’t want involved: his girlfriend and Jeffrey Tolliver’s widow, medical examiner Sara Linton.
    When the past and present begin to collide, Will realizes that everything he values is at stake…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Another one that goes back and forth in time, but at least it’s clear (once it starts). Pretty much read the bulk of this book in two days (driving from Atlanta and a quiet day at home). Didn’t want to put it down!

Today I had another CT scan. Usually they go pretty smoothly, but not today. I needed an IV for the contrast and it took the techs four times to finally get it done. Four times. I think that’s a record for me. I just hope that’s not a sign of things to come. I want good results from the scan like last time!

I have one book left to read in the Will Trent series, but I ordered it too late and won’t get it until the 11th. So I found a novella to hopefully last until Monday. We’ll see… It is a football weekend, so it’ll probably last.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Cleaning the Gold” and Bugs

The weather in Atlanta is…pleasant! Well, it has been so far. I think the heat and humidity return tomorrow, so I’m enjoying the good weather as much as I can, because it’s never been this cool and comfortable during Dragon Con.

We’re enjoying the convention (as usual), but our room, not so much. It has bugs. More specifically, cockroaches. They sprayed, but it hasn’t really helped. And if the hotel wasn’t full up like it is, they would have moved us.

So be warned, if you ever stay at the Courtland Grand Hotel in Atlanta, make sure you don’t have a room by the pool. We’ve stayed at this hotel every Dragon Con since 2010 (when it was owned by the Sheraton) and we’ve NEVER had bug issues like this. But then, we’ve never had a room by the pool, either (it’s an indoor pool, so we don’t have any access to the outdoors from our room, and it’s very humid).

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 47

Dates read: August 31 – September 2, 2023
Title: Cleaning the Gold
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Karin Slaughter & Lee Child
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #8.5; Jack Reacher #23.6
# of Pages: 79
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased new
Blurb from Book: Will Trent is undercover at Fort Knox. His assignment: to investigate a twenty-two-year-old murder. His suspect’s name: Jack Reacher.
    Jack Reacher is in Fort Knox on his own mission: to bring down a dangerous criminal ring operating at the heart of America’s military. Except now Will Trent is on the scene.
    But there’s a bigger conspiracy at play—one that neither the special agent nor the ex-military  cop could have anticipated. And the only option is for Jack Reacher and Will Trent to team up and play nicely. If they can…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Again, I read this novella out of order. But it didn’t seem to matter. The story is kind of left hanging a bit, but not for Will. For Jack. I confirmed with Hubby that the story was told in one of those novels (probably #24).

Let me tell you, having a room by the pool is really not all that great. Besides the bugs, it’s noisy as all get out. Thankfully, the pool closes around 10pm, but man, until then, it’s one party after another out there. I prefer my hotel rooms to be quieter during the day.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Last Widow” and I’m in Atlanta!

Our trip to Atlanta was…uneventful. Which is exactly what you want when you’re driving for 8 hours. Right? We made it safe and sound.

However… check in at the hotel was crazy! We’ve never seen this many people check in on a Wednesday for Dragon Con. It’s possible that some people just arrived a day early to miss the hurricane, but I’m beginning to think that Wednesday may becoming the new Thursday for Dragon Con.

FYI: They're capping attendance at 80,000 this year. 

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 46

Dates read: August 26 – 30, 2023
Title: The Last Widow
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #9
# of Pages: 446
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: On a hot summer night, a scientist from the Centers for Disease Control is grabbed by unknown assailants in a shopping center parking lot. The authorities are desperate to save the doctor who’s been vanished into thin air.
    One month later, the serenity of a sunny Sunday afternoon is shattered by the boom of a ground-shaking blast—followed by another seconds later. One of Atlanta’s busiest and most important neighborhoods has been bombed—the location of Emory University, two major hospitals, an FBI field office, and the CDC.
    Medical examiner Sara Linton and her partner, Will Trent, an investigator with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, rush to the scene—and into the heart of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to destroy thousands of innocent lives. When the assailants abduct Sara, Will goes undercover to save her and prevent a massacre—putting his own life on the line for the woman and the country he loves.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I know this is fiction, but there are parts of this book, the parts about the assailants, that scare me (and make me sad, too) because I know there are actual people out there that think just like them.

I’m on two fan panels this year at Dragon Con and even got my name listed for each event (whoo hoo!). The panels are: Nancy Drew and Reginald the Vampire. I brought one copy of Ghostly Liaison, one copy of My Sunny Vampire, and two copies of my short story collection. I figure I'll display the ghost book during Nancy Drew and the vampire book during Reginald the Vampire. And I'll give away one copy of my short story collection at each panel. I also have some swag to hand out. Don't know if it'll do any good, but at least I'm trying!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Kept Woman” and Car Repairs

Next Wednesday we head down to Atlanta for Dragon Con. Last Tuesday, my car conked out on me (the car we plan on taking to Atlanta). $1374 later, it’s fixed. I guess I can’t really complain. This was the first major repair (it has 129,500 miles and turns 13 this month), and it involved a new alternator and something to do with the cam shaft. I’m just glad it conked out before the trip and not during! That would have been a bummer.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 45

Dates read: August 22 – 25, 2023
Title: The Kept Woman
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #8
# of Pages: 461
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: With the discovery of a murder at an abandoned construction site, Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is brought in on a case that becomes much more dangerous when the dead man is identified as an ex-cop.
    Studying the body, Sara Linton—the GBI’s newest medical examiner and Will’s lover—realizes that the extensive blood loss didn’t belong to the corpse. Sure enough, bloody footprints leading away from the scene indicate there is another victim—a woman—who has vanished…and who will die soon if she isn’t found.
    Will is already compromised, because the site belongs to the city’s most popular citizen: a wealthy, powerful, and politically connected athlete protected by the world’s most expensive lawyers—a man who’s already gotten away with rape, despite Will’s exhaustive efforts to put him away.
    But the worst is yet to come. Evidence soon links Will’s troubled past to the case…and the consequences will tear through his life with the force of a tornado, wreaking havoc for Will and everyone around him, including his colleagues, family, friends—and even the suspects he pursues.
My thoughts: Lots of twists in this one. Kept me guessing.

The forecasted “hottest day of the year” turned out not to be. Lots of storms in the morning kept it from reaching 90, no less 96. Yay!

Of course, I wonder if our abnormally cool summer will turn into an abnormally cold winter. You know you can’t have one without the other, right?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Unseen” and “Busted” and Summer’s Back

I know most of the country is suffering from heat exhaustion. Fortunately, it hasn’t been as brutal here, in Ohio. In fact, the grass is still GREEN outside. But this week summer has decided to come back in full force. 90-degree days every day this week. But, by the weekend, it should be back down below normal.

This has been one strange summer. Not that I’m complaining. We usually get 20 90-degree days. I think we’ve had 4 before this week. Not too shabby. For once, I’m happy living where I am.

Shocker, right?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 43

Dates read: August 15 – 21, 2023
Title: Unseen
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #7
# of Pages: 394
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Will Trent is a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent, working undercover in Macon, Georgia, posing as Bill Black, a scary ex-con who trails an air of violence wherever he goes. The cover has worked and he has caught the eye of a wiry little drug dealer who thinks he might be a useful ally. But there’s a problem. Cut off from the support of the woman he loves, Sara Linton, Will finds his demons catching up with him. Although she has no idea where Will has gone, or why, Sara herself has come to Macon because of a cop shooting. Her stepson, Jared, has been gunned down. Suddenly, without even knowing it, Sara finds herself involved in the same case that Will is working—with danger swirling around both of them. A novel of fierce intensity, shifting allegiances and shocking twists, Unseen pits detectives, lovers, and enemies against one another in an unforgettable standoff between righteous courage and deepest evil.
My thoughts: Had some slow parts, but toward the end I didn’t want to put it down.

Book 44

Dates read: August 21, 2023
Title: Busted
Year of publication: 2013
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #6.5
# of Pages: 68
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased (at end of the book, Unseen)
Blurb from Goodreads: Detective Will Trent is standing in a Georgia convenience store, waiting on an obstinate Icee frozen drink machine. To the surveillance cameras and bored staff of the Lil’ Dixie Gas-n-Go, however, Will appears to be someone very different—the menacing ex-con Bill Black. Going undercover as Bill, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent is about to infiltrate the most corrupt town in the most corrupt county in the new American South. But first: his Icee.
    Everything changes in one horrific instant, as all hell breaks loose at the Lil’ Dixie. A cop is shot. A bag of cash goes flying across the floor. A young woman disappears while a killer takes off in a battered pick-up truck. Within seconds, Will is in pursuit.
My thoughts: Again, I should have read this short before Unseen, but I didn’t. Not that it matters, story-wise. But still, things happen in this short that kind of breaks into the beginning of Unseen. Lesson learned. Good short, though.

Hubby and I started watching Star Trek: Picard. It started out a little slow (quiet, actually), but we only have two episodes left in season 1 and we’re both anxious to see how it all ends (or if it leaves us hanging for season 2). After Picard, we’ll probably watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and finish Star Trek: Discovery (we’ve watched through season 3). As for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, I’m watching season 7. I’m enjoying them this time around. So little I remember from watching when they first aired on TV, though. I had my son bring over Star Trek: Voyager and will get started on those after I finish DS9. I guess I’m just on a Star Trek kick for now.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Criminal” and “Snatched” and Planning a Trip

Planning a trip. Like I don’t do that all the time, right? Well, this trip will be to Italy. Maybe. It depends on when it is next year (still in the planning stages) because we already have a cruise scheduled around the same time. But a friend of my daughter’s (who she went to Italy with a few years ago), plans these trips as a business. And ever since Daughter went, Hubby has wanted to go. So… we’ll see. Right now we’re just in the planning stages. But if the dates are right, we’ll be going.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 41

Dates read: August 5 – 14, 2023
Title: Criminal
Year of publication: 2012
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #6
# of Pages: 462
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Will Trent is a brilliant agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Newly in love, he is beginning to put a difficult past behind him. Then a local college student goes missing, and Will is inexplicably kept off the case by his supervisor and mentor, deputy director Amanda Wagner. Will cannot fathom Amanda’s motivation until the two of them literally collide in an abandoned orphanage they have both been drawn to for different reasons. Decades before, when his father was imprisoned for murder, this was Will’s home. It appears that the case that launched Amanda’s career forty years ago has suddenly come back to life—and it involves the long-held mystery of Will’s birth and parentage. Now these two dauntless investigators will each need to face down demons from the past if they are to prevent an even greater terror from being unleashed.
My thoughts: The back and forth from past to present could probably get to some people (like Hubby), but I was able to follow well enough in print (it’s clearly marked when is when). Hubby listened to the audio book, which might have made it hard for him. Another good read, though.

Book 42

Dates read: August 14, 2023
Title: Snatched
Year of publication: 2012
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #5.5
# of Pages: 69
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased (at end of the book, Criminal)
Blurb from Book: Will Trent, a dedicated agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for fifteen years, knows that there’s definitely such a thing as a cop’s intuition. Which is why he should have listened to his own.
    While in an airport restroom at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, Will overhears a girl’s pleading, plaintive voice: “Please, I wanna go home.” Something isn’t right here, thinks Will. He feels it in his gut. But he waits too long to act, and now the girl and the anxious, angry man she’s with have disappeared into the crowds at the busiest passenger airport in the world.
    After a desperate search and with time running out, Will makes a call to his supervisor, Amanda Wagner. Will’s partner, Faith Mitchell, immediately sends out an abducted child alert. The entire airport will soon be grinding to a halt: Almost 100 million passengers a year. Five runways. Seven concourses. Six million square feet of space that sprawled across two counties, three cities, and five jurisdictions. All shut down on a dime because Will has a hunch that he is certain is true: a girl, maybe six or seven years old, has been snatched from God knows where. And he intends to bring her back—no matter what it takes.
My thoughts: I almost read this one first (since it was at the end of the paperback of Criminal), but thought it wouldn’t matter. Well, it sort of did. Just glad I was able to get a copy. And basically free! Haha!

With all our travels, you’d think Hubby and I have been to Europe. But we haven’t. Came close in 2020, but that trip was cancelled (gee, I wonder why?). When asked what I was interested in seeing or doing in Italy, I couldn’t name a thing. It’s not really a place I’ve dreamed of visiting. I’m going because Hubby wants to and I figure I’ll see some neat stuff. Like I told our tour guide, “I don’t know what I don’t know.”

Have you ever been to Italy?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Fallen” and Feeling Like a Jinx

We like attending Dayton Dragons games (they’re the single A baseball team of the Cincinnati Reds). We have season tickets and see about 6-8 games a year (we share the season with other people). So far this year we have yet to see them win a game.

Yesterday was our second to last game (our last game to see them is on Aug 26). They had a four game winning streak, had won 10 of their last 11, and just moved into first place in their division. And then we went to the game.

They lost…again. My husband told the workers at the information booth that they should pay him not to come to the games!

I do hope they win on Aug 26. I’d hate to think we were a jinx to the team!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 40

Dates read: July 28 – August 4, 2023
Title: Fallen
Year of publication: 2011
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #5
# of Pages: 426
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: There’s no police training stronger than a cop’s instinct. Faith Mitchell’s mother isn’t answering her phone. Her front door is open. There’s a bloodstain above the knob. Everything Faith learned in the academy goes out the window when she charges into her mother’s house, gun drawn. She sees a man dead in the laundry room, a hostage situation in the bedroom. What she doesn’t see is her mother. When the hostage situation turns deadly, Faith is left with too many questions. She’ll need the help of her partner, Will Trent, and trauma doctor Sara Linton to get some answers. But Faith isn’t just a cop anymore, she’s a witness—and a suspect. To find her mother, Faith will have to cross the thin blue line and bring the truth to light—or bury it forever.
My thoughts: Hubby warned me that the characters in the book aren’t anything like the characters in the TV series, and he wasn’t wrong. I still try to picture them, but sometimes it’s just too darn hard. This book made it more difficult. Still enjoyed the story and wanted to find all the answers at the end. This is a really good series.

I still hate our new DVR. While I was glad to get one with a clock, the display is blue and really hard to see from our couch (plus, the menu stuff wasn’t any different than the one without a display). So… I went and bought a new clock with a larger display and put it on top of the DVR. Works so much better. Too bad it doesn’t fix the DVR issues.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Broken” and Cable TV Woes

When we got home from Savannah on Sunday, we wanted to check up on the news we recorded. Discovered that sometime on Friday, our DVR died.

I feared about this day. I liked that DVR box. Only good thing was that we were basically caught up in our shows (just had the daily things like Jeopardy! and the news) and I lost only one showing of Nancy Drew (which I can get on demand).

On Monday I went to Spectrum to turn it in for another box. Unfortunately, they didn’t have a box with a clock on the display (or any display at that). I was told I could order one. I called Spectrum. They couldn’t guarantee I would get one with a clock. Would you believe that they have NO WAY to send a comment to their warehouse to send a specific type of box? NO. WAY. Okay, fine. I asked if I could call the other stores in the area to see if they had one in stock. Nope. Stores don’t take calls anymore.

Can you believe that? I can’t even imagine how they must do inventory! Anyway, I took my chance and ordered a box, but told them that I would return it if it didn’t have a clock.

I got the box Tuesday. No clock. I returned it Wednesday at the store. This time, I was told that one of their repair people could bring one by. Now, why wasn’t I offered that the first time?

Anyway, I got a new box with a clock display. Unfortunately, the menu and recording is all different, and with LESS options that I used to have. LESS.

I just love (not) how everything is more technically advanced, yet we get less stuff. Doesn’t make any sense.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 39

Dates read: July 22-27, 2023
Title: Broken
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Crime Suspense
Series: Will Trent #4
# of Pages: 480
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from Book: When the body of a young woman is discovered deep beneath the icy waters of Lake Grant, a note left under a rock by the shore points to suicide. But within minutes, it becomes clear that this is no suicide. It’s a brutal, cold-blooded murder.
    All too soon, former Grant County medical examiner Sara Linton—home for Thanksgiving after a long absence—finds herself unwittingly drawn into the case. The chief suspect is desperate to see her but when she arrives at the local police station she is met with a horrifying sight—he lies dead in his cell, the words “Not me” scrawled across the walls.
    Something about his confession doesn’t add up and, deeply suspicious of Lena Adams, the detective in charge, Sara immediately calls in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Shortly afterwards, Special Agent Will Trent is brought in from his vacation to investigate. But he is immediately confronted with a wall of silence. Grant County is a close-knit community with loyalties and ties that run deep. And the only person who can tell the truth about what really happened is dead…
My thoughts: This was a good read. I really like this series. And there isn’t any romance in them, either! Go figure.

One of these days I’ll get brave and cut the cable. I just like my sports too much to do that, though.

Happy Reading!

Stacy