Finished Reading “Falling Stars” and My Laptop is Dying

It’s been an expensive month. Besides Christmas, we had to get the water heater repaired and then buy a new washing machine because the old one (from 2007) died. Now? My laptop, which I’ve had since 2016, is dying (the hard drive is going bad). I had to buy a new one (which I won’t get until the 26^th) because working on my travel laptop is NOT FUN. It’s just too small for everyday use.

I really did NOT want a new laptop. But even if I replaced the hard drive, I would still have to get all new software, so I might as well get a new one. I just hope the new one lasts as long (or longer) than the old. I hate change!!

This year is certainly not ending on a high note, is it?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 33

Dates read: December 7-19, 2024
Title: Falling Stars
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Fern Michaels
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series:  N/A
# of Pages: 222
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N (membership perk)
Blurb from Book: Emily Ammerman has always felt at home amid the ski runs and slopes of Snowdrift Summit, the Colorado resort her family has operated for decades. Snow is her element, and she doesn’t hesitate when a new client asks her to train him to ski The Plunge, one of Colorado’s most treacherous runs.
    But Zach Ryder is no regular client. On screen, he’s famous for starring as a daring CIA officer who always saves the day. In real life, he’s just as handsome and charming as his alter ego, though not everyone is impressed. Some are concerned about what kind of impact these slick, showbiz types will have on their town.
    As for Emily—she’s got a secret, and it’s one she can’t reveal to anyone, especially not to Zach: she’s his biggest fan. But she’s also a professional. She’ll train him till he’s ready to tackle any slope, but she won’t fall in love with him, the way so many others have.
    Still, not everything in life can be planned, and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t help but fall . . .
Recommend: Not really
My thoughts: I struggled through this “fun and festive holiday story.” It just confirmed that I am not a fan of contemporary romance. Although, it was ONLY in Emily’s POV, so it’s really hard for me to call it a romance. I thought the characters were a bit on the boring side, too. I will not be purchasing another book from this author. I am NOT her audience.

Can’t believe Christmas will be here in less than a week. I’m basically ready. Still have wrapping, but I’m getting that done little by little.

Oh, and a reminder… my books are on sale over on Smashwords. My Sunny Vampire and Ghostly Liaison are free, the rest are at 50% off. If you’ve wanted to try my books, now would be the time to do it.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

End of Year Smashwords Sale!

 

Smashwords is having their annual end of year sale (now through Jan 1, 2025) and my books are included!

You can get My Sunny Vampire and Ghostly Liaison for free and the rest at 50% off. Click HERE to find all my books on Smashwords. And happy reading!!

Stacy

Finished Reading “This is Why We Lied” and Stuff is Breaking

Here it is, the coldest week of the year, and it appears our water heater is on the fritz. It wasn’t heating the water, in any case. Hubby and Son tried to look at it, but they couldn’t figure out how to drain it. Then they tried the reset button. That seemed to work.

Then it didn’t. So we called the plumber. The plumber hasn’t gotten here yet, but now it’s working. Or so it seems. So do we cancel the plumber? I just don’t know what to do.

Then I started laundry today, which is my day to do it. Figured we’d give the water heater a work out and see what happens. Nothing is happening because now the washer is on the fritz. It won’t spin. So no laundry today (repair person won’t be out until Monday). What a drag.

I’m almost afraid to use another appliance. I don’t want it to break, too.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 32

Dates read: November 22 – December 6, 2024
Title: This is Why We Lied
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Karin Slaughter
Genre: Suspense
Series:  Will Trent #12
# of Pages: 451
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: A Secluded Cabin Retreat
    For GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton, McAlpine Lodge seems like the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon. Set on a gorgeous, off-the-grid mountaintop property, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until a bone-chilling scream cuts through the night.
    A Murderer in Their Midst
    Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the Lodge, is dead. With a vicious storm raging and the one access road to the property washed out, the murderer must be someone on the mountain. But as Will and Sara investigate the McAlpine family and the other guests, they realize that everyone here is lying… Lying about their past. Lying to their family. Lying to themselves.
    Who Killed Mercy McAlpine?
    It soon becomes clear that normal rules don’t apply at McAlpine Lodge, and Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step at every turn. Trapped on the resort, they must untangle a decades-old web of secrets to discover what happened to Mercy. And with the killer poised to strike again, the trip of a lifetime becomes a race against the clock…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love this series. And I had no idea what was going on until close to the end. Good mystery. Good suspense.

Well… since I can’t do the laundry today, I might as well get back to Alien Desires. I’m really close to the end. But I keep stopping at parts that need extra work. Hopefully I can get through that section today and not run into another one!

Yeah, that’s not likely. At least I’m working on it!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Photographs” and Stuff

Got our first snowfall today and I’m cold. It’s not that the house is any colder than it normally is, but snow tends to make me feel colder for some reason. So I may bump up the heat a bit. I know Hubby won’t care. He’s always cold!

The ending with Alien Desires (which I thought was finished but was wrong) is finally coming into play in my head (I had to change it so that my hero looked heroic). Now to get it on the page. Why is that part always the hardest? At least I’m almost there. I’ll be glad when I can send it off to my editor.

This Saturday I will be in Springboro, Ohio for an author event during their annual Christmas festival. I’m one of the featured authors between 4:30-6:30pm at the Springboro Historical Museum. If I sell any books I’ll be pleasantly surprised, but I’m prepared for the best. At least I’ll be indoors. Most of the festival will be outdoors, so maybe people will come inside to get warm! One can always hope.

And if you’re in the area and are looking for Christmas ideas, check it out. Then come inside and see me.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 31

Dates read: November 1-21, 2024
Title: Photographs
Year of publication: 2020
Author: James Garcia, Jr.
Genre: Supernatural thriller
Series:  N/A
# of Pages: 229
Paper or plastic: Nook book
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: One night, two exceptional women meet. Both carry broken hearts and one has been dead for sixty years.
    In 1956, film actress Allison Belle abandoned the glamour of Hollywood for Fresno, California, and an idyllic new life.
    In 1959, she disappeared altogether.
    Sixty years later, real estate agent Joanna Johnson steps unsuspectingly into the old Belle house and a story long forgotten.
    A devastating personal event opens a hidden door into the actress’s world. The mystery behind what broke Allison’s heart and what ultimately happened to her is revealed slowly by a series of long lost photographs the agent uncovers; the relationship she builds with the actress’s ninety year old husband; and through a series of “dreams” she has where she relives the moments captured by each photograph - herself a participant in them.
    The closer Joanna gets to the truth, the closer she gets to suffering the same fate.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Interesting story. I thought maybe it would be horror, but it’s not really that. More like a thriller, with a ghost. Started out slow, but it did keep my attention and the ending was satisfying.

The wifi antenna (or whatever it’s called) on my laptop was starting to act wonky. I couldn’t connect to the house’s wifi, but I could connect to my phone’s hot spot. Unfortunately, when I was connected to the hot spot, I couldn’t print anything as the printers were off line. Hubby found an external antenna and so far it’s been working (I’m connected AND I can print!). What a relief. I really don’t relish replacing this computer. I like it!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Dead Reckoning” and Headed Home

Today is the last full day of the cruise. We get into Galveston tomorrow morning.

Is 14 days too long? Usually, I would say no. This time we had an inside cabin, and it was tiny. It made a difference, that’s for sure. It will certainly be the LAST time we get an inside cabin. Heck, the next 10 cruises we already have booked are balcony cabins. Yes, we have already booked 10 more cruises for the next 24 months. Cruising is almost like a second home to us, I guess. And I got a lot of writing done. Of course, most of those next cruises will be in ports we’ve never visited (in fact, countries we’ve never visited), so they’ll be a little bit busier than this cruise. We stayed on the ship for most of the ports this time around, and it was very relaxing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 30

Dates read: October 25-31, 2024
Title: Dead Reckoning
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Aedyn Brooks
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series:  Grave Intentions Book 1
# of Pages: 254
Paper or plastic: Nook book
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: The dead deserve justice…
    When psychic medium Joni Smith encounters a pesky ghost in an antique store, she triggers attention from the wrong people. She should have thought twice before jumping the fence past the no trespassing signs, and she shouldn’t have dug up the ghost’s bones to retrieve a locket either, but Joni wants lost souls to find peace. Sometimes taking risks are worth damning the consequences.
    So do the living…
    Newbie detective and paranormal skeptic, Zeke Gregson isn’t quite sure what to make of Joni digging up a grave in the backwoods of his neighbor’s property. She won’t hand over whatever she stole from the grave, and she won’t answer his questions. He has no choice but to bring her in for questioning because someone is killing women in Pendleton County. If Joni isn’t the murderer, she might be the key that leads him to who is.
    A secret society…
    As Zeke and Joni comb through evidence, they soon realize they are in over their heads. Before another woman dies, they must lean on each other’s skills in order to get justice.
    A secret desire…
    Trust doesn’t come easy for either of them, but as they fight for their lives, racing against the clock to stop the killer, they may discover something neither realized they were searching for…love.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Oooh, a new-to-me author’s book that I liked so much that I will go out and get book 2. Ghosts, suspense, and romance. I liked them all. If it was possible to buy book 2 while on the cruise (it’s not, because technically I’m not in the USA), I’d buy it now.

That book was my 30^th read, which meant I reached my goal! That doesn’t always happen when I’m also writing, so I’m happy about that. Happy that I can write and read, it’s not one or the other.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Accidental Leigh” and I’m Melting

Usually when we cruise in late October (it is late October, right?), it’s not so hot at the islands. Yeah, that’s not happening this time. I feel like I’m melting here! Probably a good thing we don’t have excursions booked and we’re just playing it by ear.

Puerto Rico (where we stopped yesterday) was 90 degrees, but the humidity made it feel like 105. We didn’t leave the ship. Today, we’re in St. Thomas (a very beautiful island, by the way), and it’s stifling humid here, too. I think the temp will also be in the 90s. We do plan on getting off the ship, but not doing much but walk around the pier and look to see if there is anything interesting to do (there are always people selling some kind of activity on the dock). But most likely we’ll just stay in the port. I’m so glad Hubby is okay with all of this, too.

Now, if we were going to an island we’ve never been to, we would have booked an excursion to check it out. But this time, we’re just saving our money as we’ve already seen the islands. It’s okay to do nothing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 29

Dates read: October 23-24, 2024
Title: Accidental Leigh
Year of publication: 2014
Author: Melissa James
Genre: Paranormal comedy (not a romance)
Series:  Literal Leigh Romance Diaries #1
# of Pages: 98
Paper or plastic: Nook book
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: How does a girl become a witch? By accident, of course!
    Leigh Epstein is a grief stricken and lonely elementary school teacher that is devastated by the brutal and unexpected death of her true love at the hands of a careless writer. She overcomes her grief by taking matters in her own hands and takes up a little romance writing to resurrect her vampire-werewolf book-boyfriend. Leigh gets more than she bargained for when she discovers that every steamy erotic scene she creates is magically reenacted by her family, friends and coworkers.
    In her hilarious first diary, Leigh unwittingly sets her parents up for a weekend dinner party that they will never forget. She has two weeks to find out what her new found magic is capable of. Can she prevent a wild erotic encounter that could devastate her sweet parent’s marriage? What and who else will get caught up in her magic spells?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Short and ends on a cliff hanger. Sure, the author apologizes for that and says it’s the only one in the series that does. Will I get book 2? Nope. Yeah, it’s humorous, but there really isn’t a story there. Just events. And I wasn’t in the mood for events. If you like funny things happening without an overall story, go for it. It’s easy to read and goes quickly.

I’m enjoying pizza for breakfast this morning. It’s something I do on cruises. Mainly because I’m not a big eggs and bacon (or sausage) kind of eater. Oh sure, there’s fruit and cereal, too, but why not pizza? It’s more fun and it’s not something I do when I’m home. Gotta make it fun!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “You Betrayed Me” and I’m Cruising

October is a busy month, travel-wise. Italy was interesting. Even though I got sick with a stomach bug through a good portion of our trip (I missed Pompei and the Amalfi Coast). Apparently my cancer treatments are messing with my immune system and it took me forever to get my energy back. Not to mention my appetite. Really put a damper on things (and I felt like I was ruining everyone’s trip).

But I finally did get better and was almost back to normal for our cruise. Unfortunately, I still have trouble being active. We rode bikes in Key West (which is flat, by the way) and it really wiped me out. We’re just taking it easy for the rest of the cruise. We don’t have any excursions booked since we’ve been to our island stops more than once. Probably just as well. I gotta accept that I have limits now. It’s a bummer, for sure.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 28

Dates read: October 3-23, 2024
Title: You Betrayed Me
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Lisa Jackson
Genre: Suspense
Series: Cahill Family Novel #3
# of Pages: 431
Paper or plastic: Nook book
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: The Cahills of San Francisco are famous for two things: their vast wealth, and the scandals that surround them. Murder, greed, deadly ambition . . . some people will do anything to get, and keep, the Cahills’ kind of money. Not that James Cahill wants any of it. He’s tried to make his own way, less interested in a future inheritance than in his construction company—and in enjoying the many women taken in by the easy charms of a handsome, soon-to-be-rich bad boy.
    Perhaps there’ve been too many women. Waking up in a small hospital in Washington State, bandaged and bruised, James barely recognizes the gorgeous blonde who comes to visit. Through the haze of pain and medication, he recalls that she is Sophia, the woman he’s been cheating with. Gradually memories return—his girlfriend, Megan, had found out about Sophia. Now Megan is missing, her sister, Rebecca, is hounding him—and police and reporters are asking questions too. James insists he has no idea what happened. Yet he can’t escape a feeling of dread . . .
    Meanwhile, in a locked room, a woman waits, trapped, petrified, and desperate. She thought she knew who to trust. But the betrayal you can’t imagine—or can’t remember—may be the most terrifying weapon of all . . .
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: The author liked to repeat herself a bit too much for my taste, making this story longer than it needed to be. I’m glad this wasn’t a romantic suspense (I almost thought it was) because I’m not sure what I thought of James. Certainly not hero material. And I won’t even go into the bizarre behavior of the police detective. The story was interesting enough for me to stick with it to the end, which is why I would recommend it.

I’m trying to spend most of my time on this cruise working on Alien Desires. I really need to get that one finished and sent to my editor. But let me tell you, this cruise is a lot more relaxing than our trip to Italy. I’m content to do nothing but read, write, and crochet!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Witches Get Stuff Done” and I’m in Italy

I still find it hard to believe that I’m in Italy. And right now, Venice. Got a little down time today (mainly because it’s raining) and finally finished a book, so thought I would post it now.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 27

Dates read: September 21 – October 2, 2024
Title: Witches Get Stuff Done
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Molly Harper
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Starfall Point #1
# of Pages: 222
Paper or plastic: Nook book
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Juggling newfound witchy powers, a house full of ghosts, and verbal battles with the handsome local librarian is almost too much for a new witch to manage. A new witch with a coven, however, can get so much more done...
    From the moment Riley Everett set foot in Starfall Point, magic bubbled inside of her. But with only her late aunt's journals and a cantankerous live-in ghost butler to instruct her on all things witchy—including her newly inherited Victorian haunted house—Riley seeks out a coven for sisterhood and support. The last person she expects to be drawn to is the town's frustrating, yet ridiculously attractive head librarian.
    Edison Held knows almost everything there is to know about Starfall Point, but Shaddow House was always off-limits, thanks to its elusive owner. If he can convince the new owner, Riley, to let him take a peek inside, there's so much he could learn. But as he gets closer to Riley, he's fascinated by her dazzling wit and fiery spirit. Edison will do whatever he can to help Riley keep her family legacy alive, especially if it means spending more time with the captivating new witch in town.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I enjoyed it for the most part. But the romance was a bit…rushed? Not a lot of sexual tension. I got this book free from B&N (because I’m a member), but I doubt I get the next book. Mainly because I have so many books now and it just didn’t hold my attention. Doesn’t mean it won’t hold yours.

So far I’ve visited Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Venice. Tomorrow we head to Sorrento (via Naples). I liked Pisa (and took one of those cheesy photos where it looks like I’m holding the tower up). And Venice is really cool (except St Mark’s square does like to flood every now and then). We visited the Murano glass factory today, but I didn’t buy anything. The prices were ridiculous!

Still, I’m having quite the experience. Now, if it would just stop raining.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Taken” and Recovering from Dragon Con

I came home from Dragon Con with con crud, or a cold, or maybe it’s just allergies. What I do know is it’s not COVID. I took three tests just to be sure.

My nose is a faucet. And I’m going through tissues like crazy. My oncologist prescribed Zyrtec (the prescribed version) and Flonase. I hate taking them. Zyrtec just wipes me out. I feel like a zombie when I take it. I try to remember to take Flonase, but that’s not fun, either. I hope I’m all dried up by next Friday. That’s when we leave for Italy!

I am anxious about that trip since I’ve never been to Europe before. I’ll actually get my passport stamped (that’ll be a first, too, since they don’t stamp them in the Caribbean). I also expect to be doing a lot of walking. Sure hope I survive the trip!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 26

Dates read: September 7 – 20, 2024
Title: The Taken
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Brett Battles
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Series: Jonathan Quinn #16
# of Pages: 320
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: The world thought Dmitri Melnikov was dead.
    Especially Quinn. Why would he have believed otherwise, since the bomb intended for Melnikov had nearly killed Quinn and several members of his team?
    But Melnikov is not dead. He has been taken by someone who wants to shut him up. And the former chess champion isn’t the only one who has been abducted.
    US Intelligence can’t do anything about it. Not officially, anyway. The risk of causing an international incident is too great. What the agencies can do is ask someone who’d been there when Melnikov was kidnapped to do something for them.
    It’s not a normal mission for Quinn and his friends, and the chances they’ll all survive are slim, but this one is personal. So how can they say no?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Good story. Almost seems like the end to the series. It’s all wrapped up as if it were the end. But I’ll gladly read more if it continues. I love this series.

Sure seems like summer is fighting to stick around, doesn’t it? It’s been in the 90s the last few days. We’re going to a high school football game tonight and will probably sweat in the stands. It will be our last game of the season for us (since we’ll be out of town for the last 5 games), so no cold or rainy games to look forward to. Looks like we won’t be missing much, either. Our first string QB broke his collar bone on the first game. The back-up broke his leg on the second game. We’re down to the third string with a running back as backup. They haven’t won a game since the first game. Worst season in quite a while. I feel bad for the seniors.  

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Love, Lies & Hocus Pocus—Revelations” and I’m at Dragon Con

It’s Labor Day weekend (well, almost) and that means…Dragon Con! We got into Atlanta yesterday to a bigger crowd than we’ve ever seen on that day. I mean, we come a day early because it’s quieter. Apparently, not anymore. Wednesday has become the new Thursday and Thursday the new Friday. I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be a whole week long at this rate.

But I’ve pretty much got my whole stay planned. And daughter and I already have appointments for group photos: cast of Roswell and cast of Resident Alien. It’s more than I’ve ever spent on photos, so I’m not looking to get anymore. Well, except maybe some selfies in the Walk of Fame. Provided they aren’t charging a fortune for one.

And we’ll see if I can last the day of busy panels and standing in line (in 90+ degree heat, at that). I’ve been known to say “screw it” and go back to my room until the next day. You wouldn’t think it would be exhausting, but fighting crowds of over 70,000 people is exactly that. Still, we keep coming back.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 25

Dates read: August 23-29, 2024
Title: Love, Lies & Hocus Pocus—Revelations
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Lydia Sherrer
Genre: Paranormal
Series: The Lily Singer Adventures #2
# of Pages: 259
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Being a wizard, Lily Singer likes her magic logical and systematic. So when her cat suddenly starts opening locked doors and telling her what to do, she is not pleased. Before Lily can deal with her errant feline, however, her witch friend Sebastian warns of a heist plot at the very museum she was just hired to ward.
    Lily must lay a trap for the would-be thief and figure out why Sebastian is suddenly acting so suspicious, all while wrangling her newly magical cat. To make matters worse, a mysterious wizard waltzes into her life claiming to know the truth about her past, and Lily must decide who, amid all the chaos, she can trust. Will discovering the past reveal her future? Or doom it?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Okay, the cat finally started talking in the first chapter. But I still haven’t found the snark or the love (as the titles implies), so I’m not going to bother buying anymore. That’s not to say I didn’t like them. They were okay to read. Just not what I look for in a book.

It’s not like I don’t have a pile of books to read as it is. And since I’m away, I’ll pick something on my Nook next. Maybe the one of vampire short stories that I stopped reading while in California. Just so I can get the thing marked as read!

I brought my crochet projects with me. Not just to work during the car drive here and back, but also because there’s a panel on crafts (for us to bring our own) and I had started working on this little vampire bat that the instructions don’t really show how to assemble it! It was a kit I purchased, so it wasn’t like I could see the pattern beforehand. I made sure to complete all the parts and I’m really hoping someone shows up in the panel and can show me how to attach the ears and wings. I also brought another project that is way easier to do (a pretty lacy scarf). I may work on it while I’m waiting in line for one of the many panels I plan on attending. I don’t need to count stitches and rows with that (unlike the vampire bats). I really don’t know what I was thinking when I ordered the kit. But they were so cute, I couldn’t resist. However, I did post a review on the kit saying if someone needed detailed instructions (like I do, plus it states it’s a pattern for beginners), not to buy it. If I had seen such a review, I would have rethought my purchase.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Love, Lies & Hocus Pocus—Beginnings” and We Might Have a Problem

Yesterday, Hubby and I booked our 6th, 7th, & 8th cruise. I think we might have a problem.

But when an interesting cruise is brought to our attention, we can’t seem to say no to it. And this time the interesting cruise was an eclipse cruise in August 2026. It sails out of England. And if we’re going to fly over there for a cruise, well, we look for other cruises. We’ll be taking back-to-back-to-back cruises (that’s 3 connecting cruises for those of you who can’t count) for a total of 32 days.

Like Hubby told our kids: we’re spending your inheritance. He’s not kidding, either.

Who knows what life will throw at us next. We’re taking advantage right now and hoping for the best. Better than sitting around doing nothing. Right?

Hey, when my oncologist said to live my life, I listened.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 24

Dates read: August 17-22, 2024
Title: Love, Lies & Hocus Pocus—Beginnings
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Lydia Sherrer
Genre: Paranormal
Series: The Lily Singer Adventures #1
# of Pages: 203
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Wizard Lily Singer is kept busy managing library archives, studying magic, and trying to keep her witch friend Sebastian from dragging her into trouble. Unfortunately, he loves adventure even more than she loves being left alone.
    She doesn’t want to investigate a malignant spell in a haunted house, but Sebastian is promising rare books as the reward…
    She doesn’t want to hurt her family, but she is tired of being lied to about her past…
    She definitely doesn’t want to get stuck in a dangerously unstable time loop, but Sebastian is in trouble—again…
    Strangling her friend, as satisfying as it might be, won’t fix her problems. If she wants answers—and to not miss tea—she had best find the right spell for the job before everything unravels and ends them both for good.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I’m not sure exactly what these books are about. I saw an ad that hinted these were funny and that the cat talks. With birthday money in hand, I bought the first two in the series. But so far the cat has remained quiet. And it really wasn’t all that humorous. But they were interesting and since I did buy the next book in the series, I’ll read it. But if that cat remains quiet, I’m not buying any more.

I’m off to a concert (seeing Green Day). Lots of concerts this year. I might have a problem with them, too! Haha!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Holly” and the Olympics Took Over

I feel like I’ve been on hold for a few weeks. And I blame the Olympics. I keep saying I’m not interested, but then I start watching and guess what? I’m interested!  So they basically took over my life. Not that there’s much to TAKE over. Mainly reading and writing.

And while I finally finished reading the book I started before the Olympics took over, I’m slowly getting back into Alien Desires (the next book I hope to publish). I thought I had finished it last year. Had given it to my editor, even. But then a respected author told me that my hero wasn’t very heroic.

Well, shit. Can’t have that!

So I recalled the book while I was working on getting Ghostly Protector published. I kind of know what I need to do, but as I started writing the next book in the series, The Alien’s Change of Heart, I realized I didn’t really know my alien character’s world all that much and I do now. So, that’s also getting added. All good stuff. Just taking longer than I had hoped. But it will make for a better book, and that’s what counts. Right?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 23

Dates read: July 26 – August 16, 2024
Title: Holly
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 446
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency, hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her (very complicated) mother has just died. And Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.
    Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semiretired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lines home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless.
    Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I would have read it faster if not for the Olympics (that pretty much shut me down for a couple of weeks, but what can I say, I love the Olympics!). This is one GROSS story. Yes, I enjoyed it (I love Holly, Jerome, & Barbara—ever since Mr. Mercedes). I guess that makes me one sick puppy. And while you don’t need to have read The Bill Hodges trilogy, The Outsiders, or If It Bleeds, it might be helpful to understand Holly better. Especially the trilogy.

So… I’ve been getting some physical therapy regarding my left hip and knee. Walking has been aggravating them so I went and saw a doctor to make sure I wasn’t making things worse. I might have bursitis in the hip so I’ve been given some exercises. Don’t know how well they’re helping since I don’t always feel the pain, but it certainly isn’t hurting. Well, except when I do some of the exercises. It’s been awhile since I used those muscles!! Yeah, totally out of shape. But I’m trying to do better. I hate being so slow.

I’ll get a real chance to try it out, though. Dragon Con is only 11 days away!! Whoo hoo!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Reaching for Normal” and a New Phone

Why is it when you want to change your phone package to something cheaper, you lose a device? You lose it because they won’t carry it to another plan. The device we lost was our wifi box. It ran our house number, with the answering machine. Made it easier to scan calls. Could listen who was leaving a message and could pick up in the middle (if we so wanted). But in order to save nearly $50 a month, we had to lose it and replace it with a regular old cell phone, which doesn’t have ANY of the features we liked with the wifi box.

We had a cell phone to use. Turns out it’s so old, there isn’t enough memory and no way to increase it, either (we tried). And without memory, it won’t take messages. So now we have to get another phone, one with working memory. All because we wanted to SAVE MONEY! Gee, what were we thinking??

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 22

Dates read: July 20-25, 2024
Title: Reaching for Normal
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Jemi Fraser
Genre: Romantic suspense
Series: Bloo Moose Romance Book One
# of Pages: 192
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: After a childhood spent in hospitals and foster homes, Myla’s freelance adventure writing suits her perfectly. A couple of weeks trying out new things then move on. Now, if she can only get her guide to all things winter interested in helping her lose her V-card.
    Sawyer’s lost his parents, his SEAL team, and his legendary Spidey senses. Now he’s faced with a sexy, secretive woman who makes him want things he has no business wanting.
    When someone starts butchering the wolves Sawyer is trying to reintegrate, he ends up in the bush with Sexy City Girl whose titanium attitude is more than enough to compensate for her weak leg.
    If Sawyer and Myla can’t learn to trust each other and themselves, they might not make it out alive.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I liked the story. And the characters. Suspense is on the thin side, but the romance is all in.

This week has been busy with appointments. I think tomorrow will be the first day back from the convention without an appointment in it. I will sit back and enjoy the quiet, too. I need a break!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Eternity Embraced” and an Award

So… Literary Love Savannah 2024 is over. My sales were lackluster again, but hey, I hooked up with some new readers and you really can’t put a price on that, right? They were so awesome, too. And this is why I keep coming back (and why I have already registered for next year’s convention).

The readers were so great, they actually gave me an award! Most Chill Author. Ain’t it pretty?? I think 5-6 awards were given out on the last night. Color me shocked that I even got picked for one!! They made my con, that’s for sure. Here’s a picture of it, too. Isn’t it cool? I got it displayed for EVERYONE to see.

And no, that’s not in the bathroom. Please!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 21

Dates read: July 19-20, 20204
Title: Eternity Embraced
Year of publication: 2011
Author: Larissa Ione
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Demonica #3.5
# of Pages: 32
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from somewhere a long time ago
Blurb from Goodreads: Desire…
    Demon slayer Andrea Cole has always taken down the demons and vampires she hunts without mercy. But when a fellow slayer is captured and turned into a vampire by a sadistic monster, she must choose between loyalty to her family and the man she loves.
    Versus Instinct…
    Kaden Quinn has dedicated his life to slaying vampires, so when he is turned into one, his greatest nightmare comes to life. And when the woman he loves is thrown into a dungeon with him — as food — he must battle new instincts and old desires, and choose between his life, and hers.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I enjoyed this story. Don’t know why it took me so long to read it, except it was on my Nook and it was short? Yeah, that’s probably why. I will have to check out the rest of the series now. And no, I did not need to have read books 1-3 before picking this up. Completely self-contained. It was a good introduction for me to want to read more in this world, that’s for sure.

Weather in Savannah was brutal last week. In the 90s every day (with feel-like temps in the 100s). Storms every night (one night we lost power for about a minute). So humid, it was almost hard to breathe. I’m relishing the 80 degree temps and lower humidity at home. Almost feels cool outside!

So… I’m home and life is still not normal. Doctor appointments Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Oh wait, that IS normal. Guess I just better get back to work, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Shadow Heart” and Life is Almost Back to Normal

I’m currently on my way to Savannah for a book convention (Literary Love Savannah). I’ve been going since 2019 (missed 2022) and I’m already registered for 2025. It’s the only convention I’ve been attending regularly because it’s fun. Last year was a little disappointing because I didn’t sell many books, but then I didn’t have a new release, either. I’m hoping for a better turnout this year. And if I get my butt in gear, I’ll have a new release for next year, too. **fingers crossed**

But once this convention is over on Sunday, and Hubby and I drive home, life will finally go back to normal. For awhile, anyway. I just need to get back into writing, and I’m hoping the normalcy will make that possible. What with the book release and the convention (as well as Hubby’s heart incident), not much has been normal recently. I need some normal.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 20

Dates read: July 5-16, 2024
Title: Shadow Heart
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Meg Gardiner
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Series: UNSUB #4
# of Pages: 331
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: FBI Special Agent Caitlin Hendrix faces a case from nightmares.
    In a Tennessee prison, Efrem Judah Goode draws haunting portraits of women he claims he has killed. Around the country, desperate families of the missing seek answers in his eerie drawings. And on darkened back roads and New York City streets, a new killer poses duct-taped bodies at the sites of Goode’s murders.
    Two serial killers are locked in a twisted rivalry. To stop the brutal slayings, FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix must unravel the connection between Goode and the Broken Heart Killer. Their warped competition destroys anyone in their path. Caught between a manipulative psychopath and a ruthless UNSUB, Caitlin has to dive into not one, but two dark and twisted minds. She will risk everything, plunging into the depths of their depraved clash to hunt down an unstoppable killer.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love her books and this one was no exception. I didn’t expect the ending, either, so that’s good. If I wasn’t getting ready for a book convention, I would have probably read this quicker. But when you’re busy, you’re busy.  

It’s supposed to be in the 90s every day in Savannah while I’m there. Ugh. But I always enjoy visiting. It’s a neat city. Have you ever been?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Fangs Deep” and a Lot is Happening

It’s been awhile since my last post. And while I trudged through my reading (which I should have finished well before now), lots of stuff have been happening.

First, that BookBub listing. I think it was a bust. I haven’t even made back half the cost. Oh, I sold books (yay), but not the amount I thought would happen. Oh well…

Next, and the biggest: My hubby had a stent put in. On June 24, he went walking (like he usually does in the summer) for about 6 miles. It was a hot and humid day and he felt tightness in his chest and down his arm. I asked if he wanted me to take him to the emergency room. He said he sat and rested and felt fine. Didn’t think he needed to go. I shouldn’t have listened to him. On Wed, Jun 26, he went walking again. Couldn’t even make it 1/3 of a mile before the tightness returned. Drove home and said he was going to the emergency room. I told him I would drive him. Would you believe he said that I didn’t need to if I didn’t want to? Sheesh!

The base ER couldn’t help him since they didn’t have the equipment for cardiology patients, but the tests they ran indicated something was wrong and they weren’t letting him go. So he was transferred to Miami Valley South where they did a heart cath the following morning. His large artery (the artery they call the “widow maker”) was 80% blocked. They inserted a stent, but apparently he has more blockage. They put him on different medication for his cholesterol and hope it will fix the rest. So we’re basically on a “wait and see” regiment. Scary stuff! But at least he feels fine now and hasn’t had any symptoms since the stent. Of course, he hasn’t really walked all that far since then, either. I’m gonna get him out there tomorrow (when it won’t be as hot and humid as it has been).

At least I did get some GOOD news. I had my CT scan on the first. They called me on the second and told me that it appears the spot was just some kind of infection in my lung and not cancer since it’s getting better (smaller).  Whew!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 19 (adding Ghostly Protector as read in Goodreads jumped my number up, which is fair. I did read it…numerous times!)

Dates read: June 24 – July 5, 2024
Title: Fangs Deep
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Molly Burkhart
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Pain in the Neck Trilogy #3
# of Pages: 255
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author at a convention
Blurb from book: When Linnie Rogers moves in with the vampires wooing her, she feels completely adrift from her old life. She wades into uncharted waters without map or compass, trusting that her new roommates will keep up their end of the bargain. Her growing feelings for them only make her less sure of herself and the situation.
    However, as the guys slowly woo her with good food, pajama movie nights, and cuddly snuggles, she warms to the idea of learning to love them. Even with the cat hiding in the bathroom any time a vampire is near, Linnie doesn’t fight her growing fondness. This is the rest of her life, after all, and the guys each make a compelling case for her affections with art, music, and a truly epic Dungeon’s & Dragons campaign.
    Just as she overcomes her past and gives into her desire, disaster strikes. Linnie is whisked away from her lovers and thrust into a dangerous tussle between evils for her life and the lives of her beloved vampires. It seems that no matter who wins, Linnie will lose.
    Can she fight the evil threatening to overwhelm everything she’s built for herself, or is she doomed to a life of blood servitude?
Recommend: Maybe
My thoughts: This is the last book in the trilogy. It took a LOOOONNNNG time getting to anything exciting. There wasn’t really any conflict between the four of them (three vampires and her). Yes, the sexy scenes were sexy, but the rest was just…blah. This trilogy could have been cut and combined into one book that would have been more interesting to read. I slugged through this one, but then it wasn’t the kind of book I normally read. I saw “vampire” and was intrigued. I’m just sorry it let me down.

Yesterday I emptied two bookcases so they could be moved to another room. They were completely filled and I forgot I had some of those books. Now I want to re-read some of them. I might just start pulling one of them a month or so to read. Just have to figure out which one to start with. Decisions, decisions.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Bite Me Twice” and a Book Bub feature

So… Ghostly Protector is now available for sale. Sales have been lack luster, but then I haven’t really advertised anywhere…yet. I got lucky and it was selected for a Book Bub New Releases for Less. The book will be in their July 2nd issue and will go out to 530,000 email addresses. Whoo hoo! Here’s hoping I didn’t waste my money.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 17

Dates read: June 11-24, 2024
Title: Bite Me Twice
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Molly Burkhart
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Pain in the Neck Trilogy #2
# of Pages: 255
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author at a convention
Blurb from book: When Linnie Rogers agrees to move in with three vampires and be their safe food source during the scourge of the Wicked Thicks, she thinks she knows what she’s getting into. It’s an even trade—a pampered life for occasional sips of her untainted blood.
    She doesn’t expect her life to become more complicated instead of less so. She has to be even more careful to prevent COVID to keep up her end of the bargain. Her beloved cat absolutely loathes the vampires.
    But the developing feelings are the real complication—their feelings for her and hers for them. She’s not sure what scares her more: the shadowy mist monster waiting to pounce or a serious case of the likes for her soon-to-be-roommates.
    When a COVID scare at work forces her hand, Linnie must resign herself to either saying an immediate goodbye to her independent lifestyle or signing on with the conspiracy theorist leaving notes on her desk. Will she choose the vampires or place her bet on the Wicked Thicks?
Recommend: Maybe (we’ll see how I feel after reading book 3)
My thoughts: Again, it says “to be continued” at the end. And I’m still waiting on the love story. I’m really thinking these three books could have easily been combined into one.

I’m still having issues with uploading Ghostly Protector to Ingram Spark (which was probably a good thing since I needed to upload to Amazon first to be able to use the same ISBN in both places), so the only place you can get a paperback is through Amazon (I do not have it in extended distribution with them). Eventually I’ll get it straightened out, but while I was ready to pull my hair our because I needed books for the book convention I’m going to in July (and well before I uploaded the book to Amazon), I remembered I could order them through Lulu press (without an ISBN). On June 13th I got my order delivered. Whew! I’m all set for Savannah now.

This publishing thing is not easy on the brain. I really need to create a checklist for next time.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

It's Release Day for Ghostly Protector!

Ghostly Protector is live! It's been a long time coming, but the day is finally here. 

He finally found his long-lost love, but will he have to arrest her for murder?

Adam Fox is a detective with the Chicago Police Department. He’s solved every murder case assigned to him, with a little help from the newly departed. No one on the force knows he can communicate with ghosts and he wants to keep it that way. His latest case brings him face-to-face with his teenage love—and the murder victim’s roommate—Evie. He’s more than ready to close this case and rekindle what he lost, but for one minor technicality: the ghost doesn’t know how he died.

Evelyn Harper can’t believe her eyes when she opens her door to Adam. She never forgot their brief encounter and regretted they didn’t exchange last names and phone numbers before she was urgently pulled away. Now he’s in front of her, telling her that her roommate was murdered. If that wasn’t bad enough, signs indicate she’s the guilty party. How can she prove her innocence before she’s arrested for the crime?

Adam has dreamed about Evie ever since that summer night eleven years ago. He’s not willing to let her go again and will do all he can to prove she’s not guilty. But the ghost is also in love with her, mad that she’s implicated, and won’t move on until she’s safe. And when the ghost is mad, the building can shake. How can Adam clear Evie and help the ghost move on before disaster strikes?

The ebook is available at these fine establishments. Still working on getting print out there.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D77YC3L2

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-protector-stacy-mckitrick/1145822606

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghostly-protector/id6504463321

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ghostly-protector

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-M0OEQAAQBAJ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1578573

You have my permission to share this with everyone!

-Stacy

Finished Reading “Pain in the Neck” and Frustrations

It’s been a rough week. Well, two weeks. And it all started with thinking I would easily publish Ghostly Protector.

Easily. Hah!

First, it was the delay from my copy editor (who happens to be my daughter). I knew WHY she had delays, but that didn’t make me feel any better. I had deadlines. Well, one deadline: July 16. That’s the day I leave for a book convention, and I really want to take new books with me.

I ended up getting the edited copy while we were on our vacation to see National Parks. But I wasn’t going to publish it while I was on unsecure internets (hotels), so I waited until we returned to my mother’s place. I got what I needed to get done and gave it to my formatter (who happens to be Hubby).

I just needed the print version done so I could order books. And I needed him to format it so I could give the print cover template to my cover artist. His first attempt at formatting it (and to be fair, he was using a computer that he never formatted on before—all that equipment was back home) failed. Most of the italics didn’t come over. A second try did succeed, but man, the waiting was torture!

I went to Ingram Spark and created the template. Sent it to my cover artist. Sent a Facebook Message to her to check her email.

Did I tell you my cover artist lives near Dallas? A tornado had come through her area and took out the internet tower. She had no access to the internet or her email.

By this time, I almost expected this delay. I mean, if something could go wrong with this book, it was going to go wrong.

We got home on May 28 (after a frustrating flying experience). She got her internet back on May 31. However, her email (which I have used NUMEROUS TIMES) went into my spam folder. SPAM!! She’s in my freakin’ CONTACT LIST!! I didn’t see it until June 3 (after I saw her post something on Facebook).

But I got it. That was what mattered. I went back to Ingram Spark and entered the ISBN and imprint names (just like I did with the other 8 paperbacks I have). Well… apparently, they changed their system. I got error messages saying that the ISBN belongs to Mythical Press and that I couldn’t select Mythical Press as my imprint and had to choose another.

I am STILL trying to figure out what the heck I’m going to do with Ingram Spark. But… I remembered I could print books with Lulu Press. So I went over there and uploaded the book and cover.

And wouldn’t you believe it, they didn’t like my Ingram Spark dimensions! So I had to send another template to my cover artist and she was able to give me another cover. The books are ordered and on their way, but… Yeah, but. Who knows what will happen next? I won’t breathe easy until they're in my possession.

And if all that wasn’t bad enough, I got the results of my last CT scan (taken May 31) on June 6.

Another spot. Another freakin’ spot! Will get another scan on July 1 to see what’s going on.

Oh, and on Saturday morning, I noticed the freezer door was open. I checked it. Everything in there was warm. Ugh!!! Hubby hadn't closed it completely when he got his ice cream bar on Friday night. There was sooooo much food in there. What a waste.

So yeah, I have frustrations out the yin-yang. I’m thinking my planets or stars are not aligned favorably. I sure hope they move soon!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 16

Dates read: May 31 – June 10, 2024
Title: Pain in the Neck
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Molly Burkhart
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Pain in the Neck Trilogy #1
# of Pages: 164
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author at a convention
Blurb from book: Madeline Rogers is happiest when she’s invisible. She’s a quiet person with a quiet life—a job, her cat, and her books. Unfortunately, now that everyone’s back in the office after the worst of COVID has passed, someone is watching Linnie, turning her quiet life into a loud nightmare.
    The spiral gets steeper when she’s waylaid on the street by a force that can only be supernatural and is rescued by…her stalkers. In the age of COVID, never getting the disease makes her irresistible to a specific group of people: vampires. The illness kills them instantly, making most of humanity toxic.
    Both her attacker and her stalkers are vampires, the attacker older and more powerful by far. They all want her, and they’ll do anything to win her over as their safe food source for the foreseeable future. To keep her locked safely away from the plague of the twenty-first century.
    Linnie must walk a fine line between her independence and her safety as the vampires circle her, drawn ever closer by the purity of her blood. Will she choose a side, or is there a way for her to be completely free.
Recommend: Maybe (we’ll see how I feel after reading book 3)
My thoughts: This claims to be a vampire love story. There’s no love story in book 1. But there is a “to be continued…” at the end. At least I bought all three books at the convention. Still… while it’s an interesting premise, this was a very slow start to the series and I’m wondering if it could have all been in one book. Guess I’ll find out soon.

Hope you’re not melting this week. We’re supposed to get up into the 90s by the end of this week, but I know a lot of people will have it worse than we do. Welcome to summer, right?

Happy Reading!

Stacy