Finished Reading “A Lovely Drop” and On Vacation, Sort of

Made it to California without any issues. Not even issues with my hearing (they tend to plug up after a flight). That’s a win in my book!

I brought my portable keyboard on this trip to see how it works. I’m still deciding whether or not I like it. Maybe I just need to get used to it. I just know that I’m not 100% fond of the keyboard on my travel laptop, but if the portable one is just as frustrating, it’s not worth lugging around. Know what I mean?

But I figure I will be doing a lot of writing on this trip. I’m still waiting for the edits on Ghostly Protector. I had really hoped to have them by now. Now I don’t know if I’ll get the paperback version done and ordered before Literary Love Savannah. Because not only do I need to fix what was found, I need Hubby to format it so I can tell my cover artist the dimensions for the cover (at least the cover is done and only waiting on that!). Still, it’s a lot to do and have the books in hand by July 16. Know what I mean?

So I’m a little bit stressed. And on my vacation, too. Figures, huh?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: May 4 – 4, 2024
Title: A Lovely Drop
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Darynda Jones
Genre: Urban fantasy
Series: The NeverNeath #2
# of Pages: 81
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Downloaded from author’s website
Blurb from Goodreads: A woman who claims to do the impossible…
    Andrea Grace comes from a long line of women who can do the impossible: They can eavesdrop on the past. But ever since her mother’s suspicious death, Andrea has led a half-life, guarding herself from those who would kill to get their hands on her. From heads of states to the most violent criminals craving what she has to offer, every drop she makes puts her at risk.
    But one fateful night, Andrea decides to anonymously help authorities solve a murder, a particularly horrendous one, and she gets a taste of what it feels like to use her powers for good. And she’s hooked. She continues solving crimes with no one the wiser and does so for years until one single mistake gets her caught. And what does she do to get out of the bind she finds herself in? She tells the ludicrous, inconceivable truth.
    …meets a man who believes her.
    Special Agent Sebastian Strand is almost desperate enough to believe the girl’s claim that she can see through the veil of time. Almost. But when he tests the defiant redhead and discovers her gift seems as real as the resentment she wears like a bulletproof vest, he asks for her help to stop a terrorist.
    Now, the only element Andrea’s been able to control her whole life is the only thing she needs more of as she races against time with an FBI agent hell-bent on saving the world. But will she be too late to save the embittered man’s life? Or will she lose her own life, not to mention her heart, before time runs out?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: It states it’s #2 in the series. You don’t need to have read #1 to read this. But I tried to find #1. I guess it is also a short story (shorter than this) and I couldn’t find where to get it. In any case, I did enjoy this little story, and I might read more, but there doesn’t appear to be any more out there! Oh well…

I haven’t worked on my alien series for awhile now. Mainly because I thought I was going to be working on Ghostly Protector. Now that I’m settled in a bit (and acclimated to the time change), I’ll get back to the alien stories. But now I gotta get used to this keyboard.

I know… excuses, excuses. I’m full of them. How about you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Beloved” and Getting Ready

Getting Ready.

I really kind of hate doing that.

Whenever a trip is approaching, I have to get ready for it. Make a list of what to bring. Make sure I finish reading what I’m reading so I don’t have to carry the book with me (I take my Nook on trips). Make sure I can pack everything I want to bring.

Getting Ready.

I don’t pack until the day before a trip. That’s because I usually USE everything I take on a trip. And now I have a travel laptop, so I have to get that ready for the trip, too.

Getting Ready.

Well, at least I finished reading the book I was reading. Next one I start will be on the Nook. But I got laundry to do before I can pack.

I love my vacations. Don’t get me wrong. It’s the Getting Ready I despise!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 14

Dates read: April 16 – May 2, 2024
Title: The Beloved
Year of publication: 2024
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #22
# of Pages: 409
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book: Nalla, the blooded daughter of Zsadist, has led a sheltered life. Protected by her father and the Brotherhood, kept away from the deadly war with the Lessening Society, she is chafing against the walls of the very safety that has ensured her survival. One night, she gives in to her restlessness…and comes face-to-face with a male whose inner darkness rivals even that of her sire’s horrific origins.
    Nate is a fighter with nothing to lose—and nothing to live for. Tortured in a human lab as a young, then cursed with immortality, he is all vengeance and no purpose because he cares for no one—not even himself. The Brotherhood knows this all too well, and following Nate’s deliberate violation of the cardinal rule in the war, they declare him a dangerous liability that must be dealt with.
    When Nalla and Nate find themselves fighting side by side, daggers aren’t the only things that fly. A sizzling attraction is ignited, though Nalla knows her sire will never accept him—and on his side, Nate has made a secret bargain to end his own immortality. As the enemy closes in, and Nalla realizes she must choose between her mate and her sire, what starts with such passion may well end with eternal sorrow and no chance of a reunion—even in the Fade.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Took longer than I thought to read this, but that was only because I was writing (a good excuse, I think!). I love this series. This book is a good addition to it, too.

In case you were wondering, we’re going to Santa Barbara on Saturday. We’ll be there for nearly the whole month. Will spend a week with my mom, take a week and drive through several national parks, then spend another week with mom before we head home. For the most part, I’m looking forward to it. Some others…yeah, I’m apprehensive. Flying, for one. I really hate flying anymore, but driving there just didn’t make any sense. Maybe if Hubby was retired… but he’s not. Not yet.

Happy Reading!

Stacy