Finished Reading “The Running Man” and Merry Christmas!

Well… I started writing this on Christmas, since that’s when I finished my book, but then something drew me away (don’t remember what), and family came over, and then there was a movie to see (we went out to see Song Sung Blue), dinner to cook, and more movies at home (Lethal Weapon 2 & 3—we saw 1 on Christmas Eve), well, you get the picture. Anyway, hope you had a good Christmas (if you celebrate, that is).

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 31

Dates read: December 21-25, 2025
Title: The Running Man
Year of publication: 1982
Author: Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman
Genre: Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 212
Paper or plastic: Paperback
How obtained: In a collection I THINK I got at a yard sale between 1992-1997
Blurb from book: In the year 2025, the best men don’t run for president, they run for their lives…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: The latest movie came out and I vaguely remember the first one coming out and then realizing it is a Stephen King/Richard Bachman story. I have The Bachman Books (which is in a pretty bad shape) and recognized three of the four stories. For some reason, I did NOT remember The Running Man. So I decided to read it. Turns out I had NEVER read that particular story. Have no idea why, either. The other stories are more disturbing than this one. Anyway, it was kind of cool to see how Stephen King pictured 2025 way back in 1982. Some of it was way off. Other stuff…not so much!

It’s foggy this morning and laundry day for me. Being retired has its perks (like not having to wait until the weekend to wash clothes!). But I do like my routines, so laundry day just moved from Sunday to Friday.

What weekly chores would you move to a weekday if you didn’t have to work during the week?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Sunrise on the Reaping” and I Reached my Goal!

I did it. I reached my goal of 30 books read in 2025. Just barely, too. Whew!

And I’m almost ready for Christmas. All the presents are purchased and most of them are wrapped. Yeah, I got the tree up, but I didn’t put up the ornaments. I seem to do that every other year (at least, according to my memories on Facebook).

My last CT Scan came back great. Still no sign of disease. My oncologist is NOW saying that I may be able to go off the immunotherapy. Apparently, people who have been on it for two years and went off it still show no sign of cancer after two years. While I have been on immunotherapy for three years, I had a reoccurrence of the disease in January 2024, so he’s waiting for that actual two years to pass before discussing the possibility. But he said that doctors are considering those people cured. CURED! I’d sure like that to be me.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 30

Dates read: December 8-20, 2025
Title: Sunrise on the Reaping
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Hunger Games (between 0 and 1)
# of Pages: 382
Paper or plastic: Hard copy
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from book: As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
    Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
    When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all the dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight…and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Took longer for me to read because I was being stupid. Or I just wasn’t in the mood to read. That happens. But once I realized I wanted to make 30 books (31, if I’m lucky) this year, I dove into the book. Then, the book hooked me, which made it easy to finish. This is a good story. Sure, we know what happens to Haymitch in the Hunger Games, but it was neat figuring out what made him the drunk he was in book 1. It is sad. But how could it NOT be sad?

I’ve decided to try and get 31 books read this year, so I’m re-reading The Running Man (by Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman). I’ve most likely read it a long time ago. It’s in a collection I have and I remember the other three stories with no issues, but not The Running Man. Why that is, I have no idea. I have 11 days to read it. Let’s see if I do it! In the meantime, Merry Christmas and…

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “You Can Die” and to Tree or Not to Tree

I’m so tempted to NOT put up the tree this year. Except I love the tree skirt I made for it last year. And I do want to put up the dated ornaments I got this year. I just don’t want the work in getting the tree into the living room. And then the work it takes to put all the ornaments on it. And then the work to take it all down. Maybe it’s time to stop. But then what do I do with all the dated ornaments? Do I keep buying them hoping I get in the mood to put up the tree in future years? I’ve been getting dated ornaments since our first Christmas as a married couple, in 1979. And we also have dated Steelers ornaments since 2003 (I think). I’m sure I will put up the tree. It’ll just be a slooooow process.

But I really wouldn’t mind NOT putting up the tree, too. I’ll keep you posted on what I end up doing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 29

Dates read: November 23 – December 8, 2025
Title: You Can Die
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Laurel Snow Thrillers #3
# of Pages: 354
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from book: Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counseling centers—each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties—or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, is attacked in exactly the same way.
    Now, besides solving the case, Laurel is on the hunt to discover where her father has been. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.
    Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets—putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: It had been a while since I read book 2, so it took me a while to remember some of the characters. This is an enjoyable series with good suspense and light romance (nothing too detailed). I do recommend you read them in order because of Laurel’s and Huck’s relationship with each other. Oh, and Laurel’s and Abigail’s relationship too. In fact, I had forgotten about Abigail until she showed up. Which really makes me question my memory, because Abigail is pretty unforgettable. Oh well…

Are you one of those who LOVES to decorate their house for the holidays? I wish I knew someone like that (who lived close by). I’d let them take it over. Because I DO like the way the house looks when it’s decorated. I just don’t want to do the decorating!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you're able to spend the day with your loved ones. Or at least liked ones. 

Are you planning on having turkey or ham today? Or do you do something else? We will be spending the day with our friends in Columbus. Lots of turkey and good food. And the snow should hold off until Saturday. Yay!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Finished Reading “Mercy Killing” and I’m Home!

The weather in Nassau was great. Our excursion there? Eh. It certainly wasn’t worth the money. But we got to walk around and did see some places we hadn’t been to before. But when we stopped to shop (which seemed to be why we stopped most of the time—not for the sights), a lot of places said “Cashless.” Well… they lost my business right then and there (and I might have bought some of that chocolate from the chocolate factory). I will not give my credit card to a business I do not know. Especially in a foreign country. Nope.

Anyway, we made it home yesterday. Luckily, we had NO flight delays. Everything went pretty smoothly. Kind of shocked, really. I don’t remember the last time I flew without something going wrong!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 28

Dates read: November 17-22, 2025
Title: Mercy Killing
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Lisa Cutts
Genre: Crime Thriller
Series: East Rise Series Book 1
# of Pages: 346
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: When local sex offender Albie Woodville is killed, it puts DI Harry Powell and DC Hazel Hamilton under immense pressure in the East Rise incident room. They must treat this case the same as any other murder, but they know better than anyone the evil things Albie did when he was alive . . .
    But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear this isn’t just a one-off killing. Someone is out for revenge. Will the team solve the case in time to stop more blood from being shed?
    Written by a real life police detective, Mercy Killing is a gripping crime thriller about the thin line between justice and vengeance.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Can’t say it was much of a thriller, but more of a crime-drama. I didn’t realize that it was a British book until I started reading it (the quote marks my first clue). A lot of characters are in this and it was a bit confusing for me to keep them all straight (and for the record, this story is NOT just about those two detectives listed in the blurb--Hazel hardly shows up in it). I didn’t particularly care for this book. Not for the subject matter (although that might bother some), but in the way it was written. Lots of head-hopping. Maybe it’s a good thing B&N doesn’t give freebies to members anymore. I don’t recall finding one I liked yet.

I was beginning to wonder if I would reach my reading goal of 30 this year, but I only have two books to go, so maybe I worried for nothing. I’m just making sure I’m reading books by authors I already love. That will speed things up, I’m sure!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Ready or Not” and It’s Getting Warmer!

Our visit to Ponta Delgada (Azores of Portugal) was short, but nice. The island is gorgeous! We took an excursion to see the crater lake. So pretty! Now we’re on day 4 of our 6 sea days. I’m not minding it so bad. It can be nice to be lazy. Of course, I had plans to walk, but the weather has been horrible until today. Will I go walking tomorrow? I don’t know. I’ve gotten lazy again! But at least it’s warmer out now. It was pretty chilly getting to Ponta Delgada and a couple of days from there. Overcast, rainy, and super windy (some winds were over 50 mph!). On Thursday we visit Nassau. Been there lots of times, but we managed to find an interesting excursion.

I still have my cold, but at least it’s not as severe. It always takes me weeks to get rid of the cough, though. This time will not be any different, I’m sure.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 27

Dates read: November 12-17, 2025
Title: Ready or Not
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Aedyn Brooks
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Grave Intentions Book 2
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: 3…2…1…Dr. Tesla Brynn is beginning her psychiatry practice in a new state and city, closer to family. When she calls her niece to plan their Fourth of July weekend, her world shatters. Her terrified niece tells her a masked stranger is texting her photos labeled Ready or Not from inside the house. Tes can do nothing but listen to her niece’s screams as the line dies.
    Ready or Not…
    Asher Hickok lost his will to live the day his daughter was kidnapped. Seven weeks of hell and counting. With dead-end leads and no ransom demands, the only hope Asher has in finding his daughter is if the kidnapper chooses another victim. What he’s not prepared for is that the next victim to be his daughter’s best friend.
    Here I Come…
    Tes and Asher’s worlds collide, forging allies as they desperately search for their loved ones. Together, they’ll use every resource available, including a supernatural gift Tes’ kept secret her whole life. Asher has his own secrets he'd like to keep hidden. Can this unlikely pair learn to trust each other, accept their differences, and find their family before it's too late?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I’m liking this series. It’s got ghosts, zombies, demons, and angels. Good romance, too What’s not to love? Oh—it helps that it’s written well, too. I will be getting Books 3 & 4 as soon as my “location” on the internet connection allows me. It thinks I’m in France!

The writing has been going pretty good the last few days. That makes me feel good (and productive). 500 words may not seem like much, but it’s a goal and I’ve been able to reach it for the last four days. Four days in a row! Yeah, that hasn’t happened in a long time. Go me!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Home Cat Blues” and the Ship, She is a’Rockin’!

Our visit to Olympia turned out really nice. We had a lot of fun on that excursion (and got more Greek food to sample). Our stop in Naples included an excursion to the Amalfi Coast and Pompei. We were a little disappointed in both. Frankly, we were glad our stop at both places weren’t lengthy. I guess I just expected more color on the coast and after seeing so many ruins, Pompei was just another site of…ruins. The story is sad, but that’s about it.

We docked back in Civitavecchia (Rome) and stayed on the ship. Our first stop on the second cruise was in Cartegena, Spain. That was a nice city and we sampled lots of tapas (our excursion was called the Tapas Trail). Walked around the city to three different eateries and ended at the Roman Theatre. Another ruin that wasn’t discovered until the 1990s! It was found quite by accident.

But man, the first cruise really spoiled us. Water was calm. No issues. We left Civitavecchia and the waves picked up. I did not feel well on that first sea day. And then I went and caught a cold. Tomorrow we stop at Ponta Delgada (the Azores of Portugal) and then it will be six sea days in a row. I sure hope the water calms down. I haven’t been able to do much writing. Or reading for that matter. Not that the cold helped any. Why do they always have to come with a headache?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 26

Dates read: November 4-12, 2025
Title: Home Cat Blues
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Alison O’Leary
Genre: Cozy mystery
Series: The Clever Cat Mysteries Book 7
# of Pages: 237
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Life in a sleepy English town is rarely this dramatic—but when a string of anonymous letters sends the locals into a tailspin, things go from unsettling to downright deadly.
    Jeremy Goodman, now the head teacher at Sir Frank Wainwrights, thought his biggest challenge would be managing rowdy students. However, when one of his teachers is found dead after receiving a chilling message, Jeremy finds himself drawn into a mystery darker than the town's afternoon tea.
    With the help of his sharp-witted wife Molly, their foster son Carlos, and two feline sleuths, Aubrey and Vincent, Jeremy starts piecing together the clues. But when Carlos becomes a target and his girlfriend Teddy disappears, Jeremy realises that this mystery has claws.
    But who is the culprit? And can Jeremy unravel the truth before anyone else gets hurt? Or will this local scandal turn into a full-blown cat-astrophe?
Recommend: No
My thoughts: I used to get free books from Barnes & Noble for being a member (I say used to because I haven’t been offered a free book for a while now). This looked fun. Instead, I got boring. The cats aren’t in it much and have absolutely nothing to do with solving any mystery. There really wasn’t much sleuthing done, either. I’m not a big mystery reader, but enough of one to say this ain’t one.

It's been chilly for the past few days, but at least I can say we didn’t get any snow, unlike my home did. Yeah, my daughter is cursing us out for that. When we first started cruising, it always snowed when we were gone. Guess we had to keep with tradition, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Graveyard Dog” and Getting Greeced-Out

So… I walked over 5 miles in Istanbul, Turkiye (I remembered the correct spelling this time!). So much walking. And that is a big city. I was overwhelmed and it was a long day (9 hours) that I just wanted to go back to the ship. Saw some interesting stuff, but frankly, it’s mostly a big city and I’m so not into those. Then we visited Athens yesterday (another big city), but we were mostly at archeological sites. While the Acropolis is in Athens, Sounion (Poseidon’s site) was out in the country, which was really pretty. But it was another 9-hour excursion. Today we were in Crete and saw another archeological site that was so old (1900-1700 BC), that most of what was there was reconstruction (or as one person called it: fake). There were some authentic portions, though. Afterward, we drove 70 minutes to a small town to shop and had lunch. Then drove 70 minutes back to the ship. Another long day (8-1/2 hours), but mostly in a bus. Tomorrow we arrive in Olympia. The excursion there is only 4 hours long. Whew!

I’m kind of getting Greeced-out! At least the weather has still cooperated. In fact, it was rather warm today.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 25

Dates read: October 31 – November 4, 2025
Title: Graveyard Dog
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Darynda Jones
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Charley Davidson #13.9 (Novella)
# of Pages: 162
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Michael Cavalcante has one thing on his mind when he knocks on Izzabel Walsh’s door at two in the morning, half-dressed and a bit toasted: fix the woman’s heater and get back to bed. He’d vowed never to cover for his maintenance tech again, especially after he got tased and knocked out with a frying pan for his efforts.
    Izzy thought she was safe. She’d dyed her hair, changed her name, and moved 1,500 miles away. And still they’d found her. When a member of her ex’s motorcycle club knocks on her door in the middle of the night, supposedly to fix a perfectly good heater, Izzy panics. Not only have they found her, but they will soon discover she has a daughter. Aka, leverage. She needs time to think. To plan. To figure out how to keep the sexy neanderthal quiet. But she has no idea how, short of murder. Can she win him over to her side? Or will he be just like all the others once he finds out what she is capable of?
    Michael has one chance to convince Izzy he doesn’t want to harm her or her daughter, but more than that, he wants to know who does. And why. And where he can find them. After all, how else is he going to make sure the two sprites who have wound their way into his heart are safe?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I loved this series and picking up this novella was kind of nice. Almost makes me want to re-read them. If I didn’t have so many other books to read, I would probably do that. Maybe someday. Someday when I’m not writing anymore (yeah, sometimes I think that may happen). It was fun getting back into this world, though.

I hate how batteries don’t make any sense. I can leave my Nook alone for weeks, and the battery barely drops. I recharged it last week and now the battery is down to 15%. I haven’t been reading that much, either!! At least I was able to finish the story on the bus ride back to the ship. Really would have pissed me off if I couldn’t. Guess I better recharge it tonight!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Honeymoon Bite” and Happy Halloween

I’m currently sailing between Greece and Turkey and Halloween is almost finished here. However, it’s only Noon back home and the holiday is still fresh! So… Happy Halloween. Hope you have lots of goblins to pass out candy to, that’s if you like to do that sort of thing. I do, but I never seem to be home during Halloween anymore. The last couple of years we’ve been on a cruise!

By the way, the weather has been pretty nice out here on the Mediterranean. Sunny and mid-70s. I’m sure it’s a lot better than what it is at home. Whatever it is like there. I haven’t really looked.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 24

Dates read: October 11-30, 2025
Title: Honeymoon Bite (Blood Never Lies)
Year of publication: 2012
Author: S. Hamil
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Golden Vampires of Tuscany Book 1
# of Pages: 221
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Anne caught her husband cheating with the maid of Honor before their wedding cake was cut. She decided to take her planned and paid for honeymoon in Tuscany, alone. On the evening of what was to be her wedding night, she gets bitten by a female vampire.
    Marcus Monteleone has waited three hundred years to find his fated female, only to discover her dying in his arms. He saves Anne's life by turning her, and then works to gain her trust, to cope with being a newly-formed golden vampire.
    But when Anne finds out Marcus has not been completely truthful about his past, she vows to live as a human, and shuns the vampire world. Alone and unprotected, she falls prey to the very villainess who took her human soul, and who now takes the only man she’s ever loved.
    Which lover will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the other before they both are lost?
Recommend: Maybe
My thoughts: The blurb sounded so good, I bought it for the trip (it had been in my wish list for a while now). Unfortunately, the story dragged on for me. There was one POV I felt wasn’t needed which is probably why it dragged on…for me. This was book 1 of a 4-book series. I will not be reading the rest. I couldn’t get invested in the characters so I can only assume the same will happen with the other books. Now, lots of people do like these books, so it’s possibly just me, which is why I gave it a “Maybe” on the recommend.

So, we just finished Day 6 of this 14-day cruise. We’ve been to Santorini, Greece; Kusadashi, Turkey; and Kavala, Greece. Tomorrow we visit Istanbul, Turkey. Our excursions have been a bit exhausting. Certainly getting my walking done. But I did find out that when we were in Turkey, we were in Asia, so I can now add that continent to my list! Whoo hoo!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Lover Forbidden” and Our Road Trip

Between Sep 21 and Oct 5 I didn’t do much writing. Or reading. What am I saying? I didn’t do ANY writing, but I did a little bit of reading. Why? I was enjoying our road trip through National Parks and enjoying the scenery of our country (since we were mostly on non-interstate roads). Well… until the parks were shut down on Oct 1. Then we took a detour through Monument Valley and Four Corners (a first for both of us), since they were owned by the Navajo and not the National Parks, and then just drove home. Cut our trip a day short. Guess that just means we have to do it again. When? I have no idea. Our days seem to fill up with trips fast! In fact, we had to block out the dates in 2027 for our trip to Glacier National Park so we wouldn’t book something else in its place.

Yeah, I need a 2027 calendar now. Yikes!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 23

Dates read: September 13 – October 10, 2025
Title: Lover Forbidden
Year of publication: 2025
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #23
# of Pages: 414
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: When Lyric goes out for a night in Caldwell, New York, a brush with death is not on her bingo card—and she’s totally not ready for the man who risks his own life by shielding her with his very big, very enticing body. Her family, especially her sire Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but afterward, all she can think about is her mysterious savior.
    Even though humans and vampires are not supposed to mix, Lyric seeks out Devlin, and they are immediately drawn to each other. Her near-death experience gives her a fresh thirst for life. Devlin finds it impossible to continue his loner ways whenever he looks into her eyes. As passion ignites, both have their own reasons for keeping things short-term—and that’s before a betrayal that cuts to the core tears them apart. In the end as the Black Dagger Brotherhood hunts a traitor and terrible truths are revealed, Lyric has to decide whether the forbidden can ever be forgiven…in the name of true love.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: One of my favorite series. Still loving them, too.

Our next trip is the cruise out of Rome, which leaves the end of this month. We’ll be gone for nearly 30 days. That’s a lot of days, isn’t it? But in reality, it will be way more relaxing than our 15-day road trip. We will only have to unpack once and we won’t have to go looking for places to eat each night. I’m really looking forward to that!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Redshirts” and Questioning…things

So… Alien Desires isn’t doing so well. Ghostly Protector did better last year, but not by much. Making me wonder why I publish my books at all. But I continue writing, except…

I am at a crossroad in The Alien’s Change of Heart. I knew what I wanted to do with a certain character at the beginning of writing it, but now I don’t know if it’s the right choice or not.

This is why I don’t plot. I can’t even stick with what I have in my mind. Imagine if it were on paper??

I know I could just write it one way and see if that works. If it doesn’t, try writing it the other way. Right? But my mind is still thinking about which way to go first.

I need to tell it to shut up and just start writing. And I need to stop making other excuses, too. I now have a deadline to finish this book. Although, I’m beginning to doubt it’s reachable.

I will be in Columbia, SC on March 28^th for a book signing. No other details are known at this time. Just the city and date. It would be so nice if The Alien’s Change of Heart were available then. But that means I need to finish the book NOW.

Nothing like adding stress to the mix, huh? Especially when Alien Desires tanked. I will certainly not end book 2 with any kind of unresolved issues, just in case it’s the last of that series.

Which is sad. I had such high hopes… Might have helped if I marketed it better, but when your newsletter subscribers don’t even purchase it, makes me wonder if that would have helped.

Oh well… At least I’m still writing. Sort of. Hahahahaha.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 22

Dates read: September 7-13, 2025
Title: Redshirts
Year of publication: 2012
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Sci-fi comedy
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 302
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, with the chance to serve on Away Missions alongside the starship’s famous senior officers.
    Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to realize that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s senior officers always survive these confrontations; and (3) sadly, at least one low-ranking crew member is invariably killed.
    Unsurprisingly, the savvier crew members belowdecks avoid Away Missions at all costs. Then Andrew stumbles on information that transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.
Recommend: Yes!
My thoughts: What a fun book! I loved it. Not at all heavy on the sci-fi. If you’ve ever watched “Star Trek” (especially the original series), you will get this. Sort of like how Galaxy Quest riffed on the series. Almost. It’s funny and totally whacky!

Just an FYI about Alien Desires. Yes, it’s listed as sci-fi romance. Or alien romance (if that genre is available at the vendor). But it’s as much sci-fi as “Mork & Mindy” (or even “My Favorite Martian”) was sci-fi. I just don’t know how to market that. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

 

Finished Reading “Don’t Back Down” and Fun at Dragon Con

Dragon Con was great this year! One of the best I’ve attended (been going since 2010). I think because the weather was soooooo much cooler than other years, it made a huge difference. People didn’t congregate in the air-conditioned areas. They would venture outside more! Plus, I think there were soooooo many awesome guests (of which their panels were against each other, because of course they do that), that the lines weren’t too long a half-hour before the panel that you could still get inside. I really enjoyed seeing the guests from “Evil,” “Bones,” “Back to the Future,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Star Trek Voyager,” Star Trek TNG,” and the Arrowverse (John Barrowman!!). Next year is Dragon Con’s 40^th event and I’m kind of sad that I won’t be going. We have a 28-day cruise out of San Francisco, which we’ll fly to on 9/9. If we went to Dragon Con, we wouldn’t get back until 9/8. That just isn’t enough time to get ready.

Yeah, yeah, you feel sooooo sorry for me, right? Hahahahahaha.  

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 21

Dates read: August 26 – September 6, 2025
Title: Don’t Back Down
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Sharon Sala
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Jubilee, Kentucky #1
# of Pages: 257
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Army veteran Cameron Pope arrives back in Jubilee, Kentucky, for the first time in years. He barely has time to catch his breath when he becomes embroiled in a race of life or death for his little niece and a deadly hunt for the human traffickers who are destroying the peace of his mountain town. When he's reunited with Rusty Caldwell—a woman from his past who he's never stopped thinking about—he wants to believe they can finally be together. But Cameron is shocked to find out that Rusty belongs to one of the rich families in Jubilee—the same rich folks who scorn the rural families living on the surrounding mountainside, in spite of knowing nothing about them. With their community in the crosshairs, Cameron and Rusty will have to find a way to end the feuding and take down the human trafficking ring if they're to have a chance at happiness.
Recommend: No
My thoughts: I struggled to get through this. And it seemed to go on and on and on. I kind of expected better from her. She’s not a newby author. Then again, maybe she writes all her books this way. If so…Ugh. I won’t be getting another.

I was with Daughter when she got David Boreanaz’s autograph (which was just before we got our pictures taken with the cast of “Bones”), and she wore her Penguins cap and I wore my Penguins shirt. He saw them and just shook his head. She said, we purposely wore them for the photo later. He said, “I may just turn my back to the camera.” He didn’t, but he DID remember us at the photo shoot! Yay!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading Two Stories and Dragon Con Starts THIS WEEK

On Wednesday, Daughter, Hubby, and I will leave for Atlanta and Dragon Con! I’m so excited about this one. The cast of Bones will be there. And so will some actors from Back to the Future as well as Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. Mainly David Boreanaz! Daughter and I plan on getting pics with the cast of Bones, so the question I need to answer… do I wear a Steelers jersey or a Penguins jersey? Only fans of Bones will get that, I think.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 19

Dates read: August 15, 2025
Title: To the Stars
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Leah Lore
Genre: Cozy Sci-Fi Short Story
Series:  Possible, but not written yet
# of Pages: 34
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Goodreads: In the far future, Earth is ravaged by war. Deadly skirmishes between isolated human civilizations are frequent. New technologies are discovered, but others have been lost to time.
    Paige is trying to find her place in a shattered world. She’s a flight-school cadet determined to impress her military father, but she yearns to explore the stars. Her determination and constant practice in the cockpit rocket her to the top of her class.
    Still, she questions herself.
    When Paige takes a dangerous risk, she’s left grounded. At a crossroads, she must look inside herself to decide what's important, but the question remains—will she ever fly again?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Entertaining. I know the author (she is in my writer group), but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this short story. I look forward to her novel (which she says is in the works).

Book 20

Dates read: August 16-25, 2025
Title: The Summer Guests
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Thriller
Series:  Martini Club #2
# of Pages: 325
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: When former spy Maggie Bird retired to the seaside hamlet of Purity, Maine, she settled in for a quiet life with breathtaking views. But enemies from her past soon threatened to destroy everything.
    Maggie survived, thanks to her wits and the collective intelligence of the Martini Club, the circle of ex-CIA friends in her cocktail-sipping book club. Their handiwork, however, caught the attention of young police chief Jo Thibodeau. Now Jo and her neighborhood ex-spies have an uneasy alliance.
    After a teenager vanishes—and Maggie’s neighbor becomes the prime suspect—she joins the investigation, determined to prove her friend’s innocence. But the girl’s wealthy family pushes for an arrest. And when authorities discover a long-dead corpse in a nearby pond, the case becomes doubly complicated, with unthinkable ties to long-buried secrets.
    As Jo grapples with two unexplained mysteries, the Martini Club races to uncover the truth behind shadowy secrets…before more lives are lost.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: The people in the Martini Club are a hoot. I guess we all fight getting older, though, huh? This story is more mystery than thriller, but an enjoyable read. And I had no idea who did what, so I guess that makes the twists good? And there are some twists.

Writing is going well. Sales of Alien Desires is not, however. I am apparently marketing it wrong and I don’t know how to fix that. I mean, when your own newsletter subscribers aren’t even buying it… Yeah, it’s not pretty. Well… I will be at Dragon Con and there is a writing track. Hopefully I can get some tips there. But when BookBub doesn’t even have a genre for that book, I’m thinking I may be doomed.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Immortal by Morning” and Back on the Road

I’m currently in Indiana, near the Indiana Dunes. Hubby and I are visiting some sort-of local-to-us National Parks. Drove through a lot of Indiana and Illinois country. Or rather…farmland. Saw Lincoln’s boyhood home (in Indiana) and his first home (in Springfield, IL). Also visited the George Rogers Clark Memorial. I never realized that the American Revolution came all the way out to Indiana (at the Illinois border) and Clark (who is the older brother of the Clark from Lewis & Clark) was responsible for getting Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and part of Minnesota added to the U.S. without a single person dying. See? I learn something new every time I visit a park!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 18

Dates read: August 1-14, 2025
Title: Immortal by Morning
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series:  Argeneau Vampires #37
# of Pages: 360
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Crispinus Delacort is an immortal rogue Enforcer and a homicide detective. But in his quiet city, he’s more likely to be found rounding up truant teens than investigating murders. So when he learns that human bones have been found in the garden of a sprawling rural home, it’s unexpected to say the least.
    Abril Newman can’t believe her bad luck when she discovers a body buried on the grounds of her boss’s home while chasing after Gina’s mischievous lab, Lilith. She was just supposed to be house-sitting for a few days! And then Detective Delacort arrives. She knows she shouldn’t be thinking about love when there’s a crime scene outside the door. But ignoring her attraction to gorgeous Crispin is easier said than done.
    When Crispin realizes that a rogue is involved, he knows this won’t be a simple investigation. Especially because he’s so distracted by Abril’s presence that all he wants is to kiss her senseless in every room of the manor. But he can woo her, solve the case, and stop a dangerous rogue by morning…right?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: It’s hard to believe I’ve just finished the 37^th book in this series! And I still love them. So easy to step back into this world.

Tomorrow we will visit the Pullman Historical Park in Chicago and then drive up to Racine, WI to pick up the Kringles we ordered from the O&H Bakery before we head back home. Yum yum!!

FYI: It’s cheaper for us to buy a bunch for the freezer when we’re in the neighborhood (yes, Chicago is considered in the neighborhood). If bought online, they cost $22-25, plus shipping (of over $20). In person? $9. We get enough to last at least a year.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Amplified” and Feeling Ho Hum, but I’m Back at Writing

I am in some kind of a funk. At least it’s not affecting my writing. I finally opened up The Alien’s Change of Heart and am working on it. I was kind of hoping writing would get rid of the funk, though. It hasn’t. And man, it doesn’t take much to take me deep down in the funk, either.

Can’t pinpoint exactly what is causing it. I think it’s just a lot of little things that have finally just overwhelmed me. I wish it would stop, though. I hate feeling this way.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 17

Dates read: July 20-31, 2025
Title: Amplified
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Cassie Sweet
Genre: Sci-fi mystery
Series:  Mage Corp, Inc #1
# of Pages: 224
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from book: Dead Bodies – they’re a job hazard for overworked and burned-out Mage Corp Agent Nolen Trex. When the deceased is one of his informants, caused by the fry from an illegal magical amplifier, Trex tends to take the death personally. Add to that the body was found in another informant’s quarters and it opens a whole can of space garbage he’d rather not deal with. The only way to get information off the dead is to hire a necromancer to wake the dead, and boy, he’s not looking forward to dealing with one of those.
    Necromancer Raakyr Glis has done some shady things in his past, but none as bad as working as a courier for a crime lord distributing illegal amps. When he’s called by Mage Corp to wake a dead man he recognizes as a recipient of an amp he’d delivered, he must skirt the line between his duties to the brotherhood of Necromancers and concealment from his clandestine activities, which could cost him everything—including the lives of his remaining family.
    As more bodies pile up—all with amp malfunctions—Raakyr must throw in his lot with Trex to bring a larger galactic conspiracy to light and stop the crime lord for good.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I enjoyed this story. I had asked the author if she had any male-male romances (because I was looking for a book for my daughter) and she indicated this one was the closest she had. Not that it’s a romance (far from it) or much of a male-male story (there is attraction there, but that’s about it). Still, it was a fun read. Yes, I had to read it first because the story looked fun. And it was. Now, I’ll give it to my daughter. She thought the story looked fun, too. Hopefully, she won’t be disappointed.

I mentioned a few posts ago that Ghostly Protector was a finalist in a contest I entered it in. I got word that it did not win. Oh well. It’s not like I have been a finalist all that much (once before), so that was great. I can only hope that those who had to read the book liked it enough to want to read the others.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Nightshade’s Bite” and Book Convention Went Well

I got back from hot and sticky Georgia on Tuesday. Only to come back to hot and sticky Ohio. I’m beginning to think it’s hot and sticky EVERYWHERE!

I did okay at the convention. Better than last year. Thought I might sell more of Alien Desires than I did, but a lot of people seemed interested, so hopefully they’ll get the ebook later. After they’ve read the dozens of books they purchased from the other authors (the readers that attend are HUNGRY for books, I swear!!).

This was the last year of Literary Love Savannah. For at least four years. So the ending was a little bittersweet. I do enjoy this convention and seeing the readers and other authors. But it can be expensive, too, so the break will probably be good for my pocketbook. If I’m smart (and I rarely am), I’ll have LOTS of new books to sell if the convention comes back.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 16

Dates read: July 4-18, 2025
Title: Nightshade’s Bite
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Zoe Forward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series:  Blood Wars #2
# of Pages: 256
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Kiera Rossard’s secret life just got complicated. When not being a vampire aristocrat she’s leader of the Nightshade League, a rebel vampire society that rescues werewolves during the interspecies war. Everyone wants her dead—vampires and the werewolves who don’t know her secret. Starting with the wolf she just saved—Michael Durand, the most vicious killer of her kind in existence. Something about the notorious werewolf sets her blood on fire.
    She’s not good at resisting temptation. So what if vampires always bite when they’re turned on? And so what if one drop of his blood will kill her? What’s life without a little risk?
    Michael doesn’t like vampires. At all. But now he’s losing his mind over the dark desire Kiera stirs in him. He should plot her death. Only, she’s hot and mouthy. Staying near her a bit longer is irresistible. When unforgiving forces hone in on her secret identity, he must decide between duty to his people and protecting her. But if he stays, who will protect her from him?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: It had been several years since I read the first book in the series. And there are only two. At least nothing was left hanging, so that’s good. I ran into some irritating grammatical errors, which made me downgrade my rating a bit. If this was an indie book, I probably would have forgiven them, but not from Entangled (the publisher). So yes, I guess I rate the publisher, too. But the story was enjoyable and if not for the book convention, probably would have finished it long before now.

After the book convention (in Savannah), Hubby and I went to Cumberland Island (National Park near the Florida border). I had never heard of the place, but Hubby is trying to visit all the National Parks, so I’m learning a lot about them now. The only reason I agreed to go to this island is because they had a van (which luckily had air conditioning) to take us up and down the island (it’s about 17 miles long). No way was I going to walk on the trails there. I didn’t realize the island had wild horses. All they do is graze (because the park doesn’t do anything to feed them), but they are wild (feral) and we were warned numerous times to not get near them. It was a long day on the island, but very interesting. If you ever get a chance to visit it, I recommend it.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Never Flinch” and “Alien Desires” is available!

My tenth book (wow!) is now live. You can now acquire Alien Desires in digital and print. I have been really bad in getting the word out. I just don’t seem to be motivated to do much lately, which is not good, especially now. I wish I knew what causes these mood swings. I’d like to blame the weather, but it’s probably one of my medications, most likely the hormone therapy one I take to keep the breast cancer away. I really hate taking pills, but I do it because they seem to be working. At least I only have three more years of this particular pill.

In the meantime, I’m just being really lazy and not motivated to do much of anything. But if you’re interested in my latest book, look for the blurb and buy links at the bottom.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: June 22 – July 3, 2025
Title: Never Flinch
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Series:  Holly Gibney #4
# of Pages: 436
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill 13 innocents and 1 guilty” to atone for the needless death of an innocent man, Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an act of deranged retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help.
    Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment has been targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one was hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard—a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and unhinged righteousness.
    Featuring a riveting cast of characters both old and new, including world-famous gospel singer Sista Bessie and an unforgettable villain addicted to murder, these twinned narratives converge in a chilling and spectacular conclusion—a feat of storytelling only Stephen King could pull off.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love Holly stories. This one has no “woo-woo” horror stuff in it. Strictly thriller/suspense (which can be horrific at times as most books in that genre are).

Here’s the blurb for Alien Desires:

An alien crashes on Earth and discovers love.

Annie’s anger and an icy walkway put a medical boot on her foot, forcing her to rely on her brother for a ride home. When he accidentally hits a giant of a man, she wants to call for an ambulance, but the phones are out and she finds out her brother’s license is suspended. The man doesn’t appear to be badly injured and her place is close, so they take him home. But man, what a hunk! If only she’d met the hot stranger anywhere other than at the end of her brother’s bumper.

Calix is from a planet that is in the path of a comet. Normally a teacher, his mission is to discover if Earth would accept his people. But his ship isn’t working, he’s injured, and he’s not sure what to do. His urge to confide in Annie is overwhelming. He’s never had feelings like he’s experiencing. Is it an effect of Earth’s atmosphere—or is it just Annie?

Annie has a hard time believing Calix is an alien because he looks so…human. Then he shows her his spacecraft. Of all the people to fall for, she goes and picks an alien. A hunky alien, but still… 

How can they stay together and keep his people from taking over Earth?

And here are the buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4PPPMQN

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alien-desires-stacy-mckitrick/1147276879?ean=2940184671581

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/alien-desires/id6744583342

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/alien-desires-3?sId=b868a519-470e-47c1-849c-0a41854aeac3

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Stacy_McKitrick_Alien_Desires?id=SoRVEQAAQBAJ

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1747588

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “If It Bleeds” and Home For Awhile

Our trip to Tennessee was mostly nice. We did have some rain to contend with (and got wet in the process during one National Park stop). But I learned a few things and it was real pretty. Plus, no cicadas! There is a huge outbreak in Cincinnati (not here, thank goodness), so I worried. I hate those things!

But we’re home for awhile now. My next trip is in July (for Literary Love Savannah Book Convention). I really need to get my stuff together for that trip. At least I have paperbacks of Alien Desires. I was so worried…

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 14

Dates read: June 12 – 22, 2025
Title: If It Bleeds
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror shorts
Series:  N/A
# of Pages: 430
Paper or plastic: Hard cover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: In If It Bleeds, King gives readers four brilliant new stories sure to prove as iconic as their predecessors. Once again, King’s remarkable range is on full display. In the title story, reader favorite Holly Gibney (from Bill Hodges Trilogy and The Outsider) must face her fears and possibly another outsider—this time on her own. In “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” an intergenerational friendship has a disturbing after life. “The Life of Chuck” explores, beautifully, how each of us contains multitudes. And in “Rat,” a struggling writer must contend with the darker side of ambition.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I love Stephen King. I’ve read just about everything he’s written. I loved Holly’s story in this one and found “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” and “Rat” interesting. But “The Life of Chuck”? Hmmm… I found out while reading that short that it was released as a move. Last Friday! I don’t get it. The story OR why it was turned into a movie. Someone will have to tell me what I missed.

I used to post pictures on my blog, back when it was easier to download them. Now, they just stay on my iPhone until I get around to downloading them. And then there are so many, I don’t want to bother with sorting them out! Yeah, I know. I’m lazy.

Or maybe I just find better things to do with my time.

But if you miss seeing my pictures, you can always follow me on Facebook. I post them there all the time!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Halloween Murder: Trick or Treat Murder” and I’m Home

I’m finally home. But not for long. Hubby and I leave again on Saturday for a mini trip to Chattanooga, TN. He’s always wanted to visit the city and there are some National Parks around (and on the way), so we actually found some time where we were free and are taking advantage.

Never a dull moment for us, huh?

On our drive back from Baltimore, we stopped at three National Parks (Flight 93, Johnstown Flood, and Allegany Railroad). But it was raining so bad at times, we weren’t able to enjoy them like we wanted (he got the stamps in his book, though), so we’ll probably revisit them someday. But man, when I say it was raining… Let’s just say that after our last stop we headed home and got an alert on our phones that we were driving in a Tornado WARNING area. Yikes! Luckily, we avoided that and made it home safely.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 13

Dates read: June 6 – 11, 2025
Title: Halloween Murder: Trick or Treat Murder
Year of publication: 1996
Author: Leslie Meier
Genre: Mystery
Series:  Lucy Stone #3
# of Pages: 206
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Freebie from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: While Lucy Stone is whipping up orange-frosted cupcakes for her town’s annual Halloween festival, an arsonist is on the loose in Tinker’s Cove. When arson turns into murder, a little digging in all the wrong places puts Lucy too close to a shocking discovery that could send all her best-laid plans up in smoke . . ..
Recommend: Maybe
My thoughts: This book dragged on for me. Too much detail in it that I didn’t care about. Not a lot about the murder mystery. Halloween Murder is a compilation of two Lucy Stone stories. I’m not bothering to read the second one. Just not what I enjoy reading. But, if you like what they call cozy mysteries, you might have a better time with it.

So… the weather has finally been great for walking. I wasn’t able to do any walking on the cruise (too cold and I forgot my blood pressure medicine), and really looked forward to getting back into some walking. So what happens? First few days home it rained. I had doctor appointments on all the perfect days! Aaaargh! Hopefully I’ll get some walking in at Chattanooga. Provided it doesn’t rain!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Girl Missing” and “Ghostly Protector” is a Finalist!

I got some wonderful news while on this cruise (yes, I’m still on it—we arrive back in Baltimore on Sunday). Ghostly Protector is a finalist in the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards! Winners will be announced in July. You can find all the finalists listed here: NERFA Finalists & Winners - National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. I am extremely stoked! And extremely happy!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: June 4 – 5, 2025

Title: Girl Missing (previously published as Peggy Sue Got Murdered)
Year of publication: 1994/2014
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series:  N/A
# of Pages: 185
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from book: A beautiful young woman’s corpse is found dumped in a garbage-strewn alley. Now laid out in the office of medical examiner Kat Novak is an unidentified body that betrays no secrets—except for a matchbook clutched in one stiff hand, seven numbers scrawled inside. When a second victim is discovered, Kat begins to fear that a serial killer is stalking the streets, using a deadly drug to do his dirty work. The police are skeptical. The mayor won’t listen. One of the town’s most prominent citizens, with a missing daughter of his own, is also Kat’s chief suspect. As the death toll rises, Kat races to expose a deadly predator who is close enough to touch her.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: A real quick read for me. Kind of needed one after the monster books I have been reading lately. Gotta get my reading stats up! I enjoyed this book (I like most of her books, what can I say?), even though the romance was a bit on the thin side. But she did say this was more suspense than romance and kind of bridge between her two genres (she writes mostly suspense thrillers now). If you’re looking for a quick suspense, give this one a try.

Weather in both Canadian stops (Corner Brook & Sydney) was EXCELLENT! Kind of worried as we kept sailing through fog everywhere. Now we’re back on the Atlantic Ocean in overcast weather. I hear it’s been warm on the east coast. Right now, I kind of have my doubts.

Happy Reading!

Stacy