Reading Update and Our Pittsburgh Visit

Daughter and I enjoyed the Penguins game in Pittsburgh very much on Saturday. Got a little worried in the 2nd period, but it all turned out good (and not with any nasty overtime play, either!).

We had arrived in Pittsburgh around 4:30, parked, and headed toward a restaurant I found on Maps (on my phone) that is near the arena. It’s called Pizza Bosa (I think) and their menu is really extensive. I just didn’t expect such a small place.

We got there at the right time, though. After we placed our order for a Pierogi Pie (see picture) and sat down, a line started forming and went out the door! Yeah, that placed filled up FAST.

And our dinner? It was awesome!! When they brought the “pizza” to our table, I about fainted from the wonderful aroma. If you love pierogies, you will love this “pizza.” Crust, mashed potatoes, onions, cheese, and garlic. It was heaven! I highly recommend it!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: May 2-10, 2022
Title: Immortal Rising
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Argeneau Series #34
# of Pages: 369
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from the book: Stephanie McGill was attacked and turned when she was just a teenager. Worse, her abilities are unlike any other immortal. Now thirteen years later, with the help of her adopted Argeneau family, Steph has carved out a new—if not lonely—life for herself. Until a new neighbor arrives…
    Thorne is also one-of-a-kind. The result of a genetic experiment, he’s not an immortal, but he’s not mortal, either. He’s looking for a place to hide, to get some peace and quiet so he can figure things out, and Stephanie’s sanctuary is perfect. In fact, Stephanie is perfect. For the first time, Thorne is free to be himself and he’s falling for her.
    But if they’re going to have a future together, they’ll first need to deal with their past…because the mad scientist who created Thorne is now after Stephanie.
My thoughts: I kind of savored this book by not reading it fast. Then I realized I had nothing to post about today unless I finished reading it. Had no trouble breezing through it, either. I can’t believe this is book #34 in the series and I am still not tired of it. I love the world and the characters so much.

So… I got my new glasses. They aren’t working so well. The reading portion starts up too high, so I went back to the eyeglass place and they’re making new lenses. It’s hard to tell if the prescription is good right now, but I’m hoping once I’m able to wear the glasses correctly, I’ll be able to see the monitor clearer. Just gotta wait another week to find out, though.

Sometimes I really hate my eyes.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and I’m Watching the Playoffs

I realized this morning that I hadn’t posted this. And that would be because last night I was watching Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Penguins and Rangers. And that game went into TRIPLE OVERTIME!!!

Thank goodness the Pens came out ahead!!! But what an insane game.

Daughter and I have tickets to see Game 3 in Pittsburgh. When she found out that game was on a Saturday, she asked if I wanted to go and when I said, SURE, she said, “Happy Mother’s Day”! I’d like to think the Pens would be up 2 games to none on that day, but right now I’m just glad they won the first game. Should be a fun event on Saturday. I’m looking forward to being there!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 14

Dates read: April 25 – May 2, 2022
Title: The Beautiful
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Renee Ahdieh
Genre: Paranormal mystery
Series: The Beautiful #1
# of Pages: 425
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Borrowed from a friend
Blurb from the book: In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she’s forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city, from its music to its fancy soirees and even its danger. She becomes embroiled in the city’s glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group’s enigmatic leader, Sebastien Saint Germain.
    When the body of a girl she knows is found in Sebastien’s own lair—the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks—Celine battles her attraction to Sebastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.
    Celine finally take matters into her own hands, only to find herself caught in the midst of an age-old feud between the darkest creatures of the night, where the price of forbidden love is her life.
My thoughts: A friend loved this and gave me her copy to read. But I’m not as enamored of this story as she was. I don’t plan on reading the rest of the series in any case. The pacing was a bit on the slow side and the characters weren’t all the compelling to me. Plus, the ending of this book wasn’t exactly all that satisfying. The fourth book in this quartet isn’t out yet, so if this book looks interesting to you, you might want to wait to read it until the whole series is finished.

So… Are you watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs? If so, which team are you rooting for?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Today’s the Big Day

Today is my surgery day. Since I’m posting this the night before, I can’t tell you how well it went. Only that I have to report to surgery at 6:30am.

I won’t have my computer, so unless I’m able to comment via my phone (and last time I tried to do that I ran into issues—which always seems to happen with my phone), don’t expect to hear from me until after I get home (which I hope will be Thursday, but could very well be Friday).

Well, unless you follow me on Facebook. I will have access to that.

Of course, who knows how “with it” I’ll be after a 2-4 hour surgery. I’m sure I’ll want to do a lot of sleeping. Although… the Pens play at 6:30pm. If the hospital gets NBC Sports Network, I’ll have it on to watch the game. And I’ll definitely try to stay awake!

Go Pens!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #29

Dates read: May 17-21, 2021
Title: The Slaughtered Lamb
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Seana Kelly
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sam Quinn, Book 1
# of Pages: 272
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Gift from friend
Blurb from book: Welcome to The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar. I’m Sam Quinn, the werewolf book nerd in charge. I run my business by one simple rule: Everyone needs a good book and a stiff drink, be they vampire, wicche, demon, or fae. No wolves, though. Ever. I have my reasons.
    I serve the supernatural community of San Francisco. We’ve been having some problems lately. Okay, I’m the one with the problems. The broken body of a female werewolf washed up on my doorstep. What makes sweat pool at the base of my spine, though, is realizing the scars she bears are identical to the ones I conceal. After hiding for years, I’ve been found.
    A protection I’ve been relying on is gone. While my wolf traits are strengthening steadily, the loss is leaving my mind vulnerable to attack. Someone is ensnaring me in horrifying visions intended to kill. Clive, the sexy vampire Master of the City, discovers how to pull me out and designates himself my personal bodyguard. He’s grumpy about it, but that kiss is telling a different story. A change is taking place. It has to. The bookish bartender must become the fledgling badass.
    I’m a survivor. I’ll fight fang and claw to protect myself and the ones I love. And let’s face it, they have it coming.
My thoughts: Some might call this a paranormal romance, but I don’t label first person stories in that genre. For a romance, I need the details from both points of view. So I’m calling this an urban fantasy with romantic elements. And for that, it was a very good story. I enjoyed it.

Book #30

Dates read: May 22-24, 2021
Title: The Dead Don’t Drink at Lafitte’s
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Seana Kelly
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sam Quinn, Book 2
# of Pages: 326
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Gift from friend
Blurb from book: I’m Sam Quinn, the werewolf book nerd owner of the Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar. Things have been busy lately. While the near-constant attempts on my life have ceased, I now have a vampire gentleman caller. I’ve been living with Clive and the rest of his vampires for a few weeks while the Slaughtered Lamb is being rebuilt. It’s going about as well as you’d expect.
    My mother was a wicche and long dormant abilities are starting to make themselves known. If I’d had a choice, necromancy wouldn’t have been my top pick, but it’s coming in handy. A ghost warns me someone is coming to kill Clive. When I rush back to the nocturne, I find vamps from New Orleans readying an attack. One of the benefits of vampires looking down on werewolves is no one expects much of me. They don’t expect it right up until I take their heads.
    Now, Clive and I are setting out for New Orleans to take the fight back to the source. Vampires are masters of the long game. Revenge plots are often decades, if not centuries, in the making. We came expecting one enemy, but quickly learn we have darker forces scheming against us. Good thing I’m the secret weapon they never see coming.
My thoughts: Lots of action in this book. Very entertaining.

I always seem to have lots of news on those posts that have more than one book read. Today is no different.

My Sunny Vampire is on sale at Amazon for the Kindle for $.99 until June 1st. If you have a friend who likes paranormal romances and reads on a Kindle (or Kindle app), let them know about this deal. I call it the Memorial Day/Surgery Day sale. Here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Vampire-Bitten-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B0769MBPWQ/

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update

Looks like I’m slacking again. I’ll blame the Penguins game. Watched it last night and was super happy they won. And then forgot all about it being Tuesday and that I should have posted this. And I wouldn’t have even remembered if I hadn’t just finished the next book I’m reading. So guess I’m posting two books today.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #12

Dates read: February 23-28
Title: Ghost Town
Year of publication: 2010
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #9
# of Pages: 335
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from book: Despite their obvious differences, the human and vampire residents of Morganville have learned to coexist, but that doesn’t stop genius student Claire Danvers from keeping up her guard. While developing a new system to maintain the town’s defenses, Claire discovers a way to use the vampires’ powers to help keep outsiders from spreading news of Morganville’s “unique” situation once they’ve crossed the city limits.
    But the new system has an unexpected and possibly deadly consequence: People inside the town start forgetting who and what they are—even the vampires. And when Claire’s boyfriend, Shane, and her best friend, Eve, start treating her like a perfect stranger, Claire realizes she has to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment—before she forgets how to save herself…and Morganville.

My thoughts: So glad those nasty cliffhangers are gone. Oh, it has unresolved story lines (this is a series), but nothing making me scream “What!!!” I’m glad I have all the books so I can finish reading this series to see how it will all end.

Book #13

Dates read: February 28-March 3
Title: Bite Club
Year of publication: 2011
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #10
# of Pages: 337
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased used
Blurb from book: After discovering that vampires populate Morganville—and surviving a number of adventures with her new night-dwelling friends—college student Claire Danvers has come to realize that for the most part, the undead just want to live their lives.
    But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.
    There’s a new extreme sport being broadcast over the Internet: bare-knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against one another—or, worse, against humans. Tracking the out-of-town signal leads Claire—accompanied by a loyal group of friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville. And if they want to survive, they’ll have to do a lot more than fight…

My thoughts: Quite the page turner. And no pesky cliffhanger! Yay!

So… I finally got around and bought a pair of shoes for my step aerobics. Boy, what a difference they make. I also bought a second pair for my everyday wear, since both sets of old sneakers were pretty worn down. I really hate buying shoes, but I found a local, independent store that actually measured my foot last time and kept a record. It was so easy to buy these shoes this time around. Sometimes buying local/independent is soooo much nicer. Don’t you agree?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Working Out Harder

I’ve been doing step aerobics 4-5 days a week (30-40 min/day) since October 4^th. All without a riser, meaning the platform is only about 4” high. Last week I added one riser, bringing the platform to 6”. You’d think I had added 6”! Was I ready for this?

Maybe not, but how else was I going to get better? Get stronger? So I’m keeping the riser and just exercising on the floor when I really run out of breath (and I tend to do that a lot right now).

I have noticed that I can walk down the stairs so much faster now (without fear my knees will give out). That tells me I am getting stronger. I just wish I wasn’t so out of breath when I exercise. I think my heart might be a little bit to blame for that. Carrying all this extra weight isn’t helping, either, but I am working on it.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #3

Dates read: January 12-16
Title: The Dead Girls’ Dance (Morganville Vampires Vol. 1)
Year of publication: 2007
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #2
# of Pages: 223
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Borrowed from daughter
Blurb from book: Claire Danvers has her share of challenges—like living among creatures of the night. On the upside, she has a great roommate (who tends to disappear at sunup) and a new boyfriend. Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls’ Dance and –surprise—Clair and her equally outcast friend have been invited. When they find out why, all hell breaks loose, because this time both the living and the dead are ready to tear up the night.

My thoughts: The title and the blurb are really not what this story is about. Oh, the dance happens, but there’s a totally different reason they attend and it’s certainly not the key plotline. But, when you’re hooked on a series, do you really read the blurb? I hadn’t…until now. This was an entertaining book and quite suspenseful, too. I look forward to seeing what comes next. And I wouldn’t have needed the cliffhanger to do that. At least it was a minor cliffhanger this go round.

Are you watching the NFL playoffs? The Steelers and Rams are out of it now (boo hoo), but I’m still watching. I like Green Bay (even though they beat my Rams) over Tampa Bay, but torn between Kansas City and Buffalo. And then there’s hockey now, too! So far we’ve been able to watch ALL of the Penguins’ games on TV! Whoo hoo! I hope that continues. And I hope they play better.

I just realized as I was getting ready to post this, that today is the 45th anniversary of the day I joined the Army. Man, am I getting old or what?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Meeting with Writer Friends

On Monday I was able to attend an in-person plot group meeting with some writer friends. What joy! We met at a Panera Bread that has outdoor seating (gotta be safe!). Only four of us showed, but it was wonderful. I really missed talking books with people and they helped me a lot with my own (which is a mess). Plus, they’re my friends and it had been so long since I’d seen them. It was the boost I needed to get back to work, especially since I now have some ideas of what needs fixing.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #35

Dates read: September 4-10
Title: My Bonny Heart
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Synclair Stafford
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Pirate’s Progeny, Book #1
# of Pages: 277
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: A treacherous past haunts ex-pirate Anne Bonny’s attempt at a fresh start. Rescued from a Port Royal jail, she’s forced to marry a prominent landowner to retain custody of her children. She vows no other man will ever dictate her life again. But the lord she is to wed is more tempting and infuriating than the devil himself.
    Addison Blackhurst agreed to wed a fellow merchant’s daughter, solidifying the expansion of his rice plantation and trading business. Not mentioned in the contract? A temperamental, out-of-control widow who is unlike any woman of his acquaintance, complete with not one, but three children. But from the beginning, he’s drawn to her wild spirit and seductive charms.
    Through Anne’s husband-repelling schemes—and Addison’s equal endeavors to ignore them—they find an exasperating, yet most fascinating attraction. When Anne’s past threatens her future, and Addision believes he’s lost her for good, only a pirate’s resolve can determine if love will prevail. 
My thoughts: This was a fun read. If you like historical romances NOT set in England, this will be a treat for you. I hadn’t realized until after reading it that Anne Bonny was a real person, and that no one knows what happened to her after giving birth in jail. This story COULD be a possibility.

In sports… The Rams and Steelers won their first games of the season. Yay! But the Vegas Golden Knights season has come to an end with their loss Monday night. My hockey watching days are now on hold until the next season starts, whenever that will be. I’m thinking there won’t be much of a break after the finals.

So… what has brought you joy lately?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update, Hockey, and Football

I’m still watching hockey. I like the Vegas Golden Knights because Marc Andre Fleury is on the team (he used to be the goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins—my favorite team). He’s not always playing goalie, but by this point I’ve just become a fan. So as long as they’re in the playoffs, I’m watching.

I think football starts up tomorrow. Hubby is looking forward to that. I may be, too. My Rams play on Sunday night. Steelers play on Monday night. So at least we’re able to watch those games at home. Not sure I want to go to a restaurant to watch games this year.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #34

Dates read: August 28 – September 3
Title: Break the Day
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Midnight Breed #16
# of Pages: 260
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: After a shocking betrayal nearly killed him and the people he cares about the most, what Breed warrior Rafe wants more than anything is revenge against the insidious brotherhood called Opus Nostrum. But to achieve that goal, he must turn his back on the Order and infiltrate a dangerous gang with ties to Opus. Risking everything to redeem himself and carry out his deep-cover mission, Rafe will let nothing stand in his way—least of all his desire for one of the loyalists he should despise, a mysterious, dark-haired beauty named Devony Winters.
    But Devony has secrets of her own to protect, as well as a personal duty she will do anything to fulfill. And as a daywalker passing herself off as human to the gang she’s been embedded with for months, the last thing she needs is a dangerous former member of the Order unraveling all her hard work. Her plans depend on keeping Rafe at arm’s length, but if she surrenders to the dark need he stirs within her, it will be her heart that pays the ultimate price. 
My thoughts: Been awhile since I read the last book in this series and had no problems getting caught up in the characters (or even remembering who is who!). Great romance.

So… Are you watching sports on TV this year? Do you miss going to the games? High school football has started up, but only family members are allowed to attend (and I’m not so sure I’d go anyway). They used to broadcast the games on the radio, which is what we used when we were out of town, but the announcers aren’t allowed in the booth, so no radio, either. I can pay to watch via a streaming thing, but I don’t miss it THAT much.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Happy (?) Friday the 13th

I’m beginning to think this year is one big Friday the 13th. It’s certainly not a very good year so far.

Guess I didn’t need to worry about my trip to Las Vegas. Since the NHL has suspended the rest of the season (so we didn’t even get to go to the Pens game last night), there wasn’t any reason to go to Las Vegas, so we cancelled.

Actually, I wasn’t going to go anyway. I didn’t trust I wouldn’t get the disease at the airport and Hubby cannot be exposed (his immune system has been compromised, and technically so has mine, from cancer). So I’m glad the NHL made it easier to tell my daughter. I really didn’t want to be the one to disappoint her.

Luckily, I was able to get a refund on the room. Still working on the plane tickets, though. Travelocity is having phone issues (I wonder why). Even if I have to pay a cancellation fee, I’ll be happy to get most of my money back (those tickets were stupidly expensive).

My daughter was also able to get a refund on the Grand Canyon trip. The only issue in limbo is getting refund on the games.

Since the season is suspended, the games could just be postponed to another date. If that becomes the case, we’ll have to see if we can sell our tickets. I won’t hold my breath that we’ll get our money back.

But hey, if the Pens-CBJ game is postponed to a later date, at least we’ll be able to go (as long as we don’t have other obligations!).

Hubby is now working from home indefinitely (for both his night teaching job and his day job). We still go out to dinner but even that may end up being curtailed (I’m actually stocking up the freezer with food!), especially if anyone in the area becomes infected.

This disease really sucks. I’m hoping we’re all overreacting, but doubt we are.

So … how has this disease disrupted your life?

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Reading Update, Hockey, and Coronavirus

I have plans to go to Las Vegas later this month with my daughter (and her friend) to celebrate her birthday (which isn’t until April, but … hockey). We have tickets to three Vegas Golden Knight games while we’re there (the last three of the regular season). We’ve paid for the flight. We’ve paid for the room. And we’ve paid for the games. We’ve even paid for a trip to see the Grand Canyon while we’re there.

But I just read that the San Jose Sharks are considering closing their arena for their last games due to the coronavirus. That they would play without an audience. If Vegas decides to do the same thing, I don’t know what we’ll do. Do we still go? I’m sure we won’t be able to get our money back on anything, not even the hockey tickets since they were re-sells.

This really sucks!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #9

Dates read: February 26-March 4
Title: The Shape of Night
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Suspense/Horror
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 268
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. After an unspeakable tragedy in Boston, Ava Collette flees to a remote village in Maine, where she rents an old house named Brodie’s Watch.
    In that isolated seaside mansion, Ava finally feels at peace … until she glimpses the long-dead sea captain who still resides there.
    Rumor has it that Captain Jeremiah Brodie has haunted the house for more than a century. One night, Ava confronts the apparition, who feels all to real, and who welcomes her into his world—and into his arms. Even as Ava questions her own sanity, she eagerly looks forward to the captain’s ghostly visits. But she soon learns that the house she loves comes with a terrible secret, a secret that those in the village don’t want to reveal: Every woman who has ever lived in Brodie’s Watch has also died there. Is the ghost of Captain Brodie responsible, or is a flesh-and-blood killer at work? A killer who is even now circling closer to Ava?
My thoughts: This was a strange book. Kind of like a horror. Kind of suspenseful. But it was kind of sexual (sensual?) too. It’s written in first person present tense, which I didn’t care for. I read it because I like this author, but this is not one of my favorite stories of hers.

Book #10

Dates read: March 5-8
Title: The Damaged
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Brett Battles
Genre: Suspense
Series: Jonathan Quinn #13
# of Pages: 221
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. Jonathan Quinn is the best at what he does: making bodies disappear. Within the espionage world, his reputation is impeccable.
    There was a time, thought, when that reputation was still being built under his mentor, Durrie. A time when the very man who had taught Quinn all he knew could have derailed the young cleaner’s future.
    Fifteen years ago, Quinn was offered a job. On the surface, a straightforward mission to stop a terrorist. But the client gave Quinn the additional task of taking on Durrie as his number two, as a last chance for the veteran agent to be rehabilitated.
    Durrie had been on a downward spiral, going from being a highly respected operative to an unreliable has-been. These changes threatened to destroy everything—not only in Quinn’s life, but Orlando’s, too. She was Durrie’s girlfriend, and Quinn’s best friend.
    Both she and Quinn were desperate to help Durrie return to the person he once was. They hoped this job would be the answer. Durrie had other plans.
My thoughts: I really love this series (and it’s not even romance—go figure!). Once I open the books, I just have a horrible time putting them down. And it appears this book took the series in an unexpected direction. I’m digging into the next one now!

So … Should sporting events play without an audience? I can’t imagine it would be very motivating for the home team. This Thursday we’ll be going to Columbus to watch the Penguins beat the Blue Jackets (I’m being positive here, not only for the game to go on, but for us to win). I’m curious how many people will stay away. The governor suggests we don’t go (because of large crowds), but we will. I’m hoping the odds are in our favor of not getting sick. Heck, the airport scares me more than the arena does. Go figure, huh?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Vegas, Baby!

I’m going to Las Vegas! My daughter wants to celebrate her 35th birthday there, so she can attend the last three games of the Vegas Golden Knight’s home games (that’s hockey for those of you who don’t know). We have the plane tickets and the hotel room (staying at Excalibur). Still need the hockey tickets, but we’re waiting to find out how many people are coming. So far it’s just three of us (me, her, and her friend). And we might even take a trip to the Grand Canyon. Should be fun!

It’s hard to believe she’s turning 35, though. She’s my baby!!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #4

Dates read: January 20-28
Title: The Library of the Unwritten
Year of publication: 2019
Author: A.J. Hackwith
Genre: Fantasy
Series:  Hell’s Library #1
# of Pages: 372
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Library
Blurb from Book:. Many years ago, Claire was named head librarian of the Unwritten Wing—a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the Library. When a hero escapes from his book and goes in search of its author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and the nervous and sweet demon Leto.
    But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifying angel Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil’s Bible. The text of the Devil’s Bible is a weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the ability to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell … and Earth.
My thoughts: A friend recommended this book, said it was something I might enjoy. She wasn’t wrong. I enjoyed this immensely (and it doesn’t even have romance!). I look forward to the next in the series (no, this does not end on any kind of cliffhanger), which doesn’t come out until October. Boo.

My writing is still going well. Ideas are still flowing. I might actually figure out whodunnit, too! Yeah, I still don’t know who killed my ghost. That should be a good thing, right? If I don’t know, the reader shouldn’t be able to figure it out, either. Right? Haha!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I’m Crocheting…Again

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #23

Dates read: April 28 – May 5
Title: The Trouble With Vampires
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series:  Argeneau #29
# of Pages: 380
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: For close to three thousand years the imposing, impossibly handsome Santo Notte has fought in armies across the world and battled his own, more personal enemies. Of all the places he might expect to encounter his life mate, a quiet corner of upstate New York doesn’t seem likely. But as soon as he makes contact with history professor Petronella Stone, while hunting down a suspected rogue immortal, he knows that she will be the greatest adventure of his eternal life.
    He expects her to be surprised, confused, even overwhelmed. What he doesn’t expect is that Pet has a secret history of her own. There’s no mistaking the mind-blowing, mutual pleasure they share. But as Pet struggles to protect her nephew from a danger lurking too close to home, Santo realizes there’s another threat to her safety—him. And claiming their passionate future will be impossible until he leaves his past behind, forever…
My thoughts: You’d think after 28 books in this series that the 29^th might just feel like the same ol’ same ol’. But NOPE! Still hot romance. Still humorous. Still suspenseful. But a different story every time. I love the Argeneau family and hope the books continue for a long time to come.

Well… the Blue Jackets are out of the playoffs, so I guess I’ll be rooting for the Canes (sorry, Jeff, I just don’t like ANY Boston teams!). Don’t know how much I’ll sit and watch them, though. I probably will if the daughter comes home to watch. But alone? Nope, not likely. I’m not THAT big of a fan. Of the Canes.

I started a crochet project. I wasn’t sure I’d ever crochet again, but this yarn and pattern has intrigued me (for a baby blanket—like I know anyone having babies!!!). I’m starting small first, though, making a scarf for my granddaughter (the yarn color is called Pegasus, and it’s her favorite creature, so I thought…why not?). Once I determine my hands will not turn into two painful fists (can’t tell if it’s arthritis or the stupid pills I have to take for another FOUR YEARS, but my hands get stiff easily), then I will make that baby blanket. Which really won’t be for a baby. Probably more for my lap. Or a gift to someone. I haven’t decided yet. What I do know is that when I finish it (and see, I’m being positive here), I will take a picture and show you all how neat it turned out (because I only make neat things, didn’t you know??).

So… Are you a crafty person? What do you like making?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and Other Stuff

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #22

Dates read: April 22-27
Title: Crashing Heat
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Richard Castle
Genre: Mystery
Series:  Nikki Heat #10
# of Pages: 234
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Marriage. It’s a double-edged sword, or at least it is for Nikki Heat. Her husband, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jameson Rook, infuriates her in a way no one else in her entire life has ever done. He also takes her to heights of pleasure she has never experienced. But most of all, she loves the man with all her heart and she’d do anything to protect him—which is just what she has done not so long ago. It almost cost them everything.
    Now Rook is given the honor to be a visiting professor at his alma mater, and he can’t pass up the opportunity to mentor burgeoning writers at his award-winning college newspaper. But shortly after his arrival on campus, a female reporter for the paper is found dead…naked…in Rook’s bed.
    Dealing with betrayal from any man is not Nikki’s style. She and Jameson have had plenty of conflicts during their complicated relationship, but none like this. Is her husband keeping secrets, or can she really trust him? In order to find out, Nikki gives Jameson the benefit of the doubt and digs into his theory of a secret society within a secret society. What she finds puts her investigative skills, and her marriage, to the test.
My thoughts: A little more tame than the other books in this series. No thrilling suspense in a life-and-death adventure. Just a straight-up mystery. It was okay, but not as good as the others. And apparently a character has been brought back from the dead, but funny thing, I didn’t notice. Shows you how much I pay attention to minor characters.

I’m down to one project again since I returned Biting the Curse to my editor for another look. Almost feel free! Working on two projects takes up more time than I imagined. But I met my goal and that makes me HAPPY!

Know what also made me happy? Watching the Blue Jackets win last night. Whoo hoo! I’m also rooting for St. Louis, Carolina, and Colorado (in case you were wondering).

So… Whatcha reading now? Anything good? How did you find the book?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Biting the Curse Cover!!

I’ve shared this with my newsletter subscribers and added it to Goodreads, so I thought it would be nice to share the cover to Biting the Curse with you, too! So…here’s the cover for you to enjoy. Ain’t it pretty???

I think Maria Zannini (bookcoverdiva.blogspot.com) did a great job. Here’s the blurb (or description or cover copy or whatever you call it):

When Janie Robinson says “I do,” she might as well call the morgue.

Two days after her wedding, David died in a car accident.

The day after she accepted his proposal, Justin fell to his death at work.

The day after she agreed to move in, Aaron died in a freakish drone accident.

Now Sam wants to date her because she’s some kind of Perfect Mate.

If she’s perfectly anything, she’s perfectly cursed and she’s not about to risk Sam’s life.

Sam Kincaid is a vampire.

He has been searching for Janie since the day he let her go.

Her so-called curse doesn’t bother him until he becomes the killer’s next target.

He’s never feared for his life before, but if he lets her go again, it wouldn’t be worth living.

And if you’re so inclined, you can add the book to your WANT TO READ stack over at Goodreads. Here’s the link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45161701-biting-the-curse

I’m still debating (with myself, of course) on whether or not I should put this up for pre-order. My estimated release date is July 18 (my birthday!!) and I’m really hoping I have the paperback ready for the Literary Love: Authors Rock Savannah convention. Nothing like putting that kind of pressure on myself to finish this thing, huh? But preorders? I don’t know. I’ve never done them before. What do you think?

So… Are you watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs? My Penguins (and Golden Knights) may be out of it, but the Columbus Blue Jackets are still going strong. And yes, I am rooting for them. I just don’t like them when they play the Penguins! Can’t believe they went into overtime against Boston in both games, though. In fact, I’m amazed at how many overtimes there have been in the playoffs this year. Just goes to show that all the teams are so evenly matched, huh? I just didn’t think I’d get stressed out over the Blue Jackets playing. Yikes! I’ll just blame it on playoff hockey.

Happy Monday.

Stacy

No Wednesday Reads and No More Penguins in Playoffs

No Wednesday reads! I’m so behind!!! Don’t get me wrong, I’m reading a great book. I just haven’t been able to get to it all that often and it’s killing me!!!!

Yesterday was such a crappy day. And the Penguins getting swept didn’t help any. No more Penguins in the playoffs this year. I’m sad.

I do have other teams to root for, but it’s not the same.

I knew this week would be bad, but not this bad. I haven’t been able to even work on the edits to Biting the Curse! I hope to remedy that today, though. Gotta get them done!!!

I'm so busy, I can't even thing of a question to ask! Pathetic, aren't I?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Ghostly Interlude is a Finalist in a Contest!!

Last week I opened an e-mail and couldn’t believe my eyes. It started out... Congratulations!

I really don’t think I’ve ever had an e-mail start that way before. And I know I’ve never been a finalist in a contest. Now I can say I have to both!

Ghostly Interlude is a finalist in the Strut Your Stuff contest!!

I had to do some research to see which contest this was (I entered the book in 13 of them—still have to hear back from 5 of them, so yeah, didn’t final in 7), because it was mentioned in the e-mail that the winner is determined by reader votes. Took me a bit (because the Maine Romance Writers removed the contest rules and such from their website), but I finally found what I was looking for (and next time, I might want to remember to put MORE information in my contest list).

Ghostly Interlude was judged on the cover and blurb (which kind of makes me feel good about the blurb since I wrote it!). Starting today (I hope) through May 3, readers are able to start voting.

And here’s the link to vote (which is supposed to go live today): http://www.maineromancewriters.com/p/contest.html. I have absolutely NO IDEA at the time I wrote this (Sunday evening) who the other finalists are (because the link wasn’t working yet) [EDITED: I CHANGED THE LINK, THE OTHER ONE DIDN'T WORK, THIS ONE DOES]. But here are my cover and blurb to Ghostly Interlude:

    Maggie Russell—legal assistant by day, horror writer by night—gets the scare of her life when she wakes up in a strange café without any idea of how she got there. But if she tells anyone about her sleepwalking escapades, she could lose her grandmother’s house, and she’d fought so hard to keep it.
    Dean Parker is a private investigator whose office is next door to Maggie’s law firm. He’s been eyeing the pretty brunette ever since she started working there, but getting involved with anyone isn’t in his game plan. When he finds out she’s been having sleeping problems, he suspects her money-grubbing cousin is involved. Instead, he discovers something worse: a ghost is living with Maggie and it appears another may be possessing her.
    Dean is determined to help Maggie rid her home of the uninvited guests. He just never figured his attraction to her would be reciprocated. Keeping his distance is no longer an option, though. If he fails, Maggie could very well be possessed forever.

So… If you like what you read, I would really appreciate your vote. My book is in the paranormal/fantasy/etc. category, so I’m only competing against other paranormal/fantasy/etc. type books. And, of course, if you do go over there and find something you like better, by all means, vote for them instead. That’s the risk I take sending people over there.

Sunday was an exciting day. Got up o’dark thirty, met my daughter and a friend, and drove to Pittsburgh to watch the Penguins and Islanders play. The game did NOT go as I had hoped (since the Penguins lost and are now down 3 games to none), but I had a good time. We got invited to dinner at a Facebook friend of my daughter’s (who was smoking chicken and ribs) and the food was great! And much appreciated!

Now I gotta hope that the Penguins don’t get skunked in this series. I do have two other teams to root for, though. The Golden Knights and the Columbus Blue Jackets (I just don’t like them when they play the Penguins). We’ll see how the playoffs go.

So… How did your weekend go? Mine was super busy! I thought Sunday would be my hard day to write (it wasn’t!), but it ended up being Saturday. Only got 201 words in, so I broke my streak of 500+ word days, but not my writing streak in general. And starting today I get to work on Biting the Curse again since I got my edits back. I see a busy week ahead of me, too!

Happy Monday.

Stacy

I'm Going to Game 3!!!

The Penguins made it into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and my daughter usually gets tickets to one of their games (as long as it’s on a weekend). This year, their first home game is on Sunday and I’m going with her!!!

We have tickets to Game 3!!! Yay!

I’ve never been to a Stanley Cup playoff game. I expect the excitement level will be a lot higher than a regular season game. I know I’m more excited!

The game starts at noon, which means we’ll have to leave here early (it’s about a 4-hour drive). I’ve been doing really well writing 500+ words every day and I really don’t want to miss Sunday, so I’ll probably take my laptop and write in the car (thank goodness my daughter prefers to drive). I don’t want to mess up my continuous writing streak (today is day 22) and I really think just writing 500+ words a day helps me stay in my story (even though I know I have MAJOR problems with it—problems with how any of the conflict affects my main character—oops!). But if I stop writing, I may stop altogether (what may? I will—that’s what’s happened in the past) and hopefully just 500+ words a day will keep my brain working to figure out the solution to my problem.

I’m also meeting with a plotting group tonight and hope they’ll be able to offer some suggestions.

But I’m not letting a trip to Pittsburgh mess up my writing. I mean, it’s only 500+ words. I can do this in the car. I’m certainly going to try in any case.

So… Have you ever been to a playoff game? Doesn’t have to be hockey. High school football playoffs are pretty fun (although I don’t like sitting out in the cold), but I have a feeling I’ll be more stressed over this game than I ever was for the HS ones.

Happy Monday.

Stacy

Cool Beans!

Last night, while the Penguins were playing in Pittsburgh and not being televised here, I saw someone post on Facebook that the NHL App was showing the game for free. I have the NHL App on my phone (shocker, huh?) and since I wasn’t doing much, decided to check it out.

It worked!

But it gets even better…

Hubby thought he would be able to get the NHL App on our new TV. That didn’t seem to work so well, but… He has it set up so I was able to plug my phone in.

Now the game was on the big TV! Whoo hoo!

Even better…

The Penguins won! They’re in the playoffs for the 13^th season in a row!!!

Time for some Snoopy dancing!!!

So… Got any big/fun plans this weekend? I don’t think we have anything planned. If Hubby is busy with his online game (which he usually is), maybe I’ll watch some more Doctor Who. I finished the second season on Wednesday and cried!!! Yeah, I guess you can say I’m getting into this show.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Emerging from the Editing Cave

I feel like I’ve been in a cave since February 1^st. Amazing how consuming revising and editing can be when you set a deadline. Or rather, a short deadline. Not something I want to do again, let me tell you.

But I’m starting to emerge. I’m starting to breathe easier. I’ve gone through the whole manuscript and fixed it up (even the ending, which ended up not needing THAT much changed (yay!!)). Added almost 13,000 words net to that puppy (which it needed since I tend to write dialogue-heavy). Next, I plan to print it out (maybe with a different font?) and read it that way. Sometimes the errors pop out better on paper. Don’t know why, but it does for me.

I’m really hoping I don’t find a lot that needs to be changed. I’m really hoping I fixed everything that needs to be fixed. Yeah, I really hope a lot because the truth is, I’m sure I’ll find stuff that needs to be changed and I probably didn’t fix everything. This writer can dream, though, can’t she?

So… Saturday’s hockey game in Columbus didn’t go so well. I hate that stupid cannon!! Yeah, the Penguins won 3 of the 4 games they met this season, but I was really hoping for that sweep. And I was really hoping to not hear that cannon.

See? Hoping.

But!!! They won last night against Boston (sorry, not sorry, Jeff!). Now, if they can only play well CONSISTENTLY!

Today we get our new couch delivered. I’ll have to take a picture of our great room once it’s in so you all can see it. Next furniture purchase: two bookcases. The two in my sunroom will go into the front bedroom/television room, where two matching bookcases reside. I just have to figure out what kind of bookcases I want in the sunroom. Or rather, I have to go bookcase shopping. Where would one go for bookcases, though? Besides an expensive furniture store? I’m not looking for works of art. Just something to hold books!

Happy Monday.

Stacy

I'm a Penguins Fan

Tomorrow I’ll be going to Columbus to watch the Penguins take on the Blue Jackets. Penguins beat them last night in Pittsburgh. They also beat them back on February 26, when they were in Columbus last. I attended that game, too.

See? Here’s a picture of me!

I sure hope I don’t have to hear that cannon tomorrow.

Happy Friday. And Let's go Pens!!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads is Back!

I’m getting behind in my reading, but it can’t be helped. At least I read a book!! Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Book #12

Dates read: February 9-22 

Title: Never Let Me Fall
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Abbie Roads
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series:  Fatal Dreams #3
# of Pages: 281
Paper or plastic: Paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Thomas Brown can’t see color, but he can see people’s true souls. His abilities allow him to work with criminal investigators and deliver justice to families of the wronged. And he’s starting to accept that his life will forever be in black and white…
    Then he encounters Helena Grayse, and everything changes. She brings vibrant color to his world, and he brings acceptance and belief to hers. But Helena’s past is quickly catching up with her, and Thomas is in the crosshairs.
    As an enemy hidden in plain sight threatens their every move, they’ll have to rely on their love to beat the darkness.
My thoughts: It appears I struggled to read this book, and in a way I did, but I just picked a bad time to read, period. Getting sick, getting behind in my editing, and the first thing to go is the reading. But when I was able to pick it up and read it, I enjoyed every bit. I like the darkness, I like the unexplained events (paranormal in a way), and I really liked the romance.  

Last night I went to see the Penguins play the Blue Jackets. Since I’m posting this before the game, I don’t know what kind of time I had. I hope it was a good one. And I hope the Blue Jackets don’t score a lot (I really hate their cannon!!). The Pens need to win badly (and often) if they hope to make the playoffs!! Let’s go Pens!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy