Finished “Life is Short” and Cold Weather!

It’s been a cold and rainy cruise in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Finland, & Sweden) and I really didn’t bring any “warm” clothes (I had heard about the heat waves, which were long gone by the time we arrived). But at least I remembered my rain coat! Whew!

In two days we arrive in the port of Amsterdam. It’s supposed to be 80 (instead of the 60s). Looking forward to some warmer weather!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 17

Dates read: July 23-27, 2026
Title: Life’s Too Short
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: The Friend Zone #3
# of Pages: 276
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.
    But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad" (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.
    Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.

Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Another goodie. In fact, I don’t think she writes any bad books! Love the humor (because it’s not forced on you, if you know what I mean). Love the romantic tension. And I loved seeing characters from books 1 & 2.

I’m actually getting some writing done on this cruise. Figured out how to fix the vampire story I started in 2020 (which led me to finishing my alien books) and it seems to be going good…so far. I still haven’t decided if it will be a novel or a novella. Guess I’ll find out when I get there, huh?

The Smashwords July sales is still going on (through July 31). You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click here and start buying!: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/semckitrick

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Criminal Minds” and “The Happy Ever After Playlist” and I’m Cruising…Again

Yes, I’m cruising again. This time in the North and Baltic Seas! We left London (Dover) on July 19 and so far have stopped in Copenhagen (Denmark), Kiel (Germany), and Warnemunde (Germany). Tomorrow we have a day at sea and on Saturday we’ll be in Tallin (Estonia), followed by Helsinki (Finland), Nynashamn (Stockholm, Sweden), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). And that’s just THIS cruise. We have two more following this one.

I’m having so much fun, even if some of our excursions aren’t all that great. It’s just nice cruising and relaxing. Plus, it was fun being in London for two days before the cruise started. We saw “Six, The Musical” at the Vaudeville Theater on my birthday and it was so much fun! I highly recommend it.

Oh, and good news. I was able to send my editor The Alien’s Change of Heart before I left. Yay! She is currently working on it. Which means I can work on my next vampire book. Yeah, I decided to work on that since I figured out how to fix what I had started, so hopefully I can get into that story. But first, I wanted to post what I read.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

Dates read: July 8-19, 2026
Title: Curious Minds
Year of publication: 2016
Author: Janet Evanovich & Phoef Sutton
Genre: Mystery
Series: Knight & Moon #1
# of Pages: 307
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Free from a book convention (possibly Romantic Times 2017)
Blurb from Book: Emerson Knight is introverted, eccentric, and has little to no sense of social etiquette. Good thing he’s also brilliant, rich, and handsome. Riley Moon has just graduated from Harvard Business and Harvard Law. Her aggressive Texas spitfire attitude has helped her land her dream job as a junior analyst with megabank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job, until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight. What starts off as an inquiry about missing Knight money leads to a life-and-death race through the streets of Washington, D.C., and into the underground vaults of New York City as an evil plan is exposed. A plan so sinister that only a megalomaniac could think it up, and only the unlikely duo of the irrepressibly charming Emerson Knight and the tenacious Riley Moon could hope to stop it.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a silly book. I expected humorous, but not silly. Or maybe I should have expected silly, since she wrote the Stephanie Plum books. This was book 1 of the series and there are only two books (which were written about ten years ago), so I’m guessing the series didn’t make it. I can understand why. But, if you’re looking for a silly mystery, you might enjoy this one. I just wanted something a little more…smarter.

Book 16

Dates read: July 19-23, 2026
Title: The Happy Ever After Playlist
Year of publication: 2020
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romantic comedy
Series: The Friend Zone #2
# of Pages: 318
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased from Barnes & Noble
Blurb from Goodreads: Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.
    Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I read book 1 of this series so long ago, I didn’t realize that the couple from that book was the friend in this one. Didn’t matter, though. This book can be read as a standalone without any issues, since, like I said, I didn’t remember the couple (which is all me and not necessarily about the author). This book was great. I laughed. I cried (happy tears, of course) and I just LOVED the dog, Tucker. I really do enjoy her books.

The Smashwords July sales is still going on (through July 31). You can find ALL of my e-books at 50% off. Just click here and start buying!: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/semckitrick

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Escape Clause” and Got My Books in a Local Bookstore

There is a bookstore in Dayton called The Cozy Book Nook (https://thecozybooknook.com) and they sell independently published books (they even have a section for local authors—like me!). They sell them on consignment, which is fine with me, and they took my books to sell. I figure any place my book is for sale is a good place.

I had forgotten to sign the books when I dropped them off last month, so I will go visit them tomorrow and sign them. So yeah, if you’re in Dayton and want a signed copy of one of my books, they’ll be available from The Cozy Book Nook!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 13

Dates read: June 14-19, 2026
Title: Escape Clause
Year of publication: 2024
Author: Cara Bristol
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Series: Cosmic Mates #1
# of Pages: 217
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: After a nano-virus devastates Caradonia, leaving the planet in desperate need of women, leader Krogan launches a last-ditch effort to save their civilization—convince men to accept human brides through Cosmic Mates.
    Krogan himself has no time or desire for a wife. A driven workaholic, he’s focused on solving his planet’s problems and maintaining peace in the world. But his people look to him to set an example. If he doesn’t take a wife through Cosmic Mates no one else will either. Thankfully, there’s an escape clause, and at the end of the trial period, he intends to use it.
    Fleeing a horrid and powerful man, Hope Bennett reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with an alien. The last thing she desires is to be locked into an unwanted union. Been there, almost did that. Fortunately, the escape clause in the contract gives her an out, and when it’s safe, she can go home to Terra Nova.
    Hope and Krogan promise each other a marriage in name only and vow to separate when the contract provisions are satisfied. But as they let down their guard, they recognize a kindred spirit in each other. Love and passion blossom, and each begins to long for a deeper, permanent union.
    Just as their secret wishes are about to be fulfilled, violent tensions erupt out of the pandemic, forcing Krogan into a dilemma—to save Hope he must invoke the escape clause of their marriage contract.
    If he sends her away, will she ever come back?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This was a so-so story. It was just way too short for my pleasure (large print in a 5x8 size book). Especially for a sci-fi romance (which was practically insta-love). Not a lot of world building. In fact, I don’t even know what year it is on Terra Nova, which used to be called Earth. So… way in the future, I suppose. I liked the premise of this story, just wish it were more involved. But if you’re looking for a quick read, here’s one for you!

FYI: I’m still busy writing. And I’m so close to finishing that first draft! I know, I keep saying that (which is what Hubby says to me). But it’s one thing KNOWING how it will end and another actually getting it WRITTEN on the page! Will it be done next week? I sure hope so!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “Say You’ll Remember Me” and Almost Finished with My WIP, so Why am I Procrastinating?

Yes, I am almost finished with the first draft of The Alien’s Change of Heart. I finally figured out how to save them! Yay! So why am I not writing?

Stuff.

I did write on Thursday and Friday, but Saturday was my writers’ group meeting. In Dublin, OH. Left at 10:30 am and returned home around 4:30 pm. I usually don’t write on those days anyway. I should have. Because that’s when I woke up with some solutions. Thank goodness I wrote them down, because right now, I couldn’t tell you what they were.

Then this morning, during breakfast, I read the book I finished below. I was going to put it down after I ate and write, but said “Screw it! I’m reading.” And frankly, I haven’t felt like that about a book in ages! And I finished it just as my daughter texted she was ready to get gas. When we have a dollar off a gallon, we make sure we all benefit from that.

I had completely forgot about those plans! Maybe that’s why I didn’t write first?

Hahaha, yeah, right.

But now that I’m finished with the book, I want to post about it. And once I hit “publish” I will get to writing. I promise!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 12

Dates read: June 10-14, 2026
Title: Say You’ll Remember Me
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: RomCom
Series: Say You’ll Remember Me #1
# of Pages: 352
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: There might be no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…
    …unless, of course he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.
    Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Oh my god! This was sooooo good. I finally gave in and ordered some of her ebooks for my next cruise. Although, I doubt they will last the whole cruise. I sure breezed through this one. Such a good story. I am hooked on Abby Jimenez!

So… when you find an author you just love, do you go out and buy all their books, too? I do it too many times to count. And yes, I read them. They aren’t sitting on the shelf (or Nook), gathering dust. I tend to binge them until I’m all caught up and then I wait with everyone else. For the next one.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished “The End of the World as We Know It” and “In My Dreams I Hold a Knife” and a Successful Retreat

Ooh this post is a bit lengthy (because I have two books to report).

I was in Delhi, NY June 2-9 for a writers’ retreat. I consider it a GREAT SUCCESS! Not only did I figure out the end of The Alien’s Change of Heart, I’m almost to it. Of course, I’m home now and just finding the time to write while getting caught up in other stuff (like this blog, doing the COFW treasurer report, and sending out my monthly newsletter) is becoming impossible.

But I’m really glad I went. And that the ending finally came to me. Well… sort of. I still have to resolve one teeny-tiny plot point that only encompasses the whole story. Yeah, that’s all. But I will get there. I can see the end of this book!!!

And the best part? I do NOT need a book 3 if I don’t want one. Because I doubt I’ll write another in this series. I want to get back to my vampires (or ghosts). Something that actually sells. Usually.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 10

Dates read: March 19 – June 1, 2026
Title: The End of the World as We Know It
Year of publication: 2025
Author: Various
Genre: Horror short stories
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 757
Paper or plastic: Hardcover
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from book cover Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—with generations of writers impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization and its stunning array of unforgettable characters.
    Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World as We Know It features remarkable, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand—brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic bestselling novel.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I bought this book because Meg Gardiner has a story in it, although, I may have gotten it anyway because…The Stand. So I used this book to give me a reason to re-read The Stand first. There were a lot of good short stories in this and I really enjoyed seeing what others interpreted would happen after (or what also happened during). So if you love The Stand, you’ll enjoy this companion to it, too. But beware, it IS lengthy!!

Book 11

Dates read: June 2-9, 2026
Title: In My Dreams I Hold a Knife
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Ashley Winstead
Genre: Thriller? Mystery?
Series: N/A
# of Pages: 305
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Possibly free from B&N
Blurb from Goodreads Six friends. One college reunion. One unsolved murder.
    A college reunion turns dark and deadly in this chilling and propulsive suspense novel about six friends, one unsolved murder, and the dark secrets they’ve been hiding from each other—and themselves—for a decade.
    Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller has planned her triumphant return to southern, elite Duquette University, down to the envious whispers that are sure to follow in her wake. Everyone is going to see the girl she wants them to see—confident, beautiful, indifferent—not the girl she was when she left campus, back when Heather’s murder fractured everything, including the tight bond linking the six friends she’d been closest to since freshman year. Ten years ago, everything fell apart, including the dreams she worked for her whole life—and her relationship with the one person she wasn’t supposed to love.
    But not everyone is ready to move on. Not everyone left Duquette ten years ago, and not everyone can let Heather’s murder go unsolved. Someone is determined to trap the real killer, to make the guilty pay. When the six friends are reunited, they will be forced to confront what happened that night—and the years’ worth of secrets each of them would do anything to keep hidden.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I think I got this book free from B&N when they were offering monthly free reads to members because otherwise, I don’t know how I would have come across this title. Right off, I didn’t like the narrator (it’s in first person for most of it), which made it hard to stick with it, but I did stick with it. Still didn’t like her at the end, either, but it’s not my generation, so what do I know? But the mystery is what kept me reading. So if you’re not into a character who makes decisions for all the wrong reasons, you might not like this book so much, either. But if you are, have at it.

I’m really behind in my reading this year, but surprisingly I’m okay with it. Got some lengthy cruises coming up, I’m sure I’ll get caught up in my reading then. But I am so happy to be back into writing almost daily. And once I finish the first draft, my present to me is to watch the mini-series The Stand (the one with Gary Sinese). I mean, why not??

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Haven’t Finished Reading Yet and Why That Is

I just realized how long it’s been since my last blog.

Why does it take me longer to read a book of short stories than an actual novel? Of course, I’m currently on page six hundred ninety something and have over a hundred pages left to read. But I do read them slower because I stop at the end of each short story (or after two, if I’m in the mood to not want to do anything else). Whereas I don’t necessarily end my novel-reading session at the end of a chapter (yes, I’m one of those weird ones). Chapter ends tend to end on some kind of cliffhanger. Usually. The slow parts are usually in the MIDDLE of the chapter. That’s when I feel safer to put the book down and will be able to get back into the story quicker that way.

But short stories aren’t like that. They’re short to begin with, so stopping in the middle (unless I’m forced to) is like stopping on a cliffhanger. I mean, they’re short for a reason. Not a lot of quiet stuff in there.

So why blog about all that? Probably because I don’t see me finishing a book for at least another week and on Tuesday I leave for a writers’ retreat (in NY, near Albany). So I doubt I get a lot of reading done. But then again, who knows? I WILL bring a book. And my crochet. It’s a long car ride (over 9 hours of JUST driving). But I will not bring the book of short stories. It’s just toooooo big to carry around. So I guess I better charge up my Nook and see what I have on there to read.

In the meantime, my writing has been going GREAT! I finally figured out how the book should end and what kind of conflict I can use (that actually makes sense!!!). And I might not need a book 3 (yay!). You don’t know how relieved I am that it finally all clicked together.

I knew it would eventually come to me. It has in all my other books. But just when I was writing all those other books, I wondered WHEN it would come to me. Thought I was losing my touch. Nope. Just a slow-ass brain, wanting to take its ever-loving time to get in gear.

So I do see me finishing The Alien’s Change of Heart during this writers’ retreat. Then I can start working on the blurb/story description. Then I can see if the book designer I had for Alien Desires can do the cover for this book too (and make it look like they belong together). Lots of thens there, isn’t there?

Anyway, that’s what’s been going on with me for the past few weeks. I am reading (although not so fast) and I am writing (which is picking up steam). I am also crocheting. I will be at a book signing in Bluffton, SC on August 29, 2026, and figure I might be able to sell some hot pads/pot holders along with my books. It certainly can’t hurt. Plus, I like making hot pads/pot holders. They’re quick and I feel like I accomplished SOMETHING!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Hold on Tight” and Getting Back to Normal

Not used to posting two days in a row. But I finished reading the last book in the series which meant…posting about it.

I think I’ve gotten caught up in my non-writing work (I’m treasurer for the writers group I’m in). So I’m all set to actually WRITE tomorrow. I also think I’ve gotten rid of the jet lag I had. I didn’t get up quite as early today as I did yesterday, so that’s good. Right?

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 9

Dates read: May 7-11, 2026
Title: Hold on Tight
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Cynthia Eden
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Lazarus Rising #6
# of Pages: 205
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: He isn’t just a man.
    Lazarus super soldier Jett is the perfect predator. He’s faster, stronger, and far deadlier than a normal man—because he isn’t normal. Brought back from the dead, Jett is supposed to be little more than a machine. His heart should be ice cold, but it’s not. His heart beats fast and hard for the one woman he should never be able to possess, Savannah Jacobs.
    He’s the hero she didn’t expect.
    When Savannah is kidnapped, she doesn’t think she’ll escape her captors. Then mysterious Jett breaks in and takes out all of the men in the room—the masked men who’d yanked her right off a busy public street—and Jett barely breaks a sweat in the fight. Jett is tall, dark, and as sexy as every sin that Savannah can imagine. When he takes her to safety, desire explodes between them. Savannah falls fast and hard for Jett…then he walks away.
    But he broke her heart.
    Jett knows he can’t have Savannah. A woman as perfect and sweet as Savannah can’t possibly stay in the nightmare that is his world. He gives her up—the hardest thing he’s ever had to do—and disappears from her life. But then Jett learns that he’s been set-up. Savannah was kidnapped as part of a dark plan to throw her and Jett together, and, now, Savannah is in more danger than ever before. She’s pregnant with his child—the first woman to conceive the child of a Lazarus test subject—and Jett’s enemies will stop at nothing to get her and the baby she carries.
    And she can’t ever forgive him.
    Jett has to protect Savannah—and the baby. His problem? Savannah hates him, and she knows nothing about the secrets he carries. He has to earn back her trust, he has to fight for the woman who owns his heart…and he also has to reveal the painful truth about himself to her.
    Jett is a dead man walking. A soldier without a soul.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Kind of sad to see no more books in this series. I liked them a lot. Had just the right amount of suspense and paranormal stuff going on. Along with the romance. Can’t forget the romance!

Next trip isn’t until middle of July, so I’m home for a while. Well, I am going to a writer’s retreat (in NY) June 2-9 with some writer friends, but I’ll have access to my laptop and wifi, so I won’t really be away from the internet. I’ll just be away from my bed. I sure hope I don’t regret going. I hate hard beds!

But hey, maybe I’ll finally get The Alien’s Change of Heart FINISHED! Here’s hoping!!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Stay With Me” and I’m Going Quiet for a Bit

This Friday I leave on a trip to Germany and France. When we took a trip to Italy in October 2024, I took my laptop. And never really used it. So I’m not bothering to take it with me this time. I don’t need to have my websites taken over in German or French and I really don’t see time to write. But… I will take a notebook. Just in case.

Because I’m really starting to get into the end of The Alien’s Change of Heart. I kind of know what’s gonna happen; what the dark moment is. So I will try and write it out long hand. It’s been AGES since I did that (back in the 2010s, before publication and while writing during my lunch hour, when I had an actual job). I’d like to get the first draft of this thing done so I can concentrate on editing it and getting a cover. I still have so much to do to get this thing published.

All that to say that I will not be posting anything for a while (not that I have been posting all that frequently as it is, huh?). And I’m sure I’ll return from that trip exhausted. In a good way, I hope, though. I got sick during that Italy trip. Sure hope that doesn’t happen again. Fingers crossed!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 6

Dates read: April 13-21, 2026
Title: Stay With Me
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Cynthia Eden
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Lazarus Rising #3
# of Pages: 131
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from Book: Shelly Hampton intends to spend the holidays alone in her family’s mountain cabin, but when a snow-covered stranger appears on her door-step, her plans are shot straight to hell. The man before her seems oddly familiar, and he stirs a dark need within her.
    It’s soon apparent that John Smith is far more than a normal man—he’s too strong, too fast, and she could swear that he seems to read her thoughts…and know her most secret desires.
    But is John a man that she could love…or is he someone she should fear? Because even as the snow fall deepens, a deadly threat is closing in on her little cabin. And soon, Shelly will be trapped on the mountain with a dangerous man…a man who swears that he has come back from the dead, just to be with her.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: This series is really good. Nice suspense. Nice romance. Nice paranormal stuff. I would have finished this book sooner (it is shorter than the others), except stuff happened (as it usually does). But I got the rest of the series to read during the travel days of our upcoming trip. Wouldn’t have bothered if I didn’t like it, right?

So, yeah, I was reading a book of short stories set in the world of The Stand, but our trip was coming up and I was NOT going to carry that tome with me. Plus, I went somewhere recently where I wanted a book to read, so I just started reading this book, thinking it would last me until at least the flight to Germany. Nope. It’s short. But it was still good. Guess I’ll go start on the next one.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “Devil’s Due” and Doing Nothing

Well, I’m not actually doing nothing. It just feels that way. I’m currently on cruise 2 of 2 (which ends this Saturday) and I’m not writing. I’m barely reading! I just don’t feel like doing much of anything except chill out. I play Royal Match on my phone more than anything (until I run out of lives and have to wait for them to regenerate—I refuse to pay for any plays). I blame most of my doing nothing feeling on the fact I feel like I royally messed up my current WIP. I was hoping to talk to some writer friends for a little brainstorming help before we left, but with the holidays, that just wasn’t possible. So… no writing. Only because I don’t know how (or if) I should fix what I have.

It's frustrating when you realize that maybe the plot of the book you’re writing isn’t working.

I could work on my vampire story (that I started years ago), but even that has its problems.

I just need to talk to other writers. I need help. And, unfortunately, Hubby can’t give it.

So I’m chilling. Trying to read a little. Trying to work on my crochet project. But mostly playing that stupid game.

I’m pathetic, aren’t I?

Well, at least the weather is warmer than back home. Not warm. Low seventies is not exactly warm, but a heck of a lot better than the thirties.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 1

Dates read: December 26, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Title: Devil’s Due
Year of publication: 2021
Author: Aedyn Brooks
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Grave Intentions #3
# of Pages: 269
Paper or plastic: Nook
How obtained: Purchased at B&N
Blurb from Goodreads: Where there is evil… Michaela Herald is half human/half angel and she sealed her fate when she signed a contract with Satan in exchange for saving her life. She doesn’t mind being his assassin because ridding the world of evil serves mankind. What she doesn’t understand is why Satan needs her to do it. Her next assignment is to kill a doctor experimenting on children. This time, she’s going to find out what Satan’s hiding.
    There is deception… Widower and fishing guide Brock Dalgaard has lost most of his family and now leukemia is endangering his young daughter. When a group of guys hire him for a weekend fishing trip, Brock discovers they’re not who they say they are. They’ve come to find an angel. She’s the same person he hired to help handle tackle for the weekend. An angel who is hellbent on killing his daughter’s doctor.
    And time is running out… Brock insists on helping Michaela investigate the doctor. They’ll need to rely on strangers in order to put the pieces together quickly. But will it be in time to save his little girl’s life?
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: I’m enjoying this series. The author says it can be read as a stand-alone, but I think it would be better to read them in order since the couples in books 1 & 2 are in this one.  

Today we docked at Celebration Key. I’ve never been there before. Doubt I return. If you like going to a water park and don’t mind paying for a lot of things, then you’ll probably enjoy it. Tomorrow we dock at Bimini. Never been there before, either. This cruise is showing us lots of new stuff. Which is kind of a miracle at this point!

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 “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 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 “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 “Smolder” and I Selected a Release Date!

Alien Desires is now with my copy editor. That’s the last step before I publish it. So… I chose a release date.

July 1.

This weekend I plan to set up preorders. When I do, I will then share all the buy links. But I picked a date! That was probably the hardest thing for me to do. This book has been so long in the making, I really doubted it would be available to everyone. I’m so glad I stuck with it. Because I really LOVE this story!!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 8

Dates read: April 3-11, 2025
Title: Smolder
Year of publication: 2023
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series:  Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #29
# of Pages: 358
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: Vampire hunter Anita Blake is no stranger to killing monsters. It’s part of her job as a preternatural U.S. Marshal, after all. But even her experience isn’t enough to stop an ancient evil that is bent on destroying everything—and everyone—she loves.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: It’s been awhile since I read book #28. I was able to just dive in like I hadn’t read a bunch of books inbetween! I have #30, and will read it next. Somehow, I’m wondering if this is the end of the series. Guess I’ll find out soon enough. I really love this world, though.

After I set up Alien Desires at all the places I sell at, it will be back to work on The Alien’s Change of Heart. If I keep at it, that one will be released next year. Fingers crossed!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “You Can Hide” and Back at Writing

Since Alien Desires is with my editor, I have been able to get back to The Alien’s Change of Heart. I made a lot of changes to Book 1 which made a lot of what I had previously started in Book 2 obsolete. But I’m having fun coming up with new stuff. It’s been so long since I actually wrote something new. I forgot how much fun it could be. Well, until I hit a dead end. At least that hasn’t happened too much this go round. But the book is young…

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 6

Dates read: March 8 – 24, 2025
Title: You Can Hide
Year of publication: 2022
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series:  Laurel Snow #2
# of Pages: 341
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased from B&N
Blurb from Book: Calling Laurel Snow’s relationship with her newly discovered half sister challenging is an understatement. Not only does Laurel suspect Abigail is behind the mysterious disappearance of their father, but her erratic behavior also makes life in Laurel’s small hometown interesting, to say the least. Still, when Abigail claims someone is now out to kill her, Laurel’s instinct to protect her sister goes into overdrive. Then things get even more dicey as dead bodies start turning up in the icy waters of the Sauk River and there’s only one connection among them: Abigail…
    Having Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers bringing in those bodies with his dive team only complicates matters. Huck is as impulsive and fiery as Laurel is coolly analytical, which makes their alliance risky at best. But standing up to such a demonically brilliant killer is going to take all the help Laurel can get. Because Laurel’s attempt to save her troubled sister’s life might cost her own…
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Parts of this dragged on a little, which made it easy for me to put down at times. I still enjoyed it, though. I like the characters very much. And while the romance is barely there, it is there, which is fine by me!

Some days interesting ideas run through my head and I think, “I should write a blog about that. Maybe after I finish the book I’m reading.” Thing is, I don’t write ANYTHING down, thus forgetting the interesting idea. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever learn!

I must remember to WRITE IT DOWN! Do you have this same problem? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Finished Reading “The Crazy Cheetah Lady” and Stuff

New year, new reading goals. I decided to stick with 30 this year since I managed to reach that goal last year. Not gonna put any stress on my reading and I don’t see this year being all that different from last.

I have started the year off right, though. I finished a crochet project before the 4^th. I had been working on it since October and realized that I wouldn’t meet with the woman I give my projects to until February if I didn’t finish it by the 4^th, because I was meeting her that day. I made it (on the 3^rd—talk about cutting it close) and she was very thankful.

I also finished revising Alien Desires! I still need to go over the last chapter I “fixed,” but that shouldn’t take long (hopefully will get to it today). I emailed my editor to see if she could start working on in next week. She can! Now I just have to get the blurb written so I can get the cover made. Let’s see if I can get that done before the 16^th, when we leave for Florida to cruise and spend time with friends.

Yep, we’ll be gone about three weeks. Some of it on a cruise. Some of it in Ft Lauderdale. Some of it with our friends in their timeshares (Titusville & Kissimmee). At least it should be warm down there. Well…warmer than here!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 1

Dates read: December 30 – January 5, 2025
Title: The Crazy Cheetah Lady
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Pepper McGraw
Genre: Paranormal romance (MMMF)
Series:  Murrysville Coalition #1
# of Pages: 172
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book: Abby doesn’t exactly believe in the paranormal, even though she’s made a career of writing about it. Then she saves a trio of cheetah cubs from the river and everything changes.
    Alpha shifters, Marcus, Peter, and James are on the trail of their kidnapped triplet nephews. They’ve tracked the cubs to Abby’s town and heads are going to roll.
    When the men reclaim their nephews and leave Abby behind, she follows their trail, determined not to lose the cubs she saved. This is fine with the alphas since they’ve decided she’ll make an excellent shifter mate. For them.
Recommend: Yes
My thoughts: Didn’t realize that this was a male/male/male/female erotica paranormal story when I bought the two books. I thought it was going to be a funny series. It’s light-hearted, but not humorous. And very short. I thought there would be more to it, but when it's erotica, it’s all about the sex, I guess. I don’t mind reading these when I’m prepared. And frankly, with my memory, it could be I just forgot what these books were about when I bought them from the author I sat next to at a book convention.

We’re expecting a lot of snow later today. I’m hoping it’s all hype and blows over. Or maybe it just shifts away from us. I really don’t want to clean up snow. Why do I live in Ohio again? Oh yeah, family. I have so little as it is, don’t want to be away from it. So I guess I just deal with snow. Ugh.

Happy Reading!

Stacy 

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 32

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

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy