Reading & Writing Update

Writing is going well. I think I might have figured out who the killer is. This is the first book I’ve written where I didn’t have a clear sense of who it could be when I started it. I’m just hoping that the reader doesn’t figure it out since it’s taken me so long to. Of course, I could end up changing my mind again. Anything can happen until I publish the thing!

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #8

Dates read: February 19-25
Title: Abandoned
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Allison Brennan
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Max Revere #5
# of Pages: 412
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. Investigative reporter Max Revere has cracked many cases. But the one she’s never attempted to solve is a mystery from her own past. Max’s mother abandoned her when she was nine—sending her periodic postcards, but never returning to reclaim her daughter. Seven years after the mail stopped coming, Martha Revere was declared legally dead, with no sign of what might have happened to her … until now.
    With a single clue—the disappearance of Martha’s car in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay—Max drops everything to finally seek the truth. As details of Martha’s story come to life, and Max learns about her involvement with a dangerous con artist, a whole new world of secrets and lies begins to unfold. But as Max digs deeper into the heart of this seemingly idyllic community, she risks coming face to face with a dark enemy—and meeting the same fate as her mother.
My thoughts: Oooh, such a good read. I like this series a lot, but if it ended (because I don’t see any sign of a book 6), this would be a fitting end. I hope it hasn’t ended, though. I like reading about Max.

Sometimes I think I need to start reading FASTER! Not because of any goal I’ve set, but because all my favorites seem to have releases at the same time! So many books! I want to read them all!!!!

So … How many books do you have waiting to be read? I’ve got a bookcase full. I think I have a real problem.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update and Watching TV

Seems like my blogging is down to reading updates only. So, maybe I’ll spice it up a bit.

The Penguins won last night! Yay! I wish I could see all the games on TV, but then I’d never get any other TV watched. I know, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Right now Hubby and I are watching Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery on DVD (since we’re all caught up on the network shows). And I’m watching Season 4 of The X Files on DVD. My son and I finished Season 5 of American Horror Story: Roanoke Nightmare (I think that was the name) last Wednesday. That was a strange one (not that they aren’t all strange). We’ll probably start on Season 6 tonight. Or watch a movie. I’ll let him choose (he comes over every Wednesday night, ain’t he great?).

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #6

Dates read: January 23-February 12
Title: White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Year of publication: 2018
Author: Robin DiAngelo
Genre: Non-fiction
Series:  N/A
# of Pages: 154
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Library
Blurb from Book:. Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, anti-racist educator Robin DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what can be done to engage more constructively.
My thoughts: This was an eye-opener and I feel it is required reading for every white person. At least those white people who are open to being a better white person. Unfortunately, the white people who NEED to read this won’t. Which, sadly, is a big problem with our country.

Book #7

Dates read: February 8-18
Title: Demons are Forever
Year of publication: 2018
Author: A.E. Jones
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Realm #3
# of Pages: 245
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book:. Sergei Chesnokov is one lost demon. Born an anomaly—a demon without powers—he has alienated himself from his family, traveling the world as a photographer, observing life from behind his camera lens.
    Summoned to the demon realm by his grandmother, Sergei must face a family he hasn’t seen in years. He also meets Lela, whose energy is so strong that others siphon it from her to boost their powers, leaving her sick and vulnerable. Sergei is the only demon she’s met who can’t hurt her. Felling safe for the first time in her life, Lela accepts his friendship.
    However, Sergei quickly realizes friendship is not enough. And he’s finally found a purpose—protecting Lela from those who would harm her. But what happens when he might be part of the problem…since he’s not as powerless as he first thought. Can he walk away from her to keep her safe?
My thoughts: This was an interesting end to the trilogy. The story overlaps a bit in the beginning, but not as much as it did in #2. If you’re looking for a light, easy, paranormal read (with a bit of humor), this series will do the trick.

So … Do you watch series on DVD or on the streaming services? I can’t always find what I want to watch on the streaming services, so I’ll stick with the DVDs for now. Plus, I like having a library!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

Reading Update

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #5

Dates read: January 29-February 7
Title: Eris
Year of publication: 2010
Author: D. Renee Bagby
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series:  Eternal Truths Book 1
# of Pages: 462
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback
How obtained: Purchased from author
Blurb from Book:. Immortals Lucien and Ranulf have survived to see the modern era to be with the woman they both love once more. Equally anticipating and dreading the reunion, they’ve vowed to let her decide which of them she wants to be with. But are they prepared to let one woman end a friendship that has lasted centuries?
    Eris has just started her dream assignment. She’s not looking for an office romance, but her new bosses aren’t making it easy for her to avoid it. And right when she gives in to their joint seduction, she ends up tossed back in time to the medieval era where the men she loves have no clue who she is. What’s worse, they think she’s the enemy.
    The Lucien and Ranulf of the past are rough and dangerous. Eris is doing everything she can to survive them while searching for a way back to her time. But returning home means confronting an undeniable truth, one that could end their relationship forever. It’s up to her to decide if her heart is strong enough to handle the love of two men and the reality of their enchanted existence.
My thoughts: This was an entertaining time travel romance with some m/m/f action. Although there isn’t as many sex scenes as I expected (and no men on men), the scenes that are there are steamy. Yeah, the pacing was a little on the slow side (in the beginning), but I enjoyed getting to know the characters. This says Book 1, but it’s pretty much wrapped up (no cliff-hangers). There is no Book 2 and I don’t know if there will ever be, since this was released ten years ago.

So ... What are you reading now? Besides reading a paranormal romance, I'm also reading White Fragility with my chapter. I'm finding that very interesting (and eye-opening).

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

Reading Update

I am back to working on the first draft of Ghostly Protector. Feels pretty good, too. I hope the words continue to flow. Until I get the next round of edits back on Finding the Perfect Mate. Then who knows! Although, it helps that the holidays are behind me and life has slowed down. A lot.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #3

Dates read: January 12-19
Title: Immortal Born
Year of publication: 2019
Author: Lynsay Sands
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series:  Argeneau Vampire Series #30
# of Pages: 377
Paper or plastic: Mass market paperback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from Book:. A simple promise to protect her friend’s infant son has turned Allie Chambers’ existence upside down. Caring for—and feeding—an orphaned vampire baby has been tricky enough. But as little Liam grows, so does his appetite. He needs more blood than she can personally supply. And when her attempts to steal from a blood bank go awry, Allie wakes up surrounded by doctors, cops … and the gorgeous, mesmerizing Magnus, who she can neither trust nor resist.
    Magnus never expected to find his life mate breaking into a blood bank. Clearly, Allie is already entwined with his world—in deeper, more dangerous ways than she realizes. A band of vicious rogue immortals is in pursuit, and Magnus’ first task is to keep her safe. His second: to awaken her to mind-blowing pleasure, and hope she’ll accept the life, and the passion, that only he can offer.
My thoughts: Still loving this series, even 30 books long! This one features a lot of couples from previous books. Was kind of nice to get caught up in their lives.

So … Has life gotten back to normal for you? And what is normal anyway? A lack of holidays? A lack of vacations? I’d much rather have holidays and vacations be normal. Wouldn’t you?

Happy Reading!

Stacy