Finished Reading Two Stories and Dragon Con Starts THIS WEEK

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 19

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

Book 20

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy

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

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 18

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

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy

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

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

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 17

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy

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

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

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

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 16

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy

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

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

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

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book 15

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

Here’s the blurb for Alien Desires:

An alien crashes on Earth and discovers love.

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

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

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

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

And here are the buy links:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Reading!

Stacy