The Sunday Post: No Excuses

   

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Well, well well, now that school is out for summer, I have no excuse to put off writing! It's time to get lots of words written!

Wish me luck! 

Let's take a look at my garden...

My first sugar snap peas! 

Accidently Started Reading...

 I accidently started about five books. It's because they were available from KU and Hoopla. At the moment I'm here:

I'm almost to the halfway poitnt listening to this audiobook and I'm still waiting for the murder to occur. What the heck! 

I'm at 12% of Just Beachy this one is a romance and is just over 200 pages so I figured I could read it in a day if it grabs me. 

I picked up Sprinkles of Supicion (5%) and Field's Guide to Abduction (5%) for my secret project research. They are both under 300 pages and have quirky FMC. 

Lastly I'm 31% of the way through with A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost. I am really enjoying it and I should stop deciding to pick it up when it's past my bedtime. 

So we will see how many of these books I finish by the end of the weekend! 

Read My First One and a Half Frieda

 

I've never read a Freida McFadden until now. This was available on audio from the Hoopla app which I have via my library. So I gave it a listen. I like the fast-paced nature and the narrator was very good. I didn't finish it because I didn't like the twist. That's a me thing. I don't want to spoil anyone who might enjoy this book so I'll just leave it there. After stopping my read, I read reviews and more than a few readers said they enjoyed the book Dear Debbie, but they were disappointed with The Divorce.

Guess what I did? Yep, Dear Debbie, was also on Hoopla so I borrowed it. Julia Whelan is the narrator and she is one of my favorites. Dear Debbie was enjoyable, darkly comedic and satisfying. Do you read Freida McFadden?  If so, do you have any faves that I must read?

Happy Pride Month!

 Since it is Pride month and I love my first sapphic romance, it's on sale for 99 cents for the ebook this week! If you've read it already and enjoyed it, please give it a rating or a review so other readers can find it. If you haven't read it, my blurb is below. I recently started working on the follow-up book to this one. Would you like to know which side character from Love and the Three of Cups is getting her HEA in book two?  I'll give you a hint, she works with animals! 

Hannah's crush on Kate was one-sided…until tonight.

Hannah has never been happier. With her ex in the rearview mirror for two years now, she’d settled into life in Marley Creek—home to her long-time crush. She’s ready to make a bold move when she’s invited to a party at the striking blonde’s pet bakery.

Kate’s successful business is on the brink of something huge. Then, the drop-dead gorgeous redheaded Hannah kisses her, and Kate questions her no-relationships rule.

Hannah’s life is on standby waiting for Kate’s texts. So, when Kate doesn’t invite her to a meaningful event, Hannah must decide if she is going to walk away or fight for her. Kate is falling for Hannah, but will fear from a past experience keep her from committing?

When Hannah’s ex threatens to destroy her new life, will this couple let the past tear them apart, or will Hannah and Kate fight for a fresh start together?

You can get a copy here: https://a.co/d/0bX2dFhj

Reading Wrap UP For May!

 Look at all the books I read when I made the effort to read more and scroll less! (also less watching TV).

I read two romances, including Undertaking Hart and Mercy, which was a 5-star book. Then there is two Jack Reacher books. Found two thrillers to listen to; I didn't like the ending of It's Not Her. I enjoyed one novella that isn't easy to categorize and two delightful middle-grade books that I highly recommend. Lastly, I devoured three cozy mysteries. 

My first read for June, which I started yesterday, is A Curse of Beasts and Magic. It's grabbed a hold of me and I think I'll finish it before Wednesday. 

How about you? Read any good books lately?

The Sunday Post! The Last Day of May!

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Much to my surprise, this summer looks like it will be the summer all three of the kids are back home. This is fine as my husband and I have always believed if they can live here while they find solid employment, then great. Kid #1 has paid off all student loans and is going to work on a master's degree. Kid #2 is moving back home after working 2 years post-college at a job that didn't pay enough to live on, but was in his field, and Kid #3 just graduated. 

I don't regret moving out when i did, but in hindsight, I should have lived at home after high school. 

This week is our last week of school. Will be sad to see my little nuggets finish the year? No. Will I think of them fondly from time to time over the summer? Yes. Will I run into them over the summer break? Possibly!

Another week of reading and writing for me. This week I read a very good YA book. I think it is also appropriate for 6th grade and above. If you have a young person in your life, pick this book up for them!

Continuing on my young reader reading, I picked up a copy of Tiffany Jackson's book Blood in the Water. It's an excellent middle-grade mystery book. 

Her Dragon To Slay by Julia Mills

 

This book is the first book in a 56-book series (which Julia Mills has been writing over the last 13 years), so if you've been looking for short, sexy shifter books to inhale this summer—here you go!

He's the Commander of the Golden Fire Clan. She's a sassy human with zero patience for destiny. Fate just threw them together—and so did his enemies.

Rayne has spent centuries leading Dragon Guard with unwavering loyalty and unmatched power. One look from this ancient warrior can bring enemies to their knees.
But the pull of his fated mate? That brought HIM to his knees.

Kyndel's survived everything life threw at her with sass, stubbornness, and sheer moxie. Ancient dragons? Sure, she can handle that. A fierce Commander claiming she's his destined mate? That's... complicated.
Too bad his enemies didn't get the memo about giving them time to figure this out.

When the dead start coming back to life with knives aimed at Kyndel's throat, Rayne must choose: follow centuries of tradition or break every rule to save the curvy, strong-willed woman who's stolen his ancient heart.
The chemistry between them could set the world on fire. Good thing he's got experience with flames.

Some destinies whisper. This one roars.

You can pick up Here Dragon To Slay at all the places via this link: https://books2read.com/u/4N5Kom

The Sunday Post! May has been a long month--but...

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

We are down to the final days of school. Three days this upcoming week and three the week after. I think the entire staff is surviving on coffee fumes at this point. I know I am. I wound up with an infection this week and had to take an antibiotic. I learned the hard way that one of the side effects of Bactrim is anxiety. Oh my gosh it was awful. I couldn't think!  Fortunately, I was able to get a different antibiotic and feel much better. 

I had to take a few days off writing my book becasue I didn't have the energy to think. I'm hopeful today I'll be able to get some writing done. This week my reading of books continued. I think I might be on a long streak of reading losts of books and I am excited!

My raised beds as of 5/13. We will see how it grows!

And here are the books I read:

This was a 3 star read for me. I didn't like the ending. Your mileage may vary!

I found this to be a delightful cozy and I enjoyed learning more about sewing!

This book was so good! I loved it!

I enjoyed this one. Reacher made mistakes but it all worked out in the end.

Is This Love Fur Real? Summer Read by Yours Truly!

 I thought I'd share my book today since it is on sale for 99 cents. If you are a mood reader and you like a moderately spicy romance how about this one?

She’s scared of heartbreak and tells herself she’s too busy for romance.
Graduate Student Mable Weaverton needs a place away from her wild roommate to finish her summer project. When her boss has to leave town for two weeks and asks her to house sit and take care of his dog, Iggy, she jumps at the chance. But nobody told her how bonkers puppies can be and when disaster after disaster happen, she’s forced to ask a sexy dog trainer for help.

Last time he gave away his heart, it was returned mercilessly crushed.
Ethan Harper is on summer break from his manny job and should be enjoying his time off. Instead, his mind won’t stop rehashing a recent breakup. When a friend recommends his dog training skills, he’s grateful for the distraction. But focusing on reining in cute-but-out-control Iggy proves nearly impossible when sparks fly between him and the luscious Mable.

Can a chaotic puppy teach them to let go of the past and find a future together?
When a tornado approaches town, Mable and Ethan are stuck in a bathroom together with a frightened Iggy. They finally acknowledge there’s more between them than just dog training business. And just as they are about to kindle their sizzling attraction into a full-fledged fire, more chaos threatens to douse the flames. Ethan’s ex has returned, and she wants him back.

Is This Love Fur Real? Is a small-town, forced proximity, steamy romance, featuring a puppy who knows best, a short king who falls first, and a stressed-out grad student too busy for love. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story has Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Love-Fur-Real-Romance-ebook/dp/B0D23SRV2M

And speaking of summer, I've been planting!  Let's hope all my vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow!

The Home Stretch and The Sunday Post 5/17/2026

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Last week was a busy one. Anna graduated from college, my parents came to town, and we met Anna's boyfriend's parents. I don't know how we did it but we finished turning the front yard into a garden instead of a small front yard with grass-growing issues. I also survived another long week at work. Just 11 school days left until summer.

I did sign up to work at summer school. What was I thinking back in February? Oh yes, I was thinking it's only three four-day weeks. I plan to use my extra pay to only do fun things or buy frivolous items. 

Also because I am clearly looking for trouble, I've decided to try writing more than one book at a time. Let's see how that goes this summer!

You know what else is going on? I don't know how I did it, but I finished a good chunk of books this week. I mean, I know I did it because I spent my time listening to audiobooks and reading instead of watching anything on TV or scrolling on my phone. I should do that more often! 

How about you? Any great books lately?

Here is what I read:

Debut Author Laura Ridgefield!

 Here is a fun new romance to read as we are on the cusp of summer!

Bridget Kolodziej has channeled her Type A tendencies into modest success as a home organizing influencer. When a vacation rental company offers to send her to Ireland for three weeks to document life as a solo traveler, she must leave her safe, orderly life to take a chance on parlaying her hobby into a social media career. Her rental cottage is more nightmare than dream home, so she’s forced to accept the hospitality of her curmudgeonly driver while she figures out a plan to fulfill her contract and build her following. 

Fresh off losing a job, Finn Malloy has taxes due, a family trying to fix him up, and he’s suckered into picking up a high-maintenance American woman at the train station. When her accommodation leaves her high and dry, he helps find her a perfect house to rent. One small hitch: it’s his own cottage, and he didn’t exactly ask Bridget’s opinion on the matter.

Bridget’s rigid itinerary doesn’t last long with curve balls like screaming donkeys, gossiping priests, phone-stealing harbor seals and impromptu TV interviews – and the delectable benefits of letting her guard down with Finn. But she can’t afford to fall for someone who will derail her plans and complicate her orderly life. Worse, if Finn chooses to follow his heart, it may cost him the best chance to keep his home.

You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Influencer-Laura-Ridgefield-ebook/dp/B0GQDKY2XH

or skip amazon and get the ebook or paperback from bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/under-the-influencer-laura-ridgefield/fb14cd98df9a5813

Looking for Summer Reads? The Summer For Us

 He’s the grumpy small town local, and she’s the summer tourist winning over the whole town. What happens when he finally lets his guard down and opposites attract?

Juliette Campbell might’ve won the hit reality dating show Paradise Love, but it came at the cost of an embarrassing breakup splashed across social media. Needing a quiet getaway, Jules packs her car and makes the drive from Chicago to a small town in northern Wisconsin where she’s rented a cabin for the summer. The sun, lake, and fresh air will be just what she needs to get her life and career back on track. Jules intends for Golden Falls to be a pit stop, but she quickly grows attached to the town and its residents. Well, except for one person. Wesley Richards is a quiet, closed-off, no nonsense kind of guy. He wants nothing to do with Juliette, whatever she’s running from, or those damn sundresses she’s always wearing. He does his best to avoid his new neighbor, but that’s tough to do when she’s everywhere—dancing at his bar, tanning in her bikini, and making friends with everyone in town. But once they get past the not-so-great first (and second) impression Wes made, he realizes just how much he needs the confident, sassy brunette in his life. But with the summer months flying by, Juliette and Wesley are running out of time. Will their sizzling romance stand the heat? Or will their love fizzle out once summer ends?

Doesn't this sound good? I know I'm going to read it to kick off my summer!

Izabela writes contemporary romance that will have you kicking your feet one moment and blushing the next. You can expect swoony heroes, sassy heroines, delicious tension, and witty banter. She lives in the Chicago area with her wonderful husband and two cuddly cats.

Here is the link to get your copy: https://mybook.to/TheSummerforUs

Looking to Add to Your TBR for Summer

 

I write books for people who want to escape life and go to a small town full of people like them falling in love. 

Is this Love Fur Real? is my summer read. It's also my most popular book with people who own Yorkies. Read the blurb to find out why! 

You can find my book in KU if you get your books that way, and it is also available as a kindle book and in paperback. If you shop at bookshop.org you can get it on sale with the original cover. 

If you read it and like it, please take a second to give a a rating and/or a review!

Thank you!

She’s scared of heartbreak and tells herself she’s too busy for romance.
Graduate Student Mable Weaverton needs a place away from her wild roommate to finish her summer project. When her boss has to leave town for two weeks and asks her to house sit and take care of his dog, Iggy, she jumps at the chance. But nobody told her how bonkers puppies can be and when disaster after disaster happen, she’s forced to ask a sexy dog trainer for help.

Last time he gave away his heart, it was returned mercilessly crushed.
Ethan Harper is on summer break from his manny job and should be enjoying his time off. Instead, his mind won’t stop rehashing a recent breakup. When a friend recommends his dog training skills, he’s grateful for the distraction. But focusing on reining in cute-but-out-control Iggy proves nearly impossible when sparks fly between him and the luscious Mable.

Can a chaotic puppy teach them to let go of the past and find a future together?
When a tornado approaches town, Mable and Ethan are stuck in a bathroom together with a frightened Iggy. They finally acknowledge there’s more between them than just dog training business. And just as they are about to kindle their sizzling attraction into a full-fledged fire, more chaos threatens to douse the flames. Ethan’s ex has returned, and she wants him back.

Is This Love Fur Real? Is a small-town, forced proximity, steamy romance, featuring a puppy who knows best, a short king who falls first, and a stressed-out grad student too busy for love. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story has Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

It's not Gonna Be May, It is May! The Sunday Post!

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Happy new month to you. It has been cool here, but it hasn't officially frosted at my house, and so I'm pleased. Only 21 more days of school left for this school year. The kids--and the staff--are in full-on can't wait for summer mode. Myself included.

I"m continuing to read Jack Reacher book. I'm about halfway through One Shot. On audio I'm listening to A Deadly Inside Scoop and T.J. Klune's We Burned So Bright. All are delightful books. 

What have you been reading? 

Five Star Mystery with Romance --and it's a historical! Lovely Digits

 A little over a week ago, I attended the Chicago North Romance Writer's Spring Fling one of presentations was done by author Jeanine Englert. After the presentation, I downloaded her book on KU. It was a very enjoyable book you can read over a weekend, and you will be transported to cold winter days in England in the 1800s.  The book has enough mystery to be enjoyed by mystery readers and enough romance to be satisfying to romance readers. Here is the blurb for the book:

As always if you have read this book, I'd love to hear what you thought!

Two murders.
One unlikely partnership.
A race to catch a killer.

In the sleepy Victorian town of Clun, England, death is nothing new to Lucy Wycliffe. Known as
Lovely Digits, the town’s layer out of the dead, she’s stopped listening to gossip and given up on
any dreams of marriage. After a tragedy forced her into the profession, she has built a life of
quiet dignity, supporting her widowed sister and niece. But when two brutal murders disrupt
their tranquil village, Lucy is thrust into a different role: assistant to the enigmatic new constable.

John Brodie is no stranger to Clun or its dark secrets. A former sailor with a shadowed past, John
embraces his new position as constable as a chance at redemption. He never expected the clever
and curious Lucy to capture his heart.

With time running out, John must protect the woman he loves from becoming the killer’s next
target. Because in Clun, death comes quietly, but not without consequences.

The Sunday Post: Midway Through April

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I hope you had a nice week. I am currently watching a variety of streaming shows that release weekly. Imperfect Women, Rooster, DTF St. Louis, and The Pitt.  It's practically like watching network TV. The weather here in Chicagoland continues to be a roller coaster. We've also been getting lots of rain, which I will do my best not to complain about. I've got peas and carrots planted, and I can't wait to see them flourish! Plus, it is almost time for me to plant lettuce. There is nothing better than fresh from the garden lettuce!

I'm continuing to work my way through the Reacher series, based on what I can borrow from my library--not the actual order of the books. I am looking for a nice, long series to read after this one. Ideally something that urban fantasy. Do you have any recommendations for me? I've read the Harry Dresden Files, The Kate Daniels series, The Hollows by Kim Harrison, and the Psy Changeling series by Nahlini Singh (I know this isn't Urban Fantasy). 

Speaking of books, have you read any of my steamy small town romances? They are all available in KU! https://www.amazon.com/stores/Victoria-Hamel/author/B0CSBGDRFQ

Mr. Second Best by LM Fox

If any of these tropes are you jam, I have a book for you! 

Forbidden, Friends to lovers, Accidental pregnancy, Second chance romance, Single mother

Mr. Second Best by LM FOX

I’m in love with my best friend’s widow.

The only person I’ve cared more for is gone.

There’s no doubt he knew yet never let on.

It was just the kind of man Jake was.

I’ve worn my guilt like a second skin since we were teens,

worshipping her from afar.

But time has done me no favors.

Under the surface, resentment grows.

A rage no one else sees.

But now she’s asked me to do the unthinkable…

To grant her the comfort she needs.

I’m helpless to say no to Mel.

I’d give her anything.

Even if doing this will ultimately destroy me when it’s over.

This book is part of a trilogy! Let me know what you think!

The Sunday Post My Jack Reacher Spring Break is Almost Over!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Well, I got a taste of the good life, one week without work, plenty of time to do what I wanted. I rejoined the gym—and went to it. I wrote over six thousand words. I went to a Tarot class, and I read four Jack Reacher books. 

This week is a four-day work week. Yay. I actually have three four-day work weeks in April. That's because I took a personal day to go to the Chicago Spring Fling. It's a fantastic romance writers' conference. I'm really looking forward to it .

The last quarter of the school year begins tomorrow. 45 school days left! I hope our spring weather evens out soon. I keep getting headaches from the temps and humidity rising into summer temperatures for a day or two and then crashing down into February weather!

What have you been reading?

Spring Is Here!

   

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

My spring break has started! This week is going to go by so fast! We will be having decent weather so I am looking foward to getting out and running a few times. I'm also going to a monthly game night at a friends and a tarot reading class. Should be fun!

When I'm not doing that I'm planning on doing more cleaning around the house than I can manage to do when school is in session and reading Jack Reacher books. I'm currently listening to Tripwire and reading Running Blind. Some of the Jack Reacher books are in first person and some are in third person. I prefer the third person it seems to fit the stories better--but Lee Child obviously disagreed!

What are you up to this week? 

I love the gloaming!