What I'm Reading Wednesday Rogues Lie (Jenny Schwartz)

It feels like I've been waiting longer than five months for this book--which is number three in Jenny Schwartz' Caldryn Parliament series. Which, as Jenny says, “is a homage to the Golden Age mysteries of the past, but set in a futuristic society that has magic.” Perfectly stated. If Agatha Christie had taken it into her head to write  Sci-Fi instead of Mystery, I imagine she'd have written something a whole lot like this!

I enjoyed this book a lot. My only complaint is that now I'm anxious to read book four. Jenny has revealed that there'll be a dead body in the next one. See? Just like Christie!

https://authorjennyschwartz.com/

Rogues Lie (Caldryn Parliament Book 3)
Jenny Schwartz

https://www.amazon.com/Rogues-Lie-Caldryn-Parliament-Book-ebook/dp/B0DXN289NV/ref=sr_1_1

A whisper campaign threatens Vanda Kavanagh’s hard-won position as Warden of Caldryn Parliament, but are the malicious rumors a personal attack or do they mask an uglier plot?

As Vanda investigates, long-hidden truths are revealed leading her to question everything she believed about herself.

In a city steeped in magic and political intrigue who can Vanda trust?

Mug Shot: Christmas Trees

 

Here's another Christmas mug that reminds me of one of my sets of Christmas dishes--in this case, Christmas Tree by FURIO. Again, it's not a perfect match, but it has a similar feel. The glaze colors in particular are a dead match. 

This mug has a nice shape and feel to it. And it's not generic, like last week's cute mug. 

What I'm Reading: The Dark is Rising (Susan Cooper)

REALLY not a new book. In fact, it's a fairly old book that I first discovered when my own kids were young. Now I'm reading it to/with my grandson. He has not been a fan of reading and I'm looking to change that! I'm hopeful that this book might help with that. 

This is classic Sword and Sorcery, but for kids. And while this is actually the second book in the series, the fact that the series takes its name from THIS BOOK, tells you all you need to know. 

I actually read the first book first, and in a lot of ways it's more accessible for younger readers. But this book is the more compelling read. So if you have a reluctant reader, maybe let them get hooked on this first, and then (with any luck) they'll be happy to go back and read the first book. 

https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Susan-Cooper/706255

The Dark is Rising

Susan Cooper

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MCKTCVH

On the Midwinter Day that is his eleventh birthday, Will Stanton discovers a special gift-- that he is the last of the Old Ones, immortals dedicated to keeping the world from domination by the forces of evil, the Dark. 

At once, he is plunged into a quest for the six magical Signs that will one day aid the Old Ones in the final battle between the Dark and the Light. 

And for the twelve days of Christmas, while the Dark is rising, life for Will is full of wonder, terror, and delight. 

Mug Shot: Surf Santa Mug

Is this not the cutest mug ever? I got it in Galveston (obvs) a few weeks back. It reminds me of one of my Christmas dish sets ("Santa Comes Home" from Meadow Lane) even though it doesn't really look like that at all. But it's whimsical, you know? 

It's a fairly standard mug, misprinted with the comma in the wrong place (WTF?) but I couldn't resist the cuteness. 

Happy Yule! (Free Gift)

https://tinyurl.com/2025SantaPaws This title contains the following three stories: (Available for FREE—but only until the end of the year!) Christmasing With You The sweater was just the beginning… ​Mike's been a very good boy this year and Santa Claire has the perfect present picked out for him—one that's both naughty and nice! One more disaster could be the end… Mike and Claire were hoping their first Christmas together would be unforgettable. But when their sexy, adult-film-themed weekend abruptly veers into low-budget, chiller-diller territory, they’re left to worry that this Christmas will turn out to be memorable in all the worst ways. An isolated cabin, a winter storm, a hungry cougar—what could possibly go wrong? In a word: everything. This Ugly Christmas Sweater short story features the characters Mike and Claire from Let Me Count the Ways (LA Love Lessons, book 3). Spicy Nick It’s beginning to look a lot like NIX-mas! Nick Greco is getting worried. His wife has never been a big fan of the holiday season, but this year she seems more distant than ever before. In fact, the last time that he can remember seeing her this distracted was right before their wedding—when she tried to back out of marrying him. Can you get cold feet after the fact? Is Scout feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Or underwhelmed by…gulp…him? Whatever the cause, Nick has a plan. He’s going to spice up their marriage and put the heat back in the holidays. And when he’s done, Scout won’t be saying, “Bah Humbug!” She’ll be saying, “ho, ho…OH!” (And check out If Only in My Dreams for Scout’s story!) Not Just for Christmas You've read the sisters' stories (in WE'RE DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS--which is also available as a free download!). Now read Clay's version of what REALLY happened Christmas Day!

What I'm Reading: Masters in this Hall (KJ Charles)

Not a new book, but at three years old, it's still newish. Set in England in the very late 1800s, it's technically part of Charles' Lilywhite Boys series. But, really, it could also be lumped in with her collection of "Worst. House party. EVER!" books (along with Proper English, Think of England, and All of us Murderers). 

It's giving Agatha Christie/Hercule Poirot and is another delightful read. Like the other books mentioned above, it does very well on its own. However, you miss soooo many of the inside jokes if you haven't read the other Lilywhite Boys books first. There aren't that many of them. Suck it up and read the other three first. 

https://kjcharleswriter.com/the-lilywhite-boys/

Masters in this Hall

KJ Charles

https://books2read.com/u/m2dWQd

John Garland was in love: now he’s in disgrace. He’s jobless, alone, and determined to avenge himself on the thief who ruined his life. All he wants for Christmas is to see Barnaby Littimer in gaol.

Barnaby has secured a job running the extravagant traditional Christmas at a rich man’s country house. John intends to thwart whatever he’s up to.

But amid the festivity, the halls are decked with unexpected dangers. And John will need to decide if he can trust Barnaby one more time…

A standalone m/m romance novella (30,000 words), set in the world of the Lilywhite Boys, four years after Gilded Cage.

“The perfect Christmas novella for those of us who prefer our seasonal tales to have a bit of zing and bite. It’s sharp, it’s funny, it’s devoid of religion and sentimentality, and it’s just the ticket for a cold winter’s afternoon. Enjoy!”–All About Romance

Mug Shot: Candy Cane Striped Mug

 

Nothing says Christmas like candy canes, am I right?  I mean, whenever I'm trying to get into a Christmas mood (in order to write Christmas stories in, say, August) I always reach for a candy cane. 

This mug is tall, so it's perfect for hanging a candy cane off the rim. Mint Mochas, anyone? 

Also, Mint counts as a spice. So here's a spicy Christmas playlist for your enjoyment. 

What I'm Reading: Trick of Light (Jennifer Bernard)

So Jennifer Bernard released the second book in her Sea Smoke Island series last week and of course I had to drop everything and read it.

This is Gabby and Barnaby's story. Gabby featured in the first book of the series (although obviously she plays a bigger role in this one). Barnaby is Luke's (the hero of book one) brother. 

What I especially found intriguing is that Luke is the sheriff (constable? I forget, exactly) basically The Law on Sea Smoke Island, and in this book, Barnaby is frequently running afoul of the law...or protecting others who are being framed, or suspected of crimes, etc. So, basically, it's pitting brother against brother, hero against hero...

Given how often I end up writing small-town cop-heroes, it's gratifying to read someone else's take on it. 

In some ways, this series reminds me of Josh Lanyon's Secret's and Scrabble series. 

Trick of Light

Jennifer Bernard

https://www.jenniferbernard.net/trick-of-light

Sea Smoke Island has a way of dragging the past into the light...no matter who gets burned.

Gabby Ramon barely escaped with her life the last time she set foot on Sea Smoke Island. But what self-respecting true crime podcaster could walk away from so many buried secrets, including literal pirate treasure? She’s determined to uncover the truth—even if it means clashing with the island’s most powerful—and infuriatingly handsome—man.

Barnaby Carmichael never wanted to run his family’s empire, but protecting their legacy means keeping a dangerous secret buried. When Gabby’s investigation starts hitting too close to home, he’s ready to shut her down. Until islanders begin falling mysteriously ill—and the only person who can help him clear his family’s name is the woman threatening to expose it.

As desire sparks and danger deepens, Gabby and Barnaby must decide what’s riskier—the secrets they’re uncovering or the way they’re falling for each other.

TRICK OF LIGHT is an enemies to lovers romantic suspense set on the hauntingly beautiful coast of Maine. 

Mug Shot: Christmas Camp Mug

 

Technically, this isn't my mug; it belongs to a friend of mine. And, technically, I'd only use it to drink spiced wine, eggnog or hard cider rather than anything hot--I'm sure we've discussed the heat issue with camp mugs before now. 

Still, it's very bright and cheery and just perfect for the season.  Also, it's my niece's birthday today, so Happy Birthday, Merry!

What I'm Reading: Holiday Round-up

I'm doing something different again this week. Here's my Christmas Reading Wish List. 

Jingle Spells (Emily Grimoire): A witch who hates Christmas returns to Oak Haven and teams up with a holiday-hating human to restore order in this sweet magical romance.

Emily Grimoire has no discernible website, so all I’ve got for you is an Amazon link. Mia Culpa. I have the first book in this series and am really looking forward to Christmas in Oak Haven.

The House on Hidden Lane (Jayne Ann Krentz): New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.

I haven’t read a new Krentz book in AGES! So, this is going to be a treat. Unfortunately, it looks like the release date isn’t until JANUARY? WTF?

 

Scrooged for the Holidays (Kayla Grosse): A modern "A Christmas Carol" retelling where Ice Queen Greer meets three supernatural men in a mountain town, leading to a steamy holiday romance with paranormal elements.

I LOVE this idea. And the fact that the three men are angels? Be still my heart!

 

Good Spirits (B.K. Borison): A woman finds romance with the ghost of Christmas Past while he's haunting her.

 

Okay, as mentioned above, I’m a sucker for anything based on “A Christmas Carol”. And I think I’d buy this book just for the gorgeous cover.  And speaking of which…

 

 

Lovelight Farms (B.K. Borison): A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

 

This one is a couple of years old, but I love a good madcap, Christmas-tree-farm romance and the cover is once again GORGEOUS.

I have a few new Christmas-themed books releasing this year as well! them here:

https://www.pgforte.com/only-for-the-holidays

Winterlude
A Winter Hearts Christmas Collection

Includes This Winter's Night, Winter World of Love and Winter of Our Discontent, and a sneak peek at Lightning in a Bottle.

This Winter's Night:  Dario and Ophelia Leonides are passionately in love. The only things marring their happiness are Lia's homesickness and continued inability to conceive a child. 

Dario would do anything to make Lia smile again. He's hoping to use the miraculous technology his father-in-law has pioneered, combined with the magic inherent in his native land. But calling upon the forces of Kokopeli may have unintended consequences. 

Winter World of Love: Just one short year ago, Ophelia Leonides returned to New Texacali hoping to reconcile with her husband. And, for a while, it seemed that most, if not all, her dreams were coming true. But as the holiday season approaches, Ophelia can’t help but notice that Dario has begun to brood. He says it has nothing to do with her, but trust, once lost, is hard to regain.

Dario is frustrated by his inability to give Ophelia the life he knows she deserves. Now, as old ghosts from his past draw close, and the bright future he’s promised his wife grows increasingly dim, he’s on the brink of making a last, desperate gamble--one that might destroy everything they've been hoping to achieve.

I'll Be Home for Christmas 
An Oberon Christmas Duology

Includes two novellas, If Only in My Dreams, and Spicy Nick. One holiday weekend. Two special stories. Will they both have happy endings? Well, it’s Oberon, so anything is possible.

IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS: Scout is heading home for the holidays when her flight gets rerouted into Alternate Universe Oberon, where nothing is as she remembers it.

 

SPICY NICK: When his wife finally makes it home (after her unexpected adventure) Nick is ready to greet her with a little holiday spice!

We're Dreaming of a Wine Christmas

A Pour Decisions Christmas Story

The Martinelli sisters have a lot of reasons to celebrate this holiday season!

Mug Shot: Currier and Ives

 

We're still in Thanksgiving season, so here's a cup that I inherited from my grandmother. And, as you can see, there's a picture of someone riding in a horse drawn carriage. So, I choose to associate this with the song Over the River and Through the Woods. 

And, I mean, I'M the grandmother now, and technically, my grandson DOES have to travel over the river and through the woods to get to my house--even if the river and woods are in HIS development, rather than mine. 

So, yay! Thanksgiving!

Mug Shot: Pumpkinesque (?) Mug

 

Well, this is clearly an Autumn coded mug, what with the color, the vaguely pumpkin-like shape and the autumn leaf design. And, like the black cat mug from a few weeks back, the rim curves inward making it somewhat awkward to drink out of. 

Still, it's a PSL mug if ever I've seen one. And since Thanksgiving is celebrated this week, that's really what matters. 

What I'm Reading: The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes (Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart)

I've been having the WORST LUCK with books lately, either they haven't held my interest, or I didn't like them enough to finish. So I gave up and re-read something I knew I'd like. The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes is a collaboration of three authors and it's very much in the same vein as the Practical Magic or Charmed. It's fun and light-hearted and I was this-many-weeks-old when I realized that the title was a pun. Miss Fortunes = misfortunes. To make matters worse, one of the characters flat out explains it right IN THE BOOK: "we ended up the Little Miss Fortunes, and you'd have thought somebody would have seen the play on words there, wouldn't you? But no"

Yeah, no kidding. Me either. 

Anyway, it's cute, well-written, and magical, with three happy endings. Or possibly four. I'm rooting for you, Pauline!

The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes

Jennifer Crusie
Eileen Dreyer
Anne Stuart 

https://www.amazon.com/Unfortunate-Miss-Fortunes-Novel-ebook/dp/B004VMWJX4

Three magical sisters meet their true loves—in a wicked scheme to take their powers—in this sexy romantic fantasy from a trio of beloved authors.

When she was sixteen, Dee Fortune kidnapped her two younger sisters and ran from danger. Now twenty-nine, she's still trying to control her shape-shifting power, which is no easy task when Danny James shows up one Friday morning with his deadly smile and dangerous questions about the past.

Dee's sister Lizzie is determined to save her family from financial ruin by turning straw into gold; now if she could only stop turning forks into bunnies. Then Elric, a sorcerer, appears one Friday annoyed with the chaos Lizzie is creating in the universe and in his heart . . .

While Mare, the youngest Miss Fortune, towers above her sisters, her telekinetic power is dwarfed by their gifts. She spends her days at Value Video and her nights contemplating the futility of her existence. But then a gorgeous Value Video VP and Mare's long lost love turn up…and they all turn up the heat on a weekend that no Fortune will soon forget!

Mug Shot: Owl Mug

 

I guess we're on a tangent this month. Owls are also on my could-be-a-spirit-animal list. I've loved them forever, too. 

I love this mug for many reasons. First of all, it's bigger than it looks in the picture, which means it holds a lot of coffee without feeling massive. Also, the Taupe and Teal color combo has always been a favorite. The spirals look like something I might have put on a mug during my high school ceramics phase. Actually, the owl looks like something I might have drawn in high school, as well. 

I bought this used and have NO idea when it was made, but everything about it, including the shape, screams '70s to me...which is when I actually was in high school, so it all tracks. I feel like I imagined this mug into being. 

Not for nothing, but my husband also likes this mug. I know, surprised me, too. 

What I'm Reading: Crazy Together (Marie Sexton)

It's been awhile since I picked up a Marie Sexton book. I devoured her Coda and Tucker Springs series--and several of her stand alone stories, as well. Back in the day, we wrote for several of the same publishers and hung out together at conventions (I still owe her some wine bottle stoppers, come to think of it. Oops.). 

But, anyway...

I was thrilled to find out she'd written TWO new books in a new, Christmas-themed series. Yay! If you're a fan of low-angst, heart-warming M/M stories, check them out!

Crazy Together

A Camp Bay Christmas Novel

Marie Sexton

https://www.mariesexton.net/books/complete-book-list/crazy-together

In the wake of his husband's recent passing, nightclub owner Bryan Nantel feels smothered by sympathy from his well-meaning friends. Tired of being seen only as a grieving widower, Bryan decides to spend the holiday with his father in Houston, even though he fears it will be the end of his hard-fought sobriety. But a chance encounter at the airport changes everything.

Noah Porter is a former baseball player whose career was cut short by a devastating injury. He’s not quite ready to come out of the closet, but he has every intention of losing his virginity ASAP. On a whim, he invites Bryan to spend the weekend with him at Camp Bay Chalet, a secluded B&B tucked away in the panhandle of Northern Idaho.

Bryan knows running away with a man he just met is crazy and reckless. Maybe even dangerous. But it sure beats his other options. He figures what happens at Camp Bay can stay at Camp Bay. And a bit of Christmas craziness may be exactly what he and Noah both need.

Mug Shot: November Legend Mug

 

So it's my husband's birthday this week, and I bought this mug for him. It's stainless steel and insulated and it comes with a lid so he can take it with him anywhere.  

I'm happy to say that this IS (finally) a mug that he likes.

The playlist today was chosen because the heroine of book one, Waiting for the Big One, is a Pisces, like I am, and her hero is a scorpio, like my husband. 

What I'm Reading: A Christmas Spark (Diana Biller)

This is a VERY short story, with almost no angst to it at all. But it's Christmas, so who cares? It also has a very steampunky feel to it, which I love. The h/h are both scientists, the hero is a total cinnamon roll, and there's ice-skating. Also, I love the cover.

The author has three books (this and two others) that I assume are linked in some fashion; this one is set in the 1840s, the other two are set in the 1870s and the heroes in all three books have the last name Moore. 

I'm assuming a family connection and that THIS Moore might be the father of the other two. I've ordered one of the other books in hopes of finding out, but I REALLY wish authors would make things like that more obvious on their websites. 

A Christmas Spark
Diana Biller

https://www.dianabiller.com/a-christmas-spark

Winnifred can’t believe her luck! She’s been hired to work for renowned scientist John Moore - which in 1843 is the next best thing to being a scientist herself. Unfortunately, she didn’t expect to find his very presence so… distracting during experiments.

 John thinks Winnifred Byrne is a disaster of an assistant. She makes a dreadful cup of tea and has caused not one but multiple explosions! Except...she's warm, funny, brilliant, and to make matters much worse, is probably the most beautiful woman he's ever met.

 As the snow falls and their friendship deepens, one thing becomes clear: he’s met his match in more ways than one.