What I'm Reading: The 12 Days Ultimatum

So, this book was a surprise. It doesn't appear on Lanyon's website--as far as I can tell. Personally, it's not my favorite site to try and navigate. It's not in "standalones" which it wouldn't be since I believe it's part of a series. It's also not on the series page, however. Although, to be honest, I'm not sure which series it belongs to, so I might have missed it. She's got quite a few books with FBI characters and it's been awhile. 

Lanyon is one of those authors--like me and so many others I know or knew or try to follow--whose output has slowed dramatically in the past ten years. It's been rough. 

Anyway, this is one of the better books I've read lately, even if it still catches me off-guard how emotional her FBI characters tend to be. I mean, they all claim to be good at compartmentalizing, but I think that's just one more thing they're in denial about. 

That having been said, her profilers are a lot better at reading people than the run of the mill agents, so maybe it's my own (completely non-existent) experience with FBI agents that's at fault? 

The Twelve Day Ultimatum

Josh Lanyon 

https://www.amazon.com/12-Days-Ultimatum-Josh-Lanyon-ebook/dp/B0GHPSW1ST/ref=sr_1_3

“I don’t take kindly to ultimatums.”

Nobody gives FBI Supervisory Special Agent Lucas Alexander ultimatums. His reputation as a hard-ass perfectionist is well-deserved. There’s a reason he’s the go-to person for agents, the community of Silver Pine, Idaho, and even the Salt Lake City Field Office. For Lucas, the job always comes first. Always has. 

Always will?

Because Lucas does have one weak spot, and his name is Special Agent Riley Christopher. Two days ago, Riley delivered his boss an ultimatum: prioritize their relationship or end it. Now Lucas has a choice. The job or the relationship? Lucas has to decide whether he’s capable of balancing love and duty before the twelve days of Christmas are up.

Mug Shot: Bee Kind

I always wish I could have kept bees back in the day when I had a place in which to keep bees--and the energy to do so! My son had hives on his property for a few years, but that was just far enough away that I couldn't take that on as a job and still have a life outside of bees. 

But, like with most subjects that I find fascinating, I did get to live vicariously through my characters. Lucy in A Taste of Honey, keeps bees...but I bet you guessed that from the title, huh? 

A Taste Of Honey

Oberon Book 4.0

For Lucy Greco Cavanaugh, life is a dream come true.  She has it all. The perfect family. The perfect husband. The perfect marriage. What more could she wish for?  Other than the chance to do it all again. To experience once more the agony and ecstasy of falling in love with the man of her dreams. To recapture the joy and uncertainty that comes with starting over.

As far as Dan Cavanaugh is concerned, his life has become a nightmare. His storybook marriage is on the line when Deirdre Shelton-Cooper, the runaway daughter of a former girlfriend arrives in Oberon intent on proving Dan is her father. Even though he's convinced the girl's claims are false, Dan decides his only chance to keep from losing everything lies in keeping her very existence a secret from his wife and family.

But, sometimes, what you don't know can hurt you--and those you love. When Deirdre, masquerading as a surfer girl named Monica, accidentally hooks up with their son, Seth, Lucy and Dan are left to wonder: has their perfect, fairy-tale romance, turned into a classic Greek tragedy?

 Sometimes you get exactly what you wish for.  And it's more than you'd ever dreamed.

https://books2read.com/TasteOfHoney

What I'm Reading: How to Fake it in Society (KJ Charles)

Have I mentioned how, so much of the time, Charles' regency world reminds me of Georgette Heyer?  Not a complaint. It's like finding Easter eggs when you're least expecting to. This book, for example has a premise very similar to the one in Heyer's The Reluctant Widow, which I wrote about earlier this year. And honestly? I think Charles does it better. 

How to Fake it in Society

KJ Charles

https://kjcharleswriter.com/standalone-books/

It is 1821 and Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte is making a splash in London Society. The son of Jeanne de Valois de La Motte, infamous for stealing a priceless diamond necklace meant for Marie Antoinette, Nico hopes to restore his wronged mother’s reputation, if only he can raise the funds. But he must operate with great secrecy, because the Bourbon dynasty murdered his mother, and he fears for his life.

At least, that’s what he tells Titus Pilcrow. Titus was a simple shopkeeper, making and selling artists’ paints, when he found himself suddenly married to an immensely wealthy woman who wanted to disinherit her nephew on her deathbed. As word spreads of his fortune, Titus finds himself a target of every scammer and beggar in London . . . including one Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte.

Nico is on his last legs, out of money, and on the run from some terrifying gangsters. When Titus offers Nico a space in his household, it’s the perfect chance for him to exploit London’s newest golden purse – until he falls in love with the man he needs to cheat. Still, Nico is sure they can have a happy ending together. If he can just find his way out of his own web of lies…

Mug Shot: Blue Travel Mug

I love this mug shot. It's one of the few where the mug isn't staged but is shown in situ. And it's pretty. The steel blue of the mug, the blue sky, the blue-gray car dash is complemented by the green grass, yellow flowers and white clouds. 

I really like this mug, too. I bought it a few days before we took this trip to Mustang Island. We were shopping for last minute travel needs when I saw this mug and fell instantly in love. I love the color, the grippable surface, the handle(!), the size. My husband was less enchanted at first, but he's since come around to my way of thinking. 

It's a great mug. 

What I'm Reading: Animals and the Afterlife (Kim Sheridan)

I first read this book a few years ago after I lost my dog. We lost our other dog the following year and my grandson's puppy the year after that. So no, I am not okay. And while I am starting to get to the point where I think about maybe adopting an older pit bull (one who gets along with smaller dogs and will not try and kill the neighborhood cats) I'm not quite there yet. But I digress.

One of the things I found most interesting about this book was how much the author talked about pet rats that she and others had had. It was unusual. Most pet psychics seem to stick to more mainstream animal companions--dogs, cats, horses. Rats are outliers to some extent. Of course, there are people who might say the same about horses, but that's beside the point. 

I was at yoga last week and overheard the teacher talking about his pet rats (all dead now) and how he was thinking about getting a new one and about reincarnation, wishing he could communicate with his former pets, etc. 

I couldn't wait to suggest this book to him. And now to all of you, as well...

Animals and the Afterlife

Kim Sheridan

http://kimsheridan.com/books/

Do animals have souls?
What happens when they die?
This book offers some amazing answers…

Kim Sheridan grew up with animals as her constant companions. Each time she faced the death of a beloved animal, along with the pain came the same questions, to which she could find no answers. Then mysterious things began to happen which she could not explain. Unable to dismiss these mysterious events, Kim embarked upon what became an incredible journey to uncover the truth. Along with her own experiences, she compiled the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people from around the world. She discovered overwhelming evidence that forever erased her own doubts of an afterlife for animals. Kim’s award-winning book provides reassurance to anyone who has ever loved and lost an animal. For more information, visit: www.AnimalsAndTheAfterlife.com

Mug Shot: I Love Books

So, April 23 is World Book Day...which I'd never heard of before. According to UNESCO: "Books are like a window onto another world – with each new page, they introduce us to new people, new cultures and new ideas. Every year, on 23 April, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day in recognition of the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures."

I certainly can't argue with that! I picked this mug up at a local thrift store. It's nice, kind of elegant, with a good design. I've been using it a lot lately. 

What I'm Reading: It's Not Me, It's You (Jo Lovett)

So, I love books that involve characters having to deal with being part of a reality TV show--mostly because my own reality TV book series (Inked in OakTown) has been stalled for some time. This story also features a heroine who writes romance and a hero who despises the genre--at least at the beginning. 

It was surprisingly intriguing, although I must admit the rules of the challenge confused the hell out of me. It was also very When Harry Met Sally meets the Great British Bake Off. IYKYK.

It's Not Me, It's You

Jo Lovett 

https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Me-You-rom-com-ebook/dp/B0F42JYHTK/ref=sr_1_2

One hopeless romantic 💕

One hardened cynic ❤️‍🩹

One bet they’ll never forget... 🔥

Freya writes bestselling romance novels for a living, but off the page, she doesn’t believe in happy endings.

Jake is a divorced divorce lawyer who does believe in romance ­– despite every day seeing the results of failed relationships.

When a TV news segment captures their very public disagreement about modern love, the clip goes viral, and to settle the debate, they strike a deal: Jake will find Freya her perfect match, and Freya will convince Jake that romance is a fairy tale best left in fiction.

The rules are simple. The stakes are high. And the chemistry? Undeniable.

Mug Shot: Cat Mug

This mug is very apropos because it's currently kitten season in my neck of the woods. Which means that the wild cat population of my town is larger than it was a few weeks ago.  Personally, I love cats. I consider myself a cat person even though I haven't actually had a cat as a pet in quite a few years. The last three dogs I cared for were NOT cat friendly, sad to say, which is why so many people who haven't known me that long assume I'm a dog person. However, since my "not having cats" has coincided with my living in places where there's been a robust "neighborhood cat" population, it's not like I haven't interacted with cats. It just means they don't live in my house. 

I found out recently that these cats are known collectively as the Kyle Curse. Apparently they live in (and travel through) the sewers. I don't think they're entirely feral since a surprising number of them are eager to be petted, and of course they're always happy to be fed, but they don't seem to want anything more than that out of our relationship. Which allows me to continue to deny any sort of ownership. 

Up until the point where I decide to move, of course. When that day comes, all bets are off.  

But anyway, the mug. I've found myself liking blue now more than I ever did before, so that's a plus. It's a good (albeit generic) size and shape. And the cat faces are really cute. 5/5  Would recommend. 

What I'm Reading: Blood and Sand (Jordan L Hawk)

So I think this is the end of this series, which is sad, although everything was wrapped up in a very satisfactory manner. The Pride seems to be an off-shoot of Hawk's earlier series, Hexworld, which I think is my favorite of all her series. So...it feels sort of like I'm saying good-bye all over again.

Anyway, they're both really similar in feel to Allie Therin's Magic in Manhattan series (which also has a spin-off or two)

So if you like prohibition-era, paranormal, m/m romantic suspense with shape-shifters, bootleggers, flappers and the like--these are the series for you!

Blood and Sand

Jordan L Hawk

https://jordanlhawk.com/products/blood-and-sand-the-pride-3-ebook

War has come to the streets of Chicago…

Sam Cunningham didn’t set out to work for a gangster, but his job as Mickey Sullivan’s hexmaster seems safe enough…until a gang war puts a target on both of their backs.

Cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti is desperate to keep his family’s speakeasy up and running. But with a brutal assassin killing off the city’s bootleggers, his options are growing slimmer with every passing day.

Their one chance to remain safe and keep The Pride afloat lies in the form of an ancient hex looted from an Egyptian tomb. If Sam wants to escape Sullivan’s grasp, he needs to recreate the hex and get it to work.

But in a gang war fought by magic as well as guns, the odds are in no one’s favor, and the streets of Chicago will soon run red with blood.

Mug Shot: Mustang Island

This is another of the mugs I picked up during my Port Aransas trip last year. As I've mentioned previously, I'm a sucker for ceramic mugs that are made in the image of enamel camp mugs. Mustang Island is GORGEOUS and this mug is a cheerful reminder of it, even if it is a tad heavy for everyday use.

What I'm Reading: A "Trapped in the Elevator" Compilation

So, I noticed a strange pattern developing in my reading lately. I've encountered three books in which the H/H meet each other when they trapped together in an elevator. I've never written a 'trapped in the elevator' scene. I don't think I will--although I never say never when it comes to what my muse might come up with. She's a real "hold my beer" kinda sprite. But it's never happened to me, so I think I'm safe.

The first book--Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, by Andie Elliott--takes place during her book, I Could Write a Book, which I talked about earlier this year. The elevator in question gets stuck during a wedding with two of the wedding party inside. 

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

Andie Elliott

 

https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Call-Whole-Thing-Off-ebook/dp/B0D87L24QN/

Serious-as-a-heart-attack reporter Robert Ryan is here, as promised, because frankly he couldn’t think of a way to get out of being in his rival—er, colleague’s—wedding.

 

Sunshiny actor turned groomsman-for-hire Jamie Daley is here because the guy who was supposed to walk down the aisle with Robert decided he had better things to do.

 

And now they are both stuck in an elevator because the Park Palace clearly needs to do more frequent inspections of their equipment.

 

What could possibly go right?

 

You Rock My World opens with two people trapped overnight in an elevator, which sounds amazingly uncomfortable. It's insta-love with a rock star hero, which normally isn't my favorite, but I like the way the author spun it into more of a right time, right place kind of thing.

You Rock My World
Camilla Isley

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4WPZDBZ

When Josie gets trapped overnight in an elevator with Rian Phoenix—global rock legend—she figures it’ll be a funny story to tell, not a plot twist with heartache written all over it. Only, the real Rian isn’t the bad boy the headlines describe. He is witty, kind, and unexpectedly swoon-worthy. By morning, they’ve shared snacks, secrets, and sparked a dangerously real connection. Then the elevator doors open. Reality crashes in, and Josie becomes a stranger he’s not supposed to remember. She walks away with a bruised heart and a vow to steer clear of rockstars forever.

A year later, Josie’s steady again—until she’s reassigned as Rian’s PR manager. Back in his orbit, she must keep things professional to protect her job—and avoid falling for him all over again. But Rian hasn’t forgotten her. Too bad picking up where they left off could cost her everything. With the world watching, Josie has to decide whether to guard her heart and her career… or press play on a love story that finally hits all the right notes.

I almost didn't include A Lot to Unpack in this list because I'm not actually finished with it yet. And also because while the H/H do get trapped in the elevator, it's only for a couple of minutes and then they immediately go their separate ways for AGES. Like...the next 25% of the book, as far as I can tell. But they DID meet in the elevator, and that seemed weirdly coincidental, so here you go...

A Lot to Unpack

Portia MacIntosh

https://www.amazon.com/Lot-Unpack-proximity-rivals-lovers-ebook/dp/B0F4WB3F1J/

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job - which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

Mug Shot: Texas-sized Mug

Here's another Texas mug. This one is really big! It's also a pretty shade of blue--bluebonnet blue, in fact. And the bluebonnet's are just coming into bloom at the moment. So this seemed like a good time to post it. 

I purchased this mug from a Travel-center gift shop (as you do!) somewhere in East Texas on a road trip to Nashville and Florida. I think it's the most classically Texan mug I own. It's also almost too big to hold, which...is possibly the point? 

What I'm Reading: Vampire in a Pear Tree (Katie MacAlister)

So this was a fun one. Although I'll admit I'd probably have enjoyed it even more if I'd read any of the earlier books in the (apparently two?) previous series in which most of the characters are found. I didn't know anyone's backstories and I don't think that was ideal. But there's vampires and demi-gods and mythology and magic, so that's right up my alley. 

Vampire in a Pear Tree
Katie MacAlister

https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Pear-Tree-Ravenfall-Dark-ebook/dp/B0G2PJCF8B

On the twelth day of Christmas, Katie MacAlister brings to you:

12 shadow ravens
11 times someone wanted to brain a Greek god
10 cookies eaten by a starving knocker
9 chapters of pre-Christmas madness
8 sets of foam holiday gnomes ready for battle
7 cups of mulled Dragon's Blood wine
6 Dark Ones and dragons ready to rumble
5 diamond protection runes
4 exhausted dragon mates
3 Beloveds not suffering fools
2 broken legs
1 demon in Newfoundland form made very happy

This festive Ravenfall novella continues from where Axegate Walk and The Dragon With a Girl Tattoo ended, and is filled with a cranky raven who isn't what she appears, twenty-seven deranged druids, ancient Irish mythology in the flesh, and Owain the thane, feared by all...except the thief taker who's willing to risk everything to save him from those who want him destroyed.

A VAMPIRE IN A PEAR TREE features familiar Dark Ones and dragons, and brings holiday happiness to the Otherworld...in the face of what may well be imminent doom. 

Mug Shot: New Beginnings

This is such a cute mug. I love mugs with inspirational messages and this is so perfect for Spring. I also love the little tulip at the bottom. My parents planted tulips in the front yard flower beds when they first built the house I grew up in. But they planted the bulbs too deep so it took several years before they started to bloom. 

Shape wise, this seems more like a cup than a mug, except that it didn't come with a saucer...so mug it is. I like the design which is whimsical and childlike. 

What I'm Reading: Hearts and Glowers (K.M. Gillis)

This is a cute little Valentine's Day story, very low angst. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. 

Hearts and Glowers
K.M. Gillis

https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Glowers-Grumpy-Sunshine-Office-ebook/dp/B0CNMX54FP/

Meet Noel: a workaholic on track to become the youngest partner in his accounting firm’s history. He sees the world in black and white, but when a doe-eyed new hire at the firm starts wasting company time, he’s suddenly seeing red.

Enter Candy: She’s determined to prove to herself and her family that she can thrive in a new city on her terms. A hopeless romantic, her eternal optimism is put to the test by her gorgeous yet grumpy coworker.

She’s sweet, he’s sour. But these two opposites definitely attract. Tempers and passions will flare, but can they fight the fire between them without getting burned?

Hearts And Glowers is a spicy office romance romp. 

Mug Shot: Port Aransas Mug

Yes, it's another ocean-themed mug, brought to you by Pisces-R-Us. I got this on my last trip to Port A, as it's called. This is where some of the closest beaches to me are located. It's an amazingly relaxing place with a surprising amount of wildlife. 

I like the look of this mug. I like the colors, the design, the textures, the glaze choices. It's a good size, though not huge. It's a good addition to our two-toned, sea-colored, beach-themed mug collection. 

What I'm Reading: The Wickeds (Gayle Forman)

The So, this is a story about several fairy tale villains--told from their perspectives. I was particularly intrigued because I've signed on to write a story for an anthology that's centered around the descendants of fairy tale villains. 

Anyway, it's cute. I liked it. Now, I guess I'll have to pick up the rest of the series. I think they're all available via Prime. 

Hilariously, my initial cover for my story was very similar to this one. But I've gone in another direction with it. 

The Wickeds (Faraway Collection)
Gayle Forman

https://www.amazon.com/Wickeds-Faraway-collection-Gayle-Forman-ebook/dp/B08L61SCT2/

The reviled villainesses of Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel team up to set the record straight in a subversively funny short story by the number one New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay.

Envious queen? Evil stepmother? Kidnapping hag? Elsinora, Gwendolyn, and Marguerite are through with warts-and-all tabloids, ugly lies, and the three ungrateful brats who pitted them against each other and the world. But maybe there’s more to the stories than even the Wickeds know. Is it time to finally get revenge? After all, they’re due for a happily-enough-ever-after. Even if they have to write it themselves.

The Wickeds is part of Faraway, a collection of retold fairy tales that take the happily-ever-after in daring new directions. Whether read or listened to in one sitting, prepare to be charmed, moved, enlightened, and frightened all over again. 

Mug Shot: Rumi Quote Mug

I love Rumi. I love watercolor-esque paintings, and anything to do with oceans or fish--yes, it's the Pisces thing, again. So, of course I had to buy this mug. It's a decent size, not huge. Not particularly special, just a nice, serviceable mug. I definitely bought it because it's pretty and has a great quote. 

What I'm Reading: The Love Equation (Meg Benjamin)

So this is the latest book in Meg Benjamin's Konigsburg series. Only a few scenes are set in Konigsburg itself, and only a handful of characters show up, but it's still nice to visit with some old friends, and to speculate on whether any of the new characters will stick around and make appearances in future books.

Also, not to brag, but I did this cover. I created it before I read the book, and I liked it a lot. But now having read the book, I have to say that I think it REALLy catches the mood of the story. So yay, me! lol And obviously, yay, Meg, too!

The Love Equation
Meg Benjamin

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Equation-Konigsburg-Texas-ebook/dp/B0GJQXXZCG/

They’re both unlucky in love. Can they find the equation for the perfect mate?

Celine Murphy has had it. Her current boyfriend has broken up with her by text. That makes three boyfriends who’ve turned out to be losers, including one who left for Antarctica. She’s decided to go for an online matchmaking service, but as a mathematician, she wants to minimize her own faulty choices and let an algorithm make the selection.

At the same time, musician Delaney Boone has come to Austin to mentor “the kid,” a popular actor turned musician. He’s also escaping a broken heart from a failed relationship, and he’s hoping Austin will provide some new possibilities. With those new possibilities in mind, he goes for an online dating service.

Fate—or math—matches these two unlikely lovers. But can they overcome their own doubts to accept another chance at romance? Maybe with the help of an unlikely cupid in the form of Celine’s grandfather, The Judge, and the matchmaking skills of some familiar faces in Konigsburg. And an unexpected dose of cedar fever. It’s Texas y’all.