Fall Into Romance Blog Hop ~ Pumpkin-Flavored Everything!

There are so many things to love about Autumn.
Finding romance beneath a canopy of changing leaves...

A couple in love sharing a piece of pumpkin pie, or cake, or donut, or muffin while drinking some pumpkin-flavored coffee, maybe a pumpkin-flavored latte...

 Mmm...pumpkin...

Or holding each other close as that spooky holiday looms closer with each night...

There is romance in the air at this time of year. It's a time for lovers to spend quality time together as the cooler days approach. To hold hands as they walk among the falling autumn leaves. To curl up together while they sip hot apple cider (maybe they're tired of pumpkin). And to get ready for my favorite holiday! Halloween! With Jack-O-Laterns! :)

So, in honor of the cooler weather that's either here for some of us or on it's way and pumpkins (I should've wrote a Cinderella story!) I'm giving away a copy of my paranormal romance, The Witch and the Wolf, along with a $5.00 Amazon Gift Certificate to one lucky winner! Curl up with your ereader and enjoy! 

The Witch and the Wolf

Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.

Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

Excerpt:

There were several moments Jeremy North suspected he suffered hallucinations. Most of those times had been when he had first begun to change into the beast during the full moon. And now, as he answered the knocking he had at first imagined to be the pounding in his skull, he wondered if the brandy he had been drinking this evening was perhaps tainted. He could not quite believe his eyes.

A woman stood on his doorstep, covered in a layer of snow, her bright blue eyes silently pleading to him just before her eyelids fluttered closed, and she crumpled at his feet. He managed to set the candle down safely on a table in time to catch her before she cracked her head on the stone beneath her. He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, brought her into the house, slamming the door closed with his foot. He hurried into the library with his unexpected guest. North had returned earlier seeking the warm oblivion of yet another glass of brandy. He grimaced at the memory of countless other sleep-deprived nights spent in much the same way. Sans an unconscious woman, however.

He placed the bundled woman onto the sofa, ignoring the fact that the snow was bound to create a water stain on the fabric once it melted. He leaned over her, pushing the curly brown strands of wet hair off her face and checked to see if she still breathed. Satisfied when he felt her breath on his hand, he went back to the corridor.

“Amery!” He roared.

Turning back to the woman on his sofa, he again felt the necessity to blink his eyes, wondering if they played a trick with his senses. He lit more candles to brighten the room and added more wood to the fire. Then he walked back to the woman and knelt at her side. He found her hand dangling over the edge of the sofa and took it gently in his, the digits frozen stiff. He inhaled a gasp. He cupped both of his hands instinctively around hers, hoping to lend her his warmth.

He heard the shuffle from the hallway and Amery’s muttering, then a noisy yawn.

“Bloody hell! What is this?” Amery bellowed from the doorway.

North ignored the query. “We need blankets,” he said, instead. “She’s frozen through.”

Amery nodded and left.

A muffled groan from behind drew his attention, and he turned to see the woman’s eyelids flutter open. He inhaled sharply as her bright blue gaze fell upon him.

She studied him for a moment.

And then, she smiled.

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Mailbox Monday ~ August 18

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.

I bought two books in a new series by Zoë Archer. Yes, I only bought Books #1 & #3. They were the only ones stocked on the store shelf. But, I have #2 on my wishlist. And since I buy faster than I read, I have a little time before I get to this anyway.

And, I bought Pink Jinxed by Sandra Hill! For some reason I thought I already had this book, but last week when I was sorting through my bookshelves, I discovered it was missing. Maybe.

Books rarely go missing in my house. In fact, I've only ever misplaced 3 books and 1 was recently found. Those gremlins haunting my house still haven't given up the first 2! But, in this case, I might have been mistaken. Sometimes during my years working at the bookstore, there were times where I stocked and shelved books I wanted to buy but never did. Then later, I thought I bought them because I remember wanting to buy them.

Does that make any sense at all?

Sweet Revenge by Zoë Archer

The first in a breathtaking new series about the dangerous business of undercover revenge—and the undeniable pleasure of passion…

In the Business of Vengeance

When Jack Dalton escapes from Dunmoor Prison, he has only one thing in mind—finding the nobleman who murdered his sister and making him pay. But when he reaches the inn where the Lord Rockley is rumored to be staying, three well-dressed strangers are there to meet him instead. And the pretty blonde is aiming a pistol right at his head…

Desire Is Always Dangerous

Joining Nemesis, Unlimited has made Eva Warrick much more than the well-mannered lady she appears to be—one who can shoot, fight, and outsmart any man in the quest to right the injustices so often suffered by the innocent. She’s not afraid of the burly escaped convict, but she is startled by their shared attraction. She and her partners need Jack’s help to get to Rockley, but Eva finds she wants Jack for scandalous reasons all her own…

Wicked Temptation by  Zoë Archer
 

FATE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Newly widowed, Bronwyn Parrish’s fortune has been spent settling her late husband’s debts—thanks to an unscrupulous business manager—and now there’s nothing left. Society has no place for a woman without means, and with nowhere to turn, Bronwyn is lost…until, from out of nowhere, a handsome gentleman steps in and makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

WILL DESIRE TEAR THEM APART?

Secrets and subterfuge are in Marco Black’s blood. As one of Nemesis, Unlimited’s most senior agents, Society women aren’t his usual cup of tea. But Marco’s sixth sense tells him that there’s more to Bronwyn than meets the eye…and he wants to help the brazen beauty retrieve her lost fortune. But is his attraction to her worth the risk? His mission will lead him all the way to Les Grillons, France’s most ruthless crime syndicate. Soon, Marco and Bronwyn will find themselves facing a danger that could cost them their lives—and a passion that is priceless.

Pink Jinxed by Sandra Hill

Baited...

Straitlaced Boston lawyer Veronica "Ronnie" Jinkowsky knows something's fishy when her estranged grandfather lures her to his New Jersey treasure-hunting business with woeful tales of old age and bankruptcy. But she never expected the salty old dog to shanghai her into a hunt for pink daimonds with her poker-playing, four-time ex-husband Jake Jensen in tow.

Hooked...

Betting her heart on Jake was always a losing proposition, yet just the sight of his come-hither blue eyes is still enough to melt her steely resolve. Now Ronnie's on a high seas adventure that throws together lost gems, a lost ship, and lost love—not to mention a Mafia widow, her two goons, and an elderly Cajun matchmaker.

And Going Down for the Last Time!

Trapped with t man she could never learn to live with—and was never happy without—is Ronnie fated to be forever jinxed in matters of the heart?

What books did you buy this week?

Mailbox Monday ~ August 11

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. Mailbox Monday started with Marcia of To Be Continued and now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog. 

I stumbled upon this book meme while I was browsing for new books. And since I have a compulsion to buy or borrow books faster than I can possibly read them, I decided it might be a good idea to participate in this since I love talking about books with other readers.

Last week I was lucky enough to stumble upon 2 books that were listed as Bargain Books. I think its because the covers were slightly creased. Although the sight of a creased cover usually disturbs me, the price was too good to resist!

With Seduction in Mind by Laura Lee Guhrke

Her proposition . . .

London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met. His resolution...

Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction.

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance...

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. ...to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

What books did you buy this week?

Sharing Favorite Authors on International Authors' Day! #IAD

Normally, I love talking about books. But when someone asks who my favorite author is I get a little tongue-tied. There's no way I can pick only one favorite. It's worse if someone asks which is my favorite book of all-time. There are hundreds! No kidding! How could I possibly choose?

To celebrate International Authors' Day, I decided to share a few of the books written by some of my favorite authors. These are authors that I must read. When I hear they've published a book, I'll go buy it without even looking to see what its about because I know from experience it will be a great read!

 On Goodreads, I've tried to list all of my favorite authors (in no particular order). I know I might be missing a few and there's always more to add when I find a new author!

Wolf's Bane by Ash Krafton

Since becoming oracle to the demivampire two years ago, advice columnist Sophie has battled werewolves and survived a vampire attack (or two). However, not only was she powerless to save her lover Marek when he slipped to the brink of evolution, she also witnessed his transformation into a falcon, the symbol of Horus United.

Sophie’s quest to save Marek is further complicated when rock star Dierk Adeluf – who also happens to be the king of the Werekind – invites her backstage after a concert. Just when it seems she will find respite from heartache, Sophie is bitten by a werewolf and Dierk decides she is destined to be his queen.

Sophie is caught between the demivamps she loves and the Were who commands her to love him. Throw in his jealous wanna-be girlfriend and an ambush by witches, and there you have the big mess that Sophie calls her life. And, hello? Her soul mate is still a bird.

She’s supposed to be the girl with all the answers, but Sophie needs more than a little advice--she needs divine intervention.

~I'm currently reading this one!

Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong

A war is brewing—the first battle has been waged and Savannah Levine is left standing, albeit battered and bruised. She has rescued her half brother from supernatural medical testing, but he’s fighting to stay alive. The Supernatural Liberation Movement took him hostage, and they have a maniacal plan to expose the supernatural world to the unknowing.

Savannah has called upon her inner energy to summon spells with frightening strength, a strength she never knew she had, as she fights to keep her world from shattering. But it’s more than a matter of supernaturals against one another—both heaven and hell have entered the war; hellhounds, genetically modified werewolves, and all forces of good and evil have joined the fray.

Uniting Savannah with Adam, Paige, Lucas, Jaime, Hope, and other lost-but-notforgotten characters in one epic battle, Thirteen is a grand, crowd-pleasing closer for Armstrong’s legions of fans.

Whisper His Name by Elizabeth Thornton

Breaking the code to her heart...

Independent and stubbornly unmarried, Abbie Vayle has always been a little too smart for her own good. But she may have gone too far when she starts her own rare-book business--and accidentally acquires an antique book in Paris with a mysterious code scribbled in the margins....

Someone wants the book back--and is willing to kill to get it. The only trouble is, Abbie no longer has the book. It's locked away in the customs house in Dover. Now it's a race against time as Abbie stays one step ahead of her pursuers. The last person she wants to confide in is her best friend, Hugh Templar, whom she knows only as a formidable scholar who shares her passion for Roman antiquities.

But as Hugh keeps turning up where she least expects him, a few things begin to dawn on her....Not only is Hugh surprisingly--in fact incredibly--handsome without his glasses on, but he's strangely "professional" in how he handles her mysterious enemies.

Hugh is clearly not what he seems. And soon Abbie realizes that neither is she...as she discovers what it means to love with all her heart and soul.

Princess and the O by Felicia Forella

What’s a girl got to do?

Princess Acelin of Timoria is staring down the barrel of her self-imposed deadline to marry and grant her father’s wish, her thirtieth birthday is less than a month away. She has been wined and dined by royalty from England to Monaco and everywhere in between. And she has yet to meet her Prince Charming, the man who can give her the one thing she longs for…an orgasm. She’s beginning to wonder if she’s asking for too much.

Is he the man for the job?

Prince Nolan of Bermine is beginning his leave from the Royal Air Force when his father drags him to the birthday celebration of the woman dubbed “the Promiscuous Princess” by the press. And finds himself tied up in knots over her. Now he just has to exert enough control to prove to her that she can indeed it all.

A Night Like This by Julia Quinn

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .

But she's managing quite well as a governess to threehighborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a singleweek she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playingan evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or mightbe a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds ofthe oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodgingunwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly temptedher, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .

But that's not going to stop the young earl from fallingin love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family'sannual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that meansspending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's aunicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to seehim dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril,he will stop at nothing to ensuretheir happy ending . . .  

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

When Frederica brings her younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, she seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society.

Lord Alverstoke cant resist wanting to help her

Normally wary of his family, which includes two overbearing sisters and innumerable favor-seekers, Lord Alverstoke does his best to keep his distance. But with his enterprising - and altogether entertaining - country cousins getting into one scrape after another right on his doorstep, before he knows it the Marquis finds himself dangerously embroiled... 

Photo courtesy of Michele Nelson

A little about me:

I'm an author of paranormal and gothic romance. Before the supernatural took possession of my pen I worked as an Assistant Manager and bookseller for Waldenbooks. After the store closed, I turned to writing as my next career choice. Now I write romance while taking care of my 3 young children. I live with my husband and 2 neurotic cats in the coal region of Pennsylvania.

I have a new book coming out at the end of this year called, The Witch's Kiss. It's Book 4 of The Merriweather Witches. If you haven't read the first three, you can get caught up now...





Buy on Amazon, Nook, or The Wild Rose Press

The Merriweather Witches (4 books)
by Tricia Schneider

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Which Books Do You Re-Read?

Recently, I wrote a post about the books that I've bought but never read. Today I was thinking about the books I like to read again and again and again. Because of my extremely long TBR list, I rarely re-read books, but there are a few that seem to call to me even after I've finished their journey. More often, when I go through my keeper shelves I'll pick a book to thumb through the pages and re-read a favorite scene or two. That always seems to brighten my day even if I don't have time to read the whole book. Like re-visiting old friends!

Here are a few books that I've read more than once (sometimes even 2 or 3 times!).
 

This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland

Gillian of Warewick knows no other treatment than the terrible physical and mental abuse issued by her father. When he arranges a match for Gillian with Christopher of Blackmour, she is fearful: Blackmour is rumored to be an evil sorcerer. When Gillian meets him, he proves to be far more of a man than her father is, yet he is unwilling to be a lover to Gillian. She finds that Blackmour has as many psychological scars to heal as she has physical scars. 

~I first read this book while I was waiting for my husband to get an MRI done because of a back injury. I sat in the waiting room surrounded by strangers and grew absorbed into the world of Gillian and Christopher. There were some very emotional moments in their journey. So incredibly emotional that I cried while reading. I had to get a tissue because I couldn't stop crying. It didn't occur to me until later that the other people in the waiting room were probably thinking I was crying over my husband's condition! But, because this story tugged at my heartstrings so much, I had to re-read it about a year or so later just to see if it was the book that made me cry or perhaps I really was distraught over Marc's hurt back. Just as before, I needed a box of tissues. Sorry, Marc. I knew you'd be okay, anyway.

The Heart's Desire by Gayle Wilson

Tall and lithe, Emily Fairfax was unaware of the power of her innocence. But from the first, Dominic knew the danger of their desire. For she alone could draw aside the mantle of despair that kept him safely hidden, and condemn them both to certain heartbreak....

A soldier's daughter, Emily thought she knew what furies drove men in the name of honor, until she met the enigmatic Duke of Avon, Dominic Maitland--a man with a tragic past and an empty future. A man who would grant her but one night to lie with abandon in his willing arms...

~This was one of the very first romances I ever read. I completely fell in love with Emily and Dominic. The story was romantic and suspenseful and I couldn't put it down. It was truly a page-turning experience. This is one book that I've read several times. I even bought it twice because I was afraid the pages would start to fall out. And as soon as it's available on Kindle, I'll buy it again!

The Devil's Lady by Deborah Simmons

Piers Montmorency

'Twas whispered that the mysterious Red Knight was more than mortal. Perhaps he'd even struck a devil's bargain to assure his warrior prowess. Yet Aisley sensed that Pier's shadows veiled a deeper secret.

Aisley de Laci

Like a whirlwind, Aisley descended on Dunmurrow castle to claim the Red Knight as her husband. And Piers knew his world was forever changed. But could a creature so full of joy and sunlight ever accept a life of passions draped in darkness?

~Here's another one that made me cry. I seem to like to re-read books that simply wrench my heart out of my chest. The good thing about reading romance is the happily-ever-after. Even though these characters go through such hardship, in the end everything turns out just fine. :)
 

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives--presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

~I wasn't going to include classics in my list, but I just can't help it. I keep this book on a prominent space on my bookshelf for the pure and simple reason that I reread it that often. It is one of my favorite books and also an inspiration for my writing. I can't get enough of this one!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed.
With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers. 

~I remember the first moment I opened this book. I was restocking the shelves at the bookstore where I worked. I had decided to read as many classics as I could, so when I saw this book I flipped open the first page and read. It seemed like I could clearly hear this woman's voice as I read and it drew me into the story. This book now sits right next to Rebecca on my shelf. Again, I re-read it over and over. I bought both of these on Kindle just to be sure I always have a copy. Even my husband read Jane Eyre! He's a pure Stephen King fan and rarely reads anything else, so that by itself is a testament to how often I read and talk about this book that it even interested him!

So there's a few on my list. I have to stop there or I'll just keep going. It was difficult to choose just these to share with you. I would love if you'd share your favorite books to re-read! Talking about books is one of my favorite topics and I love discovering new ones to read! 

What books do you like to re-read again and again?

Defending Sebastian... from The Witch and the Vampire #8Sunday

This week I'm participating in a blog hop. Be sure to check out the other authors of the Weekend Writing Warriors or check out #8Sunday on Twitter. Here's my 8-sentence excerpt from The Witch and the Vampire, the second book in The Merriweather Witches. 

“Stand aside, Miss Merriweather,” Frederick Dawes said brusquely. “The job is not done until he has a stake through his heart, and his head cut from his neck.”

Understanding dawned, and she sat up, leaning away from Sebastian as she turned to face the vampire hunter standing over him.

She looked up into his face. It was a kind face. A face showing concern for her welfare and delight over his capture. He thought to protect her from a monster, she reasoned, even as she suppressed the first murderous rage she had ever experienced. Sebastian’s hands tightened over hers as if in warning.

She opened her mouth, ready to cast a horrifying spell over the man, ready to destroy her soul to spew black magic.

 
The Witch and the Vampire blurb: To Buy Links
 

Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…

Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood. 

A Return to Baker Street #221back

Most of my friends know of my obsession with Sherlock Holmes. It began with reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic works when I was a teenager. I still re-read them. Just can't get enough.

But when it comes to television, I wasn't impressed with the idea of setting the famous detecting duo in present-day London. The stories are firmly set in Victorian London and in my strong opinion, that's where they belong!

Until I broke down and decided to watch the first episode of this new modern retelling of Sherlock Holmes starring Benedict Cumberbatch (who?) and Martin Freeman (isn't he a Hobbit?). Yeah, I'm usually a year or so late when it comes to new movies/television series. I suppose I wait until I hear about it so often from other people that I figure that if its caused such a buzz, it'll be worth taking a look. When I saw Sherlock was available on Netflix that I decided to give it a watch.

That was back in December.

OMG! I'm so glad I did. I had no idea what I was missing! The show is like a drug on which I'm happily and unabashedly addicted. I seriously cannot get enough, just like the books!

Being a contemporary adaptation, it doesn't follow any particular story from the books like other movies do. It's difficult for any book to be translated into a movie anyway. It's more like this show is heavily influenced by the books. The writers, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, (both of whom I greatly admire!) take the characters from the book and place them in modern day London where there's all sorts of mystery and mayhem for them to experience! And they must have fun writing these episodes! They are creative and brilliant!

Sherlock Holmes is a consulting detective and John Watson is an Army doctor returned to England from the war in Afghanistan. The show also includes Mrs. Hudson, Irene Adler, Mycroft Holmes, Mary Watson, and of course, James Moriarty!

It's not just the mystery that pulls me into this show, but the interaction with the actors. The believable and well-drawn characters, the sharp dialogue, the quick glances, the humor, the shared friendship, the breathtaking excitement and suspense, and the devastating heartache. Oh, I could go on about why I like the show, but it's the same with the books. You've just got to experience it for yourself. And I encourage you! If you haven't read the books, give them a try! And if you haven't watched the show, well...what are you waiting for? There's 3 seasons available for you to get caught up!

I'm beyond thrilled to discover confirmation for Season 4! They're planning to air a Special which will begin filming in January 2015, with 3 more episodes which will be filmed later that year.

The waiting is, of course, horrible. Unlike most other fans, I actually didn't have to experience the wait long to watch Season 3 since that aired only a few short weeks in January after I got caught up on Netflix. Oh, I was so thankful, too! I don't think I could have managed waiting for long after watching the ending of Season 2!

Now I'm along with everyone else...waiting...waiting...

At least I'll have Doctor Who in August to fill a little of that void in my life.



Here's a little clip I found on YouTube. This is the Prequel to Season 3.

Buying Books But Not Reading Them

As I was clicking through the internet the other day, a headline caught my eye called Books Bought but Rarely Read.

Now that's just silly, I thought. Who would buy a book and not read bother to read it?

Apparently, Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin is one of the most popular books bought but never read. Whoa! What a mistake for those unfortunate book-buyers! I read that book and loved it! They don't know what they're missing! 

Welll....

Considering I have over 1000 books on my TBR shelf (note: I said shelf, not TBR list, meaning I bought these books and that doesn't include the ones I have on my Kindle!), then I am guilty, too. Now, it's not that I have no intention of ever reading these books, it's just that for some reason or another, I've just never got around to it. Yet, there they sit, looking so majestic and beautiful on my shelf. I know there must be an adventure in there waiting for me!

The article I read specified that the books in the list were ones that readers started but never finished. However, I'm not that kind of reader. I'm not sure what compels me, but when I start a book I must finish it even if its terrible to the bitter end. Perhaps its my constant optimism. The book might have a fantastic ending! Very few readers feel the same way which I understand.

I glanced through my shelf to find some books that have been sitting there for quite some time, patiently waiting their turn to be read. Here's my list of 5 books that I bought but haven't read (yet!):

The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simons: I bought this during my time working at the bookstore because my customers were saying it's like a Russian version of Gone With the Wind which I adore! Others compared it to Dr. Zhivago. Yet, for some reason or other I just haven't picked it up to read. Yet!

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: My mom read this book and loved it! When the television
mini-series aired in the 1980's starring Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones as the two main characters, I watched alongside my mom, completely absorbed in the plot and characters. I loved it, too! The reason I haven't read the book yet...have you seen how many pages are in that thing? Close to 1000! Considering I read about 50 pages an hour, that'll take me...quick math, oh, about 20 hours to read. And I just know that this will be a book that I won't want to put down. But, I'm still trying to find 20 hours of free time. Yeah, I know. That's a lame excuse.

Anything written by Nicholas Sparks: This man must be some sort of romantic, tragic genius. While working at the bookstore, I sold so many of his books to customers that it almost became a joke. Along with the Harry Potter books, I just kind of got sick of hearing about him. Unfortunately, my annoyance built a wall in my mind. I just can't bring myself to read his books. Yet, I bought quite a few. Rather tragic in itself. Add that to the fact that I know I'll cry while reading... Well, I don't want to cry while I'm reading. My eyes get puffy and red and people look at me funny. How to explain? So sadly, I encourage others to read Nicholas Sparks because I have it from reliable sources that his books are excellent, but just maybe not for me.

Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small: Every romance reader has read Bertrice Small's books. They often

talk about her characters like they're real people. So much so that before I knew better, I thought Skye O'Malley was the author! I learned a lot while working at the bookstore. Knowing that I'll probably be hooked on her books, I decided to wait until I had them all before I started reading.

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King: I have a love/hate relationship with Stephen King (and J.K. Rowling, but that's another story). I love King's writing. It really sucks the reader into the story so much that the rest of the world fades away. Why do I hate him? Because his writing sucks the reader into the story so much that the rest of the world fades away. Mr. King, I have writing of my own

to do and a lot of housework. Why must you write such addicting stories?

So there's my list. It's rather short. But, I don't usually have a reason NOT to read a book.

What books have you bought and not read yet?

 

New Release: Wolf's Bane by @AshKrafton

WOLF'S BANE: Book Three of the Demimonde

Since becoming oracle to the demivampire two years ago, advice columnist Sophie has battled werewolves and survived a vampire attack (or two).

However, not only was she powerless to save her lover Marek when he slipped to the brink of evolution, she also witnessed his transformation into a falcon, the symbol of Horus United. Sophie's quest to save Marek is further complicated when rock star Dierk Adeluf - who also happens to be the king of the Werekind - invites her backstage after a concert. Just when it seems she will find respite from heartache, Sophie is bitten by a werewolf and Dierk decides she is destined to be his queen.

Sophie is caught between the demivamps she loves and the Were who commands her to love him. Throw in his jealous wanna-be girlfriend--a true bitch if ever there was one--and an ambush by witches, and there you have the big mess that Sophie calls her life.

And, hello? Her soul mate is still a bird.

To purchase: Amazon

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If you haven't read any of the Demimonde books, be sure to catch up with 

Book 1: Bleeding Hearts 

and 

Book 2: Blood Rush!