Long and Short reviews Weekly Blog Challenge 1.22.20

Three weeks in, peeps! Yay. Today’s topic is one I struggled a bit with: New Hobby I’m trying or would like to try.

Most of the hobbies I currently have all involve some use of my creative brain. I love refurbishing and decoupaging old steamer trunks; I’m a wiz at scrapbooking; I paint; I design greeting cards, and I embroider, knit, crochet and do needlepoint.

That’s a whole heck of a lot right there because there are only 24 hours in a day!

One thing I’ve always wanted to try, though, is quilting.

I love a good looking quilt. A trip through Amish country decades ago started my love affair and appreciation with hand-sticked quilting.

It’s not easy, not by a long short and I think you have to be good in math ( which I’m not) in order to have all the little pieces and squares the same size, and be able to make sure the pattern fits properly together. Plus, it’s takes time – a lot of time – to make one and I’m the type of gal who, once she starts a project, get’s a tad obsessed with finishing it. I know this would lead me down a rabbit hole of time management problems with regards to my writing schedule.

But it sure would be satisfying to know that the quilt/comforter covering me and hubby at night was made by my own two hands, so maybe….

Let’s see what some of the other authors in this challenge are currently thinking up: L&SR

Until next time, peeps ~Peg

And if you’re looking for me in 2020, I’m usually here:

Tweet Me//Read Me// Visit Me//Picture Me//Pin Me//Friend Me// Triber// Book Me // Watch me

 

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#tuesdaythoughts Why would you read another book by an author when you obviously don’t like their work??

First, a disclaimer: this is not an infantile rant. It may seem like one, but I’ve rewritten this 4 times to try and ensure it’s not, so I hope it comes across in the spirit it is intended for and not just me whining.

Okay.

We all have our one-click authors, right? The ones where we preorder their newest soon-to-be-released book without even knowing anything about the story, simply because we’ve loved the way they have written their previous books and know we will get enjoyment out of reading their new stuff? For me, those authors include: Lauren Layne, Jill Shalvis, Kari Lemor, Marianne Rice, Donna Simonetta, Sandra Brown, and of course Nora Roberts/JD Robb. The moment Goodreads informs me these gals have new books on the horizon, I head over to amazon and preorder.

No thoughts about not doing this. Ever.

I venture to say we also all have those authors whom we’ve read once, maybe twice, and then realized…never again. Not even if their books are listed at $.99 cents or free.  They are probably not bad writers, but something didn’t resonate with their story, or characters, or something was missing in the plotline. Whatever it is, you’ve decided that you’re not going to waste your time – an hour you will never get back! – or hard earned cash on purchasing something you know will not bring you enjoyment. I have several I’ve read in all different genres like this, and no, I’m not going to name them here. If I can’t say something positive about someone I’m going to do what my mother always told me to and keep my mouth shut and my  thoughts to myself. I satisfy myself by simply  not purchasing these authors’ books no matter how many Amazon alerts I receive to.

End of story. Well, not quite, yet….

The question I pose today is why would anyone read an author they have so obviously disliked in the past – even venturing to pan their books on review sites and give their stories 1 ratings? Seems ridiculous and counter intuitive, right?

Yeah, well it’s happened to me. Twice. By the same reviewer and of course she’s the type of reviewer/reader who broadcasts her opinions/reviews/pannings on every book outlet from Bookbub to Goodreads to amazon and B&N.

I won’t mention her name but you can see her reviews ( I actually call them attacks on my character, but that’s me) on Goodreads first for DIRTY DAMSELS and then for my newest release. Let’s be real here: she HATED Dirty Damsels. Hated it. Why,  I wonder, did she request to read and review the newest one, knowing she hated the other one?

I actually asked this question of a few people because it bothers me so much and most of the answers were the same: Maybe she wanted to give me another chance, or the first book just wasn’t to her liking, but thought the second would be.

Yeah..NO.  Not buying either of those responses. I won’t be vicious and say what I really think motivates someone like this ( read yesterday’s blog for a little insight, though.). But maybe  I harmed her in a previous life; or maybe I went to high school with her and she thought I was mean ( It can’t be that, because I was a total geek introvert in HS and never talked to anyone.) Or maybe  she’s just the kind of person that lives to brings others down by writing nasty things about their work – in all truth I have no idea what  motivates a person like this.

When I’ve read a book that is categorically a misread on every level for me- character, plot, actual writing – I don’t review the book, scathe the author, or broadcast the fact this book was the spawn of the devil to anyone, anywhere, or across any media. I simply don’t purchase another book from this author and move on- which is what I wish everyone would do.

Now, as I said, I don’t want this to sound like I’m whining because this individual didn’t like my books. The right to have an opinion on something is just that – a right. Not everyone will like what I write. Hey, not every one likes me as a person. I’m cool with both those things. What I’m not cool with is nasty vitriol for no apparent reason other than to be, well, nasty, and appear better than anyone else around you.

I learned a long time ago that the person who is the smartest one in the room is NEVER the person telling you or shouting out that they are the smartest. It’s the person who goes about their business, living their smarty-ness without rubbing it in the faces of others, or shouting it from the rooftops. This goes for book reviewers, too. Hopefully, you can understand in what way and why.

Okay. Rant over.

For now….

Until next time ~ Peg

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#Mondaymusings On why things are they way they are…according to me.

My brain never shuts down.

Truly.

You would cringe at some of the dreams I have, but that’s for another blogpost.

Today, I want to share something that popped into my subconscious brain the other night that made a great deal of sense to me.

On Facebook the other day I saw a meme-post that said people will think nothing of plunking down $5-6 A DAY for a cup of overhyped coffee they could make at home for pennies on the dollar and that will be gone within minutes, but they complain about having to spend $2.99-4.99 for a book that will give them hours of enjoyment and even re-enjoyment if they read it again.

True? You betcha. I’ve even had people ( not nice ones) tell me to my face, “Why should I spend $1.99 on a book that I’m just gonna read and never use again.”

I have to admit I am struck dumb every time someone says this to me. Not because I can’t think of response. I mean, do you know me?? I’m never at a loss for a snarky retort. It’s because the stupidity of a statement like this one boggles the logical mind.

So, to the point about my subconscious…

While sleeping, this thought popped into my mind and I was lucky enough to remember it when I woke: the reason people will think nothing about spending oodles of cash on a designer coffee but balk at the cost of an ebook, is because the coffee is all about them. They want the caffeine high, they want the jolt, they want the flavor burst and ultimately, they will be the ones ingesting it, enjoying it, and benefiting from it ( in their minds).

It’s all about THEM, their needs and desires.

Kinda reflective of where we are as a society right now, isn’t it? The 1980’s may have been dubbed the ME GENERATION, but honey, it had nothing on the idiosyncratic narcissists walking the earth right now, drinking their frue-frue coffees and ranting at anyone and about anything that pops into their tiny little brains on social media.

In those tiny little minds THEY don’t reap any benefits from paying for and reading a book. They don’t care that the barrista making their coffee makes minimum wage, just that their coffee gets made and gives them that instant jolt of pleasure.They don’t care that an author toiled for months on a piece of fiction. What’s it to them? No, seriously, WHAT IS IT TO THEM? In their minds, nothing.

A while back I put up a bit of rant on facebook and had more shares and comments than anything else I’d put up recently. I wrote:

I needed to share this because I’ve heard too many people who think writing a book is easy and authors shouldn’t charge anything for doing so. Don’t you pay your doctor when he treats you? Don’t you pay to see a Broadway show? Don’t you pay your hairdresser? Barber? For your groceries?
Think about it…what if you made something, sweated over getting it perfect, spent sleepless nights finding the best way to share it, spent your own hard earned money in advertising…would YOU want to be told, “I want it for free?”
Just sayin’…

And again…just sayin’.

Any thoughts, peeps?

Until next time ~ Peg

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#WeeklyWrapup 1.19.2020 I’ve been busy!!!

I’ve been all over the place this week, on my tour, but also visiting other writers on their home blogs. Here’s a recap on any stops ou may have missed- don’t forget to visit and enter the rafflecopter!!

I visited fellow WRP sistah Rebecca Grace on 1.17.2020 

Love Romance Reads had a great interview with Rick Bannerman on 1.14.20

Kari Lemor gave my book a shout out on her blog on 1.13.20

I have an interview over on Silver Dagger tours where I start my tour for A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK on 1.13.20

I’m featured on NNLights New Year Book fete on 1.13.20

I’ve got another full week ahead of me on the Silver Dagger tour, so stay tuned. Here are the upcoming tour stops for the week, staring today:

Jan 19

Sylv.net

Craving Lovely Books

Jan 20

Mythical Books

Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids and Creed

Jan 21

Anna del C. Dye official page

Maiden of the Pages

Jan 22

Breaking Genre

Luv Saving Money

Jan 23

The Pulp and Mystery Shelf  

Book Corner News and Reviews

Jan 24

Tammy L. Bailey Author Blog

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!

Jan 25

Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’

Insane Books

Jan 26

Book-Lover

Midnight Book Reader

Like I said, BUSY!!!

Until next time, peers ~ Peg

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#SDSXXTours @RomanceNovelGiv A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:RICK

I’m still on my book tour and today I’m visiting one of my favorite places ROMANCE NOVEL GIVEWAYS. They asked me a question I get asked a lot as a writer and wrote about it for them,  here.

So stop by, read all about it and enter the rafflelcopter the tour set up for me. And if you do visit, please leave a comment so I can chat with ya!

Until next time ~ Peg

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Long and Short Reviews Weekly Blogging Challenge 1.15.20

Week two of the year long challenge peeps! Today’s topic is BOOKS I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IN 2020.

Yowza!!! These are just the ones releasing in January!!!! 4 books from 4 of my absolutely favorite authors.

FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy and Sergeant Detective DD Warren have built a task force to follow the digital bread crumbs left behind by deceased serial kidnapper Jacob Ness. And when a disturbing piece of evidence comes to light, they decide to bring in Flora Dane who has personal experience of being imprisoned by Ness.

Their investigations take them to a small town deep in the hills of Georgia where something seems to be deeply wrong.

What at first seems like a Gothic eeriness soon hardens into something much more sinister as they discover that for all the evil Jacob committed while alive, his worst secret is still to be revealed.

Quincy and DD must summon their considerable skills and experience to crack the most disturbing case of their careers – and Flora must face her own past directly in the hope of saving others

 

Forty years ago in the small town of Fogg Lake, “The Incident” occurred: an explosion in the cave system that released unknown gases, causing peculiar effects on its residents, such as strange visions and ominous voices. Not wanting the government to get involved, they chalked it up to the hallucinogenic effects of mushrooms. Little did they know these effects would linger through the generations….

Residents Catalina Lark and Olivia Dayton have been best friends for years and own an investigation firm together, using what they call the “other sight” to help with their business. When Olivia goes missing, Cat frantically begins the search for her alone when the town does nothing about it. When scientist Slate Trevelyan shows up, she has no choice but to accept his help even though there’s something about him she just can’t trust. The duo discovers someone is hunting the two witnesses of a murder in Fogg Lake fourteen years ago—the very one Cat and Olivia witnessed as teens, one that they couldn’t prove happened. Cat and Slate’s search for Olivia takes them down a rabbit hole that is far more dangerous and mysterious than they ever expected, and with a killer in their midst, neither of them can foresee who will come out alive.

Can guys and girls ever be just friends? According to Audrey Tate and Clarke West, absolutely. After all, they’ve been best friends since childhood without a single romantic entanglement. Clarke is the charming playboy Audrey can always count on, and he knows that the ever-loyal Audrey will never not play along with his strategy for dodging his matchmaking mother—announcing he’s already engaged…to Audrey.

But what starts out as a playful game between two best friends turns into something infinitely more complicated, as just-for-show kisses begin to stir up forbidden feelings. As the faux wedding date looms closer, Audrey and Clarke realize that they can never go back to the way things were, but deep down, do they really want to?

Everything has a price…

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.

Everything except her…

Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.

When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:

Never underestimate a Ravenel.

The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun…

These 4 will keep me occupied for january, hee hee.

In March, the highly anticipated next chapter in Kari Lemor’s Storms of New England book, TRUE DREAMS releases and I can not wait!

True “TJ” Bannister, haunted by his past, abandons the world of sex, drugs, and rock and roll to live a peaceful life as a bookstore owner on Cape Cod. The reformed bad boy thinks no “nice” girl will ever see beyond his tormented soul.

Innocent Sara Storm barges into TJ’s shop, and his life, with her sunshine personality. Her dream is to be a singer—she’s come to Cape Cod to further her goal at a local concert venue and escape comparisons with her successful siblings.TJ and Sarah are drawn to each other, but will his past and desire for a calmer life and her aspirations as a recording artist doom their romance before the last note is sung?

Let’s see what some of the other authors in this blog want to read in 2020: L&SR

And don’t forget, if you like MY books and I’m on your reading list for 2020, first, THANK YOU!! hee hee.

Second, A PRIDE OF BROTHERS:RICK released on 1.13.20

Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.

Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.

You can get your copy here in print or ereader copy:

Amazon // B&N // i-books // Books-a-million

Until next week, peeps ~ Peg

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#LoveRomanceReads and an #Interview with Rick Bannerman

….don’t know who that is?? Well, honey sit down and get yourself set up for a treat!

Here’s the link to my interview with hunky, handsome, heartthrob, RICK BANNERMAN from A  PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK.

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#Releaseday for A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK and Day 1 of #SDSXXTOURS


I’ve been waiting for this day for sosososoos long, peeps!
A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK released into the book reading world at midnight and I’m starting a one month tour with SILVER DAGGER BOOK TOURS!

I think I’m gonna be busy for the next 30 days, hee hee. Below is the schedule of the daily tour stops. There’s a rafflecopter for prizes if you comment and fun posts about the book, me, and life in general. Hope to see you all on the tour. And just to make things easy, if you haven’t ordered your copy yet – here ya go:

Jan 13

kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours

The Book Diva’s Reads

Twisted Book Ramblings

Jan 14

Diane Reviews Books

Lisa Everyday Reads

Jan 15

I’m Into Books

On My Bookshelf

Jan 16

C Exley Books

CelticLady’s Reviews

Jan 17

Ilovebooksandstuffblog

Romance Novel Giveaways   

Jan 18

The Sexy Nerd ‘Revue’

Pen Possessed

Jan 19

Sylv.net

Craving Lovely Books

Jan 20

Mythical Books

Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids and Creed

Jan 21

Anna del C. Dye official page

Maiden of the Pages

Jan 22

Breaking Genre

Luv Saving Money

Jan 23

The Pulp and Mystery Shelf  

Book Corner News and Reviews

Jan 24

Tammy L. Bailey Author Blog

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!

Jan 25

Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’

Insane Books

Jan 26

Book-Lover

Midnight Book Reader

Jan 27

Authors From Everywhere

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Jan 28

Lilly’s Book World

Book Review Virginia Lee (BRVL)

Jan 29

Always Love Me Some Books Blog

Reviews and Promos by Nyx –

Jan 30

Book Club Gone Wrong

Book Fanatics

Jan 31

nanasbookreviews

T’s Stuff

Feb 1

Taryn Jameson

Scrupulous Dreams

Feb 2

A Pinch of Bookdust

Teatime and Books    

Feb 3

JeanzBookReadNReview   

SnoopyDoo’s Book Reviews

Feb 4

Plain Talk Book Marketing 

eBook Addicts

Feb 5

Book Lovers 4Ever

Books all things paranormal and romance

Feb 6

TNT Book Promotions

A Blend of Sass and Class Blog

T.L. Gray Blog

Feb 7

Chapters through life

Books, Authors, Blogs

Feb 8

Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read

The Book Dragon

Feb 9

Bedazzled By Books

The Bookshelf Fairy

Feb 10

Authors  &  Readers  Book  Corner 

Dragon’s Den

Feb 11

Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author

Girl with Pen

Feb 12

Readeropolis

Inside the Insanity

Feb 13

Breanna Hayse Romance

Sapphyria’s Book Reviews

See you on tour! Peg

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#WeeklyWrapup I’ve been all over the blogging map this week!

It’s no secret if you follow my blog that I’ve got a brand new series starting on Monday, 1.13.20 titled A PRIDE OF BROTHERS: RICK. It’s a new romantic suspense trilogy about a private eye firm run by brothers ( hence, the name. Heehee)

I’ll be all over the place promoting it for the next month, but this past week I started my own little tour and visited a bunch of fabulous authors who volunteered to help me get the word out about the book – love them all. At each stop I told you all a little more about the book, how it came to be, what my inspiration for writing it was, and a bit more about my writing quirks.

So, if you missed any of these, here’s a recap of where I was all week with the links included so you can visit me. Better late than never, I always say.

On Monday, January 6, I visited WRP sistah Alana Lorens

On Tuesday, January 7, I hopped over to another wonderful WRP sistah, author Judith Sterling.

Wednesday, January 8th, brought me to WRP writer and friend Jennifer Wilck

Thursday, January 9th I flew over to WRP sistah Amber Dalton

Friday, January 10 I made it all the way over to Jeny Heckman’s blog

Today, Saturday Januray 11, I’m camping over with  author D.V.Stone starting at 7am ESt.

I was thrilled when the book was featured on Pretty-Hot.com, too, on January 6.

So, stop by and catch up and then stop back here next week because I’ll be starting a SILVER DAGGER TOUR that features giveaways and Gift Cards, so you won’t want to miss out on that.

Until next time ~ Peg

Blurb:

Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.

Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.

Preorder your copy here before it releases on 1.13.20

Amazon //B&N // ibooks //Books-a-million

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A visit with #Wild Rose Press Author TENA STETLER & introducing her new book CHARM ME AGAIN

Since I am a panster, my characters seem to hijack the story at every turn. Just about the time I think I have the reigns of the story—off they go in another direction. It’s frustrating at times, but I so enjoy the experience never knowing what will happen for sure. I seem to write chapters out of order, scenes out of order but in the end, everything seems to fall into place. So far. LOL

Take for instance in CHARM ME AGAIN, I had no idea how Daylan was going to make amends with his sister after their horrendous falling out. But as I listened to him tell his story, involvement with the Scottish ghost and his regrets thing begin to fall into place. Yet when he was told Josie was off limits…well…he couldn’t help himself and chaos reigned. Then along comes Josie, a yoga instructor in Summer’s studio, an innocent with a stalker problem. She was so much more than she seemed at first glance. I had trouble keeping up with her transformation. When I just about thought I had things in hand, I discovered that Josie came from a prestigious family of lawyers and her free spirit got her tossed out of the family.

I hope I’ve given you enough for you to want to take a peek at the book. I know you are going to love it. Especially if paranormal romance sprinkled with mystery is your thing. Living in fantasy is mine, the real world scares me to death. LOL

What’s CHARM ME AGAIN about? I’m glad you asked.

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

Buy Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Itunes 

A peek between the pages of CHARM ME AGAIN

She swallowed hard and blinked.

Out of the mist, in full Scottish regalia, a ghost stood, his transparent red and green belted plaid blowing in the breeze.

She shook her head, closed her eyes, scrubbed her hands over her eyes, and blinked them open. “What the hell?” burst from her lips before she could control herself. “It’s some kind of bad dream. Right?” She rubbed her eyes again opening only one this time. “Shit, you’re all still here.” She dropped her arms to her sides and glared at Daylan then Summer. “Someone better tell me what’s going on—right now.” Her hands fisted and unfisted at her sides.

Daylan returned her scathing look. “Later.”

“We meet again Shay.” The ghost said. “What kind of attire are ye wearing?”

“Never mind. Ye are the cause of the problem, Daylan.” The leader glared at the ghost.

“Oh, no—not this time,” the ghost said.

Daylan stood straight. “No way. I’m not taking the blame for this.”

Shay grinned. “Oh, now things are falling in place.” He pointed a finger at Daylan. “You are his namesake and that is why Khellan has returned.” He flicked a finger at the ghost. “And you have attached to your namesake hoping he or his twin can break the curse. What a tangle.” Shifting his gaze to her, he continued. “This young lass is caught in the middle with naught power to protect herself.”

“For god sakes. She’s mortal. How can she be caught in the middle?” Daylan shouted. “She shouldn’t even be able to see what’s happening.”

“Yet she does. Something to think about.” Shay shrugged one shoulder. “She is besotted with you, as you are with her. The lass’s blood may be diluted, but it’s there. The cycle begins again.”

A little about Tena

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.

With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

You can connect with Tena here:

Website // Author’s Secret’s blog // My Say what blog // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Amazon //Newsletter // Pinterest // Tribber // Bookbub // Intagram

 

 

 

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