This month’s newsletter is going to be a lot longer than 5 minutes. I’m just letting you know that right up front.
You might want to grab a cup of coffee, or something adult-y with clinking ice cubes in it before you read on, ’cause man…I’ve got a lot to say this month.
I typically begin with new happenings in my book universe (books I’ve read, books I’m writing, books I’m adding to my TBR…), but before we get to all that good stuff, I want to take a moment and welcome my new subscribers. Hi you! I’m so glad you are here. I can’t wait to hear about all the things you like to read, and what makes you tick. So don’t be shy to reach out. I truly read each and every email I receive, and I’d love to hear from YOU.
Alrighty then, let’s get this show on the road.
What I Recently Read
This book was right up my alley.
- Montana? Check.
- Outdoors-y hunky male? Check, check.
- Suspense? Check.
- Sexy times? Aw, heck check!
- Favorite author? (Archer’s Voice remains a top love) Check!
Here’s the synopsis ~
When wilderness guide, Harper Ward, is summoned to the small town sheriff’s office in Helena Springs, Montana, to provide assistance on a case, she is shocked to find that their only suspect in the double murder investigation is a man described as a savage.
But the longer she watches the man known only as Lucas, on the station surveillance camera, the more intrigued she becomes. He certainly looks primitive with his unkempt appearance and animal skin attire, but she also sees intelligence in his eyes, sensitivity in his expression. Who is he? And how is it possible that he’s lived alone in the forest since he was a small child?
As secrets begin to emerge, Harper is thrust into something bigger and more diabolical than she ever could have imagined. And standing right at the center of it all, is Lucas. But is he truly the wild man he appears to be? A cold blooded killer? An innocent victim? Or a perplexing mix of all three?
Harper must find out the answers to these questions because the more time she spends with him, the more she risks losing her heart.
This story, like many of Mia’s, was very unique in that the plot was one I hadn’t come across before. Just the fact that I couldn’t guess what was going happen next was a welcome change from so many novels. And when I thought I had it figured out…nope. So wrong!
(I love being wrong when I’m reading a suspenseful story).
There were times when I tripped up over some word choices and sentence structure, but overall I thought the book was very entertaining and fun to read. It didn’t make it under my arm* but I still looked forward to reading it every night. 4 stars!
*If I find myself carrying the same book around under my arm, wherever I go, I know that book has reached a certain celebrity status for me and is one I won’t soon forget.
I also read Lock Every Door, by Riley Sager.
I read this book in 2 days.
Maybe a day and a half, actually.
I don’t really know. All I remember is, one chapter in and I was carting it around under my arm.
I read it while cooking, while having coffee, while eating, while I should have been sleeping, while waiting in line at traffic lights. I spent pretty much an entire Sunday propped up on my elbows reading this book.
And it was deliciously awesome.
This is a thriller at its best: creepy, fast-paced, smart characters, 100% believable, and completely goosebump producing. It was freaky and a bit dark, but not gory at all. It was the perfect recipe for a suspenseful thriller.
If you like Hitchcock, you’ll love this novel. Definitely 5 stars!
What is UP With my Newest Novel?
- I’m editing. STILL.
- I’m looking to hire an editor (have any recommendations?)
- I’m looking for a cover designer.
- I’m getting ready to do a final plot re-write to fill in any holes.
It’s been a learning process — writing this book — and I have to say…I’ve learned a lot about myself as a writer with this one. There are certain things I would never do again, and there are some things I’ve happily discovered I love. But I’ll let you be the judge of all this when it comes out. Which hopefully will be by December.
What I’ve Been Putting in My Stomach Lately
You guys. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me lately, but I can’t seem to stop eating BLT’s on Rye bread.
I don’t know if it’s the obnoxiously tasty gluten in the bread that is making me dream about these sandwiches, or if it’s the bacon…
Wait.
Of freakin’ COURSE it’s the bacon! How did I not already nail that down? Who can resist bacon? Especially between two pieces of lightly toasted bread, juicy tomato, crisp lettuce and some mayo?
*gulp*
I’m seriously drooling again.
If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a good o’l fashioned BLT, may I just encourage you to give yourself permission? I mean it. This is the Queen Elizabeth of all sandwiches, and you, my friend, are royalty.
Or just go make yourself some bacon, and skip all the rest. LOL
Here’s a recipe for a BLT with GARLIC AIOLI for heaven’s sake!
Music That is Making a Difference in my Life
Be the One – Dua Lipa
Satisfya – Imran Khan (such a bizarre song that oddly grows on you the longer you listen)
Alligator – Of Monsters and Men
Wild Roses – Of Monsters and Men*
*some of the lyrics from this song are 100% breathtaking when put to music. For example:
“Before I closed my eyes I saw a moth in the sky
And I wish I could fly that high
Oh don’t you?”
Products I Would Give up Coffee For
I love coffee. If there is one thing you know about me, it’s that I will do just about anything for a good cup of coffee. It’s more than just a morning ritual, it’s my lifeblood, okay? So when I say I’d give up coffee for something, you better know I mean serious business.
So here’s what I’m excited about this month:
This camo pouch wristlet from Ellen Degeneres for $7.99 (WHAAAAAT?) is something I would definitely give up coffee for.
First of all, it’s camo. I could live in camo every day (probably because it gives me a false sense of not being seen by others). Second of all, it’s a wristlet, which, hello practical. And finally, it’s freakin’ 8 dollars! C’mon, you can’t beat that. How cute would this be on a date night, girls wine tasting day trip, grocery store run, or even to yoga and then…wait for it…COFFEE!
Total Shine Addict flavored lip gloss from Victoria’s Secret, $6.00.
I bought this. Okay, actually, my daughter picked it out for herself, I paid for it, and then I tried it, fell in love, and flat out stole it from her.
What?
Isn’t that how stuff works in your house?
I’m not one to buy lip gloss from a lingerie store, but I have to say, this one is pretty awesome. It goes on smooth, it does have a slightly yummy scent to it, and most of all, it’s flattering.
Just don’t spend too much time in that store, or you’ll find the answer to the question, “Just what is Victoria’s secret?” Answer: she’s a slut.
Macrame Wall hanging, $13.99.
In the 70’s, macrame was the stuff dreams were made of.
I remember visiting friends of my mom’s and seeing macrame plant holders hanging from their popcorn ceilings, macrame wall hangings in every room, tiny macrame weavings that had keyrings attached to them…I’m pretty sure I wore macrame diapers as a baby, with my macrame baby shoes, swinging in my macrame baby swing.
And then, suddenly it was 1982, and the hippie-ish weavings disappeared; along with high waisted, wide legged pants, jumpsuits, and collars large enough paraglide with. No, macrame was pushed aside by acid wash jeans, some dude named Calvin Klein, and cases of Sun In hair lightening spray.
But now this ancient art of weaving is back. And it’s cooler this time. No beads to mess up the linear designs, no orange and brown combos. Nope, this new generation of macrame is all about simple, earth tone colors and streamlined shapes.
I think I need one in my house right now.
Okay, these EVA waterproof sandals from Birkenstock are THE best thing I’ve purchased this summer. I’m not even kidding, I wear these every day. They are lightweight, completely comfortable (even more so than the leather footbed Birks, in my opinion), they are WASHABLE, and they can go in the water (hello, paddle boarding).
But the best part about them is that they are so much cheaper than the leather ones. These puppies are $39.95 and you can find them at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, Birkenstock direct, and probably even on Amazon. Ugh! I love them!
Free Book Corner
Here are romance novels I found for free this month. Keep in mind, the prices may change, so be sure to pick them up right away.
The Nearness of You, by Iris Morland.
She’s a single mother struggling to get by. He’s the handsome, wealthy doctor who’s out of her league. What happens when she starts to fall for him?
The last thing Sara Flannigan needs is a man in her life. When she returns to her hometown, she vows to create a happy life for her son and to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. Yet when she meets her son’s new doctor, she can’t deny the spark of attraction that heats between them.
The problem?
He’s Harrison Thornton, the oldest son of the illustrious Thornton family. His family would never accept a woman like Sara, a woman who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She tries to ignore the whispers of her past, but she soon realizes secrets can never stay hidden for long.
Especially from the man claiming her wounded heart.
Growing up in the rich and powerful Thornton family, Harrison has lived a charmed life. A renowned physician, the last thing he expects is to desire the mother of one of his patients. Sara is beautiful and intelligent, and she’s completely devoted to her son, something that only deepens his attraction to her.
He doesn’t want a single night of passion, though: he wants forever. Yet there are forces at work and people determined to tear them apart. Even Sara turns from him, certain she’s unworthy. Harrison refuses to let Sara slip away, and soon, he’s fighting the greatest battle of all.
The battle to win the heart of the woman he loves.
This is War, by Kennedy Fox.
Checkmate: This is War is book 1 in the enemies-to-lovers romance duet that’ll have you crying with laughter one moment and screaming in frustration the next—but you’ll be begging to play the game with The King.
Game on.
Travis King is the worst kind of a**hole.
He taunts me for being a good girl and mocks my high standards.
He’s cruel, crass, and has enough confidence to last two lifetimes.
And I hate him.
It wouldn’t matter so much if he were avoidable.
But considering he’s my older brother’s best friend and roommate, I see him more than I’d ever want to.
His sculpted abs and gorgeous eyes are wasted on such an arrogant man, which makes me hate him even more.
Even though I’ve had a crush on him since I was ten, the feelings weren’t mutual and he’s made that very clear.
He’s always loved getting under my skin and one night against my better judgment, I let him in my bed.
I’ve succumbed to his manw**re ways, but that doesn’t change a thing.
Because the King is about to get played at his own game—and lose.
Checkmate.
*Recommend for ages 18+ due to sexual content and adult language.*
Podcasts That Will Rock Your World
If you are a fan of social media, the lifestyle blogs, or anything to do with sunny, happy, celebrity life in L.A., you will love this podcast. It’s called So Obsessed and it truly is addicting.
First of all, the two hosts, Melissa Cassera and Alex Franzen, are 100% adorable. They have the perfect cadence on air, they don’t talk over each other, they each bring something different to the table, and they are both equally interesting and fun.
But here’s the best part: they talk about the most random stuff. That statement makes it sound like the show is really boring. But it’s exactly the opposite. It’s like a “best of” roundup of the coolest, most fun things out there in this crazy world of ours.
One episode covered topics like Turkish Soap Operas, the Microplane Colossal Pedicure Rasp (be careful with this thing or you’ll end up in the ER), how to determine your pop star, rock star, country star, and porn star name (too funny, by the way), and a bunch of other great, information bites.
This is the perfect podcast when you’re driving, when you’re cleaning, or folding laundry, or if you have a tedious task at work and you just need some background noise.
I truly am So Obsessed with this show.
This Made Me Laugh
I’m sure you’ve seen this episode of Speak Out on Ellen, but even so, it’s worth another view! Hilarious!
Hey, I hope you are having a great summer. Before we know it we’ll be seeing all the Back to School sales, so enjoy these days of sunshine and (hopefully) some laziness. You deserve it!
May all your kisses be long ones,
x. Megan
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You NEVER wore macrame diapers! They were cloth though….