What I'm Reading

I have a few friends helping and urging me through the process of writing my current book, and one of the suggestions I was given was to read a few different authors to get a feel for the level of sensuality I might feel comfortable in writing. It has been a while since I have written a contemporary romance, and I am happy to be getting back to my roots.

One of the authors suggested to me was Shannon Stacey and her Kowalski series. I just finished Exclusively Yours, book one in the series starring Joe Kowalski. I am glad this series was recommended to me . . . for a number of reasons. Not only to get a feel for the level of sensuality in the books, but it also offers great lessons in how to craft a series. I look forward to reading about the next brother in the Kowalski family!

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

I like books that take place in educational settings, and was interested in Testimony by Anita Shreve the moment I picked up the book and read the dust jacket. This chilling, haunting story of bad decisions and their consequences had me turning the pages.

In working with college students, I can see an infinite number of possibilities for disaster. Every decision we make matters, and sometimes youth or ennui or excess can nudge us into questionable circumstances. Testimony is a book that, when you read it, makes you thank your lucky stars for every prudent decision you've made and for every time that luck has landed on your side.

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

I just finished Sass and Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler. I loved her book, How Not To Be Popular, and thought this one would be a good one to try. I did like it, but not as much. The subject matter is a little sadder and perhaps a bit more difficult. It is still a good read, but I think my expectations were too high after loving HNTBP so much. I would recommend both books, however! And I must say, I think this cover is dazzling.

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

I was so excited to get Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter as a Christmas gift but I had been having so much fun reading the books on my Kindle that I hadn't had the chance to crack it yet. I read the first in the series, Heist Society, and thought the high concept was just so utterly brilliant, I raced through the reading of the book. Hale is one of my favorite male characters - from YA or adult fiction - and it was nice to see him again. This book felt different from the first one, though the heist was just as intriguing and the story as interesting. I can't wait to see what Ally comes up with next.

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

Well, I have done it. I have finally caught up to Marie Force and read the latest McCarthy book to hit the downloads. Falling for Love has Grant McCarthy stranded on the island with an unexpected love interest thanks to a raging tropical storm. And the storm isn't the only thing that's raging. In Falling we meet a few new characters and get to know a few recurring folks a little bit more. Definitely more fodder for future books! I think Evan's book is next, and I can't wait. Oh, the withdrawal!

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

Back to Gansett I go for book 3 in the series: Ready for Love. I love this island series by Marie Force. I have been so inspired by Marie's hard work and the stories she tells. This was another cant-put-down book, and it is hard to fight to urge to want to rush through to the end to see what happens!

xoxo,

bex

What I'm Reading

Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a friend make her dreams come true? It happened this month for my fellow Moody Muse, Cathryn Parry, when her first book, Something to Prove, hit the shelves in early January. Cathryn had been at this for nearly two decades, and finally - FINALLY - all her hard work has paid off. A handsome skier, the Italian Alps, a heroine to root for . . . all make Something to Prove not only a great debut, but a great romance! Congratulations, my friend!

xoxo,

bex