Q&A Answers

I was originally planning to post this last week when she was here...but who actually wants to format a blog post when you have company? ;) Yesterday, we said goodbye. Today, we start the countdown until we get to see each other again.

Thank you to everyone who participated by giving us questions! We enjoyed answering them, and we found out that we actually have a lot more in common than we realized...

My answers will be in this normal font, and Livi's will be in italics.

1. What's your favorite book? (Yes, I'm doing the illegal one!) ;P
You're right. That is an illegal question. Buuuuuut *deep breath* uh.

But like, how do you choose?? 

Yeah idk. Honestly I keep thinking "oh THIS one's my fave" but then I'll feel like I'm doing a disservice to all my other favorites. But...hm...okay. I'm just gonna go with Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury, 'cause that one just always sticks in my mind as a favorite and one I need to reread very soon. *nods*

There are so many books I love, I really don't know if I can choose *one* favorite. I'll go with a classic, 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, because it's one I've come back to many, many times over the years and still enjoy every time (plus, my dog chewed the corner of my copy when she was a puppy so it just makes it a little more authentic, y'know?). But I could list at least five more off the top of my head (and several book series, too).

Okay, I had no idea that 101 Dalmatians is an actual novel. Cool.

Yeeeees.

2. What's your favorite character in each other's books? (i.e. Kaitlyn's favorite character in Livi's book and vice versa) 

Weeeell, I don't have any books published like this awesome person, but I have many stories she's read, so I guess we'll have to settle with her choosing one of those XD

*Sigh* I'm gonna pick Todd Mathis from S&S. Not only is he from the first story I EVER read of hers (ultimately which also started our friendship), but I always fall for the sweet older brothers that are hardly in the book.

Ah yes, my poor lil baby. Also TRUE.
I think I'mma choose… Jayden from Little Boy Blue. He seems like a pretty awesome dude (and would you look at that, he's an older brother, too).

I love how you're just like "he seems like a pretty awesome dude" when you haven't even read the book.

I've seen all I need to know. Honestly, I've probably read enough scenes to piece together the whole thing.

True, true.

3. If you could be the protagonist in any book which would it be and why?

I mean, I feel like I'm already Andrea Carter from the Circle C books - I live on a farm/ranch, our personalities are a lot alike, I have several older brothers whose personalities pretty much match her brothers'...but I don't love horses and don't always get into trouble, soooo...idk. I guess I didn't really answer the question, sorry. That kinda turned into a rabbit trail. *shrugs*

How do you not love horses? *cries in Horse*
Anyway, this is another difficult question. So many books, so many characters, so many options… But I think I would have to choose Andrea Carter as well, just because I love that time period/setting, and her family seems pretty awesome.

4. What was the first movie you two watched together?

I believe the first movie we watched together was Singing in the Rain, which is a favorite of mine. 

Oh, yes. We'd been talking for weeks about which movies we were gonna watch during your visit, and that one was at the top of the list. And we're still quoting it to this day. *cackles*

I mean, it's so funny and memorable. And the songs are pretty good, too. ;) "CAN'T." "cAAAAAAn't."

5. Do you both share a favorite movie/TV show and if so what is it?

Ha. Uhhh, well, yes. See above question *smirks* (if there's one with a good memory tied to it, you can bet that it'll be a fave for us both) but for real, yes.

Also, Flashpoint is a shared favorite when it comes to TV shows (and there's one or two others we both watch and enjoy).

YES BUBBLEEEEE

BUBBLEEEEEE

6. What is a book one of you loves and the other hates?

Okay, I can't think of an answer for this one, but Livi, you said you thought of one right away?

Well, I'm not sure that you loved this series, but The Tox Files. I liked the prequel book, but I disliked the main female character/love interest in the next book so much I quit reading it. I liked the action and the other characters, but I could not stand her. And Kate actually finished the series (and enjoyed it), so I'll go with that as my answer.

Ohhh yeah, I forgot about that. Yeah, I definitely enjoyed the series (even the female lead), but I've found that the romance in Kendig books is way too strong for my taste.

7. Do you share other interests besides books and movies?

Writing! Also crocheting (although I just dabble in it here and there and Kate can crochet, like, anything). 

Ha, you flatter me! But yes, writing and crochet...and we literally have so much stuff in common (aside from hobbies/interests) that it *feels* like we have all the same interests.

Like introverting!

Yes. Like introverting. *cackles* but also ice cream. Braums ice cream, specifically.

Ahh, true! A best friend who shares my love of books and food, what more could I ask?? *halo*

8. Favorite tropes and least favorite tropes?

Tbh this is another thing we have pretty much completely in common, haha! My favorites are probably found family, siblings (especially brothers. Alllll the brothers.), and...injury? Like, I like watching the good guy get hurt and get loved on by his family and friends, and then have to overcome the illness/injury.

WHUMP. AND FAMILY (especially found family). Sibling relationships. Basically ditto to what she said^^. As for least favorite tropes…I'd say almost anything to do with romance, like enemies to lovers or love triangles. Romance has to be done really well for me to truly enjoy it.

Yeah, I'll agree with you on romance. Though I feel like I'm more apt to pick up a book, knowing it contains romance, than you will, generally. Another trope that I. Can't. Stand. is independent female protagonists that refuse to accept help or actually let other people do things for them. Oh, ignore the fact that it's impractical; they're going to do it because they want to, and nobody is going to keep them out of the action! *shudders*

9. Share some more about becoming friends. Like maybe something particular y'all bonded over.

Weeeeell, we met on the Circle C blog. Through the chat box there, we got to know each other a little better and ended up exchanging emails because Kate wanted to read my current story (and I wanted to read hers). We became writing/critique partners, then started talking more about life and other things. And, well, as they say, the rest is history!

I feel like there's so much more to it, and I suppose there is, but...yeah. You summed it all up really nicely.

It's long story short. ;P And I'd say we first bonded over our love of writing.

Yep. Our love for writing and the Circle C books.

Mhm.

10. What’s a fandom you’re both part of? One that only one of you is part of? 

Circle C? *cackles* I suppose that's a bit more a thing of the past, though.

Haha, yep. Also Flashpoint and SEAL Team.

BUBBLEEEE. (Have y'all noticed the inside joke?) As far as one that only one of us is a part of...hmm.

TV show-wise, I'm a fan of Chicago Fire. There's definitely others, but I'd say that's the main one I watch that she doesn't.

Ohh, yeah, that's true. And I'm pretty much a member of the Amanda Dykes fan club (or, at least, I would be if such a club existed), and you've never read any of her books.

Yup, yup.

11. If you could recommend a childhood favorite book series to each other, what would it be?

I think she's read like, all of the books I would recommend… The Boxcar Children, Circle C Adventures, The Hardy Boys (little fun fact for you, at eight years old, Frank Hardy was my first official fictional character crush). 

Well, here's a fun fact for you: after reading about 27191 Boxcar Children books, I got tired of them but I loved all the ones about food so I picked through the library's collection and read all the ones about food. My favorite one is the one about the pizza parlor.

DUDE YES. That was literally one of my favorites, too. Always made me so hungry.

Wait, for real?? Dude, you have excellent taste (pun intended). But anyway. You've read pretty much all the ones that I would recommend, too (Viking Quest, Sisters in Time…) so I'll go with the Big Red series by Jim Kjelgaard. Not only are they about dogs, but...they're about dogs!

Ooh, doggos!! 
And my final answer is If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and all the other books in that "series." Those were some of my favorites as a kid. 

12. Who is your favorite author?

Amanda Dykes. But also Jesseca Wheaton, Faith Potts, Tricia Mingerink, Jeff Struecker...

Probably Nancy Rue, at least for my tween/teen years. Currently, I don't know that I have a particular favorite author. Hmm. Tricia Mingerink is a good one for sure! 

NANCY RUE!!! OH MY GOODNESS! HER LIFE OF HERITAGE SERIES!!!!! *flails*

YASSSSSS, THE BEST!!!

13. If you could only read one genre for the rest of your life, what would you each pick?

Yikes. Um, probably historical fiction. There's so much within that genre, and it was one of my favorites growing up.

Yeah, I'd probably go with the same. Because sometimes I'm in the mood for something intense, sometimes emotional...but historical is always a steady genre and you can generally find any kind of mood read within it.

14. What book surprised you the most?

My brain is low on battery, and I can't come up with a good answer for this one. So I'll let Kate take it from here. LOL.

Haha, okay. I'm gonna go with Dear Enemy by Jack Cavanaugh. I borrowed it from a friend, who told me that it was pretty intense and I probably wouldn't like it (this was before I'd ever read any thrillers). Not only was I surprised to find that I ADORED it, but it was full of surprising twists. This is the book I will forever remember as the one that hooked me on thrillers/suspense.

Actually, I kinda thought of one. Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti. My sister recommended it to me, and promised that it wasn't actually as creepy as it sounded. I wasn't too sure, but I read it and ended up loving it.

Oh, really? I tried a Peretti book once and couldn't get through it. Maybe I'll have to give this one a try. 

Yesss, you should.

15. Dog earing a book is illegal, yes or no? 

Yes. A hundred times, yes. Have you seen what damage is caused over time because of that crease?!

YES YES YES. Please don't. Use a bookmark, a random piece of paper, or memorize the page you're on to yourself (just to totally forget it when you come back...no, I don't speak from personal experience...ha. ha. ha.), I don't care. Just don't dog ear!

16. What’s your most favorite book cover design?

I'm sure you've heard me say this before, but I'll say it again: Fawkes. I just love everything about that cover.

That's a good question. The Circle C Milestones books have really pretty colored designs. Honestly, I kinda like book covers that have real pictures of the main character(s).

Okay, that's funny, 'cause I'm the exact opposite. I hate seeing characters' faces on covers; it throws me off and it's harder for me to actually see the character in my imagination. 

Well, I only don't like it if they're ugly. XD

*dies laughing* fair enough.

17. Long or short chapters? 

I don't particularly have a preference, but I don't like chapters that are *too* short. So probably somewhere in between, where I can get invested in what's happening but not feel like I'll never get to a stopping point.

Yep, same. Just like it's hard to get invested in short chapters, it's hard to stay interested in long chapters.

Preciselyyy.

18. Have you both seen Sue Thomas???

I have not. Looked it up though, and it sounds interesting! May have to check it out.

Nope, I haven't. But with as much as you squeal to me that I need to watch it...you know it's on my list. ;)

19. Best western?

Ooooh. Hm. Soooo many good ones...but I'll probably choose either The Lone Ranger (old and cheesy but sooo nostalgic for me) or The Rebel (B&W but soooo good).

Ahh, The Lone Ranger is so good! I have to say that Laramie is my favorite western TV show! Jess Harper is just fabulous.

*laughs* and see, I like Slim sooo much better. Jess gets on my nerves so often.

This is why we're friends though, because we never have to fight over guys. I always choose the hot-headed, charming (and ruggedly handsome) bad boy. 

*dies laughing* true. And I go for the sweet, quiet ones.

20. What’s your favorite series? Childhood favorite?

Probablyyyyy the Sgt Major Eric Moyer series (does this come as a surprise to anyone?)...I think? *nods*

Not to me, that's for sure! When we first decided to do this Q&A and I thought I might have to choose what I thought your answer would be to the questions, I immediately went, "I hope someone asks for her favorite series, because I know e x a c t l y which one she'll choose." *laughs*
To answer the question, though, my childhood favorite is probably the Christian Heritage series by Nancy Rue. (But then, there's also all of those ones I mentioned earlier, too…) Rue's Real Life series was one of my favorites as a teen, and more recently, I'd have to say The Blades of Acktar.

Yeah, what she said. All the ones I answered before, but...TBoA are ones that I ALMOST wrote down, and the Christian Heritage series is, hands down, my favorite childhood series, now that you've mentioned them. *halo* (isn't it weird how you forget your faves until someone else mentions them?)

And if the question was referring to TV shows…that's a hard one. I'm currently rewatching Timeless and forgot how much I loved that show. But also Chicago Fire and SEAL Team.

Hm. For TV, I'll go with Flashpoint. Seriously adore those characters so much. But I also love love love what I've seen of Murdoch Mysteries.

Yesss, Bubble and friends are awesome.

21. Do you love or only tolerate musicals?

Oh, tolerate, for sure. You don't like them at all, do you, Livi?

GASP. *slowly hyperventilates*

KIDDING! No, I love musicals...I just don't watch them much, as my family doesn't care for them.

I LOVE THEM. My absolute favorites are the Broadway versions of Newsies and Tuck Everlasting; I don't know if I will ever get tired of the songs from those. I like older ones, too, like Singing in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. And then there's the silly ones like High School Musical and Starstruck. Music and dance are amazing, so put them together and I'm down! (Also, who has seen the new Netflix musical A Week Away?? If so, thoughts? I loved the songs from that, although the plot left something to be desired.)

Okay...that was fun. ;) Now, your turn: what are your own answers to these questions? What was your favorite of our answers?

Book Review: The Paris Betrayal by James Hannibal

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance--reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him—and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

My rating:

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal rachets up the tension on every page of this suspenseful new thriller. 
I think it's safe to say that my first James Hannibal book was a smashing success!

Plus, the poor dude just didn't feel good. Let's give him some slack.

The suspense wasn't keep-you-up-with-nightmares tense, but definitely edge-of-your-seat tense. The fight scenes were fantastic. The plot line was so good. The characters were likable, buuuuuut somehow they seemed...shallow? Like, I understood that Ben was under a great deal of stress, and he did well, but...idk. I failed to seriously connect. I did understand his want/need to fix things and set them right. And his desperation when things didn't go according to plan. (Am I a fixer that has issues when things don't go according to plan? Yes. Yes, I am.) But as far as emotional connection goes...nah. (I did love how it wasn't your typical top-of-the-food-chain-agent story, but more of a lowest-agent-on-the-totem-pole story)

Clara was endearing and spunky. The bad guys were...your average bad guys. All in all, there was nothing really remarkable about the characters.

And the message? Well, honestly, I didn't even realize there was supposed to be a message until I read a friend's review, mentioning the author's note. (I thought I'd read the author's note, but *cough* apparently I didn't read it well enough) It was a good story, engaging plot line, and I absolutely loved the overall story, but with shallow(ish) characters and lacking a meaty message, it fell just short of five stars.

As far as romance goes, there was a liiiiitle kissing and terms of endearment, but there was such a tiny amount, I'm not even gonna complain about it!

Also—that end? LOVED IT. Like, AMAZING twist.

So. A shorter review, but I definitely recommend this one! Four solid stars!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Let's talk—what do you look for in a suspense novel?

Bookish Bestie Q&A

August 11th, 2020, I met my best friend in person for the first time.

Livi (some of you veteran bloggers may remember her as Livi Jane, formerly of the blog Living for the Other Side) and I have been writing/critique partners (which somehow became friends before we realized what was happening...I guess I have that effect on people *shrugs*) for several years, and our dream of meeting in person finally became reality when she came for a visit last summer.

Well, the exciting news is, she's coming again next week! This time, we thought it would be fun to do a Q&A here on the blog!

What kind of questions should you ask? Honestly, you could ask us anything...buuuuut we prefer bookish or movie/TV show-esque questions. 'Cause, ya know, books are kinda what brought us together. And we love watching movies together. *grins*

(Plus, this is a bookish blog, sooooo)

So. Comment below with your questions for us, and we'll answer them together when she's here next week!

Book Review: The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

Combining heart-wrenching emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension, Charles Martin explores the true power of sacrificial love.

He shows up when all hope is lost. 

Murphy Shepherd has made a career of finding those no one else could—survivors of human trafficking. His life’s mission is helping others find freedom.

But then the nightmare strikes too close to home.

When his new wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls are stolen, Murphy is left questioning all he has thought to be true. With more dead ends than leads, he has no idea how to find those he loves.

After everything is stripped away, love is what remains. 

Hope feels lost, but Murphy is willing to expend his last breath trying to bring them home.

Series: Murphy Shepherd, #2 (could probablyyyyy be read as a standalone??) (find my review of book 1 here)

My rating:

Okay. Once upon a time, I would've said that Charles Martin is one of my favorite authors - beautiful prose, engaging plot. Blunt - just like me. *halo* Thing is...I wouldn't quite say so anymore. *Deep breath* So. Let's dive in, shall we?

Mmkay, so, let me say what I didn't like (and try not to turn this into a rant), and get that part over with.

For one...the prose. The first couple of books I read by Martin (When Crickets Cry and The Dead Don't Dance) were absolutely amazing. But then I read books that he published in recent years (Send Down the Rain and The Water Keeper)...and they've only disappointed me. I couldn't put my finger on why, though...so I picked up The Water Keeper from the library and requested The Letter Keeper from Netgalley.

I've figured it out. The 'prose,' to me, isn't really prose anymore. The meaty parts of the story, the parts where the plot really began to pick up and get going, were either short bits between the slow parts, or were broken up by rabbit trails of deep thinking.

Don't get me wrong; y'all know I love books that make me think deeply. But in the middle of a suspenseful sequence is not, in my opinion, a good time to insert "There are times in a man's life when..." *deep thinking that takes up an entire page and interrupts the plot* It seemed like there wasn't enough plot to go around, so hey, let's throw in an insane amount of internal dialogue that you have to force yourself not to skim over, but make the rest of the book interesting enough that you want to keep reading and find out how it ends!

Okay. I think my rant is over. Sorry. *cough*

What else didn't I like? Some of the scenes between Murph and Summer made me downright uncomfortable. Like, it wasn't too bad, it was just...lots of different places. Until that one scene right after the wedding (not gonna say whose wedding, to avoid potential spoilers). I understand that this is supposed to be authentic and real but like...y'all. I've got a vivid imagination. Whenever I read something in a book, I picture it in my mind. And this...this is not something I wanted to picture in my mind. (I suppose I should've learned my lesson from the first Shepherd book. But I didn't, unfortunately.)

The unfortunate thing is, even though the book ended on a cliffhanger, I'm not even sure that I want to read the next one. Which sadly brings the book down from "It was pretty good!" to "It...was good...I think?"

But. What did I like?

The plot was fantastic. Granted, the first half of the book was slow and I was trying to find out exactly where the back cover blurb fit into the whole picture. But then the second half hit and bang, we finally caught some of the action that Murphy Shepherd is known for! (did I just end a sentence with a preposition? Yes. Yes, I did. *bows* forgive me.) Like, that one scene full of InJUrY and pAIn and DEaTh!

"You came after us!" 

"I said I would, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but...you actually did." (Might not be exact wording, but super close, anyway)

These words, uttered from a heart so broken that she dared not believe they were true until she saw it put into action in the most sacrificial way possible, sum up my favorite part in the entire book. Someone who didn't see herself as worthy of love...found herself being treated as a most precious treasure (find a parallel in here somewhere?). And I adored it.

I also really loved Casey's character arc. It wasn't the straight-road-to-recovery-with-a-couple-setbacks. No, it was more like we-thought-we-were-recovering-but-then-everything-was-almost-completely-lost-but-it'll-all-turn-out-okay-in-the-end. (I guess I have a thing for hyphens. *shrug*) Like...I really, really loved the entire Casey aspect (including that last scene with her?? IT WAS SOOO GOOD.)

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher from Netgalley for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

I obviously have mixed feelings about this book. But hey, if it sounds like something that you'd like, go for it! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Book Review: Playgrounds & Black Markers by Libby May

Nineteen-year-old Jake Jett always knew what he wanted as his career, but time runs short as his chances to follow his dream seem to disappear. The constant pressure to attend a prestigious college pushes out any hope of pursuing his own desires. 

Feeling unheard, Jake sinks into his hidden addiction.

Rose Johnson has the best adoptive family she could imagine. . . until they receive a new set of placements. Add that to her unexpected reunion with Jake, life is thrown completely off balance. Overcoming his repulsive attitude towards her, she’s compelled to convince him he has the power to quit his addiction and follow his dreams.

When hearts get in the way, confusion settles in. Life is more complicated than anyone could have realized. Is it possible to leave all of the steps and outcomes at the throne of God? Does everyone truly have a destiny?

My rating:

This book was so good, y'all. So good. It started out a little bit slow, but it didn't take long for me to get sucked into the story, that's for sure! One of the most notable things for me when reading Playgrounds & Black Markers was how much Libby's writing style/voice had improved. Her debut (also the prequel to P&BM), Dewdrops & Butterflies, was a good book. But I have seen how much she's grown in her writing since publishing D&B, and I am sooo behind it!

Let's start with the themes. Wow. Jake has an addiction to something we wouldn't normally consider addictive: sharpie markers. His story will pull at your heart. I don't have any experience with addiction (or anyone who has had an addiction), so I'm definitely not an expert on the subject, but the way it was handled was fantastic, in my humble opinion. Also, the cause for his addiction, as a whole other theme...yessss. I'm trying really hard not to give spoilers here, buuuut I will say, however, that the way that was resolved seemed a little...I don't know...sudden? Like, *person* had a phone call and suddenly realized the error of their ways? *shrugs* maybe it was just me.

I also loved Rose's part in the story. The way she handled Taylor and Marcus were sooo good. There were maybe one or two things that I might've disagreed with, but it was just personal preference and not anything major. 

What didn't I like? The ending seemed...rushed? Like, the character arcs were complete and all, but the plot seemed to end abruptly, definitely leaving room for a third book. But, since I haven't heard any rumors about a third book, it seemed to end pretty suddenly.

Was there anything in this book that stood out, that put it above all others? No. But though I've never personally dealt with any of the themes—neglect, substance abuse, foster care, relationships—I felt it. I was Rose, wincing in pain when a hurting child kicked her shin. I was Jake, breathing in the fumes of the sharpie as he drug the tip of the marker across his skin. I was Rose, sobbing in the dark because some things in life just hurt too much. I was Jake, desperate for the love and affection he'd so long craved.

This book is full of hurt. Life. Graduations and swing sets. Ice cream and dog tags. It tugs at your heartstrings, and yet...it feels like home.

*I received a copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Book Review: Unknown Threat by Lynn Blackburn

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

Series: Defend and Protect, book 1

My rating:

Unknown Threat started out with a bang—literally. After an explosion in scene one, I was hooked.

Romantic suspense is very much a hit-or-miss for me, so when I requested to review this book, I may or may not have been super nervous. I mean...I'd never read anything by Lynn Blackburn, so y'all, this could be a big fail. Heh.

BUT. I also couldn't help be excited about it 'cause, y'all, Blackburn...well, if you've seen SEAL Team, you'll know. *cackles*

Anyway. The characters. The CHARACTERS, y'all. This book had a fantastic cast of characters. (How many times can I say 'characters' in one line?) Faith, Luke, Zane, Tiff, Gil, Jacob, Hope (if I'm missing anyone, just slap me or something)...and what surprised me the most was how funny they were. Gil and Zane are always trying to find someone for Luke to marry, and of course they're gonna recruit Tiff to help them. Y'all. I can't tell you how long it's been since I actually laughed out loud while reading a book. Like, for real. It c r a c k e d me up.

I loved Faith's character, and I could actually relate to her a lot—her personality was a bit more driven than mine (though I suppose I can be driven...when I really want to...*cough*), but the way she relied on logic rather than emotions? Mmm, yeah, my kinda girl.

Luke was sooo fun. I loved his personality and his protectiveness. And the way he handled his meddling friends. *cackles*

And, of course, Gil needs his own line 'cause I love him. He was my favorite (though full of holes, poor dude), and he needs his own story. Which I am super hopeful about. *nods*

So. The two love interests meet. Their eyes lock across the room. Soft jazz begins to play, and they are immediately drawn to one another...okay, yeah, that's not quite how it happened. The romance was actually super sweet, in my opinion. Of course there was a bit of kissing and there was definitely attraction but Y'ALL they didn't let their attraction get in the way of their jobs, and it wasn't full of the I-feel-nothing-but-sparks-when-I-touch-this-person kind of romance and that was soooooo wonderful. Was there I-want-you-but-we-can't-be-together bits? Yes. But it...actually made sense to me in this case?? Plus, I really appreciated how they hit a couple of rocky spots, and it wasn't all flowers and rainbows, or however the saying goes. So. Yeah. There's definitely romance, but not enough to keep me from enjoying the book in its entirety.

Anyway. The plot continually kept me guessing. And wondering who was gonna get blown up next. 'Cause, ya know, sUsPEnsE. This was one of those instances where I thought I knew who the bad guy was, but I was actually wrong. (Gasp—me? Wrong?? Shocking, I know. My goodness.)

The spiritual aspect was good. There wasn't a whole lot, buuuut there was definitely more than I've read in a lot of Christian fiction lately, and I appreciated the thread of learning to trust God. So thank you, Mrs. Blackburn, for that!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

What are y'all's thoughts on romantic suspense? Have a favorite author in the genre?

5 Tips for Writing Medical Scenes: A Guest Post

Y'ALL! Today we get to try something new! (I could give you the typical 'and I'm so excited for it' line, but I won't do that to you) I've approached some authors and put together a series of guest posts that is gonna be epic.

What is this series title, you ask? I...have no idea. *shrugs* But what I do know is that every other month, I will be posting a list of five tips to help you improve your writing! I've already learned so much from today's post, and I'm sure that you will too.

Today's guest is Jesseca Wheaton, bringing you five tips for writing medical scenes!

Hey guys! For those who don’t know me, my name is Jesseca. I work full time on our local ambulance service, and in my free moments I dabble in writing. I’m also an indie author and I’ve published several books. Currently I’m studying to get my degree in Paramedicine. I’ve been an EMT since 2018 and an AEMT since last year. I worked in the ER for nearly two years before I left that and went full time on the ambulance. I’m currently loving it and wouldn't change my job for the world. And as anyone will tell you, I’m notorious for finding medical errors in books and TV shows. Working in the medical field I notice things I don’t even want to and I’ve decided I should probably stop watching Chicago Med. After all, it seems most of what I do is lecture the show for having things wrong. XD Anyway. Kate’s invited me here today to talk a little bit about writing medical scenes and characters, so let’s get started.

1) Do your research. Are you writing a character with Asthma? Research the disease. Study more than you need to know for the book. It’s easy to open a book and tell whether the author actually knows about the disease they’re writing about, or whether they did just enough research to know some facts about it. Same goes with medical procedures. And I’m not talking about surgeries, I’m talking about something as simple as placing an IV. If you have your medical character start a 16g IV in the hand of a little old lady in a nursing home, any medical professional reading that is going to roll their eyes. It doesn’t matter how small the detail — do what you can to make it as accurate as possible. Your readers will thank you. (And I’ll definitely thank you.) I don’t mean just internet and book research. If you really want to write an accurate book with a first responder character, go out into the field and do some hands-on research. Most EMS agencies will let you do a ride-along with them to see how things work, and they’re more than willing to answer questions. It’ll add a degree of realism to your book you wouldn't have otherwise. Also … don’t use TV shows as your research. Maybe that seems obvious, but the amount of people I know who have watched a medical TV show and decided to write a medical book … Let’s just say there’s more than one. 


2) You don’t need to go terribly in depth. If you decide to write a medical scene and you don’t know much about the medical field, that’s okay! You don’t have to. Hit the important parts and don’t give many details. Say the paramedics came and took the guy in an ambulance. Don’t try to talk about what they did on scene or in the back of the truck. But if you do decide to go into detail …  


3) ...Ask someone who’s knowledgeable in that area. Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, AEMTs, and even most EMTs will be able to answer basic medical questions. Find one who doesn’t mind answering some questions and ask them how things would most likely go. Obviously every situation will be different but there are some medical facts that won’t change. (If your character has lost a lot of blood, chances are he’s not gonna be able to grab a sword and just keep on fighting.) And just a fun fact for you here … any sort of trauma to the abdomen can be just as fatal as trauma to the chest.

4) Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation hasn’t been practiced for a number of years. In fact, most instructors who teach CPR classes have gone to teaching compressions-only CPR. If your character comes upon someone who’s down without a pulse, they most likely won’t have any sort of CPR pocket-mask with them. (I mean … unless they’re in the medical field and carry one just in case, or they’re paranoid and try to be prepared for any circumstance.) In such a situation, hands only or compression only CPR is what’s encouraged. It’ll keep the rescuer safe, while also improving the chances for the person found down.

5) If you decide to make a medical character your main character, keep in mind that they don’t think like everyone else. They’ll notice details most people don’t. And they have a sense of humor all their own. 

Sometimes people accuse us of being insensitive, but you need to realize that we have to have a certain degree of that to be able to do our jobs. We can’t be bothered by life and death situations. We won't freak out over a minor injury. Most of the time we don’t show emotion. Don’t get me wrong, we all have that one call that still haunts us. We still wonder if there’s anything more we could have done. But you’ll never know that unless we feel like you’re someone who will understand. It’s why we tend to stick together. We’ll share things with each other because we know that someone who’s in the same spot will understand. It isn’t often that we’ll share things with someone outside. (Unless maybe you’re our best friend and we tell you everything regardless of what it is. )

People working in the medical field can’t imagine doing anything else. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Sure, there are days that are hard. There are days we question why we ever chose this profession. But there’s a reason we haven't left yet. This is what we were called to do. 

I hope this was somewhat helpful! And if you ever have any questions about writing medical characters, feel free to shoot me a message! You can find me on Instagram at @jessiedawn98. 

Thank you, THANK YOU, Jesseca, for writing this post! Super helpful, and the memes were fantastic. ;)

If y'all have any topics you'd like to see covered in this series, drop them in the comments!

What do you struggle with most when writing medical scenes?