Fall Reading List: Must-Read Thrillers and Horror Books for Spooky Season

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Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the leaves changing colors, apple season, and of course, SPOOKY SEASON! As usual, I'll be reading lots of thrillers, horror, and all-around weird books. Here's what's on my to-be-read list for this fall:

1. The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa

2. The Harbinger Series by Jennifer Armentrout 

3. Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent

4. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

5. Come Out, Come Out Whatever You Are by Kathryn Foxfield

I'm sure I'll end up adding more books to this list as the months progress, and as my reading mood changes, so will my book choices. But one thing that won't change is my need to read spooky books this time of year.

What's on your upcoming reading list? 

What books are you most looking forward to reading this fall?

Join the Conversation: Weekly Blogging and Life Discussions on Tell Me Something Tuesday

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I've been blogging for well over a decade. In fact, my very first blog post went live on February 21, 2012. So, that's what? 11 years! My first post was titled: It Only Took Me 32 Years To Figure Out What I Wanted To Do With My Life. This post essentially kicked off my official writing career. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to really pursue this as a career and not something I just did for fun. 

And yes, my blog has changed a lot over the years. At first, I'd just write what was on my mind and share it. Then, I slowly learned more about this platform, the cool things I could do with it, the ability to add graphics, etc. As I evolved as an author, too, the layout has changed quite a bit. I'm satisfied with how it is right now, so I don't have any plans to change it again anytime soon. But that might change in the future ;)

What about you? Are you a blogger? How long have you been at it? Feel free to share a link in the comments to the first post you ever published. 

Join the Conversation: Exploring Musical Talents in the Tell Me Something Tuesday Series

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Does blaring the radio and singing very loudly off-key while driving count? If not, then no--I have absolutely no musical talent. I love listening to music and going to concerts, and I always have a playlist for each of my books, but I've never been that interested in learning to play an instrument myself. My daughter, however, did play the flute for a few years in school, and she was quite good at it. 

What about you? Do you have any musical talents?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Share Your Favorite Summer Treats!

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I have the worst sweet tooth, so I'm always eating sweet treats, but during the summer, I love anything with strawberries. Cheesecake, ice cream, shortcake, fruit dip, cool whip, chocolate... you name it and I'll eat it! I'm also a sucker for soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, usually in a waffle cone. 

What's your favorite summer treat?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Discover Bloggers' Favorite Reading Spots and Join the Conversation!

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I can read anywhere, really. While I'm sitting in the car waiting for something. In the doctor's office waiting room. At the gym while walking on the treadmill. Sitting on the couch at night. But my two favorite places to read are:

1. In the bathtub

2. In bed

Yes, I read while soaking in a hot bubble bath. It's very relaxing, and it's the one place in the house when my family doesn't interrupt me. Haha. And then at night, when I'm tucked into bed, I'll read until I can't keep my eyes open. 

What about you? 

Where is your favorite place to read? 

Join the Conversation: Tell Me Something Tuesday – Book Cons, Blogging, and More!

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I love going to book cons, but they are crazy expensive, so I don't get to go to as many as I'd like. And sadly, there really aren't many close to home, so unless I'm already planning a trip, I don't generally go just for a book con. I think the last time I did that was almost 10 years ago... I went to the Romantic Times Book Convention in NOLA. That was fun!

I don't have any scheduled to attend (as an author or a reader) this year, but I do have a couple for next year! I'll be at:

Dreaming Dirty in Michigan in April 2025

TropiCon Branson in May 2025

At both of these, I'll be an attending author selling books I've written as both Kara Leigh Miller and Lexi Lawton. 

Do you go to book cons? 

Which ones are your favorite? 

Which ones have you always wanted to go to? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Top 5 Favorite Celebrities and Why You Should Join the Conversation

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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Wow, this is a tough question! I have so many favorites, and I'm not sure I can pick just one. Haha. So, instead, I'll give you my top five:

1. Jason Statham (because he has a great range of abilities from humor to action)

2. Melissa McCarthy (because she's hilarious)

3. Ian Somerholder (I mean, hello, Damon Salvatore!)

4. Jeff Dunham (He plays with dummies, and he always makes me laugh)

5. Mark Wahlberg (I had the biggest crush on him when I was a teen and he was still Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch)

Your turn! Who are your favorite celebrities and why? 
Share in the comments!

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 01.02.2024 (Reading and Blogging Goals)

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I read just shy of 50 books in 2023, which I know isn't a lot compared to some people, but it's a lot for me when I take into account how much reading I do for my day job. This year, I'd like to read at least 50 books, but ideally, I'll hit 75 or 100. 

On the blogging front, I'd like to post 2-3 Book Cravings posts per week (my personal thoughts on books I've read), along with keeping up on this feature: Tell Me Something Tuesday. I'd also like to open up my blog for any fellow author who'd like to be featured, and share whatever thoughts I might have throughout the year. 

What are your reading and/or blogging goals this year? 

Share in the comments!

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 12.19.2023 (Phone Apps)

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I'm not sure I could live without any of them. LOL. But the ones I tend to use the most are my social media apps--Facebook, (especially messenger) Twitter, Instagram. My banking apps and email. And I'm always playing either Monster Busters or Solitaire Grand Harvest. 

What are your must have phone apps?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 12.12.2023 (Favorite childhood toys)

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I LOVED Barbies. I had so many of them, and all the accessories, too. I'd spend hours sitting on my bedroom floor playing with them, making up stories about their lives, decorating their houses. I also really enjoyed paper dolls, coloring books, and LiteBrite. As I got older, I discovered the original Super Mario Bros on the very first Nintendo gaming system. (Yeah, I just dated myself. LOL) 

What were your favorite toys growing up? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 12.05.2023 (Desert Island Book)

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The practical part of my brain says I'd want some sort of survival guide so I wouldn't die. LOL. But the book-loving part of my brain says I'd probably want Twilight. Preferably the entire saga, but if I can only have one book, then I'd take Midnight Sun or Breaking Dawn because they're the longest. 

What book would you want with you a desert island?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 11.28.2023 (Winter TBR)

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I'm excited to finish the Torpedo Ink Series by Christine Feehan. This is a rather long series, so it's probably going to take me a while to finish. But if I do get through them quickly, I plan to just randomly work through my TBR by picking a book from my shelf and diving in. I find I read more when I do this as opposed to setting a reading schedule for myself. 

What books are you excited to read this winter?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 11.21.2023 (What I'm Thankful For)

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I have a lot to be thankful for this year. First and foremost -- my family and friends. I wouldn't be able to function the way I do without them. They keep me grounded while also boosting me to reach for my dreams. 

I'm thankful for the amazing doctors at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the entire GI team for how well they always take care of my daughter and how they genuinely care about her. 

I'm thankful for my writing and publishing friends. This is a brutal industry, and if not for every single one of you, I'd have quit by now. LOL. 

What're you thankful for?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 11.14.2023 (Sports and Recreation)

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I've never been a big sports person. I never played any in high school or college, though I was in my high school colorguard and would march in parades, twirling my flag. lol. As an adult, I'm still not a sports person. I do play golf with my husband on occasion, and I like to take walks with my dog, but that's about it. Oh, and I try to workout on a regular basis. 

What about you? Do you play sports? 

What're your favorite recreational activities?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 11.07.2023 (Epic and Urban Fantasy)

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I'm honestly not a big fan of fantasy or sci-fi. I have read some urban fantasy, but not too much, and it often crosses the line into more paranormal in terms of angels and demons. The best urban fantasy book I have ever read was Pledge of Ashes by Amy Sevan. Seriously, if you're a fan of UF, check this book out. You won't be sorry!

I think the reason I'm not a fan of sci-fi and epic fantasy is because there's a lot of necessary world building, and reading that tends to bore me. I find myself skipping large chunks of text, and then that ends up confusing me. 

What about you? Are you a fantasy, sci-fi fan? 

What do you love about it?

Tell me Something Tuesday: 10.31.2023 (Halloween)

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Everything! Honestly, I really don't think I can pick any one thing I like about Halloween, because for me, it's an entire season and not just one day. But I love the kids in their costumes, the haunted houses, the candy. Man, do I have a terrible sweet tooth! Above all else, though, there's this mood or vibe on Halloween that's just unmatched. I'm not sure I can really explain it. 

What's your favorite thing about Halloween? 

Tell me Something Tuesday: 10.24.2023 (Supernatural Creatures)

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Again, I don't think this is going to come as a shock to anyone, but I love vampires! If you had asked me this question several years ago, I probably wouldn't have had an answer. But then my wonderful daughter really wanted to read Twilight, and I had heard *things* from my adult friends about the series, and so I decided I would read it before my daughter. I was instantly hooked and have been a super-fan ever since. 

Once that fandom started to die down a bit, my daughter thought it would be fun to get me hooked on The Vampire Diaries, (the show), and again, I was hooked. I later tried to read the books and couldn't get into them. But the TV show?? I can rewatch that a million times and never tire of it. 

From here, my love of vampires was born. In fact, I even wrote an entire vampire romance series. The Cursed Series is a 7-book, young adult paranormal romance series that's been called, "the new Twilight for the next generation!" If you're interested, book 1 (Eternal Curse) is absolutely FREE on all vendors. 

A cursed vampire.

A coven hellbent on revenge.

And a human girl caught in the middle.

After pulling the plug on her mother's life support, seventeen-year-old Chloe Madison is forced to live with relatives she hardly knows in a town that’s barely more than a pinpoint on the map. She’s determined to get the heck out of there as soon as possible—until she meets the enigmatic new guy at school, Trent Halstead. Something intriguing hides beneath his quiet self-assurance and hero hair, but he’s keeping a secret, and now Chloe can’t leave until she knows what he’s hiding.

When a rash of unsolved murders leaves two of Chloe's classmates dead, she begins to see disturbing hallucinations that concern Trent. Not only does he appear to be a murderous vampire, but a coven of vengeful witches have burdened his family with an eternal curse: no Halstead will ever know love.

Desperate to find a way to break the curse, Trent knows his salvation will come at a cost—Chloe’s destruction—and that’s a price neither of them are willing to pay. But when one of Trent’s old enemy’s attacks Chloe, she must decide if her love for Trent is strong enough to withstand the danger. Only one thing is certain—if they can’t find a way to be together, they will be destined to be alone forever.

The Cursed Series is a binge-worthy young adult paranormal romance series perfect for fans of The Crave Series by Tracy Wolff, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, and The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith.

GET MY COPY NOW!

What's your favorite supernatural creature? 

What are your favorite books or shows / movies that star your favorite supernatural creature?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 10.17.2023 (Favorite Season)

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I don't think it's any secret that fall is my favorite season! I love the cooler weather, the ability to dig out my big, comfy sweaters and tall, comfy boots. The fresh apples. The crisp smell in the air. All the scary movies and haunted houses. And the food--I love to make stews and other types of soup that just don't hit the same during the summer months. Oh, and when we turn the heat on, my cat will lay in front of the heater vent, which means I can sit and pet her without her trying to run away. Ha!

What's your favorite season? 

And what do you love most about it? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 09.26.2023 (Freebies and Previews)

 

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YES! All the time! I tend to download more freebies than checking out the free preview chapters, but I do both. This is a great way to ensure the book is something I'll like, and that it's well written and edited. If I'm sucked in, I'll go on to buy the book or the others in a series. In fact, I recently downloaded a free prequel and was so hooked I went on to buy the other 7 books in the series. 

So if any authors are wondering if the freebies or preview chapters work -- they sure do for me! I wish more authors would do this, but as an author myself, too, I understand the dislike and/or reluctance to giveaway your hard work for free. 

What about you -- do you like freebies and preview chapters? 

Do they help you decide if you want to keep reading?

Tell Me Something Tuesday: 09.19.2023 (New To Me Authors)

 

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Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

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I'm pretty sure all the books I've read this year are new-to-me authors! I've been trying hard to expand my reading list and engage with new genres and authors. 

Some of my notable new-to-me authors this year are: 

• Lily Meade -- I absolutely loved her debut novel, The Shadow Sister.
• Josh Berk & Saundra Mitchell -- Their Camp Murderface duology was tons of fun.
• R.F. Kuang -- I devoured her book, Yellowface, and will more than likely reread it at some point. 
• Julie Murphy -- I found her newest book, Camp Sylvania at a thrift store and loved her writing style.

What new to you authors have you discovered this year? 

Who should I check out?