Vanessa Victoria Kilmer

This is another one of those books where the underlying idea is better than the execution. It's very highly-rated and there will be a movie based on it. There are also follow-up stories.

It was a fast read. But as someone who loves true crime shows and crime procedurals I felt very cheated by the execution of the story.

Spoilers do follow.

Just because things are possible, doesn't mean they are plausible.

#1 biggest issue I have is the lawyer wife defending the cheating, accused-of-murder- husband. This just wouldn't really happen, although it is technically legal. This just wouldn't happen in real life and it's not adequately addressed.

#2 biggest issue is the main narrator. She not just an unreliable narrator. She's not even a dishonest narrator. The author did not put in any of the little clues that would give the reader a chance to figure out the solution. As a reader, you can't go back and say, oh, there's a hint because they aren't there.

The clues in general are weak.

I didn't like or sympathize with any of the characters. I love morally gray characters but every single one of the ones in this book are just annoying and/or unlikeable.

So, yeah. Not a fan. I doubt I'll read anything else by this author.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Boo-tiful Stories Out Soon - Love Lost & Found and The Brewmaster's Kiss

Do you like the TV show Ghosts, either the British Ghosts or the American Ghosts versions?

Well, then, I present to you the Ghosts of Border House.

Border House has stood on the River Tweed since 1100, witnessing centuries of Scottish history and accumulating many permanent residents along the way. This ancient fortified manor, once a hunting lodge and defensive tower, now serves as both a charming hotel and an unintentional retirement home for spirits who can’t or won’t move on to the next realm.

The house is home to a medieval king, a turncoat scribe, a lonesome English soldier, two Victorian ladies, one unhappy go-go girl, a Scottish Brewmaster, and more. Each ghost brings their own quirks, complaints, and centuries-old drama to daily life at Border House. Whether you’re a living guest checking in for the weekend or a long-dead resident who’s been here for ages, everyone has a story to tell.

Welcome to Border House—where checkout time is optional, and some guests have been extending their stay for centuries.

This series features standalone paranormal romances written by various authors.

Available Now for Pre-Order on Amazon

Love Lost & Found by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer Release Date: October 7, 2025

The Brewmaster's Kiss by Leah Miles Release Date: October 14, 2025

Both just in time for your Halloween spirit.

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Book Review - Carnage by Shantel Tessier

Carnage by Shantel Tessier

If you read for dark romance, then this is excellent, as always: creative, detailed and diverse. 5 stars (Be sure to pay attention to content/trigger warnings, if you need them. This one's intense.)

If you also read for the story/plot/characters, you might be disappointed, as I was. SPOILERS follow.

I really liked the first three books in this series. Sabotage was Meh.

*

This book is over 500 pages long which was too long. Only about 25% of it is story and most of that happens at the end of the book. But I had to finish it because I just am compelled once I start a book, plus I was so looking forward to the Spade Brothers, it's the next to the last book in the series currently available, I need to get to Haidyn's book and I couldn't figure out the bad guy which is really unusual for me. This review is unusually long because I invested so much time in reading this and ended up being disappointed in it. I'm a little worried because the last book, Madness, is almost 800 pages. Fingers crossed.

Ashtyn and Saint's relationship is fraught with misunderstandings. They've know and been in love with each other for years but they can't have a simple conversation. So annoying. They've grown up in a secret society full of power hungry, and duplicitous people. Ashtyn just doesn't seem too bright. She doesn't seem to recognize or care about the obvious enemies all around her. Saint, despite the generational expectations of his life, years of training, testing and torture, lacks the self-control that would have gotten him to his position. He just makes dumb choices.

People just get in and out of super special and secure Carnage without any real good explanation or skill. The bad guy ends up being this dude who causes havoc but there aren't any good explanations on how he manages to wreck their lives. He's just some guy. His patrons are dead or disabled, so where is he getting his money and crews? And Saint has seen his face in a couple of key events/videos, but he's shocked, shocked I tell you, as to his significance.

Other things happen, too, without good explanations, like the disappearance and deaths of the Spade Brothers' fathers. They just disappear.

Wish me luck with the next book. I like Haidyn, so I'm a bit nervous. (It's not the last. There's another one in the works.)

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Book Review - The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

"For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself."

This is a 6 book series organized into 3 couplets. The first four books are complete.

I liked the main male character, Raihn. He's big and strong and hot and still nice, caring and funny.

Unfortunately, so much of the rest fell short. I had a hard time getting past the Hunger Games element of this story and that's a huge focus of the book. The world-building and character development just weren't enough. If I wasn't curious as to how the author was going to pull the two main characters out of the you-or-me predicament, I would have stopped reading. And I found the ending unwhelming.

The fight scenes or competitions packed a lot of energy and page space. They were tough, but I just didn't buy Oraya making it out alive. There was little buildup showing us her training, showing us how this small, puny human was so good at killing vampires. She's got attitude, and lots of help but few actual skills that make it believable for her to constantly best superior killers.

I feel the idea of the story was bigger than the execution and I ended feeling flat about it.

I give it 3 out of 5 Vampire Butterflies.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Crochet - Red Fairy Glass Cardigan

Fairy Glass Cardigan - Begun May 25, 2025

DROPS Design Free Pattern

I don't usually make things when I crochet.

I like to crochet simple stitches to

relax and disconnect my brain,

but I've been hankering for a bit of a challenge.

This pattern has diagrams which I've never used before.

Winter Wonder Tale - a novella

Winter Wonder Tale

(Pinevale Valley Book 6)

On Sale Now

Rage Alexander Ledford, an alpha werewolf, has lost his pack. His only clue is an email confirming reservations at the Kisselton Inn in Pinevale Valley, NC, and a witch’s amulet stinking of black magic. In pain from the severed connections to his found family and filled with anger, he goes in search of the one responsible for the destruction of his world.

Evangeline Crowe, a lone witch, has been hiding in the mountains above Pinevale Valley, NC for centuries after the slaughter of her family and friends by a band of hunters. She trusts no one, especially not the Cherokee man storming her warded land, a man she knew long ago, a man who survived the destruction of their village, a man who doesn’t seem to remember her.

Can Rage and Evangeline overcome their fury and hatred to solve the mysteries of the missing pack, missing memories, and missing trust and fix their broken hearts?

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Winning the Game in 2025

I'm great at creating goals.

I'm horrible at following through on personal ones.

2025 is about changing that.

My writing life will be my main focus.

Improving my health will be an on-going

rest-of-my-life goal.

The best system I've found for goal setting

is called SMART goals.

It's Tuesday, So We Must Talk Tarot - 2024310 Episode 1

The Ultimate Guide to Tarot:

A Beginners’ Guide to Cards, Spreads and Revealing

the Mystery of the Tarot by Liz Dean Wonderful reference guide.

You have been the last dream of my soul.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Do you know what book this first line is from without looking it up?

Have you read the book?

The title of this post is also a quote from this book.

Highlight the line below for the answer.

A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Friday, September 27, 2024

Haunt Me Still

Available now for Pre-Order

Release Date October 15, 2024

"What is one woman's broken heart when the world is at war?"

Grace Culmer, a young widow seeking healing and purpose, moves to Pinevale Valley after inheriting Culmer Manor. When she moves into the dilapidated house, she meets Samuel Trueblood Haight, a ghost from the 18th century bound to the manor because of a curse. Together, they navigate personal loss, uncover historical mysteries, and seek redemption and peace.

A meeting of true opposites: a woman and a man, an optimist and a pessimist, modern and colonial, the living and the dead.

Can Grace and Samuel maneuver around grief, personal and public history, and a complex relationship to heal and transform their lives and possibly find new love? This endearing paranormal romance has the answer.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Get your copy from Amazon

My story is called Love Under the Cold Moon

Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter celebrations to modern sizzling New Year's Eve encounters, this anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this collection has something for every romance reader.

Mistletoe Magic by Leah Miles: A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again, or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?

Happily Ever After, Take Two by Sara Walker: Will Dino and Hilde's second chance love overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?

Love Under the Cold Moon by Vanessa Kilmer: A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine winter festivals of 193 AD.

Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan: Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for Christmas?

Snowbound Hearts by C.L. Hart: When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.

A Fluffy White Christmas - A Tail of Love by Sally Murphy: Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this Christmas?

Maiya’s New Year’s Wish by Marie Morton: Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix. Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New Year's countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?

The Naughty List Nightmare by Erika Kilmer Freidly: Love, traditions, and a mythical menace collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save Pittsburgh's children.

Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar: Cinderella made her own gown and found her Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?

Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.

Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Crochet Touché - Bag Strap

As you may or may not know, I love to crochet.

I learned by watching my Oma, not the woman you met in the last newsletter, but her daughter. They shared the name Franziska, which was also my mother's middle name. My Uroma did not knit or crochet. My Oma was a knitting/crocheting fiend. She always had something on the make and carried her projects with her wherever she went.

I don't like to knit. I'm not coordinated enough or attentive enough.

Crocheting is like meditation to me.

Unfortunately, living in Florida now, my useful projects are limited. No mittens, caps, scarves, sweaters, blankets---too hot.

And I like useful because I like natural fibers and they are expensive.

My current project is a strap for a laptop bag. I lost the one that came with it originally, so I've been trying to find something else.

Crochet straps are really stretchy, especially with a little weight. I thought I had the problem solved, but I didn't use the fishing line. I'll have to try weaving it in after the fact.

The yarn is Peaches & Creme Stripey - 17007 Green Stripes - worsted 4-ply, 2 oz, 102 yards, 100% cotton, Mediun 4

Here are pictures of what I have so far.

Here are the links to the patterns and processes I used"

Spiral Rope used to link the handle to the bag

Tunisian Butterfly applique for the 13 butterflies - these are so cute in person.

The Fishing Line Trick

The strap itself was made with the Thermal Stitch which is so satisfying. I'll have to think of something else to use this stitch for.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Nessa's Notebook - Call Me ...

... Ishmael, just don't call me late for dinner.

Yes, I did a mashup of a classic opening line and an old dad joke. That's how my mind works.

Something New

I've been listening to a Baroque playlist on Spotify. There are many to choose from there and on YouTube. One of the things I really like about the Spotify playlists is that they are hours long. The one I link above plays for 24 hours. I can really sink into the music without being aware of it.

And science says it's good for your brain.

Writing

I let myself get distracted on Thursday with the rabbit hole of 'research.' I wrote one sentence but that's okay. One sentence is my goal and I did it.

Friday, I wrote 8,898 words and finished my short story for an upcoming Winter FCRW Anthology.

What was the difference between the days? Friday, I put the writing first and once I started, I didn't want to stop. The starting always stopped me.

Movement

I've been setting my little kitchen timer for 30 minutes. When it buzzes, I get up and walk around. Occasionally, I take a little brain break and do something menial, like the dishes or the laundry.

Links You Should Checkout

First Coast Romance Writers is a great group for aspiring writers and published authors. You don't have to live in Florida to participate in meetings and workshops and they have mentoring programs.

344 Words You Can Spell On a Calculator Does anyone still have calculators? Will these work on a phone calculator?

Shady Characters is all about written marks, punctuation, emojis, etc.

I love to crochet. This Book Worm Pattern is adorable.

Then there's the ultimate SQUIRREL moment, as in squirrel spas.

Any wonder I can't get any writing done.

I'm Reading

The Ever King by LJ Andrews

The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin

Broken Protector (Gentle Sinners Book 1) by Amber Warden

The Counting

Beginning 20240611:

Fighting Fate (Novel Writing)
Day 00 ... 3,037 words. To date 30,822 words.

Short Stories (Completed)
Catch As Catch Can ... April ... 12,789 words.
Whisper Down the Lane ... June ... 3,567 words.
Love Under the Cold Moon … 14,387 words.
Rolling Around My Head … June … 4,569 words.

Short Stories (WiP)
Despair is in the Air
Day 01 ... 109 words. ... To date ... 109 words.

Fiction for June…………………….….… 22,313
Fiction for 2024…………………………. 65,924
2024 Novellas to Date ……………...….. 0
2024 Short Stories to Date……………… 4
Novels Published .............……………… 2
Novellas Published ..............…………… 0
Short Stories Published ………............... 1
Short Story Collections Published …...… 0

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Nessa's Notebook - A New Start. (Yes, Another One)

I'm allowed. I can have as many as I want. As many as it takes to get me where I want to go. Every day is a new start. Every first step. I will keep at it until I'm in the habit of putting my writing first.

Something New

I bought a new Tarot deck, The Wheel of Change Tarot by Alexandra Genetti. I had to find it on Etsy at colorwheelfolkarts.etsy.com if you like the look of it. It's very pretty and speaks to the subconscious mind.

Today's card: The Hermit, reversed

The Hermit is quite appropriate at this time as I've decided to renew my spiritual practices, which have always been very private and solitary. I need to reconnect with the core of who I am and what I need and want without the influence of others.

Writing

I've been stuck for weeks, months. Unable to bring myself to write any fiction. I've been looking for the perfect system to make it all make sense. Outlining. Plotting. Planning. Sheets and forms and lists. Programs. Tools. Syste,s. Oh, my.

Yesterday, I gave myself permission to just write. I finished a 4k short story. Today, my only goal was to write a sentence. I wrote 1,473 words with trying. I'm satisfied. More than satisfied. I might even be giddy.

Movement

A little over two hours at the pool with The Boy. A solid hour of movement and another of fun. At some point the aches will lessen, right?

The pool in our complex is wonderful. Always clean. Always welcoming. Always allowing me to move all my joints, even my bad left knee and my sore right hip, without pain. It's a true joy.

Links You Should Checkout

I found these places over the weekend and I credit them with getting me writing again and without fear or guilt. They talk about the way I instinctually write.

Harvey Stanbrough has written over 85 novels, 9 novellas, and 250 short stories in just over 8 years. That's lots. Check him out. He has loads of free resources writers and he's so nice.

Start with If You Really Want to Write Fiction. Of note is Heinlein’s Business Habits for Writers, Annotated

I started the Ray Bradbury Challenge again, only this time I'll have company. I did 17 short stories in a row the last I did this. Anyone can join, any time. Got my first one under my belt. "Whispering Down the Lane" will be in my first short story collection which will be out by the end of this month.

This fantastic article is packed with information, How to Write a Great Blurb (Warning: Giganormous Post)

I'm Reading

Writing Into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith, another prolific writer and Heinlein devotee. "Trust the Process" and "Write one sentence. Then write the next sentence." You can see a YouTube Videoabout a talk he gave on this subject at a 20Books conference.

The Ever King by LJ Andrews. It's super popular. Amazon has over 13k reviews and Tik Tok rated it Best of BookTok.

The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin written in 1899.

These words don't count.

The Counting

I count everything, the stairs up and don to the apartment each time I traverse them even though I know the fist set has 17 steps and each of the next two have nine. Never changes but I count them every time. I count the laps I swim in the pool even though I know I will swim them for 30 minutes. I count out the time. Just looked it up. Of course it has a name: arithmomania. I don't have good or bad feelings related to counting, I just do it.

Anywho, I stole this idea from Harvey Stanbrough, see above. I'm not going to count all my words, only those related to my fiction writing. I'm going to see how many I write in these last seven months of 2024, then set a goal for a yearly word count.

Beginning 20240611:

Fighting Fate (Novel Writing)

Day 00 ... 3,037 words. To date 30,822 words.

Short Stories (Completed)

Catch As Catch Can ... April ... 12,789 words.

Whisper Down the Lane ... June ... 3,567 words.

Short Stories (Writing June)

Love Under the Cold Moon

Day 01 ... 469 words. ... To date ... 469 words.

Day 02 ... 1,473 words ... To date ... 1,942 words.

Fiction for June…………………….….… 5,509
Fiction for 2024…………………………. 21,865

2024 Novellas to Date ……………...….. 0

2024 Short Stories to Date……………… 2
Novels Published .............……………… 2
Novellas Published ..............…………… 0
Short Stories Published ………............... 1
Short Story Collections Published …...… 0

That's enough for now.

Monday, June 03, 2024

Mystery Monday - The Caesar Cipher

I'm writing a short story for this year's Winter Anthology sponsored by the First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW) group. The anthology is called For the Love of Winter and will feature love stories set during all of the Winter Holidays.

My story is called Love Under the Cold Moon. It's set in the year 194 in the Alps, on the border between Raetia and Noricum in a mountain valley. More later as we get closer to the release date.

The Roman Emporer at this point in history was Septimus Severus, the survivor of the Year of the Five Emperors. This was the year after Commodus was assasinated.

So, the first puzzle will be a quote by Septimus Severus turned into a puzzle using the Caesar cipher.

Can you decipher these words of wisdom?

Monday, May 20, 2024

Riddle Me This, Batman

The word riddle was first recorded before 1000 AD in Middle English. Close to the Old English rede, meaning story. A puzzling question stated in such a way as to require a clever answer.

The oldest recorded riddle is actually a mathematical problem written in cuneiform from around 1650 BCE, called the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus.

Rhind Mathematical Papyrus :

detail (recto, left part of the first section

British Museum Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan, EA10057)

To see the answers, highlight the space between the asterisks.

Usually written as follows:

There are seven houses;
In each house there are seven cats;
Each cat catches seven mice;
Each mouse would have eaten seven ears of corn;
If sown, each ear of corn would have produced seven hekat of grain.
How many things are mentioned altogether?

The usual answer: *** one (1) ***

Other answer(s) are a bit disappointing.

The most famous old (470 BCE) riddle is The Riddle of the Spinx from the myth of Oedipus.

The riddle: “What being has four legs, then two, and then three?”

The answer: *** “Man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, then walks on two legs, and finally needs a cane in old age.” ***

Check out the medieval riddles located HERE and HERE.

The ever-prolific Voltaire wrote this riddle:

"What, of all things in the world, is the longest and the shortest, the swiftest and the slowest, the most neglected and the most regretted, without which nothing can be done, which devours all that is little and ennobles all that is great?"

The answer: *** Time ***

My attempt at riddle writing:

Born earthbound and starving, I sleep in my shroud and hatch to soar less than a lunar cycle.

The answer: *** a butterfly ***

Pages

Monday, October 13, 2025

The Ghosts of Border House Blog Tour

Wednesday, October 08, 2025

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose