Hi Reader,

While I read fewer books in May, I loved all of them.

I started with Ilona Andrews' enormous epic fantasy, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Maggie the Undying, #1).

I have read all of their urban fantasy, regardless of whether it has romance or not. (Yes, I prefer the romance stories, but I read all of their books.)

But epic fantasy? I don't normally like epic fantasy. I hate the unpronounceable names. And where the heck is everything? I don't want to flip back and forth to see the map. Yes, I swear out loud when I can't figure out where I am from the words. I'm reading a book, not navigating for my husband on a trip. Too often, the magic makes no sense to me.

(Tell us how you really feel, Johanna.)

Yet, this book grabbed me from the first page and did not let me go. Maggie wakes up inside a fantasy world from books she has devoured and loved for years.

Calling this epic fantasy is an injustice to the book. Sure, there's all that political intrigue we often expect from epic fantasy. But this book is much better than that. There's action-adventure. A lot of justice in the form of chances to set things right and prevent people from dying horrible deaths. And at least the hint of romance.

If you like epic fantasy, you will love this book. If you're on the fence, as I often am, about epic fantasy, give this book a chance. It's wonderful.

Then, I read a new Suzanne Brockmann mystery/romance, Jules Cassidy, P.I.: Troubleshooters #20. This is Brockmann's first book in years. And the good news is she hasn't lost a (writing) step.

Brockmann does two very interesting things in this novel. She does not try to keep Cassidy in the FBI and create a new alternative history. (Cassidy is gay.) Instead, she uses current events to discuss the implications of political decisions. What happens to people when they lose the job of their dreams, the only job they ever wanted? How do characters react then?

In addition, Brockmann tells the story of how high-school-age Cassidy and his friends discovered how one of their classmates roofied other classmates and raped them. Between "today" and "back in high school," we see Cassidy for who he is. And the story is all the richer for it.

Then I read a romantic suspense, Angel's Fall, by Nora Roberts.

At the foot of the Grand Tetons, Reece finds refuge from her PTSD as a cook in a local diner. Yet, while she is hiking, she witnesses a horrific murder.

Then, the gaslighting begins.

Luckily, her new boyfriend, Brody, does believe her. With his support, they solve the case together. It's a terrific read. Great romance and great suspense.

My Announcements

My most recent book, Effective Public Speaking: How to Use Content Marketing With Stories to Show Your Value, is finally out everywhere. (I realize that is not fiction!)

I sold a short romance story to a romance anthology. I'll be able to tell you about that shortly.

Where to Find Me

Please do follow me on BookBub. If you want to see what I'm reading, follow me on Goodreads. (That's almost real-time, unless I'm in a hotel and have insufficient wifi. In this day and age? Yes. Sigh.)

These links to the books are all universal book links and include my affiliate codes.

If you know of a book I should read, let me know. Have a great June and read on,

Johanna