Look, I think we can all agree that 2020 was a shitshow. Pandemic, murder hornets, quarantine, social injustice and unrest, fire tornadoes...there was pretty much something there for everyone to loathe. But maybe, just maybe, if we all try our hardest, 2021 will be better. I would say "it can't be worse", but I think 2020 taught us NEVER to do that. So, all that said, here's my advice for everyone (or almost everyone at least) on how we can all try to have a better year in 2021:    

Contemporary Romance
Publication date: ​12/10/2020
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

This one might be one of those "it's not you, it's me" scenarios, folks. But this one was most definitely NOT for me...

You might want to go ahead and preorder a few (or all) of these, because they look AMAZING. Just sayin'...

I'm in A LOT of author fan groups. It's just part of the book blogger gig. And I've been noticing something in these groups that has been bugging me for a while, but I've kept my mouth shut. Well, yesterday, I was in one my favorite fan groups and someone complained that the author's new release was $1 more than the last release, and that she hoped the price would be reduced soon because that was just more than her budget could handle. While I totally understand budget constraints, this statement irked me on a few levels. Number 1: It was made in the author's own fan group, but the comment wasn't addressed directly to the author, so it was basically just a really passive-aggressive way to bitch to the author about pricing. And Number 2: I got the feeling that this reader wasn't aware of all that goes into an author's book pricing strategy before complaining about that extra dollar. So, with that in mind, here's what I think readers should know about book pricing before they pop up to try and shame an author for how much they've decided to charge for their work:     

It was announced recently that HBO is in the early development phases of a True Blood reboot. Look, I'm not going to disparage True Blood. And I'm happy for the fans who will be happy about this announcement. I even really enjoyed the Charlaine Harris book series this show was based on. But...this show only ended 6 years ago. Is it REALLY time to reboot it? Why? There are a ton of GREAT paranormal book series out there that would make for a phenomenal HBO series! Why not take a look at a few of those before remaking something that has already had it's turn in the limelight, huh? And in case this sentiment actually reaches someone who would consider thinking outside the Hollywood box that says we can apparently only have sequels and reboots these days, here's where I think HBO should start (and also, for all you True Blood fans, here's a bunch of great book series you should check out, because they're all kinds of awesome):  

Why it should be an HBO series:  Who wouldn't want to see a sexy series about a snarky, hilarious Grim Reaper, her dysfunctional family, her super-quirky assistant, and the hot-as-Texas-asphalt-in-July antihero of her dreams? Sure, casting a real-life Reyes wouldn't be easy...but hey, if the casting director needs a hand with that, give me a call, m'kay? I'm a giver, after all. :)  

Why it should be an HBO series: A snarky psychic and a grumpy vampire slayer solving paranormal mysteries and helping people. What could be better? There's also plenty of sexy times, strong heroines, alpha males who aren't alphaholes, and rapid-fire, witty dialogue. It's also a good blend of drama and light, funny moments. Get on this one, HBO! And again...if y'all need help casting Riddick and/or Hunter...I'm in. All you have to do is call...

Why it should be an HBO series: This series has it all: sexy times, action, humor, SWORD FIGHTING, and kickass heroines. It would translate beautifully to any screen, big or small.  

Why it should be an HBO series: A snarky, hilarious, highly fashionable gal becomes a reluctant vampire queen--and many, many hijinks ensue. Crazy amounts of fun from beginning to end. I personally think Rachel McAdams or Emma Roberts would make a great Betsy, but whoever they wanted to cast, this series could be EPIC.    

Why it should be an HBO series: The series is all kinds of hilarious and brilliant and there's TONS to love about it, but I'd tune in for nothing more than to see HBO cast the fabulous Gwendoline Christie as Hadleigh Valhalla, the six-foot-six enforcer heroine who protects her magical family from all kinds of bad guys. Good luck prying me away from my HBO subscription if that happens... 

Why it should be an HBO series: There's shifters and mercenaries and a supernatural apocalypse and romance. What about that ISN'T screaming for an HBO series??   

Why it should be an HBO series: This one would make for a little darker, grittier series, and I'd love every minute of it! Intricate world-building, great characters, vampires, witches, and Scottish werewolves--there's something here for everyone. Take note, HBO!

Why it should be an HBO series: I mean...come on. You KNEW this one would be on the list, right? Do a little research, HBO. This series is HUGE. You'd have a guaranteed, built-in audience week after week. Just don't stray too from the books, m'kay? You might end up with a revolt on your hands.  

Why it should be an HBO series: This one would be an inspired choice because it's not a high-stakes story (pun about stakes not intended). This series is all about a snarky, sometimes grumpy, often befuddled regular gal navigating the new and crazy world of vampirism after she's turned (kind of) against her will. It's hilarious, and I'd tune in without fail, prepared to laugh my ass off, every week. 

Why it should be an HBO series: Female. Paranormal. Assassin. If that doesn't scream "WATCH ME"...well, I just don't know what does. 

There's nothing wrong with giving the booklover in your gift cards. NOTHING. But if you're looking for something a little more creative, here's some super fun stuff you might want to keep in mind (or that you might want to buy for yourself. I don't judge. You do you.) :  

Did you ever mention an author that you LOVE to another reader and had that person tell you they'd never read any of their work? I hate it when that happens! I want EVERYONE to read the authors I love so that I can talk to them about it! (Is that too much to ask???) So, with that in mind, here are the authors I wish everyone would read so that we could have a big 'ole discussion about them :