Jess Michaels 2019 Reading Challenge discussion

Tell us about yourself here!

I will start. I'm Jess Michaels, I'm your host for this challenge. This is our third year of doing it (2016). I write erotic historical romance and am a USA Today Bestseller. I live in Tucson, AZ with my husband. This year we lost one of our cats, so we now have an only child cat who is very spoiled. I am geeky, enjoy video games and all kinds of nerdy shows. I love to travel and in April will be taking my parents and in-laws on a HUGE Italy trip (I am planning to read a TON on the plane rides). :)

I'm Elsa Winckler and I write contemporary romance in both Afrikaans and English. My husband and I live in Betty's Bay, South Africa, a beautiful coastal village. Our kids are all grown up and doing their own thing and we have 3 adorable grandsons. I knit when I'm not writing!

I'm Debra Burge and I read a lot, haha! I'm a legal secretary and I also proofread for authors. I really enjoy proofreading as I have to see errors in finished book products. I love to travel and haven't decided yet where I might go this year. Last year's travels included Puerto Rico and Washington State. Would love to go to Ireland or Scotland this year.

My name is Jody with a pen name as Jane. I wrote a few short stories a couple of years ago, but other stuff happened in the family and I had other responsibilities.

I live in North Carolina with my husband and a very old black lab. The only travel I do is to Bradenton, Florida where my 96-year-old mom lives on her own. I drive down a couple of times per year by myself.

If I am not reading I am a bead artist making jewelry or hanging out with my hubby, the TV addict. Retired life is pretty good.

Hi I'm back! LOL

My name is Fabiola Chenet. I'm French, born in Reunion Island (a French oversea Department in Indian Ocean), I actually live in Chartres but we are planning to move next year, however I don't know where for now.

I'm a writer (only in French), a reviewer (in French and English) and editor in chief for an online French-speaking magazine dedicated to romance and women fiction. We are planning our first convention in France next April, for two days, with French-speaking and English-speaking writers.

I have been a member in this challenge since the beginning, but last year, I was not able to make it all the year. I wish this time will do.

Hi,
I am Eva and I am from Vienna, the beautiful capital of Austria. I am a vivid reader maybe because my passion is history and literature (I have my master degree in History and German literature and philology). In my "RL" I am a teacher, teaching German, History and Social Scills to teens (mostly boys up from 14) and they can be quite a handfull.

I read in German and English, review in both, depending on my mood . I am also a vivid traveller and I have to attention seaking cats.

I like good Regency Romance but also good C&S - so my shelves are filled with books by Kathy Reichs, Slaughter, Gerritsen, McDermid etc. - my Kindle with all thoses great Romance writers because they are never translated to German at all (or its just horrible to read them in German).

I'm Pat and I currently live in a small town in Appalachia KY where I grew up and my dad's family has lived for over 200yrs. Mom is from the Azores Islands of Portugal. I lived in Austin, TX for 12 yrs before returning to KY. I read a lot. I play video games. Mom to one cat. And, best of all, crazy aunt to 2 nieces and 1 nephew. My fave genres are fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi, thrillers, non-fiction, history... Okay, pretty much anything.

Currently reading

Bummed that Martin is behind on release of next book in series.

I'm Deb. I live in Northern Michigan where 6 months out of the year is winter. I am a mother and wife. I pretty much read anything . My girls say , "If Mom can flip a page she will read it." is going on my tombstone. LOL My goal this year is 200 books. Now that I am settled I will rock this.

Deb wrote: "I'm Deb. I live in Northern Michigan where 6 months out of the year is winter. I am a mother and wife. I pretty much read anything . My girls say , "If Mom can flip a page she will read it." is goi..."

I envy you ... a real winter .... what we'd give for that at the moment ... we've had an incredible hot summer and 2 days of snow this year, temperature rarely went under 0C ... ;(

Hiya!!!! I'm Jen, I live in Iowa. I am a kindleholic, I always have it with me and if I don't it feels like I am missing something. I read all things romance. I work as an assistant manager at an answering service, so I end up reading for about 5 hour of my 8 hour shift ;-)

One of my resolutions is to keep better track on Goodreads of the books I am reading this year. I always start out GREAT but then fizzle out around March

Hi Jennifer! Welcome!! How cool that you get to read at work! :)

Hi. I'm Millie. I live in a small town in SE Idaho but am originally from Philadelphia. I've been doing Jess's reading challenge for the last few years and setting a reading goal and keeping track of it has really increased the number of books I read a year. I average about a book a week I haven't been very good about recording the books I have read here but I am going to try to do better on that this year. I also want to take more time to review the books others have read in hopes of finding new to me authors to try. I read romance, nonfiction history and mystery.

Introduction:
I am an award-winning costume designer with a Bachelor's
degree from California State University.
I have worked at Disneyland theme park and at Knott's
Berry Farm.
I am also a fantasy fiction writer with one complete rough draft
and currently writing on its sequel.

It breaks my heart to know that you have lost one of your babies! I too lost one in 2015 and she was my everything! My "Pretzel Baby" was a beautiful Tortie with a sassy tude to go with it... They call them "Tortie-Tudes" but she was my everything! Her and and sister "Pumpkin". They both were/are rescue cats. When I lost Pretzel at only 8 yrs of age, I thought I could never love another again. But with a prayer to God and one special day (4 weeks later, my Pumpkin was hurting and lost) we adopted a very-very special little munchkin cat we named "Khaleesi" (for her beautiful white fur).

Khaleesi sleeps in my arms every night while she cleans/licks my face, nuzzles my neck and makes me feel like a real mommie. This she does every night since we adopted her in 2015. I will always miss my Pretzel, we have her ashes as well as her first toy on a special shelf. However, Khaleesi has cured my broken heart.

Jess, I am sorry for you lost, so very sorry. I totally understand the pain.

That being said.....You are my most favorite Author in this world and CONGRATS for being on the USA Top Seller List (I helped you with that-and it was my pleasure, literally).

I have one question for you... I have read every single book you have ever written and I have adored/loved/admired everyone single one. BUT, when I await your next book, I get very depressed as there are no other authors out there as good as you....

Just wondering, do you have any favorite authors that you could recommend as I await my next journey to your world of LOVE, DESIRE and PASSION! Because, you are the very best.... without you I get the "Jess Michaels - I have nothing to read - Blues".

Hi, my name is Angie, I live in Gainesville, Fl (Go Gators) and its just me, my husband and our two beautiful kitty babies! We love to travel around the world. I am an avid romance reader and Jess Michaels - you are my favorite in the world and I believe I am your number one fan.

I am a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist for 24 years and after 9 years of teaching I decided to give my next 24 years to work with our wonderful Veterans at the VA Hospital. Never a dull moment, but I LOVE them all!

I am 43 years old, I AM OLD! And as I said earlier, I have 2 kitty-babies. They pretty much own our townhouse. We never have company so yes, they do jump, sleep, and eat on our kitchen table. We don't care, they are indoor kitties and we love them. They can have anything they want-they are vera spoiled!

I am blessed to have a very romantic husband! He showers me with love-which I never had growing up. We were in Scotland once and he even wore a kilt for me...***yuuummy***. He likes to lift weights and I love to read. I am very particular about my authors, as well as my massage therapist. No one can top Jess Michaels and sometimes that can be quite frustrating-searching for the right book.

I love photography and people like to take advantage of that. So, I recently have had enough "phew, this feels like therapy session" and now I have said "oops, my camera is not working". It feels good to say no, although I have to say a fib to do so, I am so guilty....ugh.

So, that is me in a nutshell. I have FB but I have no time to read peoples boring posts as I am too busy reading or cuddling my kitties.

Oh, I have a peanut allergy, came on a couple years ago when I hit 39. Not sure why I am telling you. But, its me- Oh, I love Yoga...yes I am a Yogi. I don't like mean people, I don't like loud noises, and I can't have children...but neither can my husband! A match well made and meant to be! Its good though, because when one of our cats have a hairball attack at 2am we are like crazy parents-running around the house ready to call 911! We both have to calm each other down, rub the kitty baby and make sure they are okay. Then lay in bed and thank GOD we don't have any kids. Our nerves, we just couldn't handle it.

I love movies, however right now the movie industry sucks. I don't like remakes, I don't like Ben Afflec being the new Batman and I refuse to watch any Batman movies until he is gone. I am also tired of Comic Book movies. I love to laugh and I love comedies, again....nothing new out there right now. So, its back to reading romance novels. Oh, please don't boo me, but I am not an Outlander fan... SORRY! But, I do like Highland romance! Just not transporting back and forth stuff. Not my type.

Thats about it...oh, its a great pleasure meeting all of you who loves Jess Michaels like I do!!! Her books are amazing and just when I think she can't top this book, she creates one even better!!! Love her! Yup... thats about it!

Nice to meet all of you!

Introducing myself! My name is Jes (With 1 S).
I am an avid reader, I love historical anything. I have always enjoyed romances, as well as classics. I also enjoy horror, and anything that just catches my mood or fancy.
I try to read everyday.
When not reading I have 3 cats, a turtle and I run one of the last photo labs in my area. (As in film, old fashioned film).
I look forward to reading along with this group.
Thanks,
Jes

Hello! My name is Tracy DeNeal. This is my first year doing the challenge with you all.

My reading goal this year is 200 books. I will exceed this goal; however, I won't review every single book that I read. I have a strict rule of only reviewing books that I love and connect. If I hate a book, I erase it from my memory banks. Ha!

At any rate, I'm a huge historical romance fan. My tastes run the gamut, but my favorite trope is childhood besties. The Silent Duke was my jam for that reason.

Like Shell, my romance hero du jour is Aidan Turner. Funny enough, he has never portrayed a romance hero. He tends to attract the darker roles.

I'm so happy to be a part of this group and I look forward to seeing and encouraging everyone to read their goal!

Hi everyone,
I'm Luci. I live in Cambridgeshire, England. I'm a Nursery teacher. I read over 200 books, mostly historical romances in 2017. But I generally read across genres. I'm not sure if I could top that number in 2018, as I'll be working as well as studying this year.
Our family love books, films, art, boardgames, walks, food, (chocolates, tea & biscuits, cheese & crackers, roast dinners, pudding, fruit) travel and good humour.
This is my first time to join this challenge. I'm curious to know what the fuss is all about!
(Sending love to you and your family, Jess)

My name is Barbara and I'm an avid reader of historical romance and historical mysteries. I do read some modern cozy mysteries -- and love J. D. Robb and Janet Evanovich as well. Since I retired and have so much wonderful time to read, I've taken up blogging, etc. Please like and follow me!
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

Hi everyone! Waving! :)

I'll reintroduce myself. I'm Jess Michaels, I write historical romance. We live in Northern Arizona, love to travel (we're going to Disney World in a few days) and I write and write and write. LOL That's pretty much it.

Hey!

I'm Kirstie and I am a read-aholic! I live in Leda, Western Australia. I am a System Analyst by day and a couch potato by night! I have a nearly 20 year old daughter who also loves to read. I have books coming out of my ears...I need to extend my home to make space just for my books! I read as often as I can...on the train to work, during my lunch hour, train ride home and definitely in bed before I go to sleep! I love most genres, romance (sweet and naughty!) time travel, historical, paranormal and the odd autobiography. I look forward to chatting with you and getting to know you all!

I'm Pam. I am an avid reader of mostly historical romance, although I do enjoy some paranormal, scifi, urban fantasy. I am currently unemployed due to neck and back injuries, but that's not going to keep me down! I live in a small town in Oklahoma, am married and a mother of one daughter who will be 12 in June. Where does the time go?!

Pleasure to meet everyone :)

I'm Miriam. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. I'm a wife, mom, reader, blogger, writer, amateur baker. Aside from reading, I enjoy hiking and yoga, neither of which I've been able to do for about two years due to a back injury from a car accident. However, surgery's been successful so I'm hoping to hit the trails and the mat this year.

Hi everyone!
I'm Samantha from British Columbia, Canada! I am a mom of a beautiful teenage young woman, reader, writer, editor, reviewer, and blogger. I love baking, sewing, crafting, organizing, and telling our 3 cats to keep their fur to themselves. I walk a lot and will be adding Yoga to my exercise regime this year in order to combat chronic pain and get me back out hiking again.
I look forward to seeing what others read throughout this year.

Hello Everyone!

I'm Deb Schwartz from Northern Michigan. I am married, a Mom of 2 girls and a huge craftier as well as a avid reader.

Hi Everyone! I’m Lucinda Jordan but please call me Cindy. I live in Katy TX about 14 miles from Houston! I love to travel, water aerobics, and read! My favorites are contemporary romance and paranormal romance. Favorite authors are Rachel VanDyken, Tijan, Jay Crownover, J.R. Ward, Lara Adrian, these are just a few there are way too many to name them all!!! Nice to be here!!

Hello! I’m from Pittsburgh PA, have always been an avid reader. I enjoy going to Author events and this has expanded my traveling to wonderful places like New Orleans and my favorite Las Vegas. I adore so many talented authors, but Jodi Ellen Malpas is my Queen!

Hi Lucinda and Kimberly! Can't wait to see what you're reading. Don't forget to set your goals if you haven't already! :)

I have been a member of this group for a few months, but I haven't introduced myself yet. Can I be totally honest and say that I joined this board because it says "Jess Michaels" in the title? :)

I'm a professor at a large university by day, and a single mom 24/7/365. I read numerous genres, but since I spend most of my day reading and writing academic materials, I most enjoy the escape of a steamy historical romance. My favorite authors include Jess Michaels, Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas, Karen Marie Moning, Donna Fletcher, Grace Callaway, Julia Quinn, Mary Wine, Sharon Cullen, Stacey Reid, KJ Jackson, Lynsay Sands, Julie Johnston, Angeline Fortin, Christine Feehan.... I set a goal of 100 books for this year, but I am already ahead of that goal, so I might re-set it to 130.

Aw! Thank you so much!!!

Hi, my name is Lisa. I've been on Goodreads for a few years now, but am just getting into all the options, so thought I'd join this group (because of my love of Jess' books). I started reading Jess' books because she was going to be a guest author at HRR. Couldn't put them down, I enjoyed so much. It was a real honour meeting her in Spokane. I read only historical romance, what can I say, its what I like.

Lisa wrote: "Hi, my name is Lisa. I've been on Goodreads for a few years now, but am just getting into all the options, so thought I'd join this group (because of my love of Jess' books). I started reading Jess..."

Hi Lisa!! Welcome and nice to see you! XO

Hi Everyone,
My Name is Deb. I have been a member of this group for a while, and I am back to try the challenge again. I was close last year. I am home bound now so I will have plenty of time to read.

Good Luck to all, Let's Get This Done!

Deb wrote: "Hi Everyone,
My Name is Deb. I have been a member of this group for a while, and I am back to try the challenge again. I was close last year. I am home bound now so I will have plenty of time to re..."

Hi Deb! I was way off last year even with my little goal. I really hope this year I'll be able to do more reading.

Hi Everyone! My name is Leslie. I am a nurse living in Arkansas. I was a travel nurse for a few years so I have lived quite a few places. While I am southern at heart, I love the New England area and try to visit at least once a year. I read some every single day even if its just one chapter. From as early an age as I can remember I loved to read, but when I turned 16 someone gave me a copy of Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey and I was hooked! Since then, historical are my absolute favorites but I honestly love all genres including paranormal, YA, mystery, and contemporary fiction. I couldn't even pick a favorite author because I like so many. I also really love audiobooks and podcasts! I look forward to seeing all the books people are reading and hopefully adding a few more to my must read list. Oh and since others mentioned, my fur baby is a golden retriever named River who is a sweetheart and does no wrong in my eyes! Happy reading!