As you might've guessed from this blog, I like to read. I know, I know. You didn't expect to get hit with that kind of curveball today, but well, I try to spice it up now and then. Today, I'm going to tell you about what is on my nightstand. Well, metaphorically speaking because I reluctantly switched to ebooks a few years ago and haven't looked back. I'm reading something wonderful. I'm reading what will probably be the best book I read all year.

I'm a little behind the eight ball here. My favorite author, J.R. Ward released the next book in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, The Savior. I've talked about this series before, and you can read on that post by clicking here. This latest book in the series came out a little over a week ago, and my life has just been a little too crazy to settle down and read. I'm trying to make those Camp NaNoWriMo goals, and so far I'm doing a pretty great job if I do say so myself.

The Savior is Ward's much-anticipated book on an exiled member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Murhder (Can't imagine why he has a bad rap. All of the male characters have similar names, so don't let it put you off.) He is coming out of the shadows and back into the group after vanishing for decades. Ward's fans have only caught rare glimpses or references to this tortured hero's past, and have begged on social media for any details into the secret vampire. My best friend has been looking forward to his arrival since 2008 at least though maybe much longer. I'm sure she'll correct me down in the comments below. The point is we have been waiting for a long time, and every time fans pleaded with Ward for answers, she would answer with a teasing promise that he would have a book someday.

I haven't started the book yet, but plan to do so tonight when the lights are low, and the house is clean. You see, this story isn't the kind to throw around and read willy-nilly. I've been waiting for this book for a long time, and though I usually devour books faster than people delete spam emails, I'm planning to savor The Savior.

I had the privilege of hearing award-winning romance author Laura Drake speak at a workshop yesterday and she said something to the effect that becoming a writer can ruin a reader, and she's right. We become much more discerning and now have to split what once was our reading time into reading and writing time. I read a hell of a lot faster than I write. The other reason I now plan to take my time and enjoy the read, is that I have a greater understanding for the time, energy, love, and hard work that goes into creating a book. I can't imagine how much more goes into creating the kind of masterpieces Ward is famous for writing. No doubt my best intentions will be cast off like a weed in the garden once I crack the cover open. Ward's writing hooks the reader and pulls them along barely allowing them to avert their eyes to act like a functioning human. Ward's book is like any great work of fiction. Once the book is open dinner doesn't get cooked, and nothing gets done. It holds our attention hostage wholly and brutally.

As a reader, I love every second, and when the final chapter closes, like an addict, I must have more.

Here's to enjoying the journey and a good book. There's nothing better.

Onward,

Kathryn