S.J. Pajonas's Blog, page 119
March 3, 2016
Book Chat #23
I haven’t done a book chat in a while and now I’m overdue! Let’s first talk about what I’ve been reading lately, besides my own book, THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE, which I have read twice and still need to read again this weekend!
What I read…
[image error][image error]While I was on vacation, as soon as I was done reading DD, I picked up SPARING THE HEART, which is the third book in the Pastime Pursuits series by my awesome and totally wonderful critique partner, Tracy Krimmer. This may be my favorite book of the series! I really identified with Kate and her desire to start over in a new town with a new job and new friends. I did that once when I moved to NYC, and it’s both thrilling and terrifying. I haven’t bowled in maybe ten years but I loved being there with Kate, at the bowling alley, in the shoes, with the ball in her hands. There was something very relatable about her that I think readers will really love. The romance was especially good in this one too. Kellan Valentine was all sorts of fun and alluring. Mmmm. Definitely pick this one up if you love a good come-back story with a solid romance.
What I’m reading now…
[image error][image error]I’m making the most of my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I’m reading through this science fiction romance series, The Mandrake Company, and its first book is MERCENARY INSTINCT. Really, really enjoying it. It’s a story of mistaken identities, bounty hunters, and romance. It’s got some good plot points, fun characters, and well-written too. I keep wondering what will happen next!
What I’ve been listening to…
[image error][image error]In audiobooks, I finished SPELL OR HIGH WATER which was fun, witty, and charming. I had no idea what to expect when Martin and Philip went to Atlantis to hang out with the sorceresses. But there was a funny twist with Old Brit and Young Brit and all the time travel was a little mind bending. Still, very fun follow-up on this first of this series. I will definitely be checking out Book 3 very soon.
[image error][image error]Now to my latest audiobook that I just finished a few hours ago while making dinner. Folks, there’s a reason why this book has won awards, and that’s because this was awesome. Weirdly fantastic and spell-binding. This is the stuff science fiction is made of. I can’t say enough good things about LEVIATHAN WAKES. It’s the first book of The Expanse series, so I’ll be moving on to Book 2, pronto. In the introduction to this world, Earth, Mars, and the Belt are all at odds with each other. There’s real Cold War tension going on, and everyone’s on edge. The cast of characters is real and wide, deep and understandable. I loved all the little details of Ceres, Eros, The Canterbury, Tyco, and the Rocinante. I loved Miller, Jim, Naomi, Amos, and Alex. There’s was one part of this book where the action got OMGWTFBBQ, and I was listening to it night and day. Wow. And with descriptions like describing multiple G’s of thrust like “a room full of elephants swan-dived onto his chest” you can’t go wrong. Corey’s writing is incredibly strong.
I started listening to this book because I watched the first season of the adaptation on Syfy, which was really, really good. So I’m excited to have found something “new” for me to read and enjoy. I can’t wait to listen to more and dive deeper into this universe.
From the Syfy adaptation of THE EXPANSE
So that’s it for this edition of Book Chat! I hope that gives you plenty of stuff to go out and read! 
March 1, 2016
Teaser Tuesday: Daydream In Paris
So, as the title of the book suggests, the heroine of my cozy mysteries, Mei, is a serial daydreamer. She’s a Cancer and everything that comes with that astrological sign, including lots of mixed-up emotions, fierce loyalty, the fear of letting other people down, and a brain that’s always engaged in dreaming. The hero, Yasahiro, in a strong, successful Virgo. He trained to be a chef in Paris and now runs a popular restaurant in Mei’s hometown. When she pictures Yasahiro in Paris, she conjures up all sorts of stereotypical things for him to have done there (never having been there herself) and finds her brain wandering all over the place.
Little does she know that his life there was far from ordinary.
THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE is now available for pre-order. This cozy mystery series set in Japan will delight and entertain you, for sure!
On Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Don’t have a Kindle? Learn about my ePub Exchange Program.
February 28, 2016
Sunday Update – February 28, 2016
It feels weird knowing there’s still one more day in February! February is usually the month I dislike the most. Despite it being short, it’s usually pretty miserable. For some reason, the month encompasses sickness, bad weather, and a general sense of depression. Looking back on photos of years past, February has always sucked. This is the first year it hasn’t in a long time! No one was sick. We went on vacation to Puerto Rico and missed the sub-zero temperatures. All the snow is gone and we only had one really bad storm. I’ve been pretty happy and full of energy! Because I’ve managed to go on a lot of outdoor walks and re-energize. All in all, I’m calling this February a win!
This past week was a busy one. My husband was gone Monday through Thursday, and I worked that entire time. I even skipped exercising on several days so I could get more done. I was working on the very final edits of THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE and trying to get it done by the cover reveal on Thursday. I SUCCEEDED! And I think the novel is super strong now. If you’re interested in getting an ARC, please fill out this form. I’m giving away a lot! We had the cover reveal on Thursday and on Friday I formatted the paperback and submitted it to Createspace. I bought the proof yesterday and it’s already shipped! Huzzah!
What else happened this week?
When work needs to get done, I’ll work anywhere including the car.
I brightened up my week with some pretty leggings! These are a lot of fun.
We got our first NatureBox which is a subscription snack service. The kids and I both like pretty much everything we got in here. I’ll have to add more selections to my “pantry” for the next box!
Finished off my week with a drink and a night of reading. It was a great way to end a very stressful week!
Coming this week on the blog, another Teaser Tuesday for THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE and hopefully a Book Chat!
February 26, 2016
REMOVED Is Free February 26 and 27!
It’s been a big week around here with THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE cover unveiling and pre-order all set up, and now I have a freebie ready for you today and tomorrow! Pick up the first book in the Nogiku Series, REMOVED, for free and start your journey with Sanaa and Jiro today! You can then read all the books in the Kindle Unlimited program as well. It could take up your whole weekend. 
February 25, 2016
Cover Reveal for THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE
Well, today’s the day! I’m excited about revealing the cover of THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE, the first book in a brand-new cozy mystery series! I’ve been nervous about getting this series under way because it’s something totally new for me. But I love a good challenge, and so does the heroine of this series, Mei. I love writing her. She’s complex and new. She’s got her own issues but still loves to help others, and she has a heart of gold, especially for her mom and good friends.
I hope you like the cover! I think it speaks well to the Japan location of the story and the flat illustration style is modern and eye-catching.
Luck? Forget it. Mei Yamagawa is fresh out of it. She’s just been downsized from her 3rd job in five years and her bank account is dry. Now, to keep her head above water, she must leave Tokyo and move back to her rural Japanese hometown. And there’s nothing worse than having to face your old rivals and ex-boyfriends as a failure while starting life over as a farm girl.
But when her best friend’s father is murdered, and her best friend is named the main suspect, Mei turns her daydreaming ways towards solving the crime. Between dates disguised as lunches with the town’s hottest bachelor chef, searching for clues, and harvesting sweet potatoes, Mei has a lot of non-paying work cut out for her.
Will she catch the killer before her bad luck turns worse? Or will she fry in the fire with the rest of her dreams of success?
Pre-order on Amazon for only $2.99
On Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited on March 31)
Don’t have a Kindle? Learn about my ePub Exchange Program.
Just like all of my full-length novels, THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE is just $2.99 for a limited time. I keep my prices low enough to give you a deal, and yet still high enough that I can recoup my costs as an independent author.
February 23, 2016
Teaser Tuesday: Water And Fire
You may recognize the first two teasers for my brand-new novel, THE DAYDREAMER DETECTIVE, in the Miso Cozy Mysteries series. They were NaNoWriMo teasers back in December! I have two for you today and the cover, blurb, and pre-order link for you on Friday! Then I’ll have teasers every Tuesday until launch.
Let’s get started. Theses two teasers represent interesting sides of my main character, Mei. She’s down on her luck and questioning everything about her life, and now she’s living at home with her Mom, broke and aimless. But while she’s at it, she’s helping solve a mystery! She’s cynical, sarcastic, and extremely loyal. She also knows the her limits and the difference between fiction and real life. She is both water and fire at all times, and her emotions can steam up a room, if she’s not careful. I love her, and I hope readers see something of themselves in her and her struggles.
Stay Tuned! Because this is only the first book in a series!
February 21, 2016
Sunday Update – February 21, 2016
Almost forgot to update! And since it’s bedtime, I’m going to make this short. I’ve been editing all day every day since we got back from vacation, so I can’t say that anything amazing has happened this past week. If anything, life has been smooth sailing and we’re back in the groove of things around here.
Let’s go back and take a look at some photos from this week, and then I promise I’ll be back on the blog this week once I finish edits. Thanks for bearing with me as I barrel into the first new novel and characters I’ve made in a long time.
Vacation in Puerto Rico was beautiful! I spent my days on the beach and reading as much as possible, while the kids swam in the pool and the ocean. It was great to recharge and get some sun in the middle of dreary February.
We returned and I got back to work. Here, my computer is reading me my manuscript. It’s a handy feature.
And here I am working in the car while my kid was at a fitness class. No rest for the wicked!
Be back soon with more. I promise!
February 17, 2016
SUMMER HAIKUS Is On Sale February 17-22!
A quick blog post to say that I’m back from vacation today and SUMMER HAIKUS is now on sale! I have a Kindle Countdown Deal going for it, so here’s the details so you can get the best price.
Get SUMMER HAIKUS for
99¢ on February 17 & 18
$1.99 on February 19 & 20
$2.99 on February 21 & 22
On Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Don’t have a Kindle? Learn about my ePub Exchange Program.
Pick it up today before it’s back at its regular price of $3.99 on February 23!
February 14, 2016
Sunday Update – February 14, 2016
No real Sunday Update today because I am very much on vacation! We’re enjoying the warmth, sun, and beach of the Caribbean while it’s freezing cold back home. In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day and I’ll see you at mid-week!
Cheers! xo
February 10, 2016
FACE TIME Has A New Cover!
In case you missed it, FACE TIME has a new cover!
I love this new, blue edition for this book. With the map and the winding heart path in the background and the tablet in the foreground, I think it signals long-distance relationship well. Once again, this design was conceived and executed by the lovely and talented Najla Qamber of Najla Qamber Designs. We brainstormed together over what directions to go in and she took off! I’m super pleased and I hope I get to work with her again soon.
On Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Don’t have a Kindle? Learn about my ePub Exchange Program.
