Category Archives: Vampire

#WOTR22 #Reread #Audio #paranormal #Vampires – Invisible Warrior, The Protectors book 11 by Teresa Gabelman, Narration by Jeffrey Kafer

Invisible Warrior (The Protectors #11)

Steve, the self-proclaimed Invisible Warrior, has not had a typical life. Trained by the VC Warriors, he still has to prove his worth, but with humor and sheer will, he refuses to give up.

In one afternoon, his life changes, as do the lives of three others. Steve Richardson has a serious choice to make between two women and someone who holds his heart like no other.

Goodreads

Amazon

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

Holy crap.  Steve grew up and totally manned up.  I mean I will admit I was excited but a little worried because we never see Steve as an alpha guy.  The joker? Totally! But the alpha?  So I was super excited to SEE the story that Teresa was writing for us diehard fans.  Man, Blown away.  Steve totally knocked my socks off.

So Steve in typical form is given grief by the other warriors when gunshots are going off AT THE COMPOUND!!  Now what fool would even think about shooting up the Warriors Compound?  A stupid one for sure!!  Steve is sent in the save a woman who was trapped in a car when he finds out she is in labor.  The two have an instant chemistry and Steve is super attached right away to helping this girl and her child.

Mira has some secrets and is hoping she can hide safely in the Warrior compound until the arrival of her baby.  When she meets Steve, she can feel the connection but can’t accept it because of her family drama.

The drama between the two is awesome.  The more Steve and Mira fall for each other the more you see Steve stand up in a Warrior Way.  I mean even the other Warriors were stunned stupid at this new Alpha Steve.

Their love story is written perfect.  Steve is Steve and he says stupid things but Mira loves him for it.  She gives him the love and care he has never had other than the respect and care he has found in the Warrior compound.

The side story of new trainees doesn’t go over very well and we actually have some internal fighting between Warrior brothers over the new recruits….yikes!!!

Favorite scene : any with Steve sticking his foot in his mouth with Slade….it happens a lot and you will love them.

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’, Lee County Wolves Series and Rodeo Romance (Contemporary). When not writing about alpha vampires, sexy shifters, hot cowboys and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa-Gabelman/191553587598342
Email: tgabelman@live.com

#WOTR22 #Audio #reread – Blaze, The Protectors book 10 by Teresa Gabelman, narration by Jeffrey Kafer

Blaze (The Protectors, #10)

Haunted by a past he’s struggling to forget, Blaze once again finds himself a VC Warrior—something he swore would never happen. Confident he could easily walk away again, his connection to a certain redhead makes that decision harder than he imagined.

Trying to fit into the Warrior world, Katrina holds a secret that could ruin the new life she is fighting to fit into. And having feelings for a certain Warrior does not make things any easier.

As Blaze’s past catches up to him and Katrina’s secret is exposed, they discover a deep bond that neither can fight. It soon becomes clear that a past can be put to rest, but secrets can be deadly.

Goodreads

Amazon

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

Oh Teresa…how do you do it!!  You hit every single book out of the park. Each book brings it and each book delivers!!  Each book makes you really HATE the Villain and fall madly in love with the Warrior….but don’t tell Jared ok.  He gets all jealous when he sees me checking out his brothers.  Alpha’s what can you do?  Just love ‘em extra hard I guess.

Blaze and Katrina.  They steamed up the last book with their agonizing chemistry.  I mean come on people!  WE all SAW the attraction.  At the end of the last book, when he brought her the dog…sigh…..so I was so ready for this book.  I was so ready to see them and wonder who would be fighting it harder…..WELL OF COURSE the Warrior was!!

Blaze has a past and he won’t face it.  This past caused Caroline and Jax some issues with Blaze because his past was haunting Caroline.  The whole “Talking to the dead” can really wear on a girl!!

Katrina was hiding some really big secrets!!  LIKE HUGE!!!!  We find out her story and man Teresa you really out did yourself with the bad guy.  I felt dirty every scene he was in.  Then finding out what Katrina saw and what she has to endure while under her “fathers” care…shivers….

The chemistry between the two is super hawt.  When they finally get started Katrina says the 3 dreaded words that every commitment phobic man dreads and he freaks.  So she makes her peace with them not being together but good old Jared lights her fire again when he shares some news in regard to Blaze and his feelings toward her.  I love Jared..sigh….yes babe I am typing about you..rolls eyes!!

Blaze must face his face in past order to make things right with Katrina all while hiding her from her father and her past.  Katrina must face her father and her past in order to save her possible future with Blaze.

Each book, Steve takes the cake for cracking jokes.  Each book Sid and Jared rile up the newest warrior to fall.  Each book we meet a new hottie and Ronan is nooooo slouch to think about….again relax Jared….stop reading over my shoulder already…it’s a joke….SHESH!!  Warriors.  You can’t live with them and you can’t live without them!!

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Email: tgabelman@live.com

#WOTR22 #NewRelease #Paranormal #Shifters #Vampires #enemiestolovers – Megan Slays Vampires by Sophie Stern

Megan Slays Vampires: A Vampire Shifter Romance by [Sophie Stern]

If monsters aren’t real, why do I kill so many of them?

I’ve spent the last five years training as a vampire hunter. My goal is to hunt, maim, and kill as many of the bastards as I can. They’re infecting our city and each time I manage to kill one, five more spring up in its place. The vampire hunter’s council is breathing down my neck, but I’m already working 25 hours a day, eight days a week.

Then one night, everything changes.

I make a mistake and a vampire catches me. He doesn’t kill me, though. Instead, he brings me into his lair and he makes me question…everything.

What if everything I’ve ever been taught has been a lie?

What if the vampires aren’t the real monsters?

What if it’s me?

Megan Slays Vampires is a standalone steamy paranormal romance by Sophie Stern, author of Honeypot Darlings and Shifters of Rawr County. If you enjoy this story, check out her other vampire books: Vampire Kiss, Eternity, and Chaotic Wild.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Ok here goes.  I love Sophie. Period. Full Stop.  I want to be her best friend.  I want to hang out and have her tell me what is happening in that beautiful, creative brain.  I have been a reader of her LC Mortimer Zombie books for a bit.  I recently made the cross over to Sophie’s books annnnd I am in love.  Her stories hit my paranormal heart right in the happy place.

Megan is a hunter and working for “The man” to rid the world of the gross and terrible vamps/shifters/snake creatures/monsters/etc.  She is proud of what she does until an injury leaves her a bit weak. A mysterious and sexy as sin vampire with braids and delicious dark skin talks to her and leaves her with questions.  Megan is all WTF is happening to me?  I can’t be thinking about that dude!

Donal is stunned stupid at the sexy, curvy hunter who just killed his good friend, but he can’t help but take a sip off her to see why she is so different.  That one sip…pretty much ruined all chances of forgetting her.   He doesn’t know why she doesn’t know who she really is and is intrigued to find out.

When Donal and Megan meet again, he then helps her see what she has been blind to all along.  She learned the truth about what had happened to her as a child. She learned how “the man” she is working for isn’t as innocent as he seemed plus….she finds love in the most unusual place.  Ya’ll the “Love” stuff…..get some cold water ok…the thigh scene…yes please!!

I loved the constant twists and turns.  I also loved the new mythology that is given in the story. Like the difference between shape shifters and shifters.  I loved so many of the characters.  I need a Jewell and Kyle novella!!  The banter between Donal and Megan was wonderful!!  But I loved the sensitivity, and the creativity Sophie brings when we learn about Donal and what makes his special.

*Chef’s Kiss! I can’t wait for more books from her!

Sophie Stern writes paranormal and contemporary romance stories for her amazing readers across the globe. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her pole dancing, traveling, or reading zombie novels.

Learn more at:

www.sexysophiestern.com

Join Sophie’s mailing list for freebies & new releases:

http://eepurl.com/bh8v_j

#WOTR22 #Audio #Reread #Vampire #FavSeries – Sloan, The Protectors book 9 by Teresa Gabelman, narration by Jeffrey Kafer

Not only does VC leader, Sloan Murphy, have to keep the peace between the human and vampire race, but he also wrangles VC Warriors in his spare time. It’s a job that could drive a saint insane, and Sloan is no saint, but insane he may be. While his Warriors find mates, he swears he will not follow in their footsteps.

Becky Spencer, his new secretary who he reluctantly employs, is set to threaten every stoic promise he’s made. With an instant attraction that is hard to deny, she fits into his world with confident ease.

Even though Becky has sworn off men after her nasty divorce, she can’t help the desire the sexy and serious Sloan Murphy stirs in her. It isn’t until she sees how devoted he is to his job and the Warriors under his command, that her lusty feelings turn into more. Working in close quarters, they both fight the pull that grows with each passing minute.

Who will win, the secretary, the Warrior, or an attraction that just won’t go away?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Oh Sloan!! I have been waiting for the boss man to fall and fall hard he did. He TRIED to fight off the sassy redhead but he ended up falling head over heels, as we the reader did as well.
Sloan has been grumpy and moody in every book. I mean I get it. He is the boss and has a lot to run and control so love is not in the cards for him oooorrr so he thinks. It’s not that he doesn’t WANT love but he knows he is moody, grumpy and busy so women don’t take kindly to being 2nd in line for his attention.
Becky is done with men. After her failed marriage she is over men and going to switch teams…LOL then she gets this job with the VC Warriors as the boss’ secretary. He is commanding and intense but super sexy. The chemistry these two have in sooo well written. They are joking and flirting but still keeping the whole boss/secretary thing going. Mainly Sloan is pushing her away and she is hiding for fear of being rejected.
When they have their first kiss…..I was super excited and then watching Becky put him in his place…LOVED IT! She is definitely perfect for Sloan. All the Warriors, except for Sid because she also puts him in his place, love her as do their mates.
The buildup for the next book has me sooo excited for a few reasons….1 – new awesome bad guy. 2. -Blaze…need I say anymore???

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

#WOTR22 #rereads #Audio #Vampire #Paranormal – Sid, The Protectors book 4 by Teresa Gabelman, narration by Jeffrey Kafer

Sid: The Protectors Series, Book 4

Renowned for his playboy lifestyle and wisecrack remarks, Sid Sinclair knows he is the last pick for the lead investigator of human/half-breed trafficking. Never one to play by the rules, Sid takes his new position seriously, but not without driving the leader of the VC Council and fellow Warrior’s crazy.

A human with a special gift, Lana Fitzpatrick’s life is complicated. When Sid Sinclair charges into her life, her complicated life becomes torturous; his charm and wit draws her in like no other. Having dealt with alpha men most of her life, she is a match made in heaven for the VC Warrior who thinks he is God’s gift to women.

As the world of vampires and humans try to coexist, Sid and Lana’s lives intertwine. It doesn’t take long before the sparks between the two fly and for them to realize they have both finally met their match.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

Alright if you read my reviews you know I like to ramble. I gotta start this review with a quick ramble. If you dont wanna read it then skip down to the next paragraph but if you do, then awesome and continue. OK Here goes my ramble….When I started reading I was a HUGE paranormal girl. I had 3 Vampire series that I would read and had on autobuy. Well one of the series fell apart which made me sad but the other 2 have stayed strong. SO I feel I am kinda critical of my first love: Vampire Paranormal. With that being said, I am over the moon excited by meeting the author of this series. It was at an indie author covention. We chatted briefly and I was stoked she sent me a book to review. I drank this series DOWN. I mean I am a HUGE, Gigantic fan of this series. Like I previously said, I am kinda critical of vampire series because the 2 I still read religiously are GOOD but this series is AMAZING!! I love the world, I love the characters. I just freaking LOVE IT!!!!

Ok so if you skipped the previous paragraph you are wanting to know about this book. If you read my ramble and gushing you REALLY wanna know about this book right??? So this is Sid’s book. Sid the smartass. Sid the jackass. Sid the player!! Well Sid meets his match in a feisty local cop named Lana. I have got to tell you I have loved each Warriors woman but Lana really got me from the go. I loved her spirit and she certainly gave Sidilious a hard time throughout the book. They have great chemistry and banter. I love character banter whether between love interests or just family dynamics. If you read this series you will appreciate how much laughing I did because Sid is a RIOT!! The one liners between him and Lana or him and the Warriors were spot on. My husband looked at me like I was nuts cracking up. He was like “your reading a vampire book and not a comedy?” I loved finally seeing the “private” side to Sid. His lack of family and the way Lana’s family adopted him….priceless. When he tells her he loves her and you know he has NEVER has someone to call HIS, made me tear up….huge crocodile tears people.

The side story of Dr. Hottie Mc Hott Stuff AKA Slade and Jill….Holy heck. I am dying. I mean WOW!! I cannot wait for their book and I swear to all that is holy it better be next because I cannot take any more waiting!! I NEED THEIR STORY LIKE TOMORROW!!! OMG and Adam and his search for his girl….breaking my heart already!!!! I mean to have your girl “sold” into a trafficking organization……pit of my stomach for him…….

The villains of this story. WOW! Teresa does a great job creating ‘bad guys” or people you hate. OMG Alice I wanna kick her in the ovaries!! And a certain bad guy is revealed and I remember saying “Shut the front door!! No WAY!!! ” Also the bad guys and their hold over Lana….ugh stressed out!!! Like I said, she can create some seriously bad bad guys!!!

Ok so I hope that my ramble and gushing over this series has made you wanna one click the book already!! Because if you like Vampire or even paranormal this is an amzing series for you!!!

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

#WOTR22 #Paranormal #Series – Lana, The Mates Book 4, Protectors Book #17.5 by Teresa Gabelman

Lana (The Mate Series) Book #17.5 (The Protectors Series) by [Teresa Gabelman]

After the bombing at the Guardian wedding tension within the VC ranks intensifies. Word on the street is that the deaths were a warning to the Warriors. Already on edge and overworked the Warriors and Guardians work together to find those responsible.

Sources have informed the Warriors that the police as well as the government may have some involvement. Ex-cop, Lana Fitzpatrick, finds herself on the frontline in a race to expose an enemy that may succeed in what many have tried before, to bring the invincible VC Warriors down.

The Mate series delves into the kickass world of the Warriors’ mates and how united, they can make a difference—just like their badass Protectors. Follow along to see how these exceptional women’s newfound freedom affect those around them and which Warrior may or may not support their feisty independent mate’s new and exciting path.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Man of course I start my reviews for Teresa this way but if you are not a fan of the series and you like Paranormal, you need to be!!  This book I admit/I was looking forward too.  The love dynamics between Sid and Lana are amazing  These two are two peas in a pod when it comes to protecting those they love and protect.

So this book we get to meet Lana’s old team again and learn a lot more about what she would do and had done to protect the citizens on the town.  She is one bad ass chick.  Sid, of course being the alpha male, was having a hard time accepting his wife is a bad ass.  He forgot the love he had for her when the first started working together as VC.  I admit, Lana has become a quiet side character in the series, but she is BACK. The feisty detective is going to make people pay for what they are learning about as far as the explosion and threats to the Warriors.  This book made me laugh so much because hello Sid but the scene with Sid and Steve…BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA,,when you read you will know what I mean.

Can I say the new love interest blooming was making my heart feel all squishy!! But the hot mess between Charger and Raven….Man my heart was on the floor and people stomped on it.  Gah, these two need to figure shit out QUICK!!  But the mystery man and why Raven freaked out has me so excited for the next book!!  I. Cannot. Wait!!

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa…
Email: tgabelman@live.com

#WOTR22 #TwinsieForTheDayPam #NewRelease – Lana, The Mates Series & The Protectors Book #17.5 by Teresa Gabelman

Lana (The Mate Series) Book #17.5 (The Protectors Series) by [Teresa Gabelman]

After the bombing at the Guardian wedding tension within the VC ranks intensifies. Word on the street is that the deaths were a warning to the Warriors. Already on edge and overworked the Warriors and Guardians work together to find those responsible.

Sources have informed the Warriors that the police as well as the government may have some involvement. Ex-cop, Lana Fitzpatrick, finds herself on the frontline in a race to expose an enemy that may succeed in what many have tried before, to bring the invincible VC Warriors down.

The Mate series delves into the kickass world of the Warriors’ mates and how united, they can make a difference—just like their badass Protectors. Follow along to see how these exceptional women’s newfound freedom affect those around them and which Warrior may or may not support their feisty independent mate’s new and exciting path.

Goodreads

Review by Pam

Teresa Gableman Lana (Mate Series) 5*****
Snorting and Crying Possible:
One of the best books of the year! So many feels! I was laughing and crying all at the same time reading this book. So much going on. As I was reading I felt like I was right there inside this book as the events were happening. Great World building also. Meeting new characters, getting to visit with favorites. Steve does not disappoint. Oh my Goodness he cracks me up. Love Lana and her caustic tongue. Sid is becoming one of my favorite warriors. Please do yourself a favor and get this book. ***Warning Snorting and Crying are a possible effect from reading this book!*** It is fantastic! From a Forever Fan… Pam James

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa…
Email: tgabelman@live.com

#WOTR22 #Paranormal #PartOfASeries #Vampires #Warriors #Holiday – The Protectors Warriors Halloween by Teresa Gabelman

The Protectors A Warrior Halloween (The Protectors Series) by [Teresa Gabelman]

The Warriors are once again faced with their most feared opponents. Sloan Murphy accepted defeat this past Christmas. Are the Warriors up for what is brewing?

The Mates are a fierce tribe and unwilling to fail in their task. Once again, they are ready to battle, but this time for a holiday that is a favorite to them all.

Who will win this battle for All Hallows’ Eve? Most say fate is on the side of the Mates. Whose side will you pick?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this book.

I love this series and it’s an auto buy on eBook and audio whenever they come out.  I love the characters and the story line.  I especially love how the storyline is ever evolving.  The series doesn’t get “stale” because the world is always moving and growing.  The bad guys get worse, but the Warriors get better and better.  Don’t get me wrong Jared is still my favorite BUT he gets competition at times.

This is not a stand alone but a novella deep in the series…like way way deep in the series.

This is a short novella that allows us to have a brief insight into the Warriors and their Mats.  Unfortunately, not all the mates and warriors were the focus, but the main starter characters were, and I was ok with that.  We see Nicole and her Mates raising money for the Social Services she works for.  They always have some hijinks and shenanigans for sure and pull Sloan along kicking and screaming.  But this book Becky gave us some insight to her choices and those of Sloan that made me get a bit teary!! Steve and his family were so sweet but seeing this young punk grow into a good father makes my heart happy.

If you are a fan I know you will read it and if you haven’t’ started Grab Damon, Book 1.  Fall down the rabbit hole with the rest of us!

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa…
Email: tgabelman@live.com

#WOTR22 #NewRelease #paranormal #Vampires #series – The Protectors: A Warriors Halloween by Teresa Gabelman

The Protectors A Warrior Halloween (The Protectors Series)

The Warriors are once again faced with their most feared opponents. Sloan Murphy accepted defeat this past Christmas. Are the Warriors up for what is brewing?

The Mates are a fierce tribe and unwilling to fail in their task. Once again, they are ready to battle, but this time for a holiday that is a favorite to them all.

Who will win this battle for All Hallows’ Eve? Most say fate is on the side of the Mates. Whose side will you pick?

Goodreads

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

#WOTR22 #Paranormal #Vampires #Series- Vampire’s Promise (Guardians #8) by Valerie Twombly

Vampire's Promise (Guardians, #8)

After living through the horrors an evil demigod cast on humanity, Gwen is left with nothing to fight for. Peace may be great for mortals, but as a guardian, she is used to battling and blood. With all of her brethren now mated, it has left her adrift and alone in this new world. Her only excitement is bouncing at Roxie’s bar. That is until her visions show her the one thing she thought she would never see.

Kian, son of… Well, he isn’t really sure who he is anymore. His mother, Goddess of Destruction, has lied to him his entire life. Stories of his true father have been whispered in his ear and now he is hellbent on uncovering the truth. When he steps into another dimension, he discovers the true depths of deception, but before he can learn who he really is, the demigod is tossed into Khedeus’ prison simply for the crime of being born.

Pushed together by a vengeful God, Gwen knows the moment she lays eyes on Kian he belongs to her. The demigod is wary and with good reason. To him, she is nothing more than another lie, but fate has plans for them both. The world is once again in danger, but this battle isn’t hers. To save her mate, she will pay the ultimate price.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Gwen and Kian…such a great story.  Kian is a Demigod who is pretty much just done with secrets. Gwen is a Guardian who had been fighting her whole life.  She is tasked with finding the son of someone who ends up being her mate!!  SAY WHAT.  She had given up on finding her mate so yeah shocker!!!!

Kian is not about to trust anyone given who his whole life of circumstance.  I mean he is manipulated, and pretty much just told flat out lies.  He doesn’t know who his dad is thanks to mommy dearest.  So when Gwen says they are mates he is less then thrilled at the news.  Plus can he trust this person since no one is every truthful about anything in regards to him.

This book is another great read in the series.  I enjoy each book and can’t wait for more from this author.

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.