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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.

Charlene Eckstein 1/13/24 Charlene Eckstein 1/13/24

8 Shows To Stream Right Now

Oh, what to watch next? That is the question. In the era of endless streaming options and almost too many choices, we can often find ourselves stuck trying to figure out what to watch next. Well, I’ve got some pretty options for you on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Even here in southern California, it's cold outside and the perfect time to curl up on the couch, or your favorite chair, or maybe snuggle in bed and enjoy some screen time.

8 Shows to Stream Right Now

Fool Me Once

Widowed mum Maya is disturbed by an image of her late husband captured on her toddler's nanny cam. - IMDB

I had mixed feelings about this series. There are some plot twists and turns and a surprise ending but also some bumps that may make you say hmm. If you enjoy suspense, Fool Me Once may be for you. With eight episodes, it’s an easy weekend binge. Available now on Netflix.

The Bear

A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop. -IMDB

Filthy language, intense, anxiety-inducing scenes, and just so good. Seasons one and two are now available on Hulu. Watch now and you can thank me later.

May/December

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. - IMDB

The movie is a little odd and uncomfortable to watch at times. Still, it will seem familiar to you if you remember the news coverage of Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau. Although the characters are changed slightly, the similarities are obvious and disturbing. The cast does a great job of showing the viewers what we could all imagine as the behind-the-scenes dynamic of a relationship that started with a crime. Watch on Netflix.

Percy Jackson

Demigod Percy Jackson leads a quest across America to prevent a war among the Olympian gods. - IMDB

Based on the Rick Riordan book, Percy Jackson is a family-friendly adventure that you can watch on either Disney Plus or Hulu.

Criminal Record

Follows two brilliant detectives in a tug of war over a historic murder conviction, dealing with issues of race, institutional failure, and the quest to find common ground in a polarized Britain. - IMDB

I am only two episodes into this show, which drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV, but the premise is promising and the reviews are great. I’m invested in seeing how it ends.

Gran Tourismo

Based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs - a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec - who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. - IMDB

The fact that this is a true story is fascinating. The movie is fun, exciting, and family-friendly viewing. You can catch Gran Tourismo now on Netflix.

Saltburn

A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten. - IMDB

I had to see what all of the buzz was about. I found this movie strange but entertaining. It is most certainly not family friendly but it is worth giving a watch. It is currently available on Amazon Prime and is free for Prime members.

Reacher

Itinerant former military policeman Jack Reacher solves crimes and metes out his own brand of street justice. - IMDB

Reacher is a great show with a lot of action and excitement and is perfect for a binge day since season two recently dropped. Watch it now on Amazon Prime.

I think I have given you some great options. Enjoy!

Charlene Eckstein 11/2/23 Charlene Eckstein 11/2/23

7 Shows To Stream This Fall For A Cozy, Fun, Or Spooky Night In

It’s that time of year again when the weather has cooled and a night snuggled up on the couch sounds more appealing than ever. Maybe you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine, or something hot to drink or perhaps you are looking for viewing options on one of your many streaming services.

There are never-ending options of movies and series to watch if you have the time but if you want some help narrowing down where to start this fall, I have my picks for you. A few are family and others not so much, but all are entertaining and worth a watch. So here’s my list of shows to stream this fall.

7 Shows To Stream This Fall

Bodies

Four detectives in four different time periods of London find themselves investigating the same murder. - IMDB

You will be intrigued by the mystery and the how and why but you need to pay attention to keep track of timelines and investigations. Categorized as crime, drama, and history, Bodies, a limited series, is now streaming on Netflix.

The Fall of The House of Usher

To secure their fortune (and future) two ruthless siblings build a family dynasty that begins to crumble when their heirs mysteriously die, one by one. - IMDB

This Edgar Allan Poe-inspired series is dark, spooky, and sexy. With a strong supernatural element, each episode is named after and closely aligns with a Poe tale. For Poe fans, like myself, you will be intrigued by how each story is woven and connected to his classic work. Categorized as drama, horror, and mystery, you can watch all ten episodes of The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix.

The Morning Show

An inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up in the morning, exploring the unique challenges faced by the team. - IMDB

Season 3 just dropped on Apple TV and it does not disappoint. This show is binge-worthy, fun, and completely over the top in some of the best ways. The Morning Show is streaming now on Apple TV.

Goosebumps

A group of five high schoolers unleash supernatural forces upon their town. Now, they must work together in order to save it. - IMDB

Based on R.L. Steins work, this family-friendly spooky viewing. Categorized as adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Goosebumps can be watched on both Hulu and Disney Plus.

The Wheel of Time

Set in a high fantasy world where magic exists, but only some can access it, a woman named Moiraine crosses paths with five young men and women. This sparks a dangerous, world-spanning journey. Based on the book series by Robert Jordan. - IMDB

Season 2 recently premiered after a nearly two-year wait, and it was worth it. It is beautifully shot, and action-packed. We meet new characters, both heroes and villains, and learn more about the world created by Jordan. Seasons one and two are available to watch on Amazon Prime.

The Golden Bachelor

Follow a new kind of love for the golden years, when a hopeless romantic is given a second chance at love in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life. - IMDB

Yes, I know, this seems like an odd choice to be on this list but I just really enjoyed this show. It’s fun and sweet, and quite surprising. I highly recommend you give it a watch on Hulu.

The Midnight Club

The Midnight Club follows an octet of terminally ill teenage patients at Brightcliffe Hospice as they gather at midnight to share scary stories. - IMDB

Created by Mike Flanagan, the writer behind the Tha Haunting of Hill House and Black Mass. This is a dark show, for several reasons, and full of jump scares. You can watch all 10 episodes on Netflix.

I hope you enjoy my recommendations. Happy Fall watching!

Charlene Eckstein 5/8/23 Charlene Eckstein 5/8/23

5 Reasons You Need To Watch Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

I read all of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books years ago and was so excited to hear Shonda Rhimes was turning these sexy love stories into an even sexier Netflix series. The first season premiered and it did not disappoint. While the first season evoked familiar emotions from the books, and maybe this is an unpopular opinion, the second season was good but left me feeling lukewarm about future seasons.

Fast forward to hearing about Queen Charlotte getting a six-episode, limited series, I was not sure what to expect. I knew about the Mad King George and that they had many children but not much else. The series premiered on May 4, 2023, and I was instantly sucked in and binged the series in a day. While I was sad when the series ended, I am hopeful for another season. If you liked Bridgerton, you do not want to miss Queen Charlotte.

5 Reasons To Watch Queen Charlotte

It’s Just So Good

In my opinion, it is the best of the Bridgerton series so far. I laughed and cried, and even yelled at the screen in frustration and concern for George. I love romance novels, heck I write them, but this series hits differently than your typical story because the characters were real people. The stakes were higher and a happy ending was not guaranteed for the couple.

In true Bridgerton style, there are a lot of steamy sex scenes, some not-so-steamy sex scenes, and some brief male nudity. The scenes do not feel gratuitous but add to the story. The term “even days” will have a whole new meaning and make you chuckle.

Makes You Hopeful For Love

The romance, the chemistry, and the sex in Queen Charlotte will make your heart yearn to be loved as deeply as King George loved his Queen. It’s young love and passion with some serious issues making a healthy marriage and relationship more challenging.

Points of view and past and present scenes make the love between Charlotte and George gut-wrenching. When George says, “I love you desperately. I cannot breathe when you are not near. I love you Charlotte. My heart calls your name,” even my heart felt that. Sorry, but it blew, “I burn for you” out of the water.

Makes Being Single Look Pretty Good

Romance, love, and passion are wonderful and can exist perfectly outside the confines of marriage. We know Lady Danbury from the Bridgerton series but in Queen Charlotte we get a chance to learn more about her relationship with Queen Charlotte, how her title came about, her marriage to Lord Danbury, and why she chose to never remarry.

Women were controlled by their husbands and if a woman had an abusive or terrible husband she was screwed. To become a wealthy widow, with complete autonomy for a woman in those days was a win. Days of leisure, a lover or two for fun, and money to keep you comfortable is all some woman need to be quite content in life.

The Beauty and Fashion

The costuming is stunning. We are treated to beautiful dress after beautiful dress, wonderfully paired with hair and wigs that are characters all on their own. All the glitz and glamour are set against the breathtaking backdrop of palaces and their perfectly manicured lawns and estates.

Looking at how exquisite the fashion is in Queen Charlotte almost makes me wish I could be transported back in time just to dress up and attend a ball. I said almost.

It’s Strangely Relatable

Whether you are young and passionately in love or older but still passionate and feeling your bloom you can relate. Or perhaps you fell for someone unavailable or that you cannot be with, or you’re in a loveless relationship or widowed. If you have loved, longed for, or lost a love you will feel a connection. Rich or poor, love and marriage issues transcends class but of course, I think many would prefer the latter.

Queen Charlotte will be emotionally difficult to watch at times but it’s a beautiful love story. Actually, there are several love stories to make your heart ache and break a little but it is so worth it. I hope you give it a watch and if you do let me know your thoughts.

Charlene Eckstein 2/18/23 Charlene Eckstein 2/18/23

Here’s What You Need To Watch In March

The great thing about streaming services is that there are endless options for movies and shows to watch. Whatever your mood, you have options. You want romantic, they got it. High drama, no problem. And of course, the dark and mysterious or chills and thrills are always an option.

Most of the shows on this list can be found on Netflix, but Apple TV, Hulu, and Amazon also have some great offerings. Here are my viewing picks for March.

Truth Be Told - Apple TV

A true-crime podcaster tries to solve the mystery surrounding a family patriarch's death. - IMBD

Starring Octavia Spencer, each season follows podcaster Poppy as she tries to solve a new mystery. There are currently three seasons of Truth Be Told available on Apple TV.

I have really been enjoying this show. Poppy is a meddler but aren’t all fictional mystery solvers?

You - Netflix

A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by. - IMDB

Crazy Joe is back and as usual, he cannot seem to stay away from murders. All four seasons of You are available on Netflix. If you enjoy sexy, dark suspense you will not be disappointed.

Firefly Lane - Netflix

Tully and Kate support each other through good times and bad with an unbreakable bond that carries them from their teens to their forties. - IMDB

These two besties are complete opposites but have a wonderful sisterhood. Season two is now available on Netflix.

Jack Ryan - Amazon

Up-and-coming CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, is thrust into dangerous field assignments. - IMDB

Whether it’s Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, or John Krasinski, I love the Jack Ryan character. Amazon’s Jack Ryan series now has three seasons

This is a great, action-packed show, filled with nail-biting moments, and suspicions of everyone. I highly recommend it if you enjoy espionage-type drama.

Accused - Fox/Hulu

Chronicles ordinary people getting caught up in extraordinary situations, where one wrong turn leads to another until it's too late to turn back. - IMDB

Anthologies are great. Accused in particular, is unique because each episode starts off with the main character already in custody and facing a trial. The episode shows you how they got there and boy are there some twists and turns. The episodes do not wrap up nice and tidy but instead leave you wanting to know more, and asking, “what happened next?”

Will Trent ABC/Hulu

Special Agent Will Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta's overwhelmed foster care system. Determined to make sure no one feels as he did, he now has the highest clearance rate. - IMDB

Based on a book series, Will Trent is my new favorite show. Will is quirky, but still very likable, and kind of sexy. The character is very intriguing and so are his relationships with his on-again-off-again girlfriend and his new partner.

Somewhat procedural but it is worth a watch.

Dead To Me - Netflix

A series about a powerful friendship that blossoms between a tightly wound widow and a free spirit with a shocking secret. - IMDB

The Final Season of Dead To Mean premiered a few months ago but it is such a fun, dark, and touching show, I had to plug it. Christina Applegate and Linda Carellini are great together and represent an amazing display of friendship and sisterhood.

There are always so many viewing choices when it comes to network television and streaming services but I am here to help you narrow down your search for quality television watching. Enjoy!

Charlene Eckstein 11/14/22 Charlene Eckstein 11/14/22

Holiday Movies To Watch This Season

It is that time of year again and if you want easy, stress-free, commercial-free, and yes a romantic Christmas comedy full of cliches, I have the list for you. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, romantic holiday movie? I know I do. I love watching them while cooking meals, baking cookies, online shopping, wrapping presents, or just vegging out on the couch or in bed.

While I love me some Love Actually and have finally conceded that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, don’t judge me, you will find neither on this list. You can just sit back with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and enjoy the fun, silliness, and the somewhat predictable Christmas movie love fest.

Here’s what to watch now on Netflix.

9 Holiday Movies Worth Watching Now

Falling For Christmas

In the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.

It was good to see Lindsey Lohan in a new movie. This is a typical cheesy Christmas movie but is also sweet and funny. You can watch it now on Netflix.

Love Hard

An LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.

This holiday rom-com encompasses all the typical elements and has just the right amount of cuteness and humor, and a little lesson on the perils of online dating. Sometimes people are not who they seem to be.

A Castle for Christmas

To escape a scandal, a bestselling author journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle - and faces off with the grumpy duke who owns it. - IMBD

It was great to see some familiar faces in this holiday romantic comedy. Think Blue Lagoon and The Princess Bride. Okay maybe that’s taking it back a little too far but you get my point. Holiday romance is not just for twenty-something-year-olds.

Operation Christmas Drop

Congressional aide Erica (Graham) forgoes family Christmas to travel at her boss's behest. At a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz (Ludwig), who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility. - IMBD

Set in the backdrop of real-life operations that help small pacific islands every year, this fictitious romance is a sweet reminder of the importance of generosity and the true Christmas spirit of giving.

The Holiday

Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. - IMDB

The Holiday came out over fifteen years ago, but it’s still fun and relatable, and in some ways, and perfect for this time of year.

A Snowbound Christmas

Marketing exec lands a spot on a big project but before the presentation, a snowstorm traps her and her boss at a resort where they realize there is more to their relationship than just business. - IMBD

I believe this originally appeared on Hallmark but nevertheless, this is a sweet, and family-friendly holiday movie.

A Christmas Prince

When a reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy prince, she gets tangled in some royal intrigue and ends up finding love - but will she be able to keep up her lie? - IMDB

A Christmas Prince is great for the family to watch together. Very cheesy, and Disney-like but also sweet and heartwarming. It is actually a trilogy now, so you can also watch A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: A Royal Baby.

Holidate

Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way. - IMDB

This was a surprisingly entertaining rom-com. This is funny and cute but it is not family-friendly due to language and content.

The Holiday Calendar

A struggling but talented photographer inherits an antique holiday advent calendar, the contents of which seem to predict the future. Will this magical calendar lead her to love this holiday season?

I love the magical elements added to this holiday story. This is another family-friendly Christmas movie that everyone can sit down together and watch.

Some of these are old and some of these are new but they are all perfect for this time of year to curl up on the couch and watch. Or to just enjoy as you wrap gifts or relax. I have watched them all and hope you give a couple or all of them a try too! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Charlene Eckstein 10/8/22 Charlene Eckstein 10/8/22

The Honeymoon Faze

The Honeymoon Faze is the second book in The Writer and the Billionaire book series.

With her stalker behind bars, Sascha can finally relax and enjoy life with her wonderful fiancé Devon and their new baby girl. A loving and passionate couple, Sascha and Devon cannot wait to tie the knot, but not everyone wants to see them get their happily ever after.
The envy of most women, Sascha’s life is nearly perfect, or so she is often told, but something just feels off to her. Despite being encouraged to move on from her traumatic past, and reminded that she is no longer in danger, Sascha cannot shake the feeling that she has more than one enemy in her midst.
As deadly events began to unfold, Sascha realizes that putting her nemesis in prison is just the beginning and that greater dangers are still hiding in the shadows.
Who can Sascha trust? And will her fixation on the past, destroy her future with Devon?

Now available on Amazon!

Charlene Eckstein 7/13/22 Charlene Eckstein 7/13/22

Summer 2022 Streaming Watch List

It’s summertime and the perfect time of year to go on vacation or to just get out and about to the beach or the pool. But on those days when it’s just too hot outside, or for the nights you want to stay in, kick back with your favorite streaming service and enjoy some great shows.

For the month of July 2022, I am providing a list of a few older shows, and some newly returned shows to indulge in and binge-watch this month.

Here’s What to Watch This Summer

Stranger Things

When a young boy disappears, his mother, a police chief, and his friends must confront terrifying supernatural forces in order to get him back. - IMDB

Season 4 of Stranger Things just premiered this summer on Netflix. It’s dark, it’s nostalgic, and it’s fun. Watch all seasons 4 now and get caught up on the upside down.

Westworld

At the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, waits a world in which every human appetite can be indulged without consequence. - IMDB

Westworld is a little bit of everything. It’s a mix of sci-fi, action, and mystery all packed into this beautifully shot show. New episodes of season 4 of Westworld are currently airing on HBO on Sunday nights. You can catch up on all prior seasons on HBO Max.

Anatomy of a Scandal

A sexual consent scandal amongst British privileged elite and the women caught up in its wake. - IMDB

This is a great limited series, that has a nice twist at the end. It’s the perfect binge show for a lazy Saturday, and it will leave thinking about people and perceptions. Available now on Netflix.

The Staircase

Tells the story of Michael Peterson, a crime novelist accused of killing his wife Kathleen after she is found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home, and the 16-year judicial battle that followed. - IMDB

I originally learned of this story a few years after watching the Netflix documentary. This current production is a HBO limited series, with an all star cast. Very interesting, true crime story that leaves you asking yourself if you believe in coincidence.

The Gilded Age

A wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family embarks on a mission to infiltrate the wealthy neighboring clan dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell, his rakish son, Larry, and his ambitious wife, Bertha. - IMDB

I absolutely loved The Gilded Age and cannot wait to see where the story ultimately goes. If you love period pieces, costumes, and great drama, you will love this show. Season 1 is currently available on HBO Max.

Slow Horse

Follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve as a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes. -IMDB

Slow Horse is for the viewer who loves a spy drama. The cast is great, and the story is intriguing. Reminds me of the first Mission Impossible. I recommend it. Watch now on Apple TV.

Persuasion

Eight years after Anne Elliot was persuaded not to marry a dashing man of humble origins, they meet again. Will she seize her second chance at true love? -IMDB

Persuasion premieres on Netflix on July 15th. This is for the Jane Austen lovers, who love the yearn and burn romances.

The Boys

A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers. - IMDB

The Boys is violent, vulgar, offensive, and deliciously fun and entertaining to watch. It is not for everyone, but these superheroes give a different take on how a world full of people with superpowers might be. Season 4 just premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Watch all 4 seasons now on Amazon.

Shining Girls

Years after a brutal attack left her in a constantly shifting reality, Kirby Mazrachi learns that a recent murder is linked to her assault. She teams with a veteran reporter to understand her ever-changing present and confront her past. - IMDB

This series is a mystery, crime, and sci-fi all wrapped into one. The show and the acting are great. I highly recommend it. Watch now on Apple TV.

The Umbrella Academy

A family of former child heroes, now grown apart, must reunite to continue to protect the world. -IMDB

Season 3 of The Umbrella Academy just premiered on Netflix. Season 3 is just as fun and silly as ever, with a new problem for the group to resolve. All seasons are now streaming on Netflix

I’m a multi-tasker so I love to pop on a good show and fold laundry, stretch, or just walk on my treadmill. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and have a great summer!

Charlene Eckstein 3/7/22 Charlene Eckstein 3/7/22

What To Watch on Netflix in March 2022

There is always something new to entertain and delight from one streaming service or another. February was a great month for the return of some of our favorite shows, and March is shaping up to be even better.

I love a good binge-worthy show, and my recommendations all have two seasons with the exception of The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window and Murderville, which have just one season but are ridiculously binge-worthy. All my picks for March are light, fun, and not too heavy.

I have five recommendations for you and I think you will enjoy them all.

What To Watch On Netflix March 2022

The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window

When a handsome neighbor moves in across the street, Anna, a heartbroken woman for whom every day is the same, starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is until she witnesses a gruesome murder - Or did she? - IMDB

I binged this show over a weekend. It’s weird, suspenseful, and kept wondering what the heck was going on. I didn’t know whether or not to take it seriously, although the strange title should have clued me in. The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window is a spoof of several other recent movies but is funny because it makes fun of some of the unbelievably silly plots of the other movies.

Kristen Bell is great and makes this series worth watching. I highly recommend it, but it should be noted this is not family friendly programming.

Bridgerton Season 2

Wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family. - IMDB

I read all the Julia Quinn books years ago that this series is based on. Season 2 of Bridgerton follows Julia’s second book on the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. Season 1 was very hot and sexy and I would imagine we are in the same treatment for season two.

Season 2 premieres on Friday, March 25th.

Sweet Magnolia Season 2

Three South Carolina women, best friends since high school, shepherd one another through the complexities of romance, career, and family. - IMDB

Season 1 left viewers on a cliffhanger and Season 2 picks right up on the same night. Sweet Magnolia is wholesome viewing and feels like it would fit right in on The Hallmark Channel. It is entertaining, and relatable for the most part. This is easy binge programming and enjoyable, with Season 2 ending on another cliffhanger.

There is no smooth sailing for the women of Sweet Magnolia. Available now on Netflix.

Murderville

Eccentric detective Terry Seattle teams up with clueless celebrity guest stars to investigate a series of murders in this improvisational crime comedy.

Murdervile is quirky and funny, with an interesting concept. I loved watching the guests improv as they try to assist in solving crimes in the most ridiculous fashion.

Murderville is available now on Netflix.

Space Force

The people tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services: The Space Force. - IMDB

It is hard to believe that Space Force is actually a real thing, but it is. Hopefully, its employees are a bit more competent. Steve Carell is as funny and quirky as ever, with John Malkovich being weird and hilarious. If you like The Office you will like Space Force.

There are two seasons to binge and belly laugh at. Space Force is available now on Netflix.

This Netflix watch list is meant to be light-hearted and fun. I hope you enjoy my recommendations and come back and share your thoughts with me. Tell me what you about the shows and share your own recommendations. Happy viewing!

Charlene Eckstein 3/4/22 Charlene Eckstein 3/4/22

The Writer and the Billionaire: A Novel

Searching for your next summer read? Look no further than my new novel The Writer and the Billionaire.

The Writer and the Billionaire is the story of Sascha Gills, a newly divorced writer whose life changes forever when she is swept off her feet by the charming, handsome, and spectacularly rich Devon Montague. But it’s not all smooth sailing—and someone from Sascha’s past seems determined to keep it that way. As Sascha and Devon’s relationship is tested by struggle and heartbreak, can they persist and ultimately triumph in love?

Here is your sneak peek!

Chapter 1

Sascha sat staring at the paper she had just signed. Her marriage was officially over! She had not been single in over eleven years, but six months ago she’d woken one morning and realized that she was not happy and had not been for the last five years. She did not want to be married to Lucas anymore. She needed a fresh start.

Lucas had been her college sweetheart and at the time seemed to be her soul mate. Thinking back on her naivete made Sascha giggle slightly, feeling a little silly for even believing in soul mates.

Hearing her giggle, her husband and his lawyer looked up at her from across the table. In an irritated tone, her now ex-husband said, “Is there something about this that you find amusing?”

His voice snapped her from her thoughts and wiped the little smile from her face. Her first impulse was to say that she didn’t find anything funny, but after a second thought, she decided not to bite her tongue any further.

“You know, actually I do find something funny. I find it funny that I ever thought this pathetic excuse for a marriage could have lasted. And even funnier than that is the fact that I let a sorry excuse for a man like you make me feel bad about myself for so long. The truth of the matter is that I deserved better than you, and you know it.”

“Oh, please, get off your high horse. You weren’t exactly the most loving, supportive wife. I am the one that deserves better,” he responded, not surprisingly.

Sascha rolled her eyes and looked down at her vibrating cell phone. A no-caller-ID caller again. She reminded herself that she really needed to get a new phone number.

Handing the papers back to her lawyer, Sascha stood up and said her final words to Lucas. “When are you going to stop blaming others for your failures? You know what? Don’t bother answering that. I can say that I am done being your excuse for never succeeding. I truly hope that someday you find your way and can become the man that you have always wanted to be.”

When Sascha walked out of that conference room, she felt as if a weight had been lifted. Sure, she was thirty-four, almost thirty-five actually, and was starting over, but she wasn’t scared. She was excited, in fact. To be honest, she had not felt this type of exhilaration since her college volleyball days. Sascha had once been one of the country’s top volleyball players and could have gone pro, but instead, she chose a simpler life with Lucas. After graduating from the University of Southern California’s MBA program, Lucas and Sascha both got jobs with financial firms and moved to San Francisco to start their lives together.

Sascha had grown up in a middle-class area in a Northern California town and was happy to be somewhat close to her family again. She thought that Lucas was happy too, but nothing ever seemed to make him happy. Not his job, not their sex life, and certainly not his wife. While Sascha had quickly found success at her investment firm, Lucas seemed to have trouble holding a job. He always quit or was fired for one reason or another. Of course, it was never his fault. His bosses were always jerks who picked on him, or Sascha was putting too much pressure on him or not supporting him. Never were his troubles his own doing—not his bad attitude, and certainly not his lack of competence.

When he began to become depressed, Sascha did everything she could to get him out of his slump. Nothing worked, and of course he refused counseling at that time, both individual counseling for himself and marriage counseling for the both of them.

One day Sascha went to him with an idea that she thought would solve all their problems. She suggested that they open up an investment firm. She had a wonderful client roster, many of whom she was sure would more than happily follow her if she left her current powerhouse firm of Chase & Sanders.

To Sascha’s surprise, Lucas was immediately receptive to the idea, and they quickly got to work on this new venture. At first it seemed like Lucas was truly happy with her and things were getting better, but that was just wishful thinking on her part.

They rented a small office in a downtown building with a monthly rent that was more than twice their monthly mortgage, but Sascha wanted—no, needed—to believe it would pay off and be worth it in the long run. Fortunately, Sascha had been able to put away quite the little nest egg thanks to large commissions she had received at her old job, but she was still a little concerned about leaving her safety net at Chase & Sanders. Despite her concerns, she knew she needed to do this for Lucas, and for the sake of their marriage.

She had been right about many of her clients choosing to follow her, but it was not long before she saw what many of Lucas’s previous bosses had seen. He gave his clients the worst financial advice, encouraging them to make risky, damn near irresponsible investment decisions, even causing one of their clients to lose more than $5 million in one week.

In a matter of six months, Lucas had ruined their business and destroyed Sascha’s reputation as a financial adviser. They had gone through all their savings and had gotten into horrible financial debt. They were close to losing their home when Michael, an old friend of Sascha’s from college, helped them out, unbeknownst to Lucas, who would have flat out refused the help. Sascha felt a little guilty about keeping Michael’s aid from Lucas, but she had already lost so much because of his poor judgment she refused to lose anything else, especially her home.

Michael Ghant had made it big in the software and tech business. He offered Sascha a job as a CFO at his company and a generous starting bonus, which more than caught them up on their mortgage and other delinquent bills. It was shocking and disappointing to Sascha that Lucas, with his education and training, was so completely oblivious to his financial problems. And sadly, worse than him being oblivious was that maybe he just didn’t care anymore.

When Sascha began working for Michael, he made his feelings for her very clear, and she made it very clear to him that she would honor her marriage vows. Being the gentleman that he was, Michael accepted her rejection graciously but made it known to her that he felt she deserved so much more than an unhappy marriage to a selfish, cruel man.

The Writer and the Billionaire Available Now On Apple Book Store

During the course of her marriage, Sascha had gained over fifty pounds and lost all her self-confidence. Once upon a time, she had been a confident, athletic, smart, attractive woman, but Lucas had taken all of that away. As the pounds came on, so did his insults and his reasoning for being unfaithful. As far as she knew, he had been unfaithful at least twice during their marriage, but deep down she knew there had been other infidelities. Just like the cliché, the first woman was a twentysomething girl named Rebecca who was a secretary at a financial firm Lucas once worked for. He told Sascha that it only happened a couple of times and that it meant nothing. Sascha, wanting to believe him, forgave him quickly and foolishly commended him for his honesty, even though there was unlikely an honest bone in his body.

The second affair that came to Sascha’s attention was not so easily forgiven. After years of fighting to make their marriage work, Sascha decided that they needed marriage counseling. At first Lucas refused, but Sascha told him that if they didn’t get help soon, she could not see them staying married. He actually looked fearful at that statement. At the time, Sascha believed that look was about fear of losing her, but later she realized that it had likely been more about losing his cash cow.

Sascha decided to seek the counseling services of a college pal of hers, a woman by the name of Gina Campbell. Gina was very attractive, with her petite frame, long black hair, and olive skin. Standing next to Gina’s five-foot-two frame, Sascha felt like an extremely insecure giant.

Apparently, Gina had never married, which was surprising to Sascha, considering all the boy drama she’d always had in college. Gina was the girl who always had to have a boyfriend—yours or her own, it didn’t matter. She was the girl who had no qualms about sleeping with someone else’s guy and stealing your man. In fact, she seemed to enjoy the challenge.

Of course, Gina’s behavior caused many problems with the other girls in their group and on campus, but Sascha always felt sorry for her. For someone to behave the way Gina did, she must have been terribly insecure and sad inside. Plus, Sascha didn’t feel threatened by Gina. Try as she might—and she tried hard—Gina just couldn’t steal Sascha’s boyfriend Colin.

Colin was Sascha’s college boyfriend before Lucas, whom was tragically killed during his and Sascha’s junior year, by a hit-and-run driver. Sascha was heartbroken by his death but eventually moved on when she met Lucas. Colin had been such a kindhearted, sweet guy. The loss of Colin changed everyone in their circle of friends.

Fast-forward ten years, and Gina Campbell was now a well-respected marriage counselor, with multiple best-selling relationship books and a sex advice podcast. Even though Sascha and Gina had had their ups and downs in college—some might even have called them frenemies—over the years they had gotten along well. Well, well enough.

At first when Lucas and Sascha started their counseling sessions with Gina, Sascha saw immediate results. She believed they were communicating better and had even started to be intimate again after a near six-month dry spell. But sadly, the feelings of a new and improved marriage would be short lived. It was not long before she realized that Lucas was cheating again. When she first confronted Lucas, he denied it and tried to turn everything around on her. She eventually dropped it and went to bed as he stormed out, but her gut was telling her that he was lying and cheating once again.

The following morning, she woke up to Lucas’s snoring next to her in bed. The bastard had sneaked back in at some point in the night. The sun was on his face, and as she looked at him, all she felt was disgust—disgust with herself. How could she have stayed married so long to this creep? she wondered. Looking at him made her realize that she did not love him anymore and had not for a very long time. She got up, got dressed, and went and found herself a divorce lawyer that day.

After hiring the best lawyer her money could buy, she quit her job because she knew that Lucas would try to milk her for spousal support, and she refused to give that lazy, no-good bastard another dime of her money. Let his mistress take care of him!

Charlene Eckstein 11/29/21 Charlene Eckstein 11/29/21

Holiday Movies To Watch Right Now On Netflix

Did someone say cheesy, heartwarming, holiday rom-coms? It is that time of year again and if you want easy, stress-free, commercial-free, and yes a Christmas romantic comedy full of cliches, do I have the list for you.

While I love me some Love Actually and have finally conceded that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, don’t judge me, you will find neither on this list. Just sit back with a glass of wine or hot cocoa and enjoy the fun and silliness and yes the somewhat predictable Christmas movie love fest.