Tuesday, March 11, 2008

HOT AND BOTHERED from Dianne Castell



Dianne Castell, for those who haven't met her, is an unstoppable bundle of energy wrapped around the biggest, kindest heart you'll ever find. Dianne sent me a copy of her upcoming release, HOT AND BOTHERED, some time ago and we talked about her being a guest blogger here to promote her book. Dianne immediately went to work, planning a blog party, getting copies of her book out to readers so they could discuss it during her days here, and planning games and prizes. We've both been very excited about it and look forward to lots of visitors over the next couple of days!
First, about the book - Hot and Bothered is without a doubt, Dianne's best work to date. Set in sultry Savannah, Dianne's usual sense of humor shines and her lead characters, Charlotte and Griff, are priceless together.
NYT Bestselling author Lori Foster says this about HOT AND BOTHERED: “This is what romance is all about – first class writing with humor, sexy romance, and some very special twists. You don’t want to miss this one!”
Long-time romance reader and Georgia native Lisa Freeman offers this quote and review - "Great characters that makes the reader want more! I'm anxiously awaiting the next story in this "Hot" series."
Charlotte and her best friends, Priss, Bebe, and Brie, have known each other all their lives, brought together out of necessity to survive adolescence. Charlotte knows who Griff is, however they don’t socialize in the same circles. Griff hires her to find the missing heir to the other half of his hotel and immediate sexual chemistry flares between them. Events happen in a domino effect, and Charlotte’s friends are drawn into the mystery surrounding the missing heir, a missing heirloom necklace, and the old morgue.
As a native Georgian, I have been anticipating this book for quite some time. Dianne Castell doesn't disappoint at all! As you are reading the words you can just picture how they would sound with a southern accent. She uses sayings and phrases common to this area. The four friends were portrayed perfectly as best friends who have grown up together and share everything – closer than and more faithful than sisters. I loved the comedy written into every part of the book. I found myself cheering for the girls one minute and laughing out loud at their antics the next. Even the heroes had funny moments, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Reader Jodi Shadden had this to say: Hot and Bothered will do just that - Get you hot and bothered! Dianne Castell does it again with this great start to a new series. Dianne's descriptions make you feel like you are there living the story with the characters. It sure made me want to re-visit Savannah! I laughed at parts, wanted to slap a character upside the head a time or two, and bit my nails in anticipation of what was to happen. This book affirmed why Dianne Castell is an auto-buy author.
Reader Kaleen Cooper says: "Hot and Bothered is a Spicy, Sexy Who-Done-It Thriller. Wealthy Griff Parish hires P.I. Charlotte deShawn to find a missing person that will inherit half his family's fortune. Charlotte is thrilled to prove herself and jumps right in. What she finds is murder, mayhem and a mystery that spans over 30 years. Charlotte knows Griff is hiding something from her and she will try anything to find out what. Even if it means sacrificing her body!"
Stacy Ahlgren had this to say about HOT AND BOTHERED: "Dianne Castell incorporates her unique, sassy style in her latest book, "Hot & Bothered", a funny take on southern living with a haunting twist. Her stories are wild and steamy, overflowing with humor and fun. She is an auto-buy for me". Keep an eye on Stacy's blog around the 22nd-23rd, as she has her own celebration planned for the release of Dianne's book!
Cindy, who many of you know as "LilCinny" agreed to help spread the word about our party on her blog, despite mourning the recent death of her mother. This is what she had to say "My mama loved to read, so what better way to honor her than helping out an author?" Isn't that typical of someone in the wonderful world of romance? Bless you, Cindy.
Judy Flohr says this about HOT AND BOTHERED: "A delightfully funny romance. The characters have such depth and feel like long lost friends. Its a beautiful blend of southern charm with a taste of mystery."
I recently made a request of several authors, asking if they would simply help spread the word about our blog party on Thursday and Friday. That request was met with wide-open arms and their offers of books and prizes to celebrate the release of Dianne's book totally blew me away. Check out this list! All you have to do for a chance at these books is post a comment here during Dianne's blog party on Thursday and/or Friday. There will be one entry per person and I will draw names for this contest on Friday evening. Prizes will be mailed (US/Canada addresses only, please) to winners directly from the author offering the prize. Dianne will also be offering several prizes and she will be announcing her contest requirements.
Okay, here we go, in no particular order!
Jill Shalvis will be giving one lucky reader copies of SMART AND SEXY and STRONG AND SEXY! Thanks, Jill!
HelenKay Dimon is offering a copy of her latest release RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW and she will also be chatting about our blog party on her blog!
Lori Foster will be giving a hardcover copy of JUDE'S LAW, copies of SERVANT (written as L.L. Foster) and SIMON SAYS and a t-shirt from her Cafepress store (winner's choice) - wow! Lori is also talking about Dianne's blog party all over the place!
Erin McCarthy is giving one lucky winner a copy of SUCKER BET, the latest in her Vegas Vampire series!
Sylvia Day will be mentioning our party on her blog and is offering a copy of her latest release, DON'T TEMPT ME.
LuAnn McLane will be giving one winner a TRUCK MY TRUCK goodie package including an autographed copy of TRICK MY TRUCK BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY HEART!
Toni Blake is offering a copy of SWEPT AWAY for one winner!
Fallen Angel Reviews is generously offering a prize package to one lucky winner!
Donna Kauffman will be chatting up our party on her blog several times and is offering two different prizes - BAD BOYS IN KILTS and THE GREAT SCOTT as one prize and THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE PRINCESS and THE BLACK SHEEP AND THE HIDDEN BEAUTY as a second prize - woohoo!
J.C.Wilder will be chatting all over the web about our party, including http://www.eroticromancewriters.com - she is also offering one lucky reader a prize of IN THE GLOAMING!
Roberta Brown is offering one very lucky reader a $50. gift card to Barnes & Noble - wow! Her alter ego Kate Angell is offering another reader the prize of her Boys of Summer trilogy which includes SQUEEZE PLAY, CURVEBALL, and the April release, STRIKE ZONE. Pretty amazing, huh?
Alison Kent will be offering a copy of HOT AND BOTHERED on her blog and is offering a copy of BEYOND A SHADOW to one lucky winner here!
Kay Stockham Kay will be chatting about our party on her blog and is offering two winners each a copy of her latest release, ANOTHER MAN'S BABY!
Janice Maynard is putting up a copy of THE PERFECT TEN to one lucky winner!
Karen Kelley will make one reader happy with a copy of COSMIC SEX and an alien bookmark!
Sasha White will thrill a lucky winner with a copy of SEXY DEVIL! Sasha will be chatting about our party on her blog as well.
Lucy Monroe is going to make mention on her blog and is offering two prizes, a copy of SATISFACTION GUARANTEED and a copy of DEAL WITH THIS - both prizes will include chocolate, pens and bookmarks - sweet!
Janelle Denison is giving a copy of BORN TO BE WILDE to one lucky winner!

WHEW! Can you believe those prizes? This just goes to show how wonderful the romance community is. All I asked for was for these beautiful women to make simple mention of our blog party and this is what I was given in return.
Thank you just doesn't say enough, ladies, your generosity and your eagerness to celebrate with a fellow author has deeply touched me.
Laurie
xo

56 comments:

Lisa F. said...

Wow, awesome prizes from lots of awesome writers. It's gonna be a fun week on your blog!

Laura K said...

How cool! This is a super week!

DianneCastell said...

I am totally blown away by everyone's thoughtfulness! This is incredible. I had no idea Laurie got so many of you involved.

You all are truly friends. This past year hasn't been the greatest but you all are getting me through. And just when I swore I wouldn't cry anymore...I am.
Thank you.
Hugs, Dianne

DianneCastell said...

Thanks, everyone, for the wonderful comments about Hot and Bothered. I'm thrilled you like it.

I loooove Savannah, esp this time of year. The azalias are blooming, magnolias budding and green beer flowing. St Patty's day in Savannah is a grand old time!

Can't wait till Thursday and Friday! We're gonna have fun. Thanks, Laurie, for getting this together.
Dianne

Jodi said...

What a great lineup of support! Of course, everyone loves Dianne and her books!

Ellory said...

What great prizes. I love Dianne. Waves hi.

Judy F said...

wow what a great blog and prizes. Dianne is a true gem. Great job ladies

Stacy S said...

I love Dianne's books. This one sounds great.

Great prizes from everyone!

Stacy~ said...

Great post Laurie, and yeah, let's spread the word about Dianne's great new release!

Wendy said...

This blog party sounds fun! :)

Billie Jo said...

Great post Laurie!

I was supposed to be away for the next two days but that got cancelled...so now I can come out and play...YAY

I also am a big admirer of Dianne's books and can't wait for the new one to come out.

Have a great day and see ya all at the party!

Billie Jo

Risa Vitelli said...

Great blog, great books, great writers...just can't go wrong can we? :)

sandyy456 said...

Hot and Bothered looks great...I can't wait to read it!

Lots of great prizes being given out too! :)

Margay Leah Justice said...

What an incredible prize packet! I would love to win any one of these books!

Tina said...

incrediable!! wow!! i would love to win

Raonaid Luckwell said...

This is really great to see, all these great authors donating prizes for contests.

I'm gonna tell my friend she might wanna mosy on over to this blog to read over.

Robin in NC said...

Wow! What an awesome group of ladies!!!You write great books & are generous too!!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the comments. Hot and Bothered has just been added to my TBR list
JWIsley@aol.com

Jane said...

It's going to be an amazing party.

Cathy M said...

It sounds like a blast, I will definitely be peeking my head in.

Tee said...

I just finished Hot and Bothered for a review and Ladies it is awesome! I love Dianne's creativity and I know she once again has a hit on her hands.

Sarah said...

Diane's book really seems nice and the savannah is definitely better than our recent snowstorms. I like snow but there's a certain limit to that lol. The other prizes sound great as well, I'll have to check them out.

Cheryl said...

Wow! All the authors are so generous. That's an amazing list of prizes.

Cheryl S.

Laurie D. said...

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow and Friday - we hope things will be hopping. Just a note, I'll be at work the next two days so I'll be popping in and out as much as possible; Dianne has some obligations too, so she'll have to be gone for a while - we hope you'll keep posting while we're away!

Anonymous said...

I love the cover of the book and it sounds like something I would really like to read. I love romantic comedy novels. Pls. count me in for this great contest.

Pat L.

Anonymous said...

I love Dianne's books. I am looking forward to this next one.
I love her sexy men and light comedy. Put my name in the hat for this contest

Thanks

ReadingIsSoMuchFun said...

WoW! What a wonderful list of authors and awesome prizes. Very generous you authors Rock! Thank You Laurie & authors for giving us this chance to win these wonderful prizes :-) Good luck to everyone.

Hugssss
LindaH

Fedora said...

Wow, welcome, Dianne! And boy, Laurie, do these authors know how to throw a party or what?!

Hot and Bothered sounds fantastic! Let the party begin! :)

Anonymous said...

wow thankyou so much!! Can't wait to win! :P lol I abosolutely love reading all those romance novels...takes me away from the stress of the real world.(esp when i'm single.) haha

Dina said...

Sounds like a gret time to bet here. :)

Barbara said...

Hot And Bothered is a fabulous story and one you all won't want to miss. It's the start of what looks to be Dianne's best series to date.

She captures the southern setting so perfectly. You will feel transported to the south with all it's charms ans history.

acdaisy95 said...

Lots of great prizes!

Barbara-Jo said...

I sure did pick a great week to find your site! Looking forward to repeat visits.

Stephanie said...

Wow! You truly are blessed! Lucky person who wins any of those fabulous books!

Unknown said...

Thanks to all the wonderful authors for the prizes. The winner will be one happy gal. Best of luck, everyone!

CrystalGB said...

Wow, what a fabulous list of prizes.

ReadinDiva said...

That is the most prizes I have ever seen for one contest. Good luck to everyone! (especially me!) Ladies keep doing what you're doing. I need the entertainment. Have a great Day!

Anonymous said...

Holy happy prize packages, Batman! ;)

~Lindy

Anonymous said...

sounds great, thanks u ladies and laurie

kim h

Anonymous said...

The book sounds awesome! A blog party, what a neat idea =)
~Carol

palasm said...

I can't wait to get the new books when they come out. We have here some of the best authors out there. Thank You for doing these great contests. They are so fun and varied.

Anonymous said...

You ladies really know how to "partee". Great prizes. Would love to win one.

I enjoy reading books taking place in different parts of the country, especially the Southern warmth that flows through, also enjoy those cajun heroes.

Karen T.

Unknown said...

It is a great feeling to know that when you need them, your friends will step up for you! You are blessed to have so many great friends who have come out to help you promote your new novel in this way, Dianne! Much success to all of you ladies in the future and especially to Dianne on the upcoming release of HOT AND BOTHERED!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness - I've been looking forward to this blog party for a few weeks now. I just got back from work - and ... look at this! Haha - how exciting :D

Kimberley said...

Wow all those books....heaven. Can't wait to win ;) fingers & toes crossed....

limecello said...

Woooooooow - look at this list. I'm super surprised and super giddy. Laurie- you rock!
p.s. - did it warm up enough that everything's melted? I'm hoping OH is DONE with winter!

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a wonderful group of authors have contributed some awesome books. Somebody is going to be very lucky (and I'll admit I'd like it to be me).

Anonymous said...

This is a great contest. Here's to great sales for all.

Allie Standifer

Nancy said...

Hello!!!
Thanks for having an awesome contest, it is soo exciting.

Nancy

:Candice: said...

wow how awesome is that. Sharing the wealth with the fans :) Have a great weekend!!

Candice

Unknown said...

i like the title right off the bat, ansd the cover and how good it sounds and well i love dianes books!

sign me up!

Consie @ AtopSerenityHill.com said...

What a great giveaway! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful party with a lot of wonderful books. I would love to win a book.

Thanks.
Rose G.

Karin said...

Hot and Bothered sounds like it will be a fantastic read. It's definitely on my list.

This is a wonderful party and a great way to spread the word!

danetteb said...

Awesome prize list. It is a wonderful community.
Congrats on your new release Diane!

Hugs, Danette

Kammie said...

Coming in a wee bit late after an awful work week.

What a wonderful intro to Dianne and her book. I'm putting that one on my wish list.