THE WINNERS!!

Drumroll, please!

The winner of Alison's THE PERFECT STRANGER ARC: Sue A.

The winner of a copy of THE PERFECT STRANGER from me: Lisa F.

Congrats to the winners!

Sue and Lisa, please email your addys to me at laurie@earthlink.net - Sue, your copy will come directly from Alison. Lisa, your copy will come from me as soon as I receive it - it has been ordered at Amazon and will be shipped on the release date.

I'm going to give the winners four days to contact me - otherwise, I'll be drawing new names.

Thanks so much to everyone for playing - I hope you'll stop back often!!

Laurie

Ciar Cullen's LORDS OF CH'I

I love chatting about authors whose work I enjoy, even more so if I'm especially fond of the author! Ciar Cullen is one of those authors! Her work is always highly entertaining, thought-provoking, and never fails to make me smile, or sigh - or both, and Ciar is an absolute sweetheart, truly caring about and appreciating each and every one of her readers! This is a review I've done on behalf of Romance Junkies for Ciar's Samhain release, LORDS OF CH'I:

An assassin and her target put their differences aside, fall in love and decide to spend their lives together – if only they can stay alive long enough to make it happen.

Lord Jetre Arnaud dreams of a better existence for his wood clan, after their lands have been ravaged by years of war. Jet’s long-time rival has been assassinated, and when the dead man’s sister, Silver SanMartin, makes a half-hearted attempt on his life, more an effort to gain his attention than actually kill him, he finds himself wanting her as he has wanted no other. Nearing the end of a ten year vow of celibacy, Jet is seriously tempted by Silver. Having the ability to get into her mind, he learns that she shares that temptation; he decides to act, taking advantage of her sensual nature, knowing that the pursuit of a sexual relationship with her will change both of their lives forever. Jet endured a cold, loveless childhood, and despite his bold, brazen front, he is slightly damaged and just a little vulnerable, which makes him even more endearing.

Silver has been cast out after the death of her family. More than anything she wants to see their killer dead. She approaches Jet, hopeful that she can convince him to assist with her quest for justice. She could never have dreamed that she would be hopelessly attracted to him, or that he would consider her as the means to end his celibacy. Silver is perfect for Jet; resilient enough to stand by his side as he rules, and saucy enough to share a sensually charged future with him, if only they can remain strong together to conquer their enemy.

Jet and Silver are intriguing characters, unique in their unfailing dedication to their beliefs and devotion to their people. Both are also intensely devoted, almost earthy, in their passion for each other. The futuristic setting is especially well-written; Ciar Cullen writes with incredible imagination and creativity that is matched by few. Her characters are never lacking in vibrant clarity, coming to life on the pages through colorful descriptions of surroundings, stirring conversations and witty banter.

Go have a look around Ciar's website - there's always something fun happening on her blog!
http://www.ciarcullen.com/

Thank you!

Laurie

The "other man"

I have been in love with Bob Seger since I was 16 - no secret to those who know me well. The first time I heard the song "Night Moves" was when I was on a date with the 17 year old boy who is now my husband - sigh! I immediately bought the 8 track (yes, I'm old) and listened to little else for a very long time. Even though Tim and I didn't last a long time back then (we reconnected a couple of years later), my love for Bob was unfailing!

My friend Carla and I first saw Bob in concert 30 years ago (again - yes, I'm old) and then again about 10 years ago. I am a member of Bob's "Street Team" getting promotional posters and postcards when his latest album released, for placement in local music stores and bars. In return, I received a copy of the new CD and a fun DVD with interviews, videos and concert clips. Carla and I were so excited when a new concert tour was announced last fall - even more so when we learned in January that he was coming to Columbus. Carla was first in line at our local Ticketmaster the morning tickets went on sale to buy ours. The concert we're going to is this Saturday and we're going to make an evening of it with dinner out first. We're so excited!

At my house, Bob Seger doesn't even need a last name, he's just "Bob" - everyone knows who I'm talking about. After all, a woman should be on a first-name basis with the other man in her life!

CONTEST UPDATE!!

For those who haven't read the full post about this contest below, I will be drawing names on Friday, March 9 for both copies of THE PERFECT STRANGER! Thanks to all who have already entered - be sure to tell your friends to pop by!

I've decided to up the ante on this contest - if I/you/we can get 20 people to post that they are interested in the ARC of Alison Kent's THE PERFECT STRANGER, I will give away another copy of the book. No, I'm not giving away my own ARC, but I will purchase a copy after it is released and send it to a second winner. No strings, except it would be nice to hear your thoughts on the book - maybe the winner(s) could post a little snippet on Amazon and/or B&N reviews?

So come on, tell your reader friends, and let's spread the word about Alison's work!!

Have a great weekend, everyone -
Laurie

Ciar Cullen's WIZARD OF TIME

Ciar Cullen has a brand new release from Ellora's Cave, WIZARD OF TIME. This is a re-release - a wonderfully fun fantasy that I highly recommend you check out. Ciar's books are always an absolute pleasure to read; morsels to be savored! This is my review for WIZARD OF TIME:
Powerful Wizard Trevor Rains has come back to his childhood home of Castle Borough after the loss of his mother. He felt the need to be nearer to his twin Sister, Tessa, who needs someone to tame her wild ways, as well as to be nearer to Morgan Daemoniani, an incredibly beautiful childhood friend. The opening scene of this book has Trevor and Gideon, his lizard/would-be dragon, spying on Morgan, a down on her luck witch, the only woman Trevor has ever loved. Trevor's young heart was broken by Morgan and he has never forgotten her or the pain she caused him. Morgan herself is desperately lonely, dreaming nightly of a faceless lover, positive that she will end up a lonely old woman. Top all of this off with the loss of her powers, past spells that are reversing themselves, and other inexplicable strange happenings in Castle Borough, and Morgan is one truly miserable witch. Trevor has deemed himself to be just the man to help his childhood friend, but his reasons for offering his assistance are purely selfish. He is seeking revenge for her hurtful rejection. Another long-time friend, King Artimer, is in need of a love potion that actually works. The stresses of running his kingdom, and the expectations for him to marry and produce an heir have given rise to embarrassing performance problems. Trevor helps Morgan by setting Art up with his sister, guaranteeing a night of pleasure for the king, figuring that Art is a nice guy and will be good for Tessa. Neither Art or Tessa could have dreamed how wonderful their night together would turn out, or how much they would enjoy each other's company. Trevor's plan to crush Morgan is met with success after they share an incredible night together, during which Morgan realizes that Trevor is the lover that she has been dreaming of. He does not realize how far-reaching the ramifications of his anger would be. He is so bent on revenge that his obsession has blinded him to the turmoil in the kingdom around them. Ciar Cullen has yet again delved into her incredibly talented imagination and written a book that runs the gamut on human emotion. Her lead characters are written with rich detail and heartfelt feelings. Secondary characters have their own stories that serve to add sensuality and humor, complementing Trevor and Morgan,while taking nothing away from their story. I laughed out loud at the antics of these characters, and pages later found myself sharing their crushing pain. This is a fun book and I can easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story filled with sensuality and humor.
http://www.ciarcullen.com/
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419909238
I hope you'll go have a look!!
Laurie

CONTEST!! Win a copy of Alison Kent's THE PERFECT STRANGER

Everyone probably gets tired of hearing how much I absolutely adore Alison Kent - I'm the proud owner of all of her books but one, MOTHER PLEASE! I'll soon be reviewing her upcoming (March 27) release, THE PERFECT STRANGER - here is your chance to win a copy for yourself. I'm not clever enough to come up with some snappy contest, so I'm just going to draw a name on March 9 from everyone who posts here to indicate that they are interested in a copy. The only thing I would ask in return is that you stop back and give us your thoughts on the book, and if you're so inclined, post an online review at Amazon.

Here's the backcover blurb:

Some like it hot. The men and women of Alison Kent’s sizzling SG-5 series like it hotter. In this all-new novel of steamy suspense, the jungle is the only place wild enough for a hotshot helicopter pilot and a renegade rich girl with one hell of an agenda…

Bachelor parties are fun, as long as you’re not the poor sap getting hitched…or slipped a Mickey and waking to discover you just became the poor sap. Not to mention that your “wife” is pregnant, and if you don’t go along to her village to meet the in-laws, the nice police comandante will be muy unhappy. Just another day in the life of helicopter pilot J. Jackson Briggs? Not so much. His Smithson Group gig wasn’t supposed to be dangerous, but the the woman who drugs him, then knocks him out, then drugs him again certainly is. She also may or may not be a nun. She’s definitely a lying, scheming, lethally gorgeous…American. Jack’s light years from believing the story Jillian Endicott gives him about her noble cause in the sweltering wilds of San Torisco, but he knows one thing: he’ll get the truth—and plenty more—from her, one way or another…
Being an Endicott of the Boston Endicotts taught Jillian plenty about the haves vs. the have-nots—and made it easy to choose sides. But there’s nothing easy about her mission in San Torisco, and things only get harder when Jack Briggs is thrown into the mix. Six-foot-three of big Texas mouth and big…other things…Jack’s pegged her as a bored little rich girl. Hey, he can think what he wants, as long as he does what she wants. Do unto others what needs to be done—that’s Jillian’s motto. Problem is, Jack knows how to push her buttons from minute one—and the closer he gets to pushing her over the edge, the more she wants him to…Now under dark velvet cover of jungle nights, two rebels with a cause are going deep—and falling hard—for the perfect stranger…

And if that's not enticement enough, here's an exclusive, never-before-seen excerpt:

Jack had to admit he’d had little contact with religious types during his thirty-nine years. His oldest memory was of the base chaplain who’d directed a sort of all-denominational service every Sunday.
He’d been the same one who’d come to the house after the crash, the one who’d told Jack’s mother that her husband had flown all the way to Heaven.
Then there’d been the Air Force chaplain who’d sided with Jack’s grandfather and tried to talk him into a lifetime of service rather than the four years he’d served.
The chaplain at the university had conducted Sunday afternoon services for the premed students who woke up in time to feel guilty about how they’d spent Saturday night.
The chaplain at the hospital had counseled the members of the aeromedical helicopter crew when the stress of flying and fighting to save lives got to be too much.
But the closest Jack had come to a nun had to be Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Julie’d been a doll, a syrupy sweet stick of candy.
Jack’s nun was a chili pepper. Spicy. Hot. Mouth-watering temptation. Her eyes should’ve belonged to an angel, but were too old and damaged to be anything but human. Jack wondered at the tragedies she’d seen.

Sakes alive! I can't wait to crack this book - just as soon as I finish up two outstanding reviews for Romance Junkies, I'll be losing myself in it!

Bookseller, Lee Ann Daugherty, has compared Alison to Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockmann, Amy Fetzner and Cindy Gerard - it doesn't get much better than that! This is what she had to say:
I've already recommended you to my customers, but I've just thought ofsome others who I've turned on to Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockman, AmyFetzer, Cindy Gerard, the women writers who construct great adventure novels with fierce romances attached, that I'll have to turn them on to you, too. Lee Ann Daugherty, Romance "Mistress", Waldenbooks #1393, Elizabethtown, KY

I hope you'll take a chance on winning a copy - all you have to do is tell me you're interested, and you're entered!

Good luck!
Laurie

ALLURING TALES - AWAKEN THE FANTASY

Finally! I've talked about this one long enough, it's finally here! This is a highly entertaining book that I anticipate having huge appeal to readers. I gave it 4.5 blue ribbons in my Romance Junkies review:

Sexy, sizzling tales from some of the hottest names in women's fiction, an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. These authors have a fresh perspective on what readers want and expect, and they have all capably delivered just that in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY.

LOVER’S LOCKET by Cathryn Fox
Caira, bakery owner and independent woman, wonders if she’ll ever find true love. The portrait hanging in her living room, passed down through several generations of her family seems to mock her. The handsome warrior in the portrait is a constant reminder of what she doesn’t have in her life. One day, while browsing in an antique shop, Caira finds herself drawn to a locket and is told that reciting the etched incantation will help the owner find true love, but at the risk of evil. Caira makes the decision to recite the incantation, surprised by the appearance of her true love. But she and her lover are faced with an unfathomable darkness; will their love be strong enough to overcome?
Caira and her unexpected lover are wonderfully appealing in this tale of undying love by Cathryn Fox. Caira’s previous failures at love have been experienced by every woman, are well-written, and enable readers to understand in her disappointment. LOVER’S LOCKET is an excellent offering in the Alluring Tales anthology.
http://www.cathrynfox.com/

KILI’S ICE MAN by Delilah Devlin
Kili Wilder’s love for and knowledge of the Gladiator series is a plus when it comes to successfully doing her job of marketing network spots. Her attraction to Gladiator Gunnar Thorsson is strong, and when Gunnar first spots Kili in her office, he is equally and almost instantly attracted to her as well. That is until he eavesdrops on a conversation between her and a friend wherein they agree that someone like him, perhaps not too bright, might make for an interesting partner. He then manages to put himself in the middle of her virtual reality fantasy, in an effort to prove to her that he is more than just a body, and that he is worth taking a chance on.
KILI’S ICE MAN might be short, but the relationship between Kili and Gunnar heats up fast, and is very satisfying. Ms. Devlin’s contribution to this anthology is a fun bit of fantasy, and Kili and Gunnar and their reactions and attraction to one another are a sensual treat.
http://www.delilahdevlin.com/

THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND by Lisa Renee Jones
When Assistant D.A. Jessica Montgomery stops at dingy bar to use the phone after her cell phone dies, she immediately spots a gorgeous Latino man and is unable to take her eyes off him; she is disappointed when he leaves before she has the opportunity to talk to him. She leaves shortly after he does, even more discouraged when her car breaks down and the only hotel in the area doesn’t have any rooms available. Indulging herself in a good cry, she is startled by the appearance of a man at her car window; it’s the same man she had ogled at the bar. He invites her to share his hotel room, and she cautiously decides to take him up on his offer. After a long, sensuous night spent together, Jessica wakes up alone, totally sated, but somewhat sad, upon finding that her passionate stranger was gone. When undercover DEA agent Dominic Montez surprises Jessica at her sister’s home a week later, will he be able to convince Jessica that he is worth taking a chance on?
Lisa Renee Jones has a knack for writing bold heroes, unafraid of taking charge and going after the women they want. In THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND, she has penned a story with two successful professionals who are confident in their chosen professions, but just a little unsure of themselves when it comes to love. Witnessing their passion is a true pleasure, just one of several in this sweet story!
http://www.lisareneejones.com/

OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Myla Jackson
T.J. Evans, a member of a special vampire killing task force for the Houston P.D., can’t figure out what has caused the sudden change of heart of his neighbor, Cassidy Jones. He and Cassidy had recently given in to a shared attraction, becoming lovers, and then shortly after she turned cold and now avoids him, refusing to talk to him. When T.J. discovers that Cassidy has not evacuated, despite an impending Category 5 hurricane, he decides that he must take matters into his own hands to see that she is removed from her home and taken to safety. Cassidy has her own reasons for avoiding T.J., all valid in her frightened, confused mind. When the hurricane strikes, these two must ride it out together, and decide if their attraction can weather the storm to allow them a solid future together.
Myla Jackson’s contribution to this anthology is an incredibly sweet paranormal. The vampire plotline is very well done and I feel certain that even readers who are not vampire fans will find it appealing. Cassidy’s despair is excellently written, and T.J.’s struggle to understand is heartening.
http://www.mylajackson.com/

A FAMILIAR KIND OF MAGIC by Sylvia Day
When warlock Max Westin is sent to tame familiar Victoria St. John, he soon realizes that this will be unlike any of his previous assignments by the high council. Victoria sets out to seduce Max almost immediately, and try however hard he may, he can’t resist her feline charms. Victoria isn’t prepared for Max’s persuasive domination; stubborn as she may be, her defenses are down from previous heartache. Max realizes that the high council’s plans for taming Victoria will completely break her spirit, but he’s uncertain of how far he can go to protect her without bringing the wrath of the high council down on both of them.
Sylvia Day has a unique talent for writing totally seductive heroines, and her heroes are always the epitome of male perfection. Max and Victoria are no exception. They are sophisticated, attractive, intelligent characters, and their smooth seduction of each other is simply breathtaking.
http://www.sylviaday.com/

TEMPTING GRACE by Sasha White
Grace Walters repeatedly turns down Lukas Martin’s request to go to dinner, until one night when she is emotionally weakened by the loss of a troubled teen that she was attempting to help. Lukas wants more than the one night stand that Grace is suggesting, but decides that he’ll take what he can get. After that one special night, Lukas wants more and refuses to give up on a more serious relationship with Grace. Grace, on the other hand, is determined to refuse Lukas until he gives up. Will Lukas be patient enough to persist, despite Grace’s stubborn resolve to keep him at arm’s length?
Grace and Lukas are written in such a way that readers can literally feel the emotions that they are experiencing. The attraction that Lukas feels for Grace, and her continued denial of feelings for Lukas, are reasonable and very realistic. Sasha White never fails to put forth a unique plotline, interesting, strong characters, and an abundance of sensuality.
http://www.sashawhite.net/

QUICK SILVER by Vivi Anna
Sangria Silver is simply doing her job discreetly delivering packages of every sort, when she is hired to deliver a locked case, the contents of which were unknown to her, but undoubtedly illegal. This is not unusual, as Sangria offers an elite service for those who can afford it. What is unusual is when Sangria is forced off the road and the case is thrown from her car, broken open to reveal a bound man. The man is Vance Verona, a sex worker who is hired out to entertain rich, high-powered women. Sangria knows that her failure to deliver is pretty much the equivalent of signing her own death warrant. When Sangria and Vance become lovers, they become more determined than ever to stay alive, because there are two men whose assignment it is to find and kill them.
Vivi Anna’s story gives readers a look into the future with Sangria and Vance’s story. Sangria is a strong, self-sufficient woman, dependent on no one but herself. Vance is an incredibly passionate man, determined to be there for Sangria, no small task given her independent stubbornness.
http://www.vivianna.net/news.php

The ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY anthology is a dazzling mix of short stories; something for everyone. Sometimes multi-author anthologies fail to engage everyone. Not so with this anthology. The quality of authors and stories is a pleasant surprise, given the quantity. I do feel however, that if each and every one of the stories isn’t a hit with some readers, they won’t be disappointed, again because of the number of authors involved. I give this anthology a high recommendation and feel that readers will find themselves completely satisfied with it.

I suggest that you go order this book (releasing Feb. 27) right away - here's a link to the book at Amazon, in the event you're so inclined! http://www.amazon.com/Alluring-Tales-Awaken-Fantasy-Avon-Red/dp/0061176036/sr=8-1/qid=1172448991/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2381367-0694212?ie=UTF8&s=books

Thanks,

Laurie

WINTER FORMAL

Winter Formal '07 - maybe now that it's (almost) in the books, winter will take a hike! This is Kelsey and her date, Cody, this evening, before going to their school's winter formal. They were going to dinner with a group of three other couples, and they all looked so pretty/handsome. Kelsey and Cody's mother took him shopping to help him pick out an outfit, and then Kelsey made her necklace and earrings to match his tie.

I figure they should be home a little before midnight, which is good because that's when freezing rain is supposed to hit our area. We're under a winter storm warning until tomorrow morning.

Thanks for stopping by - my next post will be that elusive Alluring Tales review, promise!!

Laurie

Here's a pic of Josh Groban from the concert Kelsey and I went to on Wednesday night - he is the little speck in the white shirt in the middle of the stage. I've got to tell you, he's absolutely dreamy!! I was pleasantly surprised that he acts like a regular guy - doesn't seem to have a big head from his fame - he's even a bit of a goofball. No wonder all of those young women were screaming and going crazy over him! It was an excellent show and I would recommend seeing him to anyone who might be considering it.

My boss and his wife had the tickets, but weren't able to attend, so he gave them to Kelsey and I, telling me as I left the office that day to use my company credit card and take the two of us to dinner too - he's such a sweetie. It was a special night for both of us.

Kelsey had an extra special day on Wednesday. She had challenged for oboe first chair in concert band, and was told on Wednesday that she won the challenge - yay! She also had a meeting on Wednesday with the senior art teacher for an interview/showing in application for a spot in the Pro Art program next year - the teacher told her that absolutely, she wanted her in the program. This program helps students put together a portfolio and focuses on advanced art. She could not have been more excited - it was *her* day, for sure!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Yes, I'm still working on that Alluring Tales review - should have it up in the next day or two.

Laurie

COMING SOON! ALLURING TALES Review!

I will be posting a review for ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY sometime in the next couple of days, but thought I'd give you an early nudge to go preorder a copy or get your copy on release day. There is an interesting mix of stories in this anthology, and while there's always the chance that you won't like each and every story in an anthology, given the caliber of the authors involved, I think you're guaranteed to appreciate the biggest share of them!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and that the coming week is good to you! We're finally above freezing, meaning all of our snow should be turning to slush soon!

Laurie