Welcome, Jules Bennett!

Please help me welcome Jules Bennett! Jules is guesting today to celebrate the release of her latest book and is prepared to answer all of your reader questions, so put your thinking caps on! Scroll down to see my review and ordering information from a couple of days ago. Jules is offering an autographed copy of her new Silhouette Desire, SEDUCING THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER, to one lucky commenter. I'm celebrating with some prizes too. Because we're all romantics at heart, my prizes are from the American Heart Association's Go Red store and include two "Go Red" totes, a "Go Red" lighted compact and several "Go Red" pens - in addition, I have a handful of Jules' pens and bookmarks. I'll combine mine to make two prizes: one w/a tote, compact, pens and bookmarks and one w/a tote, pens and bookmarks. I'll also pull a few names for pens and bookmarks. Names will be drawn and announced at the end of the day. I hope you'll take time to pop over to Jules' website to learn more about her and her work - but for now, let's have those questions! Can't think of a question? No problem, just leave a comment and you'll be entered.

Thanks for being here today, Jules!
Laurie

Jules Bennett's SEDUCING THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER

Jules Bennett is a fresh, (fairly) new author face with loads of writing talent. Besides being an author, she's a businesswoman, wife and mother - and cute as a button, to boot! Jules was sweet enough to send me an early copy of SEDUCING THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER and I'm pleased that she's going to be a guest here on Thursday! Be sure to stop back and get your questions ready for Jules - there will be prizes!

Brady Stone had just learned the new manager of the property he wanted was a woman… and quite desirable. Charming Samantha Donovan into giving away corporate secrets would be even sweeter considering she was the enemy’s daughter.
The business magnate had been planning his revenge for years. Now the only thing standing between Brady and victory was a beautiful, innocent pawn. His head told him to forget about any possible future with Samantha. But his heart knew that in destroying the Donovan empire he would be ruining his last chance at happiness.
My review:
Businessman Brady Stone has had the luxury resort of Lani Kaimana in his sights with an intensity that borders on obsession. Stanley Donovan forced Brady's dying father to sell the resort to him and Brady is bent on regaining possession of the property, hopefully destroying Stanley in the process. Surprised that resort manager "Sam" Donovan is Stanley's beautiful daughter, Samantha, Brady quickly decides that seduction will help get him close enough to obtain inside information. He certainly didn't plan on the emotions stirred by his relationship with Sam, and soon he's left questioning his objectives as well as his priorities.
It seems to Samantha Donovan that she has spent her entire life trying to please her father, seemingly an impossible task. Intent on making the Lani Kaimana resort a success, she's determined to remain focused and professional, regardless of how charming Brady Stone is. The attention he's lavishing on her is irresistibly flattering and it isn't long before she's weakening. Sam's blossoming relationship with Brady goes far to soothe the pain of her failing relationship with her father. Unexpected, exhiliarating news has her on top of the world until truths are revealed that bring her joy crashing down.
Jules Bennett has done a beautiful job in bringing readers Sam and Brady's story. Sam's pain over her relationship with her father is very well written. She is almost stiff with determined professionalism in her efforts to make a success of the resort; her softening under Brady's attentions is especially nice. Brady's persistence for revenge loses steam as his relationship with Sam gains momentum. At the same time he realizes just what is important in life, it becomes clear that his hunger for retaliation has gone too far and he has most likely lost Sam completely. Emotions are handled nicely and I think romance readers will be satisfied with SEDUCING THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER, Jules Bennett's first contribution to the Silhouette Desire line.

Want a copy? Buzz on over to Amazon for easy pre-ordering!


Up next from Jules is another Silhouette Desire, FOR BUSINESS ... OR MARRIAGE? The story of Brady Stone's brother, Cade. It will be released in April - I can't wait!

She’d always been in love with her boss. Secretly. And it had almost killed Abby Morrison each time magnificent multimillionaire Cade Stone began dating another woman. And now… he wanted her to plan his wedding!
Abby knew Cade was making a mistake— marrying for business reasons a woman equally uninterested in love. For too long she’d been the mousy little secretary. But now she refused to keep quiet. So she had one month to plan Cade’s wedding? That gave her one month to change his mind.
Thanks for taking the time to stop - don't forget to come back on Thursday so you can get acquainted with Jules - and get your name in the draw for a great giveaway!
Laurie

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

The winner of SLOW HEAT is Sue Hussein. The winner of the Komen mug is Lisa Freeman. Congratulations, ladies! Sue and Lisa, please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing information so I can get your prizes in the mail. If I don't hear from Sue and Lisa by Friday, I'll draw new winning names.
Thanks to all who entered! Look for author Jules Bennett to guest blog next week - she'll have a giveaway to celebrate her upcoming Silhouette Desire release, so I'm hoping you'll all stop back.
My mom's surgery went well yesterday. All of the wires in her kneecap were removed, so she should be back on the road to recovery.
Have a great week!
Laurie

Winners will be named Monday evening

I'll announce the winners of the copy of SLOW HEAT and the mug from the Komen store on Monday evening.
Look for a new review for Jules Bennett's upcoming Silhouette Desire, SEDUCING THE ENEMY'S DAUGHTER, in the next couple of days. This is an especially good book and I'm excited that Jules will be guesting here very soon!
I hope you're all having a great weekend! I'm just happy to have gone four days without any snow!
My mom will be having an outpatient surgery this Monday morning to remove the wires they used to put her kneecap back together. One of them has somehow turned and is poking through the skin. Yes, it's just as awful as it sounds and has been causing her considerable discomfort. Poor Weezy. We're having an 80th birthday party for her next Saturday and look forward to her having a special day with family and friends.
Be sure to come back Monday to see who my winners are!
Laurie

NAKED EDGE by Pamela Clare

I know I've talked before about how much I love the work of Pamela Clare, but my love has grown by leaps and bounds after reading NAKED EDGE. Her romantic suspense series unquestionably tops the list of the best I've ever read. You know the feeling of satisfaction you get when you’ve just finished a great book? The one that won’t let you to start another book for a while, because that would take the sweet taste out of your mouth? Those books are few and far between, but this was one of them for me. I was fortunate enough to review UNLAWFUL CONTACT for Romance Junkies and have been waiting patiently for NAKED EDGE. Imagine how thrilled I was when I was able to snag it from the RJ review list!

What do you do when desire drives you to the very brink?
The day Navajo journalist Katherine James met Gabriel Rossiter, the earth literally moved beneath her feet. Nearly killed in a rockslide while hiking, she found her life in the tall park ranger's hands. Although she can't forget him she thinks she'll never see him again. She is crushed when she recognizes her rescuer among the law enforcement officers raiding a sweat lodge ceremony one night, throwing her and her friends off Mesa Butte, land they consider sacred.
Gabe long ago swore he would never again lose himself to a woman not even one with long dark hair and big eyes that seem to see right through him. But from the moment he first sees Kat, the attraction he feels is undeniable. Appalled by what he has been ordered to do, he's determined to get to the bottom of recent events at Mesa Butte and to keep Kat safe.
But asking questions can be dangerous almost as dangerous as risking one's heart. And soon Kat and Gabe's passion for the truth and each other makes them targets for those who would do anything, even kill, to keep Native Americans off their sacred land.

You'll find a great excerpt here - check it out!

My (5 blue ribbon) review:
When you have an emotionally damaged man who thinks he has nothing to give and who wants nothing in return, and a woman who’s genuinely pure and good; you just know they’ll each be a strength for the other’s weakness. Such is the case with Pamela Clare’s NAKED EDGE. Romantic suspense or action adventure, I don’t care what you call it, it simply doesn’t get any better than this.
All Denver Independent I-Team reporter Katherine James wanted when she set out on a hike was a speck of peace and quiet away from the hustle and noise that is Denver, a little one-on-one time with clean air and sunshine. What she got in return was a tumble with a rockslide that left her terribly bruised and broken. Thank heavens for park ranger Gabe Rossiter who was enjoying the solitude of off-duty rock climbing when he saw Kat’s fall. Shocked that she was still alive, he called for help and stayed with her until the rescue helicopter took her away. Three months later, Kat is mostly healed and participating in a Native American prayer ceremony that is violently attacked by officers in the name of upholding the law. She is greatly disappointed to see Gabe there in uniform – her recollection of her accident didn’t include his telling her he was in law enforcement. It turned out that Gabe is one of the good guys and he quickly takes action to get to the bottom of the violation. When the attacks on Kat and the Navajo community escalate, it quickly becomes clear that Kat’s life is in danger and she and Gabe have a serious fight on their hands to keep her alive.
Gabe becomes more attracted to Kat and her unusual beauty every time he’s near her. She quickly makes it clear that she is a virgin and yes, she intends to remain one until she finds the right man. Unlike most men who would find this absurdly cliché, Gabe respects her decision and understands that she only wants to share her body with the man she’ll share children and the rest of her life with. That doesn’t mean he wants Kat any less, but Gabe is still tortured over the loss of his fiancée three years prior and considers himself undeserving. Part of Gabe’s training as a park ranger included education in decades-old beliefs and traditions of the area’s Native American community. He has the utmost appreciation for those customs and is incensed when he witnesses the cruelty of some of the local police force against the Navajo residents. His deepening investigation serves to further exacerbate the attacks against Kat and he soon becomes her round the clock protector. He quickly realizes that Kat’s pure goodness runs far deeper than her virginity and being with her makes him wish that he could be the man on the receiving end of her love and affection.
NAKED EDGE is undoubtedly one of the most powerful love stories I have ever read. The intrigue and suspense are plentiful as are smoldering passions, but the love story especially is solidly told with a rhythm that slowly and continuously gains momentum. Kat’s genuine goodness and purity are a balm to Gabe’s tortured soul, yet she is unaware of how uniquely special she is. Gabe sees a woman in Kat that she doesn’t even realize exists. Navajo customs are beautifully written and woven into this story without being stereotypical and I feel certain that most readers will find themselves educated and more understanding as a result.
Appearances by previous series’ characters are just part of the rich deliciousness that is NAKED EDGE and catching up with them is an added treat. This book very capably stands on its own but because this is such a strong, wonderfully told series, I highly recommend reading in order.

Want a copy? You should! Here's a link to Amazon for easy ordering!
Because there's no way I'm parting with my ARC, I've decided to do a little different kind of giveaway to celebrate the release of NAKED EDGE. I'm going to embrace Kat’s spirit and strength with the giveaway of a cool mug that I bought from the Komen for the Cure online store. Want it? Leave a comment and your name will be put in the draw for it. I'd love to know if you've read any of Pamela Clare's work - historical or suspense. I have two of her historicals, UNTAMED and SURRENDER, but haven't read either yet so I'd really like to hear your thoughts!
Like the Jill Shalvis contest, I'm going to let this one run for a while and will announce the draw date in a few days. Feel free to enter both contests, ok?
Thanks so much for checking out NAKED EDGE!
Laurie

The latest from Jill Shalvis - SLOW HEAT - she's giving away a copy!

You all know that I squee when my good pal Jill Shalvis has a new book out - SLOW HEAT is her current release and it is worth checking out, especially if you're a hopeless romantic! Obviously, it has a baseball theme but trust me, you don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it.

After a woman claims she's pregnant with Wade O'Riley's love child, Major League Baseball's most celebrated catcher and ladies' man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team's publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.
When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his "girlfriend." But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward night a year ago in a stalled elevator with too much Scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.
Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade's used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his "pretend" girlfriend, he needs a home run -- even if it involves stealing a few bases...
Jill has an excerpt on her site - you can check it out here.
My review:
Wade O’Riley, catcher for the Santa Barbara Heat Baseball team, has landed himself in PR trouble and corporate sponsors are demanding that he clean up his act. Owners decide that no one can make Wade look better than Samantha McNead, the team's gorgeous, strictly business, publicist. Given their one-time alcohol-fueled tryst in an elevator a year before, Sam isn’t initially open to the idea. Turns out that Sam has no say in the matter and ever the professional, she's determined to make it work. Wade is still attracted to Sam and loves "messing her up" and making her squirm every chance he gets when they’re in public. Wade makes every attempt to appear laid-back and carefree, but there are complex layers to him and he’s surprised when Sam gets close enough to find and understand them.

Sam isn’t at all happy about acting as Wade’s girlfriend. She’s far too serious to act like just another one of his playthings. Not only does she have to “babysit” Wade, but serious family issues have Sam’s young nephew, Tag, being sent to stay with her. Tag is bent on driving her crazy, acting out as a cry for attention, and Sam is seriously stressed. She's in a constant state of sweet frustration between the two "men" in her life, but determined to take good care of Tag and show him the unconditional love that he so desperately needs. When it comes to Wade, her feelings aren’t quite so easy or understandable. It isn’t long before Wade and Sam’s attraction is undeniable and they both discover that there’s much more to the other than meets the eye.

Jill Shalvis writes the most delicious heroes and Wade O’Riley is no exception. Despite being a constant in baseball’s fast lane, Wade has painful secrets that are keeping him from finding true happiness. Sam appears a little starchy early on, but it isn’t long before readers see her vulnerability, just as Wade is finding them for himself. The two are like oil and water at first, but they quickly mix and it’s almost immediately obvious that there’s something powerful going on between them. I don’t typically care for children in my romance, but Tag is beautifully written as a somewhat neglected, emotionally needy little boy and Wade’s interaction with him is priceless, serving to make him even more endearing. Check out SLOW HEAT, I feel certain you'll be glad you did.

Jill is graciously offering a copy of SLOW HEAT to one lucky reader here (once she has copies) - thanks, Jill! If you'd like to be in on the draw, just leave a comment - preferably about Jill, her books, or her blog about family and fun in the Sierras. I'm going to let this contest run for a while and will announce an ending date in the next couple of days. There's plenty of time for you to get your name in and send your friends over - you know how that works, right? For every friend who comments and mentions your name, I'll throw your name in the hat an extra time!
Have a great weekend!
Laurie

Shannon K. Butcher - thank heavens I've found her!

I asked Lindsay to give me a number and she said "one!" - so, the winner is BARB V! Barb, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing info and I'll get your book in the mail. With a snowstorm predicted, I won't promise that it will get mailed over the weekend, but the beginning of the week at the latest.
Thank you all so much for stopping! I'll have another contest in the next couple of days for prizes from the Shop Red! store at the American Heart Association and the Susan G. Komen store! There will be at least three prizes, so be sure to stop back!
Remember, Friday's "Wear Red" day! Have a great weekend - and if you're in the path of the predicted storm, please be careful driving and walking.

Shannon K. Butcher is a new author to me and boy am I happy! My good friend Barb Smith gave me a copy of LOVE ME TO DEATH to borrow, knowing how much I love romantic suspense and that I'm always on the lookout for new suspense authors. Barb's copy got a little dog-eared from being carried in my purse so I replaced hers with a new copy. Soon after I started reading, LOVE ME TO DEATH appeared on the Romance Junkies review list and already having a copy, I spoke for it. This is an amazingly good book and I hope if you're not familiar with Shannon K. Butcher, you'll check her out. She has several other romantic suspense titles including NO REGRETS, NO CONTROL and NO ESCAPE (which I have but haven't started). She also has a paranormal series, The Sentinel War Series: BURNING ALIVE, FINDING THE LOST, and upcoming RUNNING SCARED. I'm not a paranormal fan, but if anyone's familiar with this series, please share your thoughts!
There's a first chapter excerpt from LOVE ME TO DEATH on Ms. Butcher's website, and I'm sharing my Romance Junkies (4.5 blue ribbons) review here:

Spine-tingling intrigue, heated romance and a twisted madman are just a few of the makings of an excellent romantic suspense. Shannon K. Butcher proves unquestionable expertise on the subject with LOVE YOU TO DEATH.
Reporter Elise McBride is terrified when she doesn’t hear from her younger sister, Ashley, for several days. Elise leaves her most recent story in Hong Kong to hurry home to find Ashley. When she breaks into Ashley’s home in the middle of the night, she’s quickly intercepted by Ashley’s neighbor, former cop Trent Brady, and her exasperation grows even more. Repeatedly refusing Trent’s insistence that she allow the police to handle the investigation into Ashley’s disappearance, Elise feels a heartbreaking desperation and has no qualms about placing herself in danger. Once the two join forces and discover angles not being investigated by police, it isn’t long before they’re fully immersed in a dark, dangerous world unknown to most.
Trent Brady’s confidence as a capable cop takes a severe blow and he battles self-imposed demons after accidentally shooting and paralyzing his partner on the job. Despite that, he jumps in to assist Elise and although it would undoubtedly pain him to admit it, it was good for him to be involved with an investigation. When threats are made against Elise, escalating into violent attacks on her life, he has to admit that his feelings for her run much deeper than simply helping a neighbor’s sister.
This was my first time reading Shannon K. Butcher’s work. It won’t be my last. This book is an exceptional example of romantic suspense. The risks Elise takes in trying to find her sister could have appeared foolish but her painful desperation is written so exactly as to be reasonable and understandable. Trent’s sudden realization that he loved Elise was sweet, especially his understanding that her despair over her missing sister is so strong that she doesn’t recognize the same feelings for him. “Bad guy” is far too mild for the serial killer in this book. His evil runs so deep that you could wonder how an author thinks up someone so bizarrely twisted. The suspense is intense and while implications of the most chilling violence are made, it is done so without the most gruesome details. Romance readers will be satisfied with the passions of Trent and Elise. The balance of suspense and romance is just right and I truly don’t think it could have been done any better. LOVE YOU TO DEATH has my highest recommendation.

I want to give someone else the opportunity to read this great book and decided to give my copy to one lucky reader. I feel certain that like me, you'll be running out to get your hands on more!Keep in mind that this copy has been very gently read and it is not autographed. If you'd like your name in the draw, simply leave a comment saying so. If you've read Ms. Butcher's work, please chat it up, ok? I'm thrilled to have found a new (to me) action adventure author and want to know about more of her books. I'll draw a winning name on Thursday, 2/4. Good luck!
Click here to go to Amazon to toss a copy in your cart!
Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie

Dianne Castell's HOT AND IRRESISTIBLE

The winner is: VIRGINIA! Congratulations, Virginia! Please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing info and I'll get your goodies in the mail. Thanks to everyone for stopping by! I'll be posting another review, hopefully later this evening, with another contest. Have a great weekend!
Dianne Castell's latest release, HOT AND IRRESISTIBLE, is a fun read with heated days and steamy nights in Savannah. We've vacationed in Savannah a couple of times and absolutely loved it - all of it - The Pirate House, the Waving Girl (my favorite), The Lady & Sons, and spanish moss swaying in the breeze over centuries old cemeteries. Sigh. Dianne takes readers there once again with Bebe and Donovan.

Blurb:
In a city of history, mystery, and more than a few ghosts, four best friends who have never fit in anywhere except with each other are about to get close—and closer still—to four sexy bachelors with alluring secrets of their own…
SOUTHERN COMFORT, SAVANNAH STYLE...
Bebe Fitzpatrick knows how to take care of herself until she stumbles into the arms of a damn sexy Yankee who’s gunning for Savannah’s favorite shady entrepreneur...
Detective Donovan McCabe is as popular as General Grant.What he needs is a better game plan.What he gets is a southern wildcat who makes his toes curl...

My (4 blue ribbon) review:
Sultry, steamy Savannah is the backdrop of Dianne Castell’s most recent release, HOT AND IRRESISTIBLE, guaranteeing a superbly heated tale. Mix in some hauntings, four best friends and an irresistible cop and the ingredients are just right for a spicy romance.
When Boston cop Donovan McCabe goes to Savannah to investigate the questionable business practices of the hugely successful Ray Cleveland, he does so under the weight of emotional baggage remaining after his partner was killed. He’s hoping that the change of scenery will clear his head. He finds himself more confused than ever when he’s partnered with Savannah cop Bebe Fitzpatrick, not so much because of the partnership, but because of the feelings she stirs in him. It isn’t long before Donovan wonders if he’ll survive this investigation with his heart intact.
Bebe, like most everyone in Savannah, doesn’t appreciate Donovan’s suspicions and accusations about local hero Ray Cleveland. Unlike everyone else, Bebe finds herself undeniably attracted to Donovan. They soon discover the mystery they’re investigating runs much deeper and has been in place for much longer than they originally thought.
Dianne Castell has successfully thought of everything in telling Bebe and Donovan’s story – mystery, suspense and steamy romance. Bebe is an original character, not your typical heroine. Donovan is blatantly male and while he oozes self-confidence and self-assuredness, he’s not egotistical or arrogant. His attraction to Bebe knocks him completely off-guard and makes him that much more adorable. I recommend HOT AND IRRESISTIBLE to all romance readers.

Here's a link to Amazon so you can order a copy of your own!
The contest: I have a pretty red "Hot and Irresistible" t-shirt and some other goodies from Dianne for giveaway! Interested? Just leave a comment saying so - and send some friends over - I'll throw your name in an extra two times for each friend who leaves a comment and mentions your name! I'll draw a winner this Friday evening (1/29).

Laurie

Trying to be back!

My mom is being released tomorrow and will be settled back in her little apartment. She's been very content at The Laurels but is anxious to get back home. She'll have meals delivered at noon and we'll take care of dinner, so all she has to do is get some breakfast for herself, not too difficult. She'll have home health aides, physical therapists and occupational therapists coming to her apartment to see to things too.

I hope to put up a review for Dianne Castell's latest release sometime this evening and will be having a fun little contest.

Thanks so much for your patience and your well wishes for my mom! Your continued thoughts and prayers will be appreciated.

Laurie

Continuing to be a stranger...

Just when I resolved to turn over a new leaf in 2010 and get things back to hopping over here, a little wrench was tossed to the icy ground and has put my good blogging intentions on hold for a bit longer. The wrench's name is Weezy. She's my (almost) 80 year old mother. She didn't heed my annual warnings to NOT go out when the weather's cold (I think it was nine degrees that day), snowy or icy, that there are several of us who are ready, willing and able to run her errands for her. On Saturday, January 2, she decided she had to go to the post office and the grocery and she fell on the ice, cracking her left kneecap. She had surgery on Monday, came home Tuesday, and then ended up going to a skilled nursing facility on Thursday. This sounds much better than the old "nursing home" doesn't it? She's happy as a lark there, even though they're working her hard with at least two rounds of PT every day. She might even be home as early as this weekend but then we'll be taking dinner over every night and running those errands for her.
I hope you'll all bear with me a bit longer while I get myself into a routine.
Thanks bunches,
Laurie