Boogie on the Bricks '11, guaranteed fun!

This weekend is the annual Boogie on the Bricks in Athens, home of Ohio University in southeastern Ohio - about two hours away. I have a lot of family in the Athens area and Lindsay graduated from OU so we've spent a significant amount of time there. Athens is a nice little town with about a dozen bars in its downtown and the majority of the streets have remained brick - beautiful to look at, especially given the beautiful surroundings of the OU campus, but a little bumpy when traveling by car. There's an interesting mix of galleries, shops and restaurants in the area too. The main street is closed off for Boogie on the Bricks, a stage is set up at the end of the street and several local bands play all afternoon and into the evening.
There's a group of us "girls" going and we're looking forward to a great time. Those attending? Both of my daughters, my best friend of 34 years, my oldest daughter's best friend since second grade, and my oldest daughter's future stepmother-in-law. We're spending the night and because there will most likely be a little alcohol along with the boogie, we'll be cabbing it to the downtown and back to the hotel.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have a birthday this Sunday and have decided to call it "springing forward" rather than "getting older" - it softens the blow just a tad!
Laurie

Knocking the dust off

I've been very neglectful, haven't I? I knew I was being lazy, but didn't realize just how lazy until a friend contacted another friend, who then contacted other friends, asking if I was ok. I even had an email from a reader friend from here inquiring whether something was wrong. My apologies.
To be honest, I've been a little stressed at work and just lost interest for a while. I was barely skimming emails and hadn't logged onto Twitter for a few weeks. Things are still stressful, but I'm coming to grips with the changes and am trying to charge onward and upward.
For those who were concerned, I thank you for caring. I imagine the damage is done and I've likely lost a quite a few readers, but I'm hopeful that once things pick up they might straggle back and bring their friends!
Thanks for being patient and sticking with me!
Laurie

AT HIS MERCY winners named!

The winners of a Kindle download of AT HIS MERCY are: Judy, Sheree, and Tara! Congratulations, ladies! Please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with the email address you'd like your download sent to and I'll get right on it.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read the review and comment! Exciting news from Alison today, about a contract for a new series with Berkley Heat! How exciting! Congrats, Alison! I can't wait for that first book!

A new book from Alison Kent, with a giveaway!

Alison Kent has a new release! Yay!! I’ve written a review and there will be a giveaway, so pay attention!

About the book:
When car trouble sends Lise Kimball into the sweaty, sultry Mississippi south, she wants nothing more than a new tire and a place to spend the night before continuing her trip to New Orleans.
What she doesn’t want is to find herself stranded in the company of Donovan True, a man as controlling as the one who drove her from Atlanta.
Except Donovan takes charge in ways Lise has never known. Being at his mercy might be exactly what she’s been looking for.

My review:
Lise Kimball has faced some daunting obstacles, and flat tire be damned, she's through with feeling helpless. Being married to a verbally abusive husband has served to make her stronger and more determined than ever to live life for herself. A chance meeting with the irresistible Donovan True while on her way to New Orleans brings to surface wants and desires that Lise had extinguished long ago. Nevertheless, she's unsure about trusting another man who is unbelievably capable of taking charge.
Donovan True is a successful, confidently strong man and when he meets Lise and discovers he feels more than a simple physical attraction despite having just met her, he's helpless against that instant attraction.
It's no secret that I have adored Alison Kent and her work for many years and I have to admit that I thought this book, given its length, might be a little rushed and perhaps even limited in believability. I was so very wrong with that line of thinking. The story is fast-paced but not to the detriment of character strength and realism. Alison Kent is an artist when it comes to putting words on paper and she never fails to engage her readers. I give AT HIS MERCY my highest recommendation. The book may not take hours to finish, but successfully tells a beautiful love story.

If you go here you'll find an excerpt and all of the ordering information you could possibly want.
I'm giving away three Kindle downloads of AT HIS MERCY. Don't forget that you DO NOT need a Kindle to read Kindle books. There are multiple options on Amazon's site for reading Kindle books. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered in the draw. I will draw three names on Monday, June 6th. And remember, you need to check back to see if you've won because I won't track you down. Good luck, everyone!!
Thanks for checking out this wonderful book and special thanks to Alison for allowing me to read and review AT HIS MERCY for you.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!

Sorry to be late in announcing, but Blogger was down and then for some reason, I was unable to post from my computer at work. :( Thankfully, we're back up and running! The winner of a Roxanne St. Claire Kindle download is Virginia (comment #4) - congratulations, Virginia! The winner of a Julie James Kindle download is Judy (comment #2) - congratulations, Judy! Thanks so much to everyone who took part in the giveaway.

Virginia and Julie have three days to contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with their book choice and the email address they want their books send to.

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Laurie

ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE - Her latest new series with a giveaway!

Roxanne St. Claire has a new series, the Guardian Angelinos, and if you're not familiar with it and you love excellently written romantic suspense, pay attention all the way to the end of this post, because I'm giving everyone a chance of being hooked up with a Kindle copy of the first book in the series, EDGE OF SIGHT.
In the meantime, here's a little about the second and third books, both fabulous examples of well-written romantic suspense, and you all know how very much I love romantic suspense!

The Angelino and Rossi families break every Italian stereotype there is. Sure, they’re loud and aggressive. And they argue and eat and cling to traditions for dear life. They fight as passionately as they love, and they would give their life for one of their own. But that’s where the clichés stop, and a brand new family business is about to begin.
The Guardian Angelinos are a Boston-based family that flies under the radar of the law to solve crimes, save lives, protect the innocent, and take down the guilty. This team of rule-breaking, risk-taking, wave-making siblings and cousins aren’t afraid to get into the face of criminals as one of the toughest, grittiest security and PI firms around. This close-knit clan of protection, investigation, law enforcement, technology, weaponry, and legal experts all have one simple creed: The good guys win and the bad guys get the holy hell kicked out of them.
In every stand-alone romantic thriller, readers can expect non-stop adventure, heart-wrenching romance, breath-taking settings, and unforgettable love stories. The Angelino and Rossi cousins are fearless on the outside, but each has a chink in their tough armor, and only one person can help them overcome their weakness…to find love that lasts forever.

Here's a link for a great excerpt from SHIVER OF FEAR.
My review:
SHIVER OF FEAR, second in Roxanne St. Claire’s latest “Guardian Angelinos” series, is a prime example of how romantic suspense should be done. Devyn Sterling is a young woman who is determined to find her heritage, while private investigator Marc Rossi is equally resolved to stop her search. Neither expects the other to be so incredibly determined – or so incredibly irresistible.

Devyn Sterling, recently widowed after the death of her cheater of a husband, is determined to find her biological parents and the search has brought her to Northern Ireland. Devyn was adopted as an infant by a couple who are cold hearted and unable to get past the fact that Devyn does not share their blood. It appears that Devyn’s biological parents are a well-known international fugitive and a bioterrorist, leaving her with a sense of worthlessness and self-doubt. Marc Rossi is a bold, self-assured man and Devyn can’t help but feel safe with him. If she were willing to simply turn over all control, she could easily lean on him and finally have someone to share her fears and weaknesses.
Private investigator Marc Rossi has been hired to bring Devyn Sterling home from Ireland. Once they meet and he sees the pain and suffering in her eyes, he decides to stay for a bit longer before intensifying his efforts to take her home. Getting Devyn to leave isn’t as simple as Marc hoped it would be, with new people and new information popping up at every turn, her stubbornness only grows stronger. Mark and Devyn are quickly cautious of each other, with neither apt to trust the other, given the past betrayals they have experienced.
Strong-willed, intelligent characters successfully build the story’s momentum from beginning to end. Devyn’s desperation to find her birth mother is fierce and at times feels almost tangible. The pacing in SHIVER OF FEAR is steady, gathering speed for an explosive, totally unexpected ending. Ms. St.Claire is masterful at descriptions that pull her readers into every scene. Characters never fail to entertain and the romantic flow is smoothly believable and doesn’t at all feel forced or awkward. Secondary characters are skillfully written into the story and are a bonus of sorts. Ms. St. Claire has given romantic suspense readers a true gift with this latest series and I give it my very strongest recommendation.



Here's a link for an excerpt from FACE OF DANGER.

My review: In FACE OF DANGER, author Roxanne St. Claire pairs a spunky, private investigating heroine who lives on the edge and makes her own rules, with a by-the-book FBI agent. Sparks guaranteed.

Private Investigator Vivi Angelino, along with her brother and cousins, have been working hard the past few months to make a success of their new investigative business, the Guardian Angelinos. FBI agent Colton Lang has been utilizing their services on occasion and there’s no denying that there’s something happening between he and Vivi. Mostly, they’re driving each other crazy, but there’s clearly an unspoken but undeniable attraction. When Vivi proposes that the Angelinos join forces with the Bureau in finding the murderer who has been dubbed the Red Carpet Killer, killing Oscar winning actresses, Colt laughs. He especially finds humor in Vivi’s suggestion that she be used as a body double for the latest award winner, Cara Ferrari. The laugh’s on him when Vivi and the Guardian Angelinos strike a personal arrangement with the stunning Ms. Ferrari. Vivi’s contract to act as Cara’s body double has very specific conditions and failure to abide by those terms holds serious financial repercussion.
Colt is vying for a promotion that would mean relocating from Boston to L.A., a move that he has looked forward to until he is put in charge of the California team assigned to find the Red Carpet Killer. Colt finds himself working hand in hand with Vivi and while he couldn’t be more opposite of Vivi, the death of his fiancée years before left him scarred and determined to ignore any attraction or feelings he may have. When Vivi, as Cara, is repeatedly attacked, it becomes apparent that the attacks aren’t what they seem and a second, even more sinister, plot is unearthed. Colt’s frustration is that he’s been attracted to Vivi all along, but how that she’s under his constant care and protection, he can’t resist her. Vivi has secretly suffered far longer from a past hurt and she fears that giving her heart and being rejected would be crushing; all the more reason to steer clear of an emotional tangle with Special Agent Lang.
I’ve read all three books in this latest series from Roxanne St. Claire and I can honestly say that FACE OF DANGER is my favorite of the three. The banter between Vivi and Colt is sharply clever, but at no point being smart-assed or juvenile. Not to downplay the passions or sexual attraction in FACE OF DANGER because they are there, but the storytelling is the real star of the book. This story is richly layered with details deliberately and masterfully interwoven. Characters aren’t always who they seem and that’s never been more true than in Ms. St. Claire’s FACE OF DANGER. This is a powerful love story, one that undoubtedly will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

Now for the giveaway. I'm offering a Kindle copy of the first book in the Guardian Angelinos series, EDGE OF SIGHT, although I didn't write a review for it. (Remember, you don't need a Kindle to read the Kindle version of a book - you can read on your PC, iPad, iPod, etc.) It's a great start to this intriguing new series and I promise you'll enjoy it. Leave a comment about Roxanne St. Claire, her books, their great covers, your favorite characters, whatever you want to talk about. Have you met Ms. St. Claire? I was fortunate enough to meet her in Columbus a little over a year ago and she is an absolute doll. I hope to get to visit with her again someday. If you've already read EDGE OF SIGHT, you can have your choice of Roxanne St. Claire books. I just want everyone to read, and love, this series as much as I did! I'll draw the winning name next Thursday, May 12, so be sure to check back. Remember, I don't track down winners - it's your responsibility to see if you're the winner and to get in touch with me. Good luck to everyone!

Keep an eye out for reviews and giveaways for new books by Sasha White and Alison Kent. You'll have to be patient though because I'm just now reading both. And remember the giveaway for a Julie James book, also running until next Thursday - scroll down for those details.

Laurie

A LOT LIKE LOVE, the latest from Julie James

Julie James has a recently released book that is the stuff of romance readers' dreams! Check it out:
The FBI wants her cooperation.
As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.
Agent McCall just wants her.
As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .
Click here for a great excerpt!
My Romance Junkies (4 Blue Ribbons) review:

Intelligent, likable characters and well-researched subjects make for an enjoyable and thought-provoking romantic suspense. Julie James successfully delivers in A LOT LIKE LOVE.

Jordan Rhodes minds her own business, busily running an exclusive, highly successful wine store. Most people don’t realize that Jordan has worked hard to make her wine shop a success without assistance from her billionaire father. She also spends a fair amount of time worrying about her brother, in prison for a seemingly silly social media crime. When FBI agent Nick McCall pays Jordan a visit and makes her an offer too good to turn down, she grabs it. All Jordan has to do is take a handsome new FBI agent as her date to the annual party of wealthy wine collector and suspected money launderer, Xander Eckhart, in order to plant bugs in his office. When the rookie agent ends up sick the day of the party, Jordan’s new date is the ruggedly handsome agent McCall. The FBI’s offer to free her brother early is the only reason she’s agreeing to work with Agent McCall. The attraction they feel comes as a surprise to both of them.
Nick appreciates Jordan’s beauty and sophistication, not to mention her business savvy, but he can’t help but see her as the spoiled princess-like daughter of a billionaire. After spending more and more time with Jordan when it appears she could be in danger, he realizes that his feelings for her have changed drastically and he’ll do anything necessary to keep her safe.
A LOT LIKE LOVE is a highly enjoyable romantic suspense. Ms. James obviously has a vast knowledge of wine and the wine industry, the resulting character conversations are comfortable and easy, making for a smooth, satisfying reading experience. Jordan and Nick have more in common than either would have initially realized. Both are fiercely loyal to family and friends, and their respect for each other’s commitment to their job is commendable. Secondary characters are equally well-written and their placement is the book plays an important role and at no time does their role feel forced or like filler. I give A LOT LIKE LOVE my highest recommendation for all readers who enjoy well-written romantic suspense.

Haven't read it yet? But you'd like to, right? I'll give away a Kindle copy of A LOT LIKE LOVE to one lucky reader here. (Remember, you don't have to have an actual Kindle to read a Kindle copy - you can read on your PC, iPod, iPad, etc.) If you've read A LOT LIKE LOVE but would like to try one of Ms. James' other books, that's fine - it can be winner's choice of her books. Just leave a comment about Julie's work - are you familiar with her books? Your favorite? Favorite cover? Now that's a tough one, isn't it? I'm finding that I like the covers, contemporary and historical, with bare female backs on them. The lines are so incredibly svelte and sensual. Mine? Now it would have to have a little pudge around the sides I'm afraid. I'll pull a winning name next Thursday, May 12th. Send a friend and if they mention your name I'll toss your name in an extra time for each mention. Good luck!
Laurie

Walking for the Cure!

My daughters and I recently again accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure® on May 14, 2011 in the fight against breast cancer. This pic is from last May - it was such a special day! I'm especially excited because I've dropped about 25 pounds in the last nine months, so walking this year will be even easier! One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support of the search for a cure.
Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund breast cancer research, innovative outreach, and awareness programs for the underserved in our community.
It is easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send me your tax-deductible contribution written out to Komen Race for the Cure. Email me at ljodamron@gmail.com for mailing info. Any amount that you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!
I am walking this year in memory of two much-loved, very courageous women - my Aunt Loey, and my family's lifelong neighbor and dear friend, Betty Shaw. Interested in making a donation? My Komen page can be found here: http://columbus.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/CLM_ColumbusAffiliate?px=9850145&pg=personal&fr_id=2104

Thank you!
Laurie

Announcement: The winner of a Pamela Clare backlist book is ...

The winner is Laurie G! Congratulations, Laurie! Please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your book choice and the email address you'd like the download (Kindle copy) sent to.

Thanks to everyone who commented! Those of you who haven't read Pamela Clare, I have no idea what's keeping you! For those who adore her (like me!!), you're going to love, love, love BREAKING POINT!

BREAKING POINT - the latest from Pamela Clare. I'm doing a giveaway!

Pamela Clare will soon have a new release, BREAKING POINT, and I think I can hear her reader fans panting for it! I was extremely fortunate in getting a review copy for Romance Junkies and I could barely keep from gushing on and on about it rather than write a sensible review! I've decided to do a "reader's choice" giveaway of a Kindle copy of any one of the previous books in the I-Team series. See details on that below.
About BREAKING POINT: While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive. Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman. Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun. But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…


Need more temptation? Here's a great excerpt!


My (5 blue ribbons!) Romance Junkies review:
The latest release in Pamela Clare’s “I-Team” series, BREAKING POINT is undoubtedly romantic suspense at its best. This series is one I’ve recommended countless times when asked for well-written suspense suggestions. Readers should allow themselves ample reading time for this book because they won’t want to put it down.

Natalie Benoit is in need of a break from her job as a journalist for the investigative “I-Team” for the Denver Independent. Traveling to Juarez, Mexico for a journalism convention, she never would have imagined their tour bus coming under attack, or being taken prisoner by a ruthless drug cartel. She aches for her friend Joaquin, a DI photographer also attending the convention, as she witnesses his shooting. Thrown into a dark, dingy cell that also houses spiders, rats and scorpions, she is understandably terrified. When she hears her captors repeatedly torturing a fellow American in a neighboring cell, she calls out to him. He soon devises a plan for them to escape and despite the fact that she thinks he’s knee-deep in the drug trade, she’s desperate to escape the thugs that are holding them captive.
Having been mercilessly tortured for a week, Zach McBride was prepared to die, but finds new strength once he hears Natalie’s sweet voice. He knows that he is likely Natalie’s best bet for staying alive. When Zach’s plan for escape works and they’re on the run in the sweltering Mexican desert, both soon realize that their fight for survival has likely just begun. Zach lets Natalie believe that he’s a drug dealer and that he did indeed steal the cocaine as accused, thinking she’s safer not knowing he’s a Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal.
As Zach and Natalie work their way across the unforgiving desert to the U.S. border, an attraction quickly grows and soon blazes as hot as the Mexican sun. Natalie’s soft femininity and gentle nature masks an underlying, finely tempered determination. Despite being battered and tortured, Zach is blatantly male and his strength gives the emotionally fragile Natalie fierce determination to survive. Both are tortured by personal tragedies, but once they confide in and lean on each other, they discover that even the most powerful nightmares and insecurities are a little less painful.
Characters from the previous books in this series make appearances in this book and their presence at no time feels forced or awkward. Their concern for Natalie is a heartwarming example of the beauty of true friendship and their initial mistrust of Zach and his intentions is excellently written. Those familiar with this series will undoubtedly thrill at this latest installment. Those unfamiliar owe it to themselves to start at the beginning and read the entire series. Ms. Clare pulls readers into each and every scene, richly layering emotions and tension to the very end. Pamela Clare has earned a spot at the top of my favorite author list.


Now for that giveaway! I'll draw a name from those who comment here on Tuesday, April 12th. I want to hear about any Pamela Clare books you've read, which of her amazing covers you love, and what you like most about her website. I appreciate that it's so easy to navigate - I like being taken where I want to go instantly, with no searching! Remember, this giveaway is for a KINDLE copy of your choice of one of Ms. Clare's books. Remember too that you do not have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books - they are accessible via PC, iPhone, Ipod, Ipad, etc. Send your friends - for each friend who mentions your name in their comment, I'll toss your name in an extra time! Good luck!
Laurie