Bunco for Breast Cancer Research!

Contours Express, a national chain of women's workout facilities, has teamed up with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and during the month of September most of their facilities are holding Bunco games to raise money for research. My friend, Carla, and I are part of a dozen or so women at our facility who will be playing Bunco this coming Saturday afternoon. We're each making a $25. donation to play, with those donations being matched dollar for dollar by Contours' corporate offices, before going to the foundation. This Saturday promises to be a great time and I'm really looking forward to it; I hope that I'll be able to understand the game - all I know is that it is a dice game - can anyone give me some pointers?
I had never heard of Bunco until a spot on 60 Minutes or Dateline, one of those "newsy" shows, a few weeks ago about a group of women who have played Bunco once a month for 20+ years, seeing each other through births, deaths, divorce, triumphs and heartache. It was a very touching story. I was excited to hear that "our" gym was going to be playing this fun game for such a wonderful cause.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Remind your friends to do their monthly self-examinations and to get their annual mammograms. Check out the Breast Cancer Research Foundation http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/index.html, and/or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation http://www.komen.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=298 - see if there isn't something you can do to assist in the search for a cure.

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, a fun Christmas anthology

This week brings the release of A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, a wonderfully fun Christmas anthology containing the works of Lori Foster, Gemma Bruce, and Janice Maynard. I personally enjoy Christmas stories, and find that anthologies are perfect reading during the holidays. While I typically enjoy full-length novels, these shorter stories are a good fit in a busy schedule when you are pressed for reading time. The holiday theme is a nice touch to put you in the holiday mood - the cover is a holiday treat in itself - how fun! My review:
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR by LORI FOSTER
When Osbourne “Ozzie” Decker is asked by his friend and fellow SWAT officer, Lucius Ryder, to keep an eye on Marci Churchill, twin sister of Lucius’s new wife, Bethany, he hesitates. His hesitation stems from the uncontrollable desire he has for her. Marci turns him inside out with just a look, who knows what spending several days in close contact with her will do to him. Someone seems to be following Marci, and Lucius and Bethany won’t leave her alone to go on their honeymoon unless she is protected. Osbourne keeps Marci close by his side, and when it turns out that she is equally attracted to him, even the cold temps outside can’t cool them off. Marci’s ability to “hear” animals is a blessing and a curse. There is always someone who wants to talk to her or interview her; she just wants to be left alone. Osbourne always thought that Marci, despite being totally hot, was a bit of a kook, but once he witnesses first-hand her very special gift, he finds himself falling in love with her. Osbourne and Marci are a perfectly sweet couple. Both are written to be caring and tender, typical of Lori Foster, who is incredibly talented at writing characters that feel like someone you know and love, comfortably common and just a little bit flawed.
BAH HUMBUG, BABY by GEMMA BRUCE
Allison Newberry excitedly takes her sister up on her offer of the use of a mountain chalet in the Colorado Rockies town of Good Cheer for the holidays; she can’t wait to spend some down time, all alone. No family, no work, no pressure, just her and maybe a ski hunk or two. Her plan is looking good until old flame Lee Simonson shows up at her door, when it suddenly becomes obvious that they have been duped into spending the week together by their meddlesome families. This is topped off by a huge snowstorm that has them completely snowed in. Despite a rocky start, these two take up where their relationship ended a year prior, but in the back of Allison’s mind is Lee’s dangerous job; how he could take off on a photo shoot to some drug-infested part of the world, not knowing if he would make it back. When the two walk into town a couple of days later and meet some very quirky townsfolk, reminiscent of days, no, make that years, gone by, they are filled with a loving warmth that comes with a sense of belonging. After they return to California, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in the town of Good Cheer. This is my first read by Gemma Bruce, but it certainly won’t be my last. Allison and Grant are sensual, fun and well-written.
BY FIRELIGHT by JANICE MAYNARD
Madison Tierney finds herself stranded in the woods in the middle of a raging snowstorm. Sure, she wanted to avoid going home and needed some time away, but this is just too much. She sees a light in the woods and follows it, exhausting herself fighting the wind and blowing snow, and collapsing in a heap when she finally reaches the doorstep. When Grant Monroe finds a beautiful woman on the ground at his door, the first thing he does is make sure she’s ok and begin to warm her up. After that he has to fight the strongest attraction he’s ever had for a woman. He finds himself wanting Madison so badly that he can hardly stand it, but insists on getting to know her before acting on the attraction. Once these two finally do get together, they practically combust, but as the storm lets up and they return to civilization, Madison’s attitude cools considerably, confusing Grant, who realizes that he has fallen madly in love with her. Janice Maynard never fails to write characters that are passionate, caring, and always respectful, and Madison and Grant are no exception.
This is a fun anthology by three very strong voices in women's fiction, you won't want to miss it.
Thanks!
Laurie

REMINDER! Holidays for the Troops!

Because the holidays are just around the corner, we are putting together another Holidays for the Troops project, hoping that it will be our most successful campaign to date! Most of you know how this works, but I'll give a quick run-down for those who don't. You send either items to be sent to the troops or checks, money orders or gift cards to be used to shop for the troops, I then put together shipments and send them out to servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. This link - http://lorifoster.com/author/militarytribute.htm - will take you to the Military Tribute page on Lori Foster's website where you will find a complete list of suggested items in the event you would like to do your own shopping for the troops. In return for your donation, your name will be entered in a raffle for some wonderful prizes. While I haven't decided on just how to put the prize packages together, the following incredible list shows the wonderful goodies that are being donated by various authors and others in the romance community:
LORI FOSTER: A t-shirt and tote bag from Cafepress, one arc of Causing Havoc, one copy each of A Very Merry Christmas, Jude's Law, Murphy's Law, Wildly Winston, When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys and Bad Boys of Summer
DIANNE CASTELL: Three copies of Texas Bad Boys and other goodies
BECKY BARKER: Books
KAREN KELLEY: One copy each of: Texas Bad Boys, Hell on Wheels, Temperature's Rising, Southern Comfort, Southern Exposire, and Bad Boys with Expensive Toys
ERIN MCCARTHY: One copy of You Don't Know Jack, one copy of High Stakes, two copies of The Night Before Christmas, and one copy of The Naked Truth
JILL SHALVIS: A box of Aussie Rules to be used for the raffle and to send to the troops
SHILOH WALKER: Two copies of Hunting the Hunter, one for the raffle and one for the troops
TONI BLAKE: One copy of In Your Wildest Dreams and one copy of Taking Care of Business
LUANN MCLANE: One copy of Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots, one copy of Hot Summer Nights and one copy (if she has her copies by then) of Love, Lust and Pixie Dust
JANICE MAYNARD: One copy of Wildest Dreams and one copy of Suite Fantasy
LUCY MONROE: Two copies each of Ready, Willing, and Able, Star Quality, The Real Deal, 3 Brides for 3 Brothers, and one copy of Beach Blanket Bad Boys (half will be used for the raffle and half will be sent to the troops)
KARIN TABKE: One copy each of The Hard Stuff and Good Girl Gone Bad
TONYA RAMAGOS: One download of her ebook, Heavy Metal Seduction 2: Picking Art
KELLEY VITOLLO: One download of her new ebook, Dream Man
CARA NORTH: Two copies of her new book, Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
RITA RAYMOND: Three bath & body gift baskets
STACY AHLGREN: $25. gift certificate to Barnes & Noble
ALYSON HACKETT OF MUCKY'S MORSELS online bakery is donating the following raffle prize: 1 dozen Seven Sinful Layers, 1 Dozen Chocolate Chip and 1 dozen Mint Brownies. Check Mucky's Morsels out here - (be prepared to drool): http://www.muckysmorsels.com/
GENESIS PROMOTIONS: A Genesis Promotions Pillow from CafePress
LAURIE: $25. gift certificate to Gooseberry Patch online country store - go have a look: http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/
Pretty amazing, huh? I will be updating this list as I receive additional donations. The raffle drawing will be held on October 31st. It is exciting every time we send shipments for the troops but the holiday boxes are especially fun to put together. Cards and letters from those who donate are welcome and hugely appreciated. It is incredibly heartwarming and rewarding. I am hopeful that if you have a blog you might mention this project and provide my information. Please let any authors that you're acquainted with know about this exciting project! There is absolutely nothing political about this project. It is simply a show of support for the men and women who serve our country. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Thanks bunches,Laurie
ljodamron@earthlink.net
http://lauries-laudanum.blogspot.com/

The Little Brown Jug

Our county fair is going on this week; our subdivision wraps around one side of the fairgrounds, which sits at the edge of the city limits, so we hear all of the fair noise - the whoosh and hiss of the hydraulics that make the (throw-up) rides twist and spin, people screaming on the rides, the announcements for lost parents and illegally parked cars. One bonus to being so close has been getting to listen to lots of great concerts over the years from the comfort of our home - we can open the front door and it's just like being at the show.
There is a racetrack at the fairgrounds and harness racing runs every day of the fair, building up to a huge race on Thursday known as The Little Brown Jug. Racing fans come from all around the world to watch this race. http://www.littlebrownjug.com/ I've lived here my entire life and have only been to the "Jug" twice. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I really did, but what I don't enjoy is the crowd. I don't like to be elbow to elbow with that many people, a good deal of whom are intoxicated and obnoxious.
Unbelievable to outsiders is the fact that almost every business in our city and county close for Jug Day. City schools are closed and all city and county offices close at noon. The bars in town stay open of course, as Jug Day is a day to party, and party they do, into the wee hours of the morning.
Thankfully, our office is closed. I think that Tim, Kelsey and I are going to take a car ride to the Velvet Ice Cream factory for a double dip. They have beautiful grounds with shelters and benches surrounding a pond complete with ducks, and they have a very nice gift shop. We'll probably also stop at a nearby apple orchard in search of the perfect bag of apples for a big batch of applesauce.
It is downright chilly in Ohio right now - we're under a frost warning tonight. Tomorrow looks as though it should be a beautiful day with cool temps and lots of sun!
I hope everyone is having a good week!
Laurie
:)

Be our Guest!!

Alison Kent graciously invited me to be guest blogger today at Romancing the Blog, the beginning of my being a new columnist there - sharing space with some very, very interesting romance bloggers - I'm crossing my fingers that I'll measure up! I hope you'll stop by and give a shout!
http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/

Thanks,
Laurie

YOU DON'T KNOW JACK - Don't miss Erin McCarthy's latest!

There is never anything ho-hum about an Erin McCarthy's book - her characters can charm the pants off of you, make you laugh, sigh and even cry. Every time I reach the end and close one of Erin's books, I savor the feeling of emotional satisfaction, every single time. This latest offering from Erin is no exception - it's terrific - consider this a firm push to go order it right now; it's an October release. You can thank me later.
Here is my review of YOU DON'T KNOW JACK:
Social Worker Jamie Peters has given up on ever finding true love. That is, until her psychic friend, Beckwith, predicts that her streak of romantic bad luck is about to change. Seeing how Beckwith is a six and a half foot tall male, usually wearing a dress, stilettos and full make up, some people might doubt his credibility, but Jamie has absolute faith in her dear friend. When a gorgeous stranger comes to her rescue on the subway, Jamie is certain that Beckwith’s prediction has come to fruition. This man has all of the qualities she wants in a man, he’s handsome, polite and thoughtful. One thing neither Jamie nor Beckwith considered were the several men in Jamie’s life at present – her estranged father, this charming subway stranger, the co-workers and former prisoners in her office; could it be that Beckwith has his psychic wires crossed?
Jamie is no stranger to Jonathan “Jack” Davidson. He knows precisely who she is and deliberately staged their “accidental” subway meeting so he could get to know her better. Jack is investigating her agency and its request for funding from his grandfather’s foundation. Something in the agency’s books just doesn’t appear to be on the up and up, and Jack suspects that someone in the office is involved with insider trading. His biggest problem with this mess is that he is intensely attracted to everything about Jamie – her mouthwatering curves, her sweet innocence, those sumptuous curves, her adorable freckles – and then there are those luscious curves . . . Jack suspects that she feels equally attracted to him. When the two of them act on that undeniable attraction, and spend an incredibly sensuous night together, Jack is in deeper than ever. He doesn’t want Jamie to know who he is or that he suspects her of illegal activities, but she happens to be one of his sister’s roommates; the same sister who is getting married in two weeks, making it impossible for Jack to remain anonymous for very much longer.
Jamie and Jack are wonderful together; both are sweet and kind, even if their backgrounds and social status couldn’t be any farther apart. Secondary characters include a vast assortment of family and friends, all of whom play key roles in the storyline. Erin McCarthy has the unique ability to completely draw you into her books every single time. I completely lose track of everything around me when I’m reading her work. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book as quickly as possible, you’ll have no regrets.
I take that back - I do have one regret. I regret not being the one to muss the hair on the cover model! What a great cover! Thanks Erin!
Laurie

Updating the troop raffle prize list - AGAIN!!

The prize list is growing by leaps and bounds! Check out my original post (a couple of posts ago) if you'd like to see how you can be in the drawing for these great prizes!
LORI FOSTER: A t-shirt and tote bag from Cafepress, one arc of Causing Havoc, one copy each of A Very Merry Christmas, Jude's Law, Murphy's Law, Wildly Winston, When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys and Bad Boys of Summer
DIANNE CASTELL: Three copies of Texas Bad Boys and other goodies
BECKY BARKER: Books
KAREN KELLEY: Books
ERIN MCCARTHY: One copy of You Don't Know Jack, one copy of High Stakes, two copies of The Night Before Christmas, and one copy of The Naked Truth
JILL SHALVIS: A box of Aussie Rules for the raffle and to send to the troops
SHILOH WALKER: Two copies of Hunting the Hunter, one for the raffle and one for the troops
TONI BLAKE: One copy of In Your Wildest Dreams and one copy of Taking Care of Business
LUANN MCLANE: One copy of Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots, one copy of Hot Summer Nights and one copy (if she has her copies by then) of Love, Lust and Pixie Dust
JANICE MAYNARD: One copy of Wildest Dreams and one copy of Suite Fantasy
LUCY MONROE: Two copies each of Ready, Willing, and Able, Star Quality, The Real Deal, 3 Brides for 3 Brothers, and one copy of Beach Blanket Bad Boys (half will be used for the raffle and half will be sent to the troops)
KARIN TABKE: One copy each of The Hard Stuff and Good Girl Gone Bad
TONYA RAMAGOS: One download of her ebook, Heavy Metal Seduction 2: Picking Art
KELLEY VITOLLO: One download of her ebook, Dream Man
CARA NORTH: Two copies of her new book, Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
RITA RAYMOND: Three bath & body gift baskets
STACY AHLGREN: $25. gift certificate to Barnes & Noble
ALYSON HACKETT OF MUCKY'S MORSELS online bakery is donating the following raffle prize: 1 dozen Seven Sinful Layers, 1 Dozen Chocolate Chip and 1 dozen Mint Brownies. Check Mucky's Morsels out here - (be prepared to drool): http://www.muckysmorsels.com/
GENESIS PROMOTIONS: A Genesis Promotions Pillow from CafePress
LAURIE: $25. gift certificate to Gooseberry Patch online country store - go have a look: http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/

Thanks!
Laurie

Denyse Bridger's SIMPLY THE BEST

I had anticipated the release of SIMPLY THE BEST by author friend Denyse Bridger for weeks and weeks; when she requested me to do the Romance Junkies review, I was very flattered and pleased to do it. I've blogged about Denyse before and I still can't begin to tell you how much she appreciates each and every one of her readers and she is quick to tell you so.
This book is an erotically sweet (yes, they go well together!) book and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a larger than life, daring, risk-taker of a man who is totally insatiable when it comes to the smart, sweet woman he has set his sights on.
Denyse also has another new release, The DeVane Files Book 1: Out of Hell. I haven't had the opportunity to read this book yet, but will be doing so very soon and you'll be the first to hear about it. Check out Denyse's website to read about all of her wonderful books, http://www.denysebridger.com/ and don't forget to read her continuing online story, Rebel Knight, which continues where her book, Rebel Heart, ended. You won't be disappointed, I guarantee! http://www.denysebridger.com/freebies-RebelKnight.html
Below is my Romance Junkies review of SIMPLY THE BEST:
Architect Kaylee Masterson is spending her spare time writing an erotic novel, using local bar owner Max Richmonte as the model for her hero. She spends hours sitting in the shadows in Max’s bar, simply watching, and wanting, him. After accidentally leaving her notebook at the bar, she goes to pick it up and ends up spending part of the afternoon with Max, helping him with an accounting program on his computer. Unfortunately, she panics when he asks to take her to dinner and leaves, not to see him again until the night he shows up at her home. Kaylee, thinking that she is not the type of woman that would appeal to someone as gorgeous and charming as Max, can’t believe it when he tells her how much he wants her. She has wanted him for so long that she is helpless against his tender seduction. But Max has a secret life outside of the bar that Kaylee is not aware of; when that secret puts Kaylee in danger, they both have life-altering decisions to make.
Max Richmonte has thought of little else but Kaylee since the afternoon she spent in his office. After the two become intimate, he finds it increasingly difficult to be away from her. Kaylee is unaware of who he truly is; all she wants is to be with him and loved by him. When she is unexpectedly drawn into the depths of his dangerous life and witnesses first hand the violence that he regularly faces, Max realizes that he now must face his most difficult fight in convincing Kaylee that she is everything to him, and that he doesn’t know how he can live without her.
Kaylee and Max are two of the most sensual characters I’ve ever read. Their initial meeting is just the beginning of an intense chemistry between them; the sexual sparks fly whenever they are together. Kaylee is wonderfully written as an intelligent, professional young woman. Max is simply too charming for his own good; a romantic and thorough lover, eager to please Kaylee anytime, every time. Denyse Bridger is a natural at writing human emotion; never failing to give readers bold characters that, despite their strengths, possess weaknesses and vulnerabilities that keep them realistic. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys an extremely sensual romantic suspense.
Thanks!
Laurie

GOOD GIRL GONE BAD by Karin Tabke

I recently selected Karin Tabke's GOOD GIRL GONE BAD for review on behalf of Romance Junkies, not realizing that I had read the earlier work of Ms. Tabke in the anthology entitled THE HARD STUFF. Her story was Stakeout and was very good. I'd be lying if I said that I enjoyed the other two stories in that anthology as much, I just didn't. I am happy to gush and carry on about books that I like, but I'm not going to spout made-up gushes about those that I don't! Ms. Tabke's upcoming release (April '07) is simply titled SKIN and I'm already anxious to read it. Her writing thus far centers around the lives and loves of men and women who work in some capacity on the police force. Below is my Romance Junkies review for GOOD GIRL GONE BAD:
Police officer Philamina “Phil” Zorn met then Sgt. Ty Jamerson three years ago when she was working in Internal Affairs, investigating a brutality charge against Ty. Now a Lieutenant, Ty is investigating a string of kidnappings, all happening at Klub Kashmir, a high-end strip club, where Ty is working undercover as floor manager. Phil, with her killer body, is set up as a cocktail waitress, complete with a sexy, skimpy “uniform.” It isn’t long before Phil and Ty become intimate, and they soon find it increasingly difficult to maintain cool heads, given the erotic surroundings of their undercover operation.
Phil is very inhibited due to a strict upbringing under the thumb of a preacher/police officer father, and an unpleasant sexual experience in her teens. While Phil wants to nab the kidnapper and find the missing women, she also wants to find out the facts behind her father’s alleged suicide, facts that Ty alone can tell her. The problem is that Ty isn’t a man of many words, preferring to let his actions do the talking, especially when he’s attempting to help Phil lose some of those pesky inhibitions.
Phil and Ty literally smoke on the pages. The story behind their history is heavy and deep; there is no fluff to be found in this book. Ms. Tabke offers interesting glimpses of the sometimes desperate, often dark, world of erotic dancing, and an eye-opening look at the questionable goings-on behind the police force. I enjoyed this book not just for its eroticism, but for the powerful storytelling. It is obvious that details were well thought-out and researched. Kudos to Karin Tabke!
Thanks as always for stopping by!
Laurie

UPDATED! - Holidays for the Troops

UPDATED PRIZE LIST - Check it out!!
Hello everyone!
I know that no one wants to hear this, but the holidays are right around the corner!! For that reason, I am putting together another Holidays for the Troops project. I have high hopes of this being our most successful holiday campaign to date!
I think you all know the drill by now, but please humor me while I do a quick run-down for those who don't. You send either items to be sent to the troops or checks, money orders or gift cards to be used to shop for the troops, I then put together shipments and send them out to servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. This link - http://lorifoster.com/author/militarytribute.htm - will take you to the Military Tribute page on Lori Foster's website, there you will find a complete list of suggested items in the event you would like to do your own shopping for the troops.
In return for your donation, your name will be added to a raffle for some wonderful prizes. While I haven't decided on just how to put the prize packages together, these are the authors that I have heard from so far about donating books and/or other goodies:
Lori Foster: A t-shirt and tote bag from Cafepress, one arc of Causing Havoc, one copy each of A Very Merry Christmas, Jude's Law, Murphy's Law, Wildly Winston, When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys and Bad Boys of Summer
Dianne Castell: Three copies of Texas Bad Boys and other goodies
Becky Barker: Books
Karen Kelley: Books
Erin McCarthy: One copy of You Don't Know Jack, one copy of High Stakes, two copies of The Night Before Christmas, and one copy of The Naked Truth
Jill Shalvis: A box of Aussie Rules for the raffle and to send to the troops
Shiloh Walker: Two copies of Hunting the Hunter, one for the raffle and one for the troops
Toni Blake: One copy of In Your Wildest Dreams and one copy of Taking Care of Business
LuAnn McLane: One copy of Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots, one copy of Hot Summer Nights and one copy (if she has her copies by then) of Love, Lust and Pixie Dust
Janice Maynard: One copy of Wildest Dreams and one copy of Suite Fantasy
Kelley Vitollo: One download of her ebook, Dream Man
Rita Raymond: Three bath & body gift baskets
Stacy Ahlgren: $25. gift certificate to Barnes & Noble
Alyson Hackett of Mucky's Morsels online bakery is donating the following raffle prize: 1 dozen Seven Sinful Layers, 1 Dozen Chocolate Chip and 1 dozen Mint Brownies. Check Mucky's Morsels out here - (be prepared to drool):
http://www.muckysmorsels.com/
Laurie: $25. gift certificate to Gooseberry Patch online country store - go have a look: http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/

Other authors have expressed an interest, but haven't yet indicated how they wish to help. I will be adding to this list as I have further details.
The raffle drawing will be held on October 31st.
I especially enjoy these holiday shipments because I can add boxes of cards for the troops to send to their friends and families, as well as holiday music, lights and decorations. Cards and letters from those who donate are hugely appreciated and always commented on. It is incredibly heartwarming and rewarding.
I am hopeful that if you have a blog you might mention this project and provide my information. Please let any authors that you're acquainted with know about this exciting project!
There is absolutely nothing political about this project. It is simply a show of support for the men and women who serve our country.
Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks bunches,
Laurie
ljodamron@earthlink.net
http://lauries-laudanum.blogspot.com/