Thursday, January 31, 2008

MELISSA SCHROEDER - the goodness continues!



(I apologize for the poor quality of the book cover pic I've put up - not sure what the issue is, but it really is beautiful! I might fiddle with it later when I have more time) I've chatted here about Melissa Schroeder before and have reviewed a couple of her books. I'm not doing an actual review this time because I'm way late with my review for Lisa Renee Jones, but I have to tell you about Melissa's historical, THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS. I started this book a couple of days ago and have been hard-pressed to put it down. I've even had my Palm out at my desk at work a couple of times, trying to sneak a couple of pages in. This book is a real gem, a beautiful story that puts me in mind of the works of Suzanne Enoch and Julia London. The attention to detail is exceptional and pulls you right into every scene. There is a second book in this series, titled LESSONS IN SEDUCTION that looks to be just as good; I plan on reading it as soon as I catch up on some promised reviews - I'm about five books out right now!
Melissa has a free story on her website, coinciding with the rerelease of one of the books in her "Harmless" (contemporary) series, A LITTLE HARMLESS PLEASURE - take a second and check it (and her other great releases) out.
Melissa is an author who is really going places - don't miss the opportunity to see why!
Laurie

Monday, January 28, 2008

BEAUTIFUL GIRL by Shiloh Walker


Shiloh Walker recently had a contest where bloggers were chosen to read and review her latest release, BEAUTIFUL GIRL, available Jan. 29 at Samhain Publishing. I was thrilled to be one of the chosen few! This is my review:
Delilah “Del” Prescott’s return to her hometown after a 12 year absence shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary. People come home for high school reunions all the time, right? But for Del, this return is monumental. Not only will she see friends and family for the first time in over a decade, but she’ll also be facing the demons that traumatized and nearly killed her all those years ago. While Del’s parents are model citizens in polite society, belonging to all the correct groups and serving on all the right committees, no one knows what unspeakable acts went on behind their closed doors. When Del ran away she severed all ties, leaving her home, family and friends behind. She was just a kid trying to survive in a very grown-up world. Also left behind was the only boy she ever loved, Blake Mitchell. Del can’t help but think about Blake and wonder what he has made of himself; did he miss her when she left or was she quickly forgotten?
Blake has had to face his own devils. Running wild after Del left town, he barely survived. He was involved in a car accident that took the life of his best friend. The hospitalization after that accident was where it was discovered that he was in the advanced stages of Hodgkin’s disease. After a long, difficult battle with chemotherapy and radiation, his recovery was complete, although he was left bald from the intense treatment. When Blake first runs in to Del, he barely recognizes her. Gone is the girl with bouncing blond curls and a shining smile. In her place is a young woman with dark hair, sexless clothes, and troubled eyes. Being a deputy sheriff, Blake has seen his share of victims and immediately recognizes Del as being one. His first instinct is to find out what has happened to her and to protect her. It isn’t long before he realizes that his old feelings for her are still there. He may be up against his most difficult opponent ever in trying to convince Del that she is worthy of a future filled with love and happiness. All of that soon takes a backseat to keeping Del safe when it becomes obvious that someone isn’t pleased to have her back in town.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be another sweet story about teen sweethearts who are reunited as adults. I was mistaken. The storyline goes way beyond sweet, delving into a number of adult issues and the emotional trauma that goes along with them. Del and Blake had a young love that was never forgotten; they have been to hell and back yet never stopped thinking about each other. Either of them could have developed a dark brooding attitude, but their drive and determination was just too strong. Secondary characters include family and friends who add sweetness, camaraderie and reality in keeping this story bright and fresh.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Shiloh Walker has done an excellent job of balancing a multitude of emotions without letting them bog her story down. Readers will cheer for these characters while understanding their hesitations. While there are an incredible number of Shiloh Walker books to choose from and yes, I've read several of them, I'm the most intrigued at the moment by FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ and ONE OF THE GUYS and expect to get my hands on them very soon! Take a few minutes and browse Shiloh's website, I guarantee you'll find something there that tempts you too!

Click here to pop over to Samhain to get your own ecopy!
Thank you, Shiloh, for allowing me to review BEAUTIFUL GIRL for you!
Thanks everyone, for stopping by!
Laurie
(Coming very, very soon is a review for BEAST OF DESIRE by Lisa Renee Jones!)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

From my kitchen corner . . .



Everyone who knows me knows that I love to bake and I do a lot of it. I wanted this mixer for years and finally got one a couple of years ago - I've practically worn the poor thing out. I love the pistachio color, it matches my kitchen (which is a couple of shades darker) perfectly. I saw a mixer attachment discussed in the Food Week section of THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH back in November and immediately put it on my Christmas wish list. This product, called the SideSwipe, is incredible. Everyone who uses a stand mixer should have one. You'll never have to scrape the sides or bottom of your mixer again and the best thing is it's very inexpensive - around $25! I did a ton of baking for the holidays and hadn't made any sweet treats since - tonight I made a double batch of oatmeal/raisin/chocolate chunk/walnut cookies. The dough completely filled the mixer bowl and I still didn't have to scrape the bowl down.

I just thought I'd share this with anyone who loves to bake - it's a wonderful product!

Laurie

Thursday, January 24, 2008

I'm so excited!

You all know that I'm a reviewer at Romance Junkies, right? I took time off from reviewing for a couple of months, just because things were hectic at home and work, plus I had several books for independent review from author friends and I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm getting back into the groove at Romance Junkies and when the book I've been waitinge read forever came up on the review list, I wasted no time in asking for it. Truth be told, I practically begged for it! Pamela Clare's upcoming release, UNLAWFUL CONTACT is winging my way!! I read the previous two books in this series out of order (as I'm prone to do) and I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed them both. The first is Extreme Exposure and the second is Hard Evidence. Anyone who loves romantic suspense should check out this series. I'll tell you more about it after my review is ready!!

I'll have reviews for Shiloh Walker's BEAUTIFUL GIRL and BEAST OF DESIRE by Lisa Renee Jones posted in the next few days while I'm waiting for UNLAWFUL CONTACT to arrive in the mail.

Laurie

Monday, January 21, 2008

STRONG AND SEXY (and a contest!) - the latest from Jill Shalvis



The winner of Jill's contest is CHERIE J.! Congratulations, Cherie! Please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address, and three or so choices from Jill's backlist. Your book will come directly from Jill. If I don't hear from Cherie by Tuesday, I'll draw another name.

Thank you all for playing!


Jill Shalvis has a new release, STRONG AND SEXY, the second in her "Sexy" series! If you haven't visited Jill's blog, you should - every day brings new fun and adventure. For contest lovers, Jill also has frequent contests for her books.
Here's a little blurb about STRONG AND SEXY:
Strong and Sexy
Starring the wildly seductive heroes Noah, Shayne, and Brody, Jill Shalvis's exhilarating new series features a delectable concoction of sex appeal and adventure. Whether they're up in the air or between the sheets, these hot, hardy pilots know exactly where the action is!
BLOWING IT ALL SKY HIGH
In a family of serious over-achievers, Shayne Mahoney has always been the laid-back, easy-going rebel. But running Sky High Air's charter airline catering to the rich and famous is a dream come true, in-flight specials included. Like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seatbelts," Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and as added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be running from the obviously crazy woman, and yet he finds himself trying to help her, leaving him to doubt his own sanity!
There's a reason Dani never attends her mother's high society parties. The fake people, the shallow conversations and the fact that she doesn't fit in. She's a zoologist, not a starlet, and happy about it, even if she wishes men like ruggedly handsome Shayne Mahoney would spare her a second glance. Of course, dodging bullets isn't exactly what she'd call the perfect follow-up to their heated kiss, but Shayne makes it clear she can depend on him. All she has to do is hold on tight to his delicious hard body until the ride is over!

My review:
When Dani Peterson comes rushing into the private engagement party at Sky High Air, an adorable mess of a woman, Shayne Mahoney is instantly intrigued. Not only does she seem totally out of place among the guests gathered to celebrate the impending marriage of one of Sky Air’s most important clients, but she obviously doesn’t want to be there. Shayne soon learns that Dani is the daughter of the future bride being celebrated at this extravaganza; the very daughter who is rumored to be more than just a little crazy. What Shayne doesn’t know is that Dani’s arrival is just the beginning of a very wild night. After an uncomfortable confrontation with her mother, a heated kiss with Shayne in a closet of all places, Dani rushes out almost as quickly as she arrived, only to return, insisting that she just witnessed a shooting. Without a body or a victim, Shayne can’t help but doubt her. Soon after, when Dani is certain that someone has been in her apartment, and then the two are shot at, Shayne no longer questions Dani’s sanity and is determined to keep her safe.
Dani works as a zookeeper and is content to live without the trappings of high society and wealth. She is doubtful of Shayne’s interest in her, seeing how she’s the polar opposite of the women he usually dates. Shayne is more than a little surprised at the attraction himself. He finds Dani irresistible; without a doubt the sweetest, most genuine woman he has ever known.
Shayne is excellently written as the typical ladies’ man, but he’s also conscientious and caring. His patience with Dani, even when questioning her clarity on what is going on, is heartwarming. Dani is a breath of fresh air, incredibly bright and self-sufficient, but without an inflated opinion of herself. The pain she feels because of her family’s misunderstanding of who she is has been especially well written.
I feel certain that everyone who enjoys contemporary romance with touches of comedy, sensuality and mystery will love STRONG AND SEXY. Jill Shalvis never fails to entertain, always providing her readers with intelligent characters and fresh, creative storylines. I have no hesitation in giving this book the highest of recommendations.
Here's a quick link to Amazon - you're just one click away from owning a great book! I can't think of a better book to snuggle up with under the covers on these cold winter nights!
Now for even more fun! Jill is generously offering a book from her backlist to one lucky person! I'll draw a name from everyone who posts here between now and Saturday evening (U.S. addresses only, please). You know the drill with my contests - you post a comment and you're entered. Send a friend who mentions your name and not only will they be entered, but you'll be entered an extra time for each friend! So get out there and spread the word!
Thanks for checking it out, and thank you, Jill, for sending me the book as well as for the contest - you're the best!
Laurie

Friday, January 18, 2008

THE WORDS OF WOMEN

I admittedly took this from an author/reader loop I'm on. It's too good not to share!

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6. That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.
8. Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F@!* YOU!
9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.

Have a great weekend! Review for STRONG AND SEXY by Jill Shalvis will be posted this weekend!
Laurie

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE



Karin Tabke was kind enough to ask me to review WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE and trust me, I was thrilled! WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE is a paranormal anthology from Pocket with contributions from Allison Brennan, who is new to me, Roxanne St. Claire, with a continuation of her ever-popular Bullet Catcher series, and Karin, whose work I’ve chatted about here on several occasions. For non-paranormal readers, before you dismiss this book with a claim that you don’t like paranormal, I would point out that it typically isn’t my first choice either, but I loved this book very much. I’m throwing out a friendly challenge for you to give it this one try!
DELIVER US FROM EVIL by Allison Brennan
Demonologist Anthony Zaccardi works in conjunction with the Vatican. When he is summoned by a friend to come immediately to a small California mission that is home to a dozen emotionally troubled priests, he is disturbed to find the priests all brutally murdered and his friend near death. There remains a demonic presence at the mission that is so evil that Anthony can scarce get his mind around it. When Sheriff Skye McPherson arrives on the scene, Anthony is her first suspect. It isn’t long before the evil that killed the priests worms its way into Skye’s very being and she has little choice but to trust Anthony to assist with her investigation, and to keep her alive.
This story is the darkest and contains the vilest evil of the three stories. Anthony and Skye are intriguing characters. Anthony is practical and patient, wise beyond his years, having been reared with other “gifted” young men. Skye is a serious, self-sufficient woman who bears the emotional scars from a lonely, loveless childhood. Together they make an unforgettable couple, ready to take on any force that tries to come between them.
REASON TO BELIEVE by Roxanne St. Claire
Bullet Catcher Chase Ryker is sent to act as bodyguard to Arianna Killian. Chase doesn’t appreciate the assignment or Arianna’s “act” as a psychic and thinks she’s exploiting those trusting enough to believe that she’s in touch with their deceased loved ones. Chase’s boss, Lucy Sharpe, has no doubt that her friend Arianna is the real deal when it comes to her psychic abilities, and she is determined to keep Arianna safe from a stalker who has been hounding her. When the stalker’s threats escalate and Chase and Arianna are forced to remain side by side he begins to reconsider her capabilities, especially when she confronts him about troubling events from his past – events that he’s never shared with anyone.
I’ve read negative comments from Bullet Catcher fans that have me shaking my head. This is an excellent story and I don’t see how they could possibly be dissatisfied. Chase and Arianna are perfect for each other, even if it takes them a while to realize it. Chase refuses to believe in Arianna’s abilities, but readers will see him slowly begin to question the things he witnesses. Arianna’s patience as she gently tries to persuade him speaks volumes about the confidence she has in her abilities. I realize that this is a novella and Bullet Catcher readers want full-length stories, but I found it satisfying and complete without being rushed.
REDEMPTION by Karin Tabke
When Zach Garrett’s former undercover partner sets him up and attempts to kill him, he is shocked at the betrayal. But that confusion multiplies as he finds himself suspended in an unknown place, with the fires of hell nipping at his feet. It turns out he’s being given a second chance but in order to take full advantage of it, he must convince his former fiancĂ©e, Danica Keller, to believe the unbelievable truth, that she comes from a lineage of Starkeepers and that she must willingly join forces with him or die. All of this expected from a woman who thinks that Zach betrayed her on the police force years before resulting in the loss of her job, her reputation, and her trust. What Danica doesn’t know is that Zach betrayed her in order to save her life and was devastated by doing so, living with a shattered heart since. Convincing Danica of her destiny may be the least of Zach’s worries when his partner returns on the scene in a form much deadlier than that of a dirty cop and more determined than ever to end Zach’s life once and for all.
This story was (in my opinion) the most sensual of the three. Zach and Danica had been lovers and know what magic lies between them. Despite the crushing pain of their past, they love each other deeply, but with seemingly insurmountable tasks ahead of them, it’s unclear whether they will survive to attempt a future together. Zach’s near-death experience is wonderfully written and readers can feel the devil’s very presence. Danica’s pain at Zach’s earlier betrayal is brought to light so excellently that I was incredibly aware of her painful heartache. I so badly wanted to see these two get together, but Danica’s hatred of Zach runs so deep that it’s not clear whether it will truly pan out.
I can’t say that I have a favorite of the three stories – I enjoyed them all. I will say that I would have liked to see the second and third be just a tad longer, but only because I selfishly wanted more, not because I felt shortchanged or that they were rushed.

Thank you again, Karin for asking me to review this for you. You know how much I adore your books! Now I’m on pins and needles for MASTER OF SEDUCTION in June ’08 and ITALIAN STALLIONS (with Jami Alden) in July ‘08!

Hugs,
Laurie

Come on over - Romancing the Blog!!

I'm today's columnist at Romancing the Blog - I hope you'll take a moment to check it out. Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment!

Thanks,
Laurie

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

THE LAZY LAURIE LORA LEIGH CONTEST

The winner is BLUECAT!! Congratulations! Please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your name and mailing addy - if I don't hear from Bluecat by Tuesday, I'll draw a new name from those who entered.
Thanks to everyone for playing - my next contest will be for Dianne Castell's HOT AND BOTHERED followed by a Shayla Black autographed print book, but I'll be posting reviews for WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE and BEAST OF DESIRE in the meantime - look for those very soon.
Laurie


Ok, I mentioned a while back that I would be giving away some Lora Leigh books. The time has come. I have up for grabs REAL MEN DO IT BETTER, HIDDEN AGENDAS AND NAUTI NIGHTS. These are not autographed and they're not new, although they look pretty much like new. I could keep NAUTI NIGHTS just to stare at the cover. I'll run the contest until Saturday evening - just comment that you're interested and you're entered! I'm not taking the time to put up covers or doing reviews or anything - thus, the name of the contest - I'll let you go check them out to see if you're interested. Just for clarification - all three books will go to one winner (U.S. addresses only, please).

Coming soon will be a review of WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE, an anthology with the works of Karin Tabke, Allison Brennan and Roxanne St. Claire, followed by a review of BEAST OF DESIRE by Lisa Renee Jones, the second in her Silhouette Nocturne series. After that there will be a review of Dianne Castell's upcoming HOT AND BOTHERED - Dianne is going to be a guest blogger here for a couple of days and will be having a contest for some fun goodies, so start thinking of questions to ask her! And the fun continues - I'll be chatting about Shayla Black's WICKED TIES sometime in the near future too - with a giveaway of an autographed print book from Shayla - so stay tuned!

Lots of great stuff, huh?
Laurie

Sunday, January 06, 2008

THE PERFECT TEN by Janice Maynard



Janice Maynard - Just thinking of her makes me smile. She is without a doubt one of the sweetest, most genuine women you'll ever meet. Janice truly cares about everyone and she doesn't hesitate to show it - she's the first to celebrate your good news and to offer her thoughts and prayers when you're in need. Janice was kind enough to send me an ARC of THE PERFECT TEN, which released this week - go get your copy, remember how important those early sales are to authors!! Here's a little blurb and a brief review that I hope will be more temptation than you can resist so you'll rush out to get your hands on it!
A blurb for THE PERFECT TEN:
THE PERFECT TEN - a January 2008 release from NAL/Signet Eclipse...
Something juicy is brewing in the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, where the beautiful Killaney cousins are concocting brand-new scents in their shop Lotions and Potions. One April night under a full moon, the three women create an alluring combination of eucalyptus, aloe, and sandalwood that sparks a strange chemical reaction. One whiff and men can't seem to get enough of Love Potion #10 - or of the Killaney women - while Diana, Elizabeth, and Jeannie find themselves being swept off their feet and into their wildest fantasies...

You'll find an excerpt here.
My review:
THE PERFECT TEN is a collection of three stories, related just as the three heroines are, and all having the common theme of an apparent love potion that they've concocted for their business, Lotions and Potions, in Asheville, North Carolina.
HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT
This first story is that of the youngest cousin, Diana, who unknowingly sets Damian Benetti's blood on fire. Damian works with his hands in his specialty car repair shop, and the hand cream that he gets at Lotions and Potions is the only thing that soothes his rough, dry hands. When he shows an undeniable interest in Diana and begins pursuing her full-throttle, she's determined not to involve her heart. She is convinced that Damian's attraction is the result of the "magic" hand cream he's been using. Damian has no problem with bringing out more and more of Diana's seductive tendencies, but he comes from an entirely different background and doesn't believe that she could ever want a future with him. He has his work cut out for him in convincing Diana that his interest is genuine and not a result of using her magic hand cream.
MOVIE MAGIC
Elizabeth feels that life is passing her by. A failed relationship several years before has left her a romance recluse, focused solely on helping to run the business she owns with her cousins. When she meets the enigmatic Enrique Cantilano, location scout for a movie producer, she can't help but compare herself to the beautiful starlet-types that he's used to dating. Enrique admires Elisabeth's classic beauty, a breath of fresh air compared to the plastic falseness of the women his usual surroundings. When Elizabeth eventually realizes that Enrique isn't the lackadaisical, unmotivated man she first thought, she's even more confused about putting him first in her life and taking a chance on love.
I DREAM OF JEANNIE
Jeannie has been misjudged as a sexpot since she first developed at a very young age. She had to work with determined diligence to get people to take her seriously; few are capable of seeing the real woman behind the beautiful face and body. Nathan Hardison is initially drawn to Jeannie's beauty but quickly discovers a witty, highly intelligent woman who is more than capable of taking care of herself. Jeannie enjoys Nathan's attentions and is pleased to have someone take care of her and her needs. Despite the fun and satisfying pleasures Nathan and Jeannie share, he has concerns about the publicity Jeannie and her cousins are getting over their magic lotions and creams. There is a negative incident in Nathan's recent past that he would prefer remain there, but the media coverage the cousins are receiving makes him feel exposed, resulting in him lashing out at Jeannie with ugly accusations. He soon regrets his ignorance-driven actions and knows that he needs to make things right. Is it too late for Nathan and Jeannie?
Each of the three cousins in this book are simply adorable and their various personalities keep each story unique and fresh. The young men who are helplessly drawn to them could not have been better written as their heroes.
Janice always writes characters who seem as if they could be close, personal friends of hers. Her stories are always sweet but are never lacking in emotion or sensuality. I give THE PERFECT TEN the highest of recommendations.
Janice has a July release this year too (just in time for my birthday, thank you), BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - another great cover, don't you think? This one promises to be a great summer read.

Check out a great excerpt for BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Thank you, Janice, for asking me to review this one - thanks everyone for stopping by!
Laurie

Friday, January 04, 2008

LUANN'S WINNERS ARE . . .

The winner of TRICK MY TRUCK BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY HEART IS: Fedora!!
The winner of DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES IS: Amy S.!!

Fedora and Amy, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing addresses so I can pass them on to LuAnn - she'll be mailing your prizes directly.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by and your great comments. If you weren't a winner, you should take the time to get your hands on LuAnn's book this weekend! I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

More reviews coming soon - Janice Maynard, Karin Tabke, Lisa Renee Jones and Shayla Black. Shayla Black will be offering an autographed print book, and don't forget my contest for those three Lora Leigh books!

Have a terrific weekend!

Laurie

Thursday, January 03, 2008

LuAnn McLane's TRICK MY TRUCK BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY HEART - a review and a contest!!



UPDATE! Because of your incredible response to this post, LuAnn has added another book for giveaway - an autographed copy of TRICK MY TRUCK BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY HEART! Sweeeet, LuAnn! The drawing for both books will be Friday evening - good luck everyone - and huge thanks to you, LuAnn!!

LuAnn McLane never fails to entertain. Her books are sometimes quirky, always romantic, and never fail to have comedic touches that guarantee a fun reading experience! I wrote a while back about LuAnn's talent at writing first person and that talent shines in this book. The heroine in this book, Candie, comes to life on the pages as you witness her experiences, thoughts and emotions as they happen.
My review:
When Candie Montgomery returns home to Kentucky in an attempt to save her family's floundering used car business during her father's medical crisis, she is met by cold shoulders everywhere she goes in her small hometown. Turns out that everyone blames her for the earlier broken engagement of her twin sister, Sarah. Although she can't comprehend just how this misunderstanding came to be, she decides that she needs a "pretend" boyfriend to fool the townspeople and take the chill off; the luscious Tommy Tucker is quick to volunteer for the job. Candie is thrilled to have his help, but when his pretend kisses get progressively more intense, she begins to wonder who is actually being fooled. Tommy makes her feel beautiful and sexy, not the norm for Candie who has always felt that Sarah was the more beautiful twin.
Candie and Tommy are incredibly fun characters. The sisterly relationship of Candie and Sarah is especially sweet and realistically written, with each having her own insecurities and vulnerabilities. Secondary characters are a charming addition and Sarah's romance is a nice bonus.
I highly recommend this book - what better way to use those bookstore gift cards you received for Christmas? TRICK MY TRUCK releases January 2, 2008, so pre-order your copy today! Here are quick links to Amazon and Barnes & Noble for your convenience in checking it out!



The contest: LuAnn is generously offering up a copy of DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES and some other fun surprises as a prize - woohoo! I'm going to run this contest for one a week (US residents only, sorry), so tell your friends to stop by - your comment will gain you an entry - if someone comments and indicates that you sent them, that person will be entered and you'll get a bonus entry. I'll draw the winner some time in the evening on January 4, 2008.
Thanks everyone, for checking this out and special thanks to you, LuAnn, for allowing me to review this one for you and for being so kind as to offer a fun prize pack!
Laurie