The winners of copies of A LONG, HARD RIDE by Alison Kent are MINDY and JANE! Congratulations, ladies! Please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing information by Tuesday evening.
Thanks to everyone who entered the contest - I urge you all to go get a copy of A LONG, HARD RIDE. Alison couldn't write a bad book if she tried and I know you'll love it!
Don't miss the Karen Kelley giveaway below!
Have a terrific weekend,
Laurie
Friday, February 27, 2009
New and upcoming from Karen Kelley - yes, there's a giveaway!
I recently read the January '09 release from Karen Kelley, MY FAVORITE PHANTOM. I can't tell you the last time I've had so much fun reading a book! Karen's wonderful sense of humor can't help but spill over into her writing, but never at the expense of her characters who are always intelligent and sensually passionate, making for an enjoyable reading experience every single time! Here's a little info about MY FAVORITE PHANTOM, a brief review, and some info about Karen's June '09 release, HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN.
A blurb for MY FAVORITE PHANTOM:
When Professor Peyton Cache bought a big, gloomy, romantic Victorian house, he should have expected a ghost.
Kaci Melton needs to hide out for a while, and where better to disappear than a haunted house on one of her dad's ghost-hunting jobs?
Two problems: the professor is a tasty young guy with piecing blue eyes, six-pack abs, and a penchant for talking dirty. And the ghost scares the panties off her. Actually, given the professor, maybe that's not a problem...
And here's the link to a fun excerpt and ordering information.
My review:
Kaci Melton's father is a ghost hunter, but because he is hiding out from a loan shark, she has taken his most recent job. The only drawback is that Kaci is terrified of ghosts and Professor Peyton Cache has a very active one that he wants gone. When Peyton's resident ghost makes an appearance on the first night of Kaci's investigation and she scurries into his bed for safety, things immediately heat up between them. Trouble is, Peyton isn't the only one who finds Kaci adorable, and soon his ghost takes a fancy to her as well. Between the irresistible, dirty talking Peyton, his pesky, determined ghost, and a loan shark who is getting too close for comfort, Kaci is confused and more than a little harried.
Peyton is vying for a sizable grant and his opposition is a co-worker who is a scheming phony who criticizes Peyton's every move - with a fake British accent nonetheless. The obstacles in Peyton's way are beginning to loom rather large. He realizes Kaci's fears, the ghost amps up his activity out of an attraction to her, and he's very concerned about the dinner he's hosting for the grant committee. He doubts he can endear himself to his guests with a ghost in the house who has a penchant for tossing his underwear across the room. On top of all of that are the feelings that he's quickly developing for Kaci. Interestingly enough, those feelings are quickly taking precedence over everything else that is going on in his life.
If you're looking for a lighthearted read that doesn't skimp on sensuality, I highly recommend MY FAVORITE PHANTOM. Karen Kelley never disappoints, always giving readers quality romance that's fun without being ridiculous or silly.
And take a look at Karen's next release, available in June, 2009! Woo Doggies, does it ever look good!
Reporter Nikki “The Barracuda” Scott will sink her teeth into anything. So when her editor sends her to get the lowdown on bad boy football star Cal Braxton, Nikki’s game to rough it on his family ranch. She just isn’t prepared for exactly how rough. Still, the nasty outhouse, noisy animals, and resident ghost won’t put Nikki off...especially once she sets eyes (and hands, and mouth) on her subject. If there’s a juicy story here, Nikki intends to devour it…
So, the lady thinks she’s gonna get the scoop on him? Cal’s had his fill of scheming females—hell, his conniving ex-fiancee is the very reason he’s hiding out. Then again, if all journalists were as hot as Nikki, he might consider being more open with the press. Too bad she won’t be around for long. If the chores and “rustic” conditions don’t frighten Nikki off, her haunted accommodations surely will. Tough it turns out Nikki doesn't scare easily. Now Cal’s the one who’s scared—of falling hard...
And here's the link to a great excerpt and ordering information.
Now for the giveaway. I'm giving away my (autographed) arc of MY FAVORITE PHANTOM to one lucky reader. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment with at least three things you see at Karen's website - maybe an excerpt you love, a cover you think is super sexy, etc. - and come on everyone, please take the time to go check it out and don't simply copy someone else's response! I'll draw the winning name on Thursday, March 5th.
Thanks to Karen for allowing me to read and review this for you - my apologies for being so terribly late. Huge thanks to everyone for checking out Karen's books - you won't be disappointed in any of her work, I promise!
Laurie
Thursday, February 26, 2009
THINK THIN THURSDAY - Office exercises
How many of you sit at a desk all day like I do? It's easy to get tense and stiff when you have to sit in the same spot for long periods of time. Following are some great ideas to loosen up while burning a few calories. I'll admit that there are a good deal of these that just aren't doable for me at work, but the stretches just plain feel good and will relieve your back/neck tension. These suggestions came from WebMD and I hope you'll find at least a couple of them helpful! Here goes~
While you shouldn't give up on your home or gym exercise routine, you can certainly supplement it with exercises done at your desk (and, on those extra-long workdays, it's much better than doing nothing.) Here are a few aerobic tricks to try during your next break between tasks:
Glance at the wall clock and rip off a minute's worth of jumping jacks. If you're a beginner, try the low-impact version (raise your right arm and tap your left toe to the side while keeping your right foot on the floor; alternate sides)
Do a football-like drill of running in place for 60 seconds. Get those knees up! (Beginners, march in place.)
Simulate jumping rope for a minute: Hop on alternate feet, or on both feet at once. An easier version is to simulate the arm motion of turning a rope, while alternately tapping the toes of each leg in front.
While seated, pump both arms over your head for 30 seconds, then rapidly tap your feet on the floor, football-drill style, for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.
If you can step into a vacant office or conference room, shadow box for a minute or two. Or just walk around the room as fast as you can.
Or do walk-lunges in your office or a vacant room. (You could also amuse your co-workers by doing these in the hall; remember Monty Python's "Ministry of Silly Walks" comedy routine?). Set your PDA to beep you into action.
No conference room? Take to the stairs -- two at a time if you need a harder workout! Do this 5-7 times a day. Want Something Less Breathless?
Some strength-building suggestions:
Do one-legged squats (hold onto a wall or table for support) while waiting for a web page to load, the copier to spit our your reports, or faxes to slither out.
Stand with one leg straight and try to kick your buttocks with the other.
Sitting in your chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for 2 seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds. Switch; do each leg 15 times.
To work your chest and shoulders, place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do 15 times.
To stretch your back and strengthen your biceps, place your hands on the desk and hang on. Slowly push your chair back until your head is between your arms and you're looking at the floor. Then slowly pull yourself back in. Again, 15 of these.
Desk pushups can be a good strengthener. (First, make sure your desk is solid enough to support your weight.) Standing, put your hands on the desk. Walk backward, then do push-ups against the desk. Repeat 15 times.
Reach for the Sky
Stretching exercises are a natural for the desk-bound, to ease stress and keep your muscles from clenching up. Here are a few suggestions:
Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.
Let your head loll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.
Try this yoga posture to relieve tension: Sit facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.
Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.
You get to put your feet up for this one! To ease the hamstrings and lower back, push your chair away from your desk and put your right heel up on the desk. Sit up straight, and bend forward just until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg. Flex your foot for a few seconds, and then point it. Bend forward a little farther, flex your foot again, and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Let me know if you're able to work any of these into your daily routine, ok? I've been doing some of the less drastic, stretching exercises and they feel great!
Laurie
While you shouldn't give up on your home or gym exercise routine, you can certainly supplement it with exercises done at your desk (and, on those extra-long workdays, it's much better than doing nothing.) Here are a few aerobic tricks to try during your next break between tasks:
Glance at the wall clock and rip off a minute's worth of jumping jacks. If you're a beginner, try the low-impact version (raise your right arm and tap your left toe to the side while keeping your right foot on the floor; alternate sides)
Do a football-like drill of running in place for 60 seconds. Get those knees up! (Beginners, march in place.)
Simulate jumping rope for a minute: Hop on alternate feet, or on both feet at once. An easier version is to simulate the arm motion of turning a rope, while alternately tapping the toes of each leg in front.
While seated, pump both arms over your head for 30 seconds, then rapidly tap your feet on the floor, football-drill style, for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.
If you can step into a vacant office or conference room, shadow box for a minute or two. Or just walk around the room as fast as you can.
Or do walk-lunges in your office or a vacant room. (You could also amuse your co-workers by doing these in the hall; remember Monty Python's "Ministry of Silly Walks" comedy routine?). Set your PDA to beep you into action.
No conference room? Take to the stairs -- two at a time if you need a harder workout! Do this 5-7 times a day. Want Something Less Breathless?
Some strength-building suggestions:
Do one-legged squats (hold onto a wall or table for support) while waiting for a web page to load, the copier to spit our your reports, or faxes to slither out.
Stand with one leg straight and try to kick your buttocks with the other.
Sitting in your chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for 2 seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds. Switch; do each leg 15 times.
To work your chest and shoulders, place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do 15 times.
To stretch your back and strengthen your biceps, place your hands on the desk and hang on. Slowly push your chair back until your head is between your arms and you're looking at the floor. Then slowly pull yourself back in. Again, 15 of these.
Desk pushups can be a good strengthener. (First, make sure your desk is solid enough to support your weight.) Standing, put your hands on the desk. Walk backward, then do push-ups against the desk. Repeat 15 times.
Reach for the Sky
Stretching exercises are a natural for the desk-bound, to ease stress and keep your muscles from clenching up. Here are a few suggestions:
Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.
Let your head loll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.
Try this yoga posture to relieve tension: Sit facing forward, then turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, and hold a few seconds. Repeat 15 times, alternating sides.
Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.
You get to put your feet up for this one! To ease the hamstrings and lower back, push your chair away from your desk and put your right heel up on the desk. Sit up straight, and bend forward just until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg. Flex your foot for a few seconds, and then point it. Bend forward a little farther, flex your foot again, and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Let me know if you're able to work any of these into your daily routine, ok? I've been doing some of the less drastic, stretching exercises and they feel great!
Laurie
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Going to see Gaelic Storm!
Any Gaelic Storm fans out there?? We never miss them when they come to the Dublin Irish Festival every summer (this pic was taken a couple of years ago). We practically jumped up and down to find that they were coming to Columbus tomorrow night and got our tickets immediately! So around 8 pm tomorrow, picture me with a beer, clapping, toe-tapping and singing along with one of the best Irish bands around!
I'll have two more contests going up in the next few days, and will be announcing the winners of the Alison Kent giveaway on Friday evening, so be sure and stop back!!
In the meantime - Erin Go Bragh!
Laurie
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A LONG, HARD RIDE - coming soon from Alison Kent - there's a giveaway!
I adore Alison Kent's work and I’ll be the first to admit that I could probably be drawn into a dishwasher repair guide if she wrote it. Early March will bring the next in a long line of Blazes by Alison and I was fortunate enough to get an early copy (Thank you, Alison!). This is an excellent book with smart, fun-loving characters, long-standing southern tradition, witty dialogue and steamy sex. No details on the steamy sex except to say that Alison has written some of the most satisfying shower scenes ever (THE SWEETEST TABOO, anyone?), and this one doesn’t disappoint!
Here’s a blurb:
Cardin Worth is ready to tune up her engine—with Trey, her former crush! However, he’s a Davis—one of her car-racing family’s bitter rivals. But she might be able to create peace, and also get some sizzling sex on the side…
… if Trey pretends to be her fiancé, that is!
Having a little fun on those steamy Southern nights seems like a great idea. Just to patch up the feud, of course. Then Trey’ll be leaving town again—this time for good.
But Cardin s not sure she can relinquish the superheated sex… Because Trey s the most talented, uh, mechanic to ever look under her hood!
From 0–60: Going from “Hello” to “How was it?” doesn’t have to take long!
And a link to a great excerpt!
My review:
Here’s a blurb:
Cardin Worth is ready to tune up her engine—with Trey, her former crush! However, he’s a Davis—one of her car-racing family’s bitter rivals. But she might be able to create peace, and also get some sizzling sex on the side…
… if Trey pretends to be her fiancé, that is!
Having a little fun on those steamy Southern nights seems like a great idea. Just to patch up the feud, of course. Then Trey’ll be leaving town again—this time for good.
But Cardin s not sure she can relinquish the superheated sex… Because Trey s the most talented, uh, mechanic to ever look under her hood!
From 0–60: Going from “Hello” to “How was it?” doesn’t have to take long!
And a link to a great excerpt!
My review:
Rolling into the small town of Dahlia, Tennessee as crew chief for the Corley Motors team at the Farron Fuel Spring Nationals, and subsequently winning, is as natural as breathing for Trey “Whip” Davis. Seeing Cardin Worth leaves him breathless. Whip and Cardin went to high school together, him being a couple of years older, but they never dated; never really even shared a conversation. What they did share was an undeniable, unspoken heat of the most basic kind. They both felt it but Whip left town before they could do anything about it.
Whip has personal business to attend to in Dahlia as well. After his father’s death six months ago, he's decided it’s time to clean out and sell his father’s home and he stays behind when the race team pulls out. When Cardin approaches him indicating that they need to talk, with a subtle promise of more than just talk, he’s unable to resist.
Cardin has her own issues to get straight - namely getting her recently separated parents back together. Their conflict is causing everyone distress, but they both refuse to budge. Cardin understands that their problems run deep and with their stubbornness it won’t be an easy fix, but she has a plan. She’s hopeful that Whip will buy into the fake engagement she’s hashed out, never doubting that the two of them will be convincing, given the emotions they’ve shared for so long.
It doesn’t take long for Whip and Cardin to feel comfortably at ease with the engagement ploy and they quickly realize that those early sparks, although never before acted upon, were simply a promise of things to come. But long-held traditions and grudges are slow to die and family secrets soon threaten to shatter the love that these two have just begun to discover.
I truly think this may be the best Blaze I’ve read to date. You might be thinking the false engagement premise has been done before and you find the notion silly or immature. I guarantee that Alison has done it right and you won’t be disappointed. The reactions to and the results of it are key to the story and it works, plain and simple. The racing lingo is understandable and not over-used, and the southern style and mannerisms of the characters is honest and accurate.
To help celebrate Alison’s book, I’ve decided to do a giveaway for two copies of A LONG, HARD RIDE. I’ll be drawing names prior to the book’s release so as to not interrupt those ever-important early sales, but obviously the winners won't get their books until I’m able to get my hands on them. If you’re interested – and who wouldn’t be, right? – just leave a comment here. You can talk about the usual things, favorite book, character, cover, etc. or chat about something fun on Alison's website or blog. Send a friend who mentions you and I’ll throw your name in an extra time. I’ll draw two names on Friday, February 27th – be sure and check back to see if you won because I won’t track you down!
If you want to pre-order so Amazon will send your copy on release day, pop over here for a copy. Thanks for stopping and thank you again, Alison, for allowing me to read and review A LONG, HARD RIDE for you!
Whip has personal business to attend to in Dahlia as well. After his father’s death six months ago, he's decided it’s time to clean out and sell his father’s home and he stays behind when the race team pulls out. When Cardin approaches him indicating that they need to talk, with a subtle promise of more than just talk, he’s unable to resist.
Cardin has her own issues to get straight - namely getting her recently separated parents back together. Their conflict is causing everyone distress, but they both refuse to budge. Cardin understands that their problems run deep and with their stubbornness it won’t be an easy fix, but she has a plan. She’s hopeful that Whip will buy into the fake engagement she’s hashed out, never doubting that the two of them will be convincing, given the emotions they’ve shared for so long.
It doesn’t take long for Whip and Cardin to feel comfortably at ease with the engagement ploy and they quickly realize that those early sparks, although never before acted upon, were simply a promise of things to come. But long-held traditions and grudges are slow to die and family secrets soon threaten to shatter the love that these two have just begun to discover.
I truly think this may be the best Blaze I’ve read to date. You might be thinking the false engagement premise has been done before and you find the notion silly or immature. I guarantee that Alison has done it right and you won’t be disappointed. The reactions to and the results of it are key to the story and it works, plain and simple. The racing lingo is understandable and not over-used, and the southern style and mannerisms of the characters is honest and accurate.
To help celebrate Alison’s book, I’ve decided to do a giveaway for two copies of A LONG, HARD RIDE. I’ll be drawing names prior to the book’s release so as to not interrupt those ever-important early sales, but obviously the winners won't get their books until I’m able to get my hands on them. If you’re interested – and who wouldn’t be, right? – just leave a comment here. You can talk about the usual things, favorite book, character, cover, etc. or chat about something fun on Alison's website or blog. Send a friend who mentions you and I’ll throw your name in an extra time. I’ll draw two names on Friday, February 27th – be sure and check back to see if you won because I won’t track you down!
If you want to pre-order so Amazon will send your copy on release day, pop over here for a copy. Thanks for stopping and thank you again, Alison, for allowing me to read and review A LONG, HARD RIDE for you!
Laurie
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Intelligent Humor
A little something to lift spirits and give you a chuckle!
2008 Winners of the Washington Post's annual Mensa Invitational, which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteo%#$osis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all thesereally bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it'slike, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly , adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n.. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men .
Hope you're all having a great week so far!
Laurie
2008 Winners of the Washington Post's annual Mensa Invitational, which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteo%#$osis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all thesereally bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it'slike, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido: All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words. And the winners are:
1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly , adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon, n.. A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men .
Hope you're all having a great week so far!
Laurie
Monday, February 16, 2009
Beating the winter blues
For those of us who live in cold weather states, the winter seems to drag on and on. Spring can't come soon enough. Typically by the time February rolls around I'm good and tired of the snow and the cold, gray days that seem to drag on forever. The occasional sunny day is enough to lift my spirits but I know several people, including my mother, who become a little depressed when almost every day seems to start and finish on a gray note. If you or someone you know is one of those people, here are some tips to beat the winter blues, courtesy of Ladies Home Journal.
EXERCISE
Physical activity boosts serotonin levels, which helps lift depression. Head outside for a brisk walk, take a yoga class, or work out on a stair machine.
GET MORE LIGHT
Natural and artificial kinds are both beneficial, so open the shades every morning and turn on more lamps during the day.
Natural and artificial kinds are both beneficial, so open the shades every morning and turn on more lamps during the day.
BE SOCIAL
It's easier to hibernate when it's cold, but getting together with friends and family is a huge mood lifter and more important now than ever.
It's easier to hibernate when it's cold, but getting together with friends and family is a huge mood lifter and more important now than ever.
EAT WHOLE GRAINS
Substitute whole grains for refined carbs -- whole grains take longer to digest, which combats weight gain and helps you avoid blood-sugar spikes.
Substitute whole grains for refined carbs -- whole grains take longer to digest, which combats weight gain and helps you avoid blood-sugar spikes.
If these don't help, consult your doctor to make sure you don't have a physical problem, such as low thyroid function. You could very well have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and light therapy might be recommended.
I hope everyone has a great week,
Laurie
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
WELCOME! Absolute XPress authors!
Ok, you've had an opportunity to read bios, blurbs an excerpts below - let's start the day off with questions for the authors, Friday the 13th superstitions, Valentine's Day plans, or anything else you want to chat about. I'm at work today, so I might be a wee bit scarce, but I'm looking forward to catching up as I can!
Thanks to AXP for being here today - welcome!!
Laurie
Thanks to AXP for being here today - welcome!!
Laurie
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I'm at Romancing the Blog today!!
I'm today's columnist at Romancing the Blog! I hope you'll stop by - let me know what you think!
Laurie
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Check out Absolute XPress
Absolute XPress http://www.absolute-x-press.com/ Absolute XPress
Welcome to Absolute XPress; a publisher dedicated to E-Books and Short Run Printing in the Romance and Erotic Romance genre. Quality books at a price you can afford. Why not poke around and see what we have to offer! Sign up today and get 5% off your first purchaseAlso come by and see the author round robin at our blog http://www.absolute-x-press.blogspot.com/ Sign up for the newsletter while you are there and then hop over to the Contest blog at http://www.axpcontest.blogspot.com/ .We look forward to seeing you there... Heather (heatherg@absolute-x-press.com)Promotions ManagerAbsolute XPress
The Absolute XPress Authors
R.L. Stuemke
I am R. L. Stuemke, 56, an academic librarian from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Yes, Oshkosh B’Gosh – but that company barely has a presence here now, so I would rather the city be remembered for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and for the Experimental Aircraft Association. I’ve been writing stories since I was in second grade, and I’ve spent the last 25-30 years writing a long list of stories, both original and derivate (fanfiction) for fanzines, and more recently, for online distribution. I’ve written Westerns, fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Willow, Blake’s 7 (one novella and two novels), and others, up through the two Lonesome Dove weekly series.
I’m also an avid reader, and my great interest in fantasy gradually led me into paranormal romance, which in my opinion now represents some of the most original and inventive fantasy being published. My first experiments in writing this intriguing, genre-bending fiction were actually several derivate stories, involving characters from ER. Well, one character in particular: tall, dark, handsome, European, mysterious past – perfect subject! I enjoyed it so much I tackled writing original paranormal romance, the first one, ‘Renovation’, for an online anthology, ‘Studs ‘R Us’, edited by Denyse Bridger and still available at no charge on her website. I am so pleased that my very first professional sales were two paranormal romances, published by Absolute X-Press.
For ‘Galerian’s Gift’, I used my own version of the present-day life of elves, exiled to Underhill but still able to observe, and sometimes interfere with, human existence. Galerian enjoys helping humans in serious trouble, and in this story, he has a major impact on Elizabeth’s life three times, keeping her safe and bringing her together with the great love of her life. In ‘Under the Gryphon’s Wing’, a pair of antique mirrors magically bring together two lonely people, with the help of an adventurous three-legged cat. AXP has published the two stories together, as one book. I look forward to learning what readers think of these stories, and therefore I ask you to not only read them, but to review them as well.
I’m planning to continue writing paranormals – already working on stories with selkies, foxwomen, and possibly deer shapeshiters - so I hope you will continue to see me around these parts for some time to come.
Ellen Ashe
Ellen grew up in a haunted house in Nova Scotia, Canada. Unexplained footsteps and late night whispering were a normal occurrence so her fascination with the paranormal has had a long history. After obtaining degrees in English Literature and History at Acadia University Ellen travelled- teaching in Thailand and England- collecting stories and memories that would later weave through the fabric of her books. She now proudly works for Canada's largest bookstore, Chapters. Ellen resides in Alberta, Canada with her Celtic husband, Stuart.
Love Not Forgotten
Scottish Paranormal Romance
Kirkland Hall is haunted. Kate Daniels, part inheritor to the Scottish estate, knows nothing of its history- that a bloody scene four hundred years ago between rival clans saw two lovers separated by murder- and that these tortured spirits have spent the centuries searching for each other. Nor does she know anything about the dark and moody ‘caretaker’, Alex MacTavish. No sooner does Kate arrive when she feels the house whispering its welcome and pleading for her help. And as her relationship with Alex begins to deepen, Kate discovers the name Daniels is interlinked with the home's violent history of betrayal and murder. So too, is the name MacTavish.
Kelly Wallace
Kelly spent her childhood honing her craft and torturing her younger sister with tales of the beasts and ghouls that lived under her bed, waiting to nibble on uncovered toes. When her short story devoted to Abraham Lincoln received 5 gold stars and was displayed in the school office she decided right then and there at the age of seven that her ultimate dream was to become an author.
A lover of romance and strong characterization, Kelly believes that any story worth reading should have a hero/heroine that the reader can fall in love with. She is currently living her dream, writing sizzling tales of suspense with paranormal elements, as well as contemporary and humorous romance. All of her books contain highly sensual love scenes and sexual tension that will make your heart race!
Kelly has lived in Los Angeles and Baltimore, and now resides in Tucson with her assortment of furry and furless kids, and her geeky rocket scientist.
Blurb for Chosen One:
What if you could lay your hands on a person and heal broken bones, cure snakebites, and soothe fevers? Would you find a way to understand it, strengthen it, and help anyone you could? Or would you hide from society and quell the energy you weren’t sure how to control? What if your child awoke one day with this talent and you had no idea how to help him? And what if after many long months of desperately searching for answers one arrives at your door… Noel Posas is the Dream Master of a village in the Mexican jungle that goes in search of their reincarnated healer. Elise Colby is a widow who is trying to find answers to her son Matthew's strange behavior that the psychiatrist wants to label as multiple personalities. Desperate to help her son and confident this dark Indian can help them both, Elise acts on instinct and goes with Noel to his luxurious cave-home in the Xilitlan jungle. Soon they uncover more than just her son's healing powers as Elise and Noel discover a passionate love they never dreamed they would find!
Denysé Bridger
Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My love has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write, the American West, Victorian England, cowboys, a passion for pirates, Greek Gods, and Ancient Egypt. The other endless love affair in my life is Italia and all its magic, beauty, and dazzling culture. That passion spills into all aspects of my life.
My first major fantasy novel is AS FATE DECREES. (Available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon’s international sites.) The novel relies heavily on Greek Mythology, and is set in Ancient Greece and modern Athens. If you enjoy a tale of Gods, Destiny, and the battles of an Eternal Champion, this is the book for you! Not surprisingly, there’s a touch of romance throughout, of course! “It’s what I do best, after all!”
A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, and the mixing of genres and styles that will be employed in many up-coming projects as well. The Italian influence is in evidence with several of the more important works, as many people already know. To stay current with all these projects, or to just say hello, please feel free to email me anytime, there’s a contact link on the mail menu. I promise I will do my best to answer everyone, though it may take a day or two, so please be patient! Or, feel free to sign up for my newsletter, which is called Romance and Fantasy. If you prefer to chat with me and other readers, the newsgroup is open to everyone. Denysé Bridger News.
Apart from my author hat, I also carry the title of Acquisitions Manager, Editor-in-Chief for the Romance Division of Absolute XPress. We're open to submissions, so do keep us in mind for that special story you've been dying to submit!!
Current Release:
HEART OF STONE ISBN: 10: 894817-04-4ISBN: 13: 978--1-894817-04-2 Publisher/Buy: Absolute XPressGenre: Action/adventure thrillerPages: 66 - Price: $3.95Cover by: Justyn PerryRandall Stone is the stuff of heroes, a mercenary given a discharge from the army he has served with his life. But the government is still interested in using the skills they've taught Major Rand Stone, and he continues to work with his hand-picked team. Into his shadowy world a light has come, and in her love, Stone discovers unhoped for joy, and, perhaps, unbearable sorrow?
Read an excerpt HERE
Colleen Love
Colleen Love has always lived in her own fantasy world, so writing came naturally. Her world has always been enchanted by the Fae, whether it is exploring the wild wood around her home, or wandering the vast Pacific beaches. Life always seems to hold her under its enchantment. She loves to be the creator of her own worlds with unusual, fantastic characters, while exploring and breathing new life into old legends and stories that have faded into time, or something beyond what is here and now, maybe something that may have existed at one time, but no one really knows. Add in a few monsters, sprinkle in a bit of magic, a warrior and a woman strong enough to counter the balance and there is the perfect story for her.
Colleen loves to spend time with her family and critters. She loves to garden and play in the dirt, work with horses and her other critters. She saves writing for rainy days, being from the Pacific Northwest she writes a lot!
Blurb:
Two cultures, two lives, one path.
Rendered helpless, captured and stripped, Elizabeth Smythe is taken away from her privileged life and everything she knows. Her captor, Spirit Walker, treats her with gentle compassion, winning her trust and love. Elizabeth discovers Spirit Walker is so much more than just a strong man and beautiful Earth Spirit.
When Spirit Walker receives word a woman he admires has been given to a neighboring tribe to dispose of, he rescues her. Despite not knowing who or what he is, she shows neither fear nor weakness toward him or her fate. Her strength earns his respect and more important, his heart. Opposition from both of their cultures tries to separate them. Can their love withstand the heat?
Brigit Aine
New to the publishing industry as an author Brigit is excited to announce the release of her first book in August of this year by Absolute XPress. Living in Sacramento, CA with her husband and two boys, Brigit has a busy day job, but her love and passion is writing. Weekends and evenings are devoted to creating a wonderful world full of psychics, werewolves, vampires and empaths. After all, in Brigit’s world these are just everyday occurrences. Come take a visit to Brigit’s World at http://www.brigitsworld.blogspot.com/ .
A small taste of what is to come…
Everyone sat down and Red watched Ethan and her grandmother both take a bite out of their buns. “Death by chocolate every time girl. You know this is better than sex, at least at my age.” Casey grinned at Red and saluted her with the fork. “Your talent is wasted in the city, nobody enjoys what they eat there.” Just as Red was going to tell her grandmother that she agreed and was thinking of coming home, she heard a low groan from Ethan. Looking over she thought she could see him shimmering. “Ethan,” she questioned, “are you alright. Grandma is he alright?” Red questioned Casey. Ethan was shimmering, as in a golden light was emanating from all around him. He was groaning as if in the middle of an orgasm and it was the most erotic thing Red had ever seen, at least at her grandmother's kitchen table.
Lainey Bancroft
Lainey Bancroft leads a dog’s life. Or is it that she lives for her dogs? Nope. That’s not it. Ah, her dogs run her life. When she isn’t catering to the canines, she has a couple teenagers only too happy to fill her spare time with parent/maid type duties, a home based business she helps her husband run, parents who live a little too close for comfort, and neurotic sisters. Is it any wonder she likes to escape to her basement office and invent romantic situations for imaginary friends?
Lainey has been writing all her life but got serious about it a few years ago. She has won numerous contests and has a variety of novellas published. Cozumel Karma is her second published full-length romance and she has a dozen more in the pipeline.
An excerpt from Cozumel Karma
Cole eyed me across the table as though he wasn’t sure if I was going to pass out, have a convulsion or climb aboard and do a dance. “She’s gone shopping to get you some clothes and stuff. If there’s anything she forgets, you can send her for it after, or she can take you with her.”
“I’m sure whatever she supplies will be fine. I don’t expect to need much while I’m here.” I grinned, devilishly pleased at his discomfiture. “Some new shades and an economy-sized bottle of sunscreen ought to do it.” I poured us both coffee, thoroughly enjoying my tenure as lady of the babe’s beach house.
“Sure, no problem.” Cole added a heaping spoonful of sugar to his cup.
He stirred frenetically until the clanking of his spoon threatened to destroy my unaccustomed high-spirits. I finally had to reach over and grip his spoon hand to still him. “Was it something I said?”
His tan, which had previously faded, darkened another shade and I could see what a struggle it was for him to meet my eyes. “You weren’t—I mean you didn’t really… You don’t think I should marry you because I knocked you over a cliff do you? I mean, shit! I said I was sorry, and I know I said I’d do anything, but…”
I laughed again because he looked so ready to cry. He also seemed determined to keep himself on the hook for the accident that had been as much my fault as his. I was sure if I forced the issue, the poor bastard would have me for his bride. What a doll he was. What a scream this entire situation was. I was trapped on the most beautiful island on earth, with the most gorgeous man in the universe and not a stitch of clothing. I couldn’t have planned it any better.
I finally took pity on him. “Of course I don’t want you to marry me, silly.” His broad shoulders, nicely accentuated in a red polo shirt, actually sagged with relief, and then stiffened when I continued to say, “Who says you have to get married to enjoy a honeymoon?”
I watched his full bottom lip bob open and closed a few times and all I could think about was how perfect a tiny pillow it was and how badly I wanted to dive into it. It would be soft and warm and sweet. A perfect contrast to the rest of him, which I could tell at a glance, would be hot and hard. I felt my eyes narrow and my breath grow short at my runaway musings. That knife-slash jaw of his begged to be nibbled, even his ears were perfect. As I eyed them, my tongue snaked out to wet my dry lips and I envisioned it circling around the golden lobe of his ear until he shuddered with passion.
Wow! Great stuff, huh? I hope you'll buzz over check out this new publisher and it's wonderfully talented authors. You'd have to search far and wide to find a nice bunch of people. Don't forget the contests and discounts - extremely helpful in today's economy, right? Thanks for taking the time to read the bios and excerpts!
Laurie
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ask Janice anything! (and you just might be rewarded - there's a giveaway!)
THE WINNING NAMES HAVE BEEN DRAWN AND THEY ARE:
Janice's "Conversation Hearts" guest soaps: Tee
Laurie's "Love Your Heart" makeup bag, pen and pin: Amy S
Go Red! pens and red dress pins go to: Kathy, Jodi, Maureen and Marie
Congrats to all of the winners! Please contact me with your mailing info at ljodamron@gmail.com by Sunday!
I'm so pleased to have Janice Maynard as guest blogger today! Janice is here to celebrate her latest release, HOT MAIL, with fun conversation and prizes!
Here's an excerpt from HOT MAIL to start things off:
Jane had always struck him as a calm, self-possessed female, not at all prone to hysteria. But what had transpired this evening would upset anyone, and all things considered, he thought she was handling herself pretty well.
She shivered hard. He realized that the frigid air pouring through the busted-out window had filtered to the back of the shop. He could handle it, even without his coat, but Jane was in a vulnerable state. He glanced down at her feet and cursed as he realized for the first time that her slender feet were bare.
He ground his teeth, trying to remember that she had dealt with a lot tonight and didn’t need him berating her. Biting back his scolding words, he stood, took the cup from her, and set it aside.
When he scooped her up in his arms, she flailed wildly. “Put me down.”
He grunted and nearly dropped her. “Be still, for godsakes.”
She continued to struggle, traces of pink blooming on her cheekbones. Her expression was mortified. “I’m too heavy, Ethan. Don’t be ridiculous.”
He had already reached the foot of the staircase leading up to her apartment. “You’re tall,” he said, breathing heavily. “There’s a difference.”
Her foot hit the wall as he moved up the stairs. He muttered an apology and hitched her a bit higher in his arms. Her bare toes struck him as sexy, and the thought made him uncomfortable, especially considering the fact that her left breast was nestled against his chest. He could smell her soap and a faint trace of perfume.
Where her head rested on his shoulder, strands of her hair tickled his chin. It was disconcerting as hell.
On the second floor, he thought about setting her on her feet, but he’d made it this far, so he might as well finish his chivalrous posturing. He spotted her bedroom through an open door and managed to maneuver through it without doing any further damage to his cargo.
He dropped her on the bed and ignored his aching back. Instead, he turned to the dresser and yanked open a drawer. “Where are your socks?” He tossed the question over his shoulder and froze when the first thing his hand touched was a hot pink bra.
He dropped it like it was a poisonous snake and moved one drawer down. “Jane?”
“One more,” she said. Her voice sounded stronger, and he thought she might possibly be laughing at him.
He sighed in relief when he found a pair of wool hiking socks. As he replaced the drawers, his mind flitted back to a beautiful spring day when he and Jane had hiked in the Smokies. They’d laughed and talked, and at the top of a steep incline, they had simply paused to savor the view.
His chest tightened as awareness slammed into him of how much he had missed those fun-filled times with Jane. She was easy to be with, and he had always felt comfortable and relaxed around her.
But somehow... not today.
Janice is kindly offering up the pictured set of "conversation heart" guest soaps for giveaway here! Aren't they the cutest? Conversation hearts play a part in HOT MAIL, so these are perfect as a prize!
I'm celebrating with some goodies from the "Go Red" store on the American Heart Association website, to raise awareness for women's heart health. One winner will receive a make-up bag, a Go Red! pen, and red dress pin, and there will be some other goodies tucked inside. Four additional winners will receive pens and pins.
To be entered for the prizes, all you have to do is ask Janice a question! Don't be shy, she'll answer them all! Well, unless it's just too private, in which case you'll get a "No Comment!" Can't think of a question or someone else already asked your question? Just leave a comment for Janice, tell her which of her books are your favorite, which of her heroes you think is the yummiest, etc.
Thanks bunches for stopping - and please send your friends - the more the merrier when there's a party, right?
Laurie
Janice's "Conversation Hearts" guest soaps: Tee
Laurie's "Love Your Heart" makeup bag, pen and pin: Amy S
Go Red! pens and red dress pins go to: Kathy, Jodi, Maureen and Marie
Congrats to all of the winners! Please contact me with your mailing info at ljodamron@gmail.com by Sunday!
I'm so pleased to have Janice Maynard as guest blogger today! Janice is here to celebrate her latest release, HOT MAIL, with fun conversation and prizes!
Here's an excerpt from HOT MAIL to start things off:
Jane had always struck him as a calm, self-possessed female, not at all prone to hysteria. But what had transpired this evening would upset anyone, and all things considered, he thought she was handling herself pretty well.
She shivered hard. He realized that the frigid air pouring through the busted-out window had filtered to the back of the shop. He could handle it, even without his coat, but Jane was in a vulnerable state. He glanced down at her feet and cursed as he realized for the first time that her slender feet were bare.
He ground his teeth, trying to remember that she had dealt with a lot tonight and didn’t need him berating her. Biting back his scolding words, he stood, took the cup from her, and set it aside.
When he scooped her up in his arms, she flailed wildly. “Put me down.”
He grunted and nearly dropped her. “Be still, for godsakes.”
She continued to struggle, traces of pink blooming on her cheekbones. Her expression was mortified. “I’m too heavy, Ethan. Don’t be ridiculous.”
He had already reached the foot of the staircase leading up to her apartment. “You’re tall,” he said, breathing heavily. “There’s a difference.”
Her foot hit the wall as he moved up the stairs. He muttered an apology and hitched her a bit higher in his arms. Her bare toes struck him as sexy, and the thought made him uncomfortable, especially considering the fact that her left breast was nestled against his chest. He could smell her soap and a faint trace of perfume.
Where her head rested on his shoulder, strands of her hair tickled his chin. It was disconcerting as hell.
On the second floor, he thought about setting her on her feet, but he’d made it this far, so he might as well finish his chivalrous posturing. He spotted her bedroom through an open door and managed to maneuver through it without doing any further damage to his cargo.
He dropped her on the bed and ignored his aching back. Instead, he turned to the dresser and yanked open a drawer. “Where are your socks?” He tossed the question over his shoulder and froze when the first thing his hand touched was a hot pink bra.
He dropped it like it was a poisonous snake and moved one drawer down. “Jane?”
“One more,” she said. Her voice sounded stronger, and he thought she might possibly be laughing at him.
He sighed in relief when he found a pair of wool hiking socks. As he replaced the drawers, his mind flitted back to a beautiful spring day when he and Jane had hiked in the Smokies. They’d laughed and talked, and at the top of a steep incline, they had simply paused to savor the view.
His chest tightened as awareness slammed into him of how much he had missed those fun-filled times with Jane. She was easy to be with, and he had always felt comfortable and relaxed around her.
But somehow... not today.
Janice is kindly offering up the pictured set of "conversation heart" guest soaps for giveaway here! Aren't they the cutest? Conversation hearts play a part in HOT MAIL, so these are perfect as a prize!
I'm celebrating with some goodies from the "Go Red" store on the American Heart Association website, to raise awareness for women's heart health. One winner will receive a make-up bag, a Go Red! pen, and red dress pin, and there will be some other goodies tucked inside. Four additional winners will receive pens and pins.
To be entered for the prizes, all you have to do is ask Janice a question! Don't be shy, she'll answer them all! Well, unless it's just too private, in which case you'll get a "No Comment!" Can't think of a question or someone else already asked your question? Just leave a comment for Janice, tell her which of her books are your favorite, which of her heroes you think is the yummiest, etc.
Thanks bunches for stopping - and please send your friends - the more the merrier when there's a party, right?
Laurie
Monday, February 09, 2009
Jill's winners announced - a tad late
I apologize for not making the announcement on Saturday. We were on the go a good deal of the weekend and I simply forgot.
Jill's winners are CHRISTA and DENA! Please send your mailing into to me at ljodamron@gmail.com (by Thursday) and let me know if you prefer a reprint of Aussie Rules or Get a Clue, or if you would prefer another backlist title. If you prefer something from Jill's backlist, you should probably give two or three titles so we're not going back and forth if your first choice isn't available.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and special thanks to Jill for the giveaway! I hope everyone has a great week!
Laurie
Jill's winners are CHRISTA and DENA! Please send your mailing into to me at ljodamron@gmail.com (by Thursday) and let me know if you prefer a reprint of Aussie Rules or Get a Clue, or if you would prefer another backlist title. If you prefer something from Jill's backlist, you should probably give two or three titles so we're not going back and forth if your first choice isn't available.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and special thanks to Jill for the giveaway! I hope everyone has a great week!
Laurie
Friday, February 06, 2009
Janice Maynard's HOT MAIL
I've read every book by Janice Maynard and loved them all, but I truly think she’s written my favorite with HOT MAIL. Janice is sweeter than a box of Valentine candy and will be here on Tuesday, February 10 as a guest blogger! I hope you'll all stop by and say hello. We’ll post an excerpt on Tuesday to tempt you, but in the meantime I’ve posted a review below. Oh, and did I mention there will be prizes? I'll be offering up some little goodies from the Go Red (for women's heart health) store - a make-up bag, some Go Red pens and some red dress pins.
A blurb:
Jane has wanted Ethan for years but has never found a way to tell him. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, she decides to seduce him by sending anonymous erotic valentines every Friday until the big day. Then she’ll finally reveal her true feelings— and wildest desires.
But when her stationery store is vandalized, it’s Ethan who comes to her rescue—and the sparks start flying way ahead of schedule. Now Jane and her erotic alter ego are competing for Ethan’s affections— and the results couldn’t be hotter.
My review:
Jane and Ethan have known each other for more than half their lives; Jane has loved Ethan for several of those those years. They were best friends until Ethan secretly became engaged to someone else, and although that engagement was soon broken, Jane's tender heart and their friendship were both crushed. Jane finally decides that she’s waited long enough to make her feelings known and begins anonymously sending sexy valentines to Ethan. He is immediately intrigued by the suggestive poems, but when Jane’s paper/stationery shop becomes the target of a vandal, Ethan, as assistant police chief, focuses all of his attention on Jane and her safety. When the vandalism continues and the threat appears to be escalating, Ethan insists on sticking close, but Jane wants him for more than just her protector. It isn’t long before the two become involved, and Jane thinks her wishes may finally be coming true. Until, that is, Ethan's reaction to the naughty valentines isn't quite what Jane was hoping for.
Ethan, being your typical male, never quite understood what happened between him and Jane. All he knows is that he has desperately missed her friendship and even more so, her companionship. When he thinks that Jane is in danger, he becomes nearly obsessed with keeping her safe and soon realizes that his feelings for Jane run much deeper than he ever realized and his intentions quickly turn romantic. Ethan has decided that he wants a future with Jane, but the intrigue of the seductress sending him secret valentines is a frequent niggle in the back of his mind.
Jane and Ethan are both very likable characters. Janice Maynard has written them in such a way that they seem incredibly real and instantly familiar. There’s a good mix of sweet and sexy in HOT MAIL, typical of all of Janice’s books, and secondary romance of Ethan's sister is an equally sweet bonus. I give this book the highest of recommendations to all contemporary romance lovers. Not as blatantly erotic as Janice’s “Elizabeth Scott” works, HOT MAIL is plenty satisfying.Pop on over to Amazon for more information - and to order copies for yourself and a friend. I personally think this would make a great little Valentine's Day gift for a best friend - just look at that beautiful cover!
Janice, thank you so much for allowing me to read and review HOT MAIL for you – Jane and Ethan quickly became my favorites of all of your characters!
Laurie
A blurb:
Jane has wanted Ethan for years but has never found a way to tell him. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, she decides to seduce him by sending anonymous erotic valentines every Friday until the big day. Then she’ll finally reveal her true feelings— and wildest desires.
But when her stationery store is vandalized, it’s Ethan who comes to her rescue—and the sparks start flying way ahead of schedule. Now Jane and her erotic alter ego are competing for Ethan’s affections— and the results couldn’t be hotter.
My review:
Jane and Ethan have known each other for more than half their lives; Jane has loved Ethan for several of those those years. They were best friends until Ethan secretly became engaged to someone else, and although that engagement was soon broken, Jane's tender heart and their friendship were both crushed. Jane finally decides that she’s waited long enough to make her feelings known and begins anonymously sending sexy valentines to Ethan. He is immediately intrigued by the suggestive poems, but when Jane’s paper/stationery shop becomes the target of a vandal, Ethan, as assistant police chief, focuses all of his attention on Jane and her safety. When the vandalism continues and the threat appears to be escalating, Ethan insists on sticking close, but Jane wants him for more than just her protector. It isn’t long before the two become involved, and Jane thinks her wishes may finally be coming true. Until, that is, Ethan's reaction to the naughty valentines isn't quite what Jane was hoping for.
Ethan, being your typical male, never quite understood what happened between him and Jane. All he knows is that he has desperately missed her friendship and even more so, her companionship. When he thinks that Jane is in danger, he becomes nearly obsessed with keeping her safe and soon realizes that his feelings for Jane run much deeper than he ever realized and his intentions quickly turn romantic. Ethan has decided that he wants a future with Jane, but the intrigue of the seductress sending him secret valentines is a frequent niggle in the back of his mind.
Jane and Ethan are both very likable characters. Janice Maynard has written them in such a way that they seem incredibly real and instantly familiar. There’s a good mix of sweet and sexy in HOT MAIL, typical of all of Janice’s books, and secondary romance of Ethan's sister is an equally sweet bonus. I give this book the highest of recommendations to all contemporary romance lovers. Not as blatantly erotic as Janice’s “Elizabeth Scott” works, HOT MAIL is plenty satisfying.Pop on over to Amazon for more information - and to order copies for yourself and a friend. I personally think this would make a great little Valentine's Day gift for a best friend - just look at that beautiful cover!
Janice, thank you so much for allowing me to read and review HOT MAIL for you – Jane and Ethan quickly became my favorites of all of your characters!
Laurie
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
LORI'S WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
The winner of the MY MAN, MICHAEL arc is Lori T.!
The winner of MY MAN, MICHAEL is Susan!
Congratulations, ladies! Please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing info by Friday, Feb. 6.
Thanks to everyone who commented - Lori and I both very much appreciate it!
Laurie
The winner of MY MAN, MICHAEL is Susan!
Congratulations, ladies! Please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing info by Friday, Feb. 6.
Thanks to everyone who commented - Lori and I both very much appreciate it!
Laurie
Monday, February 02, 2009
INSTANT ATTRACTION - a new release from Jill Shalvis - she's giving away books!
The latest release for Jill Shalvis is now available in bookstores and your favorite online booksellers! I've posted some info in the shape of a blurb and review. I hope you'll check them out and then read on to find out how to win a book from Jill!
INSTANT ATTRACTION is
The first in a sensational new series, Jill Shalvis introduces Cameron, Stone, and T.J. Wilder– three bad-boy heroes who effortlessly mix breathtaking adventure and scorching sex appeal…
GET WILD…AND THEN GET WILDER…
Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl- working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that– and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed– that part defies explanation…
After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he’s ever felt - and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end.
My review:
After surviving a horrendous accident that nearly took her life, Katie Kramer decides that it's time to make some changes and take charge of her life and her future. Deciding to take a temporary bookkeeping job for an outdoor adventure business in the Sierras, she's pleased with her decision. Until, that is, one of the owners of the business arrives unannounced in the night, demanding to know why she's in his bed. Despite this initial misunderstanding, sparks fly between Katie and former snowboard champion Cameron Wilder and she soon finds herself in the middle of her very own fast-paced, wild adventure.
Cameron Wilder suffered a career-ending injury and is struggling with constant pain and a near addiction to pain meds. Having been estranged from his family for several months, his homecoming was a welcome surprise for everyone. Even more unexpected than his return is his instant attraction to Katie. He typically prefers low-intelligence snow bunnies, not smart, sensible, sweet girls like Katie Kramer. His family at Wilder Adventures repeatedly remind Cameron that employees are off-limits to the owners but Cameron can't help himself. He figures they're both adults, they both know that Katie's position is temporary, and when the time comes they'll simply move on. But that plan proves to be less than perfect when it's time for Katie to leave.
Jill Shalvis writes with great emotion and has a real talent for injecting just the right amount of humor at just the right time. Cameron and Katie are irresistible. Both are slightly damaged and more than a little vulnerable - imperfect enough to be perfect for each other. Secondary characters with their own stories are an added bonus to the story. I highly recommend this book to all contemporary romance lovers. If you've enjoyed Jill's books in the past, you're going to love this one! If you're new to Jill's work, this is the first book in a fun new series - there's no better place to start!
Interested in the giveaway? I thought so! Jill is giving away a copy of the reprint of Aussie Rules or Get a Clue to two lucky winners - or a backlist choice if the winners prefer. Go to her website and look around - come back and tell us about something you saw there - a recent blog topic, an upcoming release, a great cover, etc. and you'll be entered. I'll draw winning names on Saturday, February 7th.
Tempted? I hope so! I'll help you out - click your way over to Amazon to get your copy!
Thanks for allowing me to review INSTANT ATTRACTION for you, Jill, and thanks to everyone for taking the time to check it out!
Laurie
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