Looking for Karen's winners!

Karen Kelley hasn't heard from all of her winners - Simone, Barbara (from FL) or housemouse88 - please get in touch with Karen at kkelley@classicnet.net right away so she can get your books in the mail! Thanks!

Thanks again, Karen!
Laurie

ONE RECKLESS SUMMER from Toni Blake!

Toni Blake has a new release, ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, and it's available - now! What a great cover for summer reading, don't you think? Toni's characters are always the type of young woman that most women want to be - beautiful, intelligent, with good girl innocence written all over them. Until they find the right man, that is, and then they're as sensual and seductive as warm satin. And then there's the cute little nicknames that their guys always give them - Snowflake (ok, so this was in a Lacey book, not a Toni book), Pussycat, Cupcake, Kitten, etc. Do any of you have a snappy or cute nickname? Do you know what my hub calls me? Puss. Not pussycat like Jenny in ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, just plain Puss. We've been married almost 30 years and I've been called Honey and Babe (and probably a couple of others behind my back), but mostly Puss. Toni's "guys" are always so dreamy - the hero's name in ONE RECKLESS SUMMER is Mick - I don't know about you gals, but every guy I've known named Mick was a bad boy. With the exception of one, and I'm pretty certain his mother meant to call him "Milque" (as in "toast") rather than Mick. Surely there was a typo on the birth certificate. Poor guy.
Here's a blurb:
The perfect daughter. The perfect prom queen. The perfect wife. Jenny Tolliver’s been the good girl all her life, and it’s gotten her nowhere. Now that her marriage has been busted up by her cheating ex, she’s decided it’s time to regroup and rediscover herself. This summer she’s headed back to her hometown of Destiny, Ohio, to the very lakeshore cottage where she grew up, to figure out what life holds in store for her next.
She never dreamed the answer would be Mick Brody, Destiny’s #1 hellraiser. He comes from the wrong side of the tracks (or in his case, the lake), and he’s landed in hot water more times than he can count. He’s exactly the kind of guy Jenny’s always kept her distance from … but soon the good girl and the bad boy are caught in a raw heat that’s out of control. Too bad Mick’s got a secret that threatens to tear them apart and ruin Jenny’s perfectly, passionately reckless summer …
And you'll find even more here about ONE RECKLESS SUMMER including a video, a great excerpt, review snippets and a link to order.
Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie

Give a warm welcome to Karen Kelley!

My special guest today is Karen Kelley! Karen is celebrating the release of her latest romance, HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN.
We're going to have a great time today with questions and answers, girl talk, and knowing Karen, an abundance of laughs! So don't be shy, ok? Karen is offering up some great prizes - two copies each of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE SEXY KIND (new mass market release) and HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN - woohoo!
Let's get the party started with questions, comments, and chatter about Karen's books. If you haven't read any of Karen's work, that's fine - this will be a fun introduction!
I'm at work today, but will pop in as often as possible.
Welcome, Karen!

Let us not forget

This Memorial Day, let's remember the true reason behind the holiday. It isn't just a day off work or the beginning of summer barbecues and days at the pool. Thank a veteran. If there's a parade or memorial service in your community, please, I'm begging you, go to it. Show your appreciation to the men and women who risked their lives and lost friends and loved ones in the defense of our wonderful country.
Our community had a parade and a memorial service yesterday and it was so poorly attended that it was just plain sad. Besides the veterans that were there, I don't think there was more than a dozen of us in attendance.
I'm remembering my father today, who died 31 years ago. He was a Korean War Navy vet and I miss him terribly.

Running with Quills - you're invited!

I'm guest blogging at Running with Quills today - please don't leave me there all by myself! Pop over and say hello!
Have a terrific weekend!
Laurie

HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN - Karen Kelley tells us how!

Karen Kelley has a new book, HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN, coming out in just a few days and I couldn't be more excited for her! Readers are going to adore Nikki and Cal.

Here's a blurb:
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...
Karen's website has ordering information, a cool video and an excerpt, so be sure to check it out.
Here's a little review from me:
Reporter Nikki Scott resents being sent by her editor to gather information for a fluff piece on football star Cal Braxton and his recent broken engagement. She makes a reservation for a week at Cal’s brother’s dude ranch since Cal is hanging out there. Nikki is known as “The Barracuda” and she’s certain that she’ll be able to charm her way to the truth without even trying. Upon arrival at the ranch, Cal puts her in an old cabin that clearly hasn’t been inhabited by anyone for an incredibly long time. Since Nikki lied about the true reason behind her visit, she plays along. When an undeniable attraction develops, Nikki continues her deception, not knowing that Cal is on to her and knows exactly why she’s there.
Cal can’t help but be attracted to Nikki, but knowing that she’s just another nosey reporter, he decides to turn the tables on her a bit and give her an extreme ranch experience. Just as Nikki wasn’t counting on rougher than rough accommodations that include an outhouse, pumped water and a woodstove, Cal wasn’t counting on falling head over heels for Nikki. Oh, and neither of them was counting on a ghost showing up for a surprise visit.
Karen Kelley isn’t just an author, she’s an entertainer. Her books are always a bright spot for me, comedic without being ridiculous or cheesy. The lightheartedness is consistently tempered with just the right amount of passion, sensuality, and sweetness to please every romance reader. I'm confident that readers will fall in love with Nikki and Cal. Nikki isn’t nearly as threatening as her nickname suggests, and while Cal may think he’s doling out tough love to teach her a lesson, they’re both getting a lesson - in love.

Now for the fun stuff! Karen is going to be the guest blogger here on Tuesday, May 26th. There will be Q&A, chatter about Karen's books, characters, and her upcoming works. And maybe, just maybe, she'll let us in on how she seduced her own Texan, long-time hubby and best friend, Karl! It wouldn't be a party without prizes, now would it? Karen will be offering up two copies each of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE SEXY KIND and HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN - pretty sweet, right? Thanks, Karen! I'm looking forward to Tuesday!
Laurie

Lisa's winner is . . .

JANE! Congratulations! Please contact me with your mailing info at ljodamron@gmail.com so I can get your book in the mail.
Thanks to everyone who entered. Look for more contests, guest bloggers Karen Kelley and Karin Tabke, reviews for Karen Kelley's HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN, Sasha White's MOST WANTED, Lori Foster's TAILS OF LOVE (I'll have an autographed copy for giveaway after Lori's Get Together in June), and INSTANT GRATIFICATION by Jill Shalvis (with a contest).
Laurie

STAMP OUT HUNGER DAY

Hey guys, it's Stamp Out Hunger Day - don't forget to put a bag of non-perishables by the mailbox for the postman to pick up!! Remember to check the expiration dates!
Laurie

CAPTIVE OF THE BEAST, the latest from Lisa Renee Jones

Lisa Renee Jones has a new book in her extremely popular "Beast" series available. CAPTIVE OF THE BEAST has my favorite cover of the series - isn't it gorgeous? Regrettably, because of other review obligations I won't have time to read my copy until June.
eHarlequin had some great deals (they might still be running, I don't know) and I decided to buy two copies and do a giveaway with one. I consider Lisa a dear friend and want to grab a little extra attention for her work, and you all are so wonderful about checking out the authors that are chatted about here (and I thank you for that), so it's a win-win situation!
If you're interested, as you very well should be, leave a little flattery for Lisa and you'll be entered! You can talk about her website, her blog, her backlist, favorite book, etc. Pretty simple, right?
I'll let this one run until Wednesday, May 15. If you don't win, I hope you'll run out and grab a copy. Personally, I think in today's economy that books, especially series romance, pack a fair amount of punch for the money - and they're fairly easy to get your hands on.
Check out Romantic Times' 4 star review:
CAPTIVE OF THE BEAST (4) by Lisa Renee Jones: After Dr. Laura Johnson develops a vaccine to help a group of young people control their special abilities, she’s held captive on the island where she works. The evildoer is a pawn of the Darkland Beasts, evil demons out to control the world. Knights of White William Rinehart and his team are sent to the small island on a rescue mission. Unfortunately, Laura’s evil boss realizes what’s happening, and one of Rinehart’s own team is left behind on the island. Jones’ story is an exciting continuation of the Knights of White series. Her strong writing and solid story will have fans eager for the next installment.— 4 Stars, Romantic Times BOOKreviews
Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie

2009 Reader and Author Get Together

It’s that time again – Lori Foster and Dianne Castell are having their Reader and Author Get Together in the Cincinnati area the weekend of June 5-7. The registration fee is minimal for the entire weekend at $50. This includes a pizza dinner on Friday night, continental-type breakfast Saturday morning, lunch and dinner on Saturday. You’re on your own for Sunday morning breakfast, and can join friends at the hotel restaurant, which is always very good, or go to one of the area restaurants. Several of the authors have sign-up sheets available for readers to join them for Sunday breakfast. The Marriott (which is absolutely gorgeous) has a special rate of $105/night for the weekend.
There will be a used book trade (tickets in exchange for turned in books which are then used to shop for the traded books of others), a book fair and signing, dozens of raffle baskets, and I will once again be taking tangible and monetary (for shopping and shipping) collections for the troops. I will have a raffle for prizes for two lucky troop donors. I know you probably are tired of hearing this, but we have shipped over 900 pounds to the troops over the past five years, thanks to the generosity of those in the romance community - what a great feeling!
Several charities (listed at the link above) will benefit from the raffles and a portion of the book fair proceeds.
There are 90+ authors signed up, and while I’ll admit that I’m not familiar with many of them, there will be several well-known and much-loved authors in attendance. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable and there is an abundance of time to meet and visit with authors and to catch up with your friends. Some of my favorite people in the world are women that I only see once at year at this event; I can’t wait to see them again!
If you’re interested, please note that time is running out for registration – May 19 is the last day to register. Click on the link above for registration information, events planned for the weekend, and to see which of your favorite authors will be in attendance.
Feel free to email me directly at ljodamron@gmail.com should you have questions. Any authors who cannot attend but would like to have your promo items included in attendee goodie bags, please feel free to contact me about taking them for you.
I hope you'll consider attending!
Laurie

NOT TO MISS!

I've compiled a list of books that I think shouldn't be missed, or that I'm very much anticipating. Some of these are already available, some are releasing this week, some later this month, and some next month. I've read all of these authors, loved them, and I hope you'll check them - and then dish about what new or upcoming releases you're excited about.
NO LIMITS by Alison Kent (review below) Sheer excellence!
HARD AND FAST by Erin McCarthy (review below) Erin writes sexy and steamy as few can.
WITH A TWIST by Deirdre Martin (review below) Always fun and emotional.
UNDER FIRE by Jo Davis - my copy is on its way from Amazon and I can't wait to read it! This firefighter series is off to an excellent start!
CAPTIVE OF THE BEAST by Lisa Renee Jones - my copy is on its way from eHarlequin - I've ordered an extra copy and will be doing a giveaway, so check back for that!
TRUE LOVE AND OTHER DISASTERS by Rachel Gibson - I've never missed a single book by Rachel Gibson and never fail to fall in love with each one!
WILD HEAT by Bella Andre - this one is also winging its way from Amazon and is guaranteed to be full of sultry goodness!
RIDING ON INSTINCT by Jaci Burton - another one coming from Amazon. I've read several of Jaci Burton's books and always enjoy her work.
NAUTI INTENTIONS by Lora Leigh - I don't read any of Lora Leigh's paranormals, but do like her contemporaries a bunch.
HER MOTHER'S KILLER by Melissa Schroeder - I can't wait for this one. Melissa is one author that deserves to be read and loved by every romance reader out there - I'm confident she'll be widely known very soon.
HOW TO SEDUCE A TEXAN by Karen Kelley - I'm reading this one now, still on the first chapter though. Karen will be doing a guest blog here around the end of the month and there will be prizes, so keep an eye out. Anytime Karen's around, a good time is guaranteed!
MASTER OF CRAVING by Karin Tabke - coming later this month and I'm sooo looking forward to it! Maybe I'll be able to get Karin to hang out for a day to celebrate her latest "Master" book with us!
THE TYCOON'S REBEL BRIDE by Maya Banks - Follows THE TYCOON'S PREGNANT MISTRESS, which I absolutely adored. I can't wait for this one or the next one that comes out in October, I believe.

These definitely aren't all of the great books that are coming soon and I hope I haven't left anyone out. What are you reading now? Any great books that you'd like to recommend? We want to know!
Laurie

Brenda Novak's Online Auction

It's going on now - Brenda Novak's Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research - take a few minutes and check out the items available. There's something for everyone, for sure, and what an excellent cause to support!
Thanks,
Laurie