WINNERS!!

Lots of winners!  I've chosen my two winners and they are KIM H and LYNN R!  Congratulations, ladies!

Local author Donna MacMeans has kindly offered one of my readers here an autographed copy of her book, REDEEMING THE ROGUE.  The winner of that book is VIRGINIA. Thank you so very much, Donna, and congratulations to Virginia!

I need for Kim, Lynn, and Virginia to please email their mailing information to me at ljodamron@gmail.com .  I will get the books Kim and Lynn requested at the booksigning tomorrow evening. Donna MacMeans is unable to attend the booksigning and will be mailing Virginia's book directly.

Thank you all for joining in the fun.  Please check back over the weekend as I'll be making an announcement where two more of you will win books! Those winners haven't been drawn yet and I can't say right now just what books will be involved.

Laurie
xo

Giveaway - autographed book of your choice!

This Friday (9/30), there is a booksigning as part of the COFW (Central Ohio Fiction Writers) annual conference in Worthington, just a few miles down the road from me.  I'm planning to go and wanted to tie-in a little blog contest for fun.
This is an easy one, but please read the entire post - check out the author websites below and leave a comment below with the author name and a couple of books you would like to have autographed to you. Obviously, you will need to provide your name for a personalized autograph. I will buy one book for each of two winners. I'm asking for at least two titles from all commenters to ensure availability - please provide titles in order of preference. I will draw the two names on Thursday evening. Please only enter this contest if you intend to check back to see if you've won. Winners will have to provide me with their mailing information and to be blunt, I do not want to be "stuck" with books requested by and autographed to, someone else. DO NOT post your mailing information here - you can provide it to me directly at ljodamron@gmail.com if you see that you are a winner.
Please note that the last two authors on the list do not have a website provided because I was unable to locate them.  Feel free to search independently and let me know if you're interested in one of their titles.

Brenda Novak            http://www.brendanovak.com/
Joanne Rock               http://www.joannerock.com/
Catherine Mann         http://www.catherinemann.com/
Karen Harper             http://www.karenharperauthor.com/index.html
Susan Gee Heino       http://www.susangh.com/
Jamie Denton             http://www.jamiedenton.net/
Jules Bennett             http://www.julesbennett.com/
Becky Barker             http://www.beckybarker.com/
Karin Shah                 http://unellfamily.com/Karin/index.html
Barbara Weitz            http://barbaraweitz.com/
Sandy-Wickersham McWhorter     http://www.sandywick.com/
Lisa Cooke                                      http://www.lisahistoricals.com/
Elysa Hendricks                              http://www.elysahendricks.com/
Margie Powers    
Carole Pretty

Good luck, everyone!
Laurie

Curiosity has gotten the better of me!

Hey ladies,

I have a question for you.  So many authors have books that rerelease these days - usually the only thing new is the cover.  I get very upset when I buy a book that I've already read, don't you?  Most (but not all) authors attempt to make it clear, but I think publishers and booksellers could do a better job of informing readers. Yes, I realize that booksellers are only interested in doing what their name implies, but I still feel ripped off.  I don't buy on impulse these days as much as I used to, but still don't like feeling that I need to doublecheck whether a "new" release is really a rerelease. If I buy a book that's a rerelease, that leaves me with fewer dollars to purchase a release that is truly "new."
What do you think? How many times have you bought a book that you already have a copy of? Does it make you angry?  I imagine with the popularity of ereaders these days, there are more and more of us purchasing Kindle or Nook versions of books we may have forgotten about on our bookshelves.  There are some authors that I'll buy on Kindle because I can then donate print versions of their books to the library and clear out some bookshelf space, but I prefer that decision be mine to make; not because I've forgotten about an earlier version of the book.
I hope everyone's week is off to a great start! I'll be announcing a fun new contest in a couple of days, so please stay tuned! Something a little different that I think will be fun - hope you agree!
Laurie

Cherry Adair's

Cherry Adair has an exciting new series, Cutter Cay, and I was fortunate enough to get a copy of RIPTIDE (third in the series) for Romance Junkies review. I immediately fell in love the the characters and found it difficult to tear myself away from the book, but then I had the "last page blues." You know the feeling, when you're excited and itchy for the happy ending, but then once you're there, it's just so over. It's almost sad sometimes, no? I gave the book a rating of 5 Blue Ribbons, the highest possible at Romance Junkies.

About the book:
Princess Bria Visconti demands the return of the money her brother rashly invested in Cutter Salvage. Treasure hunter Nick Cutter is too reckless, too arrogant—and far too handsome—for his own good. But he can’t charm his way out of this one. Bria plans to make Nick pay up even if she has to board his boat, don a wet suit, and dive for the treasure herself…
Nick sees Bria as a beautiful but spoiled princess who’s never done a day’s work in her pampered life. But once they set sail for the dive site, and the legendary fortune in gold the wreck carries, Nick begins to see Bria in a new light. This princess may be out of her depth, but she’s ready to take on the hidden danger and excitement a treasure hunt stirs to the surface. Together they must fight unexpected enemies—and reveal their darkest secrets—before they’re pulled into a rip current of danger.

My review:
Second in the Cutter Cay trilogy, RIPTIDE tells the story of sunken treasure hunter Nick Cutter and the beautiful Princess Gabriella Visconti. Dark dangers lurk above and below the water in yet another heartwarming, pulse-pounding romantic suspense from Cherry Adair.When Princess Gabriella Visconti marches onto Nick Cutter's state of the art salvage ship demanding return of the money her reckless brother, the king, invested in Nick's current dive, she refuses to leave without it. When her helicopter taxi leaves the ship without her, she is at Nick's mercy. Despite being a princess, Bria did not grow up as royalty. Her parents were killed in a takeover when she was very small and she was whisked away to safety by her bodyguard who became a father figure to her. Now the tables have turned, her bodyguard is gone, and when her little kingdom faces immediate financial ruin because of her brother's investment, she takes it upon herself to see their people taken care of. Nick's explanation that the money has been invested in the dive and cannot be refunded until after the dive, at a significant gain, leaves Bria with no alternative but to leave. When she is brutally attacked on his ship on her last night there, he refuses to let her leave without him and personally takes her to her homeland where threats against her only escalate.
Nick Cutter has no place in his life for princesses, real or not. That is, until Gabriella Visconti strutted her gorgeousness onto his ship. She exudes feminine sexuality without effort and try as Nick may, he can't fight an incredibly intense attraction. Bria is strong and self-assured on the outside, but it doesn't take long before Nick realizes a tender vulnerability about her that he is determined to protect. It isn't long before Bria has Nick realizing that she does have a place in his life, and it's deep-down in his heart.
Cherry Adair has long been one of my absolute favorite authors and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this latest release. The things readers want in a romantic suspense are contained within the pages of this book. The unspoken heat and attraction between these two characters is wonderfully written. Sensuality, mystery, searing passion, gentle strength, there's not a thing missing. Nick's attraction to Bria was instantaneous, but his fall for her was slow and steady, a real work of art and fascinating to witness. The suspense is just as intense and will literally put you on the edge of your seat at times. The appearance of a totally unexpected character was a bonus of sorts, and makes me especially anxious for the next book to see what happens to him. I can't give RIPTIDE a strong enough recommendation. Ms. Adair has given readers everything they expect, and deserve, in their romantic suspense!

The giveaway: I'll give one lucky commenter a Kindle copy of any one of the (already released) books in the Cutter Cay series. Remember, you do not have to have a Kindle to read the Kindle version of a book. Amazon offers several different ways to enjoy Kindle books. All you have to do is leave a comment. I'd like to hear whether you've read Cherry Adair's books - do you have a favorite? Favorite character(s)? If you haven't read Ms. Adair, that's fine, just tell us which book, cover, blurb, or excerpt you find most intriguing on her website. My long-time favorite is KISS AND TELL, followed closely by RIPTIDE. I've very much enjoyed every single one of her books, but those are my faves. I was fortunate enough to meet Cherry Adair a few years back when a multi-author WalMart bus tour came through central Ohio and one of the stops was a few miles from my home. I was able to chat briefly with her and get my dog-eared copy of KISS AND TELL autographed. She was very sweet and I wished we'd had more time to visit! I'll draw the winner on Saturday, September 17th, so be sure to check back. Good luck to you all!
Thanks for checking out RIPTIDE!
Laurie

New from author Regina Hart, FAST BREAK - there's a giveaway!

Regina Hart (aka Patricia Sargeant) sent me a copy of FAST BREAK some time ago - my apologies, Patricia, for being so very late with my review.  If you've met Patricia, you know that she is an absolute doll, undoubtedly one of the kindest people I've ever known, which makes me even more ashamed of being so late. The only time I've ever witnessed her not-so-gentle side is when she talks sports!
Blurb for FAST BREAK:
It’s 24/7 money, fame, and game on—and off—the court. But the real action is behind the scenes in Regina Hart’s sizzling new pro b-ball series, where the stakes are everything and winning means playing for keeps.
He’s a two-time MVP and three-time championship winner. He lives to be the best. And now that he’s a first-time coach, DeMarcus Guinn will lead the NBA’s worst team to the top his way—or no way at all. But the team’s fiery franchise owner, Jaclyn Jones, is fighting him at every turn. And their unexpectedly seductive one-on-one is the kind of game time he can’t resist.
Turning her family’s team into winners is Jaclyn’s only hope of saving them and her community. She’s used to being in control, but DeMarcus’ determination—and the way he makes her feel—are like no moves she’s ever seen. And with everything they care about on the line, they’ll have to play to win … or lose their hearts.

You'll find an excerpt and ordering information HERE - please go check it out!
My review:
The Brooklyn Monarchs are in last place in the NBA.  Majority owner Jaclyn Jones isn't completely pleased with the new coach of the Monarchs, DeMarcus Guinn, but is nevertheless counting on him to turn the team around.  As if that wasn't enough, her co-owners are as determined to move the team out of Brooklyn as Jaclyn is to keep them there. Add to all of that the losing battle she's having with her attraction to Marc, and Jaclyn is one very frustrated young woman.
The position of head coach is new to Marc and proves to be much more difficult than he could ever have anticipated, but quitting is not an option to the success-driven coach.  He is undeniably interested in his new boss and while he knows he should keep things strictly professional, he's at a loss as to just how to ignore his growing attraction.
Regina Hart is the alter ego of successfully talented author, Patricia Sargeant. FAST BREAK is the first book of a new series by Ms. Hart that promises to be enjoyed and appreciated by romance readers.  Jaclyn Jones is a strongly independent business woman and while oftentimes women written in this position are disliked because their determination to lead and rule can make them seem bitchy and cold, that isn't the case here. Jacklyn remains likeable throughout.  Basketball has been very good to Marc and he's nervously excited at the prospect of coaching, and hopefully turning around, the Monarchs.  Ms. Hart knows her basketball and it shows in this book like a finely executed play.  I give FAST BREAK a strong recommendation and hope that readers who aren't familiar with Regina Hart will give her work a try.
I am going to give one lucky reader a Kindle copy of FAST BREAK to get you ready for the next release in this fabulous series, SMOOTH PLAY, coming in January, 2012. Remember, you don't need a Kindle to read a Kindle version of a book. There are so many options available for reading on your iPod, phone, PC, etc.   All commenters will be entered in the draw. Tell us what sports romances are your favorite.  Are you a b-ball fan like Regina?  I have to admit that hockey is my favorite sport, especially our local team the Columbus Blue Jackets, but I also like football and baseball - I guess I enjoy a good romance written around any sport! You know how this works - tell a friend and if they mention your name in their comment, you'll be entered an extra time for each friend who mentions you - so get out there and tell your friends!!  I'll draw a winning name this Friday the 16th.  Good luck!
Thanks so much, Regina/Patricia, for allowing me to read and review FAST BREAK for you.
Have a great week, everyone!
Laurie

Stay tuned!

Hey ladies!

I hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start!  Anyone have exciting plans?  I'm working out tomorrow morning and other than that, have no plans.  I love weekends when we have nothing going on and can take it easy. The weekend goes so much quicker when we're busy, and then I'm back at work before I know it.
I'm hoping to have two new reviews posted sometime this weekend, and both will have book giveaways.  If you're a fan of Cherry Adair and Regina Hart (Patricia Sargeant), you'll want to get your name in both of these drawings.
See you soon!
Laurie

WINNER(S)!!

My apologies for being late. We went to Lindsay and Justin's for dinner last night and got home a little late.
Did you notice I said winners - as in plural?  That's right!  I've decided to give another copy of THE EDGE OF NIGHT that I have. I have a copy that is autographed to me, but because I've gotten a copy for my Kindle, I've decided to let one of you have it. It will still read the same despite the fact that it has been read and has my name in it, trust me!  I went to randomizer and the winners chosen are KARA and KRISGILS33  - congratulations, ladies!  Please email your mailing information to me at ljodamron@gmail.com by this Friday and I'll get those books in the mail to you.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest.  I'll have another contest, possibly two, that will be announced by the end of this week, meaning two more books to give away!  Please be sure to stop back!
I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday weekend.  Did anyone do anything especially fun?  My boss gave us his OSU tickets for Saturday's game and while we sweat buckets, we enjoyed the game. Today is totally opposite of Saturday and it's downright chilly out there. I think the high is predicted to be in the high 60s.  That's sweatshirt weather!
Thanks again,
Laurie