ONE GOOD MAN, the latest from Alison Kent - I have two copies for giveaway!

Seeing how I'm home alone this evening, I had to draw my own winners. The winner of the autographed copy of ONE GOOD MAN is Maureen! The non-autographed winner is Laurie! Congrats, ladies! I know you've both been winners here before but I didn't keep your addresses - please email me with your mailing info at ljodamron@gmail.com by Thursday. Thanks to all who left comments - I loved hearing your Alison faves!
I hope everyone has a terrific week!


I don't have to tell those of you who are frequent visitors how much I adore Alison Kent. I like to think that I'm her biggest fan, but realize that saying so might have the rest of you who also love her sticking your tongues out or making nasty hand gestures at me! I was thrilled to get a copy of Alison's latest release, ONE GOOD MAN, and am excited that she included an autographed copy for giveaway here! I'm going to give away a copy too (no, it won't be autographed), so everyone has two chances to win.
Here's a little chatter about ONE GOOD MAN, starting with the blurb:
Ten years ago Jamie Danby was the only survivor of a senseless killing spree. Because the killer was never found, Jamie has lived her life in hiding, waiting for the worst. Now she's in danger again and she's not sure she can handle it. Until one sexy, rugged, gorgeous man strides into her life, determined to protect her at any cost!
Kell Harding is a Texas Ranger—and how! They don't make 'em tougher. Jamie soon finds out that they don't make 'em hotter either!
But Kell plans only to keep Jamie safe—not keep her forever. As soon as his assignment is done, so is he.
At least, that's what he thinks….

Did you guys see the ABC news feature on recession reading? It was an interesting look at the increased sales of romance despite the economic decline - proof that literary escape is good for the soul, right? Anyway, part of that report includes the photo shoot for ONE GOOD MAN - how cool is that? Go here to take a look at it.
Want even more? Alison has a great excerpt on her site - check it out here

My review:
Jamie Danby has spent the past ten years looking over her shoulder. As the sole survivor of an attack that left five of her co-workers dead and their attacker never caught, she has much to fear. The the case is brought to light again and Texas Ranger Kellen Harding steps up the investigation, Jamie reluctantly agrees to undergo forensic hypnosis in a hopeful search for missing clues about the attack.
When the killer reappears and Jamie's life is once again in danger, she realizes that she has a formidable source of protection on her side this time in Kell. While they both understood the risks involved, neither of them were expecting to fall so quickly, or so hard, for each other. Kell is determined to simply walk away once the case has been put to rest, but that's no easy task when Jamie's holding on to his heart.
Does anyone remember a long, long time ago, when "filmed in living color" was how many television shows were announced? Shall I age myself even more by announcing that I was 14 before we had color television at home? My kids can't believe that. I digress, sorry. Alison writes in a sort of living color - she doesn't simply tell you a story, it's as if you open the book and she takes your hand, encouraging you to step into the story. Every sound, smell, texture, and emotion become almost tangible. Jamie's fear is real enough at times that you can feel it in your gut, and Kell's determination is realized with an almost spine-tingling desperation.
I highly recommend ONE GOOD MAN and hope that you'll all be encouraged to check it out!

Here's a link to Amazon - they are shipping ONE GOOD MAN now and you might find it on the shelves of your favorite bookseller - if not now, then very soon.


Up next for Alison is WITH EXTREME PLEASURE, releasing around Thanksgiving. This features Kingdom Trahan who was introduced in NO LIMITS - he's a uniquely interesting character from the bayou and I have a feeling his story will be sultry and steamy; maybe even a little dirty. King is a strong character in NO LIMITS with an easy, laid back style, and I can't wait to see what Alison has in store for him! WITH EXTREME PLEASURE IS available for pre-order at Amazon for just $10.29.

ONLY SOMETHING THIS DANGEROUS…
After three weeks in Manhattan, Kingdom Trahan is ready to get back to bayous, crawfish boils, and afternoons fishing on the Gulf. But before he can pull out of the parking garage, he meets a curvy detour. King noticed Cady Kowalski on the photo shoot he just endured—sexy and confident, with a waifish look that belies the way she corralled him into submission using only a can of hairspray. Yet Cady isn’t confident now. She’s bruised, edgy, and desperate to get out of town…
COULD FEEL THIS GOOD…
For years, Cady has been looking over her shoulder, wondering when the gang of drug-running criminals who killed her brother would make their move on her. She’s grown used to having no one to turn to, no one to trust. But King isn’t walking away—not even when their lives are threatened, again and again. Drawing Cady’s pursuers out of hiding is the only way to end this, and it’s also the most reckless thing they can do…short of diving into a red-hot affair from which there’s no turning back…
For a bigger nibble, there's a great excerpt here.

Now for the giveaway. I'll draw two names on Monday, 8/31 (Happy Birthday, Alison!) Interested? Leave a comment and you'll be entered. I always love to hear what other readers' favorite "Alison" book is, favorite series, favorite character, etc. My favorite remains The Beach Alibi with Kelly John and Emma - sigh - if only it could have been longer! But there's Leo and Macy to consider too, and oh, who could possibly forget Sebastian and Erin? Maybe you'd rather tell us what you've recently read, what you're reading now, or what book(s) you're looking forward to - and that's good!
Thanks everyone for stopping by and special thanks to you, Alison, for allowing me to review this one for you - and for the extra copy for giveaway!

Laurie

NO LIMITS, coming soon from Alison Kent - there are books up for grabs!

The luckiest girl in the world. That’s me. At least that’s how I felt to get an arc of NO LIMITS from Alison Kent. I couldn’t wait to start it, didn’t want to put it down once I had started, and I certainly didn’t want it to end. I read when I should have been getting ready for work in the morning, I read after my lunch hour had ended, and I read when I should have been asleep. 6 a.m. rolls around especially early when you're reading until 1 a.m.! NO LIMITS will be available for purchase around the third week of April - I strongly recommend that you preorder your copy now.
Alison simply cannot write fast enough to suit me - raise your hand if you feel the same! You’ve witnessed my gushing about how much I love Alison’s work on several occasions, so for now I’ll just say that NO LIMITS kicks some serious ass. Fair warning, I reserve the right to gush in my review below!

The Heat is On . . .
Simon Baptiste’s latest SG-5 mission just went south in a major way. With his career on ice for awhile, it seems like a good time to take care of some business back home in Louisiana. Simon knows it ain’t going to be pretty. He’s got some old enemies in Bayou Allain who won’t exactly roll out the red carpet. But Simon’s first night back is more than he bargained for. Not only has the homestead gone to hell in a hand basket, but there’s a half-naked woman hiding inside it—a woman whose face Simon knows all too well. It’s Michelina Ferrer, the sultry spokesmodel for her family’s Ferrer fragrance empire—and Simon’s been staring at her picture on a billboard outside his Manhattan apartment for weeks…
And It’s Only Getting Hotter . . .
Micky Ferrer came down to Bayou Allain looking for her old college friend, only to discover that Lisa Landry has been missing for days. As soon as Micky starts asking questions around town, someone runs her car off the road. She’s hiding out in the old Baptiste place when Simon shows up—and he’s the hottest thing she’s laid eyes on since she got to town. Simon agrees that something strange is going on and that Lisa’s disappearance may be tied to it. As he and Micky search for answers, the sweltering heat makes it hard to keep their heads straight or their hands off each other…even as they unravel the small-town secrets that some people are willing to kill for…

Be sure to check out the great excerpt on Alison's site.
My review:
Simon Baptiste needs to take a break from his SG-5 duties and reluctantly decides that this would be a good time to go to Louisiana to check on his property in Bayou Allain. The same homestead that he abandoned to the care of a property manager several years ago. Leaving Manhattan and the billboard facing his apartment that stunningly advertises Ferrer fragrances for a while should go far in clearing his mind of the recent mission that had gone terribly wrong. Imagine Simon's shock when he walks into his house to find a beautiful woman wearing nothing but wading boots and a sheer bra, rinsing her clothes in his kitchen sink. Especially when the woman turns out to be Michelina "Micky" Ferrer, the model he has secretly admired since the billboard went up across from his apartment. His surprise is nothing compared to the shock on her face though, and he immediately senses her terror. Learning the reason behind her unexpected visit to Bayou Allain, and the people behind the reason, he realizes that she has good reason to be frightened.
When Micky Ferrer wakes up in her Manhattan bedroom after yet another night of hard partying and questionable behavior, she decides to leave town for a while to escape the disappointment, albeit justified, of her famous family. Her long-time friend, Lisa, has repeatedly invited her to visit her home in Bayou Allain, and having recently hinted at something troubling her, Micky decides to head to Louisiana to escape the tabloids and her family. Upon her arrival in the small bayou town, Micky is unable to locate Lisa and begins asking questions. Evidently she is asking the wrong questions of the wrong people because she soon finds herself forced off the road and barely escapes her rental car as it sinks into the murky waters of the swamp. Joining forces with Simon Baptiste seems a guaranty of her physical safety as they search for clues in Lisa's disappearance, but as the two begin to dig into the history of Simon's land and the tainted descent of Lisa's in-laws, connected secrets are brought to light and soon they're both faced with danger.
Alison Kent never delivers a book that's anything less than brilliant. Her characters are always uniquely sharp, dialogue is snappy, and readers are guaranteed an emotionally rich story with precise layering. Simon is a familiar character from previous SG-5 books, and Alison's telling of his story is definitely worth the wait. Micky is initially reminiscent of a real-life heiress whose risque exploits make her a paparazzi favorite, but it doesn't take long to realize that she is sharply intelligent, fiercely loyal, and the perfect match for Simon. I couldn't give this book a stronger recommendation, especially for readers who have read the previous releases in this series.
I'm hoping that by now you're anxious to get your hands on a copy of NO LIMITS. If so, why not pop on over to Amazon and toss a copy in your cart - and I'll bet you have at least one friend who would love to be surprised with a copy in a May Day basket!
THE CONTEST: Alison is generously offering two copies of NO LIMITS, and would like to see a little chatter from all of you about the most romantic book you've read recently. Feel free to include the most romantic book you've "ever" read. I have a copy of the JINGLE BELL ROCK anthology in trade format for giveaway too - Alison's contribution is titled A BLUE CHRISTMAS. This book isn't autographed, but it is brand spanking new and hey, if you only like holiday tales around the winter holidays, then put it up until fall/winter! If you want in on the draw, simply leave a comment - I'll draw the winning names on Thursday, April 9th. Remember to check back as I won't track you down! Good luck!
Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie

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:

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!

Laurie

Alison Kent's MAXIMUM EXPOSURE - she's giving away a copy here!

Alison Kent has a new book releasing soon - the latest in her SG-5 series, titled MAXIMUM EXPOSURE. The hero in this book is Finn McLain, who was introduced in DEEP BREATH. I don't know about you, but I would be thrilled if this series was known as SG-INFINITI! Anyway, I was extremely fortunate in getting an early peek at this one and have posted a review below. Alison has also been so kind as to offer a copy for giveaway here - those detatils are also below.
Check out the blurb -
Finn McLain is no stranger to unusual assignments. But the gorgeous stranger who just asked him to photograph her for an erotic art exhibit—that’s definitely a first. Finn came to Miami to dig into the personal life of boutique manager Roland Green for a lovesick gallery owner, and hadn’t planned on sticking around. But the boutique’s owner, Olivia Hammond, has just made him a proposal that’s as hard to ignore as Olivia herself. She’s got caramel-kissed skin, a body that makes grown men tremble, and a wild sideline as an exhibitionist. Ooookay. Yet despite her willingness to “let people look,” Finn’s convinced there’s a hell of a lot Olivia’s not revealing. And that’s the most intriguing prospect of all…
Olivia has never been shy about using her sexuality to get what she wants. But then, she’s never wanted a man quite the way she wants Finn. What he thinks about her shouldn’t matter, yet it does. Through every candid photograph and every heated encounter, Finn is getting closer, intent on getting beneath her shell—and for once, Olivia is tempted to let him. But first they have to contend with the fact that Finn’s simple investigation into Roland Green is getting dangerously complicated…and Olivia isn’t the only person in town who’s not what she claims to be.
In a city throbbing with sex appeal, two wary lovers are about to play the ultimate game of show and tell, where temptation is raw, wild, and hot enough to make you sizzle…

And if you really want to be tempted, here's a great excerpt.

My review:
Finn McLain is in Miami on a private investigation stint when he is approached by a breathtaking woman. When she offers to hire Finn to take some erotic photos of her for a friend’s gallery, he is instantly intrigued. Olivia Hammond is the owner of a trendy boutique and it turns out that one of her managers, Roland Green, is the subject of Finn’s investigation. It’s apparent to Finn early on that both have secrets, and while a portion of Roland’s secrets were easily figured out, it’s the ones that Olivia is keeping that have Finn wanting to stick around. She is deliberately brazen about flaunting her body and equally deliberate in attempting to hide the pain that is shadowed in her eyes. Their photo shoot is especially revealing as Olivia’s sultry passion and the hidden pain from her past make for stunningly candid shots. The two soon become intimate and their hearts are quickly, although somewhat reluctantly, involved but when Finn’s investigation of Roland takes an unexpected twist, neither is prepared for the consequences.
With each and every new Alison Kent release, I feel certain that it is her most intriguing and sharpest release to date. MAXIMUM EXPOSURE is no exception. This book has teeth. Finn and Olivia don’t simply become romantically involved, there’s a connection of hearts and souls; their emotions are meticulously written. There’s no fluffy sweetness or unnecessary filler in this book, just the rich goodness you would expect from Alison Kent. There is a secondary romance involving Roland Green that is a bonus of sorts, possibly a tad more erotic than that of Finn and Olivia, and very satisfying. MAXIMUM EXPOSURE comes with my absolute highest recommendation.

And now for the giveaway (Note: US addresses only for this one, please). If you'd like your name in the draw for a copy of MAXIMUM EXPOSURE, please leave a comment here and let us know what your favorite Alison Kent book is, or your favorite character, scene, etc. My favorite remains The Beach Alibi, but it's followed closely by oh, say, everything else she's ever written! If you've been unfortunate enough to have never read any of Alison's work, that's ok too, just say you'd like to start with this one! The winning name will be drawn by Alison herself on Sunday, November 23.
Here's a quick link to Amazon so you can order your own copy - or you can be kind and remember the romance readers on your holiday shopping list!
As always, thanks so much for stopping!
Laurie

Alison Kent's KISS & TELL - you could win a copy!

Alison Kent churns out books that are never anything less than satisfying. And by "churns" I don't mean they're coming out with assembly-line quickness - readers can't get them soon enough and often it seems like forever between releases! I'm sure you all get tired of me talking about (IMO) so many Blazes being too fluffy or silly, with ridiculous reasons for the characters to immediately have sex. Ok, yes, Alison's characters do have sex, often immediately, but it doesn't have the slutty feel of so many. Her characters are sensual (although I remember her disliking that term) creatures who are aware of and embrace their sexuality. They're written with grit, sharpness and intelligence and know what they want and how to get it. They don't come off as hormone-driven young men and women who simply can't control themselves.
I'm not doing a full-fledged review of KISS & TELL because 1) I'm only about a third of the way into it and 2) I do have some other review obligations to wrap up, but I did want to share the love, so to speak.
When I first saw the cover for this book, I thought "That's Logan from The Gilmore Girls!" - I've adored Logan (Matt Czuchry) since he first appeared on TGG and often thought that if I was a young woman (as in not old enough to be his mother, sniff) I could sure go for him! Look at these two pics and see if you don't agree!

I have a copy of KISS & TELL for giveaway. If you're interested, just say so in the comments. I'll pull a name on Monday 11/3.
I hope everyone has a terrific week!
Laurie

Alison Kent's IN DANGER - there's a contest!

Alison Kent has a new release, a re-release actually, IN DANGER - available now at your local WalMart. IN DANGER is a combination of THE SHAUGHNESSY ACCORD and THE SAMMS AGENDA, the second and third releases in the SMITHSON GROUP 5 series. Below are reviews I wrote as a reviewer for Sensual Romance Reviews when these two first released. Check them out and then read below for contest info.

The Shaughnessey Accord is Book 2 in Alison Kent's latest series about the spies extraordinaire of the Smithson Group.
Tripp Shaughnessey and the other SG-5 team members were secretly monitoring Glory Brighton's Spuds & Subs Sandwich Shop in an attempt to take down the Spectra agent who was, unbeknownst to Glory, running an illegal stone operation with Marian Diamonds, out of her shop. Glory was taking inventory in her storeroom, thinking how she would like nothing more than to have a little taste of Tripp, when he comes into the storeroom and acts on his own desires for Glory. Just as Tripp finds that his desires are matched by those of Glory, Spectra thugs come into her shop and take her customers hostage. Glory sees Tripp's true identity as he and his fellow SG team members, identities concealed, quickly and easily take down the bad guys and then just as quickly and easily disappear. After they had time to further explore their feelings, Tripp and Glory both knew that these feelings could not be ignored and they could not imagine being without one another.
This book has characters typical of Alison Kent. Tripp Shaughnessey is witty and charming, intelligent and daring, and humble enough to admit that he is a better man with Glory in his life. Glory is a real bright spot. She is kind and gentle, but has plenty of moxie when necessary. Together they are combustible. Each book in this series can stand alone, but I recommend reading in order for the fullest enjoyment. This book has my very highest recommendation.

"More action, intrigue, and love from the adventuresome Smithson Group."
Katrina Flurry was a beautiful woman, no denying it. That beauty attracted the attentions of Spectra's Peter Deacon who enjoyed having Katrina on his arm, a place she enjoyed being as it gave her the high society chatter she needed for her column, Cosmopolitan Arm Candy.
Since Deacon is sitting in prison after being taken down by Smithson Group's Christian Bane, keen interest in Katrina had been picked up by a Spectra hitman. Enter Julian Samms, also of Smithson Group, to keep Katrina alive. The two of them flee to a safe house to await word that the assassin is no longer a threat. Between the emotional rush of fleeing a ruthless killer and their mutual attraction to each other, it was inevitable that sex between these two would happen quickly and that it would be explosive. Katrina turns out to be much more than just a pretty piece of fluff as Julian had first thought. The killer eventually catches up with them, kidnapping Katrina, and Julian is forced to face emotions that he had long felt he was unworthy of because of a tragic incident in his past.
Alison Kent has quite a run going with the action and intrigue of the men from Smithson Group and, of course, the women who love them. The Samms Agenda is no exception. These adventuresome spies are a pleasure to read about, each and every one; I am sure the only disappointment will be that their stories aren't longer.

Ok, who's interested in a copy of IN DANGER? I see lots of hands going up! I'm going to run this one for a week - I'll draw a name on Tuesday, July 29 from everyone who posts here (US/Canada addresses only, please). I have to admit that I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of IN DANGER yet. I've checked my local WalMart three times in the past week and have even gone to a neighboring county . . . in search of . . . and have come up empty handed. One way or another I will get a copy, hopefully by next Tuesday.

Have you read Alison Kent before? Do you have a favorite book? Maybe you're super excited about her future releases? Please tell us! Or if you prefer, just say you're interested in this one - either way, I'll enter your name in the draw!

Have a great day!

Laurie

AT RISK - (Sort of) new from Alison Kent! I have a copy to give away!

Alison Kent's SG-5 series is being reissued, available only at WalMart retail stores. The first, AT RISK, is a re-release of THE BANE AFFAIR. To celebrate what is, in my opinion, one of the best series ever, I'm offering a copy of AT RISK for giveaway. Read on!
Bad boys. Good spies. Unforgettable lovers.
One of the Smithson Group’s elite force, Christian Bane is also the walking wounded, haunted by his past. Something about being betrayed by a woman then left to die in a Thai prison by the notorious crime syndicate Spectra IT gives a guy demons. But Christian has his orders: Pose as Spectra boss Peter Deacon. Going deep undercover as the slick womanizer will be tough for Christian. Getting cozy with a beautiful suspect, Natasha Gaudet, to get information won’t be. But the closer he gets to Natasha, the harder it gets to deceive her. Now, with Spectra closing in, Christian's best chance for survival is to confront his demons and trust the only one he can . . . Natasha.

My (Sensual Romance Reviews) review of The Bane Affair from September '04:

"Romantic suspense with intense, intelligent characters."
Christian Bane, an agent with the Smithson Group, impersonates Peter Deacon in order to infiltrate the inner workings of Dr. Wickham Bow's computer laboratory and to free kidnapped computer science guru Woodrow Jinks. Included under this investigation is Natasha Gaudet, Dr. Bow's goddaughter who acts as his personal assistant. The facts become increasingly unclear once Christian discovers that Dr. Jinks is the invited guest of Dr. Bow and that his residency at Dr. Bow's home is completely voluntary. Christian begins to doubt Natasha's involvement with her godfather's operation almost immediately.
Natasha is drawn to Peter Deacon and his undeniable maleness from their first meeting. She tries to resist his charming persuasiveness although he seems determined to possess her completely. Christian was emotionally and physically damaged, having survived an unimaginable betrayal at the hands of the very syndicate that the Smithson Group had set out to take apart -- The same group that Dr. Bow was now connected with. Christian finds it increasingly difficult to deceive Natasha about his identity. His desire for her is real enough without pretending to be the self-centered, womanizing Peter Deacon.
When Natasha discovers the betrayal of the man closest to her and the lies of another whom she was falling in love with, she discovers unknown strength to overcome the crushing pain. Ms. Kent makes the reader question whether Natasha will find it within herself to forgive Christian and whether Christian can put past cruelties behind him and allow himself to experience a loving relationship. Can they both survive the crazed intentions of the monster of a man who is determined to destroy them?
I cannot give this book a high enough recommendation for both old and new Alison Kent fans. The attention to detail is outstanding and the manner in which Alison Kent describes sights, sounds, tastes and smells draws you right into the story. She always evokes a full range of emotions; her love scenes are no holds barred with a straightforward sensuousness that is always a pleasure to read. If you enjoy a book that is rich with intense, intelligent characters, intrigue and up to the minute technology, then this book is just the ticket. I greatly anticipate the upcoming four books in this series. Undoubtedly, this is Alison Kent at her very best.

Wow - you know what? I still feel as strongly about Alison Kent's work now as I did then! The contest? I have one copy of AT RISK - I'll draw a name from all who post here and indicate that they are interested in winning (US/Canada addresses only, please). Feel free to add some chatter about Alison's books - your fave, most anticipated, etc. I'll draw a winner sometime in the evening on Sunday (6/22). The only bad thing about this copy is that the employee responsible for the book aisle at "my" WalMart chose to place the price tag directly over the face of the guy on the cover - I'll let the winner remove/not remove the tag as they choose - I don't want to be responsible for damaging that face!

As always, thanks for stopping by - and good luck, all!

Laurie

Alison Kent's THE PERFECT STRANGER

I love Alison Kent. No, I don't "love her" love her, but I do love her work, and I appreciate her wonderful sense of humor. I truly hope that I will be able to meet her one of these days. I never miss her blog, often stopping by a couple of times a day to see what is going on and what is being discussed. Sometimes I comment, sometimes I don't, but there's never a dull moment.
I have to throw out a huge "thank you" to my good pal, Barb Smith - Barb send me a copy of Mother, Please! - the only AK book that I didn't have. Thanks, Barb for completing my AK library!
Whenever I read an Alison Kent book, I have to stall for a day or two to completely absorb the goodness. An emotional marinade, of sorts. It seems like we've waited forever for THE PERFECT STRANGER; it was well worth the wait. Jack and Jillian are typical AK characters - obviously very deliberately thought out and excellently written.


*******POSSIBLE SPOILER - the only thing I didn't care for in the book was a love scene with anal sex. Maybe I'm a hag, but I just don't care for anal sex scenes. That said, I would add that it happened, was done, and the story kept rolling - I was not pulled out of the book because of it, so I'm not truly complaining.****


This is my review for THE PERFECT STRANGER:
When pilot Jack Briggs awakens with the worst hangover of his life, despite the minimal amount he had to drink at his friend Brad’s bachelor party the night before, he is somewhat confused. His confusion is exacerbated when he awakens to a gun in his face, a marriage certificate bearing his signature, a new bride who is very pregnant, and an order from the Comandante Mosquero to take his new wife to her village. With the San Torisco sun beating down upon them, the two set off in a donkey cart. Jack is extremely suspicious of his new bride, especially when the baby she is carrying turns out to be extra clothing for him, and even more so when she dons a nun’s habit. It turns out that Jack’s “wife” is Jillian Endicott of the elite Endicott family of Boston, who has turned her back on wealth and privilege to help the people of San Torisco. When Jack learns the reason behind his kidnapping and just what it is that Jillian wants him to fly out of the country, memories of a horrific tragedy invade him right down to his soul and despite an intense attraction to Jillian, he refuses to help her.
Jillian would never have taken such drastic measures to get Jack’s help if she wasn’t consumed by desperation. She has helped the people of San Torisco for years, selflessly giving of herself, often until there was nothing left to give. But now she is the one who needs help and there simply isn’t time for finesse or persuasion in getting Jack where she needs him. Jillian is unprepared for the feelings that Jack stirs in her; she hasn’t felt the spark of desire in a very long time. Jack is Jillian’s only hope. Life as she knows it, not to mention her sanity, depend on his skills at the stick of a helicopter, but she fears that she won’t be able to convince him to use those skills before time runs out.
This latest installment in Alison Kent’s SG-5 series is an excellent offering for readers. Jack and Jillian are both strong characters, but neither is perfect, and it’s those imperfections that make their relationship believable. The characters in this series are unfailingly larger than life, and Jack and Jillian are no exception, fighting enemies and situations that, I feel safe to say, most of us will never find ourselves in. Alison Kent never fails to successfully make her characters and their fearless determination come to life on the pages. If you like your suspense intensely dangerous, and your romance gritty and sharp, you will love THE PERFECT STRANGER.
I would encourage you to check out Alison's website - http://www.alisonkent.com/ - but don't blame me if you find yourself returning every single day!
Thanks!
Laurie

CONTEST!! Win a copy of Alison Kent's THE PERFECT STRANGER

Everyone probably gets tired of hearing how much I absolutely adore Alison Kent - I'm the proud owner of all of her books but one, MOTHER PLEASE! I'll soon be reviewing her upcoming (March 27) release, THE PERFECT STRANGER - here is your chance to win a copy for yourself. I'm not clever enough to come up with some snappy contest, so I'm just going to draw a name on March 9 from everyone who posts here to indicate that they are interested in a copy. The only thing I would ask in return is that you stop back and give us your thoughts on the book, and if you're so inclined, post an online review at Amazon.

Here's the backcover blurb:

Some like it hot. The men and women of Alison Kent’s sizzling SG-5 series like it hotter. In this all-new novel of steamy suspense, the jungle is the only place wild enough for a hotshot helicopter pilot and a renegade rich girl with one hell of an agenda…

Bachelor parties are fun, as long as you’re not the poor sap getting hitched…or slipped a Mickey and waking to discover you just became the poor sap. Not to mention that your “wife” is pregnant, and if you don’t go along to her village to meet the in-laws, the nice police comandante will be muy unhappy. Just another day in the life of helicopter pilot J. Jackson Briggs? Not so much. His Smithson Group gig wasn’t supposed to be dangerous, but the the woman who drugs him, then knocks him out, then drugs him again certainly is. She also may or may not be a nun. She’s definitely a lying, scheming, lethally gorgeous…American. Jack’s light years from believing the story Jillian Endicott gives him about her noble cause in the sweltering wilds of San Torisco, but he knows one thing: he’ll get the truth—and plenty more—from her, one way or another…
Being an Endicott of the Boston Endicotts taught Jillian plenty about the haves vs. the have-nots—and made it easy to choose sides. But there’s nothing easy about her mission in San Torisco, and things only get harder when Jack Briggs is thrown into the mix. Six-foot-three of big Texas mouth and big…other things…Jack’s pegged her as a bored little rich girl. Hey, he can think what he wants, as long as he does what she wants. Do unto others what needs to be done—that’s Jillian’s motto. Problem is, Jack knows how to push her buttons from minute one—and the closer he gets to pushing her over the edge, the more she wants him to…Now under dark velvet cover of jungle nights, two rebels with a cause are going deep—and falling hard—for the perfect stranger…

And if that's not enticement enough, here's an exclusive, never-before-seen excerpt:

Jack had to admit he’d had little contact with religious types during his thirty-nine years. His oldest memory was of the base chaplain who’d directed a sort of all-denominational service every Sunday.
He’d been the same one who’d come to the house after the crash, the one who’d told Jack’s mother that her husband had flown all the way to Heaven.
Then there’d been the Air Force chaplain who’d sided with Jack’s grandfather and tried to talk him into a lifetime of service rather than the four years he’d served.
The chaplain at the university had conducted Sunday afternoon services for the premed students who woke up in time to feel guilty about how they’d spent Saturday night.
The chaplain at the hospital had counseled the members of the aeromedical helicopter crew when the stress of flying and fighting to save lives got to be too much.
But the closest Jack had come to a nun had to be Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Julie’d been a doll, a syrupy sweet stick of candy.
Jack’s nun was a chili pepper. Spicy. Hot. Mouth-watering temptation. Her eyes should’ve belonged to an angel, but were too old and damaged to be anything but human. Jack wondered at the tragedies she’d seen.

Sakes alive! I can't wait to crack this book - just as soon as I finish up two outstanding reviews for Romance Junkies, I'll be losing myself in it!

Bookseller, Lee Ann Daugherty, has compared Alison to Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockmann, Amy Fetzner and Cindy Gerard - it doesn't get much better than that! This is what she had to say:
I've already recommended you to my customers, but I've just thought ofsome others who I've turned on to Cherry Adair, Suzanne Brockman, AmyFetzer, Cindy Gerard, the women writers who construct great adventure novels with fierce romances attached, that I'll have to turn them on to you, too. Lee Ann Daugherty, Romance "Mistress", Waldenbooks #1393, Elizabethtown, KY

I hope you'll take a chance on winning a copy - all you have to do is tell me you're interested, and you're entered!

Good luck!
Laurie

INFATUATION by Alison Kent

Okay, the kudos continue for Alison Kent! I picked this book up on Sunday at Waldenbooks in the mall. While standing deep in line to pay, I received a txt msg from my daughter who was in the Forever 21 dressing room (next door) and needed me to look at the dress she was trying on - immediately! Tim stood in line for me and paid for the book, totally unfazed by holding a romance in his rough, calloused man-hands. What a guy.

The last time he heard me talk about Alison was in a different bookstore, different mall, when I was looking for her CIG to Writing Erotic Romance. I was in the store by myself, and not being able to find it, asked a young male clerk to help me find it. This poor boy turned red as a beet, took me to the "Relationships/Self-Help" display and promptly left. Tim choose that moment to track me down, finding me intently searching the "relationship" shelves. I had to explain that there evidently had been a misunderstanding and no, I didn't think our 27 year marriage was in need of mending. I once again approached the clerk, who I swear cringed when he saw me coming, asking if he could look the book up. It was then clear that he didn't hear me say "writing" in the book title - he thought I was looking for the CIG to Erotic Romance, thus the relationship directive. Too funny!

Anyway, about INFATUATION, there are a handful of Blaze authors that I faithfully read. No, I'm not naming names. I've most likely discussed some of them previously, right here. The Blaze line has greatly improved and while I'm not and won't be, a subscriber again, I find myself picking them up more frequently than in the past. I never miss an Alison Kent book and am always confident in recommending them without hesitation. This book is no exception. It is excellent - I only wish it could have been about twice as long! A brief review for INFATUATION:

Rennie Bergen and Milla Page knew each other in college, when she was the girlfriend of his roommate. The two hit it off immediately, proving that opposites most definitely do attract. Rennie came from a hard-working middleclass family and Milla was the cream of the high society crop, as was her boyfriend. When Rennie and Milla had a secret, brief affair, the result was a myriad of hurt feelings and ultimately, changed lives.

Milla works at a dating service, as a reviewer of hot clubs and night spots. When Rennie's name comes up as a potential date from a "pool" of men's business cards in her office, Milla nervously decides to go see him at his car repair/body shop. Rennie is cool to Milla, almost cruel at times, but seeing how his feelings were the first to be stomped on in their earlier relationship, and because he is unaware of the significant changes in Milla's life, he's not a jerk for it. Milla is a small woman, of tempered steel it seems, as she is remarkably capable of taking care of herself. She gives back to Rennie as good as she takes.

The two embark on a new, adult relationship, shocked that the sexual intensity that previously existed is still there, possibly stronger than before. Just when it looks like they might be moving in the direction of a solid relationship, both find that the other has been keeping secrets and that their lives aren't at all what they seem.

Several brief flashbacks into the past help detail the previous relationship of Rennie and Milla. I typically don't like flashbacks, but these are very well done and go far to embellish the story, similar to the flashbacks in AK's FOUR MEN AND A LADY, also excellently done.

I highly recommend this book to all romance fans, whether regular readers of the Blaze line or not. And if you haven't picked up a Blaze lately? DO IT!

Thanks,

Laurie :)

Alison Kent's BEYOND A SHADOW!

Most of you know how much I admire Alison Kent http://www.alisonkent.com/blog/, her riotous sense of humor and her work. There's never a dull moment at her blog; it's one of the first stops I make in my online ventures every day. November and December will bring the release of two new AK books - INFATUATION and BEYOND A SHADOW, respectively. I'll no doubt talk about INFATUATION in a later post, but this one belongs to Ezra.

BEYOND A SHADOW is Ezra Moore's story. Finally. This is the one that most of Alison's loyal readers have been (patiently?) waiting for. Trust me, it is worth the wait. I'm just one of the AK fans who have anticipated each and every book in the SG-5 series, and I know I'm not alone in that I dread that dark day when I read the final page of the very last one.

Ezra Moore made a major impact, albeit in a minor role, in several of the SG-5 books, his actions and motives questionable at times, but he has practically screamed for a woman and a story of his own. Thank heavens Alison heard him! This is my review for BEYOND A SHADOW:

When Ezra Moore shows up in the quiet little harbor town of Comfort Bay, it is under the guise of a Caribbean school teacher on hiatus, and he quickly takes on the temporary job of handyman at the local B&B. The job couldn’t have turned up at a more convenient time. While Ezra appears to have stopped there for rest and relaxation, he is on a deadly mission, one that could be his last, and he soon regrets that it will be played out in the friendly and peaceful Comfort Bay. Ezra is immediately drawn to Alexa Counsel, local school teacher and close friend of the family who owns the B&B, and keeping her safe quickly becomes one of his biggest concerns.
Alexa Counsel is suspicious of Ezra Moore and his dark, dangerous looks, from the moment she first sets eyes on him. She questions his school teacher alibi, and can’t quite picture him in front of a classroom full of children, most likely because he dresses and carries himself like a mercenary, always aware of everyone and everything around him. Alexa tries to ignore the attraction to Ezra that tugs at her very core, warming her with feelings and desires that she hasn’t felt since before her divorce a few years prior. Soon the two of them are lovers; each finding soothing comfort in the arms of the other. But neither Alexa nor the townspeople could begin to imagine or predict the danger that was headed their way.
I think that I have used every descriptive possible in reviewing and talking about Alison Kent’s books. Intelligent, witty, deep, edgy, gritty, savvy and intriguing are just a few, and all remain applicable when talking about BEYOND A SHADOW. When Ezra first appeared several SG-5 books back, he appeared very dangerous, deadly even, definitely unsalvageable. Alison has been softening her readers up to Ezra so that now, when he finally has her telling his story, they are guaranteed to love him and will continue to think about him after the book has been closed. The secondary characters and their loves, families and relationships can only be considered a wonderful bonus to the story of Ezra and Alexa, as is the appearance of previous SG-5 heroes.
BEYOND A SHADOW releases in December, I can think of no better time to treat yourself to an excellent book!! Here's a link to Amazon if you'd like to skip on over and pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Shadow-Alison-Kent/dp/0758211147/sr=1-2/qid=1159986405/ref=sr_1_2/104-2563313-8011166?ie=UTF8&s=books

Thanks!

Laurie