REDNECK CINDERELLA - Great fun from LuAnn McLane - and yes, there's a giveaway!

I was fortunate enough to snag the latest book by LuAnn McLane for Romance Junkies review and it's so much fun that I wanted to share some chatter and my review with you! If you visit the "books" link on LuAnn's website, you can read the first chapter.
About the book:
Raised by her widowed father, Jolie Russell could keep up with any man—that is, until wealthy and sexy land developer Cody Dean struts into her life.
Cody buys the Russell farm with an impossible-to-refuse multimillion-dollar offer, then relocates Jolie and her dad to the Copper Creek Estates. But the country club atmosphere isn’t ready for Jolie’s kind of country. As her two worlds collide, Jolie wonders how she can ever hope to capture Cody’s heart without giving up her grits.
My (4 blue ribbons) review:
LuAnn McLane offers readers the fun, lighthearted story of a farm girl and admitted redneck, Jolie Russell, who goes from being dirt poor to incredibly rich. Just like Cinderella – every girl’s dream, right? Unfortunately, Jolie is more than a little lost trying to fit in with the snobby neighbors in her fancy new neighborhood. It could be that in trying to find her way around in her new life she’ll find much, much more in the arms of Cody Dean.
Jolie Russell and her father live on a piece of farm land that has become very attractive to local developers. When they’re made an obscenely lucrative offer for their land, they jump at the opportunity for an easier life and move to a ritzy, exclusive new neighborhood where hard, physical work and old pick up trucks are frowned upon. While Jolie wants to be a well-liked, pleasant neighbor, she’s often left floundering by neighbors who’ve repeatedly turned their noses up at her and her father. Before long, her confusion is multiplied as she’s pursued by the very successful, very gorgeous, and much desired Cody Dean. Jolie doesn’t want to lose sight of who she really is, but realizes that she and her father need some polish if they’re ever going to fit in. She eventually hires a local single teacher to coach her and her father in the ways of proper etiquette. It turns out that Jolie’s father can offer the teacher some lessons in the simple life and before long the social graces that she’s so well-versed in don’t seem nearly as important.
High dollar developer Cody Dean finds Jolie fascinating, beautiful and amusing, but he doesn’t immediately understand the appeal of the unassuming simplicity of her life before or how she could possibly miss it. He knows that others in his social circle think she and her father are unsophisticated, but the more he’s around her the less he cares about what others think and he wants the kind and caring Jolie for himself, just as she is.

REDNECK CINDERELLA is written first person, a style that LuAnn McLane has proven herself very competent in. Jolie and her father are definitely simple southern folks, but they’re adorable and don’t come off as being simpletons. Cody Dean and his family are the upper crust of society, but Cody’s opinion of what’s important and what’s good and what isn’t is quickly altered after spending time with the infectious Jolie and her father. REDNECK CINDERELLA is a comfortable, easy read. It’s a lighthearted look at a young woman who finds herself outside her comfort zone, looking in at the strange new world she’s now a part of. Secondary romances and a charming basset hound round out an entirely likable cast of characters. I give LuAnn McLane’s REDNECK CINDERELLA a high recommendation to all readers who enjoy romantic comedy.

I'm going to do a giveaway for my copy of REDNECK CINDERELLA - simply leave a comment and you'll be entered. If you want to chat about LuAnn's work, that's even better! I'll draw a winning name on Tuesday, March 10. Just so there are no misunderstandings, this is not an autographed copy and it is not an arc, it's my review copy and has one barely discernible spine crease. So, while it isn't pristine, it still comes with an enjoyment guarantee!
Can't wait? Then pop on over to Amazon and throw a copy in your cart right now!
REDNECK CINDERELLA is especially fun and I hope you'll all grab a copy!
Have a great weekend!
Laurie

LuAnn McLane's DRIVEN BY DESIRE

I was very lucky in getting DRIVEN BY DESIRE by LuAnn McLane (releasing on October 7) for Romance Junkies review and am excited to share a little info about it - be sure to read to the end because there's a great giveaway!

A blurb:
Only one man could make her heart race… Daredevil stunts and dangerous accidents are par for the course in the world of motocross racing. Just ask Alexia Spencer, who almost lost her high school sweetheart in a near-fatal accident. But when she asked him to give up racing, Jayden Michaels rode off without even a goodbye, leaving Alexia heartbroken.
Ten years later, Jayden’s back—determined to prove he’s over Alexia. But it’s impossible to ignore the irresistible woman she’s become. And it isn’t long before Jayden finds himself on Alexia’s doorstep, driven by his insatiable desire, hoping he can tempt the woman he still loves into letting herself feel the heat—and taking a risk with her heart.

My review (4.5 blue ribbons):
In DRIVEN BY DESIRE, LuAnn McLane gives readers the story of a couple with a painful past who discover after being reunited several years later, that the attraction between them continues to smolder. But old wounds are often the deepest and they're uncertain as to whether they can put past heartaches behind and allow themselves a future together.

When Jayden Michaels runs into Alexia Spencer, literally, while riding his dirt bike through the woods, it's impossible to say which of them is more surprised. Alexia was crushed ten years prior when Jayden chose Supercross motorcycle racing over his relationship with her. When she eventually married someone else, it was Jayden who felt the pain. Alexia eventually realized that she had made a big mistake, divorced her husband and returned home to find herself. She never expected that Jayden would once again be part of her life, and given the secret that she's been keeping for ten years, she fears that he won't understand her reason for secrecy. Alexia decides it's time to tell Jayden the truth, hoping that he cares enough for her and the future they could have together, to understand.
Jayden has come home to nurse a shoulder injury and to help a friend with a new business venture. Spending time with Alexia is an unexpected bonus. He never dreamed that a second chance with her would ever be in the cards for him. Jayden quickly discovers that a white-hot passion still exists between them and they aren't together long before old passions begin to burn. When he discovers the secret that Alexia has been hiding, past pains return and he pushes her away. He isn't certain he has the strength to get beyond his pain to help Alexia deal with her own suffering.
I adore LuAnn McLane and have enjoyed reading each and every one of her books. DRIVEN BY DESIRE is no exception, although it has a totally different flavor than any of her previous books. Her trademark humor has been toned down, the eroticism has been turned (way) up, and the emotions come from much deeper in the heart. Alexia's pain is excellently written, and as readers are taken into her relationship with Jayden a decade before, her dejection when he left, and the events that followed, it almost feels tangible. Jayden suffered as well, and Ms. McLane very clearly understands the workings of a guy's mind as his thoughts, feelings and actions are described with clarity. An equally passionate side romance between Alexia's sister and Jayden's best friend is definitely a reader bonus. The relationships between all of these characters are well-written and comfortable and it doesn't take imagination to bring them to life. I highly recommend DRIVEN BY DESIRE to all romance readers who enjoy stories with reunited lovers, passionately sensual romance, and the undeniable healing power of true love.

Okay, now for the giveaway: I have a copy of A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION up for grabs. You know how it works - leave a comment, chat about LuAnn's books you've read or want to read, or maybe tell us which of her heroes you think is yummiest - and you're entered! Doesn't get any easier than that.

I'll plan to draw a name on Saturday the 20th.

As always, thanks for stopping - I hope everyone has a great week!

Laurie

xo

LuAnn McLane's latest - A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION - and there's a prize!

LuAnn McLane has a new release, A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION - with a title like that, how could it be anything but great fun? I love LuAnn's writing style and her first person writing, including A LITTLE LESS TALK, is second to none.

Here's a great excerpt to tease and tempt!

My review:
When Macy McCoy watches her best friend Jamie Lee get married, she feels as though life is passing her by. She's been in love with Jamie Lee's brother Luke for years, but he's a well-known former football player, definitely playing in a different league than Macy. Or so she thinks. When a hair emergency brings a famous country singer into the small salon where Macy and Jamie Lee are stylists, Macy's boring life does a complete turnaround and suddenly she's rubbing elbows with Nashville singers and songwriters. She even lands herself a spot on a reality cooking show. The only thing missing in Macy's life is the one thing that she wants the most - Luke.
Luke Carter has admired his sister's best friend for quite a while, especially after spending a significant amount of time with her while helping with his sister's wedding preparations. Having turned to coaching football after a career-ending injury, Luke decides to focus on coaching job prospects while giving Macy room to explore her newfound life changes. It's not easy to keep his hands off Macy and while she might think he prefers tall, thin model-types, he finds Macy's less-than-statuesque curves the hottest thing around.
LuAnn has another successful romantic comedy on her hands with A LITTLE LESS TALK AND A LOT MORE ACTION, that's for certain! I've found that sometimes in first person writing, the male POV gets lost. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to make first person writing work by successfully covering all of the bases, but LuAnn does it flawlessly. This book has fun at every turn - characters that are devoted to one another while not taking themselves too seriously, lighthearted fun, and enough country music references and information about Nashville hotspots to fill a travel brochure. While it does offer an abundance of laughs and charm, it doesn't skimp on the romance or passion, and secondary romances are a great bonus for readers. Don't miss this fun read - it's perfect for the pool, the beach, or wherever you might be spending time this summer!

I'll make it easy for you to get your hands on your own copy - here's a quick link to Amazon, so if you can't get to the bookstore, scoot right over and snag your own copy - remember how important those first week sales are to authors!
LuAnn, I can't thank you enough for allowing me to do this review for you! Luke and Macy are absolutely adorable and their story is fun and charming - the most fun I've had reading for a long time!
Thanks everyone for checking out LuAnn's book!
Now for the prize - LuAnn has put up for grabs a copy of TRICK MY TRUCK BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY HEART - woohoo! I'll draw a winner from everyone who posts here (US/Canada addresses only, please) on Sunday, July 6th - please remember that it's up to you to check back to see if you're a winner! Thanks, LuAnn!
Laurie

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

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

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



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

DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES

I have read all but one of LuAnn McLane's http://www.luannmclane.com books - it turns out that the one I haven't read, DARK ROOTS AND COWBOY BOOTS, was her first first-person book. Her latest, DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES, is the second and I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking to try first-person writing. LuAnn's characters are always fun, respectful and passionate - Abby and Rio are no exception. DANCING SHOES will be out May 1st, from Signet Eclipse. This is my review:

When Abilene “Abby” Harper signs on as a contestant on the reality television show, Dancing with the Rednecks, it is mainly for a chance at the $50,000.00 prize. When she is paired with professional ballroom dancer Rio Martin, by far one of the most gorgeous men in the world, the two couldn’t be more opposite. Abby lives a simple life, waitressing at her mother’s diner, and she would love to be able to help her mother with some much needed renovations, and help her brother get the college education he deserves. Abby and Rio agree that the only heat between them should be on the dance floor, but as they spend several sultry hours together every day, mostly in each other’s arms and with neither of them involved with anyone, it’s only natural that an attraction would spark and test their resolve.
Rio Martin isn’t happy about being a contestant in the Comedy Channel’s dancing spoof, but after he meets Abby and sees her enthusiasm, he is determined to win. Rio takes his dancing very seriously, and will accept nothing less from Abby than her absolute best. Having been burned by another dancer, he is especially wary of getting involved with anyone and has resisted that temptation. Abby Harper, however, is a cool drink of water whose southern hospitality is just a little too tempting for Rio to resist.
Abby and Rio are polar opposites, but share an intense passion as well as the utmost respect for one another, which seems to make their differences insignificant. Abby’s stubborn determination is matched by Rio’s willingness to work hard in order to win this competition. This latest offering from LuAnn McLane is written in first person; her second book in this style, and is excellently written. I am highly impressed with Abby and Rio’s story, and I know that readers will settle into this book very comfortably, feeling as if Abby is telling you her story. I swear that I could hear Abby’s southern accent and Rio’s sexy, smooth accent! Don’t miss DANCING SHOES AND HONKY TONK BLUES, it is great fun and I can confidently guarantee that you’ll love it.

Thanks for checking out my review; I hope you'll click this link, taking you to Amazon so you can order your own copy! http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Shoes-Honky-Tonk-Signet-Eclipse/dp/0451221036/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2381367-0694212?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176951819&sr=8-1

Laurie