Melissa Schroeder is guest blogging tomorrow - fun and prizes!

Melissa Schroeder will be my guest here tomorrow! We're counting on all of you to stop by and help celebrate the release of her latest book, A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION. Melissa is offering signed print copies of A LITTLE HARMLESS SEX and A LITTLE HARMLESS PLEASURE for one lucky reader! So come back and bring your questions for Melissa! She'll be popping by throughout the day.

What begins as a quest for submission becomes an unrelenting need for love.
May Aiona’s crush on sexy Evan Chambers is a bad habit that should be easy to break. It’s not like he's ever noticed her. Looking for a safe place to release the reins of control and explore her curiosity about BDSM, May takes a friend up on an invitation to visit an exclusive bondage club-all she has to agree to is a public submission.
Evan can’t help but notice the exotically beautiful May. But despite his success, the dirty secrets of his past whisper that he’ll never be good enough for her. When Evan sees her standing in his club ready to submit to his best friend, he gives in to the thing he wants most-May as his sub. After their session, he knows one night will never be enough. But loving May isn’t easy for a man always ready to take charge. She might like to submit in the bedroom, but she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do outside of it.
When May insists she-s not in any danger from the person seemingly obsessed with her, she ends up in the sights of a deranged stalker-with Evan possibly too far away to help.

Warning: This book contains sexy Hawaiian settings, crazy relatives, and a submission scene that leaves the heroine breathless and the hero frustrated. There are toys, bondage, and love scenes so hot, you’ll need ice water and a towel. Remember, it’s a Harmless story, so you know there’s nothing harmless about it.

A brief review:
May Aiona works in the exclusive Hawaiian restaurant owned by Chris Dupree (whose story is told in A LITTLE HARMLESS PLEASURE) and while she loves her job, something is missing in her life. That something is the love and affection of a man, but the only man she's ever wanted is Evan Chambers, co-owner of a bondage club. May is intrigued by the BDSM lifestyle and thinks that perhaps it's the answer the strange restlessness inside her. When she visits the club and is paired with Evan as her dom, she couldn't be more pleased. By the end of their session however, incredible pleasure discovered, she rushes away with her emotions in tatters. Evan is more confused than ever, as the suspect emotions he's felt for May are most definitely confirmed. He knows that he'll never be satisfied with another woman.

Will pride keep these two apart or will true love bring them together? May and Evan are both hard-headed and strong-willed. When threats are made against May and then begin to escalate, Evan is more determined than ever to keep her safe, no easy task when she has a father and a brother who are highly protective. I have enjoyed the previous Harmless books so far and as I've said before, yes, they're a little dirty and a little edgy, but I would stress that Mel's writing style is such that it easily allows exception for a spot or two of discomfort. Melissa successfully puts strong emotion into her books, and conversations and actions are incredibly realistic. It's easy to lose yourself in her books as the characters and their conversations come to life on the page. Catching up with characters from previous books is always fun, but I would point out that while the books in this series easily stand on their own, I strongly suggest reading in order for even more reading pleasure!

Here are links to take you to Samhain to order A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION and to Amazon where you can order the Kindle version. This book is bargain priced and I hope you'll take a closer look and order a copy! Remember, you don't need a Kindle to read Kindle books - Amazon offers a great app for the PC and iPod that are easy as pie to use.

Be sure to stop back! I'll have the link to a trailer and an excerpt to share tomorrow. Get those questions ready so you can participate in the drawing!
Laurie

Stacy interviewed me, go have a look-see!

One of the sweetest people I know I met via Lori Foster's Bookjunkies group several years ago -Stacy, aka Trelaina, and I love her to pieces. She for some reason wanted to interview me and while I'm nowhere near as exciting, hip or fun as the other bloggers she's interviewed, my interview is up today, so please take a look and then make all of the appropriate noises that indicate interest, intrigue, approval. Rumblings of pity can be kept to yourself, please!
Thanks, Stacy - I adore you and love you bunches and bunches! This will take you to Stacy's Place: http://trelainastarblazer.blogspot.com/

THE ICING ON THE CAKE, Alison Kent's latest - I have a signed copy for a giveaway!

Finally! A new release from Alison Kent - raise your hand if you think it's been far too long since we've had anything from her! *waving madly* I'll spare you all the details of how much I love her, how I'm her biggest fan, I want to meet her, etc. I don't think I've ever mentioned though that Alison is one of the first authors I discovered online. Alison was once again kind enough to send me a signed copy of THE ICING ON THE CAKE and because I had pre-ordered a copy for my Kindle, I'm going to do a giveaway for that signed copy. I strongly suggest that you take a look at Alison's blog - scroll down as there are several posts with information about this exciting new series and how she connected with Michelle and Todd, the real-life characters from this book.
Here's everything you could possibly want to know about THE ICING ON THE CAKE:
Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match . . . dot.com. An on-line dating service is not Michelle Snow’s idea of how to find love but when the Big 3-0 hits, Michelle decides she has nothing to lose since she hasn’t brought a date home in ten years, she’s professionally burned out, and her climb up the corporate ladder has come at the expense of abandoning her sweet dream: to own a boutique cupcakery.
Todd Bracken, early thirties and a successful technology consultant, isn’t exactly a player after being off the market for ten years, and pours himself into his dual passions of martial arts and home-sweet-home renovations. Only there’s no one to come home to so he decides to give Match.com a try. Todd isn’t so sure the Internet dating scene is his thing – until a message pops up in the wee hours on a weekend night: “I like your smile.” Todd likes – a lot – the whole package that glides into a French bistro in Washington, D.C.
It’s serious mojo-at-first-sight but there’s a glitch: Todd and Michelle live in different cities. Will love find its way in the digital age with a You’ve Got Mail courtship when video cam kisses just aren’t enough? And when Todd challenges Michelle to not only go for her dream but also let him share it, will they be able to make it happen together despite obstacles more plentiful than a shower of rainbow sprinkles?

You'll find an excerpt here - go have a closer look!

My review:
THE ICING ON THE CAKE is Alison Kent's latest release and while it's slightly different from what readers have come to expect from her, it is a evocatively beautiful love story based on the true story of Michelle Snow and Todd Bracken who met via Match.com. In my expert, readerly (hey, my blog, my made-up words) opinion, it's reason to fall in love with Alison Kent all over again!
Michelle Snow reluctantly signs up at Match.com at the repeated coaxing of her girlfriends. The girlfriend scenes in this book are some of my favorites. Their personalities are so different, but they are united in their affection for each other, just as girlfriends should be. Todd Bracken has a lot going on and yet there is a void in his life - he decides to take a chance on Michelle being the one who can fill that void. Their initial online conversations are so much fun. Both are intelligent and quick-witted, but unsure enough that occasionally they worry over something they've said being misconstrued - who hasn't felt that way over an email or tweet that they've sent? Totally realistic. From their initial date which was intended to consist of a quick, introductory drink but lasting for hours instead, both knew there was something special between them and they had an undeniable need to pursue it.
Michelle and Todd have successful jobs, lives rich with family and friends. Michelle's relationship with her parents is especially sweet, and they fully support her dream of owning her own bakery. Her excitement is shared and encouraged by Todd and his enthusiasm provides a boost of confidence to Michelle's hesitation. Todd's family situation couldn't be more different from Michelle's and while it isn't warm and fuzzy, it is well-written and the emotions of his broken home will likely strike a chord with many readers.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE is a powerful love story, written in Alison Kent's unique style of sharp, crisp storytelling. Not explicit, but sweetly sexy with clever character banter that keeps the reader smiling. One of my favorite quotes from the book isn't a romantic one, but pulled from a conversation between Michelle and her mother about opening a bakery. Michelle says: "I'm just ready to go to work and breathe in hot sugar and vanilla instead of all the desperation and anger stinking up the office." - it reminded me of a conversation I had with my girls once while baking, about how calming it always is for me to smell sugar, butter and vanilla working together to produce something that will be shared and enjoyed with my family and/or friends.

If you want your name in the draw for this signed copy of THE ICING ON THE CAKE, leave a comment about your favorite Alison Kent book, character or cover. If you've been living under a rock and haven't read any of Alison's work, it's OK to admit that too! Send your friends over and if they mention your name, I'll toss your name in the draw two extra times. I'll draw a winner in the evening on Friday, September 24.
Thanks to Alison for the autographed copy - and thanks to all of you for checking out THE ICING ON THE CAKE. This is a beautiful story and I encourage each and every one of you to get your hands on it! Knowing that it is based on a true love story makes it that much sweeter!

Laurie

New book available from Janice Maynard, and I'm giving away a copy!

Janice Maynard has a new book available - her very first Silhouette Desire! I couldn't be more excited for her! I hope this is the beginning of a long, successful relationship between Janice and Silhouette!

You can check out an excerpt here. I've got a copy of THE SECRET CHILD & THE COWBOY CEO for giveaway and if, after checking out the excerpt, you're interested in a copy just leave a comment to have your name in the draw. If you'd like to discuss Janice's previous works, even better! I'll draw a winner in the evening on Wednesday, September 24.

With a disposition as untamed as the Wyoming landscape, Trent Sinclair was not known as the forgiving sort. He had certainly never forgiven Bryn Matthews and her lies. The CEO had turned his back on her, though not without another thought, when she'd claimed his brother had gotten her pregnant.
But now Trent's brother was gone and Bryn had returned…with a child he could not deny was pure Sinclair. Nor could he ignore the passion that had always coursed between them. Had the time finally come for Trent to take what he had always wanted—family and honor be damned?

I regret that I'm not going to be able to read my copy of THE SECRET CHILD & THE COWBOY CEO in the immediate future. I don't want that to stop you from reading though - buzz on over to Amazon and grab a copy!

Thanks for checking it out!
Laurie
xo

A day spent at the antique/flea market

Most of you probably know that Tim and I love to go to antique markets, shops and malls. Friday we went to a huge antique/flea market at the Clark County fairgrounds here in Ohio. They have monthly shows, but three times a year they have "extravaganzas" with hundreds of vendors - comfy walking shoes are a must! We planned the trip for several weeks and both took a vacation day. We didn't buy much, a beautiful crystal snowflake Christmas brooch for me, a three-spout measuring glass for me (I collect unique measuring cups and glasses), and the above beautiful garden decoration for both of us! Yes, I typically make out better than Tim! Pics don't do this treasure justice and it's difficult to see how gorgeous it is. I bought one for my best friend's birthday in June, and regret that we no longer do Christmas gifts for each other because I'm so anxious to give it to her. Hers has clear, blue and pink dishes, so feminine and pretty. Plus, I'm afraid I'll pack it away and not remember where it is come next June! These truly wouldn't be difficult to make, if I could find out what kind of adhesive they're held together with. I thought E-6000, but the woman who makes them says it won't hold with the weight of the glass. This particular one is made with a full size dinner plate, a green cut-glass bowl that's very thick and heavy, a smaller cut glass bowl and in the center of that, a beautiful pink lid, perhaps from a sugar bowl.

Today was spent at a baby shower for Tim's cousin's daughter. She's expecting a little boy in about four weeks and it was so fun seeing all of the little baby goodies! As fun as it was though, I have to admit that I much prefer buying for baby girls! It was great seeing Tim's family though, so many of them we only see a couple of times a year.

We have no plans for tomorrow and that's just fine with me. I'll be back at work on Monday morning in the blink of an eye!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Laurie

A new cover for Pamela Clare's BREAKING POINT

You know how you have a book that you're anticipating like no other? You know the one I'm talking about, right? One you want more than any other? Yep, that one - THE BOOK. For me that book is by Pamela Clare and with every little tease she gives her readers, I grow more and more impatient. I'll be waiting until July of next year for BREAKING POINT. Maybe it will be out in time for my July 17 birthday, right? Let's hope so! BREAKING POINT is the next in the I-Team Series, without a doubt the best romantic suspense series I've ever read. Ever. With each book I'm certain that I've just read the absolute best to come, which has me on pins and needs for BREAKING POINT!

And I haven't even mentioned the cover. Geez Louise, do they get any better? Does anyone know if this is the same cover model used on the upcoming Jaci Burton book? Power Play? I'm not certain of the title and I'm too lazy right now to check. I'm thinking there's a striking similarity between those wonderfully hard bodies.
Check out Pamela's blog - there's an excerpt that accompanied the above cover copy, and if you scroll down you'll find another excerpt. Check them out - go on, right now - and then come back and tell me how excited YOU are to have this book in your hands! You can thank me when you get back.

Laurie

A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION, coming next week from Melissa Schroeder!

Melissa Schroeder will be celebrating the release of A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION right here next Thursday and I can't wait to have her as my guest! There will be chatter about the "Harmless" series, especially A LITTLE HARMLESS OBSESSION, and she's generously offering some giveaways, so be sure to mark your calendars! I have enjoyed the previous Harmless books so far and while yes, they're a little dirty and perhaps a tad edgier than some of you might typically read, I would stress that the excellence of Mel's writing style easily allows exception for a spot or two of discomfort. I'm very much reminded of Sasha White's work in reading this series, and that's intended as high praise, trust me! Mel successfully puts strong emotion into her books, and conversations and actions are incredibly realistic. It's easy to picture her characters and imagine their facial expressions and hear the fluctuations in their voices as they converse. For now, here's a blurb - and links to take you to Samhain for ordering info and to Amazon where you can pre-order the Kindle version.

What begins as a quest for submission becomes an unrelenting need for love.

May Aiona’s crush on sexy Evan Chambers is a bad habit that should be easy to break. It’s not like he’s ever noticed her. Looking for a safe place to release the reins of control and explore her curiosity about BDSM, May takes a friend up on an invitation to visit an exclusive bondage club—all she has to agree to is a public submission.
Evan can’t help but notice the exotically beautiful May. But despite his success, the dirty secrets of his past whisper that he’ll never be good enough for her. When Evan sees her standing in his club ready to submit to his best friend, he gives in to the thing he wants most—May as his sub. After their session, he knows one night will never be enough. But loving May isn’t easy for a man always ready to take charge. She might like to submit in the bedroom, but she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do outside of it.
When May insists she’s not in any danger from the person seemingly obsessed with her, she ends up in the sights of a deranged stalker—with Evan possibly too far away to help.

Don't forget to stop back next Thursday so we can all celebrate Mel's latest release together!

Laurie

Making adjustments

As of last week, and for the first time in over 16 years, Tim is working first shift instead of second. This means that he's home in the evening - every single evening. Our girls were three and eight when he started his current job/working nights, so they were more or less raised by a single parent during the week. I'm glad to have him home, truly I am, but it has necessitated some adjustments to dinner time and dinner itself. When I was home alone, I would occasionally have a bowl of cereal or oatmeal for dinner, fix some bacon later and make a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich for him to take for his dinner the next night. Or have said bowl of cereal then throw something on the grill for him to take the next day. Strangely, he doesn't consider a bowl of cereal dinner. Silly man. I won't even get into my biggest gripe - his favorite shows (anything involving cops, true crime or hauntings) are so much different from mine - we've agreed to compromise once "my" television viewing season starts back up. We'll see.
The one thing that makes me most sad about those years he spent on second shift are all of the girls' events, sports and school, that he missed. He would take a vacation day if the occasion merited, but you can imagine his frustration at missing outstanding softball, tennis or volleyball plays, school awards nights and band concerts. There simply was no possible way for him to see even a portion of them. There were a few occasions that he would drive like the wind (he works a good 40 min. away) on his dinner hour, watch a little bit of softball while wolfing down a sandwich, and then fly down the road back to work.
It was brutal for Tim the day we took Lindsay to college - not only was it her birthday, but I know he was thinking about all of those missed events and years that had slipped by, and here we were moving her away from home. Lindsay was such a tomboy until she was around 13 or so, and Tim loved playing catch with her, taking her fishing, etc. We had to stop a couple of times along the way to Ohio U, he was an absolute basket case. I'm wiping tears just remembering his heartache.
Don't get me wrong, he was sad when we took Kelsey too. She went to afternoon kindergarten and he would get her up and around for school, making her ponytails or braids, fixing her lunch, and if time allowed they worked on her poker game. Yes, he cried the first couple of times we left Kelsey at school too. Kelsey seems to have a defense mechanism that kicks in the day before she has to go back to school and she turns into the devil incarnate - makes it much easier to say goodbye when she's sporting horns and a pointy tail. I think maybe it's easier for her too if we're all a little peeved w/each other! Dr. Phil?
Tim and I have been married 31 years and while he's been a great dad and a real pal to both of our girls, he and I have settled into a (mostly) easy, comfortable relationship, just as much good friends as husband and wife.
Do any of you have a spouse/partner who works different hours than you or whose job takes them away from home?
Look for chatter soon about upcoming releases from Alison Kent and Melissa Schroeder!
Have a great week!
Laurie

The winner of COMING HOME announced!

Laurie! You're the winner! I know I have your address somewhere, but I'm going to ask that you email me with it anyway - ljodamron@gmail.com

Thanks everyone who entered - it sounds like everyone had something planned for the long holiday weekend! We had a nice, enjoyable weekend but man oh man, it was over much too quickly!

I hope you all have a great week!
Laurie

New author Farrah Rochon - I recommend her!

I recently saw a Twitter retweet by author Alison Kent (@alisonkent), and while I don't recall the exact content, it mentioned new author Farrah Rochon and her new release, HUDDLE WITH ME TONIGHT. I checked it out and immediately ordered it for my Kindle. I read it over the course of a day and enjoyed it so very much. The same day I was reading the book, Alison put up a blog post by/about Ms. Rochon and while she may be a new voice in the romance community, she is incredibly talented and I encourage you to check her out. I'm not doing a review because I'm behind on promised reviews already, but you'll find a blurb below as well as ordering information. You'll want to buzz on over to Alison Kent's blog for the opportunity to take a closer look at Ms. Rochon, read an excerpt from HUDDLE WITH ME TONIGHT, and get your name in the draw for a copy of your own! The contest ends early Tuesday though, so don't drag your feet!

All Paige Turner wants is to be taken seriously as a journalist. The entertainment columnist and blogger extraordinaire gets more notoriety than she planned when her scathing review of NFL superstar Torrian Smallwood's memoir sparks an online confrontation. But that's nothing compared to the sensual heat that tackles her when she meets the heart-stoppingly sexy athlete face-to-face...

Torrian can't let Paige derail his dream of a new career as a restaurateur. Even if the sassy, sultry writer is making America's favorite wide receiver yearn to be on the receiving end of her desire. And with a reality TV cook-off propelling them into the spotlight, Torrian can no longer hide his passionate secret goal--to build a future with the woman who's making an end run around his heart...
Kimani Romance #204
ISBN 13: 978-0-373-86179-8
Available for pre-order from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Borders. In stores everywhere September 2010!

I can't wait for Farrah Rochon's next release, I'LL CATCH YOU, coming in March, 2011. I feel comfortable in saying that I think she's here to stay!

Thanks for checking it out!

Laurie