To benefit a good cause - there's a giveaway!

This book had me hooked the moment I first read about it - and then after waiting what seemed like forever, it was finally in my hot little hands on my Kindle and I devoured it. Of the authors in this huge anthology, many are long-time favorites of mine and a couple I wasn't as familiar with. Some of the stories are sweet, most are sexy, but none are erotic, if that's your poison.  Proceeds from this book benefit Veterans Research Corp - how can anyone resist helping our nation's veterans?
I've noticed that many of you don't seem to care as much for Kindle giveaways, so this time I'm giving away one copy of the print version and one Kindle copy here - if you're only interested in a specific version, you should note that in your comment or I'm going to assume it makes no difference. 
Because I'm busy getting my home decorated and making list after list of baking necessities and gift shopping necessities, the giveaway will be a simple one. Leave a comment about any (or all!) of the authors in this anthology - there are 18 of them so it should be simple.  Tell a friend who mentions you in their comment here and you'll be entered TWO extra times - so don't be stingy and not tell your friends!
Also because of said busting the hump on my part right now, I'm going to say that the contest will run for approximately one week.  No promises that it will be exactly a week because I tend to be a day or two late. I typically require readers to stop back because I dislike taking the time to track down winners, but if you want to post your email address with your comment so I can notify you if you're a winner, that's fine. However, if you do not leave your email address, be sure to check back to see if you're the winner.

Don't want to wait to see if you've won? Here's a link to Amazon so you can order a copy pronto - and think of all of the romance readers on your Christmas list who would love a copy of this book!

Holiday music

                                          (Country Living)

How many of you are holiday music listeners?  I typically start listening a week or two before Thanksgiving. If I'm home alone, I turn on the Time Warner "Sounds of the Season" channel - if I'm in the car, I've got the music blaring and I'm singing along at the top of my lungs!  My family doesn't share my love of Christmas music, so I have to squeeze it in when I can!
My girls often burn CDs for me and I love the assortment of music they put on them - some I'm familiar with and they know I love, but most are surprises that they think I'll enjoy. I have a couple of holiday assortments that Lindsay has made for me that make me smile every time I listen. The assortment includes Elvis, Jose Feliciano, Ray Charles, Bing Crosby and some National Lampoon Christmas Vacation selections.
So what are your listening habits? Do you sing out loud to the songs you've known since childhood? I find myself humming constantly this time of year, regardless of where I am.  I have a feeling I'll be one of those little old ladies (like my mom!) who hums her way through life.  There are so many things worse, right?
I hope you're all enjoying the beginnings of a beautiful holiday season!

Blaming it on the Tryptophan

Okay,

Once again I'm later than late in announcing a winner.  We had a a long weekend but it was a little hectic.  I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  This time it was especially easy to come up with a winner, because I only had two commenters and one doesn't want a Kindle book.  Virginia - that leaves you, sweetie!  Just let me know which of Kylie Brant's books you'd like and the email you want it sent to and I'll get it ordered immediately.

Kylie Brant's DEADLY SINS - there's a giveaway!

Author Kylie Brant is one of my favorite suspense authors and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review DEADLY SINS on behalf of Romance Junkies.  This is the third in her Mindhunters series, none of which should be missed, especially if you're a romantic suspense lover!
You'll find an excerpt and ordering links here, and I suggest that you take a look around while  you're there.  I'll just bet you'll find something that tempts you!
The blurb:
An unknown assassin has appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner, brutally taking out high-level human targets citywide. And the list of suspects is a sensitive one: an Iranian diplomat, a U.S. senator, and a vengeful priest. It's just the kind of case to test the resolve of tough FBI agent, Jaid Marlowe. Especially when her new partner is Adam Raiker, Jaid's former colleague and ex-lover. But that's history—and it left scars.
Determined to leave it behind them, Jaid and Adam dive into the most shocking investigation of their careers. But when Adam himself becomes a suspect, Jaid must choose between past and present. Her choice plunges them into a far-reaching, high-level conspiracy of shadows—and on the run not only from secrets and lies, but for their lives. Now, despite their history, they have only each other, and the desperate hope that love can keep them alive.


My review:
Kylie Brant’s DEADLY SINS is a rich example of how romantic suspense should be written.  Intrigue and suspense surround a sensually passionate romance that deserves to be read by every romantic suspense fan.

FBI agent, Jaid Marlowe, is assigned to investigate the murder of a Supreme Court Justice. When her former lover and former FBI agent, Adam Raiker, is assigned as her partner, the case becomes even more complicated.  When suspicions begin to be directed at Adam, Jaid has more to worry about than simply solving the murder.  She has to contend with her growing feelings for Adam while they are in a fight for their lives.

Jaid has never been far away in Adam’s mind.  Being partnered with her on this case is heaven and hell for him. Adam is mostly successful at keeping his mind on the task at hand, but there are those occasional moments when he thinks he’ll lose his mind without touching, tasting Jaid again.  Adam had a troubled past and it’s likely that damage is what has made him the incredibly strong, resilient man he is today.

DEADLY SINS isn’t loaded with sex and I suppose that might be a bit of a disappointment for some readers. Personally, I prefer an intricately thought-out, well-told story rather than having sex scenes thrown in willy nilly just to have them in there.  Adam and Jade have a romantic history, so there isn’t chapter after chapter of them getting to know one another. Ms. Brant has given readers a powerful story with DEADLY SINS.  The combination of an intensely and carefully layered storyline makes for a satisfying romantic suspense.


Now on to the giveaway!  I will give one reader their choice of a Kindle version of any one of the three books in the Mindhunters series.  I'm sure you're tired of the reminder that you do not have to have a Kindle to read a Kindle version of a book - they have several options available for your PC, iPod, iPhone... but there it is anyway! Simply leave a comment about Ms. Brant - her website, books that tempt you, books you've read, etc.  If you haven't read her work, it's okay to admit that too! I'll draw the winning name this Friday evening, so mark your calendar to stop back to see if you've won.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Thanks for checking out DEADLY SINS. One more thing - I've gone with a larger font for this post - do you like it better? Is it easier to read?  Let me know, ok?
Laurie
xo

An oldie but goodie!

I don't know if any of you enjoy series romance, but I recently read one that is worth talking about. Harlequin Presents has reissued numerous titles from the 90s and I've been making a point to stay away from them, preferring more current, updated reading. There was one title, THE PRICE OF A BRIDE by Michelle Reid that had so many interesting reviews that I couldn't resist.

The characters in this book are incredibly well-written and their story is unique. There was a little more love/hate than I typically have patience for, but overall this is a very good book, with an interesting storyline. The heroine is the character who is tortured, and although I wanted to give the characters a swift kick a couple of times, I stayed up late last night to read and finished it on my lunch break today. I recommend this book for romance lovers.
Are any of you fans of series romance?  I enjoy the Presents and Desire lines. They're quick reads and I always find the happily ever after satisfying.
What's everybody reading these days?
Laurie

A NEW WINNER - Stephanie Tyler giveaway

Okay, I realize I'm waaay late in getting back here, but I've had a bug and spent much of the last week in a cold/cough medicine-induced haze. I did not hear from Victoria and have drawn a new name - Pat L! Please contact me with your mailing information, Pat, and I'll get your book in the mail. ljodamron@gmail.com

NIGHT MOVES, the latest from Stephanie Tyler - there's a giveaway!

UPDATE! I almost forgot to draw a name! Tim and I took the day off and ran errands and shopped all day - I was wiped out and sat down to veg for the evening! The winner of my review copy (it's in print) is VICTORIA! Thanks to everyone for your great comments! I love Stephanie Tyler's writing style so very much, she's definitey one of my favorites. I'm excited to see whose story is next! Victoria, please contact me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing information. If I don't hear from Victoria by Tuesday, I'll draw another name. Check back for another contest and giveaway in the next few days - another great romantic suspense!
Have a great weekend, everyone!

Stephanie Tyler has a new release, NIGHT MOVES, and if you're a fan of romantic suspense done right, you should get your hands on this book, pronto! I was incredibly lucky in getting a copy for Romance Junkies review and to tell the truth, had a hard time writing a review that wasn't 100% gushing! Personally, I think reading the series in order is the best way to enjoy, but each one stands competently on its own. 

Anything can happen under the cover of darkness.
Kell Roberts has walked the thin line between life and death for so long that it now feels like home. He is a soldier, a survivor, and a loner. Still, Kell cannot turn his back on the beautiful woman caught in his firefight against the drug lords of Mexico. She says her name is Teddie, but Kell senses there’s much more to her story—and it’s about to pull him into a mission he didn’t sign on for: keeping her alive.
Teddie Lassiter knows this lean, mean rescuer just saved her life, but the steel glint behind those soft gray eyes seem to be hiding something deep. The men after Teddie are deadly, but the man who holds her life in his hands and tempts her with his wicked touch is even more dangerous. He could make her dream about living and loving again. And if they can survive, maybe, just maybe, they can stop fighting the world and each other—and simply surrender.

My Romance Junkies (4.5 Blue Ribbon) review:
When a headstrong, seemingly fearless young woman sets out to prove her father’s innocence, she must first trust a total stranger who has assigned himself as her protector. He offers her only chance at staying alive. Stephanie Tyler’s NIGHT MOVES will hit all of the right buttons for romantic suspense fans.
Theodora (Teddie) Lassiter has left witness protection, giving her handler the slip and heading to Mexico in an attempt to locate the men who violently killed her father, stepmother and half-sisters. Her late father is being accused of heinous crimes, fronted by his position as a diplomat. Teddie is scheduled to meet with her father’s associate only to find herself in a dangerous fight for her life. When Kell Roberts and Reid Cormier unexpectedly come along and save her, she’s slow to trust them. It isn’t long before things heat up between her and Kell, the first man she’s allowed close enough to see the fissures in her bravado.
Kell and Reid are on a mission of their own in Mexico and saving the gorgeous Teddie isn’t in the plans. These two have been watching each other’s backs since they were young boys, and their determination to survive and live life on their own terms has only grown stronger over the years. Kell returns to the U.S. from Mexico with Teddie while Reid carries on, continuing their original mission. They’re soon brought together again to face their most powerful enemies for one last time.
Stephanie Tyler has given readers a powerful romantic suspense with NIGHT MOVES. These characters are undoubtedly some of the most tortured I’ve ever read. The story richly layers the complexities of the characters’ lives, past and present. NIGHT MOVES has an incredibly original storyline. The attraction between Kell and Teddie is immediate and explosive. Kell and Reid had unusually painful childhoods and the “brotherly” love, support, and respect between them is brilliantly written. I highly recommend NIGHT MOVES, or any of Ms. Tyler’s books for that matter, to fans of romantic suspense. I’m almost sad to be caught up on this series – although there is some consolation that the next book will likely (please!!) be Reid’s story, guaranteed to be equally good!

Because I have a Kindle copy of NIGHT MOVES, I'm going to do a quick giveaway for my review copy.  Interested?  Simply leave a comment saying so.  If you want to remark about any of Ms. Tyler's work, previously released or upcoming, that's even better!  I'll draw the winner this Friday, October 21st.  Remember to check back because I don't track down winners and another name will be pulled if I don't hear from you.
Not the winner?  Don't despair - here's a link to Amazon so you can grab a copy for yourself!
Thanks for checking it out, ladies!
Laurie

Winners!

Hey ladies,
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. My best friend and I went to dinner last night and then to see comedienne Kathleen Madigan, so much fun!
Kelsey is home for the weekend and I had her give me two numbers - she gave me 4 and 8 which means that Crystal and Jane each win their choice of a book from Jill's backlist.  Crystal and Jane, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with a couple of book titles so I can pass them on to Jill. Your books will come directly from her.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a comment - I hope you all will check out ANIMAL ATTRACTION. It's a great book and you'll love the characters.
Thank you, Jill, for the giveaway books!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Laurie

ANIMAL ATTRACTION, the latest from Jill Shalvis - two giveaways!

Have you heard about the latest release from Jill Shalvis?  I was fortunate enough to have an early look and all I can say is run, don't walk, to get your copy!  I'm not doing a full review but hey, have I ever steered you wrong on a book recommendation?  I always tell Jill that the hero she's currently working on is my favorite, but feel pretty comfortable saying that Dell has maintained a place right at the top of the leaderboard!  Here's more about it:

She’s tempting his basic instincts…
Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.
Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.
Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…

A little excerpt:
“Come on, baby,” he murmured. “Give it up for me. You know you want to.”
Jade Bennett did her best to ignore the way the low, sexy voice made her shiver. Besides, it wasn’t aimed at her. Dr. Dell Connelly; dog whisperer, cat whisperer, horse whisperer, and known woman whisperer … was talking to a stray kitten.
The feline in question huddled miserably beneath the bench seat in Dell’s vet center waiting room, staring at him from narrowed eyes, clearly having none of the sweet talk. She was a scruffy/mangy grayish brown with sharp green eyes, and like Jade, not swayed by sweet talkers.
“Huh,” Jade said from behind the reception counter. “Most females leap right into your arms at the slightest encouragement.”
Dell craned his neck and regarded her from eyes as dark as his secrets. “Not all.”
There was a beat of silence during which she did her best not to break eye contact. He was right. Not all females, otherwise she’d have made the leap.

Sigh. Everyone - Go forth and buy!  Here's a link to Amazon so you can snag your own copy!!
The giveaway: Post your favorite thing about Jill's work, her website, her always-fun blog, her covers, or basically anything you want, and you'll be entered. I'll pull two winning names and those winners will have their choice from Jill's backlist (so long as she has a copy available) on Saturday, October 8th. Want another chance at a book? Tell a friend and have them mention your referral and you'll get your name in the draw an extra time for each friend who drops your name. So be sure to send your friends over!
Another reminder about checking back to see if you're a winner. I will not track you down, sorry.
Good luck to all - I hope you're having a fabulous week!
Laurie

Ooops! I forgot!

I totally forgot that I mentioned a second contest for two more of you to win books.  My apologies, ladies.  The two names I've drawn are Helen L. and Cheryl S.  If you ladies will email me at ljodamron@gmail.com, I have several autographed Catherine Mann books and will divide them between you.  Who knows, I might even toss in some books by other authors.  I'm not going to take time to list titles - if you already have one/some that I send, you can share them with a friend or your local library!
 
I'm preparing a blog post to celebrate release day for Jill Shalvis's ANIMAL ATTRACTION and it will include a giveaway for one of Jill's backlist books.  Keep an eye out for that, hopefully it will go up sometime today.