The latest from Jill Shalvis - she's giving away a Kindle copy!

Hey ladies, did you know that Jill Shalvis has a new release? HEAD OVER HEELS continues her very popular Lucky Harbor series and is an adorable, warmhearted romance.  On Monday, Jill wil be offering a Kindle copy for one commenter here. If you'd like in on the draw, just leave a comment. I always like to hear what your favorite books are and with the wide variety of books that Jill has written, I'm curious as to your favorites.  My favorite remains SERVING UP TROUBLE, an oldie but goodie that I have reread several times.
You'll find an excerpt and ordering information for HEAD OVER HEELS on Jill's site.  This is an oh so sweet love story and I hope you'll all check it out!
Thanks for stopping by - be sure to stop back on Monday and leave your comments!
Laurie

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all the warmest, merriest, most blessed Christmas ever!  I hope everyone has plans for cozy gatherings with family and friends.  My sympathies for those who have to work.  Although seriously, in this job market you have to be thankful if you have a job.

Be sure to stop back Monday for a chance at a Kindle version from Jill Shalvis of her latest release in the Lucky Harbor series, HEAD OVER HEELS! Remember, you don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books - they offer several alternatives, I'll bet there's at least one that will work for you!

Bless you all,

Laurie





The winners - with my apologies

I'm so sorry for the ridiculously loooong delay in announcing the winners, ladies.  Like everyone else this time of year, I've been bombarded with holiday and work stuff. 

The winner of the Kindle version of SEAL OF MY DREAMS is Megan B.  The winner of the print version is Judy F.  I'll be contacting both of them by email in just a bit.

Thank you all for stopping and for your great comments.  I absolutely love romantic suspense and hope to share some chatter about some of my favorite RS authors with you - and hear about yours too!

I've not forgotten!

Hey ladies,
I haven't forgotten about the draw, I promise! I'm having serious computer issues and am posting this in the few minutes my computer will cooperate. Have been too swamped at work and haven't had time, but tomorrow should be fairly calm and I will announce the two winners, likely in the afternoon.  Thanks for your patience.
Laurie
xo

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