Bare It All by Lori Foster (Love Undercover #3)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin 

My Copy: NetGalley

Reviewer: Nikki

A cop’s craving to know more about the woman next door could prove fatal in the steamy new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster 

As the person responsible for taking down a brutal human trafficker, Alice Appleton fears retaliation at every turn. No one knows about her past, which is exactly how she prefers it…until the sexy cop next door comes knocking. 

Detective Reese Bareden thinks he knows what makes women tick, but his ever-elusive neighbor keeps him guessing like no other. Is his goal to unmask Alice’s secrets? Or protect her from a dangerous new threat? One thing is certain: their chemistry is a time bomb waiting to explode. And with no one to trust but each other, Reese and Alice are soon drawn into a deadly maze of corruption, intrigue and desire-and into the line of fire…

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Picking up Bare It All gave me mixed emotions. I have long since been a champion of Foster’s work but I’ve felt something was really lacking in the last book and so I wasn’t sure I would even continue with this series.

You may remember the heroine, Alice, in a Trace Of Fever from the “Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor” series. Or you may not because she wasn’t a huge part and that book feels like forever ago. When we first met her she was much meeker but that backbone of steel was still evident even then. Since then she’s definitely grown into her own. She’s more confident and she’s managed to get her life mostly back in order.

Though she keeps mostly to herself her hunky neighbor and his dog have wormed themselves right into her heart. When he needs somewhere to stay after his apartment becomes a crime scene she jumps at the chance to offer him her place to crash. Reese has tried for weeks to get Alice to open up to him and she’s finally starting to let him in. No way is he turning down her offer. He’s going to need all his detective skills in order to crack Alice because she tightly guards her secrets. She’s also a magnet for trouble and it seems like no sooner does he have one case wrapped up does it find her.

I really liked Alice as a heroine. She was capable but realistic and I liked that distinction. She wasn’t fearless but she held herself together incredibly well in moments of high stress. With Reese in her corner she finally was able to feel safe. I mean who wouldn’t feel safe with that man in their corner? *fans self* Reese was tall, protective and loves animals…it doesn’t get any better then that. Reese was really patient with Alice’s need to keep secrets and only pushed when he felt he needed to know.  I found myself chuckling over the banter between characters. Rowdy mostly but also the two other women living in their building who were trying desperately to get in Reeses’ pants. They were just so deliciously stupid and every woman knows someone like them. Alice’s reaction to them and her need to mark Reese as her own was priceless.

On the downside I thought that for a romantic suspense it lacked…suspense. What there was felt very easy and when it came time to wrap things up everything happened very fast. I kind of wished that there would have been danger to Alice so that I could bask in Reeses’ protectiveness over her. There were hot men all over the woman wanting to keep her safe and there wasn’t a whole lot to keep her safe from. The villain wasn’t very fleshed out and we got basically nothing from his point of view.

Rowdy gets a nice set up in Bare It All that will continue into the next book where he comes front and center. I liked Rowdy in this book much better then the last because he skirts the line between right and wrong really well. He dominates every scene he’s in and I completely look forward to him falling hard for his woman.

Overall I liked this one much more then the last book and I will definitely be back for Rowdy’s book!

I give Bare It All by Lori Foster 3.75 stars!

Run The Risk by Lori Foster (Love Undercover #1)

 

Available: Sept 25, 2012 Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Harlequin

My Copy: NetGalley

When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend’s unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new “construction worker” who’s moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer’s crosshairs?

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I have long been a supporter of Lori Foster’s writing and have loved everything by her that I have gotten the chance to read. Her last series (Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor) blew me away and so I eagerly snatched this one up to read it. Unfortunately this one failed to grab me and often left me wanting to put it down.

The first half of the book felt incredibly slow to me. Logan is undercover trying to get revenge for a murdered friend and his only link is Pepper Yates. He takes up residence as her neighbor and slowly tries to integrate into her life under the name of Logan Stark. First off, I busted out laughing (in a good way) at the idea of STARK and PEPPER because of, hello, Iron Man. Maybe Iron Man doesn’t exist in this world, but I thought it was funny.

My main gripe is the utter unbelievably in this one. Pepper and her brother are in hiding because of a crime one of them saw. Logan wants her brother because of this same thing and the information he can give that would bring down a major crime boss. So Pepper is in hiding, posing as a mousey, plain woman living in a crappy apt building in the next county over from where the crime was committed. The next county over people. Now if you had witnessed a heinous crime and needed to go into hiding from a crime boss who supposedly has eyes everywhere, would you go one county over? Hell  no. You’d get out of the state at least. It never jived with me that they would stay that close and never be found, no matter how Pepper disguised her body and personality.

The entire first half of the book is Pepper in hiding and it seemed that nothing happened. The story dragged along and even when we were getting things from Pepper’s view, I felt left in the dark. I had no idea what was going on and the arc of the story stalled completely. I wanted more information sooner and more action. The second half of the book kicks it into high gear as things start coming together but by that point I wasn’t invested enough to care about where the story went. Once Pepper goes back to her real self her demeanor changes completely. Gone is the mousey, insecure woman and in her place is a smokin hot confident woman bent on revenge of her own. Had I seen that woman at all, even in the parts coming from her view, I would have been okay with the change. The only time her real personality shines through at all was while her and Logan were having sex…which was funny because I didn’t understand WHY they were having sex. I guess Foster was trying to get across the idea that what is underneath and personality count for more than looks and yay for Logan for seeing that (and for using her in his personal agenda?). Then to have her actually be hot was a slap in the face to the reader. Sure, it’s whats underneath that counts…and lookie there, underneath she’s hot. Sigh.

The action stays true to Foster’s writing and was engaging and it moved the stalled plot along nicely when I almost gave up and put this one down. There is lead in to book two throughout the story and I will admit to being intrigued by Logan’s partner and his reclusive and shy neighbor.

I am disappointed I didn’t enjoy this one but maybe book two will lead me back to a series I have high hopes for. I did read the entire book so….

I give Run The Risk by Lori Foster 2.75 stars

A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster (Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor #4)

 

Available: March 27th 2012 Amazon/B&N

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: HQN

My Copy: Sent

He never saw her coming…

Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring—and continue avenging his own tragic past—the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.

Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure it’s dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan—and their chemistry—shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover there’s an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero….

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Spencer knows he can’t get close to Arizona. She’s too damaged. Too fragile. That doesn’t mean he can’ t try to help her overcome her past. It’s not like he is looking for a relationship either. When the opportunity to work with her on a human trafficking case comes up he knows he must bargin for her. She won’t take care of herself otherwise. She is impossibly rash and has no regard for her safety. To keep her close Spencer offers to “work” with her. In and out of the bedroom.

Arizona doesn’t understand the incessant curiosity that won’t be tamed when it comes to Spencer. She never thought she’s be able to overcome her aversion to men after what she was put through in the past at the hands of the most evil of the evil. She’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She won’t be changing herself for Spencer. For anyone.

When the human traffickers set their sights on Arizona once again Spencer will stop at nothing to keep her safe. Even if he has to lock her away till the job is done. Problem is, Arizona has other plans. Like using herself has some very delectable bait.

 

 

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A Perfect Storm is Lori’s 4th book in her Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor series…and I have been waiting FOREVER to get my hands on it! I really enjoy this series and Lori’s writing is impeccable.

Arizona was a tough character to get to know. She’s completely closed off because of her past with human traffickers. She’s severely stunted towards human emotion and even though she hides it behind a tough facade, is incredibly vulnerable and fragile. Though if you called her that you better watch your back. Her fascination with Spencer quickly seemed to overtake her brittle personality and she became quite inquisitive. To the point that sometimes she came across childish. Which in return made it hard to see her an Spencer together. Though she had every right to behave the way she did because of her past, it was just difficult to see her having a normal-ish relationship. I did appreciate all the restrain Spencer took with her in regards to her hang ups and personality snafus. He made a lot of remarks on not wanting to take advantage of her and I found that noble on his part. Even though just looking at her gave him wood that even the best ax couldn’t chop down.

For his part Spencer was an exceptionally moral man who could also take down pretty much any person he wanted. He is flawed though because he can’t let go and move past the death of his wife several years earlier. Spencer and Arizona fit well together in the respect that neither were truly living when they met. They both went through the motions, sure, but their hearts had died a long with their dreams. Spencer spends half the book annoyed by Arizona while she spends the same half trying to figure out what it is about him that has her so intrigued.

Arizona has a weird relationship with Jackson (the man who saved her) that always left me kind of shaking my head. Jackson spends a crap ton of money on her because he considers her family. She doesn’t want anything to do with it yet secretly seems to enjoy the attention even though she has no idea how to respond to it. Offering him sex and being turned down left her in a lurch in knowing how to deal with him. I totally understood why Spencer had reservations about her explanation of the relationship. Though at times I thought Arizona handled herself quite nicely even though Spencer treated her akin to a child.

I really enjoy the human trafficking story line. Lord, that sounds bad, even to me LOL. But I do. You know, in a book. It makes for a suspenseful and truly devious villain. One with meat that I can believe in. I love how there are always a few twists I didn’t see coming. There is always plenty of action and some covert ops going down. This is definitely one book/series you won’t get bored reading.

We also get to catch up with the past characters. I especially enjoy Chris. Dare’s assistant and good friend. He also seems to be the “go to” guy in these books and his appearance always makes me smile. He has wisdom beyond his years an a knack of making even the most fragile people feel warm and comforted. I really hope he gets his own happiness someday. It seems a shame that he is on his own still…though he swears he’s totally okay with it. Think of him as the Yoda of this series!

A Perfect Storm is an intense whirlwind of a romantic suspense. Fly by the seat of your pants action that won’t let you down.  Hot women, even hotter men and a storm that might just break down the walls surrounding Spencer and Arizona’s hearts.

 

I give A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster 4 stars! 

Savor The Danger by Lori Foster (Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor #3)

Available: Now Amazon/B&N/Borders

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher; HQN

My Copy: Bought and Sent

She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can’t forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened— he knows he’s been drugged…even if Alani doesn’t.

After she was kidnapped, Alani vowed never to trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts down a mysterious intruder, he swears he’ll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm’s way again?

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As the third book in this series I was expecting a lot. Maybe too much. I fell in love with both Dare and Trace in the first two books, and Jackson was an enigma I wanted to solve. I was worried that because of the fierce love I had for the first two books that Savor The Danger was built up in my head before I even cracked the first page.

Lori Foster did not disappoint.

Jackson knows only one thing. He’s been drugged. Although waking up with Alani naked beside him isn’t such a hardship. It’s no secret he’s wanted her for a long time. Now she’s here and he can’t remember a damned thing about how. Not knowing if this is about him or someone after her, Jackson decides keeping her close is the best option. Keeping her naked is an even better one.Something about Alani awakes his most protective side. Nothing will get in his way of her safety.

Alani can’t believe she let Jackson talk her into sleeping with him. Ok, well she can. I mean, look at him. Built like a tank and he claimed he only wanted her. Now he’s claiming a different story altogether. How can he not remember a night that left her so wanton and breathless that even the thought of it gets her hot again? With the bad guys on their tail, Alani is going to have to do something she swore she’d never do after her abduction at the hand of human traffickers….trust a man. Jackson will have to earn her trust if he also wants to earn her nights.

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Savor The Danger was an awesome book. Jackson Savor was….well….yummy. I wanted to start at the top and work my way down to the tips of his toes. He was one part delicious cowboy and the other part scary mercenary for hire. I loved his attitude and ability to be gentle with Alani as well as take charge when plans had to be made. Not many guys can get away with saying “woman!” a lot. I generally find it hilariously funny if my husband tries to say it to me. But when Jackson said it…damn, I wanted to just sink into a puddle at his feet. It’s very alpha. Very much in charge.

Alani was a character I really liked throughout the series. I was happy she got her own book and even happier that the hero for her was Jackson. Poor Alani had been sheltered her entire life by big brother Trace. Out of concern for her he treated her as a child. Though she had made huge strides since her abduction in the first book, it was clear that the wounds weren’t totally healed. She was slightly skittish. It was also clear she had a thing for Jackson from the get go. In her learning to trust him, her inhibitions were also shed. Trace’s attitude upon finding out his sister was a woman shacking up with his friend (a friend completely like himself) was hilarious. I found myself snorting and also wistful that he was as protective of her as he was. Much to Alani’s dismay of course.

As with the previous two books, my only dawn fall is the build up of the villain. Maybe I’m sadistic. I guess I want the characters to suffer a bit. To be scared the one they love may die. In each book its built up and pulled taunt…and then…BAM, it’s over. The book is still great I guess I just felt like with a longer ending..it could be more. I mean more Jackson, Trace and Dare can only be a good thing in my eyes. The situation with Arizona in this book is a great lead in to the next book. Spencer sounds like a man I could get down with.

I found the entire book to be completely engaging. I already miss this series and am eager for the next book out sometime next year. Why must the wait be so long?! *wails*

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I give Savor The Danger by Lori Foster 4.50 stars

Winner of the 3 book Lori Foster Giveaway!

 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! It’s time for me to announce the winner for the 3 book print giveaway of Lori Fosters Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor series! The winner was picked by random.org and will receive:

The winner is:

KERI FORD!

 

Lori Foster 3 Book GIVEAWAY!

Today I have a super cool opportunity to share with everyone. I have a 3 book giveaway open to US readers! The winner will receive all 3 books in Lori’s “Men Who Walk The Edge Of Honor” series! I have read the first two books in this series and LOVED them both. The third book, Savor The Danger is what I am reading now. I won’t spoil any of the goodness for you though. I will leave the contest open until July 16th and announce the winner on the 17th. US only.

WHEN YOU DARE by Lori Foster   (MY REVIEW HERE)

 

    THE TOUGHER THEY ARE, THE HARDER THEY FALL…

 

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he’ll take the mission he’s offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who’d had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare’s tempted to combine work with pleasure.

 

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she’s uncovered the truth.  Could the enemy be her powerful estranged father?  The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels?  As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…

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TRACE OF FEVER by Lori Foster     (MY REVIEW HERE)

 

    CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF VENGEANCE AND DESIRE

 

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he’ll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man’s dirty smuggling operation.  It’s a perfect scheme—until Coburn’s long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

 

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn’t who she seems to be.  But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses.  Joining forces to plot Coburn’s downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent…

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EXCERPT FROM SAVOR THE DANGER-

A little slack-jawed, Alani watched as Jackson meandered down the hall and disappeared into her home office. His long-legged, rangy walk set her heart to tripping; the thought of him going through her personal files slowed it again.

She snapped her mouth shut.

Had that parting shot of his been mockery, or a sincere statement reflecting what they’d shared, the bond they’d forged last night?

A bond that only she could remember.

Groaning, she put her hands over her face and slumped into her bedroom. She quietly closed the door and dropped back against it.

Being honest with herself, she had to admit that deep inside, she’d been expecting – maybe even hoping – that he’d press the issue of intimacy. He wanted her again. He’d been more than open and upfront about that.

But instead, he chose to honor her wishes, the wishes she knew to be more responsible. More reasonable.

It would be a very long night.

Taking her time, Alani freshened up, tidying her hair, brushing her teeth, giving her make-up a boost. With nothing more to do, she girded herself for Jackson’s impact, both emotional and physical, and went in search of him.

She opened her bedroom door and found him right there in the hallway, leaning on the wall, relaxed, waiting for her.

Before she could apologize for making him wait, he straightened.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

She stepped out, and his warm palm curved to the small of her back.

Alani felt the touch everywhere. But then, even if he hadn’t touched her, she’d have been acutely aware of him beside her. When Jackson was in a room, he occupied everything, the space, the air, the attention.

Knowing they were alone, with the bedrooms at their backs, quickened her breath.

“I parked down around the corner.”

Surprise slowed her steps, but since Jackson kept walking, she did too. It hadn’t occurred to her that his car was missing. If she’d seen it on the street in front of her house or in her driveway, she’d have been forewarned of his visit.

And maybe she would have avoided him.

“You didn’t want me to know you were here?”

“I didn’t want anyone else to know.” His hand slid to her hip, nudged her a little closer to him. “In case I was followed, no way did I want to lead anyone to you.”

Another reminder of the danger they might be in. “Well, you should bring your car up to my driveway now.”

“Maybe later.” He stopped at the entrance to her small living room, where so much drama had already gone down. “For now, how about we take your car?”

“All right.” She didn’t mind that. With all he’d been through, it’d probably be better if he wasn’t driving. Sure, he had to be macho and swear he felt no side-effects from being drugged, but how could that be? If she took cold medicine, it wiped her out, and he’d been given a drug so heavy-duty that it had obliterated his memory.

In the kitchen, she found her purse, keys, and Jackson’s hat. She rejoined him in the foyer.

He took the hat from her, slid it onto his head, and then held out a hand.

One brow raised, Alani looked at him in question.

“Keys?” he prompted.

She slid her purse strap over her shoulder. “That’s okay. I’ll drive.”

A priceless expression fell over his face.

“Oh please.” Alani had to laugh. “It’s not like I asked to carry your gun.”

Heartfelt, he tipped back his hat and scoffed. “I’d say no to that, too.” He scrutinized her. “But you do know how to shoot, don’t you?”

“I know enough.” And after her kidnapping to Tijuana, she’d done plenty of practicing to ensure she could handle a weapon.

He reached for her purse. “You carrying?”

“No!” Alani snatched the bag away. “Of course not.”

Considering that, Jackson declared, “We’ll get you a piece. You shouldn’t be out and about without it.” He gave her small designer purse a look of dislike. “You’ll need to carry something bigger, though.”

She did not want to be armed. “You’re here, so what do I need with a gun? Aren’t you protection enough?”

He went so still, it almost made her laugh again. Until he said, “You suggesting I should stick around 24/7?”

“What?” A rush of heat hit her cheeks. “No, of course I wasn’t.”

Keeping her caught in his gaze for far too long, he studied her, and finally smiled. “Yeah, I’m protection enough. I guess as long as you’re with me, you don’t need anything else.” He snatched the keys out of her lax hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here….”

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LORI’S LINKS:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

*To enter simply leave me a comment and a way to get a hold of you if you win! GOOD LUCK! Thanks to Deb for allowing me to do the giveaway!*

Lori Foster Conference 2011

I went to my first conference everyone! I started out the journey on Friday morning..a bit late..yeah yeah, I wanted to sleep in. I made my way to Columbus to drop my kids off at a friend who had graciously offered to take them for the weekend. Ok, I begged. Then I met the fantabulous Julie A Lindsey and my cousin who she is married to in West Chester.

Then we met up with @JenniA8677 and let me tell you, she is a blast and a half to hang out with. She even bought the first round of drinks that evening. I say first because there were several rounds *wink wink*. Here are a few of those pictures:

Hey, those were STRONG long island iced teas…

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Then we posed with hot cardboard cutouts of Lori Fosters new book series. Seriously, I wanted to smuggle the shirtless one out somehow.

Lori Foster’s hubby was getting a kick out of us..he took this picture.

Ok speaking of authors…I could not believe how many actually wanted to talk to me. LOL. That sounds funny. But it was so surreal that people actually knew who I was. I went to a Turquoise Morning Press mtg with Julie…where she found out her book Bloom will be the launch of their new Honeycreek series (YAY SQUEAL) …and the head honcho..Kim Jacobs, knew who I was…what? For reals? I also sat beside Keri Ford..shes so stinkin adorable! You need to read her books.She totally let me follow her around while she chatted with people.

I also met Ja Saare who is HILARIOUS…I love her to pieces! She is so vibrant and full of life! I now have a signed copy of Dead, Undead Or Somewhere in Between….are you jealous? You should be..it’s a AWESOME book!

And I met Nalini Singh! WHAT!!!! Fabulous Bells from Hanging With Bells took this picture of us. She was starstruck just like me. Nalini was super sweet. Very approachable. You should have seen the line to her book signing. Holy Moly. Bells was nice and got mine signed for me LOL. I was carting around a TON of books to get signed.

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I of course met Lori Foster…who put on this amazing event. She is awesome. Like a DUMMY I didn’t bring anything for her to sign. *sigh* But I guess there is always next year right?

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I met Mandi from Smexybooks and we had a awesome book store experience that I will NOT get into *wink wink Mandi*, Colette from A Buckeye Girl Reads and Stacy from Stacy’s Place On Earth.

I also got to meet Eliza Gayle, Monica Burns (uh she is awesomesauce, just saying), Shiloh Walker, Dakota Cassidy, Jules Bennett, Beth Kery, Jade Lee and I know I’m forgetting ppl….ARRGGG. I was bummed I didn’t have anything for Dakota to sign either. Next year I will be prepared.

Here are a few random pictures of the craziness:

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Seriously, I had so much fun. Everyone out there reading this needs to make it next year. I am for sure not missing it!

and lastly, here is a pic Smexy took that I totally stole off her website

Bells, me, Stacey and Liz

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UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!!!!

Interview with Lori Foster!

A Q&A WITH LORI FOSTER…

When You Dare, May 2011 (Now on sale!)

Trace of Fever, June 2011 ● Savor the Danger, July 2011

Much of WHEN YOU DARE is set in Kentucky. What part? Why this setting? Does the area have special meaning for you? For your family?

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I rarely specify a “real” area when writing books, because I find that too limiting. However, when I set stories in Kentucky, I’m usually thinking of Williamstown because that’s where I spent most of my summers growing up. Being on the lake, boating, skiing, swimming, sunning myself and just plain having a great time, are some of my best memories. My parents had a fishing cabin there—one bedroom, small but open space for eating and sitting—and I loved it. No air conditioning, no heat, but who cared? I learned to ski when I was six, and our routine was to put on our jammies for bed, and in the morning we changed back into bathing suits. Not much else was needed.

Being on a lake makes everything better—especially coffee in the morning. You stand on the deck and watch the fog rise off the lake, and peace just settles around you. It’s perfect.

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Where have you lived? How long?

I’ve lived in Ohio all my life. My husband and I grew up here, went to school here, got jobs here, and now we’ve raised our sons here. Actually, though hubby and I didn’t meet until the 3^rd day of our sophomore year of high school, we always lived near each other. I love Ohio, especially the suburbs with the small town vibe. I can’t imagine ever moving away from my family. We’re all pretty close—and I like it that way!

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Did you enjoy school?

I was not a great student. That is, I got good grades, but never, ever enjoyed school. As an energetic daydreamer, it was an almost painful thing to have to sit still during class. When I hit high school and could pick most of my own classes, I had several writing courses like horror fiction, humor literature, and composition. And I went nuts on art class. Every study hall or free period was spent in the art room. I had an amazing art teacher– a wonderful artist and an eclectic teacher, which was perfect for me.

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 Have you had other jobs in addition to your writing?

I’ve worked as a cashier at Kroger where one of my jobs was also to clean the break room and bring in carts from the lot—through rain and snow and blistering heat. I worked on an assembly line at Procter & Gamble. I’ve also been a babysitter and house cleaner. In comparison, writing is a dream come true! Sure it’s difficult at times, and it really soaks up the hours, but always, with past jobs as a comparison, I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love, to share it with others, and to be compensated too!

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Motherhood—you were able to stay home with your children. How important was it to be able to do that?

I’m one of those women who would have gone stark raving mad if I’d had to turn my kids over to someone else. I’m the supreme mother hen and a world-class worrier. When I think of what other mothers have gone through—many who didn’t have the same opportunity to stay home with their children—it breaks my heart and again, makes me feel so fortunate and blessed. When the kids were younger—before I’d ever published—my husband and I lived on a very tight budget to make it possible for me to be home, but I’ve never regretted that.

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Do you ever “steal” attributes from your boys or your husband and give them to your characters? What, if anything, have your learned from living in a houseful of men that has helped you develop your male protagonists?

My kids are hilarious—they get that from their dad. They’re also very physical guys, athletic and protective and outspoken. Alphas for sure. So yes, I’ve often stolen lines, actions, or attitudes from them to use in books.

Living with all guys…well, our house drips testosterone, but it’s so fun! They’re forever amusing, and give me the perfect opportunity to witness “guyness” and to appreciate male traits for how they differ from mine.

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The family you grew up with—do you have brothers, sisters? If so, are you close? Do they live nearby?

I have an assorted family—which maybe helps explain the less-typical families I write about. I have a sister, step-sister, and a half brother, but none of us thinks in those terms. My stepfather—who passed away recently—was my Dad in every sense of the word. I miss him terribly.

Hubby and I are all about keeping family together and close, so most of the family gatherings happen at our house. We get both sides of the family together as often as we can, which is usually four or five times a year. Depending on nieces and nephews, who has a date and who doesn’t, we can get upwards of 60 people at a time. And we love it! You can never have too much family.

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What attributes do you share with Dare and Molly? Of course, Molly is a successful writer, so you have that in common. Anything else?

Molly actually came about because of some reader mail I’d gotten—threatening me. I know readers get very invested in stories, and I’m thrilled that they care so much. Occasionally they write me with their frustrations over something that didn’t go quite how they wanted it to, or because they want a character to have a book, but I don’t have a book for that character. That’s fine—I enjoy hearing from them. But threats? Well, I’ve had a few that crossed the line. That’s not the typical reader, and it can be worrisome.

After one particular threat, the idea for Molly and the elements of the storyline dealing with one of her readers as a suspect took shape in my mind.

I love hearing from readers, whether they liked a book or not. But, just like Molly, I think my privacy is important, too.

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How did the first Reader & Author Get Together come about?

Dianne Castell and I wanted to do a “thank you” to the community of readers and writers, and we envisioned it as being very small. We thought if we got a dozen people, we’d be happy—but our first year, we got around 100 attendees.

From there, it’s grown like crazy! We love to visit with other readers and authors, and we know they enjoy it too, so we’ve worked hard to keep the laid-back, easy atmosphere of the event so that lots of chit chat is possible, while at the same time doing something really worthwhile—like donating our raffle money to great local charities and bringing in agents and editors so newer authors can pitch their work to them in person, and longtime readers can get questions answered.

By dipping into our own pockets, and thanks to donations from publishers and agencies, we’ve kept the price a very affordable $50. This year is our seventh Get Together here in the Cincinnati and Dayton metro area and it will benefit One Way Farm’s Children’s Home. Information is on my site and registration ends May 19^th. If you’re reading this in time and want to attend, hurry! And Saturday’s big book signing is open to the public. Come by and see us! http://www.lorifoster.com/community/readergettogether.php

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What is your professional schedule moving forward?

Currently I’m hard at work on another single title, but ask me in a week or so and that answer could be different. 2011 has been wonderful so far with an anthology in March titled, The Guy Next Door, and then a new single title series out May, June and July—When You Dare, Trace of Fever, and Savor the Danger, with some part of the hero’s name in each title. (P.S. There’s a bit of a link between The Guy Next Door and my three new novels. Although the books tie together by characters, each can be read alone.)

Also in June is another “benefit anthology,” which is a pet project of mine where proceeds from the anthology go to a local charity. In 2011 the anthology is The Promise of Love and, as do the proceeds from the Seventh Annual Reader & Author Get Together, it will benefit One Way Farm, a home for abused and abandoned children.

 

Trace Of Fever by Lori Foster

Available: May 31 2011 Amazon/B&N/Borders

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: HQN

My Copy: Sent For Review

Books In The Series: When You Dare

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he’ll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man’s dirty smuggling operation. It’s a perfect scheme—until Coburn’s long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn’t who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn’s downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent….

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I am officially addicted to this series…seriously, I inhaled this book like it would going to be ripped from my hands at any minute. After reading When You Dare and loving it so much, I knew I would pick this one up right after finishing that one. No choice. It’s all I could think about.

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In When You Dare we meet Trace Rivers, Dare’s long time trusted friend and partner. Though they work separately the majority of the time, the other is never far and they always have each others backs. Trace’s little sister (though she is a stunning woman) had been kidnapped by human traffickers and it has affected Trace immensely not being able to go after her himself. Now personal vengeance against everyone involved in such a heinous crime colors Trace’s vision.

Trace Of Fever has Trace posing as a security guard for one of the big human trafficker offenders. Murray is one of the most feared of them all and his friends in high places ensure people turn a blind eye. His lap dog..I mean assistant, Helene fulfills his kinky fetishes as well as creates drugs to make the women he steals more compliant.Trace is on a  single minded mission to take them all down, until Priscilla walks in.

Priscilla never got a childhood. Her life revolved around her mentally ill mother and her porn store…yes… porn store. Taking down Murray is all she can think about. The fact that he *may* be her father has no effect on her hatred. He’s evil, and she will kill him. It’s all shes thought about for years. Trace is a wrench in her well laid plans, though she knows he is different from the other goons from the first moment he frisks her.

Together these two will take down a king pin. Losing theirs hearts along the way may not have been planned…but every well laid plan has detours.

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Trace of Fever was a bit shorter then the last book, though every bit as laid out and detailed. Trace is a complicated guy. He feels protective of damn near everyone he meets..including the enigma he can’t figure out, Priss.  There were a few times I actually felt kind of bad for him…that level of protectiveness, the level of guilt for those you can’t save, has to be extremely trying on his soul. Where would we be without those types of people though? Those willing to put it all on the line for others they don’t even know…those like Trace. He was funny, warm, attentive and jealous…jealous of anyone that looked at Priss. It was *sigh* worthy for sure.

I enjoyed Priss’s character a lot. She is spunky and determined with tons of courage. It would take a lot for a woman to confront a monster like Murray. Even if she was a bit naive, I would expect nothing less because of her sheltered and fearful upbringing. Sometimes virgin heroines get one my nerves, but Priss’s attitude and witty comebacks made me like her. I love a girl that says it like it is and Priss didn’t hold anything back. In fact she enjoyed baiting Trace whenever she could. Her inner vulnerability made her appear genuine and Trace ability to see through her strong facade was great.

Trace and Priss together was great as well. Trace did not need a meek female. He needed a woman that would not take his macho shit lightly. Whether he knew it or not he needed someone strong to stand with him. Priss has backbone to spare.

Trace of Fever is a great book with a array of heroes and sinister characters. I cringed more then once and ooo’d and ahh’s even more. I think the only issue I had with this book was that Murray, though loathsome, didn’t do more towards the climax of the book. I think I wanted a bigger fight or something. Though what was given fit into the story fine as is. I wish we would have found out a bit more about Helene’s background to make her into such a horrible and twisted person. I think while maybe not pertinent to the story, it would have helped me understand her a bit more then I did. I think because of those things I didn’t fully connect with Trace as much as I did Dare. Though to be honest, I barely noticed LOL.

Trace Of Fever is a great romantic suspense book. Lori Foster has created a series with hot men, suspense and intrigue to spare. She will set your panties on fire with her love scenes and make you care about her characters. Then unsettle you with her twisted characters minds. This is a series that has truly won me over! I can’t wait to get my hands on Savor The Danger…poor Alani needs to feel safe again. Danger is just the cocky man for the job.

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I give Trace of Fever 4 stars!

When You Dare by Lori Foster

Available: Now Amazon/B&N/Borders

Type: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: HQN

My Copy: Sent For Review

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he’ll take the mission he’s offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who’d had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare’s tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she’s uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…

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Do you Dare?

I LOVED this book. Simply stated huh? I can say a ton of things, but honestly, when it comes right down to it, I just loved it. I loved the suspense, the intrigue, the mystery and the love that built between two people so different. Molly, the romantic suspense author, and Dare the tough hero. And boy was Dare tough. Good lord that man had protectiveness and instinct in spades.

Finding Molly while on a mission to recover a good friend from human traffickers stunned Dare. Molly wasn’t like the other prisoners. Beaten and drugged Molly was at the mercy of her tormentors. All of Dare’s instincts tell him that Molly was abducted for a different reason. Now, in order to figure out who was behind her kidnapping, Dare must keep her close.

Molly knows she isn’t a beauty queen. Pretty, sure. Stunning? Certainly not. The only reason Dare is protecting her is because she is fragile and has the money to pay him for his services. It has nothing to do with the attraction she feels to him. She hates to be a burden, but until the bruises (physically and emotionally) fade she is counting on Dare to keep her safe from whoever has decided she needs punished.

Molly and Dare were a great couple. As always, alpha men really start my engine. Dare was a definite alpha man. Molly was battered and at first I think she was just so happy to get away from her captors. After taking a good look at him though her hormones kicked into overdrive. Dare’s ability to leash himself until Molly was truly ready was extremely sweet. When they finally do come together..WOW…fireworks!

I got so caught up in this book I didn’t want to put it down. I seriously thought about calling off work to finish it LOL. Instead I ended up finishing it while there. I thought the mystery surrounding Molly was well wrote and kept my turning page after page. The sex scenes were very hot and left me with some very good daydreams for the rest of the day.

Dare is the perfect man. At one point he cleans Molly’s house and then has awesome sweaty sex with her. Coupled with his protectiveness, I had to laugh. Definitely a romance novel because I’m fairly certain those men don’t exist.

The only issue I had with the book was that the climax at the end was pretty short compared to the lead up for he length of the book. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, I did, but I was expecting something a bit more drawn out. A bit more climactic. About 3/4 in to the book I figured out who was behind Molly’s torment, probably about the same time Dare did, so I thought there would be more resistance from that person then what there turned out to be.

When You Dare introduces the next two books main characters. Trace, whose sister Alani was taken and Dare was sent to retrieve. He’s a tough cookie and I can’t wait to read his story..which is next. The third book is all Alani’s. Traumatized and victimized has left her untrusting of all men. Who is going to make her trust again?

When You Dare is the first book of the Men Who Walk The Edge Of Danger series. What a beginning! Lori Foster has a winning series that will tie you up in all the right ways! Sexy and dangerous, When You Dare is a selection you won’t regret!

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I give When You Dare by Lori Foster 5 stars!

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Find Lori on Facebook, her website, and Twitter! I’m planning on going to her convention at the beginning of June. I plan on squealing and gushing about the books in person..maybe a picture..we shall see.