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Tuesday, August 04, 2009:
Spotlight: F - Lori Foster
When I took my first ride on the information highway, I was a complete in need of a WWW for Dummies guidebook. I hadn't a clue as to what to do, but eventually I figured it out. One of the first things I did was find some of the websites of my favorite authors, and was quickly steered towards Yahoo groups (which were actually called something else back then but now they are just groups). Among the first that I joined was Lori Foster's BookJunkys group. I was nervous, because none of my friends read romance, so I figured I wouldn't know what to say at a Yahoo group. Once there, I realized wow, lots of people love romance novels. What a revelation.
Lori's books are amongst my comfort reads. I love her incredibly masculine, alpha heroes. Sam from "My House, My Rules". Bram from "Luring Lucy". Joe from "Say No to Joe?" And a multitude of others. Not to mention Jamie from the Visitation series. I love her unique families, her down-to-earth characters, the sexy, earthy love scenes. She doesn't write complex stories, and sometimes the stories are way too predictable, but at the same time, that's what I enjoy most about them. I know what I'm getting from a Lori Foster book...even when it's a time travel.
After a few years, I was brave enough to go to RAD (Romance Appreciation Day) in Ohio, back in February 2005. Later that year, Lori Foster co-hosted the first annual Reader/Author Get-Together. This year was the 5th annual event, and I've gone every year. I've met Lori and spoken to her numerous times, and love how personable and charming she is, and she's such a recognizable name in the business. She's been instrumental in helping several authors getting their start, and the get-togethers are always centered around supporting at least one charity, including the battered women's shelter, pet adoption, the troops, and numerous other organizations she believes in.
I would have to say that with all her numerous stories, out of her full-length books, there are two that I would probably consider my favorites, both from the Visitation series. There's "When Bruce Met Cyn", because it deals with a preacher falling in love with a former prostitute. It's really a wonderful story, and I loved both characters, but especially how tough and resilient and caring Cyn is. The other would be "Jamie", because Jamie was a character that stuck with me from the time I first met him earlier in the series to long past his own story. "My House, My Rules" and "Luring Lucy" are my favorite novellas. Sam and Bram (heh) are two of her sexiest heroes, imho. Why choose?
Have you met Lori? Have you been to the get-together? Labels: Lori Foster, spotlight
posted by Stacy~ at 8/04/2009 06:43:00 AM
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Friday, July 03, 2009:
Book alert: "Back in Black" by Lori Foster (02/10)
Back in Black February 2010 SBC president Drew Black is as controversial as they come. But the hot-headed entrepreneur is a perfect match for his popular sports club venture: uncompromising and extreme. Maybe too extreme. With a reputation for saying what he thinks, Drew's been causing a lot of friction. That's why someone's been called in to clean up his image—before he does any permanent damage. The lucky lady is Gillian Noode, a PR expert who's smoothed out the rough edges on many a man. But Drew is rougher than anyone she's ever met, and he refuses to change for any woman, for any reason. To make matters more complicated, Gillian's starting to like him raw. Now, opposites aren't only attracting, they're igniting. But in the rising heat, which one of them will end up on top?
This one's definitely on my tbb list? How about yours? Labels: books, Lori Foster
posted by Stacy~ at 7/03/2009 03:40:00 PM
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Friday, June 05, 2009:
Book re-issue watch: "Sinful"
Harlequin reissue ISBN-10: 0425226689 ISBN-13: 978-0425226681
Four sizzling hot authors show how a simple piece of lingerie can be the key to unlocking a woman’s deepest desires…
Four stories of silken fantasy including Lori Foster’s Tangled Images, in which a female photographer comes undone during a men’s underwear spread.
Maggie Shayne’s Leather and Lace finds a prim young beauty leading a double life as a lingerie model.
In Suzanne Forster’s Unbuttoning Emmalina, modesty is overrun by desire.
And in Kimberley Randell’s Sinderella, a tomboy discovers how a red teddy can turn her life around.
I've not heard of this one, for some reason, so now it's on my radar. Sounds pretty good.
Do you ever buy re-issues with the new packaging?
Labels: Lori Foster, re-issue
posted by Stacy~ at 6/05/2009 06:43:00 AM
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Friday, January 23, 2009:
Reminder: register for the 5th annual Lori Foster reader/writer get-together
5th Annual Readers and Authors Get Together from Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, Linda Keller
Friday, June 5 — Sunday, June 7, 2009
All raffle proceeds will benefit the One Way Farm Children’s Home of Fairfield Ohio HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Cincinnati Marriott North 6189 Mulhauser Road West Chester, OH 45069-4842
(Just north of Cincinnati on I-75 at Union Center Blvd, exit 19) Yay! I'm so excited. Got my hotel room and just need to submit my registration. This will be my 5th year going, and I enjoy it more each time. This is a great opportunity for me to connect with several of my online friends who I only see once a year. I strongly urge anyone who's never been to attend. It's fun, affordable, and a wonderful opportunity to help several great causes. So not only are we able to enjoy being a part of the romance community over this weekend, we're doing our part and giving back. A total win/win situation :) Troop donations are always welcome. My good friend (and angel!) Laurie Damron collects all items for the troops and mails them out. Sometimes she has so many boxes that it looks like she needs a U-Haul to transport them all. So far, there are 62 authors signed up and I'm sure many more will be attending. There are also many special guests attending the event: Jane Friedman, Publisher & Editorial Director of Writer’s Digest Sheila Clover, COS Productions Michele Buonfiglio, Lifetime.com Crissy Brashear, Samhain Publisher Angela James, Samhain, Executive Editor Marty Mathews, Samhain, Public Relations DeNita Tuttle, Author Island Promotions Moni Draper, Senior Editor, Liquid Silver Books Lori James, All Romance Ebooks New! Available for purchase at the event: 10 Original Stories by... Do you plan attending? What conferences/events will you be going to this year? Labels: 2009, Dianne Castell, Lori Foster, reader/author get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 1/23/2009 06:45:00 AM
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Friday, May 30, 2008:
Gettin' together with Lori Foster & Dianne Castell
It's that time of year again, and I'm really, really excited about it. A week from today, on June 6, I will be in Cincinnati, Ohio, spending time with some of my favorite people - online friends I've known for years. JudyF, Laurie, Barbara, Bad Barb, Beth (LadyB), Joni, Chris S, Lisa F, Kaleen, Niny, Deb, Alane (?),Carolyn...gosh I hope I'm not forgetting anyone. And of course there are the wonderful writers who will be attending as well. Here's the latest list from Lori's site: Liz Andrews Camille Anthony Lyn Armstrong D. Reneé Bagby Maya Banks Becky Barker Anya Bast Laura Baumbach Jacki Bentley Heidi Betts Elizabeth Bevarly Toni Blake Tiffany Bryan Stephanie Burke Monica Burns Susanna Carr Tori Carrington Maggie Casper R. Casteel Dianne Castell Billie Warren Chai Sam Cheever Ann Christopher Mary Ann Chulick Jodi Lynn Copeland Diane Craver Paige Cuccaro Sharon Cullen Sierra Dafoe Lauren Dane Bianca D’Arc Gia Dawn L.A. Day Jamie Denton Kate Douglas Sandra Dugas Carol Ann Erhardt Tia Fanning Gail Faulkner Lori Foster Shelley Galloway Renee George Xandra Gregory Heather Grothaus Megan Hart Allison Hatch Julie Heaton Cheryel Hutton Carolyn Ivey Selena Illyria Ann Jacobs Maddie James Marcia James Marteeka Karland Amy Knupp Celia Kyle Ashley Ladd Liana Laverentz Bonnie Rose Leigh Mary Lennox Michelle Levigne Cathy Liggett Cait London Melissa Lopez Dianna Love Donna MacMeans Jeffrey Marks Janie Mason Lena Matthews Janice Maynard Penny McCall Erin McCarthy Sarah McCarty LuAnn McLane Shawn Monique Lucy Monroe Rae Morgan Shelby Morgen Tuesday Morrigan Kelley Nyrae Anne Rainey Tracy L. Ranson Sara Reinke Marie-Nicole Ryan Rhianna Samuels Patricia Sargeant Jan Scarbrough Magdalena Scott Liane Gentry Skye J.M. Snyder Michele Stegman Kay Stockham DeNita Tuttle Leanne Tyler Paige Tyler Eve Vaughn Shiloh Walker Jody Wallace Ann Warner Diane Whiteside Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter J.C. Wilder Gwen Williams Beth Williamson S.J. Willing Donna Wright Tianna Xander
The majority of the proceeds will be donated to the CONDUCTIVE LEARNING CENTER of Greater Cincinnati, a local school specializing in education for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy. 
12 Original Stories by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthyToni Blake, Dianne Castell, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe, Patricia Sargeant, Kay Stockham, J.C. Wilder And then there's this wonderful anthology, for a portion of the proceeds will go to support the Battered Women's Shelter of Cincinnati. So who in blogland is attending this event? First time, or a repeat offender?
Can't wait to see you there! Labels: Dianne Castell, Lori Foster, reader/author get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 5/30/2008 05:30:00 AM
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Sunday, February 24, 2008:
"Hard to Handle" by Lori Foster (2008) - review
stepback cover for "Hard to Handle" Extreme fighter Harley Handleman has an outlook on life as hard as his muscular body. Fate has dealt him a sucker punch - and a low blow, at that. First, there were his failed attempts at the title belt. Then, Harley's mother lost her fight with breast cancer, leaving him with no family but his trainer, Uncle Satch.
Taking a break in the mountains seems like a good idea. But his vacation isn't nearly as restful as he expected - thanks to his landlady, Anastasia Bradley. Their verbal sparring keeps him on his toes, and the sensual sparks that fly between then would knock out a lesser man. The last thing Harley wants is more complications in his life, so he's determined to keep his distance from the alluring Stasia. But someone else has also noticed Stasia - someone who is putting her life in danger. To protect Stasia, Harley must stay close, but his growing feelings for her may be a bit hard to handle....
Anyone who's ever read this blog on a regular basis knows that Lori Foster is an auto-buy author for me. I just love her strong, capable heroes and her spirited, independent heroines, and the sometimes unusual but loving families she creates in her stories. I'm not really a fan of the UFC and all the wrestling, boxing, fighting stuff, but I do love the SBC world she's built, and the discipline, respect, friendship, and responsibility these men all have in spades. Harley Handleman is no different, yet he is a more complex hero than what we've usually seen fighting in the SBC before. Because of several unexpected things that have happened in his life, Harley is determined to control whatever aspect of his life he can, and that includes sex. He doesn't believe in completely abstaining when he is in training, but he does feel the need to control what happens with his partner in the bedroom. And he's all about temporary - no fuss, no muss. Most of the women Harley comes into contact with have absolutely no problem with this, and walk away happy and satisfied. But now Harley is noticing his landlady in a way he can't deny anymore, yet he knows Anastasia Bradley is not the temporary kind, so he tries to keep his distrance. But someone is after her, and being the protective man he is, Harley is unwilling to let her handle things on her own. After one rather intimate night together, Harley is determined more than ever to stay away from her, and after he leaves Echo Lake, he really doesn't expect to see her again anyway. Stasia is a life coach, someone who works with clients and evaluates their goals, their lifestyles, their personalities to try to help them achieve what they set out to do and to be happier and more content. After getting to know Harley, she's convinced he needs some assistance to live a more fulfilling life, but of course he's not having it. Stasia accepts his decision, but feels that he could truly benefit from working with her. Naturally Fate has a way of bringing them back together, and the attraction between them is as explosive as ever, but Anastasia is not willing to let Harley control things in the bedroom; she's not going to be just another notch on his bedpost. I found Harley to be rather fascinating, very determined and set on his path to win the title while almost closing himself off from emotion. He hangs with the other guys, and lets his uncle call all the shots, but he tries to steer clear of any entanglements. He knows he's in trouble right away with Stasia as she's not the typical groupie, and therefore has no problem butting heads with him. She's pretty upfront with him right from the start, throwing him off with her blunt honesty, and that only attracts him more. She's also not shy about admitting she wants him, but only if he's willing to let go of his control, which of course he has a problem with. It takes a long time for them to finally fall into bed, but by that time, they are well on their way to falling in love. Stasia is such a likable heroine - pretty, honest, independent, confident - and way over her head when it comes to resisting Harley, who has always attracted her. She's had her own share of disappointments, but she knows she's good at what she does and she truly believes her work helps people achieve their full potential, and she feels she could do the same for Harley, if he would only take the chance and trust her. As always, I enjoyed re-visiting the SBC fighters and the women who love them. Much like her Visitation series, Lori's SBC books center around a close-knit group of friends and family who love what they do and take pride in it, and it's really fun to get a sneak peek into the UFC, which is a labor of love for Lori, who is a huge fan of the sport. Brief mention of the negativity of steroids is brought up, which is very relevant in today's sports news. Instead of drugs, it takes discipline, training, talent, and hard work to win a title. Harley's story definitely focuses on the positive aspects of UFC fighting, and how that can carry over into everyday life. Another job well done. However I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was rather disappointed that musician Barber didn't get his own story! Especially after we got to know him so well as Dakota's good friend, I thought for sure he would have gotten his own book, and not have his HEA tacked onto Harley's. He has the charisma, attractiveness and charm to pull it off all on his own, and it would have been rather fun to see him suffer a little bit. Don't get me wrong: his was a nice story, but way too quick. Oh well, maybe he won't get off so easy after all..... Rating: **** out of ***** September 08 Berkley single title ISBN: 9780515145328
Gabrielle Cody has accepted her destiny as one of God’s warriors, charged to destroy evil. When surrounded by violence, she must be ready for anything, but Gaby wasn’t prepared to see Detective Luther Cross ever again. He’s the beacon of reality in her life, the one thing that makes her feel human, like a real woman.
But Gaby can’t get caught up with Luther now. She has work to do, this time protecting the street walkers. But Luther gives her purpose, something more than just working at God’s whim. Yet her life of retribution is far too dangerous even for Luther, and this time, it’s not just their hearts that won’t come out unscathed.
Can't wait!!! Labels: L L Foster, Lori Foster, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 2/24/2008 08:54:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007:
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 5, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0425219720
ISBN-13: 978-0425219720 Sometimes Fate delivers a left hook.
After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty lifecoach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she's going to now. Hot for his fighter's form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially since Harley doesn't know she was hired. And when Anastasia turns the tables on him, it's as if he's been hit below the belt. But that's also where is uncontrollable lust for her burns. Love the heroine's name *g* I'm a huge fan of Lori's work, no secret there, and I'm looking forward to this release. Lori's a huge fan of the real-life UFC fighters, and it's fun to read her take on them. Are you a sports fan? Do you have a favorite sport? Labels: coming soon, Lori Foster, SBC fighters
posted by Stacy~ at 11/21/2007 05:02:00 AM
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Thursday, March 01, 2007:
Foster/Castell reader & author get-together
It's that time of year again....to register for the 3rd annual Reader/Author Get-Together in West Chester, OH! JUNE 1ST - JUNE 3RD ~A portion of the book fair proceeds will benefit the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter~ - Meet authors Lori Foster, Dianne Castell, and more! (Check the
updated list online) - Meet your online reader friends face to face.
- Gab sessions, prizes, gift baskets, casual photo ops (bring your camera!),
meet-the-author round-tables, pajama parties, used book trade, and more! - Book Fair: Get the newest releases signed by your favorite authors!
- For unpublished authors there will be opportunities to have your work critiqued
by pubs, your questions answered, networking, etc...
guests editors are: Cindy Hwang from Berkley Rose Hilliard from St. Martins guest agents are: Jennifer Schober from Spencerhill Associates Roberta Brown from Brown Literacy COOL NEWS: Check out Lori's site for a "special announcement" regarding a 2008 Berkeley release! Having gone for the last two years, I highly recommend this event. Seriously, you will have a fabulous time. It's a relaxed, casual environment that allows you to chat with some of your favorite authors, visit with on-line friends, and discover some really great books. The event also benefits a very important cause: YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. All around, it's a wonderful experience. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today! Labels: Dianne Castell, Lori Foster, reader/author get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 3/01/2007 07:19:00 PM
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Sunday, February 04, 2007:
"Causing Havoc" by Lori Foster (2007)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 6, 2007) ISBN-10: 0425214230
ISBN-13: 978-0425214237 Sexy, sculpted extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Connor has knee-melting good looks-and thick skin. But not from his brutal sport's enclosed rings. Orphaned and torn from his sisters as a boy, he has no family. That is, until he gets a letter revealing how much the once-little girls want him back in Harmony, Kentucky .
To stop his sister from marrying a man as sleazy as he is wealthy, Dean finds himself teaming up with her pretty-but-smart-mouthed friend Eve-who's heard of "Havoc's" reputation and doesn't need some hunk trampling on her heart. Now all Dean has to do is protect his sisters, win Eve over, and expose a devious criminal.
And he thought winning the heavyweight cage fighting belt was hard.
Lori Foster's trademark style shines through in this story about a tough-as-nails fighter who thinks he doesn't need anyone in his life until a letter from his younger sister Camille finds its way into his hands, asking Dean to come home.
Dean "Havoc" Conor thought he'd left Harmony, Kentucky behind a long time ago when he went to go live with his uncle at the age of nine, but life has a way of taking you home, whether you want it or not. Since he's currently between fights and needs some down-time to recover, he decides to take some time to go see his sisters, wondering why they would want to see him now, after all this time. They had a privileged life, unlike the unconventional one he'd had with his uncle, so he can't imagine why they might want to see him.
On his first night back, Dean stops at a bar and meets Eve Lavon, a sexy woman to whom he is instanteously attracted and has no qualms about going after. The attraction is sizzling hot and mutual, however they end up going their separate ways, not realizing their paths will cross again very soon.
In fact, Dean discovers many unexpected surprises when he goes to see his sisters. For one, Eve is his sister Cam's best friend. For another, Cam and Jacki are not living the privileged life he'd been led to believe, nor are they the stuck-up brats he'd imagined. Instead they are both loving, loyal, hard-working young women trying to make ends meet as they try their best to deal with the aunt who raised them. Dean decides to stick around for awhile and get to know his sisters while also making time with the irresistible Eve.
Without even realizing it, Cam and Jacki sneak their way into Dean's heart, and soon he has the family he doesn't even realize he's always wanted. He feels instantly protective of Cam, the older, responsible, loving sister, and Jacki, the wild child who is fiercely loyal to her sister. But it doesn't stop there. Dean also finds himself falling in love for the first time, and thinks that maybe the small town of Harmony might be a piece of heaven on earth.
I'll admit that I'm not a big fan of the whole Ultimate Fighting league, but I am a fan of Lori's books and she manages to pull me into the story and has me falling in love with Dean and the other characters right from the start. Lori takes characteristics of a great fighter: honor, honesty, skill, discipline, and courage to build a strong hero who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, or to face his own mistakes head-on.
I love how confident Dean is, how sure of himself, and how he doesn't hold back, even if it makes him uncomfortable, especially dealing with a whole lot of female issues. While this is a romance, Lori has placed more attention on Dean's family life, which shows his transition into the hero any woman would want. He develops a true friendship with Eve, the woman who captures his heart, and delights in having an earthy, intensely sexual relationship with her. He respects her strength, and isn't afraid to share his thoughts with her. But Dean is still a guy, so he's not perfect, and he does stumble through as he tries to get to know his sisters and the woman he loves. But that's what makes him so endearing, and so sexy. Eve is no slouch either. She's a confident, intelligent woman, and because of that, she lets Dean see the side of her that isn't always a sex goddess, and know that if he's worth her time, he won't care - he'll still want her anyway. And he does. I love how she gets along great with her family, and how she loves her friends Cam and Jacki. Eve is not just another groupie in Dean's life; she wants more than just a roll in the hay, unlike a lot of women in his life. Eve teaches Dean about commitment, and about sticking it out no matter what. And that a woman can take care of herself, but sometimes it's nice to have someone there for back-up. "Causing Havoc" is out on Tuesday, February 6th. You can also order it here and here.
Labels: "Causing Havoc", Lori Foster, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 2/04/2007 01:41:00 PM
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