March Preview of Coming Attractions

posted by Jo Robertson

We have some delightful guests lined up for March so be sure to join us for these special appearances by some of your favorite authors. There'll be lots of laughter, giveaways, and a wicked, wily wooster vying to go home with a Bandita Buddy each day.






On March 2 we're heading deep into romantic suspense territory courtesy of debut Aussie author Helene Young (http://www.heleneyoung.com/). Helene is a commercial pilot in gorgeous, tropical and exotic Far North Queensland and she used many of her experiences as the basis for her first novel Border Watch. Anna Campbell will be her copilot for what should be an exciting trip!




March 3 – Suzanne will interview debut author, Addison Fox about her new paranormal series The Sons Of The Zodiac and the series launch book, Warrior Ascended.






March 7 -- Debut author Erica Ridley will be visiting with us as Kirsten's guest! Erica's debut, Too Wicked to Kiss, is a darkly sensual Gothic romance full of suspense, murder, and passion.








On March 8 Anna Campell hosts historical romance author Miranda Neville (http://www.mirandaneville.com/). Miranda worked for Sotheby's before she started writing and last time she told us a thrilling story about discovering an unknown letter from the Duke of Wellington. What amazing tales will she unearth on this visit while she talks about her latest release The Wild Marquis?



March 9 – Kate Walker will be back to talk about her brand new novel The Konstantos Marriage Demand which is published March 16 in Presents EXTRA. She's really thrilled about this one because she's just heard it has won hersecond Romantic Times Top Pick Award. Anna S. hosts.






On March 12, a Lair favorite returns as Anna S's guest Julie Cohen talks about bats, gargoyles, corpse-washing sinks and her newest novel, NINA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF GLOOM.


March 16 – Donna hosts guest Allison Chase who'll join us to talk about her new Victorian series: Her Majesty’s Secret Servants. The first book in the series, MOST EAGERLY YOURS, promises to be a fast paced adventure with lots of twists and turns and one very sexy hero.

March 17 -- St. Paddy's Day -- Wearin' o' the Green!




March 19 – Kate hosts mystery author Karen E. Olson as she visits the Lair for the first time. She'll be discussing Pretty in Pink, book two in her smart and sassy new Tattoo Shop mystery series.









March 20 -- First Day of Spring!



On March 21 author Chloe Harris joins Nancy to discuss her steamy Caribbean-set historical, Secrets of Sin.










March 29 – As Raine Benares's next adventure launches, author Lisa Shearin returns as Nancy's guest with a choice between Raine's two magical guys, Paladian MychaelEiliesor and goblin Tam Nathrach. Join us and vote for your favorite.











March 30 -- NYT Bestseller Dianna Love returns to the Lair as Cassondra's guest. What is a romantic thriller? Dianna Love answers the question. And she'll have lots of goodies to give away as we preview SILENT TRUTH, her April release, the fourth BAD Agency novel written with #1 NYT Bestseller Sherrilyn Kenyon.










CONTEST NEWS!!!





Anna Campbell's latest contest offers one lucky reader the chance to win an ARC of MY RECKLESS SURRENDER, her June 2010 release. All you have to do is email Anna on anna@annacampbell.ino and answer a simple question. In the excerpt on the Books Page (http://www.annacampbell.info/recklesssurrender.html )for My Reckless Surrender, Diana the heroine quotes an old proverb to the hero Lord Ashcroft. What is that proverb? Here's a hint -- it's for the birds! Good luck! The contest closes April 30, 2010.






Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Milan Fashion Week: Moschino Cheap & Chic Fall 2010 Collection

Rosella Jardini's Cheap & Chic fashion show for Milan Fashion Week is not just an ordinary runway show. The guests stood beside the red carpet while models strutted across them. According to Rosella Jardini, the concept of Cheap & Chic's Fall 2010 fashion show is about women with various fashion styles who went out of a hotel.

Enjoy the Cheap & Chic's fab fashion show with humor!








Source: Style.comSource URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Men Of Sports!

by Suzanne

Before I go any further, I'd like to announce that the pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training!! Whoohooo! The boys of summer are almost back!


Can you tell I adore baseball? I'm married to a Cleveland Indians fanatic, so I watch 161 games a year. I kid you not! But luckily for me, the scenery isn't too hard on the eyes.



There's Grady Sizemore out in Centerfield. He's beautiful and beautiful to watch, especially when he's stretched out going for a fly ball. They guy simply loves to play the sport and goes all out. And when he scores a run or steals a base, the grin he gives lights up his whole being!




Then there's Travis Hafner, the DH, who hopefully will live up to his potential. I mean the man is a farm boy raised in South Dakota...built like an oak and when he's on can hit the ball a country mile. Every time Travis comes to the plate there is a potential for a game altering swing of the bat! I love his intensity and focus as he eyes the pitcher and waits for the ball. And watching his body move to take it downtown...poetry!






And to my great pleasure, (and any other woman who's stared at the backside of pitchers on the mound) Jake Westbrook, the best looking behind on a pitcher's mound, is returning to the rotation after nearly 2 years. Jake is one of my favorite reasons for watching baseball. That and I consider baseball a thinking man's, or woman's, game.



Another sport I adore is football. American football. Sigh. Being a Cleveland Browns fan long before meeting my hubby, I've suffered many a disappointing season. There have been highlights over the years. Bernie Kosar's throwing. Clay Matthews (#57) 16 years as a fabulous linebacker who knew how to hit and tackle. And now the explosive kickoff and punt returns of Joshua Cribbs (#16) and the power blocking of Joe Thomas, I think there might be a light at the end of the tunnel for my boys. But because I rarely get to root for my Browns in the post season, I also admit to admiring Petyon Manning and the Colts. Peyton is one of the most beautiful passers ever to play this game. And talk about confidence? Mmmm.


Of course, there's always my Buckeyes. Jim Tressel is on the road to greatness as a coach, IMHO. Being an Ohioan transplanted in Texas, well let's just say I've had more than one occasion to boast about my home team!





Now, these are tried and true sports for most Americans. There are those who love basketball. My coach is die-hard Kansas Jay Hawke fan and my husband is ga-ga over LeBron James and the Cavs this year. However, I am not really much of a fan, although I do sit through my fare share of games. (Usually with my nose in a book, or working on the king-sized afghan for my son's bed...a Christmas present it will take me until next winter to make.)


But the other day I was vegging before getting ready to head to work, when my channel surfing came across something unique to TV in America.





RUGBY.



OMG!! It was like the heavens had opened up, a beam of light from above shone over me and I swear the choir of angels, (all female) hit a high C in perfect harmony!! (By the way, google rugby players and you won't believe the pictures you get...uh, not for publication on the Bandit blog!)





Have y'all seen this? I mean truly watched the game? It's like soccer, football and ultimate fighting all rolled into one glorious expression of male bonding and testosterone!!!


Super buff men in shorts...god they have great legs...no padding, literally beating each other up to get this huge football down the field. And when one of them is passing the ball in from the sidelines 2 guys lift a third way up in the air by his feet to catch it! Bloody noses, bloody lips, bloody eyes, dirt, twisted ankles and knees. (Yes, I'm slightly blood thirsty.) But I think I've found a wonderfully masculine game to watch.

Now, if I could just get the TV people to show more games!!

What does this have to do with books? Hmmm...well, I've read books with sports heroes in them. But I think it's the whole males competing against males that piques my interest and I'd love to see more books with heroes from sports. (And yes I've read all of SEP's books!)

So, what sport do you love to watch or at least don't mind watching the men who play them? (Yes Anna...I know you adore hockey!) Anyone love rugby like me? Which sport would you like to see featured in a series of books?

Go Indians!!Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Isabeli Fontana Harpers Bazaar Russia March 2010

Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana looked stylish at the March 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar Russia. She pulled a chic-look by wearing fabulous pieces such as floral-print corset by Dolce & Gabanna, pink pencil dress and patterned sundresses.

With her flowing dark locks and red lips, she sported fashionable outfits for day and night. Check out Isabeli Fontana's fashion shoots for Harpers' Bazaar Russia March 2010 issue.






Source: Fashionising.com
Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Bandita Booty!!!
Rebecca Lynn wins for her suggestion of "The Writer's Diet"
Rebecca please send your contact information at www.DonnaMacMeans.com and we'll discuss your prize choices.
Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Cruising Into Spring

by Caren Crane

Regulars here in the Lair know I am a devotee of autumn. I love the crisp air, colorful leaves and "settling in" that happens as the Earth prepares for winter. I also enjoy winter and have made a complete and total fool of myself during the Winter Olympics. (Anyone care to discuss curling? I'm now an expert! I could hardly get this post done for the women's gold medal final. Canada broke my heart!) Okay, gold medalist Apolo Ohno was just here as your daily eye candy. *g*


This year, though, it has been colder and snowier than usual, even here in the (normally) sunny South. I find myself looking forward to the budding trees and warm breezes of spring. I am also getting an itch to travel, much like my friends up north tell me they get when winter drags on too long. My friend Elizabeth says that by March everyone in Chicago is beating a path to the travel agent, begging for tickets to "anywhere the sun is shining" and this year, I can relate.


My husband is at home these days and, despite his curmudgeonly tendencies, has begun to pick up some phone calls he would previously have ignored. I came home a couple of weeks ago to be told by my beloved that we had won a cruise. Huh? Yes, indeed, I had heard correctly. My man said we won a cruise. I have no idea how we (or actually, he) won this cruise, but I took his word for it since he assured me it was real. Then I went to fix dinner or something and promptly forgot about it. Until last week, when the information about our cruise came in the mail. It is real!


We have been on a cruise once before and it was a lovely vacation. We enjoyed many things about cruising during that first trip and also learned some things to avoid - like anything alcoholic, since it costs a fortune to drink onboard! We feel better about this second cruise, armed with knowledge about how to avoid tack-on fees. This cruise is technically free, except for the unavoidable port fees since the trip is to the Bahamas and, apparently, a fuel surcharge of some sort. Hm.


Normally, we would avoid the Bahamas due to the excess of badly-handled tourism there and the likelihood of being hassled and/or pick-pocketed by locals. But did I mention the cruise is free? I have fretted about this "free" trip, knowing it will actually cost us hundreds of dollars to: a) get to the port in Ft. Lauderdale, FL; b) park our car at the port (or take a cab, if we fly or go by train); c) pay the port fees and fuel surcharges; and, d) cover the "incidentals" that always come up. (This picture is me at home, facing the reality of the money we will have spent - so sad!) The money is a real worry for us this year, but vacation - that singular, glorious chance to get away from all our cold, wintry worries for a few days - beckons like a sun-soaked siren.

The prolonged cold weather has made our so-called "free" trip more tempting with every gray, passing day. I know the sun is shining in the Bahamas and, despite the inevitable hassles, surcharges, delays and mix-ups, a patch of warm, welcoming sand is waiting for me. I think it's time to work on trip details. Maybe something around my birthday in May?

Are you longing for spring (or autumn, if you're in the Southern hemisphere)? Have a vacation planned, in mind, or at least in your dreams? If you could get away today, where would you go?Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Have a wonderful weekend.

My darlings, what are you up to this weekend? Alex and I are going to Abbey's house to celebrate Febgiving, which is basically Thanksgiving in February! Her friends made it up. Isn't that a great idea? Hope you have a relaxing weekend, and here are a few great posts from around the web...

The top ten mispronounced foodie words.

Wow, holy bedroom makeover!

What a lovely wedding (with orange shoes).

Oh, Nutella snack drink, where have you been all my life?

Good to know when climbing trees.

Grace Kelly would have liked this pencil skirt.

Flower pinata.

Funny shopping moment in the UK.

Loving J. Crew's "real models" series.

Beautiful bookstore cafe.

Loving these old-school toys.

Another adorable Olympics commercial. What a great song.

The cutest cross-country road trip proposal story.

Plus, five Cup of Jo posts you may have missed.
* A well-dressed autumn.
* Wine tip.
* Venice underwater.
* A quote to remember.
* An Ode to the Indie.

(Illustration by Adrian Tomine, whom I spotted in a record store once. I awkwardly trailed him around but was too shy to say hello)Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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Love in Boom

by Nancy

Anybody else here like a romance with some non-romantic boom in it? Where things blow up apart from the relationship? And somehow all that leads to HEA? Yeah, me, too.

I tried out various titles for this blog, including "boom in love," but Demetrius started snickering at that and other choices, and then Sven joined in. The two of them set aside their sibling-esque rivalry in favor of male bonding, which would've been nice had it not involved mockery of my blog titles. I'm never composing another blog where they can see it in progress. I'll do that from home.

Anyway, I wonder why I like romance with a heavy dose of action-adventure. Maybe it's because all the stuff blowing up and the bullets flying add to the stakes, the jeopardy, the chance that HEA won't happen. When I asked in the Lair for movies or books involving both romance and boom, Christine suggested Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Cassondra came up with True Lies, and Anna Sugden suggested the works of Suz Brockmann. These are all great choices with high stakes. What's at risk is not only true love but life itself.

Plus, I admit, I just like movies where stuff blows up. I prefer that gore not accompany the explosion, as it would in real life, but I do like a movie with some boom. Again, I think it's because of the stakes. In Stargate SG-1, which I so love, the fate of humanity is at stake. In the darker Battlestar Galactica, it's the same thing, but it's humanity versus technology, not just humanity versus evil humanoids, as in the Stargate series.

In Serenity, the stakes usually revolve around the ship's crew, but we care about them, engage on their side, and don't want to see them die.


The fondness for boom also leads to a certain darkness in tone. By the time the hero and heroine find their way to each other, they're scarred and battle-weary. At least times have changed enough that the heroine takes an active part in the battle. Ann Aguirre's Sirantha Jax and her March have to fight their way to each other time and again, sometimes through foes and sometimes through the scars and pain of other battles, and the struggle gives the relationship depth. These are science fiction novels, not romances, but the romantic thread runs strongly through them.

So what about you? Do you like boom with your romances? Romance with your explosions? Whether you do or don't, why do you think that is?Source URL: http://gbejadacosta.blogspot.com/2010/02/
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