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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

THE LITIGATORS By John Grisham

The Litigators. By John Grisham (Received from BzzAgent)

DESCRIPTION:
The Office of Finley & Figg based in Chicago consist of senior partner Oscar Finley and junior partner Wally Figg who have been together for 20 years and secretary/office manager Rochelle Gibson.  While they call their firm "a boutique law firm" trying to inspire the image of a small exclusive law firm they are actually a couple of street lawyers whose specialties are ambulance chasing injuries cases and quickie divorces.  They barely meet their overhead while Oscar dreams of divorce and retirement and Wally dreams of a big get rich quick case.

David Zinc is a Harvard graduate that has specialized in international finance at a large law firm who snaps one day on his way into work.  He dives back into the elevator and escapes to a bar around the corner where he spends the day drinking and enjoying his minor breakdown.  When the bartender pores him into a cab David has no idea where he is going and ends up seeing an ad that leads him to the office of Finley & Figg where in his drunken haze he decides he needs to work though he has no idea how to be a street lawyer and absolutely no trial experience.

At the same time that David is joining Finley & Figg Wally has found what he thinks is a goldmine in a case against a Big Pharma company producing what may be a bad drug called Krayoxx.  Wally has visions of catching a ride on the coat tails of one of the big mass tort bars that specialize in drug cases against Big Pharma and drags Oscar and David into the melee with him.

REVIEW:
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to read and while not completely in John Grisham's normal writing style was one of his better works from my point of view.  There were various plot lines running through the main story line that keeps the reader engaged from page one.  The story gives a serious look at the various machinations lawyers and large companies engage in and the effect they can have on a person's life while still weaving humor throughout the story.  The characters are well developed and while not always likable they are always engaging.  I would recommend this story wholeheartedly to everyone who enjoys Legal Suspense and would suggest others to give it a try.

Question for my readers: What is your opinion about the numerous lawsuits that have popped up against the large Pharmaceutical companies or other large businesses in recent years?

Friday, October 14, 2011

BILLI JEAN AND A GIVEAWAY

Visiting today is Billi Jean author of "The Sisters of the Moon" series published by Noble Romance Publishing which includes "Midnight Star",  "Silver's Chance" and coming in December of 2011 "A Spartan's Kiss"  You can find Billi Jean at  Reading Writing Romance. And now to get to know her a little better...




What is your favorite genre to read and your favorite authors?

I have a wild library depending on my mood. For Scottish romance, hands down I love Moning. She simply cracks me up with her virgins meeting these hunky looking cover model Scottish guys! I also love to read historical romance and when I'm in the mood for that genre it varies. For lighter romance I love Samantha Jefferies, Anne Gracie, some of Lisa Kleypas – I once threw one of her books and then tossed it in the trash because of a 'cheat' by the hero…cough, cough. I have a strict policy on cheating. It can't be redeemed in my book, but that's my 'trigger' as a reader. Let's see, for paranormal I love Kresley Cole, Larissa Ione and some of Christine Feehan's vampire novels. For hot, hot, hot reads? Samantha Kane is a hands down favorite. I even got her autograph at Lori Fosters!! I also love some of Lora Leighs, Maya Banks, and Elizabeth Moore.

What is your favorite thing to do when not working? 

Oh….well, I work full time, and my fun thing is either writing, editing my writing, reading, playing with my children, hiking, or …going out with my friends, and going to the gym when I can squeeze it in.

Which type would you consider yourself - Heels and dress to head out on the town or favorite comfy clothes snuggling on the couch with a movie or a combination of?

Oh, I'm all about balance. If I'm in a relationship, I love to get dressed up in the heels, hose, skirt and sexy top. If I'm having a home night, sure, the couch is nice with a movie or my favorite show, Criminal Minds. 

What was your favorite fantasy/dream when you were a teenager and what is your favorite fantasy/dream now?

Well, as a teenager I escaped from a pretty crappy home life by reading fantasy fiction and writing my own. My life is wonderful now, but I still dream of walking by Barnes and Noble and seeing my books on the shelf.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My mom. She is actually my step-mom, but wow, her and my dad lived. They enjoyed life and simply lived. She inspires me to reach for my dreams. Even if she calls my books "smut!"

Who is your biggest supporter?

I would say my mom and kids.

How do you write (on schedule, to music, etc..)?

I write to music, but when I edit, it has to be silent or as close as my crazy house can be….My play lists are set up by scenes. For instance, if I'm writing a really intense, emotional scene, I play more ballad, rip your heart out songs. Christina Aguilera's "You Lost Me" was a central song for an entire story. So sad.

Did you always want to write books?

Yes, since I was old enough to realize I wasn't satisfied with the author's stories. lol

What made you choose to write paranormals?

I love fantasy fiction. In fact I've been working on a series – when I am not writing romance – of fantasy stories. I found with paranormal I can tweak my love of fantasy realms into my paranormal romance work. It's a win/win.

Do you enjoy the social network sites and if so which is your favorite?

I like Twitter in small doses. I think Facebook is fun, but on both? I don't spend time on there. If I am on my computer and it's free time, I write. I answer emails in my groups and so on.

What has been the greatest moment since becoming a published writer?

The first contract offer was absolutely amazing. I still feel like it's a mistake. Sometimes I think, geez one time they will realize this story sucks and then I won't be a writer!  I think a lot of authors worry over that. I mean, our stories are personal. What we think is hot, funny, interesting, is very selective. I like it. But do you? So, yeah, seeing my contract, and then of course the book in print. Wow.

What do you like the least about being a published writer?

Mmm…I guess the other side of writing. Meaning the editing, the last minute rush to publication. So on. Not much really, though.

What do you like the most about being a published writer?

Oh, I love writing. So, I write for me, more than for being published. It's my fun time. Writing makes me happy. It's my time to do what I want with my time. That's where I get my balance. Not that writing isn't work, believe me, it is. But, I don't keep at it for the publishing, I keep at it because I want to write stories others will enjoy. That's what I like, creating a good enough story that people want to read it.

What do you have planned for your writing in the future?

I have three contracted works in the process. A Spartan's Kiss and Golden's Rule in my Sisters of the Moon series with Noble Romance have been given tentative release dates of Christmas 2011 and Summer of 2012. I also have a contemporary coming out on March 22 with Totally Ebound, called Running Scared. I'm excited about working with a new editor at Noble and with working with a new publisher over at Ebound. 





Midnight Star Blurb: 


Ranger is a werewolf, a Lykae with a problem. He's found his one true mate, the only female who can complete him. Only trouble is, he's denied his instinct to claim her. Now his mate hates him as much as she believes he hates her. He will have to risk both their lives to finally prove to his stubborn vampire he loves her?


Star is a half-breed vampire with a past of not being accepted because of her mixed blood. Ranger is just one more example of how much she doesn't fit into the immortal world no matter how much she tries to fool herself into believing otherwise. She's a strong female, a fighter, but when it comes to the opinions of others, she has no defenses. Why fight what she knows is true? She is a half breed, less than those around her. She has a home, friends and females she loves like family. Only trouble is, her family is now related to the mangy wolf man who hates her.


To read excerpt please go to Midnight Star Excerpt.

"Hot, Intense and a Great Read"

Silver's Chance Blurb: (having just read "Silver's Chance" I would highly recommend it, it was funny, intense, action packed and hot all rolled into one)

When life throws Samantha a curve ball in the form of an ancient Lykae warlord bent on marking her as his – what's she going to do? Run like hell? Oh, yeah, that so worked the first time around. With Derrick hot after her tail, Samantha discovers being the hunted just might not be as bad as she thought.
Derrick is a warlord hardened by centuries of battle. Now that he's free from years of torment, he discovers his mate. Only his beautiful little half wolf is as determined to deny him, as he is to claim her.
As the battle to keep her safe intensifies, Derrick faces the biggest fight of his life: winning Samantha's heart and keeping alive long enough to claim her. 
Together they just might tame each other.  


To read an excerpt please go to - Silver's Chance Excerpt.



Thank you Billi Jean for stopping by this weekend.  To be entered to win winner's choice of either a copy of "Midnight Star" or "Silver's Chance" please answer the following question and leave your email address to allow Billi Jean to get back to you.


What draws you to reading Paranormal? And if an author that writes your favorite paranormal series comes out with something in another genre, would you auto buy it, or first wait for reviews, others opinions?

Thursday, October 6, 2011

SEPTEMBER WINNER

WINNER OF SEPTEMBER'S BLOG DRAWING IS : CRAZYAPPLE118@
I'll be sending an email to get your mailing address congratulations!!!



Saturday, October 1, 2011

DB MOON & GIVEAWAY

Visiting today is D.B. Moon the fabulous author of "Summerland" published by Noble Romance Publishing and the soon to be released "My Humiliating Valentine" to be published by Rebel Ink Press in their Love Bites Valentine Day Anthology.


Who is D.B. Moon?
My name is Desi Moon. I have been a freelance content writer for four years, but a fiction writer since I could hold a pencil. My first story written at the age of seven was a historical piece ala Little House on the Prairie. My parents deemed it morbid, which set a precedent for pushing the envelope.

I reside in beautiful Boulder, Colorado with my writer/game designer husband, two incredibly energetic children who keep me on my toes, three very entitled cats and one hopelessly neurotic, but none the less lovable Beagler.

Humorous romantic comedy that skirts the cliff of sexual expression, but never takes the plunge, a bit of sweet, a touch of steam and a lot of laughter pretty much sums up my writing “style”. My contemporary romances are not “sweet” but they aren’t “dirty” either.

When not cajoling or arguing with the voices in my head (ie. my characters) I work as a dog trainer, am a vet tech student, am an all around coffee snob and Project Runway junkie. I also love to bake decadent desserts and have recently developed a strong infatuation with kickboxing.

Did you always want to write books?
I have always been a story teller, no one ever told me I could choose it as a career, so while I was in school I was prepping to be a veterinarian.
What was your favorite fantasy/dream when you were a teenager and what is your favorite fantasy/dream now?
As a teenager I was swept up by fate and destiny and unusual circumstances of my beloved soul mate crossing paths with me while I was backpacking through Europe. We would unroll our sleeping bags in a field and sleep under the stars.

As an adult I had been swept away by my “soul mate”; it didn’t last long. I still have yet to make it to Europe, but I no longer feel the urge to haul all my earthly belongings in a backpack. Car or train would be fine, and hotels, hotels are a must!


How would you describe your dream man?
I have always joked that my “Dream man” would have matching
luggage to my emotional baggage. But really my ideal mate makes
me laugh, makes me think, lets me be myself with no judgment,
supports me no matter what, watches cartoons in bed with me,
keeps my feet warm in winter, and always ALWAYS has a hug for
me when I need one. I could go on, but I do believe I am making
him blush-he is so cute when he blushes.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My kids, I try to see everything through their eyes to gain a new
and fresh perspective. They remind me to slow down and enjoy
the little things in life and show me that childlike wonder is still
obtainable at any age.

Who is your biggest supporter?
My husband, hands down. He is my loudest cheerleader and my
biggest defender. He is big about celebrating everything and
making sure he can do everything in his power to help me be a
success.

How do you write (on schedule, to music, etc..)?
I try to keep a schedule, I blog, and do my promos in the morning
and write/edit in the afternoon. Music helps me set the pace and
keep the mood, but sometimes I find myself writing to Disney
movies in the background. If Phineas and Ferb are on, all bets are
off. There will be no writing while P & F are plotting.

What do you like the least about being a published writer?
Marketing. LoL It is getting easier, but when I first started I was so
incredibly overwhelmed with so many options, I didn’t know
where to turn.
What do you like the most about being a published writer?
I think the highlight (so far) was seeing SUMMERLAND available at
Amazon- LoL- it’s the little things I tell ya!
What do you have planned for your writing in the future?
Well, “My Humiliating Valentine” will be included in the Love
Bites V-Day Anthology to be put out by Rebel Press in February
2012. It is a funny short about a blind date that surpassed hell and
went straight to- well- whatever is beyond hell.
I am finishing the edits for my first romantic murder mystery Accidental Intent

And have blown the dust off a story written back in 2001, A romantic comedy tentatively titled Community of Errors.


SUMMERLAND Blurb:
Set against the backdrop of glittering Hollywood, the story of SUMMERLAND takes a look behind the tabloid headlines, to show celebrities are just like the rest of us– Well, sort of.

After two years of mourning, Rhiann Taylor, a former paparazzi magnet, has found an appreciation for anonymity during her self-imposed exile. However, she finds it difficult to stay under the radar when launching a high profile, fashion design business. Especially when you add a smitten rock star, a self absorbed international playboy, an assistant who reads minds better than a psychic and a dead boyfriend who won’t leave her alone.

When the tabloid frenzy comes to a fevered pitch, family secrets come out of the closet and friendships are tested beyond everyone’s comfort zone. Rhiann will need to find the brazenness she once possessed, embrace the anger she has suppressed, and meet a vulnerability she has never known, to face the scariest prospect of all, falling in love again.

Excerpt:
The rhythmic whirring of the sewing machine soothed Rhiann's frazzled mind. When the last stitch was done, she draped the garment back onto the dress form for final inspection. Her critical look cast about the sparsely furnished room, closely examining the work that had consumed her for the better part of a year. Eight vintage, romantic dresses with subtle modern flairs, two elegant, floor-length gowns, and six chic sports ensembles gave her a reason to get out of bed every morning. Rhiann surprised herself and developed a few pieces for men, as well. Her fingers fiddled with the soft fabric while her stomach protested with hunger. She frowned, trying to remember when she had eaten last, or what she had eaten. Pressing the intercom button, she said, "Keeley? I am starving! What do you want for dinner?"
"Hang on, I am on my way."
She pressed another button. "Ziggy? I'm ordering out, what do you guys want?"
She listened to the two bodyguards' muffled conversation, then Ziggy responded by reading off half a Thai food menu.
"Is that all?" She tried to check her sarcasm.
After another moment of mumbled conversation, Tank added dessert to the order.
"Okay." She laughed. "Think I got it all."
"We'll keep an eye on the front gate, Rhiann."
"Thanks, Ziggy." Rhiann silenced the intercom as Keeley St. James entered the room. Rhiann had seen it time after time. Heads turned whenever Keeley entered a room. Women watched to gauge what she was wearing, and, within days, Keeley's designer ensemble du jour would see a spike in orders. Men watched her glide across the floor. From the cascade of her blonde hair to the delicate sway of her hips, she brought a whirlwind of intensity to any situation.
"So, how goes the war?" She inspected the newest creation. "I think I may need this." She fiddled with the hem. "Tyra has a movie premiere next month. Not only would this look fabulous on her, but it would get you some great exposure."
"Do you really think these are good enough to launch my own line?" Rhiann felt a familiar knot of anguish whenever she stepped out of her comfort zone. "Can't I keep selling to the boutique anonymously?"
"Nope, it is time to let the chicken fly the coop and show people you are more than just some actress."
Rhiann chewed on her bottom lip. "I suppose." Her gaze, ever critical, examined the garments hanging from the makeshift clothes rack. "Although, I am not just some actress."
"Oh, right, the two-time Academy Award-winning actress, blah, blah, blah." Keeley hugged Rhiann. "You know what I mean!"
Rhiann's stomach growled loudly. "Food, I need food! I don't know when I ate last."
"When is Genie coming back? She would make sure you didn't skip meals."
"I'm not sure, in a couple of weeks, maybe?" Rhiann held up the takeout menus. "The boys want Thai. I'm thinking Juno's. What do you want?"
"Juno's, please. An Apollo salad sounds really good."
Rhiann danced her fingers across the phone's keypad. "What kind of dressing?"
"House is fine." Keeley held up a dress in front of the mirror. "I love this one."
"Delivery, please," Rhiann said into the phone as she fondly watched her best friend. "I made it for you."
"Really?" Keeley quickly shed her silk pajamas and slid into the soft chenille. "It is absolutely beautiful."
"Uh huh, with the house dressing, yeah, I'll hold." Rhiann sighed and turned back to Keeley. "The soft green works well with your complexion."
Keeley spun in front of the mirror. "It is so flowy." The skirt flared up and out. "Woo, feel that draft." She giggled.
"Wear underwear with it, please!" Rhiann suddenly remembered the woman on the other end of the line. "Sorry, didn't realize, um, yes, then I want a number one—make it two orders."
"That is a lot of food, Rhi!"
Rhiann covered the mouthpiece "I'm hungry, and I can have the second for breakfast."
She dialed the Thai restaurant next. When she finished ordering, Rhiann handed Keeley a box of CDs. "Would you help me weed out bands for the runway show?"
Rhiann giggled at the steady clack, clack of CD cases hitting the tile floor. "Is there a method to your madness?"
Without looking up, Keeley continued tossing the music over her shoulder. "Cover art. If the cover art sucks, then so does the music."
"Okay! Good to know." Rhiann began to throw discs over her shoulder as well.


From Desi to Readers:  
One lucky commenter will win a pdf copy of SUMMERLAND. Tell me who your favorite designer is- If you don’t have one, that’s OK, just say HI!
The winning commenter will be chosen randomly, contacted by email, and mentioned on my blog www.dbmoonauthor.blogspot.com.

You can also find me on Facebook Desi (D.B.) Moon author page
and on twitter DBMoonbook

Desi Thank you for coming over today.


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