Blitz Review & Giveaway ~ Under My Skin ~ J. Kenner

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for J. Kenner's Under My Skin, the third and final installment in the Stark International Trilogy. My stop includes all the details on the book, my review, and a giveaway. Enjoy!

Under My Skin by J Kenner
Stark International Trilogy #3
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
He's the only man I've ever loved, and the one man I can't bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it--and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we've tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won't let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns--our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There's no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I'd do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we're in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Other books in the series

Say My Name (Stark International #1)

On My Knees (Stark International #2)

Keeping me guessing about certain things until the end, Under My Skin was an exciting and fulfilling conclusion to Sylvia and Jackson's story.

Sylvia and Jackson have endured quite a bit both personally as well as professionally. Under My Skin sees them still battling - against the saboteurs trying to thwart the resort project, and the legal system as Jackson seems the prime suspect in a murder investigation. On top of all that, both Sylvia and Jackson must decide once and for all that together they're stronger and their love can weather any storm.

I liked how Kenner maintained the tension in both the business element and the murder investigation. I did think the murder mystery element resolved a little too neatly, although I was still unsure as to whodunit. The saboteur reveal was a little hazy - I'd suspected a part of it, but not all. Jeremiah Stark's appearance makes me curious as to whether we'll see more of him. Actually, I'm hoping to see more of him as I'd like to get inside his head. I'd also not complain if we got more of all the secondary characters.

As for Jackson and Sylvia, I was happy with where they ended up. They had me worried at times - especially Sylvia - as she seemed to often forget her own inner strength. But she dug deep and steeled her spine when it counted.

When you wrap up all the elements - including that ending - Under My Skin was a satisfying conclusion.

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J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, "chicklit" suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the SW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a "flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations" and by RT Bookclub for having "cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for him." A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 in her Stark Trilogy). Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over twenty countries. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Tumblr ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ The Witch of Painted Sorrows ~ M.J. Rose

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for M.J. Rose's The Witch of Painted Sorrows. My stop includes all the details on this first installment in the Daughters of La Lune series, my review, and a giveaway. Enjoy!

THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS (Daughters of La Lune #1)

by M.J. Rose

Gothic Historical Fantasy

Published by Atria Books on March 17th, 2015

Possession. Power. Passion.New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul”, her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

Praise for The Witch of Painted Sorrows

“This bell époque thriller is a haunting tale of obsessive passions.” —People Magazine

“Provocative, erotic, and spellbindingly haunting…will have the reader totally mesmerized cover-to-cover….a ‘must-have’ novel.” —Suspense Magazine

“A haunting tale of erotic love…. M.J. Rose seamlessly weaves historical events throughout this story filled with distinctive characters that will keep the reader captivated to the end.” —Examiner.com

“Rose has a talent for compelling writing, and this time she has outdone herself. Fear, desire, lust and raw emotion ooze off the page.” —Associated Press

“Haunting tale of possession.” —Publishers Weekly

“Rose’s new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris — lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting.” —Kirkus

“Mixes reality and illusion, darkness and light, mystery and romance into an adult fairy tale. [Rose] stirs her readers curiosities and imaginations, opening their eyes to the cultural, intellectual and artistic excitement that marked the Belle Epoque period. Unforgettable, full-bodied characters and richly detailed narrative result in an entrancing read that will be long savored.” —Library Journal (Starred Review)

“An elegant tale of rare depth and beauty, as brilliantly crafted as it is wondrously told….melds the normal and paranormal in the kind of seamless fashion reserved for such classic ghost stories as Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw.” —Providence Journal

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I admit I'm not well-versed on French history, art or alchemy but my ignorance of these subjects didn't hamper my enjoyment of The Witch of Painted Sorrows. I think that speaks to the talent of the author. Ms. Rose weaves a story around the mystery of an ancient family curse, art, a Paris very curious about the occult, and robust characters to create a lush, atmospheric, provocative, and riveting story.

Sandrine is a young woman recently arrived in Paris seeking the safety of her grandmother and her family home following the death of her father. Her grandmother isn't thrilled with her arrival since she believes Sandrine is in danger. And Sandrine's arrival sets into motion events that have her, and those surrounding her, questions the existence of angels and demons, their beliefs, and even Sandrine's sanity.

Ms. Rose truly built an incredible setting for this series. Not only was I fully engaged with Sandrine but I was also fully entrenched in Paris at the turn of the twentieth century. I was swept away in the mystery of La Lune and in all the events that symbolized her existence. I especially delighted in the detail with which Rose described Sandrine's painting. It was a vivid experience. As was the entire story.

**I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rosegrew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. Rose’s work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the ’80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors – Authorbuzz.com. The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose’s novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization’s co-president. Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Goodreads

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Blitz Review & Giveaway ~ Say My Name ~ J. Kenner

I'm thrilled to be a part of the blitz for J. Kenner's Say My Name. This is the first in her Stark International series, and a spin-off of her Stark Trilogy. Below you'll find all the details on the book, my review, and a giveaway. Enjoy!

***

Say My Name
Stark International #1
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N

Synopsis
I never let anyone get too close--but he's the only man who's ever made me feel alive.

Meeting Jackson Steele was shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room...or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.

Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn't risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go. 

Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong--and it could either save me or scorch me forever.

Say My Name is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Does it say something awful about me that I relish the broken characters J. Kenner creates? That the traumatic pasts they've endured and the scars, both physical and emotional, they carry wring emotion from me and keep me riveted to the page. That bearing witness to them finding that one person who holds the key to unlock their secrets, to tear down their walls, and lead them each out of that darkness and into the light of love fills me with contentment. Well, if it does say something awful, I'll just have to live with that.

Sylvia Brooks, who we met in the Stark Trilogy as Damien's assistant, is an intelligent and tenacious woman. She's tenacious about following her dreams in her career, and tenacious about the rules she follows in order to keep her love life under control and her secrets intact. She's worked hard to earn a project management position on a real estate project that is her brain child. When things threaten to destroy her dream, she turns to the one man she has tenaciously avoided for the past 5 years.

Jackson Steele is a brilliant architect on the cusp of real greatness. He has no intention of doing any work for Stark International, particularly if Sylvia is involved. She's the one woman who managed to shred him. When she approaches him for help, he sees a way to exact revenge. But after spending some time with her, he realizes not all is as he believed.

Both Sylvia and Jackson have demons and secrets they're fighting and hiding. Seeing the walls come down for them both is an emotional experience. Jackson wants to slay all Sylvia's demons but his demons threaten to destroy the tenuous bond they have.

Kenner's story flowed beautifully. The chemistry and intensity between Sylvia and Jackson was visceral. Tension is ratcheted up a few notches as it seems someone is conspiring against them - and it's hard to tell whether it's business or personal. And while I figured out a few things prior to their reveal (and I think I have a few others puzzled out but we shall see) it was a captivating story. I like the darkness in both the characters - the stories they've yet to share. But that promise of love and light - that's why I'll keep reading their story.

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J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, "chicklit" suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the SW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a "flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations" and by RT Bookclub for having "cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for him." A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 in her Stark Trilogy). Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over twenty countries. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Tumblr ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt, & Giveaway ~ Darkness Calling ~ Laurie Olerich

DARKNESS CALLING (Primani #5)

by Laurie Olerich

Dark Urban Fantasy Romance

Published on March 5th, 2015

ad infinitum: endlessly, forever, without limit

Finally freed from a century in purgatory, former-wild child Aisling just wants to raise her son and live as a normal human again. Her taste of freedom is cut short the moment her past comes to claim her. There’s one reason she was exiled, and his name is Cain. With him, there was only darkness, and the angels help her, she liked it that way. Now he’s back, and his commands are simple. Stay away from Sean or else. But when he threatens to take her son, she turns to the one man who can save them both. Sean.

Sean is sick and tired of his baby mama’s hateful attitude. Her mood swings give him whiplash, and he’s seriously thinking of strangling her. But when a brutal old enemy shows up to destroy everyone Sean loves, he discovers Aisling is hiding more than her feelings for him.

Joining forces to protect their son, Sean and Aisling set out on a journey that leads them from the city streets of Manhattan to the elegant hotels of Vienna to the final terrifying showdown in the bowels of Rome.

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – iBooks – Smashwords

Add Darkness Calling to your Goodreads list!

SPECIAL OFFER:

The first book in the series, Primani, is currently FREE!

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EXCERPT

“Do it,” he whispered, eyes snapping open, mouth curled on one side. “Go on. Pull the trigger.”

His voice sent shivers racing across her skin, her heart pounding in her chest. Her hand shook. The muzzle tapped his skin once, twice, and a third time.

Yes. Do it. Just squeeze the trigger, and be done with it. Give him the justice he deserves. He used her. He betrayed her. He was a demon. Her plan was solid; her entrance professional. She was a killer. She was a professional. She made one mistake.

She looked into his eyes. 

His eyes gleamed with that eerie golden light, drawing her in, stripping her bare. He breathed easily even as her heart galloped in her chest and sweat ran from her palms. In one swift motion, he caught her gun hand. With eyes never leaving her face, he got to his feet. Grinding her knuckles together, he pushed the gun downward until her arm was wrenched behind her back. Nudging her thigh with his, he walked her backwards until he crowded her against the wall. The steel of the pistol bit deep into the small of her back, but she’d rip her arm off before crying out. He had taken too much already.

He was so close she felt the heat of his skin, the hum of his power, and the bulge of his erection. He smiled at the exact moment she realized he was hard for her. The voice in her head screamed in terror even as liquid pooled between her legs.

“You should’ve pulled the trigger,” he murmured as his mouth caught hers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurie Olerich is the author of the urban fantasy romance series Primani. She loves to create guilty pleasures full of exciting locations, roller coaster action, strong, quirky heroines, and steaming hot heroes who’ll raise the temperature in any room you’re in! Paranormal romance? Check! Urban fantasy? Check! Romantic suspense? Check! Her Primani series combines the best of the three. When not plotting, writing, or fantasizing about her next hero, she’s planning parties, traveling the world, and spending lazy nights with her son, her Dal pals, and friends. Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Germany. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to a career spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both!

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Goodreads

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner is going to take home:

Swag bag

E-copies of Call the Lightning, Stone Angels and Broken Souls by Laurie Olerich

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Blitz & Giveaway ~ Broken Souls ~ Laurie Olerich

I'm happy to be a part of the blitz for Laurie Olerich's Broken Souls. Below you'll find information about Broken Souls and the Primani series. There is also a fabulous giveaway!

***

BROKEN SOULS (Primani #4)

by Laurie Olerich

Dark Urban Fantasy Romance

Published on September 2014

This is the first standalone book in the Primani series. It’s a dark romantic suspense that layers a decades-old murder with chilling demon possession on top of two broken people who must somehow heal wounds too deep to see the light of day.

Stalked by evil... Psychic Rori Austin’s life is over. She just doesn’t know it yet. Suffering from recurring nightmares and terrifying fugues, she’s hanging on by a thread. When she blacks out and wakes up in 1969, she knows she’s out of control. Broke and alone in the city that never sleeps, she’s desperate to find someone who can hold back the darkness in her mind. When gorgeous Declan shows up out of nowhere, she’s thrilled until he starts asking questions she has no intention of answering.

Haunted by guilt... Declan Manning is a ruthless killer and a renowned healer. Demons fear him. Humans love him. Life is good. The last thing he needs is a human woman. After saving Rori’s life, he walks away but can’t forget the fear in her exotic eyes. It haunts him, dredging up memories better left buried deep. Intrigued by her secrets, he uncovers the horrifying truth: She’s marked for Hell, and her time is almost up.

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – iBooks – Smashwords

Add Broken Souls to your Goodreads list!

SPECIAL OFFER:

The first book in the series, Primani, is currently FREE!

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – iBooks – Smashwords

Moving carefully so he wouldn’t startle her, he pulled the shirt over his head. Turning to the side, he dropped his eyes over his shoulder. At his nod, she reached for him. Slowly, softly, she explored him with feathery strokes that tickled yet sent his blood racing.

“Go ahead, darlin’. Look. Touch. Find your answers.”

Rori was treading on shaky ground, she knew that. He was beautiful. Perfect. His face was like a painting, a sculpture. The hard planes could seem cruel, but right now were softened by his emotions. Love? Patience? She didn’t know, but she knew one thing for sure. He wasn’t trying to hide now. He’d taken his shirt off, and she’d lost the use of her vocal chords. He was beautifully made; muscular without being massively huge, golden skin that begged for kisses… he turned so she could see him, and she froze. What would she do if he had wings sprouting from his shoulders?

“No wings?”

Grinning like a naughty little boy, he shook his head. “Sorry. No wings.” He captured her roaming hand and kissed it. “I have other mad skills though if you’d like me to demonstrate. For instance, I can make you hot.”

He placed her hands on his shoulders and busted out laughing when she snatched them back with a horrified gasp. What the hell? He was glowing! The harder he laughed, the more obvious the light became. She was trying to put some distance between them, but he wouldn’t let her. Instead, he reclaimed her hands and forced them flat against his chest.

He scolded, “Uh-uh. You wanted answers. Man up and get them. The light is my saol. It’s our life force, technically. You might consider it the source of my powers. You have one too; but yours isn’t strong like mine is. Yours is human.” The teasing smile vanished. “Mine isn’t. Anymore.”

He wasn’t human? This was getting better and better! She seriously needed to put some space between them. She couldn’t think straight.

He pressed her hand harder against his chest. “Do you feel that? That’s my heart beating just like yours does. Don’t be afraid of me, Rori. I’m here to protect you. It’s what I do. I tried to tell you that before, but you didn’t want to trust me then. Do you trust me now?”

That was a good question. Did she?

She studied the trees in the distance while she considered her answer. After all of the crazy things that had happened in the past few months, she had to admit he’d been there for her without asking for payment. Strangely enough, she didn’t think he was insane anymore. “I do.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’.”

He was really, really hard to resist. She brushed his bangs back from his eyes. His mouth curled into a lopsided, sexy as all hell grin. The impact slammed all the way to her toes.

“You could melt butter with that smile. How do we mere mortals resist you?”

Flushing an adorable shade of pink, he choked on his snappy comeback before clamping his lips together in a line. Was he embarrassed? How cute was that? Grumbling under his breath, he reached for his shirt, and she shocked them both by stopping him.

“Wait! I want to look at you.” Did I say that out loud? Crap.

He shot her an incredulous look before dropping the shirt and pushing gracefully to his feet. He moved so fast she scooted backwards with a girly cry of alarm. The grin he wore this time was all heat, no humor. Slow, sexy… forget butter, her entire body might combust. Before she could squeak out a protest, he unsnapped his jeans and dropped them in a pile. Kicking out of them in a movement that was so smoothly done he must’ve practiced it, he hauled her upright with her mouth hanging open.

Not an ounce of material in sight.

“Uh… uh, Dec… I’m not sure--” She kept her eyes pasted on his chest. His muscles were nicely shaped, hard, tanned... flat nipples begged for a kiss.

Oh, yeah, he certainly looked human!

He stood in full naked glory, daring her to look lower. He gave her that sexy grin again. She backed up. He stalked forward until her back came up against the granite boulder. His bare chest brushed her breasts. Something hot and velvety brushed her belly. With her heartbeat pounding in her ears, she swallowed hard and placed her hands on his forearms. The hard muscle blazed at her touch. He had fine golden hair dusting across skin that she couldn’t resist caressing. Soft…

“Admit it. You wanted to know if I had all the correct equipment.” He was teasing her. She could tell by the humor in his voice, but he was so right. At that moment, she wanted to look down more than anything in the world.

He turned around and said over his shoulder, “I’ve been told I have a nice ass. What do you think?”

“Dec! You’re horrible! I am not looking at your ass!” But she couldn’t resist bursting into giggles at the lift of his eyebrows.

“Are you sure? I can stand here all day.”

“I’m sure you can.” A wistful sigh slipped out when she snagged a peek at his butt. Yum!

He was beside her so fast he was a blur. Lifting her chin, he winked before dropping a sweet kiss on her open mouth. “Don’t be so obvious. There’s time for us to get naked and hump like bunnies later. Right now, you need to recover your strength so you can keep up.”

With that he stepped into his jeans while she focused on his hands. Capable. Smooth. Hard. Those hands had nursed her, held her. How would they feel making love to her?

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Laurie Olerich is the author of the urban fantasy romance series Primani. She loves to create guilty pleasures full of exciting locations, roller coaster action, strong, quirky heroines, and steaming hot heroes who’ll raise the temperature in any room you’re in! Paranormal romance? Check! Urban fantasy? Check! Romantic suspense? Check! Her Primani series combines the best of the three. When not plotting, writing, or fantasizing about her next hero, she’s planning parties, traveling the world, and spending lazy nights with her son, her Dal pals, and friends. Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Germany. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to a career spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both!

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Pinterest – Goodreads