Monday, September 27, 2010

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY: Play Dirty by Lorie O'Clare



ISBN 978-0312372156
Genre: Romantic Suspense
(c) September 2010, St. Martin's Paperbacks
Lorie O'Clare's website

Rating: 4 stars

Available at Book Depository (print).

Make room everyone for the new edition to the group of men who melt our hearts with their cocky smiles and confident swagger. In her new novel Play Dirty, Lorie O’Clare introduces romance readers to the incredibly sexy world of bounty hunters in a book that holds nothing back.

Sometimes when you read the blurb on the back of a book, you don’t really get a sense of the story you’ll find. I have to say that Play Dirty more than delivered with a fast-paced storyline that had me always wanting to know what came next. The plot didn’t seem stale, it flowed well and as someone who doesn’t read a lot of romantic suspense, I enjoyed reading it. It had a good balance of intrigue which had me wondering what else was in store for Haley and Greg.

Straight away I realized that as a lover of romance I had grossly underestimated the appeal of the more experienced older man. Sexy really doesn’t have an age limit as Greg King firmly establishes and proves the point that younger isn’t always better and that nothing beats the touch of a man who experience has shown just how well to do it. Greg King oozes masculine energy in this book and was immediately appealing because of the deep love that he has for his wife Haley. Despite the way they parted or the time that had passed, Greg continues to feel that close connection that had him moving heaven and earth to keep her safe. He was intense in everything he did and I loved the process he went through to loosen his driving instinct to shelter Haley and allow her to be independent and follow her passions. It takes a great man to put aside his opinions on how things should be and step aside to allow someone else to lead.

I loved being able to read about Haley and see the way she was true to her convictions even though it broke her heart to do so. The time she spent away from her family, she put to good use so when she finally returned, she was stronger, more confident and a lot more independent. Coming back to Greg, she brought a greater balance to their relationship and I loved that she didn’t back down and let Greg hold her back from what she loved. She showed that you are able to be in a relationship without losing yourself or at least holding yourself back and it really was wonderful being able to watch Haley and Greg work through the changes distance had created.

The passion in this book was at times almost palpable and had my heart racing and deep sighing over the intensity of how they felt for each other. You could literally see the sparks flying between them and as I neared their first bedroom reunion, I had high hopes for what I thought would be an incredibly passionate and sensual moment. I think it’s important to warn those who read this book, that at least in my opinion, the bedroom scenes weren’t the sensual experience I have come to expect in the romance books I read and were very graphic in the details of what was happening. There were other moments throughout the book where the sexual content proved to be difficult for me to read, but I really feel that it comes down to how comfortable you are with the sex that you read. Although the scenes may not be to everybody’s liking, a little warning can at least help you be prepared.

Aside from this, I enjoyed the book and found it entertaining. It gave me most of the things I love about reading romance and I feel that it’s a story filled with characters people will fall in love with. As an added bonus, the hunky guy straddling the bike on the cover helps fuel the imagination. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Belinda
The Bookish Snob


Book Summary:

Heartthrob bounty hunter Greg King knows how to work it—and he knows that he can have any woman he wants. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye...and he’s still haunted by the memory of his beautiful, estranged wife. Much as he’s tried to move on, he’s never been able to stop wondering why Haley left him. Or what he could have done to make their marriage better—and make her stay...

After putting a vicious criminal behind bars, Haley King had no choice but to leave her loved ones behind and enter the witness protection program. Turns out that, in her new life, Haley has once again found herself in serious trouble—and needs help from the only person she can trust: her husband. Now, as old secrets threaten to tear them apart and danger closes in from all sides, it’s up to Greg to keep Haley safe...and convince her that this time, he’s playing for keeps.


Now for the GIVEAWAY!

One lucky commenter will win the anthology The Bodyguard, featuring paranormal stories by Lorie O'Clare, Cherry Adair and Gena Showalter! Lorie's book features her very first bounty hunter story. Her hero is a bounty hunter and her heroine is a werewolf. The best of both worlds collide!

International! Yay! Everyone is eligible!

How to Enter/Rules:

1. The giveaway will run from September 28 to 29, where we'll be posting an interview with Lorie!
2. You must be a follower (GFC, at least).
3. Ask Lorie a question.

Note: Not a follower + no question = no chance to win

Additional Chances to Win:

1. Each time you spread news of this contest (via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.
2. Follow us! Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads. Each "follow" earns you one point. (Old followers are automatically entered.)

Contest Duration: September 28 to 29, 1159pm EST

Contest Winner Announcement: September 30

The winner will be selected via Randomizer.org. Please send your name and mailing address to caroletrr(@)gmail.com, so be sure to come back and check because we won't hunt you down. If we don't receive the email within twenty-four hours, a new winner will be chosen.

21 comments:

Martha Lawson said...

Lorie, I'm new to your books, but this one looks awesome!! Is this going to be a series? If so, how many books do you have planned for it.

I follow on gfc

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Alexa said...

Oh I saw this book in the bookstore the other day but I wasn't certain what it was about and if I would enjoy it. Sounds like it is a good book and I will have to add it to my wish list.

As for The Bodyguard, Lorie how was it working with Cherry and Gena on this book?

I'm a follower
apk1princess@live.com

The Phantom Paragrapher said...

This book looks good . My question is non-book related but if you could have dinner with any 3 people DOA who would they be and why ?
Im an old follower on GFC
paulazone@live.com
www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

VickyTinky said...

Oh I want this book!!!

My question: When did you start writing? Was it at a young age or later on?

GFC and Twitter follower

vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com

aromagik said...

My questions: What's your favorite TV show? Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what?

I'm a GFC follower, and I follow TRR on FB, Twitter and Goodreads (just sent a Goodreads friend request, too).

I blogged this here:

http://romance-aficionado.blogspot.com/2010/09/romance-reviews-review-and-giveaway.html

~Lindy
aromagik@gmail.com

debbie said...

I would like to ask, what is your favorite kind of paranormal creature?
I would love to read the book.
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

@aromagik Thanks for blogging about this, Lindy!

Lorie, I'd like to ask, how are you able to write so many books? Your backlist total in the 50's, right? Wow, I'm truly amazed. You must be so prolific.

misskallie2000 said...

Well someone else ask my question but I do want to know how you and the other two authors got together and what was the writing process? Did you each get with the others or do your own thing?
Great sounding book and I am adding to my wish list. This is first I have heard of Bodyguard.

I am GFC Follower and email subscriber.

Tweeted (@misskallioe2000)
http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/25792780389

Shared on FB(Brenda B. Hill)
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1424713340&v=wall&story_fbid=147861438589223

Follow via twitter

Follow via FB

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Jolene and Family said...

Ok, so I've seen this book a few places and am intrigued!! This is a new author for me and can't wait to dive into this book. Who doesn't love a hot older man?!! Me please. Here is my question, I've read a few books where the hero is a little older, have you thought about writing one with an older heroine?
june111@att.net

Leni said...

When you decided to write about a bounty hunter, did you read other books to see what you liked or didn't like as a way to write your ideal bounty hunter?

lenikaye@yahoo.com

follower

PoCoKat said...

Does your character actually ride a motorcycle in the book?

I follow on GFC.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Sheree said...

Hi! I admit that when I read "bounty hunter", I immediately think of the show "Dog the Bounty Hunter".

How did you research Greg's job? TV shows? Books? Live interviews?

Also, do you ride motorcycles?

follower
ironss[at]gmail.com

Lorie O'Clare said...

Whew! I'm here finally! What a day, and you all have been busy over here, too, I see.
First of all I've got to say WOW...what an awesome review! :) Thank you, Belinda!

Now let me answer your questions...

Martha - Yes, the Bounty Hunters are a series. There are a total of six books and I'm writing book four right now. Get Lucky is the next bounty hunter book and it comes out in March.

Alexa - it was the biggest honor in the world working with Cherry and Gena. I was in total fan mode for the first few weeks and they tolerated me graciously. They are both such awesome, hilarious and down to earth ladies. It was more than an honor working with them.

Paula - dinner with three people DOA?...hmm, that's a tough one. I'm not exactly sure what you mean. Dead On Arrival?

Vicky - I started writing as soon as I learned how to spell words. In fact, I have spiral notebooks tucked in with my diaries from the early 70's. I wasn't yet ten. They are filled with stories I wrote. All of the stories are written in pencil, in block letters, and each sentence is a page long or so. I had an Austen fetish at an early age I guess. :)

Lindy - you snuck in two questions. LOL. Favorite TV show -- well I'm super excited the second season of Caprica is finally airing, starting next week. I really loved Covert Affairs, White Collar, In Plain Sight, NCIS...and there's more. I know you said which is my favorite but I figured since you asked two questions and not one I could list more than one favorite. :) And yes, I listen to music when I write. It varies depending on my mood, and what I'm writing. A lot of times I'll put it on the cable channel that just plays '70's music non-stop, so I don't have to change CD's, or create play lists, or get distracted by leaning over and staring at the TV.

Debbie - Up until recently I would have had to say werewolves are my favorites, especially since I've written four werewolf series. But that was before I caught the fever!! Death by sex fae now definitely have my attention!!! (My vote is definitely for Barrons though, for those of you who know what I'm talking about--can't wait for January!!)

Carole - That count of 50 something books doesn't include my books currently not under contract, or that haven't ever been published because I haven't gotten around to submitting them yet. I've got quite a few of them listed with my books I sell and autograph for winners of each auction on ebay. I just love to write. I turned a book over to my Kensington editor yesterday morning and before noon was already on page 8 of my next bounty hunter book for St Martins. There's really probably only one thing I love better than writing. ;)

Lorie O'Clare said...

I had to break this into two parts because it wouldn't let me post all the answers at once. Here are the rest of the answers...

Miss Kallie - I was asked to join Cherry and Gena in their anthology by my St Martins editor. Needless to say I said yes!! The editor for the anthology introduced the three of us through email and all four of us brainstormed via emails for a week or so until we were all on the same page and knew what we were going to write. It was an absolute blast, not only getting to know two incredible writers and ladies, but reading their emails and watching them walk through the thought process of creating worlds and what they would do with them.

Jolene - Greg King is 45 years old in Play Dirty. The heroine is also 45 years old. Everyone talks about the hero being older but no one mentions the heroine is the same age. I don't think I could write a story where the lady is twenty years younger, or something like that. This isn't my first book where the hero has been in his forties. I guess since I'm in my forties, I don't view it as old. LOL. He's at that age where he's just REAL GOOD, has all of his skills down and knows exactly how to please a lady. And Haley, the heroine, is at just the right age to be able to handle such a cocky, sure of himself, 40 something year old man. She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it.

Leni - No. I didn't read other bounty hunter books. I make a point not to read other books that are similar to what I write. I don't want to be influenced by them. I did interview three real bounty hunters though so I had a good idea about the line of work.

PoCoKat - Yes, he most definitely rides a motorcycle in the book.

Sheree - I've watched Dog The Bounty Hunter quite a bit actually. But he didnt motivate me to write these books and I don't think my bounty hunters are anything like him. Let me know if you disagree. I did interview several bounty hunters. And no, I don't ride motorcycles but I love taking rides on them.

I'll check back to see if there are more questions, or follow up questions. I'm sure glad I don't have to pick the winner of this contest. Good luck to all of you!

Meljprincess said...

Hello Lorie,
Do you prefer writing anthologies or stand alone?

I follow this blog and I follow you in Facebook.

Mel K.
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

The Words I Couldn't Say said...

What would you do if you ever met a werewolf in real life?

I follow your blog as The Words I Couldn't Say

Email is frogkisser350 AT yahoo DOT com

Casey said...

Hmm. To be original, I'm going to ask you what is your favorite kind of chocolate?

I follow the blog, on twitter and facebook =) Oh! And I retweeted one of your tweets about the contest!

My email is c4casey AT comcast DOT net

Unknown said...

@Casey Thanks for the RT!

SiNn said...

Lorie ur work rocks i recently got Play Dirty which so far is awesome im anew follower


mortalsinn@yahoo.com

SiNn said...

awesome review cant wait to read it fully

Lorie O'Clare said...

Hey Everyone!
Just thought I'd stop by and see if there were anymore questions. I see a few.

Mel - I prefer writing full length novels over shorter stories. I've never been good at getting all the story scrunched into such a small space. My reviews seem to reflect that. Every short story I've written someone says something about it not being developed well enough. It takes quite a talent to write a short story and completely satisfy. Other than that, I don't have a problem with anths.


Frogkisser - If I met a werewolf in real life, I would definitely be intrigued. Of course, the only way I'd know for sure is to follow them, become a super spy. Considering their senses are so much better than mine, I'd probably get busted. Then, well all I can say is I hope he is sexy and gentle. :)

Casey - milk chocolate over semi-sweet and I love Russel Stovers. Why? Are you sending me some? :)

Sin - You didn't ask a question but thanks for picking up Play Dirty. I really hope you love the story! There are spoilers all over the Internet now, so be careful if you haven't read it yet.

And to all of you who went out and bought Play Dirty--Thank You! It was pointed out to me that it is #27 over at Amazon in romances. A lot of really great books just released. I'm definitely doing the happy dance!! Get Lucky, Marc's story, releases in March. I really, really love Marc's story so am super excited to turn all of you on to the bounty hunters so I can share all of the King men's stories with you!

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