A Perfect Storm: Blog Tour & Giveaway
Title: A Perfect Storm
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, #4
Release Date: March 27th 2012
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
Source: Media Muscle
Pages: 442
Links: Amazon | Goodreads | TBD
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring—and continue avenging his own tragic past—the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.
Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure it’s dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan—and their chemistry—shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover there’s an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero…
Review:
I’ve been a long time fan of Lori Foster. Her steamy romance novels have frequented my bookshelves since high school. So when her newest series, Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor, was released last Spring, I inhaled the first few books in quick succession, and thoroughly enjoyed the wild ride they took me on. And that’s why it pained me to have to wait a year for the latest book in the series. Turns out, A Perfect Storm was definitely worth the wait.
As a fierce female with a dark past, Arizona has intrigued me since she first appeared in Savor the Danger. And the little cat and mouse game she found herself in with Spencer made me even more eager to get my hands on their book.
With as many books as I’ve read since reading the first three books in this series last year, I was surprised to find that I remembered a lot of details from the previous stories. Yes, each hero had his own book and accompanying romance, but each was also set in a bigger, interwoven plot arc. And Foster eased me back into that arc with a comfortable familiarity, despite the grim reality of what the fearsome team of mercenaries were facing. Yet, it was thrilling to be back in their world, fraught with danger but still sprinkled with easy humor.
But, because I felt fully up to speed on the situation, I did find the beginning of A Perfect Storm to be a bit slow going. The main reason I didn’t care for the beginning was the way Arizona was portrayed. It disturbed me to see her painted as a beautifully broken, would-be woman with a childlike wonder towards sex. Yes, I could understand that the fact that she was a sex slave for traffickers needed to be explored and dissected as part of her character development, but it was still uncomfortable and made me very hesitant towards supporting the romance between Spencer and Arizona.
However, as their story progressed and intensified, they reached their break point and somehow made it work. It was then that I felt much more at ease with them, and soon after, I was once again surprised to discover that they had earned the title for my favorite couple in the series.
Overall, a well done conclusion to an enticing series that left me with a warm and fuzzy happiness for the unlikely family that came together despite their turbulent pasts. The hopeful and promising note A Perfect Storm ended on is exactly what I love most about reading romances.
1. Can you tell us something about yourself that not a lot of your readers know?
Hmmm. I’m artistic. I love to doodle and paint (water colors and acrylics are my faves.) I LOVE being on or near the water, as in a lake, on a boat, tubing or skiing. I write with very loud hard rock music playing. Kid Rock and KORN are faves.
2.You are constantly writing–do you have any quirks that come out as a result of that?
My mind wanders. You might be talking to me, and I’m off listening to dialogue in my head. It’s sooo rude. I try not to, but… it happens. Movies help. When I’m at the movies I can get engaged in even a mediocre flick, mostly action and horror, but I do see other things.
3. What is your favorite book?
Of my own? Hmmm. Probably “My House, My Rules,” from one of the Bad Boy anthologies.
Of others? Well, I love the Sherbrook series by Catherine Coulter. If I can only pick one, maybe “Perfect Partners” by Jayne Ann Krentz. It was so brilliant!
4. What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Starting a book. I love those first few scenes, getting to know the characters. Least favorite part is doing any type of edits. Bleh. I especially detest copy editor remarks. I don’t know why.
5. Is there a specific element in your writing that you find most challenging?
Research. I’m a small town Podunk, with limited life experience. Just about anything I write, I have to research. It’s a bother.
But none of that would help Arizona heal from the past.
Uncomfortable with the moment, Spencer floundered, trying to find something to say. He hadn’t known her that long, and their acquaintance had been fraught with danger. As a bounty hunter, he’d been tracking criminal psychopaths—and the psychopaths had been tracking her.
Arizona, being outrageous in every way a person could imagine, had used herself as bait. Along the way, Spencer had met Jackson and learned a little about their history.
They presented their relationship as that of friends, or maybe siblings. But the nuances of their connection made anything that simple impossible. Not with Arizona’s looks and not when Jackson had saved her life.
For the next A Perfect Storm excerpt, please visit: Book Obsessed
Thanks to BookTrib and Media Muscle, I have a two paperbacks of A Perfect Storm to give away! Open to U.S./Canada mailing addresses only.
Giveaway deets:
If you’d like to enter this giveaway, just say so in the comments.U.S./Canada mailing addresses only.Retweet for an extra entry! Include RT link in comment.Ends 4/30 at 11:59 pm CST.Winners will be selected using random.org.
Winners: Maria Pronounced Mariah & Deb@Debbie’s Book Bag
Posted at 12:00 am • Labels: 2012, 3 stars, author interview, blog tour, Book Review, contemporary fiction, giveaway, Lori Foster, Romantic Suspense
I’m always surprised when I remember a lot about a book I’d read some time ago. We both read a lot and they all become one big mess inside my head, no matter how good they are. In fact, I’ve come to judge books by how long I remember details about them.
That said, I love that this one explores some very hard topics, and altough I sometimes have trouble reading about really damaged characters, I appreciate the authors who are brave enough to explore them,.
I’m not entering the giveaway because I can’t, of course, but I love your honest review, Missie!
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I cannot recal your review of the previous books, but I read this one and I have to say I like what you have to say! What intruiges me most is
“Yes, each hero had his own book and accompanying romance, but each was also set in a bigger, interwoven plot arc.
I love this, I love when a romance is just a part that is explored and that there is more to be explored, somerhing that keeps you reading the whole series! Definitely sounds great!
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You used to read steamy romance novels in high school?? LOL I think I may be a little behind on this uptake — I feel a little bit kiddish for still turning red at mentions of sex! x) I know what you mean about reading so many books that it’s hard to remember sometimes, but I find that it’s always the ones that stick with you that are most awesome! Or least awesome LOL but that doesn’t sound like the case with this book at all
Books about human trafficking are usually really intense!
Beautiful review, Missie! <3 I want to know what you love most about romances :')
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I love romance….and I um love that cover……!! You think this would be a book I would like? Well then enter me in for it….:D You need to read the book I told you about…..it was a great romance…:)
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“I was once again surprised to discover that they had earned the title for my favorite couple in the series. ”
I can’t tell you how excited that makes me as I have adored the past 3 couples! WOO HOO!!!! Please, please, please enter me in the contest, I’m so ready for Spencer and Arizona!
And my mind has a tendency to wander as well, it irritates my husband to no end when I space out thinking about a new design or when I start sketching in the middle of a conversation:) Glad I’m not the only one!
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Great short interview. Love Lori’s books. I loved the first book from this series, but have not read 2 or 3. would love to win this book. What a fantastic cover, I think I love all of the books from this series and the Buckhorn series.
I posted on twitter: A Perfect Storm: Blog Tour & Giveaway http://j.mp/I6TXTW
Thanks for the chance to win.
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*note to self* Must read Lori’s books. Yup that’s it…must try one
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I’m a big Lori and L.L. Foster fan. Pls. do enter my name in the giveaway.
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Not entering, as I live in Holland. Thanks for the interview, that was fun. I especially like the fact that we share some fav authors, Catherine Coulter and Jayne Ann Krentz. Those names don’t pop up very often, it seems as only new books and authors get mentioned any more. Do you also like Catherine Coulter’s FBI series?
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I definitely want a chance for this book
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/ariannecruz07/status/194871562258759680
email: cruz042@cougars.csusm.edu
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SQUEE! Oh how I looove author interviews and guest posts! Lori is a fantastic writer!!!
(Please enter me in contest! From Canada)
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This book sounds amazing I would be so thankful if you would enter me in the contest
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Hello lovely, Missie, you are spoiling us with all your giveaways, not complaining sign me up, especially since I have not read Ms. Foster, YET…dont hate me….Loved the interview. I can imagine it would be easy to hate a copy editor when your manuscripit comes back marked up. Podunk isn’t always so bad, either.
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I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
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It seems like so many love this series, or just Lori Foster in general, and I haven’t read her yet. But knowing that there’s much more than just romance definitely has me more interested in them. Don’t enter me since I haven’t read the previous books.
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That is awesome that you remembered so much of the series. That is always an issue with me. I don’t know if I should reread the previous books in the series or just hope that when I start reading it will all come back to me.
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I love the author’s honesty in saying she lives in Podunk and has to research everything, hah. This sounds like a fun romance series! Thanks for the review and guest post, Missie.
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I have never read a Lori Foster novel despite seeing them everywhere! Must remedy this situation!
I’m glad to hear that you ended up loving the couple as much as you did even though you had a rough start.
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Ooh, I do like Lori and her steamy men. She really can write them, can’t she? I have the same wandering mind quirk–I’m usually dreaming of plot points. *sigh* After this interview, I like Lori even more!
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I LOVE Lori Foster!!! She’s been a favorite of mine for so long that I cant even correctly recall!!!
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I’ve been meaning to pick up Lori’s series. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. I normally pick up PRN’s but I’m willing to go out of my comfort zone for these guys. These books have been on my tbr pile ever since the book trailer. Mmm..good!
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I’ve not read any of her work, yet.
Sounds like a lovely series, and to be a fan for so long. Well, I’ll have to look into the series. 
Thank you!
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The idea of a child like wonder at sex is a little odd. I am intrigued by a character named Arizona since that’s my home state. It sounds very weird at first, but it quickly grows on your as a name.
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I can’t imagine writing anything with loud music! I need peace and silence when I’m writing.
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This series sounds lovely. And as I’m always looking for a new series to get into I’ll have to check them out. I’ve really been meaning to read this author anyway. I hate when a book starts off slow, but at least it revved up in the end and didn’t disappoint you.
I think I might be uncomfortable with Arizona’s situation as well. But you have me curious as to how the couple work through and overcome her sexual naivete. Lovely review as always Missie and the interview was fab! I can see how research would be a total pain.
Also wanted to thank you for the awesome giveaway! *Crosses fingers*
jadaloves[at]gmail[dot]com
T Link: https://twitter.com/#!/Sorta_Beautiful/status/195011601118674945
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[...] may walk on the edge of honor, but that doesn’t mean that Spencer Lark, of A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster, is any less irresistible. And I know I should probably be embarrassed to admit [...]
You & Felicia have me salivating over this book. I need to read my 1st Lori Foster book. I totally get why Arizona’s beginnings would be uncomfortable. Sex trafficking. Warped.
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You’re lucky I don’t remember a lot after so many times… It’s always si difficult to wait lol. I’m glad the rhythm improves after the beginning. I need to try a book from this author! definitely! great review!
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I think their story sounds exciting and I think some of the most wonderful romances comes during exciting times. I like the balance of danger, action and romance.
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Don’t enter me since I already read it.
I just have to say that this one was such a good book. I loved Arizona and I think she was my favorite heroine out of all the ladies. Chris still needs his own book.
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I’d love to win this one. It looks very interesting!
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
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I am currently reading this series…loved Trace and Dare! Getting ready to start Jackson’s story and looking foward to the rest.
Thanks for the chance!
mmafsmith at gmail dot com
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Lovely review and interview!
Mind wandering isn’t too bad especially when there is a real excuse.
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Please enter me. i loved reading the first 2 books in the series. Have to get the third one to catch up. Thanks for the review.
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Please enter me. i loved reading the first 2 books in the series. Have to get the third one to catch up. Thanks for the review. Great giveaway opportunity. I think my first comment posted too soon.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
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I would love to win this, looks like a fabulous read!
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I would like to be entered to to win. Sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for having this giveaway.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
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