From today's co-hostess, Ronlyn Howe, who suggested Extreme Exposure for today's Book Club: When I first met Pamela Clare I admit, I hadn't heard of her. So, imagine my surprise one day when I was out shopping and I came across a historical romance with her listed as the author. Once I'd read that first book I quickly hopped on Amazon and ordered everything I could find that she'd written, including the very first Romantic Suspense book to grace my heavily historical shelves, Extreme Exposure.I'd always avoided contemporary romances, feeling, "why read it when I could live it?" Cuz, yeah, everyone I ran into and dated was a gajillion-aire with the body of a Greek God and dodged bullets while saving the girl. Isn't that how it is for everyone? *rolling my eyes* Anyhow, I was hooked from the very first scene where journalist Kara McMillan gets a bit tipsy and asks some very interesting questions of hunky State Senator Reece Sheridan...right before her best friend waltzes out of the restaurant ditching Kara (and the bill), forcing her to lean a bit on Reece for some help. The attraction is instantaneous and practically sparks from the page, despite Kara's efforts to remain aloof. Before long they're into each other, as well as a dangerous investigation, up to their necks.
Part of what makes Extreme Exposure so wonderful is the great host of complex secondary characters that you can't help but either love or loathe. Or, in the case of Tom Trent, love to hate. The introduction of the I-Team, Denver's top investigative journalists, is so catching and gripping. I never would have thought that a bunch of journalists could capture my attention and imagination.
Add to that the laugh out loud funny moments (Mr. Jiggle Stick anyone?) and I couldn't put it down. Needless to say, Pamela is the reason I started reading Romantic Suspense.
From Marie: I really enjoyed this book and quickly devoured book 2, Hard Evidence, which was also SOOOO good (and scary and heart-pounding). I'm now pretending like I don't have a book of my own due Nov. 30 as I race through Unlawful Contact. I think it's safe to say I'm hooked on the I-Team. Thanks a lot, Ronlyn. LOL! We'll definitely have to delve into some more of the I-Team books when everyone gets caught up on their reading—meaning, get reading these books! You won't be sorry! Pamela has graciously agreed to provide a copy of Hard Evidence to one lucky commenter today, and trust me when I tell you that you WANT to win this book! So tell all your friends to come on by today! Buy Extreme Exposure here.
Buy Hard Evidence here.'
Read a great interview with Pamela Clare for more info about her writing process and inspiration. She also offers some great tips on getting published and staying published.
Visit Pamela Clare's website.
Pamela is on deadline, but she's hoping to swing by today. I understand that parts of Extreme Exposure are based on some real-life events during her tenure in the newspaper business. As a former reporter myself, I'd love to hear more about that!
Okay, now back to Ronlyn's house for the yummy stuff! As far as a menu, it was pretty obvious what I needed to serve: margaritas. And to balance out the booze, fajitas with pico de gallo and guacamole.
Pico de Gallo
½ teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced
3 large, ripe tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1. On a cutting board, sprinkle the salt over the garlic. Mash to a paste with the flat side of a heavy knife.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mashed garlic, the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice. Refrigerate at least ½ hour before serving to allow all the flavors to blend.
Guacamole
2 avocados-peeled, pitted & diced
1 tomato, diced (roma works best)
½ onion, diced
1 serrano chile pepper, seeded and minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 drops hot sauce
6 cilantro leaves, minced
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Combine everything in a bowl and mix. Pour lime juice over the top, serve immediately.
Fajitas
I don’t really have a recipe for fajitas. I just chop some meat (either chicken or steak), and toss it in a pan to cook. I’ll season it with some chili powder and cumin. In another pan I’ll sauté some chopped onion, bell peppers, sometimes adding sliced jalapenos. Once the meat is cooked through I’ll add the veggies to that pan. Then it’s a dish however much you want onto warmed flour tortillas, topping with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Margaritas-either on the rocks or blended. With salt of course. Enjoy!
