HelenKay Dimon

I had a lot of fun on my recent Hawaii trip. Also managed to read a book. It was MISSING MARK by Julie Kramer.

Why I liked it:

1. The voice: This is a writerly term that refers to that certain almost undefinable something about how the author puts the words together and uses the rhythm of language. The result is a mix of cadence, word choice and tone. Sometimes I like an author’s voice. Sometimes I don’t. Kramer’s voice totally works for me. It feels fresh and relatable. She has a bit of humor and a chick lit style (I mean it as a very good thing) that sucks you in and makes you feel like Kramer is right there, sitting across the table, telling you the story.

2. The heroine Riley Spartz: She’s had a rough time, is a magnet for trouble and utterly enjoyable. The smart, driven sassy heroine stuck in the middle of a murder is a favorite theme of mine. Reminds me of the Sophie Katz books by Kyra Davis. I adore those.

3. Realism: The heroine is a TV reporter in Minneapolis. The author was a TV reporter in Minneapolis. The newsroom scenes feel authentic. Even more impressive is how Kramer weaves in real stories and mysteries (ie murders) from the area into the book. You end up getting a lot of background and information presented in a way that nevers pulls you out of the story.

4. Got that “fall into it” feeling: I read and couldn’t stop reading. I love getting sucked into a book and having that happy little feeling as I read. I had that here.

One warning for the diehard romance fans: this is very lite on romance. Very. This is much more of a mystery but there are romantic elements. It’s the perfect buy for the friends and relatives who like a lighter feel to their mysteries and either just a touch of romance or none. Don’t expect a romantic suspense because this isn’t one, but do expect to be entertained.

I love getting new covers. Here is the one for my second Intrigue, NIGHT MOVES:

This one comes out June 8th…but you should feel free to pre-order it now.

I’ve finally recuperated from my operation and my deadline, so, naturally, I got on a plane. Flying is not my idea of a good time. However, this plane went to Hawaii. I spent the long weekend doing the usual: visitng relatives and enjoying the beach and breathtaking surroundings. I also did something a little special. I spoke with the RWA Aloha Chapter and a few military wives one day (organized by the wonderful Kim Adams) and met with a group of readers headed by the fabulous Kellie Chang the next. I had an amazing time at both events and thank everyone who came out to talk with me. I truly appreciated meeting you all.

A few of us at lunch after the Chapter meeting (most folks had gone by the time we remembered to take a photo, unfortunately):

The reader’s group at tea (my mother-in-law is on the bottom left):

A token beauty shot from one of my favorite stretches of beach on Oahu:

I’m blogging this weekend at the Pink Heart Society blog. Chatting about my new Intrigue, UNDER THE GUN. Come say hello.

Roni at Romance Book Scene gave LEAVE ME BREATHLESS a fabulous review. Here’s a peek:

I loved Callie’s sassy no-holds-bared attitude. She is the perfect counterpart Ben needs to keep his interest. Ben has spent too much time in the judge’s seat and can’t believe that someone would actually disrespect him the way Callie has. Callie just see another stubborn male in her mist. As with all of the HelenKay Dimon books I’ve read this past year, great dialog, sexy heros and an interesting plot keeps readers engaged. This isn’t one to miss.

You should feel free to go buy it now.. No, really, go ahead.

LEAVE ME BREATHLESS is officially out - wahoo!!! I’m starting to get emails about it and am seeing reviews. I have hit that time authors think of as panic mode. This is the in-between stage where the book is hitting the shelves and you’re waiting for feedback. There’s not a darn thing I can do at this point but sit back and hope…and write something else.

A visual image for you:

Thought I’d go ahead and answer a few questions I’m getting:

1. LEAVE ME BREATHLESS is a stand alone book. I don’t have plans to write a follow-up. The stories of Ben and his brother are pretty much wrapped up. I have other books set in Washington, D.C. because it’s an area I know well, but this isn’t the start of a series.

2. I did practice in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County Maryland. In fact, my former law partner is now a judge there. And, no, I did not have a crush on any of the judges. That’s all I’m saying on that.

3. Unless it’s changed in the three years since I worked there, the hallways to the judges’ chambers did not have any security checkpoints. It stunned me too. In fact, for years the only metal detector was in the hallway going into the offices where the initial domestic case hearings were scheduled and held. That should tell you something about the dangers of divorce work.

4. I do not hate judicial clerks.

5. While the heroine is not based on me, I do admit to having a wee bit of her snarkiness.

Any other questions? Just let me know. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the book.

Hi everyone! I’m finally back to work and feeling better. Today I am blogging at RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk. The topic is Luke Hathaway, my hero in UNDER THE GUN.

RR@H is giving away four - yes, I said four - copies of the book. Go check it out.

I’m at the Rom Con Contemporary forum today talking about imperfect heroes and heroines. Stop by!

I’m blogging at the Access Romance blog today.

And, believe it or not, I’m finally feeling better and should be back on my regular schedule (or close to it) next week. Yay!! I have a bunch of contest prizes to get out. I’m late on that and apologize. Promise to make that a priority once the schedule and body are back in order.

Fabulous author Carolyn Jewel interviewed me on her blog. It was a lot of fun. Very clever questions. Go check it out…because there’s a contest. You can win a copy of HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO. Also spend some time looking at Carolyn’s books because they are as awesome as she is.

And Happy Valentine’s Day!