Some of you we’ve gotten to know very well, and for me, one of those persons is our own Jodie Wilkerson, who has published her very first book, REACTION TIME, with Samhain Publishing under the name Alannah Lynne. Needless to say, the Plotmonkeys are super thrilled for her and hope that this is just the beginning of a many more books to come.
Congratulations, Alannah! 
Before we get to Alannah’s blog topic today, I thought I’d share with you her awesome cover for REACTION TIME, and a blurb to tease you all. 
I’ve read parts of this book and Alannah sure does know how to write a hot and sexy hero! 
Nikki Kincaid carries her smart mouth and in-your-face attitude like other women carry mace. However, that bad attitude and razor sharp tongue aren’t wielded on everyone; they’re reserved specifically for Adam Guthrie. With nothing more than a heated visual stroke, her body’s reaction time to Adam is quicker than her reaction time at the starting line of a race. And that out-of-control response terrifies her because Nikki is always in control.
When someone starts sending her threatening letters, her brother and crew chief, Nate, asks his good friend, Adam, to help protect Nikki. And Adam jumps at the chance. For the past year and a half he’s been watching Nikki, and spending five days in close quarters with her is the opportunity he’s been waiting for. He knows there’s a strong chemistry between them and he’s certain he can bring her deeply buried desires to the surface. Doing so, while also fulfilling her deepest fantasies, will be the greatest challenge of his life. And if he succeeds it will also be his greatest reward.
You can read an excerpt for REACTION TIME HERE, and if you’d like to purchase a copy for the piddly amount of $3.50 (what a deal!), you can do so HERE AT SAMHAIN.
That said, let’s give Alannah Lynne (AKA: Jodie), a big welcome as a newly published author! 
BLOG TOPIC: Alternative E-Readers
First of all, I want to thank Janelle for giving me the chance to guest blog here today. *pauses to appreciate the awesomeness of that*. We originally talked about me discussing e-readers. But since Julie recently did a blog on the Kindle, I have a few different thoughts I’d like to run past everyone. And a few questions I know fellow jungle buddies can help me answer!
As a newly published author of e-books, the first question people ask me is, “How do I get a copy of your book?” It might sound silly, but I find it difficult to answer that question. I figure if they have to ask, odds are they’ve never downloaded a book and they probably don’t have an e-reader.
In an effort to come up with an intelligent answer, I started researching the various methods to read an e-book. 
If they don’t own an e-reader, the easiest method seems to be to download it and read it from the computer.
But what about something portable that they can carry with them? Palm Pilots (or similar PDA), right? I’ve heard you can read e-books on the iPod touch and the new iPhone, but that maybe you need to install special software to use the iPhone as a reader. Someone else mentioned an Alpha Smart, and then there’s the new crop of Net Books.
So what about everyone here in the jungle? If you don’t have an e-reader, what do you use to read e-books. And, where do you buy your e-books? Do you get them from the publisher, or from one of the large online e-book stores? Inquiring minds want to know.
Also, I’m giving away a copy of Reaction Time. Sticking with the normal jungle rules, all you have to do is post a comment and you’ll be entered to win.
Thanks again to Janelle, Carly, Julie and Leslie for allowing me to not only spend some time in the jungle but to ask these important questions!
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Happy Hanukkah wishes go out to Carly and her family, and anyone else who celebrates the holiday!
Janelle Denison finds it hard to believe that it’s been nearly 25 years since she first started writing romance novels. At first, it was a way to pass idle time while her husband worked swing shift, but before long it became an obsession to get published. Luckily, she kept at it (it took her over 5 years to get that first book published!) and is now a Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, and USA Today Bestselling author! Now, after selling over 45 plus novels, she finds that her Plotmonkey pals help to keep her stories fresh and unique, and she can’t imagine writing a story without their input. Janelle lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, along with two teenage daughters that keep life interesting.
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Once Upon A Valentine
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Congrats Alannah…and Jodie *g* How exciting! I admit to not being a huge ebook reader, and I don’t have a reader either but I do download to my laptop occasionally. I just prefer a book in my hands. However Samhain is one of the few places I go because I know they publish quality work, so that in itself is a huge accomplishment. Your story sounds amazing, and I can promise you that I’ll be downloading this one.
Good luck with your first release! So do you have a website?
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Uh, I see you do! And it looks great
http://www.alannahlynne.com/
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Wow! :yikes: What a wonderful intro and welcome. Thanks, Janelle!!
Stacy…
Thanks for posting my website for me!! 
I’ll be out for a while this morning, I have to run hubby to the doctor and go to the grocery store. Ugh…that might take me a while. But I’ll be back as soon as I can and I really look forward to hearing everyone’s answers.
Have a great stress-free day, everyone!!
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Yay Jodie!! aka Allanah. :-)) What a nice surprise to see you guest blogging here in the Jungle! How cool is that!
Aren’t our Plotmonkeys simply wonderful….(sigh)
I have an e-reader but it’s from ebookwise. It definitely doesn’t have the features of the Kindle by any means. I was able to see one up close and personal the other day when I had lunch with Margie and she showed it to me. Very cool. The good thing about ebookwise is that it is backlit. I admit even though I’m e-pubbed only I don’t read a lot of e-books. EXCEPT I will of course read yours for sure. :-)) And I like to read Nocturne Bites–but I’ve been reading them on my computer because they are so short.
Have a fabulous day being the guest of honor here in the jungle. Did I mention how simply wonderful our Plotmonkeys are….(sigh)
Cher
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HAPPY HANUKKAH, CARLY!!
I hope it’s a wonderful holiday season for you and your family. I’d have put a menorah up for you but there isn’t an emoticon.
Take care,
Cher
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Alannah/Jodie, FAB picture, babe! How much fun is this! I agree, Cher. The Plot Monkeys are the best – followed closely by the folks who hang out in the jungle. Don’t put me in the drawingm Alannah. I’m headed to Samhain to order the book. I’ll be doing the ebook thing on computer since I don’t have an ereader of any sort (and normally don’t do ebooks – do you feel special?
)
I chose wrong in the Beta/VHS war and then got burned with DVDs.
Until somebody in authority decides which format is going to win, (and the prices come WAY down), I’ll pass. Laptop does travel. I’m flying to Tampa mid-January for a week and I’ll download “Reaction Time” to it for reading on the flight and the layovers. And you should feel privledged, dudette. You’re getting my ebook “cherry” – the first one I’ve ever ordered! :scratch3:
Have a great day, all! I’m off for the Great Stocking Stuffer Hunt(tm) and grocery store to lay in supplies for Christmas Eve lasagna and Christmas Day traditional! *looks at thermometer* :freezeman 13 degrees? I’ll wait!
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Hey Jodie/Alannah,
Pausing here for a few minutes before digging out of the snow in the very windy 20 degrees. Brrr. It is very pretty though, and the sun is shining.
How cool is this…YOU guest blogging on the Plot Monkeys!!!! OMG, I am so thrilled for you!!! You definitely need to frame this moment.
You needn’t enter me for the drawing, since I have a copy of Reaction Time (fabulous story and very, very hot!!!) The laptop is where I read ebooks, when I do. I still prefer paper, but who knows…if Santa delivers an e-reader I might be a convert LOL.
Have a stupendous day!!!
Huge hugs!!
Lu
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Good morning jungle buddies and my beloved :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey, yuou guys are awesome…
How is everyone doing?
I am so glad that I got on so early today…
Jodie/Alannah, I am so happy for you. I can’t wait to read your book…the teaser is awesome…already the excerpt at your website…It is so awesome to see one of the jungle buddies move up…you know you have my support regardless…
I don’t own an ereader, but I do love my ebooks…I download very few though…only my favs….I just donwload them to my computer and read from there…
Jodie, I hope that all is well with the Dr.’s visit and getting around…it seems like the snow took a break after three days of dumping it on us…I think a little over 2 feet fell…I can’t believe it…hey, I guess sometimes you get what you wish for….
I love your pic btw…you look great…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Yey, Jodie/Allanah!!!!
That’s so awesome. I have never read an e-book. I don’t know why. Probably because I am technologicaly challenged.
I wanted Janelle to know that this weather is NOT usual here. Usually, the snow is gone in a day or two….this is a once in 40 years storm (aren’t you glad you have me?) according to the local tv station. This stuff needs to melt pretty soon or I am going to need a drink (and I am not talking the diet coke variety) and I don’t drink.
here comes the sun…here comes the sun…(I need to will it to come!).
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Happy Hanukkah Carly!
Congrats Alannah! I have a few ebooks to buy from Samhain, so I’ll add yours to the cart! Can’t wait to read Reaction Time.
I don’t have an ereader yet, so I still read ebooks on my laptop. Trying to decide which one is the best before buying one.
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Congratulations Jodie! How awesome is that to be published. I love the cover by the way.
Happy Hanukkah Carly and other plot monkey friends!
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Congrats Jodie!!!
I do not have an e-reader… keep wishing for one… I read e-books from my computer… not as cozy as reading curled up with a book though… I have purchased my e-books from eharlequin and samhain… love the variety of choices!
Happy Holidays all! :flower4you:
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I’m just starting to venture into reading e-books. I don’t have a portable yet so I just download onto my computer. The only e-books that I have purchased have been through the publisher, mostly because I am unfamiliar with the rest of that world. I am hoping to buy a portable soon but before I do I want to research which is the best for the buck. Any opinions- Sony reader or kindle? Those seem to be the 2 most popular.
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I have a I-pod touch that has the e-reader software. I have 3 books but honestly i have made my mine up yet. I’m old school and love to have a book in my hand.
I’m going to try and buy/download Jodie’s book and see how that goes!!!!
I hope everyone stays warm!!! If only a little of that cold weather could reach us in Tampa I would be happy. It doesn’t feel like Christmas when the weather is in the 80′s. UGH!!!
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Happy Hanukkah to Carly and everyone who’s celebrating today!!!
Hey Cher – guess you got my message last night in chat. I hated to leave you there all alone, but I had the feeling you’d already left and just hadn’t signed out. :giggler I hope that was the case and that you had a wonderful dinner.
Silver – you crack me up!!!
I do feel special and honored to be your first. Seriously, after that Lady Godiva story, I’m thinking there aren’t a lot of firsts left for you!!!
Lu – :hug2: Are the kids in school or are you eating all of your son’s class party food yourself?
Hey Paula – nice to see you again. The doctor visit went well…just routine bloodwork. But, he did have an MRI last week and the doctors were so excited and pleased by how great it looked. That was a wonderful Christmas present. Don’t know where you are, with all that snow, but I hope you’re safe and warm!
:giggler Katie – Here you go…. :tinitime: Hope the snow melts…at least off the roadways, soon!!
Hey Liza :wave: Don’t know if you’ve dropped by my blog yet or not, but I have a special Santa waiting for you!
Hi Elisa – thanks…I loved the cover too. I think I like it so much because it’s so different.
Hey Colleen – I agree about the curling up with a book. That’s why I was so curious as to how most people read e-books, if they don’t have an e-reader.
I guess the most popular way is on a laptop. Thanks for the comments/insight! I’ll check back in a little while!!
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Major congrats on the book! I don’t have an e-reader yet, but it’s on my list for Christmas. :)
Since I don’t have one yet, I more often than not buy print books. The few ebooks I’ve bought I’ve read them on the computer, which is not near as comfortable as my big comfy chair. :)
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Hi Anna – I have an old e-Bookman e-reader that has actually been discontinued. I absolutely loved it but have worn it out. The battery cover is falling off, the little button on the side doesn’t work anymore. So, I need to buy another one but am also torn between the Sony and the Kindle. They both have features that I like, and I just can’t decide which on has the most important features for me.
I’m also going to need a new iPod soon and will probably get the Touch. I’m glad to hear that it does have reader software on it because I’ve wondered if I could just make due with the iPod Touch and not need an e-reader too.
Tricia – I wish I could send you some of our cold. We’re having an unusually cold day – it’s 32 and I almost feel bad complaining because compared to what some of the others have that’s nothing – but I’d gladly blow some of it your way if I cold!
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Happy Hanukkah, Carly!
Jodie/Alannah – Dudette, I’m going all schizie trying to figure out what to call you!
I have only one thing to say in my defense. I’m older than dirt. And I’ve been there, done that, and can’t remember any of it. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. Besides, I outgrew the tee shirt.
Okay. So that was more than one thing. My brain is frozen. Give me a break.
And since it’s a whoppign 19 degrees now. I’m :freezin out to find stocking stuffers.
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Since I don’t have an e-reader, I read off of my computer. I really like the feel of holding a book, but I also like the convenience of having all my books on one little device. I’ve been eye-balling the Kindle, but from what I understand the Kindle only limits you to Amazon downloads, so I’m not sure I like that.
Happy Hanukah, Carly — and anyone else who celebrates the holiday!
It’s has been FREEZING here in Oregon! :freezeman We got over 10 inches of snow over the weekend, and there’s more on the way! :yikes:
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Katie — everyone has been telling me that this amount of snow and cold is not the normal for here. But what you have to understand is that we have nothing to compare this winter to (since it’s our first in Oregon), so this has now become our normal, LOL. Actually, we’re loving it. I’m sure it will get old, but it’s just beautiful! :freezin
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Alannah/Jodie, Congratulations on your ebook & being our “guest blogger” today. The Plotmonkeys are a wonderful bunch of people. :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey
To Carly & family Happy Hanukkah, enjoy your celebration.
I don’t read ebooks! The only time I have read anything online is the eHarlequin “freebies”. It just isn’t that comfortable to sit to read at the computer. I like my books!! Sorry! It seems even reading on a Kindle or Sony that you might get tired of holding it. As you can tell I’m not always on top of the technology!! :giggler
To all of you in cold weather & snow, stay safe and say warm. We have fog here with sun trying to come out but it is loosing for now. Yesterday we had rain. :rain No complaints!
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I like Silver have never done the ebook thing…lol but for you I’ll make an exception!! I hope it is a huge success for you…the 1st of many!
Carly, HAPPY HANUKKAH
(the only candle I could find…lol)
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I am still trying to decide if I want to purchase an e-book. This is so out of character for me, the girl that loves tech stuff. I guess I am an old romantic when it comes to books. The feel, the smell, the touching and the sharing with a friend when you get to the really good parts.
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Congratulations on your release, Alannah/Jodie! I love the cover and the story sounds fantastic. I look forward to reading it.
For me, I read all my ebooks on my laptop since I don’t have an ereader and don’t have the money to spend on one right now. As for where I purchase my ebooks, most of it has been from the publisher’s sites and a few from the bigger e-book stores.
Happy Hanukah to Carly and everyone else who celebrates it!
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Vicki – my fingers are crossed that you get the e-reader you want for Christmas!!! And I agree about being able to curl up with a great book. That’s why I was so curious about how readers read e-books, especially if they don’t have an e-reader.
Janelle – you touched on my biggest thing with a Kindle. I don’t want to be limited to just buying from Amazon. Right now Reaction Time isn’t available for Kindle. How could I buy my own book? :happy2:
Donna, I completely understand where you’re coming from with holding that book in your hand! Hope the sun is able to make a presence!
Awwww…Tina, you’re so sweet!! :hug2: Thanks for being such a great cyber friend!!
Ardie –
on being able to share the good parts!
Hi Karin…Thanks!! I hope you enjoy it, and if you have the time let me know what you thought about it!!
OK…off to run more errands with hubby…be back later…
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I haven’t read many ebooks mainly because I don’t have an e-reader. I have read a few short ebooks on my computer but I get tired of looking at a computer screen after a while. I would love to try an e-reader but I figure that I’m still going to prefer having an actual book in my hand. But Reaction Time sounds awesome and I would love the chance to read it.
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Welcome Allannah! We’re so happy to have you and more than thrilled for your success!! Your book sounds wonderful and I cannot wait to read it!
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Happy Hanukkah!
Just a quick pop-in to wish Carly and her family a wonderful holiday.
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Alannah, thank you so much for that Santa!
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Honestly, I have a hardtime with ebooks. I don’t have an e-reader. I dont enjoy reading ebooks printed off my computer. I really have a physical love for paperbacks.
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Hi again, Happy Hanukkah Carly as well as those who celebrate this holiday…I hope that you have a wonderful celebration with your family and friends…
Hey Carly, have you ever read The Ladies Auxillary by Tova Mirvis? It was a wonderful book and I think that you might like it. I learned a lot…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Claudia, I think a true book lover will always prefer the feel of pages (instead of plastic) in their hands! I have an e-reader, and I like being able to carry 25 books with me at one time :giggler but I do miss the feel of the book when I’m reading on it.
Leslie – thanks for having me and thanks for all your encouraging support!!
Hey Jeannie and Zoey! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Liza – I knew you’d like him!!
Flip, I understand! A true book lover needs to feel a book!
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Congrats on the release of your book. I read on my palm, laptop and as of today my pretty little netbook.
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Reaction Time sounds great! I do have a ebook reader, I love it. I get my books from Samhain, Fictionwise, Wild Rose publishing, and Siren publishing.
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Thanks for the Hanukkah wishes, All. And welcome Alannah! I’m sorry I wasn’t round much of today. I’m off for the holiday tomorrow … going to FL. Need warmth and rest and writing time!!!!!
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Huge congrats on your release Alannah! You did get a fab cover, so shows the intense suspense!
I use a EBookWise reader and love it! I used to read on my laptop but didn’t read as much because the heat from the laptop wasn’t comfy. Since I’ve had my reader, I’m reading everyday from it! So I’m getting to read books I’d not otherwise get to read and have found so many more great reads and authors through ebooks! I get them all over, EC, Samhain, Fictionwise, Amber Quill, eXtasy, Wild Rose, Siren & Cobblestone
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Welcome, Alannah. Reaction Time sounds really good. Thanks for stopping by.
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Yay, Diane! Congrats on the new netbook. Enjoy!!
Hey Amy…I’ve got ya in the drawing
(my hubby is going to draw the winner at lunch). I picked up on his hint that he wanted to do it when he said, “I think you should let an unbiased individual draw.”
And he’s been so patient over the past 4 days – he had 4 days in a row off and I ended up working 14 hours each day – that I need to let him do it. :giggler
Carly have a wonderful time in FL!!!
Wow Caffey – you could be a spokesperson for e-readers! :giggler I’m so glad you’re able to enjoy so many books!
Hi Diana! :wave:
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Hi, Alannah! Congrats again on Reaction Time! As for an e-reader, I don’t have a portable one yet (but they sound so tempting! so many books in so little space!) so I sit at the computer when I read e-books–less appealing… When I buy e-books, I usually go straight to the publisher (EC, Samhain, or whoever…) Anyway, Nikki and
Adam sound like a well-matched couple! I love some good back-and-forth dialogue where the hero and heroine are concerned!