Aloha to Ellen Butler and SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS

Oh, Black Friday is too busy for me ... I'd rather focus on romance books! Today Ellen Butler joins me for a cozy chat to promote her new novella, SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS.

Kim: Washington, DC - what is your favorite sight, sound, and smell?

Ellen: This is a tough one. There are so many amazing sights in the DC area it’s tough to choose only one. However, I think my favorite would have to be the Lincoln Memorial. There is something majestic about the enormous bronze statue of this illustrious president, yet Lincoln’s kindly expression always made me want to climb into his lap.

My favorite sound would have to be the sound of snowfall. DC is such a busy area with horns beeping, trucks rumbling along and planes flying overhead, but every once in a while we get socked in with snow. Offices close and streets become impassable, and all you hear is the quiet plopping of snow, muffling pedestrian’s steps.

As for my favorite smell, that one is easy. There is a cupcake shop in Georgetown, and when you open the door the scent of sugary goodness wafts past. You take a breath and all your cares and worries float away as the smell envelops you like a warm blanket, and you’re feet automatically take you to the display case of beautifully decorated, tiny little cakes of paradise.

Kim: Who or what helped you transition to "dry professional newsletters" to strong female characters in women's fiction?

Ellen: I’ve always had an over active imagination. I’d read a book or watch a TV show and think, “what would happen if…” and my mind would spin all sorts of tales. However, when I worked for a medical association, there was no place for creative writing. My writing consisted of reports, articles, promotional materials, business correspondence, blah, blah…you get the picture. I remember getting dinged by the company’s editors for using fanciful language and my articles would get cut down to the necessary facts.

However, when my children were born I quit work to stay at home, and my imagination still flowed. I wrote a few outlines, created characters, and ended up stuffing it all in a drawer. When the second child went to preschool and I finally had a few hours of peace to myself, I reached into that drawer and started typing.

Kim: What inspired SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS?

Ellen: I’ve lived in the DC area for almost thirty years. Living here comes military – friends, neighbors, colleagues, family. I have the utmost respect for our soldiers and their spouses. Military wives are a part of my life, and I’m proud to have so many of them as my friends. The wives inspired Second Chance Christmas, and it is the reason the dedication reads –

This book is dedicated to all military wives; the nation’s backbone behind our soldiers.

Kim: What's next for Ellen Butler?

Ellen: I have a Women’s Fiction novel titled Poplar Place coming out March 25. It will be available via ebook at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Smashwords. My agent is currently querying publishers for the first book of a romance trilogy titled Heart of Design, and I am writing the second book of the trilogy, Planning for Love. For blurbs and more information about upcoming novels please visit my website at www.ellenbutler.net.

Mahalo, Ellen, for making my Black Friday a little more romantic! I am looking forward to reading SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS:

Prominent DC attorney Emma Taylor is pulled away from a promising date the week before Christmas to pick up her ex-fiance from the ER after a bar fight. She's in no mood to re-open old wounds, but it’s Christmas and she can’t just leave him alone and injured.

Eight hundred eighty-four days. That’s how much time has passed since Major Colton Evans made the biggest mistake of his life. Even after two tours of duty and too much shrapnel in his leg, it’s still the loss of Emma that haunts him. And if he can win her back, he’ll take any chance.

When she insists he stay with her during the holiday, they put out enough sexual electricity to rival the most decorated house on the block. But will it be enough to light the way to a future together?
Ellen offers a jolly excerpt ....

“Beg for mercy.” He slid a hand under my silky blouse and tickled my belly.

“Mercy! Mercy!” I cried.

He immediately stopped his onslaught. My breathing took a few minutes to get in order, but my heart continued to pound as Colton’s humorous demeanor turned serious and his chocolate gaze melted my bones. I froze, unable to turn away, as our game instantly morphed from playful to erotic. His touch turned firm and glided along my torso, stroking the soft flesh below the bra line. For once, libido overruled my good sense and instead of pushing him away, I shivered with anticipation.

Unhurriedly, he eased down to graze my lips. The contact electrified me, sending zings throughout my body, making me tremble. A delicate sigh escaped as his teeth nipped along my jawline before returning to my mouth, this time applying gentle pressure. I opened for him and quietly moaned as his torrid tongue swept along mine, tasting and exploring. My hand glided along his velvet-soft clipped hair, and he shuddered. The tender and undemanding kiss warmed my body and created a molten glow in my nether regions. Eventually, it drew to a close and we broke apart. Silent, we gazed, trying to gauge the other’s reaction. My breath slowed to normal and Colton pulled away.

“Some things never change,” I uttered and touched my swollen lips.

“You’re not going to slap me, are you?”

“Smart ass.”

“Gotta put those extra brains somewhere.” He flashed a smile.

We were pathetic. Neither one of us knew what to do about the kiss. It was so different from Saturday’s near miss, full of hormones and regrets. This one was full of tenderness and affection, and dare I say…hope.

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS is available from:

Amazon link
Barnes & Noble link
iBookstore link
Kobo link

Ellen is also offering a holiday giveaway - a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice) at this link.

Happy reading!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City