Thursday, July 31, 2014

Beach Reads Blog Hop - GAME ON, FOOLISH GAMES, and RISKY GAME


Today I am participating in the Beach Reads Blog Hop hosted by Stuck in Books (link).

I just realized that one year ago today, my family arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, after four years of Aloha bliss.  I appreciate the new opportunities that we now have in the Old Line State ... but I sure miss Hawaii, especially the beaches! 

The beach is the perfect place to get lost in a romance ... and play football in the sand. In honor of my new home here in Baltimore, I recommend Tracy Solheim's Out of Bounds series, featuring the Baltimore Blaze football players ...

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GAME ONE, Book 1:
The only way to win is to score…

With a reputation for fast moves on the gridiron and even faster moves off the field, Shane Devlin was a player in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, his bad-boy persona has made him a risky prospect as a quarterback, and only the Baltimore Blaze are willing to give him a chance. And he’s about to take a hit he never expected.

Working for the Blaze, Carly March knows too well how jocks think—and what they think with—so she’s always made a point of keeping them at arm’s length. But when she shares a kiss with the devilishly handsome Shane, she finds it hard to play by her own rules—and even harder to resist him.

Can a football hero and a business-minded beauty take it all the way? Or will their mutual attraction cost them the big game?



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FOOLISH GAME, Book 2:
A Hail Mary play for the heart.

Bridal gown designer, Julianne Marchione knows better than to lose her head at a client’s wedding. But, much to her embarrassment, a mix of migraine medication and a smoking hot football player lead to a steamy one night stand resulting in a surprise pregnancy. Julianne has every intention of leaving her NFL hookup far in the past until her son, Owen, is born with a life-threatening blood disorder that requires a transfusion—and Julianne is not a match.

Will "William the Conqueror" Connelly grew up tough, shouldering the stigma of being a bastard child born on the wrong side of the tracks. He refuses to let any child face the same discrimination. When he finds out about Owen, he’s furious that Julianne kept his son a secret. But when he sees her again at the hospital, he realizes that his feelings for her go far beyond anger.

Will insists that Owen recuperate at his home in North Carolina, and he’s adamant that Julianne become his wife—even if it’s only a temporary marriage in name only. But will their simmering attraction ever lead to a real connection? Or are they just playing foolish games?


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RISKY GAME, Book 3:

Brody is at the top of his game… until Shannon changes the rules.

Baltimore Blaze tight end Brody Janik is a natural-born football star. At twenty-seven, his record-breaking athletic performance and his cover-boy good looks have turned him into a household name. But Brody’s hiding a major secret behind his charming public persona: a health condition that may cut his career short.

PhD candidate Shannon "Shay" Everett works multiple jobs to put herself through school—including an unpaid internship with the Blaze training department. Strapped for cash, Shay answers the call of an NFL gossip blogger to uncover personal details about the Blaze players. Sneaking into the locker room one night, she gets entangled in Brody’s secret…and swept up by his charm.

Brody isn’t sure what to make of the gawky girl with the whiskey eyes, especially when he discovers she was snooping. His first instinct is to turn her in as a snitch, but she could destroy him by sharing his secret. Instead, he decides to keep her close…perhaps closer than either of them originally intended…


Military fans at the Pro Bowl in Aloha Stadium

I am giving away print copies of the Out of Bound series - GAME ON, FOOLISH GAMES, and RISKY GAME - to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your favorite beach activity and/or your favorite football team.

2. This giveaway is open to US readers only.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Tracy and her books at tracysolheim.com.

Hop over to other giveaways at this link.

Kailua Beach

August brings on the Romance


8/1: Book Reads Blog Hop (coordinated by Stuck in Books)
8/2: Celebrate Little Victories
8/3: Weekly Winners
8/4: Happy Birthday, US Coast Guard!
8/5: Anna Sullivan's HIDAWAY COVE
8/6: Mary Wine's THE HIGHLANDER'S BRIDE TROUBLE
8/7: Ella Quinn's ENTICING MISS EUGENIE VILLARET
8/8: Brooklyn Ann's ONE BITE PER NIGHT
8/9: Celebrate Little Victories
8/10: State of Romance - Florida
8/11: 
Sandra Brown's MEAN STREAK
8/12: Michele Summers' FIND MY WAY HOME

8/13: Marie Harte's HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER
plus State of Romance - Indiana
8/14: Amber Lin's BETRAYING MERCY
8/15: Upcoming Book Festivals
8/16: Celebrate Little Victories - A Special Blogger
8/17: Weekly Winners
8/18: Misty Evans' OPERATION PARIS
8/19: Sabrina Jeffries' HOW THE SCOUNDREL SEDUCES
8/20: Hawaii State Day with SUNSET INN: TALES FROM THE NORTH SHORE 

8/21: Anna Campbell's WHAT A DUKE DARES 
plus Darcy Burke's THE DE VALERY CODE
8/22: Robin Bielman's KEEPING MR. RIGHT NOW
8/23: Samatha Grace's IN BED WITH A ROGUE
8/24: Weekly Winners
8/25: Victoria Roberts' MY HIGHLAND SPY Teaser Tour
8/26: Jill Shalvis' IT'S IN HIS KISS

plus Jeaniene Frost's THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES
8/27: State of Romance - New York
8/28: Kristen Callihan's EVERNIGHT
8/29: Southern Sweethearts Blog Tour with SWEET ON YOU by Laura Drake, SNOW ON THE BAYOU by Sandra Hill, and A LOVE TO CALL HER OWN by Marilyn Pappano
8/30: Celebrate Little Victories
8/31: Weekly Winners

9/1: US Labor Day with Jenna Jaxon's TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE

9/2: Jeanell Bolton’s WHAT THE HEART WANTS

9/3: State of Romance - Delaware
9/4: 
 GI BRIDES: THE WARIME GIRLS WHO CROSSED THE ATLANTIC FOR LOVE by Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi
9/5: Caridad Pineiro's ONE SPECIAL NIGHT

plus ML Buchman's LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
9/6: Celebrate Little Victories - Lisa Sugarman's LIFE IT IS WHAT IT IS
9/7: Weekly Winners
9/8: Monday Night Romance
plus Samatha Grace's IN BED WITH A ROGUE

9/9: Leslie Well's COME DANCING
9/10: State of Romance - Ohio
9/11: Heather Ashby's NEVER FORGET 

9/12: 
Sandra Owens' CRAZY FOR HER
9/13: Celebrate Little Victories
9/14: Weekly Winners
9/15: Monday Night Romance

9/16: Christi Caldwell's ALWAYS A ROGUE, FOREVER HER LOVE
plus Kimberly Kincaid's STIRRING UP TROUBLE
9/17: Amanda Berry's ONE NIGHT WITH THE BEST MAN
9/18: US Air Force's Birthday
9/19: Shelley Wall's TEXT ME
9/20: Celebrate Little Victories
9/21: Weekly Winners
9/22: Monday Night Romance 

plus Amanda Forester's A WINTER WEDDING
9/23: Merryn Allingham's THE CRYSTAL CAGE
9/24: State of Romance - Wyoming

plus Rosanne Bittner's DESPERATE HEARTS
9/25: Open
9/26: 
Jill Shalvis' HE'S SO FINE

plus Jeaniene Frost's THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES
9/27: Celebrate Little Victories
9/28: Weekly Winners
9/29: Monday Night Romance
9/30: Cathy Maxwell's THE GROOM SAYS YES
 


10/1: State of Romance - California

10/2: Emma Cane's WHEN A RANCHER CAME TO TOWN
plus READ PINK BLOG TOUR 
10/3: Lucinda Elliott's RAVENSDALE
10/4: Celebrate Little Victories
10/5: Weekly Winners
10/6: Monday Night Romance

10/7: Jodi Thomas' A PLACE CALLED HARMONY
10/8: Elizabeth Langston's WHISPERS FROM THE PAST 
10/9: Mia Marlowe's ONCE UPON A PLAID
10/10: Heather Ashby 
10/11: Celebrate Little Victories
10/12: Weekly Winners
10/13: Monday Night Romance - Navy's Birthday
10/14: Becky Lower's THE DUPLICITOUS DEBUTANTE
10/15: State of Romance 
10/16: Christi Caldwell's FOR LOVE OF THE DUKE
10/17: Heather Ashby 
10/18: Celebrate Little Victories
10/19: Weekly Winners
10/20: Monday Night Romance 
10/21: Heather Hey Ford's A TASTE OF CHARDONNAY 
10/22: State of Romance
10/23: Open
10/24: Sheri Cobb South 
10/25: Celebrate Little Victories
10/26: Weekly Winners
10/27: Monday Night Romance 
plus Julie Brannagh's COVERING KENDALL 
10/28: Open
10/29: State of Romance
10/30: Lindesy Hall's IMMORTAL SOULS
10/31: Sally Orr's THE RAKE'S HANDBOOK GUIDE

11/1: Celebrate Little Victories

11/2: Weekly Winners 
11/3: Monday Night Romance
11/4: Nancy Lee Badger's MY DARK HIGHLANDER 
11/5: State of Romance
11/6: Open 
11/7: Open
11/8: Celebrate Little Victories
11/9: Weekly winners 
plus Michele Callahan's WHITE FIRE
11/10: Monday Night Romance with the USMC's Birthday
11/11: Veterans Day

11/12: State of Romance
11/13: Open
11/14: Open
11/15: Celebrate Little Victories
11/16: Weekly Winners
11/17: Monday Night Romance 
11/18: Elizabeth Langston's I WISH 
11/19: State of Romance
11/20: Open
11/21: Open
11/22: Celebrate Littel Victories
11/23: Weekly Winners

11/24: Monday Night Romance
11/25: Eileen Dreyer's TWICE TEMPTED

11/26: State of Romance - New Hampshire 
11/27: Thanksgiving
11/28: Black Friday
11/29: Celebrate Little Victories
11/30: Weekly Winners


12/1: Monday Night Romance

12/2: Amanda Berry's CASANOVA
plus Susanna Fraser's A CHRISTMAS REUNION
12/3: State of Romance
12/4: Open
12/5: Open
12/6: Celebrate Little Victories
12/7: Weekly Winners
and Remembering Pearl Harbor Day
12/8: Monday Night Romance
12/9: Open
12/10: State of Romance
12/11: Open
12/12: Open
12/13: Celebrate Little Victories
12/14: Weekly Winners
12/15: Monday Night Romance
12/16: Nancy Badger
12/17: State of Romance
12/18: Open
12/19: Open
12/20: Celebrate Little Victories
12/21: Weekly Winners
12/22: Monday Night Romance
12/23: Open
12/24: State of Romance
12/25: Christmas
12/26: Boxing Day
12/27: Celebrate Little Victories
12/28: Weekly Winners
12/29: Monday Night Romance
12/30: Open
12/31: State of Romance


Aloha to Sara Humphreys and VAMPIRE TROUBLE


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Aloha!  RWA wiped me out and I experienced schedule trouble. I apologize to Sara Humphreys and Sourcebooks for the delay in posting this interview.   It is my privilege to host Sara - author extraordinaire and fitness motivator to celebrate the release of VAMPIRE TROUBLE, Book 2 in her Dead in the City series:

A fledgling vampire ignites a war...

Maya remembers the last moments of her life as a human with haunting clarity, and every man she meets pays the price...until Shane. Finding herself in the middle of a bloody fight between vampires and werewolves, Maya has no choice but to let the devastatingly sexy vampire guard get close to her.

And that’s not all that heats up...

Shane Quesada, a four-century-old vampire sentry, is known for his cold, unemotional precision, but once Maya begins to invade his dreams, his world is changed forever. His job to protect her is swiftly replaced by the all-consuming need to claim her as his own.


Amazon
Apple iBooks
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Books a Million
Google Books
IndieBound
Indigo


Sara (middle) with fans at RT14 in NOLA.

Kim:  So great to see you at RT in NOLA. What did you learn from this fan-intense experience?

Sara:  Lots of stuff!!!

1. Wear comfortable shoes.

2. Get ready to give lots of hugs.

3. Romance readers are THE BEST ever!

Kim:  Let's chat about your childhood crush on Captain Kirk. What would he think of the war between vampires and werewolves?

Sara:  Kirk would be on the lookout for the hottest vampire chick and sexiest werewolf lady he could find. He might be a Captain but he's the horniest guy in the universe.

Kim:  What inspired the world you created in VAMPIRE TROUBLE?

Sara:  I love New York City and on more than one occasion I've wondered what secrets it holds in all those dark corners. It's a gritty, sultry, sexy, decadent, and mysterious city. What better place to host a coven of vampires? If I were a vampire, that's where I'd want to live. A vamp could walk the city streets at night and nobody would give them a second glance. It's the perfect place for a vampire to blend in.

Kim:  What's next for Sara Humphreys?

Sara:  In February I'll have a new Amoveo Legend novella called UNBOUND and then in March the 3rd Dead in the City novel will be out. VAMPIRES NEVER CRY WOLF is Sadie's story and she hooks up with a certain werewolf prince. Then in July my first contemporary romance will be released. BRAVE THE HEAT is the 1st book in The McGuire Brothers series and I am so excited for readers to get Gavin's story...and his brothers. Did I mention they're all men in uniform?

Sara at the RWA14 Literacy Signing

I also chatted with Sara at RWA and look forward to seeing her at Hallowread (link) in Ellicott City ... practically in my backyard!  Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of VAMPIRE TROUBLE to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1.  Are you a fan of Captain Kirk or other characters from STAR TREK - past or present versions?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Sara and her books at novelromance.net.

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Aloha to Lauren Layne and ONLY WITH YOU - Blog Tour


Lauren Layne joins us today to celebrate - Vegas style - the release of ONLY WITH YOU, Book 1 in The Best Mistake series:

Getting mistaken for a prostitute is not part of Sophie Dalton's life plan. Not that Sophie even has a life plan. She's perfectly happy being everyone's favorite party girl. But then a Las Vegas bachelorette party goes awry, and an uptight businessman gives Sophie a new label: hooker.

Unfortunately, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there. When the same jerk who mistook her for a prostitute shows up as Sophie's new boss and her perfect sister's new boyfriend, Sophie's carefree existence is turned upside down. Grayson Wyatt may have infiltrated family dinners and her professional world, but Sophie's not about to let a judgmental prude anywhere near her personal life.

As Gray's icy stares give way to quiet smiles, Sophie realizes that the one man she's been so desperate to get away from just might be the one she wants to keep around forever.


Amazon
B&N
iTunes
BAM!
Indiebound

I asked Lauren for the Top Five Things to do in Vegas for a Bachelorette Party ... 

Lauren Layne

First, it should be noted that I’m totally the type to be in bed by 10pm, even when in Vegas, so here’s MY version of a Vegas Bachelorette party:

(1) Go to Vesper Bar for a cocktail. These bartenders are magical. Tell them what you want, and they’ll whip up something customly amazing. No trashy shots here!

(2) Put on that skirt that’s just a TINY bit too short and go to one of the million fancy restaurants in Vegas.

(3) Skip the clubs; have a dance party in your fabulous hotel room instead!

(4) You MUST splurge on a show! Although I confess to not being a Cirque du Soleil fan, so I’m all about the musicals. Or since it’s a bachelor party, something with scantily clad me?

(5) Watch the Bellagio fountains at night. I mean … you just HAVE TO.

Image released to Public Domain (link)

Mahalo, Lauren, for giving us a taste of Sin City.

Lauren Layne writes contemporary romance for Grand Central Publishing (Forever) and Random House(Loveswept).

After dabbling in an e-commerce career in Seattle and Southern California, Lauren moved to New York City where she now writes full time.

Lauren graduated from Santa Clara University with B.S. in Political Science that she has yet to put to good use. She lives with her husband and plus-sized Pomeranian in a tiny Manhattan studio. 


Website
Facebook
Twitter


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Tempted by His Touch: A LIMITED EDITION BOXED SET of Dukes, Rogues, & Alpha Heroes Historical Romance Novels

 

A boxed set with ten sizzling historical romances from ten bestselling historical romance authors. Fall in love with fabulous tales of intrigue, suspense, wit, and passion featuring dukes, rogues, alpha heroes…and the women who can’t resist them. JUST 99 CENTS from July 27 - Sept. 21---then it disappears FOREVER!

Amazon: link
Barnes & Noble: link
Kobo: link
Smashwords: link
All Romance: link


Scoundrel Ever After by Darcy Burke - Once upon a time there was a very bad boy who met a very nice girl....

Lady of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle - Educating a man in the art of love takes time. Lots of it.

Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson - Passion and secrets simmer against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity.

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans - What's a lady to do when a notorious rake wins her estate in a game of cards?

Undone by Lila DiPasqua – One steamy, emotionally charged retelling of Rapunzel…Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning…

The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke - Elizabeth Spencer needs a man. She doesn't need to like him—because while she needs a man, she doesn't particularly want one.

A Dangerous Invitation by Erica Monroe - Daniel O'Reilly returns to win back Kate Morgan’s heart and prove he's innocent of murder.

Once Upon a Duke by Eva Devon - A widow looking to get seduced. A duke more than willing to oblige.

Dark Surrender By Erica Ridley - Trapped in darkness…. Their passion burns bright!

About GREAT & UNFORTUNATE DESIRES - Tristan, the Marquis of Wrenworth and British spy, must marry but he’s haunted by guilt of war.   
Lady Evelyn Hurstine’s past makes her fear men but for Tristan, she’s willing to overcome her fear.  Caught in a world of intrigue and mayhem, can they find love before the traitor destroys them both?

Excerpt from Gina Danna’s GREAT & UNFORTUNATE DESIRES:

What made him say that, of all things? Fiancée? Engaged to the ice queen? Tristan noticed how pale Evelyn turned, and part of him tightened. When that fop moved away so quickly, it was obvious the man wasn’t really interested in Evelyn. But Tristan’s interest surely could have been expressed less dramatically.

About Darcy Burke:

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and two Bengal cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Website: darcyburke.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: darcyburke.com/newsletter

About Bronwen Evans:

USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 2012 and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

Website: bronwenevans.com
Facebook: facebook.com/bronwenevansauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/bronwenevans_NZ
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: sign up at the top of Bronwen’s website

About Lila DiPasqua:

Lila DiPasqua is a multi-published, national bestselling author of historical romance with heat. Her novels are published by Penguin/Berkley, as well as having self-published works.

She is best known for her critically acclaimed Fiery Tales series. Her books have been featured on Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.

She lives with her husband and three children in Canada and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after.
Newsletter: sign up on the sidebar of Lila’s website

About Delilah Marvelle:

Delilah Marvelle is the winner of the Reviewer's Choice for Best Sensual Historical Romance of the Year and had Booklist name her historical romance 'Forever and a Day' one of the TOP 10 Romances of the year. When she isn't writing, she's digging through inappropriate research books that include anything in history having to do with courtesans, brothels, sexual contraptions that were never properly used and other fascinating forms of dirty history that didn't make it into college textbooks. She includes all of her research in her books to ensure countless hours of entertainment and continues to take pride in knowing more about dirty history than most people feel comfortable with.

Website: delilahmarvelle.com
Facebook: link
Twitter: twitter.com/DelilahMarvelle
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: delilahmarvelle.wordpress.com

About Erica Ridley:

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

She is the author of three Gothic romances, Too Wicked to Kiss, Too Sinful to Deny and Dark Surrender, the vampire romance "Never Been Bitten" in the paranormal romance anthology Born To Bite, contemporary paranormal romances Charmed and Midwinter Magic, and the holiday fantasy romance Let It Snow.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Website: ericaridley.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ericaridley
Twitter: twitter.com/EricaRidley
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: bit.ly/EricaRidleyVIPs

About Emma Locke:

Emma Locke is a writer and engineer living in the Pacific Northwest, where she loves hiking with her dog, hot yoga and riding out the annual 330 days of rain. Hiking and yoga give her time to plot, the lack of sun makes for perfect writing weather, and as for her day job, the dichotomy seems to work: her analytic side ensures her passionate, satisfying love stories don't mulch under her bed, and her author side forces her to keep writing more.

Website: emmalocke.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorEmmaLocke
Twitter: twitter.com/EmmaLockeAuthor
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: sign up at the bottom of Emma’s website

About Gina Danna:

Gina has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play.

Website: ginadanna.com
Facebook: facebook.com/GinaDannaAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/GinaDanna1
Goodreads: link

About Erica Monroe:

Erica Monroe is a bestselling author of emotional, suspenseful romance. Though she has a Bachelor's degree in writing, she's been a secretary, a barista, and a retail assistant. Now Erica spends her days crafting lovable rogues and feisty heroines for her historical and new adult series. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina, and the Beau Monde Regency Romance chapter. When not writing, she is a chronic TV watcher, sci-fi junkie, lover of pit bulls, and shoe fashionista. She lives in the suburbs of North Carolina with her husband, two dogs, and a cat.

Website: ericamonroe.com
Facebook: facebook.com/EricaMonroeWrites
Twitter: twitter.com/ericajmonroe
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: sign up on Erica’s website sidebar

About Eva Devon:

Author of sexy and laugh out loud funny Regencies, I'm also Maire Claremont, creator of dark and angsty Victorians!

Website: maireclaremont.com
Facebook: link
Twitter: twitter.com/evadevonauthor
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: eepurl.com/YoZbD

About Anthea Lawson:

Anthea Lawson, called "a new star of Historical Romance" by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

Website: anthealawson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AntheaLawson
Twitter: twitter.com/AntheaLawson
Goodreads: link
Newsletter: tinyletter.com/AntheaLawson

Check out the blog tour at this link.


Aloha to Robin Bielman and VEILED TARGET


Robin Bielman is celebrating the release of VEILED TARGET, Book One in her Veilers series:

Tracking down Veilers—non humans—is only a sideline for Tess Damon. Vengeance for her fiancé’s murder is her reason for living. But with two botched jobs on her record, if she fails to eliminate her next mark, she’s dead. She’s not afraid to die, but not before she gets even. Too bad fate has a really bad sense of humor.

Hugh Langston, a wolfen half shifter, lives to keep both humans and his pack safe. But when rogue humans kidnap his apprentice, his rescue mission is compromised by a hot-as-hell, kick-ass woman who makes him think only one thing: mine.

Tess tries to ignore her feelings, but temptation trips her up. Especially when Hugh figures out he’s her next target and forces her into an inconvenient alliance that tests all the laws against their attraction. Now, with the line between good and evil getting blurrier by the minute, it becomes clear Tess’s only hope of living to see another day—and finding a murderer—lies with the one man she’s supposed to kill.

Amazon: link
Barnes & Noble: link
Kobo: link
iTunes: link


USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry. When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Filled with wanderlust, she longs to visit many different places and fulfill her curiosity. She wouldn’t mind indulging her sweet tooth in every location either. She’s a lover of sticky notes, cable television shows and coffee drinks. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real.

She writes contemporary and paranormal romance and loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at robinbielman.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter
Twitter: twitter.com/RobinBielman
Goodreads: goodreads.com/robinbielman


Robin offers an excerpt for VEILED TARGET ...

She woke to a click, but didn’t move or stir or budge. The bed was sooo comfy and cozy and maybe if she stayed still, whatever had caused the click would go away.

“Tess,” said an endearing masculine voice. “It’s time to wake up.”

Her eyes opened wide at the sound of the deep, rugged announcement. “Go away. I’m not talking to you.”

“I’ve got a couple things for you,” he answered, ignoring her no-talking policy.

Darkness still filled the room and she wondered what time it was. It felt like she’d had a solid eight hours sleep so it couldn’t be too early. In fact, she felt more rested than she had in a long time. She stayed motionless and quiet.

“I’m coming in.” The downlight above her head turned on.

She didn’t care. His actions didn’t mean she had to act.

Wait. He’s coming in? She sat up, bringing the covers with her. She told herself he didn’t have x-ray vision, but that didn’t stop the tingles popping up all over her body. She was naked, and Hugh was coming into the room.

He wore jeans that sat low on his hips and a plain white T-shirt that clung to his lethally sexy chest muscles. His hair was mussed, like he’d showered and then ran his fingers through it. His face was clean-shaven. His blue eyes deeper than the waters she’d scuba dived in Australia. God, did he have to look so irresistible this morning?

“Good morning.”

She stayed quiet. Because she was mad about being locked in the room or because he took her breath away, she wasn’t sure.

“This no talking thing could work to my advantage.” He stepped closer.

To her nakedness. Did he know she wasn’t wearing anything underneath the sheets? And oh geez, what did her hair look like? Going to sleep with it wet surely meant she had a rat’s nest thing going on.

When he got to the edge of the bed, she watched him venture a peek toward the bathroom. Her eyes followed his and there in plain view were the blue dress and black lace undergarments on the floor.

She pulled the sheets tighter against her. “What time is it?” Talking might get her mind off her birthday suit.

“She speaks.” His eyes held hers with the same mixture of heat and desire she’d noticed last night. “It’s eleven.”

“Eleven? Holy shit. I never sleep this late.” And note to self: Don’t look into his eyes anymore.

He smiled. “Guess you needed it.”

“More like the lack of window space kept the room dark. You’ve got some nerve, you know that?” She ran a hand through her hair to feel what it looked like. Not too bad.

“Do you blame me?”

Admitting she didn’t would not work in keeping him at bay, so she lied. “Yes. I do.” She frowned for further effect.

He dropped something on the bed. “Well, maybe this will make up for it. Clean clothes. And your phone.”

Relief and forgiveness overcame her. Wait. Her phone? “You went through my purse?” It would’ve been a lot better if he’d plopped her bag on the bed, but he was only acting the same way she would have.

“Again, I don’t think you’re surprised. You’ve got some major arsenal in there. And your driver’s license picture doesn’t do you justice.”

He looked less and less sexy by the minute. “You looked through my wallet? Who the hell do you think—”

“I think I needed to confirm you are who you say you are. Tess Elizabeth Damon.” A grin that would have made her fling the sheets to the side and shout “take me” had she not been so pissed at him for snooping flanked his handsome—no, not handsome!—face.

“I’m a P.I.E. eliminator. What makes you think that license is real? I could be Tess one day and Betty the next.” Tess Damon was her real name, but if anyone looked her up, they’d learn only what P.I.E. wanted them to.

Hugh continued to grin. “You don’t look like a Betty.”

“Screw you.”

“I thought we’d been over that, but I’m willing to revisit it if you—”

“I want you the hell out of this room and away from me.” Her blood boiled. Hugh Langston was goddamn annoying.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Aloha to Sarah Castille and IN YOUR CORNER


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Let's get physical with Sarah Castille and her recent release, IN YOUR CORNER.  From her bio,

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, worked and travelled abroad before trading her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home near the Canadian Rockies. She writes erotic contemporary romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha heroes and the women who tame them.

Kim:  Many readers would be envious of your opportunity to study at the University of Edinburgh. Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of Auld Reekie?

Sarah:  I loved the sight of Edinburgh Castle in the evening when the evening light made it glow. My favorite sound was, of course, the bagpipes, which were played at all university ceremonies, and my favorite smell had to be the beer which was served at the 500 pubs in the city (many of which I visited!)

Kim:  You wrote while working in London you "developed a taste for tea, European footwear, and Greek cuisine." What flavor of tea? What shoe? What Greek dish?

Sarah:  I loved freshly brewed Indian tea blends they served at fancy hotels, where the leaves were placed in a little tea strainer, and then immersed in hot water. The flavors were always fresh and intense. Ah, it is hard to pick just one type of shoe, but I spent a lot of time shopping at the quirky shoe stores in Covent Garden. My favorite Greek dish is Spanikopita.

Kim:  What inspired IN YOUR CORNER?

Sarah:  I was lost one day in the city and stopped at an MMA gym for directions. All those rippling muscles, toned pecs and tight abs, alpha males grappling on the mats, tossing each other to the ground…sigh…talk about an idea for a story! J

Kim:  What's next for Sarah Castille?

Sarah:  I've just finished edits on Full Contact, the third book in the Redemption series, which features two minor characters from In Your Corner, Ray and Sia. It's a little darker than the first two books and I'm looking forward to sharing their story. I will also be releasing the first book in a new dark romance series, Captive of Desire, in November. It is part of the Invitation to Eden continuity project involving 27 fabulous authors. And finally, I'm very excited about the release of Rough Justice, the first book in a new gritty biker series, which will be out in February.

Thanks to SOS Aloha for hosting me today!

Sign up for Sarah's newsletter for info about new releases: link
Website sarahcastille.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sarahcastilleauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/sarah_castille
Goodreads: link
Pinterest: pinterest.com/scastilleauthor
Amazon Author: amazon.com/author/sarahcastille

Steve McGarrett entered an MMA match on H50.
cbs.com

Sourcebooks is giving away a print copy of IN YOUR CORNER to one randomly selected commenter:

A Publishers Weekly Best Summer Book 2014!

He rules in the ring.

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn't dull the pain of Amanda's rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn't found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help...

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda's not sure if she can stay in control, or if she's finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Amazon US: link
Barnes and Noble: link
ITunes: link
Kobo: link

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment - anything goes! Comments are open through Saturday, August 2, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

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Aloha to Debra Holt and UNDER TEXAS BLUE SKIES

 

I posted more pictures under Texas blue skies on my travel blog at this link. Debra Holt joins me today to celebrate UNDER TEXAS BLUE SKIES:

J.D. Sterling, country music’s sexy superstar, has come home again. He has achieved his wildest dreams and did what he set out to do when he shook the dirt of the small Texas town from his boot heels a dozen years before. Now, he’s returned for the final piece of the puzzle to completing his life….the girl who holds his heart. Mandy. 

Amanda Lawson has grown up. From sheer heartbreak to struggling to survive to becoming a shrewd businesswoman, she has taught herself to never look back. She survived once before the wild, green-eyed cowboy with only a guitar to his name and a pocketful of dreams. He took her heart and so much more when he left her behind with his hollow vows.

Mandy was his muse…J.D. was her dream. Despite tragedy, can they find their way home to each other again?


Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and owning a wedding planning business (ah, romance!).

Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. She read her first romance...Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs... to all who believe in happily-ever-after’s. 

My picture of a cowboy in San Antonio

Learn more about Debra and her books at debraholtbooks.com. Debra is hosting a special giveaway at this link and offers an excerpt below.   

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

J.D. Sterling’s heartbeats were thumping loud as a bass drum at the sight of the red sedan as it pulled into the circular driveway, stopping just behind the other realtor’s Hummer. He had purposely seated himself in a corner of the wide porch, away from the glare of the noonday sun, where climbing vines and shade would enable him to be concealed from the woman’s line of sight. He didn’t want her to know he was there, at least not right away. J.D. needed to see her first, to get his feet under him. At least, that’s the excuse he'd given himself. For someone who always planted his feet solidly in the middle of any situation, this was one time the spotlight was not what he sought. His pulses were racing as he saw the driver’s door swing open, and two slender ankles encased in gray high heels became visible as they touched the ground.

The woman stood up, one hand pushed her sunglasses further up on the bridge of her nose, and then she closed the car door behind her. She slung the straps of her leather bag over her shoulder and moved around the hood of the car, her heels making soft crunching sounds on the pea gravel along the drive. In the early afternoon stillness of the ranch, those sounds seemed to be amplified.

The eyes in the shadows drank in the features of the woman as she moved toward the house. Nowhere in sight was the country girl he had last seen. The vision that approached was confident in her stride, her head up and shoulders resolute. The girl he used to know was just short of being painfully shy and always hesitant to stand out of any crowd. Sunglasses concealed her eyes from view so he couldn’t see if they were still the amazingly vivid blue he remembered and had even immortalized in song once. They had filled his dreams on many a night and gotten him through some really hard times. It was those eyes he would see when he closed his own as he sang across the bright lights into the dark recesses of some huge arena, packed with screaming fans and loud music. He would sing to the girl in his dreams… the one he had left behind but never left out of his heart.

Maybe the girl he had carried in his memory didn’t exist any longer? That thought unnerved him more than he wanted to admit. Had he left things too late? No, it couldn’t be too late. Not for them.

“Hello, Mandy,” he spoke softly from the shadows.

Amanda’s head swung in its direction. Her eyes sought to focus on the tall figure that stepped from darkness into light. She went to take a quick breath but found she couldn’t. In fact, for some reason, the light was receding, and the darkness was swallowing them all up.

****

“I have other business in town also,” Amanda spoke up. “I don’t know why I was called out here but…”

“Because I want you.” Those jade green eyes pinned her to her spot.

J.D.’s choice of words knocked the air out of Amanda’s lungs for a moment. Did he think that he could turn that look on her, along with that famous half-grin that sent deep grooves down his cheeks and made fingers itch to touch them and females swoon at his feet? But he was still the lying, no good cowboy who had played her for a fool and then left her behind when the bright lights beckoned. He wanted her? Well, he'd had her once, but never again.

Cold blue eyes pinned him. “People don’t always get what they want, J.D. But sometimes they do get what they deserve.”

When Mandy stood looking at him with those blue eyes, where once there had been a warmth of love glowing in them for him, there was now a cool curtain, devoid of anything but a banked anger mixed with a dash of indifference. For some reason, he felt he had been judged and found lacking in her estimation. He definitely had to regroup. There was another battle ahead, and he had fought many in his lifetime and won each of them. This would be the most important one. Losing was not an option.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Aloha to Shannon Richard and UNSTOPPABLE - Launch Day Blitz

Unstoppable (Country Roads #3)

Shannon Richard is celebrating the print release of UNSTOPPABLE - Book 3 in her Country Roads series:

Some things you don't dare let go . . .

Melanie O'Bryan knows life is too short to be afraid of taking chances. And former Air Force sergeant Bennett Hart is certainly worth taking a chance on. He's agreed to help her students with a school project, but she's hoping the handsome handyman will offer her a whole lot more. Yet despite his heated glances and teasing touches, Mel senses there's something holding him back . . . 

Bennett Hart is grateful to be alive and back home in Mirabelle, Florida. Peaceful and uncomplicated-that's all he's looking for. Until a spunky, sexy-as-hell teacher turns his life upside down. After one smoldering kiss, Bennett feels like he's falling without a parachute. But with memories of his past threatening to resurface, he'll have to decide whether to keep playing it safe, or take the biggest risk of all.

Buy Links

B&N: link
BAM: link
IndieBound: link
Amazon: link

Shannon Richard

Shannon Richard grew up in the Florida Panhandle as the baby sister of two overly protective but loving brothers. She was raised by a more than somewhat eccentric mother, a self-proclaimed vocabularist who showed her how to get lost in a book and a father who passed on his love for coffee and really loud music. She graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English Literature and still lives in Tallahassee where she battles everyday life with writing, reading, and a rant every once in a while. Okay, so the rants might happen on a regular basis. She's still waiting for her Southern, scruffy, Mr. Darcy, and in the meantime writes love stories to indulge her overactive imagination. Oh, and she's a pretty big fan of the whimsy.

Shannon’s social media

shannonrichard.net
facebook.com/ShannonNRichard
@shan_richard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Forever offers an excerpt from UNSTOPPABLE:

Oh God, who was she kidding? She’d never felt this way about any man before. Bennett was…well, infuriating to start with, but he was brave, smart, kind, funny, intense. There was nothing like having his full attention focused on her. He gave her way more than butterflies. It was like eagles were flapping around in her stomach whenever he was around. There were no flutters. They were freaking tidal waves.
Yeah, getting over Bennett was going to be way easier said than done.

Mel headed toward the supply closet at the back of her classroom where she locked up her purse in a filling cabinet. She grabbed the key and unlocked the top drawer, pulled out her purse, and slammed the drawer shut. When she turned around Bennett was standing in the doorway. Filling it completely. Mel stopped short and stared at him. His eyes were focused on her, the determination in them making all of the thoughts vacate her brain.

“I can’t leave you alone.” He came into the room and shut the door behind him. “And I’m not playing games.” He crossed the small space. “Or at least I’m not trying to.” He shook his head. “I think about you all the time.” He stopped in front of her, took the purse out of her hands, and put it on top of the filing cabinet. Then he reached up and touched her cheek. His fingers fanned out as he pushed his hand to the back of her head and tilted her face up.

Holy hell, what is happening?

She looked into his eyes, and her knees went just a little bit weak. She reached back and planted her hands against the wall, trying to find some balance, something to keep her upright, because she really didn’t want to miss this.

“Because I am interested in you, Mel.” He cupped her face with his other hand and ran his thumb across her lower lip. “Very interested.” He leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers.

The kiss was soft and gentle at first, just his lips against hers. He took another step into her, pushing her back. When she hit the wall she gasped, and Bennett took advantage of her open mouth. He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, and she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her throat.

She plastered herself up against him, against every inch of his hard body. Her arms wound around his shoulders; her hands skittered up the back of his head. She opened her mouth further and his tongue touched hers. Bennett groaned as their tongues began a thorough exploration of each other’s mouths.

His hands were at the back of her head, his fingers deftly pulling out the pins that held up her bun. And then he was unwinding her hair, his hands plunging deep into her unruly curls.

“I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he said against her mouth. “These curls of yours drive me out of my mind.”

“What stopped you?” She nipped at his lower lip.

“Pure stupidity,” he said, as he claimed her mouth again.

Holy cow, can this man kiss. I feel it everywhere, and do I mean everywhere! He had her toes curling in her shoes, all manner of body parts tingling where they were pushed up against his, and his hands were magic in her hair. One of his hands drifted down to her side. He touched her hip for a second before his hand slid to the small of her back. He held her to him, but really, she wasn’t going anywhere.

“Mel,” a voice called out from her classroom. “Are you here?”

There were only a few things that could bring Mel back to reality with the snap of a finger. The sound of her little brother’s voice was definitely one of them.

“Oh crap, it’s Hamilton,” Mel gasped, pulling back. Bennett’s hand was behind her head, and it prevented her from hitting the wall. “I’ll be right out!” she answered Hamilton, unable to completely cover up the breathy edge to her voice.

Bennett nodded. He let go of her reluctantly, and took a step back. “You’re going to have to give me a minute before I can go out there,” he said, clearing his throat uncomfortably.

“Oh,” she said, nodding. “Um, okay.”

Actually, she was going to need a minute, too. She knew her hair was everywhere, and she had a feeling Bennett’s scruffy jaw had left its fair share of marks on her face. Not to mention her thoroughly swollen lips.

Soooo worth it.


Weekly Winners



Aloha!  I am a winner for attending RWA's annual conference - it was empowering!  Look for pictures on my travel blog, ALOHA ON MY MIND, during this coming week at this link.

My first post is up - An Evening stroll at this link.

I am also a winner for my weekly column with USA Today's HEA blog - this week we visit Texas for #StateofRomance at this link.

We have winners here at SOS Aloha:

Anne Elizabeth's ZOMBIE POWER 2
- Debby wins one of the limited copies from Anne Elizabeth.



Elizabeth Michels' HOW TO LOSE A LORD IN 10 DAYS OR LESS
- Diane D. wins a print copy from Sourcebooks.

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Alexandra Brown's CUPCAKES AT CARRINGTON'S
- Annwitch wins a print copy.

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Fern Britton's THE HOLIDAY HOME
- Barbara A. wins a print copy.

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Winners, please claim your prize by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City