Aloha to Kandy Shepherd and GIFT WRAPPED IN THE WEDDING DRESS - Book Review

The billionaire's Christmas proposal … 

Billionaire Dominic Hunt's Christmas ball is a chance for hard-working party planner Andie Newman to make her name. She's intent on convincing gorgeous Dominic that decking the halls is the way to transform his brooding reputation, but he has an alternative idea—a festive proposal!

After Dominic unexpectedly helps Andie with her own emergency, she says yes! The engagement is meant to be just for show, but as Dominic and Andie are surrounded by the magic of Christmas, they find their fake feelings are becoming all too real.

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. ~ Author Unknown

Magazine editor turned party planner Andie Newman enters the lair of the lion, cut throat billionaire businessman Dominic Hunt, for the chance to coordinate his annual charity ball. Although she is impressed by the impeccable house (and home owner), she glimpses a vulnerable crack in Dominic's facade.

Dominic reluctantly opens his home for a charity ball to overcome his scrooge image.  After interviewing several planners with bland ideas, he is taken back by Andie's fresh perspective and lovely legs.  Dominic carries emotional baggage from his childhood ... but Andie's optimism inspires him to let go.  

Aussie author Kandy Shepherd gives readers a flirty romance laced with holiday cheer.  GIFT WRAPPED IN HER WEDDING DRESS is an ultimate escape from the pressure cooker which often accompanies the Christmas season.   Shepherd reminds readers to have fun, be kind, and take a chance of love in this sweet romance from Down Under.

I received a print copy of GIFT WRAPPED IN HER WEDDING DRESS from the author for an honest review.

I met Kandy Shepherd at the RWA Annual Conference in NYC this past summer ... so it is only fitting to giveaway RWA swag to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Do you enjoy wrapping gifts ... or using gift bags?  I often volunteered for gift wrapping fundraisers at the base exchange. I enjoyed adding a special touch with bows, especially for men giving gifts to their wives, daughters, and mothers.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 5, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Kandy and her books at kandyshepherd.com.

Kandy and I share a drink before the Rita awards in NYC!

Aloha to Heather Boyd and AN ACCIDENTAL AFFAIR

The RT Booklovers' Convention is under way.  By now, the Aussies have shared their Tim Tams.  For those who could not join us in New Orleans, I share an Aussie treat with you - Regency Romance author Heather Boyd:

Bestselling regency romance author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission. You can catch Heather’s news at www.heather-boyd.com.

Kim:  We love far away places here at SOS Aloha! Can you share your favorite sight, sound, and smell of "north of Sydney"?

Heather:  O live on the edge of Lake Macquarie, a beautiful saltwater lake so I’m pretty much spoiled already every day. I love visiting Taronga Zoo in Sydney though. It’s perched right on the edge of the harbor, the animals must have the most fantastic vantage point for the New Years Eve fireworks. LOL If I’m staying in Sydney I just love the elegance of The Grace Hotel. Classy and central to absolutely everything in the heart of town.

Kim:  I chuckled when I read this line from your long bio,

Maybe if they had switched from the ruins of Ancient Rome to the scandals of Regency England I’d have been top of my class for at least one term.

It is ironic, then, that the Ton was fascinated with Ancient Rome! Are any of your characters interested in history?

Heather:  Oliver Randall, from Guarding the Spoils, is the most bookish character I’ve written and he’s obsessed with everything ancient and modern. He’s not been able to travel in the past so he devours everything in sight. He’d rather read than talk which made arranging his happy ever after so much harder for me.

Kim:  Tell us about your Distinguished Rogues series - what inspired it?

Heather:  The distinguished rogues are stories about friendships and change, and the impact decisions have both immediately and long term. The heroes are men of wealth and power who don’t necessarily behave well, and occasionally don’t know what’s good for them. The ladies strive to live lives that are fulfilling and wish for love despite societies expectations and restrictions. Because they are stories about friends, a looser connection than family series, I have so many possibilities for future mischief. My characters often pop up in books than are not their own and I always enjoy when they do.

Kim:  Who would you image to portray Arabella and Merrick, from your latest release AN ACCIDENTAL AFFAIR, on the big screen?

Heather:  Hmm, interesting question. I hadn’t considered this one before. I would love Arabella to be played by Aussie Cate Blanchett and Merrick to be played by Henry Cavill. It would be an honor.

Kim:  What's next for Heather Boyd?

Heather:  An Accidental Affair released in March and the next Distinguished Rogue, Keepsake, releases in August, 2014. Keepsake is my first married couple. It’s about a marriage that didn’t start well, a runaway bride, and what happens when she comes back to prevent her husband having her declared dead. Lack of trust, secrets, and a man who just won’t give up. Writing a pair with such combative natures was exciting though not always easy. The sex scenes were always a pleasure though. Despite their past and differences, they are a rather combustible pairing when it comes to pleasure. LOL

The Distinguished Rogues Series

Mahalo, Heather, for joining us for a cozy chat.   I am giving away a Regency Romance prize package to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Australia - what do you know about it?  

For Mary P., who lives in Oz, what is your favorite place to visit?

2.  Comments are open through Sunday, May 18, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Monday, May 19, assuming I survived RT.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

The Wild Randalls series

Aloha to Kandy Shepherd and THE SUMMER THEY NEVER FORGOT - Book Review

I recently won an autographed copy of THE SUMMER THEY NEVER FORGOT:

It started with a summer kiss…

Sandy Adams is on her way to an interview, but when she sees a signpost for Dolphin Bay she decides to take a detour down memory lane….

Ben Morgan has had his share of heartache. But when a ghost from his youth catches his eye memories of their last summer together come flooding back.

Everything has changed in the past twelve years, and still they're right back where they started, facing a second chance they deserve… together.

What is life, when wanting love? Night without a morning; love's the cloudless summer sun, nature gay adorning. - Robert Burton

Isn't this cover gorgeous?  It sets the tone for this nostalgic romance of two summer lovers who reunite twelve years later.   A chance meeting enables Sandy and Ben to cast away their burdens for a few days.   And it only takes a few days for them to realize that they can have a future together.

Shepherd delivers a sentimental look at love lost, second chances, and grabbing life for what it's worth.   THE SUMMER THEY NEVER FORGET is a comfort read any time of the day ... but one especially recommended for the beach.

The bonus - THE SUMMER THEY NEVER FORGOT is set in Australia!  

Do you have a special summer memory?

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Kandy and her books, check out her website at kandyshepherd.com.