Aloha to the Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Coming this weekend!

I am attending the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) Washington Loves Readers Luncheon (link) this coming Saturday.  I look forward to meeting the following authors:

Alison Aimes
Anne Barton / Anna Bennett
Mary Blayney
Terri Brisbin
Kerri Carpenter
Robin Covington
Olivia Dade
Pintip Dunn
Lisa Dyson
Jamie Farrell
Carlene Love
Avery Flynn
Emelle Gamble
Solara Gordon
Mia Sosa
Lavinia Kent
Harper Kincaid
Kimberly Kincaid
Tamra Lassiter
Mackenzie Lucas
Sally MacKenzie
MK Meredith
J.T. Bock
Hope Ramsay
Sarah Robinson
Alix Rickloff / Alexa Egan
Elizabeth SaFleur
Amy MacWilliams Schisler
Lynne Silver
Tracy Solheim

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash ... plus swag from the luncheon ... to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about who you would like to meet at the luncheon.

2. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open to US residents.

3. Comments are open through Sunday, October 9, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, October 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Maybe we'll drive by the White House

 on the way home ...

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on MK Meredith

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting MK Meredith:

I've had a lifelong love affair with peanut butter -- the only two things coming close in the battle for my affections are gorgeous heels, and maybe Gerard Butler...or was it David Gandy? Who am I kidding? My true loves are my husband and two children who have survived my SEA's (spontaneous explosions of affection) and lived to tell the tale. 

I've been reading romance long before I should have and can’t think of anything better than to fill my life with the promise of happily-ever-afters.

Why romance? ~ There is nothing more exhilarating than to write about one of the most powerful entities on earth. Love can be the fall of kingdoms and move mountains, destroy lives and create new life, inspire the dark and summon the light. Love is a challenge, a hope, and a miracle all wrapped into one. Love is life. I write about life.

Learn more about MK and her books at mkmeredith.com.

MK is gearing up for the release of SEDUCING THE TYCOON, available September 19 from Entangled Publishing:

International tycoon Drago De Luca has the world at his feet and he knows it. But back home in Italy, his beloved grandmother's family inn is on the verge of closing down for good, thanks to hotshot American heiress, Chase Huntington, and her new hotel. Drago has to protect Nonna's inn, even if it means getting close enough to Chase to convince her she needs to leave. But the more time he spends with Chase, the more he's drawn to her passion, her love of his culture, and the way she looks in those Louis Vuitton heels.

Chase Huntington would give anything to enjoy her time with charming, sexy-as-hell Drago in the style capital of the world, but she has to make sure the new Huntington hotel opens successfully. How else can she prove she's not just fashionista with a fortune—she’s an heiress savvy enough to take over the family’s biggest hotel back in California? But somewhere between boutiques and business plans, she falls head over Louboutins for Drago. But when Drago's true motive for spending so much time with her comes to light, it could destroy everything Chase built and everything she thought she found in Italy.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about peanut butter - love it or loathe it?  I love miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Tamra Lassiter

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Tamra Lassiter:

I live outside Washington, D.C. with my wonderfully supportive husband and two teenage daughters. If that isn’t enough, we have a Great Dane and an English Bulldog to keep us on our toes. It’s crazy around here, and I love every minute of it!

Writing is my third career. I didn't set out to be a writer, it was just meant to be. My Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech prepared me well for my first career as an Engineer/Program Manager. My second career was in Human Resources. Long story, but I figured it out. I believe the best start for a writing career is to be a reader first, and I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I've loved to read ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew mystery in the fourth grade. Now, I love reading just about everything, but I don’t read sad books. I don’t watch sad movies either for that matter, no matter how many awards they’ve won. Life’s too short, and who needs all that strife to bring us down?

Learn more about Tamra and her books at tamralassiter.com.

I love the cover from Tamra's latest release, GUIDING FATE:

Even fate can use a guiding hand.

Melanie Woodside, ER nurse and single mom, has endured suffering of her own. Her ne’er-do-well husband bailed after learning she was pregnant with their first child. Now he’s back and threatening her new life. When a hot Marine moves in next door, Melanie has more than enough on her plate, without trying to heal her new neighbor as well. But a handsome man battling the wounds of war is hard to resist, especially when he and her son take an instant liking to each other. And having him close makes her feel safer.

Will Everton is a hero of the Iraqi conflict, according to the Marine Corps, his friends, and his family. The problem is, he feels more like a mess. Plagued by headaches and nightmares, Will just wants solitude to glue his wounded psyche back together. That means keeping his distance from his pretty new neighbor. But when her son refuses to recognize the boundaries between Will’s house and his own, neither Will nor Melanie can resist a little boy’s pleas for togetherness. If Will's presence deters Melanie's ex, all the better.

Can Will trust himself to be the strong, steady man they need? And can Melanie trust herself not to repeat the mistakes of her past? Fate brought them together … will it be enough to keep them here?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Let's talk about pumpkins - love 'em or loathe 'em?  I like pumpkin roll - the cream cheese filling works well with the pumpkin sponge cake.  

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 28, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 29.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

food.com

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Mackenzie Lucas

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with Mackenzie Lucas:

Mackenzie Lucas is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within spitting distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author, a writing coach, a mother, and a wife.

Learn more about Mackenzie and her books at mackenzielucas.com.

I am giving away a copy of ESSENCE, set in one of my favorite towns from my home state: 

All Haven Jameson ever wanted was to own a little piece of paradise. Now, she does, having established a successful luxury spa in St. Augustine, Florida. But when the property next door is sold to a mega developer and his pro-golf celebrity brother who design trendy, bustling playgrounds for the rich and famous, she fears her dream could slip away. Confronted by her late husband’s infidelity, Haven learns everything she believed about her marriage was a lie; so she finally sets aside her grief and opens her heart to loving the widowed pro-golfer who is her biggest professional competition. In the end, Haven discovers that living a safe, loveless life is far worse than embracing passion and taking a chance on a man who’s vowed never to love again. And that, sometimes, no matter how high the risk, the best paradise of all can be found inside our own hearts.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about seaside towns like St. Augustine ... do you have a favorite?  What do you enjoy about them?  

For me, St. Augustine is seeped in Spanish history with gorgeous views of the Atlantic ocean.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Castillo de San Marcos

National Park Service (link)

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Harper Kincaid

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Harper Kincaid:

Born in California and raised in South Florida, Harper Kincaid has moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on her head ever since. Along the way, she has worked as a community organizer, an art teacher, a popular blogger, and a crisis counselor (to name a few). All the while, longing to have the guts and follow-through to do what she really wanted: to write and become a published author. That wish has finally come true and she's tickled hot pink.

When not writing, she adores listening to indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds), and making those close to her laugh 'til they snort. She is a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but have now happily settled in the cutest lil' town, Vienna, Virginia.

Learn more about Harper at harperkincaidromance.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about art teachers - do you remember any of yours?  I remember the art teacher at Pershing Hill Elementary School on Fort Meade where my children attended.  She was full of enthusiasm for all forms of art, including fashion.  Alas, she is friendly with the family of Christian Siriano - winner of Project Runway's fourth season. 

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Art along the streets of Manitou Springs, Colorado

(travel photos to come next week)

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Kimberly Kincaid

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link, including one of Kimberly's books!

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love-- usually the hard way-- and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly's writing journey has led down some bumpy roads (that first manuscript is under the bed, where it is very likely to stay), but there has been some fresh pavement too (her second manuscript earned her very first contest final, and landed the fantastic Maureen Walters at the Curtis Brown Literary Agency). One thing is certain -- the wild ride of being a writer is a lot richer in both its ups and downs because of friends and readers along the path.

When Kimberly's not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber", she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to eclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Learn more about Kimberly and her books at kimberlykincaid.com.

Kimberly's latest release is FEARLESS, Book 2 in the Rescue Squad series:

The Temperature Is Rising…

Firefighter Cole Everett's life revolves around the firehouse. Committed to saving lives--and to the guys who always have his back in the most dangerous moments on the job--Cole's focus is a coveted spot on the Fairview Rescue Squad. When his captain asks him to mentor a rookie firefighter, he jumps at the chance, hoping it will help to prove his skill. But the new "guy" is none other than Savannah Nelson, a female firefighter as stubbornly determined as Cole is, and a whole lot curvier in all the right places . . .

Savannah won't let anyone extinguish her dream of fulfilling her family legacy and becoming a top notch firefighter--and she's happily surprised when strong-willed, sexy Cole is willing to give her the chance she deserves. Concentrating on the job isn't always easy when the heat between them flares higher every day, but Savannah won't give up--not even when one of Station Eight's veterans seems bent on trashing her reputation. To stop a string of possible arsons, Savannah and Cole will need to eliminate every distraction--but can they let their love go up in flames?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, including several titles from Kimberly, to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Kimberly references to her ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber" - do you have any ancient furniture in your home?  My husband has a 20+ year old reclining chair which he refuses to give up.  I recovered it 10 years ago ... so it may be time for another trip to the upholstery!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 13, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Notice the duct tape on Martin's chair from FRASIER

Washington Loves Readers - Spotlight on Lavinia Kent

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with Lavinia Kent:

Lavinia Kent never knew that most people don’t make up stories in their heads to pass the time. She still has a hard time understanding how those who don’t survive the doctor’s waiting room or a grocery store line without another world to escape into.

As the mother of three, Lavinia finds "leisure time" to be ever-elusive, but when she is not reading romance novels, she watches far too much HBO and reality television. It must also be noted that she has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Buffy and the new Doctor Who.

One of her latest passion is CW's Arrow which she discusses weekly on USA Today's Happy Ever After blog with NYT bestseller, Allison Brennan.

Learn more about Lavinia and her books at laviniakent.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about reality TV ... do you have a favorite?  I'm not sure if it's reality TV, but I enjoy House Hunters on HGTV.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers - Spotlight on Tracee Lydia Garner

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Tracee Garner:

Tracee Lydia Garner is a a speaker, private writing coach and author of five books. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she holds a degree in Communications from Old Dominion University. She tremendously enjoys the written and spoken word and prior to entertaining full length novels, was a contributor to her alma mater's campus literary magazine.

Writing her first novel at 23, Tracee submitted it to contest hosted by BET Books, then the largest publisher of African-American fiction where, her story entitled Family Affairs, beat out hundreds of other contenders, winning the grand prize, a monetary advance and publication. She signed a book deal for two more titles. Tracee has been writing since she was in elementary school. She teaches Romance Novel Writing and How to Write the Novel at the college level and has done so for ten years. She also enjoys marketing, reading, writing and is a certified shopaholic.

Learn more about Tracee and her books at teegarner.com.

Update:  Tracee is unable to attend the lucheon as scheduled .... so I will seek her out to see that brilliant smile in person!

I love the cover of ANCHORED HEARTS ...

Despite her prestigious professional role, Allontis Baxter’s private life is in shambles. She’s just broken up with her no-good boyfriend, her adopted mother figure is dying in the hospital and now she’s been turned down in an attempt to adopt a child of her own. Plus, Allontis’s old flame Cole Parker has returned to their hometown from New York City, causing her dilemmas to multiply as old feelings are rekindled. What’s a successful and motivated nonprofit career woman to do?

When a series of chance encounters at work fling her into the middle of a mysterious scandal, Allontis realizes she’s caught up in a dangerous game that could send her chaotic life up in flames. Struggling to keep the pieces of her own life together while protecting those she loves, Allontis is forced to confront the true meaning of family and to face some demons of her own.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Washington, D.C. - what do you know about our nation's capital? 

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 31.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers - Spotlight on Avery Flynn

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for July at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016.  I look forward to chatting with Avery Flynn:

Award-winning romance author Avery Flynn has three slightly-wild children, loves a hockey-addicted husband and is desperately hoping someone invents the coffee IV drip.

She fell in love with romance while reading Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory books. It wasn’t long before Avery had read through all the romance offerings at her local library. Needing a romance fix, she turned to Harlequin’s four books a month home delivery service to ease the withdrawal symptoms. That worked for a short time, but it wasn’t long before the local book stores’ staffs knew her by name.

Find out more about Avery on her website, follow her on Twitter and Pinterest, like her on her Facebook page or friend her on her Facebook profile. She’s also on Goodreads and BookLikes.

I have Avery's HIS UNDERCOVER PRINCESS in my TBR pile ...

Stylist Elle Olsen lives in fear of someone discovering her secret identity as Princess Eloise. But the men who killed her entire family in a bloody coup have done just that and now they’re coming for her. All Elle wants is to disappear into anonymity again, but the panty-melting billionaire who kidnaps her isn’t about to let that happen.

On the society pages, smoking hot financier Dominick Rasmussen is one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. As a secret resistance fighter, his one goal isto get Princess Eloise on the throne and restore the monarchy. The biggest problem? His stubborn and sexy undercover princess has no interest in ever wearing a tiara again.

Their goals couldn’t be more opposed, but neither Dom nor Elle can deny the attraction bringing them closer together. As the stakes rise and danger increases, they are forced to choose between love and country...

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Avery obviously loves shoes - how about you?  In my younger days, I wore the 4 inch heels. Today, I love slip on sandals ... they remind me of my beloved Hawaii.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Carlene Love

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for July at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Carlene Love.  From her bio,

Carlene Love is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and the ocean (especially at sunset). These things have always inspired her to think up stories and continue to do so. Carlene feels honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), San Diego Romance Writers (RWASD), Washington DC Romance Writers (WRWDC), and The Waterworld Mermaids. She currently lives in the San Diego area where she can often be found listening to live music and looking up at the sky on clear nights. If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.

Learn more about Carlene and her books at carlenelove.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about the stars - do you have a favorite? When we lived in Hawaii, the stars were so bright. Hanaiakamala, "foster child of the moon," is the Hawaiian word for the Southern Cross.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 9, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Hanaiakamala - 

Queen Emma's Summer Palace on Oahu

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Jamie Farrell

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with my fellow military spouse, Jamie Farrell. From her bio,

When I’m awake and not writing, I live the glamorous life of a modern mom and military wife. My children are usually well-fed, my cats have their favorite hiding spots, and my husband has a sense of humor.

That sense of humor? That’s my favorite part. I love to laugh, whether it’s at a clever book or movie, or over something one of my kids said (I know you know what I’m talking about here), or when I’m laughing at myself when I drop a full gallon of milk on the floor and it explodes and sprays everything (and everyone) within a six-foot radius. Better to laugh than cry, right?

Learn more about Jamie and his books at jamiefarrellbooks.com.

Check out Jamie's latest release, SUGARED (Misfit Brides of Bliss #3)

When Chicago’s Hottest Snack Cake Heir…

Josh Kincaid went from rags to riches when he was adopted by the family who owns the Sweet Dreams Snack Cakes empire. But now the company is floundering, and Josh will do anything to save his parents the way they saved him. Including using his charm on a small-town wedding cake baker.

Takes on the Misfit Princess of the Bridal Capital of the Midwest…

Kimmie is flighty, she spouts off weird dreams when she’s nervous, and her frizzy hair and fashion sense make her the girl least likely to snare a debonair snack cake heir. But Kimmie can bake a cake that’ll make a grown man cry, and that’s exactly what Josh needs.

They Just Might Find The Recipe for Love

Josh’s plan should be easy, except Kimmie isn’t all cupcake underneath. Her cooperation comes with a price. If Josh wants to save his family’s company, he’ll have to do something he’s never done: be himself.

Cupcakes have never been so terrifying.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the the giveaway,

1. What's your favorite snack?  Healthy snack - pineapple rings.  No so healthy - Little Debbie Swiss Rolls.

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

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners

 

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

We have winners at SOS Aloha!

RWA in San Diego - Carriers pull into port
- Jo's Daughter wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Lisa Dyson

- Karen T. wins a book choice from my convenion stash.

Sherry Harris' ALL MURDERS FINAL - Book Review

- Susan P. wins a book choice form my convention stash.

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Lisa Dyson

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Lisa Dyson:

Before she stayed home to raise her three sons and volunteer for every sport and activity her children participated in, Lisa worked as a medical assistant and a secretary/administrative assistant. She grew up in a small eastern Pennsylvania town and now lives a short distance from Washington, DC, with her husband and rescue dog with a blue tongue, appropriately named Blue. She has three grown sons and a daughter-in-law, as well as four adorable grandchildren. When she's not writing, reading, or spending time with family, she enjoys travel, volunteer work, and rooting for her favorite sports teams.

Learn more about Lisa and her books at lisadyson.com.

Lisa's latest book is RESORTING TO THE TRUTH:

In love we trust…

She may have found the twin sister she never knew she had…but Charlotte Harrington also lost her mother. And now she’s lost her artistic inspiration, too. Escaping to a lush tropical resort is her best shot at getting something of her own back again. She just needs to focus and somehow not let Sam Briton's guarded smile distract her.

Managing a hotel and single fatherhood puts plenty on Sam’s plate, Charlotte gets that. And the suspicion in his deep blue eyes can only lead to big-time trouble for a woman who struggles with the truth. So why is she driven by the need to convince him that love is worth opening his heart?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. What "lush tropical island" would you like to escape to? As much as I love Hawaii, I'd like to explore more islands in the Caribbean.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 25, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 26.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City