Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Aloha to Paula Quinn and THE SCANDALOUS SECRET OF ABIGAIL MACGREGOR


Just in time for the return of Outlander to Starz ... Paula Quinn delights with the THE SCANDALOUS SECRET OF ABIGAIL MACGREGOR!

A LADY'S MISSION . . .
Known for her beauty and boldness, Abigail MacGregor must preserve her clan's dangerous secret: that her mother is the true heir to the English Crown. If the wrong people find out, it will mean war for her beloved Scotland. To keep peace, she embarks for London, unprepared for the treachery that awaits-especially from her wickedly handsome escort. He is the enemy, but his slow, sensuous kisses entice her beyond reason . . . 

A WARRIOR'S TEMPTATION
General Daniel Marlow, loyal knight and the kingdom's most desirable hero, would rather be on the battlefield than transporting a spoiled Highland lass. But Abby MacGregor is unlike any woman he's ever met, in a ballroom or in his bedroom. Captivated by her daring spirit and seduced by her lovely innocence, Daniel must choose between betraying his queen or giving up the woman who would steal his country-and his traitorous heart.



New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.


Paula offers an excerpt from THE SCANDALOUS SECRET OF ABIGAIL MACGREGOR:

“Aye, ye did say that,” she murmured. “Well, since we’re both awake, we might as well spend the night together again.”

The innocence in her voice struck him in the guts. She wanted nothing more from him than someone to be with outside in the night.

He, on the other hand, was not innocent at all. Her choice of words sent a little spark of heat to his groin. The way she turned on the pads of her feet and ended up pressed against his side and tucked neatly under his shoulder tilted him on his axis a little.

“I’m cold,” she whispered, her teeth chattering.

He put up no fight when she lifted his arm around her shoulder, then covered them both with her plaid. The desire to protect her overwhelmed him and sent tremors through his muscles. He knew little of her. Was she an innocent daughter of a Jacobite chief, or part of some secret scheme Anne was devising.

Hell. Anne didn’t devise schemes.

“I wasn’t certain if you were ever going to speak to me again,” he said, when what he should have said was, You should go sleep somewhere, lady, and not on me.

“I was verra’ angry with ye. But I’ve forgiven ye.” He heard the smile in her voice and made a mental note of how well it pleased him that she was no longer angry. He would decide what to do about his unwanted concerns for her tomorrow. Right now, he only wanted to sit with her just like this, with her beneath his arm and pressed snuggly into his side. Warmth swept over him like fine wine until he felt drunk on it.

How was it that she fit so neatly into him, now and earlier when she slept in his lap, like she belonged there, close to him?

Close to his heart.

Hell, it scared him, and after fighting for over a decade, not much scared him anymore.

“D’ye have a wife, General Marlow?” Came her sweet voice against his chest.

“No, lady.”

“Are ye betrothed?”

“I am not.”

“Is there a lass somewhere who has yer heart?”

“No.”

“Well,” she laughed softly, “are all the ladies in England fools?”

“They’re the opposite,” he told her. “They’re wise to set their interests in another direction.”

She shook her head then tilted her face up to his. In the filtered light of the moon, he could make her out enough to fall victim to the alluring curves of her mouth, her soft, sweet breath against his chin. “Nae, they are fools not to try to win yer affections.”

He knew every reason there was to stop what he was thinking, what he was feeling, and what he was about to do. But reason was a puny opponent compared to desire.

Slipping one hand behind her nape and the other to her throat, he tilted her chin another half-inch then covered her mouth with his. The instant after he did it, he regretted it, but then she coiled her arms around his neck and drew him closer, and he couldn’t stop. He never wanted to. She didn’t resist him, in fact, she melted in his arms. She groaned softly when he drew his tongue across the seam of her mouth. She bit his lip and ignited his blood to liquid fire. He swept his tongue in and out of her, holding her close to him while they kissed, wanting nothing more from her than what she gave him now. Making love to her could be dangerous if Charlotte found out. He’d have to make sure she didn’t find out, at least until he had proof of other crimes and could arrest her. If she hurt Abigail before that he’d hang her himself.

He wondered, as he held her in his arms and kissed her long into the night, how he could be so content with one he was supposed to hate.

Glenfinnan Memorial to Bonnie Prince Charlie


April's Fools fall in love with Romance


4/1: State of Romance - Rhode Island (CPO George Bradley)
plus Paula Quinn's THE SCANDALOUS SECRET OF ABIGAIL MACGREGOR
4/2: Cara Elliott's SCANDALOUSLY YOURS
4/3: Amanda Scott's DEVIL'S MOON
4/4: BATTLE CREEK - TV Review
4/5: Weekly Winners

4/6: Rachel Grant's INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE
4/7: Jeanette Murray's BELOW THE BELT
4/8: State of Romance - South Carolina
4/9: Gina Conkle's THE LADY MEETS HER MATCH
4/10: Maggie Mae Gallagher's REMEMBER ME

plus Delilah Marvelle's THE DUKE OF ANDELOT
4/11: Celebrate Little Victories
4/12: Weekly Winners
4/13:  Susana Ellis and BEAUX, BALLROOMS, AND BATTLES - A Celebration of Waterloo

4/14:  Kelsey Browning, Nancy Naigle, and IN HIGH COTTON
4/15: State of Romance - Iowa (Bob Feller no hitter on 4/16)
plus Heather Ashby
4/16: Sally Orr's WHEN A RAKE FALLS

4/17: Susanna Kearsley's A DESPERATE FORTUNE
4/18: Celebrate Little Victories
4/19: Weekly Winners
4/20: 
Elizabeth Moss' COURTLY LOVE

4/21: Collette Cameron's WAGERS GONE AWRY
4/22: Wednesday's Warriors - 
Authors connected to the military
State of Romance - Wisconsin (Barbara Vey)
4/23: Samantha Chase's MEANT FOR YOU
4/24: 
Sandra James' FRINGE BENEFITS

4/25: Celebrate Little Victories - Coin Challenge 
4/26: Weekly Winners
4/27: 
Victoria Roberts' Kilts & Daggers 

4/28: Kelley Bowen's A GOOD ROGUE IS HARD TO FIND
plus Linda Broday's TWICE A TEXAS BRIDE
4/29:  Jill Mansell' MAKING YOUR MIND UP
plus State of Romance - London
4/30: Anna Campbell's A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT
plus Jade Lee's 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake

5/1: May is Armed Forces Appreciation Month with Leah Marie Brown's FAKING IT
5/2: RT Spotlight - Elizabeth Boyle
5/3: 
RT Spotlight - Beth Ciotta
5/4: RT Spotlight - Chanel Cleeton
5/5: RT Spotlight - Emmy Curtis
5/6: RT Spotlight - Paige Tyler

plus State of Romance - New Mexico
5/7: RT Spotlight - Elizabeth Essex
5/8: RT Spotlight - Lea Griffith
5/9: RT Spotlight - Sharon Hamilton
5/10: RT Spotlight - Elle James
5/11: RT Spotlight - Sabrina Jeffries
5/12: RT Spotlight - Cat Johnson

5/13: RT Spotlight - Kennedy Layne
plus State of Romance - Nebraska
5/14: RT Spotlight - Merline Lovelace
5/15: RT Spotlight - Ophelia London
5/16: RT Spotlight - Siera London
5/17: RT Spotlight - Sally MacKenzie
5/18: RT Spotlight - Lindsay McKenna
5/19: RT Spotlight - Crista McHugh 

plus Melissa Cutler's GAME CHANGER
5/20: RT Spotlight - Angel Payne
plus State of Romance - Idaho
5/21: RT Spotlight - Elle J Rossi
5/22: RT Spotlight - Susan Stoker
5/23: RT Spotlight - Rebecca Yarros
5/24: RT Spotlight - Kara Braden
5/25: RT Spotlight - Julie Ann Walker
5/26: RT Spotlight - Ella Quinn
5/27: RT Spotlight - Kimberly Rocha

plus State of Romance - North and South Dakotas
5/28: RT Spotlight - Julie Rowe
5/29: RT Spotlight - Megan Bamford
5/30: RT Spotlight - Jamie Rae 

5/31: RT Spotlight - Donna Michaels 


6/1: Jessica James' MEANT TO BE
6/2: L.A. Kornetsky's CLAWED
6/3: State of Romance - Colorado
6/4: Leslie Wells' KEEP DANCING
6/5: Sharon Sala's I'LL STAND BY YOU
6/6: Celebrate Little Victories
6/7: May winners and weekly winners
6/8: Rosanna Bittner's OUTLAW HEARTS
6/9: Isabel Cooper's NIGHT OF HIGHLAND DRAGON

plus Jenna Jaxon's ONLY MARRIAGE WILL DO
6/10: State of Romance - Maine
plus Mia Marlowe's NEVER RESIST A RAKE
6/11: King Kamehameha Day
6/12: Karida Clarke
6/13: Trooping of the Colors
6/14: Weekly Winners
6/15: Debra Holt's HIS COUNTRY BRIDE
6/16: Julie Rowe's DEADLY STRAIN
6/17: State of Romance - Puerto Rico
6/18: Victoria Vane's SHARP SHOOTER
6/19: Emily Greenwood's THE BEAUTIFUL ONE
6/20: Celebrate Little Victories
6/21: Weekly Winners
6/22: Debra Holt's HIS COUNTRY BRIDE

6/23: Open
6/24: State of Romance - Scotland
6/25: Open
6/26: Open
6/27: Celebrate Little Victories
6/28: Weekly Winners
6/29: Open
6/30: Reserved 


7/1: Wednesday's Warriors
7/2: Reserved 
7/3: Reserved
7/4: Celebrate Little Victories
7/5: Weekly Winners
7/6: Adrienne Giordano's THE DETECTIVE
7/7: Reserved
7/8: Wednesday's Warriors
7/9: Open
7/10: Open
7/11: Celebrate Little Victories
7/12: Weekly Winners
7/13: Open
7/14: Open
7/15: Wednesday's Warriors
7/16: Open
7/17: Open
7/18: Celebrate Little Victories
7/19: Weekly Winners
7/20: Open
7/21: Ella Quinn's LADY BEREFORD'S LOVER
7/22: Wednesday's Warriors
7/23: Open
7/24: Open
7/25: Celebrate Little Victories
7/26: Weekly Winners
7/27: Open
7/28: Open
7/29: Wednesday's Warriors
7/30: Open
7/31: Open

8/25: Jodi Thomas' RANSOM CANYON

11/3:  Debra Holt's MERCY'S RESCUE


12/22:  Ella Quinn's MISS FEATHERTON'S CHRISTMAS PRINCE




Aloha to Jodi Thomas and ONE TRUE HEART

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Texas sweetheart, Jodi Thomas, joins us today to celebrate the release of ONE TRUE HEART, Book 8 in the Harmony series, available April 7, 2015, from Berkley Romance ...

ONE TRUE HEART is a book I’ve been waiting to write for several years. Sometimes characters sat around the kitchen in my mind waiting for their story to be pulled off the back burner and come to life. For those of you who have followed me through Harmony you’re going to see one of my favorite couples Beau and Trouble. And of those who are new, you’ll meet new characters that I think you’ll fall in love with.

I think I’ve wanted to write this story since I wrote TWISTED CREEK. After all, someone had to move into Luke’s cabin after he moved out and what better than a broken hero.

When you step into ONE TRUE HEART you’ll step into Harmony where the lives of the people in the town blend together. You’ll meet Millanie McAllen and Drew Cunningham. Both hiding out from life for different reasons. In their love story the gentle, loving man wins out. As they face the truth about real love they also must both face their fears.

Drew, who is always organized and calm has, what he believes, is the craziest sister on the planet. She dances in the moonlight and tells fortunes. In her first session with Johnny Wheeler, he’s arrested for killing his ex-wife. Kare knows Johnny didn’t do it. She didn’t see murder in his lifeline. Johnny thinks she’s nuts, but she’s determined to help him even if she has to draft her big brother to help.

Another story threads its way through the book. Beau Yates comes back to town for a few days. He’s a successful singer in Nashville, but deep down knows that all his love songs are about one girl. He doesn’t even know her name, he simply calls her Trouble. She used to pick him up after work. She’d every dream he’s ever had about love.

This story has people who will come to life as you read. You’ll fall in love with a first love and fall in love for the last time with a forever love. I hope my characters will walk off the pages for you as they have for me.

Now and then I get a letter or e-mail asking me where Harmony, Texas is. It’s in my mind. It always has been. It’s the small town where people care about each other. It is as alive as any town I’ve ever lived in and I hope it will come alive for you also.

Happy reading,

Jodi Thomas

Jodi Thomas

Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of 41 novels and 13 short story collections. A five-time RITA winner, Jodi currently serves as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. 

ONE TRUE HEART

Jodi Thomas takes us back to Harmony, Texas—a small town where love blooms and secrets of the past threaten to alter the future… 


Millanie McAllen is always logical. But after returning to her childhood home, she learns that some things are beyond explanation—like her undeniable passion for Drew Cunningham… After finding success as a singer on the road, Beau Yates returns to Harmony to make peace with his dying father— only to find the woman he’s been dreaming of for years. But the secrets they discover might be too much for him to bear… 

When Johnny Wheeler is charged with his wife’s murder, he turns to the only person who believes he’s innocent. Fortune teller Kare Cunningham’s life has always danced around reality—but Johnny is able to ground her like no other… As their paths cross in new, captivating directions, the townspeople of Harmony need to learn to love and let go in order to live together in their little slice of heaven. 

“Filled with amazing people..”—Romance Reviews Today

Pre-order from jodithomas.com.

Jodi (center) with her RITA award in 2011.

I am giving away "heart" swag to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What brings harmony to your life?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

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Monday, March 30, 2015

Aloha to Stacy Henrie and A HOPE REMEMBERED


The final book in Stacy Henrie's sweeping Of Love and War trilogy brings to life the drama of battle torn Europe with emotion, faith, and of course, romance.


As the war ends, love begins . . .

Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiancĂ© in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world . . . 

After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight-this time for love.

Amazon
BAM 
B&N
IndieBound
GooglePlay
iTunes
Kobo 



Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. Her first novel, Lady Outlaw, released from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical in 2012. 

Aloha to Jessica Scott and IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU - Release Week Blitz


She plays by the rules . . . 
Captain Ben Teague is many things: a tough soldier, a loyal friend, and a bona fide smart-ass. He doesn't have much tolerance for BS, which is why he's mad as hell when a trusted colleague and mentor is brought up on charges that can't possibly be true. He's even more frustrated with by-the-book lawyer Major Olivia Hale. But there's something simmering beneath her icy reserve--and Ben just can't resist turning up the heat . . .

. . . and he's determined to break them
The only thing riskier than mixing business with pleasure is enjoying it . . . and Olivia can't resist locking horns--and lips--with Ben. He's got more compassion in his little finger than any commander she's ever met, a fact that makes him a better leader than he realizes. But when the case that brought them together awakens demons from Olivia's past, she will have to choose between following orders--or her heart . . .


Amazon
B&N
iBooks
Kobo
BAM
GooglePlay




USA Today bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer; mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs; wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well-adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house. She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View: Regarding War Blog, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn and has served as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas. She's pursuing a PhD in Sociology in her spare time and most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads




Forever is hosting a giveaway at this link ... and offers and an excerpt from IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU:

“You don’t like being in command, do you, Ben?” she whispered. The air was thick between them, heavy with unsaid things.

He shook his head. “It’s too much responsibility for other people’s problems. I’m not qualified to judge someone else’s screw ups,” he said.

He shifted so he could face her, his body angled toward hers. A shadow partially concealed his face, casting it in hard lines and a dozen shades of grey.

“You’re not supposed to be perfect to be a leader,” she whispered. Her voice cracked, hung on the tension in her neck from sitting a little too close.

Silence filled the space between them. Heavy and warm and crackling with latent energy.

He licked his bottom lip, his gaze locked with hers. “I don’t want to be either,” he said. His voice was a husky whisper filled with need.

Her breath caught in her throat. A hesitant movement. A breath closer. This was monumentally stupid. Infinitely so.

And yet she parted her lips, her entire body trembling in anticipation of the faintest touch of his. He was there, just there. A breath separated them. Nothing more.

It was a hesitant kiss. A light, teasing brush of his top lip against hers. Her breath mingled with his, threading between them and urging her closer. She met his eyes, waiting. Wanting. Needing more of this deeply sensual man who made her feel so many writhing, hungry things.

It was forever before either of them moved. Her breath was locked in her throat. Then she felt it. His palm slid over her cheek, his fingers rough on her skin. Warmth penetrated her, wound its way over the surface to slide beneath her skin and stroke something long dormant to life.

Need. It was need that made her lean toward him. Need that made her part her lips and trace his mouth with her tongue. Need that made her nip his bottom lip and thread her fingers in the short hair on the back of his neck.

Need that made her gasp in pleasure as his tongue slid against hers, twining in that sensuous dance that brought her blood to life. Heat pounded between her thighs, an aching, pulsing want that scorched her like nothing she’d ever felt.

She gave herself over to the sensation, to the pleasure of his touch. Knowing it was a mistake and far past caring as her breath finally released, mixing with the heated strokes of his tongue.

She eased back after a moment, before she did something monumentally stupid, like crawling into his lap in broad daylight.

“We really should talk about those legal packets,” she said against his mouth.

His smile was unexpected. “Wow, you are hell on a man’s ego,” he said.

The laugh caught her off guard and she rested her forehead against his as she struggled to regain her composure. Something opened against her heart, something unexpected and warm.

Something complicated.

For a brief moment, it was tempting to throw caution to the curb, to nuzzle his mouth with hers, to absorb his taste andwarmth.

And then reality kicked in.

“We really should head back. We’ve got that meeting in two hours,” she said.

He smiled. “Always responsible and focused.”

He brushed his thumb over her lip as he said it. This was something nice.

Unexpected.

It was going to be an interesting legal briefing, that was for damn sure.



Sunday, March 29, 2015

Aloha to Kim Amos and A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Release Week Blitz


Twelve years ago, beautiful, blond, wealthy Willa Masterson left White Pine, tires squealing, for New York City, without looking back. Since then, she's enjoyed everything New York has to offer a girl with unlimited resources. But the recent discovery that her boyfriend has squandered her inheritance in a Ponzi scheme sends Willa back to White Pine, to the only asset she has left: her childhood home, which she plans to turn into a high-end B&B. 

Enter Burk Olmstead, the best contractor in town-and Willa's high school boyfriend, whom she left high and dry when she moved away. Hard-working, hard-bodied Burk, who has been taking care of Willa's childhood home for years, also has plans for the beautiful old house-plans that conflict with Willa's B&B. When these two argue, sparks fly and reignite the fire that's always been between them...but it may take the whole town of White Pine to get these two lovers back together for good.


A Midwesterner whose roots run deep, Kim Amos is a writer living in Michigan with her husband and three furry animals.


Forever is hosting a giveaway at this link.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City


Saturday, March 28, 2015

Weekly Winners

princessbrideforever.com

I injured myself this past week, forcing me to spend time in an easy chair.  At least I've seen two great movies on cable -  THE PRINCESS BRIDE and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN.

We have winners at SOS Aloha:

Liberty States Fiction Writers' Create Something Magical Conference
- Karen T. wins a book choice from my convention stash.



Susan Stoker's PROTECTING SUMMER
- Chelsea B. wins a book choice from my convention stash.


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From my travel blog, featuring Historical Authors scheduled to appear at the RT Booklovers' Convention
- Marjory wins a book choice from 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

A League of Their Own


Friday, March 27, 2015

Celebrate Little Victories - Liberty States Fiction Writers' Create Something Magical Conference


Last weekend, I took the train to New Jersey for the Liberty States Fiction Writers (LSFW) Create Something Magical Conference.   The two and half hour train ride was a wise decision as Mother Nature decided to celebrate the Spring with snow.  It was beautiful to watch the countryside blanketed in white fluff ... and I was thankful that I was not driving in it.

Upon arrival at the conference hotel, I took a quick nap before joining Kimberly Rocha from Book Obsessed Chicks.  She coordinated a big table for readers, bloggers, and authors at the Kona Grill ... gotta love the restaurant name!   Kimberly is an enthusiastic blogger who brings the romance community together ... I enjoyed meeting three readers and one aspiring author new to me.  I also chatted with Wendy LaCapra, who is celebrating her debut release, LADY VICE.


Chocolate Dessert

On Saturday morning, I played Scattergories with Jennifer L Armentrout, Cat Johnson, and Elisabeth Staab - my team came in second place with our ability to list many places starting with the letter N.   

Sylvia Day  gave an inspirational speech during lunch, noting that our fear holds us back from success.   During lunch, I sat next to Ruth A Casie - I enjoyed stories from her world travels. 

Following lunch, Sylvia hosted a cozy chat with readers.   I asked her to share what she learned as an Army linguist that helped her with her writing career.  Sylvia answered, "Teamwork".  Thank you, Sylvia, for your service!  

I also attended the Reader/Author mixer, giving readers the opportunity to meet authors and complete a "scavenger hunt" of sorts.  During the mixer, I chatted with Holly Bush - a historical author new to me.  And ... I won a Kindle Fire XD! 

We ended the day with a dance party hosted by Kimberly ... Damon Suede is the Dancing King! 


On Sunday morning, I attended Family Feud with Damon, Sara Humphreys, and Judi Fennell.  I left Damon speechless with my answer to one question ... you'll just have to ask him! The conference ended with a pizza party and fond memories of Romanceland.

I am giving away conference swag to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway, 

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite "game" - Scattagories?  Jeopardy?  Family Feud?  Something else?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, April 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 5.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City 


Blue Hawaiian

Aloha to Nancy Lee Badger and MY HONORABLE HIGHLANDER - Audio Book


My favorite Highlander author, Nancy Lee Badger, joins us today with a guest post ...

As a writer, I deal with putting words on paper to create my novels. I grew up reading comic books, then paperbacks, but the world has changed. People still want to read books, and a physical book is a quiet companion, but today’s busy lifestyle means less time to sit and read either a paperback, or even on an ereader.

This is why I looked into putting my books on Audio through ACX.com.

When I visit a Scottish Highland games or festival, sounds range from the voices of happy visitors conversing about clans, or the athletic events. Many of the attendees are from Scotland…either visiting the United States of America, or having emigrated here. Their deep brogues, and odd Gaelic words, add another layer of fantasy, and I have heard them at Highland games from Maine to Florida. I thought, “How neat would it be to actually hear my characters.”

Writers hear their characters in their heads, of course, but I wanted my readers to hear them, too. I found a way by hiring a narrator through ACX, the business end of Audible.com. After trials and errors, I hired Tracy Marks. She and I made the magic happen. When the narrator sent along chapter after recorded chapter, my excitement grew. I read along with a print copy of my book. My recorded book, My Honorable Highlander, can now be heard on a PC, an ereader, a tablet, or a smart phone.

My Honorable Highlander was the first book in my Highland Games Through Time series, and the beginning of my Scottish time travel novels. I hope to publish the other books in audio versions as well.

This is the excerpt I posted at ACX.com. Narrators auditioned by recording these three voices: two sixteenth-century Scottish brogues and one modern American female.

Kirk, our hero, has just stumbled upon his cousin, Cameron. His handsome cousin has his arms wrapped around our heroine from the future, Haven:

“I regret having frightened the wench, but I hunted near the river and never saw her until I was upon her. When I made her aware of my presence, she slipped and fell.” Cameron stood at attention.

Kirk glared and his fists trembled.

True, Haven does have a problem staying on her feet.

“So ye picked her up and hugged her to yer chest.”

“She fell. Hard. Aye, I picked her up. She claimed to be fine. I had set her down when ye appeared.”

“Ye and Lady Haven have no regard for one another?”

“I will not lie, dear cousin.” Cameron strolled to Kirk’s mount’s rump and patted the animal.

“I worship the ground her dainty feet tread upon. I shall do anything to make her mine.”

Kirk sputtered at his words and the lust that blazed in Cameron’s eyes. Kirk had ordered Cameron to answer for his actions. Again. First, he had disobeyed an order. Now, he professed his feelings for Haven.

How could I have been so blind?

Kirk could not compete with his cousin’s perfect face and golden hair. His kinsman aroused many a lass because no scars marred Cameron’s profile. Had Kirk not witnessed the adoration Haven bestowed on his cousin when he and his warriors had stepped from the forest? Was it only gratitude?

“God’s teeth! We found ye entwined in each other’s arms.”

“The sight of Lady Haven in God’s glory will not stay me from my course.”

“So, ye did indeed see her unclothed?”

“We have no secrets, do we, Cousin? Ye must admit the lovely mark high on her left hip is most appealing. Let us not pit ourselves against one another with claws drawn.”

Kirk caught the reference to Lady Haven’s mark of the cat. A tattoo, she had called it.



Book Blurb

Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love -- Laird Kirkwall Gunn.

Kirk’s plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.

Audible
Amazon
iTunes



More About Nancy Lee Badger

Award-winning author Nancy Lee Badger loves chocolate-chip shortbread and wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander. Her stories tempt you with the clang of
broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, she moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Area Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers.

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In celebration of her first Audio Book release of My Honorable Highlander, Nancy Lee Badger is giving away FREE DOWNLOAD CODES from Audible.com to THREE lucky readers. Winners will be announced April 2nd

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Aloha to Eloisa James and FOUR NIGHTS WITH THE DUKE


As a young girl, Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington told the annoying future Duke of Pindar that she would marry any man in the world before him-so years later she is horrified to realize that she has nowhere else to turn.

Evander Septimus Brody has his own reasons for agreeing to Mia’s audacious proposal, but there’s one thing he won’t give his inconvenient wife: himself.

Instead, he offers Mia a devil’s bargain… he will spend four nights a year with her. Four nights, and nothing more. And those only when she begs for them.

Which Mia will never do.

Now Vander faces the most crucial challenge of his life: he must seduce his own wife in order to win her heart-and no matter what it takes, this is the one battle he can’t afford to lose.

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A New York Times bestselling author, Eloisa James is a professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but who can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. (Her husband is an honest to goodness Italian knight!) Eloisa’s website offers short stories, extra chapters, and even a guide to shopping in Florence.

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Eloisa offers an excerpt of FOUR NIGHTS WITH A DUKE ...

A queer numbness came over her. She, Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington, was about to coerce a duke into marrying her. An old maid in her twenties, possessed of neither violet-colored eyes nor a slender waist, was—

This was not a helpful train of thought.

She had to stop trembling. The proposal wasn’t for her benefit. Nor was it for an extended period of time. She simply needed Vander to marry her in name only, for a year at most. It was the only way she could take guardianship of her nephew, Charles Wallace.

Nephew? In all the ways that counted, Charlie was her son. Her own child.

She took a deep breath. Women dove from the decks of tall ships to save children fallen overboard. They fought tigers and wild boars.

What was a mere duke compared to a man-eating carnivore? She’d heard some creatures had such large teeth that they could be hollowed out and used as soup ladles.

Right.

The tricky part was that Mr. Plummer, her solicitor, had been adamant that the duke could not be informed of the reasons for her proposal, or His Grace would almost certainly reject her. By marrying her, the duke not only took on guardianship of a small boy; he gained control of an extremely large estate running adjacent to his, which would look highly suspicious to his peers.

Their marriage would be a cause cĂ©lèbre without even taking into account the scandals caused by their parents: Vander would almost certainly face a lawsuit charging him with theft of the estate from Charlie’s uncle on his mother’s side, Sir Richard Magruder.

Sir Richard was a horrible man. Of course he wanted to remain in charge of the thriving Carrington estate—which she had no doubt he would promptly waste in litigation.

His lordship could easily star as villain in one of her novels. In fact, she decided on the spot, he probably would in the future.

Vander—His Grace, the Duke of Pindar—was just another supercilious, privileged, silly man, she reminded herself. He wasn’t a tiger with soup ladles for teeth.

She could do this.

She must do this.


Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Aloha to the LUCKY 7 BRAZEN BROTHERS Book Blitz Tour


SEVEN New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors bring you SEVEN contemporary romance novellas, starring SEVEN brazen bachelors.

Get lucky with a brazen bachelor. . . .

Just One Night by Caridad Pineiro, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. He has just one night to show her that anything is possible.

Heart Hunter by Sophia Knightly, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. Young widow Evie Parker is looking for love, but notorious Scottish playboy Cameron Hunter won’t do - though she's wildly attracted to him. Will Evie give in to his hot pursuit, or will Cameron’s “Heartbreak Hunter” reputation and scheming outside forces keep them apart?

A SEAL’s Sacrifice by Tawny Weber, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. Never underestimate a sexy, stubborn SEAL…

Kiss of a Lifetime by Nina Bruhns, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. An innocent student and a hard-bitten mercenary are thrown together during a coup...and their passionate kiss leads to secrets and danger—and the love of a lifetime.

License to Date by Susan Hatler, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. Kaitlin swears off men, but agrees to five dates in five nights and ends up falling for a mysterious bartender who isn’t what he seems.

Wild For Mr. Wrong by Virna DePaul, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. When a guarded prosecutor goes head-to-head with a brazen southern defense attorney, passion sparks in the courtroom and ends up blazing in the bedroom.

It Must’ve Been Love by Kristin Miller, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. Feisty bookstore owner Georgia Swift dreams of the kind of true love found in romance novels. When bestselling author Grayson Thompson comes into Blue Lake on a book tour, their chemistry jumps off the page. Is happily-ever-after reserved for novels, or will the passion sparking between them prove it’s within reach?

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Caridad Pineiro

NY Times and USA Today Bestseller Caridad Pineiro is the author of nearly 50 novels and novellas. You can find out more about Caridad at caridad.com

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Susan Hatler

Susan Hatler is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes contemporary romance and young adult novels. Visit Susan at susanhatler.com

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facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
twitter.com/SusanHatler

Kristin Miller

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristin Miller is a teacher turned bestselling romance author from Northern California. For more info: kristinmiller.net

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facebook.com/AuthorKristinMiller
twitter.com/kristinmiller02

Nina Bruhns

Nina Bruhns is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over 35 romantic thrillers, romantic suspense novels, and erotic thrillers. Learn more about Nina and sign up for her new-releases newsletter at NinaBruhns.com

NinaBruhns.com
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Sophia Knightly

Sophia Knightly is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, feel-good romances featuring hot alpha heroes and strong, smart women. Sign up for her “New Release and Giveaways” newsletter at this link.

sophiaknightly.net
facebook.com/sophiaknightly
twitter.com/SophiaKnightly

Virna DePaul

Virna DePaul is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy suspenseful fiction with characters willing to overcome incredible odds for love. Connect with Virna at virnadepaul.com

virnadepaul.com
facebook.com/booksthatrock
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Tawny Weber

Tawny Weber is known for her sassy, sexy stories. A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, she tells tales of hot alpha heroes and the women strong enough to handle them. Check her out at tawnyweber.com

tawnyweber.com
facebook.com/TawnyWeber.RomanceAuthor
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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Wednesday's Warriors - Susan Stoker and SEAL of Protection

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Susan Stoker is one of the participating authors for the SOS America Military Tribute at the RT Booklovers Convention in Dallas (link).   She joins us for a cozy chat to celebrate the release of PROTECTING SUMMER, Book 3 in her SEAL of Protection series.  From her bio,


Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She is quite the romantic and even met the love of her life on "Hotmail classified" before online dating and sites like match.com even existed!

Susan loves writing but her true passion is adopting dogs from rescue groups and shelters. Susan and her husband have had a total of nine "rescued" dogs since 2000 including a variety of basset hounds and bloodhounds. She has recently branched out and adopted a basset/terrier mix who acts more like a terrier than a basset (i.e. digging, eating a couch and being hyper).



Kim:  We love travel here at SOS Aloha! Can you share a favorite sight, sound, and smell from Missouri - California - Colorado - Indiana?

Susan:  When we lived in Missouri, my husband was a Drill Sergeant, so the sight of the "cattle car" slowly making its way onto post always made me laugh, because I knew the Privates inside had NO idea what was going to be unleashed on them by the Drill Sergeants as soon as they crossed onto the base. 

When we were in California, we were stationed at Ft Irwin in the Mojave Desert. One of the favorite things we did was a hike to the top of the "mountain" on the post. You could literally see for miles and miles in the desert around us. It was absolutely beautiful. 

Colorado was an interesting post for me, because Mr. Stoker was stationed in Korea while I lived in CO. Living in Colorado Springs was, of course, beautiful, but the best memories I had of there was getting to travel to South Korea both Christmas Breaks. It's such a different culture...and it was great to see him after six months of being apart. 

And lastly, after Korea my husband was moved to Kentucky (yes, I was still in Colorado because that's where we THOUGHT he'd be moved after his stint in Korea was over). I was able to get a job in Indiana. While we still lived apart, at least we were only 4 hours apart instead of 10 (Colorado to Kentucky). One fun memory I have from that time was on my birthday, Mr Stoker hid my presents all over Lexington, and I had to read clues and go hunt them down. 

The bottom line is that every place was different...Moving gives you a new perspective on yourself and the world around you.

Kim:  What have you learned from frequent moves that you can apply to your writing career?

Susan:  Patience. I think every author would like to become an overnight sensation with their first book...but as many in the industry say, "It's a marathon, not a sprint." Things don't always go as planned and it's best to "go with the flow". I try to do that with my writing as well.  The other thing I think I've learned is not to buy into drama. Being in the military, and living on various Army bases, drama abounds...and that was BEFORE Facebook appeared on the scene! So I try to keep my head down, be polite, and just write.

Kim:  Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?

Susan:  I was proof reading for a small publishing house and when I realized what I'd written "for fun" in my spare time was just as good, or better, than what I was proofing, I decided to jump in feet first. As my husband says..."Susan, you've been preparing your entire life to be a romance author." He's right, I've been reading romances since I was in middle school! But the bottom line is the most helpful people have been the readers I've met and talked to. They have encouraged me by telling they have enjoyed my books and helping give me the confidence to keep writing and publishing.

Kim:  Tell us about your books - what inspired them?

Susan:  I'm not sure I can point to one thing and say "THIS" inspired me to write...I have a good imagination (when I was little I'd spend hours in the backyard pretending I was Wonder Woman, then pretending I was the damsel in distress who had to be rescued BY Woman Woman lol) and I just use what I think up in my head to make a story. Writers tend to write what they like to read, and I've always been a sucker for that "strong woman needs to be rescued" story. That theme repeats itself in a lot of my stories.

Kim:  What's next for Susan Stoker

Susan:  I'd love to say a movie deal, but I don't think that's what you meant! HA! After my SEAL of Protection Series, I have a law enforcement series up my sleeve. I've already written the first two books in the series and the first book is slated to come out this fall (2015). After that I have plans to start on a firefighter series. I have also dipped my toe into writing erotica..under a pen name. It's a whole different thing to write than romantic suspense, that's for sure! Then...who knows!

Mahalo, Susan, for your service as a military spouse!  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 anything in which you have "jump in feet first".   Each assignment gives me the opportunity to "jump in feet first" to a new community.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Susan and her books at stokeraces.com.

Check out my posts for "Getting Ready for RT Booklovers Convention" on my travel blog at this link and link.

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