Wednesday's Warrior - Aloha to Marilyn Pappano and A PROMISE OF FOREVER

Today I am honored to host Marilyn Pappano - a military spouse who writes military heroes.  From her bio,

Known for her intensely emotional stories, Marilyn Pappano is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly eighty books. She has made regular appearances on bestseller lists and has received recognition for her work in the form of numerous awards. Though her husband's Navy career took them across the United States, he and Ms. Pappano now live in Oklahoma high on a hill that overlooks her hometown. They have one son and daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and a pack of mischievous dogs.

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Marilyn joins me for a cozy chat ... 

Kim:  Thank you for husband's service, and yours, too, as a military spouse. Can you share one favorite memory from Navy life?

Marilyn:  You're welcome, and the same to you! One of my favorite memories came when we were stationed in Charleston SC. Bob was assigned to the USS Sierra, and they were returning from a brief cruise. The families, including our infant son and I, were waiting on the pier, all excited and anticipating a wonderful reunion. Arrival time came and went, people started getting restless, kids running in circles. To make matters even worse, our son, who'd woken with a cough, was quickly getting sicker. Finally, word spread: the ship had run aground in the channel just a few miles away. It took forever for them to reach the pier, everyone was cranky, and instead of enjoying a wonderfully romantic reunion (it would have been our first), we wound up taking our son to the ER at the naval hospital, where we found out he had pneumonia! In the end, it was all good: the baby recovered, and Bob and I had a little quiet time together. It was a good lesson for a new Navy wife: be prepared for anything.

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

Marilyn:  A long-gone editor at Silhouette (now part of Harlequin) helped me in an unusual way: she told me I had no talent for storytelling. I wanted to prove her wrong, so I finished my second book and submitted it to Leslie Wainger at the same house, who bought it right away. Leslie was a huge help; she spent a lot of time, not just telling me what I did wrong but why it was wrong and showing me how to fix it. I learned more working with her than any courses could ever have taught me.

Kim:  I know Leslie!  She is awesome!  I'll share the story of how I met Leslie in a future blog.  What inspired the Tallgrass series and A PROMISE OF FOREVER?

Marilyn:  An editor I'd worked with before asked if I was interested in doing a military-themed series for her. It took five or six months, but suddenly, on the 4th of July, it all came together. There are authors with military backgrounds writing from that view, but I was a Navy wife and an Army mom, so the natural focus for me is from that angle. A PROMISE OF FOREVER was one of those lucky books that just grew. Ben and Lucy appeared in previous books; Avi and Calvin just naturally filled in the blanks. Avi's my first active-duty female character, and I love her.

Mahalo, Marilyn, for sharing A PROMISE OF FOREVER.  I'll post my review on the 4th of July.

Sergeant First Class Avi Grant's return to Tallgrass, Oklahoma is a long-deferred wish come true. With her final tour in Afghanistan over, Avi can focus on her future-a job here at home and a family of her own. There's just one thing she has to do first: visit her beloved commanding officer's widow and share her grief. The last thing she expected was to feel an instant attraction to the woman's son. Too bad the sexy surgeon is impossible to ignore . . . and even harder to resist.

The sting of his parents' divorce still niggles at Ben Noble. So when a warm, funny, and beautiful young sergeant arrives, mourning his stepfather's loss as strongly as his mother does, Ben can't help but feel conflicted. If his parents taught him anything, it's that love doesn't last-especially with a career soldier. But try as he might to keep his distance, Ben begins to see that Avi-and the spark she brings to his life-is the stuff forever is made of. As Avi's leave ticks away, can Ben convince her to take a chance on forever with him?

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Forever Romance offers a giveaway at this link ... and an excerpt from A PROMISE OF FOREVER:

Outside, the sounds of children playing were louder, the splashes indicating that the kids across the street were enjoying one of the last swims of the summer. Avi and Ben walked silently to her car, parked in the driveway.

She nestled the pie plate into the passenger seat, tucked her purse around to hold it in place, then closed the door before turning to him.

So . . . Would he ask for her cell number? Offer his? Make firm plans to see her again before driving away?

For the first time in a long time, the answers mattered.

Linking his fingers with hers, he pulled her to the driver’s side of the car, then stood, invading her personal She liked it.

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?”

Yes! “Not a single one.”

He combed his fingers through his hair. “Would you like to go out to dinner?”

She wanted to blurt out the affirmative as quickly as it had echoed in her head, but he went on. “You would have to drive to Tulsa. Tuesday is surgery day, so if I come here, I can’t get here before seven, and I’ll have to head back before nine.”

Drive to Tulsa? An hour or less. No big deal. She’d had commutes between apartments and forts that took longer, and that was just to work. An evening with Ben was such a nicer payoff. “I don’t mind.”

“I usually get out of clinic around six. We could meet at my house around six thirty?”

A smile spread across her face. “I can handle that.”

“Good.” He wasn’t smiling, but his eyes showed something just as encouraging. Relief, maybe, or satisfaction. Hmm. She could show him satisfaction.

He leaned closer, just slightly, and lowered his voice. “I’d kiss you good night, but we have an audience.”

Glancing over her shoulder toward the house, she caught just a glimpse of Patricia before the blinds at the living room window settled. Looking back at Ben, she smiled. “Kiss me anyway.”

He closed the last of the distance between them, lowering his mouth to hers, giving her a sweet, gentle, tender kiss that set her blood on fire. It was impressive and surprising and just a bit scary, considering she’d had tons of kisses that were a whole lot more passionate and evoked a whole lot less of a response.

When he lifted his head, her fingers curled, wanting to wrap around the back of his neck and pull him down again. Her heart skipped a beat or two, and something deep inside her felt deprived.

In the dim light, Ben looked impressed and surprised and a bit scared, too. For a moment, he stared at her, all intense and searching, then he gave a rueful shake of his head. Stepping back, he asked for her cell phone, input his number, and texted it to himself to get her number.

“Six thirty,” he said when he handed it back, his voice rough-edged. “I’ll send you the address.”

“I’ll be there.”

Aloha to Jill Shalvis and SECOND CHANCE SUMMER

SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Jill Shalvis (June 30, 2015; Grand Central Publishing Mass Market; Cedar Ridge #1)

Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it's the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there's an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . .

The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .

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New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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Forever is hosting a giveaway at this link .... and offers an except from SECOND CHANCE SUMMER:

"So you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“Other than I hate snakes and you saw me in my PJs? Nothing.” She lifted her chin and defied him to contradict her.

She should have known better. Like Ashley, he’d never met a challenge he didn’t face head-on.

He moved toward her, right into her personal space.

She took a step back and came up against the wall.

This didn’t stop him. He kept his forward momentum until they were toe to toe. And then while she was still standing there a little dumbfounded and also something else, something that felt uncomfortably close to sheer, unadulterated lust, he put his hands on the wall on either side of her head.

This both escalated her heart rate and stopped her lungs from operating. “Um—”

“You had your chance to tell me what’s wrong with you,” he said. “You passed. Now I’m going to tell you what’s wrong with me.”

Oh, God. Talking would be a bad idea. As for a good idea, she had only one, and before she could consider the consequences, she gripped his shirt, hauled him down, and kissed him.

He stilled for a single beat and then got on board quick, pulling her in, sinking a hand into her hair to tilt her head to the angle he wanted, and taking over the kiss.

The next thing she was aware of was the sound of her own aroused moan, and she jerked free.

The corner of his mouth quirked. “Did you just kiss me to shut me up?” he asked.

She blew out a sigh. “It made a lot more sense in my head.”

He grinned, one of those really great grins that made something low in her belly quiver. Needing some space, she pushed him, even though her instincts were telling her

to pull him in tighter instead of pushing him away.

“Back to what’s wrong with me,” he said, still looking amused. “It’s you.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but he set a finger against her lips. “My turn,” he said, and lowered his head and kissed her.

And oh. Oh, damn… There were some men who just knew how to kiss, the kind of kiss that could send a woman reeling. The kind of kiss that could take away problems and awareness and…and everything. The kind of kiss that could shatter her into a trillion little pieces. The kind of kiss that somehow both calmed her body and soul even as it wound her up for more.

Aidan was that kind of kisser. Shocking, really, to also realize that in between their first kiss all those years ago and now, that there’d been nothing like it for her.

Aidan pulled back a fraction of an inch, opened his eyes, and stared into hers.

She stared back because wow. Good. So damn good, and for one glorious moment there she’d let her lips cling to his, let the memories of him and all that he’d meant to

her wash over her.

And those memories had all been…epic.

Until the end.

Finding her sanity, she pushed him again. For a beat he didn’t move, just looked into her eyes.

And then, on his own terms, he stepped back.

She pointed at him. “That was…”

He arched a brow.

“Never mind what it was,” she said. “We aren’t going there.”

His smile was grim and utterly without mockery.

“Agreed.” But then he hauled her up to her toes and kissed her again.

And again.

Aloha to Tiffany Snow and POWER PLAY

 

Tiffany Snow is celebrating the release of POWER PLAY.  From her bio,

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Tiffany Snow earned degrees in Education and History from the University of Missouri-Columbia, before launching a career in Information Technology. After over a decade in IT, she switched careers to what she always dreamed of doing - writing. Tiffany is the author of romantic suspense novels such as the Kathleen Turner Series, which includes No Turning Back, Turn to Me and Turning Point. Since she's drawn to character-driven books herself, that's what she loves to write, and the guy always gets his girl. She feeds her love of books with avid reading, yet she manages to spare time and considerable affection for trivia, eighties hair bands, the St. Louis Cardinals, and Elvis. She and her husband have two daughters and one dog.

tiffanyasnow.com

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Kim:  You're a writer … convince us to visit Missouri. What is an enticing sight, sound, and smell of Missouri?

Tiffany:  The best thing about Missouri is the St. Louis Cardinals and Busch Stadium. There’s nothing like munching on a ballpark hot dog, sipping a cold beer, and watching the boys of summer play ball on a sunny afternoon or warm evening. The St. Louis Arch looms over the stadium as do the buildings of downtown. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd…nothing beats watching the Cards take home another winner.

Kim:  Favorite Bon Jovi song and why?

Tiffany:  My favorite Bon Jovi song should be “Bed of Roses” since Jon sang that to me himself (I was even on the Jumbo-tron), but actually it’s “My Life,” which I view as my theme song. The lyrics are “It’s my life, it’s now or never. I ain’t gonna live forever. I just wanna live while I’m alive.”

Kim:  What inspired the Risky Business series and your new book POWER PLAY?

Tiffany:  The oldest cliché in the world is a boss and his secretary. I decided I’d like to see how that played out in an environment where the secretary really is like an extension of himself, but a romance of course is forbidden. Throw in something to upset the relationship balance—such as a hot cop with his eyes set on the secretary—and watch how it all unfolds.

THIS KIND OF BUSINESS CAN ONLY BE PERSONAL

Sage Reese lives for her job. More precisely, she lives for her debonair boss, Parker Andersen. Sage handles everything for Parker, even as she fantasizes about the one thing that isn't in her job description: him. But when a high-stakes account crosses the line from shady to deadly, a tough cop starts giving Sage the attention she wishes Parker would . . .

Detective Dean Ryker couldn't be more different from Parker. While Parker wears expensive suits like a second skin and drives a BMW, Ryker's uniform is leather jackets and jeans . . . and his ride of choice is a Harley. While Parker's sexiness is a reserved, slow burn, Ryker is completely upfront about what-and who-he's after. And Sage tops his list.

Now, as Ryker digs deeper into the dark side of Parker's business, Sage finds herself caught between two men: the one she's always wanted-and the one who makes her feel wanted like never before . . .

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Forever is hosting a giveaway at this link.

Aloha to Rosanne Bittner and DO NOT FORSAKE ME

Fate brought them together. His past may tear them apart.

Miranda Hayes’ life was changed the day she faced down infamous gunslinger Jake Harkner…and walked away with his heart. Their fates have been intertwined ever since. Hunted by the law, fleeing across a savage land, their desperate love flourished despite countless sorrows. Now, twenty-six years later, their family has finally found some measure of peace…balanced on the knife’s edge of danger.

Jake has spent his years as a U.S. Marshal atoning for sins, bringing law to the land he once terrorized. But no matter how hard he fights the demons of his brutal past, the old darkness still threatens to consume him. Only Miranda keeps the shadows at bay. But when outlaws looking for revenge strike a fatal blow, Jake risks losing the one woman who saw past his hard exterior and to the man inside.

He always knew there’d be the devil to pay. He just never realized he might not be the one to bear the ultimate price.

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USA Today bestseller and award-winning novelist Rosanne Bittner is known as the “Queen of Western Historical Romance” for her thrilling love stories and historical authenticity. Her epic romances span the West—and are often based on Rosanne’s personal visits to each setting. She lives in Coloma, Michigan, with her husband and two sons.

Learn more about Rosanne and her books at rosannebittner.com.

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In this excerpt Jake has been gravely wounded and Randy has been through the hell of thinking she was losing him. She is talking with a reporter who wants to write about Jake.

“Ma’am, if I may ask … how do you do it?” Jeff asks.

“You’re a mother, a grandmother, and wife to a man who has to be difficult to live with.”

Randy glanced at Jake’s guns lying on the table.

“No one understands my husband the way I do, Jeff. No one. I know every detail about his life, including when he was a little boy. I know how he thinks and what his needs are. I know how he suffers silently on the inside. That’s how I do it.” She wiped at her eyes.

“Jake has a good heart. He treats me with total devotion and respect, so no, he’s not difficult to live with. We’ve had some really bad times, a couple of them a big test of our marriage, but deep down I’ve always known how much Jake Harkner loves and needs me.”

She seemed to be in another world for the moment. “And years ago, not long after we’d met and then gone our separate ways, thinking it was best because he was a wanted man, Jake rode out of my life and I headed west to find my brother. The people I traveled with left me at a trading post when they thought I was dying from a snakebite, and the men at the trading post were … awful. I was in terrible pain, sure I was dying … and one day I heard Jake’s voice, felt him lift me into his arms and promise me he’d never let me out of his sight again. He’d tracked me down and come back for me. I remember how gentle he was when nursing me back from death, bathing me, feeding me, keeping me warm … and never once did he take advantage or touch me wrongly. I knew then all I needed to know about him. I fell totally, deeply, madly in love with the real Jake Harkner.”

Aloha to Sherry Harris and THE LONGEST YARD SALE - Book Review

ONE MAN’S CLUTTER

When Sarah Winston turns Ellington, Massachusetts, into New England’s largest garage sale for a day, it’s the small town’s biggest event since the start of the Revolutionary War—but without the bloodshed. That is, until a valuable painting goes missing…and the lifeless body of an Air Force officer is found in Carol Carson’s painting studio, his face perfectly framed with the murder weapon—a metal picture frame.

IS ANOTHER MAN’S CLOVER

Sarah is mad as heck that someone used her town-wide garage sale to commit a crime—and frame her good friend Carol. She is definitely on this case…but it’s not easy rummaging through increasingly strange clues that point to cheating spouses, downright dirty investment schemes—even the mob. And Sarah will have to be very careful if she wants to live to bargain another day…

Buy, buy, says the sign in the shop window; Why, why, says the junk in the yard. - Paul McCartney

Sherry Harris, an Air Force spouse - turned - cozy mystery author, asked me to review her second book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series.  The heroine is an Air Force spouse, just like Sherry and me.  The story takes place in Ellington, MA, a fictional town inspired by the real town of Bedford, MA.  The action overflows to Fitch AFB, a fictional military base inspired by the real Hanscom AFB.  Sherry and I enjoyed assignments to Hanscom AFB.   How could I say no?

Newly divorced, Sarah is finally getting back her groove. She has a cozy apartment in Ellington, a Colonial town enroute to the North Bridge ala Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.  The mayor hired Sarah to coordinate the Longest Yard Sale to bring commerce and tourists to Ellington.   Despite the sale's success, several fires broke out, a famous painting is stolen, and an Air Force civilian is found dead in the art gallery owned by another Air Force spouse.   Sarah steps in to help her friend only to find her ex husband, retired Air Force officer - turned - Ellington's Chief of Police, discouraging her efforts while trying to woo her back. Add a sexy prosecutor, a Mafia lawyer, and a noisy neighbor for an entertaining read.

Kudos to Harris for creating a 38 year old heroine who can land on her feet after the painful divorce.  Harris also captures the New England charm and spotlights Air Force life.   I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with this cozy mystery.

Recommended read for fans of bargain hunting, colorful characters, and small town antics.  

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review. 

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 New England - what do you know about the Colonial states?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Sherry and her books at sherryharrisauthor.com.

Check out my pictures from Hanscom AFB and the surrounding historical towns at link, link, link, link, link, and link. 

Weekly Winners

We have winners at SOS Aloha:

Leslie Wells' KEEP DANCING

- Karen T wins a print copy.  

Lynn Cahoon's DRESSED TO KILL

- Kathleen B. wins a digital copy from Lynn.

Hannah Reed's OFF KILTER

- Booklady wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Heather Boyd's AN IMPROPER PROPOSAL

- LibraryPat wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Rhonda Shaw's CAUGHT

- Linda M. wins a digital copy from Rhonda.

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Sherry Harris, TAGGED FOR DEATH, and THE LONGEST YARD SALE

The beauty of social media is discovering new friends.  Air Force spouse turned cozy mystery author Sherry Harris recently contacted me after reading State Of Romance.   We exchanged emails to learn that we have common ground!  I invited Sherry for a cozy interview .... from her bio,

Sherry Harris started bargain hunting in second grade at her best friend’s yard sale. She honed her bartering skills as she moved around the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Sherry combines her love of garage sales, her life as a military spouse, and her years living in Massachusetts as inspiration for the Sarah Winston Garage Sale series. 

Sherry, her husband, and guard dog Lily are living in northern Virginia until they figure out where they want to move to next.

Kim:  Air Force! Can you share a funny experience from you service as a military spouse? 

Sherry:  When we were stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts the Spouses Club had an event where we were supposed to bring a pie. I arrived with my mini-pies only to find out it was a contest. I set my easy to make pies (all it took was some melting and stirring) in phyllo shells (from the grocery store) on the table with all these beautiful homemade pies with handmade, from scratch crusts and fillings. My mini-pies won the chocolate category. I was horrified and then they asked for the recipe for the newsletter. I never gave it to them. 

Kim:  My first duty assignment in the Air Force took me to Hanscom AFB (link).  When I served as the Executive Officer for the AWACS program office, I coordinated a spaghetti lunch.  I somehow won a trophy for best sauce ... it was Paul Newman's!  

Virginia - what is your favorite sight, sound, and smell?

Sherry:  I love it when we are driving into DC on the 395 and we come around a corner and there is the Air Force Memorial (link) spiraling into the sky. It’s a beautiful memorial from a distance or up close. In the spring the sight and smell of all the flowering trees and shrubs -- our neighborhood is filled with tulip trees, cherry trees, redbuds, forsythia, azaleas, and lilacs. It’s a feast for the eyes and nose. As for my favorite sound it’s probably when I walk out my door at night in the summer. We live by some woods and there is a cacophony of frogs, birds, and insects -- it sounds like a rain forest. 

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

Sherry:  So many people helped me. Attending conferences like Malice Domestic and Crime Bake and being a member of Sisters in Crime directly led to my being published. I also took a lot of writing classes and didn’t give up in the face of a lot of rejection! 

Kim:  What inspired you to pen cozy mysteries? Stories about bargain hunting?

Sherry:  I’ve always loved reading mysteries so it was natural for me to try writing them. My first two and a half books are unsold and sit in a computer file. I’ve always loved going to yard sales but an editor in New York City came up with the idea for the series. He went to an agent and asked him if he knew anyone who could write the series. The agent went to my friend, author Barbara Ross, and asked the same question. She came to me. So it was a series of fortunate events that led to me being published.

Kim:  What's next for Sherry Harris? 

Sherry:  My second book The Longest Yard Sale comes out on June 30th! And I just turned in the third in the series, All Murders Final which will be out in May 2016. Thanks for much for having me on your blog, Kim!

Learn more about Sherry and her books at sherryharrisauthor.com.

Mahalo, Sherry, for your service as a military spouse!  I look forward to catching up with your series!   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 yard sales, flea markets, and thrift shops - have you stumbled across a treasure?   I enjoyed the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (link) ... the treasure was the delicious food!  

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Rhonda Shaw and CAUGHT - Men of the Show Book 3

To Catch or Not to Catch a Foul Ball?

Go to a baseball game in any venue and you’ll notice fans with gloves. Every one of them is hoping for one chance, that one perfect foul off a bat, which will send the ball in their direction. Everyone stands, some even come racing down the stairs or down the aisles from who knows where, each one of them vying for the same chance to make the catch. With a triumphant grin on his face, the winner thrusts his arm in the air for the entire stadium to see, presenting the ball as if it were a priceless treasure.

I find this particular pastime humorous. Not sure why, but I do. It’s interesting the extreme to which some fans will go to secure a game-played ball. Unless the ball is of some significance—a walk off sending the team into the World Series, a home run to break the record for most homes runs, or the last at-bat for a beloved player, just something—I don’t understand the frenzy. People tackle each other, kids are tripped, beer poured all over the place…fights even break out sometimes.

In fact, I go out of my way to avoid being in the vicinity of any ball hit in my direction. Once while attending at Tiger’s game at old Tiger’s stadium, we were sitting in the first row, right smack next to the Tiger’s dugout. They were great seats, as close as you get without actually being ON the field. Because of their location, often times balls would come in our direction, usually tall, towering pop flies off bats of right-handed hitters that would stay on the field or land a few rows behind us. That night, however, one was hit directly above our heads. I was sitting next to my sister and we both looked up, and then proceeded to run in the opposite direction down the row. People around our seats all started to clamor, staking their position, when at the last second, the catcher leaned over the rail with his glove and half his body resting on MY seat to snag the ball. He smirked and shook his head at us (as to say, “Women!”), and fans around us laughed, but whatever. It was better than being tackled by raucous men, having a beer poured over me or smacked by the catcher’s mitt. I’m all about self-preservation.

So how about you? Do you go for the catch or save yourself?

Baseball history at the University of Tampa
(my Alma mater)

Book three of Men of the Show

Shannon Morrison’s dreams of becoming a lawyer are finally coming true. After landing a job at a prestigious law firm in Chicago, she’s willing to sacrifice everything, including putting her personal life on hold, as nothing will stand in her way of making partner. Nothing except perhaps the gorgeous Detroit Rockets’ All-Star catcher, Matt Buck.

Just when he didn’t think his luck would turn around, life finally throws Matt a fastball right down the middle, reconnecting him with the one girl who has always intrigued him. As before, the timing isn’t right, but Matt refuses to let this opportunity pass him by again. He knows Shannon’s career leaves little room for anything else in her life, but he’s unwilling to give in and will do whatever he can to make them work.

Together, Matt and Shannon struggle through one hurdle after another, determined to find a way to have everything they want. Just when they’ve finally figured it out, someone from Matt’s past shatters everything, and leaves them both grappling to pick up the pieces…

Amazon US: link
Amazon CA: link
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Rhonda owes her love of reading to her mother who would read to her each night before bed and sometimes give into her pleads for more than one chapter. These days, if Rhonda doesn't have a book in her hands, it feels like something is missing. While romance is her true passion, Rhonda enjoys reading multiple genres.

Born in California, but transplanted to the Midwest, Rhonda is warm weather girl to the bone (even years later, winter and her are not on speaking terms) and loves nothing more than a balmy, summer evening. She and her husband are diehard fans of pretty much all sports, but especially for their hometown Detroit teams. Rhonda received a bachelor's in Human Resources Development and continued onto a master's in Marriage and Family Counseling before making a drastic career switch into computer technology. She started out as a website developer and made her way up into management where she now spends most of her days in meetings. Rhonda was a life-long dancer before her body told her she needed to come down off her toes and wrap it up. She also loves all animals--especially moose. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America.

Rhonda loves to hear from readers, so please visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

New York Giants, 1913 - Public Domain (link) 

Rhonda is giving away a digital copy of CAUGHT to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,  

1.  Leave a comment about baseball - who's your team in Little League, minor league, or Major League Baseball?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Heather Boyd and AN IMPROPER PROPOSAL - A Distinguished Rogues Novel

In life there are choices…

Spinster Iris Hedley was once the darling of the ton until her father lost his fortune through an illness of the mind. Reduced to living as a penniless guest while her father rots in debtors prison, she’s determined to escape unscrupulous robbers who’ve set her to spy on the ton by the only means possible—by becoming a wealthy man's mistress. Unfortunately for Iris, her proper upbringing never covered intimacy or seduction so she asks the one man she trusts for help with private lessons in the duties of a mistress.

…in love there is but one

Martin Andrews, the Earl of Louth, may have a soft spot for tiny Iris Hedley, especially after her father fled London with a horde of debtors nipping at his heels. Her request for lessons in seduction leaves him reeling and although tempted it’s an offer he must refuse for her own good. Convinced she’s headed for heartbreak, he sets out to prove that surrendering to wicked pleasure is not worth the sacrifice of her future only to discover that her problems are more complicated than his own.

A sizzling regency historical romance novel. 

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Arms of Berminghams, Earls of Louth
Public Domain (link)

Bestselling historical 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. 

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Congratulations, Heather, on your new release!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What would you design your Coat of Arms?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

West view of Baldungan
One of the castle ruins from the Bermingham legacy
Creative Commons (link)

 

Aloha to Hannah Reed and OFF KILTER - A Scottish Highlands Mystery

National bestselling author Hannah Reed brings mystery lovers the first in a brand-new series, in which a young writer finds herself swept up in a murder amidst the glens and lochs of the Scottish Highlands… 

After the recent death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, thirty-something Eden Elliott is seriously in need of a fresh start. At the urging of her best friend, bestselling author Ami Pederson, Eden decides to embark on an open-ended trip to the picturesque village of Glenkillen in the Scottish Highlands, to do some hands-on research for a book of her own. But almost as soon as Eden arrives in the quaint town, she gets caught up in a very real drama…

The town’s sheep shearer is found murdered—clipped with his own shears—and the locals suspect Vicki MacBride, an outsider whose father’s recent death left her the surprise heir to his lucrative sheep farm. Eden refuses to believe the affable heiress is a murderer, but can she prove that someone is out to frame her new friend before she finds herself on the receiving end of more shear terror?

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland

I'm William Wallace, and the rest of you will be spared. Go back to England and tell them... Scotland is free! - William Wallace

After her bitter divorce and her mother's heartbreaking death, Eden Elliott retreats to her father's homeland - Scotland - to jump start her writing career.   She flies from Chicago to London for her connecting flight to Inverness, only to meet another "lost" soul, Vicki MacBride, en route to the seaside village of Glenkillen.   Eden and Vicki become friends as they integrate themselves into Scottish life.   Yet trouble follows both of them, prompting Eden to investigate the untimely death of the sheep sheerer, the fire at the B&B, and other mysterious activities in this quiet village.

OFF KILTER is an immersion into Scottish life through the eyes of American Eden Elliott.   Reed captures the Highland spirit as the heroine wanders around the village seeking inspiration for her romance novel.  Her unexpected turn as as amateur detective riles some of the villagers.  Eden finds an ally in a potential suitor - a man in a kilt, of course!   

Reed delivers an entertaining cozy mystery which will appeal to fans of Scottish culture.   She pokes fun at Eden's efforts to write her romance novel while paying tribute to the romance of Alba itself.  

I purchased OFF KILTER for my reading pleasure.

Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Scotland

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 Scotland - what do you love about Alba?  Or know about Scottish culture?

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Aloha to Maya Banks and SAFE AT LAST: A Slow Burn Novel, Book 3

The third book in the beloved #1 bestselling author’s sexy, romantic suspense Slow Burn series…

They say young love doesn’t last, but a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with unique abilities and the hometown golden boy were determined to defy the odds. For Zack Covington, Anna-Grace-his “Gracie”--was the one.

But one night forever altered the course of their future; when a devastated Gracie disappeared without a trace, Zack was left to agonize over what happened to the girl he loved. As the years passed, his desperate efforts to find her uncovered nothing. Now working for Devereaux Security, he stumbles across a painting featuring a special place only he and Gracie would know. The image is too perfectly rendered for it to be coincidence. His Gracie must be alive. When he comes face to face with her, he is shocked-and heartbroken-to discover the wounded shell of the girl he once knew and still loves. Her psychic gifts are gone, and worse, she believes he betrayed her all those years ago.

Zack has enemies, and once his weakness is discovered, Gracie becomes a target for revenge. He’ll have to save her before he can earn her trust and her love. And he vows they’ll never be torn apart again.

Amazon: link
B&N: link

KEEP ME SAFE: A SLOW BURN NOVEL

When Caleb Devereaux discovers his younger sister, Tori, is kidnapped, he quickly turns to an unlikely source for help: Ramie St. Claire, a beautiful and sensitive woman with a psychic gift for finding answers others cannot. The two quickly find out their chemistry is undeniable and an intimate relationship follows.

While Ramie can connect to victims and alert authorities to their locations, her ability comes with a steep price. Every time she uses it, she experiences the same torture as the victim. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb find his sister nearly kills her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he has caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. This time she’s the one in trouble and is in desperate needs of his help. Caleb will risk everything, including his heart, to protect her from a relentless and cruel murderer, who will stop at nothing and no one until he gets to Ramie.

Amazon: link
B&N: link

IN HIS KEEPING: A SLOW BURN NOVEL

Arial knows the rules that keep her safe. She’s been following them since she was a little girl: Do not tell. Do not show. But in a moment of terror, facing an attacker intent on taking more than just her life, she has no choice but to unleash the psychic powers she’s been hiding since childhood.

Now, with Ari’s abilities revealed, a bigger threat looms - something that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her parents and her secretive upbringing. But this isn’t a fight she can face on her own.

As the head of Devereaux Security, Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the bizarre. But when he takes on a new client--a beautiful young woman with an extraordinary gift--Beau isn’t prepared for the extent of his attraction to her. What began as a simple assignment quickly turns personal as he discovers he’ll do anything it takes to protect Ari, the woman he loves.

Amazon: link
B&N: link

Maya Banks is a multiple #1 USA Today and New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Scottish historical romances. She is the author of the Breathless Trilogy, the Surrender Trilogy, the KGI novels, the Sweet series, and the Colters Legacy novels.

She lives in the South with her husband and three children and other assorted babies, such as her two Bengal kitties and a Calico who’s been with her as long as her youngest child. She’s an avid reader of romance and loves to dish books with her fans and anyone else who’ll listen! She very much enjoys interacting with her readers on Facebook and Twitter as well as in her Yahoo! Group.

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