Aloha to Elizabeth Hoyt and ONCE AND ALWAYS - Book Review

IS THERE A PROBLEM, OFFICER?

Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life.

BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS

Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .

Dogsledding in Ely, MN

Image from ely.org

The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. - Thomas A. Edison

Deputy Sam West keeps trying one more time to win over Maisa Bradley.  Each time she visits her uncle in Coot Lake, Minnesota, he pulls her over.  Sam tries to charm her and even reminds her of the passion they shared one hot summer night ... but Maisa keeps her distance.   She content with her budding custom dress business in St. Paul ... and she knows they would mix like oil and water.  Her uncle is a retired Russian mobster hiding out in the boonies ... and Sam is a decorated Army veteran. Yet Maisa herself cannot deny the spark between them.   

A blizzard traps Maisa in town along with a mobster's accountant on the run.  Coot Lake erupts into a battleground when the mobster himself comes looking for the accountant.   Sam draws upon his combat experience and enlists local mushers to save the town from the carnage ... and Maisa from her own mobster heritage.

ONCE AND ALWAYS is Northern Exposure meets OK Corral with an ensemble cast ala Ocean's Eleven.  Hoyt starts with a small town romance and infuses action, suspense, and redemption.  Sam is a juxtaposition with a swagger - he confidently pursues Maisa but resists the sheriff's efforts to groom him as his successor.  One deadly patrol in Afghanistan continues to plague Sam.  Yet he relies on his Army training when the Russian mafia arrives in Coot Lake.  He proves to the townsfolk, Maisa, and himself that anyone can overcome bad history.

Глаза́ боя́тся, а ру́ки де́лают. 

Eyes are afraid, but hands are doing the job.

I received a print copy from the author during the Forever Romance book signing at the RWA Annual Conference.

Palisade Head on Lake Superior
Released to Public Domain (link)

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 Minnesota - what do you know about the Land of 10,000 Lakes?  

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Julia Harper aka Elizabeth Hoyt at elizabethhoyt.com.  

Other books from Julia Harper ... which I also enjoyed!

May is National Military Appreciation Month - Aloha to Jackson Young

I asked Jackson Young to speak at the SOS America Military Tribute.   He is an Army vet-turned-entrepreneur. From his bio,

Jackson Young is a singer/songwriter in a professional career spanning fifteen years. Jackson has formerly held two independent records deals (Platinum Planet, TMG), a publishing deal, and is currently calling Nashville, TN, home. “I’m blessed,” Jackson remarks.

As a professional actor, Jackson has been featured as an extra, principal, and music video choreographer. He has experience in major motion picture, commercials, independent film, and television – some of which have been CMT and 20th Century Fox distribution, among others. In commercial, video, and currently independent film, he has been responsible for co-writing, casting, co-editing, producing, and executive production.

Fortunate to have studied under a three-time world champion, Jackson has professionally trained in the style of Ballroom, Latin, and Swing, and has performed privately for groups numbering more than 100 people. Owning a private dance company, Jackson taught group and private lessons and choreography. While a professional instructor, his students won placement in Pro-Am dance competitions. Jackson has also been a featured principal dancer and choreographer for a national cruise line video.

Most recently he is currently the cover model for a three book series, Diaries of a Casanova; Legend Awakening, Twisted Angel, and Rising Redemption which are co-written by New York Times and US Today Bestselling Author, Randi Alexander.

Jackson says, “Wear lots of shoes you will never regret where they take you.”

If that isn't enough to keep him busy, Jackson promotes Rowdy, the battle buddy bear, for Operation Troop Aid, operationtroopaid.org:

We salute and support all our Armed Forces! The mission of Operation Troop Aid (OTA) is to provide care packages for U.S. Service members with the revenue generated through professional concert promotions and public financial generosity. OTA is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation striving to make a positive difference and inspire our Armed Forces by letting them know Americans stand with them.

During the tribute, Jackson read the lyrics to IRON MAN STRONG, written by Jackson Young, Scott Smith, and Johnny Neel

When the fire came down from the mountain in that hell Afghanistan
A moment in time would change for a life of a man
Out of nowhere a solider fell down in a flash of light
But on the ground there was no doubt he was in for the fight of his life

Made of blood and bones but has a soul forged with a might of steel
Yah got the guts and the confidence to overcome any hill
With a heart beaten out, sayin’ yes I can, and a motto of bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

He woke up days later in a hospital bed
Lookin’ down he saw metal parts where his arm once had been
The doctors say it’s a miracle but he might not walk at all
But with fire in his eyes it’s plain to see a solider won’t be a cripple

Made of blood and bones but has a soul forged with a might of steel
Yah got the guts and the confidence to overcome any hill
With a heart beaten out, sayin’ yes I can, and a motto of bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

Sometimes in a search of glory it can all go so wrong
We all get defeated but the battle is won by those that carry on
With a heart beaten out sayin’ yes I can so come on and bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

There was not a dry eye in the room.  Mahalo, Jackson, for reminding us that Freedom is Not Free.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

PS Rest assured, I will invite Jackson for a guest interview here at SOS Aloha.  Learn more about Jackson and his projects on social media: 

facebook.com/JYCRowdyNation

jacksonyoungcountry.com
twitter.com/JYCRowdyNation
youtube.com/channel/UCY-KOO4GngaFMOH2OsiA7yQ
instagram.com/jackson_young_once_you_go_jack
ourstage.com/jacksonyoung

And for Memorial Day Weekend, I challenge readers to answer the call of the Rowdy Nation Flag Challenge at this link.