RT Recap Day 3 - Breakfast, Bingo, and Historical Babes

Wednesday brought the first full day of the RT Booklovers Convention. Tamara and I skipped the crush of readers attending the kick off party to enjoy a leisure breakfast in the hotel restaurant - we loved the vegetable hash made from sweet potatoes with a egg on top!  This hardy meal fortified me for BEACH BLANKET BINGO with:

Christi Barth, Julia  Day, Eileen Dreyer, Elizabeth Essex, Avery Flynn, Maggie Mae Gallagher, Andrew Grey, Heidi Hormel, Jessica James, Harper Kincaid, Geri Krotow,Tamra Lassiter, Rae Latte, Ann Lethbridge, Siera London, Janna MacGregor, Stacy McKitrick, Kate Pearce, Ella Quinn, Julie Rowe, Jessica Ruddick (AKA: Jessica Linden), Dawn Ryder, Joanna Shupe, Teri Anne Stanley, and Beth Williamson

Bingo took a back seat to singing - the Historical authors sang Abba's DANCING QUEEN, the spicy authors sang Pat Benetar's FIRE AND ICE, and the contemporary authors sang the Beach Boys' KOKOMO.  Thanks to the authors for joining the fun! 

Once we cleaned up, it was time for an early dinner!  I dined with Tracy Solheim, Kate Pearce, and two other readers at SWEET GEORGIA'S JUKE JOINT (link).  The combination of Southern food and jazz music was the perfect setting for winding down after a busy day. 

After dinner, I peeked into the Romance Rockabilly Street Festival.  Publishers hosted game booths while the band played swing music.  Many readers dressed in polka dots dresses and rolled up jeans. Cathy Maxwell and Heather Graham showed us how to dance!

For this week of recaps, I am giving away a sampling of books and swag from RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. What song would you have sang with authors ... feel free to name any song!  Or what is your favorite Southern food?

2. Comments are open through Monday, May 15, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, May 16.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Below is the historical authors at the Pistols and Petticoats party ... 

Aloha to Beach Blanket Bingo, Maggie Mae Gallagher, and ASCENDED (The Cantati Chronicles)

We are less than a week away from the RT Booklovers' Convention (link).  I'm packing up my goodies for Beach Blanket Bingo (link),

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing and flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun-loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

I am looking forward to seeing (again) my fellow college alumni, Maggie Mae Gallagher - she attended the University of Tampa several years after I graduated.  From her bio (link),

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Maggie attended the University of Tampa several years after I graduated.  Maggie recently celebrated the release of ASCENDED, Book 3 of the THE CANTATI CHRONICLES:

War. It’s here. The last war of mankind. The winner takes Earth as its prize. 

My name is Alana Devereaux. I am an elite Cantati Forces Lieutenant from Earth’s desolate future. I was sent back through time to save your world. My mission to stop the Mutari faltered. Demons infiltrated our world when the walls between Earth and Infernus fell. Millions died in the first volleys.

The Mutari changed me on an elemental level and my new powers scare the bloody daylights out of me. Formorian Hunters are closing in on my trail with a singular goal, to enact the death warrant placed on my head by their Queen. Now I am running for my life, on a quest to discover a way to kill an immortal on a power trip, stuck between mortal enemies, and everyone else wants me dead.

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. Let's chat about baseball - my father, like Maggie, grew up listening to Cardinals' on the radio. My oldest son was born on Scott AFB, across the river from St. Louis, so he too is a Cardinals fan.  How about you?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Books 1 and 2 in the series 

Aloha to Beach Blanket Bingo, Rae Latte, and BOOKS I LOVE A LATTE

We are 10 days away from the RT Booklovers' Convention in Atlanta!  Kim Rocha and I are hosting Beach Blanket Bingo;

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing and flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun-loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: LL2/Exhibit/Reader Level
Room: Grand Hall West, 3

We invited 25 authors ... and 1 blogger ... participate.  It is my pleasure today to introduce you to our fellow blogger, Rae Latte, from Books I Love A Latte.

Kim: Tell us about your blog - what inspired you to create Books I Love A Latte?

Rae: A few years ago Donna MacMeans posted on social media that Advanced Reader Copies were available for her then upcoming book The Whisky Laird's Bed (Rake Patrol). As a lover of whiskey and romance, I knew I needed to get my hands on that book.

For years I’d been keeping a journal of all the books I’d read and periodically posted my thoughts on Goodreads. Within a half hour, I’d secured a Blog name, website, Facebook account, and Twitter account. The rest is history!

Over the years I’ve grown my reader following and in January launched a new website as I continue to expand and promote must read books. One of my favorite features is my Coffee With posts where I interviewed Actors, Authors, Cover Models and other professionals in the industry. Some notable guests at the cafe have been Actor Scott Kyle from Outlander (Season 2) on the Starz network series, Chef Dan Churchill, Cover Models Scott Nova and Charles Paz. If my guest can be connected to a great book, then they are welcome in the café on the blog.

Also, I also feature new releases, cover releases, reviews, participate in Blog Tours and make sure to connect on social media.

As a book reviewer, I prefer only to post reviews of books that I love. Most book review blogs feature a rating system to inform readers of what’s hot or not so hot. While I might not connect to a particular book, the time it takes to craft a book from the first page to the last is both time consuming and someone’s baby. If I tell you it’s a miss, you might have just passed on the one book that could change your life! So, the only thing that I rate is a spicy meter for some of the books that are beyond the normal zest in a romance novel.

Donna MacMeans

Kim: You mentioned living in Nice - jealous! What was your favorite sight, sound, and smell of the French Riviera?

Rae: One of the things I loved about the French Riviera was that everything was within walking distance or a quick hop on the bus. I enjoyed meandering through the streets and browsing in the shops.

I vividly remember the aroma as I walked past a boulangerie-pâtisserie on the city street. Everyone walking past knew when fresh pastries were pulled hot out of the oven. It was a miracle that anything made it back to my apartment, some days it didn’t ;)!

At night I enjoyed sitting at the beach or walking along the Promenade de Anglais and listening to the water pull along the rocks as the tide came in. Enjoying it with friends under a sky full of stars, it was paradise. 

Nice, France

Kim: What are the rewards and challenges of book blogging?

Rae: The rewards of book blogging are simple; I am privileged to read books before they are released. Afterward, I can then share my joy with other book lovers. As a blogger, I love that I can connect with Authors, Publicists, and Publishers to help promote their books. In fact, I look forward to finally meeting many of them at RT in Atlanta next week.

While blogging is rewarding, there are also challenges, specifically the moments when I don’t receive a book that I’ve been patiently waiting to read. But, I’m just one of many in the blogging world, and I’ve learned to accept it and move forward. Just because I am a book blogger does not guarantee me an advance copy of any books. It just depends on where the books are being distributed from and by whom. For the books that I can’t read early, I wait like everyone else until release day. I then purchase those books and dive into that story.

Every review on my site has a disclaimer that I receive books in exchange for a fair and honest review. While I receive many in that manner, I still purchase books or visit my local library to do my share in supporting the industry.

I look forward to whatever is next in my blogging journey. If you see me at RT please be sure and say hello!

Mahalo, Rae, for sharing your blogging journey!  Learn more about Rae Latte and her blog at booksilovealatte.com.

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. Let's chat about boulangerie-pâtisserie -  bread and pasteries!  Yum ... what is your favorite treat to buy from a bakery?  I would indulge in a mille-feuille aka Napoleon!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Mille-feuille aka Napoleon

Image by George Seguin (link)

Aloha to Janna MacGregor and THE BAD LUCK BRIDE - Book Review

IS MARRIAGE A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

A man of honor, Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembrooke, will not rest until he exacts revenge on the man who destroyed his family. Just one more piece must fall into place for him to succeed he needs to convince his enemy s fiancee, the tragically beautiful Lady Claire Cavensham, to marry him instead.

Lady Claire s curse has always left her one misstep away from social ruin her past three engagements have gone awry, and now her fourth is headed in the same direction. . .until Alex, a man she barely even knows, shocks the ton and Claire by announcing their engagement. What begins as a sham turns into something deeper, and more passionate, than either Claire or Alex could have imagined. But when their secrets are revealed, will the truth behind their union scandalize them both or is their love strong enough to break the curse and lead them toward their happily ever after? 

THE BADE LUCK BRIDE is Book 1 in the Cavansham Heiresses series.  It is available May 2 from St. Martin's Press.

Pembroke Castle in Wales
Image by JKMMX (link)

If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. - Hee Haw

Lady Claire Cavenshan could join the Hee Haw band with the bad luck that has prevented her from walking down the aisle. Just when she feels confident about prospect number 4, she is blindsided by the Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke. Her surprise engagement, then wedding, seems to fulfill her dreams ... until the truth emerges to threaten her marriage and happiness.  It will take more than luck for Claire and Alex to negotiate their own HEA.

Janna MacGregor bursts onto the historical romance scene with a heart wrenching story of two fated lovers who find themselves facing down Lady Luck when life throws a few twists and turns. I commend MacGregor for diving head first into the darker side of historical romance. She masters the nuances of Regency life, including the unchecked power the titled nobility can sway over society, only to find the matters of the heart do not follow any rules.  MacGregor's characterizations show some rough edges - rookie mistakes for a debut author. But this author has a talent for prose and she will only improve over time like a fine wine in the Marquess' cellar.

I look forward to more books in the Cavensham Heiresses series.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

Learn more about Janna and her books at jannamacgregor.com.

Cavensham Park
bbc.com

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. Janna MacGregor is participating in Beach Blanket Bingo at RT - her favourite beach is Old Portsmouth Beach in Hampshire, including a medieval Round Tower!  

Do you have a favourite beach town or historic building to ignite your imagination?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Old Portsmouth's Round Tower
castlesfortsbattles.co.uk

Aloha to Beach Blanket Bingo, Tracy Solheim, and SMOLDER

I have started packing for the RT Booklovers Convention in Atlanta, Georgia!  Kim Rocha (Book Obsessed Chicks) and I are hosting Beach Blanket Bingo:

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: LL2/Exhibit/Reader Level
Room: Grand Hall West, 3

Kim and I invited 26 authors to join us, including Atlanta local Tracy Solheim:

Tracy Solheim, a military brat who now makes her home near Atlanta, began her writing career as a teenager when she penned a column in her town's local newspaper. Then, it was on to journalism school and a brief stint with NBC sports. After spending nearly two decades writing reports and testimonies for Congress, she delved into fiction. She lives in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a Labrador retriever who thinks she's a cat and a horse named after her first novel. When she's not writing, she enjoys photography, cooking, and reading. A frustrated sports writer, the books she loves to read--and write--feature athletes and the women who capture their hearts. See what's she's up to at www.tracysolheim.com.

Tracy is know for romance set in the sports world and small towns ... but roared onto the scene with a smoking hot romance, SMOLDER:

Former Army Ranger, Sam Gaskill, is starting over in Glacier Creek, Montana - far away from the plains of Texas and the memories of his late wife. Taking charge as the new captain of a squad of smoke jumpers should provide him with enough adrenaline to chase away the ghosts from his past. Until a sexy, green-eyed temptress with a sassy mouth enters the picture…

Laurel Keenan, champion horsewoman, couldn’t wait to escape her hometown. But instead, an ailing mother and an unplanned pregnancy landed the impetuous dreamer right back on her father’s ranch. Laurel has managed to lead a quiet life with her young son—until she sets eyes on the tough guy with the sexy ass.

Sam already failed one woman; he won’t trust his heart with another. And Laurel is determined not to risk her heart—or her son’s—on another thrill-seeker. Can their slow burn lead to a love that lasts?

Glacier National Park

Public Domain (link)

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. Readers - do you have any advice for authors at conventions?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Beach Blanket Bingo, Christi Barth, and TRYING IT ALL (Naked Men Series)

It's a gloomy day in Baltimore ... so let's escape to the beach! We are counting down to the RT Booklovers Convention (link), May 2 - 7, 2017, in HotLanta!  Kim Rocha and I are hosting Beach Blanket Bingo (link)

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Christi Barth is joining us to celebrate the May release of TRYING IT ALL, Book 4 in her Naked Men Series: 

Order. Attention to detail. Never leaving anything to chance. These are the qualities that make Riley Ness such a terrific federal agent . . . and a pain in the ass to everyone else. The only time Riley lets loose is when he’s hanging out with his closest pals. So when he’s thrown together with gorgeous, flighty Summer Sheridan, Riley’s brain tells him she’s a ticking time bomb—but his body doesn’t want to play by the rules.

Riley has to be the most irritating man Summer has ever met. The brooding hunk thinks he needs to teach her a few lessons about real life, while she’d rather show him how to enjoy it. But her BFF’s all but engaged to Riley’s best friend, and besides, their intense physical chemistry is all too real. Summer just needs Riley to try to meet her halfway and take a chance with the one thing that matters: his heart.

Christi is an author local to me ... from her bio (link):

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series. Christi can always be found whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.

Christi's favorite beach is .... Ocean City!  For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT, including Christi!  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about gourmet meals ... do you whip them up like Christi?  Or do you prefer the role as taster?  Do you have a favorite "gourmet" meal to make or taste?

I prefer to be the taster ... I'm open to almost any "flavor" - Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian - as long as it doesn't have unusual ingredients.

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

More books in the Naked Men series ...

Aloha to Weekly Winners, RT Booklovers Convention, and Authors Galore

We have winners from last week's posts - Kim H. and Maureen win a book choice from my convention stash.  

Speaking of conventions, the RT Booklovers' Convention is one month away in Hot Atlanta!  From its website (link),

The RT Booklovers Convention is the book-industry event where you can mix business with pleasure. Attend more than 200 workshops as well as numerous parties and reader events that will keep you informed and in touch while having fun. It's where friends new and old come together to learn about the industry we love and to have fun with authors and fellow book lovers. Fifty percent of conventioneers are first-time RT Convention attendees, and many travel by themselves. However, almost all leave having made new friendships they'll cherish for years to come.

I am participating in four events:

Great Expectations - Virtual Assistants

Looking to build a successful partnership with a Virtual Assistant?

Virtual Assistants Kim & Kim explore what a virtual assistant can offer an author, including social media, newsletters, and blog tours. Kim & Kim will offer a step by step process to find the right assistant so authors can focus on the creative process.

Speaker(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 11am – 12pm
Location: LL3/Conference/Industry Level
Room: Fairlie

Beach Blanket Bingo

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Appearing(s):

Christi Barth
Christi Caldwell
Julia Day
Eileen Dreyer (AKA: Kathleen Korbel)
Elizabeth Essex
Avery Flynn
Maggie Mae Gallagher (AKA: Anya Summers)
Andrew Grey (AKA: Dirk Greyson)
Heidi Hormel
Jessica James
Harper Kincaid
Geri Krotow
Tamra Lassiter
Rae Latte
Ann Lethbridge
Siera London
Janna MacGregor
Stacy McKitrick
Kate Pearce (AKA: Catherine Lloyd)
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Jessica Ruddick (AKA: Jessica Linden)
Dawn Ryder (AKA: Mary Wine)
Joanna Shupe
Tracy Solheim
Teri Anne Stanley
Beth Williamson (AKA: Emma Lang)

Host(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Location: LL2/Exhibit/Reader Level
Room: Grand Hall West, 3

SOS-Military Tribute

Our military is the backbone of our country. They pay the price for our freedom through all of their sacrifices. This military tribute is a multi-author-sponsored event to pay a moving tribute to our military and all they have done for our country. This event is open to all. Tables will be decorated by authors representing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.

Host(s):

KaLyn Cooper
Cristin Harber
Elle James (AKA: Myla Jackson)
Cat Johnson
Kim Lowe
JM Madden
Trish McCallan
Donna Michaels
Megan Mitcham
Caitlyn O'Leary
Ella Quinn
Julie Rowe
Susan Stoker
Natasza Waters
Sabrina York

Event Date:
Thursday, May 4, 2017 12:20pm – 1:20pm
Location: LL1/Ballroom Level
Room: Centennial III

Finding the Balance

Kim Lowe (SOS Aloha Book Reviews) and Kim Rocha (Book Obsessed Chicks Blog) guide authors on finding the right balance between public interaction and private life. We offer tips to effectively launch a book, organically engage readers, and still find time to enjoy the fruits of your success. The results: relaxed authors, increased sales, and satisfied readers.

Speaker(s):
Kim Lowe
Kimberly Rocha

Event Date:
Thursday, May 4, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: LL3/Conference/Industry Level
Room: Lennox

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors I will meet at RT.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your plans for April - anything fun in the works?

2.  Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.  

4.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Beach Blanket Bingo, Teri Anne Stanley, and A SHOT WITH YOU

Puerto Vallarta
freephotooftheday.com

We are counting down to the RT Booklovers Convention (link) and the Beach Blanket Bingo (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Teri Anne Stanley is joining us for Beach Blanket Bingo.  From her bio (link),

TERI ANNE STANLEY has been writing since she could hold a crayon–though learning to read was a huge turning point in her growth as a writer. Teri’s first stories involved her favorite Saturday morning cartoon characters, followed by her favorite teen idols. She has also authored a recipe column (The Three Ingredient Gourmet), and scientific articles (Guess which was more interesting!). Now she writes fun, sexy romance filled with chaos and havoc, populated by strong, smart women and hunky heroes.

Teri celebrated the print release of A SHOT WITH YOU (link):

Bourbon is in Brandon Morgan’s blood. His family owns the best bourbon brand in the country—or it will be with his marketing genius. And after meeting the fiery daughter of a tequila distillery owner, he’s never been more sure.

His barrels, her tequila. It’s a match made in heaven. But only if he can keep his hands off the owner’s daughter…and his secrets to himself.

Lesa Ruiz will do anything to keep Little Possum afloat, but one look at Brandon’s gorgeous dimples and Lesa knows two things for sure: forever is not in the cards with this man and he’s way too sexy to resist for long.

Well, three things… Brandon is hiding something, and she’ll need to get a lot closer to figure it out and save her family’s legacy. Shots, anyone?

Puerto Vallarta
visitmexico.com

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

1. Teri Anne is featuring Puerto Vallarta at her table.  Have you visited Puerto Vallarta or any other Mexican getaways?  I have only crossed the border into Tijuana for the day.

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

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, April 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to St. Patrick's Day, Maggie Mae Gallagher, and CASKET GIRL

Public Domain (link) 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  We are counting down the days to the RT Booklovers' Convention and the Beach Blanket Bingo (link). It seems only fitting that I introduce you today to a participating author with an Irish name ... Maggie Mae Gallagher! I don't know if Maggie is Irish ... let's learn more about her. From her bio (link),

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Maggie also attended my alma mater, the University of Tampa!

Maggie Mae recently celebrated the release of CASKET GIRL, Book 2 in her Mystic Series ...

All he wants is to find a killer…

FBI Special Agent Josh Blake has seen some bizarre cases in his day. His latest case is one for the record books. He has multiple homicides, corpses drained of every ounce of blood, and no suspects. When rumors surface that the French Quarter may be hiding an insidious monster bent on drenching the streets in dead bodies, he must suspend logic and place his trust in the mystical.

She wants a fresh start…

Isabelle Toussánt left her family home in the bayou five year ago, cutting all ties with her abusive whiskey swilling stepfather, to forge a new life in the French Quarter. Now a successful business owner of Madam Toussánt’s Mystical Gifts in Jackson Square, and a Seer with voodoo roots. The foundation of her new life shatters when one of her employee’s winds up dead and she is dragged into a deadly game where she becomes the target of a serial killer.

A passion neither expected…

Determined to stop the brutal slayings, Josh must rely on the beautiful Isabelle who makes him question everything he has ever known about life and death all while surrendering to a desire hotter than a Bayou night. When Isabelle disappears without a trace, with tourists flocking to the party capital for Halloween, and the body count continues to mount, Josh will be forced to push beyond the boundaries of what he thinks is possible and rescue the woman he loves before it’s too late.

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

1. Have you visited New Orleans?  If so, what is a favorite sight, sound, or food!  If not, what would you like to see in the Big Easy?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, March 19, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, March 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out my pictures from RT/14 in New Orleans at this link, link, and link.

Aloha to RT Booklovers' Convention, Beach Blanket Bingo, Joanna Shupe, and MOGUL

I have been chatting on the phone in preparation for the RT Booklovers' Convention, May 2- 7, in Atlanta (link).  Kim Rocha and I are hosting Beach Blanket Bingo (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

We are proud to announce Joanna Shupe will join us!  From her bio (link),

Award-winning author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. In 2013 she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical.

Joanna’s first Gilded Age historical novel, Magnate, was named one of the Best Books of 2016 by Publishers Weekly, and one of 2016′s top romances by The Washington Post and Kobo. The Washington Post named Joanna’s The Lady Hellion as one of 2015’s top five romance novels.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.

When she’s not writing or doing laundry, she can be found online at Facebook (Joanna Shupe Author) or Twitter (@joannashupe).

Joanna recently celebrated the release of MOGUL, Book 3 in her Knickerbocker Club series:

The privileged members of the Knickerbocker Club can never climb too high up the social ladder. But for one charming New York bachelor, does the ascent take precedence over love in the Gilded Age?

As owner of a well-respected national newspaper, Calvin Cabot has the means to indulge his capricious taste for excess—and the power to bring the upper crust of society to its knees. So when a desperate heiress from his past begs for his help, Calvin agrees . . . as long as she promises to stay out of his way. Except, like the newsman, this willful beauty always gets what she wants.

Lillian Davies lives a life brimming with boundless parties, impressive yachts, and exotic getaways. But when her brother disappears, Lily knows that blood runs thicker than champagne and she'll spare nothing to bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the only man who can help her is the one she never wanted to see again. Can Lily keep Calvin at arm's length long enough to save her brother and protect her name . . . even when the tenacious powerbroker turns out to be absolutely irresistible?

Aerial view of Newport
Image by MVASCO (link)

Natually, Joanna's table at Beach Blanket Bingo will celebrate ... Newport, Rhode Island!  From its website,

Home to spectacular coastal scenery, awe-inspiring architecture, a thriving waterfront downtown, and welcoming hospitality, Newport, Rhode Island is considered by many to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. From weekend getaways spent touring the famed Gilded Age mansions that once were the summer playground for socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt to an afternoon of wine tasting through Newport's three scenic vineyards, the options for interesting activities, distinctive stories, and enticing photo opportunities are countless!

During my Lieutenant days at Hanscom AFB (outside Boston), I rented a house with 9 other gals in Newport for three consecutive summers.  I have fond memories of exploring the historic mansions, Cliff Walk, and Naval base.  Perhaps I will sit with Joanna at Beach Blanket Bingo!

View from the Cliff Walk
Image by Sixlocal (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 Schoolhouse Rock - do you have a favorite song?  Here's a list just to prompt your memory.  I'm partial to Conjunction Junction, What's Your Function?

For those not familiar with Schoolhouse Rock,

Schoolhouse Rock! is an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films (and later, videos) that aired during the Saturday morning children's programming on the U.S. television network ABC. The topics covered included grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics. The series' original run lasted from 1973 to 1985; it was later revived with both old and new episodes airing from 1993 to 1999. Additional episodes were produced in 2009 for direct-to-video release.

Hubby and I bought the entire video collection for our children - perhaps we'll watch it over the weekend!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, March 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, March 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Aloha to Weekly Winners, Beach Blanket Bingo, Ella Quinn, and THE SECOND TIME AROUND

We have winners at SOS Aloha - LSU, Mary P., and Di win a book choice from my convention stash.  

We are counting down to the RT Booklovers Convention (link) and Beach Blanket Bingo (link):

Join Annette Funicello (Kim Rocha) & Frankie Avalon (Kim Lowe) for a special edition of Book Cover Bingo. Expect spontaneous singing, dancing, & flirting with lifeguards inspired by the beloved 60s film. Readers will join sun loving authors at their favorite beaches and compete for the book laden gift baskets ... perfect for the sand and surf!

Historical author Ella Quinn will join us for Beach Blanket Bingo ... Ella knows a thing or two about beaches.  From her bio (link):

Ella Quinn lived all over the United States, the Pacific, Canada, England and Europe before finally discovering the Caribbean. She lives in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with her wonderful husband, three bossy cats and a loveable great dane.

Ella loves when friends connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Ella is celebrating the release of THE SECOND TIME AROUND, The Worthingtons 2.5, on February 28:

Can a beautiful Worthington widow find love again? Depends on who’s asking . . .

Before he died, Patience was the Earl of Worthington’s second wife. So why shouldn’t Patience be allowed a second chance at marriage, too? Of course, finding a new husband was not something the mother of four had ever planned on. But a surprise encounter with her first love has suddenly made the impossible seem possible all over again . . .

It seems like a lifetime ago that Richard, Viscount Wolverton, was halfway around the world, looking for adventure . . . while Patience, at her coming-out, was left with no choice but to take old Worthington’s hand. Richard never forgot the woman whose heart he yearned for—and now that he’s back, he’s not going to let her slip away again . . .

 

Ella selected to decorate her table in honor of Maho Beach in St. Maarten where even planes love the sand!  So let's chat about those low flying aircraft ... would you be on the beach taking a photo or holding on for anything that gets caught in the jet blast?  I think I would be sitting at some distance, watching others struggle with the blast.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, March 5, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, March 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

More books in the Worthington series ....