Aloha to Diane Kelly and THE LONG PAW OF THE LAW (Paw Enforcement Book 7) - ARC Review

Texas police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit have come a long way, baby.

A BUNDLE OF JOY. A DOG-EAT-DOG WORLD. . .

One night, while on duty with her four-legged crime-fighting companion, Meg gets an urgent call from her boyfriend Seth, who works for the Fort Worth fire department. A baby girl has turned up at the station with only two clues to her identity: One is a peace-sign symbol stitched into her blanket. The other is a word, written in string: help.

Megan follows every loose thread and, along with Brigit, ends up on a twisted path that leads to the People of Peace compound, the site of a religious sect on the outskirts of the city. Its leader, Father Emmanuel, keeps his followers on a short leash—and his enemies even closer. Could this be the abandoned baby’s original home? And if so, why was she cast out? Now that Megan and Brigit are on the case, the secrets of this reclusive cult are bound to be dug up. . .
Diane Kelly is back with The Long Paw of the Law, the seventh installment in her drool-worthy Paw Enforcement series.

Fort Worth Police K-9 (link)

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. - Buddha

Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her shelter dog-turned-canine partner, Brigit, returns in the seventh book of  the Paw Enforcement series from St. Martin's Press.  Kelly's unique story telling creates a new sub genre that falls somewhere between cozy mystery and romantic suspense.  Megan tackles "ripped from the headlines" crime while juggling a budding romance with Seth, an explosive expert with the Fort Worth Fire Department.  BTW, Seth's K9 parenter, Blast, is the Beta dog to Brigit's Alpha Dog - who doesn't love it when the tables are turned?

The book blurb is an accurate recap of the action in THE LONG PAW OF THE LAW.  Rather than share how Megan discovers the truth with Divine Intervention, I would like to focus this review on how Kelly has created a "I can't put this down" story.  She rotates the POV in each chapter - Megan's first person POV, Brigit's third person POV (mostly focused on food), and the villain's third person's POV.  This method gave me a wider perspective of the action on the page.  Indeed, I read this book within 48 hours because I wanted to know there was a happy ending.  Just remember, Kelly is a romance author. 

Kelly treated readers to a subplot regarding ongoing petty crime in an affluent neighborhood - kudos to Megan for thinking outside the box to solve it!  Likewise, I learned more about Seth's cranky grandfather, Vietnam Veterans, car shows, and roller derby.  These "extras" further contribute to the "community feeling" that shines through the entire series.  Meg has a talent to solve crime, putting her on track to become a detective. But Kelly's subtle references to American life - fulfilling and challenging - creates a heartwarming read that makes me root for the multicultural characters in her books. 

THE LONG PAW OF THE LAW can be read as a stand alone book.  Yet I recommend reading the series in order to follow how Megan matures as an officer and catches the eye of Seth.  

I received an ARC of THE LONG PAW OF THE LAW from Kelly at the RWA Annual Convention in Denver.  The book is available October 30, 2018 from St. Martin's Press.

Miramont Castle

Manitou Springs Historical Society (link)

I have RWA swag for one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about dogs - do you have a favorite breed? color? name?

While I am a cat servant (as is Megan's roommate, Frankie), I enjoy meeting dogs out and about.  We spotted numerous dogs in Colorado Springs during our preconference sightseeing, including Chuck at the Miramont Castle.  Above is a vintage image of the castle.

2.  Comments are open through Sunday, August 5, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Monday, August 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Diane Kelly and ENFORCING THE PAW - Book Review

When a case of he-said/she-said turns criminal, it s up to Megan Luz and her devoted K-9 to dig for the truth. . .

A TAIL OF TWO LOVERS
When relationships go south, some people just can t or won t let go. When Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her pawed partner Brigit investigate a series of stalking incidents involving a couple who recently broke up, their detective powers are put to the test. Is this a case of a controlling creep who refuses to accept rejection or one about a woman scorned whose fury has been unleashed?

WHO END UP IN THE DOGHOUSE. . .
As hostilities escalate between the former lovers, the situation goes from romantically dysfunctional to downright dangerous. He insists his former flame has become a crazy ex-girlfriend intent on vengeance. She alleges that he is a master of manipulation and lays blame entirely at his feet. Who's the culprit and who s the victim? Can Megan and Brigit sniff out the truth. . .before somebody ends up dead?

ENFORCING THE PAW is Book 6 in Diane Kelly's Paw Enforcement series.

Fort Worth PD K9 Division (link)

I am a sucker for someone that is charming - Beyonce.

I am a sucker for bacon. - Brigit 

Fort Worth's dynamic duo, Megan and Brigit, return to a dangerous case of he said/she said.  Former lovers accuse the other of stalking, escalating from petty harassment to public endangerment. Since the parties involved reside inside her patrol area, Megan keeps an eye on both suspects with the intent of defusing the volatile situation. Brigit, on the other paw, keeps her eye on the treats inside Megan's pocket.  She proves herself useful by sniffing out the culprits and keeping Megan safe.

The conflict is unveiled through Diane Kelly's unique employment of three perspectives in this series - Megan's first person perspective, Brigit's third person perspective, and villain's third person perspective. Kelly also gives Megan and Brigit the opportunity to flex their muscles with other crimes on the street, including tracing a lollipop stealing doctor (hence the quote about suckers). Kelly continues to give readers a strong (but flawed) heroine who can hold her own in a male dominated world of law enforcement. Likewise, Brigit shows who is boss even among the male dogs at the fire department. ENFORCING THE PAW was an entertaining escape which I did not want to put down. I look forward to the next adventures of the baton twirling officer and her rescue partner with the best nose in Fort Worth. 

I received a copy of ENFORCING THE PAW from St. Martin's Press during the RWA Annual Conference in Orlando.  I read it straight through on the flight home to Baltimore.

I am giving away a swag pack from RWA17 to four randomly selected commenters from my posts published in the month of August. To enter the giveaway,

1. Let's chat about candy - what do you like to buy from a convenience store?  I indulge in the bite size packages of Reece's Peanut Butter Cups.

2. Comments are open through Thursday, August 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Friday, September 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Diane Kelly and LOVE UNLEASHED - Giveaway and Excerpt

Bestselling author Diane Kelly brings the heat to her popular Paw Enforcement series when sparks fly between a teacher and a firefighter in LOVE UNLEASHED, a digital novella from St. Martin's Press ... 

Between wrangling her rambunctious kindergarten class and trying to catch an elusive Dalmatian pup who’s been hanging around the playground, teacher Jessica Bellingham can hardly seem to catch her breath. And when hot, hunky fireman Louie DeLuca arrives to teach the children about fire safety, she just might need mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Who’d have thought a yellow slicker could be so sexy?

Things heat up quickly, igniting a passion the two would gladly allow to consume them. But will their romance become a four-alarm blaze, or will a dark secret from Jesse’s past threaten to cool things off for good? And what will become of the playful puppy who seems to stay just out of reach?

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A former tax advisor, Diane Kelly inadvertently worked with white-collar criminals. Lest she end up in an orange jumpsuit, Diane decided self-employment would be a good idea. Her fingers hit the keyboard and thus began her “Death and Taxes” romantic mystery series. A graduate of her hometown’s Citizen Police Academy, Diane Kelly also writes the hilarious K-9 cop “Paw Enforcement” series.

Be the first to receive book news by singing up for Diane’s newsletter at dianekelly.com. “Like” Diane on Facebook at facebook.com/dianekellybooks, and follow her on Twitter @dianekellybooks.

Firemen in NYC ... 

I adore the Paw Enforcement series!  I am looking forward to reading LOVE UNLEASHED.  I am giving away a digital copy of LOVE UNLEASHED to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1.  I admire Diane for completing "Citizen Police Academy". How well do you think you would fare in this course?  I am intimidated by guns so I probably would flounder in cleaning, loading, and shooting!  So I leave it to the pros ... 

2. Comments are open through Sunday, June 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winners on Monday, June 12.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

St. Martin's Press offers an excerpt from LOVE UNLEASHED ... 

There was a knock at my door followed by a yip-yip-yip! Looked like Louie had brought Stinker with him. I was glad. The precious little pup would add some levity to the situation.

I walked to the door, took a deep breath, and opened it. Louie stood there looking as hot and handsome as ever, though his brown eyes were steely. I bit my lip and those eyes went to my mouth, softening slightly.

Stinker jumped up on my leg. Yip!

I bent down to pet her. “Hi, girl!”

She wagged her tail, her entire body wriggling with enthusiasm.

I stood and backed up to let them in.

Louie took a few steps into my place and stopped, his meaty arms crossed over his chest.

“Come sit down.” I reached out, put a hand on his forearm, and led him to the couch.

Once he’d taken a seat on one end, I took a seat on the other, turning to face him. Hot tears welled up in my eyes again and I wiped them away. I’d probably smeared my mascara all over the place. But if Louie was going to be turned off by smudged makeup, what did any of this matter?

I took a deep breath. I wasn’t sure what to say, where to begin. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

“I need to show you something,” I said.

He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “What?”

“This.”

I reached down, starting at the top button of my dress, slowly undoing each of them. Louie watched me with a face that was equal parts confusion and arousal.

When I was unbuttoned to my waist, I eased the dress off my shoulders, letting it fall. Other than the parts covered by my bra, my chest and stomach were exposed. As much as I wanted to look away so that I wouldn’t see the disgust in his gaze, I forced myself to keep my eyes on Louie.

But there was no disgust. Instead, Louie’s concerned gaze traveled down from my face, taking in the scarred flesh between and under my breasts. He reached out on apparent instinct and I flinched. He noticed and pulled his hand back. I felt exposed and vulnerable as I waited for him to say something.

His brow furrowed as his gaze returned to my face. “Is that why you didn’t want me to touch you? Because of your burn scars?”

I nodded, biting my lip to keep from crying again. When I regained some control, I said, “Ugly, aren’t they?” I finagled my dress back into place. “They’re the reason I arranged the fire-safety assembly for the students.” I told him the whole story then, how I’d lit the lavender candle despite being warned many times not to.

He stared into my eyes so deep I felt it in my soul. “I hate that you went through this,” he said softly, reaching out to take both of my hands in his. “But how can I think anything is ugly when it led me to you?”

Aloha to Diane Kelly and ABOVE THE PAW (Paw Enforcement Book 5) - Book Review

The crime-fighting duo of Megan Luz and her K-9 is back―and on the prowl. . .

WILL THEY DIG UP THE TRUTH?
When a rash of college students falls seriously ill after ingesting Molly, a “club drug” also known as ecstasy, Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit are tasked with tracking down the dealers. Going undercover at the university leads Megan closer and closer to infiltrating the drug trafficking ring. But when the investigation implicates her former partner and workplace nemesis, Officer Derek Mackey, Megan’s powers of discernment are put to the test.

OR ARE THEY BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE?
Thwarted when the Feds seize control of the investigation and frustrated by the lack of attention the DEA is putting into the case, Megan continues her own unofficial investigation with Brigit’s help. But when the trail leads them in an unexpected and dangerous direction, Megan and Brigit find their own lives at risk. Can the K-9 team take down those in power? Or are some criminals simply above the law―and paw?

ABOVE THE PAW is the fifth book in Diane Kelly's series featuring Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 dog partner Brigit - available December 6, 2016, from St. Martin's Press (link).

Public Domain (link)

No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it. - Theodore Roosevelt

ABOVE THE PAW is Book Five in the Paw Enforcement series featuring Officer Megan Luz and her canine partner, Brigit. They patrol the streets of Fort Worth, Texas, as a formidable team - Megan is proficient with the police baton and Brigit has a nose second to none. They have successfully taken down a bomber, murder, thief, and pervert, leading to public accolades as they work the crowd during the Fourth of July celebrations. Despite the scorching heat, Brigit still sniffs out street drugs among the crowd entering the venue. Her nose discovers Molly, a crystalized form of ecstacy that has wreaked havoc at the nearby college campus. As Megan witnesses the effects on a coed, she volunteers to go undercover to catch the drug dealer.

The story unfolds in three parts - Megan's first person perspective, Brigit's third dog perspective, and the unknown villan's third person perspective. It is the same MO for each novel in the series, offering a unique storytelling method that is effective in setting the tone for the mystery ... and allowing Brigit to add her two scents, er, cents. ABOVE THE PAW takes a page from LAW AND ORDER, ripping the plot from the headlines with student overdoses from the club drug (Kelly also added a secondary "ripped from the headlines" plot that revealed itself in the climax - no spoilers here). I applaud Kelly for Megan's dedication to research the drug before she morphs into an epilepsy student with a service dog. I enjoyed Megan's step back in time as she relieved her own college days ... and I relived mine. It also gave me pause as I have a son who is a college sophomore - ABOVE THE PAW hit a nerve that college students are still just kids finding their way. Luckily, Megan and Brigit helped a their coed "friends" make better choices in the face of peer pressure. 

ABOVE THE PAW can be read as a stand alone novel since Kelly offers enough backstory to understand Megan's relationship with Brigit, other officers in the precinct, and even her budding romance with Seth, a hunky firefighter with a bomb sniffing dog, Blast. Seth and his backstory is worthy of his own book in the future. Still, I recommend any reader new to this series to start from the beginning with PAW ENFORCEMENT to see Megan's confidence grow with each story. Luckily, Brigit remains the same comic relief in search of her next belly rub.

ABOVE THE PAW kept my attention - I did not want to put it down. I was a bit sleepy at work after staying up too late just as Megan was making progress in the investigation. ABOVE THE PAW is more than a mystery - it has heart as Megan maintains a "can do spirit" in a male dominated profession. ABOVE THE PAW also offers humor as Brigit shares her thoughts on smelly squad cars, dimwitted perps, and pepperoni pizza.

Recommended read for fans who appreciate realistic characters with a side of dog hair.

I look forward to more adventures with Megan and Brigit.

Learn more about Diane and her books at dianekelly.com.

Check out my review of PAW ENFORCEMENT (link), PAW AND ORDER (link), LAYING DOWN THE PAW (link), and AGAINST THE PAW (link).

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

1. Megan goes undercover at Texas Christian University (TCU) - the mascot is the Horned Frogs.  What the mascot of your alma mater or a college near you?

I am a Spartan from the University of Tampa!

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

3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 30, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, October 31.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

True Grit is the mascot of the

University of Maryland - Baltimore County (link).

RWA Recap - Book Signings and Author Hobnobbing

Last Friday was dedicated to book signings ... and walking to the post office to mail boxes home.

I enjoyed breakfast with Kate Pearce - an English rose transplanted on the Big Island of Hawaii. We caught up with recent lava flow thanks to Madame Pele.  Kate also asked me to review her upcoming release THE RELUCTANT COWBOY .... squee!

After breakfast, I scurried over to the Avon Romance book signing, where I chatted with Jill Shalvis ... she gave me an ARC for her upcoming release, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE.  Squee again! Rest assured, I hand carried these two ARCs home with me rather than risk them in the mail.

Over at St. Martin's Press book signing, I gushed over Diane Kelly ...

... and then Tracy Solheim at the Berkley Romance book signing.

I also attended the St. Martin's Press cocktail party, where I chatted with Farrah Rochon.  She is an absolute delight!  I hope to persuade her to share her Louisiana cooking skills at next year's conference!

The cocktail party was held at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion ... librarian extraordinaire Wendy Crutcher pointed me in the direction of the Hawaiian themed sushi ... it was a taste of Paradise!

Do you like Cajun cuisine and/or Hawaiian food?  I love Shrimp Etouffee from New Orleans and Loco Moco from Waikiki.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, July 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

San Diego Bay

Public Domain (link)

Aloha to Diane Kelly and AGAINST THE PAW (Paw Enforcement) - Book Review

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

Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner are on the lookout for a convict who has been unleashed. . .

PAW PATROL IS ON THE CASE

Megan has her sights set on finding a convicted burglar who’s broken his parole, and she has the perfect partner to help sniff him out. Unfortunately, her shepherd-mix Brigit’s dog bowl is already full. A Peeping Tom has been spotted in an affluent Fort Worth neighborhood―and concerned citizens are looking for a few good watchdogs…

TO COLLAR A CRIMINAL

To catch the creep, residents start enlisting volunteers to beef up their Neighborhood Watch group. Which is fine with Megan. She needs to focus on catching a burglar who’s still at large. But when the Peeping Tom patrol grows into a virtual vigilante mob, Megan and Brigit have to jump in paws first―before some very angry people take the law into their own hands…

Against the Paw is the fourth installment in Diane Kelly's Paw Enforcement series.

Dogs are miracles with paws. ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

AGAINST THE PAW falls somewhere in between with cozy mystery and romantic suspense by following Megan on patrol with Brigit by her side, smelling for the liver treats in her pocket.  Megan is a capable officer looking to advance herself to detective. Brigit is just looking for her next meal although she relishes the opportunity to sniff out the suspects. The action unfolds from three perspectives - Megan's, Brigit's, and the unknown suspect referred to as Peeping Tom.  Megan wants to protect women from the Peeping Tom who is growing more aggressive with each incident in an affluent suburb of Fort Worth.  It is clear that Megan is the brains and Brigit the brawn as they defuse a vigilante neighborhood watch, combat sexism with the police force, and search for a parolee on the run.  

The beauty of AGAINST THE PAW is Megan's "can do" attitude - she's overcome a childhood stutter; she transitions from a twirling baton to police baton with ease; and she sees through an Army veteran's PTSD to help him realize his own self worth.  The mystery of the Peeping Tom kept my attention ... I almost didn't want Megan to catch him so the book would not end. AGAINST THE PAW was heart warming, heart wrenching, and heart felt as Megan strengthens her relationship with Seth, fine tunes her skills as a police officer, and survives putting Brigit on a diet. 

AGAINST THE PAW is Book Four in the Paw Enforcement series.  Kelly provides enough back story for readers to jump into the series with any book - I enjoyed them all! 

Recommended read for fans of a heroine with flaws, a hero with baggage, and a dog with an endless appetite.

I purchased a copy of AGAINST THE PAW.

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

1. Leave a comment about your favorite four legged friend - canine, feline, feather, or gills.  We are home to four rescued cats, three which adopted us in Hawaii.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more Diane and her books at dianekelly.com.

Weekly Winners

We have winners at SOS Aloha!

RWA in San Diego - The Army Comes Flying Along to North Island- Girlygirlhoosier wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Viva Las Vegas for the Arm Chair Traveler

- Ladbookfan wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Spotlight on Alison Aimes - Washington Loves Readers Luncheon

- Denise wins a book choice from my convention stash.

State of Romance with Sylvia Day, Victoria Aveyard, and Laura Trentham

- Booklady wins a book choice from my convention stash.

The Best Cheer - Shout Out in Books

- Di wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and VANILLA BEANED

- Natasha 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