Celebrating the Seventh Anniversary of SOS Aloha

Aloha!  Today is the 7th anniversary of my blog!  I created SOS Aloha six months after moving to Pearl Harbor - it became a means for me to remain connected to Romance Land!  I thank Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer, for encouraging me then - and now - to find my own voice. I also appreciate the endless support offered by romance authors Anne Elizabeth and Cathy Maxwell.  I was honored that Pamela Clare asked me to review BREAKING POINT - my first full length review on SOS Aloha (link).    

I would not be here without the readers, too!  I still correspond with some of my first followers - Dani, Jane, Debby, Gale, and many more.

To celebrate my blog anniversary, I recommend books and films from my beloved Hawaii ...

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is home of romance author Jill Marie Landis, who gives readers a taste of Kauai life in MAI TAI ONE ON, Book 1 (of 4) in the Tiki Goddess Mystery series. Read my review here.  Also check out her novella, TROUBLE IN PARADISE, at this link.

Oahu, the Gathering Place, served as the backdrop for independent film, THE RIDE:

When cocky, young surfing champion David Monroe wipes out on a big wave, he slips back in time to 1911 Hawai`i. Washing up on Waikiki beach, he discovers the true spirit of surfing when he is befriended by a young Hawaiian beachboy not yet known to the world - the future Olympic and surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku.
THE RIDE is a nostalgic escape into surfing, a coming of age for a cocky surfer, and a romance across time.  Rent it from Netflix at this link.  I also recommend THE DESCENDANTS with George Clooney and PRINCESS KAIULANI with Q'orianka Kilcher - both are set on Oahu and refer to Hawaiian royalty.

UH Professor Chip Hughes launched the Surfing Detective mystery series with MURDER ON MOLOKA'I - read my review at this link.   I've enjoyed the other books in the series - WIPEOUT (Oahu), KULA (Maui), and MURDER AT VOLCANO HOUSE (Big Island of Hawaii).

Dee DeTarsio takes readers on a wild ride when a weather girl returns home to Maui, the Valley Isle, in HAOLE WOOD.  No sooner does Jaswinder bail out her grandmother for pakalolo (marijuana) than she finds herself becoming a suspect in an island murder.  Aided by oversized guardian angel who loves ketchup, Jaswinder soon learns that home was always in her heart. Check out my review at this link.

On the other side of Maui, Gina Robinson exploits every tourist trap and spy stereotype in THE SPY WHO LEFT ME.  Check out my review at this link.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a diverse landscape, from snowy mountain top to black sand beaches.  In between are the ranches where paniolo - cowboys - are kings. Enter Shana Gray with COWBOY IN PARADISE, released earlier this week.  It is next in my TBR pile - review to come!

Hawaii's ninth island is ... Las Vegas!  Sin City is the No. 1 vacation destination for Hawaiians ... and home of a mini statue of King Kamehameha along the Strip.  Lori Wilde rolls the dice in LICENSED TO THRILL,

Wilde's fast-paced, steamy, and humorous novel follows beautiful, wisecracking Las Vegas P.I. Charlee Champagne, hired by uptight banker Mason Gentry to find his grandfather, who's on the lam with the family fortune. 

I read LICENSED TO THRILL long before I posted reviews on my blog ... so I will have to reread to share my thoughts on this laugh out loud romantic comedy with you!

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

1. What were you doing seven years ago?  Can you recommend any books or films from Hawaii or Las Vegas?  

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Avon Romance with Jill Shalvis, Toni Blake, and Lori Wilde

Yesterday I received a lovely package from Avon Romance - three holiday titles plus a logo glass:

Jill Shalvis' THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE (Heartbreaker Bay Book 2):

If she has her way ...

Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her ...

He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.

Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him ...

Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice ...

Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work ...

Toni Blake's CHRISTMAS IN DESTINY (Destiny Book 7)

“Go to Destiny. There’s something waiting there for you.”

Shane Dalton’s new life is waiting in Miami, complete with fast cars and faster women. But first, he’s heeding his father’s dying words and stopping off in Destiny, Ohio. The detour wasn’t supposed to include a busted pickup and a blizzard. But Candice Sheridan, the cute redhead who reluctantly offers shelter, could prove a pleasant diversion. Trouble is, she thinks Shane’s bad news. And he’s pretty sure she’s right . . .

Candice had her trust broken once before. Yet something about Shane won’t let her stay away. By Christmas, he’ll be gone. Until then, she’s itching to stop playing nice and safe . . . and try being a little naughty for once.

As their holiday romance heats up, Shane uncovers a shattering secret and Candice is preparing to face heartache once again. But there’s no better place than Destiny—especially at Christmastime—for two lost souls to find the gift of sweet, surprising love . . .

Lori Wilde's A WEDDING FOR CHRISTMAS (Twlight, Texas Book 7)

The whole town is ready for the holidays: The Cookie Club is baking, Main Street glitters with lights, the carolers sing . . .There’s even a Christmas wedding.

When bodyguard Ryder Southerland sees his best friend’s sister Katie at an L.A. Christmas party, he mistakes the slinky blonde for a celebrity stalker and tackles her. Then they tackle each other . . . at his place. The next morning, Katie’s gone, and Ryder tells himself it’s for the best. It isn’t. Now, one Christmas later, Ryder’s falling for the woman he’s been missing in the town he hasn’t missed at all . . .

Katie Cheek’s outgrown the romantic fantasies she had about Ryder when she was fifteen. Katie’s packed their hot night away in a box labeled “fling”—or tried to. But Twilight’s bad boy is the best man in her brother’s wedding. And up-close and personal, Ryder’s impossible to ignore. So Katie can either go into hiding—or surrender to Christmas magic.

I share my windfall with one randomly selected commenter - the winner may choose one of these three titles plus a choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your holiday plans this weekend, whether or not you celebrate Christmas.

2. Comments are open through Sunday, December 25, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, December 26.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Lori Wilde and LOVE OF THE GAME (Stardust, Texas)

Reminder: I have a special giveaway for Military Appreciation Month at this link.

A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn’t the only thing that needs healing in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde…
With major league good looks and talent, Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond was living the good life. Even if the roar of the crowd could never distract him from the loss of his young son. But now with an injured shoulder and his career on the line, Axel is stuck recuperating at a ranch in Stardust, Texas . . . striking out only with his gorgeous physical therapist.

Kasha Carlyle has one week to get Axel back in action or she can kiss her much-needed job with the Gunslingers goodbye. And any chance to seek custody of the orphaned half-sister she never knew existed. She quickly learns that Axel’s guarded heart also needs healing . . . requiring all kinds of sneaky plays and sexy moves in extra innings.

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | Kobo

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lori Wilde has sold seventy-eight works of fiction to four major New York Publishing houses.

Her first NYT bestseller, the third book in her Twilight, Texas series, The First Love Cookie Club has been optioned for a television movie. The town of Granbury, Texas, upon which her fictional town of Twilight, Texas is loosely based, honors Lori with an annual Twilight, Texas weekend each Christmas.

A popular writing instructor, Lori is a two time RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. She's won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Golden Quill, the Lories, and The More than Magic.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest

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

1. Leave a comment about your favorite baseball movie.  Mine is A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN.

2. This giveaway is open to US residents, but I welcome comments from our international readers. 

2. Comments are open through Saturday, May 7, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Book 1 and 2 in the Stardust, Texas, series ...

Aloha to Lori Wilde and I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Nothing says Christmas like New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde and Twilight, TX, and now Lori returns to Twilight for a brand new heartwarming holiday tale. The matchmaking members of the Cookie Club are up to their old tricks again!

Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe-a hometown guy with a restless heart-is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most…

…And who happens to be staying at his sister’s place over the holidays, while Joe’s sister is away. But Joe isn’t quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.

Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames “Trouble” won’t inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she’s never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS on Goodreads

A TWILIGHT, TEXAS series on Goodreads

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lori Wilde has sold seventy-eight works of fiction to four major New York Publishing houses. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and a certificate in forensic nursing from Kaplan University. She is a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

Her first NYT bestseller, the third book in her Twilight, Texas series, The First Love Cookie Club has been optioned for a television movie. The town of Granbury, Texas, upon which her fictional town of Twilight, Texas is loosely based, honors Lori with an annual Twilight, Texas weekend each Christmas. www.twilighttexas.com

A popular writing instructor, Lori is a two time RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She’s won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Golden Quill, the Lories, and The More than Magic. Her books have been translated into 27 languages and excerpted in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Complete Woman, and Quick and Simple magazines. She lives in Texas with her husband, Bill, and her two New American Shepherds.

loriwilde.com
twitter.com/loriwilde
facebook.com/LoriWildeBooks

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Avon offers an excerpt from I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS ...

Alpha He- Man grunted, and without another word, dragged her inside the yurt.

Her elbow tingled between the firm grip of his finger and thumb. Gabi dug in her heels. Just be-cause he was a gorgeous alpha guy didn’t mean he was entitled to manhandle her.

“Hey. Wait. What are you doing?”

“Drink of water.”

“Doesn’t help.” She hiccupped.

Disregarding her, He- Man lugged her to the kitchen sink, drew a glass of tap water, and thrust it into her hand. “Drink from the opposite edge of the glass.”

I’ll hu— hic— humor you, but it doesn’t work.” She put her mouth to the side of the glass farther from her, bent at the waist, and flipped her head upside- down so she could drink from the edge of the rim. From her upside- down view, she was eye- level with his crotch. Instantly, a hot flick of lust licked her and she closed her eyes tight.

Oh dear! She hiccupped in the middle of swallowing, and water splashed all over her chin. Feeling like a giant doofus, Gabi raised her head.

Alpha He- Man handed her a kitchen towel.

She dabbed at her chin— hic, hic, hic.

“Spoonful of sugar.” He nodded, but then snapped his fingers. “Wait. Katie doesn’t keep sugar. I wonder if stevia works the same?”

“Sugar doesn’t— hic— work.”

“Vinegar,” he said firmly, and took a bottle of raw apple cider vinegar from the cabinet.

“Look, I’ve been dealing with recurring hiccups my entire life. I’ve tried every home remedy in the book,” she said. “Water, sugar— hic—” Her chest jerked. “Vinegar, peanut butter, hot sauce— hic, hic— cocoa powder— hic—”

“Sounds like the recipe for brownies from hell,” he muttered.

That made her laugh in the middle of a hiccup and it came out sounding like a belching frog. Her cheeks burned. Classy, Gabrielle. Truly classy.

But he didn’t seem the least bit bothered by her unladylike noises.

“I’ve tried breathing into a brown paper bag, chewing dill seeds— hic—”

He sank his hands on his hips, looked stumped. “Well damn, Trouble, where do we go from here?”

Trouble?

A strangle thrill ran through her. Had the man just given her a nickname? Trouble? Her? Gabi almost laughed. She was the furthest thing on the planet from a troublemaker. She was a people pleaser. Everyone in her world had to be happy or Gabi couldn’t be happy. Hence her rocky relation-ship with law school.

More books in the Twilight, Texas series

Flash Holiday Giveaway - Harper Collins Christmas Duo

Ali'iolani Hale (Justice House) Christmas Tree

One last flash holiday from Harper Collins (Harlequin Books and Avon Romance):

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS from three military veterans - Lindsay McKenna (Navy), Delores Fossen (Air Force), and Geri Krotow (Navy):

Three stories salute the romance of holiday homecomings 

Christmas Angel by Lindsay McKenna

When Navy SEAL Kyle Anderson gets a call saying Anna Campbell needs him, he doesn't think twice. On the Montana ranch where they grew up, holiday magic permeates every acre, kindling long-awaited love. But will duty trump desire?

Unexpected Gift by Delores Fossen

Tailed by a camera crew, Air Force Captain Gabe Brenner returns to Texas to deliver a Christmas message to his best friend's sister Kelly Coburn. But she's had her own delivery: beautiful baby Noel…Gabe's daughter.

Navy Joy by Geri Krotow

Chief Petty Officer Ian Cairne arrives stateside for Christmas with a four-legged friend: his late buddy's military service dog. Fortunately, the beautiful town vet Wendi Cooper is willing to take this odd couple into her home—and her heart.

Lori Wilde's CHRISTMAS AT TWILIGHT (Twilight, Texas, Book 6):

It's Christmas in Twilight, Texas. The Cookie Club is baking, the town is decorated, and Delta Force Operator "Hutch" Hutchinson has finally, reluctantly, returned home . . .

. . . only to get pepper sprayed by the delicious- looking stranger who's taken over his house. She says her name is Jane, and she immediately sets down ground rules. Top priority: no touching. For Hutch that isn't easy—he was wounded in action, but one part is still working very well.

Then Hutch learns the truth. Jane harbors a frightening secret—she's really Meredith Sommers, on the run from a dangerous ex-husband and desperately in need of the safety Hutch can provide. In that moment, he vows he'd do anything in his power to protect her. And as Christmas approaches, they discover that their love can conquer the past and overcome any obstacle—but what price will they pay?

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment your favorite holiday decoration - Christmas tree?  Blinking lights?  Stockings hung by the chimney with care?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 12, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 13.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

'Iolani Palace paper lanterns

Aloha to Lori Wilde and DOUBLE TROUBLE

I loved these books!  I read both before I became a reviewer/blogger ... so I will make it a point to post reviews.  

Meanwhile, you have a special opportunities for two Lori Wilde romances together for the first time in print!

CHARMED AND DANGEROUS

When her thrill-seeking twin sister goes missing, Maddie Cooper must come to her rescue-which means teaming up with irritating, arrogant, and altogether way too sexy FBI agent David Marshall. David isn't one to get easily distracted but his new self-proclaimed partner has him completely sidetracked with her delectable curves and knockout smile. His first priority: follow the leads in the case. Then he can go about the all-too-enjoyable task of following his heart . . .

MISSION: IRRESISTIBLE

PR specialist Cassie Cooper loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned party. And a masquerade ball at the museum is her best yet. But when a legendary amulet is stolen practically from under her nose, she needs the help of her nemesis, archaeologist Harrison Standish. No-nonsense Harrison has all the intensity of Indiana Jones. Though just when he needs his full attention on their mission, he's having the damnedest time keeping his mind-and his hands-off Cassie . . .

Amazon: link
B&N: link
BAM!: link

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Wilde has written sixty novels. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and a certificate in forensics. She volunteers as a sexual assault first responder for Freedom House, a shelter for battered women. Lori is a past RITA finalist and has been nominated four times for the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. She's won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, the Lories, the More Than Maggie, the Golden Quill, the Laurel Wreath, and the Best Books of 2006 Book Award. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and featured in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Complete Woman, All You,TIME, and Quick and Simple magazines. She lives in Texas with her husband, Bill.

loriwilde.com
@LoriWilde
facebook.com/LoriWildeBooks

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Aloha to Lori Wilde and CHRISTMAS AT TWILIGHT

Reminder - you can bring Christmas to deployed personnel at this link.

It's Christmas in Twilight, Texas. The Cookie Club is baking, the town is decorated, and Delta Force Operator "Hutch" Hutchinson has finally, reluctantly, returned home . . .

. . . only to get pepper sprayed by the delicious- looking stranger who's taken over his house. She says her name is Jane, and she immediately sets down ground rules. Top priority: no touching. For Hutch that isn't easy—he was wounded in action, but one part is still working very well.

Then Hutch learns the truth. Jane harbors a frightening secret—she's really Meredith Sommers, on the run from a dangerous ex-husband and desperately in need of the safety Hutch can provide. In that moment, he vows he'd do anything in his power to protect her. And as Christmas approaches, they discover that their love can conquer the past and overcome any obstacle—but what price will they pay?

Tour link 

Goodreads link

Amazon link

B&N link

Kobo link

iTunes link

Lori Wilde is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 70 works of romantic fiction. She is a two-time RITA award nominee, a four time Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice nominee and has won numerous other awards. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and holds a certificate in nursing forensics. An animal lover, Lori is owned by several pets, and lives in Texas with her husband, Bill.

Loriwilde.com

Facebook link
Twitter.com/loriwilde
Goodreads link

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller)

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Aloha to BOOKS THAT NEED MORE ATTENTION Giveaway Hop - Romantic Comedy from Lori Wilde

Valerie at Stuck in Books organized today's giveaway hop.   She asked bloggers to feature a book you love but doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.

I spotlight two books from Lori Wilde.   CHARMED AND DANGEROUS and MISSION: IRRESISTIBLE are companion books with physical comedy with plenty of laugh out loud moments.  

When her thrill-seeking twin sister goes missing, Maddie Cooper must come to her rescue-which means teaming up with irritating, arrogant, and altogether way too sexy FBI agent David Marshall. David isn't one to get easily distracted but his new self-proclaimed partner has him completely sidetracked with her delectable curves and knockout smile. His first priority: follow the leads in the case. Then he can go about the all-too-enjoyable task of following his heart . . .

PR specialist Cassie Cooper loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned party. And a masquerade ball at the museum is her best yet. But when a legendary amulet is stolen practically from under her nose, she needs the help of her nemesis, archaeologist Harrison Standish. No-nonsense Harrison has all the intensity of Indiana Jones. Though just when he needs his full attention on their mission, he's having the damnedest time keeping his mind-and his hands-off Cassie . . .

If you missed these books in their first print run, you are in luck! Forever Romance is republishing both stories in one novel titled DOUBLE TROUBLE (link), available December 16, 2014.   Just in time for holiday reading!

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

1.  Leave a comment about a book you love but doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 18, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 19.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out the Giveaway Hop at this link.