Aloha to Ophelia London and KISSING HER CRUSH

Ophelia London is celebrating the release of KISSING HER CRUSH, Book 2 in her Sugar City series ...

He’s sweet trouble...

Natalie Holden wants three things: To be the best chocolate chemist in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to prove her chocolate recipe can help teenage depression, and to get over gorgeous Luke Elliott, the guy she’s had a crush on since birth. Unfortunately, he’s the microbiologist set to debunk her chocolate study. And, of course, he looks more delicious than ever!

Luke Elliott is still bitter over his divorce. Work is his passion now, and landing a huge promotion is just what he needs. What he doesn’t need is a crackpot trying to prove that chocolate cures depression. The last thing he expects is for the crackpot to be Natalie Holden—his “what if” girl from high school—or that she’d still tempt the hell out of him.

They may not see eye-to-eye on her project, but they can’t deny the explosive chemistry that keeps pulling them together. Even when it risks their jobs and the very different futures they both want…

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USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters she writes. Ophelia is the author of AIMEE & THE HEARTTHROB; DEFINITELY, MAYBE IN LOVE; the Abby Road series; Perfect Kisses series; Sugar City series; and the brand new cozy mystery CHALK LINES & LIPSTICK. Visit all her books HERE, but don’t call when The Vampire Diaries (or Dawson’s Creek) is on. #paceylove

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Aloha to Hawaiian History - King Kamehameha Day

Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day on June 11.   From Hawaii History (link),

Born at Kokoiki in North Kohala on the island of Hawai`i (in 1758), Kamehameha descended from chiefs of Hawai`i and Maui. As a young man, he distinguished himself as a talented warrior and served his uncle Kalaniopu`u, ruler of several districts on the island. A keen battle strategist and admirer of Western weaponry, Kamehameha later utilized guns and cannon to defeat his own enemies and consolidate his power in the Islands.

King Kamehameha is often referred to as the Napoleon of the Pacific.  By uniting the islands, he prevented them from becoming European and Asian colonies.   Also from Hawaii History,

Mamala Hoe (Law of the Splintered Paddle)

During a raid on Puna, Kamehameha pursued several fishermen and his foot got stuck in a rock crevice. Realizing the chief's disadvantage, one of the fisherman struck him on the head with a paddle which splintered. As the first fisherman prepared to strike Kamehameha again, the other fisherman made a plea to his companion to spare Kamehameha. Deeply moved by this incident, Kamehameha later proclaimed a law to protect the defenseless and to ensure the safety of travelers. A version of the law was incorporated into the state constitution in 1978.

The statue above was commissioned by the Kingdom of Hawaii in the early 1880s.   It was lost at sea enroute from Europe to Hawaii.   With the insurance payout, the Legislature cast a second statue which now stands in front of the Ali'iolani Hale (Justice Palace) as seen on Hawaii Five O (and pictured at the top).   The original statue awashed ashore in the Falkland Islands.  It was returned to Hawaii and erected near his birthplace near Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii (link).  A third statue now stands in the US Capital Hall's Statuary Hall along side Father Damien (link).

Kamehameha's private heiau (temple) in Kona

To celebrate King Kamehameha Day, I offer my favorite romance books set in Hawaii:

Ophelia London's MAKING WAVES, a novella from the Perfect Kisses series.  A journalist and surfer learn to trust again on Oahu's North Shore; review link.

Chip Hughes' mystery series, the Surfing Detective, visiting the islands of Lana'i, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii:

- MURDER ON MOLOKA'I, review link

- WIPEOUT!, review link 

- KULA, review link

- MURDER AT VOLCANO HOUSE, review link

Gina Robinson's THE SPY WHO LEFT ME:  Set on Maui, the heroine attends her cousin's destination wedding only to bump into her estranged husband under cover.  The couple endure every tourist trap, family bickering, and Chinese spies, ultimately bringing them back together for the HEA.   

Check out my interview with Gina at this link and my review at this link.

Jill Marie Landis' Tiki Goddess series.  Set on Kauai, a California woman relocates to the North Shore to save her uncle (from fortune hunters), the Tiki Goddess bar (from going under), and the Hula Maidens (from themselves).   Laugh out loud comedy true to the spirit of the Garden Isle.

MAI TAI ONE ON, review link

TWO TO MANGO, review link

THREE TO GET LEI'D, blurb link

TOO HOT FOUR HULA, review link

Jill Marie Landis' TROUBLE IN PARADISE, a novella bringing a bride and groom to Kauai, only to have their wedding plans disrupted by Mother Nature and Hawaiian lore; review link.

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

1.  Leave a comment about Hawaii - do you have a favorite place, food, drink, book, movie, or something else?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

May is National Military Appreciation Month - Aloha to Ophelia London

I invited Ophelia London to participate in the SOS America Military Tribute at the RT Booklovers Convention because she wrote an awesome novella set in Hawaii.  From Ophelia's bio,

USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes. 

Ophelia recently celebrated the release of AIMEE AND THE HEARTTHROB:

He never noticed her before, but now she's all he can see...

Miles Carlisle is every teen girl's fantasy. His rugged good looks and exotic British accent have helped catapult his boy band, Seconds to Juliet, to super-stardom. But after two disastrous and very public breakups, Miles isn't interested in dating just any girl; he wants The One. And the only girl he's interested in is not only his best friend's little sister - and off-limits - but won't even give him the time of day...

As a kid, Aimee Bingham had a huge thing for Miles...until he made fun of her for always tagging along. Now that she's outgrown both him and her pigtails, the prospect of spending two weeks on tour with the childhood crush who broke her heart isn't exactly enticing. Except now Miles seems interested. Very interested. And no matter how hard Aimee tries to resist him, her crush is definitely making a comeback. But everyone knows that falling for a heartthrob is a backstage pass to heartbreak...

May is National Military Appreciation Month. For the month of May, I am giving away one grand prize of books and swag from the authors featured this month (link). Plus five more commenters - one for each branch of service - wins a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Cupcakes!  What's your favorite?  I love anything chocolate!

2. Comments are open through Sunday, May 31, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Monday, June 1.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Ophelia and her books at ophelialondon.com.

Best of 2014 - Contemporary Romance

Here are my favorite contemporary romances from 2014 ...

Jenny Colgan and THE LOVELIEST CHOCOLATE SHOP IN PARIS (link)

Diane Kelly's PAW ENFORCEMENT (link)

Patience Griffin's TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE (link)

Leslie Wells' COME DANCING (link) 

Tracy Solheim's RISKY GAME (link)

Tracy Brogan's HOLD ON MY HEART (link) and THE BEST MEDICINE (link) 

Michele Gorman's THE CURVY GIRLS CLUB (link) and PERFECT GIRL (link)

And one novella, Ophelia London's MAKING WAVES (link).

Can you recommend a favorite contemporary romance from 2014? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 3, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Ophelia London and MAKING WAVES - Novella Review and Blog Tour

It probably comes as no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to review Ophelia London's MAKING WAVES from Entangled Bliss:

She’s in over her head and he’s in hot water…

Visiting her friends Ellie and Charlie in Hawaii was supposed to be a much-needed vacation for journalist Justine Simms. But when she learns the notoriously reclusive pro-surfer Chase Ryder is coming out of retirement for a competition, she knows she’s found the perfect exclusive to save her career. Of course, then she learns he’s the gorgeous, secretly nerdy guy who broke her heart a year ago.

Will Davenport—aka Chase Ryder—doesn't do interviews. He keeps his real name out of the papers and doesn’t mix his public life with his private. That is, until the still-heartbroken Justine blackmails him into giving her an exclusive. Seeing Justine, stunningly beautiful as ever, brings back all the feelings he had before. But despite their smoldering attraction, nothing has changed since he had to leave her the first time. 

"I could not help concluding this man had the most supreme pleasure while he was driven so fast and so smoothly by the sea"  - Captain James Cook, first documented European explorer to come ashore in Hawaii in 1778.

Ophelia London delivers a flirty, engaging, and heartfelt story of "second chances" in this novella. Justine Simms is looking for the "big story" that can make (or break) her journalism career.   Her chance comes on a quick trip from LA to Honolulu.  Justine intended to spend the long weekend with Ellie and Charlie (FALLING FOR HER SOLDIER).  She hoped the change in scenery will nurse her broken heart after IT guy Will Davenport walked out on their third date.   Instead, she chases after a rumor that surfing legend Chase Ryder is coming out of retirement for the expected "Eddie" challenge.

Let me break from the review to spotlight Eddie Aikau.  He was a legendary big wave surfer who worked as a lifeguard at Waimea Beach Park.   He competed to be a crew member on the Tahiti voyage of the Hokulea - a replica of a double hulled voyaging canoe.  The Hokulea left Honolulu harbor in choppy waters on March 16, 1978, only to capsize overnight off the coast of Moloka'i.  With no modern equipment to call for help, Eddie volunteered to paddle towards land for help.  He stripped off his life vest to paddle faster ... and he was lost at sea.  Hawaii wept for her los son.  Eddie remains a hero of selfless service.  Today, surfers say "Eddie would go" when the big waves arrive on Oahu's North Shore during the Winter Season.   Quicksilver hosts the "Eddie" surf invitational only when open water swells reach 20 feet.  Thus, the tournament has been held eight times since 1984.

Returning to the review, Justine travels to the North Shore, determined to interview the reclusive Chase Ryder.   After the opening ceremony, Justine realizes that Chase Ryder is Will Davenport.   After she recovers from her shock, Justine asks "Chase" for an interview in exchange for her silence on his double life.  As they spend time together over the course of one day, Justine drifts from her "professional" interview of a surf legend to seeking "personal" closure of their presumed breakup.   Hero and heroine reveal their emotional baggage as they explore a few hidden gems along Oahu's shores. London uses the 122 pages wisely to convey past pain that both Justine and Will suffered before they began to date - pain that seemed to doom their relationship.  Just as the kai (sea) is life to the Hawaiians, wading into the kai allowed Justine and Will come to terms with their past ... and hope for a future.

London is spot on with her vivid descriptions of the Hawaiian landscape and incorporating Hawaiian culture into the story.   MAKING WAVES is a complete story ... but I certainly would like to follow Justine and Will into their Happily Ever After in another story.

MAKING WAVES is Book 3.5 in London's Perfect Kisses series.   I read this novella as a stand alone story since I have not read the previous books in the series ... something that I will rectify shortly!    I give MAKING WAVES five surfboards, er, stars on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link).

I received an digital ARC from Wordsmith Publicity for an honest review.   

GoodReads:  link

Amazon: link
Barnes & Noble: link
iBooks: link

Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she's lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes. Ophelia is the author of DEFINITELY, MAYBE IN LOVE, ABBY ROAD, the Perfect Kisses series including: PLAYING AT LOVE, SPEAKING OF LOVE, and FALLING FOR HER SOLDIER. Visit her at ophelialondon.com. But don't call when The Vampire Diaries is on.

Join Ophelia on her blog tour with Wordsmith Publicity at this link.

Website: ophelialondon.com
Twitter: twitter.com/ophelialondon
Facebook: link
Pinterest: pinterest.com/opheliawrites
GoodReads: link

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Celebrate Hawaii Week - Aloha to Ophelia London and MAKING WAVES

Continuing our celebration of Hawaii, Ophelia London  included an Army hero and Hawaiian setting in her Perfect Kisses series.  From her bio, 

Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she's lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes.

Oh, we can all live vicariously through her characters in MAKING WAVES, A Perfect Kisses Novella, available June 16 from Entangled Bliss:

She’s in over her head and he’s in hot water…

Visiting her friends Ellie and Charlie in Hawaii was supposed to be a much-needed vacation for journalist Justine Simms. But when she learns the notoriously reclusive pro-surfer Chase Ryder is coming out of retirement for a competition, she knows she’s found the perfect exclusive to save her career. Of course, then she learns he’s the gorgeous, secretly nerdy guy who broke her heart a year ago.

Will Davenport—aka Chase Ryder—doesn't do interviews. He keeps his real name out of the papers and doesn’t mix his public life with his private. That is, until the still-heartbroken Justine blackmails him into giving her an exclusive. Seeing Justine, stunningly beautiful as ever, brings back all the feelings he had before. But despite their smoldering attraction, nothing has changed since he had to leave her the first time.

MAKING WAVES is next in my review stack and I will joining Ophelia's blog tour on Saturday, June 21.   Meanwhile I am giving away a digital copy of MAKING WAVES to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about cupcakes and treadmills ... what flavor cupcake?  And do you exercise on a treadmill?  Chocolate.  No.  I prefer to power walk.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 14.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Learn more about Ophelia and her books at ophelialondon.com.