Aloha to Sabrina Jeffries and THE SECRET OF FLIRTING (Sinful Suitors No. 5)

What to do after shoveling the spring snow?  Cozy up to a great book.  Enter Sabrina Jeffries and THE SECRET OF FLIRTING:

The moment spymaster Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Anne of Chanay, he's positive her royal persona is a ruse and that she's actually Monique Servais, the mysterious actress he met three years before in Dieppe. But as he pursues his suspicions, he uncovers a plot of attempted assassination and betrayal that could very well destroy his career, expose his own secrets...and ruin the woman he's rapidly coming to love.

The Secret of Flirting is a sizzling historical romance filled with fast-paced storytelling, an enchanting heroine, and a sexy hero, perfect for fans of Regency romance.

Sigh. Let the adventure begin! THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is available Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from Pocket Books. Order you book from Sabrina's website at this link.

Sabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 9 million books in print in 20 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world. 

She always dreams big.

Thank you, Sabrina, for dreaming big.  You've taken readers to new heights in romance reading!   

I am giving away "dream big" swag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment about Sabrina's passions - jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music.  

Do you have a favorite puzzle?  Nothing like surfboards to tempt me!

How about chocolate?  I need a daily chocolate fix, preferably for chocolate chip cookies and Heath Bars.

Music? 80s hair bands for me!

Comments are open through Sunday, April 1.  I'll post the winner on Monday, April 2.  

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

May is National Military Appreciation Month - Aloha to Sabrina Jeffries

Sabrina Jeffries is hosting the  "U-Tapao" table for the SOS America Military Tribute at the Booklovers Convention.   Tickets are still available at this link.   Sabrina's table is named for the Thai Air Base where her missionary family interacted with American serviceman deployed to support Operation Cobra Gold.  From Sabrina's bio,

Raised amidst the rubber plantations in Thailand by missionary parents, Sabrina Jeffries has earned numerous placements on the New York Times and USA Today lists with Regency historicals that readers savor for her trademark sexy blend of witty dialogue and enterprising characters. It’s no accident she has been dubbed “The Queen of the Sexy Regency Romance.”

About that plantation business—living in the boonies of Thailand afforded Sabrina endless hours to read Jane Austen novels and other classics voraciously. Not surprisingly, back in the States, she went on to earn a doctorate in English literature from Tulane University—and a craving for Cajun food.

While Sabrina treks through remote locales in the name of research and rubs elbows in the big cities with other industry professionals, she says her favorite destination is home. She lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her two best guys—husband, Rene, and adult son, Nick, who has inspired her to actively champion the cause of autistic children.

B52 on approach to U-Tapao in October 1972

Public Domain (link)

Sabrina is looking forward to her new series, Sinful Suitors, and Book 1, THE ART OF SINNING, available July 21, from Pocket Books:

American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father’s business. He’d much rather sample bevvies of beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he’s driven to paint. When he meets Lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she’s perfect for his work—and determines to capture the young heiress’s defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas.

No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane’s subject—in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city’s brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?

Mahalo, Sabrina, for supporting military personnel in Thailand back then .. and saluting military families now!   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.  I'm not surprised Sabrina enjoys Cajun food, considering she grew up in Thailand - both cuisines are spicy.  Do you like spicy food?  I enjoy Shrimp Étouffée and Pad Thai.

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 Sabrina and her books at sabrinajeffries.com.

Aloha to Sabrina Jeffries and IF THE VISCOUNT FALLS - Book Review

From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries, the deliciously sexy fourth book in the “Duke’s Men” Regency romance series—the first of which was called “a totally engaging, adventurous love story” (RT Book Reviews, Top Pick).

The heir presumptive to the Viscount Rathmoor, Dominick Manton once had his heart’s desire within reach—a bright future as a barrister and engagement to Jane Vernon, a wealthy baron’s daughter. Then a shattering betrayal by his vindictive brother George snatched away Dom’s inheritance and his hopes of offering Jane a secure future. Brokenhearted, and attempting to end their engagement without destroying Jane’s reputation, Dom staged a betrayal of his own to convince her that he’s not the husband-to-be that she thought.

Now George is gone and the viscountcy restored to Dom, since his brother’s widow, Nancy—Jane’s cousin and closest confidant—never bore an heir. But when Nancy goes missing, a panicked Jane calls on her former fiancé to track down her cousin. Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgiveable—but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with?

The First Quadrille at Almack's
Public Domain (link)

To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love. - Jane Austen

In the opening chapter, Dominick Manton spies his beloved fiance, Jane Vernon, dancing with another ... as he is late to the ball.  In fact, he doesn't want her to see him just yet until he can figure out a way to break off their engagement.  Dominick cannot support Jane as a lady among the ton once his vengeful brother cut off his inheritance.   So he takes the cowardly way out and kisses another woman.   

Years later, Dominick assumes the title of Viscount Rathmoor upon the death of his brother.   Jane contacts him to help her find the missing Viscountess who happens to be Jane's long time friend.   Fate throws Dominick and Jane together but they have grown wiser and wary.   Jeffries delivers a passion filled "road trip" as the couple find themselves with another chance of love.   Along the way, hero and heroine bring along their emotional baggage that disrupted their first courtship.   

WHEN THE VISCOUNT FALLS is Book Four in the Duke's Men series.   I have not read the previous three books (gasp!) but I was able to follow along the story line as if it was a stand alone novel.   Characters from previous books make guest appearance (as they are connected to the emotional baggage) but the focus remains on the fated couple.   

Recommended read for fans of Regency romance as Jeffries excels in the pomp and circumstance of the time period.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Caricature of longways dance by Rowlandson
Public Domain (link)

I am giving away a print copy of IF THE VISCOUNT FALLS to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1.  Let's talk about the cover ... notice the ruby necklace cascading down the heroine's back.  What is your favorite necklace?  Mine is a long gold Victorian chain link necklace from my English granny.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, February 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Sabrina and her books at sabrinajeffries.com.

Aloha to Sabrina Jeffries and HOW THE SCOUNDREL SEDUCES

Today is Release Day for Sabrina Jeffries' HOW THE SCOUNDREL SEDUCES, Book Three in Duke's Men series:

The third deliciously sexy novel in the New York Times bestselling Duke's Men historical romance series, featuring an investigator who sets out to find gypsies— and unexpectedly finds love.

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life— to make sure that his half-brother George can't ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke's Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn't expect to uncover Lady Zoe's family secrets, as well... or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

Sabrina, middle, at RWA
with Claudia Dain and Tammy Falkner

I am giving away a print copy of HOW THE SCOUNDREL SEDUCES to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about the name Zoe - do anyone named Zoe?  We fostered a cat named Zoey in Hawaii.   

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 23, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Sabrina and her books at sabrinajeffries.com.

Dueling Review Continued - Sabrina Jeffries and 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS

On Monday, I posted part one of the "dueling review" with LSUReader at this link.   Today I offer you part two.

Kim:  I am ambivalent to holiday books, mostly because I read them in advance of the holiday. Yet 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS grabbed my attention in the first chapter. It is a heartfelt story that stands alone from the holiday references. But add the Christmas cheer and it was a five star winner for me. What are your thoughts on holiday books? What drew you to this book?

LSUReader:  I like books with Christmas settings. They put me in the mood for one of my favorite times of the year. (I also admit to singing Christmas carols in July!) Add that Sabrina Jeffries is one of my go-to authors for historical romance, and 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS is a book I knew I wanted to read. She didn't disappoint. One thing that I really enjoyed was her use of Clement Clarke Moore's poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," in the novel, not just as a catchy hook for a title. So many of us are familiar with that Christmas story; we forget what new and different concepts it introduced. Here, we get to see how 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS 1826 characters related to the then recently published story of flying reindeer and stockings hung by the chimney.

Kim:  I am also ambivalent to children in romances. Yet Jasper was the glue that brought the characters together - he was the gift from Camilla's loveless marriage. He brought hope to the Dowager Countess. He gave Pierce the chance to be a child again at Christmas. What are your thoughts on children in romance books? Did you bond with Jasper?

LSUReader:  I agree with you on children in romances generally (I'm ambivalent) and specifically with regard to Jasper. His character was necessary to move the whole story forward. Jasper's relationships with his mother, the Dowager Countess and Pierce are key to their character growth. The six-year old offers a second chance at mothering for the Dowager Countess. He is a reverse mirror of what might have been for Pierce; and it is both painful and illuminating. For Camilla, Jasper is the reason she can understand the tremendous hurts of the past in the Waverly family. I can't imagine a successful conclusion--or such an enjoyable read--without Jasper.

Kim:  Sabrina's writing enveloped me, taking me to Herefordshire's countryside and its Christmas fair. What part of Sabrina's writing worked for you?

LSUReader:  I did read the two earlier novels where Pierce was a supporting character (books 4 and 5 of Sabrina's Hellions of Halstead Hall series.) My first impressions of him were of a stiff and unforgiving rake with little regard for family. And then I read 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS prologue. That quickly, I was drawn into his story. Within a couple of chapters I began to understand why he was this way and I hoped (but wasn't sure) he could be freed from his miserable past. I admire how Sabrina so artfully and thoroughly redeemed Pierce and the other  'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS characters who were guilty of deception. She answered those fears that I had early in the book. That's what worked best for me: how Sabrina brought her characters to a peaceful, forgiving resolution. 

Yat Rock Viewpoint, Herefordshire

Mahalo, LSUReader, for joining me in this dueling review - we must do it again in the future!   Check out Sabrina's website (at this link) for the synopsis, excerpt, scoop, accolades, and links to purchase. I am giving away a special prize today - a Hawaiian holiday tote plus 3 titles from the Hellions of Halstead Hall series:

- THE TRUTH ABOUT LORD STONEVILLE
- HOW TO WOO A RELUCTANT LADY
- TO WED A WILD LORD

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment children in romances - love them or loathe them?

2. This giveaway is open to all readers.

3. Comments are open through Saturday, November 3, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Aloha to Sabrina Jeffries and 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS

I squealed with delight when Sabrina Jeffries' 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS arrived in the mail for me to review:

Dear Sir,

. . . I feel I should inform you that your mother is very ill. If you wish to see her before it is too late, you should come at once.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Camilla Stuart

Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has led an unabashed rogue’s life, letting no woman near his heart. Inexplicably abandoned as a child to be raised by distant relatives, he never forgave his parents, refusing to read any of his mother’s letters after his father’s death. Then came a letter that shook his resolve. A Christmas visit to Montcliff might prove his last chance to discover the truth of his past, and come to terms with the stranger he calls “Mother.”

But two surprises await him at Montcliff. His mother is perfectly healthy, nowhere near a deathbed, as her meddling lady’s companion led him to believe. The second is Camilla Stuart herself, a lively vicar’s widow, too bright and beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce. Though she alone is reason enough to prolong his stay, he is soon faced with other tantalizing riddles: What secrets lie in his mother’s past to explain his childhood abandonment? Why is the captivating Mrs. Stuart so determined to mend the breach between mother and son? Meanwhile,  Camilla herself is caught up in love’s complications since the arrival of the irresistible earl. As his bold flirtation and suggestive whispers draw her dangerously close, can anything protect her vulnerable heart? If they are destined to share real happiness, there must be honesty between them—yet telling him the truth about her own life may shatter that chance.
None of them can predict the startling revelations to come. Or the secrets, both heartening and shocking, divulged between a mother and son, and between two lovers haunted by their respective pasts, that will make Christmas night at Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night after, one to treasure for a lifetime.

Image from Wikipedia, citing the Projet Guetenberg (link)

When I posted my review on Goodreads (at this link), I noticed LSUReader rated it with four stars.  I invited LSUReader to join me in a "dueling" review.   Today, I answer her questions ... and later this week, she'll answer mine!

LSUReader:  Forgiveness is a central theme in the book. At times, I doubted the characters could fully be redeemed. How did you view the prevalence of so much painful distrust and deception by so many characters? 

Kim:  The book blurb references two surprises for Pierce at the Dowager House.  There was at least another ... and the days spent with those three surprises lead to a fourth.  I am being vague to not spoil the story for other readers.  As you noted, forgiveness is the theme, so there has to be a conflict.  Sabrina tapped into the "norms" of the Regency era and the customs of titled families to create that conflict - fear of scandal, security, and reputation - that rocked the three central characters.  Sabrina excelled at drawing me into that fear while still making it a lighthearted, even heartfelt, story set during the holiday season.

Berrington Hall in Herefordshire
Image from Prichardson, released to public domain (Wikipedia)
Pierce's estate lies in Herefordshire.

LSUReader:  Hero Pierce Waverly was introduced in Sabrina's Hellions of Halstead Hall series, and several of those characters briefly appear in TTNAC. If you read that series, how did your earlier "acquaintance" with Pierce influence your view of him here? If this was your first introduction to him, does it encourage you to read the earlier series?

Kim:  Pierce appears in 2 of the five books in the Hellions of Hallstead Series.  I read the other three, so I was not familiar with Pierce.   He could have been the garden variety Regency rake in those two books, but he is not in 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS.   Pierce could spend days on Freud's couch, analyzing why he pursues the image of carefree womanizer when he is, privately, a thoughtful man who indulges in the pinafore.   Pierce does inspire me to read the two books I missed from the series - I'd like to see him "in action" as the roving rogue.

TWO STRINGS TO HER BOW by John Pettie
Image from Wikipedia/Public Domain

LSUReader:  It was nice to see so many supporting characters fully fleshed out--the staff of the dowager house, estate manager Mr. Fowler, Mr. Manton the investigator--who was your favorite among them and why?

Kim:  Sabrina takes on the mantle that it takes a village, a country village, to tell a story, especially one of forgiveness.  Supporting characters add dimension to the circumstances and keep the hero/heroine honest of their feelings.   I chuckled at the "competition" between the staff of the dowager house and Pierce's household; it reminded me of Upstairs/Downstairs and even Downton Abbey.   Mr. Manton was a surprising warm character in the last quarter of the book, especially in light of his connection to Pierce's youth.   But I was cheering for Mr. Fowler to be appreciated by Piece and noticed by .... I won't tell.  You have to read the book!   Mr. Fowler was a dedicated employee who did not judge Pierce or his mother.   He was honest and forthright with the staff, including Camilla.  In the end, he wasn't as stern as the dowager's staff thought he was.

The Dower House at Dean Castle in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Image by Roger Griffith, released to public domain (Wikipedia)

Mahalo, LSUReader, for your questions!  I look forward to your answers!  'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS will be available on Tuesday, October 30.  Check out Sabrina's website (at this link) for the synopsis, excerpt, scoop, accolades, and links to purchase.  I am giving away a special prize today to celebrate its release - a Hawaiian holiday tote bag 3 titles from the Hellions of Halstead Hall series:

- THE TRUTH ABOUT LORD STONEVILLE

- HOW TO WOO A RELUCTANT LADY

- TO WED A WILD LORD

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment holiday shopping - do you prefer Christmas fairs, shopping malls, or catalogues?

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 3, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 4.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

Make sure you visit Sabrina's website, sabrinajeffries.com, for fun tidbits!

Four from the Goddess Blogs (at this link):
Suzanne Enoch, Julia London, Sabrina Jeffries, and Karen Hawkins
RWA Librarian Day 2012