Aloha to Hannah Reed and OFF KILTER - A Scottish Highlands Mystery

National bestselling author Hannah Reed brings mystery lovers the first in a brand-new series, in which a young writer finds herself swept up in a murder amidst the glens and lochs of the Scottish Highlands… 

After the recent death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, thirty-something Eden Elliott is seriously in need of a fresh start. At the urging of her best friend, bestselling author Ami Pederson, Eden decides to embark on an open-ended trip to the picturesque village of Glenkillen in the Scottish Highlands, to do some hands-on research for a book of her own. But almost as soon as Eden arrives in the quaint town, she gets caught up in a very real drama…

The town’s sheep shearer is found murdered—clipped with his own shears—and the locals suspect Vicki MacBride, an outsider whose father’s recent death left her the surprise heir to his lucrative sheep farm. Eden refuses to believe the affable heiress is a murderer, but can she prove that someone is out to frame her new friend before she finds herself on the receiving end of more shear terror?

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland

I'm William Wallace, and the rest of you will be spared. Go back to England and tell them... Scotland is free! - William Wallace

After her bitter divorce and her mother's heartbreaking death, Eden Elliott retreats to her father's homeland - Scotland - to jump start her writing career.   She flies from Chicago to London for her connecting flight to Inverness, only to meet another "lost" soul, Vicki MacBride, en route to the seaside village of Glenkillen.   Eden and Vicki become friends as they integrate themselves into Scottish life.   Yet trouble follows both of them, prompting Eden to investigate the untimely death of the sheep sheerer, the fire at the B&B, and other mysterious activities in this quiet village.

OFF KILTER is an immersion into Scottish life through the eyes of American Eden Elliott.   Reed captures the Highland spirit as the heroine wanders around the village seeking inspiration for her romance novel.  Her unexpected turn as as amateur detective riles some of the villagers.  Eden finds an ally in a potential suitor - a man in a kilt, of course!   

Reed delivers an entertaining cozy mystery which will appeal to fans of Scottish culture.   She pokes fun at Eden's efforts to write her romance novel while paying tribute to the romance of Alba itself.  

I purchased OFF KILTER for my reading pleasure.

Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Scotland

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 Scotland - what do you love about Alba?  Or know about Scottish culture?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, June 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Hanging My Shingle: Aloha 'Ike Maka - Social Media Consulting

Stand out in Social Media

I contribute a weekly column, State of Romance, to USA Today's HEA blog.  I feature romances set in the designated state.  This past week, I spotlighted Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes, at this link.   During my research for the designated state, I follow links to websites, blogs, and other social media - anywhere I can find authors.  This project, along with my blog, exposes me to authors in all stages of their publishing careers.  I often find myself evaluating their social media and wanting to make suggestions.

So I've decided to hang my shingle out to offer social media consultation from a reader's perspective - are you maximizing the tools available to promote your brand?   

'Ike Maka is the Hawaiian word for Identity ... and social media is your electronic footprint for readers follow.      

My services include researching you on the Internet - your website, social media, group blogs, publisher website - anywhere I can find your name and your books.  I will provide you with a telephone consultation on what I found .... and how it influenced me in purchasing yours books.  I can recommend resources to improve your brand name and social media.  At this time, the cost is a donation to Hope for Heroes (link):

To enable a sense of personal accomplishment, empowerment and unity for our nations disabled heroes through their favorite outdoor adventures and activities.

Here are my qualifications - I served 12 years as an Air Force Communications Officer.  I am active member of RWA; I am a co-presenting a social media panel at the 2015 RWA Annual Conference in NYC (link).  I celebrated my blog's 5th anniversary in 2015 - the most successful year yet.

Interested?   Contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com, Subject: Social Media Consulting.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Soar to new heights in Social Media

State of Romance visits Washington with Jill Shalvis' MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY

Mount Rainier, Washington
Public Domain (link)

State of Romance visits Washington, the Evergreen State, at USA Today's HEA Blog at this link.   I discovered several series (in all genres) but I overlooked Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series.  To correct that mistake, let me spotlight her newest novella, MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY:

SEASON'S KISSES

Wild child Chloe Thompson can't believe how much things have changed. She still can't get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen. 

I am giving away a digital copy of MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY, to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Can you recommend a romance book set in Washington State?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Jill and her books at jillshalvis.com.

Seattle, Washington

Public Domain (link)

Hump Day News - State of Romance, Avon Roamnce's KissCon, and Optimism

Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina
Released to Public Domain (link)  

Aloha!   For the evening crowd ....

Today is the 111th anniversary of the Wright Brother's first flight at Kitty Hawk.   To celebrate, State of Romance visits North Carolina this link.

I dedicate the first paragraph to Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer, who has taught me how to relax during air travel.

Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk
Public Domain (link)

Avon kicked off its KissCon in Seattle last month.   From Avon's own publicist, Jessie Edwards:

I’m so pleased to share this fun reel from the Speed Round of our first ever KissCon: An Avon Affair in Seattle—a grand event that took place just before Thanksgiving and featured 14 Avon authors, including Julia Quinn, Rachel Gibson, Sarah MacLean, Ilona and Gordon Andrews, Laura Kaye, Lorraine Heath, Lori Wilde, Elizabeth Boyle, Cathy Maxwell, Sophie Jordan, Jennifer Bernard, Julie Brannagh, and Darlene Panzera. In the speed round, the authors were asked some wild and wacky questions by their intrepid publicity director. They only had 3 seconds to answer. What did they say???

Check out the video at this link.

KissCon will be visiting Sarasota, FL and St. Louis, MO in 2015.   Mary has already signed up for KissCon in St. Louis.  I'm waiting for KissCon to come to Baltimore.

Sharing ice cream with Cathy

Notice who is has the biggest smile in the video ... the always optimistic Cathy Maxwell.   She is spotlighted in Fox News' online article, Thankful for the Gift of Optimism, at this link.

Thank you, Cathy, for keeping me grounded.  I think the Wright Bros. may have been related to your ornery relatives!

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 any of the following  ...

... what you know about North Carolina

... any romances set in North Carolina

... how you relax on air travel

... you favorite Avon Author

... any "ornery" relatives in your family

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

North Carolina is home to Fort Bragg
Image released to Public Domain (link)

Hump Day News - Amazon Smile, State of Romance, and Reader Feedback

If you are still shopping for the holidays, consider Amazon Smile (link) to support designated charities, including Paws and Stripes (link),

We are on a mission to help veterans with PTSD and TBI live the full and rich lives the deserve - and helping shelter dogs along the way.
Learn more about Paws and Stripes on A&E's DOGS OF WAR (link), Sunday night at 10 pm.

Over at USA Today's HEA Blog, State of Romance visits Mississippi at this link.

Released to Public Domain (link)

You may recall I wrote an article for RWA's magazine, Roll Out the Red Carpet for Readers (reprinted on my blog at this link).   I want to write another article ... and I am seeking your feedback.  What would you like to tell authors ... in general or specific?  About their books?  Your reading preferences?  What you like about the publishing industry?  What you don't like?  

 Submit your feedback to sos.aloha@yahoo.com - please use "Reader Feedback" in the subject line.  All feedback will be considered private and may be used anonymously in my article. 

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected reader who submits feedback by email. Emails will be accepted through December 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll contact the winner by email.

I am also giving away a book choice today on my blog - leave a comment about Mississippi - what do you know about the Magnolia State?  Can you recommend a romance books set in the 20th state?  Comments are open through Saturday, December 13, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Christopher Murphy and NASHUA

Check out my weekly column, State of Romance, at USA Today's HEA blog at this link.  This week I spotlight romance books set in New Hampshire as the Granite State has a connection to Thanksgiving.

The second largest city of New Hampshire is NASHUA ... the title of Christopher Murphy's debut novel:

Located just north of Boston, Nashua, New Hampshire, is known as a quiet city--until a series of violent murders makes front page news just before Memorial Day weekend. The brutal killings leave citizens terrified, and the NH State Police respond by bringing in an experienced investigator. Detective Sergeant John Osborne is an abrasive but competent state trooper from the major crimes unit. Osborne immediately butts heads with Detective David Boyle, his liaison to the Nashua police department. Both men begin investigating the grisly murders, which seemingly happened with absolutely no apparent connection except for the killer placing a white pillowcase over the victim's head and tying the end of it off in a knot around the neck. As if the killer didn't want to see the victims face, the skull is pummeled rendering them unrecognizable. Nothing is as it seems as both investigators clash every step of the way. Their own personal dislike and inter-departmental hostility for each other threatens to jeopardize the investigation. Ironically, both of them might actually be closer to the truth than they realize upon learning of an eerily similar crime committed in Maryland the year before. In fact, the killer has already decided that one of them must become the next victim.

Amazon link

Christopher Murphy is a former police officer and native of New Hampshire. He has been on active duty in the United States Marine Corps for the last fourteen years. He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife, Donna, and their six daughters.

I am giving away "Thanksgiving" swag to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Thanksgiving - do you have a favorite dish?   

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 29, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 30.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

State of Romance - New Hampshire with Nancy Lee Badger and MY DARK HIGHLANDER

Each week, I host State of Romance at USA Today's HEA Blog. This week, we visit New Hampshire in honor of its connection to Thanksgiving at this link. 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have an extra special treat ... Nancy Lee Badger offers a guest post with gorgeous pictures of New Hampshire!

Loon Mountains

I recently traveled through New Hampshire, a state wedged between Maine and Vermont, with Massachusetts beneath, and Canada above. Fall was in the air. Could winter be far behind? Folks love its sparkling coast where Portsmouth and Dover fishermen ply their trade. The ski slopes in the White Mountains are eagerly waiting the first snowfall. Waterfalls, streams, beaver dams, and mountain lakes are filled with wildlife. 

A little history: New Hampshire is one of the 13 original states. Named after the English county of Hampshire, it once included the land we now call Vermont. These two ‘mirrored’ states are separated along the border of the Connecticut River. The state motto found on its license plates is ‘Live Free or Die’, and it is referred to as the ‘The Granite State’. New Hampshire still uses the granite profile of the ‘Old Man of the Mountain’ as their state symbol even though this huge outcropping of granite tumbled down into the valley. This happened back in May 2003 while I was at work at NH 9-1-1. I can remember the sorrow of learning this famous, ancient grouping of rock was gone, while White Mountain National Park rangers searched for any hikers caught in the disaster (no one was hurt).

Another reason that this crumbling visage hurt the state is because tourism is a major economic product. Every fall, starting in mid-September, tourists drive past where the “Old Man” used to stand, as they enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. Snowfall starts in November, and ski areas fill with visitors who enjoy brisk white slopes dotted by groves of dark green pines. Summertime brings people to their summer homes; small two room cabins on the edge of a lake or pond, or multi-million dollar mansions along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ellsworth Falls

My Dark Highlander

Stranded in 1603 Scotland, veterinarian Jenny Morgan is eager to get home to New England. Hiding her ability to read auras, a powerful witch comes to her aid. All Jenny will miss is the man who stole her heart, one dark night.

Laird Gavin Sinclair has a missing brother, a murderous father, and a dark-eyed beauty on his mind. When Jenny returns to a dangerous future, he sets aside his obligations and searches for her at the New England Highland Games. Jealousy and lust ravage his dark soul, until he and Jenny fight evil together.

Amazon ebook
Nook
Smashwords
All Romance
Amazon Print
iTunes
Kobo
Barnes and Noble Print

ISBN 13: 978-1502558558

More About Nancy Lee Badger

She loves chocolate-chip shortbread, wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clang of broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, she moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Area Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers. Connect with Nancy & check out her Books on her BLOG.

Dover Point Inlet

Mahalo, Nancy, for sharing your love of the Granite State with us! I am giving away "Highlander" swag to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about New Hampshire - what do you know about it?

2. Comments are open through Saturday, November 29, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 30.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Photos from Nancy Lee Badger

State of Romance, Benjamin Franklin, and Authors Behaving Humanely

Mount Hood, Oregon
Public Domain (link)

I contribute a weekly column, State of Romance, to USA Today's HEA Column.  Today we visit Oregon, the Beaver State, at this link.   We also return to the other state of romance ... the flow of free thought (link).   I continue sharing the musings from the colonial catfisher, Benjamin Franklin, posing as a middle aged Silence Dogood in his/her letters to the New England Courant.

April 30, 1722 • Silence Dogood #3

I am very sensible that it is impossible for me, or indeed any one Writer to please all Readers at once. Various Persons have different Sentiments; and that which is pleasant and delightful to one, gives another a Disgust.

I intend to proceed, bestowing now and then a few gentle Reproofs on those who deserve them, not forgetting at the same time to applaud those whose Actions merit Commendation. 

No doubt Mrs. Dogood would offer a few gentle reproofs to those authors behaving badly.  Likewise, she would applaud those whose Actions merit commendation ... 

Standing up to Cancer -  LAST HERO STANDING is a box set from Dianna Love, Cynthia Eden, Elisabeth Naughton, Joan Swan, Bonnie Vanak, Pamela Clare, Mary Buckham, Adrienne Giordano, Norah Wilson, and Stephanie Rowe.  Proceeds benefit Pamela Clare who is recovering from breast cancer. Learn more at this link.

Supporting deployed personnel - Geri Krotow and Heather Ashby sent books to deployed personnel.  Geri and Heather understand the challenges of deployment - they are Navy Veteran and spouse.  Mahalo, my fellow RomVets!

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

1.  Leave a comment about Oregon, Benjamin Franklin, or an author you know who behaves humanely.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 1, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 2.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Remember, you can also support deployed personnel at this link.

State of Romance - Kentucky

Kentucky Derby
Courtesy: Kentuckytourism.com

State of Romance visits Kentucky at USA Today's HEA Blog at this link.   Although I was born in Kentucky, my parents moved six weeks later.   Since then, I have driven through Kentucky once - I didn't even stop to check it out!   So I was intrigued to learn more about the Blue Grass State from romance authors.

Kentucky is home to the Mammoth Cave National Park.  From its website (link),

Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the world's longest known cave system, with more than 400 miles explored. Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place," but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned its name - Mammoth.

National Park Service
Public Domain (link)

Laurel from Showtime Book Trailers created this video for today's State of Romance.   

What do you know about Kentucky?  Can you recommend any romances books set in the Blue Grass State?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 12.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
khrc.ky.gov

State of Romance - Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument - Wyoming
Public Domain (link)

This week's State of Romance visits Wyoming at USA Today's HEA Blog at this link.    I discovered more romances set the Equality State:

Debra Mullins sizzles in DONOVAN'S BED in 1882 Wyoming. Isn't this cover gorgeous?  Learn more about her books at debramullins.com.

Joanne Kennedy offers contemporary cowboy romances ... check out her website, joannekennedybooks.com, to learn more about her hunky heroes! 

Lindsay McKenna - a Navy vet - takes a recovering Navy SEAL to a Wyoming ranch to tangle with a sexy nurse in WOLF HAVEN.   Mosey over to Lindsay's website, lindsaymckenna.com, for more about her Navy heroes!

What do you know about Wyoming?  Can you recommend a romance set in Wyoming?  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.   I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 5.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Grand Teton National Park
National Park Service (link)

State of Romance - California

Muir Woods - Public Domain (link)

I contribute a weekly column, STATE OF ROMANCE, to USA Today's HEA Blog.  This week I spotlight romanaces set in California, the Golden State, at this link.   Laurel at Showtime Book Trailers created a beautiful tribute to California at this link - look for two book covers in the trailer!

Coast Guard Station and Golden Gate Bridge
Released to Public Domain (link)

I grew up in Florida which engages in a "friendly competition" with California over sunshine, tourists, and Disney.   I conceded that California also offers brilliant mountains, Ghirardelli chocolate, and shining stars.   

Julia Quinn and me at RWA 12

I've met the shining stars - romance authors - at RT11 in LA and RWA12 in Anaheim.   California lends itself to adventures, mystery, and romance ... can you add to the list of romance books set in California?   Use #stateofromance on Twitter plus leave a comment for the chance to win a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, September 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Tutocanula Pass Yosemite California by Carleton Watkins
Public Domain (link)

State of Romance, Washington Loves Readers Luncheon, and Showtime Book Trailers

Every Wednesday, I write contribute a column titled STATE OF ROMANCE to USA Today's HEA Blog. This week I explore romance novels set in Delaware at this link.   Join me in adding to the list by using #stateofromance on Twitter.

I also reference the Downton Abbey costume exhibit at the Winterthur Museum, also in Delaware. 

Winterthur Museum
Released to Public Domain (link)

Anticipation is running high for the Washington Loves Romance Luncheon hosted by the Washington Romance Writers. Check out this link for participating authors and registration form. 

Showtime Book Trailers created an awesome promo for this event at this link.  I love it! 

How about you - what are your thoughts on book trailers? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, September 13, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to State of Romance, Hoosier State, Trailblazing Marine, and Marie Harte

Aloha!  I'm late with my post today because (1) I am busy in Florida with my family and (2) we lost the Internet connection in our vacation condo.  So now I am at the library, after a day at the beach, trying to catch up!

I have a weekly column with USA Today's HEA Blog - State of Romance.  This week we visit the Indiana - the Hoosier State - in honor of the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps (link).   

A Marine in heels!
marines.dodlive.com

Did you know Marie Harte is a Marine veteran turned romance author?   She is celebrating the release of HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER, Book 2 in the McCauley Brothers series:

HE CAN'T GET HER OUT OF HIS HEAD
It's lust at first sight when Brody Singer first lays eyes on Abby Dunn. The dark-haired beauty looks a lot like a woman he once knew, who died years ago. At first Brody fears his attraction is a holdover from that secret crush, but Abby's definitely different. She's a lot shyer, a lot sexier and, despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, absolutely mesmerizing.

SHE CAN'T GET HIM OUT OF HER BOOKS
Abby isn't having it. She's still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn't let her forget. But somehow Brody isn't getting the hint. It doesn't help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

Brody is more than happy to serve as her muse and eager to help make sure her "research" is authentic. But when their research turns into something real...will she choose her own happily ever after?

I am giving away a print copy of HOW TO HANDLE A HEARTBREAKER to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What do you know about the Hoosier State?   I know my husband's Alma mater, Purdue, is located in Indiana.   

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Marie and her books at marieharte.com.

State of Romance - Florida

Each Wednesday, I host a column on USA Today's HEA Blog - State of Romance.  I explore romances set in the featured state. This week is my home state of Florida at this link.   

I happen to be in Florida this week, visiting college campuses with my teens (as my oldest is now a high school senior).   This gives me the opportunity to reconnect with my roots.  

The Sunshine State offers cultural diversity in Miami; Spanish history in St. Augustine; pristine beaches in the Panhandle; the tech corridor from Tampa to Orlando; and the tropical wetlands of the Everglades.   Florida's variety gives way to romance in all genres.

Have you read any of the books I listed in my HEA column?

Can you recommend any other romances set in Florida?

Have you visitited Florida?

One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my conventions stash.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City