Aloha to KC Dyer and FINDING FRASER - Book Review

Sometimes searching for true love can be a little...Outlandish.

I met Jamie Fraser when I was nineteen years old. He was tall, red-headed, and at our first meeting at least, a virgin. I fell in love hard, fast and completely. He knew how to ride a horse, wield a sword and stitch a wound. He was, in fact, the perfect man.

That he was fictional hardly entered into it.

At 29, Emma Sheridan's life is a disaster and she's tired of waiting for the perfect boyfriend to step from the pages of her favorite book. There's only one place to look, and it means selling everything and leaving her world behind. With an unexpected collection of allies along the way, can Emma face down a naked fishmonger, a randy gnome, a perfidious thief, and even her own abdominal muscles on the journey to find her Fraser?

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

Dear KC,

I met you at the Berkley signing during the RWA Annual Conference. You signed FINDING FRASER and commented that it is a romantic comedy.  You asked me to let you know how I liked the book.  

I liked the book.

Note that I have not read OUTLANDER (gasp!) but I adore Scotland. I have toured Alba twice and felt its spirit in Hawaii. Check out this post, Spam to Scotland, at this link. Hubby and I also enjoy the Scottish "pipes and drum" band Albannach at this link.  

FINDING FRASER is spot on with its vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscapes, the endearing soul of Alba's people, and the mystique of the standing stones dotting the countryside which become the portal for Claire to travel back in time in OUTLANDER.

I enjoyed following Emma's quest to find her own Jamie Fraser, especially the blog she created to share her adventures with an unknown public. As she travels by bus to Philadelphia, the hop across the pond, and then by bus to Nairn in the Highlands, Emma attracts an online following of fellow OUTLANDER fans, including readers in Japan.

However, Emma seems to fall into a personality trap - confident online but naive in reality. Although she clearly researched her travel itinerary to follow Claire in OUTLANDER, Emma tends to get off course, both emotionally and physically, when she encounters road bumps. Granted, a few of the road bumps were significant issues, but Emma never seemed to rise to the level of emotional maternity I would expect from six months on her own in Scotland. That being said, Emma cherished the Scots ... and learned to cherish herself.  

I also found some of Emma's adventures over the top ala Monty Python. But you clearly captured the wide appeal of OUTLANDER. You also gave readers a glimpse of Alba outside the burly men wearing kilts.  You gave Alba a heart.

I recommend FINDING FRASER to those who enjoy reading about Alba - past or present, fact or fiction.   

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

1. In FINDING FRASER, Emma is an expert barista - do you drink coffee?  How do you like it?  I don't drink coffee but I certainly enjoy hot chocolate from coffee shops.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 6, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 7.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about KC Dyer and her books at kcdyer.com.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aloha to Kelsey Browning and PROBLEMS IN PARADISE

Kelsey Browning is celebrating the digital release of PROBLEMS IN PARADISE, Texas Nights Book 3, from Carina Press:

Eden Durant hasn't always been Eden Durant. She's made a fresh start in Shelbyville, Texas, far from her mother's notoriety. Running the Paradise Garden Café is as much excitement as Eden wants—or it was, until she meets Beck Childress. Although he's the one man who could expose her past, she's willing to open up enough to see if he might be her future.

Chief Deputy Childress is determined to get to know the real Eden, when he isn't busy cleaning up after the sheriff and running in the election to replace him. When several men fall sick after eating in Eden's café, he investigates even as her mysterious past raises both his suspicions and his protective instincts.

As their relationship heats up, so do the pressures of Beck's campaign. When Eden's secrets are revealed, jeopardizing his dream of becoming sheriff, he'll need to choose: serve and protect the town he loves or the woman who makes it home.

Praise for Texas Nights Series:

Problems in Paradise:  

“Starring a sexy lawman and a woman with a scandalous secret, a deliciously fun read.” - Shannon Stacey, New York Times bestselling author

Personal Assets:
“A hot man, a headstrong woman, and sizzling chemistry set against a homey Texas backdrop—Browning’s contemporary debut has all the assets that count!” -Ruthie Knox, USA Today bestselling author of Flirting with Disaster

“Sinfully hot, sassy, and laugh-out-loud hilarious—everything a southern romance should be!” -Macy Beckett, author of the Sultry Springs series

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Books-A-Million / Carina Press / Goodreads

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and cozy Southern mysteries. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, and Bad Dog. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights series and The Granny Series.

Connect with Kelsey: Email / Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Kelsey is giving away away a digital copy of PERSONAL ASSETS, Texas Nights Book 1, to one commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Have you visited the Lone Star State?  I will next week for RWA's Annual Conference in San Antonio.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, July 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Ellen Butler and HEART OF DESIGN

Aloha Kim! Thank you for having me back at your blog. I have some exciting news for your readers. Below they will find an excerpt from my newest comedic romance, Heart of Design, the first in my Love, California Style trilogy. Even better news, all three novels will be out by summer 2015! Isn’t the digital world fantastic? You don’t have to wait an entire year for the next installment. Summer is upon us and I think you’ll find Heart of Design is the perfect vacation read with its fast-paced humor and drool-worthy hero you won’t be able to put it down. So, grab your tablet and towel, head to the beach and enjoy!

HEART OF DESIGN
Author: Ellen Butler
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2014
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy
Amazon link
Barnes and Noble link

Sophie Hartland has recently turned 30, and is five years out from a confidence crushing divorce. She’s sworn off men in favor of making her interior design business a success when her best friend introduces her to LA Heat’s hot, new star, Ian O’Connor. He’s one of Hollywood’s beautiful people, with an Irish accent that makes Sophie’s toes curl. Ian hires her to renovate his home, and at their second meeting he initiates a scorching kiss that knocks her socks off. Even though she would love to drop down and go for it on the funky kitchen floor, Sophie sticks to her guns and enforces her “no dating clients” rule.
The tabloids portray flirtations Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules.

Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills?

Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and is new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.

Heart of Design is her third release in 9 months. You can find her first two releases, Poplar Place and Second Chance Christmas at Amazon and other major eBook retailers. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.

Website: ellenbutler.net
Twitter: @EButlerBooks
Facebook: link
Blog: temptingromance.blogspot.com
Goodreads: link

Ellen is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway at this link.

HEART OF DESIGN Design Excerpt:

“Ian O’Connor, meet my good friend Sophia Hartland, designer extraordinaire.”

I blushed at Poppy’s intro and subtly wiped a sweaty hand on my pants before taking his warm, caressing grip.

“It’s lovely to meet you, designer extraordinaire.” He spoke with a slight Irish brogue. He held my hand a moment longer than necessary.

Oh, lord, it wasn’t enough that the looks made my heart speed up; the accent was going to put me over the edge. I could see why Poppy was crushing on this dude. I cleared my throat. You, too, Mr. O’Connor. Poppy’s a big fan of your show. She was telling me all about it.”

“What about Sophia Hartland? Do you watch my show?” He flashed a perfect, white, toothy Hollywood grin.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t care for cop shows.”

That got a rumbly laugh. “Ouch. You’re the quite the foil to an actor’s ego.”

Oh, geez. I grimaced. Twenty seconds with this guy and I’d insulted him. I was completely thrown off my game and saying whatever popped into my head. Generally, I had more tact. I knew better at these swanky parties. I needed to be all smiles and ingratiating to get more clients. Unfortunately, toad-eating didn’t come naturally to me.

“Sorry. What network is it on? I’ll set my DVR to record it. I’m sure I’ll love it.” I glanced around for Poppy to save me from myself.

She must have wandered off or been called away. Suddenly, I was in a crowded room one on one with this handsome Irish thespian, making an utter fool of myself.

“No, no. Don’t apologize. Your first answer was best.” His chuckling died down.

“Umm…listen, Poppy said you liked the art deco theme I put together. So…um…here’s my card.” I thrust the little piece of cardstock at him. Yikes, this was so unusual for me. I never lost my cool over a guy, especially an actor. I mean come on, an actor? What was it was about this dude that was making me behave like a stuttering idiot?

“That’d be grand. I just moved into a new place and figure it needs a lady’s touch, so I could have a fancy party like this.” His Irish accent pulled out the a’s and rolled around in a singsong lilt.

I was relieved to be on a topic where I couldn’t fail. “Sure. I’d love to see your place and work with you to create a luxurious space that makes you feel comfortable and yet is great for entertaining. If you want to give me a call, we can set up an initial consultation. I can see your home, and we can determine your style.”

He smirked. “Not sure I’ve got a style, luv.”

Back on my A-game, I put on my ingratiating business smile. “Oh, everyone has a style. Sometimes it just needs to be developed and refined. Maybe you’re right, and a lady’s touch is just what you need.” I lightly tapped his solid forearm.