Aloha to Ava Claire and THE SWEETEST JERK - Guest post and giveaway!

Please join me in welcoming Ava Claire ...

So happy to be here today on SOS Aloha, talking about my latest, The Sweetest Jerk Series! My story follows Natalee Madison, who kicks ass in all things baked. She's finally breaking into the competitive catering business, scoring the most talked about wedding in the city. When it comes to romance though, her luck is anything but sweet. A sexy blast from the past, at the event that could make or break her business, will turn her life upside down...

Which brings me to my post today! There's just something about unexpected love and second chance romances that makes me swoon. I'm a sucker for redemption; when all seems lost and you think they'll call it quits, there's a look, words, or a song that makes you believe it's all gonna be alright. Better than alright, even--maybe they'll live happily ever after.

For me, that moment is personified in two sentences during the end scene of Sweet Home Alabama. 

(Just in case you haven't seen it I don't wanna spoil the ending...and you should watch it asap because it's amazing!).

My question for you guys is: What book/song/scene from a movie makes you melt and root for one more shot at love?

I loved THE WEDDING SINGER with Drew Barrymore (left) and Adam Sandler (right).  Robbie wins Julia back by singing "I want to grow old with you" as Billy Idol cheers them on.   I also adore all the 80s references in the movie.

Let's learn more about Ava Claire .... 
Ava Claire is a sucker for Alpha males and happily ever afters. When not putting pen to paper or glued to her Kindle, Ava likes road tripping, watching an unhealthy amount of Netflix, karaoke and vintage fashion.

avaclaireromantica.blogspot.com
Newsletter
Facebook.com/ava.claire.9
Twitter.com/avaclairewrites
Goodreads.com/avaclairewrites 

New Year’s Resolution: No. More. Jerks.

Natalee Madison's life is finally on the upswing. Her business, Madison Creations, is finally gaining traction, and if she slays a high profile wedding, she could be catapulted to heights she's only dreamt of.

She doesn't do dating and it suits her just fine, because she ends it before things get complicated.

And then she sees his face.

Jason Cox.

The best man.

And based on their last run in, the biggest jerk alive.

He's dangerous. Lethal for her 'no complications' approach to men, since he's the one that inspired the approach in the first place.

But when she looks into his eyes, she knows that some rules are meant to be broken…

Billionaire Jackson Colt has success, wealth, power and a presence that makes his competitors tremble with fear. Beneath the armor is a man with a dark and painful past. A man with a heart that he guards by any means necessary.

As far as Sadie McLeod is concerned, 'escort' isn't a bad word. It's a job, one of two that she works to pay off a debt that is not her own. Tough as nails and far from a damsel in distress, love is a luxury she can't afford.

Can they put aside their dark pasts and find the love they both desperately want, underneath it all?

The Sweetest Jerk Part One

Amazon
B&N
iTunes
Kobo
Goodreads

The Sweetest Jerk Part Two

Amazon
B&N
iTunes
Kobo
Goodreads

The Sweetest Jerk Part Three

Amazon
B&N
iTunes
Kobo
Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Aloha to Laura Trentham and TILL I KISSED YOU (Cottonbloom Book 3) - Book Review

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . . 
Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…

Sawyer knows that Regan's never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?

End of summer tomatoes

Creative Commons (link)

And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might

- REO Speedwagon

TILL I KISSED YOU is a second chance romance in the Deep South. It hints of Romeo and Juliet when high school sweethearts find themselves on opposite sides of the river, promoting their own town's festival.  Once they discover someone is trying to sabotage their efforts, they unite as political allies - and lovers - to realize their dreams.

Trentham delivers a nostalgic look at how a high school sweethearts can mature into responsible adults, balancing their commitments to their families, communities, and ultimately each other.  Kudos to Trentham for giving Regan a backbone to stand up to an unexpected bully and pursue her own dreams.  I kept thinking of the REO Speedwagon's I CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE - a favorite tune from my college days - as Regan and Sawyer allowed themselves to love each other, no matter who interferes in their relationship. TILL I KISSED YOU kept my interest throughout the story - I did not want it to end. 

Note I read TILL I KISSED YOU without reading the first two books in the series.  Characters from previous books contribute to the plot but did not distract from the love story between Regan and Sawyer.  

Recommended read for fans of reunited lovers, Southern charm, and food festivals.

I received an ARC from the St. Martin's Press for an honest review.

Crawfish Festival

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

1. Leave a comments about tomatoes and/or crawfish - how do you like them?  I love fresh tomatoes with a little salt.  I also enjoy crawfish although it can be a lot of work to eat 'em!

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 Laura and her books at lauratrentham.com.

Aloha to DD Ayres and FORCE OF ATTRACTION (K-9 Rescue Book 2) - Book Review

The only thing more powerful than fear is desire...

A seasoned K-9 officer with the police in Maryland, Cole Jamison has left her old life behind her. With a new home and a new partner-a protective canine named Hugo-Cole is ready for fresh challenges. A crucial position on an important drug task force is exactly what she wants...until she discovers her gorgeous, infuriating ex-husband will be the DEA agent in charge.

FORCE OF ATTRACTION

Agent Scott Lucca may be a pro when it comes to undercover assignments, but this job is daunting even for him. Posing as a happy couple on the dog competition circuit means he and Cole need to get a lot closer than they've been in years. Playing a live-in couple should seem like a walk in the park compared to tracking a brutal criminal, but suddenly nothing could be more dangerous than the passionate fire they've rekindled...

A U.S. Marine rewards his explosive-sniffing dog.

Public Domain (link)

It is not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but the size of the fight in the dog. - Barry McGuigan

FORCE OF ATTRACTION is a tour of force from DD Ayers. She offers multiple story lines rolled into one action packed roller coast ride through the lives of law enforcement officers and their canine partners. Nicole "Cole" Jamison is a rising star in the Montgomery County Police Department, having recently been assigned to the K9 unit with Hugo. Her experience with the dog show circuit makes her the perfect candidate for a joint task force investigating pedigree dogs being used as drug mules. The catch - she would work undercover as a dog handler with her another DEA agent posing as her significant other - her ex-husband.

Scott Lucca lives on the edge, making him a capable agent but a lousy husband. He regrets that he did not at least try to save his marriage, leading him to recommend Nikki - now Cole - for the task force. Their professional reunion is overshadowed by Cole's anger, Scott's remorse, and their mutual attraction. They make some progress in healing as they train for the mission, only to encounter a dangerous criminal from Scott's undercover assignment which lead to their divorce.  Their canine partners enable them to find their happily ever after.

Ayers delves into Scott's psyche to demonstrate what makes a "normal" kid from New Jersey take the risk of undercover assignments. I enjoyed Ayers incorporating how dogs are trained for sniffing out drugs ... and preparing for best in show. I also appreciated the secondary characters who trained Scott and Cole to act as a married couple ... and heal as a divorced couple.

I tend to shy away from romantic suspense. Yet I was drawn to FORCE OF ATTRACTION by its cover and blurb.  From page one, I was enchanted by the dogs and entrenched in the action. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Recommended read for fans of law enforcement characters and second chance romance. 

Public Domain (link)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, including a copy of FORCE OF ATTRACTION, to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Do you have a favorite name for a dog? Max is a great name, especially for German Shepherds!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 4, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 5.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about DD Ayers and her books at ddayres.com.