Aloha to Rachel Grant and Mary Sullivan, Treasure Hunters at RWA

My favorite panel during the 35th Annual RWA Conference was Treasures, Artifacts, and Curses: Archaeology 101 for Writers:

Rachel Grant and Mary Sullivan

An archaeology professor and private sector archaeologist give a behinds the scenes look at real life work of archaeologists. They'll alert attendees to common pitfalls they see in novels and discuss how to weave realistic archaeological details into stories.  

Rachel and Mary addressed the myths about archaeology that are often romanticized in pop culture - in reality, Indiana Jones was a thief!  I came to appreciate the effort of these archaeologists in uncovering the past.   Both confirmed that archaeologists take many notes ... so it must be a natural progression to write romances featuring archaeologists!

The bonus - both Rachel and Mary have lived in Hawaii.  Plus Rachel's husband, an underwater archaeologist for the US Navy, recently returned from a trip to Djibouti, Africa.  She shared a stone he received for teaching purposes that is dated as a million years old.  I was impressed!

Mary co-wrote the Case Study in Archaeology - A Student's Perspective.  Rachel is the author of the Evidence series with smart heroines and sexy heroes.  Back in May, she celebrated the release of Book Five, COVERT EVIDENCE:

Falling in love was never part of his mission…

With visions of professional glory, underwater archaeologist Cressida Porter embarks on a research trip deep into the heart of Eastern Turkey. Her dreams turn into nightmares when she becomes the unwitting courier for a terrorist network. Stranded and unable to speak the language, she turns to a handsome and enigmatic security specialist for help, even while fearing he may be behind a violent assault that leaves her vulnerable.

CIA Case Officer Ian Boyd’s mission is clear: follow the courier, identify the terrorist leader, and intercept the microchip before it falls into enemy hands. For Ian, cozying up to the alluring archaeologist to find out where her loyalties lie isn’t exactly hardship duty. But spending time with her proves dangerous when she awakens a longing for a life he can never have.

Attraction wars with distrust as Cressida and Ian are forced on the run. When violence erupts in the already unstable region, Cressida discovers everything she knows about Ian is false. With all secrets revealed, Cressida must decide if she can trust the spy with her life, while Ian faces his own impossible choice: Cressida or his mission.

I am giving away RWA conference "treasures" (aka swag) to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Do you have a favorite "treasure hunting" movie?  For hints, check out this list.  I enjoyed the movie THE DA VINCI CODE although I did not read the book. 

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 22, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 23.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Hawaii offers many treasures ....

Aloha to Laura Griffin and BEYOND LIMITS

Who doesn't love a story with a Navy SEAL?   Check out Laura Griffin's newest Tracers book, BEYOND LIMITS, available January 27:

An FBI agent and a Navy SEAL race against time in New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin’s newest Tracers novel. “Griffin delivers the goods!” (Publishers Weekly)

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, Derek and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating attack…

Following in the bestselling tradition of the Tracers series, including Exposed, Scorched, and Twisted, Beyond Limits pulls out all the stops with Griffin’s most gripping thriller yet. 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

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

1.  With all the buzz about AMERICAN SNIPER, what is your favorite movie (drama, comedy, or musical) with military characters?  

My long time readers know I love BATTLESHIP. After Lt Hopper saves the world from an alien invasion, a Navy SEAL invites him to train with the "team" on Coronado Island. Hopper responds, "Too much sleep."  BATTLESHIP was filmed in Hawaii.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 24, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 25.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Laura and her books at lauragriffin.com.

Moon over the Mighty Mo and Pearl Harbor
BATTLESHIP was filmed on the Mighty Mo.

Aloha to Dee DeTarsio and GINGER KRINKLES - Book Review with cookie recipe!

Ginger Krinkles is crossing her fingers that this holiday season will be extra special, for once. She lost her job in San Diego and dreads moving back home to Ennui, Ohio, where she’s convinced she will end up like her mean ol’ grandmother (God rest her soul). Ginger has always been a holiday-hater. But she has a secret. Make that two. If you buy the first one, maybe it will be easier to unwrap the second: either Ginger is an elf, or there really is magic to be found in an old cookie recipe.

Dee DeTarsio is a TV writer living in southern California. After growing up in Ennui, Ohio, and graduating from The Ohio State University, she vowed never to be cold again (in a tantrum more worthy of Suellen than Scarlett) and ended up in Tucson, Arizona, producing the news for the CBS affiliate, oddly enough called KOLD-TV. She moved to San Diego where she worked in the SeaWorld entertainment department as a producer/writer.  She then became a producer/writer for the NBC affiliate.

Ginger Krinkles, the heroine, is a hot mess.  Recently fired from her PR job, she now works part time for her former boyfriend in his food truck, TOOD FRUCK - Good Food with Attitude.   Ginger dislikes the holiday season - the result of endless teasing for her Santa-esque moniker by her older siblings with "normal" names.  She finds herself wondering if she is morphing into her mean Polish grandmother, Basha, God rest her soul.  Ginger watches her bank account dwindle, forcing her to consider moving back to the very cold Midwest.  Yet Ginger has a few stands of hope - her loyal friend Laura, her kind landlord Olive, and an unexpected inheritance from Basha.   Plus a chance meeting with a hot guy from Coronado Island.  

GINGER KRINKLES, the book, is also a hot mess. DeTarsio evokes the first person narrative ... and Ginger takes it to the extreme with her constant whining, sarcastic shtick, and confusing flashbacks to her childhood with Basha.  I almost gave up half way through the 157 page novella.  But then Ginger decided to embrace the holiday spirit, convincing me she was worth the effort to finish the book.

DeTarsio ultimately delivered a heartfelt "coming of age" story laced with the magic of Christmas.   And the hot guy from Coronado Island.  This is a romance after all.   DeTarsio also offers an easy recipe for ginger snaps!

Despite the rough start, I recommend GINGER KRINKLES for those readers who enjoy holiday cheer ... and romance with hot guys from Coronado Island (once you read GINGER KRINKLES, you'll understand the significance of the hot guy).

I received a print copy from the author for an honest review.

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

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite holiday cookie and/or sweet treat.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out my review of Dee Tarsio's full length novel set on Maui, HAOLE WOOD, at this link.

Aloha to Tracy Brogan and THE BEST MEDICINE - Book Review

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn . . . sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn't . . . most of the time), she'd never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she's going to find someone to spend her life with, she'll do it scientifically: with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site. But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he's sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn's affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He's too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he's her patient. But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

Safety Harbor, Florida
A Southern version of Bell Harbor

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. - Lord Byron

Tyler Connelly made Dr. Evelyn Rhoades laugh ... even as she tended to his wounds from driving a stolen jet ski into a dock.   Fate delivered her to the emergency room in the same hospital as her plastic surgery office, bringing Bell Harbor's newest doc in contact with the town's bad boy (or so she thinks).  Tyler saw past Eve's professional approach and asked her out.  Eve rebuffed him, claiming Tyler (at 28) was too young for her (at 35).  Plus he isn't "marriage material" as she is ready to start a family (or so she thinks).

Although Tyler agreed that he is not ready for marriage, he pursued Eve to "just have fun".   His persistence paid off when he finally cracked her facade, giving them both the opportunity to enjoy the moment.  THE BEST MEDICINE is a light hearted contemporary romance that is pure escapism.   Brogan delivers laughs as the hospital gals support Eve during her adventures in online dating.   The plot turns playfully sexy as Eve and Tyler ease into a comfortable friendship that leads to love.  

THE BEST MEDICINE proved to be as the title suggests ... just what the doctor ordered for two unexpected lovers who try to please their families at the expense of their own desires. Recommended read to those who appreciate small town romance.

THE BEST MEDICINE is Book 2 in the Bell Harbor series.  It can be read as a stand alone novel (as I have not read the first book ... yet).

I received a signed copy from Tracy Brogan at the WRW Loves Readers Luncheon (link).

And, of course, my beloved Hickam Harbor

I am giving away swag from the WRW Loves Readers Luncheon to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about jet skis and other boating equipment - what have you tried?   I'm quite happy to enjoy any body of water from the safety of a pier.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Check out Tracy and her books at tracybrogan.com.  

Other books in the Bell Harbor series

Aloha to Jayne Fresina and SINFULLY EVER AFTER

 

Teaching scandalous young men a lesson? This is not your typical book club ...

To Rebecca Sherringham, all men are open books—read quickly and forgotten. Perhaps she’s just too practical for love. The last thing she needs is another bore around—especially one that’s supposed to be dead.

Captain Lucius “Luke” Wainwright turns up a decade after disappearing without a trace. He’s on a mission to claim his birthright and he’s not going away again until he gets it. But Becky and the ladies of the village Book Club Belles Society won’t let this rogue get away with his sins. He’ll soon find that certain young ladies are accustomed to dealing with villains.

Amazon: link
Apple: link
BAM: link
B&N: link
Chapters: link
Indiebound: link

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

1.  Leave a comment about book clubs - have you participated in one?  I hosted a "literary salon" at the Pearl Harbor base library when I lived in Hawaii.  We chatted about books in general rather than one specific book.

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

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

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Sourcebooks offers an excerpt from SINFULLY EVER AFTER:

He was going to kiss her.

Her skin shivered with anticipation until she could barely sit still. There was something proprietary about his gaze, the way it claimed her as surely as an arm around the waist.

After the meal, she left the table and Lucky Luke stayed to talk with her father. Becky found the dog Ness, now with a full belly, snoring happily by the fire, his paws twitching. The scene was peaceful for once with no Mrs. Jarvis angrily crashing her pots and pans about. Snow piled up against the window, and a stronger wind had sprung up to send the flakes spinning and spattering against the glass panes, but it was warm and cozy in that kitchen, and her smile, reflected in the window, was sunny. It was pleasant to hear her father’s distant laughter and the low murmur of male voices in the house.

She took three leaves from the pot of mint on the windowsill. If he was going to kiss her, she ought to have sweeter breath. Several other leaves had also been very recently ripped from the stems, she noted. Had he also taken some to be prepared? Smiling, she chewed the mint and resumed wiping down the table.

When Luke came in, she was still cleaning up the kitchen.

“Your father has fallen asleep, Miss Sherringham. I hope I didn’t bore him too badly.”

“Oh, it’s quite normal for my father to drift off midsentence. I’ll see him up to bed shortly.”

Becky had extinguished the lamps in the kitchen, and now light came only from the fire and the soft glow of the hall sconces through the open door behind him. He cast a great, bulky shadow across the flagged floor, a black, three-legged spider. His eyes were very dark and wary again as he paused there, just inside the kitchen doorway, leaning on his cane.

“Thank you for preparing the dinner,” she said. “It would have been cold game pie if you weren’t here to share your talents.”

“Well, I had to repay your kindness somehow, Miss Sherringham.”

He was being very polite now, she noted. His tone changed back and forth, one minute casual and even too familiar, the next formal, distant, as if he couldn’t decide what he ought to be. When she’d first met him in Brighton, she’d never imagined that he even knew how to be courteous, but now, seeing him converse civilly with her father, she suspected there were hidden sides to Lucky Luke.

She looked at his scars, his watchful eyes, and then his lips.

I tell you what…you’ll owe me a kiss…One kiss. To clear your brother’s debt to me.

Becky swallowed hard, tasting the cooling mint on her tongue. She reached into a drawer of the Welsh dresser, fumbled to the very back of it, and brought out the playing card he had once given her. She placed the IOU, writing side up, on the kitchen table.

Aloha to Mia Marlowe and A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME - Book Review

When his father, Lord Somerset, tumbles off the roof, Richard Barrett, Lord Hartley, is called home from his Grand Tour to take the reins of the estate while the marquess recuperates. Somerset is in serious financial difficulty, which can only be remedied by marriage to an heiress, Miss Sophie Goodnight, lately arrived from India with her nabob father.

Unfortunately, Richard believes he has already lost his heart to Lady Antonia Pruett. And Miss Goodnight isn’t too keen on becoming Somerset’s purse with feet, so she foils their families’ attempts to throw her and Richard together at every turn. To make matters worse, the reason Lord Somerset fell off the roof in the first place is a secret that threatens to upend all their lives.

Romain "ruin" at Schönbrunn
Released to Public Domain (link)

As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled. - Victor Hugo

Mia Marlowe once wrote that she's rather have an adventure than a new sofa.  This is a telling statement that is reflected in her writing.   Mia delivers a romantic adventure in the English countryside with A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME.   She brings together the classic elements - an impoverished lord, a merchant's daughter, a scheming family, a flippant friend, an almost fiancee, and a host of "downstairs" staff betting on the outcome.  Just as humor is rolling along, Marlow takes the reader on a few twists to add her unique touch to Regency romance.

Both hero and heroine stand out with their personalities.  Richard is an honorable gentleman who find himself at odds with his conscience - does he follow his heart with Lady Antonia or protect his family with Miss Sophie?   As he comes to know Sophie, Richard realizes she is a "riddle with feet" - a riddle that intrigues him.  Meanwhile, Sophie has no desire to be a "purse with feet", yet she finds herself drawn to Richard as she steals away special moments with him, away from family, friends, and fiancee (once such scene takes place in a folly as pictured above).   Indeed, Marlow swept me off my feet with this heartwarming historical.  The icing on the tea cake is the inclusion of the "downstairs" staff as they also seek a better life.  It would be easy to label A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME as Regency Romance meets Downton Abbey - but it is much more with Marlow's storytelling.

A RAKE BY ANY OTHER NAME is Book 1 in the Somerfield Park series. I am looking forward to more romantic adventure with the Barrett Family!

Recommend read for historical fans who enjoy witty banters with non traditional characters.

I received a print ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

Dunmore Pineapple
landmarktrust.org.uk

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

1.  If you were to build a folly in your backyard, what would it be? The Huffington Post featured follies at this link - naturally I like the Dunmore Pineapple, reminding me of my beloved Hawaii.

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

Check out my interview with Mia at this link. 

Coming in June 2015

Aloha to Christi Caldwell and ALWAYS A ROGUE, FOREVER HER LOVE - Book Review and Giveaway

ALWAYS A ROGUE, FOREVER HER LOVE is Book Four in Scandalous Seasons series from Christi Caldwell ...

Miss Juliet Marshville is spitting mad. With one guardian missing, and the other singularly uninterested in her fate, she is at the mercy of her wastrel brother who loses her beloved childhood home to a man known as Sin. Determined to reclaim control of Rosecliff Cottage and her own fate, Juliet arranges a meeting with the notorious rogue and demands the return of her property.

Jonathan Tidemore, 5th Earl of Sinclair, known to the ton as Sin, is exceptionally lucky in life and at the gaming tables. He has just one problem. Well…four, really. His incorrigible sisters have driven off yet another governess. This time, however, his mother demands he find an appropriate replacement.

When Miss Juliet Marshville boldly demands the return of her precious cottage, he takes advantage of his sudden good fortune and puts an offer to her; turn his sisters into proper English ladies, and he’ll return Rosecliff Cottage to Juliet's possession.

Jonathan comes to appreciate Juliet’s spirit, courage, and clever wit, and decides to claim the fiery beauty as his mistress. Juliet, however, will be mistress for no man. Nor could she ever love a man who callously stole her home in a game of cards. As Jonathan begins to see Juliet as more than a spirited beauty to warm his bed, he realizes she could be a lady he could love the rest of his life, if only he can convince the proud Juliet that he's worthy of her hand and heart.

Well, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I haven't been a rogue most of my life. - Jack Nicholson

Jonathan Tidemore just might be the Regency version of Jack Nicholson - an affable member of the ton who enjoys himself at the gaming table.  "Sin" relishes his reputation while trying to avoid his interfering mother and four challenging sisters.   Luck brings Miss Juliet Marshville his way - she asks him to return Rosecliff Cottage which he won from her despicable brother.  Sin offers to return the cottage to Juliet if she can tame his sisters (which he expects her to fail).  Juliet accepts the challenge as she is determined to live an independent life, away from her brother's schemes, in Rosecliff Cottage.

ALWAYS A ROGUE, FOREVER HER LOVE is a whimsical Regency adventure akin to Mary Poppins meets Family Affair. Sin loves his family but distances himself from the responsibility of developing his sisters into marriageable young ladies.  Once he blackmails Juliet into serving as governess, he becomes more interested in his sisters as he educates himself to Juliet's attributes.  Caldwell delivers witty banter between hero and heroine and heartfelt moments between brother and sister. Characters from previous novels in the series make guest appearances, mostly to keep Sin grounded, adding to the overall charm of ALWAYS A ROGUE, FOREVER HER LOVE.   I have not read the previous novels (something I will rectify) yet I was able to follow along with the plot as it is a stand alone novel.

Recommended read for fans of lighthearted Regency romances.

I received a digital copy from the author for an honest review.

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

1.  Do you have a favorite vintage TV show ala Family Affair?   Mine is I Love Lucy.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.  

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.
Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about  Christ and her books at christicaldwellauthor.com.

Aloha to Samantha Grace and IN BED WITH A ROGUE - Book Review

He's the Talk of the Town

The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family's reputation no matter what it takes.

She's the Toast of the Ton

Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he's quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she's got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes ...

Colonial bed at the Montpelier Mansion
Laurel, MD (link)

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. - Benjamin Franklin

Helena and her four sisters lived just above poverty outside London. Then her father, a worthless gambler, gave Helena away to Laird Prestwick to pay his debt. The Scottish lord wedded Helena, making her her healthy, wealthy, and wise. With the laird’s death, Helena became a young widow with financial independence. She leaves the comforts of Scotland to search for her family in London. By day, she is a demure member of the ton.  By night, she searches Whitechapel for her eldest sister, intending to rescue the entire family. Instead, she rescues a drunken Lord Thorne from thugs. Helene delivers Thorne to his residence, never again expecting to see him. Alas, fate brings them together in an unexpected place. After realizing Helena is the “white angel” who saved him, he questions her about her Whitechapel visits. Touched that she is searching for “a beloved sister of a servant”, Thorne hatches a plan for Helena to launch his sister back in society after a broken engagement. In turn, he offers to use his “rogue” reputation to search the brothels.

IN THE BED OF A ROGUE is Book 2 in Grace’s Rival Rogues series. It picks up after Thorne’s own broken engagement – the reason he was drowning his sorrows in a disreputable tavern. His family’s bad luck leads society to think the offspring are as mad as their father. Instead, their father suffered from PTSD following combat duty in the British Army. Helena helps to melt Thorne’s hardened heart while paving the way for Eve’s reintroduction to the ton. Although they share a few passionate kisses, Thorne and Helena do not get into bed – a plot point I appreciate from Grace. She allows them to fall in love through mutual admiration. Grace also delivers several humorous scenes, demonstrating her unique touch to Regency Romance.

I received a print copy from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

Another colonial bed at the Montpelier Mansion

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

1.  Leave a comment about beds - do you like them hard or soft?  With or without headboard/footboard?  Poster Bed or  Sleigh Bed?   

2.  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