Behind the Blogger: Kim from SOS Aloha and Giveaway

Welcome to Behind the Blogger. Behind the Blogger is a feature where I interview and get to know fellow bloggers from different blogs in the blogosphere.

Today's guest is Kim from SOS Aloha. If you haven't heard of this blog before it is amazing! Kim is super nice and I always love learning all of the interesting facts that Kim puts on her blog. You should definitely check it out if you haven't before.

1. Why did you become a blogger?

To educate romance readers on how they could support military families. I add Hawaiian culture and international travel for good measure.

2. Can you tell me a little bit about your blog?

I am a romance reader and military spouse living in Hawaii - so I blog about romance books, military families, and Hawaiian culture! I offer daily giveaways - various books and Hawaiian treats - most giveaways are open to international readers.

3. What is your favorite book(s)? Why?

I prefer Regency Romances because they are just far enough back in time to be "enchanting" but not too far that I cannot relate (i.e., no bathing, no heat, etc.) I discovered romance books while living across the field from a castle n the Netherlands - I'm sure that fed my interest in historcial romances!  

4. Is there a scene from a book that just stands out to you? What is it?

Actually, one of the most memorable scenes I remember is a contemporary - Marian Keyes' RACHEL'S HOLIDAY. Rachel is an Irish immigrant working in NYC. She gets carried away with the party life.  Finally, her parents bring her home to Ireland and place her in rehabilitation program (hence, the holiday). Midway through the program, the counselor invites her former roommate and her former boyfriend to visit the group therapy to share how far Rachel spun out of control. Rachel, of course, feels betrayed as they exit the room. It was such a poignant scene about "self discovery". But it is a romance and there is a HEA!

5. Who are some of your go-to authors?

Almost any Avon Historical author like Cathy Maxwell.

6. What are some of your favorite genres?

I prefer Regency Romances but I also read chick lit, cozy mysteries, and light hearted time travel.

7. When reviewing, do you stick to the books that you normally like to read, or are you more open?I tend to read inside my comfort zone of Regency romances. But I did enjoy Pamela Clare's romantic suspense, BREAKING POINT. She asked me to review it as a military spouse. It was not an easy read as it was realistic in describing the Mexican drug wars. But Pamela skillfully integrated romance, humor, and camaraderie that made it worth the read.

8. What are some of your favorite tropes? What about those tropes pulls you in? 

I like spies, blue stockings, antiquities, and Scotland!

9. What was the last book that blew your mind?Pamela Clare's BREAKING POINT as stated above. I gave it five stars. While I have also rated other historical romances as five stars, BREAKING POINT blew me away with its action. I felt as though I was running across the Mexican desert with the hero and heroine.

10. Do you have any advice for other aspiring bloggers?

Just do it! I started with an online email to romance readers. A friend suggested a blog for more timely news and reviews. I was terrified. But I leaped with both feet forward.  I've listened to my own heart for which direction I wanted to take the blog. At first, I gave away books. Then I added author interviews. Now I am reviewing - at my own pace - and I love it! I also appreciated advice from several readers to improve my blogging skills which brings me to more advice.  Don't be afraid to ask another blogger how to do something!

Thank you so much Kim for stopping by and sharing with us. =)

**Giveaway**

Kim has offered to give away a special Aloha treat to one lucky commenter. So make sure to leave a comment along with an email address. =)