Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles, 99 cent contemporary romance

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Lily and Drake talk while she gives him a tour of her winery. 

*****

He gazed at several displays with genuine interest before feathering his eyes over her seductively. "I am interested in your heritage, but perhaps I should share a little about mine first."

Her firm expression softened a little. "I have to admit, I don't meet too many men from Denmark."

He slid his hands into his pockets and grinned. "We're an easy people, quite happy in our way of life. Perhaps we're too complacent."

"Why do you say that?" 

*****

Reviews:

"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG


Smiles
Steph

Book Review for: Valentine Babies by Mona Risk

Enjoy this week's Tuesday's Book Review offering! 

4 Stars

Reviewer: Steph Burkhart 

Roxanne Ramsey has a career she loves as a reporter seeking out international stories, but will unexpected complications send her life in a different direction?

The story opens with Roxanne attending her sister's wedding as a bridesmaid, but Rosanne's just discovered she's pregnant and the father has been killed in Iraq. One of the bridegrooms, Greg, reaches out to Roxy with a kind, caring hand and she embraces his offer. Over the course of several weeks, they grow close, but Roxy is concerned Greg will never want her because of her condition. Both Roxy and Greg have emotional issues to overcome, but are they insurmountable?

Risk pens a highly entertaining and emotional story with "Valentine Babies." Her writing is easy to read (it always is) and it effortlessly wraps the reader around the story. The plot moves at a nice clip, not too fast or slow.

The journey the characters take is heartwarming. Roxy is at a crossroads with two paths in front of her. Which one will she take? Greg has an honest, noble heart, but possesses a fear of flying. Will that fear ruin his future?

The story is sweet for romance readers with Greg and Roxy sharing several kisses and tender embraces. Overall, "Valentine Babies," is an endearing story that makes one believe that the power of love can overcome anything. I highly recommend this story.

Amazon Buy Link: 

http://amzn.com/B00B40PTME

Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles 99 cent contemporary romance

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Lily had doubts...

*****

Lily brought her index finger to her lip, reveling in the scent of Drake's spicy cologne. "Mr. de Brett...ah, Drake, he intrigues me."

Neil gently placed his hand on her arm. "Be careful. I don't want to see you hurt."

"I'll try, Neil, I'll try." Lily approached the window and observed Drake's car driving away. She feared she could easily lose her heart to the handsome Mr. de Brettville. If only his home wasn't in Denmark, and he didn't have a business reason for being here. She didn't like feeling so flustered one minute and so aroused the next. Lily wrapped her arms around herself and gazed out the window, resolved to keep the battlements around her heart in place. 

*****

Reviews:

"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Happy Mother's Day!  
Smiles
Steph

Goddess Fish Book Blast for "Blood Bound" by Melanie Atkins

Blood Bound

by Melanie Atkins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Fueled by grief after his fiancée is brutally murdered, Detective Sam Walker focuses on finding her killer -- a calculating predator who binds books with human skin.  Dani Barrington, the newest member of NOPD's Victim and Witness Assistance Unit and a survivor of another frightening attack, helps him discover the terrifying link between the monster's known victims.  Despite his anguish, Sam is struck by Dani's strength and determination, especially when her inquisitive  nature makes her the killer's next target.  He must find a way to protect her or risk losing the one woman who can bring his dead heart back to life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT 

"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned." NOPD Detective Sam Walker's low rasp echoed inside the tiny confessional within the deep recesses of St. Mary's Church. He pressed his damp palms to his thighs. "It's been nine months since my last confession."

"Continue."

"My sins are... indescribable..." He let the word trail off. Sweat pooled at the base of his spine. "I don't know if I can--"

"You must voice your transgressions, son, to get them off your chest. It's the only way to gain absolution."

"I don't deserve God's forgiveness."

"Sam, tell me the truth." Father O'Malley cleared his throat. "Is this about Kristen?"

"She died a horrible death," Sam whispered, his heart breaking all over again for his fiancée and the family he would never have with her.

The priest paused.

"It's been a long time."

"Eight fucking -- sorry, Father." Sam broke off and swallowed, doing his best to regain his composure. "Eight long months. I thought I was coping, but I can't get past it. Especially since I'm the reason she's dead."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

Sam pressed his lips together. Every time he thought about his fiancée's brutal murder, his gut clenched. He should have taken her to dinner that night like he'd promised, instead of letting the job get in the way. The Glock riding his hip was a constant reminder he'd been a detective first, and her intended husband second.

God should damn me straight to hell.

Father O'Malley shifted inside the tiny booth, and the ornate screen between them shuddered. The too-sweet odor of funeral lilies wafted over Sam.

"You didn't murder her, my son. Some sick, depraved individual did it."

"I was supposed to protect her."

"You were doing your job."

"When I should have been with her. Keeping her safe." Agony pierced his soul. He dropped his elbows to his knees and hung his head. His voice broke. "I let her die."

"You didn't let her die, Sam. A terrible thing happened. It wasn't your fault. God doesn't hold you responsible."

"Well, He should. I'm guilty."

"Sam--"

"He... he skinned her, Father. I don't know why, but he did." Tears burned his eyes.

Clearly shaken, Father O'Malley murmured more words of condolence. "I'll say another prayer for her soul."

 "It's my fault she's gone. I can never do enough penance to make up for it." Sam shuddered. "Not in this lifetime."

"I want you to say one Our Father and one Hail Mary."

Sam barked a harsh laugh.

"That doesn't even scratch the surface. I can't even--"

"Wait. I'm not finished." Father O'Malley regained his poise, and his strong, even tone reverberated in Sam's ears. "I also want you to pray for the person responsible for Kristen's death."

"Hell, no!" Sam blurted, the idea of absolution jolting his brittle psyche. "I can't pray for that sick son of a bitch. He's killed four women, including Kristen, after brutalizing them, and we have no idea who he is. We're working day and night--"

"That's your penance, son." Father O'Malley said, gravely. "In addition, you must perform the Act of Contrition and say the Rosary. Don't let that individual's cruel soul steal yours."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Melanie Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, an editor for an online publishing company, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

Melanie is an active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronic and Small Press Authors' Network (ESPAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, the Gulf Coast Writers Association, the Southern Writers, the Mississippi Authors Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.

www.melanieatkins.com

www.wordpress.melanieatkins.com

*****************

GIVEAWAY: Hey all, Melanie will be awarding the winner's choice of a backlist eBook to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment! You could be the lucky winner!  The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/03/virtual-super-book-blast-blood-bound-by.html

Writing Tips - The Appeal of Romantic Comedy

Some of the traits that draw me toward someone are their laugh, their smile, and their sense of humor. For me, that's the appeal of romantic comedy – watching a couple confront their conflicts equipped with a light-hearted disposition.  So, what are some of the themes that make a romantic comedy work?

Themes:

Fish Out of Water

This is where you take the hero/heroine out of their element and put them in a completely different situation. For example, bring in a "big city" TV reporter to run a small town TV station, or a "big city" cop to be the small town police chief. They're both out of their element. The big city reporter could be attracted to the local fire chief who is a local boy. Or the new police chief from the big city might find himself attracted to the quirky girl next door who teaches at the local school and makes homemade soap on the side.

TIP: What amps up the comedy? Have your characters overreact to the situations they find themselves in.

Deception

Nothing brings out a laugh like a little well- meaning deception. Our hero/heroine is pretending to be something they're not – lying about their job, their feelings or their intentions because they think they might not be good enough for the other person.

Examples: Tess in Working Girl or Fiona in Shrek or Michael in Tootsie.

TIP: Deception helps builds conflict – interior as well as external and conflict is what the characters need to change and grow. Example: Sandra Bullock's character in "While You Were Sleeping."

Mismatched

Think Cinderella with a chuckle. The handsome prince or billionaire sweeps our heroine off her feet only our heroine might be a call girl (think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman) or a chauffeur's daughter (think Julia Ormond in Sabrina) or Princess Fiona in Shrek.

What makes a romantic comedy resonate?

Ultimately, there's something that terrifies the hero/heroine emotionally. It could be commitment, security, image, or not being good enough, attractive enough, or competent enough. That's inner conflict, and most readers can sympathize with all those elements. The other half of the romance helps them face that fear and overcome it with a little comedy – the tool that infuses their inner strength and courage.

Question:  What's Your all-time favorite romantic comedy?

When Harry met Sally

Pretty Woman

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Shrek

Working Girl

Other – (say what it is)

I'd love to hear your thoughts about writing romantic comedy.

Smiles

Steph

What's your favorite crayon? Crayola turns 110 this year!

Crayons have been bringing out our inner artist since we were tots and Crayola's crayons have been entertaining us since 1903.

So what makes Crayola special? I'd venture the love, care, and innovation found in every product. Crayola may be 110, but they've always been innovative and that's what made them succeed through the decades.

Binney & Smith in NYC founded the company in 1885.  Their original focus was on producing industrial pigment and supplying it to others. Soon, they began branching out. In 1904, they won a gold medal at the St. Louis world's fair for the dustless white chalk.

Binney worked with his wife, Alice, and in June 1903, they produced the first wax crayon. Alice came up with "Crayola." "Craie" in French means "chalk" and "Ola" was short for "oleaginous" or oily.

In 1926, Binney and Smith bought out the Munsell color company crayon line and added 22 new colors to their inventory.

In 1949, Crayola introduced the 48 crayon box.

In 1977, Crayola acquired Silly Putty.

In 1984, they bought Hallmark. Their current products include chalk, crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

Currently, they make 133 colors. 13 colors have been "retired," such as maize, raw umber,  thistle, and mulberry.

Crayola also renamed several colors, "Flesh" is now "peach."

Made in America

Crayola is headquartered in Forks Township, PA. It's a privately held company and global. Manufacturing plants are located in Forks Township, Bethlehem, PA, and Mexico City, Mexico.

You can visit the official Crayola museum called "The Crayola Experience," in Easton, PA.

Did you Know?

The world's largest crayon is at "The Crayola Experience." It's 15 feet long and weights 1500 lbs.

Question: Can you guess what color the world's largest crayon is?

In 2000, Crayola asked America to vote for their favorite colors.  George W. Bush gave a shout out to "Blue Bell." Courtney Cox said hers was "red." Blue came in first, #2 was cerulean, and #3 was purple heart.

Question for you: What's your favorite Crayola color?

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  Her favorite color is cerulean.

Enjoy this excerpt from "A Gentleman and a Rogue," Book 2 of The Windsor Diaries, her steampunk romance series.

The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions.

They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him.

Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits.

"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact.

"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort.

"Looked more like flirting to me."

"Jealous?"

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No."

"You are a horrible liar."

"Keira, you can't trust him."

She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that."

"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him."

"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back."

"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again."

She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken.

Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his.

"God, Keira, don't test me like this."

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-366/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book/Detail.bok

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookthreeagentlemanandarogue-996194-141.html

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1113777499?ean=2940015869538

AMAZON (KINDLE:)

http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles - 99 cent contemporary romance

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

This snippet: Drake & Lily meet in person.

*****

His compelling eyes riveted her to the spot as they hinted of sadness. He reached out and cupped her cheek, gently stroking her jaw with his thumb. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't be alone at Christmas."

"I'm used to the loneliness." She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying his touch far too much.

He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pulse quickened even as a sense of caution flooded through her. She opened her eyes and placed her hand over his, while placing her other hand over his chest to stop him from drawing closer. Despite her attraction, she wasn't quite ready to allow a kiss. 

*****

Reviews:

"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy!