Romance Under the Moonlight: July 2015

Friday, July 31, 2015

Christmas in July: 99 cent contemporary romance: Christmas in Bayuex #christmasinjuly

Travel to Bayeux, France and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Christmas in Bayeux."

BLURB:

The ravages of war have taken their toll on Aiden. Seeking peace, he has traveled to Bayeux, France, on a pilgrimage of sorts. Noel, a former exchange student who spent time with his family years before, provides him a place to stay at the old manor she has turned into an inn.

The attraction they felt nine years before at the tender age of sixteen flares to life as they spend time together and prepare the inn for Christmas. But there has been so much loss and grief for Aiden. Will Noel be able to help him feel again and can Aiden find what he is searching for?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Aiden walked the length to the tapestry, marveling at the story and how the work had been well preserved for close to 1,000 years.

"Edward the Confessor had no heir so he sent Harold to tell William he would rule England once Edward died. Harold, however, usurped the throne."

Aiden pointed to a star with a tail. "Is that a star?"

She grinned. "Modern interpretation believes it to be Haley's comet. It was a bad omen for Harold."

"What happened next?"

Noel giggled. "William conquered him."

"Silly me. I should have known that." He grabbed her waist and pulled her against him. Their eyes locked, hers smoldering with desire. Damn. He wanted to kiss her. Right now. Screw his willpower. Aiden grabbed her hand and led her to the nearest hallway. Empty, thank God.

He pressed her against the wall, his hard body molding against her curves, and claimed her lips with a hungry, demanding kiss.

She didn't fight him or pull away. He squeezed her waist with his hands, and she fisted his shirt in her hands, keeping him close.

Her lips were warm and pliant, as demanding as his. He traced his tongue against the soft fullness of her lips and they parted for him. Aiden's tongue explored the recesses of her mouth and he groaned. He was getting hard for her. In a damn museum. That thought was like a bucket of water on his unchecked kiss and he pulled away, gasping for breath.

LINK TO BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Karen Michelle Nut, Amazon Reviewer: "A tender romance sure to warm your hearts any time of the year."

5 Stars, Markee Anderson, Amazon Reviewer: "A wonderful and heartwarming read."

5 Stars, M. Fullerton, Amazon Reviewer: "Charming characters!"

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B005BTLSI8

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-in-bayeux-stephanie-burkhart/1104401603?ean=2940011371806

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72100

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/christmas-in-bayeux

Giveaway:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 31 JULY to receive a PDF copy of Christmas in Bayeux.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Christmas in July: 1.99 contemporary romance - The Faberge Secret #ChristmasinJuly

Enjoy this snippet from my 1.99 Christmas romance, "The Faberge Secret."

BLURB:

Elise Goodwin operates a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. Needing to buy some items for her museum, she travels to Boston and acquires a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge Egg.

Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov, the true owner of the jewel. He's following a lead hoping to reacquire his stolen egg when he bumps into Elise. He can't hide his attraction to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes.

Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, wants the rare Faberge jewel and will do anything to find it, including destroying Dimitri's life. Can Dimitri keep Elise and his Faberge heirloom safe or will his attraction place their lives in jeopardy?

This excerpt: Elise shows Dimitri her history museum.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

The air between them grew thick with worry, and Dimitri thought it would be best to lighten it. "The museum has an old fashioned feel to it. Do I get a tour?"

"All right." She unlocked the door with her key and led him inside. She made sure to lock the door after them. "The museum is closed for the week because of the holidays."

Dimitri nodded and walked around the wide, spacious main room. Elise was proud of her exhibits. She had a colonial kitchen, an old flag of Vermont, a tobacco exhibit, a bedroom, and several period costumes. The museum also contained displays of postcards, books about colonial New England, and a few souvenir gifts for sale.

"Did you do this yourself?" he asked.

She smiled. "I did. I received a grant from the University of Vermont, so I'm affiliated with them, but this is all mine."

"You should be proud of your work. I want to take you to the Imperial Romanov museum in St. Petersburg. I know you'll appreciate it."

She was thrilled to know he wanted to show her his world. "I look forward to it. We have to go through the back to get to the stairs to my apartment."

Dimitri followed her through a door that led to the back. The room contained various boxes and several artifacts. The scent of leather hung in the air. They went through a second door and reached a hallway. Elise climbed the steps and unlocked the door to her apartment. Dimitri followed her.

"It's small, but I'm happy with it. The living room has a view of Main Street, the kitchen's to the rear, and my bedroom's down the hall. The bathroom is in here." Elise pointed to the first door in the hallway.

Dimitri walked to the bay windows and peered out. Elise stepped up beside him. The street lamps had come on. Passersby shuffled down the road.

"Main Street doesn't really quiet down until nine. People are still out doing their Christmas shopping," Elise said.

"I will have to go shopping for you tomorrow."

She smiled her pleasure, delighted he wanted to get her a Christmas gift. During moments like this, she believed Dimitri really wanted her -- and not just because she had his egg. "I like Bath and Body, I'm a sucker for movie tickets, and I won't turn down my birthstone."

He placed his overnight bag in a chair next to the window. "And that would be?"

"A pearl. I was born in June."

"June what?"
"The seventh."

Amusement flickered in his eyes. "I was born on November seventh."

She smiled. "I just might have to get you a belated present since we're... dating."

"Well, I like to collect calendars from different places, wearing scarves, and I wouldn't
mind having an e-reader," Dimitri said.

"I'll keep that mind. Do you want the couch or the bed?"

"I would never sleep in a lady's bed unless she asked me to." His blue eyes probed her to her soul. Damn if tingling didn't begin in the pit of her stomach.

"Ah, I'm not quite ready for that."

"Then the couch it is."

"I'll call for take-out. Do you like Italian?" He eased into a smile. "That's fine."

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, Manic Readers

"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews

The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews

"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE :http://amzn.com/B006LTE2ZS

B&N NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-faberge-secret-stephanie-burkhart/1105070465?ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

Giveaway:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 29 JULY to receive a print copy of The Faberge Secret.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Christmas in July: 99 cent romance: Gifts #christmasinjuly

Enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent sweet Christmas romance, "Gifts," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover.

BLURB:

Figure skating is in Christian Jansen's blood. When he trips on uneven ice and drops his partner, Chris breaks his arm. Now he's looking for a second chance.

Famke deVries lost her skating coach four months ago. Needing to connect with her roots, she returns to Amsterdam and agrees to be Christian's new skating partner.

Christian and Famke connect on a deep level, understanding each other's losses, but will their chemistry off the ice interfere with their goal to go to the Olympics?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

He said nothing, only stared at her, and she knew she would have to give something of herself first.

"Stephen sacrificed a lot when I went to train in the States. He put our father in a care facility and I know that wasn't a decision he made lightly. You were there for him and I appreciate that."

A spark of some indefinable emotion grew in his eyes. He drew in a long breath. "About a year ago, I had my partner in an overhead lift and stumbled on some uneven ice. She fell."

"Was she all right?"

"Yes, but her blade cut my arm, breaking it. I suffered a sprained ankle, too. I spent several weeks recovering and in physical therapy. During that time, Katrien left me." His voice resonated with the same sadness Famke had seen earlier. A sudden thought came to her.

"Does Katrien have red hair?"

"Yes." He paused. "She was at the rink the first time you met Maks."

"I thought so. Look, Chris, I'm not going to leave you."

He raised an eyebrow.

"I mean it." Her voice was firm. "I'm not leaving you."

"Why?" His voice dropped in volume.

"Because you didn't leave my brother."

"He's my friend."

Famke reached out and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a fierce hug. He returned the embrace. She felt his muscles relax a bit and he pulled away, finding her eyes.

"I'm staying right here." Famke mouthed, as her eyes grew moist.

He cupped her cheek and his thumb lightly stroked her jaw. "Thank you," he whispered.

Famke leaned close. Chris lowered his head and she sealed her promise with a kiss near his lips, afraid if they actually kissed, she'd break the last professional barrier between them.

He slowly drew away and removed his hand. "What now?"

REVIEWS:

"A well written story I couldn't put down," 5 Stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer.

"This love story is a joy to read," 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer.

"The characters are appealing," 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reviwer.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gifts-11

Giveaway:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 27 JULY to receive a print copy of the 2012 Christmas Anthology where this story was featured.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Snippet Sunday: Christmas in July 99 cent spicy romance: Feast of Candles #snippetsunday #christmasinjuly

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my spicy contemporary romance, Feast of Candles. You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this excerpt: Drake and Lily share a kiss.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

He drew close, pressing the length of his body against hers. His lips skirted her mouth. Her pulse quickened, eager to taste him. His lips slowly met hers in a warm, sweet kiss. The kiss was slow, thoughtful, making her heart ache under her breasts. His mouth moved with tantalizing persuasion, coaxing her to want more – to need more.

Lily's heartbeat skyrocketed and she placed her hands on his shoulders, tugging him to her. His hands locked against her spine.

BLURB:

Travel to California wine country and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Feast of Candles," featuring Jimmy Thomas on the cover.

Drake de Brettville is going to take the biggest risk of his life – because of a bottle of wine. When Drake's brother returns to their home in Denmark with a bottle of wine from the Marquand Winery, Drake finds himself compelled to discover who the wine maker is. Intrigued to learn that the owner is a young woman named Lily Marquand, Drake travels to Napa Valley, California, to meet her.

When Drake finds Lily, the sparks fly. Lily is that rare woman who stimulates him like no other, but to win her love, Drake has to shatter the battlements that guard her heart and prove to her Christmas wishes do come true.

REVIEWS:

5 Stars, Loves Reading, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a beautiful romantic tale of a kind hearted but lonely woman who finds the love and happiness she has dreamed of."

5 Stars, Angela S. Britnell, Amazon Reviewer: "This is a wonderfully romantic story with a hero to die for."

5 Stars, Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Reviewer: "Ms Burkhart has once again created a wonderful, fast-paced read with FEAST OF CANDLES."

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feast-of-candles-stephanie-burkhart/1119887243?ean=2940046043792

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452548
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/feast-of-candles

Friday, July 24, 2015

Christmas in July: 99 cent contemporary romance: Christmas in Bayeux #christmasinjuly

Travel to Bayeux, France and enjoy this snippet from my 99 cent Christmas romance, "Christmas in Bayeux."

BLURB:

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Aiden drew in a deep breath. "Say, isn't Christmas around the corner? Where's your tree? Your decorations?"

She waved her hand. "I usually put my tree up the night before."

"Oh, that's no fun. Don't you have an advent calendar?"

"Not since I was a girl."

"You need some Christmas spirit, Noel."

She pointed a finger at her chest, finding his statement incredulous. "Me? I need Christmas spirit?"

"It's a week away."

"So?"

"Tomorrow we are going to get a tree and decorations."

"It's too soon," she protested.

"Not where I come from."

"This is France."

"Humor me, please."

Noel cracked a smile. He'd worn her down and he knew it. Preparing for Christmas would be fun – especially with a friend. "All right. Tomorrow we go Christmas shopping. Today, we visit my surprise."

His grin was boyishly affectionate and it warmed her heart to see him come alive again.

LINK TO BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE

REVIEWS:

BUY LINKS:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 31 JULY to receive a PDF copy of Christmas in Bayeux.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Christmas in July: 1.99 contemporary romance - The Faberge Secret #ChristmasinJuly

Enjoy this snippet from my 1.99 Christmas romance, "The Faberge Secret."

BLURB:

This excerpt: Dimitri meets Elise's father.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Dimitri steeled his spine and met Elise's father's gaze with one full of determination.

"I'm Matthew Goodwin, by the way. Did Elise tell you I'm a retired state trooper?"

"Yes, sir. My cousin, Alexi, is a detective with the St. Petersburg police. I am familiar
with law enforcement. He's been helping me to find the egg I lost."

"All right, let's say I believe this wild story. Who is the man after Elise?"

"I believe it is my rival, Gustav Kelch. He also owns a shipping company. Ever since we
were children, he has desired to possess that which is mine."

"I'm familiar with that motive. I've worked several cases where the motivation was
jealousy for what another person had. What is a Faberge egg, anyway?"

"A jewel-encased egg. Carl Faberge created several for the Russian Imperial family from
1885 to 1917. Some of these eggs have been passed down through the family to me."

Matthew Goodwin crossed his arms. "All right, say I believe you. Why does Elise feel
she has to go to St. Petersburg with you?"

"The documentation to prove I own the egg is there."

"Elise has always been a nice girl. She's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm very proud
of her, but she's never invited a man to spend Christmas with us. So what kind of man are you? Are you two having an affair?"

"I will not deny that I am attracted to your daughter. As for the type of man I am, I am honest. My business is successful. When we get to St. Petersburg, Alexi and I should be able to stop the men pursing her."

Matthew stared at Dimitri without breaking his gaze. Was he contemplating Dimitri's words? Carefully making a decision? "All right, I'll take you at your word and do what you ask."

"Thank you, sir."

"If you don't mind, I'm going to make some phone calls. You can find Elise in the living room."

Dimitri nodded and left the kitchen. It wouldn't surprise him if her father conducted a background check on him.

REVIEWS:

4 Stars, Manic Readers

"A satisifying read."

4 Stars, Night Owl Book Reviews

The Faberge Secret is a fast paced, delightful adventure with plenty of love and adventure sprinkled in for spice.

3.5 Stars, Long & Short Reviews

"All this suspense had me flying through the pages so quickly I was able to read the book in one sitting."

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf5ujOoDRXs

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE :http://amzn.com/B006LTE2ZS

B&N NOOK:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-faberge-secret-stephanie-burkhart/1105070465?ean=2940013874596&itm=1&usri=the+faberge+secret

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefabergesecret-657577-149.html

PUBLISHER'S LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-236/The-Faberge-Secret-Stephanie/Detail.bok

Giveaway:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 29 JULY to receive a print copy of The Faberge Secret.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Christmas in July: 99 cent sweet romance: Gifts #christmasinjuly

Chris entered the apartment and flicked on the light. They stepped into a living room area. Most of the furniture reminded her of pine wood. Wrought iron finishes and windmill portraits gave the room personality, but it needed a woman's touch. Chris walked down the hall and placed Famke's bag in a bedroom. She followed him and peered over his shoulder, placing one hand on his waist. He was all muscle. She wasn't sure why she had reached out to him, but she had a sense he'd been trying to shake off a lingering sadness since he saw the red-haired woman on the street.

"This is your room," he said softly.

She glanced up at his soulful, hazel eyes, convinced a certain melancholy haunted him. "Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome." His voice was quiet.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" she asked.

"No." He turned to face her. "Have you skated pairs before?"

"No, but I'm game to try it."

He opened his palm up. "Put your hand in mine."

"Why?"

"Please."

There was something in the tone of his voice, something that implied he was looking for her trust, but there was also a hint of doubt. She slid her hand over his palm and he grasped her fingers, his grip firm, strong, and steady.

"Squeeze me back," he said, staring at her with such intensity, her heart tripped.

"All right." Her fingers clasped his.

"Good. Our grips need to be similar so when I lift you, you trust me."

Slowly, she released him. "All right."

He took a step back and offered her a small smile. "Maks and I use the Westergasfabriek ice rink." He reached into his pocket and handed her a business card. "Can you meet us there at two? It's the only time we could book for tomorrow."

"I'll be there."

He awkwardly gestured toward the hall. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Famke escorted him to the main door. She'd been brought up to always see a guest off when they left.

Chris paused in the doorframe and jammed his hands into his pockets. "Good night."

"Good night," she replied.

He departed and she closed the door. Drifting into the kitchen, Famke inspected her brother's cabinets, but her thoughts lingered on Chris. Something troubled him. But would trying to discover what it was cross the professionalism she wanted to keep?

REVIEWS:

"A well written story I couldn't put down," 5 Stars, Delores Goodrick Beggs, Amazon Reviewer.

"This love story is a joy to read," 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer.

"The characters are appealing," 5 Stars, Reader Forever, Amazon Reviwer.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Barnes & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gifts-stephanie-burkhart/1119887259?ean=2940046043990

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/452577

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gifts-11

Giveaway:

Leave a comment and I'll pick one lucky winner on 27 JULY to receive a print copy of the 2012 Christmas Anthology where this story was featured.