Sunday, July 28, 2013

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic


Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent sweet/sensual paranormal romance, "Night of Magic."



Night of Magic
Paranormal Romance


BLURB:  Finn meets Aithne. 



This snippet:  

*****


"Where should we start?" she asked.
Finn held out his wrists again. "Untie me."
Her eyes grew hooded like a hawk's and she glided across the floor to the glass door, ignoring his request. Opening the door, she let cool air into the room. Starlight softened her appearance.




*****
Sigh... isn't Jimmy Thomas gorgeous on the cover... melting...

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
Smiles
Steph

Saturday, July 27, 2013

New Release: Sunrise Over Brasov, paranormal romance #newbookrelease





Book 3 in the Moldavian Moon Series is now available as an ebook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, and where all ebooks are sold!

Note: Book 1 in the series, The Wolf's Torment, won GOLD in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in the Fiction: Supernatural category. 

Book 1, The Wolf's Torment was nominated for book of the week at Long & Short Reviews.

Book 2, Twilight Over Moldavia was nominated for book of the month at Long & Short Reviews in FEB 2012 and placed 2nd in the voting! Check out this award winning series! 

BLURB:

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue of his beloved at Poiana Brasov. However things aren't what they appear. Upon freeing Rosa from the werewolf, Clement, another wolf, Rickard follows them.

Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control his lupine nature and his transformations. Michael and his companions arrive at the vampire fortress, Rasnov, but can go no further when Clement attacks wanting Rosa and Rickard back.

Michael's courage, strength, and convictions are challenged beyond his limits, but his love for Rosa proves his guiding force. Can Michael finally rid his family of their lupine haunting and win Rosa's heart?


EXCERPT: 



He raised his hand and lowered his hood. An inherent strength filled his profile. Confidence. Concern. Relief.
Rosa's breath jammed in her throat. He looked familiar. He smelled familiar.
"Rosa, it's Michael. Let's go."
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
A frown set against his rugged features. "I don't have time to argue -- now put on a warm dress and cloak."
"No." She was not going anywhere with him despite the relief in his voice.
He sighed and shut the door. Moving with fluid grace, he crossed the room, jerked the door to her closet open and threw the items he wanted her to wear on her bed. "Get. Dressed."
"No." She was determined not to budge, despite the danger outside.
"Rosa, we're leaving."
"I'm staying."
"Why would you want to stay? Clement kidnapped you."
Disconcerted, she pointedly glanced away from his hard stare. What did he mean by kidnapped? Clement didn't keep her behind bars and feed her only bread and water. Rosa could even go into Brasov to shop as long as Lucien or one of the bodyguards went with her.
"I'm going to take you back to your mother."
Her head snapped toward his direction. Mother? Of course she had a mother -- a family, even -- only she had no recollection of them. So why did her body fill with warmth at the mention of her mother by a man she hadn't seen before, but was hauntingly familiar? She pursed her lips, torn by conflicting emotions.
"Caroline and Darius can't keep this up. Now get dressed or I'll dress you myself."
"You'll find me an unwilling subject."
He drew in a deep breath and raked a hand through his thick ebony hair. "You are exasperating."
"So I've been told."
BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1116009842?ean=2940148123552

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-three-sunrise-over-brasov-epub/

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbookthreesunriseoverbrasov-1230728-162.html

Friday, July 26, 2013

Book Review Friday - The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan #bookreview




Book Review for: The Lost Hero
Written by: Rick Riordan
Scholastic Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-545-46262-4
Avail: as print and ebook
5 Stars

Riordan pens a gem of a story with "The Lost Hero." The novel opens with Jason, Piper, and Leo attacked by storm spirits on their way to Wilderness School. But Jason has a problem – he's lost his memories. Can he lead his friends on a quest to prevent Gaia from awakening?

The story introduces three new heroes to Camp Half-Blood and a new problem – Gaia, mother Earth herself. Jason, a son of Jupiter, is heroic, fierce and brave, but a little unsure of his abilities. Piper is loyal and true, but can she rise above the challenges and prejudices a daughter of Aphrodite faces? Leo loves to fiddle with his hands, but are his inventions a help or a hindrance on their quest? These new heroes will be given plenty of tests to prove their worth, but can they overcome challenge after challenge?

Riordan's writing style is sharp and witty, appealing to a young adult audience. The plot takes plenty of twists and turns. Jason embodies the classic Greek hero. Piper and Leo appeal to the modern audience as Riordan shows not only the character's vulnerabilities and insecurities, but also their strengths. Piper proves that true love is more than skin deep, and Leo shines as a hero from the school of hard knocks.

What Riordan does best is give Greek mythology a modern twist, attracting modern young adults.

"The Lost Hero's" story appeals to readers of all ages and genres. The novel's endearing characters and suspenseful plot will have readers on the edge of their seats. A definite page-turner! I highly recommend this book.

BUY LINK: Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.com/B003TSEL7S 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

New Release: 99 cent contemporary romance: Gifts #newrelease




My new 99 cent contemporary romance is now available on Amazon for Kindle.  

BLURB: A sweet contemporary romance novelette from the award winning author of  "The Budapest Moon Series."

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?


EXCERPT: 

Passengers hurried out into the airport. Famke stood next to her brother chatting easily with him. Christian froze. His pulse quickened. He remembered how at sixteen she appeared slender and almost mousy with her black-framed glasses and short brown hair, but now she'd changed. She looked every bit a confident young woman with a dazzling smile and a sparkle of excitement in her soulful green eyes. 


BUY LINK:http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Have some Christmas in July! 99 cent and Free titles #kindle


Once a year is not enough for Christmas and Winter Holiday decorations, movies, books and stories. Please join our authors as we post our Holiday book titles, share recipes & decorating, and discuss movies.


And what would Christmas or the Holidays be without gifts?  Here are some presents we hope you will enjoy.

Click on the link beside the titles you want and grab a free read from our authors.  
Christmas Dessert Decadence (recipes): Smashwords 
Give it All You've Got by Linda Swift: PublishingbyRJV 
The Cattlemen's Ball  by Celia Yeary: PublishingbyRJV
Last Assignment by Les Williams: PublishingbyRJV
Death at the Whistling Swan by John D. Nesbitt: PublishingbyRJV
O'Halloran's Hell by Adrian Scott: PublishingbyRJV 
Deirdre by Miriam Newman: Smashwords  
The Trouble With Fishing by Rebecca J. Vickery: Smashwords Use Coupon Code: JD93E

Please be sure to check within the comments as authors and followers will be adding links to other freebies, participating blogs, and fun links as well. Tell all your friends (and enemies too)! Beat the heat and think "Christmas in July"! 

Enjoy this Trailer for  "Christmas in Bayeux"



Romantic Getaways: The Taj Mahal




I've never been to India, so understandably, I'm a bit nervous writing about the Taj Mahal. I remember though in 7th grade, my social studies class conducted a look at India for a semester and when I saw a picture of the Taj Mahal, it took my breath away. Just picture a young 13-year-old, eyes wide open - my mouth slightly agape as I drank in the wonder of the structure. In that moment my heart knew one thing – a picture could not do the Taj Mahal justice. This was a building that needed to be seen in person. Sadly, I haven't had a chance to do that yet.

I suppose the thing that has resonated with me throughout the years was knowing the Taj Mahal was built for a king's (Shah) wife who died in childbirth. What an amazing testament to love.

The Taj Mahal is in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Construction began in 1632. (Charles I is on the throne in England, to give you a little perspective) The main building, the mausoleum was finished in 1648 (the year before Charles' died) and the surrounding gardens and structures were finished five years later. Materials from all over India and Asia were used. Over 1,000 elephants helped transport the materials. They include white marble, crystal, turquoise, Lapis lazuli, sapphires, and carnelian.

During the 1600's, the Mughals were the Muslim rulers of India. Shah Jahan ruled during a period of great prosperity, but became grief stricken when his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to their 14th child. He employed the best architects of his times to build a beautiful mausoleum for her.

I can't begin to describe the Taj Mahal, but I will say importance was place on symmetry. This attention, at least for me, is what gives the Taj Mahal it's majestic beauty.

What happened to Shah Jahan after his wife's death? Shortly after the Taj Mahal was finished, his son deposed him, placing him under house arrest. When Jahan died, his son buried him next to his wife in the Taj Mahal.


Nowadays the beauty of the Taj Mahal is threatened by environmental pollution. The pollution has slowly been turning the structure yellow. Currently, there is a 4,000 square mile zone around the Taj Mahal in which strict emission standards have been enacted.

Also, due to a lack of water in the Yamura River, the wooden supports may be rotting, compromising the mausoleum's structural integrity. Only 5 items are allowed in – water in see-through bottles, small video cameras, still cameras, mobile phones and small ladies' purses.

Question: Have you seen the Taj Mahal? What was your first impression?

My new 99 cent contemporary romance is now available on Amazon for Kindle.  

BLURB: A sweet contemporary romance novelette from the award winning author of  "The Budapest Moon Series."

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?

EXCERPT: 

Passengers hurried out into the airport. Famke stood next to her brother chatting easily with him. Christian froze. His pulse quickened. He remembered how at sixteen she appeared slender and almost mousy with her black-framed glasses and short brown hair, but now she'd changed. She looked every bit a confident young woman with a dazzling smile and a sparkle of excitement in her soulful green eyes. 


BUY LINK:http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Book Review Tuesday: Dark Days of Promise by Shaunna Gonzales #bookreview




Book Review for: Dark Days of Promise
Written by: Shaunna Gonzales
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-218-0
Avail as: ebook
4 Stars

Genres: Contemporary, women's fiction, inspirational, romance

Gonzales pens a story that will tug on your heartstrings with "Dark Days of Promise." Vicki Laramie is struggling to raise three children when she learns her ex-husband is killed in Iraq. Kelly Chase has just left the Army and suffers from PTSD. Can they help each other through their dark days to find happiness?

The story opens with a realistic look at Vicki's struggles. Thankfully, her neighbor, Janine, gives her the emotional and steadfast support Vicki needs to get by. Enter Janine's son, Kelly. He's just left military service, but finds adjustment to civilian life a challenge. Despite their attraction, Vicki and Kelly are challenged at every turn. When something traumatic happens to both of them, will it prove to be the turning point both of them need to move on with their lives?

Gonzales' writing style is easy to read and she handles the first person narrative well. The plot moves at a nice clip.

The best part of the novel is how Gonzales taps into emotions. Phillip is the teenager you want to ground for life, yet he's sympathetic as well, searching for the one person to help "ground" him.  Vicki is honest and real and raw. Kelly struggles with issues many do upon returning from war. The supporting cast is just as endearing. Gonzales isn't afraid to show us their strengths, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses.

The story has a spiritual element, but doesn't come off as "preachy." In fact, Gonzales does an excellent job showing the power of faith in a very natural way. The story is sweet for romance readers, with the main characters holding hands and kissing. In fact, it was nice to read a "sweet" romance that didn't feel forced. Overall, "Dark Days of Promise" offers hope in the face of adversity and is a heartwarming story. I highly recommend it.

BUY LINK: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/dark-days-of-promise-epub/ 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Snippet Sunday - 99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic


Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent sweet/sensual paranormal romance, "Night of Magic."



Night of Magic
Paranormal Romance


BLURB:  Finn meets Aithne. 



This snippet:  

*****


"Head down," Darius whispered into Finn's ear.

Finn swore the first chance he had, he'd give Darius a taste of his fists. He felt the woman's presence in front of him before glancing up.

"Darius, rise with our...guest." Her voice was low and commanding.

As Darius tugged Finn to his feet, Finn found himself gazing into seductive, soulful emerald eyes. The woman of his visions was real and right in front of him! 




*****
Sigh... isn't Jimmy Thomas gorgeous on the cover... melting...

AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00D2XP4R6
Smiles
Steph

Saturday, July 20, 2013

New Release: Sunrise Over Brasov, Paranormal romance #newbookrelease



Book 3 in the Moldavian Moon Series is now available as an ebook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony, All Romance Ebooks, and where all ebooks are sold!

Note: Book 1 in the series, The Wolf's Torment, won GOLD in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in the Fiction: Supernatural category. 

Book 1, The Wolf's Torment was nominated for book of the week at Long & Short Reviews.

Book 2, Twilight Over Moldavia was nominated for book of the month at Long & Short Reviews in FEB 2012 and placed 2nd in the voting! Check out this award winning series! 


BLURB:

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue of his beloved at Poiana Brasov. However things aren't what they appear. Upon freeing Rosa from the werewolf, Clement, another wolf, Rickard follows them.

Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control his lupine nature and his transformations. Michael and his companions arrive at the vampire fortress, Rasnov, but can go no further when Clement attacks wanting Rosa and Rickard back.

Michael's courage, strength, and convictions are challenged beyond his limits, but his love for Rosa proves his guiding force. Can Michael finally rid his family of their lupine haunting and win Rosa's heart?


EXCERPT: 



He raised his hand and lowered his hood. An inherent strength filled his profile. Confidence. Concern. Relief.
Rosa's breath jammed in her throat. He looked familiar. He smelled familiar.
"Rosa, it's Michael. Let's go."
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
A frown set against his rugged features. "I don't have time to argue -- now put on a warm dress and cloak."
"No." She was not going anywhere with him despite the relief in his voice.
He sighed and shut the door. Moving with fluid grace, he crossed the room, jerked the door to her closet open and threw the items he wanted her to wear on her bed. "Get. Dressed."
"No." She was determined not to budge, despite the danger outside.
"Rosa, we're leaving."
"I'm staying."
"Why would you want to stay? Clement kidnapped you."
Disconcerted, she pointedly glanced away from his hard stare. What did he mean by kidnapped? Clement didn't keep her behind bars and feed her only bread and water. Rosa could even go into Brasov to shop as long as Lucien or one of the bodyguards went with her.
"I'm going to take you back to your mother."
Her head snapped toward his direction. Mother? Of course she had a mother -- a family, even -- only she had no recollection of them. So why did her body fill with warmth at the mention of her mother by a man she hadn't seen before, but was hauntingly familiar? She pursed her lips, torn by conflicting emotions.
"Caroline and Darius can't keep this up. Now get dressed or I'll dress you myself."
"You'll find me an unwilling subject."
He drew in a deep breath and raked a hand through his thick ebony hair. "You are exasperating."
"So I've been told."
BUY LINKS:

AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moldavian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1116009842?ean=2940148123552

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/moldavian-moon-book-three-sunrise-over-brasov-epub/

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-moldavianmoonbookthreesunriseoverbrasov-1230728-162.html

Friday, July 19, 2013

Book Review Friday - The Ring, Time Traveling Romance by Jaclyn DiBona #bookreview




Book Review for: The Ring
Written by: Jaclyn DiBona
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 1-61252-306-4
Avail as ebook
4.5 Stars

Genre: Time Travel Romance

DiBona proves loves conquers all, even time, in "The Ring." Jessica Madison lives in the present as a successful doctor. She has it all, prestige, money, and a skillful reputation. Alexander Elliot lives 100 years in the past. He's also a successful doctor. Can he find happiness after his fiancée shattered his ideas of love?

The novel opens with Jessica inheriting a ruby ring from her guardian, Jacob. This ring is different. It allows the wearer to travel through time. When Jessica discovers its properties, she's skeptical, but a trip to the past changes her mind. There she meets Dr. Alexander Elliot and the sparks fly. Alexander and Jessica have a hard time fighting their attraction, but they must, since they fear time will keep them apart – time or perhaps stubborn pride. Can they overcome the obstacles the ring presents?

DiBona's writing style is very fluid, immediately drawing the reader into Jessica's world. The pacing is just right, slowing down to allow the reader to catch their breath before accelerating again.

The best part of the story was the characters. DiBona presents a strong heroine who has a big heart. Her hero embodies noble bearing. In fact, it may be his stubborn pride and not time that proves his downfall. The supporting cast is a gem and each of them – Mary, Bobbi, and Aunt Abigail shine.

There were minor punctuation and grammatical errors throughout which I felt a stronger edit might have caught, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.

The novel is mainstream for romance readers with several sensual love scenes. "The Ring" is a story that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend it. 

BUY LINK: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-ring-epub/

Thursday, July 18, 2013

New Release: "Gifts" 99 cent contemporary romance #99centskindle



My new 99 cent contemporary romance is now available on Amazon for Kindle.  

BLURB: A sweet contemporary romance novelette from the award winning author of  "The Budapest Moon Series."

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?

EXCERPT: 

Passengers hurried out into the airport. Famke stood next to her brother chatting easily with him. Christian froze. His pulse quickened. He remembered how at sixteen she appeared slender and almost mousy with her black-framed glasses and short brown hair, but now she'd changed. She looked every bit a confident young woman with a dazzling smile and a sparkle of excitement in her soulful green eyes. 


BUY LINK:http://amzn.com/B00DPV86E8

Another Jimmy Thomas cover...sigh...