13 November 2018

New Release of a Contempory Romance Anthology by Kelli A. Wilkins!

New Romance Release - Cupid’s Schemes: A Collection of Sweet Romances
By Kelli A. Wilkins
Hi everyone,
I’m pleased to announce the release of my contemporary romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes. In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.
Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:
* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady
* two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a dehydrated mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger
These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Here’s an excerpt from Skating Sweethearts, the first story in this collection:

Skating Sweethearts
“Turn! No, Jules! Not that way,” Cheryl cried out.
Julie yelped as she whisked along on the ice, barreling out of control and barely keeping her balance. Her ice skates seemed to have a mind of their own.
What should she do? If she tried to stop, she might trip and go flying head over heels. If she turned, she’d probably fall onto her side. Either way, she was doomed. God only knew what she’d break if she landed on the cold, unforgiving ice.
This was a bad idea. A very bad idea. Why did she let Cheryl talk her into coming here today? How is this supposed to be fun? She zoomed along, praying she wouldn’t crash into anyone. Thankfully, the outdoor rink wasn’t very crowded.
“Watch out,” she warned as she skidded past a teenaged couple holding hands. All of a sudden she spotted a man in a red ski coat right in front of her. Uh-oh.
Before she could stop herself, she plowed into the back of the tall man. To her surprise, he whirled around, caught her, and twirled them in a circle.
She closed her eyes as the world spun. Then, everything stopped.
“I’ve got you. Are you okay?” the man asked.
Julie relaxed in his grip. It took a second to realize that his strong arm was coiled around her midsection. Her gloved hand rested on his shoulder. Strong, stable, nice.
A blast of cold air blew a lock of blonde curls in front of her face and she brushed it away. She glanced up to see who this powerhouse was. She gazed into her rescuer’s cocoa-brown eyes. “I’m sorry I crashed into you.”
“You’re not hurt are you?”
“No, but my pride is wounded. I made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone. I have no idea what I’m doing.”
She licked her lips and realized the handsome guy still held her around the waist. He seemed to be in no hurry to let her go—and that was fine with her.
Julie studied his high cheekbones, Roman nose, and stubbled jawline. Dark hair peeked out from under his red knit cap. He appeared to be in his early thirties, like her.
She inhaled deep as the wind blew a whiff of his musky cologne in her direction. Whoever this guy was, he smelled wonderful.
“Thanks for rescuing me. I’m Julie.”
“Allan.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Feel free to need rescuing anytime.” He winked. “Let me guess, this is your first time skating?”
“It shows, doesn’t it?” She looked back over her shoulder. Cheryl stood at the far end of the rink, waving. “My sister gave me a push in this direction and… Oh.”
Now she understood exactly what Cheryl had done—sent her skating right into this hunk on ice. Cheryl had an annoying habit of always trying to hook her up with strangers. It was a nice idea, and she meant well, but how many times had she flirted like crazy only to discover the man wasn’t interested—or worse—have his wife or significant other appear out of nowhere? It was embarrassing.
***
Order your copy here:
***
I hope you’ll check out this collection of sweet romances. Each one is a unique look at fun first meets. Look for Volume 2 coming in 2019!
Happy Reading,
Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels, and she’s also been known to scare readers with her horror stories.
In October 2018, Kelli published Cupid’s Schemes, a collection of sweet mini-romances.
She also released her first online writing course, Fiction Writing for Beginners, through Teachable. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write. Visit: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/ for more details.
Kelli’s historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.
If you like horror fiction, don’t miss her latest novella, Nightmare in the North.
Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.
Visit her website www.KelliWilkins.com and blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/ to learn more about all of her writings.

CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here’s a full list of where you can find Kelli on the web.
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Teachable Online Writing Course: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

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Review and Excerpt Tour for My Life as a Mixtape by LJ Evans! and Giveaway! @ljevansbooks @Barclay_PR

Review and Excerpt Tour for MY LIFE AS A MIXTAPE by LJ Evans!

We are so excited that MY LIFE AS A MIXTAPE by LJ Evans is finally here. As the last and final installment in her My Life As An Album series inspired by music and romance., we just know you’ll love Lonnie and Wynn’s story. Keep scrolling to read an exclusive excerpt and don’t miss a chance to win the WHOLE My Life As An Album series in print…and signed!


Title:  My Life as a Mixtape
Author: LJ Evans
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Self-published
Series: My Life as an Album #4
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 410394
Format: Print and digital
Print ISBN: TBD B07HLRFZ26 
Digital ISBN: TBD978-1723958847
Synopsis:


From award winning author, LJ Evans, comes the last story in the MY LIFE AS AN ALBUM SERIES, inspired by music and romance.
LONNIE
I came to Tennessee to help a friend.
And now, I’m stuck.
By the Southern charm,
By the sweet tea and
By a tall, red-headed "Strawberry Shortcake."
And when my world crumbles apart,
Wynn is there to help me pick up the pieces.
To show me the way.
WYNN
My life was a huge disappointment.
My marriage,
My job,
Everything slipped away.
Coming home seemed like the final failure.
But then I meet him,
Lonnie  Brennan, the sexy bass player,
Who adds laughter to my life.
And now, I realize that I can
Change my tune,
Sing a new song.  
Add to Goodreads → http://bit.ly/2Nu5O6A
MY LIFE AS A MIXTAPE Excerpt
Copyright © 2018 LJ Evans
“Okay. But being twenty-five,” she emphasized her age like I should have known it. “And already having a divorce under your belt doesn’t bode well for any future endeavors.”
I turned back to the sky because looking at her was harder than I could have ever expected.
“One mistake doesn’t make you a failure,” I replied automatically but truthfully.
She didn’t respond, and we just laid there watching the stars wink into existence in a way I never got to see in L.A. Here in this part of Tennessee, they were out nightly. And here at the lake, they were stunning. Like her, glimmering...shiny...heart wrenching.
“Look at it this way,” I told her. “Now you get to have a whole bunch more firsts.”
“What?” she asked. I could feel her looking at me now, and I risked turning my head to meet her eyes. They were so pale that it was hard to see them in the darkness that had settled over us as the sun disappeared.
“You know. First time getting drunk...after the divorce. Well, hell, you already did that.” She smiled weakly, and I continued. “How about first date...after the divorce? First kiss...after the divorce. First time making love...after the divorce. It’s like you get a whole shitload of do-overs now but with more experience than you had when you did those things the first time. You can do them better than you did them as a kid.”
She held her breath at my words and stared at me.
Then she leaned slightly forward and kissed my cheek. Her lips hit my skin and filled me with a scent of berries and lake and I had to clench my fingers into my fist to prevent myself from pulling her all the way to me and devouring all of her, not just those sweet, full lips.
“Thank you,” she breathed out as she settled back on the dock and stared at the night.
“For what?”
“For trying to make me feel better. For reminding me that there’s more to life than this moment.”
But as soon as she said it, I was struck with a longing I don’t normally have. A longing to have this particular moment last forever. Because laying on the dock in the dusk with this beautiful creature might be something I could do three hundred and sixty-five days a year. And that was definitely not in any of my plans.
Enter to win a complete, signed set of the My Life as an Album series! Plus, nine will win an eBook copy of their choice from the series!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
New to the My Life as an Album series? Start from the very beginning!
MY LIFE AS A COUNTRY ALBUM, book #1
(Cam and Jake)


Available on Amazon and FREE on KU


MY LIFE AS A POP ALBUM, book #2
(Mia and Derek)


Available on Amazon and FREE on KU


MY LIFE AS A ROCK ALBUM, book #3
(PJ and Seth)


Available on Amazon and FREE on KU
About LJ Evans:
Award winning author, LJ Evans, lives in the California Central Valley with her husband, daughter, and the three terrors called cats. She's been writing, almost as a compulsion, since she was a little girl and will often pull the car over to write when a song lyric strikes her. While she currently spends her days teaching 1st grade in a local public school, she spends her free time reading and writing, as well as binge watching original shows like The Crown, Victoria, and Stranger Things.


If you ask her the one thing she won’t do, it’s pretty much anything that involves dirt—sports, gardening, or otherwise. But she loves to write about all of those things, and her first published heroine was pretty much involved with dirt on a daily basis. Which is exactly what LJ loves about fiction novels—the characters can be everything you’re not and still make their way into your heart.




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Minky Woodcock: The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini by Cynthia Von Buhler Blog Tour!


                                 Minky Woodcock: The Girl

Who Handcuffed Houdini

A brand new 1920's mystery thriller with a sinister twist!
Unappreciated at her father's acclaimed detective agency, the fabulous, rabbit-loving Minky Woodcock straps on her gumshoes in order to uncover a magical mystery involving noted author Arthur Conan Doyle and world-famous escape artist, Harry Houdini.

"I've never read a comic like this...The art is stunning. 10 out of 10" - Geeks Worldwide
"Something special" - Bleeding Cool
"A lovely slice of 1920 s mystery, and a book that has cult hit written all over it. 4.5/5" - Nerdly
"Hauntingly beautiful" - SnapPow
"Sexy and spunky...I don't think that I can speak highly enough of this book." - Dorkland
"Quite remarkable...you really can't say that anyone out on the market today is putting out as visually stunning and exceptionally colored comics as Von Buhler." – Outright Geekery


Writer / Artist: Cynthia Von Buhler
Publisher: Titan Comics
Imprint: Hard Case Crime
Hardcover, 128pp, $24.99, £21.99
On sale: August 21, 2018
ISBN: 9781785863974

About the creator:
Cynthia Von Buhler aka Countess von Buhler is an American artist, performer, playwright and children's book author. Hailed by the press as "multitalented and eccentric" (Boston Globe), a "rising star," (NY Arts), and "one of the top contemporary surrealists" (Art & Antiques), Cynthia von Buhler is an award-winning and critically acclaimed fine artist, author, and illustrator.




Von Buhler's work has been likened to a trip down an ornate rabbit hole – her stunning, three-dimensional paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, and have been reproduced and featured in books, magazines, and newspapers from TIME to The New Yorker. Her sculptures have also appeared on NBC's Law & Order and Kidnapped, she and her artwork were profiled in Mary Magdalen: An Intimate Portrait on the Lifetime Network. Von Buhler's artwork has appeared in animations on Nickelodeon. Her comic work includes Evelyn Evelyn: A Terrible Tale in Two Tomes with Amanda Palmer and Speakeasy Dollhouse: The Bloody Beginning.

My Review
Wow! I do not usually read graphic/comic books. A genre that I never really got into. Not that I have not read them but just not as a first. That said, The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini was able to catch my interest right from the cover and first pages. A pulpy tale of a young woman who wants to be a detective takes over for him while he is out of the country. Contacted by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wants her to investigate Harry Houdini. He wants her to infiltrate Houdini's world and report back to him all to prove that Houdini is a fake.

 Minky does just that, gets involved in the world of seances, magic and sleight of hand. Houdini becomes ill and eventually dies of a burst appendicitis. Was it just a fluke or was he poisoned? Now she has to convince Mrs. Houdini not to request an investigation into Harry's death. If his death was an accident, she could collect double indemnity on Harry's life insurance policy. If it is murder, she collects nothing.

This book is filled with the most beguiling artwork, gorgeous, colorful. It just brings the whole story to life, the author tells an interesting story but her artwork is truly impressive. Pulls you right into the world of the 1920's. Seances, magic and fantasy all wrapped up into one book. I loved it and if you enjoy comic books or graphic novels, then I highly recommend this book!!

This book was revieved for the purpose of a review only.


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Chasing Shadows by Catherine Bybee Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Title: Chasing Shadows
Author: Catherine Bybee
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Summary
Avery Grant doesn’t date. Her first marriage was a mutually beneficial contract that gave her the financial freedom she needed to step away from her controlling parents. Wealthy and single, the last thing she’s looking for is love sneaking in to mess up her life plans. And after a brutal attack, she’s determined to never be vulnerable again, even if the new man in her life helps her feel safe.
Mesmerized from the moment he sets his eyes on Avery, Liam is driven to learn everything about this tough, sexy, challenging woman. Breaking down her defenses won’t be easy, but Liam refuses to be pushed away. All he needs is a tiny crack in Avery’s armor to wiggle his way into her heart.
But when a terrifying lie about her attacker’s fate comes to light, Avery’s past returns to haunt her. Now she’s willing to put herself in danger to get the answers she needs. That means jeopardizing the best thing that’s ever happened to her: Liam.
Excerpt: CHASING SHADOWS by Catherine Bybee


Avery’s head shot up at the sound of a female voice calling her name.

“Lori?”

Oh, damn…

When Lori was at their table, Avery detached from Liam’s side and stood for a hug. “What are you doing here? Where’s Reed?”

Lori eyed Liam while she answered the questions. “Reed’s on his way down. We’re going out to dinner. Wanted a drink first.”

What were the chances of Lori excusing herself before Avery was forced to make an introduction?

Lori reached out a hand toward Liam. “I’m Lori.”

Liam stood; a broad smile matched his broad chest. “Liam Holt.” Once he released Lori’s hand, he pulled out a bar stool. “Sit, we just ordered drinks.”

Avery wanted to elbow his ribs.

Instead, she smiled.

Liam signaled for Nikki.

“Liam, huh? Avery hasn’t mentioned you.”

He pulled Avery’s chair closer to his and waited for her to sit. “We haven’t known each other long.”

Lori sent a questioning look to Avery. Instead of adding to Liam’s explanation.

“I’ve known Lori for a few years. We live in the same building.”

“What do you do, Liam?”

Small talk … is that what this was going to be?

Lori signaled Reed when he walked in the door. “This is my husband.”

Avery laughed. “You love saying that, don’t you?”

Lori nodded.

“They’re newlyweds,” Avery explained.

Once again Liam stood when Reed approached the table.

“Look who I found,” Lori said.

Reed kissed Avery’s cheek. “I haven’t seen you here in a while.”

“That’s because you two never come up for air,” Avery teased.

“This is Liam … Avery’s friend.” Yeah, Lori wanted more details.

The men shook hands.

“Have I ever met one of your friends?” he asked.

Avery glared. “Smooth, Reed … really smooth.”

Lori nudged her husband’s arm. “Stop teasing.” She turned her focus on Liam. “Avery keeps her private life private.”

Avery tried not to flinch when Liam placed a hand over hers. “I’ve figured that out recently.”

“How did you two meet?” Reed asked.

Avery said “the gym” at the same time Liam said “a bar.”

Lori’s lawyer radar spiked. Avery saw it in her eyes. “Those two things are worlds apart.”

She caught Liam’s hand and squeezed.

“The first time I saw you was at Pug’s Bar. I approached you at the gym.”

“I knew it. That was you at Pug’s. How did you figure out where I worked out?” She’d been asking herself that question for over a week.

“That wasn’t hard. Leslie had a gym bag.”

“Who’s Leslie?” Lori asked.

Avery didn’t look away from Liam. “A friend. So your job at the gym wasn’t on accident?”

“I might have approached Brenda about a side job so I could meet you.”

Avery’s jaw dropped.

“Who’s Brenda?” Reed asked.

“The owner of the gym,” Avery and Liam said at the same time. “How did you know I was there on Tuesday and Friday nights?” She wasn’t sure if his actions were exciting or scary.

“Appointment book. Brenda’s office is always open.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Lori placed a hand between the two of theirs. “You see Avery in a bar. You search out a location of her gym, follow her to it, get a job there, and now you’re both here having drinks?”

Liam offered a brief, unapologetic nod.

Lori grabbed Avery’s hand. “How well do you know this guy?”

Avery liked the gleam in Liam’s eyes. “He’s safe.”

“What he just described is a little too close to stalking for my taste.”

Reed placed a hand on Lori’s shoulder. “Simmer down, Counselor. If Liam had an ulterior motive, he wouldn’t have told us all that.”

“I wanted to meet you,” Liam said. “

Yeah, well, you’ve met her.” Lori wasn’t happy.

Nikki showed up with Avery’s and Liam’s drinks.

“My usual, Nikki,” Lori told her.

“Hon, our reservations are in thirty minutes. Maybe we should go.”

Lori looked at Reed like he was crazy. “We aren’t leaving him with her. He could be a sociopath.”

Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “I’m not.”

“That’s what they all say.”

Avery put a free hand in the air. “Chill, Lori.”

Avery realized that her other hand had somehow ended up back in Liam’s. His thumb stroked the underside of her wrist in a strangely calming way.

“Do you want a drink, Reed?” Nikki was still standing there, watching the four of them.

“No, thank you. We’re leaving.”

Lori pushed back her chair. “We’re going to talk about this later,” she warned Avery. “And you … just so you know, I’m an attorney, and my big, burly husband here is in private security. He has even bigger friends.”

Liam reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet. From it, he pulled out what looked like a business card. “I have nothing to hide.”

Lori glanced at it briefly before Reed snatched it from her fingertips. “C’mon. Let’s leave them to their date.”

Liam stood again and shook Reed’s hand before he ushered Lori out of the bar.

“That was intense.”

“My friends are protective.”

“Understatement.”

“You really went through all that just to meet me?”

Liam picked up his cocktail for the first time. “Worked, didn’t it?”

Avery let loose his hand and lifted her glass to his. “Yes, it did.”

***
About the Author
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written twenty-eight books that have collectively sold more than five million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite Series, the Weekday Brides Series, the Most Likely To Series, and the First Wives Series.

 Social Media Links
Website: http://www.catherinebybee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCatherineBybee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinebybee
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2905789.Catherine_Bybee
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Direct Link
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