On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label excerpt. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Smokin' Hot Book Spotlight: REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST by @KWilkinsAuthor #Excerpt #GuestPost
New Romance Release Spotlight - Redemption from a Dark Past
By Kelli A. Wilkins
Monday, July 16, 2018
Monday, July 9, 2018
Check it out! BITTEN by @AuthorDanOBrien w/ #Excerpt 2.99 on Kindle
BittenA Lauren Westlake Mystery
by Dan O'Brien
Synopsis:
A predator stalks a cold northern Minnesotan town.
There is talk of wolves walking on two legs and attacking people in the deep woods.
Lauren Westlake, resourceful and determined FBI agent, has found a connection between the strange murders in the north and a case file almost a hundred years old. Traveling to the cold north, she begins an investigation that spirals deep into the darkness of mythology and nightmares.
Filled with creatures of the night and an ancient romance, the revelation of who hunts beneath the moon is more grisly than anyone could imagine.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
#Excerpt Book Blitz: FROM YOUR HEART by @SSchroeder w/ @PrismBookTours #Giveaway
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Blitz for
From Your Heart
By Shannyn Schroeder
Check out the excerpt and giveaway below...
From Your Heart
(For Your Love #4)
by Shannyn Schroeder
by Shannyn Schroeder
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 320 pages
March 27th 2018 by KensingtonSOMETHING OLD? . . .
Kathy “Play it Safe” Hendricks isn’t used to taking risks, or fighting for what she wants. But as Maid of Honor in her best friend’s wedding, Kathy will do anything to make sure it all goes smooth as bridal silk. She didn’t plan on the Best Man being Kevin O’Malley, the hotter-than-flames, can’t-commit bad boy who broke her heart five years ago.
SOMETHING NEW . . .
Kevin has never forgotten Kathy, the sweet, sexy brunette who ghosted him just when he was starting to think he was ready for something more. Kathy was different from the other girls Kevin dated, and five years later it’s truer than ever. Only now he senses a new strength in the shy girl who left him hanging all those years ago. And this time, he’s not going to let her get away . . .
Sometimes first love needs a second chance.
Praise for the For Your Love series
“Schroeder’s latest For Your Love sizzler has everything a romance needs.”
—RT Book Reviews, TOP PICK on Through Your Eyes
“If this sweet romance doesn’t have you dancing a jig, nothing will.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Through Your Eyes
“Schroeder infuses plenty of emotion into this strong love story.”
—Booklist on In Your Arms
“A surprising big hearted romance.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Under Your Skin
Excerpt
Although the crowd around the bar and on the dance floor had thinned, there were still a lot of people. Kathy needed a break from all of them. The cruise would be over soon. They’d already taken their turn to circle back, so she wanted to go outside to enjoy the fresh air and the view of the city from the lake.
She walked out and leaned into the rail, closing her eyes and raising her face to the wind off the lake. When she reopened her eyes, she looked up at the moon and sighed.
“Couldn’t imagine a more beautiful sight.”
She spun at Kevin’s voice. “I thought you were doing the entertainment.” She cringed. “That sounded bad, but you know what I meant.”
“I had to get the entertainment started, but a moonlight walk alone with you sounded much more appealing.”
She licked her lips. For as much as she’d thought she wanted to be alone, she liked the idea of being with him. “There’s not far to walk.”
“We can do a circuit or two of the deck.” He reached for her hand, and they walked in silence toward the back of the boat.
When they got there, they were alone in the shadows, the only sound the sloshing of the water against the boat. The scene was perfectly romantic, and Kathy’s heart thundered in her ears.
“Heart and mind still at odds?”
“More than ever.”
“I know I said I’d give you time, but I’m an impatient man. So unless you tell me not to, I’m going to kiss you now.” He released her hand and moved it to her cheek, using his thumb to tilt her chin upward. Staring into her eyes, he waited a beat, cocking one eyebrow in question.
She should stop him, but she wanted to feel his mouth on hers, so she said nothing.
He moved in slowly, using his other hand to shift her body and pull her flush against him. He kept his eyes open and on hers as his lips met hers softly, a gentle stroke. He parted his lips, and she felt his breath whisper across her mouth before their lips reconnected.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
1 winner will receive print copies of books one through three from the For Your Love series, UNDER YOUR SKIN, IN YOUR ARMS, and THROUGH YOUR EYES
US only
Ends March 31st
Ends March 31st
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Smokin' Hot Saturday: LOVING A WILD STRANGER guest post & #Excerpt w/ @KWilkinsauthor
Romance Rewind - Loving a Wild Stranger
By Kelli A. Wilkins
www.KelliWilkins.com
Hi everyone,
Believe it or not, it’s been a year since I released my historical/pioneer romance, Loving a Wild Stranger. I’m happy to report that the book has received several great reviews. This full-length novel is set in the Michigan Territory and blends adventure with a sensual love story.
Here’s the summary, two reviews, an excerpt, and few links to learn more about the book:
Loving a Wild Stranger
A woman running from her past… straight into the arms of an untamed man
In a moment of desperation, Kathleen Stanton flees her pampered life in Kingston, New York and ends up stranded in a small town in the Michigan Territory. Out of money and forced to rely on her instincts, she impersonates a handsome stranger’s mail-order bride.
Committed to her deception, Kathleen calls herself Michelle and starts her new life with Luther in an isolated cabin in the wilderness. Luther can’t believe his luck when his beautiful bride arrives, but something doesn’t feel right about his new wife. Michelle has terrifying nightmares involving a man named Roger and is reluctant to talk about where she came from.
Luther’s friend, Redfeather visits and tries to convince Luther to send Michelle back east. Distrusting Michelle, he warns Luther that his bride is not what she seems. But Luther is in love with Michelle, and he is harboring a secret of his own—one that might force Michelle to reject him when she learns the truth.
Michelle falls in love with Luther and adapts to her new way of life. Together, they face off against brutal townspeople and overcome harsh living conditions. When they finally give in to their desires and agree to become a proper man and wife, a dark figure from Michelle’s past resurfaces and threatens to destroy everything.
Publisher’s Weekly says:
“Wilkins (Trust with Hearts) has created a wonderfully sweet romance. The fantastic tension between the two characters as they grapple with their sudden newlywed status and the awkwardness that comes with marrying a perfect stranger keeps this story emotional and realistic as they fall in love. The story flows nicely and does not rush the romance. Wilkins keeps readers interested with strong, complex characters. Fans of pioneer romances will enjoy this one.” Read the full review here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/ASINB01N6M551H
Long & Short Romances says:
“4 Stars! This book has the potential to be made into a movie. This book took over my life. I ignored everyone and everything. The writing style made the entire book come to life as if I were there. The plot was really great. Nothing was going to interrupt my time with Luther. I envied the heroine, Michele. Loving a Wild Stranger reminded me of the 1970s T.V. show, “Grizzly Adams” – one of my favorite childhood television shows. The writing style made the entire book come to life as if I were there. It was clever how Ms. Wilkins incorporated many plot threads and weaved them all together. I recommend this book and will be keeping it on my keeper shelf! I would recommend reading Loving a Wild Stranger while relaxing by a lake!” Read the full review here: https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Wild-Stranger-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B01N6M551H/ref=la_B001JSAB24_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500566012&sr=1-6#customerReviews
An excerpt:
Kathleen’s knees shook as she strode down the sidewalk toward the livery. She had to get out of the store before there was trouble. She felt sorry for that man, Luther. He’d seemed nice enough when he gave her back her glove.
The coach waited near the livery, and her trunks still sat on the sidewalk. She had some time left. What should she do? She didn’t dare get back on the coach, but this town was awful and she didn’t want to stay here. Perhaps she could throw herself on the mercy of the church. There had to be one somewhere and the reverend would take her in. Or would he?
Kathleen crossed the street and entered the livery. A round-faced man slouching behind the counter straightened up.
“You must be from the stage,” he said, gazing at the front of her dress.
She folded her arms across her bosom and looked him square in the eye. “How did you know?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Because I’ve been with all the women in town and you ain’t one of ’em. You Clyde’s new girl? I’d pay two dollars for a night with you.” He winked.
“How dare you! I’m looking for the church.”
The man spit a stream of tobacco juice on the floor next to her brown boots. “We ain’t got a church. If you ain’t the new whore, then what are you doin’ here?”
She spotted the newspaper the man had open on the counter in front of him. An advertisement for wedding lace gave her an idea. “I’m a mail-order bride.”
“That so?” He scowled. “Who’s the lucky man?”
Kathleen twisted her skirts and tried to stall for time. “There’s a problem with the papers you see…”
She glanced out the window. The driver stood near the coach, scratching his head. A second later, she heard the familiar clomp of boots on the sidewalk. This was her one chance. It had to work. She had always trusted her instincts, and now she could only think of one answer. Her gut told her to take the risk. “Luther’s his name and—”
“Luther?” The liveryman’s eyes widened. “Well, you’re in the right place.” He arched an eyebrow. “You sure it’s Luther?”
She nodded as the coach pulled away. All hope of escape left town in a swirl of dust. Her trunks lay abandoned on the sidewalk. There was no going back now. This man thought she was a mail-order bride. She tried to remember what she’d read about them. It sounded simple, a man sent money to a company and they sent a wife.
She tensed as the livery door opened.
“Hey, Karl. I pulled the wagon—” Luther stopped as he spotted her.
She averted her gaze and smoothed her skirts, suddenly ashamed of her appearance. What man would accept her unwashed and dusty?
The liveryman laughed. “Hell, Luther, looks like ya got more than you thought goin’ home with ya.”
“What’s that mean?”
Kathleen closed her eyes. What had she done? This wasn’t a game anymore.
“Seems your wife came special delivery on the coach.”
“My what?”
***
Order your copy of Loving a Wild Stranger here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6M551H
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1190943526
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-a-wild-stranger-kelli-a-wilkins/1125413251?ean=2940154172131
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/loving-a-wild-stranger
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/335361512/Loving-a-Wild-Stranger Page
Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/51d0c248-fe8d-4a14-b1db-b524786870f4
24 Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=1854921
Want even more? Learn about the making of the book & read an excerpt here: http://burgandyice.blogspot.com/2017/01/smokin-hot-loving-wild-stranger-by.html
Then, read an interview with Luther, the hero from Loving a Wild Stranger, here: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2017/01/character-spotlight-with-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=b15c39ccc2235266
Feel free to repost & share this blog (and links) with your social media friends!
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.
Kelli’s writing book, "You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction" is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.
Follow these links to learn more about all of her writings and visit her social media pages:
Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com
Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliwilkins2/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins
Facebook Historical Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/
Facebook Contemporary Romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/
Facebook Gay Romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/
: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelli-a-wilkins
FREE READS: http://www.manicreaders.com/KelliAWilkins/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.
Kelli_A_Wilkins Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Check it out! ASHES by Steven Manchester #Excerpt "The Reunion" @AuthorSteveM
Brief Synopsis:
Middle-aged brothers Jason and Tom Prendergast thought they were completely done with each other. Perceived betrayal had burned the bridge between them, tossing them into the icy river of estrangement. But life – and death – has a robust sense of irony, and when they learn that their cruel father has died and made his final request that they travel together across the country to spread his ashes, they have no choice but to spend a long, long car trip in each other’s company. It’s either that or lose out on the contents of the envelope he’s left with his lawyer. The trip will be as gut-wrenching as each expects it to be . . . and revealing in ways neither of them is prepared for.
At turns humorous, biting, poignant, and surprisingly tender, Ashes puts a new spin on family and dysfunction with a story that is at once fresh and timelessly universal.
Early Praise:
"Sometimes raw, always engaging, Steven Manchester’s novel is a wry and wise journey through the ruins of the American Dream.” - William Kent Krueger, NYT Bestselling & Edgar Award-Winning Author, Ordinary Grace
“Laughter and tenderness, heartwarming and hilarious. Recommended!” - Ruth Harris, #1 Amazon and million-copy NYT bestselling author, Park Avenue series
“Steven Manchester has the enviable ability to capture the intricacies of the human heart through words. Ashes is a moving novel of two brothers and their journey back to one another. A must read.” - Heather Gudenkauf ~ NYT Bestselling Author, The Weight of Silence and Missing Pieces
Ashes excerpt – The Reunion
Tom wheeled his late-model, platinum-colored BMW into Attorney Russell Norman’s freshly-paved lot and parked between a brand new Lexus—sporting the license plate, JUSTIS4U—and a custom pickup truck. Looks like I’m going after the hillbilly, he thought when he spotted the faded Massachusetts Department of Correction sticker in the rear window. His blood turned cold. “It must be Jason,” he thought aloud. I didn’t think he’d come.
Tom took a few deep breaths, not because he was nervous about his father’s death or talking to any lawyer but because he hadn’t seen his Neanderthal brother—for fifteen years, I think. He paused for a moment to give it more thought. Although their relationship had essentially vaporized in their late teens—the result of a fall-out that still haunted his dreams—they’d occasionally wound up in each other’s orbits; weddings, funerals and the like, enough to remain familiar with each other’s career choices, wives and children. But even that came to an end fifteen years ago, he confirmed in his aching head before opening the door. While his toothache-induced migraine threatened to blind him, he took one step into the oak-paneled waiting room. His and Jason’s eyes met for the briefest moment. As though they were complete strangers, they both looked away. And here he is, Tom thought, disappointed. This is just great.
Through peripheral vision, Tom noticed that his older brother now wore a scar over his right eye, just above a bushy eyebrow that could have easily belonged to a homeless Scotsman. A jagged ear lobe, a piece clearly torn away, pointed to a crooked nose which sat sideways on his face—all of it rearranged since birth. What a big tub of crap he’s turned in to, Tom thought, struggling to ignore his throbbing face and head. He’s as fat as a wood tick now, he thought, grinning, and he looks like he’s ready to pop. Jason looked straight at him, as if reading his mind. Tom immediately looked away, his rapid heartbeat starting to pound in his ears, intensifying his physical pain. Unbelievable, he thought. After all the years and all the distance, his elder brother—by only two years—still scared the hell out of him. He’s just a big imbecil, that’s all, he told himself, but he still couldn’t bring himself to rejoin his brother’s penetrating gaze.
The secretary answered her phone before calling out, “Mr. Prendergast…”
Both brothers stood.
“Attorney Norman will see you now.”
Tom walked in first, letting the door close behind him—right in Jason’s face.
“Still a weasel,” Jason muttered, loud enough for all to hear.
“What was that?” Tom asked just inside the door.
“Don’t even think about playing with me,” Jason warned, “’cause I have no problem throwing you over my knee and spanking you right in front of this guy.”
I’m fifty years old, for God’s sake, Tom thought, and he thinks he’s going to spank me? I’m surprised the prison even let him out.
The attorney—his hand extended for anyone willing to give it a shake—looked mortified by the childish exchange.
Tom shook the man’s hand before settling into a soft leather wing chair. Jason followed suit.
The room was framed in rich mahogany paneling. The desk could have belonged in the oval office. Beneath a green glassed banker’s lamp, stacks of file folders took up most of the vast desktop. An American flag stood in one corner, while framed diplomas and certificates, bearing witness to the man’s intelligence and vast education, covered the brown walls.
Attorney Norman wore a pin striped shirt and pleated charcoal-colored slacks, held up by a pair of black suspenders. He had a bow tie, a receding hairline that begged to be shaved bald and a pair of eyeglasses that John Lennon would have been proud to call his own. There’s no denying it, Tom thought, trying to ignore his brother’s wheezing beside him, he’s either a lawyer or a banker. He couldn’t be anything else.
While Jason squirmed in his seat, visibly uncomfortable to be sitting in a lawyer’s office, his hands squeezed the arms of the chair. What a chicken, Tom thought, trying to make himself feel better. Peering sideways, he noticed that his brother’s knuckles were so swollen with scar tissue they could have belonged to a man who made his living as a bare knuckle brawler. He’s still an animal too, he decided.
Attorney Norman took a seat, grabbed a manila file from atop the deep stack and cleared his throat. “The reason you’re both here…”
“…is to make sure the old man’s really dead,” Jason interrupted.
In spite of himself and his harsh feelings for his brother, Tom chuckled—drawing looks from both men.
“The reason we’re all here,” Attorney Norman repeated, “is to read Stuart Prendergast’s last will and testament.” He flipped open the folder.
This ought to be good, Tom thought, while Jason took a deep breath and sighed heavily. Both brothers sat erect in their plush chairs, waiting to hear more.
As if he were Stuart Prendergast sitting there in the flesh, the mouth piece read, “My final wish is that my two sons, Jason and Thomas, bring my final remains to 1165 Milford Road in Seattle, Washington, where they will spread my ashes.”
“Seattle, Washington?” Tom blurted, his wagging tongue catching his tooth, making him wince in pain. Quickly concealing his weakness, he slid to the edge of his seat. “Oh, I don’t think so,” he mumbled, careful not to touch the tooth again.
Jason was shaking his head. “Hell no,” he said.
The attorney read on. “I’ve always been afraid to fly, so I’m asking that I not be transported by airplane but driven by car.”
“No way,” Tom instinctively sputtered.
Jason laughed aloud. “This is just great. The old man’s dead and he’s still screwing with us.”
The less-than-amused attorney revealed a sealed envelope and continued on. “As my final gift to my sons…”
“Only gift,” Tom muttered, feeling a cauldron of bad feelings bubbling in his gut.
“I’m leaving this sealed envelope for them to share, once and only once they’ve taken me to my final resting place.”
“What the…” Jason blurted.
Every cell in Tom’s overloaded brain flashed red. Don’t do it, he thought. You don’t owe that old man a damned thing. But every cell in his body was flooded with curiosity. He looked at Jason, who was no longer shaking his fat head.
“Maybe the degenerate finally hit it big at the dog track?” Jason suggested.
Tom nodded in agreement, but secretly wondered, Could it be the deed to the land Pop bragged about owning in Maine? He stared at the envelope. For as long as I can remember, he claimed to own forty plus acres with a brook running straight through it. He stared harder. Could it be? he wondered, wishing he had x-ray vision. A parcel of land in Maine sure would make a nice retirement…
“How ‘bout we travel separately and meet in Seattle to spread the ashes?” Jason said, interrupting his thoughts.
“Great idea,” Tom said, hoping against all hope that the idea would fly with their father’s lawyer.
Attorney Norman shook his head. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but your father specifically requested that you travel together with his remains to Seattle. Any deviation from this can and will prohibit you from attaining the sealed envelope.”
There was a long pause; the room blanketed in a heavy silence. Son-of-a-bitch, Tom thought, this couldn’t have come at a worst time. He turned to Jason, who was already looking at him. “What do you say?” he asked, already cursing his inability to curb his curiosity.
Jason shook his head in disgust. “The last thing I want to do is to go on some stupid road trip with you.”
“Trust me, that’s a mutual feeling,” Tom shot back.
“But I don’t think we have a choice,” Jason added. “Our messed up father wants to play one last game with us, so to hell with it—let’s play.”
This is insane, but he’s right, Tom thought. With a single nod, Tom stood. “Okay, let’s have the ashes then,” he told the lawyer.
The attorney shook his head. “I don’t have them. They’re currently at a funeral home in Salem.”
“Salem?” Tom squeaked, unhappy that his tone betrayed his distress.
“That’s right. You have to take custody of your father’s remains from the Buffington Funeral Home in Salem, Massachusetts.”
“You must be kidding me?” Jason said.
The attorney smirked. “I kid you not,” he said, throwing the letter onto his desk.
Salem? Tom repeated in his head. Just when I thought Pop couldn’t be a bigger prick... The migraine knocked even harder from the inside of his skull, making him feel nauseous. Amidst the pain, his synapses fired wildly, considering all this would mean: I’ll have to take bereavement leave from school and find someone to cover my classes. I should probably double my treatment with Dr. Baxter tomorrow. And what about Caleb and Caroline? he asked himself, quickly deciding, They’ll be fine without me for a few days. Then he pictured his wife’s face. And Carmen, she’ll be fine without me for a lot longer than that. The nausea increased. Screw her.
“Are we done here?” Jason asked, obviously itching to leave.
The lawyer nodded. “I’ll need proof in the form of a video or a series of photos that you’ve deposited your father’s remains where he wished. Once I have that, the letter’s all yours.”
“How wonderful,” Jason said sarcastically. He stood, turned on his heels and headed for the door.
Tom also got to his feet. He looked at the lawyer and, trying to ignore his physical discomfort, he smiled. “Don’t mind him,” he said, shrugging, “that imbecil is exactly what our father trained him to be.”
Author Bio: Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies, and Gooseberry Island as well as the novels Goodnight, Brian and The Changing Season. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning, and BET's Nightly News. Three of Manchester's short stories were selected “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He lives with his family in southern Massachusetts.
steven.h.manchester@sunlife.com
http://www.StevenManchester.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorStevenManchester
https://twitter.com/authorSteveM
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ashes/id1163891110?mt=11&utm_source=Contact+Me&utm_campaign=e1eeead8ac-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_01_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_696a05c41c-e1eeead8ac-478908597
Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Steven-Manchester-ebook/dp/B01MQK0BS5/ref=sr_1_4_twi_kin_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484228448&sr=1-4&keywords=steven+manchester
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ashes-steven-manchester/1124072813?ean=9781945839009
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Smokin' Hot Saturday w/ @KWilkinsauthor & DANGEROUS INDENTURE #Romance #Excerpt
Romance Rewind – Dangerous Indenture
By Kelli A. Wilkins
Hi everyone,
To celebrate the upcoming September 19 release of my third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption, I’m sharing an “inside look” at the making of my second Medallion release, Dangerous Indenture. I’ll discuss how the book came about, the research involved, and how I created these unique characters.
As
most readers know, I write romances in nearly every genre:
contemporary, historical, fantasy, gay, and paranormal. When I write
historical romances I never know where (or when) my story will take me. The Viking’s Witch is set in Scotland in 803, Lies, Love & Redemption is a western set in 1877 Nebraska, and Dangerous Indenture is a spicy historical/mystery set in Pennsylvania Colony in the early 1700s.
Here’s the summary:
Dangerous Indenture
Eager
to escape her past in Ireland, Shauna Farrow signs on to become an
indentured servant to Joshua Stewart, a wealthy man in Pennsylvania
Colony.
But
a life of servitude quickly turns to drudgery, and her hopes for
starting over and creating a better life for herself are waning—until
she meets her master’s roguish son, Ashton.
Shauna
fights her growing attraction to Ashton, torn between propriety and
acting on her emotions. But amidst their flirting, something dark stirs.
Shauna soon discovers why no other servants will work for the strange
Stewart family.
Stewart
House has an unsavory reputation: a previous servant died there under
mysterious circumstances. When another servant goes missing in the
middle of the night, Shauna is convinced that a member of the family is
responsible.
When Shauna’s investigation leads her too close to the truth, it’s up to Ashton to save her before time runs out.
***
So, how did the novel come about? Dangerous Indenture
is one of those books that just jumped into my head. (Yes, every so
often that happens to writers.) One day, I overheard the name Shawna
Farrell, but I thought I’d heard Shauna Farrow. The name stuck with me
and I wrote it down.
A
few minutes later, I knew all about her: she was an Irish indentured
servant who came to Pennsylvania Colony and worked at a house where a
previous servant was murdered. Once I knew that, I started outlining the
book.
Before I wrote a word, I did a lot of research. I was starting from a good place with the book—I knew where I wanted to set the story and in approximately what timeframe it should take place.
From there, I spent time in the library going through history books, reading up on Colonial times (What life was like, what people wore, ate, etc.) and indentured servants (Where did they come from? Why did they leave their home country?).
As I wrote, I incorporated my research as background information. This gives the book a rich historical feel without going overboard with details that slow down a scene or are of no interest to readers.
When I’m writing historical romances, I include details and descriptions that are integral to the story. I don’t bog down the plot with a step-by-step procedure for churning butter or how to saddle a horse, and I don’t go into an endless description of how to unfasten a corset (unless it’s befuddling a hero who is eager to remove it!)
Just because historical romances are set in time periods before cars, the Internet, and cell phones, that doesn’t (or shouldn’t) make them boring. My historicals include plenty of action, adventure, intrigue, danger, comedy, and sensual love scenes.
When I wrote Dangerous Indenture, I
especially enjoyed creating the characters and setting the stage for
the drama that’s about to unfold. Right from the start, we’re told that
Stewart House is haunted, and then we (and Shauna) meet the master of
the house, Joshua Stewart, and his strange family.
Our
hero, Ashton Bailey, is flawed and has a lot of problems to overcome.
For starters, he’s known as the black sheep of the family and has been
sent home in disgrace. He has a reputation as a drunkard and a
womanizer, and tends to get himself into troubling situations. By giving
Ashton all this “baggage” I made him vulnerable and provided him with lofty goals to reach.
Shauna has come to the Colonies to start over and make a new life for herself. The last thing she wants is to fall in love with anyone—and then she meets Ashton. Shauna is headstrong and independent, and not your typical heroine. She’s brash and opinionated and falls in love with Ashton despite all of his socially unacceptable flaws. Ashton
gives her the strength and encouragement she needs to keep going when
things look bleak, and he stands up for her at a critical plot point in
the story.
When
I developed the secondary characters, I made sure to give them all
interesting backstories and unusual quirks. Joshua comes off as a mean
bear of a man, Minerva just might be crazy (and a murderer), Colin is… a
villain in many senses of the word, and Lila thought she had everything
going for her—for a while. Not everyone in Stewart House is as they seem, however, and this adds another level of mystery and intrigue to the book.
I love the characters and the fact that Dangerous Indenture is a romance blended with mystery. I had never written a romance set in Colonial times before, and combining all these elements into this Gothic-type story was a lot of fun.
I hope you’ll check it out.
Here’s a tame mini-excerpt from Dangerous Indenture: Ashton wrapped his arms around her. “Come here. Let me hold you.”
She relaxed against him, and her worries drained away. A familiar heat built between her legs as Ashton leaned forward and kissed her. Ashton moaned, and she felt a hardness jutting out from the front of his breeches.
Her mind flashed back to Ashton in his robe. His chest, his flat stomach, the glimpse of a tiny trail of hairs leading lower... What would Ashton do if he knew how desperately she craved his touch?
She fought the urge to slide her hands to the front of his breeches and stroke him, make him ready. What would it feel like to make love to him? She ached to be crushed under his body as he entered her and—
Without warning, Ashton pulled away.
“Forgive me,” he said, releasing her. “I tend to lose control and let my urges take over. I’m not used to being around a decent woman.”
He thought she was decent? That was a joke. If he knew what wicked ideas were swirling through her head, he’d probably faint.
***
Order your copy of Dangerous Indenture here:
Happy Reading,
Kelli
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 95 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.
In 2016 Kelli began re-releasing her romances previously published by Amber Quill Press. Visit her website and blog for a full title list, book summaries, and other information as it becomes available. Look for her Medallion Press historical western romance, Lies, Love & Redemption, coming September 19.
Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative non-fiction guide based on her 15 years of experience as a writer. It’s filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.
If you like to be scared, check out Kelli’s horror ebooks: Dead Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse.
Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor. She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.
Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.
CATCH UP WITH KELLI
Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web
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