Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 50

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:  Aithne and Finn talk. 


This snippet:  

*****


"Imagine strength thrumming through your muscles, powered by an invisible force that heightens your every sense." Her voice grew low and her body moved behind his. She placed her hands on his waist and brushed her lips against his ear. "I'm going to touch your body. To become like me, I must bite you three times. Each time I'll give you a choice. If you want the bite, say my name."
His breath hitched. 


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

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

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: 



A knock sounded at the door, rousing Michael from his sleep. Rosa lay on the bed, the covers up to her throat and sweat on her brow. He stood and scrubbed the back of his neck, trying to stop his worry from overwhelming him. A quick glance at the window revealed it was still dark outside. Crossing the room, he opened the door. "Darius."

"I cannot stay long. Daylight approaches. May I come in?"

Michael widened the door opening and Darius crossed his arms as he entered, his hands under his armpits, concern in his eyes.

"Caroline will come tomorrow. How is Rosa?"

"She took a little soup and bread, but her fever is still high."

"I'm sorry this has happened. My staff is at your disposal. Perhaps you can ask Rickard to
help in the morning." "I'll talk to him."

"Good. Hopefully, soon, we'll have answers." Darius placed a hand on Michael's shoulder and offered him a sympathetic smile.

Michael nodded and Darius said nothing else before departing. Michael sat on the edge of the bed and put his hand on Rosa's forehead. She was as hot as an oven. He needed to cool her down. 

Determination fueled his movements. Making his way to the water closet, he dampened several towels with cold water. Then he returned to the bedroom, removed the covers, and placed the towels over her chemise, affording her dignity. She stilled. Michael lay on the bed next to her. His body ached with tiredness. He needed to sleep, but he had to stay close to Rosa in case there was a change. 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/molda...

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

Goddess Fish Super Book Blast Tour: How to Get Good Reviews on Amazon #bookBlast #goddessfish

HOW TO GET GOOD REVIEWS ON AMAZONByTheo Rogers
BLURB:   How To Get Good Reviews On Amazon is a simple, no-nonsense guide that teaches exactly what it says it does. Based on both psychological science and thousands of hours of conversation with some of Amazon’s top reviewers, it takes you behind the scenes into the reviewing subculture that has grown up on Amazon’s website. It gives you a deep, insider’s knowledge of how the top reviewers think and operate. It not only shows you whatto do: it takes you inside the reviewers’ heads so that you can see for yourself both how these techniques work and why they’re so effective.
Lessons include:
·       A simple, four-part formula for writing emails that get your work reviewed.·       Three things never to say when communicating with reviewers!·       How to pick reviewers who are more likely to give you a good review.·       How to reduce the chance that a reviewer you contact will post a bad review – even if it turns out they don’t like your work!·       How people get caught out when receiving reviews from friends and family.
This book teaches an honest, straightforward approach that works. It works because it’s not based gimmicks or tricks but on a real understanding of how Amazon reviewers operate: most of all on what they expect from authors and other sellers. If you want to know how to talk to Amazon reviewers in a way that will make them respect you as a professional and see you as the kind of seller they actually wantto help, this is the book for you. 


 EXCERPT:
One of the most fundamental ideas in this booklet is that there’s a definite reviewing subculture that has grown up on Amazon’s website. Like any culture, it has its own particular values and mores: its own ideas about what’s right and what’s wrong. When we come to the issue of shill reviews, we collide headlong with the values of the reviewing culture. As you might expect, most reviewers see shills – and the sellers who use them – as very, very wrong.
Because this section is all about values, I think it’s important to stress that I’m writing here as your guide to Amazon’s reviewing subculture. I’m not writing as a missionary on its behalf.
Simply put, I believe that your journey through the Amazon Jungle will be smoother, easier, and more successful if along the way you’re respectful of the values of the natives who dwell there. For that reason, I’m going to lay out for you some of the more commonly held tenants: the basic beliefs that most of the natives would hold to. It’s not for me to tell you whether you should embrace these values to the core of your being and make them your own. I’m just telling you that as a matter of pure pragmatism, you are going to make trouble for yourself if you ignore them.
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Theo Rogers combines years of coalface experience on Amazon's website with formal training and qualifications in a range of business and social science disciplines. He's spent literally thousands of hours talking with Amazon reviewers, getting inside their heads, and learning what makes them tick. He's spent almost as many hours observing the carnage that so often takes place on Amazon's forums. In the process he's developed a deep insider's knowledge of the reviewing subculture that's grown up on Amazon's website.

He's also seen a lot of authors and other would-be sellers make the same mistakes in their dealings with that subculture - over and over again.
As a result of his experiences, Theo has come to believe that yes, there is a simple formula that works: a way of dealing with reviewers that's honest, powerful, and extremely effective at winning reviewers over, getting them on your side, and making them actually wantto help you.
https://www.facebook.com/TheTheoRogers

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ED1QGXC

 http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00ED1QGXC/

 GIVEAWAY: The author will be giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card. To enter:http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjhlNDM0NWY0MDRiNGZiMmYzN2M1OTZlOGQ2ZDYzOjEx/
Follow the tour and comment and comment often, it will better your chances of winning. The other stops can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/super-book-blast-how-to-get-good.html

Super Book Blast: Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

Shadow of Perceptionby Kristine Mason
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:

What happens when negligent plastic surgeons receive a taste of their own medicine…?
Chicago investigative reporter, Eden Risk, receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No Police. After Eden watches the DVD, a gruesome, horrifying surgery, she turns to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, for help. Only she hadn’t expected that help to come with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, has been assigned to the case.
Hudson would rather have another CORE agent handle the investigation. Two years ago, he’d screwed things up with Eden…bad. And as more DVDs arrive, Eden and Hudson find themselves not only knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past, and the love they’d tried to deny.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:
“Hey, Eden,” Hudson Patterson said as he shrugged out of his leather coat and pierced her with his steely blue gaze. “I see you got yourself into another mess.”
The room shrank and her sole focus remained on the one man who had stirred more emotions in her than all the other men before and after him combined. Two years ago, he’d lit a fire inside her, and within months, he’d smothered the flames with his arrogance and bullheaded attitude.
Based on the condescending remark he’d just made, she doubted his opinion of her had changed. His appearance had, though. Harder, darker, more dangerous. His brown, wavy hair now reached his shoulders and he needed a shave. Even without the worn, black leather jacket, which now hung on the coat rack, he looked thuggish in a tattered charcoal gray thermal shirt, low-riding jeans and black Doc Marten boots. The whole badass biker look shouldn’t have appealed to her, but Hudson owned it and wore it well.
She glanced at his mouth, then immediately regretted it. Lust slammed into her belly as wicked memories of what his firm lips had done to her surfaced. Those unwanted memories collided into a kaleidoscope of naked skin, harsh moans and multiple orgasms. Even now, she swore she could still feel his rough hands urging her hips, spreading her legs, gripping her bottom. Could imagine his mouth on hers, or better yet, between her thighs.
Hudson smiled. A smug, satisfying smile that snapped her out of her sexual spell and reminded her exactly why breaking things off with him had been the right decision. Her body might not have thought so at the time, and those urges to have him in her bed right now might still be strong, but her head knew better. Hudson was an arrogant jerk who exuded less emotion than she did.

 AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good had come from writing it. I realized my passion, and had found a career that I love.
When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.
LINKS:
FACE BOOK: http://www.facebook.com/kristine.maso...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KristineMason7
WEBSITE: www.kristinemason.net


GIVEAWAY: 
Kristine will be awarding $5 Amazon gift cards to four randomly drawn commenters during the tour as well as print books to six other randomly drawn commenters during the tour (3 of Pick Me, a contemporary romance, and 3 of Shadow of Danger, book one of the suspense series. [US ONLY on the books]).
Remember, the more you comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/07/virtual-super-book-blast-shadow-of.html

Book Review Tuesday: Case of the Senshi Pearl by AR Norris #bookreview #goodbook

Written by: AR NorrisDesert Breeze Publishing Book Review for: The Case of the Senshi PearlISBN: 978-1-61252-247-0Avail as an ebook5 Stars
Norris pens a slow building heart-pounding suspense with "The Case of the Senshi Pearl." In the distance future, a planetary federation consisting of multiple worlds allows for cooperation and cultural/information exchanges. To keep the peace, the Federation calls on the IIA (Interstellar Intelligence Agency). It's in this atmosphere that Agent Raina Tanuki is given an assignment to go to the planet Nereus and determine who killed Despot Stressner before his death ignites a war between the Homo Sapiens, Homo Naiads, and Homo Sirenian races of that world.
Using quantum teleport, Raina arrives only to discover that the seeds of mistrust have taken the development of the planet backward in progress, not forward. Raina's  investigation is methodical and relentless, but her ability to shape shift sets off prejudices. Will her attraction to Kane complicate her investigation and end up getting her killed before she can discover the seeds that have divided a world?
Norris' writing engages the reader and her style is easy to read. Her creativity and imagination shines. Norris' world building involves different planets and cultures. What ties everything together is how the characters tap into their emotions and feelings, allowing the readers to connect to the story.
The best part of the novel is how the conflict is a metaphor for the conflict in today's world. The characters are endearing, sharing their strengths and weakness in very human ways that will resonate with readers.
The beginning plunges the reader right into the story. Keep going. While a bit overwhelming at first, by the end of the first chapter, the reader will have a good grasp on the setting and characters.
The romance between Raina and Kane is sweet, but its the story with its twists and turns, the compelling characters, and Norris' ability to tap into emotion that kept me turning the pages. This story will appeal to readers of all ages, including young adult. If you enjoy Riordan's Olympus Series with Percy Jackson and even Collins' Hunger Games, this story is a must read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and I highly recommend this book.
Amazon buy Link:http://amzn.com/B00AFOIZSU

Dem's Bears in Those Woods Part One #yosemite #vacation

My Adventures as a Yosemite Jr. Ranger

Growing up in New Hampshire, one of my favorite day trips was to visit Bear Brook State park. Outdoors and wooded, you could fish, swim, hike, and explore. I always had a fun just being outdoors. So for me, at a young age, the "outdoors" was embedded in my bones.  Bear Brook, NHWhen my husband told me we were going to Yosemite this year, my inner girl got excited and packed my backpack that day.
Let me tell you, getting our spot (#59 in Wawona) was a trek in the wilderness. My husband had his computer, my computer, and his iPad doing the campsite lottery until we got lucky. Oh – Wawona is not on the valley floor so it was about a 45 minute trip into the Yosemite Valley. We didn't mind. We were in. Life was good.
We bought a shade and measured our coolers to make sure they fit into the bear box.
Yep. There's bears in dems woods. The only way to keep your food and toiletries safe is to keep 'em in bear box.

Sadly, there are a couple of "speeding kills bears" around the park where cars have struck bears. The speed limit in Yosemite is low, but it helps keeps them safe. In my ranger book, I learned to: never feed the bears, lock your bear box, don't leave food in your car and throw out your trash. Yes, my inner girl teamed up with my son, Andrew, and we got our Jr. Ranger badges.
Our trip to the park was uneventful. We went to Fresno, changed highways and traveled north until we found the Ponderosa Pines and Granite rocks of Yosemite. It was 20 bucks for a 7 day stay. We entered from the south. Our campsite, Wawona, wasn't far off, but it was busy. Our spot wasn't that far from the river. We pitched our tent, settled in, and visited the general store for some firewood and beer. Next to the general store is a gas station. Needless to say, one look at the price was enough to give me a heart attack.
We settled in after cooking up some grub and visited the outdoor amphitheatre for "Campfire with a Ranger." My inner girl had to go every night, if only to learn something new about the park.
Believe it or not, I didn't see one even after all my prep work. My inner girl didn't mind. I had plenty of adventures without encountering the bears.


Half DomeOn a serious note, I've always been a nature girl and I've always been thankful for growing up in New Hampshire, a mostly rural state. I was always at home swimming in a lake, hiking at Bear Brook, playing on the sand at Hampton Beach, and exploring the quarry near my junior high school. New Hampshire is known as the Granite State and everywhere you turn, you can find it. My grandmother had a big out-of- place granite rock just past her house left over from the ice age.  There's beauty in a rugged landscape that sings a song to the heart which one never forgets and when I went to Yosemite, my inner girl heard that song she hadn't heard in years and it reminded me of those things in life that's special – it's not the things you can buy, but the things that you can hold in your heart.
Next: My inner girl and the boys find Half Dome.
DID YOU KNOW?
Abraham Lincoln signed a grant in 1864 preserving the land in Yosemite that is now the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley.
The National park Service was established in 1916 to protect parks like Yosemite.
Glaciers were responsible for forming Yosemite thousands of years ago.
Yosemite averages over 3.5 million visitors a year.
In 1890, Yosemite became a National Park.
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Her latest contemporary romance is "Gifts." Can Famke and Chris make their country's Olympic team despite their challenges?
Reviews:"A joy to read." 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer. 

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

Snippet Sunday: 99 cent paranormal romance: Night of Magic #99ebook

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:  Aithne and Finn talk. 


This snippet:  

*****

"I'm lonely, Finn," she whispered. "I need a human male and I choose you."He cocked his head, curious. "Ye saw me in the tavern, didn't ye?""Aye. I know my father wants me to return. He collects champions every year and entices them to brave the bonfires with gold, but I have no desire to go back. I enjoy being the Queen of the Ruairc too much." 



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

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

New Release: Sunrise Over Brasov, paranormal romance #newrelease

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: 

"I guess you could say that. I also went shopping for personal items."

Michael reached over, removed another apple from his food satchel, and offered it to her,
recalling she hadn't finished the previous one.

Rosa slid her fingers next to his and a familiar pulse traveled up his arm. She affected
him even now. He jerked his hand away, but the pleasure from her touch lingered. A quiet moment passed between them. Finally, he reached over and placed his thumb on her chin. Some instinctual force inside him told him she needed this. Their eyes found each other. A spark passed over her expression. Did she recall something?

"Rosa, I--"

Rickard stirred. Rosa shifted her gaze toward him and Michael dropped his thumb. He thought for a second he might have broken through to that part of her which remembered him, but as fleetingly as the moment came, it was gone. The arrow twisted. 


BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B00DVLRJOU

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/molda...

DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com...

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

New Release: Gifts - 99 cent contemporary romance #newbookrelease

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. 
Reviews:
"A joy to read." 5 Stars, Joy Cagil, Amazon Reviewer. 

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

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