Kelli's Quill December 2016 Newsletter

Hi everyone!

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone already. Where did the time go? I hope you had a great 2016 — and that you are making plans to get the most out of 2017.

This issue of the Quill is a 2016 recap and I’m also sharing a few sneak peeks at what’s ahead in 2017. Let’s get started!

Kelli’s Amber Quill Press Romances — Redux

As most readers know, Amber Quill Press closed in April. Since then, Kelli has been revising and releasing her AQP romances through Amazon and other sales channels. Here’s a quick list of the titles that were re-released in 2016:

A Most Unusual Princess

A Most Intriguing Temptation (formerly known as Dalton’s Temptation)

A Most Unfortunate Prince (formerly known as The Pauper Prince)

Together these three books make up the Royal Desires series. Although these historical/fantasy stories are connected, each stands alone as an individual read.

A Deceptive Match (formerly known as A Perfect Match)

A Secret Match

These two contemporary romance novels share characters and are set in the world of professional wrestling, but they’re not necessarily a series. A Deceptive Match is a M/F romance and A Secret Match is a M/M romance. Each stands alone as an individual read.

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover (contemporary M/F paranormal)

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing (contemporary M/M paranormal)

Special thanks to Eve Grinnell for designing this and many of my other fantastic covers. Visit her site (www.grinnellgraphics.com) to learn more about her work.

Visit Kelli’s site www.KelliWilkins.com blog http://kelliwilkinsauthor. blogspot.com/ or Amazon author page www.amazon.com/author/ kelliwilkins to read more about each title.

New for 2016 — Lies, Love & Redemption

Kelli’s third Medallion Press romance Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September. This full-length novel is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877 and blends a steamy romance with mystery and danger.  Here is the summary and links:

Lies, Love & Redemption
Shot and left for dead, Sam Hixton stumbles into a general store on the Nebraska prairie and collapses into the arms of Cassie Wilcox.

Cassie’s world is turned upside down when the handsome stranger drops into her life. Sam is another complication she doesn’t need: her business is dying and her trouble with the townspeople is escalating. Yet she’s determined to keep the store open — no matter what the cost.

As Sam recovers from his injuries, he hides the truth about his identity and convinces Cassie to let him work in the store. He’s attracted to her and admires her independent nature but quickly realizes Cassie’s in way over her head. They fight their growing attraction, and Cassie questions whether she can trust her fragile heart to a mysterious stranger. Will he accept her once he knows about her troubled past?

Cassie resists Sam’s advances and represses her feelings until one fateful night when they give in to their fiery passion. Together, they work out a plan to save the store but find their efforts are thwarted—and their lives endangered—by the locals.

Sam’s secret returns to haunt him and pulls him away just when Cassie needs him the most. Will he regain her trust when she learns the truth?

Cassie has everything invested in the store—can she save it and find true love with Sam before it’s too late?

Order your copy of Lies, Love & Redemption here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Love-Redemption-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B01JMJLOU4

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-love-and-redemption-kelli-a-wilkins/1124391964?ean=9781942546665

Learn more about the book and get links to other platforms here:
http://medallionpress.com/books/lies-love-redemption/

Kelli’s Guest Blogs:

In 2016 Kelli shared “inside looks” at the making of her romances in addition to other romance/ writing guest blogs. Catch up on them here:

A Most Unusual Princess: http://lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com/2016/03/spotlight-most-unusual-princess-by.html?zx=38f90010baae2ef7

A Most Intriguing Temptation:
http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2016/04/a-most-intriguing-temptation-by-kelli.html

A Most Unfortunate Prince:  http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/05/spotlight-most-unfortunate-prince-by.html

The Royal Desires series: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/05/series-spotlight-kelli-wilkins-royal.html

A Deceptive Match: http://lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com/2016/05/spotlight-deceptive-match-by-kelli.html?m=0
 

A Secret Match: http://lushbookreviewss.blogspot.com/2016/05/spotlight-secret-match-by-kelli-wilkins.html  

Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover: http://bookreviewsbylynn.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/book-spotlight-confessions-of-vampires.html

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing:
http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/07/an-inside-look-at-killer-in-wolfs.html

Lies, Love & Redemption: http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/09/guest-post-lies-love-redemption-by.html?zx=1755d8eb0f948b16

Inside look at Lies, Love & Redemption: Part 1: http://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks/2016/11/an-inside-look-at-lies-love-redemption-part-1/

Inside look at Lies, Love & Redemption: Part 2: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/11/talking-with-author-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=8831234393bd6a20

Interviews & Other Guest Blogs:

Kelli’s summer interview about writing, books, and more:
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2016/06/interview-with-romance-author-kelli.html

6 simple writing tips: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/12/talking-with-author-kelli-wilkins-and.html

4 FAQ about writing gay romances:
http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2016/06/guest-post-from-romance-author-kelli.html

The Lies, Love & Redemption interview: https://gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/blog-tour-spot-an-interview-with-author-kelli-a-wilkins/

Blog Spot Books: Part 1: https://gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com/2016/09/28/blog-tour-spot-so-you-want-to-read-a-kelli-a-wilkins-book/

Blog Spot Books: Part 2: https://gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/blog-tour-stop-5-more-kelli-a-wilkins-book-summaries/

Bringing Historical Romances Alive for Today’s Readers: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2016/03/talking-with-author-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=b60d5c876876c22e

Writing Paranormal Romances: http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/10/guest-post-when-love-meets-monster-by.html

Raise stakes with Goals, Motivation & Conflict: http://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks/2016/02/raise-the-stakes-in-your-story-with-goal-motivation-conflict/

NEW! Kelli’s Short Romances

In addition to her full-length romances, Kelli published three short romances with Romance Magazine.

 

Love on the Ice was published in the December issue. Order your B&N copy here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/romance-magazine-fictionmagazinescom/1117503143?ean=2940146837741

Seducing a Stranger appeared in the November issue. Order your B&N copy here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/romance-magazine-fictionmagazinescom/1117503143?ean=2940146837741

Autumn Amour was published in the October issue. Order your Amazon copy here:  https://www.amazon.com/Romance-Magazine-Vol-04-No/dp/B01M5IZSYD/ 

Or from B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/romance-magazine-fictionmagazinescom/1117503143?ean=2940146837741

All issues can also be found here: http://www.fictionmagazines.com/

What’s Ahead in 2017?

Kelli is continuing to re-release her Amber Quill Romances. Look for Loving a Wild Stranger in January, followed by three of her hottest historical/fantasy erotic tales in spring 2017. After that? A new (as yet untitled) historical romance, the reissue of Four Days with Jack, and more!

I hope you enjoyed this flashback issue of the Quill. Please share it (and the links) with your social media friends, and swing by my author pages on Facebook and Amazon. Why not follow my blog? You get the most recent updates, guest blogs, and news. Here’s a quick list of links of where you can follow me on social media:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Website: www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Medallion Press Author Page: http://medallionpress.com/author/kelli-wilkins/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Did you know??? Back issues of Kelli’s Quill are archived online. If you’re bored this winter, read a few of them here:

http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=22898315cc16de805e424f799&id=b7e93dbfc1

Enjoy the rest of the year!

Kelli

Spotlight on... A Secret Match

Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing an inside look at the making of my gay romance, A Secret Match. It’s a sizzling contemporary novel set in the world of professional wrestling.

Before we get started, let me answer the question lots of folks may be asking: “Why do you write gay romances? You’re not a man or gay.” I generally respond with: “Why shouldn’t I? I wrote a vampire romance, and I’ve never been a vampire.”

But seriously, I’m a writer. And as a writer, I write whatever story comes to me, whether it’s a contemporary, historical, paranormal, or gay romance. My romances are about people who meet, fall in love, and overcome obstacles to be with each other. This basic philosophy applies whether the characters are same-sex, different sex, or space alien and earth girl. Love is love and romance is romance. I’m not married to one specific genre or heat level. I go where the story and the characters take me.

So, how did A Secret Match come about? I’ve been a wrestling fan my whole life and A Secret Match is a follow-up (of sorts) to my other wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. That book is about a straight couple (Vin and Danni) and Everett (the main character from A Secret Match) is a secondary character (and Vin’s best friend). 

I loved writing for Ev— he’s one of those characters who tries to run away with the book. I always thought that “one day” I’ll give him a story of his own, but I didn’t have a clue as to what the plot would be. I put thoughts of him aside and wrote other books. Then, one morning as I was driving to work, he popped into my head with a four-line book summary. Within an hour, I had the whole story in my head and I started writing the outline. 

A big part of the storyline centers around Everett dealing (or rather, not dealing) with his sexuality and his (un)willingness to be open about who he really is. Ev’s longtime partner, Josh, is tired of being kept in his “walk-in closet” and wants Ev to come out (at least to his friends and family) but Everett is concerned about losing his job. Will fans accept a gay wrestler? How will his boss react? Part of him wants to keep everything just as it is because that’s safe. But another part of him longs to stop hiding the truth. 

When I wrote the book, I focused on Ev’s anguish over being caught between two worlds: his job (where his wrestling persona is a horny womanizer) and his secret, private life with Josh. Everett can’t balance the two and worries about what the other wrestlers would think of him coming out.

As Ev tells Vin (while discussing the issue of gay athletes in sports): “… a gay baseball player doesn’t have the type of physical contact with other guys like we do. There are all sorts of issues—changing in the locker room, showering together… Can you imagine some of the things that would go through the guys’ heads when I tried to put a hold on them? You think they wouldn’t freak out when I touched them if they knew?”

Vin’s reply: “You won’t know if you never take the risk.”

And risk Ev does. After he comes out (twice, in fact—I loved writing those scenes!), he discovers a different side to himself, embraces who he is, and even faces down intolerant fans and homophobic coworkers. 

I enjoyed showing Everett on his journey of self-acceptance. He’s a bit of a cocky wise-ass, and he’s definitely a fun character to write for. I was glad to give Ev and Josh the happy-ever-after ending they rightly deserve (and some hot love scenes!), because no matter what, love is love, and that’s all that matters.

I hope you’ll check it out. It’s a fun blend of drama, humor, romance, and action that M/M romance fans will love.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

A SECRET MATCH

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and the sexy heartthrob of millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone. He’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

One night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems—both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a manipulative boss and a tag-team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything… can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

A Mild Excerpt:

Everett finished his beer and gazed around the living room. It was comforting to have someone to talk to, instead of constantly keeping everything bottled up inside. It had been years since he’d been alone with a guy, and he liked Josh, liked him a lot. But he was worried. What if something went wrong? What if Josh told someone?

Josh gave his shoulder a little shove. “Come on, out with it, Muscles. Either you really love staring at my bookcase, or you’re too shy to face me. I know you’re thinking about something behind those beautiful blue eyes.”

“I… nah…”

“What? Anything. Say it.”

He sneaked a glance at Josh out of the corner of his eye. “I was wondering what it would feel like to”—he bowed his head—“kiss you.”

“Why don’t we find out?” Josh took Ev’s empty beer bottle and set it down on the marble end table. “Come here.”

He let Josh draw him into his arms. Ev closed his eyes and waited, his heart hammering out of control.

A second later, Josh’s lips gently pressed against his. Ev gasped and kissed him back gingerly. Josh increased the pressure, and their mouths moved in unison. The scent of Josh’s spicy vanilla cologne washed over him and he lost himself in the tender embrace. Josh’s beard grazed his cheek, sending an electric tingle racing up his spine. God, this was good.

He clutched Josh tighter, holding on to him for dear life, not daring to let go. Dear God, he wasn’t supposed to have these kinds of feelings, this hunger, for another man, but it felt right. The wet heat of Josh’s tongue swirling around his drove him into a frenzy, and he kissed Josh deeper, praying this would never end.

After a few minutes, Josh eased away. “You are amazing. That was hot.”

Ev smiled. “It’s been so long. I forgot how good this could be. I feel safe with you. I really do.”

Josh rested his head on Ev’s chest. “You should, because you are. And don’t worry, we’ll take this slow. You set the pace, Muscles. Whatever you’re comfortable with works for me.”

Order your copy of A SECRET MATCH here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1126174403

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120317429?ean=2940153320229

Page Foundry: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/aa7e456e-04c4-41c7-8cb0-a491b5a296a5

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/316287185/A-Secret-Match

Don’t miss the book that introduced readers to Ev and Vin, A Deceptive Match.

Order your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ

Kelli’s latest gay romance, Killer in Wolf’s Clothing, is now available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G3V9VWW