Kelli’s Quill - Late Summer Issue

Kelli’s Quill

Late Summer Issue

Hi everyone! It’s hard to believe that the summer season is winding down, and autumn is just around the corner. In this issue of the Quill, I’m announcing the release of my new romance, Trust with Hearts, sharing excellent reviews for Loving a Wild Stranger, links, and more! Let’s get started!

New Romance Release

My contemporary romance novel, Trust with Hearts is a steamy romance about a sexy country music singer. Here’s the book summary & links:

TRUST WITH HEARTS

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Hearts-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B074422FHY

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1262138470

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-with-hearts-kelli-a-wilkins/1029121857;jsessionid=B34CBCAE108E078A185537FBAFB08F9A.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940154716670

Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a7e88b32-d5a0-43b6-b0d8-6e1e42b317b7

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/354309578/Trust-with-Hearts

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trust-with-hearts

24Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2316172

4 Stars for Loving a Wild Stranger…

My historical romance Loving a Wild Stranger got two excellent reviews.

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. Nothing was going to interrupt my time with Luther. Loving a Wild Stranger reminded me of the 1970s T.V. show, “Grizzly Adams” – one of my favorite childhood television shows.

Luther was very kind, gentle, sweet yet strong, dependable, honest, and brave. The chemistry between Luther and Michele was definitely tangible. The writing style made the entire book come to life as if I were there. The plot was really great. There was some suspense threaded throughout the book pertaining to Michele’s past that had a lot to do with me not being able to put the book down. 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 was thoroughly entertained throughout the story. I would love to switch places with Michele and spend the rest of my days with Luther if I could. I would recommend scheduling a camping vacation and reading Loving a Wild Stranger while relaxing by a lake! - Long and Short Reviews

Read the full review here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/book-reviews/loving-a-wild-stranger-by-kelli-a-wilkins/

Order the book 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

Did you know? Kelli made genre-specific Facebook pages for her romances. She’s posting book blurbs, links to blogs, excerpts, and whatever else that comes to mind. Please like, forward, and share the pages with your social media friends!

Contemporary romances: https://www.facebook.com/Contemporary-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1965702023664339/

Gay romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/

Historical romances: https://www.facebook.com/Historical-Romances-by-Kelli-A-Wilkins-1703805359922371/

Kelli’s been blogging like mad!

Catch up on her latest guest blogs & interviews here:

Explore the Writing-Gardening Connection: http://burgandyice.blogspot.com/2017/07/exploring-writing-gardening-connection.html

Learn how to set the stage for a summer romance: https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2017/07/guest-author-day-with-kelli-wilkins.html

Bring your summer romance to life with details: https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2017/07/summer-romance-with-kelli-wilkins.html

Don’t miss Kelli’s interview with Coffeetime Romance: http://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/interview-with-author-kelli-a-wilkins/

Read about the making of Four Days with Jack. Post includes an exclusive excerpt: http://joyfullyjay.com/2017/06/cover-reveal-excerpt-guest-post-four-days-with-jack-by-kelli-a-wilkins/

Kelli answers FAQ about writing gay romances: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2017/06/writing-gay-romances-4-faq.html

Visit with 3 Bad Boys of Romance: https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/2017/05/chatting-with-3-bad-boys-of-romance-by.html

Learn about the making of Loving a Wild Stranger: http://burgandyice.blogspot.com/2017/01/smokin-hot-loving-wild-stranger-by.html

Read an interview with Luther, the hero from Loving a Wild Stranger: http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2017/01/character-spotlight-with-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=b15c39ccc2235266

Get ready for a hot summer romance with Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover:

http://dbaileycoach.com/brightbooks/2017/04/inside-look-confessions-vampires-lover/

Read about the making of A Deceptive Match - Kelli's sizzling summer romance set in the world of professional wrestling: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2017/07/summer-romance-rewind-deceptive-match.html 

Kelli’s Corner

This month, I’m sharing a few writing-related Q & A.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Being a writer is a lot of work, but one of the things I like best about it is the fact that I’ve created all of these characters and stories. These books and short stories came through me from out of nowhere and now readers can enjoy them. It’s strange to think about, but before I came along, none of these fictional people existed!

Have you ever considered quitting writing, and if so how have you worked through this?

Yes, lots of times! Every so often, when I’m really burned out from writing, revising, and promoting, I wonder why I bother. When that happens I know I need a break. I take a month off from writing and catch up on my reading, or just do nothing for a while and recharge. Before long, I have the urge to write something new or start working on an existing project again.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

I don’t have a typical day. Each day varies depending on what I’m doing. If I’m writing a new book, I’ll devote most of my writing time to that, and maybe do a little social media promotions. Sometimes I’ll spend my writing time working on revisions or editing/proofreading a book, and other times I send out review requests, answer interview questions, post to social media, or write blogs.

Do you suffer from writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it?

No. Occasionally I suffer from writer’s procrastination, though. Basically that’s when my brain says “enough!” and goes on strike when I’m supposed to be editing or revising a book. Usually this happens when I’m overloaded and trying to do too much. To counteract it, I take a break and let my mind recharge and rest. I go for walks, exercise, read something I didn’t write, or watch TV. After a day or so, I’m ready to get back to work.

Do you ever think of the next book while writing?

Yes. I’ve been known to have three books in my head at the same time. I’ve been in the middle of writing a new book, revising a draft, and then an entire new book came to me. When that happens, I stop what I’m doing, outline the new book (so I won’t forget anything about it) then continue on with what I was doing. I’m always thinking about/plotting a story, developing a character, or working out different ideas/scenarios. I don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike, because it’s already there.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Please share it with your social media friends. I welcome feedback and questions from readers, so drop me a line with your comments. 

Here’s a list of where you can find me on social media:

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

Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com

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

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

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/

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

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

Enjoy the rest of summer! 

Kelli

Reviewers Love "Loving a Wild Stranger"

Hi everyone,

I’m pleased to announce that my historical/pioneer romance, Loving a Wild Stranger, has received two new great reviews. This full-length romance novel is set in the Michigan Territory and blends adventure with a sensual love story.

Here’s the book summary and excerpts from the reviews:

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.

Luther was very kind, gentle, sweet yet strong, dependable, honest and brave. The chemistry between Luther and Michele was tangible. The writing style made the entire book come to life as if I were there. The plot was really great. There was some suspense threaded throughout the book pertaining to Michele’s past that had a lot to do with me not being able to put the book down. 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 scheduling a camping vacation and 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

Ready to fall in love with the story like these reviewers did? 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

Trust with Hearts - An Inside Look

Hi folks,

Today I’m sharing a look at the making of my latest contemporary romance, Trust with Hearts.

Readers are always curious about how books “happen” ‒ how do they start out as a random idea and become an actual book, filled with great characters, drama, and sizzling love scenes? The answers vary, and each novel comes to me in a different way.

How did Trust with Hearts come about? Is the sexy and sultry Curtis based on a particular country music celebrity? Here’s the scoop…

The idea for Trust with Hearts came to me before a country music concert. I was sitting in the front row before the show started, when all of a sudden the whole plot and all the characters jumped into my head. Naturally, I started scribbling down notes (on the back of an envelope, of all things!) before the house lights went down.

Although inspired by real-life, the character of Curtis isn’t based on that one particular country music superstar – rather, he’s a blend of three or four cowboy-hat-wearing singer/songwriters. Elements of the “inspirational” singer are there, but I used my imagination to fill in background details and invented whatever else I needed to make the story work.

Trust with Hearts is a bit different from my other romances in that it has a more “traditional” romance novel feel – but still contains plenty of heat. Although Sherrie and Curtis are attracted to each other, they’re total strangers and are hesitant about getting involved in a relationship. They’ve both been unlucky in love, and aren’t sure if giving their hearts away is even worth the time or trouble.

The book gives them the whole summer to get to know each other. Readers peek into their troubled pasts and follow along as Curtis and Sherrie heal their hearts, love, and learn to trust again.

The subplot of the book – Sherrie’s devotion to save Kitty Corner – was crucial because I wanted to give her a purpose, something to build her self-esteem. Sherrie’s cat adoption project lets her help unfortunate cats who need rescuing and good homes. It parallels how Dave takes Sherrie in (aka “rescues” her) and gives her a second chance at a new life.

And, on a more personal note, giving Sherrie the “job” of helping cats allowed me to make a social/personal statement. I’m a cat person and I’ve written three cat care books. I always advocate adopting pets (of all kinds) from shelters and giving them a real home. (Would you want to live out the rest of your life in a wire cage?)

Back on topic: Knowing how I often write sequels, a reader asked if there will be another book following up Trust with Hearts. Will Dave get his own story?

I do have an idea for a sequel in mind. What if Curtis’s cousin Jen suddenly had to move in with Dave? Hmm… I already have a plot brewing in the back of my mind, so if readers would like to see a follow-up story, let me know!

And here’s a little-known fact: Once upon a time, Trust with Hearts had an entirely different ending. Curtis and Sherrie were driving back to Dave’s house when they got into a car accident. The Ventura was demolished, Sherrie was thrown clear, but she had to go back into the burning car and rescue Curtis. I opted to delete the “car wreck” chapter after several people told me it felt too “tacked on” and was depressing. This version of the story has a new epilogue, and readers can see that Sherrie and Curtis are certainly living happily-ever-after.

I’m glad to say that the book has received some great reviews:

“Trust with Hearts is a must read. You will laugh, cry, and in the end, you will totally fall in love with the story. It is character rich, and full of drama along with some sizzling scenes to spice it up. The relationship with her characters helps us see that Curtis and Sherrie may not make it, but then, as the drama unfolds, and she shows us their hearts, we realize there just may be more there than meets the eye. This book will remain on my favorites shelf for a long while, and it is a definitely recommended read from this reviewer.” - Rose, Reviewer, Romance at Heart.com

“4.5 stars! Trust with Hearts is beautifully written. You struggle with Sherrie as she tries to regain her footing, and Curtis’s charm is intoxicating as it flows off the pages. I am always thrilled when I get the chance to discover a new-to-me author who I can’t wait to read more from.” - Emily, Reviewer, SingleTitles.com

Here’s the book summary and an exclusive excerpt:

TRUST WITH HEARTS

After a bitter breakup, Sherrie Parker seeks refuge at her cousin Dave’s house in rural West Virginia. Early one morning, she runs into Dave’s other houseguest, a singer named Curtis Taylor. The last thing Sherrie wants is to share living quarters with a country music crooner – even if he is sexy, in a cowboy sort of way.

Thrown together by circumstances, Sherrie and Curtis get off to a rocky start, but soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. Unable to fight their growing attraction, they give in to their desires and start a sizzling summer romance.

Everything is perfect between them until Sherrie discovers that Curtis is keeping secrets from her – and his biggest secret of all will change everything. Can their newfound love survive, or will destiny keep them apart forever?

An exclusive excerpt:

As she made her way down the hall, she saw Curtis standing in the living room near the sofa. He had dimmed the lights and lit a few vanilla-scented candles. She approached him slowly, unsure of what to say.

He extended his hand. “How about another dance, darlin’?”

Her heart thundered as she slipped her hand into his. “There’s no music.”

“Wait...” Curtis reached behind her and clicked the CD player’s remote control. An upbeat guitar solo filled the room.

As Curtis settled her to his chest, she melted against him and inhaled his cologne. After a minute, she decided to open up. “I’m a bit nervous.”

“There’s no need to be. Nothin’ will happen here that you don’t want to.”

“It’s not that. I want to, but…” She looked down. “It’s been a while, and I’m not very—”

He squeezed her closer. “Shh, move to the music. Don’t worry about a thing.”

Curtis swayed her around in time with the song. This song wasn’t as sad and lamenting as most of the other country music he had. “Whose CD is this?”

“Mine.”

“I know that. I mean, who’s singing? I like this song.”

He nudged her with the brim of his hat. “Your favorite superstar, CJ.”

“It figures.” She laughed. “I guess I’m starting to like him.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me,” Curtis said, nuzzling her neck.

The song ended, and she stayed snuggled in Curtis’s arms.

“Another dance? I’ve got lots of music.”

“Sure.” She rested her head against his shoulder as the next song started. It was a slow, haunting tale of lonesome nights.

Curtis caressed her back in time to the song and she cuddled closer. Little by little, her nervousness was fading and being replaced with a smoldering passion.

He kissed her as the song ended. She stroked his chest as their tongues entwined and hungered for more. She was vaguely aware of the songs changing as they were lost in each other. This was nice, but she wanted him to tear off her clothes and ravage her.

“I want you so bad,” she whispered, then turned away. “I can’t believe I said that.”

“It’s okay. I like a vocal girl. Don’t be afraid to tell me what you want… and like. It turns me on,” he said, as he brushed her hair to one side and sucked on her neck, making her moan. He glided his hands up her ribs and cupped her breasts through her shirt. She swayed as he pinched her nipples with his thumbs.

“Now don’t you faint on me.” He took off his hat and settled it on her head, then danced her backward until she was leaning against the wall outside the bedroom. “See if you can hold up this wall while I do sinful things to you.”

She listened to the music as Curtis unbuttoned her blouse. Her skin tingled as he parted the material. She opened her eyes and dared a peek at him. He was staring at her chest.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, then kissed the top of each breast.

“Should I take this off?” she asked, reaching for her bra strap.

“No, no. I’ll take care of everything. Tonight’s your night, Sher.”

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Hearts-Kelli-Wilkins-ebook/dp/B074422FHY

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1262138470

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trust-with-hearts-kelli-a-wilkins/1029121857;jsessionid=B34CBCAE108E078A185537FBAFB08F9A.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940154716670

Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/a7e88b32-d5a0-43b6-b0d8-6e1e42b317b7

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/354309578/Trust-with-Hearts

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trust-with-hearts

24Symbols: https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=2316172

I hope you’ll check it out. Trust with Hearts was a lot of fun to write and blends a sultry romance with heartwarming drama.

Happy Reading!

Kelli