Monday, December 17, 2018

Kelli's Quill - 2018 Writing Recap




Hi everyone!
As the end of the year approaches, I’m sharing a 2018 recap. Remember, ebooks make great gifts! So if someone you know loves to read, be sure to check out my website to see all of my other writings. Why not gift someone a hot romance or a spooky horror story to read this winter?

My historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, was published in 2018. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense. It also was a Night Owl Romance “Top Pick” and got a 4 ½ star review.


REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST
Lord Sebestyen Adrik has an unsavory reputation as a madman, murderer… and worse. Lonely and searching for love, he seeks the companionship of local young women, hoping one of them will ease his torment and bring him the happiness he longs for. Katarina is his last chance—but will she fear him like all the others? Or is she the one who can lift his curse?

Desperate to avoid a forced marriage, Katarina agrees to become Lord Adrik’s latest companion, despite the rumors she has heard about him. She discovers the “Dark Lord’s” secret past and realizes he’s not the monster everyone thinks he is.

As their love blossoms, she renews his passion for life—yet they cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

When a meeting of the nobility goes horribly wrong, Sebestyen’s world unravels, and his enemies plot to destroy him. As all seems lost, a mysterious stranger arrives at the castle. Sebestyen must decide if he is a friend or a foe…and if he can find redemption in his love for Katarina, or lose her and everything else that he holds dear.

Order Redemption from a Dark Past here:


Link to all other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3R1aYD


In August, I released my horror novella, Nightmare in the North. This cautionary tale about traveling alone and trusting strangers makes a great winter read! It received a 5 star review from Myra’s Horror Blog Reviews. 

NIGHTMARE IN THE NORTH
Stranded during a violent blizzard, Mark hikes to the only house nearby. George, a well-mannered University professor, welcomes Mark and gives him shelter from the storm.

By morning, Mark suspects that everything isn’t what it seems. George’s adult daughter, Kate, who also lives in the house, shares a disturbing and unsettling tale. When questioned, George insists that Kate has a psychological issue and can’t be trusted to tell the truth.

Mark quickly finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse. Who should he believe? Is Kate’s desperate plea for help sincere? Should he be suspicious of George? Or are both of them plotting something together?

Isolated from everyone, Mark is forced to wait out the storm—and find a way to escape—if he hopes to make it out alive.

Order Nightmare in the North here:




If writing a novel or a short story is on your list of things to do in 2019 - or if you have a budding writer in the family, don’t miss my online writing course, FICTION WRITING FOR BEGINNERS.  It’s a must-have for anyone who is interested in writing and needs practical advice on how to get started, PLUS motivation and encouragement to keep writing.

Thirteen easy-to-follow classes cover the writing process from start to finish. You’ll learn where writers get ideas, how to create characters, get expert tips on writing your story, and find out how to submit it for publication. Everything you need to know to start writing is wrapped up in this comprehensive and fun course.

Each class is self-contained and self-directed. This way, you can learn about a specific topic at your own pace, and not worry about completing the class by a certain deadline. Short writing exercises at the end of each class highlight the subject matter and get you writing.

If you’ve always wanted to write, FICTION WRITING FOR BEGINNERS will get you started. Visit the course page to learn more and enroll: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/


In October I released Cupid’s Schemes, a lighthearted contemporary romance anthology.

CUPID’S SCHEMES - A COLLECTION OF SWEET ROMANCES
In these 16 flash fiction vignettes, Cupid’s arrow hits the mark and ignites a spark between two strangers—whether or not they’re looking for romance. Their unusual meetings lead to new beginnings and new chances at love.

Sweet stories of couples falling under Cupid’s spell include:
* a Medieval knight courting a pretty lady
* two neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a dehydrated mermaid rescued by a handsome stranger

These lighthearted mini-romances are perfect reads for a quick lunchtime escape or an after-work indulgence.

Order your copy here:


Wondering what’s coming up in 2019? Look for a non-fiction romance guide, Cupid’s Schemes Volume 2, and I’ll be re-releasing all three of my historical romances previously published by Medallion Press. If that isn’t enough, I’m also working on a few brand new romances and horror stories.

Stay tuned to this blog and my social media pages for updates and release info.

Before I sign off, I want to give a big Thank You to everyone who ordered my books, visited my blog, followed my social media pages, and supported my writing this year. Thanks!

Enjoy the rest of 2018, and have a safe and happy holiday season!
Kelli


Monday, December 10, 2018

Kelli's December News & Reviews



Hi everyone!

Today I’m sharing some December news & reviews.

First up, my horror novella, Nightmare in the North got a 5 star review from Myra’s Horror Blog Reviews. 

NIGHTMARE IN THE NORTH

Stranded during a violent blizzard, Mark hikes to the only house nearby. George, a well-mannered University professor, welcomes Mark and gives him shelter from the storm.

By morning, Mark suspects that everything isn’t what it seems. George’s adult daughter, Kate, who also lives in the house, shares a disturbing and unsettling tale. When questioned, George insists that Kate has a psychological issue and can’t be trusted to tell the truth.

Mark quickly finds himself caught in a game of cat and mouse. Who should he believe? Is Kate’s desperate plea for help sincere? Should he be suspicious of George? Or are both of them plotting something together?

Isolated from everyone, Mark is forced to wait out the storm—and find a way to escape—if he hopes to make it out alive.

***
Myra says: I can’t say anymore without giving away too much, but the ending was creepy. Though I was suspicious the story had certain elements to it that were later confirmed, I was still a bit surprised by the end. A worthy horror read to while away a little time.

Order Nightmare in the North here:



My Gothic historical romance, REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST, got a 4 ½ star review from Night Owl Romance and is a Top Pick. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

REDEMPTION FROM A DARK PAST

Lord Sebestyen Adrik has an unsavory reputation as a madman, murderer… and worse. Lonely and searching for love, he seeks the companionship of local young women, hoping one of them will ease his torment and bring him the happiness he longs for. Katarina is his last chance—but will she fear him like all the others? Or is she the one who can lift his curse?

Desperate to avoid a forced marriage, Katarina agrees to become Lord Adrik’s latest companion, despite the rumors she has heard about him. She discovers the “Dark Lord’s” secret past and realizes he’s not the monster everyone thinks he is.

As their love blossoms, she renews his passion for life—yet they cannot escape the ghosts of the past.

When a meeting of the nobility goes horribly wrong, Sebestyen’s world unravels, and his enemies plot to destroy him. As all seems lost, a mysterious stranger arrives at the castle. Sebestyen must decide if he is a friend or a foe…and if he can find redemption in his love for Katarina, or lose her and everything else that he holds dear.

***
Nikkii Blue says: This is definitely a "Don't judge a book by its cover" kind of romance story. Redemption from a Dark Past is beautiful, heartbreaking, redeeming, sexy and passionate. It also has a great plot with several twists. I really enjoyed Redemption from a Dark Past and it is well worth a reader's time.

Order Redemption from a Dark Past here:
Link to all other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3R1aYD



A new horror story!

Dark Moon Digest celebrates its 8th anniversary with its first ever double edition, combining issues #32 and #33 into one spooky tome of horror fiction. My story "They Just Keep Eating" is included in this collection. 

Order it here:



Remember, ebooks make great gifts - so if someone you know loves to read, be sure to check out my website to see all of my writings. Why not gift someone a hot romance or a spooky horror story to read this winter?

Enjoy!
Kelli

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Heat up your winter with the Naughty Nobles trilogy!




Hi Everyone,

If you’re looking for a few hot historical/fantasy romances to heat up your winter nights, don’t miss the Naughty Nobles trilogy.

Midsummer Night’s Delights (Book 1) introduces readers to Julian and Annabelle. They are strangers trapped in an arranged, sexless marriage. To loosen them up, Julian’s father sends them to the Marquis of Demby’s estate to attend a Midsummer Ball. (And this type of ball isn’t for dancing!)

Julian and Annabelle meet the marquis, Vincent, and his wife, Sabrina. Over the course of their visit, they learn how to open up and explore their sexuality. When they attend the Midsummer Ball, they shed their inhibitions while indulging in their wildest fantasies. Anything goes in this erotic tale, and I had a lot of fun showing how Annabelle and Julian loosen up and embrace their wanton sides.

When I wrote Midsummer, I had no idea I would turn the book into a trilogy. Readers and reviewers loved the story and the characters so much, that they wanted these very naughty adventures to continue. So, I wrote two sequels, Midwinter Night’s Delights and Ultimate Night’s Delights. Although the stories are connected, each novella stands alone as an individual read.

The second book in the series, Midwinter Night’s Delights, picks up six months after the last story and follows the continuing sexual adventures of Annabelle and Julian. (And yes, this novella is just as hot—if not hotter—than the first one!)

In the sequel, we discover that Annabelle and Julian have taken what they’ve learned and gone wild. Ever since the Midsummer Ball, they have been overindulging in all sorts of lewd activities. Instead of being shy and repressed, they are more than eager to give in to their desires whenever (and wherever) the mood strikes—even if it’s at a formal dinner party. Needless to say, Julian’s father sends them back to Vincent’s estate to be disciplined and learn self-control.

Ultimate Night’s Delights is the third and final novella in the series. When I started thinking about the plot, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. I knew there had to be something interesting (beyond a naughty “anything goes” ball) that raised the stakes for everyone, and I thought about blackmail. (It’s always a good motive!)

From there, I developed the idea of the “Black Duke” and his mission to destroy Vincent. Then of course, I had to devise a clever way to tie it all together at the end. I also enhanced a storyline and shared some insight on two secondary characters, Lono and Lobo. (Readers were briefly introduced to them in the second book.) In this story, I explain how they came to be employed by Vincent and Sabrina and what’s ahead for them in the future.

Fans of the first two novellas will find this book to be a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Here are the summaries and links to each book…

Midsummer Night’s Delights
At this Midsummer Ball, couples pair up everywhere—but not for dancing!

Young newlyweds Julian and Annabelle are miserable. Their arranged marriage is lacking everything—especially sex. Julian suffers from a lack of confidence and is harboring a secret urge. Innocent Annabelle’s longings go unnoticed and unfulfilled, no matter what she tries.

But all that changes when they are invited to a Midsummer Ball. Their unconventional hosts, Vincent and Sabrina, introduce them to a world where their most intimate desires and hidden passions are explored—and fulfilled. Swapping and naughty games are just a few of the surprises awaiting them…


All other platforms:
https://books2read.com/u/3LrJP1 



Midwinter Night’s Delights
Julian and Annabelle are back for another naughty ball!

The Marquis of Demby’s Midsummer Ball transformed Julian and Annabelle forever. No longer shy about satisfying their sexual urges, the young newlyweds give in to their wanton desires whenever—and wherever—the mood strikes. Anything goes in their open marriage, and they’re not ashamed to share their passions with others.

But everything changes when they are sent to Vincent and Sabrina’s estate to be disciplined. Before they can participate in the Midwinter Ball, they must learn self-control. Carnal punishments and sensual lessons are just a few of the erotic surprises awaiting them… before the ball even begins!


All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mdKaaX


Ultimate Night’s Delights
Julian and Annabelle are back for the final ball!

The Midsummer and Midwinter Balls changed Julian and Annabelle forever. Vincent, the Marquis of Demby, and his wife, Sabrina, introduced them to a world of erotic pleasures. Freed from their inhibitions, they now help other shy couples explore their sexual urges and hidden desires.

But life on Vincent and Sabrina’s estate is anything but tranquil. The notorious Duke of Blackwell has discovered the secret about the naughty balls and is out to destroy the marquis.

Vincent refuses to deny the rumors about the “anything goes” parties he hosts, and turns to his friends for assistance. Together, they devise a plan to defeat the Black Duke… and still find time for a few wicked games.



All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bxgyPk

Enjoy!
Kelli