Thursday, February 7, 2019

Give Yourself a Valentine's Day Treat with "Cupid's Schemes"




Hi everyone,

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so what better time to share a look at my latest contemporary romance releases, Cupid’s Schemes: Volumes 1 & 2

As many readers know, I write romances in all genres at all heat levels, but these novellas are something new for me. Instead of full-length romances, each book is a collection of flash-fiction stories.

Both volumes contain a dozen or more sweet romances where the characters meet under unusual circumstances and develop an intense connection. And that’s where I leave them—at the start of their relationship. Why?

I wanted to show how two people meet, feel a spark of romance, and then leave the rest of the story up to the reader’s imagination. What happens next is up to you. I end each story with the characters in good places and the potential to have a happy-ever-after ending with their new love interest. These feel-good stories are perfect for a boost of romance whenever or wherever you need it.

The settings vary from New Year’s Eve parties to snowstorms, summer picnics, and even a haunted corn maze. I grouped the stories by season, so as you read through each book, you’ll be following the calendar year. And believe it or not, some of these settings and “first meets” were inspired by true stories people have told me over the years.

Here are the summaries and links to each book, plus an excerpt from the first story in Volume 2.

Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 1
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:

And don’t miss... 

Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2
Another Collection of Sweet Romances

In these 12 mini-romances…
* a photographer falls for a sexy cowboy in a supposedly abandoned ghost town
* new neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a long-lost love returns in an unexpected setting

Order Cupid’s Schemes: Volume 2 here:
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mYrBBd


An Excerpt from…
New Year, New Love

“This New Year’s Eve party is going to be fun. I’m glad you could come at the last minute,” Sharon said to Diana as they stepped into the hotel lobby.

“Thanks for inviting me. I didn’t want to let your extra ticket go to waste,” Diana replied. She hated to admit that she’d had no other plans for tonight other than to curl up on the couch and watch a movie. She turned as Sharon’s boyfriend, Matt, and another man strolled up to them.

“You remember my cousin Eric, don’t you?” Sharon asked.

Diana gazed up at the six-foot-three blond hunk. Eric looked absolutely adorable in his dark gray suit, crisp white shirt, and blue and gray striped tie.

“Yes, of course.” How could she ever forget Eric? Even though she had only spent an afternoon with him, meeting a dreamboat like Eric stayed with a girl for a long time.

“Hi Eric. Happy New Year,” she said, then glanced at Sharon, confused. Why was Eric here? Was he alone? Where was his girlfriend, Melissa?

Eric stepped to her side. “Hi Diana. It’s nice to see you again. Can I take your coat?”

“Sure. Thanks.” She let Eric help her out of her gray wool coat. She caught his eyes roving down the front of her midnight-blue dress. She almost hadn’t worn the low-cut dress tonight, but then reconsidered. Why not? It was New Year’s Eve and she should dress up and look nice, even if she was single. One of her New Year’s resolutions was to jumpstart her boring life, starting tonight.

They handed their coats to the coat check attendant and strolled into a grand ballroom decorated in silver and gold. Eric kept pace with her as they followed Sharon and Matt to a table.

“This is some change, huh?” Eric said as he pulled out a chair for her. “The last time I saw you it was ninety degrees outside and we were both in a pool.”

Diana felt a blush creep into her cheeks. “I know. Sharon’s Labor Day party seems like yesterday.” She sighed as she recalled seeing Eric’s lean, tan body in nothing but blue swim trunks. She and Eric had gotten along fabulously at the party and they had a lot in common. They had been having harmless fun playing volleyball when Melissa showed up and everything went to hell.

But Melissa wasn’t here tonight. Did that mean Eric was single?

She looked at Eric and felt her pulse surge. Now she was elated that she had accepted Sharon’s invitation. This was one New Year’s Eve she’d never forget.

***

I hope you’ll check the books out. These lighthearted romances are great anytime reads.

Happy Reading,
Kelli


Friday, February 1, 2019

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Big Winter Issue




Kelli’s Quill Newsletter
Winter Issue

Hi everyone! 

I hope 2019 is off to a great start for you! Time flies, and it’s hard to believe that we’re into February already. This Winter Issue of the Quill has something for everyone.
Writers: I’ll show you how to you can get on track with your writing goals for 2019.
Readers: I’m sharing a look at my newest collection of mini-romances, flashing back to my 2018 releases, and giving you the “Best of” my 2018 blogs!


JUST RELEASED!
My second collection of contemporary romances was released in January.

Cupid’s  Schemes - A Collection of Sweet Romances (Vol. 2)
In these 12 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 photographer falls for a sexy cowboy in a supposedly abandoned ghost town
* new neighbors discover that romance can happen when you least expect it
* a long-lost love returns in an unexpected setting

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

Order Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2 here:
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mYrBBd

And don’t miss Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 1 containing 16 more love stories.



2018 FLASHBACK

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


READY TO BE SCARED?


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:


WRITERS… WHAT ARE YOU GOALS FOR 2019?


If writing a novel or a short story is on your list of things to do, 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.

AND for a limited time, Fiction Writing for Beginners is on sale!

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 gives you all the tools you need. Visit the course page and enroll here: https://kelliwilkins.teachable.com/

Don’t miss the limited time sale. Enroll today and start writing tomorrow!


BEST OF… BLOGS

Kelli was blogging like mad in 2018. Here are links to the “Best of” blogs!

What are your writing goals for 2019? Learn how to set goals and get writing in this blog!

December news & reviews: Read a 5 star review for Nightmare in the North and a 4 1/2 star review for Redemption from a Dark Past - PLUS get links to a new horror story!

Kelli was a guest food blogger in December. Just in time for the holidays, she shared a recipe for spicy ginger cookies.

Another food blog! Here’s a simple side dish recipe for wild rice & broccoli.

Read about Kelli’s contemporary romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes in this blog.

Looking for a yummy treat? Get Kelli’s recipe for pumpkin bread here:

Read about Kelli’s horror story, Nightmare in the North. Post includes an excerpt!

Katarina, the heroine from Redemption from a Dark Past, answers fun questions in this blog:

Kelli kicked off Pride Month with a character interview. Everett, the hero from her gay romance, A Secret Match shares a few insights...

Read a character interview with Princess Elara from the historical/fantasy romance A Most Unusual Princess.

Prince Dalton from A Most Intriguing Temptation shares his thoughts in this revealing character interview. https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2018/04/guest-author-day-with-kelli-wilkins.html?zx=e7f5b3d942bb1098

Hear from a hero! Prince Allan from A Most Unfortunate Prince shares his thoughts - and a secret! - in this character interview.

Looking for something to read? Check out Kelli’s Books2Read page. It features her romances (in all genres), her horror fiction & more!


I hope you enjoyed this winter edition of the Quill. What’s coming up in 2019? Look for a non-fiction romance guide, more horror stories, 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.

Stay tuned to my 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 in 2018. Thanks!
Stay warm this winter!

Happy Reading & Writing,

Kelli