Thursday, December 17, 2020

Coming soon! Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing

 


Hi everyone!

I’m pleased to announce news about my latest non-fiction guide, Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing.

This fun and innovative book is filled with hundreds of journaling prompts that cover your childhood, friendships, beliefs and values, your career, coping with grief, fears, forgiveness, your purpose, and much more.

Here’s the book summary and a few sample prompts:

Whether you are experienced in journaling or completely new to the process, this book is designed to get you thinking about—and writing about—your life, relationships, patterns, goals, and some of your fondest memories. You’ll benefit from writing about these thought-provoking prompts and learn something about yourself along the way.

Journaling is a useful tool for self-discovery. In your journal, you can explore a wide range of subjects, themes, and ideas, revisit the past, and vent about anything (or anyone). In a way, you play counselor to yourself by digging deep into your innermost thoughts and emotions and writing about how you feel.

Sample prompts include:

* What are your favorite childhood memories? List at least ten, and then write about each one.

* What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you that now? If not, when did that idea change? Why? How is your current job different from the one you thought you wanted?

* Write for fifteen minutes about the changes in the last ten years of your life, and change in general. Do you embrace change? Resist it? Why? What feelings or emotions does the thought of change bring out in you?

Journaling Every Week is now available for pre-order, and will be available everywhere on January 3, 2021.

Journaling Every Week makes a great gift for yourself or someone you care about. Order it today and start your journaling adventure in the New Year!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journaling-Every-Week-Topics-Writing-ebook/dp/B08QH4HQPD

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/b5kBZA

Enjoy the holiday season!

Kelli


Thursday, December 10, 2020

Fun FAQ with Author Kelli A. Wilkins (Part 2)

 


Hi everyone!

Today I'm answering a few more FAQs and sharing a look at my unsettling horror novella, Nightmare in the North.

Who, or what, has influenced your writing?

Although most people think of me as a romance author, I also write short horror stories. The author who has had the most influence on my writing is Stephen King. The first “grown up” book that had a major effect on me was Stephen King’s Night Shift. I read this collection of stories when I was nine or ten, and I was impressed. Up until that point, I’d read the Little House books and Nancy Drew mysteries. They were okay reads to pass the time, but something about horror clicked with me. I was entranced by the way the stories were told, the characters, the descriptions, and the tone.

King creates interesting characters, brings the reader into the setting with sensory details, and sets up unique plots. The telling of the story (regardless of genre) is the core to any good book. I think his On Writing is a must-read for anyone who writes or wants to write.   


Once I discovered King’s writings, I was hooked. I decided I wanted to write horror fiction and have my stories published in a book someday. From then on I read every horror novel and short story I could find. Eventually I began writing my own tales of terror. In addition to my horror fiction, I’ve also published a collection of 18 science fiction stories called Extraterrestrial Encounters. Readers can learn about it here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/extraterrestrial-encounters

 

You write horror fiction, so readers want to know… what’s the most shocking book or story you’ve ever read?

The first horror story I ever remember scaring me is “Wendigo’s Child” by Thomas F. Monteleone. It was in an anthology for children called Monster Tales: Vampires, Werewolves, & Things. I read it when I was in grade school. Anyone who has read it understands the last line: “It was looking up at him.” I’m still searching for a copy of that book and the illustrated version of the story.

In addition to your full-length romance novels, you’re also a prolific science fiction and horror short story writer. What is your key to creating a successful piece of short fiction?

The best advice I ever got for writing short stories is: write tight. Take out anything and everything not essential to the story, such as extra words, details, and dialogue tags. This is especially important when I’m writing sci-fi or horror. Too many words or distractions can break the tension, ruin the suspense, or otherwise distract the reader.

You also need a compelling plot that draws readers into the world of the characters and holds them there. Not everyone believes in ghosts, but if you write a ghost story that sucks readers into that world and scares them, you’ve done your job. A “hook” beginning and a great ending are musts in creating a good short story.

Have you ever started a project, felt it run out of steam and had to abandon it?

Yes. I think most writers have, for one reason or another. I’ve started a few horror stories, then wondered, “Why am I writing this?” and either scrapped what I had entirely, or revamped it. I have lots of story ideas, so if one project isn’t working out, I can start another story. I have more ideas than I have time to develop them.

Want more? Follow this link to read the rest of this blog:  https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/fun-faq-with-author-kelli-a-wilkins-part-2

 

 


Monday, November 16, 2020

FAQ with Author Kelli A. Wilkins (Part 1)

 


Hi everyone!

Today I'm answering a few fun FAQ and sharing a look at my historical/western romance, Love, Lies & Redemption.

When did you realize you wanted to write novels?

I’ve always known I was a writer, and I began writing short stories in high school and college. After college, I took a writing class for fun and I learned a lot about the art of creating interesting characters and telling a great story. After being encouraged to submit my work, I decided to pursue writing seriously. Currently, I divide my time between writing novels, novellas, and short stories.

Where do you write?

I write anywhere I can. When the weather is nice, I like to write outside in my back yard. In the winter, I generally write in a comfy chair in the living room.

Is silence golden, or do you need music to write by? What kind?

When I’m writing and proofreading I play quiet New Age or instrumental music in the background. (I find silence is too oppressive.) When I’m typing up a manuscript and/or making edits, I listen to all kinds of music: rock, pop, or whatever I’m in the mood for. My musical tastes are very diverse.

How much of your plots and characters are drawn from real life? From your life in particular?

Bits and pieces of my characters come from people I know or people I observe. However, no one character is 100% anyone from real life. I was asked about this a lot when I wrote my wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. Everyone wanted to know which wrestler the hero, Vinnie, was based on. He’s a composite of a lot of different wrestlers (and other people) all rolled into one.

As far as plots go, 99% of them are just things I make up. I have a vivid imagination and my day-to-day life is not as exciting as the worlds I create for my characters.

Describe your process for naming your characters.

Sometimes this is a hard process for me. When characters “introduce” themselves to me (aka “show up” in my head), I usually learn about them and their problem/situation before I’ll get a name. Usually, I’ll get a first initial or a first name only, and then have to discover more about the character before I get his or her whole name and backstory.

Love, Lies & Redemption is one example. Before I wrote a word, I had the whole opening sequence in my head. I knew Sam and Cassie’s first names, and a bit about their backgrounds, but that was it. Sometimes my characters are a mystery to me until I get to know them better—even though I’m the one creating them!

Real settings or fictional towns?

I set my stories in fictional towns that are loosely based on real places. When I’m writing, I change up the details to make them my own. I can add buildings or rearrange the layout of a town to suit the story. The town of Holloway in Love, Lies & Redemption was my invention, but it was typical of a small prairie town of that time period.

 

Want more? Read the rest of this post here: 

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/fun-faq-with-author-kelli-a-wilkins-part-1



Monday, November 2, 2020

New Release - Madame Gray's Creep Show

 



Hi everyone!

Halloween may be over for another year, but horror isn’t just for Halloween!

My short story “What the Peeper Saw” is included in…

Madame Gray's Creep Show

A veritable smorgasbord of twenty-three deliciously terrifying treats, each one simmered to blood-curdling perfection and seasoned with just the perfect amount of gallows humor. From murder and madness to monsters and the downright macabre, the stories awaiting you within in this superlative anthology push the boundaries of horror to the next level... and way, way beyond!

Order your ebook or paperback copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LZQZ495

Stay tuned to this blog for some changes!

Kelli


Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Happy Halloween 2020


Hi everyone,

As you all know by now, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and this year there’s a Full Moon on the 31st. Not only that, but it’s a “blue” moon! Very rare! I hope everyone gets to celebrate the holiday in one way or another.

In this issue of the Quill, I’m sharing news about a new Halloween-themed anthology, highlighting my horror novellas, sci-fi anthology, paranormal romances, and more…

New Release!

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

My short story, “The Uninvited” appears in this collection of spooky Halloween tales. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, so let’s just say it’s about a children’s Halloween party that goes horribly wrong…

Here’s the official book blurb and buy link:

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

The season's best and darkest tales of Halloween.

Stories of adventure, mishap, magic, and macabre happenings on All Hallows' Eve.

The night when spirits walk among the living and dead things crawl from their dark hiding places to unleash Halloween Horror.

Available as an ebook or paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Horror-2-DBND-Publishing-ebook/dp/B08K4QPV2B/

And if you want to really get creeped out, check out my other horror ebooks:

Dead Til Dawn is a Civil War themed ghost story,

Kropsy’s Curse takes place in a cemetery on Halloween,


and Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about travelling alone…

Read summaries, reviews, and get links here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror

Here’s a pre-Halloween treat! Read my flash fiction story “Unpleasant Dreams” for free here:

https://www.fabledcollective.com/journal/unpleasant-dreams

 

Stay tuned… more horrors await! Another of my horror stories will be included in Madame Gray’s Creep Show anthology.

Want more?? Read the rest of Kelli’s October newsletter here:

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/kelli-s-quill-newsletter-happy-halloween-2020


Enjoy the holiday!

Kelli


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Just Released! Halloween Horror Volume 2

 


Hi everyone,

Halloween will be here before we know it, and to celebrate my favorite holiday, I’m sharing a look at a new Halloween-themed anthology, Halloween Horror Vol. 2.

My short story, “The Uninvited” appears in this collection of spooky Halloween tales. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, so let’s just say it’s about a children’s Halloween party that goes horribly wrong…

Here’s the official book blurb and buy link:

Halloween Horror Vol. 2

The season's best and darkest tales of Halloween.

Stories of adventure, mishap, magic, and macabre happenings on All Hallows' Eve.

The night when spirits walk among the living and dead things crawl from their dark hiding places to unleash Halloween Horror.

Available as an ebook or paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Horror-2-DBND-Publishing-ebook/dp/B08K4QPV2B/


And if you want to really get creeped out, check out my other horror ebooks:


Dead Til Dawn
is a Civil War themed ghost story,

Kropsy’s Curse takes place in a cemetery on Halloween,

and Nightmare in the North is a cautionary tale about travelling alone…

Read summaries, reviews, and get links here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror 


Here’s a pre-Halloween treat! Read my flash fiction story “Unpleasant Dreams” for free here:

https://www.fabledcollective.com/journal/unpleasant-dreams


Stay tuned… more horrors await! Later this month, another of my horror stories will be included in Madam Gray’s Creep Show anthology.

Happy Haunting!

Kelli


Friday, October 2, 2020

Taste of Halloween Pumpkin Bread Recipe

 

Hi everyone,

To celebrate the start of October (and Halloween season) I’m sharing my recipe for pumpkin bread.

Next week, I’ll be showcasing a new Halloween-themed anthology, Halloween Horror Vol. 2. Stay tuned for links and more!

Taste of Halloween Pumpkin Bread

1 ½ cup flour

½ tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup pumpkin puree

½ cup vegetable oil

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup water

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. allspice

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. Pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until it’s all just combined (don’t over stir!) Add chopped walnuts if you’re using them.

Pour into well-buttered 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until done in the middle. Remove from pan and cool on a rack.

Options: If you like your pumpkin bread extra spicy, feel add a little bit more of the allspice and nutmeg. (I do!) Or add a ¼ tsp. of pumpkin pie spice to give it an extra boost.

Serving suggestions: I like this bread plain, but you can eat it with butter, or transform it into a dessert by adding whipped cream, or serving it with ice cream. However you eat it, it makes a yummy snack!


And if you’re looking for something spooky to read, why not check out my horror novella, Nightmare in the North? Read all about it here:

https://www.kelliwilkins.com/nightmare-in-the-north

Happy Haunting!

Kelli


Sunday, September 6, 2020

Author Kelli A. Wilkins Talks About "The Viking’s Witch"

 


Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing an interview about my historical/paranormal romance, The Viking’s Witch.

Enjoy!

 

What was your inspiration in writing The Viking’s Witch? Had you always been a fan of that period in history?

I can’t recall one thing that inspired The Viking’s Witch. Like many of my books, an idea just came to me. One day, the entire opening sequences popped into my head and I knew I had an idea for a new book. At the time, I had the basic plot (Viking warrior falls in love with Celtic witch), but I wasn’t sure about most of the details, like the character names, their backstories, and the subplot. For readers who don’t know, The Viking’s Witch is set in 803 A.D. on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. I like history and I love the U.K., so the plot and setting were a natural fit for me.

Did you do a great deal of research before writing the novel? Was the magic drawn on anything in particular you had seen or read?

I had to do research on where to set the story before I started plotting. I knew the book would take place in Scotland, where the Vikings traveled, but I didn’t want it to be a populated location. The isolation of the Orkney Islands adds to the tension in the story. The action is condensed into a few days on a very small island.

Odaria and Rothgar come from different backgrounds (and technically would have been speaking different languages), so I had to blend their two cultures together in a way that flowed with the book. I researched what life would have been like for each of them and weaved the details into the story. For example, Rothgar’s Norse culture intrigues Odaria and she is curious about their clothes, customs, their food, how they travel, etc.

The “magic” elements were a lot of fun to write! I’ve always been interested in psychic phenomena and other “New Age” subjects, so it was easy for me to incorporate what I know into Odaria’s character. I enjoyed letting readers (and Rothgar) see Odaria’s clairvoyance, telekinesis, and psychometry in action.

I couldn’t help but picture Chris Hemsworth, a.k.a. Thor, as Rothgar while reading. Did you have any actors or imagery in mind when writing Odaria and Rothgar?

When I wrote the book (about 10 years ago) I didn’t have any particular actor or actress in mind for the characters. But when I saw the movie, Thor, I was blown away by how much Chris Hemsworth was Rothgar! Mr. Hemsworth can definitely play Rothgar whenever there’s a movie version of the book!

The character of Nordskog is pretty interesting. Why do you think he evolves so smoothly from enraged beserker to ally of Rothgar?

I loved creating the character of Nordskog. Readers aren’t sure if he’s a good guy or not. Nordskog has a history with Rothgar from Rothgar’s old fighting days. Nordskog’s hatred of Karnik draws him closer to Rothgar’s side as the story develops. Nordskog’s not stupid. He knows Rothgar is wealthy and will reward him for his services. But he’s by no means reformed – he’s more of a berserkr for hire. For the right price, anyone can buy his loyalty. He walks the line between unpredictable violent warrior and a crafty opportunist. His actions help bring the main plot and the subplot to an exciting conclusion.

I like introducing unique secondary characters and subplots in my books to flesh out the story. Even though Rothgar’s and Odaria’s relationship is central to the book, The Viking’s Witch has a lot of adventure blended into the love story.

Brennan is a perfectly evil villain. How did he evolve in your mind?

I’m glad you “like” Brennan. I wanted to portray him as an arrogant, self-righteous villain – but not have his character be too over the top. Brennan is a lying, religious zealot and that makes him dangerous to Odaria and the other villagers. Most of the terrible things he’s done happen off page and we learn about them through Odaria. Each time I wrote a scene for, or about, Brennan, I made him a little more unstable and vicious, so by the end of the book readers see that he needs to learn his lesson and pay for what he’s done.

The love scenes are pretty steamy! What is it about writing erotic and romantic scenes that appeals to you?

Each time I write a romance I let the characters determine what happens (and what doesn’t) in the love scenes and how intense and detailed they are.

I make sure the scenes are keeping with the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I base the book on the premise of two people falling in love and learning about themselves and each other. The story shows how the characters change and grow during the course of the book – and every so often they express their love and feelings for each other.

There is just as much violence as there is romance in the book, which is fitting for the time and place the novel is set. Do you find yourself cringing when writing those scenes? Do you worry about scaring off readers?

No, I don’t worry about scaring off readers – if anything, a little realism enhances the story. Back in 803 life was completely different from how we live now – especially on a emote island. Life was dangerous. People got hurt, sick, and died. The Viking’s Witch is about a violent man (Brennan) and a group of Norsemen with violent reputations, so the violence in the story is necessary to move the plot along while also helping the reader get deeper into the minds and lives of the characters.

I didn’t cringe when I wrote the “gritty” scenes; I was happy to include them. I like history and it drives me crazy when people in 1500 or 1870 are perfectly clean and neat and look like they stepped out of a beauty salon. I loved the TV show Deadwood because it was a realistic, historically accurate look at an Old West town. Everything was dirty and gritty – there was mud and horse manure in the streets like it would have been back in the day.

In The Viking’s Witch I included enough details to bring the story alive, yet showed how some degree of violence was necessary for Rothgar’s and Odaria’s survival.

Do you want to write any more about Odaria and Rothgar, or do you plan on moving on to something new with your next book?

Rothgar and Odaria are in a good place, so I won’t be writing a sequel. Most of my romances are stand-alone single titles. I did write two historical/fantasy series: The Naughty Nobles trilogy (which is super-hot) and the Royal Desires series (which is tamer).

Here are the book summary and links to The Viking’s Witch.

 

The Viking’s Witch

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time runs out.

 

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/%20ebook/dp/B07T15MHSW

All other platforms:  https://books2read.com/u/4EQe0o

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/the-viking-s-witch

I invite readers to visit my site (www.kelliwilkins.com) to find out more about all of my romances, to read reviews, and catch up on my blogs.

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Wishing You "Unpleasant Dreams"

 


Hi everyone!

My latest flash fiction horror story "Unpleasant Dreams" appeared in Fabled Journal last week. 

Read it here: https://www.fabledcollective.com/journal/unpleasant-dreams

Part of the story is based on an actual dream (or would you call it a nightmare?) that my mother had ages ago. The visual stuck with me all these years, and when I wrote the story I incorporated part of her dream into the plot.

If you like to be scared, visit the horror section of my site (https://www.kelliwilkins.com/horror) and read about my horror ebooks. 

They're more psychologically creepy than gory - although Nightmare in the North was called "disturbing" - among other things!

Happy Reading!

Kelli

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Historical Romance Book Sale Starts Saturday August 1




Hi everyone,

If you love to get swept away by romances set in different time periods, I’ve got great news for you – all of my historical romances are on sale for a limited time. (And if you’ve never read a historical romance, now’s the perfect time to try one!)

The sale starts Saturday, August 1, and ends on Saturday, August 15. 

But there’s one catch – these titles are on sale everywhere you buy ebooks – except for Amazon. Yep, you read that right. So, if you get your ebooks on Kobo, Apple, Nook, 24 Symbols, Scribd, Playster etc. this sale is for you.

My historical romances are anything but boring, and they vary in heat levels and settings. Some books are mild and others are scorching hot! The time periods and settings are as varied as the heroes and heroines. I even have two historical/fantasy trilogies: The Royal Desires series and the Naughty Nobles trilogy.

If you love single titles, you can lose yourself in a pioneer/adventure romance (Loving a Wild Stranger), a Colonial mystery (Dangerous Indenture), a Gothic romance (Redemption from a Dark Past), a paranormal Viking tale set in Celtic Scotland (The Viking’s Witch), and a love story set in the Old West (Love, Lies & Redemption).

Want to learn more about these titles? Full book summaries and reviews are on my site: www.kelliwilkins.com

There are two ways to order:

Visit my Books2Read page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins choose a historical romance, and follow the links to order.

Or, go to my website: www.kelliwilkins.com find a book you like, then follow the link under the book description that says:  “Buy it on other platforms:” That link will take you directly to the book’s ordering page.

It’s easy. And it’s economical. All the books in the sale are $1 off until Saturday, August 15. So stock up on some great reads now and enjoy them for the rest of the year.

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

 


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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Spotlight on "A Most Unfortunate Prince"

Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing an inside look at the making of A Most Unfortunate Prince. This book is the third story in the Royal Desires trilogy that began with A Most Unusual Princess and A Most Intriguing Temptation. Together, they make up a fun series, but each story stands alone as a separate read. Why? Because when I wrote A Most Unusual Princess, I never knew I was writing a trilogy.

When I wrote A Most Intriguing Temptation, I introduced readers to Prince Allan. He’s basically the male version of his sister, Princess Elara—hedonistic, selfish, and utterly wild at times. I enjoyed creating the character and it was fun to set him free in a pleasure palace completely without limitations. As I was finishing A Most Intriguing Temptation, I realized Allan needed a book of his own, so I wrote A Most Unfortunate Prince. (Several readers also asked me if Allan’s story would be told, and I was happy to oblige!)

But before I wrote a word, I knew that Allan was going to have to face the music for his bad behavior. At the start of the book (yes, right there on page 1) Allan is banished for his actions stemming from A Most Intriguing Temptation. His father kicks him out into the real world alone and broke, and he’s forced to make his own way in life.

I decided to take this carefree, roguish prince and turn his world upside down. I asked myself: How bad can you make things for him? He has nothing: no food, no fancy clothes, certainly no job skills, and no real sense of identity. He had lived a pampered life where everything was handed to him on a silver platter (literally), and now was in for a rude awakening. I really put the screws to poor Allan and at times left him broken, sad, and utterly miserable.

Over the course of the book, Allan suffers life’s lessons at the hands of his evil employer and falls in love—twice. The story introduces us to Claudette, a sassy seamstress who fancies Allan and helps him adjust to the life of a commoner. Although Claudette appears innocent, she has a secret past and a bit of a naughty side, as well.

Although A Most Unfortunate Prince has a happy ending, it is a bit darker than the other two books in the series. I wanted to contrast Allan’s former easy-going pampered life with his current harsh and gritty existence. (And it broke my heart to kill off a secondary character that I utterly adored. But I found a way to bring him back—at least for a little while!) Readers may also be surprised to discover a few things about Allan, as well. (Even I was shocked when certain events in the story took place—and I was the one writing it!)

Allan’s “fall from grace” and the journey of self-discovery that he undergoes are some of the reasons I love this book. It has something for everyone: hot love scenes, tender moments, mystery, adventure, and suspense.

But what about Dalton and Elara (from A Most Unusual Princess and A Most Intriguing Temptation)? They’re in the book too, as minor characters. Elara and Dalton play important roles in the finale of the story, and we get to see how these lovebirds are adapting to their married life. (Again, there’s a secret I don’t want to give away!) I can tell you that this book wraps up the trilogy in a neat package and everyone is left in a good place.

Links to the complete trilogy are at the end of the post.

Here’s the book summary:

A Most Unfortunate Prince

This time, it’s all about Allan… and he never expected to fall in love! 

Banished by the Royal Family, pampered Prince Allan is forced to abandon his life of luxury. The former Royal Shipmaster General is sent to the worst part of the kingdom and manages to find work at the docks. Lost in a commoner’s world, Allan is miserable—until he has an unusual encounter with a saucy shop girl named Claudette.

Allan must earn the respect of the woman he loves while keeping his true identity a secret. In an effort to redeem himself in his father’s eyes, he exposes a dangerous smuggling operation involving the Royal Fleet. But his loyalty to duty comes with a deadly price.

Can he keep Claudette and his royal title? Or will he lose her forever when she discovers his secret?

Read the Royal Desires series from the start:

Book 1: A Most Unusual Princess:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CBX43D8

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/me00L9 

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-unusual-princess

Book 2: A Most Intriguing Temptation:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8P8604

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/47kkvj

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-intriguing-temptation

 

Book 3: A Most Unfortunate Prince:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Most-Unfortunate-Prince-Historical-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B01DMBYJ6E

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3yPPM6

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-most-unfortunate-prince

I hope you’ll check out one (or all) of the books in the series. They’re a fun read with a blend of spicy love scenes, humor, and suspense.

If you’ve read the trilogy, let me know what you think. What was your favorite book? Which scenes did you like best? You can contact me via the contact form on my site or on social media.

 Stay tuned to next week's blog - I'm having an August book sale!

 

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins


Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Summer 2020 Issue!


Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all enjoying the summer weather and getting outside as much as possible. If you’re looking for some great reads to pass the time, why not visit my website and add a few of my books to your device? Whether you like romance, horror, or sci-fi, I’ve got something for everyone!

In this issue of the Quill, I’m sharing links to guest blogs, spotlighting my hot summer romances and more…

Special News!
I had a July book sale over the long holiday weekend, and I’m having another sale soon. My historical romances will be on sale for the first two weeks in August. Stay tuned to my blog and social media accounts for info and ordering instructions.

Here’s Something New…
This spring, I created a new Facebook page for my Horror Fiction! Visit it here and share it with your social media friends: https://www.facebook.com/HorrorFictionbyKelliAWilkins/

I’m posting excerpts from my horror and sci fi stories, reviews, and anything else that comes to mind…

Recent Release Recap
Earlier this year, Kelli released her historical/western romance, Love, Lies & Redemption. Set in 1877 Nebraska, this novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger.

Love, Lies and 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 Love, Lies and Redemption here:


All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/mdzL6W



Still Celebrating Pride Month? Don’t miss these sizzling gay romances…


A Secret Match
Killer in Wolf’s Clothing
Four Days with Jack

Read all about them on Kelli’s Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins or site: www.KelliWilkins.com


Kelli’s Guest Blogs

Kelli’s been guest blogging about animal rescue, her books, and even sharing some recipes! Catch up on these posts…

June was Adopt a Cat month! Author and cat lover Kelli A. Wilkins shows you how you can help save a life by adopting from an animal shelter. https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/save-a-life-adopt-a-shelter-cat

Need a fast summer dessert? Kelli shows you how to make a Quick Custard Cake in this Friday Food Blog: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/quick-custard-cake
Like Pistachio? Kelli shares a yummy cake recipe in this Friday Food Blog: https://theafterworkcook.blogspot.com/2020/02/easy-pistachio-cake-submitted-by-kelli.html

Author Kelli A. Wilkins kicks off Pride month with her two-part blog series: “Writing Gay Romances: 4 FAQ”:


Looking for a hot summer romance? Kelli A. Wilkins shares 3 of her sizzling love stories in this post: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/post/3-sizzling-summer-romances-to-celebrate-the-season

Have you ever wondered how publishing has changed over the years? Find out in this guest blog: https://alternative-read.com/2020/05/21/how-has-publishing-changed-over-the-years-its-a-different-animal-guestpost-by-kwilkinsauthor/ 

Read an interview with Sam Hixton, the hero from Kelli’s historical romance, Love, Lies & Redemption: http://nesiesplace.com/2020/04/26/characterinterview-love-lies-and-redemption/
Want to learn how to create interesting secondary characters in your next story? Kelli shares her insights here: https://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com/2020/03/how-to-build-cast-of-supporting.html
Read Kelli’s blog series about the making of her latest historical romance, Love, Lies & Redemption:





Summer Romance Rewind
If you’re looking for a few hot summer romances, don’t miss:


Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover
Trust with Hearts
A Deceptive Match

Read more about these books on Kelli’s Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins or new site: www.KelliWilkins.com


I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Coming this fall… news about new horror releases, more guest blogs, and book excerpts. 

I enjoy hearing from readers and other authors, so feel free to contact me with questions about my books, writing, or share your favorite summer reads.

Enjoy the season!

Happy Reading,

Kelli