Just Released - Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2: A Collection of Sweet Romances

Hi everyone!

My second collection of contemporary romances was just released.

Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2

A Collection of Sweet Romances

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.

Here’s an excerpt from the first story in the collection.

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.

Order Cupid’s Schemes - Volume 2 here:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFR25KF

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

I hope you’ll check it out. These mini-romances are fun, quick reads.

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/boZxkZ  

Happy Reading!

Kelli

New Release - Cupid’s Schemes: A Collection of Sweet Romances

Hi everyone,

I’m pleased to announce the release of my contemporary romance anthology, Cupid’s Schemes. 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.

Here’s an excerpt from Skating Sweethearts, the first story in this collection:

Skating Sweethearts

“Turn! No, Jules! Not that way,” Cheryl cried out.

Julie yelped as she whisked along on the ice, barreling out of control and barely keeping her balance. Her ice skates seemed to have a mind of their own.

What should she do? If she tried to stop, she might trip and go flying head over heels. If she turned, she’d probably fall onto her side. Either way, she was doomed. God only knew what she’d break if she landed on the cold, unforgiving ice.

This was a bad idea. A very bad idea. Why did she let Cheryl talk her into coming here today? How is this supposed to be fun? She zoomed along, praying she wouldn’t crash into anyone. Thankfully, the outdoor rink wasn’t very crowded.

“Watch out,” she warned as she skidded past a teenaged couple holding hands. All of a sudden she spotted a man in a red ski coat right in front of her. Uh-oh.

Before she could stop herself, she plowed into the back of the tall man. To her surprise, he whirled around, caught her, and twirled them in a circle.

She closed her eyes as the world spun. Then, everything stopped.

“I’ve got you. Are you okay?” the man asked.

Julie relaxed in his grip. It took a second to realize that his strong arm was coiled around her midsection. Her gloved hand rested on his shoulder. Strong, stable, nice.

A blast of cold air blew a lock of blonde curls in front of her face and she brushed it away. She glanced up to see who this powerhouse was. She gazed into her rescuer’s cocoa-brown eyes. “I’m sorry I crashed into you.”

“You’re not hurt are you?”

“No, but my pride is wounded. I made a complete fool of myself in front of everyone. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

She licked her lips and realized the handsome guy still held her around the waist. He seemed to be in no hurry to let her go—and that was fine with her.

Julie studied his high cheekbones, Roman nose, and stubbled jawline. Dark hair peeked out from under his red knit cap. He appeared to be in his early thirties, like her.

She inhaled deep as the wind blew a whiff of his musky cologne in her direction. Whoever this guy was, he smelled wonderful.

“Thanks for rescuing me. I’m Julie.”

“Allan.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Feel free to need rescuing anytime.” He winked. “Let me guess, this is your first time skating?”

“It shows, doesn’t it?” She looked back over her shoulder. Cheryl stood at the far end of the rink, waving. “My sister gave me a push in this direction and… Oh.”

Now she understood exactly what Cheryl had done—sent her skating right into this hunk on ice. Cheryl had an annoying habit of always trying to hook her up with strangers. It was a nice idea, and she meant well, but how many times had she flirted like crazy only to discover the man wasn’t interested—or worse—have his wife or significant other appear out of nowhere? It was embarrassing.

***

Order your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B07JM9K1BB

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/boZxkZ

***

I hope you’ll check out this collection of sweet romances. Each one is a unique look at fun first meets. Look for Volume 2 coming in 2019!

Happy Reading,

Kelli

New Romance - Redemption from a Dark Past

Hi everyone!

I’m pleased to announce the release of my historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past. This full-length Gothic novel is set in the kingdom of Hungary in 1723 and blends a sensual romance with mystery and suspense.

Here’s the summary, a mild excerpt, and links:

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.

The Excerpt:

Katarina stood in the parlor doorway, clutching her skirts. The large room was lit with three candles, and firelight cast long shadows on the walls. One story about His Lordship seemed to be true; he did live in the dark. She heard a low growling noise coming from the corner. What was that? Did Lord Adrik have a vicious dog?

She stepped into the parlor and spotted a figure slumped in the throne-sized chair near the fire. A white ruffled sleeve hung over the armrest. A moment later, she realized the noise was coming from Lord Adrik. He was fast asleep and snoring.

Had she kept him waiting too long? She had eaten her fill of meat and potatoes and even tried the greens and biscuits. His Lordship hadn’t been interested in talking to her before, so why he had summoned her here?

She touched his arm. “Lord Adrik?”

He jerked awake. “What is it?”

She reeled back. “I finished eating and—”

“Your name again?”

“Katarina.” Had he forgotten about her already?

“Yes, Katarina.” He blinked up at her. “Sit here, next to me. I wish to ask you questions.”

She balanced herself on the padded arm of the chair as he instructed. Even from her perch, she couldn’t see him clearly—he was still cloaked in shadows. Why did he hide himself? Was he deformed or disfigured in some way?

“Are you afraid of me?

How should she answer? She wasn’t afraid, but she was nervous. The last thing she wanted was to make a mess out of things and displease him. “No. I’m not afraid, merely curious. I’ve never met a lord before, and I haven’t been around such finery, My Lord.” She hoped her answer would satisfy him.

“Tell me about yourself. Where do you come from? How old are you? Are you a virgin? How many lovers have you had?”

“What?” The questions surprised her, and she spun toward him. As she did, she lost her balance, toppled off the arm of the chair, and fell into Lord Adrik’s lap. She yelped and gazed up at him.

“From the expression on your face I imagine I’m not what you envisioned. What did the villagers tell you? That I had horns? That I was a troll?”

“No, nothing like that. Nobody ever mentioned your looks,” she replied.

Lord Adrik was anything but malformed. In fact, he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His black wavy hair hung to his ruffled white collar, his clean-shaven face was long and lean, and his green eyes sparkled in the firelight.

“Do you wish a glass of wine or brandy? It may settle your nerves.”

“No, Your Lordship. My… my… nerves are fine,” she stammered.

“For now,” he said, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pinning her close to him. “But in a little while you may wish you had a healthy dose of liquor in you. It would dull the torment of being sacrificed to the Dark Gods.”

What did he mean by that?

***

Order Redemption from a Dark Past here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL1FXYW/

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

Happy Reading,

Kelli

Kelli’s Quill Newsletter - Summer 2018 Issue

Hi everyone!

Happy Summer! In this issue of the Quill, I’m sharing new release news about my latest historical romance, Redemption from a Dark Past, and still celebrating Pride Month with a quick look at my gay romances. I also included links to guest blogs and more. Let’s get started!

Just Released - Redemption from a Dark Past

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.

***

Order Redemption from a Dark Past here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DL1FXYW/

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

Still Celebrating Pride Month!

Pride Month might be over, but I'm still sharing a quick look at my gay romances. Full book summaries, excerpts, and more are on my blog (http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/) and site (www.KelliWilkins.com).

Four Days with Jack

In this contemporary novella, best friends David and Jack embark on a sexual relationship. David has always loved Jack and has fantasized about being his lover, but he lacked the courage to admit his feelings—until now.

Order Four Days with Jack here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FTMWHL
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bo6Rap

A Secret Match

A hot gay romance set in the world of professional wrestling. The book follows Everett’s struggles as he faces a crossroads in his personal and professional life. This full-length novel is a great blend of drama, humor, action, and romance.

Order A Secret Match here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/md6rZb

Killer in Wolf’s Clothing

A super aggressive Alpha male, a serial killer, and a visit to a kinky sex club… What has Larry gotten himself into? This paranormal gay romance is a fun look at the werewolf legend and blends mystery, danger, humor, and sizzling love scenes.

Order Killer in Wolf’s Clothing here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G3V9VWW

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYRB6x

Kelli’s Been Blogging!

Kelli Celebrated Pride Month with a fun character interview. Everett, the hero from Kelli’s gay romance, A Secret Match shares a few insights...

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/06/kicking-off-pride-month-everett.html

Read one of Kelli’s favorite excerpts from A Secret Match on her blog.

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/06/read-evs-favorite-excerpt-from-secret.html

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Kelli's gay romance, Four Days with Jack. She answers the question: “What will people think?”

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/06/four-days-with-jack-what-will-people.html

Kelli’s latest interview! She talks about her romances, latest release, and more! https://romancebooks4us.blogspot.com/2018/06/get-to-know-romance-author-kelli.html?zx=112ff3a0d3bd71e1

Take a trip back in time and talk to a hero of the Old West! Sam, from Lies, Love & Redemption shares some insights in this special character interview. Post includes an excerpt!

https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2018/05/welcome-kelli-wilkins-today.html?zx=966d91983a60b28a

Read a fun character interview with Princess Elara from Kelli’s historical/fantasy romance A Most Unusual Princess.

https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/04/princess-elaras-meet-character-interview.html

Hear from a hero! Prince Dalton from A Most Intriguing Temptation takes over Kelli’s blog and shares his thoughts in this revealing character interview.  https://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/2018/05/prince-daltons-meet-character-interview.html

Love historical/fantasy romance & adventure? Check out this spotlight on A Most Intriguing Temptation. Post includes an excerpt:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/single-post/2018/05/07/A-Most-Intriguing-Temptation-by-KWilkinsauthor-Blends-Adventure-Humor-Sizzling-Love-Scenes-An-Element-of-Danger-and-More-romance-historicalromance-fantasyromance

Find out what’s on Prince Allan’s mind and learn the secret from A Most Unfortunate Prince in this lively character interview.

https://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2018/05/guest-author-day-with-kelli-wilkins.html 

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

https://anastasiapollack.blogspot.com/2018/06/meet-author-kelli-wilkins-newest-heroine.html

I hope you enjoyed this issue of the Quill. Please share it with your social media friends! Remember, if you have questions or comments about my books, or if you want to see me address a topic on my blog, please contact me via the News page of my site or leave a comment here.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Kelli A. Wilkins