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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Spend the New Year on the Borealis Space Station! with Vijaya Schartz

None of these boring New Year parties for sci-fi romance fans. This is the true item, the Borealis Space Station. In this decrepit tin bucket at the fringe of conquered space, in the twenty-seventh century, things are not as rosy as in the other space stations we are familiar with. This is not Babylon Five, far from it.

The station is old and falling apart. It's a penitenciary for the most dangerous intergalactic criminals. It's hazardous to your health, ruled by a dictatorial Trans Planetary Protectorate, and there is a rebellion brewing in the neighborhood.

Reading this series is like watching episodes of your favorite TV sci-fi flicks, but with a love story in each of them. All the books have the same type of covers. The first two books are anthologies containing three stories. The last two are individual novellas, from Vijaya Schartz and Michelle Levigne. This series was initiated by the publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing

Here is the order of the entire series, although each story is independent of the others (like in most sci-fi series episodes).

BOREALIS: A SPACE ANTHOLOGY - PI Barrington, J.Morgan, Gail R. Delaney
BOREALIS II: A SPACE ANTHOLOGY - Stephanie Burkhart, Esther Mitchell, Shea McMaster
BOREALIS: BLACK DRAGON - Vijaya Schartz
BOREALIS: THAT SYNCING FEELING - Michelle Levigne

BLACK DRAGON is a novella, like all the novellas from different authors in this series, the story is set on the Borealis space station.
BLACK DRAGON:

A gambler is cheating in a den of the Borealis space station, and Lieutenant Zara Frankel intends to catch him in the act. She always gets her man, but this one could prove more than she can handle.

Captain Czerno Drake, code name Black Dragon, has come under cover to break his innocent uncle from the most secure penitentiary in the galaxy, on the Borealis space station. He will stop at nothing to succeed, even enrolling the help of the lovely straight arrow TPP enforcer. When Zara realizes that she’s been used by a shrewd but seductive rebel, her reaction surprises everyone, most of all herself.

REVIEWS:

"I like the balance of humor and danger in this story, and the action kept me glued to the pages... I enjoyed watching as suspicion turned to admiration, and admiration became the first flickers of love between Czerno and Zara... Pick up a copy of Borealis: Black Dragon, by Vijaya Schartz, and enter a world of adventure, romance, and a spoiled cat named Marshmallow." Long And Short Reviews 4½ books - sensual 4½ books - sensual

"Vijaya Schartz is known for her strong female characters and Zara is no exception... gives the reader lots of action and a sweet love story." Single Titles Review - 4½ stars

This novella is only $2.99 everywhere in eBooks. Download it today from:


Wishing you a fantastic year in 2012 and beyond.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Cats, Romance with a Kick
Find Vijayas other books on
AMAZON - B&N - ARe - etc.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Video Trailers!

"Loving the Norseman" - a post-plague romance!



"Loving the Knight" - the story continues...

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Windsor Diaries - Book 1 - Victorian Scoundrel


REVIEWS: Reader's Favorites: 5 Stars, Molly E: She grips the reader instantly, and keeps them hooked until the last page... I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases!

Pen & Muse Reviews: A wonderful historical, paranormal steampunk read this was. The author really had me hooked from the first chapter... I loved the humor in this read along with the historical facts.

Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode."

Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:
Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)"

Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:
Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty

BLURB: It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over form the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Prince Edmund of Wales back to the past and 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition. 

Alice soon discovers Edmund has struck up a friendship with their great-grandfather, Prince Albert, and his mischief making entails leaving a dinosaur-sized footprint in history.

She also meets Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton, and the Prime Minister, Sir John Russell. The Prime Minster finds her odd, to say the least.

It's only when Alice falls for the handsome Earl Swinton does she realize the dangers of time travel. How can she give her heart to a man from the past while striving to stop Edmund from changing time with his forward thinking ideas?

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Tired and thirsty, she finally made it to the courtyard. Edmund was nowhere to be found. She should have expected it, really. No doubt he was in the palace filling their great-grandfather's head with forward-thinking ideas. She crossed her arms, staring at the steps.

Several carriages waited nearby. No one in their right mind would let her into the palace looking like she did -- like she had just stepped out of the gutter. 

"Excuse me, who are you?"

 

Alice spun around to find herself face-to-face with two gentlemen who stood near one of the waiting carriages. One gentleman was older, Alice guessed in his fifties, one younger. The older gentleman stared at her like she truly was a guttersnipe, but the younger one -- he was tall, with chiseled cheeks and sensitive hazel eyes. His broad chest filled his suit well and he measured her with a cool, appraising look that hinted at... appreciation. An uncomfortable feeling washed over her. Never had a man's stare made her feel so... warm. 



"Well?" asked the older gentleman. 



Alice straightened her posture with her usual royal dignity and took off her glasses as she always did when she introduced herself. "I am Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice of York." 



The men looked at each other, at her, then back at themselves. She wasn't sure if they were befuddled, confused, or wanted to laugh. Finally, the older gentleman spoke. "Princess Alice is seven years old." 



Alice bit the inside of her lip, realizing she had totally forgotten where she was due to the younger gentleman's attention. She slid her glasses back on. "Simply call me Alice -- Alice Windsor." 



"And you may call me Prime Minister." 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0058UG9Q6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1316808713&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1104099940?ean=2940012813824&itm=1&usri=victorian%2bscoundrel

SONY EBOOK STORE:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/victorian-scoundrel/_/R-400000000000000429246

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookonevictorianscoundrel-571272-141.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-183/Stephanie-Burkhart-Victorian-Scoundrel/Detail.bok

"A GENTLEMAN AND A ROGUE," Book 2 of The Windsor Diaries will be released NOV 2012.

Monday, December 5, 2011

KINGDOM OF ARNHEM - fantasy romance with knights, romance, magic, and war

Book I - WOMAN OF HONOR

Reviews:

Nicole Zoltack provides a well crafted story that focuses on emotion and anticipation. Not only a book that a young adult would enjoy, but a woman of any age who wants to enjoy romance and a strong heroine and how she gained her strength. Em Epe - Dark Diva Reviews

With sword fights, passionate love, mythical creatures, and courtly games, Woman of Honor is my kind of book... Blending history with fiction, her writing is full of plot and adventure and her characters are strong and believable....In conclusion, I thoroughly recommend this book for everyone that enjoys fantasy, romance and adventure! Book Reviews by Aubrie

"Full of action and adventure, Ms Zoltak has created a wonderful tale which keeps the pages turning right up until the heart stopping conclusion and leaves the reader wanting more." Happily Ever After Reviews

Blurb:

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Excerpt:

"Is there anyone else that you have feelings for, Aislinn? Is that why you don't want to be with Geoffrey?"

Aislinn blinked, thinking about his question. "I haven't thought about such things. I'm too focused on becoming a knight. That's all I'm worried about."

Caelan pushed back his chair and stood. With him on his feet, Aislinn had to tip back her chin to look him in the face, he had grown so much in the years since they'd first met. "There is no one else?"

She shook her head.

Caelan took a step closer to her, stepping so close he only had to whisper for her to hear him. "What if I told you that Geoffrey isn't the only one who favors your company?"

His closeness overwhelmed Aislinn and she tried to take a step back. Her shoulders bumped the bookshelf behind her and several books shifted, but none made enough noise to draw the attention of anyone else in the library. Caelan lay a hand against her cheek, his thumb beneath her chin, and with a gentle touched, forced her to look at him.

Her heart pounded hard in her chest like a caged bird and Aislinn caught her breath.

"Caelan," she whispered softly, but before she could say more, his lips covered hers.

Aislinn froze for a second as he held his mouth against hers, then heard herself sigh when he pressed closer and moved his lips. Aislinn's eyes fluttered closed and she raised her hands to lay them on his chest, feeling his heart pound as hard as her own. Then reality snapped at her and she shoved him away.

"Stop it!"

She pushed past the prince and rushed from the library, with several squires and younger pages turning at her escape. Aislinn ran to her room and slammed the door shut. She leaned against it and slid to the floor, her head in her hands.

How dare he kiss me!

But the worst realization was that she'd kissed him back. Even the memory now made her insides tremble and her hands shake.

Aislinn stared into the empty space of her chamber for several minutes, trying to push aside the memory that refused to leave before she finally stood. Completing her work would occupy her mind. She collapsed onto her bed and promptly fell asleep instead.

Purchase links:

Purchase from DBP website

Purchase from Amazon

Purchase from Barnes and Noble

Purchase from Sony

Purchase from ARe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Book II - KNIGHT OF GLORY

Reviews:

It is strongly recommended to all those souls who love a mixture of romance, history, and fantasy. The real battle and the quest for true love make this book a must read." Reader's Favorite.com

"I loved this book!... Sir Geoffry is the noble night with a vulnerable heart. Jenanna is tough, yet feminine; independent, but lonely. And Celestia turned out to be a complete surprise as to what I had expected.... Can't wait for the next." Shawna Williams, author of No Other (Posted at Amazon)

Filled with bitter foes, magical displays, a quest for true love in many cases, and a dash of enigma, Knight of Glory is a true delight. Raven and the Writing Desk Review Blog

Blurb:

Sir Geoffrey, along with some companions, has been sent away from Arnhem, entrusted by Queen Aislinn for a special mission, and has to leave behind the mysterious lady Celestia. On his journey, he uncovers seeds of a sinister plot, learns a horrible secret, and makes a new friend in exile Jenanna.

Their mission completed, Geoffrey and his companions rush to two different kingdoms to ask for aid. Danger and betrayal lurks around every corner, and even allies have secrets that could prove deadly. Geoffrey's feelings for Celestia grow and wane. After learning some of Celestia's secrets, he begins to have second thoughts about his love for her and is even drawn to Jenanna.

Rumors abound that the Speicans have enlisted a mage of their own, to work unspeakable, forbidden magic. The war between Speica and Arnhem has just begun. Will Geoffrey survive the battle to live another day and discover which woman he truly loves?

Excerpt:

When twilight fell, Geoffrey halted the party. "Let us rest now. Another day, two at most, and we will reach Lochmarsh. We need to prepare ourselves, mentally, physically, and spiritually."

Jenanna pursed her lips. If she thought it too close to night she refrained from mentioning it.

Geoffrey reached into a bag tied to Swift Flight's saddle and pulled out a blanket. "Here, milady, for you to rest upon."

Jenanna stared at the cloth. "I do not need your compassion."

"I offer it freely."

She stared at him, sizing him up, and grabbed it. Placing the blanket far from the water, she laid on it.

Geoffrey watched her for several moments before Raulin's snores reached him. He turned to Jacob. "You certain that I need not keep watch?"

Jacob stared at him with listless eyes and blinked twice.

Geoffrey took that as a negative. He laid down, using a rock under his head, but could not sleep. He glanced over at Jenanna. Although her eyes were closed, he knew that sleep did not claim her either. "Jenanna. I think I have been visited by the Kelpie."

Her eyes flew open. "When?"

"Last night. I dreamt of it. At least, I think I did."

"That can only be an ill omen." She shivered as her gaze fell upon the water. "We should continue on."

"Raulin needs his rest. So do I for that matter. We shall be fine." I pray...

"I hope so." She rolled over, her back to the stream, and to Geoffrey.

Geoffrey slept and woke a short time later. The others still slept, and Jacob paid him no heed. He slowly climbed to his feet and stretched his back. Turning, he spotted a small creature in the near distance. Walking toward it, he realized It looks like a lost pony. Its fur was grey black, and its main dripped constantly. The fur seemed sleek, and Geoffrey reached out to find out if this was the case. The pony was cold, deadly arctic, and Geoffrey's fingers froze to it, he was unable to move his hand away.

"No! Geoffrey, you have to stop touching it!" Jenanna cried out. She gripped his arm and tugged hard.

He tried to turn his head to look at her, but even his neck muscles tightened, frozen. "I can't move!"

Jenanna pulled and yanked some more, but Geoffrey could not be freed.

The Kelpie neighed, a loud sinister sound, and its saliva dripped, turning into ice as it left his foaming mouth. It blew air out its nostrils, the breath turning to fog, giving the land an eerie, unearthly feel.

Jacob and Raulin rushed over. They attacked the creature with their swords, but the horse bucked and kicked, and even with such wild, reckless movements, Geoffrey remained attached.

"Take this, foul creature!" Jenanna shrieked, shoving a flame tree branch into the creature's side.

The Kelpie wailed and neighed. With a sudden rush of heat, Geoffrey collapsed. A loud splash sounded as the three surrounded his fallen form.

"What was that?"

"Not now, Raulin! Now is the time for a larger fire. Build one," Jenanna commanded. "And you, Jacob, the healer, aye? Do you know how to heal freeze burns?"

Jacob's face looked stricken in the pale flickering firelight. "I can try."

"Try isn't good enough. You must succeed." She knelt down and placed Geoffrey's head in her lap. "It will be all right, Geoffrey."

"S-so c-cold." Geoffrey's teeth chattered so loudly he barely heard his own voice. His body shook uncontrollably, the chills spreading from his hand to the rest of his body, lowering his core body temperature and slowly freezing the blood in his body. "God's T-teeth!"

The fire roared to life, greedily licking up the small remnants of grass nearby. "Good, Raulin, now go fetch my blanket." Raulin didn't even pause to nod.

Jenanna grabbed Geoffrey's wounded hand and tried to warm it with her own. Her fingers felt red hot, compared to his iciness, and her fingers kneaded his skin. "Quick, Jacob."

Jacob nodded and began to mutter incantations. He placed his hand above Jenanna's and Geoffrey's, and a bright yellow orange glowed from his hand.

As the cold moved closer to his heart, Geoffrey's shivering worsened. His body buckled from the severe shock cold waves.

Raulin returned and threw the blanket on Geoffrey, but it did nothing to help the nearly frozen knight. Jacob's voice grew louder, and the light responded, turning brighter. Jenanna moved her hand away, and Jacob laid his on Geoffrey's. Immediately, Jacob pulled his own away. "Too cold. My God, he's frozen!"

Purchase links:

Purchase from DBP website

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Book III - CHAMPION OF VALOR

Reviews:

Every book left me craving more and I'm so glad this one continued the hook. Kingdom of Arnhem exceeded my expectations! By Me Posted on Amazon

This was probably my favorite of the three books in this series....Enthralling and exciting, the third installment to the Kingdom of Arnhem series was a page turner. For all fantasy, historical fiction, and romance lovers alike, this book's the book for you. From Bree on Goodreads

Blurb:

The Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen, and it's up to Selliki, the selkie, to get it back. Selliki sets across the continent of Alethereia to find Arnhem, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. Selliki knows that no union between a selkie and a human have ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is.

The final war between Speica and Arnhem is threatening the entire world. Lucifer has aligned himself with Speica and wants nothing less than to bring about the Apocalypse before its time. In the last battle, cowardice is revealed, promises are broken, and many people die. Trolls fight icthyocentaurs, dwarves armed up against the Drow, angels against demons. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn't end.

Excerpt:

Night came, and they set up camp. Gabrael closed his eyes, and sleep claimed him. When he opened his eyes, all he could see was white. Something appeared in his hands -- Selliki's seal skin. He shoved it into a trunk that materialized out of nothing and locked it.

Selliki entered a few minutes later, looking lovely in a long blue gown. "Come, dear, it's time to be married."

Days passed, weeks, months, years. The two were extremely happy together and even had two children, a precious little girl and a strong, hardy son.

One day, Gabrael practiced magic with their daughter, Yara, on the beach. "The fire comes from within, deep inside your belly. Just feel it, move it up to your throat and blow." Gabrael demonstrated as a shot of flame exited his mouth.

Yara clapped her hands. "I want to try!" She furrowed her brow and blew. Nothing happened. She opened her mouth to try again but her concentration was distracted. "Mama, why are you running?"

Gabrael glanced behind him. Selliki ran toward the ocean, something dark in his hands.

Raphiel hurried over. "I found your trunk, Father."

Gabrael muttered a curse and jumped to his feet.

"What's wrong, Father?"

"Where is Mama going?"

Gabrael ran toward Selliki. He reached out with his arms to stop her, so they could talk, but his arms touched air. She had already dived into the water.

Gabrael stood there, by the water's edge, all night long and for the following day, before the knowledge came to him. Selliki had forsaken him. She was never coming back.

A single tear ran down Gabrael's face and dripped off his nose onto the sand. He turned his back on the water and cried. Maybe love isn't enough. How can I ask Selliki to abandon her very nature?

Purchase links:

Purchase from DBP website

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series--Case 2

Case Two--The Ill-gotten Insurance, by Susanne Marie Knight

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in this murder mystery series!
Blurb:

DEAD AGAIN
An odd string of coincidences leads Minx Tobin to an old friend, Bill Gutierrez. Only Bill died five years ago. Before Minx has a chance to question the man, he turns up dead... again, with a slip of paper in his pocket with her name on it. Whether she likes it or not, Minx is involved in another murder. Will the Case of the Ill-gotten Insurance turn out to be deadly for her as well?

Los Angeles homicide lieutenant Gabe Harris regrets that the fitness trainer who piqued his interest is a murder suspect once again. But at least he has a legitimate reason to see Minx. Maybe he can even convince her to go out with him. And maybe he can prevent L.A.'s newest murderer from adding Minx to his... or her fatality list.

Praise for The Ill-gotten Insurance:

4 hearts! Susanne Marie Knight pens another thriller in this series. The lives of the rich and famous overlap with those who work for a living. Character building and dialogue are great. The suspense as Minx confronts a killer is edge of your seat. For a woman whose intuition and people skills in a case are superb, Minx doesn't seem to do well communicating with Gabe. He's a macho man with a heart of gold but doesn't let Minx see much of his better side. Gabe's friend, Sgt. Antonio Atwell and his family are a priceless addition that really give the tale a boost. The author does a great job blending everyday people, some of whom are a bit creepy, with the suspects. Associates we meet at the fitness Emporium, especially the guys, will pique the memories of those forgettable dates we had before finding Mr. Right for many women. This is a fun series worth a read. Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio.

The Ill-gotten Insurance, the second installment in the Minx Tobin Case books, will not only keep you turning the pages until you reach the end of the story, it will have you seeking out the first of Ms. Knight’s Minx Tobin Case books if you have not already read it. The author’s fluent writing style which brings her characters alive, warts and all. Her ability to capture the outrage of the rich implicated in the murder along side her depiction of the hero and heroine and their supporting cast creates plenty of friction as some of those characters are simply ‘way-out’ weird. Ms. Knight offers characters you will want to get to know even better, characters you are still rooting for at the conclusion of The Ill-gotten Insurance. The story is packed with a gallery full of suspects and enough twists and turns to satisfy any reader. Fennel, Long and Short Reviews.

I don't normally read mystery, but I'm enjoying your book, Susanne Marie Knight. I just started it a while ago and already I'm hooked.--Jan L.

Minx and Gabe are a match made in heaven. I love mysteries. Combined with romance, they are irresistible. Luck in all you do.--Patricia A.

Minx and Gabe need to get together!!--C. K.

Excerpt:
Minx placed Harris' coffee in front of him and pulled out napkins from the table dispenser. There. She'd done her hostessing duties. Sitting across from him, she reached into her bag and got out her power bar.

"So, Lieutenant, what's up?"

Harris took a sip, then set the cup back down. "I've never been at the Elite Exercise Emporium before. Nice place. Do you think I should take out a membership?"

She blinked back surprise. Surely this wasn't his official business?

Peeling the wrapper off the bar, she replied, "You look buff enough, Lieutenant."

"Is that a compliment?"

She tilted her head at him. "Do you want it to be?"

What was going on here? Were they actually flirting with each other?

As she nibbled on the end of the granola power bar, she studied him. His odd combination of short dark and light grey hair swirled in waves over his head. A dark lock tumbled down over his high forehead. One renegade curl strayed appealingly around the curve of his ear.

He gestured with his large, well-formed hand. "That your lunch?"

"It sure is. Are you hungry? I've got two more bars with me."

He was a man that didn't smile much. With his job in the Los Angeles Police Department, there probably weren't many opportunities for smiles. But when he did let loose and show those pearly whites, despite herself, she seemed to turn into one of those silly adolescent girls she'd disparaged just a minute ago.

Harris not only smiled, but laughed. A deep, hearty, masculine laugh. His laughter attractively crinkled the skin around his eyes. Otherwise, his tanned face was unlined. Prematurely grey, that was what he was. Maybe that trait ran in his family.

"No, thanks. That granola bar looks like Fido's dog food to me."

The laugh and the smile disappeared as quickly as they surfaced. He must've been getting ready to lower the boom. Official police business was rarely good.

She swallowed down a bit of apprehension.

Book Trailer for The Ill-gotten Insurance:

Buy Links:

Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!