Thursday, September 28, 2017

Guest Author Day with Kelli A. Wilkins

Have you ever read a Bigfoot romance?
Beauty & the Bigfoot – a quirky paranormal comedy

By Kelli A. Wilkins


Hi folks,

My latest release, Beauty & the Bigfoot (Yes, it’s a Bigfoot romance!) offers readers a quirky look at the legend of Bigfoot. When I told people I was writing a Bigfoot romance, they said, “You’re kidding, right?”

Nope! Maybe I watched too much In Search Of… as a child, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in “unexplained phenomena” (aka: the strange and unusual).

I started out writing horror short stories and romances, so it was only a matter of time before I went down the paranormal romance road. Beauty & the Bigfoot is my third paranormal romance. My first, Confessions of a Vampire’s Lover, is a more serious love story, and Killer in Wolf’s Clothing takes the concept of werewolves in a very different direction.

Beauty & the Bigfoot started out with the premise: “What if a cryptozoologist’s daughter fell in love with a captured Bigfoot?” I liked the idea, but I wasn’t sure where I could take it.

Later, when I was doing research for the book, (Yes, there was a lot of research involved!), I came across several historical accounts dating back to the 1500s of huge, hairy “wild men” living in the woods. Native American tribes had several names for Bigfoot and they took the subject seriously. After reading these stories, my imagination took over. (Once you read the book, you’ll see how it all ties in together. If you think you know how the story ends, think again!)

Beauty & the Bigfoot was a lot of fun to write and I had a great time creating the characters. Through Tara and her eccentric father, Charlie, I was able to turn up the camp level and add in many wacky references and asides. They don’t exactly take the situation seriously, and neither should readers. It’s called a paranormal comedy for a reason.

So, is Bigfoot real? Is the Patterson film a hoax? Are there Sasquatches roaming the forests of the Pacific Northwest? I don’t know for sure, but I do know that the legend continues on – with a happy ending – in Beauty & the Bigfoot.

Here’s the synopsis:

Beauty & the Bigfoot
Can true love exist between the species?

Tara’s world is anything but normal. Her father is known as the resident crackpot – just because he’s on a personal mission to catch a Sasquatch. Despite all of the “Bigfoot evidence” cluttering their house, Tara never really believed in Bigfoot – until the day her father brought him home.

She affectionately names her father’s prized catch ‘Joe’ and discovers there’s something oddly familiar – and erotic – about him. With a media circus descending on her father’s ranch and a showdown brewing with the local sheriff, Tara risks her life to save Joe. 

When Tara finally succumbs to her animalistic urges, she learns that Joe is not exactly who – or what – he seems. Joe is more than a Sasquatch – he’s her soul mate!

A mild excerpt:

Tara shook her head and sighed as she entered the cluttered den. She adjusted the framed certificate from the Cryptozoological Society recognizing her father as a “Certified Bigfoot Investigator.” It hung on the wall in a place of esteemed honor—next to an 8-by-10 enlargement of frame 352 from the Patterson film. The infamous shot showed a female Bigfoot in mid-stride looking over her shoulder at the camera.
As much as she loved her dad, she had never understood his obsession with Bigfoot.
“Charlie MacAllister’s Bigfoot Museum” was her father’s pride and joy. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases were crammed with dusty paperbacks titled It Lurks in the Woods and Some Call it Sasquatch! Notebooks detailing his expeditions, sightings, and other “evidence” were stacked next to the loveseat. Scrapbooks filled with tabloid articles proclaiming I WAS BIGFOOT’S BRIDE and BIGFOOT SIGHTED IN UFO were strewn on the coffee table. Her mother’s antique china closet held plaster casts of Bigfoot tracks.
She opened the back door, letting in the fresh July air. The den needed to be aired out and cleaned, and she could only do that when her father went on a “field excursion.” If she was lucky, she would be able to vacuum and dust before—
“Tara! Where are you?” Her father raced into the den, then scowled as he spotted her. “What are you doing in here? Are you trying to clean again? What did I tell you about that?”
She stared at her father like he was from another planet. His medium-brown hair stuck up all over his head like horns, he hadn’t shaved in days, and his clothes were covered with dirt and brambles. It was no wonder why the whole town considered him a raving kook—among other things.
“Come on, come on! You’ve gotta come out and see it! I did it. I did it.”
“Now what?” she forced herself to ask. How many times had Dad rushed in with the “biggest discovery of the year” only to show her a photo of another Bigfoot track? She hated to dampen his enthusiasm, but she had been surrounded by Bigfoot paraphernalia for her entire life and she just wasn’t interested in it anymore.
“I got him. The big male. You know the one.” He gestured at a framed, grainy photo of something running through the woods. “Him.”
She rolled her eyes. Her father wasn’t like other Bigfoot researchers who wanted to catch any old Bigfoot—No, Charlie MacAllister was on a personal mission to catch one particular Bigfoot. One he claimed had been living within five miles of their house for years.
“Dad, if this is a bear cub, or a—”
“No. You’ll see. Now I’ll finally be able to prove that I’m not the nutcase everyone in town thinks I am.”
She let her father drag her into the backyard. “Oh my God! What is that?”
She ran to the flatbed trailer and stared at the unconscious creature. It lay stretched out on its back with its hairy arms and legs shackled to the metal trailer frame. Dad had captured something, all right. There was no mistaking what it was. She had seen enough photos of Bigfoot to know him anywhere.
“You did catch him.” She looked at her father. “But, but…” For once in her life, she was speechless.
Her father grinned and folded his arms across his chest. “Well, now do you believe me? I told you I caught Bigfoot. You should listen to your old man. He knows what he’s talking about.”
Her mind whirled. How was it possible? After twenty years of searching, her father had done it. He had actually captured Bigfoot.
***
Order your copy of Beauty & the Bigfoot here:


I hope you have as much fun reading the story as I did writing it! I welcome comments and questions from readers, so feel free to contact me via my website, blog, or social media.
Happy Reading,
Kelli A. Wilkins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.
Her paranormal-comedy, Beauty & the Bigfoot, was published in September 2017.
Kelli released Trust with Hearts, a contemporary romance, in July 2017. Her third gay romance, Four Days with Jack, was released in June 2017. Kelli’s trilogy of erotic romance novellas, Midsummer Night’s Delights, Midwinter Night’s Delights, and Ultimate Night’s Delights was published in spring 2017.
Loving a Wild Stranger was published in January 2017. This historical/pioneer romance is set in the wilds of the Michigan Territory and blends tender romance with adventure.
Kelli's third Medallion Press romance, Lies, Love & Redemption was released in September 2016. This spicy historical western is set on the Nebraska prairie in 1877.
Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative guide filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.
Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.
She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.
Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.

Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web
Website: http://www.KelliWilkins.com
Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb


WRITERS WRITE... WRITING PARTNERS FEUD ~ Israfel’s Song


Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing excerpts of the angelic characters from a work in progress, THE DARKNESS WITHIN, Book Three by Angelica Hart and Zi.


ANGEL WINGS OF HOPE

Aether - Israfel’s Song

Israfel: Angel of song


I have a special angel watching over me. Tickling my rib, making me laugh under the veil of inspiration. ~ Delaware

At the core of the Aether existed a structure where the heavenly host praised and worshipped the Supreme and True Lord of Creation though songs and instruments. This Temple of Music had spheres of stain glass placed in juxtaposed positions, all disappearing at its base into misty whorls of shifting gold, silver and bronze hues. Within the chamber, pews could not be indentified under a deepening kaleidoscope of swooshing colors but all who entered seemed to know where to sit.

In front, a half rounded tiered stage appeared; its seating sleek, shinny and white. All variety of Angels would be represented at the Celestial Choir Celebration. The Cherubim, admired for their beauty, would blow the Shofar at the beginning to stir every soul’s joy. The Seraphim, known to be closest to God, would enact priestly duties.

Only a few Guardian Angels as well as Ministering Angels would be present, for they had eternal obligations watching over and tending to Earthly individuals.

Even less Avenging Angels would attend, for their responsibilities were to carry out God’s judgment upon the most heinous of mankind, and due to the rise in demonic activity, there were an increasing number to be judged.

Death Angels would not be present at all. Only when death no longer existed would they be free to celebrate.

Archangels would peek in as their duties allowed, but all the Common Angels, heavenly spirits of all divinity would attend. 

Israfel who created some of the first songs and who orchestrated this event, there were many events and often for no reason, had to first tend to Carole Hick-Clark. This was a conflict of purpose, a fate every Angel understood. Wings pulled in two directions, oft made for challenging moments.

Earthly voices raised in song would enhance the Celestial Choir’s songs of praise and worship to the Heavenly Father.  More importantly, it would dispel some of the gloom spread by the enemy’s minions.

Unlike many other angels who changed their outward appearance, Israfel, Angel of Song, never altered its look. Her golden hair, as if a lilt of cloud-like forces, floated above her, windswept upwards. Her three faces, one facing forward and the other two in opposing directions, kept her aware of all that was about. Each had the same lovely features, and when she sang, the most heart-clutching music emanated from her three mouths in perfect pitch and harmony. Israfel inspired music which in turn prompted new hope, and all that unfolded from her embodied the creative word of God.

The only other triplicate feature she possessed were her breasts, each precisely formed and exceptional large, swelling even more when inhaling deeply just before singing. The rest of her was just as well formed with in that hour-glass silhouette that symbolized sensuality with flaring hips, a rounded belly and a fleshy, hairless mound. Her legs were long and strong with the impression of muscular definition. She wore nothing but lavender twinkle, matching the color of her hair.

When attending to affairs on Earth, she simply remained a spirit, affecting people with whispers and mutterings as well as infusions of her own contagious love of song. Of late, she often visited with Carole Hick-Clark. The woman had a heart to sing and a voice that crackled and quivered. After many sneers and giggles throughout her life, Carole had stilled the urge to sing. Making a joyful noise was all that was required, and Israfel had repeatedly attempted to bring that meaning to Carole. With Christmas time upon them, Israfel thought to try once more.

“Oh, you are leaving, now?” asked Mihr, Angel of Friendship. He had assisted Israfel with the celebratory event and knew that soon all would be arriving. Everyone knew Mihr. His elephant feet, were ringed with emerald toes, twelve on each foot. Named for the disciples and the months of the Earthly calendar.

“Yes," she asserted, "An important matter.”

His eyes swished side-to-side to imply everything around them seemed to be fairly important and needed tending. He was a huge hulk of an angel with barely discernible lark-size polka-dotted wings. The bulk of a man-angel had a stunning alto voice that could crack glass, thus, he was oft barred from singing in churches.

Israfel kissed his chin, all she could reach when standing on her tip-toes. “I am needed now, right now.”

He looked panicked, but he understood. After all, along with being the Angel of Song, she was also a Guardian Angel. “Then go…go… All will be fine here.”

“I won’t miss the first note.”

He grinned, knowing she probably wouldn’t. Israfel was known for never being late but also barely on time.

continued next week


***
About the Story: The Darkness Within is a fast-paced supernatural thriller involving, kidnapping, romance, gypsies, and supernatural beings. The tale revolves around private detective Brie (Gabriella) Tyler's investigation of several missing young women believed to be runaways. Somehow, it connects to a past she cannot remember.   While trying to find his missing niece, Jake Marlo, the owner of prestigious private detective agency, crosses path with Brie. Independent and feisty, Tyler resists Marlo's help and romantic attention. The two collide as heinous henchmen and supernatural forces threaten to destroy their lives.


***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.



Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com










Book Spotlight & Giveaway: First Season by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey





Length: 55,700 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Harrisburg Railers Series

Changing Lines (Book #1) - Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | Smashwords | B&N | iTunes

Blurb

Layton wants success, Adler wants family, how can love make both these things possible?

Layton Foxx works hard for what he has. The condo, the career, the chance to make his mark, is all down to the sacrifices he has made. With tragedy in his past, he doesn’t want or need love. Then he meets Adler Lockhart, the extroverted, sexy winger for the Harrisburg Railers and abruptly he can’t avoid love even if he wanted to.

Adler Lockhart has had everything handed to him his whole life. Cars, villas, cash, college tuition at the finest Ivy League schools. The only things he doesn’t have are parents who care or the love of a good man. Then Layton walks into his privileged life and shows him what real love can be like.

Excerpt

“Guys,” I said calmly, even though the sight of these big men waiting by my car was enough to have me feeling anxious as memories of old times poked at me. Not to mention that Stan had his thick arms crossed over his chest and looked like he wanted to go to war with me. I recognized two of the others with him—Coach Benning looking grim, Arvy grinning at me—and the other man was the guy from the bathroom.

That was Adler, the one the captain, in my interview with him that morning, had chosen to highlight as “not exactly vocally critical nor entirely supportive.”

I was scarlet and I knew it, and Adler smirked at me. Asshole.

He wasn’t the first person to smirk at me, and he wouldn’t be the last. Adler Lockhart was a good-looking man, but then a lot of the players on this damn team were hot and right on to burning. Take Arvy with his goofy smile and his long wavy hair, or Coach Madsen with his intense blue stare and air of authority.

“Little bit talk,” Stan said, his voice loud and booming in the cavernous underground parking.

I glanced from Stan to the others. I wasn’t sure Adler wanted to talk. He was still smirking, but at the same time he looked like he was trying to edge away. The only thing stopping him was that he was pinned between Stan, Arvy, and my car.

I glanced at my watch, like I had to assess if I had the time to stop and talk. Of course I had time. Lots of time. All that was waiting for me at my place was takeout and a night of reading my notes. Oh, and catching up on the hundred or so Facebook messages from my family.

“I can give you five minutes,” I said, to qualify the importance of my time and reinforce my status. It was vital that I didn’t join in with discussions outside the official meetings; I had to stay outside the hockey circle, so that I could maintain a perspective on how things were playing out. Informal meetings didn’t get things done.

Stan pulled aside his shirt and showed me a tattoo. I had to peer closely, because I wasn’t sure what I was looking at, or even why it was being shown to me. It looked like a cartoon character; a Pokémon or something.

“Hulk,” Stan said, and looked at me expectantly like I was supposed to understand a word. I don’t speak any Russian, though, so I looked at Coach for help.

“What he’s saying,” Coach Benning said, “is that he likes Ten, a lot, and that Ten and he had tattoos the same day, and that if you end up hanging Ten out to dry, then he will have something to say about it and go all Hulk on your ass.” The coach’s tone was easy, but there was a thread of steel in there.

“You got all that from one word?” I asked, and looked up at Stan, who was still scowling.

Coach only smiled. “He’s a man of few words. English ones, anyway.”

Stan clapped a hand on my shoulder, and jeez, he was one strong man. For a split second, fear skittered through me, but I pushed the fear back down where it belonged. No one here was going to hurt me.

I edged out of Stan’s reach and offered up my most reassuring smile. Stan looked at me, and then he smiled as well.

Seemed like we had an agreement going.

“Are we done talking about cock now?” Adler said loudly, breaking the accepting vibe in the small group. He underscored the words by grabbing suggestively at his groin. “Unless we’re whipping them out.”

“Jesus Christ, Ads,” Arvy snapped, and elbowed him.

Adler grinned. “All I’m saying is some of us have actual sex to go home to and don’t spend all day jawing about it.”

Then he shoved his way past Arvy, who shoved him back before letting him go.

“Asshole,” Arvy muttered, but it wasn’t said with heat. I exchanged glances with him, and he gave that single-shoulder shrug of “What can you do?”

I mentally added Adler to my list of concerns.



RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn't with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn't like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

mailto:rj@rjscott.co.uk
www.rjscott.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/author.rjscott?ref=ts&fref=ts
www.goodreads.com/author/show/3432558.R_J_Scott
twitter.com/Rjscott_author
www.librarything.com/author/scottrj




V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Dr. Who, Torchwood, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted domestic fowl, and two Jersey steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand. She can also be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and GoodReads.

Website: http://vlloceyauthor.com/
Newsletter - http://tinyurl.com/ksul5rs
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/VL-Locey/124405447678452
Reader’s Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1439154279700674/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/vllocey
Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807700.V_L_Locey
My blog- http://thoughtsfromayodelinggoatherder.blogspot.com/


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions


Book Blast and Giveaway~ When I Fall For You


Welcome to the book blast tour for When I Fell For You by Candace Shaw. Please don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win a $10 Amazon/BN gift Card from the author. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions.


GENRE: African American Romance


Has a wedding planner with a commitment phobia finally found the man to make her fall head over heels in love?

Reagan Richardson loves planning extravagant, classy weddings as the head planner of Precious Moments Events. Though the notion of walking down the aisle has never entered her mind … considering none of her boyfriends have ever lasted long enough thanks to her. However, meeting Dr. Blake Harrison changes all of that in a glance and she finds herself in uncharted territory.

Blake knows all about Reagan’s fear of commitment but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing the ravishing beauty. Breaking down the wall guarding her heart isn’t as easy as he thought but being with Reagan has stirred emotions in him that no other woman ever has. Can he convince her that history isn’t going to repeat itself this time around?


Excerpt:

“And you’re going to try parasailing? I’m driving the speedboat.”

The thought of being attached to a parachute high above the ocean while dragged by a speedboat made Reagan nauseous. “I’m still contemplating, but I will go jet skiing with you.”

“Perfect. Can’t wait either way. I don’t care what we do as long as I see your fine bod in a bikini.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. Blake always knew what to say to make her weak at the knees. Now she had to go shopping to find a sexy new bikini and a cover-up considering it was a family outing. She couldn’t be too sexy.

“You just concentrate on keeping me safe on the jet ski and the parasailing.”

“So, that’s a yes to the parasailing?”

“Mmm … only if you go really slow.”

“I’ll drive at whatever speed you can handle,” he said in a low, deep voice. “Just scream out my name when you’re comfortable and want me to go faster.”

“You have a dirty mind, Doc.” Not that I care.

“What?” he asked in an innocent manner. “That’s your mind in the gutter. Just want to make sure you can handle the excitement and stamina of it all. It’s a very … uh, thrilling adventure.”

“I bet it is.”

“Can’t wait for you to find out.”

“Are we still discussing parasailing?” she asked, crossing and uncrossing her legs. This conversation was causing her to have the urge to jump in the car and speed to his bed where he’d just finished his nap.

“Were we ever talking about parasailing?”

Buy Links for When I Fell for You

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2v5UEqB
Amazon Ca: http://tinyurl.com/y74377jx
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/ycvnl3ps
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/when-i-fell-for-you/id1273128330?mt=11
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/y72erpfl
Nook: http://tinyurl.com/yb8t5o2x
Smashwords:  http://tinyurl.com/y93qqya4


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Candace Shaw writes romance novels because she believes that happily-ever-after isn’t found only in fairy tales. When she’s not writing or researching information for a book, you can find Candace in her gardens, shopping, reading or learning how to cook a new dish.

She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her loving husband and is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance.

Social Media and Website Links

Website: https://candaceshaw.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCandaceShaw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Candace_Shaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candace_shaw/
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+CandaceShaw08
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829266.Candace_Shaw

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/candace-shaw?list=author_books


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast and Giveaway: Fox Hounds by Lia Connor

Title :  Fox Hounds Author : Lia Connor Publisher : Changeling Press Cover Artist: Renee' George Release Date : March 15, 2024 He...