Romancing Sci-fi

COYOTE GORGOUS is out for 99 cents!

2012-01-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

As of today, you can get COYOTE GORGEOUS for 99 cents at Amazon in kindle, at Smashwords, and at ARe in all formats. It should be live in nook in a day or two. CLICK THE LINKS AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE TO FIND MY BOOKS AT THESE RETAILERS.

This shapeshifter novella was previously published by Sapphire Blue Publishing. When the publisher closed their doors last November for health reasons, they returned the rights to the authors. I saw this as my opportunity to republish this novella myself, along with A Desperado for Christmas, as 99 cents offerings to my readers.

So, if you haven't read it, don't hesitate and grab it for your eReader today, along with A Desperado for Christmas.

Here is what this story is about:

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...

REVIEWS:

"Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... COYOTE GORGEOUS has all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" - 4.5 shamrocks - Debbie CK2sKwipsandKritique

"So many times my theory of who done it was thwarted and yet I was thrilled to stay on the edge of my seat until the very last word just to find out." Five stars - Book Junkie Reviews

"...excellent characters... well written. Fascinated about the subject matter and the legends..." Five hearts - Romance Book Scene

Hope you all enjoy the read.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

REDACTION by Linda Andrews would make a great TV mini-series

2012-01-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

I just finished this book and I had to share my enthusiasm about it. It's not exactly a romance, although the romance lovers will recognize the start of a love story between the two main characters. So it does include falling in love, although the circumstances are drastically against it.

This book made me believe. It's set in the Phoenix area, where I live, and I realized while reading it that I wasn't prepared for what would come if any cataclysm, modern plague or otherwise, struck the Valley of the Sun.

The characterization in this work is masterful, given the scope of this book, as it follows various groups of characters through their struggles to survive. The word pictures get under your skin. What people do in desperate situations can be brave or horrific. What nature unleashes can be even more devastating. The horror in this book is insidious because it is so believable.

Only at the end of this long novel do some of the various groups of characters end up meeting each other. I like that the ending is hopeful, but this is not the end at all. I'm eagerly waiting for the next book in this series, to find out who lives and who dies in the end. Some nasty characters are still at large. Will the Human race even survive at all? The odds are against us.

This novel would make a great syfy channel TV mini-series about the apocalypse.

You can find it for 99 cents or $2.99 at all the usual eBook distributors.

SMASHWORDS - AMAZON KINDLE - B&N NOOK - etc.

This blog was nominated for a sweet blog award!

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Don't you love this strawberry chantilly pie? My blog was nominated by author Linda Andrews, who writes in a wide range of paranormal, historical, and science fiction. Visit her blog, Paranormal Journeys, at: http://lindaandrews.wordpress.com/ I am currently reading her book REDACTION, a post human near-extinction novel, and I'll let you know about it when I finish it. So far, I love it. Great characters and great insights...

Since the rules for this award say that I have to nominate ten other blogs, and tell you seven things you may not know about myself. Here goes:

I nominate the following blogs:

99 cents eBooks blog http://ebooks99cents.blogspot.com/
Believing is Seeing blog: http://sandrasookoo.worpress.com/
Bad Luck Detective: http://badluckdetective.wordpress.com/
Desert Dreams Writers Conference Blog: http://desertdreamswritersconference.blogspot.com/
Arizona Authors Blog: http://arizonaauthors.blogspot.com/
Once Upon a Series Blog: http://tamideeauthor.blogspot.com/
Books We Love Blog: http://bwlpp.blogspot.com/
Desert Breeze Publishing Blog: http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/
Arizona Dreamin: http://arizonadreamin.wordpress.com/
SFR Brigade: http://www.sfrcontests.blogspot.com/

Seven things you may not know about me:

1- I am short... really. So short the State employee who measured me for my ID card added half an inch to be kind. You would never know it, because I always wear very high wedges or heels in public.

2 - I am French. Yep. Born and raised in the suburbs of Paris. And if you heard me speak, that's where the accent comes from. I've lived in the States long enough that English has become my first language. When I go back to France to see my family, it takes me a few days to think in French again.

3 - I can kick ass, not just in my books but in real life. I'm a Martial Arts black belt (Aikido) and had Judo and Karate as a kid. I was very small even then, and on demonstration day, they made me throw the largest man in the Judo club in a David and Goliath type of fight. So fun.

4 - I was once a gymnast. Way back when, in the French National Gymastics team, I represented my country in several foreign competitions, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe. Good times.

5 - In my backyard, I feed abandoned cats (victims of forclosures in the neighborhood) who found sanctuary there, and at one time I had chickens (my husband's pets, so old they din't lay eggs anymore) and doves (the cats love watching the doves feed and sometimes pounce, but rarely catch one).

6 - I watch my weight like a hawk (pardon the cliche). Because I'm so short, an extra pound shows on me, and I can't button my jeans. My secret: low fat, low carbs. Exercise has been lacking lately, but I'm going to make time for it this year... time? Who has the time?

7 - My name, Vijaya, is from India. It was given to me by my Yoga teacher when I lived there. Vijaya comes from Vidya (knowledge) and Jaya (Ever victorious). When I emigrated to the US (with a husband I met and married in India) I made it my legal name.

Here, now you know me a little better.
Congratulation to the new blog awards nominees.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick.
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN COYOTE GORGEOUS

2012-01-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Enter on my author website to win COYOTE GORGEOUS, my shapeshifter romance novella set in Arizona. COYOTE GORGEOUS is being re-released in eBook later this month. This is your chance to get it for free. To enter, click on CONTEST at top right at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth, and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...

REVIEWS:
"Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... COYOTE GORGEOUS has all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" - 4.5 shamrocks - Debbie CK2sKwipsandKritique

"So many times my theory of who done it was thwarted and yet I was thrilled to stay on the edge of my seat until the very last word just to find out." Five stars - Book Junkie Reviews

"...excellent characters... well written. Fascinated about the subject matter and the legends..." Five hearts - Romance Book Scene

Gook luck.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
http://ebooks99cents.blogspot.com/

Vijaya's books at Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz

Vijaya's eBooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Vijaya's nooks at:
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=vijaya+schartz&STORE=EBOOK&SZE=100&SRT=SA

Vijaya's books at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Schartz

What to expect from Vijaya Schartz in the year 2012

2012-01-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

In mid January, a reissue of COYOTE GORGEOUS, my Native American shapeshifter novella set in Arizona, will appear in kindle, nook, Smashwords, and ARe, for the unbeatable price of 99 cents. It's a romantic suspense story, but involves a girl in uniform with a gun and an attitude. So if you like strong heroines, whether sci-fi or not, this story is for you.

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.
Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe....

"Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... COYOTE GORGEOUS has all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" - 4.5 shamrocks - Debbie CK2sKwipsandKritique
"So many times my theory of who done it was thwarted and yet I was thrilled to stay on the edge of my seat until the very last word just to find out." Five stars - Book Junkie Reviews

"...excellent characters... well written. Fascinated about the subject matter and the legends..." Five hearts - Romance Book Scene

In mid March 2012:

For those of you who prefer to hold a paper book in their hands, and didn't yet take the plunge with eBooks, WHITE TIGER, Book One of the Chronicles of Kassouk series, is scheduled for release in paperback from Desert Breeze Publishing in early 2012, probably in mid March. This has been a long time to come, and I know my paperback readers are getting impatient.

Since most of my paperbacks are now out of print, and all my new releases are published in eBook first, this will be a happy celebration. I'll probably go on a book signing spree to spread the news. Other books in this series will later follow in print as well.

In a winter world where blood and loyalty are everything, how can Tora avenge her father’s death when a handsome Mutant challenges her bloodline, and his offer to help can get them both killed...

On the frozen plains of Kassouk, where a few aliens rule a medieval Human world, Tora, Human warrior trained by tigers, seeks her father's murderer. But what she finds at the point of her sword confuses her. How dare Dragomir, the handsome Mutant, question her bloodline and her loyalties? And could a new enemy control the savage hordes of the fringe?
Dragomir offers to help, but Humans and Mutants are forbidden to fraternize under penalty of death... Should Tora trust her mind, her instincts, or her heart?

In the vortex of war, treason and intrigue, among blizzards, avalanches and ambushes, will Tora solve the mystery of her father's death and unveil the secret of her birth? Can she and Dragomir escape persecutions long enough to save their planet from the invaders and fulfill their destiny?

"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere." - Johnna Flores - Coffee Time Romance - 5-cups rating

"...this is one futuristic that you do not want to miss!" - Naomi - Fallen Angels Reviews - 5 angels - Recommended Read

"...kept me enthralled from the first page...a thrilling science fiction romance" - Marlene Breakfield, Paranormal Romance Reviews

"...unique and extremely well constructed" - 4 1/2 stars - Review by Tami Brady at Book Ideas.com

"I'm adding this to my 'keeper' shelf and on the 'to be re-read' list" - Niniri Theriault for The Road to Romance

"...fast-paced story that draws the reader in and keeps him/her reading... The characters' personalities are believable and well rounded." 3 1/2 Tigers - Michelle Thomas - Gottawrite network

April 1, 2012 (no cover art available at this time):

A brand new novel, the prequel of the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series, titled NOAH'S ARK, is coming in eBook from Desert Breeze Publishing. This is the prelude to the series, the event that brought human settlers to this faraway world with no chance of contact or rescue.

When Trixie's starfreighter, Noah's Ark, drops out of jump space in an uncharted part of the universe, she believes the M-class planet on her viewer represents hope and salvation for her motley crew and the ragtag settlers aboard her ship.

Kostas, ex Space Marine, the expert survivalist recruited for this expedition, doesn't believe in coincidences, and knows that when something looks too good to be true...

Everyone, on this voyage to seed a new planet, is fleeing something, and harbors dangerous secrets... including Trixie, who vowed to never let a man control her life again. As for Kostas, he would get lynched on the spot if anyone suspected who he really is.

But on this seemingly abandoned planet, others are watching, herding them for evil purposes... and when the truth emerges and secrets unravel, Trixie and Kostas will have to fight for survival, for freedom, and for the right to love...

May 2012 - no cover art available at this time
CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE - Book One - PAGAN QUEEN

Series overview:
From history shrouded in myths, emerge the tumultuous lives of a post-Arthurian family of Magical Celtic Ladies, who roamed the civilized world in search of salvation from a curse. Wielding enchanted swords, they stir in their wake passions, wars, and destruction. For centuries they struggle for survival and acceptance in a Christian world, fight the Viking hordes, found new nations, build fortresses, send the first knights to the Holy Land, give birth to kings, cities, and new cultures.

Pagan Queen is set in Dumfries, in 806, on a medieval backdrop of ancient fortresses, Viking raids, epic battles, traditional feasts, enchanted swords, warrior knights, and divining basins. Pressine of Bretagne, born Fae and imbued with hereditary gifts, is sent by the Goddess she worships, to seduce King Elinas of Dumfries, and help him unite the tribes of Alba against the Viking invader. Head-strong and independent, Pressine did not expect Elinas to awaken in her such romantic feelings. He is noble, just and wise, and very attractive for his age. But her Pagan nature clashes with the religious fanaticism of the king’s heir, who sees her as anathema. Fighting the assaults of Charlemagne's bishops, struggling for acceptance in an increasingly Christian society, Pressine also seeks redemption from a curse that could be her undoing. Despite the dangers, for the love of her king, she defies the Goddess by becoming with child. But can her indomitable passion overcome the Faery curse?

Late 2012 - No cover art available yet
CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE - Book Two - ANATHEMA (working title)
from Books We Love Publishing

Set at the foundation of Luxembourg in 963. Battling the church and hiding the curse that makes her a serpent from the waist down one day each month, Melusine, daughter of Pressine, meets Sigefroid of Ardennes, a shrewd, ambitious knight, son of the Duke of Lorraine, who wants to carve himself a kingdom. To obey the Goddess, Melusine seduces him and becomes the very first Lady of Luxembourg. As Melusine struggles along her beloved count, she will build fortresses and cities and give birth to kings and emperors. But destiny never relents, and when Sigefroid turns religious, her very survival is at stake.

I may or may not write a novella for the holidays, depending on how much time I have left this year. These historical novels are much longer than the average book. Four more novels in the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE series will follow in 2013 and 2014.

In the meantime, you can find the links to my other titles on the web at the top of the right column on this page.

Wishing you all a fantastic year in 2012, with lots of love, happiness, good health, and success.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Twilight Over Moldavia, by Stephanie Burkhart

2012-01-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Burkhart takes us on a wonderful tour of this magical country that gave rise to vampires and werewolves, with austere castles perched on high cliffs, and their many secret passages. There is even an explanation of how the first vampire, Vlad the impaler, came to be.

I didn't mind that the author took a few liberties with history, since she gives the reader a warning up front. Her compelling characters are young and extremely likeable... Prince Stephan is wise beyond his years, and Princess Caroline is strong and compassionate. They face a dangerous fate, as they plan their royal wedding, the unification of Romania, and do so as they struggle to defeat a curse... not to forget falling in love, despite the trappings of their political marriage.

In this novel full of danger and intrigue, sexy scenes, and unspeakable secrets, the werewolves are the villains, and oh how dangerous they are, and unwashed, and uncivilized. The kind of villains you love to hate.

I would recommend to read the first book to better understand the enchanted nineteenth century world the author created for this series. I can't wait for book three

Find the book at DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING

Also available in eBook in nook at B&N and at Amazon in kindle, as well as at ARe.

Free kindle download for the holidays on Vijaya's books!

2011-12-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

Find ASHES FOR THE ELEPHANT GOD and CHECKMATE (Archangel Book Two) in free download on Amazon today.

ASHES FOR THE ELEPHANT GOD
Free kindle download HERE

Two lovers, murdered in a previous life, meet again in this life in India, where their murderess awaits...

"... a broad-stroked, magnificent picture of a lavish India of the past and the present... a vivid tale of suspense... a gripping account of a woman coming to terms with heightened awareness... a destiny that yields true fulfillment." The Book Reader

"... entertaining, fast-paces yet deeply spiritual... Here is a superior metaphysical novel!" Richard Fuller - Metaphysical Reviews

"... passionate... love, lust, faith and deception... a magnificent offering to the world of fiction..." Charlotte Austin Review

"...rich, sensual... multilayered... a thriller... magical, mystical book..." Writer's Digest

Archangel Book Two - CHECKMATE
Download it for free today on Amazon HERE

"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." --The Book Reader Magazine

"Wickedly insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel Crusader." --Curled up With a Good Book - 5 stars

"...charm that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer entertainment." --Rapport Magazine

"You will be hooked... a good read from start to finish." --Alan Caruba - BookViews

"Rollicks right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable." --Writer's Digest

Enjoy the gifts.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Cats, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Welcome guest author Stephanie Burkhart

2011-12-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

Stephanie is the author of the December 15 release called "The Faberge Secret." It's an international contemporary romance, novella size, something a little different from Stephanie's werewolf historical series, Romance Under the Moonlight.

INTERVIEW:

STEPH: Vijaya, I'd like to thank you for having me here today? I'm a big fan of your Chronicles of Kassouk series and I'm looking forward to Noah's Ark.

VIJAYA: What prompted you to write in different genres, like paranormal werewolf romances, historical, steampunk, and now contemporary? Is there more?

STEPH: Actually, there is more! The Green Rose is a fantasy romance and is due to be released 1 April with Desert Breeze. When I first started writing, I tried my hand at contemporary and really enjoyed it, finding I had a very good contemporary voice. I got away from the contemporary genre for a couple of years, but Mona Risk's international contemporaries have revitalized my interest in writing the genre again. Having spent 7 years in Europe during my time in the military, I developed a passion for traveling and learning about different cultures. What attracted me to paranormal writing was the concept of bringing out the humanity in a supernatural being. My paranormals tap into my love of the gothic. (as inspired by Victoria Holt)

When I started writing paranormals in the mid-2000's, it was a "hot" subgenre. Wanting to be different, I decided to deal with werewolves. I also wanted to place my paranormals in the late 1800's, early 1900's. It's a historical period that involves a lot of change and modernization that fascinates me. This time period resonates deeply in my soul. I'm very comfortable writing it. While I like reading historicals prior to 1850's, I find my historical voice is lacking for anything prior to 1850.

What I like about steampunk is how it requires a blend of elements – Victorian historical and paranormal steampunk allows an author to really expand their imagination. You have to envision a Victorian era world (a historical element that I feel fairly comfortable in) with fantastical steam drive futuristic gadgets with a paranormal element. (which I feel comfortable with)

I'd like to think, as a writer, I'm open to multiple subgenres. It allows me to grow, expand, learn, and sharpen my craft.

VIJAYA: Do your readers easily make the transition from one genre to the other? Do you use several names? How do you manage it?

STEPH: I'd like to think my readers manage the transition effortlessly because of my writing style. Regardless of genre, my stories engage the reader right away and I've got a writing style that's easy to read and flows well.

I do have a pen name – SG Cardin, my maiden name and when I write for the horror genre, I usually use my pen name.

I'm a hard copy note girl. My thoughts, story ideas, plot outlines, character bios are all neatly organized in a binders. I usually write one novel or short story at a time so I can give it my full attention.

VIJAYA: I see a trend in your books and a fascination with Central and Eastern Europe. Do you have roots there? Do you like the setting, the people from that area of the world? Have you been there?

STEPH: My ancestry is French, Polish, and Ukrainian. I grew up in Manchester, NH, the 2nd largest French speaking town in the US. At an early age I was completely fascinated with my French roots. I had 3 years of high school French. I wish I could have started my French studies earlier. I love the language, but I'm not quite fluent. As a senior in high school I had a Russian history class which resonated deeply within my soul. It was about this time the Army recruiter approached me about joining the Army and I saw this opportunity to travel to Europe so I took it.

Part of my heritage growing up involved Polish customs. At Christmas my grandmother would cook a feast of Polish foods – pierogi, stuffed cabbage, beet soup, fish soup, but I didn't appreciate it then as I do now. In 1997, I had a chance go to go Poland. I visited a pottery factory, but I also saw a land that wasn't as modernized as the west. In 2005, I read a novel, "Push Not The River," which really made me feel proud of my Polish heritage.

I spent 3 months in Hungary in 1997, on a military deployment. Hungary, and Budapest, especially was a jewel in Central Europe, a unique blend of the west and east. The Hungarians I met in Hungary were a wonderful people. Being on a military base, I dealt a lot with Hungarian translators and I admired them. Hungarian is a bear of a language and very different from English and the Romance languages I was familiar with. It takes real talent to translate from Hungarian to English.

The Hungarians I got to know were talented, giving people, eager to share their customs of Hungary with us. They were friendly and honest.

VIJAYA: How much research goes into your stories?

STEPH: It depends on the story. My steampunk, "Victorian Scoundrel," had me spending a good 3 weeks in research. For my paranormals, it takes about a week. They I spend a good week with preliminary task, plot outlines, characters development, etc.

VIJAYA: Tell us about your action packed past, your military career, your LAPD connections:

STEPH: I joined the U.S. Army in 1986. I was 18, and wanted to see the world. My MOS was 95B, Military Police, and I completed my basic and advanced training at Ft. McClellan, AL. My training was rigorous, but I learned things and did things I would have never done. I shot an M16 Assault Rifle and an M60 machine gun. I went on field problems and mile long marches.

When I went to Europe, I performed physical security duties and flew in a schnook. I went on field training exercises with the British Army. The British don't incorporate female soldiers so integrally into their army. (at least they didn't in 1987) and many British soldiers were duly impressed to see an American female MP. I enjoyed meeting British soldiers and learning about them. One thing I liked about the British was their MOPP gear, (mission orientated protective posture) which is worn when an NBC (nuclear, chemical, and biological threat) was elevated. Everything was Velcro and easy to put on.

I left the Army in 1998 and was hired by LAPD as a 911 dispatcher in 2000. I enjoy my job very much and find it very rewarding. I work a variety of positions as a "PSR" (police service representative) but nothing is as challenging as answering 911.

VIJAYA: I see lots of new titles coming up from you next year. Can you tell us about those?

STEPH: Sure. My Desert Breeze Titles include:

Twilight Over Moldavia – 1 JAN 2012 - Paranormal/werewolf romance - This is book 2 of my Moldavian Moon Series. Prince Stefan has been cursed to become a werewolf. As he tours Romania, he's hunted by a werewolf. Can Caroline's love free him from his curse?

The Green Rose – 1 APR 2012 - Fantasy romance - The peace of Gaia is threatened when the evil mage, Balthyser kidnaps King Juris of Tapin and King Edward of Daháka. Sonia and Ivánstan must seek out the magical green rose in the hopes of defeating Balthyser.

A Gentleman and A Rogue – 1 NOV 2012 - Steampunk romance - In Book 2 of The Windsor Diaries, Edmund and Alice travel back in time to "right" the time line, but Jonas Byron has other plans. Complicating matters is Edmund's brother, Richard, the guardian of the time line. He's sent back to stop Edmund from making mischief. Will Edmund "right" the time line and finally win Keira Russell's heart?

The Secret Door – 1 DEC 2012 - Paranormal/werewolf romance - This is book 4 in the Budapest Moon Series. It's 1927 in Budapest, Hungary. Sophia Varga is a well known Hungarian actress who finds herself in love with Zoltan Kristos, the Minister of Reconstruction and a werewolf. Sophia and Zoltan embark on a secret and passionate love affair, but their love will be tested when their secret is discovered.

My latest release is an international contemporary novella entitled: The Faberge Secret.
BLURB:

Elise Goodwin runs a heritage museum in Brattleboro, Vermont. She travels to Boston to buy some items for her museum at Sotheby's auction. What she acquires is a delicious surprise that would excite any curator – a Faberge egg.
Enter Russian businessman Dimitri Romanov. He goes to the auction with the intent of buying the egg only to discover that Elise is in possession of it. His dilemma? He's attracted to the petite brunette with doe-like eyes and a trusting disposition.

Complicating matters is Dimitri's rival, Gustav Kelch, who wants the precious jeweled object for his own collection. Can Dimitri protect Elise from Kelch?

SHORT EXCERPT:

His gaze was as soft as a caress. He reached out and tucked a stray tendril of her hair behind her ear. Slowly, he curved his hand around the nape of her neck and moved closer so there was no space between them. Their lips skirted each other's, teasing, tempting, until Dimitri's mouth captured hers in a drugging kiss.

His lips were firm – persuasive. He smelled wonderful – soap and sandalwood. Something intense flared within her. She fisted her hands against the lapels of his coat. Her body betrayed her desire. His erection pressed against her thigh.

All of a sudden, an all-crushing fear consumed her. He was hard for her. It was too soon, too fast. She broke the kiss, practically pushing him away.

"Elise--" Dimitri began.

"Umph!"

Elise's heart jumped. She swung around and looked at the door. Dimitri peered over her shoulder.

It was slightly open.

"Lucy!" Elise forgot about Dimitri's kiss and pushed open the door, rushing in. Dimitri was right behind her. Concern spiked within her the second she saw Lucy.

Lucy's hands and feet were tied to a chair and a gag was in her mouth. The room was thrashed. Their suitcases were turned over; clothes and books were tossed haphazardly about.

Fear knotted inside Elise. She rushed to the chair and took off the gag. Dimitri also rushed to the chair and began untying the knots at Lucy's feet. Concern for her friend was evident in his eyes. Elise was thrilled that Dimitri helped with no hesitation or reservations.

"What happened? Who did this?" asked Elise.

"They were looking for the egg," said Lucy. She glanced at Dimitri, but instead of her earlier resistance to him, gratefulness filled her eyes.

Dimitri froze, glancing up, his stare drilling into Elise. "Egg? A Faberge egg?"

Elise loosened one of the knots around Lucy's hand. She looked at Dimitri, perplexed. "What do you know about Faberge eggs?"

He muttered something to himself in Russian, finished untying Lucy's knot around her second foot and stood, straightening his shoulders.

"That's what I lost – that's what I've been looking for – my Faberge egg."

Visit Stephanie at:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS has a new price for the holidays - Vijaya Schartz

2011-12-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, you can now get A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS for 99 cents in all formats at SmashWords, and in Kindle from Amazon.com.

Not just another busy night on the Arizona border.

Rookie Border Patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men, since her lover jilted her and she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border in southern Arizona, she encounters more than she can handle. No amount of training prepared her to arrest the gorgeous desperado who challenges her. His name is Miguel, a human smuggler fascinated by the green eyes of the feisty auburn-haired beauty bent on impeding his important work. But Miguel is a man of many secrets. And on this dangerous adventure through the Arizona desert, anything can and will happen.

"A Desperado for Christmas is a love story and an adventure rolled in to one. There is very little "down time" in this fast-paced story, and this reader was glued to it until the very end." Fallen Angel Reviews
"...The reader can really empathize with her character on many levels. Ms. Schartz also does a fantastic job of setting you right in the scene with her characters. She builds the suspense and follows through with vigor, sweeping her readers up in the action." Coffee Time Romance

"Vijaya Schartz always manages to produce stories that are a spectacular blend of romance and action and this one is no exception." CK2S Kwips & Kritiques

"...a romantic adventure from beginning to end. Brimming with twists, secret identities and danger on every page, this is a page turner that will entertain any reader. I will be interested in checking out additional titles by this author." Joyfully Reviewed

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Guns, Swords, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya's books at Amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/author/vijayaschartz

Vijaya's eBooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Vijaya's nooks at:
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=vijaya+schartz&STORE=EBOOK&SZE=100&SRT=SA

Vijaya's books at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Schartz

Comfortable Moments - by A.R. Norris

2011-12-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

My friend and I were having lunch and the discussion moved to relationships. My friend asked me what my favorite memory was with my husband.
“Geez. 16 years adds up to a lot of memories,” I said. (This was a while ago. We’re on 18 years now.)

“One,” she insisted. “And not the birth of your children. It has to be an experience that was just you and him.”

I sat back and one memory kept floating to the surface. No, that couldn’t be my favorite memory, I thought. It’s so... boring and dull. But it wouldn’t go away. It was my favorite memory.

“Ash and I dropped the kids at my sisters and snuck off to the beach. It was Fall and the northern coast was warm and there was no wind for a change. We’d brought a blanket thinking we’d need to sit on the sand wrapped up in it, but instead we were able to lay it out. Ash and I sat and talked. Then laid and talk. And then took a nap together on the beach.”

Huh, who would’ve thought?

But in hindsight, it makes sense. This was quite some time ago and between then and this post I had a major health issue. After the ambulance took me to the hospital in the city for surgery, my husband dropped the kids off at my sisters and met me there. We sat in the patient room and talked. When I got tired, I laid the bed down and with him sitting in the guest chair, we talked. Then we took a light nap together. (That could’ve just been me sleeping... can’t be sure.)

Passion is exciting, yes. And it burns hot, most certainly. But the most meaningful and deep moments are often those quiet moments where it’s just you and him, beyond the passion. Because let’s face it, passion without love it like a fire with only kindling... it burns fast and then is dead. Love is the log that keeps the fire going.

In my latest release, Revelations of Tomorrow, Doctor Brenda Bonney and Captain Makai Yourimoc have one of those comfortable moments. Well, if they weren’t chasing space pirates and stopping a terrorist plot, who knows, their courtship probably would’ve taken years with how understated and introverted they are.

Excerpt:

Brenda and the captain returned the way they'd come, not speaking. The sounds of woods were calming and she enjoyed the moment of quiet. She'd grown up in space, mostly in vessels. There'd always been something running and making a disruptive noise of some sort. These sounds of nature were in synch with the environment.

"You do not smile enough, Doctor." He slipped the machete back in its scabbard, on the opposite side from his standard sword.

She'd expected it so make a shish sound as it slid in, but it was silent. So much for the inertial vids.

"Please, call me Brenda." She decided not to respond to his observation, not sure whether it was a complaint or a compliment. Maybe a mixture of both.

"Okay, Brenda it is, if you call me Makai, of course."

They fell into a content quiet for some time. Brenda immersed herself in her surroundings on the way back through the forest. The noises blended together could've come across chaotic. Instead, the rustling of leaves, chattering of various animals, and the crackling of brush underneath their feet made for harmonic music. Added with the mixed smells of flowers, rotting woods, damp ground foliage, and the subtle acrid scents of weeds, the experience was rich and if she could describe it thusly -- thick.

Coming from the sterile environment of vessel living, she found the organic surrounding enveloping. The connection beyond her physical self and a sense of relaxed enjoyment spread through her spirit.

"These woods are very peaceful. I'm surprised there's no settlement here. It'd be a great vacation spot," she voiced to her quiet, contemplative companion and wondered if his thoughts were in line with her own.

"It is unusual. I was raised on a planet similar to this. It can be very peaceful, but also very... enclosing." A flash of grief crossed his face and his mouth tightened momentarily before he sighed and looked out beyond her into the trees.

Before she had a chance to filter herself, she asked, "Why does that make you sad, Makai?"

He stared down at his hands a moment and blinked several times. Many minutes they walked in silence. Brenda began to assume he wouldn't tell her. Her heart ached for him and she wanted to reach out and grasp his arm in comfort.

"My wife," he started, but his voice cracked. "My wife and I settled on my planet for many years. She loved our home. Several years ago I uprooted her to take a position on a satellite station."

The shock of his marriage startled her. The idea had never crossed her mind and the revelation caused her a little embarrassment at the direction many of her thoughts had gone since their introduction. "Oh. I'm sure your wife adjusted well to the station."

"No. She never made it. I'm a widower now." He said it in the simple way she'd heard other long-term widowers say it. Grief settled on him like a long worn suit, very deep inside and only came out occasionally during strong memory triggers.

She didn't touch him. It would be wrong at the moment, disrespectful to his wife's memory. Just as any comment would've been insincere.

He shook off the moment. "I apologize. It hits me sometimes unexpectedly. It was many years ago and I've managed to reconcile the grief." To prove it, he bent without missing a stride and plucked a purple flower. Handing it to her he said, "You look like a fairy in these woods, Brenda."

She allowed a small gasp, took the flower, and sniffed the beautiful scent. "Your wife must've been very lucky in her marriage."

They smiled at each other and completed the rest of the walk in a content silence.

*****

Purchase Links:

Amazon kindle - B&N nook - All Romance eBooks
Also from the Sony Reader Store, and Apple's iBookstore

Anne McCaffrey, the Grande Dame of the Dragons of Pern, left us at 85

2011-11-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

I will always remember the wonder of reading my first, worn, library copy of the first book in the Dragons of Pern series. And I believe I read all of Anne McCaffrey's books I could get my hands on. She wrote over a hundred of them. I even read her less known sci-fi stories, like the Crystal Singer. I loved them all, but the dragons stuck in my mind.

Anne is one of the unique authors who inspired me to write and create fantastic worlds of my own. Born in the US in 1926, she died on the other side of the pond, shortly after a stroke. I'm sure she is now flying on the backs of her magnificent dragons, and enjoying the company of dragon riders.

May you repose in peace, Anne. You gave us countless hours of reading pleasure, you transported us to a world where adventure and passions rule and justice always prevails. We love you for enriching our lives and our intellects.

I, for one, will never forget.

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Traveling to India, the land of the Blue Gods

2011-11-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I was privileged to live in India for many months, in an ashram in a small village of Maharastra. At the time I wasn't writing novels but studying, translating nonfiction books, meditating, and keeping journals and travel logs. I fell in love with the land of the blue gods, the smells, the colors, the people and their philosophy.

It took me several years after I left this fascinating culture to finally have enough distance to write about it. It's difficult to write what you are living now. Later, with a broader perspective, you undersdand the facts better and the emotions are still fresh enough. Anyhow, since I write fiction, I decided to use my experiences of India as the backdrop for a love story, a very Indian story, a story of reincarnation.

That's how ASHES FOR THE ELEPHANT GOD was born. Although the story is fictitious, I used my deep immersion into East Indian culture to write a unique story tied to a unique place. In this novel, India is omnipresent, and only in India could this story ever happen. This book is the only one of mine like this. It is the book of my heart, the important book I was meant to write.

My other novels are action romances and romantic science fiction. I create new imaginary worlds for them. Although I wish I could visit the future and travel to other planets and come back to write about it. Maybe one day I will... if I live long enough. One can only hope. Since according to Indian culture, death is only the beginning and we keep reincarnating until the end of times.

ASHES FOR THE ELEPHANT GOD

To scatter her brother's ashes over the Narmada River, Fabienne leaves France for the mysterious India of her childhood dreams. As she awakens to a newfound spirituality, unexpected visions of a former life during the Raj stir ancient yearnings for a long lost passion. Mukunda, the palace architect Fabienne loved a century and a half ago, lives again as an American engineer and works on the local dam project. As Fabienne falls in love again with India and the man of her destiny, the tapestry of her previous life unfolds. But, in the karmic land of the blue gods, a ruthless foe lies in wait. The Kali worshiper, who murdered the two lovers in a faraway past, has come back through the centuries to thwart their dream once more.

reviews:

"... a broad-stroked, magnificent picture of a lavish India of the past and the present... a vivid tale of suspense... a gripping account of a woman coming to terms with heightened awareness... a destiny that yields true fulfillment." The Book Reader

"... entertaining, fast-paces yet deeply spiritual... Here is a superior metaphysical novel!" Richard Fuller - Metaphysical Reviews

"... passionate... love, lust, faith and deception... a magnificent offering to the world of fiction..." Charlotte Austin Review

"...rich, sensual... multilayered... a thriller... magical, mystical book..." Writer's Digest

The book is now available in all eBook formats. There is an older edition paperback with a different cover and you might still be able to find a rare copy on the internet.

Wishing you all travels, discovery, and many adventures on the way.
And a fantastic holiday season.

Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Some Kind of Magic - By Lisabet Sarai - comment to win

2011-11-04T01:12:00.000-07:00

BIO: A dozen years ago LISABET SARAI experienced a serendipitous fusion of her love of writing and her fascination with sex. Since then she has published two single author short story collections and six erotic novels, including the BDSM classic Raw Silk. Dozens of her shorter works have been released as ebooks and in print anthologies. She has also edited several acclaimed anthologies and is currently responsible for the altruistic erotica series COMING TOGETHER PRESENTS.

Lisabet holds more degrees than anyone needs from prestigious universities who would no doubt be embarrassed by her chosen genre. She loves to travel and currently lives in Southeast Asia with her highly tolerant husband and two cosmopolitan felines. For more information on Lisabet and her writing visit Lisabet Sarai's Fantasy Factory http://www.lisabetsarai.com/ or her blog Beyond Romance (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/ ).

Sometimes writing seems like a magical act. You spend some time in your head and some time pounding the keys, and voila – you've created a book. Even if you're the most organized plotter on the planet, there are always revelations that occur during the process. The best laid plans can definitely be hijacked by a recalcitrant character or a sudden burst of insight. Despite what some “how-to” volumes about writing might suggest, writing fiction is not primarily a rational process that can be analyzed and controlled.

It all begins with that germ of an idea. It might be an image, a particular scene that plays itself out on the screen of your mind and that you just have to describe. My paranormal novel Necessary Madness grew from my image of a young man sprawled on the pavement beneath an overpass, surrounded by drunks and bums, ravaged by horrible, precognitive visions. Kyle was desperate, driven to the brink of sanity by his unwanted talent for seeing the future. He needed someone to save him before he succumbed to the dangers of living on the street or death by his own hand. Necessary Madness tells the story of Kyle and Rob Murphy, the gruff cop who needs some emotional rescue himself.

Many of my stories derive their emotional essence from personal experience. Raw Silk, my first published novel, recreates my own confusion and fascination when I was first introduced to BDSM. It also draws on my memories of the two years I lived and worked in Bangkok. The book is not auto-biographical, but nevertheless incorporates many details from my history (as well as a selection of my most cherished fantasies).

I've had cases where an entire story grew from a title that popped into my mind. You can find two examples on my free reading page – “Crowd Pleaser" and “The Antidote”. On the other hand, sometimes I'll be close to finishing a story and still struggle to find an appropriate title.

And sometimes – I have no idea where the story comes from. One minute I'm scratching my head, wondering what to write. The next minute, I know the characters and their conflicts, and have a fairly clear vision of the narrative arc and the resolution.

Like I said, it's a kind of magic.

I have a paranormal release coming out next Monday from Total-E-Bound, called Hot Spell. The genesis of this tale definitely included something near supernatural. My editor had asked if I'd like to submit a novella for TEB's “Lust Bites” line. “The hotter the better,” she said. I started casting my mind around for a story idea and found myself focusing on the idea of heat. For one thing, I live in a tropical country where there are three seasons: hot, hotter and unbearably hot. It happened to be during the third season when I began work on this! I'm not normally the sort who basks in the heat, but I happened to remember, as I was walking and thinking, a high summer encounter with my boyfriend when I was in grad school, in which the sweltering weather seemed to intensify our passion. The next moment, I had my title, and maybe five minutes later, my heroine.

Sylvie endures a solitary urban existence for the sake of her career, but she's far more at home in nature than in the city, The city swelters in the grip of an unseasonable heat wave. and Sylvie escapes to the pine-shrouded mountains east of the metropolis.

There, of course, she meets the hero, a muscular, sun-bronzed man with the red-gold hair who's cursed with power he fears will destroy her if they give full rein to their passion. Aidan is a Fire Elemental, and he knows from tragic past experience that if he makes love to a mortal, she's be burned to ash.

In fifteen minutes, I'd figured out the framework for the story. Of course, the writing took longer, but I had a clear notion of where I was going the entire time. In a matter of a few days, I had a tale that was sensual, tender, and both literally and figuratively hot.

I knew the name I wanted for my heroine right away – Sylvie, derived from the Latin word for “forest”. Initially, I didn't know what to call the hero. Then all of a sudden, the name Aidan popped into my head. I knew it was Celtic, but otherwise I had no idea of its significance. It just felt right, so I kept it.

Halfway through the writing, I looked up the name. Imagine my wonder when I found that it means “fire”!

Magic indeed!

Anyway, here's a sneak peak at Hot Spell. And by the way - I will be giving away a copy of a paranormal book from my back list (your choice of Serpent's Kiss, Rendezvous, or Fire in the Blood) to one lucky person who leaves a comment.

Hot Spell Excerpt (PG)

“Are you hungry?” His voice was steady—pleasant but neutral—belying the riotous signals she picked up from his body. “I’m afraid all I can offer is canned chilli, with some wild greens I picked this morning…”

"Yes, I’m hungry, she wanted to scream. Hungry for you! Then shame flooded her, damping down her desire. She had promised him she’d behave, that she’d keep her distance and not tempt him. She wasn’t sure that she subscribed to his conviction that their making love would kill her, but clearly he believed it and suffered for that belief. Reminding him of their mutual attraction would just make him more miserable. For his sake, she had to control her carnal urges, difficult as that might be.

“Sounds good to me. At least as appetising as dinner back at my campsite—freeze-dried beef stew.” He rose from his chair and she followed. “Can I help?”

“No, that’s okay. It’ll just take me a few minutes. But come over here first. You’ll like this.” He gestured towards the south-facing windows, the ones near the cots. A gap of about a yard separated the two beds. They stood together in that space, gazing out of the open window.

To the west, at their right, rose the high peaks, jagged and ashen against the orange sky. The sun streamed through gaps between them, loosing shafts of fire into the valley. Far below the fire tower, Crystal Lake was transformed from the sapphire mirror she’d seen earlier in the day to a sheet of beaten gold. The trees surrounding the water were already grey-green shadows, but the lake burned like the caldera of a volcano, brimming with molten lava.

Sylvie caught her breath. It was exquisite—awe-inspiring. Nothing in her city life was this lovely. Nothing had this power to rouse her emotions. A sense of completion, of rightness, settled on her. This was where she belonged. At the same time, her whole body vibrated with a new kind of excitement, similar to sexual arousal but somehow more subtle and refined.

She was acutely aware of Aidan’s bulk beside her and the strong, male scent of his sweat. He radiated heat—a human furnace. That was part of this bliss, too, inseparable from the miracle of the fiery water. Her need for him was a fierce, sweet ache that brought pleasure even without being consummated.

She didn’t dare move. She didn’t want to break the spell. Then she felt his fingers entwine with hers. She sensed the strength in his grip even as her skin burned from the contact.

Sylvie did not turn to him. It wasn’t necessary. She knew what he was thinking. She understood he wanted her. For now, in this endless moment, that was enough. His guilt eased in her presence. She felt his tension dissipate, bit by bit, as they continued to hold hands.

either spoke. Neither made any sort of effort to deepen the touch or turn it into something more explicitly sexual. That would have been redundant. They stood together, perfectly connected, until the sun sank out of sight and the flaming lake was extinguished.

*****

I want to thank Vijaya for letting me come and play on her blog.

NEW RELEASE AND CONTEST:

Hot Spell will be released on November 14th. You can pre-order it now – or leave a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing to win a free copy. I'm blogging all over the place this month. You can find a schedule in the left-hand sidebar at my blog (http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com). Anyone who leaves a comment (with your email please! I need to be able to find you if you win!) on any of my guest posts will be entered into the contest. I'll draw the name on the first of December.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! - Contest Winner - More books to win

2011-10-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winner of COYOTE GORGEOUS, commenter Andy M. Burns. He received the pdf via email this morning.

But do not despair. My Holiday Contest is still going on my website and if you click on CONTEST at the top right at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/ you could win a copy of A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS.

In the meantime, wishing you all a fantastic Halloween, with lots of sweet things, and not necessarily candy.

Then stay tuned for November 4th, when Lisabet Sarai is a guest on thisblog, talking about her naughty new releases in Erotic Romance.

Stay safe.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi & Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CONTEST TO WIN COYOTE GORGEOUS

2011-10-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Perfect read for Halloween, my shapeshifter novella is up for grabs. Just leave a comment with your email address, for a chance to win a pdf copy.

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

And when Kaletaka, a Hopi sculptor, awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

"Phenomenal world building, characters the readers care about, and an intriguing mystery... COYOTE GORGEOUS has all the elements one expects from a Vijaya Schartz story! Easily recommended!" - 4.5 shamrocks - Debbie CK2sKwipsandKritiques.

"So many times my theory of who done it was thwarted and yet I was thrilled to stay on the edge of my seat until the very last word just to find out." Five stars - Book Junkie Reviews

"...excellent characters... well written. Fascinated about the subject matter and the legends..." Five hearts - Romance Book Scene

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

New Holiday Contest To Win A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-10-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Rookie Border Patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men, since her lover jilted her and she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border in southern Arizona, she encounters more than she can handle. No amount of training prepared Kaitlin to arrest the gorgeous desperado who challenges her. His name is Miguel, a human smuggler fascinated by the green eyes of the feisty auburn-haired beauty bent on impeding his important work. But Miguel is a man of many secrets. On this dangerous adventure through the Arizona desert, anything can and will happen.

ENTER TO WIN THIS HOLIDAY STORY AT:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/ and click on CONTEST at the top right.

Good luck.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya's paperbacks, kindle, and audiobooks at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

Vijaya's eBooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Vijaya's nooks at:
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=vijaya+schartz&STORE=EBOOK&SZE=100&SRT=SA

Vijaya's eBooks at Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/schartz

TV shows CASTLE, BODY OF PROOF, DANCING WITH THE STARS

2011-10-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Despite the blogs criticizing it, I still love Castle. I don't know much about police procedurals, so the flaws mentioned in the blogs didn't bother me in this week's episode. I just enjoyed the entertaining value, and the trip in the cryogenic lab was fun. Although I agree that the formulaic pace could be improved. Every time my husband says "This guy is the murderer for sure," I check the clock and say "Nope. We are only twenty minutes into the episode, so it's a red herring for sure."

I also watch BODY OF PROOF, on Tuesdays after the results of Dancing With the Stars, and find myself enjoying it, too. Just when you think it can't get worse, it does (in a good way). Great storylines. And they saved the sick little boy who was kidnapped, and the culprit was totally unexpected.

As you can probably tell, I'm a fan of Dancing with the Stars, and last night's elimination was a total let down. I hate it when the viewers do not vote according to talent. But, of course that's what makes the competition unpredictable. Although I believe the judges' scores should count for more than half. This happened in the finals of a previous season, and they changed the system so that at least the final say is to the judges in the last contest and quality can win over popularity. Will probably keep watching, but much of the spark is gone.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

BLACK DRAGON has a winner - the novella is out today!

2011-10-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the contest is Cherie Michalec from OK. Congratulations, Cherie, and thank you for your support. I've seen your name entering my contests many times.

BLACK DRAGON is now available for download in kindle, in nook, from the publisher Desert Breeze in many formats, and will be at All Romance eBooks before this day is over. The beauty of this novella, although my other books from this publisher are more expensive, this shorter one is only $2.99.

So follow the links below for the downloads.
I wish you happy reading.

Find out more about this novella HERE

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya's paperbacks, kindle, and audiobooks at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

Vijaya's eBooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Vijaya's nooks at:
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=vijaya+schartz&STORE=EBOOK&SZE=100&SRT=SA

Vijaya's eBooks at Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/schartz

BLACK DRAGON has a cover - enter to win a copy

2011-09-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Coming close to the release of BLACK DRAGON, the BOREALIS universe novella coming from Desert Breeze Publishing on October 1, 2011. The cover matches all the covers designed for this series.

In orbit over a deserted outpost at the edge of conquered space sits an aging space station under the control of the Trans Planetary Protectorate named Borealis. It is slowly falling apart as the Protectorate funnels its massive resources into the border wars and keeping the outlaying systems in line, as insurrections break out.

This series includes anthologies and single novellas from various authors, set on the same space station with a few recurring characters. Just like episodes of your favorite sci-fi TV shows

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.

There is still time to enter my contest and win a pdf copy of this novella. Just click on CONTEST on the top right at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya Schartz

Romantic Science Fiction with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COVER MODEL?

2011-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Thomas comes to mind as the inspiration for my latest hero, BLACK DRAGON. But he did not become one of the most popular romance cover models by chance. There are many ways to become such a favorite of the ladies who read romance, in the wake of other famous names, like Jimmy and Fabio. Visit Jimmy's impressive website at: http://www.jimmythomas.com/

One climbs to this height by maintaining a body to make women swoon. Yes, I'm using romance language here, as it is advisable. Being friendly to the camera is a must. You do not have to be perfect. Perfection would be boring. It's the small imperfection that make a face endearing, or a mouth kissable. There is also the photographer's talent, the lighting. Everything in taking pictures for a romance novel cover contributes to the beauty, the mood, the special effects. And yes, a touch up here and there is sometimes necessary, but that's the nature of this business.

Okay, okay, this is a PG13 blog. Still, I do not apologize for writing romantic science fiction. A hero and a heroine deserve their reward after the battle.

So, if you are so inclined, if women turn around to look at you, if they do a double take, if they smile when you walk by, and if you think you can handle a career in this field, maybe this contest is for you.

For years, Romantic Times sponsored the Mr. Romance Contest. Since they are not doing it next year, the romance writing community of Arizona is organizing the Mr. Right contest for cover models. You have to be 21 to enter, and there is a very small fee. But you could end up on the cover of a romance novel from Sapphire Blue Publishing, one of the sponsors of this contest, and, incidently, one of my publishers.

Here is the link to information and registration. It will all take place during the Chocolate Affaire (an event of romance and chocolate) in Glendale Arizona the first weekend of February 2012. Good luck to all the handsome devils who will compete for the coveted spot. This could be the start of a new career.

http://www.valleyofthesunrw.com/mr-right-contest/

Good luck! See you at the Chocolate Affaire with Jimmy Thomas in February, where I will be autographing my books. Jimmy will be coordinating and judging the contest. Ladies, come for the romance novels and the show. I wouldn't miss it for anything. There will be much picture taking, so bring your cameras.

ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN BLACK DRAGON

2011-08-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

BLACK DRAGON, a novella from the Borealis Universe, is coming October 1, 2011 from Desert Breeze Publishing. BOREALIS is an aging space station at the edge of the known universe. Various authors contribute to this series with novellas... like episodes of your favorite sci-fi shows. Like in all my stories, there is a cat, this time a white Angora. You might recognize the actor and model I portrayed as the inspiration for my characters. Namely, Cover Model Jimmy Thomas, and the lovely actress Alyssa Milano.

I am still waiting for the book cover. Will post it when I have it.

This is what the story is about:

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.

Find out more about this story and the entire series at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/blackdragon.html

For a chance to win a pdf copy of this future release, click on CONTEST on the top right at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Good luck.

Vijaya Schartz
Romantic Science Fiction with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

DON'T MISS THE BLUE LIONESS BLOG TOUR

2011-08-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the dates and the links. Don't be afraid to comment, for several of these blogs one commenter will win a pdf of Blue Lioness. Here are the dates and links:

Thursday August 4, 2011 - The Eclectic Writer Blog - Interview
http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com/2011/08/thursdays-interview-vijaya-schartz.html

Sunday, August 7, 2011 - Goddess Fish Launch Party - Blue Lioness:
http://goddessfishparty.blogspot.com/2011/08/blue-lioness-chronicles-of-kassouk-book.html

Monday August 8 - Desert Breeze Blog - Author Spotlight Q&A with Vijaya Schartz:
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/2011/08/author-spotlight-q-with-vijaya-schartz.html

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 - Desert Breeze Blog - Spotlight week - Vijaya Schartz about Science Fiction
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/2011/08/author-spotlight-week-vijaya-schartz.html

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - LASR (Long And Short Reviews) blog - Vijaya Schartz - HOW TO RECONCILE THE LOVE OF HISTORY AND THE LOVE OF SCIENCE FICTION AND WRAP THEM UP INTO A ROMANCE.
http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - Desert Breeze Blog spotlight - http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 11, 2011 - Desert Breeze Blog spotlight
Vijaya talks about her favorite authors
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/

Friday, August 12, 2011 - Desert Breeze Blog spotlight
Excerpts of BLUE LIONESS
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/

Sunday, August 14, 2011 - LOVE ROMANCE CAFE YAHOO GROUP CHAT
Join the group for the chat at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/?yguid=222321667

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 - Vijaya on the PARANORMAL ROMANTICS BLOG
http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/

Saturday, August 27, 2011 - Vijaya posts an article on writing dialogue at SAVVY AUTHORS
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php

How I became addicted to my eBook reader by Vijaya Schartz

BLUE LIONESS, by Vijaya Schartz, is out today!

2011-08-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

Blue Lioness
Chronicles of Kassouk Book Four
by Vijaya Schartz
Romantic Science Fiction
from Desert Breeze Publishing
Release date: August 1, 2011

Available in all eBook formats everywhere.

In the face of Human slavery, Back Sword Captain Ariela of Kassouk must do the unthinkable. Rebel against the Mutant regime. But she cannot do it alone.

Ariela suspects the king's death is no accident. And the tyrant who usurped the throne looks guilty as hell. As leader of the Human rebellion against the Mutant rulers, Ariela is desperate for help, and Lord Starro, the handsome Crown Prince of the Star Children, offers the technology the Human faction lacks. But can Ariela trust a spoiled, arrogant foreign prince who never fought a battle, and thinks he is destined to rule the universe? Is she trading one tyrant for another? No matter how kind, handsome, or fascinating, Starro has frightening mental abilities. And this alliance is not safe, especially for Ariela's heart.

Each story in the Chronicles of Kassouk series can be read independently, but if you are like me you like to read them in the right order. Here they are:

WHITE TIGER - Book One
RED LEOPARD - Book Two
BLACK JAGUAR - Book Three
BLUE LIONESS - Book Four

This series would now be complete, except that I am now writing a prequel, which will tell the story of how it all started. The book will be titled NOAH'S ARK, and will be released from Desert Breeze in April of 2012.

Enjoy!

Vijaya Schartz
Romantic Science Fiction with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

BLUE LIONESS HAS A COVER - ENTER THE CONTEST TO WIN IT

2011-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

I could not be more pleased with the cover of BLUE LIONESS, coming August 1, 2011 from Desert Breeze Publishing, in all eBook formats everywhere.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN a pdf copy of this book. Click on CONTEST to enter your name.

In the story, the lioness is silvery gray, but Blue Lioness is also the warrior name of the heroine, Ariela, who has blond hair with a streak of blue on each side and Cerulean blue eyes.

The cover with the grey lion looked washed out on the blue background, it looked more like a wolf than a lion, and from a distance, it resembled too much the cover of WHITE TIGER, Book one in the series. I like the fact that all the covers in the series have the same feel. See them all in a row HERE

So I opted for a not so blue lioness on the cover, but I love it. The eyes are striking. And I believe covers are more subliminal than actually representative of the real characters in the book.

So I opted for this one, and I am dancing around my office, sending this splendid cover to everyone I know.

Don't forget to enter the contest. Click on Contest on my website to enter, and on the cover of Blue Lioness anywhere on my site to open a full page and learn more about it (including an exerpt).

Hope you enjoy reading this novel as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Science Fiction, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

INTERVIEW WITH ECLECTIC AUTHOR JANET LANE WALTERS

2011-07-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Vijaya: When are your latest and upcoming releases, and what genre or subgenre are they?

Janet: Latest release. In June, there were four, all re-releases - three contemporary and one historical. Any day now there will be two more, one a contemporary set of novellas with Jane Toombs, called Moon Pool and the other is a YA fantasy called Quests and is part of a YA series. I tend to pop around the genres a lot. Actually The Temple of Fyre though already in electronic form has been released in paperback/

Vijaya: Tell me a little about these books

Janet: The Temple of Fyre is a spicy fantasy romance. The heroine is in training as a priestess of the temple of Fyre and does not like some of the chief priestess' ideas. She is beaten and rescued by the hero. The pair sets off to find the fabled original temple. To gain full control of the fyrestones they must unit physically, mentally and emotionally. They face a final battle with the evil priestess and change the ways of the Temple of Fyre.

More titles coming soon:

The Moon Pool is based on a legend and is paranormal in tone. "Looking into the moon pool on the night of a full moon you will see the one meant for you." One of my heroines looked and rejected the choice. She has a second chance if she goes to the pool during a 'Blue' moon. The second heroine has seen the one for her, married him but he refused to look in the pool. He is dead and she is drawn to the moon pool a second time.

In Quests, the story begun in Flight and Refuge continues. The young people set off on three quests. One group seeks the gems that enhance their control of an element, earth, water, fire or air. The second group searches for artifaces such as a sword, a staff of living wood, a scrying cup and a flute. The third group seeks the remaining halflings with affinities to complete their four quartets. Along the way they must face Dom Senet and his minions and find ways to keep from capture.

Vijaya: How long have you been writing? How many books do you have?

Janet: If we go with the ones I had published before I took the time out to return to nursing to put my children through school there are a number. 31 or so plus 3 non fiction. There are also 7 novellas, some short stories and poems. I began writing in 1968 so it's 40 plus years.

Vijaya: How did you manage to have so many titles? How long are your stories?

Janet: Writing is my obsession and my addiction. I write every day usually several thousand words. The stories range in length from 1500 words to 100,000 words. Most come in around 70,000 words. Each story is as long as it needs to be to accomplish what I set out to do.

Vijaya: Do you find it difficult to write in various genres?

Janet: Since I love reading in a number of genres, I find no problem switching from one to another. I spend a short time telling myself what kind of writer I am until the book is finished. At present I'm into spicy, contemporary and the next will be a paranormal alternate world. Once the current one is finished I'll program myself to a new genre.

Vijaya: Do you write one book at a time? Or can you work on several stories at once?

Janet: Absolutely only one book at a time. If there are stray thoughts about other books I'll jot a note and file that for later. Once tried to do more than one at once but then I became impatient to see something finished so I concentrated on one of the projects.

Vijaya: Are you a plotter or a pantser? and why?

Janet: I am sort of both or neither. I always know the beginning and the end of the story before I begin. Unless I have the ending nailed down I tend to wander. I do a sort of treatment that tells the story in a few paragraphs or pages. This will be divided into scenes or chapters. What happens in each chapter will be left to the writing. The outline is sort of hero meets heroine. bad guy comes onto the scene. they make love. they have a disagreement. Not really a plotting but not a panster just semi-organized.

Vijaya: Who are your favorite authors?

Janet: There is a long list.Bujold, Mccaffrey, Norton, Bradley, Dick Francis, Rollins. I jsut read a lot and there are the oldies John Donne, Tolstoy, Austen. Could have pages of favorites.

Thank you Janet for joining us on this blog.

Find more about Janet on her website HERE
Find her blog, the Eclectic Writer HERE
Find Janet's books at Amazon HERE
Find Janet's many titles in paperback and all eBook formats from all online distributors.

INTERVIEW WITH PARANORMAL ROMANCE AUTHOR KETA DIABLO

2011-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Warning: Keta writes the spicier kind of romance. So beware if you visit her sites.

Vijaya: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Keta: Thank you so much for asking. I just finished an anthology with three wonderful authors, Stacey Kennedy, Amber Scott and Elise Hepner called Kissed From Beyond. This is four paranormal stories involving ghosts, time travel, and genies. More information on Kissed From Beyond here: Kindle: http://amzn.to/eTSYsq

Mystic Sword was just released this week, July 10th. This is the original short story that launched the full-length novel The Sin Eater’s Prince. Think werewolves, vampires, Wales, mysticism. More about Mystic Sword here for only .99 cents: http://amzn.to/nQJYIv

Vijaya: What's your favorite drink with a kick? What's your guilty pleasure?

Keta: I’m a huge coffee drinker, but I don’t much of a kick unless you consider cream a “kick”. My son read an article to me last night about how good coffee is for you medically. “I just knew it,” I said. According to the article, it’s good for your liver, your intestines and fights diabetes. Who woulda thought? I love Starbucks, hang out there all the time while I write.

Vijaya: How long have you been writing?

Keta: I’ve written all my life in one form or other, but didn’t get serious about publishing my books until six years ago.

Vijaya: Please describe your writing environment

Keta: In the summer, my writing environment is wonderful. I’ve enclosed a picture that looks very similar to the cottage I live in on a lake. We have six acres of woods surrounding us with a small environmental lake on the property. There’s a lot to look at, owls, eagles, loons (the winged version) and it’s very peaceful. In the winter, I write inside because we live in the snowy Midwest.

Vijaya: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Keta: I think about a story in my mind for weeks, allow it to germinate. When I’ve gone through all the scenes, conversations and even what they wear, I sit down to write. I never make outlines, but I might use note cards to remind me of certain items or scenes I want in the book. I guess you would call me a seat-of-the-pants- writer then.”

Vijaya: Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place?

Keta: I do all my writing on my laptop and use my PC for other things, storing files, backup that sort of thing. I rarely use pen and paper, although those are on my list of favorite things to collect —stationary and pens.

Vijaya: Stilettos: Sexy or not?

Keta: Not for me. I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl, with sneakers. If I must get dressed up (sigh) I would never choose stilettos. I’d probably kill myself in them.

Vijaya: Do you have anything special you do to get into the writing mood?

Keta: I spend so much time on the laptop. I’m accustomed to writing or promoting about 12 hours a day, every day. I make sure I have fresh coffee, sometimes chocolate and a clear mind (hahaha on the last one). I do break for lunch and take a half an hour to exercise. Well, not what you probably call exercise, but I either walk outside or devote the time to my Chi machine (you can Google that, then you’ll know).

Vijaya: What’s been the most challenging part of writing for you?

Keta: Time. To get all the stories done I have in my head. I need a clone – desperately need a clone, preferably one who comes pre-programmed with excellent writing skills so he/she can help me.

Vijaya: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Keta: Yes: Are you sure you want to write a novel? Really, really sure? It’s very hard work if you hope to make money writing. If they answer yes, I would tell them to stop putting it off, put your butt in the chair and write. It’s not easy. I know many reviewers or readers think it is, but it’s not. See two sentences up: It’s very hard work, and so many things have to come together to write a good book. At least for me. I have to be in good physical health, and hopefully in the right place with my mind. And then pray the words will come. If I’m sick or thinking about going to the lake, my writing shows I’m distracted. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I hit the delete button and then bang my head on the desk. During those times, I think a 4th grader can write better than me. There’s a lot of second-guessing, self-doubt and that’s because the book you think they will love, they don’t. The book you’re feeling queasy about, they love.

Recently I’ve released some books Indie. Readers had a limited choice in content before the explosion of ebooks. I’m happy to see authors self-publishing now, bringing fresh content to readers, books we have been discouraged to write in the past. Self-publishing no longer carries the stigma it did before. Of course, Indie authors have a huge responsibility to deliver great writing, intriguing plots, characters with depth and relatively error-free books. I still publish the traditional way too but love the freedom of self-publishing.

Sojourn With A Stranger
Paranormal romance

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/gQLMV2

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50067
Penniless when she arrives in Norfolk, her mother and father drowned at sea, Raine Brinsley longs to return home to her grandfather in Maine. When Derek Stafford, owner of a large plantation, offers a solution to her dilemma, she’s stunned, if not outraged. She’d prefer to fulfill the contract to have his child and forget about him and his self-serving scheme. If only she could dispel the passion he’s awakened in her.

Derek Stafford’s only wish is to father an heir to Stafford House, thus securing his future. He didn’t count on the Scottish lass with green eyes interfering with his well-laid plan. After one night in her arms, guilt, not to mention the loss of his soul, becomes his penance. He’ll do anything to win her back, anything to quench the hunger tormenting his soul.

A lucky commenter will receive a free copy of Sojourn with a Stranger, so, please, comment.

You can find Keta on the net at the following places:

Author home: http://www.ketadiablo.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo

STEAMPUNK WITH STEPHANIE BURKHART

2011-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

VIJAYA: I'd like to welcome author Stephanie Burkhart to the blog today. Her latest release is a steampunk romance entitled "Victorian Scoundrel." Steph, what's the difference between science fiction and steampunk?

STEPH: Thanks, Vijaya, for having me here. The story is generally set in the early industrial period where steam power is more widely known, such as early Victorian England, but it adds a second element such as a science fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy or paranormal twist. Adding to the complexity of the "steam" is that the story usually takes place in an alternate time, or parallel universe.

Science Fiction is its own genre and generally takes place in our "future," where steampunk is firmly set in the industrial age, between 1830-1901. In "Victorian Scoundrel," the added, second element is time travel (generally considered paranormal) but there's a mention of HG Wells. I couldn't resist.

VIJAYA: What made you decide to write steampunk?

STEPH: Gail Delaney, Editor-in-Chief at Desert Breeze, put out a call requesting some steampunk fiction. I was intrigued by the concept. Steampunk blended my love of historicals and along with time traveling. Still, I needed an idea. I decided to go more "traditional" with my story, focusing on a Victorian setting. Then I discovered the Great Exhibition which was in1851. From there my story idea just blossomed. What if two royals from the future went back in time? The plot came easily after that.

VIJAYA: How much history goes into this novel vs action or romance?

STEPH: A lot. I wanted to be accurate so I did a lot of research on the clothes they wore, Victoria and Albert, and the Great Exhibition itself. I must have spent a good two weeks compiling and reading my research notes.

VIJAYA: What are the challenges of writing a speculative alternate history and how much research goes into it?

STEPH: I did research this as well, but it wasn't extensive as my historical research. Since my lead characters, Alice & Edmund are royals, they had to have the "flavor" of the royal family. To establish my speculative alternative history I took a look at the British Monarchy as it now, and built Alice & Edmund's family based loosely on that. Also, I looked at energy power sources. We're all familiar with gas and electricity but Alice & Edmund come from a world that deals with compressed natural gas and what we would consider alternative fuel sources like wind and solar.

VIJAYA: What other genres do you write? What are your other books?

STEPH: I enjoy writing paranormals and international contemporaries. My previous novel length books with Desert Breeze are paranormals which center around werewolves. I love the creativity and imagination I can tap into when I write my paranormals. J My books with Desert Breeze are: The Hungarian, The Count's Lair and The Wolf's Torment. I have two short stories with Desert Breeze: Shadows & Light which is Sci-Fi and Matchmaking Amusement which is a "light" fantasy about two muses who fall in love.

VIJAYA: What can we expect from you in the future?

STEPH: In November, "Danube In Candlelight" Book 3 of the Budapest Moon series releases. Then in December I'll be releasing "The Faberge Secret," a novella sized international contemporary romantic suspense set between Brattleboro, Vermont and St. Petersburg, Russia. Both are with Desert Breeze.

Here's a link to the Book Teaser for Victorican Scoundrel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY

Publisher's Buy Link:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-183/Stephanie-Burkhart-Victorian-Scoundrel/Detail.bok

BLURB: It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over from 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.

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?

EXCERPT:

Alice doodled on a piece of paper. She enjoyed drawing more so than writing. Making letters took effort. Drawing figures and designing clothes were much more fanciful. Especially in the middle of her Medieval History class, that topic bored her to tears. If only she could wear her light, frilly summer dresses again. Victorian clothes were so restrictive. And itchy. Her glasses slid down the bridge of her nose and she pushed them back.

Edmund looked over her shoulder. "You really should design a couple of gowns for the exhibit. Grandfather wants everything. He's got botanical exhibits and contraptions for the kitchen."

Alice put down her pencil. "They're just doodles, Ed. Are you suggesting I improperly influence British fashion for the next fifty years? I don't think so."

Edmund clasped his hands behind his back, a teasing smile gracing his lips. "I told him about you."

Alice stood up. "You did not!"

"I did, too. He wants to meet you."

"You're incorrigible."

"Didn't I tell you I prefer mischievous?"

Alice tamped down a scowl. "Really, Ed. Is that where you went yesterday? To see Prince Albert?"

The gleam in his eyes confirmed her answer. Alice crossed her arms in front of her. "Just how many fingerprints have you left in this time so far?"

Edmund shrugged his shoulders, walked over to their window, and looked out onto the street below. Alice joined him. Grayson would be here any moment to take them to Ascot. A part of Alice didn't want Edmund to go so she could enjoy Grayson's delicious company all to herself, but a part of her was glad Edmund was going because then she could keep her eye on him.

Alice turned away from the window and went back to her desk, tapping her fingertips on her drawing. Perhaps if she did sketch some clothing designs, it would give her access to Prince Albert -- access that Edmund already enjoyed. It would make getting inside the Palace easier. This way she could keep up with Edmund. She needed to find out what he'd been up to in this time and sabotage it if she could.

"You know, Ed, I like your idea after all. I think I will design some gowns for the exhibition," she said.

Edmund turned away from the window, smiling at her. "I can't wait to see what you come up with."

Muffled sounds of carriage wheels and horses came from outside. Alice went to the window and looked out. Grayson's carriage had arrived.

Edmund pointed to her bed. "Don't forget your cape and bonnet."

Alice glared at the bonnet on the bed. "I am not wearing that thing. All these clothes are uncomfortable enough."

"Aren't you the fashion icon?"

Alice ignored him and picked up the cape from her bed, fastening it around her chest. Their room at the hotel was spacious with two twin beds, a bathroom, and a window overlooking the street. There were two bureaus, one for her, one for him, which were slowly filling with clothes for this time. The room was masculine in color, though, with earth tones -- browns, grays, and maroon reds.

Victorian Scoundrel is available as an Ebook For Sony Ereader, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and various formats for download.

Review from Tia Taylor:
"Victorian Scoundrel is a clever Steam Punk novel full of Time travel, interesting gadgets, witty dialogue and love scenes that will have the reader reaching for a fan!"

Stephanie Burkhart has a fresh, quick, quirky, inventive imagination and she gives the readers of Victorian Scoundrel a delightful mixture of all of the above!

Shape shifters in Mythology - by Mona Risk

2011-07-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today shape-shifters, werewolves, and others are a big hit in romances. While doing intensive research for my paranormal fantasy set in mythological Egypt, I discovered that the concept of shape shifters is as old as the world and often associated with Romance.

In Greek Mythology, the god of gods, Zeus seduced many pretty women, but he had to switch to bull or shift his lover to swan, or heifer, or other animals to protect her from his jealous wife Hera.

In the Egyptian Mythology, the gods use their shape-shifting power to perform their duties, attack enemies or defend followers. I will let the god Horus who has no direct role in my story introduce you to the society of gods performing in OSIRIS’ MISSING PART.

My mother, Isis, wanted a son and spent years hoping that the handsome Osiris stop flirting around and propose to her.

Isis was the goddess of family and health, and the most beautiful goddess in the pantheon. Her crown was decorated with the horns of a cow on her head encasing a solar disk between them. Sometimes she also was represented as a cow, or a woman with a cow's head.

My father, Osiris, the god of knowledge, work and agriculture, was probably the only Egyptian god who never shifted to another form. His subjects adored him because of his kindness. With his Atef cone over his hand, his scepter and a key of life in his hands, he was so handsome that women and goddesses fell in love with him.

My uncle, the hateful Seth, threw iniquities on the people who called him god of storm and darkness. He usually wore a red mantle to match his red hair and eyes. Because of him, Egyptians considered the bright red to be a color of evil. Osiris’ brother was often represented with a human body and jackal’s head. He could switch to a black pig or hippopotamus, or even to a crocodile or a shark, as when he tried to capture my mother Isis underwater in the Red Sea.

Nephtees, Seth’s wife, is a protective goddess who symbolizes the death experience. In the funerary role, Nephthys often was depicted as a bird of prey called a kite, or as a woman with falcon wings, usually outstretched as a symbol of protection. Nephthys's association with the kite or the Egyptian hawk (and its piercing, mournful cries) evidently reminded the ancients of the lamentations usually offered for the dead by wailing women.

My cousin, Anubis, believed to be the son of Nephthys and Seth, was associated with the mummification and protection of the dead for their journey into the afterlife. He was usually portrayed as a half human, half jackal, or in full jackal form wearing a ribbon and holding a flail in the crook of its arm.

Nut, mother of Isis and my grandmother, was the goddess of the sky. She spent hours bending over the earth or reading the star constellations to decipher the future and wisely explain the world plans.

Sobeck, the crocodile god, He could protect the justified dead in the netherworld, restoring their sight and reviving their senses, but he often ate their insides before mummifying their bodies. Because of his ferocity, he was considered to be the patron of the army.

Everyone hated the ferocious Kismet. The goddess of destruction had a statuesque woman body and a lioness head adorned with the solar disc and a cobra. Her hatchet man, Nekhoret the vulture, helped her in her attacks.

Min, the gloating dwarf, was the god of the desert. My father Osiris didn’t like him as he tried to court Isis.
Now let me tell you about myself as I may become the hero of Mona’s next book. As I said I am Horus, son of Osiris and Isis. My favorite shape is a human body with a falcon head bearing an orange sun disk wrapped with a golden cobra serpent. Ancient Egyptians believed that the Sun was my right eye and the Moon my left eye.

OSIRIS’ MISSING PART

When the evil god, Seth, killed his brother, Osiris, cut him into fourteen pieces and spread them over Egypt, Isis, goddess of family, found and reassembled thirteen body parts. She used a human substitute to replace the fourteenth missing part, where his godly power is stored.

Love blooms between the charming Osiris and Isis as they fight evil gods and search for the missing member, but can Isis forgive the sins of his past and their unexpected consequences?

This book is dedicated to the many friends, readers and fans who love Ancient Egypt, a fabulous civilization, shrouded in mystery, glamour and mysticism.

Warning: Mona writes the "spicier" type of romances

At Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Osiris-Missing-Part-ebook/dp/B005950KR4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1309748044&sr=1-1

At Ellora’s Cave Blush: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9394-osiris-missing-part.aspx

SOME OF MY FAVORITE SCI-FI ROMANCES - FINDERS KEEPERS by Linnea Sinclair

2011-07-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Most readers do not really understand the concept of science-fiction Romance. And if you like my books, I invite you to read this romantic novel from a fellow author who excells in this particular genre. This is an oldie but a goodie, available in mass market paperback, kindle, nook, and every eBook format from your favorite supplier. It's one I like to reread, mainly after I read something I didn't really cared for.

FINDERS KEEPERS by Linnea Sinclair

Independent trader Trilby Elliot is making some not-quite-legal modifications to her starfreighter, when an unexpected visitor falls out of space. Literally. He’s crashed onto the uninhabited planet of Avanar in a crippled ’Sko fighter–the last place you’d expect to find a Zafharin military officer because the ’Sko and the Zafharin have been at war as long as Trilby can remember.

Rhis Vanur is your typically arrogant Zafharin. But to Trilby’s surprise, he doesn’t look down on her or her slapdash ship. Still, Trilby’s learned the hard way that even though she found Rhis, she can’t keep him. She’s just a low-budget jump jockey as far as men like him are concerned. She’s not falling for his offer to help…until Port Rumor reports her best friend missing and Trilby learns that the ’Sko are hunting both her and Rhis. Now they’re in it together for better, for worse–or till death blasts them to oblivion....

About the Author

Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades,” earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. A former news reporter and retired private detective, Sinclair resides in Naples, Florida with her husband, Robert Bernadino, and their two thoroughly spoiled cats.

This is a highly recommended read, well written, plenty of action and romance to satisfy readers of either genre. Finders Keepers is definitely a keeper.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning Science Fiction and Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

SISTERHOOD - by author A.R. NORRIS

2011-06-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines sisterhood as the state of being a sister, a community of sisters, or the solidarity of women based on shared conditions or experiences.

...The definition is just so...dry and flat, like a cracker...don't you agree?

I was blessed with my big sister -- though at the time, it often felt like a curse. What I didn't appreciate growing up was the reality I was gifted with my best friend. My sister is the one who'll always know everything about me...yet love me anyways. She'll be my champion for life, as I will be for hers.

But bonds of sisterhood didn't just end with my sibling. Throughout the years women have drifted in and out of my life, with many never leaving. They enrich my world and, hopefully, vice versa.

There's a lot more to sisterhood than a female relation or female friends. Banded women have done amazing things in history. Heck, if Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton hadn't befriended, the women's rights movement might not have gotten off the ground with the same impact or success.

Not only that, but sisterhood has social and health benefits as well. It provides a sense of identity, validation, and self-esteem. This can result in lower heart rate, blood pressure, stress and better nutritional habits.

There's nothing (or practically nothing I should say) that I wouldn't do for a girlfriend in need. So important are the women in my life, I made sure to integrate that experience in my first release, Duty and Devotion. Besides the obvious relationship of sisters Nettie and Rinny, I created an all women crew for Nettie and made sure Rinny had a female friend in Journey and Emiko. The unification of these various relationships is what helps the two survive the stress and heartache of war. The excerpt below the moment Nettie knew her, Kaitlin, and Jenny were friends. Fair warning, there are a couple curse words.

To celebrate the awesome power of sisterhood, I'll be giving away a sister themed gift package to one commenter today.

Excerpt

She struggled to find her equilibrium. "It's Officer Matterville, Captain Branz. And no harm done. If anything, you've given me a reminder I sorely needed. Have a good day, sir."

Nettie walked out without looking back. She'd closed the door to her old world and focused on the one she was heading to. Her insecurity followed, trying to break through her anger and reserve. It almost worked too. She reached the locker room ready to break, her body trembling from hurt, anger, and fear. Absently, she caught the call from Jenny and Kaitlin, but continued her headlong rush to the locker.

She collapsed on the bench in front of it and covered her face as the tears fell. That asshole! She mentally screamed and then conflictingly, He's right, I'm not cut out for this!

Hands rubbed her shoulders, and the bench creaked with the weight of someone. Another set of hand rested on her knees. She tried to shake it off and opened her eyes to find Jenny beside her as Kaitlin knelt in front of her.

"Talk, don't talk. Whatever works, friend," Kaitlin said with a squeeze to her knee. And she broke. Through heaving tears and hiccups, she told them. Jenny pulled Nettie against her shoulder and soothed her hair. After she was done with the story, Kaitlin wiped her tears.

"Fuck him," Kaitlin said simply. Nettie snorted and she continued. "Chauvinistic ass. He doesn't know you. You're definitely not a little weak rich girl like he thinks. Little prick."

Nettie laughed again as Jenny seconded the statement. She squeezed their hands and smiled. Everything she needed for the war was right here. This was her back-up. We're each other's back up... .and as Kaitlin said, fuck him.

*****

Hope you liked the excerpt. If you want to learn more about me, stop by my blog: Adventures of a Sci-Fi Writer or email me at mailto:ambernorris2000@yahoo.com

Duty and Devotion is available at Desert Breeze, All Romance Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, Kobo, and the Apple iBookstore.

ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN BLUE LIONESS

2011-06-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

My next novel in the Chronicles of Kassouk series, Blue Lioness, is coming August 1, 2011 from Desert Breeze Publishing. If you want a chance to win a pdf copy, just click CONTEST on the left at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

By sending me an email with your name, you could be the lucky winner.

Blue Lioness is Book Four in the series, but each book can be read separately. Here is what this book is about:

In the face of Human slavery, Back Sword Captain Ariela of Kassouk must do the unthinkable. Rebel against the Mutant regime. But she cannot do it alone.

Ariela suspects the king's death is no accident. And the tyrant who usurped the throne looks guilty as hell. As leader of the Human rebellion against the Mutant rulers, Ariela is desperate for help, and Lord Starro, the handsome Crown Prince of the Star Children, offers the technology the Human faction lacks. But can Ariela trust a spoiled, arrogant foreign prince who never fought a battle, and thinks he is destined to rule the universe? Is she trading one tyrant for another? No matter how kind, handsome, or fascinating, Starro has frightening mental abilities. And this alliance is not safe, especially for Ariela's heart.

Find out more about this book at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/bluelioness.html

Find out more about the series at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/series.html

Find out more about upcoming books:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/projects.html

Vijaya Schartz
Science Fiction, Romance with a Kick

Happy Birthday, Desert Breeze Publishing

2011-04-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

The publisher of my Chronicles of Kassouk Series, Desert Breeze Publishing, is two years old at the end of this month. Hard to believe such progress was accomplished in such a short time. And since I agreed to tell everyone how I found this wonderful publisher for this sci-fi romance series, here is the story.

In 2007, my publisher of the time (which shall not be named) closed their doors. A bitter and lengthy battle ensued for the authors' rights to their own stories. For a time, I kept writing and looking for new publishers, found an eBook outlet for my contemporary novellas, but my back list of sci-fi romance novels was now out of print and I didn't own the rights to my previously written books, not even those that never were published but had been contracted by this defunct publisher.

At the RT Booklovers Convention in Orlando in April 2009, after attending agent and editor panels, I roamed the corridors and bumped into the familiar smiling face of Gail Delaney, a fellow author and former editor for that defunct publishing company. She invited me to a shindig on the grounds to meet other authors and to tell me about a project of hers.

Intrigued, I accepted the invitation and had refreshments with a friendly bunch while she explained that she was moving to California and starting a new publishing company with a very talented partner, and she would name the company Desert Breeze. The electricity in the room all but sparkled. I knew Gail had seen the insides of that sorry defunct publishing company as an editor and more. She'd learned exactly what not to do. When she reminded me of the stories she'd edited for me and how much she liked them, and asked me to submit whatever I had, I immediately accepted. Not only I saw an opportunity to get back in the game, but I finally owned the rights to my books, and I trusted Gail's unquestionable integrity.

You would think things went smoothly after that, but it wasn't the case. Actually, Gail rejected my first two manuscripts (my most recent and never published novels) for reasons I fully understood (too sexy, not suitable for the kind of lines she had in mind, or other concerns not related to the writing). I fully respected her choices, each publisher has very specific house rules. These other novels since found a home elsewhere.

Then Gail reminded me of a title from my previous publisher, White Tiger. She'd read it and liked it and wanted to re-publish it. That was easy. I revised and polished the manuscript and sent it to her. It happened to be exactly what she was looking for. When I understood the kind of books she wanted, I suggested that White Tiger could be the first book of a series, and I could write more set in the same futuristic world.

She was very enthused, asked me for two more titles, a name for the series, and send me a three-book contract. Since then I've been writing the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series. These three books are now out. Book Four, Blue Lioness, is coming in August, and the prequel, Noah's Ark, is scheduled for release in 2012. I'm also writing a novella for their Borealis III sci-fi romance anthology coming in October 2011.

This is how I became a Desert Breeze author and I never regretted it. I just saw Gail Delaney, Patrick Delaney, and Jenifer Raniery at RT in LA this month, and their publishing company is healthy, growing, and taking giant strides, while maintaining impeccable quality. Have you seen the cover of White Tiger? It won the ARIANA award and the QUASAR award for Best overall eBook cover of 2009. An author can't ask for more. I am very priviledged and proud to be a part of the Desert Breeze Publishing family.

Find the Chronicles of Kassouk books at Desert Breeze HERE

Follow top right links on this page to find all my paperbacks and eBooks in various formats from Amazon kindle, B&N Nook, ARe, Smashwords, and other places.

If you leave a comment on this blog you can win the pdf of either White Tiger, Red Leopard, or Black Jaguar (your choice), and be entered for the Desert Breeze Anniversary grand prize at the end of the month. So go ahead.

The Desert Breeze Birthday tour continues tomorrow Sunday April 24 at:

SUE PERKINS' blog: http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning sci-fi and romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

SCORPION BAY by Michael Murphy is out

2011-04-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Award winning mystery and suspense novelist, Michael Murphy, introduces a chilling thriller of murder and revenge and a surprising splash of humor.

When a car bomb kills the prosecuting attorney and a key witness against a powerful bioengineering industrialist, the blast shatters the life of the attorney’s husband, popular Phoenix television investigative reporter, Parker Knight. After authorities hit a dead end, Parker risks his career and his life to seek his own revenge. Riding a high tech motorcycle and wearing a black disguise, the crusading newsman inadvertently becomes a media created superhero jeopardizing his quest for justice.

This book is available in paperback and in eBook format everywhere, including Kindle and on Smashwords.

EXCERPT:

Parker awoke in a hospital bed, hooked to an IV drip while an annoying heart monitor beeped beside him. Only a florescent light above a mirror and the green glow from the monitor illuminated the dimly lit room.

He felt groggy, no doubt from pain medication, and gazed down at a bandage on his left forearm and wiggled his fingers. He struggled to lift his arm and the room began to spin. He took a deep breath and managed to move his left leg then his right. Taking inventory of his injuries, Parker felt sore in spite of the medication, but nothing seemed broken.

The window blinds showed the darkness and soft glow from a parking lot. A flash of lightning briefly illuminated the room.

Closing his eyes, Parker replayed the accident as the details of the night began to emerge from his foggy memory. He remembered the abduction, his escape and shots fired by Carl as he and Lenny pursued Parker outside the drop house. His Kawasaki might be totaled, but at least he’d escaped the clutches of Raymond Camino’s men and was safe in the hospital.

Wanting to know about his condition and how long he might be hospitalized, Parker reached for a call button. A moment later, a nurse entered the room and closed the door.

“What time is it?” Parker asked, aware he was slurring his words. What kind of drugs had they given him?

“Time for another pain pill.” She stepped forward, poured water from a pitcher and handed him the pill and a plastic glass. “I’m going to take good care of you, Parker.” A lightning flash revealed the nurse’s smiling face.

“Kimberly.”

“So you haven’t forgotten me.”

Parker palmed the pill and pretended to place the drug into his mouth. He sipped the water and tried to set the glass on a tray beside the bed.

Kimberly set the glass on the tray then slid a chair beside his bed. Her employee-of-the-quarter smile twisted into a scowl as she looked down at his balled fist. She pried his fingers apart and grabbed the pill.

Turning her back to him, Kimberly crossed the room and stopped beneath the light. “If you won’t take the pill, Mr. I’m-too-busy-to-call Anchorman, I’ll have to give you an injection.”

Parker tried to shake his drug-induced stupor. He reached for the call button but only managed to send the device clattering to the floor. His mouth went dry as Kimberly approached the bed holding a long syringe with a two-inch needle at her side.

Kimberly’s eyes burned with contempt. Her voice choked with bitterness. “Before I give you the Demerol, explain why, Parker Knight, after I sent all those beautiful roses day after day, you never called me.” She brought the syringe closer to the IV line in his wrist. “Never!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Part time urban chicken rancher and full time writer, award winning novelist Michael Murphy and his wife make their home in Arizona with their two cats, four dogs and five chickens. He enjoys writing mystery and suspense novels with twists and turns and splashes of humor. Scorpion Bay is his seventh novel.

If you like a laugh along with your chills, you might want to give one of Michael Murphy's novels a try.

Visit his website at: http://www.mjmurphy.com/
Find Michael Murphy on Amazon.com HERE
Find them at Smashwords HERE

A great time at the RT Booklovers Convention in L.A.

2011-04-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Book signing and the ebook Expo at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention April 6 to April 10, 2011, were hugely attended. Authors, readers, librarians, booksellers and book lovers of all kinds attended not only the book signings but also the workshops and the wild costumed parties. From Faeries to vampires, from Bollywood to Hollywood, there was something for every taste.

RT is always a joy to attend and everyone is so friendly, it doesn't feel like a working conference, but like a place to meet friends and a big family of readers and book lovers.

An attending reader brought home baked cookies to distribute to her favorite authors. Where else but at RT can you find such atmosphere?

Yes, it's me on the photograph, at the eBook Fair, showing off my kindle and talking to readers, and holding the poster of Red Leopard. Book Four in the Chronicles of Kassouk series is due in August 2011 and is titled BLUE LIONESS.

Already looking forward to the next RT Convention in April next year. It will be in Chicago. Brrrrr.

The only glitch was the unusually cold weather. I brought my bathing suit but didn't get a chance to hit the pool. It was too cold anyway. Now I'm warming up my bones back home in Phoenix Arizona, where you can always count on the sun.

Vijaya Schartz
sci-fi & Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

EXCERPT OF SNATCHED, now available in eBook

2011-03-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Snatched from a post-apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts his slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape... But Svend knows the price of rebellion. And on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe...

WHAT REVIEWERS SAY ABOUT VIJAYA'S BOOKS:

"…keep you captivated from beginning to end." Gina – Love Romances

"…nonstop action packed adventure from start to finish. An exceptional tale full of unexpected plot twists and turns, action aplenty, and sexy heroic characters." Fallen Angel Reviews

"…will have you on the edge of your seat, reading page after page." Romance Junkies

"…intriguing… wonderful romance, sheer danger… powerful and alluring story…" Robin Taylor – Sizzling Romances

Find it in KINDLE HERE
Find it at All Romance eBooks (ARE) HERE
Find it at Smashwords HERE

EXCERPT:

"All sexual relations have been abolished in these parts," the synthetic voice volunteered.

"Abolished?" Zania stifled a nervous chuckle as she kept walking. "It doesn’t make much sense."

"The tendencies that bring sexual passions, or passions of any kind, also breed violence, and all violence has been bred out of the citizens of this Earth. It is the price they pay for lasting peace and safety."
The concept sounded so foreign, Zania started to suspect she had wandered into delirium. She must have lost her mind. "Did you say Earth?"

"That’s what the natives call their planet."

The natives? So her captors were from some other place? From space? Zania slowed down but remembered she had to keep walking in order to get answers.

"This Earth is different from yours. It survived. Your native planet is long gone."

"Gone?" How could a planet be gone? "What do you mean?"

"Gone as in destroyed, reduced to interstellar dust, volatilized."

Zania couldn’t accept that. The idea that Earth as she knew it was no more bothered her beyond belief. "When did that happen? How long have I been unconscious?"

"Your battle happened one thousand, three hundred and thirty one Earth years ago," the voice stated with confidence.

"What?" Zania’s legs turned to mush. Something in her gut told her it was the truth. Her father, her brothers, her cheating boyfriend, all dead... They never found her body, declared her MIA. "How is that possible?"

"You were selected and preserved for our specific purpose."

"What purpose?" Zania couldn’t stand not being in control of her own destiny. "Who made that decision for me?"

"We did."

That We again. The corridor ended into a sharp turn. The sound of many voices filtered into the hallway. "What’s this place?"

"The time has come to perform your duty."

Before Zania could protest, she emerged into a brightly lit arena, with people in the bleachers, cheering and yelling her name. They all wore gray robes and hid their faces under a hood, like ghosts. "Why do they all wear gray?"

"Color is not allowed on their Earth. Color breeds passions."

"But I wear blue, and the mat is red."

"This is clandestine entertainment We provide for them. They hide their faces for fear of being recognized."

Stepping on the soft red mat, Zania raised her gaze to the highest levels of the arena and noticed a gigantic projection of herself on the ceiling.

The deep blue veils suited her well, enhancing her dazzling blue eyes and apricot complexion, and revealing much of her body. With the long flowing hair and the eye makeup of an Egyptian queen, Zania hardly recognized herself. She looked more beautiful than she remembered. Of course, she’d never been the pampering type.

The cheering suddenly stopped and Zania realized she no longer stood alone on the mat of the arena. There, in the bright light, walked a tall muscular man, young, his long blond hair framing a tan face with icy gray eyes... The visage of Adonis on Hercules’ body.

Her gaze roamed over the regular lines of his jaw, the full, sensual lips, dimpled chin, down the expanse of his hairless pectorals, and stopped on the leather cod piece embossed with Tor’s hammer. That’s all he wore.

So, he was a Viking. Zania could easily imagine him swinging a sword or a battle axe like his ancestors. He certainly had the biceps for it. His bare thighs bulged with muscles, yet his face held an almost feminine beauty. She couldn’t help a shiver of appreciation for this perfect male specimen.

"Are you Adonis himself?" If he were, Zania would have to prostrate herself.

"No, Zania. My name is Svend." His amused smile told her he enjoyed her surprise. "Who is Adonis?"

"Never mind." How could he not know the gods of the Pantheon?

The synthetic female voice interrupted her thoughts. "This is the mate We selected for you."

"Mate?" Zania realized only she could hear the voice as Svend didn’t react to the outrageous comment.

"You must join with him here, now, for the pleasure of our illustrious clients." The lack of emotion clashed with the loaded words. "In exchange, you will live another day."

"You don’t say." Mating was out of the question.

"Think before you decide. If you delight the crowd, you may be auctioned off to a prosperous patron, or even earn your freedom."

Freedom... That had been Zania’s battle cry. "This is blackmail!" As a soldier, she had no tolerance for such practices. She didn’t risk her life in combat to end up as an unwilling porn star. "I’m not mating with this..." She lacked the words. Viking prince? Golden god?

Svend smiled and walked to her with debonair confidence. "Shall we give them a good show? How long has it been since you were fully satisfied?" The deep voice caressed and enveloped her.

How long indeed! "Don’t touch me!" How dare this stranger think she’d go along with his parody of seduction. "I can only have sex with a man I love." The man she’d loved had cheated on her while she fought on the front. Of course, she’d had casual sex before, and sacred sex at the temple as well, but she wanted to make a point.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

New contest to win SNATCHED

2011-02-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

This brand new novel is coming out in eBook from BWLPP on March 9, 2011. It's a stand alone novel, not part of any series. Here is what it's about:

Snatched from a post-apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape... But Svend knows the price of rebellion. And on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe..

Enter the contest to win it - Click on CONTEST on the left at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

In the meantime, check out all my other available books at Amazon.com HERE

Download my eBooks (best prices) at All Romance eBooks HERE

Find these titles in Nook at B&N HERE

Good luck in the contest.

Vijaya

http://www/vijayaschartz.com

Valentine's Day and Nicolas Hansen's Unshakable Excuse.

2011-02-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

It is my pleasure to introduce historical author and friend Kris Tualla, speaking today about Valentine's Day and her hero, Nicolas Hansen.

Nicolas Hansen - hero of the Woman of Choice/Prince of Norway/Matter of Principle trilogy - did not do anything to signify Valentine's Day on ANY of the February 14ths that transpired in the three books. And Sydney, his wife let him off the hook.
Why do you suppose she did that?

In his defense, Nicolas IS Norwegian in heritage, and in Norway and the Nordic countries the celebration of Valentine's Day was an unknown practice until the late 1900s. So it wasn't built into his cultural awareness.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated around the 1600s. By the middle of 1700s, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection. It is thought that Americans began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s.

During the 1800s, hand-painted copper plates molded in the shape of hearts replaced paper cards. But the first mass-produced Valentines in America weren't around until the 1840s.

Since the trilogy happens in 1819-1822, Nicolas is "safe" again.

But you know what? He doesn't have to be. Nicolas Reidar Hansen is a romantic from the start. That's why he was so knocked off-kilter when his first wife died. His gentle first wife, his betrothed from childhood, who was never really strong enough for him, who never would have pushed him to be the man he was destined to be. He thought his one shot at love was gone when she passed.

In truth - he needed the stronger, spunkier Sydney by his side pushing him and allowing him to do what he needed to do.

And Nicolas is an amazing gift-giver. His choices are always non-traditional, but perfectly suited for the recipient. Somehow he taps into Sydney's or his son Stefan's or his orphaned cousin Leif's deepest desires and nails it every time. A custom-made corset and breeches… short swords for training… a stethoscope and business cards… a handful of dirt. (Really.)

Nicolas Hansen is the best gift-giver I have ever known. So February 14th? I'll cut him some slack. He's so worth it.

Is it time you discovered Nicolas Hansen?
Please allow me to help.

For every 10 people who comment here, I will give away one free e-copy of A Woman of Choice - the beginning of the trilogy. And, yes. Commenter #11 warrants 2 copies! Comment #21? I'll give away three.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

In February at the end of my blog tour, I'll give away one SIGNED PAPERBACK SET of the trilogy. Here's how you can get in on that deal:

1. Go to http://www.kristualla.com/ and find the "Secret Word" on my home page.

2. Send an email to ktualla@cox.net with "Signed Trilogy Giveaway" in the subject line. Put the secret word in the body.

3. Comment on any blog at any time in the tour to activate your entry. Each day's blog location is listed at http://kristualla.wordpress.com/blog-tour-dates-locations/

A Woman of Choice, A Prince of Norway, and A Matter of Principle are all available at http://www.goodnightpublishing.com/

A Woman of Choice - Missouri Territory, 1819

A woman is viciously betrayed and abandoned by her unfaithful husband. She is rescued by a widower uninterested in love. In desperation, she becomes engaged to his best friend. One woman, three very different men. Life is about choices.

A Prince of Norway - Christiania, Norway, 1820

American-born Nicolas Hansen has been asked to candidate for his great-grandfather's throne. His new wife Sydney isn't about to let him go to Norway and face that possibility alone. The moment they arrive at Akershus Castle, the political intrigue and maneuvering begin. Can Sydney trust anyone? Will Nicolas resist the seduction of power? Or will he claim the throne for himself? Most importantly: will their young marriage survive the malicious mischief of the ambitious royal family?

A Matter of Principle - St. Louis, State of Missouri, 1821

Nicolas Hansen has returned from Norway determined to change the world. But when he runs for State Legislator in the brand-new state of Missouri, the enemies he made over the past two years aren't about to step quietly aside. Sydney has made enemies of her own, both by marrying Nicolas and by practicing midwifery. When a newspaper reporter makes it his goal to destroy them, Nicolas must rethink his path once again. But this time, it's a matter of principle.

Leave a comment, and a winner will be selected for a free download of A WOMAN OF CHOICE.
Good Luck!

Last chance to win a copy of KICKING BOTS

2011-02-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

KICKING BOTS, Book Three of the Ancient Enemy series, is a sci-fi romance coming out February 16, 2011 in eBook. You still have a few days to enter the contest to win a free copy. Just click on CONTEST on the left at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Dr. Melissa Campbell, researcher at the San Francisco Center for Disease Control, requests help to protect her precious vaccine, one that could end the deadly alien plague. She didn't expect a crazy renegade like Bennett for a bodyguard. She hates military types, and this genetically enhanced super-soldier is pure testosterone, hot-headed, quick-tempered, impulsive, and downright impossible. But these are dangerous times with riots in the streets, and rumors of alien invasion. In a breathless race against time, experience the decisive battle for humankind, one that will decide whether Earth belongs to humanity, or to a powerful alien race...

Each book is a separate story with a different couple, but if you like to read them in the right order (like I do), know that Book One is ANAZ-VOOHRI and Book Two is RELICS. You can find all my available titles at All Romance eBooks HERE

Or find the kindle editions on Amazon.com HERE

Good luck in the contest.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning sci-fi,

Girls with Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

CHECKMATE is coming to eBooks

2011-01-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Book Two in the twin Archangel books, is available this week in eBook. It is set a few years after CRUSADER and features the same hero, Michael Tanner, his girlfriend, and his daughter Jennifer.

Love the cover. It's the Eiffel Tower in the background.

To quench his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial death of Michael's teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged Archangel on his father's home world, Michael and his mate must return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his native planet from enslavement or worse... But the way home is fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time...

REVIEWS:
"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." - The Book Reader

"Wickedly insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel Crusader." - Five stars - Curled up With a Good Book

"...charm that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer entertainment." - Rapport Magazine

"You will be hooked... a good read from start to finish." - Alan Caruba - BookViews

"Rollicks right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable." - Writer's Digest

Hope you enjoy the read.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi - Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

CRUSADER is out today

2011-01-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael's family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.

Vijaya's kindle books at Amazon.com: HERE
Vijaya's eBooks at ARe (All Romance eBooks) HERE
Also available at Smashwords, and soon at B&N & Kobo(Borders reader)

EXCERPT:

Navajo reservation, thirty-four years earlier

Behind the blue Ouachita Mountains, the sunset bathed the reservation in cool shadows. Cross-legged on the ground of the sacred cave, the one with sienna drawings of coyotes and rattlesnakes on the walls, Maria faced the warm circle of rocks. The light of the flames caressed the copper skin of her bare breasts and her flowing black hair as she swayed to the rhythm of her monotone chant. Tonight, the young girl braved the spirits alone with only White Eagle's talisman for protection. The arrowhead on a leather thong around her neck prevented evil intrusion from the Great Snake. Hopefully, the Great Spirit would grant her secret wish.

After sprinkling dry cedar twigs among the embers of the central fire, Maria poured water from a calabash onto the fiery rocks. Steam hissed and billowed, filling the cave. Mellowed by the peyote pipe, Maria surveyed the clouds that changed shape and color with the incantation. She expected a vision.

There, yes, there... A gentle spirit had come. His blue radiance filled her with serene rapture, as she felt enveloped by the song of angels. When the vapors condensed, Maria welcomed the loving presence and closed her eyes, heavy with peaceful oblivion... Losing track of the ritual, she surrendered to the blue light, sinking deeper into nothingness, well being, love... Ever so gratefully...

Chapter One

Philadelphia, 1998

"Eh Blondie, two more pitchers!" a tall customer yelled over the music, slurring the words, while the three heavyweights at his table nodded approval.

At the bar, Michael Tanner nursed his bourbon, observing the room through the smoke. "You have to be bad just to have a good time," blared the country song in the background, though he could hardly hear the lyrics above the din. The young waitress in cut-off jeans and western boots smiled at him and he smiled back. Michael knew her by sight only. The girl was new, just a kid. In a few years, his own daughter would be old enough to wait tables. A frightening thought.

"Coming right up!" The girl loaded the tray and wove her way around the tables, straight and sassy, flaunting firm breasts through a white peasant blouse.

The big man watched her every move. Holding the tray high above her head, she pushed the ashtray aside, but he seized her wrist and pinned it to the table. "I bet you don't wear a bra under that flimsy shirt," he snarled.

The young girl blushed. "Let me do my work," she pleaded, struggling to free her hand while balancing the heavy tray on the other.

Michael didn't like the big Yankee who'd sneered at his southern drawl earlier. He couldn't let that cur bother an innocent girl, so he started toward the table.

"You can't fight me, Blondie!" The man leered. "Don't look for the bouncer, he went to take a leak. Why don't you show us your tits?" The Yankee grabbed her waist.

The girl dropped the tray with a cry. It crashed to the floor, glass and beer scattering the sawdust on the concrete. The man's paw on the girl's breast closed and ripped her blouse. She screamed.

Michael pushed himself between the girl and the man. "You need a lesson in good manners!"

"No ignorant Southerner will teach me anything!" The Yankee aimed a fist at Michael's face.

Michael stepped aside, avoiding the impact. When three heavyweights joined the fight, the bouncer tried to intervene, only to find himself buried in chaos. A punch missed Michael's left ear. Applying a ju-jitsu move, he sent his opponent to the floor, into broken glass, sawdust, ashtrays, and cigarette butts. The bartender reached for the phone while the waitress, disheveled, rather nude and pale in her torn blouse and cutoffs, cowered against the bar, protecting her small breasts.

Through the orange light, a booted foot flew to Michael's face. He caught it in mid air. A sharp twist to the right and his opponent's shoulder smashed a table, breaking it in two. A beer bottle sailed through thick haze and shattered on the heavy wall mirror, cracking it.

The kaleidoscope of jeans, cowboy hats, silver buckles, spurs, back kicks, sweat, and blood, made Michael's adrenalin pump faster. He felt happy as a fish in cool water among the toppled tables and chairs, in the smell of whisky and stale cigar. Although past thirty, tonight he felt eighteen, as wild and passionate as ever.

When Michael leapt onto the bar to get a better view, his long hair caught the breeze from the ceiling fan. A smoky reflection in the cracked mirror revealed his tall stature, chestnut hair, good shoulders, strong jaw, high cheekbones, and strikingly blue eyes... A hard body from packing lumber and driving nails all day.

His balance, he'd acquired from walking on catwalks, scaffolding and ladders, and a few beers and bourbon on the rocks didn't upset his timing by much. That son-of-a-bitch stepfather, who taught him martial arts as a kid, would be proud.

There was the muscular Yankee. Michael jumped down and headed in that direction. Blocking a strike, he dodged a chair, kicked another out of the way then leapt over a table. The man had cleaned up one side of the room and stood, waiting.

Michael felt the Indian half of his blood stir. He feinted to the right then threw a left punch to the chin. The target moved just in time to avoid the blow and sneered back. Mad as hell, Michael nevertheless controlled his anger. He turned as if to walk away. Another feint. In a blur, he kicked high and hard, left heel connecting with the man's face. A jawbone cracked. The Yankee tumbled down and slid all the way back through the open front door.

The lights went out. A cold draft chilled the place as an eerie silence fell. Michael stopped moving and listened. Darkness hovered like a disquieting presence. A shadow reflected in the mirror, and his heart stopped for a second. When he looked around, dim light returned and the bar came back to life. Michael tasted blood. It was dribbling from his brow, although he felt no pain and did not remember being hit. Front row, an oblivious drunk stared through the smoke screen in a daze.

A siren sounded in the distance. Michael had to get out before the police arrived. He could ill-afford getting caught, even in a simple brawl. Too many similar incidents already tainted his record. Who'd take care of his family if he went to jail? He headed for the restrooms, discreetly exiting through the back door. He needed a drink.

Ignoring the nip in the air, Michael ran up the dark alley and headed for the white Ford van with ladders and lumber on top. Sirens blaring, a flashing red and blue motorcycle entered the passageway.

"Damn cop!" At the brink of panic, Michael heard a loud whisper.

"To your left!"

To the left, he glimpsed a narrow opening between two buildings. Michael dove into it and flattened himself against the wall, hardly daring to breathe. Sweat chilled his hands. The police motorcycle drove by without slowing down. Michael let out a sigh of relief.

A strange music startled him. He turned to meet blinding blue light... Blinking, Michael protecting his eyes with one hand while his vision adjusted. In the blue halo, he faintly distinguished a frail silhouette. His jaw fell open.

Find out more about my books at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Excerpt of RELICS, out today in eBook

2010-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

"RELICS is an intense thrill ride of a futuristic romance; I highly recommend it." Marlene Breakfield - Paranormal Romance

"...an intriguing romance... all the staples of a good science fiction story." - Romantic Times

" ...will keep you captivated from beginning to end." - Gina - Love Romances - 5-hearts rating

"I consider this to be among the best reads of the year!" - Johnna - Fallen Angel Reviews - Rating: 5 angels

BLURB:

The year is 2023, and an alien invader has infiltrated the human race. In a dangerous future threatened by aliens and infiltrated by hybrids, archeologist Celene Dupres witnesses her father's murder. Vowing to avenge him and retrieve his precious alien relics, she finds the perfect ally and protector. But the man she trusts, the man with whom she is falling in love, is the secret agent sent to kill her. Kin, however is more than a killing machine. Despite his love for Celene, can he accomplish his gruesome mission, and save humanity from the threat embedded in her DNA?

EXCERPT:

When the officer walked away with his entourage, Celene thought of following him, but she didn't trust herself to remain calm. Besides, she felt relief at his disappearance, but she found it difficult to breathe, as if the dot of a phase-gun heated her nape. Then she recognized the uneasy sensation. Someone was watching her!

Celene spun around and stared straight at her observer. Twenty feet away, a tall Asian man in a tan Italian suit and black silk shirt leaned against the wall in an easy stance, sipping from a square glass. Who was he? An ORION hit man? Had he seen what happened to her? Was he watching her for personal or professional interest? He looked Chinese, with a curtain of wavy black hair framing a serious face. What a magnificent specimen of raw animal sex appeal. His splendidly muscled frame turned away from her gaze, and the very gesture made her ache for his attention. She hated herself for that weakness but could not help it.

Although troubled by her emotional response to the handsome Chinese, Celene needed to find out why he watched her, so she walked toward the mysterious man who made her pulse quicken. Careful, there. She felt light-headed. Was it the aftermath of her near invisibility, the champagne, or the adrenalin? She wanted him to look at her, she wanted to gaze into the depths of his wide, almond eyes. Even from a distance, he looked dangerous, like a Bengal tiger, never to be tamed.

It took no effort to smile when she reached him. "My name is Celene Dupres, archeologist." She extended her free hand.

With a surprised and slightly embarrassed smile, the stranger faced her in a graceful motion. "Armand Dupres' daughter?" She detected a hint of Mandarin accent. When he took her offered hand in a warm grip, his dark gaze made her legs feel like pudding. "Kin Raidon, avid collector, at your service."

I wish.

"You said something?" His open grin bothered her as he caressed the magnificent jade medallion of an exquisite dragon on his muscled chest. Could he read her feelings?

Celene felt herself flush. "And what do you collect, Mr. Raidon?"

"Please, call me Kin. I specialize in Anaz-voohri artifacts. Found any lately?" His enigmatic expression made the question sound even more dangerous.

Celene cleared her throat. "These relics are rare and most of them have been appropriated by the Global Government. I know of none available for purchase at the moment." She paused. "Why were you watching me earlier?"
His dark brown eyes glinted with flecks of gold. "Maybe I was watching the same man you were watching."
"I wasn't watching anyone." How unsettling to discover she had been so obvious despite her efforts to look natural.

"Yes, you were." Kin nodded in the direction the officer had gone. "He noticed you, and attention from him is never a good thing."

"You know the man?" Celene felt elated at finally learning something useful.

Sipping on his drink, Kin seemed in no hurry to answer. "His name is Jason Carrick, a powerful and ruthless collector. He always gets what he wants, one way or another."

"A collector?" Celene tried to sound casual. "Rather unusual for a military man."

Kin's dark eyes narrowed. "Men of action can appreciate art, too, you know?"

"And what in heaven is wrong with the man's eyes?"

"One of them is made of glass. A battle wound against a hybrid." Obviously, Kin knew much about Jason Carrick.

"Hybrid? As in half-alien, half-human?"

Kin shrugged. "That's his story."

Celene had to take a chance. She looked around to make sure no one stood close enough to hear. "How much do you know about the organization called ORION?"

Kin's face remained guarded. "Not much. They are rather secretive. Are you one of those conspiracy theory nuts?"

Celene did not like the insinuation. "I could take offense, but you know what? For some reason, in the last few days some of these theories are starting to make sense to me. How far do you think Jason Carrick would go to get what he wants?"

Kin sighed. "Whatever it takes."

Celene lowered her voice. "Even slaughtering a team of innocent archeologists?"

Kin remained very still then nodded gravely.

"And what about you?" Celene held his gaze. "How far would you go to get what you want?"

"You ask too many questions." As if to soften the blow, he chuckled, all charm. "It all depends on what I want and why."

The eBook is on sale now at ARE, SMASHWORDS, OMNILIT, and will be in a few days at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

My Archangel twin books in eBooks in January

2010-12-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

ARCHANGEL BOOK ONE - CRUSADER:

Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn't believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire... But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michael's family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.

"...engaging and fast-paced... a harmonious mix of enticing story... where real people do extraordinary things... humorous and hopeful... fluid and entertaining... quick and often droll dialogue... a marvelous tale of good and evil..." The Charlotte Austin Review

"...Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one's breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many." - The Book Reader

"...relationships, angels, aliens and seduction... even Satanism... kept this reviewer riveted... compelling fantasy... you won't want to put it down... superior... enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!" - Metaphysical Reviews

"A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting." - Curled Up With a Good Book.

ARCHANGEL BOOK TWO - CHECKMATE:

To quench his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial death of Michael's teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged Archangel on his father's home world, Michael must return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his native planet from enslavement or worse... But the way home is fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time...

"Sword-and-shield adventure... aliens and angels and dreams truer than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel universes... Funny and sad and very intelligent." - The Book Reader

"Wickedly insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Archangel Crusader." - Five stars - Curled up With a Good Book

"...charm that keeps you reading... A fun piece of escapism... hours of sheer entertainment." - Rapport Magazine

"You will be hooked... a good read from start to finish." - Alan Caruba - BookViews

"Rollicks right along at a good clip... a fun concoction and a fast, zippy read... Really, this one is among the most pleasurable." - Writer's Digest

These eBooks from BWLPP will be available in download from all the usual eBook retailers on the web, where other book by Vijaya are already available:

Amazon.com HERE
From ARe HERE

Happy Holidays.
Vijaya Schartz

Welcome Author Theresa Stillwagon

2010-12-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

You need to know them!

Your characters, I mean.

Before you even think about beginning to write, you need to know the hero and heroine of your WIP. You need to know them inside and out, past and present. For me, I need to know everything about them from their names to their favorite color. The more you know about your characters; the easier it'll be to write their story.

How do I get to know my characters?

Every writer is different. I have a few different charts and a list of questions I ask my characters to answer. I usually have to do the in-depth stuff after I start writing, however. In the middle, when the plot starts to bog down, getting out the old list of questions works wonders for me. It's amazing what you find out when you allow your characters to speak for themselves. Knowing your characters this intimately adds another layer to your plot.

For my newest Whispers Publishing release, The Gift, I realized half-way through the story that my heroine (Dana) didn't really have a problem with my hero (Ben) being ten years younger than her at all. Her problems went deeper than that. Dana feels unsure if she'll be good enough to keep a man like Ben interested, period. You see her husband was never satisfied with their sex life, and (what I just found out) he was having an affair with a much younger woman. She didn't find out about this until months after his death. So she wondering, how can I think of satisfying this younger man if I couldn't even manage to keep my husband happy? I would've never known this if I hadn't asked her a bunch of questions when I got bog down.

Another good reason to write stuff down is to keep track of your character's description and background. You wouldn't want the heroine to have green eyes in the beginning of the book and gray at the end, or have the hero be thirty at the beginning and forty at the end, unless ten years have gone by. You wouldn't want a secondary character to be blind than suddenly wear glasses. Keeping track of people is especially important when writing a series of books with continuing characters.

You may not remember Rose was a blonde in book one but turned into a red-head in book three. But you can bet some reader will catch it.

You need to know your characters as well as you know yourself.

Theresa Stillwagon

http://tstillwagon.wordpress.com/

RELICS is coming to eBooks on December 15, 2010

2010-11-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

Book Two of the Ancient Enemy series, RELICS will be out December 15, 2010 in all eBook formats, and you can enter my contest to WIN THE PDF VERSION by visiting my website contest page HERE

The Anasazi taken to the stars by Alien visitors eight hundred years ago, have returned to conquer the planet of their ancestors, Earth.

When archeologist Celene Dupres is called to an alien ship crash site and witnesses her father's massacre, little does she know that inside her DNA sleeps a trigger implanted by aliens when she was abducted as a child. Determined to avenge her father's murder and retrieve his alien relics, Celene meets the dangerously handsome Kin Raidon who offers to help, and leads her into a world of international intrigue. But Kin is much more than he appears...

Government agencies like ORION are hunting Celene for the threat she represents to humanity. Not all the factions agree, and Kin seems like the perfect protector for Celene. But this man she chooses to trust, the man she is learning to love, is the secret agent assigned to kill her...

Read an excerpt HERE

"It's an absolute page-turner and I could barely put it down." Beverly Forehand - Round Table Reviews

"RELICS is an intense thrill ride of a futuristic romance; I highly recommend it." Marlene Breakfield - Paranormal Romance

"...an intriguing romance... all the staples of a good science fiction story." Romantic Times

" ...will keep you captivated from beginning to end." Gina - Love Romances - 5-hearts rating

More about this book on my website at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Wishing you all a fantastic Thanksgiving season.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-fi and Romance with a Kick

"I consider this to be among the best reads of the year!"

Johnna - Fallen Angel Reviews - Rating: 5 angels

Welcome Author Stephanie Burkhart

2010-11-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

First, I'd like to thank Vijaya for having me here today to talk about the Borealis II Anthology and my story in it, "Shadows and Light."
Just a little about me: After being raised in New Hampshire and growing a wicked New England accent, this Patriot fan joined the US Army. I spent 7 years stationed in Germany and will never find a real gyros here like I did at the Greek restaurants in Germany. In 1991, I married a fair haired boy from California. We settled in Castaic, CA in 2000. I now work for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. My wicked New England accent is more like a whisper these days.
Birth of the Borealis Anthologies
Author J. Morgan and Desert Breeze Editor in Chief, Gail Delaney, were talking one day about how they love sci-fi. JMO jokingly said, "You should do a science fiction anthology." Gail, with a devilish gleam in her eye, loved the idea and ran with it.
I pride myself on being able to write multiple genres and I cut my teen writing short stories, but I'd never done science fiction. When Gail asked me to write "Shadows and Light," I jumped at the chance.
The story
Persephone Talon and Elijah Kess are investigating the Uudon Trade on the Borealis for the Rebellion. When they learn they have the same assignment, will their attraction help or hinder their mission?

The Story Teaser
I enjoy watching book/story trailers. I even bought a book once based on the teaser. I think that having a video is a great accent tool for promotion because it gives the reader a visual of the story. I knew I had to have a trailer for "Shadows and Light."

Unfortunately, I have no video skills and paying for a story trailer, which inexpensive if you shop around, makes my nose twitch because I'd rather spend the money on other promotion efforts.

I had to learn to make my own trailer.
Thank goodness for Gail Delaney! We got together and she showed me how to use iMovie on my Macbook. The fun was about to begin.
First, I had to find music. Kevin MacLeod has some great royalty free stuff – you just have to give him the credit. It didn't take long to find the lithium grunge beat I needed. Then I hung out on Dreamstime (a place to find stock photography) and Nasa. Unfortunately, all the good images I had to pay for. The cost was worth it considering my savings. I worked on my textboxes and BAM! I had a great trailer that captured the ambience of the story.

Here's a link to the Shadows & Light Story Teaser on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV2moYlgwCA

Excerpt:
The door slid open to the elevator and Elijah stepped onto SL7. The sickening sweet smell of rotting pineapples hung in the air. He pulled out a small strip filter and placed it over the bridge of his nose. It would absorb the stench and allow him to smell clean air for up to thirty minutes. A small, darkened alcove was just to the right of the elevator. He walked past it and down the dimly light hall. On the surface, it appeared to be a living level. There were rooms, dirty doors, greasy crust on the baseboards. The overhead lights were in need of replacement.
Then it struck him. The hall was empty. Where were the occupants? Granted, they would be slums, as Aachen would put it, but there was no one around. Why?
To keep appearances.
Humph. Appearances. Secrets. Spies. The work was draining. He had to be alert all the time. What happened to that carefree kid with the sunny disposition who learned to cook with his mother in the kitchens of the royal family? He sighed. That kid lost his innocence when he saw the horrors of war firsthand -- sins committed by the TPP. And all he wanted to do was get back at them. Only he was coming to realize that the TPP was infinite and his little part was that -- little. He felt like David in that ancient Earth Bible story David and Goliath. His mother would read to him from it growing up. It would be nice to find that sense of family again.
Focusing, he walked to the end of the corridor. A heavy titanium door marked 'Secure Access Only' stared back at him. The code pad on the side of the door indicated it wanted a retinal verification to enter. Retinal patterns were extremely hard to forge.
Was Dan right? Was the whole level shut off? Why? For what purpose? What were the scientists up to?
A shadow teased the corner of his eye. Spinning around, the shadow disappeared into the alcove near the entrance elevator.

He braced his back against the hallway wall and slithered against it toward the alcove, careful not to make a sound. With his dark uniform and the dim lighting, he should be hard to detect.

The shadow's breathing was normal, taking small rhythmic breaths.
Pouncing, he leapt into the alcove and lunged for the shadow, grabbing its arm. The cloak's hood fell away from her face.

"Persephone?" he whispered.
~~~~
Goodie Time: Leave a response and I'll be back tomorrow, 9 NOV to pick two people to receive an autographed postcard of the Borealis II cover.
Answer this question: How has Star Wars resonated with you? I'll pick a winner to receive a PDF copy of the Borealis II Anthology.
The Borealis II Anthology is available for Kindle, Nook, Sony Ebook Reader, All Romance Books and at Desert Breeze Publishing.
Here's a link to the Borealis II Anthology on the Desert Breeze Site: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-121/Borealis-Space-Anthology-Stephanie/Detail.bok

You can find me on the web at:
Website:
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
Blog:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166?ref=ts

BLACK JAGUAR IS OUT TODAY

2010-11-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

BLACK JAGUAR, Book Three in the Chronicles of Kassouk series, is out today from DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING

When Kahuel sails away from Yalta to explore a new world, it is in large part to escape his past. He also hopes to prove himself as a worthy prince. But when tragedy strikes, and the new continent proves to be inhabited, he discovers that the powerful Mutant of Kassouk who commandeered his expedition has an alternate purpose.

Princess Talina of the Chosen clan, a peaceful native tribe concealed and protected by a race of powerful aliens, believes she can never wed. But when foreigners land on her shores, and they bring with them the legendary Lost Daughter of the Chosen prophecy, she realizes her fate is about to change. But how strange that the foreigners cannot mind-talk, and why to the felines like them is a mystery.

The Estrell people, a galactic race with problems of their own, have a crucial use for the innocent Chosen, and they cannot let a bunch of explorers jeopardize decades of work intended to insure the survival of their dying race.

With the future of the entire planet at stake, the struggle for power and for survival will play on this virgin continent, away from civilization. Can Kahuel, with his warriors and felines, simple weapons and Human ingenuity, prevail against impossible odds?

"This is a good story with a futuristic world building that is written very well. The reader will be drawn into the story and find it very had to put down until the very end of it... The story and people are very believable and engaging to read about." Rating = 4 Roses Red Roses for Authors Review Blog

"From one extreme to another the societal differences in this story keep you riveted. It is much like watching an episode of “Stargate,” where an advanced civilization engineers a primitive culture to suit their needs and perpetuate the image of deities to keep their subjects in line. As the truth comes to light, Kahuel and Talina are not so disparate in their basic beliefs that their love for family, friends, and wildlife cannot bond them tightly, even during the worst of times. This strange blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and sweet romance is a great way to whisk yourself off to another time and place without ever having to leave your comfy chair." Lototy - CoffeeTime Romance - Rating = 4 Cups

"Ms. Schartz has continued her spellbinding series with this fast paced story that ensnared me from the very start... I enjoyed watching the interaction of the humans with their feline friends and how they would do anything to protect each other. The visual descriptions of the jungle scenes brought them to life for this reader. I for one can't wait for the next book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series." Teresa - Fallen Angel Reviews Rating = 5 Angels

Find this title and many other eBooks from Vijaya:

At Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

At All Romance eBooks:

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Anaz-voohri coming out next week in eBook

2010-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ancient Enemy Book One, ANAZ-VOOHRI, is coming out next week in electronic format from BWLPP with a fresh new cover. Don't you love it? I do. It[s fast-paced sci-fi action with lots of romance.

"An epic novel of enduring love despite Herculean obstacles and extraterrestrial intrigues. I was caught up from the first sentence... I adored this book." 5 cups - Kathy - Coffee Time Romance

"Fast paced with just the right amount of action... The romance between Zack and Tia was very realistic... I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it... very memorable." 5 angels -Teresa, Fallen Angel Reviews

"a fantastic futuristic science fiction adventure... the evil Captain Kavak certainly ranks as one of the worst villains ever encountered! ...definitely out-of-this-world!" 4.5 clovers - Debbie, ck2skwips&Kritiques

""Engrossing... a lot of action... good character development... Anaz-voohri is excellent." - Kate Cuthbert - All About Romance

"Ms. Schartz offers her readers an enthralling story. Zack is a charming, headstrong, and determined character, the likes of which anyone would be pleased to call friend... a definite must read " 4 hearts - Gina - Love Romances

BLURB:

The Anaz-voohri have returned from the stars after eight hundred years, to claim the planet of their ancestors... a blue orb named Earth. Since he witnessed the abduction of his baby sister by an alien creature, Zack will stop at nothing to rescue her, even if it means joining the Special Forces. But Tia Vargas, the reckless Amazon training the secret unit for a highly classified mission, has no use for this handsome, rebellious recruit, at least not on the battlefield, until Zack’s farfetched stories prove to be true, and tragedy strikes...

Book Two in the series, RELICS, will be released in November, and Book Three, KICKING BOTS in December.

You can find all my ebooks at ARe:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz
Or in Amazon Kindle at;
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

And in all other formats at your favorite eBook store.
Have a wonderful week.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Alien Lockdown is coming out next week in eBook

2010-10-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

With a new title and a new cover, this all times favorite of my readers, Alien Lockdown, is coming out in eBook version (the paperback was out in 2006) Alien Lockdown will be available from Amazon, All eBook Romances, Mobi-lit, and Smashwords, thanks to my new publisher, BWLPP.

Don't you love this cover? I do.

"The action reminded me of an INDIANA JONES movie and the romance was equally intense." - Paranormal Romance Reviews.
"the fantastic anticipation only a ticking bomb can generate, I was enthralled from page one" - 4 Stars rating - Lynn Lowe - Ecataromance

"...suspenseful, gripping saga of survival, betrayal, and hope...the resourcefulness and courage that occurs when a person refuses to admit defeat and die." - 5 Angels rating - Dena - Fallen Angel Reviews

The year is 3033, and deep in the bowels of the underground galactic prison, something has gone terribly wrong. An artist at heart, Rhonda never wanted this prison medic job. When the civilians vanish and an earthquake damages the nuclear reactor, she must go down to repair it with Captain Perfect himself, Cole Riggeur, who always plays by the rules and never trusted a woman in his life. But in the underground penitentiary, the most wicked convicts in the Galaxy are loose, and a treacherous shape-shifter plans his revenge. Disconnected from the Garrison, against impossible odds, Cole and Rhonda now face their greatest challenge... trusting each other in order to survive.

Find it on All Romance eBooks at:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Vijaya+Schartz

Find it on Amazon in a few days at:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JP7UJ4

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning sci-fi, romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Ashes for the Elephant God is now available in eBook!

2010-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

"... a broad-stroked, magnificent picture of a lavish India of the past and the present... a vivid tale of suspense... a gripping account of a woman coming to terms with heightened awareness... a destiny that yields true fulfillment." The Book Reader

"... entertaining, fast-paces yet deeply spiritual... Here is a superior metaphysical novel!" Richard Fuller - Metaphysical Reviews
"... passionate... love, lust, faith and deception... a magnificent offering to the world of fiction..." Charlotte Austin Review

"...rich, sensual... multilayered... a thriller... magical, mystical book..." Writer's Digest

To scatter her brother's ashes over the Narmada River, Fabienne leaves France for the mysterious India of her childhood dreams. Soon, as she awakens to a newfound spirituality, unexpected visions of a former life during the Raj stir ancient yearnings for a long lost passion. Mukunda, the palace architect Fabienne loved a century and a half ago, lives again as an American engineer and works on the local dam project. As Fabienne falls in love again with India and the man of her destiny, the tapestry of her previous life unfolds. But, in the karmic land of the blue gods, a ruthless foe lies in wait. The Kali worshiper, who murdered the two lovers in a faraway past, has come back through the centuries to thwart their dream once more.

If you liked Eat, Pray, Love, you will love Ashes for the Elephant God

Available now at ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS and at SMASHWORDS, and in a day or two in KINDLE

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Black Jaguar has a cover

2010-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

The third book in the Chronicles of Kassouk series is scheduled to be released on November 1, 2010, and I just received the cover from the publisher. I love it. It's gorgeous and intense, and the jaguar has emerald eyes, just like in the story. Both the beast and the master have that same mesmerizing gaze. And I love the green background, since this particular story has a theme of tropical exploration.

Did you know that the word jaguar means "who kills in one leap?" This is something I learned during the research I did for this story. Yes, even when you write sci-fi romance with a hint of fantasy, you need to do serious research.

Felines are prominent in all my books, in this series, it's large felines. White Tiger in book one, Red Leopard in Book Two, and Black Jaguar in book three. Book four, scheduled for release next year, will be titled Blue Lioness. You can already imagine what the cover will look like. I also plan a prequel to this series for 2012, titled Noah's Ark.

This book will be available in November 2010 in all eBook formats from all eBook distributors, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Borders Kobo, Sony Reader, iPad and all readers in between. All my stories in the series can be read individually, but if you don't like spoilers, you might want to start reading from book one and go from there.

I love this new title, and I hope you love it, too.

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Get ready to meet BLACK JAGUAR

2010-06-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of writing the third story in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK, and the characters are taking shape nicely. I already consecrated a page of my website to this book, with an excerpt of the very first chapter. You'll also enjoy the pictures I chose to represent my characters. Love them. Here is my very first attempt at a blurb:

When Kahuel of Yalta, known as Black Jaguar, sails away with Diablo, his faithful feline, to explore a new world, it is in large part to escape a dissolute past. He also hopes to establish himself as a worthy prince. But when tragedy strikes, and the new continent proves to be inhabited, he discovers that the powerful Mutant of Kassouk who commandeered the expedition has an ulterior motive.

Princess Talina of the Chosen Clan, a peaceful native group concealed and protected by a race of powerful aliens, believes she can never wed. But when foreigners land on her shores, led by a royal prince, and they bring with them the Lost Daughter of the sacred prophecy, she realizes her fate is about to change.

The Estrell people, a dying galactic race, have a crucial use for the innocent Chosen, and they cannot let a bunch of explorers jeopardize decades of intricate work to insure the survival of their race.

With the future of the entire planet at stake, the struggle for survival will play on this virgin continent, away from civilization. Can Kahuel save Talina and the Chosen from a terrible fate? Can he, with his warriors and felines, simple weapons and Human ingenuity, prevail against a highly advanced enemy, against impossible odds?

The book is coming from Desert Breeze in November 2010 and will be available in all eBook formats everywhere.
See more pictures and read an exerpt at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com/blackjaguar.html

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Welcome Author Stephanie Burkhart

2010-05-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank Vijaya for having me here today. She's helped to invigorate my love of Sci-Fi and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I tried out Caprica because she mentioned it in a recent interview and now I'm watching the new Battlestar Galactica on Netflix.

Just a little about me: I was born and raised in Manchester, NH and at 18, I joined the military, serving in the army as an MP. I spent 7 years total overseas in Germany. While in the military I earned a BS in Political Science. After leaving the military, I settled in California and I now work as a dispatcher answering 911 for LAPD. My first book, "Destination: Berlin" was released in 2001 and is a "sweet" military romance suspense.

My latest release, "The Hungarian," Book One in the Budapest Moon Series doesn't involve any big cats *grin*, but it does involve a big dog and fur.

"The Hungarian" is a paranormal romance set in 1901 and takes place in England and Hungary. Count Matthias Duma harbors a dark secret, but when he meets a young British noblewoman, Katherine Archibald, he risks everything, including his secret, for her love.

Matthias's secret? He's a werewolf. As he was traveling back to his manor after watching a play in Fonyód with his first wife, Beth, wolves attacked him. His wife was killed and Matthias was bitten, made into a mythical creature of the moon.

Werewolves have been a part of myths and cultures since the early civilizations of man. In ancient Greece, one legend tells us how King Lycan fed the gods human flesh. Enraged, the gods turned him into a werewolf since it would make it easier for Lycan to feed on the human flesh he desired.

Werewolves are generally shape shifters. Once a werewolf, most written legends talk about wolves shifting at will. In "The Hungarian," Matthias can only change during the full moon. It allows for a fuller characterization of the man, not the wolf.

Once becoming a wolf, a man had heightened senses – strength, eyesight, and smell, which Matthias does.

Interestingly, the curse of lycanthropy was thought to be divine punishment in the Catholic Church. They burned werewolves at the stake.

Burning at the stake sounds a little gruesome to me. In the "Budapest Moon Series," silver poisoning is my preferred method of doing a werewolf harm. It's less gruesome.

Matthias does his best to bear with his condition. He's not looking for love. When he meets Katherine, the forces that bring them together make it impossible for Matthias to distance himself from her. Now he's got a real challenge. How does he tell the woman he's in love with he's a mythical creature called a werewolf? That's the fun of the story!

Excerpt:

He held up the ring. "Before you say yes, I have one last thing to tell you. This is not easy for me to talk about since it is the cause of my affliction. It's a secret that my household and I have strived to hide well, but was almost compromised with your recent visit."

"Secret?" She and Liz suspected there was one.

"My wife didn't die in a carriage accident. When the wolves attacked, they overturned the carriage, and it was the easiest way to explain what happened."

"I see."

"The wolves that attacked us were no ordinary wolves," he paused. "They were werewolves."

"Werewolves?" Had she heard him right? A cool breeze tingled her spine, heightening her senses.

"Yes. Do you know what they are?"

She shivered. "Half-men, half-wolves?"

"No, they're men for the most part, but when the moon is full, they turn into wolves, roaming the night in search of prey that will satisfy them until the next full moon. These particular wolves that attacked us were in a band of gypsies passing through on their way to Ternitz. They killed my wife. Her death gave them satisfaction, and with the power of their bite, they made me a wolf. Every full moon, I transform."

Katherine slowly backed away from him. How could such creatures exist? Was he a monster? A beast? She couldn't believe that. She'd come to know him as a vital and healthy man. "No," she whispered as a slow, numbing shock washed over her. "No."

He lunged out and grabbed her wrist, holding it tightly. "That's why I have a scar on my temple -- a tell-tale mark left by my attackers. Their bite also left me with unusual translucent eyes -- wolf eyes. It's also why I hate the moon. Yes, my wife died under a full moon, but I was made into a beast that night. I'm constantly aware of what phase it's in. As the moon changes, so do I. I'm even-tempered and close to my previous disposition when there's a new moon. As the moon grows, it gets harder to check the intense emotions that grow inside me. When the moon is full, I'm a wolf during the night. During the day, I am a man, but incapacitated. After the full moon, as it wanes, I'm better able to temper my emotions."

Goodie Time: I'll be giving away two autographed postcards of the cover to two lucky posters. To be eligible to win, just post. I'll pick the winners out of a hat and announce the winners on the blog no later than the next day.

Link to the Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow

Links for the Books:

Desert Breeze Website:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

All Romance Books
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

Amazon for Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1273427954&sr=1-1
Visit Stephanie at:
Website:
http://sgcardin.tripod.com/
Romance Under the Moonlight Blog
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1357922219&ref=profile

New contests at Books We Love

2010-05-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Books We Love gives you the opportunity to win all kinds of paperbacks and ebooks, including mine, in their Sizzling Summer Sweepstakes.

Win a Borders Kobo eReader - Entry instructions on the Books We Love website: To enter the contest simply visit five of the author pages displayed on the web page index and sign the guest book of the author you choose to visit. Then fill out the entry form on the website and click submit.

PRIZES: (1) Every week until July 31 we will draw one winner to receive their choice of an ebook from any one of our Books We love authors. (2) On May 31, June 30 and July 31st we will draw three winners who will each receive an autographed copy of one of the print books displayed on the page. (4) GRAND PRIZE: Borders KOBO EREADERS on July 31st one lucky winner will receive a Kobo and their choice of any five Books We Love ebooks.
Enter Now: http://www.bookswelove.net/

Good Luck!

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Meet Romantic Suspense author Anne Patrick

2010-05-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Anne Patrick is the author of ‘Sweet’ Edge of Your Seat Romantic Suspense. She has penned more than a dozen novels. She’s a confessed suspense junkie with a bad habit of mixing chocolate and diet colas when writing, which can, and often does, lead to mayhem. Her heroines are usually strong willed, witty, and often very opinionated…combinations that usually land them in situations where death seems imminent. Anne has an alter ego by the name of Kinzie Monroe, who writes Inspirational Romance. Anne, you might say, is the dark side of Kinzie. Anne’s books may be darker in subject matter, but they all carry messages of hope and faith.

First of all I’d like to thank Vijaya for having me on her blog today, and for giving me the opportunity to talk about my new book that releases this month.

In Out of the Darkness, ex-FBI Profiler Alex Michaels is forced into hiding by the serial killer who murdered her twin sister and left her with a career ending injury. Meeting up with an ex-pro football player who is also facing an uncertain future, Alex makes Royce McIntire an offer he can’t refuse. Settling into her new life, Alex has no idea the killer is hot on her tracks along with the team of FBI agents who failed to protect her before. When they all catch up to her, not only is her peaceful life shattered, but once again her life is in jeopardy.

Here’s an excerpt from it:

The house was dark as Alex Michaels drove onto the lawn. She slammed the gearshift into park, pulled her gun from its holster, and jumped from the car. She swiped frantically at the tears as she stepped cautiously to the front door and grasped the knob. Please God…Please don’t let me be too late. Her grip tightened on the 9mm as beads of perspiration formed on her forehead. Inside the entryway, she reached out with her left hand to flick the light switch.

The knife came out of nowhere.

A sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation, seared up her right forearm. Her fingers went numb and the gun clattered to the floor. She jabbed with her left arm, her clenched fist coming in contact with the jaw hidden behind a black ski mask.

The intruder retaliated with a punch to her right cheek that slammed her body back against the door. The room swirled, her knees grew weak. She struggled to stand on solid ground. With a fistful of hair, her head was jerked back as the attacker’s knee rammed her rib cage, forcing a gush of air from her lungs.

She cried out as her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor. Another blow to her rib cage knocked her back onto the floor. Her left arm pinned beneath her, she raised a bloody right arm toward the intruder and stared in horror at her hand dangling lifelessly.

With the full weight of his body pinning her, she writhed beneath him trying to free her left arm.

“Fight me, Alex. Show me you’re not as weak as the rest.”

“I swear I’m going to kill you.” Using her feet as leverage, she rolled against him but she was no match for his strength.

He laughed. “Come on, Alex. Your sister put up a better fight than this.”

A sob escaped her lips. She could still hear Cassie’s cries for help and her bloodcurdling screams of terror.

“Sorry you didn’t make it in time to say goodbye. But you’ll be with her soon enough.”

Out of the Darkness releases this month from Champagne Books. To learn more about me and my other releases, please visit my blog: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/ or my website: http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com/

Thanks again, Vijaya, for having me on your blog!

The cover of White Tiger won the QUASAR award

2010-05-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

After winning the Ariana Award in Sci-Fi Romance category for the cover, White Tiger went on to win the QUASAR AWARD, for best ebook cover of 2009. I am immensely proud of Jenifer Ranieri, who designed the cover for Desert Breeze. She also designed the second cover in the series and it's just as fabulous.

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya Schartz is speaking April 16 at the Desert Dreams Conference

2010-04-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Vijaya is speaking in Scottsdale at the Desert Dreams Writers Conference at the Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. This event gathers New York Time best selling authors like Linda Lael Miller, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Diana Gabaldon, Jennifer Ashley, and many popular and award-winning authors, come to teach eager career-oriented writers.

Vijaya's workshop, TAMING THE BOOK PROMOTION MONSTER, is Friday at 2 pm.

The book signing gathering over fifty authors is free of charge and open to the public, Saturday at 5:45 pm until 7 pm.

Brad Schreiber (from Storytech and connected with the Writer's Journey) will speak on Sunday morning about the writer's career.

The weather promises to be fantastic. Join us for the book signing.
Hope to see you there.

Vijaya Schartz
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Task Force 125 continues with A Taste of Liberty!

2010-03-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce my fellow author Lisa Pietsch. Like me she writes tough girls with guns. She authored the TASK FORCE 125 series for Sapphire Blue Publishing. Here is what she says about herself:
"I wear a lot of hats. I’m a mother, a military wife, a veteran (U.S.A.F. Security Forces), a freelance writer and novelist. Some of my interests include terrorists and terrorism, the small arms trade, human trafficking and drug trafficking. All of these topics are represented in the Task Force 125 series which are stories of espionage and paramilitary operations centered around the character of Sarah Stevens who is recruited into the CIA’s Special Activities Division."

I hope you enjoy these excerpts she kindly provided for your enjoyment.

Her Task Force 125 series began with The Path to Freedom.
Sarah Stevens has had a very bad day that led to some major life changes. She transforms from a mild-mannered military cop to a super sexy spy and life takes off from there!

excerpt:

“Look, this mission isn’t like anything you’ve ever done as a Security Specialist. That was flat out defensive and impersonal stuff. What we’re about to do is strictly covert, offensive and very personal. Although you’ve been trained well in tactics and fighting techniques, there is no training for what you’re about to do. You either can or you can’t.”

Phew! Maybe he doesn’t know?

“Look, Vince, I understand your concerns but a roll in the hay to work over a terrorist is nothing compared to the soldiers giving their lives every day in this war. Besides, I’ve been with bastards before, so what’s one more?”

Working over a jerk is just what I need after all those jerks who have worked me over in one way or another all my life. Hell, it might even be fun.

“Only a strong woman can do what you’re about to, and we need to know now if you can handle it or not.”

Sarah stared up into Vince’s eyes and tried to reassure him. “I wouldn’t have come this far if I couldn’t. I can do this, Vince.”

“When you were in the Security Police, it was all black and white. You’re deep in the gray area now and the success of this mission depends on how convincing you can be.”

Sarah fixed her eyes on his. “Vince…I can do it.”

Vince uncrossed his arms and slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “We’re all getting our hands dirty in this war. Nobody on this team is going to judge you, but no matter what, at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself. We can’t put you in there and then have you melt down over a moral dilemma.”

How am I going to convince this guy I can handle this? Once I convince him, the rest of the team will be onboard.

There’s only one way…

Sarah smiled a thoughtful smile.

Sarah locked her gaze onto Vince’s and stood. She took a deep breath and exhaled with a soft sigh. “Oh, Vince.” She couldn’t believe the seductive purr of her own voice as she ran her hands slowly over her hips and down the length of her mini-skirt to straighten the creases that had formed from sitting. Still maintaining eye contact, she took two slow steps toward Vince until she stood about six inches away from him.

“Did I ever thank you for the pearls?” She raised her right hand to her neck, gently caressing the pearl choker from left to right.

“They’re so beautiful,” she whispered as she trailed her fingertips slowly down the edge of the v-neck blouse she wore until they rested on her ample cleavage.

His gaze dropped from hers to follow the path of her fingers to her full breasts as she breathed slowly and deeply, but she continued to stare directly at him. With her left hand, she gently touched his right shoulder and trailed her hand seductively down his muscular arm. Liberated by the charade of playing a part, she drank in his scent, the texture of his skin, the form of his muscular arms.

“Mmm…so strong.”

When she reached his hand, she gently placed it on her left hip, holding it there with her left hand. Her body burned for him and she thrilled at his touch.

His gaze dropped to where she had placed his hand, and he took a deep breath before pulling her close and looking into her eyes once again.

The heat between them was unmistakable to Sarah. She could have him now or make her point. What she wanted to do and what she needed to do would lead to two distinctly different paths in life. The importance of her new job was far greater than the momentary satisfaction a roll in the hay might bring.

She caressed his neck just below his left ear. Her fingertips told her his heartbeat was fast and strong. She skimmed her fingertips along the line of his jaw and down his neck to his shoulder where she rested her hand. Then she whispered, “So hard.”

She pressed against him, closing the space between them. Her body was full against his and she could feel his interest rising, a hard length against her stomach.

The power she had in this situation was better than any buzz she’d ever felt. Every cell in her body was yearning for him but she fought it and stayed in control.

She led his right hand around her waist and then let her left hand creep up his strong, solid chest and around to the back of his neck.

His mouth opened slightly and she knew he was ready to kiss her, so she sighed meaningfully and moved to within a breath of his lips with hers. Dark desire filled his eyes.

Sarah let her own eyes reflect what her body was feeling. Her mind maintained true control.

Vince’s left arm tightened around her waist and held her close while his right hand slowly caressed her hip and began to travel slowly up her waist.

When he moved to kiss her, she very gently moved her head to the side and whispered sensuously in his ear, “I am going to make him an offer no man could refuse, and then, I’m going to rock the bastard’s world.”

It took every ounce of strength she had to step out of Vince’s embrace and pretend it was all an act.

He can never know exactly how much I wanted to finish that!

Sarah allowed herself the luxury of looking Vince over slowly, from head to toe, as though he were dinner and she hadn’t eaten in, well, she’d never eaten a dinner like that.

Her gaze paused at the impressive and telling bulge below his waistline.

Such a shame we have to let that go to waste.

Her body screamed at her own betrayal. He was a sexual electromagnet switched on. Her mind fought to keep control of her body.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

Walk out of the room, Sarah.

When she met his gaze again, she nodded to his apparent arousal. She barely managed to control her urge to pounce.

He couldn’t tell her in any more obvious a way that he wanted her.

She took a deep breath and appeared all business when she spoke. “Sorry about that, but I needed you to understand I can do this. By the look of things, I’d say I have you fairly well convinced.” She straightened her skirt and tossed her hair back over her right shoulder. “Now you guys need to back me up and make sure I don’t get left hanging in the warm Mediterranean breeze.”

Vince smirked and nodded. “Good enough.” His breaths were heavy and fast.

Sarah watched the telling rise and fall of his chest as she remembered what it was like to be held close to him. “Now I’ll leave you with your, uh, thoughts and see you out in the cabin in a few minutes.” Sarah slid her hand behind Vince to reach the doorknob as he stepped aside.

In the second installment of the series, entitled A Taste of Liberty, Sarah Stevens is back and ready to stand up for herself. (Warning: Adult Language)

Excerpt:

Sarah walked into her apartment and closed the door. She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed Vince.

No answer.

Those sons of bitches are going to answer for this.

The more Sarah thought about it, the angrier she became.

Where the hell do they get off scaring my dates away like a couple of big brothers puffing up their chests?

She called Will.

He picked up on the first ring. "Sarah, you okay?"

"I'm pissed. Where's Vince?"

"We left the club about fifteen minutes ago. He was going straight back to his place."

"Great. I'll find him."

"Sa..."

Sarah hung up before he could say anything. She left her apartment, stomped down the hallway and punched the elevator button.

Son of a bitch.

When the elevator didn't show up immediately, she ripped open the stairwell door and ran down the two flights of stairs to Vince's floor.

She banged on his apartment door like a cop ready to bust a drug dealer.

Vince opened the door within seconds wearing a casual smile. "Hey, sweetheart."

A flash of pink silk caught Sarah's eye. She looked past Vince to see a beautiful brunette in pajamas lounging on his sofa.

Rage boiled beneath her skin. Every muscle in her body tensed with anger. She glared at him but he seemed oblivious as he smiled at her.

Mutherfucker!

She didn't try to stop herself as she threw her whole body into a hard punch to his stomach.

Vince wasn't expecting the hit. He braced his hands on the doorframe, bent slightly into himself and stepped back before recovering. His face was red and he looked genuinely surprised when he looked up.

His voice boomed. "What the hell was that for?"

"Don't sweetheart me, you bastard! You get to bring women home whenever you like, but I finally find a nice guy to go out to dinner with and you and your flunky, Will, have to fuck it up?"

He shook his head and grabbed her arm. "Now hold on a minute!"

Sarah cut him off. "No, you hold on!" She shook her arm free of his grip. "Let's get something clear here. We may work together but my off-duty time is mine." Sarah turned without waiting for a response and stormed down the hall. Behind her, she heard Vince's door slam shut.

Son of a bitch!

If you've already read The Path to Freedom and Sarah’s Summer, you might just want to read A Taste of Liberty, now available at Sapphire Blue Publishing; http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/

Visit me online at http://www.lisapietsch.com/ where I give away at least one book per month to a lucky blog subscriber.

RED LEOPARD has a cover - Release April 1, 2010

2010-03-02T15:27:00.001-08:00

Chronicles of Kassouk - Book Two
RED LEOPARD
Coming April 1, 2010
from Desert Breeze Publishing

Left in charge of the fortress of Kassouk during the King's absence, what is Terek to do when a spaceship lands in his medieval backyard, and the striking woman in charge of the galactic expedition is bent upon colonization?

Galya, the Goddian princess commanding the geological vessel, has come to find a crystal with unusual hyper-conductor properties. And the futile resistance of the local population isn't going to stop her. Not even the tribal chief named RED LEOPARD, like the infernal feline that follows him everywhere.

Terek and his band of swordsmen and felines must defent their freedom, no matter the cost. But with the new arrival a legend surfaces, taking new meaning and carrying a new threat.

When political intrigue, greed, murder and betrayal tip the scales, whom can Galya really trust? Her fellow Goddians, the Mutants bred to serve her race, or her primitive Human enemy?

Find out more on my website, with picture of my characters at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/redleopard.html

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

WHITE TIGER received an ARIANA award

2010-01-29T10:51:00.001-08:00

WHITE TIGER, Book One of the Chronicle of Kassouk series, just won an ARIANA award from EPIC, an organization dictating high standards for the ebook industry.

The cover designer is Jenifer Ranieri, who did the cover for my publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing. She obviously is very talented, and I want to thank her for such a wonderful job.

She successfully rendered the feel of the series, the fascination of the Human population for the felines they keep as pets, the medieval citadel of Kassouk where they live, the snow and the mountains, and the large moon in the background.

WHITE TIGER gathered several awards and five-star reviews since it's first publication, but this cover is very special. Learn more about this book and this series on my website at http://www.vijayaschartz.com/white%20tiger.html

The second book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series, RED LEOPARD, is scheduled for April 2010. The third book, BLACK JAGUAR, will be out in November 2010.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning Sci-fi, guns, swords, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

COYOTE GORGEOUS - January 3, 2010

2009-12-28T11:41:00.001-08:00

Get your Kindles and eReaders ready. COYOTE GORGEOUS is here to download it and read it on your favorite eBook reader or on your laptop or computer. The price is a bargain (it's a novella you can read in a few hours). I 'm getting great comments on the cover already. To download it go to: http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

And while there, read and excerpt.

To all a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
May 2010 bring you the very best.
For me, it starts with COYOTE GORGEOUS in January,
then the second book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series - RED LEOPARD in April 2010.
Then the third book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series - BLACK JAGUAR in Nov. 2010.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning author
Girls with guns, romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

COYOTE GORGEOUS has a cover!

2009-12-23T14:04:00.001-08:00

Don't you love this cover? Tell me what you think. I just received it from the publisher and I am elated. This is my first Native American hero, and he couldn't be more perfect for the character of this shapeshifter romance.

COYOTE GORGEOUS will be on sale on January 3, 2010, in KINDLE, and in all other eBook formats from various eBook retailers and from the publisher at:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=25&osCsid=18458beca61512fa4313ce73d10b2e8b

Here is the blurb:

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...

YOU CAN ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN THIS NEW RELEASE. Just click on CONTEST on the left and follow the directions at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday season.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

WHAT'S A GIRL WITH A GUN SUPPOSED TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE?

2009-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Girls with guns are my specialty. Love them, write them, read them. I find nothing attractive in whiny heroines feeling sorry for themselves. I like girls who take matters in their own hands and fight for what they believe in.
.
And once in a while, my heroines get into trouble. Big trouble. They are not perfect, far from it. They make mistakes. Don’t we all? But a mistake at gun point can lead to catastrophic consequences. In A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, Rookie Border patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men since she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border, she encounters more than she can handle in the person of a gorgeous Desperado, a despicable human smuggler of all people!
.
But Miguel is not what he seems, and Kaitlin is dragged into a breathless adventure on the Arizona border, crawling with smugglers, terrorists, corrupt officials, but also mountain lions, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes, the four-legged and the two-legged kind.
.
"...a love story and an adventure rolled into one... There is very little 'down time' in this fast-paced story, and this reader was glued to it until the very end." Four angels rating - Fallen Angel Reviews
.
Find out more about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS and where to download it at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/desperado.html
.
Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Coyote Gorgeous is coming out soon

2009-10-13T12:25:00.001-07:00

Still waiting for the cover, but I'm in the final edit phase, and COYOTE GORGEOUS will be out before the end of this year from Sapphire Blue Publishing. It's a shapeshifter story:
.
When Arizona Game and Fish Ranger Madison Huntley responds to a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, her investigation reveals disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not fairytales.
.
Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, as an artist, forging haunting metal sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, without any recollection of what he did last night, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?
.
Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...
.
As soon as I have a release date, there will be a contest on my website to win this title.
in the meantime, check out:
.
Chronicles of Kassouk, Book One - WHITE TIGER at:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok
.
A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=50&osCsid=18458beca61512fa4313ce73d10b2e8b
.
Wishing you a wonderful fall season.
.
Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Meet Wendy Ely, author of Jesse's Brother

2009-09-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

Today I'm interviewing my friend Wendy Ely on her blog tour, for the release of her book, Jesse's Brother, on September 21, 2009, from Lyrical Press.

One woman, two men: a single summer to choose between them.
Sacrificing a summer to fix her relationship with her mother and find out what’s troubling her father isn’t so bad...right? Wrong. Or so Samantha learns upon her return to Portland.
As if family drama wasn’t bad enough, first comes Noah. Then comes Jesse. Samantha is torn between the way her heart skips a beat each time Noah looks at her, and the way Jesse’s touch make her yearn for more.

www.lyricalpress.com/jesses_brother

Wendy, how did you come up with the idea for Jesse’s Brother?

This is sort of funny. I was dating two guys at the time. One night I was out having dinner with one of them. He’d gone to the bathroom and the other called on my cell. I answered but kept the call quick even though they knew about each other. After the call ended I started thinking about the ‘what ifs’ and now we have Jesse’s Brother.

What research did you do for your novel?

I’m a city girl through and through! It was hard trying to get the farm/ ranch scenes correct so it took a lot of research on my part. I did everything I could which includes reading farm blogs!

Why that location?

Jesse’s Brother takes place in a fictional town outside of Portland, Oregon. I’m from that area and miss it sometimes. I enjoyed writing Jesse’s Brother because it let me revisit my favorite places.

What was the hardest part to write?

Not knowing who Samantha would choose. I really didn’t know until the very end. Both of the men were really lovable in the first draft and neither were the villain. One of them had to take on that role.

Check out my website http://www.wendyely.info/
Blog: http://www.wickedthornandroses.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Wendy, and good luck with Jesse's Brother.

Great cover, too.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Vijaya on Blog Talk Radio Monday August 31, 2009

2009-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 31, 2009, 10 PM EST (7 PM Pacific and Arizona time)

I will be talking for half an hour, live, with Cat Johnson about my latest and upcoming releases at All Romance eBooks: WHITE TIGER, Book One of The Chronicles of Kassouk, and about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, as well as COYOTE GORGEOUS. It will be lively and animated. Join the fun and listed or even participate in the simultaneous chat. Just go to:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Whats-Hot-In-Romance

at the appointed time.

See you there.

Vijaya Schartz

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick

Chronicles of Kassouk - Book One - White Tiger

2009-07-19T17:42:00.001-07:00

Don't you like the gorgeous cover of WHITE TIGER, Book One in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK from Desert Breeze Publishing?

Find this August 2009 release at:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok

Or in Kindle format on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Kassouk-Book-One-White/dp/B002K2QLJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1249144952&sr=1-1

This is the eBook version (to be followed by print in a few months) and I love the cover. Here is the blurb:

In a winter world where blood and loyalty are everything, how can Tora avenge her father's death when a handsome Mutant challenges her bloodline, and his offer to help can get them both killed...
In the vortex of war, treason and intrigue, among blizzards, avalanches and ambushes, will Tora solve the mystery of her father’s death and unveil the secret of her birth? Can she and Dragomir escape persecutions long enough to save their planet from the alien invaders and fulfill their destiny?

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi
Guns, Swords, Romance With a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Watch my TV interview Monday and Tuesday

2009-07-05T12:33:00.001-07:00

Don't miss my interview on The Author Show on WEB TV, Broadcasting Monday July 6 and Tuesday July 7, all day. Just click below to watch:
http://www.authorswebtv.com/

During the interview, I speak about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, and the problems and incidents on the Arizona Mexican border that inspired the story.

The TV station misspelled my name, and they qualify the book as sci-fi, which it is not. Although I do write sci-fi, A Desperado for Christmas is a contemporary romantic suspense.

You can download the book on the publisher site at:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=25&products_id=50&osCsid=5f779e2d1844baa438ef211471348b16

Or on Amazon.com in Kindle format at:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Desperado-For-Christmas-ebook/dp/B001KUOOTC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246821818&sr=1-7

Thank you for your interest in my books.And don't forget to enter my contest to win my August sci-fi romance release, The Chronicles of Kassouk, book One - WHITE TIGER. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Wishing you a fantastic July.

Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Chronicles of Kassouk - Book One - WHITE TIGER
Coming August 1, 2009 from Desert breeze Publishing
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok

Win my new release in this new contest

2009-06-29T08:21:00.001-07:00

THE CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK BOOK ONE
WHITE TIGER

"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere." Johnna Flores - Coffee Time Romance - 5-cups rating

Announcing the new release of this novel, briefly offered by my previous publisher, now the first book of a brand new series from Desert Breeze publishing.

In a winter world where blood and loyalty are everything, and people keep large felines as pets, how can Tora avenge her father’s death, when a handsome Mutant challenges her bloodline, and his offer to help can get them both killed...

More on my page. Read the reviews and an excerpt at:

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/white%20tiger.html

I am offering the opportunity to win the download on my personal website. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

The deadline for the contest is July 31, and the release of White Tiger is August 1, 2009. Don't miss this opportunity to win it.

The book already has a page on my publisher's website at:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok

Wishing you a fantastic week.

Vijaya Schartz

Guns, Swords, And Romance With a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

TV's girls with guns, and my favorite summer shows

2009-06-01T09:50:00.001-07:00

On the subject of TV, as soon as the spring season is over, I wait for the summer shows. After Stargate Atlantis, The Tudors, Heroes, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Castle, and Legend of the Seeker, I tune into In Plain Sight, and can't wait for the return of Eureka and Kyle XY. Some really creative shows are aired in the summer to test the water, and some of them are excellent.

The tough girl with guns in Eureka is Jo, the Deputy Sheriff. It's not easy to be a serious girl with a gun and a comic relief at the same time.

To me, watching TV is not vegetating. It actually helps me think creatively. If the show is good, I try to understand what makes it so good. If it's bad, I try to rewrite the story for myself and make it better, find out where the writers went wrong. Sometimes I can see that a scene is missing, probably cut for financial or length reasons. When I watch with my husband, during the breaks he always tries to figure out what will happen next. And I say "If I were writing this story, this is what I would make happen next." I'm usually right (meaning I know the mechanics of plotting a suspense). Sometimes the writers have come up with a delightful surprise or a twist at the end, and sometimes, my story is better, than what they wrote. But it's always a good exercise.

If it happens to be a true story, I know it will not follow the same arc, and I don't expect the usual happy ending. True stories also tend to have a more psychological angle and less action. I can usually tell when I'm watching a movie, whether it's fiction or inspired by true events.
So I would say that watching TV keeps my creative juices going. I'm in love with stories, whether in print, in digital format, in audiobook, or on the screen.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

From guns to kittens

2009-05-04T12:15:00.001-07:00

Are guns and kittens incompatible? Obviously not. I have both weapons and cats in all of my stories, and I now have two cats in my home.

Meet Spunky, a well deserved name for a fearless little ball of fur. He is taking the household by storm, to the hissy fit of my two-year old female cat, Jasmine. She is coming around, however, after two days and started playing along with him, but not with him yet. When he jumped at her in friendly play, she swatted him like a fly.

But I'm seeing some progress. It should take about a week for her to get used to the little upstart spreading his smell all over her house.

I originally got this kitten to be her companion when I am away for days at conferences and on vacations. They will likely be the best of friends very soon, but for now she is watching closely, but I can't tell if she is interested in his cute little antics, or if she thinks I brought her dinner. So, I'm watching, too.

Here is a picture of Jasmine, the reluctant adoptive mother.

Any comment or advice on how to handle this cat situation is welcome.
Have a great day.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Girls with Guns Get the Job Done

2009-04-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

Cameron, in the Sarah Connor Chronicles, played by Summer Glau, is the ultimate girl with a gun. Except that she is not a girl, not really, but a machine. As such, she shouldn't have any emotions... shouldn't have. But she is John Connor's protector, and she'll do anything, even die, if it will keep him alive.

But even a machine has a dark side, and since Cameron was once engineered to anihilate the human race, not protect it, there could be something nefarious left in her memory that could awake at any time. Is she the heroine who will save the day? Or the perfect instrument to destroy the human race?

She is aware of it. John is aware of it.
But boy is she a model of efficiency when it comes to getting the job done.

Personally, I think Cameron is evolving into a sentient being, more sensitive than she thinks she is. And I believe she has feelings for John. Whether such a relationship has any chance to fly, your guess is as good as mine.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Girls with Guns, Girls with Swords

2009-03-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

TV has a new rising kick-butt heroine, Kahlan, the confessor in white robes, in the series from the books "The Sword of Truth" by author Terry Goodkind. She is not the only deadly woman in this action fantasy show, but the others are of the evil kind.

I am thoroughly enjoying LEGEND OF THE SEEKER, from the producers of Xena and Hercules. No wonder it's so good. You may want to try it, too. Sunday nights on the Sci-Fi Channel. It repeats during the week on other channels.

Will tell you more about it later.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Scavenger hunt at Books We Love

2009-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in a Scavenger Hunt/New Member Drive for Books We Love, a website for readers dear to my heart.

From now through the end of April, the BWL Reader's loop is having a grand opening Scavenger Hunt and new member drive. The events promise to be fun. Twenty authors have put up prizes, many of them autographed print copies of their books. The "travel/road map" for the Hunt will be posted daily on the BWL readers list. Answers to the questions are clearly displayed in excerpts, teasers, and descriptions on the designated websites on the travel/road map. Come and play, join the loop, you might get doubly lucky! Please fell free to pass along the information.

To join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BWL_Readers

Also visit my page at BOOKS WE LOVE:

http://www.bookswelove.net/schartz.html

And don't forget to enter the new contest on my personal website. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

And if you haven't voted for the cover of A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS yet, click on number 26 on the left at:

http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/search/label/Voting

Thank you for your support.

Wishing you the best of luck in the contests.

Vijaya Schartz

Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

A DESPERADO UP FOR A COVEY AWARD

2009-03-16T12:30:00.001-07:00

When it rains, it pours. pardon the cliché.

I just learned that A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is up for a COVEY award this week, for the most eye-catching cover. If at all possible, please, please, go vote for it. It's number 26 on the left at:

http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/search/label/Voting

Lots of hugs and kisses for doing this.

Thank you bunches.

Vijaya Schartz http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Award-winning Sci-Fi,
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
Get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
at http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

My next hero is Native American

2009-03-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

In my childhood spent in France, I used to play Cowboys and Indians. Even then, I always chose to be an Indian. Exotic cultures already fascinated me.

Since I've been writing for publication, I've been waiting to write about Native American cultures. I wasn't ready. Now, finally, the opportunity has presented itself. My publisher, Sapphire Blue, asked me to write a shapeshifter story. And this time, I'm ready for the all Native American hero.

In the course of my research I had to let go of the clichés and deal with the reality of what it means to be Native American. Even in the romance genre, I stick to the nitty gritty of reality. Of course, there will be a happy ending. But the road to happiness is never easy, and different cultures tend to clash.

So before my next girl with a gun (an Arizona Game and Fish Ranger) finds her happily ever after with the Native American of her dreams, she will have to overcome a few obstacles...

This story, titled COYOTE GORGEOUS, will not be available until later this year. In the meantime, you can always read my award winning novella, about a border patrol agent dealing with the red hot immigration issue in Arizona. A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is available from:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=25&osCsid=057dc10de14b55bcc36cc71aa3a36a07

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

MY DESPERADO WON AN AWARD

2009-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

It came as a surprise. During the voting period and even after it closed, the tally showed A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS in second place. But guess what? When I went to check today, it won first place! Check it out at:
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/votessromance08.htm

I am ecstatic. The readers like my brand of writing, they like girls with guns and kick butt heroines. A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is my latest release, a border patrol agent story. Learn more about this award-winning book at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com

And you can get it from: http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Girls with Guns and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Review for BOBBY'S DINER

2009-02-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

BOBBY'S DINER

Contemporary Women's Fiction

e-book - 50,000 words

Buy it from:

AllRomanceEbooks

or from:

FictionWise

To end the week dedicated to author Susan Wingate, here is my review of BOBBY'S DINER, a novel including girls with guns, by Susan Wingate.

From the cover, you wouldn’t think this is a funny, touching, action novel, but it is. When these two stubborn women and former enemies are thrown together by the death of Bobby, the man they both loved and fought over in the past, you expect fireworks. But as both inherit Bobby’s Diner, forced to manage it together, they must curb their temper and face reality. The violent deeds of a ruthless developer bent on acquiring the valuable property brings them closer in the fight against him. Eventually, they learn to appreciate each other and develop an unlikely bond.

The prose is breathtaking at times "It was early spring then and the cacti were putting on a show that would embarrass the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, gorgeous." and I loved the imagery. "...stubborn as a mule in a blizzard..." The first person narrative and unconventional writing style work beautifully as we bond with Georgie and discover her past. Through this fresh voice, we also get to know Vanessa, Bobby's ex and her former rival.

Action, danger, lively dialogue, plenty of humor, a profound sense of human nature and believable character development make this novel well worth reading. I love a book that makes me turn the pages (if you can say that about e-books), and this one kept me awake into the wee hours.

I highly recommend this read. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You won’t regret it.

Visit Susan Wingate at:

http://www.susanwingate.com/

Vijaya Schartz

Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Guest author Susan Wingate - Book excerpt

2009-02-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is dedicated to Girls with Guns, among other things, here is an excerpt of Bobby's Diner involving girls and, of course, guns, in this case at the shooting range. Girls are not born shooting guns. They have to learn sometime.

Bobby's Diner

By Susan Wingate
Available now in ebook.

Published By: Write Words, Inc

ISBN # 978-1-59431-636-4
Word Count: 50,000

Contemporary
EpubPrice: $2.80 to $5.50 depending on formats

Find it at:

AllRomanceEbooks

FictionWise

EXCERPT FROM BOBBY'S DINER:

Shooters begin. The firing monitor called out the instruction over the loudspeaker. Vanessa picked up the gun and reassembled it, loaded it, and handed it to me. Within seconds gunfire cracked and exploded all around us. Single steady shots. Quick and repeating shots. I jumped. It seemed second-nature to her the way she managed it. But, I pressed my arms firmly by my side.

“Take it! Just listen to me. I’ll talk you through it. Stand like I showed you.” She shoved the gun toward me and I took it reluctantly. She glared at me to begin.

“Now hold it gently like an egg, okay?” She handed the gun over to me and my heart started to pound like a bongo, my hands were shaking and sweaty.

“I don’t know about this, Van.” I turned to the target out in the field and with my right foot in front of my left and my arms steady out but not locked stiff, I took the stance.

“Good. Good. Now, loosen your grip. You’re not trying to strangle it.”

I looked at her with squinted eyes and when I did the gun went off. I screamed. It nearly blew me off my feet. A carbon-smoky smell filled the air and some of the gun powder kicked out into my face and eyes. They began to water instantly.

“Holy, shit!” I rubbed my eyes with my shoulders, the right one first, then the left.

“Pay attention to what you’re doing! This isn’t a Barbie Doll.”

Panic coursed over me in a hot wave. I looked at Vanessa with wide-eyes.

“You have mascara all over your face.” She smiled because I think she could tell I was about ready to cry. “Be serious and keep focused on the gun, not me.” Her words softened. “Don’t feel intimidated, I’m trying to teach you—not intimidate you, okay. You’re holding a weapon, Georgie. Always, but always, keep that in mind. Let me show you.” She took the gun from me,
stood firm, twisted her head to line up with the sight, closed her non-aiming eye, and squeezed the trigger, BAM! She squeezed again. BAM! “See? Like that. Now you try.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Quit your sniveling and take it.” She said it like a drill sergeant and I responded like a private first-class. “Okay, now, once again, take your stance, that’s right. Hold it up. Higher, Georgie, you’re aiming at the ground. That’s better. Can you see the sight? Is it lined up with the target? Okay, now slowly and controlled, squeeze the trigger.”

The moment of firing was one of the most frightening yet exhilarating feelings I’ve ever
experienced. I hit the target. “I did it!”

“Why, yes you did. I’ll be damned. Okay, you have two more rounds. Empty that fucker.”

I took the stance and aimed a little quicker this time and pulled the trigger, BAM. And, again, BAM. I looked to see if I’d hit the target. Only one more hole from me. I missed either the first or second shot. I wasn’t sure.

“You hit the second one perfectly.” Vanessa was an old pro at this I could tell.

“That spray feels really weird.”

“The gunpowder? Yeah. You get used to it though. Let’s reload and shoot some more, what d’ ya say?”

“Okay.”

A week with Susan Wingate, author

2009-02-04T10:07:00.001-08:00

Award-winning and bestselling novelist, Susan Wingate, is also a poet and playwright. She received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in 1994. Since then, she has written three novels and one collection.

Her second novel, Bobby’s Diner, will be released in February 2009 (Cambridge Books).

Her novels, short stories, poetry, articles and plays consistently receive awards and acclaim. Susan is a featured writer for the Arizona Author’s Association newsletter and a contributing writer for several other magazines.

Since 2006, Susan has kept busy teaching writing classes at Skagit College – San Juan Center, at writing conferences and at her studio. She offers a monthly teleconference to writers entitled, “Blasting the Market.” In 2007, after the publication of her mystery novel, Of the Law, Susan traveled extensively around the states of Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona giving lectures and workshops on writing and crafting novels. As well, Susan has one collection of short stories, poems and essays entitled, Ravings of a Mad Gentlewoman. Ravings exemplifies her talent for storytelling in several different formats.

She is an active member of the writing community – locally and nationally. Currently, she organizes a series of reading events for the library. These events spotlight local, regional, national and international writers. Her monthly online newsletter called, “Sincerely, Susan” has an avid readership.

For hobbies, Susan enjoys reading, painting, photography, playing with her animals and talking with her husband. Presently, she lives in Washington State where she writes full time.

Visit her website at:

http://www.susanwingate.com

Presenting a friend author - Susan Wingate

2009-02-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

BOBBY'S DINER... ... is a story of a woman trying to find herself in a town where nobody wants her. Georgette Carlisle, twenty-five when she saunters into the rustic town of Sunnydale, Arizona, snags husband, Bobby, away from another woman, Vanessa Carlisle. After he dies - fifteen years later when the story begins - he leaves his restaurant called Bobby's Diner to both women. But, that's not the only problem. Bobby's Diner, situated on an attractive highway corridor property, is slated as the next boutique tourist site and sits smack in way of Zach Pinzer's dreams and future with Chariot International Incorporated, a large developer headquartered in Phoenix. Even after Zach arranges to destroy their property and fatally wounds their beloved busboy and gardener, he nearly kills Roberta, Vanessa's daughter. Georgette and Vanessa hold fast to the only thing they have, each other, and they fight. Georgette's story tells a tale of life, love, death, grief, pain, loneliness, and redemption. And, she finds her true family with the most unexpected people.

Bobby's Diner gets RAVE REVIEWS:

A Review by Joyce Anthony"Bobby's Diner. When I read the title, I had the idea this would be another one of those books describing the everyday details of small-town America. Truthfully, I thought I'd find the book rather boring. I was completely wrong!
Susan Wingate has created a unique situation with this novel, bringing together two unlikely women--an ex-wife and the woman who stole her husband--and placing them in a situation where they have to deal with each other on a daily basis. As the new co-owners of Bobby's Diner, these women must learn to work together or give up--and both are too stubborn to give up. Adding in a scalawa[g] bent on taking over the diner, and the situation gets even more intense.
Moments of humor mix with deep emotions in this book. Susan Wingate shows an understanding of human nature well beyond what is normally seen in a novel. She has a mastery of dialogue that I find refreshing--I felt as though I was right there, listening. It isn't often I find dialogue so true-to-life. Between her mastery of dialogue and understanding of human nature, Susan Wingate held me captive with this book.
Can these women come to terms with past hurts? Can they work together to save Bobby's Diner from dying? Is it possible for these women to understand that there was a reason they both earned the love of the same man? You will have to read Bobby's Diner to find out.
Give yourself several hours to read this book. You will find yourself saying "Just one more chapter" over and over again. It is one of those rare books you won't want to put down. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wingate's work." - Joyce Anthony (author of "Storm" and blog mistress of Books & Authors blog)

A Review by RD Larson
Bobby's Diner by Susan Wingate is a wonderful and funny tale of an ex-wife and a widow as they try to manage the Diner that Bobby had owned. When he died they both inherited it and now must make a go of it. Heart-warming and realistically funny this charming story will warm and full-fill the reader. I highly recommend it. - RD Larson (author of Evil Angel www.BeWrite.net)

A Review by Coffee Times Romance gives "Bobby's Diner" a 4-cup review - An Outstanding Great Read!

Danielle with Coffee Times Romances has this to say about "Bobby's Diner": "A breathtaking story that will fill you with joy and laughter, Bobby's Diner is a great read for any book lover."

Preditors & Editors listed my DESPERADO

2009-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

HELP! I'm all excited because A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS was nominated for a Preditors and editors Readers Poll in the short Romance category.

Please, please, vote for it at:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml

Thank you so much for your support.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR CONTEST!

2009-01-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

What better way to start the new year than with a contest? Its easy and anyone can win my book of their choice. Just click on CONTEST at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

You may simply enter the drawing, but if you have already read A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, and if you answer three easy questions correctly, you are guaranteed a win. There will be many winners, why not you?

Rookie Border patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men since she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border, she encounters more than she can handle in the person of a gorgeous Desperado, a despicable human smuggler of all people!

Good luck to all!

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2008-12-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

In this time of rejoicing, I want to send special thoughts to the real girls with guns. I write fiction, but never forget that real women actually put their lives on the line every day to insure our peace and our freedom.

I salute you, unsung kick-butt heroines of our everyday lives. We are proud of you and honored by your courage and sacrifice. your example makes us better people, and we are grateful.

May the year 2009 bring the resolution of the world's main conflicts, and may the soldiers of tomorrow guard and protect a more peaceful world.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

Girls with Guns rule

2008-12-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

Starting with Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider, who said a girl with guns couldn't be sexy? And no, it's not Angelina on my banner or on the cover of my novel Anaz-voohri. I know it looks like her, but it's not.

This said, I wish it were... Now if you like this kind of adventure coupled with a romantic plot, you'll love my novels. Never a dull moment. Just in time for the holidays, A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS also features a girl with a gun.

Fall angel reviews gave this story a four-angel rating. They said:
"Along with a story of love and hope, A Desperado for Christmas packs a pretty exciting adventure tale ... There is very little “down time” in this fast-paced story, and this reader was glued to it until the very end."

And Coffee Time Romance says: "...The reader can really empathize with her character on many levels. Ms. Schartz also does a fantastic job of setting you right in the scene with her characters. She builds the suspense and follows through with vigor, sweeping her readers up in the action."

So don't delay, get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS. Everyone deserves a little romantic adventure for Christmas.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is available at:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com
also at All Romance eBooks
and at Mobypocket
and other reputable ebook sites

and on Amazon.com in Kindle format at:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Desperado-For-Christmas/dp/B001KUOOTC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229883255&sr=1-1

CONTEST - THE HUNK HUNT with Sapphire Blue

2008-12-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

HELP! The Sapphire Blue Bombshells have lost their favorite hunks in the pages of their websites, and they need your help. The publisher, Sapphire Blue, is offering all kinds of yummy rewards, including ebooks, gift certificates, and t-shirts, if you can retrieve these precious men. So check out the contest at:

http://www.eroticromancewriters.com/bombshells/

GOOD HUNTING, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

Girls with Guns

2008-11-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

I finally pinpointed the common denominator for all my novels. At least most of them. I've been writing Science-fiction, romance, even medieval stories, and now I have a contemporary suspense. So what gives?

It came after looking at my most recent book covers. Most of them feature a fearsome girl with a gun. I already adopted Romance with a Kick as my tag line, referring to my kick-butt heroines. But when I realized all my girls had guns (or their period equivalent, some have swords, too) I had an epiphany. That was the elusive link between all my seemingly unrelated novels in different genres. They all featured strong heroines, often in uniform, carrying a lethal weapon, preferably a gun. Sometimes the gun is a high tech laser gun, or a pulveriser, but it's always a deadly weapon.

Of course, girls with guns have a difficult time finding the right mate, and that's where my romantic plot gets challenged. What kind of man is strong enough to tame a girl with a gun? Or smart enough to love her without being competitive?

I guess that's an issue I have been confronting all my life, as a strong woman myself. I call myself a daredevil, am a Martial Arts black belt, skydive, go down the rapids in rafts, without blinking an eye. And I guess we write about what we know, so that's the kind of women I like to write.

So, sue me.

The damsel in distress has come a long way, and strong heroines are here to stay.

Halleluya! Long live girls with guns.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning sci-fi,

Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Win my book of your choice

2008-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

If you didn't win A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS in my last contest, don't despair. This novella is now available for download for $3.50 at http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/

And if you can answer three easy questions about this story, you can win any of my paperback releases. Check out the list of books you can win by clicking on the covers at:

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/contest.html

So, get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS. After all, you deserve it. And you could win either:

Anaz-voohri,

Relics

Lockdown

Ashes for the Elephant God

Archangel Crusader

Archangel Checkmate

Good luck in the contests and keep reading.

Vijaya Schartz

Award-winning Sci-Fi,

Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

http://www.vijayaschartz.com/