A Princess is Always Right by Stephanie Burkhart (Review, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) GFT

A Princess Is Always Right

by Stephanie Burkhart

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GENRE: Steampunk Romance

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BLURB:

Sophia may be the youngest Windsor, but she knows her mind. A Princess of York, she's committed to do her duty – prevent Jonas Byron from finding Nikola Tesla and decimating the time line.

Jax Ruston is a rugged metalsmith with curly hair and dimples to die for. A resident of 1855, he's pledged to help Sophia find Jonas. Together, they journey across continental Europe in pursuit of Jonas.

Despite her duty, Sophia's attracted to handsome Jax. However, he's committed to living in 1855. Can Sophia keep her focus on her mission, or will desire interfere with her task? Only one thing is certain: a princess is always right.

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EXCERPT

She wrinkled her brow. What did she want? To go home and train horses and pray the press leave her alone? To support charities? Sure, the task was noble, but not...fulfilling. Would she be dispatched through Great Britain as a goodwill ambassador? Did she want to seek higher schooling like Richard had? Was there a balance to be found between her personal life and her royal obligations? Richard and Alice seemed to find that balance, but Sophia felt almost rudderless in this moment. Did she want to remain a princess or enjoy the anonymity that Edmund possessed?

She ran a hand over her hair. She'd never felt so directionless before. Why was that? Because she wanted Jax in her life? They had discussed visiting each other using the time machine before Augustus' uncle passed away, but Sophia believed travel wouldn't be approved just for dating.

"You're a Windsor. Duty first. Love second. That's what I did and the nation benefited because of it." Liz's voice filled with pride.

"I had no idea it was such a thought provoking question." He kept his voice light in an effort to put her at ease.

She placed her hands in her lap. "Surprisingly, it is."

"How so?"

"I have some very serious decisions to make regarding my future." She drew in a breath. "And the direction I want to take it in."

He chuckled. "Remember -- a princess is always right."

She sighed, realizing she could only think of one major problem at a time and her future would have to wait. "I have to be right when it comes to Jonas. I have to catch him."

Buy Links

Amazon

Publisher's Website

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All Romance eBooks

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

YouTube Channel

Pinterest

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My review: 

4 out of 5 stars

 

A Princess Is Always Right by Stephanie Burkhart is Book 4 of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series and picks up with the trip that Princess Sophia Windsor takes to the past to rectify the changes that have altered modern times.  Her race to capture Jonas Byron before he can inadvertently sabotage the future is facilitated by Jax Ruston, who has also experienced time travel.  There are many unexpected developments that impact the couple’s quest, including one involving the heretofore obnoxious reporter, Jack Brandon, plus an amazing voice from the past.  Several pivotal decisions must be made, and the future may never return to its proper course unless everything is balanced out. 

This fun time travel romance gives an intriguing perspective on the impact various developments during the Industrial Age had upon the course of history.  The excitement and allure of the rapidly changing developments of the mid-nineteenth century are portrayed through the fascinating inventions utilized and the radical clothing styles adopted by the forward-thinking women who are seeking to break free from the strictures traditionally imposed upon their gender.  The travel depicted provides an exotic backdrop to the main quest and the unexpected additions to the search party add fascinating complications. 

It is great to have the quiet Sophia blossom with her time in the spotlight and the emotional and difficult choices she is forced to make give great insight into her character and allow others in her group to show their own maturation and improvement of character.   These stories showcase the author’s ability to create a very entertaining time travel story and it was great to get a chance to see characters who have figured prominently in previous stories.  I don’t think this particular volume can be read as a stand-alone story, as prior events heavily impact the actions of the characters and the society portrayed in this tale.  There are some issues with editing that are a little frustrating, but overall this is an entertaining addition to a creative series. 

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

A Lady Never Lies by Stephanie Burkhart (Review, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) GFT

A Lady Never Lies

by Stephanie Burkhart

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GENRE: Steampunk Romance

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BLURB:

Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles, and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The prime minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?


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EXCERPT

Jocelyn inventoried her belt in case she needed to flash her gizmos and toys to make a point. Her gadgets could be very intimidating to men not used to them. Then she double-checked her schedule. She had the rest of the rain soaked day and tomorrow. She frowned. Better to get it over with. If only the knots in her stomach would subside, but if she learned anything from her father, it was better to tackle a problem sooner rather than later, rain or shine and she was now committed to this one.

Taking a peek in the mirror over her dresser, she frowned. Her hair was all frizz.

Grabbing a ribbon from the small container on the dresser, she put it up in a bun. It wasn't her neatest work, but it would do. Satisfied, she raced downstairs, joining Richard and Sergeant Eastman in the foyer.

"Are you sure you want to go now?" Richard crossed his arms. "You should rest. There are lines under your eyes."

She waved her hand in the air. "Now's the time to strike -- while the coals are hot or the rain is wet, depending on your point of view."

Richard placed his hands on his hips and looked her over from head-to-toe.

Jocelyn pursed her lips. "What now?"

"You're exasperating, frustrating, infur--" His tone remained light as he helped her into her overcoat.

"I've heard it all, I assure you. Do you want to stay with your brother?"

"Not on your life. Ed can keep Mrs. Riddle plenty of company and I don't want to miss out on the adventure of a lifetime."

She cracked a grin despite herself and flung open the door. Mr. Riddle waited with the horses, protected by a heavy coat. The rain was lighter now, but still steady. Jocelyn hoped it would taper off soon. She grabbed the leather reins, tugged, and the horses trotted away. Unfortunately the driver's seat proved cramped with Richard and Sergeant Eastman both insisting on sitting with her, neither willing to budge.

The trip proved soggy, but Jocelyn made good time. Mr. Riddle's directions were spot on and Jocelyn's memory hadn't failed her. She turned onto Rosewood, avoided a puddle and spied a long, brick building with grey smoke spitting out of the chimneys. Jocelyn parked the carriage next to the stoic façade and her companions helped her secure the horses to the hitching posts. Jocelyn extended her brass and iron umbrella, up to her ankles in mud. Once the horses were tied up, Jocelyn approached the entrance. She grabbed the iron knocker, and pounded on the door. Richard and Sergeant Eastman stood on each side.

"I hear ya!" a gruff voice said, pushing the unwieldy door open. "Who might you be?" He gasped for breath between yellow stained teeth and narrowed his dark eyes, giving her the once over. Thank the rivets her overcoat hid most of her unusual dress.

"I'm Lady Jocelyn Ridgecroft. The prime minister sent me to meet with the miners regarding the coal strike."

"You're a day early."

"I've had a change of plans."

BUY LINKS FOR A LADY NEVER LIES:

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks. She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

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GIVEAWAY

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My review:

4 stars

A Lady Never Lies by Stephanie Burkhart is part of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series that features intrepid time-travelers from the royal family and those who become enmeshed in their adventures.  A tragic accident puts Jocelyn Dunkirk and her future in jeopardy, and Richard Windsor’s return to the past is complicated by his obligations to both the woman who has captured his heart, and the kingdom that he is to rule someday.  The future of energy production is still altered and there are hints that more forces are at work than the Windsors had planned for, including a nosy newspaper reporter named Jack Brandon and the professor’s son, Jonas Byron. One way or another, the Windsors’ attempt to change the society back to the way it was is well under way…or is it?

This is another imaginative steampunk tale that continues to speculate on the effects of time-travel and the way society would change if it was dependent on a different form of energy.  The intriguing inventions that are described make one wish that they still existed and the flowering relationships between the Windsors and those they encounter continue to mature.  It gets a little confusing keeping track of who is from which era and I think a legend would be useful, especially since some characters are referred to by one name and then another, plus the necessity of setting up the leading couples of subsequent series gets a little awkward as more characters are added to the time-traveling jaunts. 

I love that the women have such pivotal roles and are not consigned to secondary positions, despite the strictures imposed by society’s mores.  It would probably be difficult to read this story as a stand-alone, because there are so many threads connecting to the other tales, but it is great to get updates on the progress of the other couples.  The author does a nice job of evoking the atmosphere of historical England as it works through the growing pains of industrialization, and she provides thought-provoking scenarios of ‘what-ifs’.  I think that the landscape is getting a bit crowded with the displaced time travelers and I am curious how things are going to be ultimately resolved but, given the epilogue to this story, I doubt that is going to happen in the near future…or is that the distant past?

A copy of this story was provided to me for review

 

A Gentleman and a Rogue by Stephanie Burkhart (Excerpt, review and GIVEAWAY) GFT

A Gentleman and a Rogue

by Stephanie Burkhart

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BLURB:

Royals Edmund and Alice Windsor return to 2011 only to discover their world is now powered by gasoline and electricity - not compressed natural gas. Their attempts to persuade their grandmother, Queen Anne II, falls on deaf ears. Taking matters into their own hands, they enlist Jonas Byron's help and travel back to 1855 to set the time line right.

Now in Lincoln, Edmund is reunited with Lady Keira Russell, the love of his life, but if it isn't one obstacle, it's another. Keira does not want to fall in love with him again. Jonas Byron has taken up with Keira's father to build a windmill, and Edmund's brother, Richard, the Guardian of the Time Machine, has followed Edmund to ensure Queen Victoria makes the right decision when choosing the fuel of the future. Edmund has a choice - make mischief to ensure time marches to the beat of the right drummer, or trust in Keira and her belief that Queen Victoria will make the right decision on her own. Will Edmund lost Keira for good if he makes the wrong choice?

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EXCERPT

Alice dug into her reticule and removed a small slender cylinder. She pressed a button and a beam of light shot out.

"Amazing! How did you do that?" asked Keira.

"It runs on a battery that generates electricity." Alice walked over to the desk and examined the locks. She fussed in her reticule some more, pulled out some picks and went to work.

Edmund stood next to Keira and placed his hand in the small of her back. "She's brilliant, don't you think?"

"A girl after your own heart, I see."

"Alice may have popped my dirigible, but I respect her all that much more for doing it."

"You are incorrigible."

"Come, let's talk." He guided her away from the desk and next to the window. The drapes

were pulled back, allowing the dim, natural light from the stars and moon to filter into the room. Keira's heart pounded in her chest. Determined to stay strong in Edmund's tempting presence, she crossed her arms.

"Did you tell me everything back in my study?" she whispered.

He looked her over seductively, talking softly. "I told you I would the next time I saw you, and I have."

"Oh."

He placed his hand on her shoulder, trailing his finger up the soft skin of her neck, cupping her cheek. His eyes never left hers. "I want to see you again. Soon."

"It isn't wise."

"I know. I don't care." His voice grew low and husky.

Keira hesitated. Her body thrummed with warmth from his touch. Uncomfortable heat pooled in her core. She tried to fight, to set her resolve and step away from him, but she couldn't. His gaze riveted on her face and moved over her body slowly. "I didn't forget you. I couldn't. You're never far from my thoughts."

Logic. She needed logic. "You're from the future. I'm your past."

He shrugged. "I don't see it that way."

Her knees weakened. "How do you see it?"

BUY LINKS

Amazon (Kindle)

PUBLISHER

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOOD READS

YOU TUBE CHANNEL

PINTEREST

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

***********************************

My review:

4 out of 5 stars

A Gentleman and a Rogue by Stephanie Burkhart is Book 2 of the ‘Windsor Diaries’ series and centers around the attempts to repair the timeline after the events that took place in the first story, “A Victorian Scoundrel”. Edmund Windsor has returned to Victorian England along with his cousin Alice and her fiancé Grayson Kentfield to influence the inventions of Keira Russell. Complicating matters is the presence of two other time-travelers, each with his own agenda, plus the pull of romance as various couples pair up. The challenge of winning Queen Victoria’s approval for an alternative fuel source, deciding whether to share information or sabotage each other’s work, and minimizing the impact on the future creates a conundrum that requires each person to decide what he or she considers truly important…which may or not be compatible with the future that they envision.



This inventive steampunk tale provides an intriguing look at a pivotal era of history and gives it a different twist as modern concerns are mixed with the strictures of life at that time. The pairing up and romantic entanglements are a little too contrived for me, but I was happy that the relationship between Edmund and Keira was addressed. It was interesting to see how the various energy sources were explored and the advantages and disadvantages of each were highlighted. I think that it would be difficult to read this as a stand-alone because the stories are so closely connected, and my curiosity is definitely piqued by the twists at the end of this episode in the adventures of this intrepid family. I like the glimpses of society that the story gives and the creative weaving of fact and fiction that mirrors the explosive progress that took place at this time of history. This is a fun and educational look at a pivotal point in history and I look forward to finding out how some of the dangling threads are resolved in the future…or is that in the past?

Sunrise Over Brasov by Stephanie Burkhart (Spotlight, excerpt, review and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Sunrise Over Brasov

by Stephanie Burkhart

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BLURB:

Rosa Getzi lives a life of intrigue at Poiana Brasov with Clement, a werewolf, and Cassandra, the witch. Her past doesn't matter to her – until she discovers what it holds.

Prince Michael Sigmaringen joins his sister-in-law, Caroline, and the vampire prince, Darius, in a daring rescue, igniting Rosa's desire to find her family. However, all is not as it appears. Rickard, Rosa's friend, escapes with her. Clement will go to any lengths to get Rosa and Rickard back.

At Darius' fortress, Michael soon discovers Rickard is a new breed of werewolf – one who can control the change, and Clement hopes to exploit Rickard's abilities.

Michael's courage, strengths, and convictions will be tested like never before. Can Michael and Rosa find true happiness and the rid the lupine haunting of the Sigmaringens once and for all?

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EXCERPT

Some inner voice encouraged her to leave with him. It was the right thing to do. "Turn

around," she said quietly. "Why?"

"So I can change."

"I don't trust you." His reply was quick. "Leave your chemise on." He walked to the window and glanced outside, then checked his pocket watch.

Rosa figured that was the most privacy he was willing to afford her and unfastened her robe. Quickly, she stepped into the winter dress without putting on a corset. "I need you to lace up the back."

Michael approached and tied up the stays with familiar ease. There was that word again -- familiar. Rosa shivered. What did it mean? How was he familiar when she couldn't recall seeing him before? She found her boots and slid them on. They were lined with fur and went up to her knees. She couldn't articulate her compliance, but could say an instinctual desire drove her to do his bidding. Yes, there were clues, but no easy answers.

He was a witch, like her. She responded to his kiss, enjoying it far too much, though she wouldn't admit that to him. He hadn't hurt her, and he knew her mother. The thought of finding her mother filled her with a sense of comfort. In all honesty, Rosa, however, couldn't remember her life before coming to Poiana Brasov, but she hated to think that Clement and Cassandra, who had been so kind to her, had deceived her. Rosa wouldn't deny her instincts and decided to follow the clues. When there was a minute, she intended to get her answers from Michael.

Her boots secure, she slid her arms into her winter coat. Michael grabbed a scarf and gloves from a shelf in her closet, presenting them to her. His face betrayed nothing -- not one hint of pleasure or dissatisfaction. Instead, he grabbed her gloved hand and led her out of the room.

Rosa noticed the noise continued outside of the fortress. Just on the other side of her door, Andrei lay crumpled on the ground. His chest rose and fell. Thank Corvinus he appeared to be sleeping.

Michael moved with unnatural speed. His grasp on her hand was tight, tugging her behind him. They proceeded down the hall toward the servants' staircase.

The inner fortress remained quiet. Several candles in wall sconces had burnt down to the stubs, casting long, inky shadows over the stone walls.

Reaching the staircase, Rosa paused. "I need to check on Rickard."

"There's no time. We delayed too long as it is." Michael dragged her down the stairs.

BUY LINKS

Amazon

BARNES &NOBLE

DESERT BREEZEPUBLISHING

ALL ROMANCEEBOOKS

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOOD READS

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PINTEREST

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here

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REVIEW

3.5 out of 5 stars

Sunrise Over Brasov by Stephanie Burkhardt is the third book in the ‘Moldavian Moon’ series and  is an adult paranormal story that features a complex relationship between witches, werewolves, and vampires that has its basis in blood elements called ferons.  There is a synergistic relationship which allows some witches to help manage the feral nature of wolves, but mutations have also affected both the power and the behavior of those in the three lines and further diversify them from their common origins.  The rescue of a witch and a werewolf who have been imprisoned for nefarious purposes is complicated by their ignorance of their previous lives and the interconnections with the royalty of several Eastern European regions.  The alliance between vampires, werewolves and witches will be tested even as experiments are being performed that may change all of their lives forever.

An intriguing premise forms the underlying framework for this imaginative tale that blends science and fantasy.  There are nice twists on some of the conventional wisdom about the types of beings involved, including the shapes that vampires can assume.  It was a little difficult to keep up with the implications of the different relationships that are described as so many of the characters seem to be royalty or related to royalty of different countries and I suspect that it would help to have read the other books in the series because there are all kinds of conflicts and secrets that are alluded to.  I have a few issues with some of the action in the story, including the fact that the heroine is prized for a certain type of magic that she can produce yet there doesn’t seem to be strong consequences when her status changes, which is puzzling.  It also might help to have an appendix to delineate how various characters are connected.  I think that this is an entertaining glimpse into a complicated society, and would be enjoyed by those who like sensual tales involving werewolves, witches and vampires.  

A copy of this title was provided for review 

The Green Rose by Stephanie Burkhart (Spotlight, Excerpt, Review and GIVEAWAY) ADULT title

The Green Rose is an ADULT title
by Stephanie Burkhart

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BLURB:

On the continent of Gaia, evil is brewing. Turncoat wizard, Balthyser, kidnaps the kings of Dahaka and Tapin. He wants the green rose, a source of powerful magic.

Princess Sonia of Tapin is forced to hunt down the rose in exchange for her father's life. It's the ultimate betrayal of Gaia's peace, but she has no choice if she wants to save her father.

Prince Ivánstan of Dahaka accompanies her on the journey. Both face challenges and obstacles that test their strength of character during the hunt for the rose. Dare Sonia put her trust and faith in a man she hardly knows to secure Gaia's peace or will the continent's harmony be shattered forever?


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EXCERPT


Racing forward, he spotted her near Tapin's tents surrounded by three beasts. Tall and slender, she possessed a strong, wild beauty he found intriguing. Long chestnut brown hair flowed down her back. Her eyes were golden yellow with obsidian irises. She'd been bonded! Only the noble bonded. Her high, exotic cheekbones and patrician features were steeled in courage and determination. The primal urge to mate with her made his heart pound in his chest.

A falcon, the heraldic symbol of Tapin, was prominently displayed on her tunic.

A bird screeched. A wyldebeast craned its neck upward and the descending falcon
slashed its talons over the creature's face, spraying blood.

"Well done, Hiro!" exclaimed the woman.

A second wyldebeast lashed at her. She stumbled backwards, tripping on a rock. Her
wrist struck the ground hard, sending her sword sprawling several feet away from her, leaving her vulnerable.

"Draco, defend the Tapin noblewoman!"

Ivánstan's dragon, now overhead, shot a blast of flame from his mouth, scorching the fur of an advancing beast. The creature collapsed and rolled over, attempting to use the ground to extinguish the flames on its body.

The remaining wyldebeast raised his hand, its fingernails moist, poised to strike the noblewoman. Ivánstan lunged forward and sliced off the creature's wrist just inches in front of her face.

"Thank Nyla!" she cried.

The beast howled in pain and spun to face Ivánstan. Draco latched its thorny claws into the creature's shoulders, lifting it into the air.



BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle

Publisher's site


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All Romance Ebooks


Sony EBooks


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

AUTHOR Bio and Links

 Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  She served 11 years in the US Army and currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOOD READS

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PINTEREST



**************************

GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here 



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My Review


The Green Rose by Stephanie Burkhart is a fantasy story that centers around a group of people who are drawn together by a threat to their respective kingdoms.  Each has a link to the creature that is characteristic of a particular realm, whether that be dragon, falcon, raven or jaguar.  A threat from a renegade mage and the ferocious wyldebeasts he directs, causes a reluctant alliance between Ivanstan, Crown Prince of Dhaka, and Sonia, Crown Princess of Tapin, as they seek to rescue their respective kidnapped sires.  They must learn to work together and find that they are able to surmount almost any obstacles if they do so, except possibly the difficulty of following their hearts over their duties.

This imaginative story is an entertaining look at a world that mixes magic and political machinations.  I would have suspected it was geared toward younger readers except that there are some nicely spicy romantic interludes sprinkled in with the journey undertaken by the main characters.  There are intriguing glimpses of the animal partners for the various individuals but I would have liked a little more exposition on the bonds and abilities of each particular species, especially the dragons, and perhaps a slightly more fleshed-out plot as the story itself was fairly predictable in places.  Nonetheless, I think this is a nice introduction to this world and a fun quick read.

A copy of this title was provided to me in exchange for an honest review

Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart (spotlight, review and GIVEAWAY)

                                          

(from ELF....SO sorry to be late!)

Victorian Scoundrel

by Stephanie Burkhart

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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, Edmund of Wales, back to 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition.

Alice soon finds herself over her head in trouble. Edmund is determined to help Prince Albert build a dirigible and the prime minister appears intent in preventing her from stopping Edmund. Alice knows it's too early for the massive flying machine to take to the air. Complicating matters is the passionate Grayson Kentfield, Earl of Swinton. Alice can't stop her pulse from pounding when she's near him.

Can Alice give her heart to a man from the past while working to stop Edmund from changing history?


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

EXCERPT

Tired and thirsty, she finally made it to the courtyard. Edmund was nowhere to be found. She should have expected it, really. No doubt he was in the palace filling their great-grandfather's head with forward-thinking ideas. She crossed her arms, staring at the steps. Several carriages waited nearby. No one in their right mind would let her into the palace looking like she did -- like she had just stepped out of the gutter.

"Excuse me, who are you?"

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

"Well?" asked the older gentleman.

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

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

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

"And you may call me Prime Minister."


BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE


BARNES & NOBLE NOOK


ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS


PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK


KOBO

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PINTEREST



*************************

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here 


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REVIEW




Victorian Scoundrel by Stephanie Burkhart is Book One in ‘The Windsor Diaries’ series and is an intriguing look at the conundrum of time travel with the added twist of an alternate past being explored.  Edmund Windsor and Alice Windsor are royalty in 2011 but have the invaluable opportunity to interact with their forebears in 1851 but Alice is attempting to make sure that her cousin Edmund does not substantially change history, only to fall afoul of the dreaded potential paradox herself.  Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton develops a fascination for the unusual female, Alice, but his suspicions about her and Edmund are almost too fantastical for him to accept.  He will have to balance his obligations to his country and the desires of his heart but unfortunately, time may be his enemy.

This steampunk romance blends fact and fantasy in an enjoyable tale.  There are interesting quirks such as the use of ‘whuzzies’ which allow messages to be exchanged once the owner’s scent is known, a heroine who has overcome a significant learning disability, and a search using magic and science for alternative fuel sources.  I was a little surprised that there didn’t seem to be any difficulty with the cousins sharing a hotel room despite being opposing sexes but I have to admire the tenacity and daring that allows them to travel to the past and experience history firsthand.  The reader should be reminded that this is the first in a series and the story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but it is a fun and exciting tale that will stir one’s imagination and whet the appetite for more adventures involving these intriguing characters.