Percy Jackson is cooler than Hercules - By Stephanie Burkhart

Logan Lerman as "Percy"

 I'm serious. Percy's hip. His father is Poseidon. Percy can bend the water to his will, and his sword, Riptide, shrinks into the smallest ballpoint pen ever. His mentor, Chiron, is half-human, half-horse, his best friend, Grover, is a satyr, Annabeth, his friend, is a daughter of Athena, and there's always a quest lurking around the corner.

I've read the first 3 books in the Olympian Series: The Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse and I've enjoyed them all.

So how did I get hooked on Percy?

I was looking for a book for my 4th grader to read that would challenge him and entertain him at the same time. Someone on the Amazon boards (believe it or not!) suggested Percy and loaned me The Lightning Thief. I gave it a try and I was hooked. What I loved about Percy was how he always rose to the occasion. Percy confronted his problems with honor and nobility in a way that my 4th grader could relate to. Percy was brave, courageous, adventurous and had a sense of humor. Percy also values his friendship with Grover and Annabeth and I liked how the book shows what having a true friend is all about.

Percy has ADHD and is dyslexic, but works hard to overcome those challenges in the "mortal" world. (In his demigod world, they are an asset.) These are challenges my 5 year old can related to with his sensory issues.

I bought the movie and sat down with the boys. They loved it. Andrew, my 4th grader, wanted to read the book so I got it for him. The Lightning Thief was the first book he devoured. When he was done, he told me the book was better than the movie. Here's hoping the 2nd movie, Sea of Monsters, (due out in March 2013) follows the book a bit more closely.

I also love the aspect that Percy Jackson has brought the Greek gods to a new generation of young readers in a fresh way to inspire their imagination.

Anastasia Steele, "Annabeth"

Question & Giveaway: Have you read Percy Jackson? Seen the movie? Have a favorite character? Can you guess who played "Zeus" in the movie?

Leave a comment with your email and I'll pick one lucky poster to win a PDF copy of "Danube in Candlelight." Just like Grover and Percy are best friends, so are Max and Adam from Danube in Candlelight. Enjoy this excerpt!
************

Adam turned toward the voice. His friend, Max Földi, sat underneath the awning of the Café Incognito, a known haunt for fine arts students. Adam had known Max since starting his studies at the university. Max was a tad shorter than Adam, with tight brown curls and hazel eyes. He was sharp and easygoing. Adam smiled and joined his friend at the table. The Dumas' bookstore was just a block north of the café.



"Max, what are you doing here?"
"I couldn't resist."
"Resist what?"

"I want to meet the woman you asked to lunch. I could tell from your voice that this one
is special."

Adam waved his hand in the air. He had dated several women over the past few years,
but none of them had made their way into his heart like Morgan had. "You are shameless. I haven't seen Morgan in years, so I expect you to find an excuse to let us have lunch -- alone."

"Oh, I will. I'm just curious about who this girl is."

The waiter approached. "What would you like, sir?"

Adam checked his watch. He still had another twenty minutes before he met Morgan. "I'll
have a cheese plate and some seltzer water."

"Are you looking forward to starting at the construction company?"

Adam raked a hand through his hair. There just was not enough time in the day. "Yes, but
I want to get an apartment here in the writers' district. I want to be closer to the feel of the city." "What do your parents think?"

Adam frowned. "I haven't mentioned it to them yet. I want to start my job before I tell
them."

The waiter returned with Adam's cheese and waited while Adam paid him.

Max sipped his water. Something past Adam's shoulder caught his attention, and Adam
turned around also.

Zoltan Kristos strutted down the street, moving with purpose. The wind tousled his dark
brown hair. He wore a suit with a white shirt and a gray jacket. His eyes with the golden rings around the irises stood out. Eyes like Adam's.

"Say, isn't that Zoltan Kristos?" Adam sipped his water.

"The Minister of Reconstruction? I gather so," Max said. "I wonder what he's doing down here."

Max shrugged. "Maybe he's on his way to Parliament." "Or he's leaving. Horthy called a meeting today."
Max arched an eyebrow. "Interesting."

"What? The meeting?" Adam nibbled on some cheese.

"Horthy only calls for impromptu sessions when something needs his immediate
attention."

"I'm sure the papers will report on it soon."

Adam caught the scent of burning wood and glanced up.

"Do you smell that?" he asked.

Max wrinkled his nose. "Smoke."

"Or a fire." Adam turned around.

Smoke filtered out of the second story windows of the nearby Duma bookstore. "Oh,
no..." he whispered. His stomach knotted.

REVIEWS FOR DANUBE IN CANDLELIGHT:

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

4 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

3.5 Stars, The Hope Chest Reviews:
Danube in Candlelight was a pleasant, easy read. Ms. Burkhart has created an interesting world with a mythology that is a little different than any other werewolf stories I've read to date, and the historical settings make them more intriguing to me than many contemporary paranormal stories.

5 Lips, Two Lips Reviews
I found the setting for Danube in Candlelight intriguing.The 1920 period Ms. Burkhart chose for this story lends it a wonderfully dynamic tempo. The discerning reader will not want to miss reading Danube in Candlelight; I highly recommend it.

Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I
PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hungarianmoonbookthreedanubeincandlelight-636082-139.html

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

My First Contract, "The Hungarian" by Stephanie Burkhart

In the early 2000's, I self-published a couple of my contemporary romances, along with a time-traveling romance. This experience taught me a lot about publishing models; what's involved in creating a novel from the writing, the editing, cover production, and marketing. Then, during the mid-2000's, I participated in the Writer's Digests Writing Competitions, using the contests to sharpen my skills. Several of my stories received recognition including "Spontaneous Decision," 8th place in mainstream literary fiction 2008 contest. My short story, "The Wolf's Kiss," was first runner up in the Popular Fiction Romance Contest that year. Told in the first person, alternating between Katherine and Matthias, the hero is a moody werewolf, afraid to allow his heart to find love again. The story was set in Budapest, Hungary at the start of the 20th Century. Matthias and the setting were inspired by my love for Victoria Holt gothic romance novels. Encouraged by the reception of "The Wolf's Kiss," I decided to write a novel length romance from Katherine's point of view.

"The Hungarian" was born. Let's just say the first two drafts were long. The third one. I showed Gail at Desert Breeze Publishing. Gail expressed interest, but wanted it rewritten in the 3rd person to show Matthias' point of view. I agreed and a contract was signed. That was August 2009 and "The Hungarian" was published in 2010.

It felt great to be offered a contract, but I knew I had more work to do and that's where my earlier experience paid off with self-publishing. I knew I would need a marketing plan along with developing an Internet friendly presence. Since I'm a new author striking out in a new market. I knew I would need patience, and a strong, steady resolve to build an audience.


For me, Matthias and Katherine's story has a very real element underneath the paranormal aspect – the desire to be loved and give love. It's something we all strive for. Enjoy this excerpt. ☺

****

The door squeaked open and Katherine peeked over the top of her book. A tall, muscular man walked in wearing a white button-down shirt and holding his blazer. He paused, as if surprised to find her, and then walked toward the window, his stride easy. He moved with wolf-like prowess, his long legs taking cool, calculated steps as his unusual eyes surveyed her. Katherine bit the inside of her lip, returning his measured perusal with one of her own. His silence was unnerving, yet intriguing.

His eyes drew her to him -- malachite green with a gold ring around the iris. Dynamic. Expressive. Even now, as he looked at her, they softened and grew translucent. He stopped in front of the window and casually threw his blazer onto a nearby chair as if he owned the room.

"Hello," he said.
"Hello."
"You're staring."

"I am? I thought you were staring at me."
He chuckled. "Perhaps I was admiring you."

"Me?"
"Who else is here?"

Katherine pursed her lips as her insides warmed from the deep silkiness of his voice. He smiled and walked to her chair, slowly gliding around it, tracing his finger over the leather headrest, skirting her curly hair.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"And who is inquiring?" She tried to sound cool and composed, but she had to fight the nervous temptation to play with her hands.

Justine Cotsonas inspiration
for "Katherine Archibald"

"Romeo, perhaps?"
"Then my name is Juliet."

A teasing smile graced his lips as he walked out from behind her chair and glanced at a bookshelf before turning to look at her again.

"Would you fall for Tristan?"
"Only if my name were Isolde."

He walked over to a wooden table near the window and ran his long finger over a clay mock-up of Excalibur lodged in a stone. "What do you think of Arthur? Do you think it suits me?"
"Only Guinevere would believe your name was Arthur."

He crossed his arms, his eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "Would you believe my name was Matthias?"

"I might, if--"
"If what?"
"If I knew more about you."

REVIEWS:
Happily Ever After Reviews, 5 Cups
"This is an excellent book and I think fans of both the paranormal and historical romances will really, really enjoy it."

Hope Chest Reviews - 4 Hearts
Overall, The Hungarian was a pretty good read. Stephanie Burkhart is good at telling an interesting story that holds my attention.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers
inspiration for "Matthias Duma"

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa
I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow. I really enjoyed the warm love and fiery passion that seemed to leap off the page.

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts
"I highly recommend The Hungarian, even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of The Hungarian is enough to win over anyone."

Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars
"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."

Coffee Time Romance, 3 Cups
"Ms. Burkhart tells this tale in such a voice that we can practically feel the waves of emotions both characters are feeling coming off the pages."


BOOK TRAILER ON YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow


BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317406212&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1029789952?ean=9781936000654&itm=4&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

SONY EBOOKS
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-hungarian/_/R-400000000000000233152

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

Budapest Moon 3 - Theme Rebuilding the Danube

At the end of "The Count's Lair," Budapest Moon, Book 2, Anton defeats the evil wolf, Marcus, and Amelia, pregnant, commits to their relationship. Knowing Budapest Moon Book 3, (Danube in Candlelight) would be about Anton's son, Adam, and Matthias' daughter, Morgan, I had to move the series forward to the 1920's.

After the Austrian-Hungarian Empire lost World War I, it was broken into several smaller countries and Hungary became its own nation. During my research, I learned the Communists took immediate charge of the new Hungarian government. Their policies were not well received. After several months filled with turmoil, the citizens of Hungary rose up, defeated the Communists and reinstated the monarchy. This monarchy would have a constitutional model. Otto Hapsburg was the legitimate heir, but the Hungarians did not want him. Miklós Horthy was invited to be the regent, which he accepted. In 1922, the year in Book 3, the Hungarians had recovered enough to begin the rebuilding of their nation. Knowing this, one of the major themes of the novel was rebuilding. There are two parallel rebuilding themes. One is the rebuilding of the nation as seen through Zoltan and Miklós eyes.

The Dumas and Vargas also have to rebuild, especially when the Duma bookstore burns to the ground and Katherine must rebuild her life.

Adam Varga and Morgan Duma have to rebuild their friendship. Morgan left for England in 1918, before she and Adam had a chance to take their friendship further. Now it's 1922 and Morgan is a woman, eager to see her friendship with Adam grow deeper. Can Adam and Morgan find their way to each other knowing the challenges that are in their way including the legacy of the werewolf that haunts their families?

REVIEWS:
5 Stars, Reader's Favorite:
This story is the closest I have ever come to reading a book that feels like a movie!

4 Hearts, Sizzling Hot Book Reviews:
Once again, Stephanie Burkhart has touched my imagination and with her writing brings 1922 Hungary to life. Danube in Candlelight is a very romantic, yet spicy read. This is a must read if you enjoy the paranormal werewolf stories or even if you merely enjoy a great romance.

3.5 Stars, The Hope Chest Reviews:
Danube in Candlelight was a pleasant, easy read. Ms. Burkhart has created an interesting world with a mythology that is a little different than any other werewolf stories I've read to date, and the historical settings make them more intriguing to me than many contemporary paranormal stories.

5 Lips, Two Lips Reviews
I found the setting for Danube in Candlelight intriguing. The 1920 period Ms. Burkhart chose for this story lends it a wonderfully dynamic tempo. The discerning reader will not want to miss reading Danube in Candlelight; I highly recommend it.
Book Trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgzUIHCRN0I

BLURB:
Set in Budapest 1922, The Hungarians are recovering from the war. Adam Varga is Hungarian to the bone and becomes an architect to help rebuild his nation. Morgan Duma returns from England also intent on helping to rebuild her country.

After a tragedy happens to her mother, Morgan discovers her father is a werewolf. She begins to question who she is, becoming more reckless, more daring, and her choices more bold. When Zoltan Kristos, a known werewolf, requests Morgan accompany him to the summer ball, Morgan has to decide which man will best fit her life.
ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Morgan drew in a deep breath as the knot in her shoulder tensed. Adam had a point. How could she be so self-centered, dwelling on her high-strung emotions? Perhaps it was a cover. Perhaps she couldn't face the real issue because it mortified her. She didn't want to think about it now. Morgan turned her head away and reached over her shoulder to massage that tension-filled knot.

"Turn around." Adam's voice brooked no debate. She liked a man who commanded authority. Morgan turned, and he massaged both her shoulders. Heat from his hands trailed down her back. Her core warmed. Her body relaxed, reacting instinctively and with a desire she couldn't hide.

"Did I hit a nerve?" he asked.

"A nerve? In my neck?" She took a step backward to be closer to him.

"No. About your father. Is your real fear about what will happen to your mother once he turns her?" Adam kept his voice low and leaned close to her ear.

She closed her eyes briefly and faced her anxiety. "Yes."

"Morgan, our fathers' condition has a host of positive traits -- heightened senses, for example, but the best trait is the healing factor."

"I understand, Adam. That healing factor will help my mother recover from her awful injuries, but it comes with a tradeoff -- she's going to become a werewolf."


PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-219/Budapest-Moon-Book-III/Detail.bok

AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Hungarian-Moon-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B0061XJFG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320188529&sr=1-1
BARNES & NOBLE NOOK BUY LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hungarian-moon-book-three-stephanie-burkhart/1107039692?ean=2940013659148&itm=1&usri=danube%2bin%2bcandlelight
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hungarianmoonbookthreedanubeincandlelight-636082-139.html

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

How to Redeem a "bad" wolf by Stephanie Burkhart

In "The Hungarian" (Budapest Moon, book 1) Count Anton Varga was introduced as a "foil/counterpoint" to Count Matthias Duma. Anton shared the same struggles as Matthias, being made into a werewolf on the same night as Matthias. Anton struggled with containing the more feral/aggressive nature of his soul. He also saw Matthias as a rival in many things, life, money, property, and love, but then something happened.

That something was Lady Amelia Andrassy.

Amelia fainted in the Duma bookstore and Anton caught her. It was a gesture any decent human being would do - catch another while they were falling, yet Anton looked into Amelia's eyes and saw similiar wounds in her heart that he harbored. Amelia was kindred spirit and suddenly Anton had something of his "own." He just needed to figure out a way to reach out to Amelia.

In my "free" prequel, "Moonlight Sonata," Anton determines what he has to do to become the man Amelia needs. In "The Count's Lair" he's set on his course to win Amelia's love. Now, if that doesn't redeem a "bad" wolf, falling in love, I don't know what will.

The Count's Lair is an award winning book:
2011 Reader's Favorite Silver winner in Romance: Sci-Fi/Fantasy


It was also nominated for book of the week with Long & Short Reviews.

Here are some of the reviews for "The Count's Lair:"

*******

"Want a recipe for a great story? Take an awesome writer like Ms. Burkhart, stir in her intimate knowledge of Hungary, her innate ability to create wonderful characters, a book-full of suspense, mystery and passion and you get a book you can’t put down."

Fennel -- Long and Short Reviews
Rating = 5 Books.
Nominated for BOOK OF THE WEEK!

*****

The Count’s Lair is filled with suspense, mystery, passion, and the paranormal. This story is set in the beautiful city of Budapest; the author brings her knowledge of the area to her plot. She describes the history and culture of Budapest... I was cheering for Anton. However, for me the best scene was the last one when Anton gives Amelia her choice. He held her with an open hand."

Reader's Favorite Book Reviews
Rating = 5 Stars

*****

"Burkhart does it again with book two in the Budapest Moon book series, The Count’s Lair. The second book is filled with passion, chock full of paranormal goodness, romance, suspense and mystery... Those who love paranormal romance with a dash of suspense and mystery will fall in love with The Count’s Lair and do not forget to read the first book in the series!"

The Pen and Muse

*****

"This is one of the best werewolf books I have ever read. Stephanie Burkhart gives a great view of the 18th Century Catholic Church and Werewolf relationship, as well as going into more detail about the attributes of werewolves. If you enjoy the Werewolf legends, or just romantic relationships, The Count's Lair is a wonderful read."

5 Hearts
Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

******

"...The Count's Lair was an agreeable read populated with likable and relatable characters... The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. I'll be looking forward to the next novel due for release at the end of this year (2012) that will continue with the next generation of Vargas with Anton and Amelia's daughter, Sophia's story."

The Hope Chest Reviews
Rating = 4 Stars

BOOK TRAILER ON YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaiYNNpETok

Ralphi Finnes inspiration for "Anton"


BLURB:
Count Anton Varga is haunted by the curse of the moon. It tugs on his emotions, ravishing his soul. Anton abhors the beast he must learn to tame if he is to find peace. 



Lady Amelia Andrássy is an accomplished pianist, but her life in Budapest had been filled with heartache. When Amelia faints in the Duma's bookstore, it's Anton's strong arms that cradle her fall. His unusual indigo eyes spark with hers, replacing their individual loneliness with the promise of feral passion. 



After a two month separation, Anton is ready to walk into Amelia's life again, but is Amelia ready to fan the spark they shared into a flame?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Count Varga looked like a tamed jackal. His hair was wind-tussled, and his overcoat accented his muscled physique. His scarf hung casually over his shoulders, too, as if it were just for show. She was completely disarmed by his full red lips, more vulnerable to his presence than she would have thought. Anton draped the cloak over her shoulders and snapped the front clasp. Sparks of warmth jumped off him, saturating her body. His smoldering sapphire eyes found hers. She adored his attention.

Amy Adams inspiration for "Amelia"


Bryant handed her a pair of gloves, her hat, and her scarf. She hung the scarf around her neck and put on her hat.

"Are you ready?" Anton asked.

She nodded, and he escorted her to his auto. The cold winter air nipped at her cheeks. It was only the first week of December, but Anton hadn't joked about the temperature.

They got in the back seat of his auto, and the driver took off. The auto was warm. Amelia put her gloves in her lap.

"Some people have set up a tent in the middle of the market and are selling goulash and warm apple wine. Do you mind having lunch there? I thought we'd take in the market's ambience."

"Not at all."

"I've missed you." He turned in the seat to look at her.

She smiled. "I've missed you, too."

"Did you get your invitation to the noble's ball?" he asked.

"Yes. I got it today."
"May I escort you?"

"I would like that," she replied. She'd like it a lot. Too much for her own good, but she wasn't prepared to admit that to him just yet. He already had unsettled her. It was exciting to be in the presence of a man so confident and secure. The last few weeks with Mikel, she'd thought he had avoided her because of the success of her piano concerts.

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-Two-ebook/dp/B004LLIEMK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317535160&sr=8-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-two-the-counts-lair-stephanie-burkhart/1029218357?ean=9781612520186&itm=5&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

SONY EBOOK STORE:
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-count-s-lair/_/R-400000000000000337165

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbooktwothecount039slair-513164-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-142/Stephanie-Burkhart-Budapest-Moon/Detail.bok


FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

Meet the Cast of: The Hungarian, Budapest Moon Book 1

I love casting the characters of my books. It really helps me to give them a visual. And, hey, you never known, Hollywood might actually call one day, right? *wink* (Okay, maybe they won't). I thought I'd share some reviews for "The Hungarian," Book 1 in my Budapest Moon Series and my casting picks. Enjoy!

BLURB: Matthias harbors a dark secret, but when Katherine comes into his life he risks everything for her love.


REVIEWS:
Happily Ever After Reviews,  5 Cups
"This is an excellent book and I think fans of both the paranormal and historical romances will really, really enjoy it." 

Hope Chest Reviews - 4 Hearts
Overall, The Hungarian was a pretty good read. Stephanie Burkhart is good at telling an interesting story that holds my attention.

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa
I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow. I really enjoyed the warm love and fiery passion that seemed to leap off the page. 

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts
"I highly recommend The Hungarian, even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of The Hungarian is enough to win over anyone."

Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars
"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."

Coffee Time Romance, 3 Cups
"Ms. Burkhart tells this tale in such a voice that we can practically feel the waves of emotions both characters are feeling coming off the pages."


COUNT MATTHIAS DUMA:
JONATHAN RHYS-MEYERS



















KATHERINE ARCHIBALD:
JUSTINE COTSONAS




















COUNT ANTON VARGA:
RALPH FINNES




















RESA, THE WITCH:
SELMA HAYEK



















LADY AMELIA ANDRASSY:
AMY ADAMS





























BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317406212&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1029789952?ean=9781936000654&itm=4&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

SONY EBOOKS
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-hungarian/_/R-400000000000000233152

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

My 1st Valentine by Stephanie Burkhart

Valentines Day used to be a cold, cold holiday for me. Well, let's face it, growing up in New Hampshire put Valentines smack in the dead of winter. Snow littered the ground. Cold chilled the bones. And I was too young to have a Valentine anyway.

Then I joined the Army. Valentines still proved to be a cold, lonely, snowy holiday. Sure, I had boyfriends, but I always seemed to be "in-between" them when Valentines Day showed up.

Why am I talking about Valentines instead of my 1st kiss? Because it's over 20 years and I can't remember. I'm sure it was sweet, filled with promise, but it's my 1st Valentines that really resonates with me.

Brent and I were stationed in Bad Hersfeld, Germany and yes, it was cold and snowy. We lived off the base in a small 1 room apartment we called "The Love Shack." The apartment was across town, about 10 minutes from the Kaserne and up on the hill, so you could look down onto the city.

The landlady was crazy, but that's another story for another blog.

My husband loved Oingo Boingo (being the California boy he is) so I bought him their latest disc and decorated the living room in pink and white crepe paper.

At the time, Valentines wasn't a big holiday where we were stationed at. (Germans really get into "Fashing" though, which generally occurs mid-to-end Feb right before Ash Wednesday) My husband hunted high and low until he found a small florist that had a dozen red roses. He paid 50 marks for the flowers. (approx. $30.00)



I so appreciated the hunt he undertook to find me flowers. That involved a lot of effort and thought on his part, especially since he was an American in Germany with limited knowledge of the language. My husband gives me flowers every year, but behind the gesture, I'm always reminded that he was the 1st guy to go out of his way for me and buy me flowers, and that means a lot – even 20 years later.



Enjoy this Excerpt, from "The Hungarian" where Matthias and Kate bond over flowers.



"What happened to you?" Katherine whispered. She needed to know more about him.

"It isn't easy for me to discuss." He dropped her hand. His eyes darkened as if a storm threatened the horizon.

"I understand."
"Do you?"

She hesitated. Matthias's wound was still raw.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Was he trying to push an unpleasant memory away from him?

"Katherine--" he began.

"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."

He grabbed her wrist again with his cat-like reflexes. "It is unpleasant, but I've come to terms with it."

"Have you?"

"Yes. I'm just not prepared to talk about it right now. I want to focus on you. I find you intriguing, and I would like the opportunity to get to know you better."

"You find me intriguing? Boring old me and my books?"

"Don't talk about yourself like that. You are not boring. Your desire to own a bookstore is admirable. This is not an easy admission for me. Since my wife died, I vowed not to get involved with anyone else, but the stars guided me to you."

"The stars?" she questioned.
"You believe as I believe."

"I believe what precisely, Matthias?"

His eyes burned gold. He stepped into her personal space, his lips curving into a seductive smile. Her heart pounded like a horse on a track pursuing a reckless course to the finish line. The sunlight struck his face in such a manner that it cast gray shadows over his satyr-like cheekbones.

"In the stars," he finally said. "I live my life by them."
She drew in a breath. The stars had been her lifeline once. He leaned forward, his mouth trapping hers with his sweet lips. Warmth pooled inside her, unlocking unspoken desire. His kiss was gentle yet filled with hunger, teasing her with silent promises of more before he backed away. His eyes never left hers. She betrayed too much in that wicked kiss, for his lips curved into a feral smile full of delight. Did he want more? Confusion pooled next to desire. Was this what it was like when the heart and mind collided?

His eyes darted to a nearby lavender bush. He easily closed the distance between them and the bush. Gently, he picked a sprig. "For you."

REVIEWS:
Happily Ever After Reviews, 5 Cups
"This is an excellent book and I think fans of both the paranormal and historical romances will really, really enjoy it."

Hope Chest Reviews - 4 Hearts
Overall, The Hungarian was a pretty good read. Stephanie Burkhart is good at telling an interesting story that holds my attention.

You Gotta Read Reviews - You Need to Read, Lupa
I was so very happily surprised by this book. The characters are enchanting, the scenes are vividly written, and the story has a fantastic flow. I really enjoyed the warm love and fiery passion that seemed to leap off the page.

Sizzling Hot Book Reviews, 5 Hearts
"I highly recommend The Hungarian, even if you aren't that interested in the paranormal such as werewolves. The romantic tale of The Hungarian is enough to win over anyone."

Reader's Favorites, 5 Stars
"This book is extremely entertaining. The plot is sensual and romantic."

Coffee Time Romance, 3 Cups
"Ms. Burkhart tells this tale in such a voice that we can practically feel the waves of emotions both characters are feeling coming off the pages."

BOOK TRAILER ON YOU TUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwaF8hAdow


BUY LINKS:

AMAZON KINDLE:
http://www.amazon.com/Budapest-Moon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B003K15NG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317406212&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1029789952?ean=9781936000654&itm=4&usri=stephanie%2bburkhart

SONY EBOOKS
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/the-hungarian/_/R-400000000000000233152

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-budapestmoonbookonethehungarian-427260-139.html

PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-87/%3Ci%3EBudapest-Moon-Book-One%3C-fdsh-i%3E-cln-/Detail.bok

FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

Witches, Werewolves & Stephanie Burkhart

What do horror novels and paranormal romance have in common? A dash of 'gothic' and a pinch of 'moonlight.' Oh, let's not forget those creatures that go bump in the night – vampires, werewolves, and witches.

I was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. As a young girl in the 1970's, family time was "Creature Double Feature" on Saturday afternoons. I grew up with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches. Oh, and who could forget Godzilla?

As a teenager in the 1980's, I discovered gothic romance written by Victoria Holt. Now Holt could pen a tale full of secrets and darkness. Then I found Anne Rice. "The Witching Hour" is one of my favorite Rice novels.

After graduating high school in 1986, I joined the Army, wanting a great adventure. I got it. I spent 7 years overseas in Germany and 11 years total as an MP.

What I loved about my time in the military was the exposure I had to different cultures and nations. I've been to Germany, France, and even Hungary. In 1991, I was married in Nykobig, Denmark.

I left the Army in 1997 and settled in California where my husband was from and became a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. Writing, however, had always been an itch so I decided to scratch it. My 1st novel, "Destination: Berlin" is a sweet contemporary/military romance that was self published. The story was inspired by my trip to Berlin in 1988, right before the fall of the wall.

The vampires still slept under my bed though – along with those pesky werewolves and witches. I had to let them out.

In 2005, I began "Twilight Over Moldavia." Prince Stefan was cursed to become a werewolf. Could Princess Caroline save him? The story was inspired by this simple thought: I wanted to write a fairytale in reverse where the princess had to save the prince.

From 2005-2009, I focused on my craft, earning several honorable mentions in the Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competitions and Popular Fiction Contests. In 2008, my short story, "Spontaneous Decision," won 8th place in the WD Annual Competition in the Mainstream Category. That same year, "The Wolf's Kiss" was1st Runner up in the Popular Fiction, Romance Category. That story was the inspiration for "The Hungarian," Book 1 in the Budapest Moon Series.

The werewolf under the bed got the jump on the vampire. Wanting to let the wolves out to play, Matthias (the hero in "The Hungarian") became a werewolf. I wanted to do a couple things differently in my paranormal series. I wanted to focus on the humanity of the beast. My paranormals highlight the psychology of the man/wolf. There are secrets and dark corners courtesy of Victoria Holt and my gothic roots.

In 2009, Desert Breeze picked up "The Hungarian," and my Budapest Moon series. Ambitious, I also contracted the "Moldavian Moon Series,' which featured Stefan and Caroline from "Twilight Over Moldavia." While both series have elements in common, such as werewolves, witches, secrets, and European settings, that's where they end.

The Budapest Moon Series

Set in Budapest, Hungary, in the early 20th Century, rivals Matthias Duma and Anton Varga attempt to deal with their lycanthropic condition while retaining their grasp on humanity.


Books in this series include:

Book 1 – The Hungarian – MAY 2010
Couple: Matthias Duma & Katherine Archibald

Book 2 – The Count's Lair – FEB 2011
Couple: Anton Varga & Amelia Andrassy

Book 3 – Danube in Candlelight – NOV 2011
Couple: Adam Varga & Morgan Duma

Book 4 – The Secret Door – DEC 2012
Couple: Sophia Varga & Zoltan Kristos

The Moldavian Moon Series

Set in Romania in the mid-1800's, werewolves haunt the royal witching families of the Romanian principalities.


Books in this series include:

Book 1 – The Wolf's Torment – MAY 2011
Couple: Mihai Sigmaringen and Theresa von Kracken

Book 2 – Twilight Over Moldavia – JAN 2012
Couple: Stefan Sigmaringen and Caroline Moldoveanu

Book 3 – Sunrise Over Brasov – APR 2013
Couple: Michael Sigmaringen and Rosa Getzi

When the wolves and witches stay under the bed, I get to venture out. Just recently they let me out of the house to see Selene, David, & Eve from Underworld 4. What can I say? Selene Rocks. She is my ultimate paranormal heroine. I wanna be Selene when I grow up. Sign in if your Underworld Fan and let me know what your Favorite Underworld Movie is.



This year "I Believe" and got hot about my weight loss. I joined Weight Watchers and the weight loss challenge at work. I'll be talking about the highs and lows of weight loss on my blog every Saturday. Feel free to stop by and visit.

Did I tell you I'm also a glorified chauffeur for my kids? Both take dance lessons and are signed up to play flag football in the local rec center league. Joe also takes gymnastics.

I love playing racquetball, but my partner is my husband and it's not easy to find time with our schedules. What else do I do in my "me" time? I'm an avid reader and love going to the movies.

You can find me on the web at:

WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart