Tag Archives: Berni Stevens

Author Berni Stevens is #SharingTheLove

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As February is the month of love, I have a host of wonderful romance authors stopping by my blog to share flirty extracts from their novels! Well you know, any excuse 😉 

Today, I am pleased to welcome Berni Stevens, with an extract from her novel,  Revenge is Sweet. Berni kindly sent over two extracts for this post, allowing my YA daughter, who is a HUGE fan, to choose which was posted. Amelia delighted in selecting this one, saying, “I love this bit!” And I can see why …

Revenge is Sweet

“Will

Elinor came towards me like an exquisite dream. Tonight she is absolutely breath-taking, not that vampires have breath to take, although the sentiment remains the same.

The ivory dress clung to her tiny frame, only to flare out near her ankles in tiers of flimsy material. Her slim shoulders were bare, and the diamond pendant I had given her for a wedding present sparkled with cold blue fire against her creamy skin.

Someone had curled her glorious waist-length hair, and twined dark red rosebuds amongst the bright copper curls, to match the roses she carried. Tonight she even wore make-up, and her eyes shone like sapphire stars when she looked up at me from beneath darkened eyelashes. Truly, I have never seen her look more beautiful, or more enchanting. She could ask me for anything in the world at this moment and I would do everything in my power to get it.

Luke took Elinor’s left hand from his arm, and placed it in mine. Her hand felt so tiny, so fragile, and it trembled a little. She is so precious to me, I am forever thankful the fates made our paths cross.”

Ellie

Leaning down to whisper in my ear, Will said, ‘I think Vivienne is safe from the refund demand.’

I smiled, and he continued, ‘You look so enchantingly beautiful, I am speechless.

‘Doesn’t sound like it, Mr Spooky,’ I whispered back.

‘Still being cheeky, soon-to-be Mrs Spooky.’

A small laugh burst from me, and the tension immediately left my body. The registrar peered at me over the top of his half-moon glasses with a surprised look.

Anyone who has ever attended a civil ceremony as opposed to a more formal ceremony in church, will know how short the civil one is. One moment you’re single, the next you’re married. It all seemed a bit of a blur actually. I could only think about Will, and how incredibly handsome he looked.

He always looked good enough to eat, no matter what he wore, but tonight he had dressed in a black tux, dazzling white wing-collared shirt, and black silk bow-tie. The only colour about him was the vivid green of his amazing eyes.

When we came to the moment where we had to exchange rings, Stevie handed my ring to Will, who slipped it on my finger, and then raised my hand to his lips.

‘Ti amerò per l’éternità,’ he said softly. ‘I will love you for eternity.’”

Thank you for #SharingTheLove Berni, and for the fact my mum kudos goes up just by knowing you! Amelia’s guest review of Berni’s Immortals of London series can be found here.

Discover more about Revenge is Sweet (Book 2 in the Immortals of London Series): 

Hell hath no fury like a vampire seeking revenge …

Life hasn’t been exactly normal for Ellie since she became a vampire. Although joining the legion of the undead was always going to take some getting used to, even if you are the partner of Will Austen, the Elder of London.

But when Daniel, a fifteen-year-old fledgling vampire, unexpectedly turns up at Ellie’s and Will’s Highgate home, things start getting very strange – and more than a little scary.

Events take a devastating turn as a mystery troublemaker leaves behind a trail of carnage – and it soon becomes clear they will stop at nothing to get the Elder’s attention, even if it involves hurting the person he cherishes the most …

But when it comes to Ellie, Will Austen is the wrong vampire to mess with.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit
Buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.com

About the author:

Berni Stevens lives in a 400-year-old cottage with her husband, black cat, four goldfish who think they’re piranha, and occasionally her son when he comes back for some TLC. She trained in graphic design, and has worked as a book cover designer for over twenty years.

Her love of paranormal fiction began at school when she first read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and she’s been a fan of the fanged ever since. She is on the committee and the book panel of The Dracula Society – a literary society for fans of gothic literature and film.

Dance Until Dawn, a paranormal romance, was Berni’s UK debut with Choc Lit, published 7th April 2014. Revenge is Sweet, the sequel, was published in eBook format on 12th July 2016. Now the third novel in the trilogy is well under way, with a story that centres on a lovelorn werewolf!

Berni has several short stories published in various anthologies; romantic, gothic and sometimes just plain fantasy!

Follow Berni Stevens and discover more about her work here: Twitter | Facebook

Don’t miss author Sue McDonagh #SharingTheLove on my blog tomorrow. xx


Carol Thomas writes contemporary romance novels, with relatable heroines whose stories are layered with emotion, sprinkled with laughter and topped with irresistible male leads. Discover more here.

Three Fabulous Festive Reads

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With one week to go until Christmas, I am sharing some of my recent Christmas reads. They have left me feeling thoroughly festive, so if you’re looking for a fabulous Christmas read, here’s some recommendations:

One Magical Christmas by Berni Stevens

The Blurb:

When Annie Berry collides with Nik Knoll in a car park on the day of her sister’s wedding, it feels like all of Nik’s Christmases have come at once. Annie seems like just the sort of woman he’d like to get to know, and the chance nature of their encounter is almost like, well … Christmas magic.

My Review:

I love Christmas and read this book with a big smile. The story takes you by the hand, wraps you in Christmas magic and leaves you with a warm, cosy feeling. As a novella, it was a speedy read, which was ideal for me, as a busy mum during the festive period. Berni Stevens’ gorgeous story enabled me to escape for a few hours and to claim a little Christmas magic for myself; a great read with very likeable characters. Recommended for all those who wish they could still believe!

Buy Christmas One Magical Christmas.

Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat by Angela Britnell

The Blurb:

What if you had nowhere to call home for Christmas? 
When Fee Winter books a winter break at the remote Black Cherry Retreat in the small town of Pine Ridge, Tennessee, it’s with the idea that the peace and quiet will help her recuperate from her hectic life as a photographer.

But what she didn’t bank on was meeting Tom Chambers and his huge, interfering yet lovable family. With them, could Fee finally experience the warmth and support that’s been missing from her own life – and maybe even find a place to call home in time for Christmas?

My Review:

This story begins in late fall and moves towards Christmas set in the Tennessee mountains. Told from the point of view of both Fee and Tom, it soon becomes apparent that each of the main characters has issues from their past to overcome.

As the two discover more about each other, the reader is drawn into their story and to understand their motivations. Tom is lovely – a mountain man with a big family and a heart to match. I found I liked the character of Fee more as the story progressed and willed her to allow herself to find happiness.

I loved Tom’s family and the community they inhabited around the Black Cherry Retreat. They provided levity and offered support and guidance to both Tom and Fee. With a touch of intrigue, suspense, a blossoming romance, and some emotional moments this book packs plenty in for an enjoyable Christmas read.

Buy Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat.

Christmas at Borteen Bay by Morton S Gray

The Blurb:

Christmas is a bittersweet time for Pippa Freeman. There are good memories, of course – but some painful ones too. Then her mother is implicated in a mysterious occurrence in their home town of Borteen, and Pippa wonders if she’ll ever experience a happy Christmas again – especially when a family secret is revealed.
But when police officer and old school friend Ethan Gibson offers his support, Pippa begins to realise that even though her life has been turned upside down, a happy and hopeful Christmas isn’t impossible …

(Set in the same fictional village as Morton’s other books but can be read as a standalone.)

My Review:

I greatly enjoyed my third visit to Borteen Bay. The small mentions given to characters from previous books made me smile. Having said that this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novella. With a shocking discovery on the beach early on and a touch of intrigue created by family secrets, it hooks you from the start – as you’d expect from Morton S Gray.

The story is told from the point of view of the main characters, Ethan and Pippa, who are both still touched by occurrences from their past, that have divided them. So when Pippa has to turn to Ethan for help, it is more than a body on the beach that is brought to the surface. As the two are thrown together it becomes apparent that Ethan is a different type of romantic hero; he is more measured in his responses and passions, he is flawed and yet thoroughly likeable.

As a novella, it is great to escape into for a few hours over the busy Christmas period. I enjoy Morton’s writing style and the world she has created in her Borteen Bay series. I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Buy Christmas at Borteen Bay.

With three great books to choose from, why not get a hot chocolate, put your feet up and indulge in a Christmas read? And if you haven’t read it yet (shock, horror, what have you been doing with your time?), don’t forget you could also read The Purrfect Pet Sitter, to join Lisa Blake in the French Alps for a Christmas she’ll never forget.

My reviews are posted on Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

Guest Review of Berni Stevens’ Immortals of London series

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I am delighted to say that my teenage daughter enjoyed Berni Stevens’ Immortals of London series so much she has written a guest review.

Dance until Dawn by Berni Stevens
#Immortals of London book 1

The Blurb
Do you Believe in Love After Life?
At 25, West-End dancer, Ellie Wakefield should be having the time of her life. The only problem is, ever since waking up in a leaky cellar belonging to three hundred year old vampire, Will Austen, she’s been very much dead. And to make matters worse, she’s since found that an aversion to blood and a fear of the dark aren’t very helpful – especially when you’re a fledgling vampire.

William James Austen has fallen hard. He’s spent the last year loving Ellie from afar and now he’s finally able to be truthful about who and what he is. As the most powerful and revered vampire in London, he’s used to getting what he wants. But this time, Will might just have bitten off more than he can chew.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit

Review:
I like vampire books and I am just starting to get more into romance reads and so this appealed to me (also I saw it on my mum’s blog and asked her to get it for me!). I found this book really good. I liked Ellie because she was a strong character and not easily lead. The setting was good and the storyline was interesting. I’d recommend it and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

Click to buy the book.

Revenge is Sweet by Berni Stevens
#Immortals of London book 2

The Blurb:
Hell hath no fury like a vampire seeking revenge …

Life hasn’t been exactly normal for Ellie since she became a vampire. Although joining the legion of the undead was always going to take some getting used to, even if you are the partner of Will Austen, the Elder of London.

But when Daniel, a fifteen-year-old fledgling vampire, unexpectedly turns up at Ellie’s and Will’s Highgate home, things start getting very strange – and more than a little scary.

Events take a devastating turn as a mystery troublemaker leaves behind a trail of carnage – and it soon becomes clear they will stop at nothing to get the Elder’s attention, even if it involves hurting the person he cherishes the most …

But when it comes to Ellie, Will Austen is the wrong vampire to mess with.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit

Review:
I really enjoyed the second in this series. The characters and their relationships continued to develop well. There were new characters too, who added to the creative ways death was introduced. I especially liked the unexpected ending. I’d love this series to be made into a film!

Click to buy the book.

About the author:

Berni Stevens lives in a 400-year-old cottage with her husband, black cat, four goldfish who think they’re piranha, and occasionally her son when he comes back for some TLC. She trained in graphic design, and has worked as a book cover designer for over twenty years.

Her love of paranormal fiction began at school when she first read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and she’s been a fan of the fanged ever since. She is on the committee and the book panel of The Dracula Society – a literary society for fans of gothic literature and film.

Dance Until Dawn, a paranormal romance, was Berni’s UK debut with Choc Lit, published 7th April 2014. Revenge is Sweet, the sequel, was published in eBook format on 12th July 2016. Now the third novel in the trilogy is well under way, with a story that centres on a lovelorn werewolf!

Berni has several short stories published in various anthologies; romantic, gothic and sometimes just plain fantasy!

Find Berni Stevens on Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you for your great reviews Amelia x

Reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads.

Book Boyfriend Blind Date 2

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With Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, and so many lovely heroes still to choose from, Book Boyfriend Blind Date continues!

Once again the lovely authors from Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction have been answering these two, all important questions to help you find the perfect Valentine’s date:

If I went on a blind date with the hero from your book, how would I recognise him and where would he take me?

And so it is with very great pleasure, that I invite you to get a drink, sit back and enjoy, as you join me, in considering which of these heroes you would choose from book boyfriend blind date round two:

Josh Owens from The Velvet Cloak of Moonlight by Christina Courtenay

Josh Owens – you’d mostly recognise him by his delicious New Zealand accent, but you can’t really miss him as he’s tall and has the kind of looks that could sell millions of bottles of aftershave if he stared moodily out of an advert – clear green eyes, black tousled hair and dark stubble.

Where would he take you? To a little country pub somewhere near the Welsh border, where you could sit in near the open fire and feel as though you’d known him forever, time had stood still for centuries and the past was only a breath away …

Marc Peterson from Little Pink Taxi by Marie Laval

Marc Petersen, the hero of Little Pink Taxi, is half French but he has fallen in love with Scotland. Therefore he would definitely take you there for a blind date. It would be in a hotel in a beautiful old castle, with roaring fires in the massive stone fireplaces, a cosy lounge where you would enjoy a dram of whisky or a locally brewed pine needle beer (rumoured to put you in the mood for romance), and a restaurant serving delicious and heart-warming dishes. There would also be four-poster beds, atmospheric views of a loch and perhaps even a ghost or two…

You would recognise him straight away by his sexy French accent, of course!

William James Austen from Dance Until Dawn by Berni Stevens

Will is a vampire, so he’d probably be the very pale man lurking in the shadows. Tall, dark and devastating with a wit as sharp as his teeth, and very hypnotic green eyes.

He would almost certainly take you to his club, Dusk, which has live bands playing several nights a week, a very trendy DJ and a werewolf as manager. I hope you like to dance because he’s very fond of dancing – and dancers.

Bill Blythe from Follow A Star by Christine Stovell

Bill Blythe would be fairly easy to spot as he’s tall, strapping and red-haired. His idea of showing a woman a good time would probably be to take her to see the Foo Fighters, but his heart’s very much in the right place. As one happy reader said, ‘Oh my goodness … wouldn’t we all like a Bill in our lives!’

The hero from The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James in her Ruby Fiction debut

The hero in my story (I can’t giveaway a spoiler by telling you who he is!) would wine and dine you in the gorgeous, private, candlelit restaurant in the 17th century panel room at Boomerville. You will recognise him as soon as you walk into the room for he stands, to smile warmly; his handsome face glowing in the light from flames dancing from a fire which burns in a cast-iron grate. The discreet corner table will have an arrangement of red roses and a bottle of chilled champagne. He holds out his hand and as you walk forward he pulls out a chair and you slip your legs under the white linen cloth. He pops the cork with ease and fills your glass and as the deliciously cold bubbles explode in our mouth you gaze at your hero and wonder, ‘Where have you been all my life?’

Nathan Baker from The Purrfect Petsitter by Carol Thomas in her Ruby Fiction debut (well I had to let Nathan join in the fun!)

Nathan has fine stubble and blond, ruffled hair. At around six foot two he is tall and has a muscular physique. If he isn’t in uniform (he’s a fireman) then he’ll be smart casual in his favourite, Timberland does lumberjack, jeans, t-shirt and open checked shirt, style. Being an extreme sports enthusiast Nathan would happily take you on a date that thrills. But if what you fancy is cuddling up in front of an open fire, sharing a bottle of wine and getting to know each other better, he’s pretty good at that too.

I am so going to miss my inbox filling up with these fabulous answers. I hope you’ve found someone to spend a bit of quality time with this February. I think I am just going to read all of the answers one more time before I make my final choice 😉 Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Thank you so much to all those who took part. You can find all of these lovely authors on Twitter: Christina Courtenay | Marie Laval | Berni Stevens | Christine Stovell | Carol Thomas | Caroline James | Choc Lit | Ruby Fiction |

Haven’t discovered Book Boyfriend Blind Date 1? Don’t miss out, check it out here!