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?
Also available as an ebook for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony & ereader on the Publisher's Website and All Romance Books.
Reviews for At The Count's Lair
5 STARS, Reader's Favorite
"Stephanie Burkhart offers readers a suspense filled romance in The Count's Lair: Budapest Moon Book 2. The setting is Vienna Austria 1901. Lady Amelia Andrassy's music touched the heart of her audience yet she felt empty inside. She was a widow with a broken heart; she discovered her husband's affair the day before the accident that took his life. I had been two months since she had seen Count Anton Varga. She was both happy to see him and infuriated. He explained that he wanted to give her time to mourn and he had some things he needed to consider. There was a strong spark between them. But could Amelia love a werewolf? Could he protect her of the danger that lay ahead?
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. She is a strong but has a wounded heart. Anton was a delightful character: I could picture him as handsome, strong integrity but with a secret. Anton fears his secret will cause Amelia to run. Georg and Esme were gypsies that Anton allows to live with him. Esme was also a witch. Marcus was the ultimate bad werewolf. The description of the battle left me breathless. 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."
5 STARS, Long & Short, Fennel
"Secrets have power. They can destroy those involved or they can release the past, release the dark shadows of fear and free those who care to fight for what they believe in.
Lady Amelia Andrássy knows all about betrayal of trust and broken dreams and yet when she has a choice to make the past is not important, only her heart's desire.
But is it enough? Danger lurks in the darkness, vengeance demands justice, and will that justice destroy her life once again?
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.
In The Count's Lair, Ms. Burkhart delivers all of these and more. The Count, Anton Varga, knows what he wants, but will his chosen lover ever accept him as he is and for what he is
The Count's Lair is the second book in Stephanie Burkhart's Budapest Moon series. And like the first is a `must read' and a `keeper'."
THE PEN & MUSE
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. Burkhart also offers a beautiful description of Vienna Austria from 1901. As a reader I am always swept away by her descriptions and knowledge of Budapest's customs, I feel like I am back in time reading as the story unfolds. The Count's Lair follows Lady Amelia Andrassy who is suffering from a broken heart and it's been two months since she has seen Count Anton Varga. Anton is sad that he couldn't see her sooner, but he had to respect her and give her time to mourn. There is also such a tension between them begging to come forward. Anton carries a secret that he is not sure that Amelia will be able to understand. Can Anton protect her, but also can he protect her from himself? I loved both characters, both Amelia and Anton are characters you will grow to love and root for. Amelia is character is sweet, but strong. As is Anton's character, he is every bit an alpha male with a secret, but also caring and gentle. 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 Romance Studio
Anton and Amelia's story is very heartwarming. Anton has suffered through each full moon alone until he helps rescue a gypsy family and earns their loyalty. He now has the support he needs to make it through his transformations. Then he starts courting Amelia and falls in love with her. She is given clues as to what his secret is and she has to decide if she can love him enough once she figures the secret out. Ms. Burkhart has done a wonderful job with all of the details of the characters. Anton has to overcome his past and earn the trust and love of Amelia after his behavior towards Katherine. He has to prove that he has changed and will always be by her side. Amelia also has things to overcome, like the betrayal of her late husband and the possibility that she cannot have children.
Overall, this book was very entertaining. I liked all of the personalities of the characters and the obstacles they have to overcome to find their dreams. I recommend this book to everyone, but you may want to read the first book in order to really get an understanding of the characters' actions and plights. I an looking for to the next book in this series as I am sure it will be just as good if not better.
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her favorite movie "werewolf" is David Thewlis, Lupin from Harry Potter.
Back list
The Hungarian, Budapest Moon, Book 1
The Wolf's Torment, Moldavian Moon, Book 1
An Interview with Stephanie Burkhart
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Stephanie, thank you so much for talking to us. Your featured book is The Count's Lair. You hero is struggling to deal with the curse of the moon and your heroine is wondering if she should fall for him. Where did you get the idea for this mesmerizing story?
SB: It grew organically out of the first book in the series, The Hungarian. Anton has a hard time dealing with his condition because he has no support. He just doesn't fit in. Anton has to find his place in the world. Then he shares that "spark" of attraction with Amelia. She faints in his arms and he feels protective towards her. He's never had that feeling before. He realizes she's just as lost and lonely has he is. Amelia's been hurt. Her husband has been cheating on her. It's left a raw, open wound on her heart. Who can she trust? She's felt that same "spark" which Anton has. Here's a man willing to protect her. It feels good, right? But can she trust it?
HH: What do you like about Amelia and why will readers identify with her?
SB: Amelia's not a doormat. After her cheating husband dies in a train accident, she picks herself up and dusts herself off by going on a concert piano tour of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Amelia's a concert pianist and she's not afraid to follow her dream. What I like about her is that despite the scar her husband has left on her heart she's willing to give Anton a chance.
HH: What do you like about Anton and why will readers be drawn to him?
SB: Anton is a loner. He hasn't known love and the delights it can bring. Anton's moody. He tends to brood a bit, but when the Martíns and Amelia enter his life, he's willing to open his heart up to them. What I like about Anton is the journey he takes and how love makes him a better person.
HH: What sort of research did you do for this book and how did you go about creating their world?
SB: I was actually deployed to Taszur, Hungary in 1997 when I was in the Army and stationed in Hanau, Germany. During my time in Taszur, I had the opportunity to go to Budapest on an USO tour. I fell in love with the city! It's beautiful. I knew I wanted to set a novel there. Bringing Budapest alive was just a memory away for me.
What I love about the Budapest Moon series is the personal touch I've been able to give the setting because I've been there.
HH: What else do you have in the works?
SB: I have a steampunk romance which will be released in July called Victorian Scoundrel. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief making cousin, Edmund, back in time to the Great Exhibition of 1851. Who will cause the most mischief? Edmund or Alice?
I really had a blast writing this story. Steampunk was fun, I loved the fantasy part of it, but I tried to stick to a more Victorian theme. There's time travel, a big fat dirigible, and plenty of mischief.
HH: With the rising popularity of ebook readers and devices like the ipad, what changes to do you see coming in the romance genre?
SB: I think the romance genre is highly adaptive. I foresee ereaders and tablets becoming widely accepted by romance readers.
HH: As a romance reader, what sort of stories you personally prefer?
SB: I'm a sucker for a good historical. I also like a sharply written contemporary. I generally gravitate toward those genres. I also like romantic suspense.
HH: Tell us about the best fan mail (email) you've ever gotten.
SB: It was for my book, Destination: Berlin, which is a "sweet" military romance/adventure/suspense. The reader said she didn't know what to think when she picked up the book, but was willing to give it a try. It snuck up on her and she absolutely enjoyed it.
HH: What are your favorite hobbies/activities?
SB: I enjoy writing, of course, but I like getting out and taking a walk. I enjoy going to the gym and playing racquetball and I have my guilty little pleasures like watching "Game of Thrones." I also like exploring California. It's my adopted home and I enjoy traveling.
HH: Any vacation or appearance plans this summer?
SB: We usually take a couple of weeks around the 4th of July off. This year we'll be going to Catalina Island 1-6 July. I love spending the 4th at Catalina. It's low-key, yet a lot of fun. We BBQ, participate in the golf cart parade and watch the fireworks over Avalon Bay.
HH: Thank you!
Stephanie Burkhart
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?
Also available as an ebook for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony & ereader on the Publisher's Website and All Romance Books.
Reviews for At The Count's Lair
5 STARS, Reader's Favorite
"Stephanie Burkhart offers readers a suspense filled romance in The Count's Lair: Budapest Moon Book 2. The setting is Vienna Austria 1901. Lady Amelia Andrassy's music touched the heart of her audience yet she felt empty inside. She was a widow with a broken heart; she discovered her husband's affair the day before the accident that took his life. I had been two months since she had seen Count Anton Varga. She was both happy to see him and infuriated. He explained that he wanted to give her time to mourn and he had some things he needed to consider. There was a strong spark between them. But could Amelia love a werewolf? Could he protect her of the danger that lay ahead?
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. She is a strong but has a wounded heart. Anton was a delightful character: I could picture him as handsome, strong integrity but with a secret. Anton fears his secret will cause Amelia to run. Georg and Esme were gypsies that Anton allows to live with him. Esme was also a witch. Marcus was the ultimate bad werewolf. The description of the battle left me breathless. 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."
5 STARS, Long & Short, Fennel
"Secrets have power. They can destroy those involved or they can release the past, release the dark shadows of fear and free those who care to fight for what they believe in.
Lady Amelia Andrássy knows all about betrayal of trust and broken dreams and yet when she has a choice to make the past is not important, only her heart's desire.
But is it enough? Danger lurks in the darkness, vengeance demands justice, and will that justice destroy her life once again?
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.
In The Count's Lair, Ms. Burkhart delivers all of these and more. The Count, Anton Varga, knows what he wants, but will his chosen lover ever accept him as he is and for what he is
The Count's Lair is the second book in Stephanie Burkhart's Budapest Moon series. And like the first is a `must read' and a `keeper'."
THE PEN & MUSE
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. Burkhart also offers a beautiful description of Vienna Austria from 1901. As a reader I am always swept away by her descriptions and knowledge of Budapest's customs, I feel like I am back in time reading as the story unfolds. The Count's Lair follows Lady Amelia Andrassy who is suffering from a broken heart and it's been two months since she has seen Count Anton Varga. Anton is sad that he couldn't see her sooner, but he had to respect her and give her time to mourn. There is also such a tension between them begging to come forward. Anton carries a secret that he is not sure that Amelia will be able to understand. Can Anton protect her, but also can he protect her from himself? I loved both characters, both Amelia and Anton are characters you will grow to love and root for. Amelia is character is sweet, but strong. As is Anton's character, he is every bit an alpha male with a secret, but also caring and gentle. 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 Romance Studio
Anton and Amelia's story is very heartwarming. Anton has suffered through each full moon alone until he helps rescue a gypsy family and earns their loyalty. He now has the support he needs to make it through his transformations. Then he starts courting Amelia and falls in love with her. She is given clues as to what his secret is and she has to decide if she can love him enough once she figures the secret out. Ms. Burkhart has done a wonderful job with all of the details of the characters. Anton has to overcome his past and earn the trust and love of Amelia after his behavior towards Katherine. He has to prove that he has changed and will always be by her side. Amelia also has things to overcome, like the betrayal of her late husband and the possibility that she cannot have children.
Overall, this book was very entertaining. I liked all of the personalities of the characters and the obstacles they have to overcome to find their dreams. I recommend this book to everyone, but you may want to read the first book in order to really get an understanding of the characters' actions and plights. I an looking for to the next book in this series as I am sure it will be just as good if not better.
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her favorite movie "werewolf" is David Thewlis, Lupin from Harry Potter.
Back list
The Hungarian, Budapest Moon, Book 1
The Wolf's Torment, Moldavian Moon, Book 1
An Interview with Stephanie Burkhart
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Stephanie, thank you so much for talking to us. Your featured book is The Count's Lair. You hero is struggling to deal with the curse of the moon and your heroine is wondering if she should fall for him. Where did you get the idea for this mesmerizing story?
SB: It grew organically out of the first book in the series, The Hungarian. Anton has a hard time dealing with his condition because he has no support. He just doesn't fit in. Anton has to find his place in the world. Then he shares that "spark" of attraction with Amelia. She faints in his arms and he feels protective towards her. He's never had that feeling before. He realizes she's just as lost and lonely has he is. Amelia's been hurt. Her husband has been cheating on her. It's left a raw, open wound on her heart. Who can she trust? She's felt that same "spark" which Anton has. Here's a man willing to protect her. It feels good, right? But can she trust it?
HH: What do you like about Amelia and why will readers identify with her?
SB: Amelia's not a doormat. After her cheating husband dies in a train accident, she picks herself up and dusts herself off by going on a concert piano tour of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Amelia's a concert pianist and she's not afraid to follow her dream. What I like about her is that despite the scar her husband has left on her heart she's willing to give Anton a chance.
HH: What do you like about Anton and why will readers be drawn to him?
SB: Anton is a loner. He hasn't known love and the delights it can bring. Anton's moody. He tends to brood a bit, but when the Martíns and Amelia enter his life, he's willing to open his heart up to them. What I like about Anton is the journey he takes and how love makes him a better person.
HH: What sort of research did you do for this book and how did you go about creating their world?
SB: I was actually deployed to Taszur, Hungary in 1997 when I was in the Army and stationed in Hanau, Germany. During my time in Taszur, I had the opportunity to go to Budapest on an USO tour. I fell in love with the city! It's beautiful. I knew I wanted to set a novel there. Bringing Budapest alive was just a memory away for me.
What I love about the Budapest Moon series is the personal touch I've been able to give the setting because I've been there.
HH: What else do you have in the works?
SB: I have a steampunk romance which will be released in July called Victorian Scoundrel. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief making cousin, Edmund, back in time to the Great Exhibition of 1851. Who will cause the most mischief? Edmund or Alice?
I really had a blast writing this story. Steampunk was fun, I loved the fantasy part of it, but I tried to stick to a more Victorian theme. There's time travel, a big fat dirigible, and plenty of mischief.
HH: With the rising popularity of ebook readers and devices like the ipad, what changes to do you see coming in the romance genre?
SB: I think the romance genre is highly adaptive. I foresee ereaders and tablets becoming widely accepted by romance readers.
HH: As a romance reader, what sort of stories you personally prefer?
SB: I'm a sucker for a good historical. I also like a sharply written contemporary. I generally gravitate toward those genres. I also like romantic suspense.
HH: Tell us about the best fan mail (email) you've ever gotten.
SB: It was for my book, Destination: Berlin, which is a "sweet" military romance/adventure/suspense. The reader said she didn't know what to think when she picked up the book, but was willing to give it a try. It snuck up on her and she absolutely enjoyed it.
HH: What are your favorite hobbies/activities?
SB: I enjoy writing, of course, but I like getting out and taking a walk. I enjoy going to the gym and playing racquetball and I have my guilty little pleasures like watching "Game of Thrones." I also like exploring California. It's my adopted home and I enjoy traveling.
HH: Any vacation or appearance plans this summer?
SB: We usually take a couple of weeks around the 4th of July off. This year we'll be going to Catalina Island 1-6 July. I love spending the 4th at Catalina. It's low-key, yet a lot of fun. We BBQ, participate in the golf cart parade and watch the fireworks over Avalon Bay.
HH: Thank you!
Stephanie Burkhart
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?
Also available as an ebook for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony & ereader on the Publisher's Website and All Romance Books.
Reviews for At The Count's Lair
5 STARS, Reader's Favorite
"Stephanie Burkhart offers readers a suspense filled romance in The Count's Lair: Budapest Moon Book 2. The setting is Vienna Austria 1901. Lady Amelia Andrassy's music touched the heart of her audience yet she felt empty inside. She was a widow with a broken heart; she discovered her husband's affair the day before the accident that took his life. I had been two months since she had seen Count Anton Varga. She was both happy to see him and infuriated. He explained that he wanted to give her time to mourn and he had some things he needed to consider. There was a strong spark between them. But could Amelia love a werewolf? Could he protect her of the danger that lay ahead?
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. She is a strong but has a wounded heart. Anton was a delightful character: I could picture him as handsome, strong integrity but with a secret. Anton fears his secret will cause Amelia to run. Georg and Esme were gypsies that Anton allows to live with him. Esme was also a witch. Marcus was the ultimate bad werewolf. The description of the battle left me breathless. 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."
5 STARS, Long & Short, Fennel
"Secrets have power. They can destroy those involved or they can release the past, release the dark shadows of fear and free those who care to fight for what they believe in.
Lady Amelia Andrássy knows all about betrayal of trust and broken dreams and yet when she has a choice to make the past is not important, only her heart's desire.
But is it enough? Danger lurks in the darkness, vengeance demands justice, and will that justice destroy her life once again?
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.
In The Count's Lair, Ms. Burkhart delivers all of these and more. The Count, Anton Varga, knows what he wants, but will his chosen lover ever accept him as he is and for what he is
The Count's Lair is the second book in Stephanie Burkhart's Budapest Moon series. And like the first is a `must read' and a `keeper'."
THE PEN & MUSE
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. Burkhart also offers a beautiful description of Vienna Austria from 1901. As a reader I am always swept away by her descriptions and knowledge of Budapest's customs, I feel like I am back in time reading as the story unfolds. The Count's Lair follows Lady Amelia Andrassy who is suffering from a broken heart and it's been two months since she has seen Count Anton Varga. Anton is sad that he couldn't see her sooner, but he had to respect her and give her time to mourn. There is also such a tension between them begging to come forward. Anton carries a secret that he is not sure that Amelia will be able to understand. Can Anton protect her, but also can he protect her from himself? I loved both characters, both Amelia and Anton are characters you will grow to love and root for. Amelia is character is sweet, but strong. As is Anton's character, he is every bit an alpha male with a secret, but also caring and gentle. 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 Romance Studio
Anton and Amelia's story is very heartwarming. Anton has suffered through each full moon alone until he helps rescue a gypsy family and earns their loyalty. He now has the support he needs to make it through his transformations. Then he starts courting Amelia and falls in love with her. She is given clues as to what his secret is and she has to decide if she can love him enough once she figures the secret out. Ms. Burkhart has done a wonderful job with all of the details of the characters. Anton has to overcome his past and earn the trust and love of Amelia after his behavior towards Katherine. He has to prove that he has changed and will always be by her side. Amelia also has things to overcome, like the betrayal of her late husband and the possibility that she cannot have children.
Overall, this book was very entertaining. I liked all of the personalities of the characters and the obstacles they have to overcome to find their dreams. I recommend this book to everyone, but you may want to read the first book in order to really get an understanding of the characters' actions and plights. I an looking for to the next book in this series as I am sure it will be just as good if not better.
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She also served as an MP in the US Army. Multi-published, she has a children's book, "The Giving Meadow" with 4RV Publishing. She's an avid reader , loves coffee in the morning, and her favorite movie "werewolf" is David Thewlis, Lupin from Harry Potter.
Back list
The Hungarian, Budapest Moon, Book 1
The Wolf's Torment, Moldavian Moon, Book 1
An Interview with Stephanie Burkhart
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Stephanie, thank you so much for talking to us. Your featured book is The Count's Lair. You hero is struggling to deal with the curse of the moon and your heroine is wondering if she should fall for him. Where did you get the idea for this mesmerizing story?
SB: It grew organically out of the first book in the series, The Hungarian. Anton has a hard time dealing with his condition because he has no support. He just doesn't fit in. Anton has to find his place in the world. Then he shares that "spark" of attraction with Amelia. She faints in his arms and he feels protective towards her. He's never had that feeling before. He realizes she's just as lost and lonely has he is. Amelia's been hurt. Her husband has been cheating on her. It's left a raw, open wound on her heart. Who can she trust? She's felt that same "spark" which Anton has. Here's a man willing to protect her. It feels good, right? But can she trust it?
HH: What do you like about Amelia and why will readers identify with her?
SB: Amelia's not a doormat. After her cheating husband dies in a train accident, she picks herself up and dusts herself off by going on a concert piano tour of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Amelia's a concert pianist and she's not afraid to follow her dream. What I like about her is that despite the scar her husband has left on her heart she's willing to give Anton a chance.
HH: What do you like about Anton and why will readers be drawn to him?
SB: Anton is a loner. He hasn't known love and the delights it can bring. Anton's moody. He tends to brood a bit, but when the Martíns and Amelia enter his life, he's willing to open his heart up to them. What I like about Anton is the journey he takes and how love makes him a better person.
HH: What sort of research did you do for this book and how did you go about creating their world?
SB: I was actually deployed to Taszur, Hungary in 1997 when I was in the Army and stationed in Hanau, Germany. During my time in Taszur, I had the opportunity to go to Budapest on an USO tour. I fell in love with the city! It's beautiful. I knew I wanted to set a novel there. Bringing Budapest alive was just a memory away for me.
What I love about the Budapest Moon series is the personal touch I've been able to give the setting because I've been there.
HH: What else do you have in the works?
SB: I have a steampunk romance which will be released in July called Victorian Scoundrel. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief making cousin, Edmund, back in time to the Great Exhibition of 1851. Who will cause the most mischief? Edmund or Alice?
I really had a blast writing this story. Steampunk was fun, I loved the fantasy part of it, but I tried to stick to a more Victorian theme. There's time travel, a big fat dirigible, and plenty of mischief.
HH: With the rising popularity of ebook readers and devices like the ipad, what changes to do you see coming in the romance genre?
SB: I think the romance genre is highly adaptive. I foresee ereaders and tablets becoming widely accepted by romance readers.
HH: As a romance reader, what sort of stories you personally prefer?
SB: I'm a sucker for a good historical. I also like a sharply written contemporary. I generally gravitate toward those genres. I also like romantic suspense.
HH: Tell us about the best fan mail (email) you've ever gotten.
SB: It was for my book, Destination: Berlin, which is a "sweet" military romance/adventure/suspense. The reader said she didn't know what to think when she picked up the book, but was willing to give it a try. It snuck up on her and she absolutely enjoyed it.
HH: What are your favorite hobbies/activities?
SB: I enjoy writing, of course, but I like getting out and taking a walk. I enjoy going to the gym and playing racquetball and I have my guilty little pleasures like watching "Game of Thrones." I also like exploring California. It's my adopted home and I enjoy traveling.
HH: Any vacation or appearance plans this summer?
SB: We usually take a couple of weeks around the 4th of July off. This year we'll be going to Catalina Island 1-6 July. I love spending the 4th at Catalina. It's low-key, yet a lot of fun. We BBQ, participate in the golf cart parade and watch the fireworks over Avalon Bay.
