My life in FAST FORWARD

My life has been so crazy lately. My little girl was born June 11, six weeks early, and ever since then my days have been one rollercoaster ride after another. I hope everything will be calming down soon though. But with one in school bringing home one sickness after another - and a 2 1/2 month old getting every single one of those bugs, I feel ready to pull all my hair out!! I did get some good news! My book was nominated for a reader choice award by Encarta Romance and I got another review which I am pasting below ...

Trusting a Dark Stranger

Aggie, an English lady and daughter of a duke, is trapped in a loveless engagement and is trying her best to find a way to get to America. She’s been promised to the loathsome and oily Viscount Hastings to help secure a higher social position for her family, but she longs only for freedom. When Aggie is accosted by an American cowboy in the street, she is torn between attraction and outrage.

Colt, a Texas sheriff, has just been dealt a blow that would have felled a lesser man. He found his errant wife, who’d been missing for a year, dead of consumption in a bed paid for by her titled lover. He swears revenge on the man who bedded his wife, and barges in on the titled pig of a man, his family, and his daughter’s intended, and proceeds to unveil all of his secrets, landing him in a cell....until Colt is rescued by the last person he expected to see. And she’s wanting to make him a deal.

Trusting a Dark Stranger is a madcap, rip-roaring ride! Author Kelly Renea spins a humorous and action-packed tale of betrayal, desire and a host of hilarious scrapes. Aggie is a woman bound by her upbringing who yearns to live the life she’s dreamed of; Colt is a man with a vow to avenge the insult done to him and he becomes unwillingly embroiled with the daughter of his nemesis. Neither of them want the passion that flares between them. He’s a bit of a Neanderthal and must overcome his distrust of women; she’s completely unconventional and has an odd habit of invoking barnyard animals in her cursing. It’s fun to watch these two circle around each other and their growing feelings for each other. All in all, Trusting a Dark Stranger is a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by: Michelle

HI

Hello All! Sorry I have been quiet for a while but I am about to deliver our third little girl any day now. We just have to make sure it is not too earlier - since she has been fitting to come for weeks now and I am currently only 32 weeks. But we are hoping for 2 weeks, praying for three, and would be shocked but grateful for more. Anyway, I will be in and out over the next few weeks until this is done. I will be checking in occasionally though. I also have good news and will post my second review of TRUSTING A DARK STRANGER.

Aggie, daughter of Lord Wentworth faces a decision. She either has to marry a very undesirable male or be banished to a convent. She sees one way out. An American she has met earlier could help her to escape and make her dream come true, to live as a cowgirl in America. Colt has only one thing on his mind, to avenge the death of his wife who had been Lord Wentworth’s mistress and he sees his chance through Aggie. They can’t deny the power of attraction between them and when Colt is called back home she gets aboard the ship he is travelling on. After many adventures, set backs and finally a reunion, Colt still is being stubborn. Will the man who Aggie was supposed to marry come between them? Can Colt put away his hatred of Aggie’s father? Can they reconcile and find true love?

This reviewer loved Aggie. She is forced to become a woman of her time, but inside she is much more adventurous. She can ride a horse, shoot a gun better than any man and speaks her mind. Colt is also a dream. They are perfect for each other. The interaction between the two makes the reader smile and sometimes want to slap them both over the head. This is a debut from Kelly Renea and it’s a powerful start to what is sure to be a great writing career. Ms Renea leads her reader through Victorian London, then over to America and each setting will have the reader thinking she is really there. This is a sensual read with lots of sexual tension between the hero and the heroine. There is also plenty of action and adventure that will keep the reader turning those pages. Thanks Ms Renea for a wonderful read.

Valerie

www.loveromances.com

My first review!

I got back my first review from www.ecataromance.com!
4.5 out of 5 stars!!!

Colt returns to London to search for his wife who disappeared a year ago. Unfortunately he finds her set up with a protector but dead from consumption. Upset, Colt leaves unsure what to do next. What he does not want to do is run over the young woman standing in the middle of the street. What he finally decides he does want to do is get revenge on the man who was his wife's protector. When he discovers who it is, he goes to the house. Startled to find the young woman there, he is overpowered and locked up in the cellar awaiting the magistrate. His rescue comes from an unlikely source, Agatha Wentworth, the young woman he met earlier and the daughter of his enemy. Aggie wants to escape an arranged marriage and goes to Colt with a proposition. She will help him escape if he will take her to America. Aggie has always wanted to go to America. She has spent her whole life preparing for the trip. She can rope, ride and shoot as well as the best. Now if she can just convince Colt to take her along. Deciding to trick her, Colt ties her up and escapes. The only problem is Aggie follows and circumstances force them to remain together through a series of unfortunate events. Colt is not sure what to think of Aggie. He alternately wants her for revenge and for himself. He needs to decide quickly or he may lose Aggie forever.

You can't help but fall in love with Aggie. In a time when women are still limited, Aggie lives her life as she sees fit. Definitely marching to her own drummer, Aggie is full of life and passion. Colt is a man betrayed, a man who could use some loyalty with his loving. Aggie is the one to give it to him but Colt has to be ready to accept it. Trusting a Dark Stranger unfolds beautifully with fun, poignancy and finally love. This is my first story by Kelly Renea, and I know it will not be my last. For anyone loves a feisty heroine, tender love and fun, Trusting a Dark Stranger is for you. Fantastic job for Kelly Renea. Reviewed by Elise

Winner

Jenny

is the winner for the month of April!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!
Please check back in at the beginning of May for the next contest and win a B&N gift certificate!

Thanks

Kelly Renea

Contest!!

Hello All:

I just wanted to write and let everyone know about my newest contest. All you need to do is go to my blog and answer the three questions listed. No purchase necessary! And if you don't win this month I will do it again next month! This will be the beginning of my monthly contests (one per month) to promote my new novel, TRUSTING A DARK STRANGER. And the first person to email me all the correct answers wins a gift certificate to B&N!! One entry per contestant please.

Here are the questions:

1. What is Colt's full given name?

2. What country was Colt born in?

3. How many siblings (living and dead) does Colt have?

My email address is kellyrenea@cox.net

Send in your answers and win a free gift card for B&N!!

Thanks for playing!
Kelly Renea

Kelly Renea's Books

Please check back in after the weekend. I have decided to start doing monthly contests with great prizes! So stop by my blog and learn what the first contest will be on Monday! And what cool prizes you can win!
Kelly Renea

Kelly Renea's Books

My book is out!! For sale, For Sale!!
Go check it out at:
www.newconceptspublishing.com/trustingadarkstranger.htm
Hope to see ya there!
Kelly Renea

Kelly Renea's Books

A sneak peek
He slowly walked to Aggie in a daze without saying a word. A smile crossed his face, and he almost offered her more praise when he looked deep into her blue eyes gleaming with such open adoration. His heart pumped a staccato beat, and before logic forced its ugly head into play, he grabbed Aggie in a fierce embrace and swooped down to claim her lips.

He only planned on kissing her fiercely and quickly, then walking away none the worse for wear, a kiss of celebration for life and admiration for her talent, or so he told himself. Yet when his lips touched hers, she pressed back with fierce longing, innocent but fierce. His previous ideas or thoughts of self preservation quickly retreated. Suddenly, his body responded with longing and a need for this woman. This reckless, infuriating, naïve, stubborn woman.

Her body tentatively pushed against his, and the feel of her soft breasts and warm, young body inflamed his senses and demanded his response in return. He forced her closer to his body, pressing into her warmth and opening his mouth to lick and taste her ruby-red lips. She tasted of innocence mingled with a hint of spice from the cider she had drunk earlier with Angela at the tavern. Slowly, he deepened the kiss to wrap his tongue with hers in a slow, yet demanding battle of give and take. So far their sparring had been mostly verbal, but now the physical part of their beings wanted to take over since words no longer adequately communicated their desires.

***

Aggie’s senses reeled upside-down. Never had Colt kissed her with such desire and desperation, causing a complete drugging of her senses. Her whole body felt as if it were aflame. Her heart was racing as it did when she would jump off Phoebe after galloping through the woods with Daniel. Except this was so much better!

She began to tremble, and an aching feeling in the pit of her stomach began to grow, spreading through her body. She felt restless and confused, but never before had she felt as free as she did at this moment.

Aggie did not know the moment she had realized how much she had wanted Colt to kiss her. When he looked at her with such awe and praise, she’d been unable to contain the blush that stained her cheeks or the desire that bloomed in her heart. Colt might have kissed her before, but she had been unable to consider her feelings before now. Now, she knew that she wanted his kisses, his approval, and his arms around her always. Something about the man made her feel flutters in her stomach, and when he kissed her, she felt as though her whole world turned upside down. Everything disappeared, and nothing mattered beyond Colt and the next thing his lips and tongue would do to her mouth.

***

Fire burned in Colt’s loins and he wanted the girl now, for his own, more than he wanted anything ... then his whole body froze. The woman in his arms was his enemy. He planned to ruin her as punishment to her father for Elizabeth. Now, here he stood, more than willing to bed Aggie, yet all his reasons had changed. It wouldn’t be for revenge, and he hated himself and his weak body for it. Damn, he was a stupid fool.

He had traveled to London to find Elizabeth, yet instead he found himself out in the alleys of Southampton, kissing the very woman who was the daughter of his enemy. Pushing Aggie away, he took several cleansing breaths and forced a frigid look to cover his face, concealing his emotions and turmoil.

She frantically searched his eyes that previously had glowed with hunger, yet now were etched with contempt. She looked off-balance and confused at this sudden change in him. Her face seemed to say, was I such a bad kisser? I know that I lack practice, yet you have not held that against me before.

“I’m sorry,” she quickly offered. “I’m sure with practice I can get better. I mean, I have already shown you that I will practice at a task until I can perfect it.” She lamely gestured to the washbasin still holding the spittoon and playing card.

Colt began to feel guilty for his abrupt behavior. The girl was an innocent, right? She could not be blamed for the crimes of her father, could she? He should explain himself. Surely, she’d understand.

Justice should be achieved at whatever cost, yet when he looked at her pale, confused expression, he realized she would not understand. After all, the girl had a tendency to give her trust too willingly and be reckless to a fault.

No, he could not trust her, and in the long run it was better to keep her at a distance so he could avoid any unwanted ties. Besides, he needed to leave and get home to his brothers. The girl was becoming an attachment he could not afford to have. “There will be no next time.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I think I spoke plainly enough.”

“But, surely, I was not...”

“Look, it was a nice try, but...” he almost cringed at the lie, but quickly reminded himself it would be better for her in the end. “I don’t need a girl trying to satisfy my needs.”

Will be released from www.newconceptspublishing.com on March 17, 2006

Kelly Renea's Books

Just saw my cover! Pretty hot!
Check it out!!!!!!!!
Kelly Renea
www.newconceptspublishing.com
click Coming Soon

The Book Writer's Disease or BWD

Hello! I have been running into a problem with my writing...not having enough will-power to put the butt time into it that the writing requires! I have a wondering mind and too little self-control. Anyone else every fall victim to this malady? smile!
Kelly Renea

Kelly Renea's Books

Well, I think me and hubby have decided that we will give the kid three names plus his last. Unfortunately, we can't agree on anything - him because he hates everything I suggest, me because he makes no suggestions that I can either disagree with or agree with. It all sucks! Probably just name his baby boy or baby girl!! Hehe. Another name I have thrown out to consider is Devin. What is everyone's opinion on that?

What's in a name? (Hahaha)

Was wondering what everyone's opinion was on the name I am considering for my little baby to come. Now if the baby turns out to be a girl - we are jut SOL because we only have one name we kinda like and that's all. It is Sophia. Now, if it is a boy we are going to name him after my husband and my dad but we also wanted to give him his own name to go by. What is everyone's opinion about giving a kid more than the regular two names plus surname? Well, anyways, the three we are considering are: Connor, Shane, and Trevor. Which do yall like the best?
And if we go with this the kid's name will be either:
Connor Christopher Gary
Shane Christopher Gary or
Trevor Christopher Gary

Is this just too much of a mouthful? Will the kid hate us later for this? Or will he be glad that he had a name to go by instead of his father's name Christopher or his grandfather's name Gary???
Now I will stop babbling.
Thanks
Kelly Renea

Kelly Renea's Books

I was wondering everyone's opinions on allowing one's evil character, villian, to have social errors: farting, burping, etc.???
Just curious...
Kelly Renea

The weekend from Hell

Can you imagine having such bad luck. I had to run to the doctor Friday because of pre-term labor at 16 weeks. Then my four year old came down with food poisioning from the restuarant I took her to. Finally, I wind up sick today with food poisioning and had to run to the ER...thank God the baby is okay. Hopefully it won't get any worse but I will not say anything and jinx myself :-)
Kelly R

Kelly Renea's Books

Contest

I have just started a wonderful trivia contest to promote the release of my first book from New Concepts Publishing, Trusting A Dark Stranger. It is a lot of fun and everyone should go and play. The link is www.kellyrenea.zoomshare.com. Look forward to seeing you there. Now I must reenter the world of 1930s Brewton, Gerogia and my next story, Southern Flames.
Kelly R

Kelly Renea's Books

YEAH!!!!!! I AM SO THRILLED!

I just got the information from my publisher. My book, TRUSTING A DARK STRANGER, will be coming out in March 2006! That is only three short months away! I am jumping off the walls!!!!!!!!! Please check it out and buy it at the best publishing place in the world... www.newconceptspublishing.com
Wooppiiee!!!!!!!

Kelly Renea's Books

Kelly Renea's Books
I find myself at the end of another day of writing wondering over a problem that I encounter a lot in my work. I try to plan ahead in my story and when I sit down to write I try to know how each chapter will begin and end...how the whole story will begin and end. Yet, as I start writing, it is like a force takes over my hands and the characters in the story tell me line by line how the story should progress. Does any other writer experience this dilema? It is as if I am learning the story as I go along. Like a reader instead of an insider.
Kelly R

Another busy day

Life is so funny when it throws you so many curve balls. I am busy trying to achieve success as a writer while juggling two toddlers and being pregnant with another baby. The new baby to come loves to remind me daily of its presence as it constantly keeps me from eating and living a normal life. I can only hope that things will improve because my editor is interested in seeing my next work so I better get on it - sick or not!
Kelly R

First Day and Hello

Hello, this is my first attempt at blogging so I will see how it goes. My name is Kelly Renea and I am an author of Historical Romance Fiction. I recently sold my first book, Trusting a Dark Stranger, to New Concepts Publishing. I am working on a new Historical Romance novel now entitled, Southern Flames.
If you would like to visit me at my website and see many excerpts from my different novels go to:
www.kellyrenea.zoomshare.com