2024 COVERS

2024 covers

Welcome to the Dark Side!

We are writers mainly from Australia and New Zealand who write speculative fiction with romantic elements. Be it fantasy, paranormal, dark urban fantasy, futuristic and everything in between.

Thursday 10 December 2020

Magic Thursday: When You Want to Write About Vampires But They’ve Been Done to Death with Daniel de Lorne


The first book I wrote and published was about vampires. Mean, nasty, gruesome, brutal—and of course sexy—vampires. Beckoning Blood was book 1 in what later became a trilogy, with Burning Blood and Binding Blood coming out sometime later. 

When book 1 came out in 2014, Twilight had already well and truly wreaked havoc on the publishing landscape when it came to vampires. However, lucky for me I found a group of readers who were hungry for vampires who walked on the darkside and absolutely did not sparkle in the sunlight.

It was about the time that I wrote the first book that I was toying with another idea about what would happen to those immortals beings that feasted on humans when humans became a rare species a-la-apocalypse. I was working in a zoo at the time so questions around conservation and extinction were at the front of mind.

I thought the story would focus on vampires, but I pretty quickly decided to do something different. But what vampire-adjacent creatures was I going to write about?

Enter, the soul-eaters, or as they’re called in my new series Immortals of the Apocalypse, the Darisami.

Soul Survivor is book one in this post-apocalyptic trilogy set in 2141 where humanity is hanging on by a thread, and the Darisami are extremely worried about their food supply. 

(And I admit the challenge of releasing a post-apocalyptic book in the dumpster fire that is 2020…)

It centres on 500-year-old Emrys Stone as he journeys from Endurance, an underground bunker on the brink of collapse, to Providence. There he falls for a human named Galen and becomes embroiled in the power plays of a population at war with itself. At the same time, Emrys must keep his existence as a soul-eater a secret.

As for the lore of the Darisami, they must feed on a human soul every thirty days or die, they have increased strength, the power of glamour, and they glow under the light of the moon in an unintentional-nod-to-Twilight-but-really-a-reverse-of-the-vampire-bursting-into-flames-during-sunlight-idea.

Moral ambiguity abounds when it comes Emrys and the other Darisami’s guilt (or lack thereof) over taking souls, but life is cruel, but you’ve gotta do what you gotta do to survive.

So, if you’re looking for something darker, something that’s like vampires but not, and something that starts with a bang and doesn’t let up, check out my new book, Soul Survivor, on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited and in paperback. 



——


Soul Survivor

Immortals of the Apocalypse: Book 1

An ancient craving. A dead world. Can one near-immortal save his heart as the planet descends into ruin?

2141. Five-hundred-year-old Emrys Stone hates that his hunger for human souls kills everything he touches. But supplies are scarce in Earth’s scorched landscape, and his kind are falling into anarchic chaos. When a ferocious insanity devours the remaining food source, Emrys’s last hope for survival lies in a desperate trek across the apocalyptic wasteland.

Almost at death’s door, Emrys stumbles on another colony and asks for shelter in return for his services as an assassin. But when he becomes a pawn between warring factions and falls for a handsome human warrior, his violent passions could cost him his cursed life.

Can Emrys survive the madness without destroying his own future in the land of the living?


Buy link



Daniel de Lorne writes about men, monsters and magic.

In love with writing since he wrote a story about a talking tree at age six, his first novel, the romantic horror Beckoning Blood, was published in 2014. At the heart of every book is a romance between two men, whether they’re irresistible vampires, historical hotties, or professional paramours.

If you take your LGBT romance fiction with supernatural, urban fantasy or contemporary flavoring, Daniel de Lorne delivers.

In his other life, Daniel is a professional writer and researcher in Perth, Australia, with a love of history and nature. All of which makes for great story fodder.

And when he’s not working, he and his husband explore as much of this amazing world as they can, from the ruins of Welsh abbeys to trekking famous routes and swimming with whales.


Tuesday 8 December 2020

DarkSider News for December 2020 - part 2!


Welcome!


Jingle Bells...DarkSider Bells. Here's some more stocking stuffers for you...





NEW RELEASES



Salvation by Christina Phillips (Book 3, Realm of Flame and Shadow) was released on 8 December. 


I just spent the best night of my life with the hottest guy I've ever met. Too bad he turns out to be my deadliest enemy - the Archangel Nathanael...

Half-demon Isabella has dreamed of bringing archangels to justice and there's no way she'll forgive Nate for his deception. Except it turns out he has no idea who she is... can this be the chance for retribution she's been searching for?

There's only one rule I live by. Never trust a demon.

Close to finding a rogue demon he's been hunting for millennia, Nate's not looking for any distractions. Until Isabella turns his world inside out and leaves him wanting so much more. But when he uncovers her true heritage, her betrayal rocks him, and he faces the choice of leaving her to her fate or breaking the only rule in his book.

With dark secrets threatening their survival, there's no way an archangel and a half-demon can work together. But with the clock ticking, and danger stalking every move they make, the only way to save themselves might just be to save each other.


Buy links


See ARRA's release day blog post here.





A Nose for Trouble by D.D. Line (Book 1, Trinket Bay) was released by Gumnut Press on 2 December. 




Betrayed by her lover and left for dead, Senior Constable Ellie Marsden and her canine patrol dog leave Perth and move to the small coastal town of Trinket Bay. Time heals Ellie’s wounds, but not her heart.

When thieves break in and steal drugs from the local doctor’s surgery, she realises it’s similar to her last case back in the city. If her ex-lover is in her town; can she close the case and arrest the man who almost destroyed her?

Brennan Cole has been on the run for almost three years, leaving behind everything he’s ever known and everyone he’s ever loved. He’s never forgiven himself for betraying Ellie, but he’s in too deep to stop now.

Trinket Bay is another perfect target. The police force isn’t as prominent here, the drugs they need are easy to acquire, and its tourists provide a ready market. It’s a simple in and out before they move on to the next town. But then he glimpses the woman he still loves. Can he escape detection before it’s too late?

Or will they learn cases of the heart never grow cold?



Buy links





Black Hearts by Lilliana Rose (Book 5, Follow Your Heart) was released on 3 December.



A mysterious invitation to the Black Hearts Club has Vickie reeling with curiosity. Is this a chance for her to have fun, or is there a mystery for her to solve?

In order to find out more about the Black Hearts Club, Vickie keeps secrets from George. Will this cause their marriage to break down, or can they find a way forward?


Buy links





Siren Condemned by Mila Young and C.R Crane (Book 1, Thief of Hearts) was released on 16 March.



The sirens have been hunted for so long that we no longer remember our pasts...

Our songs have been stolen, the source of all our power, and it's been made punishable by death to use it. They've taken everything from us.

The vampires.

I've been sent to the darkest of all places, Nightmare Penitentiary, for my disobedience to my masters. But I've promised myself that I’ll be free someday.. no matter the cost. I'll do whatever it takes to regain my power, even if I end up shattering the hearts of three captivating men who have the power to change my future forever.

One will break me. One will lead me to sin. And one will guide to the darkest of paths.

Welcome to Nightmare Penitentiary. Escape is my only option.


Buy links




Siren Sacrificed by Mila Young and C.R Crane (Book 2, Thief of Hearts) was released on 16 July.



What is a siren without her power?

I'm about to find out, and I have no problems embracing the darkness to do so.

I was thrown into a literal hell, and every day feels like it could be my last.

But amid such darkness, I thought I found light with three men who've shown me happiness is possible even in a place like this.

Except, maybe I was too quick to trust and give my heart away.

They say trust takes years to build, seconds to break... and I don't think forever will be long enough to repair what they did to me.

One will sacrifice himself for me. One will shatter my soul.And one will kill me to save me.

Enjoy your stay at Nightmare Penitentiary. Death is only a matter of time..







Maree Anderson  re-released a number of books in July.


Even Demons Get the Blues (Book 1, Angels and Demons)


When Demons fall in love, there’s Hell to pay.

Rezon was the Demon King’s lieutenant for four thousand years until he quit to join the Beguilers. Only trouble is now he’s been beguiled by Leisa, the tormented human woman who’s captured his heart.

When Leisa picks up one loser too many, Rezon’s provoked into whisking her off to his lair to show her what a real man can do for her. But Leisa’s been tagged by a Destroyer and her soul is forfeit, so when she inadvertently shatters Rez’s defenses and bonds with him there’ll be Hell to pay







Let Sleeping Demons Lie (Book 2, Angels and Demons)



Kitten vs Lion — a match made in Hell!

Naamah’s been stripped of everything — her memories, her demonic powers, and her clothes — and dumped in a savage wilderness known as The Realm. She believes she is human and has no idea that non-humans even exist — just as well, considering that she’s got a phobic fear of Lycans and the man who finds her is a Lion shape shifter!

Brennan is a Prime, that most alpha of alphas, and he has no time for demon females — not when he can crook a claw and any Lycan female he chooses will come running. Even though he suspects the woman he’s named “Kitten” is not what she appears to be, he lays claim to her body… and her heart. When they’re ambushed by sadistic Hyenas and Brennan is severely injured, Kitten’s only chance of saving them both is to reclaim her Demonic heritage… even if it means revealing her true self and losing Brennan’s love.

Guide to pronunciation: Naamah = NAY-uh-mah







From the Ashes


From the ashes, a hero will rise….

Calista’s a freelance space courier recovering from a disastrous marriage during which her ex sold her as a slave. Sure, she’s emotionally damaged, but you should see the state of her ex! She’s also an expert pilot who can illegally reprogram and augment all manner of tech. She’s been ripping off the system and flying under the radar her entire life. Until now.

Asher’s her “cargo”, the mouthwateringly gorgeous Phoenixae alien who accidentally hatched from the egg she was transporting, and bonded with her. He’s been bred as a sex slave and he can read her mind. Oh, and then there’s the small issue that if Asher is killed and his body burnt, he can be resurrected. He’s one hot commodity that illegals will kill to possess.

Take one sex-deprived space courier who’ll risk everything to save a Phoenixae alien from a life of slavery. Add one mouthwateringly hot alien sex-slave who knows her deepest desires, feels her pain, and lives to please her in every way. Mix with a ruthless ex-husband intent on vengeance. And stir in a sadistic Libertine noble who will do anything at all to get his hands on a Phoenixae.







Scent of a Man (Book 1, Scentinels


The one woman who can resist him is the only woman he’s ever wanted….

Joseph is an Anglian noble living in a harshly religious society where the Council and their clerics enforce chastity, and women are oppressed and treated as chattel. Overnight, Joseph undergoes a rare transformation and becomes a Scentinel, a man who exudes powerful sexual pheromones that make him irresistible to females. His people believe he is evil and will execute him on sight. He’s on the run, starving and desperate. He has nothing more to lose–or so he believes.

Liliana is a “morally corrupt” Europan woman with an agenda. She’s a creature even rarer than Joseph, a Null who can neutralize Scentinel pheromones. Her mission is to do whatever it takes to bring Joseph safely to Europan shores. There, he’ll join Empress Vashti’s elite band of Scentinel spies — provided he survives his training with his sanity intact, and learns how to suppress his pheromones at will.

And falling in love with the man she must ultimately betray was never part of Liliana’s plan.





Kat on a Hot Tin Roof 


Kat Meyer sleepwalks – buck naked sleepwalking, just to make it even more humiliating – and she goes to great lengths to lock herself in her house at night so she doesn’t inadvertently entertain the neighbors. She’s been there, done that, and she’s never quite gotten over it! Adding to the stress, her lazy cat, Cupcake, seems bound and determined to be a cat-burglar extraordinaire. But instead of just leaving “gifts” like house keys and trinkets on her pillow, Kat’s pet has now gravitated to stealing rings. Specifically, Jace Burton’s ring. And Jace just happens to be the big-shot architect she’s vying with the  other designers to work with.

When Jace wakes in the middle of the night to find a naked and highly distraught Kat in his living room, he’s inclined to believe her bizarre tale of sleepwalking and cat-burglars-of-the-feline-persuasion. And did he mention she was gorgeous? And naked? As an added bonus, he’s beyond grateful to learn that Kat’s found his grandfather’s missing ring.

Jace is appalled to think of what harm might have befallen Kat while she prowled the streets naked at night. She’s gotten right under his skin and all his protective instincts kick in with a vengeance. It’s sure no hardship to escort her safely home – nor to offer to help her find out how’n the heck she  getting out of her deadlocked house at night. But Kat’s the unwitting victim of a zodiac curse, and when the unbelievable truth smacks him right between the eyes, Jace doesn’t know what the hell to think! Should he hide what he’s seen from the woman he’s fallen head over heels in love with? Or should he tell her the truth and risk losing her forever?









Non spec-fic

Ten Days in Paradise by Annie Seaton (Book 1, Four Seasons Short and Sweet) is expected to be released on 5 December.




Love at first sight

Jane Sullivan flees her own wedding and escapes to Deception Island.
Hiding out on a tropical island to get over the hurt of her fiancé’s betrayal Jane is dismayed when her ex and his new woman turn up on the island.
Island police chief, Linc Martin, needs a girlfriend and needs one fast.
Jane and Linc make a deal, but are either of them strong enough to resist when Cupid intervenes?

Previously published in 'Romancing the Summer 2020'.


Buy links




Mission: Her Justice by Anna Hackett (Book 8, Team 52) was released 1 December.


When a dangerous redhead invades his office and his base, and warns that his team is in danger, Director Jonah Grayson doesn’t know if she’s friend or foe.

Former elite Army aviator Jonah Grayson was forced to give up flying, but now serves as director of the covert black ops team, Team 52. He takes care of the brass in Washington D.C. to ensure his team can do their job: keeping the world safe from dangerous, ancient artifacts. But when he’s confronted by a tough, skilled, mysterious redhead with a warning that his team is being targeted, he’ll do whatever it takes in order to find out who she is and what she wants.

Evan Fletcher’s life has imploded. She’s on the run, been labeled a rogue and traitor, and she knows a very bad, powerful man has Team 52 in his sights. He’s after a deadly artifact and wants the team out of his way…but Evan plans to stop him. She’ll use all of her particular skill set to bring him down, clear her name, and protect Team 52…and that includes the team’s handsome, oh-so-tempting director.

Surrounded by danger at every turn, Evan and Jonah are drawn to each in ways they can’t explain. To keep Team 52 safe, stop the enemy, and find justice for Evan, they will put everything on the line. But when you’re under fire, trust is hard, and falling in love is even harder.












PRE-ORDERS



Follow Your Heart by Lilliana Rose (Book 6, Follow Your Heartis expected to be released on 15 December. 





Vickie finds herself in an unusual situation. There are no cases for her to solve. No clients, new or old. She doesn’t know what to do.

A mysterious note sends her to the dangerous port area. Will this be the beginning of a new adventure or something more sinister for her to survive? And will husband George, support or hinder her?


Pre-Order links





Siren Awakened by Mila Young and C.R Crane (Book 3, Thief of Hearts) is expected to be released 18 December.


Book 3 of the Thief of Hearts Series...coming soon.



Pre-Order links





Blackbird Crowned by Keri Arthur (Book 3, Witch King's Crown) is expected to be released 3 April 2021.


More info coming soon.








Non spec-fic



The Widow of Red Lion Row by Viveka Portman  is expected to be released 4 January 2021.



London, 1810. Margaret Forsythe never expected to become a condom maker. But she is a widow, and due to her late husband, she has lost everything. Now she has been exiled to the filth of Southwark, with no money or means of survival. Never again will she be beholden to a man.

But when her situation becomes dire, she has little choice but to throw herself on the mercy of the dangerously handsome brothel owner, Charles Grimsby. 

Charles’s prostitutes need ‘johnny caps’ to avoid venereal disease – and so, torn between morality and poverty, Margaret begins to manufacture them, using animal gut and ribbons. Will this new enterprise be her salvation, or her ultimate ruin?









ANTHOLOGIES



E.V.I.E. (Eliminate Vampiric Influence Everywhere) contains a story by Mila Young. It was republished 6 October and is available for a limited time only. 


13 Slayers. 13 Missions. 13 Brand New Standalone Stories Set within a Universe of Violence.

Welcome to the world of E.V.I.E.
A place where vampires come to die.

These Slayers don't play. They're fierce, badass, and court the creatures of the night. Some protect our existing reality, while others venture to realms far away to hunt down bloodsucker bounties. Each plot and twist comes at a price.

There will be blood.
There will be death.
There will be forbidden affairs.

These stories have bite and feature passion and kickass heroines.

Enter if you dare.
And don't forget your stake.

This is a limited edition charity anthology. All proceeds benefit Best Friends Animal Society, and each story includes a Happily Ever After/Happily For Now ending.

Introduction by Addison Cain

Stories by:
Amelia Hutchins
Anna Edwards
C.R. Jane
Claire Marta
Dee Garcia
Elle Christensen
K Webster
Kimbra Swain
Lexi C. Foss
Lily Archer
Mila Young
Rochelle Paige
Sandra R. Neeley


Buy links





Non spec-fic




Forever His Ride or Die contains a story by Khloe WrenIt was republished 20 November. 



Join this amazing group of authors as you read Forever His Ride or Die. Each author taking the theme and making it their own. From Khloe Wren – Breaking Tabitha, Crimson Syn – Shamrock: A Fallen Kings MC Novel, T. Elizabeth Guthrie – Property of a God, Kathryn C. Kelly – Misconstrued: A Death Dwellers Novella, and Erin Osborne – Honor's Battle.

Each story making you want to read more from each of these authors. Join them as they take you on a journey to find out who is Forever His Ride or Die?



Buy links





Tangled Up in Blue contains a story by Fiona GreenIt was republished 30 November. 


When the estranged Sinclair sisters meet in ailing Blue Ridge after the death of their grandmother, only one of them wants to stay. But Blythe Sinclair's dying wish - for them to work together to run the Satin Bowerbird Inn - throws their lives into chaos.


Out of the Blue - Fiona Greene

Commitment-phobe Katherine Sinclair started running after her parents' death and she's never stopped. But returning to Blue Ridge, and her teenage crush, Rhett, awakens something deep inside her. Can she put down roots and use her time in town to make a difference: for the community, for the family and for herself? And if she does, will Rhett be a part of her future?


Little Bird - Danielle Birch

Corporate lawyer Edie Sinclair's personal and professional life implode just as she returns to Blue Ridge to mourn her beloved grandmother. Soffocated by the misplaced blame over her parents' death, Edie has to choose between staying to resolve the estate or returning to the city to straighten out her life. When Edie meets Will, a local sculptor, she's instantly attracted to him, but a misunderstanding between them makes her question whether she can build a new life for herself in Blue Ridge.


The Satin Bowerbird - E E Montgomery

Holly Sinclair has finally found peace and security, living and working with her grandmother at the Satin Bowerbird Inn. Her grandmother's unexpected death and the invasion of her estranged sisters rock Holly to her core. There's only one person she can still trust, her best friend since high school. Turning to Morgan ignites Holly's long-suppressed passion and she's torn. Pursuing a relationship with Morgan puts their friendship at risk. Can she have it all? Or will she lose it all?

As the sisters face unexpected challenges and expose long-buried family secrets, their grandmother's legacy could force them apart forever. Or can Katherine, Edie and Holly learn to forgive each other and become a family once more?








COVER REVEAL

The first four books in the Follow Your Heart series  by Lilliana Rose have a new covers. 


Change of Heart (Book 1) 



Christmas has arrived and should be a happy time of the year, but Vickie is lonely and missing her husband, George. His job as a doctor comes first and she has way too many hours alone to fill. Her and George are rapidly growing apart.
When an unusual illness descends over the festive season, and hits way too close to home, Vickie throws herself into finding the source and solving a mystery to save lives.
Will she find there is still love in her marriage after all? Is what she has with George worth fighting for? Or, will her world crash down around her?

Change of Heart is a blend of the past in a futuristic setting to create a world to get lost in, find love, and escape reality. There's a mesh of genres, sexy romance, contemporary, drama, and mystery, creating a fun quick read to enjoy.

Buy links


Heart of Gold (Book 2) 


Self defence lessons are what Vickie needs if she’s serious about being prepared and making her private eye business a success. The lessons turn out to be more than she bargained for when her trainer is injured and all is not what it seemed. When she realises there is something strange going on, Vickie feels compelled to investigate.

Can she solve another mystery without losing the passion she has finally found with George? And what is it her trainer has kept hidden?


Buy links



Heart's Desire
 (Book 3) 



Vickie only has one client. She immerses herself in the case by helping a distressed woman, Alison Jenkins, who mourns for her deceased husband, Frank. The more Vickie learns about this case, the further she realises something sinister occurred with Frank’s death and the assumed suicide could well be a cover for murder.

The private eye work distracts Vickie from her renewed commitment to husband George, and her marriage is once more in rocky territory. Vickie is forced to decide what is important to her and decide what her heart really desires, being a private eye or a wife. Or can she find a way to have both?


Buy links




Lonely Hearts
 (Book 4) 




Vickie’s private eye business has grown beyond expectations and she finds herself overloaded with cases. Solving personal mysteries for clients is taking every hour of her day and many of her nights. Her work is being put ahead of her husband and he’s had enough.

What will she decide when he gives her an ultimatum – me or your work? Will the stress of trying to solve a case prove to be too much? Does she have any chance of balancing both loves in her life??


Buy links



The Dating Phase by Claire Boston is a short story that will be re-released soon and has a new cover.  





The Virgin Hunt Games Volume 1 by Mel Teshco is expected to be released 18 January 2021.  







BLOG SERIAL

Death Mark: a teen nerd occult detective serial by Rebekah Turner has been running on her blog.





~~~

Congratulations to our DarkSiders.

Thanks for joining us. Until next time...happy reading!

Tuesday 1 December 2020

DarkSider News for December 2020!

 

Welcome!


Christmas is around the corner. Here's some stocking stuffers for you...





NEW RELEASES



Alien Rescue by Marie Dry (Book 4, Zyrgin Warriors) was released on 26 November. 



In a bleak future, where government systems are breaking down, and poverty and violence reign, Rose wakes from a horrific ordeal, only to find that aliens have taken over Earth while she was unconscious. One of them claimed her as his breeder, and now she has to resist her attraction to the alien who buys her frilly dresses and calls her his breeder. She also needs to find a way to rescue her colleagues and country from the Zyrgin invaders.


Buy links






Shadowlands Sector Three by Mila Young (Book 3, Shadowlands Sector) was released on 30 November.


There is no more running…
...this time, I’m willing to fight to the death. Mine and theirs.

Because of me, my three mates have been captured by our enemy, and once again I am all alone.

But I can’t let the enemy’s treachery be their fate. Not for me, not for the future we thought we had.

My only option is to take this fight to him. Let embrace the monster inside me I have feared my whole life.

The enemy thinks I’m the key to his biggest problem...

The undead.

I can’t be that key. I must return. I must save my men. No matter the cost.

I’m running out of time. My life for the alphas.

I have one choice. That’s an easy decision. And my monster agrees. We’re out for blood, and this time I’m not leaving until the enemy pays.


Shadowlands Sector is the final book in this trilogy. The spin-off series, Savage Sector, is set in the same world and is coming out soon.


Buy links





Night Kissed by Mila Young and Jordan Crow (Book 1, Chosen Vampire Slayer) was released on 19 November.



To say I’m killing it at my job is an understatement… Literally.

Monsters. I hunt them. I kill them.

And I enjoy it, ridding the world of the vicious supernatural killers who stalk innocents and destroy lives.

Like mine. Like my family’s.

That was years ago. But I’m strong now. I’m not the victim anymore. I’ve fought hard to become the thing they should fear—a vampire slayer. When I’m called in to investigate a chain of suspicious deaths across Alaska, I meet three of the hottest, and most dangerous, monsters I’ve ever seen.

Just one problem.

They’re the things that go bump in the night—a vampire, a fallen angel, and a demon. Enemies I must trust with my life if I’m to solve the dark trail of mysteries before more lives are lost.

But just as hard as solving the murders is denying my attraction to them all. And as things heat up in more ways than one, I know I’ll never be the same again…

That is, if I survive the evil I’m sworn to kill... and the ones I’ve let into my heart.


Buy links




Beautiful Beasts box set by Mila Young and Kim Faulks was released on 2 June.


Love is complicated. But then so is a stake through the heart!

1000 + pages VAMPIRE and WOLF SHIFTER fated mate romance. Each book follows the same powerful alphas and a strong, sassy woman. Lose yourself in high action, funny laugh-out-loud scenes, sizzling romance, forbidden attraction, and burning love scenes that will leave you gasping for more.

Fans of Vampire Academy and Vampire Diaries will devour these 6 complete books in Beautiful Beasts.

THE BEAUTIFUL BEASTS COMPLETE SERIES with all six books plus an additional BONUS PREQUEL STORY.

"Judas?" Morwenna called my name. The sound of it on her lips almost made me moan with desire.

Something inside me stirred. Something primal and hungry, and I wasn't the only one who felt it either. Bond and Nero felt it too. They were my Wolves...my pack, my best friends, and yet when I was with her...I didn't feel like sharing.







Princess of Frost (a Snow Queen retelling) by Mila Young (Once Upon A Fairy Tale Night) was released on 27 June.


The family I never knew left me a cursed legacy that could get me killed...or worse.

I wield snow magic, a power everyone around me fears. I must hide it and the truths of my past or end up dead.

Because the cruel prince whose castle I serve has no mercy on anyone for the slightest offence. Much less wielding forbidden magic.

But when I’m caught stealing mere scraps of bread by the unyielding prince himself, my fate is forever changed.
Now I’m his servant, imprisoned here in his walls, punished for my hunger and made to do his bidding. Only he doesn’t yet know what I truly am.

Or that our destinies are impossible to untangle.

The truth of my past and the fate of the cursed kingdom are as intertwined as what is happening between me and the dark prince. To survive, I must learn all that came before. I must harness my power to become a deadly and powerful and ice-cold wielder of snow magic.

Because that and the help of the bespelled prince are all that stand between breaking the curse that haunts our world and succumbing to a fate of darkness and despair


Buy links




School of Broken Wings by Mila Young and C.R. Jane (Book 4, Academy of Souls) was released on 27 April.



With brave wings she flies...

Adeline Jones always suspected Raven Academy was filled with monsters.
And now those monsters want her.

The Academy was meant to be a new start… instead it broke her.

Now, all that stands between her death and survival are the Raven boys.

They were her enemies.

They became her protectors.

And now, she’ll have to make the greatest sacrifice of all to save them...

Sometimes discovering the truth about your past means losing everything in the future.


Buy links




The Fallen World box set by Mila Young and C.R. Jane was released on 10 October.

Three alien warriors. A human true mate. They are her darkest temptations, and her only salvation from the danger engulfing Earth.

800+ pages of alien romance that WILL make you crave your very own scorching hot protective warrior. Let yourself fall into this exciting, action-packed, and sizzling romance that will leave you breathless for more. Follows three aliens invading Earth to find their fated mate and save their own world.

The collection includes the following stories:

Bound
They came to earth. They destroyed my life, took those closest to me, and now they’re set on making me their own.

Broken
Their obsession will destroy me... One thing is for sure though...the Vepar are never going to let me go.

Betrayed
What happens when I find out that the three aliens might be the monsters I need to fear the most?

Belong
All I want is a happy ending, but things keep getting in the way of that...like the fate of a fallen world.

Four complete full-length heart-pounding books with burning hot scenes, no cheating, and a guaranteed happy ending!


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Finding Home by Annie Seaton (Book 3, Love Across Time) was released on 30 November.



Alice McLaren is a traveller . . . but her travels must remain a secret. Now that she has no one of her own, she leaves London during the Blitz to move to her family’s cottage in Somerset. Alice plans to take evacuated children from London and care for them in the country.

However, her travels take her much further than she anticipates, away to a safer place far from the war and the incessant bombing.

When she meets and falls in love with Branton, Alice is torn. There is a child to be rescued, and Alice is the only one who can save Amelia Adnum. She must choose between Branton and taking the lost child home safely.

As circumstances change, Alice must make a decision that could change many lives.

Branton knows Alice holds a secret, but he cannot understand why she refuses to stay with him. He cannot bear to lose her, but can Branton convince Alice that their love will endure, no matter what?



The Vet's Familiar by TJ Nichols was released on 28 November. 



Wounded and left for dead, shifter Kit Linfield is stuck in his eagle form.

A Christmas Eve flight with his family turned to slaughter when some hunters took aim. Kit played dead, but he needs help, or he’ll die. He wants to live to have vengeance.

Errol Hart is spending Christmas alone for the first time since his divorce. When a badly wounded eagle is delivered to his care, it’s the first animal that Errol can’t communicate with. The eagle is so badly injured Errol isn’t sure it will survive. But the way it looks at him, like it understands every word he says…

When Errol learns the truth, he vows to help Kit find the men responsible for the illegal hunt.

For readers who like fated mates, age gap and small town gay romance.


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Soul Survivor by Daniel de Lorne (Book 1, Immortals of  the Apocalypse) was  released on 25 November. 


An ancient craving. A dead world. Can one near-immortal save his heart as the planet descends into ruin?

2141. Five-hundred-year-old Emrys Stone hates that his hunger for human souls kills everything he touches. But supplies are scarce in Earth’s scorched landscape, and his kind are falling into anarchic chaos. When a ferocious insanity devours the remaining food source, Emrys’s last hope for survival lies in a desperate trek across the apocalyptic wasteland.

Almost at death’s door, Emrys stumbles on another colony and asks for shelter in return for his services as an assassin. But when he becomes a pawn between warring factions and falls for a handsome human warrior, his violent passions could cost him his cursed life.

Can Emrys survive the madness without destroying his own future in the land of the living?

Soul Survivor is the compelling first novel in the Immortals of the Apocalypse romantic gay paranormal suspense trilogy. If you like tormented heroes, ruined lands, and eternal beings, then you’ll love Daniel de Lorne’s twisted tale.


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Unseen by Cassie Laelyn (Book 3, The Fallen Guardians) was released on 30 November. 


Heaven is his new hell.

Fate's at it again. But this time, he's ready...

After centuries of torturous visions from Fate, party boy EJ, hides his guilt behind a perfectly crafted visage. When a woman appears in his dreams, full of sunshine and innocence, he thinks it's another punishment. But when the dream warps, EJ must question not only his destiny, but also his aversion to commitment.

Dreaming of a sexy book boyfriend is the closest thing Hailee has to a happily ever after. Years of running from her mom's imaginary demons ensured that. But when tragedy strikes and Hailee's caught in the middle of a brutal war, all her hope falls on the reluctant hero she thought was a fantasy. 

As an ancient battle threatens to tear them apart, EJ and Hailee must fight for their happy ending before their nightmares become a reality.








The Sorcerer's Touch by Imogene Nix (Book 3, Blood Secrets) was re-released on 1 December.



Since the Slaughterhouse Rout, Daniel has nursed his abilities, but the decision he faces will change his life and those of everyone around him. 

Whether the change is positive or not remains to be seen.

Cressida fears that history will repeat itself. Once before she lost everything she held dear, but after centuries of hiding she must face her past in order to forge a new future. Has she waited too long and pushed Daniel away too well?






Demons High! by Alexis Fleming (Book 2, Lucifer Inc!) was released on 24 November. 



A sexy half-demon neighbor, rampaging horny imps and a dead aunt who’s very much alive… Could life get any more chaotic?

When Elli Gavin inherits her aunt’s run-down house, the last thing she expects to find is a bunch of Lucifer’s imps running a raunchy, imp-humping nightclub and secret poker games in her house every night.

Tate Belor is no ordinary man. He’s part human, part shadow demon and the head of Lucifer’s security detail—and now, thanks to Lucifer, an imp hunter and babysitter. Then he gets his first look at ‘little Elli’. She’s a very grown-up woman with the ability to shatter his legendary control over his emotions.

Invisible humping imps, a believed-dead-but-very-much-alive aunt and a nasty human out to steal her house… Elli’s surrounded by mystery and more questions than answers.

What will she do when the truth is discovered? More importantly, can Elli and Tate survive the Hell-storm together?

But just remember… The house always wins.








Non spec-fic

His Christmas Escape by Shona Husk was released by Escape Publishing on 27 November. 



One gourmet party. Six potential couples. The taste of love?

Nico De Luca has been doing his best to keep his family together and off the street since he was sixteen. Everyone thinks he’s doing such a good thing, but they never care about the cost to him. With his stepfather fresh out of jail … again … trouble is brewing.

Coming home after travelling is always bittersweet for Jade Russell. She loves seeing her sister and friends, but her parents have made it very clear she’s not welcome. Christmas is full of fake happiness and spending money on junk people don’t want. She sees it in the parents’ eyes in her job as an elf taking photos with Santa.

When Nico meets Jade in her elf uniform, he is enchanted. When they meet again at a Rainbow Cove Christmas lunch, he realises Jade is out of his league. She knows what she’s doing with her life. She has a life. Following Jade makes stepping off the path easy and, before he knows it, freedom is within Nico’s grasp. But if he leaves, he can never come back …







Promises in the Dark by D.K. Hood (Book 10, Detectives Kane and Alton) was released by Bookatoure on 25 November. 



The young girl pushes against the backseat of the family sedan, fighting to free herself from the crude ties restricting her hands and feet. As the car speeds toward the edge of town, she looks back at her family home, and watches in horror as it is suddenly engulfed in a mass of flames. Trembling with fear, she turns toward the driver and hears only laughter. She knows that the worst is yet to come...

Detective Jenna Alton surveys the charred remains of the large suburban home, stopping to pause at the three lifeless bodies of the Wood family. Jenna knows she's looking for a serial killer, but her priority is finding the missing teenage daughter last seen on the night of the inferno.

Days later, Sophie Wood's body is discovered floating in a shallow pool of crystal-clear water--known locally as Dead Man's Drop--but Jenna still doesn't know who would target the quiet family in such a brutal attack.

Delving into the family's past, she makes a shocking discovery--a link between the killer and someone connected to her deputy David Kane. If Jenna is right and the killer is back and seeking revenge, then she must act fast to keep her deputy safe.

When another girl is taken, Jenna and David follow the trail into a network of underground caves on the outskirts of town. With little time before the killer claims his next victim, they race into the pitch-black tunnels, unsure whether they have just walked into the killer's trap. Can they find the girl in time and escape the caves without the killer chasing them down?


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The Investigator by Anna Hackett (Book 1, Norcross Security) was released 18 November in audio format.



The only man who can keep her safe is her boss’ gorgeous brother.

Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.

Nope, Rhys is off limits. But then Haven finds herself in the middle of a deadly situation…

Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite Ghost Ops military team, the former Delta Force soldier thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.

Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.

When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself in trouble, and dangers from her past rising. Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.











PRE-ORDERS



Wicked Words by M.J. Scott (Book 2, Techwitch) is expected to be released on 5 January 2021. 



I never expected to discover that I was a witch—one being hunted by a demon. I’d taken down the demon but the price I paid was high—I lost both my best friend and the man I loved. Now all I want is to leave magic far behind . . .

Maggie Lachlan is the Techwitch. A computer whisperer, able to bring recalcitrant systems to their knees with a single keystroke. But now she knows she is more than a geek, she’s an actual witch as well. But magic has brought only pain and for the last nine months she’s been mourning her losses and ignoring her powers. 

But when her ex, Damon Riley, reappears in her life, bringing in his wake a magical mystery, she will need every ounce of her computer mojo and her magic. Trouble is, she seems to have lost both. And without magic, she’s vulnerable to the kind of control demons like to wield. 

With a curse to unravel and a demon’s revenge to avoid, Maggie needs to find her power and save the day and Damon.  Because sticks and stones can break your bones but, when it comes to magic, words can be deadly...

The second book in the dark and sexy TechWitch Urban Fantasy series from M.J. Scott, RITA® Award nominated author of The Four Arts series and the Half-Light City series.


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Spell Stone by Shelley Russell Nolan (Book 3, Merry Magic) is expected to be released 10 December.



Meddling with magic comes with deadly consequences.

The magical world of Tirana is on the brink of revolution. After losing control of her Earth magic, Merry never wants to cast another spell. With three more charms to collect before she can return to her world, she may not have a choice.

Renegade lords, rogue mages and guild enforcers will be the least of her troubles as she makes her way to the Water focal point. For treachery is not the only poison spreading through the land, which leaves Merry and her friends short on options as well as supplies.

Pushed to the limit, she will come face to face with the deadly consequences of using magic. With time running out to protect the portal from witch hunters, she will be forced to face her fears and decide what is worth dying for.

Can Merry learn to trust herself and her magic? Find out in this magical portal fantasy adventure!







Wild Moon: Real Wolves Bite by Mila Young and C.R. Crane  (Book 1, Kingdome of Wolves) is expected to be released on 4 February 2021. 



Blurb to come.


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SHORT STORIES




Satan's 
Minions by Shelley Russell Nolan was republished on Shelley's blog. Originally published in Specul8 Issue 4, in July 2017.










COVER REVEAL

The Gods of Oakleigh by Juanita Kees has a new cover. 



From the shores of Mykonos to Melbourne Australia, Arian and Ajax find that sometimes in life or death true love is worth fighting for. 

Arian Kendrick has always felt she doesn’t quite fit in. On holiday in Mykonos she rescues a little girl from drowning and discovers powers she didn’t know she had. As her long-dormant mystical talents blossom, so does her heart when she meets Ajax, the handsome, mysterious Greek-Melbournian who swears he is destined to be in her life. 

After falling on his sword after the Battle of Troy, Ajax the Great is banished to Van Diemen’s Land where he must search for a way to redeem his soul. Two thousand years later, he is given a second chance when Zeus orders him to Mykonos to search out and protect the future Queen of the Faeries, Arianrhod. The last thing he expects is to fall in love. 

But every romantic island holiday must come to an end, and the mysteries and fairytales of Mykonos fade into the suburban reality of Melbourne where Arian begins to doubt Greek lore and the magic in her veins. 

Can Arian embrace her mythical legacy in time to save her people as Hades threatens to destroy Paradise forever, and will Ajax rise to fight by her side, or is he destined to fall on his sword for eternity?

The quiet suburb of Oakleigh may never be the same again. Not as long as the gods are in town…


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