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.

Tuesday 25 February 2020

DarkSider News for February - Part 4


Welcome!

February has been a hot month for the DarkSiders. 
Here's another news instalment. 




NEW RELEASES

Tobias' Spark by Samantha Marshall (Book 2, The Kin Chronicles) was released 22  February. 



Embrace the lightning… or be destroyed by the storm.

With the chaotic hormones of transition coursing through his body, murderous bearkin on the loose and an unfairly attractive tigerkin making moves on the woman he loves, Tobias Greenwood didn’t think his life could get any more stressful.

Then Andre Redding, Aislinn’s powerful father, arrives home from Ireland to handle the threat of the bearkin personally. The dark weight of a deceitful past weighs heavily on Aislinn and Tobias, leading them to question Andre’s motivations and hide their blossoming relationship from his prying eyes.

As friend and foe whip into a frenzy, Tobias’ pack looks to him for protection and guidance – but with transition stealing his thoughts right out of his head, Tobias isn’t sure how to get through his day, let alone provide the support they need.

Only Aislinn is his guiding light, but Olaf Gruybere, the vicious bearkin General, is determined to snuff out her life through the unholy connection they share. To save her, Tobias must fight the single most important battle of his life; one that will require not only his ever-increasing Alpha strength, but the entirety of his heart and soul.

** This book is intended for adults and therefore contains adult scenes, violence and adult language where the characters deem it necessary. **


The Lord and the Mermaid by Bernadette Rowley  (Book 4, Queen Makers Saga) is now available in paperback.



A DESPERATE MERMAID, determined to flee her people and create a new life. Merielle has rejected her family and gambled her future on inducing a human man to fall in love with her.AN EXILED SEA CAPTAIN, sworn to avenge a devastating loss. Nikolas blames the monstrous sea nymphs for his brother’s disappearance but when he finds an injured mermaid on his beach, he agrees to help her.

Despite his hate for the mer people, Nik is increasingly drawn to Meri, who slowly works her way into his damaged heart. Will Nik break the laws of land and sea to be with Meri or will the devastating secret she holds crush their tumultuous relationship.

The Lord and the Mermaid is the fourth book in the epic Queenmakers Saga, combining the sweeping high fantasy world of Thorius with sizzling romance. If you like magic, political intrigue and mythical creatures, wrapped up in a dark and sexy retelling of The Little Mermaid, then you’ll adore The Lord and the Mermaid.

***This book contains sex scenes and is intended for mature readers***

Available from:


Paying the Forfeit by S.E. Gilchrist  (Book 1, Search for Home) was released on 20 February (it was originally in the Hot Down Under series)




I’ve loved him the moment I set eyes on him, but he was pledged to my sister as part of a newly-forged alliance between our two tribes.

So I left my family behind and sought a different life in the domed city called the Fortress, alone.
Four years later, my mother begged me to return. Since my sister has refused to honour the agreement, the forfeit – a cache of the prized yellow sapphires – must be paid or my remaining family will be banished.

Should I hand over the sapphires I’ve discovered?

Or keep silent and take one long, hot night with the mate of my heart - before I leave forever.


Available from:




Non spec-fiction

Once in a Blue Moon by Amanda Ashby (Book 2, Belles of St. Clair) was released on 17 February.


Florist Laney George has a successful business, amazing friends and big, big dreams––oh, and a broken heart. But she’s working through that last one. Then the man she hoped to never see again shows up––and Laney’s carefully ordered plans are experiencing technical difficulties.

Celebrated Author Adam Fitzpatrick planned to be in St. Clair for no more than a day. Sign the books, and get out. Same story, different day. What he didn’t count on was Laney George, who happens to be the star of his somewhat fictional tale. She broke his heart years ago, and he’d gone a bit mad. Okay, maybe a lot mad––and he put everything in his book, never imagining it would be a world-wide best seller.

Now that he’s seen her again, he wants answers. But it isn’t just her that draws him in. It’s the town, something is happening and for the first time in years…he can write again. If only he could convince the woman who hates him most to start a new chapter in their story.


Buy links available from Entangled Publishing.





Full Circle by Annie Seaton (Bindara Creek Short and Sweet Romance) was released December 2019.



Five years ago, Cleo Ainslie, fled Bindarra Creek with a broken heart, and is now content with her life.

Or she thinks she is, until two close but meddlesome friends, decide to interfere in her life, when she refuses to go back to Bindarra for the Easter school reunion.

Can Cleo deal with having Jonathon Kendall in her life again?








PRE-ORDERS





Non spec-fiction



Daniel de Lorne and Fiona Greene (together with Nikki Logan) will be part of a series to be published in e-book format by Escape Publishing and the three books printed in one volume by MIRA. The series is called Rivervue Community Theatre.

Book 1 - Tread the Boards by Nikki Logan
Rivervue Theatre's props-maven Mackenzie Russell is drawn to enigmatic loner Dylan North. But both Kenzie and Dylan have secrets to keep. Secrets that if revealed could tear the town, the theatre - and Dylan and Kenzie - apart.


Set the Stage by Daniel de Lorne (Book 2, Rivervue Community Theatre) is expected for release 27 July.
(no cover image as yet)

While the redevelopment brief for Rivervue Community Theatre moulders on his desk, a phone call from a unrequited past love sends architect, Gabriel Mora, running back to his artsy hometown. Afraid of worsening his mother's health, Gabriel is forced to hide his involvement in the redevelopment. It's just one more secret to keep, along with his feelings for a certain red-headed stage manager.

Bruce Clifton can build anything. But the jobs mean nothing if he's not getting paid. On the cusp of losing his home, Bruce needs to find a way to call in those debts without showing his community how much trouble he's got himself into. With Gabriel's return to town stirring up past hurts, soon it's not just his home Bruce has to worry about losing, but his heart.

Can Bruce and Gabriel work together for the good of Rivervue, or will their hope for a second chance exit stage right?

Pre-Order links





Take a Bow by Fiona Greene (Book 3, Rivervue Community Theatre) is expected for release 3 August.

(no cover image as yet)

Creative director, Lexi Spencer, stands centre stage in the fight to save the iconic Rivervue Community Theatre from redevelopment by the local council. With Draven's new play, Lexi's got the weapon she needs to keep Rivervue open. She just needs to ensure it remains a secret. Staging the controversial Larrikin is guaranteed to cause trouble, but it's a risk she's willing to take. She's already lost so much in her life, losing the theatre isn't an option.

Council CEO Mark Conroy is new to artsy Brachen, but not to dealing with passionate constituents who disagree with his decisions. And he's definitely not new to Lexi Spencer. Over a decade has passed since he ruined his relationship with Lexi, but old feelings aren't as easily written off as a building. When they're forced to become allies, the town's secrets aren't the only ones at stake.

Can they pull off the impossible and save Rivervue, or will their past bring down the curtain on a shared future?

Pre-Order links





The print collection will be called One From The Heart and will contain all three stories. 

Pre-Order links





Burn It Down by Jess Anastasi (Book 3, Texas Heroes) is due for release 21 April. 



When an arsonist targets a kind-hearted park ranger, a firefighter steps up to protect him… and overcome his fear of dating in the process. Park Ranger Troy Hurst has his hands full with a long, hot summer causing fires to break out all over the Sam Houston National Forest, and it looks like the weather isn’t the only culprit. But helping two abandoned teenage boys and facing the memory of his own difficult childhood will require all Troy’s strength and courage—he doesn’t have anything left to deal with the increasingly dangerous fires. Firefighter Jared Winters has never been one to turn his back on those in need, and Troy and his young wards are in more danger than they know. Even though Jared is still reeling from an abusive relationship and Troy’s never acted on his attraction to men, the heat between them is impossible to extinguish, and before they know it, they’re planning to become foster parents—a family. But first they’ll need to find and stop the dangerous criminal threatening homes and lives in Everness.


Pre-Order at:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |




Her Outback Haven by Annie Seaton (Book 3, Second Chance Bay) is expected for release on 26 March.



Dane McDougal has purchased land to build a luxury fishing lodge at a remote beachside  location on the Gulf of Carpentaria.  

Reclusive potter and single mother, Nicole Curtis, has a three year lease with the former owner. Dane was unaware that the house had a tenant, and he expects her to move out. Nicole digs her heels in, fearing for their lives if she and four-year-old Binnie have to move from this house in the wilderness.
Can Dane  remain immune to the gentle charms of this woman and convince her to leave?


Pre-Order links





COVER REVEAL

Temptation's Flight by Delwyn Jenkins (Book 5, Dragon Alliance)






EXCERPT


An excerpt from The Assassin's Gift by Claire Boston is available on Claire's website


She’s trained to kill. But is her prey the man she’s ordered to eliminate… or the one who sent her?

Princess Lien reserves her loyalty for her uncle, the emperor. Groomed as his secret assassin after he took her in, her first target is the khan of the barbarians responsible for her parents’ murder. But her supernatural speed is no help when the monarch betroths her to the man she’s meant to slay.

Waking naked in the enemy camp far from the palace and her pet dragon, Lien is horrified to find she’s imprisoned by the ruthless tribe—and they know her true mission. Refusing to believe her uncle betrayed her, she vows to become his spy. But as evidence that she’s on the wrong side mounts, it will test her fidelity and honor.

Can Lien unravel a web of deceit in time to stop the real traitor?

The Assassin’s Gift is the first book in the riveting Emperor's Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, loyalties challenged, and treacherous battles, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s enthralling adventure.





EVENTS

A reminder that DarkSiders will be at the following event around the country. 


A number of DarkSiders are participating in ARRA's A Romantic Rendezvous March event across multiple cities across Australia.

Brisbane: 6 March - Dakota Harrison

Sydney: 8 March Donna Maree Hanson / Dani KristoffKeri Arthur

Melbourne: 14 March - Donna Maree Hanson / Dani Kristoff, Keri Arthur, MJ/Melanie Scott / Emma Douglas, M.L. Tompsett, Samantha Marshall

Perth: 15 March - Anna Hackett, Claire Boston, Juanita Kees, Lana Pecherczyk, Shona Husk, TJ Nichols

Adelaide: 17 March - Eleni Konstantine, Lilliana Rose, Maggie Mundy


To get tickets, go to the ARRA website. We hope to see you there!







ON SALE
Books that are on sale for a limited time. 

Shelter by Claire Boston (Book 1, First Response).


She’s desperate to fit in. He’s searching for forgiveness. Can they break their emotional chains to free true love?

Border Force Agent Zamira does everything by the book. But when she hears rumors of a missing friend held captive, she opts to ditch the rules and go rogue. Met with suspicion upon her arrival in Blackbridge, she sweet-talks a handsome resident and watches sparks fly at exactly the wrong time…

Jeremy volunteers to fight fires to atone for his father’s death. With his feelings heavily guarded, he’s surprised when the beautiful Zamira sets his heart racing. But after the agent’s quest puts them both in harm’s way, he hopes the dangerous hunt won’t cost him yet another person he loves.

As shadowy figures track Zamira’s every move, finding her friend may mean ignoring the deepest connection she’s ever felt.

Can Zamira and Jeremy liberate the girl and free their hearts?

Available from:


Congratulations to all our DarkSiders!

Thanks for sharing in our news. Until next time, happy reading!

Tuesday 18 February 2020

DarkSider News for February - Part 3

Welcome!

More great news happening this February. 
The month may be short but there's plenty of good news.



NEW DARKSIDERS


WELCOME TO...

Samantha Marshall
Hello! 

My name is Samantha Marshall and I’m an author of speculative fiction, a mother to two tiny dictators, an artist, a keen drinker of chai tea and, in my spare time, a unicorn.

I’ve been living stories as long as I can remember, telling them from the moment I could talk and writing them from the moment I could clumsily grip a crayon. Where I go, stories follow, like glitter on concert night. I see potential in things both strange and normal, am struck by inspiration in often unlikely places.

I believe in writing to the best of my ability, breathing life into my characters, always pushing the proverbial envelope, and dragons.

Won't you come on a ride?




Michelle Somers | M.L. Winters

Michelle Somers is a bookworm from way back. An ex-Kiwi who now calls Australia home, she’s a professional killer and matchmaker, a storyteller and a romantic. Words are her power and her passion. Her heroes and heroines always get their happy ever after, but she’ll put them through one hell of a journey to get there.

Michelle lives in Melbourne with her real life hero and three heroes in the making. And Emerald, a black furry feline who thinks she’s a dog. Her debut novel, Lethal in Love won the Romance Writers of Australia’s 2013 Valerie Parv Award and 2016 Romantic Book of the Year, and the Indiana Golden Opportunities Award in 2013.

Michelle loves hearing from her readers, so please visit her at www.michelle-somers.com



M.L. Winters is the paranormal persona of romantic suspense author, Michelle Somers. She’s a bookworm from way back. An ex-Kiwi who now calls Australia home, she’s a professional killer and matchmaker, a storyteller and a romantic. Words are her power and her passion. Her heroes and heroines always get their happy ever after, but she’ll put them through one hell of a journey to get there.

Michelle lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her real life hero and three little heroes in the making. And her black cat, Emmie, who thinks she’s a dog. Her debut novel, Lethal in Love won the Romance Writers of Australia’s 2016 Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY) and the 2013 Valerie Parv Award.







NEW RELEASES

Survivors by Anna Hackett  (Book 19, Hell Squad) was released 11 February.



Survivors contain three novellas:

Nate — starring off-grid, loner Marine, Nate Caldwell. He lives alone in a cabin in the Blue Mountains avoiding the aliens and any survivors…until a young woman on the run from the raptors explodes into his life.

Dak — starring Captain Dak Vaughn, the head of security for Groom Lake Base in North America. He only has room for his job — keeping all the survivors alive — and no room for the tough, attractive new recruit who gets under his skin.

Alexander — starring engineer turned base leader, Alexander Erickson, brother of Hawk pilot Finn. He leads a tiny base of survivors in the snowy climes of Norway and has to join forces with an independent, older woman whose attention he’s been trying to capture.


Available from:




Galactic Burn by Mel Teshco  (Book 1, Alien Hunger) was re-released 14 February.



Humans have been almost wiped out. All the males are gone and only a few hundred females worldwide survived the devastation. The same deadly virus annihilated the female population of a mighty alien nation, and their three kings—Dar, Ezra and Maddox—are looking for one special female, Lillian, to capture and seduce.

Though Lillian survived, she has no memory and struggles with the fact that three alien men have become her lovers. One by one, they take her, make her burn for release and satisfy her every sexual need. She craves their touches, their kisses, their comforting embraces while forming strong emotional bonds with each. Lillian is falling for her sexy aliens and agrees to become their life mate in a special ceremony—her three males will make love to Lillian as all the surviving alien males watch.

But, as the ceremony nears, Lillian begins to remember. The aliens lied and covered up the horrible truth. Their happy, new life together might not be possible after all.

Available from:




Aislinn's Shadow by Samantha Marshall (Book 1, The Kin Chronicles) had its second edition released on 22 November 2019.



Twelve years. Two people. One chance.

After more than a decade in Ireland working for the powerful Kin High Council, Aislinn Redding returns to the remote Australian bush she once called home. Rest and relaxation are just what the doctor ordered, but powerful nightmares stalk Aislinn at every turn and not even the space behind her eyelids is safe.

For over ten years, Tobias Greenwood worshipped the sound of Aislinn’s laughter inside his memory. Now, she’s back – but the reality of her presence is far different from that of his dreams. To make matters worse, her scent sparks a primal reckoning that threatens not only Aislinn’s life, but Tobias’ sanity.

Determined to make a new life for herself among the pack, Aislinn dismisses Tobias’ hostility as nothing more than a grown man’s tantrum. If he couldn’t be bothered to call or write during her long absence, then why should she care what he thinks of her now? She shouldn’t. She doesn’t.

Every flutter of Aislinn’s lashes insists she’s full of secrets, but Tobias can’t keep his head on his shoulders long enough to work out what they might be. When danger surfaces in the otherwise peaceful bush, he knows in the depths of his soul that she’s involved – though which side of the fence Aislinn sits on remains a mystery. Only one thing is certain; Tobias and Aislinn must either address the yawning divide between them… or sentence everyone they care about to a grisly death.

** This book is intended for adults and therefore contains adult scenes, violence and adult language where the characters deem it necessary. **




Her Biker's Bite by M.L. Winters is also included in collection called Romance with Bite. It was released on 1 February and is available for a limited time only.


Romance with a Bite will capture the heart of anyone who loves the bite of a sexy vamp, the growl of an Alpha wolf, or the sensual mystery of a fae prince or princess.

If you adore paranormal romance with an edge, this LIMITED EDITION collection will satisfy your every craving.

Vampires, shapeshifters, witches and fae – mythical creatures abound in these ten steamy romances that will leave you shivering with delight.



Available from:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |




Phantasia: A Bad Day on Olympus by Efthalia (Book 2, Phi Athanatoi) is expected for release on 18 February.


Torn apart by separate missions, can their love survive an impending apocalypse?

Demigod ex-cop Carissa Alkippes is hellbent on clearing her father’s name. But when she’s sidetracked into saving Zeus’ life, she’s forced into a dangerous mission to locate missing deities. To find them, she must face a horde of bloodthirsty demons.

Xen Lyson shouldn’t dwell on Carissa when he’s supposed to be stopping demons from feasting on humanity. But the sexy vampire worries her solitary journey to Olympus will put her in grave danger. And with absent gods causing devastating natural disasters, he must trust her father, Ares, to keep her safe.

With every mortal sphere at risk, Carissa races to retrieve a magical codex believed to hold the key to defeating her enemy. And when Xen discovers the true source of the threat, saving both humans and gods will put his own immortality in jeopardy.

In between battling Titans, gods, missing keys, and baklava can Carissa and Xen summon the power to conquer the sinister foe and return to each other’s arms?

PHANTASIA – A Bad Day on Olympus is the second book in the Phi Athanatoi paranormal series. If you like strong women, adrenaline-filled action, and fun twists on Greek mythology, then you’ll love Efthalia’s passionate page-turner.


Pre-Order from:



Trading by Stormlight by C.M. Simpson and Michael Anderle (Book 7, The Magic Below Paris) was released on 28 January.



Parting is such sweet... No! There’s nothing sweet about it—and Marsh just wants it over. There’s a war to fight...​

...but they need to get their people to safety before finding the next battle,

...through remnant-infested territory,

...against raiders who just don’t know when to quit.

With the remnant massing, and the raiders striking territory they’ve been kicked out of, Marsh and the Protectors have their work cut out to reach Ariella’s Grotto with the survivors they’ve rescued—and then return before whatever lies Below attacks Roeglin and they garrison they’ve left behind.

Join them as they struggle to journey through hostile territory, rife with surprises and new problems to conquer. Check out Trading into Stormlight today.


Available from:
 Amazon US | Amazon Aus |
(now with correct links)








Non spec-fiction

Promise Me Forever by Juanita Kees (Book 8, Bindarra Creek: A Town Reborn) was released on 14 February.



News correspondent, Jack Hughes, is sent to sleepy Bindarra Creek to escape the spotlight after a scandalous fake video goes viral. He’s in the fight of his life to save his reputation. In a town only determination has kept from dying, the last thing Jack is looking for is love.

The Bindarra Creek Museum is Meg Moonie’s life. But with her granny dead, a murder suspect on the run and the police asking questions, she struggles to keep the museum and Mary Moonie’s dream alive. Jack is a handsome distraction, but Meg has been hurt by a roving reporter before. Men who couldn’t put down roots never promised forever. If only he wasn’t so easy to fall in love with…


Available from:





Lethal in Love by Michelle Somers (Book 1, Melbourne Murder) is her latest release and was re-released February 2019.


After 25 years, the Night Terror is back ... She can’t remember. He’ll never forget. 

Homicide detective Jayda Thomasz never lets her emotions get in the way of a case. So when the Night Terror serial killer re-emerges after 25 years, she’ll do everything to keep her mind on the job and off the smooth-talking stranger who crosses the path of her investigation.

Reporter Seth Friedin is chasing the story that’ll make his career. When he enters the world of swinging for research, he never imagines he’ll be distracted by a hard-talking female detective whose kiss plagues his mind long after she’s gone.

Past experience has shown Jayda that reporters are ruthless and unscrupulous. But when the murders get personal, and the Night Terror threatens everything she holds dear, will she make a deal with the devil to catch the killer? How far will she and Seth have to go? And do you ever really know who you can trust?

Lethal in Love is an enemies to lovers, female detective, law enforcement romantic suspense set in Melbourne, Australia. In 2015 it won Romance Writers of Australia's Romantic Book of the Year.


Available from:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |






PRE-ORDERS



Nemesis by Christina Phillips (Book 2, Realm of Flame and Shadow) is due for release 27 February. 



When a vampire hunter cursed by her tainted heritage falls for an archangel out for her blood, an ancient covenant threatens to claim more than their lives…

All dhampir Rowan Moreton wants is a normal life, but as an assassin of the Enclave of the Phoenix, she knows that’s impossible. Bound to the vampires who saved her from certain death and destined to die young because of her mixed heritage, love is something she can only dream of. She learned the hard way it’s too dangerous to be distracted, when her enemies lurk in every shadow. But one night with the gorgeous Azrael has her wishing things can be different. Is it possible to keep her sordid life a secret from him, without endangering him?

The archangel Azrael only cares about one thing. To hunt down the dhampir army of his sworn enemy. But when he meets the bewitching Rowan, he can’t stay away. One night is all he wants, except one night is not enough. Ensnared by the mind blowing sex, intrigued by her mysterious past, and captivated by her brilliant mind, he’s tempted to break every rule in the book to keep her by his side.

As outside forces close in on them, neither will sacrifice the other. But after a bitter betrayal, their pasts come back to haunt them, and the hunters become the hunted.

Caught in a deadly web of deception, and with time running out, they must risk everything to survive. But sometimes power isn’t everything, and the price of freedom is just too high…






Tobias' Spark by Samantha Marshall (Book 2, The Kin Chronicles) is due for release 22  February. 



Embrace the lightning… or be destroyed by the storm.

With the chaotic hormones of transition coursing through his body, murderous bearkin on the loose and an unfairly attractive tigerkin making moves on the woman he loves, Tobias Greenwood didn’t think his life could get any more stressful.

Then Andre Redding, Aislinn’s powerful father, arrives home from Ireland to handle the threat of the bearkin personally. The dark weight of a deceitful past weighs heavily on Aislinn and Tobias, leading them to question Andre’s motivations and hide their blossoming relationship from his prying eyes.

As friend and foe whip into a frenzy, Tobias’ pack looks to him for protection and guidance – but with transition stealing his thoughts right out of his head, Tobias isn’t sure how to get through his day, let alone provide the support they need.

Only Aislinn is his guiding light, but Olaf Gruybere, the vicious bearkin General, is determined to snuff out her life through the unholy connection they share. To save her, Tobias must fight the single most important battle of his life; one that will require not only his ever-increasing Alpha strength, but the entirety of his heart and soul.

** This book is intended for adults and therefore contains adult scenes, violence and adult language where the characters deem it necessary. **

Deadly Vows by Keri Arthur (Book 6, Lizzie Grace) is expected to be released on 23 June.



Evil comes in all forms … and sometimes it wears a human mask.

When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.

But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.

Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them.

And he’s out for revenge…


Pre-Order from:



Non spec-fiction

Her Broken Wings by D.K. Hood  (Book 8, Detectives Kane and Alton) will be released on 9 March.



The sound that wakes her from sleep is unmistakable--someone is in their house. She listens as heavy footsteps start up the stairs, and as the bedroom door is flung open, she doesn't even have time to scream...

Following a frantic emergency call in the middle of the night, Detective Jenna Alton arrives at a secluded family home to find the body of Lucas Robinson lying in a pool of his own blood in his bed. His wife Carol, shivering in shock, has just watched an intruder shoot her husband in cold blood.

As Jenna investigates the murder, she soon discovers that Lucas was having an affair. And when his mistress is also found strangled to death in the center of the small town, Jenna is convinced that the murderer is living amongst them.

When the killer escalates with a mass murder at a remote ranch on the outskirts of Black Rock Falls, Jenna knows for sure that she's dealing with a murderer more twisted than any other she's faced before.

As the town begins to fill with revelers for the annual Halloween festival, Jenna has to work fast to stop any more lives being taken. But as the killer always seems to be one step ahead of the investigation, has she finally met a murderer who can outsmart her?



Available from:




Montana Son by Juanita Kees (Book 3, Calhouns of Montana) is expected for release on 2 June. 



Can he forgive himself, move on, and let love in?

Mason Calhoun is still trying to shrug off the label of bad boy, even though he’s proved his worth to the town. But his penchant for fast cars and Harleys makes it difficult for the town to forget the accident that killed his youngest brother, Mitch. It’s hard for him to forget when the girl responsible for him losing his head is back in town, hotter than ever, swinging spanners at his father’s garage, Calhoun Customs.

When Paige Drew loses her job at the track, she takes it as a sign to come home to Bigfork and make peace with the past before she takes the next step in her life. She’s been on Trinity Calhoun’s pit crew ever since that fatal night that changed her life forever. She’s hidden behind the scenes at the racetrack for too long, ignored by her family for causing a scandal in their otherwise perfect lives.

But coming home means confronting Mason Calhoun, the reason she ran in the first place.


Buy links available on the Tule Publishing website. 






COVER REVEAL

Late last year, Tule Publishing overhauled Calhoun Customs Garage series by Juanita Kees to fit more with their Montana Born imprint branding.

Overdrive and Fast Lane were re-covered and given new titles of Montana Baby and Montana Daughter respectively. That meant a new cover and new name for Burnout too, the last book in the series.

Montana Baby


Chase Calhoun has worked hard at making Calhoun Customs a world-wide sensation and keeping his father’s dream alive. He hasn’t had time to think about settling down, so he’s not expecting to find love or new life in their garage amongst the ghosts of his family’s past.

Charlotte Jackson is on the run from a rebellious past, determined to prove she can be a good mom to three-month-old baby, Zoe. Tired of being delegated to the back office of the racing team her famous NASCAR family owns, she sets out to establish herself as a custom design artist. But her past soon threatens her future and everything she’s worked hard to build is challenged.

While Chase slowly loses his heart, Charlotte learns that sometimes family is more than just blood and DNA.

* Previously titled Overdrive

Buy links available on the Tule Publishing website. 


Montana Daughter



Trinity Calhoun is a name everyone knows on the race circuit, but her days in the hot seat are numbered. She’s tired of the limelight, meaningless relationships and long hours behind the wheel. When her father calls her and her sister home, she’s ready. She slips right back into the family business, finishing off the custom car projects her father has lined up. But racing is in her blood and she’s lured back to risking her life on the hot rod drag strips outside of town. It’s there she meets paramedic and volunteer firefighter, Reece Balmain, who has her re-thinking the road her life is taking.

Reece Balmain arrives in Big Fork a broken man. He’s lived and breathed through horror accidents, haunted by the faces of the people he’s cut from vehicles. He knows one thing–speed kills. He’s hoping not to see too much of it in small town Montana, until he hears about the drag races taking place outside of town. He knows Trinity Calhoun. He’s watched her race, seen her win, held his breath when her car somersaulted into barriers in Daytona Beach. He doesn’t like what she does, but he can’t stay away from the woman who’s claiming his heart.

*Previously titled Fast Lane

Buy links available on the Tule Publishing website. 


Book 3 of the Calhouns of Montana series, Montana Son, will be out on June 2 (see above).





FREE READ
About Henry by JL Peridot is available over on Wattpad








READ EXCERPT 




A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols  is expected for release on 28 February.

TJ has Chapter 1 available on her website.


To stop a serial killer a detective will need to explore his own vices…

Nathanial Bayard wants nothing more than to find the nobleman creating snuff pornography. If he fails, his career in the recently formed nobility taskforce will be over and as the youngest son he’ll be forced to obey his father and join the church. But a life of celibacy doesn’t appeal. Nathanial has never even kissed another man, fearing for his soul and his reputation.

Jericho Fulbright has never lived a wholesome life. After behavior unbecoming he was discharged from the army and sent home in disgrace. His inventor and nouveau riche father refused to have anything to do with him, so Jericho turned to what he knew best: opium, gambling and sex.

As the owner of the Jericho Rose, a club for gentlemen who like men, he enjoys a certain notoriety. Some would say he has a golden tongue, but the truth is a succubus lives within him feeding on souls. Once he needed her help, now she is a burden that keeps him from getting close to anyone.

After the unfortunate death of a young noble man in Jericho’s bed, Nathanial is sent to investigate. He is scandalized and intrigued by Jericho, but soon realizes that Jericho could be exactly who he needs to help break the snuff case. Together they are drawn into a web of lies that will result in Jericho facing prison unless Nathanial can unmask the real creator of the snuff, a man with rank and privileges that reaches almost to the King.

For readers who love urban fantasy set in an alternate history, crime, scandal and a virgin hero.


Pre-Order from:






READER'S GROUPS

Lana Pecherczyk now has a reader's group on Facebook called Lana's Angels




Congratulations to all our DarkSiders!

Thanks for sharing in our news. Until next time, happy reading!

Thursday 13 February 2020

Magic Thursday: Juggling Multiple Series

with Anna Hackett


When I started out writing, I never sat down and intentionally decided to write in multiple series at once. I always have plenty of story ideas brewing in my head and I let those help dictate what I write next. I have no regrets about juggling a lot of different series, but there are pros and cons.



A big deciding factor for me in writing across several series is that I write in two different sub genres: sci-fi romance and romantic suspense. It made sense to have separate series for both running at the same time, rather than write solely one sub-genre and then the next.

For me, the biggest benefit of writing more than one series is that it keeps me fresh and inspired for every book I write. I write fast, and one thing that helps me do that is being able to switch between series, and feel like I am writing something new each time.

On the more practical side of things, writing multiple series and straddling more than one sub-genre helps build your readership in those genres (and reach more readers!)

The obvious downside to writing more than one series is keeping all the details of the world-building, timelines and characters straight. Many authors I know have series bibles – documents where they store all the relevant details of their series. These can be as simple or complex as you need.

I’d like to say I’m very organised and have series bibles, but I don’t. For my longer series, I do create a master copy and paste all the books in the series into it. I can then search for certain characters or events to ensure continuity in any new stories.

One other con of writing multiple series is that certain fans might love one of your series, and aren’t always so happy to wait for the next release while you’re working on books in a different series. So, if you do decide to juggle, be prepared for some impatient readers.

This year, I’m both thrilled and sad to be wrapping up one of my longest-running series, Hell Squad (post-apocalyptic romance), but I have plenty of new series ideas brewing and waiting for their turn!


~~~

Anna is a USA Today bestselling author who's passionate about action romance. She loves stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. She writes about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. She like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same. Anna’s bestselling series include Eon Warriors, Galactic Gladiators, Team 52, Treasure Hunter Security, and Hell Squad.

For more info on Anna and her action romances, visit her website.

Anna’s latest release is Survivors, a novella collection in her action-packed series Hell Squad.








Survivors (Hell Squad #19)

In the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on…

Survivors contains three action-packed novellas in the Hell Squad series.

Includes:

Nate – Long before the aliens invaded, former Marine Nate Caldwell came home a broken man. Going off-grid in a cabin he inherited in Australia’s Blue Mountains, he survived the invasion with only his dog Blue for company. For two years, he’s avoided the aliens and any survivors – he’s done his fighting and can’t go into battle again. But when a young woman crashes into his lonely existence, with the aliens hot on her heels, she changes everything…

Dak – Captain Dak Vaughn only has room for his job as head of security for Groom Lake Base. His focus has to be on keeping all the survivors alive, and not on the tough, attractive new recruit who gets under his skin. But when a dangerous mission requires them to go deep into alien territory, Dak finds himself up close and personal with a woman who is pure temptation.

Alexander – Marine engineer turned base leader, Alexander Erickson, leads a tiny base of survivors in the snowy climes of Norway. Balancing the needs and safety of his group keeps him busy, and he longs for someone to share the load, someone to call his own. The one independent woman he wants refuses to see him as anything more than a leader and a younger man. But when mysterious alien activity encroaches on their safety, they will join forces to investigate and Alexander might finally have his chance.

Get your copy now at Amazon US | Amazon Aus | Amazon UK | Amazon Other





Tuesday 11 February 2020

DarkSider News for February 2020 - Part 2


Welcome!

Just in time for Valentine's day - spoil yourself with a book.


NEW RELEASES


Destiny, Desire & Murder by Janni Nell  (Book 4, Little Shop of Spells) was released on 14 January.



Visit the Silver Moon Festival—a weekend of celebration and magic, where wishes really do come true.

Small-town witch, Maddie Goodcharm, has some wishes of her own, not that she expects them to come true, especially not the one about finding her soul mate. But the thing she definitely didn’t wish for is another murder.

When the body of a young woman is found floating in a woodland pool, Maddie is asked to investigate. At first it looks like a case of accidental drowning, but some things don’t add up. Why did the city-loving woman suddenly move to a small town? What was she doing in the woods in the middle of the night?

While Maddie sifts through the clues, her houseguest, Jason, is planning to move out. She’d hoped their relationship would go to the next level, but it’s stalled. Okay, it’s probably over, she’s just having a hard time accepting it. Still, this is the weekend when wishes come true. Who knows what will happen?

Buy links available on Janni's website.





Ice Cave by Toby J Nichols (another pen name for TJ Nichols) was released on 21 January.


Saxon Smith is on the research trip of a lifetime in Antarctica to explore a remote ice cave system. A previous expedition found hints that the much warmer subsurface caves could support life and Saxon wants to make that discovery and make a name for himself.

The small team descends into a cavern hollowed out of the ice by volcanic activity expecting lichen and arthropods and maybe the remains of extinct life, what they find is a lost world of dinosaurs that have adapted to the permanent twilight, cool temperature, and constrained location.

The expedition now face a terrifying fight for survival against savage theropods that have learned to herd and trap, and with their ice cave ecosystem starting to fail, they’re ravenous.


Available from:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |





Trading by Stormlight by C.M. Simpson and Michael Anderle (Book 7, The Magic Below Paris) was released on 28 January.



Parting is such sweet... No! There’s nothing sweet about it—and Marsh just wants it over. There’s a war to fight...​

...but they need to get their people to safety before finding the next battle,

...through remnant-infested territory,

...against raiders who just don’t know when to quit.

With the remnant massing, and the raiders striking territory they’ve been kicked out of, Marsh and the Protectors have their work cut out to reach Ariella’s Grotto with the survivors they’ve rescued—and then return before whatever lies Below attacks Roeglin and they garrison they’ve left behind.

Join them as they struggle to journey through hostile territory, rife with surprises and new problems to conquer. Check out Trading into Stormlight today.


Available from:


Biting Temptation by Kim Cleary is included in collection called Romance with Bite. It was released on 1 February and is available for a limited time only.


Romance with a Bite will capture the heart of anyone who loves the bite of a sexy vamp, the growl of an Alpha wolf, or the sensual mystery of a fae prince or princess.

If you adore paranormal romance with an edge, this LIMITED EDITION collection will satisfy your every craving.

Vampires, shapeshifters, witches and fae – mythical creatures abound in these ten steamy romances that will leave you shivering with delight.



Available from:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |






PRE-ORDERS



A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols (Book 1, Pentecost Island) is expected for release on 28 February.



To stop a serial killer a detective will need to explore his own vices…

Nathanial Bayard wants nothing more than to find the nobleman creating snuff pornography. If he fails, his career in the recently formed nobility taskforce will be over and as the youngest son he’ll be forced to obey his father and join the church. But a life of celibacy doesn’t appeal. Nathanial has never even kissed another man, fearing for his soul and his reputation.

Jericho Fulbright has never lived a wholesome life. After behavior unbecoming he was discharged from the army and sent home in disgrace. His inventor and nouveau riche father refused to have anything to do with him, so Jericho turned to what he knew best: opium, gambling and sex.

As the owner of the Jericho Rose, a club for gentlemen who like men, he enjoys a certain notoriety. Some would say he has a golden tongue, but the truth is a succubus lives within him feeding on souls. Once he needed her help, now she is a burden that keeps him from getting close to anyone.

After the unfortunate death of a young noble man in Jericho’s bed, Nathanial is sent to investigate. He is scandalized and intrigued by Jericho, but soon realizes that Jericho could be exactly who he needs to help break the snuff case. Together they are drawn into a web of lies that will result in Jericho facing prison unless Nathanial can unmask the real creator of the snuff, a man with rank and privileges that reaches almost to the King.

For readers who love urban fantasy set in an alternate history, crime, scandal and a virgin hero.


Pre-Order from:




Soulhunter Academy by LJ Swallow (Book 2, Soulhunter Academy) has an expected release date of 31 March.


Soul hunters sent to capture nephilim souls never return, but Ava has no choice. Return with Keir's soul in exchange for her freedom—or die trying.

Nephilim Hunted is the second book in the new Soul Hunter series from USA Today bestselling author LJ Swallow.  Soul Hunter Academy must be read first. 

*Please not these books are a reworking of the previously published Soul Ties series. The series was unpublished in 2017 and changes have been made to the original*


Pre-Order from:
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |




The Unbound Queen by M.J. Scott (Book 3, The Four ARts) has an expected release date of 28 April.


She’s been offered a crown but taking it could cost her everything…

Lady Sophie Mackenzie might be fifth in line to the Anglion throne but she never wanted to rule. But she's bound to a demon, gifted with forbidden magic, and under threat from those who would use her unusual power for themselves. And now her hopes of finding peace in exile have been shattered by visions of a terrible darkness gnawing at the heart of her homeland.

Then the emperor of Illvya makes her an offer she can't refuse—return home and overthrow the queen of Anglion, or lose everything she holds dear.

To face down the darkness and save her husband and everyone she loves, she may have to betray the country—and the queen—she once served and play the games of power she never wanted any part of.

But can she play them to win…

Pre-Order from:




The Healer's Curse by Claire Boston (Book 2, The Emperor's Conspiracy) is due for release in September.


She’s their only hope. If only she could wield the power to save them…

Geriel hates that she’s the weakest healer in her tribe. And when a deadly disease sweeps through her village, she despairs she’s not good enough to rescue her people. With the outbreak spreading and her gift unstable, she’s sent on a desperate mission to locate the herbal cure deep in enemy territory.

Seeking to better control her powers with guidance from a skilled dragon, she falls in with a ragtag band of freedom fighters. But even with her mentor’s mystic teachings, villagers are still dying. And as war closes in, Geriel fears she’s losing the race against time.

Will Geriel find the cure and unlock her talents before her kind fall to the blight?

The Healer’s Curse is the second book in the action-packed Emperor’s Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like Far Eastern-inspired settings, magical creatures, and breathtaking suspense, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s captivating tale.


Pre-Order links available on Claire's website.





Non spec-fiction


Promise Me Forever by Juanita Kees (Book 8, Bindarra Creek: A Town Reborn) will be released on 14 February.



News correspondent, Jack Hughes, is sent to sleepy Bindarra Creek to escape the spotlight after a scandalous fake video goes viral. He’s in the fight of his life to save his reputation. In a town only determination has kept from dying, the last thing Jack is looking for is love.
The Bindarra Creek Museum is Meg Moonie’s life. But with her granny dead, a murder suspect on the run and the police asking questions, she struggles to keep the museum and Mary Moonie’s dream alive. Jack is a handsome distraction, but Meg has been hurt by a roving reporter before. Men who couldn’t put down roots never promised forever. If only he wasn’t so easy to fall in love with…



Available from:






COVER REVEAL

Nemesis by Mel Teshco (Book 2, Realm of Flame and Shadow) is coming soon.



When a vampire hunter cursed by her tainted heritage falls for an archangel out for her blood, an ancient covenant threatens to claim more than their lives…

All dhampir Rowan Moreton wants is a normal life, but as an assassin of the Enclave of the Phoenix, she knows that’s impossible. Bound to the vampires who saved her from certain death and destined to die young because of her mixed heritage, love is something she can only dream of. She learned the hard way it’s too dangerous to be distracted, when her enemies lurk in every shadow. But one night with the gorgeous Azrael has her wishing things can be different. Is it possible to keep her sordid life a secret from him, without endangering him?

The archangel Azrael only cares about one thing. To hunt down the dhampir army of his sworn enemy. But when he meets the bewitching Rowan, he can’t stay away. One night is all he wants, except one night is not enough. Ensnared by the mind blowing sex, intrigued by her mysterious past, and captivated by her brilliant mind, he’s tempted to break every rule in the book to keep her by his side.

As outside forces close in on them, neither will sacrifice the other. But after a bitter betrayal, their pasts come back to haunt them, and the hunters become the hunted.

Caught in a deadly web of deception, and with time running out, they must risk everything to survive. But sometimes power isn’t everything, and the price of freedom is just too high…



Deadly Vows by Keri Arthur (Book 6, Lizze Grace) is expected to be released on 2 June.

The past–and the man–they’ve spent 13 years running from has finally caught up with them…




Survivors
 by Anna Hackett  (Novella Collection, Hell Squad) is being released 11 February.



Survivors contain three novellas:

Nate — starring off-grid, loner Marine, Nate Caldwell. He lives alone in a cabin in the Blue Mountains avoiding the aliens and any survivors…until a young woman on the run from the raptors explodes into his life.

Dak — starring Captain Dak Vaughn, the head of security for Groom Lake Base in North America. He only has room for his job — keeping all the survivors alive — and no room for the tough, attractive new recruit who gets under his skin.

Alexander — starring engineer turned base leader, Alexander Erickson, brother of Hawk pilot Finn. He leads a tiny base of survivors in the snowy climes of Norway and has to join forces with an independent, older woman whose attention he’s been trying to capture.






EVENTS


Keri Arthur, M.J. Scott, and Daniel de Lorne will be celebrating Library Lovers Day (Thursday 13 February @7pm) at the  Bunjil Place Library in a talk called Romance Under the Covers





BOOKS ON SALE
These are on sale at time of blog post.  
Get them quick before they return to normal pricing.


Phantasia by Efthalia (Book 1, Phi Athanatoi)


One night’s transgression. A love unveiled. The inescapable outcome of passion and vengeance.

Carissa Alkippes is the daughter of a god but she doesn’t know it. As a cop she’s seen her fair share of bad but nothing prepared her for the horror of the world she has been plunged into.

Xen Lyson is the head of the Phi Athanatoi, a group of immortals who have been protecting man for over 2,000 years from the Kakodiamones – demons who want nothing more than to feast on humanity.

Thrown face to face with Xen during a skirmish with the demons, Carissa becomes a pawn in a deadly game of a demi-god who seeks godly power.

Buy links on Efthalia's website



Redemption by Christina Phillips (Book 1, Realm of Flame and Shadow)


This book was previously published in 2012 by Penguin US under another title and penname, but the current book Redemption has been completely reimagined, rewritten, and edited.

A fallen archangel saves a woman from a deadly fate, and unleashes an ancient power that could destroy the universe itself...

Gabe has no time for humans after the way they betrayed the ones he loved so long ago. But when he snatches a woman from the jaws of the hellish Guardians, he's compelled to protect her at all costs. Even if she does drive him crazy with her smart mouth and refusal to fall under his archangelic spell.

Desperate to discover her true heritage, Aurora opens a rift between dimensions. But before she can enter her mother's world, the most breathtakingly gorgeous man she's ever met teleports her to an impossible island.

Thrown together, they can't ignore the scorching heat that risks consuming them, or the threat to Aurora's existence. When raw need evolves into something far more dangerous, it's more than their lives that are on the line.

As Gabe and Aurora race against time to outwit the Guardians, they come closer to uncovering an explosive revelation that will challenge everything they've ever believed in.

But deep in the shadows, the merciless Guardians lurk. And they have no intention of allowing Aurora to escape their clutches. Even if it means defying the wrath of an archangel.



Unforsaken by Cassie Laelyn (Book 1, The Fallen Guardians)



One choice: Save his soul... or her life?
Hidden deep in the Snowy Mountains, lives a brotherhood of immortal Guardians, banished from the Heavens. 
After centuries of exile, Head Guardian Raven can taste Hell. One wrong move could destroy his soul. When Fate assigns him a female mortal to protect, his forbidden desire becomes a distraction he can't afford. Giving in to temptation risks plummeting into the fiery pits of Hell, dragging her along with him. 
Tayla Eason is on the run, escaping a horrific attack on her life. When she lands in the arms of the sexy, alluring man who saved her, the shadows of her past swiftly close in. But when Fate throws a twist, Tayla's forced to choose between saving Raven's soul or fleeing before the creatures strike again. 
In an ultimate test of love, the two must battle against the almighty Fate. But will it be enough to save them both?


Buy links on Cassie's website






Congratulations to all our DarkSiders!

Thanks for sharing in our news. Until next time, happy reading!
check out all our books on our dsdu-books shelf:
DarkSide DownUnder's book lists (dsdu-books shelf)