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 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!

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