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 12 March 2020

Magic Thursday: How Many Worlds is Too Many?

with M.J. Scott


People often ask me why I write fantasy. It’s not the easiest question in the world— ask any writer why they write, and you’ll get many different answers. But for a lot of us it might be some form of ‘there are stories and people in my head’. It’s more socially acceptable to do something with those stories rather than just talk to the people in your head.

Why the stories in my head are what they are is something I find fascinating. I’m not a plotter, so I find out what happens in my books as it happens and I’m always surprise that it works out in the end and how my mind can create a whole world. Or multiple worlds. I write both fantasy and romance. Both my parents were big readers, and luckily they both liked genre fiction. So when they started buying books for my brother and I to read, it was always a mixture of fantasy, fairytales, and anything they thought would catch our interest. Add to that a couple of grandmothers and an excellent primary school librarian, who liked to feed me the classics like Anne of Green Gables, What Katy DidA Little Bush Maid, and many more, I guess it’s no surprise that when the stories in my head started to turn up they were a mixture of fantasy and romance.

In fantasy I like the adventure of escaping (and creating) a whole new world and seeing how the extra abilities and creatures of a fantasy world challenge and shape my characters. But my fantasy books always have a healthy dose of romance and, while my romance novels are firmly set in our world, I guess to me, there’s always a touch of magic in the wild ride of falling in love.

My problem as a writer, is trying to get to all of the ideas in my head. There’s a lot of them. Right now, the fantasy voice is talking the loudest and I’m focused on those but even then, the voices don’t want to stick to one genre. Currently I’m writing a vampire and werewolf type urban fantasy, a slightly futuristic urban fantasy with magic, finishing an alt-world fantasy trilogy and thinking about the start of two more potential alt-world fantasy. That’s a lot of world and people in my head.

But somehow my brain keeps giving me the ideas and the stories. I’m still not entirely sure where they come from, but I’m happy that they’re there and I’m grateful to all the writers of the stories that fired up my imagination (and still fire up my imagination) and help fuel my own books.

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M.J. Scott is an unrepentant bookworm. Luckily she grew up in a family that fed her a properly varied diet of books and these days is surrounded by people who are understanding of her story addiction. When not wrestling one of her own stories to the ground, she can generally be found reading someone else’s. Her other distractions include yarn, cat butlering, dark chocolate and watercolor. She lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her website is www.mjscott.net. She also writes contemporary romance as Melanie Scott and Emma Douglas.













Her next release is The Unbound Queen (Book 3, The Four Arts), out April 28 and available for pre-order now.



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 links


Tuesday 3 March 2020

DarkSider News for March 2020

Welcome!

Let's celebrate Mad March (as we call it in the festival state) with our member news.



NEW RELEASES


A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols was released 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.


Available from:



Nemesis by Christina Phillips (Book 2, Realm of Flame and Shadow) was released 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…






Unforgotten by Cassie Laelyn (Book 2, The Fallen Guardians) was released on 26 February.


A twist even Fate didn't see coming...

Fate offers no mercy. Especially not to those who betray her.

Lethal Guardian Aric’s loyalty never falters. Not even when Fate exiled him and his brothers from the Heavens, separating Aric from his soulmate. He’ll do anything to reunite with her. But when Willow suddenly appears in the mortal realm, Aric’s greatest fear comes true—she’s no longer the angel he left behind.

Since Aric abandoned her, the Heavens have become Willow’s personal Hell. Centuries of bitterness and hurt is a toxic combination. It even affects her angelic powers. When a Fallen offers Willow a chance to escape, she accepts. But shunning her connection to the Heavens comes at a cost.


In a twisted battle of loyalty, trust and hope, what price will two soulmates pay for a second chance at love?




Love Across Time Boxset by Annie Seaton  (Book 1 & 2 , Love Across Time) was released 27 February.



Two beautifully written time travel love stories in one boxed set- romances that mix the suspense and implications of time travel. 

From award winning author Annie Seaton, these romances over time will warm your heart.

Book 1: Come Back to Me...Megan Miller has come to a crossroads in her career. Accusations of a breach of ethics in her university teaching have rocked her world. As she travels halfway across the world to the Glastonbury rock festival to research and complete her doctoral thesis, she hopes that the mess she leaves behind in Australia will be sorted while she is in England.

Davy Morgan, reclusive rock singer, tries to keep his music world and his private life separate; his very existence depends on it. But when the beautiful, fey woman turns up at the cottage next door, he must do all he can to keep his dark secret. Because everything is not as it seems in Davy's world.
When the truth comes out, can their love cross the decades, or will it be lost in time?

Book 2- Follow Me: Beth McLaren knows that her great aunt’s cottage holds the key to the mystery that has been a family secret since she was a child. Determined to discover if what she has read in Great Aunt Alice’s diary is true, Beth travels halfway across the world to Glastonbury to solve the mystery.

Silas Rogers, an eccentric musician who moves into the cottage, is equally determined to keep Beth from knowing the truth… and keep her from danger. The last thing he expected was to fall in love.
But when Beth finds herself in the fifteenth century… can she trust that Silas will find her and get her home?

When the truth comes out, can their love cross the centuries, or will it be lost in time

Available from:





Gluttony by Lana Pecherczyk (Book 4, Deadly Seven) was released on 26 February.




Tony Lazarus is a man who seems to have everything. Money, fame, movie-star good looks, women... but appearances can be deceiving. Behind the million-dollar smile is a hero losing his battle against the sin he’s supposed to have complete control over. Instead of fighting to keep the city safe, alcohol and drugs are his life until a chance encounter places him at the wrong end of sassy security agent’s ire.

It's enough to shake sense into him, but now he has a new addiction, and her name is Bailey Haze. She is his lifemate, ex CIA and she wants nothing to do with him. He represents everything she’s been fighting to overcome her entire life – he's cocky, smug, and entitled.

When a Syndicate failed experiment terrorizes Cardinal City, the two must work together. As their fates become forever entwined, and desire ignites between them, can they forget about their prejudices and join forces? Or will their inner demons dig a grave they can’t hope to get out of alive?


Available from:



Galactic Inferno by Mel Teshco  (Book 2, Alien Hunger) was re-released on 29 February.




Ally Grayson believes she's the last person on Earth after aliens arrived, bringing with them a deadly virus that wiped out most of mankind. Somehow surviving the annihilation, she hides in a Sydney house with her dog, Bonnie. She knows she has to leave before the "eyes in the sky" detect her and have her captured, but she never expects an alien to save her and Bonnie from the jaws of a ravenous, feral dog. Never expects to be drawn to Renate, the alien male who seems more human than any man she's ever known.
She fights an attraction she can't win, and soon enough she's in his arms, under his hard, amazing body. Except their unearthly desire might not be enough to keep them together when Renate's alien comrades close in.

Available from:




Miss Isabelle's Craving by Imogene Nix (The Search duology) was released 21 February. 



​Two sisters, one driving desire for passion.

After her sister’s successful marriage, Isabelle Forster is sure she’ll only ever be an old maid aunt. That is until she meets Langdon Deveraux. He’s tall, he’s dashing, and he excites her enough to take a walk on the wild side. But with only a month to explore Shanghai before her sister and brother-in-law have decreed they must return to England, time is short.

Langdon wants Isabelle from the first moment they meet, but with the news that she’s leaving shortly, he’s propelled into action after she makes an advance that leaves him reeling. Marriage is the only answer, but he’s got other pressing issues: hunting down the opium importers and pressure from his superior to see if the Forster sisters are involved.

Between the opium problem and issues with running Forster Shipping, Isabelle is learning to accept her sexuality and changed circumstances. It’s going to make the first weeks of marriage full of adventure and danger.

Content Warning: This book contains abduction triggers and sexual content

Available in



Non spec-fiction


Harbour by Claire Boston  (Book 2, First Response) wasr released on 1 March.



She doesn’t love him anymore. But if she leaves him, she might pay the ultimate price…

Alyse Wilson can’t remember the last time she felt safe in her own home. And after years of her abusive partner laundering money through her business, she doesn’t see any way out. But when rough seas threaten to sink her small craft, she’s stunned when she’s plucked from the waves by an old high-school friend.

Marine Rescue Officer Kim On will never forget the day he lost Alyse. And when he unexpectedly finds himself pulling her into his arms from the depths, he can tell she needs saving from more than just choppy waters. So he vows to do whatever it takes to help her escape, unaware his rival is willing to employ deadly force to keep her in his power.

Gaining a glimpse of a life outside a toxic relationship, Alyse prepares a case to ensure her cruel partner’s arrest. And though he realizes he’s falling for his former crush all over again, Kim worries the closer they get, the more peril she’s in.

Can Alyse and Kim break the hold of a controlling man without it costing their lives?

Harbour is the third standalone novel in the page-turning First Response romantic suspense series. If you like breathtaking drama, high-stakes tension, and unexpected twists and turns, then you’ll adore Claire Boston’s tale of love and danger.

Buy links on Claire's website




Kakadu Sunset by Annie Seaton was released  in audio format on 1 November 2019.


Helicopter pilot Ellie Porter loves her job. Soaring above the Kakadu National Park, she feels freed from the questions around her father’s suicide and the heavy loss of her beloved family farm. But when a search-and-rescue mission on the boundary of the old farm reveals unusual excavation works, Ellie vows to investigate. 

The last thing she needs is her bad-tempered copilot, Kane McLaren, interfering. He's the son of the current owners of the farm, and her attraction to him is a distraction she can’t afford, especially when someone threatens to put a stop to her inquiries - by any means necessary. 

Ellie must trust Kane if she is to have any hope of uncovering the truth. Between Ellie’s damage and Kane’s secrets, can they find a way to open up to each other before the shadowy forces shut her up...for good?

Available from:




Daintree by Annie Seaton was released in audio format on 1 January.


The Daintree breeds survivors - those who can weather the storms, heat and floods that come hand in hand with its beauty.

Doctor Emma Porter is one such survivor, living in an isolated cottage as past hurts heal, dedicated to her patients and to preserving this precious land where she has made a home.

But her quiet life is disrupted when Doctor Jeremy Langford starts working at the hospital, bringing back painful memories: Jeremy was her first love and embodies all that she left behind in Sydney.

Jeremy has demons of his own, however, and the tight-knit community of Dalrymple seems to promise the peace he has been looking for. But while some come to the Daintree to find shelter, others are here to exploit the rainforest’s riches. And they will stop at nothing to get their hands on its bounty.

Available from:
Audible





PRE-ORDERS


Non spec-fiction


The Trouble with Jack by Annie Seaton (Book 1, Sunshine Coast) is expected for release 30 April.



The one passion they had in common was the one that would keep Jack and Sienna apart.

Sculptor, Sienna Sacchi, is about to have everything she's ever dreamed of, when Jack Montgomery comes strolling back into her life as the owner of her gallery at Noosa Heads. 

Her plan to buy the gallery is ruined, but Sienna refuses to let Jack interfere with the most important thing-her debut exhibition.

But Jack's not just taking over her workplace, he's also intruding on her art studio, her home, and maybe even her heart.

Jack Montgomery has few rules for his carefree life, but never mixing business with pleasure is one he is determined to keep. He'd planned on finally satisfying the tension between him and Sienna but discovering he's her boss puts an immediate end to that. Unfortunately, being forced to share a tiny cottage by the lake with the gorgeous, tempting sculptor is pushing Jack to his limits.
Can they both decide what is important enough to fight for?


Pre-Order from: 
Amazon US | Amazon Aus |
Paperback






COVER REVEAL

Saved By the Trickster by Shona Husk has a new cover.





Nell by Annie Seaton (Book 3, Pentecost Island) is expected in August 2020.





FREE SHORT STORY


A prequel short story Dark Sacrifice by Shelley Russell Nolan is available on Shelley's blog






EVENTS

This weekend...

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



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





FACEBOOK GROUPS


Imogene Nix has a street team on Facebook called Imogene Nix's  Makers and Fakers. 





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)