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 2 March 2021

DarkSider News for March 2021!

 

Welcome!

Time to get a cuppa, sit back, relax and enjoy our latest news...






ARRA AWARDS NOMINATIONS




Congratulations to the following DarkSiders who have been nominated for an ARRA Award.

in Favourite Paranormal Romance 2020
Salvation by Christina Phillips
The Longing of Lone Wolves by Lana Pecherczyk

 



in Favourite Sci Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance 2020
Blackbird Rising by Keri Arthur
Mutant Unveiled by Mel Teshco
Sorcery and Sandstorms by Samantha Marshall








in Favourite Historical Romance 2020
An Unsuitable Lady for a Lord by Cathleen Ross




in Favourite small-town romance 2020
Montana Son by Juanita Kees





You can see the full list on the ARRA blog. Winners will be announced at a special online awards ceremony on Saturday 20 March 2021. 










NEW RELEASES


Magic Misled by Keri Arthur (Book 7, Lizze Grace) was released 23 February.



Her husband might be dead, but her problems are far from over.

Lizzie Grace had hoped that Clayton’s death would bring some normality back into her life. But not only does her father remain intent on interfering now that he knows she can manipulate wild magic, but the High Witch Council has sent in an investigator to uncover her part in Clayton’s murder.

But a bigger threat has arrived on the reservation.

One that wears flesh and blood, and is intent on revenge.

And it’ll kill anyone who gets in its way…







The Secrets in Shadow and Blood by Lana Pecherczyk (Book 4, Fae Guardians) was released on 22 February. 


In the shadows, vision can turn blurry. Truths can become lies. Enemies can become lovers.

When Violet inexplicably wakes thousands of years after a nuclear holocaust, she finds the world very different. Fae exist now. They’re vicious, animalistic monsters who pervert magic and can morph into any shape—including vampires. They hoard the bounty of the new world, and keep humans banished to the wasteland. At least, that’s what the humans of today have told her. Determined to make up for an unforgivable mistake in her past, she becomes a covert assassin and seeks revenge for her human brethren. And she’s good at it. But when the thing she hunts saves her life, injuring himself in the process… her crystal clarity suddenly becomes blurry.

Vampires are meant to be monsters, not protectors… not charismatic, annoyingly handsome and loyal and… everything.

Indigo is a Fae Guardian, and a ruthless vampire protector of Elphyne. The Order has tasked him with finding a human with deadly secrets before the unhinged Unseelie Queen, or the fanatical human leader, can exploit her. They chose him for one reason, and one reason only – the taste of human blood does things to him. Addictive, dark, insatiable things. And when he catches Violet’s scent, they know he’ll do everything in his power to covet her and keep her safe. But Indigo hides his own shameful secret in the shadows of his heart, and if it ever comes to light, Violet will never trust him. She’ll kill him.









All Shot to Hell 
by Mila Young 
and Harper A. Brooks (Book 3, Sin Demons) was released 25 February.



Playing devil's advocate with three demons? There's no way I am ever going to win.

Things were finally going right for us. We got the relics back. We defeated the dragon. I thought we’d won. But we’ve ended up losing so much more…

Cain’s severely wounded, and I don’t know how to save him. Losing him shouldn’t bother me, but it does. A lot.

Elias and Dorian have a plan: seek out help from people who wield the darkest and cruelest of magic. We soon find that the only one with enough power to bring the Prince of Hell back from death is a master of death itself. But nothing can be done for free and the price has us traveling across the world and facing a slew of new dangers, ones none of us are prepared for.

Even with everything shot to hell, the demons remain a constant temptation I don’t need. Being with them only seems to fan the flames, but letting me go depends on finding all of Hell’s relics.

And if I’m being honest, I’m not sure what I’ll do once my soul is freed.



Buy links






When Evil Came to Stay by Imogene Nix was released 22 February.  



For Erin McNally, that includes working alongside David. He’s the one man she wants and can never have. Too much separates them —Position, Money & Power are just the beginning.

For David, Erin is the woman he dreams of and burns for. After she’s hurt in a horror incident his protective instincts kick into overdrive. 

But the times are dangerous—the kids are growing in power, there’s someone in the camp who’s betraying them and the danger is acute.  

Success isn’t assured, and neither is their survival… Love may be their only hope.







Star of Ishtar by Imogene Nix (Book 1, Warriors of the Elector) was re-released on 1 March. 


The first time Elara laid eyes on Grayson was when he rescued her from the clutches of a madman and his scientists who were kidnapping humans and conducting horrific experiments on them. That was years ago. In spite of her attempts to deepen their relationship, they remained nothing more than close friends.

Now Elara is a medic with the Admiralty, and she knows what she wants. It's been Grayson since the beginning. When Elara is stationed on the Star of Ishtar, she arrives with a plan to further her career. But this time her plan has an added bonus—to finally get her man.

Grayson's spent years fighting the connection between himself and Elara. He's certain it only exist because he saved her life. But his will is failing, and he fears he just might give in to temptation.





Storm of Eon by Anna Hackett (Book 7, Eon Warriors) was released on 19 January. 


When a Terran weapons scientist finds herself the target of deadly alien assassins, only one fierce alien warrior can keep her safe.

Weapons scientist Dr. Finley Delgado wants to get her new laser defense weapon operational to protect Earth from the insectoid Kantos invasion. She has to make this work. She’s failed in the past and people paid with their lives, and she won’t fail again. What she doesn’t need is a big, brawny warrior that Space Corps orders her to work with getting in her way. Finley wants her solitude, not a massive distraction in the shape of a tall, hard Eon warrior.

Security Commander Sabin Solann-Ath is a warrior through and through, like his entire family before him. He’s disciplined, dedicated, and hiding a dark secret he’d prefer to keep buried. He won’t allow anyone or anything to disrupt his control. When he’s ordered to Earth to help with a secret weapon, he vows to do everything he can to help their allies, even work with a statuesque, prickly scientist. He and Finley get off to a rocky start…but when the Kantos send a team of assassins after Finley, Sabin will do anything to protect her.

Sent to a secret facility deep in the Australian desert, Finely and Sabin are drawn closer and closer. She sees beyond the warrior to the man, and he uncovers a passionate woman. But Finley threatens everything Sabin has fought hard to control, and as they fight off the devious Kantos, they both will face the demons of their pasts.

Buy links





Soul of Eon by Anna Hackett (Book 8, Eon Warriors) was released on 16 February. 



The last thing she expects is an instant mating with a handsome alien warrior…just before they are abducted by the deadly Kantos.

Commander Kaira Chand of the Australian Air Force knows the meaning of loss. She lost both her beloved husband and her father over recent years, and she vows never to let a man close again. As head of security for a secret weapons facility in the Australian desert, she’s fighting to protect the scientists working to defend Earth from invasion. That includes working with their allies, the Eon Warriors. What she never expected in her wildest dreams was to find herself instantly mated to a handsome, silver fox alien warrior.

Medical Commander Thane Kann-Eon lives to heal. He’s dedicated to keeping his crew aboard the warship, the Rengard, whole and healthy. Unlike his fellow warriors, he knows he’ll never mate. There hasn’t been a mating in his family for generations. Then a petite Terran commander changes everything. He’s instantly drawn to Kaira, and as soon as their hands touch, he’s stunned by the deluge of emotion that crashes over him. An unheard-of instant mating.

In the midst of their shocking connection, Kaira and Thane find themselves abducted by a Kantos strike team. Taken aboard a battlecruiser, they soon realize the insectoid aliens nabbed the wrong couple, and they are marked for execution. Now they face a wild race for survival that will take them to a distant, deadly world. They’ll both struggle with their raw, intense mating bond, against the backdrop of a Kantos proving ground where everything is out to kill them.








Princess Avenger by Bernadette Rowley (Book 1, The Queenmaker Saga) was released in audio in February.



A princess in disguise. A shifter with a hidden agenda. Will they uncover the truth in time for romance to blossom?

Alecia Zialni has sworn revenge against her father for having her first love murdered. Masquerading as a man to pursue her vendetta, the prince’s headstrong daughter is soon in over her head. And when her handsome rescuer is assigned as her protector, her secret double life becomes complicated by their rapidly growing chemistry.

Captain Vard Anton struggles to control his budding lust for the determined princess he’s supposed to defend. And as an animal shapeshifter charged with killing her father, he knows he can never reveal his true identity. But the violent beast form he cannot master threatens to expose him and risk her safety.

As her feelings for Vard continue to bloom, Alecia is devastated when she’s betrothed to a lecherous lord. And wracked with guilt over his ultimate mission, Vard fears there is no way for them to ever be together. But her obsession with vengeance may be the death of them both…

Can Alecia and Vard topple a tyrant to join their destinies and their hearts?
Buy The Servant’s Grace for the final battle against tyranny today!


Buy links









Non spec-fic



The Dating Phase by Claire Boston is a short story that was re-released soon on 20 December 2020.


Miriam Bryant has spent the past twenty-five years raising her children, the last ten on her own after her beloved husband died. She’s successful and content with her life, but a chance encounter with a handsome man prior to her daughter’s wedding sets all the butterflies whirling.
She hasn’t dated since she was a teenager, since her Scott swept her off her feet. But is she prepared to move into the next phase of her life – the dating phase?


Buy links





The Troubleshooter by Anna Hackett (Book 2, Norcross Security) was released in audio format 22 December 2020.



Never, ever fall for your brother’s annoying, infuriating, gorgeous best friend. 

Gia Norcross’ life is exactly how she likes it. She has a successful PR firm in San Francisco, a beautiful apartment, a loving family of overprotective brothers, and her fabulous designer shoe collection. Perfection. Sure, occasionally she has to deal with her aggravating nemesis who happens to be her brother’s best friend. Saxon Buchanan: former Delta Force, tall, rich, handsome, bossy, and knows how to work her last nerve. 

She’ll never, ever admit to anyone that most days, she isn’t sure if she wants to punch the arrogant, tattooed, suit-wearing know-it-all…or kiss him. 

After a military career spent in a covert special ops team doing hard, dirty, and very classified missions, Saxon Buchanan is happy working at Norcross Security as the company’s top troubleshooter. He also enjoys the perks of civilian life. That includes sparring with smart, sexy Gia of the wide brown eyes, luscious curves, and sharp tongue. He’s spent half his life fighting the pull of his best friend’s little sister. 

But seeing a man aim a gun at Gia changes everything. 

When Gia’s troubled childhood best friend drags her into a really, really bad situation, soon bullets are flying, precious gemstones are missing, and Gia’s in danger. Saxon’s done pushing away the one woman he’s ever wanted. He’ll do everything to protect her, and he’s not letting anything get in his way: not the bad guys, not his best friend, and especially not Gia. 






Mission: Her Justice by Anna Hackett (Book 8, Team 52) was released in audio format 12 February.



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

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

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

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










PRE-ORDERS



Broken Bonds by Keri Arthur (Book 8, Lizzie Grace) is expected to be released 26 October. Amazon pre-order links are now available.


A new evil intent on bloody revenge has stepped onto the Faelan Werewolf Reservation. But the biggest threat to Lizzie’s life comes in the form of the werewolf who once held Aiden’s heart…


Pre-Order links





Blackbird Croned by Keri Arthur (Book 3, Witch Crown) is expected to be released 3 April. 


On the darkest day, in the darkest hour, when all hope has been extinguished, the Blackbirds will rise, a hand will draw the true sword, and a lost throne shall be reclaimed...










Non spec-fic




Return to Retribution Bay by Claire Boston (Book 1, Aussie Heroes: Retribution Bay) is expected to be released 1 May.



They’ve both had their fair share of tragedy. Now the only way to heal could be to catch a killer.

Sergeant Brandon Stokes hasn’t been able to face his family for over a decade. But when his parents are killed in an accident on their remote sheep station, the guilt-ridden soldier must face his demons and return home. He’s unprepared for the gutsy female drifter who seems determined to help him reunite with his estranged family.

Amy Hammond has been running since she was fifteen. Now she’s finally found the stability she’s craved with employers who treated her like a daughter. But with her bosses’ sudden death and the arrival of their handsome military hero son, her head and heart are thrown into chaos.

Distrusting Amy’s real agenda, Brandon is forced to team up with her when they uncover evidence that his parents’ demise was no accident. And though Amy knows she needs to win the hunky sergeant’s trust, the sinister turn of events makes her fear any chance of love could be cut fatally short.

Will the troubled couple expose a murderer in their midst before they become the next victims?

Return to Retribution Bay is the thrilling first book in the Aussie Heroes: Retribution Bay romantic suspense series. If you like military hunks, plucky women, and striking Australian settings, then you’ll adore Claire Boston’s page-turning adventure.









ANTHOLOGIES


Star Crossed: an anthology of romantic science fiction contains the story O, swear not by the moon by JL Peridot and will be released 26 April. 



Far From Home by B.K. Bass
Descendants of humanity with a forgotten history orbit a distant star. When their first astronaut travels to a cloud- and mystery-shrouded moon, will he unlock a bright future or unveil secrets of their past?

Slow Recovery by Ian Martínez Cassmeyer
When Dr. Juan Ramos awakes in the starship medical bay, unable to recall how he ended up there, he becomes determined to regain his memories, but as he does, what other dark details will those memories reveal?

Branded by Renée Gendron
Sergeant Major Emerlynne Turner uncovers a plot to blow up Archimedes Station. Can she trust deep cover Station Constable Dallin Iliev with her heart?

Exiled by D.W. Hitz
After crash-landing on an alien planet, Keven must search for his missing love. The journey may bring him closer to her in ways neither of them expects.

The Arrangement by Pamela James
A young woman is at a crossroads. Does she choose a life good for her family, or good for her?

Ascension by Nikki Mitchell
Mysterious black objects hurtle into the planet, Terra, two decades after its inhabitants freed themselves from enslavement by another planet’s race. As the world around them falls to rock and fire, an ace lesbian couple must rely on their love for one another to stoke their determination to survive.

O, swear not by the moon by J.L. Peridot
A tale of a neurally entangled love that crosses the boundary between worlds.

Honor, Duty, Love by L. A. Stinnett
“Honor, Duty, Love” is the story of two lovers on the last day on his homeworld before they’re banished for good. They face an uncertain future but know their love will carry them through.

 
Edited by and Renée Gendron
Cover design by J.L. Peridot


Order details to come.






COVER REVEAL



The Virgin Hunt Games volume 3 by Mel Teshco (Book 3, The Virgin Hunt Games) is expected to be released 15 March.





The Final Dawn by Jess Anastasi (Book 5, Atropy) is expected to be released 21 March.

They will fight until the last star burns out...

Rian Sherron is a lot of things. Captain of the spaceship Imojenna. Ex-war hero. Ex-assassin. For years, he's traveled from one end of the galaxy to the other, both trying to escape his demons and get revenge on the shape-shifting aliens responsible for his slow demise into hell.

That all changed the day Rian rescued an Arynian priestess from slave traders. Ella Kinton is everything Rian both fears and admires. Ella is everything he never let himself admit he wanted. Together, they must face a harrowing choice—come together and defeat Reidar, or fall apart, leaving the universe in total chaos.



The Druid Chronicles by Christina Phillips have new covers.


Forbidden, Book 1 




Between a warrior and a princess comes an all-consuming love that transcends the hatred between their warring worlds...

Determined to do whatever she can to rid her beloved land of the barbarian Romans, Carys, a druid acolyte, defies the order of her High Priest to remain within their safe enclave. She escapes to help her oppressed people, only to be captured by a dangerous, battle-scarred centurion.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate the powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus doesn't expect his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys. Unaware of her true heritage, he's enchanted by her beauty and intrigued by her bravery, and while he wants nothing more than to protect her, he reluctantly releases her.

Shaken by the encounter, Carys can't forget the fearless warrior and is convinced her beloved goddess brought Maximus to her for a reason. Although he's the enemy of her people she can't stay away, but their clandestine assignations threaten more than their lives.

As Carys' loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, the avenging High Druid plans to crush Maximus' people into oblivion. With time running out, Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.

Previously published by Penguin US


Buy links






Captive
, Book 2 





A Druid priestess falls for the wrong man – the warrior who’s taken her prisoner…

Hungry for revenge, Druid acolyte Morwyn turns her back on her goddess and vows to fight the Roman invaders. But before she can join up with the rebels, she’s captured by a tough Gaul mercenary.

Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. When his own unit attacks a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can – by claiming her as his prisoner. He knows he can’t trust her but, as her icy disdain thaws, her quick wit and infectious laugh lighten his blackened soul and he craves for the chance of a normal life–with her.

Infuriated yet intrigued by her captor, Morwyn can’t help falling for his gruff charms and rare smile. He’s her enemy but he has honor and the longer they’re together the less she believes in his brutal reputation. He’s her Gaul, and in the black of night, in his arms, she dreams of a future together.

But the wrath of a spurned goddess echoes through the land and Morwyn and Bren need to overcome their past, put their trust in each other and face their deepest fears for the chance to survive in a fractured world.

Previously published by Penguin US in 2011


Buy links




Enslaved
, Book 3 





When a Druid priestess falls for her Roman captor she’s torn between her duty to her goddess and her love for the enemy…

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion she’s determined to escape and complete her covert mission for her beloved goddess, to eradicate the invaders from her land.

But the tough warrior who captures her is far from the brutal barbarian she expects. Instead, Tacitus turns all her prejudices inside out, and it’s hard to remember he’s her enemy when she craves his touch more than her next breath. Her first loyalty is to her goddess, and she can’t afford to forget it.

Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. Though enslaving her goes against his heart, it’s the only way he can protect her. As a fragile trust grows between them, he believes they can have a future together. But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal, his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he’s ever believed in.

Previously published as Betrayed in 2013



Buy links



Tainted
, Book 4




A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.

Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Previously published in 2013


Buy links




The Druid Chronicles box set is now available.
 





Buy links








Non spec-fic


The Blackbridge First Response series by Claire Boston has been merged with the Blackbridge Series and is now books 5-8 of the series, and have new covers.



Shelter, Book 5


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?

Shelter is the fifth book in the enthralling Blackbridge romantic suspense series. If you like wounded heroes, small-town Australian settings, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s gripping tale.



Shield, Book 6


His life is in danger. But the only man who can protect him is afraid to go public…

Blackbridge, Western Australia. Jamie Zanetti holds his secret close to his chest. Fearing that coming out as bisexual will ruin his small-town teaching career, he represses desires he’d rather explore. But when his handsome high-school crush Elijah returns and joins him in the volunteer emergency service, the attraction may be too much to resist.

Elijah Johnson knows where his heart lies. And after eight years of soul-searching across Europe, he’s finally ready to settle down with Mr. Right. But Elijah refuses to have a clandestine relationship, no matter how delicious Jamie’s lips feel.

While they’re thrown together in dramatic rescues, Jamie is torn apart as he fights to hide his growing feelings. But the truth might be the only thing that saves them both when Elijah stumbles upon a sinister local crime ring…

Can Jamie and Elijah expose a deadly gang of thieves and move their love into the open?


Harbour, Book 7


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?


Protect, Book 8


She’ll do anything to defend her family. He must keep her out of a deadly crossfire. Are they destined for love or doomed to die?



Accountant Olivia Demidenko puts her trust in numbers. And her mind for detail is certain there is more to her cousin’s death at the hands of drug dealers. So with the cops warning her off, Olivia’s intuition tells her this case needs a thorough audit.


Adam Marshall can’t shake the guilt from killing a man in the line of duty. Already struggling to feel worthy of his badge, he’s faced with a civilian poking around in his dangerous investigation. And just as he starts falling for her, he discovers a vengeful kingpin could have the innocent woman in his sights.


Though she can work the evidence for leads to her cousin’s killer, Olivia can’t quite decipher Adam’s intentions. And when Adam digs up the last detail needed for the arrest, he’s terrified he’s staring down the barrel of another tragic ending.


Will the digits add up for this unlikely pair of detectives, or is this a fatal attraction?



Buy links 
for all the books are on The Blackbridge series page.





~~~

Congratulations to our DarkSiders.

Thanks for joining us. Until next time...


1 comment:

  1. wow, what a wonderful line of books. Congratulations everyone.

    ReplyDelete

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