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 6 July 2021

DarkSider News for July 2021!

 

We head into the second half of the year with spirits, wolves, reverse harems, demons, magic, witches and more....







NEW RELEASES


The Cursed Spirit by Lilliana Rose (Book 5, Lost Souls Academy) was released on 10 June.



The Lost Souls Academy has become Zarya’s home and a place where she is safe with her new friends. The Guild is threatening her new sanctuary as they want control of the library to access the deep, dark knowledge that has been hidden away. 

Can the students work together to keep the library for themselves? Or will their own interests in using the knowledge to change them get in the way? 

Abaddon has made it clear he is coming to the Academy for Zarya. So defenses are put in place, but will they be enough to stop this powerful ghost? Zarya is becoming a strong ghost hunter, but will it be enough to defeat Abaddon as he closes in on her?



Bring on the Night by M.J. Scott (Book 3, The Wild Side) was released on 6 July.


How far would you go to stop a monster hell bent on destroying humanity?

Before Ashley Keenan became a werewolf, she thought she understood the line between good and evil. It was the vamps and shifters playing by their own lethal rules who were to be feared.

Now she must stop an ordinary man and his plague of vampires. That same man’s terrifying games led to her family being murdered and caused her own unwilling transformation into a supernatural. Worse, he might not be the only one hunting the memories buried in Ash’s head. As tensions escalate between humans and supernaturals, and new threats emerge from the shadows, black and white turns to gray.

To protect the people she loves, and save the world, Ash will have to confront her darkest fears. But time is running out….






Nightworld Academy: Winterfall Magic - Term Seven by LJ Swallow (Book 7, Nightworld Academy) was released 12 April.



I changed everybody's lives the day the academy fell, and now I can't see what the future holds for any of us.

Winterfall Witch is a continuation of Maeve's story after the Nightworld Academy series ends.

We survived the massacre at the academy and retreated to safety at the Winterfall estate, but life isn't calm.

My mother had four consorts. Where are these men, and can they break the Winterfall curse? Tobias wants me to accept our situation, but I refuse to let this go. I'm obsessed with discovering more about my past, including which of Astrid Winterfall's men is my father. I know the names of three, but I need to find the fourth.

Tracking the men down proves difficult, and our family reunions aren't easy because there's more to my legacy than I realised. Astrid had secrets too.

My bond with Jamie grows as we spend more time together, Ash fights against a future that the shifter council expect him to embrace, and Andrei continues to struggle with the changes he's facing.

The aftermath of the academy deaths has far-reaching consequences as the accords between the vampires, witches, and shifters begin to break. Gabriella survived that night, so where is she, and what are her plans to take advantage of the discord?

Winterfall Witch is an additional book in the Nightworld Academy world. The events take place immediately after Term Six and continues Maeve's story after the series finishes. The series must be read first.



Buy links





Held By Magic by LJ Swallow (Book 1, The Demon's Fae) was released 10 May.




The London fae court is in turmoil and a demon prince plans to take control.
 
I make one tiny mistake, and suddenly I’m marked for death, running from demons, and pursued by my fae ex-lover. Who knew stealing a magic box could cause so much trouble?
 
I hope the demons don’t overthrow the fae because they’re my best customers—especially the enigmatic Collector who really shouldn’t be friends with a half-demon thief. I’d like to be more than friends with the immortal and too-sexy-for me fae, but he always keeps our relationship strictly professional. 
 
My skills are more in demand than I realise because three hot demons from a mysterious institute track me down. 

Powerful but seductive elemental demon Cillian. 

Sharp and guarded djinn Morgan. 

And their companion Dex who’s definitely not human and also strangely familiar. 
de
Hook ups aren’t on my agenda, but these guys have some interesting skills to distract me from my imminent death.
 
The trio and their institute ask me to locate more of the mysterious boxes, and in return they promise to cure my death mark and keep me alive. Simple. The problem is, these boxes are mixed up with the demon and fae troubles, and now so are we.


Buy links





Elements of Magic by LJ Swallow (Book 2, The Demon's Fae) was released 3 June.


A day spent tracking down demon-filled boxes? Frustrating.
Four powerful and sexy men in my life? Distracting.
A night out in a fae drug den? Bad idea.
I'm about to discover why a demon prince wants to track me down.

We've discovered a secret alliance between rogue fae and the demon prince—one that could destroy the London fae court. The Collector could stop the court's downfall but is he prepared to step forward and reveal himself?

My focus lies elsewhere. I never found a cure for the curse marking me, and I didn't locate the demon-filled box I lost. I did manage to persuade the four men in my life to cooperate. Mostly. Now we need to figure out how to find the dangerous Sunde boxes and keep them out of the demon prince's hands.

I'm dealing with the shock from Dex's true identity, and after five years in his life, the Collector decides to tell me who he is. I hope Morgan and Cillian don't have any surprises because I'm starting to lose touch with my reality. Life was simpler when it was just me, my daggers, and my good friend whiskey.

Although, with four guys determined to protect and help me, life has also got interesting. Everybody likes a little attention, right?


Buy links




Nightworld Academy Term Five by LJ Swallow (Book 5, Nightworld Academy) is now in audio format.


One night with the Blackwood witches changes everything.

The Blackwood family and their magic have edged our lives since Jamie discovered the pendant. Now, they've found me, and I'm in more danger than ever. Trapped with Tobias inside the Blackwood estate, I'm subjected to the family's chilling magic and meet their disturbing associates.

Andrei, Jamie, and Ash take a dangerous risk in their attempt to rescue me from an unknown fate and only succeed with help from an unexpected source. Are there others we can rely on to help beat the threat against us, or do these people have a different agenda?

I struggle to cope with the after-effects of events at the Blackwoods, and my reality and visions start to blur. What can I hear inside the academy that nobody else can - is this connected to Jamie's discovery about the building's history?

I'm closer to Ash after last term's difficulties, and Jamie opens up more. My romance with Andrei becomes more intense, and my relationship with Tobias reaches a whole new level of "it's complicated".

One thing is sure: Whoever tried to break us hasn't succeeded because the five of us are closer than ever. The guys are determined to protect me and will do whatever they need to help strengthen my magic. We'll need that strength and unity because we're facing something bigger than a war between Confederacy and Dominion forces. 

Buy links



Blackbird Crowned by Keri Arthur (Book 3, Witch Crown) was released 22 June. 


The final battle begins…

Gwen De Montfort’s greatest fears have now come true. Her brother Max has not only claimed the sword in the stone, but is working with Darkside in order to destroy the royal family and claim the throne for himself.

But does he hold the true Witch King’s Sword? Or is the sword he drew a powerful fake?

With the attacks on them intensifying, Gwen, her grandmother Moscelyne, and Luc Durant—a sword-bearing warrior from an ancient order of knights—race to not only uncover the truth but find a means of stopping Max before his plans can come to bloody fruition.

As an old goddess’s prophecies come true and new powers rise, the dark gates are opened and London comes under attack.

But the final battle will not be for the throne or the crown but rather a life, and might well result in Gwen having to make the ultimate sacrifice.







Non Spec-Fic

Resisting the Firefighter by Christina Phillips, Cathleen Ross, and Mel Teshco was released 1 July


Three hot firefighter brothers - and the women they save.
Any way they can...

Book 1 - Resisting Tate by Christina Phillips

Everyone loves a hero... don’t they?

To most people Tate Thompson is a catch. Good looking, funny and a firefighter who has saved plenty of lives. But to Ruby he spells danger.

Still grieving for the loss of her dad, who was also a firefighter and died in the line of duty, there's no way she can go through that kind of pain again. Except her insides melt when she's in Tate's arms. Maybe she should take a chance on him?

Firefighting is in Tate's blood and he's never let anything get between him and his job. Until he meets Ruby.

She's not just sexy as hell. She's the first person who's been able to quiet the roar of guilt he's lived with for half his life. Maybe commitment isn't such a dirty word, after all?

But when fires ravage the country, both Tate and Ruby must confront their darkest fears if they want a chance of making it together.


Book 2 - Resisting Lachlan by Mel Teshco

Can he save her from herself?

Lachlan might have a well-earned reputation with the ladies, but outside of the bedroom he has a strong moral code. His clients at the gym can’t thank him enough for their health transformations, and when he’s not at work he’s often pulling on his volunteer firefighter suit to help put out fires. Then he spies his new neighbor. Even before they become lovers he knows he wants more than a one night stand. He wants her permanently in his bed. If only he can convince her that losing one man in a fire doesn’t mean she’ll lose him, too.

After a house fire takes the life of her violent husband, Justine leaves the past behind and moves to the outskirts of Baltown. But when bush fires threaten the tinder dry area, and her sexy neighbor turned lover is one of the fire crew risking his life to save others, she realizes she can run again, but she can’t leave survivor guilt behind. But will she face her fears head-on or escape from the one man who might break her heart?


Book 3 - Resisting Adam by Cathleen Ross

Secrets shadow Emma Cain’s life, ones she can’t unlock by herself. When a bushfire threatens the valley she lives in, her ex-boyfriend, firefighter, Adam Thompson, demands she leave her home. Saving her precious cattle means everything to Emma, even if she has to agist them on Adam’s property. His fireproof place is the one safe place, but is it safe for her heart?

Adam Thompson is determined to get Emma back and right the wrongs of the past. Bit by bit he unlocks Emma’s heart, except he is holding on to a secret that could totally destroy her.


Buy links





Isla byAnnie Seaton (Book 10, Pentecost Island) was released 2 July.


Pentecost Island: where romance entices and secrets unfold. Spend a month on Pentecost Island and experience an amazing adventure between ten friends, the challenges they face, the past threatening to come between them, and their enduring friendship as they start up a new resort.

Irish dreams or island dreams? Isla's secret is the biggest one of all. Will Pentecost Island be the place where she comes to terms with her past?

Ronan Doyle has searched for Isla for a long time. Will he be the key to her happiness or will her past ruin their chance of a happy ever after?

The final book in the Pentecost Island series.



Waiting for Ana by Annie Seaton (Book 1, Sunshine Coast) was released 24 April.




Mixing business with pleasure never felt so right.

Blake Buchanan and Ana Delaney lived in a share house at university and could never see eye to eye about anything. Except for one night of passion before Ana left without a word, never expecting to cross paths with Blake again.

Years later, Blake has made his millions. He comes to Noosa to manage a corporate takeover that will close down the home flipping business Ana has poured her heart and soul into. The fiery Ana is determined to convince money-minded Blake of her business’s worth, but when a family emergency throws them together, their walls come tumbling down once again…

Problem is, Blake’s business-first position hasn’t changed. And Ana can’t fall for the man who could become her boss—it’s not only her job at stake, but her heart.

Note: This is a revised and expanded edition of Tangling with the CEO published in 2014.












PRE-ORDERS


The Exile's Curse by M.J. Scott (Book 1, Daughter of Ravens) is expected for release released on 14 December. 




The Exile's Curse. First in a brand historical fantasy romance series set in the world of the Four Arts novels coming soon from M.J. Scott, RITA® Award nominated author of the Half-Light City series, the TechWitch series and the Wild Side Series.

Second chances can be complicated…

Chloe de Montesse never thought she’d return from exile. Now she has a chance to reclaim the life she fled after her husband was executed for treason. But coming home again isn’t as simple as it sounds. Her magic is rusty, her family want her to wrap her in cotton wool, and Illvyan society views her as a scandal waiting to happen. Worse, her new life keeps throwing her into the path of the man who destroyed her old one.

Lucien de Roche’s magic bares the truth for all to see. He’s used it to serve the empire, but there’s one secret he’s always kept hidden. The fact that he fell in love with his best friend’s wife. And that he’s never quite fallen out again. Now Chloe is back and it’s no secret at all that she loathes him for his part in her husband’s death. A sensible man would forget her…but he’s tired of being sensible. And determined to keep her safe.

When a mission from the emperor takes them both into the wildest heart of the empire, to a country where power and loyalties collide, and old plots simmer back to life, Chloe finds herself dragged back into the past she wants to leave behind. And her only way out might be Lucien. The man she thinks she can never trust. The man she wants to hate. Or hates to want…







Anatu of the Human by Marie Dry (Book 2, Tunrian Cyborgs) is expected to be released on 29 November.



The Lost Souls Academy has become Zarya’s home and a place where she is safe with her new friends. The Guild is threatening her new sanctuary as they want control of the library to access the deep, dark knowledge that has been hidden away. 

Can the students work together to keep the library for themselves? Or will their own interests in using the knowledge to change them get in the way? 

Abaddon has made it clear he is coming to the Academy for Zarya. So defenses are put in place, but will they be enough to stop this powerful ghost? Zarya is becoming a strong ghost hunter, but will it be enough to defeat Abaddon as he closes in on her?


Pre-Order links:






Midnight Coven
 by LJ Swallow (Book 1, Nightworld University) is expected for release 6 April 2022.



A secret society. Arcane magic. Forbidden love.

The Winterfalls. The aristocratic family who believe they're witch royalty.
The Blackwoods. The corrupt witches who want to take their crown.

I've finally broken the Winterfall family shackles and stepped into witch society. I missed out on a Nightworld Academy education, but I have a place at the prestigious Nightfall University. Here, gifted witches from the elite families study to take their magic to the next level and become our new leaders.

I expected to rub shoulders with the brightest and best; I didn't expect my new friends would draw me into a secret society. 

The Midnight Coven. Dark, seductive, and dangerous.

I've met the intense and captivating witch Alexei once before. He hasn't forgotten my actions that night, and I haven't accepted who he is. A Winterfall would never touch a Blackwood, however tempting, and Alexei doesn't like rejection. Now I'm forced to live in a house on campus with the arrogant jerk.

Fortunately, my other housemates are friendlier. Nate and Xavi are powerful bonded witches who offer to teach me everything they know—and not just their magic. Tomas is also new to campus; he's easy-going and friendly, but there's something secretive about the elemental witch. The three smoking hot guys show me how to enjoy my new freedom and invite me to join their secret society. The one led by Alexei Blackwood.

What lives behind the mirrors never frightened me, but on the night I'm initiated into the coven, my magic attracts something that threatens all of us.

I'm shocked to discover the Midnight Coven is more than a circle of hedonistic witches. How long can I resist the dark Blackwood magic before I'm drawn into shadows and we unleash something deadly?

Midnight Coven is the first in a university-age paranormal academy series filled with seductive magic, steamy scenes, multiple love interests and dark elements. The book will release earlier than the date stated.



Pre-Order links





Shades of Magic by LJ Swallow (Book 3, The Demon's Fae) is expected to be released 10 July.


A demon unleashes. The dark fae return. And a hellhound is missing.

Releasing demons from boxes doesn't endear me to the Four Horsemen, but I have a bigger problem than War's wrath. Dex either took himself on a long walk or somebody abducted him. Kudos to anybody who could wrangle him into submission.

My dealings with the fae grow more complicated, and the Collector introduces me to Rian, the fae capable of defeating the demons and restoring the court. Now all Rian needs to do is depose the queen and deal with the uprising. Simple.

My sex life grows more interesting by the day, which is at least a distraction from the death sentence hanging over me.

I finally discover why the demon prince is tracking me down and how I'm connected to these sought-after boxes. But if I have to face any more surprise revelations, I'll convince myself I'm in one of Morgan's parallel worlds. There's not enough whiskey in the world to deal with all this.

Can Rian restore the fae court before the dark fae tear the race apart again?

And can somebody please pay me for all the work I've done?



Pre-Order links:






Blood Kissed by LJ Swallow and Jordan Crow (Book 3, Chosen Vampire Slayer) is expected to be released 29 July.


Torn by loyalty and the fiery desires of a conflicted heart, Veronica finds herself at a crossroads. What will she do if burning love turns into cold regret?

This is your kind of book if you love kick-ass heroines with sass to match, scorching hot monsters who take what they want, and is perfect for devourers of enemies to lovers books. Expect steam, action, and a supernatural world filled with vampires, demons, shifters, angels... and unhinged alphas who will do anything to protect their woman. Lovers of Anita Blake and True Blood, this is your next addiction.


Buy links






Non spec-fic


An Ear to the Ground by D.D. Line (Book 2, Trinket Bay) is expected to be released 30 July.


When murder and love collide, does duty trump one’s heart?

Lilah Michaels remembers little of her mother’s suicide following a violent assault during a
robbery at their home over twenty years ago. But it’s the only home she’s ever known. Now
they’re in danger of losing the family property, and she’s pinned her hopes on hosting weddings
at the winery to appease the bank and buy them some time. Until a shocking discovery changes
everything.

Sergeant Finn Kelly desperately needs a break after a tough assignment. All he wants is to catch
up with his friends in Trinket Bay as they prepare for their wedding. At Hidden Gem Winery, he
finds a yearned-for sense of peace. Then he meets the charming woman who’s hosting the
nuptials, and his thoughts turn toward romance.

Finn puts those amorous notions on hold when he and his service dog find human remains on
the property. Painful memories and an unsolved mystery come to light. It’s clear someone wants
to keep the past a secret, and they’ll do anything to make sure the truth stays buried.

Is Lilah as innocent as she seems? Or is she part of the conspiracy? And will Finn lose more than
his heart in his quest to discover the truth?

An Ear to the Ground is a contemporary romantic suspense novel set in the fictional town of
Trinket Bay in South Western Australia.


Buy links






D.D. Line is in the Sweet Delights Anthology produced by Gumnut press. It's expected to be released 7 July.



Sweet Delights offers the reader fourteen amazing romance stories full of love, blossoming romance, yummy treats, and the odd challenge or two. You'll find stories about weddings, café's, cooking classes, bake sales, family reunions and lost loves reunited. Lose yourself in the many stories and fall in love with the characters, their lives, their loves and of course, their sweet delights.

 Passionberry Dreams by D.D. Line - A young constable with an overwhelming urge to serve and protect. A pâtissier with attitude. Can a thief bring two hearts together? Or steal away their dreams?


Buy links





Annie Seaton is in the Baby, It's Hot Outside collection expected to be released 7 October.



Baby, It's Hot Outside
100% pure SUMMER Christmas. Come read along…
I really wanna stay
Baby it's hot outside
I'll lose my heart along the way
Baby it's hot outside…

Come Down Under for a hot and steamy SUMMER festive season.

Escape those winter blues with 12 summer Christmas novellas.

A fabulous collection of sexy Down Under summer Christmas romances. Hot sun and hotter men, friends to lovers, forbidden romance, reunion stories and more. Come visit a world of hot, sultry kisses and long, lazy days in the sun. It's Christmas Down Under in the sun!

ANNIE SEATONHer Christmas Star

There is something for everyone!







Flood of Bravery by Khloe Wren (Book 2, Royal Bastards MC: South Australia) is expected to be released 28 September.


Beckett "Croc" Adel doesn't know what hit him when he first meets Emily Anzan.




This series has multiple authors. Check out the website for more details. 









COVERS 

Nemesis by Christina Phillips (Book 2, Realm of Flame and Shadow) now has a new cover.




Falling for her nemesis is the most dangerous thing she’s ever done…

All dhampir Rowan wants is the chance for a normal life. But she’s bound by a blood debt to work as a paranormal assassin, so that’s never going to happen. After one reckless night she wakes up next to a beautiful stranger. If the mysterious guild who raised her learns what she’s done, both their lives will be forfeit. But she soon discovers her enigmatic lover has secrets of his own, and if she ever wants to be free, she’ll have to trust the captivating immortal who is also her most merciless enemy.

Nothing is more important to the Archangel Azrael than hunting down the dhampir army of his sworn enemy. Until he meets the enchanting Rowan. He doesn’t do commitment, but one night with her changes all his ironclad plans. Until he discovers who she really is and everything he’s ever believed in is turned inside out.

She deserves to die. But as the fallout from deadly secrets close in on them, he becomes tangled up in the hunt for the truth. And if they don’t work together, neither of them might survive the night.





Zayn by Marie Dry (Book 1, Zyrgin Scars) has a cover.


Details of publication to come. 









KISS APP

Alien Mine by Marie Dry (Book 1, Zyrgin Warriors) is now on the KISS app.



Alien Under Cover by Marie Dry (Book 2, Zyrgin Warriors) is also on the KISS app.



KISS is a new and exciting way to experience Romance stories of all genres. Enjoy serialized quality content from NYT and USA Today bestselling authors, available right from your phone.  KISS has hundreds of titles and authors to choose from, including new and exclusive content from some of your favorite voices!

Check out in your favourite App store. 






SALES

Pack Bound and Dangerous Echoes (both first books in a series) by Leisl Leighton are on sale on Amazon Aus until the end of July.





Pack Bound

One pack, one coven, a destiny intertwined...

Five hundred years ago, facing extinction, a group of powerful witches united to create a pact with the Were to save witch–kind. The pact expelled an ancient evil, known only as the Darkness, that was blocking the Were from their wolves. With the Darkness destroyed, the Packs and their Covens grew strong as they thrived beside each other in their brand–new world.

But the Darkness was not destroyed.

Skye Collins has been brought up to fear her magic and shy away from witch and Were alike. But when Jason McVale, the Alpha of Pack McVale, comes in search of her, she is intrigued and tempted. Her mistrust of magic and wariness of the intensity of passion she shares with Jason threatens her control–and if she loses control, she just might turn into the weapon the Darkness intended her to become all along.

Dangerous Echoes

Blue lights in the red dust...

Echo Springs on the edge of the outback – a town where everyone knows your name, and your business. But the wholesome country living and welcoming community aren't what they used to be. Echo Springs has a dark underbelly, and it is seeping ever outward.

Brilliant forensic pathologist, Erika Hanson, fled from Echo Springs as a teenager, leaving behind a past of tragedy and pain. But when local police announce they've found her beloved brother's body in a meth lab explosion, she knows she must return to clear Peter's name and find out what really happened. Because Peter would never get involved with the drug tag sweeping across the small town of Australia and destroying lives.

Hartley Cooper has a past with Erika Hanson, but that's not going to keep him from doing his job. He's seen what grief can do, and denial is only the first step. But Erika is convinced that Peter can't be involved, and her meticulous, professional skills start to convince Hartley as well. When Erika's digging and questions get too personal, the town turns against them, Hartley knows Erika might run again. But this time he's ready. And he's not going to let her go.



FREE READ

The Wolf Within by M.J. Scott (Book 1, The Wild Side) is free for a limited time only. 


Vampires, werewolves, warring couples. And that’s just the day job.

Ashley Keenan just wants a normal life but she lives in a world that’s left normal behind. If she keeps her head down and doesn’t annoy any of her supernatural clients she figures everything will be okay. Until the day that FBI Agent Daniel Gibson, ex-lover, now werewolf, and the man she’s never quite forgotten walks back into her life.

Dan’s back because the vampire who murdered her family is coming after her. Worse, that the FBI needs Ash’s help to stop him. That means facing every nightmare from her past and spending every day with Dan, which is a whole other kind of nightmare when Ash knows she can never date a supernatural.

It’s a fight to guard her heart and her life. And to survive she might have to learn to love her inner monster…

Buy links




Witch Bound by Leisl Leighton (Prequel, Pack Bound) is now free in this Forbidden Love: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Giveaway. Only for a limited time.   



Witch Bound is a fated mates, enemies to lovers paranormal romance. It is a prequel to my award nominated Pack Bound Series.

Reviews help to get the word out, so if you'd like to leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon, that would be greatly appreciated.

One Fate, one mate, a bond too strong to deny …

Paul Collins, duty-bound Pack Warlock and seer, must marry a strong witch for the good of Pack McVale. But his hidden feelings for his best-friend’s sister, maternal wolf Ivy McVale, make this a more difficult pill to swallow every day. Especially when they begin to mate.

Then Paul has a vision: If they mate, Ivy will die. Desperate, Paul uses his powers to change destiny and make Ivy think she’s always hated him. He can deal with any punishment the Fates make him pay for tampering with destiny, as long as Ivy lives.

After recovering from a bewildering month-long illness, Ivy notices her nemesis, Paul, is tormented by something. And strangely, she is the only one who can feel it. Unable to endure such unhappiness—even if he does call her Poison Ivy—she is determined to help him, no matter the cost. Because Pack McVale cannot survive without him, and curiously, neither can she ...









EVENTS



Books In-Sight Author Signing Event, Melbourne, 7 August 2021.


DarkSiders that are attending: Keri Arthur, Khloe Wren, Lilliana Rose, Michelle Somers, Mila Young, and M.J. Scott.

Check out their website for more details. 






~~~


Congratulations to our DarkSiders.

Thanks for joining us. Until next time...


No comments:

Post a Comment

check out all our books on our dsdu-books shelf:
DarkSide DownUnder's book lists (dsdu-books shelf)