Grab that hot chocolate, get rugged up, relax and enjoy our news....
NOMINATIONS
The Long List for the Sisters in Crime 22nd Davitt Awards have been announced. A few of our DarkSiders were nominated!
D.K. Hood
Be Mine Forever
Cross My Heart
Lose Your Breath
D.D. Line
An Ear to the Ground
Annie Seaton
Hidden Valley
Osprey Reef
The Awards will be presented on 27 August at a gala dinner.
D.D. Line
D..D is a finalist for the Kiss of Death Daphe Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense with An Ear to the Ground.
D.D. also has been shortlisted in the KSP 2022 Spooky Story Competition. The anthology will be launched on August 27th, where the winning stories will be announced.
EVENTS
Bedtime Stories
Romance Writers of Australia Conference 2022
12 - 14 August
Join our DarkSiders for their workshops.
So You Want to Write Gay Romance…
What is gay (or mm) romance? Who’s writing it? Who’s reading it? And is it for you? Join Daniel de Lorne as he runs the alphabet of gay romance from LGBTQIA+ to MPREG to MM and PrEP. You’ll leave with an understanding of the genre, insight into the diverse community you’re writing about, and tips on writing all-male sex scenes. Participants can also ask those burning questions they’ve always wanted an answer to.
Withstanding the Big Bad Wolf Test
Panel - Anna Hackett, Michelle Diener, and Lana Pecherczyk
There are many ways to build a world, but the consequence of getting it wrong is reader disengagement. Join three authors who write in various spec fic genres as they talk about the elements needed to build worlds that stand up to scrutiny. Anna Hackett, Michelle Diener and Lana Pecherczyk are all bestselling authors in the science fiction romance, fantasy romance and paranormal romance genres who will take attendees through the intricacies and pitfalls of worldbuilding for long series, standalone novels and even novellas, and the joy and satisfaction of getting it right.
Self-Editing for Aspiring Authors
Claire Boston
You’ve written your first draft and now it’s time to make it shine. Not sure if the beginning will hook the reader? Think your pacing might be off? Is something not quite right, but you don’t know what? Learn how to analyse your manuscript and how to fix it. Participants will be taught about common mistakes aspiring writers make, how to find them in their own work and also get tips on copyediting and proofreading.
Panel - Michelle Diener, Anna Hackett, and Lana Pecherczyk
Join three experienced self-publishing authors with years of experience as indie and hybrid authors as they share the mistakes they’ve learned from on their path to success in the indie market. Presented by Michelle Diener, Anna Hackett, Lana Pecherczyk.
Find more details, visit the conference website.
Book your tickets via Try Booking.
A Romantic Rendezvous - Book Signing
Australian Romance Reader Association
13 August 2022
Join the following DarkSiders for the ARRA book signing event.
Claire Boston
HM Hodgson
Keri Arthur
Leisl Leighton
Book your tickets via Try Booking.
Motorcycles, Mobsters and Mayhem Author Event
20 May 2023
Khloe Wren
Khloe will be an attending author this author event in Texas next year. For a limited time some of the authors including Khloe have offered some free books.
Khloe will also be attending the Tempted and Tantalizing Event in Staten Island, New York in October this year.
Authors are participating in two exclusive anthologies, Lawyered Up and Locked Up (Khloe is in this anthology). You can pre-order copies today.
NEW RELEASES
Moon Bound
Leisl Leighton
Book 2, Pack Bound
has a new cover and has been re-edited and re-released.
Released: 14 June
Currently 99c
Unfortunately Amazon cancelled all the pre-orders for Moon Bound. If you had pre-ordered it from there, you'll have to order it again.
Only her love can heal his broken soul...
Bronwyn Kincaid loves being independent and single but most especially she loves her job as a Wiccan Healer. Using her power to heal people’s pain completes her. But after the events of Samhain when she helped her best friend, Skye Collins, defeat evil witch Morrigan and stop the Darkness, powers that once brought her so much solace now have a dangerous edge. Which is a big problem given sexy loner Were, River Collins, desperately needs her help.
River can’t trust himself. After the night Morrigan was defeated, his wolf turned into a Beast that longs to hunt and kill. Terrified of what he might do, he pushes everyone away. Except, Bronwyn, won’t be pushed. A light in his tortured soul, she is determined to figure out why his wolf has become a creature of nightmares. And by the Moon, he can’t make her stop, especially as it seems to help her to learn about her new power.
However, the evil Darkness that hunts the Were and their Covens wants to use River and Bronwyn’s burgeoning powers to destroy everything they’ve both come to hold dear. But how can they stop it when they can’t even control what is drawing them to its side?
If you love stories about tortured heroes, fated mates, hot shifters, witches coming into their power and all with a large dollop of sexy romance, then the award nominated Moon Bound is for you.
Khloe Wren
Book 1, Gallichan Manor
Released: 14 June
I’ve never been a big risk taker. And taking this too-good-to-be-true job offer is one of the biggest I’ve ever taken. But beggars can’t be choosy. I need somewhere secluded to hide and the owner of this hidden away mansion has a library they want cataloged. It’s a match made in heaven.
Sex is the last thing on my mind when I accept the job, but before I make it through the manor’s front door, my dark inner desires have been ignited and they flare bright, demanding to be sated.
Lucky for me, Noah, the hot-blooded monster who resides at the manor is more than happy to step up to the plate. In fact, he’s so in tune with me and my needs, I soon forget the danger that’s been chasing me for the past five years.
At least until it catches up with me, then there’s no ignoring it.
**Warning: This super erotic tale includes some dub con situations**
PRE-ORDERS
Wraith's Revenge
Keri Arthur
Book 10, Lizzie Grace
Expected Release: 28 February 2023
You can’t run from the past forever…
Lizzie Grace has finally returned to Canberra, the city where she grew up and a place that holds so many bad memories. Not only does she have to testify at her father’s trial, but also deal with her ex’s will and relatives unhappy that she’s inherited a good chunk of his assets.
Yet Canberra holds more than just memories of an unwanted marriage. It’s where her sister was murdered, and the man responsible was never caught.
Witches are once again being ritualistically sacrificed, and it holds terrible echoes of those past deaths.
As the murders draw closer to home, Lizzie finds herself in a race to hunt down the wraith of a man after the ultimate revenge…the soul of the woman who once escaped him.
Sorrow's Song
Keri Arthur
Book 9, Lizzie Grace
Expected Release: 28 June
They say breaking up is hard to do. They’re wrong. Living with the consequences is so much harder, especially when sorrow is a powerful draw to evil …
Lizzie Grace is trying to get on with her life now that she and Aiden have gone their separate ways, but it’s a difficult thing to do when just about everything reminds her of the damn man.
The situation is made worse when a body is found, and her job as Deputy Reservation Witch means she has no choice but to interact with him. At first, the death seems to be nothing more than an accidental drowning in a remote location, but it’s soon evident a supernatural entity is involved.
As they race to uncover what is going on, it becomes clear that this evil is not only targeting werewolves, but one particular pack—the O’Connor’s.
And the reason might well be the song of sorrow. A song that Lizzie’s grief might have given birth to…
Wicked Dreams
M.J. Scott
Book 4, Techwitch
Expected Release: 6 June 2023
In exciting dark and sexy futuristic urban fantasy series from RITA® Award nominated author M.J. Scott.
I never dreamed of magic. Having a mother who dabbled in the darker side of witchcraft made sure of that. But magic found me anyway. And the world of power is stranger and more dangerous than I ever could have imagined. So if I don't want it to turn into a nightmare, I have to take what magic offers me…
Wicked Dreams is the fourth book in the TechWitch series, exciting dark and sexy futuristic urban fantasy from RITA® Award nominated author M.J. Scott. This series has witches, demons, an ongoing relationship that will have an HEA, sexy times, and a lot of computer geeks. Perfect if you like the idea of a strong heroine, a hot protective billionaire and magic and technology colliding. Enjoy!
Wicked Nights
M.J. Scott
Book 3, Techwitch
Expected release date: 28 June
They say magic has a price. In my experience they’re right. Sure, I’m a witch and I’ve even defeated a demon or two. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve got it all figured out. Or that trouble is done with me…
Maggie Lachlan has become a Techwitch in all senses of the world. Once she was just a super geek, taming wild programs with ease, now magic has become part of her repertoire. She never wanted to inherit her mother’s talents—for magic or trouble—but she has no choice but to come to grips with her powers and try to find her happy place.
But the past doesn’t want to rest easy, and demons aren’t the only problem in town. Her lover, Damon Riley, is launching a new high stakes virtual reality gaming contest and there are those who’d love to see him fail. Supporting him means facing her fears and diving back in the virtual worlds that first led a demon to her doorstep.
With gamers and witches converging on San Francisco for the launch, things are getting strange. And Maggie’s past isn’t done with her yet. So when darkness, power, and technology collide, magic might be the only thing that gets her through the night…
Wicked Nights
M.J. Scott
Book 3, Techwitch
Expected release date: 1 November
Chloe de Montesse thought her new life would be peaceful. But now she has an inconvenient marriage no one wants to let her end, a diplomatic scandal to navigate, and old troubles swirling around her. As well as trying to determine who might want her dead. And that’s just the beginning…
The Traitor's Game is the second book in the Daughter of Ravens series, a new romantic historical fantasy series from RITA® Award nominated author M.J. Scott, set in the same world as the Four Arts series. This series has friends to enemies to lovers, political intrigue, royal witches, inconvenient marriages, sexy times and more. Enjoy!
Non Spec-Fic
Secrets of River Cottage
Annie Seaton
Book 5, Bindarra Creek Mystery
(multiple author series)
Expected Release:14 November
Forced to move from the safe haven of her in-law’s farmhouse, single mum, Cathy Kendall is horrified she must return to the renovated River Cottage – a house that holds secrets and sad memories. When builders discover bones beneath the old house and the site is declared a crime scene, speculation and gossip engulf Bindarra Creek.
Landscaper, Grant Cummings has returned to his hometown to seek justice and it suits him to keep a close eye on Cathy. As the investigation progresses, attraction flares between them.
But when a series of suspicious events threaten Cathy’s life, should she share her suspicions with Grant?
Or is his mysterious past a warning that trusting him could prove deadly?
Welcome to the latest Bindarra Creek romances. You will love re-visiting this quaint country town and its quirky community as compelling characters search for love and happiness. Don't miss out on these seven mystery romances by best-selling Australian authors.
Outback Escape: The Sister
Annie Seaton
Book 3, The Augathella Girls
Expected Release: 26 June
When Sophie Cartwright comes home to Augathella, she doesn’t get the welcome she expected. Her brother, Braden, has got his father act together, the new staff at Kilcoy Station are keeping things running, and Sophie, well, she feels . . . unwanted. As for her ex, Kent Mason, he and his attitude could go take a flying leap.
Kent Mason is cautious when Sophie comes home to Kilcoy Station. Maybe she’d finally grown up enough to make better life choices. He didn’t have the time to worry about her anymore, and he wasn’t prepared to be hurt again.
So how was it that they seemed to end up in each other’s company more than ever?
Outback Wind: The Jillaroo
Annie Seaton
Book 4, The Augathella Girls
Expected Release: 31 August
Amelia Foley has always lived on the land. Sent to the best boarding schools, her parents hoped for a professional career in the city for their only daughter. Five strapping sons can run the family station according to her father. But Amelia hates city life and sets off to work as a jillaroo on Kilcoy Station.
Local shire building inspector, Ben Riley visits Kilcoy Station to advise Braden Cartwright on the new buildings he is planning as the station expands. After a run-in with Amelia’s sidekick—Ellis, the golden retriever—Ben insists Amelia comes to town to attend the local dog obedience classes.
As the jillaroo and the inspector spend more time together attraction grows quickly.
But Ben can’t wait to do his time in the bush and move to the city; Amelia wants to make a success of her career on the huge cattle spread.
Will his growing feelings for Amelia be enough for Ben to stay in the bush? And will she give her heart to a man who wants to leave all that she loves?
Outback Dawn: The Visitor
Annie Seaton
Book 5, The Augathella Girls
Expected Release: 15 September
When Laura Adnum, sister-in-law of Braden Cartwright, arrives unexpectedly in Augathella to visit the three sons of her deceased sister, Julia, it seems she is there to cause trouble; Laura is not impressed that Braden is planning to marry Callie Young.
Newly-appointed local doctor, Harry Higgins, is surprised when Laura insists on visiting him to check that the care of her three nephews is adequate. Harry has his own demons and has come to Augathella for peace and a quiet life.
Harry is suspicious of Laura’s motives. Why has she suddenly decided to visit three nephews she has never met? He tries to ignore his instant attraction to this enigmatic woman.
What secrets does each of them hold, and can they each find peace through love?
East of Alice
Annie Seaton
Expected Release: 15 November
A gem-fossicking discovery echoes through time and leads to a dangerous journey through the red dust outback. A gripping mystery from Australian author Annie Seaton.
Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs for a new job as a primary school teacher. It's been six years since her family broke apart following the disappearance of her twin brother. And the scars still run deep.
Hard on the heels of her homecoming, Saul Pearce, the man she once loved, is reposted from Parks and Wildlife in Darwin back to Alice. When an old car wreck is uncovered, washed down the river to Ruby Gap, Saul investigates only to find that the wreck belonged to Ethan, Gemma's twin - and there's a coded note for her in the glovebox.
Joining forces, they trek through the rugged outback, piecing together clues that not only bring them to the attention of a criminal organisation, but lead them to uncover an even older puzzle ... One now lost to the history books.
With targets on their backs, will they unearth the truth in time?
COVERS
The Protector
Anna Hackett
Book 9, Norcross Security
Expected Release: 28 June
For a ballerina in the line of fire, the only man who can keep her safe is a scarred, battle-hardened soldier.
One minute Saskia Hawke is dancing on stage, and the next she’s been abducted by a very wealthy, very powerful man with connections. Whisked away to a country estate, she’ll do anything to escape, and prays the former soldier she can’t stop thinking about will come to rescue her.
What she doesn’t know is that her disappearance will light a protective fury inside Camden Morgan, and he’ll tear down the country to find her.
After a final mission leaves former Ghost Ops soldier Camden Morgan injured, scarred, and riddled with guilt, he comes home to San Francisco. Surrounded by his family and working at Norcross Security, he still can’t settle. He definitely knows he’s too broken to offer anything to the beautiful, raven-haired Saskia.
When she goes missing, Cam knows something is very wrong. He’s the man with the right skill set to bring her home, even as he knows he must protect her from himself and push her away.
But saving Saskia is just the beginning, as her abductor isn’t letting go of his obsession. Cam must go all in, be the protector Saskia needs, and risk his scarred heart. With the help of his brothers and Norcross Security, not to mention Saskia’s dangerous brother and his team, they’ll put everything on the line. And for Saskia, she’ll fight with everything she has to survive…and to prove to Cam that he’s capable and worthy of love.
ON SALE
Pack Bound
Leisl Leighton
Book 1, Pack Bound
Currently FREE
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 blocked the Were from their wolves. With the Darkness destroyed, the Packs and 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. Yet, 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.
Can she trust this Were when he says his Pack will die without her? More importantly, can she trust her magic before the Darkness has its way?
If stories of wild magic, shifters, witches, fated mates and the struggle against evil are your nirvana, then the award nominated Pack Bound Series is for you. Join the Were and witches in their fight against the Darkness and bind yourself to a copy of Pack Bound today.
Whispers in the Night
D.K. Hood
Book 8, Detectives Kane and Alton
is currently 99c on Amazon US
She opens her eyes and struggles to make out the dark room around her. One thing she knows instantly – her wrists are bound and she’s tied to a chair, unable to move. As she screams for help, she hears footsteps outside. He’s coming…
Fifteen-year-old Lindy Rosen has been having nightmares for weeks, waking in a panic, screaming that there’s a man in her room watching her sleep. Her parents assumed it was her overactive imagination, but when one morning they find Lindy missing from her bedroom, they’re not so sure. Detective Jenna Alton is called in to investigate.
Within hours of the schoolgirl going missing, the kidnapper reaches out to Jenna with a video of Lindy bound and tied to a chair, crying to be set free. And a simple message – you’ve got 24 hours to find her or I kill her.
Jenna’s team work around the clock to try to find Lindy before the deadline, but time runs out, and Jenna receives a devastating message. The killer has made good on his promise. He’s playing a dangerous game. And no one knows what his next move will be.
But just two days later, one of Lindy’s school friends is taken in the middle of the night and the countdown begins again.
Shield
Claire Boston
Book 6, Blackridge
is currently 99c on Apple Books.
Buy
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?
Buy
OTHER
Nicole Hurley-Moore
Nicole will be giving a couple of talks in July on several well loved fairy tales. She'll be exploring how the originals were very much darker and terrifying than the sanitised versions we have today. The talk is called Fairy Tales - The Dark Path and it'll be at the Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas (Maldon Vic. 2/7/22) and the Woodend Library (14/7/22).
D.K. Hood
Kiss Her Goodnight reached the 56th spot on USA Today's Top 150 weekly best sellers list!
Annie Seaton
Annie is going on an author visit at the Whitsunday Regional Libraries in July.
~~~
Congratulations to our DarkSiders.
Thanks for joining us. Until next time, be safe and well.
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