Welcome to another edition of our DarkSider News
with Award Nominations, Events, New Releases, Pre-Order details,
Covers, Free Reads, and Other News!
RWA RUBY AWARD NOMINATIONS
The following DarkSiders have been nominated in the Romance Writers of Australia Ruby Awards. The winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner at the conference in August:
Anna Hackett
Hades
in Romantic Suspense category
Emperor
in Speculative Fiction category
Annie Seaton
Larapinta
in Contemporary Long category
Katrina Coll
Twice Baked
in Contemporary Long category
Dakota Harrison
Hometown Cowboy
in Contemporary Short category
EVENTS
Fiction & Friction
Adelaide Convention Centre
30 September 2023
will feature DarkSiders:
Helen Walton
Keri Arthur
Khloe Wren
Lilliana Rose
Maggie Rose
A Romantic Rendezvous
ARRA Book Signing @RWAus conference
12 August
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled.
Knockout Book Bash
Louisville, Kentucky: USA
29 June 2024
will feature DarkSider:
Anna Hackett
NEW MEMBER
Angelica Grymm
Werewolves? Fae? Monsters? Aliens???
We have them all, with a guaranteed Happy Ever After, or a Happy For Now.
Some books will be split in two parts, some with a HEA in each, some with the HEA at the end. Some will be long novellas, some full door-stop sized books.
Stick around for the night of your life with the monster of your dreams.
Check our the Angelica Grymm page on the DarkSide DownUnder site.
NEW RELEASES
Release
Angelica Grymm
Book 1, Black River Shifters
Released: 1 July
One starving tiger shifter.
One jilted woman.
One seriously messed up date night...
Lori Richard's cheating scumbag of a boyfriend might be the darling of the social pages, but he's stood her up one time too many. This time, leaving her to face couples' night at the magical Circus Mirage alone. Things have to change.
She just didn't think that change would involve being served as the main course to a half-starved tiger.
Tiger shifter Jared Jones is desperate for a life away from the circus, a brutal place scarred by control and abuse. But his brother and the ringmaster have other ideas. When delicious smelling Lori is thrust into his cell it takes all his willpower not to eat her, but her moxie and calmness give him the chance to achieve his greatest desire - freedom.
Lori and Jared escape, but the ringmaster can't be without his main attraction. If he can't find his missing tiger shifter, maybe he can create a new one...
And Lori is the perfect candidate.
Book 1 in the Black River Shifters series features fated mates, no cliff hangers and a guaranteed happy ending.
Spill
Melanie Pickering
Limited Foil Print Edition now available
(for free ebook, see 'free reads' below)
If you'd always felt invisible, how far would you go to be seen?
But it’s a path where she is finally seen. Where she no longer feels alone.
Unable to ignore Amy’s descent into self-destruction, former boy-next-door Flynn Powell embarks on a mission to save the girl he’s fallen for. But walking that path opens old wounds, forcing him to question whether he’s the hero she really needs.
While Flynn battles his troubled past, Amy is thrust deeper into a seductive world of secrets and lies. In the fight to save their love, more than blood is going to be spilled, and it might just cost Amy her life.
If you like captivating mystery, characters with real issues and a tender romance that will melt your heart, you’ll love Amy and Flynn’s story.
Content Advisory: This book contains themes and/or mentions of self-injury, domestic abuse, death and grief, suicide, child homelessness.
Non spec-fic
Shuffle
Luci Hart
Book 2, Ruby Riot
Released: 25 June
My rockstars are history academics. I've no interest in the pierced, tattooed jackass who embarrassed me at a party a couple of weeks ago with his rockstar antics.
And there's no way in hell I'll allow Ruby Riot bassist Will Campbell into my study group.
Will returns to college for his final year and fails badly at everything apart from partying. He needs major help and, in desperation, attempts to join a not-very-rockstar study group. But there's a problem: straight-laced Fleur Roberts leads the group, and she's vowed never to speak to him again.
Faced with losing the easiest way to fix his academic problems, Will finds the perfect solution: pretend he's his identical twin, Nate. They've successfully swapped identities before, so nothing can go wrong if Will pretends to be Nate again for a few weeks. Surely.
But when sparks of a different kind fly between Will and Fleur, what happens when she discovers Will's deceit and realises she's in love with the wrong twin?
Shuffle is the second standalone book in the Ruby Riot rock romance series. This is a steamy, slow-burn love story where rock star twins switch places and opposites attract. There's no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Reprise
Luci Hart
Book 3, Ruby Riot
Released: 25 June
One night with Nate Campbell almost ruined my career, and I never wanted to see the Ruby Riot drummer again.
Two years later, not only do I see him, but we're snowed-in together.
Nate may be hot as hell, and that night unforgettable, but he's bad news.
And although we can't stand each other's company, however hard I try to keep away, our red-hot feelings for each other are melting my resolve.
For Nate, girls are a dispensable distraction, and the rock star life suits his needs. Nobody will expect him to hand over his heart if he pretends he doesn't have one.
Falling for Nate changed Riley Sawyer's life. The career-minded PR girl worked with the band two years ago on a European tour. One mistake with Nate ruined her reputation, and Riley left, vowing never to go anywhere near music tours – or Nate – again.
Now Riley is forced back into the Ruby Riot world, where a stolen car, a snowstorm, and Nate's bloody-mindedness leave the pair stranded in an isolated pub on the Yorkshire Moors. Forced to share time and a bed, Nate and Riley cross their thin line between love and hate and discover a connection they don't want to leave behind when the snow retreats.
Reprise is the third standalone book in the Ruby Riot rock romance series. This book is a steamy, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity love story with a strong heroine and an alphahole hero. HEA guaranteed.
The three books in the series can be read as standalones, but this book is best read after Cadence (book one)
Please note: the book is written in British English and may contain unfamiliar spelling and idioms.
PRE-ORDERS
Redeem
Angelica Grymm
Book 2, Black River Shifters
Expected Release: 22 July
Tiger shifter, Taj Jones, is ready to die to atone for his past sins. Accidentally running into his fated mate might just thwart his plans..
Angelique Blane is sick of running. Sick of living in constant fear that her ex-partner will find her and her two kids. They are the only good thing in her life and she'd do anything to protect them.
Taj Jones runs from the circus family he traumatised with one aim - to die and take with him any chance of ever hurting them again. His tiger can't be trusted so neither can he. Then he walks into Angelique's diner and her smile tilts his world. She's lovely. She's beautiful. She's perfect.
She's not for him.
When Angelique's ex smashes back into her life and threatens all she holds dear, Taj steps in to help.
But to keep them safe Taj may have to do the one thing he has vowed not to, the one thing that could put them in even more danger - change into his tiger.
Book 2 in the Black River Shifter series features fated mates, no cliff hangers and a guaranteed happy ending.
Renew
Angelica Grymm
Book 3, Black River Shifters
Expected Release: 12 August
Zac Jones is broken.
He'll never find the love his brothers have.
Until one freezing night she shows up, desperate ...
Jenni Santos is the first to admit her life has been easy - the golden child of the grandmother who raised her, top of her college class, great internship - life is full of promise. Until she overhears her grandmother selling her off to a total stranger as breeding stock.
Cheetah shifter Zac Jones is broken. With his irreparably damaged shoulder, he'll never be strong enough to protect a mate. He's resigned to having a lonely life living and working at Circus Mirage. Then Jenni buys a ticket and makes him wish for something more.
When Zac discovers stowaway Jenni, half-frozen, hiding onboard one of the circus barges, he promises to help her, even if it means betraying his family
She is his mate, he's sure of it.
But when the barges' engines are tampered with, trapping them in an isolated part of Black River, all evidence points to Jenni. Zac will have to break his promise, even if it means shattering his heart.
Book 3 in the Black River Shifters series features fated mates, no cliff hangers and a guaranteed happy ending.
Shield of Fire
Keri Arthur
Book 4, Relic Hunters
Expected Release: 19 March 2024
A new relic, a new threat...
This book is currently available for pre-order on Apple, Amazon, and Nook. Kobo & Google Play
will be added once the proofreading has been finished.
Killer's Kiss
Keri Arthur
Book 11, Lizzie Grace
Expected Release: 31 October
An ancient vampire has returned to Castle Rock, and with her comes an even older evil intent on revenge…
Links for Kobo and Google play will appear once the book has been completed and fully edited.
Dark Moon Secrets
Lilliana Rose
Book 1, Witch Moon
Expected Release: 16 November
Chosen for a life she doesn’t want, Tanjie is been thrown into a magical world she never knew existed. She’s got powers that need to be controlled before she hurts someone.
Managing a store which is a cover for those who aren’t human. She’s the hope for the future.
Tanjie must learn quickly otherwise her mistakes will cost her life.
Claiming the Fae Crown
Lilliana Rose
Monster Brides
Multi author series
Expected Release: 15 November
Elfyda must end a war against the fae enemy.
Elfyda isn’t about to stay in the castle and be betrothed to a fae male. Escaping during her brother’s coronation, she goes to the human realm ready for adventure. She finds so much more, especially with Ryker. Elfyda has the freedom she always wanted, and a life she can live as her own.
When fae guards find her, to take her home, she can’t refuse them. War has broken out, the Formorians have come to destroy the fae. As the last remaining princess of the royal bloodline which is strong in the fae magic, she is their only hope.
Problem is, she’s married to Ryker, and as human he will never be accepted. If Ryker comes back with her he could be killed.
Can Elfyda find a way for Ryker to be accepted and claim the fae crown?
Rogue Wolf
Lilliana Rose
Book 3, Monster Brides
Expected Release: 11 August
Can human Tamaska become a wolf shifter?
If Tamaska wants to survive being hunted by vampires she must transformed into a wolf shifter.
But will Kodiak allow her to become like him?
Non Spec-Fic
A Summer in Tuscany
Annie Seaton
Expected Release: 16 August
Gia Carelli is a talented artist who works in the family restaurant in Tuscany and dreams of a life where her strict parents allow her to move to Florence to pursue the art she lives and breathes. The expectation that she will marry a local boy and raise a horde of bambini, as the rest of her siblings have done, is one she fights to no avail.
When a gorgeous, wealthy stranger visits their village, Gia wonders if maybe her stars are about to change.
Nic Baldini has returned to his villa for a much-needed summer break away from the responsibilities of his dominating family. The joy and sadness of Gia’s paintings touch his soul; her raw talent and passion eclipse the art he has always dabbled in.
In order to gain Gia’s trust, Nic lies about his identity so he can assist her to organise an exhibition. As their patron-protegée relationship is quickly overtaken by desire, Nic realizes that one tiny lie could cost him the woman he's falling for. Will their intense attraction to each other allow their love to grow, or will the lies and deceit prevent a happy ever after?
Love is in the Air:
a limited edition second chance
romance collection
contains story by
Helen Walton
Expected Release: 8 August
Sometimes we don't get it right the first time around. That's why life gives us second chances.
This limited edition romance collection features 20+ stories of hope, happy ever afters, and the second chances it took to get there.
In this collection you will find stories of second chances at love and life as our heroes and heroines embark on life changing journeys, whether changing careers or moving half way across the globe.
What second chance have you been longing for? These stories just might inspire you to go out there and grab it.
About the collection:
All NET Author proceeds are being pledged to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the highest rated breast cancer organization in the United States and largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide.
The organizer of this collection, Mandy Melanson of Amaryllis Media, LLC, watched her aunt go through diagnosis, treatment, remission, then it returned as Stage 4. It was in that moment she watched her aunt refuse additional treatment because it made her so sick she felt the alternative was a better choice for her and she resigned herself to her diagnosis.
It is our collective hope no one will ever have to feel that way again. That is why she's brought together these 20+ romance authors, who build their careers on hope and happy ever afters, to write this collection of second chances.
Our mission, as the participating authors in this collection, is to use our voices to help BCRF in their mission to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research.
Scroll up now and claim your copy of this collection to help us make a difference in other people's lives!
COVERS
Knighthunter
Anna Hackett
Book 2, Oronis Knights
Expected Release: 27 July
To save his soul, he’ll have to fix his one regret—the love that got away.
The summer between the end of school and the start of what came next was full of sun, surf, and sex. For Will McLeod, that meant Tom, his first male lover. He knew the romance had an expiration date and would end when Tom joined the Army, but that didn’t stop Will from falling in love.
Tired of being looked down upon for being poor, Will became a lawyer—but not just any lawyer. He litigates for the gods as they gamble with the lives of those desperate enough to make deals. His job is to make sure they don’t slip free. He has more money than he knows what to do with, but he’s fast running out of soul.
Twenty-five years haven’t dimmed the candle Will holds for Tom, and when they meet again, he has a chance to put things right. Back then, Tom wasn’t ready to fight for them. Now the decorated soldier is willing to get his hands dirty, but will he be a match for the forces trying to keep them apart?
Eon Warriors series
Anna Hackett
now all have new covers!
FREE READS
Ghosted
Melanie Pickering
FREE for July via Smashwords
Holly’s having the worst Christmas of her life.
She’s single. Her best friend is holidaying out of town, and her mum is working instead of spending time with the family. Plus, Holly still hasn’t found her the perfect gift yet.
The local Christmas markets are her last hope, but her luck goes from bad to worse after she runs into her bestie, her ex, and the guy she’s newly crushing on.
But Christmas has plans for Holly.
Visited by three Spirits, will her unexpected encounter with a cute baker and his dog help her recover her Christmas spirit, or will Holly remain a Scrooge forever?
For fans of Groundhog Day and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, this YA holiday novella is a little spooky and a lot of sweet.
(use coupon code provided on site)
Spill
Melanie Pickering
FREE for July via Smashwords
If you'd always felt invisible, how far would you go to be seen?
When seventeen-year-old Amy Shipley crosses the threshold of the abandoned house on Flinders Lane, she unwittingly unleashes the curse of a nineteenth-century bloodletter. Haunted by a charming ghost with a dark obsession, she is pushed down a path that leads to blood and pain.
But it’s a path where she is finally seen. Where she no longer feels alone.
Unable to ignore Amy’s descent into self-destruction, former boy-next-door Flynn Powell embarks on a mission to save the girl he’s fallen for. But walking that path opens old wounds, forcing him to question whether he’s the hero she really needs.
While Flynn battles his troubled past, Amy is thrust deeper into a seductive world of secrets and lies. In the fight to save their love, more than blood is going to be spilled, and it might just cost Amy her life.
If you like captivating mystery, characters with real issues and a tender romance that will melt your heart, you’ll love Amy and Flynn’s story.
Content Advisory: This book contains themes and/or mentions of self-injury, domestic abuse, death and grief, suicide, child homelessness.
(use coupon code provided on site)
Alpha Mate anthology
contains story by
Helen Walton
25% off on Smashwords in July!
Paranormal romance lovers will devour these thirteen novellas featuring alpha male shifters and the women they're determined to claim. Our handpicked stories are full of heat, passion, and romances to remember. Fourteen authors, including some of your favorite Evernight bestsellers, are proud to present Alpha Male.
(use coupon code provided on site)
Reluctant Bride anthology
contains story His Love Contract by
Helen Walton
25% off on Smashwords in July!
He's older, wiser, and always gets what he wants. The wedding is happening... whether the bride likes it or not.
Twelve stories featuring young reluctant brides and the older men determined to claim them. These forced marriages may start out frigid, but love conquers all with a passion that is off the charts, scorching hot sex, and sigh-worthy happy ever afters.
His Love Contract
All’s fair in love and revenge. A waitress with saucy revenge in mind. A too good looking for his own good regular customer. A bad day that can't get any worse. Or can it? Caught red-handed, he demands retribution. With a contract of marriage.
(use coupon code provided on site)
Their Love Deal
Helen Walton
Book 1, Billionaire's Reluctant Brides
25% off on Smashwords in July!
What started as a way to keep her mom from nagging her about marriage ended in more…
Recent college graduate Tiffany Herringer never expected to fall in love with her two boyfriends. After three years of loving Dieter Brant and Dex Munroe, she can’t let go of either of them. Everyone seems content with their arrangement, until the graduation party when Tiff discovers they know each other—and they’re friends—friends who talk about her and the things she likes.
When they suggest merging their relationships, Tiff doesn’t think she can be with two men at once. Sure, she dates them both, but together? If she agrees, she’ll never have to choose between Dieter and Dex, but then she’ll never get married. Not that she wants to get married … or does she?
(use coupon code provided on site)
His Pleasure Contract
Helen Walton
Book 2, Billionaire's Reluctant Brides
25% off on Smashwords in July!
Prue’s husband Will has ticked off most of her fantasies, all except one. When he draws up a contract to fulfill her fantasy of a threesome, she’s unsure what to do.
Billionaire William Burberry, the fourth, has everything he ever wanted in his wife Prue. She may be a mouthy ex-waitress with a terrible upbringing, but she fits him perfectly in bed and out. But he sees the way she looks at her best friend with her two boyfriends.
Will would do anything for her, even if it means sharing her with another man for a night. One night meant to fulfill Prue’s fantasy for her birthday present.
Can she ignore her worries and go for her fantasy?
(use coupon code provided on site)
Love Negotiations
Helen Walton
Book 3, Billionaire's Reluctant Brides
25% off on Smashwords in July!
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Negotiation or blackmail? Is there a difference?
Kennedy Fuller has a secret. She enjoys watching people in intimate acts—especially the exhibitionist couple for whom she nannies. What’s a woman with three years of celibacy meant to do?
Billionaire lawyer Marco Lawrence has known Kennedy for years. He never suspected she hid a sensual woman beneath her youthful ponytail until the night he found her eavesdropping on his friends in the throes of passion. Now he can’t get her out of his mind, but he can’t date her. Although he needs a wife before they’ll make him a partner in the law firm, he now has the means to negotiate with Kennedy. Marry him or he’ll tell his friends her little secret.
Kennedy can’t lose the people she thinks of as family. Negotiate she will, even if marrying him could risk both their hearts.
(use coupon code provided on site)
Her Love Submission
Helen Walton
Book 4 , Billionaire's Reluctant Brides
25% off on Smashwords in July!
The path to love is in the pleasure and pain.
Zara Fuller had her life mapped out until one passionate night at her sister’s wedding with the best man leaves her pregnant, unemployed, and moving to a new state. She never thought she’d see Callan again.
Billionaire Callan McBride has only ever wanted a family. Money and possessions don’t satisfy his needs. And he has intense needs in the bedroom. He likes to dominate and have the woman submit to him. His one night with Zara will never be enough.
When he learns she’s pregnant with his child, he’ll do anything to keep her in his life. Even convince her to marry him. Zara’s submission might be what he wants, but her love could be the very thing to break through the secrets of his past.
Or it might tear them apart.
(use coupon code provided on site)
OTHER
Khloe Wren
Dakota Harrison
Bernadette Rowley
Anna Hackett
The Powerbroker (Book 6, Norcross Security) is now in German.
Annie Seaton
Helen Walton
Keri Arthur
~~~
Congratulations to our DarkSiders.
Thanks for joining us. Until next time, be safe and well.
