2024 COVERS

Lawless In Leather
Winterfall Destiny
Mated to the sapphic orc
Fae's Fate
Broken: A Romantic Science Fiction Eco Adventure
Wolf's Prize
Knightqueen
Wicked Ways
Unbreak My Heart
Curiosity Killed the Vampire
From Across the Sea
Angel In Armani
Edge of Night
The Witch's Tangle
Three Vampires And A Baby
Banshee, Death and Disarray: Holly Harrow: A Point Muse Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Damaris: A Scifi Alien Romance
The Shattered Court
Moon Blessed
Falling for Mr. Fake It

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.

Monday, 23 December 2024

DarkSider News: December 2024 - Pre-Orders & Covers!

 



    

"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them."
- Neil Gaiman



PRE-ORDERS



TJ Nichols
Bullets and Blood
Book 1, Hunting Hearts

Expected Release: 28 April 2025


Vampire Nix Hadley wants nothing more than for everyone to forget he exists. He’s created a new life for himself far away from the bloody streets of the Melbourne feud that claimed the life of his family. Now a cellar door sales rep for a winery, he loves serving the tourists who visit, and he can always talk them into buying more than they planned with a little magic. This is the new start he needed, but he still sleeps badly and he’s wary of trusting anyone.

Lance Orlan has spent the last six months tracking down the male heir of the Hadley family. If he fails, he’ll never be blooded and turned into a full vampire. When Lance turns up at the winery where Nix works he doesn’t recognize the man he’s been hunting, all he sees is a cute hipster. Where is the cold-blooded killer?

The enemy has finally caught up with Nix. His life is about to come crashing down if he doesn’t do something drastic...

Pre-Order
(already available in author store)





TJ Nichols
The Thief's Familiar
Book 12, Familiar Mates

Expected release: 28 June 2025


Return to the world of the Familiar Mates mm fated mates paranormal romance series. Each book in the Familiar Mates series has a new couple with a HEA.

Fated mates
Opposites attract
A missing phoenix egg
The Thief's Familiar is a steamy gay opposites attract romance between a witch who uses his ability to talk to animals to help him steal magical items and a tiger shifter determined to catch him.

Pre-Order





TJ Nichols

Hold My Reins
Monster Match

Expected release: 31 March 2025


Can a human man capture a kelpie’s heart?

Assassin Lynck Whitehorse fled the monster realm and has built himself a good life in the human realm, teaching violin and serving coffees. He’s used to the stares and the comments about his ears and hooves, and the hook-ups that only want to experiment, but going home is impossible because of the chain around his neck. If he steps through the portal, the monster who captured him and took him away from his herd will once again control his life, forcing him to kill, and he won’t get the chance to escape again.

Since his mother’s death Gideon ‘Rox’ Roxburgh has been adrift. He quit his job as a mechanic and has been traveling, seeking a place to call home. After six months on the road, he arrives in Elder Ridge, one of the monster portal towns, to work in the auto repair shop. While in a monster town, he takes a chance and downloads the app, not expecting any of the monsters to be interested in him. Especially not the tall and impossibly pretty kelpie he matches with…

But the closer they become, the more secrets are revealed, and it’s only a matter of time before the past catches up with Lynck and Rox finds his world, and heart, ripped apart again.

Hold my Reins is a size difference, hurt/comfort MM monster romance between a kelpie assassin and a human afraid of being hurt. It’s part of the Monster Match series and contains its own Happily Ever After. Each book is a standalone, but why don’t you have fun with all our monstrous beasties?






TJ Nichols
Minotaurs and Other Magic
Prequel, Mytho Collapse

Expected release: 
14 January 2025 on author store;
2 weeks later, other retailers


Visit Tariko before the collapse. Come for the minotaur and stay for the magic.

When a hiking trip in the human world goes wrong, Nate Lee finds himself in another world, stealing to survive. His crimes land him at the hooves of Prince Rohan: minotaur, musician, and massive...

While his brother rules the city, Rohan de Calla concerns himself with smaller matters, like cute human thieves who don't belong there. Rohan pays off Nate’s debt, now Nate owes him.

And Nate soon realizes the size of his predicament…






 Keri Arthur
Horn of Winter
Book 5, Relic Hunter

Expected Release: 28 January 2025


Revenge is a dish best served cold…

When Bethany Aodhán, resident—and reluctant—relic hunter for Deva’s Fae Council, is assigned her next task, little does she realize just how many unwanted ghosts it will raise.

The missing relic—Borrhás’s Horn—enables the user to raise elements of winter against their enemies. It quickly becomes clear that the Horn is now in the hands of a powerful witch who has very specific targets in mind—everyone involved in the hunt for Agrona’s Claws. 

As the attacks intensify, and buildings—and people—are frozen and destroyed, Bethany and Mathi Dhār-Val, her Elven handler and friend, race to uncover who is behind the attacks and reclaim the Horn.

But the threads of treachery loom closer than either of them realize, weaving around the pixie who pursues her romantically and the dark elf king she wants but cannot have.

As the attacks grow ever more violent, it becomes clear that Bethany is now in their enemy’s crosshairs.

Can they find the Horn and its wielder in time to not only save Bethany, but an entire city?

Or will winter’s icy embrace take them all?

Pre-Order






Keri Arthur
Of Scale and Blood
Book 2, The Drakkon Kin Trilogy

Expected: 24 May 2025


The drakkons have joined the battle, but do they have the power to help win the war?

Princess Bryn Silva is a Strega witch, gifted with the ability to raise fire and mind speak to animals. It is a gift that helped her win the trust of Kaia—a drakkon queen in the prime of her life.

But the drakkons’ only weapons are tooth and claws, and they are useless against an enemy mounted on armored birds, and who possess weapons capable of eating through scale and stone with equal ease. After an aerie is attacked, the drakkons agree to a desperate alliance and the drakkon kin—a force of Strega witches mounted on drakkon back—is formed.

Despite initial success, Bryn quickly realizes that a handful of kin will never defeat the sheer number of gilded riders amassing off Arleeon’s shores.

The drakkons needed a weapon. They needed fire…

But the gilded riders were not the only danger closing in on Esan, the fortress protecting the eastern gateway into Arleeon. The Mareritt, a warrior race and an ancient enemy, also move on them, armed with weapons eerily similar to those the gilded riders use.

Weapons capable of destroying Esan’s mighty walls.

But the biggest threat of all could be the dangerous secrets being held by Bryn’s husband, Damon Velez, heir to the throne of Zephrine and a man she hadn’t wanted to marry but might well be falling in love with.

A man whose magic could give the drakkons fire, or utterly destroy them all.


Pre-Order








Mel Teshco
Zander
Book 5, Alien Fugitives

Expected release: 23 March 2025


Can two lost souls complete one another?

Damaris Trant has never been alone…until now. Not only is he stuck on planet Earth, his six Strazanian comrades—rares with special powers just like him—are scattered around the city of New Faxian like confetti to avoid an enemy that has already wiped out the rest of their species. Damaris doesn’t even know if his comrades are still alive since landing on Earth.
Despite his purple scale coloring making him a lower caste, his rare powers, which had elevated his standing on his planet Strazan, are now erratic at best. Add to that the memories of his deceased family, and he’s rendered even more powerless.
Then he meets Callie, and his already topsy-turvy life is turned upside down. She’s an addict who sees things differently. That she doesn’t find Damaris abnormal is beyond appealing to his peace of mind. If only she didn’t also see him as just another man without a conscience.

After Callie Trueberry lost her family to a house fire, she fell into a dysfunctional world of her own making. Chemicals and alcohol might decay her mind, but at least she’s no longer half-mad with grief. Then she stumbles into Damaris and wishes she was the woman she used to be, a woman who would have turned his head and perhaps even won his heart. He is everything she’s ever wanted in a man, their shared grief binding them closer still. But will he stand by her side as she cleans her body and her mind while enemies are hunting him down, or will he be lost to her forever?






and from new member, 
Rachel Armstrong
Island Wolf
Book 1, Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island

Expected release: 4 January 2025


“There is just one rule. Don’t. Eat. The koalas.”

The Alpha of the Magnetic Island Pack has neglected his duties and escaped into the bush to live as a wolf after the death of his mate. With rogue wolves on the mainland threatening to destroy them, the pack make a desperate attempt to defend their territory. They call a Warrior of the Moon Goddess for help.

Finn Cassidy has lived a nomadic life saving wolf packs in the hope of finding a home. Since escaping his ruthless father, it has been his mission to honor the Goddess and fight those who don’t—rogue wolves. But to restore the Alpha on Magnetic Island, Finn must face his darkest rivals yet. And a greater challenge—meeting his mate.

Finn won’t let distractions deter him from his mission, but he can’t ignore Fate. Ava Hart has been hurt by the rogues and though she remains ignorant of the paranormal world, the best way to protect her is to forge their mating bond. As they work together at the koala hospital, desire ignites and Finn gains her trust. But can Ava embrace his world and accept him as her mate? Will proving the pack can protect their mates from the rogues be enough to lure the Alpha out of the bush? Or does Fate have other plans this coming full moon?

Pre-Order







Non Spec-Fic



Annie Seaton
By the Billabong
Book 3, Daughters of the Darling

Expected Release: 30 April 2025



Erin O’Byrne returns to Ceann Mara, her family’s remote property on the Darling River, seeking peace after a painful marital breakup. Camping by the tranquil billabong, she hopes the solitude of the Australian bush will help her heal. While exploring the land, Erin discovers a long-forgotten memorial to a World War I soldier. Her sister, Cat, and father, Tom, who have been researching the family's history, are thrilled by the find and eager to uncover its secrets.

But Erin’s journey takes an unexpected turn when reclusive Miles McKenzie sets up camp beside her. Though initially guarded, she and Miles gradually develop a friendship that sparks a powerful attraction. Her family, however, worries that she’s moving too fast after her breakup, questioning whether she can truly trust Miles. As Erin struggles with her growing feelings and her family’s concerns, she must decide whether to follow her heart—or listen to the doubts that surround her?


Pre-Order




Annie Seaton
Coming Home
Book 1, Duckinwilla Days

Expected Release: 30 January 2025



In this heartfelt tale of family and community, nothing is as simple as it seems.

In the quaint little town of Duckinwilla Creek, the community gathers for a farewell function for Charlotte Johnson, who is set to embark on a teaching exchange to France. But as friends and family celebrate, the air is thick with whispered secrets. Old rivalries resurface, and the mingling of past and present sparks unexpected drama at the community hall.

Just when the evening seems to settle, Amelia, one of Charlotte’s sisters, overhears a shocking revelation about Julien, their enigmatic oldest brother, sending the night spiralling into chaos.
With loyalties tested and secrets exposed, Charlotte faces a choice: will she follow her dreams to France or stay behind to untangle the mess that has suddenly engulfed her family?


Pre-Order






Annie Seaton
Secrets and Surprises
Book 2, Duckinwilla Days

Expected Release: 27 February 2025


Julien Johnson never planned to return to Duckinwilla Creek.

With a promising city career, the last thing he wanted was to step back into small-town life. But when his parents go overseas, leaving him in charge of the family store, he reluctantly agrees.
Soon, whispers from an old friend lead him to discover a surprise from his teenage years—if the gossip is true, it could change everything. As he uncovers the truth, Julien is forced to confront his past, question his dreams, and face the town he thought he'd left behind.

Will Julien have the courage to confront the past, and will his actions reshape his future in a way he never expected?

Pre-Order






Annie Seaton
Shadows of the Shore
Book 2, Bec Whitfield Mystery

Expected Release: 20 June 2025


When four backpackers vanish on Dunk Island in the wet tropics of North Queensland, Detective Bec Whitfield is thrust into a chilling search mission. The island’s natural beauty masks a dark reality, and as the days pass, the hunt grows desperate. Two bodies are discovered, but the others remain missing, and suspicions of foul play rise.

As Bec digs deeper, she uncovers a disturbing connection—each of the missing women had a relationship with a well-known resident of the small town. With the community in turmoil, the man becomes the target of relentless social media persecution; his reputation is dragged through the mud as rumours swirl about his involvement in the disappearances.

The investigation grows increasingly complicated as Bec uncovers conflicting stories, personal motives, and dangerous secrets that threaten to tear apart the tight-knit coastal community. As the pressure mounts, Bec must navigate public outcry, a volatile investigation, and her own doubts to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again, leaving little time to focus on her growing relationship with Detective Davenport.

In Shadows on the Shore, a seemingly peaceful island paradise becomes the setting for a deadly game of secrets, vengeance, and the fragile line between truth and rumour.

Will Bec uncover the real killer before the community’s relentless pursuit of justice leads to more bloodshed?





TJ Nichols
Key Change
Book 1, Good With His Hands

Expected Release: 28 December


Sometimes all it takes is a key change to turn a disaster into a masterpiece…and a stranger into a happily ever after…

Anthony Davidson has made plenty of mistakes in his life. His years in prison were proof of that. Now that he’s free, though, he’s ready to do whatever it takes to regain the status and wealth he lost. He’s ready for anything his second chance can throw at him. Anything except the gorgeous musician who waltzed into his life and changed everything…

Wealth, talent, fame…Cillian Fraser has it all. As a rock star pianist and star of the Sydney social scene, he enjoys a lifestyle few people could fathom. But it came at a price…and with secrets that could destroy him. He can’t afford any missteps. So, he probably should’ve stayed away from the sexy ex-con who was more beautiful than any music he’d ever played. But he couldn’t…

When a common enemy threatens to destroy them, will Anthony and Cillian work together to protect the bonds they’ve only just begun to form? Or is their relationship destined to end on a sour note?

Key Change, book 1 in the Good With His Hands series, is an angsty, emotional, opposites attract, MM contemporary romance. Download today to enjoy the beautiful music Anthony and Cillian will make together.








Mel Teshco
Reformed
Book 5, Gangsters at War

Expected Release: 15 January 2025


One mafia madman. One plain-Jane Introvert.

Alessandro
I’m not known for my long-term relationships, in fact, some might say I have commitment issues. Not that I care. I do what I want, when I want. I live my life by my own rules. Then I see sweet, homey little Jane. She reminds me of a buttercup, so fresh and innocent. So different from the women I normally go for.
Perhaps that is why I have to have her. Not that she’ll ever reform my bad boy ways.

Jane
That’s my real name. I’m a true wallflower, invisible to people. Then my biggest male fantasy-come-to-life steps into my vintage shop and I wish more than ever I was sexy and confident. When he asks me out on a date, I’m so dumfounded I can’t say no. Not that I ever expected one date to lead to another. What I should have expected is my growing feelings for him…until I find out he’s a mobster. I have to leave, but he’s not about to let me go.
He wants the plain Jane, but I don’t belong in his world. Fine. He can have me, once I’ve transformed myself.
Watch out world…watch out Alessandro..






Mel Teshco
Unresolved
Book 6, Gangsters at War

Expected Release: 30 April 2025


I was his first love. And now he's found me.

Evander
I never got over losing Gemma. I'm still putting together the shattered pieces of my heart after she walked away from me, as though I meant nothing to her, as though I'd never even existed. It didn't stop me from searching for her, and now I've finally found her I don't intend to ever let her go again. She is mine. A shame a war breaking out between rival mafia families threatens to take her away from me yet again.

Gemma
He doesn't try to pretend I didn't hurt him when I left without even saying goodbye. Perhaps that is why he doesn't care if he hurts me in return by taking away my freedom. He's keeping me hostage in his cabin by a lake in what looks like the middle of nowhere. But if it almost killed me being with him the first time, how can I survive a second time?







Mel Teshco
Falcon
Book 2, Sons of the Sheikh

Expected Release: 31 July 2025


His strike is as sharp as his intellect.

Sheikh Zayn Al-Hadid might love his province, but he doesn’t much care about the politics and legislations in running it. He’d much prefer hanging out with his falcons—the very same bird that has become his nickname—than sitting in the great hall of his palace solving his people’s every dispute.
Using cameras mounted on his falcons, the last thing he expects is for a western woman to capture his attention. After observing her for days, he realizes he must have her with or without her consent.

After her cheating boyfriend breaks her heart, Dolly Clark leaves her homeland of Australia and heads to the Middle East. She wants to go someplace faraway, somewhere with a different culture, a different perspective and far different people. What she doesn’t expect is to be kidnapped by a stalker with his seeing-eye falcon. Even less expected is her attraction toward him or her growing feelings.
But no matter how tempted she is by him, surely nothing and no one can rebuild her trust in men?




Cathleen Ross
The Sheikh's Forced Bride
Book 3, Billionaire & Sheikhs

Expected Release: 1 January 2025


When Crown Prince Zahir Katoom of the Royal House of Bahari is forced to marry the enemy sultan's daughter, Crown Princess Sara, he is determined to hate her. After all, her father, the Sultan of Rehani murdered his first wife, Margaret. But he doesn't expect to find Sara beautiful, sweet-natured and oh so sexy. Can he resist the temptation of the woman who adores him.

Crown Princess Sara will do anything to escape her oppressive life in Rehani, even marry the hostile Crown Prince Zahir. Her very survival in an enemy land means she'll have to find a way to seduce her husband and have a son, even if he hates her.

Pity he's devastatingly attractive.


The above four covers are by Eleni Konstantine's alter ego, HelzKat Designs.




COVERS


Annie Seaton
Home to the Outback 
(formerly Prickle Creek series) have new covers & will be re-released.

 

 

When four globe-trotting cousins are summoned back to the family property by their determined grandmother, they each expect a temporary stopover. Art director Lucy, journalist Liam, fashion model Jemima, and photographer Sebastian have built lives far from the outback town of Prickle Creek. But as they reconnect with the land and each other, they discover that sometimes, the unexpected twists of life and love can lead to the places—and people—they were meant to find all along.

A heartwarming series about family, second chances, and the enduring pull of home.





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Congratulations to our DarkSiders! 

Happy Reading everyone. Be safe & well. 


Next on the DarkSider News: Events!




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