Good News Day

Welcome to this week's good news....
coming to you this week by Cheryse Durrant

ARRA AWARD WINNERS

Readers, authors, editors, book bloggers descended on Sydney this weekend gone for the 6th Annual Australian Romance Readers Awards. The dinner was a Cello's Restaurant in Sydney's CBD and the ballroom was packed! During the delicious three-course meal, keynote speaker, Helene Young and her cast of author-actors, entertained the crowd with a romantic suspense of murder, mayhem and men in handcuffs until the real culprit was found.

DarkSiders were well represented among the lists of finalists, including Nicola E.Sheridan, Christina Phillips, MJ Scott, Erica Hayes, CT Green, Shona Husk, Sandra Harris, Rebeka Turner, Paula Roe, Cheryse Durrant, Kylie Scott, Bec McMaster, Dakota Harrison and Kylie Griffin. Nicola Pitt (aka Imogene Nix) was also a guest. Ms Nix not only sponsored the Favourite Romantic Suspense Award but also presented an award (on behalf of sponsor Steam eReads) for the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic category.

As winners were announced this year, the lucky name seemed to be Kylie!

The Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance 2013 was awarded to Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin (pictured on the night with Dakota Harrison, below). This year, the award was sponsored by Steam eReads and presented by Nicola Pitt. Alliance Forged (#2 Light Blade series) won this award last year, so this is a back-to-back win for Kylie. Congratulations!

Favourite Erotic Romance 2013 went to Skin, written by Kylie Scott (pictured below). This award was sponsored by eXtasy Books and presented by Khul Waters (on behalf of eXtasy). Kylie's award was accepted by Joel Naoum from Momentum Books.

Kylie Scott also won Favourite Australian Romance Author 2013. This award was presented by Tony Nash on behalf of the sponsor Booktopia, and was accepted by Haylee Nash on behalf of Kylie.

Darksiders wish to thank the Australian Romance Readers Association for their hard work and dedication in running these annual awards.

ABOVE: Darksiders MJ Scott and Bec McMaster enjoy a night out for the ARR Awards.

RELEASE DAY

Mel Teshco's Nightmix series book 3, Seducing the Huntress, releases with Ellora's Cave tomorrow.

Here's the blurb:

She wants to kill him. He wants to possess her body and give her ultimate pleasure.

Isabella suffered an unimaginable loss at the teeth and claws of a vicious nightmix. She grew up wanting nothing more than to hunt and kill every last shape shifting black panther in the kingdom.

What she doesn’t expect is to go from hunter to hunted. Never expects to be captured by the nightmix monster, Reuben, and taken to his cabin, where he plays her body like a finely tuned instrument. Their erotic connection is explosive, but Reuben is the enemy.

Or is he..?

To pre-order, visit Amazon
Buy Links: Jasmine Jade (Ellora's Cave Site) Amazon B&N
Contact the Author: Website   Blog   Facebook  Twitter: @melteshco

Teshco recently received some top reviews for her earlier novels in the Nightmix series. Book 1, Lusting the Enemy, received five stars, while Book 2, Abducting the Princess, received 4.5 stars.

REVIEWS

Khloe Wren has received great reviews for two of her books.

Kris on Amazon gave Jaguar Secrets a five-star rating, saying she couldn't put it down. "I would love to read more of Cammi and the boys... and speaking of the boys. Hot damn. Smooth talking, sizzling sexy jaguar shifters make this book perfect."   Full review here.

Smile Somebody Loves You upgraded their rating of Cinderella's Guardian (Khloe Wren) when they fell for the novel's hero. "Conner is a sexy fireman and a leopard shifter. Is a hotter pairing possible? His desire to protect his love, as well as his willingness to show emotions were a major factor in his likability." Full review here.

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

After today Good News Day will be on hiatus

until January 7th, 2014.

GIVEAWAYS & FREE READS

S.E.Gilchrist is running a "Happy 1st Publication Anniversary" giveaway. More details on prizes here.
Contest closes December 23rd, 2013 and winners will be announced on her blog December 24th, 2013.









Kylie Griffin has A New Beginning - a free read, sci-fi romance short story - posted on her blog.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Happy reading!

WELCOME

A big shout out and welcome to three new members to our DSDU blog/website:

D.J. Michaels
Daniel de Lorne
Claire Boston

SALES

Christina Phillips has signed a contract with Entangled Publishing for her archangel romance, Destiny Rising. The book will be published through their Edge imprint. Congratulations!

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Storm of Fire is S.E.Gilchrist's erotic novella set in the same post-apocalyptic world as Paying the Forfeit, where two tribes must join together to survive a common foe – the Half-dead.

Ordered to protect a Freeber male, Lycanean Wren, is not impressed with her first sight of the gentle scholar. He looks as if he’d never held a weapon in his life.
Besides she has made a vow to never join with another. For how can she, when her warrior mate, Larid, may still be alive?
Trapped together in a Half-dead barrow, Wren and the Freeber, Tobias, discover more than the unruly lust that storms to life between them.
Their enemy has invented a form of Greek fire and the cache must be destroyed before their tribes are wiped out.
But a partially transformed Half-dead stands in their way…Larid.
You can find out more about the novella here.


Mark your calendars for September 2014. Forged By Desire is Bec McMaster's next release in her London Steampunk series.

Captain Garret Reed of the Nighthawk guard has a deadly mission: capture a steel-jawed monster preying on women. He hates to put his partner, Perry, in jeopardy, but she’s the best bait he has. Little does he realize, he’s about to be caught in his own trap.
Perry has been half in love with Garrett for years, but this is not exactly the best time to start a relationship—especially when their investigation leads them directly into the clutches of the madman she thought she’d escaped...


Claire Boston's contemporary romance, What Goes on Tour, will be released with Momentum on 11th February, 2014.

What goes on tour, stays on tour … or does it?
Few people know that socially awkward Adrian Hart is actually rock God, Kent Downer, and that's the way Adrian likes it. His privacy is essential, especially now that he has guardianship of his orphaned, ten-year-old niece, Kate. But when the nanny quits in the middle of his Australian tour Adrian finds himself in a bind.
Until Libby Myles walks into his life.
Libby has only ever wanted to become a full-time author and prove to her parents that she can make it on her own. On the surface, the temporary job as the nanny for Kent Downer's niece looks perfect—the pay is fabulous, the hours are short and Kate is a big fan—it's the rock star that's the issue.
Arrogant and way too attractive for anyone's good, Kent Downer has enough swagger to power a small city. But when he's out of costume he's different—shy and uncertain. For Libby it's a far harder combination to resist. She needs to find a balance between work, writing and ignoring her attraction to the rock star, because if she falls for him, it could mean the end of her dream.
But when a horrible scandal is unleashed—putting young Kate in danger—there's more heat between Libby and Adrian than just sexual attraction. Libby must figure out if Adrian ever cared for her, or if it was all just part of the show…

Jaguar Secrets (menage M/F/M) by Khloe Wren was released December 13th, 2013 with Evernight Publishing.

Who would have thought saving a stray cat could change her whole life? Yet that is exactly what happens when Cammi saves a black kitten from under a jetty.
Jaguar shapeshifter Luca is out looking for his ratbag little brother, Rogue, who has taken off again. He finds Cammi rescuing him and instantly recognizes she is his mate. She passes out when Rogue flashes form so Luca takes her home, to discover his best friend, Nate, is also Cammi’s destined mate.
When Cammi’s self-appointed big brother learns the shifters are after her heart, he takes matters into his own hands and attempts to convince her they are not for her. Who will Cammi believe? Her two new lovers or a friend who is the closest thing to family she has ever known.
You can view the trailer here.



S.E.Gilchrist's next sci-fi romance, Star Pirate's Justice, is due out 1st Feb, 2014 with Escape Publishing.

REVIEWS

Christina Phillips' Her Savage Scot received a 5 star review from Pure Jonel.

"Phillips is off and running with this daring, romantic & erotic tale... Myth and reality combine in this unforgettable tale to create a captivating whole. Not only does Phillips tell a lovely story, but she also doesn’t hesitate to throw more than a few kinks into this story. More than once she had me completely shocked with the turn that the story took, however it always fit... There was a bit of a comedy of errors going on for a while that turned into a sweet, perfect ending. She also stays completely in the realm of history while telling a love story that transcends time."

Full review here.

Her Savage Scot also received a 4 star review from My Secret Romance.

"I was drawn into the intrigue of the Scots versus the Picts. This was a new time period for me… I will definitely be reading more on this series and from this author!”

Full review here.

OTHER

For everyone who celebrates Christmas - have a safe and relaxing holiday. Stay safe if you're travelling anywhere.

Picture from rememberingletters.wordpress.com

From all of us here at the Dark Side DownUnder - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and see you in 2014!

Picture sourced from 2014-newyear.blogspot.com

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

GIVEAWAYS

Keri Arthur has a giveaway of Darkness Splintered  up for grabs here. The giveaway runs until November 30th, 2013.

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Lord of the Hunt by Shona Husk will be released January 2014 from Sourcebooks.

Their love could destroy a powerful reign and change the mortal world forever
Raised in the mortal world, the fairy Taryn never planned on going back to Annwyn, much less to court. But with the power shift imminent, she is her parents' only hope of securing a pardon from exile and avoiding certain death.
Verden, Lord of the Hunt, swore to serve the King. But as the magic of Annwyn fails and the Prince makes ready to take the throne, Verden knows his days as Hunter are numbered. When Taryn and Verden meet, their attraction is instant and devastating. Their love could bring down a Queen and change the mortal world forever.


Carolyn Wren has received the cover for The Secret Family (Bk#7 The Protector series), due for release December 2013.

Amity Clark finds a photograph in her late mother’s possessions of someone she believes to be her long lost father, and posts it online.  She doesn’t realize the man in the picture is Cal Davies, a dangerous covert operative with many enemies.  When her workplace building explodes, Amity is trapped in the wreckage, terrified and hurt. Help seems close at hand as one courageous man crawls through the rubble, pulling her to safety, but he warns her to run and hide instead of announcing her miraculous escape to the authorities.
Peter Sinclair has one mission, to protect Amity Clark.  Injured in the explosion, he must find a safe place to hide her until the scheduled rendezvous.  Despite a growing attraction, Peter knows he has to send her on her way to begin a new life, before her father’s adversaries track her down to take revenge on Cal’s only living bloodline.


Christina Phillips celebrates the release of Her Savage Scot (Bk#1 of The Highland Warrior Chronicles), on 20th November 2013.

When tough Scot warrior Connor Mackenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.
Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.
When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

REVIEWS

Shona Husk's Lord of the Hunt received a 4 star review by Romantic Times book reviews!

"Surprising, sensual and full of magic! The fairies of Annwyn can be ruthless, so playing the game properly can mean the difference between life and death, especially during such a perilous time of transition. Taryn and Verden try to be careful, neither one expecting to fall in love. Fantastic world-building and compelling character will make readers yearn for another foray into the world of fairy."

Keri Arthur's Darkness Splintered received a great review from Kings River Life Magazine.

"OK, what can I tell you to get you to try Darkness Splintered and the Dark Angel series? ... Friends in danger, really bad fathering techniques–Find the keys for me or I’ll kill your friends!– a horrible vampire boss–Find the keys for me or I’ll kill your friends!–rebel priests–Find the keys for us or we’ll kill you…heck, we may kill you anyway, just because we’re rebel priests!– rebel vampires–Kill the Vampire Queen or…you know the rest, right?…and hellhounds!
What’s not to love?"

Full review here.
There's also an interview with Keri here.

OTHER

Bec McMaster's Heart of Iron has been named one of Library Journal’s Best Books of the Year in the romance category. Congratulations, Bec!!!

You can see the full list here.

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

CONTESTS

A huge congratulations to Bec McMaster whose London Steampunk series book, Heart of Iron, is a Romantic Times Award nominee in the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy (Steampunk) section!

You can see the complete lists here.

SALES

Imogene Nix has sold Reunion - War's End, the first of the Reunion trilogy (novellas) to Beachwalk Press. This is a SciFi/Futuristic Tale. No release date yet.
Selina Codecko is an Indy Pilot… without the citizenship of the Federation, she’s treated like a second class citizen. But when she’s caught up in a brawl she’s arrested and in the hands of the Justice Officers.
Renjiro Ito has dreamed of a woman for five long years. As the Commander of the Justice Officers, the plight of one woman will turn his life upside down.
But there’s more going on than just the fate of one woman. The chances of a future together are slim, but they’ll take any chances that come their way. Will it be enough?

D.J.Michaels has just sold a six novella series to Ellora's Cave (Aeon science fiction line) - her first sale to a publisher.

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Kylie Scott has received her new cover for Lick.

Mel Teshco has also just received her new cover for Ellora's Cave for Abducting the Princess (Bk#2 of the Nightmix series).

Imogene Nix's contemporary A Bar In Paris released November 18th with Beachwalk Press. 

Ever considered a naughty weekend?  A “Hook-Up” with no strings?
What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.
Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?
But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?
You can watch the trailer here.

REVIEWS

Believe by Mel Teshco and Kylie Sheaffe has received 4 and 5 star reviews from Shirley & Desere at Fantasy Romance Reviews.

"For me as reader [Believe] reminded me that if we take a moment and step outside of our comfort zone and try to see how things could be dealt with in a different manner rather than by our own set of rules, we will find that it is not half as bad as we make it out to be. And also the courage to be the real you.
I will recommend this read for anyone looking for a new take on romance with a very different twist and that little bit of look beyond logic message." (Shirley)

"This book was excellent with a well written plot and well developed characters. Interesting from the first to the last page, there were few emotions that were not engaged. I loved how the poetry was weaved into the story, enhancing the different emotions or insights that the characters were experiencing." (Desere)

Full reviews here. 

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

SOLD

Cathleen Ross has sold Ruby's Fantasy to Escape Publishing. No release date yet.

Danielle Sevenwaters has signed her first contract with Evernight Teen for her YA paranormal romance, Of Fire & Roses (Erlanis Chronicles). No release date yet.

Fiona Greene has sold a contemporary novella to Escape Publishing. No release date yet.

GIVEAWAYS

Bec McMaster is in the middle of her blog tour for her latest release, My Lady Quicksilver. You can find her talking about the origins of her London Steampunk world at Goldilox & the Three Weres. There's a Rafflecopter giveaway of My Lady Quicksilver running until 30th October, 2013.









Kylie Griffin has a host of Light Blade series giveaways happening, just in time for Christmas!
Over at Goodreads she has 3 copies of Vengeance Born and 1 copy of Allegiance Sworn up for grabs.
There's also a Rafflcopter giveaway of Alliance Forged over on her blog.
All books are signed and the contests are open internationally. Entries close at the end of November (see giveaway links for details).
Newsletter subscribers get the chance to win giveaway swag! (sign up form here)

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Breathless is Dakota Harrison's latest release from Samhain. It came out 28th October 2013.

She ran half a world away to escape from her past…and found the one man who can heal her heart. 
It’s been three years since a seemingly insignificant decision destroyed Emma’s life. Western Colorado is a long way for an Australian girl to run from the suffocating guilt she feels, but it isn’t far enough.
So she’s made herself a promise: No men, no responsibility. Ever again. That was before her pipes burst, and the crusty old plumber she was expecting turns out to be six-foot-two of brooding hard body with a killer smile—which he rarely aims in her direction.
Gabe doesn’t like it. Even through a layer of plaster dust, Emma’s beauty shines through and grabs him hard. Her laugh wraps around his lungs until he forgets how to breathe. But he’s still looking for pieces of the broken heart another woman’s betrayal left in its wake.
Pretty women are trouble, end of story.
Too bad no one told his determinedly matchmaking sister. Her efforts could crash and burn, for all he cares. He’s not interested. Not now, now ever. Now if he could only convince his body.



Eleni Konstantine's Snoop is due for release 6th December, 2013. 

SNOOP's rule of investigating: Never take the paranormal at face value.
Daisy Luck is a SNOOP - Sanctioned Nationalized Officer Of the Paranormal. Her latest case involving a vampire and a gremlin has her private eye senses in a spin. Throw in yummy Detective Maroney and her life couldn't get more complicated - or could it?



Carolyn Wren has a sexy Christmas novella, Ghosts of Grace Cottage, coming out this December with Secret Cravings Publishing.

Eloisa Waters is creating a new life for herself. After travelling for twelve months, she comes home at Christmas, purchasing a small country cottage in a sleepy English village, despite the fact its previous owner was a recluse, the original owner was supposedly a witch, and it’s now rumored to be haunted!
On the first night in her new home, sensual erotic dreams surprise and delight her. Only these aren’t dreams. The rumors are true. Two handsome Regency ghosts inhabit the cottage, becoming corporeal at night, trapped by a curse, compelled to satisfy every desire of the new owner.
Elly begins to fall in love with Anton and Phillipe, her charming ghostly lovers. But is there more? Can the curse be broken? Or does Elly risk her own soul? As Christmas approaches, and memories surface, how will Elly choose? How can she possibly leave behind the Ghosts of Grace Cottage?

OTHER

Nicola E Sheridan and Shona Husk completed Tough Mudder in Perth on Sunday, 27th October 2013. Well done, ladies!

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

There was no GND posted last week as there was no content to post!

GIVEAWAYS

Kylie Griffin has a host of Light Blade series giveaways happening, just in time for Christmas!
Over at Goodreads she has 3 copies of Vengeance Born and 1 copy of Allegiance Sworn up for grabs.
There's also a Rafflcopter giveaway of Alliance Forged over on her blog.
All books are signed and the contests are open internationally. Entries close at the end of November (see giveaway links for details).
Newsletter subscribers get the chance to win giveaway swag! (sign up form here)

REVIEWS

My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster received a 4 Pot rating from Talk Supe.

"My Lady Quicksilver is  such a rich novel...it has great romance and tension but what I loved about it most isMcmaster's all encompassing take on the world she created as a whole. Not only does she titillate her readers with bodice ripping romance, she also adds layers of social intrigue to make the plight of her character believable."

Full review here.

OTHER

Hervey Bay Book Signing follows pack-out Bundy event
Urban Fantasy author Cheryse Durrant is looking forward to meeting local readers when she signs copies of her novel The Blood She Betrayed at Mary Ryan's Books, Music and Coffee at Hervey Bay this Saturday, October 26, at 10am.
Ms Durrant's Bundaberg book launch last week attracted 90 guests, forcing additional events to be scheduled at Dymocks and a local cafe the following day to cater to locals unable to gain a ticket to the official book launch event.
Ms Durrant is also the special guest at an Author Coffee and Chat at Kingfisher Bay Resort at Fraser Island this week. For a personal invitation to join in, email her via cherysedurrant(at)gmail(dot)com.
More detailed news stories here:
Article 1 
Article 2

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

NEW MEMBERS

The Dark Side DownUnder has two new members...

• J.M. Bray
• Nicole Taylor

Welcome!

CONTESTS

Bec McMaster's Kiss of Steel has won the GRWA paranormal/fantasy section of 2013 The Maggie Award. Congratulations!

 BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Cheryse Durrant's urban fantasy, The Blood She Betrayed (Bk#1 Heart Hunters series), is out October 10th, 2013 from Clan Destine Press.

To save her kingdom, she must betray her blood…
Thrust into the technology-driven Earthlands via magical mists, Shahkara is forced to rely on Max McCalden to help find the ancient Elnara death lantern, her homeworld’s last chance of survival against the heart-devouring Taloners.
Max has his own problems – a manipulative billionaire father, a murdered brother – but nothing prepares him for this fugitive warrior’s razor-sharp talons and magical abilities.
Shahkara’s half-Taloner blood demands what she knows she can’t have – a human heart. She longs for love, but as deadly enemies attack at every turn, will her lust for Max destroy them both? Or will she find the strength to free both worlds from a threat more horrific than the demons that share her blood?
The e-book will be available soon from Clan Destine Press, Amazon, iTunes and Kobo. To sample the first 12 chapters for free, click here.


Imogene Nix's contemporary romance, A Bar In Paris, releases from Beachwalk Press on 18th November, 2013.

Turning 30? All alone? A commitment-free weekend in Paris should help, shouldn't it?
What does a single woman do when she's turning thirty? She takes a weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or that's what Davina Chandler does, anyway.
Enter Johnathon, a tall, charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his magnetism and that sexy dimple?
What starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more, but can one weekend turn into a lifetime? And will a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?
You can read an excerpt here.
The trailer for A Bar In Paris is now live here.

REVIEWS

 

Dakota Harrison received an awesome Top Pick (early review) from Harlequin Junkie for her upcoming release of Breathless (out with Samhain Oct.29th, 2013).

"Every now and then a writer is able to compose a book that you fall in love with, which impacts you in such a way that even when you have finished reading, the story seems to live on in your soul. Breathless by Dakota Harrison  is one of those kind of books. It held my heart in a vise from beginning to end."

Full review here.






Cheryse Durrant received a 4 star review for The Blood She Betrayed from O Mundo Encantadodos Livros.

“I'm overwhelmed by the feelings this book aroused. It is like no other, an incredible and inspiring originality that is a breath of fresh air in urban fantasy. Even though the beginning was a little difficult to understand and it took a while to create empathy with the characters, I found myself completely sucked into the plot and could only settle once I finished reading.”

Full review here.

 OTHER

Anyone who buys a copy of The Blood She Betrayed by Cheryse Durrant before October 16 goes in the draw to have a character named after them in her next Heart Hunters book, The Ghost She Killed. This also gives readers automatic entry into the two remaining Hearts & Talons giveaways, a $50 Amazon book voucher and a $130 9ct gold heart-shaped crystal pendant.
The winner of the $50 Clan Destine Press book pack, also part of the Hearts & Talons giveaway, was Catherine Prowse of Townsville.

Cheryse Durrant is chatting about romance and the paranormal at Fade into Fantasy, about characters inside the mind on the Australian Romance Readers Association website and the inspiration behind her Heart Hunter series at the Bibliophilic Book Blog.

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

My Lady Quicksilver (Bk#3 London Steampunk series) by Bec McMaster releases from Sourcebooks today (October 1st, 2013).

Determined to destroy the Echelon she despises, Rosalind Fairchild is on seemingly easy mission. Get in. Uncover the secrets of her brother's disappearance. And get out.
In order to infiltrate the Nighthawks and find their leader, Sir Jasper Lynch, Rosalind will pose as their secretary. But she doesn't count on Lynch being such a dangerously charismatic man, challenging her at every turn, forcing her to re-evaluate everything she knows about the enemy.
He could be her most dangerous nemesis – or the ally she never dreamed existed.

OTHER

Cheryse Durrant has a swag of news this week!

GenreCon Book Launch
Cheryse Durrant's The Blood She Betrayed (YA/NA urban fantasy) will be launched at GenreCon at the State Library of Queensland at 12.30pm on Saturday, October 12, as part of a triple Clan Destine Press book launch. The two other books being launched at the same time are Dean J Anderson's Unnaturals (adult urban fantasy) and Jane Clifton's Flush (crime).
Authors attending who wish to buy a signed copy of Durrant's book are encouraged to contact her in advance via cheryse(at)quietdawn(dot)org to ensure enough copies of the book are available at GenreCon.

Dark Creatures Author Event
Urban fantasy authors Cheryse Durrant (The Blood She Betrayed) and Dean J Anderson (Unnaturals) will join forces on Thursday, October 10 for the Dark Creatures Author Event, the first reveal and signing of their books in Brisbane, at Mary Ryan's Milton.
Durrant and Anderson will be introduced to readers by Brisbane Writers Festival director Kate Eltham.
Tickets are $5/person to cover drinks and nibblies (children free) and the event starts at 6.15pm. For bookings, please telephone Mary Ryan’s Milton on ph. (07) 3510 5000. 

Cheryse Durrant

Dean J Anderson

Hearts & Talons giveaway - two weeks left!
There are only two weeks left for the chance to have a character named after you in Cheryse Durrant's next novel, The Ghost She Killed, but two more fabulous prizes are up for grabs until October 31 ($AU50 Amazon gift voucher) and November 30 ($AU130  9ct gold crystal pendant), all part of Durrant's Hearts & Talons tour.
All you have to do is buy or pre-order a copy of The Blood She Betrayed from your local bookstore or the Clan Destine Press website or Amazon (available soon), and email proof of purchase to cheryse(at)quietdawn(dot)org.
All paperbacks pre-ordered through Clan Destine Press this week will be personally signed by the author at GenreCon and posted to you. Why not order it for your favourite niece and give it to her for Christmas? Full details about the giveaway here.
The winner of the 'Have a character named after you in Durrant's next novel' will be drawn at the Bundaberg launch of The Blood She Betrayed on Wednesday, October 16.

Bundaberg launch of The Blood She Betrayed
The Blood She Betrayed will be launched in Durrant's home town on Wednesday, October 16, at the Bundaberg Regional Library, Woondooma Street, from 6.15pm.
Suspense author Sandy Curtis will officially launch this first book in the Heart Hunters series. This event is free but bookings are vital. Telephone the library on ph. (07) 4130 4140. 

Hervey Bay book-signing
Cheryse Durrant will sign copies of The Blood She Betrayed for readers at Mary Ryan’s Hervey Bay, 10am until noon, on Saturday, October 26.
If you're a local reader, please join her for a coffee and a chat. She'd love to meet you.

eBook update of The Blood She Betrayed
The Blood She Betrayed eBook is still unavailable online but will be available from the Clan Destine Press website and Amazon very soon. For people who can't wait for a bite of The Blood She Betrayed, described by The Vampire Diaries author LJ Smith as 'urban fantasy at its best', they can still download the first 12 chapters of the book for free at the Clan Destine Press website.

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...

BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Kim Cleary's Path Unchosen was published on September 8th for Kindle. The POD version will be available in a few weeks. It's the first in an urban fantasy series.

When eighteen-year-old Judy Hudson discovers she’s a necromancer and sees first-hand the pain her powers can cause the dead, she just wants to deny who she is. The zombie plague is long over. She wants to find a more normal life, but that's a challenge when a beautiful otherworldly man, who claims to be her guardian, saves her life.
Judy tries to set right the harm she inflicted on a spirit she raised, but new zombies attack—zombies raised from among the long-time dead. Someone else just like her is out there, and he's not trying to set anything right. To save her own life, and protect the innocent inhabitants of the nearby town who’ve become her friends, Judy has to figure out who’s raising the dead and why. She must also learn to control the darkness inside her—a seductive darkness that promises her power beyond her wildest dreams.


A Bar In Paris from Beachwalk Press is Imogene Nix's 18th November, 2013 release.

Ever considered a naughty weekend?  A "Hook-Up" with no strings? What does a woman do when she's turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that's what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?
But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. How does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?


A Stranger's Embrace, the sequel to Blame The Wine, by Imogene Nix will come out on January 17th, 2014 from Total-E-Bound. 

Jane has been living a lie, with her daughter Frannie while on the run from her abusive husband.
Davis Formosa, world famous science fiction author has been intrigued by the quiet and unassuming waitress at the diner he has taken to frequenting.
But Cupid in the guise of Jake has his work cut out helping these two to find their happy ending, especially in the face of increasing danger.

REVIEWS

Publishers Weekly has reviewed My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster.

"The third trip to McMaster’s vampiric steampunk world (after Kiss of Steel and Heart of Iron) is rich, dramatic, romantic, and dangerous. ... Sensuous memories and unfulfilled desires help build tension between the leads, and fans will enjoy the expansion of McMaster’s detailed setting."

Full review here.

It also received a 5 star review from Tome Tender.

"Bec McMaster weaves a fabulous tale, with each twist and turn you get pulled deeper into her storytelling web. The characters are genuine with detailed backgrounds that envelop you into their plights. Insurmountable odds, an epic romance, facing the ultimate sacrifice, McMaster's writing genius brilliantly shines through."

Full review here.


Christina Phillips received a 4 star review from Romantic Times BOOK Reviews for Bloodlust Denied:

"Phillips takes on a tricky trope in this steamy paranormal novella but navigates it with skill, keeping her characters and readers in the dark for as long as possible and captivating them with the heady sensuality and visceral desire of each scene. The dangerous, addictive passion that singes the main characters is all-encompassing and surprisingly revealing."

Full review can be read here.

Christina Phillips has received a Thumbs-Up Thursday and 5 star review for Tainted from Love, Lust & Lipstick Stains:

"What starts out as an extremely erotic, yet thoroughly sensual and beautiful relationship between Gawain and Antonia, soon turns into what I could quite easily class as epic love. It's the kind of story where everyone is against them and you can't see how they could possibly be together yet you yearn for it so much your heart aches. They come together very quickly but the chemistry is so intense and Antonia's reasonings so logical that is doesn't seem rushed and it's easy to see why they fall for each other. Both are strong characters in their own way, balancing out one another and both are able to laugh and love generously."

Full review can be read here.

OTHER

The first 3 novellas in The Protectors series - Diplomat's Daughter, The Scientist & The Actress - by Carolyn Wren are being combined and released by Secret Cravings Publishing as a print anthology.

THE PROTECTORS ANTHOLOGY
Diplomat's Daughter
Jared Knight – Cool, calm, dangerous.  Five years ago Jared saw Cecelia Benedict in a crowded ballroom in Monaco and vowed to keep his dangerous world away from hers.
Now she is threatened by a stalker and he can stay away no longer.
The Scientist
Simon Winters - thrill seeker, danger magnet.  After an adrenaline filled desert assignment, Simon asks for a quieter mission, preferably involving a beautiful woman and a fast car.
Scientist Dr. Elizabeth Barrett needs protection after an attempt on her life.  Now she has to contend with a charismatic, cheeky bodyguard living in her house, driving her crazy.
The Actress
Bryce Black - The technical wizard of the agency.  Bryce is offered an assignment to protect a fortune of diamonds featured in the finale of a top rating television show.
He finds himself falling for the lead actress, Katrina Abbott.  Neither of them realizes an obsessed fan doesn’t want the show to end.

The Hostage (Bk#4 in The Protectors series & 2012 Emerald Category Award winner) by Carolyn Wren is now available in print. The Undercover Agent (Bk#6 in The Protectors series), is also now available as a e-book.  This too will go to print in a couple of months time.

The Undercover Agent
Two covert operatives, adversaries, forced to unite to prevent a heinous crime...
Lucien St John, has been deep-undercover for two years working to expose corrupt businessman, Karl Chekno. Playing a role long-term has consequences. Lucien is prepared to do anything for the mission, including sacrificing his real identity. With success almost in his grasp, he must produce a fictitious fiancé, or jeopardize his cover.
Jade Walker, ex-covert operative, is re-enlisted to act as the demure future bride of the one man in the agency she detests. A week spent living together at Karl’s country estate, could it get any worse?
Unfortunately, yes. Discovering their suite is under audio/video surveillance, the agents must give an award-winning performance in and out of the bedroom.
Jade attracts Karl’s personal interest, putting her in danger. With suspicions aroused, events turn sinister. Refusing to fail, Lucien and Jade risk everything, including their lives…

The Hostage
A covert operative so secretive, she’s known only as Omega…
Kidnapped, held in chains, beaten and without hope. Wealthy businessman James ‘North’ Northam believes he’s a dead man. Until a daring rescue by a woman who disappears before he can thank her.
North is compelled by a powerful need to track down his mysterious saviour. The truth he discovers about her is both surprising and intriguing. Omega has always kept her covert identity separate from her real life. Until James Northam invades her world, and her privacy.
This determined, impossibly distracting man is getting under her skin. Her plan is to deny everything until he gives up and goes home. The plan doesn't seem to be working. And so begins a battle of wits between two very strong willed people. Neither of them realise someone else from Omega’s past has tracked her down, for much more sinister reasons.


Astrid Cooper's latest release (m/m paranormal romance) is Love at First Lick (Bk#7 in the Monsters "inK" series), debuted (and remained) at no. 4 in the publisher's best-seller list. Her other Monsters back titles also featured as best-sellers, too.

When a cat invades a vampire’s kitchen, there’s bound to be hubble, bubble, boil and trouble. 
Zefran is a witch-vampire, a duality of blood that dangerously complicates his life. He’s hired as the Monsters inK chef—on one condition that in exchange for his work, he is granted sanctuary. Zef believes that it will protect him from all trouble. How wrong can a guy be?
Trouble enters his life in the form of the snow leopard shifter, Shandor, whose sexy smile and emerald eyes are firmly set on Zef. The damn cat won’t take no for an answer and Zef and Shan play a game of catch me if you can. More than whiskers twitch in the game of chasey between the two men. But just when Zef thinks he can trust a cat, Shan discovers the truth about Zef and that sets the cat among the vampires…