At Star's End! There's very nice man-chest...

It's so Sci-Fi-ey!!  

My gorgeous and completely over-worked critique partner Anna Hackett has a new sci-fi action romance At Star's End (Book 1 of the Phoenix Adventures) coming out with Carina Press March 31st, and here's her cover:

Dr. Eos Rai has spent a lifetime dedicated to her mother’s dream of finding the long-lost Mona Lisa. When Eos uncovers tantalizing evidence of Star’s End—the last known location of the masterpiece—she’s shocked when her employer, the Galactic Institute of Historic Preservation, refuses to back her expedition. Left with no choice, Eos must trust the most notorious treasure hunter in the galaxy, a man she finds infuriating, annoying and far too tempting.

Dathan Phoenix can sniff out relics at a stellar mile. With his brothers by his side, he takes the adventures that suit him and refuses to become a lazy, bitter failure like their father. When the gorgeous Eos Rai comes looking to hire him, he knows she’s trouble, but he’s lured into a hunt that turns into a wild and dangerous adventure. As Eos and Dathan are pushed to their limits, they discover treasure isn’t the only thing they’re drawn to…but how will their desire survive when Dathan demands the Mona Lisa as his payment?

They're here! And I'm too scared to open the cover...

I love, LOVE getting stuff in the mail.  Which could explain my eBay problem.  

That aside, I think I've found something WAAAAYYY better than eBay.  

The book that your story is in arriving in your letterbox!

The Little Gems Sapphire 2013 Short Story Anthology has landed.  Woohoo!

If sharp, shiny, satisfying romantic reads are your thing (or if you love sapphires), you can order your copy here.

At this point, I'm putting off reading it.  Not sure why.  Maybe I still don't quite believe my story came second.  I'll open it, and EverTrue won't be in there.  My sensible self knows it is, but there is a part of me still pinching my forearm.

Big congrats to everyone who has their story in the anthology, especially my SARA sisters, Harriet and Ute.  ;)

*smiley face*

I be gettin' sassy...

Want to know what I'm doing when I'm not here?

Well, aside from washing socks, drinking wine, reading, downloading Carla Caruso's next story Second Chance (because I loved Cityglitter), and penning a story in the same world as EverTrue, my Little Gems second-place tale, I'm blogging over at South Australian Romance Authors about their good news.

Busy little vocation, I tells ya.  

 

The very exciting news bursting out of this week is that, as at yesterday, we've moved to a new blog home, at http://romancesa.blogspot.com.au/.

It's a whole new lineup of chewy, wholesome SARA goodness!  Check out these fabulicious columns on the up-and-up:

Sassy SARA News with Emmeline Lock

The SARA News as you know and love it.


Up Close - Q&A with Carla Caruso

Get to know the members of SARA.


Southern Speak with Khloe Wren

SARAs talk about all things romance.


What a Character with Maggie Mundy

Maggie interviews the characters brought to life by SARA authors.


Reading Adventures with Eleni Konstantine

What the SARAs read and rave about.

So, what are you waiting for?  Time to get your sass on...  

See you there, 

Em xx

The challenge is this...

I challenge you to read Soul Stealer, Anna Hackett's third and final installment of the Anomaly Trilogy and NOT DROOL LIKE HOOCH OVER THE HERO.

Try it if you dare.  ;)

The more courageous of you might also enter Anna's competition to win cool stuff!



The final action-packed novella of The Anomaly Trilogy.

She just wants her life back. After being kidnapped and forced to kill by a vicious crime lord, Cate Hartmann is now a killer with an addiction to stealing souls. On the island sanctuary of Haven, surrounded by other anomalies with secret abilities, she fights to recover. But only one man calms the dark storm inside and makes her believe she can be whole again…Dr. Gage Walker.

Scientist Gage Walker has spent a decade helping anomalies. But every day, he’s haunted by his previous job for the CIA—where he crossed far too many boundaries and hurt so many anomalies. Including his brother. He vows he won’t fail again and will do everything he can to heal Cate—including fighting his attraction to her.

But when the crime lord comes after Cate again, it’s a race against time to find out why he wants her. Amidst the danger, Gage and Cate drawn to each other, even as they fear that one wrong step will send her hurtling back into the depths of her soul stealing addiction.

Soul Stealer - paranormal/sci fi romance
Short Fiction: Novella - 24,000 words

The Anomaly Trilogy
Book 1: Time Thief
Book 2: Mind Raider
Book 3: Soul Stealer

Check these quick reviews:

"The elements of danger, suspense, romance and good vs evil were absolutely brilliantly depicted."
~ Desere - Romance Book Haven

"Rich with emotions, a fully developed plot and storyline and memorable characters, Soul Stealer was a fantastic read as well as a great addition & ending to the trilogy...Get on this series ASAP!"
~ Nina's Literary Xscape

"Read in one sitting, I loved the fast paced, pull no punches action that each page contained. Soul Stealer is full of twists and turns that I didnt see coming. My heart is still racing as I write this!"
~ Tash - Romance Book Haven

In which I cause mayhem...

...by hanging out at someone else's place and talk to, well...interrogate, myself.  It's pretty edgy.  Don't think those bar boys are ever going to be the same.  I think they thought writers were a quiet, thoughtful bunch.

I'm at fellow Darksider's & SARA's Eleni's Taverna, discussing (with me) about various things important to the universe.  Such as why Horatio Cane is so pasty, even though he lives in Florida.  I'm telling you, it's ballsy journalism at it's best.

You'd best go look at me make a larrakin of myself now, because there's every chance they're going to have me committed after this one.  :)

But until then,  me and mine wish you and yours:

I do love me some new marvellous Aussie authors...

This recent discovery has made me very happy indeed.

I've enjoyed a number of steampunk romances lately.  I like them (if you've got a good romance, you've got me), but sometimes, the dirigibles and mechanical animals can feel a little heavy-handed.  Maybe its the science teacher in me, but I sometimes find myself drifting from the story to wrap my brain around how something works.  Oh no!

Not so with Bec McMaster's KISS OF STEEL (Sourcebooks).  It was cleverly done, a gorgeous blend of alternate old London, a seamless romance, well-drawn characters and a fabulous blend of steampunk/paranormal world building.

#IHeartBlade.

Sigh.  And how cute is that top hat?

Am eagerly awaiting HEART OF IRON, which is the next book.  Incidentally, #IAlsoHeartWill, maybe more so, so I am dying to read his story.

My word, the Aussies are really stepping up to the romance-writing plate!

More AH cover love!

Since school holidays have rendered me less-than-scintillating, I'm bobbing up to share the news of someone blindingly, marvellously, scintillating.

My ultra-productive critique partner, Anna Hackett, has a new cover.

This one is for Mind Raider, Book Two of the Anomaly trilogy.  Which, not surprisingly, follows on from Time Thief, Book One.  Both are novellas.  Both are completely wicked. 

I know, because I've read them.  ;)

So, above-mentioned cover love, coming out later this month:

While I'm spruiking (love that word!), check the reviews of Time Thief at Goodreads, where it's averaging 4.8 out of five stars at time of typing.  Completely fabulous.  

And I agree.  :)

Anna Hackett's upcoming release from Carina Press - we have cover liftoff!

The very funky Anna Hackett, one of my ultra-talented CP's and fellow Darksider, has a brand new cover!  I stole this from her blog...

This is a collection of scifi novellas out on December 3rd, just in time to get festive, including Anna's WINTER FUSION, which I LOVED BEYOND MEASURE.  Oh, Savan!

Here's the blurb for WINTER FUSION:

Ex-space marine Savan Bardan survived the Galactic Wars to become the most ruthless trade negotiator in the galaxy. His planet needs energy to survive, and he'll do anything to close the deal for the Perman fusion crystals that can provide it—even if it means seducing his beautiful, infuriating opponent, a rival icier than her planet.

Perma's top negotiator, Brinn Fjord, lost her father when Savan delayed her planet's Trade Guild membership years ago. She hates the handsome Rendarian and the planet he represents. She's determined to finish the deal and get rid of him as quickly as possible, so she can celebrate the holidays.

But soon the rival negotiators are in a fight for their lives. Besieged by mysterious accidents and unforgiving weather, Brinn and Savan have no one to depend on but each other. As they put the past aside, they uncover a desire hot enough to melt ice, and Brinn discovers a secret that may keep them apart.

Here's the blurb for the whole bang lot:

Do androids dream of electric sugar plums? 
A detective who refuses to modify her body teams up with her cyborg rival to track down a burglar who is putting toys into homes. A solitary ice miner finds love and friendship while stranded on the surface of Galileo. And two hardheaded negotiators put their differences aside to evade an assassin and save their planets. Enjoy these visions of Christmases yet to come with three science-fiction novellas from Carina Press. 
Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes: 

• How the Glitch Saved Christmas, by Stacy Gail
• Galileo's Holiday, by Sasha Summers
• Winter Fusion, by Anna Hackett

Anna's other recent release, Time Thief, is on sale at the moment.  Check out her blog for info...

Finally, in more Hackett news, Anna is at fellow SARA Eleni's Taverna for Writing Buddy Wednesday.

More cover loving...

You know my CP, Anna, right?  

Well, she has been INSANELY BUSY.  Not only has she just released the very cool TIME THIEF, but she's got a new cover!  

This one is coming out December 3rd, from Carina Press, and will also be a part of their sci-fi anthology, A Galactic Holiday.

Oh, the PRETTY!

E xx

Possibly one of the coolest words ever...

WIDGET!







Get your widget on at Anna Hackett's Blog!

She'd been a thief a long time but bank robbery was a new low...

...Anna Hackett's TIME THIEF is OUT NOW!  

So, I have two Critique Partners--you knew that, right?

And you know that I think they're completely awesome, right?  

Did you know that one of them has a COMPLETELY AWESOME NEW BOOK OUT?

TIME THIEF is the first book of Anna Hackett's new Anomaly Trilogy (See how cool that sounds?)

I have always loved Anna's work in an entirely non-biased way, ever since I read SAVAGE DRAGON, her pitch-winning Silhouette Nocturne Bites.

Here's a blurb:

Hunted for her ability to steal time, Bay North lives a life on the run. All she wants is to make the crime lord who slaughtered her family pay. But now he's set the ultimate hunter on her trail and Bay will need all her skills to carry out her revenge and survive.

Ex-Navy SEAL Sean Archer saw his team killed by a time thief in Afghanistan and came back a broken man. He's made a dark deal with a criminal to hunt down all time thieves and now Sean's tracked the wily Bay North to Denver where he plans to rid the world of one more dangerous mutation.

But during a shootout, hunter and hunted find themselves depending on each other for survival. Joining forces to exact payback by stealing a priceless treasure, their reluctant alliance shatters both their defenses. Can Bay find the courage to trust? And can Sean convince a woman honed in revenge that she can have more than vengeance, blood and killing?

Get your copy at Amazon, Smashwords, or All Romance eBooks.  More estores to come.  

Anna will be having a party at her blog soon to celebrate TIME THIEF's release, and I know she's going to be giving some very cool things away, so stay tuned for that.

Anna's been busy tweaking her website in time for her new release, I think it's come up a treat!  While you're perusing, check out her book list.

I'll leave you now to go download a book. :)

E x

F is for, "Far out, that's Fabulous!"

You know how I'm a member of Darkside DownUnder?  That zany bunch of Australians and New Zealanders who write speculative fiction and are members of Romance Writers of Australia?  Well, they are the BOMB.

It's been true all along, but I thought I would reiterate that there are some very cool authors coming out of Oz, and a very special cavalcade from DSDU.

Never read Keri Arthur and don't mind a bit of hot paranomal romance?  Get thee to a bookstore!  How about Tracey O'hara?  Ditto!  Same goes for Erica Hayes, Denise Rossetti...  I could go on.  And on.

BUT, the reason for this Fabulous post is a brand-new book by a brand-new author.  I've got a brand-new copy on my iPad and I can't wait to get into it.  

It's Kylie Griffin's VENGEANCE BORN, A Novel of the Light Blade, Book 1. 

Isn't it pretty?  

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not pure bred is virtually powerless. Until an unlikely champion is born…

Annika, half-blood daughter of the Na’Reish King, longs for more than her tormented life among her father’s people. Conceived in hatred and bred as a tool of retribution, she’s gifted with a special talent that can heal as well as destroy.

With the Na’Reish vastly outnumbering them, Kalan, a Light Blade warrior, knows the future of humankind depends on him alone. Incursions into human territory and raids for blood-slaves by the Na’Reish Horde have increased. As Chosen-leader, he faces the task of stopping the demons—and convincing the Council of aging Light Blade warriors that change is necessary for survival.

When Annika learns Kalan is a prisoner in her father’s dungeon, her dream of escape seems within reach. She agrees to free him in exchange for his protection once they reach human territory. Now, marked for death for helping him, Annika must learn to trust Kalan as they face not only the perilous journey to the border but enemies within the Council—and discover a shocking truth that could throw the human race into civil war…

One would think that this gorgeous boon from the cover gods would be enough to make one run out and purchase this new release.

I had been slack, and had not done it.  

Then, I was trawling through my google reader, and found That's What I'm Talking About review of VENGEANCE BORN.  I subscribe to Twimom's reviews to look for new books--she reads what I read, and I find some great reads there.

The Five-Star, A+ review tipped me over the edge and I raced out and uploaded Kylie's book.

I've never met Kylie, but she is a frequent participant in the Oz romance scene, she's a teacher and a volunteer for a number of rescue services in her rural area.  On top of this, she blogs many times a week, points the rest of us to cool places on the net and is a font of information.  She is a giver.  She also writes GREAT BOOKS, if Gikany and Una are to be believed. 

And I believe them.  

If you are unconvinced, and I don't believe for a second that you are, go to Kylie's blog for more reviews.  VENGEANCE BORN got five stars/top pick from Night Owl Reviews as well.  Very difficult to argue with that.  

Once you read it and are DYING for more, you don't have long to wait for book two--it's out in July.  *SWOONANDDROOL*

Go forth and discover the Light Blade!  

It promises to be fabulous.  

Happy scary, fantastical, magical Halloween. The DarkSiders are turning one!

Do you know what day it it?

Duh.  It's HALLOWEEN!  MwahahahahahaHA!

Halloween means the eternal, "should we stock up on lollies just in case someone knocks?" argument, (Honestly, I think the 500m long driveway and the screaming kids scare them off.), and the very amusing pictures of drunk pumpkins on the internet.

But it also means THE DARKSIDE DOWNUNDER IS ONE YEAR OLD!  ON HALLOWEEN!  How lovely!  How FRIGHTENING!  How FANTASTIC!

AND THEY'RE HAVING A PARTAY!  There are PRIZES and FUN!

Get in there and be a part of it!

Finally:

Hehe.  That's gross.

Yours in scariness (and a bit of ickiness),

Em.  x

I thought I'd made it when Peter Combe followed me on Twitter..

Beauty and Lace, a very awesome online women's magazine, has Q&A'd me.  I got to answers questions about me, what I was writing, me, my journey as a writer, me, SARA, me, DSDU, me, competitions, me, and eBooks.  And me.  Great stuff.  I enjoyed it greatly.

Check it out at Beauty and Lace, feel free to come and say hello, or read about my stance on eBooks, or heckle me in a loving way.  :)

Or, you might just like to read the verbal exchange Sparky and I have every time I've been out shopping.

Also, I have promised you this:

Arrrgh!

Anna Hackett's SHORT STORY, BIG IMPACT workshop

I've been remiss in telling you about Anna's course -- it's on now at Colorado Romance Writers. There were still places available last night, and the sign-up link is still active, so jump in!

Anna, fabulous CP to Rach and myself, is one very clever lady (her new Nocturne Bites, ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF, comes out in March), and can spot a story soft spot from fifty paces. I cannot tell you how useful she has been to me as I find my feet in this business. So, if your short piece is lacking in punch, follow the links from Anna's blog to sign up.

Take care, E x

The Darksiders cometh!

A group of RWA and RWANZ speculative fiction authors have banded together and their arrival is nigh! These talented writers pen a vast array of stories--paranormal, sci-fi, urban fantasy, fantasy, romantic or with romantic elements.

They are the... DARKSIDE DOWNUNDER!

And we're storming the blogosphere this Halloween!

Prepare for the following to pop into your PC:

Jess Anastasi

Maree Anderson

Keri Arthur

Kitty Bucholtz

Astrid Cooper

Rowena Cory Daniells

Michelle de Rooy

Jessica Dorney

Fiona Gregory

Kylie Griffin

Erica Hayes

Shona Husk

Shannah Jay

Loretta Kelly

Eleni Konstantine

Emmeline Lock

Nicole R Murphy

Janni Nell

Tracey O'Hara

Christina Phillips

Denise Rossetti

Jenny Schwartz

Nicola E. Sheridan

Nicky Strickland

Mel Teshco

Joanne Vogel



As THIS SUNDAY--Halloween, people!-- is our launch date, ready yourselves for the virtual onslaught of fiction gore, ghosts, blood, vamps, aliens, spaceships, corpses and, oh yes...



PRIZES!



Many thanks to Eleni and Keri for readying the DARKSIDERS TO GO!



Until then, mwahahahaha!



Emmeline.

I'm not dead - and Christina Phillips' FORBIDDEN blog party!

Listening to:  Will Write for Wine Podcasts
Reading: RWA's LITTLE GEMS Topaz Anthology & Kristan Higgin's ALL I EVER WANTED
Working on:  Paranormal romantic novella

I'm slightly ashamed of the fact that I nearly always have to open my blog posts with some proof of life.

Yes, I'm still breathing!  I haven't been spending my time doing my nails, or polishing the hubcaps on the Kluger, either.  I'm nearly done with the dirty draft for HIS DEADLY ECHO, a prospective Nocturne Bites submission.  And while the end is nigh, I cannot say 'dirty' enough.  It's a bit of a hot mess, but it's definitely getting there.

Otherness, this is winging its was around the blogosphere, and I thought I'd rock the party, too.  I think this is one of my fave covers going around at the mo'... something about him holding her upper arms, and her fingers splayed on her thigh.  Pretty.  Oh, and there is talk of signed book giveaway.


To help celebrate the release of Forbidden, Christina Phillips's debut Roman/Druid Ancient Historical Romance from Berkley Heat, she's holding a launch party with lots of amazing authors and fabulous giveaways! In addition, Christina's giving away a signed copy of Forbidden to one lucky person who helps spread the love. All you have to do is mention the party (you can copy and paste this blurb), being held from 1st to 6th September at http://christinaphillips.blogspot.com. You can Tweet about it, blog, Facebook, MySpace or anything! And then drop her an email at ChristinapPh @ gmail dot com (no spaces) to let her know. Please put Forbidden Launch Party (or something similar) in the subject line. The winner will be drawn for that on Monday 6th September.

And if you'd like to also put the trailer up on your sites, please do!!! The YouTube link to embed is here.

I'd love to put the Youtube clip on, but something's hinkey (probably me), so I'll just put this:

And this:

"I dare you to put down Forbidden until you reach the last page. Compelling, passionate and fascinating." Anna Campbell, author of CAPTIVE OF SIN


Nice one, Anna!

Fellow SARA, Eleni Konstantine will be there, as well as a number of totally cool people.

Speaking of Eleni, I've just finished reading the Little Gems Topaz Anthology, which features Eleni's cover design, as well as more SARA's--Bronwyn Stuart and Maggie Mundy.  Hit the link above to order yours, or go to Christina's party, Eleni is giving one away!

Take care, all.  E x

Getting up to speed...

You know how you feel like you've been insanely busy, but have very little to show for it? Welcome to My July.

The biggest, excitingest news from the last few weeks is that one of my lovely CP's, the very talented Anna Hackett has sold another Bites! It's a fabulous wolf story that Rach and I critiqued. The hero is majorly drool-worthy. Huge congrats, Anna! More when it comes to hand...

I've been working on my next potential Bites sub, working titled HIS DEADLY ECHO, for the most part. I did my usual "write four thousand words to start which will ultimately be binned" thing again. Not sure why I don't just write 5k and call it notes, then start the real thing. Nevermind. It seems to work for me. It's at about six K now, and I'm only just at the first kiss. I shall hack and slice at it later.

Had a SARA meeting on the third Wednesday of July, this time we spoke about online presence. It was all quite interesting, especially the bit about buying dot coms. Mmmmm.... To my neverending (for a few moments, anyway) shame, I didn't make my 6k goal for that meeting--only four--but I am well on the way to getting four for the next meeting. In my defence, a rogue Palm Cove holiday presented itself, so I lost a week or two whilst enjoying that.

Lots of SARA ladies are fired up about the RWA Conference. Have a great time!

Been reading. Gobbled up a few Showalters recently. THE PLEASURE SLAVE and THE STONE PRINCE. Not my fave GS, but seriously good, nonetheless.

I've just recently re-discovered podcasts, too. I was listening to one today, whilst pruning my roses (read: spliter torture at home). I think I like them, I had the Harlequin Nocturne one, plus Smart Bitch Sarah and Jane from Dear Author. Do you listen to industry-related podcasts? Any comments/recommendations? Thanks. :)

On a completely personal and possibly slightly self-congratulatory note, I also hit a weightloss goal this week. Not quite half way through that journey. I've rewarded myself with Chamilia bling. Purrrty. :)

Oh, and I got an iPad, from which I am posting. Works well, doesn't it?

Review - HER DARK LORD - Mel Teshco

Mel Teshco's HER DARK LORD is out this month for Silhouette Nocturne Bites.

Here's the blurb from the eHarlequin eBook site (buy it here!):

When dhampir Kia Montana takes a man home, she isn't looking for names or a relationship—she only wants someone who could satisfy her lust for both sex and blood. But Kia's new mission is to find Sean Maximillus, Lord Vampire and the lone being capable of curing Kia's mother. Kia thought she found the key to success with Ronan, a mysterious man who promises to take her to Maximillus...and who shares a carnal passion with Kia even bloodlust couldn't match.

But Ronan also seems to know too much about Kia...things she never told him. And as she is drawn deeper into Ronan's world, he reveals secrets that will change Kia's life forever...

This is Mel's first ever Bites - you might recall that I last read STONE-COLD LOVER that Mel released with Ellora's Cave. It was a great short read, and I looked forward to fellow-Aussie Mel's next offering with held breath.

One thing that does get my goat (this doesn't happen often, so look out!) is when I read reviews of short stories at places like goodreads, and the reviewer says something like, "I liked the storyline, but felt the relationship between the main characters should have been explored more."

Ah, no. In fifteen thousand words, you probably don't have time. You want drawn-out, read WAR AND PEACE.

I love Bites for precisely what they are - short action-packed, emotion fuelled reads that are like a ghost train ride - you begin, entering a completely different world, and a short time later you emerge out the other side into the sunlight, your heart pounding, your clothes slightly rumpled, but feeling much better for your visit to unreality.

HER DARK LORD delivers.

I was wondering how it would shape up after reading STONE-COLD LOVER, and Mel does beautifully.

Right from the first fresh-out-of-the-silk-sheet-encased-bed scene to the hero's final bombshell, it's a great read.

The heroine, struggling to reconcile herself with her dhampirism is nicely tormented and sexy, and the hero is ancient, wise and nummo. :)

And it's set in Australia. Really, what more could you want?

Nice one, Mel!

Week two's winner announced at Anna & Mel's celebration-fest!

Head over to Anna's blog to find out who won!

While you're there, take a moment to chat to Anna about your fave vamp movie - you could be taking home a Nocturne Bites Prize - Alexis Morgan's THE VAMPIRE'S DESIRE next Sunday night!

Just finished Mel Teshco's HER DARK LORD. Nice. Will do a quick round-up tomorrow.... E x