tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30397262156699019372024-03-14T03:51:59.444+11:00Kylie Griffin's Blogfuturistic & fantasy romance,
with a touch of paranormalKylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.comBlogger878125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-13325929782845152512014-08-02T21:56:00.000+10:002014-08-02T22:00:14.772+10:00Double Whammy - Booksellers Best & RWNZ Koru AwardWhat a week!<br />
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My friend, <a href="http://christaylorauthor.com.au/" target="_blank">Chris Taylor</a>, attended the Greater Detroit RWA<span class="st">© Booksellers Best Awards dinner in my stead as I wasn't able to make the conference this year in San Antonia, TX.</span><br />
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<span class="st">I get an email in my inbox from her to let me know <a href="http://kyliegriffin.com/Books.html" target="_blank">ALLEGIANCE SWORN</a> won the Booksellers Best for the Paranormal Romance section! Woohoo! What a thrill!</span><br />
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<span class="st"> You can read <a href="http://www.gdrwa.org/contests.html" target="_blank">the full list of winners right here</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Then, less than a week later, another email comes in, this time from the coordinator of the <a href="http://www.romancewriters.co.nz/contests/the-koru-award-inaugural-award-for-2014/" target="_blank">Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award</a>. ALLEGIANCE SWORN is a finalist in the Long Romance section!</span><br />
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<span class="st">Double thrill!</span><br />
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<span class="st">So celebrations abound in the household this week. :-)</span><br />
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<span class="st"><br /></span>Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-26405020172324804062014-06-09T00:23:00.000+10:002014-06-09T00:23:09.881+10:00Booksellers Best Award nomination for Allegiance Sworn!I have some good news!<br />
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<b>ALLEGIANCE SWORN</b> is a paranormal romance finalist in the <b>Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award</b>. I'm absolutely thrilled to receive this nomination as this is a back to back nomination - last year VENGEANCE BORN was a finalist.<br /><br />The finalists and their editors will be honoured at a banquet held at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter/Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas during the RWA National Conference on Wednesday, July 23rd at 8pm, following the literacy signing.<br />
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Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the RWA conference this year but I've asked a friend to attend in my stead. <br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-40231753469585353692014-05-07T22:47:00.000+10:002014-05-07T22:47:00.441+10:00BRENDA NOVAK'S ANNUAL ONLINE AUCTION FOR DIABETES RESEARCHA swag of authors, prizes and giveaways, there are so many to choose from - it's all happening! Let your friends know & <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf" target="_blank">check it out here</a>.<br /><br />But more specifically, for those who love paranormal romance (and a lone rock star):<br /><br /><u><b>Aussie Romance Writer's Set: 6 Books Signed Books From 6 Aussie Authors</b></u><br />This is your chance to get your hands on 6 books and some swag from some of Australia's best paranormal romance writers (we're all ARRA Awards finalists or winners)!<br /><br />VENGEANCE BORN - <a href="http://www.kyliegriffin.com/" target="_blank">Kylie Griffin</a><br />FORGED BY DESIRE (ARC) - <a href="http://www.becmcmaster.com/" target="_blank">Bec McMaster</a><br />REVELATION - <a href="http://www.shadowfae.net/" target="_blank">Erica Hayes</a><br />SHADOW KIN - <a href="http://www.mjscott.net/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">M.J.Scott</a><br />LICK - <a href="http://www.kylie-scott.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Kylie Scott</a><br />OUTCAST PRINCE - <a href="http://www.shonahusk.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Shona Husk</a><br /><br />There's something for every discerning reader - warriors galore, avenging demons, steampunk vampires & weres, fallen angels, a wraith assassin, an uber-sexy rock star and mysterious fae! You can find samples of each book at individual author websites.<br /><br />The good news - <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=3411318" target="_blank">this auction is open internationally</a>!<br /><br />Good luck, good reading, and thank you for supporting this wonderful cause!<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-71795760157846175372014-03-29T20:51:00.000+11:002014-03-29T20:51:13.378+11:00ARRA Award for Allegiance Sworn!The <a href="http://www.australianromancereaders.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Romance Readers of Australia</a> converged at Cello's Restaurant in Sydney last weekend (March 22nd).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a setting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Cello's Restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chandelier</td></tr>
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A wonderful bunch of volunteers organised and ran the 6th Annual ARRA awards and celebrated all that's great in Aussie romance!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bec & I enjoying the ambiance at Cello's!</td></tr>
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The night was full of entertainment (the keynote speaker was Helene Young and accompanied by a cast of wannabe author-actors, they enacted a murder mystery complete with a "dead" body capably played by Anna Campbell) and the food was absolutely scrumptious!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M.J.Scott & Bec McMaster</td></tr>
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One of the highlights was catching with ARRA friends I'd met at Fremantle, WA last year at the RWA/ARRA Book-Signing and putting names to faces of other ARRA members and bloggers I'd only ever met online.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally met Helen S. (ARRA reader).</td></tr>
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This year <a href="http://www.kyliegriffin.com/Books.html" target="_blank"><b>Allegiance Sworn</b></a> was nominated in two categories - <i>Members Choice Favorite Cover Award</i> and <i>Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance</i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota Harrison & I enjoying the night.</td></tr>
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I'm thrilled to announce that <b>Allegiance Sworn</b> is Australia's ARRA Favourite Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance 2013! An awesome moment all round as last year <a href="http://www.kyliegriffin.com/Books.html" target="_blank"><b>Alliance Forged</b></a> won this award, so it's a back-to-back win in this category.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A proud moment!</td></tr>
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At the table were Dakota Harrison & hubby, Amy Andrews, Kelly Hunter, Tina Marie Clark, M.J.Scott, Bec McMaster & myself. Table 6 must have been the one to sit at this year as three of our number took out awards - Amy Andrews, Kelly Hunter & me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allegiance Sworn - Fav.Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance Award 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylie Griffin, Kelly Hunter & Amy Andrew's ARRA trophies!</td></tr>
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You can find <a href="http://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/2013-awards-winners/" target="_blank">the full list of 2013 ARRA winners here</a>.<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-41041595302912253612014-02-17T16:02:00.000+11:002014-02-17T16:02:54.561+11:00Heroine Showdown - Imhara's into Round 2!<b>The Window Seat on a Rain Day</b> continues its knock-down, drag-'em-out <b>Heroine Showdown</b>!<br />
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And great news is IMHARA IS INTO THE SECOND ROUND (thanks to everyone who voted in Round 1)! Woohoo!!! <br />
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The competition is getting tougher but I'm pretty sure Imhara can make it into the next round with your help again! So, if you have the time, I'd appreciate you ducking over to vote for her - <a href="http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2014/02/heroine-showdown-round-2group-3.html" target="_blank">h</a><a href="http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2014/02/heroine-showdown-round-2group-3.html" target="_blank">ere's the link.</a><br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-55577090810267465122014-01-25T15:07:00.000+11:002014-01-25T15:07:59.016+11:00Australia Day Book Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shelleyrae over at <b>Book'd Out</b> is running an <b>Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop</b> - and it's huge!</div>
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All the books are written by Australian authors.</div>
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There will be two winners chosen - one in Australia, one from outside Australia.</div>
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Entries close midnight, Tuesday 28th Jan., 2014 and winners will be announced Monday, Feb.3rd 2014.</div>
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With over 50 hosts you have plenty of chances to win a great book this Australia Day Weekend!</div>
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So get hopping!<strong> </strong><br />
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<a href="http://bookdout.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/its-the-australia-day-book-giveaway-blog-hop/" target="_blank"><strong>For full details, check out the blog post over at Book'd Out.</strong></a><br />
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You can choose from these titles:</div>
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<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Bitter-Greens-Kate-Forsyth/9780749013233" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1366641097l/16595208.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Interrogation-Ashala-Wolf-Ambelin-Kwaymullina/9781406353396" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1335416614l/13552764.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17465450-the-husband-s-secret?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365048080l/17465450.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Lavender-Keeper-Fiona-McIntosh/9780749013448" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385911513l/19084669.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Turning-Tim-Winton/9780330441353" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356456652l/843997.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Seven-Deadly-Wonders-Matthew-Reilly/9781416505068" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388589227l/144791.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Secret-Keeper-Kate-Morton/9780330477598" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368357590l/17910030.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Falling-Snow-Mary-Rose-MacColl/9780143123927" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1377552125l/17792005.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Finnikin-Rock-Melina-Marchetta/9780763652920" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1256982126l/6719736.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17846926-the-cry" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1375213561l/17846926.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12027400-the-street-sweeper" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1317435240l/12027400.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Happy-Valley-Patrick-White/9780099583677" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="192" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1390533172l/17612625.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="128" /></a></div>
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Have fun!</div>
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Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-68098355078090653312014-01-06T12:23:00.000+11:002014-01-06T12:23:27.943+11:00ALLEGIANCE SWORN is an ARRAwards finalist!I woke to some awesome news this morning!<br />
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Sitting in my inbox was an email from the <a href="http://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Australian Romance Readers Association</a> letting me know that <b><a href="http://www.kyliegriffin.com/Books.html" target="_blank">ALLEGIANCE SWORN</a></b> is an ARRAwards finalist in the following categories:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance</i></li>
<li><i>Favourite Cover from a romance published in 2013 </i>(hats off to Gene Mollica, the cover artist, & the Berkley art department for such great work!)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-QybqXXdk/UsoCtsO3mtI/AAAAAAAAJgE/Y90YNcnuv6I/s1600/2013+ARRA+finalist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4-QybqXXdk/UsoCtsO3mtI/AAAAAAAAJgE/Y90YNcnuv6I/s1600/2013+ARRA+finalist.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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I'm so thrilled, especially on seeing <a href="http://australianromancereaders.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/2013-arr-awards-finalists-announced/" target="_blank">the finalists lists on the ARRA blog</a> - wow, am I in some fantastic company! Scrolling through them, I kept ticking off the ones I'd read and enjoyed. So many wonderful stories and authors!<br />
<br />
And I'm tickled to pieces that my writing buddies <a href="http://www.becmcmaster.com/" target="_blank">Bec McMaster</a> and <a href="http://www.dakotaharrison.com/" target="_blank">Dakota Harrison</a> are also nominated for a selection of ARRAwards! Woohoo!<br />
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Now, it's a waiting game - winners will be announced at the ARRAwards Dinner to be held on 22 March 2014 at Cello’s Restaurant in Sydney. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FD_bK7VFoHU/UsoCw80dnVI/AAAAAAAAJgM/ghP4tj0GxEg/s1600/Allegiance+Sworn+hi+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FD_bK7VFoHU/UsoCw80dnVI/AAAAAAAAJgM/ghP4tj0GxEg/s1600/Allegiance+Sworn+hi+res.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-62703179950198337702013-12-31T00:00:00.000+11:002013-12-31T00:00:00.709+11:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!To all my readers - I hope 2014 is a generous, prosperous and happy new year for you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi8F1yARdIY/UmxFwvP9fXI/AAAAAAAAJTA/TiDC8jHbXRs/s1600/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi8F1yARdIY/UmxFwvP9fXI/AAAAAAAAJTA/TiDC8jHbXRs/s400/images-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourced from <a class="irc_hol irc_itl" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://worldhdwallpaper.com/view.php?wallpaper=best%20happy%20new%20year%202014%20%20hd%20picture&resolution=full&id=8967"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">worldhdwallpaper.com</span></a><span class="irc_dim"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-26080275218212024022013-12-28T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-28T09:05:02.913+11:00Time to Make More Time!After much thinking and decision making, it's with an element of sadness I announce that I'll no longer be posting regular articles on my blog.<br />
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I've been organising, preparing and posting series, guest author interviews and other articles for 5 years - a huge commitment of time and effort, one I have thoroughly enjoyed as I've met so many new friends through doing this - but it's time to call it quits.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Quite simply - my writing. Between teaching, writing, blogging and social media, something has to give. There are so many stories in my head busting to be written, I need more time!<br />
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I'll post blog pieces but they'll be when I have time or feel so moved. Will guests still be welcome? Absolutely (feel free to email me if you'd like to visit) but it will be more like guest posts rather than interviews.<br />
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What about announcements on new releases, good news and giveaways? I'll definitely post about them - never fear!<br />
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I'd like to thank all the guests who have appeared here, or those who have guest blogged or talked about various topics over the years. It's been a pleasure having you.<br />
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But most of all, I'd like to thank the readers of this blog - you have commented and corresponded with enthusiasm. I hope you've enjoyed the content posted or learned something new.<br />
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While I may not be as frequent a visitor to my own blog, I'll be haunting the pages over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kylie-Griffin-paranormal-romance/152760788151938" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, or tweeting on <a href="https://twitter.com/KylieGriffin1%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. And my newsletter will also still go out regularly (<a href="http://www.kyliegriffin.com/Home.html" target="_blank">sign up here</a>, if you'd like to receive it).<br />
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See you all in 2014 ... sometime!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGgPmsmUYo/UmxHYOURCDI/AAAAAAAAJTM/YzJ-wAA5Mtw/s1600/gone+writing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGgPmsmUYo/UmxHYOURCDI/AAAAAAAAJTM/YzJ-wAA5Mtw/s1600/gone+writing.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-84112720118408516182013-12-25T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-25T01:00:07.576+11:00Merry Christmas!Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, however you celebrate this season - I hope today is a good one for you!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QmanhunJ8U/UleHxvOtb5I/AAAAAAAAJMk/PWYNRuK4cU8/s1600/aussiesanta3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QmanhunJ8U/UleHxvOtb5I/AAAAAAAAJMk/PWYNRuK4cU8/s400/aussiesanta3.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Best Wishes of the season</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">to you all!</span></div>
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Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-37783372229879223192013-12-24T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-24T01:00:05.120+11:00The Year That Was...2013...It's the end of December and in a week it will be 2014!<br />
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Phew, where did 2013 go?<br />
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It's certainly been a manic year with a whole swag of events happening on my blog. Let's look back at some of the highlights...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Hemsworth was my inspiration for Arek!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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*<b>GUEST AUTHORS</b><br />
There have been many and you can <a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/search/label/guest" target="_blank">find them all listed under this link</a> but my favourites this year have included...<br />
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/dark-side-downunder-erica-hayes.html" target="_blank">Erica Hayes</a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/dark-side-downunder-christina-phillips.html" target="_blank">Christina Phillips </a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/new-author-series-alissa-callen.html" target="_blank">Alissa Callen</a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/new-author-series-juanita-kees.html" target="_blank">Juanita Kees</a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/dark-side-downunder-peta-crake.html" target="_blank">Peta Crake</a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/dark-side-downunder-shona-husk.html" target="_blank">Shona Husk </a></div>
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*The consecutive three-month long, three-box <b>Aussie Author Giveaway</b> that ran in conjunction with Rosemary's Books, Galaxy Bookstore and Rendezvous. It was a huge success!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-z2obb4nfc/UrepNQxbDuI/AAAAAAAAJfM/QMsKAVfSq4k/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-z2obb4nfc/UrepNQxbDuI/AAAAAAAAJfM/QMsKAVfSq4k/s320/Picture+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yY4deu2cuI8/UrepNUdCYzI/AAAAAAAAJfI/crVUYS4VAKc/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yY4deu2cuI8/UrepNUdCYzI/AAAAAAAAJfI/crVUYS4VAKc/s200/Picture+3.png" width="200" /></a>*The whole month of March was dedicated to the buzz for <b>ALLEGIANCE SWORN</b>, which came out on April 2nd. You can find a host of extra's and insights into the characters of the Light Blade series during those weeks.<br />
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*Making the trek to Taree to speak on the <b>Queen of Hearts</b> author panel with Cathryn Hein & Karly Lane.<br />
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*Talking about world-building with:<br />
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/topic-world-building-with-larissa-ione.html" target="_blank">Larissa Ione</a></div>
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<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/topic-world-building-with-pamela-palmer.html" target="_blank">Pamela Palmer</a></div>
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*Posting up of <b>A New Beginning (<a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>, <a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> & <a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>)</b>, a free read science fiction romance short story.<br />
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*<b>FUN STUFF</b><br />
<b><a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/fun-cats-tale.html" target="_blank">The Cat's Tale</a></b> - the shennanigans of Furball, one of my cats, and a certain paper bag.<br />
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Was there anything that caught your eye this year on my blog?<br />
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I'd love to know what interested you!<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-78009530783650480002013-12-21T01:00:00.001+11:002013-12-21T01:00:06.884+11:00Cat-urday! - Christmas Cats 3Yes, it's...<br />
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The big day is almost here...<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-24549304561215881422013-12-17T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-17T01:00:02.596+11:00WRITING: A New Beginning (Part 3)This is Part 3 of a science fiction romance short story I wrote for the RWAustralia<span class="st">©</span> Little Gems<span class="st"> competi</span><span class="st">tion several years ago.</span><br />
<br />
If you missed the previous installments, you can find <a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a> and <a href="http://www.kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A NEW BEGINNING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013</b></div>
<br />
“No.” I stopped in the row
next to him and stared around at the parts of a dismantled pipeline
strewn all over the ground. Precious water dampened the dirt at the base
of one palm. “Is everything all right?”<br />
One, broad shoulder
shrugged. “Blocked pipe. Mud from the river builds up near the gate
valves. Got to unblock it by hand. Should’ve updated the pipes … this is
boring you, isn’t it?”<br />
“Not at all.” I handed him the hydro-pouch
with a nervous smile. “There’s a lot to learn about helping you run this
place. You might need to take things slow, explain a lot, but I’ll get
it. I’m fit, strong, used to long, hard hours.”<br />
The hydro-pouch halted halfway to his lips. “I’m not after a slave, Ms.Una.”<br />
“And I’m not offering to be one but I’d like to think you’d let a partner share that dream of yours.”<br />
His frown deepened. “A partner?”<br />
I
took a deep breath and looked around the paddock, feeling the heat,
knowing I was sweating as much as he was, both of us tasting the ever
present dust and grit.<br />
“You’ve a grand vision for the future,
Mr.Tann. I like a man that knows what he wants and goes after it. You’re
a bit like me in that respect.” I shoved the broad brimmed hat back so I
could look up at him. “I’d hoped for a future, one slightly better than
what I left behind but when I got here I wondered what I’d Bonded into.
I worried that you’d take advantage of my situation but you’re not the
man I expected.“<br />
He remained silent, watching me through hooded eyes,
his gaze intense. I gave him a small, anxious smile and smoothed a hand
over my cover-all, well aware of how lean and skinny I was.<br />
“You’ve a
beautiful home. I can see the love and care you put into it. You have a
good eye for crafting and you obviously work hard.” I scuffed the dirt
with the toe of my boot. “There’s a beauty in the starkness of this
land. I won’t say I really like it yet but I can feel the peacefulness
here.”<br />
“It grows on you.”<br />
I nodded. “In time I’m sure it will.” I
wet my lips. “I’m a plain looking woman, Mr.Tann, and I doubt I’m very
experienced with what pleases men compared to others you’ve known …”<br />
“Stop.” The quiet word halted my rambling.<br />
I
stared down at the ground, flushing, thinking I’d offended him with my
plain speaking. I’d never been good at saying things eloquently, but it
wasn’t in me to dodge an issue no matter how awkward it was.<br />
Two
large, mud-coated boots entered my field of vision. A grease-stained
finger tilted my chin up so that I looked at him. His broad face held an
oddly contented look. <br />
“I never expected you to appreciate or
recognise the beauty in any of this, so that you do fills me with a
greater satisfaction than you could know.” He laid his large hand over
my heart, his touch gentle. “What you have here is all I need, not
looks, not experience or fine education.” <br />
My heart squeezed tightly
with his soft words and the intense expression on his face. I bit my
lip, hope curling deep inside me. <br />
“Besides, I know I’m not one to
boast about good looks.” The ghost of smile softened his rugged
features. His thumb smoothed over my lip. “If all you want is a partner,
I’ll settle for that. But if, by some miracle, you feel we could become
lovers then I’m willing to wait. I’m a patient man and one who knows
how to make the best of any given situation.”<br />
A slow grin curved my
lips. “When we get back to your cabin, Mr.Tann, I think I’d like to
formalise our Bond-contract into a permanent arrangement.”<br />
Astonishment lit his features. “There’s no rush to decide. You might change your mind. Life out here’s hard.”<br />
I shook my head. “My future is here now, with you.”<br />
He
swallowed hard and a muscle ticked in his jaw. “I’m honoured to be your
partner, Ms.Una. Never thought to find someone like you.”<br />
“Do you think we could call each other by our given names?” I asked, wistfully. Formality seemed rather irrelevant now.<br />
“I’d like that, Kaylee.” He hung the hydro-pouch on one of the palm-fronds and crouched. “Here, see your first lesson.”<br />
I
moved down beside him and discovered how to unblock a pipe. It took
another three hours to check the remaining lines and the sun was setting
as we made our way home through the dust.<br />
“Rylan?” He turned to look down at me. “I meant to ask you earlier. Why did you call this property Pearl Station?”<br />
“Don’t
you think it suits?” It was an odd name and my puzzled frown brought a
crooked smile to his face. “Think about it. This land is as pitted and
ugly as an oyster’s shell yet if you delve beneath that layer, inside
her you’ll find a treasure worth discovering.”<br />
Touched by the poetry
of his words I reached for Rylan’s hand and laced my fingers with his.
He seemed surprised but then tightened his grip, his touch warm and
comforting. The decision to come to P-171 was no longer as frightening
as it seemed several hours ago.<br />
I’d found my own pearl and he was worth more than I’d ever hoped for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b>All rights reserved. No commercial reproduction, adaptation,
distribution or transmission of any part or parts of this website or any
information contained therein by any means whatsoever is permitted
without the prior written permission of Kylie Griffin.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed reading this short sci-fi romance story as much as I did writing it!<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-77724729637916430942013-12-14T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-14T01:00:07.254+11:00Cat-urday! - Christmas Cats 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, it's...<br />
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Merry Christmas...<span style="font-size: x-large;">NO!<span style="font-size: small;"> Not according to Grumpy Cat.</span></span><br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-47003561004575127482013-12-10T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-10T01:00:00.456+11:00WRITING: A New Beginning (Part 2)This is Part 2 of a science fiction romance short story I wrote for the <a href="http://www.romanceaustralia.com/p/114/Little-Gems" target="_blank">RWAustralia<span class="st">©</span> Little Gems<span class="st"> competi</span></a><span class="st"><a href="http://www.romanceaustralia.com/p/114/Little-Gems" target="_blank">tion</a> several years ago.</span><br />
<br />
If you missed it, <a href="http://kyliegriffinromance.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/writing-new-beginning-part-1.html" target="_blank">you can find Part 1 here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A NEW BEGINNING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013</b></div>
<br />
Sighing quietly in relief, I stared out at the scenery. A thin,
green line broke the tan hues of the landscape and as we drew closer I
realised it was vegetation edging a creamy coloured river. The multitude
of plant life provided visual cool relief in the heat of the day and
brought a smile to my face.<br />
“That river is the start of Pearl
Station, all forty thousand acres of my settlement.” Hesitant pride
coloured Rylan’s voice. “Don’t look much now, I know, but see the silver
coloured paddocks near the river? Yasar-palms. Experimental hybrid but
suited to the dry environ. Four years growth, watered eight times a day
initially but now their tap-roots go deep enough to access the artesian
basin. One day the far hills and the plains will be covered in them,
then I’ll bring in stock.”<br />
Enthusiasm lit his face and he spoke with
such quiet confidence that I could see the vision he evoked. Such deep
emotion and passion for a hard fought dream.<br />
I tilted my head to one side. “You love this place.”<br />
He slanted a glance my way, his expression becoming more guarded, and shrugged. “It’s home.”<br />
In
another ten minutes the skimmer slowed to cross the wide river and on
the southern bank I saw a single storey cabin nestled in among the lush
vegetation. A small slice of heaven in an arid wasteland.<br />
“You go on
inside, make yourself at home, Ms.Una,” Rylan said, as he parked the
skimmer close to the door. He alighted and came around to help me out.
He carried my heavy duffle bag to the door then turned back towards the
skimmer. <br />
A head shorter than him I had to look up to address him. “Where are you going?”<br />
He ran a hand through his wavy black hair. “Got chores to do before I come in. Need to catch up before dark.”<br />
I
nodded and watched him head over to a small pump station and disappear
inside. A moment later I heard a power generator start up. Water rushed
through a pipe coming from the shed. Rylan reappeared, a wide brimmed
hat on his head, toolbox in hand. He followed a pipeline that lead out
into the dusty paddocks.<br />
I watched him stop every so often to check
them. I frowned. The paddocks were large and the pipelines extended into
the distance. A demanding, lonely job when one had to be self-reliant
to fix or tend things and make a living from it. He disappeared into
the heat-haze so I decided to explore my new home.<br />
The cabin had an
insulated steel covered frame, solar panels on the roof and water
storage tanks dug in under the ground. The few windows were coated with a
reflective gold film, letting the light in but keeping the heat out. <br />
I
sighed at the climate-controlled interior, and took a moment to
appreciate the cool air ducted through vents set high in the wall. A
luxury, and one Rylan Tann had left on for our arrival. A considerate
gesture.<br />
The open plan style inside had an airy feel to it. I dumped
my duffle near the door and surveyed the room. Living and sleeping
quarters only, the amenities walled off by a portable screen in one
corner. His kitchen had all the basics, well stocked and outfitted. The
comm. and disk-player sat on a shelf near one of the windows. The
furniture was simple but I liked the clean, spartan style. After living
in a room half this size with nine others, this was decadence.<br />
I ran
my hand along the small table near the cooking facilities, curious about
the smooth texture. The bowls stacked on the shelves and some of the
containers had the same feel. Moving towards the bed I traced the
intricate swirling pattern carved into the headboard and the functional,
patched-sewn blanket. The items all looked handmade. Had Rylan made
them? If so, he was a skilled craftsman.<br />
I could almost imagine the
tall man sitting in the shade of one of the trees outside, lathe and
chisel in hand, patiently carving and sanding wood imported from
off-planet until he was satisfied with what he’d done. The time taken to
craft the items spoke of patience and care.<br />
One holo-pic rested on
the low bedside table. I sat down on the edge of the bed and peered at
it. A younger Rylan stood among a group of men in uniform, his unit. He
was smiling, his arms slung around the young men next to him. The sense
of camaraderie between them was strong.<br />
Slowly, I peered around the cabin, taking in everything that defined the man I knew as Rylan Tann. I’d seen enough to decide.<br />
I
wandered over to the small refrigerator unit and looked inside, smiling
when I found a large hydro-pouch on the top shelf. Slinging it over my
shoulder, I found a spare broad brimmed hat hanging near the door. The
heat hit me as soon as I left the cabin. I stopped in the shade of the
lush trees, inhaled a lungful of dry heat, and grimaced at the sweat I
could already feel gathering in the hollows of my body.<br />
Shading my
eyes, I stared out across the paddock. Life would be hard out here with
Rylan, but only a different sort of hard than the one I was used to.
P-171 certainly wasn’t for the faint-hearted and I’d never considered
myself weak. I could adapt and if I read the man right, Rylan would
help.<br />
Lifting my chin, I started walking, following the same pipeline
I’d seen Rylan track. He had a grand dream, one that required
dedication and hard work but he seemed more than capable of seeing it to
fruition. The hip-high Yasar-palms were healthy looking, strong despite
their immaturity. I ran my hands over the leaves, and the thin fronds
tickled my skin. Even being city-bred I knew that once they grew the
ecology would change. Rylan’s desolate wilderness could transform into a
green paradise.<br />
“Ms.Una, over here.” Rylan’s hail came from my left.<br />
Ducking
through the rows I found Rylan greasing a valve on one of the pipes. He
was bare-chested, his tanned body covered in sweat, his shirt cast on
the ground near his toolbox. He rose frowning, wiped his hands on his
long pants.<br />
“Something wrong, Ms.Una?”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="st"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b>All rights reserved. No commercial reproduction, adaptation,
distribution or transmission of any part or parts of this website or any
information contained therein by any means whatsoever is permitted
without the prior written permission of Kylie Griffin.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Part 3 will be posted this time next week...<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-23959886057473741152013-12-07T01:00:00.001+11:002013-12-07T01:00:07.051+11:00Cat-urday! - Christmas Cats 1Yes, it's...<br />
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'Tis the season...<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-53375715257254459562013-12-03T01:00:00.000+11:002013-12-03T01:00:07.945+11:00WRITING: A New Beginning (Part 1)<div style="text-align: left;">
I wrote this sci-fi romance short story for the RWAustralia<span class="st">©</span> Little Gems<span class="st"> competi</span><span class="st">tion several years ago.</span><span class="st"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">I</span><span class="st"> was intrigued with the "mail-order bride" idea and decide to place it in a sci-fi setting. It was fun developing the idea and the characters.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">I mean, what sort of person would willingly contract or bond themselves to a person they've never met? What would motivate them to leave everything familiar and head off into the unknown? To chose an uncertain future? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">And what about the person who advertised for a partner? Were they so desperate for company they'd take the drastic step of marrying a stranger? Or just lonely?</span></div>
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<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st">These were the 'what if' questions that prompted me to throw Rylan and Kaylee together. This story will be posted in three installments over the month of December. I hope you enjoy it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A NEW BEGINNING</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013</b></div>
<br />What had I signed up for? Certainly not the situation I found myself in, that’s for sure, but anxiety prodded the nerves dancing in my stomach anyway. I fiddled with a long strand of blonde hair then tucked it behind my ear. Oh, I’d anticipated some of the variables I’d need to adjust to P-171, frontier colonial planet; issues like uncertainty about the future, deep-space cryo-sleep for a year, a Bonding contract with terms yet to be negotiated, and a life vastly different than the crowded, overpopulated existence I’d had back on Earth, but nothing had prepared me for this. <br />Heat rippled off the dry, dusty hills and ravines of a land so desolate it made the dirty, rowdy, ram-shackled spaceport-town four hours behind me look like a High-class metropolis rather than a haven for the desperate.<br />I wiped at the sweat on my face and squinted against the bright sunlight out over a cream and tan landscape rippling in the afternoon heat. The hum of the skimmer as it made its way over yet another undulating, rock strewn hill was the only sound of civilisation present in a terrain so unforgiving I wondered how any of the Terra-farmers could ever make a living from dirt and stone. Water was scarce, as I quickly learnt, more precious than credit, and everything was bartered or sold by the litre.<br />“We’re nearly there, Ms.Una.” <br />My travelling companion, Rylan Tann, broke the silence, his voice rich and deep; only the second time I’d heard him speak other than the initial awkward meeting at the Bond-Office when he’d picked me up and we’d thumb-printed the contract. I was his Bondwoman for six months, either as a Terra-labourer or companion or both. Final terms were still negotiable.<br />“Please, call me Kaylee, Mr.Tann.” He grunted and I glanced over at him, wondering what he was thinking. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry to talk about our situation. His lean, angular, clean-shaven face gave nothing away yet there was a quiet strength beneath the stoic facade.<br />I’d expected Rylan to be well into his fifties. The brief info-sheet on him said he’d been in the Federation military, a retired veteran turned Terra-farmer, but he seemed to be in his mid-thirties, a few years older than me.<br />His large, broad shoulder frame barely fit in the skimmer seat. He handled the skimmer with skill that came from years of experience. Underneath the worn but clean coverall he had a hard, thick-muscled body, one of the first things I’d noticed when he’d helped me into the skimmer; a man well used to physical labour. Something I could definitely appreciate.<br />“Your settlement block is a long way from port, Mr.Tann,” I said, softly. “Do you have any neighbours?”<br />His dark brown eyes, the colour of chocolate I’d once seen in a store window but never tasted, met mine a moment before returning to the horizon. “The Neelan family’s only an hour away on the eastern border. Open plains, unclaimed, on the others.”<br />An hour and nothing but isolation? I swallowed dryly and smoothed a hand over the practical coveralls issued to me when I’d disembarked the sleeper-ship. It would take getting used to but the remoteness had a certain peacefulness I could learn to like, especially after living in a multi-celled, dorm-styled apartment with four other families.<br />“The pre-fab cabin has a comm. Bought a disk-player last wet-season. I like music. No vid-feed though. Couldn’t afford the uplink to the satellite. Dust also distorts the reception.”<br />I smiled. “Can’t miss what you never had, Mr.Tann. My family couldn’t afford one either. We had ten mouths to feed.”<br />His rugged, tanned face lit up with surprise. “Is that why you Bonded to a Colony world?”<br />“Partly.” I cleared my throat and swallowed dryly. The dust and residual effects of cryo-sleep made my voice hoarse.<br />Rylan glanced at me, then leant across the console, flipped open a small compartment and offered me a hydro-pouch. <br />I took it, impressed that he’d noticed my thirst. “Thank you.” I broke the seal and sipped the cool liquid, aware that he was waiting for an answer. Fiddling with the corner of the package, I took a fortifying breath. “My family’s financial situation limited my formal education, Mr.Tann. Not a lot of employment for those with basic-education but I got by hiring on as a general labourer. I learnt enough on the street to know hand to mouth subsistence held no future and my family needed the space, so I signed up.”<br />He grunted. “Difficult choice for a woman coming out here.”<br />“I’m not afraid of hard work. Bonding gave me more options than I had on Earth.” <br />An embellishment of the truth, but I was unwilling to admit it’d been my only option. I’d barely been able to pay the application fee so this was a one-way trip for me. I had no credit to break our contract if he turned out to be a less than desirable employer. It was doubtful the short-staffed Peacekeepers would be able to enforce bonding regulations this far away from the port, they’d had enough trouble enforcing the law within town limits from what I’d seen. P-171 was my future and the man beside me would decide a large part of it.<br />His blunt question was quiet but terse. “Are you looking for a husband?” <br />“Depends.” I bit my lip. “Are you looking for a wife?”<br />“Can’t say I thought any woman would want to live out here. I did wonder what type would accept an application such as mine.” He paused, and his large hands tightened on the skimmer controls. “I’d consider marriage. I’ve been here five years, Ms.Una. Company of any sort, but especially a woman’s, would ease the hours of loneliness.”<br />An honest answer, one that deserved a response.<br />“Mr.Tann, I can’t commit to someone I barely know.”<br />He nodded, the tension around his eyes and mouth easing. “That I can understand. Not expecting an answer today.”<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st">© </span>Kylie Griffin 2013 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b>All rights reserved. No commercial reproduction, adaptation,
distribution or transmission of any part or parts of this website or any
information contained therein by any means whatsoever is permitted
without the prior written permission of Kylie Griffin.</i></div>
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<br />
Part 2 will be posted this time next week...<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-70917897470901724432013-11-30T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-30T01:00:09.162+11:00Christmas Recommendations!With Christmas bearing down on us (there are only 24 sleeps left
before THAT day), I thought I'd share my Christmas
recommendation-for-book-presents list with you.<br />
Yes, these are all books I've read at some stage this year and loved! Some are by auto-buy authors, some by authors-new-to-me. <br />
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If
any of these catch your eye, check them out at your preferred books
seller and know that you're giving a wonderful gift this Christmas!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EN-i9RY8XKM/UldXvlI9eFI/AAAAAAAAJIo/WznBW0PAJxU/s1600/Picture+1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EN-i9RY8XKM/UldXvlI9eFI/AAAAAAAAJIo/WznBW0PAJxU/s320/Picture+1.png" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intirguing steampunk series by a fav.Aussie author of mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVgaXNjL8rU/UldTCyAcx5I/AAAAAAAAJHo/9Of4o2BD7Zw/s1600/Skin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVgaXNjL8rU/UldTCyAcx5I/AAAAAAAAJHo/9Of4o2BD7Zw/s320/Skin.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome zombie apocalypse series by a fellow Aussie!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1AcZVaeuLc/UldVPrsjwrI/AAAAAAAAJIE/6Y4nr7BR2hY/s1600/DarkeningSkies_cover_FINAL_480px1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1AcZVaeuLc/UldVPrsjwrI/AAAAAAAAJIE/6Y4nr7BR2hY/s320/DarkeningSkies_cover_FINAL_480px1.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aussie romantic suspense at its best</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_plkg7YkYA/UldVVzV6B4I/AAAAAAAAJIM/jAlJemt29VE/s1600/IronKin1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_plkg7YkYA/UldVVzV6B4I/AAAAAAAAJIM/jAlJemt29VE/s320/IronKin1.jpg" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, fav'ing the Aussies again - a great fantasy romance series!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TeuHMNRP-Y/UldVO7HnxQI/AAAAAAAAJH4/0AGKKtg5YVw/s1600/9781611189780_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TeuHMNRP-Y/UldVO7HnxQI/AAAAAAAAJH4/0AGKKtg5YVw/s320/9781611189780_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot BDSM romance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMnHCJBdII/UldVhd30RlI/AAAAAAAAJIU/OVVZaIozB7I/s1600/15723597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbMnHCJBdII/UldVhd30RlI/AAAAAAAAJIU/OVVZaIozB7I/s320/15723597.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gritty and dark paranormal romance</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsatLD9GF2g/UldW6hl7dFI/AAAAAAAAJIg/qFug3NDfHE0/s1600/Handcuffed-By-Her-Hero-by-Angel-Payne-e1375816496375.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsatLD9GF2g/UldW6hl7dFI/AAAAAAAAJIg/qFug3NDfHE0/s1600/Handcuffed-By-Her-Hero-by-Angel-Payne-e1375816496375.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a sucker for a good military romance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6KPZY4DQGI/UldSzTSxQII/AAAAAAAAJHg/Gyr86kUBU8o/s1600/allegiance+sworn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6KPZY4DQGI/UldSzTSxQII/AAAAAAAAJHg/Gyr86kUBU8o/s320/allegiance+sworn.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And can't go past a bit of self-promotion!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, do you have any Christmas recommendations for me? I'm ALWAYS looking for new books to add to my library!<br />
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Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-15438459856309246102013-11-26T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-26T01:00:01.527+11:00GIVEAWAYS: Last Days!<br />
There are only a few days left in my Christmas Giveaway!<br />
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I have signed copies of <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/68672-vengeance-born" target="_blank">VENGEANCE BORN</a></b> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/68671-allegiance-sworn" target="_blank"><b>ALLEGIANCE SWORN</b></a> over on Goodreads.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfhG8oE_Fi4/UmuUtD9RjaI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/R7BX6YDaZTU/s1600/Allegiance+Sworn+hi+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfhG8oE_Fi4/UmuUtD9RjaI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/R7BX6YDaZTU/s200/Allegiance+Sworn+hi+res.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z20p69MwnEc/UmuUrJOT-yI/AAAAAAAAJQw/4l6H_eNB-xI/s1600/VB+(mass+market).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z20p69MwnEc/UmuUrJOT-yI/AAAAAAAAJQw/4l6H_eNB-xI/s200/VB+(mass+market).jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
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The Rafflecopter giveaway for <a href="http://bit.ly/1fC9FpJ" target="_blank"><b>ALLIANCE FORGED</b> is here</a> on my blog.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmjsLQnmK24/UmuU3hKJsBI/AAAAAAAAJRA/NrfUsWhe7KY/s1600/Alliance+Forged(low+resNBSA).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmjsLQnmK24/UmuU3hKJsBI/AAAAAAAAJRA/NrfUsWhe7KY/s200/Alliance+Forged(low+resNBSA).jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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And for any newsletter subscribers, you have until <i><b>Nov.30th</b></i> to get your Quiz answers in to me to be in the running for some Light Blade swag.<br />
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Don't miss out! You could win some great gifts for yourself or a friend.<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-45201794805286749932013-11-23T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-23T01:00:09.118+11:00Christmas Gifts - Just for fun!Check out these awesome gag Christmas gifts!<br />
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You might find something that tickles your funny bone and know just who to give one them to come December 25th!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCqxrymICBw/UldddqdAUPI/AAAAAAAAJI4/-anK2Wss2fQ/s1600/poopingreindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCqxrymICBw/UldddqdAUPI/AAAAAAAAJI4/-anK2Wss2fQ/s320/poopingreindeer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sticking stuffer for the kids perhaps</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKw8OoOSpCg/UldoadfRlQI/AAAAAAAAJJU/Z21kGJZRbjg/s1600/got_chocolate_bumper_sticker-r2f6295887bab4384a409086d49e69848_v9wht_8byvr_324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKw8OoOSpCg/UldoadfRlQI/AAAAAAAAJJU/Z21kGJZRbjg/s320/got_chocolate_bumper_sticker-r2f6295887bab4384a409086d49e69848_v9wht_8byvr_324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bumper sticker worth getting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCpFA_QkPpY/Ulde4eoZC8I/AAAAAAAAJJE/-m2zzNB5JHE/s1600/41vYB7YliNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCpFA_QkPpY/Ulde4eoZC8I/AAAAAAAAJJE/-m2zzNB5JHE/s1600/41vYB7YliNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always practical and fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SR-Yi8rC4uE/UldrBg4tHFI/AAAAAAAAJJg/m0-aDUqySlc/s1600/wtf-self-inking-rubber-stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SR-Yi8rC4uE/UldrBg4tHFI/AAAAAAAAJJg/m0-aDUqySlc/s320/wtf-self-inking-rubber-stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always good for those reports/memes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QNHgrDdew8/UldsivO85GI/AAAAAAAAJJs/fznH6n2EMkw/s1600/today_isnt_your_day_mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QNHgrDdew8/UldsivO85GI/AAAAAAAAJJs/fznH6n2EMkw/s1600/today_isnt_your_day_mug.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are just some days this will apply!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_19D6AZl20/UldtNh1GfBI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/UEkpvm5rjJo/s1600/$T2eC16ZHJGoE9nuQgjUjBRKJoPWShQ~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_19D6AZl20/UldtNh1GfBI/AAAAAAAAJJ0/UEkpvm5rjJo/s1600/$T2eC16ZHJGoE9nuQgjUjBRKJoPWShQ~~60_35.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gift for an arachnophobe!</td></tr>
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I found all of these on <a href="http://www.prankplace.com/" target="_blank">Prank Place</a>.<br />
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-90942628984675169942013-11-19T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-19T01:00:08.465+11:00DARK SIDE DOWNUNDER: Erica HayesThe Dark Side DownUnder series continues this month. I invited you to get to know some paranormal romance authors from Australia & New Zealand, maybe find a couple of new-to-you-authors & reads!<br />
<br />
These authors are part of a blog group I'm affiliated with, called the <b>Dark Side DownUnder</b>.
The site is aimed at showcasing all things speculative fiction -
articles, authors, books, spotlights on... and contests/giveaways. You
can <a href="http://darksidedownunder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">find out more about DSDU here</a>.<br />
<br />
My good friend, <a href="http://ericahayes.net/" target="_blank"><b>Erica Hayes</b></a> is the Dark Sider in the hot seat today!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bfv0UMGQtg/UisS0u5ijII/AAAAAAAAIzg/NHsMhIWdOz8/s1600/erica1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bfv0UMGQtg/UisS0u5ijII/AAAAAAAAIzg/NHsMhIWdOz8/s200/erica1.jpg" width="131" /></a><b>Erica Hayes</b> is an Aussie author of dark fantasy and paranormal romance,
currently living in England, where at least the beer and the
hospitality, if not the weather, is warm.<br />
<br />
She was a law student, an air force officer, an editorial assistant and a musician. Her books feature tough, smart heroines and colourful heroes with dark secrets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Growing up, did you have an interest in the paranormal, Erica?</b><br />
I used to scare myself stupid with books from the library about vampires and monsters and being buried alive, bwahaha...It was all ‘horror’ back in those days, not a romantic vampire among them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqythEkm8AI/UisUdiLfeKI/AAAAAAAAI0g/xNOW0BSWar0/s1600/tom-baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqythEkm8AI/UisUdiLfeKI/AAAAAAAAI0g/xNOW0BSWar0/s200/tom-baker.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Baker - 4th Dr Who</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There wasn’t much TV in our house, but I used to watch Doctor Who (the Tom Baker and Peter Davidson versions!) when I got home from school.<br />
<br />
(<i>Kylie's comment:</i> For those unfamiliar with the awesomely popular British TV series, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006q2x0" target="_blank">you can find out more about it here.</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>Erica, what drew you to write in the paranormal romance genre? </b><br />
I like monsters. And sex and violence. So paranormal romance is perfect! I dunno, I can’t seem to come up with a plot that doesn’t feature some kind of made-up element, whether it be magical or sci-fi.<br />
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<b>In your books, what sorts of characters or themes do you like to write about?</b><br />
Oh, the ‘core story’ question, ooga booga :) Mine, apparently, is ‘<i>the darkness within</i>’. Always something to do with people who lead a double life somehow. Everyone has two faces.<br />
<br />
No one is what they seem, or who they pretend to be, or even who they’d like to be. They have a dark side that pulls them in conflicting directions, and because it’s paranormal, usually that dark side comes to life!<br />
<br />
My heroine Jade in <a href="http://ericahayes.net/shadowfae.html" target="_blank">SHADOWFAE</a> is possessed by a demon fragment called ‘rapture’. The hero in <a href="http://ericahayes.net/shadowglass.html" target="_blank">SHADOWGLASS</a> has a split personality. The heroine in <a href="http://ericahayes.net/dragonfly.html" target="_blank">DRAGONFLY</a>, Carrie, is a deep cover agent pretending to be someone else, who’s pretending to be yet another someone.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDamaSn0JLU/UisWAyiGjLI/AAAAAAAAI0s/ssV3BWuuvm0/s1600/MV5BMTI5NzAwODU4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODA3NTgzNA@@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDamaSn0JLU/UisWAyiGjLI/AAAAAAAAI0s/ssV3BWuuvm0/s200/MV5BMTI5NzAwODU4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODA3NTgzNA@@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_.jpg" width="135" /></a><b>Fav. paranormal TV series:</b> probably Supernatural. I give everything that comes on a go! I even watched The Vampire Diaries for a while (seriously? How many times can we have the same plot?) and I got through season 3 of True Blood before it jumped the shark for me.<br />
<br />
But I always seem to return to Supernatural... and the answer is Sam. In case you were wondering.<br />
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<b>Which paranormal romance author would you just love to meet in person?</b> They tend to hang out at conferences, so it isn’t that hard... Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein? She’s not likely to turn up at the next RWA. Not exactly a HEA in that one, but still...<br />
<br />
<b>Most intriguing paranormal creature:</b> I like my vampires, yes I do. And I’ve had great fun with angels in my <a href="http://ericahayes.net/sevensigns.html" target="_blank"><i>Seven Signs</i> series</a>. I’ve also done djinni, fairies, shapeshifters, demons, zombies, superheroes...<br />
<br />
Not much of a fan of werewolves, to be honest, but for me the most intriguing paranormal creature is one who leads that double life I was talking about – one thing by day, and another by night.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKTJYuwIWbE/UisW2foVRYI/AAAAAAAAI00/OVgFlGmhEHc/s1600/the-mummy-movie-brendan-fraser-original-poster-print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKTJYuwIWbE/UisW2foVRYI/AAAAAAAAI00/OVgFlGmhEHc/s200/the-mummy-movie-brendan-fraser-original-poster-print.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>Fav. paranormal movie:</b> The Mummy.<br />
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<b>Keeper paranormal romance series/books:</b> I’ve got lots. I don’t give away many books! And there are so many good ones. Some that I’m currently enjoying include Linda Poitevin’s Sins of the Angels, and the Hearts and Thrones series by Amy Raby.<br />
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<b>Which would you prefer - transporter, TARDIS or immortality:</b> Well, if you had a TARDIS, a transporter would be redundant.<br />
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Immortality... Well, you’ve heard the stories. Too much fine print.<br />
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So I guess I’d opt for the TARDIS. Does it come with the Doctor?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP566-ut528/UisUaGs3z1I/AAAAAAAAI0Y/7pBeS-nLVCA/s1600/Picture+1.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP566-ut528/UisUaGs3z1I/AAAAAAAAI0Y/7pBeS-nLVCA/s200/Picture+1.png" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Davidson - 5th Dr Who</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>You can find out more about Erica on her <a href="http://www.ericahayes.net/" target="_blank">website</a>, or you can follow her on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/ericahayes" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ericahayes.author" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</b><br />
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<b>Check out Erica's latest release & her other books:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ericahayes.net/demonchained.html" target="_blank"><b>DEMON CHAINED</b></a><br />
<b>(released 18th September, 2013) </b><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PYxUc4r9OU/UisSzRxOG6I/AAAAAAAAIzY/fKDYfsw-TKk/s1600/demonchained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PYxUc4r9OU/UisSzRxOG6I/AAAAAAAAIzY/fKDYfsw-TKk/s320/demonchained.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bk#5 The Shadowfae Chronicles</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Jewel is a djinni of the lamp, an enchanted slave, bound to her
owner by dark magical cravings she can't resist. She burns for freedom,
and when her lamp is stolen—by Tam, a hot and dirty bad-boy thief—she
vows to be rid of her new master at any cost. Even as she plots Tam's
demise, the lamp's dark fascination makes her long to claim him as her
own.
</i>
<br />
<i>But the last thing Tam wants is a spellbound djinni who can't say
'no'. Cursed by a demon to suffer living death, he's tormented by undead
longing for pain, pleasure, any sensation he can get. To have this
exquisite, besotted Jewel at his bidding is pure torture… because Tam
refuses to succumb to her magical allure.</i>
<br />
<i>Not when he knows she can't truly be attracted to an ever-dying
freak. And not when he’s already on a mission from his cruel demon
master: capture and deliver one djinni...
</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>The Shadowfae Chronicles (dark urban fantasy romance)</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qw8IZCMkeY/UisS5w0FADI/AAAAAAAAIz8/U11NBsahMaI/s1600/SF_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qw8IZCMkeY/UisS5w0FADI/AAAAAAAAIz8/U11NBsahMaI/s200/SF_cover.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#1)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_V4tk1_0EA/UisS53ad4tI/AAAAAAAAI0I/DxFcNgsBtKQ/s1600/SG_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_V4tk1_0EA/UisS53ad4tI/AAAAAAAAI0I/DxFcNgsBtKQ/s200/SG_cover.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#2)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Enx9u6Ov8/UisS1x_HKNI/AAAAAAAAIzw/ZQsuPT-GNvQ/s1600/PK_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Enx9u6Ov8/UisS1x_HKNI/AAAAAAAAIzw/ZQsuPT-GNvQ/s200/PK_cover.jpg" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#3)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFFKqegHN1A/UisSyZw3ftI/AAAAAAAAIzI/2SFCCJ6H98c/s1600/BC_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFFKqegHN1A/UisSyZw3ftI/AAAAAAAAIzI/2SFCCJ6H98c/s200/BC_cover.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#4)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40RTdbci8g/UisYkcznITI/AAAAAAAAI1A/fqxk3KWcyHo/s1600/CK_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40RTdbci8g/UisYkcznITI/AAAAAAAAI1A/fqxk3KWcyHo/s200/CK_cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(novella)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7LAAlI-clc/UisaC7fAlSI/AAAAAAAAI1M/9PzIoyYutiE/s1600/hellcursed-cover-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7LAAlI-clc/UisaC7fAlSI/AAAAAAAAI1M/9PzIoyYutiE/s200/hellcursed-cover-web.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(short story)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i><b>The Seven Signs series (dark apocalyptic paranormal romance)</b></i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUAOoCVdkhw/UisS7SCXlyI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/gwUt0uMjPMY/s1600/revelation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OUAOoCVdkhw/UisS7SCXlyI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/gwUt0uMjPMY/s200/revelation.jpg" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#1)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVZHyphaaRE/UisS54VnmHI/AAAAAAAAI0A/wKoAtLviE6Y/s1600/Redemption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVZHyphaaRE/UisS54VnmHI/AAAAAAAAI0A/wKoAtLviE6Y/s200/Redemption.jpg" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Bk#2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><b>Hunter’s Blood (a short vampire romance)</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<i><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yS4hGLZuDk/UisS0fG1GeI/AAAAAAAAIzk/RCbTAUvE0Ak/s1600/hunters_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yS4hGLZuDk/UisS0fG1GeI/AAAAAAAAIzk/RCbTAUvE0Ak/s200/hunters_cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></b></i></div>
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<i><b>Dragonfly (a romantic sci-fi adventure)</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlZ-Nuk6G0A/UisSzbzTC2I/AAAAAAAAIzU/rsJDiLYOtQU/s1600/dragonfly_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlZ-Nuk6G0A/UisSzbzTC2I/AAAAAAAAIzU/rsJDiLYOtQU/s200/dragonfly_m.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-85251647241308516002013-11-16T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-16T01:00:03.315+11:00SATURDAY SEVEN (My Lady Quicksilver)It's Saturday<b> </b>Seven!<br />
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<a href="http://www.becmcmaster.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bec McMaster</b></a> might be one of my writing buddies (and so you can probably assume I'm just a tad bias) but she writes intricate, gritty, engrossing steampunk romances. <a href="http://www.becmcmaster.com/books/" target="_blank">MY LADY QUICKSILVER</a> (Bk#3 London Steampunk series) is no exception.<br />
<br />
Bec takes us away from the streets of Whitechapel and Blade's band of fighters and rogues, and we get to see more of the Nighthawks (the law enforcement of the Echelon, if you like) and the humanist movement (those fighting against the Echelon).<br />
<br />
Rosalind applies to be Lynch's secretary. The Nighthawk Captain doesn't realise it but Rosalind is Mercury, the humanist fugitive he's been obsessed with hunting down and capturing. She's desperate to find her younger brother and working for Lynch could possibly give her access to information she needs.<br />
<br />
In this scene Lynch discovers Rosalind in his study, the one room he always locks, and she has to think fast on her feet...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Tell me...did you find anything of interest?"<br />
"Interest?"<br />
"When you were rifling through my things?"<br />
For a moment she thought he'd caught her out. Then she realized there were faint creases at the corners of his grey eyes and just a hint of a smile edging his harsh lips. Her heart started beating again, thundering in her veins.<br />
And she liked the feeling.<br />
"There were many things of interest," Rosalind said, circling the desk behind him. His head turned to the side then stopped, and she knew he was tracking her by sound now. His thick dark hair was cut brutally short, barely edging against the stiff starched cut of his collar. Rosalind eyed the broad span of his shoulders. "You're an interesting man."<br />
"Yet you're afraid of me," he murmured.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmzCcsgbTG8/UnXUo5JR2XI/AAAAAAAAJW4/ebZgtrYnR-M/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmzCcsgbTG8/UnXUo5JR2XI/AAAAAAAAJW4/ebZgtrYnR-M/s400/Picture+1.png" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="tagline">
<i><b>In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fuelled
London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the
streets, and war is brewing…</b></i></div>
<i><b><i>“I WILL COME FOR YOU…”</i></b></i><br />
<i>He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the
Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he’s
indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do
with her? </i><br />
<i>It’s his duty to turn her in—she’s a notorious spy and traitor. But
after one stolen moment, he can’t forget the feel of her in his arms,
the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into
the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the
Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his
touch…</i><br />
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<br />
<b>Other books in this series:</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EMB9CbaEwY/UnXU7aIJPwI/AAAAAAAAJXE/AyF-hCEfW0U/s1600/Kiss+of+Steel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EMB9CbaEwY/UnXU7aIJPwI/AAAAAAAAJXE/AyF-hCEfW0U/s200/Kiss+of+Steel.jpg" width="121" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Book #1</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krlLl6WM0bg/UntM05bDwGI/AAAAAAAAJYY/wcGByhiWIas/s1600/TarnishedKnight_highres2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krlLl6WM0bg/UntM05bDwGI/AAAAAAAAJYY/wcGByhiWIas/s200/TarnishedKnight_highres2.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Book #1.5</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyIpweRuHM/UntL4YvsHXI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/V6Ln0URl_RM/s1600/Heart+of+Iron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCyIpweRuHM/UntL4YvsHXI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/V6Ln0URl_RM/s200/Heart+of+Iron.jpg" width="124" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Book #2</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-52555126888354014942013-11-12T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-12T01:00:00.111+11:00GUEST AUTHOR: Maggie MundyToday I have <b>Maggie Mundy</b>, a fellow RWAustralia author - please make her feel welcome as she shares a post about her latest release, HIDDEN MORTALITY (now out with Soul Mate Publishing, October 2013).<br />
<br />
Take it away, Rowena.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJi5Esed4PM/UlH8ZYhbdwI/AAAAAAAAJE8/yu9uODZA7M4/s1600/7611057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJi5Esed4PM/UlH8ZYhbdwI/AAAAAAAAJE8/yu9uODZA7M4/s1600/7611057.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.maggiemundy.com/" target="_blank"><b>Maggie Mundy</b></a> lives in Adelaide, Australia and is a member of Romance
Writers of Australia, and the local chapter SARA (South Australian
Romance Authors). She recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and
English at Flinders University.<br />
<br />
She had a short story published in the
RWA Topaz Anthology Little Gems in 2010 called Sea and Vines. Over the
past year she has had stories on line with Alfie dog in the UK and
Antipodean SF in Australia. She has also performed for many years in
corporate entertainment for which she wrote her own sketches which
probably explains why her head is so full of characters.<br />
<br />
She loves
writing romance but thinks falling in love can be scary, especially in
her stories where creatures of the night really exist. <br />
<br />
As an introduction to a character from <a href="http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">HIDDEN MORTALITY</a>, today I'd like you to meet Seth the hero.
<br />
<br />
<b>Name:</b> Seth Scanlon.<br />
<br />
<b>
Race:</b> human.<br />
<br />
<b>Characteristics:</b> At six foot five with a muscle-bound body and a shaved head one of the character in the novel describes him like Vin Diesel on a bad day. Of course they don’t know the demons he cares about his past.
Age: 35 for more than 200 years so far. When I stared to write this novel I always saw Seth as a combination of Kelly Slater and Vin Diesel. I have to admit I find them both yummy.
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Background:</b> Seth was born in the early 1800 in a small town called Trowbridge just outside of Bath where he trained with his father to be a blacksmith. He hated his father who was a drunk and beat his mother. She was found drowned in a local river and it was considered suicide. He swore he would never become like his father but he didn’t completely succeed.<br />
<br />
His first true love Rosie was married when he met her. He was honourable and left her alone. When her husband died Seth was already in an unhappy marriage and starting to drink. His wife died in childbirth and Rosie was murdered. His life was spiralling out of control
.<br />
<br />
Rosie was killed in a ritual that was said to provide immortality to the killers. She had witch blood and granted the gift of immortality to Seth as well. She asks him to protect her descendants and find the killers.<br />
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Two hundred and more years have passed and Seth still searches and watches over Rosie’s descendants. Recently his need to find Rosie’s killer has changed because he has fallen in love with her descendant Cara.<br />
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<b>Interesting facts:</b> Seth can only kill the other immortal who murdered Rosie with a dagger he fixed. He does not know the whereabouts of the dagger. When he kills the murderer he will die himself. That was fine with him until he met Cara. Below you can see the cover for Hidden Mortality that will be out with Soul Mate Publishing in November. I actually like the fact that Seth’s face is not completely shown as it gives the reader the ability to fill in the rest of the details.<br />
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<i>A witch is murdered in 1850 in a ritual that will grant longevity to four men. What they are not aware of is that she has bestowed the same power to another called Seth to avenge her death.</i><br />
<i>Cara lives in present day Bristol, and is a descendant of the witch. Having been unlucky in love she fills her days with food with her Irish themed catering business. Her nights are another matter; they are full of erotic dreams of a mysterious lover, or nightmares with mutilated bodies. So this wasn’t the best time for her Nana to tell her she is coming into her power.</i><br />
<br />Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-68116025042937831462013-11-09T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-09T01:00:02.095+11:00DARK SIDE DOWNUNDER: Christina PhillipsThe Dark Side DownUnder series continues! I invited you to
get to know some paranormal romance authors from Australia &
New Zealand, maybe find a couple of new-to-you-authors & reads!<br />
<br />
These authors are part of a blog group I'm affiliated with, called the <b>Dark Side DownUnder</b>.
The site is aimed at showcasing all things speculative fiction -
articles, authors, books, spotlights on... and contests/giveaways. You
can <a href="http://darksidedownunder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">find out more about DSDU here</a>.<br />
<br />
My good friend, <b><a href="http://www.christinaphillips.com/" target="_blank">Christina Phillips</a> </b>is the Dark Sider in the hot seat today!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sx79Har2a4/Umm5gVtuzUI/AAAAAAAAJPY/BY86scyJM4U/s1600/Christina+Bio+Photo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sx79Har2a4/Umm5gVtuzUI/AAAAAAAAJPY/BY86scyJM4U/s1600/Christina+Bio+Photo.gif" /></a>Christina loves writing dark tales of tough, sexy warriors who are brought to their knees by their heroines. A mystical touch of fantasy or paranormal usually weaves its way through her stories, although strangely enough this wasn’t her intention when she first starting writing her historical romances. But when ancient gods and goddesses get involved, it’s best just to go with the flow.<br />
<br />
She is published by Ellora’s Cave and Berkley Heat and has dipped her toe in the indie pub waters. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, the DarkSide Down Under Group Blog and Historical Hearts Group Blog. She helped establish the inaugural Professional Development for Authors program and has been a member of the editorial team for the RWA’s monthly newsletter, Hearts Talk.<br />
<br />
Christina is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her family. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.<br />
<br />
<b>Christina, growing up, did you have an interest in the paranormal?</b><br />
Looking back, I’ve always been obsessed by the paranormal although at the time it all seemed perfectly normal to me. Why wouldn’t there be a magical land in the back of a wardrobe? Of course toys came to life as soon as you went to sleep at night. I still remember as clearly as anything hiding behind the sofa watching Doctor Who on Saturday evenings (but it never occurred to me – or my parents, apparently! – to stop watching the show!)<b> </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TttjKauZSgk/Umm5hG6LPgI/AAAAAAAAJPU/82UQiyDJouE/s1600/Bloodlust+Denied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TttjKauZSgk/Umm5hG6LPgI/AAAAAAAAJPU/82UQiyDJouE/s200/Bloodlust+Denied.jpg" width="121" /></a><b>What drew you to write in the paranormal romance genre?</b><br />
I’ve always enjoyed writing about the weird and strange. Even my English essay homework involved time travel to ancient Rome and epic space journeys.<br />
<br />
When I first started writing with the aim of publication I tried writing category romance, but even then an errant guardian angel appeared and my second heroine was a powerful medium in denial.<br />
<br />
<b>In your books, what sorts of characters or themes do you like to write about?</b><br />
I write a lot of historical romances and one of the obvious constraints that arises is the fact that in the past women have been severely repressed (I realise that, unfortunately, inequality still exists in many forms).<br />
<br />
I think this is why I gravitated towards the dark and misty times of the Druids, just before they were decimated by the Romans. Because we know so little about the Druids I was able to unearth a culture where female Druids were as powerful and respected as their male counterparts. Their pantheon of gods, unlike the Romans, wasn’t patriarchal or created to subdue women… at least not originally…<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDGZUJiac4/Umm8YpFph3I/AAAAAAAAJQA/NKG4k5HOdrA/s1600/FORBIDDEN+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNDGZUJiac4/Umm8YpFph3I/AAAAAAAAJQA/NKG4k5HOdrA/s200/FORBIDDEN+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a>In the same way my <i>Highland Warrior Chronicles</i>, set during the ninth century in the Highlands, have the mysterious Picts. Again we know so little about the Pictish people who lived in the Highlands before the Scots, yet the few things we do know about them paint an intriguing picture.<br />
<br />
And so I once again went back to the Goddess culture where women had been on equal footing with men. But this is a time of great change and upheaval in universal beliefs, and woven through the ancient myths and legends a new God arises. It makes for fascinating conflicts between the Scots warriors and their Pictish princesses.<br />
<br />
Another theme that I appear to like, although I must admit I didn’t even realise it until recently, is the enemies to lovers trope. I’m not sure why, but when I looked back at my books that theme runs through them all!<br />
<br />
<u><b>QUIZ</b></u><br />
<b>Fav. paranormal TV series:</b> It’s been ages since I’ve sat down and watched a TV series. And when I tried to think of one we’ve bought on DVD all I come up with are sci fi ones instead! I love Star Trek TNG and Voyager, Stargate and of course, (are you ready for this revelation?) Battlestar Galactica!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEsmU723LJA/Umm9ti4KFfI/AAAAAAAAJQI/8_Y-fQedHaI/s1600/Captive-Sep-Small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEsmU723LJA/Umm9ti4KFfI/AAAAAAAAJQI/8_Y-fQedHaI/s200/Captive-Sep-Small2.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>Which paranormal romance author would you just love to meet in person?</b> I consider myself hugely fortunate to have actually met in person several of my favourite paranormal authors – present company included! On a side note my eldest daughter is still green with envy that I’ve met (and spoken with! And hugged!) Nalini Singh.<br />
<br />
<b>Most intriguing paranormal creature: </b>Ever since I was a child I’ve found mermaids fascinating. I’m talking about the beautiful maidens with long flowing hair… and a tail. As I got older the tail kind of freaked me out, but despite the many questions I have as to their romantic rituals, mermaids still intrigue me.<br />
<br />
<b>Fav. paranormal movie:</b> I do love Enchanted, it’s such a delightful feel good movie and always makes me smile when we watch it (which is frequently!!) Also love Terminator, Alien and Déjà Vu with Denzel Washington– not sure they all qualify as paranormal movies though!<br />
<br />
<b>Keeper paranormal romance series/books:</b> Psy/Changeling by Nalini Singh.<br />
<br />
<b>Which would you prefer - transporter, TARDIS or immortality:</b> Much as I would love to travel in the TARDIS (hello, David Tennant!) my super technology of choice would be a transporter. With so many friends and relatives scattered across the country and the globe it would be completely awesome to be able to visit them with just a quick snap of the fingers!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Christina, thanks for visiting today!</b><br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
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<i>Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Celtic warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she ignites his passion like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.<br />Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt whose touch stirs a desire she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. With Gawain she learns the pleasure of sex and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.</i><br />
<i>Inside Scoop: This medieval romance dabbles a wee bit in the paranormal.</i><br />
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A Romantica® <b>historical erotic romance</b> from Ellora's Cave <i></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.ellorascave\.com\/tainted\.html\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Ellora’s Cave</span></span> <span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.amazon\.com\/Tainted-ebook\/dp\/B00EVVAUW2\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Amazon</span></span> <span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.amazon\.co\.uk\/Tainted-ebook\/dp\/B00EVVAUW2\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Amazon UK</span></span> <span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/www\.allromanceebooks\.com\/product-tainted-1273593-340\.html\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"> ARe</span></span> <span style="mso-field-code: "HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.kobobooks\.com\/ebook\/Tainted\/book-kFngj8aAw0ingtZH0YzOng\/page1\.html?s=A3C75sFBskanSwiZbvZNcA&r=2\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022";"><span class="MsoHyperlink">Kobo</span></span></span>
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<i>When tough Scots 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.</i><br />
<i>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.</i><br />
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<i>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.</i></div>
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A Romantica® <b>historical erotic romance</b> from Ellora's Cave <i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;"><a href="https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/christina-phillips/">Ellora's
Cave</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christina-Phillips/e/B003G299V0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Amazon</a>
<a href="http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Christina+Phillips">ARe</a>
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/christina-phillips">Nook</a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christina-Phillips/e/B003G299V0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1/280-3455230-3815713">Amazon
UK</a> <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-au/Search/Query?query=%22Christina%20Phillips%22&fcmedia=Book&fcsearchfield=Author&pageNumber=1&sort=none">
Kobo</a> </span>
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<b>Christina's Backlist:</b></div>
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<i>Stand-alones</i> </div>
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Bloodlust Denied<br />
Touch of the Demon<br />
Foretaste of Forever<i> </i></div>
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<i>The Forbidden Series</i><br />
Forbidden<br />
Captive<br />
Betrayed<br />
Tainted<i> </i></div>
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<i>Forged in Blood, United in Passion, The Highland Warrior Chronicles</i> (Coming Soon)<br />
Her Savage Scot</div>
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Her Vengeful Scot</div>
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Her Defiant Scot<i> </i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVthPJ0b1EE/Umm7-T_EfAI/AAAAAAAAJPw/YeiQBu1Ap1E/s1600/Archangel-of-Mercy-Small11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVthPJ0b1EE/Umm7-T_EfAI/AAAAAAAAJPw/YeiQBu1Ap1E/s200/Archangel-of-Mercy-Small11.jpg" width="133" /></a><i>Writing as <a href="http://www.christinaashcroft.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Christina Ashcroft</a></i> </div>
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Archangel of Mercy </div>
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<b>You can find Christina at the following places: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.christinaphillips.com/">Website</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christinaphillips.author?ref=hl">Facebook</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/christinaPh_Ash">Twitter</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3216349.Christina_Phillips">Goodreads</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.christinaphillips.blogspot.com.au/">Blog</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3039726215669901937.post-18111384876762002762013-11-05T01:00:00.000+11:002013-11-05T01:00:01.326+11:00DARK SIDE DOWNUNDER: S.E.GilchristThe Dark Side DownUnder series continues! I invited you to
get to know some paranormal romance authors from Australia &
New Zealand, maybe find a couple of new-to-you-authors & reads!<br />
<br />
These authors are part of a blog group I'm affiliated with, called the <b>Dark Side DownUnder</b>.
The site is aimed at showcasing all things speculative fiction -
articles, authors, books, spotlights on... and contests/giveaways. You
can <a href="http://darksidedownunder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">find out more about DSDU here</a>.<br />
<br />
Today, <b>S.E.Gilchrist </b>is the Dark Sider in the hot seat!<br />
<br />
SE can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hand. Now
she writes stories where her favorite words are ...'what if' and
'where'?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjNdlnJTIK4/UnDa96Oj7XI/AAAAAAAAJUk/yDnQyhQfkzA/s1600/me+8+colour+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AjNdlnJTIK4/UnDa96Oj7XI/AAAAAAAAJUk/yDnQyhQfkzA/s200/me+8+colour+compressed.jpg" width="188" /></a>Her writing features stories in the romance genres of
futuristic/sci-fi, fantasy, ancient history and post-apocalyptic. She
has now added contemporary rural romance to this list. The heat level of
her stories varies from scorching to sweet and everything in between.<br />
<br />
SE is published by Momentum Moonlight and Escape Publishing and is an indie author.<br />
<br /><b>Growing up, did you have an interest in the paranormal?</b><br />
I've been an addict from a very young age ie devoured books on different countries' legends and mythology. Lost in Space and Dr Who were watched almost religiously.<br />
<br />
<b>What drew you to write in the paranormal romance genre?</b><br />
Speaking from a sci-fi aspect, I love to invent worlds with different rules, cultures and politics. Places and people limited only by a person's imagination - who could resist?<br />
<br />
<b>In your books, what sorts of characters or themes do you like to write about?</b><br />
My characters aren't superheroes. I like to draw them from every day life with normal hang ups, baggage and BIG problems which they have to deal with or overcome over the course of the story. <br /><br /><u><b>QUIZ</b></u><br /><b>Fav. paranormal TV series:</b> Stargate. No, Firefly. Wait! The Walking Dead...you get my drift.<br /><b>Which paranormal romance author would you just love to meet in person?</b> Karen Marie Moning<br /><b>Most intriguing paranormal creature:</b> A draptile.<br /><b>Fav. paranormal movie:</b> Wow, so many.... Serenity.<br /><b>Keeper paranormal romance series/books:</b> Ms Moning's <i>Highlander</i> Series & JD Robb's <i>In Death</i> series.<br /><b>Which would you prefer - transporter, TARDIS or immortality:</b> A TARDIS.<br />
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<b>You can find out more about SE at <a href="http://www.segilchrist.com/" target="_blank">her website</a>, or follow her on <a href="http://segilchrist1/" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/S-E-Gilchrist/e/B009F6LGXA" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or you find her at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SEGilchrist%20http://hunterromancewriters.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hunter Romance Writers' blog</a>.</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Warriors-novella-Romance-ebook/dp/B00BTTJ8E0/" target="_blank">AWAKENING THE WARRIORS</a><br />
<i>Set in the world of the bestselling title Legend Beyond the Stars, an erotic novella about two warriors who have lost the ability to desire, and the human woman who is about to wake them up.
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<i>Fran must have been crazy to leave her ordinary, safe life and volunteer as a colonist to terra-form a new earth. Now she is trapped in a prison cell on an alien planet a zillion miles from home and bound for a hideous death in notorious research chambers.
She has one chance of escape: awaken the long dormant sexual urges of the Darkon Warriors shackled in the next cell.
It’s a desperate job, but someone has to do it.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/S-E-Gilchrist/e/B009F6LGXA" target="_blank">DANCE IN THE OUTBACK</a><br />
<i>Years ago Melanie Black was rescued from a burning house by her best mate, a fellow foster child. When he begs for help to save his marriage, she can’t refuse and soon finds herself on a cattle station supervising his children.</i><br />
<i>There isn’t a mall in sight. It’s hot and swarms with flies – none more persistent than Dirk Tanner who apparently wants her and his brother-in-law out of his sister’s life for good.</i><br />
<i>Before too long, Melanie finds herself falling in love with both him and the red expanse of the Outback. But to achieve her childhood dream of love and belonging, she has to face her worst nightmare.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Lies-Erotic-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B00BG9F338/" target="_blank">BOUND BY LIES</a><br />
<i>After trudging in the footsteps of the Fomorian army, Aileen longs to have a home of her own, far from the horrors of war. She will do anything to achieve her goal. Even lie to the kin of her newly deceased husband. But lies are nothing, compared with drugging a pixie king and stealing his memory … and his seed. Now Ioducus will teach her a lesson she won’t forget; and discovers, that here may be the one woman who can free him from his curse.</i><br />
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<b>S.E.Gilchrist's backlist:</b><br /><br />
DARKON WARRIORS SERIES:<br /> Legend Beyond the Stars<br /> The Portal<br /> Awakening the Warriors<br /> Star Pirate’s Justice (coming February 2014)<br /><br />EROTIC HISTORICAL/FANTASY SERIES:<br /> Bound by Love<br /> Bound by Lies<br /><br />POST APOCALPYTIC / EROTIC:<br /> Paying the Forfeit <br /> Storm of Fire (coming November 2013)<br /><br />CONTEMPORARY RURAL<br /> Dance in the Outback: available approx. 31 Oct.2013<br />
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Kylie Griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00469214884337936604noreply@blogger.com18