NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Peta Crake

The series continues, and what an exciting one it is - so many fab new authors!

All the featured authors are from the Romance Writers of Australia or Romance Writers of New Zealand, and have just been or are newly published with the digital imprints of Australian publishing houses like - Random House, Harlequin, Penguin and Pan Macmillan.

This week, please welcome Peta Crake.

Peta Crake grew up in a small town on the south coast of Western Australia, where the idea of fairies and monsters residing in the thick forests was perfectly believable.

After spending nearly a decade living in Japan and revelling in its culture, she turned her hand to writing.

Now living back in Australia with a husband, two kids, a cuddle-addicted cat, and a thoroughly confused dog, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance full of strong sassy heroines, surprising heroes and disturbed side-kicks.

Title - HARBINGER
Release Date - August 2012
Publisher - Destiny Romance
Call Story - I originally pitched this book to Penguin at the RWA Melbourne conference in 2011. They requested a partial then the full manuscript but then sent back a lovely "revise and resubmit" letter.

It took me a few months to sort out some of the problems and I had just finished editing it for the second round of the Emerald Award when Sarah Fairhall contacted me. She told me that Penguin were starting up a new digital first imprint and if I had made the suggested revisions she would love to read the manuscript as she thought it would be perfect for it. She loved the changes I had made and about four or so months later Harbinger became one of the launch books for Destiny Romance.

What made it even more special was, at the Melbourne conference I decided I wanted to be able to stand up and get my first sales ribbon at the next conference and I just made it.

Peta accepting her First Sale ribbon

About your book:
Hero - Aden Karras, demigod son of Aphrodite and Adonis.
Heroine - Ophelia Lind (Phi),  a human messenger for the gods with a dislike of the deities she works for, and her father Hermes in particular.
Setting - Perth, Western Australia.

HARBINGER
As a messenger for the all-powerful and sometimes frightening gods, suburban Aussie girl Ophelia Lind is used to being at their beck and call. When gorgeous demigod Aden moves into her neighbourhood and starts taking advantage of her services, she believes life could not get any worse.
She's about to be proven very wrong.
Without warning an odious creature - evil incarnate - begins to stalk her. Ophelia is accustomed to adventures and scrapes but this is different. Even Aden, finds it difficult to protect her. Suddenly Ophelia is in a battle for survival and begins to question everything - her upbringing, her identity and her true feelings for the alluring and entirely frustrating Aden.

HARBINGER excerpt
The scarlet seal on the black scroll glowed and disappeared as soon as it touched Aden’s outstretched hand. His eyes flicked up to look at me; the spark of interest in them sent warning shudders down my spine. He slowly looked me up and down, as if appraising a piece of furniture he wanted to buy.
‘So you are one of Hermes’ little friends. Glad to see he is making his messengers more attractive.’
‘I’m sure Daddy dearest didn’t do it for your benefit.’
Aden couldn’t have looked more surprised if I had slapped him across the face with a fish. ‘Hermes is your father?’
‘Supposedly.’ I wasn’t about to tell him I had never met the god and the only thing Hermes had ever given me was my job and a lonely mother. I hadn’t even inherited any demigod powers.
Aden’s forehead crinkled as he slowly re-read the message. I would have given anything to see what Aunt Hera had written, but that was not part of my job description. I could touch but not look. He glanced up at me again, eyes full of speculation. Time to go. If I didn’t, I was going to say something I would regret. The guy seriously set my nerves on edge.
 ‘Wait.’ He touched my arm to stop me from leaving, and then waved his hand over the scroll to record a new message. It sealed automatically as he handed it to me, the red wax forming a perfect circle as a pulsing gold bar of light flowed through it.
‘Take this to Nym Dryad.’
‘Your wish is my command.’
‘Oh yes, I know.’ He dismissed me with a cocky grin and a flick of his hand.

Any upcoming releases?
My latest release, REVELRY, was out 14th August through Destiny Romance. It is a paranormal romance involving wolf shifters, a serial killer and a chocolate shop.

REVELRY
Shifter Revelry Bell is on the run. Pursued by both her pack and the Enforcers of the Preternatural Council, there are few places to hide. When her cash starts dwindling, Revelry picks up work in the small town of Ridgewood, USA. Trouble is, Ridgewood is home to a large shifter community and staying hidden isn't easy. Particularly with the sexy Connor Blythe home on leave and watching Revelry's every move.

Connor is everything Revelry is trying to avoid. A fellow wolf, he is also an Enforcer, and very suspicious of the new girl in town. But when danger and violence rock Ridgewood to its core, Revelry must decide if she can trust him, even if it means losing her freedom – or possibly even her life.

You can find out more about Peta on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads.

NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Alison Butler

Time for a new series, and what an exciting one it is - New Authors!

All the featured authors are from the Romance Writers of Australia or Romance Writers of New Zealand, and have just been or are newly published with the digital imprints of Australian publishing houses like - Random House, Harlequin, Penguin and Pan Macmillan.

This week, please welcome Alison Butler.

Allison Butler lives in a small country town in NSW Australia with her very own Scottish hero, two beautiful daughters and a Jack Russel named Wallace.

Allison writes by day and cares for the elderly by night. She loves travelling, dancing like no one's watching and seeing the sights from the back of her husband's motorcycle.

Title - THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE
Release Date - 10th February 2013
Publisher - Penguin's Destiny Romance

Call Story - I attended the Penguin launch of their new digital-first Destiny Romance imprint at the RWA 2012 conference on the Gold Coast and when they announced they were taking pitches, I decided to give it a go. I pitched the next day to the lovely Carol George and she requested the full manuscript. I returned home, finished polishing my story and sent it off. Three weeks later, I received the 'CALL' from Carol. I pretended to be calm and in control, but must admit to shedding a few happy tears.

Hero - Jamie Graham is a gorgeous, strong hero with a kind heart, protective instincts and a dash of humour, who has promised to sire an heir but has vowed never to fall in love.

Heroine - Kenzie Irvine is a likeable firebrand who bravely protects and provides for the neglected, but has vowed never to marry and bring a child into an uncaring world.

Setting - The Scottish Borders.

 

To fulfill his father's dying wish, border laird Jamie Graham must marry and sire a legitimate heir. But his marriage will be one of convenience, for he has vowed never to open his heart for betrayal.  While guarding his cattle from thieves, Jamie catches the spirited daughter of a neighbouring laird stealing his horse.

Despite viewing an arranged marriage as a death sentence, feisty Kenzie Irvine has no choice but to wed the domineering laird. But she has sworn an oath never to bring a child into an uncaring world...

THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE Excerpt 
'All I possess becomes my brides the day we wed. My home is a castle. The people of clan Graham are my family, and my garron, De Brus, is a sturdy mount and is brave of heart.'
She stared into the fire, hard. Was talking his special form of torture?
'Aren't you curious to know who the lucky lass is?'
The only thing she was curious about was what he would do once she escaped.
'I also have a talent for making the ladies sing.'
Before she knew it, she found herself looking at him, watching his brows waggle above his glittering blue eyes, brows a shade darker than his wheat-coloured, shoulder-length hair.
She frowned. He should save listing his attributes for his unfortunate bride.
A wave of pity swamped her for the woman destined to be his wife. Jamie Graham was charming and smiled often and with ease. A dangerous smile that could melt the stoutest of icicles clinging to winter trees.
Whoever the woman was, she'd best have her wits about her at all times. She'd soon be lost within this man's beauty, his confidence and his charm. A shade, as many women who wed became. Women like her mother had been - alive but adrift; known but forgotten. A shade instead of a whole.
'I also have a large herd of prized cattle. But you are aware of that already.'
Her gaze met his before darting back to the fire. She swallowed. She'd been lulled by the sound of his voice and teasing banter. For a few moments, she'd forgotten why she was here. His next words ensured she'd never do so again.
'Lifting a man's cattle is punishable by death.'
The teasing tone had been stripped from his voice. A chill swept through her.
'A fitting punishment, and one I'm certain you know of also.'
She forced her gaze to meet his, refused to show him any fear.
'My bride will take my name and have my protection,' he said quietly.
He held her life in the palm of his hand, yet continued speaking of what his wife would gain when they wed. Just like her father, his thoughts only ever concerned himself.
'What say you, Kenzie?'
Her senses scattered, torn from her mind like the last autumn leaves clinging for life to bare branches.
'Aye. I know who you are. I also know I am the only one who can keep the noose from about your bonny neck.'
His soft-spoken words sent her world tilting again, but she refused to let him see. She returned his stare and despite his calm facade, she noticed the anxious gleam lighting his eyes.
He wanted something from her. Just as she expected.
'Marry me, Kenzie?'
Her heart seized, and then pounded in her ears. She fought for every breath and with each breath she won, her shock and fear subsided.
She swallowed and looked into his summer-sky eyes. 'I'd rather hang.'

Buy Links
Destiny Website
iTunes
Amazon


Any upcoming releases? I'm currently revising another Scottish medieval romance tentatively titled, The Healer. This story is linked to THE BORDER LAIRD'S BRIDE and I'm hoping it will be published late 2013.

Thanks so much for having me, Kylie. 
It's been a pleasure having you visit, Alison! :-)

If you want to find out more about Alison go to her website, or you can follow her on Facebook.

NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Madeline Ash

Time for a new series, and what an exciting one it is - New Authors!

All the featured authors are from the Romance Writers of Australia or Romance Writers of New Zealand, and have just been or are newly published with the digital imprints of Australian publishing houses like - Random House, Harlequin, Penguin and Pan Macmillan.

This week, please welcome Madeline Ash.

Madeline has always lived in Melbourne. She’s emotionally allergic to spontaneity, and yet doesn’t mind the weather that drags her into rain when she’s planned for sunshine. She likes to call this her wild side.

She works in media and communications by day, and writes contemporary romance pretty much the rest of the time.

UNCOVERED BY LOVE is her début novel. 

Title: UNCOVERED BY LOVE 
Release Date: 15 December, 2012
Publisher: Destiny Romance 

Call Story - UNCOVERED BY LOVE is a romance I had initially submitted to the RIVA romance fast-track at Mills & Boon. I made it to a full request, which I submitted prior to the RWA Gold Coast conference. In late October, it was rejected on the grounds that the conflict was too tragic.

I didn’t entirely agree. It was moving, perhaps, but it was a story of hope, not tragedy. Since Destiny had launched during the wait, I decided to submit it to them that very same Rejection Day. A second opinion could give me an idea of what to do next.

Carol called five days later, claiming she and Sarah loved it. Apparently it had everything they wanted in a romance. It was exactly what they’d been waiting for and they wanted it as a December release. The Call came through on October 30th, meaning I only had six weeks until publication!

And what a hectic, exciting, and life-changing six weeks that was! :-)

Hero
Name: Leeson Stone
Occupation: Investor
Wants: Vera to take over the gallery that belonged to his late sister.
Needs: Vera. Badly. Now.
Doesn’t know he needs: Someone who knows his secret and loves him all the more for it.
Relationships - yay or nay? Nay. He has a secret shame. This means he wants to move Vera quickly into the bedroom, fling-style, so she doesn’t have time to figure it out.
Appearance: “The man’s figure was broad and strong, a contrast to the thin and flimsy material of her market tent. He filled the space, dominated it, looked as if he could knock it down with his hands behind his back. With faded jeans stretched over hard thighs, sculpted arms and a large hand splayed on the display table, Vera’s most coherent thought was man.”

Heroine:
Name: Vera Cole
Occupation: Sculptor
Wants: To travel to Spain and study sculpting.
Wishes: She were normal so she could go to bed with a man.
Relationships – yay or nay? Ideally, yay. But she has a secret too, and it means she cannot be intimate unless she wants to risk rejection all over again.
Appearance: “Vera alone had a figure that could make a man gasp for mercy, all dips and swells, curves and angles. A full figure, some would say. He would call it a masterpiece. Her long hair fell loose in thick layers, softening the cute point of her chin and brushing her elbows. The shortest dark tresses offset her sweet face, drew his attention to her eyes, her lips, her cheeks.” 
Setting: This story is set in Melbourne.

Vera Cole is a passionate sculptor whose dream is to study art in Spain.  But when wealthy investor Leeson Stone offers her work at his gallery, Vera's dwindling bank balance forces her to agree.
Leeson is a man who measures himself by financial success, while Vera couldn't be less interested in material things. And both have secrets they are desperate to hide.

 But the more time they spend together, the more they struggle to resist the powerful attraction between them.
Knowing the truth would ruin him, Leeson avoids commitment. But when Vera works up the courage to reveal her past, Leeson falls hard for the bravest woman he has ever met. Can two people from very different worlds overcome their fears and learn to trust in love and one another?
A moving, contemporary romance about love against all the odds.

UNCOVERED BY LOVE excerpt:
‘I won’t reject you,’ he said instantly, running his hands up her sides. ‘I won’t hurt you, Vera. You can trust me.’
The past had taught her that trust shouldn’t be handed out to a man with desire in his eyes. ‘I can trust you to want me naked.’
They locked eyes. His hands stilled beneath her arms, his thumbs resting on the sides of her breasts. ‘You called me this afternoon, knowing I want you naked. Don’t make it sound like news.’
She’d known it. But she’d been alone and safe in her room then, without rejection circling her heart, snarling and ready to strike.
‘I don’t want you to see me naked,’ she whispered, her voice catching.
He looked shocked.
‘You won’t like it.’
‘Don’t assume you know what I like.’ His voice was deep, firm.
‘I know what you won’t like.’
‘I don’t like what you’re implying,’ he said. ‘How shallow do you think I am?’
She shook her head, distressed. ‘This was a bad idea.’
Leeson’s hold tightened when she tried to clamber off him. If anything, he pushed her harder against his erection, and the feel of him made her want to weep. ‘Leeson,’ she begged in a whisper. ‘Trust me on this. I’m not what you want.’
He said nothing. His jaw set and his eyes bored into her, accusing, speculative, hungry. Then he shifted beneath her. ‘Nakedness is optional with sex, you know.’
Vera met his gaze helplessly.
‘Nudge the crotch of these little shorts aside,’ he said, demonstrating just how it could be done. ‘And then – ’ he delved in and she gasped, ‘ – we go from there.’
Her breath had cut out somewhere between his words and his touch, so she just nodded. She put everything she had into that nod.
‘You’d prefer that?’                                                  
She nodded again.
‘Then let’s try it.’ When she hesitated, suddenly troubled by such a lack of intimacy, he withdrew his hand and added, ‘The second time we have sex.’
‘What?’
Leeson leaned forward, his mouth on her ear. ‘The first time you come around me, there’ll be nothing but sweat between us. And I’ll love every bare inch of you. Got it?’


Thanks for having me on your blog today, Kylie!
It's been a pleasure, Madeline. :-)

You can find out more about Madeline on her website, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

NEW AUTHOR SERIES: Carla Caruso

Time for a new series, and what an exciting one it is - New Authors!

All the featured authors are from the Romance Writers of Australia or Romance Writers of New Zealand, and have just been or are newly published with the digital imprints of Australian publishing houses like - Random House, Harlequin, Penguin and Pan Macmillan.

This week, please welcome Carla Caruso.

Carla Caruso was born in Adelaide, Australia, grew up amid a boisterous extended Italian family – yet somehow managed to become a bookworm...

She’s worked as a newspaper and magazine journalist, government PR and fashion stylist. The romance genre appeals as she is a sucker for rom-coms.

Title – SECOND CHANCE
Release Date – February 10, 2013
Publisher – Penguin’s Destiny Romance

Call Story – My call story began in 2012 with my first book out with Destiny Romance, Cityglitter (about a half-fairy girl who does the one thing she promised herself she’d never do: fall in love with a human!).

I emailed a submission to Penguin’s ‘Monthly Catch’ unsolicited slush pile, not expecting to get a response as usual. I’d sent out various emails for previous manuscripts with no luck! But in a few weeks, I did get a response, asking if I could ‘up’ the romance thread of the story and resubmit. I did, working madly, and the rest is history!

About your book:
Hero - Lance Devic is the best friend of the heroine’s ex, who she never really noticed before. But he keeps popping up and messing with her head. Lance has never been one to embrace the new, preferring old-style music, cars, cameras and clunky antique presses… which may have something to do with him not wanting to forget the past as his mum died when he was young.
Heroine - On the night of her 36th birthday, Flora Brunelli is full of regrets. The celebrations have turned sour and life hasn’t gone according to plan. She wishes she could be 20 again. Then she finds herself zapped back in time, landing in the summer of 1998 when she was 20 years old. The Spice Girls are at the top of the charts and The X-Files is the hit TV show. It’s also the week Flora’s life unravelled. For Flora, this is a chance to change her future. 
Setting – Adelaide, Australia (some say the small city’s still stuck in the ‘90s… you can joke like this, when you’re from there!)

SECOND CHANCE excerpt

‘I thought I said no questions.’ I sigh, fluffing up the feather boa I’ve stolen from the makeup room, currently draped over my semi-naked front in an attempt at modesty. This is where the Old Me’s tendency to throw caution to the wind got me: Major Humiliation Land.
Lance shakes his head, next to me in his Capri, parked in the shadowy side street alongside Xavier’s studio. TLC’s ‘Waterfalls’ wafts from his radio. ‘You can’t turn up looking like that and expect me not to wonder what the hell is going on. You could be caught up in something terrible for all I know, like, I don’t know…a prostitution ring or something.’
I roll my eyes. ‘Thank you very much, but I’m not. Trust me, this,’ I gesture at my poor excuse for an outfit, including a pale blue hand towel masquerading as a skirt and, of course, my black bra, ‘looks worse than it is.’
Lance bangs a hand on the steering wheel, looking anywhere but at me. ‘Do you need more shifts at the newsagency? Is that what this is?’
Oh, man. He really thinks I’m moonlighting as an exotic dancer. He has me pegged for that sort of girl. I’m mildly offended. A sigh escapes through my gritted teeth.
‘Look.’ I turn around, readjusting the towel on my lap so I don’t reveal quite so much thigh. Unfortunately, the fabric has a suspect-looking stain in one corner. Ew. ‘I’ll tell you what happened only if you swear not to tell Ruben or Clementine or, okay, anyone for that matter. Promise?’
Lance glances at me, then, flushing, looks ahead again, his jaw clenched. ‘Fine.’
I suck in a breath, watching a fly tiptoe across the dashboard. Right. Speeding up my explanation might make it less painful, like ripping off a Band-Aid. ‘Okay, I responded to an ad in the paper about posing for a semi-nude portrait for an artist – a respected artist – but I got cold feet. Bad. I realised what a stupid impulsive idea it was and suddenly wanted to get the hell out of there. So I called you, then escaped out of the bathroom mid-shoot. Hence,’ I look down, ‘my lack of proper clothing.’
Thank goodness phones with cameras weren’t ubiquitous in the nineties. It would have been a money shot to catch me wiggling through the window in next to nothing. My arms and legs bear the scratches. Lance remains stony-faced as though processing the information…
Buy link.

You can find out more about Carla on her website, blog or follow her on Twitter. 

Other books by Carla: