RELEASE DAY for My Lady Quicksilver!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY to my writing buddy, Bec McMaster.

MY LADY QUICKSILVER (Bk#3 London Steampunk series) comes out today with Sourcebooks. Bec creates incredible characters and adventures in a gritty, gripping alternate world of Victorian London - paranormal elements, steampunk, and history all wrapped up into one!

If you haven't tried her London Steampunk series, then why not? Check out her website and begin with KISS OF STEEL, HEART OF IRON and TARNISHED NIGHT. You won't regret it!

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…
“I WILL COME FOR YOU…”
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?
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…

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

Arek and his grandfather meet again...

“Come here.” The request was gruff and Davyn’s eyes glistened in the ambient light. He reached his arms through, large hands gesturing him forward, almost as if he were asking for a hug.
Surely the old man hadn’t mellowed with age or perhaps his premature death and resurrection had made him rethink his attitude? Whatever the case, Arek joined him at the bars.
Hoping.
Once he was within grasping distance, his wrist was seized and the shirt of his sleeve tugged up.
“Mother of Light!” Davyn hissed and released him as if he’d been burned. “The rumors are true! You are a blood-slave.”

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.43)

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

A little bit of action...

A Kaal Clan warcry split the air. A swift glance showed Barrca and another of her Na’Hord engaged in battle with the lead Vorc-rider. Her gait faltered.
“Keep going!” Arek grasped her arm.
“They’ll be overrun!” she gasped.
Steel on steel rang out.
Thunder rumbled so hard the ground seemed to shift beneath her foot. Then as small rocks and pebbles danced on the ground in front of her, she realised it had.
Another swift glance and a mass of rock, slate grey, almost black from the rain and sleet, rolled down the mountain side, gathering speed and debris – bushes, shrubs, other boulders – with terrifying intensity. The sound of them smashing together grew to a deafening roar.

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.38)

Allegiance Sworn Blog Tour

I'm tripping all over cyberspace visiting various blogs over the next few weeks promoting and having fun celebrating the release of ALLEGIANCE SWORN.

Here's the blog-tour schedule:

April 2nd - My Book Chatter & (ARRA release day post)
April 3rd - Kylie Scott's blog
April 5th - Romance Bandits
April 8th - The Qwillery
April 9th - All Things Urban Fantasy
April 12th - Riverina Romantics
April 17th - Sassy Book Lovers
April 20th - My Bookish Ways
April 22nd - We Fancy Books
April 24th - Dark Faerie Tale "Fantastic Fables"
April 26th - The Reading Cafe
April 29th - Writerspace Blog


May 1st - Bitten By Books
May 9th - DSDU Magic Thursday
May 12th - ARRA Guest Blog
May 19th - My Tote Bag
May 29th - Get Lost In a Story


You'll learn more about the book, the characters and there will be loads of giveaways.

I'd love it if you could join me!

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

Imhara observes Arek...

He’d left his hair unbound and, with his head bowed, the blond-streaked locks obscured his face from view. If it hadn’t been for the gentle rise and fall of his chest, Arek could have passed as a mastercrafter’s statue placed on display for any viewer’s pleasure.
Every muscle, every limb, every ridged angle and curved line displayed stone carved perfection. More than worthy of admiration, although – and here, her mouth twisted wryly – she doubted any artist would approve of the carnal nature of her appreciation.

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.27)

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

Cue the music (Darth Vader Theme)...we finally meet Na'Rei Savyr, demon King...

But the Second was nowhere as intimidating as the Na’Reishi striding behind him. Savyr Gannec was huge, just over seven feet tall, towering over many of the Na’Hord gathered around them. The latent power in his wide shoulders and thick, bulging biceps couldn’t be concealed by the long sleeved shirt or loose-laced vest. There was little evidence of him entering his fifth decade. He carried himself with the ease and confidence of a warrior half his age.
Hair the color of obsidian had been pulled back into a tight cue, the severe style emphasizing the strong lines and natural markings running down the sides of his face. Dark brows framed a predatory gaze that missed nothing.

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.23)

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

Arek is faced with a decision...

How could he trust Imhara when he’d doubted her every action and then his own?
Mother of Light, it’d taken him nearly six months to adjust to living with the Na’Chi in their village near Sacred Lake. Now he had less than a week to reconcile with the past. What he wouldn’t give to be able to talk to Kalan or Kymora about this, seek his friends’ advice, their guidance.
He didn’t like the idea of uncertainty paralysing him.
Nor was hoping for the best an option.
Yet indecision knotted in his gut like a nest of tunnel vipers.

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.15)

Allegiance Sworn Countdown...

Here in this snippet you get to meet Imhara Kaal, the Na'Reish leader of the Kaal Clan...

Imhara squeezed the iron railing, knuckles turning white. His refusal sat like a rock in her gut. Heavy. Unmovable. To lose this warrior would end her ancestors’ legacy and condemn her Clan to death.
She couldn’t let either happen.
Her heart beat harder. There was one way to stop him escaping. A temporary measure until he understood. But the deceit involved sickened her. He would hate her more.
Yet what choice did she have? 

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.6)

Allegiance Sworn countdown...

Today we begin the week long countdown to April 2nd - the USA/Canadian release day for ALLEGIANCE SWORN.

A teaser for those keen to read a little about the story...

Icy disbelief raked down Arek’s spine. If the warrior had sensed his Gift, why wasn’t he tearing his throat out? What game was the Na’Reish playing at?
“I’m prepared to die for my people,” he panted. “Death by your hand or the boat-master’s makes no matter, demon!”
His hair was released.
“It’s not your death I seek, Light Blade.” Rope secured his wrists once again. “My Clan needs you to live.”

ALLEGIANCE SWORN (Ch.2)

Happy Release Day!

Happy Release Day to Kylie Scott - her second book, SKIN, hit virtual shelves today!

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at this book about a month ago and what a pleasure it was to read it - phewwwww-eeeeee, I loved it as much as I loved FLESH!

Here's what I said about it:

Dark, intense and confronting, SKIN not only pushes the boundaries of her characters but readers as well. Scott took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that was sometimes confronting, most certainly thought-provoking, yet ultimately satisfying.

The action is fast-paced and gruesome, the romance compelling and intense. Nick and Rosalyn struggle and deal with the very realistic issues of loneliness and intimacy, redemption and survival in a world where the rules of civilisation no longer exist.

SKIN is a page-turner and you won't be able to put this book down.

Six months since the zombie plague struck, former librarian Roslyn Stewart has been holed up in a school with eight other survivors. But now the shelves in the school canteen are bare. The stranger at the gate has supplies that will ensure the group’s ongoing survival, but at a cost. He wants a woman.

Nick is a man with a plan. He’ll treat Roslyn like a Queen, devoting the rest of his life to protecting and providing for her. In exchange, of course, for sexual favours. It’s the deal of the century given the state of the world. But Roslyn doesn’t see it that way. The first chance she gets she attacks the ex-army man and attempts to escape, forcing Nick to contain her. And so begins his awkward courtship of the woman, with her chained to the bed for security reasons.

Chained like a dog and forced to spend her every waking moment with a creep, albeit a good looking one, Ros is determined to escape. When circumstances force them to band together against a common enemy their very survival depends on their ability to learn to trust each other. An uneasy partnership develops, but can a relationship with such a difficult beginning ever have a future?

The hotly anticipated sequel to Flesh, Skin is set in the same universe with a different set of characters.

 If this interests you then Kylie has a giveaway running over at My Book Chatter you might like to enter!

Or you could just go and buy it. :-)

Available from Momentum, Amazon US, and Amazon UK. 

 

Release Day!

I have two author friends with books being released today. Nothing like a double reason to celebrate and party!

Happy Release Day to C.T.Green!

Her debut work, Dream Lover, releases today with Momentum (Pan Macmillan Australia)!!! Dream Lover is an erotic short story with the Hot Down Under line.

Cate Reynolds is lost in the middle of the Australian bush, all because of one fatally attractive man.

Reece Johnson’s not just a threat to her libido, but her peaceful paranormal existence. In order to avoid revealing her darkest secret, Cate needs to stay as far away from Reece’s irresistible appeal as possible. But how can she when they’re forced to share a tent? In the sultry heat of summer, Cate will discover just how incredible dreams can be and that sometimes they can also come true.
Momentum link


Author's Bio:

Before becoming a writer C.T. Green worked in advertising for ten years. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts with majors in communication and literature.

C.T. Green now lives in regional Australia with her husband, children and extensive collection of animals – amongst whom is the world’s bossiest goldfish.

In between writing (i.e. arguing with her characters and occasionally posting to her blogs), she reads, drinks vanilla coffee, kid wrangles, enters writing contests and avoids the goldfish.

------------------------------------------------------------------

And Happy Release Day to Erica Hayes!

Her sci-fi romance, Dragonfly, is out with Momentum (Pan Macmillan Australia) today as well!!!

Carrie Thatcher is a tough Imperial counter-terrorism agent. Her mission: pose as a sexy cyber-thief to entrap the notorious rebel Dragonfly, who’s planning a heist on the space station Casa de Esperanza – an orbital casino on the fringe of Imperial space.
And this assignment’s personal: Dragonfly murdered her closest friend, and she’s in no mood to show him mercy. Even getting stuck with the partner from hell—Malachite, her sociopathic ex-lover and the Empire’s most dangerous agent—can’t dampen her relish for the kill.
With Carrie’s expert weapons skills and penchant for cracking codes, insinuating herself into Dragonfly’s confidence should be easy. But is he the ruthless killer she was led to believe? Or has her precious Empire deceived her? With Malachite watching her every move, the slightest flinch in loyalty means death.
Carrie is soon racing to uncover an audacious treachery that will shock the Empire to its core … if she can stay alive for long enough to expose it.
Momentum link


Author's Bio:
Erica Hayes was a law student, an air force officer, an editorial assistant and a musician, before finally landing her dream job: fantasy writer.

She writes dark paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic science fiction, and her books feature tough, smart heroines and colorful heroes with dark secrets.

She hails from Australia, where she drifts from city to city, leaving a trail of chaos behind her. Currently, she’s terrorizing the wilds of Northumberland.

HISTORICAL AUTHORS: Isolde Martyn

Isolde Martyn is known for her historical romances. Her debut novel was the first novel by an Australian to win a RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America as well as being the first novel to win the R*BY (Romantic Novel of the Year Award) in Australia.

Isolde grew up in London and might have stayed in England, however, after graduating from uni, she met a geologist at a bus stop and ended up in Sydney.

Published works: Four single titles plus two in press. 
Publisher/s: Bantam US; Bantam Australia; PanMacmillan, Australia; Berkley Jove US; Mira (HMB) Australia; Bastei, Germany; and Bolinda Audio Publishers.

What is historical romance and which era intrigues you the most?
Historical romance covers such a wide range of stories and quality of writing. It can range from women in pretty dresses and knights in armour against a vaguely historical backdrop to well-researched stories that are about real people. Straight historicals often seem to balk at humour and sex in the writing and that’s a pity.

I tend to write stories that have lots of historical people but I keep getting asked, ‘Well, which genre do you write?’ I guess it boils down to how a book is marketed. However, I don’t suppose anyone asked Diana Gabaldon which side of the marker her stories fall – she just goes ahead and writes.

Favourite era?
The Wars of the Roses. I love the intrigue of that period and there are so many fascinating historical characters. Setting stories against turbulent historical times increases the challenge for the hero and heroine and makes it more interesting for the reader.

Sometimes the past catches up with the present, too. It’s very exciting to think that UK archaeologists may have found the skeleton of King Richard III and that they are going to try and reconstruct his face as well as test for DNA.

The other era I find fascinating is the French Revolution but not the guillotine stuff, I might add! Fleur-de-Lis was utterly guillotine-free. The growth of the media, people power and many aspects of democracy arise from what happened in France in 1789-99 but a lot of people just see it merely as a time of violence. I hope readers will enjoy Fleur’s story and see revolutionary Paris from a totally different angle. 

What's the most fascinating aspect about writing in this genre for you?
The research and the guesswork. Truly a lot of the so-called facts of the late fifteenth century have been cobbled together from very little. An academic could not have based a whole book around the anonymous woman spy mentioned in a Burgundian chronicle but as a novelist I was free to do just that. What’s more, I’m pretty sure she was Warwick the Kingmaker’s bastard daughter, too. 

What challenges did you face publishing in this genre?
The wonderful thing about writing historical romance is that there is a wonderful, enthusiastic sorority of readers out there, whereas for straight historicals it is harder to get noticed by potential readers unless the publisher is making a big effort.

As for hoping for good reviews for historical romance in mainstream papers, tricky stuff! Some newspaper reviewers only have to see the words ‘romance award’ in your bio and the knives are whetted. I just wish such people would a) put their egos on a shelf; and b) actually read the book. 

Which authors have inspired you in your own writing? Or which ones do you enjoy reading?
The late Dorothy Dunnett, a true diva, for her research, imagery and humour. I still enjoy reading Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels and I adored Daphne du Maurier’s novel Frenchman’s Creek. Probably the most romantic story I have ever read. For humour and characters, I loved Sydney writer Karen Miller’s fantasy novel The Innocent Mage.

When you get a chance to relax, what do you like to do?
Go for a bush walk. Mind you, reading a novel that is well crafted and unputdownable is bliss as well. And time we spend with good friends sharing a good Aussie red wine. Purrrfect! 

Could you share your latest release, or a selected book, and tell us a little bit about it?
My novel MISTRESS SHORE is due out in February 2013.

My real life heroine, Elizabeth Lambard (also known in history as Jane Shore) was the daughter of a former Sheriff of London, who was a wealthy merchant. She was wed in her early teens to a mercer twice her age and, judging by historic records, she was determined to free herself and obtain a divorce. In her twenties, she became the mistress of King Edward IV and after his death suffered imprisonment by King Richard III until a wonderful man rescued her.

I loved writing this story because Mistress Shore was at the heart of events and, despite being a woman in an age when men were the masters, she managed to rebel against the rules and find her freedom. A lady of intelligence, compassion and courage!

I also am putting up my published novels THE MAIDEN & THE UNICORN and FLEUR-DE-LIS as e-books and a new e-book called THE DEVIL IN ERMINE, which is about the political intrigue of the events of 1483.

You can learn more about Isolde and her books at her website.

GUEST AUTHOR: Erica Hayes

How does this grab you?

Paranormal urban fantasy romance apocalypse. With zombies.

Sound like fun? I thought so too. 

You're in for a real treat today! Please welcome a good friend of mine, a fellow Aussie author and Berkley babe, Erica Hayes...

Thanks to Kylie for welcoming me to her blog! Seriously, never mind the guest blog, I'd come here just to look at her scrumptious cover art… I so want to be that lady on the front of ALLEGIANCE SWORN. She's totally bad-ass…

Anyway. Moving on… Greetings, world! I'm Erica Hayes, and I'm a paranormal romance author. Or maybe an urban fantasy author. What's in a genre, anyway? It's all in the same section of the bookstore, right?

But as a reader, I know there's nothing more disappointing – not to mention annoying – than when a book turns out to be different to what you expected. Even if the book is great, it can really ruin my enjoyment. I've had many a quiet rant on the subject. Why did they put that cover on it? I say, or That back cover copy is nothing to do with the story!

Some authors strike it lucky. Our good Kylie's books, for instance, are clearly fantasy romance, just from the covers alone. No deception there! We expect magic spells, other worlds, mystical mayhem—and she delivers.

So, in the interests of reader sanity (and public safety!) I wish to make the following announcement: this is my new book, REVELATION – and what you see is pretty much what you get.

Hot dude on the cover equals romance. Flaming sword equals paranormal. City lights in the background equals urban with lashings of dark. And the back cover copy pretty much nails it.

REVELATION
(Bk#1 The Seven Signs series)

A fallen angel with a mission and a medical examiner who’s lost her faith are fighting for their souls in a glittering, near-future Manhattan…

Blind faith is for fools. That’s what Dr. Morgan Sterling believes. And she’s going to prove it by curing the zombie plague ravaging her city’s slums. She’s certain it’s not a sign of the End of Days, but a nasty disease—until an angel appears in her morgue in a flash of glory.
Luniel is not just a fallen angel. He’s a powerful warrior sworn to fight evil in hopes of a chance at redemption. He’s after the demon princes who are stealing the seven vials of holy wrath which, when perverted, will unleash eternal hell on earth.
To stop the plague, Luniel needs Morgan’s help, and her faith. But Morgan believes science is their salvation. If the zombie plague is a demonic curse—and if Luniel is true—he’ll have to prove it. Even if he loses his heart to true love or his soul to Hell…

So go right ahead and expect a hot romance! Sexy, tormented fallen angel warrior meets… well, he meets the perfect woman for him. She just doesn't know it yet.

But the world of the Seven Signs is bigger than just Lune and Morgan. You'll meet other angels – Luniel's conniving archangel, Michael, for one, and some of Lune's Tainted buddies. You'll also meet the chilly Demon King, Azaroth, and a crafty pain demon called Zuul. If you're familiar with my Shadowfae books, you'll know I am putty – putty, I say! – in the paws of a sexy, scheming secondary character. Especially a villain!

So yeah. REVELATION is a dark paranormal urban fantasy romance apocalypse. With zombies. Just so you know.

P.S. You can read the first chapter at my website.
And do come chat with me on Facebook.

HISTORICAL AUTHORS: Anna Campbell

Queenslander ANNA CAMPBELL has written six historical romances for Avon HarperCollins and her work is published internationally, including in the United States, Germany, Russia, Turkey and Japan.

Anna has won numerous awards for her sweeping, emotional stories set in the first quarter of the 19th century. These awards include Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (three times), the Heart of Excellence, the Aspen Gold (twice) and the Australian Romance Readers Association's most popular historical romance (four times).

She has twice been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award and three times for Australia's Romantic Book of the Year. The Australian Romance Readers Association voted Anna their favorite Australian romance author of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, Anna launches an exciting new publishing venture with her first series "Sons of Sin", beginning with SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE'S BED in October 2012.

Published works: 7 (plus two novelettes).

Publisher/s: Avon HarperCollins, Grand Central Publishing.

What is historical romance and which era intrigues you the most? 

Thanks for having me as your guest, Kylie! Lovely to see historical romance in the spotlight.

A general definition of historical romance is romance set in any period prior to 1945. My books are set in the most popular era with readers, the Regency (largely thanks to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer). To purists, the Regency is officially from 1811 to 1820 when King George III became incurably mad and his son stepped in as Regent to fulfil his father’s royal duties. In 1820, King George died and the Prince Regent became George IV.

For historical romance readers, the Regency encompasses stories set in the UK from the French Revolution at the end of the 18^th century through to the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. My books are all set in the 1820s.

The first quarter of the 19^th century is a fascinating period in British history. The empire was taking its final form after the loss of the American colonies, the industrial revolution was hitting its stride, the Napoleonic Wars cast a long shadow over the early years of the century. It’s also a time of glittering high society and decadence before the rise of Victorian morality. There is political unrest and a huge divide between rich and poor. It also marks the beginnings of modern feminism with the publication of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN in 1792. Add to that elegant fashion, furniture and decorative arts, a scientific revolution and the explosion of Romantic and romantic literature (gothic romances were hugely popular in this era).

It’s difficult not to find this period fascinating.

What's the most fascinating aspect about writing in this genre for you? 

I love trying to get inside the heads and hearts of people who lived in the past. I love thinking about how the mores and customs and technology of the times make these people different from me, but also how sheer humanity makes them the same.

I love the larger than life quality I can write into a historical. I love that the whole sexual element of a relationship has such high stakes in a historical. Risking her reputation can be a matter of life and death for a woman. Makes for great tension!

Oh, and the dresses! I love the dresses. And the boots. What? Me? Shallow? NOOOOOOOO!

What challenges did you face publishing in this genre? 

When I started submitting to agents and publishers in the mid-2000s, the word around the book trade was that the historical was dead.

Fortunately, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumours of the historical romance’s death was greatly exaggerated. Lucky for me because I love writing this genre and perhaps just as important, I love READING this genre.

Which authors have inspired you in your own writing? Or which ones do you enjoy reading?

Oh, so many! There’s the classics like Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart. Jane Austen and the Brontes. Christina Brooke. Annie West. Loretta Chase. Laura Kinsale. Liz Carlyle. Anne Stuart. Liz Fielding. Dorothy Dunnett.

I’ll stop there but I could go on. I’m a voracious reader so you could say every book I’ve read has influenced me.

When you get a chance to relax, what do you like to do? 

Read. Play the piano. Swim. Walk. Travel. Have a drink with my friends. Watch a good movie. Go to art galleries.

Could you share your latest release, or a selected book, and tell us a little bit about it?

My latest release is SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED which was out 25^th September in North America and the beginning of October in Australia and New Zealand. It’s also available as an audiobook from Tantor Audio. Rogue is the first instalment in the “Sons of Sin” series, my very first series. It’s a classic Beauty and the Beast story.

SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED

Will a week of seduction... 

Desperate to save her sister's life, Sidonie Forsythe has agreed to submit herself to a terrible fate: Beyond the foreboding walls of Castle Craven, a notorious, hideously scarred scoundrel will take her virtue over the course of seven sinful nights. Yet instead of a monster, she encounters a man like no other. And during this week, she comes to care for Jonas Merrick in ways that defy all logic-even as a dark secret she carries threatens them both. 

...Spark a lifetime of passionate surrender? 

Ruthless loner Jonas knows exactly who he is. Should he forget, even for a moment, the curse he bears, a mere glance in the mirror serves as an agonizing reminder. So when the lovely Sidonie turns up on his doorstep, her seduction is an even more delicious prospect than he originally planned. But the hardened outcast is soon moved by her innocent beauty, sharp wit, and surprising courage. Now as dangerous enemies gather at the gate to destroy them, can their new, fragile love survive?

You can find an excerpt here: http://annacampbell.info/rogue.html

Website: www.annacampbell.info
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaCampbellFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annacampbelloz

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/296477.Anna_Campbell

And readers, Anna's generously giving away one copy of SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED, so please make her feel welcome by saying hi and leaving a comment or by asking her a question. Don't forget to leave a contact email address - you must do all this to be eligible for the draw.

Happy Release Days!

October seems to be the month for awesome new releases.

Two friends (both Aussies) have their books coming out within a day of one another - and they're both on my TBR pile!!! Can't wait!

The first is debut author, Kylie Scott. Her post-apocalyptic erotic romance, FLESH, is out with Momentum October 1st (today, folks!).

You can catch her blog tour list here (and perhaps, if you're lucky, snaffle a giveaway copy of FLESH)!

FLESH 
Ali has been hiding in an attic since civilisation collapsed eight weeks ago. 
When the plague hit, her neighbours turned into mindless, hungry, homicidal maniacs.
Daniel has been a loner his entire life. Then the world empties and he realises that being alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Finn is a former cop who is desperate for companionship, and willing to do anything it takes to protect the survivors around him.
When the three cross paths they band together; sparks fly, romance blooms in the wasteland and Ali, Daniel and Finn bend to their very human needs in the ruins of civilisation. 
Lust, love and trust all come under fire in Flesh as the three battle to survive, hunted through the suburban wastelands.

The second friend is fellow Berkley babe, Erica Hayes. REVELATION, her dark apocalyptic/urban fantasy/paranormal romance, hits shelves tomorrow, October 2nd!

She's also on blog tour and has giveaways. You can find out where she's going to be here...

REVELATION  
A fallen angel with a mission and a medical examiner who's lost her faith are fighting for their souls in a glittering, near-future Manhattan... 
Blind faith is for fools. That's what Dr. Morgan Sterling believes. And she's going to prove it by curing the zombie plague ravaging her city's slums. She's certain it's not a sign of the End of Days, but a nasty disease—until an angel appears in her morgue in a flash of glory.
Luniel is not just a fallen angel. He's a powerful warrior sworn to fight evil in hopes of a chance at redemption. He's after the demon princes who are stealing the seven vials of holy wrath which, when perverted, will unleash eternal hell on earth. To stop the plague, Luniel needs Morgan's help, and her faith. But Morgan believes science is their salvation. If the zombie plague is a demonic curse—and if Luniel is true—he’ll have to prove it. Even if he loses his heart to true love or his soul to Hell...

Upcoming New Releases

This year is a busy one for debut Aussie authors, and I'm very excited because many of them are personal friends.

I'd like to share with you what's coming out later this year. I'm hankering to read them, so their release dates can't come fast enough. Watch out for them!

First, Bec McMaster and KISS OF STEEL (London Steampunk series)! It releases with Sourcebooks on September 1st 2012.

It's already garnering early rave reviews (you can check out some of them on Goodreads).

He craves her like no other…

Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?
Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.

Next, Kylie Scott and FLESH, her post-apocalyptic, zombie infested romance (coming out October 1st 2012 with Momentum Books)!

Ali has been hiding in an attic since civilisation collapsed eight weeks ago.

When the plague hit, her neighbours turned into mindless, hungry, homicidal maniacs.

Daniel has been a loner his entire life. Then the world empties and he realises that being alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Finn is a former cop who is desperate for companionship, and willing to do anything it takes to protect the survivors around him.

When the three cross paths they band together; sparks fly, romance blooms in the wasteland and Ali, Daniel and Finn bend to their very human needs in the ruins of civilisation.

Lust, love and trust all come under fire in Flesh as the three band together to survive, hunted through the suburban wastelands.

Eleni Konstantine has a couple of releases coming up - some short stories and a novella!

ENCHANTED REALMS (Stormy Divide & Angel Eyes) comes out June 29th, 2012 from Musa Publishing.

ENCHANTED REALMS

STORMY DIVIDE
Thom may be used to the dangers of the forest, but nothing has prepared him for this. When he stumbles across a woman dressed in weird clothing lying on the ground during a storm, he has no choice but to help her. Ellie finds herself in another world, having travelled through time and space thanks to what Thom calls The Rifts. The question is whether she will ever be able to find her way back, or if she will be stuck in this new world forever. Or if she will even want to go home…
ANGEL EYES
Vera’s dreams are haunted each night by a man she only knows as Angel Eyes. He feels more real to her than anything else in her life, including her fiancé. Vera must try to forget her childish dreams of soul mates and happily ever after… but are they really only dreams or can she find a way to be with Angel Eyes forever?

Her novella GATEWAY TO HELL  is out on September 7th, 2012 from Musa Publishing. 

Mastering a unique power was much safer for Zeta Kosmos with a mentor to help her along. Now that he’s disappeared, Zeta must continue alone with her calling—closing Gateways to Hell.
Daniel Richards is in the family business—Warding supernatural evil from causing havoc on humans. As such, he’s only interested in the safety of one-night stands. Until Zeta. This bad boy now wants a long, lasting relationship.
But Zeta can’t let go of her past, nor can she ignore the secret demonic threats against Daniel’s life. She’d rather fight demonic spawn and be dragged into Hell than allow anything happen to him. Can Daniel convince her to stay? Will she have to pay the ultimate price?

Who knows, you may find a new to you author from this bunch!

GUEST AUTHOR: Helene Young - "Setting Goals - Are You Game?"

Are you someone who has a game plan? Do you set goals – short term and long term?

Helene Young

In 2008 I typed up a large sign that said ‘I will have a publishing contract by the end of 2008’ and stuck it on the office wall. I forgot it was there and Christmas rolled around with its string of visitors.

With the house overflowing, friends used the office to get changed into swimming togs.

‘What’s with the sign?’ one of them asked.

‘The sign? Oh, the sign… Umm…’ I struggled for words, feeling my cheeks heat up. Then it hit me like a smack over the ear. I needed to say it out aloud.

By going public with my goal it became more real, more urgent. Up until then I was pretty much working alone at something I aspired to achieve. Once I’d articulated that dream it became something I couldn’t back away from.  By the middle of 2009 I had a contract with Hachette.

A few months ago I stumbled across a blog that caught my attention – http://thepilotswife-thepilotswife.blogspot.com.au/

The writer was married to a pilot who works for the same airline as I do, although I’ve never met him. Her blog was about motherhood and pregnancy - not topics I usually follow closely - but there was something compelling about her writing, her voice and her use of words that kept me sporadically reading. Then one day, she came clean. She was an aspiring writer with plans to finish her first book. Bravo, I thought, and I left a comment to that effect because she’s taken that first step to treating this writing gig as a goal, something serious she will achieve.

I now have a new goal, and it’s nothing to do with writing. By the end of 2012 GW, Zeus and I will be living aboard a yacht. There, I’ve said it out aloud and now I just have to make it happen!

So, are you with me? Do you have goals you whisper to yourself when no one else is around? Here’s your chance – put it out there in the universe and get going! Tell us what it is you are going to achieve.

You’ll go into the running for a copy of the last goal which I turned it reality – BURNING LIES – and yes, I’ll post anywhere in the world!!

Find Helene at http://www.heleneyoung.com
Follow her on Facebook.
Tweet her on: https://twitter.com/HeleneYoung 

BURNING LIES
“Lies, all lies. It didn't matter how attractive he might be. She didn't really know this man . . . He was living a lie and she didn't know why.
”

Kaitlyn Scott is searching for the truth about her husband's death, even if that means revisiting the most painful day of her life. But what she uncovers is a criminal willing to stop at nothing to keep his secret.


Ryan O'Donnell, an enigmatic undercover cop, is investigating arson attacks when he is drawn into Kaitlyn's world. He tries to fight his attraction for her, hoping the case might put his own demons to rest, but it only threatens to push him over the edge.


With Kaitlyn and Ryan on a collision course, the arsonist seizes the chance to settle some old scores. As the Atherton Tableland burns, the three of them are caught in a fiery dance of danger and desire, and not everyone will come out alive.
Set in Australia's tropical far north, this is an explosive story of peril and passion by the author voted by the Romance Writers of Australia as the most popular novelist of the year, and by the Australian Romance Readers Association as the most popular romantic suspense novelist two years running.

ALLEGIANCE SWORN - Bk#3 in the Light Blade series

Well, here it is...the cover and blurb for ALLEGIANCE SWORN, Book #3 in the Light Blade series.

I LOVE IT!

The hero and heroine are finally revealed! :-)

There are so many subtle details that tie in with Arek & Imhara's story as well as the series - Gene Mollica is a wizard!

ALLEGIANCE SWORN

(A Novel of the Light Blade)

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a demon leader seeks to unify the races…
With the alliance of the humans and the half-blood Na’Chi forged, the demon Na’Reish prepare for war by seizing human blood-slaves. Captured during a rescue mission-gone-wrong, Light Blade warrior Arek Barial finds himself claimed by a Na’Reishi female who offers him an unexpected choice.
Raised in the elite ranks of a society she abhors, Imhara Kaal lives a dangerous double life as a Na’Reish Clan-leader and an advocate for a caste-free life that honors the Old Ways. Openly rebelling against the Na’Reish would mean her death, unless she can find an emissary willing to present her petition to the human Blade council.
But Arek isn’t about to blindly follow a demon—despite the intense attraction growing between them. And while hatred for the Na’Reish is all he has ever known, Arek must learn to trust Imhara, or risk the destruction of all three races…

ALLEGIANCE SWORN will be released on April 2nd, 2013 with Berkley Sensation.

GUEST BLOGGING at My Bookish Ways

This is Blog Tour stop #12 and a return visit to My Bookish Ways!

I'm talking about Varian, the hero of ALLIANCE FORGED. Is he a man or demon? Does he possess a gift or a curse?

And there's a giveaway, so don't miss out! :-)

GUEST BLOGGING over at Tynga's Reviews

Tynga's asked me to talk about what I do when I'm not writing - so come learn about my volunteer emergency service work with the NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Rural Fire Service.

There's a reader surprise at the end of the post! :-)