Sunday, November 2, 2014

SFR News & Links For November 2014

2014 may be starting to wind down, but science fiction romance sure isn't! I invite you to partake of November's cornucopia:

New releases

CURSED (Brides of the Kindred #13) - Evangeline Anderson

This is a plus length novel--over 153,000 words long.

Commander Stavros Rii of the Kindred is a Sin Eater--thick black lines cover his back and neck causing him to feel the pain of others. It is a curse that threatens to shorten his life and makes him unable to bond with a female--not that he's ever found one he wants to bond with. Until he meets Charlie.

Charlie Sayers is an agent with the Earth Protection Bureau-- and anti Kindred agency dedicated to ridding the world of the big aliens. Charlie joined the EPB out of a sense of patriotism but she has her own reasons to hate the Kindred.

But she has bigger problems than the Kindred at the moment--the Enhanced Ones have come to Earth and they're planning to take over the planet, enslave the inhabitants and strip them of all emotion. Charlie can't have that so she agrees to go undercover with Stavros to find the Heart of Love--an artifact which can destroy their mutual enemy forever.

On their dangerous and difficult mission, Charlie learns that going undercover with your worst enemy can rapidly turn him into your best friend...or your lover. Can she hold on to her beliefs and stay true to herself, or will she lose her heart to Stavros? And even if she gives in to desire, will Stav be able to bond her to him?

Or are they Cursed to be apart forever?

For more information about Evangeline Anderson, read this interview at her site.

DESOLATION (Mankind’s Redemption #2) - Colette Black

Aline and Lar escaped the attack on Noble Ark, but Lar's former ship, Desolashon, is still a threat. As tensions grow and Lar and Aline's situation worsens, finding a way out becomes secondary to daily survival. Murderous plots and jealous rivalries threaten their lives, but even greater danger lies in the secrets they dare not reveal.

BLACK GATE (Timewalker Chronicles #4) - Michele Callahan

Katherine Green is living a lie. She’s a top ranking paranormal commander for the Casper Project, a black ops program committed to tracking down aliens, alien artifacts and weaponry. She’s very, very good at what she does, which is lie. She’s a Timewalker descendant. She’s dedicated her life to helping others gifted with power to escape the claws of corrupt leaders who would use them for their own ends. But she’s also very, very good at tracking alien objects of power, and she’s just found the mother lode, a Black Gate, a transdimensional portal between worlds. What she doesn’t know is that the Gate has an agenda of its own, and an Immortal guardian who has been dispatched to kill her before she unwittingly unleashes a horde of evil Triscani Hunters on Earth.

Teagh’s been Guardian of the Gate, Darkwalker Lord, and the Dark One for centuries. He lives a solitary life hiding from both the Immortals on Itara and the human government here on Earth. He’s a guardian, not an assassin, but when he’s sent by an Immortal Seer to stop one human female from unleashing hell on Earth, he’s too late. She’s already on the other side, and the Gate no longer obeys him. Its allegiance has switched to the Timewalker female whose Mark burns through his blood. She Marked him, and now he aches to keep the dangerous female for himself.

But there’s a reason the Gate chose her, a reason the Triscani Hunters have been waiting to strike, and a reason the Lost King of Itara mysteriously vanished hundreds of years ago. Katherine and Teagh will fight their desire and each other as they uncover the truth about a dark future that could destroy them both.

RESCUED BY THE SPY - Patricia Green

Michael O’Malley is a spy working for the Solarian Federation, undercover in a sting operation against Jerold Laricon and his Ligeian settlement on Titan. Laricon is a man with Machiavellian social restructuring schemes and a desire for world domination. It’s a bad time for Nina Stanley, O’Malley’s old flame, to get kidnapped by Laricon.

Muddying the waters is Michael’s need to fit in and partake of the succulent fruits of Laricon’s stratified system—including the sweet, beautiful, and willing Alyssa. Michael wants to help Nina and free Alyssa, but he also wants to crush Laricon’s unscrupulous and vicious rise to power.

Nina is appalled by what she experiences in Ligeia at the hands of the evil Laricon. Her goal is to get out, no matter what it takes. But what if the price is Michael's life? Can she live with herself if that happens?

Nota bene: this book includes polygyny, but is not a ménage story. The story contains dominant males, and some difficult situations. However, it is an erotic romance with a happy ending. If any of these elements offends you, this is not the book for you.

ZYKLON X - Zhanna Hamilton

She found herself as the only human aboard a space station that harbored artificially intelligent androids--only she couldn't remember how she got there. They tell her her application to join the station was accepted. She knew what that meant--Zoey would no longer be welcomed on Earth. This would be her only home now. Her first mission stung the hardest. It was an assignment to create a counter serum to the deadly android virus created by the humans. It would be easy for her, they told her. She was, after all, a nanotech specialist on Earth--the best of her kind. If only the headaches would stop, she could focus on her work. What was her brain trying to tell her?

Then, there was her colleague. Oh, that man... or android. When the lights were out--was there really a difference? She longed to find out--but a military lab was no place for romance. Besides, she didn't need her supervisor to hate her anymore than she already did. 400 was in charge, and she made certain her and Trex were never alone together. Unfortunately, that only made the sexual tension worse...

As war between the space station and Earth's government inched closer, Zoey struggled with her choices. The more she uncovered about her circumstances, the more she realized she made a huge mistake--one that would surely end her life if she didn't act fast.

WHEN DARK FALLS - Pippa Jay

In a city where Dark Technologies Inc. now runs the show, Kadie Williams has more immediate concerns than the fall of Blaze, their guardian superhero. Almost every morning for the last few months she’s woken up with cuts and bruises on her body, and no idea how she got them. There are no nightmares. No evidence that she sleepwalks, or any sign of a break in. And nothing to tell her who’s been cleaning up after her. As just one of thousands of civilians conscripted to slave away in the labs of Professor Dark, she knew there'd be trouble ahead. But she never expected it to be so bad, or so personal.

Desperate for answers, Kadie looks to the new defender of the night, the only person who can hinder the total domination of Professor Dark—Nocturnelle. The mysterious vigilante superhero came from nowhere with her cybernetic sidekick Shadow, set on putting an end to the brutality of Dark's regime. But as his laboratories work on a new secret super-weapon, Nocturnelle and Shadow may not be enough to save Nephopolis...or to save Kadie either.

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST (The Phoenix Institute #3.5; superhero) - Corrina Lawson

Christmas can be murder on a relationship that s on the rocks.

As Christmas approaches in crumbling Charlton City, Detective Aloysius James and his partner, Noir, are at a crossroads. Figuring out how to reconcile their careers with their relationship is harder than catching the bad guys.

Now that Noir has learned to control her invisibility and is making a name for herself among the city s artist collective, Al senses there s something she s keeping from him. And he doesn t know how long they can remain partners. Or even lovers.

Noir isn t sure how Al would take it if he knew how deeply he has touched her artistic soul, or how he could react if he saw the secret drawings that have helped heal the wounds of her past.

When a murder lands them on opposite sides Al ready to arrest a suspect Noir insists in innocent they re going to need to unwrap all the ghosts of their pasts to make this Christmas the first of many. Or it could be their last.

Warning: Contains explicit, desperate make-up sex. Also, pie.

A HERO ESCAPES (Pleasure Bound #2) - Jan Springer

Queen Jacey has always fantasized about bedding a male. But taking one into her bed is strictly forbidden. That is, until an attractive well-hung stranger from another planet forces her to overcome her training and her beliefs.

Being held captive and forced to mate with a gorgeous Queen isn’t exactly what astronaut Ben Hero expected when he agreed to explore a newly discovered planet for NASA. Escaping should be his top priority but making sizzling love to Jacey is all he can think about. When he discovers she’s being held against her will, Ben’s protective instincts kick in big time.

Suddenly they’re on the run, irresistibly aroused, and wrapped in each other’s arms every chance they get!

A HERO BETRAYED (Pleasure Bound #3) - Jan Springer

Astronaut Buck Hero didn’t count on being held captive or becoming infected with passion poison when he agreed to explore a newly discovered planet for NASA. If he doesn’t get the cure soon he’s going to be one very dead man.

Fugitive on-the-run Virgin has just rescued an infected male and needs to administer the cure - a twenty-four-hour sex marathon. Then she’ll turn him over to his enemies in order to gain her freedom. But her well-laid plans go into orbit when she discovers she’s fallen in love with the stranger from another world.

THE STAR PRINCESS (Beyond Fairytales) - Jessica E. Subject

In one week, Princess Ro’sa will board a spaceship, leaving her home on Minjet to be with her betrothed on Earth. The only problem is, she detests the prince’s selfish and arrogant ways, preferring to spend time with his personal aide, a man who stirs her desires in ways she never imagined possible with his radiant blue eyes and smouldering lips. And oh, the way he touches her.

Earth’s post-apocalyptic landscape offers little but the alliance offers much and a princess must do her duty, no matter the danger to her person and to her heart.

Re-releases

A HELLION OF THE SKIES - Dagmar Avery

Lady Sara Worthington went missing once upon a time, leaving a fiancee both searching and pining for her. When he encounters the very woman he has spent years looking for, and she doesn't know who he is, Andrew Rawdon decides its time to get her back, by any means necessary.

A short sexy steampunk tale about airships, pirates, true love and the lengths people go to bring back whats [sic] most dear to them.

THE KRAKEN KING (Iron Seas; trade paperback and ebook) – Meljean Brook



A former smuggler and thief, Ariq—better known as the Kraken King—doesn’t know what to make of the clever, mysterious woman he rescues from an airship besieged by marauders. Unsure if she’s a spy or a pawn in someone else’s game, Ariq isn’t about to let her out of his sight until he finds out…

After escaping her fourth kidnapping attempt in a year, Zenobia Fox has learned to vigilantly guard her identity. While her brother Archimedes is notorious for his exploits, Zenobia has had no adventures to call her own—besides the stories she writes.

But when she jumps at the chance to escape to the wilds of Australia and acquire research for her next story, Zenobia quickly discovers that the voyage will be far more adventurous than any fiction she could put to paper…


IMPULSE CONTROL (Sypricon Masters #1) - Sara Brookes

Selene Orosova has come to Sypricon for one reason--distraction. And she is convinced Tawse, a BDSM club on the planet Sypricon, is the place to escape the haunting nightmare of being a Planetary Marshal. She just wants to get in and get off. And she's never met a Dom she couldn't walk away from.

Until she meets this Sypricon Master...

Vaughn is immediately captivated by Selene. There is a wildness about her that he yearns to tame. But he knows he'll have to break through her walls in order to get her on her knees. Determined, Vaughn pushes every limit she has with an authority no one else has been willing to give her. She'll just need the courage to accept his command...and his love.

Warning: Contains a Dom willing to go the distance with a lesson in pleasure using technology-infused clamps, collars, cuffs and floggers.
Playing with toys never felt so satisfying.

Impulse Control is an erotic romance short story previously published in 2011, has been extensively revised & is intended for mature audiences.

PERFECT LIMIT (Sypricon Masters #2) - Sara Brookes

As a child, Rayna Donaghy was abandoned and left for dead. As an adult, Rayna lives with the reminder no one wants her. The only place she feels safe is Tawse. The unique BDSM club on Sypricon offers sensual delights and gorgeous Masters who are always willing to please—no matter how scarred her skin or her psyche.

Burke is mesmerized by the stubborn woman under his command. However, when he reaches his limit of her self-loathing, he is determined to prove just how gorgeous, and loveable, she truly is. Even if he needs to push every hard limit she has. As their passion—and love—flares hotter than Sypricon’s twin suns, Burke lays Rayna bare for all to see in order to show her being perfect is simply a matter of perception.

Perfect Limit is an erotic romance short story previously published in 2011 & is intended for mature audiences.

NO RESTRAINT (Sypricon Masters #3) - Sara Brookes

Kegan struggles with the intense scrutiny of the public eye. The demand of competing on the Aeronautical Racing Circuit means she has to tuck away her lifestyle choices, and put her racing first. But when she’d forced to take a break, she heads straight to Tawse, a BDSM club where no one cares about her fame and fortune.

Walker knows something is special about the gorgeous hot-shot racer the moment she steps through the club’s doors. Something about the woman draws him in, and makes him yearn to have her under his command. A Master of his craft, Walker exposes the dark secrets of Kegan’s soul. Taking her further, and deeper than she’s ever been before, Walker is certain it won’t be long until he shows Kegan how unrestrained submission can heal her damaged heart.

SLOW BREAK (BDSM, m/m; Sypricon Masters #4) - Sara Brookes

Jack thought he made the right choice to walk away from Tawse. And the only man he ever cared for. But a life-altering tragedy has shown him the error of his ways. Determined to make amends, Jack is more than prepared to kneel before the Dom he left abruptly. Even if that means submitting to another Master to prove his love.

Denton is bound by rules. Jack’s membership has been terminated, and prevents him from returning. But their relationship isn’t confined to Dom and sub. Or the walls of the BDSM club. Both men want more. Much, much more. So, Denton does the only thing his instincts as a Dom tell him to do. After all, some men, like rules, are meant to be broken.

Slow Break is an erotic romance short story previously published in 2011 & is intended for mature audiences. 
 
DEATH DEFYING (mass market paperback; Blood Hunter #3) - Nina Croft

Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador is part snake, part human, and—according to some—all bitch. She is one job away from her lifelong goal—to achieve the immortality she craves. The assignment: protecting the most powerful man in the Universe.

After five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. Until he realizes he’s physically changing—into what, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, but his own people will stop at nothing to prevent it from coming out.

With a coup brewing and the crew of El Cazador close to tossing him off the ship, Callum turns to Tannis. Sparks fly as they work together to make it out alive. But can Callum really trust the one woman hell bent on using him? Defying death has never been more dangerous, more sexy, or more fun.

Deal announcement--possible romantic SF?

Publishers Weekly shared the news that author Kim Harrison (The Hollows series) recently contracted a new trilogy and the description has me wondering if it might be romantic SF or SFR:
Gallery Books announced that it will be publishing a new trilogy by Kim Harrison, author of the bestselling Hollows series. The first book in the series is scheduled for publication in fall 2015.

The trilogy will be set in a "futuristic" Detroit, according to the publisher, and introduces Peri Reed, a "brilliant, sexy and intrepid special task agent at the top of her field."
Spacefreighters Lounge trio

Pippa Jay blogs about her visit to BristolCon.

Donna S. Frelick offers ideas on creating a starship for your sci-fi romance.


Marketing opportunity

Authors, the Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly is now accepting submissions for two-chapter excerpts:
In order to satisfy readers’ curiosity about SFR releases, Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly is currently soliciting excerpts for a new section we call “SFR Excerpts.”

Excerpts will appear on the website and in the EPUB, Mobi, PDF and Flipbook formats of the magazine.
Read the complete guidelines here.

Now I turn the mike over to you. Got news to announce or a link to share? Read an interesting SFR lately? Looking for recommendations? Hit me up!

Joyfully yours,

Heather