Alex J. Cavanaugh's CASSAFIRE: Cover, Blurb, Trailer, and More

Author Alex J. Cavanaugh alerted me that CASSAFIRE, one of the books in his Cassa space opera series might appeal to sci-fi romance readers, so I invited him aboard to share some information with us!

Based on my reading of the first few chapters (which focuses on the main protagonist and setting up the story) and my email exchange with the author, I'd characterize CASSAFIRE as romantic SF.

Below you'll find the blurb, non-spoiler tags provided by the author, a brief excerpt, and the book trailer. I don't normally feature book trailers here, but this one is professionally animated and includes the heroine, which lends it a light SFR flavor. I also think it has an effective, tight focus. (Per Mr. Cavanaugh, the software used to create the trailer included 3D Studio Max, ZBrush, and Photoshop.)

At any rate, peruse the information to discover if CASSAFIRE is up your alley!

Cover Reveal: BENEATH A TROJAN MOON by Anna Hackett

This is one of those times when being a sci-fi romance blogger with strong opinions pays off in a sweet way. I'm here today with a cover reveal for Anna Hackett's BENEATH A TROJAN MOON (Phoenix Adventures #3.5; releases November 28, 2014). But this isn't just any cover reveal! This is the cover for a novella that the author gave birth to after my post about The "Other Woman" in Sci-Fi Romance. After reading Anna Hackett's AT STAR'S END, I became enamored of a secondary character, a fortune teller by the name of Relda:

Instead of feeling indignant on behalf of the heroine, I wanted to read a science fiction romance about this fortune teller! She came across as mysterious as well as confidant about her sexuality. She's described as "a voluptuous woman in a swirl of colored skirts" and "The beaten coins circling her bare waist tinkled." Sounds cool. And she's a businesswoman!

Lo and behold, the author wrote a story about her! Can you believe my great luck? Thank you, Ms. Hackett!

And now the cover and blurb of BENEATH A TROJAN MOON are ready for unveiling:

RAVEN TAKES A PEARL: A Steampunk Erotic Romance by Sharon Lynn Fisher

If you're in the mood for some sexy steampunk fun, check out the cover and blurb for Sharon Lynn Fisher's RAVEN TAKES A PEARL. The author was kind enough to provide a few additional tags so we could learn a bit more about the story.

Second novelette in the Fantasies in Color series by RWA RITA-nominated author Sharon Lynn Fisher ... 

Pearl knows it was Raven who stole her mama's heart -- a beautiful quartz stone given to her by Pearl's father right before he died. She sets off alone to the crow-man's keep determined to bring back the stone, but she's caught by a servant and taken to the tower. The dark-winged ruler of the keep isn't at all what she imagined, and he isn't about to let Pearl go before unlocking all her mysteries -- mysteries she never dreamed her body possessed.

***

Tags:

How Barbie's I CAN BE A COMPUTER ENGINEER Helps Readers Understand Sci-Fi Romance

Have you heard about the Barbie book fiasco? I CAN BE A COMPUTER ENGINEER by Susan Marenco (Random House, 2010) is a picture book about Barbie's foray into computer engineering. Unfortunately, the story fell far, far short of expectations.

Basically, Barbie is depicted as being unable to execute key tasks associated with creating a video game, and must rely on two fellow male students to complete her assignment:

"I'm only creating the design ideas," Barbie says, laughing. "I'll need Steven's and Brian's help to turn it into a real game!"

Barbie, I don't know why you're laughing. It's not funny.

Read the full rundown at Gizmodo: Barbie F*cks It Up Again.

The Internet fixes Barbie's 'I Can Be a Computer Engineer' picture book (via The Verge) is essential reading because it demonstrates what the book could have--should have--been.*

Kathleen Tuite put together a website called Feminist Hacker Barbie, which allows the public to rewrite the book. The results have been amazing.

Commenters at The Verge have pointed out the book's wonky depiction of computer hardware. I wonder if the illustrator would have taken more care had this been a book aimed at boys.

Mattel's Barbie has since issued an apology, which is good, but frankly the damage has already been done.

Cover Reveal: STEAM ME UP, RAWLEY By Angela Quarles

If you enjoy steampunk and new adult romances, then you might be interested in Angela Quarles' forthcoming STEAM ME UP, RAWLEY (Mint Julep & Monocle Chronicles #1; Winter 2015). The Galaxy Express is participating in the author's cover reveal event and you can also enter for a chance to win a digital copy of her time travel romance MUST LOVE BREECHES.

Enjoy the cover of STEAM ME UP, RAWLEY!

 

Cover design by Kim Killion

Jack the Ripper might be in town. But is marriage more terrifying? 

In an alternate Deep South in 1890, society reporter Adele de la Pointe wants to make her own way in the world, despite her family’s pressure to become a society wife. Hoping to ruin herself as a matrimonial prospect, she seizes the opportunity to cover the recent Jack the Ripper-style murders for the newspaper, but her father's dashing new intern suggests a more terrifying headline—marriage.

Dr. Phillip Rawley’s most daring exploit has been arriving at his new home in America in a hot air balloon. A tolerable sacrifice, if it means he can secure the hand of his new employer’s daughter in a marriage of convenience. But Adele works, she's spirited, and she has an armored pet monkey running her errands. Not only does she not match his notions of a proper lady, she stirs up feelings he’d rather keep in tight control.