Enter An Unusual Contest At Dear Author To Win A Copy Of Susan Grant's SUREBLOOD

Earlier today, Dear Author posted a review of Susan Grant's SUREBLOOD, which is chock full of space pirate adventure. The reviewer, however, wasn't a particular fan of the heroine, stating, "Val made me want to throw up."

o_O

Susan Grant thought the line was so memorable and funny that she wants to see more. If you can top the reviewer's line with something even more outrageous, you'll be entered to win a copy of SUREBLOOD! See the comments for more details.

Who knew space pirates could be so much fun?!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Nathalie Gray’s METAL REIGN Hits The Sweet Spot

METAL REIGN by Nathalie Gray is one of three stories in Samhain Publishing’s IMPULSE POWER space opera anthology. This author is known for her high octane science fiction and paranormal romance stories that feature intense heroes and heroines. She’s a multi-published author, and oh, yes—most of her books fall under the erotic romance umbrella.

And if your eyes just glazed over at the mention of “erotic romance,” stay with me for just a moment.

Would you be surprised to learn that as far as heat level is concerned, METAL REIGN falls in the “sweet” category? Yes, it does! Can you believe it? The bedroom door is 100% closed (technically, the story takes place before the couple even goes anywhere near a bedroom). METAL REIGN is an SFR from a digital publisher known for its erotic romance selection, and whose covers veer toward dark and sultry (and not unexpectedly, the one for this ebook is no exception).

I was so surprised I read it twice. It also helps that the story has fun characters (the heroine is a starship captain! The hero is a cook!), lots of action, solid worldbuilding, and crackling dialogue. I realize ebooks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are some stories worth crossing the divide for. Take a moment to read an excerpt.

We’ve discussed heat level in science fiction romance previously, and in particular whether there’s room for stories that close the bedroom door. (It’s also the topic of my forthcoming LoveLetter column.) METAL REIGN prompted me to revisit it for a few reasons.

One is that given the limited number of SFR print releases, and conversely, the higher number of erotic science fiction romance releases, the chances of finding a sweet SFR is rather small. So if you’re looking for sweet, METAL REIGN might be up your alley, especially if you enjoy space opera (and doubly so if you’re a fan of the ALIEN film franchise).

The second reason is that for those of us who enjoy science fiction romances of all heat levels, the main path to having more choices is to purchase the stories. Sales numbers is the only way publishers know that readers want stories like METAL REIGN. At $3.50, buying a story such as this won’t break the bank. And at 52 pages, it’s a fast-paced read.

A third reason I wanted to blog about this story was that it underscores the importance of word-of-mouth and tagging for a niche subgenre like science fiction romance. If a reader visits Samhain’s site, at first glance it appears that the only books they offer are erotic romances. But METAL REIGN demonstrates that some digital publishers are willing to take a risk with not only a niche subgenre, but also with heat level. Wading through the mass of erotic romance titles to find such exceptions, however, poses quite a challenge.

Which, of course, is a big reason I started blogging about SFR in the first place.

How refreshing, also, that an author can take a chance and write a book that varies from her past ones in such a significant way—without having to resort to a pseudonym to do so. Anecdotal stories I’ve read tell me that mainstream print authors don’t usually have the same flexibility (understandably so, given the higher production and distribution costs).

Hmm…yet another reason that science fiction romance could thrive in the digital market.

What about you, my fine passengers? Are you looking for a "sweet" heat level in science fiction romance? If you haven't yet read an ebook, would you venture beyond print to read such stories?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

The Worlds of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson: STINGRAY

"Stand by for action! We are about to launch Stingray! Anything can happen in the next half hour!"

The above announcement kicked off each episode of STINGRAY, one of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s superlative Supermarionation masterpieces. This show has been on my mind ever since…well, since as long as I’ve been a fan, but especially so after reading the Parallel Universe guest post by Dirty Sexy Books’ Rebecca Baumann in which she wrote:

Space exploration captures our collective imagination, but I think we’re ignoring an equally cool frontier – the oceans. Movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Abyss do a fabulous job of showcasing how the ocean is every bit as strange, wondrous, and dangerous as space. I enjoy stories that touch on this idea that our future may not be up there, but down below.

Let me tell you—when I read that passage, everything I love about STINGRAY rose up from my memory and hit me with the force of a tidal wave. On its surface, STINGRAY is a children’s show about a pimped up submarine embarking on fantastic undersea adventures. But if you peel back the layers, the show reveals the nascent stages of a futuristic, ocean-based science fiction romance.

Here’s the lowdown:

STINGRAY specs:

*Ran from 1964-65
*39 episodes
*Originally televised in the UK and then syndicated in the U.S.
*First Supermarionation and British show filmed in color
*First Supermarionation show to feature puppets with interchangeable heads for different expressions

About the submarine:

Stingray, a highly sophisticated combat submarine built for speed and manoeuvrability, is the flagship of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP), a 21st Century security organisation based at Marineville in the year 2065. She is capable of speeds of up to 600 knots and advanced pressure compensators allow her to submerge to depths of over 36,000 feet, which permits cruising to the bottom of any part of any ocean in the world.

The players:

Captain Troy Tempest: Pilot of Stingray; Alpha hero in the extreme.



Lieutenant George Lee "Phones" Sheridan: Stingray navigator and Troy’s yes man sidekick.



Commander Sam Shore: Gruff, hoverchair-bound commander of Marineville; father of…



Lieutenant Atlanta Shore: WASP communications officer who carries a torch for Troy Tempest.



Marina: Mermaid-type humanoid who joins the Stingray crew. She’s also a former sex slave of…



King Titan: Ruler of the Aquaphibians, a submarine warrior race that lives in the underwater city of Titanica.



So how does all of that add up to science fiction romance? STINGRAY is about the adventures of Troy Tempest and his colleagues as they patrol the ocean depths in a futuristic submarine capable of like, totally amazing feats. They encounter a variety of undersea races, but their main nemesis is King Titan, an all around bad egg whose goal is to destroy Marineville and Stingray. Believe me, those Aquaphibians are downright creepy. You don't want them bugging their eyes at you.

And here’s the kicker: STINGRAY features a love triangle between Troy Tempest, Atlanta, and Marina. Marina has the hots for Troy, but after Marina rescues him from the clutches of King Titan, Troy finds himself smitten by the enigmatic beauty. Marina is mute, so Troy has no way of knowing how she truly feels about him. In truth, Troy’s kind of a player—an ass, really—because he leads both women on.

Oh, and I could go on about how surprised I was to discover not only a romantic thread in this series, but a little bit of sexual tension as well. Not overtly, mind you, but in the way the writers clearly wrote some of the scenes above the heads of children. This is most evident during the show’s “closing credits, where Troy sings "Aqua Marina" (a song reflecting his romantic feelings for Marina) whilst Atlanta gazes wistfully at Troy's photograph.”

Allow me to demonstrate:



Did you catch the line, “Marina/What are these strange enchantments that start whenever you’re near?” Whoa...sounds like a euphemism for Troy's arousal to me.

For more STINGRAY romance, explosions, and hip 60s fashion, now watch “The Stingray Megamix featuring Aqua Marina from Power Themes 90”:



Don’t you just want to rush out and glom all 39 episodes of STINGRAY right this very second? I know I’m ready to relive the joys (and retro laughs) this series has to offer. But before you go, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to end with STINGRAY. I would love, love, LOVE to read or watch a science fiction romance with an ocean-based setting. Near-future, far future, submarines, underwater cities, badass steampunk kraken, you name it. Science fiction romance has loads of potential to branch off in that kind of direction. Perhaps I should clarify further: STINGRAY is one experience I’m looking to have again. And again.

In short, I’m standing by for the action.

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Related post:

Fireball XL5
Firefighters In Space? Bring It On!
All Your Beta Are Belong To Us

SFR News & Links for September 2010

New releases

KILLBOX – Ann Aguirre

Talk is cheap when lives are in jeopardy

Sirantha Jax is a “Jumper,” a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. With no tolerance for political diplomacy, she quits her ambassador post so she can get back to saving the universe the way she does best—by mouthing off and kicking butt.

And her tactics are needed more than ever. Flesh-eating aliens are attacking stations on the outskirts of space, and for many people, the Conglomerate’s forces are arriving too late to serve and protect them.

Now, Jax must take matters into her own hands by recruiting a militia to defend the frontiers—out of the worst criminals, mercenaries, and raiders that ever traveled through grimspace…

Read an excerpt here.

REBEL – Claire Delacroix

The Eyes of the Republic Are Everywhere...

Having sacrificed his wings in a bid save humanity, fallen angel Armand has a bold plan to assassinate Presidential candidate Maximilian Blackstone. When things go awry and his partner Baruch is gravely injured, Armand fears that he will fail in his task and forever lose the chance to rejoin the angels in Heaven.

Theodora is a wraith, a woman who officially doesn't exist. She lives in the shadows, taking risks to earn the bounty placed on dangerous assassinations - bounty that buys the chance at a new life for those she loves. Captured when her latest hit goes horribly wrong, Theodora finds herself the prisoner of a strong, arrogant stranger.

Soon enough, these two solitary souls find their missions-and their hearts-entwined. But in their desperate attempt to save the world, will they be able to save each other?

Read an excerpt here.

Aw, just two this month? Bummer. Fortunately, there are a few forthcoming and re-release titles in the works!

Forthcoming

Author Maria Zannini has sold a science fiction romance to Carina Press! TRUE BELIEVERS is scheduled for an October 18 release. Here’s the lovely and very SFR-infused cover:



And the story blurb:

Mix one cynical immortal and one true believer and throw them into the biggest alien-hunt the world has never known.

Rachel Cruz is a Nephilim masquerading as an archeologist and she's stuck with an alien who believes she can lead him to his ancestral gods.

Black Ops wants to find these gods too. They want them dead.

Congratulations, Maria!

And, of course, I recently blogged about Lisa Paitz Spindler's sale of an SFR to Carina Press. I have news of yet another SFR sale made by a Galaxy Express passenger, which I hope to be able to announce soon. I think we're on a roll!

Re-releases

Science fiction romance author Autumn Dawn is releasing SOLAR FLARE, the third book in her Sparks series (WHEN SPARKS FLY; NO WORDS ALONE), on Smashwords and Amazon. Can’t beat the $2.99 price.

Here’s the story blurb:

Slow burn.

Azor agreed to take Brandy off planet to avoid a scandal, never knowing they’d ignite a white hot passion of their own. Sassy, sexy, Brandy makes him burn. If the hostile aliens don’t kill him, his companion just might.

Hunted by a shape shifting assassin, fighting an infection that's killing her, he knows that time is short. Can he reach her distant family before time runs out?

***

Visit the author’s blog for the latest updates.

Katherine Eliska Kimbrel is re-releasing her SFR FIRES OF NUALA through Book View Café (slated for September per her blog). Here’s the story blurb:

For more than 150 years, she has traveled the Seven Systems, slipping in and out of Cold Sleep. She is a free-trader, the aristocracy of con artists, able to fleece the dishonest with their own greed.

The woman is known as Silver, when she is named at all –- and she may be the finest free-trader living. But even she is not prepared for the reality of Nuala, planet of deadly radiation levels, humans who heal by touch, and the rarest platinum group metal in the known galaxy. Eighty percent of the citizens are sterile, and the wealthy send their children out to seek mates and find others willing to expand the planetary gene pool. A Nualan can smell a lie at fifty paces. Truth, honor – and their children – are everything to the people of Nuala.

On Nuala, for the first time, Silver will be forced to use her real name –- Darame Daviddottir – and she will walk the thinnest line between truth and lie of her long and varied career.

The scam she’s come to join has just been blown to the skies, along with the throne lines of three separate sovereign nations. Now Darame has just one decision -– which group of Nualans will she support in the days to come? Mere chance threw her into the camp of the Atares, leaders of the largest clan on Nuala. Will she help them? Thwart them? Wait for the dust to settle?

The tipping point may have already occurred. Turns out she’s mentioned in Nualan religious prophecy, and has caught the eye of the last adult male of a throne line. Sheel Atare is a “hot” healer, able to close ripped flesh and draw fever with a touch. A reclusive professor and medical doctor, unprepared to rule, Sheel Atare needs all the allies he can get.

Even allies who may be connected to those who brought down his house.

(Cover by Don Dixon)

(Thanks to Galaxy Express passenger B. for the info.)

Steampunk Romance

Squee! The release time is nigh. For now, here’s a look at the cover for Meljean Brook’s THE IRON DUKE (October 5, 2010):



Interesting mix of steampunk and man titty. What, steampunk ain’t enough to sell books?! :-P What do you think about this cover?

Author interviews

Erica Anderson (THE ANTAREN AFFAIR) was interviewed at the SFR Brigade.

Cool short story contest

All Romance Ebooks is hosting the Just One Bite Short Story Contest. The reason I hope SFR authors consider this unique opportunity is because they will consider “any story in the paranormal genre.” This is one instance when lumping SFR in with horror-based paranormal tales works in our favor. Oh, I am so evil. Evil, I tell you.

Readers will vote for their favorite stories from among 32 finalists. There are prizes, too:

Readers will vote for their favorite short stories during 5 rounds of voting with the field being narrowed at the end of each round. The first prize winner will receive $1000 US. The second prize winner will receive an iPod Touch. The third prize winner will receive a $100 eBook Bucks Gift Certificate redeemable either at AllRomance.com or OmniLit.com.

Here are the complete submission guidelines. They are seeking short short stories:

Each title must be an original, never before published paranormal romance work between 2,500 and 3,000 words and will be marketed exclusively by All Romance. After the contest, the works may be bundled or distributed individually by All Romance via our Free Read program…Submissions will be accepted between September 1 and September 28, 2010.

And if you win with a science fiction romance, please do tell me so I can read your story!

(Via SFR Brigade)

Submitting your SFR

As of this posting, it looks like L&L Dreamspell has more openings for its steampunk e-anthology. Might be an opportunity for steampunk romance authors.

The SFR Brigade showcases Desert Breeze Publishing, a publisher very much open to science fiction romance submissions.

Better late than never

I had the honor of being included in last week’s Mind Meld at SF Signal. The question was “What are some of your favorite science fiction and fantasy settings and why?” It’s possibly the only place where Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series and Gerry Anderson’s THUNDERBIRDS make a joint appearance. *big grin*

Now I turn the mike over to you: Have any SFR news or links to share?

Joyfully yours,

Heather

Breaking News: Lisa Paitz Spindler Sells SFR to Carina Press!

Lisa Paitz Spindler, a.k.a. Danger Gal, has been a longtime fan and advocate for science fiction romance, which makes the news of her SFR novella sale to Carina Press all the more wonderful. As long as I’ve known her, she’s been tirelessly blogging about science fiction romance at her own site. She’s also engaged other readers about the subgenre in a variety of online forums.

Now she can add debut author to her already impressive credentials. According to her announcement post, PHASE SHIFT (working title) will be a Carina Press Spring 2011 release. Here’s the story blurb:

Starship Captain LARA SOTO left love-of-her-life Commodore MICHIO “MITCH” YOSHIDA eleven years ago when the Star Union forced all of her kind into mandatory military service — and he didn’t take her side. Lara’s kind are Chimerans, those born with a parent from each of the known parallel dimensions: Terra and Creed. When Terra’s S.U.S. Interlace goes missing with Lara’s brother on board, she must put aside the pain of betrayal and team up with Mitch to find him.

And did I mention the story features space pirates? Well, you all know how I feel about them.

Visit Lisa Paitz Spindler’s Facebook page to learn more about this exciting news as well as to join her mailing list. You can also find her hanging out at SF Signal where she has a gig as a reviewer.

Please join me in wishing Lisa a very hearty congratulations!

Joyfully yours,

Heather