Smutketeers Double Feature, Part I: Rachel Grace’s GEARED FOR PLEASURE

While reading an article in RT Book Reviews (Jan, 2012) about the author group known as the Smutketeers, I discovered the news about Rachel Grace’s GEARED FOR PLEASURE, an erotic steampunk romance from Berkley Heat that’s out this month. This book is the first in the author’s Elemental Steam series.

The Smutketeers is a multi-author blog that’s been around since September, 2008. In their announcement post, they outlined the blog’s general theme:

Books Vs. Films in Science Fiction Romance

Round One: Fight!

I received an email late last week from a student--we'll call her S.--who is working toward an MFA in Creative Writing. Her current assignment is a project that focuses on blends of science fiction and romance.(Boo-yah!)

S. came to me with some questions and after I answered them I thought it would be worthwhile to open up the discussion for my Galaxy Express passengers. S. kindly granted me permission to share her question and my answer.

My answer became quite long and complex (and I'll be the first to admit some of my personal biases came into play), but I'm sure that one could write a whole book on the subject. Therefore, I invite you to answer the question as well or comment on some aspect of my answer. Whether you agree, disagree, or would like to contribute other information, I'm sure S. would appreciate the input.

Question: 

The appeal to cross the two genres doesn’t seem to be a popular choice. Yet in film, this same cross genre has had incredible success (Star Wars, Avatar, Wall-E, Back to the Future). Why do you think that is? What are your thoughts on the discrepancy with regards to wide audience appeal in movies versus novels, especially in these mixed genres?

Answer:

Short answer: Most people would choose a movie over a book.

Long answer:

Ella Drake On The Early Roots Of Sci-Fi Romance In Film

At CONTACT - Infinite Futures, author Ella Drake (BRAIDED SILK) blogs about SF-romance blends during the early days of cinema. Très cool!

Joyfully yours,

Heather

SFR News & Links For March 2012

Welcome to a new month and a new round of science fiction romance news and links! It's a veritable buffet, so dig in.

New releases

BORN TO DARKNESS (near-future thriller) - Suzanne Brockmann 

In the not-too-distant future, the Obermeyer Institute (OI) has made a revolutionary discovery: With special training, humans can tap into the brain's hidden powers (telepathy, telekinetic powers, super strength, and more). The training is strenuous, though, and it works only for those with natural potential. Tough girl Mac has that potential, and she's a devoted member of the OI. But there's one rule she can't help but bend. Her boss thinks celibacy is key to their work. Mac's learned differently--an active sexual life enhances her powers. And when she meets Shane, a sexy former Navy SEAL, the sparks are instant. But after the two spend an amazing night together, Mac finds out that Shane's a new recruit at the institute. How can she mix business and pleasure?

Read the excerpt.

MAKO'S BOUNTY (space opera) - Diane Dooley

Cover Reveal Exclusive: MAKO’S BOUNTY by Diane Dooley

 

I’m excited to share the cover for MAKO’S BOUNTY, a Decadent 1-Night Stand story from BLUE GALAXY author Diane Dooley. One good thing about the 1-Night Stand series is that

There must be a plot and there must be a reason WHY these characters are looking for a one night-stand.

It's reassuring to know that readers can expect a story along with the erotic journey. Each 1-Night Stand story centers around the concept of a one-night stand, which is arranged by the mysterious Madame Evangeline, a person who owns the exclusive online dating service. All subgenres are considered, so this imprint of Decadent's is yet another way for readers to find science fiction romance stories.

 

MAKO’S BOUNTY will release on March 13, 2012. Here’s the blurb:

For nine long months, at the behest of the evil Ravenscorp, Mako Dolan has been hunting the space pirate they call The Saint. Now she’s finally lured her prey to a one night stand with a mysterious woman—herself. But Vin Sainte is not at all what she expected. Far from being a ruthless space pirate, his main occupation seems to be rescuing nuns, adopting orphans and praying like a champ.

For nine long months Vin Sainte has been fleeing the bounty hunter from one temporary refuge to the next. Now he’s got Mako exactly where he wants her: weak from gravity sickness and ripe for conversion. Problem is he didn’t expect a foul-mouthed, hard-as-nails bounty hunter to be such a devoted daughter. His head on a platter is Ravenscorp’s price for her mother’s freedom.

They have less than twenty four hours. One will win; one will lose. Mako might be a fearsome predator, but Vin has the Lord on his side. Who will win the bounty?

***

Who, indeed?

I love the heroine-centric cover. The extra special treat is that the heroine is not only a bounty hunter, but a person of color. Sweet.

And a hero who prays “like a champ?” That’s gotta be a first.

I’m definitely intrigued. What about you?

Joyfully yours,

Heather