Sharing the Cover Love

In 1811 getting off the streets of London was a very good thing. So why does Charlotte Raven keep going back?

I thought I'd share some cover love today and first up is this truly breathtaking one from fellow West Australian historical author, Michelle Diener, for her November 2012 release, The Emperor's Conspiracy.

 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…

And look at this stunning cover for the third book in Kylie Griffin's Light Blade series. Gorgeous! Allegiance Sworn is out on 2nd April 2013.

An ancient darkness has risen from the ashes . . . and terror has been loosed upon an unsuspecting world.

And finally today how about this striking cover for Sin's Dark Cares? This is the third book in Tracey O'Hara's Dark Brethren series and it hit the shelves on Tuesday!

Romance in the News

It's fantastic to see romance being shown in such a positive light in the media recently, and on Saturday I was interviewed, along with several other WA authors, by our local state paper, The West Australian. We discussed romance, erotic romance and the impact 50 Shades of Grey has had on the market. Well worth checking out!

In other news I'm delighted that my good friend, Fiona Lowe, won a RITA award at the Romance Writers of America conference on Saturday night for her debut single title novel, Boomerang Bride! The RITA is the romance novel equivalent of an Oscar, so it's a wonderful achievement. Congratulations Fiona!

Also huge congrats to fellow Ellora's Cave and Berkley author Denise Rossetti for coming third in the Passionate Plume award (for Erotic Romance) with her latest release, Guilty as Sin.

And big congrats to fellow Dark Side Down Underer and Apocalyptic romance writer Kylie Scott, who won the unpublished section, At the Stroke of Midnight, with her book that has since been accepted for publication with Momentum, Flesh (with zombies!)

Go the Aussies!

Bloodlust Denied ~ Unveiled!

Here is the super-sexy cover for my upcoming Ellora's Cave book, Bloodlust Denied! The cover perfectly depicts a scene at the start of the book where Alexius and Morana first meet in a sordid London back alley (although Morana might not have been quite as naked in the book... however, my husband loves this cover and I think the heroine has a lot more to do with his opinion than the darkly brooding hero!!)

Bloodlust Denied

ISBN: 9781419940200

Lured by blood, driven by lust, Alexius is fascinated by the dark haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his every command. Entranced by such novelty he denies his rabid bloodlust. Instead he’ll keep her to warm his bed until he tires of her ready tongue and tempting body.

Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before. But the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms, until reality intrudes and she flees his addictive embrace.

When Alexius unexpectedly find her again he’s determined to exact retribution for the way she vanished three years ago. Abduction, bondage and decadent seduction feature in his plans, but before the sun rises dynamics have shifted and he’s the one fighting the silken bonds of captivity.

But as they fall under each other’s erotic spell the past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

Apocalypse, Battlestar Galactica Style!

Oh yes! It's been a while since I've mentioned one of my fave ever series and what better place to talk about it than over on the Romance Writers of the Apocalypse blog? I explain why this series so captured my imagination with its fantastic world building. Would love to see you over there!

Kick Ass Goddesses

I do love a kick ass heroine and that goes for kick ass goddesses as well. For my next book set in my ancient Roman/Druid world, Betrayed, it's the Moon Goddess Arianrhod who is the goddess who inspired the story of Nimue and Tacitus. On the surface of things, if you read her official legend in the  The Mabinogion, translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (Welsh legends collected in the nineteenth century in the Red Book of Hergest), it would be easy to dismiss her as a minor goddess who fell from grace and then had the good manners to drown shortly afterwards.


But there is so much more to Arianrhod than that. She was a powerful Moon Goddess and Weaver of Fates of both god and man. She didn't need a man to protect her and certainly didn't need a man to tell her what to do or how to behave. But the world changed and powerful female deities were no longer seen as a positive influence. After all, it might give women ideas that they, too, did not need to bow to the every slightest whim of man.


And so Arianrhod was reduced to that of a disgraced, powerless female and was no longer perceived as a threat.


For more on the legend and looking beyond and between the lines, join me over at the Historical Hearts blog today. I'd love your views on the 'divine feminine'.

Male Perspective of "Sexy"

There was much excitement in my inbox late last night! I saw the cover for my upcoming Ellora's Cave Twilight release, Bloodlust Denied. And OMG it's a scorcher! I love it. And yes I'm totally teasing you here because I won't be posting it just yet!!

I always drag my husband into my office to have a look at my new covers and he always makes appropriate noises of... well, of something and I'm pretty sure on the whole his response is simply to shut me up. However last night after he dutifully followed me to my laptop he said, "I like that. It's quite sexy."

I shall leave to your imagination why he decided this cover was sexy when I happen to think all my covers are not only absolutely fabulous but also incredibly sexy! Any suggestions?

Here's the blurb:

Lured by blood, driven by lust, Alexius is fascinated by the dark haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his every command. Entranced by such novelty he denied his rabid bloodlust. Instead he’ll keep her to warm his bed until he tires of her ready tongue and tempting body.

Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before. But the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms, until reality intrudes and she flees his addictive embrace.

When Alexius unexpectedly find her again he’s determined to exact retribution for the way she vanished three years ago. Abductions, bondage and decadent seduction feature in his plans, but before the sun rises dynamics have shifted and he’s the one fighting the silken bonds of captivity.

But as they fall under each other’s erotic spell the past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

Romance Writers of the Apocalypse - Let the End Begin!

It's Friday 13th!! and you know what that means. Fun and games at the launch party over at the Romance Writers of the Apocalypse blog! And while you're there check out the awesome artwork from This he(ART) of mine.


Here's the lowdown, pinched directly from the blog itself 

We're discussing the Apocalypse and giving away sh*t. All of us and lots of it. More ebooks than you can poke an axe at and some paper and ink ones too. Comment on our blog any time from Friday 13 - Sunday 15 as many times as you like (though we'll mock you if you get out of hand - be warned). Adore us and implore us to give you stuff. You never know, it might work. We're impressionable like that. And unstable. But that's half the fun!

Marketing Summer Camp July 14th - 15th 2012

Need some ideas or information on the best ways to market and promo your books? Then read on!

Marketing Summer Camp is a free, two-day online conference designed to help authors learn the basics of marketing and promotion, and to fine tune skills already obtained. It will include guest speakers, pitch opportunities, prizes, top giveaways, and plenty of learning and fun. It will be held on the Yahoo group, Marketing for Romance Writers. Membership is open to published as well as non-published authors, editors, publishers, literary agents, author promotion services, cover artists, and virtual assistants. MFRW members are automatically signed up for Camp. If you want to take a particular course, read the messages posted with that title of the class. If you want to skip that class, don't read them. It's going to be that easy. Handouts and goody bags will be up for grabs once the conference begins. Giveaways include advertising packages, blog tours, and more. Discounts on services will also be available for all attendees.

PITCH APPOINTMENTS

There will be pitch appointments with multiple publishers for camp attendees. These will take place after camp so you don't have to miss classes.

Sign up by joining the group: http://is.gd/mfrwgroup

To learn more:
Website: http://is.gd/mfrworg
Paperli: http://is.gd/mfrwpaperli
Newsletter: http://is.gd/mfrwnews
Facebook group: http://is.gd/mfrwfb
Marketing Camp Schedule: http://is.gd/mfrw_camp_hours

The MFRW Friends of Romance Award is presented to companies seeking to aid authors with promotion at little or no cost, and to offer affordable programs. In 2012 they are: The Romance Studio, Romance Junkies, and CoffeeTime Romance. The award is one way we can help authors and publishers save money and obtain ethical and excellent service. http://marketingforromancewriters.org/friends.htm

Azrael, Archangel of Death

I finally finished polishing my second Archangel book last week and sent it to my agent on Friday. It's the story of Azrael, who makes an appearance in Archangel of Mercy. He was so certain he'd never fall that it just had to happen!

Here's the (unedited) blurb to give you a taste:

A hunter cursed by her tainted blood, an Archangel haunted by visions of death;

an impossible love that should never exist…

Archangel of Death

When dhampir Rowan Moreton falls for the hottest guy she’s ever met, she’s determined to protect him from the sordid reality of her life as a hunter of rogue vampires. Her dearest wish is to lead a normal life, but with enemies waiting in the shadows and destined to die young, love is something she can only dream of.

The Archangel Azrael, protector of the astral planes and slayer of dhampirs, is captivated by the enchanting Rowan–despite her fragile human heritage. One night is all he wants. Except one night is not enough. Her body tempts him, her eyes enslave–and the secrets she keeps intrigue him.

But when their past comes back to haunt them they discover a connection that challenges every belief they’ve ever held. And in order to survive they need to learn to trust their deadliest enemy. 

Each other.

Romance Writers of the Apocalypse

Isn't that a great heading?!

It's amazing the conversations you can have on Twitter. On Saturday night a few of the Aussie authors were discussing the apocalypse (as you do) and came to the conclusion that it would be an awesome thing to set up a blog to help prepare the world for the invasion of the zombies (or the aliens. Or vindictive gods and goddesses. Or even a big rock from the sky).

And so ... Romance Writers of the Apocalypse was born! Spawned? Whatever! It's now live and kicking arse, and this is the great motto that we all drink by:

Get Fit.

Be Violent.

Write Smut.

Pop over and visit. We have cookies...

Enchanted Realms ~ Eleni Konstantine

I'm so happy that today my dear friend Eleni Konstantine's debut hits the cyber shelves! Stormy Divide and Angel Eyes are two novellas in the one gorgeous package of Enchanted Realms, from Musa Publishing.

To celebrate, Eleni is giving away a copy over at her blog Eleni's Taverna - all you have to do is pop over and leave a comment and you're in the draw! And here to whet your appetite are the blurbs. Enjoy!


Stormy Divide


A beam of white light shot into the sky from the middle of the forest, an eerie yellow mist surrounding it. This brightness was a sharp contrast to the darkness of the cold, damp forest, which had never before felt otherworldly. Fierce in its onslaught, the storm raging overhead had given no warning. Was it a coincidence it had arrived at the same time the unusual shaft of light had, like a fitting backdrop?

Thom trekked towards the light’s eerie source when a muffled cry vibrated through the air. He stopped as the hairs on the back of his neck bristled. This was no ordinary sound. Like the storm and light, it did not seem natural.

With caution, Thom tracked the sound to a clearing where the peculiar white and gold light display headed toward the heavens, as if it were trying to find the stars even though it was day, like it needed to connect with the rest of the universe.

Signs of disturbance marred the ground nearest the vivid white beam, as though something had scraped along the dirt. He followed the trail with his eyes and came to a sprawled shape lying haphazardly on the ground. This was the source of the moaning. Gods help me! What in skala was it?


Angel Eyes


He was in my dreams again last night. As he is every night. As he has been since I was orphaned at eighteen. In my dream state, the feeling between us is electrifying. I know we have a history together. I know who we are and what we mean to each other, but upon waking all is lost. And I feel empty.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I try to recall the images. Once again, it is futile. All I can remember are those dark haunted eyes as they bore into me, their intensity delving into my soul.

Who is he?

Why does he plague my sleep night after night?

Why does he feel so real? More real than anything I have ever known in my entire life. And why do I feel with him a sense of belonging, a sense of...rightness.

Dread and despair fill me. I do not need to be reminded of the lack of this type of connection in my waking life. Especially not today. The day I am to marry a man who is not the one in my dreams.

Angel & Demon - Giveaway!

Today Archangel of Mercy is being showcased over at Riverina Romantics as part of their Angel and Demon week. Much as I'd love to giveaway a copy of Archangel, the book isn't released until December soooo.... I'm giving away an e-copy of my novella Touch of the Demon instead!

 And while you're over there, have a quick look through the previous posts! now I'm not saying a word, but  OMG there is much naughty hotness on offer!!!

Hot Vampire, Regency London

This week I'm polishing the second book in my Archangel series, published under my Christina Ashcroft name, but I thought I'd share the blurb to my Vampire Regency novella that recently sold to Ellora's Cave.

It's a dark romance that sweeps Alexius and Morana from the sordid back alleys of London, to an elegant Regency ballroom and finally to a magnificent sixteenth century country estate. I had a lot of fun writing this one!

Bloodlust Denied

Lured by blood, driven by lust, Alexius is fascinated by the dark haired seductress who shows no fear and refuses to obey his every command. Entranced by such novelty he denied his rabid bloodlust. Instead he’ll keep her to warm his bed until he tires of her ready tongue and tempting body.

Immortal vampire hunter Morana has never mistaken her prey before. But the dark stranger mesmerizes her, enticing her to forget everything but the dangerous pleasure she finds in his arms, until reality intrudes and she flees his addictive embrace.

When Alexius unexpectedly find her again he’s determined to exact retribution for the way she vanished three years ago. Abductions, bondage and decadent seduction feature in his plans, but before the sun rises dynamics have shifted and he’s the one fighting the silken bonds of captivity.

But as they fall under each other’s erotic spell the past and present collide and unless they discover the truth behind the lies, Death will triumph once more.

SOLD! To Ellora's Cave!

I'm beyond delighted to share that books 3 and 4 in my Forbidden Roman/Druid series have been contracted to Ellora's Cave! I have my fingers crossed that book 3 will be out later this year or early next year. I'll keep you posted!

Here are the (unedited) blurbs to give you a taster:

Betrayed

When Druid priestess Nimue is injured and enslaved by the hated Roman Legion, she's determined to escape and complete her mission for the Briton king.

But the tough Roman warrior who saved her life is far from the brutal barbarian she fears. His touch inflames and passion burns and against everything she believes in her heart surrenders to her enemy.

Roman warrior Tacitus is enchanted by the fiery beauty who shows no fear and challenges him at every turn. He's determined to make her his, whatever it takes.But when he discovers the depth of her betrayal his loyalties are torn between his heritage and a woman who could destroy everything he's ever believed in.

Tainted

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king and embittered at losing the woman he loves, Druid warrior Gawain despises the lust he feels for the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. But despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt who ignites a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband. She knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. But when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she's grown to love.

I've also sold a Regency Vampire novella and an exciting Highland Warrior series to Ellora's Cave. More details on those books coming soon. Looks like a busy year ahead!

A Forbidden Review!

I found another wonderful review for Forbidden the other day over at Strange Candy Reviews. Here's a snippet!

“If you’re looking for a red-hot, blistering read with magic, clashing civilisations and romance then grab a copy of Forbidden. You will not be able to put it down! Now I want a Roman centurion of my own!” 

Pop back on Friday for some exciting news!

The Winner...

Of a copy of Tamara Gill's A Marriage Made in Mayfair is

Nurma

Congratulations!

Don't forget the blog hop is happening all month and you can still be in with the chance of winning the grand prize. 

Find out where Tamara will be all month over on her blog!

A Marriage Made in Mayfair ~ Tamara Gill with Giveaway

 Today I'm delighted to welcome fellow Aussie historical author Tamara Gill, who is celebrating the release of her Regency novella, A Marriage Made in Mayfair. The cover is absolutely sumptuous! 

 Here's a little about Tamara, pinched directly from her website!

 Tamara's love of history started from an early age, but her reading of historical romances only began when home on maternity leave with her second son. Her writing career started as a hobby but soon turned into an obsession—just ask the members of her family, who have suffered many a whipped up, burnt meal.

Member of Romance Writers of Australia, Romance Writers of America, South Australian Romance Authors and The Beau Monde keep her occupied and focused on her craft and the changing trends of readers. Tamara lives in the beautiful Barossa Valley in South Australia and enjoys hearing from readers and writers alike.

(No wonder we're friends. My poor family have suffered countless burned offerings over the years!!!)

 

Thank you for taking the time to drop by my blog, Tamara. It's great to have you here! Could you please tell  us a little about yourself

Thank you Christina for having me as a guest today and letting me talk about my latest release, A Marriage Made in Mayfair. I’m a South Aussie who writes Regency and time travel romance. I started to write about 4 years ago as a hobby while on maternity leave. About a year after I started to write I found Romance Writers of Australia and I’ve never looked back.

Regency and time travel. Two of my favourite things! Can you tell us a little about your book, A Marriage Made in Mayfair

I had this fantastic idea about a lord who falls on hard times and an heiress he’d previously been dismissive of finding love together. It’s a sweet story between two people from different society spheres who are made for one another. You’ll have to read it to find out any more. :-)

Blurb:

Miss Suzanna March wished for one thing, the elusive, rakish charmer, Lord Danning. But after a frightful first season sees her flee to Paris, such dreams seem impossible. That is until she returns to London, a new woman, and one who will not let the ton's dislike of her stand in her way of gaining what she wants. Revenge on the Lord who gave her the cut direct and perhaps a little flirtation to show the mighty Viscount what he'll never have.

Lord Danning unbeknown to his peers is in financial strife and desperate to marry an heiress. Such luck would have it Miss Suzanna March fits all his credentials and seduction is his plan of action. Yes, the woman who returned from Paris is stronger, defiant, and a little argumentative, but it does not stop Lord Danning finding himself in awe and protective of her.

But will Suzanna fall for such pretty words from a charmer only after one thing. Or will Lord Danning prove to Suzanna and himself that she is more than his ticket out of debtor's prison...

Being incurably nosy, I love finding out what inspires other writers. Can you let us know who or what inspires you and why?

I’m a HUGE Karen Marie Moning fan. I know she doesn’t write Regency, but she’s just fantastic! I love every single one of her books and can’t wait to see what she’ll give her fans to read next. With the simplest words she can evoke emotion, tension everything a reader wants. She’s amazing.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of my CPs :-) Do you have CPs? If so can you tell us how you met up and your process? (see above for my impossible nosiness!!!)

I have one cp, Joanna Lloyd and I love her to bits. She’s fantastic at grammar and punctuation which I am not. LOL We met through the Romance Writers of Australia cp program and just clicked. We’ve been working together now for the past two years.

What's the best and worst things about writing for you?

Now that I have a couple of stories published the best part for me would be reader feedback. I love hearing that someone loved my story and characters and that they didn’t want the story to end. I love reading those kinds of comments. The worst for me is time. I never seem to have enough of it and struggle some days to even get in front of the computer. And if I don’t write I tend to get snappy. ;p

Tamara's debut, a Naughty Nibble, To Sin with Scandal

And finally, do you have any advice or light bulb moment you'd like to share about getting/being published?

Keep writing every day. Don’t worry if you never final in a competition or someone says you should write in a different genre because you suck. I’ve had all these things happen and said to me. Learn to shrug your shoulders and move on. You’ll never please everyone at that’s just life. Enjoy what you write and write from the heart. In time everything else will click into place.

A Captain's Order, A Duke's Command - this gorgeous cover won the Romance Writers of Australia's Best 20 Years of Romance Covers Contest in the Historical Section in 2011 (along with Captive!)  

Tamara has also sold two time travel romances to Crimson Romance. The first, A Stolen Season (I've been lucky enough to read this and it's fab!) will be out this August. Defiant Surrender, a medieval romance is coming soon.

Leave a comment for Tamara to go into the draw, at the end of her month long blog hop, to be in with a chance of winning the following fabulous prize:

Postcard Sets

Romance Trading Cards

$30.00 Amazon Gift Card

Copy of A Marriage Made in Mayfair

And a copy of my two previous works

gifted through Amazon.com

(or preferred e-reader store)

Links:

http://www.tamaragillromanceauthor.com

http://tamaragill.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/tamara_gill

http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gill.754

http://historicalhearts.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.decadentpublishing.com/

Quick Heads Up!

Just popping in to give a quick heads up on a fabulous interview coming up on Monday with historical author Tamara Gill who's celebrating her latest Regency novella release, A Marriage Made in Mayfair.

Tamara is having a month long blog hop and is not only giving away a copy of her novella at every blog stop but everyone who comments will be put in the hat to win the major prize! And wow, what a fantastic prize!

Postcard Sets

Romance Trading Cards

$30.00 Amazon Gift Card

Copy of A Marriage Made in Mayfair

And a copy of my two previous works

gifted through Amazon.com

 

(or preferred e-reader store)

 

 

Don't forget to pop by on Monday and join in the fun!

Congratulations to Sara Hantz!

I've been battling the head cold from hell here over the last few days, as well as grappling with several stubborn synopses, but I'm delighted to emerge from the cave to share some more very exciting news! My fabulous CP, Sara Hantz, has recently sold to Entangled Teen!

Congratulations, Sara! You know how much I've always loved this book!

Will the Real Abi Saunders Stand Up will be published in 2014.

Here's the blurb!

Seventeen year old Abi Saunders might be a kick boxing champion, but when it comes to meeting new people she’s not so brave. Which is why when her trainer suggests she audition to become stunt double for hot teen movie star, Tilly Watson, she refuses. No way. Absolutely not.  However, it seems her trainer isn’t the only one who thinks she needs to come out of her shell. So does everyone else at the gym – even her training partner Matt and best friend Jody. So she reluctantly goes for the job and, to her surprise, wins it.   At first Abi is terrified but once the wig and make-up are on, she starts to feel like a different person. Tilly Watson to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi becomes besotted with him. In fact Abi becomes so besotted with her new life it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old friends or her old life. But when the cameras are turned off Abi painfully discovers her new life is a sham and she realises she hasn’t just had stars in her eyes, but in her head too. What a fool she’s been. But it’s not too late, because Abi manages to take back control of her life and right her wrongs.

Sophie's Mixed Up Magic!

So much good news bubbling at the moment! I'm very excited that my good friend Amanda Ashby's first two books in her new MG series hit the shelf today!

Sophie's Mixed Up Magic

Wishful Thinking
 
Be careful what you wish for…

After Sophie accidentally gets herself turned into a djinn, she starts to think that it might not be so bad after all. (Of course, that’s after she gets the whole orange skin problem sorted out.) Who wouldn’t enjoy having the power to grant wishes! But when Sophie develops RWD (Random Wish Disorder) and can’t STOP granting wishes, things get more than a little mixed-up!

Under a Spell

And that spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E…

As Sophie gets used to her magic, her relationship with the adorable Jonathan Tait is blossoming. There’s only one problem: Jonathan’s twin sister, Melissa. She’s a total mean girl who seems intent on making Sophie’s life miserable. On top of that, Melissa somehow seems to sense that Sophie has powers–and manages to bind Sophie to her in a totally self-serving way. Can Sophie figure out a way out of this–without ruining her chances with Jonathan?

To kick off the celebrations, Amanda is holding a contest over at her blog with signed copies and a cute djinn ring up for grabs. Pop on over and help spread the fun!