Spring into spring!

To celebrate, we’ve compiled as many spring idioms as we could think of, and paired them with a book that embodies their spirit. It’s like wine and food, but with spring and books.

…we’ll do wine and books later 🙂

A spring in (one’s) step

Nothing says a spring-y step like a good dance. Like, say, the one that Dan and Alex dance together in Ainslie Paton’s Grease Monkey Jive.

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Spring into action

Neither Merry or Jack can afford any hesitations in their life-or-death pursuit of priceless jewels across the world, in Tory Hayward’s breathtaking adventure romance.

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Spring chicken

She’s a spring chicken – until she isn’t. Explore both ends of the hen with the hilarious time-travel novel from Juliet Madison.

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Spring to attention

Soldiers – fighting against a corrupt government, sent to destroy those who most need their protection. I’m sure a few of you sprang to attention too…24680

Spring Fever

“Fever – I’m afire, fever yea I burn forsooth.”…Shakespeare knew it was true, and so do Ben and Trix in this light-hearted, re-envisioned twist on Much Ado About Nothing.

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Spring to life

Nothing springs quite like a newly minted vampire – or, maybe, say, twin vampires?

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Spring to mind

Unfortunately, what with his temporary retrograde amnesia, not much is springing to Connor’s mind – and his best friend Emma is desperate to keep it that way.

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Hope springs eternal

All that Sherise has is hope in the spin-off novel of SE Gilchrist’s Darkon Warrior SF series – hope that they’ll survive, hope they can find a way home, and hope that humanity’s future is secure.

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The story of my book: Quest for Earth

by SE Gilchrist

When anyone asks where I get my ideas from, I find it difficult to answer. Some ideas just come to me, out of the blue—literally. (For some weird reason, a lot of times when I’m in the shower!). Some of my story ideas are triggered by articles I’ve read, even a phrase or book title or information on technology or innovative ideas. With Quest for Earth, the idea behind the story was born when I was plotting the story world for my Darkon Warriors series.

It seemed to me a logical conclusion that not all the Earth people would want to stay in the ‘Seven Galaxies’ and voila!—I had the premise for a second, follow-on series.

My heroine first made her appearance in Star Pirate’s Justicethe perfect candidate, as she has a lot to atone for due to past actions. I wanted to really make things difficult for this new band of travellers, so I decided that nope, they weren’t going to return to their own time. This, of course, gave me lots of ideas for conflict and plot.

Maaka, my hero, is a native of Earth and the leader of his people. But who was he? What was his life like? I brainstormed a brief history of what had happened to Earth since they left, which basically meant a devastated planet where every day was a battle to survive and this led to more ideas for plot and also world building.

I asked myself—what would protect these people from the elements? Where would they live? My research came up with some fascinating information on amazing dwellings carved into the rock and ground centuries ago, which I instantly wanted to use. For instance the Turkish underground city of Derinkuyu, which was once home to around 20,000 people and was eleven levels deep, had 600 entrances and miles of tunnels connecting it to other underground cities! It was even engineered to provide water tanks, wells, shafts for ventilation and light and, astonishingly, it was built in the Byzantine era—fully developed at least before 780 AD. I would use a similar underground city for my hero to live—perfect.

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How did these people survive though, in such a harsh environment? I decided they needed to be physically adapted humans, genetically modified, then I asked, who would have the technology to be able to do such advanced research? Voila—I had my villain and another race of ‘perfect’ humans living in a carefully controlled world. And of course I needed the villain to have a goal, motivation and conflict. What better way of melding the two series together, then have the seeds planted in the first?

Thus I had the bones of a new series, which led first of all to a short story, Paying the Forfeit and then to a short novella, Storm of Fire, and finally to my latest release, a full-length single title, Quest for Earth.


quest

With the survival of her crew at stake, an old enemy waiting in the wings, and a mighty chieftain declaring his love, can Sherise lead her people safely home?

Looking to Engage in Some Piracy Today

After all, International Talk Like A Pirate Day only comes around once a year.

So, ahoy, me hearties…check out this booty fer yer readin’ pleasures! Tales of piracy and the high seas to whet any appetite!

Best enjoyed with rum…

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Nothing like a mutiny to force a good man into questionable deeds…A rip-roaring tale of a sea voyage, a mysterious past, and a man who will do anything to prove his innocence.


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Pirates come in all shapes and sizes – and time periods. Escape to the future where justice is harsh, the night is long, and pirates are just as sexy as ever…


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Not all sea-stories need to be tales of violence and crime. Sometimes ‘booty’ can take on a whole other meaning…Arrr!

Try one of Escape’s Rising Stars of Romance – for Free!

Apple iBooks Australia is promoting the Rising Stars of Romance for the next two weeks, and many Escape Authors are featured. The best part? You can get the first book in one of their series for free!

Most of these titles are also free on Amazon AU. So check them out!

House on Burra Burra Lane – Jennie Jones

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Just ten days after her fresh start in the isolated Snowy Mountains, Samantha Walker trips over a three hundred pound pig and lands in the arms of Dr. Ethan Granger — and the firing line for gossip. It was hardly a ‘date’ but sparks of the sensual kind are difficult to smother in a community of only 87 people. Now there’s a bet running on how long she’ll stay and what she’ll get up to while she’s in town.

Ethan has his own issues — Sammy’s presence in his childhood home brings with it painful recollections of family scandals and a bad boy youth. When the gossip around them heightens, his life is suddenly a deck of cards spread on the table for all to see. Then Sammy’s past catches up with her… and it looks like all bets are off.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


In Safe Hands – Lee Christine

8213

She thinks she needs him, but she doesn’t know the secrets he keeps…

Threatened with the publication of naked photographs taken in her law student days, defence attorney Allegra Greenwood enlists the help of former SAS Commander Luke Neilson, unaware of his involvement in her brother’s death in Afghanistan.

In a race to stop the photographs appearing on the Internet, Luke battles a hidden enemy, his growing feelings for Allegra, and his conscience, which demands he protect a fallen comrade’s sister. As the stakes increase and more sinister motives unfold, Luke not only has to fight to save her career, he has to fight to save her life.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Treasured Secrets – Kendall Talbot

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From Romantic Book of the Year winner Kendall Talbot comes an adrenaline-fuelled new series with sexy characters, exotic locations, and action-packed adventure.

The last place Rosalina expected the clue to a 700-year-old mystery to lead is back into the arms of Archer, the one man who broke her heart. But neither can solve the puzzle without the other, so together they set off on a new adventure, weaving from Tuscany’s underbelly to Archer’s luxurious yacht in the Greek Islands, trying to ignore the sparks that still fly unhindered between them.

Archer desperately wants to salvage the relationship he shattered years before, but fighting for Rosalina’s love soon takes a back seat to fighting for their lives. They aren’t the only one on the trail for the treasure, and their competition isn’t bothered by ethics and morals to achieve their goals. With evil close on their trail, and Archer wrestling with the remnants of a childhood tragedy, Rosalina begins to wonder if perhaps there are some secrets that were never meant to be revealed.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


A Life Worth Living – Amanda Canham

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For lovers of Marion Lennox and Fiona Lowe comes a sweet, touching novel about secret desires and second chances, set in the intriguing world of sleep medicine.

Dr Cameron Lewis has been running from his past for a long time, so when a career opportunity opens up in his hometown of Brisbane, he takes it as a sign to move home and pick up the pieces of his life. But his vow to never have a child remains steadfast — it’s the one thing he can’t compromise on.

Nurse Stacey Carter has always craved a family of her own, and, following a bitter divorce and the death of her mother, she finally decides to make her dreams come true. She doesn’t need a man to help, but she can’t help thinking that the new doctor in the Sleep Medicine ward might be the ideal alternative…

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Bound By Her Ring – Nicole Flockton

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Luciano Morelli has perfected a plan to get revenge on his runaway wife; confronting her at the opening gala for her father’s hotel. What he didn’t plan on was the flaring of emotions the moment he sees her again.

Jasmine Anderson has no memories of her husband. Her only link to him is the wedding rings she wears. Luciano storms back into her life announcing he is her husband, demanding she join him on a business trip or see her father’s livelihood crumble.

Passion reignites as they rediscover what first drew them together. But more than just memories are lost. Can their bond be rebuilt or will secrets infect their already shattered trust?

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


The Chieftain’s Curse – Frances Housden

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Nominated for the 2014 RITA Award for Best Historical Romance
Euan McArthur is a chieftain in need of an heir.

While still a young a warrior, Euan incites the fury of a witch. She retaliates with a curse that no wife will ever bear him an heir. As he buries his third wife and yet another bonnie stillborn son, Euan can no longer cast her words aside.

Morag Farquhar is a woman in need of sanctuary. With a young relative in tow, Morag flees the only home she has ever known to escape her brother, Baron of Wolfsdale, and find sanctuary in the MacArthur stronghold. Pronounced barren by a midwife, Morag is of little value to her family, but a Godsend to Euan, a lover he can’t kill by getting with child.

Years ago, chance drew them together, and tangled their lives in ways they could never have imagined. This time their destiny lies in their own hands, but it will take courage and strong hearts to see it through to the end.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Insecure – Ainslie Paton

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The worst thing a man can do is not be with the woman he loves.

She could have him sacked quicker than licking her lips. He could ruin her reputation with an email.

Jacinta was the CEO in waiting. Mace was the geek from IT. She had an office suite on the top floor. He worked in cubicle hell.

She had power, influence, her life mapped out. He had big dreams, and an appetite for risk.

They had one hot night written all over them, except the city conspired to turn that night into a weekend of unexpected passion and deep connection.

Will love be enough when Jacinta’s star falls and Mace’s dream takes flight, or will ambition, expectation and insecurity pull them apart?

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


By The Sword – Alison Stuart

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From award-winning author Alison Stuart comes a stirring historical trilogy about soldiers, spies, and the strong women that love them. 

England 1650. In the aftermath of the execution of the King, England totters once more on the brink of civil war. The country will be divided and lives lost as Charles II makes a last bid to regain his throne.

Kate Ashley finds her loyalty to the Parliamentary cause tested when she inherits responsibility for the estate of the Royalist Thornton family. To protect the people she cares about, she will need all her wits to restore its fortunes and fend off the ever-present threat of greedy neighbours.

Jonathan Thornton, exiled and hunted for his loyalty to the King’s cause now returns to England to garner support for the cause of the young King. Haunted by the demons of his past, Jonathan risks death at every turn and brings danger to those who love him. Finding Kate in his family home, he sees in her the hope for his future, and a chance at a life he doesn’t deserve.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester, Jonathan must face his nemesis, and in turn, learn the secret that will change his life forever. But love is fragile in the face of history, and their lives are manipulated by events out of their control. What hope can one soldier and one woman hold in times like these?

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


The Secret Diary of Lady Catherine Bexley – Viveka Portman

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In the vein of Portia Da Costa and Charlotte Featherstone, Regency England gets just a bit raunchy in this novella about a gently-raised lady who wants to feel like a woman…

“I have never seen fit in my life to divulge my secrets in a diary, yet now, after today’s proceedings, I do…”

Lady Catherine Bexley is new to marriage and the marriage bed, but surely there must be more to it than this? Her husband is proper and perfunctory — treating her with careful respect but leaving her aching for more.

When she witnesses a gentleman disciplining a maid at a house party, the ache explodes into ravenous desire. She finds herself no longer willing to wait for her husband’s stiff and passionless attentions — and soon develops a naughty plan to finally get what she wants.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Words Once Spoken – Carly Drake

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YA meets high fantasy in this lush series debut about a girl who never quite fit in — and the reason why…

Evelyn might not love the confines of her village life, but she takes her small freedoms where she can get them. But everything changes when her parents decide it’s time for her to wed. Suddenly she loses her tunic and breeches, her bow, her horse, and gains rigid gowns, restrictive manners, and carriage rides.

The best way to escape is through her dreams, but as they become more and more real, Evelyn begins to worry that she is losing her grasp on reality. It is only when she makes two new friends that the truth is revealed: she is destined for far, far more than even she could imagine.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


King Hall – Scarlett Dawn

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A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Legend Beyond the Stars – SE Gilchrist

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Seeking redemption from a mission gone terribly wrong, Captain Alana Knight volunteers to aid a dangerous operation to transport colonists between Earth and alien traders. But on board the spaceship, she learns of a galactic war raging for power. A power that can be transformed into a terrible weapon.

When the colonists are betrayed and sold, Alana’s mission is re-defined. Nothing will stop her from keeping those in her care safe and finding a passage home. But her new captor is nothing like she expects…

Commander Tarak El Rajan is human, male and equally determined to retain his payload. With his race on the brink of extinction he is under strict orders to transport all females to the planet Isla for research purposes.

In a world of uncertainty, where the wrong decision could mean the death of an entire race, the last thing either of these two soldiers expects or needs is to fall in love.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Out of Rhythm – Shona Husk

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They might be one of the hottest up-and-coming bands in Australia, but the members of Selling the Sun have a lot to learn about life, love, sex, and each other.

Coming off a successful Australian tour and prestigious industry award nominations, Gemma Field’s life should be perfect. Instead her parents want her to get a real job, the second album isn’t coming together, and her best friend, Kirsten wants nothing to do with her.

Falling for her best friend was never going to make life easy. After an almost accidental drunken kiss almost six months ago, they aren’t even talking. Gemma can’t even talk about it with anyone – not her family, not her bandmates, not even the one person she used to share everything with. Instead she lives in a space of indecision and pain, and it’s affecting all aspects of her life, including the band.

Kirsten Vincent missed Gemma like crazy, but did she miss her as a friend or as something more? She’s confused and Gemma is hurt, and the consequences of a bad decision will affect more than their personal lives. Will another kiss, a sober kiss, a kiss with intent, do more damage, or could it be the start of something more?

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


The January Wish – Juliet Madison

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From Escape’s queen of ro-magic comedy comes a sweet, emotional contemporary romance about the pleasures of making a wish and seeing it come true.

When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it’s the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.

A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia’s small coastal town with secrets that can’t be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia’s well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.

They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Children of the Mist – Jenny Brigalow

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An original paranormal YA about an unconventional girl, an unconventional boy, their extraordinary transformations, and the secrets of the Scottish Highlands.

When skater girl Morven Smith turns sixteen, she develops boobs, acute appendicitis…and a pair of pointy teeth. While she is stunned by her metamorphosis into vampire, her best mate, the enigmatic Zest, is not. For the young werewolf, Morven’s transformation is an answer to his lonely prayers.

But they are unable to celebrate their mutual paranormalcy for long — there are too many dangers, too much suspicion, and too many questions. It’s only in Scotland that Morven can learn the truth about her past. But she discovers more than she bargained for when she meets her birth family — an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves. They may both be Children of the Mist, but only one species can survive.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)


Beckoning Blood – Daniel de Lorne

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A gripping,  blood-drenched saga about twin brothers, the men they love, and the enduring truth that true love never dies  — no matter how many times you kill it.

Thierry d’Arjou has but one escape from the daily misery of his work at a medieval abattoir — Etienne de Balthas. But keeping their love a secret triggers a bloody chain of events that condemns Thierry to a monstrous immortality. Thierry quickly learns that to survive his timeless exile, he must hide his sensitive heart from the man who both eases and ensures his loneliness…his twin brother.

Shaped by the fists of a brutal father, Olivier d’Arjou cares for only two things: his own pleasure and his twin. But their sadistic path through centuries is littered with old rivals and new foes, and Olivier must fight for what is rightfully his – Thierry, made immortal just for him.

(iBooks)
(Amazon AU)

July New Releases: Feed Your Readers!

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When faced with the choice between the life she’s built and the duty she’s left behind—what’s a reluctant princess to do?


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From SE Gilchrist comes the next big thing: The Starburst Rock Band – coming to a galaxy near you…


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Jaz is back in another explosive mission – but her hardest task is keeping her secret from her friends…

March Madness – New Releases!

Books! For you! Available now!

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From ground-breaking, breath-taking author Ainslie Paton comes a new contemporary romance: She could have him sacked quicker than licking her lips. He could ruin her reputation with an email. But the worst thing a man can do is not be with the woman he loves.


23522From the best-selling Darkon Warriors series comes an enemy-to-lover story about a brother, a best friend, and the precious gift they leave behind. 


23660Not up-to-date on your SE Gilchrist, but love your romance out of this world? Check out The Darkon Warriors Bundle, four great books, one hot price!


23523In Children of the Mist, we discovered the secret history of the Children. Now, in the wilds of Scotland, one of them has come of age…


23545From award-winning author Alison Stuart comes a stirring historical trilogy about soldiers, spies, and the strong women that love them. 


All of the Housewives have revealed their secrets – have you learned them all?

SLAH_Camilla_FinalTo all of Sydney’s society, she’s just the upstart, gold-digging waitress that somehow managed to snare one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors.


SLAH_Darla_FinalIn the final instalment, Darla, our sad, funny housewife finds that being a little neighbourly can lead to so much more.

October Releases – Mach 2

We introduced our first set of October releases a fortnight ago. Here are the fabulous second round October releases!

22347When Stars Collide
SE Gilchrist

The third full-length novel in SE Gilchrist’s bestselling erotic SF series mixes one sexy spy, a soldier looking for salvation and an unlikely mission to save the world.


22544Bound by His Desire
Nicole Flockton

From Nicole Flockton, author of Bound by Her Ring —the last thing he wants is an emotional attachment to his new assistant, but it might be the only thing he truly needs.


22349Jazz Baby
Tea Cooper

In the gritty underbelly of 1920s Sydney, a fresh-faced country girl is about to arrive in the big, dark city—and risk everything in the pursuit of her dreams.

Five Things I Learned Writing SF Romance

by SE Gilchrist

Actually I’ve learned a lot more than five things since I first started to write science fiction romance. The best one is that in the name of research I have the ultimate excuse to buy all the sci fi movies and TV shows I can afford!

However I won’t keep you here for three days, so I’ll focus on my next release, When Stars Collide and only mention five.

  • Tying up all those loose ends is hard.
    The external story line in my Darkon Warriors series is based on the war between the Darkons and their enemies the Relics who had aligned themselves with the Elite Forces. So in When Stars Collide the war finally comes to an end, I had to remember who to re-introduce into the story, what story threads I’d left hanging, what I still wanted to remain a mystery so I can use that snippet in another story. And I had to decide, how the hell am I going to do it?

 

  • Sci fi romance has a fascinatingly wide scope where anything can happen.
    A writer can explore awesome stuff like: manipulation of fetus DNA, test-tube babies, futuristic weapons and technology, space battles, interplanetary mining, adventure, space craft, and different worlds, such as volcanic planets and ice planets. My series features draptiles that drool acid and coda worms that first stun with an electrical charge than strangle their victim. Then there’s always politics and religion.

 

  • I love writing bad guys (and gals, for that matter).
    I love their twisty little minds, their sneaky underhanded actions, their selfishness, their complete lack of empathy, the way they insinuate themselves into the story as nice characters and suddenly reveal themselves as a villain – and yes, that happened in When Stars Collide. It took me by surprise.

 

  • Pretending to be a contortionist bubble dancer so I can choreograph moves was NOT a good idea; evidenced by the hilarity experienced by my family and my aching joints!
    Even my dogs wondered what the heck I was doing.Last Xmas my kids and I went to see this amazing show, Empire by Spiegelworld where Australian contortionist, Lucia Carbines, did an act inside a bubble. Volla! When I began to write, When Stars Collide, I just knew Reece had to be a contortionist bubble dancer.bubble dancer
  • Writing sex / love scenes is NOT getting any easier.
    Really there is only so many times you can describe the actual act. It isn’t going to change unless I write in some strangely shaped male alien with shall we say, an additional appendage! (Now that’s an idea.) But what I do love about these scenes, is the opportunity to either strengthen the characters’ relationship or shatter it. There is nothing like making your characters suffer.Or giving them the moon wrapped up in love.

What’s your favourite aspect of science fiction romances? I’d love to hear what readers think of this genre.

And if you haven’t read one yet – I hope I’ve spiked your curiosity.


20206A brand new installment in SE Gilchrist’s bestselling erotic Sci-Fi series about a dark and delicious alien race on a desperate quest for survival — and the human women who can cure their years-long curse.

Carly has one focus in her life: to return home to her terminally ill younger sister. When she learns that a Darkon traitor possesses gateway maps to Earth, she uses all her skills to track him down. But capturing the charming star pirate turns out to be trickier than she  anticipated…

Volkar is determined to prove his innocence to those who drove him to a life lived on the Outer Rim, and he will overcome anyone who gets in his way. But his surprisingly sweet captor has some skills that will come in handy, so he strikes a deal: the maps for her help. Neither expect their partnership to turn into more, but as dark secrets are revealed, their lives become forfeit — and the relationship blossoming between them nothing but a starburst of happiness in the deep shadow of the sky…

Start the series from the beginning!

8867Seeking redemption from a mission gone terribly wrong, Captain Alana Knight volunteers to aid a dangerous operation to transport colonists between Earth and alien traders. But on board the spaceship, she learns of a galactic war raging for power. A power that can be transformed into a terrible weapon.

When the colonists are betrayed and sold, Alana’s mission is re-defined. Nothing will stop her from keeping those in her care safe and finding a passage home. But her new captor is nothing like she expects…

Commander Tarak El Rajan is human, male and equally determined to retain his payload. With his race on the brink of extinction he is under strict orders to transport all females to the planet Isla for research purposes.

In a world of uncertainty, where the wrong decision could mean the death of an entire race, the last thing either of these two soldiers expects or needs is to fall in love.

6 Reasons why Science Fiction is the new Paranormal

by Kate

Think SF is too hardcore? Too bogged down in details? Not sexy enough for a paranormal reader like you? We beg to differ…

  1. Worlds – same, same, but different
    Just as in paranormals, much in a science fiction world is quite familiar, but with a few key changes. Whether it’s set on a space ship, a distant planet, or a dystopian Earth, there is enough that is familiar to ease your way into the world, but enough different to add a bit of spice and excitement.

    stargate-the-movie-e

    Stargate – the movie

     

  2. Sexy heroes – the galaxy is your oyster
    Whether it’s the strong warrior, the diplomatic politician, or the unflappable scientist, the universe is populated with gorgeous new heroes, just waiting for you to find them.

    the warrior hero - Chris Pine as Captain Kirk

    the warrior hero – Chris Pine as Captain Kirk

    The moral outlaw - Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds

    The moral outlaw – Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds

    Logic has never been sexier - Zachary Quinto as Spock

    Logic has never been sexier – Zachary Quinto as Spock

    Humour and strength - Will Smith in Independence Day

    Humour and strength – Will Smith in Independence Day

    The unlikely hero - Bruce Willis in The 5th Element

    The unlikely hero – Bruce Willis in The 5th Element

     

  3. Strong heroines – kicking alien butt
    Kick-ass, anti-, or just complex, three-dimensional heroines, Science Fiction features an array of women taking care of business in an array of situations, from facing down alien abductors or setting up planetary governments, to kicking some inter-galactic ass. Looking for strong female characters? You’ll find them in SF.

    Jean Grey - the most powerful of the X-warriors. Sure she almost kills everyone, but everyone has off days.

    Jean Grey – the most powerful of the X-warriors. Sure she almost kills everyone, but everyone has off days.

    Dana Scully - the smart, sceptical scientist that holds the X-files together

    Dana Scully – the smart, sceptical scientist that holds the X-files together

     

    Ellen Ripley - the warrior heroine of the Alien series

    Ellen Ripley – the warrior heroine of the Alien series

    Sarah Manning in Orphan Black - an anti-heroine chasing down answers behind an apparent cloning - hers.

    Sarah Manning in Orphan Black – an anti-heroine chasing down answers behind an apparent cloning – hers.

     

  4. High stakes
    Whether it’s planet-wide destruction, a chilling villain, or war on a galactic scale, something is always going on in SF that drives the relationship stakes into the atmosphere.

    Luke - I disapprove of your girlfriend...

    Luke – I disapprove of your girlfriend…

     

  5. Favourite tropes, with a twist
    Bodyguards, arranged marriages, damsels who can save themselves from their own distress (but get a little help along the way), friends-to-lovers, even billionaire playboys – just throw the word ‘space’ in front of them, and you’ve got an SF plot, just waiting to be written or read!

    Or, in this case, superhero genius inventor boss hero meets capable, intelligent, organised assistant/secretary heroine

    Or, in this case, superhero genius inventor boss hero meets capable, intelligent, organised assistant/secretary heroine

     

  6. Happy ever after ending guaranteed
    fifth-elementStar Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)giphy-facebook_s.jpgRikerTroiwedding

Who’s your SF OTP? Let us know below (pictures optional, but wholly encouraged!) for a chance to win a selection of books and upcoming ARCs from our science fiction catalogue!


Whetted your appetite for some sexy SF? Check out some Escape titles below!

21764

From Escape’s fresh, exhilarating science fiction romance catalogue comes a story of corporate espionage, betrayal, sex, and bodyguards. Just another day in the colonies.


19729

What if your only chance at survival was to seduce the man who broke your heart?


 

8867The first book in SE Gilchrist’s bestselling erotic Sci-Fi series about a dark and delicious alien race on a desperate quest for survival — and the human women who can cure their years-long curse.


20382For fans of The Walking Dead and The Hunger Games comes a YA novel about freedom, choice and family — and the terrifying disease that makes them mutually exclusive.