Anna Hackett's Blog, page 12
June 27, 2017
Galactic Gladiators Giveaway
To celebrate the release of the latest Galactic Gladiators book, Barbarian, I have a giveaway of a set of three signed gladiator paperbacks!
Abducted by alien slavers, experimented on, and left blind, the last thing doctor Winter Ashworth needs is a big barbarian gladiator in her life, especially an annoying one who thinks she’s small and weak. Rescued by gladiators on the desert world of Carthago, Winter is doggedly working to embrace her new life. But two of her friends are still missing and she’ll do anything to help get them back…even if she has to work alongside Nero Krahn: hunter, barbarian, gladiator. The scowly, brooding man is too big, has too many muscles, and pushes all her buttons.
Nero is the House of Galen’s best hunter and tracker. Raised on a barbarian world, where strength and might are prized, he was bred to hunt and fight. Now the arena is his home and his loyalty is to his imperator. He knows he can use his skills to find the two lost women, even if that means protecting a small blind woman who takes every chance to misjudge his words and lash him with her sharp tongue.
But as they follow a dangerous trail to save their friends, a new enemy emerges—one who wants Winter. The pair find themselves reluctantly attracted to each other, uncovering a scorching desire that shocks them both. As Nero fights to protect Winter, the barbarian gladiator will discover the true meaning of strength from the small Earth woman he wants to claim as his.
Galactic Gladiators Giveaway
One winner will receive a set of signed paperbacks of Gladiator, Warrior and Hero! Just enter below. You don’t have to complete each option, but each option nabs you an extra entry.
Giveaway is open internationally and will close Sunday 2nd July 2017. Winner will be notified via email by Wednesday 5th July.
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June 16, 2017
Galactic Gladiators: Barbarian Cover Reveal
Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…
The gladiators of the House of Galen are back! This time, gruff barbarian gladiator Nero doesn’t know what hit him when he faces off with human survivor Winter.
Barbarian (Galactic Gladiators #6)
Out 27th June
Excerpt from Champion featuring Nero
Nero held Winter in his arms as they traveled on the tarnid. Night was falling, and he was eager to get to the trading post. He knew that the open desert was the favorite hunting ground of the night beasts.
He looked down at the sleeping woman in his arms. She’d fallen asleep a while back, slumping back against him. He tightened his arms around her and sniffed. She was so slight, so delicate.
Women on his world of Symeria were almost as big as the males. Strength was prized, and sickly, small babies didn’t survive the planet’s harsh climes.
Winter shivered, and he reached in his saddlebags and pulled out his fur cloak. He wrapped it around her, and saw her slender fingers reach out to stroke the soft, gray fur.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. She tipped her head up, and his gaze dropped to her sweet smile and that terrible white film over her useless eyes. “It smells like you.”
He grunted, guessing that her lack of vision had enhanced her other senses. “You should have returned to Kor Magna.”
Her smile disappeared. “Did you want to miss the mission?”
No, he didn’t. Nero wanted blood, and he wanted Saff back. They had to right the wrong of the attack on the House of Galen, and the abduction of the human women who’d been stolen from them.
On his world, a barbarian warlord was required to show his strength and protect his people.
“You can stash me somewhere when we reach the trading post,” Winter said.
He frowned, disliking the idea of her huddled alone in the darkness with no protection. “You shouldn’t be here.”
She stiffened. “Because I’m blind? Useless?”
On Symeria, she would be considered inadequate, weak, a hindrance. “Yes. You’re small, lacking in strength, and without sight, you can’t add value.”
She sucked in a shocked breath. “And you’re an asshole.”
There was a bite to her voice that made him raise a brow. “On my world, the small and weak don’t survive. They are a burden.”
She shot him a fierce look. “A barbarian world, right?” She snorted. “I’m not surprised you’re so unenlightened.”
Nero frowned. The bite in her voice had turned razor sharp.
“You prize physical strength above all else. No matter what someone has to offer.”
“My world has always needed strength. It has a harsh environment.”
Winter turned to look ahead, even though he knew her damaged eyes couldn’t see the vista before them. “Do you know what I did before the Thraxians stole me, experimented on me, and blinded me? Before they made me a burden?”
Nero felt the lick of an uncomfortable emotion. “No.”
“I was a doctor.”
A healer. He hadn’t known that. He’d looked at her and just seen her delicate bone structure and lack of sight.
But he’d always been honest with himself. He’d also noticed her stubborn chin, pale skin, and inky-black hair.
“Save your arrogant views, barbarian. I don’t have time for idiots who are all brawn and no brains.”
Nero stiffened, but stayed silent. Maddening Earth woman. Regardless of her thoughts, she was a member of the House of Galen now. He’d protect her, whether she wanted it or not. And whether she liked him or not was irrelevant.
Galactic Gladiators
Now out in audiobook
More Info
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May 25, 2017
Ready to meet the Squad Three berserkers?
The first of the berserker bad boys, Hell Squad: Hemi, is coming on Tuesday the 30th! Can’t wait to share Hemi and Cam with you. While we wait, I thought we should get to know the berserkers a little better.
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May 16, 2017
Hell Squad: Hemi Cover Reveal
The countdown is on to the release of the next Hell Squad book! It is time for our rough, tough berserker, Hemi Rahia, to capture the woman who keeps running from him.
And to celebrate Hemi’s cover reveal I have a signed Hell Squad paperback giveaway! Scroll down to the bottom to enter.
Hell Squad: Hemi Cover Reveal
Release Date: May 30th
Excerpt from Hell Squad: Theron featuring Hemi
Hemi Rahia fired his carbine, his focus on taking down the aliens.
Fucking Gizzida. The bastards had invaded the world, and killed and destroyed millions. He had zero issues mowing them down.
He yanked a grenade off his belt and lobbed it into a group of approaching raptors. He grinned. As flames erupted, his squad fanned out around him, firing at the aliens.
They were the toughest sons of bitches he’d ever fought with, and he was proud to stand with them.
“Think I’m going to have this year’s quota for the most kills,” Levi called out. The former biker, aimed his carbine, taking down two raptors in quick succession.
Hemi snorted and yanked his shotgun off his back. “You wish, King.” A raptor charged at Hemi with a roar, and Hemi pumped the weapon, then shot the alien in the gut.
“Incoming!” Tane yelled.
A raptor grenade bounced between them—an ugly, black device covered in spikes. Hemi and his squad mates dived out of the way.
He hit the ground and rolled, just as flames exploded behind him. He came to his feet and realized he’d been separated from the other guys.
Several raptors were moving in to surround him.
He pumped the shotgun. “Bring it on, assholes.” He shot the nearest raptor, the boom echoing around him.
A huge-ass creeper skittered closer and let out a screech. Damn thing was so ugly. He pumped the shotgun again.
Suddenly, laser fire sprayed the beast, cutting it down.
Hemi looked up and saw the Darkswift shoot past.
“Looked like you needed some help.” The smug female voice came through his earpiece.
“Baby, I was doing just fine, but I know you can’t stay away from me.”
He easily pictured Cam’s long, lean body settled in the Darkswift, and he easily pictured her nose scrunching from his comment. He waited for her snarky response.
A half snort, half laugh crossed the comm line and he realized Cam’s partner, Taylor, was on the line as well.
“Keep dreaming, Rahia.” Cam’s tone was sharp.
Ah, there it was. It was really sick, he knew, but he loved when she tossed that attitude his way.
He paused to shoot another raptor, and headed back toward his squad. “I’ve got plenty of dreams, Cam.” He lowered his voice. “And you star in all of them.” And it was about damn time she quit running and he made them more than just dreams.
A humming silence.
He grinned. Yeah, he loved poking at her and seeing her flares of passion and temper.
“Rahia, if you think—”
He cut her off. “It’s New Year’s Eve soon.” He kicked a dying raptor out of his way. “There’s a big party planned and at the stroke of twelve, I’ll find you.”
“Oh?” A slow, unconcerned drawl.
“The kiss at midnight is all mine.” You’re all mine. It was a promise.
“Keep dreaming, Rahia,” she snapped.
As more raptors converged, he swung his weapon around. Oh, he would. And he had every intention of making his dreams come true.
I am also squeeing with excitement to announce that the first two books of Galactic Gladiators are now available as audiobooks. The oh-so-brilliant narrator, Vivienne Leheny, has done an amazing job with not just the voices of the characters but also giving us the emotion of the series. Come take a listen to the alien world of Carthago.
Hell Squad Paperback Giveaway
To celebrate the cover reveal of Hemi, I’m giving away some signed Hell Squad paperbacks. Three winners will get to choose a Hell Squad paperback from what I have lying around in my office! Open internationally and closes on Friday.
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April 20, 2017
Hell Squad Trading Cards
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway Winners
I am thrilled to announce that the lucky winners of the trading cards are:
Terri K
Lauryn
Jennifer B
Tracey P
Stephanie P
Thanks to everyone who entered. If you didn’t win and need a set of cards for yourself (quite a few people have already informed me of this!) you are in luck! The amazing artist of the cards, MyCKs, has made the cards available in her Etsy store.
And while you’re there, you should take a look at all her amazing sumi-style artwork. Mr. H is the proud owner of a set of Star Wars sumi prints! Her work is simply amazing.
Hell Squad Fan Art
I’ll be finishing off Hell Squad Week with one last amazing custom picture. This fan art was done by a Hell Squad fan, Lyn Taylor! It is called Heading Home.
Now, Lyn isn’t just an awesome reader who dabbles in design and art, she is in fact the cover artist and photographic illustrator at Lyn Taylor Designs. You can check out more of her awesome work at her website.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Hell Squad Week! I have had a blast. Hell Squad: Theron will be out in just over a week! Stay tuned for some teasers on my Facebook page next week.
Hell Squad: Theron
Release Date: May 2nd
Excerpt from Hell Squad: Devlin (featuring Theron)
(Warning: Sexy scene ahead!)
Theron hated parties. There were too many people doing too much talking.
He took a long drag of his beer and watched everyone rushing toward Santha. Doc Emerson whisked her out of the Garden, a frantic-looking Cruz at her side.
Theron suspected the man would have looked calmer if he was heading off to face ten raptor patrols. Marcus and Elle followed, trying to calm Cruz.
Somewhere behind Theron, music started. He scowled. Music meant people would start dancing soon. He hated dancing.
Restless, he took another sip of homebrewed beer. He felt an edginess riding him, a feeling that had been growing in him for months.
What he needed was a good fuck. It’d been too long since he’d plowed himself inside a woman, and after the wild fight two weeks ago, the raptors had been quiet. He hadn’t even been able to work this gnawing frustration out in a good fight. His hands tightened on his bottle. He needed…something.
But he had certain tastes, and he hadn’t found anyone here who really suited him.
But he knew what he wanted. Or, rather, who he wanted.
His eyes tracked over the crowd and settled on her.
He shouldn’t want her, for a lot of different reasons. But the main one was that she was pretty and kind and sweet. If she knew the dark little fantasies he jacked off to about her in the middle of the night, she’d freak out.
Feeling even more unsettled, Theron slammed his glass down and headed out of the Garden. He couldn’t handle the party anymore. As he walked through the tunnels back toward his room, his skin burned, need rising in him like a hungry beast.
He’d watched Marcus claim his woman, he’d seen the way Taylor and Devlin looked at each other, not to mention Roth and Avery. Everyone was pairing up, but Theron knew he’d never find a woman who was a perfect fit for him.
The tunnels were thankfully empty, with everyone up at the party, so no one was around to see the thunderclouds on his face.
He slammed into his room, the need brewing in his veins—the need that had been growing for months—was starting to bubble over.Click for More Excerpt
In the center of the room, he opened his trousers and pulled out his cock. Instantly, he started stroking himself.
And he imagined Sienna.
He groaned, his hand moving faster, rougher.
His friend. His squad mate. He’d denied it, ignored it, fantasized about it.
Nothing had worked. Right now, he imagined her sinking to her knees in front of him. Ready to do whatever he wanted. Whatever he ordered.
Another groan tore from his throat. His impending orgasm was coiling at the base of his spine. A few more hard pulls, and he came with a harsh cry. “Sienna.”
Chest heaving like bellows, he hissed air in and out.
A noise. Near the door.
He turned his head.
The door was ajar, but there was no one there.
He sighed, stuffing himself back into his trousers. He moved to the door and closed it, that wired, hungry feeling already coming back again. He’d barely taken the edge off.
He knew he’d better clean up and get back to the party before he was missed. His squad members were nothing, if not persistent. They’d hunt him down and drag him back.
It was time to get back to controlling his desires, denying himself the woman he wanted most.
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Hell Squad Gear and Anna Hackett Store
Hell Squad Week is drawing to a close but today I have a few good things to share, including the launch of my Anna Hackett Store!
Art Reveal
I have been so thrilled to share all the amazing Hell Squad artwork by talented artist MyCKs with you. Pics of me below with the original paintings — I’m searching for the perfect frames so I can hang all of these in my office.
Anna Hackett Store
I am so excited to share with you the launch of my store at Zazzle.com! There is Hell Squad merchandise as well as some general Hackett gear: mugs, stickers, magnets, T-shirts and more. It is a work in progress and I will be adding more things in the future. Here are just a few…
Please note, the two phone cases are customizable — you can select your phone type from the list and edit the design to fit your particular phone!
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway – Last Chance!
Tomorrow I will draw the winners of Trading Card Giveaway! FIVE lucky winners will be selected and the giveaway closes Thursday 2oth April 2017.
Tomorrow: Trading Card Winners
Tomorrow will my last Hell Squad Week post. I’ll be announcing the winners of the Hell Squad Trading Cards…and if you aren’t a lucky winner, well, I might just share how you can still grab a set for yourself! I’ll also be sharing some amazing Hell Squad fan art as well.
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April 19, 2017
Hell Squad: Group Art Reveal
I am *very* excited to share with you another fantastic image by artist MyCKs. This time it is a group shot of all of Hell Squad!
Art Reveal: Hell Squad Group
Everyone called Squad Six the Hell Squad. She was never quite sure if it was because they were hellions, or because they got sent into hell to do the toughest, dirtiest missions.
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway
I’m giving away sets of original Hell Squad Trading Cards! FIVE lucky winners will be selected and the giveaway closes Thursday 2oth April 2017.
More Hell Squad Goodies tomorrow
Hell Squad week has a little more for you yet. I’m not going to give it all away but I’ll just whisper…*Hell Squad gear and merchandise*
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April 18, 2017
Hell Squad: Elle and Marcus Art Reveal
Here’s the very first Hell Squad couple together…big, scarred Marcus and his tough beauty, Elle.
Art Reveal: Elle and Marcus
“You and Hell Squad will keep going out there, fighting, risking your lives.” Her voice hitched.
“Hey.” He forced her gaze to meet his. “I have something to come home to now, someone to live for. It’s always darkest before dawn, sweetheart.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “But even the longest night always ends.”
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway
I’m giving away sets of original Hell Squad Trading Cards! FIVE lucky winners will be selected and the giveaway closes Thursday 2oth April 2017.
Another Surprise for You
It isn’t over yet. I have ONE more custom piece of artwork by MyCKs to share with you! A Hell Squad group shot! So stop back tomorrow to see the squad in action.
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April 17, 2017
Hell Squad: Elle Art Reveal
Next up we have Hell Squad’s comms officer, Elle Milton. The woman on the other end of their earpieces, giving them support, and the lucky lady snuggling up with Marcus.
Art Reveal: Elle
His gaze traveled up Elle Milton’s slim figure, coming to rest on a face he could stare at all day. She wasn’t very tall, but that didn’t matter. Something about her high cheekbones, pale-blue eyes, full lips, and rain of chocolate-brown hair…it all worked for him. Perfectly. She was beautiful, kind, and far too good to be stuck in this crappy underground maze of tunnels, dressed in hand-me-down fatigues.
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway
I’m giving away sets of original Hell Squad Trading Cards! FIVE lucky winners will be selected and the giveaway closes Thursday 2oth April 2017.
Tomorrow will be the reveal of the artwork for Elle and Marcus together! And after that, I have a few more goodies to share.
Hell Squad Trailer
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April 16, 2017
Hell Squad: Reed Art Reveal
Today’s Hell Squad art reveal is sexy former Navy SEAL and explosives expert, Reed MacKinnon.
Art Reveal: Reed
He was still wearing the bottom half of his black carbon-fiber armor, but he’d removed the chest plates, leaving him in a tight, white T-shirt that stretched over wide shoulders and left muscled, tanned arms bare. His tousled brown hair was streaked with gold. He radiated life and vitality, and the scent of him made her think of the sea.
His face was bold, with strong lines, and he had eyes the color of polished gold. A lion’s eyes. That’s exactly what she thought of every time she saw Reed MacKinnon—a healthy lion on the prowl for a sunny spot to lie in. Or prey to hunt.
Hell Squad Trading Card Giveaway
I’m giving away sets of original Hell Squad Trading Cards! FIVE lucky winners will be selected and the giveaway closes Thursday 2oth April 2017.
No need to vote today. Tomorrow will be the cover reveal of Elle, and the day after that, an image of Elle and Marcus together. So stop by again.
If you enjoy Hell Squad, you might also like Galactic Gladiators
Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…
Join gladiator Raiden Tiago and the toughest gladiators of the House of Galen as they fight to protect the fierce Earth women they love on the blood-soaked sands of the Kor Magna Arena.
Galactic Gladiators
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