Anna Hackett's Blog, page 28
February 15, 2013
The SFR Brigade Presents...Soul Stealer
I am super excited to be a part of my very first SFR Brigade Presents with SOUL STEALER, my sci-fi/paranormal romance novella.
Cate is struggling to overcome her addiction to stealing souls and since she's come to the island sanctuary of Haven (where Dr. Gage Walker calls home) she hasn't touched a single person because she fears triggering her deadly ability.
Cate’s eyes closed for a second. “I accidently killed our dog, but I learned to harness the skill. I shut it down and never used it, until…”Until Leven had upended her world.Gage resisted the urge to touch her.“I’ll never be able to teach again.” Her voice was deathly quiet.Her eyes had darkened, her teeth clamped onto her bottom lip. “Cate—”She held up a hand. “It doesn’t matter how ‘normal’ I ever feel, how healed, I’ll never trust myself around them.” She released a long, shuddering breath. “I always believed teaching was my calling. I was good at it.”Gage didn’t see rage. Just a quiet acceptance and so much sadness. “I wish I could take away your pain, or at least lessen it.” Again, he felt horribly useless, the same way he’d felt the day Theo had taken his life.Gage reached out, wanting desperately to stroke her hair or touch her skin, some sort of contact. But he dropped his hand to the grass.Her gaze stayed trained on the empty clearing, as though she still saw the kids, or other ghosts of her former life.Then he felt a brush of something on his hand.Shocked, he glanced down and saw her slim fingers on his.
------------Want more? For an excerpt or links check out SOUL STEALER
Want more sci-fi romance snippets? Check out the SFR Brigade and more SFR Brigade Presents snippets.
Cate is struggling to overcome her addiction to stealing souls and since she's come to the island sanctuary of Haven (where Dr. Gage Walker calls home) she hasn't touched a single person because she fears triggering her deadly ability.
Cate’s eyes closed for a second. “I accidently killed our dog, but I learned to harness the skill. I shut it down and never used it, until…”Until Leven had upended her world.Gage resisted the urge to touch her.“I’ll never be able to teach again.” Her voice was deathly quiet.Her eyes had darkened, her teeth clamped onto her bottom lip. “Cate—”She held up a hand. “It doesn’t matter how ‘normal’ I ever feel, how healed, I’ll never trust myself around them.” She released a long, shuddering breath. “I always believed teaching was my calling. I was good at it.”Gage didn’t see rage. Just a quiet acceptance and so much sadness. “I wish I could take away your pain, or at least lessen it.” Again, he felt horribly useless, the same way he’d felt the day Theo had taken his life.Gage reached out, wanting desperately to stroke her hair or touch her skin, some sort of contact. But he dropped his hand to the grass.Her gaze stayed trained on the empty clearing, as though she still saw the kids, or other ghosts of her former life.Then he felt a brush of something on his hand.Shocked, he glanced down and saw her slim fingers on his.------------Want more? For an excerpt or links check out SOUL STEALER
Want more sci-fi romance snippets? Check out the SFR Brigade and more SFR Brigade Presents snippets.
This Week's Must-Read Romance Novellas
Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories and novellas recently released or on sale now:
Savage Angel by Stacy Gail
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Paranormal
Price: $2.51
Link
Mistaken Engagment by Jenny Schwartz
Length: Short Story
Genre: Contemporary
Price: $0.99
Link
How Beauty Saved the Beast by Jax Garren
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Paranormal/Fututristic
Price: $2.99
Link
Savage Angel by Stacy Gail
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Paranormal
Price: $2.51
Link
Mistaken Engagment by Jenny Schwartz
Length: Short Story
Genre: Contemporary
Price: $0.99
Link
How Beauty Saved the Beast by Jax Garren
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Paranormal/Fututristic
Price: $2.99
Link
February 13, 2013
Marvel Comics is Writing Romances?
Action is certainly meeting romance in Marvel Comics' planned romance novels featuring Rogue of X-Men fame and the She-Hulk.
Marcel has joined forces with Hyperion and be publishing Rogue Touch and The She-Hulk Diaries which will, according to the press release, “showcase strong, smart heroines seeking happiness and love while battling cosmic evil.”
I'm cautiously in. I love Rogue but know little about the She-Hulk. From a romance writing perspective, I think there is LOADS of great conflict available. Rogue can't touch anyone without killing them and the She-Hulk, I assume, has some anger management issues (not to mention the whole big with green skin thing). Oh, and battling cosmic evil has to put a few bumps in the road to true romance.
That said, I'm not certain Marvel "get" us romance readers. Are we going to get satisfying romance novels or something trying hard to be a romance novel? I have never read anything by Christine Woodward or Marta Acosta, so I guess we will have to wait and see. The books are scheduled for release in June.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for some action-packed romance with a dash of X-Men, then check out The Anomaly Trilogy:
TIME THIEF ( FREE right now), MIND RAIDER and the latest release, SOUL STEALER.
Marcel has joined forces with Hyperion and be publishing Rogue Touch and The She-Hulk Diaries which will, according to the press release, “showcase strong, smart heroines seeking happiness and love while battling cosmic evil.”
I'm cautiously in. I love Rogue but know little about the She-Hulk. From a romance writing perspective, I think there is LOADS of great conflict available. Rogue can't touch anyone without killing them and the She-Hulk, I assume, has some anger management issues (not to mention the whole big with green skin thing). Oh, and battling cosmic evil has to put a few bumps in the road to true romance.
That said, I'm not certain Marvel "get" us romance readers. Are we going to get satisfying romance novels or something trying hard to be a romance novel? I have never read anything by Christine Woodward or Marta Acosta, so I guess we will have to wait and see. The books are scheduled for release in June.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for some action-packed romance with a dash of X-Men, then check out The Anomaly Trilogy:
TIME THIEF ( FREE right now), MIND RAIDER and the latest release, SOUL STEALER.
February 11, 2013
Full Throttle Reviews: Night's Awakening by Donna Grant
Review by Nina @ Nina's Literary Xscape
Book Description:
NIGHT'S AWAKENING
A Dark King Story
Fueled by dragon magic, the dark immortal warriors were never meant to feel human desire, much less fall in love. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena Griffin--a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core--all bets are off...
Having left America to explore the Scottish Highlands, Elena suddenly finds herself lost in a dark cave--alone, injured, and utterly hopeless...until Guy appears from out of nowhere. Is she dreaming her own rescue when she falls into his arms? A man--and a passion--this strong is too good to be true. It's only a matter a time before she learns the truth about the flames in his heart. And the dragon in his soul...
MY THOUGHTS:
Night's Awakening was a fast, sexy & addictive read. Although this is the second installment of the series, it can be a stand-alone read. However, I do recommend reading the previous installment to get a better in-depth background of these sexy dragon shifters! ;)
While I enjoyed the first installment Dark Craving, I loved Night's Awakening. In this second installment, the reader is thrust back into the world of these sexy dragon shifters: Guy, Rhys, Con, and Banan---> all yummy! And of course the author throws in a human female to make the story more interesting which it definitely is.
Human female Elena agreed to go on a caving expedition with her boss only to be thrust into a world that she never knew exists. When the caving expedition goes terribly wrong, she is saved by these Dragon King Warriors & finds herself falling deeply for Guy in the process. Of course, the feelings are mutual between Elena & Guy. I loved them as a couple. The sexual tension was sizzling; their romance was sexy, sweet, & tender.
Overall, Night's Awakening was great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every minute of this story & cannot wait to see what's in store for Banan in Dawn's Desire!
★★★★ 1/2 Stars Review at Nina's Literary Xscape
My name's Nina and I
love
to read. The number one genre that I love is romance. For more of Nina's reviews check out Nina's Literary Xscape.
Book Description:NIGHT'S AWAKENING
A Dark King Story
Fueled by dragon magic, the dark immortal warriors were never meant to feel human desire, much less fall in love. But when Guy, a member of an ancient order of shape-shifting warriors, meets Elena Griffin--a mere mortal whose beauty and blind ambition shakes him to his core--all bets are off...
Having left America to explore the Scottish Highlands, Elena suddenly finds herself lost in a dark cave--alone, injured, and utterly hopeless...until Guy appears from out of nowhere. Is she dreaming her own rescue when she falls into his arms? A man--and a passion--this strong is too good to be true. It's only a matter a time before she learns the truth about the flames in his heart. And the dragon in his soul...
MY THOUGHTS:
Night's Awakening was a fast, sexy & addictive read. Although this is the second installment of the series, it can be a stand-alone read. However, I do recommend reading the previous installment to get a better in-depth background of these sexy dragon shifters! ;)
While I enjoyed the first installment Dark Craving, I loved Night's Awakening. In this second installment, the reader is thrust back into the world of these sexy dragon shifters: Guy, Rhys, Con, and Banan---> all yummy! And of course the author throws in a human female to make the story more interesting which it definitely is.
Human female Elena agreed to go on a caving expedition with her boss only to be thrust into a world that she never knew exists. When the caving expedition goes terribly wrong, she is saved by these Dragon King Warriors & finds herself falling deeply for Guy in the process. Of course, the feelings are mutual between Elena & Guy. I loved them as a couple. The sexual tension was sizzling; their romance was sexy, sweet, & tender.
Overall, Night's Awakening was great read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every minute of this story & cannot wait to see what's in store for Banan in Dawn's Desire!
★★★★ 1/2 Stars Review at Nina's Literary Xscape
My name's Nina and I
love
to read. The number one genre that I love is romance. For more of Nina's reviews check out Nina's Literary Xscape.
February 8, 2013
3 Must Read Sci-fi Romance Novellas
Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories and novellas recently released or on sale now:
Iron Guns, Blazing Hearts by Heather Massey
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Steampunk
Price: $4.99
Link
Magnetism by Kim Knox
Length: Short Story
Genre: Erotic Sci-fi
Price: $0.00
Link
A Kiss for a Cure by Sidney Bristol
Length: Novella
Genre: Sci-fi
Price: $2.99
Link
Iron Guns, Blazing Hearts by Heather Massey
Length: Short Novel
Genre: Steampunk
Price: $4.99
Link
Magnetism by Kim Knox
Length: Short Story
Genre: Erotic Sci-fi
Price: $0.00
Link
A Kiss for a Cure by Sidney Bristol
Length: Novella
Genre: Sci-fi
Price: $2.99
Link
February 5, 2013
20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2013
2013 is bringing some AMAZING movies packed with action and adventure. And more than a few of them have a touch of romance!
Here's the Top 20 to take note of and if you want more, check out the Full Throttle Movies - 2013 Calendar:
Here's the Top 20 to take note of and if you want more, check out the Full Throttle Movies - 2013 Calendar:
February 4, 2013
Warning: Soul Stealing is Addictive
Today I'm doing my crazy release day dance because SOUL STEALER is now available.It is Book 3 of The Anomaly Trilogy - action, romance and a little dash of X-Men!
Heroine: Cate - a soul stealer who is addicted to killing.
Hero: Dr. Gage Walker - my first geeky hero...but he's smart and sexy too!
First Line: She wanted to kill.
After being kidnapped and forced to kill by a vicious crime lord, Cate Hartmann is now a killer with an addiction to stealing souls. On the island sanctuary of Haven, surrounded by other anomalies with secret abilities, she fights to recover. But only one man calms the dark storm inside and makes her believe she can be whole again...Dr. Gage Walker.
Scientist Gage Walker has spent a decade helping anomalies. But every day, he's haunted by his previous job for the CIA—where he crossed far too many boundaries and hurt so many anomalies. Including his brother. He vows he won't fail again and will do everything he can to heal Cate—including fighting his attraction to her.
But when the crime lord comes after Cate again, it's a race against time to find out why he wants her. Amidst the danger, Gage and Cate drawn to each other, even as they fear that one wrong step will send her hurtling back into the depths of her soul stealing addiction.
Amazon | ARe | Smashwords
For the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card and 3 Carina Press ebooks of winner's choice (open until the 15th Feb) then check out:
The Soul Stealer Giveaway
January 30, 2013
3 Action-packed Romance Novellas You Don't Want to Miss!
Love sneaky short stories and novellas that you can read like lightning? Check out these action-packed short stories and novellas recently released or on sale now:
Nobody's Angel by Stacy Gail
Length: Novella
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Price: $3.49
Link
Made for Her by Jessica E. Subject
Length: Short Story
Genre: Sci-Fi Military Erotic Romance
Price: $3.99
Link
Shot in the Dark by Jennifer Conner
Length: Novella
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Price: $0.00-3.99
Link
Nobody's Angel by Stacy Gail
Length: Novella
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Price: $3.49
Link
Made for Her by Jessica E. Subject
Length: Short Story
Genre: Sci-Fi Military Erotic Romance
Price: $3.99
Link
Shot in the Dark by Jennifer Conner
Length: Novella
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Price: $0.00-3.99
Link
January 28, 2013
Full Throttle Reviews: Meet Bookswagger
Every Monday here at Full Throttle, we'll feature a review of an action-packed romance. We've already met Nina, now it's time to meet the ladies from Bookswagger.
Who is Marcia?
A lover of trashy romances, aliens, werewolves and anything that goes bump in the night. Happy Endings Required.
I live in North Carolina but I will always be a Texan! Romance became my favorite genre after I finished my first Harlequin, about oh so many years ago. I have since expanded my reading palate but romance remains king. My favorite genre includes so many romance subgenres I feel there would not be a point in naming them but hey that’s what you are here for. My favorite subgenres include: Sci-fi romance, paranormal and erotic romance. I love authors and have a fondness for small press and indie.
And Marcia also has associate reviewer, Danielle, who thinks of herself as a fun nerd that’s down for whatever.
Watch out for future Full Throttle Reviews from Bookswagger!
Who is Marcia?
A lover of trashy romances, aliens, werewolves and anything that goes bump in the night. Happy Endings Required.
I live in North Carolina but I will always be a Texan! Romance became my favorite genre after I finished my first Harlequin, about oh so many years ago. I have since expanded my reading palate but romance remains king. My favorite genre includes so many romance subgenres I feel there would not be a point in naming them but hey that’s what you are here for. My favorite subgenres include: Sci-fi romance, paranormal and erotic romance. I love authors and have a fondness for small press and indie.
And Marcia also has associate reviewer, Danielle, who thinks of herself as a fun nerd that’s down for whatever.
Watch out for future Full Throttle Reviews from Bookswagger!
January 25, 2013
What do Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman Have in Common?
I had no expectations going in to watching RED. I came out thoroughly enjoying the romp, the funnies and the action. Not to mention the all-star cast! This is a great action-comedy.
Image: Summit EntertainmentMicro summary: Retired black-ops CIA agents (RED stands for Retired, Extremely Dangerous), including Frank (played by Bruce Willis), find themselves the target of mysterious hit squads. What ensues is a funny, action-packed race to discover who is trying to kill them.
Coolest Parts:
~ All-star cast! Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Karl Urban and Mary-Louise Parker. Wow!!
~ Some awesome action and great comedy.
~ Scenes with John Malkovich's crazy, paranoid character are hilarious.
~ Karl Urban is amazing as the bad guy and delicious!
Wanted more of:
~ Nothing. I thought the pacing was good and the characters were great.
Romance factor:
~ Frank (Bruce) and his reluctant heroine, Sarah (Mary-Louise) have a humorous romance involving kidnapping, ropes and duct tape.
~ Victoria (Helen) even has a little touch of romance as well (all I'll say is ex-Russian secret agent...who'd she'd shot in the past).
Watch if you like:
~ Action mixed with comedy
~ Amazing actors having fun!
~ A super funny romance
~ Karl Urban
~ If you're looking for a Friday night movie to satisfy the men and the ladies!
By the way, RED 2 is scheduled for release August 2013. The all-star cast is back with some new additions including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins.
Image: Summit EntertainmentMicro summary: Retired black-ops CIA agents (RED stands for Retired, Extremely Dangerous), including Frank (played by Bruce Willis), find themselves the target of mysterious hit squads. What ensues is a funny, action-packed race to discover who is trying to kill them.Coolest Parts:
~ All-star cast! Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Karl Urban and Mary-Louise Parker. Wow!!
~ Some awesome action and great comedy.
~ Scenes with John Malkovich's crazy, paranoid character are hilarious.
~ Karl Urban is amazing as the bad guy and delicious!
Wanted more of:
~ Nothing. I thought the pacing was good and the characters were great.
Romance factor:
~ Frank (Bruce) and his reluctant heroine, Sarah (Mary-Louise) have a humorous romance involving kidnapping, ropes and duct tape.
~ Victoria (Helen) even has a little touch of romance as well (all I'll say is ex-Russian secret agent...who'd she'd shot in the past).
Watch if you like:
~ Action mixed with comedy
~ Amazing actors having fun!
~ A super funny romance
~ Karl Urban
~ If you're looking for a Friday night movie to satisfy the men and the ladies!
By the way, RED 2 is scheduled for release August 2013. The all-star cast is back with some new additions including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins.
