It was a dark and stormy night ... while reading new paranormals
Here are some newer paranormals, steampunk, urban fantasy, compiled for you and HEA by romance authors (info provided by authors, publishers and/or their websites):
Highland Protector by Catherine Bybee. MacCoinnich Time Travels book five. According to her mother's premonition, Amber MacCoinnich must travel or die. Without the mysterious savior her mother spoke of, Amber prepares for death. Gavin Kincaid shifts time to protect the MacCoinnich's family line. He sees a portrait of a beautiful woman and searches for her. When a colleague vanishes, the time-stream forces Kincaid to the twenty first century where he finds the woman close to death. His Druid gift can save her, but at what price? And when they find they're emotionally linked, the truth behind Kincaid's heritage might kill them both.
Shadow Lord (Book 1 of the Second Species series) by Tony-Paul de Vissage (Double Dragon Publishing). Scholar Marek Strigoi doesn't consider his people vampires, though humans disagree, and that why they've hidden in the Carpathians for generations. When his father is murdered, Marek's demand for revenge results in exile from his Transylvanian home. Following his prey across Europe, he finds in the Marquise Celine duCharne a love that will last for centuries. Now he must make a choice. Is his desire for Celine stronger than his desire for vengeance?
Ethereal Longing by Kate Alister (Ellora's Cave Blush). This book is a sequel to Ethereal Desire. On his first visit to Earth, in the body of a golden retriever, Caleb—then Gabriel—had been drawn to Susan's high energy and affectionate nature. Now, having risked his life to return and living in the body of a human male, he finds Susan enticing in an entirely different way. Susan's extremely practical. She quit believing in Santa Claus at age five and considers fairies, the Loch Ness Monster and other mythical creatures stupid. Asking her to believe in aliens is a challenge. But even as the most wonderful time of year—Christmas—unfolds before them, time is running out. After the holiday Susan is leaving on the cruise she's been dreaming of taking. And Caleb, well, if he can't get Susan to love him—all of him—he'll have to return to his own world for good.
Accidentally Married to…a Vampire? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (Forever Mass Market). In order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, legendary vampire Niccolo DiConti must find his human mate and bond her to him forever. Good thing he's handsome, charming, and mind-blowing in bed. When Helena Strauss meets Niccolo she finds herself caught in a world of supernatural secrets and dangerous delights. Helena can't take her eyes—or mouth—off this gorgeous, perfect being. But can a hot-blooded gal like her really settle down with a cold-hearted vampire? (Now in print.)
Blood Art by Margot Justes (Margot Justes). On a whim, as if by magic, Devane came to Chicago in the dead of winter. What she finds in the windy city alters her life for eternity. Vampire Nikolai Volkov, thought he'd killed his demonic tormentor. To exorcise his memory of her, he commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to paint her portrait. His attempt to destroy her failed, and she hid her essence in a crack in her own portrait. Leonardo da Vinci, the consummate professional, painted over the split in the wooden plank, and ensnared her in the painting. Mona Lisa was trapped. Undetected, no longer corporeal, but pure energy, the evil spirit imprisoned for centuries, obsessed by the vampire she turned, gains strength and plots her ultimate revenge. Now living in the twenty-first century, Nikolai knows she seeks escape. He must at all cost, protect Devane Redding from the ancient demon, who wants to possess him once again, and destroy his only chance at happiness with the sculptor he loves above all. Will he succeed in keeping his hard earned freedom? Can he destroy the demon before she destroys his life, and kills the one woman who matters? Will he even recognize the new corporeal entity that holds her energy?
STEAMPUNK
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Deborah O'Neill Cordes, co-author of the Roman Time travel series. Her website is www.morganoneill.com.
The Kaiser Affair (The Drifting Isle Chronicles) by Joseph Robert Lewis (Copper Crow Books). When a master thief escapes from prison, detective Bettina Rothschild must put him back behind bars before he destroys the Ministry of Justice. Her investigation leads from decaying cemeteries where ravens conspire to warehouses where wondrous machines are built in secret, and even to the fabled Drifting Isle above the city of Eisenstadt where an ancient tomb hides a deadly secret. While Bettina picks locks and interrogates suspects with her many ingenious inventions, her dashing husband defends her from the most brutal and bizarre assassins in Eisenstadt. But can they find the thief before he brings the Iron City to its knees?
TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Patricia C. Lee, author of Destiny's Present. Her website is www.patriciaclee.com.
That Pearly Drop by Jianne Carlo. Murphy's Laws of Time Travel. On Halloween night, Emma wakes up in 1762 Wales with a coach ticket to Wye Castle, and a letter of employment to be governess to the Earl of Wye's daughter. Wolf-shifter Ian, Earl of Wye, recognizes Emma as his mate and senses she's in danger. He knows Emma's harboring a secret. But she won't confide in him. Then he finds Emma wounded and rambling about nine white gorgons who attacked her. The hounds of hell are Ian's nemeses, and the fact they've reappeared in the mortal world after centuries of banishment can only mean one thing.
Bridge Over Time by Brenda Hiatt. Kathryn Monroe attends a costume ball at the ancestral mansion in South Carolina. There, she passes the grandfather clock and is transported to 1825 and is mistaken for the girl who would become her great-great-great-great-great grandmother! Even more shocking, she finds herself falling for a man her counterpart despised. Catherine Prescott's parents try to push her into an unwanted marriage. But when she passes the grandfather clock, she discovers herself in the twenty-first century, where it appears everything she ever dreamed of has come true. Plus, she seems to have found her soulmate in a man her identical descendant never cared for.
My Honorable Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger. Book one of Highland Games Through Time. Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love -- Laird Kirkwall Gunn. Kirk's plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.
My Banished Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger. Book two of Highland Games Through Time. Because of treason, Cameron Robeson is banished from 1598 Scotland to the future where he meets a redheaded lass wearing the Mackenzie plaids at a Highland Games. Iona Mackenzie is worried about her friend, Haven, and searches for answers among the tents at the games and runs into a tall, golden-haired Highlander. A magical amulet and an angry sorcerer send this unlikely couple back through time, where they search for Iona's friend, the woman he vowed to steal from his cousin. Will the strong-willed Highlander and the present day witch stop fighting long enough to listen to their hearts?
My Reluctant Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger. Book three of Highland Games Through Time. Skye tries to forget the blacksmith who followed her back to 16th century Scotland, to help fight evil. When she prevents the sorcerer from grabbing her nephew, he takes her instead. To escape, she defies time to find Jake. The last person Jake wants to see is the young woman from ancient Scotland. When Skye falls into his bed, Jake must choose to trust her. She encourages Jake to help her kill the sorcerer. Jake must share his secret, Skye must give her heart fully, and both must dare to love in the time they have.
Highlander In Her Dreams by Allie Mackay. After stepping through a magical gateway, Kira Bedwell finds herself in fourteenth century Scotland, face-to-face with Aidan MacDonald, the irresistible Highlander who has visited her in dreams. Now that their romance transcends dreams to reality, they find themselves under attack by Aidan's enemies. And it will take all of their courage and will for their love to survive beyond time itself.
Time And Time Again by S.R. Boulton. Chloe has a secret. One that will change everything. Her past, her present and her future. For one day each year, Chloe can relive past experiences… and in time… unlock the very mysteries that have haunted her for much of her life - since the birth of her son. Time And Time Again – The timeless romantic mystery. A 'who done it' of love.
1816 Candles by Amanda Brice. A Time After Time Novella. A chance encounter during a costume ball at a historic tavern sends high school senior Lauren Harper back in time to early Virginia. Now she's experiencing the actual events of the "Legend of the Female Stranger" ghost story she's attempted to avoid growing up in Old Town Alexandria. Can she solve the mystery of this ghost, find her way back home…and deal with her own emotions when she falls in love with a guy who lived 200 years before her?
A New Ending by Alyssa Dean Copeland. Every man Rachel Weber dated cheated on her with a woman he later married. Then, she met Allen Sinclair. He was perfect in every way—except unavailable. Compelled by the bonds of loyalty and commitment, Allen struggled to support his family and finish his degree while trying to save his marriage—until he met Rachel. Mysterious forces keep them apart. A bond neither one can explain will not dissolve. As everything falls apart, Rachel takes a journey to the past. Where she will have to close a larger distance than ever before, and learns about herself.
A Tumble Through Time by Callie Hutton. An encounter with a Native American woman sends recently jilted bounty hunter, Anna Devlin, to 1870. Wesley Shannon is the Marshal of Denton, Kansas, and has no idea where this woman with the strange clothing and way of speaking came from. Since he fights his own inner demons, the last thing he needs is an attraction to a woman who has a propensity for getting into trouble. But when danger arrives in the form of stagecoach hold ups where drivers and passengers are being killed, Anna torments Wes with plans to help him bring in the outlaws.
Cody's Mail Order Bride by Cia Leah. Going through her great, great, grandmother's desk, Liza Crammer find out the woman used to arrange marriages for mail-order brides. When she read the letter from Cody Hawke demanding he be sent a bride posthaste and her grandmother's remarks penned on the letters that no decent woman would marry him, she was intrigued. She found his picture and he was so handsome it took her breath away. Inside the envelope was a gold and ruby pin and when she picked it up, it pricked her finger. The next thing she knew, she was face to face with Cody Hawke.
Mermaid's Dream by Faye Adams. Anthropology professors, Laly Lawrence and Sugar Stephens, get caught in a terrifying storm while diving and surface into the middle of a battle between the English and the Spanish. They are saved by the English, led by captain, Devon Bradley, whom Laly is instantly attracted to. Captain Rodriguez of the pirate ship is not happy that what he thought was mermaids slipped through his fingers. He's sure they would bring him riches beyond belief. Will Laly and Sugar find their way back to the present? Or can modern-day women find romance with heroic 17th-century military men?
Enchanted: The Dressing Room Affair by Sierra Hunter. Entwined Together Forever. After 10 happy years of marriage, Isabelle lost the love of her life, Scotsman Heath Mackenzie. He passed away a year after Katie was born. Isabelle, widowed and struggling to bring up their child alone, now manages the costume store. She took a long time to get over her husband's death and never remarried. She swore to herself that no other man would ever capture her heart like that again. No other man could hold a candle to him, let alone compare. That was, until the day a man walked into her life out of nowhere and changed it forever.
Sands of Time by Monique Martin. Out of Time No. 6. The Crosses — high-spirited Elizabeth and her brilliant Professor of the Occult husband, Simon — find themselves, along with Jack Wells, in 1920 Cairo on a special assignment for the Council for Temporal Studies. It seems like a simple enough mission — find a missing pocket watch and bring it back to the present. The only problem is, they're not the only ones looking. With danger lurking around every corner, Simon and Elizabeth race against a shadowy foe who is after far more than just a watch. The price for success this time just might be their lives.
SCI-FI ROMANCE
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Patricia C. Lee, author of Destiny's Present. Her website is www.patriciaclee.com.
Chase of the Teal Tiger by Margaret Ernsberger. Dominick Chase is the captain of the Teal Tiger, a bounty hunter. His chance for success may have come when he gets information as to the location of Brenna Copathian, a very high-priced bounty. Finding Brenna is easy, but she escapes to a planet where she is welcomed. Then Dominick and his crew get split up, with Dominick on a ship with Brenna that crashes in the jungle, and the rest of his crew go on a mission to rescue a girl from a deadly cult. And all the while Dominick wonders if Brenna really is guilty!
Departure by Travis Hill. Today is my 40th birthday. It's also my last day on Earth. I get to do anything I want today, within reason, as long as I make it to the portal before my time is up. What I want is to spend the day with Cara and my two young children. I don't know what awaits on the other side of the portal, I only know that certain death awaits me here if I refuse to go.
Pale Fire by Penny Ash. On medical leave, Sasha heads for Las Vegas for R and R. Long time abductee Cath, is speaking at the UFO Believers convention there. They've been abducted together since they were children and never expected is to meet the other. They were never supposed to meet outside the Experiment, or know about each other or the hybrid children. Now General Nathaniel from the government is after them to protect his dream of a super army. Escape from Nathaniel and his forces isn't certain but Sasha and Cath won't give up the love they've found without a fight.
The Children of Gavrilek by Julie Kirton Chandler. Audrianna and her son, Devon, survive a shipwreck thanks to the mystical efforts of a community on the coast of 1920s Georgia. While in their care and their loving leader, Kendis, Audrianna discovers the secrets of her son's cognitive powers, his (and Kendis's) otherworldly origins, and an enthralling, Earth-changing "game" that threatens the existences of both the alien descendants of Gavrilek and the unsuspecting inhabitants of Earth. The key to the universe's survival lies in unraveling Audrianna's conflicted past and desires, as well as the seemingly motley collection of castoffs that Kendis has nurtured and trained.
Moon Kissed (Sci-Fi Romance Omnibus) by Lizzy Ford & Julia Crane. Star Kissed: Sent 10,000 years into the future, Mandy must convince the one man to open the star gate and send her home. Freak of Nature: If scientists find out Kaitlyn is a half-robot with a human mind and emotions, they'll erase what remains of who she was. Rebel Heart: In 2135, security expert Lana protects a secret by placing her life – and heart – with the leader of the rebellion. Kiera's Moon: Kiera's friend drags her across the universe to help find a man and a life, but she ends up hooked with a warrior prince living in exile who won't let her go.
Embody by Jaime Magee. Book two of the Insight Series. When Willow Haywood sees a photo of her embracing Drake Blakeshire, she remembers why she left his hypnotizing touch and the prophecy set before her. But a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to learn everything she needs to know before facing Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her – the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life.
Until the End (Quarantined) by Tracey Ward. The Fever hits Portland, Oregon, bringing the population to its knees. It spreads and kills quickly, but the dead arise. When her college classmate Jordan saves her from one of the infected, Alissa joins him in escaping the city, the disease and the quarantine that locks the living with the undead. She doesn't tell him her own illness plays tricks with her mind, making her a dangerous companion. Jordan's secret compels him to keep Alissa safe at all costs. As they fight for their lives they'll discover what they need in order to survive is to stay together until the end.
LUC by Kimball Lee. Dr. Henley Carr creates the first sentient Copy, the ultimate SuperMan. But she's hidden the fact that her new LUC prototype is organic and he thinks, calculates, evolves and FEELS! When she's forced to abort the project and terminate Luc, she realizes she's stumbled onto something much more explosive than a highly refined Lethal Ultimate Commando. She's stumbled on to the means to create a species superior to Originals in every way, a species that could eradicate and replace every Original in existence, and to make matters worse, she's fallen in love with him along the way.
Unbound Instinct by C.E. Kilgore. Corwint Central Agent Files. Vex was born into servitude on Trexen. An opportunity offers him freedom, but Trexens were taught to fear it. Without the Xen'dari collar or a Master telling him what to do, Vex must make his own choices while fighting against the carnal nature of his heritage. Cris uses her charms to subdue the crowds of her owner's tavern and heal the wounds of his gang who attack the territories surrounding their outpost. When Vex steps into her world and kidnaps her into freedom, she must decide if she will accept it or if she will run from it and him.
Sweet Lady, Lucid Dream by Joel Rodriquez. Michael Carver works in a dead end cubical job. Painful memories and lingering nightmares keep him awake at night. He takes care of his ill father and spends the rest of his time either high or drunk to escape his life. This changes when Michael's drug dealer hands him a small tablet, it's street name 'Lucid'. He takes the tablet and finds himself exploring a whole new world in his sleep where he can be happy with a wonderful woman that seems to be the answer to all of his problems.
Searching for Home by Amber Lynn. Csilla is the last Therian in the galaxy and she's dedicated her life to helping those that didn't have anyone to stand up for them. Coming from a peaceful race, she quickly learns how to become a warrior. While fighting off unwanted advances the best she can, she encounters an unknown Therian. For the second time in her life, her world is about to turn upside down and a life that Csilla didn't think was possible starts becoming a reality.
The Lady Machinist by Ava Morgan. Curiosity Chronicles. Lydia Dimosthenis hates pirates so much she creates seven-foot clockwork soldiers to protect her island home of Aspasia and keep intruders away. Rhys Cartret, ambassador and agent for the Cabinet of Intellectual Curiosities, didn't count on having a strong-willed, attractive inventor thwarting his every diplomatic move. It's hard enough keeping his pirate past a secret from Lydia. Matching wits with her is the last thing he needs, especially since New Britannia's rival France is racing to get the automatons before he does. Intrigue, romance, and striking bargains abound in this curious tale of clockwork soldiers, ruthless pirates, and steam-powered ships.
Wicked in My Own Way by Kayleigh King. My name is Lucy Blackhall. I am human. I am unremarkable in every way. I am alone. All of this is a lie. One day can change everything. It can destroy my life, make it a lie and give it meaning. I know who I am now, and I have a new path but I won't be travelling alone.
Return by Vanessa Wester. The Evolution Trilogy. Steven Thorn and Caitlin Chance are meant to be together. At least, when they first fell in love it seemed inevitable. But love is sometimes not enough. As they return to the community and discover the possibilities open to them, all is not what they hoped. Steven has impacted the lives of many since he was discovered, and the choices he made have led to events beyond anyone's control.
Dignity by Eva Caye. Microengineer Lady Felicia Sorensen is asked to partner Emperor Victor Sinclair at a ball and he falls madly in love with her despite her treading on his most painful memories and psychological issues! When an assassination attempt proves being an Imperial fiancée means she's in continuous danger, even from rival scientists on other planets! Will Felicia choose her Imperial lover and tough out the extreme political and social pressures with the supreme ruler of the Empire, or will she choose her goals and help thousands, millions, possibly billions of people through her intellectual achievements?
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Louann Carroll, author of the Gemini Rising series, A Shadow of Time and the soon-to-be released Shadowland. Her website is www.louanncarroll.com.
Apparition by Trish J. MacGregor (Tor). Hungry Ghosts No. 3. Tess and Ian have been living in the high city of Esperanza for years, along with Tess's niece, Maddie, and her partner, Nick Sanchez. They thought they could rest, that they had defeated the brujo threat to our plane of existence. But they were wrong. A new and greater threat has formed, a new tribe of the hungry dead, seeking to possess the bodies of the living in order to experience the passions of physical life. This new tribe has found the door to the physical plane that is Esperanza, and they threaten all human life. Only the outnumbered Light Chasers and their human allies can stand against the evil brujos.
Selfish Beings by JL Morris (Carina). While the rest of Hell enjoys cruel games, Kaarl is looking for a new challenge. So he makes a deal with the devil himself: time in the Mortal Realm in return for human souls...The Mortal Realm offers a taste of freedom he could never experience in Hell and Kaarl jumps at the chance to fulfill his dream. But gathering human souls comes with a cost and as more and more souls lose their way, Kaarl realises that he is creating Hell on his beloved Earth. Now to save the Mortal Realm, Kaarl's going to have to switch sides...
Perfectible Animals by Thomas Norwood (Global Activision). It's 2065. Environmental and social chaos is poised to disrupt life on Earth. Michael Khan, a geneticist struggling to save his wife from a deadly virus, is recruited by a secret organization to engineer the next stage in the evolution of Homo sapiens. When the military learns of his research, they force him to help create a bio-weapon to be used against rebel groups who are threatening civil war. Now, Michael isn't only fighting for the life of his wife, but for his own life, the lives of his modified children, and those of millions of civilians about to be wiped out by diseases he is responsible for creating. The problem is — he can't save them all.
The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp by Michael Siemsen (Fantome Publishing). Samuel Beauchamp has been dead for 27 years, but that hasn't stopped him from living. For reasons unbeknownst to him, Samuel's essence remained after his body was killed, and he discovers that the living emit an irresistible force, drawing him inside where he has the power to take over. After surviving the great depression in the body of a young hobo, Samuel spends years studying the history of his condition, moving from body to body when necessary, and finally settling in New York City in the late 1950s. Following a few years of relative serenity, his beautiful and brash girlfriend disappears, and his search for her uncovers answers to questions he never asked.
YA SCI-FI/FANTASY
The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Louann Carroll, author of the Gemini Rising series, A Shadow of Time and the soon-to-be released Shadowland. Her website is www.louanncarroll.com.
A Stranger Thing by Martin Leicht and Isla Neal (Simon & Schuster). Ever-Expanding Universe No. 2. Pregnancy was pretty rough for 16-year-old Elvie Nara, what with the morning sickness, constant food cravings, and the alien race war she found herself in the middle of. After Elvie somehow has a baby girl, the always-male Almiri completely wig out. Suddenly Elvie's supposed allies have shipped her, along with her father, her best friend, Ducky, and her maybe-boyfriend, boneheaded Almiri commando Cole Archer, off to a remote "retention facility" in Antarctica. Things really get complicated when a new group of hybrid aliens arrive with information that sends Elvie's world spinning. Elvie is trekking across the bottom of the Earth with a band of friends and frenemies to uncover the secrets of her own origin.
The Pentrals by Crystal Mack (Apologue Entertainment). The Pentrals Series. Picture your life without free will. Always a follower, never in control, I am an afterthought, burying my impulses as I bend to the whims of another. I dream of falling in love and being kissed. My name is Antares. I am a Shadow. Deep in a secluded canyon lies Talline, a metropolis of mirrors filled with forces called Pentrals that outline our very existence. Antares, Pentral Class Two, took an oath to act without influence—to echo without opinion. But in a cruel twist of fate, she must watch as Violet, her person, encounters a tragedy that will change both their lives forever. When Violet starts making careless choices, Antares can no longer remain a silent silhouette. Antares unknowingly crosses forbidden boundaries and ends up illuminating a darkness much deeper than her own.
Dream Girl by S.J. Lomas (Scribe Publishing). For Christine, dreams have never meant much. Until she meets Gabriel. Everyone thinks Christine should stay away from her new coworker at the library—thanks to his bad reputation—but when her dreams grow more vivid and she becomes entangled in a dangerous dream world with Gabriel every night, she can't stay away. Soon it's clear there is far more to dreams than Christine ever imagined, and now she's on the path to making the biggest, and strangest, decision of her life.
Afterglow by Karsten Knight (Simon & Schuster). Wildfire No. 3. Teenage volcano goddess Ashline Wilde discovers that her former love, Colt Halliday, has an evil plan to kill the Cloak, the benevolent beings that oversee the gods. And that's not all, he also wants to merge Ash and her two sisters back into a single, too-powerful goddess, Pele. Ash must stop her trickster-god ex-boyfriend once and for all, and to do it, she's going to have to feed a few flames.
If you're an author who has an upcoming new romance, you can send information about the book (subgenre, title, author, publisher, 75ish-word blurb) to happyeverafterusat@gmail.com. Please include "new release paranormal" (or whatever subgenre it is) in the subject line. HEA will do its darnedest to get your listing into a new releases post as close to your publication date as possible. All romances and subgenres are accepted, including self- and indie-pubbed.