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Thursday, March 2, 2023

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39

 

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 39

L. Ron Hubbard, S. M. Stirling, Kevin J. Anderson, Lazarus Chernik, Kristine Kathryn Rusch and 24 Award-Winning new authors and illustrators.
Edited by Dean Wesley Smith and Jody Lynn Nye 

Genre: SciFi/Fantasy Anthology 
Publisher: Galaxy Press 
Date of Publication:  May 16, 2023
Number of pages: 544
Cover Artist: Tom Wood
EPUB ISBN: 9781619867659
Kindle ISBN: 9781619867666
Adobe PDF ISBN: 9781619867673
Trade Paperback ISBN: 9781619867680

Tagline: Anthology of Award-Winning Sci-Fi and Fantasy Short Stories- From vampires and werewolves to space exploration and time travel, you will love these 12 original and diverse stories because they were selected by some of your favorite authors.

Book Description:

Join a team of time travelers who set out to save London from a terrorist’s nuclear attack … when a blast from the past changes everything.

Meet a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua in Key West … this is one beach party that’s about to get wild!

Follow Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., who’s investigating the craziest case of his so-called life.…

A miracle? An omen? Or something else? One day, they arrived in droves—the foxes of the desert, the field, the imagination….—“Kitsune” by Devon Bohm

When a vampire, a dragon and a shape-shifting Chihuahua meet on a beach in Key West, fireworks go off! But that’s just the background.—“Moonlight and Funk” by Marianne Xenos

The Grim Reaper, trapped in an IRS agent’s dying body, must regain his powers before he dies and faces judgment for his original sin.—“Death and the Taxman” by David Hankins

In a metaverse future, a woman who exposes falseness in others must decide what is real to her—the love she lost or the love she may have found.—“Under My Cypresses” by Jason Palmatier

Vic Harden wasn’t lured by glory on a daring mission into the reaches of outer space—he was ordered out there by his editor.—“The Unwilling Hero” by L. Ron Hubbard

Dangerous opportunities present themselves when an alien ship arrives in the solar system seeking repairs.—“White Elephant” by David K. Henrickson

With her spaceship at the wrong end of a pirate’s guns, a former war hero must face down her enemies and demons to save Earth’s last best chance for peace.—“Piracy for Beginners” by J. R. Johnson

Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I., faces one of his funniest and most perplexing cases ever—an enlightened ogre, a salamander with low self-esteem, and a raging fire dragon terrorizing the Unnatural Quarter!—“Fire in the Hole” by Kevin J. Anderson

Years after the Second Holocaust, the last surviving Jews on earth attempt to rewrite the past.—“A Trickle in History” by Elaine Midcoh

When I said I’d do anything to pay off my debts and get back home to Earth, I didn’t mean survey a derelict spaceship at the edge of the solar system—but here I am.—“The Withering Sky” by Arthur H. Manners

High-powered telescopes bring galactic life to our TVs, and network tuner Hank Enos figures he’s seen everything—until the day an alien boy stares back.—“The Fall of Crodendra M.” by T. J. Knight

Knights, damsels and dragons, curses and fates foretold—the stuff of legends and stories, but unexpectedly perverse.—“Constant Never” by S. M. Stirling

Determined to save his wife, Tumelo takes an unlikely client through South Africa’s ruins to the heart of the Desolation—a journey that will cost or save everything.—“The Children of Desolation” by Spencer Sekulin

When a terrorist smuggles a nuclear weapon into London, a team regresses in time to AD 1093 to assassinate a knight on the battlefield, thereby eliminating the terrorist a millennia before his birth.—“Timelines and Bloodlines” by L. H. Davis

The Grand Exam, a gateway to power for one, likely death for all others—its entrants include ambitious nobles, desperate peasants, and Quiet Gate, an old woman with nothing left to lose.—“The Last History” by Samuel Parr


Pre Order at

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About the Contest:

The international Writers of the Future Contest was created and endowed by L. Ron Hubbard. After several years of success in fostering new writers, the Illustrators of the Future Contest followed. The winning stories are illustrated and published in the annual L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future anthology. Described by critics as a perennial “glimpse of tomorrow’s stars,” a “must-have for the genre reader,” and “the bestselling science fiction anthology series of all time,” it is today the most enduring and top-ranking publication of its kind.  

The blue-ribbon panel of judges is what makes this possible. The winning stories are selected by bestselling authors, including Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, Jody Lynn Nye, Larry Niven, Robert J. Sawyer, Katherine Kurtz, and many others. The best of the best are hand-picked each year. 

There is no entry fee, and stories are judged blind, making it a fair competition for all authors and illustrators who enter from anywhere in the world. There are cash prizes. The winners are paid professional rates and maintain their rights. 

It is an excellent program for new authors and readers, who often discover their next favorite writer.








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Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Honey Drop: Book 1 – Volume 1 Krishtina Mayers – Alicia Norman

 


Honey Drop: Book 1 – Volume 1
Krishtina Mayers – Alicia Norman

Genre: erotic historical fantasy
Publisher: Luv Multimedia
Date of Publication: January 20, 2023
ASIN: B0BSS4D1R1 
Number of pages: 289
Word Count:  62,482
Cover Artist: Alicia R. Norman

Tagline:  The worlds of gods and men collide when Love and Death embrace.

Book Description:

Honey Drop chronicles the story of willful, beautiful, and headstrong Proserpyn Prina Katsaros, an island noblewoman with a lust for adventure and a taste for the macabre. 

Prina has been obsessed with dark topics and activities, like watching executions and visiting graveyards for as long as she can remember as she believes that to appreciate life, one must also respect death.

One day, a frightening, terrifying man appears, using magic to seduce and play with her senses and heart. Proserpyn is uncertain if he is a wizard, a demon, or something much more overwhelming than that. 

With the help of Abigail, her friend, and lover, Proserpyn will consult the Old Gods and try to find a solution to this lustful madness.

The brainchild collaboration of Krishtina Mayers and Alicia R. Norman, the illustrated novel promises a one-of-a-kind journey from tome to tome!




Excerpt 2:

Rain put a soft, wet hiss into the air.

The boots squished onto the grass with each step.

The oiled and hooded cloak protected the woman's gown well.

Her lamp was placed on the highest step of the mausoleum's stoop, right under a slight eave where it would be protected from the weather.

Cheerful and only a little overpowered by the rain, Proserpyn's voice sang.

"Mr. Gregor was kind to children.”

She bent down to wipe some wet leaves and a touch of mud off a step with a spare rag she'd brought.

"Madam Junio donated to all."

She folded the rag and put it reasonably close to her lamp.

"His Grace, the Duke was humble."

She tightened her hood over her head.

"Miss Trishelle loved knitting shawls."

As Prina danced and swayed in place, her steps soon moved with a rhythm that only played in her mind.

"She gave the shawls away, so kindly so openly."

One of her palms extended to catch raindrops.

"She warmed the girl's shoulders while smiling, truly."

The song went on in this manner. In fact, as Prina danced about in the darkness, she passed graves that had the names she'd used. Thanks to the lack of light, they weren't legible, but she knew they were there.

After a few more lines, her feet halted. Her hands slid back under her cloak, where they met at her belly, her arms bent. She turned back to go to where her father's body rested, where she'd placed her oil lamp. She crouched down to touch the thing when she heard a voice she hadn't wanted to hear.

"You couldn't have known any of those people."

Picking the lamp up, she faced the opposite direction. There was nothing unusual in her sight: rain, vague shadows, and outlines–her lantern. Sometimes, there was an occasional streetlamp, but not much else.

It was far too dark.

…She could smell him.

The rain and soggy earth's scent were forgotten. There was burning wood, spice ... and oddly enough hints of dark chocolate and cherries. Did his scent change every time he appeared?

Even though she knew who it must be, she asked, "Who's there?"

The answer, right in her ear, was simple.

"Me."

She quickly spun as she repeated with a higher and more concerned pitch, "Me?!"

The tone turned a little bit more impish, although she could still hear a smoldering hint.

"Would you prefer myself or I?"

He might well have been trying to lick her ear! That is how close it felt!

Shuddering, Proserpyn continued to search for the voice's owner. He must be somewhere! Growing frustration had her brow knitting, "Such cowardice! You won't face a lone maiden in the dark?! Reveal yourself!"

"Is that your wish, Honey Drop?"

Honey Drop?

Proserpyn tried to think of another way to insult the man. She stood there, rain pattering on her cloak. It took around fifteen seconds for her to finally say, "You're irritating and useless. I've no time for such a creature."

She went back to pick up her rag and folded it into a pocket, "I'll leave you in possession of the dead, Sir. No doubt, someone must want you here."

Prina grabbed her lantern and walked off, lighting her path.

Just as she made a slight turn, her heart jumped and she retreated a bit.

A figure was sitting on a rather tall gravestone.

He looked casual as he did it, and this time he wasn't shrouded in black and blue. It was as if he'd known he'd be too difficult to see. Instead, he seemed to be covered in a similar garment of red, or at least Proserpyn's lamp suggested it could've been red. It could also have been orange.

Maybe both.

Well, at least he wasn't hiding.

But ... well ...

Proserpyn's eyes followed the raindrops as they fell down onto the red and orange-clad man. His cloak was so long that it covered the gravestone's front and quite a bit of the earth. When the water landed on the fabric, there weren't any obvious signs of wetness. Neither did the fabric reject the water as if oiled, as her own protective garment had been. The drops seemed to ... disappear ... as if they were falling into something.

It was a detail many wouldn't have noticed, but Prina had been so focused on him that she couldn't help but see the oddity. However, her senses told her not to give a comment.

She stood there, her arm up and out, holding onto her lamp and waiting for the man to speak.

Certainly, he'd have a handful of more words for her, a handful at the very least.

He didn't disappoint.




About  Krishtina Mayers:

Krishtina Mayers is a professional ghostwriter who hails from Bladenboro, NC. She lives in a 100 year-old house with her three dogs and Asatru Norse Pagan beau, Richard, where she pens deliciously dark and sexy works. Her goal is to fully focus on creative writing as she slowly renovates her vintage home.



About Alicia Norman:

By day, Alicia Norman is a copy specialist at a major marketing firm, by night, she is a screenwriter and animator. She lives with her two kids and three cats in the burbs of Dallas, GA, and aspires to share her own brand of historical erotic fiction with  BFF and co-writer Krishtina Mayers. 

Visit Patreon to support her on her mission: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83953924







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Monday, February 27, 2023

After Midnight Raven’s Hollow Coven Book Four Shari Nichols

 



After Midnight
Raven’s Hollow Coven 
Book Four
Shari Nichols

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: City Owl Press
Date of Publication: 2/7/2023
ASIN: B0BS5CSPD1
Number of pages: 160
Word Count: 40, 000

Tagline: An ancient curse has kept astrologer Brooke Howe from finding true love until she crosses paths with a sexy-as-sin chef who may hold the key to changing her destiny. 

Book Description: 

An ancient curse has prevented astrologer Brooke Howe from finding true love. She hides her longing by matching others, with the hope of someday changing her fate. When Nico Denopoulos, the gorgeous younger brother of a friend, struts into her shop seeking a soulmate, she’s immediately drawn to his magnetic presence and his romantic heart. She can’t deny the intense sensation that she knows the sexy-as- sin chef, but can’t figure out why.

An ugly divorce has kept Nico laser-focused on the opening of his new restaurant. He’s been single for years, but now loneliness has crept into the cracks of his heart. Fearing that he‘s grown bitter, he has high hopes that Brooke can help him with his problem, except for one thing— the more time he spends with her, the more he wants her—in every possible way.

As much as Brooke wants to believe Nico is the real deal, she fears that when the seasons change, so will his feelings. She’s terrified of falling for him, and despite her best efforts to resist him, they’re inextricably drawn together. She can’t help but wonder if he may hold the secret to reversing the curse and changing her destiny. A secret from their shared past life will either bring them closer, or tear them apart forever.

Excerpt:

 “Do you remember when you asked me what my favorite color was?”

The vibration of Nico’s voice made Brooke ache all over. She nodded and gulped her wine, catching a slight buzz. “Aries typically favor red.”

“But I chose purple for the color of the dress you wore at the wedding.”

A surge of heat spread from her cheeks to her neck. His sweet words blew through the last of her defenses. “You remember the color of my dress?”

“I remember a lot of things, tiny details about people that interest me.” Their gazes locked, and she couldn’t look away from the heat and hunger burning in his eyes.  

“I…didn’t know. You never said anything.” Brooke stared at his lips as he lifted his glass. They were full and sensual, perfect for kissing.

“I heard you were taken, and I didn’t want to be a jerk.” The deep timber of his voice slid into her blood, igniting her desire.

“I was, but we broke up.” When the season changed, so did his feelings. And like all the others, she never heard from him again. Another ghost situation. She wondered why she even bothered to date anymore, but then loneliness would creep in through the cracks of her heart, and she’d dive in again.

“I’m sorry, but the way I see it, this is my lucky day. The truth is I’ve been thinking about you for months now.”

The admission sent her heart galloping. His charisma made him shine brighter than any star in the sky. Why get excited? They’d go out a few times, have mind-blowing sex that would last for days. But then summer would turn to fall, and he’d forget all about her, and she’d be left mending the pieces of her broken heart.

“Seeing you again brought my attraction back full force. Keep your fee, Brooke, and go out with me.”

A thrilling sensation moved through her, but she ignored it and pushed on. “I’m flattered, believe me, but I can’t. I don’t date my clients. It’s a strict rule of mine.”

“Technically, I was only a client for about five minutes.” His phone beeped. He glanced at the screen and muttered a curse. “I’m sorry. I have to go put some fires out at the restaurant.” Nico pulled out his wallet and slapped some cash on the bar. “Let me drop you off and make sure you get home safely.”

“I appreciate it, but it’s out of your way. I’ll be fine.” She didn’t want to be alone with him in a confined space. It would be too tempting.

Nico looked like he wanted to argue, but eventually shook his head. “Let’s get out of here.” He rested his warm hand at the small of her back as they walked to the front doors. Searing heat singed through the thin material of her dress, and she swore her panties caught fire.

They stopped at the revolving double door as well-dressed couples walked in and out of the hotel. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, and a soft hum of electricity sparked between them.

“Think about what I said. I’m not going anywhere, unless I read the situation wrong, and you’re not interested.”

“No…it’s not that. I hope you understand why I can’t go out with you. It may sound silly, but I have rules about these types of things.”

“I respect your decision, but I want you to remember one thing.” He bent his head and whispered close to her ear. “Rules are meant to be broken.”

Her breath lodged in her throat. His words left her flushed and too aware of every scorching inch of him. She watched as he pushed through the doors onto the sidewalk and disappeared through the crowd.

Sighing with frustration, tonight she’d nix the bath in favor of an ice-cold shower.


About the Author:

Shari Nichols is a multi-award–winning author who grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were commonplace, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, getting her MA in Creative writing, doing yoga, or sharing a meal and a glass of wine with her family and friends. She lives in New Jersey with her husband of thirty years.

Shari shakes up the ultimate supernatural cocktail, combining witchcraft, vampires, suspense, and spice into an irresistible paranormal potion." (InD'Tale Magazine) 

"Amazing characters, romance, and suspense. What more can a lover of paranormal romance hope for?" (Linda Tonis-Paranormal Romance Guild.)

Her novels have won the following awards: The Beverley Award, New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Finalist Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Finalist Best Series, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Winner Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Winner Best Series, Golden Leaf Finalist Best Book, Golden Leaf Finalist by a New Jersey Author, HOLT Medallion Finalist. Literary Titan Silver Medal Winner. 











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