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romance

The Universe Hates Us

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Man vs. Nature

Today’s topic comes from QSFer John Allenson: “The Universe hates us. Romance within Man vs Nature stories.” There are, according to many English teachers, four major sources of conflict within a story: Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Self In a Man vs. Nature story, the hero must overcome a force of nature (storm , earthquake, climate, animal, etc) to meet his goal. So for today, my questions are – As a writer, do you use Man vs. Nature in your own works? As a reader, what are some of the stories you’ve read that … Read more

Announcement: A Siren Released, by R.C. Ethan

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A Siren Released

QSFer R.C. Ethan has a new fantasy book out: Meet Iris. An introverted, enamoured and bullied girl. That is until a school trip to the town’s aquarium changes everything about her and her life. A duckling turned temptress finds herself entangled in oceanic mysteries, serial murders, famiy secrets and a love rectangle that will test who she is and what she’s made of. Mild language and violence. Contains Bisexual characters and situations. Excerpt Buy Links Swoon Reads (Free): Click Here Author Bio Rhys Christopher Ethan is by no means a scientist, but he is an architect of his own fantasy … Read more

Discussion: Creating Alien Races

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Alien

Today’s topic comes from QSFer Theo Fenraven: “How does one go about inventing a believable alien race? Where do you start? What resources do you tap?” For our purposes, it seems to me that there are two competing parts to this discussion. On the sci fi romance side, it’s necessary to have an alien race that isn’t TOO different, so they can still interact with, and fall in love with, humans. On the more strictly sci-fi side, the idea that an alien race evolving from a separate ecosystem on a planet hundreds or thousands of light years away would end … Read more

Announcement: Song of the Navigator, by Astrid Amara

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Song of the Navigator

QSFer Astrid Amara has a new sci fi book out: Tover Duke’s rare ability to move anything instantly across light-years of space makes him a powerful, valuable asset to the Harmony Corporation, and a rock star among the people of the colonies. His life is luxurious. safe. Routine. He has his pick of casual hookups passing through Dadelus-Kaku Station. His one brush with danger of any kind — the only bright spot in his otherwise boring life — is Cruz Arcadio, a dark-haired, hard-bodied engineer whose physical prowess hints he’s something much more. When a terrorist abducts Tover, hurling him … Read more

Announcement: Sacrati, by Kate Sherwood

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Sacrati, by Kate Sherwood

Kate Sherwood has a new Fantasy book out: As an elite Sacrati fighter in the mighty Torian military, Theos is blessed with a city full of women who want to bear his children, and a barracks full of men proud to fight at his side and share his bed. He has everything he needs—until he captures Finnvid on a raid. Finnvid is on a secret mission to prevent the Torian invasion of his homeland Elkat. Being enslaved by Torian soldiers wasn’t in his plans. Neither is his horrified fascination with the casual promiscuity of the Sacrati warriors. Men should not … Read more

“Ash and Echoes” by August Li

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Ash and Echoes is a Romantic Fantasy Epic. I don’t have the opportunity to read many of those, and I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this work, but if I had to pick something similar, the closest I can think to compare it to is Deckard’s Baal’s Heart trilogy or The Devil’s Fire by Sara Bell. Baal’s Heart is probably the most similar since it was also a trilogy and menage. The power of three! Our main character, Yarroway L’Estrella, is a bit of an odd ball (my favorite). Not only is he a magic user–something I interpreted … Read more

Interview: Zev de Valera, Author of the Ring of Amentotep Series

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Talisman

Today we’ve got another exclusive interview for you, with QSFer Zev de Valera, author of the Ring of Amentotep Series. Enjoy! QSF: So you’re writing an MM series – how would you describe it, in a nutshell? A Brazil nut? I love Brazil nuts. OK. I’ll be serious. It began as a short story for a ‘gay superhero’ open call, but was picked up as a stand-alone short. The series idea came when my editor said: stop with the cliff-hangers unless you intend this to be a series. So, I fleshed out the idea of this regular guy who comes … Read more

Announcement: Hearts and Minds, by M.D. Grimm

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QSFer MD Grimm has a new paranormal book out – Hearts and Minds (sequel to Healing Minds, part of The Shifters series): With the construction for their shifter rehabilitation clinic in Haven underway, Xavier and Josh couldn’t be happier, professionally. But their busy lives leave them little alone time. It’s putting a strain on their relationship, and they still haven’t had anything close to a honeymoon. Josh realizes Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and sees an opportunity he can’t let get away. But never having observed the holiday before, he has no idea what Xavier might want. All … Read more

Announcement: Good Enough to Eat, by Alison Grey and Jae

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The writing team of Alison Grey and Jae has a new FF vampire book out: Robin’s New Year’s resolution to change her eating habits is as unusual as she is. Unlike millions of other women, she isn’t tempted by chocolate or junk food. She’s a vampire, determined to fight her craving for a pint of O negative. When she goes to an AA meeting, hoping for advice on fighting her addiction, she meets Alana, a woman who battles her own demons. Despite their determination not to get involved, the attraction is undeniable. Is it just bloodlust that makes Robin think … Read more

Announcement: His Imperfect Mate, by Aeryn Jaden

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QSFer Aeryn Jaden has a new paranormal book out: All the Originals, beings that created all the supernaturals, have vanished a long time ago. Or did they now? Killa is one of them and he doesn’t feel dead at all. Though that could happen any day now. He is hunted by one of his brothers and has nowhere to go. Unless he happens to find some of his old friends… He finds more than he bargains for. Keen had barely survived his family’s torture and his spirit is almost broken. Finding his mate lying wounded in the bed next to … Read more