SFRB Recommends: The SFR Galaxy Awards!

This month, the SFRB Recommends highlights the upcoming SFR Galaxy Awards.

The SFR Galaxy Awards give the judges the freedom to choose what they found noteworthy for their awards, so the award names are often creative in their own right! Here are a few inventive awards given in previous years.

Best Recursion - Kicking Ashe by Pauline Baird Jones
Most Awesome Psychic Talent - Gethyon by Pippa Jay
Creepiest Use of Ancestors - Mission to Mahjundar by Veronica Scott
Most Unusual Business - Mercenary Instinct by Ruby Lionsdrake
Best Shipboard Mystery - In the Black by Sheryl Nantus
The “Why Isn’t This a Movie?” Series - The Phoenix Adventures by Anna Hackett
Most Dapper Heroes - The Clockwork Menagerie by Elliot Cooper
Hottest Cold War - Relaunch Mission by Robyn Bachar

Fun, right? Previous awards are a great way to expand your TBR pile. This year's awards will be announced Thursday, 31 January.

SFRB Recommends 33: In the Black by Sheryl Nantus #sfrom #scifi #mystery #ebook

This recommendation is brought to you by Rachel Leigh Smith.

When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it's Sam's job to find out who killed her, fast.

Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can't help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She's got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn't mind investigating.

Sam, six months lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who's on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It's a captain's job to save her crew, no matter the cost. 

The world Nantus has built in this series is at once relatable and different. Female fans of Firefly should love this.

The mystery aspect of the book was easy for me to figure out. It's a rare author who can keep me guessing as to who-dun-it for more than four chapters. It did allow for a lot of exploring of courtesan daily life and how they operate, though, without being all about sex. Major props for that!

The AI's on each ship were also done very well, Etts, Daniel's AI, in particular. Etts was a hoot! I also enjoyed the way Nantus wrapped it up with neither MC having to leave behind what they're doing.

Author site: Sheryl Nantus

Meet the #Author Monday - Sheryl Nantus

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

Well, let's see – I started writing years ago and actually cut my chops writing fanfiction! Yes, it's still out there in all its horrible glory, my X-Files, Stargate SG-1 and other fanfics… But aside from improving my writing it also got me my hubby who discovered me through my fanfiction and wrote me an email and I wrote him back and so on and so on… we've been together for 21 years and married for 14 so don't neglect your fan mail!

Tell us about IN THE VOID:

IN THE VOID is Sean's story in my series, Tales from the Edge. Each book focuses on an individual member of the crew of the Bonnie Belle and this is Sean's story about how he came onto the Belle and what might make him leave.

What inspired you to write this particular story?:

I wanted to focus on Sean because he's a sweet tortured man and who doesn't love a man like that! It also allowed me to show the other characters on board and how they all relate to each other and despite their difference how they bind together to fight a common foe.

Please share a favourite snippet from your book:

I love this bit at the very beginning where Catherine Rogers discovers exactly what the Bonnie Belle is all about…

“What sort of ship is this?” She couldn’t help sighing as he spread the white ointment over the burned areas. “Touring? An acting troupe?” She could see him on the stage doing a soliloquy, maybe Shakespeare. The crew had, in the few moments she’d seen them, seemed to fit the image.

He looked up at her, his blue eyes twinkling. “A Mercy ship.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “A what?”

“My name is Sean, Sean Harrison. And this is, as we said before, the Bonnie Belle. A Mercy ship. We caught your emergency call and responded since there was no one else around.”

“A—” She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

“A brothel. Whorehouse. Ship of ill repute.” He applied a thick dollop on her leg, concentrating below her knee. “It’s nothing we haven’t heard before. And a lot worse.”

“A Mercy ship.” She spat the words back at him. “Of all the—”

She couldn’t finish the sentence. Fate had it in for her, that much was certain.

A damned Mercy ship. 

Which comes first for you – a character's looks, personality or name?:

Their personality, for sure! I want characters that the reader can relate to to a certain degree – in Catherine's case it's a search to do what's right despite the personal cost. In Sean's case it's looking to escape from a horrific past and help people find love and comfort out on the edge of civilization.

Any tips for aspiring authors?:

Write. Write a lot. Write harder. And don't stop. Even when you get rejection notices, low sales and no reviews. Keep. Writing.

Questions for fun:

If you had the power of time travel, is there anything you would go back and change? Why/why not?:

I'd probably go back and tell my past self to dump that guy sooner. You know, THAT GUY. Whose name I'm not going to say because he KNOWS WHO HE IS.

What super-power would you choose?:

Flight. Just to bypass all the traffic and get to my Starbuck's and Panera Bread faster.

If you could have three wishes, what would they be?:

Good health, immortality and the ability to make perfect tea every time.

Coffee, tea or wine?:

Please see above.

  

What is your favourite book? (aside from one of your own!):

I'm quite attached to the In Death series by J.D. Robb and love the first one, Naked in Death. It introduces Eve Dallas, Roarke and sets up a wonderfully futuristic world and characters you love to love. And a hot romance to boot!

Favourite genre and why?:

D. All of the above.

Seriously, I read everything. Romance, non-fiction, action/adventure, science fiction… if you looked at my shelves you'd wonder how many people live in my house. (Hint: I'm married and have no kids.) You'd think I had hundreds!

Favourite colour?:

Plaid. Tartans turn me on.

  

Upcoming news and plans for the future?:

More books in the Tales from the Edge series, to be sure! There's so many stories to be told on the Bonnie Belle… and I plan to tell them all!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us!

Thanks!

Sheryl

Twitter: SherylNantus
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sheryl.nantus
Website: http://www.sherylnantus.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1280392.Sheryl_Nantus

AMZ http://amzn.to/1lwa7to

B&N http://bit.ly/1nNCSjW

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sheryl_Nantus_In_the_Void?id=1LTSAwAAQBAJ&hl=en

Carina Press http://bit.ly/1oA6NJv

iBooks http://bit.ly/1tWSdST

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/in-the-void/i_uczhLETEuBBWqXPzSn8Q?MixID=i_uczhLETEuBBWqXPzSn8Q&PageNumber=1

IN THE VOID releases today! Are you ready to return to the Bonnie Belle?

IN THE VOID is the sequel to the successful first book in the Tales from the Edge series, IN THE BLACK!

Book two of Tales from the Edge

Catherine Rodgers doesn't like Mercy spaceships, or the courtesans who work on them--not after her husband left her for a Mercy woman. But after her luxurious transport ship gets blown up to prevent her from cracking the lid off a corporate scam that's left hundreds dead and a few people very rich, the only vessel around to save her is the Bonnie Belle.

Sean Harrison has worked as one of the Belle's courtesans for years, bringing happiness to countless women along the space lanes. When he's asked to look after Catherine while the Belle brings her to safety, it should be just another job. Somehow it's anything but.

Sean is captivated by Catherine's sense of justice and responsibility. And Catherine finds a softer, more emotionally intelligent man in Sean than she expected. Drawn together in darkness under the threat of death, they find the beginning of something lasting. But with pirates after the Belle and a price on Catherine's head, that beginning might be all they get.

***

When you're preparing to be boarded by pirates you take every bit of help you can get - and if that includes a short teaching session by April Osano, the resident self-defense/BDSM expert, you take it.

Especially when Sean Harrison is the unfortunate target...

***

April strutted around a half-naked Sean as the courtesan studied his bare torso.

Studied the marks Catherine had left there only a few hours ago.

“Fighting dirty isn’t something women tend to do. We’re told to play nice, don’t hit below the belt and don’t pull hair.” April twisted her fingers in Sean’s short black hair and yanked his head back, hard.

His lips pulled back to expose his teeth but he stayed silent.

“I find pulling hair quite acceptable under certain circumstances.” She released him and continued her circling. “Your teachers didn’t allow you to think outside of the box where anything goes.”

Her hand flew to the inside of Sean’s right arm, just below the shoulder. “For example, pinching. A sharp pinch in the right place—” She twisted and snapped her fingers away. “Can distract even the most determined opponent.”

Catherine watched the purple welt rise.

Sean didn’t flinch, didn’t pull away.

“Fighting dirty tends to have you thinking about smacking a guy in the balls. A great target if you can get to it.”

April brought up her right knee and stopped less than an inch from Sean’s crotch.

He instinctively moved to cover with both hands.

She smiled and dropped her knee down. “Most men know that and protect the family jewels automatically.” April patted Sean’s cheek. “Understandable reaction. That’s the problem when you’re told to go for the balls—it’s more likely than not an attack will be thwarted.”

Sean exhaled slowly and returned his hands to his sides.

“But there’re other areas that can be attacked to inflict almost as much pain. When it comes to vital areas, both sexes have the same vulnerabilities. The arms, the legs, the nipples.” Her fingers landed on Sean’s left breast, pinching the delicate skin between her thumb and forefinger.

He rose up on his feet, grimacing, but he kept his eyes closed.

“Same for us, dear.” April looked at her directly. “Giving control, having control and using it. Knowing when to do what is important and not only in the middle of a fight.” She cocked her head to one side. “There are always going to be situations that are totally, utterly out of your control. How you react to them will decide your future.”

Sean whimpered.

“Enough.” Catherine found her voice. “Enough.”

****

IN THE VOID is now available - who doesn't love a Mercy man?

Drop on by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, iBooks, Kobo and Carina Press to hop on board the Bonnie Belle for another fateful adventure!

Also on Goodreads!

Meet the #Author Monday - Sheryl Nantus

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

I'm Canadian, raised in Toronto Canada and emigrated to the United States in 2000 to marry a sweet-talking man who met me originally through my X-Files fanfiction!

  

Tell us about In the Black:

In the Black is the first book in the Tales from the Edge series, dealing with a Mercy ship—the Bonnie Belle.

The Bonnie Belle is a Mercy ship carrying courtesans from mining base to mining base, providing services for whoever can pay for them. Not necessarily sex – there are Charity ships for that. The Belle's crew are made up of courtesans with a variety of skills who can help you improve your chess game, your self-defense skills… and yes, great sex if you want it.

Sam Keller is the captain of the Bonnie Belle and on her first tour. When one of her women is found dead in her cabin suspects include an entire base of miners along with her own crew. She has to rely on Marshal Daniel LeClair for help to find the killer and maybe, just maybe a bit of loving along the way…

  

What inspired you to write this particular story?:

I've always loved science fiction and science fiction romance so I wanted to write something in that vein. I loved the character of "Inara" from "Firefly" and the concept of courtesans in that world and decided to take that idea and work with it. So I came up with the idea of the Guild, shuttling courtesans from mining base to mining base to meet the needs of lonely men and women out on the edge. It's not necessarily only about sex—it's about offering comfort and aid to those who need it.

And of course, I needed a good story. Enter Sam Keller, a military vet with her own secret and now captain of the Bonnie Belle. Hiding on the Belle might be her plan but she's suddenly faced with the murder of one of her courtesans and the need to find the killer. Which is where Marshal Daniel LeClair comes in and I figure we can all guess where that goes, eh?

Please share a favourite snippet from your book:

“Sam,” Daniel whispered, “Kiss me. Please.” There was a trace of whine and want in the words, a combination of curiosity and need.

“Why?” Her heart hammered in her chest.

“Because you want it. I want it. We’re two consenting adults and I know I won’t be able to walk straight for the rest of this trip unless I get a taste of you.” He paused. “Consider it a trial run for when we finish this job up. You know what’s going to happen when this is all over.”

The harsh honesty shocked her into silence.

“Would it be easier if I ordered you to?” he said.

“What?” She felt lightheaded.

“You’re a soldier. You know how to take orders.” He ran a finger along his lower lip. “Kiss me,” he demanded.

She blinked, unable to form a coherent thought.

“Afraid?” Daniel chuckled. “Surely a big, strong woman like yourself can handle a little kiss.” He

smacked his lips together in a mockery of the act.

A mixture of anger and heat pushed her into a decision.

A single kiss and she’d find out if there was any compatibility or if this was a disaster waiting to happen. She’d still sleep with him but it’d be better if there was a spark, some sort of connection there.

She drew a staggered breath, seeing the longing in his face and wondering if he saw the same looking at her.

What harm could it do?

  

Which comes first for you – a character's looks, personality or name?:

I always think of a character's personality – what brought them to this place in their lives, what decisions put them where they are. For example, Sam Keller is a military vet with a dark past that has pushed her to take on captaining the Belle for a five-year tour. What makes her tick, what made her choose this penance. And what would be enough for her to try and leave?

Any tips for aspiring authors?:

Read. Write. Read more. Write more. And to quote Chuck Wendig, Write HARDER.

Questions for fun:

If you had the power of time travel, is there anything you would go back and change? Why/why not?:

I'd probably go back and tell my younger self that it does get better. I was bullied when I was young and had a horrible time in high school. It'd be nice to know then that I'd find happiness in the future.

What super-power would you choose?:

Strangely enough I wrote a superhero romance – my "Blaze of Glory" trilogy with Samhain Publishing! I decided to give Jo Tanis, my heroine, the ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves – so she can fly and shock people. I think that'd be pretty cool.

Or I'd be Wonder Woman. She totally rocks…

If you could have three wishes, what would they be?:

Ooh… toughie. Probably perfect health, world peace and an ability to eat as much chocolate as I want without gaining weight.

  

Coffee, tea or wine?:

Tea. Tea tea tea tea tea. And a cuppa white wine to top it off!

What is your favourite book? (aside from one of your own!):

I *heart* The Jungle Book by Kipling. Not the cartoon, the book. Rikki-tikki-tavi, Toomai of the Elephants… so many good stories there. So much goodness…

Favourite genre and why?:

I sort of bounce around all genres when I'm reading. One day I'll be reading Keegan's History of the Civil War, the next a historical romance by Tessa Dare and the next a graphic novel. Variety is the spice of life…

Favourite colour?:

Plaid. No, wait… red. Blue?

Upcoming news and plans for the future?:

Book Two of Tales from the Edge, In the Void comes out in October from Carina Press!  This will be Sean's story… but there's room for so many more tales!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us!

Thank you for having me visit!!!

Book one of Tales from the Edge

When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it's Sam's job to find out who killed her, fast.

Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can't help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She's got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn't mind investigating.

Sam, six months lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who's on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It's a captain's job to save her crew, no matter the cost.

Links:

AMZ amzn.to/PA2HI1
B&N bit.ly/1lDhThE
Carina bit.ly/1gW7VmX

My personal info:

Twitter link    https://twitter.com/SherylNantus
Facebook link   https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherylNantus
Author website/blog link http://www.sherylnantus.com
Goodreads Author Page Link      https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1280392.Sheryl_Nantus
In the Black on Goodreads       https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21422179-in-the-black

Are you ready to go "In the Black"?

Monday marked the release of "In the Black" , the first book in my new science fiction romance series "Tales from the Edge" - a series I like to describe as "Firefly" meets "Best Little Whorehouse"...

But let's start with the short and sweet blurb...

When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it's Sam's job to find out who killed her, fast.

Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can't help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She's got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn't mind investigating.

Sam, six months lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who's on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It's a captain's job to save her crew, no matter the cost.

But their first meeting isn't a walk in the park. Let me show you how Captain Samantha Keller and Marshal Daniel LeClair discover each other...

*****

“You wanna go?” Sam whispered. “You wanna go?” Her pulse was racing. She felt a bead of sweat run down her back, pooling at the base of her spine.

This wasn't some kid fresh off the boat. This was an old-timer with impressive biceps straining the sleeves of his dirty jumpsuit. That was okay. She had energy
to spare. And it’d been a while since she’d gotten physical with anyone.

It wasn't sex, but it’d do for the moment.

“You feeling lucky?” she said, waiting for him to make the first move. She motioned him forward.

Something shot by her left ear.

She froze.

The miner watched her with widening eyes, rooted in place. A trickle of drool began rolling out of the left side of his mouth. His eyes rolled up showing only the whites.

He passed out. His arms rose in front of him, giving him a movie monster look. All he needed was to start roaring and goose-stepping forward.

Sam spotted the tiny dart in his chest, the small, dark green tufted needle almost invisible against the dirty oil-stained shirt.

“You seem to have an interesting effect on men.”

The low voice behind her brought Sam back around, automatically assuming a combat stance with her hands up, fingers balled into fists.

He stood there, two fingers on his right hand up to his forehead in a mocking salute. The other hand held the standard law-enforcement weapon of choice, the P-112 pistol. Her mind went through the identification process. Official issue for the military or the Marshal Service, not something handed out to station security.

The lightweight weapon fired either tranqs or bullets, and she’d just seen the tranq side of it.

“He’ll be awake in an hour or so. United Nations Service Marshal Daniel LeClair at your service, ma’am.”

The leather jacket, dotted with UNS patches from various bases and a set of identification pips on the lapels, was snug on his broad shoulders, and tight jeans hung low on his hips. A white T-shirt finished off the informal uniform, matching his short white hair.

He smiled at her, a sheepish twist to his lips. The only thing missing to make the cowboy image complete would be a hat perched at a rakish angle on his head.

“Family trait. My father had a full head of white hair by the time he hit twenty,” he replied to the unasked question. “You must be Sam Keller.”

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she snapped back.

He holstered his weapon and stepped toward her, his smile dissolving into a confused grin. “Helping.”

Sam punched the miner in the ribs, not hard enough to break them but enough to leave a reminder for when he woke up. “This is my ship and those people are under my protection. I don’t need your help to take out the trash. I can deal with these idiots.”

LeClair put up his hands and stopped. “Whoa there. I just figured—”

“You figured you’d save a damsel in distress.” Sam walked up to him and jabbed her index finger into his chest. “First lesson of working with me is that I’m as tough as you are, Marshal.” She eyed him. “Probably tougher. So don’t think I can’t handle myself or get the job done.”

LeClair grinned. “I think I’d like to see you handling yourself.”

The angry words fell away from Sam’s mind, leaving a black hole. She stared at the lawman, uncertain what she’d just heard.

He didn't look away, not giving an inch.

Two could play that game. Not bothering to be subtle, she mentally undressed him, exposing rock-hard abs and a body built for action. All-night action like one of the heroes in those detective novels she’d been devouring.

God, I've lost it. I’m getting hot for a damned cop.

******
Romantic Times Magazine gave "In the Black" four out of five stars and said it was "a fast-paced tale of murder & mystery in outer space"! Check out their review here!

If you're interested in seeing more of Captain Keller and Marshal LeClair pick up "In the Black" here at Amazon, B&N or Carina Press!

Cover reveal! "In the Black" by Sheryl Nantus

I'm thrilled to present the cover to "In The Black", book one of "Tales from the Edge"!

 When Sam Keller left the military, she ran to the far end of the galaxy. Now she captains the Bonnie Belle, a spaceship full of courtesans who bring a little pleasure to hard-up men on mining colonies. When one of her girls turns up dead, it's Sam's job to find out who killed her, fast.

Marshal Daniel LeClair is as tough as steel and quick on the draw. But when his vacation gets replaced by an assignment to help find the killer, he can't help angling for a little action with the saucy, hard-charging Sam. She's got brains, attitude and a body he wouldn't mind investigating.

Sam, six months lonely, might just indulge him. But the Guild that owns the Belle wants the case closed yesterday. With pressure coming from all quadrants, Sam and her marshal clash over false leads and who's on top. But when the killer threatens the Belle again, romance will have to wait. It's a captain's job to save her crew, no matter the cost.

It'll be on sale from Carina Press May 12, 2014 but right now you can pre-order from Amazon and B&N!

I hope you'll come along for the first visit to the Bonnie Belle - after all, everyone loves a Mercy woman!

Up, up and away! (One last time...)

I grew up on comic books, devouring the adventures of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman like candy. There were a lot of heroes I loved to follow, from Green Arrow to the Avengers to the X-Men, all of them taking place in a world something like our own but just *that* bit different. And by different I mean twisted enough to allow the existence of superheroes.

When I started writing the first in the "Blaze of Glory" trilogy I wanted to show a reason why superheroes would exist and battle on an almost daily basis with the good guys always winning but never quite managing to keep the bad guys in jail. And the bad boys (and girls) always somehow escaping to fight another day while the good citizens continued to work around this nonstop destruction and fighting. It took a bit of time to figure out the reason but I got it - all the fights were fixed!

By the time I got to the third book in the trilogy, "Heroes Lost and Found" releasing October 2nd, I knew there had to be some sort of final end in sight for our intrepid team of supers who had managed to break their chains and earn their freedom from their captors - a resolution and, in a way, a new life ahead of them. Which brings us to the final fight, the final battle for Jo and Hunter as they figure out who they are, where they are going and how they're going to get there.
And which heroes are going to be lost along the way and which ones will rise to the challenge...

Heroes Lost and Found, Blaze of Glory, Book 3

Jo Tanis is still recovering from her near-death experience in Las Vegas when she receives a mysterious postcard from Harris Limox, who claims to have a promising lead on the whereabouts of the Controller. Over her boyfriend/guardian Hunter’s objections, she sets off to a sleepy Oregon town to ferret out the truth.

The Controller is more than just a disgruntled super. He’s a rogue Guardian who was presumed dead and is now armed with a slew of high-tech hardware that not only makes him physically superior to the supers—and therefore almost impossible to destroy—he’s got the ability to detonate the implants in the back of all supers’ necks.

In Oregon, Jo meets a surviving Alpha super, Kit Masters, whose wild plan to capture the Controller could put an entire town of innocents at risk. But instead of successfully talking her former idol out of his disastrous bid to regain former glory, Jo finds herself betrayed and trapped in her worst nightmare.

Fight her former teammates, or die.

This is it - the final fight. Lex Luthor vs. Superman, the Joker vs. Batman, Hulk vs.... well, everyone! Who lives, who dies and who gets to live happily ever after...

And who is, in the end, a superhero.

*****
RT Book Reviews says:
Heroes Lost and Found: 4 out of 5 stars "Brisk and playful, Nantus achieves the perfect balance between romance and explosive action..."

Heroes Without, Monsters Within: 4 out of 5 stars "This sequel … surpasses the storytelling of the original. Nantus knows how to work with setting; the scenes in Las Vegas are vivid and accurate while the supers' secret lair is homey and comfortable."

Blaze of Glory: 3 out of 5 stars “Nantus has crafted a superhero novel for the 21st century with a spunky, stubborn heroine...”

Why not grab them all and have the complete series on hand?