SINsational Saturday Series: Shona Husk’s Court of Annwyn series

The Outcast Prince

Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife’s infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.

While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she’s the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn—a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again

*****

Lord of the Hunt

Court of Annwyn #2

She Wasn’t Cut Out for His World…

The realm of the fairies might be unbelievably beautiful, but its people are notoriously treacherous. Raised among mortals, Taryn hoped to avoid her fairy heritage her whole life. But now she must cross over to Annwyn and appeal to the King to pardon her exiled parents, or they’re sure to die. And to get to the King, she’ll first have to face the Lord of the Hunt…

He Can’t Imagine Life Without Her…

Verden, Lord of the Hunt, is sworn to serve to King. But the moment he sees Taryn, the attraction is instant and devastating. How can he not help the beautiful, brave young woman who refuses to bend to the will of the court? Yet the power in Annwyn is shifting, its magic failing. No matter how much he may love Taryn, the Hunter knows that abandoning his duty could bring down the mortal world forever..

*****

The Changeling Soldier

Court of Annwyn #2.5

Her time in the mortal world is running out…

After fleeing Annwyn three centuries ago, Ella built a life in the mortal world making gowns for European royalty and playing in mortal intrigues. Now those Courts are long gone, and she dresses Hollywood starlets. Mortals come and go, and she is always alone. She longs for the home she left behind.

He has been dreaming of the coming battle all his life…

Isaac Norton is a returned soldier. Now home, he is restless, and his reoccurring dream is becoming more frequent: he is fighting in a snow covered field stained with blue blood. When he sees Ella, he knows she isn’t human. And she knows what he is: a changeling.

Ella can give Isaac the answers he needs, but there will be a price to pay. His soul.

*****

To Love a King

Court of Annwyn #3

HE’S TRYING TO RECLAIM THE PAST

To keep the balance between good and evil at the court of Annwyn, Prince Felan ap Gwyn has two weeks to marry and take the crown. But he wants more than just power—he wants love; a love he once had but was too stubborn to hold on to.

SHE’S STRUGGLING TO FACE THE FUTURE

It took years for Jacqueline Ara to put her life back together after Felan abandoned her. She’s moved on, even if her heart still burns for him. But with war in Annwyn looming and death bleeding into the mortal world, Felan and Jacquie will need to heal old wounds and rekindle the passion that once welled between them . . . or face losing everything

*****

The Darkling Lord

Court of Annwyn #4 Expected publication: March 2015

*****

Singer of Death

Court of Annwyn #5 Expected publication: June 2015

*****

Taming the Assassin

Court of Annwyn #6 Expected publication: September 2015

October 9, 2014October 3, 2014

Kelly’s interview with Shona Husk

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shona to the blog today. We are chatting about genre, rituals and her newest release To Love a King.

Shona, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I live in Western Australia, love dark chocolate (which is why I run) and in my spare time I love to cross-stitch and do aikido.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

As a child I wrote and read a lot but I don’t think I ever considered it as a profession—and I certainly wasn’t encouraged to. When I was on maternity leave I started writing again and I started researching how to write a novel but it was another couple of years before I decided I wanted to be an author. Even then it seemed like one of those things that was am impossible dream.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

I grew up reading Katherine Kerr’s Deverry series. I love fantasy novels, but quite often relationships were doomed. I didn’t discover romance until my twenties. I fell in love with paranormal romance. I tend to gravitate toward darker stories and I love lush world building (a hangover from growing up reading fantasy). Some of my favorite authors at the moment are: Jim Butcher, Jaci Burton, Marie Brennan and Jenn Bennett.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

With paranormal romance I get to explore my love of world building. Last year I branched out into sci-fi romance (Decadent Moon and ES Siren series). Next year I have a contemporary series starting with Escape Publishing which is very exciting. Readers can join my new release newsletter to keep up to date: http://mad.ly/signups/119074/join )

What are some of your writing rituals?

I open up my laptop and get going. I always plot so I know where I’m going but really I have no rituals.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

To Love a King is the third book in the series and is Felan and Jacqui’s story. The first time they got together it all ended rather badly and this is their 2^nd chance…however everything is falling apart in Annwyn and the mortal world is suffering. While Felan needs and wants Jacqui, she doesn’t need him (although she wants him) or the fairy dramas.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I knew how this trilogy would end when I plotted The Outcast Prince (and I knew what the 2^nd trilogy was about then too). The idea of lost love and 2^nd chances worked well with the all or nothing of the fairy court.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’m working on Annwyn #4 The Darkling Lord (March 2015) and the second book in my contemporary series (I wish I could share the title but they aren’t finalized).

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

Chapter 4, Felan has just learned the truth about what happened 7 years ago and has realized Jacqui has moved on even though he hasn’t.

What would you be if you were not an author?

Before being an author I was a civil designer (roads, drainage, sewerage etc) so I’d probably still be doing that.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m looking forward to reading Mistress of the Wind by Michelle Diener and Ice Forged by Gail Z Martin.

*****

Let’s take a peak at Shona’s newest release:

To Love a King

He’s Trying to Reclaim His Past

She’s Struggling to Face the Future

A little more about Shona

Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. With stories ranging from sensual to scorching, she writes contemporary, paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance. You can find out more at Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Newsletter: http://mad.ly/signups/119074/join

January 16, 2014January 15, 2014

Guest blogger Shona Husk + a giveaway

Fairies in Fiction

Most of my experience with fairies in fiction comes either from fairy tales or from children’s books, yet I have always loved the old fairy lore. When growing up as well as the usual fairy tales, I also had a couple of books with fairy tales from around the world. In the ones where fairies featured they were always tricksters and never to be trusted…and yet they quiet often revealed a person’s true heart.

My love of all things fairy was amplified when I was given a set of the Fairy Ring Oracle cards and I discovered even more fairies and their background (which of course led to more research…).

But it was several more years before I had an idea for a fairy story. While I knew there were other fairy paranormal romances out there, I hadn’t actually read any. However I think there is enough fairy lore out there for writers to put their own spin on things (much like has been done with vampires).

Because my stories tend to be on the darker side I knew I was going to draw on the old legends where fairies were powerful and to be feared. They ruled the underworld and loved to trick humans who weren’t smart enough to avoid them.

Fairies these days tend to be seen as diminutive benevolent little flutterbys. They were downgraded from gods, or demi-gods, to little more than the imaginings of children.

I imagine some fairies would care and others wouldn’t as while humans have forgotten, nothing has changed for the fairies. They still decide the fate of souls and rule the underworld. They still take the occasional human as they need a human to reproduce (there has to be some reason for kidnapping all those mortals in the old stories) and they still meddle in mortal affairs…only these days people don’t blame the fairies.

While creating my fairy world I was very aware that the fairy lore that is still around is old. Which means it’s not current news from Annwyn so I had to imagine what had changed over the centuries. Kind of a where are they now? Since my fairies love to plot and scheme, what better way to show that than with a battle for the throne looming?

I also had create Annwyn, the realm where they live, but I didn’t want it to be static. So Annwyn changes depending on what is happening. With the old king dying Annwyn is no longer in summer, the leaves are falling and everyone is worried about who will claim the throne, his son or the challenger (who is revealed in Lord of the Hunt).

Annwyn is full of beautiful fairies…but their looks concealed cunning and cruelty. They can be charming and yet terrifying. Capable of compassion and trickery. Their morals and rules are not the same as ours. They couldn’t be as they live for so much longer.

I hope that I have created a place of great beauty and danger.

LORD OF THE HUNT

by SHONA HUSK

JANUARY 2014

She Wasn’t Cut Out for His World…

He Can’t Imagine Life Without Her…

Praise for the works of Shona Husk:

“Romantic and intriguing.” —Publishers Weekly

“Enthralling.” —Booklist

“A great fairy-tale feel…dark, fresh, and tantalizing.” —Anna’s Book Blog

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Three time ARRA finalist Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories. As an adult she discovered romance novels and hasn’t looked back. Drawing on history and myth, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. She is the author of the Shadowlands Series and the Annwyn Series. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

Giveaway Time!!!!!!

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July 9, 2013July 2, 2013

Guest blog & giveaway with Shona Husk

The Truth About Fairies

Fairies are real, but because they don’t live in our world, they live in Annwyn, we don’t see them very often. And when we do see them we can convince ourselves that it was just a person and the magic was track of the light. However, since they are real and can be dangerous here are a few essential things to keep in mind should you find yourself face to face with most beautiful person you’ve ever met.

Check their eyes. Fairies have pale eyes, ice pale and they come in all different colors including odd ones like orange and pink, as well as the greens and blues. Even changelings have pale eyes.
Changelings are mortal, but they are fairy. They have a tendency to love deals and gambling and they always have some psychic ability like psychometry or seeing the future.
Never make a deal with a fairy. It might seem like a really good idea at the time, but it will unravel and you will be left worse off.
Never accept a gift from a fairy. First, that gift will not remain shiny and beautiful. Things made in Annwyn change in our world. Gems will become coal, fine clothes will become course. Second, accepting a gift puts you in their debt. It’s never a good thing to owe a fairy.
Not all fairies live in Annwyn. Plenty live among us. Some by choice, some are exiled and some are banished.
Exiled fairies are the least dangerous. Exile is a social death. They are not allowed to return to Annwyn and lose all social standing but they are still connected to the power, however they don’t want to occur an extra penalty so they are on their best behavior. They often work as Brownies or other roles helping mortals.
Banished fairies are the most dangerous. Banishment is a slow wasting death cut off from the magic that once sustained them. They will do anything to get home, lying, cheating, stealing and generally making trouble. Sometimes they’ll make trouble for fun, after all if they are suffering so should everyone. They are the imps, boggarts and monsters in the closet. Children can often see them (and all fairies), so next time your child says there’s something under the bed they may not be lying.
Fairies need humans. Without a human partner they can’t have children. A child born in Annwyn is fairy, but a child born in our world is changeling.
Fairies are not immortal. But compared to our lifespan they may as well be. Can you imagine what it would be like to live for centuries? To live so long you lost track of time? To have so much time you can literally waste a year playing dice or creating elaborate schemes to bring down your enemy?
Because of their long lives and the way the Court of Annwyn works, they have different morals than us. They aren’t beautiful humans, or harmless beings. They are dangerous and deserve to be treated with caution and respect. That said they are capable of caring and falling in love—which they happen to consider very foolish and one of the most dangerous things a fairy can do.

THE OUTCAST PRINCE

by SHONA HUSK

JULY 2013

Amazon | B&N

Just One Taste Is All It Takes…

This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost…

Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

Praise for The Outcast Prince:

“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk’s engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

“Innovative fantasy… An emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!

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January 11, 2013January 11, 2013

Interview & giveaway with Shona Husk

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Shona Husk to the blog today to talk about For the Love of a Goblin Warrior

Shona, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

SH: I was an avid reader before I was a writer. I love anything paranormal or otherworldly and I eat more chocolate than I should—which means I also have to do more exercise than I’d like.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

SH: I always wrote as a child, but it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave that I decided to pursue it as a career. While I still have a day job eventually I would like to make the switch to full time author.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
SH: I do social media and answer emails in the morning. Then I either go to the day job or I write. In the afternoon and evening it’s family time, although once the kids are in bed I sometimes do some more writing. I don’t need anything special when I sit down to write—just something to write on 🙂

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
SH: The most challenging bit is any bit that isn’t working on the day. Sometimes a first draft can be a grind, other times it flows. Sometimes it’s a tricky edit that needs to ferment before being applied. The most rewarding part is seeing my stories in the hands of readers.
Can you please tell us about your latest book, For the Love of a Goblin Warrior?
SH: This is the last of the Shadowlands series. It’s a story of redemption and facing up to hard truths. But also healing for both the hero and heroine, and they are the perfect people to help each other because no one else knows goblins like they do.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
SH: Meryn’s story came out of the events of book one (The Goblin King). Once I knew one of the men had given into the curse I knew that at some point I was going to have to save him and see what he’d become.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?
SH: I’m working on book 2 in my new series about fairies. The first book is The Outcast Prince (July 2013). The series flits between the Court of Annwyn and our world and explores the way the two are intertwined through the power struggle for the throne of Annwyn and the heroes who are trying to prevent damage to both worlds.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
SH: Katherine Kerr; I grew up reading her Deverry series and I’ve been enjoying her UF series as well. Jim Butcher; I love the Dresden files, but I am behind on the series.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
SH: I think growing up reading fantasy novels (and that was all I read for the longest time) certainly gave me a love for creating other worlds, and an appreciation for how complex they need to be to feel real.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
SH: P118. Meryn is dreaming he’s being chased by Goblins in the Shadowlands. He’s running towards a castle hoping to find sanctuary. What he finds is Nadine, the person he least expected to appear in his nightmares.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

SH: My TBR pile is massive. I’m looking forward to reading Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley and Double Time by Olivia Cunning. I’m still working my way through the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and I’ve also started the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
SH: I had a lot of fun writing my cursed Celtic heroes, and while it’s kind of sad to say goodbye to them I think they really deserve their happily ever after 🙂

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR

BY SHONA HUSK
IN STORES JANUARY 2013

In a Faraway Land…

There lived a man who was trapped—his only companions a horde of goblins consumed by their lust for gold. He thought he was lost forever, thought that no one would ever remember he’d been noble.

A Fearless Warrior…

Now he has been thrust into the human world once again, but so much has changed. How can he ever be rid of the darkness after so long in the Shadowlands?

It Starts with Dreams of a Castle…

And a woman who takes his breath away and makes him forget the pain of his past. He knows he must protect her at all costs. And perhaps in saving her, he can finally learn to love again.

Praise for The Goblin King:

“Steamy, sensual, and dangerous…Dark and delicious.” —Fresh Fiction

“Shona Husk put together an amazing story about loss, love, redemption, and discovery.” —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick

“A wonderfully dark and sensual fairy tale.” —Jessa Slade, author of Seduced by Shadows

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth, and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold–sometimes literally. Look for the other books in the Shadowlands Series, The Goblin King and Kiss of the Goblin Prince, available now. In July 2013, Shona will begin another dark paranormal series with The Outcast Prince! For more information, please visit www.shonahusk.com.

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