Leave of absence

The blog might get a little quiet in the next two months (July-August), as I'll be travelling through Peru, USA and Canada, with unknown internet access. My intention was to go to RWA America this year, but my boyfriend said, “Why not do a tour whilst you're over there?” Um, no arguments here. Also, my mum just turned 50, and has always wanted to climb Machu Pichu for that milestone, so we decided to do that on my way to the states.

Machu Pichu 

I may have something of a travel addiction, so going to places like this makes all the budgeting, two minute noodle meals and not-allowed-to-buy-books in the last six months worth it.

News:

Tarnished Knight is no longer available for free. Some of the eBook retailers may still have it listed at that price for a week or so – if you find it there for free, good luck to you! Otherwise, I've listed it as $2.99.

Forged by Desire (book four of London Steampunk) is finished and handed in to my editor. Feeling very excited about this book. It's a little more of a mystery, wrapped up with a romance, which was interesting for me to write. I like exploring different parts of the London Steampunk world (and there's no point to a series if you're going to play in the same small area), so this book is all nighthawks, draining factories, a pair of friends who are becoming more than just friends, dangerous secrets and the Echelon of course. Blade, Honoria and Lena also make an entrance.

Here's a little snippet, just for fun (please note, completely unedited – by anyone other than me – and also may not make the final manuscript):

 Music started up, a hint of a middle eastern hum rasping over the strings. P—-’s gaze jerked to G——. The assah. A dance designed to tempt, to display a thrall or debutante’s best assets to a blue blood. His eyes locked on hers, a grim smile on his face.

            “You look beautiful,” he said, sweeping her into the steps. Of course he knew the dance, though she didn’t ask how. There’d been affairs in his past with ladies of the Echelon and G—— had always been able to master any skill with minimal effort, damn him.

            He turned her in a slow circle, holding onto her wrists from behind. “Though I prefer you in red.” Another turn, drawing her back against his chest, his voice whispering over the skin of her neck. “And wet.”

            One hand slid around her waist, drawing her in tight against him. P—- slid her gloved hand over his, holding it in place, her breath trembling through her chest. “You shouldn’t be here. You’re going to ruin everything.”

            “Precisely.”

   The dance swept them apart again, G—— twirling her in elegant circles. Then she was back in his arms as if she belonged there. Oh, how she wanted to stay. This dance was forbidden, but the feel of G——’s arms made it seem as if the world had vanished around them, as if they could create their own world. Somewhere safe, just for them. 

Sightings: I'll be at RWA Conference in Atlanta from Monday 15th July – Sunday 21st and at the Literacy Signing, if anyone wants to pop over and say hi!

If you want to follow what goes on, I'll probably be posting to my Facebook page more than the blog!

Adios and see you in a few months! xx