It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here!

I know we’ve been talking up Escape Publishing for what seems like months (okay, it has been months), but for all the time that you’ve been waiting, we’ve been waiting longer. So I can’t begin to tell you the (admittedly, somewhat stress-driven) happy dance that we’re all doing now that launch day has finally arrived.

November 14th:

• the BBC starts broadcasting in the UK (1922)
• Theodore Maiman invents the first laser (1967)
• Condoleeza Rice is born (1954)
• Booker T Washington dies (1915)
• I finally get to tell you about Escape’s fabulous launch titles (2012)

You can find blurbs about all of the different books on our website, but I thought I might tell you a little bit about why I chose each of these titles to help launch Escape Publishing!

Chains of Revenge – Keziah Hill

One of the things romance writers have to be very careful to resolve is any power vacuum between their characters – even if outwardly one of the characters occupies a more powerful position, it must be clear to the reader that, within the relationship at least, the characters meet as equals. What I loved about Keziah’s erotic novella is how she played with this – at different times in the story, both characters occupy a position of complete authority, but their emotions and reactions to each other always, always make them equal, proving that the power of love is stronger than chains.

Also? This story is hot.

Chaos Born by Rebekah Turner

So in my past life as a reviewer, I was given a lot of urban fantasy, which makes sense, ’cause urban fantasy sells, especially if the author has managed to ride the crest of whichever monster is trending at the moment. But I gotta admit, after a while, it seemed much of a muchness to me.

Then, in breezes Rebekah Turner, with her complex world, her shades-of-grey characters, her loveable-but-would-hate-to-be-called-that heroine, and I was stuck. What I really love best about Rebekah’s book is that she ignores the whole ‘hero must stand apart from his/her community’ thing, and makes Lora have to deal with, negotiate and navigate the world she lives in. Sure, she breaks rules occasionally – well, okay, a lot – but there are consequences. Lora lives in her world, and thus the world cannot be ignored. I also thought the ‘villains’ (but are they?) – the militant religious order that keeps peace (and control) on the streets were fascinating.

Christmas Wishes by Rhian Cahill

I admit, I am a total sucker for friends to lovers stories, especially when its best friends, and there’s that whole emotional gamut of ‘what if we ruin what we have?’ risk, while still yearning desperately for something more. What really caught me about Rhian’s story, however, is the playfulness. Sure the characters angst a bit, but their relationship is so warm, so friendly, so teasing, that I found myself smiling all the way through – and then giving a big ol’ sigh at the end.

Grease Monkey Jive by Ainslie Paton

I love big stories. Love them. Give me a long arc, multiple secondary characters, and slow builds any day. So I just fell all over myself when I read this novel from debut author Ainslie, with its long timeline, its space to breathe, its host of fantastic supporting characters, its community and its family. Plus, Pimp My Ride meets Strictly Ballroom! This one reminded me strongly of early Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but without the 80s fashion. Grease Monkey Jive is all about relationships that don’t happen in a vacuum, and reminding us that best friends will have a lot to say.

In Safe Hands by Lee Christine

What I liked best about Lee’s very polished romantic suspense story was how very contemporary it felt – like it was something that could happen to any one of us at any time, thanks to the pervasiveness of technology. It made the whole scenario so much more suspenseful, and really brings the reader alongside Allegra – the heroine – immediately. Plus, ex-SAS hero? Yes, please!

There are a number of ways for you to check out our launch titles, and now’s the time to do it – we’ve got special launch pricing at the moment, and all stories are available for $0.99!

These prices aren’t going to last long, though, so get in quick – and please, tell me what you think! I’d love to know what you felt, how you went, and if you agree with my assessments. We’ve been working towards this launch for months, and I can’t express how excited we are to finally get to set Escape Publishing loose in the world!

Xx

Kate