Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Countdown to Branded By Fire: 7 days to go!

Winners! The random winners are:

Elizabeth G - Kissing Midnight by Emma Holly
Karah - Fair Game by Jasmine Haynes

Congratulations! Please email me your address (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com).
____________

Seven days to go until Branded By Fire hits the shelves! The Book Smugglers just put up their review of Mercy and Riley's story. Here's a snippet:
Notable Quotes/ Parts: Just about every single interaction between Riley and Mercy. Also, between Mercy and her pack members. Actually, make that all the scenes between Riley and his alpha, Hawke and between Hawke and Sienna. Crap. the whole book is freaking notable.
To read the full review, follow the link!

Today's cyber launch party giveaways are a copy of Kissing Midnight by Emma Holly and Fair Game by Jasmine Haynes.

Entry rules are same as Monday, so have a look at that post if you've just arrived at the party. And welcome! (Don't forget to note if you already have one of the books).

Now, onto today's burning question: Who are your favorite couple(s) from books? Why?

It doesn't have to be a romance. One of my friends really loves the hero & his dragon from the Temeraire books. As for me...hmm...

Monday, June 29, 2009

Countdown to Branded By Fire: 8 days to go!

Winners! The random numbers have rolled and the winners are:

Ang From Oz - Yasmine Galenorn's Demon Mistress
Megan - Angels' Blood

Congratulations!
_________________________

Branded By Fire
releases July 7th and I'm throwing a cyber launch party to celebrate!

Thanks to my wonderful editor & my super-duper abilities at ordering and hoarding books *grin*, there ar
e going to be lots of awesome giveaways.

Today, I'm
giving away a copy of Demon Mistress by Yasmine Galenorn and a copy of Angels' Blood by yours truly.

How to enter? Easy. Just leave a comment with your answer to the day's burning question. If you already have one of the books being given away, please let me know so I can make sure everyone gets new reads.

BUT this time around, I'll give you a way to get in a second entry. Or a third... ;-) If you invite folks to the party (through blogs, twitter, etc), and leave a note about or a link to your invite, I'll give you one more shot at the day's prize(s). If you told a friend, just have your friend(s) mention your name in their comment so I know you invited them.

So invite everyone! However, please be polite - no hounding friends who aren't in the party mood. This is all about having fun :-)

All contests will be drawn twenty-four hours after they post. Please make sure you swing back to check if you've won.

Now, onto today's question: Which romance novel hero would you like to find alive and gift-wrapped on your doorstep?

Subliminal message: You know you want to say Riley Kincaid from Branded By Fire, Riley Kincaid, Riley Kincaid...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Countdown to Branded By Fire

I've got some fun stuff planned for everyone as we count down to the release of Branded By Fire, so make sure you come by tomorrow! :)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Friday Book Club: Guest Author - Jennifer Ashley: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Winner: Thank you to Jennifer Ashley for being such a fantastic guest!!

I've drawn the random winner of a copy of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, using a random number generator, and the winner is: Barbarita V! Congratulations!
__________

It's a special book club today!

I recently read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and just loved it. Ian is such an intriguing character, and watching his and Beth's relationship grow had me glued to the page.

Follow the link to read an excerpt and check out information about the series.

Jennifer was kind enough to agree to guest on the blog today and answer your questions, so get them ready!

Here are a few that I asked:

1. Lord Ian Mackenzie is one of the most unusual heroes I've read. How did you come
up with his character?

I wrote about Ian because I got to pondering how people in the past dealt with autism or Aspergers. Autism (and Aspergers) wasn't defined until the twentieth century and many still don't fully understand it. Aspergers, I learned through my research, doesn't present the same way in each person--I read about or was given widely different accounts of Aspy behavior.

I thought Ian's struggle would make for an interesting story. His character grew in my mind over a couple of years before I had a chance to write the book. And it was challenging! I went over each of his scenes many times before I was happy with them.

I also wanted to write a family saga--I want the series to be more than just about couples getting together. I'm writing not only about how each brother finds the lady of his dreams, but also how the brothers grow and strengthen as a family. Ian's troubles are only one part of the whole.

2. Of the remaining three brothers, whose story do you think will be the most challenging to write?

Most readers might think I'd say Hart, the dark, oldest brother. But I love redeeming baddies, and I'm looking forward to having him meeting the lady who brings him to his knees. :-)

Personally I think Cameron will be a big challenge (I'm already writing Mac, so I might change my mind, LOL). Cam is kind of an enigma--I'm not sure I know him well yet, and I need to make him a fully fleshed out, interesting character. His heroine is a little different, too.

3. What are some of your recent favorite historical reads?

My favorite this year is Scandal, by Carolyn Jewel. Carolyn is the nicest person, ever, and I was eager to see what she'd written after a short hiatus from historicals. I started reading Scandal and was entranced. It's a rich, deep, character-driven book that I enjoyed very much. Her hero is to-die-for, and I loved that her heroine is a writer (a lady novelist). I recommend it to historical lovers.

~

I've got an extra copy of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie to give away. Everyone who leaves a comment by Sunday noon New Zealand time, goes into the draw. If you haven't got a question for Jennifer, how about saying what intrigues you about the book. :)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Friday & Dakota Cassidy Giveaway

We're going to have a very special guest at Friday's book club, so make sure you all make a note in your diaries.

Clue: The hero of her most recent book is...unusual.

Who could it be???

Also, a heads-up that The Knight Agency is giving away a copy of Dakota Cassidy's Accidentally Dead today. Be quick!

Dakota will also be chatting in the TKA Chat Room on Thursday, June 25th @ 9pm ET and I believe there are going to be giveaways there too. :-)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Movies: The Proposal

This was an adorably funny movie! Definitely one to see with your girlfriends.


Monday, June 22, 2009

Catchup

I'm working on something fun for the release of Branded By Fire - only two weeks to go until it hits the shelves! I can't wait! :)

Also, Meljean Brook is giving away an ARC of Must Love Hellhounds. You can enter here.

Hope you all had a great weekend. Get up to anything interesting?


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Guest Blog

I've got a guest post up at RR@H Novel Thoughts & Book Talk. Swing by and say hi :)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday Book Club

It's Friday again! And we're talking books we enjoyed this week. Leave your recommendations in the comments!

This week, I read Vision in White by Nora Roberts and I absolutely loved it. Carter is the most adorable, gorgeous hero ever! I'm really looking forward to the next three books in this quartet.

Okay, your turn. :-)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Quickie

Contest Closed! Winners below.

Since there were so many entries, I decided to draw three winners using a random number generator. And they are:

KMont - Awaken the Senses
Midnight - One of my Silhouette releases
Monica Kaye - Visions of Heat

Congrats! Could you all email me with your addresses at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com. Since this attracted so many entries, I think I'll have to do it again. I do have a release coming up, so there might be a party...keep an eye out *grin*
______________

Want a signed copy of one of my books? Leave a comment with the title of the book you'd like to go into the draw. I'll draw a random winner tomorrow and send that person the book they chose (as long as I have a copy).

Open to everyone, everywhere. And yes, your choice can be one of my Desire releases.

Edited to add: Just to clarify - I have no copies of Branded By Fire yet, so that's out of the contest. Backlist books only.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

ConSciption 2009

This was my first sf con and I had an absolute blast. Here are some photos from the weekend.

The international guest of honor was writer Julie Czerneda, who gave a 3 day writer's workshop prior to the con. I joined in for a discussion session on the last day, and it was so much fun. I really enjoyed hearing her speak over the weekend - if you have a chance to attend one of Julie's talks, don't hesitate.

Of course, I also fell in love with Julie because she bought me a present.


You're looking at a copy of Anne Bishop's Queen of the Darkness, signed to me! It's no secret that I adore Ms Bishop's Black Jewels world so you can guess how excited I was to receive this!

Then as the weekend kicked off, the con was invaded by expert swordsmen...


...and Roman legionnaires.

The displays were fantastic. I was particularly interested in the demonstration and talk relating to the history of the modern sword. The speakers brought along a beautiful collection of swords and related armor from across several centuries, and it was wonderful to be able to handle the weapons - especially as blades play an important role in Archangel's Kiss.

The weekend ended on a high note with Stroke of Enticement winning the Best Novella category of the Sir Juilus Vogel Awards. Here's a photo of me with fellow winner Sally McClennan, who won for her children's book
Deputy Dan & the Mysterious Midnight Marauder.


A great weekend all around!


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

German Page Update

I want to give a big thanks to all of you who've helped with translations so we can set up a German page on the website. You guys are completely awesome.

I'm hoping to have the German page up with the next set of updates, but I'd really like someone to do a quick read of the complete page (approx 9 pages in Word), and make sure all the pieces fit. Since I'd need it back in a couple of days, I don't want to put my wonderful volunteers on the spot - if anyone's got time, could you email me? (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com).

Danke!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Jaws in 30 Seconds (with bunnies)

Maree Anderson shared this link for Jaws in 30 Seconds (with bunnies) on Twitter, and I was sucked into the vortex of bunnies - I also watched Jurassic Park in 30 Seconds, King Kong...and the moral of this story is, do not follow the link unless you have several minutes to spare. ;-)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Friday Book Club

It's Friday book club time - all about recommending books you've enjoyed.

I've got a great rec for you today - Julie James' Just the Sexiest Man Alive. Here's the blurb:

COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE.

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . .
It's a smart, funny, romantic book - I enjoyed every moment of it. I picked it up and raced through it in one sitting, and I'm still smiling as I write this.

You can check out an excerpt on the author's website.

Okay, your turn - what are your recommendations this week?

Guest Author: Maree Anderson - Even Demons Get The Blues

Winner: Thank you all for being so welcoming to Maree - and thanks Maree for being such a great guest. And now the part you've all been waiting for - the random numbers have spoken and the winner of the free Even Demons Get the Blues download is LouiseD. Congratulations! Please email Maree at maree AT mareeanderson DOT com, to claim your prize.

I've got a special interview and giveaway for you today - with fellow Kiwi and good friend Maree Anderson.

One person will win a free pdf download of Even Demons Get the Blues - just leave a comment to enter.

Now, onto the interview!
_________________________

Hi Nalini! Thanks heaps for letting me talk about my debut release. And as if June wasn’t exciting enough already for me, it’s my publishing company’s anniversary: Happy 15th Anniversary, Red Sage! (BTW, these ladies really know how to celebrate, so please check out their official anniversary statement at the end of this interview.)

1. Who is Maree Anderson?

I'm a wife, a mom, a soccer team supporter, a Ceroc dancer, a karate yellow-belt (just starting out), a gym regular (trying really hard to make that one true), and an avid reader.... Among other things. Like being a lover of chocolate—the darker the better—oh, and let’s not forget a glass of good wine. As far as writing goes, I’m heavily skewed toward fantasy and paranormal. I just can’t seem to resist the whole out-of-this-world aspect when I’m writing.

2. What's it like being a debut author? Any particular experiences you'd like to share?

The process so far has been exhilarating and fun and just plain scary as hell.

An actual editor who loved one of my stories enough to want to publish it? The best!

Having input into the design of my very first cover and then being emailed the final proof? Fan-freaking-tastic!

From my editor I learned about crafting stories. And from my copy-editor, I learned about crafting sentences. I’m a far better writer because of their input. And thanks to everyone’s input, when I received the final proof of my story I was confident it was the best it could be.... Unless someone else had a go at writing it. Someone like our Nalini, perhaps? *VBG*

The “scary as hell” part? That’s the thought of actual readers spending their hard-earned cash to buy my book. And waiting for reviews. It’s one thing to pour your soul out onto a page, quite another to send those pages out into the world for people to read.

3. I've known you personally for several years, and I've seen you submit, enter contests and work really hard toward publication. If you had one piece of advice to give to those seeking publication, what would it be?

Never, never, NEVER give up. If, like me, you can’t not write because frankly you’d go nuts, then you just have to believe in yourself and keep trying.

4. Tell us a bit about Even Demons Get The Blues.

This was such a fun story to write! I try to challenge myself with my writing so when you posted details of Red Sage’s Alpha Male Novella Contest to the RWNZ loop, I decided to try and write a novella. I wanted to write a really flawed heroine—Leisa was actually inspired by Holly Hunter’s portrayal of the lead character in Saving Grace. I’d never written for the erotic romance market before, either, so it was a real challenge!

Here’s what I came up with for Even Demons Get The Blues:

Rezon was the Demon King’s lieutenant for four thousand years but even the most badass Demon in Hell gets jaded, so Rez joined the Beguilers. Only trouble is now he’s been beguiled—by Leisa, a tormented human woman who’s captured his heart.

Leisa might look like an angel, but she sure doesn’t act like one. Her guilt is eating her alive. Alcohol and casual sex are her chosen methods of self-destruction, and she’s embracing both with a vengeance.

When Leisa picks up one loser too many, Rez is provoked into showing her what a real man—uh, make that Demon!—can do for her. But Leisa’s been tagged by a Destroyer and her soul is forfeit, so when she inadvertently shatters Rez’s defenses and bonds with him, there’s Hell to pay!

5. What're you working on right now?

I’m working on two manuscripts: a paranormal about Spartan soldiers and the dryad antagonist who steals their humanity, and just for something different, a novella-length “Space Opera”.

6. Who are your "keeper" authors?

Gosh, *glances at her cramped bookcases and overflowing desk* there’s too many to mention here! Angela Knight. Charlaine Harris. Janet Evanovich. Laurell K. Hamilton. Oh, and a really talented writer who goes by the name of Nalini Singh ;-)

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

I loved, loved, LOVED! Angels’ Blood. And I just have to say that if I could be any paranormal creature in the entire world, I’d be one of your angels, Nalini. They’re a truly awe-inspiring creation. *le grand sigh*

Maree Anderson
Even Demons Get The Blues, Red Sage Presents, June 1st
www.mareeanderson.com
www.writersgonewild.blogspot.com
www.eredsage.com
_________________________________

Visionaries. Risk-takers. Just plain wild.

These are some of the words reviewers have used to describe Red Sage authors, the Secrets anthologies, and the Red Sage Presents line of e-books. Featuring best-selling paranormal authors such as Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Emma Holly, Larissa Ione, Cynthia Eden, and many more, Red Sage books have earned a place on many readers’ “keeper” shelves.

This month, Red Sage celebrates its 15th anniversary with a month-long sale and celebration.

15 Years.

15 E-Books.

$1.50 Each.

Visit the Red Sage website, www.eRedSage.com, and Red Sage Revealed (http://redsagerevealed.blogspot.com) throughout the month of June for the sale, special surprises, and maybe even a giveaway or two!

Red Sage. Read Dangerously!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hellhounds, Branded & More

If I could write odes to this little beauty, I would. If I could hang out under its balcony and sing it sweet songs, I would. If I could bake it a cake the size of Texas, draped in miles of frosting ribbons proclaiming Branded by Fire as the best Psy/Changling novel yet, I would. Then I’d eat it. The cake that is. Hmm, maybe the book, too.
From KMont at Lurv A La Mode's review of Branded By Fire! She loved Mercy and Riley's story so much, she's giving away a pre-order of the book. Go forth and enter :-)

Dear Author and SBTB are holding a giveaway, fundraiser and auction in memory of author Edith Layton. In honor of Ms. Layton's love of animals proceeds will go to support animal charities. One of the items up for auction is a bound galley of Must Love Hellhounds, which contains novellas by Charlaine Harris, Meljean Brook, Ilona Andrews & yours truly. Follow the links for more info.

There's a great profile of author Dean Koontz in USA Today.

The Knight Agency is having another Take Home Tuesday.

Jackie at Literary Escapism is hosting author Anna Katherine, giving away a copy of Salt and Silver and talking lies.

Deidre Knight and Gena Showalter are holding a Kiss & Seduce party here.

Bitten By Books is holding a "Who is your heroine?" poll.

And talking about polls, it seems like many of you think Kaleb isn't a bad guy. Interesting...

Monday, June 08, 2009

Open Thread

I'm hunkering down to finish some copy edits over the next couple of days, so I'm turning the blog over to you guys - tell us what you got to over the weekend, share fun/interesting links, chat about fun gadgets you wish you could have (or maybe that's just me - I lust after shiny new gadgets!), basically discuss whatever takes your fancy!

Friday, June 05, 2009

Friday Book Club

It's book club time - all about recommending books you enjoyed.

My recs this week - two fabulous books coming out later this year, Blaze of Memory & Must Love Hellhounds. *grin* As you might guess from that completely unbiased rec, I've been doing galleys and copy edits this week ;-)

Okay, your turn, what are your recommendations?

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Berkley/Jove & Ace/Roc ARC Giveaway

Over at Dear Author.

There might be an ARC y'all may have an interest in.

Clue: B_ _ _ _ _ _ B_ F_ _ _

New Poll

...on sidebar of blog -->

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Book Tour: Red Kiss - Deidre Knight & Silent Blade - Ilona Andrews

It's book tour time!

Quick heads-up: Ilona Andrews' Silent Blade, a short story with Samhain Publishing is now out. More info on Ilona's livejournal!

Now, onto today's OOTB tour!

RED KISS

A Gods of Midnight Novel
by Deidre Knight

Signet Eclips
e
June 2, 2009

Immortal warrior and Spartan slave River Kassandros has a special gift—the ability to transform into any weapon. But in a recent battle, he was trapped as a dagger, unable to become human again. His one hope of salvation is a mere mortal…

When Emma Lowery beaches her kayak on an uninhabited island off the coast of Savannah, an ancient dagger seems to call out to her. Compelled by dark forces, Emma draws blood with his blade, freeing River. Now he’s stronger, angrier—and exudes more sensuality than Emma can resist.

But a sinister power wants to claim River’s destiny, and his precarious freedom. The pair must join the Spartan warriors to fight Ares himself. But can they face sacrificing their love to protect humankind from the war god’s demonic plan?

Excerpt: http://www.deidreknight.com/red_kiss_excerpt.html

ABOUT DEIDRE KNIGHT

Deidre Knight is a literary agent, mom, wife, novelist and southern woman, and proud to answer to all of these titles. Before she founded The Knight Agency in 1996, Deidre worked behind the camera in movies and television. During the thirteen years since she launched her literary agency, she has grown The Knight Agency to national prominence, shepherding authors on to every major bestseller list.

After nearly a decade of working with Knight Agency clients, helping them discover their creative potential, Deidre’s dream of writing romance came true in the form of her debut series THE MIDNIGHT WARRIORS which launched with PARALLEL ATTRACTION in the spring of 2006. She has been nominated for a plethora of industry awards including the PEARL, the PRISM, the NOR, the JABIC and the STRCA.

Deidre's riveting new series, THE GODS OF MIDNIGHT, chronicles the journey of seven passionate and immortal Spartan warriors who battle demons in contemporary Savannah. The first book in the series, RED FIRE, was released on October 7, 2008, and the series’ next installment, RED KISS, premieres June 2, 2009.

REVIEWS

“Knight’s expertise at combining sensuality and pulse-pounding action is on full display. Make room for another “Knight” on your keeper shelf.” – Jill M. Scott, Romantic Times, 4-Star Review

“This is a sensual, action-packed, steaming hot romance! Filled with demons, Gods, immortal warriors, and unique world building, Red Kiss will leave you begging for more.” – Wendy Hines, Armchair Reviews

“Ms. Knight did a wonderful job blending the old world sensibilities with the modern age.” – Eye on Romance

www.DeidreKnight.com
www.DeidreKnight.yuku.com
http://www.deidreknight.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Branded By Fire Excerpt

I'm back from Conscription 2009 (great con - post on it later this week), and as promised, here's another excerpt from Branded By Fire.

Mercy and Riley have been in a meeting with Lucas and Hawke as this begins.
___________

Riley stirred beside her. “You need us the rest of the day?”

It was Lucas who answered. “No. Go . . . play.”

Hawke’s grim look turned wolf-wicked as Mercy narrowed her eyes at her alpha and left the room. She felt Riley exit beside her, though he didn’t say a word until they were back in the main corridors. “I guess the secret’s out.”

“What’re you talking about?” she said, the devil in her taking over. Seeing that bloody, broken body had been the final straw—she needed to decompress. And what better way than by teasing Riley?

“You,” he said, his voice dropping as she stopped and turned to face him, “and me.”

Her nipples hardened to aching points, but she made her expression dismissive. “Don’t flatter yourself.” She shoved her hands into the back pockets of her jeans and rocked back on her heels, decision made. Excitement was a taut bow inside her as she said, “I had an itch. You scratched it. End of story.”

A low growl that made her thighs clench. But she smiled and wiggled her fingers. “See ya later, wolfie.”

Riley was about to stalk after her when be belatedly realized he was no longer alone. Scenting the air, he found out how the intruder had snuck in under his defenses. His wolf didn’t consider his younger sister any kind of a threat. “Bren, don’t say a word.”

Brenna took one look at Riley’s face and bit back a laugh. Not fast enough. Her oldest brother turned to her with that look. The one that made everyone behave. But this time, she was laughing too hard to hold it in any longer.

Riley just waited until she’d gotten it out of her system before raising an eyebrow.

“You and Mercy. I love it!”

Silence.

She sniggered. “You wanted Little Miss Submissive and you got a DarkRiver sentinel.” Her giggles started again, deep in her throat.

“Brenna, I’m still your eldest brother.”

“And I’m mated to a big, bad Psy.” She put on her best annoying little-sister voice. “Plus you know you love me.”

“I know that right now, I wish I had some duct tape to put over your mouth.”

Oooh, that was interesting. Nobody really ever got to Riley. She knew he loved her to pieces, but even she had to prod and poke at him for a really long time before she got a reaction. “Mercy and Riley in a tree. K-i-s-s-i—” She shrieked as he picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and strode toward her quarters.

Her laughter came unbidden. She was giddy with delight. Riley had always been mature, contained, but he’d also had a sense of quiet humor. He was the kind of man children loved because he was both patient and open. But he’d changed after her abduction, withdrawn all that warmth, become so hard that nothing seemed to reach him. She hated that. And she loved Mercy for refusing to allow Riley to be this stranger he’d turned into.

Her nostrils flared at the familiar scent of ice laced with something that was uniquely Judd. “I assume you have a reason for manhandling my mate?” Cool words but his amusement was apparent.

“Riley likes Mercy,” she stage-whispered, trying to twist around to look at her mate. “But she told him that h—oomph.” Riley set her on her feet without warning.

She swayed, but Judd’s hands on her hips kept her upright. Pushing her hair off her face, she leaned into her sexy Psy mate and smirked at Riley. “Sooooo . . .”

“Judd.” Riley ignored her. “You’re obviously not interesting enough for my sister—she’s got way too much time to poke her nose into other people’s business.”

Judd wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin on her hair. “I’m more interested in you and Mercy.”

Growling—Riley actually growled—her big brother turned on his heel and left.
_________

Hmm, wonder where Riley's heading off to???