Weekly Catchup [Edited]

This week has zipped by at the speed of light for me. Where did it go?!

Re the spoilers - okay, looks like the blog is the easier option for most people, so what I'll do is set up a spoiler thread after the book's official release date (Sep 4). Only a few more days to go!! And then you can discuss away.

Also, today, I'm scheduled to guest blog on Jacquelyn Frank's blog. But since it's still yesterday on the other side of the world, that post will go up in about twelve hours time. Confused yet? Don't worry, I'll edit this to let you know when the post goes live. Post is live and we're talking Dangerous Heroes...oooh. Come join me!

And I joined Facebook. Blame my friends. If any of you hang out there, look me up.

Okay, what are you guys up to? How's the week been so far?

CBI News

A comment in yesterday's thread reminded me I need to put up a spoiler thread for Caressed By Ice. Since I don't want people stumbling onto it accidentally, and this seems the easiest way to ensure that, I'll backdate it and put a link in the sidebar.

But, since CBI isn't officially out yet, would you prefer I wait until after Sep 4 to put up the thread? Is it too much temptation? Let me know! (I admit it, I sometimes can't resist reading spoilers if they're there for the reading).

There is one other option - that I set up a yahoogroup specifically for discussion of the series and folks can just put a spoiler warning on their posts if necessary. I need a show of hands - what do you guys prefer?

Also, some GREAT news - CBI is going to be a Featured Alternate of the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Club! Whee!! :)

Caressed By Ice Quiz

Contest Now Closed.

Caressed By Ice is about to be released (yay!) so it's time for another competition. Not only will it promo CBI, it'll give you easy peasey content for your blogs etc. So really, it's a win-win situation!

What's up for grabs?

A US$50 Amazon voucher. (If you win and live outside the States, I'll swap that for an online book retailer in your country).

What do you have to do to be in to win?

1. Go and do the Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You? quiz and paste the result into your blog, livejournal or myspace etc.

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me you've done it and including the web address where it's posted. (If you can't comment for some reason, just email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces).)

3. Do all this before midnight Sunday 9th September 2007 (P.S.T)

While I'd love to take credit for the quiz idea, it came from Jane over at Dear Author. I, however, will take credit for the puzzle itself so you can blame praise me for it *grin*

The results will look something like this. Enjoy and tell everyone you know!

Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You?

Your Psy/Changeling Hero: Judd

Quiet, lethally contained and almost impossible to know, Judd Lauren is a Psy with incredible power. It will take one determined woman to melt this man of ice...but the rewards will be well worth the effort. Are you up to the challenge?Find out more about Judd and the series at http://www.blogger.com/
Take this quiz!








Quizilla

Romance B(u)y the Book & OOTB Tour: Wicked Magic by Cheyenne McCray

I have an OOTB book tour for you today, but before we get to that, I wanted to let you all know that I'm guest-blogging at Romance B(u)y the Book right this second! Not only that, but there's a new excerpt from Caressed By Ice over thataway. So come on by and hang out! (You have to register to comment but the process is very simple). Hope to see some of you there.

Now, onto the tour. Isn't Cheyenne's cover fantastic?!!

WICKED MAGIC by Cheyenne McCray
St. Martin’s, August 28, 2007
ISBN-10: 031294957X
ISBN-13: 978-0312949570

USA Today bestselling author Cheyenne McCray continues her sizzling series with an erotic tale about a gifted witch and a powerful warrior who together create WICKED MAGIC.

A DARK SECRET

Rhiannon Castle is a D'Anu witch whose Coven sisters know nothing of the Shadows that lurk within her. Rhiannon can't reveal the truth to anyone-least of all Keir, a rugged soldier who walks into Rhiannon's life and awakens her to a reckless desire.

A SEARING PASSION

Keir's Tuatha D'Danann brethren are the only real family he has ever known. He trusts no one-until he is sent to San Francisco and meets Rhiannon, the one woman with enough fire to tame him. Every seductive encounter convinces Keir that she belongs with him-even though Rhiannon knows her powers could put him in peril.

A SHARED DESTINY

A new threat rises from the depths of Underworld. When a demon goddess unleashes her evil upon our world, Rhiannon's secret could prove the ultimate weapon in this epic battle-or forge a pathway to destruction for the only man she's ever loved.

Excerpt

ABOUT CHEYENNE McCRAY

USA Today bestselling author Cheyenne McCray has a passion for hot romance and a happily-ever-after, but always with a twist. Among other accolades, Chey has won the prestigious Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for “Best Erotic Romance of the Year.”

Chey penned her first poem in kindergarten, and has been writing ever since she can remember. She always knew one day she would write novels, hoping her readers would get lost in the worlds she created, as she did in her favorites.

Now, she gets to write full time and loves what she does. She’s married to her college sweetheart, has three sons, three dogs, a messy house, and she will do anything to get out of cleaning, which may be why she writes so much.

REVIEWS

4 Stars! “Blistering sex and riveting battles…” Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine

“…all the ingredients for a fiery dish -- stirred up with a big old bundle of lust… the most fun I've had in awhile.” Fresh Fiction

Website: http://www.cheyennemccray.com

Newsletter: http://www.cheyennemccray.com/community/newsletter.htm

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/cheyennemccray

Reader Interview: Katy

Tuesday is reader interview day. If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Without further ado, today's reader interviewee is Katy (whose favorite book is one you have to read if you haven't already. An amazing, amazing story.)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Katy and I live in Florida (USA). I'm an occupational therapist who works with children. I love travelling and reading.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I hoard the books I absolutely love, but I do give away the ones that were okay/good.

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Used to be Dara Joy, but now I really look forward to the Sherrilyn Kenyon books.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Please!

5. Favorite book? Why?

Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi. Just a wonderful book. Real people. Flawed main characters, but you fell in love with them. I've read this book at least 20 times and I love it each time.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Definitely sun block! Big stack of books. Matches?

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Left over pizza...garlic and tomato..yummm.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Right now only 2..I'm waiting for some good ones to come out!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

I can't describe one type of hero. I like the alpha male, but I also enjoy it when an author switches it up and has someone nerdy or different (but special in their own way). I really just love it when I get a hero with quirks that you continue to see throughout the story.

Marked - PC Cast and Kristin Cast

I was lucky enough to grab a signed copy of Marked at one of the signings at the Dallas conference and I am sooooo glad I did. This is a flat out awesome book (and I'm not just saying that because I think PC Cast rocks.)

This is a young adult book but like with Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, you shouldn't let that stop you. Marked has a very smart, likeable heroine, a cool, dark world, and more than enough mystery to carry the series. (As a sidenote, while comparisons with Twilight are probably inevitable because both books deal with the vampire myth, they're two very unique (and wonderful) stories).

Basically, in the world of Marked, vampires exist. At a certain point in adolescence, it becomes obvious whether you're going to become one or not. That's when you leave your old life behind and enter the House of Night, where you learn to live your new life. The catch is, not everyone makes it through the Change. To make things even more complicated for our heroine, Zoey Redbird, the vampire goddess Nyx has given her special abilities and dark things are afoot in the House of Night.

I thought that premise sounded very intriguing and the book didn't let me down. Highly recommended. Check out PC's website for more info. (The book is co-written with her daughter, Kristin, who is just adorable. I probably shouldn't call another author adorable, but Kristin was so cute!).

Weekly Catchup

So we're doing the weekly catchup today. I've been doing copy edits and attempting to tidy the workspace (I need to do more attempting). I've also been smiling like crazy because, Jaci loves Judd and so does Jen!

Oh and I also ate an orange chocolate chip muffin for breakfast. Yum.

Okay, your turn. What's happening in your corner of the world?

Debut Author: Victoria Dahl

I met Victoria at the Dallas conference and upon realizing she was a debut author, I immediately talked her into an interview. Check out the really tough questions I asked her. And if you want to see a larger image of her oh-so-sexy cover, click on the image.

1. Your debut book just released - how's your state of mind?

My state of mind is great! Leading up to my release date, I had been a bit nervous, but I've actually been able to sit back and enjoy it, probably because I'm not working on anything else right now. Thanks for asking. *wink* Actually, it's been truly amazing to get notes from people who like the book. I wrote this book several years ago, so it's been my sole possession for way too long. It's wonderful to share it with everyone!

2. Backcover copy of To Tempt A Scotsman?

After finding herself at the center of a very public scandal that left oneman dead and another on the run, Lady Alexandra Huntington has exiled herself toher brother's estate and is content to manage his affairs. But the arrival ofdarkly handsome Collin Blackburn awakens her curiosity and her desire--and theadvantage of being a fallen woman is that she can be ruined only once...

After a promise sworn to his father, Collin Blackburn is compelled to seekthe aid of the woman who brought about his brother's death in a senseless duel.Yet Lady Alexandra is not the shameless femme fatale he expected. In fact,Collin suspects she is guilty of nothing more than a hunger to experiencepassion, and the brawny Scot is certainly equippd to oblige. But thequick-witted, keenly sensual Alexandra has a few lessons of her own toimpart--on life, love, and the delicious joys of succumbing to temptation. . .

"A sexy, scintillating tale." - Connie Brockway, New York Times bestsellingauthor

3. Okay, I admit it. I haven't read your book yet (hey, books take longer to arrive in NZ). What can you say to convince me of its awesomeness so I can't resist picking it up?

I forgive you, Nalini. I really, really do. But you are missing out on a hot romance that sizzles with tension between two unique characters. My heroine has been described as... well, I won't tell you what one reviewer called her, but let's just say she's a naughty girl who's determined to get what she wants. From the hero. *nudge, nudge* And my hero is not upper-class and not interested in taking on a woman who is, so he's a bit different in that respect. Also, this book won the Golden Heart. AND the Between the Sheets love scence contest (for the infamous Bathtub Scene). *nudge, nudge*

So, have I convinced you yet?

4. Your cover is...intriguing. Any comments?

Oh, my. The cover. Well, I'm sure most of your readers know this, but we authors have no control over our covers. So it's a pretty scary wait for that first glimpse. I mean, it could be.... *shudder*... anything

Could be an old fashioned, hair blowing in the wind clinch cover. Could be hero-only. Could be a giant color-washed photo of a man's ass. Anything. My first taste of this cover was a black and white copy of the mock up. It read, "Background will be red," in my editor's handwriting. And they were naked. Really naked. And gorgeous. And he had short hair!!! Yay! I stood at the mailbox and called my husband. "There are two naked people on the cover, I kid you not." My second response was, "Oh, my God, no way could someone pass by this book without looking."

I'm very, very pleased. *big grin*

5. Have you ever tempted a Scotsman?

I haven't. That I know of, anyway. But my husband is Irish, and I still manage to tempt him pretty often, so I'm doing all right.

6. What's next for Victoria Dahl?

My second historical will be out in 2008, probably August, and PROBABLY titled A Rake's Guide to Passion. I'm just starting the third historical. (They are all related.) And I recently finished up a funny, sexy contemp that I'm hoping to have news about someday soon! Wish me luck!

7. Any other (dark) secrets you'd like to share?

No. None. Why? What did someone tell you? Is it about conference? Because that is totally not true. I don't even drink gin and I've never worn a tube top.

Thanks so much for having me, Nalini! You're a wonderful writer AND a wonderful person!

(I swear I didn't pay her to say that.) More details about Victoria and her books at: http://www.victoriadahl.com/

Bits & Pieces

It looks like the quiz is taking off. Yay! Hope you're all having fun with it.

I still haven't downloaded my photos from the RWNZ conference, but once I do, there shall be a picture fest.

More awesome reviews for Caressed By Ice are coming in now, including reader reviews from the winners of the ARC contest. Check them out!

Reader Interview: Nichole a.k.a BookQueen

Tuesday is reader interview day. If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Without further ado, today's reader interviewee is Nichole a.k.a. BookQueen. Happy 10th anniversary in advance!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

-I'm an avid reader.
-I'm a librarian.
-On October 18th my husband and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. And they said it wouldn't last!
-I have no human children but am "mommy" to 4 furbabies (cats).

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

-A hoarder. It's getting a bit out of control, really. They're threatening to take over the house!

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

-Harlan Coben: talented, good sense of humor and bald! Yum!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

-Chocolate and I have a long standing and very satisfying relationship!

5. Favorite book? Why?

-Jellybeans for Breakfast. It's one of the first books I remember reading and I absolutely loved it! I've been crazy for books ever since.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

-For my mind: my book collection
-For my stomach: chocolate, the darker the better
-For my heart: my husband

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

-Since it's Sunday, my husband and I indulged and made pancakes and bacon.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

-11

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

-It's such a cliche but tall, dark and handsome. Flawed. Sensual. Strong.

Contest Winners

Okay, here's the list of winners. If you asked for one of my books, you got it. I then did a random draw for all the folks who put their names down for a mystery book. If you won, you should've already got an email. Congrats!

April
Ayesha
Teresa W.
Cherie J.
Jennifer K.
Shaneh
Casee
Kat
Kim W.
Tammy G.
Lesley W.
Zhan
Danette B.
Karen W.
Ashley V.
Cathy M.

(p.s. The mystery prizes encompassed: M&B Presents, historical, paranormal and romantic suspense books. Not telling the titles though! Enjoy the surprise.)

I'm back!

Back from a fabulous conference and madly doing the catchup thing. I've closed the Away at Conference Competition and if all goes well, I'll draw the winners sometime today. More coherent posts (and photos) to come in the next few days. Plus another fun competition.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend (and missed me like mad of course!)

RWNZ Conference (Edited)

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

I'm off to the Romance Writers of NZ conference today and I'm so looking forward to catching up with all my friends from around the country and across the ditch (a.k.a. the Tasman Sea).

The RWNZ conference is relatively small by RWA standards, but I love the feeling of not being lost in the crowd - even if you come to this conference knowing no one, you won't stay that way for long. So if anyone's thinking of a trip to NZ, time it for the conference! :)

Since I won't be posting again until Monday, I thought I'd run a short competition. If you want to enter, follow these steps:

1. Email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces)
2. Put "Away at Conference" in the subject header
3. Put your name and address in the body of the email
4. Put your prize preference

And what are the prizes? Well, here's the deal. I have a whole bunch of my Sil Desire books, which I know some people are trying to get hold of, plus I have a random selection of books from other authors (sorry, no time to write up a list!). If you'd like one of my Desires, put the title in the email. If you'd prefer a mystery book*, put that in the email.

A little complicated, I know. But it'll make it easier for me to send the books out quickly once I pick the random winners.

And later next week, something interesting is going to happen, so don't forget to swing by. Now, I'm off to pack!

[*Edited to Add: Oops, seems I wasn't clear - "mystery books" doesn't equal books in the mystery genre. It's just a mystery what book you'll get. Could be anything!]

Reader Interview: Athena

Tuesday is reader interview day (except today is Wednesday so just pretend it's yesterday). If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Without further ado, today's reader interviewee is Athena (who has a very succint description of her perfect hero*g*).

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Ok. Name's Athena. I'm five foot even. Blonde hair to my rear...luv to read and relax (ok, ok some may say that's being lazy but i gotta disagree) Originally from Mississippi.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I prefer calling it a "collector"

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

All of them.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

whispers~do not offend thy nectar of the gods'. It is called ambrosia not "chocolate"

5. Favorite book? Why?

Don't have favorites. I love them each and everyone...

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Chocolate, BOOKS, and a hawt guy...not necessarily in that order.

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Enough Beinget to stuff the French Quarter

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

None. I Conquer. I unabashedly Ignore everyone to Read. Then I lovingly stack into my other piles.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Yummy. 'Nuff said.

Questions & Answers & Other Stuff

Today's supposed to be Reader Interview day but I wanted to give you a heads up on a couple of things so the interview will go up tomorrow.

First - I'm answering questions for the next two weeks over at the Romantic Times forum, so come on over and hang out. It's the "Ask the Author" thread.

Second - my website has just been updated. Big news is that Bookplates are now available.

And third - my hands are really cold. I need one of these!! Is it for real you think? In that case, I must have one!

Mr Irresistible - Karina Bliss

I think I posted about how much I enjoyed Karina’s first book – Mr. Imperfect*. Well, I enjoyed Mr. Irresistible even more. I just love Karina’s voice, and how her characters are flawed human beings who manage to find their way to a happy ending.

This book is about Jordan, who I think of as the charmer of the group. It’s really hard to write a believable charmer hero, but Karina did it. Jordan has hidden depths and he’s wonderful hero material – not perfect, but perfect for the heroine, Kate.

It’s a very real contemporary story, but there’s a big romantic moment in the book that’s just wuuuuunderful and absolutely right in terms of why and when it happens. I was all misty-eyed over it. I can’t say more because it would be a huge spoiler, but if you read it, you’ll know it when it happens.

As you can tell, I liked it. If you want to check out an excerpt and make up your own mind, here’s the link to Karina’s site. Now, tell me about what you've read lately.

*This book just won the R*BY (The Romantic Book of the Year award from the Romance Writers of Australia. Congratulations, Karina!)

Links

If you haven't seen it, Meljean Brook now has a cover for Demon Night, the next book in her awsome series.

Dona Sarkar-Mishra also has a gorgeous cover for her debut book, How to Salsa in a Sari.

Milady Insanity has up an excerpt for Portia Da Costa's Extracting Suite Seventeen, and she's giving away books.

Talking about giveaways, The Knight Agency is once more running a contest. Up for grabs are Jaci Burton's Wild, Wicked and Wanton and Gena Showalter's Enslave Me sweetly.

Danette continues her author interviews with Anny Cook, who writes for EC and Cerridwen Press.

Diana Peterfreund talks about entering writing contests and over at RRAH, Patti O'Shea talks about how she got the idea for her new book.

That's it for today! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Weekly Catchup [Edited]

So, I've been gone a month - catch me up with what's been happening in your corner of the world! As for me, I'm currently having issues with the power cable of my laptop so if I'm late responding to emails/comments, it's because I have no power!

Also, a quick link - the Romance Writers of Australia conference is this weekend, and several folks I know are up for the R*BY, the Romantic Book of the Year award. Two of those ladies - Karina Bliss and Helen Kirkman - have been left holding the fort while the others go off to the conference, so they're having a bit of a cyber-party over at eharlequin. Follow this link to go join them!

Edited to Add: Courtesy of Random.org the winner of You Had Me At Halo from Amanda Ashby is Alyssa, who made the second to last comment on yesterday's post. Congrats! Please email your addie to amanda @ amandaashby.com (without the spaces), and she'll get the book out to you.

Zombies, Halos and an Interview with debut author Amanda Ashby

Amanda’s a fellow member of RWNZ so I always planned to read her debut book. Then I heard the title and I knew I had to read the book as soon as it came out – that is one of the most romantic lines in any movie ever (“You had me at hello” is from Jerry Maguire, for those of you who haven’t seen the movie. Go rent it! It’s romantic in the best way.)

The book revolves around Holly Evans. Not only is she dead, but everyone thinks she committed suicide, which she so did NOT do. And now, she’s been kicked out of heaven. She’s got two days to sort her out her issues or face the consequences. Trouble is, she’s got to do the sorting while in the body of a guy. He’s supposed to have vacated the premises, except that Vince didn’t get the memo and he’s still inside the body, too.

Fun premise, no? It’s a fun book, too, and more than that, it’s got a charm that I dare you to resist. I admit, at the beginning, Holly sometimes made me crazy but this book wouldn’t have worked if she was perfect to start out with. The cool thing about Halo, was seeing Holly develop. By the end, I was thinking that she’d be a funny, sweet friend to have.

As for Vince – he goes into the hot hero category. I fell in love with him just as Holly did. Seriously, he’s a keeper and the book is a wonderful debut.

And now, onto the really tough interview questions! (Amanda's giving away a copy of Halo, so just leave a comment to be in to win. Winner announced tomorrow).

1. Who is Amanda Ashby? Tell us all your deep, dark secrets.

Hmmmm, well obviously I can't tell you about the spying stuff because otherwise I'd have to kill you and ditto with the superpowers thing, so I guess that just leaves my unhealthy addiction to chocolate and David Boreanaz - oh, and I bet you get loads of blog hits because I've mentioned them both in the same sentence!

Actually, the truth is that I'm pretty regular. Two kids, one husband and an overactive imagination.

2. Your first book just came out - how's that feel?

It rocks!!!! Seriously though, it does feel a bit weird - like it's happening to someone else - but so far I've been loving every minute of this otherperson's journey!!!

3. The subject matter of your book is just a wee bit quirky - what made you decide to write about the whole life after death thing?

I wrote this book just after my dad died and while the original idea came from an imaginary conversation I had with him at the funeral (hey, I'm a writer - I already know I'm crazy!), the rest of the book came about because I just kept thinking how annoying it must be to die with loose ends (or without knowing the end of the Harry Potter books). As for the body sharing, well that was purely because as soon as I realized my heroine needed to get back to earth, the whole metaphysical thing hit me and I knew that she would have to hijack someone else's body.

4. What's been the most fun part of the publishing journey for you?

Everytime I get an email from my agent or my editors I just feel like the luckiest girl alive!!!!

5. What's next for Amanda Ashby?

Zombies. I've just sold a young adult book about a girl who accidentally turns her entire school into zombies (seriously, it could've happened to anyone) and now she has to find a cure before she ends up being first course on the zombie menu. Apart from that I'm working on another young adult book and another women's fiction novel as well.

Here's Amandas Website: http://www.amandaashby.com - go forth and read an excerpt. Also, don't forget to leave a comment and enter to win a copy of Halo from Amanda.

OOTB Tour: The Lure of the Wolf - Jennifer St. Giles

Sorry for the late post folks. But not only do I have a fabulous OOTB tour for you today, I want to give you a heads up on tomorrow - there's going to be a great interview with a debut author (I wonder who?) and she's giving away a copy of her book, so don't forget to drop by!

Onto the book tour, featuring USA Today bestseller Jennifer St. Giles!
__________________________

THE LURE OF THE WOLF by Jennifer St. Giles

Pocket, July 31, 2007

Mighty warriors sworn to protect humanity, the shape-shifters known as The Shadowmen move between two worlds. Now their dark leader has exiled himself from the spirit world, opening the door to the forces of chaos...and to the power of love.

Half wolf, half man, Aragon has abandoned his brethren to repay a debt of honor; he is sworn to kill a rogue Blood Hunter, though exacting revenge will doom him to a ghostly existence trapped between two worlds. But when a mortal woman unexpectedly calls him to her side, the heat of her soft flesh arouses a hunger in him that threatens to complicate his mission.

Dr. Annette Batista, a dedicated healer, is determined to find her missing sister. With the amulet found at the site of her sister's disappearance, she unwittingly summons a shadowy warrior. She wonders if she can trust this powerful male named Aragon, who claims he can vanquish her sister's captor -- the very monster he's vowed to destroy. Or is Annette blinded by her shocking passion for the most alluring, mysterious man she's ever seen?

Excerpt

Book Trailer

ABOUT JENNIFER ST. GILES

Following the birth of her third child, Jennifer St. Giles quit her job as a nurse and became a home educator to her three children and pursued her life long dream of writing in her "spare time". Jenni lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia with her husband of twenty-three years, her three children, two cats, one dog, and a two-handfuls of neighborhood kids who make the household the wildest most wonderful Grand Central Station in existence.


REVIEWS

Raw emotions give way to desperate choices, which adds to breathless reading pleasure! 4 stars – Romantic Times

Website http://www.jenniferstgiles.com

Reader Interview: DanetteB

Tuesday is reader interview day. If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Without further ado, today's reader interviewee is Danette B, whose favorite book is also one of my keepers - ah Vane! :)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a stay at home mom with three girls. I’m currently going back to college a couple classes at a time.(Not sure what I want to major in,yet) I’m always on the web doing something. I run a blog where I talk about whatever is on my mind and I’m getting into interviewing authors. When I’m not in front of the computer I’m taking care of kids, at the beach or reading a good book.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I share my books when I can, but if someone has one of my favorites, I’ll give them a little nudge. *g*

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Sherrilyn Kenyon, she got me hooked on romance.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

If it’s milk chocolate.

5. Favorite book? Why?

Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon, I picked up that book in 2001 and have been reading constantly ever since.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Lip gloss, an umbrella and my books

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

a Danish

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

50+

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

My perfect hero is strong willed, loyal, mostly alpha(hey he needs a little bit of sensitivity) who fight for the ones he loves and has sense of humor.

The Duke and I - Julia Quinn

This was my on-the-plane book for the trip from New Zealand to the US. Given that the trip takes around thirteen hours, you'd think I'd take more than one book, but there's the lure of the inflight entertainment system (and it was a night flight so I was hoping to grab some shuteye). I'm telling you all this so you'll know how good a book would have to be to keep me glued to the page.

This did it.

I cannot BELIEVE I've never read Julia Quinn before. With this one book, she jumped onto my must-read list. The good news is that because I'm a newbie to JQ, I now have a yummy backlist to go through.

The Duke and I kicks off the Bridgerton family series. Basic story is that Daphne Bridgerton is sick of not attracting any serious suitors, not because men don't like her, but because they like her too much. She's too "normal" - they all treat her as a trusted friend, nothing more, while she wants to find love and get married. Simon Hastings, the Duke of the title, on the other hand, has no desire to marry but is being hunted by the unmarried women of the ton.

Daphne and Simon decide to fix each other's problems by pretending to form an attachment - the duke's attraction to Daphne will make her of interest to other men, while the same attachment will keep Simon safe from the attentions of others. Except things don't go according to plan and Daphne and Simon end up married.

Daphne is a great heroine - she is normal, in the best way. No histrionics for Daphne. She just gets things done and I loved her for it. And Simon is a great foil for her - so dark and brooding.

If you want to read a more detailed review, check out Jane's at Dear Author, one of the reviews that convinced me I needed to read this. On my part, I really loved The Duke and I. I literally didn't stop reading until I finished. Now, I must get my paws on the rest of the series!

Links, Contest & OOTB Tour: Moongazer - Marianne Mancusi

I'm heading off to a romance writers meeting this weekend and looking forward to it - nothing like hanging out with book people. But, before I go, I have a couple of cool things for you.

First up, fellow Knight Agency author Jennifer St. Giles has just hit the USA Today Bestseller list. Go Jennifer! To celebrate, the agency is giving away several copies of her books. You have till Monday to enter.

Second, I've got another interesting OOTB tour book for you. Details below! (FYI for the writers out there - this is one of the releases from Dorchester's new Shomi line).
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MOONGAZER by Marianne Mancusi

Dorchester, August 2007

Imagine every night entering a nightmare world you can't escape and being told your life is a dream. Skye Brown has it all: the cool job, the hot boyfriend, the apartment on New York's Upper West Side. But lately she can't enjoy any of it. She's having dreams of a post-apocalyptic world. Of a bleak futuristic wasteland. Of a struggle against oppression. And she's been told she's a...

MOONGAZER

But what is that? And what is reality? In her dreams, she's not Skye Brown at all, but Mariah Quinn. In her dreams there's Dawn, the beautiful yet haunted soldier, and Skye is but the empty shell of a girl he once loved. And there was a betrayal, a great betrayal. Ripped between Dark Siders and club kids, the mundane and the mystic, Skye must discover who she is, what she wants and who wants her. And why. But in the glow of the moon, it's not always easy to recognize the face in the mirror.

Excerpt

ABOUT MARIANNE MANCUSI

When it comes to writing, award winning author Marianne Mancusi doesn't like to play by the rules. A multiple Emmy award winning television producer, she sold 11 novels to three publishers (Dorchester, Berkley , Dutton Children's) in less than three years. Marianne has worked in television stations in Orlando , San Diego , and Boston . A graduate of Boston University 's College of Communications , she currently produces for a nationally syndicated lifestyle show. She lives in Manhattan 's Upper West Side .

REVIEWS

“Exhilarating! Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down!”

* New York Times Bestselling Author Gena Showalter

"Dreams, reality and virtual reality collide in Mancusi’s exciting and frightening new futuristic thriller.”

* Romantic Times Magazine 4 Star Review

"An enthralling combination of The Matrix and Snow Crash with a bit of Blade Runner thrown into the mix.”

- SF Scope

Website http://www.mariannemancusi.com

More Conference Photos

As promised, here are some more photos from the RWA Dallas conference, this time with links and everything!

First up, I have a couple of pictures of the Brainstorming Desirables. This is a fabulous, supportive online group I've been part of for years so it was extra special to meet several of these ladies in person.

The first pic is Carol Burnside (check out her blog for more great pictures from Dallas) and Theresa Stevens (Managing Editor for Red Sage Publishing).


This next pic is Marilyn Puett (Writing Playground), fantasy author Gail Dayton and Desire author Emilie Rose.

I also got a chance to meet up with Christina Brashear (Publisher, Samhain Publishing), and a couple of my online buddies - Jaci Burton, and Angie James (editor, Samhain Publishing).

Talking about online folks, I also had a chance to meet and have a fun chat with Wendy, the Super Librarian, gothic writer Sandra Schwab and the lovely Kristie J.

I also met Candy and Sarah from SBTB, Sybil from The Good, the Bad and the Unread, and Jane from Dear Author, but that photo didn't come out properly, so I'm reduced to blatant thievery. Here's one of me and Jane from the wonderful Ann Christopher's blog (more photos there), who I was lucky enough to meet and who was my partner in crime in playing with Jane's nifty iphone (I so want one).
Another writer I met for the first time was Eve Silver, who also writes as Eve Kenin for Dorchestor's new Shomi line.
And finally, here's a picture from RITA night - me, the fabulous Gail Dayton and LUNA author Jeri Smith-Ready.

There were so many other fabulous people I met over the conference that it's impossible to name them all - it was just a brilliant time and I'm so glad I went.

Stop Press!

I'm absolutely delighted to announce that the Psy/Changeling series is now contracted up to book 7! According to the current schedule, that means two books (plus a novella) out in 2008 (Clay and Dorian), and another two in 2009. Yippee!!

Lora Leigh - Tanner's Scheme

So you all know that I'm a fan of Lora Leigh's Breeds series, so when she gave in to my masterful persuasion (*g*) and sent me an advanced copy of Tanner's Scheme (out now!), I was all over it like white on rice. And that was before I saw that cover! Wow, would you turn him down? *fans self*

Okay, moving on. Tanner is a Bengal Tiger breed, which by itself is sexy enough, but when you add in his lazy charm and intelligence, oh man, is he hot! The lucky woman at the center of his attentions is Scheme Tallant, daughter of the notorious General Tallant, someone who is one of the Breed's most hated enemies. Talk about tension.

Sensually, this book is scorching. It pushes at the boundaries but it works fabulously within the context of Breed society and behaviour. But what really got to me was the emotional intensity - there were parts that just tore into me, I was feeling so much for these two characters. TS gripped me from start to finish and it was a heck of a ride.

Excellent, wonderful book - only problem is, I want more right this second! I'm hoping Lora Leigh will write the story of Tanner's twin, Cabal, soon. I'm fascinated by him.

OOTB Tour: Michelle Rowen - Fanged and Fabulous

Today I'm catching up with one of the OOTB tours I missed posting while I was traveling. Check out Michelle Rowen's Fanged and Fabulous below. This book sounds like so much fun.

Update on what's coming up on the blog over the next week - I have some book recommendations (they're goooooood), more awesome photos and there might even be a helping of really cool news (what could it be?!).

But first, Michelle's book!
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FANGED & FABULOUS by Michelle Rowen

Warner Forever, July 1, 2007

Just stake me now.

My name is Sarah Dearly, and I've got major problems. Last month, I was turned into a vampire by the world's worst blind date. Then I may have, totally by accident, started a war between the mostly peaceful bloodsuckers and a bunch of sociopathic vamp hunters who have nicknamed me the Slayer of Slayers. Now I'm being used as bait to draw out the hunters' bad-ass leader, while my gorgeous 600-year-old boyfriend Thierry seems to be blowing me off, and my sizzle-hot, fanged friend Quinn is trying to turn my self-defense lessons into make-out sessions. So you know what? I'm done. I've had it. There comes a time when a vamp has to just suck it up and go after what she wants. And as soon as I figure out what that is, that's exactly what I'll do...

Excerpt

Book Trailer

ABOUT MICHELLE ROWEN

Michelle Rowen is a self-confessed bibliophile, Reality TV junkie, and is well known for making a mean pot of Kraft Dinner. Her debut title, BITTEN & SMITTEN, was a Waldenbooks bestseller and the 2007 HOLT Medallion winner for “Best First Book.” Michelle lives in Mississauga, Ontario, and is currently hard at work on her next fantastical novel.

REVIEWS

"What's a new vampire to do? Win a lot of readers with her upbeat persistence, that's for sure. You can't put "Fanged & Fabulous" down." – NYT Bestselling Author Charlaine Harris

"Four stars! an exciting, action-packed and often humorous tale…a great addition to Rowen's vampire series. " – Romantic Times BOOKreviews

"Rowen has done it again. She has written another wonderfully amusing, suspenseful story. It’s terrific!!" – Romance Reviews

Website: http://www.michellerowen.com