There Be Dolphins

The plan is to get back to the normal schedule of posting this week, but I might miss a day here or there as I'm playing tour guide this week, and showing a friend from Japan around my corner of the world.

It's quite interesting seeing things from a tourist perspective. Yesterday, we went dolphin watching in the Hauraki Gulf. Check it out!!

Yes, these are from my camera! The water was so clear and a whole pod of dolphins ran along in front of the catamaran for ages. Apparently, they like to surf the waves generated by the boat.


We also saw lots of little blue penguins swimming around (they're so fast!), as well as gannets flying overhead. The view in the Gulf - of the marine life, the islands, the yachts, the sea itself - was amazing. It was such a great day. If anyone's ever down this way, I'd totally recommend doing this!

Good News!

My head is spinning. Why?

Publishers Weekly reviewed Mine to Possess and called it "...paranormal romance at its best..." Squee!!!!

I was still walking on air over that when I found out that Romantic Times gave MtP a 4.5 star Top Pick!!!!

But wait, there's more. Caressed By Ice was picked as one of the Hottest Books of 2007 by Michelle Buonfiglio's Romance B(u)y the Blog at Lifetime TV; and as I was about to write this blog, I was told that CBI's also been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award!!

Hence the head spinning (and excessive use of exclamation marks)! I think I need to throw a cyber-party to celebrate. So, pull up a chair, bring your drink of choice and tell me what's made your head spin lately. :-)

Cake is not a food group...or is it?

How're the holidays going for everyone? :-)

Happy Holidays!!

Sand, snow or sunshine, I hope you all have a fun and fabulous day! :)

Review & Bollywood

It's Christmas Eve!! That means it's Christmas tomorrow! Lots of sunshine down in New Zealand - I'm thinking the beaches will be packed for the holidays. :)

I've already gotten a very nice present - tugsduck, one of the winners of the ARC Contest, read and loved MtP. Here's what she said in the comments to Friday's post:

It was awesome! I read until my eyes wanted to pop out of my head (much to the chagrin of my boyfriend!).

This book is just as good if not better than those preceding it. It has humor, poignancy, and sensuality (much to the pleasure of my boyfriend once I was done reading!). Clay and Talin's story was the bomb!

This book will be added to my keepers to be enjoyed again and again... for all of you eagerly anticipating the release date, it will definitely be worth the wait!

Link to full Comment (#9)

Yippee!! Thanks tugsduck! And now, I have a present for all of you. I recently watched a Bollywood movie called Om Shanti Om. There's a lovely song in it - I won't translate it except to say that it's super-romantic, and the title line means (not an exact translation): "In your eyes, there is a kind of magic."

The video below is actually a trailer for the movie, but it uses the song (a really short version). If you want to hear the beautiful full version, search Ajab Si on YouTube (or better yet, go see if the movie's playing near you!) Also, in case you wonder about the costumes - the first half of the movie is set in the 70's, the second half in the present day. Enjoy! :)

Link to Trailer

Weekly Catchup

I realized I missed a question earlier - about an excerpt from Hostage to Pleasure. It's a bit too early yet for HtP. Chapter 1 will be included in back of Mine to Possess, though. Here's a tip - if you're tempted to read that excerpt before diving into MtP...resist! Trust me, you'll enjoy it a lot more. :)

So, how's the week been? Any plans? I can't believe it's almost 2008!

[Edited] Update & Book Tour: Gena Showalter - Savor me Slowly

Ok, the Mine to Possess ARC winners have all been notified. Check your email if you entered. I'm not announcing the winners names yet, but if you won, feel free to "out" yourself!

[Edited to add:] Winners who I've heard back from - Casee, Nicole C., Joni, Angela H., Bel, Jennifer R., Helen G., Stephanie S., Amy B., Tina C., Brooke, Ria, Janet, Kirsten S., Margarida, Sweet, Peggy, Anna, Sonia, Rosemary

I want to thank all of you for your enthusiasm for the contest and for MtP. I hope you all fall adoringly in love with Clay and Tally's story!! :-)

Talking about releases, check out the OOTB book tour for the fabulous Gena Showalter's next Alien Huntress book! I'm so loving that cover!
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SAVOR ME SLOWLY by Gena Showalter

(Pocket) December 26, 2007

Mishka Le’Ace was created to be an undercover operative . . . literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength -- strength she’s going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know. . .

From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le’Ace forces her to do things she doesn’t always want to do. Even betray him . . . and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le’Ace and even Le’Ace herself to at last claim the woman he’s come to love.

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER:

Gena Showalter sold her first book at the age of 27. Three years later, at the ripe old age of 30, she had sold an amazing total of 15 books in a multitude of genres: paranormal romance, contemporary chick lit/romance hybrid, young adult and urban fantasy. Her books provide something for every fan of fiction. For more information about Gena and her novels, you can visit her website at www.genashowalter.com and her blog at www.genashowalter.blogspot.com

REVIEWS:

In versatile Showalter’s new futuristic novel, the world teeters on the edge of disaster unless a tough band of human and alien allies can stop it. Danger spiced with sizzling sensuality are definitely hallmarks of Showalter’s style. Kicking butt and taking names is what these protagonists do best which cranks up the action quotient for this intense new book! – Romantic Times

One of the premiere authors of paranormal romance.” New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

SAVOR ME SLOWLY is the third and strongest installment in Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress series. As riveting as the previous two books were this one is better. Fresh Fiction

The characters in this book are flawlessly drawn. . . Science fiction at its best! So if you’ve never picked up a story by this talented author, now is the time to start. Two Lips Reviews -- 5 lips, their highest rating!

Website: http://www.genashowalter.com

Contest Update, Excerpt & Reader Interview: Erin

Just a quick update: the emails will probably go out today to the winners of the ARC contest. I'll do some sort of blog post on it either later today, or tomorrow. Also, the website has been updated with a new excerpt from Mine to Possess!

Now, onto the interview (if you'd like to participate, details are here)! Today's interviewee is is Erin, who also loves Remembrance (one of my favorite books)!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

- I'm 25 years old and work at a trade assocation as an accounting assistant. I currently live in Olympia, Wash., and love reading, photography, swimming and history. I'm single, and loving it, and travel is my obsession.

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

- HOARD! It's really bad, actually. I just moved, and had to pack up my books - over 900 of them! But how do you give them away? I re-read every night before I go to bed, so I need a library as a selection, since I never know what mood I'll be in.

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

- I'm really, really not the stalker type, but I do tend to check on certain author's websites and blogs - Lynn Viehl, Marjorie M. Liu, Meljean Brook and Allison Brennan are a few that are on my favorites list.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

- At certain times of the month, very susceptible. All other times, not so much.

5. Favorite book? Why?

- So, so hard. I don't have a favorite, but I have a few that have moved me on a deep level. Dream Boy by Jim Grimsley, Remembrance by Jude Deveraux, Shadow Touch by Marjorie M. Liu for a few. The why is difficult, but I like subtle. I want to feel the emotions, and not have to read that so-so is angry,happy, etc., and I want it simple. All of these books have a lyricism that lures you in.

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

- 1 case of flare guns, 1 case of pens, 1 case of notebooks.

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

- Grapefruit

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

- Umm...about 20, I think, with books that are currently out. I've got about 15 more on pre-order, including Mine to Possess *squeal*

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

- No one's perfect, but...very smart, quiet, can make me laugh, dangerous when riled, open minded and for a physical trait, I like 'em lean.

Which character in a book do you relate most with?

- Hmm. Callie Dunbrook in Birthright by Nora Roberts and Rachel Morgan in the Rachel Morgan books by Kim Harrison. Callie because she's stubborn, loves history and loves cello music, and Rachel because she's stubborn, klutzy, and always ends up doing stuff she didn't intend.

Book Tour: SheWolf - Teresa D'Amario

I've got a book tour for you today from debut author Teresa D'Amario. Details below!

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SHEWOLF - Teresa D'Amario
Freya's Bower
December 18, 2007

A small town veterinarian has a big time problem. She's not human.

Plagued as a child with an extra-sensitive sense of smell, strength, and eyesight, Anna Callaway always thought she was special. But she didn't understand how special until she met Kieran Hunter.

He insists they are True Mates, but he's not human either. He's wolven.

Kieran is a protector of his race. No longer the Alpha of his pack, he spends his time searching out and punishing any who may reveal their race to humans. While patrolling, he finds two wolven about to kidnap Anna. He battles to protect her, but is surprised to find himself drawn to her in a way he never expected.

The couple must learn to deal with their differences before they can address their similarities. But when three men kidnap Anna, she must decide if she is to embrace the wolven way of life, or return to her quiet existence. And whether to abandon the man who claims her as his True Mate.

EXCERPT: http://teresadamario.com/shewolf.htm

REVIEWS

A dangerously spirited heroine and a sexy hero combine to make one whirlwind of a read. Teresa D'Amario has crafted a fun, steamy debut! ~ Larissa Ione, multi-published author

Teresa D'Amario has crafted a dynamic romance layered through with passion, provocation, and a mutual respect that is rare between fictional heroes and heroines. I'm especially in awe of this debut author's SheWolf - Anna sparkles with satisfyingly feminine strength! ~Emily Ryan-Davis Author of the Dragon Queen series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teresa comes from the time of too many hours of Dark Shadows and Star Trek, and when she read her first paranormal romance, it was like coming home. Less than a year later Teresa completed her first full length novel, followed by several others. SheWolf is her first published novel, but with many more to follow. She lives in NC with her husband and two dogs who believe they are her children. **Shhh. Don't tell them different now.**

Saturday Links

"Amazon.com Inc., which has sold more than 12 million Harry Potter books online, said it bought J.K. Rowling's handwritten volume of fairy tales for 1.95 million pounds ($3.98 million) at a London charity auction yesterday...." Full story here.

"I bet no one ever received her CALL while she was wielding a nailgun on a rooftop..." From Gennita Low's First Sale Story (I'm seriously addicted to these stories, and this one rocks.)

It's the holiday season, and The Knight Agency wants you to come party!

Is it a leopard? Is it an ocelot? No, it's an ocicat. Check out these pictures (scroll down on the page) of a rare breed of cat that looks like a miniature leopard. I'm fascinated...

That's it for today. Have a safe and happy weekend everyone. :-)

Weekly Catchup

It's Friday! What's everyone been up to? Any fabulous plans for this weekend? My plan is to clear the decks of all the little errands that have been building. Oh, what excitement! ;)

MtP Review & Contest Update

Some good news to kick of the day: Mine to Possess was reviewed by Gail for the PW blog Beyond Her Book. Here's what she had to say:

This book was fast paced and riveting. I can truthfully say that once you start reading it, you'll find it impossible to put down!

Yay!!

__________

Also, an update on the MtP ARC Contest. There's been a slight delay - my poor publicist is in the region hit by the ice storm and so are the ARCs. Once I know when they might be able to be posted out, I'll notify the winners.

Rereads

Question for today: What do you think it is about some stories that makes them so imminently re-readable? It's different for all readers, so what makes something a keeper/reread for you?

On another topic, it was reported on the news over here that ice storms are hitting the US. Hope all of you in those regions are staying warm and safe.

Reader Interview: Tara

Tuesday is reader interview day. If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Today's interviewee is Tara, who has a head start on all of us when it comes to chocolate!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a stay at home mom with 2 kids and a fantastic husband! I love to read and hope to one day write a book of my own…even if I am the only one who reads it! My favorite color is yellow because it makes me feel warm and sunny! If I was at a party in a crowded room…just follow the laugh!!

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

I am a total hoarder. I have a hard time even loaning out books!! “MINE, ALL MINE” In most things I am very giving and sweet…when it comes to my books I am not!! lol

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

All of the authors that are kind enough to respond to me!! I get star crazed and want to know all about them!! I would not go as far as stalking them (at least not yet) but I do wish I could know each one on a friend type level rather than an outsider looking in. I do have a dark hunter tattoo (I love Sherrilyn Kenyon books). So I am just crazy enough to permanently alter my body!!!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Apparently my mom put chocolate milk in my bottle as a baby!! Seriously…. but that was in the 70’s so it was not frowned upon..at least I do not think it was??

5. Favorite book? Why?

That is a hard one!! I really have a whole bookshelf filled with my favorite books!! I really LOVE the JR Ward Brotherhood series!! I would have to say those would be my favorites!!

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

Since it has to be things and not who…lol

I would say..q-tips, beef jerky (I am NOT eating fish), and a magna doodle!!

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Does coffee count??

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

At least 10 but I have some September new releases on the way….and lots of holds at the library!!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

No shirt, kinda fuzzy chest, deliciously masculine smell, …oh and also strong, compassionate, and funny!!!

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

The villian….lol No I think I can relate to almost any female character in a book….If she is a full figured character I can relate even better!!

* Where do you live?

In Aloha Oregon

Wild, Wicked & Wanton - Jaci Burton

Warning: Reading this book may make steam come out your ears.

First, the backcover blurb:

Three friends...three secret desires...three chances to make it all come true.

They're inseparable best friends who delight in sharing their wildest secrets and dares. But their latest bet is the boldest one of all: each must sleep with whomever the other two have chosen for her. And come back with every juicy detail...

WILD
Abby married the town bad boy. And he lived up to his reputation, bedding any woman who let her guard down. She swore off men for good, but never counted on a pair of sexy veterinarians who are fulfilling a desire of their own.

WICKED
Blair is the town heartbreaker. Afraid to commit, she's broken off three engagements. Yet there's one man she never had the courage to bed. The one man she really loved. But now, the decision is out her hands.

WANTON

Callie is the sensible one....but beneath it all she's a true romantic, with the broken heart to prove it. Now her long-dormant fantasies may be getting a workout. A new man enters her life and everything about him is irresistible.

Wild, Wicked & Wanton is seriously hot. I swear I singed my fingertips during reading. It’s three novellas but they’re connected so for me, it read like book - I also felt each couple got their chance in the spotlight, especially since you get to see them outside their novella. But the heat aside, what really made this book work for me were the relationships.

First, the relationship between the three women – Abby, Callie & Blair. They just seemed like real friends, and I liked how the men fit into and respected that friendship.

And second, the relationship between each heroine and her hero. The love scenes were utterly hot, but there was tenderness there, too. I truly believed these couples would make it – Wild, Wicked & Wanton really fulfilled both parts of its promise of being an erotic romance. This one’s going in the keeper pile.

You can check out an excerpt at Jaci’s website.

What've you all been reading? Any recent keepers?

ARC Contest Reminder & Saturday Links

This is the final reminder for the Mine to Possess ARC Contest. Follow the link for details.

Onto today's web surfing:

Penguin editor Jessica Wade interviews author Anton Strout. (Link courtesy of Fangs, Fur & Fey)

Loretta Chase tells her First Sale story over at Dear Author.

Elizabeth Bear talks about Writing Groups over at Storytellers Unplugged. (Link courtesy of my fabulous agent, Nephele Tempest).

Ann Aguirre is saying some lovely things about Caressed By Ice *smile*

The talented Jaci Burton is giving away cool mini-calendars.

Anne Bishop has up an excerpt for Tangled Webs, which I'm trying to resist reading as I know the wait will drive me insane. I must have this book! (Thanks to Shartyrant for the heads up).

And I'm with Dorian :) Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekly Catchup

What's been happening in your corner of the world everyone? Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to spend it with Dorian. *g*

Advanced Copies & All That Jazz

A reminder that the Mine to Possess ARC contest closes Sunday, so if you haven't entered, hop to it.

Talking about ARCs, I'm sure you guys would threaten to lynch me if I told you what ARCs I have sitting here right now, calling to me. Since I value my life, I won't tell you the titles...yet *grin*

But, if you had super-ARC powers, which books would you want advanced copies of? (Aside from Mine to Possess of course!)

Tinker - Wen Spencer

I've heard lots of people recommend Tinker, but for some reason, I never actually knew what it was about for the longest time. Well, I recently fixed that. And as soon as I read the backcover blurb, I knew I'd have to read this book.

Inventor, girl genius Tinker lives in a near-future Pittsburgh which now exists mostly in the land of the elves. She runs her salvage business, pays her taxes, and tries to keep the local ambient level of magic down with gadgets of her own design.

When a pack of wargs chase an Elven noble into her scrap yard, life as she knows it takes a serious detour. Tinker finds herself taking on the Elfin court, the NSA, the Elfin Interdimensional Agency, technology smugglers and a college-minded Xenobiologist as she tries to stay focused on what’s really important – her first date. Armed with an intelligence the size of a planet, steel toed boots, and a junk yard dog attitude, Tinker is ready to kick butt to get her first kiss.

I loved this book. Tinker is such a great character. She's a super genius, and yet she's normal enough to run around saying: "Yes! Be healed!" Tinker cried. "I am your magic god! Say Amen to me! Woohoo!" She danced around the room. "Oh yes, I am a god! The one! The only! Tinker!" after she pulls off something difficult. (Hands up if you've ever done something similiar ;) ).

The world is pretty amazing, too. Elves, magic and hoverbikes in one awesome package. Magic is only quantum physics to Tinker, and she makes even the weirdest things seem grounded and real. And yep, there's more than enough romance in the book to satisfy. But, don't take my word for it - there's a great excerpt available on the author's site.

I'm definitely looking forward to diving into Wolf Who Rules, the sequel to Tinker.

Reader Interview: Larissa

The Mine to Possess ARC Contest has taken off like a rocket! Details on Monday's post. Today, it's back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Tuesday is reader interview day. If you'd like to participate (you know you want to), the details are here. Today's interviewee is Larissa, who only lives across a really big ditch a.k.a. The Tasman Sea, from me!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am 28, I live in Sydney, Australia. I am originally from the Philippines and I moved here 2 and a half years ago. I live with flatmates in a nice house in a suburb full of children and pets, where we are the only ones on our street who don't appear to have either :) I came here to study and in the end finished with a double masters degree. I start a graduate job next year and in the meantime I work for a ticketing agency in a call centre.

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

I hoard. I came to Australia with 6 books. I currently have a six shelf Ikea billy bookcase and I need to get another one really soon... If I really, really don't like the book I might take it to a second hand shop and trade it for a better one :)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Neil Gaiman! I heart him.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Severely. I always give it up for lent cos its the ultimate sacrifice. One of the best pictures of me is next to a chocolate fountain.

5. Favorite book? Why?

i have too many! i will name two, archangel by sharon shinn (a romance disguised as fantasy, i swear) and bel canto by ann patchett which is a beautiful, lyrical novel that i highly recommend to everyone.

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

An immortal never dying cigarette lighter (zippo, preferably)
An all weather blanket (good for cold & heat)
And a laptop that ran on endless batteries with a high speed T3 connection (so i can order all my needs on the internet)

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

sultana & apple oatmeal by uncle toby's (no milk) and a banana

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

The pile on my side table has maybe...8? There is an entire shelf in aforementioned mentioned bookcase that I have not read. Plus some others...

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

well first he has to smell nice & be able to spell. this is important ;P
smart, funny, considerate, with sexual prowess (ha ha ha) and hot. and i mean hot to me, he doesn't have to be you know, brad pitt. but just someone who i am attracted to and who is attracted to me!

Mine To Possess ARC Contest

Mine to Possess releases Feb 5, 2008 (put that in your diaries!).

To celebrate the upcoming release, I’m holding a contest giving away some Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs).

Because the purpose of ARCs is to get the word out before the book’s release, if you win an ARC, I’m asking that you review/talk about it, during January. You can put up an online review, talk about MtP to your book group, do a print review, chat about it in a yahoogroup…it’s up to you! The content of course, is also up to you.

Here’s what you need to do to enter. Send me an email at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces) - with the following info:

• “Mine to Possess ARC Contest” in the Subject Line
• Your Name & Postal Address
• The place(s) where you would post a review / discuss the book etc
• Do all this by 12 noon PST, Sunday 9 December.
• One entry per person. Winners will be notified by email.

If all goes well, the winners will be chosen, and the ARCs posted the week of Dec 10. I hope many of you will enter!

Saturday Links

First up, I've been asked whether there will be a Mine to Possess ARC contest. I'm working on the details. Hopefully I'll have something to announce mid to late next week. :-)

Now, onto the links:

Publisher Red Sage now has a blog and they're currently doing a series on "Getting to Yes."

Writer Unboxed has a very interesting interview with agent Donald Maass. This is part 1 (part 2 goes up next week).

Fellow Kiwi Yvonne Lindsay has up a thought-provoking post on backcover blurbs and reader expectations.

Historical and paranormal author Kresley Cole talks about her First Sale at Dear Author.

Paperback writer Lynn Viehl has the finalized cover art for Twilight Falls.

Next week, author Ann Aguirre will be holding a week-long Early Christmas with guests and giveaways.

Fellow Berkley Babe Saskia Walker is holding a contest to win a copy of the Naughty or Nice anthology - you have until Monday to enter. And just for fun, turn on the sound and check out this video (for everyone who likes shoes, handbags and hunks...). (Link grabbed from Saskia's blog).

Hope you all have a great weekend!