Reader Interview: Eva

It's reader interview time and today's interviewee is Eva, all the way from Germany :-)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Eva. I'm 29, married, graduated in business administration, current I`m working as a Case-Manager for unemployed people.

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

That depends on the book.

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

If she would still be alive:

Juliette Benzoni (Her Catherine novels are one of my most protected treasuries).

Updated:

Andrea Schacht (about the beguine Almut Bossart) and Nalini Singh (Psy/Changeling Romance).

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Highly. Especially cooled. (Before I eat the chocolate, I put it into the fridge.)

5. Favorite book? Why?

I've a lot of favorite books.....

The most important four:

Andrea Schacht: The novels about the beguine Almut Bossart.
Reason: There are few books that make people laugh. This is one.

Shakespeare: Hamlet
Reason: The book shows a tragedy which is very thought-provoking.

Donna Boyd: The Passion / The Promise
Reason: There are the best werewolf novels I've ever read.

Nalini Singh: Psy-/Changeling-Romance
Reason: A new wold, which is fascinating and absolutely addictive.
(All these hidden hints...).

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

- a sunshade
- a freezer filled with water, grapes and chocolate
- The books of Edith Maude Hull: The Sheik / Sons of the Sheik

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

White coffee, bread and cheese.

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

One.

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Strong, smart, humorous and solid.

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

* Where do you live?

Germany / Bavaria.

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

SD

OOTB Tour: The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter

It's OOTB tour time. Check out the details below! (If you missed the interview with Gena, follow the link).

THE DARKEST NIGHT by Gena Showalter

His powers – Inhuman

His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . . .

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don’t miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!

Read a three chapter excerpt here!

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter has been praised for her “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories.” The author of more than seventeen novels and anthologies, Showalter is celebrated in a wide variety of genres for her breathtaking romances featuring dark, seductive heroes and strong, appealing heroines. Readers can’t get enough of her trademark wit and singular imagination, whether she’s writing paranormal stories about vampires, nymphs and superheroes, white-hot contemporary romance or alien huntress books. Her newest series, Lords of the Underworld, promises to be her sexiest and most addictive yet. Don’t miss this intoxicating blend of dangerous passion, demons and other supernatural forces, and immortal men who are hotter than hell!

REVIEWS

"A fascinating premise, a sexy hero and non-stop action, The Darkest Night is Showalter at her finest, and a fabulous start to an imaginative new series." Karen Marie Moning, New York Times best selling author

One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. --New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

You can buy your copy at: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Website http://www.genashowalter.com

http://www.lordsoftheunderworld.net

RT Pics

I thought you guys might enjoy this - it's a link to a running list of blog posts from people who attended the RT Conference, complete with pictures!

Weekly Catchup

Thanks for the congratulations everyone! It was really great to celebrate with you all. :-)

I seriously can't believe it's Saturday already. Egads, where did the time go?! What've you all been up to? Plans for the weekend? Me, I'm continuing to work on Mercy's book.

RT Reviewers' Choice Award

I'm very excited to announce that Caressed By Ice has won a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Paranormal Action-Adventure Romance!! Woohoo!!

Guest Author/Interview - Gena Showalter

I'm delighted to present an interview with the fabulous Gena Showalter! We're talking about her amazing new series and Gena's agreed to swing by and answer any reader questions, so hit her with them!

1. Who is Gena Showalter?

I’ve always been a mix of the wallflower who wants to remain in the shadows and a quirky, attention-hogging wild child who craves compliments. How’s that for variety? I married my high school sweetheart, have three English bulldogs I adore (Mary Ann, Ginger, and Lovey), and am an avid romance reader.

2. You have a new series debuting this May – can you give us the lowdown?

I’ve taken the myth of Pandora and completely turned it upside down! I say the gods entrusted Pandora, the greatest warrior of her time, to guard the box. But a group of immortal warriors, her peers, fought and won it, opened it, and unleashed the horde of demons locked inside. Because of this, the gods punish each warrior to house a demon inside his own body. So the warriors become the box, so to speak. It’s not an easy pairing, either. There’s Violence, Pain, Disease, Wrath, Death, Doubt, Misery, Lies, Disaster, and so on.

N: I've been lucky enough to read books 1 & 2 in advance and they rock (and I'm not saying that just because I might possibly be in the dedication *grin*). I blogged about my reaction to book 1, here.

3. The first three books are going to release back to back—what did that mean for your writing schedule? (Keeping in mind that Gena writes demon-fast).

The first book was already written and the second one well on its way to be written when we decided to push back their release dates and do the back to back thing. So it was just a matter of writing the third. But still, that third had to be written very very quickly when I didn’t have the story figured out yet. So panic? Just a wee bit.

4. The series starts out in Budapest—why did you choose this city?

I love the mix of old world charm and modern style, the sense of mystery and mysticism.

5. Very Important Question: Who do you think is the sexiest Lord of the Underworld and why?

(Answer always subject to change.) Whoever I’m writing at the time is usually the one I’m most in love with. Right now that just happens to be Sabin, keeper of Doubt. He has a very dry sense of humor that I adore, and he’s always been one of those warriors who will do anything to win: cheat, fight dirty, whatever. He’s always put his war with his enemy first, but for once, for a woman, he’s going to have to rethink that.

6. Do you have a set number of books planned?

I think I could write these books forever, I love them so much.

7. Can you share any super-secret behind-the-scenes info on the series?

Sometimes death is only the beginning. All’s I’m sayin.

8. Since this is a new series, where can folks find out more info about it and your other books? Are there excerpts?

I’ve just launched a new Lords of the Underworld website! You can find it at www.lordsoftheunderworld.net There aren’t any excerpts up yet, but I plan to load them soon!

N: A three chapter excerpt has been added since we completed the interview!

9. And this one's for the fans of your other series'—will you be writing more books in those worlds, or are you focusing on the LOTU?

Next year, there will be a sequel to Playing With Fire -- Twice As Hot -- and the fourth book in the Atlantis series -- The Vampire’s Bride. If readers want more, it will be my pleasure to give them more!

10. Final question just for fun –hypothetically speaking, if a (gorgeous) man came up to you and told you he had a demon inside, what would you do?

After I kissed the breath out of him? Hmm, I’m not sure. Hard to say. Guess it’d be a wait and see situation :-)

N: Thanks for the interview, Gena. (Now, feel free to grill her mercilessly!)

I'm back!

And the website updates are almost complete, so go forth and explore.

Later this week, we're going to have an awesome interview & guest author, so don't forget to swing by.

So, what's everyone been up to? I'm working on Mercy's book today. :)

Look out!

see more crazy cat pics

Website & Reader Interview: Daphne

I know a lot of you are waiting for the website to be updated - the plan is to have it done by next week sometime, so give me a few more days. :)

Also, if you want me to answer any questions for the FAQ page, email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces) with FAQ in the subject line. I can't promise to answer all the questions, but no harm in asking!

Now, onto today's reader interview! Today's interviewee is Daphne, and I must say, I'm loving her desert island priorities! (And she has fabulous taste in books *grin*)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm a 20 year old from London, and a two-time uni dropout. It got in the way of my reading and writing, what can I say? I mostly live in my own world and always have a pair of headphones on, either plugged into my laptop or my iPod. I can't function without music!

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

I either sell or donate most books I read, I only keep books I'm absolutely in love with. I'm really hard to please, therefore I end up letting go of nearly everything. I've kept all my Nalini Singh books, though. :)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Again, it has to be Nalini. Your books are something special, and I find myself thinking about the Psy/Changeling world frequently. But don't be too alarmed, I'm a terribly courteous stalker.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Chocolate is currency in my world. I have a wicked sweet tooth and get cranky when I haven't satisfied it. I also love white chocolate, though my sister is always quick to remind me it isn't technically chocolate. But I don't care as long as it has sugar in it!

5. Favorite book? Why?

"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Every turn of the page was a revelation, a new emotion to be experienced. Beautifully written and utterly heartbreaking. I also love "The Sword and the Scimitar" by David Ball; it's an epic historical adventure that captivated me from the first page to the last.

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

Pictures of my family, a lifetime supply of chocolate, and Gerard Butler. *wink*

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Jaffa Cakes. Not good. But so tasty.

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

I just went crazy on amazon, so about 20. I recently left uni, and I don't have a job yet, so I don't know what possessed me. But...er, does anyone want to hire me? *grin*

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Intelligent, open-minded, kind, eccentric, and funny.

10. Which character in a book do you relate most with?

It has to be Bridget Jones. I always say the wrong thing or embarrass myself, but can laugh about it.

Sakura!

A friend from Japan sent me this. Isn't it pretty? Cherry blossom season is just so beautiful.

Grimspace - Ann Aguirre

A couple of the comments in the previous post reminded me I've been meaning to post about Grimspace. I read it a while back and really enjoyed it - couldn't put it down in fact. It's definitely sf, but it's also a romance. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Here's the blurb - you can check out an excerpt on the author's website:

By all accounts, Sirantha Jax should have burned out years ago…

As the carrier of a rare gene, Jax has the ability to jump ships through grimspace—a talent which cuts into her life expectancy, but makes her a highly prized navigator for the Corp. But then the ship she’s navigating crash-lands, and she’s accused of killing everyone on board. It’s hard for Jax to defend herself: she has no memory of the crash.

Now imprisoned and the subject of a ruthless interrogation, Jax is on the verge of madness. Then a mysterious man breaks into her cell, offering her freedom—for a price. March needs Jax to help his small band of rogue fighters break the Corp monopoly on interstellar travel—and establish a new breed of jumper.

Jax is only good at one thing—grimspace—and it will eventually kill her. So she may as well have some fun in the meantime…

I know a lot of you have read this already - what did you like best about it? Any other sf/romance recommendations?

Also, you guys have to check out this Author Talk video with Kresley Cole. Don't have coffee in your mouth when you do (you'll thank me when you get to the "birth" scene). *grin*

Have a good weekend folks!

Blog Takeover

First, another link - Bridget Locke is running a contest over on her writing blog, so swing by that way and enter.

I'm buried under copy edits, so how about you all take over the blog for today? Seen anything interesting around the web? Read a good book? Tell us all about it!

Link & Reader Interview: Helen

First a link - Urban Fantasy Land's got Particia Brigg's new cover art up - one word: stunning!

~~~

And now, as promised, here's a new reader interview! I've got two more left (unless any more come in), that I plan to post next week. Today's interviewee is Helen, a fellow book lover!!

Question #1: Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am currently ready to graduate from Cal. State University Bakersfield after this Winter Quarter with a LBST degree. I plan to attend either San Jose State University or someplace else- I haven’t decided yet!- to get my Masters in Library Science.

Obviously I love books so I reaaallllyyyy hope to get into a profession where I am surrounded by books!

I was born in California and have lived here all my life!! I love it here and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, but I would love to travel all over the world!!

Question #2: Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I am definitely a hoarder, I also happen to be a giver, especially when I love a series ‘cause then I give my books over to someone else so they can be obsessed as me and I can keep buying new ones….sounds bad but …..jeez what can I say I LOVE BOOKS!!!

Question #3: What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

I don’t think I could stalk anyone…..what with the threat of Imprisonment….but if I could get away with it….ummm…..lets just say Nalini you are definitely in the top 10!

Question #4: How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Very susceptible to chocolate, especially if it is Ferrero Rocher….ohhhhh that stuff is soooo good!!!!

Question #5: Favorite book? Why?

Such a hard question…I guess I will go with what I said in a previous blog, Piers Anthony writes Sci-Fi Fantasy books, and his Xanth series got me started reading when I was young and so I will always hold a special place in my heart for his books since his books gave me my unquenchable desire to read, read, and read!!!!

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

EEEEEKK!!! The desert I can live with, (I live in the MOJAVE DESERT!) but Island!!!! I am so afraid of water!!! So for me I would definitely need …… an architect/contractor so he could design a home, and build it, if I have to live on an island….. Then I would need… a chef so he could feed me food that I wouldn’t know how to prepare, or scavenge, or find.. and last but not least…..a fully equipped helicopter pilot with a helicopter so I could leave this Island paradise whenever I need to get back to civilization!!!!

Question #7: What did you eat for breakfast?

This one is easy….I ran out the door and forgot my breakfast!!! But I was dreaming about pancakes with lots of maple syrup

Question #8: How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Oh wow since I am in my last 3 weeks of school I have at least 10 books!! But its ok because as soon as I am done I will be reading at least 2 a day and I should be caught up in a week!

Question #9: Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

The perfect hero for me is someone who can love me for who I am, but will always spare time for others as well and not be caught up completely in just us because there is a whole world out there.

Xtra ?’s

Which character in a book do you relate most with?

-I relate most to Sascha because she fights her feelings a lot but then finds out that her emotions are what sets her free to be everything she always wanted to be and more.

Where do you live?

-I live in California, Antelope Valley, Lancaster- part of the Mojave Desert

So what would people think was a perfect heroine??

-A perfect heroine can be tough or soft but can always hold her own when she needs to.

If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

-I would absolutely want to be in the Changeling world, being able to turn into an animal would be a wonderful gift!!

Ebooks & Reader Interview: Soraya

Some good news for those of you who like e-books, BooksOnBoard has offered to continue the promotion on my books till the end of May - just input NaliniOnBoard as your promo code during checkout to get the discount. (More info on the News page of my website).

~~~

And now, onto today's Reader Interview! Today's interviewee is Soraya, all the way from Paris, France!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Soraya, 35 years old, single and I live in Paris (France). I'm a lawyer's secretary. Since I'm 14 I read voraciously romance books, I don't have any genre preferences. I took English classes after work when I learn that some of Amanda Quick books were not translated in French - she was my favorite author back then.

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

I have given a lot of my books away since my little sister offers me a palm :) I only kept my very favorites one :)

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Linda Howard, JAK, Christine Feehan, Lora Leigh, Stella Cameron, Angela Knight, Shelly Laurenston, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jaci Burton and Nalini Singh.

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

I can kill for a box of Jeff de Bruges chocolates.

5. Favorite book? Why?

I really don't have "one" favorite book.

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

Well Brad Pitt and Denzel Washington are taken soo... let me think...

- Jack (from lost)
- a swiss army knife
- chocolate

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

a croissant

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

the last I check something like 20... or so...

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

My hero of all time, Gideon from "Ravished" by AQ.

Polls & Zombies

Sorry for the sporadic posts the past week everyone - I'm snowed! However, I've got some plans for this week. I thought I might post the final reader interviews I have. And I've also got a poll/question for you that I'll put up later in the week.

But today, check out Sayuri's poll - Which Psy/Changeling Couple is your Favorite?

I can't vote - they're all my favorite! *grin*

And just because I couldn't resist - I think I need to work on my zombie survival skills.

43%

Link Bonanza

Links, links, links! Some old, some new :)

Magic Burns is a national bestseller - swing by and congratulate Ilona Andrews! And on the topic of Magic Burns, the contest is over, but check out the LOL Cover Art.

Gena Showalter has a new website for her Lords of the Underword series

Jaci Burton just posted up the cover for The Darkest Touch. And if you missed it, Katiebabs posted up the covers for the next two C.L.Wilson books earlier. Meljean Brook has also posted up the cover for Demon Bound. All so pretty!

Michelle Styles talks about Harlequin's April Books & Contests over at TGTBU. And staying with Harlequin, my friend Bronwyn Jameson has a release this week - Tycoon's One-Night Revenge

Lora Leigh has posted up a hot new book trailer for Wicked Pleasure

Meredith Duran told a great First Sale Story over on Dear Author

I was interviewed twice last month, first at Chicklit Gurrl (focusing on Mine to Possess) and second by fellow writer Travis Heermann (focusing on writing).

If you think you know your countries, go see how many you can name in five minutes (link via Jill Myles)

Lorelie Brown is telling a story in installments over at Dionne Galace. The link will take you to part 1. (It's up to part 3.) Check out that gorgeous cover.

Diana Peterfreund is giving away a copy of Julie Leto's Phantom Pleasures. And she's also posted up the Russian cover of her own Secret Society Girl.

And to end with a smile - check out this list of words and descriptions on Linda's blog, and let her know if their usage is universal among women! :)

OOTB Tour: Lady and the Vamp - Michelle Rowan

OOTB Tour time - check out the details below!
_______

LADY AND THE VAMP by Michelle Rowen

April 2008 – Forever, an Imprint of Grand Central Publishing

She fights.
Janie Parker’s a supernatural assassin—not by choice, but what’s a girl gonna do? The only thing standing between her and decapitation at the hands of her hellish boss is a magical artifact called The Eye. To get it, all Janie has to do is find a dark, broody vampire named Michael Quinn and take it. Easy, right? Except if Quinn keeps kissing her that way, she just might lose her head...in more ways than one.

He bites.
Former vampire hunter Michael Quinn is determined to become human again. If he grabs hold of The Eye and makes a wish—then boom, everything’s good with the world. But now Quinn has a sassy tagalong with a long, delectable neck and orders to stake him on sight. He just hopes his first bite won’t be Janie’s last moment on earth...

Excerpt: http://www.michellerowen.com/latv_chap1.htm

ABOUT MICHELLE ROWEN

Waldenbooks bestselling author Michelle Rowen is a self-confessed bibliophile, reality TV junkie, and is well known for making a mean pot of Kraft Dinner. Her novels for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books) include the Immortality Bites series: BITTEN & SMITTEN (2007 Holt Medallion winner for Best First Book), FANGED & FABULOUS, and LADY & THE VAMP, as well as the standalone paranormal romance, ANGEL WITH ATTITUDE. Under the pseudonym Michelle Maddox she has written COUNTDOWN (August ’08) for Dorchester Publishing's new and exciting SHOMI line of "speculative" romance novels. Michelle lives in Southern Ontario, and is currently hard at work on her next fantastical novel.

REVIEWS

“I loved Lady & the Vamp! Michelle Rowen has again successfully written a funny and highly entertaining vampire story...I can’t wait for book four of this series!” – Armchair Interviews

“Lady & The Vamp is a fast paced and entertaining read. Its light comic style effortlessly pulls the reader along for a ride...dishing up romance and laughs along the way.” – LoveVampires.com

“This book was great fun. Janie and (Quinn) are a breath of fresh air...you'll be laughing and rooting for them both from the very beginning.” – Fresh Fiction

"Excitement, a strong, character driven, intense plot, and wicked humor keep this story racing... As usual, Ms. Rowen delivers a winning story. Enjoy it. No fooling." – Huntress Romance Reviews

"4 stars! Fans will appreciate the light tone, the smooth and swift narration... throughout the third book of Rowen's Immortality Bites series." – Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Website: http://www.michellerowen.com

Deleted Scene from "Beat of Temptation"

This deleted scene will be going up on the website during the April updates (along with a second piece), but since that won't be for a couple of weeks yet, I thought you guys might like a sneak peek.

A bit of background: This scene didn't make it into the novella because I decided that with the shorter wordcount, we needed to jump straight into Nate and Tammy’s story, rather than going from the present, to the past. Plus, I was indulging myself with the other characters and with a novella, you need a much tighter focus.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Deleted Scene from "Beat of Temptation" - An Enchanted Season Anthology

“The Psy who Stole Christmas,” Sascha read out the title, a frown creasing her forehead. “I’m not sure I’m going to like this book.”

Tamsyn laughed. “Oh dear, it’s probably not very friendly to leave that lying around now that I have Psy packmates.”

Faith took the book from Sascha and read the back. “The terrifying, scarifying, mystifying true story of how Christmas was almost outlawed.”

“You’re not offended are you?” Tamsyn suddenly realized how bad the book might look to her friends. “It’s just a fun book. The kids like the rhymes. I’d never—”

“We’re not offended.” Sascha sneaked a bite of chocolate from the pieces Tamsyn had cut for the cookies. “It simply relates a factual event in a way small children can understand.”

“Yes.” Faith opened the book to the first page. “I believe the newly powerful Psy Council was trying out its wings during that time period. This was not one of their success stories.”

Tamsyn laughed, glad for Sascha and Faith’s imminently logical outlook on life. “No, I’d say not. I don’t think they’ve been defeated like that ever again.”

Sascha nibbled on another piece of chocolate as she picked up a beautiful ornament from the box on the table. “Isn’t it a bit early for Christmas decorations?”

“It’s a family thing.” Tamsyn felt her heart catch at the memory. “A tradition you could say.”

Faith’s eyes lingered on the hand-painted ball in Sascha’s hand. “I see the future, but I think it would be nice to have a past full of enough joy that you celebrate it.”

Tamsyn smiled at the foreseer. “I’m sure you’re making some great memories with Vaughn.”

“Yes.” Her eyes softened. “He carved a sculpture of me.”

“Can we see it?” Sascha asked.

Faith shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s quite possessive about it.”

“Just like he is with you.” Seeing movement out of the corner of her eye, Tamsyn grabbed the chocolate bowl before Sascha could demolish it. “How much chocolate do you go through in a week anyway?”

Sascha’s night-sky eyes, pinpricks of white on black velvet, crinkled at the corners as she winced. “I think we should change the subject. Let’s talk more about Faith and Vaughn.”

Lucas stuck his head around the corner from the living room. “She ate an entire bar after dinner last night. Good thing I make sure she gets regular exercise.” He ducked back out before the apple Sascha had thrown at him reached the door, his sensual grin leaving no doubt as to what kind of ‘exercise’ the two had been indulging in.

“I swear I’m going to—” Sascha kept the apple in the air using telekinesis and brought it back to the bowl. “He bought me that damn chocolate bar.”

Tamsyn bit her lower lip to stop from laughing at Sascha’s blush. “Of course he did. He adores you.”

“And I foresee many more chocolate bars in your future.”

Tamsyn and Sascha both looked at Faith. The F-Psy was gifted with the ability to see the future and when she said something like that, it was usually correct to give it a literal interpretation.

“Do you also see lots of exercise?” Tamsyn asked.

Sascha swiveled to stare at her. “Tammy!”

“Oh yes.” Faith grinned impishly, the smile rare. She’d been out of the PsyNet for several months but some things took time. Tamsyn knew the redhead was still getting used to interacting with her new packmates. “Chocolate and exercise are intimately connected in your future.”

Sascha put her hands on her hips, looking from one to the other. Then her lips quirked. The laugh when it came was infectious. They were all holding onto their sides when Nate walked into the kitchen from the backyard. “What did I miss?” He was holding a bunch of flowers.

Orchids.

Stupidly expensive, incredibly beautiful and softly delicate.

Tamsyn stopped laughing. “You idiot.” But she was walking into his arms, tears in her eyes, barely aware of Sascha and Faith slipping out of the room.

He hugged her with one arm, flowers in the other. “Happy Anniversary, my darling cat.”

She sniffed. “It’s not until Christmas Day.”

“No it isn’t.”

No, it wasn’t. That might be when they’d had the ceremony in the Pack Circle to celebrate their mating bond, to share their joy with packmates, but it was on this day eighteen years ago that they’d truly become one, without barriers or fears. The first day he’d ever given her orchids. “I should put them in water.”

He was nuzzling at her neck. “Later. Right now, you should come upstairs and put me out of my misery.”

“Nate!” she whispered, well aware of the others only a wall away. In particular, their two cubs, Julian and Roman—the boys had preternatural hearing when it came to their daddy. “The kids, Lucas and Sascha and—”

“They’ll take care of the kids.” Teeth nibbling on her skin. “I’ll be very quiet.”

Things were melting low in her stomach as the scent of him wove around her. “Liar.” God she was mush where this man was concerned. Especially when he gave her orchids. “I want to be on top.”

Putting the orchids on the table behind him, he scooped her up into his arms. Like all healers, she was a practical woman, but he’d always made her feel utterly feminine. Now he grinned. “No you don’t. I have plans for you.”

She nipped at his lower lip. “Going dominant on me, Nathan Ryder?”

He gave her a full-blooded kiss. “Remember that time in the cabin, Mrs Ryder?” He whispered a more intimate description in her ear.

“Oh.” Damp heat between her legs. “You’re right, I don’t want to be on top.” The things he’d done to her in that cabin…it was no wonder she’d agreed to be his mate. But their story had begun long before that final showdown.

Copyright © 2007 by Nalini Singh