Monday, July 06, 2009

Countdown to Branded By Fire: 1 day to go!

Winners! The random numbers have rolled and the lucky folks are:

Ginny - The Scot and I by Elizabeth Thornton

CrazyCommaMomma - Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop


Congrats! Please email me your addresses (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com).

________

Mercy and Riley release tomorrow! (Or the day after if you're in another timezone ;-)) If you'd like to have a glimpse behind the scenes of Branded By Fire, I've written a special letter to readers that you can read by following the link!

How are your party feet? Ready to keep on dancing? Today's cyber launch giveaways are a copy of Elizabeth Thornton's The Scot and I, and a copy of Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop. (As regular blog readers know, I'm a huge, huge fan of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books, and I attempt to pass on the addiction wherever possible. Daughter of the Blood is the first book.)

Entry rules are the same as Monday. Leave your answer to the day's burning questio
n and you're in. Bring a friend and I'll give you another entry. And don't forget to note if you've already got one of the books.

Today's burning question: Which book or series do you love so much that you're constantly trying to get other people to read them? Or conversely, has a friend convinced you to read something that you never would have on your own?

70 comments :

Midnight said...

sherrilyn kenyon's sereis because it has everying. vsmpires, shape-shifters, gods, and goddess. But they are not your normal characters that you read. i like reading this that are abnormal and not something you read every day ... like your series. its totally different and orignal. can't beat that combination!

:winks:

Midnight said...

error ^series and instead of this ^things

Natascha said...

The book series that I could read over and over again and never tire is the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward. I tell all my friends about it, but they are afraid of the darkness that is present in these wildly romantic and sexy books.

Danni T said...

Nora Roberts books. I'm constantly trying to get my mom to read her books. She actually started one of them but she's only gotten about 30 pages in it. I'm the only big reader that I know of other than my grandpa and he reads westerns. I did get my sister to read some of Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series but then she found out her favorite character dies and quit reading them.

Cecelia said...

For years and years I had people preaching Harry Potter to me...my swim lesson kids, my baby-sittting kids, my roommates, my siblings...and I refused to read the books, having heard snarky things about them from fellow science fiction and fantasy lovers.
Then I had a 12-hour flight, and no books to bring with me. I borrowed and read them in less than a week and was totally and completely hooked.
I try to pass on the love, but everyone has a definite opinion these days.

Right now I'm also waiting with baited breath for Garth Nix's Lord Sunday to come out. CAN NOT WAIT for that.

Oh, and Angels' Kiss can't come too fast, either. Sigh.

orannia said...

The letter was lovely Nalini - thank you! I managed to get my hands on the book on Saturday...it's sooooo good!

Ummm....I'm not trying to suck up or anything, but the series that I keep introducing people too (translation: raving about) is the Psy-Changeling series. I can't really rave to you about how good it is...can I? I so can *grin* The world-building is amazing, the characters so vivid and refreshing. And you're so consistent! *SIGH* Me? A complete fan? *nods*

Oh, and I already have a copy of Daughter of the Blood :)

Louise Delamore said...

A friend got me to read Jasper Fforde's 'The Eyre Affair'. Totally brilliant, as is the rest of the series, but I wouldn't have picked it up on my own, now I recommend it - go on, give it a go :)

Unknown said...

The series that I keep introducing to others is the Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance. I love it because it's non-stop action with a touch of romance thrown in, but also because the author is one of the most imaginative I've come across. She comes up with the most outrageous and intriguing ideas which just blow my mind.

Anonymous said...

I've been recommending Wrath and the boys to anyone who would listen for years now. I'm tiring of that, lol.

Now I always recommend Rachel Vincent's Werecats books.

Mariee said...

Anne Stuart's Ice books. I love them, especially Black Ice the first book in the series.

adh said...

Most recently, it's 'The Raven Prince' by Elizabeth Hoyt. I just found this author within the last few months and that book holds a special place in my heart.

Tonberry Queen said...

The Dragon Prince series by Mrs. Rawn and the Legend of Drizz't series by R.A. Salvatore. I am always talking about them with others that are fantasy buffs.

Kyesha said...

I really love Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters series mostly because theres more then one main speices. And I had a friend recommend JD Robbs in death series, I was really hesitant about reading this, but it was actually pretty good, now I'm waiting for the next book in November.

Kerry said...

For me, it's Catherine Asaro's Skolian series. It's got spaceships, it's got romance, it's got telepathy, it's just totally cool (although her baddies are particularly nasty). If I was a) a writer of suitable calibre and b) writing what I want to read, then these are the books I would write. (I hope that last sentence makes sense, as I'm not a writer and don't mean to put down Catherine's skill.)

Kerry said...

Excuse the extra post - just want to sign up to the comments so I don't miss anyone else's suggestions.

Oh and Nalini, I have Daughter of the Blood and love it to pieces (just bought the ebook so I can read that and leave my beautiful paper copy with the lovely cover and signed bookplate safely on the shelf), so don't pick me.

Ginny Larsen said...

i just read "The Circle" series by Ted Dekker, which starts with the book "Black." i had brothers recommend them to me, but i never paid them any attention until i bought one for super cheap ($3 new!) and was hooked. i've passed it onto my dad who is *hooked* like a fish. good suspense books :D

celi.a sent me here. thanks for chance to win :D

Amy Kathryn said...

I have several books I am recommending to anyone who will listen right now...

The beginning of Jennifer Ashleys new series, the madness of lord ian mackenzie, Ilona Andrews Kate Daniel's books, The Host by Stephanie Meyer (loved more than her twilight books), and Angel's Blood.

Am writing down some of these other suggestions...thanks for asking the question and thanks to everyone else for answering!

Jacqune said...

The Windflower, by Laura London. I bought three copies of it, so I'd always have copies to lend friends and a backup in case one got lost.

Lately, I've been trying to get them friends to read "You're an Animal, Viskovitz," by Alessandro Boffa. It's incredibly universal and has a bit of everything =)

For the kids that I teach, I recommend Megan Whalen Turner's "The Thief" series.

One day to go, I'm so incredibly excited!!

Unknown said...

Elizabeth Hoyt's Prince series. I had my sister read them, because I like them so much. She really enjoyed them also.

Jen K. said...

Oh MY what a great question!
I could write a novel on this subject!

First: Black Dagger Brotherhood - this is a series that a friend recommended and I NEVER would have picked it up otherwise. It was my FIRST "romance" book and series. I was mortified to find the books in the romance section. BUT now I am a proud paranormal romance reader and I don't care what others say.

As for the series I am constantly trying to get others to read:
1) Twilight - for just "general" readers.
2) Psy/Changling - for readers I want to start into Paranormal Romance.
3) Demonica (Larrisa Ione) and Lords of the Underworld (Gena Showalter) for my paranormal romance readers.

PS> ordered Branded by Fire from the local bookstore today! Woohoo!!

Chez said...

Me too on the Anne Bishop Blood series, I pimp that out to all and sundry and rarely does anyone ever pick it up. The few that have are now seriously addicted too. It's sooo good and dark and compelling and just aaaarrgghh, bloody well done.

Gail Leinweber said...

I've been trying to get all sorts of people to read Elizabeth Wayland Barber's book Womens Work: the First 20,000 Years. I also tend to push Micheal Pollan's The Omnivores Dilemma and Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything.

For fantasy (aside from the Black Jewels series, which I've hyped many times myself) I push Patricia Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles.
For romance it's Loretta Chase, Jayne Ann Krentz (under all 3 names), Judith Ivory and Jennifer Crusie.
It was really amusing awhile back when a copy of Krentz's book Absolutely, Positively that we'd given to my grandparents years ago finally got read by both of them. They asked what else she'd written!

Jae said...

Three series I will forever recommend: the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, "In This Land" by Matthew Haldeman-Time, and the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop (haha, yeah, I'm a fellow fan--actually, in high school I once lent the books to a friend in my Physics class two weeks before the Final, and she told me she couldn't study because she couldn't put them down! I felt bad but not *that* bad, since she was a star student and aced the test anyway).

Anonymous said...

For contemporary I always recommend Linda Howard's Mackenzie series. It's been around awhile but I'm always amazed at the people I talk to who have never read it.

For fantasy/light romance lately, I've been pushing anything by Linnea Sinclair.

And, OF COURSE, the Psy/Changling series. No kidding. Nalini, you had me at "Lucas"! :-)

Tracy

Pam P said...

For series, your Psy series and CL Wilson's Tairen Soul series. Also, Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase.

Christine M. said...

Patricia Brigg's Mercy series and Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels, but then that's because my friends only read UF!

Darcy Jo said...

I preach Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters to practically everyone I meet. It's pretty easy to bring up since people keep asking me what my bow and arrow tattoo means lol.

I also preach your Psy/Changeling series and Angels' Blood (both of which I've hooked my mom on), and Karen Marie Moning's Fever series.

ely said...

I've been addicted to Johanna Lindsey's Malory family series, whenever I meet another Romance book lover like me, the first thing that I'll ask is that if they read the series, if yes then we'll launch into an excited discussion about the books and the characters therein, if not offer to lend her one of mine to get her hooked up! :D

The Psy-changeling series might be another series that I could get addicted upon. :)

Blodeuedd said...

Most of all books in the world I adore Magician by Raymond E Feist, it belongs in the Riftwar series, and I re-read at least the first every year. So far I haven't manage to get anyone to read it, but one day ;)

A friend told me about paranormal books and that is how I first read Armstrong and then got BDB from her, and I have loved this genre since that

Eva S said...

My two favorite series are yours Psy/Changeling and J.R.Ward's BDB. I love to discuss the books with friends.

I was convinced to read Anne Bishop's series and now I love her books!! I have a copy of Daughter of the Blood on my keeper shelf, but I'd love to read The Scot and I.

Thanks for the question, now I'll find more books to add to my wish list!

Unknown said...

For those that don't mind teen books I've pushed L.J. Smith's Nightworld series and Forbidden Game Series. I also recommend Diana Wynne-Jones's A Tale of Time City and her Chrestomanci series.

Still listed for teens but would probably appeal more to adults is Meredith Pearce's Dark Angel Trilogy.

I've also peddled Angel's Blood, Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series, and J.D. Robb's In Death series.

Unknown said...

I have infected nearly all my friends with the twilight-series. first my sister, then my best friend, best friend second-in-command and suddenly all my friends were junkies. A good thing because maybe i am too old for it but if everyone has read it, nobody can laugh.

Leontine said...

I'm constantly pimping CL Wilson's series Tairen Soul, I am a complete Anne Bishop addict so yeah, I even challenged my friend, who hasn't read all that much fantasy, to read the BJ series. Kresley Cole's IAD series in one too I try to pimp at every possible moment LOL

lindseye said...

I try to get people to read the Psy-Changeling series, the Alyssa Day Atlantis series and Jacquelyn Frank Nightwalker series and Carolyn Jewel's Fiend novels. All of them have shapeshifters/immortal beings/demon/supernatural beings but each has a totally different take and the world building ends up totally unique.

maerad said...

In Death series by JD Robb but I'm not a very good converter. ;(

Anonymous said...

Do I have to like the books? I was nagged into reading Twilight and regret the the time I'll never get back.
For mine recommending to someone else, I'd have to say Evanovich's Plum's series. They're great if you want some harmless, corny fun. Or the Cassandra Palmer series. Also harmless fun.

Annie said...

I gave the psy/changeling series to my niece who needed books to read after a serious surgery. I then went out and replaced the series for my own use to re-read. I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series too by J.R. Ward, as well as anything by Lynn Kurland. I'm a fan of anything paranormal.

LadyVampire2u said...

Well your series is a definite. Others would be the Hollow series by Kim Harrison, the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance, and the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher.
A friend got me to try some YA books that I normally would not have read. Its been a while since I read a YA and as hooked on regular paranormal books as I am, I thought it would be boring to have to slow down and read a YA book again. But I'm happy to say I was wrong. ;)
Thanks and congrats on your release tomorrow. I've already got your book ordered myself.
LadyVampire2u(AT)gmail(DOT)com

twalls said...

There are a few a love to badger people about: Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters, any by Christine Feehan, Deanna Raybourn's, Katie MacAllister's Dragons and Dark Ones, and, of course, yours!

Annie said...

This is a bit embarrassing but I try to get people to read Twilight. I do warn the however that the 4th book is terrible. But also Harry Potter which is my other love!

Natural Beauty Burra said...

Your psy-changeling books of course! I finally got my sister to read Slave to Sensation this week and she borrowed the rest of the series from me last night. In return, my sister has recommended all sorts of sci-fi/fantasy books that I enjoyed but wouldn't have picked up on my own.

CrystalGB said...

Your Psy-Changeling series
Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters and Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series. I love these series.

Lisa J said...

The Psy/Changeling series is one I recommend when asked for a good series. I also like Lora Leigh's breed series and in e-books Dana Marie Bell's Halle Puma series.

Mina Wolf said...

Ironically, Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop is one I've referred numerous times. Please put me in for the other please :)

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I'm constantly trying to get people to read what I read. Like Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, all of Richelle Mead's series, Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series, the House of Night novels, the Night Huntress novels, the Kate Daniels series, and many more.

emily w said...

A friend talked me into Sherilynn Kenyon's series. I became so addicted I read the who series in 2 weeks, So, intern I got her to read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

azteclady said...

oh my, yes.

I've pushed Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters on a couple of people--including my significant other. Also the In Death books.

I have actually loaned the Psy/Changeling books--under threat of dire consequences if damaged--to one of my friends.

My number one "you must read this book" novel, though, is LaVyrle Spencer's Morning Glory

Jennifer K. said...

Actually, your Psy series is one I pimp out to other people, Nalini. I was just asking a co-worker the other day if she realized Branded by Fire was ALMOST out!

Mine's shipped, Amazon says, so now the real wait commences. *sigh* I hate to wait.

Rianne said...

The series most recommended to me is Harry Potter and I still haven't read a single book.

The series I recommend most are the Sherrilyn Kenyon books (all of them), the books from Christine Feehan and (of course) the Psy-Changeling series. And I must say, I will keep recommending them, because after I read Branded by Fire (I received it this weekend) I'm even more addicted!

tetewa said...

I have two Stephanie Plum and The Dark-Hunter Series!

Una said...

The series that I cannot keep from recommending are:
Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward
Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Demonica series by Larissa Ione
Guild Hunters by you
Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter
Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
Midnight Breed by Lara Adrian
Psy-Changling by you
Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer

I LOVE the Black Jewels series and I have it on my "wishlist". Because of the Friday Book club here, I picked it up from the library and it is FANTASTIC!

Please enter me for either book! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.

Anonymous said...

The series I've passed on to other people include the Stephanie Plum books and Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooters.

However, the series i like best are those I've read as result of recommendations from reading The Book Smugglers blog! the Psy/Changeling series, Loretta Chase's Carsington brothers, and Patricia Briggs Mercy series. I've just started reading the Dark Hunters, Black Dagger Brotherhood, Kate Daniels, and the Atlantis series. I'm saving the Tairen Soul series for my vacation at the end of the month.

I would love to try the Anne Bishop Blood series.

Unknown said...

I can´t believe it! Amazon just told me that my book will be here tomorrow! usually they need 3 weeks to deliver a book from the US! Branded by fire is mine!

Jenkayt said...

I love to recommend the In Death Series by JD Robb, your Psy-Changeling series, and the Tairen Soul series by CL Wilson.

The series that I have read and loved that were recommended to me were the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, the Mercy series by Patricia Briggs and the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. I picked up the series by Anne Bishop, by reading your recommendation on this website. Thanks

I aready have the Daughter of the Blood.

Dino Rubio said...

For me it would have to be Twilight, sorry. I was very against reading it but my friend was just so persistent that I picked them up and loved them.
p.s. Branded By Fire was out early and I just finished it, it was hot and I love it. I can't wait for Blaze Of Memory.

Erika said...

The Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan, and your Psy/Changeling series are the two big ones. I love them, and I want everyone else to love them too!

Raonaid Luckwell said...

Really it depends with certain people. Though the one series that I've talked or highly recommended people to read has been Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter books.

Then if people like fantasy, Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books.

Wow, it's neat to see you offering up Anne Bishop's Daughter of the blood. I already have this book and read it oh so many times. I've found that not everyone likes Bishop but then I like the darkness of her writing.. Then there is Daemon. Yum!

Unknown said...

Hands down, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Sara Donati's Into the Wilderness series, Sookie Stackhouse series, and of course, all your Psy series!

Unknown said...

I am constantly trying to get non-vampire fans to try them and read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R Ward.

I don't think I would have tried the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaladon if my friend wouldn't have forced it on me :)

Estella said...

I have convinced several of my friends and relatives to read the Sookie Stackhouse books.

felinewyvern said...

I got my daughter's future mother-in-law hooked on Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' series.

I also got my daughter hooked on a number of series' including Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter which she in turn got her fiance interested in :D

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

I can't enough of your series and the Dark Hunter series.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

jeanette8042 said...

I always try to get people to read Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series!

orannia said...

It's Tuesday here (as I'm sure you know :) so I just wanted to say congrats and wish you all the best on the release of Branded By Fire!

:Candice: said...

I'm always telling friends to pick up books by Alyssa Day, Kresely Cole, Gena Showalter, Nalini Singh :), and I have gotten a couple of those friends to start the Dark Hunter series and Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
When they finally start reading my suggestions they always say, "Why didn't I start sooner" I always tell them, "If you would just listen to me ... lol"

Tiffany M. said...

Well, I have started trying to pass the psy series along, but also have mentioned Meg Cabot's Mediator Series, Patricia Briggs' Mercy series, Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels' series, and Tamora Pierce's Tortall books.

Really, it depends on the person I'm trying to get to read.

One of my friend's got me into Sherilyn Kenyon's darkhunter series. Another mentioned J.R. Ward, but after reading the third book, I decided it wasn't for me.

limecello said...

A friend convinced me to read the BDB series. I have to admit, initially I made fun of the names with random "h's" - but now it's all chrack. :P
I've convinced people to read the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas, and Jill Shalvis's new "Instant" trilogy. :) I'm a book pusher, and proud of it! (Hopefully I've convinced people to read a lot of other books too!)

Sej said...

Awe I just read that Dear Reader letter. Now I really can't wait to read their story!

Sej said...

Oh question yes my bad!! I constantly try to convince people to read your Psy/Changeling series and esp the new book Angels' Blood cause I loved it so much. And JR Ward's BDB is right on top too. I would never have read Julie James if a friend hadn't convinced me to try her. I ended up loving both of her books!