Guest Author: Kristen Callihan

WINNER: Thanks for all the comments everyone! The random winner of the copy of Firelight is Stephanie Samphire. Congratulations! Please send your mailing address to: naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom and we'll pass it on to Kristen.

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I'm delighted to have Kristen Callihan on the blog today. I had a chance to have an early read of her darkly romantic and atmospheric debut, Firelight, and utterly enjoyed it. You can check out an excerpt of the book here. Please welcome Kristen to the blog everyone!

Kristen Callihan on Firelight

Thank you, Nalini for having me here! I’m a huge fangirl, which goes without saying, but even more so, I admire your generosity and kindness to both readers and fellow authors. And, really, how cool is it that I get to hang out with you and your readers?  (pssstt, hey readers, I don’t want anyone to get too excited but, on my way in, I happened to find this lovely feather, brilliant blue and silver tipped. I’m just saying… Nalini might not have *made up* her angels… But you didn’t hear that from me.)

Ahem…

Lately, I’ve been asked why did I decide to mix historical romance with paranormal. It seems that the two don’t often mix, much like second cousins meeting up once a year for the holidays.

This notion hadn’t occurred to me. I’d been spoon-fed on paranormal through such writers as Anne Rice, Stoker, and Shelley. Stories such as Dracula, Frankenstein and Dorian Gray fired my young imagination and started a life-long love affair with the paranormal.

But why Victorian London? For me, Victorian London is as much a character as my hero and heroine. This is a place of narrow, dank alleyways, shrouded in fog. It’s the shrill cry of the constable’s whistle when murder is afoot. Footsteps scuffing over the cobbles in the dark of night. It is also the seductive clasp of a lady’s corset, her bustled skirts swaying in enticingly, all but begging for a man to discover what lies beneath.

And it is a place in which my hero, Lord Benjamin Archer, becomes a mystery unto himself. In the modern age, a fellow with something to hide about his appearance might easily turn to cosmetics, hell, with the internet and good take-out, he might never need leave his house. In our world, a masked man might be looked upon as strange, but we’d chalk it up to yet another bit of weirdness and go on our way.  In Victorian London, however, there would be talk. What does he hide? Rumors and speculation will grow. Especially when lofty peers of the realm begin to be murdered, and witness point to one suspect, a masked man.

Sex, murder, mystery and magic, they all fit quite well within Victorian London. How then could I resist?

In Firelight, my heroine, Miranda must navigate the twisting avenues of speculation and fear, and learn to trust her heart. The payoff just might be wining the love of a lifetime.

So how about the rest of you? Is there an era or place that sets your imagination on fire? Had you the ability to go back in time, where would you go? What would you do?

Giveaway: Kristen is giving away a copy of Firelight  - to enter the draw, just leave a comment on this post (on the main blog rather than the Goodreads feed) with your answer to one of her questions above, before 5pm Thursday 2nd Februrary 2012, New Zealand time.

The fine print: Contest is open internationally. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly using random.org and his or her name posted on this blog on Friday February 3rd, 2012. Void where prohibited.

Guest Author: Nikki Logan

Today, we have a debut author visiting - please give Nikki a warm welcome everyone!!

THE BIRTH OF A BOOK

Elephants gestate for 22 months, giraffes 16 months, orang-utans 8 months.

Debut novels…? Somewhere between an elephant and a giraffe, it seems. My debut ‘Lights, Camera…Kiss the Boss’ was conceived during the Australian equivalent of NaNoWriMo. I began June 2008 with a vague idea of a story and finished it a few days shy of the last day of the month, weighing in at a healthy 55K and full of the promise of new life. The name on its birth certificate was Love on a Rooftop but I knew it by its nickname, LOAR.
I had a world of fun making that ‘baby’ over the space of a month. The story seemed to just flow out of me, like it had been waiting for me to sit at my computer and set it free. And then, when I was done, I filed it away in my documents as an interesting experiment. It never occurred to me that I should polish it up because it never occurred to me that I would sell it. To anyone.
But I did, to Kimberley Young from Harlequin Mills & Boon (London) who was considering one of LOAR’s sibling manuscripts. She casually asked ‘Do you have anything else I can look at’ and I panicked becasue I didn't, then I remembered little LOAR sitting politely in its room waiting to be invited out to play by the big kids. I polished it up and sent it off like a first day at school. It was raw, it was virtually still stream-of-consciousness stuff. And it was on its way to London!

What was I thinking??

Five months from the day I typed The End on my baby, Kim Young gave me the call. Not just a call, the call. She wanted to buy Love on a Rooftop.

That was it, thought I. Fame and fortune here I come. I started planning my retirement from the day job, I bought floor to ceiling IKEA bookshelves to celebrate (and because that seemed like a writerly thing to do). And then the timelines hit me.

The baby that I’d written in June 2008 and sold in November 2008 wouldn’t be released until December 2009. Thirteen months from the date of sale, eighteen from completion. And then it got pushed back to February 2010 to be part of a special series month and suddenly my baby’s gestation was around twenty agonising months.

I could have made most of an elephant in that time! And me so bad with delayed gratification.

*sigh*

The gestation has been filled with exciting firsts. My first revisions, my first contract, my first advance-cheque, my first author alterations, my first title, my first cover, my first hard-copy-in-the-hands-honest-to-goodness-books and… finally…my first release date.

All writer-things, meaningless to others but the stuff that keeps all of us going. And must be like the first ultrasound for expecting mums. The first heartbeat, the first kick, the first smile, the first step.
Valentines weekend 2010 may be the one I remember for the rest of my life. Even more than the time I got twenty-four anonymous roses on my doorstep. It’s the week my book debuts and the whole world gets to see how I spent June 2008 and a whole lot of months in between. It’s the week I introduce Ava Lange and Daniel Arnot to the planet; all their barely disguised chemistry and complicated history. Their special brand of happy-ever-after.
It’s the day my baby has its first birthday—in elephant years. I hope you can all come to the party!

Lights, Camera…Kiss the Boss debuts in February 2010 (March 2010 in Australia & New Zealand) Or be kind to the planet and grab an electronic copy from www.eharlequin.com or your favourite e-book store right now.

Nikki's Website: www.nikkilogan.com.au – A Romance with Nature

NZ/Aus Author Series: Sandra Hyatt

Winner: The random numbers have rolled and the winner of Sandra's giveaway is MAERED! Congrats! Please email me your address: nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com

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Today we get to meet the third guest in my monthly series on authors from my part of the world - Sandra Hyatt! Not only is Sandra a friend, she's a debut author whose first book has just come out. Congratulations, Sandra!!

She's here today sharing the really cool story of where she got the "Call" and giving away a copy of her debut book, so leave a comment to be in the draw.

Everyone, please give a very warm welcome to Sandra. :-)

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First off – thanks Nalini for inviting me to blog with you.

It's great to have something like this going on while it seems so many authors I know are off having a wonderful time in Washington DC at the Romance Writers of America national conference.

I have fabulous memories of last year's San Francisco conference. The whole conference is always an amazing experience – terrific workshops and speakers, editors, agents, publishers and hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of authors all in the one place. And the best thing is that every last person there is passionate about romance.

Then, of course, there are the Golden Heart Awards for unpublished manuscripts and the RITA Awards for the very best in published Romance fiction. (Fingers crossed on Saturday night for Mine to Possess in the paranormal romance category. How could Clay and Tally's story not win?).

But last year's conference was particularly special for me because that was where I got The Call from my editor saying she wanted to buy my book. To get that news, in a place like that, and to be able to share it on the spot and in person with my writing friends (as well as the complete strangers I told) was so much fun.

And now, a year down the track, that call has resulted in my very first book Having The Billionaire's Baby hitting the shelves in North America right about now. It's resulted in me being able to hold a real book with my name on the cover, in my hot little hands. It's also resulted in me being able to answer, when someone asks what I do, that I write romance. This is a dream come true for me, a dream that was ten years in the making, and a dream which I'm hoping is only just beginning.

I love the writing of my stories, the way characters come to life, and the way they shape their own destinies on paper. Callie, The heroine of Having the Billionaire's Baby has always been a 'good' girl, always followed the rules, and always carefully planned her life. But on the night of her ex-fiancé's wedding she gives herself permission to throw caution to the wind and act on impulse. Her actions that night land her in hot water with Nick (who plays by his own rules) and her carefully ordered life is turned upside down.

As exciting as it's all been, it's a bit like a rollercoaster too. There are parts where you're slowly climbing to a peak, not knowing what's in front of you. The book hitting the shelves is one of those peaks, because for so many years the only people who've read what I've written have been a few critique partners and some contest judges. Now the whole world—and my mother—can read it.

I'd love it if anyone out there had experiences they wanted to share where they had doubts but triumphed wildly (or even mildly).

Guest Author: Maree Anderson - Even Demons Get The Blues

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

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

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

Now, onto the interview!

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

1. Who is Maree Anderson?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. What're you working on right now?

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

6. Who are your "keeper" authors?

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

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

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

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

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Visionaries. Risk-takers. Just plain wild.

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

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

15 Years.

15 E-Books.

$1.50 Each.

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

Red Sage. Read Dangerously!

Book Tour: Dead to Me - Anton Strout

Today, I've got a book tour for you from debut author Anton Strout. Check out the details below!

DEAD TO ME
Anton Strout
Feb 26, 2008

Welcome to the Department of Extraordinary Affairs Other Division—New York’s answer to the underfunded world of paranormal investigation. It’s a job caught up in red tape, memos, and office politics, but its becoming par for the course for recent recruit Simon Canderous.

After a life of petty crime and twenty four years of watching his power of psychometry—the ability to divine information solely by touching an object—destroy any chance of a real relationship, he’s joined the forces of Good hoping to gain some control. But when the mysterious ghost of a recently dead woman shows up at the Lovecraft Café, he and his mentor must figure out how she fits into a nefarious plot involving the cultists rights movement, a large wooden fish, and the forces of Darkness crushing on him.

Link to Excerpt

REVIEWS

“Simon Canderous is a reformed thief and a psychometrist. By turns despondent over his luck with the ladies (not always living) and his struggle with the hierarchy of his mysterious department (not always truthful), Simon’s life veers from crisis to crisis. Following Simon’s adventures is like being the pinball in an especially antic game, but it’s well worth the wear and tear.”

- Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, soon to an HBO series True Blood by Alan Ball

"Imagine if Harry Dresden or Angel had to work in a poorly run office dealing with office politics and red tape. It's a terrific debut"

-Cameron Hughes, WWW.CHUD.COM

Link to Anton's Website

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/

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.

Magic Bites - Ilona Andrews

This is an awesome book. I closed the last page and immediately wanted to read the next one.

The story focuses around Kate, a mercenary who hires herself out to deal with magical nasties in a world where tech and magic are competing for the upper hand (the magic's winning).

Then we've got vampires, shapechangers and an all-around cool world. I just really liked the whole setup. For a more detailed review, swing by Dear Author, which is where I saw this book first mentioned. And here's a link to the excerpt on the author's website.

So, how was everyone's weekend?

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Lewis on BEA 2007

The fabulous Jennifer Lewis, whose first book, The Boss's Demand, releases July, recently attended Book Expo America. I thought it sounded like a fantastic time (how can you go wrong with free books?!) and asked her to give us the lowdown. Please welcome Jen to the blog everyone!!
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Book Expo America 2007

On Friday, June 1st I had two firsts: I got to hold my debut Silhouette Desire The Boss’s Demand in my hot little hands for the first time, and I did my first book signing. Both of these events occurred at the massive celebration of all things bookish that is Book Expo America. Nalini asked me if I’d chat a bit about my experience there, and since I’m still giddy from the excitement of it all, here goes…..

I was invited by my publisher, Harlequin, to sign books in their booth during “Sexy Hour” at 2:00 PM along with Carly Phillips, Brenda Jackson, Cara Summers, Hope Tarr and Anna DePalo.

The event took place at the Javits Center—a huge, black-glass convention megalith on the far West side of Manhattan. I don’t know how most people got there, as it’s convenient to nothing, but I walked from Grand Central Station. Since it was close to ninety degrees I was, um, glowing, by the time I got there. Inside it was also rather warm as the heat of the sun and all those warm bodies had overwhelmed the air conditioning. Definitely wasn’t going to need the jacket I brought with me!

I had some time to kill before my signing so I wandered around a bit on the vast Publisher floor. It’s set up like a giant bazaar, where each publisher has a “booth” and you can go in and fondle their wares. I quickly became overwhelmed and when I came across the Romance Writers of America booth (set up like a French café with wrought iron chairs and tables) I stumbled into it like a desert oasis. It was fun to meet Nicole Kennedy of RWA, and Nicole Burnham who’s on the RWA board, and I chatted with them until it was time to head for the Harlequin booth.

Harlequin’s booth was the biggest I saw, a semi-enclosed room with beige carpeting (most booths had navy carpeting) and several minimalist countertops surrounded by posters and racks of books behind glass. I had no idea where to go, so I headed for an authoritative looking woman at the main countertop. She asked me if I wanted a book, and I said I was there to sign, then she gave me an indulgent look and asked me if I wanted a book anyway. I looked at the book, then at her—I’d just offended Tara Taylor Quinn! I apologized and she was very gracious about it. People always say that at RWA conferences you should just go up and introduce yourself to strangers. I’m the one who’d go up to a redhead with a cigarette and ask if she was a writer (Jen smacks head).

My “handler” was the very lovely Anita Sultmanis of Harlequin. She set me up at the main countertop with a stack of books. In front of me there was a snazzy picture of me and my book cover set against a city scene, and one of my books mounted in a rack. I actually didn’t realize this until later as I was overwhelmed by the site of my book—which I had never seen except as a jpeg of the cover image—right there in the flesh! I fondled it lovingly for a moment, then suddenly it was two o’clock and people were queuing up waiting to lay their hands on my book too!

Since we were giving it away, it wasn’t a hard sell, but I was kind of blown away that so many people wanted the signature made out to them like they were planning to actually keep it. Anita kept stacking more books on the counter, and I kept signing them. My editor and the Desire Senior editor introduced themselves at some point but I barely had time to gush at all as I was so busy scribbling. It was actually a challenge writing fast enough and trying to make my signature look both legible and vaguely consistent. I was developing a cute, curly ‘s’ on the end by the time we ran out of books forty-five minutes later. I’d printed out some business cards with my upcoming titles and website on them, and Anita came up with the idea of popping one in each book. I regretted not making more, as we soon ran out.

It was great fun chatting with people as I signed. Nearly all of them were booksellers and librarians. One hilarious older lady collared me and said “Does the heroine have some backbone?” I assured her that my heroine demonstrates plenty of backbone from page one and that I thought she’d like her. She went on to tell me that she can’t stand wimpy heroines. Her friend, when pressed, admitted that she liked wimpy heroines, so I guess it takes all kinds!

After the signing I’d agreed to do a podcast for Malle Vallick of Harlequin, who’s in charge of digital content. While I was waiting, Desire author Anna De Palo approached me and we chatted. She’s one of the many romance authors (like Nalini) who are former lawyers, so we laughed about that. When Anna and I sat down to record the podcast, Malle asked me if I had a copy of my book with me. I went into my bag to fish out the one copy I’d managed to salvage from the signing, and instead I pulled out Nalini’s fabulous Visions of Heat, which I’d brought along to read on the train. I’m afraid I pushed the delicious jaguar-spotted Vaughn back in my bag and said “Hmm, that’s not mine” but Nalini was there in spirit :)

Anna and I answered all kinds of questions about Desire and our own writing methods, and Anna observed that we are both Ivy League college graduates. One question that surprised me was whether being a romance writer is a good career for women. As mothers of young children we both wholeheartedly agreed. It really is the ultimate set-your-own-hours job—not to mention the most fun work I can imagine. I hope Malle managed to get something useful out of my babbling. Although I usually sound very American after twenty years here, my vestigial English accent makes me pronounce some vowel sounds rather strangely and I’ve discovered that words I cannot pronounce the American way include Podcast, Boss and Demand. Since my book is called The Boss’s Demand, I’m now resolving to say all my titles aloud before I choose them!

The whole experience was a blast and I’ve been tripping on a natural high ever since! For more info about the book, or about my upcoming books, visit my website at http://www.jen-lewis.com.

Interview - Emily Gee

Today, I bring you another debut author - the lovely and talented Emily Gee! Her book Thief With No Shadow is like nothing else I've read lately. Check out the interview below, where I totally grill her!

1. Your first book, ‘Thief With No Shadow’ came out last month. What’s your state of mind right now?

My state of mind? To tell the truth, I’m a little bit freaked out. Even though (weird though this may sound) the book doesn’t ‘feel’ like it’s mine any more. It’s no longer a pile of scribbled-on sheets of paper--it’s neat and trim and has a shiny cover. My name is on it, but I swear it’s someone else’s book!

2. Who is Emily Gee? Give us the lowdown.

Me? I work in the wine industry in Marlborough, New Zealand. I’m a member of the viticultural team at a winery and I really enjoy it--particularly the frantic rush of harvest, which we’ve just finished. I love to travel and am itching to get overseas again. I’m a bit of a walking freak--I have to get outside and up the hills as often as possible! I love reading and movies and wine and food and art ... oh, and yoga!

3. Backcover copy of ‘Thief’?

Aided by the magic which courses through her veins, Melke is able to walk unseen by mortal eyes. When a necklace she has stolen holds the key to both saving her brother’s life and breaking a terrible curse, she must steal it back from a den of fire-breathing salamanders. Things are about to get very tough for Melke, especially when she comes to realise she may have to trust the very people who were out to kill her.

Thief With No Shadow is a rich, romantic fantasy tale set in a world where the ordinary and extraordinary co-exist, where nightmarish creatures live alongside men, and magic runs in the blood of mortals.

[And then there are some lovely quotes, yours included!]

4. Having had a chance to read ‘Thief’, I’d categorize it as dark fantasy with romantic elements. Agree? Disagree?

I agree, absolutely. It’s dark, but it’s also romantic. And it ends happily. I could never write a sad ending!

5. Tell us about some of the creatures in your fantasy world.

The creatures that feature most prominently are salamanders. They’re cruel and avaricious and hedonistic--and extremely dangerous. They’re motivated by treasures--gold and jewels--and by sexual pleasure. Only people who’re in desperate circumstances dare to approach them. Unfortunately my poor characters are in rather dire straits!

6. What’s next for you?

I’m working on another fantasy that’s both dark and romantic. It’s not set on the same world as ‘Thief’--there are no salamanders! The working title is ‘Witch-Eye’.

7. Anything else you want to share?

We’ve just finished harvest, which is a pretty demanding time of year--no time for getting to the supermarket, let alone reading. ‘Slave to Sensation’ was the treat I promised myself for when I had time to read again--which was this past weekend. I gulped it down. A great read--thanks!

Black Widow Bride - Tessa Radley / Interview

Full disclosure - Tessa is a good friend of mine so when she gave me a copy of her first book, I opened it with the hope that I would enjoy it, especially since I'd been asking her for an advance look at it ever since I first heard the title!

Well, guess what? Black Widow Bride wasn't good. It was fabulous! I read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

Here's the backcover copy.

She Wore Red To His Wedding...

Her attempt at seduction the night before his marriage had nearly been his undoing. Wealthy businessman Damon Asteriades had pushed aside all thoughts of brash Rebecca Grainger for years, until circumstances forced him to bring her back to his family's estate. There was no reason for him to become further involved with the woman society had dubbed the black widow bride—save the intense passion that still burned hot between them.

That, and the three-year-old secret she was protecting.

Sounds intriguing, no? Trust me, the book delivers. It had me on my toes throughout as I tried to figure out the secret and what was going to happen next. Damon is a very alpha hero and yes, I had some violent urges toward him but that's because he was such a strong character. What I really liked was that Rebecca was tough enough to take him on, and she was smart.

As for the plot - lots of twists and turns. I was completely hooked. I think if you like your love stories intense, dramatic and intriguing, you'll enjoy this book very much.

Now, since Tessa is my friend and I can pepper her with questions whenever I feel like it *g*, I did a mini-interview with here. Here it is:

Question 1: I was really impressed by the realism of your Greek characters. How did you research that?

It was more a case of writing what I knew about. I spent my high school years at a co-ed school for expatriate Greek children. Growing up lots of my friends were Greek—there were a lot of Italians there too :). The Greek people are very warm and welcoming and I learnt to speak a smattering of Greek (which I have lost!) and travelled a fair bit around Greece. I enjoyed writing about Damon, his mother and his brother Savvas and hope I managed to convey some of the warmth that overflows in Greek families. The Greek guys are pretty hot too!

Question 2. Did you come up with the title? Because I was hooked the first time I heard it!

Let’s just say I have a seriously twisted mind *g*. I was amazed Desire went with it, I thought it might be too dark! But seriously, that’s how my hero, Damon, viewed Rebecca, the heroine. So it worked.

Question 3. So, how are the first book jitters going?

Awful…but I have a deadline for 13 April so that’s keeping my mind off the release date a little. But it’s also very exciting. I’m starting to get emails from people who are Harlequin subscribers and have the book or who have read the eBook—and that has been such a thrill. I’m finding that being an author is so much more rewarding than I ever expected.

Here's the link to Tessa's website. Go have a squiz - it's very pretty.

Demon Angel - Meljean Brook

I am very sleepy right now. It's all Meljean Brook's fault. Her Demon Angel kept me up way past my bedtime.

For two thousand years, Lilith wrought vengeance upon the evil and the damned, gathering souls for her father's armies Below and proving her fealty to her Underworld liege. Bound by a bargain with the devil and forbidden to feel pleasure, she draws upon her dark powers and serpentine grace to lead men into temptation. That is, until she faces her greatest temptation—Heaven's own Sir Hugh Castleford...

Once a knight and now a Guardian, Hugh spent centuries battling demons—and the cursed, blood-drinking nosferatu. His purpose has always been to thwart the demon Lilith, even as he battles his treacherous hunger for her. But when a deadly alliance unleashes a threat to both humans and Guardians in modern-day San Francisco, angel and demon must fight together against unholy evil—and against a desire that has been too long denied...

Who will be the first to succumb?

I was hooked by Hugh's and Lilith's characters in the anthology where they first made their appearance. That novella was about another couple but from the first glimpse of these two, I just wanted to know their story.

I am absolutely delighted to report that Demon Angel lived up to my extremely high expectations. Hugh is not only sexy, he's got the whole quiet-yet-capable thing going on. Sigh. Then there's Lilith - she could've been unlikeable but she's not. She's a witty, funny and a perfect foil for Hugh.

The relationship between the two of them was beautifully developed, all 800 years of it! I really liked the buildup through time, as they met each other again and again. And when they do finally come together, it's absolutely right. I don't think either of these characters would fit with anyone else.

The author's voice just works for me - smooth, lyrical, easy to read. And I can't not mention the world-building, it's so vividly done. My favorite secondary character? Sir Pup, the hellhound. Hand's down. I vote he should get his own book.

I also love the cover for Demon Angel - it looks almost like a painting, don't you think? Next up is Demon Moon and I tell you, I'm chomping at the bit for that vain vampire Colin's story!

Interview: Anna Campbell - Claiming The Courtesan

I was wondering what to post today when I remembered that Anna Campbell is having her book release soon. And since debut authors are always fun to torment get to know, I shot her some questions and she sent me some answers. Check out the interview below. (Anna's also giving away some cover flats of the beautiful cover on the left.)

Interview with Anna Campbell

Anna: Nalini, thanks for asking me to be a guest on your blog. I was here for a visit back around Christmas and had a wonderful time. Congratulations on all your success! I read SLAVE TO SENSATION while I was recovering from the flu in January and it was a brilliant book. About the only thing in the universe that could have made me forget my horrible physical woes. Can't wait to read VISIONS OF HEAT but as I'm trying to write my third book, I may just have to.

1. So, who is Anna Campbell? Give us the lowdown.

Anna Campbell is an international woman of mystery who breakfasts with presidents, lunches with lords and dines with kings. What she does afterwards and who she does it with is nobody's business but hers (nudge, nudge, wink, wink, however).

Right, having got that off my chest, I'm an Aussie girl who's always wanted to see a book of hers in print. As I'm yet to discover a tall, dark, tormented duke on my doorstep, I'm single and happy to be that way. I live near the sea on the east coast of Australia, even if my heart is waltzing around a ballroom in Regency Mayfair. I'm partial to many things including Peter O'Toole in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, email, a nice red wine and good books, especially luscious romances.

2. Your debut book releases March 27 - give us a glimpse into the state of your mind right now.

I'm bouncing around like a loon at the moment, Nalini. How did you feel? Is this emotional rollercoaster normal? At one moment, the world's my oyster, at the next, I have a real fit of the collywobbles. It's also surreal. I keep remembering how I announced to the world when I was in primary school that I was going to grow up to be a writer. Hey, it looks like it actually happened. People have been marvellous too, contacting me and wishing me luck or saying how excited they are about the book hitting the stands any day now.

3. Backcover copy of Claiming the Courtesan?

This is a stunning debut, a love story that sweeps you away and keeps you captivated until the last page is turned…

He would marry her, and possess her in every way possible.

The Duke of Kylemore knows her as Soraya, London's most celebrated courtesan. Men fight duels to spend an hour in her company. And only he comes close to taming her. Flying in the face of society, he decides to make her his bride; then, she vanishes, seemingly into thin air.

Dire circumstances have forced Verity Ashton to barter her innocence and change her name for the sake of her family. But Kylemore destroys her plans for a respectable life when he discovers her safe haven. He kidnaps her, sweeping her away to Scotland, where he vows to bend her to his will.

There he seduces her anew. She spends night after night in his bed…and though Verity still plans her escape, she knows she can never flee the unexpected, unwelcome love for the proud, powerful lover who claims her both body and soul.

4. I haven't read Claiming the Courtesan. Sell me on it.

This is one of those big luscious romances that I hope will sweep you away to another world for a few hours. It's darkly sensual and dramatic and I really tried to make it an emotional journey from darkness to light for my characters and for my readers. It tells the story of London's most notorious courtesan, Soraya, and her tormented, passionate lover, the Duke of Kylemore, who swears to make her his bride. It's a compelling story of love and courage and ultimate redemption that I hope will stay in the reader's mind long after they read the last page.

5. I've heard your hero is an ultra alpha. Do you want to tell us about him?

The Duke of Kylemore is a man who's true to his time, which means he's arrogant, he thinks the world, including women, exists for his convenience and he exhibits a lordly manner (well, he is a lord, when all's said and done). But beneath his proud elegance lurks a complex, unhappy soul. He's tormented and alone, hiding devastating secrets and pain. From the moment he sees Soraya, he wants her because something in him recognizes she's his only chance at salvation. Of course, because he's unacquainted with anything resembling love, he acts out his desire in ways that end up backfiring on him.

The book charts his redemption and the growth in his self-awareness until he's a fit partner to the woman who is his other half. Yes, he's an alpha, perhaps even an ultra alpha. I'm not apologizing for that. He makes some bad decisions but he will suffer extremes of emotional pain as a consequence. And after all his suffering, he emerges from the fire a better man. When I read, I like to share a compelling inner odyssey with the characters. I hope with this story that's what I've achieved, so that even if Kylemore's actions aren't always laudable, you can understand why he's doing what he's doing. And man, is he passionate! Always an attractive quality in a hero!

6. Right, sooooo I've heard some interesting things about your next book, Untouched. Any chance of a glimpse as to what it's about?

Umm, if I told you I'd have to kill you. It comes out in December from Avon. I'm totally in love with the hero who, while strong and passionate and brave, is in many ways the absolute opposite to Kylemore. It starts with my heroine being kidnapped to become the Marquess of Sheene's sex toy so you can probably see that it has a similarly dark, sensual atmosphere to CLAIMING THE COURTESAN.

7. Ooooh....are you sure I can't bribe you with my secret stash of boy toys?

Boy toys or toy boys, Nalini? Ha. There's a couple of devilish twists to the plot I really don't want to give away at this stage. But it's a mixture of Beauty and the Beast and the Sleeping Beauty. The story has a dark fairytale quality that I hope takes the reader into a really different world when it comes to romance novels. It's a world of danger and intense sensuality where nothing is as it seems. And I absolutely love the title. UNTOUCHED works on so many different levels. I was delighted when Avon agreed with me that it really suited the book. I'm putting an excerpt and the back cover blurb on my website www.annacampbell.info in May so I hope I've intrigued you all to come and check it out.

So I'm wondering - how do you feel when you read an ultra alpha? Does the time/world in which a book is set have an influence on how you feel about these forceful, sexy heroes? Who is your favourite alpha hero? Best three answers get a signed coverflat for CLAIMING THE COURTESAN!

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

About three things I was absolutely positive:

First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him… that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

You know that part in Jerry Macquire where Renee Zellweger says, "You had me at Hello?" Well, this book had be at that backcover blurb. It's like the shortest thing ever but I was hooked. (I first read that blurb on Bam's site, so swing over that way for a great, comprehensive review). For my part, the backcover blurb effect held true - I loved, loved, loved this book!

The story focuses around Bella and Edward (the vampire). They're teenagers (well, at least on the surface) so this is nominally a young adult book, but seriously people, ignore the YA tag. This is one of those books that transcends all sorts of genre boundaries - it is just a fantastic story.

Details: While Edward is mysterious and all-around fascinating, the heart of the book is Bella. She's a teenager with a teenager's hangups, but she's also oddly grown up in the way she handles the whole vampire issue and more. She makes up her mind and she sticks with it, which is one of the reasons I really loved her character. There's very little angsting with Bella.

And yeah, Edward is hot (hey, I get to say that - he's only pretending to be a teenager!). Overall, I fell for Stephenie Meyer's voice. It's very clear, very calm and absolutely riveting. Read this book! You won't be sorry. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel - New Moon.

Succubus Blues - Richelle Mead

When Richelle Mead offered me an advanced copy of Succubus Blues, I said yes because I was curious. This book had already gotten some great buzz by that time, but I was having trouble with the whole concept. Why? Because the book was about a succubus! How could a succubus make a good heroine? Aren't they supposed to be evil creatures who seduce men and then steal their souls?

Well now, that question is what makes this book so interesting. Georgina is most definitely a morally ambiguous heroine. She does things a good heroine would never do, but she also does things an evil one would never do. She is, as she puts it herself, doing a "half-assed" job of being a succubus.

That's what makes her so likeable - though as I was zipping through the early pages, I still wasn't sure I quite liked Georgina...then suddenly, I realized I did. I was on her side. Flawed, vulnerable, drawn to that which she can't have, Georgina is a woman in a difficult position and she's making the best of it. The glimpses that Richelle gives of her past and why she became a succubus also help deepen our understanding of - and liking for - the character.

As to the world - this is a world where the denizens of heaven and hell coexist with humans, and it works. It just seems very natural. And I think a lot of that is because of Georgina. Sure she's a succubus, but she's also so dratted...normal - she makes a fool of herself more than once, has a cat she talks to, and friends who gossip about her life (they just don't happen to be human).

This book definitely isn't a romance, though there are romantic threads in it. It's about Georgina. She is the book's center and in the same way that she isn't morally black or white, neither are the divisions in the book. Succubus Blues muddies up all sorts of boundaries - good and evil, dark and light. However, I think by the end of it, you'll be as invested in Georgina as I was. I already want to know what happens next.

Overall: Totally recommended if you're looking for an intriguing urban fantasy with memorable characters and an original take on the paranormal.