NZ/Aus Author Series: Annie West

Winners: The random winner's of Annie's giveaway are:

Orannia - The Greek's Convenient Mistress
Una - Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife

Congratulations! Please email your addresses to: annie AT annie-west DOT com

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It's time to meet the second guest in my monthly series on authors from my corner of the world.

Today's guest is the lovely Annie West! Annie, a Waldenbooks bestselling author, writes for Harlequin Presents (called M&B Sexy down under). She's also an Australian, but we don't hold that against her ;-)

Please give a warm welcome to Annie everyone! And check out the presents she's bought along to share.
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Hi, Nalini! Thanks so much for the invitation to come and join you. This is a real treat. I’ve been admiring your work for a long time.

This is a special time for me right now and it’s great to be able to share that with other romance lovers. Recently I sold my 10th book to Harlequin and am well into my 11th manuscript. Double digits – yay! Somehow when I got ‘the call’ for that first book I never really looked ahead as far as this. Now I feel like maybe I can make a success of writing long term, especially as I’ve just heard that my first Presents story is about to go into a ‘By Request’ omnibus of reprinted stories in the UK in August.

As well as that, I’m grinning from ear to ear about my two (count them!) current releases. The Greek’s Convenient Mistress goes on sale this week in North America and in the UK Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife is on shelves already (and in Aus/NZ in June). (If you’re curious and want to read an excerpt follow these links to the Harlequin sites or visit my website).

To celebrate I thought I’d give away a copy of those two titles – one book each to two contributors to the blog, chosen at random.

Both these books feature Mediterranean heroes: tall, dark, dangerous and sexy. One is Sicilian and the other from the island of Crete. I fell in love with both of them as I wrote their stories. That got me wondering what it is I enjoyed so much about these guys and why so many readers want a strong Mediterranean man in their romances.

For me there are attributes I particularly enjoy writing and reading in a Mediterranean hero. They’re strong, charismatic and sexy, with a sense of assured masculinity that just seems to ooze from them. They’re fantastic lovers and they know how to please a woman.

They may, I admit, be slower than their heroine to realise when they’re in love. Actually, one of the things I enjoy is watching a strong, self-assured hero, who’s been used to striding through his world, in charge and capable, off balance when he finds his emotions engaged for the first time, all because of one woman. Especially if that woman isn’t the sort to whom he thought he’d be attracted. Especially if he hadn’t expected to fall in love. Or maybe he didn’t even believe in love.

He’ll be a man used to taking charge. He’s powerful and pragmatic, often with a strong sense of responsibility – especially for family and friends. In protective mode, this hero will move heaven and earth to care for and keep safe those people who are important to him. He’d act swiftly, possibly ruthlessly, against anyone threatening them. Which makes life interesting if he perceives the heroine as a threat! It also means he’ll do whatever is necessary to protect the woman he loves – something I find appealing - even if a heroine is perfectly capable of fending for herself.

His strength demands an equally strong heroine to match him.

He has a sense of honour. His values may be different to those of others. He may not care what others think and may dare to do things others won’t, but he has boundaries he will not cross and standards he’ll fight to maintain.

He’s proud. And we all know what they say about pride going before a fall. Don’t you love to watch a hero realise he’s been on the wrong track in his assessment of the heroine, then fight to make things right?

He’s passionate and capable of caring deeply. He may have a dark side, which has an appeal all its own.

You could argue that he shares quite a few characteristics with heroes from some fantasy and historical novels.

Does this sort of hero appeal to you? Do you like your men dark, passionate and maybe a little dangerous? What characteristics make a hero memorable for you?

Annie

Friday Book Club

It's Friday Book Club time - all about sharing your book recommendations!

I did a reread of one my favorite Jayne Ann Krentz books this week. Sweet Fortune is an absolutely wonderful story. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up, even though I've read it so many times before.

I love the heroine, Jessie, but it's the hero, Hatch, who really makes this book for me. I love the way he thinks, the way his mind works. Here're a couple of favorite lines:

"If you are angry or hurt or feeling neglected, I think you'll complain directly to management, not go behind my back and cry on some other man's shoulder."

"Complain to management." Her lip quivered. "Oh, Hatch. What am I going to do with you?"

Those lines alone make me want to go raid my JAK collection for more re-reads!

Okay, your turn. What've you read lately that you'd like to recommend?

Bollywood: Ek Vivaah...Aisa Bhi

This is a sweet, heart-tugging and very traditional film. I loved it. The literal translation of the title doesn't quite get the meaning across, so I'm going to give you a less literal translation that goes more to the heart of the story: "And there exists...love like this, too."

Here's the trailer.

Thank you & Website

First up, a huge thank you to all of you who've volunteered to help with the German translation. You guys are awesome!!

Second, the website updates have gone live - along with a fun short story. Enjoy!

German Speaking Volunteers Needed

Speaking of German translations, I'm noticing a lot of website hits from Germany (hello everyone!), and I was thinking I should set up a page on the website with information in German. Except I don't speak German. *g*

Anyone want to volunteer to help me out with some translating? Email me! (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com)

Also a thank you to the person who already helped me out with a translation recently :-)

German Cover - Mine to Possess

The German edition releases October :-)

Silent on the Moor - Deanna Raybourn

I have been hanging out for Silent on the Moor ever since I finished the first two Lady Julia Grey books, and it did not disappoint. It was, in fact, wonderful, fabulous, utterly satisfying!

Here's the blurb:

Despite his admonitions to stay away, Lady Julia arrives in Yorkshire to find Brisbane as remote and maddeningly attractive as ever. Cloistered together, they share the moldering house with the proud but impoverished remnants of an ancient family—the sort that keeps their bloodline pure and their secrets close. Lady Allenby and her daughters, dependent upon Brisbane and devastated by their fall in society, seem adrift on the moor winds, powerless to change their fortunes. But poison does not discriminate between classes….

A mystery unfolds from the rotten heart of Grimsgrave, one Lady Julia may have to solve alone, as Brisbane appears inextricably tangled in its heinous twists and turns. But blood will out, and before spring touches the craggy northern landscape, Lady Julia will have uncovered a Gypsy witch, a dark rider and a long-buried legacy of malevolence and evil.

If you're not reading this series, you must! I'd recommend starting with the first book, Silent in the Grave, because though the mysteries all stand alone, Julia and Brisbane's relationship grows through the books.

You can check out excerpts and book details on Deanna Raybourn's website.

I know several of you are already reading this series. Are there any you'd recommend as being similar?

Breaking Book News

I'm very happy to announce that I'm now contracted to write four more Psy/Changeling books and two more Guild Hunter books.

Woohoo! :-)

Friday Book Club

It's book club time - all about recommending books. Leave a note in the comments about a good book(s) you've read recently, and if you like, a line or two about why.

My reading this week was hot, hot, hot! You can blame Jaci Burton and Maya Banks for that. I read two novellas by Jaci (Unwrapped, and Unraveled), and an ARC of Sweet Persuasion (June) by Maya.

The stories were very different from one another, but one thing's certain - both Jaci and Maya know how to write heat with heart, never forgetting the romance in erotic romance.

To read excepts, check out Maya's site here, and Jaci's site, here.

Okay, your turn - what're your recs?

Edited to add: Maya is giving away a copy of Sweet Persuasion on her blog - contest closes soon, so be quick.

Q&A Session and Writing

Okay, looks like most people want the Q & A session after the release of Branded By Fire, so we'll do it a few weeks after the release - for both series. We can also do one after Blaze of Memory (releasing Nov).

The plan today is to polish up a little short story I'm working on for the website. Hoping to get some updates up soon.

Btw, I'm on Twitter now. I don't tweet that often, but I think I'm starting to understand the addiction. Anyone else tweeting?

This and That

First up, I know there are some questions in the previous thread that I haven't yet answered - I'll be getting to those today. We'll have a proper Q&A session later on in the year, so you can hit me with your questions then as well.

When would you like the session - after the Branded By Fire (July) release, or after Must Love Hellhounds (Sep)? Leave a note in the comments with your preference.

Also, a link - The Knight Agency is giving away a copy of Marley Gibson's Ghost Huntress: The Awakening. Be quick - it ends soon.

Links & Inspiration

I saw this on the NZ Herald site and found it incredibly inspiring - it's a short piece on an injured British soldier, Major Phil Packer, who completed the London Marathon two weeks after starting it.

Also, a couple of links to blogs giving away copies of my books - Meljean Book (Angels' Blood) & new author Suzanne McLeod (Visions of Heat or Mine to Possess).

I spent the past week reading and watching dvds, but it's back to work today. I'm going to polish up a novella, then start working on the next Psy/Changeling book.

What're you all up to?

Friday Book Club

It's Friday Book Club time again! This is all about recommending books, so leave a comment about a book you enjoyed, and, if you like, a few words about why.

I've been reading fabulous book after fabulous book. Most of it's not releasing for a while, so I won't tease you...too much. But I have to share - I'm on that happy good-book-run high.

Meljean Brook's Demon Forged will be out in October and it's fantastic. It has all the elements I love in Meljean's books - strong, gorgeously drawn characters, a world so real I totally believe it, and the punch of powerful emotion.

Ilona Andrews' next Kate Daniels book (out March 2010) is awesome. I'll post more on this closer to the release date, but trust me, you'll love it.

I'm currently halfway through Ilona Andrews' On the Edge (out in October) and it's soooooo good! The world and the characters are so real they leap off the page. I can't wait to get back to it!

More to come on all these books nearer their releases, but if you're not reading Meljean and Ilona, you need to!

Okay, hit me with your recs!

Branded By Fire Spoiler Thread

This is the thread where you can freely discuss BRANDED BY FIRE and the previous books in the Psy/Changeling series. *SPOILERS* allowed, so if you haven't read Branded yet, click away! This link will take you back to the main blog.

So, if you're sure this is where you want to be....let the discussion begin!

Also, if you're looking for the Caressed By Ice Spoiler thread, Mine to Possess Spoiler thread, or the Hostage to Pleasure Spoiler thread, follow the links.

For those of you who aren't bloggers, you can still comment - just choose the Anonymous option and sign off the comment with your name if you'd like folks to know who you are.

NB: This thread is for readers, so if you have a question specifically for me, email me at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com.

Interview & OOTB Tour: Bride of the Wolf - Jennifer St Giles

I've got an interview and the giveaway of a backlist book over at Beth Kery's.

And I've also got an OOTB book tour for you from the lovely Jennifer St Giles! Check out the details below.

Bride of the Wolf
by Jennifer St. Giles (Shadowmen Series Book 4)
Release Date 4/28/09

When the heroic werewolf Navarre is trapped in the twilight realm, his Shadowmen comrades are unable to rescue him. Only a passionate woman with a spirit as wild as his own can set him free….

Oil heiress Marissa Vasquez fled the jungles of Belize to avoid becoming a pawn in her vicious uncle’s wicked schemes. Though she has found temporary sanctuary in little Twilight, Tennessee, only in her dreams does she taste freedom. At night, her spirit intertwines with a magnificent black wolf, and they run together under the glow of a forest moon. When a wounded stranger is brought to the camp where she is hiding, she glimpses in his eyes the mysterious being who has been the partner of her visions. But before she can explore her strange reaction to this man, they are kidnapped and imprisoned once again.

Navarre is a shapeshifting Shadowman, captured by the evil Vladarian vampire who hopes to control Marissa. Injured and blind, he struggles to regain his warrior’s strength as they fight for their freedom — and their lives. Together, their spirits form a powerful link matched only by the passion they discover in each other’s arms. But can a mortal woman attain true love with a man who is half wolf? And will their enemies give them time to find an answer?

Reviews

“With a spin that will shake fans with delight, Jennifer St. Giles continues to make The Shadowmen saga one of the best urban romantic fantasy series on the market today.”—Klausner

“Magically believable and overflowing with affecting emotions, BRIDE OF THE WOLF holds your attention during every gripping scene.” Singletitles.com

“Jennifer St. Giles packs an emotional punch that will take your breath away.” Bitten by Books, Brianna.

“BRIDE OF THE WOLF is yet another intense and powerful story from the very talented Jennifer St. Giles.” CK’s Kwips and Kritiques, Debbie

Excerpt: http://jenniferstgiles.com/brideofthewolf.shtml
Website: jenniferstgiles.com
Blog: jenniferstgiles.blogspot.com

USA Today Bestselling Author, Jennifer is a former nurse and homeschooling mother of three. She has won a number of awards for writing excellence including, two National Reader’s Choice Awards, two time Maggie Award Winner, Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Romance Writers’ of America’s Golden Heart Award, along with RT Book Club’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Historical Gothic/Mystery.

Books: The Mistress of Trevelyan 8/04, His Dark Desires 11/05, Midnight Secrets 5/06, Touch A Dark Wolf 9/06, Darkest Dreams 12/06, The Lure of the Wolf 7/07, Silken Shadows 12/07, Kiss of Darkness 4/09, Bride of the Wolf 5/09. Point of No Return: Mammoth Book of Vampire Romances Book 2 9/09. Romance’s first graphic e-book through betweenyoursheets.com. Jennifer St. Giles writing as Jennifer Saints in Wild Irish 5/09 and Smooth Irish 5/09.

Guest Author: Travis Heermann - Heart of the Ronin

Today, I've got a special guest for you - friend and fellow author Travis Heermann. Travis and I met while we were both working in Japan, where Heart of the Ronin is set - so he definitely knows his setting!

Here's what the Ronin trilogy is about (from Travis's website):

Set in 13th-century Japan, The Ronin Trilogy tells of the rise and fall of a young warrior named Ken'ishi. With only his father's mysterious blade to guide him, he walks dangerous lands in search of honor--and the truth about his parents' murder.

You can also download an excerpt on the website.

Please welcome Travis to the blog everyone!
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First of all, many thanks to Nalini for inviting me into her space. Second, a bit about me and my book. I'm speculative fiction author; my recent novel, Heart of the Ronin, was released in library-edition hard-cover in February of this year, and I've been delighted with the response it's getting from readers and reviewers.

These days, in addition to being a freelance writer and author, I also teach English Composition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while I work on my M.A. in English. Heart of the Ronin is a historical fantasy set in 13th century Japan. If you like a story with monsters, spirits, shapeshifting animals, spies, intrigues, ninja, samurai, and forbidden love, then check out my website at www.travisheermann.com for more information.

A female reader recently pointed out to me the immense differences between sex scenes written by women (i.e. Nalini) and those written by men (i.e. Yours Truly). The conversation went something like this:

Reader: "You know, in this book [Slave to Sensation], the juicy bits go on for pages and pages and pages. Hell, the entire book is foreplay! Then there's this part in yours [Heart of the Ronin]..."

Me: "Oh, yeah?"

Reader: "Well, yeah, the juicy bit lasts all of a paragraph."

Me: "No way! They've been leading up to it for a hundred--"

Reader: "One paragraph. Boom. In and out. Done."

Me: "Well, it's--"

Reader: "That's soooo like a man. How typical."

Me: "Yes, but it also says--"

Reader: "Gimme feelings, give me build-up, give me aftermath."

Me: "But for a hundred pages--"

Reader: "--There was romantic tension between them, yeah, but then he has to leave! With that much build-up, you need more payoff. I mean, big payoff. At least a chapter long."

Me: "But what about the adventure, and the intrigue, and the drama, and--"

Reader: "Gimme juice. Romance is all about the juice."

Me: "Sigh. Noted. Anything else?"

Reader: "[The hero] Ken'ishi sounds hot. Gimme more of that. Write juicy bits like [Nalini] does."

How can one argue with that?

Blaze of Memory Blurb

Here's the blurb for Blaze of Memory (Nov). A hint - there's a bit of a "twist" when it comes to the heroine's name. Who is she? *grin*

Nalini Singh returns to the Psy/Changeling world and its “breathtaking blend of passion, adventure, and the paranormal”* as a woman without a past becomes the pawn of a man who controls her future…

Dev Santos discovers her unconscious and battered, with no memory of who she is. All she knows is that she’s dangerous. Charged with protecting his people’s most vulnerable secrets, Dev is duty-bound to eliminate all threats. It’s a task he’s never hesitated to complete…until he finds himself drawn to a woman who might yet prove the enemy’s most insidious weapon.

Stripped of her memories by a shadowy oppressor, and programmed to carry out cold-blooded murder, Katya Haas is fighting desperately for her sanity itself. Her only hope is Dev. But how can she expect to gain the trust of a man who could very well be her next target? For in this game, one must die…

Guild Hunter Book #2 Title Change

It's now titled "Archangel's Kiss", which I absolutely love!

Brenda Novak Auction

The annual Brenda Novak auction to benefit diabetes research is now on. There's heaps of fun stuff to bid on, including a couple of things from yours truly *cough* ARC *cough*.

Inaugral Friday Book Club

It's our first book club day!

Basically, it's all about recommending books. So if you've read a good book recently, leave a note in the comments with the recommendation, and, if you like, something about why you were so happy with the story, or why you think others would enjoy it.

I read Pretend Mistress, Bona Fide Boss by my bud Yvonne Lindsay this week. It's got a sexy alpha hero, a heroine with secrets, and is undoubtedly hot. I wanted to beat the hero over the head at times, but to be honest, that's part of the fun. It makes it so much better when they grovel *grin*

I totally enjoyed being swept away into the high stakes world of the Rogue Diamonds. Also, Yvonne does a really great job of describing some beautiful places in New Zealand. I live here and I wanted to go tour!

Okay, your turn - what's your book rec? If you haven't read anything you want to recommend, how about telling us which books recommended in the comments capture your interest?