Magic Strikes - Ilona Andrews

This book is so good on so many levels that I don't know where to start. It's got humor, action and yeah, let's not forget the sexual tension. I'm convinced Ilona is trying to kill us all with the way Kate and Curran are dancing around each other.

I love Kate - I love that she's strong but not all-powerful, that she has friends she cares deeply about, that she doesn't always do what's best for her - it all makes her wonderfully, likeably human.

As for Curran - okay, he's seriously hot, but he's also got all that uber-alpha stuff going on that would drive any woman to insanity, but I love him, too. Especially after this book. (See, now you want to read it don't you? *g*).

All the secondary characters are fantastic - I feel as if we get a glimpse into each and every one. From a writer's perspective, it's brilliantly done. From a reader's, it's just magic.

Magic Strikes releases March 31st (that's today!). You can read an excerpt on Ilona's site. If you haven't started the series, Magic Bites is the first book.

Who else loves this series?

Books On Board Daily Steal

Books on Board is running a special promotion on my books (20% off) in e-format for 24 hours only. Here's the link! Promo ends 10a.m. March 31st CDT.

Branded By Fire Puzzle

Mean Nalini of the awful teasing has a present for all of you who'd like a moment of procrastination or two - a Branded By Fire jigsaw puzzle!



Enjoy!

Galleys

I love Mercy's brothers. Love, love, love. That's all. *g*

Writing Update

The galleys* for Branded By Fire have arrived, so I'm spending some quality time with Mercy and Riley.

I'm also typing in the changes I hand-wrote on my latest draft of Angel's Kiss. I always start out neat, but then I scribble all over the pages and have to turn them upside down and sideways while entering the changes.

Do you all have anything planned for the weekend? Any books you're hoping to read?

*final time an author sees the manuscript

Thank you & Branded By Fire Blurb

Thank you for all the congratulations everyone! It's a great feeling to celebrate with you all :)

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I just realized that the Branded By Fire blurb disappeared when we redid the Books page. It'll be back up with the next set of updates, but for now, here it is:

Hailed by Christine Feehan as “a major new talent,” New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh now brings together two fierce changelings in her most explosive story yet.

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

And in another bit of cool Psy/Changeling news for all of you who love ebooks. It looks like Slave to Sensation will be available in e-format from July. :)

RITA

I'm delighted to announce that Mine to Possess has been nominated for a RITA! Woohoo!!! Go Clay & Tally! :-)

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Writing

That's what I'm doing, hence the fly-by post. I did see a couple of links on the blog feed that might be of interest.

Dear Author is giving away Lisa Kleypas's newest release in their Save the Contemporary Campaign

The Knight Agency is holding a contest where you can send in three line submissions of your book. (Also, don't forgot to drop by the blog every Tuesday - they give away books every week).

What're you guys up to?

Magic Strikes Giveaway

Follow the link to Ilona & Gordon's livejournal. Be quick!

OOTB Tour: The Vampire's Quest - Vivi Anna

I've got an OOTB book tour for you today. Check out the details below!
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The Vampire’s Quest
A Valorian Chronicles Novel
By
Vivi Anna

Silhouette Nocturne
April 1

In a race against life and death, one woman holds the key to sanity and salvation

After escaping from the Otherworld Crime Unit, Kellen Falcon came to Nouveau Monde to crack a rare blood disease. But the European hotbed of temptation yielded sport no vampire could resist—criminologist Sophie St. Clair. And with only days to live, Kellen sought sweet release from her to escape a savage past.

The lycan beauty wasn't one to stray from her pact. But an investigation into a downtown bombing now tied the two together. And it wasn't long before Kellen's smoldering eyes and Sophie's fierce desire for this vampire put her loyalties to the test….

Excerpt: http://www.vivianna.net/thevampiresquest.php

RT TOP PICK
“THE VAMPIRE'S QUEST (4.5) by Vivi Anna: This is a fantastic supernatural thriller from start to finish. Anna takes two supernatural beings and makes us believe the romance and attraction between them are real.”

“A perfect blending of passion, danger, humor and profound emotions make THE VAMPIRE’S QUEST absolutely enthralling on every page. “ – 5 STARS-Cataromance.com

“Vivi Anna demonstrates her spectacular writing skills yet again with THE VAMPIRE’S QUEST. Kellen’s story is one that is even more satisfying than usual as I’ve anticipated and hoped for this story for quite awhile. THE VAMPIRE’S QUEST is highly recommended!”- 5 STARS – CK2KWIPSANDKRITIQUES

About the author

Frequently on Recommended Reading lists, award-winning Canadian author, Vivi Anna likes to burn up the pages with her unique brand of fantasy fiction. Whether it's in the Amazon jungle, an apocalyptic future, or the otherworld city of Necropolis, Vivi always writes fast paced action-adventure with strong independent women that can kick some butt, and dark delicious heroes to kill for.

Website: http://www.vivianna.net
http://www.valorianchronicles.com

Books I'm looking forward to...

Here's a very partial list of book I'm looking forward to. Of course, I must first finish writing my own book (the cave beckons) and catch up with the tbr ;-)

Demon Forged - Meljean Brook - releases October 2009 (How cool is that cover?!)

Ghostland - Jory Strong (I was tempted to steal this ARC for myself in the ARC contest. The concept sounds very intriguing). - releases April 2009

Hunting Ground -Patricia Briggs - releases August 2009 (I just love her writing, her world, everything).

What are some of the books you're waiting for?

p.s. I've read Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews and it is spectacular. Post about that later this week!

Cover Love: Blaze of Memory

World, meet Dev! How cool is this cover?! Blaze of Memory releases November!

Too Cute

Polar bear cubs

Promises in Death - JD Robb

This is one series where every single one of the books have worked for me - some I've liked more than others, but I've enjoyed each and every one.

Promises in Death was no different. I opened it as soon as it came into my hands, and read it in one sitting. The mystery element was complex and interesting, but it was the emotional component - Eve and Roarke's relationship, their ties with the others in their world - that really made it stand out.

I simply don't know how JD Robb does it, but with each book, I simply fall more in love with the dynamics of this world and the people in it. This is absolutely recommended.

If you haven't read this series, I'd suggest starting with the very first one Naked in Death. While each mystery stands on its own, you'll enjoy the relationships so much more if you see them develop over the books. Also, this particular mystery does have a tie to an earlier book.

So, who else is a JD Robb fan? Who's your favorite secondary character?

Wednesday Wake-Up

I'm writing my heart out... But here's long, lean and gorgeous to keep you company :-)

AAR's Favorite Books by Favorite Authors

AAR is currently compiling a list of readers favorite books for 12 different authors -it's not a contest, but a resource for readers wanting to try new authors. I'm one of the twelve. :-) Swing on over and add your favorites to the list for one or all of the authors.

Dear Author Giveaway

A heads-up that Dear Author is giving away a whole bunch of Ace/Roc ARCs. Follow the link for details!

The Shadow Queen - Anne Bishop

If you haven't read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels trilogy, run to your nearest bookstore! It's dark, intense and utterly fantastic. In case it's not clear *g* I have no objectivity here - I'm a total fan, and I just love returning to the Black Jewels world - seeing familiar characters, learning what's going on in the world itself.

The Shadow Queen introduces us to a new queen, Cassidy, and a new circle of secondary characters, but we still get to see Daemon, Jaenelle, Lucivar and the others.

This book takes a deeper look at the consequences of what happens at the end of the trilogy, so if you haven't read the series, I'd recommend starting with the very first book (Daughter of the Blood).

After hearing buzz that there was going to be a sequel to The Shadow Queen, I contacted Anne Bishop and learned that Shalador's Lady is set for a March 2010 release.

There are no big spoilers, but just in case, I've whited out the info below for those of you who haven't yet read The Shadow Queen. Select the text to make it visible (with your mouse, or by holding down the shift key plus the down arrow).

In Shalador's Lady:

"Cassidy has to face a rival Queen from her past in order to give Dena Nehele any hope of a future. So Cassidy, Gray, and Theran will be back, along with the SaDiablo family. And there will be Scelties. ::grin::"

I can't wait for this next book!

I know many of you also love this series. What are your favorite parts? Favorite characters?

Books On Board Sale

Love ebooks? Here's a link for you: Books on Board is having an eBook Week Blowout sale, with discounts on orders and pre-orders. Follow the link for details. :)

Something Sweet

This is the sweetest song. The girl is teasing the boy about his being in love...never realizing that the one he's in love with is her. Aww... The body language is quite fun to watch in the video.

It's from a movie called Kismat Konnection.

Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!