Photos from India

The Taj Mahal is incredibly lovely in real life. Even though it's such a large building, it is so graceful and delicate, you almost don't notice the size.

Taken in front of what were once government offices in Old Delhi

I love how many different forms of transport are visible in this shot!

And one more from another angle!

Red Fort, Delhi

Diwali Lights in Jaipur

Jaipur

Our hot air balloons prior to take off in Jaipur!

Lake Palace, Jaipur

I have a ton more photos to go through, so I'll be posting more over the next few weeks. I've also got some  on my Facebook author page. It's a public album, so just click through and you'll be able to see the images. :-)

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club is now open! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Deleted Scenes: Kiss of Snow

The seven deleted scenes from Kiss of Snow are now available on the website. Hope you enjoy!! (If you spot the typo that crept in during upload, just ignore - it'll be fixed soon :-)).

India & Awards

I'm back in NZ after an awesome trip to India. Photos to come!

I had some great news come in while I was away.

Kiss of Snow has been nominated in the Favorite Romance section of the Goodreads Choice Awards, so if you're are GR member, don't forget to vote.

I've also been nominated in the RT Reviewers Choice Awards in the Vampire Romance (Archangel's Blade), Paranormal Romance (Kiss of Snow), Harlequin Nocturne (Lord of the Abyss), and Career Achievement (Paranormal) categories. 

Morgan Doremus of RT recently did a wonderful blog post focusing on Lord of the Abyss, and the timeless appeal of the Beauty and the Beast theme - do check it out!

Kiss of Snow Paperback

Quick heads up that the paperback edition of Kiss of Snow is now out, complete with bonus deleted scenes. If you have the hardcover edition, you won't miss out - the scenes will be up on the website soon as I return home. :-)

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is just beautiful. So much color! I just came back from visiting some sand dunes - and witnessing a magnificent sunset. Pictures won't do it justice, but I'll be posting a few next week, once I'm back.

Have an awesome week everyone!

Jaipur, India

Namaste and Happy Diwali from India everyone! I'm currently traveling through Rajasthan with erratic Internet access so posts will be scattered. I'm taking a ton of pictures that I can't wait to share with you all. Yesterday, I was at the incredible, beautiful Taj Mahal and earlier today, I walked through an awe-inspiring old Mughal fort. Talk about inspiration!

Have a fabulous week!

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and loving at the moment?
 

Singapore Meeting Time/Location

Here's the location/time for the meet in Singapore!

Friday 21st October @ 7.30pm-8.30pm
Lobby of the Rendezvous Hotel 
9 Bras Basah Road

If you're running late and can't see me, come through to The Straits Cafe. It's on the lobby floor of the hotel. :-)

Lord of the Abyss

WINNERS: The 10 random winners of the Lord of the Abyss contest are: Saiqa, Malgorzata, Jessica M. Askey, Jeanette, Marie A., Stephanie B., Mary O., Fiona F., Netsanet, and Liliana.

Congratulations! You've been emailed, and the books will be on their way to you soon.

________________________

Contest now closed.

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win one of ten copies of Lord of the Abyss, send an e-mail to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with:

- "Lord of the Abyss Contest" in the subject line; and
- your mailing address by Tuesday 25th October 2011, 5pm New Zealand time.

Please follow the correct format for entry re the subject line, so your e-mail goes into the right in-box. (Your e-mail address will only be used to contact you should you win, and your mailing address to post out the book if you win.)

If you win, it would be great if you could post a review somewhere. On a blog, on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads...it's up to you, but it would be much appreciated if you'd post your thoughts somewhere. The contents of the review are, of course, totally up to you, but we request that you not share any major spoilers until after the book is out (November 15th).

By entering you give permission for your name to be posted on the blog should you win.

The winner(s) will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog on Tuesday evening. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.

Revised Cover: Tangle of Need

I have a new cover!  

Much as I loved the model on the previous Tangle of Need cover, it turned out that shot had already been on a cover or two. So the fabulous people at Berkley created a new cover for me, with a gorgeous new model. I absolutely love it (and him)!!!

Singapore

Anyone on the blog from Singapore? I shall be in your neck of the woods at the end of this week, so if you'd like to meet up, let me know. The meet will most likely be for an hour or so late on Friday afternoon. If there's interest, I'll leave a note on the blog on Thursday or Friday about the meeting spot. Can't wait to see Singapore!

Also, I have something else awesome to post - it'll be up in the next few hours, so make sure you swing by!

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and loving at the moment?
 

Tangle of Need

I've just finished inputting the handwritten changes I made on the printed out draft of Tangle of Need. Woohoo! I'm hoping to start the next draft the coming week. I can already see at least one scene that'll likely need to be deleted, and I'm going to need to write further scenes in a couple of places, but it's shaping up well. I'm really enjoying being back in the Psy/Changeling world.

I also have some great news to share  - Angels of Darkness hit the USA Today Bestseller list. Thanks everyone! 

And a heads-up: Dear Author is holding a giveaway for Heart of Steel, the second book in Meljean Brook's Iron Seas series. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book after I hounded Meljean for it asked nicely for it, and I cannot overstate its fabulousity. If you haven't read The Iron Duke, (book 1), definitely check it out. There's also an Iron Seas novella in the Burning Up anthology. All are completely awesome.

I hope you're all having a great day. Tonight, I think the tv and I are going to spend some quality time together.

Rugby Fever

(Everyone should be able to comment now - email me if you're still having issues).

In honor of the fact that we're all rugby mad in NZ at the moment because of the Rugby World Cup, I think it's time to repost this:

And one more fun repost:

Blog Issues

A few people have mentined that they're having trouble commenting on the blog. We're hoping to sort out the issue this week - I'll let you know when it's all done we can test comments. :-)

Until then, here's a Bollywood music video about young love that'll put a smile on your face. From the movie, Mausam.

Friday Book Club

It's book club time! What are you reading and loving at the moment?
 

Typo Hall of Fame

Sometimes when I'm editing, I find typos that make me do a double take. Like this one.

...dark eyed beauty with curly blonde curls.

Because obviously curly hair isn't curly until it's in curls.

*facepalm*

Angels of Darkness

Angels of Darkness is now out! I hope you all enjoy the anthology. Here's the excerpt link for "Angel's Wolf" if you haven't read it.

And here's the cover for the audio book, which is also now available!

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on a Saturday. What are you reading and loving at the moment? 

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Silver Shark - Ilona Andrews

Winners: Thanks for all the great comments everyone! Here are the names of the random winners of a copy of Silver Shark. 

If there's an asterix by your name, that means we don't have a contact email for you, so please email naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with your preferred format within the next 72 hours. Everyone else should be getting an email from us soon.

- *Kalyrra
- kittygopounce
- CYP@ a bookalicious story
- *Jill B
- BerndLSch
- Kalynn
- KristiD
- Christine
- Laura darkelvingirl
- Jacqueline C

__________________________

According to Ilona Andrews, Silver Shark is about "A millionaire boss on a planet in the distant future. [The heroine] is a secretary who can kill you with her brain."

How could I not want to read that?! Now that I have read this novella, I can tell you that it is awesome. It's science fiction romance, but trust me, even if you don't like sf romance, you'll enjoy this.

Here's the more official blurb, along with a link to an excerpt:

Claire Shannon is a Kinsman, a woman gifted with enhanced mental capabilities. Her skills and her life were taken over by the military to fight in war that has raged on her home planet for decades. But as the war ends, she is forced to hide her abilities in order to make a new life for herself as a civilian. It’s a new persona, a new planet and new job that has her crossing paths with the powerful and alluring Venturo Escana. Is she strong enough to hide her true nature from her perceptive new boss? And as they grow closer, will she even still want to try?

Claire was a heroine I rooted for, as she tried to find her way in a beautiful new world that seems insane to her, coming as she does from the relentless gray of a wartorn mining colony. And Venturo was both delicious and dangerous, the perfect millionaire boss hero.

Giveaway: Because I thought this novella was so fantastic, I'm going to give away ten copies. This is an ebook only novella, so if you win, you'll be sent an electronic file in the format you choose (as long as it's available). If you don't have an e-reader, do still enter - as this is a novella (35K), I think you'd be fine reading it on your computer.

To enter the random draw, just leave a comment on this post by 5pm Saturday 1, October 2011, New Zealand time, with your answer to this:

If space travel were possible for everyone, would you jump on board? If so, what would you hope to see in your travels?

Please note that only comments on the Silver Shark post on the main blog will count, so if you're reading this on a feed at Goodreads etc, swing by the main blog to comment. Also, make sure you leave us a way to contact you, or check the blog on Sunday to see if you've won.

By entering you give permission for your name to be posted on the blog should you win.

The winner(s) will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog the following Sunday. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.

Contest Now Closed.

Chat Info

*Pinning this to the top of the blog until after the chat today. New posts below.

Mark your calenders! All four of us Royal House of Shadows authors (Gena Showalter, Jessica Andersen, Jill Monroe & me) will be chatting in The Knight Agency chatroom this Thursday. Details:

WHAT: Chat with Royal House of Shadows authors.
*WHEN: Thursday September 29th, 9PM ET
WHERE: The Knight Agency Chat Room
HOW TO CHAT: Enter any combination of user name and password. Login. Your computer must be Java enabled to chat!

*New Zealand time: Friday 30th Sep, 2pm

Berlin time: Friday 30th Sep, 3am (sorry!)

Bangkok time: Friday 30th Sep, 8am

If you'd like to work out the time of the chat in your timezone, check out the World Clock Meeting Planner.

Editing (Behind the Scenes)

2pm: Hey, these edits are going really well. I should be all done by 7ish.

5pm: Awesome, only a few more changes to enter from my printout to the file.

6pm: Yay, all done. I just have to read through the changes to make sure I didn't make a typo.

7pm: Dinner was delicious. Now, off to read

8pm: Hmm...this scene doesn't quite read right. *makes note to go over it one more time*

9pm: This other scene needs a bit of smoothing, and I think there might be a small continuity issue. *note, note*

10pm: *obsessively working on scenes*

11pm: Need to double check this research fact.

12pm: *obsessively working on scenes*

12.30am: See above. 

1am: Realize I am likely the only one who will ever notice this one thing, but I must fix it or it will drive me insane for eternity.

1.15am: Hey, I like that. That works really well. Happiness.

1.30am: Brain to self - it's time to let go. It really is. You're happy, remember?

1.40am: Self to brain - I think I should do another read to quadruple check everything.

1.45am: Brain to self - send it. Also you're starving.

1.50am: Self to brain - just one more read to make sure the changes I've made don't impact on later scenes.

1.51am: Brain to self - just one more.  

1.55am: Hey, scene actually does work great. I'll just fix this little thing here, and this other little tiny word here and...hey, didn't I just change this sentence back to how it was half an hour ago? I think it's time to stop and let it go.

1.57am: Brain to self - I'm not saying a word...

2am: Yay, I sent it! And I'm so starving. 

Here endeth your insight into the mind of a certain writer.

________________

Also, both Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook are giving away copies of Angels of Darknesss today, so swing by and enter their contests.

Sunday Interview & Website

I was recently interviewed for the Sunday programme here in New Zealand, and the piece went to air today. You can watch it online at this link (available internationally). Some parts of it were shot at signings in NY and NZ, so you might spot yourself!

Also, the website has been updated, complete with excerpts for Angel's Wolf and Tangle of Need. Enjoy!

Friday Book Club

It's Book Club time! What are you reading and loving this week? Also, what have been some of your favorite reads of the year so far?
 

Cover Love: Tangle of Need

Edited: See updated cover here! 
--
I think this cover is absolutely stunning! And the cover model is Riaz, complete with those distinctive eyes of beaten gold! I hope you love!

Huge thanks to the Berkley Art Dept!

Tangle of Need releases May 29th, 2012. Click on the cover to see a larger version.

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club is now open! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Good News

Archangel's Blade hit the USA Today and New York Times Bestseller lists! Thank you to all of you for your support.

I also found out this week (at the awesome event on Monday at Whitcoulls, Queen St.), that the Psy/Changeling series will be making its debut on the Whitcoulls Top 100! I signed copies of Archangel's Blade while I was at the store, so swing by if you'd like to pick up a signed copy. A big shout-out to all of you who attended the Queen St. event, and to the fabulous staff who organized it!

If you're in Australia and would like a signed copy of one of my books, contact Galaxy Books. I'll be dropping by there tomorrow, so I can personalise the autograph if you get the request in by then. They also ship internationally - check out their postage price guide here.

What's your good  news? :-)

Bollywood: Jab We Met

There was a request for more Bollywood in the comments - and since I love Bollywood movies, here's a song from an absolutely adorable one - makes me want to watch it all over again. I hope you all enjoy it!

Angels of Darkness ARC Contest

WINNERS: The random winners of the ARCs are Saiqa and Janell W. Congratulations! You've been been emailed, and the ARCs will be on their way to you today.

________________________

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win one of two Advanced Reading/Review Copies of the ANGELS OF DARKNESS anthology (excerpt from Nalini's story, "Angel's Wolf" should be up next week), send an e-mail to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with:

- "ANGELS OF DARKNESS ARC Contest" in the subject line; and

- your mailing address

by Wednesday 14 September 2011, 5pm New Zealand time.

Please follow the correct format for entry re the subject line, so your e-mail goes into the right in-box. (Your e-mail address will only be used to contact you should you win, and your mailing address to post out the ARC if you win.)

The ARC has a yellow cover - here's a photo of what it looks like (on Ilona Andrews' site).

Since this will be an Advanced Reading/Review Copy, if you win, please post a review somewhere, on or before the release date (October 4th, 2011) - on a blog, on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads...it's up to you, but it would be much appreciated if you'd post your thoughts somewhere. The contents of the review are, of course, totally up to you, but we request that you not share any major spoilers until after the anthology is out.

By entering you give permission for your name to be posted on the blog should you win.

The winner(s) will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog the following Thursday. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.

Lord of the Abyss & Friday Book Club

If you're a reviewer, blogger, librarian or in the media, you can now ask for a review copy of Lord of the Abyss from NetGalley. 

If you don't fall into any of those categories, never fear. I'll attempt to get my hands on some early copies to give away on the blog. I'll also get an excerpt up soon, so you can have a sneak peak at Micah and Liliana.

This book will release in two editions. One will be Lord of the Abyss by itself, while the second edition will be Lord of the Abyss plus Desert Warrior, my first ever published book.

I'll let you know once the excerpt is up!

Onto the book club - what are you reading and loving this week?

Wednesday :-)

First up, the September newsletter has gone out. If you didn't receive it and would like to, email my assistant (naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom) and she'll shoot it to you. You can also let her know if you'd like to be added to the mailing list for future newsletters - or you can subscribe yourself at this link. _______________ 

Executive Editor Anne Sowards from Ace/ROC is doing a big giveaway on Dear Author, including early copies of Angels of Darkness. There's still time to enter!

_______________ 

I taped an interview with Morgan Doremus of RT Book Reviews while I was at RWA, and that interview is now live.
_______________ 

Also, my bud Meljean also has a release this week. I haven't had a chance to read Demon Marked yet (and I even got an ARC!!), but I'm really looking forward to inhaling it soon.

This book is part of her Guardians series. It's book seven in the series, so if you haven't tried it yet, start with either books one or two. Or if you really want to dive in with Demon Marked, Meljean has a primer for the series on her website.

Click on the Meljean Brook tag at the bottom of this post if you want to read my posts about the previous books in the series (including my mad, mad love for Drifter from Demon Night).  

After I finish Demon Marked, I plan to resume hounding Meljean for Michael's book. (Shh, don't tell her).

And I think that's all for this update. Have an awesome day/night everyone!

Release day: Archangel's Blade!

Depending on your timezone, Archangel's  Blade is now available! Woohoo!! I hope you all enjoy Dmitri and Honor's book. To celebrate, here are a couple more quotes!   

(Please, no spoilers in the comments. I'll post up a spoiler thread next week, where you can go wild with the discussion.)

Dmitri pushed through into a lab. "New addition. Don't talk about it or I'll have to pay you a visit one quiet midnight while you're tucked up nice and tight in your bed."

Every muscle in her body went tight at that almost lazy comment.

Such a strange thing to say when she was the one who'd been fractured.

Perhaps he should've been angry at her arrogance, but his emotions toward this hunter were nothing so simple. "Tell me." An order.

Review links: Touch the Night, Supernatural Snark, Romance Junkies, Lurv A La Mode, Babbling About Books, Happily Ever After, Smexy Books, TwinMom 227, The Book Reading Gals, Goodreads, Romance Novel News

Archangel's Blade

Archangel's Blade Countdown Quote (3 days to go!)

Swiveling, she discovered the vampire with the wrap-around shades in the doorway. "Dmitri's outside."

He headed through to the balcony without a word, just as the black-winged angel stepped off the edge. Those incredible wings disappeared for a moment before he rose up at dizzying speed.

Henna, Archangel's Blade Quotes & Reviews

First up, Saiqa's awesome henna pattern that she mentioned in the comments to an earlier post. I love it!

Archangel's Blade Countdown Quote

Jason didn't speak for a long moment unbroken by any sound but for the wind whispering over his wings. "Do you know what was done to her?" 

"I can guess." Unlike Jason, he had intimate knowledge of the bloodlust that lived within the Made.

Great new reviews of Archangel's Blade have recently come in from Smexy Books, Supernatural Snark and Happily Ever After. There may be bonus quotes, so check them out. ;-) (If you've done a review and I've missed posting the link, please post them in the comments.)

Ashley, one of the readers who won an ARC of Archangel's Blade, also sent me her review:

...I was actually a little worried because I did not like Dmitri at first. What I loved about the book is that not only did she continue with her plot line she also stayed true to her characters. Dmitri is still a very sexy alpha male. But we also see another side of this very complex man whom I fell in love with. This book is definitely a must read for all of Nalini Singh’s fans. And I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading!

And just because it's the weekend, here's another little quote for you: 

After they were both done, the pile of knives and guns on the coffee table looked like they'd cleaned out an armory. "I think we have a problem, Dmitri." 

"I'm not finished." Unbuckling his belt, he began to pull it out. 

UK/Commonwealth Kindle Edition

...of Archangel's Blade is now available for preorder. Release date September 8th.

Amazon

Amazon UK

Here's the countdown quote for today:

It was an intimate act, one for which she asked no permission, though he was a man no one would touch without invitation.

He didn't stop her, lifting his own finger to trace the line of her jaw.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Friday Book Club

Archangel's Blade Countdown Quote
 

Taking out his cell phone, Dmitri glanced at Honor, using his gaze to caress lips he wanted to debauch and corrupt. "Try not to get killed while I'm making this call."

 ______________________

I mentioned In Bed With A Highlander a little while back. It's now out, so check it out if you like Scottish historicals!

Excerpt link to Maya's website.

Your turn. What are you reading and loving this week?

Archangel's Blade

Here's today's quote (7 days to go).

Dmitri knew that, understood full well how close he was to crossing lines that could not be uncrossed. "It seems even I am not yet that degenerate."

And here's one I posted a while back on FB, that I don't think I posted here.

"A colorful analogy, but I don't have to force my food." Extending his arm to keep the elevator doors from closing, he waited. "As you saw, it comes begging to my door."

NZ Contest & Launch, plus Review

Archangel's Blade Countdown Quote (8 days to go)

"You called?" Dmitri was wearing a white shirt open at the collar and black suit pants, his hair tumbled just enough to make her think he'd been running his hands through it.

It made her own fingers curl into her palms.

_______________________

A reminder that the launch of Archangel's Blade will be on September 12th, at Whitcoulls, Queen Street, Auckland. Full details here (scroll down for the September listing). Look forward to seeing some of you there! If you can't make it, but would like a signed copy of the book, please contact Whitcoulls before the event, so they can arrange a copy for you.

My New Zealand publisher, Hachette, is also holding an amazing contest to promote the release of Dmitri and Honor's book. If you purchase a copy of Archangel's Blade from any NZ retailer, you can go into the draw to win a weekend away at the Nautilus Cottage in Blenheim, so keep your receipts! Full details and the online entry form available on the Hachette website.

The Book Reading Gals just put up their A+ review of Archangel's Blade. They're also giving away a copy of Angels' Blood. Here's a quote from the review:

...I knew that Dimitri’s book was her next book and was looking forward to it. I wasn’t expecting what I got though. This is in my opinion her absolute best book. It will rip your heart out, make you cry, and then put your heart back together stronger and more complete than it was before you read this book.

I'm working on Tangle of Need today, and really hoping to complete the second draft. Wish me luck!

p.s. Per the requests on the previous post, I'll put up the quotes from Archangel's Blade both on FB and here - check back this afternoon, as I'll update this post with today's quote. [Updated]

Monday

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a good weekend. I thought I'd dive back into blogging with a couple of happy things.

First up, Katiebabs at Babbling About Books did a great review of Archangel's Blade. She says "Dmitri is unlike any hero I’ve read this year." Follow the link to read the full review.

Second, I'll be posting quotes from Archangel's Blade on my Facebook page to count down to the release next week. You don't have to be a member of FB to see them. Just click on the FB box on the sidebar of the blog, and it'll take you to the wall, where you can read the quotes. Or if you like, I'll post them here, too (leave a comment if you'd prefer that).

Here's the one I put up for today:

She'd just finished her cereal and was walking to refill her tea when someone knocked on the glass wall that fronted her apartment. Twisting on her heel, she went for the gun tucked into the back of her jeans...and saw wings of silver-kissed blue backlit to brilliance by the rising sun.

Friendship

We said our final goodbyes to an amazing friend today, after losing her suddenly last Sunday. To me, Sandra Hyatt was a friend, but she was also a devoted wife and mother, a passionate writer, and so much more. There were tears today, but there was laughter, too, as we shared our favorite memories of Sandra.

I remember how tickled the two of us were when we accidentally discovered we'd both been to the same small town in California that none of our other friends had ever heard of. From then on, we always had Yuba City. And it was in CA, this time in a much larger city, at a RWA Conference, that Sandra got "The Call" - her joy was just luminous, and the entire conference one big celebration.

Only three weeks ago, she gave a brilliant workshop at our local RWNZ meeting, the notes from which I have sitting beside my computer. A whole bunch of us had coffee together afterward. It was the last time I spoke and laughed with her, and I can still see her sitting across the table, her wild, gorgeous mane of curls tamed straight.

Then there were those fantabulous sneakers of hers that I may have threatened to steal one sunshiney Saturday as we stood having tea before the start of another meeting. We laughed over that, and over whether angels flew vertically or horizontally. Explanations with hands and bodies were involved. Thinking of it now still makes me smile, and I think that's fitting, because Sandy had the most beautiful smile, and of all the things I remember about her, it's her smile that is the brightest.

I will miss you, my wondeful, generous, kind friend. I'm so glad I had the chance to know and love you, and that your vibrant voice will continue to live on in your stories.

p.s. I still adore those sneakers!

ARC of October Anthology

Hello, this is Nalini's assistant, Ashwini. Just a quick heads up that Nalini's agent Nephele Tempest is giving away an advance copy of Angels of Darkness on her blog.

Contest will be open until Friday August 26th 9am Pacific Time. Full details on Nephele's blog.

Friday Book Club

Before we talk books, I have to share something. I met the fabulous Tess Gerritsen today at an RWNZ Conference event - she was so incredibly lovely that I'm even more of a fangirl now. If you love thrillers and haven't read Ms. Gerritsen, go forth and enjoy!

Onto the book club! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Archangel's Blade

...giveaway at The Book Pushers! They're also giving away a copy of Carly Phillips' Serendipity! 

(I'm not running this contest, so all questions/comments need to be posted on The Book Pushers blog. Closing comments on this post to avoid confusion.)
 

Guest Author: Leslie Parrish

Winners: The random winners of Leslie's contest are Scrapper and Jill. Congratulations! Please email your mailing addresses to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom so we can pass them on to Leslie.


You all know how much I enjoyed Cold Sight. I'm absolutely delighted to have the author, Leslie Parrish, here today, chatting to us. Please welcome Leslie to the blog everyone! (And don't forget to enter her contest.)

A Happy Ending…Mostly
by
Leslie Parrish

First—thank you so much Nalini, for inviting me to be your guest here. I’m such a fangirl and was absolutely shocked to see a note from you in my in-box, telling me you’d enjoyed Cold Sight. That really made my day, so thanks again.

I’m a long-time romance reader. I started with Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and The Flower when I was twelve years old and have stuck with the genre, through thick and thin, ever since. Okay, I occasionally cheat and go on a horror, mystery or classics glom, but I always know that when I’m in the mood to have my emotions twisted and tangled and dragged along on a roller coaster ride, romance novels are my standby.

The thing I love most about romance novels is the one non-romance-readers like to sneer at: The happy ending. Some people scoff at the HEA as unrealistic. Sorry, I am living my happily-ever-after with my husband of 25 years, so I firmly believe they are possible. Meaning I am one of those people who really likes that HEA in my romance novels, and woe to any author who doesn’t give it to me.

 But here’s the thing—I like to be surprised. I really like to be surprised. I am one of those annoying people who can always see the twist coming in the first ten minutes of a movie, and I almost always guess the killer when I’m reading suspense. So if a book or movie can really stump me, I’m much more inclined to love it.

In romance, when the biggest story question is answered before you ever open the book—ie: Will the hero and heroine end up together?—you have to find other ways to surprise your reader. I am ever mindful of that when I’m writing, which is why I have not pulled many punches in my dark romantic thrillers. Aside from promising readers that they’ll get a happily-ever-after for the hero and heroine, I want them to understand—and hopefully appreciate—that just about anyone and anything else is fair game.

That’s not to say I like to throw-in shocking deaths or horrible surprise twists just for the sake of having them there. If they don’t fit and further the story, I won’t do it. But if a beloved secondary character needs to die, I have to let them, even if it breaks the reader’s (and my own) heart. 

So what about you—do you open a romance novel wanting everyone you like to have a happily-ever-after? Or are you okay with letting the chips fall where they may, as long as the romantic relationship ends happily? 

____________

Giveaway: Leslie is giving away one copy of Cold Sight and one of Cold Touch.  

Leave a comment on this post (if you're reading this on Goodreads, please comment on the original post on the main blog) by 5pm, Sunday 21 August 2011, New Zealand time, to go into the random draw. 

Winners will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog the following Monday. If you don't leave a way for us to get in touch with you, please check the blog to see if you've won and contact us within 72 hours. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.


Contest Now Closed

Tangle Of Need

...is the title for the next Psy/Changeling book! Release date: May 29, 2012

 

Cold Sight - Leslie Parrish

If you follow me on Twitter, you would've seen me tweeting about the fact that I stayed up till 2am the other night, reading Cold Sight, the first book in Leslie Parrish's Extra Sensory Agents series. I literally couldn't put it down.

Here's the blurb from the author's website (where you can also read an excerpt):

After being made a scapegoat in a botched investigation that led to a child's death, Aidan McConnell became a recluse. Still, as a favor to an old friend, Aidan will help on the occasional XI case. But under his handsome, rugged facade, he keeps his emotions in check--for fear of being burned again.

Reporter Lexie Nolan has a nose for news--and she believes a serial killer has been targeting teen girls around Savannah. But no one believes her. So she turns to the new paranormal detective agency and the sexy, mysterious Aidan for help.

But just as the two begin forging a relationship, the case turns eerily personal for Lexie--and Aidan discovers that maybe he hasn't lost the ability to feel after all...

The hero, Aidan, is a psychic, with the ability to "connect" to people, including victims of violent crime. He's helped find and save people in the past, but things went terribly wrong in his last case. As for the heroine, I really liked Lexie - it wasn't just about a story for her. The victims mattered to her as people, and she'd do anything she could to save them.

Though this is labelled as paranormal romance, for me it read more like a dark, gritty and gripping suspense with paranormal elements (being the extra sensory abilities of Aidan and the other investigators) and a romantic thread. But I didn't feel short-changed with the romance - I believed in Aidan and Lexie's relationship.

I will warn you that the book is dark, and the villains do some truly evil things, but if you're a suspense fan, I think you'll enjoy Cold Sight. The only series I can think of to compare it to is Kay Hooper's Bishop/Special Crimes Unit books - they're both very different, but there's that compelling mix of strong suspense, paranormal elements, and romance.

You can read some more in-depth reviews of the book at Smexy Books, All About Romance and Book Binge.

This was my first book by Leslie Parrish, but I have a feeling she's going to become a favorite author. I've already got Cold Touch, the second book in the series (about an investigator who experiences the last two minutes and ten seconds of a murder victim's life if she touches the body).

Have you read this series? Thoughts?

UK: Kiss of Snow

The UK hardcover of Kiss of Snow is now out! I know many of you have been waiting for this edition - I hope you enjoy!

Have a great weekend everyone. :-)

Friday Book Club

It's Book Club time! 

I read my first Dorothy Koomson book this week. The Woman He Loved Before is difficult to categorize, but I'd call it dark women's fiction, with a compelling mystery. Even though I knew from the start of this book that something bad was going to happen to/be revealed about the characters, I couldn't put it down. 

Here's the blurb from the author's website (where you can also read the first chapter):

She’s out of his life, but is she out of his heart?

Libby has a nice life with a great job, a gorgeous husband and a big home by the sea. But she’s becoming more unsure of Jack’s feelings for her – and if he is over the mysterious death of Eve, his first wife.

When fate intervenes in their relationship, Libby decides to find out all she can about the man she hastily married and the seemingly perfect Eve.

Eventually Libby stumbles across some startling truths about Eve. As she begins to unearth more and more devastating secrets, Libby becomes frightened that she too will end up like the first woman Jack loved. . .

Tense and moving The Woman He Loved Before explores if the love you want is always the love you need – or deserve.

Karen at Karen Knows Best did a great review of this book on her blog, so check it out. The excerpt she quoted from Eve's letter was what originally hooked me.

Your turn - what are you reading and loving this week?

Psy/Changeling #11

From the comments and e-mails I'm getting, it looks like a lot of people missed the announcement about the next Psy/Changeling book, so here's a roundup of the info I've shared so far.

The book will feature Adria and Riaz. The Arrows will also play a strong role, as will Councilor Kaleb Krychek.

What I haven't shared until now, is that Hawke and Sienna will also have a very strong presence in this book. We're going to see the next step of their relationship, and I think the book will interlink very closely with Kiss of Snow in that sense. 

I can't share anything more at this stage - I'll probably talk a little more about the book once I have a completed near-final draft.

Also, I always post release info on the blog and website, but if you'd like to make sure you stay up to date with all the news, here's the link to sign up for my newsletter (please remember to click the confirm link sent to your e-mail after you sign up). The newsletter goes out about once a month (less if I'm traveling or on deadline).

SnowDancer Territory

I'm currently happily hanging out in SnowDancer territory, working on the first draft of the next Psy/Changeling book. Right now, it's a big jigsaw of scenes, but I can feel all the pieces coming together. :-)

What are you all up to?

Gena Showalter - Lord of the Vampires

Winners: Thanks for all your comments everyone! The random winners of the ARCs are ERIKA and ROXY. Congratulations! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant (nalini DOT assistant AT gmail DOT com) within 24 hours. 
___________

As you all know, I'm writing book 4 of the Royal House of Shadows series, titled Lord of the Abyss. Book 1 is Gena Showalter's Lord of the Vampires. Thanks to the publisher and Gena, I have two ARCs of Lord of the Vampires to give away.

To enter, leave a comment on this post with the name of your favorite vampire (from books or movies, or television...the choice is yours!). (If you're reading this on Goodreads, please leave your comment on the original post on the main blog).

This is going to be a quick contest, as I want to get the books to the winners prior to the release date of August 23rd. Leave a comment by midnight, Wednesday, August 10th 2011, New Zealand time, to go into the random draw. Winners will be picked using random.org and their names announced on the blog on the following Thursday afternoon.

If you don't leave a way for us to contact you, please make sure to check the blog to see if you've won. If we don't hear from the winner(s) in the twenty-four hours after the winners are announced, we'll pick a new winner or winners. International entries welcome. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited.

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club is now open! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

You all know how much I loved Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison. I had a chance to read the second book in the series, Storm's Heart, early, and adored it, too. Storm's Heart is now out, so check it out!

Okay, your turn!

RT Book Reviews Interview

I taped a video interview with the fabulous Morgan Doremus of RT Book Reviews Magazine while I was at the RWA Conference, and it's now live. (Ignore my fit of giggles - I'm really very professional. Promise. *grin*)

Guest Author: Anne Gracie

Winner: Thank you all for your comments! The random winner of the book given away by Anne is LaniM. Congratulations! Lani, please e-mail my assistant with your mailing details, so we can pass them onto Anne. (nalini DOT assistant AT gmail DOT com).

You've all heard me raving about Anne Gracie's books. I think her historicals are witty and romantic and just wonderful! So I'm very excited to have Anne on the blog today. Please welcome Anne to the blog everyone! (And don't forget to enter her contest)

Anne Gracie

Hi, I'm Anne Gracie, and I'm delighted to be here — thanks for inviting me, Nalini. Now, before I start, I must make a terrible confession — for years I wouldn't even pick up a paranormal romance. (Hush those boos and hisses! Would I be here if I still hadn't touched them? And yes, I know I write historicals so if you really must boo and hiss, go ahead. (waits for booing and hissing to die down, then proceeds.)

A dozen or so years ago, in my first ever critique group, I met my first ever paranormal writer and the conversation went like this:

Keri (unpublished writer) "What sort of books do you write?"

Anne: (unpublished writer) "Regency historicals."

Keri (pulling a face): "Historicals? How boring."

Anne (narrowing eyes): "Why what do you write?"

Keri: "Vampire romances."

Anne: "Vampires? How creepy."

That was Keri Arthur, and even though we each had no interest in what the other wrote, she and I became friends. We both got published. I bought her books and they sat unread on the shelf. They were paranormals so I knew I wouldn't like them.

Then a few years ago, a friend lent me the first of JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and insisted I read it. It sat on my shelf untouched for an embarrassingly long time, because I didn't like paranormals, did I? In fact the only reason I ended up opening it was so I could honestly say to my friend "I read the first 50 pages, but it's not my thing." Only it was my thing. By the end of the weekend I'd bought and read the whole

series.

So I read my Keri Arthur books and then I read Nalini's Psy Changeling series and of course I'm now a huge paranormal reader, because what's not to love about gorgeous heroes, strong heroines and exciting stories?

It was my own preconceived notions of what they were that kept me from paranormals for a long time. Prejudice. I was so sure I wouldn't like them. But the thing is, a good story is a good story, and unforgettable characters leap off a page whether the book is a paranormal or a historical or a contemporary.

People often think the same thing about historicals. "Historicals? Why would I want to read them? Everyone in them is dead," another writer friend of mine once told me. Of course, being a friend, she forced herself to read one of mine and she shocked herself silly when she actually enjoyed it.

She was sure she wouldn't like historicals because she hated history at school. As if somehow a historical romance was a dusty old tome filled with boring facts.

But history is just a setting, atmosphere, a world to escape into in the same way you can enter into the world of a paranormal. History provides the background, the texture, some of the detail. But if a historical romance is doing its job, you shouldn't even notice the history - you'll be reading for the story, for the characters, the thrills and spills. Just like any other book.

I love writing historicals. They're not all ballroom stories. I can do what I want; I can pair an elegant lady with a bad-boy rake (Perfect Rake), I can send a cool, controlled Regency dude after a girl/boy living on the streets of Cairo (To Catch a Bride), I can send my heroine on a journey across France with a stranger she met by chance on a beach (Perfect Stranger), I can write love at first sight (His Captive Lady) or I can make a soldier make a marriage-in-name to a young Spanish girl and then eight years later find out the annulment he planned on was not possible (Bride By Mistake coming in January 2012.)

And I love getting emails from readers that say things like: "Yours was the first historical I ever read, and now I can't get enough of them."

A couple of years ago Keri Arthur started reading regency historicals. She read my books, Eloisa James's, Julia Quinn's... "Why didn't anyone tell me historicals were so much fun?" she complained. And we had a laugh about our attitude change.

So what about you? Have you been blind like I was? Are there any subgenres you haven't given a fair go to? Haven't really tried out? Given up after one bad experience? And what about a recommendation for someone that's new to your favorite subgenre?

I'll give one of my books to someone who leaves a comment.* The winner can choose any book of mine (except the old Harlequins, which are out of print): http://www.annegracie.com/books/books.htm

*Rules: Contest closes Friday 5th August 2011, 9am New Zealand time. Open internationally. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly using random.org and his or her name(s) posted on this blog on Saturday 6th August 2011. Void where prohibited.

Friday Book Club

A late Friday book club post today. What are you reading and enjoying at the moment? =)
 

Cover: Angels' Flight

My love for this cover is boundless. I utterly and absolutely ADORE it!!!! Click on the image to see a bigger version.

MARCH 2012

(This isn't final, so ignore the typo. There are going to be some other minor changes, but I just couldn't wait to share it!)

This anthology was originally going to feature the print edition of Angels' Pawn, a reprint of Angels' Judgment, plus a brand new novella, Angels' Dance. However, my publisher has decided to make it a complete GH collection, so as a bonus, they'll be including Angel's Wolf as well (releasing as part of the Angels of Darkness anthology in October). 

So, you can choose to wait and get Angel's Wolf in March next year when Angels' Flight releases. But, if you want my opinion, I would very much recommend you get the Angels of Darkness anthology. The lineup is incredible  - I'm hanging out to read the other novellas (by Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, and Sharon Shinn) myself!

Also, for Psy/Changeling fans, there will be a Psy/Changeling anthology coming out in 2013. I don't have any further details at the moment about what exactly it'll include.

ANGELS' FLIGHT

In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels’ Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court.

Writing & Kiss of Snow

I'm currently working on Riaz and Adria's book. Lots of things happening in this story, but if I told you what, I'd have to send an Arrow after you. ;-)

Also, the Kiss of Snow paperback is going to have several deleted scenes in back. But don't worry if you bought the hardcover - the scenes will be available on the website as well.

I hope you're all having a great week!

Website Up!

Edited to add: The website is back up! Thanks for your patience everyone.

The website is currently down. We're looking into it, and hopefully it'll be back up soon! Until then, all info will be on the blog. Please spread the word to other readers. Thanks! :-)

Newsletter

The July newsletter has been sent! If you've subscribed (and confirmed via the e-mail link), and don't see it in your in-box, check your spam folder to make sure it's not in there. If not, e-mail my assistant (nalini DOT assistant AT gmail DOT com), and she'll forward it to you. There's a little something extra in there for you all. ;-)

Edited to add: A couple of the links are apparently wonky. Looks like there's an extra (http//) in there. Just delete that and they should work. Apologies!

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

I've seen several interesting books lately that I want to further investigate. Are there any future books that have caught your eye? 
 

Archangel's Blade ARC Contest Winners

Thanks to my awesome publicist at Berkley, we were able to give away more than one ARC of Archangel's Blade. 

The winners have all been e-mailed. (If you see your name on this list but didn't get an e-mail, it's because someone else with the same name won.) And the winners are:

Connie B.

Eva A.

Marie C.

Kristi D.

Sheree T.

Joanna K.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. If you didn't win, I hope you enjoy Archangel's Blade when it releases!

UK Cover: Archangel's Blade

I know some of you have been waiting for the UK/New Zealand/Australia cover for Archangel's Blade. Here it is!! I'm loving the concept for these covers.

 

Classic Hits Interview

I had a fun interview on the Classic Hits Breakfast show with Dave and Camille last week. You can now listen to the interview online. Just follow the link. 

There's an audio quiz at the end of the interview. Don't give away the answers, but post how many you got right. 1, 2, or 3. :-)

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Lord of the Abyss and the Royal House of Shadows

Look! A cool new trailer for the Royal House of Shadows continuity!

Here's a little bit of background about the series. Once we (Gena, Jill, Jessica and I) knew that we'd be writing it together, we brainstormed the idea for the world via e-mail, set out the rules, and then each of us went away and wrote our books. So the individual stories were left totally up to each author, as we all had our own ideas for our particular characters - what ties the four books together is the continuing backstory.

We talked to each other constantly through the process to ensure that that backstory/overall storyline remained coherent. Also, since the world developed and gained more detail as we wrote, we kept one another in the loop re changes, and discussed anything in each of our books that might impact the others.

I'm looking forward to reading the series as a whole and seeing it all come together!

You can read more about the series and Lord of the Abyss at the Royal House of Shadows site.

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on a Saturday! What are you reading and enjoying at the moment?
 

Video of my Interview with Lori Foster

I did a live video interview with the awesome Lori Foster while I was at her Get Together in Cincinnati. It's available online now if you'd like to watch. 

Here are the instructions on how to get to the video (I've double checked it works):

- link: http://t.wbx.me/f8ms6
- once at the link, click on an author name/photo to view
- use the guest tab (not registered users tab)
- enter your name in the guest field
- click enter button to join

Hope you enjoy it!

Archangel's Blade ARC Contest

Contest Now Closed.

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win an Advanced Reading/Review Copy of ARCHANGEL'S BLADE, send an e-mail to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with:

- "ARCHANGEL'S BLADE ARC Contest" in the subject line; and

- your mailing address

by midnight, Tuesday July 19th, 2011, New Zealand time.

Please follow the correct format for entry re the subject line, so your e-mail goes into the right in-box. (Your e-mail address will only be used to contact you should you win, and your mailing address to post out the ARC if you win.)

Since this will be an Advanced Reading/Review Copy, if you win, I'd ask that you please post a review somewhere, on or before the release date (September 6th, 2011) - on a blog, on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads...it's up to you, but it would be much appreciated if you'd post your thoughts somewhere. The contents of the review are, of course, totally up to you, but I would request that you not share any major spoilers until after the book is out.

A note about the ARC - it's substantially the same as the final book, but since ARCs are printed prior to the final round of edits, there are some errors in the text that aren't in the final book.

By entering, you give me permission to post your name on the blog should you win.

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(s) posted on this blog on Thursday, July 21st, 2011. Void where prohibited.

Contest Now Closed.

Books On Board Crossword Contest

Books On Board has put up a fun "Nalini Singh Crossword Contest" on their site, so swing by and test your knowledge!

I'll be chatting on the BOB Facebook page Saturday 2pm CST (that's 7am, Sunday, NZ time). See you there! (Even if you're not on Facebook, you should still be able to click on the Wall tab and see the questions and answers).

Happy weekend everyone. :-)

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and loving at the moment?
 

New Zealand!

I'm back home! I'll be mostly offline for the next few days as I have some edits to complete, but I have some photos to post up after that.

Also, apologies to everyone who's emailed me. I'm about six weeks behind on emails, which is making me a little crazy. I'm hoping to catch up a bit this weekend. I'll post when I'm up to date.

I'm touring New Zealand next week, so don't forget to check out the updated tour schedule if you're in NZ!

What have you all been up to over the past few weeks?

Edited to add: Video from the Literacy Signing by Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books.