Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happy holidays & a gift

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season!!

Thank you all for your support of my work over the past year. I hope you enjoy the following short story - it'll be up permanently on the short stories page of the website with the next set of updates.

I'm taking a short blogging vacation over the holidays - I'll be back January 2nd, 2012, so see you then!

~

A glimpse into Judd and Brenna’s life when they have a night to themselves, no Pack business to handle and no enemies at the door. This story slots in a few months after Caressed By Ice ( not long before Branded By Fire).

Movie Night
Nalini Singh

“Do you want to go out for dinner?”

Brenna hid a smile at the question she knew Judd had asked only because he was trying to be a good mate. He hated eating in restaurants. Regardless of the fact that he was a master of subtle disguise, he spent the whole time tensed up, on alert for threats.

“No,” she said, “let’s stay in and watch a movie. I have a couple of frozen pizzas I can throw in the oven, and the salad won’t take long.”

His smile was slow, quiet, wonderful. “Which movie do you want to watch?”

It made her heart ache that he hid nothing from her, though he was a man who’d been taught never to trust anyone. “You pick.”

“You like the dramatic romances that make you cry.” The last words were slightly puzzled.

Pulling out the pizzas and setting them on the counter, she shook her head. “No, I want you to choose something you like.” A small, many would say inconsequential thing, but those people didn’t understand that her mate had lived his life in the shadows, been forced to submerge his personality under a layer of ice—that ice had melted for her, but that didn’t mean it hadn’t left scars. Fun was still a new concept for Judd.

Now, not saying a word, he went to the comm panel and pulled up a list of recent releases. He was so serious, she wanted to reach out and kiss him stupid. Which would get her naked very quickly. Because in one arena, Judd definitely had the idea of fun down to an art—though he still refused to divulge his research sources.

“Here.” He input a choice on the large comm screen he’d moved so it hung on the wall in front of the couch.

Walking over, she put her hands on her hips. “Really? You want to watch a tearjerker romance set in the time of the Territorial Wars?”

“Yes.”

“Liar.” He’d just chosen something he thought she would enjoy. “It has to be your choice.”

“How do you know I don’t like the same movies as you?”

He was digging his heels in. She knew him in this mood. If she pushed him wrong, he would flat-out refuse to change his mind—that was the thing with Judd. He was sexy, strong, loved her until she felt the power of it in every cell of her body, but the man had a core of intractable stubborn. “Sweetheart, come here.” Cupping his face in her hands, she met the bitter chocolate of his gaze, the flecks of gold pieces of sunlight. “I want you to enjoy this.”

A softening in his expression, his hand coming to settle on her waist. “I enjoy being with you.”

“I know.” Woman and wolf, both parts of her adored  being cuddled up next to him, too. “I guess I want to see what you like as well.” Discover another hidden facet of the beautiful, complex man who was hers.
Judd paused. “I don’t know what I like.”

“That’s okay.” Sliding her hands down to his chest, she stole a small kiss before she went to the screen and pulled up a sub-menu. “These are considered boy movies. As you are a boy, choose one you think looks interesting.”

A glint in his eye, he went to the screen, went carefully through the choices. “This one.”

The promotional image was of a guy in a rainforest, with a machete, and a snake coiled around his arm like some kind of macho armband.

Brenna laughed. “Right, that’s the one.”

The movie was terrible. Awful. Everything that could go wrong did in terms of the direction, the production, the setting, the acting—though the leads weren’t helped by atrocious lines such as, “I’ve got to suck out the venom from the bite on your breast, doll. It’s your only chance of survival, so just lie back and let the expert get to work.”

Even the snakes couldn’t save it. According to Judd, and she didn’t know how he knew this, the reptiles being used as the super scary monsters weren’t the least bit poisonous. She had a stitch in her side by the time the movie was over. “At least he had beautiful abs,” she said, wiping away her tears as the credits rolled.

A slight raising of eyebrows from the man who sprawled on the sofa next to her—a sofa that had somehow survived his Tk. She knew that look, too. It said: Why are you admiring another man’s body? 

“Oh come on,” she teased. “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the rack on his co-star?” A co-star whose primary job had been to fall out of her indecent bikini—why she was wearing a bikini in the Amazon was another thing—and scream like a banshee. “Especially when he had to ‘save’ her by heroically sucking on her boobs.”

“I noticed her rack never moved,” Judd said in a cool tone. “There’s no excuse for that with the low-cost cosmetic procedures currently available.”

She choked on the wine she’d just sipped. Her mate, eyes laughing, though his lips were only faintly curved, patted her gently on the back until she could breathe again. Pointing at him, she said, “That was a funny, Judd Lauren.” And some people thought he had no sense of humor. Hah!

Reaching for the remote, he tugged her to his side so she could snuggle close, and began to go through the menu again. “This one.”

“Oh God,” Brenna muttered in mock-horror when she saw the same guy they’d just watched fend off “deadly” mutant snakes, this time baring his teeth against—improbably—a saber-tooth tiger, “I’ve created a monster.”

Judd kissed her hot and hard. “You know you want to.”

She shamelessly arched her neck for another kiss. “Yes, I do.” Snagging the remote, she started the movie and settled in, one hand spread over his heart.  There was no place she’d rather be, and no one else she’d rather be with.

Copyright (c) 2011 by Nalini Singh

Friday, December 23, 2011

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and loving this week?

I'm continuing to make my way through the fabulous Liaden series by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller. I'm currently reading I Dare. 

Also, I want to send a shout-out to those of you in Christchurch. I'm so sorry to hear about the aftershocks - I hope you're all doing okay.
 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Holidays

How are your holiday preparations going everyone? All ready?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books!

I have very recently discovered the Liaden books by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller. All I can say is - where have you been all my life?!  This week, I devoured  The Dragon Variation, which is an omnibus that includes three novels - Local Custom, Scout's Progress, and Conflict of Honors. The omnibus acted as a great introduction into the series for me.

The bookseller who recommended the Liaden books to me* described them as regencies in space, and I think that's a wonderful way to put it. The Liaden culture's formal rules of behavior are very regency-like. Plus, these three books all had strong romances. Of course, there are also spaceships, a battle or two, and adventure!

I know I'm very late to the party, but the good news is, I have lots of books to inhale! If you haven't tried this series, check it out.

Okay, your turn! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

*The fabulous Barbara of Barbara's Books for you Kiwis looking for a specialist romance/sf/fantasy bookstore (they post books out across the country).

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Archangel's Storm

...is the title of Jason's book.

Release date: September 2012

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Oldie but goodie

I really love NZ ads sometimes. This is an older one that still makes me laugh.



Friday, December 09, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Where in the world is Nalini Singh?

On the final stretch of Tangle of Need. Woohoo! (I am having so much fun being back in in the Psy/Changeling world.)

I haven't been online much, so emails are severely backlogged. However, I will be catching up over Christmas - thanks for the patience everyone (and for the lovely notes you send me). :-)

On my Facebook page, we're talking about which 2012 releases we're looking forward to. I have a ton, including the new JD Robb and Patricia Briggs' books. How about you?

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Coffee date with me :-)

This is for the Kiwis. Air New Zealand is running it's annual auction to benefit kids charities, and one of the items up for auction is a chance to have coffee and cake with me. :-) 

The meet will be in Auckland - if you don't live in the area, but will be up here sometime next year, I'm happy to organize a time that works with you if you win. Follow the link to get the full details. This particular auction will end December 9th, but there will be items added throughout the month, so check them out.

This year's charities are Ronald McDonald House, Wellington, and Kids Restore New Zealand. You can read more about them here.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Lord of the Abyss, Engelsblut & Friday Book Club

Some great news! Lord of the Abyss hit both the New York Times and the USA Today Bestseller lists. Thank you everyone!

Also, it looks like Micah and Liliana's story is currently discounted to $2.99 (ebook), so if you haven't picked up a copy, here's your chance: Kindle, B&N

As Eva mentioned in the comments to an earlier post, you can grab a gorgeous wallpaper featuring the cover art from "Engelsblut" (Archangel's Consort) from my German publisher, Lyx.  I've got a small image of it on the right.

And, if you're on Facebook, Lyx is giving away some signed copies Engelsblut. Check out their Facebook page for details.

Onto the book club! What are you reading and loving at the moment? I'm deep in deadline mode, and hanging with the SnowDancer gang...oh, and a couple of Arrows you might know. ;-)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lessons in Seduction - Sandra Hyatt

As you all know, author Sandra Hyatt passed away suddenly earlier this year. However, Sandra left a wonderful legacy in her stories - her book, Lessons in Seduction, which received an awesome 4.5 star review from Romantic Times, is out December 1st, and her friends are all banding together to spread the world.

Here's the blurb:

A prince on a quest to find the perfect wife doesn't have time to trifle with a commoner. But Adam Marconi's longtime friend and sometime driver, Danielle St. Claire, has him contemplating a change in plans. Why can't the royal have a little fun before finally settling down? Then their supposedly quick affair suddenly turns serious.

And Prince Adam finds himself in a quandary. Say goodbye to the one woman who sets his heart and body on fire, or defy all the rules and cause the scandal of the century.

You can read a full excerpt here, but here's one of my favorite bits (I am already loving this heroine.)
His gaze didn't pause; it swept over hers as if she was invisible, or of no more importance than the back of her headrest. That was good. If only she could trust in it.

Because she wasn't supposed to be driving for him.

Because he'd banned her. Actually, it wasn't an official ban. He'd only intimated that he no longer wanted her to drive for him. But in palace circles an intimation by Adam was as good as a ban. Nothing official was necessary.

Though, honestly, no reasonable person would blame her for the coffee incident. The pothole had been unavoidable.
~ from Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt


If you have a blog, Facebook page, Twitter account etc, and would like to help spread the word about Lessons in Seduction, please go ahead. The more the merrier. Here's to Sandy!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Friday Book Club

It's time to talk about your current reads. Me, I'm deep into Tangle of Need. =)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Anne McCaffrey

I posted last night on Facebook about how very sad I was to hear that Anne McCaffrey had died. I found her books as a teen, and never stopped reading and rereading them. Not a year goes by that I don't pull out a favorite Anne McCaffrey story and lose myself in the fantastic worlds of her imagination.

I have so many favorite Anne McCaffrey books. I wanted to post about just a few to share my love of her stories - and as a tribute to a storyteller who will be sorely missed. 

I love Dragonsdawn because it's a tale of survivors, and because of course, it shows the birth of the dragons that are at the heart of the Pern series.

The Rowan is a favorite for so many reasons. I'm still fascinated by the idea of telepaths and telekinetics as the engine for space exploration, and I loved the romance that develops across the vast distances of space.

Pegasus in Space is the third book in the Talent series, all of which have pride of place on my bookshelves. It's Peter's journey that compels me, but as with so many of Ms. McCaffrey's books, all the characters feel like friends. (I have a special soft spot for Tirla).

Then there's The Dolphins of Pern, The White Dragon, and so many more wonderful stories that I know I'll continue to treasure and reread in the years to come. 

If you haven't ever read an Anne McCaffrey book, you have such an amazing journey to look forward to. There are so many places you can start, but if you'd like a recommendation I think The Rowan and Dragonsdawn are both good jumping-in points.

For all of you who are fans - what are your favorite Anne McCaffrey books?

I saw this tweet quoted in the Los Angeles Times and thought it was a beautiful way to farewell a great storyteller: "Do you hear? The dragons mourn. The First Queen has passed Between. #AnneMcCaffrey" (@Lynoth).

Thank you Ms. McCaffrey for all the wonder you brought into my life.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Lord of the Abyss Now Out!

Micah and Liliana's story is now out! I hope you all enjoy it. 

Here's a review of the book from Saiqa, who often comments on the blog.

Short and sweet: A Review of Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh




First of  all can I just say how cool the title is.  I’ve always liked the titles of Nalini’s books.  This book is about Liliana and Micah.  It uses the beauty and the beast fairytale as its foundation.  The twist is that it is the woman who is physically ‘ugly’.  I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about this at first because it’s not something I’m used to.  However it was nice to have a heroine who wasn’t perfect and worried about her appearance.  The part I especially sympathised with was her beaky nose.  I have always despaired over my far from perfect nose.

As well as being based on the beauty and the beast theme, this book is the final in a quartet series by different authors.  I devoured the first one as it was from my other favourite author Gena Showalter.  However I admit to missing the middle two.  This book works great as a stand-alone though as Nalini fills you in with her usual efficient manner.  This is another reason Nalini is my favourite author; she does not ramble on.

So to try and write this without too much waffling; Liliana goes searching for Micah and finds him.  He is the lord of the abyss read the book if you want to know what that is ). She is the daughter of the sorcerer who killed Micah’s parents when he was a small child and seized their kingdom Elden ( yes that’s right, they’re royals).  Due to the spell Micah’s mother cast to protect her children, they were all scattered to different places and Micah has no memory of who he is or of the curse he is under. Liliana is on an undercover mission to help Micah remember his real identity and to get him back to Elden to fight her evil evil father before the deadline on the curse is reached and all are doomed.  Phew, that was kind of hard to explain, especially without giving away any spoilers.

My favourite parts of this story were the fairy-tale aspect, Micah’s cool black armour, the forbidding castle ( I just love castles full stop ) and the two secondary characters who kind of remind me of the candlestick and the clock ? in the Disney version ( was I hallucinating or were they really there?) I also loved the ending; happy ever after does it for me everytime!  My least favourite parts of the story; there weren’t any.  The heroine was brave, the hero was an alpha male and the villain was evil incarnate.  All in all, a delicious story.  You will probably gulp it all in one go, like I did!

P.S: I have seen there is some criticism of the ending in other reviews, but to me the ending was perfect. I don’t think we had to see more of the other siblings as it wasn’t their book. The focus was on Liliana and Micah, as it should be.

By Saiqa.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Wild & Steamy Anthology

I was originally interested in this ebook anthology for Meljean Brook's The Blushing Bounder, as it's set in her Iron Seas world (which I love with a mad passion). However, I really enjoyed all three stories.

The reason I'm posting about this today is because the anthology is currently free at most retailers, so check it out! As far as I know, there are no geographical restrictions.

If you don't have a e-reader, the anthology is short enough that I think you'd have no trouble reading it on your computer, or printing it out to read.

Wild & Steamy
 
The Blushing Bound by Meljean Brook - While the search for a killer puts Constable Newberry’s life in danger, he faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

Vixen by Jill Myles – Miko’s denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn’t want to choose between both men…it wants them both.

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane A Disillusionists novella: Sophia Sidway, Midcity’s most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption…but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Lord of the Abyss Excerpt & Release Dates!

First, a little glimpse of Micah and Liliana:
Shaking his head to erase that haunting voice that made things in his chest tear and break, he stared at Liliana, spoke in the gentle tone that made the villagers tremble. “Where’s my breakfast?” He ran the sharp tips of his gauntlet along her jaw. “I do not smell meat.”
    “Your breakfast is right here,” she said, her face going white…but she didn’t back down. “And it’s quite delicious, as you’d know if you’d stop trying to terrify me.” Reaching out, she touched him, her hand curving over the black armor of his upper arm. “Please sit.”
    He was so startled that anyone dared touch him, he obeyed without realizing what he was doing. When he would’ve snarled, she seduced him into silence by serving him bread studded with fruit and sprinkled with honey and sugar and…cinnamon.
    This time, when the scent threatened to ensorcel him, he fought it.
From Lord of the Abyss

If you'd like to read some more short excerpts, check out this great review at Heroes and Heartbreakers.

As promised, here's the complete release date information for Lord of the Abyss. 

North America 

The single paperback edition is now out! 

Amazon, B&N, BookDepo, B-A-M
Chapters, IndBnd, eHarlequin, Powells


Paperback and ebook duo edition (with a copy of Desert Warrior my first ever published book), out November 22nd.

Amazon, B&N, BookDepo, B-A-M, Chapters, Powells, eHarlequin
Kindle, Nook

Single ebook edition

Adobe format - out as an early release from eHarlequin
Kindle/Nook - out December 1st

UK 

January 2012 

Australia/NZ

Australia is publishing the first two titles (Gena and Jill) in January 2012 and the second two titles (Jessica and me) in March 2012. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Lord of the Abyss

I'm blogging about the dark, dangerous and delicious hero from Lord of the Abyss today at the Paranormal Romance blog. Swing by and say hi!

I'll have complete release info for you tomorrow. :-)

Monday, November 14, 2011

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, November 11, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

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 :-)).

Monday, November 07, 2011

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!

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

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. :-)

Monday, October 31, 2011

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!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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, October 21, 2011

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. :-)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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, October 14, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Thursday, October 13, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

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:

Monday, October 10, 2011

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, October 07, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Thursday, October 06, 2011

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*

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

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!

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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, September 25, 2011

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, September 23, 2011

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?
 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

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, September 16, 2011

Friday Book Club

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

Thursday, September 15, 2011

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? :-)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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!

Monday, September 12, 2011

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.

Friday, September 09, 2011

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, September 07, 2011

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!

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

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

Sunday, September 04, 2011

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.


Saturday, September 03, 2011

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. 

Friday, September 02, 2011

UK/Commonwealth Kindle Edition

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


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?

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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."

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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]