Bonds of Justice

 

Alt Text - Quote from Bonds of Justice: "Will you remember me?" His heart broke into a thousand pieces. " Always."

Sophia and Max.

~Ashwini

Website Update: Short Stories - Pancakes, Making Dinner, Sunday Morning

If you missed out on the following short stories in the newsletter, they are now up on the website. Hope you enjoy!

Pancakes

Making Dinner

Sunday Morning

To join the newsletter, click this link. After filling in the form, you should get a confirmation link in your email. Once you click that, you'll get a Welcome newsletter with further free short stories. Any problems, email Ashwini (naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom - replace DOT/AT with . / @).

September Newsletter

The September newsletter will be hitting your Inbox in approximately 14 hours, complete with a short story featuring Max & Sophie.

If you're not yet a subscriber, you can subscribe on the front page of the website (top right on computers, bottom of the page on mobile devices). You should then get a confirmation link in your email - you aren't subscribed until you click that. Soon afterward, you'll get a Welcome newsletter with the short stories Poker Night and Knives & Sheaths.

Any problems, let Ashwini know (naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom).

Good News & Friends Releases

Two pieces of awesome news:

Kiss of Snow has been listed as one of the Top 10 Spring Romances by Publishers Weekly!! (I was trying to wait to post this news closer to the release date, but I had to share.)

And Bonds of Justice has been listed as one of the Thirteen Best Romances of 2010 by The Kansas City Public Library!

Woohoo!!

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A couple of my writing buds have books out this week that I wanted to tell you about.

Olivia Gates is a lovely author who I did some crazy dancing with last RWA. ;-) She's based in Egypt and given the current turmoil, unable to get the word out about her new release, so her friends are helping to spread the word.

To Tempt a Sheikh by Olivia Gates

He rescued hostage Talia Burke from his royal family's rival tribe and swept her into his strong embrace. But Prince Harres Aal Shalaan soon discovered there was more to the brave beauty than he knew. Talia held information vital to protecting his beloved kingdom…and she had every reason not to trust him.

Marooned together at a desert oasis, Talia couldn't resist Harres. Yet even as his sizzling seduction entranced her, his loyalty to his family and country would always make them enemies. Falling for the sheikh would be her heart's greatest mistake…but she feared it was already too late….

Link to Olivia's Website

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton (a.k.a. the book with the lickalicious cover)

Jaci writes wonderful sexy contemporary romances and this one's no exception. Check out the blurb below and follow the link to Jaci's site to read an excerpt!

Football pro Mick Riley is an all-star, both on the field and in the bedroom. But a sexy, determinedly single mom just might be the one to throw him off his game…

For years Mick has been taking full advantage of the life available to a pro athlete: fame, fortune, and a different girl in every city. But when he meets and beds confident, beautiful event planner Tara Lincoln, he wants much more than the typical one-night stand. Too bad Tara’s not interested in getting to know football’s most notorious playboy any better.

As the single mother of a teenage son, the last thing Tara needs is the jet-set lifestyle of Mick Riley; even though their steamy and passionate one-night stand was unforgettable. Tara’s life is complicated enough without being thrust into the spotlight as Mick’s latest girl du jour. Tara played the game of love once and lost big, and she doesn’t intend to put herself out there again, especially with a heartbreaker like Mick.

But when Mick sets his mind to win, nothing will stop him. And he has the perfect play in mind.

Link to Jaci's Website

Are you excited about any of the new releases this week, or have some good news? Share!

Denver, Colorado

Breaking News: I just found out that Bonds of Justice is to be on the New York Times Bestseller list! Thanks to all of you for your support!

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It's been all go since I arrived in the U.S. I had a fantastic time at RomCon! I posted some photos from it over at Oddshots if you'd like to have a look - I plan to post up some more (likely when I'm back in NZ).

For today, I've got an image from the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. It's an amazing, amazing place and I'm so glad I got the chance to visit.


Talking about amazing things - I've seen the cover for Archangel's Consort and it is wicked-awesome. I can't share it just yet as it's not quite final, but trust me, you will all love it!

Also, I wanted to post up a link - this week's Book Chat over at Bitten By Books is about the Psy/Changeling Series, so swing by and join in the discussion.

I hope you're all having a wonderful week!

Bonds of Justice is out!!

To celebrate the release, here's an excerpt!

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Excerpt from Bonds of Justice

The door opened at that moment, revealing the woman at the center of his thoughts. She’d changed into jeans and a gray sweatshirt that covered those curves he was starting to obsess over. He could see the edge of a white T-shirt beneath the sweatshirt, while plain black sneakers peeked out from under the hem of her jeans.

“Is this appropriate?” she asked. “I assumed we might have time to go to the garage as well.”

He ran his gaze not over her clothing, but over the soft curls of her shoulder-length hair. A rich, charcoal black, those curls tempted a man to fist his hands in the softness, tug her close, and sink his teeth—deliciously carefully—into that full lower lip. “Yes.” It came out husky.

She hesitated, as if she’d caught the edge in his tone, but her words when they came were pragmatic. “I’ll e-mail the Councilor from the car, ensure the chief mechanic knows we’ll be coming.” Locking her door after picking up that little computronic gadget that seemed to be surgically attached to her hand, she fell into step beside him, her head not even reaching his shoulder.

“You’re short.” He could tuck her under his arm, and against his body, without any problem whatsoever.

Sophia almost halted. “That kind of observation is rude in all cultures.”

He shrugged, but he’d noted the jerky movement before she smoothed out her stride, considered the implications—Psy made it a point to react as little as possible, regardless of the provocation. And Max was very, very good at provocation when he was in the mood. “I didn’t say you didn’t look good short.”

“I am what is termed a ‘throwback’ to my great-great-grandmother,” Sophia said, her tone pure feminine frost. “She had the identical body type. I will never be slender.”

“From where I’m standing”—Max couldn’t help himself, the devil in him taking over—“slender is overrated.”

Ignoring him with a focus that made his lips curve into a slow, satisfied smile, Sophia pressed her finger to the touch pad for the elevator.

(c) Copyright 2010 by Nalini Singh

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I hope you all enjoy Max and Sophia's story!!

Friday Book Club

Before we dive into the book club, I have some more linkage for you.

More great reviews are coming in for Bonds of Justice. Here's a snippet from a review by Leontine of Realms on Our Bookshelves.

There is an everlasting quality to the storytelling that makes Bonds Of Justice a one-sitting-read....BONDS OF JUSTICE gave all that is important to me as a reader along with two memorable characters I got to fall in love with.

Follow the link to read the full review. I'm getting so excited about the release!

I've also got an interview up at Kylie Griffin's blog, talking travel, books and dolls. (Curious? check out the interview!)

Kiwi author Helen Lowe has just joined The Supernatural Underground, so swing by and say hi.

And fellow authors Jaci Burton and Anya Bast are talking new releases and giving them away, including one you might recognize :)

Now, onto the book club! I've been reading this fascinating book called Play of Passion *grin* What've you been reading and loving this week?

Copy Edits and More

I'm working on copy edits for Play of Passion at the moment, so not online much, but I wanted to let you know about a few things.

Fiction Kingdom has a review and giveaway for Bonds of Justice. Here's a snippet from the review:

I was a little hesitant when I heard that the main couple was going to be a human/psy pairing, but Nalini makes it work beautifully.

Talking of giveaways, Jill Myles has an interview with Kasey Mackenzie over at Oddshots, and they're giving away Kasey's debut book - Red Hot Fury. I had a chance to read Red Hot Fury early and thought it was fantastic. If you're looking for an original new urban fantasy, check it out.


The fabulous Gena Showalter also has a new release - The Darkest Lie, the latest book in her Lords of the Underworld series.

I think the books in this series can be read as stand alones, but you'd probably enjoy them more if you started from book one (The Darkest Night).

And over at The Knight Agency, Diane Whiteside is giving away a copy of The Devil She knows.

Enjoy blog hopping! I'm off to dive back into Play of Passion!

Bonds of Justice News & Reviews

I've had emails about whether Bonds of Justice would be available in Kindle format on release date (July 6). The answer is yes - for both the Kindle and for other ebook formats (no live links yet but keep an eye out).

Also, I wanted to share some great reviews for Bonds that have just gone live in the blogsphere.

Every time I read a Psy-Changeling novel, it feels like I'm coming home. Nalini's characters are like family to me....Bonds of Justice delivers a jammed packed, adrenaline rush of a story and an amazing couple with Max and Sophia.

Read the full review at Babbling About Books

I was lapping this book up like the best dessert ever. The kind with the good calories. I love this series and it’s so rare that I get to say that when we’re this many books in. I loved Max and Sophia’s hot romance and I am still just as excited about this series as I ever was back in its beginnings.

Read the full review at Lurv A La Mode

The chemistry is definitely hot between the two main characters , but they have to overcome tremendous odds to be together...It is a wonderful story...

Read the full review on the eHarlequin Community Boards

I'm getting so excited about the release date! I'll actually be in the U.S. around that time so I plan to lurk in bookstores ;-)

In truth, I'm going to be attending RomCon in Denver. It's a reader focused convention being held in Denver, Colorado, July 9-11th. If you're in the area, or close, do check it out. It looks like it's going to be a whole lot of fun!

Bonds of Justice Winner

I've run the random numbers for the giveaway of an early copy of Bonds of Justice and the winner is Cathy M! Congratulations. An email is on the way to you.

If you didn't win, it's not long now till the July 6th release date! I hope you all enjoy Max and Sophia's story.

Bonds of Justice

Contest Closed.

Winner: I've run the random numbers and the winner is Cathy M! Congratulations. An email is on the way to you.

If you didn't win, it's not long now till the July 6th release date! I hope you all enjoy Max and Sophia's story.

Guess what I have? An early finished copy of Bonds of Justice to give away!

To enter the draw, just leave a comment with your answer to this burning question:

If you could take home any character from the Psy/Changeling world, who would it be and why?

OR, if you haven't read the books yet:

What's caught your interest about the series?

Open to everyone*. Entries close 12 noon, Sunday June 20th 2010, New Zealand time. Please leave some way for me to contact you, or check the blog on Sunday night to see if you've won. If I don't hear from the winner within 72 hours of posting their name, I'll redraw. Good luck!

*Void where prohibited

Berkley Giveaway - including "Bonds of Justice"

...over at Dear Author.

(I totally want some of those books!)

Good News

I have two pieces of news to post today.

First, my updated release schedule!

Bonds of Justice ~ July 2010

"Whisper of Sin" in the Burning Up Anthology ~ August 2010

Play of Passion ~ November 2010

Archangel's Consort ~ March 2011

I'm also super excited to share that Branded By Fire, Angels' Blood, and Angels' Judgment (from the Must Love Hellhounds anthology), have all been nominated for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards in New Zealand!!

So, what's your good news? Share! :-)

Bonds of Justice ARC Review

Becca, the winner of the "Bonds of Justice" ARC Contest has just posted her review!

This series is excellent, and this book more than makes the grade...I love the relationship that Max and Sophia build here, with the deep connections, the way they work together, the trust between them as two loners find someone to relax their guard with, combined with the heat, the humour and the touching sweetness. It’s a beautiful thing to read...

Full review: http://saiena.livejournal.com/159236.html

Bonds of Justice ARC Winner

Thanks for all your entries in the ARC Contest! To pick the winner, I assigned all of you a number, whether your entry came in by blog comment or email, deleted any duplicate entries, then ran the random number generator.

And the winner is:

Saiena

Congratulations!! The ARC will be on its way to you soon as I have your mailing address (nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com)

If you didn't win, don't worry - we'll have more contests later on in the year :-)

Bonds of Justice ARC Contest

As you can see, you might have to fight for the ARC even if you
win ;-)

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win the ARC of Bonds of Justice, just leave your name in the comments before midnight, Friday April 30th 2010, New Zealand time.

If you have a problem commenting, email your entry to nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com with "Bonds of Justice ARC Contest" in the subject line, and I'll add you to the draw.

Since this is an Advanced Review Copy, if you win, I'd ask that you please post a review somewhere before the release date (July 6th) - 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.

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.

Also, make sure you leave some way for me to contact you, or check to see if you've won. I usually make an effort to track down winners, but because this is an ARC, if the winner does not contact me with their mailing address within 48 hours of their name being posted, I'll pick another name.

The fine print: Contest is open internationally. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly using random.org and his or her name posted on the blog on May 3rd, 2010. Void where prohibited.

Writing Update, Maya Banks & Links

I've sent off the galleys for Bonds of Justice and the copy edits for Whisper of Sin, and am now back at work on the third Guild Hunter book. Right now I'm working on a scene that features a certain "dance."

~

My friend Maya Banks' newest book, Sweet Tempation has just released! Maya writes super hot erotic romance, but always with a heart. I just love her voice.

This book is part of the series that began with Sweet Surrender and I'd recommend reading the series in order so you get a deeper sense of the relationships between the characters.

Compelling and intense, I have to admit Sweet Tempation pushed me past my comfort zone, but given that it is Micah's book, that was to be expected. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Maya takes this series next.

Follow the links to read excerpts!

~

Also, I've just set up a Fan Page on Facebook, complete with a discussion forum, so check it out if you're on FB. (I'm still happy to accept friend requests for my personal page, too).

~

And check out this very funny post and giveaway by Devon Monk on Ilona Andrews' blog.

Bonds of Justice & Guild Hunter #3

I'm going over the galleys (final time I see the manuscript) of Bonds of Justice in the mornings at the moment, and working on the third Guild Hunter book in the afternoons.

Loving reading through Bonds again - can't wait until it's released!

Here's a random line from GH #3: "...a hint of dark, dark chocolate twined with rich, golden champagne."

Hmm, who could I be talking about? *ponders*

Backcover blurb: Bonds of Justice

Here's the blurb for Bonds of Justice!

Return to the powerful, turbulent Psy/Changeling world created by the “amazingly talented”* Nalini Singh, as a human detective finds himself working the most unlikely of cases—in the dark heart of a Councilor’s domain…

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture…

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury…and executioner…

Link to Excerpt

p.s. The website has been updated and I've "hidden" something on there so have a look-see ;-)

Whisper of Sin Excerpt

I'm working on copy edits for Bonds of Justice at the moment, and really enjoying reading the manuscript again after having turned it in a few months ago. :-)

The copy edits for Whisper of Sin (novella featuring Ria in the Burning Up anthology) will most likely arrive soon, too. Which reminds me that I haven't shared an excerpt from the novella yet. So, here it is! I hope you enjoy!

Unedited advance excerpt from Whisper of Sin

(Ria and her hero have been sparring in a basement gym in this scene.)

“How did I do?” she asked.

He glanced at his forearm. “I didn’t teach you the biting.” It was a snarl.

Or maybe he hadn’t been playing the whole time. “I decided to add it on my own,” she said, though in truth, it had been an instinctive response to his arrogant provocation. Her eyes went to the marks she’d made. Deep and red and perfectly formed. Guilt invaded. “I didn’t mean to bite you that hard. But…I’m not sorry.”

“Oh?” He walked over, slow, so slow. This time, she backed up. It was one thing to play with a predator who was keeping his claws sheathed, quite another to know you were prey. He kept coming. She knew the door out of the basement was only about a foot away. Making a quick move, she went to dart left.

Too late.

He was there before her and somehow, she found herself pasted up against the closed door, very aware that she was all alone with a big, dangerous leopard in human skin. Except instead of fear, it was a vivid excitement that beat in her blood as he placed his hands palms-down on either side of her head and bent until their breaths mingled. “Boo.”

She jumped, then wanted to slap herself for it. “Stop acting the big bad cat.”

A blink and when he raised his lashes, the eyes that looked back at her were in no way human. “Mmm, I smell a pretty little human in my territory.” A soft whisper against her lips, bright green-gold eyes daring her to respond.

Her breasts brushed his chest as he pressed closer, her breath coming in jagged pants. “You’re behaving very badly.” It was a husky reproach.

“You bit me.” He angled his head a little to the left and though she couldn’t see those amazing eyes except for a glint through his lashes, she knew he was looking at her lips. “Say sorry.”

She didn’t know what made her do it. Parting her lips, she said, “No.”

Copyright (c) 2010 by Nalini Singh