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. 
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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.

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!

Kindle Reminder & Random Goodness

First, a reminder for those of you who buy books on Kindle. There is another Nalini Singh who releases her books in that format, so please check my website or email me before buying if you're not sure it's one of my releases.

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The Knight Agency is giving away Monica Burns' Kismet & Gena Showalter is giving away an ARC of Into the Dark (out April).

Jaci Burton is giving away an ARC of Bound, Branded & Brazen (out March). I've already had the chance to read this and it's awesome! Hot enough to singe your eyebrows off and full of the emotional connections I love in Jaci's work. Excerpt link.

(Both Monica's and Jaci's contests are closing soon.)

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Don't forget I'm signing books at Galaxy Books in Sydney tomorrow. Details here.

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This is the typo I repeated most often in my most recent manuscript: "back" instead of "bag" <-- I have no idea why, because it's not like the keys are next to each other on the keyboard, and there's an extra letter even! #mysterious

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So, how's it going in your corner of the world?

Book Tour: Deep Kiss of Winter - Gena Showalter & Kresley Cole

Breaking News: I have been in the U.K. for almost a month, and today was the first day I really encountered rain! Little riddle for you - a few hours ago, I had one foot in the East, one in the West. Where was I?

And, I've got a book tour for you from the fabulously talented Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter. Check out the details below!

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DEEP KISS OF WINTER

Passion begins with a deep kiss…but who knows where it will end?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole delivers the next seductive installment in the Immortals After Dark series: a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time and an ice queen aching to be touched.

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter delights with her newest Alien Huntress tale, a soul-shattering story of an iron-fisted warlord hungry for pleasure, and the one woman who would deny him…

Pick up your copy at Amazon

Or at Barnes and Noble

Or, preorder for a copy signed by both Cole and Showalter

Gena and Kresley have excerpts up on their websites, so follow the links at the top of the post to read.

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Guest Author: Gena Showalter - The Darkest Whisper

RANDOM WINNER: The lucky winner of the signed copy of The Darkest Night is Christine!

(I think there was only one Christine in the comments, but just to be safe, it's comment #98). Christine, please email me your mailing address at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com and I'll pass it on to Gena.

Congratulations!

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Today's guest is the wonderful Gena Showalter!! I've known Gena since the publication of her first book and can safely say she's full of all kinds of awesome :-)

Today, Gena's going to be talking about her latest release, The Darkest Whisper, and giving away a signed copy of The Darkest Night, the first book in her Lords of the Underworld series.

Leave a comment by noon tomorrow (New Zealand time) to be in to win.

And now, please welcome Gena to the blog everyone!!
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How do characters come to be?

With me, they introduce themselves in different ways. In The Darkest Whisper, Gwendolyn the Timid, a half-harpy, half-angel, first appeared to me in a dream. I saw her locked inside a glass cage. Dirty, hungry, scared. I saw that cage open, watched her disappear in a blink and return bloody. Only, it wasn’t her blood.When I woke up, I had so many questions. Mainly: whose blood was it? What had she done? How had she done it? Why was she locked away?

Slowly her story began to unravel in my mind. And I fell so in love with this woman, I had to write her story. But who would I pair her with? In the end, I knew only a Lord of the Underworld would do. She was Harpy. She needed someone strong. So, I began to introduce her to those deliciously savage warriors, testing reactions. First up? Paris. I knew immediately he wasn’t the one for her. He was too busy mourning his Sienna. Aeron – no again. I already had someone in mind for him. Strider – no, no, no. Gwen is a Harpy who hates to lose, and Strider is an immortal who always has to win. Or suffer. Eventually, they would have resented each other and that would have blown the happily-ever-after.

More introductions. More nos. No one fit. Until Sabin, keeper of the demon of Doubt, entered. Instant sparks. And, to be honest, that shocked the hell out of me. Sabin could destroy the strongest self-esteem in a snap. Past lovers had even killed themselves, they were so torn up inside. How was Gwen, who thinks of herself as self-esteem lite, supposed to survive a relationship with him?

I didn’t know the answer, but I decided to sit down and write their story anyway. They were that attracted to each other. They had to guide me every step of the way, but, oh, what a journey. I LOVED writing this book and have never had so much fun with characters. Sabin, who had always placed victory on the battlefield over relationships, was finally brought to his knees. And Gwen, my sweet Gwen, proved herself strong enough to do it -- and make him like it. (Yes, I’m smiling as I type that. And shivering.)

If you haven’t checked out the Lords of the Underworld, I hope you’ll give them a shot. And speaking of shots, my wonderful publisher is hosting a contest with a grand prize of $10,000 in honor of my other August 25th release, Intertwined. Just follow the link to find out how to enter! http://harlequin.promo.eprize.com/intertwinedsweepstakes/

This & That

I wrote a scene yesterday for Max's book featuring Lucas and Sascha. I really love that I get to continue to see characters grow over the course of this series. (In case anyone is wondering, Lucas is shirtless in the scene).

I've lined up some great guest bloggers for you over the next month - there'll be approximately one a week :-)

Gena is giving away copies of Intertwined and The Darkest Whisper here.

There's an interesting conversation taking place on Twitter with the #askromancewriter hashtag.

And it's a gorgeous sunny day outside!

This & That

Sorry to disappear on you all! It's coming down to the crunch on the second Angel book. I have deadline brain.

But someone sent me this link and I had to share it - Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent. I hope she makes it all the way to the top!

More good news - Jaci Burton has made some very cool lists with Riding on Instinct. Congrats Jaci!

Also, check out this Nightline article on Harlequin Books, featuring Gena Showalter.



p.s. Something fun happening later this week!

Angels' Blood Countdown: Gena Showalter - The Vampire's Bride ARC

Winner: The random numbers chose Danni (comment #14) as the winner. Congratulations! An email's on the way to you.

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14 days to go till the release of ANGELS' BLOOD, and only 8 until the release of ANGELS' PAWN!

Here's what Errant Dreams Reviews had to say about ANGELS' BLOOD:

This is one of those books that so soaked into my pores that I couldn’t get it out of my head for the rest of the day after I’d finished it. I couldn’t open another book for at least a day, as I didn’t want to supplant it yet. I highly recommend this one!

Today's first countdown prize is an ARC of Gena Showalter's The Vampire's Bride, part of her series set in Atlantis! Check out the blurb below:

Return to Gena Showalter’s mythical world of immortals, magic and dark seduction…return to Atlantis…

He is Layel, king of the vampires, a master seducer no woman can deny. But since a rogue horde of dragons killed his beloved over two centuries ago, Layel has existed only for vengeance…until he meets Delilah.

Wary of love, the beautiful Amazon wants nothing to do with the tormented vampire. Yet there’s no denying their consuming desire every time he nears her. Neither trusts the other—nor can they survive alone.

For in an impossible game of the gods’ devising, they’ve been trapped on an island, about to face the ultimate challenge: surrender to the passion that will bind them forever…or be doomed to an eternity apart.

The Vampire's Bride releases March, and you can read more about it on Gena's website!

Today's entry question is from Amy: If you use an e-book reader, which do you use and why? My addition - if you don't use an e-book reader, are you interested in getting one?

Desirabelles

I'm blogging over at the Down Under Desirabelles today - and there's a very special giveaway - an ARC of Gena Showalter's The Vampire's Bride, so make sure you drop by!

Also, The Knight Agency is holding it's 2nd Annual Online Office Christmas Party on Dec 18th at 12.30pm Eastern Time. I have it on good authority that there might be presents *grin* Check out the full details here.

OOTB Tour: The Darkest Night - Gena Showalter

It's OOTB tour time. Check out the details below! (If you missed the interview with Gena, follow the link).

THE DARKEST NIGHT by Gena Showalter

His powers – Inhuman

His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love . . .

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don’t miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!

Read a three chapter excerpt here!

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter has been praised for her “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories.” The author of more than seventeen novels and anthologies, Showalter is celebrated in a wide variety of genres for her breathtaking romances featuring dark, seductive heroes and strong, appealing heroines. Readers can’t get enough of her trademark wit and singular imagination, whether she’s writing paranormal stories about vampires, nymphs and superheroes, white-hot contemporary romance or alien huntress books. Her newest series, Lords of the Underworld, promises to be her sexiest and most addictive yet. Don’t miss this intoxicating blend of dangerous passion, demons and other supernatural forces, and immortal men who are hotter than hell!

REVIEWS

"A fascinating premise, a sexy hero and non-stop action, The Darkest Night is Showalter at her finest, and a fabulous start to an imaginative new series." Karen Marie Moning, New York Times best selling author

One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. --New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

You can buy your copy at: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Website http://www.genashowalter.com

http://www.lordsoftheunderworld.net

Guest Author/Interview - Gena Showalter

I'm delighted to present an interview with the fabulous Gena Showalter! We're talking about her amazing new series and Gena's agreed to swing by and answer any reader questions, so hit her with them!

1. Who is Gena Showalter?

I’ve always been a mix of the wallflower who wants to remain in the shadows and a quirky, attention-hogging wild child who craves compliments. How’s that for variety? I married my high school sweetheart, have three English bulldogs I adore (Mary Ann, Ginger, and Lovey), and am an avid romance reader.

2. You have a new series debuting this May – can you give us the lowdown?

I’ve taken the myth of Pandora and completely turned it upside down! I say the gods entrusted Pandora, the greatest warrior of her time, to guard the box. But a group of immortal warriors, her peers, fought and won it, opened it, and unleashed the horde of demons locked inside. Because of this, the gods punish each warrior to house a demon inside his own body. So the warriors become the box, so to speak. It’s not an easy pairing, either. There’s Violence, Pain, Disease, Wrath, Death, Doubt, Misery, Lies, Disaster, and so on.

N: I've been lucky enough to read books 1 & 2 in advance and they rock (and I'm not saying that just because I might possibly be in the dedication *grin*). I blogged about my reaction to book 1, here.

3. The first three books are going to release back to back—what did that mean for your writing schedule? (Keeping in mind that Gena writes demon-fast).

The first book was already written and the second one well on its way to be written when we decided to push back their release dates and do the back to back thing. So it was just a matter of writing the third. But still, that third had to be written very very quickly when I didn’t have the story figured out yet. So panic? Just a wee bit.

4. The series starts out in Budapest—why did you choose this city?

I love the mix of old world charm and modern style, the sense of mystery and mysticism.

5. Very Important Question: Who do you think is the sexiest Lord of the Underworld and why?

(Answer always subject to change.) Whoever I’m writing at the time is usually the one I’m most in love with. Right now that just happens to be Sabin, keeper of Doubt. He has a very dry sense of humor that I adore, and he’s always been one of those warriors who will do anything to win: cheat, fight dirty, whatever. He’s always put his war with his enemy first, but for once, for a woman, he’s going to have to rethink that.

6. Do you have a set number of books planned?

I think I could write these books forever, I love them so much.

7. Can you share any super-secret behind-the-scenes info on the series?

Sometimes death is only the beginning. All’s I’m sayin.

8. Since this is a new series, where can folks find out more info about it and your other books? Are there excerpts?

I’ve just launched a new Lords of the Underworld website! You can find it at www.lordsoftheunderworld.net There aren’t any excerpts up yet, but I plan to load them soon!

N: A three chapter excerpt has been added since we completed the interview!

9. And this one's for the fans of your other series'—will you be writing more books in those worlds, or are you focusing on the LOTU?

Next year, there will be a sequel to Playing With Fire -- Twice As Hot -- and the fourth book in the Atlantis series -- The Vampire’s Bride. If readers want more, it will be my pleasure to give them more!

10. Final question just for fun –hypothetically speaking, if a (gorgeous) man came up to you and told you he had a demon inside, what would you do?

After I kissed the breath out of him? Hmm, I’m not sure. Hard to say. Guess it’d be a wait and see situation :-)

N: Thanks for the interview, Gena. (Now, feel free to grill her mercilessly!)

[Edited] Update & Book Tour: Gena Showalter - Savor me Slowly

Ok, the Mine to Possess ARC winners have all been notified. Check your email if you entered. I'm not announcing the winners names yet, but if you won, feel free to "out" yourself!

[Edited to add:] Winners who I've heard back from - Casee, Nicole C., Joni, Angela H., Bel, Jennifer R., Helen G., Stephanie S., Amy B., Tina C., Brooke, Ria, Janet, Kirsten S., Margarida, Sweet, Peggy, Anna, Sonia, Rosemary

I want to thank all of you for your enthusiasm for the contest and for MtP. I hope you all fall adoringly in love with Clay and Tally's story!! :-)

Talking about releases, check out the OOTB book tour for the fabulous Gena Showalter's next Alien Huntress book! I'm so loving that cover!
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SAVOR ME SLOWLY by Gena Showalter

(Pocket) December 26, 2007

Mishka Le’Ace was created to be an undercover operative . . . literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength -- strength she’s going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know. . .

From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le’Ace forces her to do things she doesn’t always want to do. Even betray him . . . and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le’Ace and even Le’Ace herself to at last claim the woman he’s come to love.

ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER:

Gena Showalter sold her first book at the age of 27. Three years later, at the ripe old age of 30, she had sold an amazing total of 15 books in a multitude of genres: paranormal romance, contemporary chick lit/romance hybrid, young adult and urban fantasy. Her books provide something for every fan of fiction. For more information about Gena and her novels, you can visit her website at www.genashowalter.com and her blog at www.genashowalter.blogspot.com

REVIEWS:

In versatile Showalter’s new futuristic novel, the world teeters on the edge of disaster unless a tough band of human and alien allies can stop it. Danger spiced with sizzling sensuality are definitely hallmarks of Showalter’s style. Kicking butt and taking names is what these protagonists do best which cranks up the action quotient for this intense new book! – Romantic Times

One of the premiere authors of paranormal romance.” New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

SAVOR ME SLOWLY is the third and strongest installment in Gena Showalter’s Alien Huntress series. As riveting as the previous two books were this one is better. Fresh Fiction

The characters in this book are flawlessly drawn. . . Science fiction at its best! So if you’ve never picked up a story by this talented author, now is the time to start. Two Lips Reviews -- 5 lips, their highest rating!

Website: http://www.genashowalter.com

Guest Blogger: Gena Showalter!

To kick off the week of guest bloggers, we've got the fabulous and funny Gena Showalter, who is totally gorgeous and does not have hay hair. Read on to find out what I'm talking about. (Gena's also giving away a signed copy of Enslave Me Sweetly - just leave a comment to enter the draw.)

It’s a wee bit intimidating, coming here. Nalini is a brilliant, insightful, amazingly talented woman. Meanwhile, I am known for my Hay Hair, Bitch Slapping, and Gnomes. So as not to humiliate myself all the more, I'll move on to a different topic quickly. Originally, I planned to discuss my upcoming release Savor Me Slowly. Rather than do so – because I want to talk about other people’s books -- I’ll just post a short mention of what it’s about:

Mishka Le’Ace was created to be an undercover operative . . . literally. Her beautiful body has been mechanically augmented to give her superhuman strength -- strength she’s going to need. Her latest mission sends her to rescue Alien Investigation and Removal agent Jaxon Tremain from torture and death. With him, she discovers a passion unlike any other. A passion she was forbidden to know. . .

From the moment they meet in a darkened cell, Jaxon craves her touch. But the machine half of Le’Ace forces her to do things she doesn’t always want to do. Even betray him . . . and ultimately destroy him. Now Jaxon must battle the man controlling Le’Ace and even Le’Ace herself to at last claim the woman he’s come to love.

Now then. My list of Upcoming Must Have Books:

Wicked Deeds On a Winters Night by Kresley Cole. This book comes out Oct. 30^th and it is absolutely amazing! I want to live the world Kresley has created, I want to date the men, and I want to be BFF’s with the women (otherwise they would bitch slap me).

Tall, Dark and Filthy Rich by Jill Monroe. A Nov. 1^st release. I absolutely adore Jill’s sense of humor. She’s one of those authors that can have me laughing out loud and sighing dreamily when I finish the book. And baby, she writes steaming hot love scenes.

Bloodfever by Karen Moning. This is book 2 in the Fever series, due out any day now, and I am drooling for it! I must know what’s going on with Mac.I want to learn all of Jericho Barrons secrets. Anyone else lusting for this mystery man?

I just read Lover Unbound by JR Ward and found it breathtaking and phenomenal. What I’m reading now is an ARC of Demon Night by Meljean Brook and I am loving every word!

What have you recently read? What are you reading now?

Gena Showalter - Darkest Night

I try not to tease (too much *g*) on this blog but I have just read something that I feel I must, must, must tell you about so you don't miss out on it when it comes out - Gena Showalter's Darkest Night. It's out Sep, so you can totally pick it up when you grab Caressed By Ice ;)

This book is magnificent. It kicks off a series about the Lords of the Underworld - immortal warriors cursed with humankind's greatest sins. The emotional intensity of this story is through the roof and Gena pulls no punches when it comes to showing what the hero (cursed with Violence) is capable of...which makes it all the sweeter when he falls for the heroine. Sigh.

I want more. I want the next book now. I think I shall have to stalk Gena until she gives it to me.

The Nymph King - Gena Showalter

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of The Nymph King by Gena Showalter. After reading it, I have to say that I can definitely see why it hit both the USA Today Bestseller list and the extended NYT list.

First of all - that cover is not false advertising. Valerian, the hero, is hot! Sizzling hot. Makes-you-glad-to-be-a-woman hot. Um, okay, moving on from Valerian's hotness...(though I'd rather not *grin*).

The Nymph King is set in Gena's version of Atlantis, which is filled with not only nymphs, but also dragons, vampires and demons among others. The setting itself is almost a character because it's so different and intriguing. It definitely sucked me in.

The heroine, Shaye, is a human who's abducted away to Atlantis by the nymphs - because they need women and since women absolutely adore them and the pleasure they can give, the nymphs see no problem with the whole abduction thing. They haven't counted on Shaye, who only only doesn't fall under their spell, but is determined to return to the surface.

Valerian, King of the Nymphs, isn't having any of that - because Shaye is his mate. And when a nymph mates, it's for life. Now he has to convince her of that. The back and forth between a determined-to-seduce, Valerian, and an equally determined-to-resist, Shaye, is very passionate and the tension just keeps rising. Then there are the sweet moments that made me smile. (I don't know how Gena does it but she manages to get in her trademark humor without losing the intensity of the story). By the time I reached the end, I believed that these two would make it. Happy sigh. :)

Overall, The Nymph King is exotic, highly sensual and plain old fun. Check it out if you like hot nymphs (and here all this time I thought of nymphs as female. Not any more. Nope. Now I think of them as male sensuality personified...which leads me back to Valerian *g*). Go forth and read!!

Links, Brides & Tigresses

Today's a bit of a grab bag.

First, I have a confirmed release date for Caressed By Ice, the third Psy/Changeling book. It's going to be September 07. Yippee!

Second, if you're in the mood to win stuff, Paperback Writer is doing giveaways - plus she has a list of others doing the same.

Third, have you seen the movie Bride and Prejudice? It's been out for ages but I couldn't get hold of a copy in Japan (though I did manage to find Bend It Like Beckham). I was prejudiced (*g*) to like this anyway because that cute Martin Henderson is from NZ, but I thought it was a sweet, romantic movie that had me grinning throughout. That song "No Life Without Wife" is hilarious. If you haven't seen this, leave your serious side at the door and have a look-see.

Fourth, I have to rave about a book I finished at 1a.m. last night: Animal Instincts by Gena Showalter. The reason I have to rave is that this book is a single title contemporary - a funny one, which doesn't usually work for me (I'm into the darker stuff in case you hadn't guessed). But the second I read the first line of Gena's book, I couldn't put it down. Naomi, the heroine, is a doormat (in her own words) who is trying to channel her Inner Tigress. Unfortunately her sexy (whoa!) new employer keeps throwing her off the path to Tigress-ness.

Sexy, funny and emotional, this is just a great book. Go read! Here endeth the book pimp section of today's post.

Have a great weekend folks!