Archangel's Consort ARC Contest

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win one of at least four Advanced Reading/Review Copies of Archangel's Consort, send an e-mail to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with "Archangel's Consort ARC Contest" in the subject line by by 5pm Sunday November 28th, 2010, New Zealand time.

(Your e-mail will only be used to contact you should you win.)

Since these are Advanced Reading/Review Copies, if you win, I'd ask that you please post a review somewhere before the release date (January 25, 2011) - on a blog, on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads...it's up to you, but it would be much appreciated if you'd post your thoughts somewhere. The contents of the review are, of course, totally up to you, but I would request that you not share any major spoilers until after the book is out.

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

I'll give each winner 48 hours to respond to my email indicating they've won. If I don't hear back within that time, I'll redraw. By entering, you give me permission to post your name on the blog should you win.

The fine print: Contest is open internationally. One entry per household. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly using random.org and his or her name(s) posted on this blog on Monday, November 29th, 2010. Void where prohibited.

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Friday Book Club

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

Also, ARRA has a mini interview up with me on their blog, so check it out.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Psy/Changeling & Guild Hunter Series Release Schedule

I wanted to update you all on my 2011 release schedule today, plus answer a question that I've been asked a number of times lately.

Will there be more Psy/Changeling books after Kiss of Snow?

The answer is yes, absolutely! I love writing this series, and there's still so much to explore with the characters, and the world.

However, I can't tell you much about the book after Kiss of Snow yet, because I'll be working on a Guild Hunter book next.

Next year, you'll be getting two GH books and one Psy/Changeling. Since this is the first time I'll be doing two GH books in a year, I've decided to do something a little different with the second book. Instead of focusing on Elena and Raphael, the book will focus on Dmitri.

(I'll still be writing more Elena/Raphael books.)

I won't have any information about the 2012 schedule for a while, so please be patient. :-)

Any burning questions? Leave them in the comments.

Play of Passion Spoiler Thread Now Open

Follow the link (and remember, there shall be spoilers, so don't click if you haven't yet read Play of Passion).

Closing comments on this post to avoid confusion.

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on a Saturday! What're you reading and loving this week?

Kiss of Snow Backcover Blurb

As promised, here's the backcover blurb for Kiss of Snow!!

But first, are you sure you want to read it?

Maybe you want to be kept in suspense?

You know waiting will make it even better.

Well....if you're certain...
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New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s exhilarating world of shapeshifters and psychics is “paranormal romance at its best” (Publishers Weekly). Now comes the story of an alpha wolf named Hawke used to getting exactly what he wants--and of the only woman who dares tangle with him.

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Good News!

Play of Passion has hit both the New York Times Bestseller list and the USA Today Bestseller list! Thank you everyone!

Writing & A Question

I'm working on the GH novella featuring Noel today. I wrote the first draft of the story a couple of months ago, so it's been good to get back to it.

I was thinking to open the Play of Passion Spoiler thread this weekend. How does that work for everyone?

Oddshots

I have a post up on Oddshots today. Swing by and share what you got up to this weekend. Have a great new week everyone. :-)

The Editing Process & Kiss of Snow Pre-Order Links

If you've ever wondered what happens after an author turns in a book, I've got a post up on Book Binge about the behind-the-scenes process, so swing by and have a read. :-)

Also, Kiss of Snow is now available for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes and Noble! I'll update the pre-order links as more go live.

Talking of Kiss of Snow, there is also a snippet from the manuscript over on Book Binge. Enjoy!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Diwali Book Club

Happy Diwali (Festival of Lights) everyone! I hope you're having a wonderful day. :-)

What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Play of Passion Spoiler Thread

This is the thread where you can freely discuss PLAY OF PASSION and the previous books in the Psy/Changeling series. *SPOILERS* allowed, so if you haven't read Drew and Indigo's story yet, click away! This link will take you back to the main blog.

So, if you're sure this is where you want to be....let the discussion begin!

Also, if you're looking for the Caressed By Ice Spoiler thread, Mine to Possess Spoiler thread, Hostage to Pleasure Spoiler thread, Branded By Fire Spoiler thread, and the Blaze of Memory Spoiler thread, follow the links.

For those of you who aren't bloggers, you can still comment - just choose the Anonymous option and sign off the comment with your name if you'd like folks to know who you are.

NB: This thread is for readers, so if you have a question specifically for me, email me at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com.

Changelings and Catchup

I'm talking about why I love writing changelings and giving away some backlist books over at Bitten By Books, so swing by and join in the discussion.

What're you all up to at the moment? :-)

Good News & Reviews

You may have noticed that Play of Passion is now out *grin* Well, I have more good news! Drew and Indigo's book has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in the Shapeshifter category!

Bonds of Justice has also been nominated - in the Paranormal Romance category. And Elena from the GH series has been nominated in the Best Urban Fantasy Protagonist category (for Archangel's Kiss). Thanks, RT!

A number of reviews for Play of Passion have gone up around the web, so I thought I'd put up a list here if you'd like to go blog-hopping. (If I've missed your review, please leave a link in the comments. :-)

Dear Author
The Good, the Bad and the Unread
Book Binge
All About Romance
Leontine's Book Realm
Smexy Books
NightOwl Reviews
Fiction Kingdom
Lurv A La Mode
Kathy's Review Corner
Goodreads Reviews
Shelfari Reviews

Play of Passion is now out!!

I hope you all enjoy Drew and Indigo's story!!

I'll open up a spoiler thread on the blog in two weeks, so please keep comments spoiler free for now to allow everyone a chance to read the book first. :-)

Happy reading!!

Anticipated Releases

One day till Play of Passion releases!!

Over at Oddshots, I'm asking everyone to share what books they're looking forward to in the next few months. Join in and add your picks (or post them here!!). :-)

Archangel's Consort Excerpt

...now up on the website!!

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on Saturday today. You all know I read Marcella Burnard's Enemy Within recently and thought it was fantastic.

Now it's your turn. What're you reading and enjoying this week?

Extra, extra! Jaci Burton is talking about and giving away a copy of Play of Passion on her blog, so check it out.

Here's a snippet from another new review of Play of Passion:

The sexual tension between Drew and Indigo is scorching hot and I love how it just adds more to the story instead of takes away...I am ecstatic to recommend this book to others, you won’t be disappointed.

Heather for NightOwl Romance ~ Top Pick

Woohoo! Onto the book club!

Guest Author: Marcella Burnard

I'm delighted to have Marcella Burnard on the blog today! I had a chance to read an early copy of her debut science fiction romance Enemy Within (out November 2nd) and thought it was fantastic. Dark and gritty and intensely emotional. Very much recommended if you like sf romance.

Please welcome Marcella to the blog everyone!!

Marcella Burnard

Monday morning, I opened my email and had to look twice. Was that..? Holy lima beans. It was an email from Nalini Singh with my book title, Enemy Within, as the subject line. I’d read Ms. Singh’s book, Mine to Possess and enjoyed it so much, I went right out and snapped up Hostage to Pleasure and Angel’s Blood. Devoured them…then deadlines hit and reading for pleasure came to a screeching (and it had better be temporary) halt. My point is that when Berkley bought Enemy Within, I was thrilled to be writing for the same house and even the same imprint, Berkley Sensation, as one of my new favorite authors. Little did I know that my sainted editor (who hasn’t been bribed with chocolate, I swear!) would send an advance reader copy of Enemy Within to Ms. Singh, who would then read it, like it well enough to email me to say so, and then graciously ask if I’d like to guest blog. I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough. Thank you for the invitation.

I’m Marcella Burnard. I write science fiction romance (SFR) for Berkley Sensation. The whole writing thing started when I was twelve, I think. I’d seen a B-grade pirate/adventure film and decided it had been done all wrong. I borrowed my mother’s Selectric typewriter, set it up in my bedroom even though I didn’t know how to type, and went to work on The Definitive Pirate story. The heroine was twelve. She had a black panther named Scott as a pet. And she was an expert swordswoman. Yeah. The seven seas were never the same. Neither was my school work, but that’s another issue.

So when I set out to write a slightly more grown up pirate story, I kept the swordswoman heroine, ditched the panther, and aged my gal up a bit so she could reasonably be a military captain in her own right. I handed her a handsome pirate who might know a thing or two about swordplay himself and who needed her space ship to save himself and his crew. Good times. I had the makings of a rollicking bit of fun in space.

Yes, Ari did start the book with a case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from having been a prisoner of war. That didn’t have to change my light, fluffy, action-adventure, did it? I remained wrapped in my state of denial right up to the last fight – you know the one at the very end of your favorite movies – Indiana Jones where everyone’s faces melt, or Luke in an x-wing making the last shot that destroys the Death Star and saves everyone. My characters whispered to me at night time when I couldn’t drown out their voices with activity. “You know what has to happen,” they’d say.

I did know. So I stalled.

One of my critique partners finally threw my manuscript pages on the table one day, turned to me, gave me *that* look and said, “What is your problem? This is horrible, awful and wonderful! Don’t come back without the ending! And make it worse!” I wanted to slit my wrists with my pen, but it was a felt tip and all it did was make a mess.

I went home, swallowed a huge lump of fear, and wrote the final quarter of the book in all of its bloody, gross nastiness. No one would want to read it. How could they? I hadn’t wanted to write it. But something happened as I did. The book started living and breathing on its own. It was a little frightening at first, then exhilarating, to have my story escape my control like that. It really had grown up and it wasn’t my pre-teen pirate story anymore, though I tried to fool myself that it was still light. Fun.

Until the day my fabulous agent, Emmanuelle Morgen, said, “No one writes grim scifi the way you do!”

Grim? Really? Even with pirates and swordfights? Dang. Should have kept that black panther sidekick…

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Backcover Blurb of Enemy Within

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn't built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari's past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights. If she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

Link to Marcella's Blog

Catchup

What are you all up to this week?

Play of Passion

Less than a week to go before Drew and Indigo's story hits the shelves! I thought I'd post up a snippet plus links to two more great reviews around the blogsphere to celebrate.

Play of Passion is another fantastic installment in the Psy/Changeling series. Singh has an amazing ability to balance propelling the overarching story of the series forward while never losing focus on the main couple. And Indigo and Drew's love story is a hot, spicy and entertaining one to read...Play of Passion offers everything we expect from Nalini Singh, smart, fiesty heroine, delectable hero and plenty of action. This book is not to be missed!

Read the full review at Katidom

From Play of Passion

“Tell me.”

Her touch locked the air in his throat, threatened to steal his words, his soul.

Indigo nudged again when he didn’t answer. “I’ll find out anyway, you know.”

Glad she’d misunderstood his silence, he made a face at her. “All I said was that he should shave.”

Leaning down until her nose almost touched his, she narrowed her eyes, “Uh-huh. Which part of him did you suggest he shave?”

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Drew just melted my heart and I fell in love with Drew and Indigo as a couple. Drew’s ...playfulness and desire, warmed my heart and made this story such a good one to read. This is an excellent romance and I...just adore the Psy-Changeling series!

Read the full review at That's What I'm Talking About

Play of Passion Review from ARC Winner

Bella, who won one of the ARCs of Play of Passion has just posted her (fantastic!) review over at Beguile Thy Sorrow so swing by and check it out!

I'll have more links to reviews later this week :-)

Good Stuff

I just found out that I've been nominated in the Bookie Awards, organized by the readers of the Authors After Dark Convention. Thanks everyone!

The nominations are for:

Anthology of the Year - Burning Up
Cross Genre Novel - Archangel's Kiss
Fantasy Novel - Archangel's Kiss
Series - Guild Hunter

Talking of Burning Up, I'm giving away a copy over on Oddshots. All you have to do is drop by and tell me what you think makes a good author website. Even if you don't want to enter the giveaway, I'd love your thoughts!

Also, the AAR Top 100 Romance Books ballot is now open. It's all about nominating your favorite romances, regardless of when the book was published.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Armageddon Signing

A quick reminder that I'll be signing from 12.30-1pm at the Borders stand today! See some of you there :-)

Friday Book Club

I read a fantastic book in a new paranormal series featuring dragons this week - it's not releasing until mid-2011, so I won't torture you with more info yet, but I think you're going to love it.

Your turn - what're you reading and loving at the moment?

Cover Love: Kiss of Snow

I love this cover!! Hawke, you gorgeous, sexy, lickable man!!

Thank you to the wonderful cover art department at Berkley!!

Links & Updates

I handed in Kiss of Snow yesterday. Woohoo!

The next project I'm planning to tackle is a Guild Hunter novella that's going to be releasing in an anthology next year with novellas by Sharon Shinn, Meljean Brook and Ilona Andrews. <-- How cool is this lineup?! If you haven't read Sharon Shinn's Archangel, you have to check it out. It's a fantastic book.

Edited to add: The novella will focus on Noel, who appeared in Archangel's Kiss - you'll get a hint of his story in Archangel's Consort as well.

Also, if you entered my agent Nephele Tempest's Play of Passion ARC giveaway, she has announced the winner.

And talking of Play of Passion, Heather from The Book Reading Gals has just posted her "A" review of Drew and Indigo's story. The Book Reading Gals are also giving away an early copy of the book, so swing by and enter!

Friday Book Club

Book club time! What're you reading and loving this week?

Play of Passion ARC Contest!!

My fabulous agent, Nephele Tempest, is giving away an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of Play of Passion. Entries close Monday, Oct 18, so be quick!!

(Closing comments on this post to avoid confusion.)

Play of Passion

A little snippet :-)
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His wolf sat up in anticipation—he’d never wanted easy. He’d always wanted Indigo. And tomorrow, he’d have her all to himself, far from the den and the hierarchy…and the rules that she used to keep her own explosive response to him under vicious control. But he knew. He’d tasted it.

And he was going to make Indy admit it—even if he had to sneak in under her defenses using every dirty trick in the book. This was war. Who the hell cared about playing fair?

(c) Copyright 2010 by Nalini Singh

Armageddon Expo Signing

I'll be doing a book signing at the Borders stand at Armageddon from 12.30pm to 1pm on October 23rd. Hope to see some of you there!

Fun Videos

I posted some fun ads over on Oddshots, so check it out :-)

Play of Passion Video Interview

Look!!



p.s. The camera does totally add twenty pounds! That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :D

Friday Book Club

I mentioned The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook over on Oddshots but I want to post about it here as well - because I adored this book!

It's the first full-length book in Meljean's new Iron Seas series. There was also a fantastic novella "Here There Be Monsters" in the Burning Up anthology. (Both stand alone, so you can read them in any order.)

The Iron Duke is one of my favorite reads for this year. I picked it up and literally couldn't put it down. It's set in a wonderfully realized world and has an amazing overarching plot, but Rhys and Mina's love story is the center of the book. Both beautifully drawn characters, these two have the most sizzling chemistry.

Quite simply, I loved, loved, loved it!

If you want to read some detailed reviews, Meljean has links to several over on her blog.

Now your turn! What've you been reading and loving lately?

Polish Cover: Angels' Blood

Here's the beautiful Polish cover for ANGELS' BLOOD (KREW ANIOŁÓW). The book is now out, so if you know someone in Poland, let them know! :-)

Guest Author: Laura Wright

Winners: Thank you for all your wonderful comments everyone, and thanks Laura for visiting. The random numbers have spoken and the winners of the two signed copies of Eternal Hunger are:

Jen (comment left at 12:54pm)
Valerie (from Germany)

Congratulations! Valerie, I have your email. Jen could you please drop me a note at nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com so I can forward your info onto Laura? Thanks!

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I'm delighted to welcome Laura Wright to the blog today. Laura and I first knew each other while writing for Silhouette Desire. She's now come over to the dark side with a new vampire series.

I had a chance to read the first book, Eternal Hunger early and enjoyed it so much I gave it a cover blurb - I believe the words "Dark, delicious and sinfully good" might've been used. If you're looking for a dark and sexy vampire romance, this one is very much recommended!

Please welcome Laura to the blog everyone, and don't forget to enter her contest.

The Birth of the Roman Brothers
Laura Wright

First of all I want to say thank you to Nalini for having me over for a romance writer playdate today. Nalini is such a genius and an incredibly generous person, and it’s an honor to be guest blogging here. :-)

When I was brainstorming blog topics for today, I came up with all sorts of ideas around the vampire theme. The appeal of vamps, fangs, bites, blood consumption...But there was one thought that stood out – a question actually, that I’ve started getting lately.

‘How did you come up with the idea for the series?’

This is such a great question and, I hope, kind of a cool answer. I had actually intended for ETERNAL HUNGER to be a category novel, even pitched it to my wonderful editor at Silhouette with hopes we could do a trilogy for Desire. But something happened.
HE showed up in my mind.
Who is HE?
Lol..
That would be the illustrious and sexually gifted Breeding Male.

**For those of you who haven’t read HUNGER yet, the Breeding Male is a vampire of purest blood who, many centuries ago, was taken by the rulers of the breed and genetically transformed into a ferocious, aggressive breeding machine. He is able to not only impregnate at will, but decide the sex of the child. This was very useful in times of war, when one sex or the other was being wiped out. The Breeding Male would be called upon to repopulate the species. Problem was, many of the females he mated with were forced to lay with him by their families. He became an animal, rutting with any female that crossed his path, and soon had to be caged and controlled.**

Yes, so this horribly awesome creature came into my head, and like a seed in the dirt, it sat there for a while getting water and fertilizers (aka, questions - lots of questions.) Like - who were the children of the Breeding Male – and the females who were forced to lay with him. When they became mothers...how did they treat their young? What was the family dynamic? Would these children run away from their home? Their communities? Would they themselves live in fear that one day they too would become a Breeding Male?

I knew this would be a big story with really dark histories and graphic love scenes, and I didn’t want to hold anything back. So, I set out working on the world and the beginning chapters. I had (for starters) three sons of the Breeding Male, Purebloods and Impures living together in communities called, credentis. I had those who escaped and started a life in the human world, I had a ruling class - and I had a threat of a villain who was going to force the rulers and the rebels to work together.

It became a world I was not only fascinated by, but one I wished I could enter. Well, for a few weeks anyway. Just so I could meet those Roman brothers face to face. Or should I say Fang to Fang :-)

What about you? Is there a world an author, or authors, has created that you’d love to jump into for a few weeks?

I’m giving away 2 signed copies of ETERNAL HUNGER today. Leave a comment by 12 noon Thursday 7 October 2010 New Zealand time and you’ll be entered to win* :)

Link to excerpt of ETERNAL HUNGER
Link to Laura's Author Page on Facebook

*Winners to be picked by random.org and their names posted in the comments and at the top of this post. Void where prohibited.

Kiss of Snow

I have some fairly major news to share - Kiss of Snow will be releasing in hardcover first.

I know not everyone's going to be excited by this, but I have more news that should make you all smile.

The release date has been moved up to June 2011, plus the book has ended up quite a bit longer in length (more Hawke!).

Also, the paperback will be releasing only 6 months after the hardcover, in December.

The e-book edition will release the same time as the hardcover.

Monday

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I completed the almost-final draft of Kiss of Snow. Woohoo!! It's off for a beta read, and in the meantime, I'm working on copy edits for Archangel's Consort.

I also managed to twist my ankle - so it's working from the recliner for me today. Now if only I had a butler like Montgomery...

Also, while you're blog-hopping, drop by this post at Babbling About Books and leave a comment supporting Kate's contribution to the "It Gets Better" anti-bullying campaign. She's pledged to donate $1 for every comment, up to $500.

Play of Passion & Friday Book Club

The Kindle pre-order link for Play of Passion is live! The other ebook links should be available soon :-)

Edited to add: Nook pre-order link now up! Plus Books on Board! :-)

Now, onto the book club. What've you been reading and loving this week?

Kiss of Snow & Website

I've had a few questions asking if Kiss of Snow is the title of Hawke's book. The answer is yes. The story is consuming me at the moment, in the best of ways.

Also, the website has been updated, so check it out.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

I posted about how awesome I think Bayou Moon is over on Oddshots, but I'll say it again. It's a fantastic book!

Also, I think it stands very well alone, so you can dive straight into this even if you haven't read the first book in the series - On the Edge.

Excerpt on Ilona's Website.

Writing

I'm doing research for Kiss of Snow today, double-checking some facts. Even though I write paranormals, I still have to get factual things correct - for example, time differences between different cities and countries.

What're you all up to?

Friday Book Club

Time to discuss what books you're loving this week!

Guest Author: Emily Gee

Winner: Thank you for the fantastic discussion everyone. The random winner of Emily's giveaway is: Stephanie

Congratulations! I've forwarded your email onto Emily.

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I'm so happy to host the talented and lovely Emily Gee on the blog today! Please give Emily a warm welcome everyone.

Emily Gee

Hi everyone! I’m delighted to be here on the fabulous Nalini Singh’s blog!

Since I’m wrestling with titles at the moment, I thought I’d talk about the process of finding the right title for a book. Titles are tricky and elusive things! Sometimes the perfect title just appears out of nowhere – but just as often it doesn’t.

As an example, I’ll use a book of mine that came out in 2009 – a dark and romantic fantasy novel about a young woman (named Saliel) who is a spy. We’ll call it Saliel’s book, for now.

Saliel’s book started life as MASQUERADE, because both Saliel and the hero are spies and are (obviously) masquerading as people they’re not – in this case, nobles in the decadent and oppressive Corhonase court. The title fitted, but it was so generic that it had to go! (Visit amazon.com and see how many books have the title MASQUERADE. Lots!)

Next came the title WALK IN SHADOWS, which I still like for a number of reasons: Saliel and the hero are often in the catacombs below the Corhonase citadel (which are obviously dark and shadowy places); when they’re above ground in the Corhonase court, they’re constantly under the shadowy threat of capture and torture and death; and Saliel comes from the worst of her homeland’s slums, a taint that will forever be a shadow over her head. But that title was too like the title of my previous fantasy novel (THIEF WITH NO SHADOW). It made the two books sound like they were part of a series, which they weren’t – different worlds, different magic.

So Saliel’s book then became EYE SPY, which again fitted very well. The main characters are spies, and both Saliel and the sadistic spycatcher possess a form of magic called witch-eye. However, EYE SPY has a very contemporary and almost humorous ring to it, and Saliel’s book has a dark tone and is set in an oppressive Elizabethan world. So that title had to go.

Finally, my agent came up with THE LAURENTINE SPY, which is the title we went with. The title tells us that the book is about a spy, the fabulous cover shows Saliel and the hero in the catacombs, and while there’s no hint of magic in the title, the backcover blurb deals with that: Saliel has many secrets; her spying is one, her past as a pickpocket in Laurent’s slums is another, but her most deeply guarded secret is the magic she possesses. She walks a narrow path between discovery as a spy and being burned as a witch. Etc, etc.

So, there you have it: the evolution of a title! Any opinions? Did we go with the title you would have chosen for this book? Do you hate them all? Would you have chosen something completely different? Or do titles really have no importance on your book-buying and book-reading habits? (All commenters will go in a draw to win a copy of THE LAURENTINE SPY.*)

Emily's Website

*Contest closes midnight Friday 24th September 2010, New Zealand time. Winner will be chosen randomly via the random number generator at random.org and his or her name posted in the comments and on the top of this post. Void where prohibited.

Psy-Changeling Fan Art

Aren't these fantastic?! The artist is Rootslove - follow the link to see her gallery on Deviant Art.

Mercy

Brenna

As always, if you'd like to use the art as an avatar etc, please ask the artist for permission.

Play of Passion ARC Winners

Thank you to all of you who entered the Play of Passion ARC contest. I was able to put my hands on a second ARC to give away (woohoo!), so there are two winners, chosen randomly (via the random number generator at random.org).

Without further ado, the winners are:

Bella Franco
Jeanette Juan

Congratulations! Emails are on their way to you.

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What've you been reading and loving this week?

Guest Author: Jaci Burton

Winner: The random numbers have spoken and the winner of Jaci's giveaway is Chelsea B! Congratulations! Please email me at nalinisinghwritesATgmailDOTcom so I can pass your details onto Jaci.

I'm so delighted to have Jaci back on the blog, talking about her smoking hot Wild Riders! Please give her a warm welcome everyone!

Jaci Burton on her Wild Riders

First, I want to thank Nalini for letting me guest blog. My first thought was…hey, let’s all talk about Nalini’s books. I could talk for hours about Nalini’s books. I could fill up my entire blog post, in fact, talking about my love for Nalini’s Psy/Changeling series. It’s one of my top five all time favorite series ever. Nalini knows I stalk her for her books. It’s a love thing, really.

But I guess instead of waxing poetic about my love for all things Nalini, I should probably talk about my own series, since that’s why Nalini asked me here. My Wild Riders series, specifically, since the 5th book in the series, RIDING THE NIGHT, released last Tuesday.

It’s no secret I have serious mad love for my bad boy bikers on Harleys. It’s also no secret that I don’t tend to write one and out kind of books. Even when I try to write a single title, I can’t help but give my main characters brothers or sisters or best friends, and those brothers and sisters or best friends can’t help but stick their noses in the book I’m writing, interfering with my main characters with their larger than life personalities, and coming up with some of their own back story and demanding that their own stories be told. And my Wild Riders? Well, those guys pop up in each others’ books all the time, and making them wait for their own books was nothing short of impossible. My guys don’t know the meaning of the word patience. But I can’t tell you how excited I am that the final book has been released.

I knew starting out that there would be six Wild Riders—Mac, Diaz, Spence, Rick, Pax and AJ. I figured I’d write six books. What I hadn’t figured was that Pax and AJ would end up in the same book, which meant there are only going to be five Wild Rider books. Best laid plans and all that. But after a few books in, I figured out that Pax and AJ shared their women, and then I thought, well, no problem. I’d just write AJ’s book, give him his happily ever after, then write Pax’s book.

Yeah, the guys weren’t having any of that. You see, Pax and AJ are best friends, and they decided that once they found the woman of their dreams—and notice I said ‘woman’, not ‘women’, that was going to be it for them. One woman forever for the both of them.

Sometimes characters don’t make it easy on a writer.

And then they had to go and choose a woman with a lot of issues. Okay, one big issue. And it was a difficult one for her to overcome.

Good thing she had a couple remarkable men on her side to help her out.

I hope you give Pax and AJ, and all my Wild Riders a try.

Can we talk about Nalini now? ;-)

Talk to me about your favorite secondary characters in books you’ve read, and which ones you couldn’t wait for their books to come out.

I’d love to give away one of my Wild Rider backlist books. Winner’s choice—Riding The Night not included. Contest is open internationally.*

You can read about all my Wild Riders books here - http://www.jaciburton.com/berkley.html#wildriders

*Contest closes Monday 20th September 2010, midnight New Zealand time. Void where prohibited

N: This is not a Wild Riders book but I couldn't resist posting the cover. No need to thank me *g*

The Perfect Play releases in February 2011.

Archangel's Consort: Backcover Blurb

Here's the full backcover blurb for Archangel's Consort. Do not read if you haven't read the first two books. Really. I mean it.

Okay...if you're sure....

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Nalini Singh steps back into the shadows of her “heartbreakingly original”* world where angels rule, vampires serve, and the innocent can pay the greatest price of all…

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

*Errant Dreams Reviews

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There will be a full chapter excerpt in back of Play of Passion. I'll also put it up on the website. And look, a shiny new countdown widget for Archangel's Consort in the sidebar! Feel free to repost!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the Play of Passion ARC Contest before it closes this Sunday.

Play of Passion Countdown Widget

Look! Pretty widget in sidebar! -->

Feel free to grab and repost on your blog, Facebook, LJ...wherever you want :-)

Thanks to Frauke at Croco Designs for the lovely work.

Play of Passion ARC Contest

This contest is now closed.

*Learning wolf secrets...*

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win the ARC of Play of Passion, just leave your name in the comments before 6pm, Sunday September 19th 2010, New Zealand time.

If you have a problem commenting, email your entry to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with "Play of Passion ARC Contest" in the subject line, and you'll be added 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 (November 2nd) - 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 this blog on September 20th 2010. Void where prohibited.

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books!

Recently, I read ARCs of Julie James' A Lot Like Love and Meljean Brook's The Iron Duke. Both are fantabulous books that I loved to pieces, so keep an eye out for them! More closer to their release dates.

Talking of ARCs, you might want to make a note to drop by the blog next week. Just sayin'... :D

Okay, your turn, what've you been reading and loving this week?

Mass Market Release - Must Love Hellhounds

Must Love Hellhounds, which was originally released in trade paperback size, is now out in mass market paperback!!

The anthology includes novellas by Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook and me. My novella, "Angels' Judgment," tells the story of Sara and Deacon from the Guild Hunter books, but is written to stand alone, so if you'd like to dip your toe in the GH waters, here's your chance :-)

Link to excerpt of Angels' Judgment.

Guest Author: Shiloh Walker - Veil of Shadows

Contest Closed

Thank you for all your great comments everyone, and thanks to Shiloh for such a fun post!

I've run the random numbers and the winner of Shiloh's giveaway is: Mary Frazier! Congratulations! An email is on the way to you.

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I'm delighted to have Shiloh back on the blog to talk about her new book, the intense and emotional Veil of Shadows, set in the same intriguing world as Through the Veil. I'm really looking forward to seeing where she'll take her world next.

Please give a warm welcome to Shiloh everyone!

INSPIRATION-LESS
Shiloh Walker

You know, when it comes to thinking up a book, I've got a million ideas. Or at least it seems that way--and they usually pounce on at the worst time--like when I'm in the middle of three other projects with no time for others. And talking to friends? I never run out of things to talk about.

But thinking up a thing to guest blog about… that always leaves me…empty. I can't wax eloquently about what inspires me, I can't get all deep and pensive--I'm best at being weird and/or rambling.

I reckon I should talk about Veil of Shadows, my September release, but the thing is…I never know what to really say about any of my books, and this one isn't much different.

It's a book. I wrote it. It's got a pretty cover. I really dig the guy's sword (and stop thinking dirty thoughts) the hero is holding a sword…. See? And it's not even exactly positioned in a manner so it looks sexual. Not thrusting up from the pelvic area or anything. Just holding it down, by ready to use it if he needs to.

If anybody is wondering why there's a guy with a sword standing in front of the ruin of a city…well, it's a war-torn sort of world, and although they've got some serious tech, they can't always rely on it. Good, old-fashioned steel, though? Different story.

The guy, by the way, his name's Xan--pronounced with a Z sound. He heads into the base one day, takes one look at Laisyn AKA Syn, the second in command and…well, for him, that's all she wrote. All I wrote--his first, last, only thought was want. Eventually want turned to need and need turned to love, but then all sorts of problems came up because he's got things he hasn't told the pretty Captain.

The pretty Captain, AKA Syn, has enough problems him getting all secretive--a gift for magic that she can't use, demons tearing things up around her home, food and supplies are running thin, too many refugees pouring into the camp. Xan is the last thing she planned on. Actually, she never planned on him.

But there he is. There they both are, and like it or not, they are stuck with each other, because the voices in my head say so. And once I actually got the story rolling, I kind of liked what the voices in my head had to say about these two.

And hey…whaddya know? I managed to ramble somewhat coherently…about the book, even. To wrap it up, I guess I can mention what the book is about a little more formally.

With demons running amok throughout the forests and mountains, a rebel army has been established to win back the land--and a new soldier has appeared out of nowhere to join them.

His name is Xan, and his past is a mystery to everyone, including Laisyn Caar--a beautiful captain in the rebel army--who is shocked by the powerful, all-consuming desire she feels in his presence.

But now isn't the time for distraction. The future of her land--and of her people--is in her hands. On top of that, she's been stripped of her magic--and without it she feels like part of her soul has been stolen away.

But when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan's agenda, it will be up to her to determine whether the man she's starting to love is a friend of her people--or a dreaded enemy…

There you go… a blurb to go with the pretty, nifty cover.

And just because you were so patient listening…um… reading my ramble, I'm going to do a giveaway. But since I didn't do much of anything awe… or commenting… inspiring...instead of asking you a question somehow related to my non-sensical ramble, how about this? We'll relate to the nifty cover.

Xan looks like he's either A) looking at something or B) thinking really hard. Which do you think and telling either what he's looking at or what's he's thinking. One random commenter wins a $20 GC to the online bookstore of their choice--open across the globe*, but I do have to be able to buy the GC from the US, though, due to geographical restrictions and all that. (Contest closes midnight, Friday 10 September 2010, New Zealand time).

Shiloh Walker
http://www.shilohwalker.com/website/

*Void where prohibited

The Darkest Hour - Maya Banks

I read an advanced copy of The Darkest Hour a while ago and was blown away. It's a new romantic suspense series from Maya Banks that focuses on the Kelly family. Here's the blurb from Maya's website:

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the US government can’t…

It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he's built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond… until he receives anonymous information claiming Rachel is alive. The Kelly Series

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

The raw emotion in this book really packs a punch. The romance was fantastic. I also enjoyed the interactions of the entire Kelly family as a whole. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Very much recommended.

Here's the excerpt link!

Have you got your eye on any books coming out this month?

Fan Art: Guild Hunter

Isn't this art amazing?! It's a form of anime called chibi-art. The word "chibi" means "small" in Japanese, and chibi-art is all about creating cute or small characters or versions of characters.

Click on the images to increase the size.



The person who sent it to me wishes to remain anonymous, but has given permission for the images to be used in sigs etc as long as you don't claim you created the art, or attempt to profit from it.

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on a Saturday! What're you reading and loving this week?

Forbidden - Christina Phillips

A slight change from the usual programming today, as I wanted to give you a heads-up about a new Berkley Heat author from down under.

I haven't had a chance to read Christina Phillips' Forbidden yet, but it's got centurions, druids, emperors - sounds awesome!

Here's more info on the book and the launch party direct from Christina.

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FORBIDDEN
Christina Phillips

He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...

Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion - his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage - until he captures her heart as well as her body.

As Carys's loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus's people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.

Excerpt (Over 18s only)
Website

To help celebrate the release of Forbidden, Christina Phillips's debut Roman/Druid Ancient Historical Romance from Berkley Heat, she's holding a launch party with lots of amazing authors and fabulous giveaways!

In addition, Christina's giving away a signed copy of Forbidden to one lucky person who helps spread the love. All you have to do is mention the party (you can copy and paste this blurb), being held from 1st to 6th September at http://christinaphillips.blogspot.com.

You can Tweet about it, blog, Facebook, MySpace or anything! And then drop her an email at ChristinapPh @ gmail dot com (no spaces) to let her know. Please put Forbidden Launch Party (or something similar) in the subject line. The winner will be drawn for that on Monday 6th September.

And if you'd like to also put the trailer up on your sites, please do!!! The YouTube link to embed is here

(The book club will return tomorrow!)

Berkley's Fall Giveaway

...is now open at Dear Author, and includes two copies of Play of Passion! Swing by and enter before the contest closes on Saturday.

Catchup

What's everyone up to today? :-)