Cordelia's Honor - Lois McMaster Bujold

I've just read Cordelia's Honor and discovered the Miles Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold. All I can say is - what took me so long?! 

While very much science fiction, Cordelia's Honor also has a strong and compelling romantic thread between two fantastic protagonists. I utterly loved this book (which is actually an omnibus that contains two novels - Shards of Honor and Barrayar) and can't wait to read the rest of the series.  

  
If you'd like to read a detailed review, there's a wonderful one over at Dear Author.

The question of course is whether I glom the series in one big bite, or whether I spread out the books so they last. What would you do?

Archangel's Blade Cover!!

Check it out!! I can't wait for Dmitri's story to be released!

September 2011

Berkley Sensation

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is back in the shadows of a deadly, beautiful world where angels rule, vampires serve, and one female hunter must crawl out of the darkness to survive…

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more…

ARRA Photos

Who is this? Swing by Oddshots to find out, and to see some photos from my recent trip to Sydney to attend the Australian Romance Readers Convention! :-)

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club coming to you on a Saturday today! What are you reading and loving this week?

Linkage

I hope you're all having a great day. A couple of links for you:

Ace/ROC editor Anne Sowards is doing her Spring Preview and Giveaway on Dear Author, talking about upcoming books, and giving away a number of advanced copies.

Operation Auction, set up in support of a member of the romance community, is underway. Lots of goodies still up for grabs, so check it out.

Good News & A Kiss

I've just returned from the fantastic Australian Romance Readers Convention in Sydney, Australia. I had a wonderful time. It was awesome to meet so many of you. :-)

I'm very happy to share that Bonds of Justice won the award for Favorite Paranormal Romance, and Archangel's Kiss for the Favorite SF, Futuristic or Urban Fantasy Romance. The Psy/Changeling series won the award for the Favorite Continuing Romance Series!

Photos to come when I've had a chance to download them. Today, I have the Kiss of Snow excerpt I promised as part of my DABWAHA campaign. Archangel's Kiss is now one of the final four books remaining. Thanks for the support everyone and I hope you're having fun playing!

Enjoy the excerpt!

Excerpt from KISS OF SNOW by Nalini Singh

Berkley Sensation - May 31st

“Again, none of your business.” Refusing to be intimidated, she glanced over his shoulder. “Excuse me, my ride’s here.”

Hawke stepped sideways to block her. “No.”

Her body threatened to lock her into place, so strong was the impact of him. Only her fury kept her going. “Move.”

Ignoring her command, he continued to hold her gaze with that wild wolf one even as he directed his next words to Judd, who’d just hopped out of the SUV. “Where are you taking her?”

“We were heading down to see Sascha, but I’ve just had a contact I need to chase up fast.” Judd looked at Sienna. “Okay if we delay this till tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“No need.” Hawke smiled and held his hand back for the keys. “I can drive her to the cats.”

Sienna stared at Judd, sending him telepathic messages that seemed to go unheard. “No, that’s fine,” she said out loud. “I can wai—”

But Judd was already handing Hawke the keys. “Better you go down tonight,” he said. “Since the visit’s been cleared with Sascha’s security.”

“I can drive,” she pointed out through gritted teeth to the wolf blocking her way. “Judd was only coming with me because he wanted to take part in the discussion.” She held out a hand. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

To her shock, it was Judd who stopped her escape attempt. “It’s late. You’ve never driven this route in the dark—and it’ll be darker still by the time you head back.”

What is wrong with you?! she telepathed. I cannot be in a car alone with him. Especially when those ice-blue eyes had gone slightly aglow.

Deal with it. It was a pitiless response. If you need that to be an order from a lieutenant, then consider it done.

She clenched her jaw, but no way in hell was she about to disobey an order and bring her maturity into question yet again. So either she allowed Hawke to drive, or she stayed put. It was tempting to seize the latter option, but not only did she want to see Sascha, she would not give Hawke the satisfaction of knowing he’d derailed her plans. “I’ll wait in the car.”

She was ensconced in the passenger seat, her wireless speaker buds in her ears, by the time Hawke finished talking with Judd and got into the driver’s seat. He didn’t say anything until he’d turned the SUV around and they were on their way. Then he leaned over and pulled out the bud on his side.

“Hey!”

But he’d managed to grab the tiny music player from her lap, too, throwing it over his shoulder into the backseat. “I don’t like being ignored.”

Copyright (c) 2011 by Nalini Singh

Friday Book Club

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

p.s. I'm off to the Australian Romance Readers Convention, and so looking forward to it! See some of you there!
p.p.s. Don't forget to vote for Archangel's Kiss in the DABWAHA! The third round of voting is currently underway. 

News!! Guild Hunter Series

I'm very excited to share that I'll be writing four more Guild Hunter books. No release dates yet, but I thought you'd all like to know that there will be at least four more books set in the Guild Hunter world.

I'll probably talk about who the next book is going to be about sometime near the end of this year. Before I dive into that book, I'll be writing a novella about Galen and Jessamy. :-)

Laughter

I saw this on YouTube and it made me laugh - he's just so infectious and adorable. I dare you to hold out. :-) :-)

Tuesday

I hope you're all having a great start to the week. I've had a little bit of a break after turning in Archangel's Blade, but I'm back at work now on the next Psy/Changeling book. More info to come later.

The DABWAHA Second Chance Tourney is open if your original bracket didn't survive rounds one and two. Round three will start soon, and Archangel's Kiss is up again, so keep an eye out.

Friday Book Club

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

Lord of the Abyss, Art, Stories & More!

This might be a long post - I have so much interesting news to share! 

First, my gorgeous cover for Lord of the Abyss! You can read the backcover blurb on the website.

Talking about lickable abs (or was that just me *g*), I'll be posting the cover for Archangel's Blade soon, so keep an eye out!

The voting in the DABWAHA has begun! Make sure you vote for your favorites. *coughArchangel'sKisscough* New polls go up every 12 hours.

The website has just had a major update, including with a new short story, and the first set of wallpapers, banners and icons for you to use. If you go to the home page, and look on the right hand side, you'll see the total list of updates. Here's the banner - isn't it gorgeous?

DABWAHA & Oddshots

Archangel's Kiss has been nominated in the DABWAHA - make sure you all fill in your brackets. The prizes are awesome.

And when the voting rounds begin, why, I might be giving away some prizes if Archangel's Kiss wins. ;-) Everything's fair in the DABWAHA - speaking of which, check out my Oddshots post.

Kiss of Snow ARC Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! I hope you all enjoy Kiss of Snow when it releases! 

I was able to give away more than 5 ARCs - here are the winners.  Congratulations! All the winners have been emailed.

Erin T.

H Waston

Anna-Lisa

YzhaBella

Sophie T.

Anna S.

Priya S.

Sarah Z.

Ellen C.

Have a great weekend everyone. :)

Friday Book Club

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

p.s. The emails to the winners of the ARC contest have gone out. Names will be up tomorrow, but if anyone wants to out themselves, feel free. :)

 

Updates

The Kiss of Snow ARC Contest is now closed. We had well over a thousand entries!! Good luck everyone. :-)

Also, the website will be updated soon. There shall be a nice surprise. I'll let you know once the updates are complete.

I hope you're all having a great week. What are you up to?

Archangel's Blade

I've turned in Archangel's Blade! I loved seeing beneath the surface of Dmitri, dark, dangerous creature that he is, and learning about the (fascinating) woman strong enough to take him on. I can't wait to share their story with you all!

For now, here's the backcover blurb! Excerpt to come a little later.

ARCHANGEL'S BLADE

September 2011

Berkley Sensation

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is back in the shadows of a deadly, beautiful world where angels rule, vampires serve, and one female hunter must crawl out of the darkness to survive…

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more…

Friday Book Club

It's time to talk books! 

I want to mention Julie James' A Lot Like Love, which has just been released. I was lucky enough to read it early, and absolutely loved it! Julie writes the most wonderful characters. If you like contemporary romance, definitely check this one out.

Here's the blurb. You can read an excerpt on Julie's website.

The FBI wants her cooperation.

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. .

Okay, your turn! What are you reading and loving this week?

Kiss of Snow ARC Contest

Contest now closed.

Oooh, pretty!!!!

If you'd like to go in the random draw to win one of five Advanced Reading/Review Copies of Kiss of Snow, send an e-mail to naliniDOTassistantATgmailDOTcom with "Kiss of Snow ARC Contest" in the subject line by by 7pm Thursday March 10th, 2011, New Zealand time.

Edited to add: Please follow the correct format for entry re the subject line, so your e-mail goes into the right in-box. Thanks!

(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, on or before the release date (May 31st, 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 the 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 Saturday, March 12th, 2011. Void where prohibited.

Contest now closed.

Excerpts

I'm over at Oddshots today, talking about excerpts. Do you like being teased? Or do you prefer to avoid temptation? Come join in the discussion. :-)

Walker Lauren

For all you Walker fans who've been asking me when you get to find out more about him. :-)

Scene from Lara's Point of View

“I didn’t expect to see you here.” Her voice came out a little husky to her own ears, but no one else seemed to notice.

Walker’s pale green eyes held hers for a long, tense second. “I was passing by when I glimpsed these two.” His gaze shifted over her shoulder. “I’ll carry it back.”

“We need to speak—bring the kids for dinner.” Judd melted away into the forest so fast, Lara didn’t even manage to turn around in time.

“Lara, it hurts.” It was an almost apologetic voice.

Wrenching away the suffocating web of want and anger and hurt that had wrapped around her, she went to her knees. “Let me see, sweetheart,” she said, checking first Brace, then Joshua.

“Hold still for a second.” Using the pressure injector, she gave them each a shot of painkiller.

She was vividly conscious of Walker hunkering down beside her, his body big, the scent of him as cool and reserved at the man himself. As she worked, he spoke to Joshua and Brace. Whatever they’d done to get into trouble, the boys’ wolves relaxed at once under his attention. Lara only wished her own wolf wasn’t so hypersensitive to his presence, until its fur rubbed up against the inside of her skin—but sensitivity aside, the wolf maintained a wary distance. Both parts of her had learned their lesson when it came to Walker Lauren.

Excerpted from Kiss of Snow
Copyright (c) 2011 by Nalini Singh

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books. What are you reading and enjoying this week?

Earthquake

I think all of you will have heard by now of the devastating quake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday lunchtime.

I wanted to share this newspaper link with you that has information about essential services, including who to call if you're searching for information about friends/family members. There's also information about how to make donations to help the victims of the quake.

If you're on Twitter, you can follow the #eqnz and #Chch hashtags for updated news.

Please keep the people of Christchurch in your thoughts.

Photos!

I just posted some photos from the Chinese Lantern Festival over at Oddshots, so swing by and have a look.

Isn't this guy adorable?

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. :-)

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club is now open! What are you reading and loving this week?

Writing

I've handed in the final proofs of Kiss of Snow! According to the countdown widget on the sidebar, it's only 102 days till release day - I'm so looking forward to it!

I'll have more small excerpts for you a little later - I have to ration them out. Finding non-spoilery sections is tough.

Today, it's back to Archangel's Blade. I can't wait to dive back into the book! I should have a backcover blurb to share very soon.

Hope you're all having a good week. Tell me what're up to. :-)

Kiss of Snow Banner

Look up above this post to see the banner! If you'd like to grab it, the code is available on this page of my website (scroll to the bottom). We've also got a vertical banner, so take your pick!

Friday Book Club

The Friday Book Club is now open! What are you reading and loving lately?

I'm reading a (fantabulous) book you might've heard of called Kiss of Snow. :D

Archangel's Consort - UK, Australia & NZ release!

Archangel's Consort releases today, Feb 10th, in the UK, Australia and New Zealand! I hope you all enjoy the book!


I was thinking to open a spoiler thread for Archangel's Consort on the blog in around one and a half, two weeks time. Does that work for everyone?

A little Kiss

Don't say I don't listen to you all. Here's a small glimpse of Kiss of Snow. I can't promise something every week, but there will be more kisses. ;-)

Part of a conversation between Ben and Hawke

“Didja really put Sinna in jail?”

Hawke bit the inside of his cheek. “Yep.”

Brown eyes the same dark shade as his mother’s, turned wolf-amber in shock. “How come?”

“She didn’t follow the rules.”

Ben thought about it for a second, lines wrinkling up that baby-smooth forehead. “Is it like time-out for grown-ups?”

“Yep.”

“Oh.” A decisive nod. “I’ll tell Marlee.”

Copyright (c) 2011 by Nalini Singh

New Website

The new website is now live! Let us know if something's not working. Hope you all like the site!

Edited to add: If you're having trouble seeing the website, try clearing your cache/cookies. You might still have the previous homepage saved.

(Just had a tweet that the Angels' Pawn page link is broken - we'll fix!)

UK, Australia & NZ Kindle Readers

The Kindle pre-order link for Archangel's Consort is now up! So is the Mine to Possess Kindle pre-order link. Both will be available February 10th.

And Caressed By Ice is now available on Kindle. Judd! :-)

Edited to add: The above links are to Amazon UK. If they don't work for you, these links to the U.S. Amazon site should. (Thanks to Kerry for the heads-up).

Archangel's Consort
Mine to Possess
Caressed By Ice

NB: Just a reminder that there is another writer also now publishing under the name Nalini Singh on Kindle, so please always double-check my website to make sure I'm the author before you buy anything thinking it's by me. Or you can email me to check (nalinisinghwritesATgmailDOTcom). :-)

Awesome News!! & Friday Book Club

Archangel's Consort has hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists! Thank you for the support everyone!

Onto the (very happy) Friday Book Club! What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Novella News

I have some great news! I'm going to be writing two more Psy/Changeling novellas and a Guild Hunter novella!

I haven't yet finalized who the stories will be about, but I'm thinking a certain "bruiser" of an angel for the GH novella. His heroine? She's wonderful and I'm guessing you know her identity. :-)

One of the Psy/Changeling novellas I'm considering is a little bit of a spoiler for Kiss of Snow*, so can't announce that yet. There are so many characters I would love to write about! Choices, choices!

I'm curious - which characters (from either series) would you like to see in a novella?

*I'm keeping a seeeeeeeecrit about the book. Okay, many seeeeeeeecrits. Now I'm going to run away before you start pelting me with tomatoes.

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!!

_______________

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!

Follow me...

...to Heart to Heart: The BN Romance blog, where I have a guest post up titled "A Fascination with Flight."

See you there! :)

Monday

First a link - the AAR Annual Poll for Favorite Books of 2010 is open, so swing by and add your votes.

Also, I've announced and emailed the winner of the Archangel's Consort print contest.

How was your weekend?

I went to a 50th wedding anniversary party. Half a century together and still going strong - how awesome is that?!

Micah

Who is Micah? The hero of Lord of the Abyss, part of a Silhouette Nocturne continuity* I'm participating in with Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe and Jessica Andersen.

I didn't want to mention it until I was sure of the release date, but it looks like the book will release at the end of this year, so you're going to get a bonus release from me!

I'll have more info to share in the next couple of months!

*Four authors, one world.

Friday Book Club

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

I've mentioned Joss's Ware's awesome post-apocalyptic Envy series previously on the blog. Joss has a new book out in the series at the moment, Night Betrayed, so check it out! If you haven't tried this series, her publisher is currently offering the ebook of the first book for a special price.

Okay, your turn!

Open Letter

Dear Readers,

You are wonderful. Thank you for the awesome comments, e-mails, tweets, reviews and more about Archangel's Consort. I treasure each and every one.

:-) Nalini

Cover Love: Angels of Darkness

Love, love, LOVE!!!


This anthology will be out in October. My novella features Noel, the vampire who was seriously injured in Archangel's Kiss.

Update! The artist is John Blumen. See more of his beautiful work here!

Archangel's Consort Release Day Party!!

Contest Closed

Winner: Thank you all for the awesome comments! The random numbers have spoken and the winner of the print is:

Jolene Allcock

Congratulations! An email is on the way to you!

_____________________

Archangel's Consort is now out!! I hope you all enjoy the book!! I adored writing it.

Some fantastic new reviews have come in, including this one by Angela at Touch the Night, and this one by Marisa at Heart to Heart: The BN Romance Blog.

To celebrate, I have something special to give away - a print of the gorgeous cover art! (The print is the image only, no text, and roughly 16x20inches in size. And if I'm not mistaken, Tony Mauro, the artist, has signed it!).

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.

However, if you have a FB profile, Twitter account, blog etc, I'd appreciate it if you'd share that Archangel's Consort is now out. And if you've read it and loved it, feel free to share that too!

Contest open till Saturday January 29th 2011, 12 noon, 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 top of this post. I'll also email the winner if I have an email address.

International entries welcome. One entry per ISP address, no purchase necessary to enter, odds of winning will depend on the number of entries. Void where prohibited.

P.S. If you'd like to order your own print, you can do so from Tony's website.

Of Chocolate Cake & Scorpions

I've just put up a chocolate cake inspired post over at Oddshots. Swing by and join in the conversation. :-)

Spanish Release: La noche del cazador

The Spanish edition of Slave to Sensation has just released! Here's all the information, plus a link to my Spanish publisher's website.

To all my Spanish readers - I hope you enjoy Lucas and Sascha's story!

La noche del cazador

En una sociedad donde el poder está en manos de quienes niegan las emociones, aceptar el afecto, los sentimientos y el amor puede ser devastador.

Los psi gobiernan el mundo. Lo han conseguido a un alto precio: suprimir todo aquello que les hacía humanos para convertirse en una raza fríamente perfecta. Sascha Duncan, sin embargo, percibe emociones que apenas logra controlar. Si los otros psi la descubren, será «rehabilitada».

Lucas Hunter es el alfa del clan de los DarkRiver, un cambiante ávido de todas esas sensaciones e impulsos que los psi desprecian. Ahora debe introducirse en la cerrada y elitista sociedad de los psi para atrapar a un asesino en serie, y para ello no duda en utilizar a Sascha… hasta que una parte de él empieza a sentirse extrañamente atraído por esa gélida psi que oculta algo.

Serie Psi/Cambiantes, 1

«Nalini Singh nos ofrece frescura, originalidad y unos personajes que desprenden magnetismo. La noche del cazador es una novela magistralmente construida, narrada con sencillez y con la dosis de intriga necesaria para que la atención no decaiga en ningún momento. »

www.rnovelaromantica.com

«Un libro indispensable, incluso para quienes no se hayan iniciado en el género paranormal.»

Romantic Times

«¡Me ha encantado esta novela! De lectura imprescindible para todos mis seguidores. Nalini Singh posee un enorme talento.»

CHRISTINE FEEHAN

Publisher's Website

Serie Psi/Cambiantes

1. La noche del cazador
2. La noche del jaguar – Fecha de publicación: junio de 2011
3. Caricias de hielo - Fecha de publicación: octubre de 2011

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books!

I recently read Here Comes the Groom by Karina Bliss and absolutely loved it.

If Jocelyn Swann weren't so furious she'd probably laugh. Her best friend, Dan Jansen, has launched a campaign worthy of his Special Forces Training to arrange their wedding, from music and minister to flowers and food. What part of no does he not understand?

Their marriage agreement was a tipsy scrawl on the back of a coaster three years ago. It's not a question of love. Of course she loves Dan. She's loved him all her life. If only she could get him to slow down a minute and listen - to be the friend she needs right now - she could convince him that marriage would ruin everything.

Karina writes with such emotional intensity, and her characters are so beautifully textured that I just want to keep on reading about them.

As it is, I'm totally planning to stalk her ask her nicely until she gives me Stand-In Wife, the next book in her SAS series.

If you'd like to read a more in depth review, check out the one at Dear Author. Plus SBTB has chosen this book for their Sizzling Book Club, and Karina will be chatting with them January 25.

Also, some linkage: the lovely Jaci Burton is giving away a copy of one of the Guild Hunter books, and Casee at Book Binge just posted a fantastic review of Archangel's Consort!

What're you reading and loving this week?

Archangel's Blade & Archangel's Consort

I've handed in the copy-edited manuscript for Kiss of Snow, and now it's back to Archangel's Blade, and sexy, dangerous Dmitri.

A couple of fantastic reviews for Archangel's Consort came in this morning (follow the links to read the full reviews):

...oh Raphael. One of the most intense alphas I have ever read about. There is no cracking jokes there is no goofing off. He is alpha, he is archangel, and he means business. In and out of bed. Oh yes

- Mandi for Smexy Books

Ms. Singh's world is one of spectacular fantasy and toe-curling romance where the thoughts, feelings, and weaknesses that make us so very human are highlighted against the fascinating backdrop of the cool indifference that accompanies immortality.

- Jenny for Supernatural Snark

Only a few days before Archangel's Consort releases. I can't wait! Here's an extra excerpt to make the countdown go faster:

From Archangel's Consort
January 25, 2011: U.S., Canada
Feb 10, 2011: UK, Aust, NZ

Unlike Illium, who even with his remarkable wings and eyes of gold, managed to walk among mortals, Aodhan would never fit easily into this world. He was cut in sparkling ice, his wings so bright as to almost hurt human eyes, his face, his skin seeming to be created from marble overlaid with white-gold.

Michaela, that devourer of men, had once said of Aodhan, “Beautiful—but so very cold, that one. Still, I would like to keep him as I would a precious gem. There is no other like Aodhan in the world.”

But Michaela saw only the surface.

Raphael walked to the edge of the space that had no railing, running his eyes over his city. “What did you discover?”

Aodhan tightened his wings to avoid any contact as he came to stand on Raphael’s left. “I cannot understand,” he said instead of answering, “how you can live surrounded by so many lives.” A stark curiosity underlay his every word.

“Many cannot understand your preference for solitude.” He watched as a number of angels came in for landings on lower balconies, their wings silhouetted against the night sky. “You surprise me with this visit, Aodhan.” The angel was one of Raphael’s Seven for a reason, but he was also damaged.

Copyright (c) 2011 by Nalini Singh

Jayne Castle - Obsidian Prey

Contest Now Closed

The random winner of Obsidian Prey by Jayne Ann Krentz is SONIA. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address at: nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com

I love Jayne Ann Krentz's futuristics, written under the Jayne Castle name. And today, I've got a copy of Obsidian Prey to give away!

Here's the blurb from JAK's website:

Two hundred years after the closing of the energy Curtain that allowed interplanetary travel—cutting off all contact to Earth—the planet Harmony is thriving. Thanks to an abundant supply of amber, which powers not only electrical machines for everyday use but also psychic abilities in the colonists, Harmony has created a stable, progressive community. But when that stability is threatened, resolving an ancient family feud and a fresh lover's quarrel might be the planet's only hope.

Three months ago, Lyra Dore suffered a heartbreak and a hostile takeover—both at the hands of the same man. A descendant of her ancestors' fierce rival. Cruz Sweetwater charmed his way into Lyra's heart and gained access to her pet project, an amethyst ruin. Then he took over the project and took off. When Cruz walks back into her life and requests a private meeting, Lyra convinces herself he's there to crawl and beg forgiveness. Wrong again—he just needs her help. With the project he stole from her.

Five innocent men are trapped inside a chamber in the amethyst ruin, and Lyra is the only one who can reopen the door. Reluctantly she agrees to help. Then Cruz wants her to apply her talents to the rest of the ruin—because no one else can work it. Lyra and Cruz are both harboring psychic secrets. Unknown—and dangerous—powers pulse within the amethyst ruin, and the closer Lyra gets to them, the more at risk she becomes. And now she must decide whether to trust her guts or her heart...

The complete rules for this giveaway are here, but to enter just leave a comment on this post. How about sharing some of your "keeper" books or authors?

(NB: If you're reading this on the Goodreads feed, follow this link to leave your comment/entry on the original post on the main blog).

Monday

I'm continuing to work on the copy-edited manuscript for Kiss of Snow. So much happens in this book - but if I told you what, I'd have to have the men in black coats come and take you away. ;-)

There was a comment on the previous post asking what copy edits meant - I did a guest blog about the editing process over at Book Binge last year that explains it, so swing by and check it out.

How was your weekend?

Friday Book Club

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

I'm working on the copy-edited manuscript of Kiss of Snow. Absolutely loving reading the book again.

I put up this little snippet on my Facebook page last night and thought I'd post it here, too:

"Hawke’s lashes came down once. When they lifted back up, his gaze was nightglow, a brilliant ice-blue shot with light. She sucked in a breath, realizing she was talking to the wolf now."

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

Angels' Blood & Archangel's Kiss - Hungary

Aren't these covers just stunning? I love them both.

Look how the skyline changes with the cover for Archangel's Kiss.


Publisher: Egmont Hungary

Kiss of Snow Countdown Widget

Look, shiny new countdown widget on the sidebar! -->

Pets

I've got a post up on Oddshots today talking about pets in fiction. Swing by and add your comments. :-)

Archangel's Blade

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

Here's a line from the book since I'm currently inputting edits from the hard copy draft: Turning on his heel, he began to prowl around her apartment.

You haven't met "her" yet.

More info to come in the next few months (release date is September 2011)!

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What're you reading and enjoying this week?

Meljean Brook - Demon Night

Contest closed.

Winner: The random winner of the signed copy of Demon Night by Meljean Brook is Miss Delirious. Congratulations! An email is on the way to you.

I loved this book and I have a wild crush on the hero, Ethan. Wild, I tell you!

And since I totally stalk Meljean at conferences, I have a signed copy to give away.

Explore the seductive corners of the dark, as a forbidden attraction tempts danger under the canopy of the…DEMON NIGHT

Charlie Newcomb worked hard to get her life back together. But all that is shaken when she’s set upon by three vampires desperate to transform her beauty into something evil. Because Charlie is the vital link to something they want—and need. It’s Charlie’s flesh and blood sister, a medical scientist whose knowledge could be invaluable to the predators.

But to get to her, they must first get to Charlie, now under the intimate protection of Ethan McCabe. As her Guardian, Ethan is attracted to her vulnerabilities—as well as her strengths. The closer he gets, the more protecting her becomes not just his duty, but his desire. But will it be enough to save Charlie when the demon night falls?

Here's the link to Meljean's site, where you can read all about her awesome books.

The complete rules for this giveaway are here, but to enter just leave a comment on this post. How about sharing some of your favorite fictional heroes?

(NB: If you're reading this on the Goodreads feed, follow this link to leave your comment/entry on the original post on the main blog).

Writing

I'm busy in my writer's cave. :-)

What are you all up to?

Oddshots

We're talking about favorite books of 2010 over on Oddshots, so come join in the discussion. :)

Friday Book Club

It's time for the final book club post of 2010! What are you reading and enjoying at the moment?

Happy New Year everyone!

Anna Campbell - Captive of Sin

Contest closed.

Winner: The random winner of the signed copy of Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell is ERIKA. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address at: nalinisinghwrites AT gmail DOT com.

______________

I adored this book! And I'm so excited I have a signed copy to give away!

He pledged his honor to keep her safe...

Returning home to Cornwall after unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger, and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress-and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat.

She promised to show him how to love - and desire - again...

Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help, but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience-especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control-and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin.

Link to Anna Campbell's Website

You can read the full rules here, but to enter, just leave a comment. How about sharing your favorite historical hero or heroine, fictional or real?

Books, books, books!

Have you ever accidentally ordered two copies of a book? I'm not saying I have ever done that *cough*, but I now have some books to give away. Plus, I have a couple of books that I asked the authors to sign at conferences so I could give them away on the blog.

I'm going to put up the giveaways, likely one per week over the next few weeks.

Rules:

- each giveaway will be open for 72 hours after it's posted.
- to enter, leave a comment on the relevant contest post. (Each book giveaway will be posted separately.)
- winner will selected randomly using random.org. His or her name will be announced in the comments and on top of the relevant post (and will be emailed if I have an email contact).
- if the prize isn't claimed in 48 hours, I'll redraw.
- international entries welcome.
- one entry per ISP address, no purchase necessary to enter, odds of winning will depend on the number of entries. Void where prohibited.

Oddshots

...is where I am today! :-)

Kiss of Snow

The first chapter excerpt of Kiss of Snow is now up!

Merry Christmas everyone! :-)

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! What are you reading and enjoying? What are you hoping to get in your Christmas stocking?

p.s. Slight delay on the surprise, but it's coming! :-)

Catchup

I'm continuing to work on Dmitri's book. I have three words for you - dark and sexy and sinful. This book has a tentative release date of September 2011.

I'm also arranging a little suprise that I should hopefully be able to share tomorrow. What could it be??

Now, your turn - what are you up to?

Follow Me

...to Oddshots, where it's all about discussing what you're looking forward to in 2011.

Smugglivus

My Smugglivus post, focusing on authors and series that were new to me this year is up at the Book Smugglers!

Friday Book Club

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

(Me? It's all about Dmitri. ;-))

Linkage

Dear Author has posted the Berkley Winter Giveaway - the giveaway includes copies of Archangel's Consort so swing by before it closes.

And, an invite from The Knight Agency:

HO HO HO! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that means it's time for The Knight Agency’s annual online holiday party! Join our agents, authors and TKA Santa for an hour of non-stop giveaways. This is our most fun, relaxed chat of the year. No worries about what to ask a guest author or waiting your turn to speak -- it's literally a free for all!

This year Gena Showalter, Nalini Singh, Maria Geraci, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Shannon K. Butcher, Linda Gerber, Michelle Celmer, Louisa Edwards, Lydia Dare, Joey W. Hill, Jessica Andersen, Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Chris Marie Green and Shirley Jump are all giving away signed copies of their releases. Plus we're raiding our book closets and giving out titles by Rachel Caine, Marley Gibson and Cecil Murphey, among others. Oh yeah, and there's a Christmas stocking prize stuffed with books and holiday treats.

Don't forget to mark your calendars!

WHAT: Knight Agency Annual Holiday Lunchbox Chat
WHEN: Thursday, December 16th @ 12:30pm ET
WHERE: The Knight Agency Chat Room -- http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.php?id=115545

HOW TO CHAT: Enter any combination of username and password. Login. Your computer must be Java enabled to chat.

Shutter Bug

I've posted some of my travel photographs over at Oddshots today, including this shot from Hong Kong. Swing by, have a look and share your travel dreams. :-)

Friday Book Club

...coming to you on Saturday. :-)

I want to mention a book I read as an ARC that's out now. Maya Banks' No Place to Run. Sexy and action-packed and intense, it's the second book in her fantastic Kelly series. Follow the link if you'd like to read an excerpt!

Now, your turn. What are you reading and loving at the moment?

Linkage

ACE/ROC is doing a big giveaway over at Dear Author and it's still open, so swing by and check it out.

AAR has released the results of its Top 100 Romances poll. Both Slave to Sensation and Angels' Blood made the list. Thank you to everyone who nominated the books!

Voting is open in the All Things Urban Fantasy Cover Art Awards. The covers for Archangel's Kiss and Archangel's Consort have been nominated, alongside some other fantastic covers. If you'd like to vote, or just check out all the covers, follow the link.

And I just found out that Play of Passion has been nominated in the Romance section of the Goodreads Choice Awards. Here's the link to see all the nominees and to vote.

Wow, that inadvertently ended up very self-promey. But wait, I have another one - Mandi from Smexy Books has written a very naughty poem: Twas the Night Before Smexymas. It's probably NSFW, and I'd suggest not having coffee in your mouth when you start reading. Enjoy!

Writing

I'm working on Dmitri's book today.

What are you all up to?

Friday Book Club

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

Child's Play

Jackie from Literary Escapism is raising money for Child's Play, which (quoted from LE):

"...works with various children’s hospitals in an effort to provide some much needed entertainment."

She's doing a big giveaway in conjunction with this project. Follow the link to Literary Escapism to read more.

A Glimpse of Illium

Excerpt from Archangel's Consort
Out January 25, 2011 / UK: February 10, 2011

“I know I’m your favorite.” He brushed his wing over hers when she didn’t reply.

“I swear to God,” she muttered, fighting a laugh, “if you’ve dusted me with blue, I’ll tie your balls in a knot and hang you up by them on the nearest sharp object I see.” The last time he’d glittered blue angel-dust over her wings, Raphael had—eventually—seen the humor in the situation. She couldn’t guarantee Illium’s health if it happened a second time.

Illium dipped low, stroking back up with movements that looked lazy but took considerable muscle strength. “Be nice to me or I won’t give you your present.”

“Idiot.” But he was her favorite of the Seven. How could he not be when he saw her human heart not as a curse, but as a gift? When he would lay down his life for the archangel who was Elena’s? When he laughed with the same easy joy as the children in the Refuge?

Copyright (c) Nalini Singh

Archangel's Consort ARC Contest Winners

There were a record number of entries for this contest - thank you to everyone who entered.

I was able to rustle up a couple of extra ARCs to give away, so without further ado, here are the six random winners of the Archangel's Consort ARCs!

Dawn A.
Joanna W.
Lisa Sta.
Diane H.
Danielle J.
Joslynn S.

All the winners have been emailed. Congratulations ladies!

Friday Book Club

Time to talk books! I recently read Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen and Caught by Harlen Coben. Both excellent thrillers.

What're you enjoying at the moment?

Thanksgiving & Cookies

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating the holiday. :-)

Also, have you seen Cookie Monster's audition tape for SNL? Enjoy!