Nalini Singh: Contests, Books, New Series

Our little corner of the world is all a-buzz about this. Favorite author Nalini Singh's gotta whole lot goin' on these days. Go by her blog and check out all the contest give-aways she's got going on. Why all the celebration and prizes?

Tomorrow, February 24th, Nalini has a special e-release of ANGEL'S PAWN that introduces us all to the new world she has created. Then on Tuesday, March 3rd, ANGEL'S BLOOD, the first full length book of the new series, releases.

Do I really have to say it? Go! Check it out.

My Reading Year 2008

Lordy, Lordy, in the process of doing this post I had to go back through the last three months of 2008 quite a bit. How can you stand me? All I did was whine, whine, whine. I actually had a wonderful Christmas. Thanksgiving was great as well. My niece got married, as many of you know, in late October and life has been at mach speed since. Sure, I'm living la vida loca on crack but, you know, it's a very good life so I need to quit complaining already.

I felt compelled to mention these things so you all don't think I'm sitting in the dark in sackcloth and ashes lamenting my life. I've been busy, but I'm good...as are GG, Shmoo and Beanie.

I can't believe how fast some of you got your year end stats up. Wenches. Kudos and much admiration. I'm thrilled to be sitting here doing mine when we are only a week into the new year.

I'm happy to report I finally did my monthly reading lists for October, November and December. Click on the links if you are interested in seeing what I read in those months. They probably popped up as newly published if you have an RSS feed reader so you may have already seen them that way. If you don't have a reader they are dated and buried in the appropriate months. As I said, if you give a rat's patootie you can use the links and it will be quicker.

Here it is chiquitas... *drum roll* In 2008 I read 135 books. Not bad, but quite a shocker especially after I checked to see how many books I read last year. In 2007 I read 244 books. 244. Books.

Conclusion?

Apparently working full time puts a crimp in my reading habits. Well that and a commitment to exercise several times a week. Oops, I almost started a whine there.

Anyway, 135 is the magic number. 109 fewer than last year. I can hardly believe it was that bad. GG reminded me that this is more than 2 books a week. I reminded him that I am used to reading 4-5 books a week. Who knows maybe this is my new normal. Time and 2009 will tell...

Here are some of my 2008 highlights:

While I only had two DNFs, I also only had three 'A' grades as well. I'm a very tough grader just ask my kids. Never mind, don't ask them because they will also tell you I'm crazy. Just trust me. I'm a stingy 'A' giver.

My three 'A' grades went to a re-read of one of my old favorite SHADES OF TWILIGHT by Linda Howard; WINTER WOMAN by Jenna Kernan and MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND by Carla Kelly. The title links are to my reviews of those books. Interestingly enough both WINTER WOMAN and MRS. DREW PLAYS HER HAND were TBR day reviews as well. Makes me shiver to wonder what other treasures are in those tubs of mine.

RWA was a highlight for me this year for many reasons. One of them was Jodi Thomas. I hadn't read a one of her books, but I brought back and sent signed copies of her book TWISTED CREEK to a few friends who'd mentioned they liked her. I later discovered I didn't keep one for myself. I bought the book (again!) and loved it. Even though TWISTED CREEK was a contemporary, the writing interested me enough that I went looking for Ms. Thomas's back list which is mostly westerns. I've really enjoyed her books and will be forever grateful to Dev for the original recommend. Jodi Thomas is definitely an auto buy now.

For no apparent reason I can think of it appears that I read more historicals this year. Maybe it's just a lack of decent contemporaries. I don't know.

Another author I fell in love with is Ann Aguirre. It's unusual for me to be so passionate about a female character, but Ms. Aguirre certainly succeeded when she created Sirantha Jax. This is another author I had the pleasure of meeting at RWA. I got to tell her how much I enjoyed Jax and GRIMSPACE. I gave GRIMSPACE a B++. However, the book and characters have really stuck with me and I should probably change that grade to an 'A'. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to reading Ms. Aguirre's new book called BLUE DIABLO that's due out April 7th.

I did more re-reads this year than I have in recent years. In addition to the Howard book, I also re-read a couple of Jennifer Crusie's older books that were re-published. I enjoyed them both. I also re-read an Iris Johansen historical LION'S BRIDE that held up well.

Nalini Singh is still kicking bootie with her Psy-Changling series. She is also an author I was fortuante to meet at RWA and she's just as nice as can be. I enjoyed HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE this past year and am looking foward to the new series starting in March. The first book is called ANGEL'S BLOOD. BTW, she has a contest going right now for an ARC of the new book.

Of course I'm wondering what 2009 will bring. Even after GG looked at my '08 stats he still thinks I'll be back on track with 4-5 books per week this year. Things should settle down at work by the end of March. Hopefully there won't be as many special projects and less working on weekends. That means more time for reading! Right?

Random Thoughts - Part ???

Wonder of wonders, Shmoo went to visit his brother. He finally admitted he misses Beanie. They have some serious video game time planned and a trip to the Magic Kingdom. This bit of news does my mother's heart good. Shmoo decided while Bean was home over the weekend that his brother is actually "pretty cool". I couldn't help but wonder if there had been some alien body snatching going on, but I'm not one to question a boon.

What does one eat for dinner when sons are not home and husband has already eaten? A Starbucks mocha light frappaccino, popcorn, cantelope and a cookie. What can I say. It is very liberating.

After gymnastics I don't think there's anything I'm excited to see at the Olympics. Track and Field just doesn't do much for me, although those sprinters are something to behold. Sure I've watched some beach volleyball, some basketball, horse jumping, and diving. Nothing has piqued my interest like the gymnastics did. Did you see the mens' rings competition? The muscles, strength, endurance? Unreal. Very impressive.

Tomorrow is TBR Challenge Day. Will I be ready? Uh, don't hold your breath. I love this challenge I really do. I've read books I might not have read without it. How'd I let this creep up on me again?

How is it that it seems like every other blog I read in Romancelandia has a review of HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE by Nalini Singh already? Huh? You guys suck. Although I guess I can't grumble because I have the ARC of WANDERLUST by Ann Aguirre that I'm dying to read and have only gotten through the first 8 pages.

Which begs the question, why am I writing a post when I could be READING????

BTW, bunches of contests out there. I'm pimping one at LET'S GAB. Lori has the three Elizabeth Hoyt books to give away if you go over and tell her your favorite Olympic event, winter or summer. Go on, you know you want to.

Me? I'm going to read. I think. Right after I do some stuff for work and eat some more popcorn. Doofus thy name is Rosie.

January Reading List

Here it is. Finally. You'd think with as few entries as I have that it wouldn't have been such a trial getting this done closer to the end of January. However, I had a stack of books I'd finished on a shelf next to my bed. Turns out there were some books for my tbr in there as well along with some December reads I hadn't put away. How this happened I don't know. I have a procedure damn it! Read the book, log the book, put the book away. Mixing book piles just isn't supposed to happen. *sigh* Things like this are what make me feel like I'm in a fog sometimes.

I know I read another (maybe two even) ebooks that I've had for awhile, but I looked at my ebook files and can't remember what they were besides the Jory Strong book listed. They didn't leave much of an impression so I guess...no harm, no foul.

THE EXECUTIVE'S SURPRISE BABY by Catherine Mann. This is part of the Garrison Family series. It is also a return to category romance for me after a long dry spell. The title says it all. This wasn't horrible, but I have to admit I did some eye rolling. Lori of Let's Gab has rec'd Ms. Mann's SEAL books and I have a couple of those in my tbr. I didn't hate this, so I'm still going to give the SEAL books a try.

SHADES OF TWILIGHT by Linda Howard. What can I say that you haven't already heard? I really like this book. I love the multi-generations in the book. I understand selflessness and devotion to family. I hadn't read it for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed the re-read.

SPLIT by Kristina Lloyd. This is a Black Lace title and I gave Ms. Lloyd a try because Bam had raved about a couple of her other books. I have to say I didn't really like this or "get it". I hate when I feel like a writer is being deliberately clever to see if we are all bright enough to get her point. I felt annoyed and impatient with the heroine. I couldn't believe how deliberately obtuse she was and how long it took her to catch on to what was happening to her.

MOVING TARGET by Cheyenne McCray. This is a book I really wanted to like. The best I can say is that it was okay. I didn't hate it. When the heroine who is in Witness Protection makes a phone call as herself to someone in her past early on in the book I knew the story was in hot water. If you are so terrorized and terrified for your life that you leave everything behind why would you do something like that? I didn't buy the reasoning we were given. People died as a result of her "mistake". I think that the reader (and the characters) should have had more of an emotional impact and reaction to the events that followed the phone call. Bummer.

EMBER by Bettie Sharpe. Lots of people out in blogland were raving about this free serial by Bettie Sharpe that was posted by chapter over several weeks on Bam's blog. I waited until it was complete before I read it. This is an imaginative re-telling and explanation of the Cinderella story. Hence the 'ember' rather than the 'cinder'. I have to confess that I'm not much for mixing fairy tales and romance. While I can acknowledge Ms. Sharpe's writing talent and clever twisting of this tale, it just wasn't my cuppa. Another okay read for me.

CALISTA'S MEN by Jory Strong. This is an ebook from Ellora's Cave I've had forever. I read it when I first bought it. I liked it a lot the first time I read it. It's an erotic read about a shy kindergarten teacher who tries her hand at being a PI, meets two brothers and falls in love with both of them. Murder, mystery, and menage ensue. Fun read if you are in the mood for something steamy. Ms. Strong does fairly well making emotional connections that help the reader connect to the story, but don't go looking for reality here.

MINE TO POSSESS by Nalini Singh. I'm just tossing my hat in the ring with everyone else. I love reading a book that hits all the right notes. As you move through Ms. Singh's story she answers question and expands her Psy-Changeling world before the reader is aware that you wanted or needed that bit of information. Can series writing just get better and better? Yes! I love this world. I'm still intrigued and interested and can't wait for the next book. That's the best endorsement I can give any series.

DEMON NIGHT by Meljean Brook. Complex and compelling were the two words that popped into my head when I finished this book. I have a confession to make. I didn't know I was starving for something like this until I read DEMON ANGEL. I can't remember when I've gone back and re-read portions of a book before I've finished it. Every time I read a book in this series I find myself daydreaming and wondering about the possibilities of this world. I do a lot of "what if..." As with Ms. Singh's books I care about the people and they certainly seem very real to me.

So that's it. Unbelievably, only 8 books in January. At this rate I won't even hit 100 this year. But you know what? That's okay. Since my reading time has been so curtailed I'm really making an effort to read stuff I really care about and allow myself to enjoy re-reading something if I want to.

Rapture

Can't believe my last post was on Wednesday. This past week is a blur. But not to worry. Today was aces.

First, swimming. Yeah, we all know I like swimming. Then we took care of Shmoo's uniform. He's gotten into a program that preps you for the fire service. Big Surprise! They wear a uniform.

Next was a trip to my favorite Borders. You know what's coming next...right?

Books baby! That's right I scored a couple of books I've been dying to see released. I hardly know which one to announce first. So here they are...

Could you just scream!!!!!

MINE TO POSSESS by Nalini Singh and DEMON NIGHT by Meljean Brook. I'm literally breathless with anticipation because both of these books are on my "most anticipated" releases for 2008. Don't know which one to read first. What a great dilemma to have though, huh?

After the book store we went to see 27 Dresses. Shmoo went with his girlfriend and, of course, I dragged GG along. Beanie's girlfriend is out of town, but he came along stag. Being out altogether always makes me happy.

The movie was cute and engaging. It was light, funny, and that James Marsden is one handsome guy. Katherine Heigl lights up the screen. I think she's got a big career in front of her. Seriously, she can really light up the screen. Have you seen she and Ed Burns on the MovieFone Unscripted interview? Very entertaining.

Despite my crazy week. I did manage to read a book. It took most of the week but that didn't take away from my thorough enjoyment of EXTREME DANGER by Shannon McKenna. Don't ruin for me by talking about what's PC or appropriate. Hey I know people have issues with Shannon McKenna's heroes, but I love the big alpha louts. Certainly some books work better for me than others but this was one of the good ones. It's sexy, moving, a bit over the top and HOT! Seriously hot. I commented on its hotness so much that GG wants to read it. Heh, heh... I'm not stupid ya know. *wink wink*

Anyway, that's my fabulous Saturday. I love days like this.

Blog Post...Blog Hop...Blog Post...Blog Hop

Tonight something had to give and I'm afraid visits to all your wonderful worlds got the short straw. Mostly because I riding a pretty great reading high because I just finished CARESSED BY ICE by Nalini Singh.

Good book. Read this excerpt and see what I mean.

I mean this was a really good book. I actually think this is a case where a writer and the series are getting better with each book. The world building continues and the depth of thought to the characters and what it means to be changeling, human and Psy in this world are very well done. Full bodied characters. While this world is a complex place operating on many levels the writing is clear and concise. I couldn't wait to turn the pages because it was just so engaging.

My favorite thing in the world is where there is plot enough to present an intriguing story for the characters to ride and yet the characters and their personal growth and internal battles are the focus of the story. Ms. Singh accomplishes this beautifully so I was in my bliss reading this story.

I'm anxious for February 2008 to see what new surprises Nalini Singh has up her sleeve for all of us. Good book.

Everybody's doing it...

Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You?

Your Psy/Changeling Hero: Clay

Intense, silent and beautiful in his masculine grace, Clay Bennett is a leopard who prefers the shadows. For the woman he considers his, he'll move heaven and earth...but first, you'll have to be willing to walk into the shadows to find him.Find out more about Clay and the series at www.nalinisingh.com
Take this quiz!








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Kudos to Nalini Singh for another great idea to promote her new release CARESSED BY ICE due out September 4th. I've seen this Quiz posted at most of my regular haunts. It's also a testimony to how popular and well liked the first two books have been.

Here's the lowdown for those few of you who might not have already heard about this contest:

What's up for grabs?

A US $50 Amazon voucher. (If you win and live outside the States, I'll swap that for an online book retailer in your country).

What do you have to do to be in to win?

1. Go and do the Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You? quiz and paste the result into your blog, livejournal or myspace etc.

2. Leave a comment on this post telling Nalini you've done it and including the web address where it's posted. (If you can't comment for some reason, just email her at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces).)

3. Do all this before midnight Sunday 9th September 2007 (P.S.T)

Good night and good luck!

Cruisin' Again

What a relief that I feel pretty caught up on the doings in my little corner of the blogosphere. I think I've finally made the rounds to all my favorite places and am up to date. Lots of stuff is going on out there.

I've mentioned it many times before, but I really am in awe of the reviews that get put up each week. I've been muddling about trying to do at least one review a week. You know make a hard and fast commitment to reviewing at least one book a week. I can't believe how prolific some reviewers like Rosario and Dear Author are. Unreal. I'm so grateful too. Wendy posted a list of favorite books and authors a couple of days ago. It reminded me how many books I've read because of her reviews and recs. Tara Marie too. God I love you all for that. Nothing better than finding someone who has similar tastes and knowing that a good review from them probably means you are in for a good read too.

BTW, I can't wait to try and find some Terri Brisbin books after both Rosario and Tara Marie gave her books a favorable review this week. Thanks guys those books sound great.

I've been talking about the review that got eaten by blogger and can't even begin to try and re-create it. Usually I'm stubborn about stuff like that and just slog in and re-do it right away, but it was late and I was getting ready for our days off and just sort of blew it off.

However, I do want to mention some books I've read this past month that are noteworthy.

AND THEN HE KISSED HER by Laura Lee Guhrke
This was a recommend from Dear Author and Tara Marie. I would probably have never picked up this book on my own without reading those reviews and recommends. Great book with a heroine who is smart and independent and yet written true to the time period.

VISIONS OF HEAT by Nalini Singh
I've read some reviews that didn't think this book was as good as the first one. I however don't feel that way. I feel more drawn than ever into this world and found myself puzzling over some of the questions posed in the story (the alternate net construct for one thing). I liked Vaughn and Faith and enjoyed this book very much.

ICE BLUE by Anne Stuart
Yeah, I know she's not everyone's cup of tea, but I've enjoyed the Ice books. I like those hard to like heros. I figure this is probably because I would never tolerate having anyone like them around in real life. I will admit there is some repetition here in character traits among these ice cold killers of the Committee, but I just jumped in and accepted it all at face value. I lived in Japan for three years as a military brat when I was junior high school age. I love that country and was thrilled to have a hero be half Japanese and have part of the story take place there. In fact I told GG that we should think about taking a trip there. Wonderful country and very rich and interesting history.

BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna
I actually picked this one up on a whim. I'd picked up and put down Vivi Anna's HELL KAT several times when it first came out not really sure if it would be my cup of tea and ended up not buying it. When I picked up BLOOD SECRETS and read the blurb that it was a CSI team with a vampire, a werewolf, a witch and a human comes into help them solve a crime I had to buy it. This was a Silhouette Nocturne release and I hope they plan to continue the series because I can't wait to read the next book about this unusual CSI team in the Valorian Chronicles. The cast is great and I can see endless possibilities for some great stories.

CLAIMING THE COURTESAN by Anna Campbell
This book was reminescent of historicals from the 80s but with a modern twist. The Duke of Kylemore will not appeal to everyone, but I was too curious not to read the book and too fascinated by it once I started reading it not to finish. Ms. Campbell doesn't take any easy roads and it wasn't hard for me to believe that people like this existed or that they could eventually find love despite the controversial forced sex. I don't see how an avid romance reader could pass up checking this out. I found myself thinking about it after I read it, so I'll definitely be looking for the next one by Ms. Campbell.

BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART by Kerrelyn Sparks
I enjoyed HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE VAMPIRE the first book in the Love at Stake series as good campy fun. I struggled through the second book VAMPS AND THE CITY and was very undecided whether or not I'd try the third book. While my reaction is somewhere between the first and second books BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART has its moments. I will probably continue with the series, but hope that Ms. Sparks will decide whether or not she is going to make this a campy, funny type of series or a straight vampire story. The books seem a little conflicted to me on what they want to be. If you are sick of vamp stories and you don't like any of the cutesy stuff, or modern day vamp politics, this series won't be for you.

SEPTEMBER MOON by Candice Proctor
Thanks again to Tara Marie for turning me on to Candice Proctor! This was another historical set in Australia. Just great well drawn characters. One of the best things about this story was that Englishwoman Amanda Davenport didn't have a problem falling in love with Aussie outback Patrick O'Reilly, who had been deserted by his wife six years earlier and left with 3 children. Amanda wasn't conflicted by his prior marriage, because she understood he had been abandoned. Her conflict was more honestly and realistically her difficulty in adjusting to life in the outback. I also applaud Ms. Proctor for not using the old tried and true plot twist of resurrecting the prior spouse at the last moment to throw a wrench in true love. Good read, nice and meaty with a full bodied story and characters.

I've been buying books at a much faster rate than I can read them again. I have to go on a buying moratorium until I finish reading a few books. I'm in a western sort of mood again. I've ordered the Lori Handeland books that are part of the Rock Creek Six series. I received NATE today and am anxiously awaiting Reese and Rico. Once I have them I'll be reading that series. I can't wait. Other than that there isn't a whole lot I'm waiting for in April except for Karen Robards new release. I'm a fan from way back and have been intrigued by what I've read about the new HC Obsession. Oh, I also already ordered the Linda Howard Silhouette Nocturne release Raintree book. I'm hoping to have that May release in my hot little hands in the next week or so.

What are you excited about coming up in April or May?

SLAVE TO SENSATION by Nalini Singh

I'm finally doing my review of SLAVE TO SENSATION by Nalini Singh. I was determined to write about this book after participating in the blogging experiment. Hopefully I'm not giving the impression it is an ordeal to talk about this book, but after a few days and moving on to another book I lose my fresh perspective and reaction. Which incidentally is why I don't review more books. At any rate, I made myself sit down to do this review before I got too far from the reading experience.

Let me say from the get-go that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I especially liked being so much inside the head of Sascha Duncan. If you've ever had to maintain a facade or appearances when something entirely different was going on in your head and heart then you have a feeling for how Sascha Duncan has lived her whole life. I've had to do this on a much smaller scale working with the public for many years, and the reality of it is challenging and extremely draining. So I identified with that aspect of the book right away.

Here's the book description from Amazon:

Book Description
THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

Born a Psy, Sascha Duncan must hide the emotions which mark her as flawed. But a passionate Changeling will tempt her to reveal everything-and risk her very soul.

There is plenty to sink your teeth into with Lucas Hunter. He is all one could ask for in an alpha male. In fact he is alpha of the Changeling leopard clan. He is intelligent, tough, ruthless, relentless and fascintated by Psy Sascha Duncan.

In one of the reader reviews I checked out while researching this book the reviewer mentioned STS was in the strong tradition of some of romance's long-time favorite authors like Krentz/Castle, Lowell, and Howard. I would have to agree. That opinion was certainly what I was thinking when I read Ms. Singh's back list of Silhouette Desire books.

There is plenty of conflict and just enough mystery to make it interesting. I was much more intrigued with the PsyNet and how it binds all the Psy together and how they rely on it to actually live. It becomes one of the obstacles for Lucas and Sascha to overcome. The world created by Ms. Singh was more interesting to me than finding out who was the serial killer of the Changeling women.

All in all this was an enjoyable reading experience. I will definitely be looking for Ms. Singh's next book VISIONS OF HEAT due out in May 2007.

Nalini Singh & the Incredible Wonderful Blog Experiment

When I saw this contest posted on KarenS and then AngieW blogs I knew I had to participate. I'd read Rosario's post about reading Ms. Singh's book and was intrigued enough that I went to my used book store and bought all her already released Silhouette Desire books. I've read a couple already and was sufficiently drawn to the writing to put her Sept 5 single title release, SLAVE TO SENSATION on my "To Buy" list. Read on about the incredible wonderful blog experiment.

I am participating in a blogging experiment hosted at Dear Author. To enter the contest, put up this blurb, image, and trackback and you are entered to win the following prize package.

$200 Amazon gift certificate
Signed copy of Slave to Sensation
New Zealand goodies chosen by Singh
ARC of Christine Feehan's October 31 release: Conspiracy Game You can read about the experiment here and you can download the code that you need to participate here.

SLAVE TO SENSATION
Nalini Singh Berkley / September 2006

Welcome to a future where emotion is a crime and powers of the mind clash brutally against those of the heart.
Sascha Duncan is one of the Psy, a psychic race that has cut off its emotions in an effort to prevent murderous insanity. Those who feel are punished by having their brains wiped clean, their personalities and memories destroyed.
Lucas Hunter is a Changeling, a shapeshifter who craves sensation, lives for touch. When their separate worlds collide in the serial murders of Changeling women, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities…or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation.

Excerpt