My Top 5 favourite reads 2011

When USA TODAY asked me to list my top 5 favourite reads of 2011, I had a momentary panic.

I read so many great books this year, how to choose only 5?

After much teeth-gnashing, I did it.  Then again, these books were stand-outs for me so when I really put my thinking cap on, it wasn't so difficult to choose after all.

So here are my top 5:

1. How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal
(lush, evocative, made me cry & I rarely cry with books!).

2. Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (never want to put the book down, love the characters, the humor, the warmth).

3. The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs (realistic, character-driven, tugged on my heartstrings. And made me bawl.).

4. Dancing Backwards in High Heels by Christine Darcas (fascinating real-life dilemma any woman could identify with, thoroughly enjoyed it).

5. Red-Hot Renegade by Kelly Hunter (exotic locale, well-developed characters, sizzling tension).

You can see other author recommendations on the USA TODAY Happily Ever After blog.

Best South Asian Fiction 2011...and I'm on it!

I'm absolutely thrilled to announce BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD made the Top 5 Best South Asian Fiction for 2011.

Here's what Divanee had to say:

"Romance lit you can read without guilt. Clever, funny and romantic enough to appeal to the Bollywood-lover in all of us."



As the sole romantic novel alongside literary fiction, I'm doubly stoked!

Check out the full list here

If you want to buy the book, check the list of suppliers here

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Whatever you're doing, stay safe.

(and may Santa fill your stockings with loads of fabulous books!)

Busted in Bollywood on YouTube!

I'm beyond thrilled that Rachel Firasek enjoyed BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD so much that after finishing the book yesterday she made me this book trailer. (Thanks again, Rachel!)

I love it!

And I dare anyone not to dance around the house to that fab Bollywood tune!

Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire? winners

Thanks to those who participated in the Intoxicated by Books blog hop (and welcome to my new followers!)

The 3 winners of WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? are:

-Dinda_Sl
-Carol L.
-Lora 1967

Please email me with your details to collect your book prize!

Confessions in Bollywood

For something a little different today, I'm not being interviewed about BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD.
Shari, the main character, is!

Also featuring the last BOLLY-BITE for 2011, delicious vegetable pakoras.
A fantastic party snack and a great way to get kids to eat veggies.

Check out CONFESSIONS OF A VI3TBABE for the lowdown.

And it's the last day to win 3 copies of my upcoming release right here on this blog!

Manga Maniac Cafe

Today is your last chance before Christmas to win a copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD so come visit me at Manga Maniac Cafe for an interview.

And only 2 more days to win 3 copies of my upcoming release WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? right here on this blog.

USA TODAY loves Busted in Bollywood

I'm absolutely stoked USA TODAY gave BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD a sensational review.

Here's a snippet:

In her interview with HEA, Nicola Marsh mentions she didn't actually travel to Mumbai to conduct her research for Busted in Bollywood. This astonishes me, since she writes of the city with such fascination and respect, and her descriptions are so personal and vibrant, it never occurred to me that her experience could be anything but firsthand. The food, the people, the traditions, the colors and chaos of India are all lovingly represented. Mumbai and its cuisine are so well-represented, in fact, that at times the book hovers dangerously close to travelogue territory. But the energy of Marsh's prose makes that easy to excuse.



And it's not just the story's locale that deserves the freshness award. I was pleasantly surprised when Shari's deception lasted no longer than it took Rita's fiancé to say "I know." Marsh also provides a cliché-defying twist to the engagement Drew was supposedly hiding...I couldn't help but be emotionally invested in the situation, and I actually felt nervous as Shari prepared to sit down with Drew and his mother for their "talk." Stirring that kind of physical reaction in a reader takes some killer writing.


Busted in Bollywood is a fun, flirty story with a snarky, mischievous tone and an underlying theme of self-discovery. The book is lush with humor, sensuality and lively characters who wouldn't know a cliché if it handed them a masala chai.

Read the full review here (& thanks Kathy Altman.)

Woohoo!
This review also made CELEBRITY WIRE alongside a host of super famous celebs!

Want to read the book?
Check out the buy links: AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, BOOKDEPOSITORY

Want to win free books? Check out the 3 book giveaway for my upcoming release, WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? here

Minding Spot

Another interview & BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD giveaway over at MINDING SPOT today.

And keep your entries coming for my 3 book giveaway below.

Totally Bookalicious

More BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD print copies up for grabs.

Check out my kulfi (amazing Indian icecream!) recipe and fab review at TOTALLY BOOKALICIOUS.

Also another interview and giveaway at SUGARBEAT'S BOOKS.

Don't forget the 3 book giveaway in the blog hop below!

Intoxicated by Books Christmas blog hop

Who isn't intoxicated by books? I know I am. I'm also developing an addiction to blog hops (not quite as bad as my addiction to Twitter & Goodreads, but almost!)

The great thing about this addiction is...you get the goodies!

I'm giving away 3 copies of my upcoming release, WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? (Harlequin Romance, January USA, Feb UK)

To enter, you know the drill:

-Follow my blog

For optional bonus entries:


+1 'Like' my Facebook author page (Link in the sidebar)


+1 Follow me on Twitter (link in sidebar)


+1 Have a confirmed newsletter subscription (link in sidebar)

(Please leave a comment with your name if you opt for bonus entries. Thanks!)


The contest runs until midnight Christmas Eve, USA time.


(The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.)

For more great giveaways, check out INTOXICATED BY BOOKS.

USA TODAY Happily Ever After

Today I'm being interviewed on the USA TODAY Happily Ever After blog.

And I'm giving away BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD in conjunction with an interview on BOOKS, BOOKS, THE MAGICAL FRUIT.

Book Lovers Inc.

Today, check out my interview at BOOK LOVERS INC, where I'm giving away a print copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD.

They gave it a fab review too!

"...zany comedic romance...While reading Busted in Bollywood I couldn’t help but think of the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” as the author weaves lush descriptions of Hindi culture and family dynamic into the narrative. Busted in Bollywood is told in the first person by Shari, and the dialogue and introspection is full of witty quips and dry sarcasm. All around good fun! Readers can look forward to a two pronged romance. Shari and her Brit eventually do become involved, but Rita, much to her surprise also finds happiness with the fellow she once viewed with disdain. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique, fast-paced laugh out loud contemporary romance."

Love, Romance, Passion

Today I'm over at LOVE ROMANCE PASSION with another BOLLY-BITE recipe, for delicious carrot halwa (a rich, decadent sweet that's actually good for you!)

Book Lovers Holiday Giveaway winners

Congrats to Elizabeth L. & mailto:Michelle@BookBriefs

You're the winners of my double book pack: GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS & SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL.

Email me to claim your prize and thanks to everyone for entering.

If you didn't win, don't worry, you'll have another opportunity for more book giveaways here next week.
And don't forget, I'm giving away a copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD daily on my blog tour. 5 print copies are up for grabs in the next 10 days, along with e-books.

Romance Junkies

Today I'm over at ROMANCE JUNKIES with another delicious Bolly-Bites, Baigan Bharta (spicy, smoked eggplant.)

This dish is so tasty, I defy any non-veg eaters not to like it!

Release day for BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD

Cue the party poppers and streamers and the big band!
Pop the champers!

BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD is officially launched today, woo hoo!

This book has a long history and to finally see it published is so satisfying.
One day I'll share the road to publication with you.
Today's not that day.
Today I'm par-tying!

You can find me happy dancing at SAVVY AUTHORS and BOOKTHINGO.

Romance Book Paradise

Today I'm visiting Romance Book Paradise where the BOLLY-BITE of the day is idlis (steamed rice cakes.)

Come visit.

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

It's that time of the week again, SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY.

With BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD now released in print and e-book form, I can divulge Shari and Drew have faced many obstacles to get to this point.

“I like the way you think,” I whispered, as his hands and mouth played me like an instrument. 

A well-used, much-practised, finely tuned instrument that sang the more he played.

I sang—boy, did I sing. Beyonce, Pink, and Lady Gaga had nothing on me.

Drew had me coming back for encore after encore.

All night long.

For more Six Sundays, check here.

(Don't forget my Booklover's Giveaway below.  And today I'm over at Kerrin Hearfield's blog with another fabulous Indian recipe taken from BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD. Easy, delicious masala chai.)

Fresh Fiction, Fresh Food!

Today I continue my BOLLY-BITES over at Fresh Fiction where I give you a recipe for delicious Aloo Tikki.
It's a great finger food for parties and kids will love it too!
(and yes, giving away another copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD)

Also giving away 4 books in the BOOKLOVERS' HOP below.

Lastly, giving away 2 copies of my upcoming release WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? on Goodreads.

Christmas is coming so it's only fair you get the goodies!

BOOK LOVER'S HOLIDAY HOP

These holidays, why not join in the fun of the BOOK LOVER'S HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY HOP and stock up on some fab reading?  Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Kid Lit Frenzy, there are loads of books to be won here.

I'm giving away a double duo of recent releases (that's right, 2 winners will each receive SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL and GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS.)

To enter:

-Follow my blog

For optional bonus entries:


+1 'Like' my Facebook author page (Link in the sidebar)


+1 Follow me on Twitter (link in sidebar)


+1 Have a confirmed newsletter subscription (link in sidebar)

(Please leave a comment with your name if you opt for bonus entries. Thanks!)

The contest runs until midnight Dec 6th USA time.

(The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.)

ROMANCE BANDITS

Today I'm being interviewed by the lovely Anna Campbell over at the Romance Bandits.

Come comment to win BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD.

BOLLY-BITES recipe 2: lassi

Today I'm all over the place:

SISTERHOOD OF THE JAUNTY QUILLS (thanks to Kristan Higgins for inviting me to blog!) where I share my next Bolly-Bites recipe, for refreshing lassi (best summer drink ever!)

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA

I AM A READER NOT A WRITER

Come and leave a comment for a chance to win BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD at each stop.

BLOG TOUR: Romancing the Book

Today I'm back on the blog tour bus and being interviewed at ROMANCING THE BOOK.
(If you're in OZ/NZ/UK, blog posts will go up late our time, almost the next day!)

(and yes, another chance to win a copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD if you leave a comment!)

BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD blog tour begins!

The blog tour for BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD begins today!

And first up in the BOLLY-BITES Indian recipe feast is delicious dahl.

Check it out here.

I'm also giving away a copy of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD daily to a lucky commenter (21 books in total!) so follow the tour, cook up a storm and win a book in the process.

With only one week until the release of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD, both Amazon and Barnes and Noble have the trade paperback at half price!

Yep, for $7.72.

So go grab it. Order up big. Christmas is just around the corner, would make a great gift...

Book giveaway winner

The winner of my Black Friday Book Bonanza giveaway is Kristi.

Congrats Kristi, you win a copy of INTERVIEW WITH THE DAREDEVIL.
Please email me to collect your prize.

If you didn't win this time, don't worry, another book giveaway starts here Friday!

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

Just over a week until BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD releases, eeek!

Today's snippet takes place when Shari meets the Rama family for the first time, and her 'betrothed' Rakesh. (In reality, her friend Amrita's betrothed-she's posing as Amrita and she needs to ditch the guy!)


I’d met the three stepsisters and the fairy godmother—of my nightmares. Before I could beg a drink from the nearest servant, who moved among the guests with a fancy gold tray bearing goblets filled with fresh lime juice, Rakesh appeared and I blinked at his beauty all over again.
“Could we talk?” His soulful brown eyes reminded me of a beagle puppy I’d once found as a kid: docile, trusting, and eager to find a good home. In this case, I hoped Rakesh didn’t have his sights set on the Big Apple. New York wasn’t big enough for the both of us, considering one of us was a big, fat phony.

Check out more Six Sundays here.
 
(Don't forget the Black Friday giveaway in the post below ends tonight, Sunday, at midnight US time.)

BLACK FRIDAY BOOK BONANZA

I saw Black Friday mentioned on Twitter a lot last year and as it has negative connotations in Australia (referring to a bushfire where many people lost their lives and homes) I asked what it was about.

I like the US version of Black Friday much better! Bargain shopping, what's not to like?

This year, rather than rushing to the shops, pick up loads of free books with the BLACK FRIDAY BOOK BONANZA.

Hosted by BookSavvyBabe, The Bawdy Book Blog and Alive on the Shelves, you can check out all the fab blogs involved here.

I'm giving away a copy of my upcoming Harlequin Riva release, INTERVIEW WITH THE DAREDEVIL.

(This book is out in the UK in December, Australia in January and USA in February.)

To enter:

-Follow my blog

For optional bonus entries:


+1 'Like' my Facebook author page (Link in the sidebar)


+1 Follow me on Twitter (link in sidebar)


+1 Have a confirmed newsletter subscription (link in sidebar)


(Please leave a comment with your name if you opt for bonus entries. Thanks!)

The contest runs until midnight Sunday.

(The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.)

Good luck!

Theory on Thursday

Today I'm a guest at Rachael Johns' blog, where she invited me to discuss my favourite writing craft book/course/etc...

Rachael's first book, One Perfect Night (Carina Press) is releasing same day as my Busted in Bollywood, December 6th, and we're excited!

Come visit and discuss your favourite writing theory on Thursday.

BOLLY-BITES

With the release of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD two weeks today, I'm giving you a sneak preview at my upcoming blog tour (starting next Tuesday, Nov 29th.)

With 3 weeks of interviews and posts, I wanted to do something a little different...rather than chatting about my book, I'm chatting about the food in my book!

Reviewers who've read BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD have all commented on the food and as I'm a bit of a foodie fanatic...I'm presenting BOLLY-BITES.

Recipes for dishes taken from the book!

If you love Indian food or just like to experiment with new recipes, this is the blog tour for you!

So to kick it off, here's the recipe for my Lentil Soup (no, it's not in the book but it has distinct Indian flavours...plus my aunt has been regularly hinting on Facebook for the recipe!)
And it's a super easy meal that can be whipped up in less than half an hour, with few ingredients and minimal fuss, win-win!

LENTIL SOUP

INGREDIENTS

few tblspns olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tspn ground cumin
2 tspn ground coriander
1 cup red lentils
400g can diced tomatoes
1 litre vegetable stock
salt to taste
fresh coriander to garnish

METHOD:

Heat oil in large saucepan and fry the onion and garlic over low to medium heat for few minutes. Add cumin and coriander, fry for another minute.
Add the lentils, tomatoes and stock, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and cook until lentils tender (roughly 15 minutes.)
Add salt to taste and coriander to garnish.

This dish is amazingly simple and tastes divine. The consistency of the soup is thick, so if you like it thinner add more water or stock and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Experiment with the amounts of spices (if you like blander, go for 1 tspn cumin and coriander). I love the thickness, it's a meal in itself.
Serve with crunchy bread rolls, yum!
Or as a meal for kiddies spooned over rice.

The next BOLLY-BITE will feature next Tuesday (delicious dahl!) so check back here for tour stops and more recipes.

Ideally, I'd love readers to cook the dishes along with me and post pics on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, wherever, and report back on their culinary success.

So stock up on spices and come cook up a storm!

(and thanks to my fabulous writing buddy and fellow Harlequin Presents author Natalie Anderson for whipping up the Bolly-Bites button for me, love it!)

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

 
This week's snippet from BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD takes place when Shari and Drew finally catch up for a drink in New York City at her favourite bar.
Where she runs into her ex...
 
Not introducing Bollywood Boy to the Toad would make me look like a bitch and as much as I wanted to:
a) throw a drink in the Toad’s face;
b) wiggle my little finger to indicate the size of his dick and smirk knowingly;
c) saunter away;
d) all of the above.
I took the wuss option:
e) when in doubt, put your best Manolo forward and hope it crushes the loser beneath it.
Sliding my hand around Drew’s arm, I managed a smile as fake as the Toad’s. “Drew, this is Tate Embley. He’s a liar—oops, I mean lawyer. Silly me.”

And their chance meeting fires up after this!

For more Six Sentence Sunday snippets, check here.

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Hex Hall

Some books you read purely for the author's voice.
HEX HALL is one of them.

The plot isn't startling but the author's voice is fab!

Here's the blurb:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Enjoyed this for the author's voice alone.

The humorous snark of the MC is great.

What are you reading this weekend?

READER REVIEWS: Busted in Bollywood

Reader reviews for BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD are coming through and they're fabulous, much to my relief!

Here's a sample:

Fun, flirty & fabulous!

Nicola Marsh has weaved a truly magical read. I loved discovering the sights, sounds and tastes of India through the main character Shari's experiences as she discovered her roots - even if it was originally as a ruse to help her best friend get out of an arranged marriage!



Shari's journey of rediscovering herself after a horrible-ending relationship and regaining trust in men, her self-doubt, fears and flirting are all so real. Amidst the backdrop of the colourful and evocate India that Nicola portrays so well, it is a spellbinding read.


Enjoy!


(Kerrin Hearfield, @ the BookDepository)

Busted in Bollywood will appeal to all the starry-eyed romantics that lurks in us all. Filled with humourous moments, sexy and flirty antics, conflicts of interest and an insight into the Customs and traditions of the Indian community you will find this read a journey of many things. Your tastebuds will be tantalized, with the aromas wafting from this story, and the romance will leave you starry eyed.



Nicola has set forth vivid descriptions in this story, from the aroma of the wonderful Indian dishes to the atmostphere of Indian life. It will have your taste buds tantalized and your innner romantic screaming for more.


I'm sure you will find this story funny in each and every way - Its filled with romance and passion, Sexy swoony men ** waggles eyebrows* and a great storyline to boot . ohh Did I mention... goodies to make your toes curl !! * grins *


I loved many of the scenes, whether they were romantic, emotion-packed or downright funny. ... It will have you skittering along from the very beginning and have you reading till the last pages fade out..


A must read to add to your reader!

(Katrina Whittaker, Goodreads)

Thanks to these wonderful readers for taking the time to review.
Much appreciated.

Daredevil

Hardcopies of my upcoming release INTERVIEW WITH THE DAREDEVIL just arrived and I took a quick pic on my phone.

I thought this guy had impact on the Riva cover (but the sticker on his forehead detracted!)

Having him on the whole cover...now that's another story entirely!

Love this!

What do you think?

BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD book giveaway

2 print copies of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD are currently up for grabs at Goodreads.

No questions to answer, no websites to check out, just click a button to enter.

Details here.

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

Another Six Sentence Sunday snippet from BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD (releasing in less than a month, woo hoo!)

In this set up, Shari has accompanied Amrita to JFK, where her friend meets Rakesh (her arranged betrothed) for the first time. However, Shari has other motives, namely seeing her secret crush Drew.

Trying not to launch at him like a depraved fiend, I shifted my weight side to side, waiting until he stood before me, six-feet-plus of corruptibly hot English male, complete with Burberry coat and loafers.
“We meet again, Miss Jones.”
That voice. Rich and warm, like hot honey spreading through my veins and sweetening every inch of me.
I’d mentally rehearsed a thousand witty, casual remarks to demonstrate my sophistication and how my presence here meant nothing other than as support for Rita. Predictably, I couldn’t think of one as his smile sparked his eyes until all I could focus on was endless, gorgeous blue.

Check out more SSS here.

Hot surfer dude!

Remember how that sexy pic of Matthew Mac inspired Luca in SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL?

Well, here's another pic that has inspired an entire book.

I've had this photo of semi-naked, wet Brad Pitt saved for ages! Years, in fact, just waiting for the right plot to come along...and now it has!

My editor has approved my proposal for ONE NIGHT IN CAPRI, a Harlequin Romance Christmas story to be released Dec 2012.

The hero is Archer Flett, a super hot Aussie surfer who hails from Torquay (and yes, I'm heading down there shortly to research first hand, love this job!)

So what do you think of my newest hero?
Approve?

Free books for Aussies!

Stumbled across an amazing freebie book offer via Twitter & Books on the Knob.

If you're an Aussie who owns a Kindle, you can grab some fabulous books FREE at the moment.

There are several kids books, as well as fantastic adult fiction by:

-Stephanie Laurens (her 4 book Bride Quartet)
-Anna Campbell (3 books)
-Tara Moss (5 books-her Mak Vanderwall series: Split, Hit, Fetish, Covet & Siren)

plus more!
Go load up your Kindle now!

READER REVIEWS: Busted in Bollywood

I've invested a lot, emotionally, in BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD, more than any other book I've written.
One day, I'll tell you all the long saga behind this book.

But not today.
Today I'm floating over my first reader review...and it's a beauty!

The nerves awaiting this first review have been unbelievable, with plenty of compulsive checking of Amazon, Goodreads, BookDepository, etc...

Here's a snippet:

USA Bestselling Author Nicola Marsh's BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD is truly a magical read. The witty banter and the flirting, the breathtaking romance, the spectacular emotional punch, and the believable conflict of how Indian families organize and interfere in any and everything had me flipping pages late into the night. The vivid atmospheric details amid the fast paced story kept me spell bound!
(Nas Dean)

Read the full review here

Huge thanks to Nas.
And now I go back to compulsively watching for the next review...

Manga magic

I get pretty excited when I see a new cover for the first time...then there's the first time I see one of my books translated into manga!

I never get tired of seeing my story brought to life in cartoon form, being able to flick through a book and see scenes I wrote depicted perfectly in pictorial form, not understanding a word of Japanese but being able to follow the story in pics.  It's briliant!

Here's my latest manga, THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA.

What's really cool about this one is the book is set in Melbourne Museum (located opposite the Royal Exhibition Building.)
So what's on the cover? The Royal Exhibition Building! I think it's amazing the artist researched this so thoroughly and drew a perfect pic.

So what do you think of manga?
I have more covers if you're interested...

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

The week flies and here we are again, time for another SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY.

BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD: After surviving the intrigue, fake engagements, secrets and lies in Mumbai and NYC, Shari and Drew may finally have their chance...

“Extra large?” I plucked the gold foil packet out of his hand, excitement making mine shake.
After all the crazy shit I’d dealt with over the last year, the karma fairy had finally gotten something right.
“Scared?”
“Impressed, more like it.”
And hopeful, very hopeful.

Check out more SSS here.

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Shadow Kin

I've known M.J. Scott since I started writing and was thrilled when she sold Shadow Kin.

The fact this is a debut novel blew me away because it reads like a veteran fantasy author's novel.

Absolutely loved it!

Here's the blurb:

On one side, the Night World, rules by the Blood Lords and the Beast Kind. On the other, the elusive Fae and the humans, protected by their steadfast mages...


Born a wraith, Lily is a shadow who slips between worlds. Brought up by a Blood Lord and raised to be his assassin, she is little more than a slave. But when Lily meets her match in target Simon DuCaine, the unlikely bond that develops between them threatens to disrupt an already stretched peace in a city on the verge of being torn apart...

Sensational debut.


The fantasy world created is addictive, with Fae, vampires, beasts, Templars, sunmages and humans interwoven against a backdrop of intriguing politics and double dealings.

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover how Lily and Simon would deal with their increasing obstacles (and loved the heat generated between them!)

I lost sleep trying to finish this book quickly and I don't say that very often.

Excellent read.

What are you reading this weekend?

Pregnant in Paris

Okay, so now I'm being downright silly with post titles, but here's a heads up that IMPOSSIBLY PREGNANT is out now in France!

Oui!

Details of the duo with Julia James here

Wild in Italy

This month, WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS, my Alaskan book, is out in Italy in a duo with the fab Heidi Rice.

Check it out here.

The Romance Reviews mega giveaway

Go check out THE ROMANCE REVIEWS mega book giveaway running all November.

Loads of fun questions, puzzles, prizes.  And yeah, I'm playing!

*WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT*

The 3 winners from my SPOOKTACULAR book giveaway are:

KERRY-ANN McDADE
JET
MEGAN @ READING ANY DAYS

Please email me to claim your prize!

NANOWRIMO

I've heard the term NANOWRIMO bandied around for years, have never participated, vaguely aware it involves writing a book in a month (or 50 000 words?)

This year has been manic for me.  In addition to writing my usual Harlequin books, I've written a YA adult novel and revised my first mainstream contemporary romance BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD 5 times!

Now, I'm reaching the end of the year, and I have another Harlequin book to write (no idea of plot yet!) and an 'out of the box' YA idea that won't be denied.

So just for the heck of it, I signed up to NaNo.

Why?  Because I've had great motivational success participating in #1K1hr on Twitter (where a bunch of random writers see if they can write 1000 words in an hour) lately.
Usually, I don't need the motivation. When I'm on deadline, I sit down at the PC every night and make sure I write 2000 words a day.
But after a busy year, that extra little boost can help and that's what I'm hoping NaNo will provide.
Frankly, without it, I don't think this book would get written. And if I even get 10 000 words out I'll be happy, because it's better than a blank page.

Some writers don't like the idea of speed writing. And that's just fine, we all work at different paces.
But if you do want to get those words flowing so you can go back and edit your draft later, NaNo is for you.

There's a fantastic series of NaNo tips over at STORYFIX.

And I have a SPEED WRITING article on my blog.

Whatever you decide to do, NaNo is all about the words.
Getting the words out, whether you achieve your goal or not. It's not about pressure or competing with people (though some do thrive under those conditions!)

It's about switching off your internal editor, getting creative, letting the words flow and having fun!

I wish you all flying fingers and many words over the next month.

So who's NaNo-ing alongside me?

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

This Six Sentence Sunday is a snippet from BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD (Entangled Publishing, December 2011).

Shari's ruminating over her relationship with Drew.

As much as I loved the incredible sex, I knew this wouldn’t last forever.
But I couldn’t help craving a little intimacy.
Late twenties, single, female. Do the math.
Flirty flings were fabulous until you hit the big three-O, all downhill from there. Biological clocks started ticking like time bombs waiting to detonate, gravity exerted more force on your life than your mom, and suddenly, the dog-ugliest creep looked like Jake Gyllenhaal.


For more SSS, check here.

Don't forget I'm giving away 3 signed copies of my current release, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL in the Spooktacular blog hop below.

BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD on NetGalley

For all you reviewers and book bloggers out there, I'm thrilled to announce BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD is now available on NetGalley.

If you're interested in reviewing, request here.

(Don't forget my 3 book giveaway in the SPOOKTACULAR blog hop below! You have another few days to enter.)

SPOOKTACULAR BLOG HOP

Because we don't celebrate Halloween much in Australia, I'm living vicariously through the SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY HOP hosted by I AM A READER, NOT A WRITER and DIARY OF A BOOKWORM.

No, I'm not giving away candy.

I'm giving away 3 signed copies of my current release, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL to 3 lucky winners.

To enter:


-Follow my blog

For optional bonus entries:


+1 'Like' my Facebook author page (Link in the sidebar)

+1 Follow me on Twitter (link in sidebar)


+1 Have a confirmed newsletter subscription (sign up by emailing me, link in sidebar)

Easy!

(Please leave a comment with your name if you opt for bonus entries. Thanks!)


The contest runs until 31st October.

Good luck!

There are loads of other book prizes on offer. Go check them out here.

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Boomerang Bride

This is the book that made me buy an ereader.

Fiona Lowe, a good writing buddy, released her first mainstream contemporary romance with Carina Press in August and I've been dying to read it.

Fiona has teased me relentlessly about being an 'e-dinosaur', because I love my hard and paperbacks too much to tread the e-reading path.

But the waiting for the paperback version of this book (Feb 2012 for Harlequin Direct Reader Service) was too long so I succumbed and bought a Kindle. (and yes, I'm hooked!)

BOOMERANG BRIDE is one of those books you curl up with, knowing you'll smile along with the characters.

It's a heart-warming small town contemporary romance, with an adventurous, displaced bride and a workaholic, emotionally-repressed hero.


Being Australian, I loved the Aussie heroine, Tildy, and her cultural clashes with the American hero Marc. Funny! And loved the sparks between them.

I particularly liked how the secondary characters complimented the story beautifully.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

What are you reading this weekend?

If you want to win a copy of my current release, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL, pop on over to FANG-TASTIC BOOKS today where I'm being the Halloween grinch!

Critique winners!

I'm thrilled to announce the critique winners from my pitch contest last week.

With an added bonus!

The amazingly generous Liz Pelletier (originally offering to critique the first 5 pages of one winner) has requested the FULL manuscripts of 3 entrants!

-BITERS (the winner) by Sarah Shade
-MR RIGHT NOW by Kristina Knight
-FREEFALLING by Robyn

I'd love to critique all entrants but with time constraints (I barely sleep as it is!) I've had to choose one, and that winner is:

-TOKYO DARE by Anne Van.

If you didn't win this time, please don't be disheartened.
I loved reading all the pitches and I know Liz had a really difficult time narrowing the field too.
I hope to see your books on the shelf real soon, or stay tuned for more pitch contests!

Congrats again to the winners.

COVER REVEAL: Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?

And here's my other new cover, for WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? releasing Jan 2011 for Harlequin Romance.

I love the soft sunset and their embrace (the sunset and poignant moment correlates perfectly to a scene in the book, at the end of a 'swim with the dolphins' cruise in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay).

So, what do you think?

Do you have a favourite out of these 2 new covers?

You can pre-order both these books at 25% off right now! With free worldwide postage. Check it out!

COVER REVEAL: Interview with the Daredevil

I have 2 new covers to reveal and they couldn't be more different!

The first is for my Feb 2012 Presents Extra, INTERVIEW WITH THE DAREDEVIL.

Set in the luxurious Palazzo Versace (and yes, I researched first hand!) it features an extreme sports hero and the PM's daughter fresh from divorce.

As the cover says, 'when opposites attract...sparks fly!'

Tomorrow, the softer, pastel cover for my next Harlequin Romance.

Prize winners

Thanks to everyone who entered my recent book giveaways.
If you didn't win, don't despair. I have LOADS of book giveaways coming up in the next 2 months so stay tuned!

The winner of the GOT GREAT GIVEAWAYS comp is Carrie at In the Hammock blog.

The winner of the CELEBRATING ROMANCE blog hop giveaway is Jodie Riverina Romantics.

Congrats!  You've both won a signed copy of my current release, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL.

Please email me with your details so I can pop your prize in the mail.

Winners of the critiques to be announced this week!

Pitch & win critiques!

As most writers have discovered at some stage, synopses suck.

It's extremely difficult to take your fabulous manuscript and highlight the best bits in a succinct, cohesive way.

It's harder yet to to write a query, a 3 paragraph summary of your book.

The hardest?  A pitch, a one or two sentence summary.

So of course, that's what I'm asking you to do for a chance to win critiques.

I'm doing you a favour, honest. How can you convince someone else to read your story if you can't describe it in a snazzy, short, convincing way?

For tips, check out:

Rachelle Gardner's post on One-Sentence Summary

Nathan Bransford's post on How to Write a One Sentence Pitch

So, what's the prize?

-A critique of the first 5 pages of your manuscript by LIZ PELLETIER, senior editor & co-founder of ENTANGLED PUBLISHING (What they've achieved in a short space of time is truly phenomenal. I love working with them!)

-A critique of the first 5 pages of your manuscript by a USA TODAY, Waldenbooks & Bookscan bestseller with 30+ books under her belt. (Yeah, that'd be me!)

So here are the rules:

-As this is a blog contest, it's only open to followers of my blog (feel free to follow now to participate.)

-Your pitch must be 1 or 2 sentences max.

-Post your entry in the comments section here.  Your entry must include:

1. Title, genre, word count

2. Your polished 1-2 sentence pitch

3. your email address

-Entries must be for a completed manuscript (novellas included.)
-Contest open to unpublished writers only.

This contest will run for 1 week, entries closing 11.59pm Monday 16th October.

FYI
Entangled Publishing submissions: We are seeking novels and novellas in the following subgenres of romantic fiction for publication in Summer 2012 and beyond:


•Contemporary (including category series romance.)
•Upper YA/New Adult (17-22 yo protags) that will appeal to crossover audiences

•Historical

•Romantic Thrillers

•Science Fiction
•Paranormal and Urban Fantasy
•Fantasy

Their latest October 2011 wishlist is here.

Good luck!
And please spread the word: on your blog, Facebook, Twitter.
Thanks!

(Don't forget the chance to win my latest release all week here!)

SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: Busted in Bollywood

There's a huge movie theme running through BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD (as you probably guessed from Bollywood in the title! I also managed to squeeze loads of my favourite movies into the book, Dirty Dancing being one of them.)

Here's when Rakesh and Amrita meet for the first time, at JFK.

“Another Dirty Dancing fan, huh? Great, I thought Shari was the only one on the planet.”
“She is, I hate that film. Her way of playing a trick on us.” Another scathing glare directed at me before she turned her smiling attention to Rakesh. “She’s sick, posing as me, traveling all the way to India.”
“We should discuss the state of your friend’s mental health.” Rakesh held out his arm and Rita slipped her hand through it, smiling up at him like she’d been handed George Clooney on a plate. Naked.

Check out other SSS here.

**Want to win a Kindle? Come help me cast my next hero over at ROMANCING THE NAKED HERO where I'm blogging today!**

And don't forget my book giveaways in yesterday's blog hop post!

Got Great Giveaways?

If you're like me, there's nothing better than seeing your To Be Read pile grow with loads of fabulous books just waiting to be snapped up.

Here's your chance to add to it!

Check out the long list of adult and Young Adult book giveaways here.

And if you want to win a signed copy of my current release, SEX, GOSSIP AND ROCK & ROLL, leave a comment at the end of this post.

This giveaway ends October 12th.

But don't forget my other book giveaway in the Celebrating Romance post below.

Yeah, 2 posts in one day, 2 signed copies to win.

Go for it!