WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Hotwire

I love Alex Kava's Maggie O'Dell series and eagerly await new releases.

HOTWIRE is the 9th book in the series and is packed with intrigue: cattle mutilations, teen deaths, electrocution, food poisoning in schools, UFO conspiracy theories.

The mystery aspects kept me turning pages rapidly as the multi-layered plot unfolded but being a romance gal at heart, I would've liked more character development between Maggie and Benjamin Platt.
These two have danced around each other for a while now, time to give the anxious readers (ok, probably just me) more please!

What are you reading this week?

(If you're a book reviewer, my October release, SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL, is available for review on NetGalley here now!)

READER REVIEW: The Boss's Bedroom Agenda

A positive review can give an author a boost for the entire day and this one, from Desere in South Africa, is no exception.

Ever hear the one rule guys stick to no matter what .... Never mix business with pleasure YEAH RIGHT ! But that is exactly what to die for sexy as sin Aiden Voss "The Boss" strives to do. Enter Beth "Fancy Feet" Walker.

Beth knocks Aiden for a six well and truly off his feet. She knows the rule her new boss obides by but what she doesn't know is that Aiden has decided to make her the exception to the rule he must have her anyway he can !

Enter Nicola Marsh's wonderful mix of intrigue and pure downright sexy style of writing!!

Beth have two choices one leave the life she knows behind to follow Aiden the man she has fallen for or loose him forever. Aiden also has two choices give up his dreams to be with the woman who has become his one and only exception or "die" of a broken heart? Now the question remains can they come to a compromise to allow them to be together or do they simply part ways ? Sounds like the normal romance book you know the story line and read it before THINK AGAIN !!

In The Boss's Bedroom Agenda you get to travel through the journey of Aiden and and Beth as they both learn the valuable lesson of love and true passion in each others arms. Beth and Aiden both have to make some of the hardest decisions of their lives in this delicious tale of magic by Nicola Marsh and no one proves that life has some very delicious unexpected turns like Nicola does. Nicola takes you on a ride of pure delight and gorgeous romance with a sexy twist that you'll never see coming !

Now I bet I have intrigued you just enough to make sure you read the book, of course I can't give it all away but I can tell you this , GO OUT AND GET IT NOW you will never regret it.

I am hooked on many brilliant Australian authors work and Nicola's is right up there with the very best romance has to offer!

Love a satisfied reader :)

Attention book reviewers!

SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL is available for review on NetGalley here.

It's my first time on NetGalley, be gentle :)

Rookie mistakes

The fab folks at STORYFIX have a great post on rookie mistakes writers make.

The condensed version:

1. Multiple dialogue paragraphs

2. Your first writing teacher is obsolete.

3. The 2 legit choices of manuscript font.

4. The name game.

5. Don't belabor the backstory.

Go check out the full article here.

And the winner is...

Huge congrats to Kat, who has won my prize pack of:

-GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS
-SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL
-WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS
-OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED
-THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID
-DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX!
-MARRIAGE: FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?
-passport holder
-luggage tag
-address book

If you didn't win this time, don't despair. I'm doing random spot giveaways over the next week and have several BIG contests lined up over the next few months.
It's going to be a blast!

How long is a piece of string?

Last day to win 7 books!

Be in it to win it!

Details here

In publishing news, anyone who's ever been on submission with a manuscript knows how draining/frustrating/exciting it can be.

Here's a fab post by Nathan Bransford on why the process takes so long!

Win 7 books!

Only 2 more days for the chance to win this, my current release, plus 6 other recent releases!

Check out the details here!

The end in sight

Doing final read-through of BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD today.

I've added almost 5000 words in 2nd pass edits.
And yes, more yummy Indian food!

I didn't use pics to inspire me when I wrote this book but if I did, (Akshay Kumar, Bollywood star!) would've inspired the ditched fiance, Rakesh Rama.

Free online workshop!

Publisher and editor Liz Pelletier (the lovely ed at Entangled that I got 'the call' from acquiring Busted in Bollywood) is running a free online workshop starting today at RWA Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapter.

WHY DID THAT EDITOR REJECT ME? will dissect sample submissions so you can see an editor's throught process, as well as a whole heap of other informative stuff!

More info here.

20 year anniversary blog party!

The lovely, talented Liz Fielding is celebrating 20 years in this business and I'm thrilled to be a part of her celebrations.

Later today, the fab Anna Campbell, Jessica Hart and moi are partying with Liz here.

And I'm giving away a signed copy of my current release, GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS.

So put on your best frock, grab the champers and come party!

(if you don't win my current release with Liz, you can still do so by entering my 7 book giveaway, running until the end of this week!)

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Cupcakes & Killer Heels

With a fun title like CUPCAKES & KILLER HEELS, you know this book is going to be flirty and feel-good.
And boy, does it deliver!

Sadly, I haven't read too many category romances this year but the ones I've been lucky enough to pick up have been crackers!

This one is no exception. Heidi Rice has a fabulously snappy voice and the heat between her characters Ruby and Callum is amazing! Sparks galore.
A seriously sexy read that will keep you turning pages.

I love a feisty, strong-willed heroine and Ruby delivers in spades, more than a match for the alpha Cal.

Really enjoyed this.

What are you reading this weekend?

Don't forget my 7 book prize pack giveaway!
You have 6 days left to enter so hop to it!
Details here.

READER REVIEWS; Sex, Gossip & Rock & Roll

Asking an author to choose their favourite book is like asking a mum to choose her favourite child! Impossible.

For me, while I have several favourites, this one is my standout.

I adore this book.

Had a ball writing it, love the characters, the way they spark off each other and I'm beyond thrilled readers are enjoying it as much as I did creating it.

Here are 2 brand spanking new reviews:

"This is such a fun book, but it certainly doesn't lack for emotional moments either. The characters are well developed and written flawlessly...

Reading this book, I could really feel that Nicola Marsh enjoyed writing it...the dialogue sparkles, the passion is hot, and the emotional moments are gripping...Oh, and fantastic ending!

Nicola Marsh really shows she has a great range of writing skills, whereas the last book of hers I reviewed (Deserted Island, Dreamy Ex) was aimed at the Romance side of the RIVA line, this one is aimed more for Presents/Modern side and therefore more steamy. Nicola switches flawlessly between to the two styles. Definitely recommend this book."

(Read the full review here.)

And another:

"I loved the dialogue and the sparring between Luca and Charli. The author’s use of witty dialogue is astounding. It’s a truly magical read and a keeper for your shelf...

an outstanding story with great tension, good fast pace and a fabulous plot.

Nicola Marsh once again delivered a super romance with a strong spirited heroine, a deliciously breath-taking hero and woven a tale which is filled with emotion and sizzle with a very nice happy ever after!"

(Full review here.)

In the USA and can't wait until October to read this?

Well...enter my 7 book giveaway!

Details in post below.

Prize pack giveaway!

Here is the much promised book giveaway, featuring current & recent releases:

-GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS
-SEX, GOSSIP & ROCK & ROLL
-WILD NIGHTS WITH HER WICKED BOSS
-OVERTIME IN THE BOSS'S BED
-THREE TIMES A BRIDESMAID
-DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX!
-MARRIAGE: FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?

Yes, that's 7 books!

Plus goodies:
-passport holder
-luggage tag
-address book

To be in the running to win, here's how you enter:

-click on my 'like' Facebook author page (link in sidebar) 1 entry

-follow my blog (link in sidebar) 2 entries

(do both, a bonus entry!)

-follow me on Twitter 1 entry

-link to this contest on your blog or Twitter 2 entries

-dedicated post with link to my contest on your website/blog 3 entries

Old blog followers who 'like' me on FB: 3 entries
Current 'like' fans on FB who follow my blog: 3 entries

Whatever you choose to do to enter, please comment on this post by Friday 22nd July (a quick hi is fine, nothing fancy!) with your email details.
The contest will close by midnight Friday 22nd July.

(Contest is open internationally.)

Good luck!

Publishing information you need

A brilliant post over at agent Rachelle Gardner's blog with loads of links to submission details, an agent blogroll, query tips and more.

Check it out!

Win a KOBO!

Check out ENTANGLED PUBLISHING launch events at COFFEE TIME ROMANCE.

Going to be a blast!

Weekend Book Club: Witch in the House

I recently did an online workshop on Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author, which I found immensely helpful and intriguing.

The facilitator recommended many books and this was one of them, accurately portraying a witch.

Thanks to a speedy Book Depository delivery, I dived into WITCH IN THE HOUSE (Avon books, 2007).

Here's the blurb:

Jade Delarue is determined to find the man of her dreams, so the sexy witch casts a spell that brings a gorgeous man to her door. But private detective Mason Kincaid isn't looking for love. Jilted by his last girlfriend, Mason's thrown himself into his work. He's visiting Jade on official business, and not even the blizzard raging outside her house—or her spellbinding beauty—can distract him.

Then Jade realizes the mistake she's made in her spell, and she wants him gone. But there are charms to spare in Mystic Manor, showing Mason that the witch in the house might be the woman he's been waiting for. Convincing her, though, means coming up with a little magic of his own.

This book is purely character driven.
Jade and Mason are wonderful characters that made me keep reading through a trite, sluggish plot.

I adored the banter between them, really smashing dialogue.

And the heat these two generated...phew!

The witchcraft angle was superb throughout and very informative.

What are you reading this weekend?

(** giant book giveaway is coming this week, 6 books plus goodie pack**)

Book 29 sold!

After much hair-pulling during revisions, WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE? is sold!

The book will be releases as RIVA in the UK in Jan, and simultaneously as a Harlequin Romance in the USA.

Excerpt &'under the covers' action coming soon!

READER REVIEW: Girl in a Vintage Dress

Another 5 star review for GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS.

Here's a snippet:

"I really enjoyed this one and tore through it in one sitting...

As the back cover says about the fun factor "Warm and Witty stories of falling in love".

This one's definitely a keeper."

Thanks Lynne!
Read the review here.

(Coming up this weekend, MONSTER book giveaway!)

COVER LOVE: Girl in a Vintage Dress

Check out the Australian/NZ version of GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS.

Isn't it positively dreamy?

(The book hits shelves in August or available online now!)

Release day in USA

Release day in the USA for GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS.

With my dreamiest Harlequin Romance cover yet, you have to buy a copy!

Here's the blurb:

Fashions change

Chase Etheridge is organizing the most challenging event of his career—his sister's bachelorette party. Normally cool under pressure, the situation has Chase hot under the collar, and he knows exactly who to blame: Lola Lombard, party organizer, queen of all things vintage, and absolute bombshell!

But true love is timeless!

Behind Lola's pin curls and red lipstick hides a girl who's never believed she amounts to much. It's up to Chase to convince her that he loves her just the way she is, whether dressed in old-style glamour or as his brand-new bride!

For free worldwide postage, order here.

The new midlist

Check out this great article on Publishing Perspectives.

The New Midlist: Self-published e-book Authors Who Earn a Living.

Fascinating reading.

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Linger

I adored SHIVER, the first in the Wolves of Mercy Falls YA series by Maggie Stiefvater.

Sam and Grace's love story was riveting so I couldn't wait to read the follow up, LINGER.

From Goodreads:

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being.
For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future.
Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.
At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Once again, the love story between Sam and Grace sucked me in. The author's poignant mood-setting is a feature, making it totally believable these teens belong together.

Forget every preconception you ever had about werewolves. The wolves in this series are special.

I enjoyed delving into Cole & Isabel's psyche too, but have to admit the frequent changes in POV (the entire book is first person, told from Sam, Grace, Cole & Isabel's POV) tore me out of the story.

I would've loved more focus on Sam and Grace and their amazing connection.

Can't wait to read FOREVER, the 3rd and final instalment in this series.

What are you reading this week?

READER REVIEW: Girl in a Vintage Dress

Launch day for GIRL IN A VINTAGE DRESS in the UK and here's another fab reader review.

This is another example of why Ms Marsh is one of my favorite authors.

This was a laugh out loud story, it was fun and flirty, it was poignant and sensual.

Chase Etheridge likes to keep women at an emotional distance. Lola wants the whole vintage picture of HEA. But once they meet sparks fly. How are they going to find a way to meet both their needs and expectations?

Thanks to Nancy at eharlequin.