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?