Release day SCION OF THE SUN

Release day for SCION OF THE SUN.

I'm in love with this book and I hope readers will be too.

A huge amount of world-building went into this YA fantasy and I can't wait to hear what readers think.
The first 2 reviews are in:

"an exciting novel, full of adventure and magic. All in all this was a well done book- I recommend it to fans of Vampire Academy and fans of contemporary fantasy books!" (THE BEST BOOKS EVER)

"It's a unique novel in YA literature, and I hope it won't be under-appreciated! An excellent start to a new mythology-based series, this is! Even if you're not a fan of druid mythology, or you don't know much about it, fear not! Marsh did her research (really well) for this book. And don't worry about the romance (I hinted at a love triangle). Just trust me! Or read the book. Or both." (THE EATER OF BOOKS)

SCION OF THE SUN is available in print and ebook:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

iTUNES 

If you take the time to read, please leave a review.

Every review counts!

Thanks.

Book Thingo rave review & interviewing a Wiccan High Priestess

Today is the last stop on my BANISH blog tour and it's a ripper!

Check out the fab review for BANISH and my interview with Deborah Blake, author and Wiccan High Priestess, over at BOOK THINGO.

Oh, and there's a giveaway too!

Weekend Book Club: It was Only a Kiss

You may think I'm biased in saying this, considering I write for Harlequin Kiss, but I'm absolutely hooked on this series!

It's fun, flirty and distinctive, with a lovely modern edge to all the books.
If you haven't tried one, please do. I'm sure you'll be hooked too.

I'm an avid reader and don't give 5 stars to every book, but this one thoroughly deserved it.

Here's the blurb:

The most distracting boss of all…...

For driven businessman Luke Savage success is the only option. So when gorgeous marketing intern Jess Sherwood waltzes into his office and casually informs him that his newly inherited vineyard has an image problem he's outraged! She's naive, overly ambitious, a know-it-all… And all Luke can do to stop her talking is kiss her senseless.

Eight years later the vineyard needs a boost—and Luke needs a hip new marketing strategy to save it. Jess may drive him crazy but she's the right woman for the job. Their only problem is how to keep their minds on work and off that kiss.

I'm hugely impressed by Joss Wood's third category romance. It's the first book of hers I've read and won't be the last. This book is sweet and sexy, with two strong-willed characters going head to head. Loved the sparks they created! And the secondary characters (the heroine's family) were hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What are you reading this weekend?

Weekend Book Club: The Secret Wedding Dress

I've been a fan of Ally Blake's fun, flirty, contemporary romance novels for a long time and her latest, THE SECRET WEDDING DRESS, is just as good as the rest.

It is part of the new Harlequin Kiss series (which all my Harlequin books will be a part of going forward) and from the books I've read so far, it's a fabulous series!

Here's the blurb:

A wedding dress...but no bride!  Paige Danforth isn't interested in setting herself up for an unhappy-ever-after-thanks to her father's betrayal, the closest she'll ever get to walking down the aisle is as a bridesmaid. But one bridal sale later, Paige is left clutching her own champagne chiffon wedding dress! Clearly she needs to end her self-imposed dating drought.... 

Enter ruggedly sexy neighbor Gabe Hamilton. He wants Paige in his bed and nothing more-no promises made, no promises broken. But will this big, bad adventurer stick around when he discovers not only skeletons-but the wedding dress-in her closet?

I love reading books set in my fabulous home city of Melbourne.

Paige is ballsy and quirky, Gabe is flawed and incredibly sexy. The kind of hero who makes this gal want to trawl the Docklands in search of him!

Thoroughly enjoyed!

What are you reading this weekend?

Romantic Times Hot Pick for January!

Am thrilled that ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE named CRAZY LOVE as a Hot Pick for January in self publishing. (thanks to the lovely author buddies who took this snapshot and forwarded to me).

Haven't read it yet?

Well, time to remedy that! ;)

Go grab it now!

Warming up for Bollywood

If you're in the USA, BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD will be on shelves in bookstores very soon (next week!) and I'm so excited.

It has also been selected for Walmart's Summer Beach Reads promo which is great!

So to celebrate the lead-up to mass market release, here's a review just in:

Oh, how I loved this book!  Mojito loving Shari and Rita are the best of friends – and Shari is quite the friend to take the brunt of Rakesh’s family wrath if things go south.  I loved the interaction between the characters, the funny moments, the food, and the bollywood movie references.  You are drawn into a world that is vibrant and you don’t want to leave!

The one thing standing in Shari’s way is Drew – can he spoil things with Rakesh and out her to his family as a fake fiance?  Can he keep the secret long enough for her to go back to New York and get Rita to meet Rakesh?

Would I recommend this book?  YES!! This book was funny and I couldn’t put it down.  I had to know what happened with Shari, Rita, Rakesh and Drew.  Would Rita and Rakesh end up together?  Would Drew and Shari get their chance at happiness?  Will I read more by this author?  Hell yes!  I can’t wait to see what Nicola comes out with next.

It's always a thrill when readers connect with a book so a huge thanks to Aislynn at Stitch, Read, Cook for this review!

Developing a thick skin

Authors, check out this brilliant blog post by Beth Revis on how to handle negative reviews.

Love it!

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Catch Me

Lisa Gardner is one author whose books I can never put down.

I have tight deadlines, I have kids, I have a hectic life, but I'll lose sleep devouring her books as fast as I can and CATCH ME was no exception.

Here's the blurb of her latest:

In four days, someone is going to kill me . . . 
Detective D. D. Warren is hard to surprise. But a lone woman outside D.D.'s latest crime scene shocks her with a remarkable proposition: Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant believes she will be murdered in four days. And she wants Boston's top detective to handle the death investigation.

It will be up close and personal. No evidence of forced entry, no sign of struggle. 
Charlie tells a chilling story: Each year at 8:00 p.m. on January 21st, a woman has died. The victims have been childhood best friends from a small town in New Hampshire; the motive remains unknown. Now only one friend, Charlie, remains to count down her final hours.
But as D.D. quickly learns, Charlie Grant doesn't plan on going down without a fight. By her own admission, the girl can outshoot, outfight, and outrun anyone in Boston. Which begs the question, is Charlie the next victim, or the perfect perpetrator? As D.D. tracks a vigilante gunman who is killing pedophiles in Boston, she must also delve into the murders of Charlie's friends, racing to find answers before the next gruesome January 21 anniversary. Is Charlie truly in danger, or is she hiding a secret that may turn out to be the biggest threat of all?

In four days, someone is going to kill me. But the son of a bitch has gotta catch me first. 

Catch Me is book 6 in the D.D. Warren series and shows the gritty Boston detective in a new light, as a struggling mother of a baby and the emotional fallout that entails. Really added to the depth of the character.

Lisa Gardner's thrillers are riveting.

She has a gift for weaving intricate plot points throughout the book without being obvious and her characters are realistic and appealing.
Her villains are flawed yet invoke sympathy, the sign of a brilliant writer.

If you've never read Lisa Gardner, do yourself a favour and pick up one of her books.

Highly recommend.

What are you reading this week?

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Exclusively Yours

I adore contemporary romance so was intrigued to read Shannon Stacey for the first time after hearing her Carina Press e-book Exclusively Yours hit the NYT bestseller list.

Once this book landed on my kindle, I was hooked! Shannon's voice sucked me into the story completely and made me laugh out loud several times.

Here's the blurb:


When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

I'm a huge fan of contemporary romance authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips (SEP novels rock!) and now have another author I will keenly follow.

Shannon Stacey's Kowalski family are addictive.
I read this book late at night in bed on my ereader after meeting deadlines of my own, and ended up getting little sleep because I couldn't put it down.

One of those wonderful romances you wish wouldn't end.

A seriously hot hero Joe (who's an author) and a career-driven heroine Keri (his first love) go camping with his family.
The results are hilarious and warm and lovely.

Looking forward to reading the sequels.

What are you reading this week?

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: How to Win the Dating War

I love discovering new authors and becoming hooked on their books.
Aimee Carson is now one of those authors.

I read How to Win the Dating War last week and it blew me away (especially as this is Aimee's 2nd book!)

Here's the blurb:

In the men’s corner.. Cutter Thompson – Miami’s hottest ex-racing car driver – believes that action always speaks louder than words. Participating in a celebrity dating competition, where his every text is analysed to death, is his worst nightmare! 


Flying the flag for the girls... Divorcee Jessica Wilson has built her life – and her dating service! – on the premise that communication is the key to happiness. Cutter might not think he needs her help to flirt successfully, but her professional radar says otherwise... 


But this battle of the sexes gets complicated by an intense, sizzling attraction! Will it be game, set and…match made in heaven?


This was my first book by Aimee Carson and I can sum it up in one word: WOW!

How to Win the Dating War is a sexy read with two mismatched characters that create major sparks.

Cutter has to be the hottest hero I've read in a long while. 
He's brash, blunt and incredibly drool worthy.
Jessica is a little prim and proper, and the perfect foil for his rough around the edges appeal.

The sexual tension sizzles off the page!

I loved every minute of this story and can't wait to read more from Aimee.


Highly recommend.


What are you reading this weekend?

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: No Dress Required

NO DRESS REQUIRED summed up in a word? Fabulous!

Part of the shorter 'Flirt' series for Entangled Publishing, No Dress Required packed a powerful punch and left me hankering for more.
No surprise it hit the USA TODAY bestseller list, it's a wonderful story.

Here's the blurb:

After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check. Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.

When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over.

I devoured this in one sitting!

Absolutely sensational read!

Cari Quinn has a unique voice that sucks you into the story from the very beginning.

For a shorter read, the emotional and sexual tension between Noelle and Jake is top rate.
Love, love, loved the fireworks they created! Steamy yet sweet.
The kind of story I wished could go on forever.

I can't wait to read Jake's sister Alexa's story, in a longer format, yay!

Highly recommend.

FRIDAY FLICKS: The Bext Exotic Marigold Hotel

I love entering a movie theatre knowing absolutely nothing about the film I'm about to see.
No expectations to fall short.

That was the case last week when I took my folks to see THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. I knew nothing about the film and when my mum mentioned it was set in India, I was hooked!

So that's all I knew: the location.

And what a rollicking good time I had.
I laughed out loud continuously throughout the movie, though it isn't a comedy per se.

It's a poignant 'fish out of water' story about English retirees 'outsourced' to a rundown hotel in India.
Each character has a satisfying growth arc from start to finish, with plenty of romance thrown in for good measure.

With an all-star cast and excellent acting, I dare anyone not to enjoy this feel-good film.

My rating: 8/10

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Fury

I hadn't heard of this YA novel when I picked it up.

The cover and the blurb sucked me in.

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...


Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.

This book had me riveted. Could hardly put it down.

Intriguing premise, with revenge being the underlying theme.
Revenge with a paranormal twist!

The author nailed the YA voice perfectly too and the teenage angst really sucked me into the story. Excellent characterisation.

Very unusual plot twist at the end to lead into more books in this series.

Enjoyable read.

What are you reading this weekend?

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Flirting with Italian

I'm a huge fan of Liz Fielding's heart-warming Harlequin Romances and have to say the title of this one intrigued. Snappy and sexy!
Much like this wonderful book.

Here's the blurb:

Bag: packed. Flight: booked. Soon I'll be in Rome and experiencing life in a foreign language! Watch this space.
Newly single Sarah Gratton is determined to enjoy her holiday—could a just-for-fun romance with dark-eyed Matteo di Serrone be the answer? This Italian count is ideal flirting material—if Sarah's brave enough to make a move! Well, she might not be—but luckily Matteo is!
Matteo decides to keep this mysterious woman close—no hardship at all, given their spine-tingling awareness of each other. It's like something out of a fairy tale—until Sarah realizes she's made the most rookie mistake of all: falling in love with her holiday fling.

 I adore Italy and reading this book made me want to jump on a plane and revisit!


This book is lush with flavours and aromas and poignancy.

The emotional connection between Sarah and Matteo is natural yet sizzling, a riveting combination.

Liz Fielding has penned a beautiful romance, rich and evocative and sigh-worthy.

What are you reading this weekend?

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Rules of Negotiation

Last month, Entangled Publishing launched its new category romance series under the Indulgence imprint to massive success.

Inara Scott, a YA author for Disney and a lovely fellow EP author, was one of the launch authors with RULES OF NEGOTIATION.

Here's the blurb:

He let her make the rules…


NYC’s most eligible bachelor, Brit Bencher, is also known as The Slayer for his reputation in the boardroom…and the bedroom. And he’ll do anything to take care of his family, even seduce high-powered corporate attorney Tori Anderson in the hopes of getting her to reveal confidential information about one of her clients. But for the first time in his life, he finds he’s falling for a woman.


…and then he started to break them.

After juggling the demands of her career and the stress of caring for her ailing mother, Tori Anderson doesn’t have time for relationships—but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to feel like a woman. When Brit offers a no-strings attached fling, it sounds like exactly what she needs. But what will she do when Brit decides he won’t take “one night stand” for an answer? When Tori uncovers his lies, will he lose his chance with her forever?

If I had to use a few words to sum up Inara Scott's debut category romance, they would be 'category romance with substance.'


Inara pens a gorgeous, sexy hero in Brit, a hero with flaws who isn't afraid to admit them when it counts.

And the heroine Tori is a feisty, upfront heroine who I loved for her forthrightness, her confidence in her work and her vulnerability in her personal life.

Together, these two strong willed characters equal fireworks!

I laughed out loud at several one liners in this book, one of my favourites an example of Tori's forthrightness: she's mad at Brit, he asks if she's upset for a particular reason, her response:
"No, I'm upset because you're an asshole."

I love an honest heroine and Tori is all that and more.

A highly enjoyable read.

What are you reading this weekend?

Reader review: BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD

Because BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD is so special to me, each and every review is precious.

Here's the latest reader review that made me smile:

**WARNING** Do not read this book when hungry!


This was one of those books that when I started reading, I couldn't put down. Ended up finishing it about 4am one morning. Couldn't be helped though!

Busted in Bollywood should be endorsed by the Indian Ministry of Tourism as this book will have you booking flights to India...... or reaching for the phone to place an order with the local Indian takeaway!
 
(thanks Sarah Donald, Goodreads.)

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Doukakis's Apprentice

I hadn't read a straight Harlequin Presents novel in years and the positive reviews on this book made me want to pick it up.

I'm glad I did!

Here's the blurb:
Wanted: willing apprentice to handle indecently arrogant (but incredibly sexy) tycoon

With her family business in crisis, Polly Prince does her best to keep calm and carry on. But hard work alone can't save her London company from a takeover by the infamously ruthless Damon Doukakis...or her traitorous body from the lethal sensuality of her boss!

As his new apprentice, Polly accompanies Damon to Paris to negotiate the most challenging business deal of her life! Worse still, Polly must at all costs resist Damon in the most dangerously romantic city in the world....
 
What with writing and reading, I rarely get to bed before 1am and, my plans for an early night were shot by this book.
I'm always wary when there's hype about a book in case it doesn't live up to expectations.
This one did, and how!

Polly Prince is a standout heroine: ballsy, funny, quirky.

Damon Doukakis is a typical Presents hero: commanding, arrogant and super sexy.

Together? Fireworks!

Every now and then a book comes along that gives me writer envy. This is one of them.
Brilliant read.
Highly recommended

What are you reading this weekend?

READER REVIEW: Busted in Bollywood

I'm loving the wonderful reviews coming in for BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD.
I've been pretty lax during school holidays not being online much, so haven't really posted many. Am hoping to remedy that!

Here's the latest:

Busted in Bollywood is a wonderfully magical story with charming characters, rich imagery, and a romance that will leave you breathless!



•I loved the friendship between Shari and her best friend Amrita. Their witty banter was hilarious to read about and the way they supported and cared for each other was heart-warming!


•Another character that was awesome is Amirta's auntie Anjali. Her obsession with food meant mouth watering descriptions of delicious Indian cuisines (warning: do not read on an empty stomach!) and her love for popular TV shows made her a fun and quirky character.


•As with all romantic comedies there is a swoon worthy guy that even now after finishing the book I cannot stop thinking about! The chemistry between Shari and Drew was insane, their constant banter and flirting had me smiling throughout!


•The colourful descriptions of India had me both fascinated and intrigued. I felt as if I was there with Shari on her journey of self-discovery. The plot was face-paced and unique, and as Shari begins to learn more about her Indian roots we’re swept into a vivid atmosphere with Indian traditions, mad traffic, and the smell of diesel fuel!


Busted in Bollywood is a fabulous read from USA best selling author Nicola Marsh!

Huge thanks to THE PAGE TURNER for taking the time to read and review.

WEEKEND BOOK CLUB: Liz Fielding's Little Book of Romance Writing

Welcome Liz Fielding to give us a brief insight into her brand new writing reference book, LIZ FIELDING'S LITTLE BOOK OF WRITING ROMANCE.

Begin your story at a moment of crisis, a point in time when your character’s life is about to change for ever.



— Mollie Blake’s Writing Workshop Notes from Secret Wedding by Liz Fielding

Mollie Blake is a woman who knows what’s she’s talking about. Well, obviously, I created her back in 2000 for my novella, The Secret Wedding.

How I wish I’d had someone like her around when I was starting out on my writing career. Someone to take me by the hand and ease me through the process of getting the story in my head onto paper. Explain about conflict, the importance of emotion, creating characters that the reader will care about. Alas, twenty years ago there were few “how-to” books to turn to in the UK, the internet had not been invented and I’d never heard the words “critique partner”. I didn’t actually know anyone else who was writing. I was on my own.

I learned by doing, by writing, being rejected, reading the writers I wanted to emulate. It was a long, slow and very steep learning curve but the one thing you need if you want to be a writer is single-minded determination. My fourth submission, An Image of You, was published in 1992 and, since then, I’ve had a wonderful career with more than sixty books in print.

My Little Book of Writing Romance is a straightforward writing romance primer. It’s the book I wish I’d had when I was fumbling through my first attempts at writing fiction and I launched into the world this week as a hand in the dark to new writers struggling with the stuff it took me years to learn. And when you make it into print, email me to share the joy.


Liz Fielding’s Little Book of Writing Romance is available from


PS – Molly Blake’s story, The Secret Wedding, is available as a free online read or you can download it for .99c from Amazon.

This is the kind of book I wish had been around when I first started writing ten years ago and was totally clueless!

As I turned the pages I found myself nodding often, as Liz provides excellent tips and examples for:
-dialogue
-deep emotion
-POV
-conflict
-grabbing the reader on the first page
-creating a four-dimensional world
-a satisfying ending.

This is a great writing resource, highly recommend.

Buy at Amazon US & Amazon UK

I have Liz's latest FLIRTING WITH ITALIAN lined up to read next on my TBR pile.
What are you reading this week?

AWW Challenge Review: Shift by Em Bailey

This is my first review as part of the Australian Women Writers Challenge 2012.

It has been a long time since I sat down and read a book cover to cover in one sitting, but that's exactly what I did with Shift.
Once I started I couldn't put it down.

Didn't see the major twist coming AT ALL and I always see the twist!


Riveting and creepy and goosebump-inducing, this stayed with me long after I went to bed in the wee small hours.


Quick summary: Olive is a teenager with mental health issues following the break up of her parents' marriage. She's instantly appealing and likable.


Then there's Miranda...the new girl at school who is beyond scary.


This psychological thriller warns of the dangers of letting anyone, even your friends, get too close. Spine-chilling!


Yeah, Olive does some stupid stuff sometimes by deliberately walking into dangerous situations but it didn't matter because I was totally hooked by the plot and couldn't turn pages fast enough to discover more.


Highly recommend.