"For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a "Special Love"
That deepens every year..."
I stumbled across this poem a while back (author unknown) and it really struck a chord.
My mum is amazing.
She's warm, vivacious, energetic, optimistic, caring and has raised me to be the person I am.
Until I had my own kids, I didn't realise the extent of a mother's love: how utterly overwhelming and amazing and never-ending it is. It's something I know I've taken for granted at times over the years.
So happy birthday Mum!
Thanks for the being the wonderful person you are.
I love you.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Juggling spinning plates
My editor has read 'Journey of the Heart' and loves it, but my hero Ethan is too nice!
I need to alpha him up.
That's the trouble with using Hugh Jackman as hero inspiration. He's a genuinely nice guy and it's difficult to make him otherwise.
So going to be busy the next few weeks wrestling him into shape.
Not to mention the countless parties: tonight, 2 on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, the following Saturday and Monday.
October is a crazy month.
And don't those revisions always land at the hectic times?
For now, Britt and Nick will have to wait...considering where I left them last, I doubt they'll be complaining!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Ooh la la!
Ooh, the excitement of a new cover, nothing like it!
And this one's extra special because it's my first Harlequin Presents!
Yes, I had 2 Harlequin Presents Extra releases earlier this year but this one's my first straight Presents and I can't wait for it to hit US shelves. So look out for my sexy boss coming to you in Feb!
And a quick wave to all the ladies who attended my talk at Kew library. It was a fabulous turn out, with at least 8-10 writers in the group of 30-odd.
Question time went almost as long as the talk and it's great to see so many people interested in writing for Mills and Boon, and in romance in general.
Now, if only I could banish the thought of speaking in front of 200 people in 3 weeks, I'd be feeling a lot better...
And this one's extra special because it's my first Harlequin Presents!
Yes, I had 2 Harlequin Presents Extra releases earlier this year but this one's my first straight Presents and I can't wait for it to hit US shelves. So look out for my sexy boss coming to you in Feb!
And a quick wave to all the ladies who attended my talk at Kew library. It was a fabulous turn out, with at least 8-10 writers in the group of 30-odd.
Question time went almost as long as the talk and it's great to see so many people interested in writing for Mills and Boon, and in romance in general.
Now, if only I could banish the thought of speaking in front of 200 people in 3 weeks, I'd be feeling a lot better...
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The Boss's Bedroom Agenda
Today, my sexy archaeologist and shoe crazy metal sculptor hit UK shelves.
If you like your heroes commanding and your heroines quirky, sassy and sweet, you'll love THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA.
Here's a snippet to whet your appetite:
“Don’t worry, Professor, I’ll look after you.”
She raised her cranberry martini in his direction, her hand jerking when she registered the shocked look on his face meant she’d let that little gem slip out.
“What did you just call me?”
“Professor,” she mumbled into her drink, using the glass to shield her burgeoning smile at the frown creasing his brow and making him look more professor-ish than ever.
“Why?”
She waved away his question, sloshing some of her drink onto his leg in the process.
“Oops, sorry.”
She grabbed at the napkin serving as a coaster on the table and dabbed at the spreading gin stain on his pants.
“Leave it, it’s fine,” he snapped, stilling her frantic hand while she tried not to yank hers out from under his.
If she thought he looked hot it had nothing on the effect he had on her body when he touched her.
It had taken all her willpower back in his office not to lean into him when he’d taken hold of her arms in a purely reflex gesture, the type of rescuing gesture a guy like him would make.
He was a gentleman, no two ways about it, so what was she doing here flirting with her boss?
This was madness. What had she been thinking?
She hadn’t thought as usual, caught up in living for the moment, flying by the seat of her pants.
Story of her life, really.
“You didn’t answer my question.” He released her hand before taking a healthy slug of his boutique beer. “Why professor?”
“It’s a term of endearment.”
She raised her martini glass in his direction before draining the rest of her drink. Better to scull and appear a lush than accidentally upend it over his chest.
Though if she got a chance to dab at that broad expanse of muscle because of it…
You can also buy here!
If you like your heroes commanding and your heroines quirky, sassy and sweet, you'll love THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA.
Here's a snippet to whet your appetite:
“Don’t worry, Professor, I’ll look after you.”
She raised her cranberry martini in his direction, her hand jerking when she registered the shocked look on his face meant she’d let that little gem slip out.
“What did you just call me?”
“Professor,” she mumbled into her drink, using the glass to shield her burgeoning smile at the frown creasing his brow and making him look more professor-ish than ever.
“Why?”
She waved away his question, sloshing some of her drink onto his leg in the process.
“Oops, sorry.”
She grabbed at the napkin serving as a coaster on the table and dabbed at the spreading gin stain on his pants.
“Leave it, it’s fine,” he snapped, stilling her frantic hand while she tried not to yank hers out from under his.
If she thought he looked hot it had nothing on the effect he had on her body when he touched her.
It had taken all her willpower back in his office not to lean into him when he’d taken hold of her arms in a purely reflex gesture, the type of rescuing gesture a guy like him would make.
He was a gentleman, no two ways about it, so what was she doing here flirting with her boss?
This was madness. What had she been thinking?
She hadn’t thought as usual, caught up in living for the moment, flying by the seat of her pants.
Story of her life, really.
“You didn’t answer my question.” He released her hand before taking a healthy slug of his boutique beer. “Why professor?”
“It’s a term of endearment.”
She raised her martini glass in his direction before draining the rest of her drink. Better to scull and appear a lush than accidentally upend it over his chest.
Though if she got a chance to dab at that broad expanse of muscle because of it…
You can also buy here!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Another brilliant read
Another brilliant read by Barbara Samuel (who now has equal status as my favourite author alongside Susan Elizabeth Phillips.)
A PIECE OF HEAVEN features an American Indian hero, complete with acne scars and paunch, and she makes him sexier than sexy!
Luna, the heroine, is an alcoholic.
The way Barbara weaves a beautiful tale around these characters (along with a host of fabulous secondary characters) made me never want to put this book down.
If you haven't read Barbara, you absolutely have to.
The way she layers emotion and brings characters to life is nothing short of brilliant.
A PIECE OF HEAVEN features an American Indian hero, complete with acne scars and paunch, and she makes him sexier than sexy!
Luna, the heroine, is an alcoholic.
The way Barbara weaves a beautiful tale around these characters (along with a host of fabulous secondary characters) made me never want to put this book down.
If you haven't read Barbara, you absolutely have to.
The way she layers emotion and brings characters to life is nothing short of brilliant.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fancy some hot nights?
Want to win a copy of this book?
I'm giving away a signed copy over at THE ROMANCE STUDIO today.
This book isn't scheduled for US release so it may be your only chance to get your hands on a copy.
Though I'm giving away several copies of HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY in my newsletter contest coming up this week so if you want to be in it, sign up by emailing me.
I'm giving away a signed copy over at THE ROMANCE STUDIO today.
This book isn't scheduled for US release so it may be your only chance to get your hands on a copy.
Though I'm giving away several copies of HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY in my newsletter contest coming up this week so if you want to be in it, sign up by emailing me.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Zo-Zo
Happy first birthday to my darling little god-daughter and niece, Zoe.
This is at her christening many months ago.
Isn't she a doll?
This is at her christening many months ago.
Isn't she a doll?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Glomming
Remember how I raved about Barbara Samuel's NO PLACE LIKE HOME last week?
Well, I've devoured 2 more of her books since then, MADAME MIRABOU'S SCHOOL OF LOVE and LADY LUCK'S MAP OF VEGAS.
She's a fabulous author.
If you love books packed with emotion, with real characters that will make you laugh and cry, grab her books.
I hadn't heard the term 'glomming' till recently (where you devour an author's backlist) and I'm proud to say I'm now a glommer of Barbara Samuel.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Best-laid plans
Yesterday was a disaster.
The date didn't happen.
I was so excited, got all dressed up, bub down for a long nap and happily watched by grandpa, and headed off in the car.
Not 10 kms up the road, a slow moving truck flicks up a rock and puts a chip in my windscreen the size of a 10 cent piece. Ka-ching! Moula to fix when we got home.
It was only a minor blip but I instantly thought, 'what else is going to go wrong today?'
Well, we were on the freeway, almost to the city, when we got a call from DS1's kinder. There had been an incident. We had to get there asap.
So cue the exit off the freeway, get back on, in the opposite direction.
The exquisite lunch we had booked never happened.
Our first date in goodness knows how long...nada.
But the kids are all right and that's the main thing.
And after being quoted $200 to fix the windscreen (my hubby got this on the first phone call!) I rang around and got someone to come out and fix it for $65. That first mob is famous and first port of call for most people...robbery!
The highlight of my day?
Curling up and finishing Barbara Samuel's NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
I met Barbara at the recent RWAus conference and was blown away. She's my idol.
So I rushed home that night and bought her entire backlist.
'No Place Like Home' is the first book I read...and oh my...she's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
I cried and I never cry with books. Movies, yes. Books, rarely.
Here's what it's about.
Sometimes a wrong turn is the only way home. . .
No Place Like Home tells the unforgettable story of a family bound together by tradition-and the emotional journey of an estranged daughter risking everything for a second chance at life and love.
Twenty-one years ago Jewel Sabatino left her childhood behind and never looked back. After a magical taste of fame, she found herself alone with a son to raise and not much else. She survived with the help of Michael, her one true friend. But now Michael is too sick to care for himself, and Jewel has run out of options. She leaves New York for the hills of Colorado, unsure if the family she ran from will welcome her back.
For Jewel, coming home is falling back into a world that smells of Italian restaurants and home-baked pies. It is the laughter of sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and the peaceful haven for a treasured soul mate's last days. It also means facing the unforgiving eyes of a father betrayed by his favorite child-and letting go of a son who is ready to become a man. But most of all, it is the love she discovers in her own wary heart when Michael's brother Malachi unexpectedly arrives on her doorstep.
I will be devouring the rest of the books.
In fact, I'm already half way through MADAME MIRABOU'S SCHOOL OF LOVE and I only started in last night!
I want to be Barbara when I grow up. :)
The date didn't happen.
I was so excited, got all dressed up, bub down for a long nap and happily watched by grandpa, and headed off in the car.
Not 10 kms up the road, a slow moving truck flicks up a rock and puts a chip in my windscreen the size of a 10 cent piece. Ka-ching! Moula to fix when we got home.
It was only a minor blip but I instantly thought, 'what else is going to go wrong today?'
Well, we were on the freeway, almost to the city, when we got a call from DS1's kinder. There had been an incident. We had to get there asap.
So cue the exit off the freeway, get back on, in the opposite direction.
The exquisite lunch we had booked never happened.
Our first date in goodness knows how long...nada.
But the kids are all right and that's the main thing.
And after being quoted $200 to fix the windscreen (my hubby got this on the first phone call!) I rang around and got someone to come out and fix it for $65. That first mob is famous and first port of call for most people...robbery!
The highlight of my day?
Curling up and finishing Barbara Samuel's NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
I met Barbara at the recent RWAus conference and was blown away. She's my idol.
So I rushed home that night and bought her entire backlist.
'No Place Like Home' is the first book I read...and oh my...she's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
I cried and I never cry with books. Movies, yes. Books, rarely.
Here's what it's about.
Sometimes a wrong turn is the only way home. . .
No Place Like Home tells the unforgettable story of a family bound together by tradition-and the emotional journey of an estranged daughter risking everything for a second chance at life and love.
Twenty-one years ago Jewel Sabatino left her childhood behind and never looked back. After a magical taste of fame, she found herself alone with a son to raise and not much else. She survived with the help of Michael, her one true friend. But now Michael is too sick to care for himself, and Jewel has run out of options. She leaves New York for the hills of Colorado, unsure if the family she ran from will welcome her back.
For Jewel, coming home is falling back into a world that smells of Italian restaurants and home-baked pies. It is the laughter of sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and the peaceful haven for a treasured soul mate's last days. It also means facing the unforgiving eyes of a father betrayed by his favorite child-and letting go of a son who is ready to become a man. But most of all, it is the love she discovers in her own wary heart when Michael's brother Malachi unexpectedly arrives on her doorstep.
I will be devouring the rest of the books.
In fact, I'm already half way through MADAME MIRABOU'S SCHOOL OF LOVE and I only started in last night!
I want to be Barbara when I grow up. :)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
My hero
This is one of my favourite pics of Hugh Jackman.
Unfortunately, I can't use it to fuel a scene in the book as Ethan isn't a motorbike kind of guy. But I'm generous. Thought you might enjoy this over the weekend.
Writing-wise, I managed 13000 words this week. I'm just over half way and the story is still flowing beautifully.
The downside? Have woken with a sore throat again. So can't push myself over the next 5 days. Must be healthy for conference. Will resort to Alphie during the day and trying to get to bed earlier at night. That's my battle plan to attack this super bug doing the rounds of Melbourne at the moment.
I will be in glossy, glam author mode next week. I will, I will, I will!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Hints for Sexy Writers
Remember I recently mentioned the FEEL THE HEAT competition for writers targetting Harlequin Modern Heat (Sexy Sensation in OZ)?
Well, if you want a few hints on how to create Mod Heat characters, I've posted an article at the Harlequin Presents Blog.
Hope it helps :)
Well, if you want a few hints on how to create Mod Heat characters, I've posted an article at the Harlequin Presents Blog.
Hope it helps :)
Friday, August 01, 2008
Double release!
If you're in Australia and New Zealand, I have 2 books hitting the shelves today!
HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY (Sexy Sensation) and THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL (Sweet) are OUT NOW!
Looking forward to hearing more reader reviews :)
HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY (Sexy Sensation) and THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL (Sweet) are OUT NOW!
Remember what a few reviewers had to say:
"fast, wonderfully well-written read, it rekindles every fantasy about Prince Charming, exotic desert lands and being swept off my feet I ever had. Ms. Marsh's characters are quick-witted, intelligent and definitely have chemistry enough to make the romance sizzle. The setting is wonderful, with plenty of details to make it all come to life. THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL is a great, bite-sized romance! Well done!" (Romance Reader at Heart)
"Forget about Sex and the City:The Movie, if it's fresh, flirty and feel-good you're after then pick up Nicola Marsh's latest Modern Heat: Hot Nights with a Playboy!...a steamy, sexy and fun contemporary romance that sparkles with glamour, humour, sophistication, passion and plenty of style!...a fast-paced sizzler by a writer who writes deliciously sensual contemporary romances that pack plenty of emotional punch! Don't miss it!" (CataRomance)Looking forward to hearing more reader reviews :)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Calling all sexy writers!
Harlequin Mills and Boon are running another fabulous contest to discover new authors and this time it's for the Modern Heat/Presents series (Sexy Sensation in Australia), one of the fab series I write for.So if you like writing sexy, have a fun, fresh, flirty voice and would love to be published in this series, why not give it a go?
All details for the FEEL THE HEAT contest are here.
Good luck!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Titles
CONTRACT TO MARRY is out now in Germany (in a collection with Kim Lawrence, Sharon Kendrick and Jennie Lucas.) You can buy it here.
The title is MIT DIR IM SIEBTEN HIMMEL which translates to 'With You in Seventh Heaven'.
Cute, huh?
I'm always intrigued by foreign translations and the titles. And I often wonder if the stories are the same or something gets lost in the translation?
Would love to hear from anyone who has read my books in another language :)
The title is MIT DIR IM SIEBTEN HIMMEL which translates to 'With You in Seventh Heaven'.
Cute, huh?
I'm always intrigued by foreign translations and the titles. And I often wonder if the stories are the same or something gets lost in the translation?
Would love to hear from anyone who has read my books in another language :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Another great review for my desert prince
You've heard the lovely things ALL ABOUT ROMANCE and ROMANCE READER AT HEART had to say about my desert prince, now I've had another great review, this time from CataRomance.
Here's a snippet:
The fabulous Nicola Marsh always manages to imbue her award-winning Harlequin Romances with lots of fun, wit and sophistication, whilst retaining the warmth, tenderness and intensity of the Romance imprint that has kept readers from all over the world entranced for decades!
Warm-hearted, fresh, tender and compelling, Nicola Marsh’s The Desert Prince’s Proposal is the perfect book to lose yourself in on a hot summer night! With a wonderful cast of characters, a fast-paced plot and plenty of emotional power, The Desert Prince’s Proposal is another spellbinding romance from a wonderful novelist with a wonderfully bright future ahead of her.
And over at the Pink Heart Society reviews we have this:
Tender, romantic, warm-hearted, sassy and feel-good, The Desert Prince’s Proposal is a classic Sheikh romance that sparkles with plenty of wit, humour and charm! Don’t miss the latest page-turner by talented romance writer Nicola Marsh!
Right, now I'm feeling pumped I'm off on a research trip tonight.
Will tell you all about it on Monday :)
Here's a snippet:
The fabulous Nicola Marsh always manages to imbue her award-winning Harlequin Romances with lots of fun, wit and sophistication, whilst retaining the warmth, tenderness and intensity of the Romance imprint that has kept readers from all over the world entranced for decades!
Warm-hearted, fresh, tender and compelling, Nicola Marsh’s The Desert Prince’s Proposal is the perfect book to lose yourself in on a hot summer night! With a wonderful cast of characters, a fast-paced plot and plenty of emotional power, The Desert Prince’s Proposal is another spellbinding romance from a wonderful novelist with a wonderfully bright future ahead of her.
And over at the Pink Heart Society reviews we have this:
Tender, romantic, warm-hearted, sassy and feel-good, The Desert Prince’s Proposal is a classic Sheikh romance that sparkles with plenty of wit, humour and charm! Don’t miss the latest page-turner by talented romance writer Nicola Marsh!
Right, now I'm feeling pumped I'm off on a research trip tonight.
Will tell you all about it on Monday :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Latest review
Here's the latest review for HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY (hitting Aussie and New Zealand shelves in August.)
Nicola Marsh sets the stage for a steamy read in HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY. The tropical environment of the photo shoots helps to play on the emotions Abby and Judd are feeling as they work closely together. Both have tried to deny their chemistry but it is impossible when what they really want to do is the direct opposite. I loved the frank discussions of friendship and lust Judd and Abby shared. Complexities abound for them as they do not want to lose their friendship. At the same time, the reader is definitely rooting for them. Their bond is very strong but with Judd’s fears of relationships, of settling down and not traveling all over the world, it makes it difficult for Abby to trust in his avowals of love. HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY is steamy and has several interesting character complexities that keep the story fresh.
ROMANCE JUNKIES gave it a blue ribbon rating of 4, a book they would recommend to all their friends :)
Nicola Marsh sets the stage for a steamy read in HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY. The tropical environment of the photo shoots helps to play on the emotions Abby and Judd are feeling as they work closely together. Both have tried to deny their chemistry but it is impossible when what they really want to do is the direct opposite. I loved the frank discussions of friendship and lust Judd and Abby shared. Complexities abound for them as they do not want to lose their friendship. At the same time, the reader is definitely rooting for them. Their bond is very strong but with Judd’s fears of relationships, of settling down and not traveling all over the world, it makes it difficult for Abby to trust in his avowals of love. HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY is steamy and has several interesting character complexities that keep the story fresh.
ROMANCE JUNKIES gave it a blue ribbon rating of 4, a book they would recommend to all their friends :)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
COVER TO COVER: The final result
From this (last September)
To this: THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABY (yay, I now have a title!) a Harlequin Romance, out in May 09.
Way too long to wait considering I think this is the best book I've written and I absolutely love it! I hope you will too.
If you want to follow the creation of this book from start to finish, click on the Cover to Cover link in the sidebar.
And if you want to see all the 'under the covers' action and read a brand new excerpt, head on over to my website.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Double whammy!
If you're in Australia and New Zealand, August sees 2 of my books hit the shelves.
But if you can't wait that long, both these books are available online NOW!
Fancy a bit of sizzle on a Whitsunday island? Check out HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY, available here.
Fancy the scorching kisses of a desert prince? Check out THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL here.
Or why not indulge and grab both? ;)
But if you can't wait that long, both these books are available online NOW!
Fancy a bit of sizzle on a Whitsunday island? Check out HOT NIGHTS WITH A PLAYBOY, available here.
Fancy the scorching kisses of a desert prince? Check out THE DESERT PRINCE'S PROPOSAL here.Or why not indulge and grab both? ;)
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Boss's Bedroom Agenda
Here it is, the gorgeous UK cover for THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA.What do you think?
I love it!
That boss can seduce me anytime ;)
This book features Aidan Voss, archaeologist turned temp CEO of Melbourne Museum, and Beth Walker, shoe addict and avant garde metal sculptor.
I had so much fun writing this book (little wonder I had to give Lana, Beth's geeky cousin, her own story!)
And the great news?
This book will be released as Harlequin Presents in the USA in Feb 2009!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The end
Zac and Lana have sailed into the sunset.
(This is the picture that started it all...sigh, isn't he gorgeous?)
'Making Waves with the Magnate' is done!
Rather fortunate, as had a chat with my editor last night and plans have changed, big time!
Revisions for THE DATING DILEMMA have been shelved, as my next Romance (the one I can't wait to tell you about) needs to be written...now!
This is the commissioned book as part of an exciting new series and my deadline is...like yesterday! Yikes!
So guess who's going to be a busy little bee? Then it's another Mod Heat asap, then while I'm waiting on that one I can tackle revisions.
Throw in several deadlined articles I have to write, a requested short story for a magazine, several interviews, guest blogs and the general life stuff of being a supermum and you'll know why I couldn't sleep last night. My head is buzzing!
So exciting times ahead.
But firstly, Zac needs to be edited next week. That first article has to be written, as does the short story.
Then it's onto...JOURNEY OF THE HEART.
Wait till you here about this story! I love it so much already and I haven't written a word yet!
I'd also hoped to post my cover of THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA today but must dash (kinder kid off to a party-I swear his social life is more of a whirlwind than mine!!)
There's some great news about its US release too, but I'll leave that till Monday :)
(This is the picture that started it all...sigh, isn't he gorgeous?)
'Making Waves with the Magnate' is done!
Rather fortunate, as had a chat with my editor last night and plans have changed, big time!
Revisions for THE DATING DILEMMA have been shelved, as my next Romance (the one I can't wait to tell you about) needs to be written...now!
This is the commissioned book as part of an exciting new series and my deadline is...like yesterday! Yikes!
So guess who's going to be a busy little bee? Then it's another Mod Heat asap, then while I'm waiting on that one I can tackle revisions.
Throw in several deadlined articles I have to write, a requested short story for a magazine, several interviews, guest blogs and the general life stuff of being a supermum and you'll know why I couldn't sleep last night. My head is buzzing!
So exciting times ahead.
But firstly, Zac needs to be edited next week. That first article has to be written, as does the short story.
Then it's onto...JOURNEY OF THE HEART.
Wait till you here about this story! I love it so much already and I haven't written a word yet!
I'd also hoped to post my cover of THE BOSS'S BEDROOM AGENDA today but must dash (kinder kid off to a party-I swear his social life is more of a whirlwind than mine!!)
There's some great news about its US release too, but I'll leave that till Monday :)
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