One of the four books I've been anticipating the most!!! Hawke, Kaleb, Vasic, and of course, Aden. All of them has always been so enigmatic and disgustingly (though unintentionally but undeniably) sexy.
To celebrate the release of Shield of Winter (AHHHHHHHH ITZHEREITZHERE), I've put together a mini interview with (the super amazing) Ms Singh and her assistant, Ashwini (Guild Hunter! Hah), and a giveaway!
For those who hasn't read the series (which is nigh impossible, cause if you're into Paranormal Romance (PNR), Nalini Singh is like the first thing that pops up along with JR Ward, Ilona Andrews, and like Larrissa Ione), don't venture beyond here cause there will be spoilers!
By Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #13
Publication Date: June 3rd, 2014
Publisher: Berkeley (US)/Gollancz (UK)
Synopsis: “The alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) draws us back into
her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world, a world torn between violence and
peace, passion and ice..."
Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.
For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…
Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…
Author Bio
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s travelled as far afield as the deserts of China, the Highlands of Scotland, and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her the most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.
Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. You can contact her directly through her website: www.nalinisingh.com. While visiting the site, Nalini invites you to join her newsletter for up-to-date news about both the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series, as well as fun exclusive extras, including free short stories set in her worlds.
CYP: Hi Nalini! Thank you so much for agreeing to have this interview with me!
Nalini:Thanks for the invitation!
1) I'm sure you get this question a lot, but... What made you start to write seriously? Like when did you make up your mind that being an author will be your legit career?
Nalini:I've always made up stories in my head, but it was as a teenager that I began to try to write full-length novels and began to explore what it took to get published. It was a number of years and many manuscripts later before I could become a full-time writer.
(I should have phrased this as "did you have any doubts about being an author initially?" Damnnnn. Oh well)
2) Which books in each series are your favorite? Or rather, which book gave you the most satisfaction when you've reached the The End?
Nalini:I can never pick a favorite. I spend twenty-four hours a day with the characters when I write, and I must be passionate about them all if the story is to resonate with the reader.
3) You've mentioned that the changeling series arc will end in another two or three books including Shield of Winter right? Is the number more definitive now or still unclear?
Nalini: The story arc that began with Slave to Sensation will likely end with book 14, though it's possible I'll need another book to wrap things up. I won't know that for sure until I begin writing. However, after that, I'd like to do what I call my "tangent" books, about characters and parts of the world we haven't had a chance to explore in depth to this point.
4) How about the Guild Hunter series? How many books are we looking at currently? Is the ending clear in your head already?
Nalini: I'm contracted up to book 8, and I plan to do more books after that. I know where the series is going, but I'm not sure how many books exactly it'll take to get there. Also, I want to give all of the main characters a chance to tell their story - for example, I wouldn't want to end the series without writing Aodhan's book. So for now, there is no set number. It will take as long as it takes, and when it's done, it's done. :-)
5) For the Guild Hunter series, will the next few books be in Elena/Raphael's POV or some other couples'? (Sorry, I'm a super big fan of theirs and was kiiiiiinda - just kinda - disappointed when Shadow was announced to be in Ash/Janvier's POV)
Nalini:I just finished writing Archangel's Shadows, so I'm giving myself some time to think about the next book. Whatever happens, you will see Elena and Raphael (they're a strong presence in Archangel's Shadows, too), but I'm fairly certain they won't be the main characters in the next book. That said, I reserve the right to change my mind. ;-)
6) How about the Psy-Changeling series? Will Aden be the next?? :D
Nalini: Yes, Aden's book is next. :-)
(AHHHH A CONFIRMATION!! ADENADENADEN *coma*)
7) Will you be writing novels/novellas about the other changelings? (Like Teijan and the falcons?)
Nalini:I would like to do this after completing the main Psy-Changeling story arc. I'd definitely like to explore the falcons and the sea changelings, for example. I'm not so sure Teijan will get a book or a novella of his own - it's more likely his story will be told through the series, but again, that could change. I let my characters drive the stories, so sometimes, they surprise me.
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Can you imagine how awesome it is to be able to ask your favorite author of all time questions you've been dying to ask? I SQUEALED like a pig in heat. Haha, kidding, but yeah I was crazy happy when Ashwini said I could have a mini interview with Nalini (she's so busy on tour, tho I am bitter she isn't coming to Asia...or more specifically Singapore. Sighpie). Crazy happy.
In conjunction with the interview, Nalini also agreed on a giveaway for a paperback of the US edition of WILD INVITATION. (Cooper and Grace's story is inside!!! GUYS, one of my favorite couples here!! Just saying, haha.) It will be personalized to the winner and she's making this giveaway international. Awesomeness all the way around.
This giveaway will last for a week, so it'll end next week Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Good luck! :)
I've read the eARC of TANGLED TIDES a few days ago and I loved it so much! So, today, on this beautiful book's release day, I've decided to do a character interview with its lead female cast, Yara Jones, and an excerpt of TT's first chapter!
But firstly, let me introduce to you TT's wonderful creator:
Karen Amanda Hooper!
About Karen
Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.
Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn’t until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.
And the birthday book:
Tangled Tides!
The Blurb
Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.
When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.
Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans.
Young Adult fans of Mermaids, Selkies, Sirens and Gorgons will love this tale of the sacrifice one makes for genuine love. Love that could be lost at any moment to the ever-changing tides.
I was sitting at the nearby coffee shop waiting for Ms Jones when a few minutes after the pre-arranged time...
*runs into the coffee shop frazzled and fumbling to put her wet hair into a ponytail* Hi, Cyp! Sorry I'm late. I was dealing with a water sprite crisis.
Haha, nah, it's fine. Anyway, hi Yara, thanks for coming!
Thanks so much for having me. It's nice to be back in the human realm.
Ok, have a sit.
I've heard SO MUCH about you, Yara! From your book, from websites, from Karen's blog... Could you describe yourself and your story in 1 sentence? So that readers can understand you better.
Oh gosh, how do I make all of my craziness fit into one sentence? Umm, I used to be a boring old human girl that lived a quiet life on a small island, but my destiny was to become a mermaid and try to save a whole race of sea creatures.
Your big debut's today, right? What's it like knowing other people would read about your story and about your secret moments with your sweetheart, Treygan?
It's a bit terrifying actually, but also exciting. Some people don't like merfolk or selkies no matter what, some people won't like that the story is told by me, Treygan and Rownan *coughs and raises brow while looking at CYP and smiling* (*cringe* guilty!><) but we are who we are and this was how it all went down. Treygan and Rownan insisted they tell their own version of what occurred--especially Rownan. He's always whining about how he's so misunderstood. Our tale isn't for everyone, but if we make ocean lovers out of a few people then we'll consider ourselves a success.
Yep, you've officially Turned me. That makes one. So technically, it's a success already. Haha. What was your life like before Treygan turned you into a mermaid?
Quiet, and not much stress. But now that I've seen what exists beyond the human realm, my old life was very boring.
Yeah, I know what you mean. At least you get to try out the "high life", if you get what I mean. But if you knew Treygan was going to turn you then, and get sucked into so much mess and trouble, would you have willingly gone with him to that "safe place" he talked about?
Honestly, I don't know. That's why I can't be angry at him for making me go with him. Everything happened for a reason and if one thing had gone differently then the results could have been tragic.
So, did you regret what Treygan did?
No way. He did what he had to do. He really is a hero (and my personal hero) in so many ways.
Haha, yeah, he's cool. What do you like most about being a mermaid?
So many things! Obviously, I love all the new powers and abilities I have, but also, I love being below the surface. I'm surrounded by so much beauty underwater: plants, sea life, etc. When I'm stressed I swim with giant sea turtles or play with dolphins and manatees. They make me forget all my problems.
That's so unfair! I wish dolphins can swim in the air or something so I can "swim" and play with them here on land as well.:( Lol, but what was the hardest obstacle you've faced in your big adventure?
Leaving Treygan and Uncle Lloyd. That broke my heart.
Damn, that part was a real heartbreaker. I was so afraid for you and Trey! So now, what do you think of Treygan?
Well, Treygan means the world to me. I can't imagine my life without him in it.
And Rownan?
Rownan really is misunderstood. I tried telling him that he should've showed his emotions a little more in Tangled Tides, but he was worried readers would think he was a pansy. But wait until you read book 2 of The Sea Monster Memoirs. Readers are going to learn a lot more about Rownan and Treygan.
HAH, he? A pansy? Psh, that's like the last thing I would think of. What he did, he did it for V *ahem* ienna *ahem*. No offense. What did you and Rownan do together when you were together together last time?
*Treygan enters the coffee shop and Yara waves him over* Umm, let's talk about something else.
Ok....What do you and Treygan do when you're together, then?
*Treygan says hello to me and apologizes for interrupting, but tells Yara that Nixie is demanding they come back to Rathe right away.*
Okay, give me two minutes, Trey.
*Treygan nods and goes off to order a coffee*
This is what we do. We spend time running around and putting out fires most of the time. Don't be fooled by the end of Tangled Tides. We had to deal with a whole lot of drama, and we're still feeling the ripple effects. It's kind of exhausting. We really need a vacation.
I wouldn't want to think that your trouble's over, actually. If not, then I won't have any more mermaid books to read! Haha, no offense.^^" Any parting words for the readers?
Yes, thanks so much for all the love and support. It means the worlds to us.
Fire random questions:
M&Ns or Belgium Chocs? I've never had Belgium chocolates, so I guess M&M's.
Favourite "seafood"? Since I was turned mer, I feel kind of guilty about eating seafood, but I do love me some seaweed salad.
Favourite TV show? It's been so long since I've watched TV, but I used to love Grey's Anatomy. I totally related to the episode where Meredith almost drowned to death.
Thanks for taking time for this interview, Yara!
Thanks so much for meeting with me! If you ever wanna come hang out with us on Eden's Hammock, just let me know. We love having guests visit the island. *hugs*
I needed to choose between the angel and the mermaid.
“Alright, ladies, which one of you are willing to sacrifice yourself?” I asked.
The angel’s lips looked serious. The mermaid wore a mischievous smile.
Uncle Lloyd loved his hand-carved wall panels of mythical creatures, but the six-foot rectangular slabs of teak were the only things big and strong enough to protect the living room window. We used all the plywood we had as window coverings during the last hurricane. My uncle said he would replace it, but he must have forgotten. Poseidon was my first choice. He looked all tough, holding his trident high above his head, but the sea angel and mermaid were closest to the front door.
The wind howled outside. I said another prayer that my uncle would be safe. He was stuck on the mainland, but at least he had the shelter of a hospital, and hopefully they had given him his dialysis treatment.
I peered out the window to make sure the lighthouse was still shining strong. If any boaters were caught in this sudden storm they would see the steady beacon of light and take Karen Amanda Hooper
shelter here until it passed. They were my favorite kind of visitors. Sea dwellers always had such interesting and exciting stories to tell.
Mother Nature nudged me to choose between the wall panels by throwing a palm frond against the window.
The fronds slapping against the glass made me jump. The downpour of rain sounded like pebbles pelting the roof and porch. Only one thing left to do.
I chose the mermaid.
She would have to take one for the team while the angel watched over me and the house.
After some serious struggling I lifted the heavy panel of wood off the wall. It thudded against the floor, missing my toes by a hair. I gripped the edge and began pushing it along the tile floor.
“Good grief, you’re heavy,” I grunted.
I needed to get the mermaid outside to block the window, but when I opened the front door the wind knocked me sideways.
Thick, low-hanging clouds moved quickly, breaking apart then swirling together, forming constantly changing ink splotches in the sky. Rownan was out there somewhere, hopefully safe in the Keys. Part of me wished we could have been stormed in together, listening to the wind and rain while cuddling on the couch by candlelight.
No time to daydream, though. I had a home to protect. I slid the wooden panel a few more inches then stopped when it hit the doorsill.
“Come on,” I groaned, leaning into it with all my weight.
My flip-flops squeaked across the damp tile. My feet walked in place as I pushed, but the mermaid wouldn’t budge. Between my groans and the wailing wind I thought I imagined a voice outside—until I heard it again.
“Would you like help with that?”
I jerked my head up to see a guy standing on the porch wearing nothing but a pair of shorts, the wind whipping his long, dark hair around his face.
“Who are you? Where did—get in here!” I urged as a rumble of thunder shook the house.
He squeezed between the door and the mermaid panel, glancing at it as he smoothed back his wet hair.
I didn’t see any boats arrive. Did I read the reservation log wrong? Did my uncle rent out one of the cottages this weekend?
“Are you a guest?” I asked.
His cobalt eyes met mine for the first time. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him. Maybe his family vacationed here before. He looked about twenty, not much older than me.
“A guest?” he questioned.
“You’re vacationing on the island, right?”
“No. I’m not.” He nodded at the slab of wood beside us.
“Any reason you’re pushing that outside during a hurricane?”
“I need to get it on the porch to protect that.” I pointed at the living room window. “More importantly, who are you and why are you here?”
He stepped close to me and I backed up against the wall, thinking he was about to touch me. Instead, he grabbed the top of the panel and rocked it up on one corner. His wet forearms, biceps and back muscles bulged and flexed as he maneuvered the panel over the doorsill and pushed it onto the porch.
I’m not sure why I stood there watching like a helpless mute. Maybe it was the shock of seeing someone else on the island, in my uncle’s house, no less. The guy’s shorts were soaked and hanging dangerously low on his hips. Rownan would so not approve of my gawking. By the time I snapped out of it, Mr. Mysterious had slid the panel in front of the window, blanketing the living room in darkness. He walked through the open doorway, backlit by storm clouds.
“My name is Treygan. Do you need help with anything else?”
How did this guy end up at Eden’s Hammock during a hurricane? Should I be scared of him? If he wanted to hurt me or rob my uncle, he wouldn’t help me with manual labor first, right?
“No, that’s it,” I replied. “Everything is boarded up.” We just stood there looking at each other until I noticed the puddle forming at his feet. “Be right back.”
I left him dripping in the entryway while I ran into the bathroom and grabbed a towel.
“Didn’t you hear the hurricane warning?” I called over my shoulder. I raced back with the towel, but when I reached him I slipped on the wet tiles. He caught me by the arm and I blushed. I tried to cover my embarrassment by handing him the towel, but he just held it, not drying off or wrapping it around himself like I expected. He stood there silently.
“Um, you’ll be safe here if you need a place to stay during the storm.” I glanced around, pulling my damp hair into a ponytail and trying not to stare at his half-naked body. “If you need to, you could borrow some clothes from my—”
“Yara,” he quietly interrupted.
I stiffened. I could’ve sworn his blue eyes darkened and teal lightning flashed around his pupils. “How do you know my name?”
“I need you to trust me.” His voice was like a soothing rumble of thunder. “Let me take you someplace safe.”
Again, teal lightning bolts streaked across his irises.
I couldn’t stop staring at them. My head felt hazy and disconnected from my neck, but I nodded.
He took my hands in his and I didn’t resist. I should have, but I couldn’t. His words stretched through the space between us like warm taffy. “If you want me to take you someplace safe, you have to say that’s your wish.”
I had no control of the words that came out of my mouth.
My lips felt fuzzy as I spoke. “I wish for you to take me someplace safe.”
An invisible ribbon that felt like velvet wrapped around us, pulling us close and tying us together. The house and everything in it fell away. We began floating through a mesmerizing silver fog.
Were we dancing? We glided and twirled in different directions. The steady beat of his heart pounded against mine.
A scent of honey mixed with salty ocean air kissed my nose, evoking muddled memories from my childhood. Rain drops tickled my skin as the sound of howling winds and crashing waves grew louder yet more melodic. I held Treygan tighter, never wanting whatever this was to end.
Water caressed my legs, like I was sinking into a warm, inviting bath. I felt calm, peaceful, and safe. Treygan’s tranquil voice echoed inside my cloud of euphoria.
Karen and some other awesome readers are having this underwater web war on Twitter TODAY. Which I think is a little into the day cause Singapore time's earlier than US. You can go to Karen's blog to find out more. (Link's down there)
For your convenience, here's the quick rundown:
Karen’s story contains battling merfolk, selkies, sirens and gorgons. She says she loves all of them, but she wants everyone else to choose a side.
So basically, you just have to choose a side and, well, side with them. So, I'm gonna go with:
The Merfolks!
Not surprising. Lol. But they are the most magical and beautiful creatures that I've ever known. And well, a person with a big, fat seal tail who drinks blood isn't exactly charming right? Hey, actually selkies are just like vamps! Just without the outer beauty advantage that vamps have. So if you love vamps and hate selkies, you're a superficial freak. Just like me! Hah, ok, I'm messing with you.
Anyway, I love the merfolks. They're nice and kind and enchanting.. Just like me! LOL, ok I should cut with the crap.
Giveaway Detail
Karen is giving away a signed copy of her book and some other sea creature themed prizes. To enter, join the underwater web war on Twitter. Tweet which sea creatures you’re rooting for and why. Include the hashtag #TangledTides and you could win.
Karen will be on Twitter all day celebrating and answering questions, so stop by and say hello. @Karen_Hooper
“Tangled Tides is a delightful, smartly plotted tale of adventure, family secrets, and sizzling romance. I couldn’t put it down!” ~Rae Carson, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
“Tangled Tidesincludes a delicious romance that even the most dispassionate soul can’t refuse. I absolutely adored Yara and her strength in all things, including love. And Treygan? I seriously want in on that merman action. Blue has never been so sexy. Hooper has created a believable underwater world that will leave readers wishing for a tail instead of legs.” ~Elana Johnson, POSSESSION
“I adored this tales of sea monsters and forbidden love. Full of deception, romance, and intrigue, Tangled Tides is a story best savored but impossible to put down.” ~P.J. Hoover, SOLSTICE
If you're interested to find out more about Yara or Karen, you can find them at:
Today is the day TOUCH by Jus Accardo will be born into this world... AHHH!! This book is GREAT. AWESOME. Fantasticalllll. You have got to read this. So, to pump up all that hype, I shall be doing a teaser for it.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Blurb from Goodreads:
When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.
Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.
Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.
A secret Kale will kill to protect.
My Teasers
There are many, many aspects to Kale, our dear male hero, so I've decided to highlight just a few of those that made me fall so hard for him.
Scary Kale: “They put a lot into creating me,” Kale said in an eerie, low voice. “They’ve never found anyone like me before, they will not give up. I am of dual use to them. It’s not only my touch they use, but my blood.”
Innocent, sweet Kale:“Let’s not talk anymore about Denazen,” I took his hand. “Tell me about the dancing. How did you learn?”
“Something Sue showed me once when I was younger, an old film on the television,” he said, voice thick and drowsy. “I was fascinated with it. The man, Fred, danced a lot. That’s how I learned.”
Old movie? Fred? “Fred Astaire? Is that who you mean? You’re saying you learned to dance from watching a Fred Astaire movie?”
“That sounds right. I watched him twirl that woman around, holding her close. He told her he loved her.” He pulled away, looking down at me, those ice blue eyes intense. “I think I understand that now. I think I love you.”
And then there's our crazy, kickass heroine: Once I was steady on my skateboard, he tipped back his beer and downed what was left.
Together, we peered over the edge of the barn roof. The party was in full swing below us. Fifteen of our closest—and craziest—friends.
Brandt sighed. “Can you really do this?”
I handed him my own empty bottle. “They don’t call me Queen of Crazy Shit for nothing.” Gilman was poised on his skateboard to my left. Even in the dark, I could see the moonlight glisten off the sweat beading his brow. Pansy. “You ready?”
Yep, there you have it. I've gotta stop there because I'm already breaking SO MANY rules. Haha, so thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave your TT links in the comments so I can check them out!
And once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOUCH!!
Thanks for stopping by, and remember to leave your teaser links or teasers in the comments so I can go check it out!
I was initially feeling so lazy to post a book birthday post, but then I saw two WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL books sprout out in the world, and I just had to get my heavy ass to the com and start up my sausage fingers.
So,HAPPY WONDERFUL FIRST BIRTHDAY to:
Click on the pictures to go to their Goodreads page and see their synopsis.
NEVER LOVE A HIGHLANDER is the third and final book of the McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks, and THE IRON KNIGHT is the fourth and also, sadly, the final book in The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. Both books are part of two very amazing series that I had the good fortune to read. READ IT! They are absolutely worth your while.
