Another ARC Giveaway!

ETA: GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Scroll down for winners.

Even the best of Mondays could use a little help, so I’m giving today a boost by announcing a new giveaway…

ARCHANGEL’S STORM by Nalini Singh, the next installment in her Guild Hunter series, hits stores on September 4th, but you have the chance to win an ARC (advanced reader copy) early.

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.
 
Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price–Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.
 
With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

In order to enter the drawing, just leave a comment here on the thread by Thursday, August 9, 2012, at 5pm Pacific Time. I’ll come back then and announce the names of the random winners. Yes, that’s winners, plural, because I have THREE ARCs to award. So spread the word and comment here!

ETA: Thanks to everyone for participating! We had more than 600 people enter the drawing, which is just amazing. I’m sorry I only have three ARCs to give away. The winners, drawn randomly using random.org, are Michelle Miller, Bridget Clark, and Lisa Annesley. Congratulations! Please keep an eye on your inboxes for information on how to collect your ARCs.

Housekeeping

Happy hump day to all! I’m just dropping by with some quick updates for everyone. First, thanks so much to all the readers who participated in my book giveaway over the last week. It was a great turnout and I loved seeing how excited people got over the various titles. I’m off to the post office today with my stack of mailers, so winners should start seeing books in the mail in the next few days.

Along those lines, I will tease you all with the pile of shiny new ARCs sitting on the floor of my office. There’s definitely another giveaway on the horizon, so keep checking back for more information.

On the other side of the desk is my (virtual) pile of submissions. Those of you wondering if there was an ulterior motive to my spending a week blogging about book giveaways are partially correct; I’m in major reading mode, which means my brain refuses to cough up brilliant blog post topics. I’m making headway on the backlog, however, which is excellent news for all concerned, given that I’m taking pitches at the RWA conference in Anaheim next week, and that will mean a new influx of submissions. So if you are waiting on a response from me and it’s been a while, watch your inbox.

Which leads me to my final housekeeping note. I’ll be out of the office next week for the above-mentioned conference, from Tuesday, July 24th through the weekend. I’ll try to get some blog content up for you all, but don’t be surprised if it’s a touch quiet.

And with that, I’m back to work. Wishing you all a lovely week!

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning…

Ever discover a wonderful series of books, only to realize that you’re having a hard time locating the first installment? Not all series build from one book to the next, but even when each is a stand-alone volume, it’s great to see how a writer kicked things off. So, today I’m giving away the first book in Shannon K. Butcher‘s exciting Sentinel Wars series, BURNING ALIVE.

They are the Sentinels…

Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes-the Synestryn. Now, one warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love…

Helen Day is haunted by visions of herself surrounded by flames, as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her from across a diner, she attempts to flee-but instead ends up in the man’s arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine. For the man is actually Theronai warrior Drake, whose own pain is driven away by Helen’s presence.

Together, they may become more than lovers-they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war and save Drake’s people…

Just leave a comment here on this thread between now and Tuesday, July 17th at noon PT to enter the drawing. I’ll return then to announce the random winner. And don’t forget to check out the giveaways still going on from the last few days here on the blog!

 

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Sarah, the winner of the giveaway. Keep an eye on your inbox for information on how to collect your book.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the last week’s giveaways. Keep an eye out for more freebies in the future!

Short but Sweet

For today’s giveaway I have not one, but two books for your reading pleasure, each an anthology of paranormal novellas. First is BURNING UP, featuring works by Nalini Singh (Whisper of Sin, set in her PsyChangeling universe), Meljean Brook (Here There Be Monsters, set in her Iron Seas universe), Angela Knight (Blood and Roses), and Virginia Kantra (Shifting Sea).

Next up is ANGELS OF DARKNESS, with four very different takes on these winged creatures of legend. The book features Nalini Singh (Angel’s Wolf, in her Guild Hunters series), Meljean Brook (Ascension, in her Guardians series), Ilona Andrews (Alphas: Origins), and Sharon Shinn (Nocturne).

Anthologies (especially free ones!) are a great way to try out a new author, or just enjoy shorter treats from some of your favorites. For a chance to win one of the above titles, just post a comment here on the thread between now and Monday, July 16th at 9am PT. I’ll be back then to announce the winners. And don’t forget to check out the last two days’ giveaways, both of which end tomorrow!

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Melanie S. and bwtaylor75, winners of these two anthologies. Please watch your inboxes for information on how to collect your books.

Thanks to everyone for participating. Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win the final book in the giveaway!

Armchair Traveler?

Dreaming of a fabulous summer vacation but can’t take the time off work? Wishing you could indulge in a European romance? Here’s your chance to see the sights and have a bit of an adventure from the comfort of your favorite reading chair. Today’s giveaway is a copy of Marilyn Brant’s A SUMMER IN EUROPE.

On her thirtieth birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives an unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea’s Sudoku and Mah-jongg Club. The prospect isn’t entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting — an engagement ring from her boyfriend — doesn’t materialize, Gwen decides to go. At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it’s the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and stunning vistas of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment: skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre, and taste-testing pastries at a Marseilles cafe. Revelling in every new experience — especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor — Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within…

Leave a comment on this thread by 5pm PT on Friday, July 13th in order to be eligible. I’ll choose a random winner and come back then to announce the name. And don’t forget to keep checking the blog all this week (starting with yesterday’s post) for more fun giveaways!

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Lona Stringer, winner of A SUMMER IN EUROPE by Marilyn Brant! Keep an eye on your inbox for information on how to collect your book.

Thanks to everyone who entered the drawing, and don’t forget to check out the rest of this week’s giveaways here on the blog. Good luck!

Got Fangs?

Welcome to the first day of the Writing and Rambling anniversary giveaway! It’s been a year since I migrated this blog to Word Press, so to celebrate I offer up some lovely freebies. First up is a fabulous young adult debut, FANG GIRL, not due in stores until September. Author Helen Keeble has a fabulous sense of humor and it shines through in this delightful paranormal adventure that pays homage to all the great vampires stories, new and old, even as it playfully pokes fun at them.

Sure, the idea of vampires is sexy, but who actually dreams of spending eternity as a pasty, bloodthirsty fifteen-year-old?

Not me.

Unfortunately, the somewhat psychotic vampire who turned me into a bloodsucker didn’t bother to ask first. Now I’m dealing with parents who want me to vamp them, a younger brother who’s convinced I’m a zombie, and a seriously ripped vampire hunter who either wants to stake me or make out with me. Not sure which. Oh and PS, none of my favorite fanfic prepared me to deal with vampire politics—which are looking pretty tricky based on the undead Elder trying to hunt me down.

What’s a vampire-obsessed fangirl turned real-life fanggirl supposed to do?

Want a chance to read FANG GIRL early? Leave a comment here on the thread between now and Friday, July 13th at noon Pacific Time to be entered in the drawing. I’ll come back and announce the random winner at that time.

More giveaways all week long, so don’t forget to check back for the details!

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Aimee, who is the winner in this drawing! Aimee, watch your inbox for information on how to collect your ARC.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win this ARC. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the rest of the giveaways going on here at the blog. Good luck!

Feeling Lucky?

Tomorrow, July 10th, is the first anniversary of Writing and Rambling‘s move to Word Press, where I am happily enjoying the benefits of a spam filter that actually filters the spam. Hurray!

Because first anniversaries are traditionally “paper” anniversaries, I’m going to be giving away some books over the course of the week, starting tomorrow. Check back each day to see what’s on offer, and, of course, to enter for a chance to win! There will be all sorts of goodies, including ARCs, books already published, and maybe something a little different.

So…keep your eyes on this space and tell all your friends. The party starts tomorrow!

Friday Links

It’s a little bit quiet around here today. Although I know many businesses did not close for the extra-long holiday weekend, enough people seem to have left town that my neighborhood feels deserted. The quiet is lovely; it reminds me of summers of my childhood.

However, I did promise Friday links, so here I am! They’re a little sparse this week, I’m afraid, mostly because I haven’t been online as much as usual. But I will sweeten the pot by making a mini-announcement. Next week, it will be one year since I moved this blog over here to WordPress, a decision that has saved me many a headache. In honor of a year in my new blogging home, there will be giveaways! And since the traditional first anniversary gift is paper, I think books certainly qualify. So be sure and check back for all the fun details on Monday.

Meanwhile, links! Enjoy the weekend and happy writing!

Most Anticipated: The Great Second-Half 2012 Book PreviewThe Millions does this great books-to-come review twice a year. While they don’t hit all the upcoming titles (there are too many to list), they always mention some things that get me excited. There are some particularly intriguing titles mentioned on this round up.

In Defense of Cursive – Apparently 45 out of the 50 states are phasing out the teaching of cursive. I suppose writing with a pen or pencil is a dying art form, but I find this terribly sad.

Conan Doyle on Holmes – A great 1927 newsreel in which the author talks about his famous detective.

Linkity-Link: It Must Be Friday

Hurray for Friday! I hope you’ve all had a productive week and that life is treating you well. As per tradition, I’m dropping in with an assortment of links for you all to enjoy. Some are a bit sillier than usual. I think spring must be in the air and it is affecting my mood accordingly. 😉

If you haven’t already dropped by yesterday’s post, please do, and leave a comment with what books you’re currently reading. People have already shared some great titles; I’ll admit a few are getting tacked onto my mental TBR list. Check out the other comments if you’re looking for some recommendations.

Without further ado, I’ll move on to the links. Have a lovely weekend, and happy writing!

Free-book Friday – My lovely client Helen Keeble is running a giveaway for ARCs of her fabulously funny debut YA novel, FANG GIRL. She’s actually going to be doing this each month until the release date in September, but there’s still time to get in on the drawing for March. For great photos of the book, check out this earlier post.

Failure: The Key Ingredient to a Successful Writing Career – A thoughtful look at what it takes to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.

10 Women to Watch in 2012 – A great list of up-and-coming female authors, including one of The Knight Agency’s brilliant clients, N.K. Jemisin, who is represented by my co-worker Lucienne Diver.

Neil Gaiman on Writer’s Block – Pretty much speaks for itself.

Pie Notes – Yes, this is a recipe. For Girl Scout Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie. Because sharing is love, and because the inspiration for the recipe came from a very amusing afternoon in the hotel lobby during the San Francisco Writers Conference a few weeks back. See? You never know what’ll happen at a writers conference.

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Heather, the winner of the ARC for Shannon K. Butcher‘s newest Sentinel Wars book, DYING WISH. Heather, please watch your e-mail for information on how to claim your prize.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the giveaway. The book will be available in stores on March 6th. In the meantime, keep on visiting, as there will be more fun stuff here on the blog in months to come.