Welcome to Smugglivus 2009 – Day 8!
Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.
Today’s Guest: NY Times bestselling author Nalini Singh, PNR writer of two ongoing series’: the Psy/Changeling and the Guild Hunter books. Both have a great balance of world building and romance, making them two of Ana’s all time favourite series’.
Recent Work: Nalini published a whopping 3 books in 2009: 2 in her Psy/Changeling series: Branded by Fire (reviewed here by Ana) and Blaze of Memory (reviewed here by Ana) and the first one of her Guild Hunter series, Angels’ Blood (reviewed here by Ana and Thea). You can read Nalini’s Inspirations and Influences article here as well as an exclusive interview with Elena, the main character of Angels’ Blood, here.
Ladies and gents, we give you Nalini Singh and her favourite reads of 2009:
********************
Smugglivus
I’ve always read widely across the genres, and within the sub-genres of romance, but as I look back on my reading this year, I’m realizing I’ve read particularly eclectically in 2009. However, I still crave a strong romantic or emotional thread, so all my top reads have had that in common.
One of my new “discoveries” this year was author Brian Freeman. He writes dark and twisty thrillers, the kind that make you gasp and check the windows. The thriller/mystery storylines of his books are fantastic of course, but I also enjoy the very human aspect of the series in terms of the relationships around the main character, Lieutenant Jonathan Stride – both romantic and not.
I also went on a bit of a historical mystery binge earlier this year. Of all the books I read, one that sticks out is Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. A medieval pathologist? Who woulda thought? I’m hooked. And there’s a romance of sorts – though you wouldn’t know it to start with.
Another author I discovered this year was Julie James. Sexy, funny contemporaries. It’s a hard combination to get exactly right, but Julie James does for me. I’m very much looking forward to her next release.
I also read Patricia Gaffney’s wonderful Wild at Heart for the first time in 2009. I loved both characters, but the hero made the book for me. And talking of memorable heroes, how can I forget The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley?! I’m really excited to see what Jennifer does with the next book in this series.
Another historical novel I adored is Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, which someone *coughAnacough* ordered me to read. Then I read Stephanie Laurens’ The Untamed Bride and Mastered By Love and fell in love with her writing all over again.
All these novels made me remember how much I used to love historicals—which made me go on a historical reading spree, and gobble up the first three books of Lisa Kleypas’s (fantastic) Hathaway series.
YA is a genre that’s really exploded, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the wonderful array of stories coming out. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, is one that continues to make me think. Part sf, but family drama, it caught me from the evocative title, and kept hold of me throughout.
I also read Jane Austen’s Persuasion this year, after realizing that I’d never read it. *gasp* I adored it. It is, in my view, her most romantic novel—“You pierce my soul.”—what an amazing line!
At one stage, I did a bit of rereading, and one of the books I reread was Nerina Hilliard’s The Time is Short, a Mills & Boon romance from the 1970’s. I was scared it wouldn’t be as good as I remembered, but it was, oh it was! I’ve managed to get my hands on another one of Ms. Hilliard’s books and I’m hoarding it to savor at a later date.
Then there are my perennial favorites – Jayne Castle/JAK, Patricia Briggs, JD Robb/Nora Roberts, Anne Bishop. They all delivered fabulous reads once again this year. I’m already hanging out for their next books.
Other books I can’t wait to read include Meljean Brook’s new steampunk, as well as the continuation of her Guardians series; Ilona Andrews’ next Kate book, and the next book in her Edge series (loved the first one!); Lora Leigh’s Lion’s Heat; Stephanie Laurens’ The Elusive Bride, the next book in Maya Banks’ “Sweet” series, and the next entry in Kay Hooper’s fantastic Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series. Oh and the next book in Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s Retrieval Artist series.
And…um, wow, maybe I should stop now (even though I know I’ve forgotten someone!), and move on to the part of his post where I share what I’m working on at the moment.
Currently, I’m writing Indigo’s book, part of the Psy/Changeling series. Indigo has been a strong, and somewhat mysterious character throughout the series—now, I’m finally learning about the woman behind the lieutenant, and you know what? She’s awesome. I would love to have Indigo for a friend. And her hero…I adore him. Adore. There is a deeply romantic sense about this book, along with a sense of pack, of family—we’ll be spending lots of time with the SnowDancer wolves.
As for releases – I have Archangel’s Kiss in February, the second book in my Guild Hunter series. This was a different book for me to write, because it features the same couple from Angels’ Blood. I just didn’t think their story was finished – there is so much to explore with these two.
Then, in July, I have Bonds of Justice, part of the Psy/Changeling series. This book features a human cop and a Psy with a most unusual talent. Max is a great, great hero, and Sophia is a heroine unlike any other. I hope you enjoy their story.
I also have a novella, “Whisper of Sin” in the Burning Up anthology in August. This novella is technically a prequel but stands alone. It’s set a little way back in DarkRiver’s past, and features a hero who is completely, utterly wicked in the sexiest way…and determined to tease the smart, practical heroine into all sorts of sin.
Indigo’s book should also release next year, but I haven’t got a release date for that yet.
Getting back to the books I’ve read this year, I’ve just noticed how many series I’ve listed. I guess again, it’s the emotion in the continuing relationships that keep pulling me back. What about you? Do you love series’? Which are your favorites, and why do you love them?
********************
Thanks Nalini!
And Now For The Giveaway:
Leave a comment answering Nalini’s question above about series’ (do you read them? Do you love them? Why or why not?) for a chance to win a copy of Angel’s Blood and Blaze of Memory, generously offered by the author.
The contest is open to EVERYONE and will run until Saturday, December 12 at 11:59pm (PST). ONE entry per person, please! Duplicate and/or multiple entries will be disqualified. Good Luck!
sharing is caring
89 Responses to Smugglivus Day 8 – Guest Author (and Giveaway) : Nalini Singh
Leave a Reply
Subscribe
Yes, I read them and yes, I love them but no, I don’t need to be entered because of course I own them all! Nalini is an auto-buy for me and gets bumped to the top of the TBR pile each time a new book comes out. I’m looking forward to 2010!
Yes to both. I read and love series. In fact, I almost prefer them (outside of romance) to stand-alone novels. I like seeing characters grow over more than one book and gain new relationships and experiences.
Hi, Nalini! I’m so glad you finally read Persuasion! I am beginning to sound like a broken record here, but it is my favorite Austen. Soooooooo good.
I’ve been afraid to pick up any of Nalini’s books because frankly I can’t afford to check out of work and life in general and I feel certain that is what I would do. Alas I will leave it to the fates. If I am destined to crawl into my book reading cave I will win this drawing : )
Thanks
I do read series sometimes (I’m currently reading 2), but I do tend more toward trilogies. I do enjoy series when I do read them though. It’s nice that you get really cozy with the characters.
I love series. I like to stay with the same characters or at least in the same world. I like feeling apart of something bigger than a stand alone book.
I read a fair amount of series, but soemtimes I lose interest. It always seems a bit too much of a coincidence that an entire close knit group happen to find their soulmates within days of each other, usually after being anti-marriage.
However, some keep me coming abck, like the Psy/Changeling. I have to know what happens! And then the couple sucks me in whether I want them to or not!
And I agree with Diana, Persuasion is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Austen. It just makes me sigh…
I love series. When I read a stand alone novel I find myself wondering what happens to them next. With a series I get to find out! My favorite is The Mercy Thompson’s series by Patricia Briggs.
I read a fair amount of book series. Most of the series you mentioned I have followed. I think it is characters that makes me continue to follow book series. I just cant get enough reading about their adventures.
I love reading books in a series. Feels like a lot of the times we get a better understanding of characters because you see them over the course of several books before you get to their story. By that time you’re really invested in the characters. I also love seeing characters from other books who’ve already gotten their HEA. Always get that “awww” moment.
I always look up books before I buy them to find out if they’re a part of a series…I HATE reading a series out of order. Can’t do it. Some people don’t mind. I’m to OCD. It would drive me nuts.
I do like to read books in a series, but it has to be a good series. I don’t read them just because they’re series’ books. When the series is good, I love them and will keep them to read again.
Margay
I love series. Any series really, because I like being able to revisit the characters. It just stinks when a series goes on too long. One of my favorites is Kim Harrison’s series.
Hello! If each book in a series is well writen with fully-developed characters and a complete “story-within-a-story”, then I will eagerly read an entire series. It’s also great if the books are not released too far apart.
I love reading a series when it is done well. At times the author will continue a series after the magic is gone and the characters are just flat. Those authors should know when to stop writing that series, and start with new material. But, Nalini Singh does not have that problem, her books are always interesting, fun and engaging. I am always looking forward to the next book. And I am thrilled that she delivers a wonderful product each and every time!!
I read Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series and the Psy-Changeling series because they are superb books! I enjoy reading them! And I deem them worth every penny in buying them! I haven’t read any of Lisa Kleypas or the other’s work so I can’t comment on them. They probably are good authors and such, I just haven’t read them yet. If the series starts going downhill, then I stop buying/reading it, just like I stopped buying and reading Feehan’s Carpathian series. so it really depends on how much I enjoy/hate the book.
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2009/12/nalini-singh-guest-blogging-giveaway-at.html
I’m a sucker for series. My fav would have to be JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood.
I like the bluntness of the brothers and their commitment to their women.
Another favorite series is Shifters by Rachel Vincent. LOVE that lady! Love all the characters.
I love a good series because it lets you dive into the characters more, especially the supporting ones. I do usually prefer that the series end by book 6 or 7 or I get tired of the lack of resolution.
Hey Nalini,
You’ve posted some really great series =) I too love series books. Sadly I haven’t been able to start or keep up with some of my favorites because I’m trying to read too many books at the moment. Some of my favorite include the Vampire Hutnress Legend by L.A. Banks which is finished but I haven’t read the last book. I really like Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series too. I haven’t gotten far into the series and I’ve read over and over again that the series goes downhill after book 7 I think…I hope it doesn’t for me because I absolutely love Anita as a character =)
Thanks for the generous prizes, hope you have a great holiday!
I love reading series…I follow so many authors’ series including Nalini’s Psy & I just received a copy of Angel’s Blood so that’s on my To Be Read pile. I love series because it gives me the opportunity to see closure for all the characters that are introduced as the story develops. Just a couple of series that come to mind are Moira Rogers Red Rock Pass series, Lora Leigh’s Breeds, Nauti, Bound Hearts and Men of August series, Kay Hooper’s Blood, Shadow, Evil series, Jayne Ann Krentz’s Arcane Society series, Buffi Becraft-Woodall’s Blue Collar Werewolves series, Jaydyn Chelcee’s Men of Montana series and so many many more.
Happy Holidays
I read a lot of series and I love them. The Psy/Changeling books were one of my first paranormal romance series and they are automatic must buys for me. I have to admit though, I’m not a fan of series in contemporary romance. I’m not even sure why lol.
Hi
Thank you for the excellent post Nalini.
I liked the selection of books you chose.
Thank you for taking the time to share here today.
Happy Holidays
RKCharron
I am a huge fan of Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next. And Keri Arthur’s Riley Jenson Guardian series is one of the first series’ I really got into. Series’ let you experience your favorite characters again and again. It’s like coming home to a familiar place every time you crack open a new book in a series.
Great list. I see some books I missed and will have to check out. I do read series and I love them. When a book ends with characters that are really liked, I always want to know what happens next. And in a series sometimes you actually get to find out.
I love reading series, but I’ve noticed that it’s twice as hard for me to get into one that’s been on-going for a while; I like to catch things as they’re just starting off, I guess. The Psy/Changeling series is an exception to that.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I too noticed I read a lot of books that are part of a series this year. I think I like re-visiting characters/worlds from books I enjoyed earlier in the series. The characters definitely have me coming back for more. And it’s also a no-brainer to buy a book that’s part of a series – if you enjoyed the earlier books why wouldn’t you enjoy the next one? Unless it’s too similar to the previous books or characters are unlikeable – then, what a disappointment.
Nalini is definitely an auto-buy. So, is Shelly Laurenston, J.D. Robb, Lora Leigh, Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor, Gena Showalter, Ilona Andrews, Stephanie Laurens, Anne Bishop, C. L. Wilson. There are a ton more, but I’ll refrain from taking up more space.
No need to enter me in the contest – I already have both of these books.
I love series. I look forward to revising my “old friends” and seeing what they’re up to, and I appreciate the extra creativity author’s give the keep readers coming back to familiar characters again and again. Among completed series, I loved Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Elizabeth Hoyt’s Four Soldiers series, Sabrina Jeffries’ School for Heiresses series and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton stories. A few of my ongoing favorites: Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series—I also enjoyed her Aurora Teagarden mysteries, Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series, J. D. Robb’s “in Death” mysteries, Kay Hooper’s Bishop/Special Crimes series, Lisa Lutz’s Spellmans series (which is side-splitting funny,) Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books, the Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novels by Robert Crais, and Lee Child’s Reacher books. Like you, I read a lot of series.
I enjoy reading series and some of the favoites I’ve discovered this year Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampire series. I also love Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen series!
The older I get, the more I find that I love a specific type of series. I don’t want series that involve ticking down a list of relatives/friends and finding someone for each of them. I’ll read those series but I don’t have to read everyone, just the ones I hear are good. But a series with a real vision and a story to tell that unfolds over a number of books, those will hook me and won’t ever let me go.
I adore reading series–can’t get enough of them! I like seeing characters evolve over a number of books and revisit them in later books as well. It makes you feel like you’re part of the family.
Some of the ones I read are Ward’s BDB, Cole’s IAD, Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters, Vaughn’s Kitty Norville, Harris’ Sookie books, and tons of others.
I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
I already have the books, so please don’t enter me in the drawing (Nalini is an ‘autobuy’ author for me!).
I love reading series – it allows me to have a further connection with characters I’d fallen in love with previously. Unfortunately for me (and my wallet), there are ALOT of really great stories/series, across genres! Usually, the storylines I love have reluctant heroes/heroines.
Some of my paranormal autobuy series are:
Mercy Thompson
Kushiel series
Psy/Changeling
Angel (SO cannot wait for the next book!)
Sookie Stackhouse
Weather warden
Meredith Gentry
I’ll be honest, I haven’t read either series, because I only heard about them a month or two ago (& as my Mum keeps telling me, a student loan shouldn’t all be spent on books). But after reading the reviews on here & a few others, I really want to start both series, they’re both now on my Christmas list. So please enter me for the contest.
x
I am so happy that you read Persuasion-it really is her best book. The letter at the end-it gets me EVERY time I read that book. So the Booksmugglers “twisted” h:P our arms and I think everyone that post regularly to this site is now a “holic” of your books.
I do read series, since many of my fav books now turned out to be those. No problem with that, though if they drag out too long it can be a bit annoying, I do want some closure some time
I also love series when they’re well written. I love to follow a bunch of characters I know and see them change and grow. Rereading them is like returning to meet old friends and getting a new book in such a series is also a delight.
Out of the ones you mentioned, I love the Retrieval Artist -series. I also love the following: Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody, Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan, Steven Brust’s Vlad Taltos, and Jaqueline Carey’s Kushiel.
Yes, I Read Series And Yes, I Love Them. I Prefer Series Books Because You Have A Longer Stay With Characters That You Already Love. Sometimes One Book Just Doesn’t Give You Enough Time With A Character. Other Ones To Rock My World Have Been Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series,Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy And Succubus Series,J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood Series,Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampire Series,Melissa de la Cruz’s Blue Blood Series,Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments Series,P.C. Cast And Kristen Cast’s House Of Night Series,And Of Course Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series Who Re-Awakened My Vampire Love/Obsession.
Yes I read them and I love them! I get attached to characters and enjoy following them through many stories. The only bad thing about series is waiting impatiently for the next installment!
I already have these two so don’t enter me. I’m just here to have a fan moment and say: I love Nalini Singh’s books!
I haven’t read either book, but Angel’s Blood has been on my wish list.
I love series’! A few favorites of mine are Kerrelyn Sparks’ Love at Stake series, Gena Showalter (all of her series’ really
Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series, and Cindy Mile’s series of books (Not sure what they are called….) And what really makes me love them is each authors writing style. Its just so easy to caught up in it! 
I love the Dark Hunter series by S.Kenyon. It’s so different from everything else.
Loving the comments on series – and seeing some new ones I need to check out!
Diana, Sarah, Adrienne – It was such a shock to realize I’d never read it, as I adore the movies (I have two versions on DVD). But what a wonderful, wonderful read!
I love series books. I love growing with the characters and learning about the world they live in. I read everything and collect almost everything I read as I have a habit to read alot of books over. I read J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood Series the first 3 books 5 times before returning the series to a friend and then promptly went out and bought the series. I have to many to post and they are all I buy.
Yes, I read series – and I love them! It’s easy to get hooked on them and it’s fun to get to get to visit your favorite characters again as each new installment comes out.
I have read a few series this year. I have read The House of the Night novels, Sookie stackhouse novels, and The Outlander series. I also read on the edge and I am glad to hear that a sequel is coming out.
Honestly, I love series because I love to see how the characters develop and with a series I think you get a more complete look at the characters lives.
I love to read series. Some of my favorites are Karen Moning’s highlander and fever series. I also love the Psy-Changeling books, the Mercy Thompson books, and so many others. Series are great because they just keep me hooked.
I love series because it allows you to get to know the characters so much better and see them change and grow. I love the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
I love series because you get to learn more about the characters and their world. I actually prefer reading series than stand alone novel because stand alone you will always wonder what happens next. My favorite series is Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress novels and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels novels.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love reading a series. There is nothing better than falling in love with characters and reading another story where they make an appearance. Hate to admit it but I’m incredibly hooked on Twilight, and I just cannot get enough of Bella and Edward. Nalini, you know how much I loved Branded by Fire . . . hoping to treat myself to a few more of your books so I can go back into that “world”. Soraya