Dear Ms. Singh,

I know you are a very popular author these days, with not just one but two amazing series available to your readers, and you probably get tons of letters and emails very similar to mine, but I would have to say they are well-deserved accolades. These days, with constant changes in technology and our attention spans getting shorter and shorter, it's more difficult to capture the imagination and even harder to hold onto it. In fact, as I told you myself when I met you at the Lori Foster get-together, I didn't even like "Slave To Sensation" the first time I read it, but something compelled me to go back and give it another try. And that is why I'm writing this fan letter to you today; because despite my initial lack of engagement, somehow I felt I was really missing out on something, and now I'm devouring each book like it was the most decadent and sinful candy ever created.

And I love it! Lately life has been relentlessly kicking my ass, so to have this amazing outlet to escape to and fall in love with is such a welcome relief. I feel like when I enter the Psy/Changeling world, I am free of all the demands and criticisms and yes even the loneliness I've been experiencing lately. I let myself imagine being enveloped in the sensual embrace of a sexy Changeling eager for skin privileges. I pretend I have the intelligence and boldness and strength to go up against even the coldest Psy. Nalini, you created this absorbing, wondrous world, and I thank you very much for that. I've experienced hours of reading pleasure by delving into your world and letting it wash over me. It awakens my joy of reading again, something I'd lost for a little while, and it makes me very happy to have found my way back to books. The pressures of adulthood and responsiblity can be heavy burdens, but losing my desire to read is perhaps one of my deepest regrets. Yet with your books, I've found it again, and it grounds me. Makes me feel like I have a safe haven to turn to on those occasions when life overwhelms me. That is very rewarding.

I know after meeting you, you mentioned there is a definite ending to the series, and that saddens me, although I understand the "why" behind it. Everything eventually comes to a conclusion, and while I don't want to think about it, when it eventually does happen, I will be glad for the chance to read this series and have experienced all the joy and sadness and love you infused into it. I comprehend the need for closure, so I will be happy that I got to go through it with all the other readers who loved this series so much. One of the worst things that could ever happen is to have a series "jump the shark", because that takes away from the enjoyment that was originally felt in reading it.

Now I cannot end this letter without saying what an extreme pleasure it was to meet you and spend a few moments talking books with you. You are a lovely, gracious, intelligent woman and so easy to chat with. I felt completely at ease in your presence, even while in the back of my mind I'm thinking "OMG this is Nalini Singh! Squee!!!" Despite never getting a break and constantly having readers approach you, you were patient and sweet and wonderful. It was definitely one of this reader's highlights.

And thank you ever so much for sharing your colorful and vivid imagination. If someone ever asked which paranormal series they absolutely must read, without hesitation I would mention the Psy/Changeling books. It includes all the elements of a truly memorable journey that all readers should be able to experience at some point. What I love about it is that there is not one element I skip over. I enjoy every aspect of the series, from the chilling Psys to the hot and sensual Changelings; from the bravest heroine to the most evil villain. None of it bores me, and I savor every word. That, my dear, is a reader's delight. Muchos gracias :)

Fondly,

Stacy ~

Labels: fan letter, Nalini Singh

Sorry everyone, I've been dealing with some issues and I apologize for the delay. The winner of a copy of Eternal Rider is....

TYNGA!!!!

Thank you all for your patience. Tynga, I will email you for deets.

Eventually the blog will get back on track. Bear with me :)

My thoughts:

This book kept my attention right from the start. I happen to be fascinated by biblical stories, and the signaling of the end of the world tends to fascinate me for some morbid reason. In the hands of a skilled author such as Larissa Ione, it's quite a wild and intense ride.

Ares is your typical warrior: fearless, strong, and removed emotionally from others. His unusual response to Cara, a mere human woman who holds the key to salvation, baffles and frustrates him. His goal is to keep the world from ending, and he doesn't have time, nor the desire, to care for another. Cara has always felt separated from others, even her own family. She's not used to trusting another, but she must trust Ares to keep her safe, even if he is a huge, irritating jerk.

I enjoyed their dynamic, the fact that they confound each other. Their awakening feelings amidst such chaos is rewarding to watch, and gives them both something to fight for. I liked how Larissa added an edge of danger to Cara's and Ares' desire for each other. There was a strong and believable element of violence that enhanced their attraction, and was - whew! - undeniably hot. And it worked. I felt their desperation and need, and it was a palpable, breathing thing.

Cara's ability and unique affinity for animals added an intriguing element to the storyline. I love animals, so this was fun to see how it was worked into the story.

I found the creative history of the Four Horseman fascinating and ripe with possibilities for the future stories. Larissa left us with so many nuggets of "what if" that I cannot wait to discover just what they might be. I also loved that we got to re-visit with beloved characters from the Demonica series. I get attached to characters, so seeing the again was a treat.

I don't wish to give anything away here, and I cannot do a better job of expressing the awesomeness of this book as some of the other bloggers have so eloquently done, but suffice it to say, you will be on the edge of your seat reading this book. Even when you know what's going to happen, you can't help but hold your breath and curse Larissa for tying you in wonderful, emotional knots. Dread and hope war with each other, and you're utterly engaged in this story. I'm really excited to read the next thrilling installment of this brand-new series.

Rating: **** out of *****

Labels: contest, Larissa Ione

Labels: ramblings

What bothered me about the Northwestern story is the references being made to "porn", and the fact that many people are disturbed by the fact that the four individuals that participated in the demonstration are involved in Chicago's kink community. True, the word "kink" drums up all kinds of lurid images of weird, unnatural, scary sexual acts that make people feel uncomfortable at best, but usually generate a stronger - more negative - reaction. I won't lie. I do get that. Believe me, I have had my own strong thoughts on the subject over the last several months, but I've also educated myself quite a bit since then and discovered that truly, the majority of us are kinky on some level, whether it's something they've known all their lives or ahem it's a more recent discovery. And my belief is, as long as you are being smart, safe, using protection and not involving kids, animals or doing anything truly nonconsensual, I don't care if you wear an actual monkey suit when you do it (truly, no FurCon pun intended).

I mean really, would it have truly made a significant difference if the demonstrators had been dressed in their best church attire while preaching the gospel and insisting this is God's will? That would be rather hypocritical (although damn funny!) Besides, some of the kinky people I do know are extremely intelligent, interesting, successful, more opened-minded and accepting of others, the kind of people I actually want to meet, and you'd be fortunate to count them as your friends. And guess what? They really are just like anybody else, so let's stop focusing on their sex lives and focus more on the message that this demonstration was actually trying to send: one that was about celebrating female sexuality and dispelling some myths about female orgasm that are very alive and thriving today. Hell, as a woman I thought it was fantastic that this demonstration took place. And we all have something to learn, whether we're 19 or 39 or 99. I say bring it on.

Now I understand and respect that most people don't want to broadcast their sex lives and talk about explicit details with their closest friends much less in an open forum of several hundred people, but this class was built around the principles of sharing ideas, engaging in frank discussions and looking all all areas of sexuality, from swingers to BDSM to the sexual practices of different cultures, and the intent was to open up people's minds and prove to them that there are ways women can enjoy orgasms that they may have never thought were possible before. I'm all for that! It's a learning experience for men just as much as for women, and I am proud of the students, and anyone else, who supports the demonstrators because they know that the intention was not to shed a bad light on the university in any way. In fact I believe the reason this even was brought to the attention of the media was due to the complaints of students and parents that weren't even in attendance and had no idea what was going on. Shame on them for turning what was supposed to be an educational, positive experience into an embarrassing and out of control game of "telephone". At this point, I shouldn't be surprised anymore how the media tends to turn topics like this into an eye-rolling Beavis & Butthead spectacle.

So I did send messages of support to two of the individuals involved, and quickly received replies back from both of them. I mention this because I wanted to share that they were both gracious and lovely, and more interested in educating others about sex and having open dialogue with other like-minded individuals than they were in making a name for for themselves and creating scandals. The last I'd read, some of them may be in serious danger of losing their jobs due to the way this whole situation has just gotten so widespread. I think that's a shame because THEY. DID. NOTHING. WRONG. But once again, the media and small-minded people are attacking, out for blood. I am ashamed of living in a country where sensationalism is more important than the truth. Go back to watching fucked-up Charlie Sheen, people. I for one would rather find out more about those G-spot orgasms.

Some related links:

Neil Steinberg's comments

Jim Marcus' rebuttal

Labels: Fucksawgate

Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis

Labels: booksignings, Julie James

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles, Valentine's Day

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles