To Kiss a King is Here

A later-in-life romance. A second chance at love. An ambassador weighing her duties against her desires. A monarch walking the tightrope between his public and private lives. Any of these sound like your kind of romance novel catnip?

I’m thrilled to share that To Kiss a King is now available at retailers worldwide! Many of you have told me that this is the San Rimini book you’ve been anticipating most.

Here’s the back-of-book info if you’d like a sneak peek:

He’s heralded around the world as a romantic icon. The last thing he needs is to fall in love.

King Eduardo diTalora is riding a popularity high, thanks to his political acumen, his charitable endeavors, and above all, the storybook romance he had with his late wife, Queen Aletta. He plans to use that goodwill in the best way possible, to push long-term projects that will benefit his country.

When Claire Peyton, the new American ambassador, pitches a project of her own, Eduardo wonders if it’s possible to find love a second time. But as Claire and Eduardo face the political and personal repercussions of time spent together, each of them must choose between their duty to country and their love for each other.

But when the world sits in judgment, does love stand a chance?

I loved writing about Eduardo and Claire. Having the opportunity to write about a couple of their age and life experience was fun. I think you’ll enjoy their story, too.

You can find it at your favorite retailer in ebook, print, or audio. As has been the case with earlier San Rimini books, the talented Hollis McCarthy narrates. Enjoy!

The Perfect Prince

Today’s the day! The much-anticipated Falling for Prince Federico has landed in stores worldwide.

Prince Federico served as the palace liaison for Daniela D’Ambrosio, the main character in Fit for a Queen, during her visit to San Rimini. Since the publication of that book, I’ve had a number of emails from readers expressing excitement over Federico’s upcoming story. I’m happy to announce that it’s finally here!

Federico has followed a difficult road in the days since his appearance in Fit for a Queen. Now his day of reckoning has come in the form of Pia Renati, a relief worker who faces her own challenges.

Here’s a peek at the back cover:

The world knows him as Prince Perfect. She’s about to discover the truth.

Prince Federico diTalora is all too aware of his dreaded nickname: Prince Perfect. He’s spent his life guarding his reputation, cognizant of the duty he owes his country and its citizens. But as a widower with two rambunctious boys, the strain of being an ideal son, father, and prince has pushed him to the breaking point.

Pia Renati is in San Rimini to stay with her best friend, who’s pregnant and on bed rest. Faced with hours of downtime, Pia is tempted when Prince Federico, with his Mediterranean good looks and unimpeachable reputation, invites her to spend time with him and his two boys.

As Federico and Pia chase the boys around the palace gardens, they find themselves drawing closer. Pia didn’t travel to San Rimini for romance—it’s the last thing she wants—though there’s no denying her attraction to Federico. But can she trust Prince Perfect with her heart, when she sees all too clearly the pain he hides from the world?

Want more? An excerpt and Behind the Scenes are now posted on my site. 

I can’t wait for you to read Federico and Pia's story. Enjoy!

The Knight’s Kiss + Two New Covers

This week, thanks to Patricia Schmitt, two more Royal Scandals titles have cover updates.

Check out the old and new covers for both Christmas on the Royal Yacht (a Royal Scandals novella) and The Wicked Prince (Royal Scandals #5.) The new covers will appear at retailers worldwide beginning today.

In bigger news, it’s only two days until the release of The Knight’s Kiss, Book 4 of the Royal Scandals: SanRimini series. The book features Princess Isabella diTalora and a reclusive art collector named Nick Black. It’s a modern fairy tale that will appeal to fans of both contemporary and historical romance.

The Knight’s Kiss is available for preorder at retailers worldwide in ebook, print, and audio. For an early peek and Behind the Scenes info, check out the NicoleBurnham.com page for The Knight’s Kiss.

Fit for a Queen - Available Now!

It's here! Fit for a Queen, the first book in the Royal Scandals: San Rimini series, is available for sale at retailers worldwide.

This is a story of second chance romance, the battle of living a public life versus a private one, and the power of chasing your dreams.

Here’s the info from the back cover:

She holds the secrets of a queen. He’s been hired to watch her.

Daniela D’Ambrosio is the most trusted employee of Sarcaccia’s Queen Fabrizia, managing the queen’s schedule and ensuring she never makes a misstep in public. But when Fabrizia sends Daniela to organize the belongings of San Rimini’s late queen for a charity auction, Daniela finds a locked closet full of treasure, a suspicious king, and an attractive handyman who seems strangely familiar.

Following a harrowing stint in the military, Royce Dekker now runs his own security firm in San Rimini. When he goes undercover to safeguard the late queen’s possessions, Royce learns that the woman organizing the auction project is none other than Daniela D’Ambrosio, the stunning beauty who’s fueled his late-night fantasies ever since their stolen night under the stars.

When Daniela recognizes Royce, she realizes there is more to the palace job than she was told. But can she trust the sexy man standing guard over her as she works? Or will Royce discover that Daniela also has secrets to uncover?

For an excerpt and behind the scenes info, check out the Fit for a Queen page at nicoleburnham.com. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy reading!

Fit for a Queen in Three Days

 

Only THREE DAYS until the release of an all-new Royal Scandals novel, Fit for a Queen! This story takes place in the beautiful Adriatic country of San Rimini, where you'll find a woman on a mission, a man undercover, and a king with secrets. I can’t wait to hear what you think of Daniela D’Ambrosio and Royce Dekker’s surprise romance.

You can read an excerpt and go behind the scenes here, or check out the Fit for a Queen inspiration board on Pinterest.

If you haven’t preordered your copy, do it now! In the meantime, here’s the back cover copy.

She holds the secrets of a queen. He’s been hired to watch her.

Daniela D’Ambrosio is the most trusted employee of Sarcaccia’s Queen Fabrizia, managing the queen’s schedule and ensuring she never makes a misstep in public. But when Fabrizia sends Daniela to organize the belongings of San Rimini’s late queen for a charity auction, Daniela finds a locked closet full of treasure, a suspicious king, and an attractive handyman who seems strangely familiar.
 
Following a harrowing stint in the military, Royce Dekker now runs his own security firm in San Rimini. When he goes undercover to safeguard the late queen’s possessions, Royce learns that the woman organizing the auction project is none other than Daniela D’Ambrosio, the stunning beauty who’s fueled his late-night fantasies ever since their stolen night under the stars.

When Daniela recognizes Royce, she realizes there is more to the palace job than she was told. But can she trust the sexy man standing guard over her as she works? Or will Royce discover that Daniela also has secrets to uncover?

---

Next month, look for another Royal Scandals: San Rimini novel, Going to the Castle. It’s available for preorder now and hits stores this St. Patrick’s Day.

Coming Soon: Fit for a Queen

The countdown is on! Only seven days remain until the release of an all-new Royal Scandals novel, Fit for a Queen. 

Better news: it is the first of six Royal Scandals novels releasing this year.

Fit for a Queen offers all the elements you love about the series: family secrets, romantic nights under the stars, and an abundance of happy feels. It also introduces a new royal family, the diTalora family of San Rimini, who are longtime friends of Sarcaccia’s royal Barrali family.

Fit for a Queen will be available worldwide in ebook, print, and audio. Click HERE to be directed to your favorite retailer.

Want a preview? Here's the back cover copy:

She holds the secrets of a queen. He’s been hired to watch her.

Daniela D’Ambrosio is the most trusted employee of Sarcaccia’s Queen Fabrizia, managing the queen’s schedule and ensuring she never makes a misstep in public. But when Fabrizia sends Daniela to organize the belongings of San Rimini’s late queen for a charity auction, Daniela finds a locked closet full of treasure, a suspicious king, and an attractive handyman who seems strangely familiar.

Following a harrowing stint in the military, Royce Dekker now runs his own security firm in San Rimini. When he goes undercover to safeguard the late queen’s possessions, Royce learns that the woman organizing the auction project is none other than Daniela D’Ambrosio, the stunning beauty who’s fueled his late-night fantasies ever since their stolen night under the stars.

When Daniela recognizes Royce, she realizes there is more to the palace job than she was told. But can she trust the sexy man standing guard over her as she works? Or will Royce discover that Daniela also has secrets to uncover?

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Royce and Daniela’s story. In the meantime, keep your eyes out for Behind the Scenes info, which will be posted to my website shortly. In the coming days, I’ll also share the Pinterest board I used while writing the story.

Happy reading!

----

PS: As with all Royal Scandals titles, Fit for a Queen will be available in libraries around the world in ebook, print, and audio editions thanks to international distributors such as Overdrive, Baker & Taylor, and Hoopla. If you don't see it at your local branch, ask for it!

The Bowen Bride

Every so often, when a writer types The End, they know the pages hold magic. I experienced one of those moments when I finished The Bowen Bride. Even better, I'd planned it as the launch for a new series, one set in a charming fictional town in Nebraska.

I sent the book off to my editor, who felt the same magic I did (whew!), and I got to work plotting the next book.

Then the wheels of New York publishing turned, as they inevitably do, and the publisher decided to close the imprint that was publishing the book. As a result, the book had a tiny print run and readers had a difficult time finding it. On the bright side, those readers who did find and read The Bowen Bride loved it, and it was named a finalist for the RITA Award, which is the highest honor given to romance fiction.

I told myself that when the time was right, I'd find a way to republish the book and continue the series. Fortunately, that time has come. Updated and with a brand new cover, The Bowen Bride is now available at retailers everywhere, in both ebook and print (with audio in the works!)

The Bowen Bride tells the story of a man certain he's missed his shot at love, a woman who's adjusting to her hometown after time spent away, and a bridal shop with its own special secret. You'll meet neighbors and friends, and experience the magic that makes certain small towns endlessly fascinating.

I can't wait to hear what you think. As you read, I'm hard at work on more stories that take place in the wide world of my Royal Scandals series, and in the new, intimate setting of Bowen, Nebraska.

One Man's Princess

A new Royal Scandals novel is officially on sale! I'm excited to know you'll finally read about Lina Cornaro, the illegitimate daughter of Sarcaccia's popular King Carlo. You'll get to know Lina, a lingerie designer who's on the cusp of great success when her connection to the royal family becomes public, and the man who once broke her heart, fiery Formula One driver Ivo Zanardi.

When she unwillingly finds herself the object of public scrutiny, Lina isn't sure where to turn. When Ivo appears to save her from the paparazzi, she has little choice but to escape on his arm. But can she trust the man who once treated her so coldly? Here's a quick excerpt to whet your appetite:

"I don't usually appreciate the risks you take, but I'm grateful for that one," Lina said.

She slipped her hand into the side pocket of her handbag and withdrew a set of keys. When she raised her head, a drop of rain landed below her right eye, clinging to her skin rather than rolling away.

Ivo brushed away the raindrop, Stilled as her lips parted and her breath warmed the damp hairs where his wrist extended from the cuff of his jacket.
 

In that instant, he knew he couldn't let her go. 
 

The book is set in New York City, Milan, Rome, and (of course!) in Sarcaccia. I can't wait for you to join Lina and Ivo on their adventure.

To get your copy, visit Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (print), iBooks, Kobo, Nook, or Barnes & Noble (print).

As always, a huge thanks to all of you who've written to tell me how much you've anticipated their book. And a huge thank you in advance to those of you who share the book with friends and family, and who leave reviews on your favorite retail sites and on Goodreads. Word of mouth has made this series successful and I truly appreciate it.

Christmas With a Palace Thief

Happy to announce that an all new Royal Scandals novella is now available! Security chief Umberto Niro, the powerful, courageous man in charge of protecting the Barrali royal family, finally meets his match in--of all people--a quiet gelateria owner.

Umberto has dedicated his life to a single mission: defending the royal family from all threats, both internal and external. When he detects an intruder deep inside the palace, capture is swift and certain. Then he discovers the thief is his ex-girlfriend—and former co-worker—Sara Angeletti, and he suspects there's more to the Christmas break-in than meets the eye.

Umberto turned his back on Sara years ago, but she hasn't forgotten the depth of passion they once shared. When he hauls her into his office in handcuffs, she uses that attraction to her advantage. She's playing with fire, but Sara's on a mission of her own....

Can they survive the holiday...and each other?

Christmas With a Palace Thief is now available for Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook.  

If you'd prefer to read in paperback, stay tuned. A paperback edition will be available shortly. For the earliest notice, be sure to sign up for my e-newsletter. The list is private, and will never be shared with anyone outside nicoleburnham.com.

I can't wait to hear what you think of Umberto and Sara's story. 

Now Available - The Royal Bastard

It's here! The Royal Bastard, the fourth book in the Royal Scandals series, is available everywhere. If you haven't read the other books in the series, never fear: this was designed to be enjoyed either alone or as part of the overall series.

The story features wealthy, reclusive Rocco Cornaro and his estranged wife, World Cup skier Justine Flyte.

Want a taste?  Here's the beginning:

Chapter One

            Five hours after Rocco Cornaro buried his mother, having tossed the last shovelful of dirt over her grave while wishing her a swift ascent to heaven, Satan knocked at his front door.

More accurately: Satan’s driver rang the bell at Rocco’s wrought iron security gate.

Rocco stood at a second story window in his Dubrovnik villa, seething at the gall of the woman hidden behind the tinted windows of the rented black Mercedes.  The uniformed driver hadn’t given his client’s name, but Rocco knew.  Her appearance was inevitable after she’d phoned two days ago and he’d hung up after informing her that he had no interest in anything she had to say.  He’d thought she’d at least give him the day of his mother’s funeral in peace, but apparently royals did what they wanted when they wanted, and to hell with anyone else.

Rocco took a seat in his late stepfather’s favorite worn leather chair, kicked his feet onto the windowsill, and dragged his palms over his face.  Keeping it together while delivering his mother’s graveside eulogy was the toughest thing he’d done in his life.  Despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him, he’d made it through, his voice resolute as he addressed the small gathering of friends and family.  He finished a heartbeat before spying his wife watching from the shadows of a tree near the edge of the cemetery.  There was no mistaking Justine’s stature, still lean and tight as any Olympic athlete, nor the fact she recoiled as he glanced in her direction.  He hadn’t invited her, and she hadn’t intended to be seen.

What was it with women showing up where they weren’t wanted today? 

Thank God his siblings hadn’t noticed Justine standing alongside the trunk of the thick oak.  Double thanks that they hadn’t accompanied him back to his residence to see the sleek Mercedes now parked outside.  It would’ve spurred even more questions than his wife’s appearance. 

Rocco leaned forward in his chair to take another look outside.  The driver spoke near the Mercedes’ cracked rear window, nodded, then returned to the gate and folded his hands in front of him in a show of resolve.  On the roadway behind the Mercedes, a red BMW belonging to Rocco’s uphill neighbor slowed as it passed on its way to the heart of the city.

“Damn it all to hell.” 

“Sir?”  Kos Horvat stood in the doorway of Rocco’s study.  Twice Kos had informed the driver that Rocco was not available.  Twice the driver had insisted that Rocco would wish an audience with his passenger and that they would wait.

Rocco swirled the amber liquid inside the crystal tumbler he clutched in one hand, then took a long, slow sip, savoring the burn as it made its way down the back of his throat.  If anyone could be deterred from darkening Rocco’s entrance, Kos was the man to deter them.  Not only did he manage Rocco’s properties, he had extensive security expertise and a build as powerful and unyielding as Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.  But Queen Fabrizia, whose husband ruled the wealthy Mediterranean island nation of Sarcaccia, apparently wasn’t one to be put off by a burly, sour-faced Croatian with a voice rough enough to intimidate men twice her size.  Nor was she one whose mood would improve with the delay.

“Talking to myself, Kos.”  Rocco rose from the chair and turned away from the window.  “Allow the visitor to enter, but the car and driver stay outside the gates.  If this person is so anxious to see me, they can walk.”

The corner of Kos’s mouth twitched.  It was as close to a smile as the big man ever revealed.  “Of course.”

 I hope you enjoy Rocco and Justine's adventure!  For more on the story, behind the scenes info, and links to bookstores, please visit The Royal Bastard page on my website.

Release Day - Slow Tango With a Prince

Today is my birthday, but rather than celebrate with cake and gifts, I have something to share with my readers...a new book!  Today is the launch day for Slow Tango With a Prince, book three in the Royal Scandals series.

Slow Tango tells the story of dark, sexy Prince Vittorio Barrali, heir to the throne of Sarcaccia.  In the wake of his ex-girlfriend's suicide, he hatches a plan with his twin brother, Alessandro, that allows Vittorio to escape to Argentina for some much-needed downtime out of the spotlight.  But secrets can't be hidden forever...especially when Vittorio finds himself face-to-face with a gorgeous television host, one whose very presence threatens him both personally and professionally.

Slow Tango features palace intrigue, a secret royal, and one very sexy tango.  There's also a glimpse into the lives of other royals you've come to know.  I can't wait for you to read Slow Tango With a Prince and let me know what you think!

To find an ebook copy, visit any of the following retailers.  The print version will be available in the coming days, so stay tuned!

Slow Tango With a Prince:
Amazon
Apple / iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Romantic Comedy News

I receive several e-mails a week asking about future books in Simon Pulse's romantic comedy line.  Over the last few years, the line has featured some fantasic authors, such as Jamie Ponti, Erin Downing, Aimee Friedman, Nancy Krulik, and Micol Ostow (and that's just a start!)  To date, I've contributed four titles to the line (Royally Jacked, Spin Control, Do-Over, and Scary Beautiful.)  However, in the last few years, I've been busy with other projects, which means I usually answer those "when will you write...? e-mails with some variation on "Someday."

I'm happy to announce that "someday" is now here!  I just agreed to write a fifth romantic comedy for Simon Pulse. The book is tentatively titled NOT MY BOYFRIEND--tentative, because titles often change while a book is in production--and it's the story of a teenage boy who asks his best friend's younger sister, a talented athlete, to pretend to be his girlfriend. The pair think the charade will be simple, but find it forces both of them to question their offbeat views on romance.

The book is slated for a December 2011 or Spring 2012 e-book release, and I couldn't be happier.  As more detailed release info becomes available, I'll post it here and to my bulletin board.

Bonus book news:  If you're a fan of Jennifer Echols, then you'll be thrilled to hear that she's also agreed to write another romantic comedy.  Her story, DOUBLE DATE, will also be released in Spring 2012.  It's about two best friends who can't figure out which of the guys flirting with them is interested in which girl.  Worse, the girls don't want to admit to each other that they're interested in the same guy.  Jennifer will also be posting updates on the story to her blog, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, thanks so much for all your e-mails requesting more romantic comedies.  I'm happy to oblige!

Great Company

Royally Crushed is now available in bookstores everywhere!  Not only do I have the photographic evidence, the book is keeping very good company:

That's Royally Crushed in the dead center of the Bellingham, MA, Barnes & Noble New Teen Fiction section.  (See the princess holding the frog?)  A couple books to the right of Royally Crushed is the newest from one of my favorite authors, Jennifer Echols.  (Tip:  Forget You is phenomenal.  Grab it if you haven't already!)  Above my Royally Crushed and to the right is Lauren Oliver's Delirium (check out the way the cover reflects in the photo.)  Also on display are Clarity, The Vespertine, Anna and the French Kiss, Matched, Vixen, and a bunch of other great reads.  Needless to say, several of these titles went home with me.  I also signed all the store copies of both Royally Crushed and one of my earlier titles, Sticky Fingers.  So if you want an autographed copy, the Bellingham Barnes & Noble is your spot.  I visit the store frequently, so I'll continue to sign books as they arrive.  (Thank you, Bellingham B&N!)

If you have a sighting of Royally Crushed, send your photos my way--I'd love to see them!  In the meantime, don't forget that there is a FREE bonus story called Reality Check for fans of Val Winslow, the main character in Royally Crushed.  You can get your free read right here.  It's my way of saying thank you to those of you who take the time to visit your local bookstores and libraries.  Without your love of books, it wouldn't be possible for so many great stories to end up on the shelves.

Royally Crushed

Happy news this week:  my publisher, Simon Pulse, has decided to re-release all three books in the Valerie Winslow series (which includes Royally Jacked, Spin Control, and Do-Over) in a single volume with the new title Royally Crushed.

Royally Jacked, the kick-off book to the trilogy, was an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers and was named to the New York Public Library's list of Books for the Teen Age.  As you can imagine, I'm thrilled to see these books released as one volume (especially in time for the royal wedding in England...how fun is that?)

Best of all, the book also has a gorgeous new cover.  What do you think?

If you've had a hard time finding any of the books in the series, or were waiting to get one until you could get all three to read at once, this is the volume to grab.  It will hit store shelves on March 22.  In the meantime, if you'd rather pre-order online, here are links to booksellers now offering the book:

•  Amazon.com
•  Barnes & Noble
•  Books-A-Million
•  Borders
•  Buy.com
•  IndieBound

Note:  Some booksellers have the wrong cover art displayed...if you click on on one of these links and it displays a cover that says Take A Chance on Me, that's still Royally Crushed.  Some websites are still updating to show the new cover (which I adore!)

Facebooked

Yep, I've finally joined Facebook (thanks to those of you who've e-mailed me and said things like, "Why aren't you there? It's EASY!" or "Seriously? You're not on Facebook? WHY?")

So if you'd like to be my Facebook friend, do a search for Niki Burnham. I think there are five profiles that come up with that search, but you'll know which is me. I promise.

One nice thing about Facebook? I found this phenomenal review of Flirtin' With The Monster, with some really flattering comments about my essay, "Role Models." Made my day.

This Just In: A New Book!

Excuse the commercial interruption, but big news. There's a new book out, with a contribution from Yours Truly, that I'm excited to recommend.

If you're a fan of Ellen Hopkins, whose amazing books include CRANK, BURNED, and GLASS, check out the all new FLIRTIN' WITH THE MONSTER, a collection of essays about Ellen's work. The very first essay, titled Role Models, was my contribution. Other authors include Terri Clark, Gail Giles, Micol Ostow, and even "Kristina", whose real life story is told in CRANK and GLASS.

Interested? I'll have all the details on my site in the next few days. In the meantime, you can check out an excerpt right here.

Let me know what you think!

Hit By A Pitch

My Baseball Challenge team has been struggling of late. Like many managers, I can't seem to get a reliable pitching staff (made the mistake of picking the Mets for their doubleheader against the Braves. Ouch.) I finally had to let go of Rafael Furcal, even though I acquired him on the cheap and he's been earning me a ton of points, because he's simply been injured too long. Filled his SS slot with Yunel Escobar only to have Yunel get injured. Now I have Derek Jeter. (Yes, I have a Yankee in my lineup, despite being a member of Red Sox Nation./) What are the odds that Jeter will get injured tonight, simply because he's in my lineup? All the injuries compelled me to rename my team last week. I've gone from being "Nic's Basement Dwellers" to "Hit By A Pitch."

Maybe I'm pessimistic because I'm still stewing over Survivor. Going into the final episode, I was cheering for Cirie. I think she'd make smart choices with the money, and she strikes me as a nice person. When it got down to Amanda and Parvati, I figured it was a no-brainer for Amanda. But she whiffed with the jury, exactly the same way she did last season (check my earlier blog about that.) You just can't argue, "I stayed true to my alliance" and leave it at that. Parv made a case so strong that even Eliza ended up giving her a vote. So Parv got the big $$ (though Amanda did walk away with Ozzy.)

Guess I should stay away from Survivor Fantasy Leagues. Apparently I'm incapable of picking a winner!

In the meantime, good things are afoot on the book front. The just-released anthology Breaking Up (Is Hard To Do), which features my story, "Last Stand", alongside stories from Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins, and Lynda Sandoval, has gotten some fantastic reviews!

Publishers Weekly said: "these four stories about love gone wrong...are likely to go over big with teens in search of solace for their own romantic misadventures." And: "readers will enjoy the stylish scenarios, projecting themselves into situations they can only wish were true."

Anything that says "go over big with teens" makes me do a yippy-skippy dance.

Now, to see if my rock-steady third baseman, Chipper Jones, and the Red Sox pitchers can get me out of my Baseball Challenge jam tonight.

Oh, wait. Chipper got hurt last night. Hit by a pitch! Well...

They're Out There

Happy May Day! Huge celebration at my house. Not because it's finally spring (though that's certainly reason enough!) but because TWO new Niki books are now available everywhere.

First, check out Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, which includes four stories (one each from me, Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins, and Lynda Sandoval) about--shocker!--breaking up. Some bookstores are displaying the book on tables, while in others it's shelved--usually under "Burnham" but sometimes under one of the other contributor's names or with other anthologies--so if you can't find it, ask!

If you want a preview of my story, just click here to read an excerpt. "Last Stand" tells the story of Toby Maitland, an average guy who's scored an amazing girlfriend (as in, she's cute, funny, and stacked.) But when Amber goes ballistic in the middle of a makeout session, Toby has to decide what it is he really wants from the relationship.



And...drumroll, please...the paperback edition of Goddess Games has been officially released! I'd heard reports of it popping up in a few stores last week, but this week it's in stores all over the U.S. and Canada. I've been getting e-mail from readers for months asking when the paperback would be available. To all of you who've written, huge thanks for your patience. (Seneca, one of the main characters, would give you an air-kiss and tell you that you're "just the best!" Then she'd probably ask why you wear your hair that way. She's whacked like that.)

For an excerpt and behind-the-scenes info on Goddess Games, just go here.

In the meantime, I'll be watching tonight's episode of Survivor. I'm worried about my man James. I was dying for him to approach Jason ahead of the vote last week to let him know that the girls were going to blindside him. James could've said something like, "Look, Jason, I know you think the girls are supporting you and they're telling you they want to get rid of me. The thing is, they want to get rid of ALL of the guys. You first, which is why they have Natalie telling you you're safe and trying to convince you not to play the idol. They want to get you the same way they got Ozzy. Then they're getting rid of me and Erik. I'm voting for Parvati tonight, 'cause if you play the idol, then the second-highest vote getter is out. If it's Parv, we can break up the girls' alliance. If you play the idol and it turns out I'm wrong, what's the harm? But if you play the idol and if I'm right, I just saved your bacon. And you'll know exactly who your allies are. Think about it."

But if he said anything like that, they sure didn't show it. Naive Jason went down without playing the idol, and now James and Erik are on the chopping block. I'm afraid they missed their chance. I'd have thought by now that James--of all people--would know what happens when you don't play the idol at the right time. He needed to convince Jason that last week was the right time. AND that it was the best possible time to break up the girls' alliance. I'll cross my fingers that he redeems himself tonight. I hope he and Erik both somehow manage to have immunity.

(BTW...did you realize that Parvati's last name is Shallow? I find that so funny.)

BOLO

BOLO being cop-speak for "Be On The Lookout."

The official release date isn't until May 5th, but guess what Terri Clark spotted in a Colorado Barnes & Noble?



Breaking Up (Is Hard To Do) is showing up in stores! I've also had reports of sightings in California and around Seattle, and the book is now listed as shipping from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble online, Books-A-Million, and dozens of great independent booksellers.

Breaking Up features stories from Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins, and Lynda Sandoval, along with yours truly. You can get more info and read an excerpt of my contribution, "Last Stand", right here.

We just learned that the April 15 issue of Kirkus gave the book a fabulous review. It's long, but here's a highlight:

"Although the focus is breakups, each (story) leaves protagonists and readers with the hope of a new and better relationship to come...Often frankly sexy and peppered with teen-friendly references (hip slang, IM conversations), this box of candy for the lovelorn satisfies."

Nifty, eh?

In other good news, the paperback edition of Goddess Games is going to be hitting the stores any day. It has a new, bright blue cover I adore, so again, BOLO!




As always, all the details (a quickie blurb, an excerpt, and some fun behind the scenes info) are right here, on the official Niki site.

And if you see either book in a store, snap a pic on your cell phone and send it in. ( Just be sure to use a good subject line in your e-mail so it doesn't end up in the spam folder, and let me know where your shot was taken.) Your photo might show up here on the blog!

The "Ticket-Buying Experience" (With Bonus!)

Sounds like a Disney ride, or something Trekkers might see at the Las Vegas Hilton, but it is sooooo not.

Try staring at these words for, oh, THREE AND A HALF HOURS:

Please wait for the server to become available. The site is experiencing heavy loads at this time.

To improve your ticket-buying experience and to make it as pleasant as possible, this site permits entry to a limited number of patrons at a time.

This page will refresh when the countdown timer below reaches zero. When this happens, the system will automatically try to access the site again.

Do not refresh this page or you will be dropped to the end of the line. Thank you for your patience.

Here's what would have made "ticket-buying experience" (experience? they call this an experience?) "as pleasant as possible": If I could GET THROUGH.

Two and a half hours on Monday, then they announced a server crash. Then three hours yesterday before my screen told me that games three and four were sold out, and there were a "limited number" of seats still available for game five. A half-hour trying for game five, and it, too, sold out. (I'd originally been trying for game four.) And what's worse? That little line about not refreshing the page. What do you do when it freezes? You HAVE to refresh.

Some experience.

Same thing happened to everyone in my family (and extended family, and friends, nearly all of whom are in Colorado) who tried to get tickets. Not one of us got through, ever. Grumble, grumble. I *so* wanted to see a game at Coors Field to cheer on the Rockies. Apparently, however, they do not want me.

On the bright side, I'm going to game one tonight at Fenway. We have ONE ticket, and my husband told me six weeks ago (thinking he was making the safest promise ever), "If it ends up being the Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies, you can have it."

I'm still waiting for the planet to spin off its axis.

So I'm there. My husband is kicking himself. And the biggest surprise is probably awaiting the poor guy who has the other of our two seats for the game...we split our tickets six ways, and Jim has the other seat for tonight. I'm sure he's expecting to kick back, enjoy the game, and have a beer with my husband while he cheers on the Sox. Instead, he gets The Wife. And not only that, he gets The Wife Who Is Also A Rockies Fan.

That brings me to a big dilemma: What do I wear?!? If I'd snagged a seat at Coors for later in the week, it'd be easy...wear Red Sox gear at Fenway, Rockies gear at Coors. Cheer for each team in their home ballpark and enjoy the fact that I get to see my two absolute favorite teams in the Series. But I'm just not willing to shell out over a grand for Rockpile seats on StubHub so I can give a healthy profit to the jerk who managed to buy a ticket online yesterday with the sole motive of reselling to an actual (gasp) FAN.

Instead, I think I'll end up wearing my Manny Ramirez jersey over a Colorado State T-shirt, then pinning a Colorado flag to my hat. (Though which hat, I haven't decided yet. Probably a Sox hat, if I want to survive the evening in one piece.) I'll try to get online sometime tomorrow to post pics from game one (the camera battery is fully charged this time!) Maybe I can convince Jim to take a picture of me before some drunk fan rips the Colorado pin off my hat.

In the morning, I fly out wicked early for Seattle. Come on over to Bellevue and see me, get an autographed book, tell me who you think will win the Series and feel free to make fun of my ticket-buying "experience."

There will be copies of Goddess Games, as well as at least a few other recent titles. This is your chance to ask me, face to face, anything you want about writing, my books, or whatever!

In the meantime, check out the "bonus" promised in the blog's title: The cover for my upcoming book is in! My editor sent it yesterday. Does it not ROCK??



I'm thrilled to be included with the fabulous Terri Clark (author of the upcoming book SLEEPLESS), New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins (author of CRANK and GLASS), and the ultra-cool Lynda Sandoval (author of WHO'S YOUR DADDY? and CHICKS AHOY.)

Look for BREAKING UP this spring!