Tuesday 6 January 2009

I shouldn't be here, but...

...Before I disappear into deep hibernation with only my laptop and my secret stash of Christmas chocolate to try and get this blooming book written, there are a few things I really should mention. Firstly that I have a book out this month, which seems quite amazing given that I never seem to actually get around to doing any writing at the moment. Taken for Revenge, Bedded for Pleasure which is the one that gave me countless sleepless nights and a few panic attacks this time last year is now available in the shops, at Mills & Boon’s website and on Amazon. Check out my lovely cover....


Secondly (squeaking with barely suppressed excitement here) I can finally reveal after a couple of months of maintaining an agonising and most uncharacteristically discreet silence that Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure has been (squeak) shortlisted for the RNA Romance Prize.

This is utterly fantastic news, and even though I found out a while ago my first reaction when I saw this last night was to let out a shriek and run for the fridge to see if there was anything fizzy and celebratory left lurking amongst the sad remnants of Christmas cheese and wilting parsnips. It was only later, when I looked again to check that I hadn’t dreamt it, that I experienced a thud of horror at the realisation that the lovely RNA people have kindly provided a link to my website... which, because I am a techno-dullard with personal organisation/ time management issues and a Phd in Procrastination, isn't there. So instead people are being directed here, and now I feel like someone who has drunkenly invited everyone they know round for a party and then forgotten all about it, so is caught out lying on the sofa in pyjamas eating Cheerios from the packet when guests start arriving. (If you have, by any chance, come here hoping for information about the nominated book, please accept my most embarrassed apologies. I blogged at length about it here and here and here and here if that’s any help at all...?)

As you can see, the other shortlisted books are utterly brilliant and by authors I adore. (With proper websites.) For this reason He and I made sure we celebrated the fact that I’m included in such talented company back in November when I first heard, so I won’t feel that I’ve missed out on a champagne opportunity when the results are announced at the awards ceremony on 10th February.



Orlando and Rachel seem to be having a bit of a moment just now, because I also found out last week from lovely Michelle Styles that Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure had made the Romantic Times Top Pick for this month. I don’t subscribe so I haven’t seen it myself but Abby Green sent over the review for me...
MISTRESS: HIRED FOR THE BILLIONAIRE'S PLEASURE (4.5) by India Grey: On the run from a forced wedding, pianist Rachel Campion lands on Orlando Winterton's doorstep -- ironic, because it was a prior chance meeting with him that gave her the courage to bolt. A former pilot, Orlando is living in seclusion because he's losing his sight -- information he doesn't share with Rachel, even after they become lovers. Orlando tries to send Rachel away for her own sake, not realizing her happiness is already linked with his. Vividly detailed characters, an intense conflict and a high level of sensuality make this a fabulous read. This is one for the keeper shelf. —Catherine Witmer

Final snippet of news is that this morning The Guardian newspaper is carrying a piece on its front page about a new M&B continuity series which has been written in association with the RFU and ties in with the Six Nations rugby tournament. This begins in February with Sarah Morgan’s delicious ‘The Prince's Waitress Wife'. My book At the Argentinean Billionaire’s Bidding is second in the series—it’s the one about lovely Alejandro D'Arienzo; ex-England international rugby player who returns to his native Argentina to take up polo and forget about the woman he thinks betrayed him. It involved lots of glorious rugby ‘research’ which I can’t wait to fill you in on-- as soon as I can justify writing anything that isn’t the book I’m supposed to be working on right now...



Blimey. I think that's it... I'm now off to look up my horoscope for this week. Bet it says; ‘The first 6 days of 2009 will be filled with so much excitement your head might explode. However, absolutely nothing interesting is going to happen to you in the following 359 days, although the full moon in the second week of July will lead you to discover a new brand of fabric conditioner and weird planetary alignments at the end of October may mean that a trip to the post office to renew your car tax will yield surprising results.’ Or something.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, India! What a morning you are having, so much news and so much excitement coming up!

Massive congrats on the nomination and I can't be the only one hugely excited about the rugby stories. Can't wait till it all kicks off and I can tease Him Indoors horribly while he tries to focus(to the exclusion of all else) on the six nations. I'm going to get growled at!

Don't forget to book up those grocery slots pronto, time is money and all that..!

Lots of love,

Rach.
XXXX

Anonymous said...

My neighbors probably think I'm crazy or something to be squealing at 7:25 a.m. but I simply cannot help myself! CONGRATULATIONS, INDIA!!!!

Now, of course, I've loved ALL of your books, but I have to be honest, Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire's Pleasure is definitely my favorite! Wish I had something bubbly in the fridge to open in your honor!

Happy Writing!

xx Trenda

Kate Hardy said...

Fab news, India - congratulations! look forward to seeing you next month (and, trust me, there WILL be champagne!).

Unknown said...

I know Rachel, I know, and I don't want to be picky but why does such excitement come along when you're feeling horribly fat from the excesses of Christmas, have a kamikazee deadline and no time to glam up? (Mind you, let's face it I'd need a spare 6 months for that...) Other than that it's ALL GOOD!!

Thank goodness the Six Nations Tournament can be enjoyed fully from the comfort of the sofa with a glass of wine and no need to struggle out of those bulky, forgiving jumpers though... (You're right-- must get that Sainsbury's order in soon!)

Ahh-- thank you so much Trenda. And as it's only 7.25am it's probably just as well that there's nothing bubbly in the fridge, but I do so appreciate the thought!

Can't wait Kate! (ooh-- a poem!) I wonder what the pudding will be? (Not that I have a one track mind or am finding it hard to forego the carbs this week or anything...)

Unknown said...

YAY!! Congratulations!!

Miss Bougie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Miss Bougie said...

Congrats India for your nomination. No surprise to me, as Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire's Pleasure is a DEFINITE keeper. Just loved it. In my very personal file (I rate all romance books) I awarded it 4 stars, the max I allocate. So it's only justice that there is an official award too!!
I have unkorked the bubbly and I'm raising my glass to you!!!

Sabrina Philips said...

Congrats India - fabulous, fabulous news! Well done you.

Good luck with the next one too - (is it just me or is writing on these cold dark days twice as hard as in the summer?)

Sabrina xx

Fiona Harper said...

Congratulations on the nominagtion, India! I shall looking forward to seeing you at the ceremony!

Donna Alward said...

Ooooh congrats darling! You're the virgin finalist! How does it feel?????

So exciting and am jealous of the afternoon you're going to have in Feb looking all glamorous and drinking bubbly like all fabulous authors should.

Kate Walker said...

Many Many Congratulations my dear! I'm so pleased for you - and not at all surprised. It's wonderful to be able to congratulate you publicly.

Brilliant news
Kate

Helen P said...

Hi India
Just wanted to say 'Well done indeed (and hope you win!)'. You may not remember me but I met you at Penny Jordan's home in my usual guise as journalist but have recently, like you, been out of action thanks to some ridiculously tight deadlines. I think it's absolutely wonderful that M & B is out of the closet; with this sort of publicity and your standard of writing M & B is (in my humble opinion) moving up a notch. Good luck!

Jessica Hart said...

Many congratulations, India. It's a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted for a prize like this so I think indulgence on the champagne and chocolate front is quite in order.

Looking forward to meeting you in February, but until then, good luck with that book ...

Jessica

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the short-listing!

Jane said...

Congrats, India.

Unknown said...

Wow everyone... thanks SO much. I'm completely overwhelmed!

Have had a manic day, so am only just catching up now but just wanted to say thanks to each and every one of you for taking the trouble to leave congratulations and good wishes. It feels like Christmas has just come back!

(Yay! I guess that means more chocolate! (Jessica said it would!))

Anonymous said...

Hi India
Congratulations on your nomination, I'm so pleased for you.
Love
Karen

Anonymous said...

Came here via Helen P's blog and was chuffed that the first post I've read is one with such good news!
Brilliant - very well done! I'm a member of RNA myself, and of ROMNA their internet forum, although most days I confess I just 'skim' the digests as, what with e-mails, 2 websites to maintain, forums (should that be fori??) and now blogs too (I'm new to blogging - resisted for ages!, writing my books tends to get crowded out of my life if I'm not careful! Anyway, good to be here, and congrats again - rugby stories are a great idea!

Unknown said...

Karen, thank you. (I FINALLY posted your competition prize today so let me know if it doesn't arrive soon!)

Hello write woman-- I love your name! I know, the internet is a dangerous place for someone like me with the attention span of a mosquito as there are so many different ways to squander a writing day. But if I wasn't wasting my time here I figure I'd probably be doing it somewhere else! (The pub?)And where else could you meet so many lovely, like-minded people?! (Not at any of the pubs round here, I'll tell you that much...)

Amanda Ashby said...

Woot - that is such great news about your RT review and about being shortlisted for the RNA prize. Fingers and toes crossed for Feb (well, I assume my toes are crossed but between you, me and the wall, it's been a long time since I've seen what they look like first hand!!!!!)