Sunday, January 09, 2011

RIVA LAUNCH

Stop press:  Winner of "With This Fling" is Michelle L.

DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX

Yes, it's part two of the RIVA launch blog party and today I'm featuring Nicola Marsh's new release, DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX.   

USA Today Bestselling author, Nicola has written for both "Romance" and "Modern Heat" so her fun, flirty voice is a natural fit for this new series.  And of course she's used all those things we love, a reality TV show (who  isn't going to be watching Dancing on Ice this weekend!) and social networking, to bring her story to life.  Here's the blurb -


Kristi’s "Stranded" Diary:

Day 1 Being shipwrecked on an idyllic deserted island for reality TV show Stranded sounded blissful. Until I discovered my Man Friday for the week was Jared Malone (aka he-who-broke-my heart!). I mean, of course I’ll be fine. I don’t feel anything for him any more. Female viewers might swoon over Jared’s tanned gorgeousness, but I know he’s just an arrogant, over-muscled heartbreaker! The cameras are rolling, so I’m off to the beach to face Jared. I just hope I look OK in this bikini!

And here's Nicola to tell you how this book came about...

I admit it.

I’m a social networking addict and proud of it.

The original anti-blogger, I now blog daily.

Then I got sucked into MySpace. Facebook soon followed. Then along came Twitter and I’m well and truly addicted.

For those of you who know me, it’ll come as no surprise that I love to talk.

Writing is a solitary occupation so when I get the chance to chat, I grab it!

And social networking brings a new dimension to the chatterbox, allowing me to meet new people and gab away to my heart’s content.

The best bit? It can even be classed as research!

Yes, that’s right, my addiction to Twitter was used as the grounding for my RIVA launch book, DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX.

Take one hot Aussie tennis pro (inspired by THE Nathan Fillion!), a sassy ex, plonk them on an island in a reality TV-style shoot out where they must blog and tweet their way to winning and there you have it, a book thoroughly ‘researched’!

Here’s a little taste:


“Done with the caveman routine?”

The organ he refused to acknowledge lurched as he glanced up, saw Kristi on her side, propped on an elbow, wearing that sinful green bikini and a reluctant smile.

She’d been frosty towards him over dinner, with more of the same since they’d arrived on the island, but under his constant barrage of teasing she was finally starting to thaw.

Not that he blamed her. From her angry outburst when he’d picked her up the other night, she hadn’t forgiven him for choosing his tennis career over her all those years ago.

But he’d had no choice. Not that he’d go delving into his reasons why now.
For their time on the island he wanted to recapture some of their old magic, wanted to make her laugh and fire back those scathing one liners like she used to, wanted to see her eyes sparkle just for him, for old time’s sake.

Hands on hips, he wrenched his straying gaze away from the tempting expanses of flesh on display. “Weren’t you the one who wanted to toast marshmallows tonight?”

“Did I say that?”

She pressed a hand to her chest and his gaze followed, shooting down his intentions to keep his distance.

“Do you even have any?”

She chuckled, lowered her sunglasses to stare at him over the top. “Maybe you should’ve asked that before planning to build a bonfire that can be seen in New Zealand.”

Adding another branch onto the growing pile, he feigned indifference.

“I’m surprised you could fit any marshmallows in your case, what with that mobile shoe shop you carry around.”

Her eyes narrowed, the corners of her mouth twitching. “Are you dissing my shoes?”

“Merely making an observation.”

With a little huff that was so adorable he wanted to kiss her senseless, she pouted.

“I’ll have you know it takes effort to look this good.”

His gaze raked her from top to toe, lingering on her curves, the hollow of her hip, the dip of her collarbone, remembering how he’d traced every inch of her once, how he couldn’t get enough.

Logically, he knew it would be foolish to resurrect the past, not when nothing fundamental had changed. Kristi was a relationship type of girl. He was a guy who had no intention of getting emotionally involved with anyone.

Physically, his body was on memory overload, sifting through every incredible, erotic encounter the two of them had ever had.

“You’re not looking at my shoes.”

Dragging his gaze to meet hers, he raised an eyebrow. “You’re not wearing any.”

She scooped up a spangly flip-flop, dangling it from a finger.

“What’s this?”

“Suitcase filler?”

“Heathen,” she muttered, sliding her sunglasses back into place and rolling onto her back. “Get back to your wood gathering. It’s what you Neanderthals are good at.”

“Sticks and stones,” he said, much more at ease with this banter than last night’s emotion charged discussion.

Pointing at the diminutive wood pile, she smirked. “More sticks. Less stones.”


I’m so thrilled with the new RIVA series and to be a part of the launch. Thanks for having me, Liz, and happy reading everyone!

Thanks for that, Nicola. I can't wait to dive into this one!    

And now, for a chance to win a copy of DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX, why don't you tell us who you'd most like to share a desert island with on Nicola's reality TV show "Stranded"?  You cannot choose your other half - we'll take it for granted he'd be your choice in real life.  This is fantasy land and we want your darkest fantasies. And don't forget to check back to find out if you've won!

Meanwhile if you want to read more, click on the browse link below to read the first chapter.


For US fans, DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX was published in the  "Harlequin Romance" livery back in September, but is still available as a download.

42 comments:

Rachael Johns said...

Ooh since we can't choose our other half :) I have to say I'd LOVE to spend time with my first boyfriend. Shh... don't tell!
x
Rach!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Okay, Rach, we're officially intrigued. :)

I do love a good reunion storyline...!!

Rachael Johns said...

LOL - he was my first love Nicola. I wasted a LOT of time pining after him :)

Jessica Hart said...

Hhhmnnn ... well, I hate to be predictable, but I wouldn't mind being stuck with George Clooney. Just for his smile, you understand. But can I please have some time to get into a bikini first?

I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Deserted Island, Dreamy Ex last summer (winter to you Aussies) and it's great fun. A perfect RIVA read.

Nas said...

Well Ricky Martin would have been my choice, i loved the way he could shake his hips in "living da lavida loca" but then he came outta closet!
I'd take Brad Pitt, ever since I heard Oprah say on her show "Brad Pitt's hot butt" I swoon over his..you know what! but then he got busy with Angelina!

I love the funny dialogues in the new Riva books.

Lacey Devlin said...

I loved, loved, loved this book! I just watched a movie with George Clooney in it last night but Jessica's called dibs so I'm a little stumped. I suppose can't get past George ;)

Liz Fielding said...

So the attraction, Rachael, is to have him slaving for you? On his knees? I'm liking this. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Good choice, Jessica. That smile is hard to beat. And Lacey, I don't think this is a one off deal. In a fantasy, George is infinitely available. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Isn't is the pits when a man you drool over reveals that he has other interests?

But Brad. We all know what he looks like covered with sand. Excellent choice.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Rach, I think we all wasted loads of time pining over our first loves :)

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

I'm thrilled you enjoyed Deserted Island, Dreamy Ex, Jessica :)

And George Clooney? Yes please!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Nas, I had a thing for Ricky Martin too!

Hubby always used to say Ricky preferred gentlemen but I didn't believe him.

Now that Ricky himself has said it, I guess I do!!

Sadly, our loss.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

And I love that you loved my book, Lacey :)

Personally, I think George is man enough to be shared around...!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Uh...Liz...back up a little.

What's all this about Brad Pitt covered in sand?

Those pics seem to have missed me...please elaborate!! ;)

Rachel Lyndhurst said...

David Gandy. No contest!

Liz Fielding said...

Nic, I was thinking of "Troy"!

Julie Cohen said...

ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

*pant pant pant*

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Rachel, I'm very ignorant.
Could you please post a link to David Gandy so I can scrutinise carefully? ;)

Purely for research purposes, you understand. He's all yours on the island.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Ah...am thinking I should get to DVD store tomorrow & find me a copy of Troy!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Thought Robert Downey Jr. might be slogging it out with David Tennant for you, Julie?

Maybe you can get greedy and bring 2 on the island?

Kelly Hunter said...

Nic's Nathan (as Captain Mal?)is an excellent choice of desert island partner to my way of thinking, but if not him then I'm thinking Johnny Depp since Julie's already claimed RDJ.

Julie Cohen said...

David Tennant is also always very welcome indeed. I only have one pair of swimming trunks here, but he and Robert can take turns.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Ah...Johnny Depp...now Kelly, why doesn't that surprise me? ;)

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Julie, you're a very bad girl.

I like it!!!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Guess with all this sharing going on, I better reveal who I'm bringing along to this island.

Drum roll...

Michael Buble.

Smooth, suave, sexy, and the guy can sing!

We'll need some entertainment, after all...

Amanda said...

I would love to be stuck on an
island with Richard Armitage,
just because of everything about
him "Sighs"

Summer said...

In honor of Nicola's tennis hero in the novel, and my endless love for him despite his retirement, I'll go with Aussie tennis great Patrick Rafter.

Kerrin said...

I'm a sucker for David Boreanaz! I'd love to be stranded with him ;) especially as his Booth counterpart from Bones!

Linda Henderson said...

I have to say I'd pick Nathan Fillion. He's not only attractive but he seems to have a great sense of humor.

Virginia C said...

Hi, Nicola! I hope you are having a blast at the RIVA party : ) "DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX" sounds like a great, fun romantic read to banish the after-holiday blahs! Nathan Fillion is quite a dish--he was "delish" in the movie "WAITRESS" with Keri Russell.

I met the love of my life when I was sixteen. He was a friend of a friend, and at first I thought he was just a smart-aleck. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that he was more, much more! He was tall and slim, and he had thick, wavy golden blonde hair and the most beautiful green eyes ever! He smelled better than any man I’ve ever met, and for years I could think of him and instantly smell his scent. Witty, warm, somewhat of a cowboy, and like me, Southern to the core. He put me on a pedestal, and he never thought that he would be accepted by my family. I have never been treated with such protectiveness and respect, but he had very low self-esteem. We saw each other off and on throughout the years, but we never had our “HEA”. He married once and divorced, and I have never married. Neither one of us has children. Sharing a deserted island with him would either fan the flame or extinguish it for good. I will always believe in first love and second chances. You are never too old to love and be loved in return : )

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Amanda, Richard Armitage would get my vote! :)

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Oh yes, Summer, Pat Rafter in his prime...very nice :)

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Ah...another great choice Kerrin!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

I love a sense of humour, Linda, most attractive in a man and Nathan's in Castle is sooo appealing!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Oh wow, Virginia, simply wow.

Your honesty about your first love has blown me away.

I hope you'll read Deserted Island Dreamy Ex and think of being stranded on an island with your first love.

Thanks so much for sharing your romance with us.

susanmeier said...

What a great story!

susan

Kaelee said...

Okay I'm older but hey I can be a cougar on a deserted island. I don't watch many movies or much TV but my sister got me hooked on Dancing With the Stars North America version. He finished second but Gilles Marini danced his way into my dreams. I'm going with him. If i have to take someone more my age I'll take the head judge Len Goodman but I'll be dreaming of Gilles.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

OMG Kaelee, how could I forget Gilles Marini?

He is so totally, incredibly HOT!

He's definitely in the boat heading to the island!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Not sure if you're talking about Virginia's story or mine, Susan, so I'll thank you on behalf of us both :)

Michele L. said...

Hi Nicola!

It would definitely be Nathan Fillion. Ooo...wait a minute, I am also thinking Keanu Reeves.

Oh my, now I have two men, which one do I choose? Um...I think I will just take both but one at a time to prolong the fun! Naughty me!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

I like the way you think, Michele!

Nathan & Keanu? Nice!

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Thanks for sharing your island fantasy dates, ladies, I've had a ball!

And thanks Liz for having me :)