Another New Cover & Quick Catch Up

I've been flat out writing lately, trying to get my sixth book ready to send to my editor. Fingers crossed I managed to finish it today!

The art department have been busy again creating another gorgeous cover - possibly my most gorgeous UK cover yet! I absolutely love it, but don't be fooled .... the guy may be in uniform on the cover, but in the story it's my heroine who's the soldier!!

Soraya xxoo

New Cover

I've been a slack little blogger lately, but I am managing to keep up with tweeting ... follow me @Soraya_Lane.

Things have been pretty hectic here lately - book deadlines, brainstorming with my agent and lots of work writing too. I'm aiming to send my editor my next book in about 10 days time, so I really need to get back to my writing cave and get writing!

In the meantime, enjoy this gorgeous cover for Rodeo Daddy. This the Australia/New Zealand version, and will be available in stores there in December. It's Book of the Month for December at Australian Harlequin Mills & Boon HQ, so all very exciting!

Soraya xxoo

Guest blogging today ...

Head over to Rom Con today for a book giveaway and my take on casting characters!!

Soraya xxoo

The Navy Seal's Bride

Yep, that's the title for my fifth book! The Navy Seal's Bride is the story of Tom & Caitlin ... Tom is the hero's brother in my fourth book, and I'm so excited about his story!

The Navy Seal's Bride will be released in the UK in June 2012, no word on the USA release date yet.

Soraya xxoo

Rodeo Daddy in India!!!

I've just had some great news .... Rodeo Daddy is now available in India!! I absolutely adore the cover, it's so beautiful.

So, if you're in India and you want to buy it, here's the link.

I've just returned from the most fab holiday in Australia. It was exactly what I needed, to be honest, and I feel so refreshed. My phone didn't work and the internet was down where we were staying, but after a day of worrying about it, being out of contact with the rest of the world felt great! So now we're back home, and it's lovely to see our dogs and horses again.

Soraya xxoo

Rodeo Daddy Giveaway ...

Leave your comments here for the chance to win!!

If I receive over 20 entries I'll give away two copies.

Soraya xxoo

Book 5 Accepted!!

The last week has been exhausting, but worth it all in the end. I've been deep in my revision cave working on book 5, and I heard overnight that the story has been accepted. Yay!! No word on a title yet, or when it will be released in the USA, but it will be out in the UK in June 2012.

In the meantime, here is a cute pic of our little pony Cleo having some fun with a little friend over the weekend. If you're planning on reading my upcoming release, Rodeo Daddy, you will recognize Cleo in the story ... she's super cute in real life and it was great to write her into the story!

Also, I'm going to give away a copy of Rodeo Daddy, to be drawn this coming Sunday 16th. Leave a comment here or on my facebook page to enter.

Soraya xxoo

Book Giveaway!!!

I had my large print USA copies of Rodeo Daddy arrive yesterday! I'm super excited as the cover is probably my favorite yet. I know, I know, I keep saying that, but the art department keep creating such beautiful covers for my books.

So, how to enter? It's simple. Leave a comment telling me why you like or dislike animals in books. Rodeo Daddy features a whole bunch of horses, including a pretty gorgeous stallion, as well as a pretty cute dog saved from death row at the pound too.

This is a photo of me with my horse Finn from a few years back, and also one of me riding him when I was 28 weeks pregnant! It was my last outing on him during my pregnancy because I was starting to feel a little unbalanced up there with my big bump, but we had lovely trail rides walking through the forest while I was pregnant. He was great inspiration for the stallion in Rodeo Daddy. I absolutely adore him and I'd hate not to walk out the door and see him everyday.

My book is officially available the eharlequin store on the 1st of October, and that's when I'll draw the winner!

Soraya xxoo

Today

I'm blogging over at Love Cats Down Under talking about revisions. Swing past and say hi!!

Soraya xxoo

Rodeo Daddy

I've just this moment read the back cover blurb for the UK version of Rodeo Daddy, and I thought I'd share .... You can buy pre-order the UK version of the book here, or the USA version here. Oh, and there's also a full Chapter One excerpt here too!!

"A fall ended Lark Anderson’s rodeo career – and his marriage – leaving him a single dad. The community, suspicious of the new ‘celebrity’ resident, nominated Sophie Baxter to keep the hot-tempered cowboy out of trouble. But the sight of Lark hugging his daughter breaks Sophie’s heart, reminding her of what will never be hers…"

Soraya xxoo

Mills & Boon New Voices Contest!!

The 2011 Mills & Boon New Voices competition is officially underway! If you're an aspiring writer you simply must head to the website and check it out.

Last year's winner is now a published author, and the editors are seriously looking for new authors!!

If you have any questions or need advice, don't hesitate to ask me.

Soraya xxoo

New Beginnings

This week has been filled with lots of new ideas and characters, as I start work on my sixth book for Harlequin Romance. I've tentatively called it A Soldier's Second Chance, but of course that will no doubt change prior to publication. Once I've done some more plotting I'll share details!

I'm also waiting anxiously to hear back from my agent on a new project she's re-reading this week. It's a middle grade novel for young girls ...

Soraya xxoo

What's Happening?

I've been silent for a few days because I had to turn in a book to my editor - yay, done! And I also had a proposal and first chapter due to her as well. I've just hit send on that, so fingers crossed she likes it :)

I have also just sent off a completely different project to my agent ... a book for little girls! It's a fun "pony" story for middle grade readers, and I'm *hoping* that she sees potential in it. Ever since I read the Saddle Club (over and over again) as a girl, I've wanted to write a pony series, so it really would be a dream come true.

To the winners of my book giveaway - I've sent all your books off so hopefully they will be arriving soon if they haven't already.

Oh, and before I forget, the wonderful Wanda over at Good Choice Reading is running a competition, and I'm giving away signed copies of Soldier on Her Doorstep AND The Army Ranger's Return. Head there now and enter!! If you want to know more about me and my writing, she has an interview up with the giveaway.

Soraya xxoo

Drum Roll please ....

And the winners are of my blog/facebook giveaway for reaching 100 "likes" are ...

Jacquie Biggar

Dianna Brush

Tash Nordstrand

Angelique Jurd

Sara Leitch

Congratulations ladies! Please contact me with your postal details via my website contact page (www.sorayalane.com), and I'll post a UK edition of The Army Ranger's Return to you.

Soraya xxoo

Rodeo Daddy - Cover Squee!!

Look what I just found on Amazon ... the USA cover for my November book, Rodeo Daddy. I absolutely adore it. In fact, I think it's my favorite cover yet!!

Hope you love it as much as I do.

Check back in later for my giveaway announcement - I will be picking 5 winners to receive a copy of The Army Ranger's Return.

Soraya xxoo

Pink Heart Society

I forgot to mention earlier that I'm blogging over at the Pink Heart Society today. Click here to head to the blog, where I'm talking about my latest hero inspiration - the gorgeous Channing Tatum. I'm also giving away a copy of my latest release, The Army Ranger's Return.

Talking about giveaways, I've just hit 100 followers on my facebook author page, so I'll be drawing 5 winners and announcing them on here tomorrow. Any new "likes" or blog comments before then will also be entered in the contest.

Soraya xxoo

Almost at 100!!

I've just checked my facebook author page and I'm at 99 likes ... that means one more "like" and I'll be giving away 5 copies of my latest book!! As promised, I'll also enter anyone in the draw who has commented on my blog too :)

I'm almost ready to send in my fifth book to my editor, so wish me luck! Hopefully she'll love it as much as I do.

Soraya xxoo

Rodeo Daddy - Cover Sneak Peak

I've just seen the UK edition cover for my November release, Rodeo Daddy. It's available for pre-order on Amazon here.

The USA cover should be available soon - I'll post it as soon as I can!

Soraya xxoo

Tragic News

Many New Zealand and international authors are in mourning today for the loss of talented USA Today bestselling author Sandra Hyatt. Sandra was an inspirational and vivacious woman, and will be missed by all who knew her.

Like me, Sandra wrote and submitted many manuscripts before selling her first book, and it was something we often laughed about. Since selling to Harlequin 3 years ago, Sandra became a best-selling author, receiving fantastic reviews and garnering huge praise for her craft.

My thoughts go out to her husband and children, and also to her many close friends.

Rest in peace Sandra. You were loved by so many.

Soraya xxoo

Book Giveaway!!

Just in case this is the first time you've dropped by my blog, I thought I'd post a quick contest reminder ...

When I hit 100 "likes" on my Facebook page, I'm going to give away 5 UK copies of my latest release - The Army Ranger's Return. I'll pick the winners at random, and all you have to do is "like" me here to enter!! I'm at 95 so not many to go.

It's snowing here again today - at least a foot of fresh snow overnight - but my horses are all rugged up and warm, and our hens have a nice dry house to hide in, so we're all okay. The dogs have had heaps of fun playing outside, but they're quick to come back in and snuggle up to get warm again! I have no idea how anyone could keep their dog outside in a kennel :(

Soraya xxxooo

Meet Tom & Caitlin

I'm working on my fifth Harlequin Romance/Mills & Boon Cherish novel, and I'd like to introduce you all to Tom & Caitlin!

Tom Cartwright is a former Navy SEAL who's struggling with leaving his career behind. When he meets Caitlin Rose, a former ballerina and now elementary school teacher, life starts to become interesting!

This story is connected to my February/March release, Back in the Soldier's Arms. Book one is about Tom's brother, Daniel, a former Navy helicopter pilot.

Soraya xxoo

Gorgeous Review of Soldier on Her Doorstep

I just received a "google alert" for a new review, and I'm always scared of clicking on the link. Thankfully, it was a great one! Click here to read the entire review at Round Table Reviews. To sum it up:

"Soldier on Her Doorstep simply took my breath away. While I first wondered what kind of woman would invite a stranger into her home, Lisa's unique qualities come through clearly. It soon becomes apparent that she simply needs someone around because it's how she is. Sure, she's a little too trustworthy, but as her romance with Alex takes off, it was fun watching Alex be forced to come to terms with his past and realize that he was the only thing holding himself back.

As a category romance, Soldier on Her Doorstep is a quick read. It's under 200 pages and doesn't take long at all. Yet, it felt like a full romance packed with incredible depth and great characters. I read lots of Harlequin and Silhouette romances and Soraya Lane's latest brought tears to the eyes and left me feeling that "wow" factor that I love to get after finishing a romance novel."

It's a nice way to end what has been a very trying week! I can't wait for a new week to start - hopefully it will be filled with better news and more sleep :)

If you missed out on buying Soldier on Her Doorstep, it's still available on Amazon here.

Facebook Contest ...

I've almost hit 100 followers, which means I'm close to giving away 5 copies of my latest release, The Army Ranger's Return! If you haven't already "liked" me on Facebook, click here to do so, and tell anyone else you think might be interested.

Right now, I'm working madly to deadline. I hit a hard bit in the middle of the story so I wrote the ending instead, but now I have to go back to the hard slog in the centre :( Wish me luck!

Soraya xxoo

Meet Ryan & Jessica ...

The Army Ranger's Return is officially on the shelves in the USA, Australia & New Zealand this month, so I thought it was time to introduce you to Ryan, Jessica and Jessica's little dog Hercules.

Here's a little excerpt ...

Jess just watched him - the rise and fall of h

is chest, and the way his eyes fell to her lips. She tried not to think about the what-ifs. Fought against the voice in her head that told her

to take things slow, to stop now before it went too far.

Because Jessica knew they had already crossed that line. They'd already gone too far and she was powerless to do anything about it.

"Ryan."

He circled his arms around her waist, making her feel safe. Wanted. She slowly raised her hands and let them flutter to his shoulders, not sure where to touch him, and then they found his hair. Jess ran her fingers through the soft strands then stopped, fingertips on the back of his head as she bravely urged him forward.

He waited for her. Hardly let out a breath as he watched her and waited. Like he was leaving it up to her, wanted her to tell him it was okay.

And she didn't want to disappoint him, was powerless to do anything but make the next move. Jessica kissed him like she'd never kissed a man before. Kept her hands on him, drawing him to her, pressing herself closer to him as their lips danced, his arms still wrapped around her.

Contest winner!!!

Drum roll please ... the winner is Jamie!! I'm so excited that Jamie won my contest (my hubby closed his eyes and pointed to a name on my list of entrants to make it completely random!) as she loved my first book, Soldier on Her Doorstep, and she has a real life soldier for a husband too :) Jamie's hubby served overseas not long after their wedding, so she definitely deserves a free book!!

Jamie, head to the contact page on my website and send me a message with your address ... I was going to giveaway a UK copy, but since you already have a US copy of my first one, I'll send you the matching one of the Army Ranger's Return ... they look much nicer side by side since they were designed together.

If you'd still like to win a copy of The Army Ranger's Return, help me get to 100 followers on Face Book. I only need another 17 people to "like" me, and then I'll give away another 5 copies. Or you can head to Amazon and buy a copy if you can't wait - it's officially available in the USA today.

Soraya xxoo

August

August is one of my favorite months of the year. Why? Well there's a few reasons!

•I sold my first book, Soldier on Her Doorstep, to Harlequin Romance at the very end of August last year, and I also signed with my agent Laura Bradford last August too.

•The Romance Writers of New Zealand conference is in August, and I love going. Unfortunately this year I will not be attending the entire weekend because I can't leave Baby Lane for that long, but I will be going to the fabulous Harlequin Author dinner :)

•August is also my mom's birthday, and we were actually out celebrating her birthday the night my editor called to buy my book!

And finally, my fifth book is due on August 23rd, almost on the anniversary of my first sale. I'm so proud to have sold four books in less than a year, and to have my fifth almost complete!

Don't forget to leave a comment here or on my facebook page to be in to win a copy of The Army Ranger's Return.

Soraya xxoo

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

I'm giving away a UK copy of The Army Ranger's Return - out in the UK now - to a lucky FaceBook or Twitter follower. Simply leave a comment on my FB page and I'll enter you in the draw!!

When I hit 100 followers I'm going to pick another FIVE winners too! So get your friends to "like' me on FaceBook or follow me on Twitter!!

Soraya xxoo

Snow!

I don't ever recall having this much snow in my hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. We have plenty of cold weather, but the snow is deep and thick - quite incredible really!!

Our dogs have been out playing together - but of course scurrying back inside to get warm once their paws get too cold. And our horses have had an extra grain feed and heaps of

hay to keep them happy, but they still look miserable. Not to mention our hens - they keep venturing out of their house and going back in looking like wet rats on legs!

Hope the weather is better at your place.

Soraya xxoo

Navy SEAL research!

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my job? I'm currently researching Navy SEALs for my next book, and I can't say it's hard work.

One thing I can say is that it's hard to find yummy pics on google images of Navy SEALs, but I found one kind of inspirational shot. But nothing beats watching/listening tot the You Tube clips of the Navy running cadence - very cool chanting. Made me feel all motivated just listening to them running and singing.

Back to Tom & Caitlin's story now for me ... Tom's the brother of my hero in my UK Feb/USA March 2012 book - Back in the Soldier's Arms. It's so nice writing linked books :)

Soraya xxoo

CataRomance Review

My first Cataromance review is up and I'm thrilled to say that it's fantastic! You can read all about it here.

Julie says:

"I was blown away by Soldier on Her Doorstep! An intensely emotional, highly affecting and beguiling tale of redemption, second chances and the healing power of love, Soldier on Her Doorstep will touch your heart and make you shed a tear. Soraya Lane is an immensely talented writer who makes you feel every single emotion which her characters are going through without resorting to cliché or melodrama. Instead, she writes with great understanding and sensibility about the pain, the sorrow and the heartbreaking consequences of grief.

Wonderfully written, intelligently told and packed with humanity and heart, Soldier on Her Doorstep is the sensational debut novel by a fabulous writer with a very bright future ahead of her: Soraya Lane!"

Talk about making my day!!! Now it's back to my cave to work on some revisions.

Soraya xxoo

RT Seal of Excellence!

Just received some exciting news ... Soldier on Her Doorstep was nominated for a Romantic Times Seal of Excellence this month! I'm so excited that they loved my story!

This is what they had to say:

Soraya Lane’s Soldier on her Doorstep is a wonderfully touching tale of redemption and healing. Lisa has come to terms with the loss of her military husband, however, when faced with a new love, she has a big choice to make. But, Alex is so wonderful and caring that he is hard to resist even if he is facing demons from his past. The author treats both of her characters as people and not caricatures, so while Lisa is a grieving widow and Alex an emotionally wounded soldier, there are many other layers to these complex characters.

I'm also giving away a copy of one of my books over at Minxes of Romance, so visit the site and leave a comment to be in to win!

Soraya xxoo

Want a giggle??

Check out this NZ Women's Weekly article on yours truly ... it was lots of fun! But just to clarify, I did not meet my husband in a sun-lit field and I did not write the opening blurb either!!

Soraya xxoo

Official Release Day!

Today is the official release day of my first published book in the USA! So if you're in America, keep an eye out for Soldier on Her Doorstep.

Choosing a favorite book is kind of like trying to choose a favorite child, but I have to confess that this book really does hold a special place in my heart.

Enjoy!

-Soraya xxoo

I'm on Facebook!

I finally created an author page on Facebook, so I'd love you to drop past and "like" me! Head to www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor.

Also, I'm blogging at the Minxes of Romance on the 13th of July and doing a book giveaway, as well as being interviewed over at Romantic Times on the same day! I'll be giving away a book there too, so swing by if you'd like a copy!

Soraya xxoo

What are you reading?

I love reading, but between work and family life, finding time to snuggle down with a good book can be difficult! Thankfully I'm still breastfeeding Baby Lane, so while he cuddles in for a nice long feed, I grab a book and enjoy reading.

This week and last I've read two fantastic books. First up was Nalini Singh's Kiss of Snow - all I can say is "wow"!! Nalini is seriously talented and I've been waiting to read Hawke's story a long time now.

I've also been reading (and almost finished) the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Also a great book - very different from what I usually read.

Hope you've all found time to read this month, and I'll be back in July to recommend some more fantastic books!

Soraya xxoo

Book Giveaway!

I'm over at the Pink Heart Society today blogging about the gorgeous men who inspired my first two books, and I'm also hanging out at Novel Thoughts.

I'm giving away a copy of Soldier on Her Doorstep at PHS and Novel Thoughts, so come by and leave a comment to win!

Back in the Soldier's Arms

My fourth book has been accepted! Back in the Soldier's Arms will be released in the UK in February, and in the USA in March.

I've also been offered a new 3-book contract! This is in addition to the continuity I've been asked to be part of, so I have 4 books to write in the next year. Busy but exciting.

Soraya xxoo

Today

I'm over at fellow Harlequin Romance author Donna Alward's blog today, talking about my journey to publication and my debut book.

I'm giving away a signed copy of my UK version of Soldier on Her Doorstep, which is a 2-in-1 with Donna. Visit www.donnaalward.blogspot.com

Soraya xxxooo

Another beautiful cover & more news!

This week keeps getting better! I've just seen my latest US cover, and it's absolutely gorgeous.

Also, for NZ & Australian readers, you'll be able to get a copy of my first book in July and my second in August!

And last of all, I'm super excited to share that I've been invited to be part of a brand new continuity with seven other Harlequin Romance authors. I don't have all the details yet, but my story will be released in early 2013.

Soraya

Romantic Times Top Pick!!

The reviews keep on coming for Soldier on Her Doorstep! I just received news that the book was a Romantic Times Top Pick, and it received a fantastic 4.5-Star rating.

Soldier on Her Doorstep is available in the UK as a Mills & Boon Cherish now, and is released in the USA in July - or available via the eharlequin website from June.

Soraya xxxooo

Reviews!

My debut Harlequin Romance was listed on NetGalley for professional reviewers to access, and I have some great reviews to share!

Over at Good Choice Reading, Wendy said:

"I really liked this book. I did tear up a bit and I laughed at others. I don't ever want to imagine having a husband who died at war. Would I be as graceful as Lisa was? I don't know and never want to know. This was a beautiful story because it was realistic and no one jumped into things without thinking. And I like that in books. Also seeing a man love another man's child is something that aches in the heart and makes you fall more in love with that man. Simply beautiful! A 5 out of 5 stars and a definite Good Choice for reading!"

You can read the whole review at: http://www.goodchoicereading.com/2011/05/review-soldier-on-her-doorstep-by.html

Also, there are a handful of reviews on Good Reads too! This is one of the 4-Star reviews:

"Soldier on Her Doorstep is at heart a very simple story. Yet I was left feeling a little moved. It was very subdued. No overwrought antics, no histrionics, no immediate lust-at-first-sight. But rather, a slowly-evolving and realistic jouney of two people falling in love . . . For a sweet, gentle, emotional love story you can't go past this."

For the full list of reviews, head to: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11194042-soldier-on-her-doorstep

USA Cover - Soldier on Her Doorstep

Hope you're ready for the most beautiful cover ever! Here's the cover flat for my first USA release.

Soraya xxoo

The Army Ranger's Return

Talk about exciting - I've seen three of my own book covers in 4 weeks! This is my July UK release - a two in one book with the fabulous Nikki Logan.

I've also seen my first US release - Soldier on Her Doorstep - and the cover is incredible. It really sets the scene for the story, and as soon as I have it as a jpg I'll post it for you drool over :)

Soraya xxoo

Book 3 - Rodeo Daddy!

I'm so excited to announce that my third book was officially accepted last night! Rodeo Daddy will be released in the UK and the USA in November this year :)

Also, I've just heard that my first two books will be released in my home country this year too! Soldier on Her Doorstep and The Army Ranger's Return will hit the shelves in Australia and New Zealand in August and September.

Now I'm off to work on book #4, due in 7 weeks.

Soraya xxoo

COVER BLISS!!!

Oh, the joy of a first cover!! This morning my fellow author and best writing pal Natalie Anderson phoned to say she'd been on Amazon and seen my UK release cover for Soldier on Her Doorstep!

It's utterly gorgeous and I've made my family stare at it all morning - and now here it is for you to enjoy :)

Soraya xxoo

Photos of Baby Lane

Thanks everyone for all the lovely messages! Baby Lane and I are doing great, and I've posted a few pics of him here . . . he's a great sleeper at the moment so fingers crossed he stays that way!

Spent last night feeding him and writing first paragraph of next book in my head, but then couldn't get to sleep because I was so worried I might forget it. Note to self: put notebook beside bed for late night scribbling!

Soraya

Baby Lane Arrives!

Baby Lane arrived 3 weeks early . . . we welcomed our first baby into the world on Monday, only hours after I typed The End on my third book. Phew! Lucky I was ahead of schedule, and now I can enjoy our little guy. Although I'm about to get busy working on the proposal for book 4, so there's no rest for the wicked.

New Contract!!

Well, 2011 has started with a bang! I have just this moment put pen to paper and signed a new 2-book contract with Harlequin Romance, and I couldn't be more thrilled. My third book is due on the 1st February, just days before our first baby is born, and the writing of my fourth book will keep me busy until early May.

The book I'm currently finishing is a cowboy story set in New Zealand, and the next one will hopefully be another story about a soldier returning home from war . . .

Hopefully I will have the cover for Soldier on Her Doorstep to share with you soon, but in the meantime I'm just happy to be under contract again and writing more heart warming romances!