It’s less than a month now until the release of SKIN GAME. This has been one amazing autumn and it’s only just getting started! What a long, crazy road it has been; I’ve wanted to publish a romance pretty much all my life, and so this is the culmination of all my dreams. I am thrilled, of course, with my success in science fiction and urban fantasy, but I’ve been a romance reader (along with SF&F) all my life. So this just totally kicks ass.
People have asked me why a pen name for romances and why specifically Ava Gray. You can find those answers here.
What are people saying about SKIN GAME? Well, they’re loving it.
“4 1/2 stars. A sexy sizzler of a story about a con girl and an assassin, with just a soupçon of paranormal, this book will cause compulsive reading. If you loved Linda Howard’s Death Angel, then lunge for this one.” –Romantic Times
Because I’m so happy, I want to share that glow with y’all. And that’s why we’re having a proper book orgy up in here for the month of October. I’ll be giving away a slew of books by authors I love. To win, all you need to do is show up. The more you comment, the better your chance to win because I’ll be picking my winners through a random number generator. As always, no spamming, no random links.
Here’s who I have in store for you this week:
Sharon Shinn
My goodness, I love her books. If you’ve spent any time on the blog, or know me at all, you’ve probably heard the “I used to buy Sharon Shinn books instead of food” story. I won’t tell it (that’s basically it, except with a few more superlatives thrown in). 
Anyway, Sharon has two books coming out in October: talk about an embarrassment of riches! Her books are called Quatrain and Gateway. The former is a set of four novellas, set in four different worlds, each written with Sharon’s rich, lyrical style. The latter is a YA based in an alternate reality St. Louis. I had the pleasure of hearing Sharon read from it at ArmadilloCon and it’s wonderful! I’ll be giving away one of each.
Therese Walsh
This is our next giveaway item. The Last Will of Moira Leahy is one of the best books I’ve read all year. The writing is just lovely: deep, evocative, poignant and lyrical. This is a book that’s so beautiful, it hurts to read it. I’ve seldom read anything so magical or so perfect. In a way, this book is literature, but it’s not the kind where everyone dies in the end or sets forth the belief that sadness cannot be healed, that grief cannot be overcome. This book is powerful and incandescent; it’s about love and family and secrets and heartbreak, but it’s also fearless and strong and utterly irresistible. I’m giving away a copy of this book, too. Therese Walsh is going places, and you’ll want to board the train early.
Anya Bast
Finally, I have a special treat: an ARC of Wicked Enchantment. Anya is both an awesome person and an gifted author, so I know you’re all dying to get your hands on this one. Click the cover to read the blurb because, WOW. how awesome does that sound? If you love yummy, sexy fae, you don’t want to miss this. It’s the first book in a new series, and you can get a hold of it right here, this week only.
Those are the prizes: three books and one ARC. Four winners, who will be announced on Friday. Here’s the question you have to answer to enter:
You’re having a party with fictional characters. Which heroes or heroines do you invite? Limit yourself to ten. If you want a more intimate party *nudge nudge wink wink*, include less.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Great party :D
Hm, well Clay from Kelley Armstrongs book and Z from JR Wards book. You know just a little intimate party.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:12 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mandi Schreiner and Heather LH. Heather LH said: RT @smexybooks: RT @reviewromance: The Skin Game Book Orgy – http://bit.ly/9yBmj via @ann_aguirre [...]
October 12th, 2009 at 7:12 am
I would invite Kate and Curran and perhaps a few boudas (Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series) and I would love to meet Mercy and Adam(Patricia Briggs Mery Thompson series).
Okay, I admit it I have a little crush on shifters.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I would say – John Matthew (jr ward), Barrons (kmm), Adam (briggs), March (aguirre), Adrien English (lanyon), Bones (frost), Ethan (neill), Bran (briggs), Wulfric (balogh) and Curran (andrews)
October 12th, 2009 at 9:30 am
I would love to have Z from Sherrilyn Kenyon and Ash and his wife and wolf and Bride. I would love to invite Jonas from Lora Liegh’s breeds. I’d like to pick his brain lol. and if Jonas could bring me a breed of my own that would be fantastic. Also any of the characters from shelly Laurenston’s books maybe Sara and Zach. Lord knows those two crack me up.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I would love to have Z from Sherrilyn Kenyon and Ash and his wife and wolf and Bride. I would love to invite Jonas from Lora Liegh’s breeds. I’d like to pick his brain lol. and if Jonas could bring me a breed of my own that would be fantastic. Also any of the characters from shelly Laurenston’s books maybe Sara and Zach. Lord knows those two crack me up.
Sorry… forgot to say great post – can’t wait to read your next one!
October 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I’ve never read Sharon Shinn. But your pimping ways may change my mind.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I love the posts. While I Z from JR Ward’s parties, he would be the last on my list of guests. He is not very sociable. I like fun, witty people so I would choose…Harry Dresden, John Taylor, Cassandra Palmer (she always makes me laugh), Pritkin, Lord Dain, Jessica Trent, the Weasley twins) and Blair Mallory.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:42 am
I’d invite the valkyrie from Kresley Cole’s IAD series because those chicks know how to party. And to keep things warm and interesting I’d also invite V from JR Ward’s BDB, Barrons from KMM’s Fever series (my date), and maybe that hot demon Cadeon Woede from KC, IAD.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:46 am
hmmm I would go for the private party of 3 . Me , Jack ( from whitch blood ) and Justice ( from Atlantis ) yep that would be one incredible party . teeeheeeheeee . Those two fictional characters get me excited , LOVE THEM !!!!
October 12th, 2009 at 9:50 am
OH a party! yay!! I would definitely want Mercy and Adam (Briggs) there, and Barrons (KMM)…and a little Dorian (Mead).
October 12th, 2009 at 9:52 am
LOL, I’m thinking a party of 3 would be perfect~~I’d want Larissa’s Wraith, and hmmm……Acheron. I’d bet neither would be too willing to share and share alike, but it’s my fantasy, right?
October 12th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I would invite the three D’Artigo Sisters (Camille, Delilah and Menolly) from Yasmine Galenorn’s series, definitely Allison Beckstrom from Devon Monk and the two D’Anu sisters Silver and Copper Ashcroft from Cheyenne McCray!
October 12th, 2009 at 10:00 am
The only author I have read so far is Anya Bast, but the others look VERY interesting too! Ohhh! I totally forgot Riley Jenson from Keri Arthur’s series!!!
October 12th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I would invite:
-Curran
-Mercy Thomson (Patricia Briggs)
-Harry Dresden
-Jeremy Danvers (Kelley Armstrong)
-Jane Jameson (Molly Harper)
-Ethan (Chloe Neill)
-Trent (Kim Harrison)
That could be fun! I know that inviting Harry Dresden is synonym os disaster but what the hell it’s a fantasy party!
October 12th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I love Sharon Shinn!!! :) I’ve been eying Quatrain after the good review on Dear Author.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:57 am
It would be a dinner party with my favorite fictional couples:
Eve & Roarke
Mercy and Adam
Kate and Curran
Sookie and Eric
For the last couple I’d invite two singles, always good to do a little matchmaking and they’re two awesome characters whom I adore:
Harry Dresden and Nucking Futs Nix (IAD)
P.S If I can stretch my table to 12 can I add Adrien English and Jake.
(Mandi’s list reminded me)
October 12th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Forgot to add loved Doubleblind. Purchased it and inhaled it in one day, can’t wait for the next.
October 12th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Well…. I would have to have Zarek and Nick (Kenyon) just for the fireworks alone, Sebastian (Gleason) since he was left out and Max got the girl, Jean Claude and Galen(Hamilton) since LK has been neglecting them lately, Barrons (Moning) cause when he lets loose I think it will be a fun party, Malachi (Walker) that vamp knows how to share, Kisten (Harrison) needs to come back and get some serious partying on, Maverick and Wild Card (Leigh) will round out the party…. ooops forgot to invite any other females…. so sad will have to entertain these studly males myself….
October 12th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Ooops one invite left…. that would go to Quinn (Arthur).,….
October 12th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hi Ann :)
Thank you for the great giveaway contest.
My party list:
1. Georgina (Richelle Mead)
2. Mercy Thompson (Patricia Briggs)
3. Kate Daniels (Ilona Andrews)
4. Mira (Anya Bast)
5. Karigan (Kristen Britain)
6. Honor Harrington (David Weber)
7. Claire (Rachel Caine)
8. Mavra Chang (Jack L. Chalker)
9. Cassandra Palmer (Karen Chance)
10. Aleytys (Jo Clayton)
:)
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
October 12th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
V’lane, John Matthew, Quinn, Kate Daniel, Curran, Asher, Jean Claude, Anita, Cassandra Palmer, Joanna Archer would be coole
October 12th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
[...] Aguirre is having a Book Orgy of a contest where she’s giving away a bunch of books. Contest ends October [...]
October 12th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I would love to have Stephanie Plum, Ranger and Morelli at a party they would be great fun!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Hmm. This is one tough guest list. I think I’d narrow it down to:
Mercy Thompson
Adam Hauptman
Bran McCormick
Kate Daniels
Curran
Eric Northman
March (of course – how could I forget March?!)
Jax
Break out the drinks and food!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hi Ann!
maybe with Lucas, Vaughn, Judd, Clay, Dorian and Riley (Nalini Singh) – oh, after all a bigger group *gg* and you?
wow, what a contest – thank you sooo much *hug*
mh, partytime – I think I would choose a smaller group
Greetings,
Ina
October 12th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Bran (Briggs)
Cullen Seabourne and Cynna Weaver (Wilks)
Bones (Frost)
Angus McKay (Sparks)
Those are the ones that come to mind at the moment.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Hmm…I’m thinking I’ll go with the whole lot of those Highlander’s from Karen Marie Moning…with a little JZB thrown in!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I’m having a party with my 10 closest friends, huh. Of course, they are always welcome to bring dates, so not counting their dates, they would probably be:
1. Rhoan & Lysander (K. Arthur)
2. Merit & either Morgan or Ethan, not sure who she would bring after Friday Night Bites (C. Neill)
3. Cat & Bones (J. Frost)
4. Claire & Jamie (D. Gabaldon)
5. Elena & Clay (K. Armstrong)
6. Mira & Dananus (J. Drake)
7. Kitty & Cormac, yeah, I’m team Cormac (C. Vaughn)
8. Kate & Curran (I. Andrews)
9. Jax & March – they need a simple date
10. Sookie & Eric (C. Harris)
Yeah, that’s my dinner party.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’d keep my party as small as possible ;) I’d invite either Barrons (from Fever series by KMM) or Dag (from The Sharing Knife series by Lois McMaster Bujold). Both very different kind of people, but ah – so tempting! In the end, I’d probably end up choosing Dag. I know, I’m dirty little minx who would like to get in on with a much older man ;)
October 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hi Ann!
This is one hell of a contest. Thanks!
I’d have to rent a limo and require a fierce leather pant and stilleto dress code for a girls night out with…
Mercy Thompson (Patricia Briggs)
Elena Michaels (Kelley Armstrong)
Joanna Baldwin (Rachel Caine)
Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrison)
Ivy Tamwood (Kim Harrison)
Anita Blake (Laurell K. Hamilton)
Riley Jenson (Keri Arthur)
Sookie Stackhouse (Charlaine Harris)
Kind of gives a whole new meaning to painting the town red!
*Jen*
October 12th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Well a small party I think, just me and Gray Montgomery from Maya Banks’ Sweet Surrender.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Hercule Poirot(Agatha Christie)
Joe Mackenzie(Linda Howard)
Noah Bishop(Kay Hooper)
Lydia Grenville(Loretta Chase)
Lillian Bowman(Lisa Kleypas)
October 12th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I would invite
Michael & Shane from Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires series
…and that’s it. For now. lol
Deidre
October 12th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Since this party is all about me, I’d invite all my fictional book boyfriends. The exclusive VIP list is as follows:
Barrons from Karen Marie Moning
Bowen from Kresley Cole IAD Series
Cadeon Wood Kresely Cole IAD Series
March from Grimspace
Jonas from Lora Leigh’s Breed Series
Revhenge from Ward’s BDB Series
Devyn from Gena Showatler’s Alien Huntress
Paris from Gena Showalters LOTU Series
*Strict Dress Code Shirts are not Allowed*
October 12th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
*clears throat* correction via Fiction Vixen it is Cadeon Woede Kresely Cole IAD Series, I guess my mind went to a dirty place…
October 13th, 2009 at 12:03 am
[...] Will (no linkie, sorry; there are spoilers) and supportive words from friends like Therese Fowler, Ann Aguirre, and Larramie, my fairy godmother. (Psst, Larramie and Ann are doing giveaways!) Soon enough, [...]
October 13th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Sookie Stackhouse, Bill, Eric and Claudia (Charlaine Harris) might be fun. And Sabina Kane and Adam (Jaye Wells). And of course Corine Solomon and Chance, and Jax and March. Seems lkie it would be a lively party.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:03 am
Hey Ann! Book orgy…there’s an orgy I would love to be part of…
Hmm up to ten?
1) Eric Northman (Sookie)
2) Curran (Kate Daniels)
3) Charles (Alpha and Omega)
4) Anna (Alpha and Omega)
5) Kate (Kate Daniels)
6) Eve (Marked Books)
7) Vin (Mistborn books)
8) Alexia (Parasol Protectorate)
9) Henry Tilney (Northanger Abbey)
10) Henry (Vicki Nelson books)
I wanna have an equal number of guys to drool over and girls to discuss and talk with…or help me do some destruction XD
October 13th, 2009 at 6:39 am
So that would be
1.Camille D’Artigo (Yasmine Galenorn)
2.Delilah D’Artigo (Same)
3.Menolly D’Artigo (Same)
4.Allison Beckstrom (Devon Monk)
5.Silver Ashcroft (Cheyenne McCray) and 6.Copper Ashcroft (Cheyenne McCray)
7.Riley Jenson (Keri Arthur)
8.Elena Michaels (Kelley Armstrong)
October 13th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Kate Daniels, Jonas or other character in a book I just read.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I am so not going to be creative on this. My head cold is sapping my creativity.
I would have to have Harper Blaine with Choas (Richardson), March, Jax, Vel, Harper Connelly (Harris), Dirk Pitt (Cussler), Jack West Jr. (Reilly), Scarecrow (Reilly), Lydia with Fuzz (Krentz), and PB (Gilman).
It would be an interesting party….
October 13th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I have come back to add the characters I’d invite to a party. Making it one character per author:
1) VEL!! (you)
2) Elizabeth Bennet (Jane Austen)
3) Kate Daniels (Ilona Andrews)
4) Cristof (Dru Pagliassotti)
5) Bran (Patricia Briggs)
6) Zal (Justina Robson)
7) Nadia Stafford (Kelley Armstrong)
8) Branden Kel-Paten (Linnea Sinclair)
9) Warboy (Karin Lowachee)
10) Ciara (Jeri Smith-Ready)
Oh this party would be AMAZING.
October 13th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I would invite Nobody Owens (The Graveyard Book), Sam Roth (Shiver), the Weasley twins (Harry Potter) and the 12 Dancing Princesses from Jessica Day George’s The Princesses and The Midnight Ball.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Ooh, only ten? C’est impossible! Several of mine are repeats from other posts:
1. Clay (Kelley Armstrong)
2. Bran (Patricia Briggs)
3. Kate (Ilona Andrews)
4. Curran (Ilona Andrews)
5. Bones (Jeaniene Frost)
6. Marc (Rachel Vincent)
7. Niall (Melissa Marr)
8. Eric (Charlaine Harris)
9. Peeta (Suzanne Collins)
10. Chance (Ann Agguire) :-)
Only one other girl at this party…oh well. It’s my party and I’ll monopolize the eye-candy if I want to!
October 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Ash (Sherrilyn Kenyon)
Rehvenge (J.R. Ward)
Carlos and J.L. (L.A. Banks)
&& Anita Blake (Laurell K. Hamilton)
I don’t mind sharing the boys lol
October 15th, 2009 at 11:20 am
How exciting, the article and the idea. Let’s tip a hat to those who broke the barrier for women in SF/F as well: Anne McCaffery, Marrian Zimmer Bradley, C.J. Cherryh, Ursula K. LeGuin, among others. They had some fabulous, deeply developed characters as well. I often go back to the wells there for inspiration when I write.
Take care,
Jessica Rosen
October 15th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Well, let’s see — Jamie and Claire from Outlander — well, maybe I’ll just forget to mail Claire’s invitation (hee). Clay from Bitten and Hunted. Jean-Claude from Anita Blake’s world. Quinn w/o Riley Jensen. Almost any McKay brother. OK, that’s a lotta guys. I’m gonna have to stagger their invite times – days/weeks
October 15th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Hmmmm, I’d invite
1.) Shane (Jeri Smith-Ready)
2.) Jack (Raven Hart)
3.) Nick (Sherrilyn Kenyon)
October 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Maybe I’m weird, but I’d just want to invite a bunch of girls over.
1. Mercy Thompson (Patricia Briggs)
2. Kate Daniels (Ilona Andrews)
3. Sirantha Jax (Ann Aguirre)
4. Max (Diana Pharaoh Francis)
5. Toby Daye (Seanan McGuire)
…then we could have contests to see who was the toughest. ;P
October 15th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Oooh, fun question! Hm…I’d invite the brothers from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. *counting heads* Ok, that’s eight, including John Matthew (who’s my date:). Hm…and Eve and Roarke from J.D. Robb’s In Death series. That’s 10. I’d probably sneak McNabb and Peabody in, too. And Mavis would be entertainment, of course, so she doesn’t count. How’s that for a party?
October 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
1. Sam Merlotte (C. Harris)
2. Mercy Thompson (P. Briggs)
3. Joanna Archer (V. Petterson)
4. Jace (R. Vincent)
5. Kitty Norville (C. Vaughn)
6. Cat (J. Frost)
7. Eve (R. Caine)
8. Harry Dresden (J. Butcher)
9. Ceridwen Dulciate (K. Harrison)
10. Sonja Blue (N. Collins)
With this crew, I’d just get out of the way. watch the show, and try to not to get blood on my boots.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Wow…only 10? Okay.
Z
Butch
V
John Matthew
Rhett Buttler (heehee)
Acheron
Fang
Fury
Nick
Zarek
Now that would be a party. ROFL
October 15th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Okay, Ann, I will admit that I, too, will do almost anything for books, and that I’ve gone hungry in favor of procuring a copy of a book that I MUST read!
So I know where you are coming from. And just as an FYI, I was born on Frank Sinatra’s 45th birthday, December 12. Frank and I are both Sagittarians, and Ava Gardner was one of those sexy Scorpios, and, having married a male Scorpio, I can understand the lure and the obsession, but really, Scorps and Sagitts are opposites in many ways, and Frank should have tried to find himself a nice Aries gal and gotten over the gorgeous Ava, who was very self-destructive, as many Scorpios are…they’re water signs, after all, dark, mysterious, visionary and sexy as heck, too.
DeAnn
October 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Just ten?
Hmmm…
Let’s go with Harry Dresden, Kate Daniels and Curran, Gerald Tarrant, Eric Northman, Kitty Norville, Trent Kalamack, Rachel Morgan and Jenks. And Lucius Malfoy if he would deign to party with Muggles and other assorted riff-raff. ;)
If not, then I would call Joanne Walker. :D
October 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I’d invite:
Jessica Ward & Bobby Ray Smith (Shelly Laurenston)
Iris (Yasmine Galenorn)
Jason Schuyler (LKH)
Mercy & Riley (Nalini Singh)
Koni (Marjorie M. Liu)
And because that’s under 10, Mercy and Jessica would bring some pack members with them. :D
October 17th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Anita Blake (Laurell K. Hamilton)
Charles (Alpha and Omega)
Bran (Patricia Briggs)
Jeremy Danvers (Kelley Armstrong)
Lucius Vladescu (Beth Fantaskey)
well it’d be a small party..
October 17th, 2009 at 8:42 am
A party you say. I am a quiet person and not much of a party gal but I think I could change my ways if I had the guy on the cover of Skin Game and some soft music and low lights.ha ha Being I am much older than him..I figure I could make him comfortable and mother him for an evening. ha susan L.