Meeting awesome-sauce people is one of the things I love about my job. It’s especially lovely to unexpectedly cyber-bump (I know that sounds naughty but it’s not) into fellow scribblers who use their time and words to build up both the genre and other writers. I discovered firsthand that Nicole Peeler is one of those people when she paid me an unexpected, but much appreciated kindness (she probably did it on a whim, but it meant – and still means – a hell of a lot to me).

I tell you this because I know I like to buy products from people I like – whether it’s watching a movie, going to a concert, or yeah, buying a book. (Not being an asshat goes a long in getting me to part ways with my money, but I guess I’m just easy that way).

All of this is a long way of saying that Nicole Peeler is good peeps, and if you haven’t heard of her already, then here’s your chance to key into a wonderful writer with a fantastically unique Urban Fantasy series, and who is a good person to boot. With her first book being offered up this month as a $2.99 download (more info below) you’d be silly not to pick her up asap.(And, seriously, aren’t these the most amazing covers?)

So to my lovely readers, here’s an equally lovely author whom I’m thrilled to introduce to you…please take a moment to say hi and chat with us in the comments!

Viva Las Vegas!

I like a lot of things about Vicki. She’s got red hair, coupled with a wicked sense of smarts and humor. I’m also weirdly obsessed with long people, being that I’m only an inch or two away from midget-hood.

I also like tons of things about Vicki’s books, including that they’re set in Vegas, baby!

Besides height, I also have a weird obsession with Vegas. It’s extra weird considering that I (a) don’t gamble, (b) have never actually been to Vegas and (c) am not a fan of Celine Dion.

And yet, I love Vegas—although I suppose it’s very much a theoretical Vegas, based on a half-baked mixture of conjecture, dreams, and movie images. In fact, my mental-Vegas looks rather suspiciously like this Killer’s video:

I imagine everyone’s super out of this world (a la Vicki’s version, no?), glamorous, and louche. And I want to play!

What do you think of when you think “Vegas”?

Nicole Peeler is a professor of English literature and creative writing at Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, PA. She also writes urban fantasy novels for Orbit Books. Her third novel, Tempest’s Legacy, just hit shelves in January.

For those American readers interested in Nicole’s fiction, Orbit Books is offering her first book, Tempest Rising, as this month’s Orbital Drop, downloadable on multiple platforms for only $2.99. Click here for more details.

  • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

    Yanno, $2.99 is like an old-school breakfast buffet. You just don’t get deals like that anymore!

    I actually like Celine – but then the word on the Strip is that she’s *amazing* to work with, and treats her dancers like gold. Again, see above – I *loves* good people.

    And, Nicole, that video gave me strange dreams (but lovely, so thank you).

    Oh, and to answer your question – when I think of Vegas, I think of days like today – bright, blue skies, cool air, chirping birdsong, and the sound of slot machines ringing in the distance.
    Hm.
    Must work on being/becoming more louche. ;-)

    • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

      Hahahaha, I love it! If I visit we can have louche practice. I’m good at louche. ;-)

      And thanks again, that intro seriously made my day!

      • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

        I think if you can belly dance, you can louche. ;-)

        I’m definitely in for the practice, tho!

  • Linda Grimes

    Hi Nicole!

    How cool! I just ordered Tempest Rising for my Kindle — it sounds like just my cup of spiked tea. ;)

    I’ve never been to Vegas, either. When I think of it, I imagine Vic all dressed up in her chorus girl costume, sitting at her computer, pouring the awesome onto the page. Yeah, I know. She probably doesn’t wear the feathered headgear while writing, but in my head she does.

    Vic, please allow me to keep my illusions. *grin*

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      Does it help that I *used* to wear costumes while writing? I swear, I’d write between numbers at work, then throw another costume on, hit the stage, then back to the page.
      So your illusion isn’t too far off from my past self.

      And I invite you *both* to come to Vegas. You’ll love it!

      • Linda Grimes

        Only if you promise to take me out and get me smashed. ;)

        • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

          That’s really not my style, Linda.
          For shame. *shaking head*

      • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

        I’m in!!!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

      Thanks, Linda! I hope you enjoy it! ;-) And from now on I will totally imagine Vicki writing in a feathered headdress. LOL Thanks for that!

  • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

    Vicki, that was the sweetest introduction ever! I totally teared up!

    I feel all vaklempt! Thank you! *hugs*

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      Aw.
      I live for tears. *evil grin*

  • Majda

    Trust me, guys, you won’t regret buying Tempest Rising. Just when I thought we’ve seen it all ( and by we I mean urban fantasy fanatics, LOL), Ms. Peeler managed to surprise me. She’s worth your time and your money. :) )

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      Even if it didn’t come with steak and hash browns. ;-)
      (ref. the 2.99 breakfast buffet)

      • Majda

        LOL, I’m halfway through The Scent of Shadows ATM. Quite a coincidence, actually. I’m loving it so far. You did a superb job! :)

        • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

          So glad to hear it!
          See – you’re a late-bloomer, but you have potential! LOL

          • Majda

            Sure, but I’m an incredibly fast reader, so I’ll probably finish all five books in a week. LOL. That sounded kind of sad.

          • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

            And then she can have her hashbrowns! ;-)

          • Majda

            I’ll hold you ladies to it. I do get hungry a lot when I have a reading marathon.

  • http://www.twitter.com/johnnie_cakes Johnnie_cakes

    Hooray! Two of my favorite ladies in one place, talking about one of my favorite places. I love Vegas (and Celine Dion). It’s like this big over the top, cartoon world that you can just step right into. I’ve been to Vegas 4 times, and although I’ve already been there once this year (to see Cher before her run ended), I’m secretly planning a return trip this fall to see that aforementioned Canadian Diva’s new show.

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      John – did you see your slipper pic on my gallery page? ;-)
      And I saw that you just got to see *the* Liza in person. *dies* She is one of my fave performers ever. So supportive of show kids too. We would KILL it when she was in the audience.

      Come see me! (Okay, and Celine.)

  • http://twitter.com/CatHealy Cat Healy

    Woohoo – two of my favourite authors in one place! I have been a fan of both series since they first came out. Great post!!

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      So great to hear, Cat — isn’t she great?

      • http://www.facebook.com/nicolepeeler Nicole Peeler

        STOP. You’re making me blush. ;-)

  • http://twitter.com/SpazP Pamela

    FANGIRLOVERDOSE *dies* – Two of my most favorite authors, together! Right here! OK I’ll stop now.
    Great post yay!

    • http://www.vickipettersson.com Vicki Pettersson

      You mean you were already aware Nicole was made of awesome-sauce?
      Huh!
      Okay – well, thank you for stopping by!