Wednesday, July 01, 2009

RITA-nominated giveaway: Tote #1

[Ed. note: be sure to leave your comments on the posts for a chance to win. One tote per winner will be awarded, but you can comment on any post throughout the contest period.]


Jessica Andersen, Twin Targets
2009 RITA® Finalist for Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure

“Ten years ago (!), Dalton Diaz and I sat in the audience with Suz Brockmann’s family as Suz graciously accepted a staggering number of RITAs®. When the ceremony was over, Dalton turned to me and said, 'Okay, we’re making a pact here and now. Whichever of us gets nominated first is bringing the other one to sit up front as her date.' Five years ago, I was able to make good on that promise. I might not have won the RITA® that year, but Dalton and I were sitting up there front and center! This year, I had the pleasure of attending the RT convention and cheering as Dalton took her place at the front of the room, having recently become an EC author. Although she won’t be in DC to cheer when the cover of Twin Targets flashes on the big screen, I know she’ll be just a phone call away, waiting to hear whether the third time is the charm for me.

So I guess that being nominated for a RITA® means two main things to me: it’s a wonderful and humbling nod of ‘well done’ from a handful of judges who might not be my usual readers, but who found something exciting, sexy, or otherwise relatable in a story that means a great deal to me … and it brings me a sense of continuity and community, of another year passing and all of us taking another step forward as writers … and as friends. Best of luck to all of us, in the RITA®s and in the year to come.”

About Twin Targets:

FBI agent John Sharpe was closing in on a criminal he'd made his life's mission to put away for life. So rescuing Sydney Westlake from the churning ocean was a distraction he couldn't afford. But then he learned the beautiful scientist had escaped his target's clutches and could hold the key to closing his case, so John wasn't letting her out of his sight. Sydney claimed she was more than willing to help, especially if it meant securing her twin sister's safety, but danger threatened every move she and John made together. Would the same hold true once their barely contained attraction was finally released?

***********
Sharon Sala
2009 RITA® Finalist for Romance Novella – “Penance” in Aftershock [in Tote #1]
2009 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance for The Healer [in Tote #2]

“Having a book final in the RITA® competition is, for me, a huge affirmation from my peers. For a writer, having our books praised/critiqued is somewhat like a parent hearing praise/criticism about one of our children. If it's good, we're elated. If it's bad, the emotions run from hurt to indignant. It's a 'how dare you say my child is ugly' kind of thing, although we do survive regardless, and hope that the next book we write will connect in a positive way with our readers...

'Penance,' a short story in an anthology called AFTERSHOCK, is about a young woman who, after being shot in the head and surviving, realizes she has developed psychic powers. Through some emotional struggles with her own reluctance to admit this is true, she finally learns how to use it to help people, and during the telling of her story, helps find a kidnapped child before it's too late.”

About "Penance":

After being shot, Nicole Masters's "penance" for cheating death dictates that she must help others—even if it means putting herself in danger. Now she and Detective Dominic Tucci—a neighbor determined to make Nicole accept her new gift—team up to rescue an innocent child before time runs out.…

***********
Sherry Thomas, Private Arrangements
2009 RITA® Finalist for Best First Book
2009 RITA® Finalist for Historical Romance

“The RITA® nomination means, in the most practical terms, that if I actually receive the award, everybody will see what I'm wearing. So for the first time in a very long time, I have purchased a new dress!

But seriously, it is a humbling honor, to see the august company on the nomination list, and to get there with my first book. That is the stuff dreams are made of.”

About Private Arrangements:

Love has designs of its own.…

To all of London society, Lord and Lady Tremaine had the ideal arrangement: a marriage based on civility, courteousness, and freedom—by all accounts, a perfect marriage. The reason? For the last ten years, husband and wife have resided on separate continents.

But once upon a time, things were quite different for the Tremaines….When Gigi Rowland first laid eyes on Camden Saybrook, the attraction was immediate and overwhelming. But what began in a spark of passion ended in betrayal the morning after their wedding—and now Gigi wants to be free to marry again. When Camden returns from America with an outrageous demand in exchange for her freedom, Gigi’s decision will have consequences she never imagined, as secrets are exposed, desire is rekindled—and one of London’s most admired couples must either fall in love all over again…or let each other go forever.

***********

Cindi Myers, The Right Mr. Wrong
2009 RITA® Finalist for Contemporary Series Romance

“Being nominated for a RITA® is a great joy and honor. Writing is a lonely business. Yes, I have my characters to keep me company, but for the most part, it's me and the computer screen. I love my stories, but will anyone else love them? This is why fan mail is so appreciated. Hearing that my books have touched a reader is the ultimate validation. The judges for the RITA® are readers as well as writers. I am very honored to know they have judged my book to be among the best in its class.

Being nominated for a RITA® is also humbling. I know that many other wonderful books did not make the finals. And I am aware of all the nominees who have gone before me, some of them authors whose works I adore. I'm grateful for this nomination and hope to live up to the honor.”

About The Right Mr. Wrong:

This follow-up to Marriage On Her Mind takes readers back to Crested Butte, Colorado where the town’s Casanova, Hagan Ansdar, meets former Olympic ski racer Maddie Alexander. Recovering from a career-ending injury, Maddie has joined Crested Butte ski patrol, hoping to figure out what to do with her life now that her dream of competing at the Olympics has been destroyed. Hagan is content with his no-strings-attached life until he meets Maddie and discovers how empty his life has been without her in it.

***********

Jean Marie Pierson, No Good Girls
2009 RITA® Finalist for Best First Book
2009 RITA® Finalist for Contemporary Single Title

“Being nominated for the RITA® for Best First Book and Best Contemporary Single Title Romance means that my family and friends are officially off the hook. I thought they might be liars. I mean, sweet liars going to great lengths to spare my feelings. Here’s how my mind worked through the whole publishing process:

1 - Workshop friends liked it. I buy them beers while we read. They’ll like anything after happy hour.
2 - Agent liked it. It’s her job to pump me up. Can’t sell a sad romance author.
3 - Editor liked it. She’s working on so many books at the same time. Maybe she got me confused with another author.
4 - Family gets first copies. They liked it. They HAVE to like it. They are thanked in the credits. Besides, I get a Disney discount through work. Their kids love me.
5 - Submit it RITA® Awards. The ones who write the best romance in the world judge you. Gulp. Double Gulp.
6 - Become a finalist. Ok. They’re not just being nice.

Now it’s not that I have horrible self-esteem. It’s that up until you get a book published, the writer’s life is filled with so much rejection that you buffer yourself at every turn. You wait for the other shoe to drop. For me, being a finalist in the RITA® means that stiletto is firmly planted on my foot. And it’s not going anywhere other than with me to DC.”

About No Good Girls:

Geri O’Brien is having a bad-hair life. Her last date was with a guy who’d rather make tracks than make love; she works for a publisher who actually thinks a kids’ book on the Donner Party is a fun idea; and the closest she’s ever going to get to her dream man is seeing him on the side of a bus.

When Geri started to write her latest screenplay, she never thought that the fabled New York minute was ever going to come into her life or the lives of her friends Maria, Emmy and Sally. But when one of them got dumped, one got shot and one threw up on a 4-star restaurant window, they had a run of luck you need to read to believe.

But it all just proves what they say: Every time a woman complains that there are no good men out there, a great guy out there is complaining that there are no good girls.

********
IMHO: That's it for today. Be sure to leave a comment for our authors if you want a chance to win this tote and tune in all week for more featured RITA®-nominated finalists.

TJB

59 comments:

Carol L. said...

TJ, ladies,
I wish you all the best of luck on your nominations. It must be a very special feeling just to be nominated. :) Well done and no matter who does win, you have been recognized for your talent and that's saying something. God Bless !
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

MJFredrick said...

How exciting for you! Good luck at National!

jcp said...

What a fun idea for a contest.ongralations to the nominees.

vickyb said...

Congratulations to all the nominees. And good luck in DC!!!

Vicky Burkholder

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

TJ, you are officially one of my favorite people. Helping promote other authors; it's awesome of you.

I've posted about this bag, as well as the main contest, at Win a Book. Let's spread some book love!

TJ Bennett said...

Thanks, everyone! I'm so glad to be able to share the love with the RITA nominees this year. I do want to clarify that I wasn't a nominee this year (sniff), but I have so many friends and chaptermates who are, including my CP Colleen Thompson, that I thought it would be a great way to celebrate with them since I couldn't attend the RWA conference this year (schedule conflicts).

So many books, so little time...!

TJB

housemouse88 said...

Hello TJ and nominees,

Congrats on all the nominations. I've read Sherry Thomas before but not the book you have listed. I love her work. All the other authors are new to me. Thank you for having such a wonderful contest. I look forward to seeing who else is nominated. Have a great day.

house_mouse88 at yahoo dot com

Lexie said...

Ohh my friend told me to read Twin Targets--though I don't read contemporary non-UF/paranormal too much. Private Arrangements looks good too...

lexie.cenni@gmail.com

KELLY FITZPATRICK said...

Good luck! They all look like amazing entertainment. Great covers. Enjoy DC.

Babyblue22 said...

Hey TJ and Nominees!!

Congratulations on your RITA Nominations!!!
All of the books sound great no wonder they were nominated.

Good Luck To Everyone!!

And Thanks TJ For All Your Hard Work!

~Afshan
Afshan522@aol.com

tetewa said...

Good luck to all the nominees! tWarner419@aol.com

aromagik said...

What a bunch of great looking books!

~Lindy
aromagik at yahoo dot com

Pam P said...

Good luck in DC, everyone.

I've read books by almost all listed here, but not these particular titles, except one--mainly because I'm so caught up with historicals and paranormals. Trying to mix it up with more contemps now for a change.

I have read Private Arrangements, loved that one and have the rest of Sherry's books. And, of course, I also highly recommend TJ's books (Rita nominee for me, TJ,lol).

lrhubble said...

congrats on all the nominations. This looks like a great prize. Sounds like great books. :-)


Larena

catslady said...

Please enter me :) and thanks for a chance!
catslady5@aol.com

Anonymous said...

SADLY I HAVE READ NONE TJ, THANKS TO MY SCROOGE DH WHO HAS NOT READ IN OVER 20 YEARS! LOL WOOT ON NOMINATION AND BEST OF LUCK


LINDA B AKA HOTCHA1

The Scarf Princess said...

All of these books sound so good! And thanks so much for spoiling us rotten!

April said...

What a great batch of books and nominees!

Anonymous said...

I would love to read the books about twins and Crested Butte, Colorado since I am a twin and I grew up near Crested Butte. (As kids, we called it Crusty Butt)
And the other books sound good too. I have added them all to my TBR list
JOYE
JWIsleyAT aol DOT com

Grammy09 said...

Congrats to all nominees and thanks for the wonderful winning opportunity.

Jessa Slade said...

What a great couple weeks of intros to the nominees! It's like a reeeeeally long red carpet moment :)

Congrats to everybody and I'll be hooting for you all in DC!

Colleen Thompson said...

What a wonderful idea, TJ, and a great way to get out the word about the Rita nominees! Congrats to all the finalists and best of luck in DC.

Mindy said...

Congrats to ALL the nominees, The books look GREAT!
I'd love to win any of them :)

Mindy :)

Jane said...

Congrats to all the nominees.

TJ Bennett said...

Hey, waving to my regulars and newcomers, too! Great to see you all here.

And Colleen! Glad you're back from the Jersey shore. For those who don't know it, Colleen is one of my incredible critique partners who keeps me on my toes and makes me write better than I ever dreamed I could before I met her. She's also a RITA nominee for TRIPLE EXPOSURE this year!!! Her tote bag goes up for grabs tomorrow, so be there or be square (I'm reading her newrest release, BENEATH BONE LAKE, now, and even though I saw part of it in critique, it's even better between the covers of a real book). :-)

TJB

cheryl c said...

Congrats to all the nominees! All of these are great books. My personal favorite is PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS. Good luck to all of you!

Jackie said...

Enter me please.

JeanMP said...

Congrats to all the nominees, all the books sound great!

char10 said...

congrats to the nominees.i've read aftershock and jessica andersen's crimelab series.i'd recommend them to anyone.

Unknown said...

Congrats to all of the nominees, I wish you all the best of luck! This is an awesome line of books here, thanks for sharing with us.

Lisa N. said...

Good luck to all the nominees! This is a great contest and a great way for all of the readers to learn a little more about the awards and the authors behind our favorite books!

Marie said...

Congratulations to all the nominees! And good luck as well, the books all sound wonderful!

marielay@gmail.com

delitealex said...

Congrats to all the nominees. Great contest.

Unknown said...

Congratulations to all the nominees! You are all winners by being nominated for this award....wishing you all the best.

Ann_a_reader said...

Congratulations and Good Luck. Everyone got their 'outfit' ready for the big night?

Sue A. said...

Congrats to all the nominees! All the books sound awesome! Good luck!

Joann L said...

The contest sounds like fun & good luck to all of the nominees.

Jeanette J said...

They all sound great. Please include me.

Chris said...

Congratulations to the nominees! And TJ, you'll get another shot, I'm convinced!

Best of luck to everyone!

danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com

M. said...

Hi,
my first time here, arrived via 'west of mars', and may i just say:

YOWZA

this is some honking big party!

I'm reading Christine Wells Rita nominated 'Dangerous Duke' right now and how she wins.

TJ Bennett said...

Welcome, M.

Just wanted to pop in and say Christine Wells' book will be featured on the blog the last week of the contest, so stay tuned!

TJB

Estella said...

Congrats on the RITA nominations! All of the books look like enjoyable reads.

The Brunette Librarian said...

Congratulations!! WOOT WOOT!! RITA is awesome and I wish all of you the best!! :) Some pretty great authors up there, gotta admit!

Much appreciation and love flowing to you guys!!

rachie2004 @ yahoo .com

Pat Cochran said...

Congratulations and Good Luck to
Cindi, Jean Marie, Jessica, and
Sharon on their Rita nominations!

Thanks to TJ for this opportunity
to read the works of outstanding
authors! I have read books by Cindi
and Sharon, they are great!

P.S. I just won one of your books, TJ, & I look forward to reading it!

Pat Cochran

LORETTA CANTON said...

This is a great contest.
there are so favorite authors and some new authors. Good luck to all.


lorettaC

Judy said...

Congratulations to all the finalists. Wish you could all win.

mrsshukra said...

Congrats on the noms! Private Arrangements is the only one in this batch that I have read so far but looking forward to reading the other nominated books!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Martha Lawson said...

Congratulations, ladies and good luck!!

Patricia Barraclough said...

What a wonderful beginning to your RITA lineup. Jessica, The Harlequin Intrigue line is my favorite. Have read several of yours. Your Final Prophecy seroes looks good.

Patricia Barraclough said...

Sorry, it is past my bed time. Meant to comment on the other authors. Sharon, have several of your books on my TBR shelf. Sherry Thomas, a huge congratulations on PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS. It must be such a thrill to have these nominations for your first book. Sounds like my kind of story. Good luck and I'll be looking for it. Cindi, How could a story set in Colorado go wrong? Loved it there, but my family did the skiing. Jean Marie, it sounds like your book is written with a sense of humor. We so need that these days.
Good luck to all of you at the RITA awards.

Anonymous said...

I've read Sharon Sala before and I loved her writing and all but the book was the second one in the series, so I thought I started somewhere in the middle. Have been meaning to read one of the standalone books since.

Congratulations to everyone for the Nominations. It's no small thing

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Congratulations to all the nominees! So many great book!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on all the nominations!

All of the books look wonderful. I am especially looking foward to reading Kimberly Killion and Sherry Thomas's books!

Pam S
pams00@aol.com

scottsgal said...

Wow what a fantastic honor to be nominated - congrats to you!

msboatgal at aol.com

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to all the nominees. And good luck!!!
I have read Sherry Thomas and Jessica Andersen. I love their work. I wish you ladies the best of luck and have a Happy 4th.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your RITAs ladies. This is an awesome list of books here. Loved the excerpts. I haven't read any of these.

Minna said...

Congratulations to all the nominees!

CherylS22 said...

Congrats on your nominations! All these books look like good reads & have been added to my TBR list.

Thanks!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Susan said...

Congratulations on your nominations! These all sound like great books!