How Smart Is Wendy? 2017 RITA Edition

Long-time blog readers will recall the years when I would do daily blog posts from the annual Romance Writers of America conference.  Memories...like the corner of my mind.  I haven't done this for a long time.  Mostly because writing those posts meant staying up until 2AM and becoming Zombie Wendy by Day #3 of the conference.  I've been blogging for 14 years and frankly?  I'm an Old Lady now.  I need all the sleep I can get.  This year, for RWA in Orlando, I was extra lazy.  I barely even tweeted.  But I did manage to get one thing written before the conference and I thought I'd share it all with you in hindsight.

My friend Kris, who lives in Germany, and who organizes the annual LoveLetter convention, has started a new newsletter called Ever After Mail (Facebook link).  She asked me to send her my RITA winner predictions to share with her readers, and I thought it sounded like fun.  As I sat watching the RITA ceremony during the conference, I was amazed at how smart I was and, in other instances, how totally wrong I was.  Here, for your enjoyment, are my predictions in hindsight.

See the full list of RITA finalists

Best First Book

Lord, who knows? This category is always a crap shoot because it literally includes everything.  My best guess?  Once and For All by Cheryl Etchison.  It’s a marriage of convenience story with a military hero. I like its chances.

Actual Winner: Once and For All by Cheryl Etchison. I AM A GENIUS!

Contemporary Romance: Long

Seven finalists and I think five of them could easily be considered favorites.  I think Alexis Hall is coming in with the momentum after last year’s win in Erotic Romance for For Real.  That said, I’m thinking it’s going to be Sarah Morgan.

Actual Winner?: Miracle on 5th Avenue by Sarah Morgan. I AM A GENIUS!

Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length

There are some heavy hitters in this category, writers who have had long and amazing careers like Karen Templeton, Roxanne St. Clair, Virginia Kantra and Jodi Thomas.  That being said, I think Fast Connection pulls off the upset.

Actual Winner?: Carolina Dreaming by Virginia Kantra. I called out Kantra as a possibility but ultimately didn't pick her.  I AM NOT SO MUCH OF A GENIUS!

Contemporary Romance: Short

I love category romance, so this is a hard category for me to choose.  I want to see Far From Home win, because a lesbian romance winning would be awesome!  That said, I think this will likely end up going to Jennifer Probst.

Actual Winner?: Christmas on Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major.  I KNOW NOTHING!

Erotic Romance

I feel like Tara Sue Me has the name recognition, but I’m going to go with Roni Loren, who won in the novella category last year. I’ve seen her name so much in the past year, I feel like she’s carrying the momentum.

Actual Winner?: Off the Clock by Roni Loren. I AM A GENIUS!

Historical Romance: Long

Loretta Chase because….Loretta Chase.  That said, I love Laura Lee Guhrke’s work and would like to see her win.

Actual Winner?: No Mistress of Mine by Laura Lee Guhrke.  I AM SORT OF A GENIUS!

Historical Romance: Short

I feel like this is Russian Roulette between Tessa Dare, Elizabeth Hoyt and Sabrina Jeffries.  I’m going to say Jeffries though, because of the longevity of her career and the fact that I know readers who LOVED that book.  As in wet-sloppy kisses, is it weird if I want to marry a book, LOVED that book.

Actual Winner?:  A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen.  I KNOW NOTHING!

Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance

I think this could literally end up going to any of the finalists, but I’m picking The Moon in the Palace mostly because, as a librarian, I literally have seen that book cover everywhere.  I mean, all over the place.

Actual Winner?: The Moon in the Palace by Weina Dai Randel.  I AM A GENIUS!

Paranormal Romance

I’d like to see Susan Grant win because I have warm squishy feelings about reviewing her debut novel WAY back in the day.  Plus it’s a scifi romance and it would be awesome to see a win in that sub genre.

Actual Winner?: The Pages of the Mind by Jeffe Kennedy. I KNOW NOTHING!

Romance Novella

Going by chatter in my reading circles, just give it to Alyssa Cole already.  That said, based on library and industry chatter?  Look for Joanna Shupe to pull off the upset.

Actual Winner?: Her Every Wish by Courtney Milan. I KNOW NOTHING!

Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements

I’m going with the heavy hitter in this category: Robin Lee Hatcher.

Actual Winner?:  My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray.  I KNOW NOTHING!

Romantic Suspense

There are three local authors on this list for me: Beth Yarnall, HelenKay Dimon and Nico Rosso.  I’d love it if any of them won – but I’m thinking it’s going to go to J.T. Ellison.

Actual Winner?: Repressed by Elisabeth Naughton. I KNOW NOTHING!

Young Adult

A sub genre I don’t read a lot of, so I’m going with the heavy hitter here: Jennifer L. Armentrout. 

Actual Winner?: The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I AM A GENIUS!

I'm glad Kris asked me to do this and I had a lot of fun playing along while I was attending the ceremony at the conference.  Maybe I'll make this an annual thing...

2011 RITA Nominations!

The Romance Writers of America have announced the finalists for the 2011 RITA awards.  Winners will be announced this summer at the annual conference in New York City where, incidentally, yours truly will be crowned 2011 Librarian Of The Year.

You know just in case you hadn't heard about the news (I'm thinking of putting it on my business cards right under Wendy The Super Librarian, Supah Genius).

Ahem, anywho, before we dissect the nominations, a couple of things.  First, here are the official rules.  And second, the most important thing to remember is that authors must submit their books (and pay a contest fee) in order to be eligible.  So author no submit?  Yeah, no chance in hell they'll be on this list.  I also see a lot of chatter (typically) from readers online that they haven't heard of half the nominated books.  Well, that's where I'm here to help.  So away we go.....

Best First Book:
The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (YA)
Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (inspirational suspense)
Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard (science fiction romance)
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan (YA)
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (YA)
Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner (historical romance)
Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts (chick lit/mystery)
A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer (inspirational historical)
When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer (historical romance)

• I've read Pieces of Sky, which I liked but was mildly disappointed in because I wanted to lurve it and have babies with it.  I chalk this insanity up to Neglected Romance Sub Genre Guilt.  Still, it was a good solid read, and this debut western got a B- from yours truly.  And wow, three YAs?  Really?

Contemporary Series Romance:
Dare She Date the Dreamy Doc? by Sarah Morgan (Mills & Boon Medical Romance)
Breaking the Sheikh's Rules in the Summer Sheikhs anthology by Abby Green (Mills & Boon)
Christmas Magic on the Mountain by Melissa McClone (Harlequin Romance)
Christmas with Her Boss by Marion Lennox (Harlequin Romance)
Red-Hot Renegade by Kelly Hunter (Mills & Boon Modern Heat)
An Unexpected Father by Lisa Ruff (Harlequin American Romance)
Welcome Home, Cowboy by Karen Templeton (Silhouette Special Edition)
Zoe and the Tormented Tycoon by Kate Hewitt (Harlequin Presents)

• Sigh.  The McClone, Lennox and Templeton are all in my digital TBR.  I suck.

Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure:
The Moon That Night by Helen Brenna (Harlequin Superromance)
The Baby's Guardian by Delores Fossen (Harlequin Intrigue)
Case File: Canyon Creek, Wyoming by Paula Graves (Harlequin Intrigue)
To Catch a Killer by Kimberly Van Meter (Silhouette Romantic Suspense)
A Cop in Her Stocking by Ann Voss Peterson (Harlequin Intrigue)
 Meltdown by Gail Barrett (Silhouette Romantic Suspense)
Perfect Partners? by C.J. Carmichael (Harlequin Superromance)
Renegade Angel by Kendra Leigh Castle (Harlequin Nocturne)

• The Brenna is in the digital TBR.  Other than that?  I got nothing.  Although I find it really interesting there's a Nocturne in this category.

Contemporary Single Title Romance:
One Fine Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy
Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
And One Last Thing by Molly Harper
Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
Not That Kind of Girl by Susan Donovan
Nothing But Trouble by Rachel Gibson
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
Still the One by Robin Wells

• More vast sea of nothingness.  I just don't gravitate towards single title contemporaries.  Yes, I'm aware this makes me "part of the problem" Save The Contemporary fans.  It's just I choose to "save the contemporary" via category romance, uh where it doesn't really need much saving.

Historical Romance:
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
Last Night's Scandal by Loretta Chase
The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne
His at Night by Sherry Thomas
A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
One Wicked Sin by Nicola Cornick
Open Country by Kaki Warner

• The Thomas, McKee and Warner are in the TBR.  I still need to buy that Cornick trilogy, as well as the Bourne. 

Inspirational Romance:
A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt
Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy
Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang
Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight
The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight
In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
Shades of Morning by Marlo M. Schalesky
Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

• I read the Gist and thought it was quite lovely.  Gave it a B.

Novel With Strong Romantic Elements:
The Search by Nora Roberts
Stormwalker by Allyson James
Killbox by Ann Aguirre
Blood Vines by Erica Spindler
Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn
On Folly Beach by Karen White
Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts
Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas

• I listened to The Search on audio, and while I liked it, I OD'ed on all the "dog stuff."  But then, I'm not a huge dog person, so there you go.  We got an ARC of the Raybourn in at work, and I saved it for myself, but yeah.  Haven't read it.

Paranormal Romance:
Rebel by Zoe Archer
Sins of the Heart by Eve Silver
Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard
A Highlander's Homecoming by Melissa Mayhue
Marked by the Moon by Lori Handeland
Water Bound by Christine Feehan
Immortal Sea by Virginia Kantra
Unchained: the Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood

• Mileage varies on this if you read all the online chatter, but Rebel was actually my favorite out of that Zoe Archer series.  Other than that?  I got nothing.  Paranormal burn out folks.

Regency Historical Romance:
His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter
To Surrender to a Rogue by Cara Elliott
When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer
Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare
The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice

• The Dare is in the TBR.  That's it.

Romance Novella:
"A Dundee Christmas" by Brenda Novak in That Christmas Feeling (Harlequin Superromance)
"Friendly Fire" by Jill Shalvis in Born on the 4th of July (Harlequin Blaze)
"Blame It on the Blizard" by Jennifer Greene in Baby, It's Cold Outside (Harlequin)
"Love Me to Death" by Maggie Shayne in Heart of Darkness (HQN Books)
"Mistletoe Magic" by Sandra Hyatt in Under the Millionaire's Mistletoe (Silhouette Desire)
"The Wrong Brother" by Maureen Child in Under the Millionaire's Mistletoe (Silhouette Desire)
"Mountain Rose" by Cheryl St. John in To Be a Mother (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical)
"Shifting Sea" by Virginia Kantra in Burning Up

• Dude, Harlequin owns this category.  The Novak and St. John anthologies are in the TBR. 

Romantic Suspense:
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb
Love Me to Death by Allison Brennan
The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks
Deadly Fear by Cynthia Eden
Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire
Silent Scream by Karen Rose
Kill Me Again by Maggie Shayne
Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon

• I think I have the Karen Rose in the TBR.  Other than that?  Yeah, nothing.

Young Adult Romance:
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
The Clearing by Heather Davis
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

• I am shocked by how many of these I've actually heard of.  I don't buy YA for work (not "my job") so I tend to be fairly clueless when it comes to these nominees.  That said, I've heard of the Clare, McCahan, Kagawa, Elkeles and the Howells.

And that, is that.  So folks, who has read what here?  Any recommendations for me?  Anything here that you weren't all that impressed with?  Time to dish!

2010 RITA Nominations

The Romance Writers of America announced the finalists for the 2010 RITA awards, and yes, I'm doing a post about it. First things first, there are a whole host of "rules." The big one to remember is that the author must submit their book in order to be eligible. So if you're wondering why that book you read last year, the one you wanted to marry and have babies with, didn't get a nomination? Could be because the author didn't enter the contest. Another common complaint I hear from readers is,"I haven't heard of half of these!!!!!!!" Well, good thing you stumbled on this blog post isn't it? Because with exception of some of the YA stuff, I have. Hey, I get paid to have heard of all of these books. Here it goes:

Best First Book

One Scream Away by Kate Brady (romantic suspense)

He Calls Her Doc by Mary Brady (Harlequin SuperRomance)

The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical)

Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella (paranormal)

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay (urban fantasy)

Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton (romance suspense)

Nothing Like You by Laura Strasnick (Young Adult)

The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh (novel with romantic elements)

• The big news here, I think, is Angel Vindicated, which was published by Cerridwen Press. Let's see if that generates any online chatter, shall we? One Scream Away is in the TBR, but other than that, I got nothing. I originally skipped over He Calls Her Doc because the back cover blurb didn't move me, but then I saw a rather scathing review from a reviewer I rarely mesh with. Something to ponder. It is an HSR (one of my fave Harlequin lines), so I should probably pick it up!
  

Contemporary Series Romance

A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews (HSR)
From the Outside by Helen Brenna (NASCAR)
The Snow Kissed Bride by Linda Goodnight (HR)
Single Mom Seeks... by Teresa Hill (SSE)
Revealed: A Prince and a Pregnancy by Kelly Hunter (M&B Modern Heat)
The Christmas Love-Child by Jennie Lucas (HP)
One Night Mistress...Convenient Wife by Anne McAllister (HP)
Duty, Desire and the Desert King by Jane Porter (HP)
I Still Do by Christie Ridgway (SSE)

• I read two books last year that I gave an A grade to, and A Not-So-Perfect Past was one of them. You can read my full review over at TGTBTU. Other than that? Haven't read any of these others and they ain't in the TBR. FYI for those who are interested, the Kelly Hunter will be released as an HP in April.
  

Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure

Mountain Investigation by Jessica Andersen (HI)

The Christmas Stranger by Beth Cornelison (SRS)

The Soldier's Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees (SRS)

In Care of Sam Beaudry by Kathleen Eagle (SSE)

Silent Watch by Elle Kennedy (SRS)

Cold Case Affair by Loreth Anne White (SRS)

The Christmas Present by Tracy Wolff (HSR)

• I read The Christmas Stranger and liked it quite a bit. It didn't light my world on fire, but it's a good, solid read. The Kathleen Eagle is in my TBR, and sadly, so is the Tracy Wolff. I read her first two titles for HSR, and while I had mixed reactions to them, I think she can flat-out write. I got swamped at the end of the year (and I'm still swamped), hence me neglecting it. I also read Silent Watch and meh. It's a treasure trove of bad romantic suspense cliches (IMHO).

Contemporary Single Title

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl

True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson

For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper

Too Good to Be True by Kristan Higgins

A Little Light Magic by Joy Nash

Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis
Fireside by Susan Wiggs

• I got nothing here. I want to read the Ridgway, just haven't gotten to it yet (not in my TBR, but we have copies here at work). I now have plans to pick up Fireside though. Holy crap, the hero was a major league pitching prospect and he has my last name! How did I not know this?

Historical Romance

Wicked All Day by Liz Carlyle

With Seduction In Mind by Laura Lee Guhrke

To Beguile A Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

Make Me Yours by Betina Krahn

Knight Of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory

The Lone Texan by Jodi Thomas

Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas

Taming Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

• The Guhrke, Hoyt, Krahn, and both Thomas' are in the TBR. Seriously. I've read the Michelle Willingham, and while I generally like her books, this one was just OK for me. The good news though is that it was largely "just OK" because it featured plot devices that generally don't tickle my fancy. It's still a solid read and I can see other readers really loving it to bits.

Inspirational Romance

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw

Entertaining Angels by Judy Duarte

An Eye For An Eye by Irene Hannon

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Breach of Trust by Diann Mills

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo

• Haven't read any of these and none in the TBR, but I do have plans to pick up A Lady Like Sarah.

Novel With Strong Romantic Elements

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Scandal Sheet by Gemma Halliday

Red's Hot Honky Tonk Bar by Pamela Morsi

The Lost Recipe of Happiness by Barbara O'Neal

Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn

The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax

The Virgin's Daughters: In the Court of Elizabeth I by Jeane Westin

Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs

• The Pamela Morsi is in the TBR, and that's all I got. I picked up the Susan Wiggs long enough to confirm that she dedicated the book to a slew of librarians, one of them named "Wendy." Yeah, I like to think that's me. Don't shatter the illusion people!

Paranormal Romance

What Would Jane Austen Do? by Laurie Brown
Untouchable in Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole
Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel
The Fire King by Marjorie M. Liu

For the Earl's Pleasure by Anne Mallory

Darkness Unknown by Alexis Morgan
Covet by J.R. Ward
Mortal Sins by Eileen Wilks

• Yeah, paranormal burn out. Take it somewhere else people.
  

Regency Historical

Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare
Scandal by Carolyn Jewel
Tempting Fate by Alissa Johnson
A View to a Kiss by Caroline Linden
Revealed by Kate Noble
What Happens In London by Julia Quinn
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls

• Weeeeeeeee, Tessa Dare! I'm actually reading Surrender of a Siren right now! The Carolyn Jewel and Caroline Linden are both in the TBR.

Romance Novella

"A Little Night Magic" in Hot For the Holidays by Allyson James
"The Robber Bride" in Huntress by Marjorie M. Liu
"Annalise and the Scandalous Rake" in The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor by Deb Marlowe
"Charlotte and the Wicked Lord" in The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor by Amanda McCabe
"This Wicked Gift" in The Heart of Christmas by Courtney Milan
"On a Snowy Christmas" in The Night Before Christmas by Brenda Novak
"The Christmas Eve Promise" in The Night Before Christmas by Molly O'Keefe

• The Diamonds Of Welbourne Manor is one of the strongest anthologies I've read in recent memory, and any (or all) of the stories could have been nominated and "deserved" it (IMHO). That being said, the Deb Marlowe story was my favorite. The Courtney Milan story is in the TBR.

Romantic Suspense

One Scream Away by Kate Brady
Waking the Dead by Kylie Brant
A Dark Love by Margaret Carroll
Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin
Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton
Dark Country by Bronwyn Parry
Promises in Death by J.D. Robb
Kill For Me by Karen Rose

• OMG - go Bronwyn Parry! Yes, yes, I know she's not published in the U.S. (Australia, folks) but her books are so deserving and frankly if this nomination gets her some added attention from U.S. publishers, I say wahooooey! Here's my review for Dark Country and my one for As Darkness Falls. You can score the UK editions of both books via Book Depository, which offers free shipping. Or you could try your library. I know I ordered As Darkness Falls for work. The Kate Brady and the Karen Rose are in the TBR.
  

Young Adult Romance

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick

• I read so little YA, but I can tell you that Lil' Sis could not keep Perfect Chemistry on her lending shelf in her classroom. I also picked up a copy of Going Too Far for her - not sure how that one was moving among her students.

And that's all I got. I was hoping for more category romance nominations that I had actually read. I read a bunch of category last year, and lots of good 'uns too. Sigh. Oh well. So happy to see the ones I did enjoy make the cut.