Kathleen Recommends "Trumbo"

Okay, this isn't the best shirtless cover I could tempt you with, but you know me. Story trumps pecs, and character is everything. So while we await news from Orlando I thought I'd recommend a terrific documentary that's out on DVD. It's about what happened to screenwriters during the McCarthy era back in the 1950's, and it serves as a chilling reminder that...









...this can happen to writers if we let our guard down and forget what freedom of speech really means.

Dalton Trumbo was a successful screenwriter ("30 Seconds Over Tokyo" and "Kitty Foyle" and many more) and a National Book Award winning novelist (Johnny Got His Gun) when the House Committee On Un-American Activities sank its teeth into investigating Hollywood for its supposed communist connections. This was a standing committee in the House of Representatives from 1945 through 1975, and its hearings led to the Hollywood blacklist. Trumbo was one of the "Hollywood 10"--writers who may have been members of the American Communist Party (Trumbo was a member from '43-'48) but who refused to name other people who might be Communists. They stood their ground either based on the First or Fifth Amendment, and they all paid a heavy price. (There were many who famously cooperated by offering names, but that's another story.) This film serves as a timely warning, yes, but I recommend it here mainly because it is a tribute to Trumbo's writing as much as his courage. It is a must-see for readers and writers.

"Trumbo" is no preachy-teachy documentary. It's based on the play written by Trumbo's son, who also wrote the screenplay for the documentary, which is a combination of film clips, interviews, and readings by actors like Josh Lucas...







...Josh Brolin...







...Joan Allen, David Straithairn, Paul Giamatti, Michael and Kirk Douglas and many others. The man's letters are amazing. They were written to his family and friends--many from prison--and they add sparkle and richness and character to the story. (My favorite is Trumbo's letter to his son letting him know that masturbation is normal. It's SO funny and--forgive me--touching!)

During the late 50's and into the 60's Trumbo used pseudonyms and actually wrote screenplays under the guise of cooperating fellow writers. He wrote the screenplays for "Spartacus" and "Exodus," among others, and his screenplay for "The Brave One," written under a pseudonym, won an Oscar that no one showed up to accept.

Has anyone seen "Trumbo"? What did you think? With all the talk of censorship and freedom of speech going around these days, it behooves us to look back even as we look forward. When we hear someone suggesting that the government or the media should investigate who's "pro-American" and who's "anti-American," we should take a look at where this kind of thinking has led us in the past. We should use a variety of resources, the way we were taught to (I hope) back when we were in school. Even entertainment and pop fiction writers can find themselves unexpectedly in the line of fire. This documentary is a viewpoint well worth considering.

Winner of Linda Conrad's contest!

ELLENTOO is the winner of one of Linda Conrad's books.  Congrats!

Please email Michele at toastfaery@gmail.com, and state which book you'd like: Her Shiek Protector, or Covert Agent's Virgin Affair.

Yay!

Missed the Literacy signing?

For those sitting at home feeling as if they're missing out on all the fun (me!), here's a great video montage of the Literacy signing, put together by the SmartBitches.

It's Live from ... Orlando!

Or not ...

I'm here at the annual RWA conference in Orlando and last night did the big literacy signing, went to the Booksellers' Best awards ceremony and took a bunch of pictures. Unfortunately, I don't appear to have the software on my laptop which would allow me to download photos. Sorry. Will see if I can find someone who does.

Cindy, Christie, Kylie and I were all at the signing. Looked like they had a good turn-out. I had fun and met a bunch of our readers. A good night.

Will post photos Sunday night when I get home if I'm not too beat!

Helen

Guest: Linda Conrad

Please welcome Linda Conrad to the convertible today!  Let's all wish her a Happy 25th book!  Linda is giving away a copy of one of her books to one lucky commenter today!

What Am I Doing?  Where Was I Supposed to Be? 

I must be getting old.  Shusssh.  Who said that?

I’ll be darned if I can do a single thing anymore without putting it on my “to-do-list” and then checking it twice.  Take today for instance; I was thrilled to be asked to blog here and agreed instantly.  Uh, and then much later I checked my calendar.  So, I (like I suppose many of you are) am off today to the Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando.  I will check in as often as possible.  Promise.  And I may see some of you at the Literacy Signing tonight.

Back to this blog; I know I planned on mentioning my two current books out for Silhouette Romantic Suspense: HER SHEIK PROTECTOR was on the July list and COVERT AGENT’S VIRGIN AFFAIR is my August release.  I was going to mention them…somehow.  But for the life of me I can’t remember now how I planned to do that.  Sigh.  I didn’t write it down. (or I can’t find my list)

Anyway, here’s a fun excerpt from HER SHEIK PROTECTOR:

Rylie stared at the back of the closed door, still waiting for Darin’s return and to hear him say he needed her help.  Ten seconds.  Forty.  One minute.  Two.

           

Okay, she got that he was worried about her.  Really she did.  But she’d also hoped he was coming to know the person she was inside.  The person who could never in a million years wait around in safety, sitting on her hands while someone she cared about worked to save her life.

           

Two hours later Rylie’s ears were popping again as she crept through the quiet corridors, looking for any sign of Darin or the Taj Zabbar kidnapper.  The train must be heading lower, going in the direction of the lake below the mountains.  Rylie could almost feel gravity pulling her downward.

           

The train rounded a steep u-curve right then, and Rylie got a good view through the windows into another corridor as the snaking cars doubled back on themselves.  There, maybe only two or three train-car lengths ahead, she saw two men locked in mortal combat in the well-lit corridor of a sleeping car.

                       

She pushed through pressurized door locks and tramped across the little bridges called vestibules that connected two cars.  Through one car.  Then into the next.

           

Then she heard a noise coming from the end of the car.  It sounded as though someone had momentarily gone through the pressurized door onto the next vestibule.  Shoving hard to open the door, she blinked at sudden air movement and turned her head in that direction.

           

To her amazement, she saw shoes…well, feet with shoes on them…as they disappeared up a ladder that she’d never noticed before.  A ladder to the roof of the train?  Why?

           

After she heard a distant shout, sounding for all the world like Darin’s voice, the why didn’t seem too important.  If he could chase someone to the roof of a train, she could follow.

And I was going to tell you that COVERT AGENT’S VIRGIN AFFAIR is my twenty-fifth book for Silhouette.  Apparently that is some sort of milestone.  But I still can’t remember what else I was going to say. 

Does that happen to you?  My short term memory is shot, but I’m much better at long term.  How about you?  Here’s a little memory quiz to check for yourself.

1)    What was the name of your first pet?  (mine was Slinky the cat)

2)    Who was your first best friend?  (not counting relatives, mine was Janet in first grade)

3)    What’s your first memory?  (mine is playing in the snow for the first time in New York.  I was four and had always lived in Miami)

4)    What’s the first book you can remember reading all by yourself? (Winnie the Poo)

There you go.  I don’t even remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but I remember these things.   How about you?  Give it a try and let us know how your memory is now.  Have fun!

To celebrate my twenty-fifth book release, I’m giving away one lucky commenter’s choice of either HER SHIEK PROTECTOR or COVERT AGENT’S VIRGIN AFFAIR.   Post those memories to win!

Drop by Linda’s newly designed website, http://www.LindaConrad.com to find out more Behind the Book about her new Desert Sons series, and to sign up for Linda’s newsletter and contest!  Join Linda on FB at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Conrad/331439655105  and on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/LindaConrad

How do you flirt?

Flirting intrigues me. There are so many different types. Personally, I think it’s kind of an art form. And a dying art form at that because I believe the best flirting is done with very little actual interaction. A glance, the flicker of a smile, maybe a light touch. The problem with our current world is that so little is taboo. People can say and do practically anything. Where’s the fun in that?

Although, I have to admit, I LOVE good banter. It’s best if it’s not too obvious. Wonderful if it’s edgy and witty and sharp. Even better if the couple walks away from each other for about 200 pages. Because I want that flirtiness to last and it’s almost impossible to prolong it once the relationship is on solid ground. There has to be something holding them back in order to create really good flirting. It’s the thrill of the chase, I guess.

In my own humble opinion it’s the lack of flirtiness that causes the breakup of a good many marriages. It’s that spark, that thrill, that ‘can I have him’ excitement that makes relationships exhilarating. Once that’s gone, there’s a void. I’ve read that married couples argue most about sex and money, but the leading cause of divorce is boredom. So how do you hold onto that spark? I don’t have any answers here. Just questions, and I know I’m not alone. Even the world’s most beautiful people have trouble keeping the excitement alive. Hollywood is the official battleground of failed marriages.

And speaking of Hollywood, what are your favorite flirting scenes? One of my all-time best is the scene from Meet Joe Black when Brad Pitt meets his love interest. They’re utterly adorable together, and it’s partly because they had such a short time together before he well…you know.

Remember Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman in Indiscreet? Some of their dialogue is priceless.







Oh, after Hauf’s recommendation from a few weeks ago, I found the movie Ondine. Yikes. Okay, I’ll admit it, I’ve always had a thing for Collin Ferrell. I know it’s wrong but I can’t help myself. After seeing that film, however, I feel that my obsession is fully justified and it’s not just his accent...or his face. (It’s his body, too.) I mean…it’s the part he plays. His flirting consists of little more than a few longing glances. But I’ll tell you what…it worked for me. Charming movie.

So how about you? What are your favorite flirting scenes? And what makes them work?

Weekend Winners: Anthea, Laney4 and LilMissMolly!

Anthea Lawson wins an advance copy of Michelle Willingham's SURRENDER TO AN IRISH WARRIOR!
LilMissMolly gets Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF PLEASURE.
Laney4 will receive a copy of Kathleen Eagle's IN CARE OF SAM BEAUDRY.

Please e-mail kathleen.eagle@comcast.net with your snail mail info. Thanks to all who made our weekend Spotlight on the RITA Historicals finalists so much fun.

Kathleen O Winner!/Traveler’s Remorse

First a little bit of business.  Kathleen O, YOU are the winner for Charlene Sands’ fabu blog about Fairytale Junkies.  Squee!  Please send your snail mail info to leannebbb @ aol.com  (no spaces) 

Now to our regularly scheduled blog.

I’m traveling a lot this month and find myself looking forward to August, a month full of days at home. Days without conference excitement or vacation travel, or worse, airline travel. When I was a little girl and I was invited to a PJ party or sleepover at a friend’s house, I would eagerly accept. Pleased to be included and anticipating the fun and exciting times with friends, I packed up my pillow, sleeping bag and toothbrush and headed over to my neighbor’s house. A couple hours later, I almost always wanted to go home. Even as a child, I guess I craved the feeling of safety and sameness. In my home, my mother was always ready to give a hug. What can I say? I was a little wuss.  In some ways, I still am….

As an adult, I go through a similar sequence, slightly different order. I’m invited to speak at a conference or to attend an event. I’m honored and excited. I get ready for the event. Prepare my speech, practice my speech, make lists, paint toenails odd colors, pack (which is a huge organizational challenge for me). Guess what happens the night before I’m scheduled to leave? I change my mind. I don’t want to go. Why would I want to trade my cozy, comfy home with my nice husband and my 4.5 lb dog   who adores me in exchange for hostile air travel and the unknown? Sometimes I seek solace in chips and Heluva Good! French Onion dip. Ultimately, I go anyway, because I AM a responsible adult, but I almost always feel that sense of “traveler’s remorse” before I leave. I’m –usually- glad I pushed myself out of my cozy nest for that little bit of time … afterward. But I’m so relieved to return.

What about you? How do you feel about travel? Ever get traveler’s remorse? How do you deal with it? I’ll draw a name from the responders next week after I return from RWA and I will send you my bag from the conference along with a free book. Talk to me.  For those of you attending RWA in Orlando, Charlene Sands and I are giving a fabu workshop on BRAINSTORMING, Friday, at 4:30 in ASIA 1, and we have great drawings for books and stuff because we think workshops should be FUN!

Congrats Kathleen O! Winner!

Kathleen O, you won the drawing for Charlene Sands' fabu blog Fairytale Junkie! Please send your snail mail info to leannebbb @ aol.com (no spaces).

Spotlight on History, Romance, and More RITA FINALISTS

It's almost time, folks. The lovely Rita will be awarded in a week's time during Romance Writers of America's gala celebration in Orlando. I'm a finalist in one of the categories, and while I've won in the past and would love to win again, I truly believe the old saw, "It's an honor to be nominated." I've made the finals a good number of times. RWA awards silver Rita pins to the finalists, and I have a very nice collection. But the gold is the goal, and we await the announcements with baited breath.

Before that moment arrives, we're touting as many categories as we can squeeze in before the conference, and today I give you my first love, Historical Romance. I contacted the finalists with congratulations and three questions. Here we go:

Liz Carlyle, WICKED ALL DAY

Since a true-love marriage seems impossible, Zoë has accepted -- no, embraced -- her role as society's most incomparable flirt and mischief maker...until in one reckless, vulnerable moment, her future is shattered.

KE: What do you think the judges really really really liked about this book?

LC: I hope they liked the fact that the heroine, Zoe, is such a flawed character, because she has done a lot of those rash, self-destructive things young people are apt to do when they are angry and struggling to grow up, and must now take responsibility for her actions. But it was probably just the hot sex.

KE: What makes a "Liz Carlyle" book?

LC: I hope there is no one thing, and that all my books are sufficiently different that readers never quite know what to expect. That said, I hope they deliver a consistently good story with a heartfelt HEA.

KE: Other than your own, what's your favorite historical romance? (And let’s stick with the RWA era.)

LC: I have been absorbed in Claudia Dain's Courtesan series, which is just one big, sexy romp.

Laura Lee Guhrke, WITH SEDUCTION IN MIND

When Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, England's most infamous author.

KE: What do you think the judges loved about this book?

LLG: To be honest, I don’t know what makes the judges like a book. Tastes vary so much. But I do think that with my entry, WITH SEDUCTION IN MIND, the judges might have related to the hero and heroine, who are both writers.

KE: What makes a "Laura Lee Guhrke" book?

LLG: I have no idea what makes a Laura Lee Guhrke book. I suppose my strength is in the characters. And I always make the romance the center point of the story. I hope that’s a good answer, because I never know what to say when people ask me that!

KE: Other than your own, what's your favorite RWA era historical romance?

LLG: If I absolutely had to pick one and only one historical romance as my favorite, I’d say SHADOW AND THE STAR, by Laura Kinsale.

Elizabeth Hoyt, TO BEGUILE A BEAST

“Hoyt works her own brand of literary magic on the classic Beauty and the Beast story in the exquisitely romantic, superbly sensual third addition to her extraordinary Georgian-set Legend of Four Soldiers series.” --Booklist

KE: What do you think the judges especially liked about this book?

EH: My hero, Sir Alistair Munroe, is a scarred, surly guy hanging out in a falling down castle all by himself when the heroin

e shows up and turns his world upside down. I think "Beauty and the Beast" stories are perennial favorites.

KE: What makes an " Elizabeth Hoyt" book?

EH: Strong, emotionally complex characters and a sensual, compelling love story.

KE: Other than yours (which are obviously terrific) what's your favorite historical romance? (And let's stick with the RWA era.)

EH: DEVIL'S BRIDE by Stephanie Laurens

Betina Krahn, MAKE ME YOURS

Mariah Eller was only trying to save her inn from being trashed. So how did the widow manage to attract the unwanted-and erotic-attention of the Prince of Wales? Not that being desired by royalty is necessarily bad... Only, Mariah much prefers the prince's best friend....

KE: What do you think the judges especially liked about this book?

BK: I can’t say what the judges might have liked—just what I liked—which was that this was a very different kind of story. Not the typical storyline, not the typical length, not the typical source for historicals. It’s kind of a modern story—that just happens to have occurred throughout all of the ages of humankind: a woman beset by powerful men and having to make her way in the world. A woman getting the best of a situation, a man, and a life. . . and finding happiness and fulfillment in love along the way. The fact that there were very historical aspects of the story probably didn’t hurt. Lots of research in this one. AND I’d like to think the way the words went together—the humor and wordplay—were a factor. Gosh. Sounds like I’m bragging. Well, if I ever wanted to brag about a story, it would be this one. I was kind of surprised myself at how pleased I was with it.

KE: What makes a "Betina Krahn" book?

BK: I know what I try to put in. . . characters that are likeable from the start. I don’t do “brooding” well. Or horribly damaged and vengeful. I tend to go for people with problems that are more manageable. And I think most readers like the humor I try to lace through the dialogue, the descriptions, and the events. And finally, I think there is a personal POV of mine that comes through in most of my books: that love between two people doesn’t just fulfill two people, it affects the world around them. Love not only brings grace and peace to individuals, but to families, to friendships, and ultimately to communities.

KE: Other than your own, what's your favorite RWA era historical romance?

BK: It’s cruel, Kathy, to make me single out just ONE book! There are several that have had a big impact on me. Judith Merkle Riley’s “A Vision Of Light” has to be one of my all-time favorites. Again, not the usual historical romance; some might even say it wasn’t a romance at all—except that it WAS. Kathleen Woodiwiss’s “ Shanna” and “The Wolf and the Dove” sort of blur together in terms of impact—I read them close together and they inspired me to start writing myself. AND they hold up well over time.

Margaret Mallory, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE

Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. So when a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen has a chance to prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.

Margaret just received more good news! KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is also a finalist for the Georgia Romance Writers "Maggie" Award. She'll send a signed copy of the book to one of our weekend commenters (U.S. or Canada).

KE: What do you think the judges really really really liked about this book?

MM: Without a doubt, what they liked best was my hero, Sir Stephen Carleton.

My heroes in this series are medieval knights, so they are all alpha men with a strong sense of honor and a heady air of danger about them. But Stephen Carleton is also a charmer. At the beginning of the book, he is drinking too much, sleeping with all the wrong women, and at risk of becoming less than the man he was meant to be. You want to save him. He hides it well, but beneath all that charm beats a hero’s heart.

KE: What makes a "Margaret Mallory" book?

MM: I write dramatic stories with a good deal of adventure and intrigue, as well as a host of funny or interesting secondary characters, including real historical figures. I like to force my characters into situations in which they must choose between conflicting loyalties or duties. My books tend to have themes of honor and loyalty, though there is humor as well. All my heroines are strong—as are most of my female characters, from grandmothers to serving maids.

KE: Other that your (which are obviously terrific) what's your favorite historical romance? (And let's stick with the RWA era.)

MM: Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander is still at the top of my list. I also love the old Judith MacNaught and Julie Garwood historicals. Thanks so much for having me! I’d love to answer questions or respond to comments.

Jodi Thomas, THE LONE TEXAN

Three days after arriving in Galveston, newly widowed Sage McMurray finds herself taken hostage in a robbery. She fears she may never see Whispering Mountain again when the outlaws decide to auction their pretty captive off to the highest bidder, until a tall stranger offers twice the highest bid.

KE: What do you think the judges liked best about this book?

JT: I'm not sure, maybe the humor. Also they've followed these two characters for three books watching them grow up.

KE: What makes a “Jodi Thomas” book?

JT: I think as long as a writer writes heartwarming characters, readers will read.

KE: Other than your own wonderful books, what's your favorite RWA-era historical romance?

JT: Ask me in a week. I'm reading all the finalists' books now and so far they are all great.

Sherry Thomas, NOT QUITE A HUSBAND

Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her during their brief marriage, but he won’t rest until he’s delivered an urgent message from her sister—and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them—or their rekindling passion?

KE: What do you think the judges loved about this book?
ST: NOT QUITE A HUSBAND is angst on acid. There is so much angst in this book that even I am barely woman enough for it--and I am a card-carrying member of the Angst Lovers Club.

KE: What makes a Sherry Thomas book?
ST: 1. The hero will always refuse to have sex with the heroine at some point. (I like a man who has enough self-control to turn down free nookie.)
2. Disillusionment. I think, when we first fall in love, we are really viewing the other person as extensions of ourselves. We are subsequently cruelly disabused of that idea. Only when my characters are clearly seeing the other person for who and what they are, and not who and what they'd like them to be, only then will I believe in the possibility of true love.

KE: Other that your books (which are outstanding) what's your
favorite RWA-era historical romance?

ST: Because I can't find it at home, which makes me miss it extra, I am going to say my favorite historical romance is Judith Ivory's BEAST. My first Ivory book and it has left an indelible impression. It is the book that set the bar for me and for the rest of my career I will be reaching--mostly likely in vain--for that level of amazingness.

Michelle Willingham, TAMING HER IRISH WARRIOR

Ewan MacEgan has set his sights on a wealthy bride but, tantalizingly, he finds himself drawn to his intended bride’s sister, Honora, who is both widow and warrior. One touch and he is longing to awaken her sensuality, for he suspects she will be as passionate in bed as she is on the battlefield!

Heads up! Michelle will send an advance copy of her next book, SURRENDER TO AN IRISH WARRIOR (on sale in September) to one of our lucky weekend commenters.

KE: What do you think the judges liked best about this book?

MW: To me, the hero Ewan MacEgan was an underdog, a man who always wanted to be the ultimate warrior, but lacked natural talent. I had fun writing a character who clashed with the heroine Honora, who was a natural athlete but didn’t believe in herself as a woman. I tried to include some of the elements of a large family of brothers, some of the humor, and a lot of passionate, forbidden heat.

KE: What makes a “Michelle Willingham” book?

MW: Intense emotion, really sexy heroes (with hot love scenes), and a bit of real life humor thrown in, when it’s appropriate.

KE: Other than your own beautiful babies, what's your favorite RWA-era historical romance?

MW: MORNING GLORY by LaVyrle Spencer is my favorite historical romance of all time, hands-down. To me, she was a master of characterization, and I absolutely loved every book she wrote. I keep holding out hope that she’ll return to writing some day.

I'll send another commenter a signed copy of my own Rita finalist, IN CARE OF SAM BEAUDRY. (I'll draw names for all the giveaways Sunday night, announce Monday, and for this time we'll stick with U.S. and Canadian addresses. But please don't let that stop our other friends from chiming in!)

So comment away! What Romance novels are unforgettable for you? Do you shop for RITA winning books? Do you look for RITA winning authors? If you're not a member, have you heard of the award or of RWA?

It's RITA Time ... Spotlight Best First Book!

Can't believe it's almost upon us. In five days I'll be leaving for RWA's conference in Orlando. And that means the award ceremony to announce the 2010 RITA winners is just a week away. I thought it'd be fun to highlight the Best First Book category since I was a finalist in that group two years ago.

As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't get any more fun than being nominated for a RITA with your very first published book. All that angst over trying to get published, you finally do, and bam! Your baby is up for a RITA! On top of that, several of these books are double finalists! How amazing is that?

We've got blurbs for each of the books and, most importantly, some of the finalists have enlightened us with what they're planning on wearing to that all important RITA awards ceremony. First things first, right?

So here we go ... a hearty welcome to all the Best First Book RITA finalists. They're all going to stop by to say hi today, so if you have any questions or comments, please go for it. And if you've read any of these wonderful books, we want to know about that, too!

Helen

FINALISTS: 2010 RITA for Best First Book


ONE SCREAM AWAY
by Kate Brady
Grand Central Publishing, Forever
Editor: Celia Johnson




Here's what Kate has to say:

ONE SCREAM AWAY is a book that makes everyone who knows me say, “How do you write that stuff?” I choose to believe it’s because I’m basically a nice, normal person…Husband, two kids, a bunch of pets. Okay, and a few crazed killers in my mind. The one who stalks the heroine in ONE SCREAM AWAY, leaving a trail of antique dolls and dead women from Seattle to Washington, DC, is a doozy. Here we have a man with serious mother issues, bizarre sister issues, and a folksong driving him to kill. Not to mention a collection of screams. The saving graces are the brutally-scarred ex-FBI agent trying to right past wrongs and a resilient heroine who will do anything to protect her daughter.

As for what I’m wearing to the RITAs…Well, black, of course, in a probably-futile effort not to look TOO fat… I’d tell you about the shoes but I haven’t bought them yet!

Kate

HE CALLS HER DOC
by Mary Brady
Harlequin Enterprises,
Harlequin Superromance
Editor: Kathryn Lye



Here's Mary's info:

He Calls Her Doc is about a pair of doctors who can’t seem to heal themselves. Dr. Maude DeVane has to deal with her past AND prove to the people of St. Adelbert, Montana, she is the best choice to be the remote town’s only doctor. What she doesn’t plan on is having to compete for the town’s respect with an arrogant E.R. physician from her past. Dr. Guy Daley will either be the reason she has to leave the valley or the reason she learns to open her heart to love.

For the RITA Awards ceremony, I’m wearing a hide-me black, sleeveless, shutter pleat, beaded neckline (whew) cocktail dress with a sheer silk shawl and strappy, black do-me heels. An outfit I plan on repeating for my husband.

Mary

THE GLADIATOR
by Carla Capshaw
Harlequin Enterprises
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
Editor: Melissa Endlich




Here's Carla:

He won his fame—and his freedom—in the gory pits of Rome's Colosseum. Yet the greatest challenge for once-legendary gladiator Caros Viriathos comes to him through a slave. His slave, the beautiful and mysterious Pelonia Valeria. Her secret brings danger to his household but offers Caros a love like he's never known....

Should anyone learn she is a Christian, Pelonia will be executed. Her faith threatens not only herself, but her master. Can she convince a man who found fame through unforgiving brutality to show mercy? And when she's ultimately given the choice, will Pelonia choose freedom or the love of a gladiator?

What I'm wearing?

I'm so happy to be attending National this year. I don't live far from Orlando, so I get to have my family attend the awards ceremony with me.

I'll be wearing a long black gown, silver heels and a silver even bag.

Carla

ANGEL VINDICATED
by Viola Estrella
Ellora's Cave, Cerridwen Press
Editor: Helen Woodall





Here's Viola:

Abby Angel doesn’t always enjoy being a law enforcement Angel for Angels, Inc., but she excels at it. Deporting unruly demons back to Hell is her specialty. Her personal life, on the other hand, could use a little work. The virtuous and pristine genes seem to be missing in this particular Angel, getting Abby in more trouble than she likes to admit. To date, her biggest vice has been Siméon Keller, a half demon/half human, who effortlessly managed to seduce Abby five years ago. She’s avoided him ever since but can’t seem to knock the bad reputation the blunder has branded on her.

Now, the threat of a demon rebellion has Angels, Inc. overwhelmed, and Abby must trust Siméon to help her find the fiends threatening to destroy Earth’s only salvation. Staying out of Siméon’s bed is the least of her worries as she fights for the lives of Angels and the human race as we know it.

And as for what Viola is wearing to the awards ceremony ...

I’m wearing a ruched gown that is topped by an off-the-shoulder collar with a crisscross front. The pale green color plays off the light. It was an exciting (last minute) find. The style and color are sort of romantic. How appropriate, right? Of course I had to take it to a seamstress who has to chop off about six inches. But it fits everywhere else…which means I won’t have to worry about losing a single pound before the big event. What more could a girl ask for?

Viola


THE BETTER PART OF DARKNESS
by Kelly Gay
Simon and Schuster, Pocket Books
Editor: Ed Schlesinger




Here's Kelly's two cents:

I'm incredibly excited to be counted among this year's RITA finalists. I'll be in Orlando wearing my red dress and fantastic gold heels, and probably still pinching myself come Sunday morning that I was even a part of this amazing event! Looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting my fellow finalists, and making some new friends, too!

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She’s recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.’s Integration Task Force even harder. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim. But can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

Kelly

STOLEN FURY
by Elisabeth Naughton
Dorchester Publishing, Love Spell
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt




Here's Elisabeth:

Seduction, secrets, betrayals and lost treasure all wrapped up in a bed of wicked hot passion. What could be better? To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who’s stolen both an ancient relic and her heart.

Quote:

“A rock-solid debut…Naughton’s intelligent adventure plot is intensified by the blazing heat that builds from Lisa and Rafe’s first erotic encounter.”
—Publisher’s Weekly

And finally, Dress (the most important part): I’ll be the one decked out in the orange gown. My CP tells me I have an orange-obsession problem. I call it good taste.

Elisabeth

NOTHING LIKE YOU
by Lauren Strasnick
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
Editor: Anica Rissi





Here's Lauren:

Nothing Like You is about high school senior, Holly Hirsh. Holly’s mom dies and Holly gets involved with the wrong guy. He’s got a girlfriend. She and Holly develop a friendship. Disaster ensues!

What am I wearing to the RITA awards ceremony? No clue! Something vintage-y. I have three dresses I’m considering: an old navy halter dress that used to belong to my friend’s mother. A yellow 60s Grecian number. And an old, tattered black lace dress I’ve worn to three million weddings. Always a hit. :)

Lauren

THE LAST WILL OF MOIRA LEAHY
by Therese Walsh
Random House Group,
Shaye Areheart Books
Editor: Sarah Knight



And finally, here's what Therese has to add:

“I lost my twin to a harsh November nine years ago. Ever since, I’ve felt the span of that month like no other, as if each of the calendar’s thirty perfect little squares split in two on the page.” • read excerpt

Maeve Leahy is a busy professor of languages at a university in upstate New York. So busy that she leaves little time for memories—the memory of her lost twin, Moira, and of her many lost opportunities.

Until a childhood relic and a series of anonymous notes changes everything—resurrects her long-dead dreams, a lost language, her most painful recollections, and prompts her to cross an ocean in search of ancient history. There, Maeve will learn new truths about her past, and come face to face with the one thing she truly fears. Only then can she choose between the safe yet lonely life she's built for herself and one of risk, with bonds she knows can be both heart-breakingly delicate and more enduring than time.

As for what I’m wearing, it’s a midnight blue long gown with a v-neck and a sort of whispery fabric I fell in love with. It’s currently being altered, to shorten it (I’m 5’2”) and make that v just a little less low!

Therese


So that's it, folks. It's always fun to discover new authors, isn't it?

I wish you all the very best of luck on RITA night!
Helen