RWA 2018 - Westward Bound (Part Three)

This year's RWA national conference kicked off on Wednesday, raced through a series of workshops, parties, random meet-ups, meals with friends, book signings, awards ceremonies, Blogger Day, warm reconnections with old friends, introductions to new friends, and wrapped up with the Readers for Life Literacy Autographing Saturday afternoon. It's a whirlwind ride but one I happily jump on every year and intend to repeat for as long as I'm able. Here are a few final highlights.

This seemed to be the year of flat shoes but I managed to catch a few people wearing heels. 

I was excited to discover that this rich, gooey, chocolate cake at the Librarians Day/Blogger Day luncheon was flourless. Which meant I could eat it! 

Joanna Shupe

Have you discovered Joanna Shupe's Gilded Age historical romances? I love them!

Katie Ruggle

You've heard me rave about Katie Ruggle's romantic suspense novels over the past couple years so you can imagine how excited I was to finally meet her in person..and come home with ARCs of her October release, Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas!

Author Victoria Vane led a fascinating workshop on ladies fashion through the centuries. In case you're wondering, yes, she made all of those fashions herself! Fashion models are authors (left to right) Madeline Martin, Eliza Knight, Julie Johnstone, Laura Kaye, Collette Cameron, and Victoria Vane. 

Valerie Bowman

Valerie Bowman pens some of my favorite historical romances and is one of the nicest people you'll meet in the world of romance. 

Carey Baldwin

I was so excited for Carey Baldwin. Her book, STOLEN: A Cassidy & Spenser Thriller, won the Booksellers Best Award for Single Title Romance. Her books keep me reading late into the night and she never fails to toss in a twist that catches me completely by surprise. I love that!

Miranda Liasson

Miranda Liasson is as warm and friendly in person as she appears in her photo. I just discovered her books about a year ago and have enjoyed catching up with her backlist. (My review of Then There Was You.)

Maisey Yates

I've fallen in love with Maisey Yates' western-set contemporary romances. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in her new Gold Valley series but the one I'm really looking forward to is Good Time Cowboy (due out 8/21). It's an enemies to lovers story and sparks have already been flying between these two characters in the first two books. I can't wait!

JoAnn Ross

I've been reading JoAnn Ross books for years but this was the first time I've met her in person. What a gracious lady!

More shoes!

PJ & Kristan Higgins

Celebrating Kristan Higgins' RITA® win for Now That You Mention It!

PJ & McIrish

And in the interest of equal time, here I am with Kristan Higgins' fabulous, firefighting husband, known affectionately online as McIrish. 

Sarah MacLean

Sarah MacLean was looking stunning at the RITA® awards! Her book, The Day of the Duchess was a Finalist for Best Historical Romance: Long. 

Nancy Haddock

It was such fun to catch up with Nancy Haddock, an author I hadn't seen in years. If you like cozy mysteries, give her books a try!

PJ & HelenKay Dimon

With 2018 RITA® winner, HelenKay Dimon, enjoying the Avon Romance and Rosé book party at the Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver. What a fun night! Winner of Best Romantic Suspense: The Fixer

PJ & Avril Tremayne

RITA® finalist, Avril Tremayne traveled all the way from her home in Australia for this year's conference. I so enjoyed visiting with her at this year's Blogger Day reception. The Dating Game: Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance: Long.

Wendy, Fran, Kristan

Enjoying the Librarians Day/Blogger Day luncheon with three of the nicest people around: Kristan Higgins and RWA Cathie Linz Librarians of the Year, Wendy Crutcher (2011) and Fran Cassano (2018) - both worthy recipients of this prestigious award. 

Erica Ridley

Erica Ridley is not only a terrific author but also did a wonderful job of emceeing this year's RITA® ceremony. 

Wendy LaCapra

Wendy LaCapra was a RITA® finalist in the Best Novella category this year with Her Duke at Daybreak (my review). I love to see good things happen to good people and Wendy is one of the best. 

Maria & Tracy

2018 Rita® finalist, Maria Geraci and Western Romance author, Tracy Garrett are two of my favorite people. It was fun to find them side by side at the Literacy Signing! This Can't Be Love: Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length. 

Kelly Bowen

I'm so happy for Kelly Bowen who won her second consecutive Rita®. If you haven't started reading her historical romances, I highly recommend them. Between the Devil and the Duke: Winner of Best Historical Romance: Long. (my review)

PJ, Bronwyn, May Goldrick

I enjoyed visiting with  Rita® Finalists Bronwyn Scott and husband and wife writing team, May McGoldrick. Finalist for Best Novella: "Dancing with the Duke's Heir" by Bronwyn Scott (in Scandal at the Christmas Ball) and "Sweet Home Highlands" by May McGoldrick (in Christmas in Kilts:a Highland Holiday Box Set)

Nancy Naigle

Watch for a new Hallmark movie based on Nancy Naigle's book, Christmas Joy coming to television for this winter's holiday season! 

Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath is so lovely and gracious and I am loving her new historical romance series. Watch for book two, When a Duke Loves a Woman, scheduled for release August 21, 2018. 

Liz, Jeanne, PJ

I had a wonderful time visiting with Liz Fielding and Jeanne M. Dickson, both 2018 RITA® Finalists. Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson: Finalist for Best Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements. The Sheikh's Convenient Princess by Liz Fielding: Finalist for Best Contemporary Romance: Short. 

Beverly Jenkins & PJ

If there's anyone who can spend more than two minutes with Beverly Jenkins without smiling, I've yet to meet them. She was the belle of the Avon Romance and Rosé book party at the Tattered Cover Book Store. 

They're not heels but I thought they were adorable!

PJ & Sophie Jordan

Whether you enjoy historical romance, steamy contemporary romance, or YA, Sophie Jordan has a book for you! 

Kandy Shepherd

Australian Kandy Shepherd is not only an outstanding roommate but she's also a darn good author. I always look forward to a new book from her!

Kianna Alexander

Kianna Alexander with Back to Your Love, the first book in her Southern Gentlemen series. Kristan Higgins calls it "a lush, beautifully written story about the indelible mark of first love. Intelligent, fresh, and utterly lovely."

Jennifer Ryan

If you like emotionally charged romantic suspense set in rugged Montana, I enthusiastically recommend the books of 2018 RITA® Finalist, Jennifer Ryan. I can't put them down! Montana Heat:Escape to You: Finalist for Best Romantic Suspense. 

PJ & Cathy Maxwell

If you enjoy laughing, you'll adore Cathy Maxwell. This smart, kind, funny, generous, and talented author of more than 40 books and novellas lights up a room and her books will light up your keeper shelves.  

PJ & Alyssa Cole

I may have fangirled a bit over Alyssa Cole (okay, so I ambushed her in the hotel lobby while she waited for her room to be ready) but I can't overstate how warm and patient she was with this admirer of her work. She even waited for me to run up to my room to get my two copies of A Princess in Theory which she signed - one for me and a second one to give away here at the blog. 






A final toast to RWA 2018 at a cozy meal with friends. If you're ever in Denver, give the Blue Agave Grill a try.  The service was outstanding, the food (grilled salmon and roasted brussels sprouts), delicious...

...and my drink (a Sangria Swirl), divine!
It was the perfect exclamation point on another successful RWA national conference.










So, tell me... 


Have you ever attended an event where you got to meet favorite authors?

Which author would you most like to meet?

What's your favorite sub-genre of romance? Historical? Contemporary? Romantic Suspense? Paranormal? Something else?

What book are you reading now?


Comment on this post before 11:00 PM (Eastern), July 30, 2018 for a chance to win one of the two packages below.

Package #1: a signed copy of A Princess in Theory, a signed copy of An Affair With a Notorious Heiress by Lorraine Heath, a signed copy of His Cowboy Heart by Jennifer Ryan, an Advance Reader Copy of Rocky Mountain Cowboy by Katie Ruggle (on sale October 2018), an official 2018 RWA conference tote bag, and assorted swag. (U.S. addresses only)

Package #2: a signed copy of Coming Home to Crimson by Michelle Major, a signed copy of Run to Ground by Katie Ruggle, a signed copy of A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe, a signed copy of Herons Landing by JoAnn Ross, an official 2018 RWA conference tote bag, and assorted swag. (U.S. addresses only)

And that's a wrap!

RWA 2018 - Westward Bound (Part Two)

From the first day, it was apparent that this year's RWA national conference would be different. From Suzanne Brockmann's speech at the RITA® ceremony, to Sonali Dev's heartfelt address at the Librarians Day/Bloggers Day luncheon (listen to Sonali's speech here), to workshops, parties, hallway conversations, and more, two themes echoed throughout this year's conference: diversity and inclusion. It's time. Frankly, it's beyond time. Were all of the obstacles conquered? No, but nothing is accomplished without taking that first step and this year's conference was a solid step forward to a time when every reader will be able to open a romance novel and see herself reflected in the pages of a hopeful love story with a happy ending. Regardless of our skin color, ethnicity, gender, body type, disability, or sexual orientation, we all are worthy of that happy ending. Whether we're the recipient, experiencing the journey while reading a favorite novel, or the creator of that story, we all deserve the opportunity to love, be loved, and create love. And while both authors and readers should be able to see people like them on the pages of the books they write and/or read, we should also celebrate the books that reflect our differences.  

My circle of friends includes people from different countries, with different skin colors, different religious beliefs, different political points of view, different body types, challenges, weaknesses, and strengths. Knowing them does not bring strife into my life. Instead, it fills my life with a richness I might not have otherwise known. It promotes understanding and appreciation of experiences different from my own. So do the books written by authors of different colors, ethnicities, and sexual orientation that feature characters with life experiences far removed from that of a middle-class, heterosexual, caucasian woman raised in a midwestern U.S. state. 

A Princess in Theory was created by the exceptionally talented  Alyssa Cole and features a Nigerian prince hero and an orphaned NYC scientist heroine who has no idea that she might actually be a Nigerian princess. About as far from my upbringing as one can get, right? I loved it. In fact, it is one of my favorite books published this year. How sad it would have been if this author's words had not been published, if I had not bought this book written by an author of color with characters so different from me. And yet, that's exactly what happens with too many authors of color working hard for the opportunity to have their books published...and purchased. There are many diverse books and diverse authors out there just waiting to be discovered by all of us. We have only to step out of our comfort zones and give them a chance. I'm going to make a concerted effort to read more of them and bring them to your attention here at the blog. In the meantime, here are some of the talented, diverse authors I had the pleasure of chatting with at this year's RWA conference. Please, do consider reading their books.

Kianna Alexander & A.C. Arthur

Kianna Alexander and A.C. Arthur. 

A.C. Arthur hit my radar last month when she was a guest at the Romance of Reading page at Facebook. It was such a pleasure to meet her in person and I'm looking forward to reading her books. One Perfect Moment, the third book in her The Taylors of Temptation series was released in print July 17 and will be out in ebook on August 1. A.C. lives in Maryland and has worked in the legal field for more than 20 years.

Kianna Alexander has been a well-known name in romance for the past decade. Writing has helped her through difficult times in her life as I have no doubt her books have brought love and hope to those readers who buy them. The book she's holding in the photo is A San Diego Romance, part of the Millionaire Moguls series. 

And yes, both ladies were just as warm and friendly in person as they appear in the photo!

Pintip Dunn

Pintip Dunn is the author of Sci-Fi Young Adult Fiction. Her debut novel, Forget Tomorrow won the 2016 RITA® for Best First Book and the second novel in that series, Remember Yesterday won the 2018 RITA® last week for Best Young Adult Novel. Pintip is warm, engaging, intelligent (magna cum laude graduate of Harvard with a J.D. from Yale Law School), and an exceptionally talented writer. She's also one of the nicest people around. I just can't help but smile whenever I'm in her presence.

Alyssa Cole

Alyssa Cole was born to write. This accomplished, award-winning author of both historical and contemporary romances is a star on the rise. As I stated above, A Princess in Theory (contemporary romance)  is one of my favorite books of 2018. The second book in this new series, A Duke by Default, featuring a grumpy Scots hero and an American heroine finally taking control of her life, will be released July 31. It's another winner! In addition to writing romance, Cole is also a science editor and has contributed many romance-related articles to a variety of publications. Her novella, "Let Us Dream," in Daughters of a Nation was a 2017 RITA® Finalist. 

Beverly Jenkins

I don't know anyone in the world of romance who does not admire and respect Beverly Jenkins. This self-professed "slayer of words" has been bringing the stories of African-American characters to life for the past 25 years. From the American Civil War to the Old West to present-day Kansas, her complex and exquisitely crafted characters leap from the pages of her beloved novels. Awarded the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, Jenkins has also been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured in the romance documentary, "Love Between the Covers." and on CBS Sunday Morning. Ms. Bev, as she's called by many, is smart, sassy, warm, inclusive, generous, kind, and immensely talented. Click here to read Hellie's Top Dish review of her historical romance novel, Breathless and here to read Janga's review of Chasing Down a Dream, the eighth book in her contemporary Blessings series. 

Rich Amooi, Sonali Dev, Silvi Martin

Sonali Dev was the luncheon speaker for this year's Librarians Day/Blogger Day event. The message of acceptance, opportunity, and inclusion that she delivered was heartfelt and timely. Though infused with plenty of her signature humor, this was a serious topic that, clearly, has impacted both her life and the lives of family members and dear friends. By the time she finished, there was not a dry eye to be found. The mastery of her words and depth of life experience shared in her speech, that reached the heart of each person at my luncheon table, are on full display in her award-winning novels featuring characters and customs from India, the country of her birth. 

Xio Axelrod

Xio (pronounced ZEE-oh) Axelrod writes contemporary romance, romantic fiction, and what she refers to as strange, twisted tales. She also writes erotica under the name of Xio Nin. When not busy creating stories, this multi-talented woman can be found in a music studio, writing and/or recording. This USA Today bestselling author was honored this year as one of the 2018 RWA Service Award recipients. Last year, she founded the Philadelphia Chapter of RWA and she's also a founding member of Philly Loves Romance, an author group dedicated to raising the profile of romance in their area. 

Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson is a trailblazer in the romance genre who has published more than 100 novels and novellas and has more than 10 million books in print. Stop and think about that for a moment. Ten. Million. Books. Jackson was the first African-American author to be published by the Harlequin/Silhouette Desire line and also the first African-American author to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists for series romance. Jackson has received many awards in her distinguished career, including the 2012 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. Not content to rest on her laurels, she continues to write (full-time now that she's retired from her non-writing career), attend events where readers can meet her, and give back to her community in a variety of ways, including educational scholarships. One of her books, Truly Everlasting has been made into a movie which has been featured on Netflix. Another book, A Silken Thread is set to be made into a movie that will be directed by the multi-talented Debbie Allen and distributed by Lions Gate. 

Alisha Rai

The first time I met Alisha Rai, I heard her before I saw her. While gifted with gorgeous, dark eyes and a wide, beaming smile, it was her exuberant, unfettered laugh that drew me across a crowded room, intent on meeting this woman who was filled with so much joy. She continues to draw people to her, both personally and through her books. Complex, emotional, and deeply sensual, these are stories not to be missed. Rai is the first author to have an indie-published book named to The Washington Post's annual Best Books list and has also been on annual Best Books lists at NPR, Entertainment Weekly, Amazon, Kirkus, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. 

Nicki Salcedo & PJ

From my introduction to Nicki Salcedo at the Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight & Magnolias conference almost ten years ago, it was clear there was something very special about this woman. She's someone I admire, respect, and am proud to call my friend. We tell people we're sisters. You see the resemblance, right? (by the way, the matching blue outfits were not planned) Nicki is a whip-smart Stanford grad and gifted writer who shares her talent through books, essays, short stories, mentoring, and speaking engagements. She's also a hardworking wife and mom with a full-time job outside of her writing/speaking commitments. Her essays are thought-provoking (check out Intersections, a collection of essays published in her weekly column at Decaturish.com) and her debut novel, All Beautiful Things has a special place on my keeper shelf. 

Cheryl Etchison, Marielle Browne, Tracey Livesay

I met Tracey Livesay (far right) at last fall's Buns and Roses Tea in Texas and was immediately impressed by her intelligence and wit...not to mention her fabulous fashion sense (click here for Buns & Roses photo). A former criminal defense attorney, she left her law career behind to pursue her passion of writing romance and those of us who read her books are glad she did. Her novels have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and on CBS This Morning. If you haven't read Livesay's books yet, I recommend any of them but especially Love Will Always Remember. 

Alexis Daria, PJ, Priscilla Oliveras

And last, but certainly not least, Alexis Daria and Priscilla Oliveras. 

Daria, an award-winning contemporary romance author from New York is gaining fans left and right. Her debut novel, Take the Lead which features a Puerto Rican heroine and a romance that unfolds during a TV celebrity dance competition not only was named one of the Best Romances of 2017 by Entertainment Weekly and The Washington Post but was a double finalist for the 2018 RITA®  and took home the award for Best First Book. Daria also received the RWA New York City Chapter's 2018 Golden Apple Award for Author of the Year. Like so many romance authors I've met, Daria also enjoys giving back. She states on her website that her most fulfilling job has been as a group facilitator at a women's empowerment community where she was instrumental in helping other women follow their creative dreams.

As Priscilla Oliveras shares on her website, with a Mexican American father who served in the US Navy and a Puerto Rican mother who earned her business degree from the University of Puerto Rico, it stands to reason her contemporary romances would be filled with a beautiful blend of her Latino heritage and, as she puts it, "good ol' US of A traditions." Her debut novel, His Perfect Partner was a 2018 RITA® double finalist and earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. This busy mom who holds one bachelor's degree and two master's also enjoys tennis, running, theater, dancing, and sports. Because she's a Cubs fan (yay!) and so darn nice, I'm going to overlook the fact that she also cheers for the Florida Gators. ;-) 

Both Oliveras and Daria are part of the 4 Chicas, a group of four romance authors celebrating life, love, and romance with a Latinx flavor. Find them on Facebook. 


Have you read any of the authors spotlighted above?


Do you have any favorite books written by diverse authors or featuring diverse characters that you'd like to recommend?

One person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, July 28, 2018 will receive a package of books and swag from this year's RWA conference. (U.S. addresses only)

RWA 2018 - Westward Bound (Part One)

This year's Romance Writers of America® national conference was held in the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado. I'd been looking forward to the event as I had never visited Colorado and was eager to do a bit of exploring. I flew out the Saturday before conference and joined friends Kim Lowe of the SOS Aloha blog and Australian author Kandy Shepherd in Colorado Springs. We spent the next three days exploring all the beauty that city has to offer. Here are a few photos.

Exploring the Garden of the Gods was truly a spiritual experience. Nature's majesty is all around you among the ancient rocks that sit in the shadow of Pikes Peak. 

The walk to Seven Falls offered another stunning display of rock formations and waterfalls.  

I opted out of climbing to the Eagles Nest observation deck (taking the inner-mountain elevator instead) and was content to view the falls from the base. My fear of heights did not play well with those stairs. I was more than happy to anchor myself to the wall and take photos of others. ;-) 

Kandy & Kim

Manitou Springs was a lovely western town with lots of quirky shops and a beautiful mansion/castle. The four-story Miramont Castle is open to the public and also features a history of firefighting museum, as well as authentic period furniture, and beautiful mountain views. The original owners were a French priest and his mother. While the mother's money built and furnished the castle, the priest's vow of poverty apparently didn't prevent him from enjoying it. 

Miramont Castle

Firefighter PJ, reporting for duty!

An interesting side note: Kandy and I wandered into a jewelry story in Manitou Springs and while chatting with the owner, discovered that when he moved to town 42 years ago he lived in the castle. At that time, (before it became a museum) it was divided into apartments. Lucky him!

A trip to Colorado Springs isn't complete without a stop at the luxurious Broadmoor hotel and resort. 

The Broadmoor

Broadmoor Entrance Drive

Broadmoor - View from the terrace

The Golden Bee

We lunched at the authentic Golden Bee English Pub. And when I say authentic, I mean it. This restaurant originally sat in England before it was dismantled, shipped across the ocean, and reconstructed at the Broadmoor. I kept expecting to hear English accents. 

Golden Bee Bar Area

After lunch, we walked through the beautiful hotel. I could have happily spent the entire afternoon cozily tucked into one of the reading nooks in their library. 

Broadmoor library

On our way back to our car we spotted this deer strolling down the boulevard in front of the hotel. Obviously, it was lunch time for her too as she found a lovely garden and was happily munching away until a groundskeeper arrived in a golf car to chase her away.

Of course, it goes without saying that if I'm traveling there's going to be food photos, right? We headed out one evening for dinner at an Italian restaurant but discovered when we arrived that there would be a 30 minute wait. They suggested we might want to wait upstairs at their sister wine bar. We trudged up the stairs and discovered not only a cozy cafe atmosphere but fabulous food and the best waiter ever. We cancelled our reservation downstairs and had a wonderful evening at Sopra Antipasto & Wine Bar where we savored these delicious offerings.  

Roasted Veggies

Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

Squash Blossoms

Roasted Mushrooms & Gorgonzola

Chocolate Nutella Cannoli

Our waiter very kindly had the chef make this dessert without the pastry shell so I could eat it! 

Kandy, PJ, Zack (Waiter & Sommelier Extraordinaire), Kim

We capped off our stay in Colorado Springs with a visit to the Air Force Academy. One highlight of that visit was meeting these falcons and the cadets who are charged with their care.

The second highlight was the incredible Chapel. This architectural wonder has a stunning exterior and an interior that fills the soul with its spiritual beauty. I could have spent hours there. 

PJ, Kandy, Kim

Tuesday afternoon, we loaded up our luggage and headed for Denver and the RWA conference which would be starting the next day. You never know who you'll run into in the lobby, elevators, and hallways of the conference hotel. The first author I saw was none other than Kat Martin. She graciously posed for a photo (taken by her husband) and I told her how much we Romance Dishers enjoy her books. I had just arrived and was not looking my best but what the hey. When Kat Martin offers a photo, you take it! :) 

PJ & Kat Martin

Other first day sightings included:

Harlequin Author Carrie Nichols & PJ

PJ & Theresa Romain

Christie Kelley, PJ & Donna MacMeans

Kristan Higgins & PJ

That's it for Part One my RWA 2018 adventure. More photos and stories to come!

Have you visited Colorado? If so, what were your favorite parts?

Did you go to the top of Pikes Peak? 

Tell me the truth. Did you drool just a little when you saw that Chocolate Nutella dessert? ;-) 


One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, July 27, 2018 will receive a book and swag from the conference. U.S. addresses only

I'm adding a bonus second giveaway to this post. A second person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM July 27 will also receive a book and swag from the conference. U.S. addresses only.