That's What I'm Talking About...: RAGT Wrap Up and Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop

Friday, June 8, 2012

RAGT Wrap Up and Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop

Well, I’ve had a few days to process the whirl-wind trip that was my weekend in Ohio, and I’m here to give you the highlights AND to giveaway some GREAT prizes! Keep reading for the giveaway details!

There are two big reasons I made the trek to West Chester, OH to the 2012 Lori Foster Reader - Author Get Together. The first is to visit my dear friend (and review teammate), Nima. As you may recall from hilarious post last year (HERE), she lives very near to the event. So of course, I had to jump in a plane and visit... and BONUS, our friend, Ang, was also visiting at the same time. I got myself 2-for-1 friend action!

Second reason I made the trip: my amazing book friends and blogging tweeps. After meeting so many of you in Philadelphia last year, I had to take this opportunity to see you again (and hang with some of the Sisterhood of the Werefly!).

I landed in the Dayton, OH airport about 10:30 AM on Friday June 1st and was back there by noon on Sunday June 3rd. It was a quick but wonderful visit! I got to spend time with Nima and Ang (who could not attend the event because Nima’s daughter was graduating high school), and I got to get in lots of author and friend time at the event.

So, here are some of the highlights of my trip...

Friday June 1:

First of all, if you’ve never been hugged by Bells from Hanging with Bells, you are missing out! She alone was worth the trip and I miss her already! I got to meet up with many of the friends I’d met in Philly: Bells, Mandi (from Smexi), Danielle (Lush), Penny, Dren, Marq, and Jaime Saare. I also got to meet several of my tweeps for the first time... Like Colette (aka A Buckeye Girl Reads), Liza (MsLizalou), NikiBrandyberry, Penny’s sister: QueenCityE, Bridget Locke, Jackie (Literary Escapism) and Nicole (aka Adam S. Walker - or as you would know her, Admin for Shiloh Walker). And bonus... I got to hang with Trelaina again (after meeting her in August when I was in Chicago). LOTS OF FUN!

That night there was a book signing and I took advantage... I got to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon... Yes THE SHERRILYN KENYON!! She is so sweet and I would have loved to talk with her longer, but there was a line and well, I was a bit tongue-tied & fangirl. I also finally got to meet Shiloh Walker after tweeting with her for the past couple of years. Then I spent time catching up with some of the authors I meet last year in Philly... PJ Schnyder, Judi Fennell and Stephanie Julian. All such wonderful women. I really enjoyed talking books with Judi (I kind of monopolized her for a while!)

After the signing, we played some very interesting Pictionary sponsored by Carina Press. Let me tell you, even if it looks like it, the answer is not “penis!” We laughed a lot! I also took the opportunity to meet Angela James, editor at Carina and another twitter buddy.

After hanging in the bar for a bit, I took off back to Nima’s house, where I made it up until 1:00 AM (I woke at 3:30 AM Friday morning).

Saturday June 2:

I was up bright and early! I headed back over the hotel for breakfast and conversation. After the buffet, we broke into small groups, and I selected the one with Virna DePaul. Although I’d never read any of her books, I’ve heard some amazing things about her characters and world-building. I am so glad I went! Meeting Virna is one of the highlights of my trip. She is such a nice person and I enjoyed discussing how bloggers/reviewers fit into the mix. She will be at AADNOLA this August and I cannot wait to chat with her some more.

Next I went to a discussion sponsored by Berkley Publishing. Although much of the discussion centered around the submission process (and I am not a writer), I learned many new things about the world of being a published author. I also won an ARC of Lora Leigh’s Stygian’s Honor. WOOT! You all know how I love me some BREEDS!

At lunch I tracked down another person I wanted to meet: Sue Grimshaw from Romance at Random (Random House). I’ve chatted with her often on Twitter and enjoyed meeting her live and in person. Another wonderful woman!

After lunch was the main book signing. Since I’d gotten most of the author’s autograph’s I’d wanted on Friday night, I took advantage of the time to catch up with friends. We also cracked open the bottle of wine given to me by Angela James and drank it from the hotel paper cups! Oh, and Mandi and I got to pose with some cover models... er, um... cutouts of cover models that is!

The rest of the time was spent chatting more with the people I’d come to see and meet. I finally headed back to Nima’s about 10:00 PM, and when I got there, Nima, Ang and I stayed up until nearly 3:00 AM catching up!

I had such a great time the whole weekend, it was worth the sleep depravation! In fact, I’m still trying to catch up on my blogging and reading, housework and school functions! I definitely want to return next year! For more pictures from the weekend, go to the “photos” tab of my blog! Thanks to all for such a great time! Special thanks to Lori Foster, Duffy Brown, the Marriott Staff and all of the volunteers!

NOW FOR THE FUN... a GIVEAWAY!

I’m participating in the SHAMELESS SUMMER GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP!

While I was away, I thought of all of you - my readers! Really, I did. And I was able to pick up a few fun things to share.

First Prize: the first three books from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League Series: Born of Night, Born of Fire and Born of Ice - all SIGNED by Sherri herself!

Second Prize: A SIGNED copy of The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis AND a hand-crafted bookmark made by Shannon K. Butcher.

Third Prize: A copy of Guilty Pleasure by Lora Leigh AND a book cover flat and bookmark signed by Lila DiPasqua.

How to Enter and Giveaway Rules: To enter, please leave me a comment telling me what author you’ve never met, but would love to meet some day. To be eligible for the contest, comments must be made by 11:59pm EDT on Friday, June 15, 2012. One entry per person, the winners will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses ONLY; please leave your email address so I can contact you. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. You do not need to be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog, but it is appreciated.

Special thanks to Jen at Red Hot Books, Brie at Romance Around the Corner & Michelle at Michelle's Book Blog for sponsoring the Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop. Please visit these other great blogs for more chances to win other great prizes!

PS... If you don't want to enter the contest, but still would like to leave a comment, please do so and just note "no contest entry."

Labels: contest, giveaway, Jill Shalvis, Judi Fennell, Lila DiPasqua, Lora Leigh, Lori Foster, PJ Schnyder, RAGT12, Shannon K. Butcher, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Shiloh Walker, Stephanie Julian, Virna DePaul

64 comments:

danni said...: I would love to meet the author Nalini Singh. I absolutely love her books. I would also like to meet Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, and Nora Roberts; June 8, 2012 at 4:21 AM
LadyVampire2u said...: I loved seeing the pictures. You look so happy there. I am glad you had a great trip. :)
If I had my pick, I would love to talk to either Kim Harrison, Marjorie M Liu or Beth Revis. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com; June 8, 2012 at 6:14 AM
Mandi said...: Loved seeing you Jen!!!!; June 8, 2012 at 6:49 AM
Judi Fennell said...: Hey, you're welcome to monopolize me anytime., looking forward to AAD! (no entry); June 8, 2012 at 7:21 AM
marina said...: "no contest entry" I really wish I will have the opportunity to participate in a event like that! Jealous and very happy for you!
I'd really love to meet the Unbeatable duo of Ilona Andrews and Jeanine Frost!; June 8, 2012 at 8:07 AM
A Buckeye Girl Reads said...: Not entering the giveaway, but wanted to say great recap! Yours is so much better then mine.; June 8, 2012 at 8:18 AM
Bells said...: Twinnie! What a great post! I loved seeing you again and had such a great time with you! Can't wait to see everybody again next year! *mwahs*; June 8, 2012 at 8:22 AM
Michelle Kelly said...: I would love to meet Julie Garwood. I just love everything she writes.

I was at the RAGT12 event as well. Best time ever. I have never read Sherrilyn Kenyon but I saw how huge her line up was so I'd love the chance to win them.

Thanks Michelle Kelly
another_look_book_reviews at hotmail dot ca; June 8, 2012 at 8:30 AM
Virna DePaul said...: This is a great recap! I really enjoyed meeting you. :) What a great giveaway, too. I've never met J.R. Ward, but would love to. Take care and talk soon, V; June 8, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Diva J. said...: I would love to meet Terri Brisbin. Her books are fabulous! :)

Thanks for the giveaway.

-divajeffersonATgmailDOTcom; June 8, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Dannielle L said...: So many choices, but I think I would have to go with Nora Roberts. To thank her for not only all of her great characters (especially Roarke), but also for introducing me to romance and the paranormal. Plus I'd love to stay in the Inn Boonsboro she owns!

Thanks!
dannigv616AThotmailDOTcom; June 8, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Rissa said...: JR Ward for sure....I could listen about the brothers all day long!

raynman1979 at yahoo dot com; June 8, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Susan T. said...: That's a tough question to answer since I have so many favorite authors. I will say I would love to meet JR Ward. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

kidsue99@yahoo.com; June 8, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Maria pronounced Mariah said...: There are so many but topping that list would be JR Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon! They were my first reads and will always be my favorites!

mmafsmith at gmail dot com; June 8, 2012 at 1:17 PM
Brianna (The Book Vixen) said...: I'd like to meet Shiloh Walker. I chat with her on Twitter (a lot) and enjoy reading her books. It'd be nice to put a face to the name :)

thebookvixen at gmail dot com; June 8, 2012 at 3:01 PM
fishgirl182 said...: Sorry - deleted earlier comment because I forgot my email address.

I have never met Nalini Singh but would love to someday. I am hoping to meet her this summer at RWA.

Thanks!
twee66 at gmail dot com; June 8, 2012 at 3:11 PM
Ntzee said...: I've never met an author before but would love to meet JR Ward, Larissa Ione, and Karen Marie Moning! I love their books! =) Thanks for the giveaway!

n_thao06(at)hotmail(dot)com; June 8, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Mariann at Belles Book Bag said...: This is easy as I have yet to meet any authors in person!! I have just recently been introduced to Kristen Ashley's books and I am addicted!!! Every book I read of hers turns out to be my favorite!! She has ruined me for all other authors and books so in saying that I would LOVE to meet her!! Thanks for the chance to win!! Have a great weekend!! :)
mariann297@gmail.com; June 8, 2012 at 4:17 PM
molly.frenzel said...: I would really love to meet Anne Rice someday. She was the first paranormal author I ever read. Interview with the Vampire was the first vampire book I ever read. She opened the door into the paranormal genre for me.

molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com; June 8, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Janna said...: I want to get hugged by Bells too! :)
Sounds like you all had such a great time. I'm a tiny bit jealous here... ;D; June 8, 2012 at 5:44 PM
Mary D said...: I would love to meet Beverley Kendall. Thanks for doing the hop!!

gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com; June 8, 2012 at 6:28 PM
elaing8 said...: I would like to meet Kelley Armstrong.
Thanks fr the giveaway
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net; June 8, 2012 at 7:50 PM
Sophia Rose said...: I have to pick just one? ;D Okay, I'll say Patricia Briggs.

Thanks for participating in the hop and for the giveaway opportunity.

sophiarose1816@gmail.com; June 8, 2012 at 8:29 PM
Di said...: I'd love to meet Suzanne Brockmann (or so many others).
GFC follower
sallans d at yahoo dot com; June 8, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Loupe Duffy said...: I love to meet Diana Gabaldon (She's my all time favorite); June 8, 2012 at 10:33 PM
kmannrn said...: I would love to meet Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr.; June 8, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Lissette Martinez said...: Richelle Mead.. Jeaninne Frost, J.K. Rowling!
Lissette_125 at hotmail dot com; June 8, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Under the Covers said...: Looks like you had a blast! I would love to meet JR. Ward. She's my favorite author!

Ann
alltherhage AT gmail DOT com; June 9, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Renald said...: I think Anne Rice,I'm not sure. Deb P
;-)
r.d1@myfairpoint.net; June 9, 2012 at 3:00 AM
Diane said...: I would love to meet Linda Howard, Nalini Singh, Nora Roberts and Lara Adrian. But there are many others I would enjoy meeting too!!!; June 9, 2012 at 6:25 AM
Lisa said...: I would love to meet Jess Dee, Lexxie Couper, Mari Carr, & Jayne Rylon. There are many more authors & bloggers I would love to meet too.

Lisa
wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net; June 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Yvette said...: Went to a JR Ward signing and it was wonderful. Would love to meet Gabrielle Evans!
Yvette
yratpatrol@aol.com; June 9, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Nadine said...: I would love to meet JR Ward or Laurell K Hamilton along with many, many others.

Nadine
countrygirl91351@yahoo.com; June 9, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Sara M said...: I would love to meet Jennifer Estep.

Sara M
sara_UFblog [at] yahoo [dot] com; June 9, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Bridget Howard said...: IO would love to meet Cynthia Hand!!!
bridget.howard(at)hotmail(dot)com; June 9, 2012 at 7:01 PM
laceyblossom said...: I'd love to meet JR Ward or Jeaniene Frost! I adore their books :)
laceyblossom1@gmail.com; June 9, 2012 at 7:43 PM
YWLiang said...: I would love to meet Jill Shalvis! I love her Lucky Harbor series! I'm a fan of her facebook page and she seems like a really cool and fun person to be around :)

thank you for the giveaway!

-YWLiang
yiliang0124(at)hotmail.com; June 9, 2012 at 8:54 PM
IMSilverbells said...: While I like Sherrilyn Kenyon, I gotta admit the author I'm dying to meet is Richelle Mead. Her books are my guilty pleasure and I can re-read them all the time. Through her posts I can tell she's witty, funny and endearing just like her characters!

Thanks For The Giveaway!

-IMSilverbells
IMSwrites@gmail.com; June 9, 2012 at 10:57 PM
June M. said...: I have not met any authors yet but there are many that I would love to: Larissa Ione, Kallypso Masters, Cherise Sinclair, Lynsay Sands, Kerrelyn Sparks, and many more.; June 10, 2012 at 12:38 AM
June M. said...: forgot my email: manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com; June 10, 2012 at 12:39 AM
Kat said...: So many I would love to meet, John Green, Carly Phillips, Jackson Pearce are just a few off the top of my head.
kathalsteaddgoATyahooDOTcom; June 10, 2012 at 12:41 AM
holls said...: Id love to meet eloisa James!!
Hollybwright.at.comcast.net; June 10, 2012 at 9:14 AM
Patsy said...: There are so many outstanding authors today, I would love to meet them all, but the one who stands out from the others(for me) is Sherrilyn Kenyon.
mom1248(at)att(dot)net; June 10, 2012 at 8:01 PM
Addicted2Heroines said...: I would love to meet Vicki Pettersson or Stacey Jay.

Great prizes. Thanks for the giveaway!

addicted2heroines[at]yahoo[dot]com; June 11, 2012 at 1:11 AM
deasuluna said...: I would love to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon, I have missed meeting her twice now. I'm hoping to attend one of her book signings this year. :); June 11, 2012 at 3:30 AM
Sophia (FV) said...: Oh looks like you had a great time!!; June 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Emily said...: Oh gracious, this is a hard one. I guess I would have to say Emily Giffin. I love everything she's written.; June 11, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Proserpine said...: Hi! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I would love to meet Kresley Cole and talk about her Immortal After Dark series!!!

proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com; June 11, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Kelly said...: I would love to meet Ednah Walters or Diana Gabaldon. I have never met any authors before. Thanks.
delivery.RN at gmail dot com; June 12, 2012 at 12:42 PM
BookAttict said...: I'd love to meet Michelle Sagara and Stephen King!

Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
GFC: BookAttict; June 12, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Susan W. said...: There are so many authors I would love to meet. Lora Leigh and Dean R. Koontz are two that I've read for years and would love to meet.

Thanks for the giveaway!
suz2(at)cox(dot)net; June 12, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Froggy said...: I'd love to meet Lisa Renee Jones, JD Robb, and so many more awesome authors I have met online.

Crossing my webbed toes to win..really need the sweetest thing, its the only paperback I am missing out the the series! ;)

Thanks for the chance to win!
Froggy
froggarita@gmail.com; June 12, 2012 at 7:51 PM
Juana said...: I would love to meet Kay Hooper I have most of her books and they are all keepers.

jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com; June 12, 2012 at 9:53 PM
winnie said...: I would love to meet Jeaniene Frost! She's absolutely me favourite author :)

chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com; June 12, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Starry Night Book Reviews said...: I'd love to meet J.R.Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon & so many more authors! S.c.Brentson@gmail.com; June 13, 2012 at 1:30 AM
Anne said...: I'd love to meet Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews.

acm05atjuno.com; June 13, 2012 at 8:57 AM
Maureen said...: I would love to meet Nora Roberts.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com; June 13, 2012 at 9:37 AM
erin said...: Thanks for a great giveaway! Sounds like you had fun :)

I'd love to Read Nora Roberts!

efender1(at)gmail(dot)com; June 13, 2012 at 10:15 AM
donnas said...: Id like to meet Nora Roberts.

bacchus76 at myself dot com; June 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM
Gale Nelson said...: I would love to meet J R Ward!!! Thank you for this amazing giveaway. Gale pgan427@yahoo.com; June 14, 2012 at 6:52 AM
Kelsey said...: I would love to meet JR Ward! Thank you for the great giveaway!!

Kelsey O.
kopsahl48 AT gmail DOT com; June 14, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Jolene and Family said...: I would so love to meet Larissa Ione

june111@(att)dot(net); June 15, 2012 at 6:07 PM
Helen said...: lynsay sands I love her argeneau series it is one of my favorites
helldog3 at aol.com; June 15, 2012 at 7:12 PM
Cimmaron @ Talksupe said...: I would LOVE to meet JR Ward. My life changed after reading her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I love her writing and she just looks badass. I love how she's always got her tinted classes hair in a bun and her multiple string of pearls. It takes one badass to write about a group of badass vampires.

thanks for the giveaway

debo.talksupe@gmail.com; June 15, 2012 at 8:57 PM

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About our reviews: The reviews posted here are the writer's own honest opinion of the book, not a judgement on the subject matter or author. We read for pleasure and at the request of authors and publishers. We do not receive compensation for our reviews, other than the copy of the book to read for the review.

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Enter to win!

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RAGT Wrap Up and Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop

64 comments:

Enter to win!

Coming Up...

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I Want To Read!

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