Welcome to my RITA® award celebration! Hosted by the Romance Writers of America®, the RITAs celebrate outstanding romance novels and novellas. I’m so thrilled to be a finalist in the Romance Novella category, and I’ve asked my fellow RITA® finalists to come tell you more about themselves and their books. I hope you meet some new favorite authors!
Today we welcome Maisey Yates!
USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
1. Which of your books has been nominated for a RITA, and in what category?
Imagine Me and You in the novella category
2. How do your hero and heroine meet, and what are their first impressions of each other?
Jace and Sam met in high school, and they had a pretty immediate connection. Both of them felt like outsiders. On Jace’s part though, there was a little bit of insta lust. 😉
3. What are their best and worst characteristics?
Jace is a neat freak, which is great in some ways…and bad in others. Samantha is impulsive and enthusiastic, which can also work out well for her…and then go very badly other times.
4. Where is this book set, and what makes the setting special?
This book is set in Bend, Oregon, though it mostly takes place on Jace’s ranch. I love the chance to set anything in Oregon, because it’s where I live and I love it!
5. Is this the first time you’ve been a RITA finalist? If not, what books have previously finaled?
This is my first time! I was such a sap when I got the call…I definitely cried!
6. Have you read any of the other books that are finalists in your category? If so, which ones?
I haven’t, but I’m in awe of the company I find myself in. I know Jane Porter’s Montana Born books are fantastic!
7. What was the first thing you did when you found out you were a RITA finalist?
I finished texting Megan Crane (Caitlin Crews) who I had abandoned mid-text to answer the phone call informing me that I was a finalist. Then I shouted the news to my husband, who had been loitering nearby to hear the phone call. Then I called my mom and dad. Then I came back to my texts to see that Megan’s book was a finalist in short contemporary! It was an exiting morning. 😉
8. Do you write in genres other than the one you finaled in? If not, are there any genres you would love to write in?
I also write long contemporary (I didn’t enter any books in that category this year!) and short contemporary. I love to read Historical, but I don’t want to write it. It’s my escape!
9. If you win the RITA, who’s the first person you’ll thank in your speech, and why?
Probably my husband. He’s the man. Without him, no books would get written and my house would be a mess.
Speed-dating round
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
I was just in Cascade Locks, Oregon and it was GORGEOUS
If you were stuck on a desert island, what ONE book would you want with you?
Having Her by Jackie Ashenden. I’ve read it 4-5 times and I love it each time.
If you could bring one of your heroes to life for a day, who would you choose?
Probably Cade from Unbroken. And I would feed him pie because he needs pie.
Which of your characters is most similar to you?
I would say Paige from Her Little White Lie or Clara from One Night in Paradise
If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream career?
I would be the next winner of American Idol. I’m extremely practical.
What kind of dessert are you hoping they’ll serve at the award ceremony?
Something intensely chocolate. A torte or something.
What’s the best compliment a reader could give you?
I love it when I make people cry. But I also love it when someone tells me I made them laugh during a really trying time.
How would you describe your books?
My category romances are dark with spots of humor, while my single titles are funny with some emotional gut punches. I’m never ALL dark or all light.
Four of today’s most popular romance authors introduce four sizzling new tales of finding love unexpectedly—with a little help from man’s best friend. Includes an all-new Buckhorn Brothers story from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster!
The authors are donating all of their proceeds from Animal Attraction to the Animal Adoption Foundation of Hamilton, OH, a charitable organization.
Anthology includes: Buckhorn Ever After by New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster
Imagine Me and You by USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates
Gimme Shelter by USA TODAY bestselling author Heidi Betts
Partner in Crime by Jules Bennett
Giveaway!
Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Winner will be announced on Monday July 21. Make sure you come back tomorrow for another interview and another chance to win!
I read How to Marry a Highlander. Really good!
No, I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of these books.
I have read and loved How To Misbehave by Ruthie Knox along with just about all of her other books. She is one of my favorites! Always funny and feel good books!
She is a new author for me but I’ve read many on the list!
I have read half of these books. I love novellas and am working my way though the list.
haven’t read them yet, but I’d like to.