Book Bits: Readers & ‘Ritas, Richelle Mead, Vicki Pettersson, Jeaniene Frost, Larissa Ione and more

Lessons from Readers & ‘Ritas
I spent last Saturday at the Readers & ‘Ritas convention. My BFF Kristin from My Bookish Ways and I had a complete blast spending the day with many of our favorite authors. A few things I learned:

1. Kristen Painter is of the “go big or go home” mentality when it comes to costumes. She dressed up as one of the noble vampires from her House of Comarré series for the costume party, and it was impressive. (See her with Kristin and me in the photo to the right.) Also, she let me fangirl on her a bit and put together vampire-themed goodie bags for our lunch table.

2. Ann Aguirre is a dance machine. Not kidding. The woman has moves and talked me into shutting down the dance party with her.

3. Vicki Pettersson is incredibly sweet, poised and laid-back. She referred to my copy of Scent of Shadows as loved. Understatement.

4. Jade Lee will proudly tell you she bought a man at Readers & ‘Ritas. She may be referring to the hero auction, but I’m of the mind she’s the best/worst person to go to Vegas with. She’ll be at Authors After Dark in New Orleans. Should I be concerned?

Oh, and the three bags of books I hauled home from the event? Yes, many of those signed items will be up for grabs on VBC in the next six weeks or so. See, I’m always thinking of you guys.

Read the first chapter of Shadow Heir
I’m not sure if I’m really ready for Eugenie Markham’s story to end, but it’s coming nonetheless. Shadow Heir is set to release on Dec. 27, and author Richelle Mead has posted the first chapter of Shadow Heir to tease us into submission. If it makes you antsy, I suggest pre-ordering the book.

Prince Ash writes you a letter
So it’s not exactly to you, but more of an open letter to mortals. However, he does suggest that winter weather might mean he’s nearby. When the snow starts falling, just keep an eye out for the Winter Prince.

Lauren Dane snippet
I really enjoyed Heart of Darkness, Lauren Dane’s first book in her new Bound by Magick series. It just hit shelves this month, and we already have a snippet from the sequel Chaos Burning. It’s short, but made me smile.

New from Vicki Pettersson
Just getting to see the artwork for Vicki Pettersson’s new The Taken has me all sorts of excited for the book. (Also, I love the dress on the cover.) The book will be the first in her new Celestial Blues series, and is slated for a June 12, 2012, release via Harper Voyager. You may commence cheering.

Holidays with Cat and Bones
Jeaniene Frost has posted a three-chapter excerpt from her novella Home for the Holidays. The full story is part of her paring with Lynsay Sands for the Bite Before Christmas. So, if you’re itching to get into the holiday spirit and want to do so with a very loving married vampire couple, you’ll want to pick up the book.

Cover Alert: Lethal Rider
Larissa Ione posted the cover art for her next Immortal Riders book Lethal Rider. It’s sexy enough that I’m overlooking the weird tattoo placement. (Or trying to, anyway.)

The Hunger Games trailer
You’ve likely already watched it, but I can’t stop hitting replay. So very excited for this film.

CONTEST ROUNDUP

• Because I really want you to cast your vote for the Best Book of 2011, I’m giving away your choice of book from the Recommendations section. Also, we have a full set of M.L.N. Hanover’s Black Sun’s Daughter series to send home with one VBC reader. The former is open internationally, the latter limited to U.S.

• My Bookish Ways is giving away one copy of Acquainted with the Night by Piper Maitland. Open to U.S. addresses only. Ends Nov. 22.

• Larissa Ione and Lara Adrian have teamed up to giveaway a bunch of great signed books and swag. Four winners will be selected. Open internationally.

• The Qwillery is giving away an eBook copy of Laura Kaye’s North of Need. Open internationally. Enter by Nov. 23.

• Book Lovers Inc. has digital copies of Beth Kery’s Velvet Cataclysm and Silken Rapture to give away. Open internationally. Ends Nov. 19.

Tera Lynn Childs is giving away three sets of all her books.