Contest time! I'm sitting over here, reading, so here's Ruthie Knox to tell you about the contest we're hosting this week!
The Contest!
Pimp My Read is your chance to win one of four fantastic e-readers, as well as best-selling, super-sexy, fun contemporary romances by authors Ruthie Knox, Sarah Mayberry, Shannon Stacey, and Molly O’Keefe. This week, we four authors bedeck ourselves in (virtual) feathers and gold chains, climb on top of our Pimp Caddies, and sing the praises of e-readers and digital books at four fantastic romance review sites: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Smexybooks, Dear Author, and The Season for Romance. At every site, one of us is giving away an e-reader, as well as prizes for runners-up. If you’ve been on the fence about which e-reader to get, or even why you would get one—or if you love your e-reader to bits and are dying to convert a friend or family member to the digital side—this is the contest you’ve been waiting for!
The Prizes!
Sarah Mayberry is giving away a Kindle Touch 3G at Smexybooks,
Shannon Stacey is giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with Glowlight at Dear Author,
Ruthie Knox is giving away a Kindle Keyboard 3G at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books,
and Molly O’Keefe is giving away a Kobo Touch at The Season for Romance.
The winner of each e-reader and two runners-up at each site will also receive Exclusively Yours, Undeniably Yours, and Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey, Her Best Worst Mistake and Within Reach by Sarah Mayberry, About Last Night and Ride With Me by Ruthie Knox, and Can’t Buy Me Love by Molly O’Keefe.
Make It So: Ruthie’s Conversion Story
Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and one of the things I’ve noticed is that everybody on the Enterprise has a Kindle Fire. Or possibly an iPad. Same size, same shape, same ability to pull up amazing amounts of information with the tap of a finger. Whenever Captain Picard needed to find out the specs on a mission or read about some obscure eighteenth-century French composer and Data wasn’t around, he always had his Unnamed Awesome Device (UAD) at hand to poke and frown at.
The Next Generation debuted in 1987, so that means that I wanted a UAD of my own for … *squinches forehead, crunches numbers* … twenty-one years before I got one. But once I got one, I gave up print books altogether.
Precipitous? Perhaps. But I had my reasons. First, I hate having things. I prefer to have the bare minimum number of things. Like, in the ideal world, I would be a bachelor with cinderblock bookshelves and two cans of soup in the pantry. But I read so much. And as you probably all know, when you read a lot, there’s this constant stream of books into the house. Sure, some of them are library books, but even library junkies end up with dozens of new books every year that have to be coped with. I don’t want to shelve them or keep them or pass them along to friends or send them to the paperback exchange. I want them to disappear!
Now that I have an e-reader, they do. I read the last line, I smile, I delete. Off to the archive the book goes, and I never have to think about it again unless I want to. I love living in the future!
The other extenuating factor is that books are heavy, cumbersome things. I think I strained my wrists holding the Twilight books above my head as I read them on the couch. Worse, sometimes I want to read and do other stuff at the same time, and that’s even harder. I figured out how to walk and read as a kid, no problem. Later, when I became an obsessive knitter, I learned to knit and read. I read the last Harry Potter book spread open on my lap, pages held by a book weight so I’d have my hands free to knit. But sometimes the book slid off and hit the floor, which was a bummer.
Then I had a baby, and the whole system went to hell. You know, it’s really hard to read and breast-feed at the same time. Sure, yes, yes, at first I thought I’d just want to stare at my baby and appreciate the miracle of life while I breast-fed him and bonded at some deep, cosmic level, but in fact that phase only lasted about two days. Babies eat slow, y’all. I needed a book. And it’s very hard to hold a book with one hand while you hold a baby with the other. You have to do that thing where you spread the book open with your thumb and your pinky, and my pinkies soon wearied of their new job.
Then one day in the hazy winter of 2008, my husband—who’s a bit of a computer nerd—walked into the living room and said, “Come in my office. You have to see this.”
“This” was the movie-ad-thing for the Kindle 2. Small! White! Attractive! Lightweight! Four bazillion dollars! “Order it,” I said. “Order it right now.” And God bless him, he did.
Some things about living in the future are not as exciting as I had hoped they would be. Transportation, for instance, seems much less cool than it did seventy-five years ago. (Have you ever seen the trains of the 1950s? They were awesome!) Cooking is still a lot of work. Strange men still show up at my door trying to sell me magazines, and I don’t know how to make them stop. But I can now buy a book in my living room, read it immediately, and discard it—all without actually having to move my butt off my couch or strain my delicate girl-wrists. Guys, this is EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED.
Or almost everything. I think the e-reader designers of the future should make readers that beep when you lose them, because I’m always leaving mine somewhere random, like on top of the refrigerator or beside the bathroom sink, and then not being able to find it later. I bet Picard’s UAD had a beeper.
But enough about me—let’s talk about you! Were you an early convert to the e-reader or a reluctant late adopter? Or are you still holding out, waiting for somebody to talk you into this madness? Do you love your e-reader with a devotion bordering on the manic and wish you could talk your mom/grandma/best friend/husband into getting one? I’m giving away a Kindle Keyboard 3G (my device of choice) to the commenter who convinces me she (or he) has the best reason for wanting it for themselves or someone else, so let’s hear your stories. Two runners-up will get books, books, books!
The Fine Print (From Ruthie)
1. Feel free to increase your chances of winning by entering once at each of the four sites! But please, only one entry per site. Deliberate multiple comments on any individual e-reader giveaway post will get you disqualified.
2. The contest opens on each site when the post goes live and closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, July 20.
3. Ruthie, Sarah (Mayberry), Shannon, and Molly will choose the winners from among the comments on the site where each posts. Feel free to entertain us or tug at our heartstrings — we’ll pick the winners whose comments most effectively sway us!
4. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
5. This contest is open internationally. The e-readers on offer will work in many, but not all, countries. Please be aware that geographical restrictions may affect your ability to use/enjoy your prize.
The Disclaimers (from SB Sarah)
1. I'm not being compensated for this giveaway. I mean, I got to look at Jean Luc Picard, which is never a bad thing, but otherwise, no compensation.
2. Void where prohibited.
3. Must be over 18, as stated above, plus wearing a riding habit, preferably with a jaunty feather.
4. Call before you dig. Call after you downward dog. Adding a comma makes that sentence even more fun!
How To Enter
To enter, leave a comment explaining either (a) why you want to win this e-reader for yourself or (b) why you want to win it for someone else. (Please include your e-mail address in the appropriate comment field so we have a way of contacting you if you win. Your e-mail address will not be visible to the general commenting public.)
So, let's hear it – you want it for yourself, or as a gift? Bring on the entries!
As a public librarian, I used to be against eBooks and eReaders because I got tired of people saying that Google and eReaders would kill the need for librarians and libraries. However, research taught me that two can coexisit especially in the world or romance. (eBooks makes acquiring author booklists much easier and cheaper!) Although I prefer traditional books, I think using an ereader would be helpful especially since my 7-year-old daughter started read and got nosy about mommy’s books. lol. I have no preference of eReader but maybe a Kindle since I shop at Amazon often.
Even though I started reading Romances as ebooks on my laptop, I didn’t have a dedicated ereader for a loooong time. Since the book cover art is very important to me (it’s how I remember a book that I have read), having the cover only in black and white just isn’t enough. Still, I do like the convenience and the weight.
I would love to win a Kindle for my brother-in-law. He’s such a good guy that he really deserves an ereader for reading on his commute (he’s not driving) and his business trips. He takes care of my sister (his wife), his kids, his uncles, and my parents. I have told him how grateful I am that he is taking care of my parents since I live so far away, and I think a Kindle would be just a portion of my appreciation of all that he does, which he does without complaining.
Okay, I’ll admit, I’m a ludite. I don’t have a computer in my home. I don’t own a cell phone (“How do you get by?” everyone asks, aghast. Same way I got along for the 40 years I spent on this planet before someone invented them). I have a flat screen TV because the analog one had died, and so had Joe the TV repair man who came to our house when I was a kid. I still use my princess phone on my landline (Do you know what happens to my phone service when the power goes out? Nothing.), & I wouldn’t have an answering machine if someone hadn’t given it to me as a gift. The same is true of any modern technology in my home. It’s just not high on my priority list. So you’d think I wouldn’t be trying to win this fine little bit of the modern world, but you’d be so wrong. Why would a Kindle find a warm and loving home with me, queen of the ludites?
#1. My childhood fantasies of taking Lt. Uhura’s place (yes, I’m that old). Giant earbuds and a tricorder? I’m so there.
#2. I was trying just yesterday to fit all the books piled on the side of the bed that you can’t see from the door onto the book shelf. Total non-starter.
#3. In the course of this exercise in futility I discovered that I own two copies of a serveral books – hardcover books. Surely this would not happen with an e-reader.
#4. And probably the most important reason: the whole favorite authors only publishing in e-book format. I’m left out, adrift, ill-informed. I’m desolate.
Please drag me kicking and screaming into the 21st century. I ‘m begging you.
It would be amazing to win one of these wonderful gifts. I love to read but between having two children under 4, no car, and the many many chores that come with having small kids, I rarely have a chance to get to the library to get a new book. Unfortunately we are a single income family, and between bills and baby needs an e-reader is not something we can afford. I try to get to the library as much as possible but I am lucky if I can get there enough times a month just to return the books before they are late. If I had an e-reader, I could borrow books and return them from home.
Thank you,
Heather
st.dennisheather @ yahoo.com
A Smart Bitch In Training needs the right gear: A Kindle, her own online account at the library, a new gi for karate and a grandmother who will let her charge four books every month to said grandmother’s Amazon account. She got the new gi, her grandmother is no slouch on buying reading matter, and she has her own library card. Now all she needs is her very own Kindle. Her dad will set up the online library account. She’s seven already, so time’s a-wasting!
I would love to win a Kindle for myself because I’ve actually been contemplating to go buy one but haven’t been able to actually take that step yet… it just still feels rather expensive to pay that lump sum of money up front to buy a Kindle and not to mention the expensive shipping to Canada as well. But I have been thinking of making that jump because I am just running out of space for my print books and am getting nagged by the family about how much space my books can take up. I have also been using the Kindle app recently and love being able to download some free reads as well as book samples to read, however, I find it very tiring having to read it off of a bright computer monitor. Having a Kindle would be more convenient to read ebooks off of and it would also help me start saving some physical shelf space as well. So I most definitely would love to win a Kindle for myself and thank you for the awesome chance to do so!
Nuts. I don’t have a single altruistic motive. I just want this. I want it bad. I’m pretty sure it would improve my sex life.
When I first learned of ereaders, I did that little sneer that some people do. It just wouldn’t feel like a real book! I need to have it in my hands to worry the cover corners, snort the ink & pulp, make notes in margins. Then one day, after helping me move, my sister made me take hers for a test drive. You see, I’d lined every single box I with a layer of books to distribute the awful weight. At the end of packing up… I still had three suitcases full of just books.
She had me keep it for a few weeks, and I discovered she’d loaded several hundred books via one memory card. I discovered that while there wasn’t a book smell, I could still worry the vinyl cover while reading, and make notes of my own in certain types of file. Let me tell you, something clicked, and it wasn’t any of our aching backs. I am never going back.
In a few weeks, I am helping my father move. His book collection is roughly four times the size of my own, I would guess. He has often stated that an ereader wouldn’t feel like a real book. I would *love* the chance to convert him as well.
I would love to win a Kindle for my hubby. He actually won one for me in 2010 and I’ve loved it. (him too!) His birthday this month would be a great time to show him some eReader luv. 🙂
I don’t have an e-reader and would like to join the club. Having an e-reader will definitely help me keep my book collection from overtaking my tiny apartment.
I want an e-reader because everyone else has one and I don’t. And it would probably take away some of the book clutter at my house. Ok, it probably wouldn’t since I would still buy books, but it would allow me to have twice as many!
Hi,
If I were to win a kindle I would give it to my mother. She is an avid reader who loves to keep her books and is fast running out of room for them. But, with a Kindle she would be in reader’s heaven being able to store so many wonderful books on one little device! She would never have to fret again over what books to give away to make room for more.
Thank you!
I would love a new e-reader! I have a basic Kindle that is almost two years old….I could use an upgrade! ; )
I would love to win an e-reader because I get most of my books as e-books now and I miss reading in bed.
I finally converted to an e-reader after getting a Kindle this last Christmas. OH MY GOD, I wish I had this years ago. I’m the only person I know that has actually had a reading injury – I had to see a chiropractor after straining my shoulder reading one of the Harry Potter books (I think holding it with one hand while brushing my teeth was what finally did it). I read quickly and a lot, and my Kindle enables me to keep a line-up of books with me that I’d never be able to lug around otherwise.
Now, I need to convert my boyfriend to e-reader status, and I’ll never have to dust another book – so if I win, it’ll go to him. Help attain minimalism in one aspect of my life, at least?
I would really love to win an ereader. There are so many digitally published books anymore that are not available in print. Thanks so very, very much for this giveaway!
I’m typing this on my 5th electronic book device. I am badly, passioniately in love with the ebook way reading. Instead of bookcases everywhere and boxes and stacks in every room I have one lovely device and a backup drive in case that iCloud concept ever fails me. Seriously, I bought more than 1000 books last year and they all fit in my purse, what is not to love from a reader standpoint? I have bought more than a dozen of these devices to give as gifts and to donate to the local cancer hospital. My stepmom is the last hold out. She finally broke down and admitted curiosity about how the devices worked so I know if I can just get one into her hands another lifelong reader will be hooked.
Every time I move (4 times in the last 5 years!) and I have to lug boxes and boxes of books up and down stairs – I tell myself I need an eReader! That and I can ready in public places and no one can see what it is!
Too many books, not enough bookcases, a nosy brother. An e-reader would be wonderful! It will most likely feed my reading addiction, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take 😉 Thank you for hosting this contest!
Wow, there are some pretty cool responses for a kindle, and so many who deserve it more than I. I want one though, just as much as all of you. Thanks for the give away and good luck to all and of course myself.
When I was a teenager, I knew everything and had nothing in common with my mom. I stayed home sick for a week, was bored silly and my mom suggested I read “Dreaming” by Jill Barnett. I sat down to read it just so I could tell my mom she had no taste. That day I learned that reading romance was awesome, I didn’t know jack, and my mom is always right! She introduced me to Garwood(historicals), Woodwiss, and many other authors. My mother is reluctant to using technology but I’ve seen her eyeing my Kindle. I would love to win an e-reader for my mother so I can share with her this time.
I love books. I like the feel of the pages beneath my fingers. I like the way they smell. I love the weight of them in my purse letting me know they’ll be there when I get a free moment.
I was adamantly against the e-reader. I love all things technology, but this? This was too far. NOT MY BOOKS.
And then I got an iphone. I made it a year before I downloaded any reading apps. And then I discovered the Kindle app. And the Nook app. And ibooks. And dear god, but do I love having books on my phone. Except for the whole battery drainage part.
So, I’d love to win the Kindle to give my poor, abused phone a break.
I’ve had my Kindle now for almost 2 years and I love it. I actually barely read print books anymore.
I would love to win so I could give this ereader to my sister in law. She has been dying to get an ereader and I would love to surprise her with one.
I’d love to have an e-book reader for my wife…she loves books but limited budget makes it harder & harder to get her a gift she’d enjoy the most…thanks for offering it up & hope I win 🙂
Me, me, me! And if I win, I promise to give my kids the old Kindle we share right now. So then it would be a win for everyone.
I am going to have to say it would be for me, because I love e-readers. That being said, I may let my sister borrow it!
I’d love to win a Kindle because I think it’s the perfect-sized e-reader. It’s light and small (and has an amazing battery life) enough to carry in my bag when I’m doing the school run and waiting for my kids.
Plus, most of the e-books that I buy come from the Kindle store.
Thank you for the chance!
I would love a ereader so I could read all the great books that are digital only.
I received a sony reader 2 yrs ago for christmas and i loved it only thing is i really didnt like the sony reader store,but i was hooked how i could get the newest releases so quickly.MY reader was an older version now it wont stay on even after i bought a new charger.One of my favorite features of a reader is booking marking my fav sections for rereading so that i dont have to scan back through.
I already have two: a Kindle Fire (for mobile internet surfing) and a regular Kindle and I don’t go anywhere without one. I would love to win one for my nieces who read a lot but don’t have a lot of book shelf space for books.
My husband and I are avid readers. Actually, I’m pretty sure avid is a bit of an understatement. I keep a spreadsheet with the books we currently own on it and the last time it was updated we were up to 783. This list does not represent our audio book collection or the fact that we visit the public library on a regular basis. As much as I love the feel of a book in my hand, I knew it was better for our storage and the environment if we started considering e-readers. I recently got a Kindle Touch. I am loving it so far. I would like to win this giveaway, because I would like to now show my husband how nice an e-reader can be and that he can enjoy both his audio books and his print books on them. In addition to wanting to be an awesome wife in general ;), his birthday is the 24th and we leave for vacation at the end of the month. How awesome would it be to give him a new e-reader loaded with a couple of books that I know he wants to read as gift for his birthday, ready to go for vacation and the only cost to me was the books!!! As my husband is very budget conscious, surely I would win wife of the year for that!!
Thank you Ruthie for this great giveway! Well, I would love to win this for myself. I’m a dinosaur. Its the 21st century and I’m the least tech savvy person I know. Love to start downloading all my favorites into an e-reader.
I would love one for my husband…the man who bought me an e- reader in 2008 so I could read while putting my older son to bed (an event which frequently required hours of time spent on the floor outside his room, in the dark). The man who has let me kidnap and control any other device in our home with an e-reader app. The man who is getting bored with playing video games as he sits sentry, waiting for our youngest to stay in his bed for longer than 10 minutes.
And so the next time I move (in three years), I don’t find myself moving a ton of books halfway around the world simply because we hadn’t finished sorting yet.
I would love to win this for my son whonis starting high school in the fall.
I want to win this e-reader for my best friend, because it breaks her heart when she can’t find anyone to take her old books, so she keeps them. If she had a digital library, I would not have to fear finding her lifeless body beneath an avalanche of used books.
I promised my mom I’d get her an e-reader for Christmas, but then life got in the way, and I’m short on funds at the moment. 🙁
She could really use one, as holding books, even lighter ones, for an extended period of time is tiring for her. Thanks! 🙂
I was complaining to my optometrist, and she looked at me and said she was sorry, but I had 40 year old eyes, and there was nothing she could do to change that. I didn’t think that was very nice, but not untrue.
An ereader would allow me to change the font size as I need. Plus, I may be 40(-ish), but I need to be cool, and ereaders are cool.
BTW, I loved Ride With Me!
I would like to win an ereader for my mom because it would be a great birthday present for her since she loves to read and is something she can easily carry around with her and gives her something to do while she’s picking up the kids or taking her parent to doctor’s appointments.
The year they came out my husband gave me a Sony 505 reader and I was kinda reluctant to get caught up in the enthuaism about it, however now I enjoy using it on-and-off, particularly when we go on trips on the Motorbike, now I can carry many books (though I still have to make sure I have one paperback in case the battery runs low) I have a lot of books to read at this stage and I find it so convenient sometimes. However working for the libraries, it’s a little too easy to stock up on books from there!
You know, I can’t help but think your life would be immensely improved by a large waterproof baggie. 🙂