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Audiobook Review: Hot Head by Damon Suede
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… Since 9/11, Brooklyn firefighter Griff Muir has wrestled with impossible feelings for his best friend and partner at Ladder 181, Dante Anastagio. Unfortunately, Dante is strictly a ladies’ man, and the FDNY isn’t exactly gay-friendly. For ten years, Griff has hidden his heart in a half-life of public heroics and private anguish. Griff’s caution and Dante’s cockiness make them an unbeatable team. To protect his buddy, there’s nothing Griff wouldn’t do… until a nearly bankrupt Dante proposes the worst possible solution: HotHead.com, a gay porn website where uniformed hunks get down and dirty. And Dante wants them to appear there-together. Griff may have to guard his heart and live out his darkest fantasies on camera. Can he rescue the man he loves without wrecking their careers, their families, or their friendship?
- Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 17, 2011)
- ISBN-10: 1615819487
- ISBN-13: 978-1615819485
- FTC Disclosure: Bought with my own money
I met Damon Suede at Authors After Dark 2012 in New Orleans and immediately developed a serious author crush. Damon is a force all his own. He is genuine and fun and hilarious. I’d picked up Hot Head a few weeks prior to AAD, but my school commitments kept me from reading much of anything except Medical Imaging textbooks. After AAD, I focused on the ARCs that were given to me, promising myself a present in the form of Hot Head once I got through a few. But once again, life got in the way – this time in the form of a car accident that totaled my precious BMW and landed me in the ER with whiplash and severe back pain.
So, when I saw that Hot Head was available on audiobook, I literally squeed. I bought it and cursed my iTunes for fighting with me over putting it on my iPhone. I finally fixed my iTunes/iPhone issue and loaded Hot Head. It was around 1:30am by that point, and even though I had to be up at 6:30am (my late day – woot!) I started Hot Head.
The narrator’s voice reminded me a little of Damon’s, which is pretty cool. He’s very expressive and really good at what he does. I got to chapter two before I decided that I needed to hit the rack. When my alarm sounded at 6:15 (I give myself time to hit snooze at least once) I immediately popped my earbuds in and started listening. I actively wondered if it was possible to take my phone and earbuds with me into the shower without destroying them. It’s not, just so you know.
On my way to school, I listened to Griff’s description of what he went through on September 11 and I cried like an infant. I almost had to pull over. His descriptions are so vivid and heart-wrenching that I could picture it in my head all too clearly.
I joined the Navy after September 11. The events of that terrible day haunt me. And listening to Damon tell the story of how he got the idea for Hot Head resonated with me as I heard Griff’s inner dialogue so much that I cried even harder.
I fell absolutely in love with Griff and Dante. They’re both so tough and strong and manly, but when you get them together they’re so sweet and kind and loving. Seeing the family dynamic between Griff and Dante with Dante’s family reminded me my own family. I wanted to hug his mom and dad and siblings. They were almost real to me with how wonderfully they were written.
I have to admit the way that Griff and Dante got together felt a little contrived. But I was so happy that Dante and Griff were finally doing more than just fighting fires together that I didn’t care how they got together – just that they did.
I tried so very hard not to like Alec. Since the story is told primarily in Griff’s point of view, I initially saw Alec the way that Griff did – as a pervy creep. But ultimately, I ended up really liking him and hoping that perhaps he’d get his own book at some point.
I’m completely gushing about this book and I’m okay with that. After I finished Hot Head, I had the worst book hangover I’ve ever had. I didn’t even want to try to start a new book. Dante and Griff were stuck in my head for days.
Hot Head is definitely on my keeper shelf and I will be re-listening to it several times.
Rating: 5 of 5
Review: The Good Fight by Andrew Grey
Jerry Lincoln has a problem: his Sioux Falls IT consulting business has more work than one man can handle. Luckily, that means he can hire some help. Jerry just hopes his new employee, John Black Raven, ends up being more helpful than distracting—but John’s deep eyes and long hair are very distracting.
John came to town for an education and a chance at a life he couldn’t have on the reservation, but what’s important to him now is getting a job and keeping it. Six months ago, his sister died, and now her children are in foster care. Despite having the law on his side, John can’t get custody—can’t even see his niece and nephew.
As Jerry and John grow closer, John discovers he doesn’t have to struggle alone. Jerry helps him win visitation rights and provides much-needed support. Yet their victories aren’t without setbacks. Child Services is tangled up with money, politics, and red tape, and Native American children are their bread and butter. But John and Jerry are determined to fight the good fight and to win—in more ways than one.
- Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2, 2012)
- ASIN: B0095HIWNQ
- FTC Disclosure: copy provided by the author for the purposes of an honest review
Review: Last Friday Night by Brien Michaels
Coming out might be the only way to save the ones you love…
Jessie Nalick used to be married, until his wife left him for another man. But things are looking up–he’s moved to a new place and his new house is almost finished. But when one of the men on the construction site calls him in a panic, something deadly is unleashed.
Tyler Mack is with a different woman night after night, secretly longing for the one who will make him feel something besides soul-crushing emptiness. He’s so straight he’s nearly homophobic, until he’s forced to confront some very uneasy feelings–and other things–that grow between him Jessie as they’re kidnapped and forced to do the unthinkable.
With a kidnapper threatening the lives of their loved ones, the time for self-delusion is over. Tyler must face the one thing he’d rather die than do…but the thought of Jessie so close, so hard, makes him willing to take the chance…
- Publisher: Etopia Press (January 31, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- ASIN: B0074AXWGI
- FTC Disclosure: given to me by the author for the purposes of an honest review // AAD NOLA 2012
I met Brian at authors After Dark in New Orleans. I was intrigued by him because he’s so full of life and energy and very sweet. So after I got home from the conference I contacted him to maybe have him on the blog (blog tour stop coming soon!!) and he offered me a book to read for review.
I chose last Friday nightbecause it was different than the things that I normally read and I was looking for something interesting and new. He warned me that it is primarily a horror story, not romance. The majority of the story has primarily horror elements. Towards the end of the book, the romance kicks in and it works. I love the characters, although sometimes it was a little confusing to distinguish who was who, but that happens in male male romances. Jesse and Tyler were relateable and intrigued me. They way that Brien wrote them made me want to keep reading because I wanted to know MORE. Why they acted the way they did, why they thought the things that were going through their minds, and (of course) why they were in the situation they were in.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed the book. I can’t say anything without giving the plot away, so read the blurb (I posted it above) and pick it up — You won’t regret it!!
Rating: 4.5 meows
Review: Accidentally Catty by Dakota Cassidy
A purrr-fectly scintillating new novel from the national bestselling author of Accidentally Demonic.
Katie Woods never thought she’d be forty-one, divorced, and thrust back into the dating world. To start fresh, Katie uproots her veterinary practice to upstate New York-not exactly the hottest dating scene on the planet. But when an unconscious cougar appears at her clinic, Katie’s newly single life gets a much needed jolt of the supernatural kind.
After Katie examines the cougar and leaves him caged overnight, she’s shocked to find a big strapping specimen of young, hot man in its place. And when the scratch she got during the exam results in some unnatural side effects, Katie has more to deal with then her animal attraction to a much younger guy-she has to figure how to stop herself from becoming a cougar of the four-legged variety.
- Publisher: Berkley (March 1, 2011)
- Sold by: Penguin Publishing
- ASIN: B004IYISXK
- FTC Disclosure: Received at Authors After Dark NOLA
“Is that what we’re calling what we just saw in that room? I don’t know about you, but I ain’t never seen a baby like that,” the sarcastic woman from her earlier phone call remarked.
Brushing aside Kaih, Katie ran her good thumb over her eye. The thumb that wasn’t . . . Oh, Hail Mary. She stopped herself mid-thought. Determination made her grit her teeth. Sort of. Her teeth and the ability to grit them were a work in progress. A glance upward, one that allowed her a panoramic view of each woman’s pores, gave her the chance to give them the once-over. “Who are these people, Ingrid?”
Ingrid backed away, still in a state of perpetual horrification. She situated herself behind one of the most beautiful, enhanced by nothing but soap and water, dark-haired women she’d ever seen. “They’re the OOPS people. The people you talked to on the phone. They’re here to help.”
I loved this book from the very start, as I have loved all of the “Accidentally” books by Dakota Cassidy. From the first introduction of Nina, in this series, uber-vamp, she reminded me of myself many years back. She says what is on her mind. As for Dr. Katie Woods, she is a little bit me now-a-days. Then we see Spanky/Beck/Shaw. Yummy, with a side of British accent. This book has everything I like and adore. It has paranormal with a side of crazy, an extremely hot male center point and hot, steamy sex with a helping of foul language thanks to the ever likeable Nina. Can you tell she is my favorite character? I cannot wait until the next installment. These girls kick paranormal butt and they do it in their own individual style. I am not giving away the plot or ending. This is one you HAVE to read yourself. If you don’t, well, may Nina have mercy on you… Pick it up and put it down once you are finished and drool until the next book is out.
Rating: 5 meows
Video ARC Review: Conduct Unbecoming by LA Witt
As long as no one asks and they don’t tell…
First class petty officer Eric Randall is less than thrilled about taking orders to Okinawa. Three long, lonely years on a crappy island that’s thousands of miles from his daughter? Oh. Yeah. Sign him up. But as long as he’s stuck here, he might as well make the best of it, so he discreetly checks out the local gay scene.
Shane nearly drops his drink when the gorgeous, cocky-looking guy strolls into Palace Habu. He buys him a drink, and before long, they’re making out in a booth. Eric is a straight-to-the-point kind of guy and doesn’t want to play games. Since Eric’s idea of not playing games is getting the hell out of there and going back to one of their apartments, Shane is more than happy to go along with it.
What starts as a scorching-hot one-night stand leaves both of them wanting more…until Eric finds out Shane doesn’t just outrank him, he’s an officer. DADT may be repealed, but an officer getting involved with an enlisted man falls under conduct unbecoming.
Still, they can’t resist their mutual desire. There’s no reason anyone has to find out. But secrets have a way of outing themselves.
Warning: Contains two military boys who keep forgetting they’re not supposed to be together. Probably because they never have their uniforms on for any length of time…
- Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (October 23, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- ASIN: B008GWOGF4
- FTC Disclosure: copy received by the author
What do I read next – #AADNOLA version
I just finished the ARC of Conduct Unbecoming that LA Witt sent me while I was at AAD and it’s officially ruined me for all other books. But I have a TON of books from AAD that I need to read. So I’m leaving it up to you – what do I read next?
#AADNOLA – the recap (it’s epic)
Today is my first day back from my first conference and I have to say – I am exhausted! I slept most of today and stayed in bed or on the couch for the rest (I started writing this on Monday). I finally managed to get up and put my mountain of books away (I brought fifty books home!) and… that’s pretty much it. The clothes are still in my suitcase, which is sitting next to the front door. Today was mostly for rest and relaxation since I managed to get some kind of post-con crud and I’m fairly certain my sinuses are going to drown me at any moment.
DAY ONE
So. After my Physics final (I made an 88!) I came home and tried to finish packing and cleaning up the house before MamaMoon arrived. It only partially worked. I was packed and I managed to get everything clean in time, but I was just getting out of the shower when she showed up. Oops. In my defense, I wasn’t expecting her to arrive for two more hours. 
When we arrived, we met up with TxBookJunkie, who was to be one of our roommates (the adorable HappyTwilighterwas the other), in
The roomies!
the lobby. She took us up to our gorgeous room (I’m pretty sure the bathroom was haunted – one of the lights kept turning itself off and then back on randomly) where we tossed our stuff and went down for the Blogger Welcome Event (which I ended up missing because we arrived right in the middle of it) and the official AAD Welcome Event (which was awesome). I can’t believe how much awesomeness we got in our bags just at the welcome event!
The welcome event featured BA Tortuga and Julia Talbot, both of whom I adore. And after meeting them, I love them even MORE! We had a great welcome speech from Stella and I got to meet some of the people I’ve been tweeting with for the past 3 years. It was a little surreal and awesome at the same time. I squeed with joy when I met the people who have become my family (like TwiMom227, kyatty2007, Tori/smexys_sidekick, Pam/SpazP, Mandi/smexybooks, BookaholicCat, Lissa Matthews… I could probably name everyone there that I regularly tweet with, since I love them all so much!)
We went to a little place for pizza (I can’t remember the name now) and then to Pat O’Brien’s for drinks. I met Shelli Stevens, Beth Williamson, Sasha White, Laurie London, Teresa D’Amario, Theresa Meyers, and Jess Haines and quietly fangirled while we all had drinks. I somehow managed to finish off my Hurricane, then MamaMoon ended up pouring hers into my glass… which I also finished. Oops. Luckily, they were really tasty. I’m pretty sure there were several other people with us, but I didn’t get any pictures (hopefully someone will send me some!) and I had TWO hurricanes so I’m not certain I can rely on my memory.
DAY TWO
Day two started with my beautiful daughter calling me at 7:30 in the morning and me nearly tossing my phone across the room. Apparently I don’t like to be woken up when I went to sleep at 2am (and have pics of me tweeted by my BFF! Grrr). I sent her a text
Tee Morris
telling her that I was sleeping, then couldn’t get back into my coma. So I got up, showered and dressed, and headed down to PJ’s with MamaMoon for breakfast: cafe latte and a turkey & swiss croissant. NOMS.
My first event was the Supernatural NOLA reading with Suzanne Johnson. Kristen Painter, Jaye Wells, Kelly Keaton, and Erin McCarthywere slated to be there as well, but I think they got double booked because Suzanne was the only one there. We got to hear a reading from the sequel to Royal Street, River Road (which I have the ARC for!!) and we talked about New Orleans, which Suzanne lived in for 15 years (any time we wanted advice on where to go for dinner, we totally asked her).
Philippa Ballantine
At the next event (Blogger: New Authors!), I got to meet Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine, who are two of the funniest and most awesome people I met there. I haven’t read their books yet, but I guarantee you I’ll be rectifying that situation SOON. I spent most of the time talking to them because they’re so fabulous. They hosted a podcast in their room Saturday night, but I was at the Pub Crawl. I’m so sad that I missed it! Can’t wait to check it out online.
After that, I headed over to the Bookie Awards and watched Jennifer Armintrout/Abigail Barnette clean up (literally – she was at my table), Dakota Cassidy beat Jeaniene Frost (her acceptance speech was hilarious), and Joey W Hill beat the pants off of everyone there.
From there, I hit up the On Feathered Wings: Angels and the Fallen panel with TJ Michaels, Cynthia Eden, AL Davroe, Erin Kellison, and Adrian Phoenix. I started reading angel books about a year ago and I love them!
I went on to the Blogger: ARC party and squeed when Joey W Hill actually knew my name (well, my MamaKitty name anyway) and I’m pretty sure I fangirled all over Tilly Greene, Mel Schroeder, Amanda Carlson, Alexandra Ivy… basically everyone that was there. (I’m really starting to wish I would’ve blogged every day like TxBookJunkie did)
I went to the self-publishing panel with Mel Schroeder, Eliza Gayle, Cat Johnson, Tina Folsom, and Delilah Devlin, where I learned a LOT about self pub and being an author, in general (which is great seeing as how I want to be one, one day soon). TJ Michaels snuck in and got a few questions in before the fire alarm went off. Seriously. Luckily, it was a false alarm, but it was a bit scary at the time – imagining all the books in the hotel in danger of fire!
I made my way to the M/M panel (of course), which was standing room only. But I didn’t mind having to stand next to the door, because that meant I was closer to the panel table, and I got to meet Kris Cook, Andrew Grey, LA Witt, Mia Watts, Julia Talbot, Lissa Matthews, and Damon Suede first! And OMG most of them already knew who I was! Kris Cook actually stood up with his poor broken foot to give me a hug! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?? To hear “Oh my God, you’re MamaKitty?!” and for them not to run in the other direction but to actually get up and HUG ME? Life. Made.
the M/M panel
I took a break and went to get some grub with Lissa Matthews and MamaMoon (after asking Suzanne Johnson where to go, of course!) at a place called Remoulade, which was right across the street from the hotel. The family that owns Brennan’s also owns Remoulade, but this place is a lot cheaper than Brennan’s while still maintaining quality, of course. I had a mufaletta, which was DELISH.
We made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the evening’s activities, which included singing karaoke (badly) at the Resplendence Publishing Karaoke event. I can sing, I promise! My throat was already starting to hurt (my voice is completely gone now) and the words came up before you were supposed to sing them, so it threw me off! Sigh. I’m going to have to post me singing just to prove that I really can. Taylor Law blew us all away with her rendition of “I will always love you” in the style of Whitney Houston.
I stopped by the Blogger Sleepover with Jess Haines and got to meet Kelly Meding (OMG IT’S KELLY MEDING!!) and pick up some fantastic swag. There were chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered oreos, but somehow I managed to abstain from the chocolatey goodness.
Phallus Fallacies with Dakota and Marilyn
I was late for Phallus Fallacies with Dakota Cassidy and Marilyn Hackett, but only by about 10 minutes or so. That panel cracked us up so hard that most of us (me especially) were crying by the end. Dakota was staying on my floor and since I was in one of the outdoor balcony rooms, I got to hang out with her a lot. She’s seriously as funny in real life as she is in her books/online. LOVE. HER.
DAY THREE
The next day started at 7am again, despite the fact that the first panel didn’t begin until 10. I guess all the months of waking up at 5 has turned me into a morning person? (yeah, right) I had another cafe latte and turkey & swiss croissant and made my way to the GLBT: Alpha/Beta panel (with BA Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Cat Grant, Abigail Barnette, Damon Suede, Andrew Grey, and Mia Watts), which was a riot.
I attended the Worldbuilding with Kristen Painter workshop because a) I want to be a writer and b) I think she’s an amazing author. I took about five pages of notes (maybe more?) and glommed everything she said. I’m writing a contemporary book right now, but I’ve got a PNR in my head that’s dying to get out, but either way this workshop helped me a lot!
I attended the Lunch with Stella, which was… lackluster. The food, I mean. Stella is funny and I loved hearing her address the crowd. “Helloooo!” hehe. Lunch was some kind of baked chicken, which tasted bland, orzo, and other veggies. I liked the veggies and orzo, but I didn’t finish the chicken.
LA Witt and me!!!
After lunch was the GLBT subgenres panel with Andrew Grey, LA Witt, Kris Cook, K. Piet, and Mia Watts. I swear I wasn’t stalking them! Okay, maybe a little. I love LA Witt and made sure to talk to her about a project I’ve been thinking about (she gave it the green light, but now we have to put it together) and Andrew pulled me aside to ask about a project he’s been thinking about (we’re coordinating details but rest assured: it’s going to be epic).
I then went to the Your Keeper Shelf: What you love and why panel with Lissa Matthews, Carolyn Crane, and Mel Schroeder. I took a picture of the panel, but Lissa isn’t a huge fan of having her picture online so I’m not posting it out of respect for her. I sat next to Katiebabs/K T Grant, and realized that she’d been to most of the panels I’d been at. She’s hilarious! And totally honest about the fact that she likes her books sexy (don’t we all?).
I went to the Wicked Bliss Chocolate Indulgence with Shayla Black and Sophie Oak (both of who are adorable and so sweet!) and I loaded up on chocolate yummy (and more books, of course!) before heading to the Steampunk Tea.
The Steampunk Tea was fantastic! Stella Price/Dagmar Avery, PJ Schnyder, Leanna Renne Hieber, AL Davroe, Lia Habel, Jennifer Armintrout, Theresa Meyers, Tee Morris, and Philippa Ballantine were so completely awesome – even when they made us get in front of the entire group to show off our costumes (I had to go up front because I was wearing more than 75% black and I was trying to win a book by Leanna Renee Hieber – I lost because I couldn’t lean backwards in my corset, but I won when I answered one of the trivia questions correctly).
After the Steampunk Tea was the Saints and Sinners Open Bar with Kris Cook and Mel Schroeder. I had a few cranberry and vodkas (Damon Suede actually went and got me one! What a sweetheart! — I’m so glad I met him and got to be friends. He’s truly a fantastic person) and hung out with my friends. It was PACKED. Free booze, go figure. 
The Echoes of New Orleans dinner and Masquerade Ball was up next. The food was so-so. The veggies were delicious, but the chicken was really dry. I sat with Theresa Meyers, Sasha White, and several of my blogger friends. We had a great time! (man, I wish I would’ve taken more pictures!) After dinner, we made our way to the dance floor and I danced the entire time.
My roommates and I went to the burlesque show that’s held in the Jazz club inside the hotel after the ball, but I only stayed about an hour or so. I was exhausted after waking up so early and not getting a nap that I couldn’t keep my eyes open any more (it was 1am! Give me some credit!)
DAY FOUR
I managed to sleep in… sort of. I think I woke up around 8. I had breakfast with TJ Michaels and was joined by Damon Suede (I totally have author crushes on them both, lol). Damon and I were supposed to go try on corsets, but TJ and I didn’t get started on breakfast until almost 11 (lots of interruptions and getting pulled aside… which happened the entire time at the con! SO MANY PEOPLE TO MEET!) He went down to the corset & tattoo salon without me to see if they had anything in stock in his size, but unfortunately they didn’t. 
When I went down, they had a gorgeous Tiffany’s blue corset but PK said I couldn’t spend any more money unless it was food. BOO, PK! But I grabbed a card and had them write down my size and the style, so there PK! :p
I went to lunch and sat at Damon’s table, not knowing that LA Witt was supposed to be sitting there as well but she ended up not coming to lunch. Probably a good thing, seeing as how she’s convinced I’m a stalker. (I SWEAR I’M NOT!) The food was really good this time – some kind of fried chicken with a sauce on it that I didn’t recognize but was really tasty, veggies, and mac & cheese. Well, the topping on the mac & cheese was a little on the crispy side, but that’s how I like it.
I went to the YA Reading at 1:00 where I promptly fangirled all over Mark Henry/Daniel Marks (I have a copy of Velveteen!!!!!). I also got to meet Melanie Card, Kelly Keaton/Kelly Gay, and see Lia Habel, and Leanna Renee Hieber (there weren’t enough seats at the table, so she stood in the corner) again.
The book signing started at 2:00. MamaMoon was smart and lined up at 1:00, but I really wanted to meet Mark Henry and try to get a ribbon from Kelly Keaton for the scavenger hunt AAD was hosting (I ended up talking too long and I missed her, but I did catch up with her at the book signing!) I won’t even try to go into how many people I met there. I will say that Jen from RedHotBooks convinced me to embarrass the crap out of Kelly Meding by jumping up and down and screaming at the top of my lungs “OH MY GOD YOU’RE KELLY MEDING!!!” and that was epic. I managed to get everyone in the vicinity staring at us and Kelly laughed so hard, her entire face turned red. She was a good sport about it and told me that she now “had” to sign my book after that performance. *bows* I ended up talking to the authors I adore for so long that I missed an entire table! Luckily, I got to talk to them after the signing wrapped up. I only bought one book, because I had to get the newest Jeaniene Frost book for Elise Hepner, my crit partner and one of the dearest people I know, since she couldn’t attend AAD this year.
I got to meet two of the lovely ladies from my RomVets writing group, Yvette Hines and Teresa D’Amario. We had a mini “Call To Arms” but couldn’t stay long because they were wrapping up the signing and everyone had to go pay for their books.
RomVets in the house!!
We went to the Samhain Reception with the Samhain Authors, and honestly, we all expected more. Maybe it’s because the con was winding down and/or everyone was tired, but it just didn’t seem as lively as the rest of the con. We got free books (which is always fantastic!) and some finger foods that were brought around to the table. I wish they would’ve had a more formal dinner, but we ended up going out (I had boudin! YUM-O!) It was nice to sit with the authors in a relaxed atmosphere that wasn’t so loud you could barely hear yourself talking. I sat with Carolyn Crane and I have to admit, I was a little bit in awe that she was actually sitting next to me. I love her!
The Author Pub Crawl was the final event of the evening. I forgot my badge (which apparently we didn’t need?) so I went back up to my room to get it. I missed out on everyone else leaving, and since Bourbon street was packed from the New Orleans Red Dress Run, I was too afraid to walk anywhere by myself. Luckily, the last bar on the list (the Voodoo Vibe) was almost directly across the street and I tagged along with JoJo (who is gorgeous!) I got to help out with the Team ZART drawings for prizes [congratulations to Zombie Joe and JoJo for winning the grand prize(s)!!] Unfortunately, while I was drawing names one of the Red Dress runners decided he wanted to get in on the fun and started… accosting me. I told him nicely but sternly that he needed to back off. Then I shoved him across the bar a few times. He apparently didn’t get it because TJ Michaels and Leanna Renee Hieber ended up stepping in (they’re totally MY HEROES!!) Security was called and the drunk Red Dress Guy went away.
JoJo, Jess Haines, & Holly
JoJo, Jess Haines, Holly (Jess’s close friend and all around kickass chick), Leanna Renee Hieber, and I all decided we wanted to go to Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (which is the oldest bar in America!). Even though it was 8,000,000 degrees outside, the bar was surprisingly cool – and from what we were told, un-air conditioned. (haunted? possibly.) After that, we all went to Tony Seville’s Old Absinthe House, because that’s Leanna’s favorite place to get absinthe and we all decided to try some. It tasted like licorice, but it was mild and actually pretty good. I decided not to drink a lot because my throat was starting to hurt from my sinuses deciding they hated me. JoJo and I headed back kind of early (though not early enough to catch Tee and Pip’s podcast, dammit) and I went to bed.
the beautiful Leanna Renee Hieber
The next morning was the last day there, and we had to be in the ballroom at 8:00 for the final giveaways. Because I finished the scavenger hunt, I went to see if I’d won (I didn’t – Brandy Walker did, the bitch — LOL I’m kidding! I totally adore her!!) and MamaMoon wanted to see if she’d won any of the baskets she put in for (she didn’t, but most of the people at our table did!)
Since I wasn’t feeling well (I had no voice by this point), MamaMoon and I decided to hit the road immediately after the ceremony so that I could get home and get in my own bed as soon as possible. We wanted to meet up with MamaMia, but I just felt too awful. (I’m sorry!! I promise I’ll get to see you next time I’m in Louisiana!)
This was seriously one of the best times I’ve ever had. I wish I could tell you every single little moment that I had so you can savor it the way that I did, but honestly, this blog post is long enough as it is. I took a bunch of pictures (though I wish I would’ve taken more) and they’re posted on my MK/Leigh Willis Facebook (click the link to be taken to my photo album).
#AADNOLA here we come!
Today rocks for two reasons:
1) It’s the last day of the semester. I’m going to take my Physics final (I’m probably taking it now as you’re reading this – wish me luck!!) and then I’m out of school until the 27th. I need this break SO BAD.
2) After MamaMoon’s son is finished with his golf tryouts (wish him luck too!!) we’re heading to New Orleans for AADNOLA!! It’s our first ever con (yes, for both of us) and MKR is one of the featured blogs there. There are going to be SO MANY authors that we love and we’re finally gonna get to meet a TON of the people we tweet with every day. How awesome is that?!?
I’m sure we’ll be tweeting from AAD and we’ll of course be taking a ton of pictures. This weekend is going to be AWESOME!!!
#AAD spotlight excerpt: Virna de Paul – Shades of Temptation
Carrie Ward understands dangerous men, and she’s got the scars to prove it. These days, the Special Investigations Group detective saves her risk taking for the job. But when she’s asked to pursue a high-profile serial killer, she’ll have to join forces with the last man she wants to depend on—Jase Tyler, an ace senior detective who’s as reckless as she is cautious. And despite her best intentions, the sparks begin to fly.
As Carrie and Jase race to try to save the next victim, the passion that simmers between them ignites. But a cunning killer at the top of his game is challenging carrie to play to the very end. Now all she can count on are her instincts—and Jase, the one man daring enough to keep her safe?.
- Publisher: Harlequin HQN (September 18, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0373776748
- ISBN-13: 978-0373776740
- Available for preorder: Amazon // Barnes & Noble
She pushed a wayward strand of hair back over one ear and licked her lips. “Careful, Tyler. Your date might not like it if you stand so close to me. I mean, not that she’d view me as a threat or anything, but you know how silly most women can be.”
Jase’s fingers flexed. Absently, she noted he’d removed them from his pockets. He had big hands. Long, elegant fingers that belonged on some kind of artist rather than a cop. He had big feet, too. Although he had more than his fair share of height, he lacked the sheer bulk of some of their teammates, especially Liam “Mac” McKenzie and Simon Granger. And while he was handsome, Jase was more pretty boy than ruthless masculinity. It often made people underestimate him, shocking them when he transformed from dazzling charmer to dangerous bad ass right in front of their eyes. Sometimes even Carrie forgot how ruthless he could be. When that happened, he’d inevitably remind her by apprehending a dangerous suspect or responding to one of her snarky comments with a scathing retort. Tensing, she waited for such a retort now.
It didn’t come. Instead, he lifted one of those big hands of his and lightly brushed her cheek with his fingertips. Her heart beat wildly. Immediately, she was tempted to close her eyes and lean into him. As it was, she recalled the first and only time he’d kissed her, just a week ago, when Mac’s girlfriend, Natalie Jones, had been assaulted and ended up in the hospital. Jase’s kiss had been one of comfort, a light, brief touching of lips, over too soon. But its affect on her had been as forceful as a blow. Just as his touch was now. She couldn’t help it. She trembled, and from the way his eyes heated and narrowed, he didn’t miss her reaction.
“Regina should definitely view you as a threat,” he said softly.
#AADNOLA Author Spotlight: Virna de Paul
Today, I’m sitting down to chat with AADNOLA author Virna de Paul, who is the author of last month’s #twitbooks pick, Chosen by Blood (I will post the transcript of the chat soon – I was unable to participate because of finals — BOO SCHOOL! Interfering with my reading time!) Virna was a pleasure to interact with via email, and I can’t wait to meet her IRL at AAD!!
- Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mother of three young boys, a former criminal prosecutor, and a long-time romance reader who loves to travel, see Broadway shows, and is always struggling with balancing all the important aspects of my life. I want to write incredible books, keep a beautiful house, raise smart, kind, happy kids, keep the romance alive in my marriage, and hang out with my good friends.
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or world domination, like me)?
LOL on world domination. No, I had a pretty turbulent childhood. What I craved more was peace and a good book. But I always had a yearning for adventure, too. I think that comes hand in hand with being a voracious reader. I was an English major and loved books, but I never thought I could actually write one.
3. Were you always interested in Contemporary & Paranormal or did you start out interested in something else?
I started off wanting to write romantic suspense, and when I read Larissa Ione, Lora Leigh, Christine Feehan, and JR Ward, I got hooked on sexy paranormals and wanted to write a blend of romantic suspense and paranormal.
4. Do you prefer Alpha males or do you like the Betas you can push around?
I’m a big Alpha lover so long as I get an immediate sense that the one thing that can melt him into a gooey mess is the right woman! J
5. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you and why did it make such an impact?
A book called Lover From The Sea by Bonnie Drake. It was a revelation that books—even life—could offer deep emotion and adventure and desire and redemption. In my small world, that was like opening a whole set of doors and enabling me to see a bright future, one I never thought I could have.
6. What is your writing process?
It’s not pretty. I’m a “binge” writer. I’m either writing when I can find the time or when I’m overcome by inspiration. I would love to be able to write a little every day because I think that would make for a healthier family-friendly schedule, but I haven’t found a way to make it work…yet.
7. How do you approach revising?
I revised as a I write. Basically, before I write something new, I go over what I’ve already written and tweak it. By the time I’m done with a draft, it’s pretty clean and ready to go.
8. What authors inspire you?
So, so many. I just met Karen Robards at RWA in Anaheim. I’ve been a fan of hers for years, and my favorite book by her is One Summer. I love it when I’ve been a fan of an author’s work and then meet them and become a fan of them personally. I love writers who can create characters that are strong yet kind, and often this reflects who they are, as well. Since I’ve started writing, I’ve met Lori Foster, Larissa Ione, Rhyannon Byrd, Carly Phillips, Susan Anderson to name just a few. And they live up to the characters they write.
9. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
I’ll just list the first five that come to mind, though there are so many!
One Summer
Dream Man
Anything by Shannon McKenna
Conquer The Night by Karen Keast
Present Danger by Susan Anderson
10. Are you part of a group of writers/Do you have 1 trusted reader or CP?
I have so many lovely writer friends and belong to several local RWA chapters. I also have my core critique partners who keep me going when doing so seems impossible.
11. Do you have a day job? If so, do you see yourself being able to (or even wanting to) leave it any time in the future to pursue writing full time?
I was an attorney when I started writing. Right before I sold (I’d come close several times) I decided to take a leap of faith and give up my law job. I now write full time. But I have to admit, I wrote MORE before I quit my day job. Go figure.
12. What is your goal as a writer?
I would love to be a New York Times Bestseller for my print publishers, Harlequin and Random House
13. What do you *love* most about writing?
Hearing from readers who feel joyful and inspired after reading my work.
14. What do you *hate* most about writing?
Hearing from readers who felt disappointed by my work.
15. What are you reading right now?
I just finished “About Last Night” by Ruthie Knox, a Loveswept author. I met Ruthie at RWA Nationals in Anaheim. She writes sexy and sassy contemporaries. I’ve been having trouble finishing books lately, but hers kept me glued to the pages. I finished it in one sitting!
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Just that I’m still growing as a writer. My greatest hope is to stick with writing and improve with every story that I write. One reviewer has commented that while my writing might not be for everyone, readers won’t be bored. I take that as a great compliment and hope to only go up from there.
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly?
That’s like asking me paranormal romance or romantic suspense. I can’t choose!
2. Chips or cookies?
A little easier to answer, but not by much. I’ll go with cookies.
3. Bacon or sausage? Bacon!
4. Print or eBook? I’ll read eBooks but I much prefer print. I lugged a bunch of books to Ireland with me and don’t regret it.
5. Pen or pencil? Pen. Gotta commit to something!
6. Print or cursive? Cursive. It’s prettier!
7. Notebook or computer? Computer. Can’t live without it.
8. Kleenex or handkerchief? Kleenex. Hate laundry.
9. Zombies or vampires? Vampires. So, so primal and forbidden and hot!
10. Angel or Spike? Horror of horrors, I never watched Buffy. My friends are determined to remedy this with a Buffy-fest. I look forward to it!
Virna DePaul was a criminal appellate prosecutor with the state of California for over ten years. Before that, she spent a year in the trenches handling misdemeanor trials as a Deputy District Attorney.
Virna teaches online craft chats and workshops at www.savvyauthors.com.
FIND VIRNA
