Tag Archives: RomCon Reading Challenge

RomCon Reading Challenge giveaway

Posted on April 12, 2012 by TBRG| Leave a comment

For those of you who have been reading along with us for the RomCon reading challenge it is now time to give away our ticket to RomCon 2012 to the person who has read the most amount of books in the challenge.

To be entered in the challenge you need to submit the spreadsheet where you kept track of all the books you read by the authors attending. Submit your spreadsheet to thebookreadinggals@gmail.com by Sunday April 15th 2012. The winner will be announced on April 21st 2012. The winner will have 2 days to reply.

Thank you all so much for reading with us and we hope that you discovered a new to you author and had as much fun as we did.

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RomCon Tuesday

Posted on January 31, 2012 by TBRG| Leave a comment

Time for our weekly RomCon check in.  How is your reading going?

I have decided that there are just certain genres I cannot get into, I am sure everyone is the same.  That is one of the things I enjoy about our reading challenge, it has given me the opportunity to discover authors I might not have picked up otherwise. Some I have come to love, others not so much, but I have been giving everyone a chance.

Here are a few more authors we will get the chance to meet in June.

Alexandra Ivy

I’m not exactly sure when I fell in love with books.  Probably on my mother’s knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me.  I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library.
Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries?  Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few.  I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays.  In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.

Years later (no, I’m not admitting how many) I’m still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy.
For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander.  Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams.  They are truly my heroes.

 

Lynn Rush

Hi. I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you leave a few comments so I can learn more about you!

I write Paranormal Romance and my first novel, Wasteland, released September 2011 from Crescent Moon Press and Awaited(Wasteland #2) will release May 2012.

I’ve been married to my soulmate, Charlie, for 15 years. We’re sports junkies and spend most of our time on our road bikes.

 

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RomCon Tuesday

Posted on January 24, 2012 by TBRG| 2 Comments

It is time once again to spotlight some of the fabulous authors coming to RomCon.  Don’t forget to keep track of all the books you are reading as one lucky winner will be receiving registration to RomCon; you can do this on the spreadsheet or you can join us over at Shelfari where you can actually post the books you have read and share some good suggestions.

Now on to our authors of the week:

Kimberly Killion is not only a fabulous author but I am lucky enough to have her as my cheerleader in the next Romance Biggest Winner 2 competition.  She is such an inspiring person and I look forward to the next few months getting to know her more.  I decided to pick up her newest book My Cursed Highlander and so far it is great, I am having a hard time putting it down and getting work of any sort done.  Here is a little more about her:

Do you remember the teacher who made a difference in your life?

I do. His name was Dr. Krantz. He was my mythology teacher. While attending college near Kansas City, I was working toward a Bachelor in Fine Arts when I discovered I had to take an elective. I pulled “Mythology” out of a hat, and it was there I found Dr. Krantz. The book wasn’t Romeo and Juliet, as you might suspect, but Dante’s Inferno-a Divine Comedy indeed. Talk about an intriguing read.

Sure, I bought Cliffs Notes—I was eighteen. With a three-hour block of nude figure drawing and rocks to sculpt, who has time to read? Well, I read it. Cover to cover, after which, I read Oedipus, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and a few other Greek tragedies.

I walked away with, not only an “A” in the class, but a love for all things tragic, passionate, and historic. I did receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with which I have enjoyed a rewarding career as a graphic designer for more than fifteen years. I moved on from the ancient authors of yesteryear and became engrossed in the writings of Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, and Gaelen Foley — just to name a few.

Although an artist by profession, I traded my paintbrush for a pen about ten years ago. After writing and illustrating a mystical world of fairies, I began to explore the realm of romance novels. Currently, I work part-time as a College Instructor in St. Louis, Missouri. It is here that I bring my passion for words and the arts into the grueling boredom of lecture to spark the lives of hundreds of young minds.

I reside in Illinois with my two children and a gaggle of cats. I’m a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Missouri RWA. In addition, I am a member of Hearts Through History as well as PASIC and Novelist, Inc. It is within these organizations where I have found a great deal of support, along with a wealth of knowledge from seasoned authors, workshops, critique groups, and friendly camaraderie.

Every day is a new beginning, as I discover a fascinating character in every person I meet. With every puckered brow or mischievous smile, there’s a hero evolving and a heroine fast at his heels.


Hillary Seidl  I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by Hillary yet but I will be changing that this week.

 I’m an avid reader of romance (since I could get away with it!) and a writer of contemporary/paranormal romance.  I start to freak out if I don’t see a paranormal or ghost hunting show in over a week.  

When I was a little girl, my parents owned a restaurant that was in a haunted building.  It was so amazing to see things happen right in front of me that could not be explained!  The situation flamed my love for the paranormal.  

When I was a teen I wrote a series of mini books.  As an adult, I worked a series of jobs, I never found anything that spoke to my soul.   

I will be honest… I’m a huge fan of Supernatural!  Hot guys solving paranormal mysteries?  I’m there!  That’s when I started writing fan fiction.  Fan fiction is very fun but something was missing. I missed the romance! That is when I started my writing journey.

 More than anything in this world I just want to write.  I am married to my wonderful husband Aaron, who is a Chef in Boulder,Colorado and we have two wonderful miniature dachshunds, Leela and Fry, who are both clever as they are long.  

 

Happy Reading Everyone!

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RomCon Tuesday – Carly Phillips and Janelle Denison

Posted on July 5, 2011 by TBRG| 3 Comments

Two of the funnest people that we met last year was Carly Phillips and Janelle Denison. They were always having so much fun and I even managed to sit next them for dessert and Janelle is very serious about her chocolate, at least I think it was her that tried to steal my chocolate cake. As we are heading into the final days of our author highlights we knew that we wanted them to be one of our last highlights as they are  coming back this year are a riot to be around. So without further ado we turn the site over Carly and Janelle…

A Look at RomCon 2010

By Carly Phillips and Janelle Denison

 

From Carly:

Why would I fly across the country (I live in New York) to Denver to attend a conference that’s never been done before? I suppose the enthusiasm of the RomCon coordinators was infectious.  They were determined to put on the best reader conference ever.  Flying west also meant I could spend time with my best friend and fellow writer, Janelle Denison.  Combined, the two reasons had me packing and heading west!

After I made the decision to attend, my book LUCKY BREAK was a Reader’s Crown Award finalist.  Since the contest was judged by readers, this made things twice as exciting for me.

I wasn’t sure what I’d find in Denver.  There was a chance to catch up with authors I hadn’t seen in awhile but once I arrived, I realized RomCon was so much more.  This conference was all about readers.  It was small and intimate and you could sit down anywhere with anyone in the lobby and end up having a long conversation, from readers who wanted to talk books, to the one and only Christine Feehan!

The conference also tuned me in to the value of Twitter.  Yes, I was already tweeting but one day, I looked there to find someone had taken a photo of me – Carly Phillips eating breakfast.  I didn’t recognize the poster, we joked about me having a stalker, but when we finally met in person at the booksigning, I ended up with someone I still talk to over Twitter to this day and who I recently saw at the Romance Writer’s of America conference in NYC.  Thanks to RomCon, I connected with real romance readers who love books as much as I do!

I did an intimate chat and was able to find out what it is readers love about my books as well as what other genres and authors they like to read.  I sat on a panel with other authors, the pre-set subject being “How Can Readers Help their Favorite Author” and it was interesting for us to have a chance to talk and explain how important readers are to the success of a book, how much influence they have due to word of mouth, especially in this day and age of social media.  It’s a give and take relationship that authors and readers have, and RomCon helps foster that back and forth!

The weekend ended with me giving the Contemporary Author Closing Speech on Sunday which was such a huge honor.  I can honestly say that RomCon made a huge impact on me as an author.  So much so that I’m attending again this year (with Janelle Denison, of course!).  Both of my books KISS ME IF YOU CAN and LOVE ME IF YOU DARE finaled in the Reader’s Crown again (though this year the gorgeous trophy goes to the beautiful and talented Julie James), that’s okay.  Because did I mention I won the Reader’s Crown Award in Contemporary Romance last year?

I can’t wait for the end of the month to attend RomCon again this year!

From Janelle:

When I decided to attend RomCon last year, I was initially excited about one thing . . . spending time with my best friend,and NYT Bestselling author, Carly Phillips.  We only see each other a few times a year, and it’s usually at a conference.  I had no idea what to expect of RomCon, being that it was the first year, so I went into the new experience with my mind open to all possibilities.  I knew I’d have a good time, but wasn’t sure what to expect on an author level.  I have to say, by the end of the week, I was a HUGE RomCon fan!

Unfortunately, when I’d attended last year I hadn’t had a book out in two years.  I wasn’t sure that readers would even remember who I was.  But as soon as I had my name badge on, readers DID recognize me, and most often would mention my “Wilde” books and asked when they could expect the next book.  That convinced me right then and there that romance readers are dedicated people when it comes to authors they love to read.  It doesn’t matter how much time has passed between books – they don’t forget and will wait for years to read a new book by that author.

RomCon, unlike writer’s conferences, focuses solely on the readers that attend.  The events and workshops are geared toward benefiting readers, to educate them on different genres, to get their opinions and input on the romance industry, to find out what they love about romance novels, and what they’d like to see changed.  As an author, I really enjoyed hearing the reader’s perspective on the industry, and it helped me, as an author, to really think about the ways I could improve my own stories.

One of the things I loved the most about the conference was that it felt “intimate”.  I wasn’t overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees – and that allowed me to meet new readers, and interact with friends I’d made online, but hadn’t yet met in person until RomCon.  The hotel wasn’t overly-huge, and it was so nice to see so many friendly faces on a daily basis.

Undoubtedly, RomCon has set the industry standard for reader focused conferences, and they offer something for every romance reader out there.  If you love reading romance novels, (no matter the genre), you will find authors you love, enjoy fun and informative workshops, chats, and events, and be surrounded by people (readers and authors alike) who “get” why romance novels are so awesome!

This year, I’m attending RomCon with a new series on the shelf, and I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.

From Carly and Janelle


If you’re thinking about attending RomCon, DO IT – you’ll be so glad you did and we can’t wait to see you there!

Carly Phillips is the New York Times Bestselling author of over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and plotlines that today’s readers identify with and enjoy.  Carly is a stay at home mom of 2 daughters (now almost old enough to read her books!), one soft coated wheaten terrier and a brand new Havanese puppy.  She’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.  More information on Carly can be found at www.carlyphillips.com.  Around the web you can also find Carly at:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Blog: www.plotmonkeys.com (along with Janelle Denison!)

 

Upcoming Release: SERENDIPITY 9/2010

 

Janelle Denison is a USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sensual contemporary romance novels who has written for Harlequin Blaze, Kensington Brava, Berkley and St. Martin’s Press. She is a two-time recipient of the National Reader’s Choice award, and has also been nominated for the prestigious RITA award.

Originally a California native, she now calls Oregon home. She resides in the Portland area with her husband and daughters and can’t imagine a more beautiful place to live. When not writing, she can be found exploring the great Northwest, from the gorgeous beaches to the amazing waterfalls and lush mountains.

To learn more about Janelle and her upcoming releases, you can visit her at janelledenison.com, friend her at Facebook at facebook.com/janelledenisonfanpage, or chat with her at her blog at plotmonkeys.com.

 

RECENT AND UPCOMING RELEASES:

INTO THE NIGHT (Book 1 of The Reliance Group Series)
April 2011

NIGHT AFTER NIGHT (Book 2 of The Reliance Group Series)
October 2011

 

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RomCon Tuesday – Ashley March and Jenn LeBlanc

Posted on June 28, 2011 by TBRG| 2 Comments

For this week’s RomCon Tuesday Post we asked RomCon Newbies Jenn LeBlanc and Ashley March to tell us why they are coming to RomCon and what they are looking forward to most. Both Jenn and Ashley write historical romances and Jenn’s include pictures.

Why are you coming to RomCon 2011 and what are you looking forward to most?

 

Ashley March:

Besides the fact that I live near Denver and the location of RomCon makes it very convenient for me to attend, I’m going to RomCon 2011 because I want to meet readers. The national RWA conference also provides opportunities to meet and interact with readers through signings, and it’s true that most of the writers who attend RWA also read romance, but the focus of RomCon is on the romance reader. This interests me because my goal at RomCon is to help the readers to have fun and to make them feel like stars, not the other way around. And although I’ve only been published for less than a year at this point, the one thing I quickly learned as a published author is that there is no community more kind, supportive, or generous than the romance reading community. At the RomCon conference, I’m specifically looking forward to the Victorian fashion show. I think it’ll be so much fun to see some of my favorite historical authors dressed up! If you see me there, please don’t be shy–come and say hi. I look forward to meeting you!

 

Jenn LeBlanc

The easy answer to why I’m going to RomCon this year is to promote my illustrated romance The Rake and the Recluse. Boring answer right? Yes, now that the professional answer is out of the way here is why I’m really going to RomCon. Mancandy and romance. I’ve heard tales galore of the hijinks at RomCon last year, and I want to be part of it. I want the inside jokes. You know the ones, where I’ll wink at Ashley March and say “Remember when Kati and Jamie…” and she will giggle and say, “oh my, yes! And when Rita…” and then we’ll laugh like school girls. Here’s what I’m looking forward to: Meeting all the wonderfully crazy people I know from twitter. I’m flying Derek out to participate in all the RomCon fun and we are doing a highlander photo shoot with the winner of the Operation Auction cover shoot. I’m also set up to shoot some cover models (fingers crossed), I’m co-hosting the Historical Tea and of course there’s the meet n’ greet with myself, Ashley March and the Pervy Trinity for the winner of the #RomCon11 ticket contest. Let’s not even get started with the Chocolate Mangasm and Melissa Schroeder’s luau, because there are no words. I also hear that the Book Reading Gals have some tricks up their proverbial sleeves. Why do I want to go to RomCon? It is going to be EPIC. EPIC like 80s music is epic. I mean, man candy and romance, what could be better? I hope I get to meet you there as well, Jenn

 

 

After spending countless hours memorizing both traditional and simplified Chinese characters, perfecting her tones, and practicing her speaking with any Chinese native she could find, Ashley successfully graduated with a degree in Mandarin Chinese. She was determined to be the next best Chinese translator in the world… Then she discovered writing historical romances was as much fun as reading them, and her Chinese capabilities have never been the same. When she isn’t writing sexy, emotional historical romances set in the Victorian Era, Ashley stays busy trying to entertain her two young daughters, attempting to do housework, and hiking in the beautiful foothills of Colorado.

You can find Ashley on her site www.ashleymarch.com

 

 

 

I have several constants in life that define me:

Colorado, Canon, CJ, kids and curls.

Born and raised in a household of other people’s children in this beautiful state —very nearly with a camera in hand— I never left. I started my own family, got used to the curls, went to college, built a CJ, and started a business, all with a camera in hand.

I always had another passion; storytelling born from daydreams and nightmares. My fingers were never as quick as my mind, and no amount of practice got them there, so it was difficult and frustrating to have this inside me. When my second daughter was born her inherent traits kept me pinned— my only escape the keyboard. Spending my days in parenting chat rooms I got highly adept with one-handed typing and I can still type just about as fast with one hand as I can with two. It’s a great talent to have when engrossed in a scene and in need of a hit of caffeine. I recently finished my first novel but I quickly realized: I was born a photographer.

From the realization that someone ELSE would be shooting the cover of MY book my control-freak took over. What started as an easy cover shoot ballooned into this completely new kind of media, designed specifically for digital book readers.

I live and thrive off chaos and the constant flow of the creative process. I wear shorts and flip-flops year-round —much to the chagrin of my friends and family— and I am currently working on the illustrations for my second novel.

You can find Jenn on her site The Illustrated Romance

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RomCon Tuesday – Cindy Gerard & Tara Janzen

Posted on June 21, 2011 by TBRG| 1 Comment

If you went to RomCon last year you know that 2 of the funnest people there was Tara Janzen and Cindy Gerard. We actually got to spend  a lot of time with them and I had some serious fan girl moments with both of them as I have been a HUGE fan of theirs for years. They even gave Mel and I a nickname The Vegas Book Ends.

Both of them have great series that I love and have read every book in. If you like very ALPHA males and strong heroines that don’t let the men dictate everything then you NEED to read these books.

These are two of my favorite books of theirs

WHEN EVERY FRIENDLY FACE COULD MASK A KILLER…

“Sweet Baby Jane” Perkins has carved out a mega-selling reputation as rock’s favorite bad girl. But her hard-living, tough-talking image can’t prevent the sharp dose of reality that hit home when her estranged mother is killed in a car accident. As bizarre coincidences escalate in her own life, Janey grows certain that someone is watching her every move, and it’s not one of her adoring fans…

THE ONLY PERSON SHE CAN TRUST…

Since leaving the Army Rangers six months ago, Jason Wilson has been adrift, a warrior without a war. Now he’s taken his first civilian assignment for his army buddy’s security firm: protecting a rock diva on her sold-out tour. Far from being a spoiled star, Janey is a revelation—sweet, modest, and incredibly sexy. Their friendship is turning to mutual, heated desire, but it’s a distraction that could cost them more than their hearts…

MAY BE A PERFECT STRANGER.

Drawn into the depths of a deadly secret, they’ll face off against a killer growing more ruthless every day, and Jase will discover just how far he’ll go to protect an explosive passion he never expected…

 

SOLDIER. HERO. LOVER. HE’S SO DANGEROUS, HE’S OFF THE RADAR.

Professional soldier Kid Chronopolous moves in stealth and shadow to take out the world’s deadliest threats. Now, after barely surviving a hair-raising mission in South America , the Special Defense Forces agent comes home to some sorely needed R & R…and finds a bikini bottom that can belong to only one woman.

Nikki McKinney has never forgiven Kid for vanishing from her life after the mind-blowing passion they shared. Now he’s suddenly back on the planet, where she’s rising to the top of the local art scene. But her safe, sheltered world is about to be rocked to its core. Because there’s a bounty on Kid’s head—and his enemies don’t care if they take him dead or alive. With dangerous people gunning for him, Kid’s got Nikki running for cover…and right into his arms. Keeping her safe is his latest mission. Keeping their hands off each other is out of the question…

 

 

 

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RomCon Tuesday – Melissa Mayhue

Posted on June 14, 2011 by TBRG| 12 Comments

We are SUPER excited to welcome one of our favorite authors Melissa Mayhue. She is one of the funnest people that we had the privilege to get to know, and man can she bogey. I think she out danced everyone there :)

Why RomCon?

I first heard of RomCon before it had a name, back in the days when it was just a twinkle in the eyes of its creators.  Over lunch one day, one of those creators, Elaine Levine, excitedly shared the idea of how cool it would be to have a Reader focused Romance Conference in Denver.

I totally agreed.

When the ‘twinkle’ became a reality in 2010, I was one of the first to sign up to attend.  After that first conference, I was all ready to sign up for 2011!

What did I like about it?  Wow.  Where do I even begin???

There’s the mundane things like loving a conference far enough away from home that I have to stay in the hotel but close enough I can drive and take as much stuff as I want without worrying about having to shove it into on bag!

Then there’s the really important part – the opportunity to connect with the readers in a way I haven’t been able to before.   Now, don’t get me wrong… I love writers.  Heck, I’ve never met a writer who wasn’t a reader long before she began writing!  But the chance to go somewhere and sit down with people who’ve read your books and know your characters almost as well as you do?  As the commercial says, that’s priceless!  And so much fun!  The hardest part was trying to remember how much the Readers already knew and how much was in the books I’d been working on that weren’t yet in print!

I was lucky enough last year to host the Reviewer/Blogger Party and it was so much fun putting together the giveaway bags for the party.  Working with a variety of publishers and authors to gather books and fun items to give to our attendees, that last week or so before RomCon, it was like Christmas every day as a new box would arrive at my house, stuffed with ‘stuff’ for the bags!  I’m hoping the event [which I get to host again!] will be every bit as much fun this year!

The biggest thing about RomCon from my perspective was that it felt amazingly different from every other conference I’d been to.  I’ve been to smaller Romance Writers of America chapter conferences as well as the annual National RWA conference.  I’ve been to the Romantic Times Convention.  And though the first are admittedly skewed toward writers and the second is billed as a Reader event, RomCon was honestly, totally Reader focused.  No writing or publishing workshops of any kind.  It was clear from the moment I received my schedule that Authors were there as a benefit to the Readers rather than the other way around.  My entire weekend was completely booked by the organizers with back-to-back events and I came home absolutely exhausted… but it was worth every minute!  It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know people who had been simply personalities on my computer screen before RomCon, both Readers and other Authors.  I also had the opportunity to make so many new friends who I now follow online and I’m looking forward to connecting with them in person again.  I’m also looking forward to meeting a whole host of new people this year… and for an introvert like me, that’s saying a whole heck of a lot!!!

I wouldn’t trade the experience of RomCon for anything and I strongly encourage anyone out there who loves Romance books and visiting about them with others who feel the same way to make every effort to join us in Denver for RomCon this year.   If you’ve never been to a Reader Conference or you consider yourself a tad on the shy side, you might be feeling a little unsure.  I totally understand.  I’m definitely someone who’s more comfortable sitting in the corner and watching than standing up front and leading the way.  But a few hours into RomCon and you know you’re surrounded by people who love books just as much as you do.

I know I’m already looking forward to August – and I hope to see YOU there!

***Melissa has graciously offered to send a copy of her newest book Highlander’s Curse to one lucky commenter. All you have to do is tell us if you were to come to RomCon which authors you would like meet, whether they are coming this year or not. Contest ends on Friday June 17th.

When COLIN MACALISTER is cursed by the Faerie Queen and ends up in the bed of a twenty-first century woman — who also happens to be the most beautiful creature he’s ever laid eyes on — he’s torn between anger and lust. Colin is determined to see Scotland free of English control and must return to the fourteenth century, yet he cannot forget the woman who haunts his dreams and stirs him with scorching desire.

ABIGAIL PORTER can’t believe her luck. After making a wish to find her Soulmate, she wakes up to find a gorgeous man in her bed! Can he really be a medieval Highlander summoned by her Faerie Magic, however? It seems crazy, but when Abby discovers someone wants to enslave her because of her Faerie heritage, she agrees to flee with Colin to 1306 Scotland to avoid capture.

Thwarting danger at every turn, Abby and Colin surrender to an irresistible passion. But is the magic of true love powerful enough to save them?

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RomCon Tuesday Delilah Marvelle

Posted on May 31, 2011 by TBRG| 4 Comments

We are excited to have Delilah Marvelle here today for our RomCon Tuesday Post…

RomCon 2011 and Why you Seriously Need to Get Your Butt There

For those of you that don’t know me, I’m a party girl.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, I also write historical romance that is hot and heavy on…petting.  Between the two, it’s hard to find people who “get you” and what you love to read and write.  So last year, when I first randomly heard that there was going to be a Romance Reader conference dedicated to Readers and Authors and that it was being put together by a dear author friend of mine, Elaine Levine (whom I adore!), I knew it was going to be something special.  I just didn’t realize HOW special until I got there.  The first night I arrived, I will admit I was a little nervous as the lobby seemed quiet and no one was wandering the halls.  I thought I was going to be at the bar for the rest of the weekend trying to pick up readers, lol.  And then… something marvelous happened.  Within a blink the convention was in full swing and everyone emerged out of their caves and I found out I wasn’t the only party girl coming out of the closet.  From Black and White parties to greet and chat hours, to dinners and games and classes, there was something and everything happening on the hour no matter how tame or wild you were at heart and it all involved people who had a passion for reading.  Without a doubt, two of my favorite events were actually ones I was able to be involved with.  One of them was Shock the Queen, which was a gussied up version of Mother May I with Kim from SOS Aloha (www.Sosaloha.blogspot.com).  Authors had to come up with questions about historical etiquette and if any of the readers that were lined up answered correctly, they would step forward and Kim would hold up the face of Queen Victoria looking like her drab self.  If a reader DIDN’T answer correctly, Kim would up the side of Queen Victoria looking shocked.

Needless to say, when I started running out of questions, I started digging into my own set of questions that had nothing to do with etiquette at all but sexual history I dug up from my own blog (www.DelilahMarvelle.blogspot.com).  The queen was shocked and the rest is history.  It was so much fun to watch all the giggles and laughs that went along with it and just being part of a great line up of historical authors like Jo Beverly and Deanne Gist.  My second favorite event was the Erotic Event that I co-chaired with Lila Dipasqua that involved many erotic authors.  Boy, did we bring out the dirty party animals with THAT one!  From booze to giveaways to having readers (and myself!) recreate love scenes that was just HEEELARIOUS, we had such a great time, that we’re bringing it back again this year and calling it Chocolate Mangasm.  You better believe there’s going to be more than chocolate at this naughty event and I can’t WAIT to get together with all the awesome readers and bloggers and authors I met during RomCon so we can party all over again.  I’m also joining in on the huge book signing, author speed dating, parties, and Deeanne Gist’s Victorian Fashion Show, where Deeanne, me and a whole list of historical authors will be showing off vintage costumes and chatting.  And the best part?  This is just a sliver of the fun.  If you ever wanted to hang out with people who love to read as much as you do, then you’d better get your butt out to Denver.  Enough said.
Delilah

Delilah writes wondrously scandalous historical romances that will change the way that you view these heros and heroines. I have read 4 of her books and loved them all.
Respectable Society….your days are numbered.
FOREVER AND A DAY, January 2012 (Book 1 of the Rumor Series)

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RomCon Tuesday Michelle Callahan

Posted on May 24, 2011 by TBRG| 2 Comments

Wohoo today’s spotlight is on Michelle Callahan. If you know anything about RomCon you know that Michelle is one of the organizers of this amazing week-end, and she is an author. So we asked Michelle to stop on by and talk about RomCon for us…

RomCon, RomCon, RomCon!  Are we there yet?
Heather and Melanie (Hi Gals!) asked me to stop by today and chat about the insanity that gripped us when Elaine and I decided to dive head first into planning a convention.  Neither one of us had any experience with conventions.  But no one was doing what we wanted to do – have a FUN weekend where all we did was play games, laugh, and rub elbows with our heroes (aka favorite authors.)  We definitely did not look before we leaped.  And that’s one thing I’m eternally grateful for, because we would have missed out on something that has transformed our lives.  We are, at the core, fans.  In fact, I so adore Christine Feehan that meeting her made it to my bucket list.  Not kidding.  I could NOT DIE until I had met Christine and told her how much I love her Carpathians.  I spent hours with my mom and sister debating which Carpathian hero was the best one.  Luckily, we were all in love with different heroes, so we kept the real fighting to a minimum.  (Just for the record, sis, Gabriel is still the best!)
And yes, I’m a writer as well.  I write paranormal/sci-fi romance.  My latest is a series about people who are Taken at the moment of their death, given superpowers, and sent someWHEN else in time to avert disasters or change history.  Of course they fall in love and it complicates everything.  LOL.  It’s fun.  And unique. The first two stories are novellas and the third will be a full length book out around RomCon (August 5-7).  But, even as an author, I didn’t want to spend a weekend at writing workshops (like I’ve done countless times for outrageous amounts of money) just to breathe the same air in the room with Nora Roberts or Sherrilyn Kenyon.  (Yes, I really did that!)
So guess what I got to do last year?  I invited all my personal favorites to RomCon.  Not all of them said yes, but some did.  I gave a hug to Christine Feehan (and almost started crying!)  I met Nalini Singh, Jeanine Frost, and Shannon Butcher and actually got to…*gasp*…talk to them!  I sat in the bar giggling and talking hot, sexy heroes with my new BFF’s (anyone who loves the same books I do qualifies in this category, of course.)  I met a lot of really great people who love romance as much as I do.  Amazing people.  Kind people.  Women who want a story with a Happily-Ever-After ending and aren’t afraid to admit it.
Romance is, in my opinion, the core of who we all are in our very best moments.  There are a ton of huge conventions, FUN conventions with aliens, wizards, and comic book heroes.  I must admit, I would love to go to Comic Con or Dragon Con one day.  But let’s face facts.  That’s mostly for the boys.  It’s about war, and fighting crime, and super-weapons, super-heroes, and comic book villains.  Aliens and galactic battles between good and evil.  Cool?  Heck, yeah!  Romantic?  Not so much…
I don’t need to dress up as a Klingon.  I want to sip a glass of wine and giggle like I used to when I was 14 and a cute boy walked by my locker.  I want to hang out with my girlfriends and let my hair down, talk about cute boys (aka hot romance heroes) and feel like a carefree kid again.
Come to RomCon.  Play games with the authors.  Have “Tea”.  Laugh and scream at Murder, Darling, Murder or the Chocolate Mangasm event.  Come relax at the Pajama Jam campout or ride the mechanical bull and line-dance on Wild West Night.  But above all, grab a seat in the lounge and I promise you it won’t take long.  You’ll be surrounded by women who love what you do.  Who think like you do.  Who love their lives, AND love to read books with happy endings.  That’s what RomCon is to me.  Sisterhood.  Stories where characters love and respect each other.  (What a strange and unique concept!)  And having the guts to stand up and say that LOVE and RESPECT in a book are at least as powerful as Murder or War.  More powerful.
Cheers all!  Hope you can come chat with your favorite authors, giggle with your girlfriends, and feel like a kid again!
I can’t wait.
Michele Callahan
Chronicles of the Taken: Red Night is available at Amazon.com’s Kindle store for only $.99!  Please check it out.
Check out RomCon 2011 at the convention website:  www.romcon2011.com
We give away books EVERY DAY on our blogs:  www.romconinc.com
And sign up for our newsletter, the RomCon Replay, where we recap the weekly blogs, recipes, and news.  www.romconinc.com
Flying SOLO for RomCon?  No problem!  Sign up for the Buddy Program.  Details at http://romconinc.com/romcon2011/Buddy_Program.html

 

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RomCon Tuesday Lila DiPasqua

Posted on May 17, 2011 by TBRG| Leave a comment

Last year we met one of the nicest people we have ever met Lila DiPasqua. If you follow her blog, like her fb page and read her tweets you get just a glimpse of her humor and how much fun she is. I personally had a blast hanging out with her in the bar and attending her event that was well that is something that will stay in Denver, just know that she will be having it again and I will be there yet again :)

Lila writes the most delicious historical romance books set in France in the 1600′s and she uses the write amount of french to make this lover of all things french very happy. They are just plain awesome. I have loved every single story and can hardly wait to read her next book due out this summer.

I asked Lila what she thought of RomCon and why she is going back and this is what she had to say…

I had a great time last year at RomCon.  Knowing it was the first one ever, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  What I got was an intimate setting and a chance to have real one-on-one time with readers, reviewers and other authors.  Why am I attending this year?  Well, to enjoy more of the same!  Plus, my summer release, A MIDNIGHT DANCE (my super steamy and totally romantic retelling of Cinderella) hits the shelves on August 2nd—a mere three days before RomCon.  It will be the first time I’ll be signing my brand new historical romance.  And I can’t wait.  :)

Three classic fairytales—“Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood”—cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist…

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d’Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss—and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress—and this time, he has no intention of letting her go…

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother’s house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger…

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants—and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King’s private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he’s every bit the man he once was—and more than man enough for her..

 

Inspired by “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Ugly Duckling, and “The Princess and the Pea,” Lila DiPasqua spins three sexy tales that give new meaning to the term bedtime story…

The Marquis’ New Clothes: To save her cousin, Aimee de Miran must retrieve a jeweled ring from the most sinfully seductive man at court, the Marquis de Nattes. But to search his considerable wardrobe she’ll have to get very close to the notorious rake…and soon she finds herself very close to him indeed, with his clothes—and hers—utterly forgotten…

The Lovely Duckling: Reputed for his carnal skills, Joseph d’Alumbert prefers amorous encounters without emotional entanglement—until a quick-witted lady stirs tender feelings and hot desire. Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow steamy kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…

The Princess and the Diamonds:Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. There is something hard in her bed. No, not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it….whose carnal talents she can’t resist. But he threatens her secret mission, and worse, she stands to lose far more than the diamonds—her heart is at stake….

Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy story that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.

Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father’s prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming—the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.

That was before the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace—a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father’s death, she’s inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine’s eccentric friends—the balance of her father’s acting troupe—she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake—and make away with a fortune.

Resisting Jules’s skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince…

 

 

You can check Lila out on her site www.liladipasqua.com on fb and on twitter.

 


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