Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Book Lovers Con 2019 - Part 3


Friday at BLC19 brought out voodoo, vampires, and other creatures of the night. I was so impressed with the costume creativity that flowed! Bringing the conference to a close on Saturday was a terrific book signing featuring 200+ authors and swag galore. I love these big book signings. This one was especially good as the aisles between tables were wide and I didn't feel like I was crammed into a sardine can. I'm a wee bit claustrophobic. There were very long lines for a few of the VIP authors but most lines were reasonable and toward the end of the signing, I was able to take time to chat with authors without making anyone else wait. I met a lot of authors I haven't read yet and came home with a long list of books I'm excited to dive into. Here are a few photo highlights!




Diana Munoz Stewart is a new to me author I'm excited to read. She writes romantic suspense and you all know how much I enjoy that. Also, she had the coolest swag: slide bars you can affix to your computer or tablet that close to block the camera (privacy) or open when you want to use it. Giveaway winners: be sure to check your packages for one of these little purple gems!





Mia Sosa's Love on Cue contemporary romance series is so much fun. Check out my 5-Star review of book three, Crashing into Her. But a word of advice: Don't read these books when you're hungry. Her Puerto Rican food descriptions are mouth-wateringly delicious!









Kate Meader writes contemporary romance starring some of my favorite firefighters, hockey players, lawyers, and more. If you like your heroes - and heroines - on the steamy side, you're going to love her books! 









Barbara Longley writes both historical and contemporary romance. Many of her titles are currently free or available at discounted prices!  









Shaila Patel is one of my local North Carolina authors. Shaila's award-winning Joining of the Souls series is perfect for YA and Teen readers who enjoy paranormal romance. 












Looking for dark and intense romantic suspense? Give Abbie Roads a try! All three books in her Fatal Dreams series are currently available in e-book at discounted prices. 











BLC19 was a more casual conference and my favorite shoe fashionista wasn't able to attend but I still managed to grab a shot of these fabulous red heels! 










Fans of Madeline Hunter will be happy to know she released a new historical romance on April 30. Never Deny a Duke is the third book in Hunter's Decadent Dukes Society series. 








Elizabeth Hoyt is busy at work on her new Greycourt series. Book one, Not the Duke's Darling, was released December 18, 2018. 















Cathy Maxwell is a ray of sunshine who makes my heart smile. So do her books! The Duke That I Marry, third in her Spinster Heiresses series, was released in November 2018. 











I so enjoyed chatting with Naleighna Kai at the signing. She's a new-to-me author with intriguing books I'm excited to read. First up is a story of second chances in Loving Me for Me. I'm also in love with that fabulous necklace she's wearing!











Falguni Kothari is the nicest person. I really enjoyed meeting her and am looking forward to reading The Object of Your Affections










In the mood for some paranormal Viking love? Give Asa Maria Bradley's books a try. This native Swede knows her Viking warriors!













K.M. Jackson brings readers a feel-good story of second chances in As Good as the First Time, book one on her Sugar Lake contemporary romance series. Single-dad firefighters for the win! 












Xio Axelrod is not only a talented author, she's also an accomplished singer and songwriter. Camden (I am so in love with that cover) is set within the world of music that she knows well. 








In addition to being a Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated actress as well as an accomplished screenwriter, did you know that Meg Tilly is a published romance author? She's also funny, sweet, down to earth, and genuinely nice. I so enjoyed meeting her. I liked her romantic suspense debut, Solace Island a lot and am looking forward to reading the recently released second book in her Solace Island series, Cliff's Edge






It's always fun to watch someone you've known for a long time succeed at their chosen career. I met Terri Osburn on a message board in 2006 and have enjoyed reading her books since her 2013 debut. Her stories are all filled with emotion and humor and have my enthusiastic recommendation but I'm especially fond of her 2019 women's fiction/contemporary romance hybrid, Ask Me to Stay







Julia London is an author I've enjoyed reading for years. I'm looking forward to her newest novel, The Charmer in Chaps which launches her The Princes of Texas, contemporary romance series. 










Count Dracula (Kerrelyn Sparks) and her entourage (Emily March and Lori Handeland) are ready to dance the night away at the Voodoo and Vampire Ball. 
















Not to be left out, Lorraine Heath takes Dracula's cape for a spin! 













Follow the spooky doll to the Voodoo and Vampire Ball! Authors, from left to right: Priscilla Oliveras, K.M. Jackson, Falguni Kothari, Farrah Rochon, and Sabrina Sol. 









That wraps up Book Lovers Con 2019. It was fun exploring New Orleans, catching up with old friends, making new ones, and turning my to-be-read pile of books into a mini-mountain. But New Orleans wasn't quite finished with me yet. A two hour flight delay at the freezing cold airport added a new sweatshirt to my wardrobe...








...and when we finally took off, an incredibly beautiful sunset was the gift waiting for us. The perfect end to a fun and fabulous week!









What costume would you wear to a Voodoo and Vampire ball?

Have you ever met a celebrity? Did they measure up to or exceed your expectations?

Do you bring home souvenirs from your vacations? What's your favorite type of souvenir to collect?

Three people who leave a comment before 11:00 PM, May 30 will receive one of the giveaway packages below.












31 comments:

  1. I've met a few celebrities, and all were very kind.

    denise

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  2. I met quite a few sport celebrities living so close to Yankees Stadium, Shea Stadium, and Giants stadium. Every time I met one of them I sounded like a five year old without a brain! I just choked!😫 Oh and one time I was at a florist buying flowers for my mom and Geraldo Rivera walked in. I said hello and he totally ignored me! Jerk!!😂

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    1. Sorry about the Geraldo encounter. I'm a huge sports fan so I totally understand your reaction to seeing them up close and personal. I've seen NBA players, a couple Panthers, and NASCAR drivers at local groceries. Always a thrill!

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  3. No I have never met a celebrity. I would go the vampire route, as I think of Queen of The Damned. I tend to get one of the following on vacation: pens, shot glasses, cups or post cards.

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    1. There were more than a few vampires at the ball!

      I love collecting post cards.

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  4. I have met a few celebrities, and each of them were gracious. When I bring home souvenirs, they are rocks. At one time, when Mr Wonderful and I were married, every place we moved - and we moved quite a bit because he was in the service - I would gather rocks, and my kids would gather rocks. It all went OK until we were out of the Navy and the government was no longer moving us.....we were going to have to pay for the weight of what we moved. Needless to say, there is a place in Ohio which now will confuse the heck out of future geologists. They will find rocks from all over the country.

    I now collect small rocks. Teeny tiny rocks. They satisfy my need to have a souvenir and they are beautiful.

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    1. Sitting here laughing over the thought of head-scratching geologists trying to sort out your rock collection!

      I brought three small rocks home from one of my Italy trips. They won't mean anything to anybody else but when I look at them, I remember the joy of a beautiful day on the Mediterranean.

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  5. Nope I've never met any celebrity although I am living in NYC! I collect magnets as souvenirs for my fridge

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    1. I used to collect magnets. Had to stop when I could no longer see my fridge! LOL!

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  7. I'd wear something sparkly with a high neck (lol)!
    I like to buy framed prints of the locality when I'm on vacation.

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    1. LOL at the high neck! A very good idea among that crowd!

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  8. I've met a food network star. She's exceeded all my expectations.
    I would wear a dark colored but sparkly dress with a pair of fangs.
    I love to collect tumblers from different states and cities

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    1. Which Food Network star did you meet? That would be fun!

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  9. I've not met a celebrity outside of authors. You showed pictures of many authors I've followed. Thank you for taking us along on your journey. I have no idea about dressing up. When I'm at the beach I often bring small shells home with me. Traveling elsewhere depends on the destination. Thanks PJ!!

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  10. I've seen a few celebrities on the street, but never had a chance to meet any. I usually get a keychain or t-shirt as a souvenir from my travels.

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  11. The only celebrities I've met are authors <3 And a few actors, who are friends of my brother :) Thanks for sharing these photos, PJ!

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    1. Is your brother an actor, Fedora?

      Authors are definitely celebrities in my book! (pun intended) ;-)

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  12. I met a few Pgh., Pirates so famous for our area. I've seen a few in airports but not to meet. As to souvenirs I've bought anything from paintings, pottery, etc. but now usually a coffee mug or deck of cards or a Christmas ornament will do.

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    1. I brought some pottery home from Italy on my last trip. Using it makes me so happy. :)

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  13. When I do go on vacation I enjoy buying unique souvenirs for my grandchildren. I would dress up as a twenties individual. I have met from afar famous actors.

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    1. I'm sure your grandchildren love it when you go on vacation!

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  14. I have never met a famous individual. Vacations are rare but when I am fortunate enough I return home with a treasure which is special.

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    1. As long as they're special to us, that makes them a treasure.

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  15. I would wear a wonderfully draping diaphanous full-length black gown (showing a more form-fitting component underneath), red lipstick and moderately subtle fangs.

    Authors are celebrities for me and I have been fortunate in meeting a few. They have been wonderfully friendly and kind.

    I do bring home souvenirs from trips and vacations. Usually try to look up what an area is particularly known for and purchase accordingly. Of course, if it is a beach I will have the added pleasure of beachcombing.

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    1. You would definitely be the belle of the ball in that outfit!

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  16. I've met a few celebrities and had a mixed set of experiences. The drummer for Aerosmith used to shop where I work. He was quiet and very nice. His wife is a wonderful extrovert and sweet as can be!

    I started collecting magnets when the kids were small and have kept that up. A few years ago we started to buy those reusable bags. When I shop, I take my memories with me. 😂

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    1. I love when famous people turn out to be friendly and nice.

      I love reusable bags! My book conference bags make frequent trips to the store with me. People are always stopping and asking me about the authors/books printed on the bags. :)

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