#RWA16 Day 1: July 13

The first day of the Romance Writers of America Conference was so much fun! There were over 400 authors at the Literacy Autographing event. I was half an hour late, but I was glad that I made it there with my friend. I never fangirled ever, but I did for this conference. I couldn't help myself. I was really happy and I was in my element.

My first stop was Laura Kaye. I knew she was going to be there so I made a beeline to her table with my friend in tow. Luckily, she wasn't talking to anyone when I got there, so I was able to say hi right away, get a hug, and then a selfie. First fangirl moment!

My next stop was Sorcha Mowbray. She writes really steamy books. Thankfully this time, I could take a photo with her! This was actually the second time we met, but the first time, I couldn't take a photo. 

I don't remember the order from here, but I also met Linda Thomas-Sundstrom. The legend behind the rich world of paranormal romance. She brought her vampire wine and a new addition, which was a ken doll that looked pretty much like the cover model of one of her books. Awesome!

I had no idea that Melissa Cutler was going to be at the signing, so when I saw her, I lost my sh**. Fangirl to the extreme! She's one of my absolute fave, albeit local, author :) So, of course, I bought the book she had at the table, duh :)

Next up was Catherine Bybee. This woman was the epitome of all things goals. She always looked like that woman you wished you could be. She also had an amazing shoe collection that's stored in the most amazing closet. I swear, Catherine is probably secretly royalty of some country.

When I saw Jaci Burton, I knew I had to meet her. I own a couple of her books, but hadn't read them. That sure didn't stop me from telling her that and buying her newest book, though!

Up next was PC Cast. She wasn't the one signing, but she was so excited nonetheless. I was so happy to finally meet half of the duo that was responsible for the series that made me into the bookworm I am now. I wasn't able to chat with Kristin, but I was kind of star struck for some reason. These two are such legends!

I was supposed to meet Brenda at the LA Times Book Festival, but she had already left when I got there. So, when I saw her at the signing, I had to introduce myself because Carlene Love told me I needed to meet her. There she was, with cake pops at her table. Then my friend ended up fangirling, so there was that :)

Finally, I met Sylvia Day. I also have a few of her books, but I hadn't had the chance to read them. But I still came to meet her and she was such a sweetheart. Also, her face and her books were all over the hotel! I totally fangirled and possibly embarrassed myself a little bit. (Okay, maybe a lot.)

Towards the end, I saw a table with Nora Roberts' name on it, but there was no Nora! I was so bummed that I missed her. I didn't even know she was going to be there, but I would have loved to meet such a legend! Even authors I love are fans of her.

Anyway, the whole event was such a blast that I didn't even want to leave. But alas, we had to pay for our books and then go home. My friend and I stopped by In-N-Out before heading to our respective cities.

Stay tuned for Day 2 and Day 3! :)

Giveaway: I posted two giveaways on my Twitter. Check them out below. Winners chosen 7/19/16 (or longer if no one enters lol)
2 Winners https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754893111717801988 1 Winner https://twitter.com/ariannecruz07/status/754892255987511298

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Book Signing + LA Times Book Festival 2016

Hi everyone! I thought I'd do something different today and talk about the book events I attended this past weekend.

The first event was Linda Thomas Sundstrom's book signing and release party at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego, CA on April 9. I love coming to the bookstore because of the intimate setting. I also love that they always have sweets whenever someone is signing!

Linda Thomas Sundstrom is known as the literary girl of paranormal romance because her books are so rich. A fun fact about her is that she also teaches Pilates and some of her students came to support her during the event.

Linda talked about having no control on her covers, and she told stories of which covers she preferred and even compared covers from different countries for the same book.

I might have fangirled a little bit when she mentioned me by name at least twice. Thanks for the shoutout, Linda!

Lastly, she mentioned that the most recent book she released and signed at the event, Immortal Redeemed, was one of her favorite books out of the 28 that she had already released. Congratulations on a successful writing career, Linda!

On April 10, me and my friend drove to USC in Los Angeles to attend the LA Times Book Festival. It was my first time and I honestly had a great time, even though I only went to a few booths and spent only an hour at the event.

I was mainly there so I could meet Carlene Love. We had previously chatted on Twitter and I was excited to finally meet her. She writes contemporary romance about rockstars and exotic dancers thrown into the real world apart from their careers. She was such a sweetheart and a joy to chat with.

The next author I met was Tracy Reed. She was very passionate about her books and really believed in them. It was quite inspirational to witness an author's pride about her books. We chatted for a long time and laughed as well. It was a pleasure to meet her and hope that we'll meet again soon--online or in person.

Overall, I enjoyed my time at the book festival. If you want to see what else I got up to plus interviews of the authors mentioned here, check out the video below!

Have you been to a book signing or a book festival before? 

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Review: Wolf Born

Title: Wolf Born
Series: Wolf Moons, #1
Author: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Release Date: February 1, 2015
Pages: 304
Buy Links: Amazon | BN | iBooks

Blurb:

One night out of all the centuries changed their lives forever… 

Called to the scene of a double murder, police officer Colton Killion finds that the vicious attack by vampires has not only decimated his family, but the trauma from it transforms him into a rare ghost wolf. Now he's on a life-and-death mission to restore justice. The last thing he needs is a distraction—especially when it comes in the lithe, female form of Lycan Rosalind Kirk. 

But Rosalind needs his help as much as he can't ignore his insatiable attraction to her. For that very attack also infused Rosalind with the spirit of a Banshee…and now Colton is the only being who can protect her from Others. When evil strikes again, Rosalind and Colton must risk everything by crossing a forbidden line…consequences be damned.

This book was so explosive, it would be a great movie if it was made into one!

The story of Colton and Rosalind was quite complex, to be honest. It kept me focused so that I wouldn't miss information that was vital to the story. They had many obstacles that came their way, including Rosalind constantly trying to run away.

Colton started as a cop, but ended up something only known as a legend. I loved that he stayed true to who he was and he was very loyal. Rosalind, on the other hand, was so conflicted because of the turmoil she was dealing with inside her body. I applaud her for being so brave and strong in the midst of it all.

One thing I realized early on in this book was that vampires were certainly not romanticized. Vampires were the abomination that they had always been, while werewolves were strong and powerful. I was certainly very interested with the history that the author presented in the book. This had been the most in-depth paranormal story I've read.

I would say that it needed one more round of line edits, though. Otherwise, it was a book full of substance. I would recommend it for those of you werewolf lovers.

Arianne

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Review: The Boss's Mistletoe Maneuver

Title: The Boss's Mistletoe Maneuvers
Author: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Publisher: Harlequin: Desire
Release Date: November 1, 2014
Pages: 196
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Seduction in a Santa Claus suit? 

When millionaire Chaz Monroe goes undercover at the ad agency he bought, he has to figure out why his star employee, Kim McKinley, won't work on the very important Christmas campaign. He'll go to any length to get answers from the beautiful go-getter--if he has to kiss them out of her, so be it.
 
Kim can't believe Chaz's nerve. So why is she always falling into his arms...and into his bed? Soon, this exasperating man unlocks her secrets just in time for a Christmas she'll never forget...and one he may never live down!

Kim and Chaz were instantly attracted to each other when they first met. I liked that Kim was not someone who would back down, especially not against someone who she believed "stole" the position that was promised to her.

"Are you sure you won't change your mind and invite me over if I say please and categorically deny being a stalker, providing references upon request?"

Chaz, on the other hand, had good intentions. I loved the moments when he tried to make an effort to bring Kim "to the other side"... The side that enjoyed Christmas and celebrated it.

"Semantics. I didn't send the tree. I brought it."

Other characters I enjoyed were the doorman and Kim's best friend, Brenda. They were such witty characters and provided great comedic dialogues.

I especially liked when Brenda would help Chaz, even before she knew his intentions. She was a great friend to Kim.

"I'm a man, and she was in pajamas."

Unlike most contemporary books I've read, I wasn't overly attached to the characters of this book. I did enjoy the sexual tension :)

Arianne

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Promo: Wolf Hunter

Today, we have one of my good friends and local author, Linda Thomas-Sundstrom! I'm so glad to finally have her on the blog! Note: She LOVES werewolves.

Title: Wolf Hunter
Series: Wolf Moon, #2
Author: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Release Date: May 1, 2015
Pages: 233
Buy Links: Amazon | BN

Blurb:

Sworn enemies fated to be supernatural lovers... 

Only a few know about a race of Lycans hidden deep within Miami's underground. And those who do not embrace the wolves seek to destroy them. Cameron Mitchell has sought to protect his kind...at any cost. But one beautiful woman may be his undoing. 

Born into a family of wolf hunters, Abby Stark has never actually confronted a Lycan. Then Cameron steps out of the shadows and Abby is overcome with the need to be devoured. With her father vowing to destroy all of Cameron's kind, Abby knows they have no future. Coupling with a were is not her destiny. Yet walking away is proving impossible.

About the Author
Linda Thomas-Sundstrom is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance novels and novellas, with books published by Kensington Brava, Amazon Montlake, Harlequin Nocturne and Harlequin Desire.

Linda lives in the west, and is a teacher by day and a writer by night. She loves more than anything to write, has a million ideas in her head, and hopes you will come along on the wild, wonderful ride with her.

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