Readers & 'ritas 2014

My second year at Readers & 'ritas has come to an end. I am totally exhausted but in complete reader bliss. There is nothing better than getting to meet some great authors face-to-face and be able to have an actual conversation. You don't have a line of people behind you complaining that you are taking too long to get your book signed and move on. Here are some of the highlights of my weekend.

I attended RNR14 as a reader and had my fair share of fan girl moments. There's nothing better than meeting bestselling authors and getting to know them. RNR gives you the chance to sit down with said authors and have in-depth conversations and even share a meal with them. Julie Ann Walker, author of the Black Knights, Inc. series, was this year's key note speaker. She writes romantic suspense and this series is about bikers. I met her on Friday night at the Friday kick-off party she hosted. Julie was so down-to-earth and funny. She was genuinely interested in every person that showed up to the party. It was so great to see a best-selling author connect with readers. I will definitely be checking out her books.

At Julie Ann Walker's Motorcycle Club Party I was able to meet New York Times bestselling author C.J. Ellisson. She writes urban fantasy and contemporary erotic romance. Yes, I did spell her last name correctly. She had to point out the extra s when I was trying to find her on Twitter. We started talking NaNoWriMo and it surprised me that she is a participating author. I love knowing that a successful author like C.J. is participating in something that I am as well. She put me to shame quickly when she stated that she had already completed her NaNoWriMo for the weekend before she came. To me that is awesome dedication. Of course I had to tell her how sick she made me because I am a slacker and am behind on my goal. She graciously laughed and posed for some pics with Julie for me. To the right is my favorite pic. I think I will try to get a seat at her table for dinner on Friday night next year. Beware Michael, you are coming with me and C.J.'s table gets pretty wild.

Jolene Navarro

I also stopped by the Inspirational Tea hosted by Winnie Griggs and Jolene Navarro. Winnie had a prior commitment so I was unable to meet her. I did meet Jolene. I enjoyed talking with her about paranormal romance. I even won the door prize drawing of an awesome basket of goodies, chocolate and tons of books.

Friday night I sat at Heather Long's table. She writes passionate romance with an edge. Her stories range from western to shifters to marines. I love her Always a Marine series. Heather was extremely nice and her daughter (or mini as she calls her) was a trip. I can definitely see why she has such wonderful people sitting at her table.

Saturday was my favorite day. I spent the entire day in the Author's Lounge. This was where I met so many great authors. Every author was friendly and gracious. I found some new authors that I'm dying to start reading like Jerrie Alexander, Kym Roberts, Candace Havens, Sylvie Fox, Tricia Skinner and Damon Suede. I had some great conversations with Sylvie and Tricia about cover design. Jerrie and Kym were awesome. They were always happy to have a seat open if I needed it. It was great to connect with hometown ladies of their caliber.

Author Jade Lee

Squidge

I was also happy to see Jade Lee back this year. You can't help but like Jade. I was so excited to see my very own Jade Lee Squidge in my good bag when I registered. I have been seeing Jade post pics with Squidge this past year and I've just been dying to have my own. Now I get to go crazy and post pics of my adventures with Squidge. Beware, Jade, I will be blowing up your Twitter feed ;)






I had lunch at Avery Flynn's table. Avery was so funny. I loved getting to know more about her and her adventures with Dean Winchester. I am now the proud owner of signed copies of Enemies on Tap and Hollywood on Tap. Of course I covet my signed books so both of these will remain on my bookshelf in pristine condition while I read my Kindle copies. I hope Avery becomes a regular attendee of RNR.



The hero auction and masquerade was quite entertaining. There are no words to accurately describe it other than what happens at RNR stays at RNR ;)

Readers & 'ritas 2014 was awesome. I have increased my to be read list tremendously. I can't wait for 2015. I will be dragging the hubby along so he can see for himself how awesome and crazy the weekend really is :)

Candace Havens

Damon Suede

Avery Flynn

  

Jerrie Alexander

Kym Roberts

Sylvie Fox

Tricia Skinner