We all braved the rain and met for lunch, including new SoCal bloggers KC and Kristin of Smokinhotbooks, and authors HelenKay Dimon, Tessa Dare, Sabrina Darby, and several of the Romance Divas.
I spent much of lunch chatting with HelenKay, who was simply delightful. And as a special surprise, she gifted me with a copy of her soon-to-be-released Leave Me Breathless. Which I read last night, LOL. And adored. Review to come. All I'll say right now is. Whew! I never knew a judge could be so hot!
Anyway, after lunch, we trekked on foot over to the UBS, where I proceeded to buy way too many books. Plus we had our usual bookswap, where I proceeded to take too many books. And if that wasn't enough, Nikki and I stopped at Starbucks on the way home (yum!) and then once we got back to my house, Nikki innocently asked, "Wanna hit Borders?" Uh.... duh. Where I proceeded to buy too many books. but they were buy 4 get 1 free. So here's my stash from yesterday:
(Oops, just realized Candace Camp's Suddenly is missing from the picture.) I started reading Janet Dailey back in the 70s, when she wrote a Harlequin Presents for every state. One of my favorite ones was the Indiana one - called My Indy Man. When I saw it at the UBS (along with several other Dailey "state" books, I just couldn't resist picking it up. And the Sarah Mayberry in the picture? Yup, in the "free" bin outside the UBS. Score!
Here are the SoCal Bloggers who were left by the time we got around to remembering pictures.
From L-R: Tracy, Holly, Nikki, Rowena, Rosie, Lisabea, Renee.
We seem to take a lot of pictures in parking garages, don't we girls? And aside from the flat that Holly had when she tried to leave, the day was pretty much perfect.
Aw, you all look like you had a great time! Great picture!!
ReplyDeleteI had such a good time and enjoyed our conversation! It is spooky how much we like the same books. On that note, don't forget to check out Mariah Stewart's site.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed Leave Me Breathless! That makes my day.
Hope to see you again soon.
Ack! Thanks for reminding me about that, HelenKay! I just went to look. I haz a sad now. Regular visitors here know how much I adore Mariah Stewart. I must have reviewed a gazillion of her books. And while I can understand her need to move away from that type of book for personal reasons, dammit - I want my Stewart suspense! Heh. (Although I admit I do like many of her older books, too. But still...)
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll join us next time we all meet up - it was really fun!
I meant to bring my camera and naturally left it at home. Heh - I still have Christmas pictures on it that I haven't downloaded yet.
ReplyDeleteMy haul of books is still sitting in my tote bag, in my home office. I really should do a post on what I picked up - since there are some Old Skool westerns in there with some truly eye-popping (or is that eye-bleeding?) covers.
It looks like you all had such a great time!! Next time I want my pic taken in a parking garage with all of you!!! I'm glad the icky rain didn't spoil your fun!!
ReplyDeleteWe missed you, Blanche! Next time for sure, right?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys had a blast! Thanks for sharing the pic - even though it makes me jealous! LOL
ReplyDeleteWendy - Yes, you must take a picture of your loot so I can drool over it!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool that you had authors come to your get together!!
Lori- I have the Susan Crandal in my TBR pile and I have read Sliding Home by Angell. It's a cute story. And it is totally awesome that Dimon brought you a book. SCORE!!
Great haul, Lori!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys had a great time once again! So jealous!! and LOL, parking lot seems to be the time when you remember that no picture has been taken, so hurry up! :D
So much fun! I've been too sick to write about that day but I'm working on that post for my personal blog. I always love getting together with all of you guys!
ReplyDeleteNow I gotta ask..who's feet were killing them by the time they got home?
MINE!
Since I never bring a camera to these events, Lori can I steal this picture for my blog post? Purty please???
Hey Wena - of course you can use the picture, silly! I just got lazy and didn't email it to everyone.
ReplyDeleteAnd about the feet? I had my boots off for the last hour of parking garage time! Needless to say, my socks were a little gross.
I can't believe Holly's tire was flat that entire time!
ReplyDeleteNext year, let's go back into the Yard House and warm up. My feet were so wet and cold, I borrowed Holly's socks. Now that's friendship.
It was great seeing you. GREAT. I'll be back, I promise.
PS I swiped this photo!
LB
I didn't even realize you'd posted this! Look at me being totally awesome and late. heh
ReplyDeleteI had an awesome time with all of you and I'm so glad we got to spend time with Lisabea (you can borrow my socks any day sugar plum).
Like Wendy, I forgot my camera and still haven't unloaded the books I swapped/bought. I'm kind of afraid to look honestly...
I, too, plan to steal this picture. Just FYI. :P