This is so nice! One of the most respected romance review sites out there, All About Romance, mentioned On the Steamy Side in their post about 2010 books they hoped more readers would find. Thanks, guys!
According to the post, "Reviewer Dabney Grinnan [my new favorite person!] particularly enjoyedOn the Steamy Sideby Louisa Edwards and thought it deserved more attention. Of this novel, she says, 'This is the second book in a series set in the restaurant world of New York City. The lovers in this one, Devon–the bad boy celebrity chef– and Lilah Jane–ex-high school drama teacher–, are very sexy and funny together. Plus the book–and the series–features a m/m love story that is lovely and sexy in its own right. I like all three books in the series, but this is my favorite.'"
The whole list is very interesting, especially if you're looking to add some new-to-you authors to your TBR list. I'm honored to be in such illustrious company! Check it out.
What are some of your "buried treasures" from last year?
Okay, that might be going a little far. But when RT BookReviews offered to let me and the incredibly funny, wickedly talented author Dakota Cassidy interview each other, I jumped at the chance. I was pretty sure the results would be hilarious...okay, that's a lie. I didn't think about the results. I thought about how much fun it would be for ME, and boy, was I right about that!
So if you want to see what two romance authors talk about when they sit down together with no scripts, no agenda, and no mediator, go ahead, but be warned! It's not for the faint (or prissy) of heart.
If you loved that so much you want more, there are actually several different videos. We gabbed for a while. LOL
Thanks so much to everyone who entered my Cute Purse Full 'O Romances Giveaway! I wish I had an adorable bag and ten fabulous romances for each of you. In fact, there were so many entries (almost 100) that I decided to clear out my office a little more and do a second bag of books prize. So we have two winners! Different bags and different books, but all fun. And of course, both of you will get a signed copy of On the Steamy Side to whet your appetite for Just One Taste on August 31st!
And the winners are....
Natasha Moore
and
Donnas
Natasha--you won the red bag and the books I mentioned in the original post. Donnas--you'll be getting a black purse filled with the following ten books by some of my favorite authors:
ON THE STEAMY SIDE by Louisa Edwards (signed by me!)
RED FIRE by Deidre Knight
WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER'S NIGHT by Kresley Cole
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF PIRATES by Jennifer Ashley
BLOOD BOUND by Patricia Briggs
THE KEPT WOMAN by Susan Donovan
LOVER UNBOUND by J.R. Ward
ANGELS FALL by Nora Roberts (in hardcover!)
FLAT-OUT SEXY by Erin McCarthy
INSTANT ATTRACTION by Jill Shalvis
Tomorrow, I'll be signing books in beautiful downtown Port Clinton, with Lake Erie sparkling in the background, and hordes of crowds will be showing up! Not for me, exactly--but for the Annual Walleye Festival. That's right, I will almost certainly be upstaged by one of the ugliest fish known to man, but that's fine. I'm not threatened, or anything. I *am* planning to have fish and chips for dinner, though. ; )
The Book Exchange bookstore, run by my friend and fabulous bookseller Annette Fitzgerald, has organized a booth at the festival that will host a rotating multi-author signing. My slot is tomorrow, Saturday May 29th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and I'll be signing On the Steamy Side alongside mystery author Libby Hellman, inspirational romance author Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter, and women's fiction author Martha Moody. I'm so excited! We're going to have a ball, and if you're in the area, you should come down, check out the festival (which I hear is crazy--it's my first year going!) eat some flaky, mild, delicious walleye, and buy some books.
The enter schedule for the 2-day signing is here, and the Walleye Festival website is here, with more details. Hope to see you there!
My favorite food blog has a super fun interview with me up today! Go here to find out the answers to such burning questions as the best meal I ever had and who I'd invite to join me for dinner, if I could have anyone...
I had the BEST time answering this interview (is it a coincidence that it was administered by one of my best friends in the world? Probably not.) In fact, I had so much fun, I promised to give away a signed hardcover edition of my latest Recipe for Love novel ON THE STEAMY SIDE, as well as a signature apron and set of spatulas! Come comment for a chance to win the prize!!
I'm so tickled that Judi L of the Book Pimp Blog chose On the Steamy Side as her Wednesday Workout Read! It doesn't seem like an obvious choice, at first glance--working out to descriptions of deliciously high-calorie food? But then, I like to watch the Food Network while I'm working out, so who am I to judge. The whole review is interesting and entertaining--man, I don't think I'll ever get tired of finding out what readers think of my books--but the very best part comes at the end, when she sums up in one perfect nutshell everything my writing is about:
"On the Steamy Side is about relationships, new ones, old messed up ones, disappointing family ones, but most importantly that the best relationships are attainable if you're just brave enough to reach out and hold on for dear life before it's too late."
In some sense, as much as each story has its own themes and unique goals for the characters, every book I write boils down to that one sentiment about relationship. I'm thrilled beyond belief that a reader I've never met can see that in On the Steamy Side. Makes me feel like I'm doing something right!
How about you--do you see overarching themes in your own writing? Or in the series by your favorite authors?
I'm almost recovered from RT (short roundup: fabulous friends, fun times with readers, sold out of my books at the signing, and learned a lot from every panel I was on) and almost caught up with the household stuff my husband totally neglected while I was gone. Seriously, the kitchen looked like he'd hosted a frat party, or maybe had cooked a five-course dinner for ten. And sure, some of that was leftover from when I was scrambling to test the recipes for the back of JUST ONE TASTE before I left, but still!
Anyway, after the orgy of cleaning, I finally got down to my email and discovered this fabulous review has just been posted on Romance Reviews Today! ON THE STEAMY SIDE got a 'Perfect 10', the only rating they give, and only to a select handful of books every year. OtSS is now automatically entered in their Best Book of 2010 contest, and I'm in some truly fabulous company on that list. Holy cats. Check it out! I'm so unbelievably stoked. It's a huge thrill every time I read a review where someone totally "got" the book and what I was trying to do. A huge thank you to the reviewer, Allegra Allston--you are currently my favorite person in all the world! Don't be surprised if I name a heroine 'Allegra' sometime in the future. : )
This should have happened yesterday, so I could've called the post Twofer Tuesday! That's me, a day late and a dollar short. Sigh.
But really, who cares what I call it, because what I've got for you today is two very different blog posts, and two different chances to win fantastic prizes!
One is a post about the most unexpectedly romantic meal of my life, and the other is a super fun behind-the-scenes interview with the characters from my Recipe for Love novels! That's right, Katiebabs asked the crazy Market kitchen crew some probing questions. ; ) To check out their answers, and the fabulous prize, go here.
Books and market totes and aprons, oh my! I'm in such a giving mood today. Better come and get it while it's hot!
I'm back on the virtual road today, over at Writerspace talking about being a "plotter" vs. being a "pantser"--both in writing, and in the kitchen! Come tell me which you are and you could win a fabulous prize pack including a signed copy of On the Steamy Side, and a set of signature Recipe for Love spatulas and apron.
Also, today is a happy, happy day because I got not one but TWO fabulous new reviews for OtSS! This one from Reader to Reader made me giggle out loud, especially the last line. And this one, from Danielle at ALPHA Reader is just awesome and perceptive and thoughtful and smart. Check 'em out! Big thanks to both reviewers for taking the time to post their thoughts.
At this rate, I'll never have time to post on my own personal blog again! I'm off again today, over at Single Titles trying to figure out what the infamous publishing term "high concept" really means. If you think you know, or want to hear what some smart industry pros had to say about it, please come join the discussion. I'm giving away a signed copy of On the Steamy Side to one lucky commenter!
What are some of your favorite romances that feature couples dealing with kids? I've thought of a few more since I wrote the original post, some really good ones, but no one has said them, yet! Come comment for a chance to win a signed copy of On the Steamy Side along with a signature Recipe for Love apron and spatula set...
Celebrity chef smackdown! If legendary bad boy chef Gordon Ramsay had to face off against Southern homestyle cook Paula Deen, who'd win? I'm over at Romance Junkies today talking about that, and discussing whether you'd rather try an exciting new dish or stick with an old favorite. Comment for a chance to win a signed copy of On the Steamy Side, a Tastebook full of recipes, and a gorgeous market tote!
Coffee Time Romance, who gave On the Steamy Side a lovely four-coffee-cup review, invited me to guest blog today. I wrote about a fantastic meal I shared recently with some of the best friends (and the best pasta) a girl could ask for! Come on over and share your stories of food with friends in the comments area for a chance to win an autographed copy of On the Steamy Side, an environmentally friendly Farmer’s tote and a Tastebook full of fabulous recipes.
Since I was traveling yesterday, I didn't get the chance to post a link to the fun Q&A up at Romance Reviews Today. But I believe the contest for the giveaway is ongoing, so head on over and comment for a chance to win signed copies of both Can't Stand the Heat and On the Steamy Side!
And as for today's stop on my whirlwind blog tour, I'm over at Romancing the Book, answering some more questions and giving away a signed OtSS plus an adorable set of Recipe for Love apron and red rubber spatulas. Check it out! She made me cast the hypothetical movie version of On the Steamy Side, which was surprisingly hard. If you've got other stars you would've put in the roll, put your choices up on StoryCasting.com! I love that site.
Stinger and I are in Austin--he's here for SXSW interactive, and I'm here to visit my family. We went to Fonda San Miguel last night (I had the BEST duck enchiladas in poblano cream sauce) so we're already having a blast. : )
The pert, adorable Keri Ford asked me to help kick off her birthday celebrations with a Q&A about On the Steamy Side, and I showed up with signed books and gifts to give away to lucky commenters! So come on down and dish with us; you could win an apron and spatula set, or your very own copy of OtSS.
To celebrate the release of On the Steamy Side, I did a reading at a romance salon held monthly at a bar in the Village. I'd never attended before, either as a listener or a reader, so I really didn't know what to expect--but what I found there really exceeded any expectations I could've had. For a full account of the proceedings, check out my post on the Lady Jane's Salon site!
I'm home from my adventures in Florida and NYC! Had a wonderful, productive time with Kristen Painter and Roxanne St. Claire--we plotted about eight new projects, between us! And gave a workshop to the lovely STAR chapter, all about our process. And Manhattan was fun, as always--dinner at Lupa and Frankies Spuntino with Meg, a reading at Lady Jane's Salon, and a full day of stock signings all over town! Lady Jane's was an incredible experience; I wrote a little piece about it that should be going up over at the LJ blog soonish. I'll let you know when it's posted. I wrote it while nearly out of my head with a cold, so I don't actually remember it, but people have told me it's not bad or nonsensical, so yay!
The cold is still with me, but I'm medicated to the gills today so I can get some work done. And so I can fully appreciate the first flood of reviews of On the Steamy Side! Here's a quick roundup. Single Titles called me "mega-talented" (thanks, guys!) and OtSS a "thrill ride...leaving us eager for more."
Romance Readers Choice loved my "believably flawed" characters: "Whether the struggle is with family dynamics, abandonment, or sexuality the reader wishes for the success of each to overcome the complications of simply being human."
And Coffee Time Romance said "If you need a real feel-good, make your heart sing, and your body tingle kind of afternoon this is the perfect recipe for success."
I am unbelievably happy and thrilled by this support, and just by the simple idea that people are reading the book and enjoying it. What a high! Or maybe that's the Dayquil. ; )
Happy Release Day to me! My jaded celebrity chef and sassy Southern nanny are hereby unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. If you haven't pre-ordered your copy of On the Steamy Side, today you can run right out and buy it the old-fashioned way, in an actual bookstore. Fun! I can't wait to hear what you all think.
Reviews are already rolling in. My favorite for today? This one from Mom's Favorite Stuff. I got tingles reading it! The best bit is where she calls OtSS a "‘can’t-put-down-I’ll-read-while-I-cook-brush-my-teeth-and-fold-clothes’ kind of book." I admit, I flailed and squealed a little when I read that. I'm so excited about this book!
Want to drink cocktails and listen to me read a chapter from my newest romance novel? Come on, you know you do. I'll be at Lady Jane's Salon, a monthly gathering of romance aficionados, reading from ON THE STEAMY SIDE, which hits bookstores on March 2nd. Please come and be friendly faces in the audience for me! I'm told it's a blast, and I'll be signing books and everything. We even got permission to sell the brand new one a day early!
WHERE: Madame X, 94 Houston Street, New York, NY 10012, 212.539.0808, www.madamex.com
WHEN: Monday, March 1. The doors open at 7pm. Reading begins at 7:15 to 7:30. There is a brief break between first and second readers. The Salon ends at 9pm where the event moves downstairs for continued partying/social hour.
WHAT: Usually they showcase 2-3 romance/women’s fiction authors.
ADMISSION: $5.00 or one gently used romance novel. Cash bar. Proceeds to benefit Share The Love (www.share-the-love.org), which reaches out to women in crisis / transition. NOTE: admission will be waived for industry professionals, like you editors and publishing PR peeps!
Also, for a different snippet from OtSS, check out Excerpt Monday!
Thank you to everyone who played along on Twitter and entered my contest! It was tough to have to pick only one, but I had a random chooser program to help me. And the winner is...
AYLA_F!!!
Congrats, sweetie, and please send your physical address to louisa at louisaedwards dot com. Can't wait to sign my book to you! Hope you like it. : )
I know, I've been promising all kinds of stuff like Bocuse pics and whatnot, but I've been crazed! And today, I have even cooler news than that, so here it is. On the Steamy Side is a real book! I'm so in love with that cover, I want to run away to Aruba with it. My husband says he totally understands, and wishes me well. Yay!
To celebrate the pretty, and its imminent release into the wild (March 2nd, y'all!) I'm running a Twitter contest until midnight tonight for the chance to win one of my precious few advance copies of the book.
All you have to do is retweet the following post:
How do you #GetSteamy? RT and @ reply w/answers for chance to win an early copy of On the Steamy Side! http://bit.ly/bxCHyv
An RT gets you one chance to win; if you follow that up with an answer to the question, you get two shots! Just be sure your answer includes the hashtag #GetSteamy, or it won't count.
I grew up in Virginia, went to school in Philadelphia, spent five years in Manhattan, then moved to a teeny town in Ohio. Now I live in fabulous, funky, fun Austin, Texas, which is very inspiring...
Once an editor of romance novels, now I'm writing my own. My Recipe for Love series combines contemporary romance with my love of food, restaurants, and smokin' hot chefs!
This is so nice! One of the most respected romance review sites out there, All About Romance, mentioned On the Steamy Side in their post about 2010 books they hoped more readers would find. Thanks, guys!
