This is Part 3 of 3. See part 1 here and part 2 here.
It’s 6:25 and we are racing down to the lobby, trying to get 300 bags into a Lexus and I see BOTH busses parked at the hotel FILLED with GNO guests, and the first bus was supposed to be for all the people helping me! That one was supposed to leave at 6:30. Then the next 15 minutes later, etc.
So when I got to the restaurant (an hour later than planned because of the additional swag), my husband was still setting up and let me know that the restaurant was running late too. GREAT. We already had tables of women who were early and everything else was late. Then what happens??? BOTH busses roll in (there was supposed to be staggered delivery) at 6:45 (the event started at 7). At that point ALL the careful planning went out the window. But thank goodness my Bitches and Whores were there to help (I wish I got photos of all of you!) (KERRY!!!!!!)
But the entry was so smooth, and scanning the tickets in was a breeze! Everyone was handed one of those swag bags, a purple bracelet that says Book Whore, and were on their way!
I must say, my husband did a beautiful job setting up. His wonderful signs were everywhere and all over the table were our custom cards with the author’s names and some of the fun drinks available for the night.
Apparently, the Tight Snatch and the Panty Dropper were the best, but when a raffle winner had to drink a cum shot from Tara Sivec’s chest, it was pretty funny, and it looked delicious 🙂
FABIO was there! And EVERYONE took advantage of him.
I was told by a bunch of the authors as well as many attendees, that they would be arriving late because of another party that was added after mine was planned. So I pushed back dinner to 8:00 as requested, but had requested that there be light food, like salad and rolls brought out earlier, because people were hungry. (Unfortunately, this didn’t happen quickly enough.)
The event was planned and advertised as a cocktail style reception. It was set up that way so people would be forced to walk around and interact, and not just sit with their own little group. But what I had never considered was that people were standing in line all day, and didn’t want to party, they wanted to rest. But once the jell-o shots started flowing, and everyone was drinking the Screaming Orgasms, nobody minded the reception style, they were too busy dancing and having fun!
Amazing prizes were given out all night from A $150 Vibrator (I still don’t know who donated it!) to a beautiful basket from Debra Anastasia (who won that? e-mail me!), to a Kindle Paperwhite from Jasinda Wilder and Lilliana Hart! Plus books and swag all night long. Sadly a few people left early and missed out when they got called for some great prizes.
The plan had been to hand out t-shirts and tote bags on arrival, but it got too crazy, so the lovely and amazing Suzy Stork and Kerry Genova helped all night with the shirts and bags. Shannon Fender was my savior who provided security, DJ, photographer and herself. Cheryl, Ricki, Trinity, Jennifer, Deseree, Joanne, Angie, Tina and Kim were all so helpful there is no way we could have pulled it off without them. (Did I forget anyone???)
The 31 authors were so gracious, and despite being exhausted and hungry after a day at Book Bash, many went around to every table and talked to fans. Others stayed at one spot drinking and having fun, so the fans would know where to find them.
The restaurant was beautiful. I didn’t get a chance to eat dinner (but holy crap, the desserts-yum!!!!) but I heard the carving station and sliders were incredible. Those who stayed all night had a GREAT time. The lovely Kristen Ashley was there the entire night chatting with all of her fans, what a treat to have her there! Tara Sivec partied all night long and she and Kristen left on the last bus back to the hotel.
So many authors were so wonderful and gracious all night. Though 31 authors were listed, a few other authors joined the party and had a great time as well. By the end of the night we were dancing and singing Karaoke!
My husband had only planned on staying until the event started, then he planned on driving 3.5 hours back home! But luckily, we got a little help, and Mr. Ana stayed and partied all night, and even ran out to buy me flowers. Awww, what a guy.
After the GNO ended at 11, (and we got lost and passed the exit 3 times), we finally made it back to the hotel and enjoyed partying in the lobby bar until we were kicked out at 2:00am and had to move the party to the lobby. Many authors were hanging out all night as well, and we really enjoyed talking to M. Leighton & RK Lilley and her Mr. Beautiful!
Tara was nursing a possibly broken toe from she-who-shall-remain nameless stepping on her, but that didn’t stop Mr. Ana from getting to see Tara and I smooch one more time, just for him. (Spank bank material?)
The next day, I had all afternoon to hang out because my husband left very early to haul the kids halfway back to Orlando because my son was playing a gig. So since I was going to meet them there, I had a day to kill. I hung around with the beautiful Jen Sterling and Tara Sivec.
and even got to meet Rehvenge from The Black Dagger Brotherhood, and Vlad from The Night Huntress series! (Really, it’s Paul Marron, but he is the cover model, so….)
As I was getting ready to leave with Tara Sivec and drive her to Disneyworld, our bellhops just couldn’t stay away. These Doubletree bellhops were awesome. And let me tell you, they had more fun with us than they have ever had. Swear. They also walked away all excited to read Tara’s books, and I got a photo e-mailed the next day. This is Scott. He liked the shirt. 🙂
I came home from the weekend in TORRENTIAL rain, but it was worth every drop of work and money to meet these great authors, hang out with great friends (who I met through reading), and I must admit….I’m still recovering.
If you would like to purchase a tote bag (pictured below) or t-shirt, shoot me an e-mail at weekend@anasattic.com
1st Place: (One winner US only)
- A Wicked Book GNO filled Swag Bag
- A Wicked Book GNO Tote Bag with all 31 author’s names
- Wicked Book GNO t-shirt
- A Wicked Book GNO Book Whore bracelet
- An Ana’s Attic TBR list pad
- An Ana’s Attic tablet/phone stand
PLUS
- A Signed Book from one of the Book Bash Authors
- A Paperback copy of a book by Tara Sivec
2nd Place (1 winner US Only)
- A Wicked Book GNO Tote Bag with all 31 author’s names
- A Wicked Book GNO Book Whore bracelet
- An Ana’s Attic TBR list pad
- An Ana’s Attic tablet/phone stand
- A Tara Sivec Paperback Book
- Swag
3rd Place (2 winners US only)
- A Wicked Book GNO Book Whore bracelet
- An Ana’s Attic TBR list pad
- An Ana’s Attic tablet/phone stand
- Swag
I will be following my kid on tour for a few weeks when this giveaway ends. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery.
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Pam says
There are so many people I’d love to meet, but maybe sometimes it’s better not to meet them so the image you have of them isn’t ruined.
Ana's Attic says
Tara Sivec and Kristen Ashley TOTALLY loved up to their image. Many others, like Raine Miller are totally different, but surpass all expectations. But I have heard friends say they would never read a favorite author again after meeting them.
Nicole Huffman says
Great giveaway and love reading your recaps of Book Bash weekend.
Heather@Redheaded Bookworm says
I would love to meet Darynda Jones! She is so amazing online, I know she would be so much fun to hang out with!!! Thanks so much!
Cara O says
I have no idea, too many people out there!
Robin says
Had the most amazing time at book bash, can’t wait for next years! I would love to meet Sandra bullock, I think she is amazing
Suzy says
Scott was overly friendly!! Lol. But we had fun. I sat and talked to him while I was waiting for pizza while we were stuffing swag bags (when the blind guy told me he wished he could see bc I sounded pretty!). He was giving me all kinds of tips for other places we should visit on our next Purple Bitch trip. I bet he would be trouble to party with! But he was very attentive!!
Ana's Attic says
Veeeerrrrrry attentive.
Michelle says
I’d love to meet Kristen Ashley!
Crystal W Smith says
Loving the Book Bash recap! I had so much fun and can’t wait til the next one! Hmmmmm it’s a huge world of anyones…….I would have to say Dale Earnhardt Jr. Or Tony Stewart….or….
Jenn McElroy says
Hmm, if I could meet anyone in the world? I’d really like to meet the POTUS 🙂
JennS says
Thank you for the recaps. Wish I could have been there! 🙁
Megan Wickland says
Kristen Ashley…I just LOVE her!! It would be awesome to chat with her and find out how she comes up with the story lines. And following her posts on FB…she’s hilarious! I want to meet her rat neighbor too! Lol
Yvonne Simpkins says
I would love to meet so many authors, Maya Banks, Lorelei James, Cat Johnson, so so many. Thanks for the giveaway.
Brandy says
Had an amazing time and can not wait to do it again!! My highlight of the night was singing Spice Girls with Tara Sivec!! She is badass! 😉
Ana's Attic says
I know…you guys were awesome!
Yvette says
Anna Kendrick. I feel like she’d be an awesome person to get to know.
Jenn says
I’d love to meet Colleen Hoover and Debra Anastasia – that would be awesome!
lisa w says
I have no idea!!!
Suzanne D. says
😀
Diana Doan says
In the book world, I’d love to meet Colleen Hoover and Amy A. Bartol. In Hollywood world, I’d love to meet Channing Tatum and Eva Longoria <3 <3
Annie says
Thanks for the recap post. I love being to able to experience the get together vicariously through your blog. Thanks for the giveaway!
Joanne Christenson says
In the book world….I’d love to meet Sylvain Reynard because im not sure he even exists
Andrea C says
Love your giveaways
denise smith says
i really dont know maybe ab lincoln
Karen H says
Well I would love to meet Anne McCaffery she will always be my all time favorite writer. I cried the day she died
Donna Reynolds says
I would love to meet Nicole Edwards you look like you had a blast
Carolyn says
barack obama
Melissa C. says
Eminem. He is just yummy and a little jacked up in the head. So I think he’d be fun.
joe hawkshaw says
Great giveaway thanks.
Kimberly Mayberry says
To be honest, if I could met anyone in the world, it would have been my dad. He left when I was two, and I just found out that he died shortly after my now ten-year-old son was born. Second choice would be Bette Midler, because she is so darn crazy and fun! lol
Bobbye says
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂 I’d like to meet Aleatha Romig next 😉
Angel says
Enjoyed reading your recap, sounds like it was a blast! Thanks for the giveaway too!
Kathy Kahler says
Oh my so many I would love to meet but they are all fictional like all the Nightingale Investigation Team, and Remy and and Character named Luke theres something in the name. Book Bash was such a good time.
Ana's Attic says
Kathy I say the same thing!
Rebecca says
I would want to meet Tara Sivec or Dwayne Johnson!!
Stacy says
Thanks for the giveaway but all the people I would like to meet are only alive in the books that I read. Lol!
Lariza says
Great giveaway!! I would love to meet Kristen Ashley!
Sarah says
Sounds like a blast. In the author world, I would love to meet E L James.
Rhonda Beyer says
Looks like you guys had so much fun.
Melissa D says
Hmmm, that is not difficult. I would love to meet and get my hands on Ian Somerhalder!!! Hot Hot Hot!!!!
Stacy F says
I would love to meet Jasinda Wilder, she seems like she would be completely awesome to hang out with! I would also LOVE to meet Adam Levine because he is so damn sexy!!!! I loved reading about your weekend, sounded like you had a blast! Thanks for the giveaways 😉
Ana's Attic says
Jasinda is awesome.
Vickie Milizia says
I would love to meet the President, maybe I could snag a meal at the White House. I hear the chef there is amazing!
liezel says
David Gandy. I’m sure though as soon as I see him I’ll keel over and embarrass myself. =)
Tammy V. says
I’d have to say that is a hard choice. I would like to talk to Mandela but I would like to slobber over Ian Somerhalder. 😉
Amanda H says
that’s a TOUGH question, I have NO IDEA who I would pick.
Tatia White says
Book world: I would love to meet Colleen Hoover and my all-time fav, Jasinda Wilder.
Movie world: Jason Statham. I need to know if the voice is as good in person as it is in the movies. Plus he’s pretty hot. Oh, or Dwayne Johnson. He seems like a pretty laid back kind of guy.
Casey Britton says
I would love to meet JR Ward or Lisa Renee Jones! They write such fabulous books!!
Lori Mitchell says
Thanks for the giveaway! Looks like you had a great time!
Kim U says
In the book world I would love to meet Kristen Ashley. In the music world it would definitely be M Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold
Heather - Not Everyone's Mama says
I think I want to meet Linkin Park just so they can serenade me. 🙂 In books – Laurell K Hamilton or Sherrilyn Kenyon I think.
Annie says
Adam Levine…..Need I say more??!?!?
Denise F says
Either Betty White or Ellen Degeneres…they are two very funny ladies and I’m sure I would be laughing so much I would have tears.
pam metz says
Great giveaway! I can’t think of anyone I would really want to meet.
Julie K says
Tara Sivec!
libbyporter says
I can’t think of someone I would really like to meet.
Amy Pollard Woolard says
I would love to meet Abbi Glines!
Meagan W. says
I would love to meet Abbi Glines or Colleen Hoover they are funny.
Linda Andrews says
There are to many to name rely but Robyn Carr Karthi S Barton Liliana Hart would be on my list
Laura Sullenger says
If I could meet anyone it would be Adam Levine. Sounds shallow, yes, but at least I’ll have some hotness in my meeting.
Kirsten says
If I could meet anyone in the world it would be Ozzy Osbourne. Laugh if you want, but that man and his music have gotten me through some tough times. He’s my freakin’ hero.
Jess says
I’d love to meet Ellen DeGeneres!!!!!
Kim Perry says
Sounds like a great party!! I would love to meet Lisa Renee Jones and Abbi Glines.
Becky says
I’d love to meet Ellen Degeneres!!
Erika says
I’m not sure but probably one of my favorite authors like Colleen Hoover or Jennifer Armentrout! Thanks!
Elena says
pick me please
jodi marinich says
i would love to meet sylvia day and find out how she writes her books so well
Natasha says
Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to meet Sylvia Day or Gena Showalter.
Deb Liu says
Robert Pattinson. He is the only one on my free pass list.
Erica says
SO many people – I would have to say JK Rowling or Kerry Ellis though.
robynkuhn says
channing tatum
Skye K. says
Oh hard choice question. . . atleast for me. So many people Id love to meet. I suppose Id say my true love. Cause Id like to meet him now if I could, but perhaps Ill run into him sooner or later.
Alisa Kaminski says
Colleen Hoover or Sylvia Day for sure. But there are so many more.
Bobbie Bohn says
I will meet all my favorite authors. But I would love to meet Jodi Ellen Malpas & EL James. These two fabulous authors don’t seem to tour as much as the rest of my favs
Ricki says
Well thanks to you, my friend and the incredible WBE, I’ve met all but one of my favorite authors!!! All I have left to meet is Olivia Cunning. The other, of course would be My Adam!! 22nd row at the Maroon Five concert wasn’t close enough!!!
Ana's Attic says
Love you!
valerie cooper says
I’ve briefly met Colleen Hoover but would like a chance to hang out with her. She seems really fun!
Nicole A. says
What a tough question. Umm, I’m going to go with an author and say… Sherrilyn Kenyon. =) Thank you for the giveaway.
FranJessca says
I would love to meet Gena Showalter or J.R. Ward in person. One day I will. =) I already met one of my FAVE authors, Sylvia Day. She is such a sweetheart in person.
Elizabeth says
Would live to win this!! Anna’s attic is awesome!
Traci Cauthen says
Christian Grey……….lol
Traci Cauthen says
Christian Grey……lol
Jeannie Platt says
Oh my so nice that your hubby stayed to help… Sounds like a great party and event… I say I am want to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon she is one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts and Cynthia Eden are also on my list 🙂 Big hugs Ana and congrats on another huge party success.
amber coker says
sylvia day! i wanna stalk her cuz she is amazing!
Arely Z. says
Oh jeez, I can’t decide!!! Kristen Ashley, definitely. You too, it would be awesome to meet you! Congrats on doing this and being able to do something so big like this!
Julie says
I’d love to meet the lovely Laura Kaye.
Yvonne C says
Josh Groban. Le sigh
Sheri Zee says
If I could meet anyone in the world…Rob Pattinson! Oh yes, my LOVE!!!
Mica says
Hmmm..so many…if we are talking books Kristen Ashley and Tara Sivec would be close to the top of my list.
Melissa B says
Damn girl you really know how to throw a party!!! 🙂
Stephanie R. says
Awesome giveaway! I’d love to meet Mariah Carey.
Sharilyn Dickerson says
Great giveaway! Thank you!!!
Kimie says
SAWEEEET!!!!!!!
Evelyn Recinos says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Karen D. says
Jamie Mcguire would be my top author pick to meet…but I would love to meet Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds!
Jennifer G says
If I had the chance I would LOVE to meet Kristen Ashley. Looks like you had a blast. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Wendy S says
There are several people I would love to meet. Authors: Laurann Dohner, Kristen Ashley, Hannah Howell and Cherise Sinclair are some of the people that stand out in my mind. Actors: the whole casts of NCIS & Criminal Minds. Lol. I love all the characters on both shows and would love to meet them all. I just recently started watching Criminal Minds. I watched all 8 seasons in 3 months. I’m now in love Shemar Moore. That man is hot!!
Scheva says
In the book world? – Tara Sivec for sure. She looks like a blast in a glass!!!
Lynn C. says
I would like to meet you. 🙂
Noemi S says
Sylvia Day. I love her crossfire series and would just like to give her a hug for bringing Gideon into my life 🙂