Reviewing Retreat

Nine months after its release, Retreat finally gets a review! Not sure why it took so long, I guess these review sites are overwhelmed. Check out what Melinda thinks:

“I love it when an author writes about second chances especially with characters like Jake and Andria. These two were great when they were younger and now as grownups they are even more passionate than ever. The chemistry is still there and there’s hope for more in their relationship. Andria’s little girl and Jakes are like sisters meant to be and great matchmakers in every way. I loved that they are confused in what to do now when their passion comes back for one another. Alana did a beautiful job in making their relationship stronger yet still memorable in every way. Loved it.”

Read the entire review HERE and more about Retreat HERE. I’m back to writing, currently as Olivia. Edits should begin soon on her contemporary western with Carina Press. That should be fun!

Guest Blogged Today

I stopped by the RomCon website today, and talked about my split personality, and my ditzy side.  If you’d like to stop by and read one of my embarrassing moments, click HERE. Just don’t tell anyone.

All the Wit, None of the Wisdom.

Stop by the All Romance Ebooks newsletter, Wildfire where Julie sat down with me and Olivia.  Not that Olivia helped much, she’s so lazy.  Yeah, I know the picture has nothing to do with the post, but I really like the pic, and couldn’t think of any other reason to use it.

Préjà Vu Tops Them All

Well, not all, but Long and Short Reviews readers recently voted Préjà Vu as the Book of the Week! I got this nifty badge:

and bragging rights for seven days! So I’m starting here. Of course I need to thank all my twitter followers, LSB Forum readers, and facebook friends who answered the call and stopped by to vote. Couldn’t have done it without you! Also, the reviewer needs kudos, because the review was extremely well written. I’ve had a few that sounded like they either didn’t read the whole book, or they were fourth graders forced to do a book report. Here is some of what reviewer Xeranthemum had to say:

If you like a book to have enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat while engaging all your senses in a dangerous, flirty romance, then Préjà Vu is for you.Trevor, the male lead, is what I’d call extremely bitter dark chocolate in the beginning. And like that treat, I didn’t like him either. But Ms. Coca added some interesting aspects to his character and a few delicious insights which end up making Trevor a man who grows on a reader and absolutely inspires a healthy dose of lustful thinking and contemplative musings. He’s a strong personality and a skeptic. His willingness to listen to Ryann’s side of the story and his actions from then on make their growing relationship a pleasure to watch unfold.I enjoyed the author’s voice and writing style. I was completely engrossed in the plot and how the characters interacted. I thought they were enhanced by excellent dialogue and descriptions and I truly had no idea how the premonition was going to play out. I got a kick out of the wrap-up HEA – it was adorable. I could visualize all those nuts and bolts. Too funny. I was thoroughly entertained by Préjà Vu and would recommend this book to any fan of romantic suspense.

I knew when I was writing Préjà Vu that Trevor was a tough cookie. I didn’t like him myself at first, but he grew on me too. It’s intriguing to see that come through to readers. If you’d like to read the entire review, just visit the Long and Short Reviews website .

RT Booklovers Convention Rehashed

Well, I made it. Before the conference even started, I wanted to turn around and go home. It started with a car accident that killed two people unknown to me, then continued with a snowstorm that made my drive scary, a sick dog (not mine), a pokey hotel shuttle bus which caused me to be re-scheduled three hours later, maintenance issues on the second plane, lost luggage, rental car place running out of economy vehicles, a painful rejection *scowl*, then I was pulled over for speeding, and it ended with a reservation mix up that caused a $440 charge on my hotel. I had a pretty good crying fit, and seriously looked into an early flight home.

Then I was dragged out of bed by my fellow LSB authors, and into the hotel bar where after one drink, I started thinking I’d be able to do it. Here I am with Ella Drake, Dee Carney and Michelle Picard Tina Burns took this picture. Glad you can’t see the agony on my face!

By the time morning arrived, all was well with the world. No, I didn’t drink that much! I resigned myself to forget what dragged me down, and focused on enjoying the conference. I attended a plethora of workshops, most of them about suspense in romance.

Attended a Faery Ball sans costume, a Caveman Mixer sans red dress, a Vampire Ball sans fangs, and a mad hatters party sans hat. Maybe next time I’ll be more prepared, but I enjoyed them anyway. Sat at my little corner in the book signing arena (I was prepared for this one at least) Gave away plenty of swag, including my bookmarks, which really made no sense, they don’t work with ebooks. I didn’t tell them that though. They’ll have to figure it out themselves.

Here is the LSB publisher Tina Burns at the publisher table. She gave away a Nook to one lucky reader.

The return trip wasn’t nearly as strenuous. I took my time, and had a few days to goof off before I had to be in Philly for my flight home. I stopped in Annapolis MD for some history and scenic views. The weather was beautiful, and I spent about half an hour just sitting on a dock listening to the sound of the waves.

I also stopped at almost anything scenic that was posted on the highway. I know I looked like a doofus tourist, but I kept reminding myself that no one knew me! Found some great foliage here, and I wish I could somehow make this picture a scratch and sniff. The clean air was filled with the scent of the tree bark, and flowering groundcover. There were crickets, birds, and a soft breeze rustling the leaves. I could have spent hours here.

Once I made it back to Philly, I learned what scrapple was. Thanks, Lane for educating me before I ordered it. Flew back to Denver without a hitch (except for the guy who snored like a chainsaw on the plane). I did run into snow on the highway in Wyoming. Can you believe that folks?! Neither can I. I’m still waiting for spring.

I posted more pictures and captions on my Facebook Page. Now I’m trying to catch up on laundry, edits, and reworking that rejected manuscript to submit to someone. I can’t wait for next year. L.A., here I come!