Fangirl Heaven, oops, I mean Book Bonanza happened in Denver, Colorado on July 20 and 21st. Initially, I planned to attend this event to assist Christine Brae, but when work obligations came up and she was no longer able to attend (I MISSED HER SO MUCH), I chose to help J.R. Rogue. Before that day, I had never assisted an author before, so I didn’t really have a clue what I was doing. Thankfully, Jen was incredibly gracious and helped me out while chatting with her amazing readers. As many of you know from reading our blog, I was already a huge fan of her writing, so being able to get to know her better made my day. If my house was on fire, I would save my custom poem from her before almost anything, her writing is that special to me.

When I walked into the room to help Jen set up, I was trying not to act completely starstruck about being in an empty room with countless authors I’ve read. Everywhere I looked there was someone, but I wasn’t there to bother them, so I had to keep moving. My main concern was that I wouldn’t get to meet R.S. Grey since her only signing was at the same time as Jen’s. Luckily, she stopped by to chat with Jen and I was able to grab my preordered books from her before the doors opened. Thank you so much, Rachel, for making time for me!

As the doors opened, I couldn’t believe how many people were flooding the room. Readers are so awesome – everyone was on a mission to head to their favorite author’s table before anyone else could get there. The best thing was watching the smiles on everyone’s faces and being able to see how respectful of others every single person was. Such a big event could not have been as peaceful if any other group was in attendance, in my opinion! Great job, everyone!

I don’t think many of us realize how much effort authors put into these signings. They travel with huge crates of books, sign for multiple hours in a row, interact with every single person in their line, and smile the whole time while we all fawn over them. Many of us, readers and authors alike, are introverts, so we can easily understand how draining this much socializing can be, despite how happy we are to see everyone. So thank you to every author who tirelessly attended this event for all of us to meet you and have our books signed.

Instead of rehashing every detail of the event and taking all day long, (though I could easily do that) I want to quickly highlight each author I met and share my photos!

• Amy Harmon – This woman is the epitome of goodness. I didn’t get a picture with her because I didn’t want to take any more of her time, as she was already staying after the signing was over to make sure she signed books for every person in line. She had a smile on her face the whole time and took the time to talk with everyone. I didn’t think it was possible, but I love Amy even more than I did before.
• Willow Aster – I ADORE Willow. When she walked up to me and gave me a hug…um, fangirl down. I was blown away that she knew who I was and so happy to finally meet her in person. Her book, Whore, retitled as Lilith, is one of my absolute favorites.
• Kim Holden – I’ve met Kim once before at a signing at The Bookworm Box, so when she popped up behind me in Willow Aster’s line, I had to snap a picture! Like everyone else, Bright Side ripped my heart out. Kim also helped make the event possible by storing countless books in her home for authors before Book Bonanza started! She’s a rockstar!
• Teagan Hunter –Teagan is one of my friend’s very favorite authors, so I had to hop in her line. I was so excited to meet her because she is a huge supporter of our blog! She and her husband are AWESOME! Thanks for all you do, Teagan!
• Fisher Amelie – Ever since reading her book, Get in the Car, Jupiter, I’ve wanted to be Fisher’s best friend. She shares my love of all things British, including the tv show, Are You Being Served?, she’s hilarious, so nice, an amazing writer, and a fellow Texan! Funnily enough, I had to go to Colorado to finally meet her. 😉 I’m still fangirling!!
• Rachel Hollis – I didn’t think I would be able to meet Rachel, but somehow the signing gods shined on me. I will talk about that more in my review of Girl, Wash Your Face, coming next week.
• Whitney Barbetti – I’m a broken record, but I LOVE Whitney Barbetti. Her Mad Love Duet is making my list of favorite books of 2018. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to her online numerous times, but it was my first chance to finally meet her. I’m so thankful to her assistant, Talon, who happens to be one of my favorite bloggers and best book friends for introducing me to Whitney’s books. I would be totally missing out if I hadn’t started with Ten Below Zero at the end of last year.
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  Tiffanie DeBartolo – Some of you, cough cough, might want to shun me from the book world after my review of How to Kill a Rockstar earlier this month, but I was so excited to meet Tiffanie DeBartolo. She is one of the smartest writers I’ve ever encountered and I can’t wait for more books from her in the future. Of course, I clammed up when I met her.

  

• Tammara Webber – I have yet to read a Tammara Webber book (I know), but I’ve heard so many great things about Easy and thanks to J.R. Rogue’s praise of her, I decided to pop in and get a copy for myself.

  

• Dina Silver – I read One Pink Line a few years ago and was pleased to finally meet Dina. She is ridiculously nice and funny! I’m ecstatic I got to snag a picture (I’m terrible at selfies) with her and have her sign my journal of book quotes. Thanks, Dina!

There was so much that happened, so many book friends I was able to connect with, new people I was able to meet (shout-out to author Liz Monroe – I LOVE YOU), and more! This event was wonderful, raised more than 50K for Safehouse Denver, allowed friendships to blossom, and overwhelmed us all. Thank you to Colleen Hoover, her family, and The Bookworm Box for organizing something all of us will remember forever!