Authors After Dark: My Top Five List

I'm sure there will be/are a lot of posts on Authors After Dark out in the blogosphere... so, instead of going over every single thing... because I'm sure someone has done a better job ;)... I'll keep it simple and give you my top five favorite things about AAD Philly:

#5 - I actually had time to do some sightseeing :) ... you probably weren't expecting that to be on the list, lol... I've been to plenty of conventions the past few years, and I usually don't have time to leave the hotel. This time, I was glad I scheduled my flights with enough time to allow me to see the city I'm visiting. I got to see the Liberty Bell! How cool, right? hehe (yes, I'm a dork)

#4 - I got to room with my friend Joy (from Joyfully Reviewed)! We've been roomies several times already, and it's nice when you can room with someone you're already comfortable with... even if she does tweet lies about you... No, it's not true that I was snoring loud enough that the fire department had to be called! LOL. I don't think I would make it out of any convention alive without her, though... If not for her, I would be the one hiding in the corner ;)

#3 - I got to spend time with authors Melissa Schroeder and Kris Cook!! OMG, these two are fantabulous :) Plus, they hosted an open bar event... even if I didn't already think they were great, I sure as heck would have after that, LOL... Warning: Kris Cook and Joy should not be allowed to hang out together without adult supervision, lol

#2 - I absolutely love meeting other bloggers.. there were more bloggers this year than last, from what I could tell. I loved how there were special panels just for bloggers and we got a chance to interact. Those blogger panels and events were some of my favorite... I also got to meet @SpazP... who was just so sweet and awesome... and whether she knows it or not, I'm always trying to beat her in points on FourSquare, LOL... It was fun getting to chat with Felicia from Geeky Bloggers Book Blog... I can't wait to see her again at Readers 'n 'Rita in November! There are so many more awesome bloggers and readers that I met... and even if I named them all, I'm sure I'd forget a few... there was one fabulous blogger who made some yummy mango drinks! hehe


#1 - My number one favorite thing about AAD Philly? Just the simple fact that I got to meet so many great authors and readers. Some I've met before and some I was meeting for the first time. It's always great to get together with others who are just as passionate about the romance genre as I am.

Honestly, I'm already looking forward to next year!
The only downfall, for me, was that due to some pains I was having, I didn't get to attend all the events and panels I had wanted/planned to *boo*. But, for the ones I did attend, I had an absolute blast. I enjoyed looking at everyone's costume for the Mythos Ball and Steampunk Ball... I even dressed up a bit for the Steampunk night :)

I received a ton of books... not only to read and review, but to giveaway as well! Um, unfortunately, I must wait for all the books and promos to be mailed to me *sigh*... I've told my friend that I'd pay more for shipping if it could get here asap, LOL... I knew I should have left my clothes and taken my books with me, LOL

With so many books to read and catch-up on, I'll be reading the first chapter of my new ARC and sharing my thoughts on those... to see which ones I'll get to first. So, I hope you come back to see what goodies and giveaways are coming up on my blog!

Until then, happy readings!