Here at RWA2017 in Orlando

I'm here! I made it to Orlando for #RWA17, the annual Romance of America writers conference. Imagine thousands of women, and men, mingling together in the drenching Florida heat in Mouseland, all here to discuss books, writing, drinking coffee in the morning and then wine at night. And then discuss more books!

I arrived yesterday and had lunch with two of my fav. peeps - Cindy Thomason and Sharon Hartley. We attended Mark Dawson's promotional workshop, where Mark proceeded to inform us of all his delish marketing tips, while the AC in the room was turned off so it made the salon into a giant humidor. V. good workshop.

Last night was dinner with my Harlequin editor and other romantic suspense authors, which was a lot of fun. I had the most delicious steak with mushroom sauce. Then it was off to the Daphne awards, where I had finaled with Navy Seal Seduction, my first Harlequin Romantic Suspense book. I didn't win, but had a great time and consumed some delicious chocolate!

Today it's breakfast with another friend, workshops, meeting with my editor, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the Binder women later at a bar. And the Golden Heart luncheon and the RITA awards. And books. LOTS more books!

RWA is coming up!

I'm in denial that July is here. We barely returned from S. Dakota, where I was researching my next Harlequin book, and now RWA is in two weeks. I'll be there, signing my Harlequin books to raise money for literacy. And I will also be giving away copies of Seduction, the first book in my Mating Mini series of werewolves and dragons. 

If you've never been to RWA, it can be quite overwhelming. Imagine thousands of people all gathered together and that is the conference. It's one reason I always try to get a room at the conference hotel instead of the overflow. 

Here's a few tips for surviving RWA and being more comfortable:

1. Bring a lightweight sweater. Although Orlando is, as a friend put it, "the seventh circle of hell in summer," the hotel will be icy cold with the a/c.

2. Carry a small container of eyedrops to wet your contact lenses. Hotel air is quite dry.

3. Many publishers have book signings where they give out FREE books. If you are flying, you can ship them home. Don't wait until Saturday night or Sunday! It gets crowded. Bring a rolling backpack or suitcase for the publisher signings and the literacy book signing. 

4. Dress is usually business casual, except for nights like the RITA awards. Wear comfy shoes...all that walking will wear out your feet!

5. When you first register you will get a tote with a lot of stuff. Bring this up to your room so you don't have to lug around all the material. But use the tote - it  comes in handy to stash books, handouts, cards.

6. Be sure to download and utilize the RWA app for a check on your schedule!

New release next month!

Next month I will release Book 9 in my Werewolves of Montana series. The Mating Ritual is Gideon's book. He is the Crimson Wizard, who was once a Fae who loved true. But his only love died and he vowed to never fall in love again.

Long ago, Unseelie Prince Gideon lost Lady Eleanor, princess of the rival Seelie kingdom, and vowed to never love again. Now the immortal Crimson Wizard, the handsome, sexy and lethal Gideon loses his powers as punishment for sharing magick to restore a fellow wizard’s life. But there are greater dangers at risk, for a terrible darkness threatens the peace treaty that Gideon died to implement. Glamoured as an Unseelie Prince, Gideon is pledged in marriage to Lady Alia, the curvy and lovely daughter of the Seelie king. Their marriage will keep the fragile truce.

Princess Alia fights a battle of her own, for women are scorned and abused in her father’s kingdom. To spare her people from her father’s cruelty and save her little sister from slavery, she must assassinate her groom, which will start a war between the two rival kingdoms. But gentle-hearted Alia is falling in love with Gideon, who treats her with all the tenderness and concern she’s longed for her entire life. Little does she know she is the key to restoring Gideon’s broken heart, and helping him to stop the evil infiltrating both kingdoms and killing everything in its path…

Upcoming books and bargains!

On May 4, BookBub will feature The Mating Challenge, Book 5 in my Werewolves of Montana series.

This is Aiden's book, and if you haven't read it yet and you adore sexy, tough alpha wolves, get it for only 99 cents!

I'm also running a special sale on The Mating Season, the book that follows. That book will be $2.99 for the month of May. 

I'm slowly but surely finishing Gideon's book, The Mating Ritual, Book 9. Anticipating a release date of June 1 for that book. 

And Navy Seal Protector, my third Harlequin romantic suspense book, will be released in October of this year. 

To check out all my books and book news, please visit my website. Happy reading! 

He can't remember who he is...

Monday, March 13 is the release of The Mating Game, Book 8 in my Werewolves of Montana romance series. In the book, Xavier, the Crystal Wizard, is stripped of his memories by the goddess Danu as punishment for giving his powers to Tristan, the Silver Wizard. His memories are most precious to Xavier. And yet he still has his powers, which makes for some very interesting problems! 

I can't imagine losing your memories - all of them - let alone when you're a 700+-year-old wizard who is both immortal and powerful. Read on for an excerpt of Xavier's book. 

The Mating Game excerpt copyright 2017 Bonnie Vanak

His eyes had darkened to storm clouds. Ciara heard sounds of disapproval and glanced around, dismayed at the staring faces. “Everyone can see us. I wish we had some privacy. Someplace natural and fresh.”

Xavier waved a hand and suddenly the pool vanished. They were emerged in a crystal-clear stream, the water up to his waist. A waterfall spilled over the side of a mountain.

“Now, we are finally alone.”

Ciara looked around, her eyes wide. “The water feels wonderful. Is this your magick? What if someone at the pool saw us vanish?”

“One of the benefits of being the Crystal Wizard. I simply created the illusion we left the pool to lie in the sun.” Then his expression turned troubled. “I shouldn’t do this. You’re my charge, and the Brehon never get involved with their charges.”

“Never?”

A sheepish smile touched his face. “Well, some of us have done so, but I have never had sex with one of my charges.”

“Then it will be your first time too. Xavier, I don’t want some uncaring stranger who sees only my body and what pleasure I can give him. I want someone who knows my heart.”

He looked startled. Then he placed his warm palm on her chest. A thrill raced through her at his gentle touch.

“How do I know your heart?” he asked softly.

Ciara wasn’t certain. Maybe she’d sound like a fool, but it must be said in this important moment.

“I’ve had these dreams about you lately. Powerful dreams. They fade to mist when I wake, but I remember saying one thing: ‘I give you my heart so we will always be together, even unto death.’”

He stared into her eyes, his gaze growing soft. “Those words are so familiar and dear to me, but I cannot remember why.”

“You know me, Xavier. You are no stranger to me. I know you feel it as well. I want no other for my first lover.”

Xavier’s mouth parted slightly as he stared at her lips.

“Please,” she whispered. 

The Mating Game is available for purchase through Amazon, Nook, iBooks, Google and Kobo.

New contest with $1250 in prizes!!!

MARCH MANIA IS HERE!!!

I'm participating in a multi-author contest, and we're giving away $1250 in prizes! Sponsored by Best Romance Author Giveaways, all you have to do is sign up for our author newsletters to enter for your chance at some great prizes!

Click here to find out more!

Contest! Win books and an Amazon gift card!

To celebrate the release of SHIELDED BY THE COWBOY SEAL, I'm running a new contest!

I'm giving away TWO paperback copies of my new HQ release, Shielded by the Cowboy Seal, and a $10 Amazon gift card. To enter, click here.

It's pretty easy. All you have to do is "like" my Facebook page. That's it! Contest ends Feb. 27 and is not endorsed by FB or Rafflecopter. Good luck!