So, we’re an hour in on Week 1, 126 of The Bachelorette and we’re already down one bachelor.  Only 11 more to go!    Yes, poor Brad got the “No date rose for you!” walk of shame out to the waiting taxi.  To catch up on the details (and find out who won last week’s book swap and what this week’s giveaway is all about – check out Part 1 of my Bachelorette Blog over on USA Today! 

Then hop back here because it’s time for, yes…The Mr. Bachelorette America Contest.  I know, I cringed, too.  Host Chris has ten of our bachelors at the famous Boardwalk Convention Hall, birthplace of the Miss America pageant and has informed the fellas that they’ll be having a little pageant action of their own.  It was interesting watching the men try to not openly ogle the current Miss America given their potential future wife is standing right there with them.  Even more fun was watching them try not to gulp when Chris announces they’ll get help from a ‘world famous’ pageant coach (who looks all of 12) who makes it pretty clear he’d rather be ogling the guys than Miss America.

Now, I have to say, if they were ever going to do something this potentially humiliating and make it actually entertaining to watch, they picked the right bunch of guys to do it with.  These guys have already proven that they’re up for anything, they take it in stride and just own it.  And I appreciate that.

So, they’re introduced to a table of props to help them figure out the talent portion of the contest.  And what I love a LOT is that Juan Pablo picks up the baton and Des laughs, thinking he doesn’t understand what it is.  Then he twirls it like a baton master, including toss and catch.  HA!  He gives us a camera wink and I love him even more.  And then he goes with the bongos…  Oh Juan Pablo.

However, while Ben has shifted to more Normal Guy last week and this, Naked Zak is taking Brandon’s recently vacated emo spot and making it his own.  He chooses the guitar and shares with us that he’s written a song about Des.  Oh…Zak.  My finger hovers over the FF button, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.  Ben loses all of his recently gained cool points as he attempts the rhythmic dance ribbon, Chris (is that his name?) dons heels.

Totally token naked Drew shot…

Drew makes the droll observation that the whole thing is “it’s a devil’s brigade up there.  It’s a hodgepodge of tomfoolery.”  Did he really just come up with that?  Is it a line from somewhere?  And if so, should I be equally alarmed that he knew it?  When he launches into Shakespeare, my worst fears are confirmed.  Some guys could make that kind of hot.  It turns out Drew is not one of them.  It comes off more pretentious than sweet.  Oh Drew.

The boys get help from Miss America with the talent portion, and I have to say, Invisible Chris totally cracks me up with his deadpan wearing of the high heels.  And?  What would a pageant be without the obligatory swimsuit competition.  Perk!  Suddenly, I am more interested in the proceedings.  The FF finger retreats.  Until I see the mankini Speedos.  Oh…show.  Boxer-brief-kinis I could do.  But the brightly colored slingback?  Just…way to ruin the fun. Yee.

Host Chris comes out looking awesomely fine in his very fine pageant host tux, totally making up for the matchy matchy outfit earlier.  He lets the guys know that in addition to himself, Miss America, and their lovely potential future wife, they will also be performing in front of a live Atlantic City audience.  Honestly, better and better, show. Better and better.

And the show begins…with the Q&A.  The guys mostly do okay.  Juan Pablo has a daughter??  Did we know this?  How many other Other Dads do we have?  Chris is totally adorkable with his answer and between that and the deadpan heels, I wish we could spend more time with this guy.  Mikey?  Eh, not so much.  He gives this long spiel about how men are deep and want to be respected for their minds and emotions and how he’s tired of being a piece of meat…and then starts the talent portion by doing a striptease.

Say it with me Blog Babes….OH MIKEY! 

Then, while I’m still trying to recover from shy Bryden doing pelvic thrusts at Des and the mayor of AC…gulp… Naked Zak sneaks out and shocks me by being pretty darn good with his song.  Hunh.  Who knew?

And it’s time for the swimsuit competition!  Which was disappointingly, well, brief.  Heh. Then it’s time for the results and the men crack me up by all holding hands and mock quiver with anticipation.  Seriously, this is a pretty great group here.  The second runner up is….Brooks!  Who did a cute song and smashed his ukelele rock star like, then hammed it up pretty good for a very white skinned boy in the swimsuit comp.  Naked Zak is first runner up…  And, drum roll…the winner of the first (and last?) Mr. Bachelorette America contest is……?  #Kasey, for his admittedly awesome tap dance routine, although…Kasey?  #Really? #VeryDisappointedShow  #Again

Post Pageant Pool Party…

Invisible Chris steps up and reveals his poet’s soul, which speaks to Des, who is a kindred spirit there.  He reads a poem he wrote about their one on one time and I appreciate how hard that was to do.  I like this guy.  He keeps surprising me. Mostly because we never see him, so we’re always surprised when we do, but still…

Ben reveals that the past two episodes were totally a matter of being ignored by the editors and that he’s still the same douchey “I’m not here to make friends” dude he was before.  Why is it the “I’m not here to make friends” contestants can’t understand that by their very inability to play the social game well, they have already doomed themselves.  You’re either a likable person…or you’re not.  Des might not get it in the context of this warped show set up, but she will in any real world context.  As do all the rest of them.  So future contestants?  HEED THIS.  Sheesh.  You’re at Man Camp.  Be a Good Camper.

Naked Zak makes time and plays for the date rose by playing the whole song for Des. He alternates between being okay guy and being emo Brandon guy.  Ultimately the latter will do him in.   Does the ploy work?  Yep!  The best part?  Ben feels the sting of defeat.  I am okay with this.

Yay!  FInally it’s time for Handsome James One on One Date Time!

He’s not going to final in this…but I enjoy this guy.  Des takes him on the Serious Date.  They go on a flyover of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy and it’s a pretty emotional trip.  If anything will bring them a chance to really bond, it may well be by experiencing something like this together.  They are both moved, James clearly. Then they land and head into the worst of it, talk to one of the local couples whose life was devastated.  The storm hit on their 38th anniversary, so Des and James give their date to them.  It’s a great gesture and it means a lot to the older couple.  It’s a brief respite, but meaningful.  And I love how they show us the two of them on their date.  How cute are they??  Oh Manny & Jan….we love you.

Des and James find a local pizza dive and do the Real Date thing, where you get into the meat of what’s important.  Des talks about how challenging her life was growing up and how it gave her an appreciatation for what’s important. And then…oh James.  He wants to be as open and honest, so he reveals that in a previous, long term relationship he was unfaithful.  And, points for honesty, but given the set up he’s in, competing against a raft of other guys…really risky move to confess so early on.  Admirable, but…yikes.

Back with Manny & Jan, they get a restored copy of their wedding album, then Des and James show up and give them the rest of their date, which is dancing to a private concert by (swoon) Darius Rucker.  The parallel between Manny & Jan and this newly forming couple is sweet and fun to watch.  One of the best Date Moments.  I’d be happy if we could end the night here.

But no. First?  It’s  Rose Ceremony Time. 

The gist of it is, Bryden is all convinced that he’s lagging behind in the race and maybe it’s time to cut bait. Des wants to use the time at the party to spend time with the guys who haven’t gotten the time to progress to where some of the men have.  MG takes that opportunity to do a Flash Cards of Love thing with Des that both hokey and hilarious.  I’m not sure that’s the way to really get to the deep place you need to be, but kudos for originality!

Zak w and James are safe.  Brad is already gone.  So…only one more goes tonight.  Really?  Sigh.  I could easily cut five or six at this point, but this is where we are.  So rather than tell you who all got roses, let’s cut to the chase.  Who goes?  Unsurprisingly, the also Invisible Not Naked Zach.  Ah Zach, we hardly knew ye!  At all.

Aaaand, there you have it. Down 2, still 11 left.  When, when will it end?  So…who do you love?  Who needs to go?  Who should Des end up with?  Any favorites yet?   Next week?  Munich!! 

And did you enter this week’s Bachelorette Book Swag Giveaway?  If you missed it, check out Part 1 of my USA Today recap and slide on down to the end where all the entry details are.  Then it’s time to settle in and DISH!!  Tell me all…

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We’ve survived Bachelorette Dodgeball.  Now it’s time to see if one of the bachelor’s can dodge a knee to the man parts.  Or, you know, possible other sharp object jabbed in tender places.  (What?  You missed Part 1 of the recap?  Well, pop on over to my USA Today “Happy Ever After” blog and catch up real quick,then join us back here.  Cuz things about to get real up in here.)

So, we’ve been waiting to see who has taken Bad Boy and elevated it to that place where Bad actually means Lying Bastard and…..oh Brian.  Yeah.  So Des is informed about what’s happening by Host Chris and pops on over to the mansion for a little chat.  Where she gives him both a shovel and a rope and he uses both as he digs a hole and hangs himself right over it.   Which is right about when his current girlfriend shows up.   I know!  The drama!  The tension!  Will there be blood?

The men in the house, who were a bit confused by her delaying her one on one date with #Kasey so she could chat privately with Brian out on the lanai, are instantly clued in to what’s really happening as The Girlfriend is strolled straight through the living room by Host Chris on their way outside to The Confrontation.  Hurry, let’s go look out the window, shall we??

So, we get the whole You Done Me Wrong meltdown, which she actually conducted fairly sensibly, all things considered.  Seems as if Brian thought things were over but didn’t bother to, you know, make that particularly clear to his significant other.  Who, did I mention, is a single mother?  With a child who was also close to him?   Yeah.  Which makes Brian a giant ol’ douchebag full of lying bastard.  Exit stage right Brian.

Back inside the guys are taking it with various degrees of “Oh no he di’in’t.”  Except for, of course, Emo Brandon, who has a total PTSD worthy childhood flashback to when his mom (who I believe he said was an addict who left him to raise his siblings) would bring guys home who he promptly called Daddy, only to have them leave him again.  Which, as a child is completely understandable and has to be beyond devastating.  But as an adult, you’d think Brandon would have put together by now that his mom?  Probably not making the wisest choices in the first place given her particular challenges, which we’ve heard were fairly epic.  Anyway…Brandon?  All of that sucks.  Huge.  But, in this instance, dry the man tears, dude.  This one is not about you.

Back at the One on One Date, #Kasey learns that his fear of heights will be tested as the date is about them dangling off the side of a building doing some kind of acrobatic air dance.  Um. Okay.

Whoosh!  Back at the Mansion, the second Group Date card arrives.  And?  It’s James, Juan Pablo (yay!), Naked Zak, Dan, and Bryden.  My first reaction was…there’s a Dan?

But before I can ponder Mystery Dan, bink, bam, bloop, we’re back at the dangling building thing again. To Kasey’s credit, he works past his fear of heights and goes for it.  But it’s ultimately exhausting and it’s been a long day so they bag that and head up to the roof for the relaxing part of the date.  Aaaand, not so fast.  The Santa Ana’s come in and try to blow the place down.  Their solution? Jump in the pool!  Only, it’s frigid cold.  She’s in the pool with a towel on her head trying so stay warm, and does Kasey suggest they get out and go inside?  No.  He plops a towel on his head and decides it’s the perfect time to lay one on her .  And another one.  And another.  Of course, she’s buried in thick terrycloth so we have no clue how she feels about this, but my guess?  Not falling over in lust for the guy.  Could be me projecting here.  But DUDE!  Wow on the timing.

Now, on the one hand, the person who gets the “jump off/climb up the tall thing” date on these shows usually goes far because it creates a very unique bond when two people experience such an adrenaline rush together.  But I’m not getting any connection between these two at all. I never did with him.  On the other hand, given the earlier drama of the day, I know Des is feeling badly that the date isn’t going well, and it’s certainly not his fault, but at the same time, you know she knows he’s not The One. Hell, we know he’s not The One and we’re not even there.  So, will she keep him around anyway so he doesn’t think it was an unfair chance for the two of them to bond given the circumstances?  Well, duh!  Of course she does, and it’s the right thing to do.

Group Date 2:  We’re off to the OK Lone Ranger Corral!

The guys look awesome in their cowboy duds.  And I spend some time enjoying that…

Also, James, honey?  You can wear that black vest and black hat anytime.  All the time.  Because…dang.  You are one big package of cowboy.  I’m sorry, where was I?  Oh, right.  The guys get schooled by the stunt team from the new Lone Ranger movie and the whole thing was pretty cool.  The guys were into it and they did a pretty great job all around.  But then there was Juan Pablo.  (There should have been that deep announcer voice saying “Then then there was one man.  Juan Pablo.”  You know?  So perfect.)

He owned the whole stunt routine and got to walk off into the sunset, aka special barn movie set up, with the girl, where they got to see a private advance screening of The Long Ranger (coming to theaters near you on July 3!)  Best part is you know he’s not really a match for Des, but being a girl with a pulse and all, she was understandably perfectly fine with curling up next to that guy for a few hours, all in the hopes it would lead to some sure-to-be-smouldering kisses.  And our JP?  Oh yeah, he didn’t disappoint.  Swoon.  And sigh.

Then it was on to the Group Date After Party where all the guys are sending lingering looks at the date rose, each hoping he’d be the guy who wouldn’t have to sweat bullets on the upcoming rose ceremony.   Each of the guys we get some camera time with have a good solo moment with her, but in the end…the lucky guy is?  (Yay!) …James.  I don’t know that he has The One tattooed on him anywhere, but on this particular date, at this particular juncture, I completely agreed with her assessment and desire to give him more time.  I do like that she’s very direct in her approach to all this and she does a pretty good job of letting the guys know where they stand.  At least in what we see.  She doesn’t say too much when she knows it’s not the right thing/person, and she’s quick to reassure when it is the right person, or she at least knows she needs more time to find out.  So…good on her.  And good on the guys for coming out and just putting that on the table, as James does this time around.  He seems like such a level headed, fair guy who gives everyone a good chance and treats everyone with respect.  Given the situation at home with his very ill papa, it’s the right thing for him to establish at this point with her.  So…good job, all around!  For once!  (Sorry, Naked Zak, I know you were bummed not to get the rose, but I don’t think you have to worry about things this time around.)   Invisible Dan…yeah, that guy needs to worry.

A shame too, because he looks pretty sweet and hot.  More Dan, show!

We’re back at the house and it’s pool party time with Des and the guys…I’m guessing this is the “Cocktail Party” pre-rose ceremony shindig?  I dunno.  But the guys are angling, we get more ridiculous drama between the Mad Mikes and Ben, none of which interests me.  I think they’re more worried about Ben when they should be thinking about Des.  I’m also meh on Ben.  He’s striking me more and more as the pretty boy who can be shady and get away with it.  We’ll see, I suppose, as things play out.  Brandon keeps the emo going with Des where he professes to be falling in love and you can kind of see her swallow the “what??” face and keep the smile going, which is to her credit.  A whole bunch of other guys still get no screen time, and I get that the show has to develop some story lines for guys who don’t make it to the end, but in the meantime they need to still at least begin a thread with the ones who do.  Last season we didn’t start to really even see the eventual winner until more than halfway through the season.  And while there was a lot of drama to cover in that season, it’s not as fulfilling a love journey for viewers to watch if we don’t get to simultaneously see that unfold at the same time.  More balance, show.  More balance.

Rose Ceremony Time!  

Kasey, James, and Chris have roses already.  And we know Brian is already out. So, who else is saved for another week?  Bryden, Juan Pablo, Naked Zak, Brooks, Drew, Not Naked Zach, Brad, MG, Mikey….  Oooh, there’s one rose left and Ben is still waiting.  Now, that’s producer manipulation fo sho, for the drama, but, epic fail, show, since we all know he’s not going home.  Not this week anyway.   Which means….aw, poor Emo Brandon.  It was the right thing to do though, given he’d revealed he was getting tangled up and she knew she wasn’t.  And?  Yeah, Invisible Dan, we hardly knew ye.  Actually, we didn’t know you at all.  I’m sure you’re a great guy.   As for Emo Brandon, his exit was as epically tragic (for him) as you’d expect it to be.  Initially Des tried to just hug him, apologize, say she was sorry but he wasn’t the one, only she knows he’s going to go jump off a bridge or something, so she goes after him.  Mistake number 2.  Once he has even a hint of a chance, he goes full bore breakdown.  Now, you know Des did that with Sean, but things had progressed to an actual relationship with them.  Not the case here.  This relationship is all in his head.  He even said to her that they’d barely spoken and yet he was falling in love.  (And all Des heard was “Danger, danger, Will Robinson!”)  I feel bad for the guy, because he’s all sincere in this,but he needs to learn how to get at least a shred of realistic expectation and read and assess situations more clearly and rationally.  Which…won’t be happening here tonight.

Also, we hear more and more of the guys reflect on Ben’s duplicitous nature, of which we saw very little tonight as there were other more important storylines to develop and wrap up.  So, while I don’t like the guy much either, he seems a bit too smug/smarmy for my liking, I’d at least like more proof, if there is any, about why it is that every last guy in the house–all of whom have demonstrated how great they’re capable of getting along with everyone and keeping things pretty lighthearted–really don’t like this guy.

Next week?  Wait for it….More Big Drama!  Join me, won’t you?   And if you haven’t already entered this week’s Date Rose Book Giveaway, pop back over to the USA Today recap and check out the last paragraph on how to enter to win your choice of ANY book on my website bookshelf.  And there’s a bunch over there, so check out the cupcakes…and, you know, the man cake!  Then here, there, anywhere…let’s DISH!   Who should go home next?  And, more importantly, who do you see as a true frontrunner?  Brooks?  Bryden?  Ben?  Any of them?  None?   Come sit by me and tell me all!

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We’re down to, oh more men than I can name or care to, but the fun, it’s already begun on the second week of The Bachelorette! 

For all the down and delicious dish on Part 1 of this week’s episode (Bachelor Kiss Count?  Already at 2!) pop on over to my USA Today blog.  Then freshen up that fruity umbrella drink and join me and the rest of my happening blog babes here in the shallow end of the pool as we see how the rest of the events unfold…

Okay, okay, so I’m totally doing the gratuitous ab shot. Sue me. As soon as you get done ogling.

So, I mention that the post group date cocktail party starts off with one of the bachelor’s making a surprising move.  Well, maybe it was the one who did it that was the biggest part of that surprise.  Zak of the persistent half nakedness last week takes Des aside and surprises her (while simultaneously shocking us) by giving her a very thoughtful gift.  He found an antique, leather bound journal that has never been written in, except for the lovely inscription inside the front cover, from a father to his daughter.   Just…wow.  Who knew the guy had depth?  I mean, we didn’t just see him being ridiculous during the initial hello and cocktail party antics.  We got a whole clip package of him prior to that and certainly nothing in that mini-retrospective showed that he had even an ounce of this in him.   So, big golf clap to Zak for Most Surprising Turn Around Ever.

Then Michael G steps up and we get the Guitar Strumming of Sincerity while he tells us that he’s not about to let Des get used and abused by wrong minded guys.  Now, if you’ve watched any previous seasons of Bach/Bachelorette, you know the messenger is always doomed.  It comes across as sour grapes, jealousy, or desperation.  When it really should just be “hey, we live with this person 24/7.  You don’t.  Watch your back.”  Frankly, I’d appreciate someone stepping in and trying to clue me in.  But I get that if all you’re seeing is Mr Wonderful, then it’s hard not to be suspicious of someone trying to steer you away from what feels like, to you, golden perfection.  Still, props to M.G. for trying to at least establish up front, that he’s the See Something Say Something Guy in house.  Well, M.G. you can have my back anytime.  Des seems to get his intentions as well.   We’ll see…

And then…oh dear.  Desperation and testosterone combine to lead poor Mikey T down the path to his own destruction.  You see, he’s still not over the fact that Ben stepped in on his Des Time.  (He’s also apparently not aware that this is a one man show and whoever is the last one standing gets Des.  So he expected…what?)  And given Ben is somehow rubbing the entire house the wrong way (with his awesomeness?  What?) Mikey thinks the right thing to do is sit Ben down and have a talk.  About….the fact that he’s losing and Ben is winning?  Dude.  How many times do I have to say this?  Think. Things. Through.  To what end did you think this was going to help you out?  Also?  At what point do folks not call you Mikey anymore?  Because…oh never mind.  He may be a nice guy, but I’m not seeing him with Des, so essentially this is all cannon fodder drama anyway.  Still.  Dude.

Oh, and Ben?  Handles Mikey like the pro that he is.  Also?  he’s right.  If he and Des are clicking the best, it doesn’t matter who else is.  I guess the test will be when he’s not the best one clicking…and he knows it.

Back at the Bachelor Pad…there’s four dateless guys and the still adorable Brooks when the final solo date card shows up.  Who’s the big winner?  Bryden.  (Who so needs a new barber.  So.  Needs.)  He gets a “Road Trip!” note.

But before we get to that, Brandon decides it’s time to let Des know who he really is with the Big Life Story Dump of Information.  And it’s…a lot.  Most of not great.  I feel for him, because nothing about that sounds like the way any kid should grow up.  It also helps tremendously to understand why he’s a bit awkward and outside the frat circle of the rest of the house (though the guys do seem to sincerely like him.)  He’s a nice guy, but I’m thinking he never really had the chance to learn how to develop normal social skills or friendships.  And I think Des’ heart goes out to him, but I’m also thinking she’s firmly sliding him to the No column.  And, sad, true, but I’d be relieved to see him go before he gets more wackadoo emotionally involved (in his head) and so we can pay more attention to Right For Her guys.

Then quiet descends in the room as Ben gets the group date rose and Mikey, Brandon, and others start to feel the tension slide to that pit of your stomach place.  Oh boys, it’s only just the beginning.

Second Solo Date…

Bryden is very comfortable, natural, kind of adorkable.  Des is enjoying his company.  I love that they immediately stop for road trip snacks.  It’s those little real life moments that can show you a lot about a person. (Seriously, if we all went grocery shopping on a first date, we’d figure things out SO much sooner!)  Des is definitely the least pretentious bachelorette they show has had (okay, so my overall exposure is limited, but she seems refreshingly natural and not all that concerned with how she’s coming across to the camera, just to her date.)  She shows him her California, a place the Montana boy has never been.  Iraq yes, the beach, no.  I like how the guys are, so far, genuinely nice and open to whatever they’re about to experience.

Pardon me while I interrupt this recap to drool all over the commercial for the movie White House Down. Okay, so one specific aspect of the commercial.  Channing, honey?  I’ll be there.  June 28.  We have a date.  Also? Leave your very adorable pregnant wife at home.  You know.  Just sayin.

If you’re waiting for me to apologize for gratuitous Channing Tatum pics, well, there is no such thing. So why would I?

I’m sorry, where were we?  Oh, right.  Bryden shares with Des the horrifying accident he barely lived through (including pictures!  !!!!  And !!!!) which has understandably shaped his life since then. She handles it really well and exactly how you should, as really important insight into someone you’re getting to know and find yourself interested in.  One of the things I like about him is that he seems to be realistic about what’s happening and that it’s not Insta-love, but just a beginning of figuring out what’s possible.  And for all Des has a lot more respect for him and is more curious about him, I don’t know that the kind of chemistry is really there for them, and I suspect she already knows this.  But he’s coming across as a pretty great, genuine guy, so she’s going to give him a chance.  And…that’s what this is all about, right?  Oh, and the Bachelor Kiss Count?  Up to 3! 

Rose Ceremony!

Micheal G takes up more camera time and more of Des’ time to let her know he’s Type 1 Diabetic.  He’s barely gotten the words out when Ben decides he needs more time.  Ben who already has a rose.  So…that’s a douche move. I mean, I get that it’s a contest and he truly feels like if she’s there and he can spend time with her, it’s his prerogative to make that happen.  And if it keeps her from getting to know other guys, more the better. I agree in principal, but still?  Douche move.  MG even comments something to the affect of “oh hey, look, the one guy who has a rose is butting in” but Des still blows MG off and heads off with Ben.  Which also bugged.  Is that some kind of rule?  That she has to go talk to anyone who claims the time?    Aaaaand, there it is.  The reason the guys think he’s a doink.  Because, he is.  He’s talking to Des and he thinks it’s self assurance but I feel like it’s patronizing.  ”Oh, we have a secret, no one else knows what a good kisser you are.”  Wrong-o Ranger, BEN.  Now we get to see that he’s all practiced technician, feed the girl a line guy.  And our season villain has made himself known.  Oh, show.

On to the video montage of Guys Whose Names We Don’t Know.  Then more Ben drama.  Mostly manufactured.  Ben might not be the best guy ever, and my opinion isn’t the greatest now, either, but he’s far from the worst, either.  Mostly it’s funny how the rest of the guys in the house have truly seemed to buddy up.  Other than The Ben Issue, their camaraderie comes across as pretty sincere and genuine.  But since Ben isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, we’ll have that wet blanket of drama to lay soggy all over everything for awhile longer.

Rose Time! 

Who gets roses:  James, #Kasey, Dan (there’s a Dan?), Juan Pablo (gracias, Des!), Brad, Chris, Brian, Zak, Drew, Mikey, Zach, MG…and oops!  Last one already!  Brandon

Going home?  Nick M, who I had to wait to see his name on the screen as I swear I never saw him before.  Not surprised to see Will go, but I thought maybe Spinning Sign Robert would stick around longer.  Will handles the exit with class, Robert is distressed (mostly because his ego is dented) and Nick claims to be heartbroken. Um…yeah, what can you say to that?  Maybe there was some amazing interaction we never saw, but…I think he’ll get over it.

And…there you have it!  What did you think?  Agree with her choices?  Still shaking your head?  Well, before you share your thoughts, don’t forget there’s a Book Giveaway Rose up for grabs. (I know, it’s like we’re on our own group date!  Only, I would never send you home.)  Head over to my USA Today blog and check out the entry details at the end.

Winner gets their choice of ANY book on my website bookshelf.   Yep, even my brand spankin’ new release, HONEY PIE, is up for grabs! Go on over, do a little browsing, then get over to USA Today for all the details and get those entries in!  Also?  See who won last week’s giveaway while you’re at it.  Was it you?  Oh, I hope so!  Winner of this week’s giveaway will be announced in the next Bachelorette Blog!

Okay, so now we’re done with the business end of the deal…let’s DISH! 

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

Have you refreshed your fruity umbrella drink?  I hope so, because that’s not the only fruity thing happening on the premiere of The Bachelorette.  Over at USA Today, on Part 1 of this recap (here), we’ve already had everything from shirtless guys to magic trick guys, fountain safaris gone wrong to a guy in a full suit of actual armor.

And Host Chris comes out to tell us that’s just the first 15.  We actually have 10 more to go.  Oh.  Goodie.

Des is holding up well, but even she has to be thinking “what, you couldn’t find enough normal guys so you went for the crazy drama?”

So, Limo Round 2 begins with Cutie Chris.  He starts off admitting he’s nervous, then makes Des nervous when he gets down on one knee….to tie his shoe.  Bada bing!  He’ll be here all week!  Actually, it’s pretty cute and Des is doing the blushing cute girl laugh, so I think she’s thinking it is, too.  Then it’s Dental Mike who shows up what looks like his dental jacket.  Spinning Sign Robert is up next, and makes a production of taking off his tie then…goes inside. Which…um, okay.

Then it’s Pro Soccer Player Juan Pablo. Sexy accent, he tries to teach Des how to say his name, but she’s not entirely game.  Point deduction for Des!  He gives her chocolate from his country and, well, I can say Juan Pablo, Juan!  Just sayin!  Come give me some language lessons!  I’ll even bring the chocolate!

Then we get Brandon in a grey suit with brown shoes…on a Harley.  Dude.  If you’re going to make the fantasy Harley entrance, take it from a professional romance writer.  Jeans.  Tight.  White t-shirt.  Also tight.  Boots.  THEN we’re talking.  But a grey suit and a bandana tied over your face is just dorky.  Des thinks he’s cute and he is.  Just…no brown shoes again, Brandon.  Ever.  Then it’s Brian from Baltimore who thinks he doesn’t need a suit since he wears them all the time so he just goes casual while she’s in a sparkling gown…and is all “see you inside” and wanders off.  What is wrong with these guys?  Think. Things. Through.

Then we get Micah in a suit that pretty much defies description.  Blue blazer, pink shirt, black checked tie, red and gold bellman pants…with letters stuck all over the blazer that say “Designed by This Guy.”  He recalls how Des made her entrance on the Bachelor in a dress she designed herself, so he was doing the same.  See? THAT is thinking it through.  Not that he stands a chance probably, but at least it played.

Nick strolls up and he’s all “I want to do something different” and you know she’s thinking “which makes you exactly the same…but go ahead.  Now what?”  Or maybe that was just me.  He wrote a poem, cute and she’s all nodding and smiling.  Then Gorgeous Dan strolls up and me and Des forget all about…whoever he was.  Because, goodness gracious, Dan’s all Mad Men Don Draper Dashing and we’re big fans of that.

Then a small adorable tyke climbs out of the limo…along with his contestant dad.  And part of me melts right along with Des, and the other, mom part of me is thinking “you’re dragging the kid into this straight off? Really?”  But Brody is pretty freaking cute and dad Ben is adorable, too and…oh OKAY, I’m a fan.  Brody heads back to the limo and grandma and Ben heads inside and, so…this is the line up, Blog Babes!  It’s going to be interesting.  In a train wreck kind of way.

Cocktail Party Time!

Host Chris tells Des she can pull the Sean Rule and hand out roses willy nilly if so inspired.  Inside, the men see them stacked on plate of acceptance or rejection and the worry begins!  I’m going back over the group of 25 in my head and thinking if I were Des, I’d already have a few rose contenders…and a whole lot of “please, dear God, can I send them home now?”  Yeah.  It’s going to be that kind of season.

Des starts to talk to the guys and I’m instantly reminded of the part of her that bugged last season, which is this sort of baseline nasal voice thing she has going on.  It’s kind of drone-y.  Just me?  But I’m also reminded of what I really liked about her, which is her down to earth, girl next door, one of the guys kind of personality.  She’s gorgeous and a knock out in the gown, but you get that she’d rock the shorts, flip flops and baseball cap and make them both memorable.

Oh…boy.  Magic Nick does pull a pretty smart stunt and makes Des “disappear”…out into the garden with him.  Groan, because Nick is not my dream man, but still…score on smoking the other dudes.

Then we get Brandon already being all intense and manipulating and cuts in on Nick.  He gives her this coin from his mom and I’m already getting fatigues by the earnest attempts at the first impression thing, but what else can they do, I guess, but try to be memorable.  Still, it’s basically speed dating.  Ding!  You’re thirty seconds are up!  Next!  And it’s exhausting more than anything else.

Guys are pinging and ponging so fast that there aren’t any roses being handed out because they’re so swiftly being replaced.  But finally Ben leads her away and he’s so darn cute and sweet.  These two do have a lot in common.  Hard to beat the adorable kid as a memorable entrance, but he seems like a pretty good guy in addition and…..we get our first rose!  Whew.  Thank goodness it’s to a Guy We Like.  So there’s one good thing.  Then the guys get a look at the rose on his lapel and freak out. It’s funny, but in the Bachelor season, the women get all “oh no she di’n’t” catty whereas the guys freak out and get all insecure and aggressive.

We get the montage of guys being desperate, culminating in Shirtless Zak who is getting creepier by the second, who strips to his Calvins and does a cannonball in the pool.  I’m guessing it was mostly because Zak only knows how to use his body for attention, so, you know, talking to her didn’t occur to him.  The other guys hoot and holler.  And while Zak is still making his way out of the pool, someone else snags Des away.  Then all the guys leave.  And there’s Zak, in the Cold Pool of Shrinkage, wishing he had a towel.

Think. It. Through.

Why do I have a feeling that’s going to be the tag line for this season?

Des comes in and gives Zak a pity rose for the stunt and I’m not sure if Zak even has an actual personality.  He’s just sort of Plastic Ken Guy.  Bryden pulls Des aside and they talk about his time in Iraq.  He’s more quiet guy, but he can open up and talk and not be “on” while he does it, and…that nets him a rose.

Oooh, grab a fruity umbrella drink refill because it’s Juan Pablo’s turn!  Des is just as happy as I am to listen to that sexy accent come out of that sexy face.  He pulls out all of his Beckham moves, only about ten times more suave and sexy and I’ll give him a rose if Des doesn’t.  She’s all “Hey, he’s Fantasy Guy.  And I’m okay with that.”  So she wins her point back.  Then the other guys come out because they’re less insecure in a pack and gang up on Juan Pablo, who deals with it so smoothly by pulling them effortlessly into a group soccer game.  Yeah.  I’m liking this guy more and more.   Is he Final One material?  Honestly?  Who cares.  Just let us watch him some more, mkay?

Then Drew gets kind of ridiculously adorable with her and scores a rose. Sadly, this is followed by Bad Dance Move Guy who tries to fix his bad first impression by digging a hole and making it worse.  Oh…boy.  And…wow….so while Zak is Harmless Creepy Guy, we’re back with Jonathan who is Hardcore Full Tilt Creepy Guy.  He’s the one who gave he the fantasy suite card and has not bought a single clue on how insulting that was or how badly he misfired.  Oh contrare!  In Jonathan’s mind, she’ll probably change her mind now that she’s met the other guys.

To that end, he sets up his room of seduction, with some pushups thrown in for good arm pumping measure then goes out to stalk her down–and I so mean stalk here–so he can lure her back into his den of crazy and kiss her “on the mouth.” In case we weren’t sure where he meant.  He sounds seriously high and yet I’m guessing that’s just his normal voice. It’s all oh so very very creepy and almost borderline scary.  Show, it’s one thing to get the armor suit guy, but don’t go casting borderline scary dudes.  Yee

The only bonus is Bad Dance Move Guy cracks funny on him and actually scores some points with me.   Both because, hey, at least he proves he’s pretty funny when he’s not so nervous and two…apparently every guy in the house already gets that Jonathan is Seriously Creepy Guy.   Which he proves by trying to get Des to his seduction room and she’s all “dude, seriously?” so he settles for some bench time and Des sees the crazy and we all hope she backs away slowly from him and the rose platter.  She splits and he actually heads back to the room of seduction alone and hangs out…with himself. Oh, and his giant, huge…Love Tank.  As he calls it.  His receptacle of love which has just been building and building and sorry, I’ve already run screaming into the night.

Jonathan makes his final critical mistake (in a long line of them, I’m sure) by trying for a third time to lure her into his den of seduction, and Des enters my Favorite Bachelorette Hall of Fame by, instead, showing Jonathan straight out the front door, good-bye, see ya!  Thank goodness!  Oh, and Kasey?   The whole “was I going to have to leap in and save her!”  Yeah.  #WeAreOverYourLameHashtags  And we don’t believe you could save yourself.  Clearly.

And because there is a merciful God, there is finally a Rose Ceremony.

Brandon gets the first one.  Zach K (not Naked Zak, who already has one) and who we’ve entirely not seen tonight, gets a rose. Way overly intense yoga Will gets a rose. Brooks gets a rose.  I don’t know how I feel about this guy yet, but I’m willing to find out!  Juan Pablo gets his rose and my night is made.  Brad, #Kasey, James, Robert, Brian, Dan, Chris all get theirs.  And the final rose goes to? Mikey.    On the good side, we see Bad Dance Move Guy goes, as does Magic Nick. (Who should have just been himself, as he was during his final talk to the camera, and he might have had a choice.)  Diogo, who was really way too crushed, poor guy.    But, let’s be honest, we could easily narrow this pool down much further.  I hope time brings out more interesting things about some of these guys.  It did last season, so we can hope.  A lot.

And…that caps the ever so entertaining and enlightening and, well, just plain batsh&t cray cray that is the season opener!  As per my usual rule, I skip past the “we always show you way too much!” previews.  I’d rather go on this journey as it unfolds, thanks.  Please join me next week as we find out where this can possibly go!  Well, other than up.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Big Bachelorette Giveaway!  Entry rules are over at the USA Today portion of this recap.  If you haven’t already entered, go check it out here!  Then settle in and DISH for awhile!  Who did you love?  Who made you want to get a restraining order? Who is your early onset pick for Final Two??  Tell me all!

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We’ll start with the dancing!  It’s finale night on Dancing With the Stars and given the final four, it’s bound to be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.

Each of the four pairs will dance three times.  First is the Judge’s Pick, then the Cha Cha Relay (I have no idea, either) and finally, the always entertaining Freestyle Round! 

Round 1: 

Karina & Jacoby are first with a Jive.  As much as Len has grated this season with his less-than-constructively delivered, often mean spirited criticisms, I must admit that his time coaching Jacoby was both fun to watch and hilarious.  I think Jacoby was as inspired and surprised as I was!  And something worked, because I thought that was by far the best he’s done!  He’s always energetic and a great showman, but there was more refinement to his moves.  Thoroughly enjoyed this routine – great way to kick off the night and get the dance party started!  Judges:  I was surprised that all of them were critical of his timing as I guess I didn’t notice it a bit.  But they delivered in the scoring, so my annoyance is somewhat abated.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27

Aly & Mark w/Samba:  Again, it’s clear how much she’s grown and I’m happy to see her become a more confident young woman as the season as progressed.  But, overall, there’s a lack of honest connection with me, the viewer, as it still all comes off as a sort of dance version of a gymnastic routine.  I’m guessing after a literal lifetime spent doing the latter, it’s almost impossible not to be that way, so I get it, and I admire her…but I don’t connect with her.  And I don’t see chemistry with Mark the way I need to, to help me get over that hump.  They have a great bro-sis vibe, but whereas Zendaya and Val have found a way to have that same relationship strike sparks of honest chemistry all over the place, I don’t get that from these two.  Sorry, Aly!  Judges: of course, they gush and gush, as they have all season.  Scores: 9, 9, 10 = 28 (three guesses who was their mentor….)

Kellie & Derek/Quickstep:  I’m usually not a fan of Derek always getting the celeb with dance potential and I can’t say I’m happy about him scoring yet another mirror ball trophy, but it’s impossible for me not to adore Kellie.  And I do.  I love her spirit, her work ethic and her absolutely charming relationship with Derek.  And though I still think it would make for a wonderful storyline, to see what Derek could do with his incredible talent when faced with a more challenged partner, I am rooting for these two for the win.  Kellie has earned it.  Judges: also gushy gushy, and I’m glad to hear it!  Len was a fun mentor to this pair as well, and Kellie’s response to him was hilarious. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  And they earned every last point.

Zendaya & Val/Samba: Another impressive pair, both in skill set and chemistry.  Val has totally blossomed over just two seasons.  He’s been both lothario and big brother and I’ve really enjoyed seeing those dimensions brought out in his personality. He has a dedicated worker in Zendaya and I think her work ethic is impressive for someone her age.  I know she’s danced hip hop in her career, but I don’t care who you are, at 16, growing like a weed, with legs all long and awkward and a body you’re still figuring out, this young woman has absolutely poured herself into this whole ordeal and has come out shining.  I am rooting for her and Val as much as I do Kellie and Derek and would be happy with a win for either of them.  I think she’s had more wobbles and that might cost her the final number one spot, but given her age, she’s been nothing short of spectacular.  And this samba was them at the very, very top of their game.  Way to bring it when you have to!  It could make for a very exciting finish!  Judges: give well earned praise.  And score accordingly: 10, 10, 10 = 30.

After Round 1, Kellie & Zendaya are tied in the lead, with Aly two points behind and Jacoby 3 points behind.  Overall, I think I’d have place Jacoby higher than Aly.  Maybe she’s more technically proficient, but he’s a far, far better entertainer, and at some point, that has to count for more.  I think the finals is that point.

Round 2: Cha Cha Relay

So, here’s how it works.  I think.  Each pair comes out and dances about 40 seconds of Cha Cha, then the next couple takes over, and so forth, until all four pairs have danced. Then the judges rank them.  First place team gets a 5 point bump in their total, second place gets 4, down to fourth place which gets 2.  So a definite advantage for the winners, especially if they end up in the same pecking order as the end of Round 1 results.  I’m hoping Jacoby jumps a bit in this one, but I think it’s Zendaya’s and Kellie’s to lose at this point.

Here we go!  Kellie & Derek lead off and they’re sharp as always, though they seem to very much stay in the same spot, then Jacoby comes in as he does, all flash and fire.  Their routine seemed shorter and over before it began and suddenly it’s Aly and Mark who are a bit more earthy, and Aly really is way more relaxed now than when she began this journey, but Mark has to go all showboat in the final seconds and ruins it for me.  Then it’s Val &  Zendaya to close it out and just wow.  Where Kellie is all sharp precision, Zendaya moves and flows in a way that is just ridiculously natural.  To me, they owned this dance.  I’d rank them first, Kellie a close second, and then it’s a toss up for me.  I liked Jacoby more, but Aly’s routine had more content.  Judges give them all equal and well deserved praise.  They really are all wonderful. Scores: Whoa, what do you know?  I nailed it!!

After Round 2: Zendaya has 35, Kellie with 34, Aly with 31 and Jacoby with 29.  I’m glad my fave two pairs are sitting at the top, but the point spread is tight.

Freestyle Round:

Karina & Jacoby:  They go full tilt New Orleans and I really loved how they incorporated the street dancing and music that is so much a part of that culture. (Full disclosure: my grandmother was born in New Orleans, so I’m possibly a wee bit biased here.)  I loved the kids, the energy, all of it.  I will say that although Karina played to his size versus hers with a lot of tossing her around in the air, I wish he’d had more dance content.  He came out almost a little flat and listless, like he’d peaked just a little too soon.  He does work his way into it and hits his stride about 2/3 the way through, but my guess is this will be a fourth place finish for him.  Still, given the competition, that is nothing to sneeze at, and we’ve gotten to enjoy his brand of enthusiastic entertainment for a full season’s worth.  Win-win in my book!  Judges: a little too critical (since, other than the last second dance tomorrow night they aren’t dancing again, there’s no point really in pointing out where they could have improved, just say the nice things and score them however you feel they deserved, you know?  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27  And I do think that’s accurate.  Just wish they’d left the feel good vibe in the room to go with it!

Aly & Mark: They go futuristic and Mark goes yet again in a direction that doesn’t do much for me.  Your mileage may vary.  He plays to Aly’s strengths, and the routine, which is very athletic, does this times a hundred, but that doesn’t automatically make it entertaining or fun.  I liked the opening light effect, but then it stayed really dark, making it hard to see and appreciate the dance moves.  The moves themselves were kind of basic and Aly wobbled a bit in the beginning.  Then we’re up on stage doing some ridiculously high pole dance routine and…I’m sorry, but the techno-pop music didn’t engage me at all, so the pole “dance” routine didn’t either.  I use dance loosely because it was all very gymnastic with a spin in between poles, but not really dancey.  You know?  I mean, if the music had been a bit grindier or something really grooving, thumping, it might have grabbed me more. (So You Think You Can Dance has had a few amazing, riveting pole routines.)  But this was just…odd.  Really hard, for sure, but…so what?  I don’t think all the impressive physical effort in mastering all that pole climbing paid off in a routine that was exciting to watch.  And the deep space blue funk lighting left me feeling a bit cold and on the outside.  I think this keeps her in third place, or possibly even gives Jacoby a bit of a lift.  His was, by leaps and bounds (heh, I’m punny) more entertaining and crowd pumping than this was.  Judges: Aaaand, of course, the judges have nothing but gushy praise for her.  Sigh.  Sorry, Jacoby.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30   Deeper sigh.

Kellie’s husband is as much of a cutie as she is!

Derek & Kellie: now I’m really hoping these last two routines are killer and Derek brings every last bit of his creativity to the front here. He decides to strip it down and let the dance speak for itself and I’m all for that.  And?  It’s absolutely gorgeous.  Beautiful lines, exquisite control, stunning emotional content. Nothing flashy, no big stage production, it’s essentially the acoustic version of a freestyle.  And I loved it.  That is celebrating dancing.  Wow. (And I love, love, love her husband fighting tears watching his wife dance so beautifully.  How adorable is he??  Very, I say.)  Judges: Carrie Ann  is a hot mess of tears, which says it all.  Len completely got it.  ”Good dancing engages the brain.  Great dancing engages the heart.”  Followed by a standing O.  Earned.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  Only because there weren’t any 11 or 12 paddles.

Zendaya & Val close the show and after that eloquent dance, I’m hoping for something fun and playful to close the night out.  And they don’t disappoint! I like that they bring in ballroom to go with her core madd hip hop skillz.  It showcases both where she’s gone this season and where Val has, as well. It’s happy, upbeat and you can’t help but tap your toes along with them.  I love that it’s meant to inspire kids and that, at the end, after they’ve showcased their own skills, they bring the kids in to dance with them. It’s heartwarming and a great way to end the night with big smiles.  They definitely got them from me!   I wanted the kids to keep dancing, they were so cute!  Judges: They all have wonderful things to say, as they should (and they did for all three couples except Jacoby, which makes me that much more annoyed about that) but I’m glad they gave this pair their due.  Well earned!  I didn’t realize it was her parents voices at the beginning of her dance – cool!  And I love that no matter how mature she is on the dance floor, so far beyond her years, backstage she’s all adorkable teenager.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30

Final Scores: 65: Zendaya, 64: Kellie, 61: Aly, 56: Jacoby

And there you have it dance fans!   Who wins?   I think Kellie takes it, but Zendaya came on strong tonight and tops the leader board, so it could go either way for me.  I wish Jacoby had been rewarded a bit more and Aly gushed about a bit less, but I don’t think either of them can rock the top two.

Okay, before we dish all the dance, it’s time to announce the winners of last week’s Giveaway!  Thanks to all who entered.  Winners get any book from my website bookshelf.  And?  Congratulations to Kathy Gianone, who picked BAD BOYS IN KILTS for her winning book!

And a high five to Erika Lang who will find THE GREAT KISSER in her mailbox!  (And shouldn’t we all want that?? I hope you both enjoy the books!

Join me next week when I partner again with USA Today and head back to the bachelor pad…well, the bachelorette pad this time around!  Yep, after blogging 25 women for them during The Bachelor’s last season, I think it’s only fair they give me a crack at dishing on 25 guys this go around!  So grab those fruity umbrella drinks and join me, won’t you, in the shallow end of the pool?  We’re going to have ourselves a good time as The Bachelorette premieres Monday, May 27th and my dish on the night’s festivities goes live Tuesday morning.  Also?  Of course we’re giving away free stuff, so don’t miss out on all the fun!

But right this very second, let’s dish about the dancing!!  Who is going to win this thing?  Who is your favorite?  Which freestyle did you like best last night?  DISH!! 

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

It’s the Semi Finals on Dancing With the Stars!!  We’re down to five remaining couples, all of whom can dance and are pretty darn likable, so it’s getting a little tense in the Glitterdome!

We’ve got two dances per couple this week, with Round 2 being Crazy Dance Style Round….which they picked the dance styles and let the viewers determine which team danced what.  We’re talking African Jazz and Lindy Hop.  Yeah, it’s like that.  Really, show?  I will admit, with our five finalists, it might turn out to be kinda awesome, so my hopes, they are high.  (You know, like the producers must have been when they dreamed this thing up!)

First up is Derek & Kellie:  they get Argentine Tango (yay!) then for Crazy Dance Round, they have Flamenco.  Kellie can’t say it and Derek has never danced it, so this should be entertaining.  But first, we tango!  I may have mentioned one or a hundred times that this is my favorite dance and these two should knock it out the park.  The opening with them as black silhouettes on a red screen is striking and sensual and oh so very Argentinian.  I loved it.  When they came down to the dance floor, the routine was crisp, beautiful and their lines as stunning as you would expect.  A 30 from me on the dance.  A far lower score from me, however, on the uber red glow of the lights for the dance floor portion.  The glow was so deep and pervasive, especially with Kellie’s red dress and bare legs, which were all fused together in one glowing haze, it muted the gorgeous precision of their lines, and that’s a shame.  Doesn’t alter my score, but I wish I could have had  better of view of it all.  Judges?  Len doesn’t apologize for the travesty that was his meltdown last week, but he  at least acknowledges that this?  Was perfection. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  Long overdue.

Kym & Ingo: Samba first, then a Crazy Round Charleston. It’s funny with Ingo, but he often looks pretty smooth in the rehearsal clips, then comes off somehow flat in the actual performance.  Not for lack of energy, he gives it his all, but it’s like he’s (understandably) distracted by the tension of having to remember everything while performing live, so some of that charisma ebbs away.  But tonight?  He was really ON!  I mean, he doesn’t have the smooth, natural madd skillz of Zemdaya or Kellie, and the “leap up on the stage/off the stage” part in the middle was awkward in the staging of it.  However, to me, he rivaled Ally & Jacoby in his performance tonight and connected better with the audience. For me this was his sexiest, most “in command” dance yet.  About time!  Sure, for him it’s a race for third place, at best, but still…  Judges: The judges more or less say the same along with the critique.  Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24.   Fair indeed.

Mark & Aly:  Rumba and Afro Jazz.  I’ll be really frank here and say that I’m not all that pumped about watching this particular pair do either of those dances.  However, perhaps Mark can channel Aly’s fierce competitive gymnastic nature into a tribal Afro routine and make it something powerful.  Let’s hope.  But the two of them, at best, have bro/sis chemistry, so the rumba?  Yeah…no.   Aly seems a lot looser and freer as the week’s progress.  Perhaps they are far enough along that there’s a sense of fearlessness now.  On the other hand, this is a girl who has spent a life geared toward winning, so we’ll see if that tension creeps back in.  She’s costumed really well again, so bonus there, and she nails the grace and sensuality.  Certainly a much smoother and more cleanly delivered routine than Ingo. (Sorry, mate.)  But, yet again, I feel a complete lack of emotional connection to her.  This time I’m not as sure why, as she really did seem to deliver the necessary performance with Mark, although there’s still that ‘stick the landing’ element to her moves.  Maybe it’s that I don’t connect with Mark at all, so I don’t see it with this partner, either.   Whatever the case, I think she’s in a dead heat with Jacoby for the final 3.  But I still think it’s Kellie or Zendaya for the win. Judges?  And once again the judges lose their collective minds with her, and while I get it on some level, she definitely has grown, no doubt, they have this crazy over the top love affair with her that I really don’t understand.  Sorry.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  It was very well performed….but in terms of how it affected me?  More 9ish.

Karina & Jacoby: Tango and the Lindy Hop.  Jacoby gets the evil rehearsal edit this week, which sucks for him and helps Aly a lot.  (Although with the judges crazed love for her, she has an even greater edge.)  I get that he’s not as technically proficient as Aly, but where she comes off robotic and emotionally disconnected (for me), he gushes charisma all over the dang floor.  End of the day, I’d rather watch him dance every single time over Aly (or Ingo.)  He’s my clear cut third place choice, though I’d be surprised at this point if he makes it. The dance is gorgeous, despite the fact that it’s black staging with black costuming and dark lighting.  (What, did they hire Stoner Set Design Dude this week?)  Still, his best routine yet. (And I’m glad Karina wasn’t seriously injured in rehearsal – yikes!)  Judges: FINALLY lose their collective minds and it was well earned gushing.  Scores:10, 10, 10 = 30.   This makes me (and Jacoby’s mom) very happy.

Val & Zendaya: Quick Step, then Hip Hop.  Zendaya is all about Round 2 and it shows a bit in their super high speed so-fast-it-feels-rushed quick step.  A shame because there is a lot of content and the very fact that she pulled off anything resembling a dance at that breakneck speed is impressive.  For 16, she’s really been superbly commendable this season, not only in rounding out Val and giving him depth beyond his sexy leading man role and adding funny big brother to the mix, but for handling herself really well on and off stage.  But, being 16 and with those long legs of hers she’s still growing into, she’s had a few wobbles the past weeks.  For me, she’s still Top 2 overall, but with the way the judges pimp Aly, it worries me…  Judges: more or less say the same thing about the dance being rushed, tho they were a bit more disappointed than I was. Scores: 8,8, 9 = 25.  Now, if you gave Ingo 8′s, then for content alone this was 9′s across the board, so that’s annoying.  It was more than 1 total point better, is all I’m sayin’.

But let’s get on to Round 2.  Oh.  Okay.  We’re going to do this round mashed up with American Idol’s “tragic life back story” segment.  And though hearing more details about the celebs life might be of some interest, it’s not the “dance something meaningful from your past week” because we did that already this season.  So it’s just…filler.  I’m going to skip ahead and just recap the crazy dance part.  I know, I’m such a renegade like that.  Being as it’s a show about, you know….dancing.  Yes, yes, it’s supposed to be ballroom dancing, but there’s only so much we can skip over.  At least they’re giving them music that goes with their respective dances and not making them do them to some horribly performed contemporary pop hit.  So…there’s that.  Yeah.  Let’s cling to that.

Derek & Kellie: Flamenco: So, Derek had to research how to do this dance as he knew nothing about it.  And apparently rule number one for the male partner is it’s danced shirtless.  And given Derek has spent some time in the gym this past year, I’m perfectly okay with his interpretation.  However, the whole “bathe the stage in deep red lights” thing is back again and it’s a shame as it definitely diminishes the exquisite artistry of this dance.  That aside, though, they do a fabulous job with their non-ballroom dance. Derek takes on most of the heavy lifting in terms of the tap steps, but given how technically hard this dance is, I think they pulled off a pretty darn good interpretation of it with a week’s time to do it. Judges:  Len gushes and now it’s Bruno’s and CA’s turn to get all technical.  I admit that there were sections where Kellie’s hands weren’t as sharp as Derek’s but geez.  If you’re going to gush all over Aly every week regardless then you need to be equally more consistently kind to Kellie.  Not only that, Aly is used to mean Russian judges and Olympic stages.  Picking on Kellie is like kicking a puppy who just wants to love you unconditionally.  Hopefully that only amps up the at-home voting for them because ultimately, I say she wins this thing. Hands down. And should.  Scores: 9, 10, 9 = 28

Ingo & Kym: Charleston: It’s a cute dance but bumbly enough that I think he just cemented fifth place.  I enjoy Ingo in that he’s always fun to watch.  He may not be the most compelling or technically correct dancer, but to be honest, end of the day, I’d rather watch him and Kym than Aly & Mark.  Now, Aly is hands down a much better dancer, so she deserves it more than him, but speaking just of entertainment value…I’d go with him over her.  Of course, there’s only three spots in the finale and I wouldn’t give a slot to him or Aly for that, so it’s kind of all moot, ya know?  Judges: go a lot crazier for this than I expected, but hey, it’s probably his last dance, so let’s be generous and kind and I’m very glad they were.  Scores:9, 9, 9 = 27  They’re even more generous and kind with their scores.  Wow.  But I’m glad he finally got his 9′s.

Aly & Mark: Afro Jazz: So…the costuming is, you know…different.  I’m not sure it’s so much Afro styling as Maori Warrior Meets Lion King, but…why quibble.  This is so crazy that I’ll just stop here and go with it until it’s over.  Blessedly, blessedly over.  And….yeah. That was…um…interesting.  I’ll give it to them for just going with the spirit of it.  I’m not so sure how tribal it really was.  It was more like some kind of Broadway imagined tribal free style mish mash thing, but hey, you get handed this dance style and whaddya gonna do?  Okay, well, honestly?  I’d have liked to see them handle it more like they have on So You Think You Can Dance, more traditionally African, but again…why quibble.  NEXT!  Judges: Of COURSE they gush. Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 For me, not so much, but I’m done being surprised about the judge pimpmobile where she’s concerned.  (Really, a point higher than Kellie total?  Really?  No.)

Karina & Jacoby: Lindy Hop See what I mean about the energy?  Mark and Aly flung themselves into their dance but I was more engaged with this one when these two were up there with the band dudes.  It’s just like that with their charisma.  I think Jacoby’s little clip package really got him and the audience amped, because everyone was bopping to this one.  Sure, Jacoby bopped himself right out of sync more than once, and I’d still watch this every single time.  The energy was insane and do you know how hard it is to do what he did at 6’4″ with a 5′ nothing partner?  That alone deserves a standing O.  I hope the judges at least give them the same pass on technical boo boo’s that they gave everyone else…you know, except Kellie.  Judges? Thankfully, they went as over the top for it as I did.  Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 Well earned, my friend.

Val & Zendaya: Hip Hop Okay, so just seeing Val in pink sneaks, so out of his element, is worth the win for me. And I just have to say, I love, love, love her parents. What I also love?  is this dance.  Love the music, the vibe, the flow.  The choreo was awesome and she was oh so clearly in her element, but Val, ever the performer, was right in there with her.  I love how the two of them are together.  Totally fun, cool, appropriate to her age, everything last dang thing.  My favorite of the night, which surprises me, but it left me feeling all good inside.  You go, girl.  All 16 years of you.  You just go.  Judges: FINALLY, ditto, ditto, ditto.  I’m so relieved.  Scores:  10, 10, 10 = 30.  Yeah, yeah!

Final Score Board: 

59: Aly, Jacoby

58: Kellie

55: Zendaya

51: Ingo 

I’m so not on board with that scoreboard.  No way is Kellie in third and Zenday in fourth?  Up is down, down is up, dogs and cats living together…  I love that Jacoby got the love, but…yeah.  It’s a big no from me on this line up.  The way it stacks up for me is Kellie & Zendaya at the top, Aly and Jacoby fighting for third.  I do agree that, in this particular field, Ingo goes home.  But I’d still rather watch him than Aly.  End of the day, the show is setting us up for an all girl final, and…I’ll miss Jacoby if that’s the case.  What say you?  Who’s your top pick?  Who goes home?  Who would you rather see in the finale from a pure entertainment value?   Well, so if that was the only criteria…bring back ANDY!  I really, really miss him every since he’s been gone.  Don’t you?  I loved watching him work so had and dance his ass off.  I miss that spirit of his.

Before we DISH on the dance, it’s time to announce this week’s Giveaway! What can you win?  Let’s do the same thing we did last week.  Check out my website bookshelf and pick ANY book you’d like to try out, then send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com.  Put “It’s my turn, pick me!” in the subject line, then the name of the book you’d like in the body of the email.  If you want it in print, include an address, if you want digital, let me know which format (Kindle, Nook, etc.)  I’ll draw one name next Monday and announce it along with the DWTS finale blog!   Wait.  Did I say finale blog??  Well, that deserves something a bit more special now, doesn’t it?  So…let’s have TWO winners this week!   So go shop, pick, and email…then pop back on over here and DISH!! 

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

HONEY PIE has been out for a whole week now, and the reviews coming in have been so wonderful, it just blows me away.  I was really worried about writing this heroine, and whether or not my readers would “get” her and fall in love with her as I did.  It’s beyond gratifying to hear from you all with such lovely, supportive, happy notes.  I’m thrilled more than you know that you all are enjoying the book so much, thank you!!

This review from Affaire de Coeur came in just yesterday…

Donna Kauffman
Kensington Brava
Trade Paperback
978-0758266368
****1/2

Beavis Chantrell was beloved resident of Sugarberry Island, so her death affected everyone who knew her. Her niece, Honey D’Amourvell, has arrived to claim her inheritance, hoping to turn Bea’s tailoring shop into a place she can work on her art and run her mail order business. Honey is surprised and disappointed to learn the building she now owns has been leased to the famous bakery, Babycakes, including the upstairs apartment that Honey had planned to call home. With nowhere to work, nowhere to  live and a car on its last leg, Honey’s hope of a new life and a fresh start doesn’t look promising.
Dylan Ross is the kind of man who keeps to himself. He’s the “son” in Ross and Sons Auto Repair and doesn’t have to worry about dealing with anyone except people whose cars need fixing. After living through an unhappy childhood, his life is now quiet and uncomplicated, and that’s just the way he likes it.  Until, that is, he meets the lovely newcomer, Honey D’Armourvell. From their first touch Dylan knows he should run the other way, but it’s that very same touch–and what happens next–that won’t
let him.
With Honey Pie, the fourth book in her delightful “Cupcake Club” series, Donna Kauffman takes us back to Sugarberry Island, a place where small town living is embraced, where neighbors and friends are like family. This is a fun, romantic, passionate tale, sure to be a favorite of contemporary romance lovers.
Mallory Lane

Everyone at AdC has been wonderfully supportive of the entire Cupcake Club series.  To see the reviews for the entire group (all conveniently one page) click HERE.  

HONEY PIE is available everywhere and can be found on these links at Amazon and Barnes & Noble! 

And now the news you’ve all been waiting for!  Yes, it’s Free Stuff Friday and somebody is a big winner!

Thanks to everyone for entering this week’s giveaway!!  Entries were logged in from more than a dozen different countries. Blog Babes have gone global!!

But this week’s winner hails from my very own state of Virginia.  Congratulations, Kimberly V from Oakton!!  You picked a copy of Bad Boys in Kilts, which will be heading to your mailbox shortly.

Check back next week for all the BIG Dance DISH!!  Not only do we have the semi-finals for this season of Dancing With the Stars, but my very favorite dance show, So You Think You Can Dance premieres Tuesday night on FOX.  Wheeee!!!  And yes, yes, Free Stuff Friday will be baaaack again for another fun giveaway.

In the meantime, pop on over to my Facebook Fan Page and check out the day to day crazy that is my life.  We have a good time chatting about things like….do you think facial and chest hair on a hero is hot?  Or not?  Like, you know, this guy for instance:

Yeah…it’s like that.  Drop by and cast your vote!

Tags: Writing // 1 Comment »

I just returned home from a week of crazy at the RT Booklover’s Convention, so beware this Dancing With the Stars blog is being written on jetlag and no sleep.  Which is pretty much how it reads most weeks.  But at least this time I have an excuse!

So, last night in the ballroom, we were down to six couples, so it’s only fair they be tortured by being forced to perform two full dances.  One  pairs routine and one trio dance (where an additional pro is added to the mix for a ballroom menage a trois.)

Let’s not waste any time getting right to it, shall we?

Round One:

Zendaya & Val/Fox Trot: Delightful dance to Don’t Worry, Be Happy. I think it was their most charming performance yet.  Judges were kind but not overly gushy.  Scores: 9, 10, 9 = 28

Sean & Peta/Tango: The runaway bride theme was cute.  The dance? Yeah, not so much.  And thank god, for once, the judges agreed. It’s like they finally woke up and noticed that Sean really can’t dance all that well.  I’ve been saying that since the first week.  It’s about time the judges did, too.  Scores: 7, 7, 7 = 21  (Which is where it should be.)

Jacoby & Karina/Viennese Waltz: I thought it was truly lovely and the chemistry was really palpable.  I loved that last lift from the floor.  His mama needs to dial it down, but otherwise, I’m really enjoying these two. Judges were kind for a change.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 – 27

Ingo & Kym/Fox Trot: The rehearsal clips helped him zero, which was annoying, because by week 8 I’m sure they’re all feeling more than a little burned out and their body’s are worn down.  They haven’t been my favorites, but that was unfair, I felt (comparatively speaking.) Their dance was light, effortless, and charming, with only a few bobbles and still easily their best, but coming on the heels of that  less than flattering edit, you couldn’t help but feel the taint.  I hope folks voted for them because they earned it with that performance.  Judges were kind as well with only minimal critique.  Whew!  Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24   Well earned.

Kellie & Derek/Viennese Waltz: I liked their clip package and I’m glad that despite the fact that she’s been all but flawless, that they’re still trying to find those nuances where she can improve and I think Derek was right on track this week with the direction he took. The dance was lovely, though the fog machine guy had it set more to Thriller than waltz.  And though I loved the premise, and they danced beautifully as always, I actually felt this somewhat less than I usually do with them.  Fortunately the judges focused on the positive, which was well earned.  Scores: 9, 9, 10 = 28

Aly & Mark/Argentine Tango: I know Aly has worked hard to come out of her shell and switch gears from gymnast automaton to emotional, fluid, sexy dancer.  And she has made great strides, no doubt.  But while she is very technically proficient, I think the judges have wildly overscored and overpraised her.  Yes, she’s leaps and bounds and back handsprings better than Sean, but she’s nowhere near the caliber of the natural talent of Zendaya and Kellie.  I love Argentine tango and I think Aly will nail the ferocity of it as it taps into her competitive spirit.  The sexy?  Yeah, that I’m not so sure of.  So..they begin and my first thought is FINALLY they dressed in something uber flattering.  She looks fantastic.  And, true to my predictions, she attacks the dance like the gold medalist she is. I think for her it was very, very well done as it focused on all her athletic strengths.  But she still lacks that natural grace. When she’s in the lifts and comes down, it’s still more like she’s sticking the landing, if you know what I mean.  So 9′s for sure, this go.  But 10′s?  Not from me.  Judges…sigh. Gush, gush, gush.  Scores:  9, 10, 10 = 29.  Highest score?  Hmm.  Tied with the top two, as that was her best, maybe.  But top?  Again?  Yeah.  No.

Round Two: Now we’re on to the menage of trio dance.

Zendaya & Val & Gleb/Salsa: Wow, a hot Russian Salsa sandwich.  A shame she’s only 16 so we, the audience, don’t get to see the full deliciousness of what this could have been. That said, I truly love that the premise is she’s a young princess and they’re her security.  Way to make the sexy dance work with the youngster!   Okay, so that was fun, funky, way age appropriate and chocked full of salsa moves and showcasing Zendaya, who kept up like a pro in all that crazy movement.  A few times she bobbled due to her height, coming out of moves with the pros, but given her gazelle length legs and that she’s only 16 and still growing into them, I thought that was both adorable and downright stunning.  The audience clearly agrees. The judges do, too!   Yay!  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30 First perfect score and SO well deserved!!  Woot!

Sean & Peta & Sharna/Jazz:  And…gag.  After the adorable cute/hotness of the previous trio, we get Sean trying to be all alpha with two women and I’m sorry, but I just want to gag.  Andy would have made this funny and adorkable.  On purpose.  Sean is trying to be all manly man, but just…no.  Stop.  I partially blame the judges for blowing smoke his way for the previous seven weeks and making him think he really does have some kind of amazing dance talent.  But, all his painful attempts at self deprecation aside, a little self awareness right now would go a long, oh so very long, way.  And yeah…the dance is a bit clumsy and, well, it’s not the dance we just saw before this one, let’s just say that, okay?  And pray the judges say the rest for me.  Also?  The girls are in these sexy/slutty red thigh highs and corsets while Sean is in a tux and…sneakers?  Black & glaring white Chucks, to be exact. What?  I didn’t get that part. It just added to the dorkiness and I didn’t think the magician act theme really called for  that.  Why not play up the suave/smooth?  Whatever.  If Ingo & Kym can do an even remotely awesome trio, then perhaps, mercifully, Sean will go home this week. Judges? For the love of dance, please help me out here.  And?  THANK YOU.  They finally do. Scores: 7, 7, 7 = 21 Which is where it should be.  At least Sean had a decent attitude about it and seemed to get that he really didn’t dance well.  (As opposed to in the past when he blamed the judges.)

Jacoby & Karina & Cheryl/Paso: I like this trio.  Definitely the right combo for Jacoby, to keep him in line. I really like his attitude, too. He completely gets where he falls in the talent pool this season and it motivates him to work harder, try harder.  Not sure I’m loving the school bus yellow and black braid matador outfits, but if anyone has the demeanor and strength to pull off a paso with two partners, it’s this guy.  And?  He does a pretty equitable job of it.  It’s a lot and maybe it’s not quite as perfectly polished as a Zendaya or Kellie routine, but he gets points for passion and intensity, which he demonstrated in spades.  And I loved the double overhead jump fake out at the end.  Ha!  Judges? Len actually cracked me up with his passionate wrap up.  All three were both funny and accurate in their critique as well.  Scores:8, 9, 8 = 25 And I think that was pretty accurate as well.  

Ingo & Kym & Lindsay/Jive: Ingo seems to blossom under the attention and direction of two women and I’m glad he got a better rehearsal edit this go.  Also?  I like Lindsay.  So this should be fun. (And did you notice that when he sits in the audience for the opener, he’s next to Florence Henderson?  Ha!  More cuteness.  Also?  Loved the 3-D glassed the audience put on.)  I like the pink/black outfits and while it’s very adorkable and cheesy cute, this time all that was on purpose.  Loads and leaps better than Sean’s outing.  I hope the judges agree.   And they do!  Judges: say the feet could have been sharper – true, but they all agree the effervescence was just as important and he more than delivered. Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24   And that was the right score, I think.

Kellie & Derek & Tristan/Paso:  So, I am ALL about this trio.  I adore Tristan, and I think he fits right in with the blond adorableness of the other two, though it will be interesting to see how they channel all of that into the fierce dance.   Their rehearsals are  beyond hilarious and fun and Tristan is right.  Kellie as a demon is pretty much hard to imagine.  I’m guessing Derek will do something interesting with the choreo to help her along.  Ya think? And…oh my.  Does. He. Ever. I love how they go from the end of their first dance into this one and wow, wow, wow, the intensity is awesome.  Even the audience is all oohing and ahhing, five seconds in.  Seriously – W-O-W.  I thought that was the most impressive paso ever and by far, far the best of the night. The music, the lines, the contrast between Derek’s blondness and Tristan’s dark.  That was like a stage production.  Gorgeous.  (And I couldn’t find a single photo of it today!  What’s up with that?)  Judges:  Um…wow.  I thought they’d all be falling down gushing over that.  And CA and Bruno absolutely do, and then some.  But Len….just falls completely apart.  And not in a good way.  What the hell happened to Uncle Lenny?  He’s actually been pretty decent tonight.  He has a full on complete and utter meltdown.  It’s so over the top I thought at first he was joking, because that dance was made of utter awesome.  But…um…no.  He’s had a stroke.  Or something.  Or he’s going to.  Just…no words for that display.  To his credit, Derek is laughing, because honestly, it was so insane, you kind of had to.  But Kellie is just standing there looking shell shocked and you can’t help but feel sorry for her, then she’s holding Tristan back from wanting to protect and defend her (which, my love for him grows ever greater.)  The thing is, it wasn’t like Derek really went off the reservation, like he’s done so often in the past.  In fact, compared to the other trios, the staging was truly minimal in their dance.  That was actually a full on paso.  Or it sure as hell looked like one to me.  I…don’t even know what to say to that. CA and Bruno try to shout him down, Tom tries to referee.  I just want to get on with the scoring and get past being miffed that he ruined what was, hands down, the best dance of the night and possibly the whole season for me.  Thanks, LEN.  Scores: 10, 7, 10 = 27 I can’t even say enough about how ridiculous Len’s score was.  I’ll just focus on the hotness that is Tristan’s guyliner…

Aly & Mark & Henry /Jazz:  I’m still trying to get over what just happened, and honestly, these guys aren’t making me care.  Mark annoys me on the best of days, but for some reason (well, for a lot of reasons) this rehearsal package just amps up my Mark Annoyance Levels to, like, a gazillion and I can’t do it.  So, ff we go to the dance itself and it’s like…well, it’s like all their dances.  Technically proficient enough, not bad, but not wow and just…there.  Sitting somewhere in third place, well behind Kellie and Zendaya. Your mileage may vary.  So might the judges.  Only I’m kind of afraid of them now.   Judges:  Len actually loves this.  Yeah. Of course he does. I give up.  I’m done.  Let’s get on with the scores.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27

Our Score Board: 

58: Zendaya 

56: Aly

55: Kellie (SO bogus)

52: Jacoby

48: Ingo

42: Sean

Other than the ridiculousness of Kellie being in third thanks to Len’s aneurysm, I think the standings are right in their overall order.  I do hope/think/pray that it’s Sean’s turn to go.  What say you, Blog Babes??

But before you unleash the Dance DISH on me, don’t forget to enter this week’s fabulous Free Stuff Friday contest!  How do you do that, you ask?  Well…like this:

Jump on over to my online Bookshelf and do a little window shopping.  Find a title you think would look simply fabulous on your own bookshelf, dahlings (oh no, I’m channeling Bruno!) then send me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with “Celebrate by sending ME a book!” in the subject line.  In the body of the email, let me know which title you’d like if you win, and if you want the book format, include your address. If you’d rather have a digital version, just let me know which e-reader you use.  I’ll draw one name from the pile and announce it here in Friday’s blog post!

Yep, it’s that easy.  So…what are you waiting for?  Go shopping!

And then get back on over here and DISH!!  Who goes home?  Did ANYone agree or understand Len’s meltdown?  Who wins this thing? Kellie?  Zendaya?  Aly???  Put in your two cents…or ten!

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

I am still finding my way back home to Virginia after the craziness that was the RT Booklover’s Convention in Kansas City this past week. (Did you miss it?  Check out the great round up recap in USA Today’s recap column.  It’s possible that maybe I made an appearance in it, too!)  But just because I’m still on the road won’t keep us from having ourselves a fun little giveaway this week, now will it?  No indeedy, it will not!

I’m celebrating the release of my latest Cupcake Club book, HONEY PIE, and if I’m celebrating, we should ALL celebrate!

So, here’s the deal:  pop on over to my online Bookshelf and do a little perusing.  Find a title you think would look simply fabulous on your own bookshelf, then  send me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with “Celebrate by sending ME a book!” in the subject line.  In the body of the email, let me know which title you’d like if you win, and if you want the book format, include your address. If you’d rather have a digital version, just let me know which e-reader you use.  I’ll draw one name from the pile and announce it here in Friday’s blog post!

Yep, it’s that easy.  So…what are you waiting for?  Go shopping!

Then check back in tomorrow for all the Dancing With the Stars DISH you can handle!  (But, let’s say check in around, oh….lunchtime, so I have enough time to watch and dish after climbing off a plane in the wee hours…)

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Hello intrepid Blog Babes!

I am in Kansas City this week at the annual RT Booklover’s Readers Convention. It’s pretty much like Comic Con for romance readers…or RomComicCon, as I like to call it.

We’ve schmoozed with cover models….

Signed books for happy readers….

Disco Danced the night away….. (never let it be said that I don’t show my assistants (aka my baby sister) a good time!)

And today we’re doing a Mega Mega Signing (and by mega I mean over 400 authors — yes, FOUR HUNDRED) here at the Sheraton Hotel from 11 to 2.   The line is already crazy, so I need to get in there and figure out where I’m sitting…but first!

I wanted to announce the winner of the Very Special Free Stuff Friday Contest!  We had entries from all over the globe.  You guys ROCK!  And the winner of a copy of my brand new release HONEY PIE and a copy of Taste of Home’s 2013 Cupcake Cookbook is…. Melodie Switten from Belgium!!  Woo hoo, Melodie!!  I will be shipping your goodies to you as soon as I arrive back home in Virginia.

Thank you all so much for all your enthusiasm and support, all the kind notes and well wishes.  And for all the Not-Melodie’s, drop by on Monday morning for another fabulous Free Stuff Friday Contest, all the fun news from the mega signing, and what’s coming next! (Dun dun dun!)

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