Not-At-BEA Recap!

After going to BEA for three years straight, this was my first time not attending! (It's my new job's fault.) At first I didn't think it would bother me too much but as the week approached, I couldn't help feeling a little sad. Mostly because I wanted to see everyone! But you know what? Despite that, I still ended up having a busy, fun-filled week seeing bloggers, friends, authors and I still managed to get a ton of books (more on that soon). 

Tuesday night, I kicked off my non-BEA week with dinner at Umami Burger (go if you've never been!) with Alexa and two of my favorite authors, Susan Dennard and Alex Bracken. I've met them in person numerous times, exchanged many, many tweets and have been a fangirl for forever so I already knew how nice they both are. But actually sitting down with them to talk and eat, it was like hanging out with friends. They're so funny, kind and absolutely down to earth. It was the best way to begin with my week. Good food, good conversation and lots of laughs (and talk of romance novels). 

Next up was the Fierce Reads Happy Hour! Honestly all I could think about that day was meeting up with Kelly and Alexa (my sister shellans!). It was a much-needed reunion that only added to all the fun I had at the party. It was great getting to see other bloggers buddies and Macmillan did a super job with the party. It was held at The Rare Book Room at the Strand, which was a very cool space and kind of perfect for the event. They provided appetizers, drinks, goodie bags, a photobooth and we got mingle with some really awesome authors – Josephine Angelini, Leigh Bardugo (!!), Sandy Hall, Marissa Meyer and Leila Sales. 

The Bloomsbury Brunch is another event I look forward to during BEA. It's so chill and fun and seriously? How can you say no to bagels, donuts and making your own tote bags? More importantly, it's another opportunity to just relax and talk with everyone (Andi + Jamie, I wish we could've had more time to chat!). I enjoyed getting creative with tote decorating, making my own goodie bag and getting silly with ACOTAR masks. The Bloomsbury ladies do an incredible job of making everyone feel welcome at their office. 

And as if that all wasn't enough excitement for me, I also met Rae Carson for the first time at Books of Wonder on Friday night. She was adorable and I loved hearing her talk about her Fire and Thorns series (it made me want to re-read!).

Then finally, I ended the week with a lovely little coffee + chat session with Alexa, Kelly and Estelle. It was the perfect way to close out (non)BEA.

>> THE BOOK HAUL << 

Okay, you're probably wondering how I ended up a book haul and there are two reasons: great publishers and great friends. The first pile is from the Fierce Reads goodie bag and I can't even begin to describe how excited I am for Six of Crows. The middle pile is from Bloomsbury. I've already read Where the Stars Still Shine (which is 5-stars awesome) and a bunch of friends have been reading the A.C. Gaughen series lately so I'm very curious about that one. And the third pile is what Alexa (and Kelly) picked up for me at BEA. Thanks to Alexa I got to feel like I was there with her constant text messages and telling me to give her a list of what I wanted. Thank you so much for doing this, you're the best!

How did everyone else enjoy BEA? 
I loved seeing everyone and hope everyone had a fun time!
(Sorry if I didn't mentioned everybody's names, but if I saw you - I'm very glad I did!)

[Photo credits: mix of my photos + Alexa, Jamie and Kelly's.]