Countdown to GRL – Guest Post and Giveaway by J.A. Rock

This will be my first GRL, and I’m stoked. I’ve seen the pictures. I’ve heard the stories. I’m ready to be initiated.

I’m still not exactly sure what to expect. If I go by the GRL website and schedule, GRL looks like an opportunity to meet my favorite authors and learn more about the world of queer romance writing. And if I go by the pictures and the stories, GRL looks like a Bacchanalicious three-day plunge into utter depravity, replete with crocheted penises, painted porn stars, and an abundance of hugging.

I’m hoping it’s both.

To encourage the universe to make my dreams come true, I’ve made a list of the top five things I’m looking forward to at GRL.

        1. Meeting people. It’s going to be great to put faces with names. I’m pretty sure those of you I talk to on the Internet are going to be even cooler—if that’s possible—in real life. And those of you I haven’t talked to yet—you’re probably super cool too.

        2. Costumes. My mother has been trying for years to show me a world outside of jeans and T-shirts. Fashion and I do not get along. But I do love costumes, and am pretty sure I own more outfits that were hip in 1879 than I do street clothes. Bring on the costume parties.

        3. Books. ’Nuff said.

        4. Staying in a hotel. I have always loved hotels. The lighting, the tiny shampoos, the panoramic views of the parking lot or the next door Waffle House…everything but the germ factor. Yes, I know the bedspreads are filthy; I’ve seen the shows where they shine the black light on the sheets, and no, I don’t want to talk about it.

        5. Not having far to travel. This year, GRL’s only forty minutes from me, so getting there should be a snap. I have an ancient van with expired registration, and a nonexistent sense of direction. What could possibly go wrong?

I’m looking forward to lots more things too, but those are the big ones. If you’re going to GRL, definitely say hi!

BOOK BLURB: Brandon Mills Versus the V-Card

For those who are interested, shortly after GRL I’ll be celebrating the release of a new book with Lisa Henry—who I’ll see in October for the first time since she almost got me eaten by a crocodile in Australia last year. BRANDON MILLS VERSUS THE V-CARD is a sequel to MARK COOPER VERSUS AMERICA, and follows Mark’s friend Brandon as he struggles through his first relationship. It comes out October 28 from Loose Id.

Smart, shy Prescott sophomore Brandon Mills is working hard to overcome his troubled past and feel normal. With the help of his friends Mark and Deacon, and his brothers at Phi Sigma Kappa, he’s slowly coming out of his shell. But when he accidentally drenches a freshman in orange soda, he faces something he’s not ready for: a boy crushing on him.

Alex Kekoa pledges Phi Sig because it has everything he wants: a house full of nerds who won’t tease him for being smart, a dog, and Brandon Mills. Brandon is just the type of guy Alex hopes can help him fulfill his college ambition: losing his virginity. Except Alex doesn’t know that Brandon can’t stand to touch or be touched.

When Alex and Brandon are drafted onto the fraternity’s Academic Challenge team, their mutual attraction grows. If there’s anyone who can help Brandon discover it feels good to touch and kiss, maybe it’s sweet, klutzy, dinosaur-obsessed Alex. But as the competition—and their relationship—heats up, Alex’s determination not to die a virgin clashes with Brandon’s vow of lifelong celibacy, forcing them to examine what’s truly important to each of them about love.

The Giveaway: I’m offering one commenter the chance to win an e-copy of any of my backlist titles, or an e-copy of Brandon Mills Versus the V-Card when it’s released.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

Hope to see some of you in October!

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