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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Doughnuts and Expectations


Have you ever built something up in your mind that there’s no way it can possibly live up to your expectations? A couple years ago I moved to a very cute, coastal town in the South. We only get a few months of wonderfully chilly winters (which is a heck of a lot better than when I lived in Florida and had like two weeks of winter), practically everyone drinks sweet tea (ahem, not me) and everyone says hi to everyone on the street, which is pretty cool.

There’s this locally owned doughnut shop in the middle of downtown that almost everyone I’ve come in contact with says has THE BEST doughnuts in the world. Like literally. People are so quick to sing praises about this shop and the near obsession is scary. Due to timing it took me about six months to finally make it to the shop.

But one weekend there was a huge art festival downtown and there was a line out the door of the shop so we (I dragged my husband with me) decided to bite the bullet and buy one of these freaking doughnuts. Instead of buying one each we decided to buy a box and try all their samples. I was so excited, imagining that first creamy bite and how amazingly awesome it would be. Sadly…major disappointment. I can’t even tell you the utter dejection that surged through me after that bite. Don’t get me wrong, the doughnut I tried was good (it is a doughnut after all) but it tasted like a regular Krispy Kreme. There was nothing cosmic about it. I didn’t hear angels singing and it sure didn’t taste like an orgasm in my mouth (as some people swore it would). And it was the same with the rest of the samples…most of which we ended up tossing. Even though I was disappointed it didn’t live up to my expectations, I think in a way it’s probably a good thing my taste buds weren’t bowled over by them because otherwise, I’d be visiting their shop every week.

Thanks so much for letting me visit with you today! One reader who comments on today’s blog will be randomly selected to win a print copy of Alpha Instinct (hopefully it won’t be a disappointment to anyone like those dang doughnuts). US eligible only for giveaway. Please leave your email address in the comments section. Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by!

Alpha Instinct official blurb:

Fear has a scent. So does desire…

Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

A little about me: I’ve been reading romance from a young age—ever since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.

***Katie's winner is ShelleyB!!  Congrats, Shelley!  Please send an email to totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address by March 5 so Katie can get the prize in the mail to you!  Thanks!***

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean about the expectations. I had a similar situation with "The Best Donuts Shop, EVA" when I moved to Louisiana. It sucked so bad, it was so incredibly awful. The person who took me, took a bite of my donuts and spit it out...said this wasn't like it used to be...we never went back. So yucky.
angel(dot)graham(dot)1 @ gmail(dot)com

Tina B said...

Maybe they never had a Krispy Kreme and couldn't tell the difference. Lol. I love donuts and am glad that we don't have any shops around me or else I would be in serious trouble. We don't even have a DD here. But the grocery stores do have bakeries. ;)

Trb0917@gmail.com

Shelley B said...

Believe me, if you ever had my momma's sweet tea, you would love it. I know what you mean about expectations. On a recent trip to New York, we wanted to eat pancakes at a place we saw on the Food Network. They were not nearly as good as good as the tv host made out. Well gotta go outside. The high today is 74.

Lil said...

It is dissapointing when something gets such high billing and falls short. But like you, I think it could be even more problematic if it had reached expectations.

little lamb lst at yahoo dot com

CrystalGB said...

Hi Katie. Your book sounds good. I love the cover. I hate it when something doesn't live up to expectations and it is a big letdown.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com

Katie Reus said...

That sucks even worse, Angel. Mine weren't bad, they just weren't super crazy awesome like I was led to believe :( Thanks for stopping by today!

Katie Reus said...

Tina, I think that's what it is because there's not even a Starbucks here (seriously, small town!). Though ironically a Krispy Kreme was just built about six months ago :)

Katie Reus said...

That's the worst Shelley! When a show has recommended it and it's meh.

Katie Reus said...

Exactly Lil! Much better for my waistline :)

Katie Reus said...

Thanks, Crystal! I love the cover too :)

Pat Cochran said...

The hype when Krispy Kreme came to our
city was over the top and I was excited
about trying them. Despite the PR, I was
sorely disappointed! Nowadays, I stick to
our old standby Shipley's, but they have
to be at least half a day old before I can
eat them. My taste buds are funny that way!
LOL!

Pat Cochran

JoAnna said...

Disappointing tastes of deserts is awful. Especially if you are like me and don't eat sweets too often. My DH and I had heard all kinds of good things about Krispy Kreme doughnuts and when we finally tasted them we were happy we had Dunkin Donuts where we live. :).
Can't wait to read Alpha Instinct.

Beckerjo at verizon dot net

Michele L. said...

Oh yeah, I had a donut at my grocery store near me and they are known for their excellent pastries and breads. Well, let me tell you their donuts suck big time! My hubby who is a donut lover and not a picky eater couldn't stand them either. They were absolutely loaded with grease and were so heavy and dense.

Your book sounds amazing and the cover is a treat for the eyes!