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!***