I am so happy to be a part of the Author Fan Letter Blog Crawl for a second year. First of all, a big thank you to Kassa for organizing everything!! Yesterday, Sean Kennedy wrote to Margaret Atwood and tomorrow Erotic Horizon will have her letter. (For a full list of blogs participating, go HERE) But today it is my turn. Last year I wrote to Mary Balogh who was one of the first romance authors I read. This year when I was asked to participate, I sat back and thought about what author has really impacted my reading experience this year. And she is….
Dear Marie Sexton,
You first came onto my radar this year, during the DABWAHA tournament. I noticed many talking about your book, Strawberries for Dessert which was up in the GLBT category and I bought it– but like many, it got a bit lost in my tbr pile. A little later, a reader named Helyce emailed me out of the blue asking me for some m/m recommendations. I gave her a list, but I added at the end that I had heard some good things about Strawberries for Dessert but had not read it yet. About two days later, Helyce emailed me back gushing about your entire Coda series and told me I must start at the beginning, immediately. And so I did.
I find reading to be such a unique experience. It is such a solitary activity, myself and my Kindle curled up in a chair where I get to have a break from my real life and with your books find myself with your boys in Coda. But then, as I read or when I finish a book, I get to go on Twitter, or Goodreads or on email and share my excitement over these characters and stories and all of a sudden my reading experience turns into a social activity. And this is my favorite part of all.
If it wasn’t for Helyce urging me on to read these, who knows when I would have got to them. And once I started, I could not stop. I devoured your books. I met Jared and Matt in Promises and fell in love. I love a story where one of the men fights his feelings hard when he feels like he is falling for another man. And boy, did Matt fight hard. I then went on to A to Z and The Letter Z and met Angelo and Zach and realized how different they are from Matt and Jared. Angelo broke my heart with his struggles of self worth. It wasn’t until The Letter Z where I truly understood their relationship and fell in love with them too.
And then the big shocker for me. Like I said, Strawberries for Dessert was the first book I had purchased, but I don’t think I had read the blurb or anything. So when I realized the heroes were two minor characters from the previous books – Jon, Zach’s ex that I didn’t care for too much and Cole – the very flamboyant boy toy and friend of Jared’s I was actually disappointed. I didn’t want to read about them! But this is where my online friends came into play. I went onto Twitter and Goodreads with my concerns and Samantha told me – you will fall in love with Cole so hard. Trust. And I said, nooooo. And Helyce told me, Cole will be one of your favorite characters ever. And I said, no way! I don’t believe you! But I started it – and I have to say Cole definitely ranks in the top of my favorite characters list. I love that man so much. He is such a mixture of wit, sarcasm, warmth, and deep, deep down so afraid and unsure. Oh Cole. And of course as I read I couldn’t imagine him being with anyone other than Jon.
I also adore that these books are not just the love stories of the heroes, but continue the lives of the past heroes as well. All of them are friends and interact in each book, making it just a very engaging world.
So Marie Sexton, you not only gave me romantic stories that made me squee with delight, but you made my reading experience one that I joyously shared with my friends. Thank you.
Holy cow. What a touching letter. Made me get all emotional. I loved that series too and had the great pleasure to meet Marie in San Francisco last year and she is truly a lovely lady as well as a great author. It’s a terrific series and I recommend it often. Great job.
I love Marie Sexton too! Strawberries for Dessert was my favourite in the Coda series – I just loved Cole & Jon. Cole had so much hurt hidden away in him. I just wanted to wrap him up and take care of him – I’m so glad Jon did that for him. (Is that a bit sad, getting so caught up in a character?) Great letter Mandi! :)
Then I think we’re all a bit sad Kaetrin. :-) Every now and then a character just hits us right and they are real for us. It’s a great thing. Although I think Angelo might be my fave. So hard to choose.
Thanks Mandi! I’m very touched and thrilled to be chosen. You’ve absolutely made my day! I’m in the airport, getting ready to board a plane, and I regret that I don’t have time to formulate a more eloquent response, so I will simply say again, thank you very much!! :-)
I love the Coda books, too! What a beautiful letter, Mandi!!
Have you read her non-series books, One More Soldier and Between Sinners and Saints? I have them – just need to get to them!
Wow! Awesome choice Mandi and really heartfelt letter! Marie’s books certainly touched me in way I can’t really explain. I’ll read anything she writes!
I’m with you Tam-I LOVE Angelo-it was the dancing and the guyliner.
Awwwwwww Mandi, I love this letter so so much! And am so inspired to read these books now based on how touched and moved they made you. This made my heart flutter!
What a great letter! I have to read her stuff now. :)
Your blog hates me.
I really need to find time and read this authors work – I have heard really good things about her men..
It is nice when a recommended read hits all the bases.
Love the letter…
:)
Mandi, I couldn’t agree with you more! My friend and I absolutely LOVE the Coda boys (and really, anything Marie writes!). Not to mention how nice she is to respond to all the comments on her board. Haven’t responded with an author nicer than Marie.
Hi Mandi:
What a wonderful letter and a compliment to Ms. Sexton’s work. I’ve heard of her stories but not had the opportunity to read her work yet. Your letter is certainly inspiring!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Best to you & Ms. Sexton. :)
Great letter Mandi!!
Amen, sister. Laura (my friend commenting above) and I both found Marie’s books this year, and I just love the series and the Boyz from Coda. (((ANGELO))) LOL! I try to recommend them to other readers as often as possible. Wonderful love stories, hot sex ;)
(((marie)))
xxx
Bubz
Great letter, Mandi and so far lovin’ this series as well :D You do understand I can’t wait to meet Cole now!!
Wow Mandi, what a wonderful tribute. I love M/M but have not read any by Marie yet.
I’m going to have to start so now I totally hate you LOL. My poor TBR pile (my poor wallet!!)
Fantastic choice and a fantastic letter. Awwww….Cole just wiggles his lithe little body right into your heart and never leaves. But all that aside, Marie Sexton is such an awesome author! She has an amazing way of making each character so distinctive and that too is one of my favorite things about this series. And Cole…and Angelo…and Matt. Love them all!
Great letter Mandi! I haven’t read any of Marie Sexton’s books, but I certainly plan to now!
Okay. I have to read this author now.
Great letter!
Great letter. Just love Marie Sexton & Strawberries was one of my favourites!
Oh Mandi, that is one fantastic letter. I remember reading Promises and falling in love with Jared and Matt and their story. I too went into Strawberries for Dessert slightly unsure, wishing I had more time with Jared and Matt, and then Cole crept in and completely stole my heart away! I fell….hard!
And you pinpointed something else I loved – reading the books was a brilliant experience, but being able to share that experience? Priceless!
Great letter, Mandi! I love this author too and have read all her books.
Great letter Mandi! Like many others here I’ve read everything this author has done and agree with your letter whole heartedly. It’s really nice when you can step back and remember a recent (to you) author who has impacted your reading.
Great letter! I just finished reading Promises and was very impressed! I look forward to the others.
Thanks everyone!!! :)
What a wonderful letter, Mandi! My only complaint is that now I have to choose another author. :(
Oh well, back to the drawing board for me. Great letter and I agree with you completely. Marie is a fabulous writer.
Thank you Marie sexton for the coda boys. I’m a huge fan and absolutely loved every story.