I love New Orleans. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I’m pretty much your standard tourist when I visit:
- Nighttime trips to the French Quarter.
- A stop at Pat O’Brien’s—because it’s Pat O’Brien’s.
- Requisite visits to at least one fortune teller—because it just seems to fit the city, and who knows where you’ll find a good idea for a book!
- A breakfast or mid-afternoon trip to Café Du Monde.
- Souvenir shopping at the French Market.
- Cajun Food.
- Cajun Food.
- Cajun Food.
Oddly, hardly any of my favorite haunts ended up in book one of NOLA Knights—HIS TO DEFEND. Instead, I stuck to the real deal. The many and varied neighborhoods that go far beyond the French Quarter and St. Jackson’s square. (Though, I think I did give St. Jackson’s Square a mention in book two, HERS TO TAME.)
Since, the places I normally visit get loads of limelight on their own, I thought I’d take you on a mini tour of the places I actually used in book one. (Though, the vast majority of the actual businesses and homes are mostly made up.)
First up–Mid-City!
Mid-City is not only where our heroine, Evette Labadie, and her son, Emerson, live, but is also the home of Dorothy’s Diner—a fictional establishment run by a pretty sassy secondary character who’s our heroine’s closest friend. It’s also a key place where Sergei, the story’s badass hero, does some of his business.
It made sense to me that Sergei would ground himself with locals rather than focus on the tourist areas, so that’s how Mid-City ended up being his base.
For an idea of what to see and do in Mid-City, click here.
Another ward that’s stuck with me for some time is the Seventh Ward. It’s lodged deep in my memory because of a tour I took several years ago after Hurricane Katrina hit. There were still homes with plywood marked with red X’s on them—which the tour guide informed me meant that authorities needed to access the house to deal with those who’d perished in the disaster.
The people of the seventh ward are tough. Survivors. So, it made sense that there would be people in need of alliances with a man like Sergei. And it’s not all gloom and doom in the Seventh Ward, either. Check out this link for a tour of everyday life.
And finally, for HIS TO DEFEND, I have to make a stop in the fabulous Garden District. After all, Sergei’s already worked his way up the ladder of success, so it seemed fitting for him to make his home in the belly of New Orleans history.
The houses are magical. (And, of course, ridiculously expensive—to me anyway.) For a peak into what I’m talking about, check out this link.
And that’s it for this visit. In HERS TO TAME, I add on other neighborhoods including The Irish Channel and Marigny. But that’s another story for another time. Right now, I hope you’ll pick up your copy of HIS TO DEFEND and enjoy Sergei and Evette’s sparking chemistry and whirlwind romance.
Have you been to New Orleans? Have a favorite location, food or experience you’re willing to share? I’d love to hear them below!
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About the Book: His to Defend, NOLA Knights, #1, by Rhenna Morgan
Book Description: Book one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan
His world. His rules. Her love.
Though his methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him—no matter how badly he burns to make her his.
Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighborhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.
Her other needs—needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy—will have to wait.
Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her…or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.
Author Bio
A native Oklahoman, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape full of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want. For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter at http://RhennaMorgan.com. You’ll also find all of her social links there, along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.
Find Rhenna online
A native Oklahoman, Rhenna Morgan is a certified romance junkie. Whether it’s contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy you’re after, Rhenna’s stories pack romantic escape full of new, exciting worlds, and strong, intuitive men who fight to keep the women they want. For advance release news and exclusive content, sign up for her newsletter at http://hoidulich.net | http://xinvisamocbai.com. You’ll also find all of her social links there, along with her smoking hot inspiration boards.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. The narrator did an excellent job.
I live on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, about 30 minutes from New Orleans, and is like to make a small correction: it’s Jackson Square not St. Jackson Square. It is, however, where St. Louis Cathedral is located. Also, although you can find some good Cajun food in New Orleans, there’s also plenty of Creole and soul food here. The heart of Cajun culture and cuisine is much farther west in places like Lafayette and Opelousas, along the “Boudin highway.”
It’s been a long LONG time since I was in New Orleans…the mid-seventies. I suspect there have been a few changes since then!