Celebrating 15 Years of Boas & Tiaras

Boas & Tiaras has come a long way since its humble (yet fabulous) beginning. What began in 2002 as a group of 6 readers enjoying tea in Duncanville has evolved into an annual event that draws readers and authors from all over the country. On June 10, more than 50 book-loving ladies gathered at the historic Adolphus hotel in downtown Dallas to celebrate Fresh Fiction’s 15th annual Boas & Tiaras tea! Glistening chandeliers, fine china, and sparkling tiaras made everyone feel like a queen—and better yet, lively conversation and abundant laughter made everyone feel like family. For any of you who were not able to join us (and for those of you who attended and want to re-live the fun), read on for a taste of the Boas experience!

Let the fun begin

Before tea was served, guests perused a selection of 15 raffle baskets, proceeds benefitting Genesis Women’s Shelter, and delighted in the gift bags provided by our host authors. Every table was surrounded by ladies dressed to the nines, ready to chat about all things bookish. Tea was served course by course, elegantly plated and attentively brought by waiters in crisp suits. Sandwiches arrived first, dazzling us with flavors like orange zested figs, heirloom tomato basil, and curried chicken puffs. Two varieties of scones were served before an array of delicate desserts, and each course was perfectly paired with hot tea in the Adolphus’ signature china cups.

Exquisite service at The Adolphus

Our keynote conversation featured the wit and wisdom of Julie Ann Walker, New York Times bestselling author of romantic suspense. Favorite topics included the biker consultants Julie works with on her Black Knights Inc. books (and how they are total teddy bears), the story of how she taught AP calculus for years (because her father told her “nobody makes any money as an author”), a few facts from her research of special ops forces (from Navy SEALs to Mossad agents), and the ties of romance and feminism (referencing the fabulous article Julie wrote for The Amazon Book Review titled I’m a Feminist and I Write Romance).

Gwen Reyes and Julie Ann Walker enjoy a laugh

Once the plates were cleared, our 14 authors moved to their signing tables to autograph books and continue chatting with our avid readers. The tweet wall was a montage of food photos and selfies, and our top two tweeters received a hand-painted martini glass and a Fresh Fiction Read Repeat water bottle. Every guest walked away with a gift bag of books from Fresh Fiction, goodies from our authors and Pop Up shop, and—most importantly—a smiling face. Without question, this Boas & Tiaras was the best one yet. We hope you will join us for the next 15 years and beyond!

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Now that Boas & Tiaras has passed, are you craving more Fresh Fiction Local fun? Now is the perfect time to get your ticket for our biggest event of the year: Readers & ‘ritas 2017, featuring keynote authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Marie Bostwick, and Cathy Maxwell!

Readers & ‘ritas is a weekend getaway for book-loving ladies like you. Join us at the Hilton Garden Inn in Allen, Texas, November 10-12 for panels, parties, swag bags, book trades, raffle baskets, delicious meals, a masquerade ball with a gaming parlor, and a private signing with all our authors! Visit our events website to find details and reserve your spot today!

Keep up with our monthly book clubs, teas, and author events on Meetup. We hope to see you soon!