I am not, alas, talking about myself.

Even so, it’s thrilling to see the upward trajectory of an author’s career, to know that hard work and a great book can be rewarded, and to know that a fellow lawyer turned writer (like moi) can hit the big time.

In case you didn’t know, my new favorite book, J.R. Ward’s LOVER AWAKENED, sits at number 12 on the New York Times’ paperback bestseller list for the week of September 24. To J.R. Ward, I say this: You go, girl!

I don’t know why I’m so excited about the success of yet another book about vampires. It’s not MY book, nor do I know Ward, nor am I being paid by Ward to endorse the book, nor am I even getting an advance reading copy of her next novel—due in March–of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, LOVER REVEALED. Although, J.R., if you’re reading this and have any extra ARCs lying around the house—call me, okay?

Maybe I’m so excited because Ward really, really deserves this success. Like my other favorite author of mind-blowing paranormals, L.A. Banks of Vampire Huntress fame, Ward treats readers to a fully realized, vivid world full of over-the-top characters, overwhelming conflicts, explosive passions and, best of all, those AMAZING vampire heroes.

What more could a reader ask for?

To romance readers out there: if you haven’t picked up the book, you should. To J.R. Ward: enjoy the success. I’m popping the cyber-champagne on your behalf.