tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27697633468959979242024-03-05T10:03:14.096-08:00One Page At A TimeI'm a mom and work full-time. How I find time to read I'm not sure but I do. I have been reading ever since I can remember. I always find that if I'm not reading something, I feel empty. I recently bought an eReader so that I can ALWAYS have my library with me :-) Since I have been introduced to a number of different books since I bought my eReader, I thought it made sense to start a blog to share not only my love for reading with others, but also new and interesting reading material.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845419105669545003noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-10022912406774612372015-04-09T10:14:00.000-07:002015-04-09T10:14:03.160-07:00 Jayded - Release Blitz HTML<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2015-promos/shevaun-delucia"><img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-428_zps3fec77c0.jpg" height="103" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/image1_zpsbaawn3hg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/image1_zpsbaawn3hg.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a>George Parulski<br />
Photographer/ Graphic Designer of Book Cover<br />
<a href="http://www.eastwayphotography.com/">Website</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Way-Photography/215452985141466">Facebook</a><br />
<br />
<strong>New Adult</strong><br />
<strong>Date Published:</strong> April 10, 2015<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24268893-jayded?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Maxine Daniels was made an offer that she couldn’t refuse. She couldn’t think of a better time—after breaking things off with her fiancé—to change cities and merge her company with Saunders Literary Agency. At thirty-three, she isn’t getting any younger, so it’s time to start fresh and leave her past behind.<br />
<br />
What she doesn’t anticipate is the diversion that lies ahead. Kyle Saunders is a catastrophic tsunami that enters her life and consumes her world in just a matter of minutes. Everything about him is telling her no, but her heart and the heat between her legs is screaming yes. He was never a factor in her divine plan—nor was she in his.<br />
<br />
Kyle is the cliché bachelor; he is a twenty-four-year-old charismatic chick magnet who refuses to settle down. He’s dead set on living the carefree single life—that is—until Max comes strolling in. Then all his ridiculous rules fall to the wayside. Who knew that just one hello could alter their lives forever?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>EXCERPT</strong><br />
<br />
My mouth hangs open. It’s like time freezes, and all I can think is holy fuck! I’m speechless. Never in my life have I been speechless or caught off-guard to this magnitude. The woman in front of me is fucking hot! On fire! I slowly take her in, starting with her high red pumps, long legs, and tight red skirt reaching her knees, hugging one amazing ass and some unGodly shaped hips. Man, those hips though. I can already see my hands being at home on those hips. My eyes drift up to her tiny waist and voluptuous breasts. Yum. Her face is flawless: lips plush and eyes a beautiful iridescent blue, which completely contrasts against her darker complexion and the brown of her hair. Simple perfection.<br />
<br />
I must be standing here like a doof, making an ass of myself, because she smiles with a tiny bit of amusement. She reaches her hand out to me. “Hello. You must be Kyle?”<br />
<br />
I continue to stare, completely mesmerized. It takes me a moment to snap out of it. “Uh, yes, I’m Kyle. You must be Maxine.” I grab her hand, immediately feeling the softness of her skin. “It’s nice to meet you,” I say with a smile.<br />
<br />
“It’s just Max,” she informs me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>About the Author</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shevaun DeLucia, author of the Eternal Mixture series, lives in upstate New York with her husband, four children, and two dogs. As a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, she fell in love with reading. She indulged in the small moments that took her away from the reality of her loud, rambunctious household, bringing her into a world of fantasy. When reading wasn’t enough to satisfy her, she turned to writing, determined to create the perfect ending of her own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Author Links</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shevaundelucia.com/">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Shevaun-Delucia/563843076961083">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: @shevaundelucia1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7375844.Shevaun_Delucia">Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-54479802651523382562014-12-29T12:33:00.002-08:002014-12-29T12:33:52.983-08:00The Doorknob Society - PROMO BLITZ<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/fall-2014-promos/mj-fletcher">
<img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-392_zps5cca68a8.jpg" height="103" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Doorknob-Society-cover-197x300_zpscf329541.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Doorknob-Society-cover-197x300_zpscf329541.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Young Adult / Paranormal / Steampunk</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Date Published:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"> February 2012</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13481858-the-doorknob-society?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Chloe Masters’ world changes in a heartbeat and all she did was touch a doorknob. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">When she was young Chloe’s mother vanished. Wracked by feelings of abandonment and anger she lost herself traveling with her fathers magic act, where illusions were part of her everyday life. Yet everything changes when they are pursued by a mysterious man in black out to kill her father. Touching a doorknob activates abilities she never knew she had and she finds herself thrust into a world of ancient societies and secrets. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">When her father disappears it is a race against time to find answers before she loses whats left of her family. Now Chloe must choose who to trust, the man who will do anything for her or the one she can’t stop thinking about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Book one of the Doorknob Society Saga.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">About the Author</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">MJ Fletcher is the creator of the comic book series Adam Zero: The Last Man of Earth published by Ronin Studios. He’s also been published in Hope: The Hero Initiative and Digital Webbing Presents. The Doorknob Society was his first book series and still among his favorites. His other works include The Grimm Chronicles series and numerous novellas and short stories. He lives near the beach with his wife, daughter, and an insane dog. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Author Links</span></strong></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.thedoorknobsociety.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/doorknobsociety" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Twitter: fletch125</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Instagram: mjfletcherwriter</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;">Buy Links</span></strong></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077RTCO4/" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-doorknob-society-mj-fletcher/1108800492?ean=2940046236606&itm=1&usri=2940046236606" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id924103405" target="_blank">iTunes</a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-doorknob-society" target="_blank">KOBO</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-63087686355394388062014-07-23T00:30:00.000-07:002014-07-23T10:33:25.341-07:00Strangers on a Bus - Rob Manary - PROMO BLITZ<div style="text-align: center;">
<a _blank="" href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-2014-promo-s/rob-manary"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-276_zps65d9bfc2.jpg" height="138" width="540"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/StrangersNewCover2Ablackwhite_zps235ed1d8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/StrangersNewCover2Ablackwhite_zps235ed1d8.jpg" height="400" width="301"></a>
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond;">PROMO Blitz – Strangers on a Bus</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Romantic Comedy / Memoir</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Date Published: </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">March 29, 2011</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22736195-strangers-on-a-bus" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsa0dd4209.png"></a>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">If you liked When Harry Met Sally, you'll fall in love with Robb and Gertrude from Strangers on a Bus... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Robb is crushed by a failed relationship with the love of his life and finds himself unexpectedly on a long bus trip from his adopted home in the </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">U.S.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> back to his native </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">At the first stop in NYC, a girl gets on and so begins a contemplation of life, love, and strange events that will bring tears of laughter and heartache streaming down your face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Is this girl Robb's real true love or just a rebound? How far can they get on a bus ride anyway? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">This is a true story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond;">EXCERPT</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Chapter 22 </span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Things To Do in A Bus Stop Bathroom?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">The sun started to come up as we crossed into </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, and Gertrude told me we wouldn’t be making out once it was daylight. Lip dancing on a brightly lit bus was too “tacky” for her, and besides her lessons were having a not entirely unpleasant side effect on her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">I find it best to try not to understand women at all. But, there is one phenomenon that causes me more confusion than any of the other baffling behavior women indulge in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">When you tell a woman something and she doesn’t believe you, so you tell her the opposite, and she doesn’t believe that either, I like that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">So, you tell her the first thing you said was, indeed, the truth, and she doesn’t want to believe that one either.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Confused?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">So am I. Here is the latest incarnation of this occurrence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “All this kissing isn’t bothering you? You’ve got more restraint than any guy I’ve ever met. I thought you would have been trying to feel me up hours ago.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “Would it have worked?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “Maybe, probably not. I think it’s nice. You’re a gentleman.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “Not really. Every time we stop I take care of that in the bathroom.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “You’re such a pig! You washed your hands right! You’re so gross! You didn’t! Did you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “I thought I was a gentleman! I lie! I lie! I lie! Of course I didn’t.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “You’re such a pig! You did! Didn’t you? You’re so gross!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “Stop laughing at me if I’m so gross! I didn’t! I didn’t!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “You did so! You’re such a pig!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “Okay. Fine. I did.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Gertrude: “No you didn’t! You’re not that big a pig. Close. But no. You didn’t.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Me: “I tell you I didn’t and you say I did. I tell you I did, and you say I didn’t. You’re such a weirdo.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">And then I kissed her, because the sun was rising quick, and because I couldn’t see another way to end that conversation. It is possible that debate could have gone on indefinitely, and there was no way I could prove conclusively what I had or had not done in a bus stop bathroom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">After what might be our last extended lip dancing lesson Gertrude whispered in my ear, “I was horny and wanted Dicky-bird…that is fun to say, so in the bathroom… I did.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/icarusPic_zpscf706486.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/icarusPic_zpscf706486.jpg" height="320" width="240"></a>
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond;">About the Author - Rob Manary</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Robert Manary is an international playboy and man of mystery, with the charm and sophistication of James Bond shaken not stirred with a couple ounces of Cyrano de Bergerac, a dash of Rasputin, and garnished with the rapier wit of Thurston Howell the Third.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">That's how he sees himself, anyway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">The truth is Robert Manary is a construct created to protect the dubious reputation of his Clark Kent like mild mannered writer/puppeteer/the man pulling the levers and breathing life into the Great and Powerful Oz (don't look too closely behind the curtain).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Robert Manary's alter ego dropped out of Radio Broadcasting College to pursue a lucrative career bartending at a seedy gentlemen's club, played around stocking shelves at a small grocery store until he screwed up badly enough to be given a promotion, and finally left the glamorous life of fighting with Parmalat representatives over the quantity of soy milk required for a small Northern Ontario town to function adequately, for the bright lights of New York.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Wow that was one long sentence!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Manary is also a master of the run-on sentence, an abuser of commas, and has no idea how to properly use this bit of punctuation: ";"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">He also thinks he is much "cleverer" than he probably is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Manary is an award winning blogger, an erotic romance novel writer, the author of a pretty decent romantic comedy, and for a brief period in the early nineties served as dictator of a small South American country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Most of that is true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">New York</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">New York</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere. Manary couldn't make it there, and with only a little prompting from law enforcement agents returned to </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Canada</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, and chronicled the journey in that pretty decent romantic comedy mentioned in a paragraph above.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">Manary is also an experimental artist who has no clue how to write an Author's Bio, and definitely no idea how to end one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">He has only been in love once, and that didn't work out so well, but he dreams and dreams of that girl he's loved all along. Can a taste of love be so wrong?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">P.S. He is also a shameless plunderer of pop culture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><b>Author Links</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><a href="http://www.robmanary.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></span> <span style="font-family: BlackChancery; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">| </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RobManaryAuthor" style="font-family: Garamond;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <span style="font-family: BlackChancery; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">|</span> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/RobManary" style="font-family: Garamond;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <span style="font-family: BlackChancery; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">|</span> <a href="http://robmanary.com/blog/" style="font-family: Garamond;" target="_blank">Blog</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><b>Buy Link</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UIDETC" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Garamond;"><b>GIVEAWAY</b></span><br>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Garamond;"><b><br></b></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Garamond;"><b><br></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9ee28910/" id="rc-9ee28910" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
<br>
<br>
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320"></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b>DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200"></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-37610177116204355072014-04-28T01:30:00.000-07:002014-04-28T01:30:03.700-07:00Sacrifices - PROMO BLITZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/adult-2014-tours/chris-t-kat" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-191_zpsbcf03e7e.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/3DSacrifices_zps23323cf4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/3DSacrifices_zps23323cf4.png" height="400" width="301" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Sacrifices - PROMO Blitz</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">(A Jeff Woods Mystery); Sequel to Attachment Strings</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">By Chris T. Kat</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><br /></span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">M/M Mystery/Suspense</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">Date Published: 4/28/2014</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21852582-sacrifices" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsacc01fa2.png" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">When he was outed on the local news, Jeff Woods gave up his dream job as a detective to become an on-air radio personality. The sacrifice was worth it to keep Alex and Sean in his life, but Alex lost his job, too. Jeff can tell Alex worries he’s pressuring Jeff too much, first with Sean and now the lack of money, but he has no idea what that will lead Alex to do. Desperate times bring out the stupidity in some people, and when Jeff discovers Alex is in over his head in a situation he can’t handle, he needs all his self-control to stay calm. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is not easy with the Church of Virtue still spouting venom wherever they go, homophobes at the police department, a gangster who wants Alex in the worst possible way, and a bed that barely holds one grown man, much less two (and a child), but Jeff is there to stay for good, and he’ll do what it takes to make Alex believe him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">EXCERPT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After wishing Sean a good day at school, which he answered with a sullen look, I made my way over to Alex. He got up from his chair and threw himself into my open arms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I held him tight, felt him tremble slightly. He whispered, “I don’t want him to make a fuss when the school bus arrives. I can’t handle this shit anymore.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He was almost sobbing the last sentence. Sean had given him hell since school had started. We both understood Sean’s refusal, but St. Christopherus School was the only one available for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sean never wanted to get on his school bus, which he showed everyone in no uncertain terms. He screamed and cried and thrashed around in his wheelchair so violently that he’d managed to flip the wheelchair onto its side on several occasions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His new bus driver, an elderly woman named Patricia Cornell, was an incredibly patient person. Somehow she always convinced Sean she’d take care of him and got him on the bus. By the time the bus left, Alex was either crying or close to tears. I’d witnessed all of this several times in the past weeks and generally sat with Alex afterward while he tried to compose himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Today he’d be on his own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tightening my grip, I whispered back, “He’ll get over it eventually. His therapist said as much.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex snorted. “Yeah, Burnes also said he’d get over his nightmares eventually. Do you see that happening? Because I damn well don’t.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">His trembles increased and fast puffs of breath tickled my throat. Not a good sign. Helplessly, I murmured his name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sean whistled sharply, obviously not happy about being excluded from the conversation. Alex jumped in my arms and tried to push away from me. I held on, keeping him crushed to my chest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Jeff, I need—”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, you don’t,” I cut him off. “Sean will survive not being the center of your attention for a moment. Relax.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Relax?” Alex snapped, again struggling to get free from me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lifting him off his feet, I carried him over to his chair, plonked down on it, and settled him on my lap, all the while ignoring his protests. “Hush now, I’m in charge here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“No, you’re not.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“But yes, of course I am. Who else could be in charge here other than me?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sean laughed from the other side of the table. I winked at him. Alex finally stopped struggling and leaned against me instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“How about me?” he asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You?” I countered, doing my best to sound sufficiently horrified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Alex bumped a fist against my chest, smiling a bit. “Yes.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, for one, I like to be in charge and you don’t.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s not true!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t interrupt me,” I said. The corners of my mouth curved upward, even though I tried to keep a straight face. “I’m having a really good daydream right now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Really? What’s it about?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, just that you’re acknowledging my awesomeness and—”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“All right, all right, you’re awesome and in charge and I was short of having a meltdown. Yet again.” He sighed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hah! I knew someday you’d say it!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah, yeah, don’t let it go to your head. We don’t want you to be distracted while you’re on your way to work,” Alex muttered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And that was the real problem, or at least part of it. Alex feared something could happen to me—on my way to work, at work, on my way back, anywhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t blame him. Resting my cheek on top of his head, I pulled him closer to me. Alex shuddered, then trailed a finger over my shirt, tracing the large scar hidden under it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chris T. Kat</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://s1249.photobucket.com/user/myreadingaddiction/media/Promo%20Images/Chris_T_Kat_icon_zps4e1f5872.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Chris_T_Kat_icon_zps4e1f5872.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/Chris_T_Kat_icon_zps4e1f5872.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there’s any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or does cross stitch. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Links</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChrisTKat">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/christi_kat">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://christikat.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-T.-Kat/e/B008FQQH2Q">Amazon Author Page</a> | <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/ChrisTKat">Goodreads</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Buy Links</span><br />
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dreamspinner Press: <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4915">Ebook</a> - <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4916">Paperback</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-38267894536797454022014-04-25T01:00:00.000-07:002014-04-25T01:00:10.786-07:00To Catch a Spinster PROMO BLITZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/spring-2014-promos/megan-bryce" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-189_zps53cdb0b8.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a 1="" href="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/3DToCatchaSpinster_zpsdb62cfdd.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/3DToCatchaSpinster_zpsdb62cfdd.png" height="400" width="301" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">To Catch a Spinster - PROMO Blitz</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;">By Megan Bryce</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Historical Romance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Date Published: June 2012</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15725797-to-catch-a-spinster?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsacc01fa2.png" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Come back to a time when manners are everything and rules are made to never be broken. Come back to a time when men are in charge and women do what they are told...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Yeah, that never happened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To Catch A Spinster </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Olivia Blakesley, self-proclaimed spinster extraordinaire, is quite happy with her life. She has her studies and her duties, what need does she have of a husband? With five sisters married she knows the reality does not live up to the promise, and does not need to personally experiment with the state to know she would be ill-suited to it. However, she finds herself envious of at least one aspect of marriage. But to experience the physical side of marriage, one doesn't need a husband, all one needs is the right man...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty. Marry a young girl from a respectable family and father an heir, no matter how cold the endless parade of suitable girls leaves him. But a shocking proposal from a scholarly spinster leaves him wondering if unsuitable is just what he's looking for. Can he convince his spinster that marriage is the greatest experiment of all?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">EXCERPT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Olivia Blakesley watched as her youngest sister was married and thought, “That does it, old girl. You are officially on the shelf.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Truthfully, she wasn’t quite yet. But at the ripe old age of seven and twenty, with two older sisters and three younger sisters all married, she was close enough. What man would want the sister who had been left behind? More importantly, why would she want the man who would want her?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She wouldn’t. So it was a good thing she had her studies and responsibilities. She was fairly certain she would have gone stark raving mad these last eight years waiting for a suitor who would never come if she hadn’t started studying the stars or helping her father with the accounts. Not exactly respectable activities for a gentle young woman, but she enjoyed them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Her mother blamed those activities for her current matrimonial-less state. What woman would rather sneak outside to paint stars than flirt with a beau? What woman who was at least pretending she wanted to get married would wear those high-necked, front-buttoned, somber-colored old maid rags?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Olivia handed her mother, who sat sniffling in the pew beside her, a clean handkerchief.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Thank you, Olivia. I can always count on your handkerchief to be dry at weddings, can’t I? I don’t understand how you can be so emotionless.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m not emotionless, and you should be grateful as you now have two handkerchiefs to drench.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Olivia’s father winked at her as he patted his wife’s hand. “It’s not as if this wedding was a surprise, my dear.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">No, Eugenia had been promising that she would be snatched up the quickest since Prudence had taken nearly two years in the marriage mart. Eugenia had lasted a mere two months. The Blakesley sisters were nothing if not goal-oriented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Olivia had her own goals and, unfortunately for her mother, they did not include catching a husband. Even so, she did not want to die inexperienced in love, estranged from her sisters because they knew something she didn’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lust.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She did not want to die a virgin spinster aunt, caring for her aging parents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It would be much better if she could die an experienced spinster aunt, caring for her aging parents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She glanced at the cross hanging above the vicar’s head. Dear Lord, what was she considering? Was she really thinking of. . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">No. It was a sin. And she was in a church, for heaven’s sake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But as her father was wont to say: In the course of life, some commandments must be broken. For emergencies. For science.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thou shalt not kill. Definitely one to be broken in an emergency.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thou shalt not worship any graven images. A few might say that Olivia worshiped her Dutch-made telescope. For science, of course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Honor thy father and mother. She had never been any good at that one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thou shalt not commit adultery. . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, she just wouldn’t choose a married man. This was, after all, a scientific emergency.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She was not going to die an old maid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Olivia looked back at the altar. Her beautiful sister in her lace-trimmed ivory satin wedding gown beamed at her new husband, who looked down at her with obvious love and a little bit of panic. Olivia would never have that. She would never fall in love. Never have someone to depend on– only herself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She nodded. So be it. If she could not have everything, she would have something. If she could not have love, she would have lust. She would find someone to teach her desire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>About the Author:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Megan Bryce</span></em></strong><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> sits in front of a computer all day making up stories for a living. Which means she is not nearly as interesting (as well as tall, svelte, and/or dressed) as her characters. She gets bored quickly and just can't be bothered with anyone in her head who doesn't make her laugh-- which translates into fun books, outrageous situations, and witty characters who will leave you laughing and gasping for more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Website: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.meganbryce.com">www.meganbryce.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">BUY LINKS</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Get your copy for FREE During the Blitz!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B008BDYYJ6">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-catch-a-spinster-megan-bryce/1115635064">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/to-catch-spinster-reluctant/id661956739">iTunes</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Megan_Bryce_To_Catch_A_Spinster?id=CAhWAgAAQBAJ">Google Play</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-39452984185866737312014-04-02T01:00:00.000-07:002014-04-02T01:00:04.834-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a _blank="" href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2014-promos/rainy-kaye"><img alt=" photo onewiththewindbanner_zps89c7c416.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/new-95_zps4f2ef8d0.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a 1="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20624580-summoned?from_search=true" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/3DSummonedHB_zps110eddc8.png" height="400" width="301" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">Summoned - Week Blitz</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">By Rainy Kaye</span></em></strong><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif;">Paranormal Romance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif;">Date Published: 3/28/2014</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20624580-summoned?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/iconAddtoGoodreads1_zpsacc01fa2.png" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can't tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn't the type to tolerate secrets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl's ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Summoned is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.summonedtheseries.com/">http://www.summonedtheseries.com</a> & <a href="http://www.facebook.com/summonedtheseries">http://www.facebook.com/summonedtheseries</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zCkf92MVvh4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">EXCERPT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I dislike having to murder someone. Kidnapping is worse. At least when I setup a kill, I know what's coming. No connections, no honesty, no surprises. Everything I say and do are just steps to luring in my victim. Once the victim falls right into the trap, the next move is swift: crushed windpipe, fatal concussion, or a good ol' fashioned headshot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Kidnapping, on the other hand, is a little trickier. First, the victim has an opportunity to respond. I don't like this. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they manage to alert the authorities. And sometimes they escape, usually by inflicting bodily harm on me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Dead people don't retaliate. Kidnapped ones, well, they're a little more . . . lively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> The second major difference between killing and kidnapping is my conscience. I get in and out with a kill. We have no chance to bond.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Abductees require a little more one-on-one. As much as I try to keep the switch turned off, I can't help but listen to their pleas and demands. And I usually realize I'm a jerk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> That's exactly where I find myself one late afternoon in June. I prefer doing this at night, but moreover, I would prefer not doing this at all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Instead, I have a belligerent nine year old girl sitting in the passenger seat of my Honda Accord, shackles on her wrists and ankles and a small stuffed bunny on her lap. She's eying me in a way that makes me self-conscious. Like I'm the bad guy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Probably because I am the bad guy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Rainy Kaye Links</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rainyofthedark">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/rainyofthedark">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.rainyofthedark.com/">Blog</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
BUY LINKS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summoned-Rainy-Kaye-ebook/dp/B00JAZT88G/">Amazon </a><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">GIVEAWAY</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2 $50 Amazon gift cards.</span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/408264240/" id="rc-408264240" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/Promo%20Images/readingaddictionbutton_zps56848876.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-71599751909036514272014-03-05T11:34:00.002-08:002014-03-05T11:34:23.385-08:00SUBMERGED - Cheryl Kaye Tardif <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2014-promos/cheryl-tardif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo onewiththewindbanner_zps89c7c416.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/new-97_zpsd25248db.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a 1="" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19009043-my-dog-understands-english-50-dogs-obey-commands-they-weren-t-taught?from_search=true" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/3DSubmerged_zps22b0743b.png" height="400" width="301" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Submerged - Week Blitz</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">By Cheryl Kaye Tardif</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Psychological Paranormal Thriller</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Date Published: 2/26/2013</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18673472-submerged">
<img br="" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh501/myreadingaddiction/add-to-goodreads-button_zps640b13bd.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18673472-submerged"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">From the international bestselling author that brought you CHILDREN OF THE FOG comes a terrifying new thriller that will leave you breathless…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"SUBMERGED reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl." —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of 15 Seconds</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Two strangers submerged in guilt, brought together by fate…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife, Jane, and son, Ryan, Marcus Taylor is immersed in grief. But his family isn't the only thing he has lost. An addiction to painkillers has taken away his career as a paramedic. Working as a 911 operator is now the closest he gets to redemption—until he gets a call from a woman trapped in a car.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rebecca Kingston yearns for a quiet weekend getaway, so she can think about her impending divorce from her abusive husband. When a mysterious truck runs her off the road, she is pinned behind the steering wheel, unable to help her two children in the back seat. Her only lifeline is a cell phone with a quickly depleting battery and a stranger's calm voice on the other end telling her everything will be all right.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">More reviews:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"From the first page, you know you are in the hands of a seasoned and expert storyteller who is going to keep you up at night turning the pages. Tardif knows her stuff. There's a reason she sells like wildfire—her words burn up the pages. A wonderful, scary, heart-pumping writer." —M.J. Rose, international bestselling author of Seduction</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Tardif once again delivers a suspenseful supernatural masterpiece." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Home</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"From the first page, Cheryl Kaye Tardif takes you hostage with SUBMERGED—a compelling tale of anguish and redemption." —Rick Mofina, bestselling author of Into the Dark</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's latest novel SUBMERGED will leave you as haunted as its characters." —Joshua Corin, bestselling author of Before Cain Strikes</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"SUBMERGED will leave you breathless—an edge of your seat, supernatural thrill ride." —Jeff Bennington, bestselling author of Twisted Vengeance</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2014-promos/cheryl-tardif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo onewiththewindbanner_zps89c7c416.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/Submerged_FB_Banner2_zpsd75120e7.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">EXCERPT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Prologue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Near Cadomin, AB – Saturday, June 15, 2013 – 12:36 AM</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You never grow accustomed to the stench of death. Marcus Taylor knew that smell intimately. He had inhaled burnt flesh, decayed flesh…diseased flesh. It lingered on him long after he was separated from the body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The image of his wife and son's gray faces and blue lips assaulted him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jane…Ryan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mercifully, there were no bodies tonight. The only scent he recognized now was wet prairie and the dank residue left over from a rainstorm and the river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"So what happened, Marcus?" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The question came from Detective John Zur, a cop Marcus knew from the old days. Back before he traded in his steady income and respected career for something that had poisoned him physically and mentally.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Come on," Zur prodded. "Start talking. And tell me the truth."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus was an expert at hiding things. Always had been. But there was no way in hell he could hide why he was soaked to the skin and standing at the edge of a river in the middle of nowhere. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He squinted at the river, trying to discern where the car had sunk. He only saw faint ripples on the surface. "You can see what happened, John."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You left your desk. Not a very rational decision to make, considering your past." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus shook his head, the taste of river water still in his throat. "Just because I do something unexpected doesn't mean I'm back to old habits."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Zur studied him but said nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I had to do something, John. I had to try to save them."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"That's what EMS is for. You're not a paramedic anymore."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus let his gaze drift to the river. "I know. But you guys were all over the place and someone had to look for them. They were running out of time."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Overhead, lightning forked and thunder reverberated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Dammit, Marcus, you went rogue!" Zur said. "You know how dangerous that is. We could've had four bodies."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus scowled. "Instead of merely three, you mean?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know how this works. We work in teams for a reason. We all need backup. Even you."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"All the rescue teams were otherwise engaged. I didn't have a choice."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Zur sighed. "We go back a long way. I know you did what you thought was right. But it could've cost them all their lives. And it'll probably cost you your job. Why would you risk that for a complete stranger?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"She wasn't a stranger." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Marcus realized how true that statement seemed. He knew more about Rebecca Kingston than he did about any other woman. Besides Jane.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You know her?" Zur asked, frowning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"She told me things and I told her things. So, yeah, I know her."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I still do not get why you didn't stay at the center and let us do our job."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"She called me." Marcus looked into his friend's eyes. "Me. Not you."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"I understand, but that's your job. To listen and relay information."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"You don't understand a thing. Rebecca was terrified. For herself and her children. No one knew where they were for sure, and she was running out of time. If I didn't at least try, what kind of person would I be, John?" He gritted his teeth. "I couldn't live with that. Not again."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Zur exhaled. "Sometimes we're simply too late. It happens."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Well, I didn't want it to happen this time." Marcus thought of the vision he'd seen of Jane standing in the middle of the road. "I had a…hunch I was close. Then when Rebecca mentioned Colton had seen flying pigs, I remembered this place. Jane and I used to buy ribs and chops from the owner, before it closed down about seven years ago."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"And that led you here to the farm." Zur's voice softened. "Good thing your hunch paid off. This time. Next time, you might not be so lucky."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"There won't be a next time, John."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A smirk tugged at the corner of Zur's mouth. "Uh-huh."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"There won't."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Zur shrugged and headed for the ambulance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Under a chaotic sky, Marcus stood at the edge of the river as tears cascaded from his eyes. The night's events hit him hard, like a sucker punch to the gut. He was submerged in a wave of memories. The first call, Rebecca's frantic voice, Colton crying in the background. He knew that kind of fear. He'd felt it before. But last time, it was a different road, different woman, different child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He shook his head. He couldn't think of Jane right now. Or Ryan. He couldn't reflect on all he'd lost. He needed to focus on what he'd found, what he'd discovered in a faceless voice that had comforted him and expressed that it was okay to let go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He glanced at his watch. It was after midnight. 12:39, to be exact. He couldn't believe how his life had changed in not much more than two days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Marcus!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He turned...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Cheryl Tardif</span></em></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/MichelleLynn851/media/CherylKayeTardifBEST_zpsbe208e6d.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo CherylKayeTardifBEST_zpsbe208e6d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/CherylKayeTardifBEST_zpsbe208e6d.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cheryl Kaye Tardif is an award-winning, international bestselling Canadian suspense author. Her novels include Submerged, Divine Justice, Children of the Fog, The River, Divine Intervention, and Whale Song, which New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice calls "a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">She is now working on her next thriller.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Cheryl also enjoys writing short stories inspired mainly by her author idol Stephen King, and this has resulted in Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories (collection of shorts) and Remote Control (novelette eBook).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2010 Cheryl detoured into the romance genre with her contemporary romantic suspense debut, Lancelot's Lady, written under the pen name of Cherish D'Angelo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Booklist raves, "Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border."</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Links</span><br />
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.cherylktardif.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cherylktardif">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-novels/29769736630">Author Facebook Page</a> </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/462777760511016/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo onewiththewindbanner_zps89c7c416.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/Submerged_FB_Banner1_zpsaac21c90.jpg" height="138" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/462777760511016/">SUBMERGED Army on Facebook</a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Buy Links</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Submerged-ebook/dp/B00BJ64OHY">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/submerged-cheryl-kaye-tardif/1114677237">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/submerged/id701307628">itunes</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/submerged-6">Kobo Books</a> | <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/352055">Smashwords</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">GIVEAWAY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/39394c19/" id="rc-39394c19" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">KINDLE FIRE + REsQMe Emergency Tool (featured in the novel and was donated by the company)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: 'Bodoni MT', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*The Kindle Fire HD or Kobo Arc 7 will be awarded IF I make New York Times or USA Today bestsellers lists, so the more people share my event, the better chance I’ll be giving one away. The other prizes will be awarded no matter what happens.</span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.466665267944336px;"><span style="color: red;">This Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://readingaddictionvbt.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" border="0" src="http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii515/MichelleLynn851/readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-45700509965930308952014-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-24T01:00:04.446-08:00LUNALIQUE - Kristin Campbell - Virtual Book Tour<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycssXIay7IH8vT4BnsLRxYyr8-FRY4W0gQRl52Kc23oJcs_GbJ15WY0xxP2MMj7YheXgMMPVGSUiZ71XsuOYfRq9LXigvGntwISuDIlayOQVSbkokRJCdzfZC-GSzlFtQ5OZrhACm8jTy/s1600/Lunangeliquecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycssXIay7IH8vT4BnsLRxYyr8-FRY4W0gQRl52Kc23oJcs_GbJ15WY0xxP2MMj7YheXgMMPVGSUiZ71XsuOYfRq9LXigvGntwISuDIlayOQVSbkokRJCdzfZC-GSzlFtQ5OZrhACm8jTy/s1600/Lunangeliquecover.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">YA Paranormal Romance</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Date Published: 2012</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>Lunangelique: </b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">For Alexis and Alex life has been great. They have loving parents, great friends and live a life every teenager dreams. However, they are adopted and Alexis struggles with wanting to know who their real parents are and not wanting to hurt her adopted parents. Then, a stunning guy moves across the street from them. One who has a secret past and seems to know things about Alexis. One who does mysterious things and leads her to other mysterious persons. One who pushes her to discover her extraordinary birth family and the truth between mythology and religion.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>EXCERPT</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He laughs
at me like I have said the funniest joke in the world. I keep my face neutral,
not wanting to show any emotions while he finally collects himself. “You <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> amusing. Aren’t you afraid? Why do
you not fear me? Do you know what I have done to Kakabel? What I intend to do
to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I shrug
my shoulders, wanting to appear as calm as possible. “I won’t be scared if I
tell myself there is nothing to fear. You cannot hurt me because I will tell
myself not to feel pain. I don’t know what you did to my art professor so I
won’t know what you will do to me.” I play him with words because I know he
won’t understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Where
are your wings?” he demands, angry now because I’m not giving anything away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What
this?” I nod my chin to the necklace around my neck. He comes forward and yanks
it off my neck. “Hey, I like that,” I whine like a spoiled child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Malachi,”
he calls towards the other room. In a few seconds, Malachi is by his side. He
takes Cole’s wings that Cerviel hands him and studies it before laughing. “I
thought you would like that.” Malachi throws it on the floor and stomps on it.
“Go back to Samson,” Cerviel orders him. Malachi is gone in the blink of an
eye, leaving me alone with Cerviel again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That’s
my necklace.” I pout. “There’s no reason to treat it that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It will
hurt your lover,” he informs me with a malicious smile. “If you will not
cooperate, then we will torture him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How?” I
challenge him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“His wings,”
he indicates to the necklace lying on the floor, “contains a link to him.
They’re still connected even though they’re not attached. If you hurt one, then
you hurt the other.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re
insane.” I act like his notions are ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Want to
test it out?” he picks it up and places his hands on either end like he’s about
to twist it or break it in two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No!” I
scream, terrified that what he says is true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Games up.
I lost this match. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sugar snaps</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are
you?” he asks again patiently. He takes a chair and places it in front of me.
Then, he sits down, folding his legs and hands as they rest on his leg. He’s
acting like this is a normal conversation over tea with a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Can I
have some water, please?” I’m trying to buy some time to get away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“After
you answer my questions,” he answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you
going to let me go after I do?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It
depends on if I like your answers.” He smiles sweetly at me. “What are you?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“A girl
who is starting to get pissed off that you keep asking me that, like I’m a
freaking alien or something!” I scream it at him. I close my eyes and take a
deep breath to calm down when I feel a slap across my face. My eyes dart open
and I glare at him angrily. I taste blood on the side of my mouth. He stares at
the wound and I see a light bulb go off in his eyes. He grins wickedly at me
and then produces a switch blade from his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let’s
see how much of a pissed off girl you really can be,” he mocks me and then
plunges the knife into my hand, impaling it into the arm of the chair I was
gripping. My eyes bulge open in shock and horror and I want to scream, but I
tell my nerves not to feel anything and my hand goes dead of feeling. I’m so
glad right now that I’m a freak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
watches my expression change with amusement and then looks lethal again when I
don’t scream out. I drum the fingers of my other hand on the arm of the chair.
Acting like I’m bored with this act. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Where
are your wings?” Cerviel demands of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 163.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t
have any wings you freakin’ lunatic. I’m just a girl.” I start laughing because
my hand not responding to being impaled is a pretty sure sign that I am not
human. I feel psychotic in the moment. I think shock is setting in and I cannot
control it. I just continue to laugh at him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His face breaks out in uncontrolled
angry grimace and then he pulls the knife out of my hand and plunges it into my
chest. I feel it tear through the arteries of my heart. I’m so shocked he did
it that I stop breathing, which ends my laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Go and find her brother,” I hear him
bark at someone before I black out again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR </b></o:p></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="padding-top: 15px;">
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Kristin R. Campbell currently lives in Utah with her husband and two children. She is prior military and has pursued Religion, History and Legal Studies before finally settling with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice. She is a self-proclaimed workaholic, who also loves hiking, traveling, spoiling her babies and, of course, reading and writing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 15px;">
<div>
Website: <a href="http://www.lunangelique.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">www.lunangelique.com</a></div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KristinRCampbellLunangelique" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">https://www.facebook.com/KristinRCampbellLunangelique</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KristinRCampbel" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">https://twitter.com/KristinRCampbel</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6427299.Kristin_R_Campbell" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6427299.Kristin_R_Campbell</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 15px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 15px;">
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">BUY LINKS</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;">Lunangelique on Amazon - </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #551a8b;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lunangelique-The-Series-ebook/dp/B008D94VZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-1&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbell">http://www.amazon.com/Lunangelique-The-Series-ebook/dp/B008D94VZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-1&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbell</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Lunangelique on B&N - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #551a8b;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lunangelique-kristin-campbell/1111765754?ean=2940044676787">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lunangelique-kristin-campbell/1111765754?ean=2940044676787</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sleeping Gods on Amazon - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Gods-Lunangelique-Series-ebook/dp/B009DPAS8M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-3&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbell"><span style="color: #551a8b;">http://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Gods-Lunangelique-Series-ebook/dp/B009DPAS8M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-3&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbel</span>l</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sleeping Gods on B&N - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #551a8b;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sleeping-gods-kristin-r-campbell/1112955251?ean=9781479330096">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sleeping-gods-kristin-r-campbell/1112955251?ean=9781479330096</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Awakened Gods on Amazon - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #551a8b;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Gods-Lunangelique-Series-ebook/dp/B00ASBB4O2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-5&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbell">http://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Gods-Lunangelique-Series-ebook/dp/B00ASBB4O2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1381023247&sr=8-5&keywords=Kristin+R.+Campbell</a></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Awakened Gods on B&N - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/awakened-gods-kristin-r-campbell/1114022398?ean=9781481829823" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/awakened-gods-kristin-r-campbell/1114022398?ean=9781481829823</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding-top: 15px;">
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" height="65" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-29954768670290113372013-10-07T00:30:00.000-07:002013-10-07T00:30:06.640-07:00BLOG TOUR - What Remains - Bart Barker<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Harrington;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Harrington; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsAWzpLoU0TCSWPbLDV9cspqptrJqgYmGF5LIKkx0a7LbSq9eTfMzW26Y8WIbdexVJJaEvezzpdBD-CkztjTFny6QgLlNoL4hB0iLXTuVZJvdf32nPR7FW_ubeqp4CWlP28GjClYgtC58/s1600/What+Remains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsAWzpLoU0TCSWPbLDV9cspqptrJqgYmGF5LIKkx0a7LbSq9eTfMzW26Y8WIbdexVJJaEvezzpdBD-CkztjTFny6QgLlNoL4hB0iLXTuVZJvdf32nPR7FW_ubeqp4CWlP28GjClYgtC58/s320/What+Remains.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b>Title</b>: What Remains<br /><strong>Genre:</strong> General Fiction<br /><b>Author</b>: Bart Baker<br /><b>Publisher</b>: Big Muddy Press (March 11, 2013)<br /><b>Pages</b>: 388<br /><b>Language</b>: English<br /><b>ISBN-10</b>: 1480117331<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When Conner Carter is banished from New York for cheating on his socialite wife, he flies across country to Sonoma, California to stay with his brother Cody, Cody’s ridiculously wealthy husband, Rhett, and their two adopted Cambodian children. Since childhood, Conner has been jealous of the gilded life Cody has led, but Conner learns that what glitters often tarnishes and shatters in shocking and dangerous ways. Having always taken life’s easiest route, Conner now finds that path closed when he is forced to step up for his brother when Cody’s personal life crumbles after Rhett goes missing in Colombia on a documentary film shoot. Conner’s world unravels when the woman he’s fallen in love with, their black Puerto Rican nanny, Zinzi, finds her violent past catching up with her. From the tattered and surprising pieces of these characters’ intense and complicated lives, these people will discover the strength in WHAT REMAINS.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b>First Chapter:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><i>CONNER<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Do I know you?” I asked, casually flirting as I shook the hand of the outstanding brunette in the Versace cocktail dress. It’s a skill I’ve perfected for these opaque charity fundraisers I get bullied into attending.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We slept together two years ago,” she stated with a razor’s edge etched into her voice. “You never called.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Not the best statement to make when I’m standing with my wife of <i>three </i>years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Now before you cast stones, it’s not like I was the only one cheating throughout our marriage. She had her dalliances with men far more successful than I, men she gravitated towards once we were married as if to show me what she hoped I’d become while simultaneously reminding me that I never would. I possessed no natural status of my own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Any cachet I owned, I married into.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Prior to the “I do’s” there were only a few trinkets in my bag of tricks: a chameleon-like ability to be all things to all people, a well-honed smile, clever patter and faux-humble charm. People liked me, especially those who didn’t dig too deeply below the surface. Those who did, only found more layers of surface.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Now, one might think that I’m being self-deprecating or modest, or that I’m pathological. None of the above. Well, there’s always that edge of pathology. Not of the Ted Bundy-variety, though we both had a fascination with women. His usually ended in death. Mine ended with less finality. But they ended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
If there has been anything consistent throughout my life, it’s my keen ability at seeming to be the perfect guy. You could bring me home to your mother and she would want to squeeze me, feed me, or sleep with me. All three have happened. But I can also watch a game with your dad and quote stats of just about any sport, though I played none at all. Most importantly, I am inventive in bed and rabbit quick with a compliment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Before I make these qualities sound too good, anyone appearing this wonderful has flaws. Most of mine are minor. And by that I mean none are felonious. No one’s died or lost their life savings because of me. But there is one thing I’m really not proud of. Some people can overlook it because in the entire scheme of things it’s not epic, but for others it’s certainly a deal breaker. See, I have this problem with work. Not employment. I rather enjoy making money. But for the life of me I’ve never understood the fascination with hard work. I know people say that nothing in life worth having comes without some suffering. Huh? Where is this written? I know it’s not the Bible, not that I’ve read it. Nor in the Koran, not that I’ve read it either. And I’m fairly certain it’s not in the teachings of Buddha, not that I’ve heard them. I’m not sure who made up that load of crap but I can state with absolute certainty that I do not believe it to be true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My philosophy: Nothing worth suffering over is worth the time you put into it. And its axiom: If it’s difficult, you’ll only resent it later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I’ve floated though just fine for thirty-four years. Better than fine. Being me is nothing if not genuinely easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Until now. But we’ll get to that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Prior to the overt discovery of my indiscretion, for some odd, inexplicable, reason my now ex-wife saw potential in me. “You have something that most men I know don’t have, Conner,” she would say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
What exactly that was I found out after we were married. The “something” was my ability to utterly and entirely piss off her father by marrying into his family. And her defiant act of “in your face” created the effect she so desired with him. It altered the current of her father’s attention directly towards her rather than any one of her four sisters. There was a lifelong battle among them to keep their father’s interest, as well as his money, flowing in their direction. By marrying someone without a pedigree who possessed no marketable talent other than looking handsome beside her in a society page photograph, she leapt past her sisters to the top of her father’s “to do” list.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Her father “took me under his wing” at his investment firm, with a fancy title of Vice-President In Charge of Physical Property, an amusing creation to keep me on a short leash. What that ridiculous title actually meant was if you wanted a different lamp in your office, you had to go through me. Those rented paintings from some happening gallery in SoHo that hung in our lobby, I selected them from a catalogue. Paper clips, reams of paper, note pads, yep, those went through me too. I reigned as a glorified cleric with a corner office. When actually working men and women rushed past on their way to important meetings or to grab a client’s phone call, they either smiled in amusement or scowled at the inequity. But a fat paycheck and little actual responsibility were two things I never walked away from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My wife’s father kept us busy nightly, introducing us to clients, competitors and co-workers. She got an eyeful of men who would always be far more successful than me. Those who actually enjoyed toiling twelve to fourteen hours a day to impress their boss or pick up a larger paycheck. The more successful men she met, the more she regretted the decision to marry me for the sole purpose of making her father angry. Angry enough to drive a wedge between us, which he craftily accomplished by introducing me to many, many women. He knew me, or at least my ilk, well enough to know that it wouldn’t take long for me to stray from my vows, especially knowing that my wife was doing the exact same thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Father always knows best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Returning to our Upper West Side co-op after the ill-timed response from the brunette, my ex- had what could be described as a shift in the tectonic plates in her head. She was not the least bit surprised or upset at my affair since that was an unspoken registered trademark of our relationship. What flipped her into homicidal overdrive was a far greater sin in her social circles, an unwritten law that no one dared break under penalty of banishment or death, whichever carried more stigma. My crime: I humiliated her in front of a roomful of her friends. And in fairness to her, it was more like five rooms full of friends, pseudo friends and other society types. The faux-pas shot through the Epilepsy Awareness Fundraiser like an overdose of chemo. People paired off and whispered. There were unsubtle glances in her direction, scowls in mine, hardy squeezes from her friends as they passed her, the seismic shift in conversation. It was as if this were an absolute first for anyone who lived in any building on the Upper West Side. And I have to admit, the look on her face was heartbreaking. She loved when people talked about her dress, her hair, her handbag, her trips, her family, but never about <i>her</i>. And right now that’s all they could talk about. They didn’t even wait until her back was turned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Months later when we were in court and her short but slick attorney was doing his lawyerly best to drag me behind his Lexus, she wept on cue as she testified that when she grabbed the knife and tried to plunge it into my chest, she was fearing for her own safety. But she and I both know that when she yanked that kitchen knife from the butcher block there was nothing more on her mind than killing me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Humiliation does funny things to some people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Analyzing it now, I’m not really sure we were ever in love. Can people, who cheat throughout their marriage and then end up a few years later despising one another, have been truly in love to begin with? We had passion, sure. The knife incident was perverted evidence of that. But I have an amazing ability to mistake passion for something more potent. She and I also had amazing sex. She was a freak. The girl of my dreams. And I know I’m not alone in the loopy habit of misidentifying great sex for compatibility nor in believing self-interest is a form of character depth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Our divorce was straightforward. She got damn near everything and I walked away with less than damn near nothing. Not that most of it wasn’t hers to begin with. And she had a pre-nup that her father demanded I sign before the marriage to prove it. But the little that was mine, she seized half. You know things are bad when your own lawyer glances at you over the top of the pre-nup and shakes his head knowing his only option is to beg for mercy where none would be granted. I was summarily fired from my junior VP position at her father’s company. Not that the firing was a big shocker, but he kicked me in the nuts by canning me just prior to the divorce so that she could lay claim to half of my severance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’d keep you on if I thought you lived up to your potential,” he told me with such solemnity that for a fleeting moment I actually believed he meant his words. “But you are a great deal less of a man than you first led on, Conner,” he finished, his nasally voice tapping nails in the coffin containing the remains of my financial solvency.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You know, John, you’d be more convincing if I didn’t have firsthand knowledge of how big of a weasel prick you are,” I replied, having zero to lose at that point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Her father was not accustomed to being referred to as a “weasel prick,” but the fit was snuggly appropriate. His nose came to such a fine point I always thought some kid in grade school must have jammed his face into the pencil sharpener and turned the handle. John had the kind of features that looked better on a woman than a man. Thank God, because my ex-wife looked more like her father than her dour, politely-referred-to-as-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
handsome, mother.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I was going to give you a recommendation so you could land on your feet, but now you better hope no one contacts me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Yeah. Uh-huh. Right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
How do you know someone will screw you over in the future? They explain to you what they would have done for you if you just hadn’t angered them. And I’m amazingly adept at agitating people into a mouth-foaming fury. It almost never gets me anywhere. But I do seem to enjoy doing it because I seem to do it over and over again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
See what I mean about repeating patterns?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
As I was walking out of his office he said, “Pray you never see my face again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Come on. You think I was going to let that one go? There’ve been very few times in my life I’ve been on the side of right. I was going to roll in this slop for a little longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Which face would that be, you two-faced, rat mugged, sack of shit?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Security escorted me roughly from the building, shoving me and my meager office belongings onto the sidewalk. When you behave like a dick you sort of expect to get shoved around every once in a while by an even bigger dick.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Walking aimlessly, my few office belongings packed so haphazardly in a cardboard box that they slammed together with every step, disinterested New Yorkers traipsed around me as if they could smell the gunpowder residue from my firing and wanted to avoid the stench. Then suddenly and for me rather scarily, I had my first true moment of self-awareness. And even if wasn’t the first, it was certainly the clearest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I was spouseless, jobless, homeless. The trifecta at Loserhill Downs. And I didn’t have an easy clue as to what I was going to do next. I had shot my wad and shot myself in the foot simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
No easy task.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Now let me explain something here so that you’ll fully grasp how completely stupid what I was about to do was. See, even though I’ve never sweated much in life, it doesn’t mean I haven’t been successful. At the jobs I’ve had, I’ve always made quotas, closed deals, picked up healthy quarterly bonuses. I’ve slept with beautiful women, traveled the world (usually on someone else’s dime) and had plenty of laughs with the people I thought were my friends. But at one thing in particular I’ve been outrageously gifted: avoiding self-examination. Frankly, I find that to be a considerable waste of time. Besides being redundant, been there, lived that, it can only lead to one thing: regret. Even if you’ve had the greatest life imaginable, when you peer back at your past what comes whipping into your face like Medea’s angry locks are all the failures you’ve amassed during your tenure on the planet. Staring at your foggy-morning pile-up of private catastrophes creates a searing remorse which sinks you into a big, swirling, pisshole of despair. The final outcome: a receding hairline, ulcers, and a reputation among your friends as a whiny pain in the ass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I’ve grown fond of my hair, which still doesn’t have a lick of gray, and I would prefer my real friends, if I actually had any real friends (most of my friends were her friends, and since she has more influence and money, their friendship was an illusion that I bought into), to refer to me in the positive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I know they say that people who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. That’s probably why my life has been one continuous loop-de-loop. My love life especially has been a continuum of superficial disasters, and overly dramatic bottle rockets that shoot up into the ether with spectacular promise and then repeatedly go poof, leaving nothing but a wisp of smoke and the inevitable question, “Is that it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I stopped walking. Standing on the Avenue of the Americas, people shoving past, I felt I couldn’t walk and think at the same time. This blistering moment of self-awareness tightened in my chest like a premature heart attack. I couldn’t breathe. I wanted someone, anyone, to grab me and shake me. Or hug me. But that wasn’t going to happen. I needed to suffer through this which, looking back, at least explains the insanity of what I was about to do. There just wasn’t enough blood going to my brain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I was ordered out of my wife’s apartment and had no luck finding anything I could afford that I would want to live in. The few Benjamins coming from the severance didn’t provide me with any comfort. And I couldn’t see taking a step back, moving into a single apartment near Greenwich or the Lower East Side and starting over. I couldn’t bear it. Fact was, I was a thirty-four-year-old, rudderless divorced man, who had been living an extended adolescence by the grace of his good looks and pothole-deep charm. And yes, I was crystal clear that most of my failures, and a good portion of my regrets, were my fault.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I’m not a victim. Just an idiot. And what I did next should prove that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I hadn’t spoken to my brother in at least five months. He called on my birthday. Partially to remind me that I hadn’t called him on his, partially to wish me a good day. We no longer sent each other presents but we do try and call. Well, he does. Cody is like that. Organized, pragmatic, together. Pretty much the dutiful brother to my more hands-off approach to life. Three years my junior, Cody and I have little in common other than DNA. I always find it fascinating, two siblings, raised in the same home, same parents, generally the same upbringing, and yet so intrinsically polar. If Cody and I were continents, he’d be Europe: stately, historical, roguish, built to last, and I would be America: flashy, dominating, babyish, self-congratulatory. Growing up, I was acutely aware of the power in my smile and green eyes, Cody seemed completely oblivious as to what his looks could score him. I wanted the best from life, Cody wanted to be the best in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
You’d think I’d know my brother better before acting so irrationally. But desperate times call for at least a little effort on my part. And Cody seemed safe. Since we had always been vastly different people and knew so little about each other’s present lives, he would be less apt to pass judgment. And my judgments about him had long since been formed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Putting himself through college with a pole vaulting scholarship, Cody was the epitome of the artistic jock. You know, that soulful creature that looks like he could crush beer cans against his head but secretly understands the meaning of haikus. He played sports all through high school but excelled when it came to launching himself sixteen feet in the air and contorting his body over a stick before falling back to earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Me, I played no sports. The single thing I did excel at in high school was the debate team. Not that I was remarkably well-prepared or did much research on any topic, but I always scored afterwards with a girl from the opposing high school who usually fancied herself a future D.A. What was it about high school debate teams that attract girls with great racks? Maybe it was all the drama. Maybe it was the chance to show off their intelligence rather than their bodies. Maybe it was the opportunity to actually be right when arguing against a guy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Thankfully, Cody was never the kind of little brother who followed me around wanting to hang out with me. I had friends whose little brothers were major pains in the ass, spying on them and then holding the petty crimes they witnessed over their older<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
sibling’s head. Not Cody. He marched to the beat of his own drummer. Or more accurately, his own bongo player. His worst habit, and this was something that brought him incredible piles of misery, was that he almost always told the truth. Unlike me who<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
never met a lie he didn’t like, Cody seemed incapable of covering his own ass. I shook my head in disbelief every time he got caught doing something. Easy lies would present themselves, staggering around like dying elephants waiting to be poached for their ivory, and he would blurt out a confession that wouldn’t have come out of me without a severe beating. I used to believe there was something wrong with him, like he was missing the self-survival chromosome. Or maybe there was only so much of it in our family and I hogged it all. All I could figure was that he had a masochistic streak that ran deeper than the creek behind our house, or that he enjoyed the attention it brought him by coming clean. But later I discovered that all this truth-telling changed something in him as he aged. He committed fewer stupid errors. Always fessing up to his blunders kept Cody on the straight and narrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Why bother doing something stupid when you’re just going to rat yourself out?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
This dented our already distant relationship. How could you not hate a guy who seldom did anything wrong, and when he did, readily admitted it? Back then we had a name for people like that: dumbshit. But I knew this anti-adolescent behavior would catch up with him. Sooner or later, never experiencing the kind of well-honed, deliberate, and often dangerous, trouble that most teenagers relished (and then denied to their parents) would curse him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
But Cody’s on-coming train wreck of a mistake was hilariously colossal next to the litany of asinine stunts I pulled. His admittance only iced the cake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I was in my sophomore year in college. I’d gotten accepted to the University of Virginia. Don’t ask me how. My SATs were pretty good. Again, don’t ask me how. I remember guessing on most of the questions, trying to find a visual pattern in the answers and sticking to that format on what I didn’t know. Which was pretty much everything. Seemed to work more than it didn’t, much to the joy of my parents who then accused me of not applying myself more during high school. As I walked my parents back to the Plymouth after we unloaded my things into my college dorm room, my mother sniffling, not from sadness but from a late summer cold, my father turned and took me by the shoulders. I’d never seen a prouder look in his eye when he gave me one of the few pieces of advice he ever bestowed on either of his sons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Please don’t embarrass us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The phone rang early one morning. Since I never signed up for a class before noon, early could have been 11:45 but whatever it was, I was still in bed and hung over from another night of whiskey shots and beer chasers. It was my mother on the other end of the phone. She was sobbing. Inconsolably.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Is it Dad? Is he dead? Did Cody finally kill himself pole vaulting? Do we have insurance on him?” I quizzed her coming out of my stupor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She bawled into the phone for another moment before she finally pushed out, “You need to talk to your brother.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“He did hurt himself and blew his chance at a college scholarship,” I railed. “I knew that peckerhead would eventually get an arm or a leg ripped off. He’s not touching my college fund. You guys put that money in there for me. He was supposed to get a scholarship. If he hurt himself that’s his fault, let him go to trade school or something. He can’t touch that money, it’s mine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I was nothing if not benevolent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My mother continued to cry. There is nothing worse in the world than hearing your mother sob, except perhaps hearing your father blubber. Finally, through her heaving and sighing, I gathered that my mother had returned from grocery shopping to<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
find Cody in his bedroom with Tim Deverman, the captain of the wrestling team. Tim, all 215 muscled pounds of him, was naked, his face buried between Cody’s legs. Now for a woman who, bless her sheltered soul, was the chairperson of the Saint Martin’s Catholic Church Winter Bazaar and Raffle, this was something that I’m sure at first made no sense. She had no frame of reference. Was Tim searching for a lost contact in Cody’s chair? Had Cody passed out with Tim trying to revive him? Was this some sort of new exercise? But the give-away was when her own son, his T-shirt pulled up over his chest, his pants around his ankles, his eyes rolled back in his head, growled repeatedly “Yeah Tim, that’s it, take it...”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
There are certain signals even your mother catches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She slipped back out of the room without “the boys” noticing, returning to her kitchen in a state of denial and put away her groceries, making sure the labels on all the cans faced front. An hour later, Cody and Tim bounced down the stairs into the kitchen announcing they were starving as they dove into the refrigerator to find whatever was quickly edible. My mother said nothing. After Tim wished her a good afternoon and told Cody that he would see him in class the next day, Cody strolled past Mom and kissed her on the cheek, saying he loved her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
What caught his eye is that Mom wiped the kiss off her cheek with the back of her hand. He stopped, taking a hard look at her. She was wan, her face the color of Cream of Rice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You okay?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Mom, being Mom, which means the queen of avoidance, nodded silently. Cody knew that meant something serious was on her mind. We had memorized all her signals since she never mastered the art of verbal discourse, even with her kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Mom, tell me,” Cody pleaded, able to see that whatever had rendered her mute was severe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Mom just pointed upstairs and began to sob.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Cody knew immediately. He took her in his arms and held her as she cried, explaining to her that he was gay. Mom was shocked. Besides the fact she didn’t know a single other gay person, her son showed no signs of being a stock-in-trade homosexual.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Even I have to say, I was a little taken aback when she told me. Cody was a jock, a man’s man, and I say that with no irony. He was muscled, slyly handsome, had a deep, coarse voice that sounded like someone grinding stone. Mom would have no clue, even though I should have put it together since he never had a steady girlfriend in high school even though a majority of the girls at Kennedy High were falling all over themselves to go out with him or get under him. I had heard that unlike me, whenever Cody was on a date, he behaved like a gentleman. Let me tell you now, any time the word “gentleman” is associated with a hormonally-obsessed teenage boy it means he’s a homo. Case closed. Come to think of it, Cody never did talk much about his conquests. Me, you couldn’t shut up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
All I could say to my Mom was, “Well, it could be worse. He could be doing the captain of the chess team. How fucked up would that be?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
She didn’t laugh. Being tickled by my sarcasm was never one of my mother’s strong suits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I reasoned with Cody against coming out. Since Mom knew, Cody figured, rightfully so, that Dad would soon find out. My parents weren’t the kind of people who were going to disown their own son. That kind of behavior is saved for religious nut jobs who believe the Bible talks to them and only them in special ways. Such as my Aunt Carol, who told Cody at his high school graduation party that he was going to hell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“It says right there in Leviticus that homosexuality is an abomination,” she stated as she handed him his graduation card with twenty dollars inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Cody smiled, patted Aunt Carol on the shoulder and said, “Did you know that the same arcane passage in Leviticus condemns the eating of shellfish? But that doesn’t stop you from stuffing yourself into a booth at Red Lobster for all-you-can-eat shrimp, now does it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Even though I can’t wrap my head around the whole gay thing when there are so many more fun parts on a woman, you had to admire Cody for remarks like that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
My parents, rest their souls, adored Cody. And not just because he saved them tens of thousands of dollars by getting a four-year free ride to college. But mainly because he was the antithesis of me. He was a star athlete on his way to Arizona State on a track scholarship. His grades were always in the top five percentile nationally and he treated my parents with love and respect. Again, I should have known he was gay. When you overachieve that much, you’re compensating for something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I begged Cody for the sake of our folks not to make any public pronouncements about his sexual orientation. Just because the hard part was over, having his parents discover his secret, there were still a lot of hazards on the horizon. I convinced Cody that there would be a lot of people, especially those he’d been sharing a shower with at the high school, who wouldn’t cotton to discovering the man they’ve been lathering up next to actually enjoyed it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“If someone bashes you in the head with a lead pipe and turns you into a drooling quadriplegic it’s going to be real hard to collect on that pole vaulting scholarship,” I warned him before suggesting he just keep discretely messing with the captain of the wrestling team but avoid taking him to the prom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I never heard much about Cody’s sexual proclivities while he was in college. My Mom and Dad would call me and brag about how well he was doing in pole vaulting. What we didn’t know was that my brother met grad student Rhett Taylor-Richmond his junior year and moved into Rhett’s apartment while keeping a room at the dorms, which he used only when my parents came for their yearly campus visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Rhett Taylor-Richmond was exactly what his name flagrantly announced, a Southern, monied, poof. Rhett was at Arizona State studying photography and filmmaking. He also modeled part-time. I’ll give Cody credit, he never seemed to attract less than stellar beaus. Like my brother, Rhett was a true adrenalin junkie, with an addiction to the overtly dangerous. Rhett once snatched up a poisonous adder with his bare hands and explained how if this very pissed off creature bit him he would fall to the ground with excruciating spasms and slowly suffocate on his own phlegm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
This guy was perfect for my brother.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
After Cody graduated, he entered an interior design program, on Rhett’s dime while Rhett disappeared into the Venezuelan wilderness to shoot his first documentary on a tiny tribe of indigenous Indians, the Cuocma, who worshipped scorpions as the descendants of Mozata, their earth spirit. Dying from a scorpion sting meant you were blessed and would enter the afterlife. Not dying from a sting meant you were possessed by evil spirits and you were summarily beheaded. Sort of screwed if you do and screwed more if you don’t. Not a surprise the tribe is near extinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Believe it or not, the film won three prestigious film festival awards and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary. I caught a glimpse of my brother and Rhett at the ceremony walking down the red carpet behind some very fuckable blonde starlet from some action flick who was posing for the paparazzi. Rhett’s film lost to a documentary about a retarded man who won the lottery and subsequently lost all his money at the hands of bad investors but nonetheless maintained a positive attitude because he was a winner and they couldn’t take that away from him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I’d rather have the cash.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Cody and Rhett fell deeply in love - another ability besides jumping over a very high pole that my brother has which I lack - and held a sunset “union celebration” on a west-facing mesa in the Arizona desert outside Flagstaff, where I was one of the groomsmen. My parents came with their video camera and shot the whole affair, though I don’t believe they ever showed it to anyone back in Virginia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I can’t say what exactly overcame me that I dialed Cody’s number. He and Rhett resided in some spectacular house they built in the dawn-fogged hills of Sonoma, California. Wine country. The home was equipped with its own mini-film studio full of state-of-the-art equipment that being a documentary filmmaker doesn’t allow one to afford, but being a trust-fund baby does. Cody also had his interior design office in another part of the fifty-six-hundred-square-foot, two-story, Spanish-coast inspired home. Cody had become both well known and sought after in the world of environmental design and decorating. He traveled more than Rhett, though not for as extensive periods of time. My little brother was now successful and more sickening, personally wealthy in his own right. Cody and Rhett were a Marin/San Francisco power couple, the kind that didn’t throw parties but rather held charity fundraisers. Recently, they had adopted two children, a brother and sister, from Cambodia after Rhett spent a few months there in an attempt to document the migratory patterns of some nearly-extinct amphibian, sleeping on the jungle floor, all the while fighting off some kind of pango-pango disease he got eating a local dish, pa-toi, which he found out was later was made from the intestines of river rat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
You eat river rat in any form, you deserve what you get.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
So on top of now being a successful, photogenic, gay power couple, they were raising two orphaned Asian children. Does this picture get any more perfect? Maybe if one of them in their spare time could solve the riddle of HIV they would really be onto something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Happy birthday,” I said when Cody answered his phone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“It’s not my birthday. Not even close,” he responded in his deep bass voice that sounded like he eats mere mortals for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Consider me early.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’ll consider you four months late from my last birthday,” Cody stated. “How are you, Conner? I heard the bad news about you and ---”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Don’t say her name,” I demanded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Why?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Principle.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“That’s childish,” Cody stated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Welcome to my world,” I responded. “And since it’s mine, I can be anything I want to be. So, I heard you and Clark Gable adopted a couple of refugees.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I hate when you call him Clark Gable. Rhett hates his name enough. And our kids aren’t refugees. Trevor and Claire were orphaned.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Trevor and Claire? Excuse me, but you named two kids with jet-black hair, yellow skin, and slanted eyes, Trevor and Claire? Are you out of your mind?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Worse,” Cody boomed through a laugh, “their full names are Trevor and Claire Taylor-Richmond Carter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Sounds like a legal firm.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We’re hoping that at least one of them takes up law. As long as it’s in the area of social justice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Stop already. God, I hate the nobility of the rich. Be thrilled if they grow up not to hate you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
There was a silence. That was Cody’s method of shifting into a more serious mode. He would stop speaking for a moment as a way to announce that what was coming next would be more earnest in intent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Are you unhappy, Conner?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Intuitive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“As matter of fact, Cody, yes. Yes I am.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“What’s your next step?” Cody asked with an almost therapeutic tone that I immediately resented.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“If I knew that, I wouldn’t be on the phone with you about to ask the most insane thing that’s come to my mind since the divorce. And trust me there have been a lot of deranged thoughts lately.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Do you need money?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“No. Well, yeah, a few million would be great. But for right now, how would you like a house guest?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Again silence. That dragged on just a little too long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Forget it,” I blurted out, stung, not willing to subject myself to a lecture or worse, more silence, “I told you it was a very bad idea.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“No, no, let me respond,” Cody demanded. “You asked if I wanted a house guest. The answer is no, I would not like a house guest---.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Goddamn, you have to learn to control that annoying honesty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Would you let me finish? Rhett is busy finishing up funding and travel plans for his next project, and I am up to my ears in work. And with Trevor and Claire, who don’t even speak English, it’s mayhem around here. I’m not sure you would enjoy yourself much. I wouldn’t have a lot of time to spend with you. And I wouldn’t have a lot of time to listen to your problems.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Like I would share them with you,” I shot back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“They’re apparent, Conner,” Cody replied with enough snark in his voice to let me know he was smiling when he said it. “It’s just that now the kids come first. I’m not saying you can’t come, you’re welcome to stay as long as you need, I’m saying be prepared.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Do you have a spare bedroom?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“We have three spare bedrooms and a guest apartment,” he responded, sounding damn right apologetic. “I know it’s a lot but we may adopt again. Rhett and I have been blessed. We feel we should give back.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Good. Then give some to me,” I said with enough sarcasm to let Cody believe I thought he should be embarrassed by such excess. “I’ll take the guest apartment, that way I won’t be in the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You’ll stay in a bedroom. The guest apartment is reserved for the housekeeper-slash-nanny we’re trying to hire if we can ever find someone we trust.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I’m sure I’m not on that list,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Cody’s laughter came from too deep in his gut not to be insulting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“You can have the guest room overlooking the garden. There’s a small breakfast bar, with a microwave and refrigerator in the room. So if you subside on pizza rolls and beer, you never have to come out of the room.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Perfect. I don’t like the daylight hours much anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Glad to know things haven’t changed. See you when you get here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
When I hung up, I wondered if I was truly certifiable. What would I do in a house with two overachieving homos and two kids who don’t speak the language? If I hadn’t been driven to drink through my divorce, well, drink more than I already do, this could very well shove me right over the edge. I know it might seem really great for someone whose little brother hasn’t far outshined them; a beautiful house in wine country, my own room with a little kitchen, overlooking a garden no less. But I was hiding. Pouring myself deeper into an alien environment so I wouldn’t have to face where I was in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I hardly knew Rhett. I’d been around him maybe a grand total of four or five days and spoken to him on the phone a time or two more than that. For that matter, I didn’t really know my brother well either. I more knew <i>of </i>him than actually knew him. Only an utterly desperate man would to do this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
Oh yeah, that’s right. I was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I needed to convince myself that this was a good idea. That it would be a great place for me to get my head together and refocus my life. But the gurgling in my gut reminded me that it was neither. Hard fact was I had nowhere else to go. Cody’s was as far away from New York as I could get and still cost me nothing more than a plane ticket and rental car.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I’ve only cried maybe five times in my whole life. And three of those were when my father whipped my ass. The other two were when my Grandmother died and when our dog, Gilligan, got hit by a car. I certainly felt like it now. Not for the reason you might suspect though. If I were an optimist, this would be my time to start over, begin the second act of my life. But I wasn’t an optimist. I wasn’t a pessimist either. Nor a realist or dreamer. I never gave much thought to anything. And in that was the crux of the biggest problem in my life. I’d never developed anything, good, bad, up, down, this way or that, which would define me as a person. I’d never taken a stand on anything, never made a decision that made a real difference, never swung for the fences, never took a step where there wasn’t an escape route. Whichever path was greased, I slid down it like a six-year-old on a banister. I never challenged myself. I never felt much pain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
And quite honestly, even the pleasure of which I was a seeker, was never monumental.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I no longer had the ability to laugh until I cried because nothing affected me strongly enough. I never declared ownership over the bad things that I did. I never felt their wrath. Even my marriage ending and losing my job registered to me only as disappointments, rather than the personal life failures they truly were. I never invested enough in them for either to cause me to ache when they were lost. For thirty-four years I willingly refused to develop my own person so I could fit into any place, any situation, and assume the role I was assigned to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
What was worse than being thirty-four when I finally figure this out? Being thirty-four and having no idea how to change it. I felt like I was within days of becoming invisible. I would step out onto a busy New York street, disappear into the crowd and never be seen again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h4 style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">What Remains Tour Page:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/09/07/virtual-book-tour-pump-up-your-book-presents-what-remains-virtual-book-publicity-tour/" style="color: blue;">http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/09/07/virtual-book-tour-pump-up-your-book-presents-what-remains-virtual-book-publicity-tour/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">About the Author:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3eAOIRvhIe_2mVib-hDnnR4FE2tmig-NGgJ6G-0UKiLLC9X9G0OufSwELLoxzQwlaqcnx5FL585uYNf9ENU0Kq6I-avmOAl7i27LZpwyOCBwXsaUYpXiC8W0GvuNxtA2Uenr8KoWkeuT/s1600/Bart+Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3eAOIRvhIe_2mVib-hDnnR4FE2tmig-NGgJ6G-0UKiLLC9X9G0OufSwELLoxzQwlaqcnx5FL585uYNf9ENU0Kq6I-avmOAl7i27LZpwyOCBwXsaUYpXiC8W0GvuNxtA2Uenr8KoWkeuT/s320/Bart+Baker.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With two feature films, eleven movies for television, four television series credits, as well as eight theatrical plays produced around the world, WHAT REMAINS is Bart’s second novel. Bart’s first novel, HONEYMOON WITH HARRY, was a critical and commercial success and the movie rights were bought by Warner Bros./New Line Cinema for a feature film. He’s recently sold a film project in conjunction with the hit song by Miranda Lambert, OVER YOU, to the Lifetime Network. Bart lives in Ellisville, Missouri with his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">H</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is latest book is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Remains-ebook/dp/B00BSJXX8S/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380324913&sr=1-2&keywords=what+remains" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: windowtext;">What Remains</span></a></i>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Visit h</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">is website <a href="http://www.bartbaker.com/" style="color: blue;">at <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">www.bartbaker.com</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Connect & Socialize with Bart!</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17590620-what-remains?from_search=true" style="color: blue;">GOODREADS<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-66077784144179482562013-09-12T00:30:00.000-07:002013-09-12T00:30:01.734-07:00DRAGONFLIES: SHADOWS OF DRONES - ANDY STRAKA<div style="text-align: center;">
Join <strong>Andy Straka</strong>, author of the sci-fi thriller, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragonflies-Shadow-Drones-Series-ebook/dp/B00CRNSBJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&%20ie=UTF8&qid=1370133022&sr=1-1&keywords=%20dragonflies%3A+Shadow+of+drones" target="_blank"><em><strong> Dragonflies: Shadows of Drones</strong></em></a>, as he tours the blogosphere August 5 - September 27, 2013 on his first virtual book tour with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;">--------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></div>
<h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragonflies.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dragonflies" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-35184" height="500" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Dragonflies.jpg" width="324" /> </a></h2>
<h2>
ABOUT DRAGONFLIES: SHADOWS OF DRONES</h2>
<div>
Shamus-Award winning crime novelist Andy Straka breaks new ground with this near-future science fiction thriller in which a former pilot and the ex-infantryman who saved her life search for justice in a world where surveillance by micro-drones is fast becoming the reality.
Former Army helicopter pilot Raina Sanchez is plagued by nightmares. She can't erase the memories of being shot down in Afghanistan, of losing her foot in the crash, and the death of her commanding officer. When asked by an ex-military contact to participate in a secret drone operation with ties to the war, she jumps at the chance to exorcise some of her demons.
She joins Tye Palmer, the decorated ex-infantryman who rescued her from the flaming wreckage of her Kiowa chopper. As civilian private investigators, together they embark on a sensitive, risky effort: using cutting-edge micro air vehicle drones in an attempt to expose the son of media mogul Nathan Kurn as a campus date rapist.
But as Raina and Tye come closer to the truth about Kurn and his powerful allies, Raina's loyalties take a potential detour when she begins to understand a chilling reality. In a world where surveillance devices as small as tiny insects are being piloted into places most would never imagine, public and private forces both large and small are maneuvering to control them with inevitable consequences. For Raina and Tye the danger didn’t end when they finished their military careers−the threat has just begun.
<strong>Purchase at:</strong>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragonflies-Shadow-Drones-Series-ebook/dp/B00CRNSBJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&%20ie=UTF8&qid=1370133022&sr=1-1&keywords=%20dragonflies%3A+Shadow+of+drones" target="_blank"><img alt="amazon" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-34579" height="25" src="http://www. pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/amazon2.png" width="25" /></a><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragonflies-andy-straka/1115297171?ean=2940016468068" target="_blank"><img alt="bn" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-34580" height="25" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bn1.png" width="25" /></a>
<strong>Add to Goodreads:</strong>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17840795-dragonflies?%20ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" class="alignleft wp-image-34630" height="38" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/goodreads.png" width="38" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35074" height="84" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Andy-Straka.jpg"><img alt="Andy Straka" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-35185" height="285" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Andy-Straka.jpg" width="295" /></a></h2>
<h2>
ABOUT ANDY STRAKA</h2>
Publisher's Weekly has featured Andy Straka as one of a new crop of "rising stars in crime fiction." He writes the bestselling Frank Pavlicek novels starring an ex NYPD detective turned private eye and falconer (A WITNESS ABOVE, A KILLING SKY, COLD QUARRY, THE NIGHT FALCONER, FLIGHTFALL) and is the author of two widely-praised thrillers, RECORD OF WRONGS and THE BLUE HALLELUJAH.
Andy retired early from a career in medical sales to pursue his passion for writing. A licensed falconer, he lives with his family in Virginia where he hunts, hikes, and rails against the powers that be. He has also managed to survive a longstanding stint as a stay-at-home Dad, which makes neurosurgery look like tiddlywinks. An admitted technogeek, he opens a new series in 2013 with the near-future Sci-Fi thriller DRAGONFLIES: SHADOW OF DRONES.
Visit his blog "Prepare For Turbulence" at <a href="http://www.andystraka.%20com/" target="_blank">www.andystraka.com</a> or stop by <a href="http://www.dragonfliesbooks.com/" target="_blank">www.dragonfliesbooks.com</a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>----------------------------------------------------------------</strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<noscript>Get the &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;lt;a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/i/e1911a29-cf40-4893-b1f0-090ce4db12e3" mce_href="http://www.widgetbox.com/i/e1911a29-cf40-4893-b1f0-090ce4db12e3"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Countdown Creator Pro&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; widget and many other &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;lt;a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/" mce_href="http://www. widgetbox.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;great free widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; at &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;lt;a href="http://www.widgetbox.com" mce_href="http://www. widgetbox.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Widgetbox&amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;! Not seeing a widget? (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://support. widgetbox.com/" mce_href="http://support. widgetbox.com/"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;More info&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp; amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;)</noscript></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Dragonflies: Shadows of Drones Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> Monday, August 5 - First chapter reveal at <a href="http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy's Love of Books</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 6 - First chapter reveal at <a href="http://www.thebookbarista.com/" target="_blank">The Book Barista</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 7 - First chapter reveal at <a href="http://literarywinner.com/" target="_blank">Literary Winner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 9 - First chapter reveal at <a href="http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Raven Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, August 12 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/" target="_blank">Pump Up Your Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 13 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.workingforthemandroid.com/" target="_blank">Working for the Mandroid</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 14 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Vic's Media Room</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 16 - Book featured at <a href="http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">As the Pages Turn</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 20 - Book featured at <a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Life</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 21 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://literarilyspeaking.net/" target="_blank">Literarily Speaking</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, August 22 - Book featured at <a href="http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Story Behind the Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 23 - Interviewed at <a href="http://reviewfromhere.com/" target="_blank">Review From Here</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 27 - Book featured at <a href="http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Between the Covers</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 28 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/" target="_blank">Examiner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 30 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.broowaha.com/" target="_blank">Broowaha</a></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 2 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://read2review.com/" target="_blank">Read 2 Review</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com/" target="_blank">Mary's Cup of Tea</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://arbookcorner.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Author and Readers Book Corner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 6 - 1st chapter review at <a href="http://www.booksrusonline.com/" target="_blank">Books 'R Us</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 9 - Interviewed at <a href="http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">As the Pages Turn</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 11 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/" target="_blank">Allvoices</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 12 - Interviewed at <a href="http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the Books</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 12 - Book featured at <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Page at a Time</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 13 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/" target="_blank">My Devotional Thoughts</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 16 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Straight From the Authors Mouth</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 18 -Interviewed at <a href="http://www.literalexposure.com/" target="_blank">Literal Exposure</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 20 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Between the Covers</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 24 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://coziecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Cozie Corner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 25 -Interviewed at <a href="http://bookmarketingbuzz.com/" target="_blank">Book Marketing Buzz</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 26 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.imshelfish.com/" target="_blank">I'm Shelf-ish</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.%20pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www. pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-77235841860732655552013-09-09T00:30:00.000-07:002013-09-09T00:30:04.782-07:00BLOG TOUR: The Sotweed Smuggler - Barbara A. Andrews<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/367487_Blog-Tour_L1.jpg"><img alt="367487_Blog-Tour_L1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36967" height="222" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/367487_Blog-Tour_L1.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Join <strong>Barbara A. Andrews</strong>, author of the historical fiction novel, <em><strong>The Sotweed Smuggler</strong></em>, as she tours the blogosphere September 9 - September 20 on her first Book Blast with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>! Barbara will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Barbara, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35074" height="42" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider-300x42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/367487_Book-Cover-Image.jpg"><img alt="367487_Book Cover Image" class="alignleft wp-image-36969" height="330" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/367487_Book-Cover-Image.jpg" width="466" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
ABOUT THE SOTWEED SMUGGLER</h2>
The Sotweed Smuggler, the 2010 historical fiction winner of the Houston Writer’s Guild, tells a story of suspense. Will Sherewell, the son of a prosperous merchant marine captain, learns when his father’s will is read, that he has inherited his ship. Living with his pious mother, he has little knowledge of sailing and anticipates a majestic vessel. Instead, he finds The Emperor’s Dictum aka The King’s Dick, notorious for smuggling sotweed and whiskey between Devonshire and Scotland.
Will yearns to be like his father and sails the Dick, enduring ridicule, fierce storms, pirate attacks, and curses of legendary fairies and ghosts, while finding companionship with his runaway brother and discovering the woman he wishes to marry. In spite of his father’s spying, treachery, murder, and Scottish border intrigue, Will learns he served Scotland with honor defeating the outlaw MacGregor Clan. With the new knowledge, he believes his father is their captive.
He receives a Scottish certificate with a handwritten notation “dead.” Did he at last find the truth? Will must choose to accept the veracity of the document, or launch a futile one-man attack on a MacGregor stronghold. Reluctantly accepting his father’s death, he sails home to his new wife at Mothercombe Bay.
<br />
<h3 align="center">
Purchase your copy:</h3>
<h3 align="center">
<a href="http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000504056/The-Sotweed-Smuggler.aspx" target="_blank"><img alt="iuniverse" class="aligncenter wp-image-36524" height="86" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/iuniverse.jpg" width="378" /></a></h3>
<h3 align="center">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35074" height="42" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider-300x42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
ABOUT BARBARA ANDREWS</h2>
Barbara Andrews, a graduate of the University of Nebraska has extensive experience in adult education administration, sales management, and technical writing. She has previously published the book, Dear Mama, Love Sarah, and maintains an active interest in American history--particularly the lives of those who came and lived in America during the colonial period. She and her husband live in Richmond, Texas.
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Terms & Conditions:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.</li>
<li>One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.<em></em></li>
<li>This giveaway begins September 9 - September 20.</li>
<li>Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.</li>
<li>Winner has 48 hours to reply.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck everyone!</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
ENTER TO WIN!</h3>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1d4d8a52/" id="rc-1d4d8a52" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/book-blast-schedule.png"><img alt="book blast schedule" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36146" height="67" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/book-blast-schedule.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 9</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> One Page At a Time</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://literarilyspeaking.net/" target="_blank">Literarily Speaking</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 10</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Icefairy's Treasure Chest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bethsbookreviews.com/" target="_blank">Beth's Book Reviews</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 11</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://notwhileimreading.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shhh...Not While I'm Reading</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reviewfromhere.com/" target="_blank">Review From Here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 12</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shewrites.com/" target="_blank">She Writes</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Life</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 13</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.literalexposure.com/" target="_blank">Literal Exposure</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bookmarketingbuzz.com/" target="_blank">Book Marketing Buzz</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 16</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imshelfish.com/" target="_blank">I'm Shelf-ish</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 17</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com/" target="_blank">Mary's Cup of Tea</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://confessionsofreader.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Confessions of a Reader</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 18</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maureen's Musings</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/" target="_blank">My Devotional Thoughts</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Margay Leah Justice</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 19</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Phantom Paragrapher</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Queen of All She Reads</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 20</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bookinglyyours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bookingly Yours</a></div>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dividerline1326.jpg"><img alt="dividerline132" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24733" height="70" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dividerline1326.jpg" title="dividerline132" width="282" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-27863563996277047332013-09-07T23:27:00.000-07:002013-09-07T23:28:34.906-07:00How Not To Commit Murder - Robin Storey - Virtual Book Tour<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-2013-2/robin-storey/How%20Not%20To%20Commit%20Murder%20Final.jpg?attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: none; color: #551a8b; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-2013-2/_/rsrc/1374791275615/robin-storey/How%20Not%20To%20Commit%20Murder%20Final.jpg?height=400&width=266" style="border: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="266" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 31px; text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Comedy Crime</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Date Published:</b></span><span style="color: black;"> April 14, 2013</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CAREER conman Reuben Littlejohn is determined to go straight this time after his release from prison, with the help of his new wife and her wealthy family.<br />But he hadn't counted on stumbling across a plot to kill his parole officer Lucy, with whom he is madly in lust. The instigator, nefarious criminal Frank Cornell, blackmails Reuben into becoming his accomplice. The only way he can save Lucy is to pretend to go along with Frank's Operation Luce End, while making sure it doesn't succeed. Never have his skills in lying and cheating been so vital!<br />But if Reuben's plan fails, it's his life at stake as well as Lucy's. Add to the mix a wife who’s trying to mould him into a pillar of respectability and in-laws who think he’s a lost cause, and Reuben soon discovers that going straight can be murder.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></b></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-2013-2/robin-storey/robinstoreywebsite.jpg?attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: none; color: #551a8b; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-2013-2/_/rsrc/1374791301899/robin-storey/robinstoreywebsite.jpg?height=200&width=144" style="border: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="144" /></a></div>
</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Robin Storey is a freelance and creative writer from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. She’s published a number of short stories and comedy crime How Not To Commit Murder is her first novel. Her comedy romance novel Perfect Sex will be published on Amazon in August 2013.<br />Robin enjoys bushwalking and relaxing at the beach and would love to have the time to do more of both. She also loves travelling and is planning her next big adventure – doing the Camino Frances pilgrimage across Spain. She’s also an avid reader (of course) and her favourite authors include Colin Bateman, Christopher Brookmyre, Nick Earls and Nick Hornby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RobinStoreywriter" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/RobinStoreywriter">https://www.facebook.com/RobinStoreywriter</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/RobinStorey1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RobinStorey1</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
</div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Google+ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/112965761114777383158/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="https://plus.google.com/u/0/112965761114777383158/">https://plus.google.com/u/0/112965761114777383158/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>Website: </b></span><span style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.storey-lines.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b; text-decoration: none;">www.storey-lines.com</a></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BUY LINKS</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15px; text-align: center;">
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD7PAG2" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amazon</span></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0987536605" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">print on demand</span></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336763" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Smashwords</span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Review:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This story was a well written, intriguing and well paced story. The combination of humor and mystery well well balanced. At first I thought Reuben was just a moocher but in the end I really grew to like him. On the other hand, my least favorite characters were Frank and Nancy. But I do have to say, they added an extra something to the story.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-36176359752711812772013-09-05T00:30:00.000-07:002013-09-05T00:30:01.044-07:00BOOK FEATURE: Play Something Dancy: The Tragic tales of a Strip Club DJ by Dee SimonJoin <strong>Dee Simon</strong>, author of the non-fiction comedy book,<span style="color: navy;"> <strong>Play Something Dancy: The Tragic Tales of a Strip Club DJ</strong></span>, as he tours the blogosphere September 2 - September 27, 2013 on his first virtual book tour with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>!
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter wp-image-35074" height="59" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg" width="417" /></a></span></span></div>
<h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Play-something-dancy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Play something dancy" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-36619" height="273" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Play-something-dancy.jpg" width="185" /></a>ABOUT PLAY SOMETHING DANCY</h2>
Los Angeles-based comedian, radio DJ, and host of the Sick and Wrong Podcast, Dee Simon has written a collection of comical and gut-wrenching personal essays about his experience as a strip club DJ in San Francisco in the early 2000s. Most of the stories in the book concern sex, drugs, venereal disease, and diarrhea or a combination thereof. Therefore, if you lack a sense of humor or are easily offended, you should probably put this one down. Having the “wet dream” job of most adolescents, Simon offers a biting, realistic, and hilarious depiction of what goes on “behind the black velvet curtains” at a gentlemen’s club from the perspective of the guy upstairs with the cheesy voice spinning Def Leppard songs.
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Purchase-2.png"><img alt="Purchase 2" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35912" height="41" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Purchase-2-300x41.png" width="300" /></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Play-Something-Dancy-Volume-1/dp/0988347466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376007739&sr=8-1&keywords=play+something+dancy" target="_blank"><img alt="amazon2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35914" height="77" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/amazon2.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Add to Goodreads:</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16138936-play-something-dancy" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-34630" height="48" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/goodreads.png" width="48" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
ABOUT DEE SIMON</h2>
Dee Simon is a graduate of the University of Michigan. He lived in San Francisco where he hosted Rampage Radio, a metal and punk rock radio show on KUSF 90.3 FM. During that time, he also worked as a strip club DJ in gentlemen’s clubs located across the city. In 2006, he started up his own comedy podcast called Sick and Wrong Podcast which is recorded on a weekly basis. Currently, Dee lives in Los Angeles where he is pursuing a career as an author, comedian, and cruise ship magician. Play Something Dancy is Dee Simon’s first book.
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize.png"><img alt="socialize" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35916" height="37" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize-300x37.png" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.deesimon.net/" target="_blank">http://www.deesimon.net</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wwwsickandwrongpodcast.com/" target="_blank">http://sickandwrongpodcast.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/DeeSimon666" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-36004" height="156" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Twitter-300x156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/deesimon666" target="_blank"><img alt="facebook" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35964" height="56" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/facebook.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/106836914780389165333/posts" target="_blank"><img alt="google_plus" class=" wp-image-30815 aligncenter" height="205" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/google_plus.png" width="205" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35074" height="84" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg" width="596" /></a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Play Something Dancy Book Publicity Tour Schedule</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 2 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://sweetsouthernhome.net/" target="_blank">Sweet Southern Home</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 3 - Book featured at <a href="http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Margay Leah Justice</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 4 - Book featured at <a href="http://sweepingme.com/" target="_blank">Sweeping Me</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Interviewed at <a href="http://reviewfromhere.com/" target="_blank">Review From Here</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Book featured at <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Page at a Time</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 9 - Interviewed at <a href="http://straightfromtheauthorsmouth.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Straight From the Authors Mouth</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 10 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://literarilyspeaking.net/" target="_blank">Literarily Speaking</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 11 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.bookmarketingbuzz.com/" target="_blank">Book Marketing Buzz</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 12 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/" target="_blank">Examiner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 13 - Interviewed at <a href="http://literalexposure.com/" target="_blank">Literal Exposure</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 17 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Life</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 18 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.imshelfish.com/" target="_blank">I'm Shelf-ish</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, September 19 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://www.reviewfromhere.com/" target="_blank">Review From Here</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, September 23 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Story Behind the Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, September 24 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://bookretreat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Book Retreat</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, September 25 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Between the Covers</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 27 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.broowaha.com/" target="_blank">Broowaha</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, September 27 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Page at a Time</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-80680648785698088622013-09-03T00:30:00.000-07:002013-09-03T00:30:02.922-07:00BOOK FEATURE: Running Against Traffic by Galen VanDenberghJoin <strong>Gaelen VanDenbergh</strong>, author of the contemporary women's fiction novel,<span style="color: navy;"> <strong>Running Against Traffic</strong></span>, as she tours the blogosphere September 2 - Septembe 27, 2013 on her first virtual book tour with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>!
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter wp-image-35074" height="59" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg" width="417" /></a></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Running-Against-Traffic.jpg"><img alt="Running Against Traffic" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-36612" height="254" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Running-Against-Traffic.jpg" width="198" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
ABOUT RUNNING AGAINST TRAFFIC</h2>
Paige Scott spent her childhood shuffled between relatives who ignored her, and her adult life hiding in her crumbling marriage to wealthy David Davenport. When David suddenly thrusts her into a remote, impoverished world, Paige is forced to face the betrayals of her past - not to mention the colorful townies of her present. Unexpected friendships and her discovery of running propel her on a jagged and comical journey toward learning how to truly live.
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Purchase-2.png"><img alt="Purchase 2" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35912" height="41" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Purchase-2-300x41.png" width="300" /></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Running-Against-Traffic-Gaelen-VanDenbergh/dp/1621419932/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375995482&sr=1-1&keywords=running+against+traffic" target="_blank"><img alt="amazon2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35914" height="77" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/amazon2.jpg" width="180" /></a>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Add to Goodreads:</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17470162-running-against-traffic?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="goodreads" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-34630" height="48" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/goodreads.png" width="48" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
ABOUT GAELEN VANDENBERGH</h2>
I am a writer, runner, reader, compulsive list-maker, mother and zookeeper (it feels like it, anyway). I grew up in Philadelphia, moved around a bit – Maine, Boston, NYC, back to Philly – and I have lived here for the past twelve years. I live with my husband and daughter, a fat cat, several fish, and a one-eyed dog.
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize.png"><img alt="socialize" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35916" height="37" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize-300x37.png" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gaelenvandenbergh.com/home/" target="_blank">http://gaelenvandenbergh.com/home/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/AuthorGVD" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-36004" height="156" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Twitter-300x156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/author.gaelenvandenbergh" target="_blank"><img alt="facebook" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35964" height="56" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/facebook.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35074" height="84" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg" width="596" /></a></strong></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Pump Up Your Book and Gaelen VanDenbergh are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/100-Amazon-Gift-Card.jpg"><img alt="$100 Amazon Gift Card" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37275" height="194" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/100-Amazon-Gift-Card.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Terms & Conditions:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.</li>
<li>One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $100 Amazon Gift Certificate<em></em></li>
<li>This giveaway begins September 2 and ends September 27, 2013.</li>
<li>Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 30, 2013.</li>
<li>Winner has 48 hours to reply.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck everyone!</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
ENTER TO WIN!</h3>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1d4d8a56/" id="rc-1d4d8a56" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/blog-tour-schedule.png"><img alt="blog tour schedule" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35481" height="52" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/blog-tour-schedule-300x52.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 3 - Book featured at <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Page at a Time</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 4 - Book featured at <a href="http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Margay Leah Justice</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.literalexposure.com/" target="_blank">Literal Exposure</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 5 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.mikishope.com/" target="_blank">Miki's Hope</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 6 - Book featured at <a href="http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Icefairy's Treasure Chest</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Monday, September 9 - Book featured at <a href="http://sweepingme.com/" target="_blank">Sweeping Me</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 10 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Books and Needlepoint</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 11 - Book featured at <a href="http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Soctrates Book Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 12 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://storeybookreviews.com/" target="_blank">Storeybook Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 13 - Interviewed at <a href="http://reviewfromhere.com/" target="_blank">Review From Here</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 13 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.momloves2read.com/" target="_blank">Mom Loves 2 Read</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Monday, September 16 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Life</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Monday, September 16 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.theselftaughtcook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Self Taught Cook</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 17 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.bookmarketingbuzz.com/" target="_blank">Book Marketing Buzz</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 17 - Book featured at <a href="http://libbyslibrary.com/" target="_blank">Libby's Library</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 18 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com/" target="_blank">Mary's Cup of Tea</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 18 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://www.readergirlsblog.com/" target="_blank">Reader Girls</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 19 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.imshelfish.com/" target="_blank">I'm Shelf-ish</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 19 - Guest blogging and 1st chaper reveal at <a href="http://alisbooks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Ali's Books</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 20 - Book featured at <a href="http://confessionsofreader.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Confessions of a Reader</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Monday, September 23 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/" target="_blank">My Devotional Thoughts</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Monday, September 23- Guest blogging at <a href="http://www.crystalsmanyreviews.blogspot.com/?zx=191208c97dc64dae" target="_blank">Crystal's Many Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 24 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.jodysbookreviews.com/" target="_blank">Jody's Book Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 24 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://literarywinner.com/" target="_blank">Literary Winner</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Tuesday, September 24 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Queen of All She Reads</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 25 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://literarilyspeaking.net/" target="_blank">Literarily Speaking</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 25 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://booklunaticramblings.blogspot.com/?zx=2460b80784930be1" target="_blank">Ramblings of a Book Lunatic</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Wednesday, September 25 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://sarahballance.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Ballance</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 26 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://moonlightreader.com/" target="_blank">moonlightreader</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Thursday, September 26 - Book featured at <a href="http://coziecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Cozie Corner</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 27 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">All Grown Up?</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Friday, September 27 - Book reviewed and Guest blogging at <a href="http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jersey Girl Book Reviews</a></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-55077988866458875882013-08-20T07:34:00.003-07:002013-08-20T07:34:38.599-07:00Freya's Spell by Kathleen Gallagaher Book Blast<div style="text-align: center;">
Join <strong>Kathleen Ann Gallagher</strong>, author of the paranormal/mystic romance novel, <em><strong>Freya's Spell</strong></em>, as she tours the blogosphere August 19 - 30 on her second Book Blast with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>! Kathleen will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Kathleen, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35074" height="42" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider-300x42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
ABOUT FREYA'S SPELL</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FreyasSpell_LRG.jpg"><img alt="FreyasSpell_LRG" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-36518" height="300" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FreyasSpell_LRG-200x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></div>
<br />
The passionate, sex-starved witch, Freya Meyer is tired of wasting time with unsatisfying lovers. She’s in search of a man who can keep up with her. Prospects are slim in Bartlett, the sleepy little town in the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire.
A sultry stranger with a French accent behind the counter at the Country Store is new to town. Family commitment and an unsettled past leads Paul Marton back to his childhood roots. On the rebound from a scandalous romance, Paul tries to ignore Freya’s advances, and he doesn’t let on how he falls prey to her seductive ways.
When Paul ignores her advances, Freya knows what she must do. A love spell is bound to cast the shy stranger straight into her arms. With the help of the full moon, Freya’s wishes may come to fruition.
Can a lonely witch capture one night with her dream lover… walk away, and never look back? Is there a way to tame a wild witch’s heart?
<br />
<h3 align="center">
Purchase your copy:</h3>
<h3 align="center">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freyas-Spell-Weekend-Getaways-ebook/dp/B00EBBA8EM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375709176&sr=8-1&keywords=freya%27s+spell" target="_blank"><img alt="amazon2" class="size-full wp-image-35914 aligncenter" height="77" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/amazon2.jpg" width="180" /></a></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg"><img alt="divider" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-35074" height="42" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider-300x42.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
ABOUT KATHLEEN ANN GALLAGHER</h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Kathleen-Gallagher.jpg"><img alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-36184" height="225" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Kathleen-Gallagher-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a>Kathleen lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two puppies. Her children are all grown, but her three grandsons keep her spirit energized. She is a registered nurse who works in an emergency room. Her passion for story telling began when she was a young girl. Since her father was a professional magician, she learned how to use her imagination while assisting him with his act. When Kathleen is not writing, her favorite place to relax is down the Jersey Shore. You might find her under an umbrella, wearing a straw hat, dreaming of a new story.
Visit her website at <a href="http://www.kathleengallagher.net/" target="_blank">www.kathleengallagher.net</a>
Visit her blog at <a href="http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com</a>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize.png"><img alt="socialize" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35916" height="42" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/socialize.png" width="339" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<b><a href="https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36004" height="104" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Twitter.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.a.gallagher?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank"><img alt="facebook" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-35964" height="56" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/facebook.jpg" width="150" /></a></b></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Pump Up Your Book and Kathleen Gallagher<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/divider.jpg">
</a> are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Terms & Conditions:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.</li>
<li>One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.<em></em></li>
<li>This giveaway begins August 19 and ends August 30.</li>
<li>Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 3, 2013.</li>
<li>Winner has 48 hours to reply.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck everyone!</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
ENTER TO WIN!</h3>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1d4d8a45/" id="rc-1d4d8a45" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/book-blast-schedule.png"><img alt="book blast schedule" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36146" height="67" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/book-blast-schedule.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, August 19</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://romancewithflavor.com/" target="_blank">Romance with Flavor</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sapphyria's Book Reviews</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 20</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading Through Life One Page at a Time</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 21</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Margay Leah Justice</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, August 22</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Icefairy's Treasure Chest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 23 </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://insidebjshead.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inside BJ's Head</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, August 26</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mikishope.com/" target="_blank">Miki's Hope</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, August 27</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Phantom Paragrapher</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, August 28</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com/" target="_blank">Mary's Cup of Tea</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, August 29</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://drpepperdiva.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Pepper Diva</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, August 30</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cecesreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Celestial Reviews</a></div>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dividerline1326.jpg"><img alt="dividerline132" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24733" height="70" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/dividerline1326.jpg" title="dividerline132" width="282" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-27087619284565479542013-08-19T01:00:00.000-07:002013-08-19T07:01:45.177-07:00Night Stocker - Anlyn Hansell - Virtual Book Tour<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">About the Book</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsB5rfGU6jL5VODvKyERIT8GHt8aHN9xxPW-O-_5xjyINBtGP6pT5s0eewrsobnnUjkMfsZsPijC-wcnwZfeZRBDnEb9d7dSI8tSxE-qJqQgggvM-Knb1u-9Zzxkt3u1z6l4opyzdC9KP/s1600/Night+stocker+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsB5rfGU6jL5VODvKyERIT8GHt8aHN9xxPW-O-_5xjyINBtGP6pT5s0eewrsobnnUjkMfsZsPijC-wcnwZfeZRBDnEb9d7dSI8tSxE-qJqQgggvM-Knb1u-9Zzxkt3u1z6l4opyzdC9KP/s200/Night+stocker+cover.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paranormal Romantic Comedy</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Date Published: 1/25/2013</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">My name is Meghan Foster and I'm going to save you from yourself.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">That is, if a certain someone doesn't stop me... </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Don't let the pretty face fool you. I am a product of a seriously troubled past, but I'm a resilient </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px;">little bugger. I'm a night shift stock replenishing machine and if by chance, you don't think that </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px;">sounds too exciting? You are sorely mistaken, my friend. This is my life. I can't explain it. I </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px;">won't even attempt to try.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I do have certain powers of persuasion that I am more than willing to use, especially if </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px;">aforementioned 'certain someone' doesn't interfere. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">His name is Lance and he is by far the most delicious creature I've ever laid eyes on. I have no </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px;">idea who he is or what he wants with me, but I guess I'm about to find out the hard way...</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Who says stocking shelves is boring?</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Excerpt</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m
walking toward the grocery section, actually speed walking to nowhere in
particular. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where to
go? Where to hide? Is hiding even a possibility?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What did
I tell you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can
hear Lance’s voice behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whipping
around, I raise my hands and cans of various types begin to fly off the shelves
and hurl toward him from all angles. Just as fast as they’re flying, he stops
each one within inches of his body and they drop to the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Man, I <i>hate</i> this dude. Is there nothing I can
do to one-up him?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh hey,
Mr. Carson…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m
looking over Lance’s shoulder to my imaginary Mr. Carson, when he turns his
head; his face looks a bit confused. Just as soon as his head turns, I flick my
wrist and a can of peaches screams off the shelf and hits him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Square in
the crotch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Direct
hit. His hands immediately cup his privates, and I see him wince, but only for
a fraction of a second.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m
standing in the middle of the aisle, wanting so badly to yell out “Ha Ha”…or
“Gotcha”…or “How ya like me now?” Or something clever like that. My mouth has
turned up into a smile, and I watch as he slowly looks up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My smile
dies a quick death. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; line-height: 200%; margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He’s <i>pissed</i>. I mean…<i>pissed</i>. Like his eyes are glowing kind of pissed. I have no idea
what he is, and suddenly I am full of fear. I do what every self-respecting
intelligent adult female would do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I turn around and run
for my life.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Author Bio:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMYSUyRn06TFZQrzIltZ9DHCRsVujS_nQ2OnZaUElnmziFSm9SjOWvcw1wPYT42jpUcsq1QOHnzMpmVyRkM3dVIithyphenhyphenUHUw3RsJAcNFsA4i3c7CniF5G7VlGKtHJ3IkODXHZTrPqcXQb8/s1600/Author+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMYSUyRn06TFZQrzIltZ9DHCRsVujS_nQ2OnZaUElnmziFSm9SjOWvcw1wPYT42jpUcsq1QOHnzMpmVyRkM3dVIithyphenhyphenUHUw3RsJAcNFsA4i3c7CniF5G7VlGKtHJ3IkODXHZTrPqcXQb8/s320/Author+picture.jpg" width="286" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #260a00; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anlyn Hansell is a 40-something wife and mother of one residing in a small town in South-Central PA. She has a BS in Distribution, a Masters in Business and an overactive imagination to boot. Writing credits previously included all manner of extremely boring ISO documentation, a published editorial on core sand in a foundry magazine and a recurring article in her company newsletter. Not much chance for creative writing there! She began her writing career two years ago, and in that time, has completed seven full length novels. The first four novels centered around romance, but she quickly began including a mystery element to keep the pages turning. She enjoys cooking and baking and of course, indulging in the products of those pursuits. She not only loves to write, she is compelled to do so. Every morning, starting at around <span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px;">3:30 am</span>, you can find her in her living room tapping away in the dark. It truly is the best time to write! She is currently working on yet another endeavor with the sole purpose of keeping her readers up well into the night.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Thoughts</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The story-line in Night Stocker is definitely different from other paranormal stories I've read in the past. I'm not sure if it's because of the humor and wit or because it wasn't one of those "I don't want to believe what I'm seeing or hearing because creatures like this are not supposed to exist" type books. Whatever the reason, I LOVED IT!!!! I loved the humor, I loved the wit, I loved the characters and I loved that the main female character wasn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The relationship between Lance and Meghan did kick things up a notch but it wasn't a sappy love story either and I like that. I like that it wasn't a "perfect" relationship type story. I also love the visual Meghan had of Lance. I mean who would not want to work with someone who looked like Adam Levine and have him fall in love with you. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Night Stocker was a great read; easy, funny and well worth the time.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7-vXcB3byD3-OZ_XZEUVV_boRG0FI0qGOwDqyHrZfARAfgOmzfJLc69StAwq2hENG7U_QRzMjufq8Pm4HbWI3DvN6VFHAoGE4rO8Jv9h4hbgGPI-esqiJUpaK8t_b72xOtyz2dWudUX/s1600/5Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7-vXcB3byD3-OZ_XZEUVV_boRG0FI0qGOwDqyHrZfARAfgOmzfJLc69StAwq2hENG7U_QRzMjufq8Pm4HbWI3DvN6VFHAoGE4rO8Jv9h4hbgGPI-esqiJUpaK8t_b72xOtyz2dWudUX/s200/5Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-91667521684210692012013-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:002013-07-30T00:01:00.257-07:00Pauline Creeden & Melissa Turner Lee - Armored Hearts - Virtual Book Tour<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWPVBHHZHGHARCH902yIJ9Y9vAmW-gKFwPoZIrBbKO0_scWHQbPJr0GMseU2Y-0vvNS0rQSZvFdS9iyYgJD1O7omnx_cgkBd2DWnkUWIkm980vaN8EOjl4f4Ey31twZUz5SrP3nGGJAh-/s1600/17736129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWPVBHHZHGHARCH902yIJ9Y9vAmW-gKFwPoZIrBbKO0_scWHQbPJr0GMseU2Y-0vvNS0rQSZvFdS9iyYgJD1O7omnx_cgkBd2DWnkUWIkm980vaN8EOjl4f4Ey31twZUz5SrP3nGGJAh-/s320/17736129.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Steampunk/Fantasy Romance</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Date Published: 5/20/2013</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8;">
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">When a crippled young lord rescues a girl falling from a tree, it reveals a secret about</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">himself and his mother's side of the family that could put him at the center of a war with</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">beings he thought only existed in fariytales.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Tristan Gareth Smyth lived his entire life stuck at home at Waverly Park and</span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">left behind while his Grandfather makes trips to London, all because of his blasted</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">wheelchair.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Then an American heiress falls in his lap, literally, and he must find a way to keep</span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">her at a distance to protect not only his secret, but everyone around him from an assassin</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">sent to kill him.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">
<div style="width: 425px;">
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KraQMUWPE4Y" width="560"></iframe></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">EXCERPT</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Twelve-year-old Tristan Gareth Smyth gripped the armrests of his
wheelchair and said, “This will do. I can make it the rest of the way on my own
from here.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
His eyes trained up the landmark tree and he had that feeling again. The
vapor of a memory, maybe a dream. He always had that feeling when he looked up
at the broad branches of this particular oak. Then he remembered who he was
talking to and his face hardened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The new maid, Sarah, with her strong Scottish burr, patted him on the
shoulder. Gareth refused to look at her. He stared down at his knee pants
instead. “Are ye sure ye will be alright? I do na mind walking with ye the rest
of the way to Mr. Strong’s house.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth clenched his hands into fists. “I’ll be fine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“Too bad he didn’t like coming out to the manor. Remember how green Mr.
Strong got when he choked on my spice cake that day and ran off.” She laughed
but tried to cover it with a cough. “I thought that would be the end of ’im but
he worked it out with yer grandfather to instruct ye in town. Funny, my spice
didn’t bother the rest of ye.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She bent down in front of Gareth, attempting to make eye contact. “There
are lots of children in this section of town. Ye might try making friends with
’em.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth turned away and clenched his jaw. Children never wanted to make
friends with him. The chair made them uncomfortable. And what did he care
anyway? He attempted to give her as stern a look as his grandfather would. “I
know the way from here, and I won’t be late. You can go on to market, now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The breeze picked up and blew wisps of red hair into the woman’s round
face. She smiled. Was she making fun of him? “Oh, it’s such a pretty day. This
fresh air will do ye good, for certain.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth scowled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She patted her hands on her knees and stood straight again. “Well then,
I’ll leave ye to it. I’ve got to run off to the baker’s. Be sure to get to Mr.
Strong’s in a timely manner. Though I think yer old governess was doing a fine
job. Not sure why ye need Mr. Strong. But I guess it’s none of my concern.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She was a servant, in uniform, and he was a future lord. Following his
instruction was her duty. She and her husband, Thompton had been employed by
his grandfather only six months. They might find themselves out of work and
heading back to Scotland, if she kept voicing that sort of opinion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
No, Gareth could never really get them fired. But he’d make her think he
would. He shook his head in the same disapproving manner he’d seen his
grandfather use.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The sunlight played in the golden highlights of the woman’s ruby hair.
Although her green eyes twinkled, she continued to voice her cutting opinion.
She placed one hand on his shoulder. “It’s not being stuck in this chair that
keeps ye lonely. It’s yer surly attitude.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth couldn’t help but let his face scrunch a little. He crossed his
arms and turned his face from her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Her accent was thick and melodic, familiar in a way. His mother had been
Scottish though he hardly remembered her. Still, Gareth kept his pout in place.
The truth was, he didn’t know how to relate to others. Even people who could
feel at ease talking to perfect strangers stammered or spoke quickly to him and
walked away. The wheelchair did more than keep him from playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She straightened the collar of his waistcoat. “Look, there’s a little girl
coming now. She looks to be about Tabitha’s age. Maybe a wee bit older.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
He did glance then, but just under his lashes, not to give the impression
that he cared. Easier to act like he didn’t care than to show he truly did. He
refused to give anyone more reason to feel sorry for him. No one pities an
angry person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
He missed Tabitha…Tabitha Fitzgerald, Lord Gerald Smyth’s bastard
daughter. But ward was her polite title. At five years old, she was the only
person he allowed to get close. Maybe it was the way she climbed up in his lap,
never caring about the wheelchair. She didn’t see it when she looked at him,
she only saw Gareth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
He never spoke to Tabitha about who her parents really were, but she
knew. For some reason, servants believed children to be both deaf and dumb, and
gossiped openly around them. That’s how Gareth knew the truth about his own
mother. He was told she died, but he’d overheard the maids say she had run back
home to Scotland and how they didn’t blame her. It’s also how he’d learned the
truth of his own father’s death—shot by his mistress’s jealous husband. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m heading off. I’ll be sure to get ye a sweet roll for later.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth only grunted in response.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
When the maid turned away, Gareth allowed himself to watch the little
girl play. Her hair was a darker blonde than Tabitha’s and had streaks of
amber. She looked to be a bit taller, too, as she ran around in a green day
dress and stockings. She pushed a hoop along until she reached the tree. Once
there she looked both ways. Her eyes met Gareth’s and, for a moment, he was
tempted to turn away to keep her from doing it first. Instead, she smiled
broadly and beckoned him closer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth wheeled his chair to the tree trunk, his curiosity getting the
better of him. The girl dropped the hoop on the ground and took hold of the
lowest branch. She whispered in an accent he didn’t recognize, “Keep watch for
me, and call out if you see anyone coming.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
His chin tucked in and his eyes grew wide. She took it as assent, and
nodded, starting her climb. She was spirited like Tabitha. The thought of being
able to climb a tree at all pricked at Gareth’s heart. He would never get to
climb a tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Again he took on the expression of being bored. No one needed to know he
was jealous of the girl. Gareth made a habit of never owning his true feelings.
It was his protective covering. With his lids half closed, he tried not to
watch the girl or keep an eye out for anyone else’s approach. Without his
permission, his gaze returned to the girl’s powder white limbs as she climbed
higher than most children did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Soon she was too high up. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth adjusted himself in his seat, his eyes darting around. Instead of
keeping lookout, he hoped for some adult to show up and tell the girl to come
down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The girl called down in a harsh whisper.“Look! Watch this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She scooted out on a limb, making her way to a bird’s nest. The limb
wobbled as she got closer to the end. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
He was about to call out a warning to her when it was too late. The
branch snapped. The little girl was falling with barely a squeal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
All Gareth could think was that he needed to do something. It was then he
noticed he was rushing towards her. He wasn’t sure how he was moving his
wheelchair and catching her but he did. Her giant brown eyes grew as he held
her. Then she looked about and her eyes became wider. He swallowed hard and
stared at the ground several feet away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
In a rush, he placed the girl on the grass and flew back to his chair.
His heart still pounded in his ears as he sat. He tried to mask his confusion
as he masked all other uncomfortable emotions, but it wasn’t working. The girl
stared at him, but said nothing as a dark haired woman rushed toward her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“Sweeting, are you ok?” The woman swept the girl up into her arms. “I got
here as fast as I could. I can’t believe you did that. I thought I told you not
to climb that tree.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
She put the girl back down and looked her over, grabbing her head and
looking for a sign of injury. “Aren’t you hurt at all? I saw you falling from
the window upstairs.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The girl shook her head too quickly, like she was still in shock.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“Come on back to the house,” the pinch-faced woman snapped, ushering the
little girl away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The girl yanked her hand free of the woman’s grasp and rushed back to
Gareth. She placed an object in his hand and kissed his cheek. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“You were amazing,” she whispered and turned back to the woman who called
out her name. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth’s cheeks burned. What did the woman say the girl’s name was? He
didn’t hear with the blood rushing to his ear drums. Jessie? Jenny? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The woman scolded the girl as she returned to her. “What did you do?
Where are your manners? You don’t talk to cripples. Best to act like you don’t
see them at all.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
The words struck Gareth like a bucket of cold water. But he let it slide
off him as he thought about the fact that he had flown. He watched after the
girl as her dark eyes stared back. His mind was muddled at what had happened.
The muscles in his face hardened and he glared at the woman’s back as they
retreated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Shaking his head, he remembered he was supposed to be heading to Mr.
Strong’s house. He pushed on the wheels of his chair down the road again. He’d
forgotten he was holding something, and nearly dropped it. The small, pale
blue-green stone had a few dark wrinkles, but almost looked like a robin’s egg.
He put it to his nose. Flowers. It smelled just like the girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth was so caught up in staring at how tiny the stone was in his palm,
he’d forgotten all about Mr. Strong until the man called, “Master Tristan, what
are you doing out here? You were to report to my house a quarter of an hour
ago.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
“I prefer Gareth.” He narrowed his eyes at the pale, feeble man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Mr. Strong ran a hand through his thin blond hair and smiled, his lips
forming a thin line. “Yes, of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Mr. Strong placed himself behind Gareth’s chair and pushed down the lane.
“I have an excellent plan for your studies today. I see you’ve brought no
supplies from your home, but no matter, I have plenty of paper and pens to
practice your lettering…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;">
Gareth rolled his eyes, knowing Mr. Strong couldn’t see. The man’s
cheerful babble continued as he pushed them towards the house past the inn. The
stone rolled between Gareth’s fingers, and he remembered the feeling of the
girl’s lips on his cheek.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ABOUT THE AUTHORS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Melissa Turner Lee</b> holds a BA in Communications with </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">a concentration in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She has studied </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">fiction writing since 2008, attending various writing conferences and workshops, along </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">with guidance from professional writing coaches. She resides in Spartanburg, SC with her </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">husband and 3 sons.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Blog:<a href="http://melissaturnerlee.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> http://melissaturnerlee.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/melissaturnerlee" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;">http://facebook.com/melissaturnerlee</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Twitter: @MelissaTLee1975</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>Pauline Creeden</b> is a horse </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she </span><span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">pretends to be one person for too long.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">Website: <a href="http://paulinecreeden.com/" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;">http://paulinecreeden.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/paulinecreeden" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;">http://facebook.com/paulinecreeden</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 19px;">Twitter: @P_Creeden</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<b style="font-size: 13px;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">BUY LINKS:</span></b></b></div>
<b style="font-size: 13px;">
</b></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Armored-Hearts-Fantasy-Steampunk-ebook/dp/B00CL12T8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374465320&sr=8-1&keywords=armored+hearts" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-32584757288765893742013-06-21T10:22:00.001-07:002013-06-21T10:23:19.660-07:00Idiot of Funkyville - Spotlight<div style="text-align: center;">
Join <strong>Ash Hoden</strong>, author of the travel memoir, <em><strong>The Idiot of Funkyville: Becoming an Everywhere Citizen</strong></em>, as he tours the blogosphere May 6-June 28, 2013 on his first virtual book tour with <strong>Pump Up Your Book</strong>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><span style="color: black;">--------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></div>
<h2>
<a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/The-Idiot-of-Funkyville.jpg"><img alt="The Idiot of Funkyville" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-33221" height="300" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/The-Idiot-of-Funkyville-225x300.jpg" title="The Idiot of Funkyville" width="225" /></a>ABOUT THE IDIOT OF FUNKYVILLE</h2>
<div>
<div>
<div>
What is travel? Asking this question is like asking, "What is life?" or, "Who are you?" (or, as I've frequently been asked, "Who are you?"). The answers to such questions are as numerous as the people asking. The Idiot of Funkyville: Becoming an Everywhere Citizen takes a chronological snapshot of actual personal experiences as a young and less-than-young man living and playing abroad; exploring each of the above questions in the context of a displaced American piecing himself together on foreign turf.
Contained therein: perhaps an excess of sex, more than a healthy dose of drugs, and all the rock 'n' roll one can ask for. Balance is achieved as the vignettes build one on top of the next.
Pondering the course of my life from the confines of a Qatari jail cell, reminiscence begins with teenage confusion at a Mexican bar and concludes with grown confusion as an expat in the Middle East. In progression, the narrowing spiral of personal growth leaves finer grained finger prints as the tales evolve through destinations and age. In theory, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. But that's for the experts to decide.
Having dismounted a train, plane, boat, or rickshaw in nearly forty countries (including Canada), The Idiot of Funkyville documents a life of travel as a point-blank portrayal of my life through travel. And who doesn't love life and travel both? Whether you've already gone or have no intention of ever, ever going near the place, wonder is universal. We all have questions. A good majority of my questions just happened to be pondered abroad.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>----------------------------------------------------------------</strong></div>
<br />
<h2>
ABOUT ASH HODEN</h2>
Ash Hoden is a writer, foreign correspondent for a California-based design studio, and architect currently living, working, and writing about living and working in Qatar. His pursuits have always involved creation. He firmly believes social contribution is a fundamental requirement for a happy existence. He attended Colorado State University where he received the American Society of Landscape Architect's Honor Award for exceptional academic design work. In addition to ongoing contributions in the business world, he previously founded an independent design firm and organized CambodiaFund, a method of providing basic school supplies to Cambodian children in need.
The Idiot of Funkyville is his first published book. You can visit Ash Hoden's website at <a href="http://www.ashhoden.com/">www.ashhoden.com</a>.
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><a href="http://ashhoden.com/pages/home.html">WEBSITE</a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/integralty">YOUTUBE</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Ash-Hoden/881620443">FACEBOOK</a></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>----------------------------------------------------------------</strong></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Idiot of Funkyville Virtual Book Publicity Tour Schedule</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, May 6 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/">Freda's Voice</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, May 8 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/">Between the Covers</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, May 10 - Interviewed at <a href="http://reviewfromhere.com/">Review From Here</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, May 14 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://daniel-alexander-book.blogspot.com/">Parenting 2.0</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, May 15 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://www.allvoices.com/">Allvoices</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, May 16 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/">Examiner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, May 20 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com/">Books, Books, the Magical Fruit</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, May 22 - Interviewed at <a href="http://pumpupyourbook.com/">Pump Up Your Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, May 23 - Interviewed at <a href="http://bookmarketingbuzz.com/">Book Marketing Buzz</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, May 27 - Interviewed at <a href="http://literalexposure.com/">Literal Exposure</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, May 28 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/">The Writer's Life</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, May 30 - Book featured at <a href="http://www.arbookcorner.com/">Authors and Reader's Book Corner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, June 5 - Interviewed at <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/">Digital Journal</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, June 6 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://redroom.com/" target="_blank">Redroom</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, June 7 - Interviewed at <a href="http://blogher.com/" target="_blank">Blogher</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, June 10 - Interviewed at <a href="http://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Books, Books, the Magical Fruit</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, June 11 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://allvoices.com/" target="_blank">Allvoices</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, June 12 - Book featured at <a href="http://literarilyspeaking.net/" target="_blank">Literarily Speaking</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, June 13 - Book featured at <a href="http://plugyourbook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Plug Your Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, June 14 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://coziecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Cozie Corner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, June 17 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://thestorybehindthebook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Story Behind the Book</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, June 18 - 1st chapter reveal at <a href="http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">As the Pages Turn</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, June 19 - Interviewed at <a href="http://bookexcerpts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Between the Covers</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, June 20 - Book featured at <a href="http://coziecorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Cozie Corner</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, June 21 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading Through Life One Page at a Time</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Monday, June 24 - Book featured at <a href="http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the Books</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Tuesday, June 25 - Interviewed at <a href="http://broowaha.com/" target="_blank">Broowaha</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wednesday, June 26 - Interviewed at <a href="http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Life</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Thursday, June 27 - Guest blogging at <a href="http://imshelfish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I'm Shelf-ish</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Friday, June 28 - Book reviewed at <a href="http://www.theselftaughtcook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Self-Taught Cook</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg"><img alt="Pump Up Your Book" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24024" height="190" src="http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Pump-Up-Your-Book.jpg" title="Pump Up Your Book" width="492" /></a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-4704086801859018852013-06-06T00:30:00.000-07:002013-06-06T07:20:44.318-07:00MJ Fletcher - The Skeleton Key Guild/The Doorknob Society (The Doorknob
Society Saga Book 1) - Virtual Book Tour<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="goog_88108680"></span><span id="goog_88108681"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime06E5MsKRV8V27lY8-ts6yM61s7M8Xrbogviq70_czqb1_eaZDUQ8Fhhbc_FXDHrJ7UDtZpDgUYLIoW7VnsRMxkOCrU5k3LNuNrQK7fD7jvx1wHfjOHacXAzX9bBog0HCuQe0-wU3sZT/s1600/51VnZx65sPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime06E5MsKRV8V27lY8-ts6yM61s7M8Xrbogviq70_czqb1_eaZDUQ8Fhhbc_FXDHrJ7UDtZpDgUYLIoW7VnsRMxkOCrU5k3LNuNrQK7fD7jvx1wHfjOHacXAzX9bBog0HCuQe0-wU3sZT/s320/51VnZx65sPL.jpg" width="210"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YA
Urban Fantasy</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Date Published</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: February 9,
2012</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Synopsis: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BOOK #1 in the Doorknob Society Saga</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="content">
<div id="outer_postBodyPS" style="height: auto; overflow: hidden; z-index: 1;">
<div id="postBodyPS">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chloe Masters’ world changes in a heartbeat and all she did
was touch a doorknob. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When she was young Chloe’s mother vanished.
Wracked by feelings of abandonment and anger she lost herself traveling with her
fathers magic act, where illusions were part of her everyday life. Yet
everything changes when they are pursued by a mysterious man in black out to
kill her father. Touching a doorknob activates abilities she never knew she had
and she finds herself thrust into a world of ancient societies and
secrets.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When her father disappears it is a race against time to find
answers before she loses whats left of her family. Now Chloe must choose who to
trust, the man who will do anything for her or the one she can’t stop thinking
about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="psGradient" id="psGradient" style="display: none;">
</div>
<div id="psPlaceHolder" style="display: none; height: 20px;">
<div id="expandPS" style="display: none; z-index: 3;">
<span class="swSprite s_expandChevron"></span><a class="showMore" href="http://www.amazon.com/Doorknob-Society-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0077RTCO4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370448293&sr=1-1&keywords=doorknob+society#">Show more</a> </div>
</div>
<div id="collapsePS" style="display: none; padding-top: 3px;">
<span class="swSprite s_collapseChevron"></span><a class="showLess" href="http://www.amazon.com/Doorknob-Society-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0077RTCO4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370448293&sr=1-1&keywords=doorknob+society#">Show less</a> </div>
<noscript></noscript></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Author Bio</span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MJ Fletcher is the creator of the comic book series Adam Zero: The Last Man
of Earth published by Ronin Studios. He's also been published in Hope: The Hero
Initiative and Digital Webbing Presents. The Doorknob Society series is his fist
book series and he's thrilled about it. He lives near the beach with his wife,
daughter, dog, and a crotchety cat. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Contact
Links</span></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<a href="http://www.thedoorknobsociety.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Website</span></a></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter:
@fletch125</span></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Facebook:
doorknobsociety</span></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Links
to Buy </span></b></div>
<div style="color: #414b56;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Doorknob-Society-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0077RTCO4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370448293&sr=1-1&keywords=doorknob+society#_">http://www.amazon.com/Doorknob-Society-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0077RTCO4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370448293&sr=1-1&keywords=doorknob+society#_</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My Thoughts</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pros: </b>I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed most of the characters and I enjoyed how new the story-line was for me. Having never read a story with a setting and theme such as this, I found it refreshing. I think the author did a wonderful job with imagery. Each time a portal was opened and Chloe and friends ended up in a different dimension, I could visualize everything that was described; down to the Gremlins. I liked that the author didn't make Chloe out to be a whiny, "whoa is me" 16 year old girl. Don't get me wrong, there were some things that I didn't like about her. However, I found her to also be determined and strong. This made me want to read more about her adventures. She reminded me of a Nancy Drew of a different dimension. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cons: </b>Although I like Chloe and didn't find her to be as whiny as many female characters in YA books I've read, I felt the author mentioned too many times how broken she was and how bad she was with relationships. Another problem I had - but not enough to not want to read the other books - was that there were quite a bit of grammatical errors. I felt that I was editing at the same time as trying to enjoy the story. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All in all I enjoyed the book and would like to read the rest of the saga.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSdWWrCqVpZDxb5Nmxg1Atsxo4omGTLVjDnu3L4YZ3o_Zhr3WhzNNKwtJBQvSz0pe3eUZIiwhBWx_ngM2Y4r9H-xOLsnPheV1__tAkHi8wvzSgV1Fnj02TgvTjWwlE6BYzzlmNue8CimL/s1600/4Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSdWWrCqVpZDxb5Nmxg1Atsxo4omGTLVjDnu3L4YZ3o_Zhr3WhzNNKwtJBQvSz0pe3eUZIiwhBWx_ngM2Y4r9H-xOLsnPheV1__tAkHi8wvzSgV1Fnj02TgvTjWwlE6BYzzlmNue8CimL/s200/4Gems.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200"></span></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-16410343448464025842013-05-30T02:00:00.000-07:002013-05-30T02:00:02.456-07:00Haedyn's Choice - Virtual Book Tour - Jennifer Oliver<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7dBZhYWt1p7OZylDlybK1r6kK5GQME0aPrV0z5PkBPzCkGR7HxP69PW2iaFwjJ1p_HJCxxXCI5Uxqltn9hIMD3eEBXITdERwNJ9spaLXnxQ0rjUHlsO2ZLPxtza9QKskesq47EY4GMq9/s1600/Haedyncover4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7dBZhYWt1p7OZylDlybK1r6kK5GQME0aPrV0z5PkBPzCkGR7HxP69PW2iaFwjJ1p_HJCxxXCI5Uxqltn9hIMD3eEBXITdERwNJ9spaLXnxQ0rjUHlsO2ZLPxtza9QKskesq47EY4GMq9/s320/Haedyncover4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Date Published: 5/15/13</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px;">
<div>
<div style="width: 425px;">
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">There's always a choice.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Haedyn is the last Unnamed and the demon Azazel's personal assassin - his most prized servant. It's not</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">a title she wants, but it keeps her alive and that's all that matters. But when she is tricked into protecting</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Lex, the same human her master is hunting, she learns of Azazel's terrifying plan to create an army of</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">evil souls - and that Lex isn't the only one slated for sacrifice.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Can Haedyn accept the truth of her past and face the demon who molded her in his image, or will she</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;">risk the losing the souls of those she loves?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><b>EXCERPT</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div align="center" class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="Chapter_1">Chapter
1</a></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The concrete cell reeked with
a mixture of rotten trash, burning flesh, and the sweet tanginess of blood.
Haedyn twitched her nose. No matter how often she had to deal with it, she'd
never get used to that smell. It was horrible. <br />
Dirt crunched and rolled under
the soles of her boots as she circled the silver chair in the middle of the
room. Its occupant was furious, snapping and snarling at her. Not that she
blamed him. Being captured by a demon's minion wouldn't rate high on her list
of fun, either.<br />
The prisoner struggled against
his restraints. “Bitch. My Alpha’s gonna kill you. Just wait," he growled,
pupils wide with the animosity of a trapped animal. "He’ll come here and
rip through that white skin of yours like it's a sheet of paper, then hang your
head on the wall like a trophy.” <br />
She rolled her eyes and
ignored his aggression. Werewolves had the worst tempers, especially when they
were wounded or trapped. This one was both. Plus, he’d been drugged and was
unable to change to his more powerful wolf form. Yeah, he was beyond pissed.<br />
She sighed and continued
circling. He'd wear himself out eventually. The anger and vile comments were
all part of the process. Then the next phase would begin, full of tears and
begging. That's when she'd break him; make him tell her where to find the
human. But for now, she'd play the game until he was ready. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Where's the human?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I ain't telling you shit."
He spat on the floor at her feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Tell me where the human is and
I'll set you free."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The werewolf narrowed his
yellow eyes. "You won't set me free. You think I don't know who you are?
You're that demon Azazel's little bitch. You don't set no one free. You kill
'em." <br />
Haedyn clenched her jaw. The
werewolf was right; he wasn't going to leave here alive. She needed that
information and there was only one way he was going to tell her. Poor sap. He
just forced her hand. <br />
She circled the chair again.
This was the part of the job she hated. Inflicting pain. Killing. Every time
she heard them scream, made them bleed, she swore a piece of her insides turned
to dust. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was the price she paid for
serving a demon. But she didn't have a choice. Either she did what was expected
of her or she faced punishment from her master. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Demons didn’t give second
chances, and Azazel was no different. Disobeying his orders meant death. And
even if she was stupid enough to go up against him, she had no one to turn to
for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She was the last Unnamed. A
mistake created by the demons and angels, which is why they killed off the rest
of her kind. Humans mistakenly called her “albino” and kept their distance once
they saw her deep red eyes. The supernatural world thought she was an
abomination. If they weren't scared shitless of her, then they wanted to kill
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She didn't fit in and she was
all alone. Which is why she made the decision fourteen years ago to do whatever
she had to in order to survive. Serving Azazel was the only choice she had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides, what else would she
do? She was evil, part demon. And like Azazel said the night he found her at
the orphanage, she had a gift for death. One which he had honed. Now, she was
his best interrogator, his best assassin.
<br />
Haedyn looked again at the
werewolf. He shifted and squirmed, pulling at his shackles. Drops of blood
beaded along his forehead. She smelled the panic and the fear mixed in with his
sweat. Then she met his eyes. For a brief moment, a part of her screamed to let
him go. She quickly pushed the impulse away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Discipline. She had to
maintain discipline. Compassion was a weakness. How many times had Azazel
pounded that into her during their sessions? Fourteen years of intense training
and still she had to remind herself. <br />
She closed her eyes, burying
the whispers of empathy deep inside. A stillness settled within her. Then she
re-emerged as the cold-hearted, unemotional assassin Azazel had molded her
into.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This</i> is what she was trained to
be. <i>This</i> is what she was trained to do. Save them. Deliver them. It's
what kept her alive, and that’s all that mattered. <br />
She walked behind the
prisoner. He bucked harder against his chains and handcuffs. She leaned in
close to his ear and whispered, “The silver chair and all those silver chains,
they're burning you. I can smell your skin roasting. And just as it heals, the
silver sears it off again. Must be painful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Haedyn paused, watching his
shoulders and chest heave. Sweat dripped down his neck and back, mixing with
the blood on the floor. He panted. It wouldn’t be long now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I can see it, you know, the
wolf within you," she continued. "Your beast wants to heal and
protect you. It's raging to be released. It rolls under your skin like ripples
on a pond and just before it breaks the surface, it crawls away like a scared,
little puppy. You know the drug I gave you is still swirling in your system,
keeping you from turning. Yet you keep trying to shift. Why do you torture your
beast so?"<br />
The prisoner’s growl grew
louder and he yanked again at his restraints.<br />
"Tell me where to find
the human. Tell me, and I’ll end your suffering.”<br />
The werewolf stopped and
leaned back in the chair. He took a ragged breath, “I’m dead whether I tell you
or not. ” <br />
Haedyn straightened and looked
down at the back of her prisoner’s head. So fierce and honorable. His pack
leader, the Alpha Wolf, would be proud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She ran her gloved hands
through his short, brown hair. Then grabbed a handful and yanked his head back.
Through her darkened glasses, she could see the anger and disgust in his eyes.
He hated her, but soon she would be his savior. Like she was to all those who
came before him. She delivered them, away from evil, just like they were meant
to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She flipped a silver dagger
out from its sheath around her waist and let the yellow glow from the dingy, fluorescent
lights glare upon the blade. She pressed the tip along her prisoner’s right
cheek, puncturing the skin just enough to draw blood, and slowly drew it down
the length of his face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn’t the actual cut that
caused pain, not for a werewolf. They have a relatively high tolerance. It was
the slicing with silver that caused the burn of agony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Haedyn moved the blade down
his body splitting the skin in different areas as she went. With each mark she
made, the victim flinched and clenched his jaw. Then she stabbed the dagger
straight through the bones in his wrist, pinning his arm to the chair and
bringing a loud growl from his throat. She plunged more daggers into him, one
in his other wrist and one in each foot. The silver seared the skin where it
punctured and began eating away at his bones like acid. Ignoring the werewolf’s
tormented howls, she took a silver rod and slammed it through his kneecap. His
screams reverberated off the walls of the small chamber.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She stood before him and
stared. His veins darkened with the poison of silver seeping through his body.
He cried and begged for death. It was almost over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Tell me,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He sobbed and hung his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Tell me,” she demanded.
“I’ll take them out and put them all back in again, unless you tell me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“No! No, please.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Tell me. And I’ll end your
suffering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The werewolf took in a deep breath and slowly let it out.
“Medford. The last place we tracked him to was Medford, Mass. It's... It's
right outside Boston.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Haedyn looked at the
surveillance camera in the upper corner of the cell and nodded. Her job was
almost done. Save them. Deliver them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The prisoner raised his head
and look at her. “Kill me," he said. "Please."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was time, he was ready.
She had broken him and now she’d free him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A tear dripped slowly from
the corner of his yellow eyes. Her own eyes burned. She pulled out her .44
magnum, and shot him in the head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author's Bio</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68A9R3t-nGmeTyv-h6qWe7ymyeg1P2q4pWD46jvi8Motwxui_4yeUEzj_0WOWxdI_aspqJldpzhieNKAuE5ZltoWwNstdtJ_AB-JALiREG568ND7cMzjQhfUOlekvXe7SVMCmCZDHBrRr/s1600/Jennifer+L+Oliver+Author+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68A9R3t-nGmeTyv-h6qWe7ymyeg1P2q4pWD46jvi8Motwxui_4yeUEzj_0WOWxdI_aspqJldpzhieNKAuE5ZltoWwNstdtJ_AB-JALiREG568ND7cMzjQhfUOlekvXe7SVMCmCZDHBrRr/s1600/Jennifer+L+Oliver+Author+pic.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #565555; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Jennifer L. Oliver was born and raised in North Carolina and now lives on Florida's gulf coast with </span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">her husband, two cats, a Royal Bahamian Potcake dog, and multiple fish. She is the author of dark </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">urban fantasy and paranormal thrillers. When she's not writing, you can find her giggling with her </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">granddaughter and enjoying time with her family and friends. For more about Jennifer, visit her </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">website at www.jenniferloliver.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.</span></span><br />
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-Website:-http:-kristykjames.net-" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e55600;"></a></span></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">FACEBOOK:</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLOliverAuthor" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; line-height: normal; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLOliverAuthor</a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">TWITTER: <a href="https://twitter.com/Jenn_L_Oliver" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; text-decoration: none;">https://twitter.com/Jenn_L_Oliver</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="color: #222222;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;">PINTEREST:</span><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/jennlewisoliver/" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; line-height: normal; text-decoration: none;">http://pinterest.com/jennlewisoliver/</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222;">
</span><span style="color: #222222;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: normal;">GOODREADS:</span><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561912.Jennifer_L_Oliver" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; line-height: normal; text-decoration: none;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561912.Jennifer_L_Oliver</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #222222;">
</span><span style="color: #222222;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: normal;">WEBSITE: </span><a href="http://jenniferloliver.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #e58e5a; line-height: normal; text-decoration: none;">http://jenniferloliver.com</a></div>
</span><br />
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-FACEBOOK:-https:-www.facebook.com-JenniferLOliverAuthor" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a></h2>
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-TWITTER:-https:-twitter.com-Jenn_L_Oliver" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a></h2>
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-PINTEREST:-http:-pinterest.com-jennlewisoliver-" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a></h2>
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-GOODREADS:-http:-www.goodreads.com-author-show-6561912.Jennifer_L_Oliver" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a></h2>
<h2 style="color: #e55600; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2769763346895997924" name="TOC-WEBSITE:-http:-jenniferloliver.com" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px;"></a></h2>
</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8;">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #6b5d40; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 1.6;"><span style="color: #414b56;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LINKS TO BUY </span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div>
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Barnes and Noble: </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1046631413?ean=2940016585093" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1046631413?ean=2940016585093</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #222222;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazon: (also available in paperback if anyone is interested).</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Haedyns-Choice-Haedyn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPCCSRY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368065510&sr=8-2&keywords=Haedyn%27s+Choice" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Haedyns-Choice-Haedyn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPCCSRY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368065510&sr=8-2&keywords=Haedyn%27s+Choice</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Smashwords:</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/311615" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/311615</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">iTunes: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id646569914" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id646569914</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Goodreads: </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17839491-haedyn-s-choice" rel="nofollow" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 142, 90); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17839491-haedyn-s-choice</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Thoughts</span></i></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Haedyn's Choice was just the right amount of fantasy and intrigue and romance with a bit of drama and fight to it. I loved the story line and I loved that it wasn't like a lot of the other books I've read. What I love the most is that to me, it was not predictable. I did not want to read the ending to see if I was right about what was going to happen. I am happy I didn't because it was definitely a twist I was not prepared for. Just to make sure I read what I read correctly, I read the last page three times. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For a while I got to the point where I lost interest in reading every fantasy book out there, whether adult or young adult. My friends had been suggesting some but I could not bring myself to buy or even borrow them to read. After reading Haedyn's Choice, I am finding or as some say "FEENING" for more. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't wait for the next installation. Ms. Jennifer L Oliver has done a wonderful job telling this story.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7-vXcB3byD3-OZ_XZEUVV_boRG0FI0qGOwDqyHrZfARAfgOmzfJLc69StAwq2hENG7U_QRzMjufq8Pm4HbWI3DvN6VFHAoGE4rO8Jv9h4hbgGPI-esqiJUpaK8t_b72xOtyz2dWudUX/s1600/5Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f7-vXcB3byD3-OZ_XZEUVV_boRG0FI0qGOwDqyHrZfARAfgOmzfJLc69StAwq2hENG7U_QRzMjufq8Pm4HbWI3DvN6VFHAoGE4rO8Jv9h4hbgGPI-esqiJUpaK8t_b72xOtyz2dWudUX/s200/5Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-6980607725275086982013-05-07T13:16:00.004-07:002013-05-07T13:16:56.832-07:00Trilogy - A Collection by Prudence Macgregor<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvfRrt2xgEuXn7QyT6eaaFa7yJgH2Fxl-uV-0yYnzBF5_ZhI23ucva_varLP-hRd0Upi0_ZdmHjYVuqeI6cOlSL9BhhibUd7gfNGAr_UTTx_KA-lpWuIaIbNHxd3kYJhakvdFMdEG0V3A/s1600/9781478714859_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvfRrt2xgEuXn7QyT6eaaFa7yJgH2Fxl-uV-0yYnzBF5_ZhI23ucva_varLP-hRd0Upi0_ZdmHjYVuqeI6cOlSL9BhhibUd7gfNGAr_UTTx_KA-lpWuIaIbNHxd3kYJhakvdFMdEG0V3A/s320/9781478714859_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1829" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; text-align: center;">
Product Details</h3>
<div class="product-details box" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1817" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; zoom: 1;">
<ul id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1816" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1815" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1827" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publisher: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em;">Outskirts Press, Inc.</span></li>
<li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1823" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1826" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Publication date: </span>12/27/2012</li>
<li id="yui_3_8_1_1_1367957274132_1824" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.65em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pages: </span>110</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><u>My Thoughts</u></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Trilogy is a collection of three paranormal-like short stories. The story lines start out pretty normal but after reading a few pages, you realize you may be entering into reading something a little "different". The stories remind me of a few Twilight Zone shows I've seen. There were times I began to wonder if there are characters on the outside banging on a plastic bubble trying to tell the main character to get out of there and get out fast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8vYn2Fqa_JFBetcN_gZfH1tWpyQhGyNF61M1i9JHcWNiCJRVDhl0zA7Z4B_2tHiBEFTDvFUJdSSOZq50GEMLiXJ5vAzpMIOQEebZVRAQCXZs6TeXsp7po1GfSaue_Xw8cbqs9iJ0cXFO/s1600/3Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8vYn2Fqa_JFBetcN_gZfH1tWpyQhGyNF61M1i9JHcWNiCJRVDhl0zA7Z4B_2tHiBEFTDvFUJdSSOZq50GEMLiXJ5vAzpMIOQEebZVRAQCXZs6TeXsp7po1GfSaue_Xw8cbqs9iJ0cXFO/s200/3Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I was asked to review by Cadence Group</span></b><nspb></nspb></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-80233873962938969302013-05-07T02:57:00.000-07:002013-05-07T02:57:00.505-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sbef0GHBmsVzW0EM0etbbtYEt2VFu8qZ56RXeiNEktAkyvjH5VxJoVjJY_WgFL3OthGdp594pMPa7qqMrinsI6UZbrGzu2CaHYIjg4O8afxr2b0JiN2Z29Vt0LPkAfQL_D5dGcqcFpA/s1600/3D+Bathing+Beauties.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sbef0GHBmsVzW0EM0etbbtYEt2VFu8qZ56RXeiNEktAkyvjH5VxJoVjJY_WgFL3OthGdp594pMPa7qqMrinsI6UZbrGzu2CaHYIjg4O8afxr2b0JiN2Z29Vt0LPkAfQL_D5dGcqcFpA/s400/3D+Bathing+Beauties.png" width="298" /></a></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">PROMO</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Bathing, Beauties, Booze, and Bullets</span></strong></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">By Ellen Collier</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">NEW ADULT Jazz Age Mystery</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Date Published</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">:May 5, 2013</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17729623-bathing-beauties-booze-and-bullets">Add to Goodreads</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Synopsis:</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">It’s 1927 in Galveston, Texas—the “Sin City of the Southwest.” Jasmine (“Jazz”) Cross is an ambitious 21-year-old society reporter for the Galveston Gazette who tries to be taken seriously by the good-old-boy staff, but the editors only assign her fluffy puff pieces, like writing profiles of bathing beauties. The last thing Jazz wants to do is compare make-up tips with ditzy dames competing in the Miss Universe contest, known as the “International Pageant of Pulchritude and Bathing Girl Revue.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /><br />She’d rather help solve the murders of young prostitutes who turn up all over town, but city officials insist on burying the stories during Splash Day festivities. After Jazz gets to know the bathing beauties, she realizes there’s a lot more to them than just pretty faces and figures. Jazz becomes suspicious when she finds out the contest is also sponsored by the Maceos, aspiring Beach Gang leaders and co-owners of the Hollywood Dinner Club, where the girls will perform before the parade and pageant.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /><br />Worse, her half-brother Sammy Cook, owner of the Oasis, a speakeasy on a rival gang’s turf, asks her to call in a favor from handsome Prohibition Agent James Burton—an impossible request that could compromise both of their jobs and budding romance. While Agent Burton gives her the cold shoulder, she fends off advances from Colin Ferris, an attractive but dangerous gangster who threatens Sammy as well as Burton. In the end, she must risk it all to save her friends from a violent killer hell-bent on revenge. Inspired by actual events.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"></span></h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21.5pt;"> </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzLY9Vju7pkO38SR23EZxGRH08SIHOK_AUqW5cbNaPG7t2KS3wi638lGFo3cdAvplkL7mAX3fuDbzNgJRwIiJ9q8rWI43ndnlho-HtcAfmVB9-dkLhGc6RtLeSDZWlIy8r1A5o2HvcE/s1600/Author+Ellen+Mansoor+Collier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzLY9Vju7pkO38SR23EZxGRH08SIHOK_AUqW5cbNaPG7t2KS3wi638lGFo3cdAvplkL7mAX3fuDbzNgJRwIiJ9q8rWI43ndnlho-HtcAfmVB9-dkLhGc6RtLeSDZWlIy8r1A5o2HvcE/s1600/Author+Ellen+Mansoor+Collier.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Author Bio</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer/editor whose articles and essays have been published in several national magazines, including: FAMILY CIRCLE, MODERN BRIDE, GLAMOUR, BIOGRAPHY, COSMO, PLAYGIRL, etc. Several of her short stories have appeared in WOMAN'S WORLD. She’s profiled a variety of people, from CEOs and celebrities (including Suze Orman), to charity founders (Nancy Brinker et al) and do-gooders (for BFI). A flapper at heart, she’s the owner of DECODAME, specializing in Deco to retro vintage items</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">(</span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.art-decodame.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">www.art-decodame.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">). </span><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Formerly she's worked as a magazine editor, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism, where she enjoyed frou-frou cocktails and lots of lattes.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper's life in Galveston during Prohibition."</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17729623-bathing-beauties-booze-and-bullets" target="_blank"><span style="color: #551a8b;">Goodreads</span></a> | </span><span style="color: #414b56; font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://www.art-decodame.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #551a8b;">Antiques Website</span></a></span><span style="color: #565555; font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 16pt;"></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21.5pt;"> </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">EXCERPT</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Oasis was more than half full, and in the dim lights, I spotted Sammy at a corner table, talking in earnest with a young, good-looking guy with chestnut hair. I held back, but Amanda charged forward, plopping down on the chair closest to Sammy.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Hey, Sammy, how are you?” She said it with a smile that only I knew was forced.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Been busy. The joint is jumping with all the tourists in town.” He looked over at me for help, mild panic in his eyes. “Are any of your friends with you? Got a lot of guys asking about the bathing beauties.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Aren’t you two dolls in the pageant?” The cute guy stood up and held out a chair for me, motioning for me to sit down. “Sammy, why don’t you introduce me to these dishy dames?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“No, but thanks for the compliment. I’m Jasmine,” I told the handsome stranger, “but I go by Jazz. This is my friend Amanda.” I looked across the table, but Sammy and Amanda seemed to be quarreling—no doubt she was upset because she was feeling ignored. What else was new?</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Jazz,” he repeated. “I like jazz. I’m Colin, by the way.” He stuck out a hand, and shook mine with a firm grip, lingering until I pulled my hand away. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Nice to meet you.” He looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place him.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“How about a whirl across the dance floor, Jazz?” He flashed a smile of teeth that seemed to light up the room. Very tempting, but I needed to talk to Sammy.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Maybe later.” He was attractive, but I hadn’t danced with anyone since my rendezvous with Burton at the Surf Club, and I wasn’t in the mood.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Well, how about a drink then, Jazz?” He leaned forward, his arm thrown over my chair.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Sure, why not? Make it a Manhattan.” Normally, I didn’t drink with strangers but he seemed to be a friend of Sammy’s and besides, I didn’t expect to hear from Burton anytime soon.... Colin returned with two drinks, and scooted his chair over so our knees touched under the table. The cocktail felt cool and refreshing and I began to relax. “So what do you do?” I asked him, wondering why he looked so familiar.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I’m in sales,” he said. No wonder he seemed so confident, so outgoing with strangers.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“What do you sell?” I wanted to know.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Whatever people need. Some import and export, some local.” Rather a vague answer, but then again, this wasn’t an interview for the newspaper. “How about you? What’s a lovely lass like you doing here all alone? I take it you’re not married?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I grinned at him, feeling flirtatious. “Do I look like I’m married?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Just checking.” Maybe it was the drink, but I felt comfortable around him and soon we were chatting, almost like friends. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“How do you know Sammy?” I asked.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“We have mutual friends,” he said. Another cryptic answer, but who cared? </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bernie began playing “Ain’t She Sweet?” on the piano, and Colin held out his hand. “What are we waiting for? Let’s dance.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Naturally I was rusty but I loved to dance and for once, I didn’t worry about anything or anyone, least of all Agent Burton. Colin kept up with my Charleston and even did an improvisational Irish jig when the song ended. Then the tempo slowed down and Colin pulled me to him, his big arms almost crushing my chest. I tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened around my waist, one hand wandering down my backside.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Stop, you’re hurting me!” As I struggled to get free, he forced his mouth on mine, his lips rough, the whiskey strong on his breath. Finally I jerked back and slapped him hard across the face. Even in the shadows, I saw his cheeks turn bright pink. “I said to leave me alone. Who do you think you are?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A small semi-circle gathered around and Bernie stopped playing, his fingers hovering above the keys. Sammy stormed across the small dance floor, grabbing Colin by the shoulder and knocking him to the floor. The crowd fanned out, gaping as if it was a boxing match. A few onlookers shouted and cheered: “Fight back, you dumb Palooka!” “Get up, you sorry Mick!” </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Embarrassed, I fled to a corner, wishing I could hide, disappear in the dark. The last thing I wanted was to make a scene, or cause trouble for Sammy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Colin stood up shakily, his eyes blazing, while Sammy circled him, fists up. Then he took a swing at Sammy and almost fell over. Frank and Bernie yanked on Colin’s arms, marching him toward the stairs. Buzz cowered behind the bar, watching, wide-eyed with fear.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Stay out of my joint!” Sammy yelled after him. “Or else!”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Colin managed to break free of Frank’s grasp and whirled around, pointing at Sammy, his hand like a gun going off. “You’re a dead man, hear me? A dead man!” </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A dead man? Now what had I done?</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Amanda rushed to my side. “Jazz, what happened? Are you OK?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Still shaking, I leaned against the wall, waiting for the commotion to subside, trying to catch my breath. “He was getting fresh, that’s all. But I can defend myself. I didn’t expect Sammy to knock him out like that, in the middle of the bar.” I tried to brush it off, but the truth was, I felt vulnerable, violated.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sammy came over, waving his hands in the air. “Jazz, what were you doing, dancing with an asshole like him? What were you thinking?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> “I thought he was your friend.” I stared at him, confused. Sure, some of Sammy’s friends were on the unsavory side, but with his cropped hair, striped shirt and khaki pants, Colin looked as clean-cut as any College Joe. “Did you have to slug him? So he got a little too friendly, but I didn’t want to cause a big ruckus.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Friend? Far from it,” Sammy snorted. “Don’t you know who he is? He’s a member of the Beach Gang, one of Sam Maceo’s goons.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkZO_fd2k-gN9AnW3mQGfF-_dQ7dJkzpSRXG0Vj4GAFtreDw3RWu4KNwtesAXV-TZxMcwwEK5OgFhhYu-nR5YHqx42AVrxgUVuPeYXI-rKvh815Yu0W4ibW42KoQ0VGvg8AMKyzGl8so/s1600/Bathing+Beauties+Cover-+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkZO_fd2k-gN9AnW3mQGfF-_dQ7dJkzpSRXG0Vj4GAFtreDw3RWu4KNwtesAXV-TZxMcwwEK5OgFhhYu-nR5YHqx42AVrxgUVuPeYXI-rKvh815Yu0W4ibW42KoQ0VGvg8AMKyzGl8so/s320/Bathing+Beauties+Cover-+FINAL.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Buy Link</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: medium;">Amazon: </span></em></strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO30ANS" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO30ANS">http://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00CO30ANS</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-align: start;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2013-promo-s/ellen-collier/FINAL%20COVER_1800X2660%20DPI.jpg?attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: none; color: #ff9900;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/2013-promo-s/_/rsrc/1367804958724/ellen-collier/FINAL%20COVER_1800X2660%20DPI.jpg?height=320&width=216" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="216" /></a></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flappers-Flasks-Foul-Play-ebook/dp/B008QRJ0XM" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></i></span></span></b></div>
<div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="color: #551a8b; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flappers-flasks-and-foul-play-ellen-mansoor-collier/1112135350" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">B&N.com</a></span></em></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><em><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/178224" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></em></span></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-78315209063324043022013-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:002013-05-06T16:05:31.404-07:00Dead Light by Mike Pace<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://199d2974-a-95353045-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/publisher-tours/mike-pace/DeadLight_900.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7crOCFhdbeylQLVgY4fiwt-D2VsimSU5sLLZuslFXHNXae3kZ9WRNi-qGLHeRpMlbKrnunkaw4cuhJfUXRDp70FhNXtDUsimYxPDbw4WZkAg3b3mo1oEsaQXEMUl4GxZ1D1DZJcj8FxkG7AY1HwiWuYg3DHzKFXX1FDLMcDBsjNzku5BFGye9eYGutV89lTDH6zebXCTWEhlfqWVJ4_krRzADq3vlq-2zArmoqlP2sEXmMyGqUy7EwlKtnAKgxff8qJxFGY5&attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://199d2974-a-95353045-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/publisher-tours/mike-pace/DeadLight_900.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7crOCFhdbeylQLVgY4fiwt-D2VsimSU5sLLZuslFXHNXae3kZ9WRNi-qGLHeRpMlbKrnunkaw4cuhJfUXRDp70FhNXtDUsimYxPDbw4WZkAg3b3mo1oEsaQXEMUl4GxZ1D1DZJcj8FxkG7AY1HwiWuYg3DHzKFXX1FDLMcDBsjNzku5BFGye9eYGutV89lTDH6zebXCTWEhlfqWVJ4_krRzADq3vlq-2zArmoqlP2sEXmMyGqUy7EwlKtnAKgxff8qJxFGY5&attredirects=0" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Horror - Thriller/Suspense</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Publisher: <a href="http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #89a9aa;" target="_blank">Sapphire Star Publishing</a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Date Published- 4/4/13</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Synopsis: </span></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">…a matter of light and death…</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">In the sleepy college town of </span>Cumberton, MD<span style="line-height: 1.5;">, an old cemetery must be moved to make room for a new dormitory, and an ungodly Light, buried for centuries, escapes. A rash of gruesome student suicides rocks the town. Sheriff Estin Booker teams up with former </span>Baltimore<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> homicide detective Anna Tucci to investigate the deaths. What neither expects is to have all roads point to a 2000-year-old legend which, if true, could lead to the destruction of mankind.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The most frightening account of the power of evil breeching our world since </span><i style="line-height: 1.5;">The Exorcist</i><span style="line-height: 1.5;">, DEAD LIGHT will teach you the most improbable lesson you will ever learn:</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="line-height: 17px;">FEAR THE LIGHT!</span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #565555;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; line-height: 17px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">With Jill’s help, and using his previous foothold, it didn’t take long for him to crawl out of the grave. He took a couple of deep breaths and tested his ankle. Still hurt, but not as bad. Definitely just a sprain.</span></span><br />
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">She pointed the light beam at the box. Looked about five inches square and maybe three or four inches high. At one time it probably had been painted red, but now was more the shade of rust. Curious. It was made of wood, yet unlike the casket, had remained intact. He shook the box. Nothing.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Jill took the box and shook it. “Empty.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Why would they bury a locked empty box?” he asked.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">She aimed the light on the headstone, which lay on its side nearby. The letters were barely legible.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> Father William Cumber<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> 1645-1713<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“The guy they named the town after?” she asked.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Maybe it’s some religious relic. When we get back, I’ll get a screwdriver and pry it open.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“What if there’s something valuable inside?” She turned. Momentarily, the flashlight beam moved away from the path. In that instant, Tony tripped again.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Shit.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">They both fell, sending the flashlight flying out of Jill’s hand.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Pain from his ankle shot up Tony’s leg. “Find the flashlight,” he said through clenched teeth. He rolled over onto his stomach and tried his best to get to his knees.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Jill crawled in a short radius, groped around for the light while still holding tight to the box.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Got it.” She turned on the flashlight, pointing the beam upwards as she slowly rose to her feet.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Tony thought he felt something brush against his skin; probably a moth. And a sweet odor. Familiar, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Must be from opening all the graves after hundreds of years.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">From behind them, a deep, gravelly whisper. “Give me the box.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Jill’s shriek reverberated throughout the entire cemetery. She turned, and the edge of the light beam caught the face of a wild-haired, crazy-eyed old man. She screamed again and dropped the flashlight; the light went out. Though he was as scared as she was, Tony hobbled back to insert himself between Jill and the old man. The man grabbed for the box. Tony flailed out with his right arm, the box flew out of the old man’s hand, smacking into a headstone. The soft wood cracked, splitting the box open along its seams. Instantly, a searing light from inside the box flashed, then disappeared.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Tony thought, <i>how could that be possible?</i> He must've been seeing stars from hitting his head. Frantic, he looked around but the old man had disappeared. Jill knelt in the soil, her face buried in her arms. She must’ve tripped, too. He helped her to her feet.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“You okay?” she asked, then brushed her arm.</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Moths,” he said. “They’re all over the place.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“Tony, think I saw a flash of light coming from the box.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> Tony glanced down at the broken box. Of course there was no light inside. “From hitting your head when you fell, that’s all.”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">“But I didn’t—”</span></div>
<div class="ChapterBody" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The cough interrupted her. They both froze. <i>He was still there</i>.</span></div>
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://199d2974-a-95353045-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/publisher-tours/mike-pace/MikePaceHeadFeb2012bFINALtopazPainterly.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7cpdlGyZp1AuyWHBH9BnDEBP_3ZS3DuBZR_qSZQFWvJbcy2PRqs9sj1lgEEx0xzk_Z5d0h7tiB4ZUDvwB-Yyk-lVJtmVsO-hGX8ojE0AcHaSC5izv0nBUf1o-_sFnxQitlxykdNqfh_gjjzqso5R4zQtCEo7vqD-sRr8dz5B_W_SoAMCPB2eOizJun3JuVspBAH6xRW-CbP4AnxiPs_25niMsUNyU-4rlPtXgy5d9kZSOQel21T43t-a9zgYQUuFE0uD9vsM2cHIAHqKDKFFU267mpH2oNP637PfIy_62JpgAjVXKpI%3D&attredirects=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://199d2974-a-95353045-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/publisher-tours/mike-pace/MikePaceHeadFeb2012bFINALtopazPainterly.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7cpdlGyZp1AuyWHBH9BnDEBP_3ZS3DuBZR_qSZQFWvJbcy2PRqs9sj1lgEEx0xzk_Z5d0h7tiB4ZUDvwB-Yyk-lVJtmVsO-hGX8ojE0AcHaSC5izv0nBUf1o-_sFnxQitlxykdNqfh_gjjzqso5R4zQtCEo7vqD-sRr8dz5B_W_SoAMCPB2eOizJun3JuVspBAH6xRW-CbP4AnxiPs_25niMsUNyU-4rlPtXgy5d9kZSOQel21T43t-a9zgYQUuFE0uD9vsM2cHIAHqKDKFFU267mpH2oNP637PfIy_62JpgAjVXKpI%3D&attredirects=0" width="280" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author Bio</span></b></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #565555; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Mike Pace was born in </span>Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<span style="line-height: 1.5;">. He attended the </span>University of Illinois<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> on an art scholarship, and graduated with a BFA degree. He taught public school in </span>Washington<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span>D.C.<span style="line-height: 1.5;">’s inner city, while attending law school at </span>Georgetown University<span style="line-height: 1.5;">. As an attorney, he prosecuted numerous cases, including those involving murder and rape. He resigned in order to practice law part time, thereby allowing him the time to devote to his first love, creative writing. He lives on the </span>Chesapeake Bay<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> with his wife and two dogs, Blueberry and Scout. DEAD LIGHT is Mike’s first novel.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="line-height: 1.5;">Website- <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/publisher-tours/goog_157252560" style="color: #89a9aa;">http:// </a></span><span style="line-height: 1.5;"><a href="http://mikepacebooks.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #89a9aa;">Mikepacebooks.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter- <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MikePacebooks" rel="nofollow" style="color: #89a9aa;">www.twitter.com/MikePacebooks</a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;">BUY LINK</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif;">
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1938404416/sr=1-2/qid=1365031131/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1365031131&seller=&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Amazon Paperback</a>||<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Light-ebook/dp/B00C5QOTVS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365031310&sr=1-1&keywords=dead+light" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Kindle</a>||<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-light-mike-pace/1111926819" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Nook</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px;"></span></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>My Thoughts</b></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I absolutely loved this story. I finished the book in an 8 - 10 hour period. The story was thrilling, chilling and psychological that some parts had me believing that such circumstances could possibly be real. The author goes from present to past; from character to character and melds it together so perfectly that there never seemed to be a disconnect. There were times when I thought the book was going to have a predictable ending, but lo and behold, the author pulls a fast one and left me in awe. To me the book was not predictable at all and I enjoyed that aspect. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">After reading the prologue, I tried figuring out how exactly that was going to tie in. But the author did a very good job of tying it all together and weaving everything together very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGHhyphenhyphenYZSlGevsXqXEBtSU58CasGDR9u3BvwSRwC6LrES62I3jKzH8T9_HzVdApIw40YqLqz-9XjrfeceGUNtVXRk8evHPByM4VWbeq0tNVn8UtUBsK2hzhVW6of_ONv9qgdgipdx3XqrG/s1600/45Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGHhyphenhyphenYZSlGevsXqXEBtSU58CasGDR9u3BvwSRwC6LrES62I3jKzH8T9_HzVdApIw40YqLqz-9XjrfeceGUNtVXRk8evHPByM4VWbeq0tNVn8UtUBsK2hzhVW6of_ONv9qgdgipdx3XqrG/s200/45Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-25473984634099298472013-03-31T22:49:00.002-07:002013-03-31T22:49:35.426-07:00Ring Around the Rosy by Jackie Fullerton<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNf7GGA1km7b3LXx0v0byiRWuICszHqNuiPKCR-h-N7CWJTmToqBHGgigDgneO9grUQpwwD9kpzwW5BF-KJ-XZUwSI1Ray_RESomerBTYCWj13w8Hx4AsO5s17HDa4GNWdeXv-IXEThCdF/s1600/51BaAhEsHzL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNf7GGA1km7b3LXx0v0byiRWuICszHqNuiPKCR-h-N7CWJTmToqBHGgigDgneO9grUQpwwD9kpzwW5BF-KJ-XZUwSI1Ray_RESomerBTYCWj13w8Hx4AsO5s17HDa4GNWdeXv-IXEThCdF/s320/51BaAhEsHzL.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's nothing like a cozy suspense/mystery with a female sleuth. This book reminded me of the days I used to sit and read Nancy Drew books as a little girl. So much fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ring Around the Rosy is about Anne, a third year law student who receives frequent visits from her deceased father, in some ways seems convinced she's a private detective or something. Ann and her fiance Jason, head to Florida to visit his family for Thanksgiving. On the morning they are scheduled to arrive, Jason's father finds his wife's best friend murdered and hidden in the bushes of their retirement community. Once Ann and Jason arrives, with the help of her ghostly father, Ann is on a mission to help solve the crime. Her dad tries to warn her that this is even way more out of her league and she should stay away, but to no avail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While helping with case, Anne finds herself in a few dangerous situations. Most having to do with the case and one having to do with the handsome detective she finds ever so attractive. But she has to keep reminding herself she's engaged and loves her Jason dearly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The story was well written and came together very well. I found myself throughout the book asking questions and imagining myself in Ann's shoe. The book was fast paced and a definite easy read. Being the third book in the Anne Marshall "series", I hope the author will come up with other great crime fighting story-lines to involve Anne in. I enjoyed the book immensely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGHhyphenhyphenYZSlGevsXqXEBtSU58CasGDR9u3BvwSRwC6LrES62I3jKzH8T9_HzVdApIw40YqLqz-9XjrfeceGUNtVXRk8evHPByM4VWbeq0tNVn8UtUBsK2hzhVW6of_ONv9qgdgipdx3XqrG/s1600/45Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGHhyphenhyphenYZSlGevsXqXEBtSU58CasGDR9u3BvwSRwC6LrES62I3jKzH8T9_HzVdApIw40YqLqz-9XjrfeceGUNtVXRk8evHPByM4VWbeq0tNVn8UtUBsK2hzhVW6of_ONv9qgdgipdx3XqrG/s200/45Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DISCLAIMER: I was in no way compensated to review this book. These are my opinions of a book in which I purchased on my own.</span></b><nspb></nspb> </div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2769763346895997924.post-22532027436783902102013-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:002013-03-22T00:00:02.803-07:00Evol by Jess Wygle<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">About the Book:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKJXl5AF8dx3AyiTScvd4ItYQ_9msDQGYd-nV2UmBXONw4AkNXBmi6vRHh_AxX4imYxTzTLN2W0m7X7E_0xqWgOVAU-68IDCVK_sf2zpqE6KjaNh7lAC_jws7mFZyoBZLCwvQrXYT6AyT/s1600/Final+Evol+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKJXl5AF8dx3AyiTScvd4ItYQ_9msDQGYd-nV2UmBXONw4AkNXBmi6vRHh_AxX4imYxTzTLN2W0m7X7E_0xqWgOVAU-68IDCVK_sf2zpqE6KjaNh7lAC_jws7mFZyoBZLCwvQrXYT6AyT/s200/Final+Evol+Cover.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Thriller</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
“I will do whatever it takes to keep us together. Nothing can keep us apart. You’re mine now.” She’d love him just</div>
<div>
as he loved her. She had to. She didn’t have a choice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In love and happily living the life she always dreamed of, Venna Caldwell doesn’t know she is the object of a secret</div>
<div>
obsession. Until one night when she’s home alone and her stalker finally acts on his fantasies, dragging her into a</div>
<div>
sadistic nightmare that she barely escapes. Running for her life, from a man who will never stop hunting her, Venna</div>
<div>
reaches out to her estranged half-brother, grasping desperately at what little hope she has left. How far will she go</div>
<div>
to keep out of the clutches of the unrelenting monster that's hungry for her?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With her ability to grab the reader by the shirt collar, Jess Wygle delivers a fast-paced and intensely psychological</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
thriller that will make you think twice about the people around you .</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">About the Author:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkIl4FUiZ_532eMRZf4rUonb6dEDbIrRLnS2NwwpS87z7BauB77NW6fWcvYbyZpsuBnKt2YOykQYLk1VVQNPBMB-DslK21yn-vs8AV-C_2X_sYKOLH65ss1aWSLP6zeob770imTiNhoeg/s1600/Jess+Wygle+Author+Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkIl4FUiZ_532eMRZf4rUonb6dEDbIrRLnS2NwwpS87z7BauB77NW6fWcvYbyZpsuBnKt2YOykQYLk1VVQNPBMB-DslK21yn-vs8AV-C_2X_sYKOLH65ss1aWSLP6zeob770imTiNhoeg/s200/Jess+Wygle+Author+Photo+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jess Wygle is a short story author and novelist. Her titles include Keep it Safe, Evol, Not Alone, Long</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Awaited, and Where’s My Accident. Primarily writing thrillers, she has included non-fiction and romance</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in her repertoire.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jess is married to her husband, AJ and has a young son named Landon. She’s also mother to a one-year-</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">old red fox lab. This self-proclaimed movie buff has a knack for photography. She’s currently enrolled</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">at a local college studying education and has plans to teach English at the high school level as she works</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">her way up the bestseller list.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #260a00; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You can visit her blog at <a href="http://jesswygle.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;">jesswygle.blogspot.com</a>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookrix.com/-jesswygle" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.bookrix.com/-jesswygle</a></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Twitter: @jcwygle</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Facebook: Jess Wygle</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Instagram: jesswygle</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">BookRix.com username: jesswygle</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<div style="line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large; line-height: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large; line-height: normal;">Buy Links</b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large; line-height: normal;"> </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B9BRB9W/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=boo0d5-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">Amazon </a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px; text-align: center;">
<span lang="DE"><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Evol/book-4p2t3ZgaCEalD5gnyuOLOA/page1.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">Kobo </a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/evol-jess-wygle/1114698450?ean=9783730909089&isbn=9783730909089" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">Barnes&Noble</a> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.499999046325684px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/evol/id608924362?mt=11" rel="nofollow" style="color: #551a8b;" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div>
</div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<!--?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?-->
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Arial;">As a person who enjoys a good horror/thriller, whether it be reading or watching, I enjoyed Evol immensely. Although a bit scary at times, it was in a good way. The hard part was going to bed after reading the book. The story seemed so real. I wasn't sure if it's because it was or because I watch so many of those Discovery ID shows that I thought it was real.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jess Wygle managed to write a story that seemed so real it was frightening. The story was well written and there was a lot of attention given to the details in the story. I believe that made it so easy to read and so enjoyable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whether you like thrillers or not, you will definitely enjoy Evol</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSdWWrCqVpZDxb5Nmxg1Atsxo4omGTLVjDnu3L4YZ3o_Zhr3WhzNNKwtJBQvSz0pe3eUZIiwhBWx_ngM2Y4r9H-xOLsnPheV1__tAkHi8wvzSgV1Fnj02TgvTjWwlE6BYzzlmNue8CimL/s1600/4Gems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSdWWrCqVpZDxb5Nmxg1Atsxo4omGTLVjDnu3L4YZ3o_Zhr3WhzNNKwtJBQvSz0pe3eUZIiwhBWx_ngM2Y4r9H-xOLsnPheV1__tAkHi8wvzSgV1Fnj02TgvTjWwlE6BYzzlmNue8CimL/s200/4Gems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily <a href="http://sapphirereads.blogspot.com/#" id="_GPLITA_1" style="color: #888888;" title="Click to Continue > by Coupons and InText">agree</a> with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*</span></b></i><nspb style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></nspb><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s1600/SRsignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkJBoXB2uDi6HWirVh8V-Ah1pnlYjQC56CtzckSmBKLalbTK0rqPZ7LL_X8igulEaObnYu_tNlkw4Wr3oIe5MqhRwtukQkknJbsQVQCnKyOJFhr6TEUb1Mb-t5Lx54QBxInYO_xrE900/s200/SRsignature.png" width="200" /></a></div>
BBC Book Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01712386904328286369noreply@blogger.com0