VBT: Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock (book tour and contest)

This is a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

ENTICING HART
by Mae Hancock

Hart Emile is tired of cruising for guys, living a soulless existence. He needs a change; so when an acquaintance gives him the number of the gay friendly Red Fox Ranch that’s hiring for staff, he heads south.

Oak Redman is eighteen years old and desperate to explore his awakening sexuality. The moment Hart lays eyes on the handsome young rancher he’s smitten. Not only is Oak hot, spirited and very persistent, he is also the ranch boss’s son and strictly off limits. Hart tries to fight his feelings and to respect his boss and the family who quickly become dear to him, but after Oak’s Grandma suggests he gets with Oak he can’t deny himself the most exciting and enticing man he has ever met.

Hart’s not the only man to have noticed how sweet and charming Oak Redman is. A family friend, Steve, is also anxious to have the affections of the young rancher. Can Hart work out Steve’s dark secrets before it’s too late and keep his job, his lover and his life?

Enjoy an excerpt:

The high-pitched choir of songbirds echoed through the forest as Oak and Hart settled on a rug, late in the afternoon. The two of them had found a clearing at the side of the forest that was near enough to the tress to offer shade, but also close to the water where they’d been fishing. They’d no sooner sat down than Hart spotted something on the other side of the riverbank moving in the grass.

“Shh…I just saw something. I think it’s an otter.” Hart absentmindedly put a hand on Oak’s lap to still him. He didn’t know which was more exciting, seeing the otters, or the burning hot palm that touched his thigh. Oak sat rigidly, glancing between the handsome cowboy’s hand and the otter family bounding along through the grass bank.

“Aren’t you going to get your camera?” Hart chivvied him along.

“Oh…yes.” Oak moved slowly, reaching for the black bag and pulling the camera out. He attached the lens calmly and crawled down the small decline toward the stony bank. He beckoned Hart to join him then focused the lens on the otters. He could hear his companion creeping through the grass behind him. Belly down on the mud, Oak steadied the camera as Hart came alongside him, and let out a sigh as he sank down next to Oak to watch.

The female had two pups with her. As their svelte bodies wound through the rocks to the water’s edge, the mother otter glided into the river without so much as a splash, and the two pups followed. Oak lost count of the photos he took, possibly hundreds of shots as they paddled through the murky depths cautiously. Their fur shiny and dark from absorbing water, making their frames sleeker as they gracefully bathed against the flow.

“Can you hear them?” Hart said with a smile that sprang from his lips right through to his big gray eyes.

“Yeah…” Oak whispered.

The otters called to one another with endearing high-pitched squeaks.

“You ever seen them hold hands?” Hart asked, his lips so close to Oak’s ear that he could feel Hart’s breath tickling the skin.

“No, but I’d love to get a picture of it.”

After about fifteen minutes of lying in the grass like a predator, Oak’s pointed his lens to follow the family towards some big flat stones that were warm from the sun. The otters rested on the smooth surface, shaking their fur, and squeaking to each other until eventually all three disappeared through the long grasses.

“Hart.” Oak turned to face his companion on the ground.

“Yes?”

“I just realized I’m getting damp down here,” Oak said, letting out a snort.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I enjoy writing both academic and fiction material. My research interests include focus on people who experience marginalization, both in historical societies and modern. Themes include disability, neurosis, homosexuality, addiction, mental illness, slavery and prostitution. The most important part of my work is creating multi-dimensional, believable characters that are able to build lasting romantic relationships against the odds. I want all my readers to laugh, cry and enjoy the erotic journey towards a happy ending.

Link to my web site: http://www.maehancock.com/
Link to my blog: http://maehancockfiction.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: @Hancockfiction
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008234531718
Buy link http://www.loose-id.com/enticing-hart.html#product_tabs_description

Contest: THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: $10 Amazon/BN GC, must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Contest open world wide.

Follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.

Use the link provided to enter the contest and for all additional contest details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last Week of Down Under Author Showcase and Our Week Ahead at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Into the Final Week We Go...

It’s the last week for our Down Under Author Showcase. How great to have this many authors gathered together this month. It’s been a time of discovery and a time to renew old acquaintances, traditionally a way to celebrate the start of a new year.

There have been many authors that were new to me and the other reviewers here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. John Wiltshire’s (and Radulf) have been a hit all the way around. L.J. LaBarthe? Yes indeedy! Cecil Wilde’s a new find for several of us. N.R. Walker, Renae Kaye, Meredith Shayne…all have had multiple “must have, must read” stories for many readers. Beany Sparks, Toni Griffin, Christian Baines…..the paranormal and supernatural tales of all these authors were wonderful. Isabelle Rowan, A.B. Gayle, Lisa Henry…ok, all wonderful. So here is a look at the month author by author. All their contests are still open until January 31st! So is our Down Under Scavenger Hunt, Bottom Drawer Publications and Wayward Ink Publications contests too! Don’t forget to enter them all!

1/1/2015 Christian Baines   1/2/2015 Nicki J. Markus   1/3/2014 Anne Barwell
1/5/2015 N.J. Nielson 1/6/2015 L.J. LaBarthe 1/7/2015 Michelle Rae
1/8/2015 Renae Kaye   1/9/2015 John Wiltshire 1/10/2015 N. R. Walker
1/12/2015 John Terry Moore   1/13/2015 Beany Sparks 1/14/2015 A.B. Gayle
1/15/2015 Lisa Henry   1/16/2015 Meredith Shayne   1/17/2015 Pelaam

1/19/2015 Toni Griffin 1/20/2015 L. J. Harris 1/21/2015 Isabelle Rowan
1/22/2015 Maggie Mitchell 1/23/2015 Penny Brandon 1/24/2015 Lily Velden
1/26/2015 Nic Starr 1/27/2015 Barry Lowe 1/28/2015 Cecil Wilde
1/29/2015 Ellen Cross 1/30/2015 Bette Browne 1/31/2015 RJ Jones

Our Facts of the Day for Australia and New Zealand:

Australia Facts of the Day

Wombat poop is cube shaped. This prevents them from rolling away when marking territory. Uh, wow.

In what book did the author substitute “pellets” for cubes? People would never have believed cubes so bending the truth made sense.

Australians love nicknames:

Australians from Queensland are called “banana benders.”
People from Western Australia are called “sand gropers.”
People from New South Wales are called “cockroaches.”

What were some of the nicknames used for main characters in stories from our Down Under Authors?

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

In the Lord of the Rings films, the beer drunk on camera was a custom NZ brew called ‘Sobering Thought’.

The filming of these movies pumped around $200 million into the country’s economy. The New Zealand government even created a Minister for Lord of the Rings, to ensure the most money could be made from the films.

In 1990, the NZ prime minister appointed a National Wizard.

Our Schedule This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words…

Monday, January 26:

Day 26-Welcome, Nic Starr, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Nic Starr
In the Book Spotlight: Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock
A Stella Review: Moment of Impact by Karen Stivali
No Denying Sin by BL Morticia Book Tour and Contest

Tuesday, January 27:

Day 27-Welcome, Barry Lowe, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Barry Lowe
A Sammy Review: Black John by Amy Lane
A MelanieM Review: Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall
Come to the Window by Mia Kerick tour and contest

Wednesday, January 28:

Day 28-Welcome, Cecil Wilde, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Cecil Wilde
A Stella Review: Defying Conventions by Cecil Wilde
A Sammy Review: Dirty Dining by E. M. Lynley
In the Spotlight: Cheryl Headford’s Memories of Forgotten Love

Thursday, January 29:

Day 29-Welcome, Ellen Cross, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Ellen Cross
A Mika Review: Run with the Moon by Bailey Bradford
A Sammy Review: Chase In Shadows by Amy Lane
Guest Blog on Australian Memories by Author Jim Provenzano

Friday, January 30:

Day 30-Welcome, Bette Browne, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author Bette Browne
A Barb Review Catch Me When I Fall by John Wiltshire
A MelanieM Review: Conscious Decisions of the Heart by John Wiltshire
In the Spotlight: Charlie Cochrane’s Lessons for Survivors (contest)
A.J. Thomas: The Way Things Are Book Tour/contest

Saturday, January 31:

Final Day of Down Under Showcase-Welcome, R.J. Jones, AUS/NZ Facts of the Day
Down Under Author R. J. Jones
Down Under Author Wrap-up and recap

Down Under Author Lily Velden

Meet Lily Velden!

Give me fiction… Reality is overrated.

Lily Velden is the author of Same Page, The Race Is On, Heart Knot Mine and other listed below.

Today Lily Velden author and owner of Wayward Ink Publishing (a down under press) is guest blogging about a subject I’m fascinated with…book covers. Be sure to check that out and leave us a few comments of your own on the subject!

Wayward Ink is helping to sponsor this event and has a special contest for all to enter…more about that later today.

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LILY VELDEN lives on the east coast of Australia, her family having emigrated from Holland when she was a child.
She’s both a left and right brain person, holding qualifications in both Finance and Fine Arts. She tells her friends that her way with numbers will make her a profitable artist and writer… one day.

Lily has always had a love of language and a beautifully crafted sentence, and admits to having a fetish for collecting quotes, poems, and song lyrics. What she won’t admit to is how many notebooks she’s filled with those quotes… Her fascination carries on into her artworks where she often incorporates text. When a shoulder injury slowed down her art practice she decided to explore her love of the written word more fully and began writing. “I’ll paint my pictures with words.”

Not that she’s abandoned artmaking in its entirety—Lily collaborates on the designs for all her book covers.
There are many things Lily loves, here are just a few of the PG rated ones: a good laugh (all the better if caused by a naughty joke), the smell of freshly baked goods and mown grass, a smile from a stranger, rainbows after the rain, and witnessing a promise kept.

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You can contact/follow Lily Velden at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LilyVelden
Blog: http://lilyvelden.wordpress.com/
Tumblr: http://lilyvelden.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.velden
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Lily Velden’s Books:

NOVELS / NOVELLAS:

SAME PAGE (Book 1: How The Light Gets In)- Dreamspinner Press

He was like the only splash of color in a black-and-white photograph.

The man was beautiful.

At an exhibition opening in Sydney, jaded Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff lays eyes on publicity-shy artist Liam Lassiter for the first time and is immediately captivated. But he doesn’t get far into their first conversation before he realizes what he’s feeling is attraction, which brings him up short. Jaxon has always been a womanizer.

Despite his reservations, Jaxon makes a play for Liam, but Liam has his own issues. Unlucky in love and orphaned at sixteen, he is reluctant to open his heart to anyone, and dismisses Jaxon out of hand.

Driven by a need he doesn’t understand, Jaxon organizes a return to Sydney to film his next project. If he can’t be with Liam, maybe they can be friends. Of course, that creates a whole new problem. Now Jaxon is falling in love for the first time. How can he move their relationship from friends to lovers without destroying the trust he’s worked so hard for?

THE RACE IS ON (Book 2: How The Light Gets In)-Dreamspinner Press

Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship. Between Jaxon’s career and Liam’s need to prepare for a life in the limelight, they decide to wait until filming of Jaxon’s latest project has wrapped.

Unbeknownst to them, the relentless paparazzi photographer Rafael Cacciatore, aka the Hunter, notices a change in Jaxon and is determined to be the first to break the story of who has captured Jaxon Moncrieff’s heart. In the meantime, Liam and Jaxon have enough on their plate working out the not-so-little issue of how and when Jaxon will come out to his family. The paparazzi aren’t even on their radar. The race to out Jaxon is on, and Liam and Jaxon don’t even know it

HEART KNOT MINE-Dreamspinner Press

Despite a successful college teaching career, Noah Daniels has become depressed. He feels he’s leading a monochromatic life: love has eluded him. When he’s offered a chance to teach in London as part of an exchange program, he accepts, hoping a change of scenery will do him good. But once he’s there, his outlook on love and sexuality changes in ways he never expected.

Robert Callinan is Noah’s English counterpart in the program. The men exchange not only their jobs, but also their homes, and it is what Noah stumbles across while staying at Robert’s house that sends him on a journey of self-discovery—both mentally and physically. A journey that puts color back into his life… just not in the way he expected. When the exchange program ends, Noah has to go home, but he doesn’t know if he wants to return to the life he left behind

Read an excerpt here.

GAY AS MARDI GRAS (Novella)-Dreamspinner Press

After the demise of his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Janey, Jesse needs to get away. His nan has just the thing: a month-long cruise around Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. It seems perfect—until Jesse realizes what kind of cruise it is.

A gay cruise.

Since Jesse’s roommate, Daniel, is recovering from a broken heart, the two decide to buddy up. They hit it off, and with Daniel now Jesse’s partner in crime, they explore the boat and participate in all the fun activities on offer—with some, ah, interesting results for straight boy Jesse.
Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor

SHORT STORIES IN THE FOLLOWING ANTHOLOGIES
STRIPPED BARE: Animal Magnetism Anthology (Dreamspinner Press)
WRITTEN IN THE STARS: Bollocks! Anthology (Wayward Ink Publishing)
LIFE ACCORDING TO BUDDY: Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology(Wayward Ink Publishing)
HUNTER OR HUNTED?: Love, Loss, Laughter & Lust Anthology(Wayward Ink Publishing)
DR. JUSTIN GAYLORD: A Likely Story Anthology (co-authored with Taylin Clavelli, Wayward Ink Publishing)

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Lily Velden) is an eBook copy the reader’s choice of her books. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Hint: Lily Velden has 2! Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Author Guest Blog

Lily Velden is guest blogging today about….

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD COVER

Let me start by saying how close to my heart cover design is. I have loved the arts, pottering away at it since I was a child. In my late twenties I went back as a mature age student to gain a degree in Fine Arts and have been a practicing artist ever since. A smattering of samples of my work can be found on my website.

When I began writing for publication I decided that if it was at all possible, I’d design my own covers, so other than my first published short story in an anthology, that’s what I’ve done.

Wayward Ink is an Aussie publishing house and we like to think we’re easy to get along with, but when it comes to our covers we don’t go by the popular Aussie refrain ‘She’ll be right, mate.’. We realise how important good Cover Art is in assisting authors to market and promote their stories.

The cover is, after all, the first thing a potential reader will see of a book. People are visual—when the word dog is said, they aren’t picturing the letters D-O-G, but rather picturing their favorite pooch. A well-designed cover will entice a potential reader to pick up the book and read the blurb which in turn, if done well, will help encourage them to purchase the book.

Cover artists in the digital age are faced with a new challenge—the final cover must work both as a thumbnail on a website and as the cover of a paperback.

At Wayward Ink we believe that in order to design a fantastic cover the author’s input is essential—nobody knows their characters and the journey they go on better than the author. It’s important to us that the author be over-the-moon thrilled with their cover. As we say here in Australia, we’d like our covers to put a smile on their dial. In other words we want out authors to be happy, because a happy author is one who can’t wait to share.

Now about Wayward Ink Publishing’s contest:

WAYWARD INK PRIZES: 3 x $25 gift cards (please let me know if you would like or require more sponsorship) We have paperbacks and gift packs we could do as well. Gift packs would contain: Novelty USB drive, USB extension cord, fridge magnet, 2 x pens, lip balm. (Happy to do these for the event and not just in WIP’s timeslot)

So how to enter? Write a comment below on book covers, what you like, favorites ones, etc. Make sure to add your email address in the body. And use this Rafflecopter link below (different from the Lily Velden giveaway) to enter also:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 24 of STRW Down Under Showcase-Welcome, Lily Velden and our AUS/NZ Facts of the Day

Welcome, Lily Velden

and

Wayward Ink Publications!

We’re closing in on our last week of our Down Under Author Showcase, and its been so rewarding to see readers discover new authors and books along the way. And we still have another week to go. We are finishing out this week with author Lily Velden who is also the owner of Wayward Ink Publications, a Down Under press.

So in addition to all of Lily Velden’s wonderful books, check out Wayward Ink as well! How can you not love a press that has an anthology called Bollocks! Wayward Ink is offering up a wonderful contest for all to enter. Look for the link for Wayward Press as well as the link to Lily Velden’s giveaway! Yes, two giveaways instead of one, plus the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word of the day!

Now on to our Australia and New Zealand Facts of the Day!

Australia Fact of the Day

Unusual and interesting facts about Australia include Australia’s only armed rebellion, the “Eureka Stockade” took place in the Ballarat Goldfields in 1854. The goldfield workers (known as ‘diggers’) were opposed to the government miners’ licences. The rebellion became a significant event in the reforming of unfair laws, the developing of democracy in Australia, and the formation of the Australian identity and a fundamental principle of Aussie ‘mateship’. The Anzac soldiers of World War 1 went on to adopt the term ‘diggers’ and Australian soldiers have been known as ‘diggers’ since.

– See more here!

What author gave us the recipe for Anzac biscuits? Do you remember?

New Zealand’s Interesting Facts of the Day

“Lord of the Rings” was filmed entirely in New Zealand. It’s director? Sir Peter Robert Jackson is a New Zealand film director, producer and screenwriter living in Wellingon, NZ.

New Zealand is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. Mount Ruapehu, situated in the middle of North Island, is the most active volcano on mainland.

On Tour with Iyanna Jenna’s Just A Little Unwell Book tour and contest

Book Name: Just A Little Unwell
Release Date: January 4, 2015
Goodreads Link
Author Name: Iyana Jenna

Author Bio:

Iyana writes M/M short stories and novellas. Her works have been published by Evernight Publishing, JMS Books, Books to Go Now, Torquere Press, Bitten Press, Leap of Faith Publishing, Breathless Press, and Alfie Dog Fiction.

Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.

Another thing Iyana loves is kitties. Right now she has three of them. Their names are Cil, Horus, and Betsy, and one kitten. When she doesn’t write, she plays with them, or they would play with her when she writes.

Where can you find Iyana?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/books.by.iyanajenna
Twitter: @IyanaJenna
LinkedIn

Publisher: JMS Books
Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Sales Links: JMS Books Amazon All Romance (ARe) Bookstrand Smashwords

Blurb:

Patrick Trafford is pleased with the simple life he has, spending his time tending a tiny garden accompanied by his best friend, Chad, who just happens to be a cockroach. Nevertheless, he can’t hide the excitement bubbling in him when a man suddenly appears in the garden.

Damien Abner politely welcomes, albeit somewhat at a loss, Patrick’s warm offer to spend time with him. To have a coffee, watch some movie, and dance along with the characters in it.

They begin to date and Patrick has never been happier, though he barely knows who Damien is — not that it matters to him. For him, being clueless does mean bliss.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

Patrick floats through the following day. When Damien shows up, Patrick takes him immediately to near the TV, sets the video cassette into place, and clutches Damien’s hands as they dance. He offers coffee and cookies this time and finally brings his guitar out to the sitting room. Patrick feels a bit uneasy when Damien keeps looking at him instead of his guitar.

“Do you like it?”

“Huh?”

“My guitar.”

Confusion flashes across Damien’s good-looking face for a second.

“Oh, absolutely.” His smile cracks. He shifts on the couch to make space for Patrick. Patrick plops down next to him and begins to sing. It’s “More Than Words,” one of his favorite songs. Damien listens carefully.

Damien is silent, even after Patrick has stopped singing. His eyes turn soft.

“So, what do you say? What do you think of my voice?” Patrick asks impatiently.

Damien’s still quiet. Then he closes his eyes and reaches out a hand. He touches the side of Patrick’s face.

Patrick holds his breath and closes his eyes too. He doesn’t dare to move. Damien’s hand feels so warm and good on his skin.

He lets out a heavy sigh when the hand is gone and opens his eyes.

“That’s the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” Damien says.

Patrick doesn’t know what to do. He puts aside his guitar — grabs it back — lays it down on the table — takes it back again and holds it close to him. He rocks slowly on the couch.

“Thank you,” he murmurs — not sure whether he is expressing gratitude for the compliment or the touch.

Damien stands up.

“You’re leaving?” Patrick asks, disappointed.

“I have other things I need to do, Patrick.”

Patrick swallows deep. He turns away. “Okay. It’s almost dark anyway and I haven’t been to the garden.”

“Yeah.”

“Will you come again?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’d love you to.”

“So I’ll come.”

Damien waves and walks away.

As if to remind Patrick he’s there, Chad crawls up Patrick’s shirt front. Patrick palms him up and puts him on the table.

“Do you like him, too?” Patrick asks.

Chad only chirps.

Pages or Words: 5,600 words

Tour Dates: January 23, 2015

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Nephylim, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Lee Brazil, Inked Rainbow Reads, Andrew Q. Gordon, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Amanda C. Stone, Molly Lolly, Christy Loves 2 Read, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Cate Ashwood, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Velvet Panic, My Fiction Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Carly’s Book Reviews, The Hat Party

Contest: Rafflecopter Prize: 2 e-copies of ‘Just A Little Unwell’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the link provided to enter the contest and for all further contest details.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Down Under Author: Penny Brandon

Meet Penny Brandon!

Penny Brandon is the author of the Blind Passion series, Murphy’s Law, and others listed below.

To get to know Penny Brandon a little better, the author agreed to share with us her thoughts on an Australian Christmas, and holidays in general. Penny has also included an excerpt from her book as well. Look for that below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Penny has been a lover of books since before she could read and a maker of stories before she knew how to talk properly, so it was only natural that she started writing when she could hold a pen. From fairytales to teenage romances to the hot, erotic stories she writes now, she’s always held the same belief; to love what she puts down on paper. Which means she doesn’t love cooking, cleaning or weeding the garden. She does, however, love to travel and has lived in England and Ireland and now resides in Australia, where she intends to stay and discover all that she can of this beautiful country.

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Contacts/Follow at :
Twitter @PennyBrandon
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pennybrandon3/
Goodreads Author Page
Website
Blog http://www.pennybrandon.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/penny.brandon.3

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✍Blind Passion – published by Loose id LLC

Attraction for Adam was not a handsome face, a striking smile, or beautiful eyes, but a scent that would drive him to distraction or a voice that could make his heart beat faster. When the combination of the two walked into his life in Luke, Adam couldn’t help but want him. But how was he supposed to know if Luke felt the same attraction? He had no prior experience, no past encounters, nothing to help him. Not even his sight.

One look at Adam and Luke wanted him. Sensual, gorgeous, kind, with a strength that Luke was drawn to, Adam was everything Luke desired. Being in Adam’s arms, showing him the pleasure of a man’s body, being touched, held, and desired in return, had Luke wanting more, had him wanting what he knew he couldn’t have.

It didn’t matter to him that Adam was blind, but Adam deserved more than someone like him. Luke was a man with a broken past and falling in love with Adam was a foolish thing to do, especially because Adam would never love him back if he found out what Luke was hiding.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, voyeurism
✍Bringing Him Home – published by Loose id LLC

Jared knew that looking for a man to love was pointless because he’d never be able to bring him home. But one chance meeting and one hot night with Kyle had Jared seriously trying to figure out if he really had to live by the rules of someone else’s intolerance.

Torn between wanting Kyle and facing the narrow-mindedness of a small country town, Jared didn’t know what to do. Could Kyle really want Jared enough to deal with the town’s hostility together? By the time Jared got himself ready to talk to Kyle, to ask him, Kyle had left.

Kyle had been looking to find someone to love, looking for a place to call home, and one blazing night spent in Jared’s arms and Kyle knew Jared was just the man he was looking for. But Kyle had a feeling Jared didn’t want to bring Kyle home with him and when he found out why he had no choice but to leave.

It didn’t matter that he wanted Jared, or even that Jared wanted him. The town where Jared lived was the one town Kyle swore he would never set foot in again.

✍Choices (Looking Glass #1) – published by Loose id LLC

Marc was straight, always had been and always thought he would be, but when shown his true love in a magic mirror he was shocked to find out his true love was a man. Not only that, it was up to him to convince his true love they were meant to be together. All bad enough, but after finding Liam, the only way he’s able to persuade Liam to go out with him is to offer him sex – even though that was something Marc was definitely not ready for.

Liam thought Marc was crazy. Marc was straight and he was talking about true love and making a life together, but Liam didn’t believe in love and he certainly wasn’t going to fall in love with a crazy straight guy regardless of how sexy he was. But he hadn’t reckoned on Marc’s pushy attitude or his offer of sex which, no matter how much he knew he should, Liam couldn’t turn down.

✍Murphy’s Law – published by Loose id LLC
✍Behind Every Cloud – published by Loose id LLC
✍First Kiss (Looking Glass #2) – published by Loose id LLC

Free Stories:

✍Wanting Jack from Goodreads Hot Summer Days
✍Jackman from Love is Always Write at Goodreads

Genre(s): LGBTQ Fiction, M/M Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Romance

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Penny Brandon) is an eBook copy of Murphy’s Law. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . John’s Question: Where did Nik and Ben find Radulf?

Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Penny’s Guest Post on Christmas

and

an Excerpt from Murphy’s Law!

Hi, my name is Penny, and I now live in Australia, but I grew up in England, so Christmas is quite different, mainly because of the seasons. Though a lot of traditions are the same, I think moving from one country to another can be a bit of a culture shock. David, from Murphy’s Law certainly thought so, and while trying to emulate an English Christmas in his new home town in Outback Australia, he came across a few variations.
****

“What do you think?” David stood on the ladder, precariously balanced on the second to top step as he readjusted the star.

“I think you should get down.”

Scott’s frown had David sighing. “I’m fine. I’m only three feet off the floor.”

“I know, but that’s enough to break an arm or sprain an ankle if you fell.”

If it hadn’t been such a possibility, David would have come back with some sharp retort. He hated being reminded how much of a klutz he was, even if Scott had every reason to be on guard.

Ignoring the worry on Scott’s face, David once again pointed to the star. “Well?” he asked.

“It’s beautiful, but I don’t understand all the fuss.”

“Fuss?” David twisted, glaring at Scott as the man instinctively put out his hands to stop him from toppling off the ladder.

“You know this is my first Christmas away from home.”

“I thought this was your home.” Scott’s frown deepened.

“You know what I mean. An English Christmas is so different from an Aussie one.”

“Of course it is. We’re in opposing hemispheres. It’s cold up there, and warm down here.”

“Warm?” David used his forearm to wipe the sweat off his brow. “It’s forty degrees outside.”

“Which is why we’re inside with the air conditioning on.” Scott’s pragmatic point of view frustrated David because Scott just didn’t get it.

David was used to days curled up in front of an open fire, with a mug of hot chocolate while wrapped up in a soft blanket. Granted, being wrapped in Scott’s arms while sitting on the front porch and having a cold beer wasn’t bad either, but it just didn’t feel like Christmas. Here he was greeted with Galahs and Wattles, not Robin Red Breasts and Holly Bushes. In England there would be snow on the ground, and the air would have a crisp sharpness to it that took your breath away. Whereas the heat in outback Australia was hot and dry, and everywhere was covered in red dirt.

Knowing he couldn’t change the climate, David at least wanted to re-create the cosy atmosphere he’d experienced while growing up in England, and that included a decorated Christmas tree. He glanced at the tinsel and baubles, the twinkling lights and the star on top, and thought it was perfect. Now all he needed were the gifts to put underneath.

“Um, did you pick up the turkey and ham?” he asked, hoping Scott had forgotten so there was a chance to grab the hidden presents from the bedroom closet.

“Yes, and the prawns.”

“The what?”

“Prawns. You know, for dinner.”

“Christmas dinner?” David stared at Scott, aghast. Surely he couldn’t be serious.

Scott grinned at him, his pale blue eyes lit with amusement. “Yes. It’s a tradition of ours.”

David was all for traditions, but prawns, on Christmas day? “Why?” he asked.

“My grandmother started it. She didn’t want to be cooking on a hot summer’s day, so she got my granddad to go and buy something that could be eaten without her having to cook it. He came back with prawns.” Scott tilted his head to the side. “We’re not the only ones to do it. A lot of Aussie’s have prawns on Christmas day.”

“Do you still have pudding and mince pies?”

“Of course, but we have cream or ice-cream instead of hot custard.”

“Oh.” David liked custard. His mom used to make it from scratch. Not that he’d be able to do that himself, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to go without it completely.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I got you some.”

“You did?”

Scott wrapped his fingers around David’s ankle, absently rubbing a scar he’d got while learning to ride his bike as a child. “Of course I did. I also bought all the ingredients to make a trifle, just in case.”

So maybe Scott did get it. David smiled then leaned down to capture Scott’s firm lips. They were warm, and tasted of…well, Scott.

“Do you think we can start some traditions of our own?” David asked while sliding his arms around Scott’s neck.

“Yes,” Scott murmured. “And that’s letting me put up the star every year so you don’t have to climb a ladder ever again.”

“Okay.” David was quick to agree, but he was thinking of a different kind of tradition. Maybe one involved skinny dipping in the pool.
****

Down Under Day 23- Welcome, Penny Brandon, NZ/AUS Facts of the Day

Welcome, Penny Brandon!

It’s Day 23 of our Down Under Author Showcase and we’re heading towards the end. Our featured author today is Penny Brandon. It’s through a scene about an Australian Christmas that I got my first taste of the holiday viewed through an Australian colored lens, so its wonderful that Penny Brandon gives us another perspective on this holiday. Don’t forget to check out all Penny Brandon’s stories, her bio, and enter her giveaway of the day!

I hope you all are having as much fun as I am with the Australian and New Zealand facts of the day. If you think about it, drop me a line and let me know which were your favorites.

Thanks to Wayward Ink Publishing, we are adding another contest to the already full pot, check out your chances to win more gift cards on the Down Under Author Showcase page. Look for Wayward Ink Publishing and enter via the Rafflecopter link provided.

Now onto our facts of the day for Australia and New Zealand…

Australia Fact(s) of the Day!

In land area, Australia is estimated to be 7,692,024 square Kilometers and the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population.

Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2,228 metres.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Its fertile areas are well-watered, however, and these are used very effectively to help feed the world. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought.

New Zealand Fact(s) of the Day!

New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, the rarest sea lion, the Hookers Sea Lion, the largest flightless parrot, the kakapo, the oldest reptile, the tuatara, the heaviest insect, a weta, the biggest earth-worms, the smallest bats, some of the oldest trees, and many of the rarest birds, insects, and plants in the world.

A Mika Review: We Found Love by Kade Boehme & Allison Cassatta

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

It’s no surprise Riley Connors is dealing with issues. He was kidnapped as a young boy, and his parents abandoned him after his newsworthy return. He bounced from foster home to facility and back. Now an adult, ghosts from his past continue to haunt him. After a suicide attempt, he is locked away in Hartfield so that people can make him tune in to emotions he has tried to bury.   Hunter Morgan had the kind of love that spans ages. But the stress of college and adulthood became too much to handle, and the love of Hunter’s life turned to drugs. After he overdoses, Hunter finds himself soaring out of control on the same miserable path. His brother finds him and calls an ambulance, and the sister Hunter would rather not have calls it a suicide attempt, landing Hunter in Hartfield.   Finding love isn’t easy, but it can happen under the most dire circumstances. Together Hunter and Riley may be able to grow from their pain. But they will need to learn to live for themselves, letting love come second.

Kade Boehme & Allison Cassatta are one of my new favorite writing duos, oh man, the potential that comes out of their stories are so exciting. Best description for this story is Rihanna’s song “We found Love”. How could two people survive love in this situation? They survived and came out on top. My emotions were all over the place with this one. For the life of me I couldn’t see an outcome for these two with the situation that was presented. Riley and Hunter were such sweet guys who met at their worst but made it until the best of them was okay. I loved how the authors presented each guy with different reasons of being institutionalized. I really enjoyed the concept, damaged guys are my weakness. These two hit all the marks for me.

Riley had such an angry disposition about himself but it’s totally understandable seeing as what he went through. I hated that he basically had given up on life because of his past until Hunter came along. I’m glad he did who knows what would Riley have done if not. I wanted Riley to get better for himself instead of his love for Hunter, but he did what he needed to do. I do think it was harder for him because of the letdown his life has been up to this point. One of the most emotional parts of the book was when Hunter told the story of Cory which started his self destruction. I cried super hard through it, it was so sad to see a young person go through that. That event shaped his life into something he wasn’t happy with. I was extremely happy to see the outcome of these two, and wanted more from them as far as their future plans. I know they both had to work on themselves but I would have appreciated a longer ending.

Cover Artist Allison Cassatta’s cover was amazing! Both guys definitely portrayed the guys to a T. I love this description of these two it made them more human on cover, the scars, tattoos and gruffness was accurately portrayed.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 214 pages
Published January 5th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632166777
edition languageEnglish
url

Down Under Author: Maggie Mitchell aka Maggie Nash!

Meet Maggie Mitchell aka Maggie Nash!

Maggie Mitchell is the author of Muses Across Time series, Illuminations (Maggie Nash) and other books listed below.

To get to know Maggie Mitchell a little better, the author agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍

Maggie Mitchell lives in her dream place by the sea. Of course, sometimes she even gets the dreams written down in a story. Lucky for her she has a musician for a husband who understands the creative spirit. In her other life she’s a nurse educator who manages Learning & Development for a large private hospital. When she’s not working, you’ll find her out on her balcony enjoying a glass of Moscato or a cappuccino made on her beloved espresso machine.

Contacts/Follow at :

Twitter @mmitchellwrites
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4996618.Maggie_Mitchell
Website: www.maggiemitchell.net
Blog: www.maggiemitchell.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.mitchell.129

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Books:

Muses Across Time Series:
Chasing Terpsichore : https://www.totallybound.com/chasing-terpsichore
Calling Calliope: https://www.totallybound.com/calling-calliope

Sun Man Meets Moon Woman (in Moonlit Encounters) : Amazon

Genre(s):

Maggie Mitchell – Contemporary/Fantasy/Greek Mythology
(I also write as Maggie Nash – Erotic Romance/Contemporary BDSM/Victorian BDSM/Romantic Suspense)

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Maggie Mitchell) is the Winners choice of:
eBook (any format) of Chasing Terpsichore OR Calling Calliope . Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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How do you think books written from authors in Australia or New Zealand differ in style, language, and culture?

I think Aussie authors like to break rules, so if there is a genre or literary rule to break, the Aussies will give it a try! We’re also very irreverent, and I think that comes through in our voices. I always get a laugh when I read an Aussie book.

My first impression of AUS/NZ was from stories and novels like Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds or Nevil Shute’s A Town Like Alice as well as from movies like The Man from Snowy River, The Dish, Rabbit Proof Fence, Strictly Ballroom, and yes, Crocodile Dundee! There are so many out there. What is your favorite AUS/NZ stories and favorite Australian/New Zealand movies?

One of my all time favourite Aussie movies would have to be Muriel’s Wedding. It encompasses so much of what it was like growing up in Australia – and the difficulties of trying to fit in to what society wants us to. The good thing is that it didn’t take itself too seriously. Who can forget those ABBA costumes!

If you were a tour guide, what would you like a visitor to see and what impression would you want them to take away with them when they leave?

I think Australia is the best country in the world, but of course I’m biased If there was one thing I would want people to remember when they leave, it’s the beauty of the wide open spaces, the freedom to do as you please, and the way we all pull together and support each other.

What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

At the moment I can’t go past the place where I live on the South Coast of New South Wales. It’s a small city with friendly people, and the coastline is awe inspiring. I grew up by the beach, so many years later I feel like I’ve come home.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on more stories in my Muses Across Time series. The next one is about Thalia, and she finds herself stranded on a large sheep station in the Kimberly region in the Top End of Australia. Needless to say, her lack of knowledge of all things farming leads to much hilarity.

In the Author Spotlight: An Interview with Amanda C. Stone on The Adventures of Cole and Perry (contest included)

Book Name: The Adventures of Cole and Perry
Release Date: Mid-January
Author Name: Amanda C. Stone

An Interview with Amanda C. Stone…

1. I love the concept behind the Adventures of Cole and Perry? What was your inspiration or muse?

The entire project came from what happens in The Anniversary. That little nugget had been in my head forever before I had to write it down. After it was done, the rest of the shorts became obvious.

2. Biggest thrill/chill outside of seeing your book published, was it the cover? The thrill of anticipation? Seeing a book release from the other side?

Finally seeing it published. There were a bunch of hurdles that I wasn’t expecting, and most of them were out of my control. So getting to the point that it was published was the best feeling in the world.

3. How long did it take you to write The Adventures of Cole and Perry?

I wrote The Anniversary in a less than a week. Once I had the core idea of each of the stories it took maybe a week for each one, give or take a day or two. So overall, roughly 6 to 7 weeks of actual writing time with breaks between each one for real life.

4. How do you choose the names for your characters?

It’s actually really hard for me to pick names. I sit there and look at the meaning behind the name on baby name websites. As a former teacher I take into account kids I’ve had in my classes with those names. There are times when whole chapters are written with GUY 1 and GUY 2 in place while I’m still deciding on names.

5. Do you want to write in genres other than contemporary romance?

Oh yes. I’ve got ideas for some high fantasy stories and paranormal. I’m sure as I go along this journey I’ll add more genres. It’ll depend on where the characters take me.

6. Have you always wanted to write?

As far as I can remember.

7. Biggest influence on you as a writer?

Stress. HA! Just kidding, sort of. I’m one of those writers that lets the characters lead the way. I know mostly where I’m going and some of the stops along the way. But I’m along for the ride as well.

8. What’s next for Amanda C. Stone?

I’ve got two projects I’m working on next. One I hope to have finished by my birthday. The other if I can finish by the end of the year I’ll be happy.

Author Bio:

Armed with her Batman notebook, fourth grade Amanda C. Stone was ready to start writing stories about unicorns, family members, and her imaginary friends Pink Amanda and Blue Amanda. Today, Amanda is armed with a new notebook, along with a laptop, and a never ending supply of caffeine. Her stories are about all kinds of things, but the most important aspect is people falling in love.

Where to find the author:

Website: http://www.amandastonebooks.com/
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandastonebooks
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandastonebks
 Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/ZF60L
 Email: amandastonebooks@gmail.com

Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Amanda C. Stone

Sales Links: All Romance (ARe) Amazon Goodreads

Blurb:

It all started when Cole met Perry in a bar. Over three years they had some exciting adventures, and misadventures. The six stories included in this book are all about their journey from bar to wedding.

The Anniversary
Another cancellation of plans by his boyfriend forces Cole out to the neighborhood bar. Not long after arriving he meets Perry. Even as exciting as Perry is, he’s unsure how the night will end.

The Fight
Cole and Perry are struggling to make time for each other and constantly at each other’s throats. A fight to the death will decide who is right or wrong in their arguments. But Cole really doesn’t want to shoot Perry.

The Threesome
Deciding they want to spice up things in the bedroom, Perry wants to have a one-time threesome. Cole’s nervous and doesn’t want to ask any of their friends to join them. Perry finds the perfect solution.

The House
After two and a half years together, Cole and Perry want to buy a house. Once they find the perfect house, they get to spend their first morning together in their new space. Perry will have to help Cole decide which room is his favorite.

The Baby
Both Cole and Perry are exhausted. Taking care of a three month old is hard when she’s up all night and is always hungry. If only they could find where they put the bottle warmer.

The Wedding
Cole is ready to make his commitment to Perry life-long. After careful planning, they created the perfect event. What could possibly go wrong? If only Cole didn’t ask the same question.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

“Cole. I have a surprise for you. I want you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them.”

Cole looked up from his magazine at the doorway Perry’s voice drifted in from. He put the magazine on his nightstand and closed his eyes.

“They’re closed,” he called out. He wasn’t sure where Perry was in their apartment, but he sounded close.

Rustling and a strange squeaking noise reached his ears. Cole furrowed his brows trying to figure out what Perry was up to and what he was hearing.

“Okay. Go ahead and open your eyes.”

Cole popped his eyes open. He closed them and then re-opened them again. Nope, he still was seeing what was in front of him.

“Perry. Why is there–?”

Perry cut him off before Cole could finish his thought.

“So, we had talked about fantasies and things like that. I told you this was mine. So I’d like to introduce you to Freddy. Freddy, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Cole.”

Cole smiled at how nervous Perry was. His boyfriend was adorable trying to be brave with his ideas.

“Nice to meet you, um, Freddy. Perry, where did you meet Freddy?”

Perry had a small smile on his face that showed Cole he appreciated he was alright with what was happening.

“Online. I found Freddy on some website. Can’t remember the name now.”

Cole was stunned. His boyfriend didn’t go to those types of websites for any reason. Just meant Perry wanted to have the threesome and was willing to do it without asking one of their friends. Cole was so happy Perry had found a way to have his fantasy.

Pages or Words: Around 17,000 words

Tour Dates/Tour Stops:

19-Jan

The Hat Party

Christy Loves 2 Read

BFD Book Blog

20-Jan

My Fiction Nook

Prism Book Alliance

21-Jan

Velvet Panic

Love Bytes

22-Jan

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Lee Brazil

23-Jan

Havan Fellows

26-Jan

Full Moon Dreaming

27-Jan

The Novel Approach

28-Jan

Parker Williams

29-Jan

Bayou Book Junkie

30-Jan

MM Good Book Reviews

Cate Ashwood

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $10 Gift Card to Amazon or AllRomance. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Into the Final Week We Go...

Our Facts of the Day for Australia and New Zealand:

Australia Facts of the Day

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

Our Schedule This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words…

Monday, January 26:

Tuesday, January 27:

Wednesday, January 28:

Thursday, January 29:

Friday, January 30:

Saturday, January 31:

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Meet Lily Velden!

Contests and Giveaways:

Author Guest Blog

Now about Wayward Ink Publishing’s contest:

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Welcome, Lily Velden

and

Wayward Ink Publications!

Now on to our Australia and New Zealand Facts of the Day!

Australia Fact of the Day

New Zealand’s Interesting Facts of the Day

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Blurb:

Excerpt:

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Meet Penny Brandon!

Contests and Giveaways:

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Penny’s Guest Post on Christmas

and

an Excerpt from Murphy’s Law!

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Welcome, Penny Brandon!

Australia Fact(s) of the Day!

New Zealand Fact(s) of the Day!

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Meet Maggie Mitchell aka Maggie Nash!

Contests and Giveaways:

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An Interview with Amanda C. Stone…

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