Spring is Here, Do you hear that, Weather? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Spring is Officially Here!

So it snowed on the first day of Spring and now its 60 degrees outside.  Yep…its Spring!  My snowdrops are trying valiantly to come up through the remaining snow and the flower and gardening catalogs are starting to pile up in the mailbox and side tables.   I love this time of the year.  Planning, planting…a fertile time for garden and the imagination…..

We are also starting to look ahead to May which is our Authors Across the Pond Showcase month!  Just something you all will want to put on your calendars!  We have a bunch of wonderful books reviewed this month, so be prepared to add to your TBR list.

Now on to our week.

Spring Beauties

-This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words-

Sunday, March 22:

  • Spring is Here and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 23:

  • Thianna D’s As Natural As Breathing Tour and Contest
  • The Sum of Everything by April March tour and contest
  • Book Spotlight: Getting Close to the Omega by Lisa Oliver (contest)
  • A Sammy Review: Song of the Lonesome Cowboy (The Society of Masters ) by Lynn Kelling

Tuesday, March 24:

  • Book Spotlight: Draven St. James Driven by Fire Book Tour and Contest
  • Barbara Ellsbourg “Falling” Release Day Guest Post
  • A Mika Review: Carry The Ocean by Heidi Cullinan
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Light From the Dark by Mercy Celeste

Wednesday, March 25:

  • Book Spotlight Tour: The Jewel Cave by Elizabeth Noble (contest)
  • A Stella Review: Jumping In by Cardeno C
  • A Mika Review: Signs by Anna Martin
  • A BJ Review: Wizard’s Moon by Josh Lanyon

Thursday, March 26:

  • Patricia Logan ‘Silver Ties Audiobook’ Guest Post and Contest
  • Book Spotlight: Opposites By T.M. Smith (contest)
  • A Stella Review: The Belgian Chocolate Remedy by Julie Lynn Hayes
  • A Mika Review: Young At Heart by Kay Ellis
  • A MelanieM Review:  Death by Dragon by Madeleine Ribbon

Friday, March 27:

  • Book Spotlight: MA Church To Touch the Sky Tour and contest
  • A Paul B Review:  To Touch The Sky by M. A. Church
  • MelanieM Review: The Devil’s Bedpost by Parker Williams
  • A Stella Review: Two Howls by Sean Michael

Saturday, March 28:

  • RJ Scott’s Book Tour for *Max and the Prince*
  • An Aurora YA Review: Dreams (Dreams of Fire and Gods #1) by James Erich

 

 

 

 

 

In the Spotlight: Tricia Owens and her Master of No One (author interview and contest)

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Book Name: Master of No One by Tricia Owens
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Goodreads Link

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Tricia Owens is here with the first book in a new series, Master of No One.  We have a author interview for all of you, excerpt and a contest to enter as well.  Check it all out below:

And Now a Q and A with Tricia Owens…

Q. Why categorize such an interesting story as urban fantasy? Why not science fiction?

Well, I wouldn’t categorize this story as sci-fi because in my opinion it doesn’t contain what I consider to be science fiction elements. The ‘otherworldly’ element is inspired by fantasy mythology: the shape shifting chimera. The setting is modern day Portugal. Hence urban fantasy seems appropriate to describe it.

Q. Where did you get your inspiration for the plot and characters?

Originally, way back when, I had envisioned Aleksander as a vampire. But vampires are a bit played out, and I’ve never been fond of the blood aspect. So I switched gears and found another creature he could be, one that I didn’t feel was too corny or was an excuse to make him appear sexy in a sneaky way. He needed to be a genuine threat. The appeal for me was a brooding character who was powerful yet broken. That morphed into the idea of a modern gothic romance. Sort of a beauty and the beast thing. To put a spin on it, I created two characters who would be trapped in his lair with him, afraid of the monster yet intrigued by him.

Q. Why add the element of menage, specifically a menage with a female third?

Only recently have I written menages (A Pirates Life for Me) and I enjoyed the experience a lot. I thought it was time to try it again. Of course to challenge myself, I told myself this one needed to be different. I’ve never written a straight m/f romance, at least not for public consumption, and I’m not sure I’ll ever write one for publication. But I was drawn to a dynamic in which a male is allowed to dominate a woman yet be put in his place, so to speak, by another male. This would bring out two sides of him that I think are extremely sexy: his power as both the conqueror and the conquered. The third, bottom character needed to be a woman because in order for Aleksander to change, he needed to be forced out of his comfort zone. He can’t be rough with a woman. Especially not while he possesses superhuman strength. Constance being female adds another shackle to Aleksander. He’s handcuffed by her vulnerability just as surely as he’s physically bound by Kirk. So in some ways, even though he’s in the middle, he’s the one submitting most to outside forces. That submission is highly appealing to me.

Q. Which of your major elements came first? The menage? The bdsm aspect? The fantasy? Or did it all come together at once?

The D/s elements always come first. I begin by thinking of what dynamic turns me on at the time and then create the characters that will fulfill that scenario. Everything follows after that. I believe if the characters aren’t interesting enough, it won’t matter what the plot is. The reader simply won’t be invested.

Q. Readers will want to know…how much het sex can they expect?

My heart will always be with m/m. I think that bias is evident in Master of No One. Yes, there is some het. Constance isn’t in there as window dressing. She serves a purpose. She brings out Aleksander’s vulnerable side, which provides Kirk with the opportunity to move in. Without her, Kirk and Aleksander would never come together. And I tried to make her the kind of sub I prefer reading about, which is one who finds pleasure in serving, not one who demands to be pleasured by her master. This places the focus back on the male in this instance, which I think m/m readers will appreciate.

Q What audience do you hope your book finds? The fantasy lovers? The lovers of erotic fiction? Lovers of M/M Romance? Or all of the above?

This book will probably skew more towards m/m readers, but I think regular romance or erotica readers will enjoy it very much as well. I do my best to write books that are not driven by sex, but serve them as a reward. Sex scenes featuring characters you don’t care about feel empty. Sex scenes which aren’t built up through anticipation and good plotting feel cheap. I’ve written Master of No One to be an enjoyable story, first and foremost, with scenes to titillate readers in search of something spicy.

Q. What genres do you enjoy reading? And do you read what you love to write?

I may write romance, but I most enjoy reading horror! Supernatural horror, not so much slasher stories. I also am addicted to technothrillers and spy thrillers. I would write thrillers but they require too much research. I’m lazy. I am, however, in the middle of writing my first horror novel, called It Haunts Us, set in the mountains of Bhutan.

Q. What’s next for Tricia Owens?

There are several projects in the works for me. I tend to work on multiple books at once and bounce between them, a carryover from my website days where I would update a new series every week for my subscribers. Currently I’m working on the horror novel I mentioned, editing the fourth book of an m/m series called Juxtapose City about sexy psypaths and cops in the future, and I’ll begin plotting the sequel to Master of No One, which will feature an m/m couple in addition to Kirk, Aleksander and Constance. And who knows what other books may jump in there as well. I never do!

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

Author Tricia Owens…

Tricia has been writing m/m fiction since 2002 when she opened her fiction website JuxtaposeFantasy to great success. She later partnered to create Joyboy Island. After a decade of writing for the sites, Tricia decided business demands were distracting her from producing novels, so she closed the sites and now writes at her leisure. An avid traveler, Tricia has visited over 60 countries and tries to include aspects of her global experience in her books.

Where to find the author:
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuxtaposeFantsy
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com

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Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs

Sales Links:  Loose id  Amazon

STRW Author BookSynopsis

Aleksander is short-tempered, antisocial and though he’s unaware of it, wildly sexy. He’s also a naturally dominant shape-shifting monster who’s sliding into madness. He needs a human ‘grounder’ to submit to him and draw forth his protective human side. Instead he is given two humans: Constance, a fledgling sub with a reckless streak whose intense desire to serve has brought her nothing but heartache, and Kirk, a former NYPD cop who’s trying to subdue his own alpha instincts and play submissive in order to fulfill a family debt.

But once these grounders meet their new master, they quickly discover that in order to save Aleksander from himself, they must alter their assigned roles and form a unique triad of domination and submission that goes against Aleksander’s very nature. Constance needs to convince Aleksander he can be gentle and protective, while Kirk wants to show him there is freedom in surrendering to another dominant. The task isn’t easy, though: Aleksander fights them every step of the way, and a conspiracy surfaces which not even a creature as powerful as Aleksander may be able to overcome.

Categories: BDSM, Bisexual, Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Menage/Poly, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Urban Fantasy

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STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

Aleksander huffed. “That’s right. You told Michel you’re my grounder. Interesting strategy putting yourself in an immediate position of inferiority against him.”

“Is it inferior? I got the impression a grounder is the only thing that’s going to keep you from falling apart.” Kirk smiled as the other male clenched his jaw. “Seems like a pretty important role, if you ask me.”

“And how do you expect to fulfill your role?”

Kirk idly adjusted the fit of his jeans, hoping Aleksander hadn’t noticed that they’d begun to grow tight in the crotch. Something about Aleksander got him going. Maybe it was the attitude, which seemed to be a prerequisite amongst chimera. It made Kirk want to take him down a peg and stand over him after he’d fallen.

Nothing like some homoerotic imagery there, he chided himself.

“I’m here to help,” he said.

Aleksander traced his tongue across his bottom lip. “As Constance ‘helps’?”

Kirk resisted the impulse to laugh and play it off. It would be a nervous tell and he wasn’t about to give Aleksander the satisfaction. “I was thinking more along the lines of being a friend who helps you let off steam. Physically.” When the chimera’s lips twitched, he quickly added, “I mean like boxing. Or sports. Whatever it is you do to keep in shape.” He motioned vaguely at the other male’s body. “Do you run, or workout or—”

“You couldn’t last with or against me, little human. You’re no use to me in that way.”

Aleksander panned down Kirk’s body. “Though you’re fit and…large for your kind.” A crease appeared in his forehead and he resumed staring into his glass.

Fit and large? If you only knew, buddy.
Pages or Words: 74,000 words

 STRW Spotlight Contest Header

Contest:  Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Master of No One’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
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Tour Dates & Stops:

9-Mar

Bayou Book Junkie

10-Mar

Nephylim

11-Mar

Love Bytes

Carly’s Book Reviews

12-Mar

MM Good Book Reviews

13-Mar

Parker Williams

16-Mar

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

17-Mar

BFD Book Blog

18-Mar

My Fiction Nook

19-Mar

Inked Rainbow Reads

20-Mar

Molly Lolly

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

In the Book Spotlight: Blood of Salar (Masters and Mages #2) by Alexis Duran

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Blood of Salar (Masters and Mages #2) by Alexis Duran
Release Date: March 3, 2015

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

Author Alexis Duran Bio:
Alexis Duran was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. At the University of Oregon, her fascination with people and relationships led her to major in Sociology, but her main love has always been creative writing. She’s worked in museums, fashion, finance and film production. Her favorite job so far was cataloguing the collection in a haunted Victorian Mansion. She’s had several short stories published in the mystery, horror and literary genres and is the author of the Masters and Mages erotic fantasy series.

Her fiction has won several awards including the Rupert Hughes Award from the Maui Writers Conference. She lives with one dog and four and half cats. She is currently working on the next Masters and Mages novel and several other erotic novellas.

Where to find the author:
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/alexis.duran.18294
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlexisSDuran
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alexisduran1177/
Other: My blog at http://alexisduranblog.com
Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8332457.Alexis_Duran

Publisher: Loose ID

Sales Links:  All Romance (ARe)   Amazon

STRW Author BookSynopsis

About Blood of Salar (Masters and Mages #2)

M’lan, headmaster of the order of Ka’alar and Jamil Jarka, king’s assassin, find their impossible love challenged to the utmost as a rebellion sweeps them apart, sending Jamil on a dangerous mission to assassinate the rebel leader, General Charvat. Unknown to anyone, Charvat is on his way to the temple to exploit the headmaster’s magical abilities.SmBloodOfSalar

When the rebel army arrives, M’lan is thrust into a struggle against political and sexual dominance as Charvat attempts to break his resistance. Violence and death mount, awakening within M’lan both the powers of destruction and the desire for revenge.

On the trail of his prey, Jamil begins to question his devotion to M’lan as his once innocent lover transforms into a mage and invades the assassin’s thoughts and dreams. The closer Jamil draws to M’lan, the more he puts his life and his very soul at risk. Jamil soon realizes that his lover might prove to be more deadly than the man he was sent to kill.

A final confrontation between assassin and monk might destroy them both, but Jamil is relentless in his determination to rescue M’lan, for he knows that only his love can master the mage.

Categories: Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt
M’lan knelt beside the assassin’s bronzed body. He placed his palm on Jamil’s chest and silently beseeched Salar to remove the deadly impulses instilled in Jamil ever since he began his training as an assassin. Jamil closed his eyes and seemed to relax, but as the warm energy of the god seeped through M’lan’s fingers, Jamil jerked suddenly to full alertness. Like a cobra striking he seized M’lan’s wrist and gave it a painful twist, eyes flashing. M’lan sat back, startled.

Jamil did not let him go. He let out a slow breath and lifted M’lan’s fingers to his mouth. He kissed the knuckles of a clenched fist. “The last thing I need is more spells to confuse this simple warrior’s mind.”

“A prayer is not a spell!” M’lan tried to pull free but couldn’t. He gritted his teeth, fighting back a rising anger. Jamil’s strength both entranced and infuriated him.

“Stop trying to weaken me.” Jamil said in a wretchedly calm voice. “You must stay here and do your duty, I must go away and do mine. Nothing has changed.”
M’lan inhaled slowly, breath catching. “Let me go.”
Pages or Words: 60,000 words

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Tour Dates: March 10, 2015

 Parker Williams, Bayou Book Junkie, The Hat Party, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic, My Fiction Nook, Molly Lolly, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Cate Ashwood, MM Good Book Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, Divine Magazine, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake

 

 

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Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A copy of Touch of Salar, Book 1 in the Masters and Mages series and a $10 Loose Id GC, must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the link provided by Pride Promotions. All prizes and winner notifications will come from them.

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It’s March, It’s Still Snowing and This Week’s Schedule At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

March Cold Weather Pattern

It’s March, It’s Snowing and I’m Done!

Snow March 6 2015

My backyard where the steep stairs up the hill are completely covered to the point the yard looks flat.  Sigh. And yes, still whining about the weather.

So March is here.  Daylight Saving Time is here…where the heck is spring?  Right now there is a small herd of deer stripping the needles from a pine tree next door, up to their hocks in snow.  I’ve had to put cardboard as a platform out filled with bird seed for all the birds looking for food because my ground feeder is buried.  And while its pretty to look at, I could do that with pictures and be more than content.Snow Pic March 6 2015 2

Yes, not even close to Boston’s snowfall, who is?  But it’s a lot for this area and we are so done.  I want  flowers,damnitohell, and pollen, and bees and bluebirds…..and I’m not getting any of those anytime soon.  Wonder what’s going to happen to the cherry blossoms?

A few announcements:

Winner of Joe Cosentino’s giveaway – LisaG.  Congratulations.  She has been notified.

STRW is looking for a reviewer who likes to read science fiction, BDSM and erotica!  If that is you, contact me with a sample review at melaniem54@msn.com.  We are also looking reviewers to handle our increasing requests for reviews of f/f stories.

Now on to our schedule this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words:

We are loaded down this week with outstanding new stories and 5 star reviews.  Among those are the first story in a new series by Lou Sylvre, A Shot of J & B (in the  Vasquez & James universe), another in Alex Beecroft’s Trowchester series (Blue Eyed Stranger), a Barb the Zany Old Lady review of the third story in the Playing the Fool series by Lisa Henry and J. A. Rock (Tempest), The Bridge of Silver Wings by John Wiltshire (reviewed by Mika) and if you love to laugh, don’t forget to check out my review of Shawn’s Law by Renae Kaye.  And there’s more, it’s a surfeit of riches this week.   Happy Reading.

Sunday, March 8:

  • Announcements and Upcoming Schedule

Monday, March 9:

  • Book Spotlight: Black and Blue Love: A Lesbian Novel by Judy Folger (contest)
  • New Release:   Turkish Delight by Trina Lane (guest blog)
  • Spotlight on Tempest (Playing the Fool #3) by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Tempest (Playing the Fool #3) by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock
  • A MelanieM Review: Shawn’s Law by Renae Kaye

Tuesday, March 10:

  • Cate Ashwood’s Thirty Things Cover Reveal and Contest
  • Blood of Salar by Alexis Duran Book Blast and Contest
  • Mickie Ashling’s Chyna Doll Tour – guest post and giveaway
  • A Stella Review: How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton
  • A Mika Review: Released by A.J. Ridges

Wednesday, March 11:

  • In the Spotlight:  IM by Rick R. Reed (excerpt and contest)
  • THE HIDDEN WOLF: The Sapphire Ranch Wolves Series -Series Details
  • A Mika Review: A Shot of J & B by Lou Sylvre (brand new series – Vasquez & James spinoff)
  • A MelanieM Review: Blue Eyed Stranger (Trowchester Blues #2) by Alex Beecroft
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Book Review: Wood, Screws and Nails by Piper Vaughn
    and Kade Boehme ~ Audiobook narrated by Paul Morey

Thursday, March 12:

  • A MelanieM Review: Deadly Shades of Gold (Altered States#2) by Laura Harner and T.A. Webb
  • A Mika Review: The Bridge of Silver Wings (More Heat Than the Sun #3) by John Wiltshire
  • A Stella Review: To Every Thing There Is a Season by Fil Preis
  • A MelanieM Review: In Darkest Peru by Louise Lyons

Friday, March 13 (no, 13 is a lucky number, repeat as needed!):

  • Release Day for Louise Lyons” One Snowy Night (excerpt and contest)
  • In the Spotlight: NR Walker’s new supernatural story,  “Cronin’s Key” (excerpt and contest)
  • A Sammy Review: Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg
  • A MelanieM Review: What’s in a Name? by Pat Henshaw

Saturday, March 14:

  • A MelanieM Review: Blind Stud (King of Hearts #1) (PF 2015) by Havan Fellows
  • A Stella Review: Soufflés at Sunrise (Just Desserts, #2) by M.J. O’Shea and Anna Martin

I’ll leave you with a few covers of this week’s reviews in no particular order…

 

Blind Stud, King of Hearts cover PF2015Shawn's Law coverTempest coverThe Bridge of Silver Wings cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Stella Review: Lucky Seven by E.L. Esch

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

Lucky Seven book cover

Dante Mathers, college student, fifth year, has a track record for being dishonest with himself, and is about to undergo the biggest, scariest change of his life.

Dante’s forced himself to go out with girls in the past and he does it again when he’s approached by the beautiful Serena one day on campus, desperate to prove to himself that he’s “normal.” But when he loses a drinking contest and is dared to go to the next campus GLBT meeting by his best friend, he’s not sure how to handle it. Sure he could blow it off and say he went, but something nagging at the back of his mind compels him to go anyway. After all, he’s had problems with intimacy in the past and his first crush was a boy in high school. But is he really forcing himself to go, or is he finally starting to be honest with himself? No need to over think this, Dante tells himself. It’ll be get in, get out. No need to talk to anyone. Easy, right?

But then he meets Sven. Sexy, toned, wearing a leather jacket with spiked up bleach-blond hair, Sven’s bad-boy flare sticks out on campus and catches Dante’s eye. But there’s more to Sven than his punkish looks, and Dante’s about to find out all the sultry little details.

Lucky Seven was a lovely surprise. It’s an easy book to read, with low angst. I liked it a lot, even if usually I’m not a huge fan of YA/New Adult books because I honestly prefer to read about characters surer of themselves and their feelings without all that clumsiness we usually find in the younger ones.

I liked Dante and Sven story because it felt like a real one, full of fears and insecurity, and at the end I loved their courage. They’re both so shy and miserable, but so brave and sensitive. Especially Sven, too shy to approach and flirt with guys, but bold enough to fight against the bullies and defend himself and his grandpa’s garden. Dante, instead, is finally understanding that it’s time to stop being in denial and admit he’s gay. He needs to realize he has a beautiful family and friends to support and accept him as he is.  Even if there is a lot going on in the MCs’ life (Sven being bullied, Dante’s fear of coming out, Sven’s grandfather’s illness), I like how the author chose to focus our attention on the development of their story and their personal growth.

A couple of things I didn’t like: first, the prologue, and it’s a total personal opinion. I think I already said it I’m not comfortable reading hetero sex in my m/m books. I’m sure approaching how the MC knows he was gay could be showed in another way. More, I can say the writer put a lot on these young men’s shoulders, maybe a little too much and sometimes it came out as disconcerting. At the same time I appreciate the lightness in the way the story is wrote, so I was able to overcome these little details that unsettle me. In fact their story came out to me slowly, with tenderness and sweetness I enjoyed so much. At the end it’s a story about first times, first porno, first kiss, first sex, first boyfriend… can’t wait to read more about this author.

Cover art by Dar Albert. It’s a well done cover, I can’t say nothing about it but in my opinion it’s not so eye catching.

Sales Links:  Loose Id         All Romance (ARe)         Amazon          Buy It Here

BOOK DETAILS
Published January 6th 2015 by Loose Id LLC
Kindle Edition, 172 pages
ASIN B00RY8OAJS
Edition language English

 

Is It Time to Man Up? Whining About Snowing and The Week Ahead At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

Ahhhhh, snow!

February 22 snow

Yep.  It’s still snowing.  And here in DC MD VA  area, we are still whining about it snowing.  Apparently to the amusement of most of the country, including Jimmy Fallon, who is stunned to find out that a few inches or 6 can shut down all the area schools, county governments and yes, the Federal Government as well.  Hey, no one knows how to panic in a snowstorm like the DC Metro area does.  Even though we know that February is traditionally our  snowiest month of the year, we still act surprised that it will, in some cases, actually snow here.  Our meteorologists go into commando mode, staying over night and generally looking like they tied one on because they are sleeping at the office trying to gather every last bit of data they can that will tell us, that there will be a chance of “measurable snow” heading towards us.  We have even been known to cancel school when there is no snow because they said it was coming our way.

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Yes, that’s right.  Schools cancelled because of the “threat” of snow.  Why are we  surprised that Boston and other snowbound cities are calling us on our perpetual  winter state of wimpiness?  We are wimpy about snow and we should embrace that about ourselves!  We can empty grocery and liquor stores faster than you can say approaching cold front.  Take that, Boston, with your seven FEET of snow!  We are airlifting groceries to people even now because of ice and snow!  We have a Metro system, very pretty one at that, that seems to feel that it belongs in Miami and only runs under appropriately warm weather conditions.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find our polar bears at the National Zoo are complaining that they need ear muffs and larger latte’s.  Even my DC Metro Romance Meet up got cancelled, except for some hardy authors, (looking at you, Pearl Love, TC Blue and Marguerite Labbe) who scoff at such weather conditions.  You are my heroes!

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Even Kirby who loves the snow disappears (hey, white dog, white snow…go figure) only to reappear quickly, saying no doubt in doggy language, “its too cold out there”.  Oh well, that just gives me plenty of time to read, knit and binge watch GoT and The Blacklist.
Now on to our up coming schedule this week.

Our Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 22

  • Snow rant and schedule

Monday, February 23:

  • Patricia Logan’s The Thief Book Tour and contest
  • Men of London: Sights and Sinners by Susan MacNichol book tour
  • In Our Author Spotlight: Joe Cosentino’s An Infatuation Guest Blog and Giveaway
  • Jess Buffett’s It Always Been You Tour
  • A MelanieM Review: My Homecoming Cowboy by ZA Maxfield

Tuesday, February 24:

  • In the Book Spotlight: Lee Brazil’s ‘The Librarian‘ tour and contest
  • A Stella Review: A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
  • A MelanieM Review: Seth and Casey (Storming Love: Blizzard #3) by R.J. Scott
  • A MelanieM Review: Creature Comfort by Rob Rosen

Wednesday, February 25:

  • A Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Alpha Delta by RJ Scott
  • A MelanieM Review: Kimo & Mike (Storming Love: Blizzard #2) by Neil S. Plakcy
  • A Mika Review: A Restored Man by Jaime Reese
  • A Stella Review: The Pride of Amsterdam (Lionhearts #1) by Elizabeth Coldwell
  • A Sammy Review: The Wrong Man by Lane Hayes

Thursday, February 26:

  • Book Tour: Ansleigh’s Grotto by JT Cheyanne (contest)
  • Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: All in the Details by A.K.M. Miles
  • A Mika Review: Mauled (Guards of Folsom #4.5) by S.J.D. Peterson
  • A MelanieM Review: Ansleigh’s Grotto by JT Cheyanne
  • A MelanieM Review: Shadows and Ash: Pulp Friction 2014 Finale

Friday, February 27:

  • In the Book Spotlight: Fitting In by Silvia Violet tour and contest
  • Book Blast for ‘Palace Dog’ by R.E. Nelson (contest)
  • A Stella Review: The Errant Prince by Sasha L. Miller
  • A MelanieM Review: Palace Dog by R.E. Nelson
  • A MelanieM Review: Quinn’s Gambit (AURA Series #1) by Angel Martinez and Bellora Quinn

Saturday, February 28:

  • In the Book Spotlight: The Best Chance by Aria Grace (tour and contest)
  • RJ Scott’s Book Tour for *Max and the Prince*
  • A MelanieM Review: Winging It by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James

 

 

A Sammy Review: Take the Long Way Home by J.A. Rock

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

“I think TV and movies have taught us all to make this production out of how we’re damaged goods and no one will ever love us. You know what you are? You’re a human being. You have good days and bad days. All your feelings are normal. And if the people you’re around now don’t treat you right, you’ll have opportunities to go other places and meet other people.”

Take The Long Way Home coverDresden Marich is going through the world, observing, listening, and very carefully interacting. He’s not your typical boy, doesn’t fit any bill for the kid who suffered childhood trauma, who went through a great loss, or who failed out of school because he just didn’t care. Those things all have stereotypes, and he fits none of them.

Maybe he’s a little broken, maybe a lot, but that’s okay. Or so Caleb Harview tells him. A chance meeting brings them together, and through their time Dresden begins to learn a lot – not simply about himself or the world, but about the intricacies of human life. But there’s still so much more out there, and running is so easy. He’ll have to decide where he wants to be and where he wants to go.

I think he feels all the right things. I think the world is so full of people who are scared and alone, and maybe that guy who tried to save me from being kidnapped is right—nobody helps. So I’ll change that. I’ll love harder and make a fool of myself. I’ll try to be braver, because nobody just floats through life. We all get banged up. I’m going to find the right person to show what’s under the skin, how deep the scars go. Because there’s no way being wounded should be a lonely business.

Have you ever maybe watched one of those shows on HGTV, where people are touring a house that’s old, with these little details of a life lived, and a small arch that has so much character, and the people sigh and smile and say “how charming” – despite the possible mold in the bathroom, the cracks running down the walls, or the water stain from a rainstorm twenty years before? That’s kind of how I’d describe this book – surprisingly charming.

For a lot of the book I was very uncomfortable. As a social worker, I find myself especially attuned to certain things, and this entire book screamed at me. A lot of Dresden’s thoughts were disconnected, jumbled at times, and occasionally shockingly morbid. It made me ache, wish I could just soothe some of the constant chaos in his head. But then I grew to appreciate it, because if there’s one thing is it, it’s honest. And perhaps it’s partially that honesty that made me so damned uncomfortable.

Take the Long Way Home approaches sensitive subjects and throws the idea of being politically correct completely out the window. It dares to push the lines that we as a society has built and make you question things you never even thought of before. Even if you read it and hated it, I can’t see you not wondering for even just a moment “why?” – why does he think that? Why does that happen? Who could do that? Do people really think like that?

But what I don’t understand is, where were we going, the two of us? Because maybe I loved him. But it’s hard to imagine him feeling that way about someone like me. Although, if you limited who you could love to people who weren’t broken, you’d never love anyone. Or you’d love an idea of a person. It takes nothing to say you love someone. But it takes a stupid kind of courage to actually do it.

This book is so different from any other thing I’ve ever read. As I said before, Dresden’s thoughts come across as disconnected at times, and for some that could make the reading feel choppy. But for me, once I connected with the character, once I began to really move with him and feel with him, it all made so much more sense.

The characters are deep and flawed, and I appreciate how well thought out they are. You didn’t just have Baby Kate to have her, she played a role. And even those who weren’t actually in the book, but who were remembered, such as Dresden’s father, had such a life.

So this story is a little twisted, brutally honest, deep when you don’t want it to be, and daring. It’s not for everyone, but I can say it’s one of those books you just have to read for yourself.

Unfortunately, I am not a fan of the cover art by Dar Albert. The models look plastic and fake and I’d actually prefer the cover without them even on it. It has a nice base, but that’s all lost with the models.

Sales Links:   Loose Id             All Romance (ARe)              Amazon   Buy it Here

Book Details:

ebook, 225 pages
Published January 20th 2015 by Loose Id LLC
original titleTake the Long Way Home
ISBN139781623005436
edition languageEnglish

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.

MBB_TourBookCoverBanner_EnticingHart copyContest:  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:

 

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Down Under Author: Penny Brandon

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Meet Penny  Brandon!

 

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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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Author Bio 1

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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Author Contacts

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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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

 

Bringing Him HomeBehind Every CloudMurphys LawPB_BlindPassion

 

 

 

 

✍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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Wanting Jack from Hot Summer DaysJackman cover

 

 

 

 

 

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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.
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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.
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“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.
****

Get Wild with Draven St. James’ Wolf’s Sacrifice (Pack of Light) book tour and contest

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Book Name: Wolf’s Sacrifice (Pack of Light)
Book two in a series. This title can be read as a standalone.
Author Name: Draven St. James

Author Bio:

Draven St. James is a born and raised Oregonian. She has traveled extensively in search of mischief and mayhem to fill her books. Her ventures have been quite successful in inspiring a wealth of stories. Of course at the end of the day, coffee within reach, laptop at the ready is where she finds her peace.

Where to find Draven:

Publisher: Loose Id
Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs

Sales Links:

SMDSJ_WolfsSacrifice

Blurb:

Sean Maddox has one basic goal: to protect the Northwest Pack. That priority helps him stay grounded—until the day the pack rescues Liam. Suddenly Sean is finding any excuse to be around the sweet, blind shifter. But trying to focus his thoughts on keeping Liam safe and not exploring the whole laundry list of carnal fantasies he’s been having is anything but grounding. It doesn’t help that Sean’s wolf makes it damn clear it believes Liam belongs to him.

From the first deep breath of Sean Maddox’s intoxicating scent, all Liam wants to do is strip naked for the sexy beta and let the wolf claim him. Hiding away his desires seems like the best plan, given after a lifetime in captivity Liam is just learning what it means to be free. What does he know about being a mate? More to the point, would Sean even want him if he knew the truth?

As Sean and Liam struggle with their growing craving for each other an old enemy steps out of the shadows. With secrets lurking and fate twisting two worlds together a sacrifice must be made, but can the two mates live with the consequences?

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

Excerpt:

“You don’t have to stay here with me,” Liam murmured.

Sean twisted the cap off Liam’s root beer and pressed the condensation-slick bottle to Liam’s hand until his slender fingers curled around it.

“I know,” he responded, studying a drop of moisture slipping off the bottle to make a damp trail along Liam’s hand.

“Guarding me?” After propping the bottle between his thighs, Liam licked the drop that had traveled to the pulsing blue vein of his wrist.

“I can be around you without being part of your protective detail.” Sean swallowed past his suddenly parched throat. The man had no idea how seductive his innocent movements were.

Liam reached out until his hand was on Sean’s thigh. “Just giving you a hard time.”

You have no idea.

Pages or Words: 50,700 words

DS2JBadgeTour Dates: January 20th, 2015

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Amanda C. Stone, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Love Bytes, Sinfully Sexy, Full Moon Dreaming, Christy Loves 2 Read, The Blogger Girls, Charley Descoteaux, BFD Book Blog, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Cate Ashwood, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, My Fiction Nook, Inked Rainbow Reads, Jade Crystal, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake, Andrew Q. Gordon

 

 

 

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A book from Draven’s Backlist. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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