Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Goodnight, Sweetheart, Well, I Hate to Go!


Sobs!

Wailing!

Gnashing of Teeth!

Riots in the plaza! 

Well, nice to know I'm going quietly...

This is my last post for the Romance Dish for a while. You never say never, right? I've so appreciated the chance to be part of this great blog and I'm so grateful that the original four Dishes asked me to be part of the lovely world they've built up here.

By the way, the photo at the top of the blog has three of the four originals (Gannon must have taken the pic). Left to right there's Jeanne Adams (who's a Romance Bandit!), Andrea, moi, Buffie and PJ. I'm not sure whether that photo was taken at RWA in Washington DC or Orlando. Perhaps PJ or Andrea will remember.

Anyway, as I announced two months ago, for various reasons, I'm retiring my Second Helping column for the moment. PJ asked me if I could devote my last piece to what I'm doing in 2015 which is very nice of her (but then, she IS very nice).

A whole column talking about little ole' me? Let me at it!

One big change I thought I'd be dealing with in 2015 was a new house, but fate has decreed I'm staying where I am. Given I'd prepared my mind for the shift, it's now taking a bit of a mental shift to come to terms with the fact that there will be no big move. However, at least one of my plans for 2015 is still in place, a big research trip to the U.K. although it's now going to happen in September instead of March. I'll miss spring over there, which is my favorite season, but on the other hand, I won't be trying to squeeze my travel in between other commitments.

And now a rundown of those other commitments! My fourth Sons of Sin book is out on 28th April, yay. A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT tells the Marquess of Leath's story - he plays a major part in WHAT A DUKE DARES and I've had quite a few people contacting me to ask if he's going to get a happy ending. Of course he is, but he's got a way to go before that happens! And he ends up falling in love with the last woman he ever imagined he would. I always relish seeing lords of all they survey sent into a spin when they're head over heels with someone completely unsuitable.

Don't you just love that cover? You can read the blurb on my website here: http://annacampbell.info/scoundrelmoonlight.html Look out for an excerpt in March and if you want an extra special sneak peek, I'm giving away ARCs in my January/February website contest.

At this stage, I'm not sure if that will be the last full lengther in the Sons of Sin series. There are at least two more novellas in the pipeline. One tells the story of Lady Marianne Seton, the woman Cam jilted to marry Penelope. I really like her and I've got a lovely hero lined up to put a sparkle in her eyes. I'm also writing a novella that gives us some backstory on Sirius, Sir Richard Harmsworth's clever dog. He helps to unite a pair of feuding childhood sweethearts before he places himself in Richard's custody. I've always had a very soft spot for Sirius who was usually the cleverest one in the room!

Otherwise I'm working on a new historical series based very much in the glamorous world of Regency high society. Apart from WHAT A DUKE DARES and the novella DAYS OF RAKES AND ROSES, most of the Sons of Sin books take place in the beautiful English countryside. The next series will be sexy, emotional stories revolving around the drama and extravagance of the London Season. I could tell you more but then I'd have to kill you!

Finally, I'm going to write another Christmas novella, featuring a Scottish hero. Those seem to be de rigueur for my Christmas stories (so far all three have featured Scottish noblemen!). I must say I've been overwhelmed at the reception this year's novella, HER CHRISTMAS EARL, has received and I just love having a story out for the Holidays. 

Which brings me to the fact that this isn't just my last Second Helpings; it's also Christmas Eve! However you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you all peace, love, good health and fabulous books to read. I'd also like to pause to send PJ and Andrea a pair of really mushy kisses and big hugs to thank them for letting me a part of this blog.

As my Regency society heroines would say, I've had a ball!

So what are your reading plans for 2015? Any books I should look out for?

STOP PRESS: Those kind people at Grand Central Forever have sent me some ARCs which arrived this very day (clearly they have great timing!). As a farewell gift to my friends here at the Romance Dish, I'll give one person who comments (international) the chance to win a personalized copy of A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT. Good luck!

81 comments:

  1. Canna wait for your new stories, Anna! Scottish heroes, Sirius and and Lady Marianne as well as Leath! A feast for 2015!

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sue! There's so many things I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into! Including English cream teas! Happy Christmas! xxx

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  2. Hi Anna

    That trip to Englands sounds wonderful as does the new story coming out I promise to be patient in waiting for it :)

    I have just retired and although i haven't stopped since then in the new year I am looking forward to much more reading time.

    Merry Christmas to Everyone and lets hope for a peaceful and loving new year

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Helen, you've been so busy since you've retired. Hope you get a chance to stop and smell the roses (and the Kindle) soon! Merry Christmas to you. xxx

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  3. Sounds like I'll have a lot of good reading for 2015! Loved "Her Christmas Earl"!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Dee! Having a bit of break over Christmas and then I'm back at the old grindstone. Looks like 2015 will be the year of the novella!

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  4. All the best for the holiday season, Anna and to everyone at the Romance Dish! What will I be reading? I've got to make a dent in those three boxes of used romance books in my closet! 😄

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    1. Karyn, sounds like lots of luscious reading ahead of you. I can't wait for a few solid days of solid reading. Yum, yum, yum. Happy Christmas!

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  5. Anna, I have so enjoyed your SH columns. You have had great reviews and suggestions for books that are now on my wish list.
    I wish you the best for 2015 and your projects. How exciting for you to travel to the UK!!
    I'm glad I will still keep in touch through RB and FB. Take care, big hugs, God's blessings, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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    1. Deb, thanks so much for all the support here and elsewhere on the net. Always lovely to see you! So glad you've enjoyed the reviews. I've really enjoyed doing them. Yeah, VERY excited about the UK trip. Haven't been there since 2007 and it's far too long. Happy Christmas! xxx

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  6. This comment is all about avarice. But while I'm here, best of luck with your new ventures and enjoy the trip.

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    1. Ha ha, surely you get points for avarice! What great timing that they turned up today. Thanks for the good wishes.

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  7. The cover on this book is lovely. I have enjoyed reading your posts. I am looking forward to reading BURNED by Karen Marie Moning in 2015. Happy Holidays and I hope 2015 brings new and exciting things for you.
    Kristine R

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    1. Thanks so much, Kristine. I love, love, love that cover. I've been so lucky with the Sons of Sin covers. They've all been gorgeous. Great choice of book to look forward to - I still remember KMM's sexy Highlanders.

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  8. So sorry to see you leave. I know how complicated and busy life can get. It is hard to let something go, even when you know you have to. Enjoy your research trip to the UK. We are hoping to go, but are not sure when. I have got to see the Highlands for myself. I hope not moving is OK with you. I know how hard it can be to psych yourself up for a move. Changing plans isn't always easy.
    Take care and enjoy the little bit of extra time you have. I will be missing your Second Helping post, and looking forward to your books. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year.

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    1. Pat, thanks so much for all the support. Always lovely to see you. I've loved being part of the blog and you never know, I might pop up again with a review or two! I love the Highlands - this particular trip is going to be mainly London, a museum fest. So looking forward to it. Actually not moving feels like a blessing in disguise. The closer I got to selling, the more I wondered if I was making a mistake - and then fate made the decision. I'm happy with that. Happy Holidays!!!

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  9. Never say never. It is a gorgeous cover. I will continue to read all of the Historical Romances that I love.

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    1. Mary, that's a great resolution. I've got a couple of historicals on my Kindle I've been saving for Christmas, including Janga's recommendation THE SONGBIRD'S SEDUCTION. So looking forward to that one. Thanks so much for being such a great supporter of my columns here. I really appreciated it. Happy Christmas!

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  10. Merry Xmas Anna! Sounds like you're going to have an exciting year next year even without the move. UK in September sounds lovely even if it's not spring. Hope you'll keep us informed of your time here. All the best!

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    1. Linda, as you know, I'm a Facebook maven. I can promise you faithfully there will be UK photos on my page! Thanks for swinging by and happy Christmas!

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  11. ((((Anna)))) I can't begin to thank you enough for gracing us with your wonderful Second Helpings for these past five years. My bank account may have a differing opinion (grin) but I have enjoyed each and every book and author to which you have introduced us. And while I'm sad that we won't be seeing you here the 24th of each month, I'm excited for all the amazing adventures that await you in 2015...not to mention the fantastic stories that will be gracing my Kindle! :)

    Hmmmm...wonder if anybody would notice if I tossed my name into the draw for that ARC? I can't wait to get my hands on that baby!

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    1. PJ, so glad you've enjoyed the recommendations. Nothing better than talking about books we love, is there? Well, maybe one or two things, but you know what I mean! Snerk! PJ, the rules were to leave a comment and you have - can't see why you're not eligible. And they're SOOOO pretty. The purple is actually a deeper color in the real thing. Thank you so much for having me as your guest - it's been a blast! Happy Christmas! xxx

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  12. Sorry to see you go, Anna. But anything that frees up a good author to do more writing is welcomed! Take care and have a very Merry Christmas.

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    1. LSUR, thank you so much. I'm sad to go too - but I'm so looking forward to my new adventures. Happy Christmas to you too (looks like a sultry one coming up down here in Oz, and I don't mean in the romance novel sense!).

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  13. Anna good luck to you and Merry Christmas... I love a good historical romance, especially if there is a dark, brooding, brawny Scot to read about...

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    1. Kathleen, mmmm, Scotsman... Sorry, what were you saying? :-) Happy Christmas to you and lots of wonderful reading in 2015.

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  14. Happy New Year! I will miss your posts.

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    1. Thanks, JCP. It's been such fun talking about books here - and I've picked up so many great recommendations.

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  15. Can't wait to read your next book. There are so many good books coming out in 2015, it may not be a very productive year for me if all I do is read! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. Laurie, that made me think of my late father telling me if I wanted to be a writer I had to start being a producer and not a consumer! Must say I LOVE to read. Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015 to you!

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  16. You will definitely be missed here but I sure hope to see you around this blogosphere!!! My New Years resolution is to read more books. That's the same as last year and I read the same amount so this year I am going to set aside more planned time! Best wishes and Happy Holidays!

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    1. Catslady, hope you get your wish. I haven't read enough this year - so my resolution is much like yours! Happy Christmas!

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  17. There are so many books on my list for next year that I can't list them all. Can't wait to read yours and see what else is coming. Thanks and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sheryl! Looking forward to all these new stories. Happy Christmas!

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  18. My reading resolution for 2015 is to read more historical novels. I've kind of been sidetracked by contemporaries. My holiday reading reminded me how much I like historical settings. I've heard many good things about Her Christmas Earl and it is on my Kindle waiting for me. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors!

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    1. Laura, thanks for picking up Earl. I have to say there's something nice about a historical at this time of year - I've got a couple waiting for me on the Kindle. Sheri Cobb South's The Weaver Takes a Wife, Songbird, and a couple of anthologies including Louisa Cornell's and Mary Jo Putney's. Taking a few days off to catch up on the reading so they'll all get a go.

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  19. I want to have more time to read this coming year, love historicals.

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    1. Quilt Lady, let's hope we both do. Happy Holidays!

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  20. Happy holidays!
    the shadows by JR Ward

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    1. Happy Holidays, BN! Saw you'd really enjoyed the latest J.R. Ward. Need to catch up on the series. Last one I read was Phury's.

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  21. Anna, I can't thank you enough for all your wonderful Second Helpings posts here at TRD. I have learned so much from you! Thanks for being a big part of our community. You will be missed!! Hugs and kisses to you!! <3

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    1. Andrea, hugs and kisses to you too. Thanks for saying how much you've enjoyed the reviews. I've enjoyed writing them and sharing recommendations with you and all your lovely regulars. Happy Christmas!

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  22. Anna, that cover is gorgeous! Thanks for the great blogs! Some new books I am looking forward to in 2015 are You're So Fine by Kieran Kramer, The Earl I Adore by Erin Knightly, Seduced by Sunday by Catherine Bybee, His First and Last by Terri Osburn, Four Nights With the Duke by Eloisa James, Searching for Beautiful by Jennifer Probst & The Trouble With Texas Cowboys by Carolyn Brown. It's a mixed bag! Merry Christmas to all of you & best of luck to you, Anna!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sharlene! Merry Christmas to you (it's already Christmas Day here in Oz). What a great list!

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  23. We're sure going to miss you here but just like you said "Never say Never!" I wish you the best this Christmas and I'll be seeing you around because I plan on stalking you on FB and your website haha!
    JoannaM

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    1. Ha, Joanna, stalk away! I love the friendships I've made over the internet - makes me feel like there's a whole world of great people I know out there. Have a lovely Christmas!

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  24. I know it's Christmas day now where you are Anna, so Merry Christmas! I'll miss you here a the Romance Dish, but I'm sure you'll visit again at some point, right? Happy Holidays to you.

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    1. Barbara, I'll definitely keep in touch - love swinging by the Dishes to see what the buzz is. Thank for the Christmas wishes - right back at you. And thanks for all the lovely support this year.

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  25. Anna -- while you'll be missed here, having your time freed up some for you to spend on writing those stories makes up for it, as long as you don't completely disappear from sight (we need our regular doses of puns, baked goods, & etc) :) and yes that cover & book would look very nice at my house too ;)
    Happy holidays & best of luck

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    1. Ha, Gamistress, as if I'll be able to resist a good (or bad!) pun! I'll definitely still be around and as you know, I'm addicted to Facebook! Merry Christmas and a happy 2015 to you!

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  26. I'll miss your posts and reviews, but I can't begrudge you focusing on real life and your writing ;) Thank you so much for all of the fun that you've interjected here. That is a very pretty ARC and I'm very excited for it's release. Thanks for sharing with us and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Erin. Absolutely slavering over those ARCs. They're so pretty. Lovely that they turned up just in time for me to commemorate my last Dishes post with a giveaway. Thanks for swinging by the blogs! And Merry Christmas!

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  27. I'll miss seeing you here, anna. But hope everything goes as planned for you :) wish you all the best, and don't be a stranger.
    Merry christmas!

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    1. Thanks, Sienny. Absolutely I won't be a stranger - love PJ and Andrea and the community here. Thanks for the good wishes and happy Christmas!

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  28. The cover is simply amazing!

    Lookig forward to read your books Anna :)

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thanks so much, Bube. Isn't that cover gorgeous? I just love it. Merry Christmas!

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  29. That research trip to England sounds wonderful - maybe you can write us a post with how it went and what you discovered - especially on ideas for future books. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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    1. I like the way you think, Di! :)

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    2. Di, I think that's an excellent idea! I'll definitely talk to PJ about it (seeing she seems on board already!). Merry Christmas!

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  30. I'm late, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to say thanks, Anna, for all the Second Helpings. You are one of my favorite people to talk books with, and I will miss your posts and the conversations they evoked. But there's always Facebook, right? Merry Christmas and many good wishes for a 2015 filled with productive writing time, soaring sales, good books to read, and good times to enjoy.

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    1. Janga, seriously, you're in my permanent grateful gallery because you put me onto so many authors who have become favourites (Julia Spencer Fleming springs to mind - she's just brilliant). Thank you to you for all the wonderful recommendation and as you say, the great conversations. Even when we didn't agree, it was still terrifically interesting. Please keep reviewing here - by the way, I loved your top 10 of 2014 list! Thank you for those lovely good wishes. Happy Christmas to you - and lots and lots of great books!

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  31. We're going to miss you so much! :')

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  32. I'll miss your posts Anna!! However, I'm glad you are only 'retiring' from The Romance Dish- I'd really miss reading new books from you!! Happy Christmas!

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    1. Glenda, definitely new books coming from me! Keep an eye out. Happy Christmas to you too!

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  33. Thanks for your past posts. Have a nice Christmas & a wonderful 2015.

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  34. I love the cover of the book and it sound great. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

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    1. Thanks, Jerry! Isn't that cover luscious? Merry Christmas and all the best for 2015!

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  35. I would never pass up an Anna Campbell book. Maybe I'll get a chance to read one before anybody else. Best wishes to you Anna and all the Romance Dish ladies. Ruth Atkinson

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    1. Hi Ruth! How lovely to see you here - thanks for swinging by and saying such nice things! Happy Holidays! xxx

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  36. Given the size of my TBR pile, I've been trying not to look at what is coming in 2015. :) But that cover though... awesome!

    Happy New Year!

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    1. Thanks, Infinitieh. I'd actually cut my TBR pile down to size - and then I bought a Kindle! Oh, dear... Happy New Year to you too!

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  37. I'm looking forward to Eloisa James' Four Nights with the Duke, Katharine Ashe's I Loved a Rogue and Julia London's The Devil Takes a Bride! Best wishes to you Anna and thanks for all the great reads through The Romance Dish!

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    1. Wow, Arizona, that's a great selection of historicals waiting for you in 2015! Great choice of genre. So glad you you've enjoyed the reviews - thanks for saying so.

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  38. Wishing you well in 2015!

    Hope to visit son in Moab, Utah and get in some hiking at a few parks we haven't been to yet.

    Babysit my 2 grandchildren as much as possible.

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    1. Laurie, happy new year to you too! Ooh, the hiking sounds like fun - hope you get there. And hope you get the grandkids a lot!

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  39. Thanks to everyone who swung by to wish me well! Wishing you all a wonderful 2015. Good luck in the ARC draw!

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  40. I love that cover! If you're looking for a model for your next cover, give me a call. I think I could gaze into a gorgeous hunk's eyes for a few minutes (hours, days, however long it takes) while wearing a magnificent gown. I'm assuming, of course, that said hunk will be shirtless.

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