tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66984868828987509252024-02-21T07:12:43.267-08:00Poppy DennisonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-824109321779985092015-04-01T09:09:00.002-07:002015-04-01T10:31:31.933-07:00Why Marketing is Like Spaghetti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkwsW5c_3KdiQ8hLjR0si5OigJT0ACSh6OTAosktOmkTkS5PJ5ksPXVteF1lOd3SFOSiOrqc_Tu3dffPQd92Kfvk_ausCnDsBevbFgIbsS9uVcqIcc1LD0iHwVheEMP-ig_QV-JO1WpM/s1600/Marketing+Spaghetti.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="marketing, marketing for authors" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkwsW5c_3KdiQ8hLjR0si5OigJT0ACSh6OTAosktOmkTkS5PJ5ksPXVteF1lOd3SFOSiOrqc_Tu3dffPQd92Kfvk_ausCnDsBevbFgIbsS9uVcqIcc1LD0iHwVheEMP-ig_QV-JO1WpM/s1600/Marketing+Spaghetti.png" height="640" title="Why Marketing is like Spaghetti" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the first post of my new Marketing for Authors series, I thought I'd go back to basics. What the heck is marketing and why do so many authors feel lost and overwhelmed when faced with marketing tasks? How better to answer those questions than an with an analogy using food! (What? I haven't eaten yet! I'm hungry!)<br />
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<b>1-Marketing is hard.</b></h3>
If you are fancy and get your pasta fresh, then this step may not apply to you. For the rest of us, who get their pasta from a box, this will make perfect sense. When you are getting ready to start making your spaghetti dinner, you get the pasta out of the box. And the noodles are hard, right?<br />
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When you're getting started in marketing, it's hard too. There are a lot of variables and a lot of decisions that need to be made. You have to have put thought into who your audience is, what your brand is, and how best to position yourself among the competition. <span style="background-color: #cccccc;">Basically, your marketing strategy hasn't been cooked yet, and who wants to eat a raw noodle?</span> <a href="http://ctt.ec/vc5de" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Click to Tweet</span></a><br />
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<b>2-Marketing takes time.</b></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFigz4J7SKP4YnrJSIsbeWEVlEioyHRP86vFJl6VBLUgTiuJAV448DFNM9VkhzEzknZjHPBl8ek5s-KS6l45UR4RPpvyY-xYP98x0MmmuXw0OBpX7pK1yKriH_QuUTXf94AguHGtNOE/s1600/bewitched.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgFigz4J7SKP4YnrJSIsbeWEVlEioyHRP86vFJl6VBLUgTiuJAV448DFNM9VkhzEzknZjHPBl8ek5s-KS6l45UR4RPpvyY-xYP98x0MmmuXw0OBpX7pK1yKriH_QuUTXf94AguHGtNOE/s1600/bewitched.gif" height="151" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gif from <a href="http://giphy.com/">giphy.com</a></td></tr>
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Wouldn't it be fantastic if we could simply wiggle our noses and have our spaghetti dinner magically appear on the dinner table? If only it were that easy! Marketing takes time to "cook" and you get out of it what you put into it. Now, if you're like me and not only does your pasta come from a box but your sauce comes from a jar, the cooking process will be faster. But wouldn't you agree that a homemade pot of sauce that has simmered all day is so much better than anything you can get from a jar at the grocery store?<br />
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One of the biggest hurdles I face as an author is making sure I balance my time between writing and marketing. Bottom line is that if I don't write a fantastic book, no matter how much I market it, I'm not going to succeed. But if I do write a fantastic book, and no one knows about it, I'm not going to find a level of success either. Sure, there are those occasional books that take off (we tend to call them "lightning strike" books), but those books are rare and no one can really say what happened to make them such an instant hit. (Oh, would my job be so much easier if someone could!) Think about it this way: it took time to write the book, to go through edits and formatting. Shouldn't it take time to market the book as well?<br />
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<b>3-Marketing needs a recipe.</b></h3>
Whether you're following the directions from the box and jar, or pulling out grandma's super secret passed down through the generations sauce recipe, you'll have certain steps that you follow to make your spaghetti turn out the way you want it to. Marketing takes a recipe, too, and the way you make it work for you will not be the same as any other author out there. Yeah, some of the ingredients are the same-- in order to make spaghetti, you have to have the noodles, right?-- but how they come together is as unique as you are.<br />
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Take some time to create a recipe that works for you. Add the ingredients you need, and cut the ones you don't. Remember that you don't have to be everywhere (and that includes all those social media platforms you have accounts for and never update). Sometimes the simplest sauce is the one with the fewest ingredients, and sometimes the most successful marketing efforts are the ones that are simple and well thought out.<br />
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Back to my opening question, why is marketing such a challenge for authors? Because we haven't taken the time to learn exactly what marketing is and how it can work for us and our books. We haven't created our own secret recipe--even if that recipe involves reading the back of the jar for instructions. Determine what level of marketing "chef" you are, and create your marketing plan accordingly. You don't have to be an expert, but you need to know the basics before you dive in and create something inedible.<br />
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So authors, what do you think is the hardest part of marketing? Leave a comment below and let me know what topics you'd like to see me cover in this series. I'd be happy to help you create your own recipe for fantastic spaghetti, er, I mean, marketing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-90234758289485695072015-03-24T12:07:00.001-07:002015-03-24T12:07:25.251-07:00An Update and a New Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXORKGvuRlG-HsZTERy2JRcQOF8X_lv1Kf3yZFqlDl9dAHPDkNdAimJEtsn5gBFCeKkiUAheLOkJ0QKqBIarPij6SG4HULlzGxl6XC0H87AN1Goy1WtcqX3OLCgIlnLRhdrnb4iYi8a0/s1600/NewPoppy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXORKGvuRlG-HsZTERy2JRcQOF8X_lv1Kf3yZFqlDl9dAHPDkNdAimJEtsn5gBFCeKkiUAheLOkJ0QKqBIarPij6SG4HULlzGxl6XC0H87AN1Goy1WtcqX3OLCgIlnLRhdrnb4iYi8a0/s1600/NewPoppy.png" height="320" width="320" /></a>This post comes a little late, but there are <i>reasons</i>. I promise! I wanted to give an update on what's been up with me and make a new commitment to my blog. I'm thinking a post like this is a great place to start.<br />
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First, let's go back a bit to 2011, when I wrote <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2887">Mind Magic</a> and suddenly things began to change. I never thought for a million years that it would be published. No really. I never dreamed it. But I was encouraged by a fantastic group of friends to give it a go, and submitted the book to Dreamspinner Press in August of 2011. I got my first contract at the very first GRL retreat in New Orleans that October. I cried like a big old baby. Sobbed. No kidding. It was a life changing moment, and I knew it.<br />
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From then on, writing became even more of a passion. I've always loved to write, but now I found a focus for that passion. An energy that I didn't know I possessed. I whipped out a few books using the fuel of the excitement over Mind Magic and the Triad series came to life.<br />
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And I kept writing. And learning. And loving every minute of it. Until early 2014, that is. Then I hit a road block. I found that I'd run out of steam, that the passion and excitement had started to disappear and it broke my heart. I tried to force myself to write, but just couldn't.<br />
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The passion was still there, however, it just transformed into a different one. I became passionate about helping authors understand the ideas behind branding and marketing. I had a degree in it, after all, so it seemed natural to me to help fellow authors out behind the scenes. I'd been helping all along, actually, but the passion really began to shift for me.<br />
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I decided to take some time off from writing. I didn't make a public announcement or anything, I just...stopped. I needed a breather, and in a series of very fortunate events, my breather happened to coincide with Dreamspinner deciding to add a new member to their marketing and social media teams. It was the opportunity I'd been waiting for, and I didn't even realize it. Suddenly, everything started coming into focus again.<br />
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I've been working for Dreamspinner for a while now, and I can't tell you how happy I am. Funnily enough, my self-imposed writing breather came to an end as well. I told myself I was going to take off until the beginning of 2015 to regroup. In January of 2015, I sat down and wrote the first book in a new series that began burning a hole in my brain during my sabbatical. Books two and three are also partially written.<br />
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The first book of the Holly Creek series, Dogwood Days, was just contracted for a September, 2015 release date. In early March, I attended the Dreamspinner Author Workshop and made my first "public appearance" as Dreamspinner's new Marketing Director. Both the new series and the new job have brought me back to where I wanted to be.<br />
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I realized something, however. I wasn't practicing what I preached as far as author marketing was concerned. I listened and I advised, but I wasn't doing what I needed to do either. How could I ask our authors to do things when I wasn't doing them myself? I couldn't, and I can't.<br />
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So here I am, laying it all out in front of you and telling you that I am new and improved. It's been a rough road in some ways, but mostly, it's been a dream come true. If you'd told me in 2011 when I hit submit on that first book that I'd be here today making this post, having this job, and this many books under my belt, I'd have laughed at you. But I did it. And I'm so dang happy.<br />
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For readers, I'm promising to be around more. You're going to get to see the silly side of me that you've seen in my books. You'll see even more of me in Dogwood Days, as it's based on a small Southern town very much like the one I grew up in.<br />
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For my author friends, you'll be seeing me practice what I preach on marketing. I'm hoping to give you all some tips and tricks on this blog as well. Why not, right?<br />
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So thank you for reading this post! I know it was a long one, but it had been a while and I had a lot to report. I can't wait for you guys to see what I'm cooking up for you!<br />
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~Poppy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-57775472144555233692014-12-31T11:48:00.000-08:002014-12-31T11:48:27.935-08:00New Year's M/M Writer's Buffet: Pack Worthy Broccoli Salad When you're planning a buffet, you have to keep in mind those meat eaters of the bunch, even when you're in charge of salad. So how do you get your favorite alpha to eat his veggies? Why not put some bacon in it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WF8mLp-zm9zUpt54iFEkPbrlkXyZ3zavVQ7-6DV81VyFsv7K-bt_7pDq5pE71cdJciiiFJ2tXI8vZlE9DUTEEqhEPgCgaB7sXLQbf6IqPxCkXR-EaXyvrKVR0ETfTwSWqI6owvDobCA/s1600/PP-table-banner-blue-moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WF8mLp-zm9zUpt54iFEkPbrlkXyZ3zavVQ7-6DV81VyFsv7K-bt_7pDq5pE71cdJciiiFJ2tXI8vZlE9DUTEEqhEPgCgaB7sXLQbf6IqPxCkXR-EaXyvrKVR0ETfTwSWqI6owvDobCA/s1600/PP-table-banner-blue-moon.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
My favorite recipe for <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=11376537&post=2591529299">Broccoli Salad</a> has a bowl full of goodness, including bacon and cheddar cheese! Best part is, you can make it in advance. It only gets better the longer the sauce soaks into all those bits of broccoli!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-TMNSngy3QNo-yJaEHPPp_48ZK4XKNfiYzOP0os833BruFEo5iPFasKLMnFPLjYg2jg74lNCsxsa5gxF_C_0Mvr1D6EioRnbOdV9mm2tZpyeHDfpjhAIRC0vKR8sDpN7EX8v4jINm-Q/s1600/Broccoli+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-TMNSngy3QNo-yJaEHPPp_48ZK4XKNfiYzOP0os833BruFEo5iPFasKLMnFPLjYg2jg74lNCsxsa5gxF_C_0Mvr1D6EioRnbOdV9mm2tZpyeHDfpjhAIRC0vKR8sDpN7EX8v4jINm-Q/s1600/Broccoli+Salad.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from: Boy Meets Bowl</td></tr>
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You can make it even easier by getting one of those little bags of prepared bacon (not the crunchy bacon bits, but the pieces). Gotta be honest though, my crew prefers when I make the bacon myself. Of course they do.<br />
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Now doesn't this just look yummy?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNZwHAFr7HOzor-Dp9awWyKvuF_wdnbQN1q6xfWle3haVCdKZQHTGXR46GmxeJqeQ6ZsZ5_6h95hOQgo55QqiBJyscYVybK3ISiw7nAD45XHlZh47gppaEPg-IeK7QHB7hdFOycm8UM0/s1600/Dinner+Menu+FINAL.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNZwHAFr7HOzor-Dp9awWyKvuF_wdnbQN1q6xfWle3haVCdKZQHTGXR46GmxeJqeQ6ZsZ5_6h95hOQgo55QqiBJyscYVybK3ISiw7nAD45XHlZh47gppaEPg-IeK7QHB7hdFOycm8UM0/s1600/Dinner+Menu+FINAL.png" height="400" width="240" /></a>Give this recipe a try and let me know what your pack thinks!<br />
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And if your pack is more of the non-meat eating variety, try out this take on the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-cranberry-salad/">recipe with cranberries and sunflower seeds</a>! Another hit for my crew!<br />
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Also, be sure to check out the rest of the rest of the recipes for the <a href="http://zamaxfield.com/new-years-eve-progressive-dinner/">New Year's Progressive Buffet!</a> Leave a comment at each site, and you'll be entered to win one of three $35 gift cards to the venue of your choice. (Check out the linked post above for full rules!)<br />
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<b>Everyone who comments here and leaves their email will be entered to win a free ebook of their choice from my backlist! Winner will be chosen on January 6, 2015 Good luck!</b><br />
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Now there's a buffet I'd like to take part in!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-22214883946166922722013-09-11T05:30:00.000-07:002013-09-11T05:30:04.789-07:00Now Available: Accidental Alpha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6ZsdpbZWsbY1QX_FIpdZwEULYKZkICUD2SqyA0Pmg0kOgYuxiBMFYxBCKupYKm_f32tL6k6H_28VYqkjoMNXKoK-fR1fnV8cefzqPW5-UTdQLDDfJm_UO8Zl5BjDRORQ866fkCoMT9Y/s1600/AccidentalAlpha_cvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6ZsdpbZWsbY1QX_FIpdZwEULYKZkICUD2SqyA0Pmg0kOgYuxiBMFYxBCKupYKm_f32tL6k6H_28VYqkjoMNXKoK-fR1fnV8cefzqPW5-UTdQLDDfJm_UO8Zl5BjDRORQ866fkCoMT9Y/s400/AccidentalAlpha_cvr.jpg" width="252" /></a>Woo hoo! It's release day for my newest paranormal novella, Accidental Alpha! You can find it over on Wilde City Press<a href="http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/accidental-alpha-pack-partners-book-one/#.UiukucakofQ"> HERE</a><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A quiet life. A break from the dangers of being a cop. Yep, Lex Tompkins has his future all worked out. That is, until fate—or rather the stray toddler from the house across the street—bites those plans in the ass. Well, technically Lex’s neck. Suddenly, he’s transformed into the Alpha of the secret werewolf clan hiding in the perfect, out of the way neighborhood of Lex’s dreams.</div>
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Now Lex is the unlikely leader of a dysfunctional pack… except for Spencer Robinson, the one shifter Lex can’t seem to keep his paws off. Will Spencer be able to teach Lex how to embrace who he has truly become?</div>
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Because accidents happen…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
…but fate marks its own territory.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-18592198574817434292013-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-08T05:00:04.054-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Charlie Harding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLBZp1WaAbHwsAfPnjHK9alfcnoODz4CPvH0sMQ9BcN5rsIdM_jco8FzAcxxB7wc9pJuZW2kFJYV79XyD_nZdjFp8l3eoVUVcLuGp6okdjAaz-rQ6zVFTWKrGzLFDoykSw5aE_eLHiZg/s1600/tumblr_mg4blaEQ8a1qami9to1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLBZp1WaAbHwsAfPnjHK9alfcnoODz4CPvH0sMQ9BcN5rsIdM_jco8FzAcxxB7wc9pJuZW2kFJYV79XyD_nZdjFp8l3eoVUVcLuGp6okdjAaz-rQ6zVFTWKrGzLFDoykSw5aE_eLHiZg/s320/tumblr_mg4blaEQ8a1qami9to1_1280.jpg" width="213" /></a>So this Suit Up Sunday post comes with a very special guest. I know, I know, all the handsome suited guys on here are special, but this one....well, you'll see. :)<br />
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So just to keep things official-like, here's the oh-so handsome Charlie Harding in a suit.<br />
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Isn't he drool-worthy? *wibble*<br />
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As Charlie himself told me recently on Twitter, "They don't call me DADDY for nothing."<br />
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Oh Daddy. *ahem*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmea594ZanofkbpGd6rhPXTxGnzW-8H5nU_i02vJXqhUWG45rJ7IeLqm9KqpPZ7jNNxiYywpQAXxArK6TfwPR6TNCwxuJTNbOR71f96JiIHMCBm9N6Nzx1n0tzFtPUtZMD1nDta5bTpGo/s1600/tumblr_m4i9w8wcDP1qisrkwo1_500+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmea594ZanofkbpGd6rhPXTxGnzW-8H5nU_i02vJXqhUWG45rJ7IeLqm9KqpPZ7jNNxiYywpQAXxArK6TfwPR6TNCwxuJTNbOR71f96JiIHMCBm9N6Nzx1n0tzFtPUtZMD1nDta5bTpGo/s320/tumblr_m4i9w8wcDP1qisrkwo1_500+(1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
So not only is he really great in a suit, he's really really great out of one.<br />
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And look at that ink! He has even more now, but this is a great pic of him so...yeah.<br />
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Just look. And enjoy.<br />
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Uh-huh. Where was I?<br />
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Oh right, why this is a special Suit Up Sunday post.<br />
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Because I have an absolute favorite picture of Charlie.<br />
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*grins*<br />
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I am a lucky, lucky gal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvoKLSiPE3jb_2SXKjnKKizMlDCFawONZSa7tEajAMfBnwh6vvwGUnYSo8I_lQAC8mSalNr2_cLG66bp7ZNiDRh_fJLaPWNogzzh5tLskMqw7b4tJTtUOWypUmzmfPa1MtsCZjOvckHU/s1600/AccidentalAlpha_cvr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvoKLSiPE3jb_2SXKjnKKizMlDCFawONZSa7tEajAMfBnwh6vvwGUnYSo8I_lQAC8mSalNr2_cLG66bp7ZNiDRh_fJLaPWNogzzh5tLskMqw7b4tJTtUOWypUmzmfPa1MtsCZjOvckHU/s640/AccidentalAlpha_cvr.jpg" width="404" /></a>Charlie was kind enough to agree to be on the cover of my first Wilde City Press book "Accidental Alpha" which is coming September 11, 2013!<br />
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I think it's the best picture yet. :)<br />
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Here's the blurb:<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A quiet life. A break from the dangers of being a cop. Yep, Lex Tompkins has his future all worked out. That is, until fate—or rather the stray toddler from the house across the street—bites those plans in the ass. Well, technically Lex’s neck. Suddenly, he’s transformed into the Alpha of the secret werewolf clan hiding in the perfect, out of the way neighborhood of Lex’s dreams.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Now Lex is the unlikely leader of a dysfunctional pack… except for Spencer Robinson, the one shifter Lex can’t seem to keep his paws off. Will Spencer be able to teach Lex how to embrace who he has truly become?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Because accidents happen…</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
…but fate marks its own territory.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
You can find more info here at <a href="http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-romance/accidental-alpha-pack-partners-book-one/#.UiukucakofQ">Wilde City Press</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-66379457887306188962013-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:002013-09-01T05:30:02.027-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Ben Affleck<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwViz4QCVknnGPvHQ9xppmDKTYbPJXHxWAzgiu18FVxWaadOARMFxbFBLDssZTbgs_N7L_Ldh0TMW5MUMxWhpbi93OCD3eshT34JFmCzk9P2JnP5fW-m3DuMT5M4q3PqbTCvCHrVrWfm8/s1600/2010-toronto-film-festival-portraits-ben-affleck-50315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwViz4QCVknnGPvHQ9xppmDKTYbPJXHxWAzgiu18FVxWaadOARMFxbFBLDssZTbgs_N7L_Ldh0TMW5MUMxWhpbi93OCD3eshT34JFmCzk9P2JnP5fW-m3DuMT5M4q3PqbTCvCHrVrWfm8/s200/2010-toronto-film-festival-portraits-ben-affleck-50315.jpg" width="149" /></a>Oh how the internet blew up at the news that Ben Affleck was cast as the next Batman. I didn't really blow up. I mean, I think Ben's a good-looking and talented guy. Okay, so Daredevil wasn't my favorite...but I can't think of many actors who haven't had a miss.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I thought I'd take this opportunity to spotlight Ben as part of my Suit Up Sunday posts, because I've gotta tell you, the man can rock a suit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuhtOgsCzERhMJf6gC1OXBQLWR6ks5_zYPJK46YuWOu3-fT9Ib3LWcQYPMyf2CDhmHoK8FC2Q0YkIAlinMYUEPeYYocRsaESA4SArohC3nQYhGyXZaf3D0WOoq1TaRjPHUB72vG3DFNA/s1600/still-of-ben-affleck-in-pearl-harbor-large-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuhtOgsCzERhMJf6gC1OXBQLWR6ks5_zYPJK46YuWOu3-fT9Ib3LWcQYPMyf2CDhmHoK8FC2Q0YkIAlinMYUEPeYYocRsaESA4SArohC3nQYhGyXZaf3D0WOoq1TaRjPHUB72vG3DFNA/s200/still-of-ben-affleck-in-pearl-harbor-large-picture.jpg" width="175" /></a>Now, I'd like to go back a year or two and say that I think Ben's performance in Pearl Harbor was awesome. I really love that movie. Plus, he got to rock the uniform.<br />
<br />
Oh I love a jaunty set of a hat!<br />
<br />
Okay, but back to suits. Now, in order to be Batman, Ben also has to be...Bruce Wayne. You with me on this one? So yeah, Bruce wears suits. And tuxes. A lot. See comics evidence:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iTG-LT21DbA1mjDxudfWSeRMbpJhCv0OPDEQw4ecY7I_Oo9yQ-2xMYVEzpusoDYAZT_CXbCmqUS0klE4MKMJxT4L3ug7cESQicbiCTBf0Zly5F53gITBnmI6mr7b8QzfEOlLvALozUE/s1600/Bruce_Wayne_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iTG-LT21DbA1mjDxudfWSeRMbpJhCv0OPDEQw4ecY7I_Oo9yQ-2xMYVEzpusoDYAZT_CXbCmqUS0klE4MKMJxT4L3ug7cESQicbiCTBf0Zly5F53gITBnmI6mr7b8QzfEOlLvALozUE/s200/Bruce_Wayne_06.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
See what I mean? Suits. Tuxes. Bruce Wayne. Billionaire. He's gotta be able to rock the suit.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtcXzPsKazfGgA3aZ4obKskDfnU2n5Q2tSQ2z06_JBe3mmhYRniRHnYyZRqMQ00IIPhdCAHk-afRNbFRprYdlgpxJHC8FBB_ZLvPMNjScbx05kleE4n8M9pT1f7e9PVkHe7KTpa_YPjY/s1600/1377257691000-GTY-160129426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtcXzPsKazfGgA3aZ4obKskDfnU2n5Q2tSQ2z06_JBe3mmhYRniRHnYyZRqMQ00IIPhdCAHk-afRNbFRprYdlgpxJHC8FBB_ZLvPMNjScbx05kleE4n8M9pT1f7e9PVkHe7KTpa_YPjY/s200/1377257691000-GTY-160129426.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
I'd just like to toss out there that Ben can rock a suit.<br />
<br />
*nods*<br />
<br />
That's my official opinion on the subject.<br />
<br />
Um, he also rocks no suit...but that's a post for another day...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-48156570743269026362013-08-30T05:30:00.000-07:002013-08-30T05:37:42.031-07:00Poppy's Pick: Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s1600/poppy%2527s-pick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s1600/poppy%2527s-pick.jpg" /></a></div>
This month’s Poppy’s Pick is the amazing Black Dog Blues
by Rhys Ford. If you’ve been searching
for a gritty Urban Fantasy with detailed world building and well-developed
characters, look no further! Notice that this book is labeled as an Urban
Fantasy, and not a Paranormal Romance. The difference is distinct, especially
in this case. Rhys has created a world where the romance comes a distant second
to the breathtaking plot.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In order to get more info on this incredible read, I
sweet talked none other than the author herself, Rhys Ford into dropping by and
answering a few questions! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Welcome Rhys!</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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First off, I’d like to talk to you about your main
character Kai Gracen. Kai is one of the most deeply flawed characters I’ve read
in a long time. He’s a true anti-hero, the “bad” guy with a heart of gold. And
Kai has more secrets than a teenage girl’s diary! Can you tell us a little
about how Kai came to be, and how his character shaped the story?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>First off
back—Thank you for having me here! Smooches!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Ah, Kai. I love
writing Kai. He’s a bit younger than the rest of my characters but he is a bit
of an anti-hero. I wanted different in urban fantasy. Something rooted a bit in
an alternative universe with the Gaelic mythos of sidhe but with a dash of
sci-fi and magic. Kai’s a special kitten. Growly. God he’s growly but at the
same time, will do the right thing. Sorta.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I wanted to write
someone who was mercenary. Because really, Kai IS that. Yes, he’s broken but
he’s kind of quiet about his fears. He doesn’t admit them to other people and I
needed to write it in first person so the reader knew them. He does have
secrets. And secrets have been withheld from him. So all in all, it’ll be a
good ride.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>He is
unapologetically bisexual. That was important but doesn’t define him. He has a
good heart but kinda rough in manners. Very visceral character. In a lot of
ways, his personality matches the world.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I mentioned in my intro that this story is labeled as an
Urban Fantasy. Did you begin the novel with that category distinction in mind,
or did it develop more organically as the story progressed?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Oh yes, when I sat
down to write Kai, I KNEW it was going to be urban fantasy. It is structured
that way and really, a hell of a lot of fun to write in that genre. Different
rules but still, great fun. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I’m curious as to how much of the world-building is
“real” and how much is from your mind. By that, I mean how much of the world
and characters you created are based on actual Fae legends and how much did you
create out of your own imagination? (What I really want to know is do those
creepy sauce Black Dogs exist in myth? *shivers*)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The black dogs were
kind of based on the Wild Hunt. I mingled and mix some of the Gaelic world into
the “normal” world. I need logic-based creations, even in magic. It has to make
sense. There just can’t be MAGIC. So, the world building took a bit. Nothing
could be too crazy and Kai’s not suddenly going to get power-ups. Chances are,
he’s going to remain wholly unmagical because his very existence is unnatural. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>As the series goes
on, we’ll see more Gaelic/Celtic creatures as well as Earth-based mutations and
manifestations.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Early in the story, we meet the character of Dempsey who
won Kai in a poker game and subsequently raised him to be a Stalker (a monster
hunter). Dempsey sent cold chills down
my spine. Can you tell us a little more about his character and the role he
plays in the story?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Ah, Dempsey. He’s a
cold son of a bitch. He really is the foundation of Kai’s upbringing. Dempsey
is NOT a nice person. Very selfish and callous. For whatever reason, he took
Kai in and well, now Kai’s the product of that upbringing. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Signs of Dempsey
are definitely in Kai’s personality although his base nature is more generous.
Dempsey’s role hasn’t been explored yet. *grins*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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In this world, the Fae and human worlds have collided in
a violent Merge where monsters and creatures of legend walk the Earth. It’s a
dark and bloody place! So what came first: Kai or the idea for a merged world? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Wow. Hard question.
I think Kai first then the WHY of Kai. I knew it was going to be a merge of
some sort. The idea sprang from that. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>In a lot of ways,
Kai embodies the world itself. A mélange of characteristics and ethnicities. A
bit violent. A bit bloody. With a spot of beauty when you least expect it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWaAzE9hyphenhyphenVP_84ylNFt0DHT_YkWpp04z7-SUYQoBaFCofFP7NL4c38RmohFkvaZNqqxndqk-X0-2oux3b47-FsaurmvXjPaogcoAXr3goXC1s2JIbCD8gNiEqvu5jc9WYDUhbsIfL9c/s1600/Black+Dog+BLues+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EWaAzE9hyphenhyphenVP_84ylNFt0DHT_YkWpp04z7-SUYQoBaFCofFP7NL4c38RmohFkvaZNqqxndqk-X0-2oux3b47-FsaurmvXjPaogcoAXr3goXC1s2JIbCD8gNiEqvu5jc9WYDUhbsIfL9c/s320/Black+Dog+BLues+Cover.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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I can’t talk about this book without mentioning the rest
of the supporting cast. Kai certainly has a colorful group of contacts in this
world. In particular, Ryder, the sidhe lord who hires Kai for what may be his
most difficult hunt ever. Ryder seems to
have quite a few secrets of his own. What secrets can you tell us about Ryder
and his role in the story? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Ryder really comes
from a very political world. Now the Sidhe are very physical with one
another—hell look at his cousin. Kai is very NO DO NOT TOUCH ME! So the
reader’s perception of Ryder really coloured by Kai’s experiences. He distrusts
the casual affection. That’s not a part of who he is. And he’s not really been
exposed to the REAL sidhe or unsidhe cultures so he doesn’t really know who his
people really are. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Of course so far of
the people he’s met, he’s not all that impressed. *laughs*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Okay, I’ll stop there before I give away all the secrets
of Black Dog Blues. How about I get a few on you instead? *g* <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why don't we start by having you tell us a bit about
yourself and your background?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Shit, I dunno. I’m
just me. Um… I was born and raised in Hawai’i. I come from a multi-cultural
background and I roamed a lot. I am insatiably curious. INSATIABLY. Really. I
love watching the oddest history or science shows. Murder shows are great. I
like the inane. I read everything. I cook. Um… hell, I have no idea. I just
like exploring the world and people in it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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If we were to look around the desk where you sit to
write, what would we find there?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Sleeping dogs, a
fat black and white cat, coffee cup and music. LOTS of music. I tend to write
in the morning. In my living room. The house is usually quiet unless my fool
broken cairn is having a spaz day. Art. I have a LOT of art on the wall.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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How would you describe your sense of humor? What makes
you laugh?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>My sense of humour
is off. Just a step from something. I’m a geek or nerd. Geek really I suppose
but without all that chicken head biting thing. A lot of things make me laugh.
From Castiel being confused to farting dinosaurs. Really. Sometimes it’s like
having a five year old in my head.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I FULLY intend to
watch Ghost Shark in a bit. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Of course I thought
Angel Heart was hilarious. So, you can deduct what you like from that. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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When you have the chance to sit down and enjoy some quiet
reading time, what sorts of books are you most likely to pick up? Who are your
favorite authors?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Damn. I read…
everything. It depends on my mood. I also don’t read M/M if I’m in the middle
of a book I’m writing. No influences. Mysteries, historical romances, urban
fantasy. Sci-Fi is good if it’s character driven. Hell. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Authors? Dude, I’m
going to get into so much trouble there. I’m going to start with Josh Lanyon
and spew out. Really. Mary Calmes does her thing brilliantly. I love Amy’s
happy books. Clear Water. Love that book. Heh. Your Magic series rocks. Jacob
Flores is brilliant. Charlie Cochrane, Rowan Speedwell’s Kindred Hearts—LOVE.
My brain! Britta Adams. Seriously, so much trouble. Piper Vaughn’s got some
kick ass stuff. SE Jakes, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>John Preston. Lynn
Flewelling, Gael Baudino, Karin Lowachee (GOD YES), Lynn Abbey’s Dancers of
Arun. Jennifer Estep. Jeri Smith-Ready. Nancy Walker. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Fucking hell, just
hit up my Facebook friends list. I stalk everyone good :D I STALKER GOOD!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>I’m like leaving
off three-quarters of the people I’d want to include.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Really, people do
their things right. I read for THAT particular thing. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Do you have an all-time favorite fictional character?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>OOOOOOsh. Um, the
White Queen from Alice in Wonderland. Also Bill the lizard from the same series.
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Gaet from Courtship
Rite.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Flinx and Pip.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Han Solo. Nom.
Really. Han Solo. *nods*<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Captain Mal
Reynolds.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Dean Winchester<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Who are your latest crushes (celebrity, book character,
or otherwise)? Do you ever keep those people in your mind when writing your own
works? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Crushes? Young
Harrison Ford. Um… Kim Jaejoong? Shit, Too many. Thor! Love that character in
the movies. Namor! In the comics. Elric. Love Elric. Cumberbatch’s Sherlock.
Captain Jack!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>I don’t really keep
them in mind per se. I think I like certain bits of archetypes and try to keep
those in mind. Love the bad boys. :D<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #333333;">What are your favorite TV
shows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Ooooooh, hard one
too. Supernatural. Justified. Anything with bloody investigation forensics.
Cooking shows. Firefly. Perception. Sherlock! Nom Yes. Hannibal. City Hunter. Sungkyunkwan
Scandal. Coffee Prince. Faith. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i> I can’t wait for The Heirs with Lee Min Ho.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #333333;">What is your favorite meal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh_tq90ajUigo55RRoP2vhM4jouegtZNkn29HWvKIt5lEdzDdNGab42kobuvD8iJnj8-qjjfCSV2uI_ItUIruBrhNq6L-d3Pi4fkbUDYoCGW5QPxGygTxaN9RmY0RbeIwAv8uRq0vj4k/s1600/Rhys+Braised+Pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh_tq90ajUigo55RRoP2vhM4jouegtZNkn29HWvKIt5lEdzDdNGab42kobuvD8iJnj8-qjjfCSV2uI_ItUIruBrhNq6L-d3Pi4fkbUDYoCGW5QPxGygTxaN9RmY0RbeIwAv8uRq0vj4k/s320/Rhys+Braised+Pork.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="color: #333333;">Dude. Really? Hell… </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">梅菜扣肉</span>.
I could eat that all day. It’s um…. Braised pork belly with preserved
vegetables. Beef chow fun dry style. Lau-lau and rice. Carne Asada fries.
Kal-bi. Purple rice. Spam musubi. All depends on my mood. :D Shoyu egg! Miso
ramen!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Thank you for
having me along. I hope I answered everything you wanted. And really, so much
love for this opportunity. We have to exchange spots! And we shall! Wooooot!
Can’t wait to read Wild Magic.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Thanks, love!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You're welcome! Can't wait for our spot exchange. LOL</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
More about Rhys:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rhys Ford was born and raised in Hawai’i then wandered off to see the world. After chewing through a pile of books, a lot of odd food, and a stray boyfriend or two, Rhys eventually landed in San Diego, which is a very nice place but seriously needs more rain.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats, a black Pomeranian puffball, a bonsai wolfhound, and a ginger cairn terrorist.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and a red Hamilton Beach coffee maker.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But mostly to the coffee maker.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You can find Rhys on her <a href="http://rhysford.com/">website</a> and Black Dog Blues is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Blues-Gracen-Series-ebook/dp/B00DK3DPSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377377325&sr=8-1&keywords=black+dog+blues">Amazon HERE</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-18266282398120655902013-08-24T07:09:00.002-07:002013-08-24T07:09:34.026-07:00Coming Soon: Wild MagicI'm so excited to announce that Wild Magic, spin-off to the Triad series, is now available for pre-order from Dreamspinner Press!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8jnp89t4uakm9a0XhHhy_5nK7wvK2yC_oZBjHHJ3CCstpCMnDaptRpch0AFasBZnOeqRwtkAbGzUAf2tImY-L5cC95X2yP_62EWLXgNifj6Syl8UR0Kd-4HzbRy_KYZzwvoOrnYBIqc/s1600/WildMagic-Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8jnp89t4uakm9a0XhHhy_5nK7wvK2yC_oZBjHHJ3CCstpCMnDaptRpch0AFasBZnOeqRwtkAbGzUAf2tImY-L5cC95X2yP_62EWLXgNifj6Syl8UR0Kd-4HzbRy_KYZzwvoOrnYBIqc/s320/WildMagic-Final.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Blurb:<br />
<br />
Joseph Anderson was heartbroken when his childhood best friend Dominick Levent moved away. Years later, Joseph is a successful real estate broker with good friends, an easy smile, and a stunning house. When he finds a dying mountain lion who miraculously shifts into Dominick’s sister, Joseph must find Dominick and reunite him with the two young sons she left behind.<br />
<br />
When mountain lion shifter Dominick gets a call telling him his sister is dead, he rushes home to protect his nephews and avenge his sister. Seeing Joseph brings back the feelings Dominick tried to bury and he dares to hope Joseph’s newfound knowledge of shifters means they can finally be together.<br />
<br />
Pre-order yours from Dreamspinner Press! <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4209">http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4209</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-86583255947166412622013-08-18T10:30:00.000-07:002013-08-18T10:30:12.265-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Chad Allen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX64qOPkaZmSBECt3ThHkw62jFiE-kbDHIAwqqFL_MtxA-3ok9EZqype1gpy6orDJ1tUNUDc6H_8n1ljS4Chk-J-j22QMB3dYxCAX7BTxJJvFVBLmJnvt8bb2W8vY5hvGSBo6KUmz-wsA/s1600/101909MNSO093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX64qOPkaZmSBECt3ThHkw62jFiE-kbDHIAwqqFL_MtxA-3ok9EZqype1gpy6orDJ1tUNUDc6H_8n1ljS4Chk-J-j22QMB3dYxCAX7BTxJJvFVBLmJnvt8bb2W8vY5hvGSBo6KUmz-wsA/s200/101909MNSO093.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
Next up in my 80's flashback series of Suit Up Sunday, is teen heartthrob Chad Allen. True confession time: I had so many pictures of this guy hanging on my bedroom wall. Seriously. If he was in Tiger Beat or whatever magazine for tweens was on the shelf, I had to have it. Sigh. I had such a crush on him!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kAp3ykqZPNA3GyS_J27IchRuGeeu9yRYsvQKS39H_wDiUEhSaXB_NbJ2nAystiZpWmpJ4egMBUcXlSIx4X2Ct47CcTZK-bwH0o4wqqGMtJNA3HLr2UGqVuNZ9V7zCggn9abSD70Sp9A/s1600/ca-001s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kAp3ykqZPNA3GyS_J27IchRuGeeu9yRYsvQKS39H_wDiUEhSaXB_NbJ2nAystiZpWmpJ4egMBUcXlSIx4X2Ct47CcTZK-bwH0o4wqqGMtJNA3HLr2UGqVuNZ9V7zCggn9abSD70Sp9A/s200/ca-001s.jpg" width="158" /></a>It all started wen I first saw Chad on the TV show "Our House". See, my mom had watched Days of Our Lives for years with Deidre Hall. Well, when mom found out Deidre was going to be on a new show, we had to watch it.<br />
<br />
And so began my teenage crush!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjldwNTdXN0ji6TVbxgOpgDV1RirxRmTIuG5Fv2-CWKS2VZ5yxm5WU0bC-R7Rqhtv0XG0T8vYPvzEXnaZnDp9WFVpS6hluau-_9WJBeGnICxh7em5GBqXDBy8lpz4jNCGQLpErvO1su2w/s1600/Chad_Allen105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjldwNTdXN0ji6TVbxgOpgDV1RirxRmTIuG5Fv2-CWKS2VZ5yxm5WU0bC-R7Rqhtv0XG0T8vYPvzEXnaZnDp9WFVpS6hluau-_9WJBeGnICxh7em5GBqXDBy8lpz4jNCGQLpErvO1su2w/s200/Chad_Allen105.jpg" width="160" /></a>Chad was on several other shows over the years (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman comes to mind...Cowboy!Chad...YES PLEASE!)<br />
<br />
It didn't hurt at all that Chad just happens to be my age! We sort of grew up together in a way.<br />
<br />
And boy howdy did he ever grow up nicely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SWmKT0oqR-sCNg4t2Hh4dB-HJxhWTrbyqD39pNo32JQuObtQYZt3r1i7E7ltHMXmyUhc6ghdur8KAlQHVsUlHhJtl7Oq8ONZgiulrzhcaj1Z-qsG-h9psVgUhR8MEr2zvanrdTr-X7o/s1600/chad_allen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SWmKT0oqR-sCNg4t2Hh4dB-HJxhWTrbyqD39pNo32JQuObtQYZt3r1i7E7ltHMXmyUhc6ghdur8KAlQHVsUlHhJtl7Oq8ONZgiulrzhcaj1Z-qsG-h9psVgUhR8MEr2zvanrdTr-X7o/s320/chad_allen2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
These days, Chad Allen is out as a gay man and plays many gay roles. He even played a gay character on General Hospital: Night Shift (and some of you know how much I love me some GH!).<br />
<br />
So who was your tweenage crush? Which Tiger Beat pictures did you carefully tear out and tape to your bedroom wall?<br />
<br />
Come on....you can tell me. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-79382291079272307512013-08-11T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-11T05:00:06.288-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Breakfast ClubIn this week's 80's flashback episode of Suit Up Sunday, I'm featuring the boys from the Breakfast Club. Oh the days of John Hughes movies...and this one is still one of my favorites *gulp* almost 30 years later. So let's have a look at the Breakfast Club boys then and now.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcuab_ZJCKOmO1gyvNaeFsqs6JKwrBMexv_6-bnVVO1WZp-OwXC-CEkP5RDddj7GXzJDWvUq6MD0vX6RKZad45FBlB6iVnrBTbgHw2XEA1ZPXT7SUaQtFJGXZBHUuE7VHkjrOXk076LU/s1600/5LGIF00Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcuab_ZJCKOmO1gyvNaeFsqs6JKwrBMexv_6-bnVVO1WZp-OwXC-CEkP5RDddj7GXzJDWvUq6MD0vX6RKZad45FBlB6iVnrBTbgHw2XEA1ZPXT7SUaQtFJGXZBHUuE7VHkjrOXk076LU/s200/5LGIF00Z.jpg" width="156" /></a>First up, Emilio Estevez as the popular jock, Andrew. You know, you have to love to hate him in some ways. But I guess that's how it works in these kinds of movies, huh?<br />
<br />
I had to chuckle looking back at the pictures though. Hoodies were even in style in the 80's. He he he. (Ahem...it makes me think of Stiles....and Teen Wolf...and Sterek...but I digress...)<br />
<br />
So these days, Emilio looks more like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6mUbL1UXqhVcIgxPxiERxqzGChT6nXGBwNX_Idzkdu2Mdw8uKqRS06CuVLHfIRPtRaeZV-KIRZyTU-CMWz5AVstrv7QAT5rZDPz62W_4eqKSe6cdLhOGKkgamteAyQJcoWsM0JzeX_o/s1600/emilio_estevez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6mUbL1UXqhVcIgxPxiERxqzGChT6nXGBwNX_Idzkdu2Mdw8uKqRS06CuVLHfIRPtRaeZV-KIRZyTU-CMWz5AVstrv7QAT5rZDPz62W_4eqKSe6cdLhOGKkgamteAyQJcoWsM0JzeX_o/s320/emilio_estevez.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZqU6KGXgrno0U_48_V0k_TzB6HqUzUc0N2UiNHozAhbm5hCPNMCqePXnc0-MfNgcPHV2r2fOO3gm85aAfg9g7FtXZKrdr-GswXDmBQz5gaiTQ4YuTrUSm1PK0SIxjDGB7n1KoJj25Q/s1600/Anthony_Michael_Hall-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3ZqU6KGXgrno0U_48_V0k_TzB6HqUzUc0N2UiNHozAhbm5hCPNMCqePXnc0-MfNgcPHV2r2fOO3gm85aAfg9g7FtXZKrdr-GswXDmBQz5gaiTQ4YuTrUSm1PK0SIxjDGB7n1KoJj25Q/s200/Anthony_Michael_Hall-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Moving on, we've got to talk about the 80's favorite Geek, Anthony Michael Hall. I think every girl from the 80's has a soft spot in their heart for AMH. I mean, Sixteen Candles and Weird Science...classics! But my favorite of his performances was as Brian in The Breakfast Club.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KplKD2-aTDZogStNc3-S95PMw4BTXDOM2QqhQ9B5nVKPRAsXUat7NxkLP3TtUa7duvaLn-6dbBy9GoU7cxJQUAXudGZbuFhatFZxzHpsrmEf_xx53X29erMn4dINq_cqLULh9mJgBEE/s1600/anthonyhall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KplKD2-aTDZogStNc3-S95PMw4BTXDOM2QqhQ9B5nVKPRAsXUat7NxkLP3TtUa7duvaLn-6dbBy9GoU7cxJQUAXudGZbuFhatFZxzHpsrmEf_xx53X29erMn4dINq_cqLULh9mJgBEE/s200/anthonyhall1.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
His narration of the letter at the end....serious love on my part.<br />
<br />
So where is he now?<br />
Yeah...somebody isn't a geek any more!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
And finally....last but certainly not least....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCNtltYFd279FiLhJr8XUUlHdnbg6-8GySzJlXNGwLXvNJk1rsFMJjwlr22vWZwXEQBsNQZEtjOfqpIGkAOL0YfjbvVsZFe-HDgE38_VsC7PRaEXElPSZlw-pWuCGrnOBWCuOY2nzA3U/s1600/Juddnelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCNtltYFd279FiLhJr8XUUlHdnbg6-8GySzJlXNGwLXvNJk1rsFMJjwlr22vWZwXEQBsNQZEtjOfqpIGkAOL0YfjbvVsZFe-HDgE38_VsC7PRaEXElPSZlw-pWuCGrnOBWCuOY2nzA3U/s200/Juddnelson.jpg" width="200" /></a>John Bender, played by Judd Nelson. Man, I never wanted to give a guy an earring so bad in my life.....yeah, those of you who've seen the movie know exactly what I mean by that, doncha? he he he<br />
<br />
So the resident bad boy grew up too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMt8Ia90cOB8KJfSXfUNtgNOLzasgNozaBytCenzf_lHHbTPvZWe5QLsiinb-vyYIxed_unj7P1B_QRiv0FHE5F8aHLJVi2c_0j9uSL73doNnzo1zyiOqHslfZ-NI3a2OXidNG1CfCuc/s1600/csiny65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMt8Ia90cOB8KJfSXfUNtgNOLzasgNozaBytCenzf_lHHbTPvZWe5QLsiinb-vyYIxed_unj7P1B_QRiv0FHE5F8aHLJVi2c_0j9uSL73doNnzo1zyiOqHslfZ-NI3a2OXidNG1CfCuc/s320/csiny65.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there they are. The boys of the Breakfast Club, then and now.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
I think I'm going to have to watch the movie again, how about you?<br />
<br />
So what was your favorite 80's movie??<br />
<br />
And I'll leave you with this, the iconic dance scene in the movie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gRMrMzw0t20?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-37795313391549218432013-08-04T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-04T05:00:00.936-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Jon Bon JoviFor this month's Suit Up Sunday posts, I'm doing an 80's flashback month! I was a tween in the 80's (way to date yourself there self...) and love going back and remembering the things that had me squeeing all over the place. Throughout August, I'll be sharing which 80's stars were plastered in posters all over my bedroom walls!<br />
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The first...whoa. Jon Bon Jovi.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjVV-1Z5j3s5ap0IWEGqdZSkPtdwil44OPAso0f5I5Y0QtGerP4mRcMtP7pP8xasPllapfCU6ffjzYc2oN5lzqSfXMEIZg99klV-cjYezqOiC9IL0k_6-6hPr-q_EfJUPuTWg1y7SvmU/s1600/bonjovi_80_hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjVV-1Z5j3s5ap0IWEGqdZSkPtdwil44OPAso0f5I5Y0QtGerP4mRcMtP7pP8xasPllapfCU6ffjzYc2oN5lzqSfXMEIZg99klV-cjYezqOiC9IL0k_6-6hPr-q_EfJUPuTWg1y7SvmU/s320/bonjovi_80_hair.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Yeah. I think it was a combination of the hair and the cheekbones. Okay, who am I kidding. It was totally the hair. Tween Me didn't know anything about cheekbones.<br />
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And his voice....yeah. Slippery When Wet was one of the first albums I ever owned. I played it over and over and over and...you get the point.<br />
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Best part about JBJ? He's aged *really* well.<br />
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Like...yeah. How did he do that exactly? He should bottle it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvLdzYgWVmUeAU6wjASSSnhzAI2xuazIVl73T3nEDtwfartzfmy3AOSrI35HvlRGaL43egAZnv9QxY51ZUwp1njJr0lAssF2nSdBVLwal3Px6ejLaNwFjD4CbHMleyHubGYuj11UlmE4/s1600/Bon-Jovi-Because-We-Can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvLdzYgWVmUeAU6wjASSSnhzAI2xuazIVl73T3nEDtwfartzfmy3AOSrI35HvlRGaL43egAZnv9QxY51ZUwp1njJr0lAssF2nSdBVLwal3Px6ejLaNwFjD4CbHMleyHubGYuj11UlmE4/s320/Bon-Jovi-Because-We-Can.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*swoons*<br />
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There aren't a lot of 80's musicians I still listen to regularly, but Bon Jovi is definitely one of them.<br />
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It's not *all* because I like to look at Jon and listen to his voice...but yeah, that's a lot of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9TIjZKcuAhjj5Umva50OgUC3ym544kemkw2CLJR7YL446EpkoX7QzsUOeKxh7U2QmdIQOW78ZrfBKpd5rfDGbA312j3onOUYxkWBeI2qwku_v2Yqy0NIY0djyA-FvZz8wSok9aA8RJo/s1600/bon-jovi-in-a-suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9TIjZKcuAhjj5Umva50OgUC3ym544kemkw2CLJR7YL446EpkoX7QzsUOeKxh7U2QmdIQOW78ZrfBKpd5rfDGbA312j3onOUYxkWBeI2qwku_v2Yqy0NIY0djyA-FvZz8wSok9aA8RJo/s320/bon-jovi-in-a-suit.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
And just to keep things all "legal-like", here he is in a suit.<br />
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Yeah. He's awesome.<br />
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<b>So tell me, who did you have plastered all over your walls when you were a tween? Come on. Tell your Poppy. I need to know these things! </b><br />
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And as a bonus, here's one of those Bon Jovi songs I always crank up and sing at the top of my lungs. In fact, you should probably be thankful that you aren't at my house right now...cause I'm totally singing right now!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mh8MIp2FOhc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-58218671445759717852013-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-28T05:00:06.837-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Joseph Gordon-Levitt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpo2ex_cxHi9rlivDikgKhIPserNtr38Tj-Yavd1O_JRgrTgzgg41FvOmgyef3bUCcqsM8mT1B_Z4NKJnw3Tr70HpsOQDF2dOSO7aunZDyspItXrZVoaNnEhiT8u60AIu1bJEnBK5uT0/s1600/JosephGordonLevitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpo2ex_cxHi9rlivDikgKhIPserNtr38Tj-Yavd1O_JRgrTgzgg41FvOmgyef3bUCcqsM8mT1B_Z4NKJnw3Tr70HpsOQDF2dOSO7aunZDyspItXrZVoaNnEhiT8u60AIu1bJEnBK5uT0/s320/JosephGordonLevitt.jpg" width="261" /></a>I must give credit where credit is due for this week's Suit Up Sunday inspiration. Back in May, I<a href="http://paranormalpoppy.blogspot.com/2013/05/poppys-pick-until-forever-comes-by.html?zx=b1613b5650af56af"> interviewed Cardeno C</a> about the Mates series. Cardeno confessed to a celebrity crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt and I found myself intrigued.<br />
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I got my Google-fu on and discovered some really inspiring suit pics of Cardeno's crush!<br />
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But it went further than that...because I'm pretty sure this adorable fella can have entire conversations with his eyebrows.<br />
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Yep. Conversations. Which I then had to imagine, because I'm just that dorky. Don't judge me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80qUfAAYLXI0OL-HDFzXpFNUKcoamOzX04SMyKsACJ4uN824NJH2ZkgkSAFqr6z5tVhMVCALKry42ToFjrgu6EUfk28Jw-2Y6HyBmKgGZy56UcVWxra8DaIBzXGSztsqy_aOr4UmO71w/s1600/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80qUfAAYLXI0OL-HDFzXpFNUKcoamOzX04SMyKsACJ4uN824NJH2ZkgkSAFqr6z5tVhMVCALKry42ToFjrgu6EUfk28Jw-2Y6HyBmKgGZy56UcVWxra8DaIBzXGSztsqy_aOr4UmO71w/s200/images+(2).jpg" width="200" /></a>It went something like this:<br />
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Poppy: Dude, you have conversations with your eyebrows. That's a pretty spectacular talent.<br />
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Imaginary Joseph: Oh really. Has anyone ever told you that you're weird?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCccZRuFE-Y3SMRxKYlyt6v1zceB8qS69zmvqyg7IlRqiouz6grATJ0D6gb443ilW__CQMQkmxhxjNP4ynLQqLozbQgZJ2KpGz_ACvol6OoLN36Kt-40xcTlmUde1oxFlurDIYzcvnPMA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCccZRuFE-Y3SMRxKYlyt6v1zceB8qS69zmvqyg7IlRqiouz6grATJ0D6gb443ilW__CQMQkmxhxjNP4ynLQqLozbQgZJ2KpGz_ACvol6OoLN36Kt-40xcTlmUde1oxFlurDIYzcvnPMA/s200/images.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
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Poppy: Um, no comment. But seriously, you convey things...with your eyebrows. How exactly does that work?<br />
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Imaginary Joseph: *headscratch* I have no idea how to answer that question.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2eTd4WFG6HPQWzhtCo8H0DYHLjoQ_i_jP58zVnIEd9-7VSUKrJZ_wqaRvZFyCRxwTsZj6FBZVNJh6jv51FCeYRArVgR-QOp0FGDnp-JtYejHWYKfPbzXcFTXyhY5KvWnr7LijJSkCEE/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2eTd4WFG6HPQWzhtCo8H0DYHLjoQ_i_jP58zVnIEd9-7VSUKrJZ_wqaRvZFyCRxwTsZj6FBZVNJh6jv51FCeYRArVgR-QOp0FGDnp-JtYejHWYKfPbzXcFTXyhY5KvWnr7LijJSkCEE/s200/images+(1).jpg" width="142" /></a>Poppy: Sigh. Well, I suppose you don't have to answer. I mean, it's clear that you have this extraordinary talent. I've witnessed it first hand through my Google search. You can't deny it!<br />
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Imaginary Joseph: Can someone get me out of here? This crazy person is obsessing about my eyebrows and I think I need to escape before the conversation goes any further!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4TnWmL8EnyB9OskWePOO0gfHi6eKV-wOImRTVswo5Jgn5D-PP6ta8p-OQkD9SR7onQvOuEwX65YR604A2da7jq6SP_Wk6YH-1pmMRwrdj9HrBlsd6qJU8q2DHdIEtKc276jpTxl7GHY/s1600/Joseph-Gordon-Levitt-demolitionvenom-31595349-500-682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4TnWmL8EnyB9OskWePOO0gfHi6eKV-wOImRTVswo5Jgn5D-PP6ta8p-OQkD9SR7onQvOuEwX65YR604A2da7jq6SP_Wk6YH-1pmMRwrdj9HrBlsd6qJU8q2DHdIEtKc276jpTxl7GHY/s200/Joseph-Gordon-Levitt-demolitionvenom-31595349-500-682.jpg" width="146" /></a>Poppy: No, no! Don't leave yet! I haven't shown your eyebrow smiley smirk yet!<br />
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Imaginary Joseph: Eyebrow smiley smirk? I think I need to patent that phrase.<br />
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Poppy: Please do! Cause it's adorable! Just like you are!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-79968140653935712812013-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-21T05:00:03.869-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Ed Sheeran<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pKzkMBIIf8CiejzdBMSn3yDazsa9eo4z0RXGAU5_u_UKQWXrRr3wCvPJ0oiUEZq9oxS5tLaioQCRW1ZHuk5QGCzbG-Gg7FkQ8dEr80qdRABtlJQSpmO-jhl3AYNUlWyvvLzDqU7c0jA/s1600/73655280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pKzkMBIIf8CiejzdBMSn3yDazsa9eo4z0RXGAU5_u_UKQWXrRr3wCvPJ0oiUEZq9oxS5tLaioQCRW1ZHuk5QGCzbG-Gg7FkQ8dEr80qdRABtlJQSpmO-jhl3AYNUlWyvvLzDqU7c0jA/s1600/73655280.png" /></a>Normally for Suit Up Sunday, I post pics of sexy shirtless hunks. This week's post features a guy who is sexy on an entirely new level: the adorable ginger singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran.<br />
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I sincerely hope you all know who Ed Sheeran is. If not, go to youtube immediately. I insist! His voice is just...yeah. And his songs are beautiful. *swoons*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0A3wIozlCZZ04NIBGMY0dAuNr-mJEaUsR5FFmJ7-0DQbSM69KNI2wFHGRel5xcLKBj726QKtqc66qXEsGt94J4_jORN-5yA4ww9vVuFLN9sS-3mEhXPJkyJz0vETfntt2xFvUidZ8Xk/s1600/Ed-Sheeran-2-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0A3wIozlCZZ04NIBGMY0dAuNr-mJEaUsR5FFmJ7-0DQbSM69KNI2wFHGRel5xcLKBj726QKtqc66qXEsGt94J4_jORN-5yA4ww9vVuFLN9sS-3mEhXPJkyJz0vETfntt2xFvUidZ8Xk/s320/Ed-Sheeran-2-1024x576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'd go on and on about how cute he is but, well, I really think you just need to experience the awesome that is Ed by listening rather than looking!<br />
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So clicky the awesome video below and have a listen to my favorite Ed song.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mf6mBmeHcoQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-86079940772704721932013-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-14T05:00:05.234-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Chris Evans<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArnR3FGfVGklLeiKw9_kCR4j9k948v5jXOjSOAyaU5jFCPYASmpk9s2WRfJ6cVdP8iGVg9-udcrNIeqr99a0zV8S93QUqayp-cn3811Dw-Fh5XvNBEAKRLst7uCRDauYg-H8IvpoRRcg/s1600/cap-3_resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chris Evans" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArnR3FGfVGklLeiKw9_kCR4j9k948v5jXOjSOAyaU5jFCPYASmpk9s2WRfJ6cVdP8iGVg9-udcrNIeqr99a0zV8S93QUqayp-cn3811Dw-Fh5XvNBEAKRLst7uCRDauYg-H8IvpoRRcg/s320/cap-3_resize.jpg" title="Captain America" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He could save me any day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In honor of this month's Independence Day celebration, I couldn't think of a better nominee for Suit Up Sunday than Captain America himself, Chris Evans.<br />
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Does suiting up as Captain America count as a suit? Hmm. The things I ponder. It's a tough job. No really.<br />
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I'd hate to break my own rules for Suit Up Sunday so I suppose I should post him in a suit as well. You know. Just to follow the rules. Not because he looks amazing in a suit. No. That's not it at all.<br />
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(I'm such a liar...it's totally because he looks amazing in a suit too.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdxmhfGHXKd5BlENmwa7BsC1BxFCQIYZ7y7o-M6L-yH_G6u8ughVZaSlU9EFC0r83qsWqpl1IoKIgSHqF3EVUi-bdv1bJ1g7theiUFo5MXhTXsN4YjtU4vvclb-vvVZVqtMB601SQMts/s1600/chris_evans_91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chris Evans Suit" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdxmhfGHXKd5BlENmwa7BsC1BxFCQIYZ7y7o-M6L-yH_G6u8ughVZaSlU9EFC0r83qsWqpl1IoKIgSHqF3EVUi-bdv1bJ1g7theiUFo5MXhTXsN4YjtU4vvclb-vvVZVqtMB601SQMts/s320/chris_evans_91.jpg" title="Chris Evans" width="250" /></a></div>
I mean, when he's all clean-shaven and sexy as Captain America...yeah. That works.<br />
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But the scruffy sultry thing he's got going on in the suit and tie?<br />
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Drool city.<br />
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And as if that wasn't enough, then we have him sans suit. You know, just because I want to make sure you have a well-rounded selection. Yep. That's the reason.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VLIrgAg4TwrYH7tP3Bei5a3YUehYzXqI3ufKmi3vQ3hKxz9ZmbuIyJ1dssbbmsiplvbnzuXWln0bAlSLktN7vhscJWuy-wOMKY31R1J3DE05kuLvofDgOSEFslF3c_PuDaMOvB1NcII/s1600/chris_evans_captain_america211-256x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VLIrgAg4TwrYH7tP3Bei5a3YUehYzXqI3ufKmi3vQ3hKxz9ZmbuIyJ1dssbbmsiplvbnzuXWln0bAlSLktN7vhscJWuy-wOMKY31R1J3DE05kuLvofDgOSEFslF3c_PuDaMOvB1NcII/s1600/chris_evans_captain_america211-256x300.jpg" title="Chris Evans shirtless" /></a></div>
I only have one thing to say about this...<br />
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Oh Captain, My Captain!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-17722726907196555702013-06-30T05:30:00.000-07:002013-06-30T05:30:00.700-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Isaac Lahey (aka Daniel Sharman)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybTSMtOlwtqoGjVzmeTnD4haGvXawojeXBoWZNYcPdJgNbKkIImwMUq8u_hVzOwFwEONSf2I9hUcx0bwDvzKBcXXW75a7dWe1mSprCRB6MDK7DRyYOGR9m0lgrMq2VjrDkQ2rtewoMBM/s275/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Isaac Lahey, Teen Wolf" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybTSMtOlwtqoGjVzmeTnD4haGvXawojeXBoWZNYcPdJgNbKkIImwMUq8u_hVzOwFwEONSf2I9hUcx0bwDvzKBcXXW75a7dWe1mSprCRB6MDK7DRyYOGR9m0lgrMq2VjrDkQ2rtewoMBM/s275/images+(1).jpg" title="Daniel Sharman Suited Up" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a suit, just to be official-like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's time again for another edition of Suit Up Sunday, in which I drool over whichever fella has caught my attention this week. And boy has Isaac on Teen Wolf caught my fancy lately.<br />
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I must admit that my Sterek obsession kept poor Isaac in the background for a while. I know, I know. I've been missing out. I mean, Isaac has been one of my favorites for a while, because gah do I have a thing for the poor kicked puppy.<br />
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And Isaac gets kicked. A lot. And he has puppy face and puppy eyes and OMG I just need to hug him so hard. He needs snuggles! I promise. Lots of snuggles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3QBeWz289uH0iaRiyGiNGJc9t02tXqJ__j-zqc5IHbjt3Itkpa8SA-fh12_XimQM6JmphnHBCDBB3JDvJD4G6D2btucbSu8p-Z407tIhnoYznBFjHpO9bjdVbpKFLKsCFzdyxqOPYvI/s245/images+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3QBeWz289uH0iaRiyGiNGJc9t02tXqJ__j-zqc5IHbjt3Itkpa8SA-fh12_XimQM6JmphnHBCDBB3JDvJD4G6D2btucbSu8p-Z407tIhnoYznBFjHpO9bjdVbpKFLKsCFzdyxqOPYvI/s245/images+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwK5KM6m6tE1UtUQZH58YsY-t1t_oNc0JAgJJ1HGXlkYRvwhvpzZrbOnW-KuFZ9lXwb2WbkPuoGtSwChtEFl6gNvXZt46hn5f5rAnq9AGy8oWWet3RSjMns-FRy65_v_X1v7RbAZs3gDA/s453/551584-daniel_sharman_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwK5KM6m6tE1UtUQZH58YsY-t1t_oNc0JAgJJ1HGXlkYRvwhvpzZrbOnW-KuFZ9lXwb2WbkPuoGtSwChtEFl6gNvXZt46hn5f5rAnq9AGy8oWWet3RSjMns-FRy65_v_X1v7RbAZs3gDA/s320/551584-daniel_sharman_large.jpg" width="211" /></a>And then I saw the reap of Unleashed on tv.com. Did you see it? No? Go <a href="http://www.tv.com/shows/teen-wolf-2011/community/post/teen-wolf-unleashed-review-behold-the-demonwolf-photo-recap-137211387921/">here</a> and look. You'll laugh hysterically and start using new terms like "twunk" in daily conversation. It's a thing.<br />
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The lovely author of that post pointed out that Isaac is like the statue of David come to life.<br />
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Um. Yeah. He kinda is. Proof:<br />
I see the resemblance.<br />
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And tv.com also posted an incredible gif of one of my favorite moments from the episode. Yep. Didn't mind that at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H4gSrzafg4pn_OK-npEl7lmzyBRJ0hn-v5D4jiszC6NlNdazFpcK77FLqFn5CZZ4aMaf7z1Zcyhpry-m_z6zuzlnJJQJAVmKTE1-i23KB9F1ER2FsCFoIpKdPjDkaO_AfDJrbuz0b1Y/s600/TeenWolf-3x04_isaac_danny.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H4gSrzafg4pn_OK-npEl7lmzyBRJ0hn-v5D4jiszC6NlNdazFpcK77FLqFn5CZZ4aMaf7z1Zcyhpry-m_z6zuzlnJJQJAVmKTE1-i23KB9F1ER2FsCFoIpKdPjDkaO_AfDJrbuz0b1Y/s320/TeenWolf-3x04_isaac_danny.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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*ahem* Where was I? Right. Isaac. (And Danny...because DAMN Danny. I sense another Suit Up Sunday inspiration...)<br />
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So yeah. Isaac. Kicked puppy with puppy eyes. Really adorable. And werewolfy. *nods* Works for me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-7842884949280314072013-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:002013-06-28T07:45:14.802-07:00Poppy's Pick: The Bones Series by Kim Fielding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s144/poppy%2527s-pick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s144/poppy%2527s-pick.jpg" /></a></div>
Welcome to the second edition of Poppy's Pick! I'm often asked by friends for recommendations of gay paranormal romance novels, so I decided to share ones that I love here on my blog so others could find them as well!<br />
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This week's recommendation is The Bones Series by the lovely and talented Kim Fielding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOw_rRf432JRmLj6m_VZGpHaBNXsRsYKY4wdUMBNOx9tiBz1W0UxPE4mF4TJqzmoVK3A3AFZYVi2bNDbsXs68V125VU46np5Lcdh5j03MabTPc86ojjyZ5NqtcaBJX7ec4cVlYaF4T0E/s600/GoodBonesLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOw_rRf432JRmLj6m_VZGpHaBNXsRsYKY4wdUMBNOx9tiBz1W0UxPE4mF4TJqzmoVK3A3AFZYVi2bNDbsXs68V125VU46np5Lcdh5j03MabTPc86ojjyZ5NqtcaBJX7ec4cVlYaF4T0E/s320/GoodBonesLG.jpg" width="213" /></a>I absolutely love shifter books. That's no surprise to anyone, I'm sure. I say it often and loudly. *g* I was really intrigued by the "lone wolf" aspect of Good Bones, the first book in The Bones Series.<br />
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Dylan is not your typical werewolf character in any way. No really. He's not. In fact, this book reads very much like a contemporary romance, which I loved. Dylan just has one itsy bitsy little problem: he happens to be a werewolf.<br />
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With so many variations on the shifter theme out there, what really drew me into this book was how different it is from the typical shifter tropes. There isn't a pack presence, no "I am Alpha hear me ROAR" character, and the shifter aspect is handled in a really deft and clever way.<br />
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We learn about Dylan's "affliction" in bits and pieces. His past unfolds as Dylan continues to learn what it means to be a werewolf and we learn more about it along with him. I loved that Dylan really had no clue what he was doing! His instincts guided him, and he did his best with what has happened to him.<br />
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Then there's Chris, Dylan's new neighbor and love interest. Chris is an amazing character. He's fun and atypical as well and such a great fit for Dylan. Talk about opposites!!!<br />
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Dylan and Chris work together to fix up the dilapidated old house Dylan bought in an effort to get himself out of the city and away from the possibility to hurt anyone when he changes into his wolf. I could wax poetic about it more, but really, you should just read it. It's a really great character piece and I enjoyed it so much that I was bouncing around excitedly when I learned the second book was out and available!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RK-wTkNos43hYym1v4t_EoF7FQAs_8bVYrMHzfwN644MSlw4V4BGIpebBp4Wj-7Yo0oyu7jaxwy9ifXvWNteOPJRqP0hiM35_iy8sHsTkIPSrFM9Xz2RpTyvMaEjw_K4PGzQ6TERGJg/s600/BuriedBonesLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RK-wTkNos43hYym1v4t_EoF7FQAs_8bVYrMHzfwN644MSlw4V4BGIpebBp4Wj-7Yo0oyu7jaxwy9ifXvWNteOPJRqP0hiM35_iy8sHsTkIPSrFM9Xz2RpTyvMaEjw_K4PGzQ6TERGJg/s320/BuriedBonesLG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Buried Bones picks up where Good Bones left off and continues Dylan and Chris's story. This one adds in a little twist in the form of a ghost! Now, I have to confess that I had a moment of doubt when I read that--a ghost? Really? But I should have trusted Kim! She made it work beautifully and the ghost element in this story added a richness to the world that was both exciting and heartbreaking!<br />
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The past comes back to haunt our couple--literally--and while Dylan and Chris are trying to find a way to get rid of their extra house guest, Dylan is still trying to figure out if he can really be part of a couple. What if he hurts Chris?<br />
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All in all, a fabulous series that is very different from the typical shifter stories you'll find out there. Recommended for folks who like great character development with less focus on the paranormal aspects (but the shifter stuff is there too). I think you'll love Dylan and Chris's relationship as much as I did!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYCllZBmfle1zV03L6DZCirkIWUzqsSCMZ6UsroedVMN_8SUB37daVIGZJYwx8uVwtE-IkPHrkohQKiAuLWQLCQkShHlyVTz8YO8LoXTwmDRnIr74Zv2F6CkSwP0BSqO4bzRD6nGTHk/s600/BruteLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYCllZBmfle1zV03L6DZCirkIWUzqsSCMZ6UsroedVMN_8SUB37daVIGZJYwx8uVwtE-IkPHrkohQKiAuLWQLCQkShHlyVTz8YO8LoXTwmDRnIr74Zv2F6CkSwP0BSqO4bzRD6nGTHk/s320/BruteLG.jpg" width="213" /></a>And as an added Bonus Pick, have you read Kim Fielding's other novel, Brute? Now, it's not exactly paranormal--okay, it's not paranormal at all. It's a fantasy but I promise you, it is worth the read paranormal fans! Brute is going to go down as one of my all-time favorite characters ever. I laughed and cried, and cried, and probably cried a little more.<br />
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I really can't explain this one other than to say it packs a huge emotional punch. It's really lovely and the world building is amazing. And Brute. Have I mentioned Brute?? *sigh*<br />
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All in all, I'd say if you haven't read a Kim Fielding book, you're really missing out! Hunt her down, buy her books, read them. You'll become a fan too. I promise.<br />
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You can find all of these books, plus others, and information on how to track Kim down on her author page at Dreamspinner Press.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_603">Click here to find out more</a>.<br />
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See you all next month for another edition of Poppy's Picks!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-48272096137392562282013-06-17T05:29:00.001-07:002013-06-17T05:29:21.492-07:00Contest: Born This Way Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe0o8mBO0aIkmWNnSrrrwdIDZNTW6dvDbHKvARYDC5EIjLSE_Lr98ezX6UPPrvqnRlyJ2bBwLyC0EU7g931cPCN_HpOZjmT673XN3FaoloWZT9ZyGQsfaJML29_NgEV7AQqZQIvWZFvs/s1600/Bornthisway-Dennison_headerbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe0o8mBO0aIkmWNnSrrrwdIDZNTW6dvDbHKvARYDC5EIjLSE_Lr98ezX6UPPrvqnRlyJ2bBwLyC0EU7g931cPCN_HpOZjmT673XN3FaoloWZT9ZyGQsfaJML29_NgEV7AQqZQIvWZFvs/s640/Bornthisway-Dennison_headerbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blurb: Dayton Whitmore injures his arm playing basketball with his lion-shifter friends, and his best friend asks Dayton to check on her estranged brother Hart while he’s in Atlanta visiting a specialist. Though Dayton and Hart were never close, he grudgingly agrees.<br />
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Banishment from his pride meant Hart Sherman could never see his family again. His liger heritage—a tiger mother and lion father—was a thorn in his alpha father’s side. He always planned to go back for Dayton, the man he knows is his mate, but he uses his career as an entertainment attorney as an excuse to avoid risking Dayton’s rejection. When Dayton shows up unannounced on his doorstep, Hart wants nothing more than to claim him.<br />
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Knowing what it means to be a lion’s mate, Dayton isn’t in any hurry to make a lifetime commitment. To convince Dayton he’s serious, Hart must come to terms with the circumstances of his birth—and find a place in the pride for them both.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3897">Available now for pre-order at Dreamspinner Press</a>!<br />
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Interested in winning an e-book copy of Born This way? Leave a comment below with how you're "Born This Way" for a chance to win!<br />
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Contest closes Friday, June 21, 2013 when I'll draw a random commenter to win. (Please be sure to leave your email so I'll have a way to contact you!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-79597404700057647282013-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-16T05:00:01.279-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Alexander Skarsgard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdgyOhkCcSMaQpTutzGIDnVR8fNh1aKYLTG5zRdkz5fv7VRDpMBbRMuE1Un_qe-x9cGpQcWyRRh2yu21eOHgEKBKUHz9o_Qtbs6PxI-3yI-obn_VSZBEHh36f8yi8vgi4-cO1gX9IMk/s1600/aleksander-skarsgard-1_1314737599_672x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Eric Northman Tuxedo" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdgyOhkCcSMaQpTutzGIDnVR8fNh1aKYLTG5zRdkz5fv7VRDpMBbRMuE1Un_qe-x9cGpQcWyRRh2yu21eOHgEKBKUHz9o_Qtbs6PxI-3yI-obn_VSZBEHh36f8yi8vgi4-cO1gX9IMk/s320/aleksander-skarsgard-1_1314737599_672x0.jpg" title="Alexander Skarsgard Tuxedo" width="224" /></a>So, I have a bit of a weakness. It's a man in a tux. There's just something so...*rawr*...about that black and white with the bow tie and yeah....<br />
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Then you add Alexander Skarsgard's sulty stare? Forget about it. I'm done for. I mean really, is he trying to kill me with that come hither look? Cause I tried to climb into the laptop to lick him but....<br />
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(You didn't need to know that, did you?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioREjuC2dHbcMtTiuHFi2ufIe47655QR2ckwg07SetAZyFUlPItgIfgZmK5BNbCNyHX93L2tvhlo-7zIJuO05f2bXPL4VBUiE4TCiPRyzp_fMok_dqHyu7xTiwg0s2VHcFgBBiY5Nu_B4/s1600/alexander-skarsgard-20100127-559819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Eric Northman in bed" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioREjuC2dHbcMtTiuHFi2ufIe47655QR2ckwg07SetAZyFUlPItgIfgZmK5BNbCNyHX93L2tvhlo-7zIJuO05f2bXPL4VBUiE4TCiPRyzp_fMok_dqHyu7xTiwg0s2VHcFgBBiY5Nu_B4/s320/alexander-skarsgard-20100127-559819.jpg" title="Alexander Skarsgard in bed" width="240" /></a>And as if the man doesn't do *really* good things to a tuxedo, he looks amazing out of one too! How fair is that?<br />
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I mean, not that I'm going to complain or anything. Please, take your shirt off. Anytime. No really. And if you want to lounge in bed, I know one you can rest your weary head on any day of the week!<br />
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Seriously. How does he do that with the look?<br />
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Oh, and then there's this.<br />
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Kill me. Seriously. Oh wait, maybe I shouldn't say that considering...(heh)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptpoCU-vU63jQbBAO1qE2ORC6vhFgd482whmO1bKeMAdDBGc1smh3FcD50SvAgze3jm3g_Hm-0ayE2SZMaNQHzm8T8QZcZZH5CCr4kjO2hbABlZ4L9QIfM2G4ULPhnkwYqUFrvd-LPw/s1600/yesdaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptpoCU-vU63jQbBAO1qE2ORC6vhFgd482whmO1bKeMAdDBGc1smh3FcD50SvAgze3jm3g_Hm-0ayE2SZMaNQHzm8T8QZcZZH5CCr4kjO2hbABlZ4L9QIfM2G4ULPhnkwYqUFrvd-LPw/s320/yesdaddy.jpg" title="Eric and Talbot" width="320" /></a></div>
And the best of all. He's ba-ack. Well, Eric's back on True Blood anyway. And I for one cannot wait to see how he gets himself out of this mess.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-10660929231594890062013-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-09T05:00:05.240-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Joe Manganiello Revisited<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4eJHSJRuR9tgngWKNA3yjyCI7zs4P0C82b2a22uJcowyuccQbSdOq9IFCTQgtDuYx7lM3lgXvnVbGGnJ3MHtMzoiRRMdTchOEQZphyphenhyphenhB0uYEsAaFkWPnYiKLZTFda3KHDSPvKnsGJGY/s1600/joe-manganiello-daman-magazine-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="alcide suit" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4eJHSJRuR9tgngWKNA3yjyCI7zs4P0C82b2a22uJcowyuccQbSdOq9IFCTQgtDuYx7lM3lgXvnVbGGnJ3MHtMzoiRRMdTchOEQZphyphenhyphenhB0uYEsAaFkWPnYiKLZTFda3KHDSPvKnsGJGY/s320/joe-manganiello-daman-magazine-10.jpg" title="Joe manganiello suit vest" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Manganiello in a Suit. Drool.</td></tr>
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So, summer is upon us and my television schedule is almost complete. Some of y'all know I'm not a big TV watcher. The exception is Teen Wolf and True Blood. Only one more week before the new season of True Blood premiers and I can't wait! Why? Well, a couple reasons really. This guy is the first.<br />
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Oh man. He does *nice* things to a suit, doesn't he? He could do nice things to me too....<br />
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I just want to look at him. Admire the pretty, pretty muscles. I wouldn't mind the opportunity to pet him. Can someone out there set that up for me?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Hm97w9BFBAaGE0G2QgrOth8D6s8YskqxY2pi2S5eKq6Nj4bzehWAmYcssJBLsGgAESXiwNKZhqpCkJjJqgdkH2A58rsF9hPtrLc25ZuuwbL4FPdrpvBXAUtaoUk5hRNzRgFjLkXmto/s1600/True+Blood+Joe+Manganiello+Alcide+Herveaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Hm97w9BFBAaGE0G2QgrOth8D6s8YskqxY2pi2S5eKq6Nj4bzehWAmYcssJBLsGgAESXiwNKZhqpCkJjJqgdkH2A58rsF9hPtrLc25ZuuwbL4FPdrpvBXAUtaoUk5hRNzRgFjLkXmto/s320/True+Blood+Joe+Manganiello+Alcide+Herveaux.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to lick right....there.</td></tr>
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Please?<br />
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I'll wait...<br />
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Okay, so since I'll probably be waiting for a while, I'll tell ya that this sexy fella is such a great scowly werewolf character that he often inspires my own paranormal characters. Seriously. He's inspiring.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPzl6_IKkMTNj-h2WkY2PNruqVZCYE8H-ZSYXgz9i-zz08KquvVJivbJYpd3fna-ZhnyKyJ_Ym3yk9F3yDuWIXsXqWKERpvKyWwG5wSOvxWmDc4Pa8TbETLaz-LepJFiXs8xt4uDU76I/s1600/tumblr_m5mh5sdRMh1r1ojx5o1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPzl6_IKkMTNj-h2WkY2PNruqVZCYE8H-ZSYXgz9i-zz08KquvVJivbJYpd3fna-ZhnyKyJ_Ym3yk9F3yDuWIXsXqWKERpvKyWwG5wSOvxWmDc4Pa8TbETLaz-LepJFiXs8xt4uDU76I/s1600/tumblr_m5mh5sdRMh1r1ojx5o1_250.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whimper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I just...I can't even.<br />
<br />
I heart him. And in one week, I will get to see him on True Blood again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-45771167561579864472013-06-07T18:20:00.000-07:002013-06-07T18:20:55.099-07:00A personal note<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear Bully-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Actually, you know what, I’m not going to call you a
bully because by definition a bully picks on someone weaker than them. I’m not
now, nor will I ever be, weaker than you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It’s funny. I hadn’t heard from you in a while. I mean, I
knew you were still out there occasionally spewing your nonsense, but you
really hadn’t been actively being an ass to me or my friends. I thought there
for a minute that you’d actually moved on. Gotten a life, perhaps. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But no, here you go again. I’ve got to tell you though,
this time? Yeah, you made me laugh. I really appreciate that you made a total
idiot of yourself in your quest to “get me”. No really. It was funny as hell
and I really needed a good laugh. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here’s the thing though: I’m sick and tired of you. Your
gossip doesn’t really hurt me, but it does hurt my friends. That’s not okay.
Come after me if you must. Leave the people I care about out of it. Although, I’m
sure you get a thrill out of all the drama you think you create. Honestly, it’s
the only reason I can come up with for why you continue to do what you do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve got to tell you though, just as your lies haven’t
hurt me in the past, they aren’t going to hurt me now. The only thing you
really do is waste my time. See, I’ve got great friends and those friends know
who I am, lumps and all. They know I’m cranky some days and they know I have a
bad temper on occasion. They also aren’t afraid to point out when you do
something ridiculous, just so I’m aware. (And yes, I know about your other
identity, the one you don’t think I know about.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So yes, I know you’re still doing that thing you do where
you try to make everyone else look bad so you can prove that you’re right and
make yourself look like some sort of hero. The thing is, you aren’t right. And
all of your so-called “proof” is a made up bunch of horse crap that no one
believes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you’d once bothered to ask the question you so
desperately want the answer to, I’d have given it to you. But I refuse to “go
public” with your accusations as you so obviously want me to do. In fact, this
post is as close as I’m going to get to ever lowering myself to your level.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about,
thank you. Thank you for not following gossip mongers who have a vindictive
streak a mile wide. Thank you for not paying attention to small-minded people
who get off on hurting other people to make themselves feel better. I wish I
could tell you that I would explain this whole mess to you, but I can’t. See,
that would just give the mean and spiteful person who keeps trying to hurt me
more power and it would hurt the other people this person has set their sights
on too. I refuse to do that. So please don’t ask, because I won’t explain. I
would like to tell you not to let some random stranger on the
internet have power over you. And I’m here, if you need someone to talk to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And for you, the one who keeps on pushing, who seems
determined to “find the truth” at the expense of so many others, to you I say
get a life. Seriously. You need one that isn’t so full of hate and drama. You
need real people in your life who aren’t afraid to tell you when you’re being a
total asshole. You really need people who aren’t entertained by your
antics—because in reality, they all make fun of you behind your back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I really do wish you well. I hope someday you realize
what you’re doing and change your ways. That would be really amazing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Poppy<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-39250538231164063862013-06-04T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-04T05:00:03.919-07:00Coming Soon: Born This Way<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLCREQWFdu6IJ7GA7cN-zrbgTpDJoc8MXVMZZ1mhIeltMsrYOJBOKOS9eFm80AOgYyK_evy6nxivZBKxO2X2Ljc_jYHGhnnufvoqDCEknz84ofONNzwChaRRR2PbzNOxZafUACiaSA8/s1600/BornThisWay_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLCREQWFdu6IJ7GA7cN-zrbgTpDJoc8MXVMZZ1mhIeltMsrYOJBOKOS9eFm80AOgYyK_evy6nxivZBKxO2X2Ljc_jYHGhnnufvoqDCEknz84ofONNzwChaRRR2PbzNOxZafUACiaSA8/s320/BornThisWay_final.jpg" width="213" /></a>I'm really excited to announce that Born This Way, my new paranormal novella is now available for <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3897">preorder over at Dreamspinner Press! </a><br />
<br />
Blurb:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Dayton Whitmore injures his arm playing basketball with his lion-shifter friends, and his best friend asks Dayton to check on her estranged brother Hart while he’s in Atlanta visiting a specialist. Though Dayton and Hart were never close, he grudgingly agrees.</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Banishment from his pride meant Hart Sherman could never see his family again. His liger heritage—a tiger mother and lion father—was a thorn in his alpha father’s side. He always planned to go back for Dayton, the man he knows is his mate, but he uses his career as an entertainment attorney as an excuse to avoid risking Dayton’s rejection. When Dayton shows up unannounced on his doorstep, Hart wants nothing more than to claim him. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Knowing what it means to be a lion’s mate, Dayton isn’t in any hurry to make a lifetime commitment. To convince Dayton he’s serious, Hart must come to terms with the circumstances of his birth—and find a place in the pride for them both.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Available June 19th! </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-63216795279678469282013-06-02T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-02T05:00:01.636-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Tyler Hoechlin (AKA Derek Hale AKA the "erek" in Sterek)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR08Suzy_nM3TtJkX24r-6VibvDVhYsw70h3s0pfyRx_48AxaIIfDochHS6vi8mdEj6QeWys7MnoRjP-0h6xaYIt5Frp4BdB85aKoWMJlqs1vDKM4zOmXmIgPUKvVojGEyT9WR4y47sI8/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Derek Hale " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR08Suzy_nM3TtJkX24r-6VibvDVhYsw70h3s0pfyRx_48AxaIIfDochHS6vi8mdEj6QeWys7MnoRjP-0h6xaYIt5Frp4BdB85aKoWMJlqs1vDKM4zOmXmIgPUKvVojGEyT9WR4y47sI8/s1600/images.jpg" title="Tyler Hoechlin" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A: Tyler Hoechlin in a Suit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Only ONE MORE SLEEP until Teen Wolf Season 3 and I get another Derek Hale fix. And really, who can resist the scowly alpha werewolf? Not me. I mean, first of all, see exhibit A for what the man looks like in a suit. The word sinful comes to mind. A few other words come to mind too, if I'm honest.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9WpbAgAoVg_0nlqootvJiXeLBlLN5mXDVh4voEKJ5Rnia0Uup_avBXmQUMgkxIk00W-5RWDktHVKBcY8c8YO2mPMXaYnvADZLdvttiAv8_nvJrsjGiB0JuuJa3BV0OF0TEQJfwsVMcs/s1600/543310_533817166638168_73989713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9WpbAgAoVg_0nlqootvJiXeLBlLN5mXDVh4voEKJ5Rnia0Uup_avBXmQUMgkxIk00W-5RWDktHVKBcY8c8YO2mPMXaYnvADZLdvttiAv8_nvJrsjGiB0JuuJa3BV0OF0TEQJfwsVMcs/s200/543310_533817166638168_73989713_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody Hale he's hot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Seriously...he's even hot all beat up and bloody. How is this even fair? I mean, I'd love to say that I watch Teen Wolf for the plot...but I'd be lying.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP7ROizs071pSAQv9RMMp45UBtaKYzLKIqWCfKPGv1zpmDATzK2H2s0AbhSxkkw_vSG4LueEshywCohj39Wl6GsDTgZ6QdMOohcJQdyNu_SaN1KagKz82q78zv1FavdJc7MD-Op2576c/s1600/sterek10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stiles and Derek" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP7ROizs071pSAQv9RMMp45UBtaKYzLKIqWCfKPGv1zpmDATzK2H2s0AbhSxkkw_vSG4LueEshywCohj39Wl6GsDTgZ6QdMOohcJQdyNu_SaN1KagKz82q78zv1FavdJc7MD-Op2576c/s320/sterek10-1.jpg" title="Sterek against the wall" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish he'd put me against a wall. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, not totally lying, especially if the plot involves Derek and Stiles. *whistles innocently* I cannot deny my obsession with Sterek. It has reached new levels of fangirlishness. Heck, I thought I was obsessed with Spander....nope. Well, I was obsessed with Spander, don't get me wrong, but this whole Sterek thing...Yeah. I got it bad!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But I digress. Back to the hotness that is Tyler/Derek. Yeah. This. For serious real. Just sit. Watch. Try not to lick the screen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeFVQFigiL-wBxx2SXopoZegZqefj5bEOM1-KLt0hJ_hqDOYkM8hwi_X0-yEvr3Yvfn2VD80wv9bP2NxxSodr8Cz57XBXLGizdVSO3HYxZ2CnnIuAoc_ajLhAuuXyHnTnywcgU0XnFZE/s1600/tumblr_m5s9zaJMcw1rpu3eco1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeFVQFigiL-wBxx2SXopoZegZqefj5bEOM1-KLt0hJ_hqDOYkM8hwi_X0-yEvr3Yvfn2VD80wv9bP2NxxSodr8Cz57XBXLGizdVSO3HYxZ2CnnIuAoc_ajLhAuuXyHnTnywcgU0XnFZE/s320/tumblr_m5s9zaJMcw1rpu3eco1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And if the above isn't enough, how about this wicked, wicked smile?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JTermonFrMKkS7D6fjIfBSTQTih94OP0MhnIv3LZIt9zvXd6il26pbF2sBtjVeybKC6TiVvPkIYAjQmvSgPEKAgskCL_XHtcLtTINMfAF17bzoObfKk0MG0Yk2xHs_eDbQLiPg8cllM/s1600/tumblr_m5kjpi6OIF1ryu25co1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JTermonFrMKkS7D6fjIfBSTQTih94OP0MhnIv3LZIt9zvXd6il26pbF2sBtjVeybKC6TiVvPkIYAjQmvSgPEKAgskCL_XHtcLtTINMfAF17bzoObfKk0MG0Yk2xHs_eDbQLiPg8cllM/s320/tumblr_m5kjpi6OIF1ryu25co1_500.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Yeah....that.<br />
<br />
So if you're looking for some wonderful deliciousness, check out Derek on Teen Wolf. Or just take a look at the Sterek fanfic. Ya know, in case you're into that kind of thing. *g*<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-52836878908377693302013-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:30:42.597-07:00Poppy's Pick: Until Forever Comes by Cardeno C<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s1600/poppy's-pick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="paranormal romance recommendations" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOVxs21Ki-lgPkj_v_Q2wKw52xzzGC2Mr12vhb_Sb6u5BdnP-woP96gNex1rPKb7gm6AseqtGAvEHoyt6Ygd3pvHb2wktd6NjxF9tRr1MlhvQ17iN9MlLa3VGRKdjxNy_CjYRkcRT-sk/s1600/poppy's-pick.jpg" title="Poppy's Pick" /></a></div>
I'm starting a new feature on my blog today called Poppy's Pick. Most folks know I'm an avid paranormal reader and they ask me for recommendations. There's nothing I like more than telling my friends about a great book so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you all.<br />
<br />
My first recommendation is Until Forever Comes by the delightful Cardeno C. Book two in the Mates series, Until Forever Comes is an amazing addition to the series. Here's the blurb:<br />
<br />
<i>Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, he hopes to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack. Instead, Ethan learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate—a vampire named Miguel. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Miguel Rodriguez is more than four centuries old. Strong, powerful, and vicious, he walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they’re true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and Miguel can’t resist for long. Once Miguel gives in, being together comes naturally. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other’s side until forever comes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBnq1UFxyZuam9wQBoqAlA-c0VryWkYHLpylUmmy3Rwdt05xwMYx4kWpDbO5hyDd20toCoYShIxug1mLW9af6QVIYl7YFAdJqoy_FCAKuClO8PNujT3LcJi8aq7ZWmtXUeQ0MoJjwu_g/s1600/UntilForeverComesLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cardeno C " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBnq1UFxyZuam9wQBoqAlA-c0VryWkYHLpylUmmy3Rwdt05xwMYx4kWpDbO5hyDd20toCoYShIxug1mLW9af6QVIYl7YFAdJqoy_FCAKuClO8PNujT3LcJi8aq7ZWmtXUeQ0MoJjwu_g/s320/UntilForeverComesLG.jpg" title="Until Forever Comes" width="213" /></a></div>
I love books that take your typical paranormal tropes and spin them around. CC does that beautifully in this book. The twist? Well, shifter Ethan is sick, but draining his blood helps. Who better to mate a wolf who needs his blood drained than a sexy and powerful vampire! Miguel is a strong and powerful character who doesn't quite know what to make of his mate. It makes for some really great twists in the story. I enjoyed the power differences between the two. Ethan's innocence was charming and unusual for a shifter character. I'm sure you'll love him as much as I did.<br />
<br />
Since I had so much fun reading this series, I sweet talked Cardeno into answering a few questions about life and the books.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Why don't we start by having you tell us a bit about
yourself and your background?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
CC: Hmmm. I fear this will be dull to nth degree. I’m a
fairly low-key person, more than a bit of a home-body, better with friends and
small groups than big crowds, vegetarian for more years than I wasn’t, and
really thrilled to have the privilege to write.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If we were to look around the desk where you sit to
write, what would we find there?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CC: Pillows. I don’t have a desk. I write in bed or on the
couch. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
That aside, you’d find various cups of coffee, tea, and Diet Coke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Do you have a favorite personal mantra, quote, or saying
that describes your outlook on life and the way you approach each day?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
I’m not sure if I have that exactly, but when tough decisions come my way, I
try to remind myself that I have to live with whatever I do or say or don’t do
or don’t say, so I better act in a way that’ll make me feel right about my life
choices long after I’ve made them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When you have the chance to sit down and enjoy some quiet
reading time, what sorts of books are you most likely to pick up? Who are your
favorite authors?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
CC: I don’t have a lot of free time so when I read these
days, it’s almost always books in our genre. As far as naming names, I try not
to do that but I don’t think I’ll surprise anybody by saying that I’m a big
Mary Calmes fan. I’ve also enjoyed some books from Dreamspinner’s #tweetaway,
including Kim Fielding’s Good Bones.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzY37bHyBxhQ4tPjdgkui5jqR4qIB8h_FmDNdXS97k0IVtdTwxKOyqIg1bYN4Z95G-JhPysan6hucmLXrB8BUKjoCwpcKhREcx2gPUv1o3-eS4U7FjtaW2xBHjT1rlxHoNP7Ph4ns7RA/s1600/cast-member-joseph-gordon-levitt-attends-the-world-premiere-of-the-movie-the-dark-knight-rises-in-new-york-july-16-2012-reuters-andrew-kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzY37bHyBxhQ4tPjdgkui5jqR4qIB8h_FmDNdXS97k0IVtdTwxKOyqIg1bYN4Z95G-JhPysan6hucmLXrB8BUKjoCwpcKhREcx2gPUv1o3-eS4U7FjtaW2xBHjT1rlxHoNP7Ph4ns7RA/s200/cast-member-joseph-gordon-levitt-attends-the-world-premiere-of-the-movie-the-dark-knight-rises-in-new-york-july-16-2012-reuters-andrew-kelly.jpg" title="Joseph Gordon-Levitt" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph Gordon-Levitt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Who are your latest crushes (celebrity, book character,
or otherwise)? Do you ever keep those people in your mind when writing your own
works? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
For many years, I’ve adored Joseph Gordon Levitt, Matthew Montgomery, and Seth
Green.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Let’s talk about the Mates series. What inspired you to
write the first book, Wake Me Up Inside? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
I wanted to write a story about bigotry and acceptance but I didn’t want it to
be heavy-handed or preachy. It seemed to me that putting that message into a
paranormal world would make it more palatable. That’s the inspiration for the
whole series, not just the first book. Plus, I like shifters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn5ql6hCjFB093cD85kJDNhYzdAYddPNv4q90vUXYFaFwlbOsZO64D0kbzn9oYBJencsE_uQvtS_vRRX2OvA-dj9C6aNUgE5-j8KD9csH3vB7eUIraIK0eGGYIIIysWeN81I_03SqJMg/s1600/WakeMeUpInsideLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cardeno C " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn5ql6hCjFB093cD85kJDNhYzdAYddPNv4q90vUXYFaFwlbOsZO64D0kbzn9oYBJencsE_uQvtS_vRRX2OvA-dj9C6aNUgE5-j8KD9csH3vB7eUIraIK0eGGYIIIysWeN81I_03SqJMg/s320/WakeMeUpInsideLG.jpg" title="Wake Me Up Inside" width="213" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A little birdie told me that you’re really inspired by
music. Is my birdie telling the truth and can you tell me a little bit about
how music inspires you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
I love music of (almost) all kinds. I listen to it whenever possible, including
when I write. Usually when I start a story, I think about my general plot, my
characters, what I want to say, and then I find an inspiration song (sometimes
two) and listen to it throughout the writing process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Until Forever Comes has a really different tone than Wake
Me Up Inside. Did you do that intentionally? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
I supposed that depends on what you mean by different. Some of the major
differences that were intentional are: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wake Me Up Inside is written in the third
person, Until Forever Comes is in the First. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wake Me Up Inside is a childhood friends to
lovers story, so it spans many years/decades and has more softness to it given
the ages of the characters and the setting. Until Forever Comes is a story of
mates who meet as adults. It’s a much faster courtship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wake Me Up Inside ends more than 50 years after
Until Forever Comes starts. In Wake we hear about some incidents that took
place in the past and get a sense that the past was more violent and less
accepting than the present, but we don’t actually live those things. Even
within Wake, we see growth and change due to the main shifter character, Zev, and
the love he feels for his human mate, Jonah. Until Forever Comes has a darker,
rougher feel. It’s the start of the growth and change within the shifter world,
but as is often the case with growth, it’s slow going.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Finally, the dynamic between the mates is very
different in the books. Wake is told in the third person by Jonah and Zev, two
men with the types of personalities and builds that are traditionally
considered strong in an overt, obvious way. Until Forever Comes is narrated by
the small, up-to-then sickly Ethan. He can’t hold his own in a fight, he
doesn’t have an education or a job, he is looked down on by almost everyone, and
he’s not ashamed to admit that he’s scared much of the time. Ethan’s mate is
Miguel, an incredibly powerful vampire who fears nothing but causes those
around him to cower and beg. He has money, property, and the admiration/respect
of his peers. So on the surface Ethan and Miguel are as different as Jonah and
Zev are the same. But that’s just the surface.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ethan is a shifter with some pretty unique qualities.
What inspired you to have Ethan have the blood condition he has and what sort
of research did you have to do for that plot line? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
I read about a person who had health issues due to having too much blood
several years ago and I found it interesting. When I was planning this series,
I remembered that story and wove it into Ethan’s character and his connection
with his mate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Are there any other books planned in the Mates series? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
CC:
Yes. I’m going to bring the past to the present, taking us from where Until
Forever Comes ended until Wake Me Up Inside. And then we’ll go to where Wake
ended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What’s up next for you? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CC: I’ve been working on books for my Family series. Strong
Enough is the next one and it’ll be released in August. It’s about new
characters. Then More Than Everything will be released in November. It’s about
Chase, Daniel’s friend from Something in the Way He Needs, and about characters
we meet in Strong Enough. I’ve also got a short novella called A Shot at
Forgiveness that was released June 1<sup>st</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for taking the time to do this, Poppy. It was really
fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing like an amazing author, huh? Thanks for answering my questions Cardeno and I can't wait to see what you come up with next! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you're interested in more of Cardeno's works, you can find them over at <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=376">Dreamspinner Press.</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-45951136931175142302013-05-29T14:31:00.000-07:002013-05-29T14:31:53.568-07:00A Poppy in Texas<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZadteEOFpt6tXPKKVdL847svtMJiv1RtmBbzIMK8uzw4nX9JJb_Wm38L2IZLICHhXXYNYtSMWHKDQTl0EDPtiKytTRzUxragKEXuJyQ6SqryZ87TOe8SjvdLUH_8qS1_iSYzjN8THt1w/s1600/2013-05-22+23.32.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Texas Burgers" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZadteEOFpt6tXPKKVdL847svtMJiv1RtmBbzIMK8uzw4nX9JJb_Wm38L2IZLICHhXXYNYtSMWHKDQTl0EDPtiKytTRzUxragKEXuJyQ6SqryZ87TOe8SjvdLUH_8qS1_iSYzjN8THt1w/s200/2013-05-22+23.32.26.jpg" title="In and Out Burgers" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In-n-Out Burgers for Three. Yum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had an amazing trip to Texas over Memorial Day weekend. Visited with <a class="g-profile" href="http://plus.google.com/112777289924369876523" target="_blank">+Xara X. Xanakas</a> and had a blast in the Lone Star State. Warning: Do not read this if you are hungry. *g*<br />
<br />
To recap, I shall first say that *getting* to Texas was the worst part of the trip. After flight delays out the wazoo, I was only able to make it as far as Dallas, so Xara and her Spouse had to make the 3 hour trek to pick me up. It's okay though, they fed me dinner at midnight...my very first In-N-Out Burger. (California's finest on my first night in Texas--the irony was not lost on us.)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDR-RsbscGQf5_ZS6IDdtVeFE5LML-Bd1RtXIpkge32aHZ5JZ08n6TNjx5tQ7TpIbr5hNkJ9vDvmvyIpPENAqOkc32K5C1qnZd0Y4fKezr4I3N22GsoynwshLPuje16O7SWJK9q_lcMM/s1600/2013-05-23+20.32.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDR-RsbscGQf5_ZS6IDdtVeFE5LML-Bd1RtXIpkge32aHZ5JZ08n6TNjx5tQ7TpIbr5hNkJ9vDvmvyIpPENAqOkc32K5C1qnZd0Y4fKezr4I3N22GsoynwshLPuje16O7SWJK9q_lcMM/s320/2013-05-23+20.32.25.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at Jack Allen's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We fixed that on Thursday though with Breakfast Tacos for brunch. I had never had chorizo so it was another culinary adventure for me!<br />
<br />
Mani/Pedi and shopping time followed. I would show you a picture of my cute toes, but well...you'd probably rather see the food. Then we met up with Spouse for dinner at Jack Allen's. If you're in the area, GO THERE. Seriously. Amazing food. And drinks. And more food. Also, our server was absolutely adorable and I wanted to keep him.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1Jpg2Hj3CGjrYp7YpFjay03uxj9XryjsIa726L6AlB7usvUx8wU_A0whAZWxXNHf9qGX5aDwGuLmPjruojKIs-Jof6cohyEKu5rzPm1c8j1zu1eFjyOKoJs_K8yCqmAT73paeZ-F488/s1600/2013-05-24+10.44.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1Jpg2Hj3CGjrYp7YpFjay03uxj9XryjsIa726L6AlB7usvUx8wU_A0whAZWxXNHf9qGX5aDwGuLmPjruojKIs-Jof6cohyEKu5rzPm1c8j1zu1eFjyOKoJs_K8yCqmAT73paeZ-F488/s200/2013-05-24+10.44.52.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Mueller's--Home of Awesome BBQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day, Xara's Spouse and I were out the door bright and early to...wait for it....get in line for BBQ. Yeah. We had to wait in line because if you don't, it's all sold out. Crazy, huh? Apparently it's part of the experience or something. I'm still undecided on that part.<br />
<br />
There were a few jokes at my expense, mainly that I'd never had BBQ before because I hadn't had Texas BBQ. I scoffed. No really, I did. Then I had a wee little taste of brisket. Um. They were right. I'd never had BBQ before. Cause wow. Seriously. I just....yeah. It was awesome.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMkRZBCbiKT3PfhIxFvyYSGDK3x_iJLbj1EUmu4t5KodAkXBMK_QSPWL2m2rQOgTxNHYc2HXelhyphenhyphenjuPieUOSauLRAQtOn8BDsh4Q6ljt_Jd8FKSAdonbE7_1n0fRIX57FSa1Ghjbw-io/s1600/2013-05-24+11.52.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMkRZBCbiKT3PfhIxFvyYSGDK3x_iJLbj1EUmu4t5KodAkXBMK_QSPWL2m2rQOgTxNHYc2HXelhyphenhyphenjuPieUOSauLRAQtOn8BDsh4Q6ljt_Jd8FKSAdonbE7_1n0fRIX57FSa1Ghjbw-io/s320/2013-05-24+11.52.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Mueller's BBQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides the brisket, we had beef sausage, beef ribs, and prime rib. Oh, and this squash casserole that was...well, let's put it to you this way. I ate it. All. By myself. I didn't share. I didn't think I was ever going to eat again. Like...ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, I hadn't considered that I'd asked Xara's Spouse to make me a real Texas steak. Yeah. More food.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpl5Xl-7UDho-bUcerGpmFho7yQkR7gEYrlyYxeltDfATN_pU99PLuOwTzzWsIr1NNBBNXmNhK8C5GLRv3oEzkHpirRxwY2ihtb8CVbaDwXsAY3b9qwuzfK-ChuGgU8OHgmMbxxzTb-E/s1600/2013-05-24+19.19.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpl5Xl-7UDho-bUcerGpmFho7yQkR7gEYrlyYxeltDfATN_pU99PLuOwTzzWsIr1NNBBNXmNhK8C5GLRv3oEzkHpirRxwY2ihtb8CVbaDwXsAY3b9qwuzfK-ChuGgU8OHgmMbxxzTb-E/s320/2013-05-24+19.19.21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xara's Spouse's Steak...and sides. YUM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only the steak, but brussels sprouts and potatoes and mushrooms and...seriously. I didn't think I was ever ever going to eat again.<br />
<br />
(But OMG just remembering those brussels sprouts is making me want to make them for myself right now.)<br />
<br />
Okay, so it wasn't all food. There were drinks too. You'll have to check out <a href="http://xaraxanakas.blogspot.com/search/label/thirsty%20thursday">Xara's Thirsty Thursday</a> posts to find out what tasty beverages we were sampling.<br />
<br />
Okay, fast forward to Saturday and we had made our way down to San Antonio. Dinner was at the super cool Tower of Americas.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ovrJNriTqgOFpxXryYO40fEDfkS_e6UpkFwNCHxv3NSplBs8s6VkR-SGxW7A6Ve0adp1KfcL5WiV3DH69CdYkz0I3sIMcCcUgie2fkl1YTyCMhA1T_PvichzHLL9NgdDaYD7UJw6to8/s1600/2013-05-25+20.17.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ovrJNriTqgOFpxXryYO40fEDfkS_e6UpkFwNCHxv3NSplBs8s6VkR-SGxW7A6Ve0adp1KfcL5WiV3DH69CdYkz0I3sIMcCcUgie2fkl1YTyCMhA1T_PvichzHLL9NgdDaYD7UJw6to8/s200/2013-05-25+20.17.26.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our table at Tower of America</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's one of those restaurants that rotates. Yeah. I was a little concerned about that bit, but it was really awesome. Food was good, but the view was spectacular. Plus, got to see my aunt, uncle, and cousin which made it even more awesome-sauce!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO7rp6eA2TqJKroIh8QDs6aBmk_IjpH-1V_VSXwsZus7RMSSgE8Bn0mZhDgDd2NHPN3Ha2TzOZ3c1RH1Q6WXFw0ckxVhn1trJ9lEMxW8t6IQ68-hu-i9KxLA7J-4Yl5dAVMVXmyG-eJo/s1600/2013-05-26+10.15.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO7rp6eA2TqJKroIh8QDs6aBmk_IjpH-1V_VSXwsZus7RMSSgE8Bn0mZhDgDd2NHPN3Ha2TzOZ3c1RH1Q6WXFw0ckxVhn1trJ9lEMxW8t6IQ68-hu-i9KxLA7J-4Yl5dAVMVXmyG-eJo/s320/2013-05-26+10.15.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out-building at the Alamo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And then the big reason for the trip to San Antonio! I wanted to see the Alamo. You can't take pics on the inside, but we did get a couple outside and of te grounds. Such beautiful buildings and so much history.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GS2J0tEX01jQQNb3yIExnYlVvjZNTo7PqrNqQmZzPJSeZJWf0YBwfkiC9qs1lNOCs1GrFCx9Aoj_r-EkUVzjmgEwDBPnudgQhD-RYzlCYZlUvWzr18rd3FYz7kIG3m_L-ymt-oZgxpk/s1600/2013-05-26+10.20.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GS2J0tEX01jQQNb3yIExnYlVvjZNTo7PqrNqQmZzPJSeZJWf0YBwfkiC9qs1lNOCs1GrFCx9Aoj_r-EkUVzjmgEwDBPnudgQhD-RYzlCYZlUvWzr18rd3FYz7kIG3m_L-ymt-oZgxpk/s200/2013-05-26+10.20.34.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous tree at the Alamo</td></tr>
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The grounds were really beautiful too. I wasn't expecting that so it was a nice surprise. We wandered around for a while and did a bit of souvenir shopping (I got a cool coffee mug!) before...wait for it...we had more food.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc9f3mZnp7VPkynuwcgozr1ux02XQl4TQqNjstMMASW0pWXcb5EdmvWhcNJkSMn8zY8U5dyXONLu0HOnLndUwwOdWHBTvUzjlcrpTeYsTSM-p6ubZckd1LI9LFjy_pjfu5U_TV3F-Ef4/s1600/2013-05-26+11.01.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc9f3mZnp7VPkynuwcgozr1ux02XQl4TQqNjstMMASW0pWXcb5EdmvWhcNJkSMn8zY8U5dyXONLu0HOnLndUwwOdWHBTvUzjlcrpTeYsTSM-p6ubZckd1LI9LFjy_pjfu5U_TV3F-Ef4/s200/2013-05-26+11.01.21.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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I know, I know. All we did was eat. LOL But apparently Mi Tierra's is a "gotta do it at least once" kind of place in San Antonio. It's a huge restaurant. Lines around the block to get in. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoY0kKEvDdDtk4rwZxudYO7Vxr_0D5DfFnDeeYizpQTjExT6OpDLp3G2HKhErPfTmnaNFCIELJgbTi5aLNWaHFWXAM1g5_lwEgfe8555ZAXkNzL42edjKdpq6q6euksSnuMaW73Ph2N8/s1600/2013-05-26+20.37.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoY0kKEvDdDtk4rwZxudYO7Vxr_0D5DfFnDeeYizpQTjExT6OpDLp3G2HKhErPfTmnaNFCIELJgbTi5aLNWaHFWXAM1g5_lwEgfe8555ZAXkNzL42edjKdpq6q6euksSnuMaW73Ph2N8/s320/2013-05-26+20.37.26.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And then I had to see it for myself--anyone who's read Snakeskin Boots by Xara might remember a little scene in that book with bats coming from beneath an overpass. That's a real thing! The pics were really hard to take, but that smoky looking stuff? Yeah. That's bats!! Gazillions of them!<br />
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All in all, a fantastic weekend with great friends and new experiences! I can't wait to go back! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698486882898750925.post-660854387135763582013-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:002013-05-26T05:00:06.290-07:00Suit Up Sunday: Dylan O'Brien (AKA Stiles Stilinski, AKA the 'ST' in Sterek)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1eeeGmkdzllpMT-UyqulJt96vzE9i_XPb8HkHsVPrU7J_qwUBEh0wo82ThRWMMjFmUYscTf2_x6d8InIIRryBypZ0IpYuO0qDdDMM8X3-BTKArThmPd63lqTreNohbYQSZRWUcc0RkI/s1600/936full-dylan-o'brien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1eeeGmkdzllpMT-UyqulJt96vzE9i_XPb8HkHsVPrU7J_qwUBEh0wo82ThRWMMjFmUYscTf2_x6d8InIIRryBypZ0IpYuO0qDdDMM8X3-BTKArThmPd63lqTreNohbYQSZRWUcc0RkI/s200/936full-dylan-o'brien.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>
Guess what?! It's only 8 more sleeps until Teen Wolf Season 3!! Weee! (Pardon me while I have a massive fangirl moment.) June 3 is the big day, so I thought I'd do a little Suit Up post with one of my all-time favorite TV characters.<br />
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What is it about the adorkable Stiles Stilinski that keeps me coming back for more? Well, let's see: he's cute, sarcastic, super smart, funny as hell, and a great friend.<br />
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That not enough for you? How about this: STEREK<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDgWjczo2I7ww4cmFl_M0RE9Sdw0ks8Uc28cieczru0fkKdvnzyJGYXaZOWdhRMm561-Bx8F6rk_9EmjR31PP5ayn0cYbl9TwRAs7tlftVYig8jb8g8tDE_mBxmmthw7eqlwfbJK9lqE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDgWjczo2I7ww4cmFl_M0RE9Sdw0ks8Uc28cieczru0fkKdvnzyJGYXaZOWdhRMm561-Bx8F6rk_9EmjR31PP5ayn0cYbl9TwRAs7tlftVYig8jb8g8tDE_mBxmmthw7eqlwfbJK9lqE/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would be Sterek. Go on. Google it.</td></tr>
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For those of you who don't follow Teen Wolf in crazy fangirl fashion (and I'm not sure why you wouldn't, but okay...) Sterek is the slash pairing of Stiles and Derek Hale. *swoons*<br />
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I'm sure no one is surprised that Poppy the Paranormal Girl loves the werewolf. No one is, right? *crickets* That's what I figured.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuKdbOw5kG53Q5E8U9I8jzPfDiBBowUtxVLEoyNtu0hEoIxjxH4uRGR7ifjJ5VPNwGB365Poq3IjiwtXoEDA5q8fu_AAKNYT-S_K2Ljg6hqEXFsl-UGLuGxERBXtSpTpErhtjNJyiAdg/s1600/tumblr_m86rkpRnKd1rwf7g7o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuKdbOw5kG53Q5E8U9I8jzPfDiBBowUtxVLEoyNtu0hEoIxjxH4uRGR7ifjJ5VPNwGB365Poq3IjiwtXoEDA5q8fu_AAKNYT-S_K2Ljg6hqEXFsl-UGLuGxERBXtSpTpErhtjNJyiAdg/s200/tumblr_m86rkpRnKd1rwf7g7o1_400.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="155" /></a>But really, it's all about the Stiles for me. I absolutely love the character and Dylan O'Brien is such a charmer!<br />
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If you don't believe me, see this adorable gif as Exhibit A. How cute is he?!?! Doing the little dance with the wolf hat on! Awwww!!!!<br />
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I can't wait to see what mischief Stiles gets up to this season! I've been trying to avoid the spoiler/rumor mill, but man it's hard! I really love him!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu1Td3vDPTQ2y1_6-6jC9hVhaywptSaiVCAk3JH7qQW4AoBm1nubpfXWkKUEgOzFJTpigMzWAfMyWTJwAQ_-0i7lk-jQ0rsHKjTy3x5enZ_P0zBi2RL0S23tg41JmbID5TfLOPNef3aI/s1600/Dylan-O-Brien-Teen-Wolf-539x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu1Td3vDPTQ2y1_6-6jC9hVhaywptSaiVCAk3JH7qQW4AoBm1nubpfXWkKUEgOzFJTpigMzWAfMyWTJwAQ_-0i7lk-jQ0rsHKjTy3x5enZ_P0zBi2RL0S23tg41JmbID5TfLOPNef3aI/s320/Dylan-O-Brien-Teen-Wolf-539x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So if you haven't watched the first two seasons yet, go for it! You've got 8 days! Go on! Shoo now. Watch Stiles and report back to me!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331178836835887812noreply@blogger.com0