Marina Adair Joins Me to Talk about Summer in Napa

Today, I’m thrilled to host my good friend, fellow Roguer and national best-selling author Marina Adair! Marina’s book, Summer in Napa, released the day after Long Simmering Spring, and we thought it would be fun to interview each other. We made a deal: we’d ask each other the exact same questions, we’d swap blogs, and we’d give away a copy of each other’s book. (You can find my interview with Marina here.) The giveaway information is at the end of the post! And with all that said, let the fun begin!

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Welcome, Marina! Please tell me about your latest release. What’s coming down the pipeline next?

Marina & Elisabeth

First off, thanks for having me here, Elisabeth!

As for my latest release, SUMMER IN NAPA is the second book in the St. Helena Vineyard series. It follows the next to youngest DeLuca brother, Marco, and is out now. This book was so much fun to write because my hero and heroine are not only fighting the need to get naked every time they see each other, they are also fighting against their past—Lexi’s cheat of an ex-husband just so happens to be Marco’s childhood best friend. Finding a good reason for Marc to break man-law and fall for—and into bed with—his best-bro’s ex was entertaining.

Then the third book in the series, AUTUMN AT THE VINEYARD, releases October 2013 and centers around Nate, the brother who always has a well-laid plan for every occasion. Until he lands the most sought after vineyard in the Napa Valley and finds himself locked in a land dispute, and forced to cohabitate, with a hot-headed, irrational, and incredibly sexy woman, who doesn’t have a logical bone in her luscious body. Nate is surprised to discover that chaos could be so much fun—especially when she sleeps in nothing but lace.

Tell me something most people don’t know about you and would be surprised to learn.

When I was a kid I had a pet chicken named princess. She was an indoor/outdoor chicken and would follow me everywhere. We had tea parties, roller-skated, played Barbies, we even used to watch Highway to Heaven and Magnum PI together on the couch.  Which is funny because my daughter had a pet chicken too, Autumn, and to date it was her favorite pet.

So far, what has been the most rewarding moment in your writing career?

I always thought it would be the moment I saw my book in paper or had my fist book signing or five-star review, but it wasn’t. It was overhearing my daughter tell her friend that her mom was an author and when she grew up she wanted to write stories too. Later that week, on the way home from school, she told me her idea for a book she wanted to write and asked if maybe this summer we could write a story together.  That moment will stick with me forever.

SPEED ROUND:

Go-to snack when writing?  Eggo Waffles.

Favorite all-time favorite movie? This is a hard one … Sabrina

Chocolate, cake, or chips? White cake with white frosting. YUM!

Childhood fictional-crush? Remington Steel and Magnum PI. Oh, and Face off A-Team

How long have you been writing? I started my first novel in summer of 2008

How long did it take you to get published? Sold my first book in January of 2012

Just because she is awesome sauce, Marina is doing a GIVEAWAY!

One e-copy of her Summer in Napa can be yours!! I loved the childhood fictional crush question (which Marina totally thought up), so in the comments section, tell me YOUR childhood fictional crush, and one random commenter will be chosen. To win, please like Marina on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. Contest ends on May 26, 2013, at 9pm Pacific.

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Feeling Flush

Whew! It seems like it’s been an eternity from last Monday to this Monday when in reality, it’s only been a week. Yet in that week, a lot has gone on.

First, Long Simmering Spring released on May 13! If you’ve read it, thank you! I’ve been thrilled by the response it has gotten. Folks have been saying some very nice things, indeed! Guilty Pleasures gave it five stars and had this to say:

Long Simmering Spring will keep you off balance while completely drawing you in to an irresistible romance you can’t help but love.

And Kindles & Wine gave it an A- and said:

Long Simmering Spring is another great installment in the Star Harbor series from Elisabeth Barrett! The romance is perfectly paired with action and subplots. If you enjoy some contemporary romance with a few twists and turns along the way, you’ll enjoy this one. If you haven’t started reading this series yet, what are you waiting for?! Do it!

To celebrate my release, I’ve been doing some blog appearances. Today, I’m visiting Harlequin Junkie with a post called “Missing your Home Town,” and I also did an Interview at with Ruthie Knox at Ruthie’s Reality. I’d love it if you stopped by and showed me some love. Plus, I’m giving away a copy of Long Simmering Spring at HJ, and Ruthie is giving away one of each of the Star Harbor books on her blog, so it’s definitely worth the (virtual) trip.

If you missed my earlier blog posts, here are the others:

Romance Junkies, “What His Car Says About Him”

Romance @ Random, “Believing the Truth” and USA Today’s HEA, “Small Town Spring and Summer”

Kindles & Wine, “World Building in the Real World”

Guilty Pleasures, “Small Town Living”

So yes, there have been some serious goings-on at the Barrett house!

I’m also feeling flush today because things are cooking over here in writing land. You know about the release, but what you might not know is that I finished up additional edits on Slow Summer Burn (release date August 12) and finally completed my Tahoe manuscript, about which I’m just pleased as punch. It went off to my fabulous agent this morning, and now I just have to wait to see if she likes it!

To celebrate all this good stuff, I’m doing another giveaway: Emily March’s Reflection Point, a book I recommended in my USA Today post. In the comments section, let me know something interesting that happened last week in your life, and I’ll choose one random commenter to win! Please don’t forget to leave your email address – I’ve had a bit of trouble contacting people lately, and I don’t want you to miss out!

 

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Happy Friday!

My blog tour for Long Simmering Spring kicks off today at Romance Junkies, where I’m talking about the Grayson men of Star Harbor and their cars. Join me for some fun and a giveaway!

Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you on Monday for release day!

 

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The Calm Before the Storm

Last week was very work and writing-heavy for me, and it was a good, productive week. I worked through the final round of line edits on Slow Summer Burn, and I finished the first draft of my Tahoe book, which ended up close to 50,000 words – short for me, but a heck of a lot of fun to write. We’ll see what my beta readers have to say about it. Over the weekend, it’s virtually impossible for me to work, except at night when I’m so bone-tired, I can’t really contemplate working unless I actually have to. Still, that doesn’t mean I didn’t *do* anything. Here are the highlights. This weekend, I:

*Marched in a big parade with my three children in ninety-degree weather

*Went to a birthday party with one of my children and played in the sandbox

*Did five loads of laundry (and it wasn’t even laundry day)

*Swam with my children and Mr. B in a lovely, warm pool

*Made homemade guacamole and orzo salad to go along with my grilled chicken and corn-on-the-cob for our Sunday night dinner (not very Cinco de Mayo of me, but the fam loved it anyway)

So, yes, I did a lot. In other news, later this summer, I will be heading to the big RWA national conference. What this means is that I really need to clear the decks of swag from last year’s conference to make room for the inevitable swag I will get from this year’s. So one lucky commenter will receive one audiobook of your choice from my stash (I’ll give you a choice). Just let me know what you did this weekend! Also, I know Friday seems to be the giveaway day of choice for most folks, but Monday works for me for a bunch of different reasons so I’m thinking I’ll keep the giveaways going on Mondays, at least for a while.

Finally, in just one short week, my third book, Long Simmering Spring will be released! So far, people have been saying some very nice things about the book (thank you, thank you!) and my blog tour for Long Simmering Spring starts this Friday. I hope you’ll join me for giveaways and fun over the next few weeks to celebrate! I also have a little excerpt for you to whet your appetite. Just to give you a bit of set-up, Cole and Julie are on their first date and the past starts to bleed into the present.

“After what I’ve done, I can guarantee I’m not the same guy I used to be.” He shook his head. “Maybe not all my change is for the better, but it’s no surprise you’ve turned out to be someone incredible.”

It seemed that it was confession time. “There was another reason I slapped you.”

“Yeah?” he asked, his gaze steady, as if readying himself to take whatever she dished out. “What’s that?”

“I thought if I gave you the chance—if I let you in, even for a second—you’d break my heart. And I couldn’t let that happen. Not then. Definitely not now.”

A terrible look of sadness flashed across his face for just a moment, before he composed himself. “That isn’t me and that isn’t you. Not anymore.”

Long Simmering Spring (c) 2013 Elisabeth Barrett

Like it? Order it!

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The Final Countdown!

There are only two weeks left until Long Simmering Spring hits the (virtual) shelves on May 13th, and I realize that I haven’t been doing my part to whet your appetite. Because it’s a crazy, crazy week for me, I’m just going to get to the good stuff (i.e. an excerpt) and leave it at that. I will give you a little set-up, though. Our hero, Cole Grayson, has a past which colors the way others perceive him, and most definitely colors the way he perceives himself. Here’s Cole, thinking about Julie Kensington, a high-school acquaintence who’s now the local doctor:

Forget about who he was now; all she probably remembered was the guy he used to be. Bad. There was no other way to put it. He and his brothers had raised some serious hell in high school, and he’d been the worst of them all. The pranks, the drinking, the girls—God, it was embarrassing to even think about. Yet he’d come so far. He might still be one of Star Harbor’s notorious Grayson brothers, but instead of a cocksure hellion, he was a decorated military hero who worked every day to improve his community.

Maybe Julie didn’t care. They’d run in totally different circles—he with the bad boys and she with the good girls. He’d done nothing to distinguish himself to her back then until he’d confronted her—and himself—the afternoon he’d run into her behind the track at the high school. He’d made a play, and she’d turned him down, taking him apart with a few choice words. And then, bonehead that he was, he’d gone in for the kiss anyway. He’d gotten what he deserved that day—a slap so hard it had rattled his teeth, and a lecture on making something of himself.

Words he hadn’t heeded until years later.

Long Simmering Spring (c) 2013 Elisabeth Barrett

I s’pose I should put up the buy links. Here they are: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Other

And just because you’re awesome, I’m doing a giveaway! In honor of my release, give me your best spring memory, and I’ll send you one lucky commenter will win a copy of Fatal Justice by the excellent Marie Force (U.S. only, please). Stay tuned for another excerpt and giveaway next Monday!

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Read Long Simmering Spring Before Everyone Else (Birthday Edition)!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. If you haven’t received an email from me, please check your junk/spam folders and email me at ejbarrett15 (at) gmail (dot) com with your full name, NetGalley username, and NetGalley email.

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Today is my birthday, and in honor of this special day, I’m giving away free preview copies to the first 50 people to fill out and submit this form. I’m also well aware that it’s tax day, so hopefully this should ease the pain a little bit.

So sign up . . . you know you want to!

I’ll close the form when I get 50 entries, so if you can see the form, the giveaway is still open and you will get your book! Once I get all the entries, I’ll send out an e-mail with details (so watch for it and check your junk mail folder if you don’t get anything).

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#ROFLOL Blog Hop

Ooh, it’s time for another blog hop, this one for Elise Sax‘s debut novel, An Affair to Dismember, which is going to be released later this month. I had the good fortune to meet Elise at RWA12, and we hit it off immediately. She is one funny lady, and I am SO excited for this book, I can’t tell you! (Ask her how she thought up the title for her second Matchmaker series book!) Ahem.

The contest runs from January 14-21, 2013, and for one week only, you have the chance to win, win, win a copy of the book (plus other great prizes)!

Prizes from Random House include:

* A $25 e-gift card grand prize

* Four winners receive one copy of An Affair to Dismember by Elise Sax and Crazy Thing Called Love by Molly O’Keefe

 * Three winners receive a copy of An Affair to Dismember

* One winner receives a Mashup of books from Random House!

Click on the Rafflecopter link here!

Good luck!

And oh, yes, ROFLOL stands for “rolling on the floor laughing out loud,” so here’s something funny for you: Gangnam Style. Psy is a genius, and this song is overplayed but it will never get old. Never!

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Contest Over – Cover Reveal for Long Simmering Spring

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out the cover for Long Simmering Spring! You know I am in love with it, and I’m glad you like it, too. Winners are angieia and Kelly Lovato! Thanks! 

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I have been sitting on this for just about a week, trying not to go crazy because I love it so much. Without further ado, here’s the official cover for Long Simmering Spring, the third book in my Star Harbor series featuring the sexy-as-sin Grayson brothers:

If you click on the cover, it won’t make the picture bigger (boo!) but it will take you to the official book page at Random House (yay!). Long Simmering Spring is Cole’s story, and has the distinction of being the first book I ever wrote (and rewrote and rewrote again) so it has a special place in my heart. Here’s the official blurb:

Spring comes to Star Harbor, bringing unexpected passion for a sexy sheriff, as the next Grayson brother finds love with the town’s beautiful doctor.
 
Julie Kensington grew up in the same small town as the Grayson brothers and remembers when the boys were nothing but trouble. As teenagers, Cole’s rugged sex appeal set Julie’s heart ablaze, but she did her best to ignore it. Now a grown woman with a medical degree, Julie still can’t resist her searing attraction to the roughest, toughest Grayson. He’s ex-military, tormented, and sexier than ever, but are his wounds too deep to be healed by her loving, gentle touch?
 
Even back in high school, straight-arrow Julie had a way of making Cole think twice about his bad-boy lifestyle. When Julie decides she’s finally ready to embrace her wild side, Cole knows he is just the man to show her the way, unleashing years of pent-up desire. Neither of them counted on falling in love, but when Cole’s demons threaten to derail their relationship, it’s up to Julie to show him that together, they can overcome the past . . . and build a future.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Deep Autumn Heat, Blaze of Winter, and Along Came Trouble.

Heroes and Heartbreakers has the exclusive cover reveal – major thanks to all the H&H staff who made this happen so quickly!!!

And because it’s the holiday season and I’m over the moon with excitement, I’m doing a giveaway! I’ve got a copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter, so leave your comments letting me know if you like the new cover, and I’ll select two random commenters. Please sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of the home page of my website so I know how to contact you. They’re paperbacks, so U.S. only, please! Contest ends 12/15 at 9 p.m., PDT.

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Contest Over – Sexy Song Saturday #3 (Holiday Edition) and Hot Holiday Hop

Thanks to everyone who left a comment. Loved hearing from all of you, and now I have some more songs for future installments of Sexy Song Saturday! The winners of the books are: Marlena Fein and RaonaidLuckwell. I’ll contact you both to get you your prizes! Also, please head over to R@R to see if you’re a winner there!

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The Hot Holiday Hop starts today in honor of J. Kenner’s Release Me and Random House is giving away some great prizes! Julie’s book is getting some really super reviews which I am very psyched about (18+ only, if you’re considering it!).

But before we get to that, I also must mention that it is Sexy Song Saturday (“SSS”)! I started my SSS feature earlier this year, and this is only its third installment (you can read the first and second ones, if you’re interested). Because it’s the holiday season, I’m going to deconstruct a holiday song—the famous Santa Baby.

Have a listen (sung by the inestimable Eartha Kitt), and check out the lyrics:

Santa Baby
Written by J. Javits and P. Springer

Santa Baby, slip a sable under the tree, For me.
been an awful good girl, Santa baby,
so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa baby, a 54 convertible too,
Light blue.
I’ll wait up for you dear,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Think of all the fun I’ve missed,
Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed,
Next year I could be just as good,
If you’ll check off my Christmas list,

Santa baby, I wanna yacht,
And really that’s not a lot,
Been an angel all year,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa honey, there’s one thing I really do need,
The deed
To a platinum mine,
Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex,
And checks.
Sign your ‘X’ on the line,
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.

Come and trim my Christmas tree,
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s,
I really do believe in you,
Let’s see if you believe in me,

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,
A ring.
I don’t mean on the phone,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight,
Hurry down the chimney tonight,
Hurry, tonight.

The song was written in 1953, is noteable for being one of the few hit Christmas songs written by someone with two x-chromosomes (go, Joan Javits!), and has been described as a tongue-in-cheek look at the Christmas list of a woman who wants extravagant gifts.

On first blush, and without hearing the song, you could certainly read it that way, but when you listen to the song, with all its “boo doo be doos,” in the background and its pregnant pauses between lines, a different picture emerges.

First of all, the song is written as if she’s talking to Santa…but is she really? I’m not so sure. Now, this might be sacrilegious, but what if Santa = sugar daddy? Sure, it can be in a holiday style, but I’m envisioning a man dressed up as Santa Claus (like in the old movies) sneaking around the house trying not to get caught by the kids. Santa’s a “baby,” a “honey,” and a “cutie,” and there are all those “other fellas that [she hasn’t] kissed,” which leads me to think that Santa really isn’t Santa. This is especially true because of the lyrics of last two stanzas in general, and these two lines in particular:

Come and trim my Christmas tree,
With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s

and

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,
A ring.
I don’t mean on the phone

I won’t get into the obvious double entendre of trimming one’s tree (especially with the pause between that and the next line, leaving just enough space for the listener to wonder), but I will certainly discuss the “ring.” I’m interpreting this as an engagement ring. It’s the good-girl (but not really) as gold-digger ploy, I think. Plus, the breathless, “hurry, tonight,” really nails it home.

So part of my reading of this song is Eartha Kitt’s sex-kitten voice and part of it is that I’m convinced these are seriously suggestive lyrics. What do you think? Have I just completely spoiled an innocent holiday classic, or am I right on the money?

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for: the prizes! The Hot Holiday Hop runs from 12/1-12/10, and Random House is generously giving away:

• Grand Prize $25 Gift Certificate to a retailer of your choice!
• 10 print copy winners of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!
• 15 Net Galley Preview copies of RELEASE ME, must be 18 or older!

The Rafflecopter link to enter is here.

And hop on over to these other sites for more chances to win!

1.	Books Books and More Books	2.	Ruthie Knox
3.	SOS Aloha	4.	Bea’s Book Nook
5.	Elisabeth Barrett	6.	Review From Here
7.	Forget About TV Grab a Book	8.	Author Julieanne Reeves
9.	Tempting Reads	10.	Cocktails and books
11.	Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews	12.	Read Your Writes Book Reviews
13.	Romantic Reading Escapes	14.	Mimmi’s Musings
15.	Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review	16.	In Love with Romance
17.	Treasuring Theresa	18.	Ex Libris
19.	BookHounds	20.	Read-A-holicZ
21.	Fic Fare	22.	From the TBR Pile
23.	The Romanceaholic	24.	Talk Supe
25.	Books R Us	26.	Manic Readers Guest Author blog
27.	Book Lovin’ Mamas	28.	Blogging by Liza
29.	Saucy & Sinful Reviews Blog	30.	Tome Tender
31.	Bookshelf Confessions	32.	Delighted Reader
33.	RomCon – Romance Readers Convention	34.	Sascha’s Secrets
35.	The Book Reading Gals	36.	Readaholics Anonymous
37.	herding cats & burning soup	38.	Tyhada’s Bookshelf
39.	Reading Reality	40.	The Itzel Library
41.	The Book Tart	42.	Yvonne @ Socrates’ Book Review Blog
43.	Book Monster Reviews	44.	Book Obsessed Chicks Blogspot
45.	Book Lovers Inc.	46.	Boekie’s Book Reviews
47.	Autumn After Dark	48.	J. Kenner Hot Holiday Hop Featuring Release Me!
49.	Sinful Reads Blog	50.	Novels On The Run
51.	Sharon the Librarian	52.	Book Lovers Inc.
53.	Seduced By A Book

I’ve been on a giveaway spree myself, so while the giving’s hot (put intended), I’m going to give away an autographed copy each of Deep Autumn Heat and Blaze of Winter. All you have to do is to leave a comment either (a) letting me know whether you agree/disagree with my reading of Santa Baby; or (b) giving me a song suggestion for another Sexy Song Saturday. U.S. only, please, and the contest ends at 9pm PDT on 12/10.

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Blog Takeover with Jennifer Probst – Winner Chosen

The winner has been chosen, and it is Kris! Thanks everyone for leaving a comment!!

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Prepare yourselves for something a little different. Today, I am taking over Jennifer Probst’s blog and she is taking over mine. Who is Jennifer Probst, you might ask? Well, I’ll tell you: Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today  and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Marriage to a Billionaire series, which includes The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap, and The Marraige Mistake. She is also a Mets fan (something that Mr. B is super happy about), a mom of two, and all-around funny lady. For our swap, we decided to tell tales of motherhood and do a giveaway! Without further ado, please let me present: the Blog Swap!

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Holiday Breakdown by Jennifer Probst

Ah, motherhood.

Aint’ it grand? Most of the time. There are special times around the holidays that I savor and make me feel incredibly lucky to be a mom. My two young boys adore the festive season of Thanksgiving through Christmas. They love feasting on turkey and spending time with their cousins. Look forward to putting up the tree, scrambling through boxes and re-discovering their handmade ornaments and favorite decorations. Adore marking up the huge Toys R Us catalogue with their lists for Santa. Long lists. Really, really long lists.

But let’s be honest. The holidays are also a time for major breakdowns. Can’t even blame the poor kids – there’s too much going on and their poor little brains misfire. Sparkling lights, endless commercials toting the latest gadgets, desserts cramming space in their bellies. The result?

Meltdown.

The other day, I had to drag my kids into the store – which I try not to do around this time of year – and sure enough my older son caught sight of a large box with a glittery sign screaming Slushie Magic.

Oh. My. God.

“Slushie Magic!” he screamed at the top of his lungs. He hugged the box and lifted his beautiful face to mine. I looked into the melty brown eyes. “Mommy, please! I NEED to have this.”

“OK, I’ll get it for you.” He shook like in a convulsion. “For Christmas,” I said firmly.

NOT the right answer.

He dragged in a tearful breath. “No! I can’t wait for Christmas – that’s years away!”

I wheeled the cart  past the box and tried to jolly him along. “Let’s go, sweetie. Christmas is only a few weeks away and I promise you will have it under the tree.”

He didn’t budge. Pulled himself to full height. And said: “I want it NOW.”

My head scissored like the Exorcist. My kids know one thing about me. I am a huge pushover and get them way too much stuff. But the moment they act like a spoiled brat, I lose it. “Enough,” I snapped. “I told you before – no gifts till Christmas. Now stop acting badly or Santa won’t come at all.”

Thank goodness for threats of the big guy. But this time it didn’t work. My poor son just lost it.

He burst into tears and started screaming: “I want Slushie Magic! I want Slushie Magic.”

And so it began. I ended up dragging him down the aisle, while he cried with snot dripping from his nose. My little one stuck up for him and began crying too. I pushed the frikkin cart back down the aisle to the checkout, ignoring him completely while other moms shook their head in judgment AND sympathy. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a bratty kid that’s not ours to make us feel like a hell of a better mother. The cashier eyeballed us in horror, and I did the walk of shame to the parking lot while my usually sweet boy demanded his damn slushy.

So, let me pose the question to you my dear fellow mothers. What is YOUR breakdown story this holiday season? Hell, if you don’t have one for this year, I’ll let you comment on a previous one to be fair.

I’m giving away a free ebook of my holiday short romance, The Holiday Hoax.

Enjoy your season of presents, family, and tantrums!

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Jennifer, it has been awesome having you here! Thanks for joining me!

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