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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Years Blog Hop!


Fun Facts about New Years!

Why should you ring in the New Year with family and friends? It is thought that the first visitors you see after ringing in the New Year would bring you good or bad luck, depending on who you keep as friends and enemies. Keep your friends close and your enemies far, far away!

The Time Square New Year's Eve Ball came about as a result of a ban on fireworks. The first ball, in 1907, was an illuminated 700-pound iron and wood ball adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs. Today, the round ball designed by Waterford Crystal, weighs 11,875-pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and is bedazzled with 2,668 Waterford crystals.

In Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-size male doll called Mr. Old Year with memories of the outgoing year and dress him in old clothes from each family member. At midnight he is set on fire - thus burning away the bad memories of the year. 


It's another year over! Can you believe it? Well we authors, readers, and bloggers sure can't. And to celebrate the New Year with bang, we're going crazy and sending out so many prizes, fun parties, experiences, and other goodies, that it's a bit scary. Each author has a favorite New Year memory, book, idea, or way to party and we're going to show you! Can't wait to see you January 1st - 6th!
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A BLURB OF JAIME RUSH'S BOOK
DARKNESS BECOMES HER (6TH BOOK OF THE OFFSPRING SERIES)



CHAPTER 1
"What are you on to, checking up on me?" Lachlan narrowed his eyes as his brother sauntered into the kitchen.
Magnus managed to find a reason to come to the family's remote estate, dubbed Sanctuary, every few days for some lame reason or another. As usual, he surveyed the house, checking to see, perhaps, if garbage was piling up or if Lachlan had painted any of the walls black.
Magnus poured himself a cup of tea from the pot sitting on the counter, then opened the fridge to pull out milk and frowned. "If I were checking up on you, I’d point out the lack of quality food in the fridge.” He closed the door and tugged on Lachlan’s hair. “Or that you haven't cut your hair in months; it's as long as a girl's." Magnus pinched Lachlan’s chin. "At least you shaved, but next time use a mirror. You missed some spots.”
"Considering you and the clerks at the stores are the only people I see, I have no need for a cut and style." Lachlan stroked the strip of hair that ran from the bottom of his lower lip to his beard. “I was bored, figured I’d try something different.”
Magnus lifted the back of Lachlan’s old T-shirt. "No lash marks on your back, at least. Saw a movie about those monks who beat themselves with whips in punishment."
Lachlan shoved him away, not that the big guy moved much. "Sod off. Thought you were busy, as you’re so happy to tell me, living life, shagging women, and making up for lost time. Why are you driving all the way out here to check up on me? Making sure I haven't gone over the edge?"
Magnus dropped down into a chair and propped his big, black shoes on the kitchen table. "Holing up here by yourself day in and day out, it's bound to make you mad. You're a pain in my arse, but you're all the family I got. You want to live like a monk, keep punishing yourself for the past, nothing I can do about that. But I don't want to come out and find your rotting body."
Lachlan smirked. "I didn't know you cared."
"I'm the one who's going to have to deal with it."
Lachlan leaned against the counter. "Ah, it's the clean up you're worried about. I promise you, I’ll not be doing myself in. That’s a coward’s way out. I'll live‘til I’m a hundred and deserve every wretched minute of it. Now you can move on."
Magnus tilted his head. "I do care. It's me and you, Locky. That's all we've got."
"Don't remind me, Maggie." Not that he could forget why their parents were dead.
"You’re the only one who hates yourself, you know. It's time to ease up."
"Ease up? I killed our mum, for God's sake. Would have killed you, too, if I hadn’t come to my senses. I'd hate me, if I were you."
“You made a mistake, a big one, but you had no idea that the outcome would be as horrific as it was. It's been almost a year, Locky."
Lachlan kept his expression passive. He didn't deserve forgiveness or release. Or the childhood nickname. "I’m happy working on my projects, being alone, and living vicariously through your exploits. Get any gigs?"
Magnus gave him an exasperated sigh, hopefully giving up on him. "I'm filling in for an ailing drummer Saturday for the Wee Willies. And I've got a date. Not that you'd know what one of those is."
"I know what a bloody date is."
Magnus laugh came out a low rumble. “Oh, that’s right, you learned all about that kind of thing in those chat rooms and from watching dirty movies.” When Lachlan narrowed his eyes, Magnus raised his hands. “I’m not judging you. I watched them, too. We were hot-blooded teenage boys living a life in isolated areas, being home schooled. We had to get our jollies somewhere. But we’re not boys anymore, not being hunted down. It’s time to go out in the world and live.” He raised a thick eyebrow. “And touch women.”
“I’ve no interest in either. I'll stick to my cars, thank you.”
Magnus nodded toward the newspaper on the table. "At least you're keeping up with society. The girl I'm seeing, she's in there. Front page of the Living section.”When Lachlan didn’t move toward the paper, Magnus said, “Go on, have a peek."
She must be a number if he was eager to show her off. Or he was really hot for her. Maybe both. His brother always filled Lachlan in on the girl he was dating, a different one every time. Not to brag, but probably out of an attempt to draw him out into the world. Tempt him.
Dutifully, Lachlan turned to the section. The story featured a winter carnival to raise money for a local girl who not only had muscular dystrophy but had recently undergone a bone marrow transplant. An anonymous marrow donor had saved her life, but medical bills threatened to bury the family.
There, in the background of one a photo of people setting up booths was a petite, dark-haired woman, her shiny hair in a pixie cut that fanned over her shoulders. Unaware of the camera, she held up a large sign while two people hammered it in place. Her profile showed apple cheeks, tight-fitting jeans, and a sweater that molded a great set of knockers.
"Nice," he allowed.
"I haven't even pointed her out yet." Magnus jabbed his finger at the same woman. "Name's Jessie. I've fallen for her."
"That's what you said about the last four or five. Or ten."
Magnus’s mouth turned up in a roguish smile. "Yeah, and I did, temporarily."
"What happens after you've fallen? You just get up? That's it, the feelings are all done?"
"Yeah, like the bubbles going out of a soda after it's been sitting for a while. But there's something about Jessie that I can't put my finger on."
"Well, she's hot."
"She is, but that's not it. Dunno. Anyway, you could come to the carnival—"
"No, thanks. Have fun with your girl. I hope you're using a condom."
Magnus smirked the same way he had. "I didn't know you cared."
"I was thinking of the lass, you horn dog. ‘Twould serve you right, catching crabs or lobsters or whatever."
Instead of taking the bait, Magnus laughed, shaking his curls. Well, sure, he could be in a good mood. He was going to get laid.
Magnus pushed to his feet. "All right, carry on with your wallowing. Might help your mood if you got laid, too."
"Stop reading my mind. Invasive, meddling—"
Magnus chuckled as he headed to the front door. “Nice job on the fifty-five, by the way. Sexy as hell. I’d say the sixteen coats of Marine Spar varnish did the trick." He let the door close behind him.
That’55 Chevy truck was as sexy as Lachlan’s life was going to get. He carried the mugs to the sink but stopped short. The shiny, blood red tile backsplash was wobbling. The floor shifted under his feet. Earthquake? He dropped the mugs back on the table, and the house started spinning. He grabbed onto the back of a chair at the small table, but it gave way. And so did he.
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And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.
   But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $300 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!
 
 

GRAND PRIZES GIVEAWAY HERE





BBL Reviews Giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


57 comments:

  1. I like that feeling of starting new or fresh that can accompany the new year (even if only lasts for the day) ;) wishing you happy new year
    gamistress66 (at) aol) dot) com

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  2. It's a brand new year, and that if you had a bad one previously its a chance to begin again.

    Rafflecopter Name: Dawna Newman

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. My favorite part of New Years is the fireworks! I love them. They always seem a little magical to me!

    grapeapril75(AT)gmail.com

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  4. My favorite part of the New Year is the since of starting anew. I have 364 days left to make this year better than last. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

    Judy
    strawberryrose@earthlink.net

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  5. I like that it is a brand new year and I get to grow from whatever mistakes I made last year and grow from the lessons learned. Happy New Year and thank you for sharing a piece of your heart and soul in each of your books in 2013!

    angelheart618@gmail.com

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  6. My favorite part of the New Year is just starting fresh! I try to do a clean sweep thru my house, life, and clutter. Try bring the main word!! :)
    I hope ur NewYear is filled with laughter, love , and time for the little things!!

    Carriefort29ATyahooDOTcom

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  7. I like the time spent with family and the feeling of new beginnings and possibilities. thanks danelle. chickyskitchen@yahoo.com

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  8. My favorite part of the New Year is that people seem to evaluate their action/behaviors of the previous year and tend to be kinder/more gentle in dealings with each other.
    planterofhope at aol dot com

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  9. I have to say that my favorite part besides kissing hubby on new years is the fact that everyone trys to be better in the new year... They reflect on the past year and vow this year will be different... I know i do this and try to change for the better.

    j.m.platt83@gmail.com

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  10. Just everyone getting a new start (so to speak). So many of my family and friends make resolutions every year. I always try to encourage them as they go along, even when they slip up.

    Happy New Year!!!

    Deb T
    mammy4423(at)yahoo.com

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  11. Happy New Year!

    I'm just looking forward to a year of love and life.

    ~*Drea*~
    dreabecraft(@)aol.com

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  12. i love the xmas sale shopping at the beginning of the year.
    happy new year!
    xxxx

    rachaelconstant@ntlworld.com (uk resident)

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  13. My favorite part is the New Years Kiss, with the love of my life.
    Happy New year & big hugs
    Missie Jones
    missie25524 (at) netzero (dot) com

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  14. watching the ball drop of course! :) and eating our New Year's cake.
    sstogner1 at gmail dot com

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  15. My family was never into traditions. Boring, I know, but it was just another day.

    Michel_Lee_King(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  16. Thanks for being part of the Hop!

    strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com

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  17. spending time with my friends and husands family(since we get along so well)

    jessicaoz@hotmail.com

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  18. I love being with my husband and kids, playing games, and having a good time.
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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  19. I love how it's a new slate for everyone to try to make a better year :)
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

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  20. I like the possibilities of a New Year. It's like starting a new book, you just don't know what kind of adventures you will have.
    Happy New Year.
    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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  21. Thanks for participating in the hop. Happy new year :)

    xandrajames AT gmail DOT com

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  22. LOL, I don't know. It doesn't feel any different in 2013, so nothing I'd set apart.

    Happy New Year!

    anasmithblue@gmail.com

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  23. I like the feeling of a new beginning.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  24. I like the fact of new beginnings!
    I did tweet but having no luck with the url anywhere; sorry I tried once again!
    Thanks for the holiday!
    Happy 2013!
    deethomas291 at gmail dot com

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  25. My favorite part of New Year is my cousin's annual New Years Open house. I get to see friends and family that I didn't see at Christmas. We catch each other up on the past year and eat lots of good food (again).
    Wishing you good things and much success this year. Happy New Year and thanks for the chance to win. <^_^>
    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. Thanks for the hopping!
    I like the idea of having a blank page of my life
    movie1997 at live dot it

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  27. new beginning
    Happy new year!
    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  28. My favorite part is the fireworks.
    bituin76 at hotmail dot com

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  29. My favorite part is watching the fireworks.

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. My favourite part is the countdown and fireworks!
    Thanks!

    dita(dot)skarste(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. Happy New Year!

    Favorite part is probably the midnight kiss :)

    Stacey
    staceyprice(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. I like the fireworks,

    Jennifer Rote
    wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com

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  33. I stay home and watch the ball drop on TV and I am very happy to do that. lol
    gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. The midnight kiss of course!
    Thank you for participating in the New Year Blog Hop!
    Best Wishes in 2013
    uilani25 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  35. that I can start fresh again thanks for the hop
    myboo63@hotmail.com

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  36. I like counting down until midnight. Thanks! katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  37. All the excitement of everyone around.
    Happy New Year!!

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  38. New Year's Day is one of two days of the year where my family splurges on lamb for dinner.

    tp DOT quixotic AT gmail DOT com

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  39. my favorite part is saying bye to the old year and all the ugly that was associated to it. A new year feels like a fountain of hope and a chance to make myself and life better.I know it is all in my head, yet it still makes me feel more alive and motivated, hope your new year is full of fun adventures, love and laughter.
    peach_hugs@yahoo.com

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  40. My son was born on New Year's Eve morning 1983 - out with the old, and in with the new, right? We go downtown on New Year's Day to see the Mummers Parade, which is ALWAYS a complete blast!

    A New Year is always the opportunity for A New Start in every area of our lives - happy and healthy 2013 to all!

    Felicia
    mrschopchop(at)verizon(dot)net

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  41. Happy New Year to you!
    verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

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  42. My fave part of the new year is that feeling of starting over fresh, letting the old stuff go and going at life anew.

    Happy new year and thanks for the giveaway!

    always.and.never AT gmail DOT com

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  43. The champagne flavored kiss, of course!

    dreammie_angel at yahoo dot com

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  44. My favorite part of New Year is celebrating with family and friends.

    bhometchko@hotmail.com

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  45. Have a great Happy New Year!!
    red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  46. Hi! Happy New Years! My favorite part is being with my family. Thanks for the awesome hop and all the giveaways! This is so fun! I love these hops! I always meet new authors, reconnect with old ones and my TBR list grows by leaps and bounds! Thank you!! Have a great day! Best wishes and many blessings to you!
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. Staying home with my family.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  48. My favorite part of the New Year is all the kissing everywhere at the same time!

    Ann
    Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com

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  49. being with my family angel0319@hotmail.com

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  50. i like all the finger food
    kaholgate at ymail dot com

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  51. My favorite part of New Year is spending time with family and waiting for midnight. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    thompsonem3 at aol dot com

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  52. I stay home on new years eve watch tv. Thank you very much for the great giveaway and fun blog hop!
    I wish you a very Happy New Year!
    Latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  53. My favorite part of the New Year is that it's new! It's a chance to start fresh. I'm also a big fan of hanging up new calendars.

    j.lennidorner@facebook.com

    Happy New Year from What-Are-They.com ! I hope you have a great one. Thanks for taking part in the hop.

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  54. Being able to meet new people at the bars.

    mestith@gmail.com

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  55. Food, Family, and fireworks is my favorite,
    scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

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  56. Rose parade, thanks
    r.d1@myfairpoint.net

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  57. I love how everyone all around the world celebrates the same thing.

    tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete