Monday, March 22, 2010

***UPDATE*** A Day & A Giveawy with Ms. Lori Brighton

Today ladies, I would like you give a warm welcome to a wonderful lady!
Please welcome Ms. Lori Brighton to
the Hussy Lair!!!

You know the drill, grab your favorite cup of whatever, get a comfy chair and settle in for some one on one time with Ms. Lori!!!

Ms. Lori, I want to thank you for coming over to my place today! It is delightful to have you here!!
Please make yourself at home.

I got this from Ms. Lori's website. This is couple of things about her:

As a child, thoughts of far-off places and adventure consistently kept Lori up late at night when she should have been fast asleep. After graduating high school, she came to the conclusion that there was no better way to seek adventure and nourish her love of history than to become an archaeologist. She went on to receive a degree in anthropology, but digging in the dirt during humid Midwestern summers wasn’t exactly as fun as she thought it would be. Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.

Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. Shockingly enough, the book finaled in a few contests, lending to the crazy assumption that she would quickly be published and live happily ever after. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart.

But that book, too, was rejected. And rejected again. And again. Just when she’d given up hope of ever being published, Wild Heart came in first place in the Golden Acorn contest. The final round judge from Kensington Publishing requested the manuscript, and she was finally offered that elusive contract.

Lori currently resides in the Midwest, where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat, two goldfish and the many, many people in her imagination.

Ms. Lori, if you will... please tell us a little something about yourself? Something that we can not easily find out.

Hmmm…some deep, dark secret? Sadly I don’t think I have any! I’ll pretty much tell anyone whatever they want to know. But something less exciting… I love the beach, hiking and nature. I have little collections of shells, fossils and minerals that I pick up when hiking; it’s like finding treasure! I know, sounds pretty lame. I even had three articles published in WildBird Magazine a few years back. Comes from my natural science background. But I’m also rather artistic. In high school, art (painting, drawing and pottery) was pretty much my favorite subject. But I haven’t drawn/painted in years! I would love to start again.
Inquiring minds would like to know what is the story about you going from museum curator to writer?
Well, I was a natural science curator, which meant sitting in a basement with nothing but dead animal mounts and rocks to keep me company. When you’re sitting in silence, alone, you can come up with a lot of story ideas! I’d always loved romance novels and when I knew I would be moving and quitting my job, I decided to try and write one.

For those who are new to the lair, Wild Hearts is Ms. Lori's first novel (yayayay)!
If you could please describe your heroine/hero to us; help us fall in love with them?
Ella, my heroine, is super sweet. So far, I haven’t heard of any readers hating her. Although watch, I’ll get a review the moment this is posted and the person will hate dear Ella. lol. She’s had a lonely, tough life. She has the special ability to sense and, at times, control animals. Because of this, she’s been made to feel guilty, as if her ability is evil. When Leo shows up, although many find him rude and abrasive, she can read his emotions and knows the real man. Leo, my hero, is a total alpha male. People tend to either love him or hate him. He witnessed his parent’s murder when he was a child and was forced to survive alone in a foreign country. Obviously he’s not going to be sweet and passive; it wouldn’t be true to character. He’s a survivalist and he’s intent on getting revenge. When he meets Ella, she makes him feel something other than revenge for the first time in years.

Why did you choose to pair paranormal with historical?

In the beginning I wasn’t intending to add the paranormal. But it just sort of flowed into the story. Since Leo is rather animalistic in his alpha male way, I figured having a heroine who could sense animals would connect them on a deeper level. Plus, I think the search for the treasure and the paranormal aspect reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie. Loved those movies when I was young!

How difficult was that to merge the two together?


Not difficult. It felt natural to me. But I did have some critique partners that didn’t care for it and thought I should dump that aspect. But I thought it gave the book a unique spin. Since the book has been released I’ve had mixed reactions. Some people love it, some don’t. The paranormal aspect comes into play much more in the second book.

How much research did you have to do; was the research difficult due to the paranormal/hist. aspect?

Not so much the historical, as I knew a bit about the Victorian era to begin with. And not at all with the paranormal. But researching Indian culture was very difficult. I found little on the web and in books. The problem with our written history is that they often ignored the everyday life. That everyday life is most important when you’re writing historical fiction.

For the second book, which takes place in India, it was even harder! I actually found a few journals and diaries online written by Europeans who were staying in India during the 1800s. These journals helped a lot.

A friend of mine has always wanted to know if authors already have the ending before they start writing their novels or
if it just comes to them as they write. What happens for you?

I’ve never thought about it! But I’d have to say, yes, usually I have a general idea of how it will end. I think most authors do. Although I do know some authors who have written books with love triangles and weren’t sure until the end who the heroine would end up with. Some authors plan out their books in detail. Others play it by ear. I will usually do a very rough outline.

How did your celebrate after Wild Heart was completed and sold?
It sold quite awhile after it was completed, so I had moved onto a new book. When I got the call, I did go to dinner with my family. But to be honest, I was so shocked and so nervous it’s all sort of a blur.

Can you tell us what we can expect to come from you in the future?
My second Kensington book will be out March 2011. I’m really excited to see what people think. As I mentioned, it has more paranormal and it’s very action-packed. The hero is Colin, a secondary character in Wild Heart. He’s very charming, different from brooding Leo. I’m also currently working on a new series, historical (no paranormal), and hoping to sell that soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Have you have any fangirl moments with authors that you admire? If so, care to share??
I decided to start interviewing other authors on my blog while waiting for Wild Heart to be released. Some authors said no, some yes. But when I wrote to Amanda Quick and Julie Garwood, I never ever expected them to agree. So imagine my shock when they did! They actually took time out of their very busy schedules to interview on my little blog. It was very exciting for me and they were just as lovely as I was hoping.

Okay... Random time....

If you could travel through time,what time period would you like to live in and why?
The Medieval time period is so romantic…in theory. I do love the Regency time period and the clothing because it was rather comfortable. So maybe that time period? Definitely the Victorian era since it’s the time period I write in and it was also really a time period of major growth. There was a huge interest in nature and antiquities, two things I love. Science and health were getting better and in a way, women had more freedom than they had before. Only negative, although the clothing was gorgeous, it wasn’t very comfortable and women went to ridiculous extremes to fit the pretty mold. Of course, we still do!

Describe to us a quiet night at the Brighton household.
Writing! That’s mostly what I do. I always have my computer on. I also love my evening TV shows. I’m watching Mercy right now and will switch over to Modern Family, Cougar Town and Ugly Betty soon. I’m also recording America’s Next Top Model. lol. As I said, I love my TV shows! We have a certain night that is game night, which usually involves my 5 year old throwing a fit when he doesn’t win.

What is your ideal date?

Hiking and a good dinner would be nice. I’d love an extremely surprising date too, like someone whisking me off to France for the weekend. But I suppose that only happens in romance novels. ;)

Do you secretly rock out to tunes in your car while driving?

Sure, although to be honest I have no problem driving in complete silence either. I have the stories in my head to keep me company. lol. I like all kinds of music, but mostly I’ve been listening to folk/pop/alternative, or Lesbian music as my gay cousin calls it. And positive, fun music! I’m sick of depressing songs/movies. Life is hard enough as it is. If I read a book, watch a movie, listen to a song, when it ends I want to still be in a good mood!

Coffee or Tea: Neither. I can drink both with lots of milk and sugar, but rarely do. I love soda (or pop as we call it in the North, and apparently in some parts of England, which I learned from an English guy working at Disney’s Epcot). But I’m trying not to drink it. So mostly water. Yuck!

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Definitely Milk Chocolate and way too much of it!

Dessert or Main Meal: Can I pick both? I love food! Especially when I don’t have to cook it. I’m addicted to Crème Brulee right now.

Theme Park or Jazz Club: Theme Park. I love Disney World! Especially now that I have a child.

Email or Text: Email. Yes, I will admit that I’ve never text’d in my life! How pathetic am I?

Sunrise or Sunset: Both! I love both, especially on the beach! But I’m usually a night owl.

High Heels or Flats: Flats at home, Heels only when I go to conferences or somewhere special.

Lip stick or Lip gloss: Usually Lip Stick. If I take the time to put on makeup, I want it to stay!

Comfy clothes or Knock Out Dress: At home, which is where I am most of the time, Comfy Clothes. When I go out somewhere special…Knock Out Dress.

I want to thank you again Ms. Lori for coming over to my place to hang out!
You are welcome here any time you want! =)


Ms. Lori just emailed to let me know that she has TWO copies to giveaway to two lucky people!!!!!!!!
How cool is that!!!


Ms Lori has graciously agreed to give away one of her books to a lucky commenter. What's the catch....
Tell us the name of the hero from her free short story???????


Please leave your email address, so we can get in touch with you!
Thank you all for sharing your day with Ms. Lori and I!!!


There is also a free short story on her site, please go --->> here to check that out!


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48 comments:

  1. Don't enter me - I just wanted to stop by and say what a great interview!! I loved Wild Heart :)

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  2. So, is everyone you're interviewing sticking around to continue the party? How crowded IS IT there by now?!

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  3. Hi all! Thanks so much for stopping by!

    Cecile, I love how you randomly place hot guys throughout your posts. lol. Def. makes my interview more interesting!

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  4. And I do have a title for my second book now... Wild Desire!

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  5. Good morning Cecile and Lori,

    Great interview.I'm looking forward to reading Wild Heart.

    Lori your short story is really great.I enjoyed reading it.
    The heroes name is Brendon.

    Now the tribe had the weekend off to recouperate(well so we're been told,who knows what Cecile made them do) :)
    **looks around, there's Caleb**
    Caleb I need my drink**wink**
    When will the other get here?We need some tribe lovin'**wink**

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  6. Marissa and I have had a few talks about Wild heart and I'm head over heels for Leo so of course this book is sitting on my shelves. Currently waiting to be assigned it's new place in my livingroom bookcases ;) Of course the smutty pic caught my eyes too and hovered for a while *rowr*

    Lori, WILD DESIRE, oh I love the connection of it with 1st novel! Can you share a description of the hero Colin...I never grow tired of talking heroes ;)

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  7. I'm not entering the contest, as I already own the book, but what a great interview!! I can't wait for Colin's story in Wild Desire. :)

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  8. Hi Leontine! I have to say, the best thing about being a writer is meeting so many interesting people from all over the world.

    anyway...

    My hero, Colin, is the complete opposite of Leo. He's like a blond Indiana Jones. Very adventurous; a charming rake with a gorgeous dimpled grin. No ties, no worries, always on the go.

    Bea, the heroine, is the complete opposite. She's a very prim and proper Victorian who has been very sheltered. So, as you can imagine, at first they hate each other.

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  9. Dru! Hey honey! Thanks for coming over! I am glad you enjoyed the interview! Ms. Lori is a great person!!

    Mandi! Hey honey! I was wondering how you were doing! Your place is always hoppin`!!! I am glad that you came by!! I absolutely loved Wild Hearts and my review should be coming up after the party!

    Chris!! Yea... it is getting a bit crowded, but thats okay.. The more the merrier!!! And I seem to have enough cookies for everyone to enjoy!!

    Lori Brighton!!! Good morning to you!! Thanks so much for coming hang out with me and the gang over here!!! This interview was so much fun!
    You are more than welcome for the delicious candy. When I saw his picture - Leo came to mind and I knew that I had to have him here.


    elaing8! Morning honey! Thanks for coming over to play with us today!!! OHhhhh and you will love Wild Heart!!! The story keeps you in suspense the whole time and it is deliciously wicked!

    The guys and I had a great **evil grin** weekend! We were all kinda tied up with each other! hee hee!

    Leontine!! Hey honey! I am so glad that you could make it out here today to play with us! Oh gosh, I love this book! This book kept me by the edge of my seat the whole time. And the desires, the emotions, the angst to do the right thing was in perfect balance! Ms. Lori did an awesome job! I can not wait for Colin's story!!!!!
    I am glad that you like the picture too...

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  10. A Buckeye Girl Reads!!! Thanks for coming over honey!!! It means a lot to us!

    Lori, thanks for giving us a peek a Colin.. I soooo can not wait for his book!

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  11. Great interview and such fresh questions Cecile...that's why I enjoy your reviews and parties! You always come up with something creative and new!
    houstonawknight@tampabay.rr.com
    I've got me fingers crossed for one of Lori's books.

    Hugs
    Hawk

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  12. Hello Ladies, I enjoyed the interview. Don't enter me. Its always nice to find new stuff to read:)

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  13. it just sort of flowed into the story.

    That's the best way, when it's organic. It really worked with yours. Which I've read and enjoyed immensely already, so don't enter me.

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  14. No need to enter me as I already have this one...

    Great interview, I didn't realize there were some paranormal aspects to the story - I'm looking forward to reading it!

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  15. It has been a while since I read this book now, how the time flies by :)
    Nice interview, and great book!
    So yes no need to enter me

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  16. The short story was fantastic...the hero is Brendan.

    Great interview too.


    ktulanko AT aol DOT COM

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  17. (Please don't enter me) just wanted to say howdy. Love your interviews Cecile!

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  18. Houston!! Hey honey! I am so glad that you could make it! Thank you for your kind words. You know in doing the interviews I do... I figured everyone asks the same questions of -how do come up with your work, whats your inspiration and so on... I love to learn about those things too... but I love to learn about the actual person. That's what makes you human to me... Not how many books you have out there or have you not... But if you blush when you read other works and such!


    Laurie (BittenbyParanormalRomance) Hey honey!! Thanks for coming over! I am glad that you could make it!

    Edie Ramer!!! Hey honey! Long time no see you, lol!!! I hope all has been well my friend! Isn't this an awesome story!!

    Patti!!! Hey honey! Thanks for coming over! It means a lot! Ohhhh there - there is a touch of paranormal in this story.. and it is intriguing as hell!

    Blodeuedd!!! Hey honey! It is all because of you that I have wanted this book soooooooooooo bad. I remember when you had this book at your place and I wanted it and you crushed me by telling me I would have to wait..... I thought I would cry!! LMBO!!!! Ohh how that feels like yesterday!!

    Kara!! Hey there!! Missed you! Hope all has been well with you too hon! Thanks for coming over!

    Smokinhotbooks!! Hey honey! Thanks for coming over. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself!

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  19. @Lori - A dimpeled grin *sigh* I love a guy with a dimpeled grin, it immediately gives off that mischievous vibe *shivers in delight* Colin and bea sounds like a great match Lori! Have fun with them and their story!

    @Cecile - I feel sandwiched now between you and Marissa's enthusiasm for this book LOL As soon as I can sneek it in between books to read i will!!

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  20. You guys are all such fun and so sweet! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave comments and for reading my short story and Wild Heart!

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  21. Wonderful interview. I'm one of the few that haven't read Wild Heart yet, but I'm curious now. The mix of paranormal and historical sound intriguing :)
    So I'll give it a shot with the answer Brendon, if this is open worldwide...
    Have a great week!

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  22. Brendon.. I must say, I never thought about it before, but that is a sexy name ;) LOL

    sexywomenread@yahoo . com

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  23. Loved reading the interview and short story by Lori!

    The heroes name is Brendon.

    lilazncutie1215 @ yahoo.com

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  24. Please count me in.

    What a great interview.

    cindyc725 at gmail dot com

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  25. Great interview :) The hero is Brendon

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  26. I just wanted to thank everyone for stopping by! And a special thanks to Cecile for the interview. You guys are great. :)

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  27. Leontine! Hey honey! Oh I think we love Colin girl!! =) *wink*
    Oh girl, you know my enthusiasm is going to rub off on you... and coupled with Marissa... you are bound to read this book soon!

    Janna! Hey honey! Thanks for coming over! Thanks for enjoying the interview! Oh girl, you have to read this book! And that is what drew me in too.. the mix!
    And Ms. Lori rocked it out!

    CallMeKayla!!! Hey hon!! Thanks for coming over!!!

    jeanette8042! Hey there! Thanks for coming over!

    I Heart Book Gossip!! Hey Cindy! Thanks for coming over honey!

    throuthehaze! Hey there! Thanks for coming over and playing with us!

    Lori Brighton!! Oh Lori, thank you for coming over to my little corner of the blog world!!!

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  28. As usual, late for the party. I guess I get stuck cleaning up huh? Well, as long as there's some hottie to help me sweep up I'm okay with it.

    And the answer to the question is Brendon.

    joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

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  29. joder! oh just wait that post is coming up too... hee hee!!! You are never late my dear... not at my house! Thanks for taking the time from your schedule to come over to my place! And I am glad that you like to come over!

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  30. I haven't read any of Lori's books but they sound really good. I loved the interview.

    answer: Brendon

    sstrode@scrtc.com

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  31. Loved the interview ladies! And another book to add to my list. I enjoyed the short story on your site Lori and I'm lookng forward to reading Wild Heart!

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  32. Nice interview ladies! I loved the short story and the hero is Brendan.

    The book sounds very interesting, I'm going to read it (one way or another;) )

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  33. Lol, oh Cecile, I remember that. I felt so bad when you told me you had been to the store and asked for it..though it did make me smile too ;)

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  34. sherry! hey hon! thanks for coming over!

    Tricia!! hey honey! I am so glad that you could make it over here! Oh and yes, Wild Heart should definitely be on your TBB list!!!
    Thanks for stopping in!

    host!!! Ohhhhh honey!!! {{{Hugs to you}}} I am so glad to see you out!! I hope school and work have not kept you to much of a hostage! Thanks for coming. I know how limited on time you are hon!! So, know that I love ya and send my prayers your way!

    Blodeuedd!! Yea, you were an evil tease ~ teasing me with this book!!! LOL!!! Because of you, I kept pushing until I finally got it!! (Actually I won it, yay go me) I wanted it one way or another!! All cuz of you!!! =) Know I love ya!

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  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  36. I'm not really entering your contest Cecile, just came by to drool over your smuttilicious clan :)

    I always like angsty heroes so Brendan would be, like, right up there with Acheron and Zhadist :)

    Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/03/win-lori-brighton-book-at-all-i-want.html

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  37. Hi Lori and Cecile! WONDERFUL interview girls! The party is still going full swing so sorry I was late to this one eeek.

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  38. Awesome interview! I'd love to read both books in this series!! Thanks so much for the contest :) The hero in the short story is named Brendon :)

    inthehamomckblog (at) gmail (dot) com

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  39. Great interview Cecile! Ive never read this author so thanks for introducing her to me! :o)

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  40. Cherry!! Hey honey! Thanks for coming over! Anytime you want to come over and drool you are more than welcome!!! Aren't they delicious. I love to be surrounded by delicious candy!!!
    And thanks for the shout out!

    JennJ! Hey honey, thanks for coming over and playing with us over here! I am glad that you enjoyed the interview!

    Carrie at In the Hammock Blog! Hi there and welcome! I am glad that you made a pass through and hope you stay a while! =) Thanks for coming over!


    Monroe Dawson!! Hey honey! Thanks for coming today! I hope you are enjoying yourself! Girl, please... you have given me some many names to add to my evea growing collections of new authors -> there is bound to be a pay back!! Hee hee!!

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  41. It seems that Brendon is Clara's co-star.

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  42. I'm new to your Blog but it's amazing. So many great interviews and giveaways! I've yet to read this book so sign me up. The answer is Brendon.

    Chirth7

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  43. Again, thank you ladies for coming over!!!

    Reena Jacobs & Christine, I hope you guys are enjoying your visit here at my Lair!!!

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  44. Loved the interview, and congratulations on your debut novel, Lori! I've heard great things about it :)
    And I really liked your short story - thanks for posting it online! <3 Brendon.
    Heh - the word verification I have is "benny" - close but no cigar :P

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  45. limecello! Hey honey! Thanks for coming up!!!! I am glad that you loved the interview!
    Wild Heart is an amazing book!!!! It keep me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride!

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  46. Nice interview. And the name is Brendon.

    spav05(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. Spav! Glad you could make it to Ms. Lori's post too! Thanks for coming over!

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I want to thank you for stopping by my place... I hope to see you again!!
I hope you enjoy my little bloggie home as much as I do!
With hugs, love and smiles... Cecile

My Fictional Smutty Boyfriend.... =)

"Quotes"