Seduced by the Handyman (Cougars & Cubs Book 2) by Nancy Fraser

 

An older woman and a younger man ... being about the same age as the heroine in Seduced by the Handyman by Nancy Fraser, I fully support this. :) Check out an excerpt from this sizzling book and then be sure to follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

After a prolonged and messy divorce, 42 year old Cate Matthews uses her financial settlement to purchase a condo in a regentrified warehouse. The only problem with her new home is the plumbing. It doesn’t take her long to realize she needs an expert to fix the rusty pipes—both the building’s and her own.

Mitch Taylor, 27 year old former Army Ranger and now full time student, is working hard toward earning his engineering degree while balancing his education with part time work doing household repairs.

When Mitch shows up in Cate’s lecture hall, she’s immediately impressed with his knowledge of U.S. history, a subject to which she’s devoted her academic career. However, as impressed as she is with his historical acumen, when he lands on her doorstep with an impressively large bag of tools in hand, history is the last thing on her mind.

Perhaps this much younger and infinitely sexy man is just what she needs to get her dormant sex life back on track. Given the huge difference in their ages, Cate assumes the relationship will fizzle out after a few—albeit perfect—trips around the bedroom.

Much to her surprise and delight, Mitch seems to be in it for the long haul. Their 15 year age difference is the least of her worries when she realizes how quickly she’s been seduced by the handyman.

Warning: Contains language and love scenes some readers may find HOT!

Read an excerpt:

“Dammit!” Cate Matthews shut the kitchen tap off quickly, but not before water sprayed everywhere, drenching the countertop, the china she’d placed on top of the dishwasher, and a good portion of her brand-new hardwood floor.

“Let me guess,” Sela shouted from the living room where she worked unpacking boxes.

“The half-assed patch job you attempted on your faucet didn’t take.”

“Shut up,” Cate groused. “I never claimed to have plumbing skills, and that Plumbing for Dummies book was less than helpful.”

Her best friend laughed heartily, arriving in the kitchen with an armful of towels. “Need these?” Sela asked.

“No. Thank you. I got most of it with half a roll of paper towel.”

Sela shot her a grin. “Are you ready to concede you need to call a real plumber?”

“I’m ready to concede this condo hasn’t turned out to be as perfect as I’d thought,” Cate admitted.

Sela pulled a bottle of wine from the fridge and took two glasses out of the cupboard.

“Perhaps you should have held out for more in the divorce. You could have been the one to keep the house, not that asshat ex of yours.”

Cate shook her head and gladly accepted the offered glass of wine, plunking herself down onto the closest chair. “It took four long years to finally come to an agreement. I was just glad to have it over and done with it.” She paused, taking a long drink of Cakebread chardonnay. “Besides, after I found out he’d screwed his last fling-of-the-month in our bed, I lost all interest in the house, and everything in it.”

“I can’t believe he admitted it,” Sela said, shaking her head, her short brown curls bouncing around her full face.

“I think it was his plan all along. He knew I’d cave and give him the house, and he was willing to pony up an extra cash settlement in exchange.”

Sela turned in her chair, scanning the open concept living area. “This is a great condo,” she admitted, “and within walking distance of the university.”

“I do love it—except for the wretched plumbing.” Setting her empty glass aside, Cate returned to organizing her kitchen. “I’ll give in and call a plumber in the morning.”

Sela stood and reached for her lightweight jacket. “I’d better get going. Ted’s due back from Boston on the eight-thirty flight and I told him I’d pick him up.”

“Thanks for the help, Sel.” Leaning forward, she gave Sela a hug. “Give Ted a kiss for me. I really appreciated his help finding this place.”

“Even with the plumbing?” Sela teased.

Cate nodded. “There’s something ironic about a forty-two-year-old divorcee who’s not had sex in nearly five years moving into this renovated warehouse.”

“How so?”

Cate grinned, a short laugh escaped. “Simple. Just like this old building, my pipes are definitely rusty.”

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Seduced by the Handyman Puzzle

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

Published in multiple genres, Nancy has published over thirty-five books in full-length, novella, and short format. When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

Media:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor  @nfraserauthor 

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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Fraser/e/B004AOL61Y/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/fraser425/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA 

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Nancy Fraser will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Meet Jarrod Jeffries from The Misadventures of a Wannabe (Slutty) Bartender by W.S. Carmichael

 

With a title like this, you know you've got a great romantic comedy at your fingertips. You'll get a taste in this character interview. Also check out an excerpt from The Misadventures of a (Wannabe) Slutty Bartender by W.S. Carmichael and then download your own copy. Be sure to also check out the rest of the tour and leave your questions and comments along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Ava Moreland has it all planned out. In two months, she will marry her fiancé, Tim. She’ll continue working at Vegas’s famous Cosmopolitan bar while he runs his father’s accounting firm. Soon they’ll start a family and she’ll have the white picket life she’s always dreamed of.
Or not.

When her fairytale engagement implodes in a devastating display, Ava embarks on a quest to reclaim her identity and feminine prowess – by sleeping her way through Las Vegas. With her best friend, Jarrod, acting as wingman her plan is foolproof.
Or not.

Nothing goes as planned with hilariously disastrous results. Her sexual misadventures will keep you in stitches as Ava searches for herself in Sin City, finding herself and her happily ever after in the unlikeliest of places.

Read an excerpt:

The day passes quickly and before I know it, I’m getting out of an Uber in front of the Tropicana. I smooth the imaginary wrinkles out of my dress, hike my purse higher on my shoulder and walk through the main entrance. I try my best to ignore the butterflies in my stomach while I make my way to our designated meeting area.

I remind myself even though I am not normally a one-night stand kind of girl, I am committed to stepping out of my old way of living. I do not want to be that girl. You know, the one who never takes a risk, never steps off the safe, well-lit path she’s laid out for herself. The one who looks back over her life when she’s gray and old, only to realize she settled. She settled for the sure bet, the man who could never own her heart enough to truly break it, the safe career and the white picket fence. She settled for all the things she knew could never make her soul sing but could never make it cry either.

I no longer want to be that girl.

I want to be the girl who lives life, the girl who seizes every opportunity. I want to be the girl who embraces her wild side until she finds a man who can tame it, not suppress it. Tonight, I want to be the girl who doesn’t go home and molest her showerhead.

Buy on Amazon

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Character Interview:

Jarrod Jeffries being interviewed by WS Carmichael

WS: Good morning, Jarrod. I’m sure you know me as the author of The Misadventures of a (Wannabe) Slutty Bartender. Our fans would like to know more about you. Are you ready for some questions?

Jarrod: I sure am, WS. WS? Those letters don’t flow together like JR or TJ or AB. Why WS?

WS: I thought I was asking the questions here. W and S are the initials of my first and middle names. Wendy Sue. Can we get back to you?

Jarrod: Of course! I love talking about me.

WS: Tell us about Jarrod Jeffries. What is your family like? Are you originally from Vegas?

Jarrod: I’d love to say I moved here from a small Mid-West town to escape the unending judgement of my homophobic family, finally able to be myself after a lifetime of oppression. What a riveting and harrowing tale I could weave. Sadly, my family was obnoxiously supportive and my coming out story disappointingly underwhelming. I sat my parents down after dinner one night. Picture it – my fifteen year old self was dressed in the most solemn outfit a flamboyant teenager would own. I took a deep breath and nervously delivered the speech I had rehearsed in my head. I put my foot down, demanding to be accepted as I was. Imagine my dismay when my parents looked at each other and rolled their eyes, apparently used to my dramatics. My mother said, and I quote, “Honey, we’ve known since you were five. Go do your homework.” It was heartbreaking, I tell you!

WS: You do have a flair for the dramatic. Have you ever thought of a career in show business?

Jarrod: Only every waking minute! Alas, as fabulous as I am, I don’t possess any showbiz worthy talents. I am doomed to live vicariously through Ava’s parents, Diane and Eric.

WS: Speaking of Ava, what is your favorite thing to do together?

Jarrod: You mean besides listening to her talk about the disaster that is her love life? We love our BFF movie nights. We gorge ourselves on junk food and drool over Channing Tatum movies.

WS: Tell the fans something about yourself we’d be surprised by.

Jarrod: As much as I joke about my family’s irritatingly supportive roll in my coming out story, I know how fortunate I am. Many kids aren’t as lucky as I was. They are met with derision, cruelty and even violence for being gay. I run a support group for LGBTQ teens at the local center. Our goal is to foster an environment where they can express themselves freely and work through the issues and difficulties facing them.

WS: You are every bit as wonderful as Ava says you are. I hear there is someone else special in your life who also thinks very highly of you. Care to give us some details?

Jarrod: Let’s just say if you wrote LGBTQ romances, you’d have a scorcher on your hands. Too bad Stewart and I were only allowed a minor subplot in The Misadventures of a (Wannabe) Slutty Bartender. I guess my fans will need to read the book to hear how we met and fell in love.

WS: I wanted you to find your HEA also. That’s why I created Stewart for you.

Jarrod: (laughing) It’s cute how you think you were in charge of creating us. You are not a creator. You are a vessel. We reveal ourselves to you as we wish and your job is to put us on paper. If you created us, you wouldn’t spend so much time rewriting your outlines. We’d be better at following your directions.

WS: Thank you for minimizing my role in all this. One last question. If The Misadventures of a (Wannabe) Slutty Bartender were made into a movie, who would play you?

Jarrod: That’s easy. Colton Haynes. Look him up. You won’t be sorry.

WS Carmichael is attempting to write the world into romantic bliss one novel at a time. Based in upstate NY, she travels as often as her hectic schedule will allow. When she isn’t busy writing, she’s a mother, nurse and avid sportswoman.

WS Carmichael fell in love with romance at an early age when she would sneak Harlequins from her mother. A voracious reader, she eventually made the jump to writing.

Writing is her passion and she’s always jotting down new storyline and character ideas. Often, her characters take on a life of their own and don’t always cooperate with her plan for them. Creating well developed, strong alpha male characters that don’t fit into the typical romance hero mold makes her novels exciting and relatable. A woman who believes whole heartedly in happily ever after, she gives her heroes the heroine they deserve.

You can check out her blog and find out more on her website:

www.wscarmichael.com


Social Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wscarmichaelauthor/#

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RomanceWSC

Website: http://www.wscarmichael.com/

WS Carmichael will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Grave Robbing and Other Hobbies by Jayce Carter

 

If you like your paranormal romance to have an excess of heat, then check out this excerpt from Grave Robbing and Other Hobbies by Jayce Carter before you download your own copy. Jayce is also sharing with us why she likes to write erotic romance. Let her know your thoughts in the comments section and be sure to follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Abandoned at three—whose parents want a kid who sees ghosts?—I learned the world is quick to punish misfits. I try my best to be a normal, boring human, but the call of the supernatural just won’t be ignored.

When a stranger shows up on my doorstep in the middle of the night, it’s no sexy tryst. Instead, I’m off to the graveyard, digging up the corpse of a murder victim at the demand of the local vampire coven—and that small felony is just the start.

The spirit of the woman has gone missing, something that shouldn’t be possible, and everyone is looking to me for answers. There's Kase, a vampire who’s both terrifying and secretive. Grant, a mage with a bad attitude and a lot of power. Troy, the possessive werewolf-detective next door and Hunter, a mysterious bad boy who isn’t even close to human.

It’s a race not just against time but against everything to figure out where the spirits are going, who’s behind it and if I can trust the men who now share my bed.

And all because of a little grave robbing…

Read an excerpt:

“You need to do something,” I said as Kase and Troy struck a wall and knocked off a painting. Sure, it was a cheap one I’d picked up at a chain store, some mass-produced image of cherry blossoms I’d always thought would make me a calmer person, but it was my stupid painting and they’d ruined it!

“You’re right.” Grant snapped his fingers, whispering a few words.

The two fighting seemed unaffected, however, as Troy flung Kase off him and Kase sailed back, almost faster than my vision could follow.

I was about to tell Grant it hadn’t worked when I realized he had a bowl of popcorn now.

Had he really used his magic to summon popcorn? Hunter reached over me to grab a handful.

“You said you couldn’t use magic for frivolous things,” I stammered.

“I can’t.”

“You used it to get popcorn!”

Grant lifted the popcorn as though to make a point. “This isn’t frivolous, Ava. There is a man-on-man fight here—that requires snacks to properly watch. Get your priorities straight.”

My mouth hung open. Every time I thought I had my feet under me with these men, they showed me how wrong I was.

“They could kill each other,” I finally said.

“Sure, but they won’t.” Hunter stole another handful of popcorn and tossed some in his mouth, a few pieces falling to the couch. “Troy hasn’t fully shifted and Kase isn’t biting. This is just one of those macho alpha dominance shows. Let’s all be glad they’re doing this instead of actually measuring dicks. Trust me, that just hurts feelings.”

Buy Links

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Why I write Erotic Romance

By: Jayce Carter

This is honestly one of my favorite topics, and one I’m asked a lot. I write erotic romance. Within that, I write in many sub-genres, like scifi, paranormal, mystery, contemporary and any other type, but they are always erotic romance.

This is a genre that is often looked down on. In fact, just a few days ago, someone said after seeing a teaser for my new book: “I haven’t read it but I can only assume it’ll mostly just be about the affair of some dude and lady.” This was after telling me that they felt my title “Grave Robbing and Other Hobbies” seemed misleading since it wasn’t likely about grave robbers. The person didn’t mean anything rude by it, I am sure, but it was yet another example of how little respect erotica and romance are given, especially by male writers who see the genres as trivial fluff. A person who had yet to read the blurb let alone the book decided they knew what it was about only due to the genre, and the language used showed they felt it couldn’t be important or deep because of that.

I am capable of writing other genres. I have been published for serious personal essays and short work that falls into the lit/fic category, but I choose to focus on erotic romance. Why?

Because I think female sexuality is of vital importance and often overlooked or shamed. Women are constantly sexualized for the benefit of others yet shamed for their own sexuality. We have turned female sex into a commodity that women aren’t supposed to enjoy or benefit from. For this reason, seeing women naked is okay, but women enjoying sex is bad. We have so twisted women and sex, sending these messages to entire generations of women.

I got into writing erotica through fanfiction. It was there I was able to really dive in, to hear from readers who told me my work helped them understand and embrace parts of their sexuality they had previous ignored or denied. It was through this that I realized exactly how important it was for women to be able to explore their desires through the written word, to read about women who enjoyed sex and to realize that that is okay.

I write sex-positive work that shows women who learn, embrace and reclaim their own sexuality. Often this occurs along with recovery from times where sex was used as a weapon against them either by society at large or through abuse. I love to show women reclaiming their own body and their own wants from a world that says we shouldn’t. I love to reframe sex to focus on female pleasure as well, when historically we have framed it around only male pleasure, as if sex happens only during the period of time an erection is in the room. Instead, I try to create work where female pleasure is a central part of the encounter, where women both enjoy and have agency.

Despite people having looked down on what I write, even though I have been relegated by many to some brown-paper-bag literary bottom shelf, I know what I write matters. I choose to work in these genres because I want to make a positive change in the way we view women and sexuality. I want to add to the conversation about women, pleasure and relationships. If that means I add in a few extra penises or orgasms to my work, well, someone has to do it and it might as well be me.

About the author:

Jayce Carter lives in Southern California with her husband and two spawns. She originally wanted to take over the world but realized that would require wearing pants. This led her to choosing writing, a completely pants-free occupation. She has a fear of heights yet rock climbs for fun and enjoys making up excuses for not going out and socializing.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/JayceCarterAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/jaycecarterauthor/

https://www.jaycecarter.com/

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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The Coach's Wife by Barbara Casey

 

Drama, romance, mystery, basketball, it's got it all. Check out an excerpt from The Coach's Wife by Barbara Casey and then download your own copy. Be sure to also follow the rest of the tour and leave comments and questions along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

The Cinderella Coyotes of State University are in the Final Four, poised to win the NCAA National Championship in basketball—the culmination of March Madness. For Marla Conners, she's proud of her husband Neal, and his achievement of coaching a collegiate team to the pinnacle of his career and the ultimate victory for his team. Yet, Marla's idyllic life is about to be viciously attacked and torn apart by a different madness—her husband's reputation ruined, a university disgraced, and she finds herself on trial accused of first-degree murder.

The Coach’s Wife is rife with spine-tingling suspense, conspiracy, deceit, and murder, sizzling and seductive passion, right down to the last second buzzer-beating heroics. This is also a candid and vivid behind-the-scenes portrait of Division One college basketball, university politics, money and corruption, and all the lives that are blessed and ruined by it all.

Read an excerpt:

Gale pried Marla’s fingers off of the bloody knife and wiped the handle of it on the quilt that was entangled around her legs. Marla’s screams had been replaced with sobs.

“Listen to me, Marla. You have to get hold of yourself.”

The two women hadn’t moved from the floor. Marla had her arms around Gale. She was shaking and crying. Gale pulled her other hand loose, the one without the knife, and shook Marla as hard as she could.

Marla immediately stopped crying and stared wildly at Gale.

“Now listen to me and do as I say. This is important. Are you listening?”

Marla nodded her head.

“You didn’t kill Martin. I did. I came into the kitchen to fix some tea and he attacked me. I grabbed a knife and stabbed him. You came in when you heard the commotion.” Gale looked at Marla. “Do you understand?”

“Gale, I killed him.” Marla looked with horror at the gruesome scene around her. “My god, I killed him.”

Gale struggled to keep from passing out from the pain ripping through her body. She knew Martin had cut her. She could feel the blood on her face. But that’s not what hurt. It was that horrible disease eating her up inside that was causing her so much pain.

“No, Marla. Listen to me. When they ask, tell them I killed him. Believe me, it’s better this way. What can they do to me? Nothing. I am already dying.”

“Gale, I can’t . . .”

Gale shook Marla. “Now you listen to me. The Seawolfers accepted you as long as they thought you were the one who had been wronged. But if they find out you killed him, no matter what he did to deserve it, they will never forgive you. They will make a circus out of this. Think of Neal and what he has worked so hard to build. Do you think kids will want to come play for a coach if his wife has killed someone? Do you think their parents will let them? Believe me, Marla, I know what I am talking about. Now do as I say.”

Gale started to get up off the floor, but Marla grabbed her. “Please, Gale, don’t leave me.” She was hysterical again. Gale leaned back against Marla, too weak and in too much pain to move. Somewhere she could hear a door opening, the sound of footsteps, and Neal calling his wife.

Buy on Amazon

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Barbara Casey is the author of several award-winning novels for both adults and young adults, as well as book-length works of nonfiction true crime, and numerous articles, poems, and short stories. Her nonfiction true crime book, Kathryn Kelly: The Moll behind Machine Gun Kelly, has been optioned for a major film and television series. Her nonfiction book, Assata Shakur: A 20th Century Escaped Slave, is under contract for a major film. In addition to her own writing, she is an editorial consultant and president of the Barbara Casey Agency. Established in 1995, she represents authors throughout the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. Barbara is also a partner in Strategic Media Books Publishing, an independent publishing house that specializes in cutting-edge adult nonfiction. Barbara lives on a mountain in Georgia with her three cats who adopted her: Homer, a southern bobtail; Reese, a black cat; and Earl Gray, a gray cat and Reese’s best friend.

http://www.barbaracaseyauthor.com

http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com

Barbara Casey will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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Chaebol's Wife by Dei Araujo

 

Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for Chaebol's Wife, a multicultural romance by Dei Araujo! Today you're going to get to read an excerpt before downloading your own copy. Check out the rest of the tour for even more and to leave comments and questions along the way for more chances to enter the great giveaway at the end!

With the life of her unborn child in danger, Camille Jacobs had no choice but to flee Seoul, South Korea, and the man who made her heart soar.

Four years later, after the launch of her start-up skincare line, Camille is a successful, single mother who has taken the skincare industry by storm. In need of a new sourcing company to meet her clientele's demand, Camille strikes a deal with the devil—her estranged husband, Seung-ju Park, who still leaves her weak in the knees. But is passion enough to make Camille rethink marriage and a life with Seung-ju, or will old problems succeed in destroying her?

Seung-ju was amazed by the passion that roared to life at the sight of his wife. Camille stokes a desire in him that demands to be satiated. As the CEO of IPCorp Industries, a deal to source her skincare line would open the door for him to finally slake his obsession of her and put her out of his mind for good. Yet Seung-ju realizes that just one taste of Camille isn’t enough; he would need an eternity to love her and drink his fill. But a secret threatens to destroy his feelings for her, hurtling them to the point of no return.

Read an excerpt:

Camille Jacobs appreciated a gorgeous man.

Especially one that was strong and tall, leaving her head raised, neck arched, and gut tingling as she gazed up into a pair of arresting eyes.

Why wouldn’t she? She was still a hot-blooded—okay, warm-blooded—woman with a healthy sex drive, even though it had been a while since she’d gone for a ride. Starting her own skincare company, Naturally You, and maintaining its continued success had wreaked havoc on her libido.

But when life brought her an Adonis who filled a business suit better than David Gandy, she couldn’t help but take notice. Especially after slamming into the rock-hard wall of his chest on her way out of the women’s restroom.

Her fingers flexed into the quality fabric of the suit jacket as she inhaled the intoxicating scent of his cologne.

“Hello, Camille.”

Shock reverberated through her like an earthquake, and she froze. She recognized that voice. His smooth, cultured tone held the hint of an Asian accent. It was a voice Camille had prayed she’d never hear again, one she only heard in her dreams.

“Seung-ju,” she gasped.

Buy on Amazon

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Free in Kindle Unlimited! 

Dei Araujo is a multicultural romance author who enjoys reading and writing stories of love where color has no boundaries. When she’s not writing, she can be found binge-watching Korean and Chinese dramas and anime. She received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/News Editorial from the University of Southern Mississippi and later a MFA in Popular Fiction Writing from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Dei is a retired Air Force officer and comes from a proud military family. An adjunct professor at Barry University, she’s living out her real-life love story in beautiful Miami, Florida with her soulmate and their boys.

You can find her on these social platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeiPAraujo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16944251.Dei_Araujo

Instagram: deiaraujo73

Pinterest: @mystibleu73

Twitter: @dei_araujo

Dei Araujo will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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A conversation between Rhys and Tarian from Luka by Dianne Hartsock

 Today we welcome Dianne Hartsock to the blog where she shares with us an exclusive conversation between Rhys and Tarian, two characters from her new book Luka. You can also enjoy an excerpt from the book before you download your copy. Be sure to follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Luka makes a desperate wish and the earth shifts to his will. Regretting it immediately, he tries to undue the sorcery, but it is too late. He asked for hope, and to his horror, all the hope in the world is given into his keeping. He desires nothing more than to return this gift to the world.

Aethan wants to get his hands on the Well of Hope in Luka’s keeping. If he can ransom out hope to others at his whim, the world will be at his feet. Where it belongs.

With the aid of his lover, Rhys, Luka stays one step ahead of Aethan. But Rhys has his own enemy in Aethan, his estranged father.

Rescued by Luka, his sweet, gentle witch, Rhys now stands with him against Aethan. They have vowed to return the Well of Hope to the earth despite all odds, or die trying. For what is life worth, for anyone, without hope?

Read an excerpt:

Rhys knelt up and stirred the glowing embers of their fire into a pile, adding a few large pieces of wood against it, then sat with his back to a nearby wall, feet toward the fire. He’d seen Luka ward their home with sage and sweet grass. Widow Ravan used cedar. What would Luka do with a stone?

Luka moved to the center of the cave and took a slow turn around, banishing any malicious energy from the hollow. Raven had taught Rhys that much, explaining they wouldn’t want to trap anything negative in with them when she warded a place. After several long heartbeats, Luka sat cross-legged on the sandy floor, a dark figure in the bright glow from the fire, relaxed, comfortable, as if he rested in his own home. Watching him, pride stirred in Rhys’s breast. Most others he’d witnessed would strut around the area they warded chanting under their breaths, making grand gestures and filling the space with smoke that stung his eyes. It all seemed to be for show, their wards precarious at best. 

It was never like that with Luka. He went calmly about his business, with purpose, and a reverence for the magic of the earth. He sat calmly now, his focus on the stone he passed back and forth between his hands as if weighing it, studying its structure, its essence. He did this for a long moment, then stilled.

The hair on Rhys’s arms and the nape of his neck lifted, and he shivered. The air felt different, charged. His senses heightened.

Luka Buy Links:

Publisher * Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Amazon DE * Amazon AUS * Google Books * Kobo * Smashwords

A conversation between Rhys and Tarian

Rhys knelt on the stone hearth and added a log to the glowing coals, teased them into flames. Luka slept on a pallet close by and the lines on his face eased as the heat reached him. They’d only been home a few days and he needed rest and time to heal.

Steps sounded outside the cottage and Rhys stood, hurrying to answer the door before Tarian could knock and wake his sleeping witch.

“Let’s speak out here,” he said and Tarian swallowed his greeting, though his gaze darted into the dark rooms behind Rhys. Rhys stepped into the morning sunshine, closing the door gently behind him. They moved to the bench under the apple tree, the air sweet and cool, snow lingering in the deeper shade under the pines. They sat and Rhys studied Tarian’s face, earnest and youthful, and a smiled tugged his lips.

“Luka is still recovering, Tarian. But put your mind at ease. He will be well.”

Color mounted in Tarian’s cheeks, complimenting his flame of red hair. “He gives too much of himself.” A frown creased his brows. “How may I serve him, lord?”

Rhys snorted. “I’m not a lord, Tarian. Please call me Rhys. And as for Luka, how would you like to serve him?”

If anything Tarian’s cheeks darkened further. Rhys had forgotten his fledgling crush on Luka.

“Once the Equinox has passed, I could expand his garden,” Tarian began diffidently. “I would plant more herbs and perhaps vegetables for the table so Luka wouldn’t have to forage so far from home.”

“That would be wonderful.” Rhys had the same idea and appreciated the thought Tarian had put into his role as Luka’s sometimes apprentice.

“And in the meantime I could make some savory dishes to tempt Luka’s appetite,” Tarian continued. “Ravan is teaching me the healing properties of each herb and I can make something healthy for him.”

“Excellent. And Tarian, your father is still supportive of you being here? You’re not neglecting your duty to him?”

“No, lord. Err…Rhys. He’s proud Luka has chosen me.” Tarian unconsciously lifted his chin. “And my cousin is coming of age and needs work. He’ll help us with the planting then again at harvest, so I will be free to wait on Luka at his whim.”

“Very good. And now, since Luka is sleeping, we’ll begin your first lesson without him. It will take an effort on both our parts to keep Luka safe, so we will start with creating a simple warding.”

Tarian sat up, eyes bright with excitement, and yet his face remained grave and attentive. Rhys nodded, pleased. Tarian was going to make a delightful addition to their little family.

Dianne is the author of m/m romance, paranormal suspense, fantasy adventure, the occasional thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. She lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee warming her hands, which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Hartsock-Author-107985445959828/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannehartsock/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1361897239&sr=8-1

Dianne Hartsock will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Midnight Masquerade (A Dungeon Singles Night Novel) by Anya Summers

 A little bit of danger and a whole lot of spice. Welcome to the book blast for Midnight Masquerade by Anya Summers. If you follow the blogs at all, you know that she always brings the heat. Check out an excerpt and then follow the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Sophia is in trouble. Again.

Maybe it’s the masks. Maybe she needs to feel something other than regret. Whatever the reason, she is either daring… or foolish… when she trades places with another submissive, and ends up spending the night in her mysterious boss’s bed.

He doesn’t recognize her, but now she’s had him, she knows one taste of his dark love will never be enough.

Gabriel Ryan has one firm rule: don’t sleep with employees.

Even though he’s infuriated beyond measure to discover Sophia in his bed after a night of mind-blowing pleasure, she is now in his blood. He craves her. Needs her. Yearns for her surrender.

But she is forbidden. He will break her with his dark desires.

When Sophia’s dangerous past waltzes into his club, Gabriel must protect her. He must claim her. And break every single one of his rules to keep her safe.

Read an excerpt:

Son of a bitch!

She’d pulled it off again.

Gabriel Ryan surveyed the crowded scene at Eternal Eros, amazed by the transformation of his club. Tonight, it was decorated for the feast of May Day, with May Day poles stationed throughout the club. Great wreaths, and streamers bursting with colorful flowers were draped along balconies and overhead, transforming the black floors and walls into something bordering on ethereal. The patrons in attendance were fully invested, dressed in all manner of costumes from elegant to bawdy, with the added touch of masks, shielding their real personas, allowing them to transform themselves for the Masquerade Ball. In a few short months, his event coordinator, Sophia, had taken his club from great to the crème de la crème of nightclubs in Denver, catapulting it into the top hot spot in the city.

His bank account wept with joy.

There wasn’t much Gabe relished more than adding to his company’s sizable funds, the exception being finding a sub for the night, and losing himself in the pleasures of the flesh. Not that there had been much of that lately. There always seemed to be one task or another vying for his attention. Eternal Eros was one of many companies under the umbrella of RMD Industries, his family’s conglomerate enterprise that was the parent company for a plethora of businesses—including this club.

Thinking of his event coordinator, he smiled. The ballsy woman was half his size, smart as a whip, immensely creative, and didn’t back away from a fight, not to mention she was a stunning beauty, with one of the purest souls he had ever met.

It really was a shame she worked for him, because she stirred him with her direct gaze and take no prisoners attitude. But since she did, she was in the off-limits category. Gabe prided himself on his control. It was part and parcel of being a Master. In his opinion, a Dom who couldn’t manage his lust and baser instincts, was a piss poor excuse for a Dominant. It was why he followed a set of self-imposed rules he had established years ago.

Rule number one: he didn’t fuck his employees. Ever.

Mixing business with pleasure was simply bad business.

Rule number two: no falling in love. Gabe kept his heart to himself, no matter the scene or the submissive. Nothing good ever came from allowing your emotions to get in the way. It was why he kept his interactions with the opposite sex to the club or the private playroom in his penthouse, but he never allowed the women to spend the night, and didn’t permit them anywhere near his bedroom.

And rule number three: never lose control. A Master who couldn’t control himself and his responses in all things was a sad excuse for a Dom.

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Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Visit her website here:

www.anyasummers.com

Visit her on social media here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor

Twitter: @AnyaBSummers https://twitter.com/anyabsummers?lang=en

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/

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Amazon https://amzn.to/2MSosG4

Nook http://bit.ly/3e0yf8e

Kobo http://bit.ly/389cG1p

Apple http://apple.co/30bEOga

Universal https://books2read.com/u/me7vDl


Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers!

Dungeon Singles Night Series
Midnight Masquerade, Book 1-- https://books2read.com/u/me7vDl
Midnight Mystique, Book 2
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Book 3

The Manor Series
The Man In The Mask, Book 1-- https://books2read.com/u/bQdp0w
Torn In Two, Book 2--https://books2read.com/u/mvn9kl
Redeemed By Love, Book 3--https://books2read.com/u/bzgrYL
The Man In The Mask: The Complete Manor Series--https://books2read.com/u/brq5ww

Silver Springs Ranch
How To Rope A Wild Cowboy, Book 1--https://books2read.com/u/bzjO6Z
How To Rope A Rich Cowboy, Book 2--https://books2read.com/u/bzjO6Z
How To Rope A Rough Cowboy, Book 3 --https://books2read.com/u/4NXvw6

Anya Summers will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson, Heroine of The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell

 

Welcome to the book tour for The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell! Today, she is sharing us A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson, the heroine of her newest book, plus an excerpt to tempt you to download your own copy. Follow the tour for even more. Be sure to also check out the great giveaway!

Veronica’s new job comes with a darling little boy, a Gothic castle and…a beast?

When recently laid-off Francophile Veronica Carson is recommended for an au pair job by the elegant leader of her French conversation group, she isn’t sure what to expect—but a Gothic castle deep in the wilds of Maine is certainly not it. Still, she’s drawn in by her joyful little charge, Jean-Philippe, and even more drawn to his brooding father.

Ruthlessly successful businessman Alain Reynard has loved before and has no wish to repeat the painful experience. The tragedy of his recent past is still fresh in his mind, and he wants nothing to do with his son’s lovely new au pair. Despite his best efforts, though, he can’t seem to get her off his mind.

A passionate romance begins to blossom but is put to the test when painful reminders of Alain’s past return. As ugly rumors swirl, the truths of the past and the present collide. Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and, if so, whether she can love him enough to break through the dark memories and secrets that tether him to what once was.

Read an excerpt:

Alain’s look was inscrutable as he spoke to her. “I’m sorry. We’ve really continued to keep a totally French household, so Jean-Philippe hasn’t felt like things have changed much from one home to another, but…there are certain inconsistencies between us and American societal norms.”

Veronica shook her head, feeling bad that this was becoming such a big thing, when really, it was a very normal part of daily French life. It was certainly of no consequence to Alain, so why should it be to her? “Not a problem. I, ah…don’t mind.” She felt her cheeks burn hotter as she realized how that had sounded, so she hastened to explain. “I mean, I got used to being kissed when I was studying in Paris.”

Alain raised one dark eyebrow. He didn’t smile, but his eyes were amused. “Indeed?”

“Not…like that. It’s just that all my friends—older men, younger men, everyone—kissed me,” she stammered. “Women too, of course.”

Now Alain’s lips twitched, and Veronica realized she’d made it even worse.

She took a step closer. “I, ah…just go ahead,” she said, sticking her face forward and closing her eyes. Her heart pounded a deep tattoo in her chest.

She expected a quick, businesslike press of his cheek to each of hers, with an air kiss, but instead she felt his large, warm hands on her shoulders as he slowly kissed one hot cheek, then the other. His lips were incongruously soft. Before he stepped back, he said quietly, “I don’t mind, either.”

Buy Links:

Amazon *  B&N *  Kobo *  First for Romance

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A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson (Heroine of The Au Pair and the Beast)

By: Aurora Russell

First of all, thanks to Andi for having me on Books to Light Your Fire II! I loved the idea of writing this description particularly because, as the mother of two young sons, I actually see a number of parallels between my daily life and Veronica’s (except I don’t have servants or live in a castle or have a brooding, mysterious, and wickedly handsome employer around…although my husband does his best!). Still, I think that the crazy rhythm of taking care of exuberant young children is a universal experience! So here it goes…

7:30 a.m. Awakened by the simultaneously adorable and creepy sensation of being closely watched and breathed on by a sweet and excited 4-year-old with a limited understanding of personal space. Bolt upright, clutching my chest, but feel a wave of affection for my young charge, Jean-Philippe, when I am able to take deep breaths again.

8:00 a.m. After getting ready at lightning speed and supervising Jean-Philippe, go down to breakfast where Gorgeous McSurlypants aka Alain Reynard is already calmly eating a pain au chocolat with his morning bowl of café au lait. He smells amazing when he greets me with the traditional French embrace on each cheek, and then proceeds to ignore both his son and me as he reads financial newspapers. Jean-Philippe melts my heart when he says that he is going to hand-paint a little dish to hold my egg in, so I pretend that I actually like my eggs extra runny the way he does.

8:30 a.m. Pack what feels like a mini-suitcase to take with us on our daily outing. Today we’re headed to the private beach again, and I have included sunscreen, water, snacks, spare clothes, towels, baby wipes, hand-sanitizer, phone, wallet, beach blanket, and emergency coloring book and crayons, all while Jean-Philippe dances behind me singing at the top of his lungs about a baby sea creature. I think I can still feel the tingle on my cheeks from Alain’s touch at breakfast.

9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Glorious day at the beach, not too hot or too cool, although I maintain constant sunscreen vigilance – UV rays don’t care what the weather feels like! Steal a few moments of calm sitting on the sand while Jean-Philippe runs up and down the beach. I swear, this child could be a budding Olympic runner! Only bad moment came when Hormet brought down a picnic instead of Alain. Jean-Philippe really hoped his father would come instead.

3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily break while Yvette takes over with Jean-Philippe, thank goodness! I meant to read on the terrace – it’s so beautiful there overlooking the water, even if it does get a little cool in the wind – but I dozed off instead. When I woke, it felt as if someone were glaring at me, and then I realized that Alain was approaching. He had the strangest expression on his face. He looked grumpy, obviously, and he was limping a little more than usual, but he also looked sort of tender. I’m really not sure what to make of him.

6:30 p.m. After hurrying to dress up for dinner, which is a weird custom in this household, I sit through a stilted dinner with Alain and Jean-Philippe. Still, it wasn’t all bad, especially when Alain joked with his son and seemed to warm up to me a little more. Then he ruined everything by leaving abruptly for an urgent phone call. I know he’s a kazillionaire or whatever but Jean-Philippe’s little face was SO SAD! Then Jean-Philippe and I both ate our weight in bread pudding and all was well.

7:45 p.m. Told Jean-Philippe the nightly installment of the fairy tale he loves so much, and tucked him in. As I walked past Alain’s study, I could practically feel the heat of his gaze, but all he said was good night.

10:00 p.m. After reading a mystery novel from the Library, fell asleep and dreamed of going swimming with Alain and Jean-Philippe as all of us splashed around and screamed with laughter. It was a great dream.

If you’re intrigued, and would like to pick up a copy of The Au Pair and the Beast:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMRXT5P
Barnes & Noble: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/9781839439490

First for Romance: https://www.firstforromance.com/book/the-au-pair-and-the-beast

Aurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January. She doesn't remember a time that she didn't love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways. Find out more about Aurora, upcoming releases, and news at https://aurorarussellauthor.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arussellromance/

Twitter: @arussellromance

Aurora Russell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Sin City Wolf: Howl by January Bain

 

Never get between a wolf and his mate ... Read an excerpt from Sin City Wolf: Howl by January Bain and then download your own copy! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for even more excerpts and reviews. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Never get between a wolf and his mate…

Billionaire. Casino owner. Tall, dark and deadly. Cristaldo Luceres is a potent force and a dangerous wolf to cross. Head of the House of Luceres, he’s used to fighting—literally—off any threat from rival houses. Wealth and women are his, but the one thing missing from his life is his mate.

Cristaldo’s on full alert when trouble comes to town in the beautiful shape of one Miss Everly Affini. The talented musician won a shot to play at the coveted Nero’s in Cristaldo’s Glittering Palace… and she could be the one, Cristaldo’s Forever Mate.

One problem is that she doesn’t think so—and isn’t shy about telling him—and another is that Rocco, an enforcer for the House of Ribelle, the Luceres’ sworn enemies, thinks she’s destined for him. Oh, and it’s the most powerful Super Blood Wolf Moon of the century, meaning chaos is unleashed.

Too bad. Once Cristaldo has a scent of his Forever Mate, he’ll fight for her…to the death if necessary. Everly doesn’t stand a chance.

Read an excerpt:

Cristaldo

As Everly lost herself on stage, I clenched my hands into fists, claws digging into my palms. I fought the urge to transform, making the air around me shimmer in alarm. My eyes burned with the desire that would turn them incandescent and expose my wolf. Che diavolo sta succedendo? Never had I been affected like this. An alpha male always in control, was what I prided myself on being.

I couldn’t wait until after the concert, though the group had just begun their set. It had to happen now. My skin rippled visibly with the need. The only way to bring back control was to give in to the wolf. I left the auditorium and took the flight of stairs from the penthouse leading to the rooftop and my favorite toy, a Bell-Boeing 609 Tilt-Rotor straight from the factory in France. I jumped in behind the controls and set a course for our nearest compound in the desert. Ten minutes to freedom.

No sooner had I landed the helicopter—and with the blades still rotating—than I was out and running. Mid-stride, I entered another realm, a parallel existence, invisible from Earth, and my body underwent the change. On the other side, through the shimmering portal, the sensation deepened until all my cells had transformed, aligned in a new form. Then I was back in the present, a wolf. The world had mutated to an array of colors unknown to the human eye, blacks and browns and grays with subtle shadings that my brain converted to what my human side saw—blues and greens, yellow and reds. I breathed in deeply, my olfactory nerves sharpened by the cool, dry air of the desert at night. The odor of dust among the cactus, scrub and clumps of grass filled my nostrils.

I picked up the scent of fast game and gave chase. Bounding along, the wind to my back, twisting and turning as I easily followed my prey, I savored the strength of the wolf. My large paws ate up the distance, the shadows of the Joshua trees familiar forms mimicking humans and moving past me at lightning speed as I continued my pursuit.

The scent of fear ahead span my brain out of control. My prey knew I was close. I redoubled my efforts, imagining the takedown. The satisfaction. Then the creature found his burrow all of a sudden and went to ground. No matter. I streaked by the spot, needing the run far more than the catch.

The dry land slapped against my paws and the wind sliced across my muzzle. Time had no meaning in the desert. The longer I ran, the lighter I felt. Expending such energy increased my strength, mile by mile, each muscle quivering with adrenaline.

A new scent drew my attention. Wolf. I swung my massive head to the east. The interloper was not of the Luceres pack. My brain sharpened and the thrill of the chase intensified. I covered ground quickly, totally focused on the enemy. I needed this, to show the curs their place.

I raced to the farthest section of my land and confronted the Ribelle dog. My fur rose as my tail bushed out behind me. He was hellbent on getting away, circling back and forth like a prisoner in a cell, preferring to cross over the electric fence rather than face me. I snarled my disdain at finding the coward trying so desperately to escape.

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Currently on sale for $0.99! 

January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

Blog Address - http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/

Twitter Name – https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/january.bain

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain

January Bain will be awarding a $30 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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