Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Wardrobe Malfunction...With Anna Campbell (+Giveaway)


A Wadrobe Malfunction
on Christmas Eve with Anna Campbell

About the Author:
ANNA CAMPBELL has won numerous awards for her seven Regency-set romances including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice, the Booksellers Best, the Golden Quill (three times), the Heart of Excellence (twice), the Aspen Gold (twice) and the Australian Romance Readers Association's favorite historical romance (four times). In 2012, Anna launches an exciting new publishing venture with Grand Central Publishing. She launches her first series, "Sons of Sin", with SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE’S BED in October 2012 with A RAKE’S MIDNIGHT KISS to follow in September 2013.

Find Anna OnlineWebsite | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

I thought I give the word ‘wardrobe’ a slightly different meaning than I’m sure was intended by the girls – like to keep them on their toes! At a Christmas house party when there’s skullduggery afoot, a nice girl just doesn’t know who might end up sharing a dark, enclosed space with her. The funny thing is I checked the scene I did last year and my heroine ended up locked into a small, dark space with the hero in that one too. Clearly I associate Christmas with hide and seek!-Anna
A Wardrobe Malfunction on Christmas Eve
by Anna Campbell

Hartley Manor, Wiltshire, December, 1823

Surreptitiously Philippa Sanders inched the door open, praying that nobody emerged into the lamplit corridor and caught her in a place where no lady of good reputation should be, especially near midnight on Christmas Eve.
Swift and silent as a cat, she slipped into the room and carefully closed the door behind her.  Lord Erskine was downstairs carousing with his cronies. If the last three nights were any indication, his flirtation with the brandy bottle was likely to continue into the early hours. She should be able to search his bedroom undisturbed. The thought did nothing to calm the mad race of her heart. If anyone caught her alone in a gentleman’s bedchamber, especially such a notorious gentleman, there would be the devil to pay.
If only the stakes weren’t so high. If only her sister Jenny wasn’t such a ninnyhammer. If only Erskine wasn’t a man who turned even sensible women silly.
Philippa sighed. “If only” wasn’t going to help. It was imperative that she found the compromising letter her henwitted sister had sent Erskine after her engagement to Mr. Gerard Fox was announced last night.
She straightened and surveyed her surroundings by the light of the fire blazing in the hearth. The room was large and luxurious. Clearly her aunt tried to turn Lord Erskine up sweet in the hope that he’d offer for her horse-faced daughter Caroline. Given the trouble his libertine lordship had caused, Philippa almost wished her vile cousin on him. Over the last few days, she’d observed him closely. She couldn’t approve of the cynical light in his eyes and the way he arrogantly assumed that any chit in his vicinity would swoon at his merest word. Philippa wouldn’t however be female without noting what a spectacular specimen of masculinity he was.
She’d worried that it might take too long to locate the letter, but her gaze immediately fell on a beautiful mahogany writing slope left open on the window seat. She rushed toward the window, hardly believing her luck. Then stopped on a choked gasp when she heard the door knob squeak behind her.
Dear heavens…
Frantically she dived across the few feet to the dressing room, even as she heard the door open behind her. She had time to notice dark coats hanging from rows of pegs and shelves piled with clothing. Hands shaking, she tugged the door closed until she cowered in thick darkness. Thick darkness that smelled surprisingly pleasant with a mixture of leather and soap and sandalwood—and something undefined that teased her nostrils.
Dizzy with fear, she silently prayed for whoever had come in to do what they needed to and go. Much as she strained, she couldn’t hear anything, even with her ear pressed to the door. The thick wood blocked out all sound just as it blocked out all light.
Within seconds, the door jerked open. “What have we here?”
“Lord Erskine—”
This was beyond awful. Sick with horror, she lurched away, crowding against the coats lined against the back wall. Desperately she struggled not to look at the bare skin below his chin. His shirt dangled from one elegant hand.
“Miss Philippa Sanders.” With unconcealed mockery, he bowed before stepping into the confined space. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
The room had been tiny before. Now it was suffocating. That cursed elusive scent made her head swim as she crushed herself into the wall. Still his tall body remained only inches away. Surely it was her imagination that a subtle heat radiated out to envelop her. 
“I mistook the room,” she stammered. She made the error of glancing at his chest. Broad. Powerful. Scattered with a light covering of hair. She gulped. Seeing the farm workers without their shirts from a distance wasn’t at all the same as facing down a half-dressed rake in his bedroom. 
A wry smile curled his lips. “By a whole wing, apparently.”
She straightened and glared at him, trying not to notice the way his thick dark hair was ruffled and his green eyes devoured her like a sweetmeat set out for his Christmas delectation. “It’s late. I must return to my room.”
He didn’t step aside.  “Not quite yet.”
She summoned every ounce of courage. “Not before you return my sister’s letter at any rate.”
He laughed softly. “I knew there was more to you than the little shadow glowering from the corner.”
She flushed with chagrin. She’d had no idea he’d noticed her, let alone remarked her reactions to him. “Give me Jenny’s letter.”
Dark eyebrows tilted in supercilious inquiry. “Or what? You’ll unfold all my shirts and stamp on them?”
Anger tempered her dread. “A gentleman would return the letter.”
“I’m afraid it’s impossible.”
Her fists clenched at her sides. “What do you intend to do with it?”
His smile broadened. “Why, nothing, my sweet Yuletide burglar. I burned it immediately after I read it.”
Since Jenny’s confession of her stupidity, apprehension had knotted Philippa’s belly. She sucked in her first full breath in what felt like days. “Thank you.” She paused. “I must go.”
“Not just yet, my fascinating Miss Sanders.”
“I’m not your Miss Sanders,” she snapped.
“Not yet, at any rate,” he said mildly, pulling the door shut behind him.
Darkness wrapped around them. Rage and terror spurred her to lurch forward, shoving hard at him. “Let me out of here.”
As he leaned away, she tugged madly at the door knob but even using both hands, she couldn’t budge it. Her shoulder brushed Erskine’s arm as she struggled. To her surprise, he made no attempt to stop her escaping.
“Open this door,” she demanded breathlessly.
“I hope I’ve frightened you sufficiently to discourage you from invading another man’s room,” he said without shifting.
“You’re trying to teach me a lesson?” she hissed incredulously.
That familiar soft laugh played up and down her backbone, and she realized that the evocative scent filling the room was Lord Erskine’s own. The intimacy of recognizing his personal essence scared her more than being trapped in the dark with a rake.
“I am indeed.” In the tight space, she heard him inhale. More unwelcome intimacy.  “Step aside.”
He rattled the door knob for what seemed a ridiculous length of time.
“Stop playing games,” she said sharply. “Unlock the door and let me out.”
Philippa sensed the sudden rigidity in his tall body. When he spoke, no trace of humor warmed his deep voice. “It’s jammed.”
 ~*~*~*~

*Don't forget to stop by Ramblings From This Chick for Theresa Romain's Scene*

Available Now:

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Get Your Copy Today:

Anna is giving away a copy of her first novel in the Sons of Sin series, Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed, to one lucky commenter (Open Internationally)! Make sure to leave a meaningful comment below AND include your email!

(**No rafflecopter form needs to be filled out for this giveaway- just comment with email!)

And don't forget to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway

104 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hey, thanks, Beebs! Actually I think this one could make quite a nice start to a novella - must think further!

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  2. The blurb sounds great Anna, crossfinger this book already in my list to buy win or not win. if win, for the book I buy, I'm going to give to my friend, I know she really love your book :)

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  3. I recetnly dicovered Anna Campbell's books when Seven Nights With A Rogue came out. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

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    1. Ora, thanks so much for saying you like Rogue. Next one's Sir Richard's story - I had fun with him, as you can imagine.

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  4. That's what Lord Erskine gets for trying to teach Philippa a lesson, stuck in a wardrobe with her. Sounds like fun.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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    1. Joanne, I've got a feeling things might end up being pretty steamy in that wardrobe, don't you? ;-)

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  5. Anna, I loved it! It's a pleasure to be paired with you again during this Christmas event. Thanks for an awesome story. :)

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    1. Theresa, really enjoyed your piece too - funny that we both took the same spin on wardrobes. And here I was thinking I was being original! LOL!

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  6. I wouldn't mind being stuck in a wardrobe with any of Anna's heros.

    smulholland62@msn.com

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    1. Sheila, you naughty girl, you! Actually I think Lord Erskine would pass the time stuck in a wardrobe with me pretty nicely too! ;-)

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  7. I really hope there is more to the short story you wrote! Talk about cliff hanger!
    Thank you for the tease and I cannot wait to read your latest book.

    cherrybollie@gmail.com

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    1. Jess, sadly at this moment, that's as far as the story has gone, but I think it's got real possibilities as the start of a novella. Glad you want to know what happens next!

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  8. This book has been on my wish list for a while! Love it!

    maybe31 at yahoo.com

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  9. It looks and sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for the giveaway.
    olga_sergejeva (at) hotmail.co.uk

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  10. Love it! How on earth will they get out?

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    1. And, Gayle, what happens when they're discovered? Because they're SURE to be discovered! Snicker!

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  11. Oh, what a deliciously FUN scene! I must know what happens next!
    castings at mindspring dot com

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    1. Hey, thanks, Cheryl. I'd rather like to know what happens next too - definitely a bit of hanky panky, I think! ;-)

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  12. oh Anna, the wonder that is your thought process ;) you do keep everyone on their toes. loved the story, but I must ask, when & where is the rest ;> it was getting interesting (is the "door's jammed" like "out of gas") :) happy holidays to you!
    gamistress66 (at) aol (dot) com

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  13. Gamistress, don't tell me you don't believe my lovely hero when he says the door is jammed? You are such a cynic! LOL! Thanks for saying you enjoyed the start of what promises to be a new story. And happy Holidays to you!

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  14. You are a new author for me but after reading this i really hope you will continue it and i hope to discover your book(s)

    thank you so much for opening your giveaway to international and offering us the opportunity to win it

    all teh best and happy holidays

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Miki! Thanks for swinging by. I'm delighted that the little teaser drew you in. Good luck in the draw.

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  15. Hi, Anna! I loved your excerpt of A WARDROBE MALFUNCTION ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I want more! You are one of my favorite authors, and I have been hoping to win SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUE'S BED.

    kscathy AT yahoo DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cathy! Always lovely to see you. Good luck in the draw. Glad you liked the teaser - I wrote it specially for this event but I think it might have legs. It may come to you soon as a novella!

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  16. Hi Anna,
    So nice to see you here. Did you bring Sven to spread some holiday cheer?

    janie1215 AT excite DOT com

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  17. Jane, after all that hard writing at a hot computer keyboard, I need Sven's ministrations! I wonder where he can have got to!

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  18. I wanna be trapped inside that closet with Erskine! What a treat this little ditty was! And I've found my new favorite word..... ninnyhammer. I just love it! :)

    leahweller(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  19. Hi Leah. Oh, I adore some of the Regency slang. Clodpole for a stupid man is great too - pole is actually a corruption of poll for head so calling someone a clodpole is saying they've got mud for brains, basically. Henwit is another good one, generally used for women. And she's got more hair than wit - another good one. I think we should all make a concerted effort to call someone a ninnyhammer today! ;-) Glad you enjoyed the teaser.

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  20. I love it. Great excerpt!

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    1. Thanks, Ella! I'm really keen to write the rest of the story now. Think things could get interesting in that wardrobe!

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  21. Enjoyed the wardrobe story. When is Erskine & Philippa's wedding?
    bituin76 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Jan, that cracks me up. As a long-time romance reader, my bet is on pretty darn soon!

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  22. uh oh, that seems like a cliffhanger!! haha! Thanks for the story!!

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Carrie, I wanted to stop at a point where if there happened to be more, the reader would be keen to keep going! Thanks for swinging by!

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  23. Great scene!

    jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

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  24. I loved the scene, and I can't wait to find out what happens next with Philippa and Lord Erskine.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Barbara. I really do think I'll do a novella of this one - another Christmas novella for next year to join The Winter Wife, the Christmas novella I've got out right now. I love writing seasonal stories and a novella is just the right length.

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  25. This book sounds intriguing and I'm curious about their relationship now.
    Thanks a lot for the giveaway!
    by.evie at yahoo dot com dot br

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    1. Evie, no book as yet. In fact, so far this consists completely of the scene above. I think it could quite possibly make a book, though! Always inspiring to have a new idea. Thanks for playing.

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  26. I would't mind to be locked with Lord Erskine and have my wicked way with him! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

    ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Gisele, if I had to be locked in a cupboard, he'd be my choice too! LOL! Thanks for playing and good luck.

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  27. I came across this book and made my library order it! I was the first person to read it in my library system and I LOVED IT! I would love to own a copy! Such a FANTASTIC story!

    BrittanyG@gmail.com

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    1. Hey, Brittany, aren't you great? Thanks so much for chasing your library to order my book. I'm SOOO glad you enjoyed 7 Nights! Thank you! x

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  28. Hi Anna,
    Oh now, I am desperate to find out how Erskine is going to fix this. :)Boy, I could go for a wardrobe with him in it about now . lol You have to do a novella, please :)
    And count me in for Seven Nights In A Rogue's Bed. Love that title. Your Heroes are all delicious Anna.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Thanks so much, Carol! Poor Erskine. He thinks he's got the whole thing under control and he just doesn't! Snicker. Good luck in the draw!

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  29. Love the word skullduggery:) I'll have to use that! Great story, but it ended to soon:(

    yadkny@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Skullduggery is such a lovely, meaty word, isn't it? Love that writing Regencies I can use vocab like that! Hoping to expand the story into a novella - perhaps for next Christmas!

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  30. As usual, you create the naughty heroes Anna. I love all your stories and thank you so much for writing this little bit. Merry Christmas in Oz.

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    1. Landra, thanks so much for saying you like the heroes. I have such fun writing them - especially these world-weary rakish types! Merry Christmas to you too!

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  31. I'm joining the crowd to hope that you will continue this story and give us more in a novella, but must we wait until next Christmas?! Sigh....

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    1. TxDee, let me see how the schedule pans out - I like the Christmas house party theme of this one so next Christmas seems the obvious time to publish! ;-) Thanks for saying you'd like more!

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  32. Historical romance is what I cut my teeth on when I started reading romance books. I've spread out in reading other genres, but I find myself coming back to historical time and again. Do you know how many books you are planning for the Sons of Sin series?
    luvfuzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

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    1. Hi Julianne! I started reading Mills and Boons (Harlequins) but historicals have always been the backbone of my romance reading too. Thanks for asking about Sons of Sin. At this stage, we're looking at at least three with at least one and probably two connected novellas. I do however have a great hero coming up through the ranks who I think would be wonderful as the hero of one more book - so who knows? I think it depends on what sort of reception we get from readers. So far Rogue seems to have made a lot of friends out there which is always wonderful for a writer.

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  33. Totally loved it!!! Can't wait for the finished product of this on going story. Why are you teasing me so?
    Thanks so much!


    kp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Kipha, isn't it mean when people tease you with stuff like this? I often feel like that when I read an excerpt in the back of a book and then I have to wait for months for the book. Definitely will do this for a Christmas novella next year. I want to find out what happens! ;-)

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  34. I love how Philippa calls her sister a ninnyhammer. That is great. I love historical romances and the Son of Sins is a great series.

    AnnDOTsheiringATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Thanks so much, Ann! It was fun writing the second book in the Sons of Sin series, the one about Richard. He's one of those guys who hides his pain with a witty remark or a hundred, LOL! So glad you like the ninnyhammer line too!

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  35. Loved this excerpt! Regency period historicals are my very favorite reads and this looks to be a fantastic one I'm putting on my must list! Thanks for sharing!
    ivegotmail8889(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much, PC! Sadly this excerpt is all that exists of this one so far but I'm currently making plans to turn it into a novella. Thanks, everyone, for all your encouragement. I had such fun writing it. It's a buzz that you've all had fun reading it.

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  36. Thank you for the great sneak peak. I love your books. I own them all except for this new one. Congrats on its release!!
    lvsgund at gmail.com

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    1. Hey, thanks so much, Molly! The new one is a VERY new kid on the block (only hit Amazon on 1st Dec and still filtering through the other e-book platforms). Thanks for saying you liked the teaser.

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    2. I forgot my email - sorry! lvsgund at gmail.com

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  37. I love your books and can't wait to read this one.

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  38. I love your books and can't wait to read this one.

    amandavmartin@bellsouth.net

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  39. Oops!! Haha...but it's cruel of u to leave us at such a tantalizing point. Just when it was getting really interesting! A novella sounds good but maybe Philippa & Erskine deserve their own full length story. They sound like great characters.

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

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    1. Linda, a full length story? Wow, that's a serious compliment from such a short bit. Mind you, I think there could definitely be sparks between these two!

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  40. I like tortured heroes and this one sounds very! It sounds like the heroine is determined and brave which is a plus!

    Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  41. Hi Na! I love a brave heroine too! Thanks for swinging by.

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  42. This is a perfect Christmas read. Sizzling! Can't wait to read this one. :D


    simonelorzz(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Thanks so much, Lory! You know, the more I think of it, the more I think I'm going to turn this into next year's Christmas novella. It was such fun doing a Christmas novella this year, think I'll make it a regular thing.

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  43. oh, just in time for christmas!! can't wait to get my hands on the book

    smile_1773 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Sienny, I replied, but I think I might be stuck in pending because I included a link to my current Christmas novella. Thanks for swinging by!

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  44. This really is the reason why I dislike reading excerpts, now I need more! Thanks for the great one though. I have put the book on my wishlist at once.
    auriansbooks at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Aurian! Actually I'm not crazy about excerpts either - as you say, they tease you and then you have to wait. But I know most readers absolutely love them. This one was fun to write!

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  45. oh! So I reviewed this book from Netgalley and it was sooo amazing! I loved it and I must read more from this author.

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    1. OPPS Forgot email :) Dbookwhore(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Hey, thanks, Danielle! So glad you enjoyed Rogue! Loved your review! Good luck in the draw!

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  46. Hey, everyone, thanks for all your great responses. I loved reading them. And thanks to Rita and Danielle for running such a great event. Hope they do it again next year - would love to play again. And watch out for the full-length version of the wardrobe malfunction coming to an e-book seller near you next year. Happy Holidays to everyone! And good luck with the prizes!

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  47. That was a nice scene.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  48. I adore Beauty & the Beast stories!

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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    1. Di, I've got a soft spot for Beauty and the Beast stories too. Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed is definitely one of those!

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  49. I adore Beauty & the Beast stories!

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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    1. Laurie, I love them too. The theme of redemption and transformation is so powerful.

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  50. It looks like a great story.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  51. I only three things to say:

    More...More...MORE!

    Please!!!!!

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  52. So Excited forgot my email:

    joylynne66(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  53. Phillipa and Erskine will make a good novella!

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  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  55. What a title! And awesome excerpt!
    Now I HAVE TO know what happens next! :D

    By the way friend of mine won Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed on Goodreads giveaway and she loved it! We have similar tastes, so surely this book intrigues me too ^^

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy, Anna!

    savedbymercy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. Sounds like a great read!! Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  57. "It's jammed" OMGGGGGG! I would't mind to be locked away with Erskine all night long!

    ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  58. Yikes! I need the rest of the story like now please!

    And this would be why I don't start a series till there are at least 2 or 3 books available otherwise I get a little too impatient wanting to know what happens next. I also have to plan out what I read very carefully lately or I spend way the hell to much money!!!

    Thanks so much!

    mmafsmith AT gmail DOT com

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  59. I can't wait to read this one. Sounds great. Will be adding to my Christmas list. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays,
    lorih824@yahoo.com

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  60. ANNA!!! You can't leave off a story like that!! My own imagination may take it places YOU would not like for it to wind up!! lol

    Even at that I will NOT call you Go/anna like I did once before on FB *giggles* (Theresa N.)

    Hoping you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
    *fingers crossed for the win*

    brbalways(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  61. How wonderful! I am so looking forward to both the novella and Seven Nights! Thank you so much, and have a Merry Christmas!
    smoofrog @gmail dot com

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