Reminder HOUNDED Read-a-long and Explanations

So, first I want to start with reminding everyone that THIS *FRIDAY* (March 2nd) is our first post for the HOUNDED Read-a-Long. Felicia at Geeky Blogger's Book Blog will be posting up her questions and answers and everyone can link their own question and answers directly to the Mr. Linky on her site. (Direct URL's please!) It's going to be super fun and there are some great prizes to be had. Plus, you'll get to meet up with a ton of new bloggers. (for details, click the image above)

Feel free to SIGN UP HERE!!  

If you don't have a copy of the book, check it out from your library.

OR

Don't know if you'll like it? You can read the FIRST 6 CHAPTERS HERE for FREE!!

Don't wait, run and get your copy and participate with us. It really is so amazing to meet all the new people and discus the book. It's something everyone will want to participate in!

Explanations:

Now, on to my second portion of this post. So, as many who actually read my blog have noticed I haven't been around this past bit. Sad to say, I actually logged on this morning to comment and make my rounds for the first time in like 2 weeks, but then I was deterred by The Bloggess and her bout of twine and spatulas and going back and forth between posts took longer than I had planned. This is mostly because I suck and planning my time and a taxidermied squirrel caught my attention.

Anyway, but for where I've been, it's mostly been a combination of life, work and writing. Life, for anyone who knows me, is weird, so I'm not going to tackle that subject on my blog and blame most of it on work. It's not really that interesting, but I'm working on documentation for an IRS audit, changing CPA's, Insurance claims and premiums and payroll nonsense. It's pretty much sucked and I have a continual headache from my computer screen. However, on a happy note, I'm gainfully employed with rather good looking clients. So, there is that.

Also, I got my hair cut. What do ya think? I took another picture, but I've decided that the indoor lighting makes me look yellow and the position of the camera phone made my nose look ginormous so I ousted it.

Next, I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection because my ears hurt like the dickens, my head won't stop pounding and I feel like that little neck portion underneath my ears is swelling out of my head...although, it looks pretty normal.

Lastly, I have this new years resolution (only one I made this year) to finish my damned book. I've been "writing" in my spare moments, and since my blogging time frame is pretty jacked because Hubs doesn't necessarily "approve" and I must blog when he's out, my blogging has suffered.

So, all that mixed with my lack of ability to properly manage my time has lead to sucky blogging. I can't even promise it's going to get better. Although, I do hope with me feeling better that might actually happen. Right now I think my ears are going to pop out of my head and I just want to sleep, but alas, I have to meet with an IRS auditor at 3:00 today. I'm none too happy about this people.

In conclusion. I love you. I'll be here Friday for HOUNDED with Red Stilettos on (just pretend they have bells) and as soon as I can, I'll go back to posting. Hubs is leaving out of the country March 8th to take his parents home *dances around gleefully* so hopefully I'll be able to use that time to catch up. That and party like it's 1999. Cause we all know sometimes it's a necessity.

In Which I am Well Informed: Giveaway and Demons at Deadnight Shepherd's Pie

Do you find non-fiction objectionable? Do you loathe and abhor self-help books? Do you find memoirs so depressing you think you may go out and beat your neighbor to make yourself feel better? Well...that's how I feel. If you feel the same, you've found the right place. In my feature IN WHICH I AM WELL INFORMED I will be reading something of a non-fiction nature and I will tell you what I've learned from said item. No worries, this is going to be fun!

**I just want to preface this post by saying that all my thoughts are my own and are only meant in fun and not to be offensive. Sometimes life should be laughed at and not taken so seriously. It's better that way.**


First off, I hope you can forgive me for this not being up this morning. I've had an IRS audit for a client all week and it's been crazy busy!! 

If you all know anything about me, you know I'm obsessed with food in general. I'm especially in love with book foods. Well, this week on In Which I am Well Informed, I will be making the Shepherd's Pie from Demons at Deadnight. (I will post the recipe at the VERY bottom of this post, under the Giveaway details) This to me is the epitome of awesome because it's bookish food and I'm a bookish nerd. So, it works. Well.

On to the food!

1. Chop up veggies: I chopped up all my veggies first because if you do it while things are cooking then you end up with something burned. Better to start off with everything prepared to go. I used, garlic, onions, (red, yellow & green) peppers, frozen carrots, corn & peas.

2.  Sauté meet over high heat: We had lamb in our freezer because during Hubs last holiday, he slaughtered one. Yes. You heard that right. He slaughtered one. With his severely awesome pocket knife. This really happened folks. It is a $200 pocket knife and made for hunting, so it’s quite sharp. I know, this is probably weird for most people, but I’m so used it it’s not even funny.

Anyhow, it wasn’t ground, so Hubs cut it into teeny tiny pieces for me and I browned it that way. I accidentally cooked it too long, because cut up lamb is not the same as ground lamb, but it was fine in the end, albeit the lamb a little tough…ooops. So, if you go this route, I’d sear the lamb (or beef) that isn’t ground, but not fully cook it because later on in the recipe it will cook more. Also, Hubs says when browning or searing meat we want to use high heat so we sear in the flavor...we don't want to boil it.

Once seared (if ground meat, brown in full) I removed from heat and put aside, including the drippings.

3.  Start veggies: I started with the garlic because it will flavor the pan. So, heat a pan to medium heat with some extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the garlic. It will cook really fast, so just stir it a bit so it will flavor the oil and pan and then dump in the onions. Onions take longer to cook than some veggies so I always cook them first. I’m not a fan of crunchy onions in this type of food. 

When my onions were almost translucent and slightly tough (stir them occasionally while they cook) I added the peppers and cooked those till everything was soft. Then I dumped on the frozen veggies. These are basically cooked, they just need to defrost, so don’t add them too soon.

I actually ran out of room so I had to switch over to my 10 quart pot.

4.  Add meat and gravy: Once I switched over to a big pot, I added the meat and the gravy. I used brown gravy because I couldn’t find the peppercorn and I searched everywhere. The brown gravy was delicious though, so whatever you can get your hands on is good. I actually mixed 2 pkgs of brown gravy with the drippings from the lamb it flavored it well. 

5.  Add spices: You can really add whatever spices you prefer, but I added what the recipe called for because I like trying new things. 

6.  Put in dish: It’s not going to be super thick, although the gravy will have thickened. I used a 9X13 Corningware dish.

7.  Top in mashed potatoes: Okay, my potatoes were small, so I needed double what it called for, but just use your best guess. I love mashed potatoes, so if I had extra I would have just saved them. Mmmmmm….potatoes!! 

8.  Optional: ADD CHEESE: So…..growing up my mom used to make Shepherd’s pie. She always ALWAYS topped it in cheese. I don’t know if this is because it helped us eat it, or because she liked cheese. Probably both. However, I always think of cheesy potatoes when I eat Shepherd’s Pie. So even though this recipe doesn’t call for it, I added it to half for my sake. :D

9.  Bake: Put the pan (covered in tin foil) in a PREHEATED oven at 350 degrees for 30 min. You need to cover the pan with foil. This protects the top of the dish.

10.  Take it out and serve: It’s really quite simple from here. HAHA! Just put it on a plate and you’re ready to go. My family loved this meal. It was gone the next day, no one even saved me any leftovers. *sticks out tongue* 

Everyone really should try this, it’s not difficult at all and the veggies are easy to substitute with ones you like. Plus, mashed potatoes…cheese…BEST EVER!

On to the GIVEAWAY:
Giveaway #1: The Hex Boys have generously shared some awesome swag to giveaway to one lucky winner.

The Swag Pack include a Hex Boys Heaven poster, the handcuffs Ayden used on Aurora, and the Celtic Cross Aurora's Grandmother gave to her. Best of all, this swag pack giveaway is open to everyone, international participants, too.

Giveaway Details:

• Leave a comment with contact info to enter.
• Retweet for an extra entry! Include RT link in comment.
• Ends 2/24th at 11:59 pm MST.
• Winners will be selected using random.org.

WINNER: LILIAN
Giveaway #2: A chance to win a Kindle Fire!

To enter you need to know the secret phrase given out one word at a time by each blog tour host. Put the words together in sequential order and you'll eventually have the secret phrase!

Starting March 9 (at the end of the tour) you can enter the complete phrase on the AEKIRK Blog Tour Page and earn BIG entry points! Your Kindle Fire will also include your choice of a DEMONS AT DEADNIGHT Skin. Either from the cover, or a Hex Boys group shot or individual "Team" skin of your favorite Hex Hunk!

Today's Secret Word is:

"STRANGER"

For all the Hex Boys Individual AB-tacular Team Buttons, and a list of all the Tour Stops, go the Demons at Deadnight Blog Tour Page.

Recipe:

Lahey Family Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

2 lbs Ground beef (or turkey or lamb)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

½ each or red, orange and green pepper, chopped

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup frozen peas

1 tsp Italian Seasonings – you can use instead a bit of basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram and/or rosemary, whatever suits your fancy

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

3 pkgs of peppercorn gravy

8-10 potatoes

1 stick butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

 Meat and Veggie Mixture

1. In large sauté pan, over medium heat, cook beef until it starts to brown. About 3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and all the veggies except the peas, and cook for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the “Italian seasonings” and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute
4. Add the peas and gravy to taste.
5. Put the mixture in a casserole baking dish with enough room to add potatoes on top.

Whipped potatoes:

1. Put the potatoes in a pot, cover with water and boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and whip them with an electric blender.
3. Add the ½ cup cream (or milk) and butter, and continue to whip. Keep adding more cream (or milk) until you get the consistency you prefer.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Lather the potatoes on top of the meat and veggie mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Happy Friday everyone!  

Hounded Read-A-Long: Announcement

In case you haven't heard there is a group of kick ass chicks doing a Hounded Read-a-Long! Amanda of On a Book Bender, Ash of Smash Attack Reads!, Jen of In the Closet With a Bibliophile, Missie of The Unread Reader, and I would love for you to join us for the fun and laughter that is sure to happen!

Announcing the Kiss Me, I'm Irish read-along! This read-along is to celebrate the upcoming release of Tricked, the fourth book in the Iron Druid Chronicles, which comes out April 24th 2012! To prepare, we are reading/re-reading the series, starting with book one, HOUNDED by Kevin Hearne, and we'd like you to join us! 

Discussion Schedule:

March 02nd: Chapters 1-5 hosted by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender

March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!

March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile

March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader

April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne & announcement of winners!

PS:  If you have any questions for Kevin, Atticus, or Oberon post them in the comments!  Kevin has agreed to answer you pressing questions: aka where do we get an Oberon? Anytime you think of one leave it during the read-a-long--we will gather them up and send them along to Kevin!

Prizes:

Everyone who signs up for the read-along and participates each week will be entered for a chance to win one of three prizes. Best part: there will one winner per prize! The first name drawn will get first choice and so on. Wondering what's up for grabs? A Third Eye Tote Bag, a Sausage Fest Pint Glass, and a personalized, signed copy of any book in the Iron Druid Chronicles.

International participants: The giveaway is open to you as well (as long as The Book Depository delivers to your country), though the prize is limited to any book in the Iron Druid Chronicles (not signed).

Wanna join us?

Visit Felicia at Geeky Blogger's Book Blog to sign up and to grab the first set of discussion questions for week one!

About the book:

Hounded

Iron Druid Chronicles, #1

Kevin Hearne

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

 Grab a button!

Hope you see you all signing up! It's going to be so much fun and it's always a blast to meet new people! 

Cover Reveal: Gravity by Melissa West

Title: Gravity (The Taking #1)
Author: Melissa West

Summary:

In the future, only one rule will matter:


Don't. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed - arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she's been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she's falling for him. But Ari isn't just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. Sheąs a military legacy whoąs been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know - especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

I don't know about you guys, but this one looks so awesome. And, the cover whore that I am says this cover is absolutely amazing. It's nice to see a cover that is girl-free for a change....not that I don't like those. It's just...this one *feels* beautiful. *le sigh*

PREORDER GRAVITY FROM AMAZON

Giveaway and Character Interview with Blake from Demons at Deadnight

 

Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you all could join us today for my interview of Blake from Demons at Deadnight. For all of you who've read the book, you know Blake...tall, rock solid, sexy as hell...well, he may be an extravagant flirt, but it's no biggie because so am I and I just don't think Blake's met his match! :D On to the interview!! 

playful hazel eyes, cinnamon curls, easy going grin

Me: To start this interview out right, I need to know 2 very important things, Blake: 1-favorite books and 2-favorite cupcake? (this could make or break our relationship Blake)

Blake: You get me alone and all you want to do is ask—Wait. Relationship? Yes! *Fist pumps air*

*Shadows sneak up behind Blake*

Blake: Don’t worry babe, I won’t lose you. My favorite books are Bond. James Bond. Did you know they were books first? I thought Logan was pulling my leg. But there they are, all Bond’s lady techniques written down for me to study. Which brings me to my next point, you could put my lips to much better use than talking.

Ayden: Yeah, like duck-taping them shut.

Blake: *Whirls.* Hey! This is a private party. Right, babe?

Matthias: You crashed my interview, thought I’d return the favor.
Me: He does have a point, Blake. *pats Blake on the back*

Ayden: And I thought I’d make sure you don’t give us a bad rep.

Blake: Me? What about Matthias?!

Ayden: Matthias only makes people think we’re murders. You make people think we’re hormonal maniacs.
Me: *Questioning look at Ayden* How is that worse? *confused*

Blake: *Looks pleadingly at Jen* You can kick them out. Don’t let them ruin our date, babe!
Me: Don't worry, Ayden *bats eyes at boys* I like bad boys.  Blake, they'll behave, I'm sure of it. *pats Blakes hand* Besides, I like a crowd. *winks at boys*

Matthias: *Pulls up chair next to Blake* Hmm, doesn’t look like she wants us gone.

Ayden: And why would she? I’m smokin’ hot.
Me: *stares at intently at Ayden with mouth hanging open*

Matthias: *Scowls at Ayden* You’ve really let that go to your head.

Blake: Jen is clearly Team Blake, which is why I’m not threatened by you being here. Babe, my favorite cupcakes…*Winks*…are yours.

Strawberries N' Cream Mini Cupcakes (My own design :D)

Matthias: *Punches Blake’s arm.*
Me: *owl eyes* What? What just happened? 

Ayden: *Smacks Blake upside head.* I can’t believe you just said that!

Blake: What? No! *Shoves both boys back* She bakes! Cupcakes. Real cupcakes!

Matthias and Ayden: What?

Blake: Jayden made her chocolate peanut butter cupcakes last week.
Me: *smiles crazily* He did?

Matthias: Oh. *Grumbles unintelligibly and stares at floor.*

Ayden: That was her recipe? They were delicious. Well…umm. *Shifts uncomfortably and looks anywhere, but at Jen* We thought you meant—never mind.
Me: *Winks at Ayden* No worries, hun. 

Blake: They were awesome, by the way, chick-a-dee. But I think you should come over to my place tonight and bake some just so I can compare against Jayden’s. We can watch a movie after. I like to cuddle.
Me: I'm down! I really want to try to make a banana cream cupcake with filling and whip cream topper. And, I love movies...and cuddling! Although, is it going to be a group cuddle? *looks at the boys and smiles winningly* Because, we'll definitely need all the mouths to eat that many cupcakes. I love a good group cuddle. *shakes head* Sorry, back to the interview! So, I happen to know on good authority that you like chick flicks. I myself love chick flicks, but I have a soft spot for musicals and oldies. If you were to star in your own flick, would you be a Fred Astaire, a Cary Grant, a Clark Gable or Howard Keel?
Blake: Awesome choices, babe. I like the way Howard Keel showed how a big guy can be masculine, light on this feet and a real charmer. But that Cary Grant. He’s a smooth ladies man, just like me.

Ayden: *Snorts laughter* You’re as smooth as gravel. 

Fred Astaire and Cyd Cherise

Me: *grins* I was hoping you'd say Fred Astaire, he's my love, past and present.  It's the dancing, let's be honest. But I do love me some Howard Keen! *smiles at Blake*

Blake: Then why are Jen’s beautiful eyes trained on me and not you?
Me: *blinks* Ummm.... *Looks from Blake to Ayden to Matthias* FOOD! I happen to know you have some very earthy knowledge due to your "gifts". I want to know what spices and herbs you love and what you enjoy making with them?

Blake: I have many gifts I’d like to share with you, like—

Matthias: He’s not allowed to cook anymore.

Blake: The fire wasn’t that big. Besides, Mrs. Ishida said she wanted to remodel the kitchen anyways.

Ayden: Not the entire house too.
Me: *giant eyes - mouth forms a soundless "O"*

Blake: *Shoots an irritated squint at Ayden* Tamarind seeds are my fave. I whip up some paste with them along with a few Habanero peppers for Jayden and he makes the most awesome BBQ sauce ever. He lets me cook the ribs.

Ayden: He lets you stand by the Bar-B-Q while he cooks the ribs.
Me: I love BBQ!

Blake: I’m pretty sure this is my interview.
Me: Now Blake, don't worry about them, *winks at Matthias* they're just being...brotherly. 
Next question! Toward the end of the book you and the boys end up in a fairly hefty predicament and you end up keeping something very large from crumbling down. While I'm impressed with your muscular abilities, that's not why it's my favorite scene. It's my favorite scene of you because we get to see a side of you that seems a bit more real. For all the ladies sakes, including my own, could you let us in on another very real -and serious- thing about you?

Blake: I’m seriously in love with you.
Me: Awwww. I think we need a group hug.

"...arms that screamed 'I work out religiously'!"

Ayden: Blake!

Blake: I’m really in love with her?

Matthias: *Stabs Blake with warning glare*
Me: Matthias, it's really okay. *grins*

Blake: *Sighs. Squirms.* My parents left me because of the Mandatum.

Ayden: *Flinches. Squeezes Blake’s shoulder.*

Blake: It hurts. But I have my uncle and…I understand. It’s not that they don’t love me or…you know…it’s just….
Me: *wipes away tear*

Matthias: Next question.
Me: *give warning glare to Matthias* That's my line!

Blake: But the society did get me a new family! *Yanks Ayden and Matthias into hug*

Matthias: Ugh! Get off!
Me: Hey *jumps up* what about me? I want a hug!

Ayden: Let go! Ow! Matthias, that was me!

Me: Fine. *hugs self* Next Question. Your personality never ceases to make me giggle and sigh. You may indeed be an endless flirt, but then again, so am I. I want you to use your very best pickup line on me and let's see if it works. 

Blake: Finally we get to the good part.

Ayden: *Smirks and crosses arms* Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.

Blake: *Leans forward and brushes Jen’s hair off her shoulder*
Me: *goosebumps race down neck*

Matthias: *Sits up frowning* What are you doing?

Blake: *Smiles. Glides fingers down Jen’s neck to hook into the collar of Jen’s shirt and checks tag.* Just checking if she was made in heaven.
Me: *slumps down* *giggles*

Ayden: *Snorts* Seriously?
Me: *laughs harder*

Blake: Yeah. I mean, she’s almost perfect. The only thing that’s wrong are her lips. They aren’t on mine.

Me: *dies laughing* Touché!

Matthias: *Gags* Jen, please change the subject.
Me: But its hilarious! I kinda love him for it. *grins*

Ayden: *Drops to knees* I will beg if you want me to.

Blake: Jeeze you guys are dramatic. The truth is, my best pick-up line is, “Tell me about yourself.” Women fascinate me. And there’s nothing sexier than really getting to know them. 
Me: *gazes at Blake* You know, Hun. *scoots a little closer to Blake* Those three sentences? Perfect.

 *Ayden and Matthias look at each other, confused*

Matthias: Did he just say something…honest and…

Ayden: Intelligent and meaningful?

Matthias: Yeah.

Ayden: What was in Jen’s cupcakes?

Me: *blinks a couple times* Ummmm....   Next question! I'm not much of a flower person. That isn't to say I don't love flowers, but I'd rather plant them and watch them grow than have them purchased for me. This mostly stands because I'd rather have several books instead of the $40 bouquet of flowers. If you were going to plant a flower, particularly for me, what type of flower would it be and why? (Just so you know, I'm not a carnation fan and roses don't really impress me, I like different and sometimes I prefer exotic simplicity which could very well be an oxymoron)

Passiflora Alata

Blake: The only thing that could come close to your beauty is the passiflora.

Ayden: Nice geek speak.

Blake: I’m going to ignore you because you have no game. *Reaches behind Jen and draws back to offer her a passiflora.* It’s unique and passionate, and bears the fruit of love. Just like you.
Me: *eyes pop*

Ayden: You’re reduced to magic tricks and I’m the one with no game?

Passiflora Parritae

Blake: The only thing magical here is the way Jen makes me feel.

Me: Awwwww....I heart you Blake! *smiles and takes flower* Sometimes life is a bit much and I can't stand all the commotion and things going on around me, so I have a spot I like to go and chill out until I can deal. My closet. It's big, and full of books. Do you have a spot you like to go and find your own inner peace? Where?

Blake: When things go crazy, I go to Logan’s house.  Mrs. Hough usually has music playing and teaches me new dance moves. Mr. Hough and Logan let me help tear apart and rebuild cars in their garage. Logan has me do all the dirty work. But’s that’s alright, I like it dirty.
Me: *snorts*

Ayden: I think she meant like a quiet place.

Matthias: It’s emotionally quiet. And grounding.

Ayden and Blake: *Raise eyebrows at Matthias.*

Matthias: *Shifts uncomfortably* Would be my guess.
Me: *gazes at Matthias* That's why I bake.  *smiles and shakes head* 

 Okay! This or that?! Say the first thing that comes to your head. Hugs or Kisses?

Blake: Kisses!

Ayden: You really had to ask?
Me: *grins*

Blake: I know you were thinking it too, babe. It’s okay, you don’t have to resist me.

Matthias: *Yanks Blake back.*
Me: *air kisses* Milk or Lemonade?

"pro-wrestler physique and strong, square features"

Blake: Making out under the lemon tree.
Me: *frowns* Not an option! 

Matthias: You disgust me.

Me: Brown or Blonde?

Blake: Brunettes. No contest. *Winks at Jen.*

Me: *winks back* Handcuffs or Rope?

Blake: Rope. Wait. On me or you?

Ayden: Give it a rest.

Blake: Is that what you told Aurora when you whipped out the handcuffs?
Me: *bedroom eyes at Ayden* 

Ayden: Who am I to ruin your fun? Next question!

Jen: *waggles eyebrows* Jeans or Skirt?

Blake: Mini skirt! No. Tight jeans! You’ll just have to try them both on so I can decide.

Me: I don't do mini skirts, but I love me some jeans! However....Book or Movie?

Blake: Movies! You know, let’s go see a Rom-Com right now. I’d never pass up the chance to go into a dark room with you, babe.
Me: *sigh* *pets book cover*

Matthias: *Stands up.* Okay, let’s go.

Ayden: Yep, you’ve officially crossed the line into creeper territory.
Me: *Stands up* Wait!

Blake: Why are you always trying to ruin my relationships?

Ayden: What relationships?

Blake: Jen and I have been going steady for at least ten minutes now.
Me: *snorts*

Ayden: And we’ve gone from creepy to delusional.

Matthias: *Drags Blake away.*
Me: Wait! You didn't give me a goodbye hug! *sniffles*

Blake: *Shakes off Matthias* Babe! Tell them about our deep connection!

Matthias: *Opens door*Ayden, it’s that time.

Blake: Don’t let our love be doomed like Romeo and Cleopatra!
Me: *dies laughing*

Ayden: *Runs and tackles Blake through door*

Matthias: So sorry he wasted your time. Have a lovely day, Jen. *Shuts door* Ayden, you can’t set him on fire. Blake, just get in the car
Me: *stares at door* Ummm.... *puzzled look* Bye? I'll miss you? Thanks for the hugs all around? *sigh* 
I must say that I'm still rather depressed about the lack of hugs for myself, but then again, they all did the interview shirtless, so I was okay. I hope you guys all enjoyed meeting the Hex Boys! I loved interviewing them and can't wait for my cuddle with Blake! (Melissa, he's older in my head! Missie, you can't deny they want me! Jenny, I'll Twitter smite you any day, booya!! Felicia, sorry that I suck at sharing men, even if there are 6. Tina...have you finished yet? Ladies, on a positive note, they are indeed willing to move all of our stuff shirtless!)

And with that....A GIVEAWAY!  
Giveaway #1:

I have a paperback or an eBook (through Amazon Kindle gifting) of Demons at Deadnight.

Giveaway details:

• Open internationally
• Ends 2/20 at 11:59 p.m. MST
• Leave a comment to enter with your email address
• Extra entry for tweeting, leave tweet link in a comment 
• Twitter Phrase:  Check out the hotness...WIN a copy of Demons at Deadnight by A&E Kirk via @Jens_BookCloset (International) http://ow.ly/92iwW
• You don't have to follow to participate, but it's always appreciated
• For all those who don't feel comfortable leaving their email address in the comments, you can email me at jtheunknown(at)gmail(dot)com with "Demons at Deadnight Giveaway" in the subject line

WINNER: HEIDI @ RAINY DAY RAMBLINGS
Giveaway #2: A chance to win a Kindle Fire!

To enter to win the Kindle Fire you need to know the secret phrase given out one word at a time by each blog tour host. Put the words together in sequential order and you'll eventually have the secret phrase! Right now you can Tweet and Follow on the AEKIRK Blog Tour Page to get points but starting March 9 (at the end of the tour) you can enter the complete phrase on the AEKIRK Blog Tour Page and earn BIG entry points! Your Kindle Fire will also include your choice of a DEMONS AT DEADNIGHT Skin. Either from the cover, or a Hex Boy group shot or individual "Team" skin of your favorite Hex Hunk!

Today's Secret Word is:

"AT"

For all the Hex Boys Individual AB-tacular Team Buttons, and a list of all the Tour Stops, go the Demons at Deadnight Blog Tour Page.

 For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle. 

DEMONIC DESTINY
Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.

CHARISMATIC KILLERS
The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.

LETHAL ALLIES
The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway.

 Anyone who says this mother-daughter team doesn’t mesh has only seen them trying to put out the fire from the stupid wires behind the television that should’ve been more clearly labeled.

Alyssa, the A in A&E, has gone from mucking out horse stalls and taping her eyes open during college lectures, to writing novels. When she’s not writing, reading, or running down the halls flapping her coat while singing the Batman theme song, she’s either dancing or immersed in anime.

Eileen has much more class. Even a degree. Fancy. Mother of three lovably peculiar children—all of which like to point out how short she is. Even though she really isn’t—they’re just freaking giants. Happily married, she enjoys escaping like a bat out of hell horseback riding at a leisurely speed around the mountains surrounding their home.

Demons at Deadnight is their debut novel, and currently they’re eating bon bons and watching TV diligently working on the next epic Divinicus Nex adventure