Well, it's been a fun an exciting month with this blog tour, and I hope you've learned some exciting things both about the noble knights in The Curse of the Templars series, and Merrick and Anne from Immortal Hope.

But today's the last day, and we conclude the blog tour with Urban Girl Reader, where you can meet the last knight, Farran de Clare.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!

The winner will be posted here tomorrow.


While the tour is over, I still have plenty of things coming down the pipe and some more appearances scheduled. Check back for the latest news and additional giveaways with Immortal Hope.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{The IMORTAL HOPE blog tour continues at Roni Loren's blog site today.}



Today's Monday Pick Me Up is from author David Knight! He's giving one randomly drawn commentor a digital copy of his book, I Am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart




GIVEAWAY TODAY!



I invited David to share some thoughts with us today, and beneath his words of wisdom, you can find information on his current giveaway. (An Amazing Giveaway, I must say!)


My ‘Speaking Heart’ shares
GOD’S LOVE



Unique, brilliant, majestic, all powerful and healing, it is all and all is love. Reflect upon this statement and let it nourish the core of yourself and your ‘Self’.

You yearn and contemplate, perhaps worrying and dreading your life and life’s tasks that you yourself have set (or have been laid down for you), but we say, just ‘be’. Know that there is no commandment, instruction or rule book for you to digest, read or act upon. If you simply know yourself, your ‘Self’ and Soul, then all will work out just right, each and every day and night.

Deem that the connection is to, from, through, up, down, behind, in front, sideways, in and out as every route leads to God’s love. Everywhere, in all places and beings resides the love which was not born, but given freely to all Creation.

Realise that the sweetest smell and fragrance, the lightest touch, the brightest and most warm day of the sun (and Son), the freshest breeze, the bluest sky, the highest and most low vibration and energy are all God’s love, which is within and is everything. Therefore rejoice, bask, feel, and truly be this love.

Acknowledge and be proud to have found and walk with his love through the treadmill of life. Up the highest hills and your downward slopes, through your believed good and bad times, just follow, guide and share love that is free for you all.

As you well know, the beating heart of your physical pumps its blood to all the organs of the body so you are able to live the way you do. While this is so, God’s heart also ‘beats’ the purest love to sustain and help you to grow and know the truth of whom, what and why you are.

Hence, to feel and to acknowledge God’s love leads to understanding and the experience required for both the individual and also group Soul ‘journeys’. The emphasis of such is plain and simple and is not complicated.

The best things in life are ‘free’…this is truth, wisdom, and these words can be a springboard to so much more joy and happiness that God’s love contains, if only more of you believed in love. It is unrivalled, has no comparison and no equal. There is no division, it is ‘all’ and all is love!



A flower and a tree are all born from one seed,
And the rays of the true Sun are born out from deep need.
So you bathe and are then, engulfed in peace and also love,
His power and his grace, come from within and up above.

It is right and it is now, and it is by day and by night,
So discover and accept freely, and freely give out what is right.
No holding back, of what are both ‘within and the without’,
No laying still, a life of love, of which there is no doubt.

From roof tops or high mountains, those do seem to touch the sky,
No need to ever wonder, or cry out asking ‘Why?’
For you all have the gift, and the ‘present’ from his heart,
And ‘one’ forever is his promise… pre-sent to never, ever part.

Amen.



David Knight Website & Blog
Facebook

Purchase I AM I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart

**************
DUAL GIVEAWAY!
**************

#1) As per usual Monday Pick Me Ups -- leave a comment and be entered to win a digital copy of I Am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart

#2)David's book is being launched on 2/2/12 on Amazon. There is an exciting contest that is in effect from now until the Launch.

There are great prizes that are involved:

* $100 gift certificate for Amazon toward a Kindle
* Two $50.00 Amazon Gift Certificates

Authors can substitute their choice of a video book review or Facebook Welcome page for the Kindle Gift Certificate if they win.

To enter, visit David's blog: http://www.ascensionforyou.co.uk/blog Please fill out the Contest form.

For a SECOND CHANCE to win these great prizes, fill out the form below!
(You may complete one task or the other, but doing both will earn you two entries)





a Rafflecopter giveaway



~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today you'll find me at In the Name of Books, where I'm discussing the challenges of writing Immortal Hope and meeting them head-on.


Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today you'll find me at The Quillery, a fantastic, super classy, review site. I've been put to the test, and faced down a battery of thought-provoking questions!


Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!











The STRIPPED Blog Tour has concluded. The winner of the Amazon Gift Card will be announced shortly!

Thanks for following the tour and I hope you enjoy STRIPPED!

 


~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today you'll find me at many places.

The first, Michelle's Book Blog, where you can meet the ever-so-charming, Templar Knight, Gareth.





When you've had your fill of him, hop over to Fallen Angel Reviews for more in-depth information about the series and Immortal Hope.





THEN, stop in at I'm Lovin' Books and learn a little about how angels and witches go to gether.



Comment at both and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!



Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop puts me overseas again, at Erotica For All.

Then, we conclude the tour with Adventure Into Romance!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{The IMMORTAL HOPE Book Tour continues today at My Bookish Ways, and STRIPPED is live at Kacey's Kreations.}


Good morning everyone! If any of you know me, or have been following the blog tours, you've learned I have a very, very special spot in my heart for dragons. Make that an addiction to dragons. Which means, the fantasy genre pulls me in like quicksand.

So when I saw the blurb for FALLENWOOD, I knew we had to have Leslei Soule on the blog! And I bet you don't have to wonder too much to guess what I asked her to talk about.

Yup. Dragons. Mmm -- happy sigh.

She delivered on the inquiry, and today I'm excited to be able to share her debut fantasy novel with you all.






FALLENWOOD
Genre
: Fantasy
Publisher: Decadant Publishing
Release Date: March 2012
Pages: 194
Price: 4.99


Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood’s power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land’s magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.


BUY NOW



Leslie, please tell us about these dragons!



The Dragons of Fallenwood



Hey there, everyone! This is Leslie D. Soule, and I’m here to talk about my novel Fallenwood, and about the dragons of Fallenwood in particular. I’m writing Fallenwood as a small series. In Book 1, I’ve introduced two types of dragons – the Great Dragon, Illeydra, prophet of that mystical force known as The Eternal that is Fallenwood’s divine power, and the Dragons of the Dawn. I guess these could both be categorized as “good dragons” – the kind that do things like usher in the new day and tell people about their destinies. I haven’t had these dragons destroy things or eat people or any of the things that other, ruder sorts might do. As far as dragons go, they’re fairly well-behaved.

My sequel that I’m currently writing will introduce the other sort of dragons – the “bad dragons” – the ones that go around destroying cities and eating people and causing havoc and burping loudly and such. If Fallenwood was The Wizard of Oz, Illeydra might be the Good Witch and the Crystal Dragons (I’m not giving away anything else until the appointed time!) would be the flying monkeys that belong to the Wicked Witch of the West.

With Fallenwood, I’ve re-introduced the myth of dragon teeth being planted and becoming soldiers. This is an odd, and yet very interesting myth. When I was in high school, I got to read Norse myths like Sigurd the Volsung, in which he slays a dragon, eats the heart and can hear the language of birds. These myths seem to make very little sense – why would eating a dragon’s heart give you the gift of understanding birds and not….dragons? Why would planting dragon teeth give you people and not….baby dragons? In the future, I may need to play with these ideas further. I love the idea of cute little baby dragons clawing their way out of the soil and wanting to be loved and played with. What an adorable thought.

So where was I? Ah, yes – the dragons of Fallenwood. Well, dragons are a classic ingredient of fantasy mythology and I wanted to add my own spin to them. Ordinary dragons are all well and good, but I like dragons that have jobs, like ushering in the new day and giving advice like sages. So I guess that’s what makes mine unique – I can’t even let my dragons lounge around and be slacker types. Sheesh!

Well, thanks for having me here today and listening to my ramblings. If you’d like to enter to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble, please leave a comment with your name and e-mail address.


Before we get to the contest in more detail, let's take a look at an excerpt from FALLENWOOD.


~~@~~
EXCERPT
~~@~~

The dragon’s eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.

“Ash,” the dragon continued, “Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known, Fallenwood.” Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new name a joke. “A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington.”

Ash’s heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?

“But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."



~~@~~
YOU HAVE JUST READ AN EXCERPT FROM FALLENWOOD
~~@~~



A Bit More About Leslie

Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in English at National University.

Website: http://www.blogger.com/www.lesliesoule.com






Leslie will be giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Enter a comment below and automatically be entered to win. Follow the tour, comment at each stop -- the more times you play the more chances you have to win!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today you'll find me at Romancing the Book, where I'm talking about the roles of archangels in Immortal Hope and the series, The Curse of the Templars.




Secondly, I am at Grave Tells today as well! Please stop in!



Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Beyond Romance.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{The IMMORTAL HOPE Blog tour continues at, Manga Maniac Cafe and STRIPPED is at Roz Lee Contemporary Erotic Author's Blog }








Don't Miss the Giveaway Information!



David Knight is here today with our Tuesday Teaser, and he'll be back on Monday for the Pick Me Up. I told him he could steal the blog for a little bit to tell you about himself, and his book, I AM I: The In-Dweller Of Your Heart







I am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart
52 Inner Dictations



Author: David Knight
Copyright: 11/23/11 by David Knight
Genre: Inspirational/Religion


I am I: The In-Dweller of Your Heart is a stepping stone for all who embark upon their own quest for ‘Spiritual’ education and guidance. So, even if you are comfortable with your own faith and religion, you may have decided to explore new interpretations and such issues on a personal or global scale.

The author David Knight has received and transcribed these passages of text in a process known as ‘Inner Dictation’. He describes this as writing from within the connection of his heart where peace, bliss, love and light reign supreme. God’s wisdom and teachings are laid out before you so you can simply choose and read whenever or whatever your heart needs or desires. They are guidelines, principles and simple directions for you to now dip your toes or dive headfirst into the waters of you’re own Divine essence.

These books will form the very threads of life’s new tapestry, each being spun into 52 lessons from, to and through our own hearts and soul’s. They are like a father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, partner or personal friend who knows you better than you can ever know ‘yourself’. Part 1 is a companion for life which does not judge, condemn or scold, but hopes to encourage, guide, console, teach and remind you of who and what you are, why you live and for what purpose too!


BUY NOW ON AMAZON



We'll let David have the floor for a minute before showing off this excerpt!




Hi Claire, lovely to be here and just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to share my book with you today.

When I was only about 6 or 7, I recall contemplating on why I was here, questioning what life was all about, and for what purpose too. During my early years I nearly died twice, the first almost drowning in a crowded swimming pool and secondly, (aged 14) falling about 30 feet down the waterfall at Glen Nevis in Scotland while on holiday with my father and brother. Each time I had asked inside my mind, “Please God…save me!”

However, it wasn’t till many years later that some strange and wonderful things started happening to me, both physically and also during dream state and meditation. I guess it wasn’t until I had actually started to ‘open’ up my heart and truly believe in the power of God’s love, that I became truly aware, also experiencing psychic phenomenon including pre-cognitions (foreseeing future events) and amazing proof of life after death.

As such, and through my own faith, I then had this inbuilt need, wanting to try and help guide people upon their own journeys too. Over time, other spiritual gifts started to materialize in my life such as healing, clairaudience and the ability to write through channelling and inner dictation.

In the beginning, it was as if a creative spark ignited inside of me, with an overwhelming feeling within that I just had to put words onto paper. These just flow, not from my mind as such, but as if coming from deep down within my heart, a connection where peace, bliss, love and light reign supreme. (I call it my speaking heart). Once I started putting pen to paper I knew it was my calling to try and help guide, heal and shine the light for many others to see their own truth ‘within’ themselves!



~~@~~
EXCERPT
~~@~~



LESSON 8

GRIEF, ‘HEART-ACHE’ AND THEN JOY



Welcome. As you write the title of this passage, you may immediately think that there is a particular sequence of events that occurs. Obviously, from past experiences, you know that this is not always the case but true joy is forever and it is forever within you too.

Nothing, no one, or any ‘being’ needs to feel pain and anguish before they know joy, however it is the very nature of your mind and way of living that trick you to believe that this is so.

I have watched and felt your emotional rollercoaster of recent days. Jasper, your beloved cat who had been suffering from old age and illness would never have lived, even to recent times, without Caroline’s (and your) love washing over him during years of togetherness.

As your tears flowed and your hearts ached in distress as he slipped away, Angels and guardians who watch over all animals and creatures escorted and carried him to peace and contentment within my light that radiates for all beings. Know that he is amongst his friends and with those on the ethereal planes of vibration who know you both. They are caring for him, so he is fine and free from pain and anguish. He will be waiting for you when you yourselves are ready to Ascend and cross into your permanent state.

‘Pud’, as you often called him, lived on the earth plane until he was meant to leave. In the time when you’re grieving is most apparent, your mind tricks you. All people who feel that they lose their loved one - a relative, a friend, or pet - feel this trickery.

By now you have the experience to deal with such things as the knowledge has turned to wisdom. The love, light and acceptance of these events should now allow you to be unshaken by this or other difficult circumstances. Some may feel that it is harsh of me to suggest that you need to overcome burdens such as these more easily, but this is what I am now asking you to do.

I will never ever, ever ask you to abandon your feelings of oneness and love for another person, being, or a beloved pet. What you should continually strive to achieve is the release of your attachment. These are not the same thing. How can the devotee, aspirant, disciple, or the person looking for answers define it simply and clearly? The key is within yourselves and all it takes is recognition and remembering who and what you are, as we have described many times before.

It can be very easy to be deceived at times of stress and struggle, but these are precisely the events and occasions when your inner strength needs to prevail and let go of negativity. Accept that events are as they should be in terms of karma and right action. The struggle is to overcome feeling separate. One feels and thinks that they are divided. This is my husband, my wife, my child, or my pet. In truth they are not, for they are all you and me. All are ‘one’.

Some feel that their ‘God’ presides over them or lives in a particular place, or they may gaze upon a statue or alter which depicts in their eyes who or what I am. As stated, there is no separation so then I am all things and all things are me. I am the flower that is wilting and I am the next flower that blooms. I am the tree with no leaves and I am the tree whose blossom flies in the wind. I am the desert and the seas and I am the above and below.

As such, no one or ‘nothing’ can be alone, even in your darkest hour or the happiest moment of your life. So, if you now understand this and an event that you call ‘death’ occurs close to you, by concluding that the attachment is false, then there is no loss. If there is no loss then there is no fear. No fear means that there is no anguish or grief. Without grief you will not shed tears of pain, but rather tears of joy and celebration of a life that has enriched you and all those who come to know them.

This connection cannot be erased. Memory or even time can fade what was once so strong, but the love that is contained within two hearts cannot be destroyed by anyone or anything. Fire, water, earth or sky cannot burn, erode, bury, or elevate away. As the love was held by both hearts it cannot be extinguished, then there is no need to cry, no matter what the circumstances and events have conspired and bought to bear.

All egos must be diluted, so false thoughts cannot interfere with the process of truth. Yes, the truth is that the heart and Soul cannot ‘perish’ by any man-made event. People sometimes conclude that acts of violence by so called madmen mean that they have no heart and Soul. Know that even a ‘madman’ (a perception made on earth) loves something or someone. I explain this because it is often so difficult for you to comprehend or explain why and how a human being could inflict pain or harm upon another.

Causes and triggers, such as pride, hate, anger, and jealousy burn deep within the psyche. They lurk and hide within the shadows and recesses of the mind and body, looking for ways to express themselves. Instead, love and compassion, kindness and forgiveness need to grow within the heart. These seeds of truth can multiply and expand, touching and reaching far beyond boundaries of imagined walls; physically, mentally and emotionally. So, live with dignity and with values that have enabled you to be called a human being.

You are all so special, so strive to do and be the best person that you can be. Any job or activities that you engage in are all by-products and these, if undertaken in truth and love, are for the well-being of your fellow-man and for society.

All acts of kindness reverberate like the chimes of a bell for they echo and expand upon waves of love and light. Your hearts do not need to bear hurt and fear and they do not need to cry out for tears to fall in pain. Do not miss or despair when ‘ letting go’ of someone (or a pet), but continue to rejoice and sing their name in praise, for having the wonderful opportunity and time you had together on the plane of existence you currently reside upon. Please know that as ‘one’ I shall be:

-The boat that carries you across the ocean(s) of your emotions.
-The land you walk upon holding you upright and true.
-The wind that blows away dark clouds from your body, mind and Soul.
-The spiritual ‘vision’ to reveal the light and the Sun to radiate warmth and love in your heart.
-The hand that lifts you up from the ground when you feel you can’t go on.
-The life giving ‘water’ that will quench your thirst for truth, knowledge and for wisdom.
-The spark deep within that gives you everlasting life.
-The colours of the rainbow shining down upon your darkened days of false fear and tears.

We are one forever. Please do not grieve. Erase the heartache and pain. You are joy itself. Live it, breath it, know it and understand it. Love conquers all things that you can ever possibly imagine to fear. So do not, (for you need not), as you are nearer than near to me. I love you all. Amen



~~@~~
YOU HAVE JUST READ AN EXCERPT FROM I AM I: THE IN-DWELLER OF YOUR HEART
~~@~~




DAVID KNIGHT was born into his current physical embodiment in 1964. He is married to Caroline and they live with their adopted cats Toby, Treacle, Spiky and Missy in the UK. In growing up he describes himself as a Mr. Average or like a 'Joe Bloggs'. Whilst earning a living in various types of work, (this ranged from HM Forces, Financial Services, a Care Assistant and also self-employment) his search for fulfilment changed from the exterior and without to the interior and within.

Spiritual education gained a greater momentum and at the age of 21 a more urgent sense of dedication as well as a new realization had set in. New evidence of and from God, were soon revealed through his life experiences. With the aid of Spirit guides and beings from the ethereal planes, the foundations were laid for all who wished to develop and experience their Hearts flame of love and light and to embark upon a unique opportunity for all soul's in this lifetime.


Website & Blog Facebook



Thanks, David, for dropping in! We'll see you on Monday!

READERS -- Remember, be sure to come back on Monday. David has a very exciting contest going on, and complete details will be available then. Trust me -- If you like books of any type, this is one contest you don't want to miss!





~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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How Blog Tours Work...

After what's amounted to a week of having to chase down posts for one tour or the other, and hearing my author friends comment on this as well, I thought I'd explain to you, the people who come here to find out where to go for a blog tour stop, how this whole process works.

Let's skip past the whole contact, confirm, schedule date, etc. It's the author's responsibility to create material and get it to the host. Either through a third-party tour coordinator, or directly. This includes pretty much everything you see on a blog post -- answers to interview questions, guest post material, photo, bio, blurb, cover, etc.

At that point, once that material is sent off, it is really out of the author's hands. Some hosts confirm receipt of material, some don't. An author really has no idea if there's been a transmission error, or anything, unless the host communicates so. A really busy host may not even recognize there's something amiss until the last minute, or approaching the last minute, and hopefully the author can address that problem pronto if he/she is able to receive the email timely.

Unless the author has heard from the host, the author has no idea until the day of, whether there's been a problem.

And as the host is posting the material, and the author does not have access to that blog to do the posting hisserself, the author can't control whether that material gets live or not.

All an author can do (cough) is apologize to the people who've faithfully and diligently followed the tour, offered support, and may be emailing privately to inquire. He/she can also politely express some angst on a blog as well.

And then he/she can beg you to have patience and keep going with the flow.

So, I'm apologizing, I'm expressing, and I'm begging!

Thanks for all your support folks!



You asked for more knights -- I've delivered! Jump over to Lovin' Me Some Romance, and get cozy with a knight who knows the true meaning of chivalry, even if his suspicion sometimes gets in the way. Lucan of Seacourt is making a guest stop today!



Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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After the exciting venture at Laura Kaye's site, today I'm over at Grave Tells, a wonderful paranormal blog. I do mean wonderful!


Stop in, be wary of the critters lurking in the dark, and say hello to be entered in the drawing at the end of the blog tour!








Stripped is off-tour for the weekends. It will resume tomorrow!


~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today I'm super excited to be over at Laura Kaye's blog site. For those of you who aren't familiar with her, she's a fabulous author and her recent book, North of Need, is really making a name for itself! It's on my TBR pile and it should be on yours! (Not that I'm going to tell you what to do or anything. Hee!)



You should check her out, whether you're following my tour or not!










Stripped, as you know, is not on official tour on the weekends. However, I have an unrelated stop planned for today. I'm over at The Writer's Space



~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Darn that pesky HTML Code that masked my fabulous writing. Darn me for not realizing it was wonky until... 2pm.

So. Here it is with much ado:

Today I'm at the incredible KMN BOOKS with Karen Michelle Nutt!

This is a great blog site, folks. Absolutely wonderful. You should check it out, even if you aren't interested in IMMORTAL HOPE.

(Gasp! How could that be?)

So jump on over there and check out Karen's blog. Right now!




Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Love to Read for Fun.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{The IMMORTAL HOPE Blog Tour continues today atTote Bags 'N' Blogs . STRIPPED is featured atBook Travels.}




Today I have author Marie Astor on the blog, and I'm turning all the control over to her. She's on tour for her new book, On the Rim of Love, a contemporary romance that sounds like it's packed full of emotion.

Marie is awarding two prizes to randomly drawn commenters during her tour: a sterling silver plum quartz necklace and earring set, and a sterling silver aventurine necklace that were custom designed for the tour. (US & Canada only, please.)







Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

ON THE RIM OF LOVE

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

So -- you're on stage, Marie!


~~~~~


Hi Claire, thank you very much for inviting me to the Muse to talk about my latest contemporary romance novel, On the Rim of Love.

Two years ago I went to Banff, British Columbia and was absolutely smitten with its incredible nature – the soaring mountain cliffs, the boundless snow (I was there in December), and the endless open spaces. I am always thinking of new plots for romance novels, and the moment I saw the sprawling beauty of British Columbia, the idea for On the Rim of Love started to materialize in my mind.


Now, I would like to say upfront that the town of Eagleville where the story takes place is a fictional town, as is the ski resort located in the town. Why didn’t you just pick one of the real resorts? you ask. Well, the reason being is that off-piste skiing is a big part of On the Rim of Love, as it becomes the initial point of connection between the main characters – Maggie and Taylor, so I wanted to create a ski resort with access to all kinds of ski terrain. From the research that I did, I learned that most US ski resorts do not offer lift access to wild mountain terrain and require either renting a helicopter or climbing long, arduous routs to get to wild mountain terrain. Europe, however, offers easy access to off-piste skiing – you can take a lift car to the top of Mont Blanc. However, I have never been to Mont Blanc, but I have been to British Columbia and my heart was dead set on its beauty.


So, I decided to combine the best of both worlds and create a ski resort where Maggie and Taylor could take an enchanting ride to the very tops of the mountains – I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

~~~~~


This book has fascinated me since I saw the tour announcement. I want to share an excerpt with all of you.

~~@~~
EXCERPT
~~@~~



“Maggie, we have been seeing each other for a while, and now that you’re done with school, I think it’s time that we took our relationship to the next level.” Jeffrey placed a robin-blue jewelry box on the table.

Maggie stared back at him, suddenly at a loss for words.

“Go on, open it.”

Slowly, Maggie pulled on the white ribbon. Inside, was a smaller box of black velvet. Feeling Jeffrey’s expectant gaze upon her, Maggie flipped open the lid. A giant diamond glinted against the black material.

“Timing is everything, and I think that right now is the perfect timing for us, don’t you?” Jeffrey pressed on without waiting for her answer, “There are a lot of opportunities for me at the network, Maggie, and our engagement will show my father that I am a ‘reliable fellow,’ to use his words exactly. You see, my father is rather old-fashioned, and he has made it pretty clear that he expects me to settle down before he is going to entrust me with a more serious role in the company. When it comes to climbing the corporate ladder a man’s character is often judged by his personal life, and I do plan to climb to the very top.”

Maggie blinked, wondering what getting engaged had to do with timing and reliability.

“Of course, that is not the main reason why I want to marry you.” Jeffrey reached for her hand. “I love you, Maggie. We are perfect for each other. But when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder a man’s character is often judged by his personal life, and I do plan to climb to the very top.” Jeffrey winked.

“Yes.” Maggie nodded.

“I’m so glad.” Jeffrey put the ring on her finger where it dangled loosely.

Maggie’s first impulse was to explain that her ‘yes’ was directed at Jeffrey’s statement regarding the corporate ladder, but instead, she remained silent, thunderstruck by the enormous diamond on her finger: it was blindingly ostentatious - a single emerald-cut solitaire - just what a future studio producer’s wife would wear.


~~@~~
YOU HAVE JUST READ AN EXCERPT FROM ON THE RIM OF LOVE
~~@~~



MORE ABOUT MARIE:

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. Stop by Marie’s website: http://www.marieastor.com/ to sign up for book releases and events.

Marie can also be found on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
and Twitter: @marieastor.

Books by Marie Astor:

On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about unexpected love. (MORE INFO)

Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship. (MORE INFO)

A Chance Encounter and Other Stories – a short story collection about love and everyday life. (MORE INFO)


~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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It's that time again -- time for another up-close and personal with a sexy, tortured knight. Stop in over at The Book Nympho and meet Tane du Bruiel a little more.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at As the Pages Turn, a smokin' hot, fun and informative book review and information site.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today I'm across the ocean, in Glascow, with Lesley at My Keeper Shelf. We're talking about the world building involved with Immortal Hope and the Curse of the Templars series.

Lesley reviewed IMMORTAL HOPE yesterday, and ranked it with 4 Stars. Here's a tidbit of what she had to say:

"Immortal Hope definitely has the feeling of a really good series, it reminded me a little bit of J.R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood (which is one of my all time favourite series) where each book will focus on one warrior finding his HEA. So if you are a fan of BDB then this is right up your street."

Be sure and check out her Review while you're there!



Comment on the blog tour post and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Sexy Lady, a really fun blog site for the... erotic inclined.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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We have our first WINNER, folks!

Please congratulate Terri M!. For her participation on the Immortal Hope Blog Tour, she's receiving the mid-month prize of an Amazon $25.00 gift card.

Keep on playing, keep on commenting -- we have one more drawing left.


Today I'm over at Good Choice Reading, another fantastic review site. You should check them out beyond reading about how I blended history with fiction. They have some wonderful thoughts on equally wonderful books.












Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Carrie Ann Ryan's Blog, who's making an appearance over here on February 29th as well!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today I'm at the very cool paranormal book review site, Fang-Tastic Books. Hop over and talk about your New Years hopes and hear a little of mine for the forthcoming year.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








The STRIPPED blog tour does not run on weekends. It will resume on Monday.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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If you like paranormal romance, you need to check out Dark Faerie Tales. I'm there today, talking about who was the most fun character to craft in Immortal Hope.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!






The Stripped Blog Tour does not encompass weekends. It will resume on Monday.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today I'm at Wicked Lil' Pixie, another incredible review site for paranormal enthusiasts and anyone who likes a little steam in their romance! Stop in and learn why I chose the topic of the Knights Templar.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Ramblings From This Chick, where you can get a first-hand look at what it takes to be a Black Opal.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{Today's IMMORTAL HOPE Blog tour continues at Joya Fields' Blog and Sizzling Hot Book Reviews. The STRIPPED tour is live at Immortality and Beyond!}

Hi folks! As I mentioned in my first post of the day, I'm swapping blogs with author Joya Fields.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joya via Twitter (@JoyaFields) a little while back and have since really enjoyed chatting with her. She's a fellow TWRP author, and her book, LOVE DELIVERED is currently available.

But Joya has a new book coming out on Jan 19th, and she's here today to talk about BENEATH THE SURFACE.


BENEATH THE SURFACE

She’s fighting to stay independent—he’s determined to protect her no matter what…


Brooke Richards survived the earthquake that took her parents and most of her leg, but she needs time to regroup. A trip to Florida for a state-of-the art prosthesis and to visit her best friend Linda seems ideal. But the trip turns traumatic when Brooke witnesses Linda’s boat disintegrating in a fiery explosion.

Police Officer Garrett Ciavello believes the blast was intentionally set to hide something Linda found on a dive. When Brooke offers her expertise in underwater archaeology, Garrett accepts her help with the investigation. But since his fiancĂ©e’s death years ago, Garrett has become overprotective, and as they are drawn to each other, Garrett realizes he will risk anything to keep Brooke safe.


Brooke is fiercely independent. Garrett is fiercely protective. Will they heal each other’s wounds and find a killer…before it’s too late?


Joya's going to tell us a little bit about the research process involved with BENEATH THE SURFACE.


The floor is yours, Joya.


Thanks very much for hosting me today to chat about researching books, Claire. I’m thrilled to be here.

Research is fun? Heck no. At least that’s what I would have said a few years ago. Just the word “research” brings scary memories of long, hard hours working on college papers, toiling over pages of boring information, and falling asleep on my textbooks.

To my surprise, researching elements of my story wasn’t a bit boring. In fact, it was downright fun. I think it’s even one of the perks of being a writer because it forces us to learn and grow.

One of my favorite electives in college was archaeology, so I guess it’s no surprise that the heroine in my debut novel Beneath the Surface would be an archaeologist. Once I got involved in the story, I realized she was not only an archaeologist, she was an underwater archaeologist and an amputee. Two subjects I didn’t know much about.

The internet is a great place to start research, and I learned a lot about Scuba diving and amputees from web sites and blogs. I read a lot of books on the subjects, too. Yet, the best part of researching elements of this story came from the people I met and chatted with.

From a friend who Scuba dives whenever he gets the chance, I learned that a diver should never ascend faster than his bubbles when returning to the surface. At a local rehabilitation center, I learned that amputees sometimes refer to the part of their limb that remains as their “residual limb,” but they also understand that most people don’t understand what the term means. Some are insulted by the term “stump,” and others accept it. The people are what made researching this book fun. The stories, their patience with my questions, and, especially the people who persevered through tough times, helped me learn. I realize that when research is part of the journey to bring a story to life, it isn’t hard; it’s a pleasure.

Have you learned anything new lately, or had to research something? I’d love to hear about your experience.


Claire interjects -- I'm an oddball in the sense that I thoroughly enjoy researching for novels. Then again, if you take a look at this excerpt... I think, perhaps, Brooke might share a similar affinity for... ah... research. Ahem!

~~@~~
EXCERPT
~~@~~


For the first time since the accident, she forgot about her leg. Forgot about all she’d lost and focused on the way he made her feel.


She knew she needed to stop him. She should find a way to resist the temptation to be with him. But for a few minutes, she could enjoy the taste of him, the feel of him, couldn’t she?


He dropped his hands to her waist and softened the kiss before trailing his warm lips down her neck. A weak cry slipped from her mouth. “Garrett,” she whispered.


She should stop this now before it got any more intense.


He lifted her chin and forced her to meet his brown eyes, smoky with desire. Heat spiraled to her middle and she caught a faint whiff of his sawdust scent.


“I…I can walk you back to your own room before I head to mine.” His voice broke as he whispered.


She swallowed hard. She couldn’t do this right now with him. Too many obstacles stood in their way. But as she looked in his somber eyes, she realized none of those complications were bigger than her need for Garrett.


“Let’s go to your room,” she said, her voice shaking. She moved her hands inside his shirt and ran them over his tight abs and chest. Heat soared through her body at the feel of him. “Together…”


~~@~~
YOU HAVE JUST READ AN EXCERPT FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE
~~@~~


Thank you, Joya, for being here today. Your new release sounds absolutely delicious!

All, if you'd like more information about Joya and her novels, here's where you can find her:

Website: http://joyafields.com/
Twitter: @joyafields

 


~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today's I'm swapping blogs with author Joya Fields. The Immortal Hope Blog Tour Stop is at her place.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!


I'm also making a second apearance at Sizzling Hot Books, where Marissa recently reviewed Immortal Hope. She rated it 4 Hearts, and had the following to say:

"Immortal Hope looks to be a tantalizing new series that promises epic battles, strong women, amazing men and a commitment to a better world. Read it today!"

For the Full Review, click here.

Otherwise, leave a comment there too and double your chances to win. The first giveaway will be coming up very soon! And, if we get some more participants on the tour -- alert your friends! -- I'll up the rewards by doing a 3rd drawing.




Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Immortality and Beyond, where I'm giving you a sneak peek at an exclusive excerpt for STRIPPED, and talking about the Black Opals in depth.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Need another up close and personal with a chivalrous knight? Stop in at Bookaholic Does Blogging and say hello to Caradoc of Asterleigh.

It's up and live! Yay!! Enjoy Caradoc, all!

Then, stop in at Book Chick City and learn about why I chose the serpents to symbolize the seraphs.

** Due to a sudden death in the family, Book Chick City has rescheduled the tour date -- TBA currently. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences.**



Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop is at Seductive Musings, where you can get a first-hand look at what it takes to be a Black Opal.

And this fabulous blog is live! Laugh!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today's Stop on the Immortal Hope Blog Tour is at Fiction Vixen. There, I'm talking about the inspiration for the novel and the series, and sharing some interesting facts about the cursed knights.



Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!








Today's STRIPPED blog tour stop isat Romancing the Book, where I'm also being interviewed about STRIPPED and the naughty but dangerous, Black Opals.

Comment here as well, and double your chances to win!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Morning all! Happy Monday. I hope your weekends were relaxing. If you're in my neck of the woods, you were spoiled with some out of season weather. I know I took advantage of it. (Which translates to: Hay Day).

Today's I'm talking about the mysterious Templar Stronghold and the real life haunted building that inspired the fictious version over at Red Hot Books, who reviewed IMMORTAL HOPE on January 2, and rated it 4 STARS.

While you can read the full review while you're there, here's a couple of clips from Jen's thoughtful analysis:

"The book was slow to reel me in. But once it did, I was hooked."

"...it was still a really engaging read. Sexy, with a lot of heart. And I will definitely be reading the next installment."

REMEMBER -- Comment on my guest post and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!

Meanwhile, the STRIPPED blog tour is back in gear after a weekend off.



Today's STRIPPED stop is at Adventure into Romance, where I'm also being interviewed about STRIPPED and the naughty but dangerous, Black Opals.

Comment here as well, and double your chances to win!


Double the Fun at SMEXY BOOKS, who has a review to share, and I have some intriguing thoughts to pass your way.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today I have a Dual Stop for the Blog Tour.

First up: Romantic Crush Junkies, where I'm answering questions about IMMORTAL HOPE and the cursed Knights Templar. You want to get to know this blog site -- look at all those fantastic featured historicals! And also look -- PURPLE! (If you can't tell, I have a thing for purple.)

When you're finished reading the interview and browsing around there, drop in at Ficticious Musings, who had this to say about IMMORTAL HOPE.

"I devoured this AMAZING novel in less than 2 days. I’m still speechless. There is so much more to Immortal Hope than the cover reveals. This is definitely a must-read…must-buy for the new year. Review and Blog Tour coming soon."

I'm posting before she is, so as of right now, the review isn't posted yet. But drop in and you might know before I do! Also, you'll hear first-hand what Anne has to say about her introduction to the Knights Templar, and the handsome, Merrick du Loire.

Comment, and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card

The Stripped Blog Tour will Resume tomorrow.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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Today's Stop on the Immortal Hope Blog Tour is at Paranormal Haven. I'm talking about what fascinates me about the paranormal and paranormal romance.

Comment and enter to win an Amazon Gift Card!










Today's STRIPPED stop is unrelated to the blog tour. But please join me at the beautiful and engaging blog site, Reading Between the Wines, for a brief chat on Stripped and the Black Opals.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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I've been published for a while, but I must confess to being addicted to wanting to hear remarks about Immortal Hope. So when reviews coming, I quickly hop over to read what they have to say. And, while I'm confessing, as this series means so much to me, I'm rather nervous when I click those links.

Book Passion for Life reviewed Immortal Hope on January 1, and I couldn't ask for a better way to start my new year.

Melanie ranked it "5", an "AMAZING" rating. Here's a couple of her remarks:

"Wow, this book was HOT!"

"I would recommend this book to fans of series like Highlanders, Dark Hunters etc. Tortured heroes with the chance of redemption from their true love, who doesn’t love a story like that?"

SQUEE! It's such a rewarding feeling to have readers really like a book!

With that said, today's Blog Tour stop is at Book Passion For Life, where I was challenged with some intriguing questions. Come join me and read the full review while you're there! Comment, and be entered to win up to $50.00 in Amazon Gift Cards.

ALSO REMEMBER


Jump on the STRIPPED blog tour and double your chances to win! Today I'm at Riverina Romantics, where I'm revealing an exclusive excerpt!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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{The Immortal Hope Blog Tour continues at Bookhounds with an interview with Declan. Tori St. Claire's STRIPPED tour continues at The Forbidden Bookshelf.}

Today I'm very excited to bring you author Brian Young and his newest release, Blood Veins. Brian is a graduate of the University of Oregon. He works as a banker and an editor for Rogue Phoenix Press. He currently resides in Oregon with his wife and daughter. To learn more about him and his published works, you can find him on Facebook.



Blood Veins




A black wave has passed over the thriving kingdom of Larista. Mysterious invaders calling themselves the Dolus have swept over the land laying waste to everything in their paths and leaving ghost towns in their wake. No one knows where they came from and no one knows what their purpose is. Tasting nothing but defeat after defeat the light of hope is fading in the kingdom; but the guerrilla forces resisting the Dolus invasion have received new information. This news has provided a small glimmer that could possibly spark into something more. Captain Maximus Rex leads a daring rescue mission deep in the Laristan forests to save the lone surviving member of the royal family.






Once freed Prince Alexander Novelle along with his friends and comrades face a perilous journey deep behind enemy lines. Their destination is Castle Varanasi. The once proud Laristan capital, gateway to heaven and salvation, lies in ruins under Dolus occupation. Mysterious assassins, underworld savages and renegade Dolus survivors stand between them the answers they seek. What they find there will shatter their perceptions and lead to unknown perils none of them are ready to face.


If you've been following me long, you already know I have a crazy passion about world building. Books, and especially series, that bring new worlds to life are the surest way to make me drool. If you like that sort of thing... just saying! Anyway, Brian is going to talk about his post apocalyptic world, and the kingdom of Larista, which sounds absolutely fascinating! Brian, take it away, please.


I have always enjoyed post-apocalyptic worlds. I like the mixture of different technologies clashing together, but when I was working on Blood Veins I didn’t want to write about the apocalypse but instead of the different people that rose up afterward. A fair amount of time has passed and the entities that have risen in the wake of the dead world have grown large enough that they are looking to their neighbor’s lands for expansion. I wanted to incorporate a little bit of house heraldry into the story. Families will end up playing a large role in the story as well. There is a lot of mystery surrounding the houses of Novelle and Knovel. Larista is only a small part of the world I want to create. Blood Veins is the first in a series and we will see much more of this world in future books.

Most of the population is at the technology level of the Middle Ages but there are a few factions that are significantly more advanced. The royal family tries to balance its use of technology with its religious responsibilities. Their neighbors however have recently changed their philosophies regarding technology and Larista is struggling to keep up. They are discovering old technologies instead of inventing them and they don’t have the production to make these technologies available to everyone, so it creates an interesting dynamic between the royal families and the common people. There are also the Sisters of Gnaritas who openly and blatantly use and invent new technology. They are decades, if not more, ahead of the other major factions in Larista.

I also wanted to create a bit of a lost world as far as the Kingdom of Larista was concerned. It is a bit of a paradise compared to other places that suffered much more during the Great War that destroyed the ancestors’ civilizations. The terrain around the kingdom seems impassable to them, combined with the religious doctrine of the kingdom, it has kept them secluded from the rest of the world. So once the secret gets out that people exist outside of the confines of the kingdom, it will turn their world upside down.


It sounds like a wonderful read! I absolutely love the cover. It's very majestic.

Let's take a closer look.


~~@~~
EXCERPT
~~@~~


Percival shook his head. "It's our duty to kill that murdering, traitorous scum, Novell, and free everyone. Not just these people here today. We can't do that on our own though. We need him or no one will follow us."

Maximus cocked his head and looked quizzically at Percy. "You know both their names are Novell, right? Not to mention there's no proof Prodis is responsible for this. I doubt Alexander would appreciate you calling his brother a murdering, traitorous scum."

It was clear Percival was convinced Prodis was responsible and all he gave in response was a short grunt.

"Anyway," Maximus continued, "If Alexander is down there and we don't go in, we will have missed our best and possibly our only chance at freeing him. We go."

Percival's face went blank as he barked out, "Yes Sir."

The captain sighed, his breath showing in the crisp cold air. The rain had started to let up and it seemed the temperature had dropped another ten degrees as the chill renewed its assault against his rain soaked cold weather gear. "I hate it when you call me Sir. It means you disagree with me, or you're mad at me"

Percy gave his Captain a half grin. "First, if I can't call you Maxi and I can't call you Sir, what am I suppose to call you? Second, I do agree with you. I just know when you need someone else to voice your inner thoughts and help you sort things out. Lastly, I'll make sure everyone is ready."


Percival finished with his customary grin.

"I hate you sometimes, Lieutenant."


Percival shrugged and turned to pass the plans along to the rest of the squad.



~~@~~
YOU HAVE JUST READ AN EXCERPT FROM BLOOD VEINS
~~@~~



Thank you, Brian, for stopping in and sharing Blood Veins.


Readers, Brian will remain on tour, talking about Blood Veins and sharing more exciting peeks into the novel. As part of this tour, he's giving away a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to one random commentor during the tour. Post your comment, you're automatically entered. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win.

For a complete list of tour stops, click here.





~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

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"Victorians used the term 'limbs' as a euphenism for legs, which were thought to be so sexually exciting to a man, even a glimpse of a table leg could incite him to sexual frenzy. Table skirts were invented to prevent any unnatural unions between men and furniture."
~
(History Channel International)

IMMORTAL TRUST is
AVAILABLE for PRE-ORDER




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