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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Guest Blog by Jillian Stone - We call him sleuth, detective, private eye...

Please welcome Jillian Stone to The Qwillery as part of the 2012 Debut Author Challenge Guest Blogs.


We call him sleuth, detective, private eye, spook,  
investigator, gumshoe, dick, and he just might 
be our favorite hero!

What is it about Detectives? Certainly they're wicked smart, and who doesn't find a brilliant mind sexy? Often these men have a dark past, and a tough exterior, but somewhere underneath that broad, hard chest is a soft heart. They are also Dudley do-righters, adventurous heroes who are just a bit...untamed. There are so many reasons to love them, and they are hands down my favorite heroes to write!

I'm blogging today about two of my favorite characters, because I wrote them! First, let me tell you about Zeno Kennedy, the man who puts the dash in the dashing Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series and the hero of AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY. (debut novel releases January 31). Here's a quickie-quick blurb: Beneath gaslit streets, anarchists with bombs plot a deadly attack on Victorian London. Scotland Yard detective Zeno 'Zak" Kennedy's investigation leads him into the arms of free-thinking impressionist painter Cassandra St. Cloud, whose connection to the terrorists catapults their passionate affair into perilous adventure.

My other favorite character is the hero of THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK. Phaeton's prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he's asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks straight into the arms of the most dangerous woman he's ever known, the very capable cajun beauty, America Jones. This is a super steamy Steampunk mystery romance, set in late Victorian London (releases this April 3rd).

There have been so many wonderful detectives written over the years, from Rick Deckard, the replicant hunter/detective of Blade Runner/Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, to David Addison the fast-talking, fun-loving private eye from Moonlighting. And who could forget Mike Logan, the short-fused Sergeant Detective of Law & Order? Remember Captain John Brook, the tough Philadelphia cop in the movie Witness? Or how about Thomas Magnum, Private Investigator?

Any list of detectives would not be complete without Sherlock Holmes. Which Holmes is your favorite? Basil Rathbone? Christopher Plummer? Robert Downey, Jr.? The modern day Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch? Perhaps the best Holmes of all will always be the original written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and pictured in the mind's eye! So the question for the day is: Which Sherlock is your favorite?

To inspire comments I have a giveaway: One commenter will receive their choice of a signed ARC of either AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY or THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK.


About the Novels

An Affair with Mr. Kennedy
The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard 1
Pocket Books, January 31, 2012
Mass Market Paperback, 400 pages

London, 1887. Part stoic gentleman, part fearless Yard man, Zeno “Zak” Kennedy is an enigma of the first order. For years, the memory of a deadly bombing at King’s Cross has haunted the brilliant Scotland Yard detective. His investigation has zeroed in on a ring of aristocratic rebels whose bloody campaign for Irish revolution is terrorizing the city. When he discovers one of the treacherous lords is acquainted with his free-spirited new tenant, Cassandra St. Cloud, his inquiry pulls him unexpectedly close to the heart of the conspiracy—and into the arms of a most intriguing lady. Cassie is no Victorian prude. An impressionist painter with very modern ideas about life and love, she is eager for a romantic escapade that is daring and discreet. She sets her sights on her dour but handsome landlord, but after she learns their meeting was not purely accidental, she hardly has a chance to forgive her lover before their passionate affair catapults them both into a perilous adventure.


The Seduction of Phaeton Black
Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator 1
Brava, April 3, 2012
Trade Paperback, 320 pages

In the gaslit streets of Victorian London, phantoms rule the night, demons dance till dawn, and one supernatural detective dares to be seduced by the greatest power of all…

He’s The Man With The Magic Touch

A master of deduction, seduction and other midnight maneuvers, Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard’s secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he’s asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he’s ever known…

She’s The Devilish Miss Jones

Pressing a knife to his throat—and demanding he make love to her—Miss America Jones uses Phaeton as a willing shield against the gang of pirates chasing her. As deadly as she is, with a derringer tucked in her garter, Miss Jones is not the vampiric killer he’s been staking out—but she may be just what Phaeton needs to crack the case. As the daughter of a Cajun witch, she possesses uncanny powers. As a fearless fighter, she can handle anything from Egyptian mummies to Jack the Ripper. But when an ancient evil is unleashed on the world, she could be his only salvation…or ultimate sacrifice.



About Jillian

In 2010 Jillian Stone's Victorian Romantic Suspense novel AN AFFAIR WITH MR. KENNEDY won the Golden Heart and sold to Pocket Books. Her sexy, supernatural Steampunk novel, THE SEDUCTION OF PHAETON BLACK, won the 2010 Romance Through The Ages Erotica category and sold to Kensington Brava. Jillian lives in California and is currently working on the next adventures for both series.

Website
Twitter
Facebook





Jillian has a blog tour giveaway as well**:
All commenters today will be entered in a special giveaway promotion: Jewelry inspired by the romantic notion of recapturing lost time as the French title ‘Le Temps Perdu’ A Steampunk watch necklace from the Time Travel Collection by Yolanda Pang. Cyber travel to Poetic Designs and see for yourself just how whimsical this watch necklace is Link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86157293/le-temps-perdu-ii-steampunk-watch. Each time you visit a different blog and leave a comment your name gets entered again! For a schedule of my interviews and blogs go to contact/press on my website. Good luck everyone!


The Qwillery Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win his/her choice of a signed ARC of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy or The Seduction of Phaeton Black.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Which Sherlock is your favorite?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Thursday, January 26, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*




** The Qwillery is not affiliated with Jillian's blog tour giveaway and is providing this for informational purposes only. Please follow Jillian's rules to enter to win the ‘Le Temps Perdu’ A Steampunk watch necklace.

57 comments:

  1. I love the current Sherlock Holmes with Rober Downey, Jr. There is such chemistry between he and Jude Law that just pulls the viewer along for fast paced fun and action.

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  2. OoO I really like the cover to An Affair with Mr. Kennedy. I've never heard of Jillian's books before. Thanks I will be adding them to my TBR pile!

    Damaris @ Good Choice Reading
    www.goodchoicereading.com

    Shared on Twitter
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  3. I believe I like Robert Downey's interpretation of Sherlock the best!

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  4. Robert Downey Jr definitely stole my heart as Sherlock, but Rupert Everett is not far behind :)
    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 blog mention
    http://nocturnalbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html
    impy80 at hotmail dot com

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  5. Sherlock Holmes is my favorite ;)

    thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC : eli_y83
    eli_y83@yahoo.com

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  6. I love the new series that is on PBS with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

    I have heard great things about An Affair with Mr. Kennedy and I can't wait to read it.

    iqb99@yahoo.com
    +1 comment
    +1 follower

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  7. Benedict Cumberbatch!!! I love him, can't wait'll season 3.
    +1 commnet
    +1 GFC Cayce
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Cayce_23/status/160023252922671104

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    cayce006 at yahoo dot com

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  8. I prefer Basil Rathbone, but Robert Downey comes in a close second!

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  9. Hi everyone!

    It looks like Robert Downey, Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch are running neck and neck! I enjoy both their takes on the character. The Guy Ritchie movies are great fun and I love Benedict Cumberbatch's irritable, sarcastic take on the Sherlock character!

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  10. Steph,

    Basil Rathbone is the classic Sherlock.

    Jeremy Brett does another classic take on the character, Brits love him!

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  11. The Sherlock Holmes on Masterpiece Mystery is my favorite of all the Sherlocks. Robert Downey, Jr., just isn't as intriguing!

    rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 Tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/RebeLovesBooks/status/160045555307909120)

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  12. My favorite Sherlock Holmes was in the Jackie Chan-Owen Wilson movie, Shanghai Nights.

    +1 comment on Twitter

    +1 GFC follower

    kscathy@yahoo.com

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  13. I enjoy all the Sherlocks. I quite often watch the Jeremy Brett series on PBS. And the current day version with Benedict Cumberbatch is an interesting take. But the Robert Downey Jr. movies can't be beat for a stupendous presentation.
    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/DianeSallans/status/160046712608653312

    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  14. Definitely the Benedict Cumberbatch version.

    +1 comment
    +1 gfc follower

    Skk25@aol.com

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  15. After reading your description, Jillian, I gotta say I'm looking forward to meeting Zeno Kennedy. In real life. Not possible? Okay, I guess I'll settle for meeting him on the page. Looking forward to the book.

    As for fave sleuth, RDJ is okay. But I'd pick his sidekick, given the chance. That Jude Law does the trick for me.

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  16. Wow do your books sound great! I must add to my TBR list right now.
    Fun post, I agree..it is easy to fall in love with these smart sexy detectives. Who wouldn't want a handsome man figuring out life troubles for her?
    I love the Sherlock Holmes books, and I also loved to see Robert Downey Jr starring in the role. Not that I think he is very handsome but he played it well. Can't wait for the next movie!
    Thanks for the fun post and doing a giveaway!

    GFC follower Lexi
    eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot) com

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  17. im gonna have to go with Robert Downey Jr!!.. i love the way he acts out the character..

    alainala AT hotmail DOT ca

    +1 for following

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  18. Hi Jillian!
    I actually haven't seen the latest Sherlock Holmes with Rober Downey, Jr. although I really want to because he looks like he did a good job with the character. So at this point I'd have to say my favorite Sherlock is Christopher Plummer. Then again I also really enjoyed him playing in The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp:)

    Congrats on An Affair with Mr. Kennedy's upcoming release... I just adore the cover!

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follower of The Qwillery
    +1 Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/#!/yadkny/status/160066283113693185

    yadkny@hotmail.com

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  19. I love Robert Downey Jr. Although a few years ago there was a movie called Young Sherlook Holmes that I liked too!
    I follow email.
    I am a GFC follower.
    I tweeted. https://mobile.twitter.com/Roxiesmother/status/160070180544839680
    srbagby50@gmail.com

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  20. Oh, Jeremy Brett will always be my Holmes! However, I do love the updated version with Benedict Cumberbatch.

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  21. I'm with Misa on Jeremy Brett, which is surprising since Basil Rathbone was the first Sherlock Holmes I knew and he was pretty good. Those British/PBS collaborations are the best including David Suchet as Hercule Piorot.

    Benedict C. is ok, but it's not the true Sherlock Holmes he portrays.

    GFC Anne38
    acm05atjuno.com

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  22. It's the no frills, no nonsense Basil Rathbone for me. I used to love trying to figure out the clues along with him. But I agree with Tkay about Zeno.

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  23. I just got my hands on the first book, so excited to dive in. I love Robert Downey's Sherlock, quirky and sexy :)

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower
    +1 tweeted-https://twitter.com/#!/joleneallcock/status/160087092544798720

    june111(at)att(dot)net

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  24. I LOVE Robert Downey, Jr., So he is definitely my favorite Sherlock Holmes!!

    +1 comment
    +1 blog follower
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/jwitt33/status/160088556533059586

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  25. It's a tie between Robert Downey, Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch. But something I love more than Sherlock? John Watson. In every possible incarnation. Although Martin Freeman may be the best ever to this date. :)

    +1 GFC follower: Frederikke Reimer
    E-mail: frederikker.jb@gmail.com

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  26. I love Russian Sherlock Holms played by Vasili Livanov. In England they have a Sherlock Holms’ statue with Livanov's face. And the queen awarded him for the best performance of Sherlock.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower as Sofija Kapranova
    +1 tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/soni_sonik/status/160104655425241089
    kapranova.sofija@gmail.com

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  27. I was always a fan of Peter Cushing's Sherlock Holmes. I also like Basil Rathbone.

    geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

    +1 comment
    +1 Twitter follower @GeishasMom73

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  28. I love the current Sherlock Holmes with Rober Downey, Jr.
    +1 comment
    +1 follower[rogier]

    rogcaprino[at]hotmail[com]

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  29. Sofija,

    A Russian Sherlock Holmes? And he's the queen's favorite? I'm so intrigued. Is this available from Netflix?

    ReplyDelete
  30. I believe Robert Downey is edging out Benedict Cumberbatch this afternoon! And I'm not surprised by the interest in Jude Law or Martin Freeman as Watson. Both are wonderful!

    And a vote for Rupert Evert, as well!

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  31. I love the Sherlock Homes with Robert Downey Jr. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Definitely Robert Downey Jr. He's great and hot! He has transformed himself as he has gotten older, and in a good way!

    csolinda(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I think Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett are the best Sherlock's so far.Thanks for the great giveaway.

    Shared on Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/DebNovack/status/160154503478382592
    GFC follower: Deb Novack
    mom2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. My favorite Sherlock Holmes has always been as played by Jeremy Brett in the television series from the 80's.
    I do love the new Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch as well as Robert Downey's Sherlock too. I guess I have to say I love them all.
    Both books sound fabulous, it's going to be hard to choose just one if I were to win. I guess they're both going to have to go on my wish list. :D

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the great post and giveaway! I'm gonna have to throw my vote in with everyone else... hands down, Robert Downey Jr.'s Holmes is my favorite. Fantastic and very enjoyable portrayal.

    I'd appreciate any of the two books! I love the covers and the premise. Can't wait to read them!

    +1 comment
    +1 gfc: erin
    efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. I love the current Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey, Jr. Fantastic and very enjoyable portrayal.
    Thanks for giveaway.


    +1 comment
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    +1 facebook http://www.facebook.com/filia.oktarina
    filiafantasy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. I love Sherlock Holmes for sure n I love Robert downing JR as the new Sherlock Holmes. He really2 the best actor to become Sherlock holmes. I'll share this on my Facebook. aretha_zhen@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Robert Downey Jr is pretty good as Sherlock Holmes. I have not seen the TV miniseries with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, but I have heard it is fabulous.

    I follow.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like the Robert Downey Jr version.

    The book covers are so lovely!

    +1 Comment
    +1 GFC Follower
    +1 Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/LindaThum/status/160174551106453504

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love reading Sherlock Holmes. My favorite would have to be Basil Rathbone but I did enjoy watching those modern ones.
    debby236 at gmail dot com
    follower

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the new Robert Downey version. Too funny!
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC: Vivien

    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  42. I like the one with Robert Downey, Jr.

    I follow your blog.

    + 1 comment
    + 1 follower

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love Basil Rathbone. I think he and Nigel Bruce mad a great team as Holmes and Watson.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Basil Rathbone was my all time favorite as Sherlock Holmes until Robert Downey, Jr. took over. I love the new Big Screen Sherlock, but there's a lot to be said for the latest modern BBC version of Sherlock as well. They all do Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's PI proud. And I love the name Phaeton Black. Your creative muse really nailed that one.
    +1 comment
    +1 follow

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  45. I thought I would hate the modern adaptation of Sherlock but I loved Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock!

    +1 comment
    +1 blog follower

    aliasgirl at libero dot it

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  46. I like the one with Robert Downey Jr! Haha he is so enigmatic! I'd love to read any one of those books; Thanks for the giveaway!

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follower (CYP @ A Bookalicious Story)
    +1 Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/CYPyeti/status/161083232685801472)

    CYP
    cypsays_hi[@]hotmail.com

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  47. Like so many others, RDJ is my Sherlock of choice. He's so much fun! :)

    rissatoo
    (+3: comment, follower, retweeter)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm thrilled that I visited your site and got a chance to "meet" these two authors. Having grown up with Sherlock Holmes stories I love this genre set this time period.

    I was particularly drawn to the premise of Jillian's story . Affair with Mr. Kennedy. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy!

    +1 comment
    + 1 follower

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  49. Oooh there are so many Sherlock Holmes portrayals. I think my favourite is Jeremy Brett in the old TV series.

    +1 Follower = GFC: Rea
    +1 comment
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Readaba/status/161475537443893248
    +1 mention: http://reasreadingandreviews.blogspot.com/p/giveaways.html

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  50. It's still a close competition between Robert Downey, Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch. Without an official count it looks as though Robert Downey, Jr may have edged out the new BBC/PBS modern day Sherlock by a few votes. (Not bad for a guy with a name that would work in a Harry Potter book!)

    I'd like to thank everyone for their votes and comments. Signed ARC winner will be posted here shortly.

    All commenters are automatically entered in my blog tour Steampunk necklace contest which will be over on February 22. Winner will be announced on my website as well as on http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com

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  51. Robert Downey Jr is the Sherlock Holmes I am most familiar with now. Have not seen the new tv series or the older PBS series.
    follower
    linze_e at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. As of January 27, I believe the count is as follows:
    Robert Downey, Jr., 21 votes
    Benedict Cumberbatch, 11 votes
    Jeremy Brett 5 votes
    Basil Rathbone 5 votes

    With Christopher Plummer and Rupert Everett garnering a vote (or two) each!

    Thanks again for taking the time to vote. This was great fun!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Definitely, what a fantastic site and informative posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.Have an awsome day!
    New Starter Ford Contour 00-95 2.5, 99 Mercury Cougar 2.5l, Mercury Mystique 00-95 2.5l

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Commenters!

    Winner of a signed copy of An Affair with Mr Kennedy is Steph Cayne.
    Please contact me at: gJillianStone@gmail.com


    Winner of the blog tour Steampunk Watch Necklace is posted on my website: http://dscreationsjstone.intuitwebsites.com/the-yard-men.html

    I'd like to thank everyone for your wonderful Sherlock choices! I will be back April 3, with an interview about my Steampunk Paranormal release: The Seduction of Phaeton Black

    You were all terrific! Jillian

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  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  56. Oh, and one more announcement: Congratulations to Vivien Propst who won a signed copy of The Seduction of Phaeton Black. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete