Friday, July 27, 2012

A Hero's Blog Hop

It’s time for A Hero’s Blog Hop, hosted by Carrie Ann Ryan, Fated Desires Publishing, & Heartthrob Haven.  Starting today and ending on July 31st, over 100 Authors and Bloggers will share our favorite things about romance heroes, a character post from them, and what we love about romance and men in general.  And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. But that's not all....


We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!


1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
For my own prize, I’m offering the winner her/his choice of either Darkness Dawns or Night Reigns + Immortal Guardians swag. 

Since my Immortal Guardians are always on the go, I have asked Todd, one of the network guards, to catch up with Marcus, the hero of Night Reigns, Immortal Guardians Book 2, for a quick interview. 

In case you’re new to the Immortal Guardians, I’ll just take a quick moment to explain that the vampires and immortals in my series are both infected with a rare symbiotic virus that produces the heightened senses and increased speed, strength, and regenerative properties both possess, as well as the photosensitivity and a need for blood.  Vampires are humans who have been infected and suffer brain damage as a result that causes them to rapidly descend into madness.  Immortals are gifted ones, men and women born with advanced DNA, who have been infected.  Their advanced DNA protects them from the madness.  Seconds, members of an extensive human network that aids the Immortal Guardians, guard and assist individual immortals.

Todd:  Hey, man.  Thanks for doing this.  I know things have been hectic lately, so I appreciate your taking the time.

Marcus:  No problem.  How are things going at network headquarters?

Todd:  Bastien has been keeping things pretty interesting for us.

Marcus:  *shakes his head*  I imagine he has. 

Todd:  So . . . *takes out a laptop*

Marcus:  Wasn’t I supposed to be meeting with Sheldon?

Todd:  Richart’s Second?  Yyyyyyeah.  He, ah, had something he needed to–

Marcus:  He’s afraid Ami might join us, isn’t he?

Todd:  Yes, and he’s still terrified of her, which – by the way – is a never-ending source of amusement for the rest of us.

Marcus:  *Smiles and shakes his head*  I don’t know what she said to him, or what she threatened to do to him if he screwed up again, but he pretty much shakes in his boots every time he sees her and absolutely refuses to train with her. 

Todd:  Well, it was a pretty big screwup.  It landed you in a hell of a mess. 

Marcus:  And sent Ami racing to my rescue as any good Second would do.  *expression darkens*  If I weren’t so amused by his fear of her, I’d be gunning for him myself because of the injuries she suffered as a result.

Todd:  Needless to say, he hasn’t repeated the mistake, not since Ami had her talk with him.  The fact that she’s a foot shorter than him and nearly half his weight makes his fear of her all the more hilarious.

Marcus:  *laughs*  She may be small, but she can best any other Second on the planet.  And she can kick serious vampire ass.

Todd:  That’s what I’ve heard.  *consults laptop.*  So, what we’re doing today is creating a series of simple profiles that will enable all of us mere mortals who work with you guys to get to know you better.  We’ve done some interviews in the past and will be doing more in the next few months, but this will give network members a quick reference guide.  Immortal Guardians have been making more frequent appearances down at headquarters and . . .

Marcus:  People are freaking out?

Todd:  *sheepish smile*  A little bit, yeah.  Most of the employees find your age, incredible strength, speed, special gifts, and skill with weapons a tad intimidating.

Marcus:  Understandable.  Well, enough rumors have circulated about me that I doubt there’s much they don’t already know, but you’re welcome to ask whatever you want.

Todd:  Thanks.  So, just for the record, how old are you? 

Marcus:  Nearly nine hundred years old.  I stopped counting birthdays half a millennium ago.

Todd:  Good enough.  And you’re from England?

Marcus:  *nods and smiles*  Hence the accent.

Todd:  You’ve spent much of your existence loving a woman you lost recently.

Marcus:  Yes.  I won’t rehash that tale.  It has, unfortunately, fascinated the Immortal Guardians world and become somewhat legendary, so I’m sure knowledge of it has trickled down to the network employees and made the rounds.

Todd:  Very few haven’t heard it.  Anything you want to add or clarify?

Marcus:  *looks thoughtful*  Only that . . . while Bethany was an incredible woman and certainly deserved all of the love she received during her lifetime, what I felt for her pales beside what I feel for Ami.

Todd:  Does that make Ami being your Second harder?

Marcus:  Yes and no.  I don’t know any immortal male who would choose to have a female Second simply because Seconds do occasionally give their lives to protect us when we find ourselves – say – the victim of a vampire ambush.

Todd:  Something that has been happening with increasing frequency.

Marcus:  *nods*  Nights are more perilous than ever.  I’m sure you’ve heard how many times Ami has–

Todd:  Saved your ass?

Marcus:  Yes.  It terrifies me, every time she stands beside me and fights. *shakes his head and smiles*  But I would have no other at my back.  She is a fierce warrior with unparalleled courage.  And I adore her, so every moment I get to spend with her . . .  *shrugs*  I just love being with her.

Todd:  How do you feel about her being friends with Bastien?

Marcus:  *unleashes a slur of curses*

Todd:  That was . . . pretty clear.

Marcus:  Next question.

Todd:  Ohhhkay.  There’s a rumor going around that you and Roland were recently at odds.  Everyone knows he was your mentor and trainer and that you’re the only immortal who has managed to befriend the antisocial bastard.  So, what exactly–

Marcus:  Roland and I are good.

Todd:  But–

Marcus:  We’re good.  He’s like a brother to me and now Sarah is like a sister. 

Todd:  Roland’s . . . different now that he has Sarah.

Marcus:  Yes, he is.

Todd:  He actually smiles now.  I heard he even laughs.

Marcus:  He’s happy.  For the first time in centuries, Roland is happy.  Maybe the rest of you will realize he’s not so bad now.

Todd:  Maybe.  *looks doubtful*  Are you one of the immortals who has been calling for Bastien’s execution?

Marcus:  If he didn’t mean so much to Ami, I would say, Hell, yes.  But Ami’s happiness trumps everything.

Todd:  Hearing you now, it’s hard to believe you weren’t exactly thrilled when Seth assigned Ami to be your Second.

Marcus:  *laughs*  If I could do it all over again, I’d throw her a freaking welcome party.

Todd:  *checks his watch*  I know you need to get back to hunting, so this should be enough.  Thanks again, Marcus.

Marcus:  *shakes Todd’s hand*  Good to see you again.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance Nominee
"A thrilling and chilling new paranormal series.  Fantastic!"
– RT Book Reviews

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control. . .

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible--when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect. . .
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This blend of kick-butt action, intriguing plot twists and heartfelt passion is utterly addictive!"
– RT Book Reviews

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into. . .

Marcus Graden has been an Immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets--how can she defeat death itself?
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Contest Details
The contest lasts from Today through July 31st 2012.
The Kindle prize, Gift Card, and my own prize (book + swag) are international.  The Swag Pack is US only.   

Mandatory entry
Leave a comment below with your email address and let me know who your favorite hero is.  :-)  Also mention any extra entries.

Extra entries
For extra entries you may do any or all of the following, but be sure to mention them in your comment.

+1  Follow my blog. 
+1  Like My Facebook Page.
+1  Follow me on Twitter.
+1  Mention my giveaway on Twitter.
+1 Share this post on facebook. 

Selecting a Winner
I will use random.org to choose a winner after verifying all entries and will email the winner on August 1st.  The winner will have one week to contact me.

Good luck!  And have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne Duvall

72 comments:

  1. So far my favorite hero is Roland. I love the way he loves Sara. Tmc977@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really like both guys but I like Marcus more.

    danni0113@gmail.com

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  3. It is so hard to choose...I choose both...I can do that right, of course I can, I am a woman...

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  4. If I had to choose just one :( I am choosing Marcus. Email is ddrose33d@gmail.com or ddrose33d@yahoo.com, thank you for sharing your talent with the world...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I follow this blog.
    I like you on Facebook.
    I shared this post twice.

    Pinktink15683@yahoo.com

    I'd have to flip a coin on which guy. Head Marcus and Tails Roland...**Flips coin** It landed on heads. Marcus has my vote. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love them both

    Ramsha_rehan123@yahoo.com

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  7. Thanks for explaining the difference between vampires, immortals and seconds, as I don;t follow this genre. Must admit I prefer 'normal' men to paranormals!

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  8. I love both guys but my favorite is Roland. lavonne_page@yahoo.com

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  9. I love both Roland and Marcus-Maybe Marcus a little more- but I'm curious and kind of loving Seth. McMinimyEvents@yahoo.com
    Also shared the link on Facebook :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love Roland. But I also love Bastien. I think he is more than he seems. I love your books. I have done the following: +1 Follow my blog.
    +1 Like My Facebook Page.
    +1 Follow me on Twitter.
    +1 Mention my giveaway on Twitter.
    +1 Share this post on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot the email. peeweeanita@roadrunner.com

      Delete
  11. Thanks for another amazing giveaway Crossing my fingers.
    tobihelton at gmail dot com
    Follow on FB Tobi (maiden name) Helton
    Twitter @tobi_helton

    FB share link http://www.facebook.com/ForgetTheHouseworkImReading/posts/101611013319848
    Twitter Link
    https://twitter.com/tobi_helton/status/228917816521269249

    ReplyDelete
  12. Roland is my favourite!
    Great blog hop.
    +1 GFC follow - irgl7
    +1 facebook like - Irene Jackson

    irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. My favorite hero is Roland, he is so sexy and so Alpha. Makes my insides melt.
    tamabraun@kc.rr.com

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  14. roland sounds SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dreamy

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  15. My favorite is Roland still... :)

    maybe31 at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. My favorite hero is Bones from the Night Huntress series.
    GFC: Molly Frenzel
    Facebook: Molly Nudo Frenzel
    Twitter: @dg_molly
    Tweet: https://twitter.com/dg_molly/status/228988265309556736
    molly(dot)frenzel(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm leaning towards Roland. He sounds pretty flipping awesome to me. :)

    imsocool(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like Ami, I think she's cool and really kicks butt. I love all your Immortal Guardian books. Thank you for sharing your talent.


    yankeealleycat@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow the blog: Leigh Savage
    Twitter: Leigh Savage
    Facebook: Leigh Savage

    I don't have a certain hero from a book right now but I've had your books on my wish list for awhile. Thanks for the great giveaway.

    authorleighsavage@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow via email
    I liked you and you stream in my newsfeed on FB ( gaele hi )

    I'm liking the sound of your books - I'm still searching for my archetypal hero...

    glhince@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Eric or Bill from the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Not entering , just stopped by to say just how much I love these books, Marcus and Roland are tied as to which are my favorites but I can't wait for Bastien's book(I kind of feel sorry for him)

    ReplyDelete
  23. If forced to choose I'll take Roland.

    Follow GFC: Mary Preston

    FB: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Awesome interview!
    Enjoy the blog.
    bidelia78@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My favorite is Roland:) Missjocsan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh and I liked your Facebook page and shared this post on Facebook:)

      Delete
  26. If I have to pick just one hero I'd go with Jocelin from Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series.

    You're liked on Facebook, Dianne.
    carrielynnbarker@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi again, I mentioned yesterday that Ami was my favorite hero. She's Marcus' second and kicks vampire butt for sure. Well, she's still my fav..although Marcus turns me on big time!! I'm looking forward to your next book in October , keep up the good work ,you know I've emailed you personally a few times.

    1+Like your FB page

    yankeealleycat@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh this is not an entry, just an edit note: They miss spelled Marcus' last name in the story synopsis.

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  29. Excited to read your books! You are on my TBR list. My favorite hero is Vishous from J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood.

    I liked your FB page and am following your blog.

    tccmp30@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love so many heroes so it is hard to choose. I will go with Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudiced. I liked your Facebook page and shared the post.(Kaylyn Davis) I followed on Twitter and retweeted your tweet about the giveaway.(@kaylyn_davis) I follow via email.(The one below) I did all 5 of the extra entries. Thank you for the giveaway.
    kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. My favorite hero is Roland:D I liked your page and shared this post! Missdazsan@gmail.com Cool contest and good luck everyone^^

    ReplyDelete
  32. Marcus, definitely! Thank you for the contest. Following via GFC and twitter (marygrace_tsb)
    thesolitarybookworm(@)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love Bastien. So i will choose Bastien!! LOL!!

    GFC as Filia Oktarina
    Tweet : https://twitter.com/Love_Filia/status/229513828361199616

    filiafantasy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow blog, FB and e-mail...
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I can't wait for Bastien's book to come out! I have a feeling he is going to be a favorite alpha hero! And I don't know why everyone is so scared of Roland, he's one of my favorite heros!

    Follow on Facebook - Susan White

    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am choosing Roland because he is on my TBR list already. Marcus is being put on the list now.
    Follow on:

    GFC - Lisa G
    Twitter - @wolphcall
    FB - Lisa George

    Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  37. I always fall for the hero in whatever book I just read, your books look wonderful. Love the unique take on vampires, Thanks Carin

    +1 Follow my blog. email follower mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com
    +1 Like My Facebook Page. Carin Walker
    +1 Follow me on Twitter. MAWmum
    +1 Mention my giveaway on Twitter.https://twitter.com/MAWmum/status/229705151227764736
    +1 Share this post on facebook. FB Carin Walker
    email for grand prizes mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you for the giveaway..
    GFC Follower- ronnkelly3
    Twitter- ronnkelly3
    Email- ronnkelly3@aol.com
    Tweeted- https://twitter.com/ronnkelly3/status/229717078469398529
    Liked on FB- Kelly Reci

    ronnkelly3@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love a confident, smart hero....who is funny. Wit is pretty sexy if I do say so myself!

    Thank you for the opportunity!
    brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
    The Brunette Librarian Blog

    ReplyDelete
  40. I don't really have a favorite hero but Marcus has a trait I like: letting the heroine protect him when he knows it's good for him.
    bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I can't say that I have 1 favorite as I love whichever one I am currently reading!

    Follow via:
    email: bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
    FB: Mel Bourn
    Twitter: @MelCamino5
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MelCamino5/status/229762590987923457

    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. My favorite hero is Roarke from J.D. Robb's IN Death series.
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. My favorite hero tends to be whichever I am currently reading. Thank you for the giveaway.
    Following by:
    GFC: June M.
    FB: June Manning
    Twitter: @juneannm
    Posted on FB: https://www.facebook.com/june.manning74/posts/268354889944718
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/juneannm/status/229816329392238592

    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm loving both these heroes.I wanna know more :)
    GFC-Janhvi Jagtap
    twitter follower-@justjanhvi

    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. My favorite hero is Harry Dresden from the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

    achbarrow(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love heroes who finally admit they've fallen & can't get back up.

    GFC - jessiel62; FB - Jessie Mora Llewellyn
    Twitter - jessie1811

    JessieL62@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. love all of them

    lena.grey.iam@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. thanks for a chance to win and for sharing and hope you are enjoying your summer angelwolfmystic@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Fun character interview! I look forward to reading the books.

    GFC: Sophia Rose
    FB: Sally Michele Shaw
    Twitter: sophiarose1816
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sophiarose1816/status/230066336565428225

    Thanks for participating in the hop and for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Woohoo! Loving this hop!
    <^_^>
    Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Enjoyed the blurbs, love it.. more books to add to my tbr list.
    I follow you by GFC and FB - Christine Sheets
    and email cms72023(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great interview! Thanks for the chance to win :) raynman1979 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow loved the interview. I havent read your series yet but it sounds awesome. Love the different twist to the series.

    I follow you by GFC and FB. I dont have Twitter or I would of did that too.

    Oh yeah my favorite heroes in real life would have to be police men and fire men.
    In my book world I have to say Gena Showalters Lords.

    DawnSullivan88@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanks for the giveaway. My favorite hero in books would be Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
    beckerjo at verizon dot net

    +1 Follow GFC - beckerjo
    +1 Like My Facebook Page (JoAnna Halpin Becker)
    +1 Follow me on Twitter (beckerjo)
    +1 Tweet: https://twitter.com/beckerjo/status/230113619847835648
    +1 Share this post on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joanna.halpinbecker/posts/267478293351757

    ReplyDelete
  55. One of my favorites is Bones Love him! Thank you for the great giveaway!
    GFC-latishjean
    Twitter-latishajean
    Facebook- latisha D
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  56. twitter desitheblonde
    retweet
    desiree reilly fb
    goggole same
    gfc desitheblonde
    i love swag and the 3prize
    desitheblondet msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Follow you on twitter(@minnie2297)
    liked on FB(Minnie Medina)
    GFC(Minnie Medina)

    Amongst my favorite heroes is Jim Heron form JR Ward's Fallen Angel series

    minnie229@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have too many favorites to name, but I'll always remember my first when I first started reading PN romance: Amun, Keeper of Secrets from Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld. He was so, so ... gah! He was awesome!

    Following blog via GFC: MichelleW and via Email
    Shared post on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MsRomanticReads
    Following via Twitter: @MsRomanticReads
    Liked your FB page: Michelle Wilson/added to favorites from my FB Page

    Thank you for participating in the blog hop and for the giveaway!

    msromanticreads(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. great blog contest, love your books
    kintana002000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love Marcus and can't wait for Bastien's book.
    Extra entries-
    FB-Michelle Bledsoe
    TW-@MABledose
    Tweeted- https://twitter.com/MABledsoe/status/230338978732195840

    Thanks for the contest.
    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Cute interview.
    FB-Lona Stringer
    TW-LonaStringer
    Tweet-https://twitter.com/LonaStringer/status/230341694489509889
    and I follow your blog - blinkysthebest at aol dot com. Thx for giveaway

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. My favorite hero is Madoc from Living Nightmare by Shannon K. Butcher.

    ljberma01@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I like Marcus best. His book sounds extremly interesting. I follow you on Twitter @debdebss
    Debdebss@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Marcus sounds really interesting! Thank you for the chance to win!
    I follow you on Twitter (@jesscaashley) and liked your facebook, and tweeted about the giveaway!
    Jesscaashley(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  65. both books sound good, thanks for the giveaway - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. The books sound great. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Blog follower: Vanessa N.
    Twitter: @mythic021

    mythic021@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Both sound really good! Thanks for the fun hop and the awesome giveaway! Ya all rock!! :)
    GFC: shadow_kohler
    Facebook: Shadow Kohler
    Twitter: @LuvToRead09
    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/LuvToRead09/status/230492119960281088
    Shared fb: https://www.facebook.com/shadow.kohler/posts/255424051242181
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Did all that is requested! :)

    Great post. Fun reading the characters like that.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Whoops... forgot the fav hero part:

    My favorite fictional hero is my own, Heath. (Because he'll stone me to death if I name anyone else. Seriously, living with this guy in my head is quite the experience! LOL)
    He isn't actually fully aware yet that he is going to be a hero, but that won't stop him from shoving his way into the spotlight! The funny thing about this is that when he actually does something heroic, like saving a bunch of orphans from a flood or beating the daylights out of an abusive bastard, he doesn't brag about it. He'd much sooner talk about his sexual conquests, his chess match wins, or his sexual conquests. (He's with twins right now, thus the double mention. My poor brain. LOL) But in the end, he will prove that he is a great hero. Then again, maybe he'll be the ultimate villain. I'd hate to rule anyone out just yet, as readers will have a long journey ahead before that answer sneaks out!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Zsadist from BDB

    I follow via email.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete