Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Cocked & Loaded, Shootin' Stars & Blasting Giveaway Hop

July Blog Hop

Blog Hop hosted by:
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As those of you who have been reading my RESCUE ME series of BDSM erotic romances, you know that the first four books in the series are about some very honorable, heroic Marines, all of whom are wounded warriors. And many of you also know that the Wounded Warrior Project is my favorite charity. I just joined the Advance Guard there with a monthly donation and the fleece blanket they'll be sending me in 4-6 weeks (along with some RESCUE ME swag and an e-book) is going to go to the winning commenter below. 


In a bit, I'm going to share a bit of a scene from my upcoming release about one of the wounded warriors in my series, but first I want to honor some wounded warriors who have touched my heart. 


First, Dane Christopher Sattler, who served in the Army in Iraq and lost his battle with PTSD in January 2011. His mother, Sue, is one of my loyal readers and misses her son so much. This family really brings home to me the sacrifices our military personnel and their families make every day to preserve our freedom. Their service and sacrifice doesn't end with discharge papers.


Another is an anonymous Master Sergeant, US Marine Corps (Retired) who served in active service 22 years and continues to serve as a military contractor now. After reading the first three books in my series, he became a fan and contacted me and has been a big help to me in getting the Marine mindset right in my books--and just before Masters at Arms was released as a free book, he went through the entire book and added even more realism to it, as well as helping me improve the firefight scene at the Second Battle of Fallujah (Iraq) in 2004, the incident that bonds Marc, Adam, and Damian as "family" in this series. 


Last, but not least, is my dad, Joe. He served in the Navy in World War II (lied about his age to get in early) and in the Army in the Korean War. He came home from Korea with PTSD before it had become known as that--and, of course, went without treatment. At family reunions to this day, his brothers and their wives still talk about how bad it was when he first came home. I remember my uncle telling me that his mother and he would roll my dad in a bedroll and sit on him to try and keep him from hurting himself or anyone else. And my mother said one night they were sleeping; she was very pregnant at the time. He suddenly rose up, jumped over her and landed on the floor in the midst of a night terror, but didn't even touch her belly. The memories plagued him for the rest of his life--and he never talked about it, so we don't know what he went through to this day. He died in 1985, but will never be forgotten. When I visited Washington, D.C., a dozen years ago, I went to the Korean War memorial and still remember those haunted faces in the statues there, plus the words "Freedom is not free."


Now, the scene. This is my upcoming (due to be released later this summer) Nobody's Perfect (Rescue Me #4), which continues the story of Damian Orlando, an amputee from Iraq, and Savannah/Savi, the woman he dreamt about for eight long years, who suddenly showed up on his doorstep in need of his help. In this scene, he prepares to reveal his amputation to Savi. 


She held her breath. He seemed so serious, his jaw and body held rigid, guarded.

"Sit down."

Savi looked around. The only place to sit was on the bed. That didn't seem like a good idea.

"Sit. Down." He pointed at the bed, clearly upset with her. She wasn't sure why that bothered her so much. "Savi, I'm not going to…touch you. We're just going to talk."

Savi crossed the room and sat on the same side of the bed, keeping a safe distance away. She wasn't sure what she was afraid of. Damián wouldn't hurt her. He'd been nothing but gentle and supportive since she and Marisol had arrived here.

But he was still a man.

So, what was it he needed to tell her that made him so uncomfortable? She didn't want to know anything bad about him.

"When I got out of Iraq, I was fucked up."

"Damián, that's not unusual. You saw horrific things. War is…"

He held his hand up and halted her string of supportive words. She supposed they sounded trite, but she hadn't meant them to be.

"Don't go into therapist mode on me, Savi." He grinned, so maybe he wasn't upset with her for naturally trying to put him at ease. He was such a gentle soul. Last night, when Marisol had surprised him with the cake, he'd had unshed tears in his eyes. Processing the horrors of war would be difficult for someone who was much better at making love than war.

Don't think about making love with him. That would never happen again.

His grin faded and he ran his fingers through his hair, pulling it back from his face. She wondered why he didn't have it tied back. She didn't see it loose like this except when he got up in the morning.

"I fucked up a mission."

Savi's heart went out to him. She knew how hard it was for Marine to fail on a mission.

"We lost our sergeant because I couldn't act fast enough…"

"Damián, you can't blame yourself for…"

He glared at her. "Hear me out. This is hard enough to admit as it is."

"I'm sorry. Go on."

"I still have nightmares about it, especially around my Alive Day."

"Alive Day?"

He looked down at his feet. "That's the day I should have died, too. But I surv…I didn't die."

Savi knew not to interrupt anymore. He needed to talk and she needed to just listen. His body was held so stiffly, he barely breathed. She waited. After several moments, he continued.

"A grenade came over onto the roof where we'd held our position all day. I saw the damned thing, but I froze until it was too late to get away. When it went off, Sergeant Miller was killed. He…" Damián's breathing became rapid and she scooted closer to him on the bed, laying her hand on his thigh. She squeezed, hoping to help him focus on the present and not get lost in the memories. He placed his hand over hers and squeezed her back as if she were a lifeline.

"He died on top of me."

"Oh, God, Damián. I'm so sorry!" Savi shuddered as she thought about how that must have felt for him. Thoughts of having a weight like that on her caused beads of sweat to break out on her upper lip. But that was different. What Damián had been through was even more horrific.

"I'll never block out that image as long as I live. I could have saved him, but I…froze."

Hearing him take the blame for something beyond his control broke her heart. Not unusual for those in combat situations, though. They were trained to watch out for each other. Nothing she could say would help assuage his guilt that a member of his unit was killed, even if she could come up with the words to say. She just squeezed his thigh again, knowing there probably was more to come. She braced herself mentally.

"I came to in a military hospital in Germany. When I realized what I'd lost, I didn't want to go on."

"Lost?" Instantly, she knew he wasn't talking about his sergeant now.

He avoided making eye contact with her, but nodded, his gaze remaining on his feet. Oh, God, no! It became clear to her why she'd seen him limping so many times. She looked down at his feet. For the first time, she realized she'd never seen him without his shoes or boots on. Odd, considering they'd lived in such close quarters for two months.

Dread washed over her as she slid off the bed onto the floor. With shaking hands, she sat in front of his feet and reached out to touch his legs. Starting at his knees, which were flesh on solid muscle, she ran each of her hands down the backs of his legs until her left hand bumped into straps on his right leg. On the other leg she felt sinew and muscle. Unharmed.

She reached down to the hem of his jeans leg and folded up the right one. Damián reached out and stayed her hand, but she brushed him away.

"Please, Damián. I need to see what they did to you."

His hand went to her chin and he lifted her face to his. The pain—no, the torment—there told her how hard this was for him. She needed to back off and give him time to prepare himself. This wasn't about what she needed. She had to do what Damián needed.


Two Giveaways
Contest Information

There are two types of contests as part of this blog hop. The first (see #1) is provided by the hosts of this blog hop--Queentutt's World of Escapism blog and Close Encounters of the Night Kind blog. The second (see #2) is a chance to win a prize package I'm providing. 


1) To enter into the Cocked and Loaded Grand Prize drawing for one of two Kindle Fires and lots of other cool prizes, you must go HERE and sign up using the Rafflecopter form provided. 

2) To enter to win your choice of e-book from my Rescue Me series, some swag (bookmark, Master Adam hand fan, Rescue Me trading cards, and a pen), plus the Wounded warrior Project fleece blanket, please sign up for my newsletter HERE (if you haven't already done so) and comment below WITH your email address. (Please allow up to 8 weeks to receive the blanket, because I won't get it from the WWP for 4-6 weeks from today.)



This hop ends midnight on July 11 and winners will be chosen and emailed by the 13th. Thanks for stopping by--and please keep our wounded warriors in your thoughts and prayers! If you are able, consider a donation to help the good people at the Wounded Warrior Project continue to provide services and support to those who have given so much to us. 

67 comments:

  1. Well, I had previously been signed up for the newsletter but something must have happened because I had to sign up again tonight. I am signed up with the email sassy.rose.1969 @ gmail.com .

    Kally, it means so much that you are willing to give up your Wounded Warrior blanket...it's a precious gift! Thank you!

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  2. I've already signed up for your newsletter. I think it's wonderful that you support the Wounded Warrior project. I can't even imagine the horrors our soldiers go through in war. They are all heroes.

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  3. Everyone check to be sure your e-mail is working in the newsletter list. Not sure what's going on!

    Rose, I could have picked up some patriotic souvenir, but this blanket is so closely related to what I write--and close to my heart. I hope whoever wins it will cherish it for me!

    Me either, Becki! My heart goes out to them and their families!

    Kally

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  4. It is a great thing you do for your Charity Wounded Warrior Project...Thank you!!!.....leisaprater@att.net

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  5. Thanks for supporting the Wounded Warrior Project. It's a great cause. I am already signed up for the newsletter.

    e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

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  6. I am signed up for your newsletter Kally with the email donna.godin@hotmail.com. Thank You for your support of the Wounded Warriors Project, they have helped so many of my brothers and sisters in arms.

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  7. Love your books Kally!! I have your newsletter on bothe e-mails, just so I don't miss it!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

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  8. What a wonderful gift Kally - thank you for the opportunity to win and own something so precious. And thank you for helping out the Wounded Warriors Project - they gift us all each and every day with their service and sacrifice.

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  9. I signed up before and I tried again just now to make sure and it does say that I am signed up! So hopefully that's working! Now....that excerpt....ohhhh I cannot wait to read Savi and Damien's story!!! It's gonna be fabulous I just know!!! And wow!! What amazing giveaways...seriously authors are so generous and giving!! I guess that goes without saying considering you all share such a deep part of you with your stories!! I'll always support our wounded warriors in any way I can!!!

    - Lee (Alisa)

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    Replies
    1. Oops...forgot to add my e-mail again here.....
      grizzlys4@yahoo.com

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  10. Great gift Kally, I support Wounded Warriors Project on a monthly basis. So I have a blanket. Your new story sounds great and I can't wait til it gets out. I follow our blog as suzyrph@charter.net

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  11. Oh that excerpt made my heart clench! K, you do such an amazing job I can't help but re-read all of your stories repeatedly! Thank you for this offer and I look forward to all of your writing endeavors! era97201@hotmail.com

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  12. Thanks for the great post, my dad was also in the Korean War and I was with him when we saw the memorial in DC, it was very emotional.
    lfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com

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  13. Such a great thing you are doing :). Im already signed up for the newsletter but my address is haleysmom29626@gmail.com. Good luck in all your endeavors!! Can't wait to read all of Nobody's Perfect!!!

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  14. Wonderful post, Kally! I have many uncles who served in various branches of the military and my dad was stationed in Japan during the Korean war. One of my uncles was sent to Vietnam 6 mo. after marrying my aunt but wasn't there long before he was injured and spent 18 mo. in the hospital saving his legs. Thank you for the Wound Warriors gift blanket giveaway!
    I follow by newletter and email.

    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

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  15. What a fantastic gift, my dad was in Vietnam and so the Miltary is very close to my heart.

    signed up for the newsletter

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. Love your books, already get the newsletter. Loved your poat also.
    My dad served in WWII regular army. Have a pic of him after he built a washing machine to help wash their clothes. Thanks also for the giveaway.

    tiss81@hotmail.com

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  17. This is a great hop. I love me my swag. You get some really nice things in swag. It's not always about the books. It's also about the other things that gets us interested in reading the author's work.

    Even though my dad never saw any action, he was stationed over in Cuba during the Korean conflict. You have to respect all those that serve this country. They do their best to protect us even when they are far away from home.

    Lynn
    lareynolds0316@gmail.com

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  18. Oh Kally, thank you so much for mentioning my son Dane in your blog. He would have gotten such a kick out of this. You are not only a kick-ass author, you are a class act.

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. Kally, Thanks so much for your post in the blog hop. I was so happy to get another glimpse into the lives of Damian and Savi. And thanks again for the blog hop prize from your recent hop. Loved the daily posts. Looking forward to Damian and Savi's Story. Thanks for your support of the Wounded Warrior's project.
    starsia_70@yahoo.com

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  20. Already signed up. kbmckee at mail dot com

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  21. Hi Kally!

    I receive you e-mail already and reading this post touched my heart. The trauma that military personnel go through cannot be comprehended by regular folks and it is wonderful that an organization such as the Wounded Warrior Project exists. All these men and women deserve our respect and support every way possible.

    P.S. I may be Canadian but my heart goes out to all the men and women who serve in the military both American and Canadian.

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

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  22. GREAT post Kally...and another GREAT excerpt too! I can't wait to read Damian and Savi's story. Thx for the VERY generous giveaway op!! :)

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

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    1. FYI...I had to resign up for your newsletter too...weird.

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  23. Thank you so much sweetie for being apart of the Blog Hop and Happy 4th of July.
    Ronda Tutt

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  24. I am already signed up my email I samantha_gearhart@hotmail.com

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  25. I look forward to Damian & Savi. I have really enjoyed the series. I commend your work with Wounded Warrior. I am fortunate that my son returned safely from his tour in Iraq but I know many aren't as fortunate.

    For you I will make a donation and for all those he need their help. God bless our Country and keep her safe.

    kkshearer at yahoo dot com

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  26. Thanks for the contest!!!
    Great post! I signed up for the email. Thanks so much!

    forettarose@yahoo.com

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  27. thanks for the contest and the great post ^^

    sunshine_pinkystar at yahoo dot com

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  28. The excerpt was wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win. I have also signed up for e-mail.
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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  29. The Wounded Warrior project is great. My family and I are huge supporters of organizations that help our military men and women. These are some of the most priceless people we have. Without their self sacrafice, then and now, we wouldn't have this amazing country. Thank You!!!

    Long time follower: email: bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    Mel

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  30. I firmly believe that we cannot do enough to repay our military men and women for all they risk and sacrifice for us at home. Several members of my family have served in the Navy, including my Dad, an Aunt who was stationed at Pearl Harbor and an Uncle I never got to meet as he died on the USS Johnston in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

    Kally, you know I love your books, even if I can't always keep all the characters straight in my head when talking about them! ;)

    I'm so looking forward to Damian and Savi's story and would love the chance to win some swag from you.

    Thank you for all you do to bring attention to our wounded warriors.

    lisaguertin at yahoo.com

    Lisa

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  31. Great excerpt. Haven't read you yet. I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for offering this awesome giveaway.
    vanessa(at)thejeepdiva(dot)com

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  32. Kally i love your books. I am a huge fan of cherise sinclair and have been looking for years for someone who like her embraces the romance in bdsm. A lot of the bdsm series tend to lack heart and romance, and i have to say i was so happy to find this series because you don't scrimp (is that a word? lol) on the heart and thats what makes this series worth waiting for. gotta say though i cant wait for cassie's. there is just something to that tension that is just draws me in. Also thanks for adam in nobody's hero. even cherise never gave me that. i have a thing for military men, dominant men, and silver foxes and im 24 so it was as close to perfect in what i have been looking for years for. Also i love knowing there are other ncis fans out, i want that show to last forever. there was a time a couple of years ago when i was reading nonstop that i only watched ncis and golden girls, so i totally get the fascination. can't wait for more,

    marissa
    rissi06@yahoo.com

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  33. I think that is a good thing what you are doing by participating in the wounded warrior project. It seems like you should have your blanket since it is a thank you gift to you for your part in their program.

    I just got your first book so I'm looking forward to reading it and the others. Thank you for sharing your excerpt.
    Sophia
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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  34. Thank you so much for the giveaway. I would be honored to win the Wounded Warrior Project blanket.

    I signed up for the newsletter using

    geishasmom73 at yahoo dot com

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  35. I really love your books and think its great that you are involed in the wounded warrior project. My husband is in the army and we are currently stationed at Landsthul, Germany. We (husband's unit) cook dinners for the wounded warriors at LRMC ( hospital ) its great to give them a bit of home while they are recovering.

    Tina
    Tinacspears@yahoo.com

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  36. Thanks so much for participating! I'm glad you highlighted the Wounded Warrior project, it's a wonderful organization. Have a good independence week!

    tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  37. I did not read the whole excerpt. I can't. I am on pins and needles waiting for Damien and Savi's story and if I read the excerpt, it will just drive me nuts! jepebATverizonDOTnet

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  38. Thank you for being part of the blog hop & giving your blanket as a prize. That is very special & I am sure anyone would treasure it. Subscribed with e mail wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    Lisa George

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  39. Fabulous excerpt AND giveaway!!! Thank you for the chance to win it :) I'm a newsletter subscriber(molly(@)reviewsbymolly(.)com)as well as blog follow.

    molly(@)reviewsbymolly(.)com

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  40. Thanks for a great post. I signed up for your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  41. My Grandpa was in WWII and Korea both my Dad and Uncle were in Vietnam and my brother was in Desert Storm...so proud of then! And you are right...Freedom isn't free!!!!
    I'm already a subscriber
    I so cannot wait to read Nobody's Perfect!!!
    andieleah78

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  42. signed up for newsletter

    thanks for the contest!

    donnasing777@yahoo.com

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  43. My pray is that the Good Lord will 4every bless all OUR beloved soldiers as well as their families..May his glory amazing grace & Love from above be trace like the bright Sun shine down on them 4ever More...with MUCH great abundant of Hope ,promises MORE at ever open door.4 the future thats...N store.:D thanQ
    redz0412yahoo.com

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  44. How did I miss your blog yesterday while hopping...I came here today for the Jock Hop but found this one instead. hmmm....anyway, I can't wait to read this story!! Thanks for the chance to win :) raynman1979 at yahoo dot com

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  45. I have the first book in your series to read ;) so i'm excited about this giveaway

    Sharonda
    mslowman@gmail.com

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  46. I love your books, I am so excited for Rescue Me #4 to come out. I am en email subscriber to your blog and newsletter mawmom(@)gmail.com
    Carin

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  47. I can't wait to read this series. We meet at RT in Chicago and I believe you are also going to AAD in NOLA so I will get to chat more with you then. Thanks!
    Yes, I am on the newsletter list.

    areeths at new dot rr dot com

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  48. Yay! It will be great to meet you in NOLA.
    Thank you for the chance to win!

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  49. What a great gift Kally, you know I already stalk...follow you every way I can including the newsletter :)
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  50. Thank you for the contest! The series sounds great! I signed up for the newsletter and followed with GFC

    evelynmoly@yahoo.com

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  51. Hello Kallypso,

    Thank you for participating in the Cocked & Loaded, Shootin’ Stars, & Blasting Giveaway Hop.

    The Wounded Warrior Project is such a Fantastic Charity! My Husband did 2 Tours in Vietnam in the Marines, Special Forces Ground Troop & at the end of his 2nd Tour he was wounded.

    I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your VERY Generous Giveaway. Thank You.

    Take Care & Stay Naughty,
    PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
    paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com

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  52. I LOVE this series and I love your writing. The remembrances of the soldiers above and the excerpt from the story both brought tears to my eyes. Karysafaire at gmail dot com.

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  53. I am so excited about this book coming soon!! I am glad you are making it as good as you want. And taking your time. Because of you Ihave looked into the wounded warriors project and it is a fantastic organization. My daughter is Air Force and in the delayed entry program waiting for a date. It is nerve wracking. Thank Kally!!!
    Lknda Meza. Linmeza@Hotmail.com

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  54. You are Awsome ! Everyone for supporting people who protect us ...I donate To several different soldier charities it makes me feel good ...kally ur awsome
    Naneemcgee @aol.com

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  55. I haven't read any of this series yet, but after reading that excerpt, I would really love to. Gosh, I ended up in tears by the end of it.
    My dad was in the military though I really don't know much about his time in it. It was long before I was born, and he never much talked about it. He died in 1999.
    I think it's wonderful that the anonymous Master Sergeant got in touch with you and is helping out with information when he can.

    Well, thank you for the giveaway!

    I'm subscribed to your newsletter at the email below.

    Pam
    vanillaorchids69(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. Loved the excerpt! Can't wait to read it.
    Signed up for newsletter!

    beckerjo at verizon dot net

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  57. I am so sorry for Sue's loss. :( My heart goes out to her and her family.
    Wonderful post, Kally!! I love our soldiers! Another awesome excerpt!!! Thank you so much for sharing and for the giveaway. :)
    trb0917 at gmail.com

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  58. signed up for newletter
    Thanks for the contest
    pademe_lee@yahoo.com

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  59. Oh what a fantastic giveaway!

    I've had the series recommended to me a couple times this past week and had just added it to my shopping list :)

    Thanks!

    acade29@gmail.com

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  60. I signed up for the newsletter.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  61. I've been signed up for the newsletter, under email
    luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
    This is a fantastic hop, I'm finding some new authors and adding lots and lots of books to my list. Thanks for the chance to win.
    luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

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  62. Leagh - Kallypso's AssistantJuly 14, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    The winner of all these wonderful prizes is....by random.org

    Congratulations to:

    JoAnna
    Email: beckerjo at verizon dot net

    I will be emailing you shortly.

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  63. Congrats to JoAnna! Just a little jealous. ;)
    Enjoy!

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  64. Congrats, JoAnna! As I stated in the blog, the blanket will be arriving at my house in 4-6 weeks, but as soon as I have it, I'll send it on to you! Leagh will fix you up with the book and swag sooner, though.

    Thanks to all who commented--and who have supported or plan to support the Wounded Warrior Project. You're awesome!

    Kally

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