Loading ...Guest Blogger Author Jackie Kessler
Bitten by Books is excited to welcome author Jackie Kessler today as our featured Guest Blogger! She will be talking with you today and answering questions. Check out the contest at the end of this post! You could win the amazing prize she is offering up today!
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Love Your Inner Vixen by Jackie Kessler
Why is sex dangerous?
No, I’m not talking about STDs or unwanted pregnancy (but really, hello, condoms are there for a reason). I mean why is it that writing about something so basic, something necessary for the survival of our species, is considered…dirty? Seriously. What’s wrong with embracing our inner vixen? Why is reading about sex dangerous?
And what’s wrong with rooting for heroines who embrace their sexuality? Come on. Tell me that you didn’t cheer for Faith over Buffy (at least, until Faith went all psycho and slaughter-happy). Tell me that hookers with a heart of gold are more appealing than seductresses who know full well what they’re capable of achieving when they put their minds, and bodies, to the task.
I’m not slamming the heroine who waits to be rescued, whether it’s from a tower or from an untenable situation. I’m not thumbing my nose at the heroine who chooses to wait for her one true love before offering her virginity. But I am saying that they’re not the only heroines out there.
And yet, the very notion of heroines comfortable with their sexuality can brand those female characters as sluts, as bitches, as “bad girls.”
I say, those characters aren’t sluts. Or girls, either good or bad. Those characters are fully developed women, women who understand that sex is part of life. Sex can be incredibly romantic. Sex is when we’re at our most vulnerable — but the act of sex is all about trust, about love. And because of that, sex is empowering. Maybe that’s why some stories have heroines come into their own power — their strength, or even literal power — after they’ve had sex with the hero.
And great sex can make for great reading.
So love your inner vixen, baby. Huzzah for the heroines who are warriors in the field and tigresses in bed. Three cheers for the women who live life to the fullest — who thrill at being alive and doing what they do best…and who celebrate life to its fullest. Preferably with multiple orgasms. 
Name your favorite heroine who has embraced her inner vixen! Check out the contest below for a chance to win a signed copy of A Red Hot Valentine’s Day
(Yes, sex ensues. Promise!)
Readers learn more about Jackie Kessler here:
Read reviews of Jackie’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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Questions and Contest: Now, I am going to open up the internet floor so to speak and let our readers ask Jackie some questions. Feel free to post as many questions or comments as you like. She will be popping in and out today and tomorrow to answer them.
Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to win. One lucky participant will win a signed copy of A Red Hot Valentine’s Day
Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
1. Ask Jackie some questions. Ask as many questions as you like, you can also start a stimulating discussion about today’s topic.
2. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the right hand side of the site. This is for new subscribers only.
3. Post the link to the interview here today (http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4455) at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group (any group where it is appropriate) and you will be given TEN additional entries for a chance to win for every link you post. BUT you MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread. The more places you post the event, the more entries you get, so spread the word! NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day. Good for 10 entries per place you post the link to this event.
4. Purchase copies of Jackie’s awesome books TODAY or TOMORROW from AMAZON and send us a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces) for TWENTY additional entries. You get TWENTY entries for each one you purchase. Not valid on past purchases. Please use these links below to buy her most recent books.
Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell
Or buy ANYTHING from Amazon today by using the Amazon search box to your right hand side on our site. We will know if you used the box to search and buy, so please be sure to use it or your entries won’t count. Send me a copy of the receipt VIA email (sorry no faxes) for your purchase to: racoo.smith @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per item purchased.
5. Add us as your friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bittenbybooks
Add us as your friend on Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=614064436
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BittenbyBooks be SURE to tweet us after you follow so we can count your entry! @BittenbyBooks
Be sure to mention that you are friending us for this contest so we know to enter you! Good for 5 entries per place you friend us.
6. Stumble, Digg or share the post with any social networking sites. There is a button right at the end of this post that says “Share” that you can use. Good for 10 entries.
7. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4455. Good for 10 entries.
8. Add Jackie’s blog to your blog roll or links page: http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog/ Good for 10 entries for each place you add it.
9. Add Bitten by Books to your blog roll or links page: http://bittenbybooks.com if you leave our link up permanently you will always be entered into our contests automatically. Just be sure to stop by each contest we hold and leave the link to where it is so we can give you your entry! Good for 10 entries.
10. Email ALL of your friends and invite them to come by today! If your fiends come and post here and say you sent them, they get TWO entries and you get FOUR entries! They have to tell us who you are so we know who to give the entries to. You can invite as many people as you want and get all the extra entries!
11. Join the The Blood Bank the Bitten by Books Community! here: http://bittenbybooks.ning.com/ then come back here and tell us your username. Be sure to post something about yourself on your blog there. Good for 10 entries
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contests end on 2/17/09 at 3:00 pm EST and the winner will be contacted the following week. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES:
1. If you aren’t interested in receiving the prize, offered please do not enter the contest.
2. You have THREE days from the day the I contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re- award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. We have the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prize is shipped directly from the author.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
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I don’t have a favorite heroine. I don’t want to choose just one! There are fortunately quite a few to choose from now.
I have a question about Hotter Than Hell. How difficult was it to write from Daun’s point of view?
Hi, Qwill!
Once I found Daun’s voice, it just flowed. But getting to that place took months. Seriously. It was very difficult to strip out the “Jesse” from the narrative. But once I got it…I got it.
What was really interesting was writing “Hell Is Where the Heart Is” in Red Hot — that’s in both Daun’s and Jezebel’s first person POVs. Talk about schizophrenia… I had to write Daun’s scenes, then write Jezzie’s scenes, then weave them together. Because otherwise, Jezzie kept slipping into Daun’s voice and vice-versa. 
Since we are talking about vixens :)I guess my question is : Who is your own favourite heroine?
As for mine, hard question, I guess I do like those who needs to be rescued, but Elena from Armstrongs Otherworld sure had embraced her inner vixen so she would be my answer.
Tweeted about the blog
My all time favourite heroine is a classic - Mae West. IMO she set the standard.
Love your work, Jackie!
Zita
I am linking this to my LJ: http://zita-h.livejournal.com/
Hi, LindaA!
My favorite heroine? Wonder Woman from Justice League Unlimited.
Hi, Zita!
Oooh, yes! “Come up and see me sometime” indeed! Another great line, but not from Mae: “Just put your lips together and blow.” Hee!
Hey Jackie!
Thanks for being here today! I love your post. I would have to say in real life it would have been Marilyn Monroe or Janis Joplin.
For books? The sisters in Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld series.
Thank you! *waves at Jackie* I’ll have to dig A Red Hot Valentine’s Day out the scary TBR and read that!
So who is really the more dominant character? Jezzie or Daun? And when can we look forward to the next Hell on Earth novel???
So love your inner vixen, baby.
But she keeps making me wear those thigh-high boots, and they really clash with my facial hair
Favourite heroine who’s embraced her inner vixen?
Maybe a cop out, but I’d have to say Anita Blake. She was such a prude and completely covered in Catholic shame in the first few LKH books. Now, she completely owns her sexuality and is a vixen in the highest regard.
I was kinda wondering how difficult it is to write your “Cat & Muse” interviews? They’re wonderful and never fail to make me laugh. Plus, after finding them I went out and got all your books
Also, I know the interweb scuttlebutt is that Starbuck is Daniel’s kid, but I don’t think so. Thoughts? Yes, I follow you on Facebook too
Hi, Rachel! Thanks so much for inviting me here. Yeah, Yasmine’s sisters kick much ass. And Yasmine is awesome! Marilyn and Janis: two talents taken from us too soon.
Qwill…hm. If you asked Jezebel, she is. And if you asked Daun, he’d just laugh, thoroughly bemused, before he seduces you.
The next Hell on Earth novel, HELL TO PAY, is written. The publication date, however, is up in the air. As soon as I have more information, I’ll blog far and wide about it, promise!
Hi, SunandHeir (and I love that name)! I don’t think Anita is a cop out at all. God knows, she’s all about her inner vixen, heh.
I’m so glad you enjoy the Cat and Muse interviews (and God, I’m so far behind on those! I have about 30 to format into scripts, whoops…) They’re not usually difficult, just time consuming (which is why I’m so far behind, heh). I have a lot of fun with them, and I think most of the interviewed authors also get a kick out if it. And hey — thanks for reading my books!
Okay, here’s my thinking: Kara **is** Daniel. Cavel screwed up the amniotic fluid, right? Gender switch. And that’s a nod to the whole Starbuck/Stardoe thing too (another theory that’s floating around out there). And it explains why Kara got a whole new body (and Viper) after she crashed on Earth. BSG, man. Awesome show! What do you think about #7?
Hello Jackie *waves*
I have several “vixens” that I adore and to name just one….hmmm, let me see.
Scarlet O’Hara, she did what she had to do to survive. She may not have been everyone’s favorite, but she thrived. She saved the family home, Tara (I’ll never be hungry again), she took care of Melanie and her baby (all the while coveting her husband), she managed to ensnare Rhett and drive him crazy (”Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.”, and …the best yet she mad an awesome dress out of curtains (totally would have won the challenge on Project Runway!!)
She rocked!!
Hi Jackie!
Hmmm. Does Georgina from Richelle Mead’s Succubus series count? She has a boyfriend and is a Succubus!
I look forward to reading your books! (I swear they’re on my TBR pile!)
(Rach-twittered and spread the word to Mark, Dakota and Paranormal Monday
Rachel, I ordered from amazon this morning, but forgot to use the search. ( I can’t beleive it) I am going to still forward my receipt to you, though in hopes you will kind and include my entry. I also have to say I find myself many times routing for the strong, sexually independent woman over the virginal heroine. Who says who can’t enjoy sex and still be one of the “good ones” ? My favorite heroine of all time? that’s a tough one. I do agree with Lindaa that Elena from Women of The Otherworld series is definitely one of my faves, but also love Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen and Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville as well. So my question for Jackie is: A lot of paranormal writers tend to go with shapeshifters and vampires, but you chose a succubus and an incubus. Was this something you thought about for a while or did you always have an interest in them? and do you use any research for the characters or do you make your own rules, so to speak? Thanks for being here and taking our questions.
Jackie-
I think that’s the only way to explain it right now. Although Ellen made it sound like Cavil peed in Daniel’s amniotic fluid by saying someone “contaminated” it. I would also think it’d be harder to make an XY go back to being an XX.
Buuuut, with all the hints that go with it: Daniel and Kara both being artists, Kara’s a tomboy, but extremely sensitive, plus, yes the enitre Starbuck/Stardoe thing.
Thanks for answering!
Hmmm… favorite heroine is a tough one. I can’t say that I have an all time favorite, but I love the character of Sookie Stackhouse in Charlaine Harris’s vampire series. I also like Glory St. Clair from Gerry Bartlett’s vampire series.
I also added a blog to send more guests this way at both my MySpace (http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=404435781&blogID=471088583) and WordPress (http://jessicacoultersmith.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/interview-bitten-by-books-with-jackie-kessler/) pages…
I hope you get a terrific turnout!
I have a terrible memory, so any book I read more than a month ago doesn’t even exist for me anymore (but hey! fun to reread great books), so I can’t do my absolute favorite heroine for this scenario. Some that come to mind are Dante Valentine (Saintcrow) and the Psy women in the first two Psy-Changeling novels (Singh).
I think your sentence “And great sex can make for great reading” is true, if the writer can write good/great sex scenes! There’s a prominent writer who writes stories I really like, but her sex scenes make me cringe. Really, the word “channel” should just never be included in a sex scene…
myspace.com/marniecolette
fblinks.com/marniecolette
I am going old school here.. Zinnia from Jayne Castle’s book. It was one of my first books ever and I think that she embraces herself and goes for what she wants
Jackie - Please tell me if you had to choose a character to live your life for one day who would it be (m or f is okay) and why? Remember they would appear to the outside world as you.
`I love the question. I really have no real life vixens that I truly like. I have a couple of friends that embrace their innerslut but I wouldn`t call them vixens. In print I would have to say :Anita Blake, LKH. Wish she would share……Georgina Kincaid, Richelle Mead. Well she really is a sucubus….and Sheila from Shiloh Walkers Hunter series. She wlaked away from it all only to have Rafe crawl across the country to find her.
Love checking out new to me authors with heads up from Rachel on facebook. Will be looking up yours Jackie and have checked out the blurbs on Chapters looks good will be on order I am sure very soon!!!
Whee — hello, everyone!
Nancy, I have to say, I’ve never read or watched GWTW. Obviously, I have to correct that!
Hi, Virginia! Yes, of course Georgina counts. Rock on, succubus! Hope you enjoy the Hell books!
Howdy, Lisa M! There are lots of terrific books out there about shapeshifters and vampires. But the idea I had from the start was always about a demon no longer working for Hell. Just happened, you know? I am fascinated with shapeshifters, though, and I know there’s at least one shapeshifter story in me, to be written at one point.
Yes, I did lots of research — mostly research on Hell, both in literature and in religion. Some research on demons, but mostly on the names. And mega research on strip clubs. 
SunandHeir: you’re welcome! Only five episodes left. And I’ve heard from numerous sources that after reading the script for the last episode, the cast were all walking around in a daze, some crying — it hit them hard. Man, I can’t wait!!!
Thanks for commenting, Jessica! I’m not familiar with Gerry’s work, but I adore Charlaine’s Sookie! (So glad Quinn is out and Eric is in [sorta].)
Chris: Ah, Lili and Nalini write such amazing works, don’t they? And you’re correct — the best sex scenes in books have to be written by authors who write terrific sex scenes. They have their own pacing, their own tension, and if authors aren’t careful those scenes can run away with the book. I’m glad you enjoy that author’s overall work.
Hi, marniecolette! “Please tell me if you had to choose a character to live your life for one day who would it be (m or f is okay) and why? Remember they would appear to the outside world as you.” Boy, to live MY life? Yeah, that would be Jesse. Let’s see HER handle a day job and a family with two young kids and two geriatric cats who vomit and characters in her head that wake her up at weird times to write, and see how SHE likes it! She’d probably skip out around the time came to do the laundry and instead would hit a club…sigh…
Hi, Shell Bryce! I’ve never read any of Shiloh’s work. I’ll have to change that!
Hi Jackie,
It took me a while to embrace Jezebel’s vixenness, but I understand it now, and it’s sexy and interesting and I like her! I’ve read the first two Hell on Earth books, and will be reading Daun’s story soon. Will you write another Jezebel book after this? I hope there will be more to the Hell on Earth series, whether it’s Daun or Jezebel.
Thanks!
Mo
Also:
My favorite literary vixen is Georgina Kincaid from the Succubus books by Richelle Mead.
Bitten by Books is on my blogroll at
http://unmainstreammomreads.blogspot.com
Hi, Mo! I’m glad you like Jesse. Yes, the fourth Hell book, HELL TO PAY, is back to Jesse’s POV. The novella “A Hell of a Time” is also in Jesse’s POV, and that one’s just her and Paul. (Well, and something evil in the woods.) And “Hell Is Where the Heart Is” is in both Jezzie’s and Daun’s POVs. And yeah, Georgina is a literary vixen, all right!
whoa baby, i want to win!
betty page.
Hi, tami — Betty Page is an awesome vixen.
Hi Jackie,
I love a heroine that enjoys good sex. There is nothing more powerful and shows the emotion between the hero and heroine then a powerful beautiful love scene. Some of my favorites are Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine and her new character Jill Kismet. Love J.D. Robb’s Eve. Jordan Summers Red.
Hi, Lisa W! Completely agree with you about what a love scene can convey. Totally.
Excellent authors you’ve highlighted!
Hi Jackie. I was gone all day with my grandson, and had forgotten that today was your day. Here I am now. As far as my favorite vixen goes, that’s kind of hard to say. However, your very own Jezzie certainly fits the bill, considering how accepting she is of herself ad her past, even though human now.
I have a question for you. To what do you attribute the huge numbers of UF/PR writers moving into the YA field as an additional area? I think it’s great, but I am curious to hear your take on it.
Hi, Carol! **Jackie waves** Great question about YA. It’s hot right now, no lie. Honestly, I think it’s because of the huge success of Stephenie Meyer’s TWILIGHT saga, and editors are eager for the next SM — especially with that author claiming to be done with that series. Happily, there are TONS of excellent authors stepping up to the YA plate (or are already there): Richelle Mead, Caitlin Kittredge, Michelle Rowen, Carrie Ryan. Rachel Caine…it’s a great time to be a reader (or writer) of YA paranormal!
Yaaaay, Jackie’s here!!!! Only a week or *cough* two late but hey….when Mother Nature has her way….there’s no arguing with her.
Favorite heroine…hmmm….I think I would have to go with Eve Dallas from the JD Robb In Death books because she kicks ass, gets the bad guys and basically does what she wants while (pretty much) staying within the boundaries of a moral code.
As for a question….what book or book series would you have like to have written? Not because of popularity or royalties but because of the characters and/or story line.
Back at ya, Jackie. Greetings.
It seems to me that the possibilities are endless for paranormal YA, as the genre is perfect for exploring feelings of isolation often experienced by teens. As a high-school librarian as well as paranormal fiction fan, I am extremely pleased at the merger.
And by the way, thanks so much for joining us here.
Hi, Becky! Hey, better late than never…
I have to read the IN DEATH series. Seriously. Have to.
What series? THE DRESDEN FILES. I love what Jim’s done with the series arc and with the characters. I’m counting the days until TURN COAT comes out. Harry Dresden **is** my hero. And I’m not just saying that because I have the button.
My favorite heroine is Betsy from MaryJanice Davidson’s books.
Jackie, if you were a heroine in any book, who would you want your “hero” to be?
I blogged about this contest and interview here:
http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/2009/02/contests-february-16-2009.html
Hi!
Wow hard question….. Hmmm, Fav vixen of all time… I think that would be Cat from Jeannine Frost’s series. She definitely embraces her inner vixen, doing what it takes to get “the bad vamps”, but she retains a little innocence as well, an interesting combination. You are definitely on my wish list! Thank you so much for being here with us! Who is your favorite modern day movie/tv/anime vixen character?
Hi, Andrea M! Oh yeah. Betsy rules! Let’s see. If I were a heroine, I would want my hero to be someone strong and loving and certain and gentle, someone who loves to laugh and isn’t afraid to fight. Someone who sweeps me away and lets me be me; someone who makes me feel beautiful. Gosh. My hero is my own Loving Husband.
Hi, Nicole H! I haven’t read Jeaniene’s series, but I’ve heard wonderful things about it. My favorite modern day vixen? I’ve recently been introduced to Ah! My Goddess — Belldandy and her sisters. And I must say that Urd kicks ass. She’s sensual and sexy and isn’t apologetic about it one bit. Brava!
Jackie,
You must have given it a lot of thought to have such strong beliefs on the subject of sex and strong women. What really got you to thinking along those lines?
Debby
Hi Jackie. It’s me; your favorite RT stalker. Whatever will you do without me this year? The whole favorite vixen question is a hard one cause I love Jezebel and Georgina. I also love Toni Causey’s Bobbie Faye. While she would probably never describe herself as a vixen, her hook-ups are definitely explosive! Love ya Jackie!!
Lori
What is your favorite genre to write?
What genre do you most want to try to write?
Helloooooo Jackie!
I think Americans are prudes when it comes to sex and the naked body. In Europe their views are much more relaxed. I’ve seen TV shows in Rome where everyone was completly naked. We just can’t handle that here. Shoot, we couldn’t even come to terms with a tasseled titty during the Super Bowl. Sex is often thought of as dirty and so is nudity. It’s a shame.
I still want that tattoo of the sexy demon chick on your button. *wicked grin* Know who I am now? lol!
I sent your post to several friends and asked them to pop over. I hope they do. It’s great “seeing” you here on the BBB blog.
BITE THE ONE YOU LOVE!
Btw, my favorite heroine who came to terms with her inner demon is ME!
D
Hi, Debby! You’re right. I do feel very strongly about women being comfortable in their own skins — which includes being sexual.
Hey, Lori C! No RT? Wah!!! Ooh, yes, Bobbie Faye ROCKS out loud! I love her! Yes, I think she must now count as my favorite literary vixen — thanks for the reminder!
Hi, Lexee! My favorite genre to write is whichever one grabs me at the moment.
When I write superhero fiction, that’s my everything; when I’m writing YA magic realism, that’s my everything; when I’m in a Hell place, it’s all about Jesse and Daun. (Helpful, ain’t I?) As for what I most want to try to write, at the moment I’m writing a middle-grade urban fantasy for my sons and godsons, so I guess that’s it. 
Hope it works!
Hey, Draculissa! And what a fabulous heroine she is!
I think that my favorite heroine who has embraced her sexuality is Georgina Kincaid from Richelle Mead’s succubus books–because while she is a demon who sucks the soul out of the men she sleeps with (making sex dangerous), she also has complex romantic entaglements that show that while sex and love mix and are important collaborators, they aren’t synonomous. Deep, thoughty stuff.
So, regarding Wonder Woman (who I acknowledged I haven’t followed as much as I’d like in the comics), how much does she actually use her sex appeal? Isn’t she more about women-as-equals-’cause-we’re-just-as-tough? (In the old school stuff, there was that whole whenever she was tied up she lost her powers bondage issue…)
Hi, Alana! Excellent comment about Georgina. As for WW, I specifically said Wonder Woman from Justice League Unlimited. She flirts massively with Batman, which I simply adore.
As for the comic, I have to admit it’s been a very, very long time since I’ve read it, so I don’t know where she’s at recently. Old school? Man, Charles Moulton had some serious bondage issues, no lie… 
Draculissa sent me. I enjoyed reading your post and I would love to read A Red Hot Valentine’s Day!
Hi, Carol M! Thanks for stopping by! **Jackie waves**
Ah I totally just missed this contest…*sigh* Good luck to those who entered already
Shell B Won a signed copy of A Red Hot Valentine’s Day!! Congrats. Winner has been notified via email.
GRATS Shell B!
Thanks again Jackie and Rachel!!!! Can’t wait!!!