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The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight.

When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst

2 Comments on Cover Art Revealed (2), last added: 9/3/2011

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Khadija said, on 9/2/2011 1:33:00 PM

I think I like the newer cover for A BEautiful Evil better :)

http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/

Casey (The Bookish Type) said, on 9/3/2011 5:43:00 PM

@Khadija -- Me too!

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2. Review: Original Sin (Personal Demons #2) by Lisa Desrochers

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 7/5/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Review, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, paranormal, series, sequel, Personal Demons, Original Sin, Lisa Desrochers, Four Stars, Add a tag

This book is a sequel, and the review contains spoilers if you have not read Personal Demons.

Just when things are looking up for Luc Cain and Frannie Cavanaugh, with their newly saved souls and Luc's fresh mortal shell, all Hell is unleashed upon them -- literally. With Gabe gone (in an attempt to save his wings from Frannie's wiles) and only a newbie angel standing between them and utter damnation, a whole host of infernal monsters arrive -- including Lucifer's right hand and possibly the most dangerous demon of them all. The Prince of Darkness won't rest until he lures them all into the abyss -- and unfortunately, not everyone is above the temptation.

In Original Sin, Lisa Desrochers invokes new facets of the Heaven and Hell mythology and takes her series in a surprising new direction. Characters new and old make an appearance, with varying degrees of success. Luc is sexy and snarky, as always, but his new-found humanity softens his edges and gives him an endearing vulnerability. His and Frannie's relationship is also as hot and heavy as ever, and Desrochers ratchets up the tension without Gabe around to distract our heroine. Their dynamic is winning, as Luc struggles to accept his new limitations and Frannie refuses to let him forget that she can thoroughly thrash him with her Judo moves. The alternating perspectives of the young lovers ring true, with incredibly genuine teenage voices despite the supernatural slant of the story.

Readers will sorely miss Gabe (even Team Luc fans like myself), especially since his replacement, Matt, is maddening. His hypocrisy and selfishness will make readers seethe, as will Frannie's extreme willingness to forgive his interference. Fortunately, this seems to be Desrochers' intention, and she once again proves herself a master at investing readers in her characters, evoking gut-wrenching and heart-pounding emotions. This novel made me laugh, swoon and scream in frustration -- sometimes all at once.

The villain of the piece is magnificently manipulative, macabre and just plain insane. The somewhat obscure mythology is fascinating, and Desrochers adds her own flair to create a unique paranormal romance that stands out among the masses. Like Personal Demons, Original Sin is hormone-driven, playing out like a soap opera with intensity, passion, betrayal and bliss that will leave readers breathless. However, the angst becomes a little overwrought near the end of the novel, when Frannie once again begins the waffling act that exasperated me in book one, and Luc exhibits one of the more frustrating paranormal hero behaviors (you'll see what I mean).

The truth also becomes obvious to the reader midway through the story, making the characters' sluggish realization agonizing and rather forced. Nonetheless, the nonstop drama is gripping and the final twist stunning -- it is nearly impossible not to read ahead. The cliffhanger conclusion will leave readers eager for their third and final taste of this cosmic love story, as both Heaven and Hell hang in the balance.

Note: This novel is recommended for mature teen audiences.

Rating: 

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of Original Sin at BEA. This did not affect my review in any way.

3 Comments on Review: Original Sin (Personal Demons #2) by Lisa Desrochers, last added: 7/6/2011

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Jenny said, on 7/5/2011 12:20:00 PM

Spectacular review Casey, I had much the same reaction to this one! I was so proud of Frannie for most of the book for her lack of waffling, and then at the end I was like NOOOOO you were doing so well! Still, I saw some growth in her so progress was definitely made:)

Anti-Drug Reads said, on 7/5/2011 4:15:00 PM

I've only heard good things about this. I need to get my hands on it! Great review :D

Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Cory @ Anti-Drug Reads

Lauren M said, on 7/6/2011 10:38:00 AM

I kind of missed Gabe, too, thought I'm Team Luc. And Matt! Ooh, he got on my nerves. I totally agree with you on the villain! *shudder*

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3. Lisa Desrochers is My Guest AGAIN!

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By: Lisa Gail Green, on 6/27/2011
Blog: Paranormal Point of View (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Guest post, Personal Demons, Original Sin, Lisa Desrochers, Add a tag

The winner of GODS OF JUSTICE and a first chapter critique is: David Jace! Keep reading for ANOTHER chance to win.


I hope you all remember when Luc visited in honor of the release of PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers. Well, the second book of the series, ORIGINAL SIN, is set to release on July 5th! And I want to celebrate. *throws confetti* I love Lisa's writing. Especially Luc. *fans self* 


Enjoy the following guest post/scene courtesy of Lisa Desrochers, and if you stick around and leave me a comment with your email address I will pick one lucky winner of a pre-ordered copy of the book! U.S. only please. It's that easy.* This book is hot hot hot - I've read it. ;D 

Matt: *walks through wall into Luc’s apartment* It seems my sister is lusting on Lucifer, and a lot of you are rooting for them. I find this more than a little disturbing, and I’m here in his apartment to show you the error of your ways.

First, take a look around. The art alone is enough to make you think twice. He’s got three Doré prints near the kitchen, depicting different stages of Dante’s Inferno, and a print of William Blake’s The Temptation of Eve, just in case you forgot that no one’s above temptation. On the wall behind the black king-sized bed is a floor to ceiling mural of the Abyss, where he’s sure to be taking you if you spend too much time on the bed. And, speaking of the bed, the fact that it’s the only furniture in here should scare you right off. This is a lair, not an apartment.

22 Comments on Lisa Desrochers is My Guest AGAIN!, last added: 6/29/2011

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Sarah said, on 6/27/2011 4:11:00 AM

*fans self* I LOVED Personal Demons!! From what I've seen of early reviews, Original Sin is an amazing sequel. So ... sarah.e.fine(at)gmail(dot) com. *crosses fingers*

Julie Musil said, on 6/27/2011 6:56:00 AM

FADE TO BLACK??? You can't do that to us! This was so great, thanks for the sizzling summer wake up read.

SP Sipal said, on 6/27/2011 7:03:00 AM

Wow! What a voice! Now I see why you're all agog over Luc, Lisa GG. And love the way you presented this, Lisa D! It zips. :-)

Lisa Gail Green said, on 6/27/2011 7:53:00 AM

Yes! Luc can visit me anytime he wants to! ;D

tanyaspencer said, on 6/27/2011 8:03:00 AM

Hmmm, I think you just convinced me to run out and buy Personal Demons! And I hope in the actual book, that scene doesn't really 'fade to black.'

Heather said, on 6/27/2011 10:01:00 AM

Whoo! Yep, I'm convinced. Clicking over to B&N right now to buy the first book...

Bethany Elizabeth said, on 6/27/2011 10:38:00 AM

Wow, sounds like a super great book, LOVED the scene, even without knowing any of the characters - that's a mark of great writing. :)
[email protected]

Susan Kaye Quinn said, on 6/27/2011 11:20:00 AM

Wait, what? Fade to black?? :)

Dean K Miller said, on 6/27/2011 4:49:00 PM

Gotta say I'd be winning this for someone other than me. My old heart can't stand the heat. I've got to get out of the kitchen.

Leslie Rose said, on 6/27/2011 7:18:00 PM

Color me enticed. *runs to Kindle to download PERSONAL DEMONS*

Ebony McKenna. said, on 6/27/2011 7:20:00 PM

What fun!
Thanks for the saucy little scene. :-D

donnas said, on 6/27/2011 8:29:00 PM

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Jess said, on 6/28/2011 6:41:00 AM

Oooo~ thanks for the intriguing and sexy scene! My email address is aycockj (at) gmail (dot) com.

nouna14 said, on 6/28/2011 8:49:00 AM

I can't wait to read this sequel! thx for the giveaway!

[email protected]

Amanda said, on 6/28/2011 9:52:00 PM

Thanks for sharing that with us! How fun!
[email protected]

Laurisa White Reyes said, on 6/28/2011 11:47:00 PM

Please include me! [email protected]

lostnthestacks said, on 6/29/2011 4:30:00 AM

Can't wait for Original Sin!

lostnthestacks(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mickey @ imabookshark said, on 6/29/2011 5:36:00 AM

Can't wait for the book!! Nice post :o) Thanks!!

imabookshark AT yahoo DOT com

Patty said, on 6/29/2011 7:08:00 AM

Thank you for the giveaway!
greekpatty13(at)gmail(dot)com

Cynthia Chapman Willis said, on 6/29/2011 8:29:00 AM

I thinks this is called whetting a reader's appetite. : ) Thanks for this!

cleemckenzie said, on 6/29/2011 8:54:00 AM

Loved, "Smite me now, or get out of my face!"

Congrats to the winner and fingers crossed for the next round.

Margo Berendsen said, on 6/29/2011 1:52:00 PM

O my g, I know what you mean about Luc! I just read the first chapter of Personal Demons, and my what that a cruel teaser or what!

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4. Viral Marketing Experiment Winners!

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By: Adventures in Children's Publishing, on 2/10/2011
Blog: Adventures in YA Publishing (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Contests, Book Publicity, Myra McEntire, Shannon Delany, Lisa Desrochers, After the Sale, Add a tag

Over 110 people participated in the viral marketing experiment we did last week with Shannon Delany (13 to Life and Secrets and Shadows), Lisa Desrochers (Personal Demons), and Myra McEntire (Hourglass).

That means that more than 110 web sites, facebook pages, or blogs POSTED the secret codes we passed out and mentioned the books these awesome authors have written. It's impossible to guess how many other people saw these references, but even if you assume a small number per reference, the word of mouth opportunities aren't bad. If each site only had a 10 readers, that's 1100 people who heard about at least one of the books. But if the sites averaged 100 readers, that would be 11000 opportunities to reach new readers. What do you think? Does that surprise you? Clearly online promotion opportunities are out there, and these three awesome authors have given us some great blueprints for helping to build some buzz. (Rea

Mysteriousrose said, on 2/10/2011 5:20:00 AM

Wow thank you I cannot wait to read the books:-)
Congratulation to the other winners and I'm happy that the experiment was a success.

Katie Mills said, on 2/10/2011 8:30:00 AM

what a great experiment! congrats to the winners!

Carol Riggs said, on 2/10/2011 11:38:00 AM

Very interesting experiment, and I do love the blogging community for being supportive regarding others' books, and doing this! Nice.

Yay to the winners!

BLHmistress said, on 2/10/2011 6:09:00 PM

That was a fun experiment and was happy to be involved and now thank you! I am so excited I been wanting to read Personal Demons!

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5. Writing: The Art of Shameless Self-Promotion

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By: Adventures in Children's Publishing, on 1/27/2011
Blog: Adventures in YA Publishing (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Book Publicity, Lisa Desrochers, After the Sale, Add a tag

The second article in our author marketing and promotion series is by Lisa Desrochers, acclaimed author of PERSONAL DEMONS and the upcoming ORIGINAL SIN (July 2011). You can catch Lisa on her website, her blog, or on http://www.twitter.com/lisadez. As we mentioned in Tuesday's article by Shannon Delany, Lisa's book is also one of the prizes in our Viral Marketing Experiment and Contest. Please help us see how far and fast word can spread on the 'Net.

The Art of Shameless Self-Promotion

by Lisa Desrochers

FREE STUFF! Everybody loves free stuff. And, everybody knows I’m the queen of giving away free stuff. In October and November alone, I gave away signed books by Melissa Marr, Claudia Gray, Maria V. Snyder, Ally Condie, Andrea Cremer, Melissa de la Cruz, Kiersten White and Sophie Jordan. I also gave away signed copies of Personal Demons, two iPods, and tons of swag. Why, you ask, do I give away so much stuff? Answer: Because it warms my heart to see you readers sooo happy when you win something really cool! …Oh…yeah. It also helps me promote my book. Personally, I think free stuff is one of the best ways to draw attention yourself and your book.

Myra is going to talk about pre-publication promotion, but that’s really where it all started for me. My timeline from book deal to shelves was anything but traditional. Personal Demons sold on December 21, 2009, and I found out in January that my publisher was crashing into the September 2010 list.

I freaked.

The more typical timeline of 18ish months allows plenty of time to get the word out and create buzz for a book. I was sure Personal Demons would release in September and no one buty my mother would have ever heard of it.

GIVE-AWAYS

So, I started giving stuff away. And I used other unsuspecting authors shamelessly to do it. First thing in January, when no on

Natalie Aguirre said, on 1/27/2011 3:53:00 AM

Thanks for the great advice. How many of your own ARCs and books did you give away? How many blogs did you visit to promote the buzz about your book? Thanks.

Lisa Desrochers said, on 1/27/2011 7:10:00 AM

Hi Natalie! I have given away in the ballpark of 100 signed ARCs or finished copies of Personal Demons through contests on my own blog, on Twitter or on other wonderful blogs. I have a policy that I will do interviews for anyone who asks, so I've done blog tours and interviews in the hundreds.

ashelynn sanford said, on 1/27/2011 8:19:00 AM

Thanks for the advice; it REALLY opened my eyes. That's such a great way to build up buzz for your book if you have a short term between selling and the pub date.

Shannon O'Donnell said, on 1/27/2011 8:58:00 AM

Loved this!! So many great ideas. Thanks ladies! ;-)

Lisa Desrochers said, on 1/27/2011 9:42:00 AM

You're welcome!

Lisa Gail Green said, on 1/27/2011 11:11:00 AM

And I'm here to say it works, because I'm a loyal fan who not only loves your writing, but appreciates how amazing YOU are too. And I tell everyone I can, every chance I get.

Tessa Emily Hall ~ Christ is Write said, on 1/27/2011 11:49:00 AM

These are great suggestions. I'm bookmarking this post for when it's time for promotion. =)

Tessa

Lena Coakley said, on 1/27/2011 12:09:00 PM

Great suggestions! Did you pay for the ipods and other swag (other than the books by other authors that you mentioned) yourself?

Tricia J. O'Brien said, on 1/27/2011 2:30:00 PM

I'm one of the lucky people who won an early ARC from Lisa's blog contests. I not only loved the book, I blogged about it and took photos when the book hit the store shelves. Lisa's hard work paid off in people becoming enthused and spreading the word.

Lisa Desrochers said, on 1/27/2011 5:16:00 PM

Tricia and Lisa--Hi! Thanks for all your support! =)

Lena--I did pay for the iPods and swag. Realistically, unless you're a lead title at your publishing house, you'll need to put part of your advance back into promoting your book.

Jolene Allcock and Family said, on 1/29/2011 2:15:00 PM

I haven't won anything on your blog though I tried :) but it was another blog that I was following that pointed me in the direction of your blog when you were giving away stuff. I stumbled my way to you blog and that is where I discovered Personal Demons. I didn't win your book, but went out to buy it. I think all your work paid off, I loved your book and can't wait for original sin. I enter contests all the time and follow blogs. I've won books from new authors that I am now hooked on :)

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6. Personal Demons, Lisa Desrochers

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By: Laura, on 1/16/2011
Blog: Laura's Review Bookshelf (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  angels and demons, Personal Demons, Lisa Desrochers, 5 parasols, heaven and hell, Add a tag

Reading Level:    Young Adult

Hardcover:          365 Pages

Publisher:            Tor Teen, September 14, 2010

Parasols:               5

3 Comments on Personal Demons, Lisa Desrochers, last added: 1/16/2011

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brandileigh2003 said, on 1/16/2011 8:24:00 AM

I am more a fan of Luc too, but I get the impression that Gabe will be more promintently featured in Original Sin.

Happy reading and have a great week!
Brandi from Blkosiner's Book Blog

Ashley said, on 1/16/2011 9:24:00 AM

I literally just bought this book, and now I can't wait to read it! Thanks to your review, this is next on my To Read list!

Great review!

YA Vampire Books said, on 1/16/2011 11:46:00 AM

gotta love bad boys! I have a copy of this book on its way, can't wait to read it when it arrives!

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7. Personal Demons (Lisa Desrochers) Audiobook Review

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By: Kate, on 11/4/2010
Blog: I Just Wanna Sit Here And Read! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Review, personal demons, lisa desrochers, Add a tag

Publisher: Tor Teen/Macmillan (September 14, 2010)
Paperback: 364 pages

From Goodreads. Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

Review
PERSONAL DEMONS, by Lisa Desrochers, has just become one of my favorite YA books of the year. I  can't give enough praise for this phenominal story of lust and passion that will melt your socks off.

I started off "reading" the audiobook version (narrated by Michael Nathanson and Sara Barnett). I got about six hours in (total 10:57) and these two could not read fast enough. I got my paper copy and sped through the rest. Just a note on the actual audiobook though. I really liked these two narrators. They were both very lively and gave off the young adult "feel" of the book. There were times while listening to the book that I laughed out loud too. These narrators were really good with timing the sarcasm and jokes that Desrochers creatively constructed.

Right from the beginning, the passion play between Frannie and Luc began. And it was insanely hot between the two, even before they began a relationship. Then came Gabe, the angelic side of this triangle. Even though he was pretty much perfect, even he strattled the line into lust. There was a point where I had a feeling that there was something more that added to these relationships other than hormones, and when it was revelaed, the trouble that brewed truly made this book fantastic.

When I realized that only Luc and Frannie's perspective would be shown I was disappointed but soon realized that it was okay. With Gabe as an angel, I can only guess his thoughts were perfectly gentleman-like, unlike those of demon Luc. Desrocher's took it one step further when she showed us Hell and how Luc felt about his home. And I really liked the added element of how emotions were protrayed through smell. Luc's descriptions of borderline sinful emotions (envy, lust, etc.) was extremely creative.

The end of this book really surprised me. I am excited to read the continuation of the relationship between Frannie and Luc, and how her special talents will be used for good..or bad..

For more info, check out Lisa Desrochers website

<

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8. Three Questions for Luc

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By: Lisa Gail Green, on 8/26/2010
Blog: Paranormal Point of View (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Luc, Personal Demons, Lisa Desrochers, Add a tag

First, I'd like to thank Lisa Desrochers and Luc for being such amazing guests and for doing this fabulous contest! I know it must have been hard to choose from all those great entries and I'm kind of glad I wasn't the one who had to do it! So, without further ado, here are the questions and the answers that Luc gave...

There were some very…creative questions. I like the way some of you think. Although several of you did ask about love and what I thought about the possibility of becoming good. Thanks for the laugh.

Before I get started on the specific questions I’ll be addressing, I want to set the record straight. A lot of you wanted to know things along the lines of what I was before I was a demon or what I did to become a demon. I was always a demon, created in Hell by King Lucifer. It’s my true essence—all I’ve ever been.

So, perusing the list of questions…hmm…

The third place question comes from April: What is the nicest thing you have ever done?

Answer your questions.

16 Comments on Three Questions for Luc, last added: 8/28/2010

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Heather said, on 8/26/2010 9:42:00 AM

Awesome questions! Congrats to all the winners!

salarsenッ said, on 8/26/2010 9:57:00 AM

Loved this. Congrats to the winners. On a personal note: Lisa, I wanted to thank you for giving me your advice during Adventures in Children's Publishing First Line contest. It really helped. I look forward to following you now. ";-)

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/26/2010 10:00:00 AM

Heather - they were awesome, weren't they? So much fun!

Salarsen - I'm so glad I was helpful!! I never know, but that's great to hear. Welcome to my blog, hope you enjoy. :D

Tynga said, on 8/26/2010 10:20:00 AM

OMG I'm so happy I won, thank you very much both Lisa s & Luc ^^ I'm really excited about Personal Demons!

Great answer Luc, Thought I wouldn't want Dean to die... again.. lol

TyngaUF(a)gmail.com

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/26/2010 10:24:00 AM

Tynga - you are so lucky! And great question, btw!

April said, on 8/26/2010 2:32:00 PM

ahhhh I cant believe I actually won 3rd place, there were a lot of great questions! Thank you Lisa and Lisa :D

[email protected]

Sherry @ Flipping Pages for All Ages said, on 8/26/2010 2:37:00 PM

This was such a neat idea! So excited for my tank!

Thanks for answering my question Luc! ;)

Many thanks to both of you Lisas as well! :)

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/26/2010 4:19:00 PM

April and Sherry - You're welcome and Congrats!! Enjoy your Personal Demons prizes.

Jemi Fraser said, on 8/26/2010 6:41:00 PM

Great questions!! Congrats to the winners :)

Stina Lindenblatt said, on 8/27/2010 12:33:00 PM

Oh, this was great! I love Luc's answer to April's question. That says it all. :D

Congrats to the winners!

Lydia Kang said, on 8/27/2010 2:53:00 PM

That was really fun! Congrats to the winners!

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/27/2010 2:55:00 PM

Jemi, Stina and Lydia - thanks guys! Isn't Luc awesome? Why do I always go for the bad boys?

cleemckenzie said, on 8/28/2010 8:46:00 AM

Bad boys are just too intriguing. They are the cause of many lovely girl's torment. *Sighs*

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/28/2010 9:46:00 AM

Lee - I know, and it's just so much fun to watch the torment unfold.

Julie Musil said, on 8/28/2010 3:22:00 PM

Loved the answer to "what's the nicest thing you've ever done." So funny!

Lisa Gail Green said, on 8/28/2010 3:40:00 PM

Julie - I know, right? That was my favorite too. Perfect!

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