Tuesday 1 January 2013

New Year's Blog Hop - Something to Celebrate with


Although it may be a little late in the day to celebrate the arrival of the New Year - some of you may even be recovering from it - I thought I'd share a fruity, fizzy cocktail you can continue toasting the New Year with, or save for your next celebration. Let me introduce the Champagne Diva!

Champagne Diva
Take three strawberries, 1fl oz of strawberry vodka, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp sugar, fresh mint leaves, 1/2 glass of chilled champagne and a mint sprig for decoration. Place everything except the decoration and the champagne into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake hard. Strain into the champagne and garnish with the mint. Simple!

To sweeten the taste even more I have a giveaway! To win, I'd like you to tell me how and/or with what you like to celebrate the New Year, be it a cocktail and excitment, or a cup of cocoa and an early night. In return, I'm offering internationally a $5 gift card for Amazon or B&N (winner's choice), and here's a little something you could spend it on - a hot scifi romance short to go with your chilled Champagne Diva - only $1.50!



A Science Fiction Romance Short Story

Available now via Smashwords.com, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon US and Amazon UK

Welcome to Venus Ascendant, a Public Grade space station in the Andromedan Galaxy. With our open-to-all policy, any being in the universe can find their perfect R & R, romantic getaway or dangerous liaison at our purpose built resort. The on-board empathic AI Ganesa ensures that anyone coming to Venus Ascendant will find their heart’s desire, with suites that transform from luxurious boudoirs to sunset-lit beaches to dark BDSM dungeons. So come to Venus Ascendant and find exactly what you’re looking for!”
It was meant to be a romantic getaway for Marie and the love of her life Jaisen; a chance for him to get to know her better after months of her denying him more than a few stolen kisses. Instead, Marie finds herself dumped and alone on Venus Ascendant with no credit for a transmat and the next starship home not due for another hour.
But the all-seeing AI isn’t going to leave anyone aboard the space station with their dreams unfulfilled. Marie's boyfriend might not have made it to the station, but there are others willing and able to take on the role - even if they aren’t entirely human.
WARNING - Not suitable for under 18’s due to adult content.


Don't forget, for every blog that you comment on (and remember, you MUST include your email addy to qualify), you get an extra entry into the grand draw, as well as a chance at the individual goodies on offer!

So here are the GRAND PRIZES!! (Please bear in mind that all the prizes BAR THE SWAG BAG are international).


Visit the other blogs on the hop by using the linky below, or you can return to the main site by clicking on the blog hop graphic at the top of this post. Good luck, and a very Happy New Year!

100 comments:

  1. I spent the evening with my Kindle and the kids! :) That cocktail looks yummy though!

    nikki.t.23@gmail.com

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  2. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and have a Happy New Year. My resolution is to read more books.

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

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  3. Best to you in 2013!

    wldrnsqltr at rockclimbingjewelry.com

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  4. We had a nice dinner and some wine to celebrate. Happy New Year!
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  5. This is my first participating
    I look forward to 2013 and all that it holds

    Thank you

    ashlynn wiliams

    ashlynnwiliams81(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Deleted this one by mistake -
    Holly
    Thanks for being a part of the hop! I hope you have a great New Year!!
    holly.collins1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. Happy New Year!

    I love to ring int he new year with either champagne or my favorite wine!

    staceyprice(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Your recipe sounded scrummy!

    I celebrated with my hubby, in front of the tv, with a lovely cup of tea... yeah, I'm getting old! ;)

    thanks for the giveaway and happy new year.

    xandrajames AT gmail DOT com

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  9. My husband and I watch TV and enjoy a cup of tea and a snack, usually chocolate.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  10. Spending time with familly.

    awesome blog hop

    susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com

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  11. EATING, READING,& N JOYING MY FAMILY :D! HAPPY NEW YEAR:D! thanQ
    redz041@yahoo.com

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  12. Because my husband had to work NYE and NYM we had dinner, had some wine, I got comfy on my bed with my kindle and called it a night early. Thank you for the blog hop and awesome prizes. Happy New Year!!! Cwill030104 at yahoo dot com

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  13. Just chilling and watching movies from paperview and of course snacking on all kinds of good stuff.

    Happy New years!
    mrsqueentutt@gmail.com

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  14. That looks like a yummy drink - I don't think I have ever had strawberry vodka before. My daughter and I ring in the new year watching movies (and my husband goes to bed early so he can wake up with the little sister!) Happy New Year!

    jochibi AT yahoo DOT com

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  15. I brought the new year in with the hubs and a bottle of Asti ;)

    Kassandra
    sionedkla@gmail.com

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  16. I'm a homebody, so I like to stay home with the family and a glass of wine. Thanks for the giveaway!

    mrs.hildebrand AT gmail. com

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  17. We watched the Twilight Zone marathon and had snacks!
    Thanks for the chance and Happy New Year!
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

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  18. I don't do much for new Year's Eve, just curl up with a book and maybe some hard cider :)

    aircdrewood(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I spent it with family and friends.

    Happy New Year!

    anasmithblue@gmail.com

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  20. An early night with a good book. Thanks for the great hop.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

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  21. Stayed with the kiddos at home :)

    Happy New years

    JamieToddMiller(at)aol(dot)com

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway! And Happy New Year!

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  23. I just curl up with a good book and enjoy my own party :)

    Happy New Year

    rmwyer at shaw dot ca

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  24. Thanks for the giveaway!

    JYL22075 at gmail dot com

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  25. We had Martini & Rossi Asti. :D tchevrestt(at)yahoo.com

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  26. super kewl giveaway, thanks for participating!
    jennirv4967 at gmail dot com

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  27. It is a tradition in my family to have Hot Buttered Rum during the whole Holiday Season. It is nice when the yard is frozen. LOL

    Michel_Lee_King(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. We are very low key around our house. We have friends over, the kids play, the adults play board games and try new drinks. Lots of food, laughter, and fun. Not to mention, the doggy gets lots of attention from everyone.

    Happy New Year.

    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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  29. Thanks so much for a great beginning to a New Year.

    kp_kazamei(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I watched the ball drop on TV and went to read on the Kindle. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Judy
    strawberryrose@earthlink.net

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  31. Thanks for the great giveaway! And have a happy new year!

    red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. Happy New Year!

    chellesy.clay at gmail dot com

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  33. Thanks for the yummy drink! I like to celebrate with a nice glass of wine, currently I enjoy Red Cat! Yummy Yummy Yummy!
    Happy New Year!
    grapeapril75(AT)gmail.com

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  34. Great way to start a new year!

    diane dot sadler at gmail dot com

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  35. Happy New Year and Thank you for the giveaway.

    j.m.platt83@gmail.com

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  36. quiet evening at home reading & relaxing, happy new year
    gamistress66(at)aol(dot)com

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  37. We watch games or movies and eat way to much food. Our celebration is simple and relaxing because we work so hard the week before...LOL
    Happy New Year.
    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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  38. Thank you so much for this great start to 2013 - I am new to your books, and it is always great to "meet" new (well, new to me) authors!

    Felicia
    mrschopchop@verizon.net

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  39. I celebrated with a house full of children.
    planterofhope at aol dot com

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  40. I used to like to go out and party like there was no tomorrow. Now I just like to chill with maybe a beer but I might need to try the Champagne Diva next year that looks delicious.

    Dawna N.
    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. I bought a new wine but ending up making strawberry daquiris instead lol.
    we ate and just watched the ball drop.
    scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

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  42. Happy New Year!

    mamamoss08(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  43. thank u for bringing romance to our lives again in 2013.

    angelheart618@gmail.com

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  44. If I drink it is usually Barefoot brand wine "Sweet Red" :D But mostly on New Years I just stay at home and spend the night with my soul mate, watching movies all night & vegging in front of the tv, drinking soda :D
    Big Hugs & thanks for the blog hop
    Missie Jones
    missie25524 (at) netzero (dot) com

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  45. Mm I love a good wine ;) I'm not familiar with which would be best or not though. I have to rely on others to help me with that haha. We just rest though, no crazy parties :)

    Thanks so much for the chance to win. It's a great way to start the year. No major resolutions beyond reading a lot and staying active, but I hope you have a great year :)

    Thanks again!

    hisboywonder(at)gmail(dot)com

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  46. I'm spending the week with my Grandson..Love having him here at our house..Thanks for a Great contest..Happy New Year!!
    adgaliatymaildotcom

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  47. Love wine and bubbly ones too.. :)
    Happy New Year
    queenbroseb@gmail.com

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  48. I prefer champagne.

    Thank you for the chance!

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

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  49. I celebrated with some sparkling moscato!

    chelseawoodring at hotmail dot com

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  50. I usually like to ring in the new year with sparkling grape juice

    fencingromein at hotmail dot com

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  51. The drink sounds amazing!

    Melissa
    daringzoey@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. We didn't have special drinks; we just called each other at Midnight!
    Happy New Year!
    Thank you for the hop!
    deethomas291@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I didn't do anything special this year. Thanks a lot for the giveaway!

    celine.guissart@gmail.com

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  54. This year I rang it in with winter spice tea from twinings....last year was rung in with my neighbor across the street and a massive party...Pictures are buried to never be seen...LOL
    Happy New Years!
    beejee77 at gmail dot com

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  55. Happy New Year!! I'm more the hot chocolate celebrater. But I did stay up late enough this year. :)


    smurfettev AT gmail DOT com

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  56. Hot chocolate always :) no cocktails for me!
    thanks for the giveaway
    movie1997 at live dot it

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  57. I normally just watch Dick Clark's New Year's show :)
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

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  58. Happy New Year!
    Mimosas
    cristinegasser (at) gmail (dot) com

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  59. I like to spend a quiet night in my with my boyfriend. Thanks! katieamanda1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  60. i was really sick on new years. so no fun for me and an early night! thanks for the giveaway. happy 2013.
    pepperpenn42 at gmail dot com

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  61. I slept through the fireworks.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  62. i am not a drinker but we do have sparkling cider with the kids
    kaholgate at ymail dot com

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  63. gfc luisac
    follow by email thebestsunrise@yahoo.it

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  64. Good luck with the book, fellow Lyrical sister! Rock on! And happy New Year!

    jessigage at gmail dot com

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  65. Happy new years all..
    ms74lt@verizon.net

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  66. Happy New Year to all and I hope you are able to keep your resolutions.
    jkgf27@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  67. Happy New Year,thanks for the chance to win.

    dragonkeep62(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Happy New Year! My New Years traditions are easy, I spend time with my family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year. My resolutions this year is as always to loose a few pounds and spend a little more time with my family.

    Ifightforlove36@gmail.com

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  69. Oh we always cheers and drink a glass of champagne at midnight.

    Happy 2013!
    morebooksthanlivros@gmail.com

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  70. My husband and I stay home on New Years Eve and watch the ball drop on TV.
    gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  71. Hi! Happy New Years! Thanks for the awesome hop and all the giveaways! This is so fun! I love these hops! I always meet new authors, reconnect with old ones and my TBR list grows by leaps and bounds! Thank you!! Have a great day! Best wishes and many blessings to you!
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  72. Thanks for the giveaway. trbrakel@yahoo.com

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  73. new years eve with brand babies and movies thanks for the hop
    myboo63@hotmail.com

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  74. Happy New Year!

    dita(dot)skarste(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Happy New Year, and thank you so much for participating in this hop. I love being introduced to authors I haven't read before!
    tp DOT quixotic AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy New Year!
    Lacey
    laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I'd like to celebrate the New Year with the folks who jet from the International Time Line and fly west, celebrating the New Year 24 times. That sounds fun.

    How did I spend it this year? Quiet and with family. That was good too.

    j.lennidorner@facebook.com

    Happy New Year from What-Are-They.com ! I hope you have a great one. Thanks for taking part in the hop.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I like my drinks, this year it was Blackberry Margaritas from The Melting Pot! Happy New Year!

    Sue
    sue_holston@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thank you for participating in the New Year Blog Hop!
    Best Wishes in 2013
    uilani25 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I like celebrating with lots of yummy food.
    jessica.crawford10@gmail.com

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  81. I like to curl up and read a book or watch a movie.
    bones_mcp(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. We usually have a brunch featuring a Bloody Mary with pickled okra. Best Wishes in 2013!
    t dot mailhes at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Happy New Year!!

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  84. Happy New Year to you!
    verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  85. i spent time with my family dancing and sipping on malibu bay breezes angel0319@hotmail.com

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  86. I love to celebrate the new year with a midnight kiss. :D

    Happy new year and thanks for the giveaway!

    always.and.never AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  87. That drink looks amazing :) I'll have to try it!

    dreammie_angel at yahoo dot com

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  88. I celebrated with my husband and children. We drank milkshakes.

    annettekz2@yahoo.com

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  89. What I love are the great snacking foods and sparkling cider...great for watching movies or reading in that new year and the next day too.Now that I think about it..every year i read ....usually read a new book that I got for Christmas.Hope your new year is full of fun adventures, love, and laughter
    peach_hugs@yahoo.com

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  90. I love to ear seafood and cheese fondue and watch the ball drop!

    Ann
    Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com

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  91. We had a family get together and spent the time eating, playing games and watching New Year's stuff on TV. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    thompsonem3 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. We celebrated by watching the ball drop with a hot cup of tea:)
    Thanks so much for participating in the blog hop. Hope you have an awesome 2013!
    michelletucker at baconnation dot net

    ReplyDelete
  93. I drank some wine, started a new sci-fi romance book, and went to bed a little after midnight. Then on New Year's Day I watched the Rose Parade.

    krankimom@comcast.net

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  94. Happy New Year!
    I like to celebrate with my friends. Sometimes we'll go out, sometimes we'll have a potluck at someone's place - and of course there has to be champagne. Your drink sounds yummy, I'll have to try that!


    craftgirl83 (at) yahoo (dot)com

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  95. This is a great giveaway! Thanks!

    mestith@gmail.com

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  96. We stay up till midnight for that New Year's kiss! Thanks for the chance! girlfloyd at gmail (dot) com

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  97. I always ring in the New Year playing games with family &/or friends. One year we were so engrossed in our games, we missed the countdown in Times Square.

    drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
    http://kathrynblathersaboutbooksandfood.blogspot.com/

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  98. Watched the ball drop at home,
    r.d1@myfairpoint.net

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  99. This contest is now closed. I'll be choosing my winner using random.org. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented!

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  100. And valloryv was the lucky winner!

    ReplyDelete

I always love to hear your thoughts.