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Win It Wednesday - Salem

4/26/2023

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​Welcome to Win It Wednesday!

This week Melanie and Jenn are talking about the tv show Salem!


Make sure you scroll down for details on how to enter the giveaway too, and as always  ​be sure to let us know what you think!

Melanie - should need no introduction lol

Salem is one of my all time favorite shows. Complete at 3 seasons, because the writers knew what the plan was when they started, they were able to make an ending that even I will rewatch.

Taking actual events and characters from history, and putting a very magical spin on them, Salem is one of the darker TV shows that I watch (and coming from me you know that means it is DARK!)  This is actually one of the TV shows Telfie was partnered with so I got to chat with writers and the network as Season 3 unfolded which was amazing.  You can watch my totally cringy video from 6 years ago about the release of Season 3 below (or skip it - I mean I am very glad that my videos have improved lol).

All 3 seasons are currently streaming for free in the US on the CW app. I highly suggest if you like dark and witchy that you check it out!

Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since.  She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways.  Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!

This is one of those series that had been in my maybe watch pile and that was "Salem".

I’m really glad Mels suggested we watch it while I was up there and I absolutely love a good historical whether it be in movie, show or book. I’m sure we’ve all heard the stories of Salem and the witch trials that happened there. Before actually watching Salem I thought they’d stick to the history that I learned in school, but nope. New story but with same characters and honestly with this it works. I actually think that I prefer this way than what actually happened. It’s kind of just a bit more interesting and that’s probably why they did it this way-- to keep the audience interested. With this being an older show there might have been alot who have seen it already. Then again you may be like me and have not so I really won’t go into spoiler territory.

​Like the actual historical events, you do have Mary and John, though in this version Mary is with John, and an actual witch. John is not married and wants to be with Mary. See how this twists the actual history? Well if you haven’t seen this show that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and if you like history like me, then definitely add this show to your must watch list.
The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Salem

And Now For The Giveaway

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Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Salem" prize pack including A Resin Frog Keychain and Pentacle resin charm both made by Greg, a Chakra necklace, some St John's Wort, and a paperback copy of the book Redder Than Blood all from Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard.

For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:

Do you believe in magic?
Click Here To Enter The Giveaway
Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!

Winner will be announced during the Live show on May 7th and then posted on the page as well on May 8th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
​
   Good luck everyone! 

Rules​

Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered.
This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
One Entry Per Person / Household
Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday May 7th and posted on the Facebook page on Monday May 8th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. 
We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list!
Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Comments

Angel's Gambit by Susan Harris - A Spoiler Free Review

4/21/2023

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Check out my review for Angel's Gambit by Susan Harris - and click the cosplay picture to see some behind the scenes pictures!
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Blurb About The Book
Monsters are real… but they look like angels.
Raven Cassidy has always known that the real evil in her world came disguised as angels. Imprisoned deep in the dungeons of the angelic citadel for attempting to assassinate the Imperium, Raven has spent the last three years at their mercy. When the Commander of the Imperium’s warrior angels offers Raven a deal to find the spy within the citadel in exchange for her freedom; Raven sees a way to finally finish what she started.
For her plan to succeed, she has to work closely with the creatures who have kept her prisoner since she was seventeen. When the lines between enemy and friend start to get blurred, Raven must rely on her rigorous training, and mental grit to stay alive.
But Raven is hiding a secret, one that if exposed, could mean a swift execution at the hands of the very angel who makes her feel things she shouldn’t.
Time is running out, and being an Angel’s Gambit is harder than you’d think!


Book Details

Standalone or series?
Book 1 in a 5 book series

How did I get this book?
It's a Susan Harris Book - I get to Alpha Read!

Why did I choose to read this book:  
Because Susan Harris wrote it

Genre
Dystopian

And Now To The Review!

First Impressions:
I am not generally a fan of dystopian books but this is the second time that Susan Harris has me reading one. That opening totally had me hooked! 
​
General Review
You know what I REALLY love in a book? More than a great main lead is a great villain and Rieka gives us that and more.  Although the issue of angels not necessarily being the salvation people hope for has been addressed before, Susan manages to bring a whole new perspective.  Her characters are flawed (yes even the protagonist), and even though most of them have some sort of supernatural power, they are still totally relatable.  I really enjoyed the fact that there isn't a whole lot of romance. Yes there are undertones, but this is definitely not a romance book by any means (not that Susan can't write romance - followers of my reviews will know that she most certainly can), but it is a refreshing change for the main story to be filled with drama and intrigue, rather than love and lust. 

Final Thoughts
Bring on book 2! Actually bring on all 5 - let's go with this - even though I have a sneaking suspicion that Rieka may not get the ending I think she deserves. #TeamAngel

Rating:
An easy 5 stars!

As always let me know what you think in the comments and be sure to join me at the release party on the 22nd! Click HERE for details. 

Pineapple Code word for this article is Rieka

If like me you can't wait for the next book - you can pre-order it now so you don't miss it!
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***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or  Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links
Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate  program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
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Win It Wednesday - Pirates Of The Caribbean

4/19/2023

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​Welcome to Win It Wednesday!

This week Jenn is talking about, and Mel is apparently reenacting (Kind of) Pirates of the Caribbean!


Make sure you scroll down for details on how to enter the giveaway too, and as always  ​be sure to let us know what you think!

Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since.  She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways.  Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!

Yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me. These movies have to be some of my favorites and with one of my favorite actors of all time in them and those movies are “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

After five movies I think it ended well. There was talk that there would be more but I hope not, especially now that Johnny Depp wouldn’t be in them. I’m sure everyone has seen these by now but if you haven’t these movies basically follow Jack Sparrow, Will turner and Elizabeth Swann on a high seas adventure. That is, until we get to the fourth movie.

Jacks in it but Will and Elizabeth are not. It’s alright in its own way but it’s still my least favorite though some may disagree with me. Can Jack and this rag tag team of pirates stop Davy Jones, Blackbeard and just other no good pirates along the way? Well, I could say yes because I’m sure there’s not many who haven’t seen these but I’ll just go with maybe.

​If you haven’t by chance seen these incredible movies then remedy that now. And if you have them maybe it’s time for a rewatch. And stock up on rum so it won’t be gone.

Melanie - should need no introduction lol

I love the Pirates too - although my contribution isn't as sensible as Jenn's lol.  Instead click the picture to see when Greg, Susan, and I played pirates - and you might notice the hats and eye patches - there is one of those in the prize pack! (NOT WORN lol)
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​​The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Pirate

​And Now For The Giveaway
​

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Melanie's Muses will be giving away a prize pack with Pirates Of The Caribbean On Stranger Tides and At World's End DVDs sent in by Jenn and a Resin Key mad by Greg, A Bracelet, Tattoos, and the Hat And Eye Patch as modelled in our video - all from Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard.

For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:

Who is your favorite pirate?
Click Here To Enter The Giveaway
​Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!

Winner will be announced during the Live show on April 30th and then posted here on the blog as well on May 1st if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
​
   Good luck everyone! 

Rules​

Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered.
This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
One Entry Per Person / Household
Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday April 30th and posted on this post on Monday May 1st if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. 
We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list!
Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Comments

A Spoiler Free Review - Both Feet In The Grave by Jeanine Frost

4/19/2023

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Check out my review spoiler-free review for the latest book in the Night huntress series! 
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Note - Book 1 (9) is on sale at the time of posting for $2.49 on the kindle.
Blurb About The Book
If you thought you learned more about the dangerous and sexy alpha vampire, Bones, in the USA Today bestselling scorcher, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE, you haven't seen anything yet...
Cat disappeared from Bones’ life to protect him, but this Master vampire will keep his promise to find her.
Two hundred years of bounty hunting made Bones the best at what he does, yet it's still taken him four long years to find Cat, the half vampire now known as the "Red Reaper." There's a price on Cat's head, and not even her job as a secret government agent can save her. Only Bones can. But has time hardened Bones too much to love again? Or will his passion for Cat burn through every obstacle—alive, undead, or otherwise—between them?


The Details

Standalone or series?
This is a little different. It is "Technically" listed as Book 10 in the series. It is in fact Book 2 - but updated and told from Bones' (the other main character) perspective.

How did I get this book?
I was invited to review an ARC

Why did I choose to read this book:  
I LOVED the Night Huntress series. I have read them all numerous times (including the spin offs - although for me they will never beat the original set)

Genre
Urban Fantasy

And Now To The Review!

First Impressions:
I know the original version (told from Cat's point of view) like the back of my hand. Having read book 1 from Bones' POV I was excited to read this one. As with the first book Jeaniene notes she made the decision to update certain parts to make it more relevant to today's readers. (The original was released over 10 years ago and we all know how technology has changed).
​
General Review
This story is fabulous. I mean really how could it not be, if you loved the original you are getting that and a little more. That being said I don't feel there was as much original content in this one versus the amount in the first book but that could be because Bones had less away time in this one. The majority of their story was them together - so maybe not as many opportunities?

If you love the original series then you will want to read this too.

Final Thoughts
If you haven't read the Night Huntress series, I supposed technically you could start with "The Other Half Of The Grave) which is the first book from  this point of view and then go back and read the others. Personally I would suggest reading at least the first 2 Night Huntress series books first, although you will probably want to continue reading until you get through them - which isn't a bad thing.

Rating:
5 stars from me - It's the same story as book 2 so how could it not be!

As always let me know what you think in the comments!

Pineapple Code word for this article is Coat
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Death Dates The Oracle by Kristen Painter - A Spoiler Free Review

4/14/2023

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Check out my review for Death Dates The Oracle  (Nocturne Falls book 15) by Kristen Painter
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A release day review for Kristen Painter!

Make sure you scroll down to get details on reading the previous books in the series for FREE with your KU membership!

Blurb About The Book
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.


Eamon Underwood isn’t what you’d call a social butterfly. In fact, he avoids people altogether, outside of his job at his uncle’s funeral home, where Eamon is the mortician. For him, being around the dead is easier than being around the living. Mostly because of his very curious gift that enables him to see just how long a person has left to live. That knowledge makes personal interaction far too difficult.
Until he meets Troula Kouris. And sees…nothing.
Troula comes to Nocturne Falls to join her crazy-cat-lady aunts as an oracle, one of the rare descendants of the original Greek oracles. She’s been preparing for it all of her life. Unfortunately, just before she leaves for Nocturne Falls, she gets an ominous prediction that leads her to believe becoming an oracle could be fatal. Or maybe the real danger is the darkly handsome neighbor who lives next door.
When Troula and Eamon make a curious connection that leads to romance, it seems the fates want them together, despite the risks. Can a little orange kitten really solve all of their problems? Or will it all end in a catastrophe?


The Review

Standalone or series?
Book 15 in the Nocturne Falls Series (Can be read as a standalone - more about that in the actual review)

How did I get this book?
PA Perks lol

Why did I choose to read this book:  
I read EVERYTHING Kristen releases!

Genre
Paranormal Romance

And Now To The Actual Review Part!

First Impressions:
Followers of my reviews will know that the Nocturne Falls series holds a special place in my heart, yes even the books with the damn werewolves, not that this one features a werewolf but I am just throwing that out there and I normally recommend reading from the beginning.  That being said - this one would actually provide a pretty good jumping in point (and you could go back and read the others)

This 15th installment, like the 14th introduces us to 2 new sets of people which again is a little detour from many of the previous installments where we have had known character and a newbie. There are still plenty of appearances from the regulars though but because we are seeing it all through new eyes, if this was your first introduction to the world it would work!
​
General Review
The main hero and his family in the book are Scottish.  Now aa a rule I am not overly fond of that as a precedent (although the early seasons of Outlander may have persuaded me that in some cases it works - this is another of those cases), and whilst generally I would prefer a little Irish - here the Scottish works! 

You get TWO new supernaturals in this story- well really more than two because all of the Scot lads have their power manifest in different ways, and then we have the Oracles and their powers, oh and you get a LOT of cats! So many cats! I have a couple of favorites so if you read be sure to let me know which ones you would have adopted lol. 

As with the rest of the series there is a mystery to solve - which I am claiming 75% credit on, didn't quite get the last bit, but even solving most of it doesn't take away from the story.  These are like Hallmark movies with a supernatural twist - you KNOW everything is going to work out in the end - but the journey is always a fun one. 


Final Thoughts
I am completely in awe at the way Kristen is able to keep coming up with totally new variations on this theme AND twists I don't see coming - Oh and Eamon's power - I can only imagine how she came up with that one! 

Rating:
An Easy 5 stars from me and definitely Melanie's Muses Approved!

As always let me know what you think in the comments!

Pineapple Code word for this article is Cats

​

​Click the picture for more info on the previous books with KU!

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​** Disclosure**
​Any Links To Buy On Amazon Are My Amazon Affiliate Links.
​(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases - Which helps provide for the giveaways!)
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Win It Wednesday - The Wedding Date

4/12/2023

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​Welcome to Win It Wednesday!

This week Melanie and Jenn are talking about one of Melanie's all time favorite RomComs - The Wedding Date!


Make sure you scroll down for details on how to enter the giveaway too, and as always  ​be sure to let us know what you think!

Melanie - should need no introduction lol

It's no secret that I love a good romantic comedy, well OK even a not so good one at times, but The Wedding Date is definitely in my all time top 10 - probably right near the top.  Packed to the brim with stars (probably more heavily influenced on the English side), this movie sees Dermot Mulroney as an "Escort For Hire" that Debra Messing does in deed hire to be her date for her super annoying sister's wedding (Amy Adams).

It's sort of like Pretty Woman in reverse but with a lot less of the annoying stuff. Add to the fact that Sarah Parish is in here as the crazy best friend (a more unusual role for her) and I will watch pretty much ANYTHING with her in, I honestly can't recommend this movie enough.

For whatever reason it's just not one that seems to pop up very often, and you know that here in Muserland we LOVE an underrated movie and so here is it. I made Jenn watch it when she was here (I tried and failed to make Susan watch it lol), and she loved it too - which i why it now has a feature!

Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since.  She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways.  Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!

This movie that I just recently saw reminds me of "Pretty Woman" in reverse. Think about the guy being the escort instead of the woman and that movie is "Wedding Date". Thanks Mels for introducing me to it. In this movie Kat hires Nick, a male escort, to be her date for her sister's wedding because her ex will end up being there. I mean who hasn’t done something crazy to spite their ex? But anyways, moving on.

​You know craziness will ensue and of course since it’s romantic they will end up falling in love but how they get there is the fun part. I mean I didn’t even know this movie existed so I’m sure a lot of others don’t either so no spoilers. Go watch this underrated movie for yourselves, and maybe like me you might just enjoy it more than "Pretty Woman".
​The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Escort

​And Now For The Giveaway

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Melanie's Muses will be giving away a prize pack with The Wedding DateDVD sent in by  sent in by Jenn and a Bride And Groom Sashes and Pins, and some stickers  Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard.

For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:

What's your favorite romantic comedy movie?
Click Here To Enter The Giveaway
​Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!

Winner will be announced during the Live show on April 23rd and then posted here on the blog as well on April 24th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
​
   Good luck everyone! 

Rules​

Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered.
This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
One Entry Per Person / Household
Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday April 23rd and posted on this post on Monday April 24th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. 
We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list!
Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Comments

Win It Wednesday - Revenge Of The Nerds

4/5/2023

Comments

 
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​Welcome to Win It Wednesday!

This week Jenn is talking about the movie "Revenge Of The Nerds".


Make sure you scroll down for details on how to enter the giveaway too, and as always  ​be sure to let us know what you think!

Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since.  She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways.  Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!

This movie might have some controversy to it but I still like it. Well the first one at least and that’s “Revenge of the Nerds”.

This movie proves that is truly is brains over brawn and nerds can take a stand and outsmart the bully jocks and beat them. And quite honestly it’s just a fun one to watch. Who doesn’t love a good nerds vs jocks romp?

​ Lewis and his friend Gilbert head off to college not realizing that it’s not going to be as fun or easy as they think. They even end up getting kicked out of there dorms because the jocks burn down there fraternity house. Banding together with other nerds they find a home and fight back to become a fraternity of their own. Lewis may not realize he’s a nerd but in the end it doesn’t really matter because he shows you along with the rest of them that no matter what title you might have been given in highschool or college even, you can still end up on top.
Melanie - Great pick Jenn. Firstly - THIS WAS THE 80s - so haters need to get over it. 

Secondly - Random Fun fact - when you get down to the giveaway question I definitely consider myself a Nerd and any other various labels.  In fact I wrote about it OVER 10 YEARS AGO - if you are bored you can read the article HERE.  That article lead to me being invited to audition for the TBS Show "King of the Nerds" - Which I obviously didn't do lol.


​The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Nerd

​And Now For The Giveaway

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Melanie's Muses will be giving away a  prize pack with the Revenge of the Nerds DVD sent in by  sent in by Jenn and a "Don't be an asshole" keychain and Punisher decals  Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard.

For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:

Do you consider yourself a nerd?
Click Here To Enter The Giveaway
​Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!

Winner will be announced during the Live show on April 16th and then posted here on the blog as well on April 17th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
​
   Good luck everyone! 

Rules​

Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered.
This is open internationally.  If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can.  Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations.  Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control.  Void Where Prohibited.
Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.  
Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
One Entry Per Person / Household
Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday April 16th and posted on this post on Monday April 17th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
​ - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit.
Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. 
We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list!
Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page
Comments

    About The Blog

    Melanie's Random Musings About The Entertainment World - From Books to TV and Anything Else That Comes To Mind! 

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