Friday, August 31, 2012

Pledged By Gwynneth White -Review -Giveaway too




Pledged by Qwynneth White

Everyone has a soul mate. But what do you do when your soul mate would rather give his soul to the demons than be with you?

Seventeen-year-old Erin has a problem. Seth has been hers forever, but now an ancient promise is tearing him away. And Reuel, the demon to whom the promise was made, will stop at nothing to force Seth to forsake Erin and to worship him.

How can Erin win against a pledge so binding that it has damned countless others to the same fate she and Seth will face if Reuel wins – an eternity alone?

The answer lies in the past. To find it, Erin and Seth must risk all, travelling back in time to a dangerous world where love is forbidden, and life – and death – hang on a promise.

Follow Erin and Seth as they travel to ancient Shenaya to break the pledge that has plagued their families for millennia. Caught in a war between the Angelic Guardians and the Gefallen, the disembodied dead, they must fight to keep their souls in tact and their love untainted.
My Review:
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though it is quite long, its worth it. I really enjoyed the characters, got to really get to know them. I like when an author gives us the time to get to know them, and care, it makes the story that much better.
Seth did get on my nerves to me, seemed somewhat selfish, but as i got into the book more, past the halfway point, then I was able to understand that there was a reason, a very good reason he acted the way he did toward his soul mate Erin. I wont say, I will leave that for your to discover, this will be a spoiler free review. I will have a few teasers, but nothing to give anything away.
I really like the other main charachter Erin, she was strong, and easy to like. I felt really bad for her on how she was at times treated by Seth. But then there were sweet times too.
I liked the time travel that happened in this story, it was very interesting to see how this same curse that has started back in the early 800's AD or so. They get to see first hand, how this Pledged curse had started. This is where they meet Caleb and Talithia, and Jared and Sophia. As well as meet with Gidian, Kate and Stephanie in the Mist of Time, who are Gaurdians, and help them on this journey. They are not able to change anything in the past, but are there to hope to learn something from the friends their souls are friends with (hard to explain that part, so I wont, its explained well in the book) so basically they get to see the mistakes made by their longtime friends. There is action, some violence (not too bad) and it takes you on an emotional rollarcoaster.
It does get off to a slow start, not boring or anything, but much needs explained to understand it all, and its best to read when able to absorb it, its very intriguing, but one of those books you need to pay attention. Its a great story, that is very different than anything I have ever read. But what I didn't like, and this is more me being impaitient, is where it left us hanging at. Major cliffhanger, and I mean Major!! I was like freaking, as it left me wondering about what was to happen! It has a start of the next book, called Sacrificed Book 2 in the Soul Wars Saga., and its due out January 2013 with the next June 2013 (Saved may be title, seems its not concrete in that) I did not read that sneak peak of Sacrificed yet, as I wanted to write this review first, so that would not sway my review at all, or slip something in by mistake. 
Here is a sweet teaser for you between Seth and Erin:
Erin closed her mouth over his. She knew exactly how important this first kiss was in her fight for Seth against Kyle. For a split second he hesitated; then, no longer willing to resist, he opened his mouth to hers. As their tongues met, a fountain of fiery sparks surged through Erin’s body, reminding her of the sensation in the prism when her spirit had accepted Custodianship of the diamond. Just like that decision had been right, kissing Seth was right too. More than right. It was the most natural thing in the world to do. Erin slid her hands under his shirt, caressing his back, praying that he felt as at home in her arms as she felt in his. They were both breathless when Seth burst into joyful laughter and pulled away from her. 
 There were a few sweet moments like that. Not as many as there should have been, but enough considering the story that took place.
This is another cute scene too:

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you ever since Maun. Forget Maun . . . almost since the moment I met you at the airport in Gaborone.”“All that time wasted.” Erin lay back on the bed and pulled him down with her. With her face close to his, she asked, “So why didn’t you?”He sighed. “Sparkles, I thought that was obvious.”“Not to me, it wasn’t.”He traced the outline of her mouth with his finger. “Well, I had just met you in Gaborone. Imagine how you’d have reacted if I’d done the whole Conan the Barbarian thing by throwing you over my shoulder and dragging you off to my cave?”She giggled. “And later?”“You know what happened later. I was so freaked out about it all that I was ready to get on the next plane home. Then we hit the Mists of Time–”“Yes. Where you rejected me.”

I really love how Gweynneth weaves complex characters, Guardians, protectors and soul mates from the beginning of time. Its all mixed up with some murder, intrigue and major plays for power in a fantastical setting of early Botswanna which at that time was called Shenaya. We have prophecies, curses and destined fates, all in Pledged. Its a complex story that spans across time.
The world building in this book is amazing, getting to feel your really in ancient times, in as foreign country. 
Everything is centered around this Seer-Stone. Its the one of the most important parts of the story.

If you like adventure with some fantasy, and a little romance, then you will like this bool.  I recommend you pick it up. 
5 out 5 stars!

I received this book for a book tour, and my honest review.
Here is the new book trailer below, for Pledged (I personally do not care for it, they show too young of characters, the way they are described in book, is 17 going on 18, these kids look 12, that's my opinion, though one part, with the blood brothers part, they are supposed to be that young, but seems they showed a too young Seth with Erin, both did not look 18 which Seth is)
Links to other post for Pledged, with experts, and other info
Last Post, with Extra continuation of meeting Seth and Erin
Meet Seth and Erin here 1st then the continuation above
Meet Jared and Sophia expert here
Meet Caleb and Talitha here
You can enter to win a copy of Pledged at any of the above post, the rafflecopter is in them all. Or click here 
If the trailer blow fails to load, you can see it here at youtube
Smashwords 
Barnes and Noble
Amazon  
Goodreads


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received this book free from the author/publisher as part of an online book tour from Swallow Press. Although payment may have been received by Swallow Press, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Feature & Follow Friday Hop 8/31




Welcome to the Feature & Follow Hop, Hosted By Parajunkee's and
Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop, that is designed to provide some
much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participation, and to expand their
following. Each of our great host will feature a chosen blog each week,it’s 
an interesting way to get to know one another. Visit the host if you want to participate!


Q Best Cover? What is the best cover of a book that you’ve read and loved? (I did the question from Alison Can Read, NOT Parajunkee's who has a different Question. So Please, if you think I don't like this book, read my question, its a cover I LOVE and LOVE the book. Just to be clear. :) I don't know why they did 2 different questions, but I saw Alison's and did my post, just now seen so many posting that they like their cover, but not the book. I hope more do Alison's Positive question, instead of the negative one, I need the positive this week, don't want to see more book bashing.

There are several I love, but think many people will pick some of them, so chose this one, Love this one, with Bones in it, he is so hot, but also the over all look is really cool, and mysterious, exciting too. Love it. One Foot In the Grace Leave me your FF link, so I can check yours out, and if your a new follower, let me know that too.

I Love this book AND the Cover! See My Question!


Captcha:
If you have CAPTCHA word verification enabled on your blog, please take it off. It makes it much more difficult for readers to comment. Please look at Alisons CAPTCHA eradication Post to learn how to get rid of it.

Cover Reveal Chosen At Nightfall - a Shadow Falls Book By C.C. Hunter


Its a long way off, as Whispers at Moonrise (Oct 2) is not even out yet, But C.C. Hunter shared the new cover for this book on her website, and I Love it, and wanted to share.
Here is the summary for Chosen At Nightfall (April 2013) - Add to Goodreads  (Warning, if you have not read the first 3 books, DO NOT read the summary below, as it will give away a crucial piece of info that happens in the end of Taken At Dusk. You have been warned!
Kylie Galen's life hasn't been the same since her world was turned upside-down in Born at Midnight, Shadow Falls #1, and now an epic conclusion to her journey—not to mention a tough choice between two guys!—is brewing in Chosen at Nightfall:
When Kylie Galen left Shadow Falls, she thought it was the hardest decision of her life. Heartbroken and separated from everyone she loves, she has to embrace her abilities and what it means to be a chameleon. But as Kylie's journey comes to a close, she must return to the camp that started it all...and she must finally chose between the two boys who love her. The werewolf who broke her heart when he chose his pack over her, and the half-fae who ran from their intense attraction before they ever really had a
chance. For Kylie, everything will finally be revealed and nothing will ever be the same. (Summary from Goodreads)
You can pre-order Whispers at Moonrise here if you like. as well as the others, and Turned at Dark is a Free download short story.



                    

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday and WWW 8/29




WWW Wednesday is Hosted By MizB at Should Be Reading, asks you to answer 3 questions…
1.What are you currently Reading?
2.What did you recently Finish reading
3. What do you think you’ll read next?

I am now reading Hart Attack for a Book Tour(not for YA, Adults only). And Will also work on finishing a book I had started called Secrets of Ghost, it had to be pushed back as I was behind on others that had to be done by a certain time. I just finished up Pledged (giveaway for Pledged) and The Vikings Witch (mature readers, its not YA).
Next I will work on Lunangelique by Kristen Campbell (for review) and a few others I will get sorted, hope to get these 2 for sure done, then will make sure that I get book tour book The Unsacred Gift read.






Waiting on Wednesday

**Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at the Breaking The Spine. That spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly waiting in anticipation**

I am very eager to get my hands on Winterblaze, its the 3rd book in the Darkest London series, First book is Firelight, then Moonglow (i read ARC) and then this one, prequel is Ember all by Kristen Callihan.
Isn't this cover gorgeous? So pretty. I can't wait, and the wait is long. Feb 2013! Hope I can get an ARC of this like the last one. What are you waiting on? Leave me a comment, with your link, or just answer is fine, on both post. If new follower, please let me know, so I can follow back.

Winterblaze Summary:
Once blissfully in love . . .
Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership
in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both
her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet
when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy's secrets are
revealed, leaving Winston's trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will
do anything to win back his affections . . .
Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test.
Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bear the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London,Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy's love for him to defeat the forces that threaten to tear them apart

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tuesday Teasers & Tuesday Intros, First Chapter, First Paragraph



Teaser Tuesday Is a Weekly bookish Meme, Hosted by MitzB of Should Be Reading. 

Anyone can play along.  Just do the following:


 Grab your current read Open to a random pageShare 2 (Two) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

   Be Careful, No Spoilers Please (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruing the book for others)    Share title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their tbr list if they like your teaser!Please leave me a comment with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog) Thanks!

 Pleadge by Gwenneth White -Goodreads See my Pledged Giveaway Here, follow links to experts too
Teaser #1
A Norin temptress completely scrambles her Shadow Lord’s brain. He hates her, but he wants her. He loves her, but he wants to kill her. He wants to run away, but he keeps coming back. Reason has no sway.”
Teaser #2

She took a large gulp of the palm wine and doubled-up, spraying it over him. Coughing, eyes streaming, she flung the goblet over the battlement.
Jared laughed quietly. “My lovely, will you please see that I’m on your side. And listen to my warnings.”
“Ugh.” She wiped her mouth and tongue on her dress, not caring what Jared thought of her. “What is it with you Shenayans? Everything you do is disgusting.”

I am also reading Ironskin ARC - Goodreads
Teaser #1
“Dorie. Your father is counting on you to behave. I don’t know how to impress on you how important this is to him. If we leave the gloves off during the day, will you promise me that you won’t do anything with the lights or moving things without touching them?”
Teaser #2

Can you feel the curse?”
He leaned close, considering. Surely her chest did not always rise and fall this much; surely her breaths were usually even and regular, barely disturbing the profi le of her dress. Water, she thought, water to suffocate the flames. I could not bear it if he raged at me.
“I don’t know,” he said at last. “I am certainly angry that this
happened to you, but I have felt that since shortly after we met.”


Tuesday Intros, First Chapter, First Paragraph

First Chapter First Paragraph - Tuesday Intros Hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea

Every Tuesday I will participate in the Tuesday Intro First Chapter-First Paragraph Intros.
These are books we decided to read based on the first paragraph or so. Then find another “Teaser” in the book somewhere to catch our interest. Leave me a comment with link to your post, and if your a new follower be sure to let me know. I want to be sure to follow back.

 Black City- Goodreads 
First Paragraph Chapter 1

An air-raid siren wails in the distance, alerting Black City citizens to lock their doors and turn out the lights. They don’t want to be out in the dark alone. They might meet something dangerous. Something like me.
I head under the canal bridge and wait for the girl, taking a packet of Sentry-regulation smokes from my back pocket and sparking up. The nicotine courses through my veins, making them throb with adrenaline; the sensation is almost like a pulse . . . almost.
Footsteps approach the bridge, and a short girl with straggly black hair appears from the shadows, dressed in men’s work boots, tight black trousers and a tailcoat made from a patchwork of clashing fabrics. Her hazel eyes gaze up into mine. She’s brave. Not many cherry-poppers have the courage to look me in the eyes. She hands me an old playing card with two hearts on it, one red, one black. It’s my calling card. It seemed an appropriate choice; that’s what I’m selling her after all, an illusion of love. I slip it into the pocket of my dark green military jacket.
“You’re late,” I say. “Last thing I need is to be caught out here after curfew by a Tracker. They’re just begging for a reason to throw me in jail.”
Teaser #1


I lean toward her, pressing my lips against the soft flesh on her neck, just below her ear. Her pulse flutters under my lips, and I nearly lose it. I begin to nibble on the flesh, tickling the tiny hairs on her neck with my tongue, making them wet with my saliva.
“Do it,” she whispers.
So much for foreplay. I sink my fangs into her jugular. Hot blood spills over my tongue, making my taste buds burst with its sticky sweetness. Man, I love the newbies; they always taste the best. She sighs as my venom enters her bloodstream. 


Sunday, August 26, 2012

Stacking the Shelves-& In My Mailbox-8/26




Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks.
Hosted by Tyngas Reviews, visit her site to get all the guidelines, and to add to the linky list if you want to participate.
In my mailbox is a similar post to Stacking the shelves, so combined them. In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren

Here is some books I have acquired this past few weeks. 

I had a good few weeks, just this week at least 4 came in the mail.
Here is the latest in one shot, with some signed swag.

Divergent I got in a giveaway a few weeks ago, its signed.

This book Below Is also signed, won in a giveaway. Dark Side of Valor

I also won this amazing Book Crux in a giveaway, with a signed book mark and the signed book!
This is another book Call of the Sea, by Rebecca Hart, below that i won, the book from the publisher, and the author sent signed swag. (sorry for the time stamp, forgot it was on)
And wanted to add these bookmarks below, i got them awhile back, they are signed from the Kelly Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld, series just the one is signed though 

For Review, below is what I have gotten, some are ARC, some not.
The Archived by Victoria Schwab (from Edelweiss)


The White Oak by Kim White from Netgalley



Shadow Sight I won when I got the signed swag, ebook

The Sum of Her Parts from Edelweiss ARC

Sprite I won in a Giveaway, Ebook

Just received this book from Netgalley Pale by Chriss Wooding (Cover freaks me out, but sounds good)


That most of them, I am sure I forgot a few. Leave me a comment if your a new follower, so I can follow back. If you have any opinions on these book, love to hear them 

Cover Characteristic - Couples



This meme has a theme each week, we find out from the Host, then put your favorite book covers with that theme.Visit host for details and to add post to the linky.
This week is
Couples


Maggie and Caleb


Jace and Clary


Daemon and Katy


Scarlet and Tristan


Bones and Cat


Jackson and Holly

Pagan and Dank
Patch and Nora


Alex and Gemma


Links to the books if you want to read about them, takes you to goodreads
Accordance (this is book 2 cover) Shelly Crane
City of Lost Souls (5th in series) Cassandra Clare
Onyx (2nd in series) Jennifer L. Armentrout
Awry (The Archers of Avalon #2) Chelsea Fine
One Foot In the Grave (Night Huntress #2)Jeanine Frost
Tempest Julie Cross
Ceaseless (book 3 Existence Series) Abbie Glines
Finale (Hush, Hush series) Becca Fitzpatrick
The Promise (Fallen Star Series Book 4) Jessica Sorensen 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Viking's Witch by Kelli Wilkins Tour and Giveaway & Review




The Viking’s Witch

By Kelli Wilkins
(My review is at bottom)

Scotland, 803 A.D

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?


After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning women be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other…before time is up.



Kelli Wilkins


Kelli A. Wilkins developed a love of reading and writing while growing up in a small upstate New York town. Kelli enjoys writing in different genres, and her speculative fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including The Sun, The Best of the First Line, What If? And Weird Tales.
Kelli is a member of Romance Writers of America and has published several historical/fantasy romances with Amber Quill Press. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband. Readers are invited to visit Kelli’s Web site, www.KelliWilkins.Com , to catch up on all her writings.


Be sure to enter the giveaway, 3 Ebook copies are being given out as a prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Expert Below, Enjoy!

Stronsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland
803 A.D.
“Ye filthy bastards dare call yourselves men of God? Unhand me!” Odaria kicked and fought the men dragging her away from the village.
Brennan slapped her across the face. “Quiet, witch, or I shall tear out your tongue.”
She stopped struggling and glared at Brennan. That blow hadn’t hurt her. If anything, it merely sparked her fury. “Do as you will, but you shan’t be rid of me so easy.” Odaria dug her bare feet into the soft earth as Brennan and Malcolm forced her up the side of a small hill. A cool breeze billowed her thin chemise like a sail behind her. She shivered and gazed into the clear midnight sky. Twinkling silver stars surrounded the three-quarter moon. Would this be the last peaceful image she’d ever see?
Her thoughts faded as they reached the top of the rise. She looked at the beach and gasped. Everyone from the village stood in a circle around a bonfire. The flickering firelight cast evil shadows across their faces. A two-foot-high wooden platform with a tall crossbeam was positioned near the roaring flames.
She cringed, and Malcolm shoved her forward. “Take your punishment, witch.”
“Nay. Set me free.” To her surprise, her voice sounded weak and shaky. She wiggled her hands and tried to loosen the rope binding her wrists in front of her. They truly weren’t going to burn her alive, were they?
“Hold her fast,” Brennan ordered. “She’ll not cast spells upon us again.”
“Me spells would best be used to put your head on a pike!” Brennan wrapped his hand around her throat and squeezed hard, cutting off her air. “Mind your words, witch, for they shall be some of your last.” He motioned for Malcolm to step aside, then faced the group of villagers before him.
“Faithful followers, you have gathered here tonight to witness the purging of evil from our God-fearing, peaceful village. After tonight, the witch shall plague us no more with her spells and devil worship. No longer shall we fear her wrath as we sleep.” Odaria glanced at the pile of dried grass and brush stacked around the wooden platform. One spark would set the pyre ablaze.
She stared across the crowd and scanned the firelit faces, looking for a compassionate soul. There was none.

My review:
Title: The Vikings Witch
Author: Kelli Wilkins
Series:
Publisher: Medallion Press
Publication Date: August 1, 2012
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book, as I usually do not read any kind of historical books, I have maybe read under 10 in my whole life, so when I say I was happy with this, that’s a great compliment, as its outside my comfort zone, but we did have what I must have, and that’s a bit of paranormal, which our witch Odaria, who I really like. I was not sure how I would feel about Rothgar, but her turned out to be a rather decent guy for a Viking. At least most the time, some things he had done, really surprised me, and I had not seen it coming.
This book was full of excitement, and twist and turns that I did not see coming. I was not bored one little bit at all. The sex scenes were done in a very decent way, not overly uncomfortable for me. I do not read erotica, so was happy that this was not, or if it was supposed to be, it was rather mild, just right. Not a YA book for sure, but I think anyone 18 and up will enjoy it.
This story as you can guess takes place in the Viking era and Rothgar is described to be to look like Chris Hemsworth in Thor, so to me, that’s what popped into my head when reading. Not a bad visual at all.
We start the story with Odaria about to be burned alive for being a witch, by a evil man names Brennen, and the Vikings show up to hunt for a missing cousin of Rothgar’s at just the right time, and in that happening, she was able to get away, then a new danger emerges, as some of the brutes find her bound still hiding, and lucky her, Rothgar finds them about to abuse her in the worst way, and saves her, and claims her as his own. Of course he is a decent guy most of the time, and only said this to his men, to leave her alone.
I won’t get into too much from there, as there is much that goes on, and the twists that happen make the story very enjoyable, and would hate to ruin it for you. Let’s just say, the spitfire fights they have are full of passion, and really are written well. Kelli’s writing is flawless and beautiful, her world-building is amazing, and you can literally “see” this world as it was back in that era. I really liked how were got to be inside Rothgar’s head as well as Odaria, it was nice; really let me see what he was feeling as well as her.
Here is some exciting quotes for you this one is what Rothgar is thinking of Odaria after he saved her from his men:
He glanced at Odaria. She was a strange girl, indeed. The moment he had touched her in the cookroom, an odd prickling sensation had spread through his body. It wasn’t the thrill of excitement or the powerful rush one experienced after a good fight. Instead, it felt as 
if he’d been jabbed with thousands of sharp pins. His hands had grown warm and throbbed when he’d caressed her. Odaria’s skin blazed as if she were on fire from the inside. He’d never felt anything like that before. But until today, he’d never met a girl like Odaria.
Although she was pretty, her courage impressed him most. She hadn’t cowered before him, crying and begging for mercy. She’d kept her wits about her and dealt with him as a man would. That was uncommon in a woman, but Odaria was far from common.
Her wavy raven-black hair hung past her shoulders, contrast-ing sharply against her creamy white skin. Her large eyes were deep green flecked with bits of gold. From what he saw of her body through that scrap of linen she wore, she was young, succulent, and curvy in all the right places. Just being near her made him—

 Here is another sweet moment, but sad with Rothgar and Odaria:
“I dug a—”
“I know.” She glanced at the muddy spade in his hand. “Thank you. You must think it foolish of me to cry, but Chester was my only friend. He was all I had after my mother—” Odaria burst into tears, and a sudden downpour soaked him to the skin.
He gazed up at the sky. Heavy gray clouds seemed to hover over the cottage. Was it possible that Odaria’s tears drew down the rain?
He knelt on the wet earth and wrapped his arms around Odaria. “I do not think you are foolish. You loved him, and now he’s gone. I know how much it hurts to lose someone you love.”
 Overall I loved this book, and highly recommend it for adults and mature upper teens. 5 stars from me.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received this book free from the author as part of Innovative Blog Tours. Although payment may have been received by Innovated Online Book Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”