My Own Mr. Darcy Book Review and Giveaway ends 10/8

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My Own Mr. Darcy

After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.

Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

My Opinion:
In My Own Mr. Darcy Elizabeth watches the movie Pride and Prejudice when she is 16 and becomes obsessed with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth decides she will have her own Mr. Darcy one day. I really liked Elizabeth but her obsession with Mr. Darcy was kind of irritating to me. I was annoyed that she couldn't see that maybe that's not really what she wanted or what would make her happy. It was obvious that Chad was perfect for her but she just couldn't see it. I think it's crazy for anyone to be obsessed with a book or movie character like that but I'm sure it does happen. Good story though. This is a 4 star book to me.

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Author Karey White

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/8/13

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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Secrets of the Moon Excerpt and Giveaway

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Title: Secrets of the Moon
Author: Kristy Centeno
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Date of Publication: July 7, 2013
Genre: young adult paranormal romance

Blurb:
Teenager Marjorie Emery eluded death. As she struggles to get her life back on track, she believes her efforts are paying off. Yet, when a black dressing, unfriendly, and incredibly handsome hottie walks into her classroom, she’s forced into a tailspin. Marjorie has no idea how much his presence is going to shatter what little tranquility she’s achieved.

Kyran Rousseau’s gloomy nature has a name, one that is potentially fatal under the right circumstances. His family harbors secrets and does everything to protect Kyran. While, he doesn’t want to ruin Marjorie’s normal life, love has a way of changing his plans.

Falling for Kyran is the least of Marjorie’s worries. With a faceless threat hunting her and a boyfriend who's as dangerous as he is good looking—how can Marjorie and Kyran keep all hell from breaking loose before it’s too late?

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17905312-secrets-of-the-moon

Purchase links: Amazon | B&N

Excerpt:
The bat connected with something solid, and a soft grunt escaped the man’s lips, followed by a soft oath that would’ve put even the meanest of sailors to shame.
“Are you trying to kill me? What the hell are you doing?”
Wait just a second, I know that voice.
“Kyran? Kyran!” I couldn’t believe my eyes. He really was standing there, clad in nothing but a pair of jeans.
“Are you trying to behead me?” His expression was one of puzzlement and anger combined.
“I was, actually.” He rubbed his forearm vigorously and I deduced that was where the bat made contact. Boy, I had the worst aim ever. How did I manage to hit his arm when I was aiming for his head?
“Why?” he snapped.
That did it. That tone he used infuriated me all over again. “Oh, hold on just a second here. I should be asking all the questions, not you. What the hell are you doing roaming around my house in the middle of the night anyway? What kind of sick pervert are you?”
“This isn’t your house. Haven’t you noticed we’re in the middle of the woods?” God, I wanted to slap him so bad.
“The hell we are! This is my father’s land and you’re trespassing.” He scoffed, and I had the sudden urge to go for a second blow. This close, I was pretty confident I would make a crude indentation in his skull.
“Do you enjoy peeping at other people? Is that, like, something you get off on?”
Had I not been so angry, I would’ve laughed at his expression. His face registered shock, disbelief, and surprise all at once.
“No! I’m not that kind of person,” he barked.
“Really? ’Cause I’m pretty sure it was you I saw here last night, and I’m really pissed off right now. You better have a good excuse as to why you’re walking around on my father’s property half naked.”
He turned his face away and refused to answer.
“All right, I’m calling the police.” I didn’t have my cell, but hell, he didn’t know that.
“What’re you going to call the police with, the bat?”
Damn him. “No, I…have…my cell.” Somewhere out there, where it’s doing me no good.
He sneered. “Right.”
“You didn’t answer my question, Kyran. What’re you doing out here?”
“What’re you doing out here?”
“Damn it, Kyran, don’t test me because I’ll knock that pretty little head of yours right off those broad shoulders.” Was I giving him a compliment while simultaneously threatening to decapitate him? Leave it to me to come up with a sentence like that one.
“I’d like to keep my pretty little head, thank you very much,” he said hotly. His answer, however sarcastic it was, almost made me laugh and I had to bite my lower lip to keep from smiling. He looked so cute when he was annoyed.


About Kristy Centeno
As a child, she used to lose herself in an imaginary world by the means of a good book. Now that she’s all grown up, Kristy gets to create her own fictional realms and make them come to life in ways that most readers might not expect.

She’s always had a passion for writing but never had the opportunity do so until now. After trying out numerous options, she realized that writing was what she loved the most so when she found herself with some free time on her hands, she decided to pursue her passion. As it turned out, her very active imagination helped her achieve her goals of creating believable plots with some ordinary, and some not so ordinary characters that helped the stories move along in one way or another.

As she keeps moving along in achieving her dreams of becoming a published author, she divides her time in between her four children and her very understanding husband.

http://www.kristycenteno.net
http://booksbycenteno.com
http://www.facebook.com/KristyCenteno
http://www.twitter.com/KrissyGirl122
http://www.goodreads.com/KristyCenteno
http://therightbook4u.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/kristycenteno

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Angels Book Review

Angels by Alexis York Lumbard
Illustrated by Flavia Weedn

Book Description:
Did you know that angels of all kinds are everywhere? “Some are big, some are tiny. They're all so bright and very shiny.” This lyrical, breezy, and nondenominational picture book introduces children and adults to a magical place which radiates warmth, love, and caring throughout its colorful and delicate pages. With its rich paintings, readers are transported through many colorful scenes, places and seasons to see how angels work behind the scenes, weaving their graces

My Opinion:
Angels is a great bedtime story. The pictures of angels are so beautiful. I love that in the beginning of the book you can put who the book is for and from who so it would make a great gift. It says "To my favorite angel" and "With love from" where you fill out the names and that makes it a special gift to your favorite angel of course. I love reading this book to all three of my children. I would give this book at least 10 stars out of 5. I don't know if that makes much sense but that's how much I love it!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Fizzion Pet Stain & Odor Remover Review

I received a free bottle of Fizzion Pet Stain & Odor Remover to review. The bottle comes with two refill tablets that are very easy to use all you have to do is fill up the bottle with warm water and add a tablet. After that it is ready to use whenever you need it. Fizzion is an eco friendly pet stain and odor remover. I have no pets but I do have three messy children. My children just drop everything My carpet is supposed to be a light brown color but instead it is stained yellow, red, blue and every color in between. I thought hmmm if Fizzion works for pet stains why wouldn't it work for other stains too. So of course I wanted to try it on my carpet. It worked for some most stains but I have some stubborn orange and red stains that didn't want to go away. I'm not sure because the kids drop everything but I think those stains were juice or koolaid. What it did remove was my 7 week old son poop stains. Those stains are always really stubborn and I hate them so I'm glad to finally have something to get rid of them.

Here is the before and after picture of my sons baby seat. I think it is a big difference and I am a very happy mommy to finally have something for those stubborn baby poop stains because just putting them in the washer never worked for me. Now I have to go tell my sister all about Fizzion because she does have pets(about 10 dogs or maybe just a few I don't know but they are a lot)and I'm sure she will want to try it!

To save 50% you can use the coupon code ALWAYSJOART
You can buy Fizzion for $7.99 on their website
You can also like them on facebook

A Good-Lookin' Man Book Review and Giveaway ends 10/9

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A Good-Lookin' Man by Marcia Lynn McClure

Excerpt

However, in an instant—in less than a breath or the bat of an eyelid—the elusive pepper spray hiding somewhere in her purse was all but forgotten. For standing before her—right there before her, not three feet away—was the best-looking, most gorgeous, handsomest man she had ever seen in all her life!

“No, seriously,” she thought out loud with lingering bewilderment at how perfectly stunning the man standing before her was, wearing a worn pair of Levi’s, dusty cowboy boots, and a short-sleeved, plaid-print, snap-up shirt that hung open, revealing a bronzed, perfectly sculpted torso that was simply a mass of muscles. She was so unsettled by the man’s appearance that she wasn’t sure whether she was whispering aloud to herself or her car.

Either way, the man asked, “Beg your pardon, ma’am?”

“Oh…oh, nothing,” Fairlee said as she began rummaging in her purse again. But the man’s presence and appearance had entirely rattled her. As her awe-inspired brain obviously quit sending out instructions to the rest of her body, Fairlee felt her purse slip from her hands—watched in humiliated dismay as its contents tumbled out and scattered over the shoulder of the road.

My Opinion:
In A Good Lookin' Man Fairlee decides to go stay with her aunt and uncle after quitting her job and breaking up with her boyfriend. On the way there her car breaks down and she meets Lash who gives her a ride the rest of the way. While Fairlee is staying with her aunt and uncle she gets to know Lash and they do a lot of flirting. Fairlee talks to herself often and talks too much all the time. She is funny and cute. It is a sweet story and I totally loved the ending because I love happy endings. This book is pretty short so you can read it in a day.

Amazon * Distractions Ink

Author Marcia Lynn McClure

Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”

Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

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Ends 10/9/13

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Just A Drop Review

Here is the product description from their website:
Just’a Drop bathroom odor eliminator effectively traps and eliminates 98% of odors BEFORE they escape into the air. Made from highly concentrated plant extract, Just’a Drop is biodegradable and safe to use in any toilet.

Bathroom smells are pretty disgusting. Usually I use air freshener's for the smells but they don't always work so great and after using them for awhile they don't seem to work at all they just smell gross to me so I have to look for another one with a different smell. Just A Drop is different because it is used before you use the bathroom not after. You use just a drop on the toilet before use the restroom and it helps eliminate odors. They have 30 day money back guarantee that you will love their bathroom odor eliminator and they were right I did love it. 

I tried the singles packets which are just one time use each. I thought they had a very clean smell. They come in many different scents though so you have a lot of choices and don't have to just stick to one. The packets even fit in your pockets or just throw it in your bag for whenever you are on the go so you won't have to worry about stinking up any bathrooms. My favorite thing about Just A Drop is that it is eco friendly. That always makes me feel better about using them.

You can find Just A Drop on their website on facebook and on twitter.
You can buy them here


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eramane Book Blitz and Giveaway

Eramane by Frankie Ash
(Eramane Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: Summer, 2013
by Archway Publishing
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:
In the village of Eludwid, seventeen-year-old Eramane Fahnestock goes about her life, cheerfully disregarding a prophecy made to her parents that she would have a great gift. Not yet wed and beset with boredom, Eramane cannot shake the feeling that something exciting awaits her beyond Eludwid. But when she is invited to picnic with a handsome young suitor, Eramane has no idea that her life will soon change forever.

As Eramane prepares for her date, she is suddenly hypnotized by a strange voice that tells her he will be coming for her that night. Unsettled but determined to press forward, Eramane and her suitor, Lebis, head to the woods to enjoy their picnic. As darkness falls on the forest, however, a beast emerges, transforming their beautiful outing into a terrifying scene. Taken captive and carried away to a mountain hideaway, Eramane finds her memories are soon clouded, even as her family frantically searches for her back home.

In this gripping fantasy tale, evil is summoned to the mountaintop, forcing a young woman to discover her magical gifts and exact revenge against a beast determined to destroy everything she has ever loved.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18221337-eramane?ac=1

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Eramane-Frankie-Ash/dp/1480801798/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379628146&sr=1-1&keywords=Eramane

Q and A's with the Author
What inspired you to write ERAMANE?
I really don’t remember. It was over ten years ago when the idea popped in my head. I think I was driving in my car. But that’s the awesome thrill of being a writer, when those great ideas just peek-a-boo in on you. 

What are some of your favorite books/authors?
The Hobbit, anything from Poe or King, I added a new fav when I read The Hunger Games, Ann Rice has a special place in my heart, and I read every single R.L Stein book I could get my hands on when I was a kid. 

How did you get in to writing?
From reading, there is something about a really great book that takes hold of you and won’t let go, and you find yourself thinking, “Man, I want to create something that awesome too!”

What do you like to do other than write?
I love listening to music and hanging with my family. I like catching a movie here and there. I really like to drink coffee and think about writing. Umm, does that count?

Did you listen to music when you wrote ERAMANE, and if so, who were some of the artists?
I sure did. But the experience of music is so individual, and tagging Eramane with the music that helped inspire me to write it might spoil the experience for others. It might not be that big of a deal, I don’t know.

How long did it take to write ERAMANE?
Well like I said, the idea came to me over ten years ago. I began writing immediately but not steadily. I didn’t actually finish it until 2005. Then I sat on it for several years before deciding to publish. And there were some developmental changes made during the editing process, but for the most part my initial story remained. So in short…haha…about 13 years. Don’t worry though; book two is moving along at a much faster rate

Did you have the whole trilogy planned before you began writing book #1?
Not even close. I know how I want ERAMANE to end, and I know certain things that I want to happen in the story, certain things that have to happen, and with that I will take her to the end…the path is plotted daily.


AUTHOR BIO:
Frankie Ash is the author of the YA novel Eramane, COMING SOON! She holds a B.A. in English and resides on the east-coast somewhere between “Will it ever be warm again?” and “The summers here are too short!” She is currently writing book #2 of The Eramane Trilogy, to be published in 2014.

Author links:
Website: http://frankieash.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7182158.Frankie_Ash
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorfrankieash
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_FrankieAsh

Giveaway
50$ Amazon Gift Card + eBook of Eramane (Open internationally)

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Knowing Vera by Rachelle Ayala and Giveaway

I am very excited about this book and cant wait to read it! This is book 3 in the Chance For Love series and have read and reviewed the first two books. Of course I will be reviewing Knowing Vera also very soon! You can check out my reviews of the first two books by clicking on the titles.
CHANCE FOR LOVE Series:
#1 Broken Build (Dave & Jen)
#2 Hidden Under Her Heart (Maryanne & Lucas)
#3 Knowing Vera (Zach & Vera)

Knowing Vera, a thrilling romantic suspense and cross-cultural family drama, released September 6 on Amazon.

Excellent and exciting read! – Cate
Beauman

The tension just ups and ups!  Well, done. – H. Elliston

Vera’s dating Zach, casually, not committed, when she finds out her long-departed father is the killer of Zach’s mother many years ago.

Meanwhile, Zach reevaluates his life after a tragic accident and realizes he's falling in love with Vera.

Can their timing be so wrong? Vera knows the relationship is doomed, but she cannot resist the tugging of her heart and Zach's panty-melting grin.

Caught in a web of family secrets and hidden agendas, Vera and Zach must depend on each other for survival. A dangerous killer is on the loose, and Vera must find the truth, wherever that leads, even if it’s shocking news for Zach.

From the Author:
Vera Custodio is possibly my most favorite character. I never planned on making her a heroine, but she grew on me. In Broken Build, she first appears as the sister of a dead man, and then as the flirt enticing Dave Jewell with her pancit malabon. From there, she grew to be Maryanne Torres’ best friend in Hidden Under Her Heart. She met Zach Spencer, a playboy triathlete, and succumbed to his charms, but under her terms. Since she was a side character, she had several bad traits she had to grow out of to become a true heroine. She was a flirt, had trouble keeping her panties on, and dropped boyfriends like used nail extensions. But she was also caring, loyal, and a darn good cook. When Zach Spencer suffers a crippling injury, I knew Vera would be the perfect woman for him. But first, she has to overcome the mystery in her past and open her heart enough to trust. And that’s the theme of Knowing Vera.

So, download Knowing Vera for 99c, kick up your heels and enter my awesome Giveaway, featuring the all NEW Improved Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, a paperback, and giftcard.




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AUTHOR LINKS

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

BUY THE BOOK

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JUST BETWEEN US Book Review and Giveaway

Title: JUST BETWEEN US
Author: J.H. Trumble
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Pages: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Fiction | Romance | Contemporary

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Luke Chesser is trying to forget his spectacular failure of a love life. He practices marching band moves for hours in the hot Texas sun, deals with his disapproving father, and slyly checks out the new band field tech, Curtis Cameron. Before long, Luke is falling harder than he knew he could. And, this time, he intends to play it right.

Since testing positive for HIV, Curtis has careened between numbness and fear. Too ashamed to tell anyone, Curtis can’t possibly act on his feelings. And Luke—impulsive, funny, and more tempting than he realizes—won’t take a hint. Even when Curtis distances himself it backfires, leaving him with no idea how to protect Luke from the truth.

Confronting a sensitive topic with candor and aplomb, acclaimed author J. H. Trumble renders a modern love story as sweet, sharp, and messy as the real thing, where easy answers are elusive, and sometimes the only impossible thing is to walk away.

Find it: B&N | INDIEBOUND | Amazon | Goodreads

Guest Post:
Five Reasons You Should be Reading LGBT Novels
By: J.H. Trumble

It’s so 21st Century

Gay characters in novels is nothing new, but I’m seeing them in an increasing number of leading roles. That’s exciting. Check out Brigid Kemmerer’s Secret (the fourth novel in her Elementals series) and Benjamin Alire Saenz’s award-winning Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, just two of my recent favorites. I think LGBT characters in leading roles will be the next big thing!

You get to live inside someone else’s skin

One of the great takeaways from reading books is that we get to walk a mile or a hundred in someone else’s shoes. And often what we find is that characters who seem to have nothing in common with us, are really, in many ways just like us. They bleed when you cut them, they bristle when they’re marginalized, they fight back when they’re wronged. It’s hard to hate or even mock someone you identify with, someone you’ve cried with, laughed with, and maybe even fallen in love with.

They reflect the diversity that exists

If you think queer folk aren’t among us, you’ve been living under a rock. And this is from someone who lives in a very conservative pocket of Texas. And yet books with LGBT characters in leading roles struggle more to find a place on school library shelves than do their straight counterparts. If your school or public library has a strong LGBT collection, go hug your librarian! Diversity is a beautiful thing and should be celebrated!

They explore stereotypes

My good friend author James Howe once told me that stereotypes exist for a reason—there’s a lot of truth in them. I would have to agree with him on that. But stereotypes are not the total truth. If your understanding of the LGBT community is limited to stereotypes, then you’re missing out on the incredible diversity within that community. Books are a great way to explore what it means to be human first and gay second.


There are some damn good stories out there

If you shy away from LGBT novels because you’re not gay, then you’re really missing out on some great stories. Here is a list of some of my favorites in no particular order:

Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List, by David Levithan
Secret, by Brigid Kemmerer
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz
The Last Exit to Normal, by Michael Harmon
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You, by Peter Cameron
Gone, Gone, Gone and Marco Impossible, by Hannah Moskowitz
The Vast Fields of Ordinary, by Nick Burd

And of course, my novels—Don’t Let Me Go, Where You Are, and my September 26 release, Just Between Us! Read LGBT novels! Talk about them, review them, share them with your friends, ask your librarian to purchase them.

Be part of the NEXT BIG THING!


My Opinion
This is the first book I have read with a gay couple as the main characters. When I read what this book was about I thought this might be a good book but after reading it I am in love with this book! Even though I knew that Curtis had HIV I cried when he got the news and I cried in so many other parts in this story too. I couldn't help it I just fell in love with the characters and was heartbroken for them. Curtis and Luke are not just gay they are people with feelings and lives, families and dramas, pasts and futures of their own. The author made it very easy to love these characters because their story was about real love and that is what really matters. Real love is beautiful whether you are gay or you're not. I am so glad I read this book!



J.H. Trumble is a Texas native and graduate of Sam Houston State University. You can visit the author online at http://www.jhtrumble.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Find J.H. Trumble:
Facebook | Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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BA STAR Stardust Review

Product Description
BA STAR Stardust is a loose mineral shadow. Natural or dramatic, day to night. Can be used for cheer, dance, performance or every day!
Use the BA STAR Glue- Shadow base as a primer under the stardust for an even more dramatic look and for a super strong hold!

Makeup. Most women love makeup, and maybe some men too. I especially like when my makeup has a little glitter/shimmer/sparkle. It makes me feel young. Not that I'm old or anything (I'm only 25) but I love really girly things like pink, hearts, and diamonds! Well anyways today I want to tell you about a new eyeshadow I tried. It is called Ba Star Chocolate Star Dust. Even the name sounds awesome. Chocolate yumm! Ok getting off topic again... I always do that!
This eyeshadow comes with a shadow base that you can use to make the eye shadow stand out more. If you like the more natural look you can just use the eyeshadow by itself. I tried it out on my hand first to see how the color looks and how shimmery it would be.

Then I tried it on my eyes but I used the shadow base only on one side so I can see the difference.

As you can see one eye look more natural than the other so I can wear it any day and get different looks depending on my mood. And it's also very easy to wash off because it's really annoying when I try to wash my face and my makeup looks all messy.

Check out the website they have some really cool makeup videos!


If you would like your own Stardust Shadow you can buy it from here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

An Incurable Insanity Excerpt and Giveaway

An Incurable Insanity
by Simi K. Rao
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 10/08/2013

Book Description:
Her heart fluttered when she heard the sound of the key turn in the lock. She quickly adjusted her maroon silk sari with the yellow border, the one that had caught his eye, and waited eagerly for his footsteps.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven... Yes, exactly seven steps before he stopped, hesitated for a few moments, then removed his shoes one by one and arranged them neatly side by side on the shoe rack.

She smiled. He had been mindful of taking his shoes off every day now. 'I am not used to it, but I will if you want me to. It's probably a good thing to do anyway.'

As he settled down, he would pick up the TV remote and, without looking at her, would say in his smooth baritone, 'So how did you spend your day, anything interesting?'

Shaan Ahuja found himself bowing to tradition and agreeing to an arranged marriage to the beautiful Ruhi Sharma. He went through the motions but had no intention of carrying through on his vows. His last foray into matters of the heart with an American girl had left him scarred and unwilling to try again. Thoroughly disillusioned and disgruntled he wasted no time in making his intentions clear to Ruhi on their wedding night. But, he was completely unprepared for what his new wife had in mind.

"In Rao’s debut novel, an arranged Indian marriage sets the stage for an intimate look at the exasperating madness of love.

Shaan Ahuja and Ruhi Sharma’s arranged marriage has an inauspicious start. Shaan spurns his new wife on their wedding night, still pining over the American lover he left back in Los Angeles. However, the begrudging spouses soon make a pact: Ruhi will stay with Shaan in the United States just long enough to avoid embarrassment. The young bride hopes she can use the time to win Shaan’s heart, and although Ruhi’s beauty and attentiveness do change Shaan’s feelings, his immaturity and inability to express himself—and Ruhi’s lingering mistrust—keep them from reconciling. As they attempt to be “friends without benefits,” they start to reveal their true selves, including her needling puckishness and independent spirit and the reasons for his reserved nature and impulsive jealousy. Their eventual reconciliation comes not from forgiveness but from acceptance and understanding. The novel trades in a certain amount of melodrama that, thanks to its light tone, comes across as indulgent but satisfying. ...The novel seems highly aware of its influences, using cultural expectations and delayed gratification in the same spirit, if not with the same deftness, as Jane Austen. Shaan and Ruhi also sometimes mirror the star-crossed lovers from Casablanca (a film that the book directly references).

An often intoxicating, will-they-or-won’t-they tale." - KIRKUS

BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DRJZ31C
Other: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781627465922

Excerpt:
"Here... lunch." She pushed a box towards him.
"I don't want it."
"Why?"
"I feel awkward."
"But you never felt that way before, so why now?" You took me for granted. She stared reproachfully at him.
"It's different now." My perspective has changed. I behaved like a slave master, it's humiliating. He stared right back.
She pretended to appear disinterested, "you can eat it, give it to your friends or throw it away. This is all I can do to pay you back right now."
"You don't have to worry about paying me back. It's the least that I can do to make up for what I've put you through."
Her chair knocked sharply against the wall, as she jumped to her feet. "What? You think that's compensation enough? Nothing you do will give me back what I've lost! Yes, I agreed to marry you because I was blind and innocent! But who gave you the right to destroy my life, especially since you were having an affair and there was no hope for us? You treated me as if I was a disposable object! Why? Tell me why?"
"Yes I know I'm the worst kind of cad! But my hands were tied! My grandfather was on his death bed, I had no choice!" He snapped back gripping the counter till his knuckles turned white.
Walking up to him, she said softly, "Yes you had  a choice. You could have walked away. You could have been a man."

About the Author
Simi K. Rao
Simi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several
years. This book is her first foray into writing. The inspiration for the story came
from what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community.
Some of the experiences included are her own; some have been garnered from
friends and casual conversations with acquaintances. She also writes poetry, is
an avid photographer, loves to travel, and is a practicing physician. She currently
lives in Denver with her family.

You can connect with the author and read more of her work on her website at
www.simikrao.com

Website: http://simikrao.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simikrao
Twitter: @simikrao
Blog: simikrao.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18187461-an-incurable-insanity

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Thirty Scary Tales Book Review

Book Description:
Thirty creepy, atmospheric stories by Rayne Hall.

The horror in these stories is spooky, creepy, unsettling and sometimes disturbing. It is not very violent or gory; however, the stories may not be suitable for young readers without parental guidance. PG 13.

This book is a compilation of volumes 1-5 of the Six Scary Tales books. It includes the acclaimed stories Burning and The Bridge Chamber.

All stories have been previously published in magazines, ezines, collections and anthologies. British English.

Stories in collection include:
The Devil You Know, Greywalker, Prophetess, Each Stone A Life, By Your Own Free Will, The Bridge Chamber, Only A Fool, Four Bony Hands, The Black Boar, Double Rainbows, Druid Stones, Burning, Scruples, Seagulls, Night Train, Through the Tunnel, Black Karma, Take Me To St. Roch's, Turkish Night, Never Leave Me, The Colour of Dishonour, Beltane, The Painted Staircase, I Dived The Pandora, Terre Vert and Payne's Grey, They Say, Tuppence Special, Disturbed Sleep, Normal Considering the Weather, Arete.

My Opinion:
This book was really fun to read. I loved that the stories were short and that made it really fast to read. At the end of each story the author explains how she got the idea for the story. I would have preferred if that was in the beginning of each story because I would have to go to the end of each story to read that first before actually reading the story. None of the stories in this book were actually scary but they were all good and a little strange. My favorite was By Your Own Free Will where a very intelligent women trades IQ points to be more attractive and get a mans attention. It's crazy what women will do for love. All the stories are very different but they are all good.

You can buy this book on Amazon

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Hugo The Happy Starfish: IT'S GOOD TO BE ME! Book Review

Book Description
Award-Winning Finalist

in the CHILDREN’S MIND/ BODY/ SPIRIT category
of the USA “Best Books 2011” Awards

Happiness Begins Within

Hugo is a little starfish with a big heart. Every day he makes other creatures happy – and doing so makes Hugo happy. One day however, he begins to feel small and ugly, convinced that nobody likes him. When granted some magic wishes he decides to change a few things he doesn’t like about himself.

Hugo learns a great lesson and once those changes are made he wishes he could be himself again.

Join Hugo on his journey as he discovers that being himself is the best way to be – and the only way to be happy.

IT’S GOOD TO BE ME! is a story about the importance of self-esteem when striving to be a happy and successful person.

Hugo’s story is a good way to teach kids about having a healthy self-esteem and to be happy with the way they are.

This book is a great way to teach APPRECIATION and the FIVE SENSES.

My Opinion:
In this book Hugo is not happy with the way he looks and wants to look more like his friend the Magic Manta. Magic Manta gives Hugo 6 wishes and after the 5th wish Hugo looks in the mirror and realizes he doesn't look like his friend but he doesn't look like himself anymore either. He decides he wants to just be himself. This book teaches children to appreciate themselves. I love every single Hugo The Happy Starfish book I have read because they teach children about emotions in a fun way that they can understand.

Check out the website www.MyStarfish.org

You can buy this book on Amazon

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Contingency & Relativity Book Blitz and Giveaway ends 10/1

BOOK 1
Contingency by Peggy Martinez
(Sage Hannigan Time Warper #1)
Publication date: December 2012
Genres: New Adult, Time-Travel

Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Sage Hannigan wants to get back to her own time, preferably one that hasn’t been destroyed by an underworld plot brewing in Edwardian-era South Carolina. How hard can it be?

All she has to do is:

1. Learn to use newly acquired warping skills to bend time to her will.
2. Take out a few rogue vampires.
3. Join an ancient secret society.
4. Figure out who is putting the time stream in jeopardy.
5. Find and maim whoever invented the corset.

Sage never asked to be chosen by the Druid Priestess, Amerach, to become a Warper. She also never asked to have the future hanging on her shoulders or to warp a hundred years into the past. She certainly never asked to meet Dr. Aldwin Blake, who would make her question her desire to get back to her own time. But if she fails her mission, people will die, history will change, and the present she wishes to return to will be no more.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749124-contingency
Purchase
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Contingency-Sage-Hannigan-Warper-ebook/dp/B008FQ1SUM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379093421&sr=8-1&keywords=Peggy+Martinez
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/contingency-p-s-martinez/1112083414?ean=9781492249788

BOOK 2
Relativity by Peggy Martinez
(Sage Hannigan Time Warper #2)
Publication date: February 20th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Time-Travel

Synopsis:
Three months after Sage Hannigan time warps a hundred years into the past and saves the future as we know it, she is still trying to come to grips with all the has gained…and all that she has lost. All of her searching hasn’t turned up Cerberus Society or any creatures of the night and she’s beginning to wonder if she’s gone crazy after all. The only things keeping her grounded are her sparring sessions with Matt and her weekly ritual of scouring the city for low lives to kick the crap out of, and even that can’t keep her dreams free of the heartache and bitter sweet memories she has come to loath and…to cherish. When blasts from the past; good, bad, and evil, come knocking on her door, will she be able to do what she has to even if it means having her barely-healing heart ripped to shreds?

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17444634-relativity
Purchase
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Relativity-Hannigan-Warper-Novel-Volume/dp/1482564599/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379093421&sr=8-2&keywords=Peggy+Martinez

Excerpt:
I stood there with my hands on my hips trying to decide which was more disturbing—the fact that I’d just punched some idiot in the face right in the middle of Taco Hut and enjoyed it or that I’d done it while wearing a mini-sombrero and a name tag that read: “Hola! Mi nombre es Sage!” RELATIVITY, Peggy Martinez
________

AUTHOR BIO
Peggy Martinez is a homeschooling mom of one boy and four girls.
She has been married to her soul mate, Omar, since January 2000. She enjoys reading, writing, soap making, all things aromatherapy, and Twizzlers- lots of Twizzlers. She dreams of one day owning a small homestead, raising some chickens along with her children, growing a large garden, and eventually taking a dream vacation to Greece. It isn't too far fetched to think you could happen upon her and her husband having a conversation about religion, political conspiracies, a zombie apocalypse, or gangster movies.

Author Links
Website: http://www.psmartinez.blogspot.ca/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6431865.Peggy_Martinez
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPeggyMartinez?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggysmartinez


Giveaways
Grand prize giveaway
One US winner:
*Book bag (picture attached)
*Signed copy of CONTINGENCY
*Signed copy of RELATIVITY
*Signed copy of SWEET CONTRADICTION
*Swag

One INT Winner:
*Ecopies of all Peggy's books (Contingency, Relativity, Brevity, Sweet Contradiction, & State of Decay (Part One) )
*$10 Amazon GC

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Atone: A Fairytale Book Review and Giveaway ends 9/30

Tour Schedule

Atone: A Fairytale by Jessica Grey
(A Fairytale Trilogy #2)
Publication date: June 30th 2013
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Becca Ward knows that magic is real…

Two years ago not only had she and her best friend Alex found a real-life Sleeping Beauty in the middle of Los Angeles, they also discovered that they were powerful in their own right. They’ve managed to keep both their fae powers and their friend Lilia’s identity as a medieval princess a secret and live a normal life. Now their normalcy is threatened by the return of their former advisor at the Gem and Mineral Museum—and Becca’s least favorite person, Nicholas Hunt.

…and she’s about to find out that more than one fairy tale is true.

Nicholas has been obsessed with proving Lilia’s identity and the existence of magic. While working on an archeology dig he discovered an ancient fae artifact—a mirror that is imbued with a powerful protection spell that twists his obsession, and his body, until he is more beast than man. In order to protect her friends, Becca is forced to help him, and she is surprised to find that in spite of his outward appearance, Nicholas is no longer the beast she remembers. Will she let herself be the beauty that breaks the curse, or will she let her prejudice against him stop her from discovering true love?
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17972578-atone?ac=1

Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Atone-Fairytale-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00DUFI3WO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378752919&sr=8-1&keywords=Atone+jessica

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/atone-jessica-grey/1115958549?ean=2940148273707

My Opinion:
Before I even started reading this book I knew I would love it. Mostly because I love fairytales and Beauty and The Beast is my favorite. There's also plenty of magic in this story which makes it even better! Nicholas and Becca don't get along in the beginning but when Nicholas gets cursed and turned into a beast Becca will do anything she can to try to help him and reverse the curse. I loved it and I need more books like this!

----

AUTHOR BIO
Jessica Grey is an author, fairytale believer, baseball lover, and recovering Star Wars fangirl. A life-long Californian, she now lives in Montana with her husband and two children where she spends her time writing, perfecting the fine art of toddler-wrangling, and drinking way too much caffeine.

Author Links:
Website: http://authorjessicagrey.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5626115.Jessica_Grey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JessicaGrey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicagrey

Giveaways
Grand prize giveaway
Prize (open internationally):
--One signed copy of Atone
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Sia Book Blitz and Giveaway ends 9/30

Sia by Josh Grayson
Publication date: November 20th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if she’ll lose Kyle.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18070248-sia?ac=1

Reviews for SIA

“Beautifully written…this one will have you reflecting on your current and past actions. Although a fiction, Sia inspires.” –A Starry-eyed Heart Review

“A beautiful story about forgetting the past and living in the present to make a better future.  Sia is a heroine we can all relate to and aspire to become. I really enjoyed it, and I had a smile almost the whole time reading this.  Because if a mean-girl like Sia can change her ways and overcome her meanness, can't we all? If you've got an afternoon, go read this one.  It'll make you happy.” -Manda-Rae Reads a Lot

Excerpt:
I reach my locker and just start unlocking it when Kyle stops beside me. He’s dressed comfortably in faded jeans and a black t-shirt with a yellow Batman logo on it.
I smile broadly. “Hey.” It's hard to describe just how good I feel, seeing him there. Yet I don’t miss the stunned expressions on Amber and Stacy’s faces, or how they spin towards each other to whisper something. In Amber’s world, Kyle is a loser, so I’m sure their words aren’t pleasant.
I turn my back to them.
“Hey,” he replies. He keeps his eyes purposefully away from the other girls. So he knows, I think. What must that feel like, knowing people are looking down on you? Saying cruel things? He doesn’t deserve this.
But he doesn't appear to care. He leans casually against the locker beside me. “Just thought I’d tell you I saw Carol this morning at the soup kitchen.”
I drop my lock and give him my full attention. “You did? Was she okay?”
He nods, grinning at my reaction. I can’t help thinking how much I like his smile. It's warm and genuine, and makes his grass-green eyes sparkle like emeralds. “Yeah. I told her hi for you. She said she can meet you at Elysian Park after school if you want to talk.”
“Awesome, Kyle! Thank you so much!” I throw my arms around his neck without thinking.
After only a slight hesitation, he hugs me back. I breathe in his delicious cinnamon scent, then let go reluctantly and back away. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have your sweater in my—”
Before I can finish, Duke charges in like a bull and slams Kyle into the lockers. “What do you think you’re doing, geek?” he roars. “You keep your floury hands off my girl, doughboy. She’s mine.”
Kyle pushes back, pressing his hands against Duke’s broad chest. “Get off me, Duke.”
But Duke isn't finished. He jams his forearm against Kyle’s neck, suffocating him.
Kyle’s fingers clutch at Duke’s arm as he struggles to break free.
I shove at him. “Duke! Let go!” my shouts echo in the hallway, but even with all my strength, I can’t move him.
“Back off, Sia. I’ll take care of this twerp,” Duke snarls. “He needs to learn a lesson. Nobody touches my girl!”
“That’s right!” Stacy chimes in from behind them. “Sia belongs to Duke!”
I belong to Duke? The nerve of these people!
The two girls press against each as they watch the action. Amber is smiling like a satisfied cat, obviously relishing the moment.
I'm so busy trying to rip Duke’s arm off Kyle's throat that I don't hear Mr. Barrow coming up from behind us. “Duke, would you mind letting go of Kyle? We don’t condone murder in our hallways.”
Finally, Duke drops his arm. But his furious stare remains glued to Kyle’s face.
Kyle stares back, his eyes dark with hate and humiliation. He doesn't bother swiping back the thick brown bangs that have fallen over his forehead during the struggle. “You have nothing to worry about, Duke,” he chokes out. “I’d never go out with a girl like Sia anyway. She’s your type. Not mine.” With that, he walks away, rubbing his throat.
I watch his back as he is swallowed up by the crowds in the hall. The sea of backpacks and t-shirts blur as my eyes fill with tears. It shouldn’t hurt so much, I think. I barely know him. And yet it does hurt. A lot. Like a fist squeezing my heart.



AUTHOR BIO:
Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos.

Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, administrative assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).

Sia is his debut YA novel.


Social Media Links
Website: http://joshgrayson.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7132257.Josh_Grayson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshgraysonauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josh_grayson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshgraysonauthor


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