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Book Review: Dolls Behaving Badly by Cinthia Ritchie

I received a copy of Dolls Behaving Badly by Cinthia Ritchie in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Carla Richards is a lot of things. She’s a waitress at Anchorage’s premier dining establishment, Mexico in an Igloo; an artist who secretly makes erotic dolls for extra income; a divorcée who can’t quite detach from her ex-husband; and a single mom trying to support her gifted eight-year-old son, her pregnant sister, and her babysitter-turned-resident-teenager.

She’s one overdue bill away from completely losing control-when inspiration strikes in the form of a TV personality. Now she’s scribbling away in a diary, flirting with an anthropologist, and making appointments with a credit counselor.

Still, getting her life and dreams back on track is difficult. Is perfection really within reach? Or will she wind up with something even better?
Review:
Dolls Behaving Badly is written from Carla’s POV, and in a diary-type style. I liked the story because Carla was a heroine I could identify with – someone who has it a bit rough but won’t let her circumstances bring her down. She is great mom, is friendly (sometimes too) with her ex-husband, has a good friend and some unique relationships with both her sister and a neighbor girl. I really enjoyed reading this book because I found it fast-paced and very entertaining, in a far out way. Sometimes I had trouble reigning in Carla and her scattered thoughts and the ending was a little too abrupt – I actually went back and re-read the last page because I was confused that we were done. If you are looking for a different story with unique characters, this is a book I think you will enjoy!
4 stars

Future Tour: Love In Translation by Sara Palacios

Sara will be on tour March 11 – April 1 with her novel, Love In Translation.

Still reeling from an unexpected breakup, Emily nurses her broken heart by spending time with her best friends and taking one-too-many vodka shots. After one long night, she takes a hard look inside herself and doesn’t like what she sees. She realizes that she has sacrificed too much in her failed relationships from the past and vows to never settle for anything less than almost-perfect again. As she picks up the pieces and regains her confidence, a sexy Spanish chef moves in across the hall and knocks her off her feet. What ensues is an unexpected and tantalizing affair that opens her eyes – and her heart – to a whole new world and leaves her feeling sexier than she has ever felt. Emily finally sees how easy love is supposed to be. Is happily-ever-after actually possible? Just when she starts to think so, she realizes that sometimes life gets more complicated before it gets easier. And complicated is an understatement when Steven (her best and oldest friend in the world) confesses his love for her. Everything spirals out of control as Emily must make a choice between love and friendship, and in doing so, possibly risk it all.

LOVE IN TRANSLATION is a modern day love story about following your heart to unexpected places and taking chances in life … because sometimes you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Please visit CLP Blog Tours for the full tour schedule!

Beauty Review: Garnier Fructis Color Shield Conditioner

I have always had pretty good luck with Garnier Fructis products, and I recently purchased their Color Shield Conditioner. I usually dye my hair darker…

Book Review: Divorce for Beginners by Sophie King

I received a copy of DIVORCE FOR BEGINNERS by Sophie King in exchange for an honest review.

Divorce for Beginners begins with Alison and David. Now that their youngest has flown the nest, Alison is looking forward to something calm and quiet, but it seems as though David has something else in mind. Then we meet Karen, who on the verge of busting at the seams after leaving her husband Paul, many years prior. She becomes the ideal candidate to start the “How to Survive Divorce” club. Then we meet Ed, who seems to be the sole person left that believes in marriage. Well, to be frank, he believes in it a little too easily because he has already done it three times. Throw in a woman named Lizzie and we have quite the group.

This book is quite the tale and ironically, even though I am happily married, I quite enjoyed myself. There are quite a few mysterious and secretive things going on behind the scenes and I thought that really added to the appeal. Then throw in some sibling issues, life with kids, parents, aging, dating and sex, and you have quite a recipe for an entertaining book. I really enjoyed getting to know each character on a personal level but I enjoyed them as a foursome even more. Overall, this story is very entertaining although it is often times quite sad. But, Sophie makes up for it in full with some great laughs and a lot of heartfelt moments.
Rating: 4/5

GIVEAWAY: Dolls Behaving Badly by Cinthia Ritchie

Carla Richards is a lot of things. She’s a waitress at Anchorage’s premier dining establishment, Mexico in an Igloo; an artist who secretly makes erotic dolls for extra income; a divorcée who can’t quite detach from her ex-husband; and a single mom trying to support her gifted eight-year-old son, her pregnant sister, and her babysitter-turned-resident-teenager.

She’s one overdue bill away from completely losing control-when inspiration strikes in the form of a TV personality. Now she’s scribbling away in a diary, flirting with an anthropologist, and making appointments with a credit counselor.

Still, getting her life and dreams back on track is difficult. Is perfection really within reach? Or will she wind up with something even better?

On Tour: When I See You by Katherine Owen

Katherine will be on tour February 18-March 11 with her novel When I See You She believes that love can never last, promises are usually…

Wedding Video: 7 Months to Go!

My wedding is now 7 months away! I recorded another video in my spare time ( I apologize for my sweatshirt and no makeup look…

Book Review: The Lion Is In by Delia Ephron

I was provided with a copy of THE LION IS IN by Delia Ephron in exchange for an honest review.

The Lion Is In tells the tale of three gals. Tracee is a runaway bride and kleptomaniac. Lana’s is beautiful but also a recovering alcoholic. Rita is a holy-roller minister’s wife, who is tired and wants out of her marriage. One warm summer night brings the three ladies together and they go on the lam together. During the ride down a rural highway in the great state of North Carolina, their car breaks down and they are forced to seek shelter. They end up finding refuge in an abandoned nightclub. And, unexpectedly, they run into Marcel, who just happens to be a lion. This change encounter changes everything for the three ladies.

This book is absolutely unforgettable and I loved every second of THE LION IS IN. When I first received the review request, I read the title and thought that the lion was symbolic of something – but no, I was wrong. – because there is actually a lion in this book. Delia does an amazing job at crafting three wonderful female characters that are witty and beautiful in their own respective ways. I loved their journeys to self discovery and I loved Marcel’s role in helping the women. This book is truly great and so very smart! I highly recommend it!
Rating: 5 stars

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Confessions of an Alli Cat …

Courtney Cole is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Confessions of an Alli Cat. OMG – this is one funny book. And a bit on the dirty side, but still super hilarious. The MC is thirty-five year-old Allison “Alli” Lancaster, who is living a great life. She has money, a fab job, a terrific daughter, a great bestie and a killer house in Las Vegas. Alli is happily single after divorcing her cheating ex-husband, but her best friend Sara thinks it’s time to spice up her life. What does that entail? A sex toy, a bikini wax and – hiring a much younger gigolo to satisfy her like she’s never been satisfied before. Alli is enjoying her new life until a man that could be something serious comes along – and a whole new can of worms is opened.
This book is a must-read and one of my favorites so far this year! Fast-paced, witty, a bit raunchy and oh so scandalous! I loved being surprised by the twists that Cole sprinkled in, and I found myself telling all my girlfriends about this book and how they must get their own copy. This is definitely an R-rated read but so worth it in my opinion!
5 stars