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BaSatai: Outside In by Suzan Battah

I was looking forward to hosting Suzan Battah again through CLP Blog Tours. I was really interested in this second novel as it is a complete 180 from the romance novel Mad About the Boy. BaSatai: Outside In is a YA/paranormal/sci-fi book, the first in a series. The story follows seventeen year old Armani Radnelaq, a BaSatai that does not want to accept the fact that her blood is cursed. Armani hides on Earth with her adopted father Elijah, and continues to ignore the fact that she is different. But when her Guardian Karhl and an elite BasSatai Warrior Rafael arrive to help protect her and train her with her BaSatai powers, Armani must realize that a different fate has been set for her.
I have been reading a lot of these paranormal books lately, and even more YA/paranormal on top of that. I find it fascinating what an author’s mind can create with these mystical worlds and powers and rules, and BaSatai was no exception. The details and execution of H-Trae and the BaSatai were fabulous. I enjoyed the love story as well between Armani and Rafael, and never quite knew what was going to happen next. I will say that I made it through half of the book very quickly, and then everything seemed to slow down. I thought that was a bit backwards, since the beginning is filling in readers on this land and the second half was the action and fighting, but that’s the way it read for me. I would be curious to see where the second novel goes. If you have a fan of sci-fi, I would recommend this for you.
[Rating: 3.5]

The Devil Has Dimples by Pepper Phillips

Pepper Phillips is currently on tour with CLP Blog Tours and The Devil Has Dimples. This was such a cute, romantic read. And did I mention funny? Oh – and a bit mysterious? There were many fabulous elements wrapped up in this book, and it made for a great journey with the MC Sara McLaughlin. When Sara finds out she is adopted and her mother is Maudie Cooper, the town gossip, Sara is determined to find some answers. Why did Maudie give her up? And who is her dad? As Sara sets about her business, a romance is trying to blossom between her and Grant St. Romaine, Maudie’s attorney who made the initial contact with Sara. When the two become roommates, things get even more heated between them. Will Sara be able to find all her answers surrounding her past – and will she get the guy?
Overall, I had a really fun time reading this novel. I loved the mystery and intrigue surrounding Sara’s past, and had a blast trying to piece all the elements together. Sometimes the romance between her and Grant got a little awkward and I didn’t quite get the connection, but in the end, I was happy with how they ended up. The ending through quite the curveball, and I’m actually still not sure how I felt about it. Surprised of course, but also for happy for Sara’s ending. I thought she deserved it. I would recommend this book!
[Rating: 4]

Book Excerpt: The Devil Has Dimples by Pepper Phillips

Thanks to Pepper for sharing this excerpt from The Devil Has Dimples as part of her tour with CLP Blog Tours! Check back tomorrow for…

Charming Tuesday: A Beauty Favorite & A Giveaway

Charming Tuesday Product of the Week: Eyeliner

Samantha’s Must-Have:

I have been using Maybelline for my eyeliner since I was in college, and I love it. It seems every time I try a new one, I find it to be amazing. I have tried and would recommend the Unstoppable, Define-A-Line, Line Stylist, and Studio Master, and I think you could be happy with any of them! Maybelline is the only eyeliner I currently wear, and I love trying their new products!

Sara’s Must-Have:

On most days, I typically don’t wear eyeliner. For some reason, eyeliner to me is more of a “going out” product and I simply save it for nights out with the husband or a girls night. So, my eyeliner tends to be a little more dramatic than most. For years, I stole my mom’s black Estee Lauder eye pencil, but once I moved away from home, I needed to find something else instead of always relying on my mom’s favorite products. So, for quite some time, I experimented with different eyeliners and found that they never went on quite like the one I was used to wearing. Then one day, I stumbled upon the Bobbi Brown makeup counter and tried out their Long Wear Gel Eyeliner and was hooked instantly. The color goes on fluidly, lasts ALL day, offers a dramatic punch of color, and really just works. My favorite by far is the Violet Ink since it really makes my green eyes pop.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EYELINER? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW.

Interview With a Jewish Vampire by Erica Manfred

Erica Manfred is currently on tour with Interview With a Jewish Vampire and CLP Blog Tours. When Erica approached me about running her tour, I did have some worries. Would I be able to find a good market for her with such a specific niche and – do I even like vampires? I was never one that got into the Twilight or other vampires books/TV shows, but I really wanted to give this one a chance. And I’m glad I did! The reviews that have been coming in for the book are terrific, and I’m happy to say I think it was a fun read as well.
The main character is Rhoda Ginsburg, a middle-aged journalist who signs up on JDate after her divorce and goes on a date with a vampire. It takes a bit for Rhoda to become convinced that Sheldon is indeed a vampire, but when he holds up the mirror and has no reflection, she starts to become intrigued. The two form a relationship and try to be as normal as they can – considering Sheldon sleeps in a coffin during the day, drinks blood (mainly animals, not humans) and will never age. When Rhoda learns that her mother has become terminally ill she gets the idea for Sheldon to turn her into a vampire, so then she will never die. But then Rhoda faces the question – with her boyfriend and mother both vampires, should she turn as well?
There was so much humor in this book, along with a great love story and a fab cast of supporting characters. Manfred really did a terrific job at throwing all the typical stereotypes about vampires out the window and making her own unique story, which I think is pretty impressive. Even if you have decided that the vampire craze is not your thing, I would still recommend you read this story. I hope there is more to come!
[Rating: 4]

In My Mailbox: Week of June 3

In My Mailbox: Week of June 3, 2012

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: What a Texas Girl Wants
Author: Kristina Knight
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: Kathleen Witte is a down-to-earth girl. She has to be, with the family ranch on the verge of success. After seven months of keeping it all together by swearing off men, however, Kathleen needs a bit of fun in the sun. Waking up with a husband she can’t remember isn’t how she planned to blow off steam.
The last thing Jackson Taylor wants in his life is a down-to-earth girl. He has four weeks of freedom in which to find his birth mother. He’s done well avoiding commitment until now, so when he wakes up on a Mexican beach with Kathleen his first reaction is curiosity. When he spies the matching wedding rings on their left hands curiosity turns to concern.
Neither Jackson nor Kathleen want to stay married, but when her family shows up, they have no choice. Once back in Texas, however, can they keep this all-business marriage from turning into an all-consuming love?
Title: Paula Takes a Risk
Author: Randi M. Sherman
Received: Via CLP Blog Tours
Synopsis: After thirty-four years of just letting life happen to her, Paula Tenenbaum’s mundane existence was suddenly interrupted. It was bad enough to be fired from her job because she was “average”, but on that same day, her boyfriend also dumped her for being “un-dynamic.” Somehow, someway Paula needed to make a change. But before she could figure out what her first step should be, her scheming neighbor Larry tapped into her silent desperation and dreams and challenged everything that she believed about herself. At first Paula was skeptical and scared, but quickly, she realized that she had nothing to lose, as she donned the persona of the successful, and vibrant individual that she had always dreamed of being, navigating thru business, colorful personalities and the people that she had idolized from afar. Written with sharp humor, and huge personality, Paula Takes A Risk is the hilarious story about the metamorphosis of Paula Tenenbaum, who naively enters into an adventure that changes her life. This is a story certain to strike a chord in anyone who secretly desires change, but is afraid to make it.

Title: Chelsea Wives
Author: Anna-Lou Weatherley
Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books
Synopsis: This is Desperate Housewives meets First Wives Club set in the glamorous borough of Chelsea.
‘A fun, romp of a read, the perfect poolside companion’ Grazia
They are the ultimate ladies who lunch: Imogen, the beautiful ex-model, Calgary, the glamorous, former fashion editor, and Yasmin, the feisty ex-party girl.
But life isn’t all champagne and canapés. Plagued by personal tragedy and united by failing marriages, they mastermind a shocking plan to turn the tables on their husbands.
Set against a backdrop of exotic locations, designer boutiques and London’s high society scene, these Chelsea Wives are about to join forces and risk it all for the ultimate revenge…

In Sara’s Mailbox:

Title: Sorority Sisters
Author: Claudia Welch
Received: Kayleigh @ Penguin Group
Synopsis: In 1975, trying to find a place to belong, four young women found each other in the same sorority pledge class. Through parties and pranks; finals and skipped classes; boyfriends and break-ups, they forge a bond that takes them by surprise. No one expected it to last beyond college graduation. But some bonds are too strong to break. Now they’re sisters. And with sisters, it’s not about what happens. It’s about no matter what happens.

Title: Sometimes Ya Gotta Laugh
Author: Timothe Davis
Received: Timothe Davis
Synopsis: When our friends make choices we don’t like, what do we do? And when those choices threaten our friendships, how far will we go to protect our friends? Jordan Spencer is thirty-six and hasn’t had a relationships that’s lasted more than six months. He’s fine with that, though. He’s got space issues. And what difference does it make anyway? He has his two best friends – Gabby and Chris – for happy hours, clubs, and weekend hangouts. But Gabby is falling for a guy that Jordan doesn’t like and Chris-the-sex-machine is having a phallic-crisis.
Jordan thought that their friendship would last forever. But with each day, they drift further apart. Should he fight for the friends who have become his family? Or has the season of their friendship past?
Set to the soundtrack of his life, Jordan Spencer will learn that in a world full of sex, lies, and drag queens, that even the best of friends occasionally lie to each other. Sometimes they cry for each other. But in the end, sometimes ya just gotta laugh

Title: A Moment Like This
Author: Anita Notaro
Received: Unsolicited
Synopsis: Be careful what you wish for…Antonia has always put everyone else before herself. Shy and quiet, her life in a small village in Wicklow has been devoted to her invalid mother and singing in the local church choir. Somehow, it’s easier that way. But when she is left alone her friends encourage her to audition for a television talent show. Blessed with a glorious singing voice, she is suddenly thrust into the limelight and enters the world of celebrity and glamour. She’s the Girl from Nowhere, but can she cope with this startling new life? Antonia discovers that this business is tougher than she ever thought possible, but also that she’s stronger than she thought she was. And she finds that help can come from the most unexpected places…This title comes from the number one bestselling author of “Take A Look At Me Now”, winner of the Galaxy Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year.

Title: Christina Courtenay
Author: The Silent Touch of Shadows
Received: Jane @ Choc Lit Team
Synopsis: Professional genealogist Melissa Grantham receives an invitation to visit her family’s ancestral home, Ashleigh Manor. From the moment she arrives, life-like dreams and visions haunt her. The spiritual connection to a medieval young woman and her forbidden lover have her questioning her sanity, but Melissa is determined to solve the mystery.
Jake Precy, owner of a nearby cottage, has disturbing dreams too, but it’s not until he meets Melissa that they begin to make sense. He hires her to research his family’s history, unaware their lives are already entwined. Is the mutual attraction real or the result of ghostly interference?
A haunting love story set partly in the present and partly in fifteenth century Kent.

Challenge 2012:Post Reviews:June

June Reviews See past reviews January Reviews February Reviews March Reviews April Reviews May Reviews  Please note this is not the sign up page. To…

Novel Spotlight: Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp

Debut Romance Novel Rum Punch Regrets by Women’s Fiction Author, Columnist and Blogger Anne Kemp Launches From Premier Digital Publishing Available for Amazon Kindle, Barnes…

Dog Days by Elsa Watson

Sometimes, I get so excited about a cover of a book that I don’t bother to read the synopsis. This was the case in Dog Days by Elsa Watson. I saw a cover with a dog on it, saw a title with the word “dog” and knew I had to read it. I am slightly obsessed with dogs – and I’m not even a dog owner. So when I sat down to read, I started as usual with the back cover blurb and learned the story is about a human (Jessica) and a dog (Zoe) that get struck by lightning and change places, Freaky Friday style. Hmmm. I wasn’t so sure about it at that moment. BUT – I loved it! I could not put this down for anything, and had it completed within two days. A 5 star book and a new addition to my Favorites List!
Jessica, a café co-owner, is deathly afraid of dogs. Which is a bit of trouble since the town she lives in loves their canines. They even host an annual event, Woofinstock, a festival celebrating all things dogs. When Jessica switches bodies with Zoe, an abandoned dog, she learns more about the creatures she feared for so long. It doesn’t take much for Jessica and Zoe to become fast friends, but they really need to switch bodies. Zoe can’t stop eating dog food in front of people, and Jessica has a business to run – and a sexy vet to date.
I laughed so hard throughout this entire book. My favorite line: “I guess I should have gone outside and looked for a dead bird to put on top, like I thought about doing.” This is from Zoe’s POV (in Jessica’s human body) after she mixes a raw steak with peanut butter, eggs, cheese and honey, and presents it as a gift to Jessica’s best friend and partner Kerrie. So hilarious. Most definitely one for your to-read list!
[Rating: 5]