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Blog Tour Sign Up: BaSatai Outside In by Suzan Battah
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: BaSatai Outside In by Suzan Battah

Seventeen year old, Armani Radnelaq a full blooded BaSatai is plagued by a curse in her blood. A curse created from hate and designed to break the divide between two parallel worlds of Earth and H-trae when Armani’s blood is spilled in attack and she dies.

S’teuqoubs have been travelling back and forth across the divide for centuries without trouble. The BaSatai and Guardians monitoring activity and enforcing rules to ensure peace and harmony but if the divide splits and opens, a much greater number of supernatural S’teuqoubs will filter into earth destroying equilibrium which the BaSatai and Guardians will be unable to control. Humanity and the BaSatai will suffer and perish. The parallel divide must remain secure at all costs.

Armani has remained hidden on earth with her adopted father Elijah since her birth. She has been raised in the human way and fights her natural instinct to evolve into a BaSatai. The BaSatai in her requires her to evovle and shift, use her powers and strength. Yet Armani is freaked out by the need to shift. She smokes, has a bad attitude, must deal with aggressive bullies and control her natural BaSatai instinct. Her Guardian with BaSatai Warriors are coming for her. She refuses to accept her fate and doesn’t believe any BaSatai should die to protect her.

The blood curse maturing in her veins makes her a target for her enemies. Her Guardian Karhl and an elite BasSatai Warrior Rafael are the first to arrive and prepare her for her crossing over. Her attraction to Rafael complicates her purpose to stay on earth even more. They both insist she fall into line and follow their lead but she is not ready to leave earth just yet…

March 26, 2012
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She Tells All by Judah Lee Davis
Chick Lit Review

She Tells All by Judah Lee Davis

I received She Tells All by Judah Lee Davis via CLP Blog Tours. The story follows Madison Miller and her racy life that sees an abundance of parties, sex, and lots of different men. While the scenarios can get pretty risqué, readers will understand that Madison truly is finding herself along her wild journey, and that self-discovery and redemption are big aspects of the book. The writing is fast and almost choppy, but not too choppy where I couldn’t understand one chapter from the next. The clips from Madison’s life that get highlighted tie everything together. I was entertained throughout, but a warning for readers who don’t appreciate raunchy sex scenes and a lot of explicit language: this novel is full of them, so if that turns you off, I would probably say pass on this one. If you don’t mind that type of writing, I would definitely recommend She Tells All, as I thought it was a well-written, unique story.
[Rating: 3.5]

March 26, 2012
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Future Tour: Willow Pond by Carol Tibaldi
CLP Blog Tours

Future Tour: Willow Pond by Carol Tibaldi

The Roaring Twenties crumble into the Great Depression. Bootlegging is flourishing. Virginia Kingsley, New York’s most successful speakeasy owner, is queen of that castle. Rudy Strauss wants to help with her business. Virginia, wisely suspicious, refuses. He shifts his trademark toothpicks to the other side of his mouth and asks about her niece, Laura, and Laura’s nineteen-month-old son, Todd. Virginia warns him off, but Rudy is intrigued. Laura is movie star beautiful but it is her ex-husband, Phillip, who is an actor. Laura, a writer, is devastated when Todd’s nanny calls, hysterical, saying Laura’s son has been kidnapped.

March 26, 2012
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Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx
Chick Lit Review

Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx

I received my copy of Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx via CLP Blog Tours. I was curious about the book because it is set in one of my favorite cities to visit – Chicago! It’s clear from reading and from chatting with Marx that she knows her around the city, and it was really fun to take away little tidbits throughout the book. The main character is Libby Tucker, an attorney and single mom whose son, Cass, is suffering from cancer. It seems the only man who can help save his life is his biological father – who Libby has not remained in touch with. Desperate to save her son, Libby contacts Banford Aidan Palowski, the man who left Libby and Cass behind to go on to pro baseball. Once Libby and Cass are reunited with Aidan, the true journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and strength will be begin.
I thought Binding Arbitration was a pretty powerful book. I will say that I don’t think being classified as chick lit is quite correct. I was expecting a lighter read, probably pretty humorous, and it’s really not. The story of Libby and Cass and what they are dealing with is very deep, and I cried numerous times throughout the book out of sadness. I thought it was an emotional story but there were a lot of lessons to be learned throughout the pages. I did think it got to be a bit too long, there were a few times where I thought it could have ended but the story kept going, but overall, I really enjoyed the book and the journey I went on with the characters. Just be prepared with some tissues when you read!
[Rating: 4]

March 23, 2012
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Interview with Monica Millard
Chick Lit Authors

Interview with Monica Millard

When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve always loved writing, but mostly used my stories and poetry as personal expression to help work through what was going on in my life and held them to be private. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I made a goal to work on my follow through that I was going to put my focus to writing and actually completing a novel. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had and I’ve been hooked ever since.

How would you describe your books?
Eek! That is such an open ended question. I’m hoping they’re a little escape, each of them into a world that holds its own magic and beauty, in both setting and characters. That’s what I think of the books I love. So I hope mine are the same. Everything I write has an element of the fantastic, whether that’s sci-fi, fantasy or paranormal because those are the worlds I love to spend the most time in.

What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Editing, hands down. It’s my least favorite part. Writing is creating, learning, and discovering. Editing feels more like work.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal. But really anything that is showing me things I haven’t seen before.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I think the overreaching arc for this story is how perception makes the world you live in and how a change of it can change your world entirely.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

I think most authors wouldn’t be able to reach 90% of their readers without it and may never have gotten the courage to write or reach for publication without the resources social media provides. I think it’s essential.

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Find a good critique group or beta readers who will give honest feedback. Take it to heart and figure out how to improve your writing based on their responses. And get a Twitter account. It’s the greatest tool out there to help you connect with other writers.

March 22, 2012
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Future Tour: Vivid by Andrea Murray
CLP Blog Tours

Future Tour: Vivid by Andrea Murray

Andrea will be on tour May 7-28 with her novel Vivid When Vivian Cartwright was five years old, she witnessed her mother’s death. Now, sixteen-year-old…

March 21, 2012
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Blog Tour Sign Up: Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren …

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she’s offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia’s story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

————–

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5280308.Lauren_Clark

https://twitter.com/ – !/LaurenClark_Bks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Clark/235315706518284

March 21, 2012
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Favorable Conditions by Kathleen Kole
Chick Lit Review

Favorable Conditions by Kathleen Kole

I was thrilled to host Kathleen Kole’s third blog tour via CLP Blog Tours, this time with her latest novel Favorable Conditions. Her books have been fun reads – short, sweet, direct and always with some great characters. This story follows Pat Keegan, who is forty-five and suddenly finds herself very alone in a big house. After dedicating years of her life to being a good wife and mother, her two children are now both moved out, and her husband has left her. Pat knows she needs a new direction for her life, but can she achieve her goals of rediscovering herself – and her happiness?
Age-wise, Pat and I are not close. But that factor really never even came up for me while I was reading. I was invested in her story and how she would pick up those crumbling pieces and make something better for herself. I loved that she decided to open a business for herself, and how self-sufficient she became. I’m all about girl power and making opportunities for yourself, so I really felt connected with Pat throughout the story. The supporting cast is just as good – from BFF Melanie, Pat’s daughter who gets engaged, and of course, the love interest Ian. I thought the relationship with Pat and Ian added a great element to the overall story. Another book from Kathleen Kole to get on your to-read list!
[Rating: 4]

March 21, 2012
1 Comment
Amber Eyes by Jolyn Palliata
Chick Lit Review

Amber Eyes by Jolyn Palliata

I received a review copy of Amber Eyes by Jolyn Palliata via CLP Blog Tours. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I would be interested in this story. The premise of the book is all about soul mates and past lives, two concepts that I love reading about. This is classified as a YA/paranormal novel, and I’m happy to say I’m really getting invested into this genre. The main character is Lexi, a high school student who has some strange occurrences happen once she meets Dez. Dez, the boy with the unique amber eyes that seem to give Lexi vivid dreams after glancing at them. When Dez finally lets Lexi know they are actually soul mates, entwined from their past lives, Lexi finally feels at peace with her life. But will she and Dez be able to stay together – or is an evil being just waiting to tear them apart?
I was really captured by this story, and loved learning about the past lives Lexi and Dez had lived. The supporting cast – from family, friends, even Neeko the cat – really helped make the story. I thought the characters really jumped off the pages, and I was thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. The only thing that stopped me from giving Amber Eyes a five star review was the ending was a little confusing to me. I was so wrapped up in Lexi and Dez, and though I knew this evil spirit was lurking amongst the pages, I didn’t quite expect him to get the ever important ending. This is the first book in a series so the cliff hanger makes sense, I just wished Lexi and Dez got the ending instead. Other than that, I think this book is a must read! Looking forward to more from Jolyn Palliata.
[Rating: 4.5]

March 21, 2012
2 Comments