Exciting News! Giveaway in the New Year!

I requested to review the book Model Undercover: New York though Net Galley. As you probably know I review books through Net Galley. I request books and publishers have to approve me to read them. I got an email from a very nice lady who is representing Carina Axelsson. I read her previous book called Model Undercover: Paris. It was quite a memorable book and I really enjoyed reading it. So when the opportunity came to read book two in the series, I said: Yes ma'am!

Because this nice lady emailed me, her name is Kathryn Lynch at Sourcebooks, they are letting me giveaway a digital copy of Model Undercover: New York.

Awesome, eh?

The giveaway isn't open until 1/6/15 and it goes until 1/31/15. It will be conducted by Rafflecopter.com . So, come back on 1/6/15 and sign up to win this fabulous book. I am already in the process of reading it.

Here is a bit more about the book, Model Undercover: New York and book one in the series, Model Undercover: Paris, too:

Model Undercover: New York

By Carina Axelsson

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

January 6, 2014

Book Info:

Axelle Anderson is an ace at two things: solving mysteries and modeling. So when the world’s most famous black diamond is stolen from a cover shoot in New York City, it’s no surprise that Axelle is called in to work her skills as an undercover model. But with a witness who won’t talk, a blackmailing thief, and an agent intent on filling Axelle’s schedule with interviews and photo shoots, will she be able to crack the case?

Carina Axelsson is a writer, illustrator, and former model. She grew up in California with her Swedish father and Mexican mother. After high school, Carina moved to New York City to model, then on to Paris where she published her first book. She currently lives in in the forests of Germany with four dogs and a very large aquarium full of fish.

 

Also by Carina Axelsson:

Model Undercover: Paris

Book Info: Axelle travels to Paris to find missing fashion designer Belle La Lune in another fabulous fashion mystery!

Rafflecopter HTML (Open 1/6-1/31) – 1 Print Copy of Model Undercover New York

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: The Red Queen's Run by Bourne Morris

The Red Queen's Run (Red Solaris #1)

by Bourne Morris (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, First, 301 pages

Published December 9th 2014 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. The police suspect members of the faculty who had been engaged in a fierce quarrel with the dean -- distinguished scholars who behaved like schoolyard bullies. When Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation,but new threats lead him to believe that Red is the next target for death.

When I first picked up this novel I was not exactly sure what it would be about. My only clues were journalism and mystery. And I will put that in the heck yeah pile any time. I am a graphic artist at a daily newspaper and have a minor in journalism.

I found the background antics quite similar to what goes on around my work abode. It was funny yet scary yet ironic. And I really wanted to read on to figure out exactly how to deal with all those hostile personalities that come to light when the murder of the dean is discovered. Red is the assistant dean and gets shoved into the interim position once the body is discovered.

I enjoyed her cat and mouse antics with the dashing detective named Joe. He really liked her but she is considered a suspect and detectives dating suspects are high on the no no, not appropriate  list.

There was a bit of the mystery left hanging at the end so I assume that there will be a book two in this series. It was a fast read, and I enjoyed it greatly. I do indeed look forward to book two. The Red Queen's Run starts off at a hectic pace and it doesn't let up. The story did cover quite a span of time which I found unusual in a book of this type. So the mystery was more difficult to figure out than most. But if you decide to dig into this one, you won't be disappointed.

4 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: Hard Knocks by Lori Foster

Hard Knocks (Ultimate 0.5)

by Lori Foster (Goodreads Author)

Kindle Edition, 61 pages

Published August 4th 2014 by Harlequin HQN (first published August 1st 2014)

Goodreads synopsis: In the stunning prequel novella to her new mixed martial arts series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster brings together an elite fighter and the woman he’s determined to win.

   Power. Brute strength. Unforgettable moves. It’s no wonder Harper Gates hasn’t been able to get her fling with Gage “Savage” Ringer out of her head. Months have passed since she laid eyes—or any other body parts—on him. Months without a word of contact… until, sidelined by injury, he comes back to town.

   Staying focused on his training seemed like a smart move to Gage, even if he thought about Harper every day. Seeing her again only makes it clear how much is at stake. He’s got one night to earn back her trust. One night to show her that behind his breathtaking skill and ripped body is a man who’ll give her everything she needs.

In this 61 page novella you just get a glimpse into the Ultimate MMA world that Lori Foster is beginning to craft with her new series entitled "Ultimate." This novella comes before the first novel called "No Limits" featuring the characters of Cannon and Yvette. This novella features how Gage "Savage"  Ringer and Harper Gates finally get together after a long time apart. 

This is just a short and sweet, sweat-filled story that pretty much gets the reader onto page one with the other MMA characters that comprise most of the background characters in the No Limits novel.

This novella is not much more than one hookup between the two but it is a good intro to the series.

4 Stars

BOOK REVIEW: Shadow of Doubt by Nancy Cole Silverman

Shadow of Doubt (A Carol Child Mystery #1)

by Nancy Cole Silverman (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, First , 276 pages

Published December 2nd 2014 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: When a top Hollywood Agent is found poisoned in the bathtub of her home, suspicion quickly turns to one of her two nieces. But Carol Childs, a reporter for a local talk radio station, doesn’t believe it. The suspect is her neighbor and friend, and also her primary source for insider industry news. After a media frenzy pits one niece against the other—and the body count starts to rise—Carol knows she must save her friend from being tried in the court of public opinion.

    But even the most seasoned reporter can be surprised, and when a Hollywood psychic shows up in Carol’s studio one night and warns her there will be more deaths, things take an unexpected turn. Suddenly nobody is above suspicion. Carol must challenge both her friendship and the facts, and the only thing she knows for certain is that the killer is still out there. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she’s in.

I enjoyed seeing the radio aspect to this book. I work in the newspaper industry so to me it was very resonating. I had a good time trying to figure out who the killer was. And the dang lady fooled me. I fell for all her red herrings. I should know better. I did have a brief inkling that character was the bad guy but I quickly moved to who I thought was the culprit.

This book was crafted so well I felt like I was reading reality television. Having the inside view of the action was really cool. Carol was just in the perfect spot to get all the juicy details about what was going in the lives of the dead Hollywood agent, her two twin daughters and starlet client with the the mysterious past. Even the addition of Mystic Misty was quite the hoot. I wouldn't mind seeing her in future books. If you love Hollywood and mysteries, then this book is definitely for you.

4 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: No Limits (Ultimate #1) by Lori Foster

No Limits (Ultimate #1)

by Lori Foster (Goodreads Author)

Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages

Published August 26th 2014 by Harlequin HQN (first published January 1st 2014)

Goodreads synopsis: Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He's also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she's older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon. 

   Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather's legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette's scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he'll break all the rules to do it…

I truly enjoyed this book. I know I started it in September and finished it in December but it wasn't for lack of trying. I was just busy during that time. Plus, I went through a pretty severe reading slump. Busy and unmotivated. I needed some of that Cannon oomph!

I got stuck at the bar in the beginning of the story and when I finally got past that part I just flew through the book. I loved how Cannon was so noble, loyal, honorable and willing to help Yvette get past what she thought of as her brokenness. Not many men would be willing to do this. I also liked how the author portrayed Cannon and shows us how he saw in his own mind what Yvette was doing and how it affected him. I thought that was very enlightening on a personal level. Sometimes you don't think how your off-handed remarks can effect others.

This book was well put together, sexy as all get out and just a fantastic read. I look forward to meeting the other guys in this series. I loved how they all looked out for the ladies in the story and made it a point to act like a family unit. So exciting. I recommend it highly. 

4 Stars

BOOK REVIEW: Fatal Brushstroke by Sybil Johnson

Fatal Brushstroke (Aurora Anderson Mystery #1)

by Sybil Johnson (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, First, 280 pages

Published November 18th 2014 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: A dead body in her garden and a homicide detective on her doorstep…

     Computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson doesn’t envision finding either when she steps outside to investigate the frenzied yipping coming from her own backyard. After all, she lives in Vista Beach, a quiet California beach community where violent crime is rare and murder even rarer.

     Suspicion falls on Rory when the body buried in her flowerbed turns out to be someone she knows—her tole painting teacher, Hester Bouquet. Just two weekends before, Rory attended one of Hester’s weekend painting seminars, an unpleasant experience she vowed never to repeat. As evidence piles up against Rory, she embarks on a quest to identify the killer and clear her name. Can Rory unearth the truth before she encounters her own brush with death?

I have to admit that I had a hard time getting through this book. I am not sure if it is because I was really busy at the end of November or because it was just hard to get into. By the time the reporter/blogger gal made her appearance, I had finally found my pace and was off to the races. I was a bit disappointed Rory didn't find any romantic-ness with the Dashing Detective Green. But I will hold out hope for future books with such a storyline. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

The mystery was a little hard to follow. I think it would have been easier if it had been made into a tv show. The author really does a great job of description but sometimes I forget things I should remember, clues and such that are only mentioned once. I guess I am more visual. And this would have made a great tv show. I know this is an introduction book to these characters and getting to know them is part of the process.

I definitely would like to know more about the mystery surrounding what happened between Aurora and the Chief of Police that made him hate her so much. I know it is explained in this book, but I am seeing "Prequel" in lights. We definitely need a book about that.

All in all, I found this a good book. The mystery was decent. I did have my eye on the ultimate villain for most of the book but not enough was presented  to really lead the reader to making us guess that person as the killer. I did laugh at the Scooby-Doo moment at the end of the book when the villain said they would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for Rory and Liz. lol. Too funny.

If you love reading mystery, then this book is definitely one you want to check out. 4 Stars!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: No Test For The Wicked by Julie Moffett

No Test for the Wicked (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #5)

by Julie Moffett

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: December 1st 2014 by Carina Press

A Geek's Worst Nightmare: Going Back to High School

     Returning to high school is not something I ever wanted to do over—it was awful the first time around. So why do I have to go back as part of a new undercover assignment? Because the universe loves playing jokes on me, obviously.

   I've been ordered to go all 21 Jump Street and track down the students who are breaking into the computer system, changing grades, and causing all kinds of havoc. Although I'm not thrilled about my new gig, at least it gives me something to do other than worry over the fact that I now have a boyfriend. And no freaking idea what to get him for Christmas.

     Or it did give me something else to worry about, until I stumbled across a more sinister threat. I was shocked to find distinct traces of a group of international hackers inside the network. Why would dangerous cyber mercenaries be interested in a high school in the middle of Washington, D.C.? What exactly have I gotten myself into?

     Don't miss Lexi's first case in No One Lives Twice!

Lexi Carmichael never disappoints. This is one amazing read. That is probably why I gave it 5 stars. I am so lucky to be allowed to read books like this. I have read one previous book by Julie Moffett and it was dabomb.com too. I bought all the rest of the books in Kindle form and am totally ready for a Lexi Carmichael marathon!

I love how the author can take these unassuming teenagers that you expect to hate and watch Lexi tear into and she makes them into these kids that we really care about. None of Moffett's characters are cardboard. They are flesh and blood. You expect one of them to knock on your door for a visit. That is how real they seem. I am in awe of an author that can create on such a high level.

I enjoy the awkward interactions between Lexi and virtually everybody. It is something that makes her unique. She is not good on the social scene but she can hack into anything.

The suspense was killer too. You find yourself holding your breath as Lexi is confronted by the uber bad guy she refers to as Ice Eyes. There is a lot of action going on behind the scenes too. And somehow the author manages to inform us of everything even when Lexi isn't present. 

I learn how to be a better writer when I read books like this. If you like mysteries that are a tad on the unusual side, then any Lexi Carmichael mystery is just your cup of tea.

5 Stars.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: Death by Blue Water by Kait Carson

Death by Blue Water. A Hayden Kent Mystery (A Hayden Kent Mystery)

by Kait Carson (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, 226 pages

Published November 11th 2014 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: Paralegal Hayden Kent knows first-hand that life in the Florida Keys can change from perfect to perilous in a heartbeat. When she discovers a man’s body at 120’ beneath the sea, she thinks she is witness to a tragic accident. She becomes the prime suspect when the man’s identity is revealed as Richard Anderson, the brother of the man who recently jilted her. A migraine stole Hayden’s memory of the night of Richard’s death. 

   As the evidence mounts, she joins forces with an Officer Janice Kirby. Together the two women follow the clues that uncover criminal activities at the highest levels and put Hayden’s life in jeopardy while she fights to stay free.

I truly enjoyed this mystery. I was captured from the very beginning. I was also very shocked by who the killer was. I was hoping for some appearances in future novels of this character. So to say I was disappointed is very true. But I see how the author came to the conclusion of who the killer should be. If I could have read this mystery straight through, I would have. I was turning pages so quickly when I had time to read. I wanted to know what in the heck was going on. Near the end I had who I thought was the best possible suspect. He was introduced early, had means and was what I considered a least likely suspect. Of course, I was WRONG! I love it when the author can fool me with their red herrings and amazing plot twists.

This is just a fantastic book. It is all about a gal who loves to do underwater diving. She is really good at it. Her boyfriend dumps her just when she thinks that he is going to give her a ring. This was a truly roller coaster ride for Hayden Kent. I loved it so much! I will definitely be reading more from this author! So Good! Please, you must read this book. Go get it today!

5 Stars!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

If You've Got It, Haunt It by Rose Pressey

If You've Got It, Haunt It (A Haunted Vintage Mystery #1)

by Rose Pressey (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, 304 pages

Expected publication: December 2nd 2014 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis: Cookie Chanel has a passion for fashion--and a murder mystery to solve!

   Cookie Chanel has opened her own vintage clothing boutique, It's Vintage, Y'All, in the charming town of Sugar Creek, Georgia. Always on the lookout for stylish second-hand steals, she attends the estate sale of deceased socialite Charlotte Meadows. But she gets a lot more than she bargained for when Charlotte's ghost appears before her--offering fashion advice and begging Cookie to find out who murdered her.

   As the persistent poltergeist tags along and a possibly psychic pussycat moves into the shop, Cookie sorts through racks of suspects to see who may be hiding some skeletons in the closet. Do a clothing store owner and a disembodied socialite have a ghost of a chance of collaring a killer--or will Cookie's life be the next one hanging by a thread?

I always enjoy a good Rose Pressey mystery. It is like my guilty pleasure. I am not much of a fashionista, but I do enjoy seeing people get dressed up and looking all dapper. Add a dose of mystery to that and I am there!

This is the first book in a new series for Pressey. It is called "A Haunted Vintage Mystery" series. I recently read another book that paired fashion and mystery solving but the other book of which I refer was about haute couture. That book was called Model Undercover. These two books are worlds apart in scope but really go together if you wanted to do a fashion mystery read along.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the tv series Ghost Whisperer. That lady dressed in the most unique creations much like Cookie Chanel. I wish I had a similar style but I am not the type to put a lot of thought into what I am wearing. I am glad others have this slant in their lives.

I thought it was funny that the quote-unquote psychic that owned the new age shop next to Cookie's "It's Vintage, Y'all!" was not really a psychic at all. I do read tarot cards and found it amusing how Heather, the psychic, interpreted the cards that the cat pulled.

If you are looking for a light read that will make you want to pick up the sequel, then this book is definitely for you. I thought some of the driving around from place to place was a bit long-winded and I would have loved to see more of an interaction between Cookie and Detective Valentine, but that is here nor there. Pick this book up when it is published in December!

4 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) on Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the publisher, the author and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Unbreakable (The Legion #1)

by Kami Garcia (Goodreads Author)

Hardcover, 305 pages

Published October 1st 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Goodreads synopsis: When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

   Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

When I started this book I was in a reading slump. The slump had nothing to do with how excellent this book is but instead how my life had just taken over in October. When I got to the end of the title, I was like... NO WAY! I am sure Kami Garcia got a lot of glee out of ending the book like that but now I must, must, must read the next book in the series in order to find out exactly what happens next. I won't spoil you but if you like stories like in the show Supernatural, then this book is definitely for you.

I found the romance aspect of this book a bit lacking. It felt disconnected to me, but the romance wasn't what pushed the action forward. I did enjoy the antics of the character, Priest. I almost wish the author would do a prequel to this story so we can see what happened before and why Kennedy's parents decided not to tell her about her special powers and how she was connected to "the Legion."

I knew something a little fishy was going on when Kennedy didn't get her supernatural tattoo when she killed the vengeance spirit near the middle of the book. I thought the book started off a bit slow. But I think that is to be expected when you are starting a series like this. There is a heck of a lot of back story to introduce.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the paranormal and enjoys watching tv shows or reading books about the subject. I think this would make a great tv show and I hope a network decides to pick it up.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title.

BOOK REVIEW: Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman

Spellbound Falls (Spellbound Falls #1)

by Janet Chapman

Paperback, 325 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by Jove

Goodreads synopsis: Maximilian Oceanus arrives in Spellbound Falls just in time to save Olivia Baldwin from an overly aggressive suitor, only to find himself attracted to the beautiful, if rather aloof, widow. And although Mac has come to Inglenook to get a handle on fatherhood, his newly discovered six-year-old son has set his sights on finding his father a wife.

   Olivia, however, is busy getting Inglenook ready for its new season, so she doesn’t have time to deal with her growing attraction to the dangerously seductive Mac. Besides, weird stuff seems to happen all around him. Take the fact that her seatbelt keeps getting stuck in his presence, or locks magically open for him without keys, and that he seems to have a talent for sensing things. Never mind the three lost albatrosses walking down the road in the middle of the night. Since when are there albatrosses in Maine?

   But despite Olivia’s resistance to falling under the sexy man’s spell, Olivia is having trouble fighting her longing. Because she knows Mac is just the man to unlock the powerful passion deep within her

I found this book to have a bit of a slow start. I just couldn't get my mind in the right place to read it. And I am sure that is just me and not the author. I loved the concept.

Olivia has been hiding from the world about as far away as one can get without being in outer space. She has spent her life in Spellbound Falls under the guise of raising her daughter but in truth she is protecting her own heart. Her life up to this point hasn't been a stellar one. She has been through the hard knocks of life and come out the other side wounded and scared.

Enter Maximilian Oceanus, large, strapping man who makes all the other residents of Spellbound Falls look like mere mortals to his out of this world physique. There is a reason for that comparison, but I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say that he is quite the Adonis. He has come to Spellbound Falls in order to get help with his newly discovered son and he wants to make sure he has the techniques to be a good parent.

The two are attracted to each other right at the beginning but Olivia has had so many of life's knocks that she is a bit gun shy. Once she gives in to her instincts, this is when the book really takes off.

If you want a book that gets you out of your head and into a whole new world, then this is for you. I was truly engaged.

4 Stars.

Book Review: Happiness: The Art Of Living With Peace, Confidence And Joy

Happiness: The Art Of Living With Peace, Confidence And Joy

by Douglas A. Smith

Paperback, 192 pages

Published January 2nd 2014 by White Pine Mountain

Goodreads synopsis: In the midst of a successful business career, Doug Smith received life-altering news that set him on an entirely new journey to understand what leads to truly joyful, meaningful living—-in other words, what leads to happiness. Through research and study he begins to understand what the most joyful among us have in common is that they remember the past with peace, anticipate the future with confidence and live in the present with joy and exuberance. He further discovers that what gives them this perspective is a set of skills that they consistently, even if subconsciously, practice. He also realizes that he is not particularly good at several of these skills. In Happiness: The Art of Living with Peace, Confidence and Joy the author recounts, with insight and humor his journey to better understand and practice the skills of happiness with the goal of helping others on their own paths to joyful, meaningful living.

I did enjoy this book. I found it quite helpful on many levels. But I only wish there were more techniques and things we can personally do to make our journey a happier one. I felt like I needed to take Mr. Smith's Happiness course in order to find out exactly what tools I truly needed to be emotionally happy. He referenced "What Happy People Know" by Dan Baker, Ph. D and Cameron Stauth. I read this book back when it was published in 2004. I am a big follower of people who like to write about happiness. I like to re-read these books because it is always good to be reminded of things we tend to forget.

I hope you give this book a try. It does take a hot minute to get into it. And it is  not a strictly "text book" sort of book. The author gives quite a lot of personal examples which is really helpful when you are trying to apply a technique to you own life.

4 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title.

Book Review: The Busy Writer's One Hour Plot by Marg McAlister

The Busy Writer's One Hour Plot

by Marg McAlister

44 pages

Published May 14th 2012

If you're a busy writer who loves to write, but hates to plot... the One-Hour Plot System is just what you've been looking for!

Lots of people have great ideas for a book. They're so excited that they just can't wait to fire up the computer and start writing. Dizzying visions of being a popular author with fans lining up for the next book have them bashing out page after page... for a few days. Or maybe even a few weeks. 

According to my instant order update on Amazon, I bought this mid-year in 2012. I think I read three-fourths of it back then. I revisited it at the end of October and I found it to be quite insightful. I like how they break everything down. I quickly realized in my story where my big holes were. So, I am truly thankful for this book pointing out my errors. I think this is book one in a series of books and I definitely will check out the others.

4 Stars.

New Mini Haul - Walgreens

Sorry for the blurry photo.

Hello Beauty Sleuthers!

I haven't posted about my makeup journey in a long time. So, I thought I'd tell you about a couple of 5-pan shadow palettes that I picked up yesterday at Walgreens.

The palettes are from Wet n Wild. They are called Haute Hollywood and A Karat in the World. These are from a new display that popped up at my local Walgreens. This is different than the display for the halloween makeup that is up right now. However, this display is also called the New Halloween 2014 Halloween Wet n Wild Collection. No confusion there, eh? lol This collection is exclusive to Walgreens and stores that are also owned by Walgreens. So, if you want to check these out, check your local Walgreens. Not all Walgreens will get this display but go ahead and check it out if you want them.

Be warned, there aren't that many eyeshadows in the display so check early and often so you make sure you can pick up these beauties. FYI, if you already have The Naked Truth palette which is in the regular collection, The Haute Hollywood palette is the same thing just renamed for Halloween.

Today I am wearing the A Karat in the World palette and I just love it. I have put little hearts showing the shadows I used today. It is a definite winner in my book. I am totally a neutrals kind of gal.

BOOK REVIEW - Embellished to Death by Christina Freeburn

Embellished to Death (Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery #3)

by Christina Freeburn (Goodreads Author)

Paperback, 266 pages

Published September 23rd 2014 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis - When Faith Hunter agrees to help PI Bob Roget find an identity thief at a local scrapbook retreat, her friendly croppers’ weekend quickly morphs into a dangerous one. As croppers share their own memories, a killer collects them for her new identity, and doesn’t appreciate Faith in the picture.

Faith struggles to balance her professional, detecting and personal lives as threats and secrets keep her off-balance. Things turn deadly when a woman is killed and Faith is blackmailed. Truth and lies collide when Faith discovers croppers aren’t the only ones embellishing, and the results might end her life.

I really enjoyed this book. It did take me a minute to get into it because I had not read the first two books in the Faith Hunter series. But if you want to read this book first, the author does a good job at making sure you know who everyone is and giving enough back story to keep you informed.

The murder happens right at the beginning which is good because I have had books where I wonder "when is the death going to happen" and you lose half the story by busy writing up to the death. I did think the author did not spend a whole heck of a lot of time focusing on the person who actually died. I know she probably did that purposely since a lot of the mystery could have been solved if the focus was more on that woman than all the other shenanigans happening. Although, I am not completely sure why the lady from Cropportunity abandoned her car at the beginning of the story (which is what drew Faith into the mystery to start with). Everything thing else in the story all tied up nicely which is always a plus.

I am not sure if the whole "Adam" issue was brought up in previous books but I thought that section where Faith confronted Steve about betraying her could have happened earlier. Since it was so close to the end, I am hoping there is a book four that will put to bed this issue between the two.

Other than those niggles I completely enjoyed this novel and the characters. I am sad that I did not get to see the Faith Scrapbooking Tips since they were not included in the ARC copy but I'll bet they were truly interesting.

4 Stars!

I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review and I thank Net Galley, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.