Five Star Friday: August 2020

On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about. I know 2020 has taken a lot from us, but I am still reading so many good books. I finished 41 books last month, and a whopping 8 earned all the stars. It's also interesting that 5 of these are new-to-me-authors, and I am positive that I will be reading more of their work. August was a good reading month. I found so many books that made me smile and left me warm and fuzzy, and for that, I am grateful. 

Can't Wait Wednesday!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.

This week I can't wait for:

Top 10 of 2019: Looking Forward to in 2020

It's the end of the year, and that means BEST OF lists! I find this task difficult, but I enjoy it so much.

Top 10 of 2019 is a hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads and Ginger. Today's  topic is...

Looking Forward to in 2020!

As the queen of my enormous TBR kingdom, I happily added many, many, MANY 2020 releases. Seriously, I have 226 books on my 2020 shelf (21 already read), so this was by no means, an easy task. There are some favorite authors FINALLY releasing new work, after what seems like forever (though it really wasn't). There are some sequels, that I need like air, because the previous book left me in such a state. There are a LOT of new voices I am interested to try. I am sure I will be uttering, "too many books, too little time," at some point this year, but I also hope to stack my read-shelf with a bunch of 5-star books. I opted to keep this one all YA, and plan to do a similar post for my anticipated adult reads at a later date.

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post

Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

I have been so busy preparing for my daughter's move to Chicago, and am therefore really grateful for this three-day weekend. I have little plans, other than trying to do some last minute packing. We will be driving on Thursday and Friday, and then trying to take care of as many things as possible before I leave Chicago on Sunday. I am exhausted just thinking about it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I have good weather and little traffic.

I am a little sad, that I will not be attending BookCon since it started. Yep, I even went the year it was in Chicago, but I hope everyone who is attending has a fabulous time.

If you haven't done so yet, and Book Depository delivers to you - GO and enter our blogiversary giveaway.

Top Ten Tuesday: Mental Health Awareness Month

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week's topic is...

YA Mental Health Books!

Blog Tour: I Stop Somewhere - T.E. Carter

I Stop Somewhere
T.E. Carter
Series: n/a
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.

Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn't need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.

But when the unthinkable happens, Ellie finds herself trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim, and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.

The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place.

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post

Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

I know it's not Sunday, but I am hosting a blog tour tomorrow (stop by for a chance to win!), so I am doing this weekly wrap up a day early. I had another four day week at work, because I finally had my eye procedure. It was very weird and the result are not immediate, but I will keep doing the hot compresses, acid lid cleaning, and blinking exercises (every 20 mins, 20 times a day) in hopes that it will work. Seriously, try them, so you don't end up like me.

Sundays with Sam - The Sunday Post

Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

My Week in Review

My week started with tears, when I had to drive my daughter to the airport. It was so nice having her home. I will miss her, and am looking forward to seeing her in May. We survived the snow cyclone. Congratulations, everyone! AND, I heard the temperatures are going to be in the 30s soon. Yes, this has me excited.

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten New-to-Me Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is...

Top Ten New-to-Me Authors!

I read books from many new authors this year. Some were authors I had been wanting to check out, others were accidental finds. Here are some of the new-to-me authors I loved, who were not debut authors or already listed on my Best Books of 2017 which contained almost all new-to-me authors. I also want to add, that these are authors I want to read more from, because I loved their books so much.

Katrina Leno
Book Read: Everything All at Once
Publisher: Harper Collins

I loved this book so much! From the lovely family focus to the story within the story, I adored it all. This one packed quite an emotional punch, and I have already bought both her backlist books, as I am determined to read all her work.

Can't-Wait Wednesday: The Forgotten Book - Mechthild Gläser

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I can't wait for The Forgotten Book!

The Forgotten Book
Mechthild Gläser

Series: n/a
Release Date: January 2, 2108

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Waited on by: Sam

Goodreads

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Meant to Be - Julie Halpern

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I can't wait for Meant to Be!

Meant to Be
Julie Halpern

Series: n/a
Release Date: Oct 24, 2017

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Waited on by: Sam

Goodreads

In a world where the names of MTBs—"meant to be" mates—appear on the body at age eighteen, a girl must decide whether to believe the phenomenon or follow her heart in this YA novel.

It started happening a few years ago: the names of MTBs—"meant to be" mates—appeared emblazoned on the skin at age eighteen. Agatha's best friend has embraced the phenomenon and is head over heels in love with her MTB. But Ag isn't so sure. As she searches the interwebs for her MTB (who has a common name, no less) she finds herself falling for a co-worker at the local amusement park. Is he a better match? What does Agatha really want in a mate, and moreover, what does she want for herself?

With her trademark wit and irreverence, acclaimed author Julie Halpern explores an age-old question: Who are we meant to be with? Readers won't be able to resist knowing the answer.

Romance? Check
Interesting story element? Check
I want to read this book? Check

I am a lover of romance, and this book has a romance element that has me totally intrigued. Yes, I have read other books set slightly in the future, where matches are predestined or predetermined (Matched any one?), but this one seems to have an interesting twist all its own, and sounds more fun too. And, I really want to know more about his story

I am also really interested in the character's struggle. Follow your head or your heart? Stay on the path put before you or blaze your own trail? Sounds like this could be a fun, cute, and interesting tale of self discovery.

What are you waiting on?

Let us know in the comments!

Review: Love and Other Alien Experiences - Kerry Winfrey

Love and Other Alien Experiences
Kerry Winfrey
Series: n/a
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

In this heartwarming debut by HelloGiggles blogger Kerry Winfrey, a young agoraphobe begins a journey of first love that leads her to the true meaning of home—just by taking one small step outside of her house.

My name is Mallory Sullivan.

My therapist says I have an anxiety disorder.

My brother says I’m an “optimistic recluse.”

Everybody else says I'm a freak.

And they kind of have a point, because I haven't left the house in 67 days and only attend class via the webcam on my laptop. The person I talk to the most other than my mom and brother is the completely obnoxious BeamMeUp, and all we do is argue on New Mexico’s premiere alien message board.

But after yesterday, I have something: a chance. If I can win the homecoming crown by convincing resident hot popular guy and Friday Night Lights spawn Brad Kirkpatrick to go as my date, then maybe #stayathome will never appear next to the name @Mallory_Sullivan ever again.

First, I have to leave my room.

This, for me, was the right book at the right time. I had just set aside a book that I was not getting into, and I found myself immediately absorbed in Love and Other Alien Experiences.

FIVE REASONS TO READ LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES

1. The Sullivan Family: I was a huge fan of Mallory and Lincoln. They had a very special sibling bond. It was endearing they way they looked out for each other, and seriously, how could I not love a family with the motto: "Why Be Serious When You Can Be Sarcastic?" I have found my people. 
2. AlienHuntress and BeamMeUp: I was shipping this online couple from their first interaction. The banter and nerdy talk made me all sorts of happy, and I really thought that Mallory had found a kindred spirit in BeamMeUp. I know I would love a bouquet of Twizzlers. 
3. Mallory and Her Battles: Mallory had anxiety disorder which blossomed into agoraphobia. I thought Winfrey really did an admirable job capturing that struggle of wanting to be able to conquer something, but not quite being able to. Mallory was trying to manage her disorder by working with a therapists and making small efforts such as going out into the backyard. Sometimes it was one step forward, two steps back. I thought Winfrey handled her disorder with care, and her journey seemed realistic to me. 

"It's not like I'm Anxious Beauty and the touch of his lips is going to cure me. I still have my problems, and he still has his."

4. The Nerd Culture: Mallory was an X-Files fangirl who speculated about aliens online. She was science savvy, and was fluent in nerd. I so enjoyed all the science and pop culture references. You couldn't imagine how exciting it was to me that they kept brining up physics. But don't worry, this was balanced out with sports, makeup, and puppies. 
5. The Boys Next-door: I will not lie, I loved both Kirkpatrick brothers. Brad was the happy-go-lucky sweetheart, and Jake was the brooding and often overlooked brother. I admit, I fell harder for Jake, because I was into his quiet but awesome ways, and I fell a little more in love with him as I learned more of his backstory. 

There are definitely more reasons to read this book. It was such a cute and touching story of friendship, love, support, and tapping one's own inner strength. I laughed tons, and had also swooned. I rooted for Mallory and celebrated each of her successes. This book made my heart full and I just wanted to jump for joy. 

**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. Quotes are from an ARC and may change upon publication.

Mallory works on a physics project during this book and Jake is a physics genius. My undergrad was in Chemical Engineering and my graduate degree is in physical science education, so every time they talked about physics I was pretty excited. 

Do you like physics?

Let us know in the comments!

SaveSave

Review: Daughter of the Pirate King - Tricia Levenseller

Daughter of the Pirate King 
Tricia Levenseller
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads
Reading Challenges: #DebutAuthorChallenge2017, #NGEW2017, #PopSugarChallenge2017

I don't read a lot of fantasy. I have no idea why I don't, because every time I read a fantasy book, I always have such an enthusiastic response. Daughter of the Pirate King was yet another fantasy book which won a huge response from me.

The daughter of the pirate king, Alosa, is sent by her father to retrieve a map. This requires Alosa to be captured and imprisoned by the enemy pirates. While aboard the Night Farer, she is challenged by the Night Farer's crew, but most of the crew is really no match for Alosa, that is except for Riden.

"Lass, you've the face of an angel but the tongue of a snake."

Alosa had me on her team from page one. She was the total package. A fierce woman, who was smart and snarky, and not afraid to slit a few throats if necessary. She was also loyal to her crew, and would go above and beyond to protect them. But don't let that fool you, she still liked to be clean, groomed, and well-dressed even if she was not a "lady". Her wit and candor kept me amused, and I just thought she was a stellar example of what a great heroine is: strong, but a little soft too. Still, so much girl power. The twist with her lineage really pulled me in. I thought it was an imaginative addition to an already great character. Aside from Alosa, she had an almost all female crew filled with fiery, intense, and bold women.

"Submissiveness. I try not to cringe as the word enters my mind. Horrid word, that one."

"Because pirates aren't supposed to look like you look and talk like you talk and do what you do. You're confusing, and it's messing with my head."

There were many supporting characters who added to the fun, but I would be remiss if I did not talk about Riden. All I am going to say is, every time Riden was on the page, I had heart eyes. Levenseller gave us a great heroine AND a great hero. It was interesting of her to create this anti-pirate. Yes, he could fight, but he had a lot of compassion and cared a lot for his brother, his crew, and after a short time, Alosa. The verbal and physical sparring between these two was fantastic. The chemistry was perfect. And the tender moments were full on swoony. I just adored every minute of them together.

"His brown eyes are alight with merriment. I think he enjoys our little spats."

Me every time Riden is mentioned

Overall: A fun and fantastic pirating adventure filled with action, romance, and witty banter. I am eagerly awaiting book 2!

GIVEAWAY

Because I was so blessed and received both a DRC and a finished copy of this book, I am giving away the finished copy.

All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open US only, unless you are willing to pay the shipping, and is open through March 21st. You must be 13 or older to enter or have a parent enter for you. The winner will be selected shortly after and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. I would also liked to thank GoodReads and Fierce Reads for the finished copy I won through a GoodReads giveaway.

Do you have a favorite pirate book, TV show, or movie?

Let us know in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn't Get To (But TOTALLY Plan To)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Here at We Live and Breathe Books, two of us choose five books each week. This weeks topic is...

2016 releases I meant to read but didn't get to (but TOTALLY plan to)!

Kiersten's Picks

Three Dark Crowns
Kendare Blake
Series: Three Dark Crowns, #1
Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads

I was so excited about this book when I heard about it, but I just never got around to reading it. I'm a huge fan of fantasy books, and this one sounds wonderfully dark. I love the idea of alliances being formed and only one sister being able to take the throne. I've heard a lot of great things about Three Dark Crowns, and I really want to find out what all the hype is about!

Girl in Pieces
Kathleen Glasglow
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Goodreads 

I actually started reading Girl in Pieces during the summer but then never got around to continue. What I read of it, however, was absolutely amazing. I love the writing style of the book - it's so raw and it doesn't pull any punches. I also really like that this book isn't about self harm in itself and doesn't romanticize or sugar coat it - it's the painful truth of what happens after. I'm definitely going to finish this one when I get a chance!

The Forgetting
Sharon Cameron
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Goodreads

I was really interested in this book when I first heard about it, but I'm even more interested in it now that I've been watching the current season of Teen Wolf. Seeing the town Canaan in the synopsis got me really excited to find out about how this town works, and the mystery behind the main character not losing her memory.

The Female of the Species
Mindy McGinnis
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads

I wasn't exactly sure what to think of this one at first, but after seeing some reviews that refer to the character as a sort of feminist vigilante, I'm really interested to read it. I'm a huge fan of the show Sweet/Vicious, and this books sounds like it has a similar vibe.

The Delphi Effect

Rysa Walker
Series: The Delphi Trilogy, #1
Publisher: Skyscape
Goodreads

The Delphi Effect is another book that I started reading but didn't get a chance to finish. I'm really intrigued by the concept of a medium who sort of gets possessed by wayward spirits, especially given that this one has a mystery involved.

Noor's Picks

Real talk, there are like 5 million 2016 releases I haven't gotten around to reading. Just for reference, this top five is like "2016 books I keep thinking about and telling myself to read over and over but still don't because I'm a pile of trash,"

The Rose and the Dagger
Renee Ahdieh
Series: The Wrath and the Dawn, #2
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Goodreads

So, I was hella late to the party when I read The Wrath and the Dawn, and this had already been released by the time I did this past summer so I actually have no idea why I haven't read it by now. I felt such a high after reading The Wrath and the Dawn and I really wanted to continue that momentum so I remember going to Barnes and Noble specifically to buy this, but I think I impulse bought something else, and then my semester started right after and I slowed down on reading and I just never got around to it. I'm definitely gonna read it soon though because I almost always love the 2nd book in a series the most and with the first book being so beautiful, I'm excited to see how The Rose and the Dagger holds up.

Salt to the Sea
Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel Books
Goodreads

I keep changing my mind about reading this one and I always think about reading it and then I think I don't really want to read a historical fiction book right now and then I think about how much people like it and I kinda flip-flop until I decide I'm not "in the mood" and pick something else. I feel like I actually will enjoy it, so I do want to read it this year, but I spent 2016 putting it on the back burner so I hope I finally get around to it!!

The High Mountains of Portugal
Yann Martel
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
Goodreads

Yann Martel's Life of Pi and Beatrice and Virgil are two of my favorite books and show how expansive his skills as an author are. This story -- which is three stories, decades apart -- presents an intriguing premise and when I heard about it I knew it would be a book I'd be looking out for. As you can see by its inclusion on this list, I did not achieve my goal of "looking out" for aforementioned book. My only excuse is that this is who I am as a person and "organized tbr lists" are to me what garlic is to vampires. As I will say about every book on this list: I hope to read it soon.

Gemina
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files, #2
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Goodreads

This is actually probably the worst one because I was most anticipating this one. Like, after I read Illuminae I was so pumped for the next book and so stressed that I wouldn't be at BEA and have the chance to get an ARC and I agonized over the wait for this book and I literally bought it the day it came out and then I just didn't read it????? I wish I could tell you why. Like, why am I like this???? I swear I will read it. By the end of February. I promise. (Don't worry I hate myself too)

Heartless
Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Goodreads

Who doesn't love good old Marissa Meyer and all the fun stuff she does with our favorite stories? If you do not already know, Heartless is an Alice in Wonderland retelling. I seriously love Alice in Wonderland so much it's a little bit of a problem. I'm not as obnoxious about it now that I'm not like 16 anymore but the love is there, fret not. So deep down, it might be that I have not read this yet because I am overwhelmed at the prospect, but it also might be because there are so many books and so little of me. Who knows.

What 2016 releases did you mean to read?

Let us know in the comments!

SaveSave

Top Ten Tuesday: 2017 Debuts I'm Excited For

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Here at We Live and Breathe Books, two of us choose five books each week. This weeks topic is...

2017 debuts I'm excited for!

Kiersten's Picks

One of Us is Lying
Karen M. McManus
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Goodreads

This book is billed as The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, and even if it ends up not being entirely accurate, it still sounds really cool. Five completely different kids go into detention together but one ends up dead. This mystery sounds like one that will be really interesting and fun to try and follow along with!

Juniper Lemon's Happiness Index
Julie Israel
Release Date: June 27. 2017
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Goodreads 

Although the concept of this book sounds a bit similar to other blurbs I've read, I've never actually read a book like this one. A mysterious letter found after the death of her sister, and learning to cope while solving the mystery? Sounds like it could be a really great read!

Who's That Girl
Blair Thornburgh
Release Date: July 11, 2017
Publisher: Harper Collin's Childrens
Goodreads

While Juniper Lemon's Happiness Index sounds like one of those really emotional reads, Who's That Girl sounds like a ton of fun! A girl's crush writes a song that may be about her, and she has to figure it out? This sounds so cute, and I'm really excited about it.

The Black Witch 
Laurie Forest
The Black Witch Chronicles, #1
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Goodreads

And here we have one of the two witch debuts I found! Being that I like witches, this was kind of an obvious choice for me, although this one is fantasy rather than paranormal. There are prophecies and magic, and it just sounds like it's going to be a really great series.

Witchtown

Corey Putnam Oakes
Release Date: July 18, 2017
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Goodreads

The second witch book is more similar in genre to the witch books I loved from 2016. This book takes place in a town of witches (obviously) and follows a girl and her mother who originally go to the town to rob it, but they end up uncovering some powerful secrets. I can't wait to read it!

Sam's Picks

Daughter of the Pirate King
Tricia Levenseller
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Goodreads

Of course I was interested in this book, as there is a lady pirate on the cover. Then I read the blurb, and it amused me. This story is about the pirate king’s daughter, Alosa, who organizes her own kidnapping in order to infiltrate an enemy ship and acquire a legendary treasure map. Alosa sounds like a fierce female character, and those are the heroines who always win my heart. Early reviews are positive and cite the book as being bloody and funny - a great combination.

Wicked Like a Wildfire
Lana Popovic
Hibiscus Daughter, #1
Release Date: August 15, 2017
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads

In my attempt to mix it up genre-wise, I selected Wicked Like a Wildfire. I know, I really shouldn’t be starting any new series, but this is about magical sisters and ancient family curses. The brief descriptions of the magic, or gleams, sounds intriguing, and I love this idea of the each sister’s fate tied to the other. I anticipate some suspenseful moments from this one.

This Beats Perfect
Rebecca Denton
Release Date: February 2, 2017
Publisher: Atom Books
Goodreads

This book is about music! Better yet, it’s about English music. As a total anglophile, my tail is wagging. I read a bunch of the reviews, and I am hearing awesome things, but one reviewer really hooked me with with this description:

“Think if David Nicholls and Stephanie Perkins had a musically oriented book baby, and that's basically This Beats Perfect.” - Carlie Sorosiak

That right there pretty much sold me, AND it’s a rom-com. What more could I ask for?

The Hidden Memory of Objects
Danielle Mages Amato
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Goodreads

The Hidden Memory of Objects is a murder mystery, which sounds like it has a magical element too. The blurb states:

“However, she now realizes that her artistic talent has developed into something more: she can see memories attached to some of Tyler’s belongings—and those memories reveal a brother she never knew.”

That sounds pretty awesome to me, and although I do not read a lot of mysteries, I always find that I enjoy them.

Royal Bastards
Andrew Shvarts
Release Date: June 6, 2017
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Goodreads

A group of bastard children end up witnessing a crime and go on the run to protect one of the royals. Well, that caught my attention. Who am I kidding, the title caught my attention. I love all things royal, and the royalty combined with rebellion and murderous plots has me all in. According to early reviews, this book also has magic, romance, and humor. My trifecta appears to be fulfilled.

What 2017 debuts are you excited for?

Let us know in the comments!

SaveSave

Blog Tour + Cover Cosmetics + Giveaway: Nemesis - Anna Banks

About Nemesis

The princess didn't expect to fall in love--with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king's servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora's gift could save Tarik's kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

Makeup Look Inspired by Sepora

For my makeup look, I wanted to incorporate the Egyptian influence on this book as well as the fact that Sepora is a Forger. The spectorium she forges is used for energy and can be used as a weapon. When I think of energy, I think of electricity, so I fused a lightning-like zig zag to the side of the eye with what ancient Egyptian eyeliner would look like. I kept with metal tones because of the cover as well as the fact that she can be used as a weapon.

In terms of how this look was accomplished, I used my all time favorite liquid eyeliner: Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner. It's a brush tip pen-style eyeliner, and I love how it allows me to use liquid liner without having to dip the brush back into the pot. I also used pointed q-tips with Urban Decay's Primer Potion to clean up the edges if I over drew one of the lines. Both of the eyeshadows I used are from the Too Faced Pretty Rebel palette.

Giveaway

As part of the blog tour, Anna Banks is giving away a finished copy of Nemesis and $25 Ulta gift card at each stop. All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter below! This giveaway is US only, and is open through October 10th. You must be 13 or older to enter or have a parent enter for you. The winner will be selected shortly after and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Additionally, one person will be selected to be entered to win a tour wide grand prize of an Egyptian bib collar necklace or silver Serpen armband. Best of luck to all who enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway