THe Never-Open Desert Diner - James Anderson

This is a very odd story.  Not because it is supernatural or anything...just odd.  So we are following with the mundane life of Ben.  A truck driver in nowhere USA, along route 117. Somewhere that is no where to most but home to a few stragglers that managed to find their way there.  A place where keeping yours and others secrets is the only way to truly survive. 

We meet some strange characters along the way.  Ben is a normalish guy.  He is an orphan.  He is a good man who sometimes trusts too much.  Walt is scary.  He is damaged because of the loss of his wife.  He is decent but clearly has anger issues.  THe brothers are weird but seem like okay people.  John, the Preacher, is just that.  He's a man of God, always there to help you through things.  Then there is Claire.  She is running from something.  She has more secrets that all the other characters combined.  She has a temper but she is likeable. 

It was a long story, especially for one that takes place almost entirely in the desert, along some old highway.  But it isn't bad.  The story is interesting enough, it just seemed really drawn out.  But the details we receive are necessary to pull everything together in the end.  I thought I knew what was coming.  I did not.  Its a book I wouldn't read again but I would still say give it a try.  It has some action, some love and a lot of mystery.  You never really know what's going on.  Hell, the story teller (Ben), doesn't seem to know what's going on half the time.  But even with the pain it brings, it is a story that makes you feel good.  Things usually work out.  Maybe not how you pictured but in the end it all works out. 
 
SPOILER
 
Walt is a jerk.  Ben is a sucker.  Claire takes too many chances.  I hate that so many people tried to manipulate Ben.  He is an honest guy, trying to earn an honest living and almost gets blamed for some pretty ridiculous things.  I hate that he almost takes the fall for Claire's actions.  I hate that Walt and him beat the snot out of each other.  I hate that he was used by so many.  I love that despite all this he saved Josh.  I love that he managed to fall in love with Claire despite the circumstances.  I love that he cared enough to take Ginny in even though she is the daughter of an ex. 

I will say while I hoped for a happy ending, I wasn't expecting one.  Granted the happy ending we get isn't the one I wanted.  I hoped Ben and Claire would either sell the Cello and make some dough or just live happy in Dessert Home.  I thought for SURE Walt was going to die.  Instead Claire dies, basically in Ben's arms and Walt lives.  Why?!?!?  But Ben ends up coming into money thanks to the blanket his birth mom left him wrapped in.  So he manages a semi happy ending but without his love. 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to read and give my honest review.

All These Perfect Strangers - Aoife Clifford

What did I think...hmmmm.  Well I thought it was a decent book.  I really did.  I even waited 24 hours to write my review to think on it and make sure my thoughts didn't change.  And they didn't.  I still want to throw this book out of a window....or off of a roof...and possibly stab it with a screw driver.  But I won't because its a digital book on my iPad and I like my iPad so no violence to the book. 

With that said this book had its ups and downs.  I love a good mystery but this one almost took it to a frustrating level.  Its a flash back story.  Meaning it starts in a present day type scenario and flashes back to the past.  But the whole book takes place in 1990...flashing back to previous events to move the story forward.  There are a few characters to keep up with but the main focus is Penelope as she is telling the story.  She has been in trouble and got in more trouble and is trying to make her life right. 

I will say it is a relatable story. Not because I got in trouble but because we have all had to make difficult decisions to protect ourselves or fit in.  Pen is troubled, that is evident.  She makes STUPID decisions, that is also evident but you can't help but be understanding.  She is damaged and scared, of course she doesn't always choose the right path but she is a good person...right. 

It was a little twisty...slightly turney and very frustrating.  It does keep you guessing for the most part which is nice.  I did have my suspicions but the author did a decent job of distracting me so that I didn't focus long enough to say "AH HA!".  I couldn't give it more than 3 stars because of a certain reason I can't reveal...SPOILERS.  It was interesting enough but I wouldn't go out of my way to read it. 

SPOILERS

What the hell was that ending?!!?!?  I mean the entire book I wanted to slap Pen and say STOP LYING! Stop being deceitful.  You are getting a fresh start...STOP!  But she always hid things.  She trusted the wrong people.  She hurt people.  I got pissed as a college student but I would NEVER purposefully drug someone.  That is some sociopath level stuff there.  I also wouldn't have trusted Rogan.  He was pretty but something was off from the start.  I just never thought, oh stand up guy.  I also didn't trust Michael...he screamed "I'm going to be a mass murderer one day"...very creepy.  Rachel was conflicted but not all bad.  I really liked Toby, he was a good friend. 

Pen just chose wrong all the time.  I never got why she lied to EVERYONE.  I know her and Tracey did some bad things but I really think Pen was the bad influence. She is a manipulator.  She had some redeeming qualities but she lied SO MUCH.  I mean I get your friend is embarrassed about being almost raped but you tell someone.  You don't save her...then lie about everything and let her take the fall for a death.  You don't see something bad happen and go quiet.  You don't have your SLEEPING PILLS stolen and not report it.  You don't like about how someone died.  Michael was going to kill her...why lie and say he jumped.  Why not say "he was trying to kill me and I pushed him by accident".  Its a much more believable story...more truth.  After all of that I really started to distrust Pen...WHY LIE!?!? 

That is why the ending made me insane.  What the frick happened???  She is in the interrogation room.  They have her diary and...she flashes back...way back to when she first met Tracey.  To the last time she was sort of happy and it ends.  What?!?!  Sooooo its left open to interpretation...I guess.  She was clearly guilty of something.  Maybe she was the murderer all along and she fooled us, the reader.  I don't know and I'll never know because it freaking ended!  So was she really mental?  Tracey is dead and can't help her...plus she LIED.  Rogan wouldn't help her.  Michael 7 Rachel are dead.  Toby is probably traumatized.  I don't know...maybe I'm over thinking it but I really feel like the whole book was a ruse.  A ruse told by Pen.  its her skewed version of reality.  There was way more to it than what we are told...right?!!?


I received this book for free from House Party, Random House, & Net Galley to read and give my honest review. 

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

I feel pretty ... oh, so pretty ... oh, so pretty and witty and... heeeeeey.

Okay so those aren't the exact lyrics but it is true.  I started using  Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment a little over a month ago and really believe in its ability to make my skin look better.

Here is what it claims (and my thoughts):

Protect your skin and reverse the signs of aging - as far as protection...I don't know.  It doesn't contain SPF so that's not the protection.  So if you wear this during the day be sure to add an SPF face lotion over it.  I will say even using a very small amount used it does...well, moisturize.

Formulated with an intensive, high-percentage retinol treatment, this lotion is designed to hydrate any skin type  - And this is what I was talking about.   It is almost more hydrating than my Collagen Elastin Face Lotion which is thick and leaves skin soft and full.  This does that with less and has some additional benefits.  So you don't have to add an additional face lotion at night after this but I do because its part of my routine.  

Targeting the appearance of pore size, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness - I don't have many wrinkles...yet, but I do have larger pores in some areas and uneven skin tone.  I didn't notice a difference but other people did.  My face looked healthier and younger.  It was almost glowing (and no I do not have any reason to be glowing).  The fine lines I do have seemed less pronounced.  The larger pores on my nose and chin diminished.  And the best part, my "dark spots" faded.  I am assuming that is the "uneven skin tone"  it is referring to.  Either that or my skin suddenly decided to "heal" itself.  My skin is still fairly firm so I didn't notice a change in that but the overall appearance and healthiness of my face improved. 

Fortified with Vitamin C and peptides to smooth wrinkles and fine lines - Yep, these seemed to work and work well. 

As well as licorice and oat extract to soothe skin and minimize the potential for irritation- This I am not sure about.  If anything this product made my skin more sensitive to basically everything.  My skin isn't sensitive but it is temperamental.  I've used the same products for years.  Ever since using this my skin is much more reactive to everything I put on it.  And by reactive, I mean it gets insanely tingly after I apply anything.  It only lasts for a short time but its enough to notice.  So I'd hate to think about using this if it didn't have these ingredients to minimize the potential for irritation.

It also doesn't have a weird scent so that is nice.  In conclusion, I would totally buy this product again.  I would also (and have) recommended it to my friends and family.  It is a great, affordable product that actually does what it claims.  Give it a try.

I received this product for free from BzzAgent to try and give my honest review.

The Shadow of a King - C.M. Gray

I am always up for a good retelling of well known story.  The Shadow of a King is that and a bit more.  Here we follow the life of King Uther after he has united the tribes.  Told, of course, by the elder King himself through flashbacks. 

I had read Shadowland before and absolutely loved it.  I read it not realizing it was the story of Uther, Merlyn, etc.  This one, I knew who it was about but it was a wonderful telling of how Uther met his wife Igraine and all the drama before and after.  About the conflict with Morgana and why she is so full of hate for her King.  We learn so much about young King Uther and why he made some of the decisions that he made.  I'm still not sure why he always listens to Merlyn but I am fairly certain he isn't sure either.  Regardless Meryln is always there for him, even if he is full of Druid trickery. 

This story is full of adventure, violence, deceit, and love.  It isn't overly mushy but it does successfully tie in a small love story to offset some of the darker moments.  As a whole this is a great book!  Anyone who loves the Story of King Arthur and Camelot should definitely take a peak at this one.  Its a story about his father Uther and his struggles with being the One True King of the Britons. 

spoiler
I like the tie in at the end to Shadowland. 
spoiler

I received this book for free from the Author to read and review. 

Blush Vox Box

So many things to try and review!!!

Ardell Natural Lashes - Make your eyes pop without any makeup!  I mean makeup helps but just adding these lovely lashes makes a huge difference.

Secret Clinical Strength Lavender - It smells great but its not really y thing.  I don't like feeling sticky and this makes me sticky.  Even HOURS after application, I feel sticky.  I'd much rather feel dry.

Pantene Expert Intense Hydration - Holy soft hair Batman!  My hair has NEVER been so gorgeous.  I have color treated hair and spend a lot of times outdoors.  While my hair is pretty because I take care of it this made it even better.  Its so soft and shiny, its honestly not looked this healthy in years.  And this is after I got stuck in the rain and it kind of frizzed out. 

Simple Skincare Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes - They feel a little rough on the skin but they do the job.  They get all the makeup off.  Mascara takes a little scrubbing but not much.

PerfectDetails.com - They have great products.  All kinds of unique things to use for a wedding!!!

Winter is Here...

Holy $hit Game of Thrones tried to kill me...REPEATEDLY in 70 min.

SPOILERS!!!!!!

Seriously...read on at your own risk. 

I can't tell you how many times I said "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas" last night.  That was by far one of the best season finales.  It wasn't a huge cliffy (thank god!) but there was so much info crammed in I thought my head was gonna 'splode.  *Hahaha*  So since coherent thought was lacking with all the reveals, I'll just give you my tumblr thoughts (and reblogs).  Sadly these make more sense than anything I could possibly type at the moment *my brain is mush*.  

Dude creepy murderous kids are just….can you say Children of the Corn... *shudder*

#got spoilers#got#game of thrones

1 note

God dammit, do not kill Margaery!!!!!!

#margaery tyrell#got spoilers#game of thrones

3 notes

 

She blew it up!!!!!! She fucking blew them all up 😳

#got spoilers#game of thrones spoilers#game of thrones#cersei lannister

 

reblogged aquabreeze

Maergery didn’t have to die tho

#shut up Zoe#game of thrones#game of thrones season 6 spoilers#got

16 notes

   

He just…he just jumped out the window….

#got spoilers#game of thrones spoilers#game of thrones

4 notes

 

reblogged  theliterarydachshund

What Sam is about to probably see is every booklr's dream.

Originally posted by lifes-joys

#game of thrones#game of thrones spoilers#gameofthrones

2 notes

reblogged nemesis729

Davos has a point. If the Lord allowed children to be killed, then he’s not someone you should follow.

#journal entries#nemesis watches game of thrones

3 notes

“Winter is here” seriously?!?!?

#game of thrones spoilers#game of thrones#got spoilers#got#starks

 

Okay that made me tear up a little

# hand of the Queen # got spoilers # got # game of thrones spoilers # game of thrones # tyrion lannister # daenerys targaryen

1 note

 

Yaaaaass!!! Badass Arya!!!!

#game of thrones spoilers#game of thrones#arya stark#got spoilers#got

2 notes

 

Ugh he creeps me out!!!!

# sansa stark # littlefinger# game of thrones spoilers# game of thrones# petyr baelish

1 note

 

Yaaaaaassss!!! We all knew it!!!! Not a bastard, just hidden…protected!!!

# jon snow # game of thrones spoilers # game of thrones # got spoilers # got # jon targaryen

4 notes

 

reblogged lyannathrace

lyanna: “promise me”
the fandom:

Originally posted by yourreactiongifs

# game of thrones spoilers # game of thrones # got spoilers # jon snow # jon targaryen # yaaaas

724 notes

 

reblogged theducksareevil

shout out to the 10 year old girl who yelled at all the old men i want to be you

#game of thrones#but holy shit that episode

83 notes 

 

reblogged jon-x-sansa-gives-me-life

Sansa. Babe. You’ve got to kill LF. You know you do. There’s no other answer.
Also, I’m still in fucking CHILLS from that reveal scene. Good god.
Omg. O.m.g.

#diawatchesgot#game of thrones

7 notes 

 

reblogged witchy-vibess

D&D: “R+L = J, guys!!! Bet you didn’t see that coming”?!
Literally every single GoT fan: 

#game of thrones #hbo game of thrones #hbo #game #thrones #r+l=j #l+r=j #jon snow #rhaegar targaryen #lyanna stark #rhaegar x lyanna #tower of joy #stark #house targaryen #targaryen #Ned Stark #Catelyn Stark #Robb Stark #Sansa Stark #bran stark #Arya Stark #rickon stark #daenerys targaryen #Kit Harington #Sophie Turner #house stark #the white wolf #dragon #wolf 

909 notes 

 

reblogged katebunnyface

Jaime is going to be the one to kill Cersei I’m calling it now

#lannisters#Lannister#got#game of thrones

4 notes 

 

reblogged robichaux-prefect

After 6 seasons, Daenerys is finally heading to Westeros.

#daenerys targaryen#game of thrones#got#liveblogging#westeros

10 notes

 

reblogged awkwardstandinglewiskennedy

As final scenes go, compared to last year I think Jon’s fortunes have considerably improved 

#Game Of Thrones #Jon Snow #Jon Stark #Jon Targaryen #Kit Harrington #the winds of winter 

9 notes 

 

reblogged theewestend

I'm running around my house screaming King of the north

Ajdhalsjhsjskdkdjdnds

#game of thrones#jon snow#jon stark

4 notes 

 

And there you have it.  My "thoughts" on last nights Season 6 Finale.  I have to wait a year?!?!?! And its a shortened season?!!??!  WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My husband was seriously looking at me like I lost my god dammed mind...I was geeking out hard core!!!

Death at a Fixer Upper - Sarah Hobart

This was a fun and sometimes silly murder mystery.  We have Sam Turner, real estate agent and awesome single mom with some old relationship issues.  And then we have everyone else.  She is the story teller so it is all about her.  But she isn't an "its all about me" kind of character.  She is actually all about others, sometimes to her detriment.  In the end that is what saves her, her caring and compassion that everyone thinks makes her weak is what makes her successful. 

I found this to be a quick and easy read (when I found time to actually read).  Sam is relatable.  I might not be a single mom but I could feel her struggle.  She may have been dealt a bad hand but she raised a wonderful son and seems to genuinely care about others.  Even though she should be cut throat to sell sell sell she just can't.  She can't in good conscience do something that she knows is wrong, especially if it could harm someone. 

It is a wonderful story about the insanity of selling a derelict home with many hidden secrets.  Of course when prospective buyers start dying, things go a little sideways for poor Sam.  She finds her self in absolutely insane situations, I mean who else gets locked in an office while trespassing and has to jump out of a window.  We are led to believe something supernatural is happening but that isn't really the case.  The evil in the world isn't of another dimension...it is 100% human.  Human(s) who will murder, threaten, harm, solely for their own benefit.   But Sam is smart, she does dumb things like run off Bernie, but she is smart.  She starts to figure it out.  Once that happens the book is really hard to put down. 

I received this book for free from Random House and Chatterbox for free to read and give my honest review. 

SPOILERS
I love that her kindness to the "bum" is what saves her.  All of her business prospects fall apart and then like a knight in shining armor her least prospective person turns out to be the only option.  He inherited money.  He is an old friend of the deceased owner.  He wants to buy this horribly decrepit property and make it his own.  Had she not befriended him by being a wonderful person, he may not have gone to her the way he did.  She was inspirational to so many.  Including but not limited to Max her son and Merritt who was scared to to the right thing for fear of being unjustly punished.  Her bug heart and goofy attitude makes this such a fun story. 

The ending seemed a tad rushed BUT I am assuming Merritt now has the money or at least a reward to help her and Lily get on their feet.  Curly gets his old friends property and will do right by it.  Max gets to sort of have a relationship with his estranged father.  And Sam gets Bernie, or Bernie gets Sam.  As much as she tried to push him away because of her flighty sister she still got the guy, along with the sale, her own home, and a seemingly happy ending.