Angela S. Stone

Living a Dream, One Word At a Time

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Review-Jem Cosmetics-Vegan!

August 21, 2016 by Angela

Hi everyone,

 

In an effort to keep my blog a hopping I’ve taken on a few projects including reviewing products! Local company Jem Cosemtics (Visit them HERE) specakizes in all natural, gluten free, vegan products!

Jem gave me four products to try:

Check out my Instagram post here

 

1-Rose(Mary) bath fizzer

2-Ruby Lip cream

3-Yellow sapphire cream highlighter

4-Lavender Bubble bar!2016-08-21 17.20.38

Here I am wearing the Ruby Lip cream and the Yellow sapphire highlighter!

What I dislike about the products:

I had little sample baggies of both products, while I understand that many indy make up production companies send samples this way it always make it harder to use.

What I like about the products:

I LOVE the richness of the colours. They are so bright an vibrant the the lip cream lasts much longer than your average lipstick.

Also the lip cream actually tastes good! I have a drawer full of lipsticks that have been worn once and discarded because they taste horrible. This one has minimal taste and it’s somewhat fruity, but not bitter! Which is a huge bonus.

I like how much thicker the cream highlighter is than others. While I don’t typically use cream based highlighters I like how it coats much more evenly.

Final word:

If you’re local to Ottawa(Support local), if you like vegan products or if you just want a longer lasting lipstick and highlighter these are for you!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Blog, instagram, new post, product review, review, vegan

Goddess Fish Tour-Rite of Summer by Tess Bowery-Guest Blog-Review & Giveaway!!

May 19, 2015 by Angela

VBT_TourBanner_RiteOfSummer

 

Talk about your favourite scene or moment from the book, what makes it so special to you?

There are a couple of ‘favorite moments’ that I’m not going to talk about, because they happen closer to the end of the book and might give too much away. That being said, there’s a particular moment that I’m terribly fond of, coming up on the one-quarter mark or so.
My heroes, Joshua and Stephen, have only known each other for a couple of days, and in that time, Joshua’s already managed to walk in on – and then get busted watching – Stephen and his current lover in flagrante delicto. So at this point, Joshua is well aware that Stephen has carnal interest in men, and Stephen is mostly certain that Joshua does as well; what Joshua doesn’t know yet is that Stephen’s relationship is an open one, and they often bring in third parties. And of course, while there’s a potent physical attraction between them, the guys don’t yet know anything about each other as people.
Stephen comes upon Joshua while Joshua – an artist – is sketching by the riverbank. Joshua’s convinced that Stephen’s going to give him hell for walking in on Stephen and Evander in the conservatory, but Stephen just sits down and makes small talk for a while.
It’s a simple scene, not a lot happens in it action-wise. In my original outline, it gets summed up as ‘Joshua and Stephen chat by the river.’ But there’s a certain mix of both tranquility and uncertainty running through their conversation that really appeals to me – that delicious stage of ‘does he like me? How will I know? Does he know that I like him, too?’ – that’s at the core of that all-encompassing new-crush energy we all love.
It also gave me a great chance to start peeling back the layers of these characters, to have them – along with the readers – learn a little bit about each other beyond their initial ‘hot daaaaamn, son’ reactions.
That emotional connection is so vital to the core of any good romance. We have to be able to see the heroes as people who are truly suited for each other, who will be able to forge something that will last long into middle and old age. I always need my love interests to be friends at some level; either before their sexual relationship begins, or something that develops alongside the sexual, so that you can picture their romance as only the beginning of something that will stay satisfying for both of them, forever.
And I’ve just outed myself as a ridiculous romantic now, I suppose. I’m in this business because I dream of happy endings, though, and for me it’s connection and belonging – the sense that another human being knows everything about you and loves you regardless – that drives the most brilliant love stories.
—
If I can, I’d like to take the chance here to divert slightly. While the book blog tour has a series of dated stops, the posts and interviews haven’t all been done at the same time. This is the last one I received, and I slacked off so long on finishing it, that good news has happened in the mean time – which means that you get the exclusive reveal! I’ve officially signed the contract with Samhain for the second book in Treading the Boards.
The book is titled She Whom I Love, and is the story of Sophie, a secondary character you’ll meet in Rite of Summer – a woman very important in Joshua’s life. She has her own romance(s) brewing, and a love triangle with a rather different sort of resolution. That book will be out in December, so please keep an eye on my webpage, tumblr and/or twitter accounts for news.

Blurb

BookCover_RiteOfSummerThere are terrors worse than stage fright. Like falling in love.

Violinist Stephen Ashbrook is passionate about three things—his music, the excitement of life in London, and his lover, Evander Cade. It’s too bad that Evander only loves himself. A house party at their patron’s beautiful country estate seems like a chance for Stephen to remember who he is, when he’s not trying to live up to someone else’s harsh expectations.

Joshua Beaufort, a painter whose works are very much in demand among the right sort of people, has no expectations about this party at all. Until, that is, he finds out who else is on the guest list. Joshua swore off love long ago, but has been infatuated with Stephen since seeing his brilliant performance at Vauxhall. Now he has the chance to meet the object of his lust face to face—and more.

But changing an open relationship to a triad is a lot more complicated than it seems, and while Evander’s trying to climb the social ladder, Stephen’s trying to climb Joshua. When the dust settles, only two will remain standing…

Excerpt

Joshua lowered himself into the armchair in his room, and loosened his cravat with a peevish snap.

“That bad, was it?” Sophie asked from the chair opposite, her legs curled under her. She closed the book in her hands, tucking it into her lap. It said something that he wasn’t the least bit surprised by her presence, though by all rights he should have been appropriately scandalized. He could always tell her to leave, as though that would do any good. The girl was like a cat; she went where she pleased and did what she liked, and woe betide anyone but her employer who tried to force her otherwise.

“I had no idea,” Joshua said, checking first to be sure the door was most securely closed, “that her ladyship had such strong opinions about the idea of gas lighting.”

“Ooh, yes, did she get on about that again?” Sophie replied with a pleased grin. “’Those gas lines will be a blight on the city,’” she imitated bitingly. “’They’re an invitation to treachery and a first stage toward a new Gunpowder Plot,’ to hear her go on. And did you know,” she asked rhetorically, the light of mischief in her eyes, “that they’re sinful as well? Apparently Our Lord and Savior would prefer candlelight.”

“Lord save us from the march of progress,” Joshua sighed, and rubbed his forehead. Exhaustion nipped around the edges of his eyes, his shoulders aching. “You were quite right, by the way.” He glanced up at Sophie, not too tired to add to her amusement. “Lady Chalcroft’s got her eye set on Coventry for her eldest. The two of them would set on her rivals like a pair of wild dogs if they thought it would get her a hand-span closer to a coronet.”

Review:

I have a confession to make. While I love historical fiction (And GBTL historicals? *FLAIL*), I dislike ones written in the regency style as thus book is. Despite my disappointment I found myself thoroughly enjoying the novel! Hot sex, and a fantastic, and interesting story line kept in interest right to the very end. I won’t spoil you, (because really!! You NEED to know who Stephen chooses in the end) I will say the ending was not what I expected-in a good way. It took me a little while to get into the novel, it’s an excellent début novel from a fantastic new author and I look forward to reading anything she puts forth in the future.

 

If you like GBTL Historicals  in the Regency style hands down this book is for you!

4/5 Stars

About the Author:


Tess has been a fan of historical fiction since learning the Greek and Roman myths at her mother’s knee. Now let loose on a computer, she’s spinning her own tales of romance and passion in a slightly more modern setting. Her work in the performing arts has led to a passion for the theatre and dance in all its forms, and been the inspiration for her current books. Tess lives on the east coast, with her partner of fifteen years and two cats who should have been named ‘Writer’s Block’ and ‘Get Off the Keyboard, Dammit.’

Tess can be found reblogging over on tessbowery.tumblr.com, twittering at @TessBowery, and talking about writing in general and her books specifically over at www.tessbowery.com.

 

Available June 2nd launch invite

Rite of Summer on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23766005-rite-of-summer

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rite-Summer-Treading-Boards-Bowery-ebook/dp/B00VNK4P0W/

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rite-of-summer-tess-bowery/1121694932

Publisher: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5451/rite-of-summer

$20 Amazon or B&N Giftcar give away!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 4/5 stars, Blog, Blog hop, giveaway, goddess fish tours, prize, review

Review: Love Means… Endurance by Andrew Grey (Farm series)

February 12, 2015 by Angela

LoveMeansEnduranceFS Blurb:

Together for over ten years, Geoff and Eli built a fulfilling life. Their love and support helped raise their adopted son. Their hard work and dedication grew their farm from raising cattle and boarding horses to expanding into therapy riding sessions. Surrounded by a loving circle of friends, Geoff and Eli couldn’t ask for more. Until driven Eli loses his energy, and the doctor gives them the dire diagnosis of cancer.

Caught up in never-ending doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and treatments, their world turns upside down. With so many people dependant on them, they must pull together to put on a brave face, continue living as best they can, and care for their family. Geoff fears Eli, the love of his life, while a fighter, may not endure this battle, but neither is willing to consider succumbing as an option.

Review:

I still remember the first time I met Geoff and Eli, I fell in love with the kind and gentle men. They both had such purpose in life, and such sadness, despite that they made a home and a family out of the people they meet. This is the 10th full length novel in the series.

Let me start off with saying that Andrew Grey with a method writer, it’s not a bad thing, but it makes his books familiar and predictable Boy meets boy, boy falls in love with boy, boy almost loses boy, Boys get back together and live happily ever after.

Or do they?

Geoff and Eli have been together for 10 years when Eli gets sick. This is a roller coaster of a book following Eli’s treatments, his triumphs and his near death experiences. As a reader I love this book as a person with a medical degree I have to set a lot aside for this book to be believable. I found myself screaming at the pages offering different suggestions different treatments getting angry at the pages of incorrect or not well written medical information (This is why I can’t write medical drama I find myself over writing it). That being said the story is wonderful. It’s about two people against a cruel world and the love they’ve created to get them through.

Andrew Grey gives us another heart wrenching, tear jerking reminder to hug your loved ones and never let go.

4/5 Stars

Buy Links:

Direct from Publisher

Amazon

ARe

About the author:

Andrew-Grey-198x300Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Visit Andrew’s web site at: www.andrewgreybooks.com

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 4/5 stars, andrew grey, farm series, review

Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour- Giving it Up, By Amber Lin

July 19, 2012 by Angela


BLURB:

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

Excerpt: (Warning! R rating)

We stripped at the same time, both eager. I wanted to see his body, to witness what he offered me, but it was dark in the room. Then he kissed me back onto the bed, and there was no more time to wonder. The cheap bedspread was rough and cool against my skin. His hands stroked over my breasts and then played gently with my nipples.

My body responded, turning liquid, but something was wrong.

I’d had this problem before. Not everyone wanted to play rough, but I was surprised that I’d misread him. His muscles were hard, the pads of his fingers were calloused. I didn’t know how he could touch me so softly. Everything about him screamed that he could hurt me, so why didn’t he?

I wanted him to have his nasty way with me, but every sweet caress destroyed the illusion. My fantasy was to let him do whatever he wanted with me, but not this.

“Harder,” I said. “I need it harder.”

Instead his hands gentled. The one that had been holding my breast traced the curve around and under.

I groaned in frustration. “What’s wrong?”

He reached down, still breathing heavily, and pressed a finger lightly to my cunt, then stroked upward through the moisture. I gasped, rocking my hips to follow his finger.

“You like this,” he said.

Yes, I liked it. I was undeniably aroused but too aware. I needed the emptiness of being taken. “I like it better rough.”

Colin frowned. My eyes widened at the ferocity of his expression.

In one smooth motion he flipped me onto my stomach. I lost my breath from the surprise and impact. His left hand slid under my body between my legs and cupped me. His right hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. His erection throbbed beside my ass in promise. I wanted to beg him to fuck me, but all I could do was gasp. He didn’t need to be told, though, and ground against me, using my hair as a handle.

That small pain on my scalp was perfection, sharp and sweet. Numbness spread through me, as did relief.

The pain dimmed. My arousal did too, but that was okay. I was only vaguely aware of him continuing to work my body from behind.

I went somewhere else in my mind. I’d stay that way all night.

At least that’s what usually happened.

Review:

I have to tell you. I started reading this book and I immediately hated it.  I didn’t like the prose, the plot was loose at best, and I honestly wanted to toss it in the “done” pile.  I took a few days break and went back to it. If I hadn’t promised a review I wouldn’t have kept reading, but I am so glad I did.

The first chapter is slow, by the second chapter Amber starts to pick up steam and when the third chapter rolls around I was completely and utterly hooked.

Allie is such a complex character, I feel like after an entire book, we still haven’t scratched the surface to her true self. There is so much more to this book than the blurb. This book isn’t about sex, it’s about trust. Allie wants someone to hurt her because she doesn’t trust them. When Colin doesn’t hurt her, she’s forced with the truth of what she really wants.

As Allie gets deeper and deeper involved with Colin and his not-so-perfect life, she finds herself alone and unsure of who to trust. She’s got to rely on herself and her own gut instinct to get her out of an impossible situation.

Amber Lin creates a world that sucks you in and gets you to stand up an pay attention. It’s not the perfect fairy tale we’ve come to expect from most books, but it’s raw and it’s real and once I got over the first few chapters, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

4/5 Stars.

Prizes:

  • One randomly drawn winner from each blog will receive a Giving It Up Swag Pack, which includes romance trading cards, a signed cover flat, a signature soap bar for showers together handcrafted by AnaBanana Creations and a $10 Amazon gift card.
  • One randomly drawn commenter on the tour will win an erotic romance prize pack, including paperback copies of Bared to You by Sylvia Day, Simply Carnal by Kate Pearce, Lessons in Letting Go by Cara McKenna (print combo of Willing Victim and Curio), Comfort Object by Annabel Joseph, a collection of signed Giving It Up swag AND a $50 Amazon Gift Card (BN.com or All Romance may be substituted)

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amber Lin loves to read angsty romance with plenty of sex, so it was no surprise that her debut book turned out to be erotic romance set against a dark urban landscape. She writes with one rule in mind: it has to get worse before it can get better. She lives with her husband, son and passel of puppy dogs in the great state of Texas.

Website: http://authoramberlin.com/

 

 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authoramberlin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827158.Amber_Lin

Book Video link: http://youtu.be/5NQ7NTuzFFI

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: review

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