Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Review: Ghost on Black Mountain by Ann Hite
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Title: Ghost on Black Mountain
Author: Anne Hite
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.annehite.com
*I won this book in a giveaway*
*I won this book in a giveaway*
GoodReads Summary:
ONCE A PERSON LEAVES THE MOUNTAIN, THEY NEVER COME BACK, NOT REALLY. THEY’RE LOST FOREVER.
Nellie Clay married Hobbs Pritchard without even noticing he was a spell conjured into a man, a walking, talking ghost story. But her mama knew. She saw it in her tea leaves: death. Folks told Nellie to get off the mountain while she could, to go back home before it was too late. Hobbs wasn’t nothing but trouble. He’d even killed a man. No telling what else. That mountain was haunted, and soon enough, Nellie would feel it too. One way or another, Hobbs would get what was coming to him. The ghosts would see to that. . . .
Told in the stunning voices of five women whose lives are inextricably bound when a murder takes place in rural Depression-era North Carolina, Ann Hite’s unforgettable debut spans generations and conjures the best of Southern folk-lore—mystery, spirits, hoodoo, and the incomparable beauty of the Appalachian landscape.
Review:
Ghost On Black Mountain was definitely one of the best books that I have read this year. I couldn't get enough of it and when I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be.
From the very beginning, the story draws you in and doesn't let go even long after you've turned the last page. I don't know what I expected this book to be, but it was a million times better. I felt for this book in a way only few books can manage. Anne Hite is an absolutely beautiful, brilliant, seductive writer and she bring the Appalachia's and Nellie's ghost story to life.
I felt like crying at the end of the book, but not because the book was sad. I felt like crying because I didn't want it to end. I will never, never forget this book. I will definitely be re-reading it in the future.
Rating: 5 Stars.
CODE WORD: GHOST
Friday, September 11, 2015
Review & Giveaway: Gaia by Karen Ann Hopkins
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Series: Wings of War #2
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook.
Website: www.karenannhopkins.com
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
GoodReads Summary:
Watchers and Angels are at war. Which side will Ember choose?Review:
Humankind is on the precipice of the apocalypse.
As the Demons grow bolder and the walls between the planes of existence weaken, Ember is forced to develop her powers as quickly as possible, and she seeks out a powerful earth Watcher to continue her supernatural lessons. Her glimpse of the future demands she fight the dark forces spreading across the earth.
But her new mentor has his own agenda, making her question everyone and everything she ever trusted.
When Ember is thrust into the world of the Watchers, she learns of their plans—ones that defy the scripture and make them enemies of the Celestial Host. Ridding the world of evil gets complicated when it becomes impossible to take sides.
As Ember struggles with morality, she soon discovers that there’s something more frightening than anything she’s faced before.
Gaia is the second book in the Wings of War series by Karen Ann Hopkins. The book takes off immediately where Embers, the first book, ended and I really liked that. These books are action packed and filled with content. By starting the book off exactly where the other stopped, it allows ou to continue the story without skipping a beat, especially if you're reading the books back to back like I did.
In Embers we discovered the world of watchers and demons but, in Gaia, we're thrown headfirst into the deep end of the watcher world with the introduction of Insepth, Ember's new mentor. Being surrounded by watchers seems the perfect place for Ember but we quickly learn that everyone has their own secrets and that not everyone is who they say - or think - they are.
Aside from Insepth, we meet a lot of new people in Gaia. A mansion full of watchers, angels, demons, growlers, humans. We even get to spend more time with Piper and learn the greater role that she plays in Embers life, something that I had been curious about since the beginning of book one.
This book was filled with a lot of heart and a lot of pain and an insane amount of action. Gaia is full of battle, power, games and struggle. Ember learns a lot more about herself in this book and finally discovers what she is fully capable of. She's being taught a ton of new things by her mentor but she's also forced into a lot more.
Where Embers was about a human girl entering a supernatural world, Gaia was about a powerful supernatural being leaving the world of humanity behind and embracing the things that make her powerful.
Gaia was a great book and I can't wait to see how all hell breaks loose in the next installment.
Character: Sawyer.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Giveaway
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Tour Schedule
Wednesday, September 2ndActin' Up with Books (Review)The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club (Guest Post)
Tuesday, September 15thDon't Fold the Page (Review)Jessie Marie Reads (Review/Guest Post)Sassy & Dangerous (Guest Post)
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Review: Lays Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger Flavored Potato Chips
*I purchased this item myself.
*Review was originally written when product was first released.
SCENT
I almost think these smell like the Lays Salt & Vinegar chips, which I like. So that's definitely not a bad thing.
TASTE
I've never actually tasted Wasabi, so I'm not really capable of comparing the two flavors. I will say that there is a very tangy, almost vinegar-y taste though.
I do know that wasabi is supposed to be spicy and these chips do have a little bit of a kick to them, some chips having more than others. The spice does go away pretty quickly and isn't so intense that you cannot eat them. As a person that doesn't care much for spicy foods, I can say that I would eat these again.
So far, out of all of the new flavors, these are my favorite. The only thing I didn't like about these chips is that they are kettle cooked. I'm not a fan of kettle cooked chips. I like my chips to be thinner and crispier.
Would I Repurchase? Maybe.
Would I Recommend? Yes.
Do you have a food you'd like me to review? Email me at darcusmurray@hotmail.com
No comments:
Categories:
do us a flavor,
food reviews,
junk food,
kettle cooked,
lays,
potato chips,
reviews,
wasabi ginger
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Review: Lays "Do Us A Flavor" Cappuccino Flavored Potato Chips
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| Photo Source: http://media2.popsugar-assets.com/files/2014/07/17/790/n/1922195/06708422fd52699f_lays-cappucino-1r4LFdB.xxxlarge/i/Cappuccino.jpg |
*I bought this item myself.
*NOTE: This review was written when the chips first came out. I just never got around to posting it.
SCENT
I think these chips smell very mocha-y. A lot of reviews I've seen comment that they smelled a lot of cinnamon but I didn't with my bag. It straight up smells like a mocha coffee drink.
TASTE
I expected these to be absolutely terrible. They were the ones that I wanted to try the least (except Mango Salsa, but we'll get to that later).
I actually don't find these too horrible, however. It's like a cappuccino-dipped potato chip. It's definitely not, in my opinion, disgusting. I do plan on finishing the bag but I honestly wouldn't go out in search of these to purchase again. I didn't hate them, but I didn't love them either.
Would I Repurchase? No.
Would I recommend? To eat on a regular basis? No. Just to try them out? Definitely. I'd love to see what others think, especially super crazy coffee lovers.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series:
Version Reviewed: ARC, Paperback
Website: www.laurenoliverbooks.com
GoodReads Summary:
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.I absolutely loved this book. It had been on my list for a while and I was ecstatic when Lauren Oliver sent me an ARC copy. It came in this amazing box that was decorated with the cover of the book. I couldn't wait for it to arrive and I hurried as fast as I could to dig into it. I was not disappointed.
That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
As my husband and I lay down in bed the other night, we both pulled out a book and began to read. About a page in, he turns to me and proceeds to whine like a little kid because he wanted to read Liesl & Po first. I could not make this up. Finally he read his book and I continued on with mine. A few chapters in, I got up to go the restroom. When I came back, he had his nose stuck in my book and wouldn't give it back! It took forever to get it back from him, but I eventually did. And I read it quickly.
Liesl & Po is unlike anything I've read in a while. It's brilliant, amazing, full of emotion, and at times, laughter. It felt like I was reading a fairy tale. Only a very well thought out, extremely beautifully written, fresh fairytale. I have to admit that this book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I mean, I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it was going to be this good. The inside if filled with beautiful, haunting words and equally as impressive illustrations. I loved everything about this book and it isdefinitely one that I will come back to in the future. On one hand I wish that this novel was the first in a series, but I believe if it were any more than just what it is, it would not be as amazing as it is.
My only regret is that this is the first Lauren Oliver book I have gotten my hands onto.
Favorite Character:
Rating: 5 Stars
*I won this book in a giveaway.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Review: Left To Die by Lisa Jackson
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Lisa Jackson
Series: To Die #1
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.lisajackson.com
GoodReads Summary:
Nothing's More Terrifying. . .
One by one, the victims are carefully captured, toyed with, then subjected to a slow and agonizing death. Piece by piece, his exquisite plan takes shape. The police can't yet see the beauty in his work--but soon, very soon, they will. . .
Than Being Left Alone. . .
In the lonely woods around Grizzly Point, Montana, four bodies have been discovered. Detectives Selena Alvarez and Regan Pescoli have been hoping for a career-making case, but this is a nightmare. Even with the FBI involved, Selena and Regan have nothing to go on but a killer's cryptic notes, and the unsettling knowledge that there is much worse to come. . .
To Die. . .
When Jillian Rivers opens her eyes, she's trapped in a mangled car. Then a stranger, claiming to be a trail guide named Zane McGregor, pries her free. Though she's grateful, something about him sets Jillian on edge. And if she knew what lay out there in the woods of Montana, she'd be truly terrified. Because someone is waiting... watching... poised to strike and make Jillian the next victim...I was a little leery about this book at first. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I do have to say that it starts off with a bang. There's no question to it. It lures you in and makes you want to find out who is doing all these horrible things.
There are numerous twists and turns and right when you think you have everything figured out, Lisa Jackson throws you for a loop and switches everything up until you're left clueless and wondering once again.
This book is so suspenseful and carefully planned out that you can't help but to continue.
It's a crazy ride I really want to get into the second book just so that I can figure out what happens after that insane cliff hanger that you're left with in the end.
Favorite Character:
Rating: 4 Stars.
*This book was borrowed from a friend.
Review: Just A Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author Phil Torcivia
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.torcivia.com
GoodReads Summary:
Is it true that nice guys finish last? It sure seems that way as a divorced man fights his way through a comedic dating scene. Will he ever find his soul mate? Phil has been called the male version of Carrie Bradshaw. Enjoy his humorous essays about relationships and the struggles we all have finding and keeping lovers. Women appreciate his open view into the minds of men. Artist Mike Swaim adds to the hilarity with his brilliant sketches, giving another dimension to Phil's quest for love.I have to say that this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more from Phil Torcivia. Not my normal kind of read, but it was hilarious and I enjoyed it immensly. And it was a quick read (or maybe I read fast?). Either way, I loved Just A Nice Guy.
This book is basically an insiders look on the dating scene, the hilarity of men and women looking for that one person that they want to spend their lives (or more realistically, their beds) with. We get a look at what really goes on inside a man's brain, and occasionally the woman's. Nothing held back.
This book is definitely not for younger readers. It is intended (and should be kept) as an adult read. It touches on everything from pets, "toys", sex, alcohol, what to do, what not to do, and everything in between, plus more. There's humor on practically every page, and the illustrations are graphic, amusing, and very well done.
This is definitely a book I will pull off my bookshelf and read again in the future. And my husband has already claimed rights on reading it next.
Phil Torcivia is an honest, raw, humorous author. And he does his job very well.
Memorable Quote:
"If you're going to poke fun at somebody, make sure you can defend or at least laugh at yourself."Rating: 4 Stars.
*I won this book through GoodRead First Reads.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Review: Invisible by Jeff Erno
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Jeff Erno
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, eBook
Website: www.jefferno.com
GoodReads Summary:
Chase Devereaux is a fifteen year old boy under a great deal of stress. He has to give a speech today for his Oral Communications class, and he's terrified of public speaking. Worse yet, he's being bullied by one of the most popular kids at school. He just has to make it through his third-hour gym class and then give his speech, and everything will be all right. The events about to transpire, however, may make this what proves to be the worst day of his life.I have to admit that this piece of work got an emotional response from me. The things that Chase deals with on a daily basis are horrible. Sometimes, being out of school, I forget how badly bullying really is. When I read something like this, it takes me back to when I was Chase's age. I was depressed, wore heavy makeup, I scraped at my arms with safety pins and hid the wounds beneath wrist bands. I was suicidal and felt like no one, with the exception of my best friend at the time, wanted me in existence. Now looking back on that, it's hard for me to imagine those moments. But a work like this reminds me how I once felt and how other teenagers feel everyday.
With all that said, it was a good story. The only problem I had with it was the way it was written. It was written in a way that I am not a fan of. But as a reader, I can get over that. I can ignore it and read between the words.
Favorite Character:
Rating: 3 Stars.
*This book was free on GoodReads.
Review: Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Series: Midnight Fire Series #1
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook
Website: www.kaitlyndavisbooks.blogspot.com
GoodReads Summary:
"With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death."
When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they're keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan's lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.I immediately accepted this book when I received a request to review it - or as quick as the schedule would allow. It sounded like a good book and I was excited to read it.
In the beginning, I'll be honest, I compared it to Twilight quite a bit. It had a few twists, but it still had the same basic beginning. As the story continued I got more into it and the story got a little more complex and interesting. It was really well written and I enjoyed the characters and the ideas that the author had come up with.
The only problem I had was that I became a little bored by about the last twenty pages. I did enjoy it as a whole, however.
Favorite Character: Luke.
Rating: 3 Stars.
*This book was provided for free by the author for review.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush #1
Version Reviewed: ARC, Paperback.
Website: www.beccafitzpatrick.com
GoodReads Summary:
A SACRED OATHI absolutely freaking love this book and recommend it to everyone! I love, love, loved it!
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE
Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.
I loved the character of Nora. As the heroin of the novel, she had a lot of fight in her and I really enjoyed that. She didn't take people's crap and she fought back and did her best to protect herself. I loved her.
And Patch. Oh jeesh, Patch. If I had to describe him using only one word, that word would be 'Yum'. He was dark, mysterious, dangerous, wild, and sexy. He was everything I'd want my fallen angel to be.
The book was filled with a lot of mystery, romance, and action. This may possibly be my new favorite series.
Memorable Quotes:
"What good is a body if I can't have you?"Favorite Character: Patch.
Rating: 5 Stars.
*This book was gifted to me through RAK.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Review: Getting The Mercury Out by Aine Ni Cheallaigh
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Aine Ni Cheallaigh
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.mercurystories.com
GoodReads Summary:
At the age of 30, Aine Ni Cheallaigh began to develop mysterious symptoms. Her health was eroding and she felt that she was aging faster than everyone around her. Suspecting that toxins were to blame, she had her mercury fillings removed. But restoring her health wasn't going to be that simple. Over the following months, she found herself catapulted into a nightmare of mental and physical illness. Getting the Mercury Out follows this ordinary woman's quest to solve her health mystery. Can she cure a disease that the medical establishment won't even admit is real? Can she find a treatment that will restore her to health and sanity? Sometimes funny, often heart-wrenching, this book is a deeply engaging story of personal struggle and endurance. It's an eye-opener for those who are curious about mercury poisoning, and an absolute must-read for anyone grappling with the desperate search for healing.I love the cover of this book! It's one of those that catches your eye even though it's very minimalistic just because of how pretty it is.
I normally don't read memoirs, but for some reason this one caught my attention when I was entering giveaways on GoodReads. I was very interested in this story and how it would unfold. And let me say, it held my attention. It's so hard to believe that this woman (the author) went through all of the stuff in the book. Some of the situations and health problems that are described sometimes make you feel like you're reading a work of fiction. But oh, no. What you're reading is real life. The problems that she went through really scare you and make you feel for her on a personal level. I could never imagine going through all of that!
I actually enjoyed this book and it gave me some insight into the world of mercury poisoning, something that I honestly did not know existed before I stumbled upon Getting The Mercury Out.
This book is a definite must read for anyone suffering from, think they may have, or just want to find out more about mercury poisoning. And just like the author, maybe you don't know you have it until you hear about someone else's case.
Rating: 3 Stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Review: Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Title: Geek Girl
Author: Cindy C. Bennett
Series:
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook
Website: www.cindycbennett.com
GoodReads Summary:
"Think I can turn that boy bad?" 17-year-old Jen turns her life upside down when, out of boredom, she makes a bet that she can turn school geek Trevor into someone like her. Instead, the goth girl finds herself sucked into his world of sci-fi movies, charity work, and even -ugh!- bowling. To truly belong with him -and with her new foster family- she must first come to terms with her violent past.
I absolutely loved this book. A friend of mine recommended it a while back, but I had never heard of it. I looked into it and thought it sounded interesting. I decided to give it a try. I was super excited when I saw that Cedar Fort was holding a tour for it. I immediately signed us up. I didn't jump right into the book but waited until it was closer to our tour stop. I regret this decision. I should have read Geek Girl as soon as I received it for review.
I applaud Cindy C. Bennett for writing a very realistic book. I found the characters very believable and it made me feel like I was in high school again.
One thing that drew me to the book and made it easier for us to slip into it so smoothly is the fact that both of us grew up in less than ideal environments with a less than ideal sense of family. The two of us had it hard and even though Jen's character in the book definitely had a worse childhood than me, it drew me in and made me enjoy the book and relate to what she was going through. This book was a great read and I recommend it to anyone that has yet to read it and enjoys contemporary YA.
"Mrs Brady/Cleaver herself answers the door,freshly rolled out of an old sitcom. She has pants on instead of a dress, true, but she is weraing an apron, her hair and makeup perfectly in place, subdued, a string of pearls at her throat completing the picture-perfect image. She can't quite hide the flash of shock and disgust on her face when she see's the thing that's standing on her porch, but she recovers quickly."
"There, now we can have our own dance, with no one to bother us or judge us."
Favorite Character:
Rating: 5 Stars.
*This book was provided for free by the publishers for review.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Review: Celebration House by Annette Drake
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| Cover Source: GoodReads.com |
Author: Annette Drake
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, eBook
Website: www.annettedrake.com
GoodReads Summary:
Carrie Hansen spent her life caring for cardiac patients. Little did she know she would become a patient herself. After recovering from her own heart surgery, she realizes she has a special gift: the ability to see and talk with the dead.When I received the request to review this book, I'll admit that I wasn't too sure about it. After reading the synopsis for it, I decided to give it a chance.
Now, with her new heart failing, she leaves the bustle of Seattle behind and returns to Lexington, Missouri, the small town where she spent her childhood. Here, she sets out to restore an abandoned antebellum mansion and open it as a venue for celebrations.
Carrie’s work is cut out for her. The 150-year-old Greek revival house is in need of serious repair. Her sister, Melanie, bullies Carrie into returning to Seattle, predicting “her little project” is doomed to fail. Finally, Carrie’s health gives out on her, requiring emergency surgery.
But she will not give up. Carrie’s unique gift allows her to build relationships with the mansion’s original occupants, especially Major Tom Stewart, the handsome Civil War soldier who died a hundred years before Carrie was born. He encourages and comforts her, though not in the physical way they both desire.
Then there’s the builder of the house, Colonel Bartholomew Stratton. If there’s one thing this 19th century horse trader cannot abide, it’s the living trespassing on his estate. He delights in scaring these intruders away, even if they are paying guests.
Will Carrie finish restoring Celebration House or will it finish her? And how can she plan a future with a man who only has a past?
Once I started reading Celebration House, I fell into it easily. This book is very easy to get into and the characters are well defined and likable. They each have a separate personality that is really believable and works for the book.
I have to admit that though it's really well written, it seemed to fall a little flat at times. There didn't seem to be any big arc or defining moment in the story line.
Also, I know the story isn't centered around it, but I think the relationship between Tom and Carrie could have been emphasized a little more.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and loved the characters.
Characters: Carrie & Violet.
Rating: 3 Stars.
*This book was provided for free by the author for review.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Swatch & Review: Julep Robin (2187)
I received this nail polish in my April Maven Box from Julep. It was actually my very first Maven box and the first time I had ever tried a product from this brand.
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| With flash. |
Two Coats: Julep Robin.
One Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.
Robin is a very pretty blue, that I think looks great for spring. It applies easily and has a smooth creme finish. A really pretty, fun color. It dries really fast, isn't too streaky when applied and was completely opaque in two coats. I loved it.
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| Without flash. |
I really liked this color and have already worn it about three times since I received it in my mailbox. I can't wait to try more Julep colors in the future.
Available on the Julep site for $14.00 ($11.20 for Mavens).
*All opinions are 100% my own. I received no compensation for this review.
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