lauren conrad style.

You've seen Lauren Conrad on TV and red carpets, looking fabulous whether she's going casual for a day with friends or dressed for a night out. Now Lauren reveals how you can adapt her classic, understated style for yourself.

In her first-ever style guide, Lauren offers tips on how to create your own unique look, shares her favorite sources of inspiration, and identifies the absolute must-haves for any fashionista's wardrobe. Along the way, she examines her fashion evolution, from California-casual teen to camera-ready style icon and clothing designer.

From beauty advice and hair secrets to how to shop vintage or find the perfect T-shirt, Lauren Conrad Style unlocks the mysteries of being effortlessly chic. With Lauren's guidance, you'll look and feel stylish every day.
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As someone who has never been a fan of Laguna Beach or The Hills (I've seen maybe 3 episodes total), I've still been able to appreciate Lauren Conrad's sense of style. I think she almost always looks fantastic from head to toe. Gorgeous hair, great makeup, and amazingly fantabulous clothes. Conrad's style book takes you through the basic pieces you should have in your wardrobe, how to mix and match prints, and how to select the perfect style of jeans. Additionally, she suggests shopping methods, including how to choose and alter vintage pieces. Not only about fashion, Conrad also has chapters on make-up and hair. Filled with photos to help the budding fashionista, Lauren Conrad Style is an absolute must read for any fan of her looks or someone starting out on their own style journey.

Purchase at Amazon. (I bought one for me and gifted a copy to a friend.)

a lot like love.

Jordan Rhodes is invited to all of Chicago's best parties, but there's only one the FBI wants to crash. To get her brother out of jail, she agrees to take Agent McCall as her date. But when the mission gets botched, requiring their "relationship" to continue, it starts to feel less like an investigation-and a lot like something else.

I feel like this hardly ever happens anymore. A new author (to me) with a book that I really, truly enjoyed from beginning to end. SCORE!

My first Julie James story can only be described as a delightful, humorous surprise. At a time when most authors are writing romantic suspense that surrounds around a deep dark plot, James pens a novel about two people falling in love who just so happen to be involved in a federal case. Having the majority of the book’s focus on the contemporary romance instead of the case was a refreshing change. I loved the playful language she used for her characters. There were quite a few times where I found myself laughing at loud at the risque wine talk. Jordan and Nick were great characters that I know I would like if they really existed. This one was a joy to read and I cannot believe Julie James managed to slip under my radar. If they previous novels are anything like this, then I am in for a treat.

hidden away.

Most people would take an all-expense=paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who's in hiding after witnessing a murder committed by her half brother-a personal enemy of KGI. But Garrett hadn't planned on falling for Sarah. When he glimpses her dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe-even as she disappears, running for her life.

This is the third book in Maya Banks' series about the Kelly brothers. Each book shows improvement in Banks' writing and storytelling in the world of romantic suspense. Do I think this one was better than No Place to Run? Eh, no. But, maybe just behind it.

I love Garrett and Sarah wasn't a bad match for him. Again, Garrett's mission and the danger to the heroine are ever present here, as the suspense is attached to their relationship. All the Kelly brothers are present and accounted for, as well as some of the other KGI employees. I believe Ms. Banks has even hinted at the first non-Kelly story to come, between Cole and P.J. Apparently, I was wrong. I just read that the author has said they won't be each other's love interest, which begs the question, WHY did you do that?! I should've written this before I found that tidbit of information. (Aside: I don't like when authors mislead me about future pairings. Luckily, I found out about this early enough that I hadn't really given it time to take root in my mind.) I'm guessing, then, that she'll put P.J. with Rio.

Anyway. Rusty is here, yet again, given more time than in No Place to Run, but less than The Darkest Hour. She has a traumatic event in Hidden Away and I was sympathetic to her. But, I still don't like the character. And I still want her to disappear.

If you haven't already gotten into this series, I'd suggest you do so. :c)

eagerly anticipating - april 2011.

How surprised are you that I've been able to keep up with my three review minimum for each month? I know it's only four months into the year, but HOT DANG! I'm doing it! I'm pretty proud of myself for keeping up with this so please hold while I toot my own horn.... [toot!][toot!]

That's not what this post is about. I would like to be able to include a non-review post here every now and again. What better way to do it than to let you know what books I'm waiting for? A quick note: Just because a book is on this list doesn't mean I'm going to rush out and buy it on release day. That never happens. (I can count on one head how many books I've pre-ordered. And one of those was that last Wimpy Kid book for my nephew - the price was unbeatable. )

Right. So, enough of the chatter. Here goes What Cee's Waiting For. Enjoy.

1. Ghost Story (Dresden Files, #13) by Jim Butcher - July 2011
   
2. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (Highland Pleasures #3) by Jennifer Ashley - August 2011
   
3. In the Air Tonight (Shadow Forces #3) by Stephanie Tyler - July 2011
   
4. Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor #2) by Lisa Kleypas - January 2012
   
5. Sweet Justice (Last Chance Rescue #7) by Christy Reece - August 2011
   
6. Sweet Revenge (Last Chance Rescue #8) by Christy Reece - September 2011
   
7. Face of Danger (Guardian Angelinos #3) by Roxanne St. Claire - April 2011
8. Just Like Heaven (The Smythe-Smiths) by Julia Quinn - May 2011
9. It Looked Different on the Model by Laurie Notaro - May 2011
10. Savor the Danger (Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor #3) by Lori Foster - June 2011
    
11. With No Remorse (Black Ops, Inc #?) by Cindy Gerard - July 2011
12. Good Girls Don't (Donovans #1) by Victoria Dahl - August 2011
13. Bad Boys Do (Donovans #2) by Victoria Dahl - October 2011
14. Real Men Will (Donovans #3) by Victoria Dahl - November 2011
15. Heat Rises (Nikki Heat #3) by Richard Castle - September 2011
    

Because I never keep up with release dates, this took a bit of effort on my part. Glad I did! I forgot the Dahl trilogy comes out this fall. And, yes, I know I read a lot of series. What can I say? It's convenient.