The Seven Days of Secret Diamond Sisters Day 6 - Sisters!

In just 2 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Las Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 6 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking family; specifically my sister and what I love best about her!  Sisterly love is at the very core of this book, with three Diamond sisters of different ages coming together through this new experience.  What I loved about how Michelle wrote Peyton, Courtney, and Savannah, is the fact that I can envision them in real life as flesh and blood sisters.  They squabble and bicker, but at the end of the day they have each other's backs.  That, besides anything else, is what made me love this book so much.

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

The character of Jackson wasn’t in the original draft — he was written in during the editing phase!

The Sisters!!

Me and my older sister

My sister Melissa is 4 1/2 years older than me, so that made growing up a challenge for her, as I was always the annoying baby always running after her, bothering her and her friends.  I was just a little brat, but I wanted my big sister's attention because to me she was everything.  And even though I annoyed her like crazy, she was always there to protect me.

Now that we're both older, we have become best friends.  She's the one I turn to, and vice versa.  I don't know what I'd do without her and I'm so blessed to have her in my life.  She is the person who can infuriate me the most, and comfort me the best.  She and I have complimentary personalities and strengths, so together we make a great team.  People who don't have this kind of relationship with their siblings are missing out because there's nothing like having a best friend for a sister.

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 5 - Las Vegas!!

In just 3 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Las Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 5 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking Las Vegas, specifically what would I do if I just woke up there!  Now I've never been to Vegas, but I've always had a fascination, especially after watching the Ocean's 11 movies.  So with my interest peaked, after reading SDS I want to go even more!  The picture of Vegas Michelle paints makes it sound like this fantasy world, and that is definitely enticing.

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Diamond Hotel and Residences are based off of Michelle's favorite hotels in Vegas: The Wynn and the Encore.

The City!!

Just from the sign alone you know that you're in store for a show when you roll into Vegas.  Like the Diamond sisters before Dear Old Dad took over, I have never been to Las Vegas.  But as a vacation spot it has gotten so big that I needed to do more research.  And just like the Diamond Sisters, I'll probably be overwhelmed the first time I ever visit the city.  BUT I am nothing but prepared, and because I like to be prepared I searched for the top ten things to do in Las Vegas.  Here are the results.

First things first, I'm heading to the Bellagio to witness the awesome water fountain!  Whenever I see it in movies it looks beautiful, and I'm a sucker for water set to music.

Next up, I'm heading to one of Michelle's favorite hotels, The Wynn, for their delicious buffet.  There are 15 live-action cooking stations and food from all over the world.  Uh, I am there for sure!!

Then it's back to close out the night with some hard partying at the Bellagio's The Bank.  I'd have to hit it on Thursday in order to take part in Glitz & Glamour Champagne Thursdays where ladies get complimentary entry and open champagne bar until 1:00am.  YES please!

But I'll wind the whole trip down with a visit to The Venetian's Canyon Ranch SpaClub for some luxury relaxation.  I'll need it after partying at the clubs.

And then I shall board my plane and start my normal life again.  Because after all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 4 - Characters!

In just 4 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on all the posts!

To kick off Day 4 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking favorite sister!  It is awfully hard to pick between the Diamond sisters because all three are such fun and real characters.  But I did make the choice, and I'm very happy with it!

Don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book, as well as check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways.  Keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK:

Michelle has one brother and no sisters, so she got a lot of help from her best friends who have sisters to make the Diamond sisters’ relationships authentic!

The CHARACTER!!

Drumroll please.............It's Courtney!!  Woooooh!  Yes my FAVORITE Diamond sister has to be, hands-down, no contest, Courtney!  She is by far the most relatable character for me.  She is studious and serious and would do anything for her sisters.  Those are all qualities I admire immensely.   The biggest thing I think we have in common (and one of the biggest reasons I like her so much) is her love of reading!  Reading is the best, so whenever a character is really into it I become extremely happy.

I do wish that she took a page out of Peyton's book and became a little more outspoken and assertive. While she doesn't do things just to be popular (unlike Savannah), Courtney thinks things through before she acts.  BUT she does do things she thinks will make other people happy, which is almost ad worse.  If she had a little bit of Peyton's attitude, I think she would be much happier.

So Michelle did this awesome post about The Secret Diamond Sisters, which is awesome and really gives you a sense of how the girls look.  And has I'm all about Courtney, I wanted to share the actress Michelle picked for her: Alexandria Deberry; you may recognize her from the Disney show A.N.T. Farm.  I love this pick because she is so fresh faced, and her wavy blonde hair is Courtney's to a T.  Good choice for sure!

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 3 - Makeup!

In just 5 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you! I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read.  First, don't forget to catch up on Day ONE (giveaway) and Day TWO (review).

To kick off Day 3 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I'm talking makeup, specifically makeup that inspires me from the book!  I've picked my favorite type of makeup, eyeshadow, and lined up my favorites for each Diamond sister!  I think each pick really goes well for each sister!

And don't forget to scroll down for more info on the book.  Also check the link at the end for all the other blogs hosting giveaways and keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Michelle started outlining The Secret Diamond Sisters in October 2010. That’s almost four years from idea to bookshelves!

The Makeup!!!

Courtney first: 

She was the easiest sister!  I knew right away I knew that the original Naked palette by Urban Decay was the one for her.  It has a lovely range of neutral colors, which is perfect for non-priss, serious Courtney.  She can be put together without too much caked on.

Next up, Peyton: 

Peyton was a little tougher because I really had to think about a shadow palette that held the right colors.  But again Urban Decay did not fail me.  I present the Black Palette.  As you can see the colors are perfect for punk-goth Peyton, giving her not just black but subdued dark blue and purple to express her rebel side, but also stay girly!

Finally there's Savannah:

This would be the Urban Decay Vice palette!  It has a great mix of the first two palettes and some extra bright colors because as you'll find out Savannah is a fashionista and such a bubbly girl!  And I feel like she is a product of her two sisters, as she is given the opportunity to shine by them.

The reason I focused on Urban Decay is because I love the pigment in its products.  I find that all the makeup I own from UD has upheld a full day of activities without being ruined, and the colors always pop off my face.  Eye shadow is the makeup I play around with the most, and I thought the Diamond sisters would too!

What kind of makeup do you just love?  Or are you more a natural beauty person?  Let me know!

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 2 - Review!

Title: The Secret Diamond Sisters
Author(s): Michelle Madow
Edition: ARC, 382 pages
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Source: Received from author for review
Buy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Inkwood Books

The Summary

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

The premise of the book is not generally something I gravitate to, but I had previously read Michelle's other books, The Transcend Time Saga, and absolutely loved them!  So when she contacted me about reviewing her newest book, The Secret Diamond Sisters, while it may not usually appeal to me, I agreed.  And I'm so glad I did because this book is fantastic!  Also I'm so happy the book got picked up by a major publisher! It'll give Michelle and her awesome writing so much more exposure, so that's awesome!

Savannah, Courtney, and Peyton are three completely different girls, but their bonds of sisterhood definitely bring them together.  With their mother's drinking problem the girls have had to rely on each other to survive, with much of the burden fallen on Peyton and Courtney as the two oldest siblings.  This has allowed Savannah to be a little more naive and carefree, which as the youngest of the three worked really well with her character.  Character development is what Michelle does best, and the three sisters are fully developed, dynamic characters.  The differences and similarities is what makes them work.  As I said, each sister is different: Peyton is the alternative rebel, wanting to be free and on her own; Courtney is the hardworking nerd, always chasing after the best in everything; And Savannah is the happy-go-lucky dreamer, who's always wishing for the next bigger thing.  But they also all contain such love for each other that their bond can stand up to a lot, even the high intensity, dizzying Vegas elite life style full of backstabbing and seduction.

Las Vegas itself is another character. Michelle has said on her blog that she vacations a lot in Vegas with her family, and it is one of her favorite cities.  That's extremely apparent as she describes The Strip to a T.  all the glitz and glamour that people expect from Vegas is there, but always with that undercurrent of danger.  From what I've read Vegas isn't a city to mess around with; due to the massive amounts of money moved through the casinos crime can be rampant, and while that isn't in the book I think Michelle does a good job of always reminding you that there is much more to the city than meets the eye.  But on a more fun note, the buildings are majestic, the people are glamorous, and the parties are epic, making me want to hop a plane on over.

I don't want to give too much away but I will say that hold on to your love triangles, because we got more of a pentagon going on here.  There are a lot of boys in the Diamond sisters' lives, and wooh boy do things bounce around.  Each of the guys are sexy as hell and offer a different perspective on life on The Strip for Savannah, Courtney, and Peyton.  Some may be working with better intentions than others, though!  Full of drama and romance, this was such a fun book to read.  I think lovers of the Gossip Girl series or The A-List series will fully enjoy diving into The Secret Diamond Sisters!  The book comes out February 25, 2014 and I'm part of an awesome seven day event celebrating all things Diamond.  Check it out here AND enter my giveaway to win a signed copy of the book here!  Happy reading!

Extras

FUN FACT: 

Michelle started outlining The Secret Diamond Sisters in October 2010. That’s almost four years from idea to bookshelves!

Check out Michelle Madow's other books, The Transcend Time Saga!

Final Rating

Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 3/5
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 43/50: B

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The Seven Days of Secret Diamonds Day 1 - Giveaway!

In just 7 days, an amazing new book will be hitting the shelves at a bookstore near you!  I'm talking about Michelle Madow's newest book, THE SECRET DIAMOND SISTERS.  She has written a fun, sexy, and fast-paced novel about the lavish world of the Vegas elite, and the three everyday sisters caught up in it's web!  I loved the book so much, and I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing 7-day countdown organized by Tiffany at About to Read (go check her blog out if you haven't already)!

To kick off Day 1 of the Seven Days of Secret Diamonds, I have a giveaway for TWO lucky winners! As Michelle lives in my home state of Florida, she will be having her release party at the fabulous Book and Books in Coral Gables, FL on March 1st!!!  That is just a quick (well..quickish) drive over for me, so I'm getting myself, AND the two lucky winners SIGNED COPIES!!!  Woooooh! (Now this is contingent one life going the way I've planned it, so no guarantees!!!)

Scroll down for more info on the book, and the details about the giveaway!  AND check the linky below for all the other blogs hosting giveaways and keep checking back here through February 25 (Release Day) for more awesome Secret Diamond Sisters posts!

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

(Goodreads)

FUN FACT ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Savannah’s birthday is on December 13, which is the same day Michelle got the call from Harlequin TEEN that they wanted to publish The Secret Diamond Sisters.

GIVEAWAY!

Terms and Conditions:

• Open only to US residents!  
• No INT entries!  
• Must be 13 years old to enter.  
• TWO winners will win SIGNED copies of The Secret Diamond Sisters.
• The signed copies are entirely contingent upon my being able to get to the signing, BUT the two winners will still receive finished copies of the book.
• Winner will be contacted by email to inform them they won.
• Winner has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or a new winner will be chosen.  
• NO PO BOXES as prizes tend to be lost when sent there.
• I claim no responsibility for lost prizes.

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Dystopian Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop on I Am a Reader, Not a Writer & My Shelf Confessions' Dystopian Giveaway Hop!  For this hop I'm going to be giving away one awesome dystopian that ONE winner can pick from the choices below!

Dystopians are my favorite genre, and luckily for me there are a ton of them being published each day!  I urge you to hop to the next blog in the blog roll down below, and in the famous words of my favorite dystopian: May the odds be ever in your favor!

Click on the cover to go to the Goodreads page.

RULES:

Open Internationally!

Must be 13 years old to enter. 

ONE winner will win their pick of ONE book from the list above.

Winner must be able to recieve books from The Book Depository (check here).

NO PO BOXES!

Winner will be contacted by email. 

Winner has 48 hours to respond with mailing address and book choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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