Review: Murad Youth Renewal Starter Kit

After a pretty traumatic first 6 months of 2019 my skin was a mess. I had been caring for my mum who was dying so I had been careless with my gluten intake (I am gluten intolerant), my skin was stressed and dehydrated from the worry and the central heating/air conditioning, my pores were clogged as I didn’t have the time to maintain my exfoliation regime, and as I have mentioned previously I take high levels of fentanyl for a spinal injury and chronic pain so I am susceptible to huge boils and breakouts (fentanyl face).    None of my usual face products were helping so I looked through a few online websites and purchased the  Murad youth renewal starter kit (£30). The kit contains a whole nighttime regime. There is an AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser (30ml), Retinol Youth  Renewal Serum (10ml), Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum (5ml) and Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream (7.5ml). The set of products is designed to exfoliate, boost radiance, rejuvenate the skin and reduce fine lines. 

The AHA/BHA cleanser incorporates  salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids which  improve the skin’s clarity, brightness and skin cell turn over by dissolving dead skin build up. Jojoba beads gently exfoliate, polish and smooth skin whilst also boosting hydration. After using this cleanser nightly for about a week I noticed my skin was, in places, beginning to look cleaner. It took about 5 weeks to notice and feel a real sustainable change in my skin tone and clarity. My forehead was the first area to become clear and bump free whilst my chin took several months.

The Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is an anti ageing facial Serum which contains Retinol Tri-Active Technology which is supposed to minimise the appearance of lines and deep wrinkles whilst also helping to firm up and even the skin tone. I found that the smaller forehead lines disappeared almost immediately whilst the deeper wrinkles have become less obvious. My skin tone, as is made clear in the photos, is much more even and the redness has gone.




The Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum contains the same technology as the face serum. It is a potent eye treatment which targets crow’s feet, the look of wrinkles, firms skin and brightens dark circles. I took the photos which show the improvement made on these targeted areas with my glasses on as I always wear them and for changes to really be great they need to show through them. My skin texture felt less creepy almost immediately. I don’t have particularly noticeable dark circles but by the 4th month the area appeared brighter. The under eye lines have decreased but not to the same extent as my forehead lines.

The Retinol Youth Renewal Night Treatment is a luxurious night cream containing the Retinol tri-active technology, to minimise and smooth fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skins’s texture. A peptide rich red algae helps to improve youthfulness, elasticity and look of the skin. I found that slowly the clarity, look and feel of my skin improved. It didn’t happen overnight but slowly my pores became unblocked and the skin tone didn’t look or feel as stressed.

I have already bought the full sizes of all these products as they have definitely improved the look and feel of my skin. I used the products in the order they were reviewed but you must wear a high SPF product during the day if you go outside to protect your skin.

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own

#AD Book Review: You Say It First by Susan Mallery

Pallas Saunders has inherited a business, a wedding in a box, which she is struggling to make a go of.  Nick Mitchell is a famous wood sculpture who has no direction in life. They live in Happily Inc. whilst waiting to start a new commission in Dubai he goes to work part time for Pallas as a carpenter. Pallas moved to Happily Inc to get away from his father as he did not have a great childhood whilst Pallas’s mother never thinks her daughter can live up to her high standards and wants her to work in the family’s banking business Both have to deal with these issues before they can have a successful relationship. Neither are looking for love but their HEA seems to have found them! 

They are both likeable characters. The minor characters are interesting as they will be developed throughout the Happily Inc series. The novel and the whole series is not just about love and finding your HEA but also community and friendship which makes for an enjoyable read. 

 received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Honeymooning With Her Brazilian Boss by Jessica Gilmore

Deangelo Santos is a billionaire and owner of Aions. Harriet is, or was,  his trusted PA. She left his firm to set up her own business with two other of his ex-employees. Too late Deangelo realises what he had lost.  He needs her back, and fast, so she can be his fake wife for a vital business meeting with the Caetnos family in Rio. They are to pretend to be loved up honeymooners but will pretence lead to the real deal?

A fun read, slightly different to the usual M&B genre with the amount of humour and stubbornness that shapes the storyline. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Cowboy Next Door by Trish Milburn

  Claire Moon moved to a small Montana ranch after being severely burned in a fire. A jeweller by trade she conducts her business mostly on lot and avoids social interaction.  Her solitude is threatened when a young calf escapes from a nearby ranch, jumps her fence and has to be caught by its owner. Cowboy Wes McQueen feels guilty that his cattle has damaged next door’s property, especially as it is his fault. He goes around to apologise and Claire is unable to avoid meeting him. She is reticent and retiring but he is determined  to make amends for the damage and a tentative friendship is formed. Slowly this friendship develops into more but Claire is still unsure about reentering society. Wes, however, is determined to help her rejoin society.

An enjoyable read that explosion how injuries can make people change and sink into themselves as a coping mechanism. Both characters are likeable and the puppy angle is cute. 

I received this novel from Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Practice Baby by LM Ardor

Set in Australia, General Practitioner Dee Flanary risks her career by investigating the death of her life long patient, Tom, who has both Aspergers and is an asthmatic, despite the police and coroner dismissing her concerns of possible murder. She uncovers several tragic supposedly accidental deaths and a link to her own past.  The BMA are on the verge of taking away her license to practice labelling her psychotic. After the death of Tom’s naive young girl friend, Leah, she is forced to confront the cold blooded killer. 

An interesting thriller with a medical tilt. The premise of the book is great but there a few too many dead ends that draw the reader away from the main focus of her investigation. The killer’s motivation for the needed is a little weak and needed further expansion/development. The final confrontation was rather rushed compared to the rest of the book. 

I received this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: What We Find by Robyn Carr

Burnt out neurosurgeon returns to her childhood home in Sullivan Crossing in order to regroup, recharge and find herself.  On the verge of collapse after dealing with the breakdown of a relationship and a medical litigation case she needs to find happiness and love and she feels the best place to do this is there. Once there she doesn’t find the quiet, simple life she envisaged. Forced to take charge as her father is seriously ill,  Quiet and serious Cal Jones, who is camping at the crossing offers to help her. Initially suspicious, they slowly develop a friendship and more. 

A novel that deals with two characters who have to come to terms with their pasts. Edited they can move forward. In places the book is touching and humorous. A few too many characters that were superfluous the storyline. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: His Convenient Highland Wedding by Janice Preston

His Convenient Highland Wedding is published by M&B Historical and written by Janice Preston.   Set mostly in Victorian Scottish highlands and West Country, ,the poverty of Glasgow and Edinburgh are also touched upon. The Scottish Earl’s daughter, Flora McCrieff brought her family name into disrepute by turning down a suitor who is a Duke. A year later she is forced to marry Lachlan McNeil who is rich but no title. He wants to marry her for the status it will bring. She has to marry him as her family need his money. Their’s is a marriage of convenience.  His emotions remain locked away despite their growing attraction.

Although this novel is part of a series it it also a stand alone novel which didn’t appear finished as the sub plot surrounding the brooch was never really tied up. Apart from that it is a great read. The characters are vibrant and realistic. The imagery as the Scottish highlands are where the novel is set sound fantastic and the reader can almost see them. There is a sense of chemistry and friendship developing between the pair and her dog has a cameo role.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: A Single Dad To Heal Her Heart by Caroline Anderson

A Single Dad To Heal Her Heart is written by Caroline Anderson and published by M&B Medical. Livvy Henderson is an ER trauma doctor who has been free from cancer for 5 years.  She loves her friends, job and is happy with her lot in life. She meets newly widowed surgeon Matt Hunter who is the father to two small children. The connect during  stream building weekend in the wilds of Cumbria. Neither of them are looking for love, instead it finds them! 

This is Caroline’s 100th M&B novel and it doesn’t disappoint. The medical aspect of the novel doesn’t take over or swamp the development of the relationship although Matt’s declaration of love and subsequent marriage proposal does seem a bit quick and rushed, spoiling the speed of the storyline. It is a traditional romance, no dramatic storyline or angst, just two characters who’ve had a rough time slowly finding their HEA. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Good Girl by Christy McKellen

Good Girl is written by Christy McKellen and published by M&B Dare. Juno Darlington is an academic who wants to sign up for an education in sexual pleasure. Alessandro RoccI, a well known billionaire playboy agreed to be her tutor. He takes her to the pinnacles of sexual ecstasy, letting her get closer to him than any woman ever has done.  He does not, however, let her into his heart, which is what she really wants.  

This novel starts out as merely a sizzling physical encounter. Slowly as the storyline progresses emotions are brought to the forefront as the story becomes deeper and more thoughtful than the reader would first imagine. Both characters have been shaped by their families but their relationship draws them out and helps them develop both individually and as a couple. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Second Chance With Her Billionaire by Therese Beharrie

Second Chance With Her Billionaire is written by Therese Beharrie and published by M&B True Love. As the title suggests this is a novel about a second chance at love. Summer Bishop is visiting Her childhood home in South Africa to celebrate her parents wedding anniversary. Her ex husband Wyatt Montgomery is also there and his presence reminds her just why she fell in love with him and why they ultimately went through a painful divorce. Summer instigated the divorce as she wanted to make her business a success and was also devastated after finding out her father’s secret adultry.  Wyatt has never stopped loving Summer nor has he forgiven her for the divorce.  Will Wyatt and Summer be able to overcome past mistakes and achieve a HEA?

This is a storyline that contains love, heartbreak, second chances at love and how these can affect not only the primary characters. But also familial relationships as well.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: One Night To Change Their Lives by Tina Beckett

One Night To Change Their Lives is a M&B Medical romance which is written by Tina Beckett.  Garrett Stapleton is an ex surgeon who now due to an accident is the hospital administrator. He has lost his wife, daughter and heart. He is determined not to love again, but he meets new ER Doctor Addy Santini. She is very guarded and protective of herself as she is going through a painful divorce, but they embark on a passionate affair. There is a surprise pregnancy but is Garrett willing to let go of the past? 

Both the characters are relatable to the reader. Both characters have tragic pasts which affects how they react to each other and life in general.  There aren’t any shock surprises but it is an enjoyable read.  

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Untamed by Caitlin Crews

Untamed is published by M&B Dare and written by Caitlin Crews. Lucinda Graves, an international business woman  who works for a company that wants to buy the hotel resort located on a private island owned by Jason Kaoki.  He is already a billionaire who has sent 4 of her colleagues packing minutes after they try to persuade him to sell his island.  This time, however, he is intrigued by the sassy, determined red head and wants to see how far she will go in her quest to get him to sell. He sets her a series of challenges which are both challenging and risqué. She rises to each one and the chemistry between them deepens. 

This is a novel about two characters who are driven to succeed, not looking for love or relationship but sort of fall into it. Most of the book focuses upon the sexual rather than emotional relationship but the last few chapters really develops their characters/relationship. I’m not sure if I enjoyed this novel or not. The challenges Lucinda undertakes are childish and somewhat embarrassing. After initially standing up to Janes she seems to acquiesce to his every demand and is a bit of a wimp, which goes against the Dare brand ideal of a strong independent woman. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Cinderella Countess by Sophia James

The Cinderella Countess is a M&B Historical romance written by Sophia James. Annabelle is a herbalist,  an independent, determined and strong willed woman which was almost unheard of! Lytton Staines, Lord Thornton calls on her to try and help his little sister, Lady Lucy who has taken to her bed and refuses to eat. As she enters the palatial town house she feels as though she recognise stage sumptuous surroundings. As the novel progresses she really has a Cinderella rags to riches storyline as it turns out her long lost grandmother is the Dowager Countess Annalena Tennant-Smythe, but will Belle get her Prince? 

The third novel in the Gentlemen of Honor series, I enjoyed, and always appreciate, how Sophia manages to make historical references. Annabelle , for example gave Lady Lucy Mary Wollstonecraft’s Book about suffrage and women’s rights - a hot topic of the period. As always a little dog was one of the characters that added a sense of humour and warmth to the novel. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Review & # Win: Claudia Bradby Lyra Sterling Silver Wing Bracelet

I purchased this Claudia Bradby Lyra Wing Bracelet in their recent 65% off sale.  The bracelet arrived presented in a mini drawer presentation box with matching pouch. The bracelet is rhodium coated sterling silver, has a built in extender taking the length from 18.5 cm to 20cm and a single white pearl. The wing charm measures 25mm. The bracelet (and the entire Lyra range) design is inspired by Philip Pullman and his Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra is the name of the main character. The wing evolved as part of the bracelet design as Claudia imagined Pullman’s daemon conscience concept as a guardian angel with the wing being a talisman representing love, friendship and protection. 

I like this bracelet although sadly it is way to large for my thin wrists. The wing charm does not feel or look flimsy and the pearl charm adds that little bit extra without being over the top. The packaging is gorgeous and I like the drawer design as it can be used for travel or is compact enough that it will fit in to a larger jewellery box. 

Instagram competition post: Here 

Competition Rules: 

Competition opens on 14 January 2020

Competition closed on 1 February 2020

Competition is open worldwide 

This competition is in no way affiliated with Claudia Bradby 

Entrants must follow my instagram account and like the relevant post.

Entrants can earn extra entries by tagging friends and commenting on other insta posts. 

#AD Book Review: A Family For The Widowed Governess by Ann Lethbridge

A Family For The Widowed Governess is part of the Widows of Westram series and written by Ann Lethbridge. Lady Marguerite Saxby is a widow who has finally managed to escape an abusive marriage. She is currently trying to pay off her blackmailer by selling her pictures of flowers and foliage to a botanist writer.  She finds two little girls - Elizabeth and Jane - wandering in the fields and takes them back to their father, Jack Vincent, Lord Compton. He has three little daughters who he has wrapped in cotton wool after his wife was found mustered close to their house. He employs Lady Marguerite as their art tutor and the pair clash as she tries to get him to relax his rules and let his children be children rather than virtual prisoners in their own home. Will she discover who the blackmailer is and will he be able to overcome his fears about his daughters’ safety? 

I enjoyed this book. There is humour and chemistry between the pair and Marguerite is not afraid to challenge Jack or make him think about letting go of some of his rules.  

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  #MrOneNightstand #Mills&Boon #NetGalleyUK

#AD Book Review: Mr One-Night Stand by Rachael Stewart (M&B Dare).

Mr One-Night Stand is Rachael Stewart’s debut novel and is published by the Dare imprint from Mills and Boon. The instant Jennifer Hayes claps eyes upon Marcus Wright she knows she wants to have a night of no name hot sex. Unfortunately for her after this hot night of unbarred sex she discovers he is her new business partner. The desire continues but will Marcus be her mr right now, mr wrong or mr happily ever after?

A combination of hot sex, two flawed individuals and a new business venture, this novel, like all Dare novels is somewhere between the Modern imprint and the Black Lace series. Enjoyable but I wouldn’t rush to read it again.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  #MrOneNightstand #Mills&Boon #NetGalleyUK #Dare

#AD Book Review: The Sheikh's Pregnant Fake Wife by Leslie North

The final  book in the Sheikh's Meddling Sisters trilogy, the Sheikh's Pregnant Fake Wife is written by Leslie Noeth.  Sheikh Feraz Nazrani, the leader of Djeva married Roxanne two years ago. She has an identical twin sister called Isabella. Roxanna persuaded Isabella to undergo IVF to carry a baby for her. As Isabella was practically penniless and needed the money to pay both her rent and her mother's hospital bills she agreed. Roxanna was then killed in a car crash with her rich boyfriend. Isabella pretends to be Roxanna so she does not lose the he babies once they are born and goes to Djeva with Feraz.  She has always been secretly in love with her sister's husband and as he spends time with his new improved wife ;Roxanna was very hot tempered and colorise, Isabella is not) he falls back in love with her. 

The story ends very abruptly - he finds out who she really is and realises he loves her. The story is over in a few pages which is a slight anticlimax. I enjoyed the book up to the last few pages. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Leslie North in exchange for a honest review.

Available from: 
Amazon UK

#AD Book Review: The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby by Heidi Rice

The Rodeo Cowboy's Baby is written by Heidi Rice,  published by Tule Publishing and is the fifth novel in the 79tb Copper Mountain Rodeo Series.  Evie Donnelley is a journalist on the verge of a burn out. Her newspaper/blog column, Evie8, which was based on dating experiences, marriage, ivf, is tanking after the collapse of her marriage, her husband got his other woman pregnant! Her editor sends her off to Marietta, where her best friend Charlie lives, which is hosting the 79th Copper Mountain Rodeo, to find a new dating storyline/ basis for her column. Evie meets Flynn, a cowboy who loves women but doesn't want a relationship or commitment. They have three unforgettable nights together and then Evie reluctantly heads back to New York. Her cut thrust editor published a cruel article about the relationship under Evie's name which hurts several people close to her. Will she be able to solve the rift and build bridges with Flynn? As there is a life kind consequence they should do!

I received this book via Netgalley and Tule Publishing in exchange for a honest review. 

#AD Book Review: I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Abbey Clancy

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is written by Abbey Clancy.   Jessica Malone is a singer who is offered a massive opportunity which would make her an international singing sensation.  Cooper Blake has offered the chance for her to do a month long tour with him m in the US. The opportunity has come at the most inopportune of time, she has just got engaged to her boyfriend, Daniel. She is thousands of miles away, across the Atlantic, from fiancé, family and friends and faced with the paparazzi, making mistakes which test her relationship to the limit. 

A light hearted Christmas chic lit novel, it is a quick and easy read. Enjoyable but not groundbreaking in its storyline. It combines humour, drama, relationships and celebrity culture into one storyline.

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: A Puppy And A Christmas Proposal by Louisa George

A Puppy And A Christmas Proposal is published by M&B Medical and written by Louisa George.   We first met these characters in A Nurse To heal Heal Heart. In this novel Veterinarian surgeon Beth Masters was devastated when Dr Alex Norton informed her he could no longer marry her. She next sees him in her clinic clutching a gorgeous stray puppy. Slowly the pair realise they still have feelings for each other but can they resolve and ultimately solve the problems that forced them apart the first time around. 

A seasonal festive romance with the obligatory cute animal. A well written novel bit I wasn’t convinced by Alex’s family playing along with his narrative after the wedding was cancelled. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: Naughty or Nice by Rachael Stewart

Naughty or Nice is M&B Dare and the author is Rachael Stewart. Ten years ago Lucas Waring had been a family  friend and Eva’s brothers best friend before he betrayed them all. Now he is interested in investing in Eva’s product/business but first he needs to make amends for breaking 18 year old Eva’s heart all those years ago. 

I found the storyline enjoyable but I didn’t like the fact it was as written in the first person from Eva’s point of view. I find it hard to relate to or empathise with the characters.  There are also inconsistencies, for example, Eva is supposed to be a superb business woman but the first time she sees Lucas she insists he gives her oral sex in the restaurant bathroom. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: St Piran’s: Prince on the Children’s Ward by Sarah Morgan

St Piran’s: Prince on the Children’s Ward is written by Sarah Morgan and published by M&B Medical. This book has been made into a Channel 5 Festive film, Christmas with the Prince - Becoming Royal.

Tasha O’Hara is a children’s doctor, who takes the job of private nurse to for Prince Alessandro Cavalieri who was injured during a polo match. Unfortunately for Tasha, Alessandro is the one person that she made a fool of   Herself  in front of, as a teenager, osing her heart and last shred of dignity!  This is her way of getting revenge in a gentle way, forbidding alcohol, putting too much spice in his food, telling him when lights must go out etc. Can she forgive him for breaking her heart and can their love cross the chasm of nurse and prince so they can have their HEA. 

A light hearted romance that is part of the St Piran’s series but can also be read as a stand alone novel.  The revenge is humorous rather than spiteful in nature and this is an enjoyable read. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: A Family For Christmas

A Family For Christmas is published by M&B and consists of two novels: The Gift of Family and Child in a Manger (made in to a film for TV - Baby in a Manger) by Irene Brand and Dana Corbit.  

In The Gift of Family Wendy Kenworth and Evan Kessler are s newly engaged couple. Evan is forced to temporarily leave college and go home to manage the family farm. Wendy is s city girl who cannot Evan’s sudden need to work the land. Will being stranded at the Kessler’s farm over Christmas help understand and will Evan’s strong faith convince her to accept the gift of a family? 

Child in a Manger involves a baby being found in the church nativity scene by Allison Hensley who is a social worker. As it is Christmas there aren’t any foster families willing or able to take the baby in so Allison takes the baby. Cynical detective Brock Chandler is tasked with finding the baby’s parents with Allison assisting in the search. Unexpected feelings develop between the pair. Could the baby complete and create a ready made faulty of three? 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: A Fortunes of Texas Christmas by Helen Lacey

A Fortunes of Texas Christmas is written by Helen Lacey and has also been made into a Channel5 film. French entrepreneur Amersen Beaudin is reluctant to meet his newly discovered blood relative. Matriarch Kate Fortune offers him an attractive business deal if he meets his new family. He travels to Texas and nets their gardener, Robin Harbin.  He wants a. Christmas affair, she wants his love. Can she convince him that love can work and achieve a joyeux Noel and more. 

There is chemistry between the pair and it is interesting to see two diametrically opposes characters - she is struggling to run her family’s stables and be the gardener for the Fortunes whilst he is s bored Billionaire playboy.  His money and lifestyle doesn’t impress her, she wants love and long term commitment. An enjoyable seasonal romance. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: A Christmas Kiss With Her Ex-Army Doc by Tina Beckett

A Christmas Kiss With Her Ex-Army Doc is written by Tina Beckett and published by M&B Medical.  Nurse Hollee Cantrall has one passionate festive  kiss as teenagers  under the mistletoe with Dr Clancy deOliveria. He then left and Hollee married his best friend, Jacob. Now widowed after Jacob is killed in a helicopter crash, she is surprised when Clancy, an ex-army doctor, starts working at her hospital as a reconstructive facial surgeon.  Should she admit her marriage had been a sham? She has never forgotten that kiss and it appears neither has Clancy as the attraction reignites. 

This festive medical romance is based around the characters’ second chance at love. The author finds the right balance between medical and romance so that one does not overshadow the other. The novel includes a natural disaster, a labour, their dogs and a Christmas decoration competition so there a lots of smaller characters and side storylines. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#Win Lola Rose Olly Necklace

To kick off the new decade the prize for January 2020 is this Lola Rose Olly Necklace in peacock blue quartzite and pink ballet quartzite semi precious gemstones and pouch (RRP £65). The Necklace measures 46 cm to 53xm and there is a tiny LR gold tone tag. 

Margaret Gallagher is the winner Rafflecopter selected her then I deleted the competition by mistake so it won’t display  it 

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules

Competition opens on 9 January 2020 

Closing date 01 Feb 2020

Open internationally 

Not affiliated in any way with Lola Rose

Entrants must complete the compulsory Rafflecopter options

Good luck

#AD Book Review: Their Festive Island Escape by Nina Singh

Their Festive Island Escape is written by Nina Singh and published by M&B True Love.    Celeste is a jilted bride, 3 years ago she was abandoned at the altar by her fiancé Jack  at her own Christmas wedding, so ever since then she spends the festive season in the sunny Caribbean.  Unfortunately for her the CEO of this resort is non other than Reid Evanson who was also the best man at the wedding that never was! There is a new chemistry between the pair but will Celeste be willing to risk her heart again? 

A fun, easy, enjoyable read, lots of sun and the characters have a definite chemistry. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

Paul and Joe Tinted Lipstick Refill In Globetrotting

As part of their Lipstick Wonderland Spring 2020 collection Paul & Joe Beaute released 3 new refillable lipstick cases (£7) and a new tinted lipstick refill in the shade Globetrotting 001 (£11 for 2.6g) which is supposed to react to the moisture in your lips to find the perfect pink shade.  

Globetrotting is a bright yellow shade cat’s head lipstick refill which will fit any of the new P&J refillable lipstick cases. The yellow lipstick reacts to the moisture in the wearer’s lips to create a pink hue that is unique to each wearer. I didn’t think this item was worth the money. I only got a very pale sheen that wasn’t even pink. I liked the colour on my arm swatch but the colour on my lips was very muted and disappointing. My lips, however, did feel hydrated and moisturised due to the inclusion of macadamia, orange and jojoba oils in the lipstick. 

The lipstick cases are, as usual, very cute. I collect them as pieces of art work and store them in glass jars. Any of the newer lipstick refills fit these cases.

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

Paul & Joe Beaute Lip Crayon 002 Lapin Rose

Paul and Joe Beaute have launched their Spring 2020 collection 2020. Consisting of lip and face products the lip wonderland products include a semi matte Lip Crayon (£14 for 6g). Available in 8 flattering shades they are housed in an elegant rose gold and white component which is quite slim. The crayon claims to be multi purpose as it can be used to contour, outline or fill in the lips. The crayons contain jojoba, orange and macadamia oils to keep the lips moisturised and hydrated. The pencil has a creamy yet firm consistency making it easy to outline and fill in the lips.  The rounded bullet pout tip of the crayon is supposed to deposit the perfect amount of product to contour, outline and fill in the lips. 

I purchased 002 lapin rose which is a rosey brick red shade. There is a slight tea rose scent but this slowly fades away. I could my lips did not dry out when I wore this product but felt hydrated both when I wore and removed the crayon. I felt the product could have been slightly softer so that it would have been easier to dispense the product. I didn’t find the crayon to be patchy and I only needed one layer to achieve fill opacity. My lips looked fuller when wearing the lipstick. I found the crayon made an a excellent lip liner, I just drew round the outline to achieve the perfect line which I then filled in. This would be a great gift for someone just starting out in makeup who wants products that are easy to use. 

I love that it can be used as both a lip liner and lipstick. I do wish that the  nib  was slightly larger as it would speed up filling in the lips. I like the semi matte finish which is more comfortable on the lips than the traditional matte liquid lipstick but still leaves an opaque wash of colour with a semi matte finish which lasts without transferring, cracking or flaking off. The colour is flattering and I will try other colours in the range.

  I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own 

#AD Book Review: Meant To Be Yours by Susan Mallery

Meant To Be Yours is written by Susan Mallery is Book 5 of the Happily Inc series.  Set in the wedding destination town Happliy Inc, Wedding Planner Renee Grothen doesn’t plan on getting married herself!   After meeting handsome exmilitary turned bestselling author Jasper  Dembenski she has a proposal - for a no commitment fling. Jasper feels that he is too emotionally damaged to commit to marriage or a committed relationship so they should be the perfect non couple - two commitment phobes. Unfortunately for these two characters they fall slowly in love but will they be able to share their secrets, fears and hopes for the future and have their committed HEA.  

This is a contemporary novel with themes covering romance, friendships, humour,  second chances and overcoming obstacles to love. I enjoyed inclusion of Renee’s mother who could understand the animals! 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley

#AD Book Review: The Nurse’s Christmas Temptation by Ann McIntosh

The Nurse’s Christmas Temptation, as the name suggests, is published by M&B Medical and the author is Ann McIntosh.  Nurse Harmony Kincaid is not planning on celebrating Christmas after the loss of her grandmother. Instead she goes to a remote Scottish island to work as a nurse. There she meets Dr Cameron MacRurie (who is also the Laird of the island) turns her organised world upside down!! Will Harmony be able to be able to overcome her concerns about Cam’s daredevil adventurous lifestyle to be able to get her HEA?  

There are lots of believable emotions in this book and the reader can empathise with the feelings of loss, grief and loneliness during the supposedly happy Christmas period. The characters are believable and there is a balance between the medical and romantic elements of the novel. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley