Book Review: Cold Blooded Liar by Karen Rose

 Cold Blooded Liar is the first novel in the San Diego Case Files series by Karen Rose. This is a complex murder investigation. Dr Sam Reeves is a psychologist whose client reveals that he committed a cold case murder. This case is almost 20 years old and involved the murder of a young girl.  Sam makes an anonymous call to the police department and the body is found. There are indications that this body is linked to 4 other murders. Sam is tracked down and decides launch his own investigation which clashes with Kit’s own and at one stage he is considered a suspect. Kit (Kit Cat)Mckittrick, a detective with San Diego police homicide department, who has a excellent reputation for solving cold cases. She wants to solve this case as her foster sister disappeared 16 years ago and remains a cold case. As Kit and her partner Baz Constantine delve deeper they discover more bodies, some of whom are close to Sam. They need to investigate whether or not he did actually commit this crime and Sam needs to prove his innocence. 

Kit and Sam are both complex individuals with interesting back stories which will no doubt be built upon in futures novels. This an intense psychological thriller that draws you, as the reader, in. The novel is well written and full of relocations and twists in the storyline.  I was completely wrong in my suspicions on who the murderer is. This is what makes a great rather than a meh suspense novel. The anticipation, pinpointing a suspect and then being wrong shows how skilled an author is. 

I thorough enjoyed this book and would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley UK  in exchange a honest review. 

Review: Victoria x Edge of Ember Victoria Orion Ear Cuff - Gold

I purchased this Orion constellation ear cuff (£75) way back in 2020 but due to a family death then subsequent health problems I just left it in a drawer. The Cosmos constellation collection was a collaboration between Victoria Magrath (In The Frow) x Edge of Ember. My eye was originally drawn to the collection not because I wanted to support an influencer but because I enjoy star gazing and find the constellations both beautiful and fascinating. 

I especially liked the ear cuff as it is a way of looking like you have several piercings without the pain of having them! I have neuropathic pain so wouldn’t want to risk having pain in my ears for life just for vanity. 

The ear cuff is a gem encrusted spiral ear cuff measuring about 11mm. It is 18k gold plated with recycled silver. The gold has been texturised so it looks crushed. The gemstones are white topaz, freshwater pearl and rainbow moonstone. 

The ear cuff is beautifully made. The stones almost glow in the sunlight and the design is so unusual.  It isn’t, however,the easiest cuff to put on. The gold cuff is quite thick and substantial and it is difficult to manipulate on to the ear. It feels comfortable once on, it can just involve a bit of pain to get it in place! 

I recently purchased the Orion rings in an Edge of Ember sample sale and they really do complement each other. They are all well made pieces that are just that little bit different yet timeline design. 

I will continue to purchase from Edge of Ember in the future. They have some interesting designs but just as importantly they have a clear set of ethical goals relating to a plethora of issues such as reducing carbon emissions, reusing paper, increase recycling of metals, improve the transparency of sourcing gem stones and much more. I have made a conscious decision to only shop where companies have philanthropic, ethical aims/ goals and this one certainly does! 

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

Review: Clear Quartz Point & Rose Quartz Point

I wanted a crystal/ gemstone to use as a blog prop to showcase ear cuffs and other pieces of smaller jewellery. I was browsing Etsy and I cam across GemstoneStoreUKLtd. They sell lovely items on both EBay and Etsy. The points are reasonably priced and well made.

Gray 

I chose the rose and clear quartz options but there are lots of other stones and different sizes.  The stones are undrilled and measure 50mm. These stones are normally used for meditation and crystal healing but I intend to use them to display items in my blog. 

I would recommend these small sellers. The customer service is great and the items I have purchased are good quality and reasonably priced. 

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

Review: Healing Crystal Wand Set

This cute mini set of 5 point hexagonal pointed gemstones is by Jancosta. It was £4.89 with Amazon Prime next day shipping. The stones are cute, measuring 32x8mm. They include quartz crystal, Natural Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine and Sodalite. The gemstones are packaged in an unusual box, the clear sections feel squishy and do feel as though they would protect the stones if the box got dropped. 

I purchased this set as a Christmas gift to send to a friend in Canada. It is small, light weight and so will be reasonably cheap to post. This would also make a good stocking filler or gift for the dreaded Secret  Santa. 

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

Book Review: Bound By The Italian's 'I Do' by Michelle Smart

 This is an enemies to lovers romance. The first in the two part Billion Dollar  Revenge series. Written by Michelle Smart, Bound by the Italians’ I Do, tells the story of Issy Seymore and billionaire Gianni Rossi. 

Issy and her sister Amelia believe Gianni and his cousin Alessandro have destroyed the Seymore family. Their father’s death and mother’s spiral into addiction and destruction of the family business and their legacy/ inheritance was caused by that one fateful day when the Rossi brothers visited their father. . For the past 10 years they have planned the downfall of the Rossi empire. They are now ready to execute this plan. 

Issy is going to accost Gianni during his traditional 2 week holiday to the Caribbean, unfortunately for her he already is suspicious and totally turns the tables on her, calling her bluff by asking her to marry him! Issy also discovers that her father scammed the two cousins, nearly destroying their business, There is lots of chemistry between the pair but will they be able to overcome the bitterness of both sides wasting so many years of their lives planning the destruction of each others’ empires? 

An enjoyable read, well thought out with some funny interludes with Gianni’s phone being thrown in the sea. I look forward to reading Pippa Roscoe’s book Expecting her Enemy’s Heir, which is the second book in the series and tells Amelia and Alessandros’ story. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

Book Review: The Ex-Mas Holidays by Zoe Allison

The Ex-Mas Holidays is written by Zoe Allison. It is a fun, Christmassy rom-com second chance at romance novel. 

Set in the Snowy Scottish Highlands. Maya Bashir has lost her house, job and boyfriend and has had to move back in with her parents. Her father is very interfering and critical and isn’t impressed when she starts working part time at the local ski resort where her former boyfriend, Sam Holland, also works. She first meets Sam in very unusual circumstances. He is working as a naked butler at friend’s Christmas party.  There is chemistry between the pair but also lots of issues that need clearing up thanks to someone who interfered in their relationship in the past. Sparks fly, but will there be love or slush under the Christmas tree. 

The novel is a Christmassy, heartwarming, cheerful read that also touches and deals very well with the issue of toxic relationships and emotional abuse. This is what sets it apart and above the traditional rom-com romance. 

This novel is more than just relationships but also family and friendships. Other themes drawn out in the storyline include how  misunderstandings and miscommunication plus outside interference and meddling can destroy a relationship. The characters are all relatable to the reader and the storyline is well throughout and well paced.

I received this book via Netgalley and GQ Digital  in exchange for a honest review.

#win House of Alyssa Smith, Coronation Crown Necklace

 

I reviewed the House of Alyssa Smith sterling silver Coronation  Crown pendant way back during the Coronation. I am not into Royal memorabilia and would love for it to go to someone who will appreciate and wear it. It doesn’t deserve to languish at the bottom of a jewellery box. 

Rafflecopter: 

To enter click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway 

1. Complete the mandatory rafflecopter requirements

2 closing date 30 October 2023

3. Competition is open worldwide 

4. This competition is not associated with House of Alyssa Smith