#win Little Silver Hedgehog: Copper Hedgehog Pendant & Chain

 

I have reviewed and given away several of Little Silver Hedgehog’s wildlife/ hedgehog themed jewellery designs. Little Silver Hedgehog is an Etsy seller who designs, makes and sells hedgehog and wildlife jewellery in recycled silver and now copper to help support her self funded hedgehog rescue. Her latest hedgehog design is made from copper. This Rose gold pendant consists of a tiny recycled copper disc with a cute little hedgehog embossed into it. The disc can be either heart shaped (H1.5cm x W1.3cm)or round (1.6 cm in diameter). The chain is a rose gold filled trace chain, available in 16” and 18”.  The pendant is packaged in a beautiful little box with a hedgehog postcard. 

As hoggies are now in hibernation of hibernation as Winter gets closer (or as in my resident hogs’ case they don’t hibernate but expect and get fresh food and water 365 days of the year), they really need people like Emma who understand and care for these precious little animals. That is why I continue to buy her jewellery because not only is it beautiful and unique but it helps these beautiful and unique little animals, who look so tough but are, in fact, so fragile, and may well die out in the next 20 years thanks to humans destroying their territories and access to food sources. 

2  Competitions 

I will be running competitions throughout the year on my Twitter handle - @susan1375 to win a piece of her jewellery (purchased by me) every month. The first piece will be the copper hedgehog pendant and chain. All my competitions are open worldwide So if you enter, good luck. 

The Link to my twitter competition.

This page’s competition - as several people have commented here I have decided to run a competition here to win a hedgehog pendant. Just comment and I will draw a winner along the same rules as below. Good luck!  

Rules

Open 11.59pm GMT 31 December 2023

Closes 11.59pm GMT January 2024

I purchased the item myself in order to support the rescue so any questions about this competition please contact me.

Open worldwide 

Must follow my twitter account. 

Good luck! 

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

Book Review: Lady Amelia's Scandalous Secret by Eva Shepherd

Set in Victorian England Lady Amelia Lambourne secretly owns and writes for the magazine The Ladies’ Enquirer, a magazine aimed at educating women. Her Aunt gave her the money to set the magazine up but now she is in need of extra finance. 

Amelia’s father wants her to be married and keeps escorting her to dinners and debutante balls, on one such octahedral meets Leo Devenish, a self made man who wants to buy her magazine. He isn’t aware she owns it. She becomes his friend influenced by the premise jeep your friends close and your enemies closer! Soon a gentle romance develops but will this be jeopardised when her secrets are uncovered? 

This is a well written book that gives an insight into his restricted life was for women in Victorian England. The book, however, does lack a wow factor and I wouldn’t rush to reread it as it drags slightly in the latter half of the book.

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: Rivals At The Royal Altar by Julieanne Howells

Rivals at the Royal Altar is a Mills & Boon Modern novel written by Julieanne Howells. Queen Agnesse has just become Queen after the death of her father. She is the first woman to hold this position in her own right and is concerned, to the point of having panic attacks, that she won’t live up to the job. Prince Sebastian is part of the royal family of a neighbouring country,    They vaguely know each other. He accompanies her to a gala as a favour to his cousin, the one person in his family who made him feel welcome in his family as he had a lonely childhood. 

As he is the second son of the second wife he will never become king and so he has trained in mental health. He helps Agnesse when she has a panic attack at the gala. 

They have a ONS, there is a pregnancy, marriage then sadly a miscarriage.

Whilst most of the novel’s storyline is predictable I do like the fact that it is the heroine who holds the major role as Queen. I think this is also the first M&B book that has mentioned mental health and the affect it can have and so for these two points alone I would  recommend this book. 

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

Review: mookaitedecor 6cm Large Natural Rose Quartz Crystal Palm Worry Stone

I am currently waiting to get a root canal procedure. As I hate sitting still I wanted to find something I could worry with as I undergo a hopefully successful operation. 

I found this rose quartz worry stone (£12.99) on Amazon. It is made by Mookaitedecor. There are a variety of stones, rose quartz, turquoise, tigers eye etc, to choose from and it comes in a branded gift pouch. I chose rose quartz and the stone measures 60x40x20mm. The stone is very smooth, very tactile and is substantial. It doesn’t feel or look cheep and is good quality. What I failed to consider, however, are my tiny hands. The stone is too big for my to turn it over in my palm! I should have selected the 2 pack as the stones are slightly smaller. 

Despite my order error I would still recommend this stone. It is beautiful to look at, tactile, and would be a suitable gift for anyone who coljj kg extra stones, has anxiety and wants a worry stone or someone interested in reiki.

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

Book Review: A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction is the third novel in the Last Chance Scoundrels series.  This is a second chance at love novel. Set on a deserted Scottish island in a house party castle Willa and Dom meet for the first time, a year, after he abandoned her at the altar on their wedding day. Obviously she is not pleased to see him again as she is still distraught and humiliated! Now they have nowhere to hide and surrounded by her brothers, their wives and their friends  must address the issues that caused the wedding to not go ahead. 

Dom is handsome and rich and had only ever loved one woman - Willa. Due to his past he feels unworthy of her love and so he jilted her at the altar. This may seem slightly extreme to the reader but for them to get their HEA he will have to face up to his past and tell Willa what he has done. Willa is conflicted about giving Fom her heart and trusting him again after their disastrous wedding day. 

Slowly The characters go from hating each other to being friends and finally a very steamy reunion, much more explicit than most historical romances! 

I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed reading about the setting, the design the castle and the island.the humorous interludes between the main characters and the secondary characters. There is also a more serious side to the novel when Don has to address his past. I would recommend reading this novel on a cold wintry night as it seems more of a winter time romantic read!

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

Erstwilder Brooch Converters Set & Chain

I saw the Erstwilder brooch converter set (£4.25) and necklace chain (£4.25) when browsing the Wednesday Jones website during the launch of the Jocelyn Proust x Erstwilder collaboration drop. I was interested as although I have reviewed brooch converters before, this set is reasonably priced and I wanted to see if it was any different. I selected the chain simply because it has the Erstwilder logo on the extender. 

The necklace measures 40cm with an 8cm extender.. the tag on the extender has the Erstwilder logo embossed on it. The chain is stainless steel and rhodium plated. It doesn’t look or feel like a cheap chain. It is quite lightweight and the lobster clasp is easy to fasten.

 The brooch converter set consists of a vertical and horizontal component. They are quite easy to use, just slip the correct converter on to the pin (making sure the flat side of the converter faces the back side of the brooch and pin it in place. Then slide the chain through the bale. The  converters are brass with rhodium plating. I wasn’t as impressed with the converters. The piece where the pin fitted through wasn’t long enough so the brooch wasn’t securely fastened in place and slid around on the converter. It was adequate but nothing special. I would prefer it if they sold sets which fitted different pin lengths. 

I never wear my Erstwilder brooches as brooches so I was pleased to see a chain that matches the branding of my brooch collection and it is very reasonably priced. I would recommend. The converters are adequate and again reasonably priced but aren’t any different to similarly priced sets. Wednesday Jones as a website provided excellent customer service, answering my emails promptly and politely. My order arrived within 48 hours with a free teabag! So I would definitely use this website again.

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

Book Review: Ruthless Enforcer by Lucy Monroe

 

Ruthless Enforcer is the fourth novel in Lucy Monroe’s series Syndicate Rules. This book is described as a mafia romance with a morally grey hero. Lucia was part of the Costa Nostra mafia. She  has already had her life destroyed once by mafia violence but managed to save her brother in law and rebuild their lives and her career. She now owns a bar. Atlas is part of the Greek mafia and wants to use her bar for money laundering and other mafia activities but not human trafficking. Unfortunately he doesn’t tell her this before they start their affair. I enjoyed this novel up to a point. The characters didn’t really mesh. Lucia had already had to rebuild her life once and she had saved her bil (plus paid for his ongoing care in a mental health health facility) even though he had caused her to lose her baby. She has morals but keeps going back to Atlas with only half hearted denials when he says they belong together. 

I enjoyed reading this book but I wouldn’t rush to reread it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book Review:Bound By A Sicilian Secret by Lela May Wight

Flora Bick had an idyllic life working on the family owned dairy farm. She discovers a big secret about her past and runs to London for the night to consider what it means to her. raffele Russo owns the hotel she escapes to. She wanders into his orbit, they have a ONS and she runs back home. He tracks her down and together they discover she is pregnant. They go to Sicily and she realises the enormity of his wealth. She knows she lives him but can she get him to admit the same to her? 

These are two strong, determined characters who are divided by wealth but in their ways very similar. Both are tenacious, determined and stubborn individuals.  The storyline is well thought out and timed, the author doesn’t drag the story out and makes the characters believable and relatable to the reader. This is her second novel and I enjoyed it. 

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

 

Review: Victoria x Edge of Ember Victoria Star Cluster Stud Earrings

The Victoria Star Cluster studs  (£85 per pair) are part of the Cosmos constellation collection between Victoria Magrath and Edge of Ember. The stud earrings are inspired by the constellation of stars set against the pitch black sky. 

The earrings measure 6mm and they are 18k gold plated with recycled still  silver. The gems are topaz, rainbow moonstone and tiny freshwater pearls. The pearls and topaz are supposed to cast a celestial glow on your ears. 

The stud earrings are very easy to put in, just the right amount of sharpness. They are comfortable and light to wear and sit almost flat against the ear so won’t get caught and pulled out! The gold is very bright and glowy, making the pearl really stand out! The other stone could be a bit larger, it is only a chip and doesn’t really add to the design. 

I love both the ear cuff and stud earrings from the Cosmos collection. They are unusual and timeless and are reasonably priced for ethically made jewellery. 

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

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 

Book Review: Unorthodox Love by Heidi Shertok

Unorthodox Love is a romantic comedy based upon Orthodox Judaism. Written by Heidi Shertok, the main two characters are Penina, an Orthodox Jewish fashion blogger who also works in a jewellery store, helps her family out and volunteers at the local Nicu and their cuddle program. Sam Kleinfeld, who is Jewish (but not Orthodox) and is her new grumpy store manager. 

Penina still strictly follows the Orthodox Jewish teaching that everyone has a soulmate but as she is still unmarried at 29 despite being sent on lots of disastrous dates by her matchmaker and working in a jewellery store which sells engagement rings to happy couples every day she is starting to wonder if this is actually true. Unfortunately for Penina she is sadly unable to have children and as the family is a central tenant of the Jewish faith this means her options are limited. She needs to get married in order to help out her sister and brother in law otherwise they will lose their home in three months time. 

Sam is the jewellery store’s bosses son. He has come to manage the shop whilst his father battled cancer. Sam is grumpy and whilst he is Jewish he is not from the Orthodox branch. As he isn’t an Orthodox Jew he can see beyond the fertility/ brood mare aspect and sees Penina as a fashionable, caring fun person who wants to help everyone. He takes the time to talk to her at every opportunity and slowly their relationship shifts. 

Zevi is a guy she meets via the dating app. He is very rich and has an intriguing proposal for her. He will pay her to marry him as he want to please his mother before she died and hide the fact that he is gay. 

Penina had two choices marry a rich gay guy in order to help her family or marry Sam who will either have to adapt to the Orthodox way of life or she will have to give up her religion which she holds dear to her heart. 

The ending is very uplifting and the epilogue ties the whole book together. 

I enjoyed how I was gain a tiny insight into  Orthodox Judaism and it’s customs. It is a fascinating religion. I follow a few Orthodox Jewish fashion/ family Tiktokers and I don’t think I would ever be able to live their lives. There are so many rules and customs. 

I thought this book was fascinating and went way beyond the traditional rom-com novel. I enjoyed that Penina wasn’t depicted as the archetypal frumpy Jewish girl but as a fashion blogger (who had modest success on ins) she was interested and blogged about kosher food, fashionable modest clothing and their religion’s customs and teachings. The infertility/ still a virgin at 29 aspect and how uncomfortable Penina was with feeling that she didn’t fit in to the social hierarchy despite being there to help anyone who needed it is rather sad and as a reader I felt for her. I also felt sorry for Zevi who had to hide his sexuality from his dying mother and presumably the wider community. The banter between Sam and Penina was fun and more interesting than if they had just fallen into bed together. I really enjoyed this novel, it is a funny yet poignant read and would love to read other books by this author.

I received this book via Netgalley and Embla Books in exchange for a honest review. 

Book Review: Second Chance Hawaiian Honeymoon by Cara Colter

This is a second chance at love romance. Written by Cara Colter, it is part of the Mills and Boon True Love imprint.  Second Chance Hawaiian Honeymoon is the first in the Blossom and Bliss Wedding series. Blossom and Bloss run a wedding planning agency together, and the 3 novels follows their lives as they navigate romance and hopefully their HEA.

Blossom DuPont is engaged to Joseph Blackwell, the richest man in Vancouver. She is a very insecure about herself due to her disruptive childhood and having to live in a car with her family when they were homeless for 3 months. She has reinvented herself for Joe, what she wears, interests, faking enjoyment of camping etc. just before the last fateful meal in the restaurant  when she calls the wedding off Joe is told his father has a rare form of dementia. His mind is confused and stressed and he doesn’t share the news with Blossom and makes an off the cuff the remark about doing the wedding differently. She explodes,  gives the ring back and storms out. 

They meet again in what should of ban their honeymoon, Hale Alana, a family friend’s house on the Big Island in Hawaii. She has travelled commercial, him a private. She is on a very strict budget, he isn’t. Joe sees the old Blossom return. Not interested in impressing him anymore he is intrigued and loves  the new argumentative Blossom who keeps to a budget. They have fun and slowly all the secrets emerge, but will Joe finally revealing his father’s health woes be the final straw as she wasn’t included in a family secret even though they are almost married?

I enjoyed this book, it isn’t a highly sexed, rip their clothes off at every chance romance but a novel about two individuals rediscovering what they love about each other. Both individuals had their flaws but were essentially likeable people. Their childhoods and recent issues had shaped them and it was interesting to see how the author developed their characters. I enjoyed the background descriptions - Hawaii sounds like a beautiful place!

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: Sailing To Singapore With The Tycoon by Ruby Basu

This is a new author in the Mills & Boon world of romantic fiction. Sailing to Singapore is part of the True Love series. Ruby tells the story of Matteo and Deepti, as they sail towards Singapore. Deepti has got a job on Matteo’s yacht in order to escape  London after losing her job. They are caring for Matteo’s niece who has lost her parents. Some matchmaking by the nanny. Will the romance unravel when Matteo discovers that Deepti lied about why she lost her job?

An interesting storyline, affable, likeable characters, amazing descriptions of the backdrop and scenery. I didn’t enjoy, however,  the pages of internal monologue, my interest drifted off. A great debut novel, just needs a little work on the execution which will come with time.  

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: Innocent's Wedding Day With The Italian by Michelle Smart

Innocent’s Wedding Day with the Italian is written by Michelle Smart and a Mills & Boon Modern romance.  Set over 24 hours Rebecca runs from the Altar when Enzo who is  her fiancé mother tells her that due to her clause in her father’s will if she married him her inheritance will go to him rather than her. She runs from the Altar as she doesn’t know if Enzo is marrying her for love or money. 

The runaway bride was planning to return immediately to the UK. Enzo persuaded her to stay for 24 hours to see if by going over the past they can still (re)build a future together.

Unusually for M&B in this storyline Rebecca is firmly in control of their future. She can walk (or run) at anytime. It is Enzo, the billionaire, who is begging her to understand why he did it. 

An interesting read. The plot line is well written and well paced over 24 hours and the characters are both believable and relatable.  

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

What I have Learnt From My Life Limiting Illness

As I have mentioned before, I have a fused neck, symptoms of M.E., a pinned shoulder and degenerative spinal condition.  I am also in constant pain. What I have learnt from being ill/disabled is that you are seen (or unseen) as invisible, unintelligent and a drain on society.

Not All Disabilities are visible or defined by age:  I do not look disabled (just small). The main comments I get (and this includes from vaunted medical professionals) relate to age: You are to young to be this ill and therefore shouldn't use certain services etc. Especially during COVID certain services just didn’t take into account people my age or with my health issues.   You can’t see that I am in pain, but I am. Just like people with other invisible disabilities  my disabilities are dismissed or minimised  because they cannot all be seen.

There is a need to be competitive: I have extreme fatigue, for example, certain people are at pains to tell me that they get tired to sometimes, so I should either take a nap or push through it.  If combating fatigue was that easy there would be no need for most of the M.E. services, we could fix our selves!

"I'm sure if you really tried you do ...". Yes I really want to live a restricted lifestyle, I should just try harder.  I and my physio know exactly what I can do, the one time I tried to push myself I smashed my shoulder.  Restrictions are there for a reason.

People can be tactless, insensitive and feel they have the right or knowledge to comment about every aspect of your life. You almost become public property, asked about all aspects of your life then proffering their (unwanted)  opinion.  

Someone always wants/envy  my life. Apparently I stay at home all day, potter about and relax.  It must be fantastic.  In reality I would swap in an instant and you would hate my life.  I miss human interaction, working, going out. When you have a long term illness friends drop off, busy with their own lives. I exist in an insulated boring bubble!

To combat all of the above, I always try to look for the positives, no matter how miserable I am feeling, but in a perfect world I wouldn't need to!

Book Review: Urgent Vows by Lucy Monroe

Urgent Vows is the second novel in Lucy Munroe’s mini series Syndicate Rules. The mini series is based around Mafia storylines so expect lists of explicit violence, language, domestic violence and sexual scenes.

Catalina is forced by her father, Francesco Jilani, to marry Svereu Genovese, a New York Mafia Don when her sister Madonna Carlotta runs out on her wedding day. The wedding goes ahead as planned and storyline shows how their characters develop as their marriage progresses.

I have read all of Lucy Monroe’s Mills & Boon Modern novels. The last few seemed forced, as though she wasn’t really enjoying writing them. The storyline/ writing style in this book seems more relaxed, slightly freer and more explicit than M&B offer. It seemed as though she really got behind, understood and carefully crafted the characters’ development. I don’t normally enjoy novels which flit between telling the storyline from the main characters point of the view, in the first person but I really enjoyed this novel and I am am looking forward to the publication of the other two books in the miniseries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book Review: Convenient Mafia Wife: Mafia Romance Series Prequel

Convenient Mafia Wife is the prequel in the Syndicate Rules mini series written by Lucy Monroe. This new series marks a new era in Lucy Monroe’s vast array of novels, her most popular being Mills & Boon Modern. These new novels focus upon characters from the US mafia cartels. They are much more explicit, raw and graphic in terms of violence, language, scenes of a sexual nature and storylines. 

The prequel is setting the scene/ characters for the next three books in the series. The storyline set in New York sets the scene for the first novel in the series,  Urgent Vows. The Jiliani and De Luca (The Genovese) families attempt to strengthen their hold on the city with a marriage arranged between Severu, the Don, and Madonna Carlotta, the daughter of his consigliere, Francesco Jiliani. The marriage ceremony doesn’t go to plan and is left on a cliffhanger, will Carlotta step into her sister’s shoes and marry Sev? setting the scene for book 1. 

The second storyline is based in Las Vegas. Giulia De Luca and Raffaele Mancini, the underboss of the Cosa Nostra territories. His father, Patrizio is the boss. The marriage was an alliance between the two families but slowly Giulia has fallen in love with her family. They have one son but unbeknownst to Raf she has been using contraception to prevent another pregnancy. He and his father send her to see a fertility specialist without consulting her and everything explodes from there. Being left on her own during their honeymoon, his father’s interference. All the past resentments bubble to the surface. Finally Raf realises he need to work on his marriage as he cannot let her go. 

The writing style, genre and storyline are a step away from her more popular Mills & Boon Modern novels. The storylines and language are more graphic, explicit and sexual. As the novels focus upon members of the mafia violence/ torture is not skimmed over but has its place in the story. I would have preferred two separate short stories within the prequel rather than the chapters jumping from one storyline set in NYC to another in Vegas. The prequel can get slightly confusing and disjointed with the different characters and storylines, even though they are interlinked and set the scene for the next 3 books in the series. 

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

Book Review: Demanding Mob Boss by Lucy Monroe

Demanding Mob Boss is the third in Lucy Monroe’s mini series Syndicate Rules. All four of the novels are centred around Mafia mob boss enforced proximity romance. 

Anna is neurodiverse. She cannot cope with excessive noise or stress. Cian Doyle is the boss of the Chicago Irish mob, Doyle and Byrne. He is a psychopath and has a dark personality although he is loyal to his family and those he loves, some may say excessively so. 

Surprisingly Anna feels that she has found the perfect job/ relationship working for and living with Cian. She slots right in and his family love her. Rightly so her friends try to persuade her to distance herself from his influence but she is determined to stay with him despite being harassed by the police and drawn into the murky underworld. 

Cian ruthless is when it comes to protecting and expanding his empire and family. Now he is obsessed with and by Anna. She brings calm and love into his life. Finally he has found his version of happiness and she enjoys being under his protection, even though at times it is rather excessive!

I enjoyed the interaction between the pair and the emphasis placed on neurodiversity. I didn’t enjoy all the secondary characters, found them confusing and felt that they cluttered up rather than enhanced the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Postcards From Paradise: Australia, #romanceyoursummer

Mills & Boon are currently running a #romanceyoursummer campaign. A selection of their summer reads regularly has 40% off (up to 9 September 2023). I was kingly sent a M&B notebook, pen and Postcards from: Australia.

Postcards from:Australia is a 3 book anthology. It contains: Saving Maddie’s Baby by Marion Lennox;  The Incorrigible Playboy by Emma Darcy and The CEO’s Baby Surprise by Emma Lacey. All are enjoyable summer reads perfect for this late heat wave the UK is experiencing. 

#romancingyoursummer  

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

Classic Canes Purple Floral Elite Folding Walking Stick

The Classic Canes Purple Floral Elite Folding Walking Stick (£44) is certainly elite. This isn’t a proper review as it was used as a competition prize and I didn’t have it cut to my size. I don’t normally like floral patterns on anything, but the combination of purple and the vibrant flowers make this an eye catching walking stick. When folded the stick measures 31cm. The length of the stick is adjustable from 82-92cm. The stick is light, weighing 405g. The handle is a Derby design which is really comfortable for smaller hands. It also has the Classic Canes logo embossed on the brass collar. This is a stylish and comfortable to use walking stick.  

Save The Bees: Bee Revival Kit

 

Even though bee season has nearly ended there are still a few buzzing around (I have taken the photographs) and readers may find this useful for next year. I have several 4ft lavender bushes in my front garden and kept finding exhausted/dying/dead bees on the flowers. I hate seeing any animal in pain or suffering. So I researched causes and solutions to the poor little bees plight. 

Bees collapse/ die because they are overworked, need a boost of energy or a drink of water. The bee revival keyring/ bee thirst aid kit is from the revive a bee store from Amazon. The keyring is £11.49 and the paper hang tag is plantable wildflower seed paper. The gold key ring unscrews to reveal a glass vial containing Invertbee, a combination of fructose and glucose liquid. Unlike sugar syrup this will not crystallise as it dries out. This will give the bees the boost they need. Do not offer it to bees that don’t need it, they won’t thank you for it! A percentage of every sale is donated to Rewilding Britain. 

A useful tool to help a tiny much needed member of the wildlife community which is often overlooked or seen as scary! I have used it several times and the bee did seem to be revived- it flew off. I know one definitely did survive as it only has three legs and I saw it back at work the next day. This is a great concept and I like that a donation is made to a worthwhile charity. 

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

InTheFrow X Edge of Ember Cosmos Collection Ring Unboxing

 I know this collection was In The Frow’s first with Edge of Ember way back in 2020 but as the rings were £135 each I didn’t even look at them! Every year, however, Edge of Ember run an online sample sale where 10% of profits go to Solace, a UK charity which supports women and children at risk of abuse and violence.  Two of the rings, Orion and Nebula were on sale at £35 each. I didn’t purchase them to support Victoria Magrath but because I do like the style of ring and I was also supporting charity.

The Cosmos Collection focused on the constellation of the stars so the rings are aptly named Orion and Nebula. The Orion rings are made from recycled sterling silver and ethically sourced white topaz and moonstones, the gold version is sterling silver and 18k gold plate. The Nebula ring is Madge recycled silver with a pearl and again ethically sourced white topaz and 

I find the Orion rings very comfortable to wear despite the fact they are quite big, substantial,  chunky rings,  they look quite elegant and minimalist when worn, although I wouldn’t want to wear any other rings at the same time as they would over power them. I thought I would prefer the gold version but the silver gleams in the sunlight and even though the stones are tiny they almost look alive as they sparkle in different lights. 

I find the Nebula ring very uncomfortable to wear. I love the concept of the star shooting across the ring but it is just too bulky, wide and feels like it is cutting into the sides of my finger.  I also have a fear of pearls scratching my glasses’ lens and this one protrudes quite a bit! 

The rings came beautifully packaged in Edge of Ember packaging. I did purchase the Orion ear cuff when the collection was originally released, but never even opened it due to a family death,  so I will review it soon. 

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

XissJewellery Rose Quartz Ring Holder Trio

I reviewed the single XissJewellery rose quartz crystal wand ring holder in the previous blog post. I also purchased the trio (£30). 

 The details/ measurements are exactly the same. The only difference is they are more of a traditional rose quartz pink colour. They almost glow in the sun! Rose quartz is the stone of love and is supposed to help release anxiety and reduce stress. I certainly feel happier looking at my rings beautifully presented on my bedside table! 

The customer service is great. My ring holders came package carefully in bubble wrap and a little cotton bag. I always treat these items with care as I broke one years ago by dropping it onto a pillow on its tip! 

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

XissJewellery Single Rose Quartz Ring Holder

 I first reviewed a XissJewellery item way back in 2019 when I purchased the Flat rose quartz ring holder. I still use it but after seeing the wand/ tower version for £11 plus postage for one I decided to buy one to use as a blog prop. To recap XissJewellery is a Demi fine, contemporary everyday jewellery company. Their Jewellery  items are representative of the quiet luxury trend and fit between fine and fashion jewellery. They can be found on their own website, Not on the High Street and, of course, Etsy. The rose quartz ring holders mirror this quiet luxury trend as they are minimalist, useful and a work of art. 

 All the ring holders are slightly different as they are a natural material. They measure between 50-60mm in height and fit rings that are L-P, but if you contact the seller she may be able to find one that fits a different ring size. The first one I purchased was almost clear, with a pink hue and swirls of white at the bottom. The paler the rose quartz the more expensive, rarer the piece, which I didn’t know. I have compared it with one of the trio I also purchased to show the difference in colour. 

I like that the holder is almost see though as when I am photographing rings I sometimes want to show the inside of the band. I will use the ring holder as both a decorative ornament and as prop and I would recommend the seller as the item was reasonably priced, safely packed and arrived quickly. 

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