About Me

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hi, I am a 40+ year old who loves jewellery and all things sparkly. I also enjoy trying out and reviewing new makeup products, finding stylish walking sticks, reading and writing book reviews. I will review anything from bird tables/ hedgehog houses to the latest fashion! My Instagram account is @sparkling_magpie

Sunday 28 February 2021

Book Review: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

When Flora falls in love with Jack who is a widower she isn’t just taking on a boyfriend but also his perfect wife and his two daughters. Izzy, especially, puts up barriers as she is angry her father has got a new replacement for her mother within a year of her mother dying. 

 I used to really enjoy Sarah Morgan’s M&B Modern novels and I feel this takes her novels one step further as this isn’t a formulaic romance but concentrates on the harsh realities of being the interloper or step parent in a new relationship. Having to live up to the perfect wife  (Jack is a widower), Flora has to contend with a nasty step daughter and continue the tradition of holidaying with Jack’s best friends who also were friends and holidayed with his wife.The more Flora tries to impress the more she fails and feels a failure with no support from Jack. Flora soon realises families aren’t perfect and there is no need to strive for perfection. This is a great family romance read which any step parent would identify elements of their own relationship .



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





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Book Review: The Warrior’s Princess Prize by Carole Townend

 

The Warrior’s Princess Prize is written by Carole Townend and published by M&B Historical. Set in Medieval Europe Princess Zorahaida is being kept captive by her father, Sultan of Alhambra. Jasim ibn Ismail wins her in a tournament. Is this her chance to escape? Jasim must have some political reason to want her as it can’t be love. 

I enjoyed this book. The two main characters are engaging and likeable. The princess try’s to help people in the palace whilst Jasim is trying to get a trade agreement for his village as the Sultan and his father had a disagreement years ago and there has been no trade since then. 


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

Book Review: Dating the Billionaire by Lisa Childs

Dating the Billionaire is written by Lisa Childs and published by M&B Dare.  Ex fighter pilot Blaire Snyder doesn’t believe in soul mates. She is firmly a believer in one night stands and one night dates. Her best friend Miranda persuaded her to try a dating service, Liaisons international. She matches and goes on a date with billionaire Matteo Rinaldi.  They have a fantastic night together. She leaves without giving him her contact details. He searches for using an alias and his private plane. 

I don’t normally choose to review Dare novels as I don’t enjoy them and feel they are a watered down version of the Black Lace novels. I did, however, really enjoy this book. There are a two strong characters and Blaire is determined to remain mysterious, aloof and independent. Blaire is the ultimate feminist, dressing up as a male pilot and flying Matteo’s plane after he booked a pilot through her friend’s firm and demanded a only male pilot. 

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

Saturday 27 February 2021

Book Review: The Vet’s Secret Son by Annie O’Neil

The Vet’s Secret Son is written by Annie O’Neil and published by M&B Medical. Lucas Williams due to family problems was forced to walk away from Ellie Stone and by doing so destroyed their hopes and dreams for the future.  When he comes back to Ellie 6 years later she is a successful vet and is raising their son.   

Lucas’ loyalty to his family proved to be his undoing whilst Ellie is resilient and has shown she does not need Lucas to build a successful business and also raise their child on her own. This is a second chance at love novel but will Ellie trust him enough to give their relationship a go?

An interesting read. I enjoyed reading about the incidental animal characters. I found Lucas’ character quite irritating. He only came back to see if Ellie was okay. Would he have stayed without his son being there? 

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


Book Review: A Marquis in Want Of A Wife by Louise Allen

A Marquis in Want Of A Wife is written by Louise Allen and published by M&B Historical. The Marquis of Cranford, Ross Vincent, a widower, has needs a mother for his baby son. Ross has a scarred face, a intimidating personality and knows he isn’t any ones’ first choice as a husband. Shy Prudence Scott is his ideal, low or no expectations of love. After being seduced  by someone who had no intention of marrying her she needs someone who can help her if there is any gossip of consequences. By entering into marriage with the Marquis She will have the protection of his name on exchange for being his wife and step mother to his son.  After seeing Prudence dressed up on their wedding day it will take all of the Marquis’ willpower not to go back on the no shared bedroom/sex agreement. Will the looming Battle of Waterloo destroy their HEA?

I found Prudence to be an interesting character. Even her name evoked the idea of a prude, a spinster who has no interest in romance.  She is naive but determined and takes to bring the new marchioness very quickly with the help of both her friends and Ross. Ross underestimates himself, beneath the scars and gruff exterior there is a kind man. I enjoyed this novel much more than I thought I would and I recommend it. 

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

Friday 26 February 2021

Book Review: Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh

Her Billionaire Protector is written by Nina Singh and published by M&B True Love.  Adam Steele is the CEO of a security company. His newest client, Ani Terrance is an up and coming pianist who used to be his little sister’s childhood friend. She is all grown up and nothing like he remembered. Will he risk his heart for her?

This is a gentle romance. There aren’t any great, ground breaking hidden secrets or relevations.   The romance evolves as Ani travels to glamour destinations to perform so there are interesting descriptive scenes which caught my interest. There aren’t any sizzling sex scenes the chemistry is more on a emotional level. 

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

Book Review: A Hidden Heir To Redeem Him by Dani Collins

 A Hidden Heir To Redeem Him is written by Dani Collins and published by M&B Modern.  Kiara spent one illicit night with Valentino Casale. She became pregnant and had his daughter without telling him. As he is illegitimate himself (and constantly reminded of this when he was a child) he is incensed when he discovers her deception/secret 2 years later when he visits the family home after his father’s death and discovers Kiara and his daughter living there. He is determined she will have two parents. He may come across as a cold hearted billionaire but there is another passionate, caring side which Kiara glimpses. Can they create their HEA?

Kiara is a talented artist who just wants a family whilst Valentino is a cold hearted billionaire who is embittered that he was the illegitimate son whilst Javiero is the perfect legitimate one. He turned his back on his father, building his fortune himself. He is determined that his daughter will not be tainted by illegitimacy. The main characters are both complex and at times Valentino is unlikeable. It is interesting to see his character change as he becomes the family man. 

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

Book Review: Cinderella’s Royal Secret by Lynne Graham

 Cinderella’s Royal Secret is written by M&B stalwart Lynne Graham and published by M&B Modern.  Izzy meets Crown Prince Rafik whilst working as a housekeeper. She is running late and is behind in her housekeeping schedule and Rafik walks out of the shower and straight into her. There is immediate chemistry between the pair and they spend the night together. Subsequently Izzy discovers she is pregnant. Not knowing he is Sheikh of Zenara she goes to inform him he is going to be a father. Rafik always thought he couldn’t father a child so he is determined to hold on to them both. 

This is an enjoyable read. With the secret Royal Wedding baby etc with a Cinderella tidy as Izzy has been working as a housekeeper. Both the characters are complex. Izzy is loyal to family and determined to work hard, hence earning money for her family whilst working as a housekeeper and studying at the same time. Rafik is a very closed off character who doesn’t know how to show emotion. 

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

Book Review: A Baby To Bind His Innocent by Michelle Smart

 

A Baby To Bind His Innocent is written by Michelle Smart and published by M&B Modern.  Claudia Buscetta had been swept off her feet by Ciro Trapani, Their wedding night was perfect but then she learns the truth. She overhears her husband admitting to his brother that he was merely avenging his father’s death due to the shock of losing the family home and business to Claudia’s father  and take back the family home. She is preparing herself to walk away when she discovers she is pregnant. Slowly Ciro realises he has made a mistake. His wife isn’t just a pampered princess but an independent woman. He is torn between the need for revenge and the love he feels for his wife.  

This is the first  novel in the Sicilian Marriage Pact Series. It is an enjoyable read, the characters are relatable and likeable. 

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 Maid’s Best Kept Secret by Abby Green

The Maid’s Best Kept Secret is written by Abby Green and published by M&B Modern. Maggie Taggart is a shy chef, currently working as a housekeeper until a replacement can be found due to her mother’s death. As a consequence of her rich father’s rejection, she feels immune to the draw of rich handsome men. She then meets Nikos Marchetti.  She falls for him and consequently has his baby son. When Nikos discovers he has a baby he is determined to claim them both. 

The one night with consequences is a storyline that has been done, with varying degrees of success, many times.  This time the story is well paced, not rushed and doesn’t drag and is well thought out. Although the characters do jet around Europe there is little background description. The focus is firmly placed on the characters and how they interact and develop. I think I would have liked a little more description about where they stayed etc as this can also pique the readers’ interest. I enjoyed this book but I don’t think I would rush to reread it.  


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


Thursday 25 February 2021

Book Review: My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh

I have reviewed, and enjoyed reading, several of Eva Leigh’s novels. This one is called My Fake Rake.  Lady Grace Wyatt is content to remain an unmarried wallflower following scientific pursuits. When, however, a famous and handsome naturalist returns from studying abroad, Grace wants to be noticed for more than her academic prowess. She invents the perfect man to act suitor and therefore catch his eye. Her willing victim is her colleague, anthropologist Sebastian Holloway who she quickly shapes into the perfect man. 

She transforms him from bespectacled nerd into a handsome fake rake.  Grace’s feeling for Sebastian develop and she falls in love with him, as he does with her but will he tell her. 

An interesting read, slightly different to the traditional historical romance. Both characters are academic nerds. Sebastian isn’t rich and doesn’t cope well in crowds/ social situations so does not come across as the traditional hero. Grace is the dominant, determined character in the novel whilst Sebastian’s character slowly develops as he becomes more confident. I enjoyed the gentle flirting, banter and discussion about reptilian sex (not something you normally read about in M&B). I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it. 

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

Book Review: Would I Lie To The Duke by Eva Leigh

Would I Lie To The Duke is written by Eva Leigh and published by M&B Historical.  Jessica Mcgalle is the companion to Lady Whitfield. Jess has travelled to London to check everything is ready for her mistress. Unfortunately she has an accident and is unable to travel as planned. Jess pretends to be Lady Whitfield as she visits the Bazar to try and find funding to save the family’s soap making business as it has been recently destroyed in a fire. Jess meets the Duke Noel Rotherby. Noel who assumes she is who she says she is and he is impressed with her financial acumen. Sparks fly between them as they flirt throughout the novel, clearly taken with each other, but how will Noel react when he find he has been duped?

I normally enjoy Eva Leigh’s novels but this is the first time I struggled to connect with the characters and found that 21Century attitudes seeped into a Regency era romance. 


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

Book Review: His Blind Date Bride by Scarlet Wilson

His Blind Date Bride is written by Scarlet Wilson and published by M&B Medical.  Naval Surgeon Ivy Ross has been messaging Travis King for several months via a messaging app. She misses their first real life date as she I called away to work. When she finally meets him on a blind date he turns out to be the new Senior Medical Officer and her boss. Naval ships are strict on onboard romances so will their romance be over before it has even begun?

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 Viscount’s Unconventional Lady by Virginia Heath

The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady is written by Virginia Heath and published by M&B Historical. Lord Piers Easton had reluctantly returned to London after working as a Diplomat in the Napoleonic wars.  His divorce has made in infamous and rather grumpy and cantankerous. In order to quell the gossip mill he should marry a quiet subservient noble woman. Instead Faith Brookes, a flamboyant, vocal artist has caught his attention. Originally the pair disliked each other due to a misunderstanding on Faith’s part. 

This is the first in a trilogy which will focus upon Faith and her two sisters. The mother is an overbearing opera star who brings humour and gives the reader a reason to feel sorry for Faith. Piers character is also based upon dry humour. Unusually for Regency period romances, the women are outspoken and determined to be heard which makes the book more enjoyable. I look forward to reading Faith’s sisters’ stories. 

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

Tuesday 23 February 2021

Book Review: Confessions of an Italian Marriage by Dani Collins

Confessions of an Italian Marriage is published by M&B Modern and written by Dani Collins. I don’t normally comment on the book jacket picture but this time I will. I loved it. It is so rare to see a Hero in a wheelchair on the front of or in a storyline. As the picture can be the deciding factor in catching a potential reader’s eye as a disabled person I appreciated it as a move forward. 

Giovanni is the hero who happens to be an amputee wheelchair user and Freja is his new wife travelled the world with her father and was brought up in North Korea. Giovanni has had to go take his death and go into hiding due to his second career that he hasn’t told Freja about. She decides to flush him out, which she successfully does. He sees how his fake death has affected her and tries to fix the damage he has caused, but is it too late to save their marriage.

I enjoyed how Giovanni’s disabilities were matter of factly dealt with rather than being either the elephant in the room or romantized.  I also liked Freja’s childhood storyline, but put together they were almost too much. Both could have been standalone storylines. Nevertheless this is one of my favourite reads and I hope there are more along the same lines incorporating disabled hero/ines without virtue signalling that that is the focus.  

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

Book Review: Christmas in the King’s Bed by Caitlin Crews

Slightly out of season but here goes, Christmas in the King’s Bed is written by Caitlin Crews and published by MB Modern. Calista’s father has blackmailed  King Orion into marrying Calista.  Calista agreed to marry him in order to protect her sister Melody and prevent her being institutionalized. Calista is also plotting to bring her father down.

I enjoyed this book. Calista acts out like a petulant toddler during the first few chapters but it is clear during her interactions with her sister that this is not the real Calista who is working to save her sister and destroy her father. Orion is angry that he is being blackmailed into marriage to protect the royal family and at first only sees his wife to be as an angst ridden toddler. Slowly his perception changes but will she betray him as well? 

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

Sunday 21 February 2021

Book Review: Night Shifts with the Miami Doc by Ann McIntosh

Night Shifts with the MIAMI DOC is a M&B Medical romance written by Ann McIntosh. Dr Regina Montgomery has taken this temporary job at the Miami hospital so she can take time to reflect and refocus on her goal of becoming chief of medicine. Little did she know or anticipate that her former resident, Dr Mateo would also be employed there or that he would make clear that he wanted her. Both have issues, she has fought to rebuild her career whilst he is busy dealing with his family. Ca they work through these issues? 

 I found Regina to be quite a cold, remote character, unable to express her emotions or fully relate to other characters and engage the reader’s interest. I found it a shame that the 10year age gap was not developed into more of a sub storyline as this would have been an interesting angle that not many M&B romances use as a storyline.

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 Bluestocking Duchess by Julia Justiss

The Bluestocking Duchess is M&B historical romance written by Julia Justiss.   Miss Jocelyn Sudderfield is working at Edge Hall, the Duke of Farisdeen’s estate with her father and brother, translating Ancient Greek texts with her father. They have lived at the Dower house for most of Jocelyn’s life. She has successfully avoiding the need to enter into marriage by doing so and loves her work. She has made friends with estate manager, Alex Cheverley. He, unexpectedly, becomes the Duke’s heir as he is the Duke’s cousin.  Now Alex must marry a debutante suitable to be his wife selected by the cold hearted Duke,  not consort with a bookish Bluestocking. Will they be able to remain friends, turn the friendship into something more or each go their own way?

I enjoyed this novel. The inclusion of the translation of Greek texts made the storyline appear more realistic, rather than just the mention that she translated texts would have done. The relationship between Jocelyn and Alex developed slowly whilst both pursues their own interests. 



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

Book Review: A Scandal Made In London by Lucy King


A Scandal Made in London is written by Lucy King and published by M&B Modern.  Billionaire Theo Knox always felt as though he owed Mike Cassidy a debt which he never got to repay as he sadly passed away. Theo, therefore, was shocked when he discovered Mike’s sister Kate Cassidy was an employee who was also trying to set up a sideline as high class to sell her virginity! Kate is over 6ft in height and lacks confidence. Theo is even taller than she is and is an alpha male. They enter a relationship and she becomes pregnant. Can they overcome their secrets and issues and create a future for three?

A somewhat formulaic romance: problem, fake relationship, relation ship, baby and marriage. The height was an added interest as was seeing her blossom and become less self conscious. A quick easy read. 

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

Book Review: Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella

Claiming His Bollywood Cinderella is written by Tara Pammi and published by M&B Modern.   Vikram Raina is a Bollywood billionaire actor who has saved his family’s business whilst also becoming one of Bollywood’s most sought after actors.  Naina Manon is his grandmother’s assistant. Naina mocks Vikram during their first meeting but then has a one night stand with him, after the masked masquerade ball, without him knowing who she is! He realises who she is during their next meeting and their affair continues. Unfortunately Naina’s family have financial problems and she is forced ask Vikram for a job. Naina becomes Vikram’s assistant. They travel to the Maldives and this is where their relationship starts to fail. Will they be able to salvage their relationship.

I enjoyed the book, although Naina isn’t really a Cinderella character, rather she is independent, highly educated, not afraid to speak her mind and supports her family. The last few chapters were rather rushed and formulaic, spoiling the earlier ones where the storyline was new and fresh, with characters that the reader could empathise and relate to. 

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

Book Review: Stolen To Wear His Crown by Marcella Bell

Stolen To Wear His Crown is the first in the Royal Guard M&B trilogy and the first book to be be published by Marcella Bell, congratulations on your success! 

Mina has gone to the palace in Cyrano to accept the position of chief scientific advisor. She is snatched from the interview room and taken immediately to the Chapel where she is told she must wed King Zayn. Zayn doesn’t want to marry someone he doesn’t know but knows he must in order to protect the monarchy, even though Mina is unsuitable to be queen. 

Zayn is cold and stand offish without being cruel whilst Mina is an innocent hardworking book worm who has never been kissed. Although the kidnapping part of the book is rather unrealistic, the part where Zayn goes on a chat show to declare his love does appear more so with the upcoming Oprah/Harry/Megan interview.

As a first book this was well thought out and evenly paced. It didn’t drag and new ideas were introduced - the chat show. Although unrealistic in places, the author shows promise and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. 

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

Saturday 20 February 2021

Book Review: How To Undo The Proud Billionaire by Joss Wood

 How To Undo The Proud Billionaire by Joss Wood is published by M&B Modern.   Radd Tempest-Vane is struggling to rebuild his family’s financial empire. He will be able to recoup a huge chunk if he can pull off a high profile wedding at his exclusive Safari lodge. All he needs to do is find a florist. Brinley Riddell comes to his rescue. She this as an opportunity to show her family that she is not second best or useless as they have always perceived her. Sparks fly between Brin and Radd. Could it all come crumbling down when secrets are revealed?

This is the first novel in the South Africa’s Scandalous Billionaires trilogy. To be honest I struggled to get through it. The first third was okay but as secrets were exposed it just became a struggle to read. Brin failed to tell Radd that her sister had been a rival to the bride for the groom’s affections, for example, as she doesn’t want to lose her job. The imagery of the reserve was enjoyable and detailed. 


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

Book Review: Forbidden Hawaiian Nights by Cathy Williams

Forbidden Hawaiian Nights is a M&B Modern novel written by Cathy Williams.  This is the first novel in the Secrets of the Stowe trilogy. Set in the luxurious setting of Hawaii, billionaire tycoon Max Stowe  must find his missing sister and run their hotel until he does so. Landscape gardener Mia Kaiwi is his temporary assistant. He is a workaholic whilst she is determined not to have her heart broken again.  The sparks fly and there is a definite attraction between the pair, but can this attraction survive?

This novel is very slow to get going. Perseverance is needed to get through the first few chapters, then the storyline becomes more enjoyable. The characters don’t particularly catch the readers attention so it shall be interesting to see how this series develops in the next two books. 


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

Book Review: Italian Escape with the CEO by Nina Milne

An Italian Escape with the CEO written by Nina Milne is part of the M&B True Love Collection. In order to claim her inheritance Eva Casseveti’s late father has requested that she  has to make amends with Liam Rouke, his business rival’s son. Liam doesn’t need the money but he does need a fake girl friend. Eva agreed to play along and the relationship blossoms. Will the real relationship be able to overcome their longstanding issues. Eva’s parents marital problems have affected her whilst Liam’s first marriage had put him off matrimony! 



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


Book Review: The Mother Fault by Kate Mildenhall

The Dystopian novel The Mother Fault by is set in  the future in Australia. A spy thriller/ family drama this novel tells the story of where everyone is chipped and every aspect of their lives are controlled by the “Department”.  The author focuses the storyline on one family. Ben, the father has gone missing whilst working in Indonesia. Mimi, his wife and their two children, Essie and Sam must be dechipped and undergo a perilous sea journey to find him. 

I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as Skylarking. The premise of the book is excellent but the execution is lackLustre. I couldn’t warm to Mimi. She is supposed to be in love with her husband but goes off with another man whilst searching for him. She makes some terrible decisions whilst the storyline wanders along, lacking the focus and intrigue that a supposed spy thriller should posses.  The flashbacks to Mimi’s childhood are confusing, there are too many of them and they mostly unnecessary. 

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

Friday 19 February 2021

Book Review: Waiting For A Scot Like You by Eva Leigh

Waiting For A Scot Like You is a M&B Historical Romance written by Eva Leigh.  The Countess of Farris, Beatrice Sloane, is a widow, who after escaping a stultifying marriage is living her best life as an independent, wealthy widow. Captain Duncan McCameron, however, is struggling to find himself after the end of the war. His childhood sweetheart has married someone else whilst he was away fighting and he has therefore sworn off love. He has agreed to escort Beatrice to a friend’s estate. This journey involves lots of excitement - a carriage crash, barn dances, robbers and a shared bed. Slowly tension and awkwardness dissolve into passion, but will this passion be enough for two individuals who are poles apart, can the straightlaced war hero and fun loving Countess bury their differences and build a future? 


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



Book Review: Winning Back His Runaway Bride by Jessica Gilmore

Winning Back His Runaway Bride is a M&B True Love novel written by Jessica Gilmore. Charlotte Samuels is about to divorce her workaholic billionaire husband, Matteo. She is, however, called to his bedside after he was involved in an accident and suffered memory loss. Charlie realises he doesn’t remember they are in the midst of getting divorced. She needs to remain aloof from him until he regains his memory then they continue with the divorce. She finds this rather difficult as she falls back in love with him!

This is a second chance at love story. Charlie isn’t a walk over, meek and mild but strong wild and impulsive.  Matteo’s accident took him back to the person she fell in love with, strong, confident and full of life, not the workaholic that he morphed in to. Slowly they rebuild their trust and love. 


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

Thursday 18 February 2021

Book Review: The Greek’s Secret Heir by Rebecca Winters

The Greek’s Heir is written by well known M&B True Love author - Rebecca Winters. Spoiler alert - the heir isn’t a baby but a 19 year old girl!!

Alexa is a 36 year old single Greek mother who has returned to Greece with her 19 year old daughter Dimitra after living in Canada for several years. She coincidentally meets up with Nico, Dimitra’s father at a friend’s house, when the daughter announces she is getting engaged. Nico is shocked that he is a father but wants to be involved with her. After getting over his anger with Alexa that she didn’t tell him about their baby he realises he still loves her. There are lots of arguments, insecurities and secrets that need to be solved. Will there be weddings and babies? All is revealed in the last few chapters. 

As with all Rebecca Winters novels there isn’t any graphic sexual imagery, it’s all emotional. I feel sometimes the lack of a layer of this actually detracts from the novel. I found it strange that every time there was a problem Dimitra ran to her fiancé and it got rather tedious. The storyline is a great concept, it just lacked in execution. 


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

Book Review: Terms of Their Costa Rican Temptation (M&B Modern) by Pippa Roscoe

Terms of Their Costa Rican Temptation is a Mills & Boon Modern novel written by Pippa Roscoe. Sky Soames is searching for her family’s lost diamonds to find her mother’s cancer treatment. This hunt leads her to billionaire Benoit Chalendar’s mansion in the Costa Rican rainforests as his Aunt holds the map which will lead to the diamonds. He agrees to help her find the diamonds if she agrees to marry him as to remain the CEO of F his company he needs to get married within two weeks before he is 32 to look as though he is setting down. 
It is interesting to see Skye blossom in the rainforest and become less uptight. I enjoyed the descriptions of the rainforest as well. But can their attraction survive the return to reality? 
This is the first of a trilogy following the stories of three girls. A lot of this novel seems to drag as the scene is being set for them all but as the reader I wish this had been cut down and more emphasis placed on Costa Rica itself.  Skye is a strong character but again as the reader I wonder why she didn’t tell Benoit the real reason she needed the diamonds.  Benoit is the traditional M&B hero, strong, in need of a wife etc. If you can make it past the first few chapters this is an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the others in the series.

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

Tuesday 16 February 2021

Review: Wet Brush Detangler & Detachable Mirror


I have extremely long hair which gets detangled and knotted very quickly! My hair brush of choice is the Wet Brush, which I have reviewed several times on my blog as it comes in many different guises! This version is the same size as the original series and comes with a detachable mirror (£12.99 currently £5.94 with Amazon Prime).

The Wet Brush is head and shoulders above all other hair brushes because of it’s innovative and patented intelliflex bristles system. This design helps prevent hair breakage (45% less breakage) and the SofTips (Wet Brush’s other innovation for pain free brushing) make it easier for the brush to glide through the hair without being painful. The tips of the bristles are firm enough to de knot and detangle but also soft enough not to rip out and through hair. This brush glides through and detangles my hair as easily as the rest of the Wet Brushes in my collection. The brush handle is rubberised and is both comfortable and easy to hold. Even when half the brush is detached so the mirror can be used I still find it easy to grip and brush my hair with despite my dexterity issues and neuro pain problems in my hands. 

The mirror is a fun innovation and would be great for travel (got to think positively). The mirror isn’t a gimmick. It really does work and sadly picked up a few more wrinkles: laughter lines I hadn’t noticed. The mirror is attached/detached with magnets in the brush handle which clip it firmly in to place. The brush is slightly heavier than others in the original range but it’s not really obvious unless you are comparing the two.  

I like the colour combination and the fun/unique element of the mirror. I would buy these as gifts and think the mirror is a great idea.


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

Tuesday 2 February 2021

#win Sterling Silver Miffy Flower Body Necklace

As last month’s Miffy competition was so popular I decided to run another one, this time for a Licensed to Charm Sterling Silver Flower body Miffy pendant (£55). The difference between this one and last month’s Miffy is that her body was smooth whereas this one has daisys engraved on her body/dress.  She is 3D and measures 1.5cm. The chain is extendable from 40-45cm. 
 
The only issue I have with the Miffy collection is the presentation box. It looks like a mini jewellery box but the drawer doesn’t fit securely enough and the necklace can fall out (I had several fraught minutes when this happened to me and I couldn’t find the necklace!).



Enter here>>>>>>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules

Must fulfil the compulsory rafflecopter option

Competition is open worldwide

Competition runs between 3-28 Feb 2021

This competition is not affiliated in anyway with either Miffy or Licensed to Charm