Book Review: My Baby's Billionaire Daddy: A Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Surprise Pregnancy Romance (Billionaires After Dark) by Heidi Rice

 

My Baby’s Billionaire Daddy, written by Heidi Rice, is a reboot/ updated version of the 2008 novel Pleasure, Pregnancy and a Proposition published by Mills & Boon. It is part of her new mini series, Billionaires After Dark.  I have both versions, I won a copy of the 2025 reworked version and P, P &P is part of a Mills & Boon trilogy - One Amazing Night Baby! (no longer available in Kindle/ ebook format) which I purchased years ago. 

The storyline remains the same in both novels. Louisa DiMarco is a writer for Blush. Luke Devereaux, Duke of Berwick was named in her yearly Eligible Bachelors list which he did not appreciate. He took his revenge by having a one night stand with her and then revealed his identity. Three months later he tracks her down and makes her take a pregnancy test as he had realised she may be pregnant.  They go to his house - Havensmere to discuss the future. There is still chemistry between the pair but will they be able to build a future together?

In the original version only a small amount of the book is written in the first person. In the reboot the story is rewritten so it is in the first person from the point of view of either Luke or Louisa. There are also small changes that bring the storyline upto date. The Eligible Bachelors feature, for example,  is an article in the original book, a YouTube vlog in the new version. When Louisa is told she is pregnant in the original version she is in an alternative zone. In the new she is in her version of the American Horror Story. These tweaks and small updates make the book more interesting and fun for the reader. There are lots more quips and humorous asides in the new version whilst the language and sex scenes are much more explicit. The changes and additions do not alter the storyline but make it realistic and the characters seem more up to date and relatable to the reader. 

As the original is no longer available in ebook format the new version is definitely worth getting if you haven’t read it before. Even if you have read the original it is over 20 years old and the revamp makes it seem like a totally new read!

I was gifted one book and purchased the other but this did not effect my review. 

Why do Disney villains love and wear powerful jewelry/ jewellery?

I have recently been deindexed by Google (please search for sparkling magpie Disney on Google to show them I exist if you see this post). I signed up with a free SEO sit to see how I could fix it (as yet I haven’t and can only be found on Bing). There is an AI post function that I looked at and one suggested post caught my eye - Why do Disney villains love and wear powerful jewelry/ jewellery? 

I haven’t copied and pasted the ai article as it was rubbish but the question got me thinking/ why do Disney villains wear/ hold Jewellery that defines them? 

Ursula’s nautilus gold shell necklace was used to capture Ariel’s voice when she agreed to swap her voice for leg and the pendant was assumed to have magical properties as it glowed when Ursula started certain spells. 

Although Maleficent is portrayed as a heroine, her headpiece with protruding horns adds a devilish  aspect to her personality. 

Jafar’s ruby eyed cobra staff was used to  hypnotise those he wanted to control. An ostentatious piece it made Jafar seem in control, larger than life and EVIL

Certainly the jewellery helps makes the villains  spear more evil. The enchanting world of Snow White is destroyed by the iconic evil Apple, Ursula’s necklace has magical properties etc. On a more consumerist level the villanesque aspect to the jewellery adds to the possibility that they will be licensed and made into wearable pieces, charms, earrings etc. items can be found anywhere from Alliexpress (for a few pence) to more high end websites. I don’t think the original Disney artists envisaged that the villain jewellery would become such a money maker but as the characters’ popularity has increased and viewers want something to remember a movie by, villain jewellery will remain popular.  

The Little Crystal Lounge Rose Quartz Semi Polished Point

I was looking for a way to display and store my Rajput Spinning Bangle from Charlottes Web Jewellery and I came across The Little Crystal Lounge. This is a UK company which specialises in semi precious stones. My favourite stone for mounting jewellery on to use as a blog prop is rose quartz as I find that it complements rather than overpowers the piece I am photographing. I also want to store my bangle where I can see it otherwise I either forget to put it on or panic that I have lost it. I decided I wanted some type of rose quartz stone. Not too tall. My only criterion was that the diameter had to be 60ish mm or it wouldn’t sit on the stone. I found that not many sellers provide the dimensions of their products or provide photographs of the actual item. The Little Crystal Lounge does both so I purchased my stone from her shop. My point is 10” in diameter and weighs 258g. It cost £25 plus £3.75 shipping and arrived well packaged and in a timely manner. 

The stone is beautiful, it is just what I wanted and more. The stone’s inclusions and imperfections complement my bangle perfectly and it sits just right on the crystal. I love looking at the stone as o notice something new every time I look at it. I find it relaxing just to sit turning it in my hands. 

I didn’t purchase the stone for its magical properties but for anyone who is interested rose quartz is supposed to be a calming influence, boost feelings of romance, self love, compassion, friendship and also relieve stress. 

The Little Crystal Lounge was set up by Kate, a certified crystal healer. All her stones are ethically sourced. She sells from an online crystal shop based in Widnes. She has been interested in crystals for over 30 years but that interest really took off after she had a very stressful few years. She started meditating and incorporated crystals into the process. She has studied crystals healing, crystal healing for pets and chakra healing with crystals. She provides advice and free mini guides and unlike some shops I have browsed doesn’t just her use of crystals as a way to make money but as a way to help her and customers  through life. 

I would use her shop again - I love the rose quartz coasters and the price range for all her items seems very reasonable. 

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

Review: Millie Savage Pastel Dream Sterling Silver Sapphire Ring

I caved and purchased a Millie Savage Pastel Dream Sapphire Ring in sterling silver in her once a year 1/2 price discontinued items sale. The sale price was £135 from £270 so still expensive (one of the most expensive pieces I have and will ever buy) but I love the colour of the stones and the shape/texture of the band.  Sapphires are my mum’s birthstone and I haven’t been able to find a ring until now that I feel close to her when wearing it. 

Millie Savage is an Australian brand/ Jeweller which she set up 20 years ago in a little workshop in her back garden shed. Now she has studios in Bali and Fitzroy plus several shops in the UK, New York and Australia. All her her team are women, they use recycled sterling silver and ethically sourced materials and respect the Traditional Owners of the land where they are based - the Wurundjen people of the Kulhin Nation both past and present. 

So on to my dream Pastel Dream ring. The stones are natural sapphires in blue, yellow and pink. A pastel rainbow of beautifully cut and set sapphire stones. The ring band is what drew me to the ring. Made of certified recycled sterling silver, the ring band looks very earthy, organic, rustic and inspired by nature. The edge of the band is polished sterling silver, whilst the rest of the band has a textured look and feel to it. The stones which are beautifully cut, fit seamlessly into the design without making the band just seem like a band that is there to hold the stones in place. The stones and band work together to make the perfect piece. 

The gift/ ring box is very cute. The bright velvet is eye catching and easy to spot when I am looking through my jewellery drawers. The logo MS can be found on the inside of the lid. The packaging has been well thought out and really fits the aesthetic of their brand and jewellery design.  The ring also came with two cute stickers which were a nice addition. 

I love my ring and the customer service was great (but postage is expensive. Shipping within the UK with DHL is £16.99) and quick. Luckily for me my sterling silver allergy only seems to be affecting my ears, not my fingers or neck at the moment and I have also bought a sterling silver allergy shield protectant that I shall use if my fingers start itching. I ordered my item at 13.19 on Saturday and it was on its way to me at 13.25). I will not be shopping regularly with them just because they are a higher end more expensive brand but I will watch out for sales and offers.  

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

Review: GemeShou Gold Metal Earring T Bar Stand

I  purchased the GemeShou T-bar earring display stand (£11.96) from Amazon. I purchased the gold version (it’s also available in silver and black) just because I wanted some variety when taking my jewellery blog photos.

I purchased the shorter (low) version. It’s height is 11.5cm, the hexagon base 3.8cm and the cross bar is 6cm. The taller version measures 13.5cm and horizontal bar 6cm. The thee pieces came wrapped in bubble wrap and were easy to assemble. I love the way the gold reflects into my black background. 

This item took a few weeks to arrive but I have noticed that if an item is sent from China you get a free sample gift. This time I got a sample ring holder which I would have purchased if it was on Amazon as it is quite unusual. 

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

Review: Vintage/Baroque Jewellery Display Stand

I first saw this Vintage/Baroque Jewellery Display Stand on TEMU for £12.39. I refuse to purchase anything from there so I searched both Etsy and Amazon for a similar item. The exact item can be found in different colour ways on Etsy but costs £40 ish including shipping and tax. Amazon had the white velvet option for £18.99.

The stand is made from a light resin material painted gold. The back of the stand is woodeny and there is a stand so the display can be positioned like a photo frame. The stand also has a picture hook so it can be hung up. Earrings can be displayed in the velvet area. It is padded so just push the earrings in. The butterfly backs will have to be kept in a pot for safe keeping until needed. I haven’t tried this as I don’t want to mark the velvet a I plan to use the stand to display necklaces. Necklaces hook around the the top of the stand. The display measures 19x11.5 cm. The stand looks like it will be unite weighty but it is in fact quite light.

 I think it would be a faff to use the stand to display earrings, fiddling about pushing the earrings in to place and remembering to keep the earring backs in a safe place.  It is, however, great as a necklace holder. The stand is well made and very pretty.  I just wish I had been able to get a stand with a darker velvet as the white looks like it will mark very easily. 

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

Review: SeaglassByArchie 50 x pieces (150g) Sea glass assorted green shades of glass from Kent

 I purchased two 150g (about 50 pieces) of green sea glass from SeaGlassByArchie via Etsy (she does also have her own online website and store here where you can also see where she walks her dog, Bolt, as she collects the glass. 

Each bag cost £15 but I got it on sale at nearly half price. The pieces of glass are beautiful, some are iridescent, some opaque whilst others are just a beautiful hue of green. It’s a shame glass cannot speak as I am sure each piece has its’ own story to tell. 

I am very pleased with the glass stones I received. I intend to use them not only as blog props but also home decor and fill some glass bowls with them to put around my house. 

I received a free card and a thank you note with my order which inspired me to look at her other items. She also has a lovely well priced range of sea glass gift cards which could be framed once you have given the card to the recipient.

I would recommend Sea Glass by Archie if you wanted some glass to use for crafting projects or for home decor. I will certainly buy from her store again. 

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

Book Review: How The Duke Met His Match by Sophia Williams

This Regency romance is Sophia Williams’ debut novel. Heiress Emma is thought to be about to become victim to a rogue ruining her reputation and claiming her wealth. Duke of Harwell, Alexander, steps in and claims to be her fiancé. He is not thrilled to do this as he has already been married once. His wife died and he is scared to love again but will do so to protect the young heiress. 

They enter into a marriage of convenience with the agreement that they both remain independent. They travel to his estate and meet Alex’s young sons. Slowly despite Alex playing hot and cold and Emma excusing his behaviour a friendship then romance slowly develops. Will they be able to create a perfect family or will past experience thwart their HEA. 

I don’t really enjoy historical romances as romances but I do enjoy reading them (as long as they are well researched and understand the social prejudices and strictures that restricted the lives of upper class women during the Regency period) as historical novels. I found this book did incorporate and understand the problems women faced despite being rich and the fact that they could face ruin if their virtue or honour was questioned so much do that in order to protect themselves they were prepared to enter marriages of convenience. Both Alex and Emma have strong characters and I like how the author develops them over time as they interact with the boys and between themselves. 

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

Falke Happy Socks, Happy Feet?

I have mentioned in previous blog posts that due to a spinal injury I have severe neuropathic pain, especially in my feet. This affects what I can wear on my feet socks and shoe wise. To compound this my ankles and lower legs swell which means I have to be careful and check there is stretch around the sock band and that it isn’t tight to start with. I have always worn Women’s Falke Berlin or Falke Happy socks as they are designed for people with foot issues, leg swelling and diabetes. I’m only a size 34 so they are a pain to find in this size and are very expensive - £12 to £16 per pair. There are sometimes multi packs available on Amazon but they sell out very quickly. 

I was thrilled to see that Amazon had a 6 pair multi pack of unisex kids Happy Socks size 12-2.5 in dark blue for £24. This is £20 cheaper than the adult version! I was worried they wouldn’t be the same as the adult version but they fit me perfectly and feel just as soft and comfortable to wear. The socks are ideal for sensitive feet. The toe seam is flat so doesn’t rub, blister or irritate this area. The heel is reinforced and fits perfectly so again no rubbing or blistering. The material is a soft non scratchy breathable cotton. No sweaty feet, they are kept dry all day. The elasticated cuff is wide and stretchy. It doesn’t slip down and expands when needed. The socks don’t really wrinkle so pressure points and sensitive areas of the foot don’t develop blisters which is great as I find it takes ages for foot issues like this to heal. 

I have worn Falke sensitive socks for years. They are comfortable, durable and they last. I still have and wear my first pairs bought from House of Fraser Manchester many years ago. I have never tried the kids socks and I think I will purchase this version in the future as they are cheaper and my feet are happy when I wear them! For once yay for having little feet. 

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

Review: Accessorize / Z for Accessorize 14ct Gold Plated Tourmaline Pebble Necklace

  I haven’t purchased any jewellery from Z for Accessorize for around a year as nothing has really caught my eye plus I have put myself on a strict no buy rule with a few exceptions. I was, however, skimming through my Instagram feed and this tourmaline necklace popped up.

 This necklace measures 40cm including the extender. The chain is 14ct gold plated and the “pebbles” are pieces of tourmaline in dusty hues of pink, green, orange and grey. Tourmaline is thought to be a healing and calming stone both of which I need in bucket loads at the moment. The stones are absolutely beautiful and the necklace looks so much more expensive than it actually was/is. 

I had some points to use up and there was 30% off so it was a bargain! Accessorize do seem to be doing lots of offers at the moment, at the moment there is a £10 off £40 spend, plus if you have a free Accessorize card you get free shipping and collect points from purchases!

 The extender is innovative and means that the wearer has mr choice and control over how long the chain/ necklace will be. Traditional attached extender chains just have 3 or 4 rings fastened to a chain, so the necklace can be extended 3 different lengths. This necklace has a chain with a little ball with a ring attached which slides up and down the chain when it is held straight and tight  the wearer has a lot more choice and control over the exact length they want the necklace to be which I think is great.

 I haven’t seen much/ any Accessorize jewellery that I have liked or would recommend for so long but this necklace is great. It is very old school Lola Rose in the way the stones are cut and threaded together. The necklace could be worn as a year round piece as the pinks and orange stones sing warm summers whilst the greens and greys will look great next to burgundy or green jumpers for winter.  I love the innovative way the extender means the wearer has more choice over the length of the chain. My necklace will be a staple piece and I intend to rewear it a lot. 

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

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Mickey & Minnie Sparkling Articulated Earrings

 

Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Mickey and Minnie articulated gold tone sparkling earrings. . 

These Mickey and Minnie earrings are for pierced ears and their height is 1.25”. The earrings are based on the iconic Mickey and Minnie poses and outfits. The whole look is elevated by the addition of sparkle. Mickey has been enamelled and is adorned with sparkling black gems which catch the light and Minnie is also enamelled and sparkles with pearls and lighter gems. They are articulated so move gently with the wearer’s movements. They swing slightly and look as though they are dancing, which is unusual and eye catching. They would look great sparkling under disco Iights, dancing around in the wearer’s ears. Despite the articulation and gems they are deceptively light and don’t look as though they will drag the ear lobe down.  It’s a shame that they are only gold tone as they would be great to wear everyday for a fun look.  I haven’t worn them as they are a prize. 

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Mickey/Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not ship to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged. 

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

Book Review: ER Doc's Miracle Triplets by Tina Beckett

ER Doc’s Miracle Triplets by Tina Beckett is a Mills & Boon Medical romance.  This is the first in a mini series following the lives of medics who work at Hospital Bueno Aires in Argentina. 

Isabella is an ER Doctor who finally finds out she is pregnant with triplets after several harsh rounds of IVF. When she finds out, however, she is separated from Sebastian her husband has travelled abroad for work for two months. She does eventually tell him but their marriage is still rocky and full of resentment. Will they be able to overcome this bitterness and make a home for 5? 

This is quite a short read, almost too rushed. I enjoyed the backdrop of the story and how this storyline is slightly different to the normal medical romance. Although it is part of a mini series it can be read as a stand alone novel. The characters are likeable and relatable as they buckle under the stresses of a struggling marriage, IVF failures etc and this is a more realistic view of romance than M&B sometimes portrays. An enjoyable quick 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

 

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow Earrings

Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Minnie Mouse Head Silver Tone Stud earrings. 

These Minnie Mouse Head Silver Tone stud earrings are for pierced ears and measure 1/2x1/2”. They are based on the iconic Minnie Mouse head and bow. They are small elegant studs which stay true to the instantly recognisable silhouette of Minnie’s ears, head and iconic bow. It’s a shame that they are only silver tone as they would be great to wear as everyday studs that don’t need to be taken out as they lie flat against the way and there is nothing that can snag and rip the earring out. I haven’t worn them as they are a prize. 

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not shop to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged. 

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

Last Few Purchases from Tada and Toy

 

A glimpse of my last few purchases from Tada and Toy  before they close tomorrow (14 Feb 2025). I Will never be able to replace my friendship bracelets - elephant, rhino, pangolin, lion, cheetah & giraffe - my safari stack but I will have my underwater stack of bracelets!!

   

Book Review: In The Greek Midwinter by Mandy Baggot

   

Set in Athens, Greece, this novel follows the story of Jen who has decided to surprise her boyfriend by visiting him in Athens after they had to cancel a romantic trip to Paris due to his work commitments. When she and her best friend, Bonnie, arrive in Athens (surprise) David isn’t there to greet them. 

Jen is obsessed by Christmas, she is immersed in it all the year round as her business is based upon it! whereas Astro, the Greek waiter she meets via an dating online website detests it! Slowly their relationship develops but will their pasts, especially Astros’s prevent them finding a future together? 

I loved the vibrant and in-depth descriptions of Athens and the green Christmas traditions. I also enjoyed reading the day to day interaction between Astro and Jen as their relationship grew and developed. 

Both characters are complex and they need to deal with the past before they can truly move forwards. The novel has two storylines, one is about the characters finding themselves and the second is their romance slowly developing  with a gorgeous backdrop of Athens at Christmas. 

This is a fun, festive romantic comedy coupled with self discovery for the main characters. A great novel to snuggle up with next to the Christmas tree over the festive period. 

I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. Gray 

Book Review: Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben

This psychological thriller written by Harlan Coben is the follow on novel from Fool Me Once. Sami Kierce’s whole life changes 25 years ago after he goes backpack in Spain with friends for a holiday. He is a medical student who works with the college football team. He meets Anna. at a disco and they hook up. Anna is a free spirit who is involved with drugs. Sami also starts to partake. One morning Sami wakes up with a knife in his hand, covered in blood and Anna’s lifeless body next to him. She had been stabbed to death. He has no recollection of the previous night. He goes to the police but when they return to the scene of the crime Anna’s body has gone. His father tells him to leave. He flees from the scene of the crime and the country. Shortly after returning home there is a huge news about a local heiress Victoria Belmond being kidnapped 

His whole life changes. Prior to Anna’s murder he was a medical student but he instead becomes a NYPD police officer. Several years ago he was engaged to  Nicole Brett, also a police officer Sadly she was murdered by Tad Grayson. He is now married, to Molly,  lives in NYC and has a baby boy. 

Career wise Sami is  a disgraced cop, kicked out of the force after chasing a suspect off a roof.  He works as a private investigator for a law firm  and teaches criminology night classes. He is sure he has seen Anna alive and well at one of his lectures. There eyes lock and she runs as soon as she realises he has recognised her. Tad has also just been released on a technicality. Tad asks the firm Sami works for to investigate Nicole’s case and Sami agrees to help. 

Sami enlists his criminology students to help solve the two murders, the kidnapping of Victoria and the possible link between her and Anna,  find out what really happened in Spain and figure out who is stalking his family. There are lots of twists, red herrings and cliff hangers in the storyline. The ending cannot easily be guessed, leaving enough room for a third book in the series?! 

I enjoyed this book. It is fast paced, well throughout with lots of sun plots. The humour is brought in by his amateur detective club which is run by Sami. The characters add variety and dimension to the plot and direction of the storyline. I don’t normally enjoy novels written in the first person but with Sami acting as the narrator I felt it drew the reader into the story. 

I received this book via Netagalley and Random House UK in exchange for a honest review. 

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow Earrings

Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Minnie Mouse Rainbow Bow gold tone earrings for pierced ears.

These earrings are for pierced ears and measure 1x1.5”. They are based on the iconic Minnie Mouse posing in her red dress and bow but they have elevated her look. Her red dress sparkles with red gems and her iconic bow is covered in sprinkles making the whole look seem very tactile and eye catching. The earrings feel very light despite looking like they should be heavy (I haven’t worn them as they are a prize). They are gold toned. 

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not shop to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged. 

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

Book Review: Rachael Stewart What Happens At The Beach… (Mills & Boon True Love)

After losing her home and career as a bar worker, Fae Thompson is housing/ dog sitting for 6 weeks. She is minding Precious the poodle for her rich step sister Sasha in Sydney’s very expensive Bondi Beach area whilst she is on her honeymoon with her wife Gigi.  Sasha left Fae a long email of dos and don'ts but most importantly of all Precious wasn’t to come into contact with the neighbour Lord Cedric Alexander Pennington, otherwise known as Rick, as his dog, a Great Dane called Ralph, according to Sasha had gone for her baby like a piece of meat.

Fae meets Rick for the first time when they are walking the dogs and rather like 101 Dalmatians they end up entwined in the dog leads. Both romances progress, culminating in a disastrous gala for the humans, will they get their HEA?  Precious is unwell after the gala turns out she is pregnant and puppies are born just as her human mama gets back from her honeymoon so everyone gets their HEA!!    

I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting The dogs added a touch humour and could have had their own mini romance told from their perspective as they were definitely part of the main storyline not just there to bulk out the word count. There was a sense of sadness and loss for Fae, she is the step sister who doesn’t fit in and has lost the places that she felt safe and wanted. She has an inferiority complex as her father abandoned her and her mother and created the perfect family with someone else   This has shaped her life and could ruin her future if she doesn’t change. Rick hadn’t smiled in years before coming to Australia as he fought to save the family home and business after being let down by his dad. The characters work well together, are realistic enough to both appeal to and be relatable to the reader.  The storyline is well paced, doesn’t drag has interesting and complex characters both human and canine.

 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 BookFunnel and Rachael Stewart in exchange for a honest review. 

Book Review: Unexpectedly His After-Party Consequences (Billion-Dollar Bet) / Princess Bride Swap (Rebel Princesses) by Heidi Rice; Lorraine Hall

Unexpectedly His contains two Mills & Boon Modern novels, After Party Consequences by Heidi Rice (which is part of the Billion Dollar Bet mini series) and Princess Bride Swap by Lorraine Hall (part of the Rebel Princess mini series). 

After Party Consequences’ storyline focuses on a billionaire staying faithful over one summer, to prove he is not a playboy. This time it’s billionaire Cade Landry, if he remains single or with just one woman for the summer he will win ownership of the only place that holds memories of his mother. Instead of remaining single, he is caught in a one night stand with Charlotte Courtney, Charley. She is an ex teenage model who turned her life around, went to fashion college and trained to be a fashion designer. She is using her savings she earned as a model to fund her little flat in the East End of London. They first encountered each other 4 years ago when she was an out of control model/ socialite. Very embarrassing for her. Now she is a grown up 22 year old determined to achieve her ambitions. The press and everyone involved in the bet discover that they had a one night stand and he gets Charley to agree to faking a relationship. The chemistry between them makes this easy but then a third little person makes its way in to the mix! 

Both characters have childhood issues that have shaped their adulthood. He was abandoned, she had disinterested parents. It is interesting to see how the author makes these characters complex but likeable to the reader. Showing how they both grow and develop as they face parenthood. I enjoyed this book and would recommend. 

Princess Bride Swap is the second book in this mini anthology. Princess Beaugonia replaces her twin Zia in the arranged marriage to Prince Lyon Traverso after she has a rare night of freedom as end up pregnant. Beau arranges the new marriage contract between Lyon and herself before informing her father, the King of the Kingdom of Lyon, so he could not scupper her plans. Her father bad never liked Beau. Even though she is the eldest twin he made Zia his heir. Beau and Lyon have chemistry between them but will he support his new bride when he discovers her secrets that have kept her in the shadow of her sister? 

I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as the first in the duo. I found the storyline rather fanciful and this trope has been done so many times. The book, however, is well written and the characters, although not particularly believable, are interesting as the reader watches/ reads their interaction.

This duo of novels makes a good combination of storylines and makes for a good introduction to these authors writing styles.   

 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: Her Grumpy Billionaire by Natalie Anderson

Her Grumpy Billionaire by Natalie Anderson was first published by Mills & Boon in 2012 as First Time Lucky. The book has been revamped and republished by Natalie Anderson as part of the Billionaire Boyfriends series.

Set in New Zealand Gabe Hollingsworth is the Doctor for Blades rugby team. He has family money and is an attractive early 30s Doctor. He has gone from playboy to a repressed one! After having his private life splashed all over local media he is looking for a quiet life after being stalked by an ex girlfriend who happened to be a dancer. He also wants to avoid dancers! 

Roxanna (Roxie) Jones is a 22 year old dancer who auditioned for and won a place on the Silver Blades team. She had cared for her ailing grandparents for the past five years and is saving money so she can put herself first and travel abroad at the end of the season.

She first meets Gabe when he enquires about renting the Treehouse her grandfather built. He goes for a year long lease on the assumption she will be moving out of the garage apartment pretty soon (not in a few months). She next meets him at her audition for Blades dance team as she is stung by a bee. The chemistry between the pair is already evident.  

The first thing Roxie purchased with the Gabe’s rent money is 5 champagne bottles which she labels with letters. Gabe helps her with the V one! Gabe falls for her first but will Roxie be willing to give up her dream of travelling for him? 

I enjoyed this book. The storyline is different from the traditional billionaire romance. Both the main characters have issues that are relatable to readers - stalking and the pressure of being a carer at a young age and how it can affect your life. 

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

Book Review: Their Altar Arrangement by Natalie Anderson

 Their Altar Arrangement, written by Natalie Anderson, is the first book in the Mills & Boon/ Harlequin mini series The  Convenient Wives Club.    

Elodie Wallace is determined to prevent her little sister, Ashleigh, from marrying Ramon Fernandez at all costs, even if she has to marry him herself! After being manipulated into marriage by her domineering father she is determined not to have the same happen to her sister. It took Elodie years to rebuild her life and she manufactured a whole raunchy alternative narrative in order to do so. When she bursts in in the billionaire she doesn’t realise she has got the wrong Ramon. He is Juan Ramon Fernandez.  The man her sister is engaged to (and Juan’s cousin) is called Jose Ramon Fernandez. Juan also needs a wife as the first of the two men to get married inherits an island - he wants to preserve it whilst his cousin wants to build on it.  They agree to marry for a year and due to the chemistry between have fun. Juan will help her upgrade her escape room business and help . Elodie will be the one to break their marriage up, as she did with her first one.

I really enjoyed this novel and will reread it. I liked that Elodie was firmly in control and Juan was quite often put on the back foot and didn’t automatically get his own way. I felt that the setting way more contemporary and interesting than the formulaic teacher/ secretary etc trope as she is running her own escape room business and isn’t in desperate  need for his money. Both characters have had turbulent childhoods which has shaped who they are. It is interesting to see how they grow develop and change throughout the novel. There is humour between the main characters and the book is well thought out in terms of pacing and storyline. All the loose ends are tied up and the minor characters - Juan’s aunt and Jose also get a final mention rather than just disappearing.   

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

Book Review: Boss With Benefits by Lucy King

Boss with Benefits is written by Lucy King and the second in the Mills & Boon Modern mini series Billion Dollar Bet where the heroes have taken a net to only go out with one woman from Independence to Labor Day to repair their images. . The winner of the bet will take all  accumulated shares and have the chance to take Helberg. 

Adam Courtney, the billionaire CEO, must remain celibate in order to keep hold of an acquisition that helps him lessen the guilt of his mother’s death. He is managing to remain so until he meets Ella Green, walks back in to his life to audit his firm. They have had a passionate encounter in the past and he knows how difficult it will be to prevent a repeat of this. Ella is also determined that there will not be repeat performance. She has been burnt both professionally and socially in the past and will not risk her career for mere desire. Can the pair remain aloof or will they succumb to their red hot chemistry?

I did not enjoy this book. It was only a short read so that made it slightly easier! A shame as I normally enjoy the author’s novels but this one just seemed forced. 

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