ARC Book Review – When We Fall by Olivia Rose.

Blurb:

Erin Michaels wants nothing more than to just survive high school. With a life long crush on the boy next door, and his mean girl girlfriend who seems to want to make her life miserable, it’s no wonder those short years feel like a lifetime.
That is, until Mason Knight. 
When Mason Knight rocks up at Rocky Falls High, Erin’s world turns upside down, and her eyes are opened to a world worth living for. 
Exploring love and life for the first time, Erin’s world is set ablaze in ways she never imagined possible.

‘When We Fall’ is a YA novel that centres around high school bullying, finding love, giving you strength and bravery to rise above the bullying and have the courage to stand up to it and speak out. I love that this was written in first person with a friendly conversational tone to it. It makes for a really smooth read that really pulls you in.

The characters were easy to like – or dislike depending on who (I didn’t like Evan. He was a tool from the start). The main character, Erin, is sooo the book version of me; with her style, her clumsiness and her love of books. Not to mention her personality and how she overcomes being bullied. Mason… wow Mason. Ohhh he was everything you’d want in a love interest, in my opinion. He was always in Erin’s corner. Supporting her, encouraging her to fight back and not take the crap that the bullies were throwing at her. He had that bad boy vibe about him too which I loved… the reformed bad boy with a heart of gold. Monica (Erin’s guardian) and Grams (Mason’s grandma) were really likeable characters too. They were both so lovely and reminded me of my own nannas.

I was totally engrossed by this book. There is a major plot twist that I just wasn’t expecting and it had me hanging on the edge of my seat with my heart in my mouth! For a time I was worried that suicide, or attempted suicide, may happen in the story, but something entirely different happened and it’s not something I’ve come across a great deal in the books I’ve read. I really like that Olivia Rose wrote about it though as it really does resonate with what seems to be happening more and more in the US today.

This was a fantastic read that I definitely recommend you go out and buy! It is released 26th March and is available to pre-order now!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Amazon AU

B&N

Kobo

Apple iBooks

* This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

** This book was previously written under the pen name Sloane Murphy.

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Time For Tea.

I love my tea and for Christmas my parents had bought me an infuser teapot so I’d been looking around for some loose leaf tea to put in it. A friend of mine recommended an Etsy shop called Rosie Lea Tea. There are so many different varieties to choose from. There’s even Harry Potter and Game of Thrones themed teas! Plus some literary ones too. I was spoilt for choice!

In the end I chose mini versions of Vanilla Chai, Sweet Cranberry, Decaf Strong Breakfast tea and Chocolate Rose. I also chose a standard sized pack of Sleepy tea.

So far I have tried the Vanilla Chai and it is amazing! Even better than my fave Chai Latte at Costa Coffee! I’m currently drinking Sleepy tea before bed which has camomile and lavender in it. It feels like a warm hug with a comforting herbal aroma and it’s so relaxing. Here’s hoping for a good night’s sleep!

Book Review – The Autumn Duchess by Katie M. John.

Blurb:

“I’d woken up to find myself in a different world and a different time. If this wasn’t confusing enough, there was now a stupidly handsome, half-naked guy standing before me, barely covered by a tartan blanket. A minute ago, he had been a stag running for his life. 

Glen McGarrick is a cheeky Jacobite rebel from 1745. He’s also cursed by a fairy queen.

Skye Lennox is a twenty-first century teen who should be dead, but isn’t. Instead, she’s woken up in a world where magic still lingers, evil fairies demand ritual sacrifices, everyone hates the English, and the corsetry is too damned tight. 

Bound by their shared secrets, Skye and Glen embark on a mission to get Skye home before the evil English Duke ensnares Skye along with all his other pretty little creatures.“

I never fail to be transported into the worlds that Katie M. John creates. A beautiful novella about time travel, love and magic. I loved the chemistry between Skye and Glen. Old Meg was a great, mysterious character that I would love to have known more about. I would also love to have known more about the dark fairy, glen and just delved more into the their backstories and history. It was such a lovely read that I didn’t want it to end! It’s perfect if you’re after a short read and is part of The Seasons’ Fairy Tales collection.

The Story Gift Book Sleeve and Bookmark.

I have this knack of accidentally sitting back, forgetting my book is there, and creasing the cover or it being accidentally knocked off the arm of the chair. 😭 So I thought it high time I got me a book sleeve! How blooming cute is this by The Story Gift? Ahhh books and cats (and black cats no less!)… Two of my favourite things!

I also just had to have the metal bookmark too. It was a tough choice between tea and coffee though because I actually love to drink both – though not at the same time obviously haha. I would love to also make a suggestion for a cat and books inspired bookmark. Then my life will be complete! 😀

My daughter is currently walking around “keeping my book and sleeve safe” as she cuddles them, bless her. She says she wants one of her own so I may have to see if there’s one she’d like.

I’d definitely recommend a book sleeve. I honestly don’t know why I haven’t bought one before now!

Book Review – Friends Like These by Sarah Alderson

Blurb:

‘We all know someone like Becca.

She has the job everyone wants, a designer wardrobe, a hot-shot lawyer boyfriend, holidays to exotic locations. And she flaunts her perfect life all over social media.

It drove her colleague Lizzie mad, but she couldn’t stop looking. They were never really friends – and yet Lizzie knew everything about her.

Or did she?

When chance, and a terrible mistake, pulls Lizzie back into Becca’s orbit years after they lost touch, she’ll realise that you can’t always believe what you see online… and that finding out the truth might be the worst thing you can do.

There’s no such thing as a perfect life. Only a perfect lie.’

I love a good thriller and this really keeps you guessing. Although I had my suspicions, I never truly knew until that fatal last 24 hours or so. What really threw me off as to who’d done it was that the story had been written from two view points, being made to believe one character more so than the other. To me, that was genius! It was a fantastic read and excellently written. I loved the twists, with an ending so unexpected it made my jaw drop!

Thank you to Sarah Alderson and Mulholland for this ARC in return for an honest review.

Book Review – A Princess’s Duty by Sloane Murphy

Blurb:

Emilia Daarke has wanted to escape the Summer Court her entire life. She’s not brutal like the other Fae. She’s not savage. But they are.

When the boy she loves, Cade Vasara, Crowned Prince of the Winter Court, kills Emilia’s twin, they are torn apart and Emilia’s love for Cade dies just like her sibling did.

Years later, she has fallen in love with a hunter – a forbidden love that goes against all that she has been taught. A man her father will never approve of. When her secret is outed, her father captures her Hunter and gives Emilia an ultimatum.

If she succeeds, she’ll lose the one she loves. But if she fails, he will die, and she will never be able to forgive herself…

This is the first book I’ve ever read of Sloane’s. It’s the mention of the fae that drew me in! And I wasn’t disappointed! Whew what a page turner that was! I love the writing style, it was so easy to get into. I love the chemistry between both Emilia and Oberon, and Emilia and Cade. I was actually torn about who I wanted to ship her with. I love how gory and dark it was in some places and how heated things got in others! I REALLY enjoyed the twists; and that cliff hanger at the end? Oh. My. God! I was about 90% through reading when I had an inkling that a certain character would turn. I’m a bit gutted though, I really liked them! A part of me is hoping it’s all some kind of act. Speaking of characters, I didn’t warm to Lex. He’s definitely one shady dude! However, maybe I’ll be surprised in the next book and he actually turns out good? Who knows? But I’m dying to find out what happens!

Book two, A King’s Oath, will be released in December.

*this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

The Land of Steel and Honey Cover Reveal!

Land of Steel and Honey is coming October 31. Today is the cover reveal, and you can even preorder this book for only 99 cents. Keep reading to find out more!

The blurb:

Freedom has never been further away…

Jovi faces a precarious situation when Cappa teams with Belisandre to kidnap her. When she finds herself right back where she started in the castle, she tries to escape. Before she can break free, Cappa forces her on another journey, this time into the heart of Lyenhaus.

It doesn’t take long to learn how untruthful Cappa has been about his life. In order to survive, she must make him believe that she trusts him, and that she still loves him, which isn’t an easy feat when she can barely stand to be in the same room as him.

Lyenhaus is the Dwarf land, and soon Jovi finds a friend in the Dwarf king, who sees Cappa for what he is the moment he meets him. With his help, she might actually break free, but when Cappa escapes, she has an important decision to make.
Can she return to her life as Queen of the Frost Mages knowing Cappa is out there?

Land of Steel and Honey is the second installment in Secrets of Orendor, a YA epic fantasy series that will appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and Victoria Aveyard.

And Book 1 has a brand new cover too! Check it out below!

The blurb:

One cure can save them all…

Princess Jovi’s sheltered life has taught her nothing about Orendor, the kingdom she will one day rule. Longing for adventure isn’t the same as being thrust in the middle of one, which is exactly what happens when the Frost Mages attack the castle in Kingsperch.

Determined to save her kingdom, Jovi must gather an army of brave warriors to defeat the Frost Mages and protect the people she loves. She seeks help from the bravest Mammoth Rider in all of Orendor—her fearless uncle, Meical.

Jovi will endure harrowing trials she never imagined she’d face, but as a daring new enemy emerges from the darkness, she will discover a startling truth about herself that might open the door to a brand new future.

Will she choose the lives of many, or the heart of one?

Land of Strength and Sorrow is the first installment in Secrets of Orendor, a YA epic fantasy series that will appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and Victoria Aveyard.

Here is the best part! Since it’s my birthday month, I’ve decided to offer Land of Strength and Sorrow for only 99 cents! And you can also preorder Land of Steel and Honey for 99 cents too! How awesome is that?

Land of Steel and Honey releases October 31, so be sure to preorder now so you don’t forget! Just click those buy links below!

Get Land of Strength and Sorrow

Preorder Land of Strength and Sorrow

P!nk Beauty Rose and Hemp Face Mask Review.

On Wednesdays we wear pink! P!nk Beauty that is! 😀

I decided to have a mini pamper and try out the Rose & Hemp face mask which was part of my PR package from P!nk Beauty. Of course Willow wondered what the heck was going on when I walked into the room looking like this. 😂

What I love about clay masks is when you feel the mask hardening. I dunno, maybe I’m weird that way but I find it quite satisfying haha; It makes me feel like it’s doing its magic. I left it on for about 15 minutes then rinsed it off with warm water. Before I took it off I glanced at myself in the mirror and saw it had drawn out the oil and dirt from my pores around my nose (showed up as little black dots on the clay mask) which I thought was really cool! The mask was really easy to rinse off and my face felt so smooth and soft afterwards.

Featuring my little Willow who insisted on holding the pot for me lol.

This mask is perfect for those with sensitive combination skin like myself. It helps fight against the signs of aging, relieves inflammation and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and also helps relieve acne too. The rose clay draws out all the dirt and oil (which is what it was doing on my nose). As well as being an anti-inflammatory, hemp seed oil moisturises the skin and creates a protective barrier that locks in the moisture. This is just some of the benefits from the ingredients in this face mask (drop by P!nk Beauty’s Instagram page to learn more). The ingredients are all natural too and is cruelty-free and lovingly hand made by @christalsmakeup.

I absolutely adore this brand and would definitely recommend. The fact that the products are all natural just speaks to my Boho natural skincare loving heart. The brand is a US brand but does ship internationally (I’m from the UK). When I get a chance I’ll be stopping by and buying more products!

All my friends and followers will receive 15% off your P!nk Beauty purchase. Just use promo code: Dayna15

Home made oat milk

Happy Monday! I made my own oat milk today after seeing A Virtual Vegan’s recipe for it. It was really simple to make. There’s a few tweaks I need to make next time but for a first attempt, it’s not bad at all.

I’m actually really proud of myself. It’s currently chilling in the fridge in its lovely Kilner milk bottle. I need to buy me another one of these bottles for sure; they’re so cute!

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P!nk Beauty skincare products.

Thank you so much to the lovely Christal at P!nk Beauty for sending me over a PR package of some of her products. I am SO excited to use them as I’ve been dying to try her products for ages now. I love that her products are all natural, cruelty free and have no nasty chemicals so are pure goodness for the skin!

The products I received are:

🌹Rose water shimmer setting spray
🌹2× Rose & hemp clay masks
🌹Lady love chocolate clay mask
🌹Lavender rose sheet mask

I shall do individual reviews for each product. Can’t wait to share my thoughts with you guys!

All my friends and followers will receive 15% off your P!nk Beauty purchase (they are based in the US but ship internationally too 😀). Just use promo code: Dayna15

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