BOOK REVIEW: BOYFRIEND FOR HIRE BY KENDALL RYAN

Hello everyone and Happy April! For today's post i am back with another book review post, as i had mentioned in my previous review post that i wanted to go further into detail about the books that i have been reading. If you didn't catch my first book review talking all things the Gentleman Sinner by one of my favourite authors Jodi Ellen Malpas, then you can catch that here, but for today's review i am sharing my thoughts on a new release from another of my favourite authors and one of the books to be ticked off my books i want to read this spring list...

SYNOPSIS:

I’m the guy you call when you need to impress your overbearing family, your boss, or your ex. Yeah, i’m a male escort, but not just any escort, i’m the escort. The one with a mile-long waiting list and a pristine reputation that’s very well-deserved. I’m the guy who’ll make you feel beautiful, desired, and worshipped...all for a steep price. I’m hired to make you shine, and i always deliver. I’ll be whatever you want me to be for one night, except my true self. This is just a job, a role i play to earn a paycheck. But i’m not the guy who falls for a client. Not once in six years and then i meet Elle. Her friend has hired me to escort her to a wedding, but Elle doesn’t know we’re just pretending. There’s a fire between us I never expected. A connection I haven’t felt in so long. One kiss, and I’m losing all control but what will happen when she finds out who I really am?

MY REVIEW:

As i mentioned in the intro to this post, Kendall Ryan is in fact another one of my favourite authors. I actually only discovered her books by chance last year and i fell for the style of her writing, as well as the gripping story lines of course. Kendall has a few new books due to be released as well as a few new and already released books this year, which i always say her books are the perfect Kindle download reads as if you were to pick every single one up on paperback you would run out of room for sure. 

What i like about this book is you get the story from the two main characters Elle and Nic's point of view, so you are rarely left wondering what the other person is thinking/feeling as it alternated each chapter. So the book starts off with Nic and a little bit about his carer which lets face it, being a male escort isn't usually the line of work that lands you relationships. That being said he is the whole package, confident, a gentleman and considering his job, he actually wants the happy ever after story. Even though Nic is a male escort i like how he had personal rules (like no kissing on the mouth) - which totally gave me pretty woman vibes, as he wanted to save that for someone he truly loved. Elle on the other hand is your typical good girl, who's confidence has take a huge knock thanks to her idiot of an ex-boyfriend (who i am glad only featured at the wedding, as i hated him instantly and if i was Nic i would of punched him). You could honestly feel the chemistry between Nic and Elle jump off of the page, as soon as they met each other. This made Nic not have to role-play like he thought he would, as it just came natural to him yet he struggled with keeping his own rules un-broken.

During the book and the Epilogue we got to know a little bit about Case, who is/was Nic's boss and fellow escort. During the Epilogue Nic mentioned that he thought something was not quite right with Case, which was an opening for the next release by Kendall called The Hookup Handbook and one of the next books on my to read list.

Overall i give the book a 4 out of 5, mainly because i feel like there could of been a little bit more of a build up/drama to the forgiving/making up before the end. 

| buy boyfriend for hire on amazon kindle or paperback | here |

xo.

BOOKS I WANT TO READ THIS SPRING

Hello everyone! A couple of weeks ago now i shared a book review post on my recent favourite read, which you can catch up on here if you didn't do so already. With that in mind i am left looking for something new to read but there is no shortage of new reads available and keeping that in mind, for today's post i thought i would share with you the books i want to read this spring...

1. boyfriend for hire by kendall ryan | click to buy |

I’m the guy you call when you need to impress your overbearing family, your boss, or your ex. Yeah, I’m a male escort, but not just any escort, I’m the escort. The one with a mile-long waiting list and a pristine reputation that’s very well-deserved. I’m the guy who’ll make you feel beautiful, desired, and worshipped . . . all for a steep price. I’m hired to make you shine, and I always deliver. I’ll be whatever you want me to be for one night—except my true self. This is just a job, a role I play to earn a paycheck. But I’m not the guy who falls for a client. Not once in six years. And then I meet Elle. Her friend has hired me to escort her to a wedding, but Elle doesn’t know we’re just pretending. There’s a fire between us I never expected. A connection I haven’t felt in so long. One kiss, and I’m losing all control. But what will happen when she finds out who I really am?

2. the play mate by kendall ryan | click to buy |

Smith Hamilton has it all—he's smart, good-looking and loaded. But he remembers a time when he had nothing and no one, so he's not about to mess up, especially with his best friend’s little sister. That means keeping Evie at arm's length … even though the once pesky little girl is now a buxom bombshell. A sexy blonde who pushes his self-control to the limit the night she crawls into bed with him. Evie Reed knows she's blessed—with an exclusive education, a family who loves her, and a new job managing social media for her family's lingerie company. But she wants more, like a reason to wear the sexy lingerie herself. She has just the man in mind to help with that. She's crushed on Smith forever. Surely tricking her way into his bed will force him to see her in a new, adult way.

3. the hookup handbook by kendall ryan | click to buy |

My love wand is on a strike. As bad as that blows, pun unintended, it’s ten times worse for me. I’m a male escort, but not just any escort, I’m the escort. The one with a mile-long waiting list and a pristine reputation that’s very well-deserved. Only now, I’m on hiatus. Because after years of pleasing women all over the city, my man missile decides to get finicky. And the only woman he wants? Someone I can never have—my best friend’s younger sister, the nerdy and awkwardly adorable Sienna. She’s working at the agency this summer, keeping me organized, handling paperwork, and most importantly, keeping me on track to finish writing my book about sex and intimacy, which is due to my publisher in thirty days. She thinks I hate her, that I don’t want her here. The truth is much more twisted. I get hard every time she walks into my office. Her wide blue eyes and pouty mouth drive me wild with desire, and if she stays, I’m not sure how much longer I can stay away from her.

4. the mister by e l james | click to buy |

Life has been easy for Maxim Trevelyan. With his good looks, aristocratic connections, and money, he’s never had to work and he’s rarely slept alone. But all that changes when tragedy strikes and Maxim inherits his family’s noble title, wealth, and estates, and all the responsibility that entails. It’s a role he’s not prepared for and one that he struggles to face. But his biggest challenge is fighting his desire for an unexpected, enigmatic young woman who’s recently arrived in England, possessing little more than a dangerous and troublesome past. Reticent, beautiful, and musically gifted, she’s an alluring mystery, and Maxim’s longing for her deepens into a passion that he’s never experienced and dares not name. Just who is Alessia Demachi? Can Maxim protect her from the malevolence that threatens her? And what will she do when she learns that he’s been hiding secrets of his own?

5. crazy for your love by lexi ryan | click to buy |

The only thing worse than being single at my sister’s wedding is finding out that my ex will be there too. Not just any ex—the guy everyone expected me to marry, the man I came to Jackson Harbor to escape. Now I need a date, and fast. Enter Carter Jackson—the firefighter who’s dealing with an unwanted five minutes of fame ever since a shirtless photo of him saving a puppy went viral. He’s warding off propositions left and right, and he needs a fake relationship as much as I do. Sweet and sexy, Carter is completely off-limits. See, I have a rule. A no heartache rule. Not only is Carter my friend and a known heartbreaker, but his job as a firefighter puts him in danger daily, and that’s something I just can’t handle. The commitment between us might be pretend, but the passion all too real. As crazy as it makes me, I have to keep Carter at an arm’s length. Even that might not be enough to spare my heart.

6. nobody does it better by lauren blakely | click to buy |

Some women are just forbidden. Like off the top of my head, my sisters life-long best friend.Sis has made it patently clear that Vanessa is hands-off, as in keep my ladies' man paws far away from her clever, go-getter best friend who's ready for the real deal. That should be an easy guideline to follow, except Vanessa is deliciously flirty, easy to talk to, and laughs at my jokes. Translation - my libido has been craving her many, many years. So many that we might have stolen a kiss or two. Can you say pent-up, crazy, raw desire? That's exactly what we're both feeling when the storm of the century hits and it's 10 inches of snow with Vanessa and me trapped in a cabin all night long... The trouble is--Vanessa isn't interested in my playboy ways, and I have one night to convince her that I'm the real deal. 

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

GOODREADS | BOOKS I WANT TO READ THIS AUTUMN

Hello everyone! It only feels like just yesterday that i was sharing my goodreads summer holiday romance reads, yet here we are now talking all things autumn/winter. As i mentioned in my summer goodreads post it is good to switch up the cosy-ing up with a good book for by the pool, but those days are over and we are back to getting all cosy with your favourite autumnal scented candles lit instead. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you the romance reads that i can't wait to get stuck into this autumn...

1. sweet possession - j.daniels | buy on amazon | goodreads |

First up is the second book in a Sweet Addiction series by the author J.Daniels, which i read the first book literally within two evenings i was that hooked on the story and i mentioned this in my september must-buys post. These books follow the story of Dylan and Reese who's relationship to each other started as a wedding hook-up, a one off and is definitely a must read. Book one had me feeling all of the emotions as i laughed, cried, as well as swooning over Reese and i can't wait to pick up where i left off with book two (book one ends in a cliffhanger).

2. dear jane - kendall ryan | buy on amazon | goodreads |

Next up is a book that isn't released until the middle of the month but it is one i can't wait to read, as i have read a handful of Kendall Ryan's books now and i have loved every single one of them (especially Mister Tonight). Dear Jane is kind of a re-kindling romance story as the main character broke her heard and left town ten years ago, now he says he has changed and wants one shot to make everything right again but i don't think things will be as simple as that seems. 

3. hot winter nights - jill shalvis | buy on amazon | goodreads |

Jill Shalvis is an author i know through Passionflix, as her novel The Trouble With Mistletoe was turned into a movie last Christmas time and i have watched it so many times. Almost a year on and she has a new release called Hot Winter Nights, which i can't wait to read also as of course the setting is perfect for this time of year (either autumn or winter time). That being said the story line has a very "protector" kind of theme to it, which has me itching to read more than it being fitting for the time of year.

4. pinch of salt - bethany lopez | buy on amazon | goodreads |

This is one of the book out of many that i have downloaded to my kindle whilst on free promotion, which if you didn't know you can get so many free books from the kindle store. The free books switch and change all the time, so it is worth taking the time and looking often just in-case something takes your fancy. This is a great way to try some books from authors you haven't read anything by before or to try the first book in a series. This book is one where the description made me click download as it has a slightly different theme to the story, than some of your typical romance books as it is good to switch things up from time to time.

5. flirting with forever - kendall ryan | buy on amazon | goodreads |

Another book by Kendall Ryan that is also on my to read list, is a new release by the author at the beginning of last month that i am yet to get around to reading. The theme of the book is all about not realising that the right person was right in front of them all along, in the form of a friendship turned relationship story. If it is anything like all of her other books i know i am going to love this one also, as i mentioned before i am yet to be disappointed. If you are looking for something super sexy, flirty and the perfect mix of funny and serious, then i definitely recommend her books!

6. josh and hazel's guide to not dating - christina lauren | buy on amazon | goodreads |

Finally we have a book that i spotted on my goodreads new releases list and after reading the description of the book. The story behind this book is about two friends who are apparently "just friends", that have reformed their friendship years on. As they aren't dating each other, they are setting each other up on terrible double blind dates destined for failure that means nothing between them apparently (i can already tell i am not convinced that is the case and that makes me want to read it even more).

Catch up on a suggested autumnal post: here

xo.

THE BEST BUDGET AUTUMN CANDLES

Hello everyone! If you have read a lot of my posts previously or know me personally, then you will know that i am such a sucker for a good candle and i love so many different scents for each different season. Now that we are fast headed into autumn/fall, it is all about those cosy/warming scents and you can get your hands on a bunch of autumn appropriate candles without breaking the bank. So for today's post i thought why not share with you all some of the best budget candles, that you can pick up for this autumn...

1. yankee candle warm cashmere | £17.99 |

This candle was a new release last autumn from Yankee Candle and it became one of my favourites instantly, so i am glad that it is back for another year. Yankee Candles are one of the candles worth spending that little bit more on but you still won't break the bank, they burn even and are guaranteed to fill the room with a beautiful scent. Warm cashmere is perfect for a cosy evening in as it has those beautiful calming notes of cashmere woods, sandalwood and golden amber. The fragrance is the perfect balance of warm, sweet and yet still fresh. Warm cashmere is currently the candle of the month, so take advantage of the 25% off.

2. glade nutcracker delight | £4 |

I have never really been a huge fan of the Glade candle scents but i always tend to love the room sprays, that was until i smelt this limited edition Nutcracker candle. This is another one of those cosy scents this time filled with more sweet notes, especially from the maple and praline. This scent could be one of those candles that would be perfect from autumn right until the Christmas period. If fruity fresh scents are more your thing, over anything sweet then this candle also comes in a Sugarplum Fantasies scent which is fruity and floral.

3. yankee candle autumn pearl | from £1.79 |

The good thing about Yankee Candle is you can try out any new scent without having to make the plunge and buy a larger jar, as they come in many different forms from wax melts, to votives and then the small, medium and large jars. Autumn pearl is a new scent this year from Yankee Candle and it is filled with fresh yet sweet notes like vanilla, creamy orchid, plum and spun sugar. 

4. sainsbury's home black amber + patchouli candle | £8.66 |

Sainsbury's is seriously underrated for their homeware, as they always have so stunning pieces that are an amazing quality for a great price. This candle has that really luxurious feel to it from its packaging to its beautiful warming black amber scent, which when lit gives off the most sophisticated almost sexy scent. Sainsbury's currently have a 1/3 off selected items, this candle includes as it was £13 for a large jar and it is now just £8.66.

5. h&m home no4 sandalwood scented candle | £12.99 |

H&M is literally my favourite place to buy homeware and i always have my eye on something new from them, especially when it comes to their candles. As you can probably tell from the theme one of my favourite cosy autumnal scents is sandalwood or amber, as they really give off that warm/cosy vibe to a room. This particular candle is also available in a cinnamon scent and a fig scent, two other scents perfect for the time of year. The packaging on these candles are also super luxurious and are perfect jars for reusing.    

6. yankee candle radiant autumn | £13 |

Finally we have another new scent from Yankee Candle but this time from their Home Inspiration range which you can pick up at pretty much every supermarket, especially Asda and Tesco. The great thing about this range is they have different scents available and are a lot more affordable, as a large jar is just £13 where as a regular original candle from the brand is £23.99. The scent Radiant Autumn is the perfect balance of sweet but also with a hint of fresh/crisp notes, which to me screams autumn as it is all about that balance with the cosy feel of indoors but the crisp cool air of the outdoors. 

Looking for something to watch on TV this autumn whilst getting cosy? Then catch up on my recent "what to watch on tv this autumn" post: here

xo.  

BACK TO SCHOOL | BAGS ON A BUDGET + BAG ESSENTIALS

Hello everyone! So now that summer is coming to an end, that means one thing for a lot of people... it's time to go back to school/college/university. With that in mind i thought i would share some tips and advice for when it comes to going back to school. Kicking things off with sharing a selection of bags perfect to stay stylish, yet practical and also on a budget before talking all things bag essentials and what you are going to need to pack/carry with you for any of those beauty emergencies...

Picking the right back for the new school/college year isn't always so simple, as you have to take so many different things in to consideration when it comes down to it. You need it to be practical, easy to carry, spacious enough to fit what items you need to take with you daily yet you want to stay looking stylish also. I always find that there are a select few styles of bags that tick all of these boxes and those are backpacks, tote bags and shopper bags. This year there is a ton of new-in bags, both online and in-store, under £40 and some under £20.

1. topshop sydney zip shopper bag | £26 | 2. accessorize holly lilac backpack | £32 |

3. justfab blush chadwick bag | £10.74 | 4. romwe polka dot print canvas tote bag | £7.50 |

5. h&m reversible shopper bag | £14.99 | 6. primark mustard shopper tote bag | £8 |

7. romwe double zipper flap pu backpack | £10.50 |
8. asos design black backpack with rose gold zip | £25 |

9. next zodiac shopper bag | £4 | 10. h&m black backpack | £19.99 |

11. primark black oversized shopper bag | £10 | 12. topshop hobo bag | £29 |

13. mango pebbled tote bag | £19.99 | 14. zara everyday backpack | £19.99 |

15. zara reversible studded tote bag | £2.99 | 16. hype pink embroidered backpack | £25 |

17. boohoo studded rucksack | £20 |

Once you have selected the perfect back to school bag, you are going to need to fill it with all the essentials that you might need.  (including some items you might need in an emergency)...

1. makeup/wash bag

Kicking things off with the main event and that is all about selecting the perfect makeup bag or wash bag, that is going to not only fit everything you might need to carry but also fit inside of your bag perfectly without taking up too much room. Personally i will always recommend a transparent bag, as you can find the items inside quickly and they are easy to clean if you get a spillage. 

2. deodorant, tampons + mints

When it comes to bag essentials, everyone should always carry products that are going to help on the hygiene front. Personally i prefer to use roll-on deodorant as they are not only long-wearing but also a lot more compact and better value for money rather than picking up the mini-sized spray deodorants. Tampons are another must as you just never know when that situation is going to occur for either yourself or a friend, it is always better to be prepared and a lot of tampons are super compact so they don't take up very much room. Finally on the hygiene side of things, i always like to carry mints or chewing gum and at the moment the tic tac mint rush mints are a personal favourite of mine.

3. hand cleansing gel + mini dry shampoo

Mixing a little hygiene and beauty together but two other essentials that are always in my everyday essentials bag, are hand sanitizer and dry shampoo. Merci Handy is a favourite brand of mine, especially when it comes to hand gel to help you kill any germs on your hands. The brand now stock dry shampoo in a 100ml sized can, which is a perfect size for carrying with you. Dry shampoo is definitely a must carry item, especially if you are going to be playing sports/getting sweaty.

| shop the mercy handy cleansing gel: here | shop the dry shampoo: here | 

4. concealer + mini sponges

The first step for makeup touch-ups is definitely concealer, which you can simply pack your go-to concealer or buy a duplicate. That being said the revolution conceal and define concealer is the perfect travel/essential makeup bag sized concealer, as it is smaller in size to your regular concealer want. Not only is this concealer compact it is also one of my personal favourites from the drugstore at the moment, it only retails for £4 and has high-end quality. Of course if you are going to be touching up using concealer, you are going to want something to blend it out with and the perfect compact tool for that is a mini beauty sponge. Revolution also have your back when it comes to blending, with this amazing value for money mini pro sponge set for just £3.

5. choose a pressed powder with a compact mirror included

By selecting a face powder which has a mirror included in the packaging, is such a space saver as sometimes powders and mirrors can take up some room. Powder is definitely in the top three must-pack essentials, to not only set any touch-ups you have made but to also prevent/fix any shine that might occur through-out a long day.

6. keep lip products to a minimum

It is so easy to go overboard with packing one too many lip products (trust me, i would know i am that girl with ten different products in her bag). Obviously you are going to be at school and more than likely opting for a "no makeup, makeup" look for the day. A personal favourite of mine would to just pack a lip liner, as you can keep the lip looking natural yet you are adding some shape and definition. I also mentioned this in a recent motivation monday post, where i shared my go-to gym/workout makeup.

Happy Weekend!

xo.

LOW CALORIE/SYN FRIENDLY SNACKS/DESSERTS (UNDER 100 CALORIES)

Hello everyone! So in a few different food related or Motivation Monday posts, i mentioned that i switched out higher calorie/naughty snacks for things that are a lot lower in calorie. At the moment there are so many yummy and new low/lower calorie snacks, in a wide range of flavours both sweet and savoury. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my personal favourite bought snacks at the moment...

1. fibre one 90 calorie chocolate brownie bars 

(87 calories, 3.0g fat, 1.8 saturated, 7.3g sugar, 0.25g salt)

I am pretty sure that these Fibre One brownie bars are the original line from the brand, as until recently you could only find the square bars. These are perfect if you are a brownie/cake lover as they aren't too big, they are under 90 calories yet they still taste as if you are being naughty. You can also pick up the square bars in Lemon Drizzle, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon and of course Chocolate Brownie which is my personal favourite.

2. fibre one 90 calorie peanut butter popcorn bar

(90 calories, 4.3g fat, 1.7g saturated, 4.2g sugar, 0.13g salt)

As i mentioned in my recent what i ate in a day post, Fibre One bars are a must-try bar and i mentioned how this particular one is my favourite out of all of them. This is perfect if you still want something dessert-like but maybe a little more savoury tasting, as it is filled with a peanut butter flavour and of course popcorn. Another good thing about these Fibre One bars is as it suggests in the title, they are filled with fibre rather than sugar and bad fats. If peanut butter isn't a favourite but popcorn is, you can also pick up these bars in a Chocolate Popcorn flavour.

3. fibre one 90 calorie carrot cake bars

(90 calories, 3.3g fat, 1.8g saturated, 5.8g sugar, 0.23g salt)

Finally from Fibre One i couldn't not mention the newest edition to the product line, which is of course the Carrot Cake bars and the Triple Choc Cake bars. These are apparently a little harder to track down but if you do come across them, i definitely recommend giving them a try as they are just as delicious. That being said personally i love the Carrot Cake bar more, as the Triple Choc Cake bar tastes very similar to the brownies.  

4. asda blueberry muffin fibre bar

(86 calories, 2.3g fat, 1.1g saturated, 7.2g sugar, 0.16g salt)

Sticking on the fibre bar theme, ASDA recently started selling their own range of fibre bars which come in this delicious Blueberry Muffin flavour, as well as their own version of the Chocolate Brownie flavour. These bars are definitely worth picking up if you are on more of a budget and the Fibre One bars are currently full price, as they are more affordable at just £1.25 for 5 bars.

5. yushoi sweet chilli + lemon pea snacks

(88 calories, 3.0g fat, 0.3g saturated, 0.9g sugar, 0.3g salt)

If you are one of those people who loves crisps as a snack or just in general but you don't want to being eating them daily as of course they are filled with fat, as well as being super high in calorie. A great alternative are these baked pea snacks by Yushoi, they give you that crunch that you are missing from a crisp as well as the savoury taste. These are also gluten free and vegan friendly, as well as being free of artificial flavourings and MSG. 

6. kettle bites mozzarella + pesto lentil curls

(97 calories, 3.1g fat, 0.5g saturated, 0.6g sugar, 0.4g salt)

Another good one and so much better for you than crisps, in fact i think i enjoy these more and that is lentil curls. You can pick these up by so many different brands now (supermarkets even stock their own brand versions) but a favourite of mine is definitely the ones by Kettle, as they have so many more unique flavours such as this Mozzarella and Pesto flavour and also my favourite Sweet Chilli. Just like the pea snacks, these are also gluten free, free of artificial flavourings and MSG.

7. skinny whip chocolate snack bars

(94 calories, 2.3g fat, 1.8g saturated, 10g sugar, 0.04g salt)

Back to something sweet/dessert-like this time something you can pick up in Home Bargains, i am pretty sure this is the only place you can get them anyway. These are just like the Fibre One bars is the way that they taste super naughty yet they are low in fat and calories. These bars are available in boxes of 5 for just £1 a box, they also come in three different flavours Double Chocolate, Toffee Chocolate and Strawberry Chocolate.

(In order to stay on track keep snacks to a minimum, such as one snack per day and of course mixed in with a healthy diet of three meals a day, never skipping breakfast) For more Motivation/Lifestyle tips, catch up on my motivation monday series > HERE <

xo.

SIX MUST BINGE-READ BOOKS THIS MONTH

Hello everyone! If you read my recent august must-buys post, then you will have probably seen me mention in that post about a book that i had been reading recently and i was going to be talking more about it in an upcoming post. Last year and this year i have read so many different books/book series's, that i thought i was about time i put into one post some of my favourite books that are definitely book binge worthy...

the smoke + mirrors duology book series by jodi ellen malpas

Regarded as down to earth by the press and rebellious by The King, Princess Adeline refuses to bow to the royal expectations her title carries. She knows better than anyone that the united front of the royal family is nothing but smoke and mirrors - lies and secrets masked by power and privilege. She wants no part of it, and she will never surrender to The King’s demand to marry a man she does not love but despite Adeline's determination to retain her free will, she remains deeply unfulfilled, feeling caged and suffocated. That is until she meets Josh Jameson, drawn in by his confidence Adeline is soon captivated by the scandalously sexy American actor. His ability to penetrate her defences overwhelms her - his touch is pure fire, and his allure overpowering. Nothing has ever made her feel so alive in a world where she’s otherwise slowly drowning. However, while Josh may be Hollywood royalty, he’s not actual royalty, and Adeline knows The King and his advisers will do everything in their power to keep them apart.

| shop the controversial princess (kindle) | shop his true queen (kindle) |

come as you are (stand alone novel) by lauren blakely

For one fantastic evening, at a masquerade party in the heart of Manhattan, I’m not the millionaire everyone wants a piece of. Fine—multimillionaire. But who’s counting all those commas? Not me, and not the most intriguing woman I've ever met, who happens to like dancing, witty banter, and hot, passionate up-against-the-wall sex as much as I do. There's no need for names or business cards. And that’s why I’m eager to get to know her more, since my mystery woman seems to like me for me, rather than for my huge…bank account. Everything’s coming up aces. Until the next day when things get a little complicated. (Newsflash a lot complicated).

night after night seductive nights series by lauren blakely

Their world was sex, love, and lies. He intoxicated her. Commanded. Consumed. With a dirty mind and a mouth to match, Clay Nichols is everything Julia never knew she wanted and exactly what she cannot have. He walked into her life one night and unlocked pleasure in her that she never knew was possible. Possessing her body, captivating her every thought. Which makes him way too dangerous for Julia to risk her heart, given that she has a price tag on her head. She ran after one mind-blowing week with him, but now he's back, and determined to make her his own no matter the cost. She was a sexy drug to him. Fiery, unforgettable, and never enough, Julia is an enigma, and Clay isn't willing to let her go without a fight. But she's got dark secrets of her own that threaten to destroy any chance of happiness. She's a wanted woman the stakes are high, her every move is watched, and yet the lure between them can't be denied. Can two people burned by love trust again when desire and passion are met by danger at every turn?

 | shop come as you are (kindle) | shop night after night (kindle) |

mister tonight (stand alone novel) by kendall ryan

Last night was the most embarrassing night of my life. I was that girl. You know, the highly intoxicated chick celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her two best friends—who are happily married. And the more I drank, the more I wanted to do something reckless to celebrate. By reckless, I mean the sexy and alluring man dressed in a business suit standing near the bar. You know his type tall, dark, handsome. I was sure he was out of my league, but I’d had just enough alcohol that things like that no longer seemed to matter. I’m not fat, mind you, but you can tell I like french fries, so there’s that. He took me home, and I enjoyed the hottest birthday sex of my life. Well, until it came to a screeching and rather unwelcome halt. There’s nothing quite like being interrupted mid-ride with a little voice asking, “What are you doing to my daddy?” Just kill me now or so I thought.

baby daddy (stand alone novel) by kendall ryan

We met in a trapped elevator. Emmett was on his way to work, sophisticated and handsome in his tailored suit and tie. I was on my way to the sperm bank. Awkward, right? At thirty-five, my life hadn’t taken the path I thought it would and I was tired of waiting—I wanted a baby. And I was ready to take matters into my own hands to make it happen. After our ill-fated elevator encounter, Emmett insisted on taking me to dinner—he also insisted on something else—that I ditch my plan involving a turkey baster and let him do the job. He would be my baby daddy. He was a wealthy and powerful CEO with little interest in diapers or playdates. And since he didn’t want kids, I’d be on my own once his bun was in my oven, free to go my own way but once his baby was inside me, it was like a switch had been flipped, and I got a whole lot more than I ever bargained for.

| shop mister tonight (kindle) | shop baby daddy (kindle) |

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

AMAZON'S CHOICE MUST-TRY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Hello everyone! So Amazon is that place you can go to and pretty much find anything/everything, from books/dvd's, homeware, DIY, electronic products and of course beauty products. Amazon have a bunch of different makeup/beauty items which are sold directly from them and not other seller's, so you know you aren't going to be getting someone's already opened or over-priced unwanted purchases. Amazon also have a wide range of "Amazon's Choice" products, which are all products that come highly recommended. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my personal favourite must-try beauty products, that are available under Amazon's Choice with free delivery on orders over £20 and selected subscribe and save items... 

l'Oréal paris infallible pro-glow foundation

So first up we have one of my favourite foundations of the year, which is in-fact an Amazon exclusive in the UK and it is the only official site that stocks the product. I did a first impression/review post which you can find all about the foundation in detail here.

maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation

Sticking with the foundation theme and another favourite of mine, this time my all time favourite foundation. I always used to pick mine up from either Boots or Superdrug, but that was until i realised it was well over £1 cheaper on Amazon...so now i bulk buy and i always have some in stock!

sleek makeup highlighting palette

If you are an avid YouTube watcher, then you will probably already know how these Sleek highlighter palettes are always highly spoken about. Not only do they have super luxurious metal packaging, they are also super pigmented and come with a mixture or super lightweight powder and cream highlighters.  

rimmel london 60 seconds super shine nail polish

So Amazon's choice for nail polish is also a huge favourite of mine and i always opt for these colours when i am not in the mood to wait for over an hour for my polish to dry, as they are the only "quick dry" polishes that i actually think work as they say they should. Not only are they quick to apply, they are super affordable, come in a wide shade range and are long-lasting without chipping. My personal favourite is the shade Let's Get Nude.

l'Oréal sublime bronze self-tan summer glow lotion

I am one of those people that much prefers to opt for gradual tan lotions when it comes to my tanning routine, as it is super easy and quick to do. I definitely have tried my fair share of gradual tan from different brands and this one is definitely in my top three, along side the st moriz gradual tan which you can also pick up on Amazon.

palmer's coconut oil formula leave-in conditioner

I am obsessed with anything with a coconut fragrance and i have used this particular leave-in conditioner summer after summer, as it not only helps keep frizz at bay but it also leaves your hair smelling like summer holiday's. Leave-in conditioners are perfect if you are in a rush, or if you simply struggle with tangled hair once you have washed it. You can also pick up other item's from the range, as well as other drugstore brands.

real techniques miracle complexion sponge x2

This particular Amazon's choice selection is not only an accurate choice but also a complete bargain, as they stock a two pack of the sponge for just £6.66 rather than £10.99 or more. I use this sponge pretty much every time i do my makeup and i couldn't be without it, as you get a flawless and even finish. 

prodigueux by Nuxe Shower Oil with Golden Shimmer

So for the final item that is definitely more of a splurge but definitely a must-try product, is this shower gel from Nuxe. My go-to facial oil is the multi dry oil from the brand, which i use every single day both morning and night. That being said i had only tried that one thing from the brand and wanted to give something else a try. This shower oil has the same scent as the oil, that leaves you with a slight golden shimmer but nothing too major and is perfect for summer. The fact that you can also pick up higher end brands from Amazon, makes ordering so much easier.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo.

GOODREADS | SUMMER/BEACH HOLIDAY ROMANCE READS

Hello everyone! When it comes to summer who doesn't love to switch out the cosy-ing up reading a good book, to sitting out in the sunshine with a good book and even more so when you are on holiday. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some perfect new/currently released romance reads from goodreads, that are perfect to download to your Kindle before you jet off for some fun in the sun...

1. all the way (romancing manhattan #1) - kristen proby | kindle |

Finn Cavanaugh is known for being a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He owns a successful law firm with his brother and brother-in-law in Manhattan. On the rare occasion that he has down time, he spends it at his home in Martha’s Vineyard. But when Finn’s troubled niece goes to stay with him for the summer in Martha’s Vineyard, he’s reluctant to take time off from work. That is, until he meets his beautiful new neighbour, London. London Watson is a Tony Award winning actress on Broadway. When tragedy strikes her family, leaving her alone and injured, she flees Manhattan for Martha’s Vineyard. Hoping she can figure out how to pick up the pieces of her life, London is convinced that she’ll never be able to return to the stage. But when she meets the charming young girl next door and her sexy uncle, they soon lure London out of her shell as she finally begins to heal from the wounds of her past. (coming August 21st).

2. part-time lover - lauren blakely | kindle |

I'll say this about Christian, he made one heck of a first impression. When I first saw the strapping man, he was doing handstands naked on a dock along the canal. His crown jewels were far more entertaining than anything else I'd seen on the boat tour, so I did what any curious woman would do -- I took his photo. I might have looked at the shot a few dozen times. Little did I know I'd meet him again, a year later, at a secret garden bar in the heart of the city, where I'd learn that his mind and his mouth were even more captivating. But given the way my heart had been trampled, I wanted only a simple deal -- No strings. No expectations. Our arrangement worked well enough until the day I needed a lot more from him...

3. driven series - k.bromberg | kindle |

Our paths should never have crossed. Colton Donavan was arrogant, exuded that bad boy vibe, and embodied everything I never wanted. And yet all it took was one chance meeting, one mistaken identity, and one stolen kiss for me to know I hated him and desired him instantly. My heart was healing. His soul was damaged. There’s no way we could work. But after one impromptu date, one little boy who needed help, and one Ferris wheel ride, pieces of my heart were lost to him. Even though he wouldn’t let me in, I couldn’t walk away. This is our story.  Our fight.  Our perfectly imperfect love. (my current book series read, movie coming to Passionflix soon).

4. worth the risk - k.bromberg | kindle |

This whole contest was supposed to be easy. I know, I know. Famous last words. It’s a long story, but I messed up at work. Big time. To earn back the trust of my boss, I promised to save one of our magazines. Yep. That Hot Dad contest you’ve seen advertised all over the place was my idea. And if I’m successful, if I’m able to increase our online readership, then I get a shot at my dream job. But the one thing I never expected to happen, happened: Contestant number ten, Grayson Malone. Hello, Mr. Difficult. And did I mention sexy as hell? Unfortunately he knows me. The old me, anyway. And while we might be older now, I remind him of before. Of the woman who broke his heart, who hardened him, and who left him alone to raise the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen. But I don’t want a relationship. And I definitely don’t fall for single dads with baggage. Even ones with chiselled abs and killer smiles. But he got to me. They got to me. He and his son and their messy, crazy life. But I got to him too. I see the stolen glances. I feel the walls he built start to crumble. I recognise that there’s an unexpected beauty to the chaos in his life. And now that the contest is about to end, we’re left to decide whether the last six months were just fun or if what we have is worth risking it all?

5. trophy wife - alessandra torre | kindle |

Everyone in Nashville knows Nathan Dumont. That’s what happens when you develop half a town and sleep with the rest. Four years ago, his fiance disappeared. Last night, he proposed to me. I had wanted to escape my life, the seedy strip club and the mountain of bills. I had seized the opportunity to live in a mansion, fill my days with country clubs and caviar, my nights with romance and sex. Maybe I should have done my homework first.

6. sweet little lies - jill shalvis | kindle |

What if you fall for the one guy you can't have? As the captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru Harris can handle rough seas - the hard part is life on dry land. Especially when it comes to resisting her growing feelings for her new friend, Finn O'Riley. He's kind, he's gorgeous and he's Mr Right - for anybody but her. Pru has a particular reason for wanting Finn to find happiness and it's what she wishes for at the historic fountain that's supposed to grant her heart's desire. But things get tricky when it becomes clear that, when it comes to Pru, there's more than friendship on Finn's mind - because she's been keeping a secret that could change everything...

Catch up on a similar post HERE...

xo.

THINGS I'M LOVING ON BOOHOO RIGHT NOW

Hello everyone! So for today's instalment i thought i would share with you some clothing, accessories and beauty pieces that i am loving on Boohoo currently. Last month i shared a similar post with you all, but with the things i'm loving on prettylittlething right now which you can catch up on here if you didn't catch it previously...

1. boohoo megan lace trim cami vest | £8 |

One of the main styles of clothing that i always have in my wardrobe is basics, because honestly you can never have too many as they pretty much go with anything and everything. The thing i love about this particular basic on Boohoo right now is how it is a basic but it has this beautiful lace detailing which just adds something a little different. (Also is available in white).

 2. boohoo tess suedette circle eyelet boyfriend belt | £8 |

I still really like the whole Gucci belt dupe style and i also really like how this particular one is a suede finish, rather than leather. I always feel like suede is a little more "dressy" than leather is, as it just adds a different texture to an outfit.

3. boohoo lily woven off the shoulder top | £16 |

One of my favourite style of tops for summer is either cold shoulder or bardot/off the shoulder tops, so naturally i was going to be drawn to this top. That being said the first thing i thought is how beautiful this golden orange colour was, as well as how much i love this style of sleeve and i actually have a top with similar sleeves which i also picked up from Boohoo a month or two ago now.

4. brooke multi strap sandals | £15 |

I have mentioned in several posts before how i literally live in flat sandals in summer time, so you can never have too many pairs. I love metallic finish sandals for when you want something casual but add a little something different to the outfit, these sandals look super comfortable and also come in a rose gold, gold and silver metallic finish.

5. boohoo cosmic dreamer quilted baked highlighter | £5 |

So i am still yet to try anything from Boohoo's makeup range but that being said, i feel like since they launched they have stepped up their game already. I love how they have adapted the whole "nudes" collection vibe, complete with nude pink packaged products and of course this particular highlight was naturally going to catch my eye. I love baked highlighters, as they have the most beautiful texture and i am itching to see if this one is as beautiful as it looks.

6. boohoo holly circle bar and hoop earrings | £5 |

When it comes to jewellery i am all about the little to no jewellery look, so either just some simple earrings or a dainty bracelet. That being said i really love the these circle bar/hoop earrings, which i feel would look really nice with your hair in a nice ponytail when you want something a little extra.

7. boohoo robyn floral tie short sleeve blouse | £14 |

Another style of top that i am loving at the moment is the whole tie/wrap blouse style and i especially love this floral one on Boohoo right now, which could be styled in so many different ways. You could pair this number with either some jeans/denim shorts or even with some blush toned shorts and even some white slim leg trousers.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

MID-MONTH FAVOURITES | TV SHOWS + BOOKS

Hello everyone! I know it doesn't seem all that long ago that i shared a few of my current more lifestyle favourites, in my may beauty + lifestyle favourites post but over the past few weeks/June so far i have been loving so many different more lifestyle things. That being said for today's post i thought i would share a handful of my current favourite binge-worthy tv shows and books...

love island | netflix | itv hub |

First things first, i had to mention the show that pretty much the whole of the UK (me included) are talking/thinking about all of the time. If you aren't familiar with the set up of the show, it is basically singles both men and women, living in a villa and hoping to find love, with a little help with everyone at home deciding who stays and who goes. This reality TV show is so addictive and if you haven't indulged in the show before, i highly recommend catching up from season one/two on Netflix or if you are yet to watch season three you can catch up on the season so far on the ITV hub. 

bulletproof | sky one |

So i actually briefly mentioned this show in my May beauty and lifestyle favourites post, but i didn't go into too much detail. If you are a huge fan of the police drama Lethal Weapon from the US, then you are definitely going to love this as it is basically an English version of the show and as well as having a serious crime story line each week, it also has an hilarious comedy element to it. The show is a mixture of a partner/friendship and conspiracies. Bulletproof is currently on Tuesday's at 9PM on Sky One, but you can binge watch all six episodes so far.

desperate housewives | virgin |
A show that i have started re-watching now it is on Virgin Box sets/on demand is Desperate Housewives, this show used to be one of my all time favourite shows way back when it was first aired. If you never watches it first time around i highly recommend that you do, it is a show that is full of mystery and drama that never gets old no matter how many times you re-watch it.

the ruthless gentleman by Louise Bay | amazon |
So first up on the book favourites is this one by Louise Bay, which happened to be the first book i had ever read by this author and i wasn't sure what to expect. I went in thinking i wasn't going to enjoy this book, as i was still suffering from a slight book hangover after the cliffhanger that the controversial princess and i surprised at how i couldn't put it down. The way this contemporary romance novel was written just flowed so easily and had you captivated with the chemistry between the two characters, i also liked how the way it was written actually made me feel like i was sat on a boat whilst reading it. I will definitely be reading something from her again!

driven by K.Bromberg | amazon |
This book is actually my current read but is one i was literally hooked on from the start, as it started super full-on rather than a build up to the meeting of the two characters. This is also a book from an author that i have never read anything from and i probably wouldn't of ever discovered her books, if it wasn't for this book in-particular being turned into a movie for Passionflix. As i mentioned in my books i want to read post, i am one of those people who likes to read the book before the movie so that is exactly what i am doing. Once i have finished book one i will definitely share more of my thoughts on the story and i am so glad there is 5 books in the driven series.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo.

DRUGSTORE BEACH HOLIDAY MAKEUP

Hello everyone! So when we are on holiday sometimes we want to go makeup free (with sunscreen of course) but there also might be times when we might want that little something extra, whether that be for taking pictures at the beach or maybe from only getting a few hours sleep the nights before. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you the four beach/summer makeup products from the drugstore that are the perfect combination for a natural yet glowing base...

nip + fab makeup primer water | £9.95 |

Of course the most important step before applying any makeup whether you are at the beach or in the sun in general, is to make sure you prep your skin by doing your regular skincare routine and applying face SPF. The next step is preping/priming, creating a base for other products to be applied on top of and a primer water is the perfect beach ready product. Unlike a cream based primer, a primer water is going to sink into the skin quicker and leave your skin feeling/looking hydrated. This one from Nip + Fab is definitely one of my favourites i have tried from the drugstore and of course it comes in at just under £10.

bourjois radiance reveal concealer | £7.99 |

This look can be achieved with or without foundation but if you are going to be catching some rays, you don't really want to be sat with something heavy on the face. That is why this particular concealer from Bourjois comes in perfect, as it is going to give your that radiant coverage yet it is super lightweight on the skin. You could simply just apply this to the under-eye area, down the bridge of the nose, forehead as well as the chin area and blend out with either a damp beauty blender or brush for more coverage.

rimmel insta contour stick | £6.99 |

This is one of those products that i pretty much reach for every single time i want to go for a more cream bronzed look and it happens to be perfect, especially for adding a natural sun-kissed bronze to the face. I was always super scared to use cream bronzer/contour products until i tried this one out, as it is super creamy and easy to blend out. I usually opt for the shade medium but it also comes in a light shade, which i am having to use at the moment because i am all out of medium. If you wanted to keep this to a bare minimum you could keep it down to three items, as this contour stick is dual ended and comes with a cream highlight shade on the other side.  

maybelline x gigi hadid strobing liquid in the shade gold | £9.99 |

Moving onto the final product which is personally my favourite and the one that is going to pull the whole look together, giving you a natural yet dewy golden/bronzed beach look. This strobing cream can be used multiple ways, which is what i like so much about this style of product. You can either apply some of this to the face and blend it out for an all over dewy skin look, mixed in with foundations and also to selected areas of the face where the light would naturally hit. Another favourite of mine from the drugstore which is equally as beautiful, is the MUA prism strobe cream in the shade golden ray which is just £4 from Superdrug.

Catch up on my latest travel makeup post HERE...

xo.