The Lady in the Tower ~ Marie-Louise Jensen

 

Spring 1540. Eleanor's mother is imprisoned in the Lady Tower after a terrible accusation. For four years Eleanor's only comfort has been their secret notes to one another. But then a chance discovery reveals a plot to murder her mother and Eleanor must free her before it is too late

One of my favourite parts about this book was that it is based on true events. It was really interesting but also fun to read.

Eleanor and Lord Stanton are incredibly cute together. I liked how there was a tension between them even when Eleanor found him incredibly annoying (I disagreed but she had her reasons). They seemed to have a connection the first time they met and I found his concern/care for her was sweet.

I also really liked her relationship with her mother and how strong their bond was. There was nothing they wouldn't do for each other.
 I found her father a really vile character, verging on evil, and her brother was, although not intentionally mean, you s ignorance of the situation irritated me.

I love this book so much, it is one of the authors best. It was faced paced, the characters were well developed and the plot was interesting. I didn't want to put it down. I would very highly recommend it.

As usual, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews of which books I should review next xXx

Beauty Edit ~ Maybelline Colour Sensational: Peach Poppy

This is such a stunning colour. It is on my possible prom Lipsticks list.

It is sheer but build-able to a very nearly opaque coverage. I really love how healthy it makes my lips look and it is a really good pick-me-up on days when you want a pretty, natural look. This is perfect for the fast approaching spring.

It's smooth, lasts quite a long time and smells really nice. I bought this in the special edition packaging, but I really like the original as well. The square shape makes it much easier to store. 

As Usual, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews or which products I should review next xXx

The Forbidden Queen ~ Anne O'Brien

 1415. The jewel in the French crown, Katherine de Valois, is waiting under lock and key for King Henry V. While he's been slaughtering her kinsmen in Agincourt, Katherine has been praying for marriage to save her from her misery. But the brutal king wants her crown, not her innocent love.

For Katherine, England is a lion's den of greed, avarice and mistrust. And when she is widowed at twenty-one, she becomes a prize ripe for the taking—her young son the future monarch, her hand in marriage worth a kingdom.

This is a deadly political game, one the dowager queen must learn fast. The players—the Duke of Gloucester, Edmund Beaufort and Owen Tudor—are circling. Who will have her? Who will ruin her? This is the story of Katherine de Valois.

I've never really considered Katherine of Valois before. Thinking about it after having read the book, she does stand out as a queen if just simply for falling in love with and marrying her servant, Owen Tudor.

O'Brien's writing was new to me, this being the first of her books I have read. Contrary to what it says on the cover, however, I prefer Phillipa Gregory's style. O'Brien's style captivated me and made me eager to continue reading. Her world building was really good but I feel she could have built up the characters of Beatrice, Alice and Katherine's other ladies a bit more to remind the reader of their presence. To me, they seemed to fade into the background like a tapestry. However, I found all of this and more to be more prominent and enticing in Gregory#s books.

I really liked how Katherine's flutter of a romance with Edmund Beaufort was written, but I thought that the scene on the side of the river where she first see Owen as a potential partner was very unnatural and rushed. One minute she had never really noticed him as a person, he next (after having studied his naked area) she was totally enthralled by him and felt his presence everywhere.

O'Brien evokes sympathy from the reader really well when describing the marriage of her to King Henry and, I must admit, I was moved to shed a tear or two at the ending.

All in all, I thought this a good read, it was interesting, thought provoking and empathetic, but I prefer the writing style and techniques of Gregory. Especially her book The Queen's Fool, which I have already reviewed.

I would recommend this book.

As usual, please comment suggestion on how I could improve my reviews or which books you would like me to review next.
  I'm sorry this didn't go up on Saturday as planned, I had it all ready to go but the stress of revision made me forget to post it. Sorry xXx

Beauty Edit ~ Maybelline Baby Lips Collection

What do I look for in a lip balm?
 Firstly, it must be non-sticky. Blah, I really can't stand it when it feels like there is something sticky on my lips. It makes me feel unclean and it just isn't a pleasant feeling.
   Secondly, I need to feel like he lip balm is actually doing something. Otherwise, what's the point?
Thirdly, a pretty colour is always a plus. Why go for clear when you can have moisturising pinks, reds and corals??

I really feel as though the Maybelline Baby Lips Collection do these three things. They come in such pretty colours and even have some amazing scents (cherry, peach, cookies, menthol, mint and spicy apple). They don't feel like you're wearing anything at all but make my lips really smooth. Love them.

The Originals ~ Peach Kiss and Cherry Me

 These smell soo good (Peach and Cherry). Their colour is sheer but buildable. The Peach is especially nice.

Christmas Collection ~ Mint Candy, Sugar Cookie and Sweet Apple

These also smell really nice, like their names, the Apple one also smells like cinnamon. My least favourite scent is the mint, but the other two are really good.

Dr Rescue ~ Coral Crave and Just Peachy

 These both smell like menthol. The coral is pretty and sheer, but the peach is more opaque and its colour is very pale so I don't wear it out as it makes me look ill. I wear it over night and wake up with baby soft lips in the morning.

Electro ~ Strike A Rose

 This is a really bright rosy pink.It just has the traditional Baby Lips scent but really good colour pay off.

As usual, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews or which products I should review next.
What is you favourite Baby Lips colour/scent? xXx

Whatever Life Throws at You ~ Julie Cross

 
Life loves a good curveball…

Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold), attending an all-girls school (no boys), and navigating the strange world of professional sports. But Annie has dreams of her own—most of which involve placing first at every track meet…and one starring the Royals' super-hot rookie pitcher.

But nineteen-year-old Jason Brody is completely, utterly, and totally off-limits. Besides, her dad would kill them both several times over. Not to mention Brody has something of a past, and his fan club is filled with C-cupped models, not smart-mouthed high school “brats” who can run the pants off every player on the team. Annie has enough on her plate without taking their friendship to the next level. The last thing she should be doing is falling in love.

But baseball isn't just a game. It's life. And sometimes, it can break your heart…

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. Annie was funny, opinionated and real. Her sportiness made me want to get out and run, as well as read more sports romance novels. I enjoyed reading about how her romance with Jason Brody developed after several encounters and wasn't an instant thing. 

 “He said if I was good enough to throw a perfect game, I’d be good enough to date his daughter.”

Also, the way she cared for her dad and her grandmother made me want to hug her because it is such a big thing to have to be responsible for at just seventeen. I totally agreed with her attitude towards her mother, who seemed to be very shallow and only turned up to make things worse for Annie and her dad when she left again.

 “If you love someone, even the best one-night stand isn’t going to erase that.”

Jason was also a relateable (and very hot) character and I liked him even more because of the hidden depth he had. He wasn't just another entitled sports star, he earned what he got but didn't flaunt it.
 His protective streak over Annie even before their romance was so adorably cute and even more so was how he went to her events, even though he didn't have to. He became less of a character and more of a person later in the book when he tries to prove himself worthy of his current life, and not the one everyone judges him for, which I found really inspiring (if slightly clichéd).

"All I know is that I want to be the person you and your dad think I am. Maybe even more than I want to be a great pitcher.”

The dialogue between characters was very good and funny (like at the start in the locker room) and this book contains many good life lessons:

“Pressure is just that—pressure. It’s all in your head. It has nothing to do with what you can or can’t do.”

I found this a very enjoyable read and will be recommending it to my friends and you guys. Julie Cross is an author whose books I will look into...

As usual, please comment suggesting how I could improve my reviews or which books I should review next.

    Have you ever read any books by Julie Cross you really enjoyed? Leave it in the comments xXx 

Beauty Edit ~ The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

I love this stuff soo much. I have been using this for years, and my mum years before me and we both think it is so amazing, we are still using it.

• Firstly, it smells really nice and calming (like tea tree).

• Secondly, you only need a small amount so it lasts a really long time.

• Thirdly, you put it on, rub it in, and immediately your face has this pleasant, almost burning feeling (I know that doesn't sound pleasant), but by the time you rinse it off again, your skin feels fresh, clean and flawless. It cleans right down into pores and removes excess oil as well.

This truly is a wonder product and I would highly recommend it.

As usual, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews or which products I should review next xXx

I Don't Know What to Read!

Every so often, I find myself not knowing what to read, which I find stressful because reading is so calming and you can live a thousand lives in your one. I thought I'd share with you a selection of books that always spark my interest.

The Other Countess ~ Eve Edwards

I have a full review of this here, but I honestly couldn't put this book down and I didn't want it to finish. I truly enjoy a historical fiction/ romance and this was one of the sweetest I have read.

Wreckers ~ Julie Hearn

I wasn't sure about this book when I started it but I found myself hooked by the end. It was interesting (old house to explore, what's not to enjoy) and it does make you think without being too oppressive. It was a good read.

Finding Sky ~ Joss Stirling

Aww, this book was so sweet. The Benedict family was fun, the sons were breathtaking (at least in my head) and Sky and her family were close knitted and the storyline was gripping. I loved the idea of the Savant community and their powers. Also, the other two books so far ( Stealing Phoenix and Seeking Crystal) also involved the boys and a good plot.

Firelight ~ Sophie Jordan

This book was fun to read and full of light tension and suspense. I liked the 'draki' element and how the characters interacted. Jacinda was well developed and I think this is good for anyone looking for a light read.

The Lady in the Tower ~ Marie - Louise Jensen

This is another historical fiction/romance which I couldn't put down. It was full of tension and you really felt for the characters. It is written by one of my favourite authors who has written many great books, so this is one I would really recommend. Full review here.

Please comment suggestions on how I could improve my posts or what I should post about next. xXx
What are your favourite books to read right now? Leave it in the comments xXx

Beauty Edit ~ My Beauty Wishlist

There are so many new products in stores and online in the Beauty department which I would really like to try. Some of the products I mention below aren't new, but I'm going to mention a selection of skincare/hair care/ make up products on my wish-list. Enjoy xXx

 SmashBox Photo Finish Pore Minimising Primer, or the original Photo Finish Primer
Firstly, it is nearly my Year 11 prom, so of course I am trying to decide what I would like to do make up wise. For me, I think one of the most important parts is a primer so that my make up will last all day, it will go on smoothly and that I will be happy with how it looks. I have heard about these before and really want to try them.

Nyx Butter Glosses
I would probably get these in a pink or nude shade and I just think that they look so pretty on the lips. I have seen these everywhere recently and really want to try them.

Soap & Glory Kick Ass 'All Is Calm' Anti-rednss Concealer
I really like the idea of this and I think it would be a really useful thing to have. Especially for my skin generally, and prom photos where I wouldn't want any redness to show.

Maybelline Brow Satin Eyebrow Pencil
I really want to start doing more with my eyebrows and I feel like this is as good a product to start with as any. I like how it comes with a powder as well as a mechanical pencil so no product is lost through sharpening.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Once again, this has recently (or maybe it has been a while and I just haven't heard it before) become very popular on Youtube and I think it would be a good product to add to my skincare routine, but I probably wouldn't use it every day.

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Re-balancing Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment
Firstly, the colour of the bottle... Secondly, I really like that it tackles oily roots at the same time as dry ends at the same time

 Please comment suggestions on how I could improve my posts or what I should post next xXx And sorry this post contained no pictures x


 

FrostFire (Daughter of the Flames) ~ Zoe Marriott

Frost is possessed by a wolf demon that brings death everywhere she goes. When she is captured by a band of warriors sworn to protect their country from rebel fighters she has to prove she is not an enemy.

 

For me, FrostFire really did love up to the reviews I have read. I loved the characters and how they interacted, and I may or may not have developed a teeny tiny crush on Luca. Frost has always lived in fear of the Wolf, the demonic spirit which has possessed her since birth and causes her to lose control and be taken over when her blood is spilled by another. The fear always causes her to run, until she meets Luca who persuades her that maybe the way to overcome the Wolf is to face her fear of it and not run anymore.

I do admit to having a disliking of love triangles (who doesn't, the only ways it can possibly end well are if one person decides to 'leave' the triangle by falling for another, or is one person dies - which isn't really a good ending for them-, so how on earth is a person meant to choose between two people who are equally compatible?) However, I thought that the love triangle in this book between Luca, Frost and Arian was well written and didn't really come into play as a love triangle until closer to the end, when it becomes resolved.

I liked the determination of Frost's character and how that made you want to root for her, but at times she did have me silently screaming in annoyance at her naivety and methods of dealing with some situations. Her romance with Luca was incredibly sweet, honest and funny:

"Nothing. Only... sometimes you can be a little... motherly."
There was a long pause. I glanced over my shoulder at him. He was still by the bed, mouth hanging open. "Motherly?" he repeated.

They had my heart fluttering and pounding at some points, whilst in others I was screaming at then not to be so stupid.

Her relationship with Arian, although not as romantic, was still funny to read and I liked how he had more of a brotherly than a lovers vibe going on. I do like his darker,  more brooding and secretive character, but I felt like his attraction to her was more one of comradely rather than love because they had had similar experiences. In this way, it was clear to me which way Frost would go in the triangle so I felt less stressed/ annoyed/ frustrated when she seemed to be moving more towards the 'wrong' choice.

Marriott's world building was excellent in this book as well as in the first in the series 'Daughter of the Flames', and I also liked how the previous characters where tied in with current characters so I could see how this book fitted with the previous story.

I would recommend this book to any YA readers who also enjoy a bit of fantasy.

As always, please comment suggestions on how I could improve my reviews or which books I should review next xXx
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