Tag: PR

‘DELICATE CONDITION’ BY DANIELLE VALENTINE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

Valentine’s writing style is hauntingly captivating, painting vivid and chilling images that will leave you breathless. To be honest, it is horrific in the most beautiful way.

I wanted this baby so badly.
But she may be the death of me…

Anna Alcott is desperate to have a family. But as she tries to balance her increasingly public life as an indie actress with a gruelling IVF regime, she starts to suspect that someone is going to great lengths to make sure that never happens. Crucial medicines are lost. Appointments are moved without her knowledge. She’s sure she’s being followed. And when she finally does get pregnant, someone breaks into her house and steals the ultrasound photograph of her baby. But despite everything she’s gone through, not even her husband is willing to believe that someone is playing twisted games with her.

Then her doctors tell her she’s lost the baby. Despite her grief, Anna ignores the grave-faced men lecturing her – because she can still feel the baby moving, can see the toll it’s taking on her weakened body. Isolated in a remote snowbound town, Anna is sure that whoever has been following her is closing in on her and her unborn child. And as her symptoms become more terrifying, she can’t help but wonder what exactly is growing inside her… and why no-one will listen when she says that something is horribly wrong.

‘Delicate Condition’ by Danielle Valentine

This book delves deep into the complexities of gender and power, exploring the struggles and triumphs of women in a way that is both thought-provoking and empowering with a focus on dark feminist themes.

Valentine masterfully weaves together elements of horror and psychological suspense, creating a modern-day homage to the classic novel ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ by Ira Levin, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While ‘Delicate Condition’ is undeniably a gripping read, I couldn’t help but crave more of Valentine’s twisted storytelling. The book left me hungry for further exploration into the dark and mysterious world she created.

Overall, ‘Delicate Condition’ is a must-read for fans of horror, feminist literature, and psychological thrillers. With its horrific beauty and thought-provoking themes, it is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

‘I DID IT FOR YOU’ BY JAYNE COWIE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

If you could test your son for a gene that predicts violence, would you do it?

Antonia and Bea are sisters, and doting mothers to their sons. But that is where their similarities end.

Antonia had her son tested to make sure he didn’t possess the “violent” M gene.

Bea refuses to let her son take the test. His life should not be determined by a positive or negative result.

These women will go to any length to protect their sons.

But one of them is hiding a monster.

And there will be fatal consequences for everybody….

‘I Did it For You’ by Jayne Cowie
‘I Did it For You’ by Jayne Cowie

To start, I loved the realistic depiction of a dystopian now, because I can’t even say that this story was set in the future!

Whilst at first glance, the M Gene and all it entails may seem far fetched but the more you immerse yourself in to the story you realise just how easy it would be to find ourselves in a society just like the one in ‘I Did it For You’.

I loved the whole concept and only wish I could read and discover other stories from within the M Gene universe. I found the idea so intriguing and to see this horrific situation through the eyes of four very different people was incredibly interesting.

The book is filled with clever plot twists that grab your attention and keeps you hooked throughout the entire story. These developments keep you guessing until the very end.

The multiple point of view format added an extra layer of excitement and suspense which I totally vibe with whilst the emotional depth of the characters and their struggles made this book a truly heart-wrenching read at times. The only downside to the entire reading experience was that I didn’t want the story to end. I became so invested in the characters and their journey that I found myself wanting more.

‘I Did it For You’ is a brilliant and captivating book that I highly recommend. Jayne Cowie has a way of writing an exceptional story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

‘WHO SHE WAS’ BY TONY PARSONS REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

Tony Parsons is undoubtedly a master storyteller with his engaging storylines, authentic characters, emotional depth, and thought-provoking social commentary.

Although he has certainly established himself as a prominent figure in the literary world, however, I feel that his latest offering missed the mark by such a way that it feels almost unrecognisable as one of his works.

His novels are often filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to tear yourself away from turning the page but ‘Who She Was’ just felt like a rushed mess of half finished ideas.

A bonfire burns on a Cornish beach in the middle of the night.

Nearby, a young woman waits for morning, and for the estate agent to arrive with the keys to her new life in the peaceful fishing village.

She carries with her no trace of her previous life or the past she has left behind.

Quickly she becomes an object of fascination among the locals; one in particular finds that he is falling in love with her.

But can anyone really have a new life?
What happened to this woman’s old life?
And what price did she pay to escape it?

When secrets long buried explode into the light, they will change the lives of everyone around her.

‘Who She Was’ by Tony Parsons

One of the most crucial aspects of any novel is the development of its characters. Sadly, ‘Who She Was’ fails to deliver in this regard. Tom, the central character, never truly comes to life on the pages. His motivations, desires, and struggles remain shallow and underdeveloped, leaving readers disconnected from his journey. ‘Who She Was’ also suffers from inconsistent pacing throughout its pages. The story drags in some sections, making it difficult to maintain interest, while rushing through others, leaving readers feeling disoriented. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the narrative and prevents readers from fully immersing themselves in the story. The emotional depth of the story remains shallow, leaving readers detached from the characters and their experiences.

‘Who She Was’ by Tony Parsons falls short of being anything other than alright. The novel’s lackluster character development, predictability, inconsistent pacing, and absence of emotional depth make it a disappointing read. While every reader’s taste varies, this particular work failed to leave a lasting positive impression on me.

BALANCE ACTIVE FORMULA SKINCARE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Did you know that Balance Active Formula is available to buy in Home Bargains?!

The budget skincare brand offers a variety of products that are ingredients-led, focusing on high levels of actives that provide a targeted solution to different skin types!

It’s never been easier to educate yourself and gain an understanding into what you’re really smothering your face with, plus the formulations are backed up by science and that’s always a relief!

To begin with I started with the AHA + BHA Retexturising 10% + BHA 2% Serum (£4.99) which is formulated with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to deeply exfoliate, brighten and improve skin texture!

It’s the perfect way to strip things back and start afresh!

The Gold + Marine Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Masks (£3.99) and Gold + Marine CollagenHydrogel Under Lip Mask (£3.99) duo felt like a real treat and stayed firmly in place which was a revelation all on its own as I’ve found in the past that lip masks in particular are slippery little sods!

Colloidal Gold is a hero ingredient which is known for its healing properties and leaves you with a radiant glow whilst Marine Collagen helps to smooth and protect skin structure, so with that in mind I decided to follow the eye and lip masks with the matching Gold + Marine Collagen Rejuvenating Serum (£4.99), going for gold as it were.

Other benefits include…

Firmer looking skin.

A glowing, smoother looking complexion.

Reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles!

However, with a serum for every skincare concern you can’t go wrong. I was also sent the Vitamin C Brightening Serum (£4.99) which is lightweight and non-greasy with a radiant finish. It contains two forms of stabilised Vitamin C that will help to reduce the appearance of age spots and leave you with a more even-looking skin tone!

On the other hand, you could always go with the Niacinamide Blemish Recovery Serum (£4.99). This water-based formulation with can be used every day to help reduce blemishes, improve skin texture and encourage a healthy complexion. I found Niacinamide an absolute lifesaver through lockdown and constant mask wearing so it’s absolutely worth it’s weight in gold to me!

And just like that, skincare on a budget has never been so easy.

Get yourselves to Home Bargains immediately!

‘AFTER YOU WERE GONE’ BY VIKKI WAKEFIELD – BOOK REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

I love a story told over multiple perspectives but Vikki Wakefield goes one better and weaves a tale that spans decades, with three timelines in particular. Before, after and now is where you will find all you need to unravel and piece together a mystery that few will understand until it’s too late.

In a busy street market, Abbie lets go of six-year-old Sarah’s hand. She isn’t a bad mother, just exhausted. When she turns around, her daughter isn’t there.

Six years later, Abbie is in love and getting married. But her fragile peace is constantly threatened: not knowing what happened to Sarah is like living with a curse.

Then she receives a phone call from an unknown number.

A man claims to know what happened to Sarah, but if Abbie tells anyone or fails to follow his instructions, she’ll never find out.
How far will Abbie go to know the truth?

After You Were Gone by Vikki Wakefield

Each character was incredibly well written, flaws and all and it was easy to find yourself identifying with or disliking them all, especially Abbie’s mother who was toxic, frustrating and overwhelmingly sad in equal measures.

Abbie is forced to estrange herself from everyone she cares about and this is painful to witness. Whilst I found the story entertaining it was at times a little unbelievable, but then again, isn’t life just kind of like that?

If I could give a future reader any advice it would be to pay attention. Pay attention to anything and everything because you never know what might become relevant later on. It really was VERY clever.

After You Were Gone’ was an intense coming-of-age, cautionary tale that felt tough to read at times. Wakefield’s writing style really enthrals the reader, creating a dark and almost suffocating atmosphere.

Ultimately I found the story a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced and well written read that I would highly recommend if you’re after something with a mystery that is going to keep you guessing right until the end.

Although some will fine it an uncomfortable read, I urge you to persevere as the twist is genuinely something I didn’t see coming.

‘YOURS TRULY’ BY ABBY JIMENEZ – BOOK REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Book Club

This post contains details of a book that I was gifted by NetGalley. All views are my own.

Having spent the last four months fully submerged in all things thriller, the grittier the better, ‘Yours Truly’ was a much needed breath of fresh air and I am so glad that I was able to dip my toe back into the world of romance and comedy. It made me realise how important it is for me to diversify my reading. Both professionally and for my mental health, because this book was like a warm hug on a bad day. A hot water bottle, fluffy blanket and bar of chocolate all in one.

Dr Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalised, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants . . . ? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s ‘pain in my ass’ scale. 

But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter. It’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her ‘sob closet’ and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. 

When Jacob turns out to be the perfect donor for her brother, Bri starts to realise that this quietly sexy new doctor might just be her perfect match, too.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

I’m not going to lie to you, I both love and loathe a fake relationship trope. It’s been done to death but I also adore just how clumsy and dramatic it all is. That being said, Abby Jimenez took something that could have potentially been a completely overdone fiasco and made it feel brand new.

Abby Jimenez is an expert in character development and creating well-rounded, realistic personalities that just jump from the page and come to life in front of your eyes. Brianna Ortiz was someone I absolutely would want to be friends with. She was strong and sassy but ultimately vulnerable and full of raw magnetism. I just adored her! Then there was Jacob…

I have NEVER loved a romantic interest as much as Jacob. He was equal parts sweet, stubborn and hilarious. He felt entirely real, well fleshed out and identifiable. If anything, Jacob was much more me than Brianna, a fact which I was totally ok with, and that has never happened before. Getting to know him as a character allowed me to view the parts of myself that I see as flaws in a totally different light and for that I am so thankful.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written romance or is in need of a good laugh or cry! You’ll find it all there in between the pages of this absolute gem that I am almost certain to return to again and again. I can’t wait to read more from Abby!

UNICORN COSMETICS PEACH SPONGE LAUNCH PARTY!

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Tell me you had the time of your life, without telling me you had the time of your life…

I’ll go first! 🍑

I had the absolutely pleasure of attending the Unicorn Cosmetics Peach Sponge Launch Party at Little Fant Farm and honestly, I made a new core memory!

The weather was absolutely scorching too which made for a beautiful day in a stunning location, surrounding by the best people!

The UC Team are some of the best people I have ever met and made us all feel so welcome. I’m so over the moon to have met them all as well as the talented creators I had the honour of attending with!

The food was incredible with delights such as a buffet style afternoon tea and the most AMAZING cocktail sausages I have ever eaten. I don’t know how they did it but I’m pretty sure no others will ever compare now for the rest of my life.

From giant garden games to constantly flowing peach inspired cocktails, the team thought of absolutely everything and I feel so lucky to have been invited. What an absolute dream come true it was to be surrounded by some of the most talented creators in the business!

Thank you so much for having me Unicorn Cosmetics!

That Peach Sponge is groundbreaking, you heard it here first 😉 🍑

BONDI SANDS SKINCARE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Bondi Sands are obviously known for their iconic tanning range, but did you know they also dabble in skincare?

I was very kindly sent a selection of products that have been a really great introduction to the brand.

So let’s jump in!

Bondi Babe Clay Mask £11.99

The Bondi Babe purifying clay mask detoxifies skin for a clearer complexion.

It’s enriched with Blue Spirulina Extract, Bentonite Clay and Matcha to reduce redness and draw out impurities so you’re left with firm and glowing skin!

Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum £8.99

Hyaluronic Acid will forever be one of my favourite skincare essentials so the Thirsty Skin Serum was always going to be a winner!

Designed to intensely hydrate your skin and lock in moisture for plump and perky skin.

It has a surprisingly tacky finish which also makes it a great primer.

We love to see a multipurpose product 👏🏻

Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser £10.99

I’m ashamed to say that as a self confessed oily gal I actually used to avoid moisturisers. YIKES!

Ignorance certainly isn’t always bliss guys!

The Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser is a super nourishing treat that provides up to 72 hours of hydration. So if you want plump, perky skin, this one is for you as it is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Wild Hibiscus Flower and Algae for all of the moisture you could ever want.

I’m so pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to tests out these beauties by Bondi Sands and will definitely be looking to get my hands on some more of their products!

MY BRIDAL SKIN JOURNEY

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

I’m getting married in three months and I want you to come on a skincare journey with me!

Everyone is different but the things I’d like to focus on in the lead up to my wedding are blemishes and breakouts, brightening and hydration.

So let’s jump into it!

Blemishes & Breakouts

Each product contains either salicylic acid or tranexamic acid which are which are amazing for breakouts, blemishes and brightening any dark spots you might have.

Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid BHA Anti Blemish Liquid Exfoliant Toner £10

Revolution Skincare Blemish Resurfacing & Recovery 2% Tranexamic Acid Serum £10

Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid & Zinc PCA Purifying Water Gel Cream £8

Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid BHA Anti Blemish Blemish Stickers £6

Brightening

The Vitamin C Exfoliating and Brightening Mask is absolute beautiful, does wonders for my skin and the texture is lush!

Revolution Skincare Vitamin C, Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Mask £8

Hydration

Hyaluronic Acid is key to hydration! Last but not least – water, water, water! Hydrate from the inside out.

Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Sheet Mask £8

Water Bottle Black Soft Touch £15

Two months to go guys, wish me luck!

REVOLUTION SKINCARE SPF RANGE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

I actually cringe when I think about the years I actively avoided wearing SPF, it’s a bit sickening to accept that I was quite happy to behave in way that was hazardous to my health all in the name of beauty.

I’m in my 30s now and so pleased to say I have put that toxic mindset behind me. Now I’m focusing on treating my skin in the way it deserves, and that includes slapping on the SPF like I’m making up for all of those years of stupidity

Thankfully, I’ve got Revolution Skincare at hand to make it super easy!

The new SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser and SPF30 Lip Balm have become staples in my routine and to be honest, the difference is massively noticeable!

Revolution Skincare SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser £15

Revolution Skincare SPF30 Lip Balm £6

Promising ‘Hybrid hydration’ and vital sun protection that will simplify your routine, the SPF Duo are an easy way of getting the things you need into your skincare routine without the stress!

Some of the benefits include…

– SPF protection
– Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide – A nourishing blend of oils (coconut oil, castor seed oil and sunflower oil) and butters (shea butter and cocoa butter)
– Suitable for all skin types
– Vegan and cruelty-free (of course!)

100% worth the investment (affordable as they are!), they have revolutionised the way I see and approach my skincare routine!