Why I Shaved My Head

As you can already probably tell, this post is a little different from what I usually post but I thought something different would be nice. So as you can tell from the title I shaved my head. I'm writing this in two parts the first was written before I shaved my head and the second part post shave. One reason I decided to write this is because I knew I would get questions and this way I didn't have to explain my reasoning. 

Part One

So let's start with Why? Why did I shave my head? The simple answer because I could, I have wanted to do this for a while now. I don't know what was different that this time I actually did it but I did. The first time I was going to shave my head was for charity, but for some reason it didn't happen. The next time was in support of a friend, but they changed their mind and my head remained un-shaved.This time though it happened quite quickly, I shared a video on Facebook of someone shaving their head and stated how much I wanted to do it as well. Then within days I have a plan for my Little Brother to shave my head. 

Another reason I wanted to shave my head is Psoriasis. I have it on my scalp, face, ears and small patches on my body. I cut my hair short in the past to try and help, this time I just happen to be going one step further. I hope that this will help in the sense that the shampoo and greasy creams can be applied, but even if it doesn't I don't mind. This is a bucket list thing that I can't wait to do. 

As I write this part it is 5 days before D day. I am feeling both nervous and excited. Excited because part of me still can't believe that this is actually going to be happening. i mean every other time there was a reason not to do it. I'm nervous because it's a scary step, I mean I know people will judge me and disagree with my decision but I just need to remember that the key word was it's MY decision, MY hair. This is Me. 

Part Two

So as usual with all my planning, this part is actually being written 2 months after the first shave. I say the first shave as I have since had it done again, which in itself tells you how much I love it!

I can recall the day I got my head shaved with perfect clarity, I can tell you I was nervous and that I was shaking, whether that was the diabetes or nerves we will never know. I had my friend with me and she cut off the first chunk with a pair of scissors before she videoed the rest. My Brother then continued with the scissors before the clippers came out. In my opinion my 'little' brother had far too much fun playing hair stylist for me but hey he enjoyed cutting my hair off. 

I sat there watching chunks of my hair (and psoriasis) land on me, and for some reason kept thinking "It's too late to go back now". I don't know why that was going through my mind, probably some very last minute nerves. I mean we have all had those nerves when we decide to get a new style that is completely different.  I remember not seeing myself in a mirror until  it was completely done, which I am thankful for. I also remember my brother and friend deciding that a Grade 3 was too long so I was getting a Grade 2. 

I fell in love with my hair as soon as I looked into a mirror and it was surprisingly easy to get use to. I loved the ease of it and loved it even more when I found out that I could wash my hair in the sink. Hair puns became my new favorite thing. Getting out of bed and saying 'Excuse the bed head' or getting into the car and saying 'wow this wind is messing up my hair!' They didn't get old for a few weeks either. Also my new favorite hobby was running my fingers through my new short, incredibly soft hair.

The Shaving of my head was done on a Saturday of a bank holiday weekend at the end of May. I planned it this way so I could get use to my hair, or lack there of before I went back to work. I don't know what I expected when it came to reactions, but what I got wasn't it. There was a lot of shock, which is to be expected as I didn't tell any of my work colleagues. I believe a dozen people knew before it was done. What I didn't expect was people assuming that I did it for charity. I know that was a plan in the past, but that had nothing to do with this time. It was like people thought you only shaved your head for charity or because you were ill. It boosted my spirits at work when the head of the department complimented me as well as two patients and a porter. I went home grinning, because three people I didn't see on the daily noticed my hair cut and loved it!

Now surprisingly Social Media had a great reaction. My photo got loads of positive comments and likes. If I am being honest I thought that social media would be the place where I would get negative comments, but I guess it really does show that you can't judge it. 

The main comment I was getting was that it really suited me, so I have kept my hair short and just 3 weeks ago it went back down to a Grade 2. So far I haven't seen an improvement in my psoriasis but I don't regret my hair cut. In the entire time it has been done not once have I looked in the mirror and thought "What did I do?" 

So as of now the hair is staying short. I am going to start growing it out over Winter and who knows maybe next Summer I will shave it again. But for now I am so happy that I did this.  If you are reading this and you want to shave your head. My advice is do it. Hair will grow back. The biggest thing I have gained from this experience, is I stopped caring what people thought. You want to stop talking to me because I shaved my head, go ahead. Whether this attitude stays when my hairs grows remains to be seen, but I for one hope it does. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Wedding Planner by Eve Devon*

Upon reading the blurb of this book, I just knew I had to take part in this Blog Tour. The main reason is because I really wanted to read this book, it sounded exactly like something I would pick up, so I signed up and was not disappointed. Check out the blurb below and see what you think. 

'Wedding bells are ringing and gossip is spiralling in Whispers Wood…

Single mum Gloria Pavey has a bad habit of saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. Determined to make a positive change she can’t say no when her best friend, Emma, asks her to take on the role of her wedding planner. The only problem? Gloria’s co-planner – best man Seth Knightley.

Gloria is on a self-imposed man ban but pulling together the most beautiful wedding Whispers Wood has ever seen alongside gorgeous Seth is pushing her to her limits. As every interaction increases the tension between them Gloria finds herself wondering…could the happy ever after she never thought she’d have be in her future after all?'

So I know this is a heart warming romance but I have to tell you that this book had me laughing out loud more times then I want to admit. I don't know what made it funny exactly there isn't one bit that makes this funny. It could be Gertrude (you'll know when you read the book) or it could be the things that Gloria says. Whatever it is, it works!

This book really showed you different Characters point of view, so you really got to step into their shoes. Now it didn't do this too much where it takes your eye off our main couple, Gloria and Seth. Eve had a way of giving you another persons point of view on what was going on with them to add tension. Making you want to keep reading to find out more but at the same time wanting to get back to Seth and Gloria.

One thing I absolutely adored was a few very subtle hints to TV and Films. Now I say subtle because it would be the main catchphrase from a TV show or a line from a movie. It was done in such away that fit in well with the book but if you know, you know. I absolutely loved the two I saw and it has me wondering is there any more?

I found this book really grabbed the readers attention to the point that it made it so easy to get stuck into. I mean I read the book in one sitting, absolutely and totally absorbed in the story from start to finish. 

So let's tell you a little bit about the Author Eve Devon, who currently lives in Surrey with her husband. Eve writes about sexy heroes, sassy heroines and happily ever afters. She grew with a taste of adventure in places like Botswana and Venezuela. Her love of romance started when her mother shoved one in her hand in order to keep her quiet while the Wimbledon Tennis Finals were on. While a teenager she could be found playing the damsel in distress, solving mysteries and writing down her adventures. She devoured romance books by the bucket load and wrote countless episodes of TV Detective drama ensuring her hero and heroine would end up together. 

So my overall thoughts are that I completely loved this book! I found that while working my way through the book I really wanted to read and find out more about the other characters in the book. The best part is this is actually the third one in a series, so I know need to go buy the others. Now this can be read as a stand alone book.  Let me know if you give this book a shot and what you think. You can buy your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

Xx

Blog Tour: Mr Temptation by Rachael Stewart*

The thing that attracted me to this blog tour (apart from the hot guy on the cover) was the blurb and I was familiar with this Author. So the Blurb made me want to read this book, it sounded different to other romance books, plus it's from the Mills and Boon Dare Series so it will be good.  Check out the Blurb below and see what I mean.

'Mixing business with pleasure…

…has never been more tempting!

Career-focussed Zara Anders, an estate agent for the elite, has sworn off men―until gorgeous Swedish billionaire Daniel Lazenby gets under her skin. Their racy affair heats up quickly, but ends in a hurry when Zara learns about Daniel’s womanizing past. Determined to win her back, Daniel offers her a business deal too good to be true…and some out-of-office fun too tempting to turn down!'

This book is exactly like the title, utterly tempting. I picked up this book and didn't put it down until I had read every word, approx 5 hours later! It is also tempting in the sense that it is a very sexy read. The steamy scenes are utterly delicious, well written and everything you want in there.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it really gets into the male character Daniel Lazenby's head. It is so refreshing to read a book that spends more time on the male and his feelings instead of being centered on the woman's feelings. Now don't get me wrong, you are not constantly in his head. You are in it enough to really understand him and his motives, which doesn't happen in all romance books, which just puts this book in a category all it's own. 

So let me tell you about the Author Rachael Stewart, she adores conjuring up stories for both Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press. The books vary from heart-warmingly romantic to wildly erotic. Rachael is living her own dream of being a full time writer, even though her degree was in Business Studies and she spent many years in the corporate world. Originally from Wales, Rachael now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children. When she isn't wrapped up in her children, you can find her glued to her laptop or enjoying the great outdoors seeking inspiration. 

So my final thoughts on this book is that it is correctly titled as Mr Temptation because that describes the book to a tee. It is such a good read and I recommend that if you do decide to get this book, you wont regret it and do like I did read it on a day off because you won't be able to put it down. Though I do have to warn you, Rachael's writing is addictive meaning that just one book is never enough! You can buy your copy HERE or from the Mills and Boon website HERE.

As an extra addition to this Blog Tour, a Giveaway is also being held. You could win yourself an e-copy of Mr Temptation. You can enter the giveaway HERE. Don't forget to read the Terms and Conditions first.Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Tuscan Enchantment by Kate Zarrelli*

So after reading the blurb for this book I knew I wanted to read it and be apart of this blog tour for two main reasons. The first reason is that Antonia up and left where she was living to work in another country, this would be a dream for me. The second reason is because she doesn't want to fall in love, so we have a reluctant heroine. Check out the blurb below and see what I mean.

'This was no cold marble—this was a man! Antonia goes to Tuscany to rebuild her life. The last thing she wants to do is fall in love, least of all with rich, arrogant, aristocratic Lorenzo.

Librarian Antonia Gray has fled England for northern Tuscany after an unhappy love affair to work on the archive of a 17th century Italian explorer, a member of a centuries-old aristocratic family. There she meets his descendent, Lorenzo Quattromani, rich, arrogant, handsome—and engaged to the beautiful and ruthless Giselle. The last thing Antonia wants is to fall in love, least of all with someone so dangerous. His engagement, though, is not what it seems, and Lorenzo breaks down Antonia’s resistance. But Giselle has other ideas.'

The book is 11 Chapters long, this to me means there is enough time to pull you in but things would probably move fast. Whether that worked, that depends on the reader, this reader loved it. It was an easy read in the sense that you zoom through the book, I think I finished it in less than two days. 

So the books starts with a bit of intrigue regarding Antonia's past. It eludes to something, which makes you keep reading because you want to find out. Not only this you also have that fact that after Chapter 1 you want to keep reading.  This mystery factor really keeps you involved.

One thing I loved about this book is how the Author describes the locations.There is so much detail that I could easily start picturing these places in my mind. I immediately wanted to book a holiday to Tuscany! It was to easy picture the events happening in my mind like my own little movie. 

So let's tell you a little bit about the Author Kate Zarrelli, she is a romance writer who also pens erotica under the name of Katherine Mezzacappa. Originally from Ireland Kate now lives with her Italian husband and two teenage sons in Carrara Northern Tuscany. Kate also write histroical, erotic, feel-good and paranormal fiction set all over Europe. In her spare time she volunteers with a used book charity which she is a founding member. 

So my final thoughts on this book are it was absolutely captivating. I was involved from the very first word until the very last word. I'm not ashamed to admit it that this book even got my emotions involved at points. You can get your copy of this book HERE.

As an extra addition to this Blog Tour they are also doing a Giveaway! You could win a Little Carrara Marble Heart Pendant! You can enter this giveaway HERE. Don't Forget to read the Terms and Conditions first. They are right here:Terms and conditions : Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Crikey a Bodyguard by Kathryn Freeman*

From the moment I read the blurb of this book I knew it was different, whether or not that was a good thing for me was going to have to wait until I cracked open this book. Now I love my romances and this was definitely something I really enjoyed. Here is the blurb so you can see what I mean when I say different:

'She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle …

When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity! 

Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe?'

So my main worry with this book was if there was going to be too much 'sciencey' words that I wasn't going to understand but I need not have worried as there was just enough science stuff to keep you in the loop but not confuse you. The book as a whole turned out really interesting and something I enjoyed immensely. 

So when it comes to the romance of this book I have to admit it was not at the for front of this book, which was a refreshing change. The romance I found was in the background but there were hints of it. The only way I can describe it is that its the same thing they do in a TV series. They keep you in suspense waiting for that first kiss, first touch, that first hint of romance between the two main characters and this book does not disappoint. The suspense makes you keep turning the page, until suddenly you are so invested in the story that you don't want to stop reading. 

Something else that kept you reading was the way the story was written. It was well written in this bloggers opinion. Not only that it gave you the right amount of detail to keep you interested in the danger and the science. Such a perfect combination. I also love how completely opposite the two main characters are, even though they both have their moments where they show their depth. 

Now let's talk about the Author, Kathryn Freeman is a former Pharmacist, now medical writer who also writes Romance.  She can go from a racing heart due to a medical condition to the cause being a hunky hero. She lives with her husband and two teenage boys. Her husband may not be the most  romantic man around valentines day but his unstinting support about her career change proves love isn't just about Hearts and Flowers and heroes come in many disguises. 

My final thoughts about this book are that I am so glad I took a chance on this romance. I absolutely loved the book and look forward to discovering more of Kathryn's work and those hunky heroes. This book is available now and you can get your copy HERE. 

As a special addition to this blog tour there is also an awesome Giveaway giving you the chance to win one of Kathryn Freeman's other books called 'Oh Crumbs'. You can enter the Giveaway HERE. Make sure you read the Terms and conditions which are below: 

Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Probably The Best Kiss in the World by Pernille Hughes*

When I read the blurb of this book I fell in love with the story idea and that it seemed like a situation any of us could get into. It's different to anything I have ever read so I knew I wanted to be involved in this Tour! Also the title of this book definitely caught my eye. Check out the Blurb so you can see what I mean:

'Jen Attison likes her life Just So. But being fished out of a canal in Copenhagen by her knickers is definitely NOT on her to do list. From cinnamon swirls to a spontaneous night of laughter and fireworks, Jen’s city break with the girls takes a turn for the unexpected because of her gorgeous, mystery rescuer.

Back home, Jen faces a choice. A surprise proposal from her boyfriend, ‘boring’ Robert has offered Jen the safety net she always thought she wanted. But with the memories of her Danish adventure proving hard to forget, maybe it’s time for Jen to stop listening to her head and start following her heart…'

Now I personally am a huge fan of To Do Lists, so immediately I like Jen as a character. I found myself wishing she were real so we could be bestie's. This is a very well written book and as the story progresses you can easily see the characters developing.  This is one thing I really enjoyed as there were points when I wanted to slap some of the characters but as stated they grew as the book went on and the urge to slap them reduced.

Now as is the routine of my reviews, let's talk about the hook! By this I mean the point where I didn't want to put it down. I will admit I did find that I was slow to get into this book. However the hook came with Chapter 9. After this the book kept gaining momentum and I didn't want to stop reading. I got into the book wondering what was going to happen next with Jen and co. At this point it took me three days or less to finish this book. 

Another thing I found rather refreshing is that this is not the same old love story. As you can tell from the blurb this story is not simple in the love department. She has a choice and reading about the Jen figuring out which choice is right for her is entertaining. 

Now lets talk about the Author, I personally have not read any other book by Pernille Hughes, but was impressed with this. Pernille (pronounced Pernilla)  who lives in Buckinghamshire with her family. She is a RomCom writer her previous book is 'Sweatpants at Tiffanies'. She has also been published by The Sunday Times and Sunlounger Summer Anthologies. 

My final thoughts on this book are simple, I loved it. I will definitely be checking out her previous title. I will also be keeping an eye out for any future releases. This book is avaliable now so you can get your very own copy HERE.

Until Next Time 

Emma

xx

Review: The Bad Sister by Rachael Stewart*

So if you follow me on Twitter you will have seen that I started the latest book by Rachael Stewart called ‘The Bad Sister’. After giving it a read and falling in love I just knew I had to get all my thoughts and review this book for you guys.

So when I review a book I like to keep notes as I go along, I’ll try and write these after every chapter just so I can keep track of my thoughts as the book progresses. Now I have to be honest this happened until Chapter 3 of this book. After that I didn’t want to put the book down let alone make notes! This book had me eating out of its hands! I mean I was so addicted that if I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it! What would happen next? Was this all going to work out for the couple? When could I continue reading it? Did I really need the day job? I know the last one seems extreme but the thought went through my mind. 

The main characters in the book are Dan and Carrie, a pair who have a past. I have to be honest it had me getting the feels from word 1.The emotions came out with this book and I mean full blown emotions. The real question of the book is can they move on from their past? Even if they can what is there to move on to?

Now if you read my last Rachael Stewart review (you can find it HERE) you will know it was steamy. Well the Bad Sister is nothing like that, it’s better. This book is dare I say it, raunchy. From the moment you start it the chemistry is sizzling. I read the first ‘intimate’ scene while on lunch and immediately thought ‘I should not be reading this in public!’ It was that good. Now I’m going drop a truth bomb here that I have read Erotic Fiction, this book was on entirely a different level  in the best possible way. This book gave just enough detail but then went further. I dare say The Bad Sister just knocked Fifty Shades out of the water, in this readers opinion.

Now this book can be the second one in a double set, however they can be read separately. The other book is The Good Sister (Brad and Isla’s Story) which is just as amazing. Somehow Rachel Stewart manages to write a book that sucks her audiences in. I mean I read this book in just over 12 hours (that includes my 8hr work day)! 

I highly recommended this Author to you. She is fast becoming one of my Favourites. The best news is that The Bad Sister is available NOW!  This book gets top marks across the boards for me. Just beware if you buy this book, learn from my mistake. Read it on a day off! 

Until Next Time

Emma 

Xx